#I wish we could take him to places the way we do for velvet room attendants

[yuseirra]

I did see that one reload screencap of ryoji in front of the piano...

will he get a social link with the male protagonist this time?? Is that confirmed or is it a forever lost cause this'll be his last chance to, too..

[daydreaming-nerd]

The Bonds That Break Us (Rhysand x Female! Reader) Part 5

Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 , Part 6, Final Part

Request: "Would you do a Rhysand x fem!reader series? Maybe fem!reader is Rhysand's mate and Tamlin's sister? So secret love?"

AN: Damn we really on part 5? Wild. Also y'all thought Tama Lama Ding Dong was a shithead in part 4? Light your torches and pitch forks then...

Summary: It was almost as if the cauldron liked to play games, as if it had sensed years of boredom and predictability and begged to be entertained. Its method of absolving its melancholy? Mate the High Lord of the Night Court to the younger sister of the High Lord of Spring. 

Warnings (so far): physical abuse, mentions of SA, major sexisim.

Word count: 5462

(all photos are from pinterest)

I wake up the next morning to warm kisses being placed on my cheek. My eyes flit open and I can feel Rhys’ arms holding me tightly from behind, in front of me the sunlight drifts through the balcony windows and the snow on the mountain seems to glisten in the sun. I feel Rhys’ kisses trailing down my neck causing me to giggle. 

“I knew you were awake,” he smiles, kissing my cheek. 

I roll over to see him looking down at me, his eyes catch the sun and I can swear I see literal stars flickering in his eyes. The golden sunlight warms his face and I can’t help but reach a hand up to cup his cheek. His hand falls on top of mine and pulls it down a bit to place a kiss to my open palm. 

“I haven’t slept that good in years,” I laugh.

“Well over 5 rounds will do that to a couple,” he grins.

“I suppose you’re right,” I laugh playfully, hitting his chest. “But that’s not what I meant, I liked sleeping here, with you.”

“I feel the same mate,” he smiles nuzzling my cheek. “When you’re in my bed I can sleep well knowing you’re as safe as you can possibly be.” 

“That is very true,” I smile, running a hand through his hair pulling his lips to mine. “I love you Rhys.” 

“I love you too y/n,” he smiles into the kiss. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you say that.” 

“I’ll never get tired of saying it,” I reply, kissing him deeper, the tension in the room shifting. I feel his arm snake around my back pulling me closer to him and I take it as an opportunity to snake a leg around his hips and swing my body over his so that I’m straddling him. 

It takes him a moment to realize what has just happened but the second I start raking my hands down his chest his eyes light up in amusement. 

“Where on earth did you learn that little move mate?” he grinned, rubbing circles into my hips. 

“My so-called ‘dirty books’ you always tease me about,” I muse running my hands down his chest loving the feel of his velvet covered muscles under my fingers. 

“Then my mating present to you is going to be a whole library full of dirty books,” he smiles and leans up to kiss me.

“Please stay,” Rhys begged again. 

We had spent the rest of our morning tangled in a mess of morning sex and cuddles and then we utilized the abnormally large bath. As the afternoon started to roll around I felt my internal clock ticking and I knew I needed to get back to the Spring Court before anyone suspected anything. 

“You know I can’t Rhys,” I answered as I finished tying the top of my dress off. “If Tamlin finds out what happened it won’t be good for either of us.” 

“It makes my stomach sick to know you’ll be locked up in that house again, with him, with Lucien.” he pleads, taking my hands in his. 

“I’ll be okay, I promise. The sooner I go back the sooner I can tell Tamlin.” I say remind him, placing a hand on either side of his face. 

“And then you can come home to me.” he says warmly, pressing his forehead against mine. 

“Yes, home,” I sigh, liking the way the word rolled off my tongue. I bury my head in his chest and hold him as close as I can. 

“Let me go with you,” he begs, rubbing my back as his chin rests on top of my head. “We can tell Tamlin together.” 

“I wish you could, but the second that you set foot in our court Tamlin will attack first and ask questions later. We won’t even get a chance to talk to him civilly.” I say.

“I hate that you don’t smell like me anymore,” he deadpans.

 I knew that if I walked into the Spring Court with Rhys’ scent all over me there would be no way in Hel that Tamlin would let me explain. So I had thrown a glamour over myself to mask the scent. 

“I promise when I get back you can rub your scent all over me you psycho alpha male,” I laugh pushing away from him so I can see his face.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he chuckles. “I love you, y/n.” 

“I love you too Rhys’” I say, standing up on my tiptoes to give him one final kiss. 

It’s unseasonably cold in the Spring Court when I arrive, though the sheer fabric of my dress didn’t do much to keep me warm. I walked through the gardens and up the front steps of the mansion. The closing of the door echoed throughout the house. Its sound reminded me of how empty this place truly was, how it held no love in it. Just pastel fabric and cold, echoing marble. It was never a home, hell it wasn’t even a home when my parents were alive. 

My find wanders to Velaris. The warm inviting wooden walls, the cozy fireplaces, Cassian’s laugh. The lived in couches covered in all sorts of blankets, the amazing breakfast that had been served to us in bed. My mate, my beautiful wonderful mate, and how he smiled at me this morning.  How it felt so good to wake up in his arms.

My heart already ached for home, and I wasn’t going to waste another moment. 

“Tamlin!” my shout echoed off the marble walls as I started walking through the house looking for my brother. “Tamlin!” I scream again this time a little louder. 

I peer into the tea room and find no one. I prance down the hall towards the dining room and don’t find him there either. 

“Tamlin!” I scream even louder and begin walking towards his study. 

“What?!” came a muffled response from behind the study door. I open the door and let myself in. I find him bent over spreads of papers adding up numbers and recording them. 

“Tamlin, I need to speak to you,” I say, closing the door.  

“Me first though sister,” he starts, standing up and rounding his desk to lean on the front. “I spent the morning negotiating with Beron and we’ve come to an agreement. You and Eris are to be married by the end of the week.”

“I already told you I won’t marry Eris!” I seethe. “I want to marry my mate.”

Tamlin laughs mockingly, “and who, pray tell, is that sister? Don’t tell me that after all this time you’ve grown to tolerate Lucien.” 

“Lucien isn’t my mate,” I take a deep breath. “Rhysand is.” 

The amused look on Tamlin’s face drops and he suddenly embodies the idea of ‘if looks could kill’ as he stands up straight. 

“What did you just say?” he growls. 

“Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, is my mate,” I say, trying to sound brave as I let my glamour drop and Rhys’ scent floods the room. 

Tamlin’s eyes turn murderous and I know that there’s no going back now, no explaining my way out of this. There was nothing else I could say, the law of mates was as absolute as it got, he would be forced to accept it. 

He charges forward and before I can move far enough away his hand is wrapped around my throat and the back of my head is slamming against the doorframe to his study. 

“You let him fuck you?” he growled, and all I could do was whimper, as the hand around my throat wouldn’t allow me to speak. 

“You’re a worthless fucking whore and you always have been,” he shouts slamming my head against the doorframe again. “I’ve worked far too hard and lost far too much to lose this alliance with the Autumn Court. I’ll be damned if Rhysand putting his cock in you changes that. You’ll marry Eris even if I have to chain you to the altar!”  

Tamlin releases my throat and I drop to the floor unable to get my footing. I’m free for mere seconds before he’s grabbing me by my hair and pulling me down the hallway. 

“TAMLIN PLEASE STOP!” I scream trying to rip my hair out of his hands. 

“You’ll marry him even if you do so in a cell sister!” he bellows and I realize where we’re going. Where he’s taking me. My stomach pits. The cells below the Spring Court aren’t for the faint of heart. They are cold, wet, and musty. A stark contrast to the flowers that bloom outside.

Tamlin drags me down the steps, my knees scraping and cutting open on each one. As I feel the stone slice my knees the air around me gets colder and colder. The screeching of metal screams in my ears and I finally feel Tamlin let go of my hair. I scramble to the bars but it’s too late,  I hear the lock on the door click shut. 

“Tamlin, please don’t do this!” I plead, reaching through the bars for him but he moves away. 

“You did this to yourself y/n, I’ve been a good brother. I raised you, clothed you and watched over you for years. All I asked is that you marry Eris peacefully and you couldn’t even do that. I’ve just lost parts of my land, I won’t lose this alliance. I’ll see you at your wedding.” he seethes and turns to walk away. 

“Rhys!” I cry out hoping that saying his name out loud will be louder through the bond. 

“He can’t hear you sister, these cells are so heavily warded, not even that so-called mating bond you think you have can get through.” he smiles before closing the door at the top of the stairs and leaving me to the darkness.

Rhys…Rhys…Rhys… I called down the bond but I heard no answer. 

I had spent most of the morning and afternoon screaming for Rhys hoping that maybe verbally calling for him might strengthen the signal, but my voice ricocheted off the stone walls just like the mating bond did. 

When the tiny sliver of sunlight went dark so had my voice. I could barely speak, so I resorted to calling down the bond. But just like Tamlin had said, it was hopeless. I tried to pick the lock with a nail I found on the floor but only succeeded in slicing my palm open. At this point my dress was so ripped up from being used as bandages and being dragged down here it could hardly be called a dress. 

I screamed down the bond through the night until fatigue took over and I fell asleep. I woke to that tiny sliver of light again, which meant another day had passed and I was one day closer to my “wedding”. I stared at that sliver of light and continued to call down the bond but I was met with nothing but silence. I even tried tugging on that invisible string inside me, but I didn’t feel anything.

That night, the cell felt more like an ice box. The damp floor combined with the cold underground air had me shivering in a ball in the corner of the cell suddenly wishing I hadn’t used so much of my dress to bandage my wounds. 

Rhys…Rhys…Rhys

I called and called until sleep took me, my body tired from starvation, and cold. And as I sat in the back corner of my cell, freezing and alone, I realized that no one was coming.

“Just give her time, Rhys,” Cassian told me. “Tamlin’s always been a bit of a hard ass, I’m sure she would say something if something was wrong.”

“Yeah she’s survived there this long, she can do it again,” Azriel chimed in. 

It had been three days since I had seen or heard from y/n and I was beginning to worry. I know she wanted me to stay away from the Spring Court and give her time to reason with Tamlin, and I wanted to give her my complete faith that she could do this. But something wasn’t right. 

“She should’ve contacted me by now, something is wrong.” I say pacing around my office. 

“When was the last time you tried to reach down the bond?” Azriel asks, being uncharacteristically chatty today. 

“Just last night, but I couldn’t hear her,” I replied. 

“Tamlin’s got some pretty nasty wards on that place. I heard that Tarquin helped set them up,” Cassain replied. 

“Maybe try to break into a few of them,” Az suggested. 

“Worth a try I suppose, but that never stopped us from communicating before,” I say. 

I allow my power to flow to the Spring Court and in my mind I can see the layers and layers of wards. I cut my way through the first few and I hear a faint crying but I can’t make out what it is. I use my power to dig in even further, straining against the wards, and then I hear her. 

Rhys…Rhys…Rhys…

My knees nearly hit the floor as I hear her little cries. My heart nearly caves out from how hopeless she sounds, how weak.  

“What is it?” Azriel asks, sensing my pain. 

“She’s in trouble, I’m going to get her,” I say firmly, trying not to let my power rattle the very house we stood in. 

“Rhys you can’t, Tamlin will see it as an act of war. Let me and Az go get her.” Cassian pleads. 

“I don’t care, I won’t lose her.” I grit. “You both go get Madja I’ll be back.” 

I winnow to the Spring Court as fast as I can and pray to whatever gods are listening that I’m not too late.

This morning Tamlin dropped a piece of bread and a glass of water into my cell and I didn’t even plead with him to let me out. His small offering of food when he knew I was starving was proof enough that all my screaming and crying hadn’t affected him at all. He was beyond compassion and beyond saving. 

The bread was mostly moldy but I picked around the parts that weren’t and ate what I could, which wasn’t enough to cure my hunger. I left the rest to the rats who ran about the cell and crawled back into my corner to stare at that sliver of light on the floor all day again waiting for my wedding day tomorrow. 

The smell of flowers and freshly cut grass had never smelled so sour to me as I waltzed up the steps to the Spring Court mansion. On the outside it was truly beautiful, but the inside was cold and barren, no warmth, no life and I couldn’t imagine my sweet y/n living in such a place. 

I knew Tamlin was aware I was here, knew he felt me touch down on his soil, yet I didn’t yet see him. I used my powers to feel around for his presence and ended up walking toward the dining hall. I threw open the doors, hearing them crash into the walls behind them. There Tamlin sat, at the head of his empty table, and I swore fear flickered across his eyes.

“Where is she?” I growl stalking towards him. 

“You’ll have to be more specific, Rhysand.” he glowered. 

“Where is my mate,” I seethed, letting the last word bite. 

“Ahh my sister, well she has a prior engagement and I do mean that quite literally,” he mused. “You see she’s to bear Eris Vanserra many sons and make me a very rich High Lord.” 

My blood boils at the thought of her carrying Eris’ children and I feel my mental talons reach out to grab Tamlin’s mind. He falls to the floor in pain and it only seeks to fuel me further. 

“You dare attack me in my own court?” he chokes out.  “I will declare war upon your court Rhysand, and that whore will still be where Eris’ warms his cock when I leave your city in a pile of rubble.” 

“Be careful how you speak about my mate Tamlin, I will cut out your fucking tongue and take a great deal of pleasure in doing so.” I growl, tightening my grip on his mind.  

“She’s not worth this Rhysand, not worth your court, go home and I’ll forget this ever happened.” Tamlin rasps out. 

“You forget that you are standing between a male and his mate Tamlin, and not just any  male, me,” I glower and step closer to him. “I will melt your mind until all that is left is your rotted fucking corpse in this absurd mansion.” 

I lean in close to growl every word to him loud and clear. “Where. Is. My. Mate.” 

Tamlin doesn’t say anything. So I dig my talons so deep inside his mind so that his entire body convulses from the pain. I could shatter his mind right now, leave him dying and rotting in this mansion just like I promised. But then the whole council would declare war on The Night Court and I wouldn’t risk my family like that, wouldn’t risk y/n like that. 

I dig my talons deeper until his eyes roll into the back of his head and I release him leaving him to fall to the ground unconscious, he likely wouldn’t wake up for hours. I think about killing him one more time for what he did to her, but I just turn my back and take off to find my precious mate. 

I stare at the sliver of light on the floor and try to decipher what time of day it is. Try and figure out how many days until I legally belong to Eris and I’ll never hold Rhys again. I think about how my life will look, once Eris becomes High Lord. Will he allow me to attend council meetings with him? Will I have to watch Rhsyand from across the room and pretend I don’t know every inch of him? Will he one day show up with a High Lady? And I’ll sit there and watch him love and dote upon her like she placed the stars in his court? 

I shutter at the thought and try to curl inward on myself even more letting my tears fall freely. There was no one here to tell me how pathetic I was anyways. I trembled to the point where I couldn’t tell if I was crying too hard, scared or freezing to death. 

I hear the door to the dungeons open and I press my forehead against the wall and curl myself into the tightest ball possible not wanting Tamlin to get any satisfaction. 

“Y/n?” that voice echoes off the walls and my head snaps to the cell door. There before me, Rhysand is kneeling on the other side of the bars. His voice is broken and so is the pained expression on his face. 

“Rhys?” I rasp out, my voice still gone. I scramble over to where he’s kneeling and I reach my hands through the bars to touch his arms. The second I feel him I erupt into tears. “Rhys oh my gods,” I sob. 

“What has he done to you?” he asks, taking in the state of me, I must be covered in dirt and blood, my dress ripped to shreds from makeshift bandages. “It doesn’t matter, stand back I’m going to break open the door.” 

I do as he says and scootch back on my butt to the corner of the room where he found me. I cover my head and let my tears fall as I try to catch my breath. I hear the door blast off its hinges, metal crashing to the stone floor. Before I can even look up Rhys has me in his arms. 

“Oh my gods you’re so cold,” he hisses when he touches my skin. “Come on, I'm getting you out of here.” 

I feel him hoist me up and carry me up the stairs where there are no wards to prevent him from winnowing. The next thing I know my senses can smell the jasmine of Velaris and I open my eyes to find us in the foyer where Rhys first winnowed us. 

“Cassian! Azriel!” Rhys bellowed an urgency in his voice I never heard before. I hear two sets of footsteps enter the room. “Where is Madja she needs help.” 

“What the fuck happened to her?” Cassian balked. 

“He locked her in the fucking dungeons,” Rhys gritted out. “Here take her,” he said, passing me off to Azriel and I let out a whine at the loss of him.

“Where are you going?!” Cassian bellowed. 

“I left Tamlin alive before I found her, I’m going to finish the job.” Rhys seethed in a fit of blind rage. 

“Like hell you are, y/n needs you Rhys. Your mate needs you, Tamlin will be handled another day, stay with her for now.” Cassian beseeched Rhys, and I could see Rhys trying to decide what to do. 

“Rhys,” I cried, and I saw his heart melt at the sound of my cry. 

“I’m right here darling,” he cooed, taking me from Azriel’s arms. “I’m gonna take care of you.” he said, pressing a kiss to my brow and taking me into a room where Madja was. 

 I felt her hands assessing me for any broken bones before she started cleaning the wounds on my knees and hand. Her healing magic is already making me feel better taking away the tightness in my chest so I can breathe without sobbing. 

“She will be okay, she has a few cuts on her legs but her hand will need stitches. She seems to have some head trauma and severe damage to her trachea,” she begins. “Say ‘ahh’ for me sweetie.” 

“Ahh,” I comply, the word barely a flicker of sound. 

“Damage to her vocal chords, she must’ve been screaming for hours.” Madja says, helping me sit up again. “She’s cold, hungry and traumatized, but with some warmth, food and rest she will be okay,” she smiles at Rhys.

“Thank you Madja,” Rhys says, forcing a smile. 

I stood and walked over to where a mirror was across the room, Rhys, Cassian and Azriel looked at me as if I might shatter on the ground at any given moment. When I look into the mirror I gasp, I don’t recognize the woman looking back at me. Hair matted, tired eyes, dress torn to shreds and a large bruise around my neck from where Tamlin choked me. 

I can see Rhys coming to stand behind me as I trace the bruise with my hand. I make eye contact with him in the mirror and I can see him trying not to cry. I turn to throw my arms around him and sob into his chest and though his arms come to wrap around me as well he holds me like I might break. 

“Let's get you cleaned up okay?” he says sweetly. 

I nod and allow him to pick me up and carry me to his, well, our room. When we arrive the bath is already magically filled and heated and I chalk it up to the magic that brought us breakfast in bed that one morning.

As I sit in the warm bath he kneels at the edge, sponging me off and washing my hair with jasmine scented shampoo. 

“You don’t need to do this,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. 

“I want to,” was all he said in return and I didn’t have the voice to argue. 

He dries me off in a warm towel and carries me to bed. Already waiting for me is a beef and vegetable stew. Rhys tries to pick it up and spoon feed it to me, but I take it from his hands to feed myself. 

“I promise you I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself,” I give a hoarse laugh. 

“I know, I just…I want to take care of you.” he says sadly. 

“You are Rhys, I promise it’s not as bad as it looks,” I say, shoveling the stew into my  mouth. 

“What do you mean it’s ‘not that bad’, y/n look at you,” he pleads, eyes flitting to my neck. 

“I’m safe now though Rhys, I’m with you.”  I say setting down the stew to crawl into his lap. 

I feel his hand graze my neck where the bruise is, “when Madja said you must’ve screamed for hours,” he stopped teeth gritting at the idea. “Did he torture you?” 

“No,” I started. “When I got back to the mansion I immediately thought of you and Velaris and how much I missed this place already and I didn’t even think twice before barreling in his office and telling him. I was even stupid enough to let the glamour drop. He completely lost his mind and that’s how I got this,” I said, hand grazing the bruise. “He told me I would marry Eris even if I did it in a cell. And he dragged me down there and left me. The cuts on my legs are from being dragged, the gash on my hand is from trying to pick the lock with a rusty nail and slicing my hand open.” 

“And the screaming?” he asked. 

I sighed knowing that he wouldn’t give up until he knew the truth, “Tamlin told me the cells were heavily warded, that the mating bond wouldn’t be strong enough for you to hear me through them. But I didn’t care. I screamed your name for days until I lost my voice completely.” I admitted.

I looked up to see the hurt in Rhys’ eyes. Through the mating bond I could see him playing the image of me, cold, alone and screaming his name in a cell for hours. That name he begged me to say when we first met… I screamed it for days, and he didn’t hear me. 

“You couldn’t have known Rhys,” I assured him, placing my hands on his face. 

“Who's the mind reader now,” he quipped, trying to hide his pain. 

“I’m safe now Rhys, I’m here with you.” I smile, wiping the tear from his face. 

“I’m never letting you out of my sight again, I never want to be separated from you from this moment forward.” he said with promise and I could sense he was trying to assure himself more than me. 

“Never again mate,” I say, pressing our foreheads together. I reach for the hem of his shirt to pull it over his head. 

“y/n no you’re hurt,” he murmurs, pulling his shirt back down. 

“No not sex, I just- I want to feel you,” I say referencing the time he held my hand under a council table. 

He takes his shirt off slowly and lays down pulling me into his chest. My cheek hit his skin and I’m flooded with his scent. My heart immediately calmed as I pulled the fluffy towel up on my body. Rhys reaches down and covers us up with the blankets and even though it’s not yet 4 o’clock we fall fast asleep.

The next morning I wake up in Rhysand’s arms and sit up to admire him sleeping. Somehow he’s still the most beautiful male I had ever seen. I run my hands down his chest and I can't help but lean down to place a kiss there. One kiss turns to two, two into three, three to four and before I know it the sleeping High Lord is waking with a groan. 

“I could get used to waking up like this,” he smiles that devilish smile that brings me to my knees. 

“I’m sorry to wake you, I just can’t get enough of you,” I giggle, kissing his chest again. 

“That’s the frenzy starting, once we officially mate it’ll be much worse. So much worse in fact, I’m going to have to take you away to my cabin in the mountains for a bit.” he smirks and runs a hand through my hair as I pepper kisses all over his chest. 

“Aww but I love this house so much, I don’t want to mate in a cabin,” I pout. 

“Yes but if we stay here it's a safety concern for the citizens but mostly for Cassian. If he even looks at you the wrong way I’ll be inclined to rip his head off,” he chuckles. “I promise you’ll love it, it's not a ramshackle place, it's enchanted just like this one.” 

“That’s right I forgot males can get all territorial after they mate,” I snort. 

“It's true,” he laughs. “I’ve seen males of reason and education destroy a room and attack other males, only because a male looked too long in the direction of his mate too soon after their mating.” he says, kissing my brow. 

“Then maybe the cabin is a good idea, I’m quite fond of Cassian already, I’d hate to see him decapitated.” I smile, giving him a short kiss.

“You and I both mate,” he smiles, kissing me back. 

I lean in to deepen the kiss and he abruptly pulls away. 

“What’s wrong?” I ask, feeling like I might’ve been too bold.

“It’s Mor, I just heard her thoughts and she wants us to come downstairs, says it’s urgent,” he explains begging to sit up. 

I don’t ask questions, whatever Mor has to say must truly be urgent given the events of the past few days. I slowly realize I don’t have any clothes and reach to pick up one of Rhysand’s discarded shirts on the floor and slip it over my head. It’s big enough on me that it fits like a dress. He pulls a shirt over his own head and turns back to look at me. 

“Shit woman, we're going to have to go shopping because if you’re walking around this house in nothing but my clothes I won’t hesitate to take you on every piece of furniture I own,” he smirks, grabbing me by the waist. 

“Is that a promise mate?” I muse. 

“You little-” he smirks before leaning in to kiss me deeply. 

We reluctantly break apart and Rhys leads me down the stairs to where his cousin Mor awaits with a letter in hand, the wax seal already broken. 

“Mor this is y/n, my mate. Y/n this is my cousin Mor.” Rhys introduces us,  taking the letter from Mor’s hand. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m sorry I’m not wearing something more proper. I don’t have any clothes here yet,” I smile nervously, holding out my hand for her to shake.

“It’s nice to meet you too, I’ve heard so much about you,” she says, pushing my hand away and wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. “And don’t worry about the clothes I’ve been dying to go shopping, and no one is better at spending Rhys’s money than me.”

I see Rhys roll his eyes as he pockets the letter. 

“I’ll look forward to that, I’ve always longed for a girlfriend to go shopping with,” I say truthfully. “What was the letter about?” I say directing my attention to Rhys who already looks like he's scheming and brooding over it.

“It’s from the council, they are calling us in to question the validity of our mating bond and who you truly belong to, me or Eris,” he explains and I can tell it’s plaguing him. 

“Beron definitely wrote that, he’s such a sexist asshole,” Mor ranted rolling her eyes. 

“Do you think we need to worry?” I ask earnestly. 

“With Beron backing your brother? We might.”

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[mrz-fushiguro-types]

HI keep up the good work! I’m so proud of you I hope your doing great I had an idea I would LOVEEE to share I was wondering how the jjk characters would be like if the reader is like famous ( actor, singer, model etc) and if it the premier on the carpet how would they be like (also this is optional too but like the process of them getting ready YK) this is just an idea I had. I hope you have an amazing day and stay safe!❤️

Walk the run way

A/N This is going to be my best give or take of this idea but thank you so much for requesting this story-whoever you are! You guys never fail to keep me from writers block! Thank you as well and I will try to be safe, this actually hit me in a soft spot because I’m writing this in a hospital as we speak 😭 one thing I do wish, is that when people send me requests they also tell me the characters they’d like for me to put in the story! But I love to freestyle as well so I don’t mind! Thanks for requesting! And thanks for reading! ❤️

Summary: I will be doing a few characters, such as, Gojo, Geto, Toji, and I’ll end it with those three, I don’t want to be writing for DAYS but if you guys want other characters pov, don’t ever be afraid to hmu! 🩷

A/n Ended up writing for days I’m ready to get this out my draft

Warnings: cursing, smut and as I said wayyyy before Toji is a warning himself

Gojo

quickie in the limo

Getting ready for a premiere has never been an issue for me, doing my makeup, fixing my hair, finding an outfit; all seemed very Taboo to me. But Getting ready for a red carpet event? I couldn’t help but feel butterflies build up in my stomach.

I take stand to pull the black dress up on my body turning to watch how the dress perfectly captivates my curves.

Satoru walked into the room buttoning up his shirt as he watched me turn from left to right his shoulder pressed against the door frame. “Satoru..” I call walking over to him turning.

“Can you zip me up?” I ask and he smiles pulling me closer by my hips, Gojo was a model himself and you could obviously tell, the male was breathtakingly gorgeous.

He pauses before pointing to a hickey he made on the side of my neck “you aren’t gonna cover that?” He said gently causing my face to get hot immediately. “My hair is going to cover it, cmon Gojo Zip me up..” I say tapping my foot.

He simply chuckles pulling my zipper all the way up sliding his hands down my waist, “you look beautiful baby..” he compliments kissing my cheek before walking over to our walk in closet, “red bottoms?” He calls.

I smile putting on my necklace “yes please, wear your red bottoms too..” “I was planning on it,” he said coming out his fingers hooked on the back of my heals as he placed them in front of me.

“You look nervous..” he pointed out as he held my hand as support while I slip on my heals, “I’m very nervous..” I admit placing my hand over my chest, Gojo had been in the modeling industry for years, so this was all easy for him.

He stood straight after putting his shoes on flashing me his know it all smiles, “well, you have nothing to worry about, all of the attention will be on me anyways~” he said jokingly causing me to playfully push up against his chest “shut up..” I mutter as I grab my red fur coat placing it on my shoulders pushing my shades on my head.

Satoru then fixes his jacked black on the outside but on the inside a velvet red. “Ready?” He ask pushing his head on my waist as he pushed his shades up on the bridge of his nose “ready as I’ll ever be..” I call as we make our way out into the limousine.

Flash Flash Flash

The sounds and bright lights from the paparazzi that stood outside of the gate to our house made my mind foggy. While my boyfriend rushed me into the car, after he waved everyone off he sat next to me with a sigh.

“So intrusive. I can’t believe they found out where we stay..we mind as well start looking for new homes at this rate.” He turned his attention to me, my hands shaking from my nerves.

This would be my first red carpet event, what if I fell? What if I’d get to overwhelmed. Too many things were happening at once and it made my heart pound.

Gojo grabs my hand redirecting my attention, “don’t worry you’re going to do great..” yet when he saw my eyes water he sighed and curved his finger pushing his knuckle up under my eye to stop the tears from falling.

“What if I fall?” I say sniffling and that causes him to cackle wiping his own eye, “you are too damn funny,” “I’m glad I amuse you..” I say with a pout. “Aw baby..don’t pout..~” Satoru then pulled me ontop of him, this being easy for him to do so considering how strong he was.

I gasp at the sudden movement but once I gain my breath back I fix myself straddling his hips, “I think I know something that can calm your nerves hm?” He said softly leaning up pushing his lips against mine causing me to kick my heels off quickly, already knowing what was up.

Without wasting much time we were fighting each others tongue Satoru pinning my hands behind my back as he used his other hand to hold my head in place his eyes not leaving mine.

I push up against him my dress sliding up on my thighs as he lets my hands go, involuntarily sliding his warm hands up my thighs into my dress, “just tell me what you want..I’ll give it to you without a second thought..~” he said in a hushed tone his lips brushing against my neck as he let out a breath full of excitement.

Of course this was daily activities for me and Satoru, we fucked too many times to count just in one day, yet he knew dirty talk wasn’t something I enjoyed doing.

But Satoru didn’t care one bit, and he knew if I really wanted it, I’d speak up. I whine at his request scooting closer to him just to be met with his hard on that pocked at me through his pants. “C’mon princess..it’s simple..” he instructed his large hands squeezed at my ass causing me to bite hard on my lip so the drivers wouldn’t hear.

“You already know what I want..and I’m tired of waiting..” I say looking down at him with slutty eyes. He huffs out a sexy chuckle. “Close enough..” His long slender fingers pushed my soaked underwear to the side as I reach my hands down unbuckling his pants just for him to pull his own cock out rubbing from base to tip not breaking eye contact.

His precum already painting the base of his cock as it slowly dripped down.

I shiver at the sight wrapping my arms around his neck leaning my head against his shoulder. Satoru hums and without warning he thrusts up into me wrapping one of his arms around my waist causing me to scramble covering my mouth.

The way he opened me up without warning made me want to do nothing more than scream his name. He was so fucking deep. I lean my head against his as he uses his other hand to press on my lower back as he pounded up into me letting out soft breaths into my ear as he grunted with each breath taking thrust.

I swallow hard trying my hardest to not get any of my makeup or lipstick on him, I then slide my tongue from his neck to his ear moaning out softly “Go faster...~” I whispered, lifting my head up to push my cheek against his, smearing my lipstick on the side of his face.

I could never explain sex with Gojo but I could say this, he made me crave for more, he always changed any thought I had before to only focus on how good he made me feel now.

The way he pounded up into me made me completely forget that, just in under 20 minutes, there would be flashing lights and shouting fans. At this rate, I looked a mess, and so did he.

I flop down hard pulling back to admire my sexy boyfriend, Satoru looked at me as he held my hips, panting tiredly as I began to rock my hips back and forth with his dick still inside of me.

the size of his cock filled me up completely to the point where just sitting there rocking back and forth was enough for me, I throw my head back letting out a shiver and a shaky breath, "don't be selfish..~" he said in a sexually frustrated tone, wrapping his arms under my thighs lifting me up.

The action caused me to jolt forward my forehead pressing against his, Satoru then began to start thrusting at the same pace he was before not slowing down at all.

I curl my lips back to fight the moan he obviously deserves "I wanna feel good too.~" He said in a taunting tone letting out cum hungry grunts with each piercing thrust.

so much at once, that’s what I was feeling, my mind and body felt like they were going to melt into a puddle together, I was close, my limit was exceeded very quickly, "Satoru...~" I call in a warning tone and he pants out a chuckle, "me too..~" he said reassuringly and instantly after that he thrusted once more causing the both of us to Cum quickly.

Satoru's hand over my opened mouth muffling my moans as his head was leaned back on the headrest, his hand that covered my mouth shivering as he was panting. After a bit, I lift off of him, quickly coming down from my high, after catching my reflection in the window.

I was indeed a mess. “Fuck it..” said Gojo as he fixed himself, “let’s just go back home even if we miss it we’ll still be famous tomorrow, what do you say?” He said wiping the lipstick from the side of his face.

I sit back my body completely overstimulated, it was like Gojo to ditch something this important, I look at him unsure and he just smiles, "Babe, even if you miss this one you'll still be famous tomorrow.." he said with a shrug.

I huff shrugging as well “then I’m just as careless as you..” I add with a smile and he chuckles. Satoru tapped the sliding window that connected us to the driver, when it was pulled back he said, “something came up, you mind taking us back?” Causing the driver to chuckle shaking his head.

He pulled to the U-turn lane, taking us all the way back home. I’ll still be famous tomorrow.

Geto

Take it all off

Most of the songs I wrote were inspired by my boyfriend. Suguru had the purest heart, no one could take that away from him. He would listen to every song, and my first song that was about him that got famous, he replayed it everyday.

Soon my songs got more popular, people could relate feeling the love I felt for him and now I was going to my first walk on the red carpet.

Suguru couldn’t stop talking about it, I was relieved that he was just as proud as I was. I turn my attention to my boyfriend, as I wait for his opinion. “Hmm..” He hummed his finger rested on his lip, “I like the royal blue..” he said his eyes darting to the long royal blue dress I had been avoiding.

I shake my head and he chuckles, “why not? You don’t like my taste in clothing?” He asked slouching his legs of course being apart, he always sat like that, the posture was so, sexy to me.

“No it’s not that! I’m wearing heals that dress is long and you know how clumsy I am Su’..” he tilts his head “I think the dress looks good..it shows a good amount of thigh..” he says with a small smile.

I shake my head going over to him as I sat down on his lap causing him to wrap his arms around my waist sitting up laying his head on my back. “I give up..” I admit and he kisses my shoulder.

“If not the royal blue go for the hot pink dress you put on first, you look beautiful regardless baby.” He compliments planting a soft kiss on my ear causing me to shiver. “Thank you Su’..” I say standing and he stays seated.

“I’d really prefer if you stayed here..” I say looking down at my boyfriend sympathetically. I knew he was tired, now Geto had a wonderful singing voice and I even used him to help with some of my songs but he chose a different route and he works so hard wanting to become a doctor.

I hated that he worked himself, but when you live a lifestyle like that most of your life it becomes tiring but easy to bare with. Geto caught my eye still sitting back, “what are you talking about?” He asked fixing his position sitting up his arms rested on his spread knees.

I sigh turning to pull his head into my bare stomach, “you just got off from a shift..you work day in and day out..we’re going to be at the shoot for a while, I think you should rest and stay here..” I say while he kisses my stomach, before he shook his head back and forth nuzzling his face into my stomach.

“As long as I’m around you I’m in comfort..it’s true I had a hard week but I sincerely want to be there to support you baby..” he replied his hands wrapping around my thighs. I giggle, he was like a child at times and I loved when he was.

But there were most times where he could be so sexy.

I lean down and he swallows me in his arms before my lips could even touch his, pulling me back into his arms until I sat like a baby. “Suuu!” I call as he smothers me in kisses.

“Plus why would I ever miss this! My baby made it!” He said his forehead rested on mine as he chuckled. I smile pulling him closer our lips pressed together causing him to groan his large hand creeping up my bare stomach.

Suguru knew how to manipulate my body to wanting him to fuck me immediately. He knew how to caress and touch me, he had a caring heart and mind, but once he became lustful all of that left, and he treated me and my body Like a slut.

And I loved it.

I shiver under his touch sliding from his lap to the couch my legs wrapping around his hips, he smirked “right now?~” he asked sliding between my legs hovering over me, “calm my nerves..” I insist.

He let out a deep and soft chuckle before leaning down to my ear whispering, “only because you asked so nicely..~” he teased nibbling on my earlobe his hand sliding down my stomach to my already aching pussy.

I whine opening my legs for him as he kisses down my neck his two fingers rubbing my clit through the cloth, hearing my clit already make noise caused me to blush Turing my head.

Geto let’s out a breath he got so sexually possessive over my body, I could tell that, just using his fingers gave not only me but him, the upmost pleasure.

Suguru sits up spreading my legs with his other hand just to watch my panties get soaked while he creeped his index finger into the corner of my panties causing my hips to jerk he pushed his fingers against my twitching bud.

Leaning down to slide his tongue over my covered clit, his tongue sliding into my underwear from the corner moving my panties to the side with his tongue holding it out of the way with his index finger.

And then, his tongue made contact with my clit flicking it gently sparking electricity up my body. “Su! Don’t stop..~” I shiver out holding his head, my legs twitching. I look down at my boyfriend who looked up at me with low eyes pulling me forcefully by my hips burying his lips and nose into my pussy.

I squeal out as he moves his head, letting out soft groans as if I were the best thing he’s ever tasted.

He pulls back panting our eyes locked onto eachother I use my feet pulling at his sweat pants hearing him let out a soft chuckle pulling at the rope pulling both his pants and boxers down, his cock to spring out, causing him to sigh from the relief.

I sit up on my elbows whining getting antsy, Geto looked at me with soft eyes positioning himself between my thighs before he says “I’m sorry I kept you waiting baby..” before he instantly thrusted into me holding my leg up as he did so.

“Ngh! Su~” I moan out grabbing at the couch cushion, his dick instantly hit me in spots I couldn’t reach with a toy or with my fingers, he filled me up without a problem. I reach up for him and his harsh sexy Gaze softened as he leaned down to my touch, I wrap my arms around him as he lets my leg fall and in instinct they wrap around his hips.

He starts to thrust his breath hitting my ear as my walls closed around him. I burying my face into his neck giving him hickeys causing him to pick up the pace, his shirt lifting up with each thrust.

Suguru then starts to push into me harder causing me to throw my head back against the couch my eyes rolling back “fuck fuck fuck!~” I cry out clawing at his arms as he fucked me mercilessly.

I gasp once more before he kisses me sloppily capturing the breath I tried to let out, I whine in his mouth as our tongues move messily against eachother. He pulls back panting against my lips as he moved his hips perfectly into my spot receiving slutty moans and mind fucked words to pool out of my mouth.

“Please please! Deeper Su! De-ah!~” my mind faded and any thoughts left as he pounded harder and deeper into me causing me to squeal and clench tightly around him.

“Calm down my pretty baby..~ I’m sure you can take it..” he whispered his hips not slowing down a bit, I in fact could not take it.

I tap his chest repeatedly as my mouth hung open reaching my climax already my body shivering as I wrapped my arms and legs around him, “thaaat’s it pretty girl~ you don’t mind cumming again do you..?~” he cooed still thrusting nonstop into my contracting cunt.

I turn my head so he couldn’t see the lewd expression that was plastered on my face, but Suguru simply grabbed my chin and turned my head me being met with the same lewd expression, his long hair falling off of his shoulders slowly as he rolled his hips into me roughly. “Don’t hide from me..I wanna see that pretty face of yours each time you cum..is that okay? Can you do that for me baby? Just look at me..” he whispered pushing his thumb into my mouth.

Without second thought I wrap my lips around his thumb quickly to quiet myself feeling myself quickly come to my climax again, as Geto grit his teeth, I could tell he was close too.

I shiver as he pulls his finger out of my mouth holding me closer to his heaving chest, I moan loudly into his chest before I finally feel him twitch inside of me and let out his load into me hearing him let out a shaky sigh and a couple of curse words.

“Fuck baby..~” he whispered slowly pulling out of me watching it then pool out of me with a small smile as he brushed his thumb across my cheek whipping away the tear.

“Shit..” I pant out looking at my Apple Watch, “I have to shower..” I announced looking up at him, Causing us both to burst out into tired laughter.

“So what dress are you going to wear?” He asks lifting me off the couch making his way to the bathroom with me.

“I think I’ve decided to go with the Royal blue..” I whisper nuzzling into his chest, he then shoots me another satisfied smile as he closes the door to the bathroom.

I love making him happy.

Toji

Don’t entertain them.

Flash flash flash.

Every damn second of today I’ve had a camera flashing in my face, and of course Toji witnessed the uncomfortable look I had on my face, we left early because, Toji punched a male paparazzi in the face blacking his eye.

And of course the whole ride home he’s said “it’s not my fault, he was getting too close.” While staring out of the window not making eye contact, I’m guessing.

He was mad at me too.

Once we stepped into the house that’s when the silent game really started while I slammed my purse on the table walking to take this stupid dress off.

Being an actress in this time and day was hard, no one really accepted pure acting skills. It took me for what seemed like forever to gain the fame I have now, and the only thing in my mind was that everything that was starting to slowly go up, was quickly going down.

As if life had it’s own gravitational pull.

Toji puts his hands in his pocket resting his shoulder against the wall as he watched me try to take off the dress, my face red and flustered I was pissed.

“So you aren’t going to talk about what happened..” “I’m sure that’s all people are talking about.” I snap ripping the zipper off of the dress growling in annoyance.

Toji’s gaze hardened “maybe if you didn’t go dressed like that,” “I can go wherever I want dressed however I please.” I say getting out of the dress.

He follows me grabbing my wrist, I try to pull away but he flips me and slams my back against the wall, “then it will be more situations like this! That fucking perv was trying to take a picture under your dress.” He said my eyes not leaving him, as I stared in horror.

Toji looked down at me with a “I told you so” kind of look, and I hated when he looked at me like that, it made me feel so small.

Past tense

“I don’t know how supportive I am of this” he said his arms crossed watching me get ready, I look away from my mirror and eyeliner glaring at him, all week he’s been doing this shit. “Somethings wrong with your eyes.” He said, my glare reflecting from him.

“It isn’t..but why can’t you just support me..” I say looking back into the mirror. He sighs “that isn’t it..” he admits his head held down a bit before looking back up at me.

“Then..?” “I don’t support the creepy men you attract. The instagram comments say enough about that doesn’t it..?” He said causing me to look at him.

Lately I have been receiving both Great but mostly pervy comments and a lot of even creeper dms. I understood his concern. “But..” he starts “I support you, you’re doing something you love and I will never not support you or step in your way. But I will always be protective of you..” he said rubbing the back of his neck “I can’t help that..I refuse to let anything happen to you.” He said looking down at the ground chuckling a bit.

I smile looking at him, “I know..that’s why I’m never afraid Toji..I’m the same way with you,” “but you aren’t the same as me..” he said walking over to me rubbing my back as we both gazed in the mirror.

“I don’t just want to fight for you, I need you to know that I’ll kill for you too..that being said, I don’t support this dress, it’s too much skin and it’s calling for creeps to come..” he said, I tilt my head looking up at him, “but it’s okay mama..I trust and support you no matter what, you’ve got a personal body guard..” he whispered kissing me softly.

He always made my heart flutter.

Now.

I push past him, I hated knowing he was right even the slightest, sure call me immature but it felt like he was always right.

He grabs my wrist pulling back, “[Name] this shit is serious! Did you forget what I told you?” He said his cold gaze locked on me, “no, but this could ruin my reputation!” “Getting pictures leaked of your underwear could too..” he said his hands sliding up my bare arms.

“Please calm down, I’m sorry for ruining your day..I mean that..” he brushed my hair out my eyes with his bruised hand, kissing my forehead.

Of course I melted.

At that moment I didn’t care about my reputation, I ended up feeling bad for not seeing it in his point of view, I simply didn’t care to until now, “are you calm..?” He asks to which I nod grabbing his hand turning it over to inspect it. “Are you in any pain..?”

But he simply shrugs it off, “my adrenaline is still pumping I can’t..feel anything right now” I look up at him before walking past him, this whole day was a mess, my mind everywhere. As I wander over to kitchen.

Toji watches me, “[name]?” he calls walking up to me stopping me holding me from behind, his large figure pressed up against mine and instantly warmed me up, he calmed me down, but now that he did I couldn’t help the feeling of dread, “the last time you were this quiet you scared the shit out of me…” he says softly holding my waist.

“Can you do my a favor..” I ask turning to look up at him, his eyes softening, “of course mama..what is it?” He asked, “distract me..” I say softly causing the room to get quiet.

He walked so he was in front of me lifting my head with his palm on my cheek, “are you sure..?~” he said his gaze never leaving my eyes, I hum wrapping my arms around his neck, “please..” I beg before he instantly picks me up taking me to the room, the blanket falling.

It has actually been days since Toji touched me, or made love to me, or fuck the slut out of me..how ever you want to put it, it hasn’t happened in a while, me so focused on the shoot and him focused on the kids and work, we barely had time alone unless it was sleeping.

But now I was eager, I wanted this man to blow off whatever steam he had left and then some, Toji was the only one who could restrict my walking.

I groan needily as we make out, Toji placing me on the dresser after knocking everything off. He swirled his tongue around mine holding my head steady with his hand rested on my cheek.

I wrap my legs around him, unsnapping my bra quickly pushing myself up to feel how hard he was, his lips part of mine and start attacking at my neck with soft kisses and pecks, I focus my attention to his pants my fingers guiding over the obvious lump in his pants, I shivered at the thought that, he wanted me too..

I really wanted him in my mouth the need became so strong that my mouth started to water, “Toji..~” I breathed out not even realizing that his whole hand was between my thighs rubbing my pussy through the cloth, my panties getting drenched in the action.

I open my legs a bit biting hard on my lip as he stared down at me his scar on his lip turning up right as he smirked, his thumb pressed softly against my body that called for him.

Toji lifted my body pulling off my panties my ass smacking back down on the dresser, I shivered at the cold gaze he peered down at me with.

And without warning he pushed the tip of his thumb into me causing me to jump shivering out a moan, “deeper..~” grabbing his wrist forcing his thumb deeper into me, I sigh out staring into his eyes as I rode his thumb.

Toji bit on his lip sliding his tongue across my open lips, I whine wasting no time to suck on his tongue wishing it was something else, and he could tell the way I gazed up at him after pulling off his tongue.

But I could tell that set off something in him, he pull back his finger quickly leaving me before he picked me up setting me on his lap as he sat on the love seat, his hands tracing my thighs.

“Your mouths watering..isn’t it?~ you’re excited for something..”I look him in his eyes sliding from his lap to the floor. “So come on, I’ll give you what your body’s begging for..~” his taunts made me even more eager without a problem.

Finally I slide my hand up to his thighs whining “then why are these still on..” he chuckles before standing pulling down his sweats along with his boxers and just like that his cock sprung out the tip softly touching my nose.

“Why is your mouth still closed..?~” he cooed out causing my entire Body to heat up as I open my mouth pushing my tongue out looking up at him, but without warning Toji pushed his dick deep into my throat causing me to gag instantly.

He pulls back looking down at me with a grin before he bit his lip as I wrapped my lips around his cock bobbing my head not being able to take the slowness.

Toji lets out a soft groan his large veiny hands clamped tightly on my pony tail as he began to ease himself into my mouth before he breathed out “put your hands behind your back..” and in submission I did so.

“Keep them there..” he whispered his hands tangled in my hair as he thrusted into my throat not giving me a chance to catch my breath.

My eyes rolling back at the mere pleasure I felt knowing he was using me to make himself feel good could make me cum right here.

He lets out a hushed breath pulling his cock from the back of my throat my chest heaving as I let out a breath my hands falling to my sides.

He looks down at me with an enthralling expression “fuck you look like a mess right now..~” he said with a sly smirk, I swallow letting out a sigh of desire, “cmon pretty girl stand for me..” he asked and without thinking I stand up just for him to push me into the love seat my arms rested in the cushions my ass in the air.

He roughly slapped my ass pulling my hips over to him receiving a hushed moan from me, he teased my entrance before without warning pushing himself deeply into me.

I squeal covering my mouth with one hand but he grabbed my wrist and pulled my arm behind my back slamming into me my head falling Into the leather seat.

“Toji!~” I moan out as he pinned my arm behind my back his cock slamming in and out of me as he rolled his hips at a quick pace and I loved it.

“I told you not to go out looking like that..now you have to accept your punishment..~ stop squirming..” he held my hips still thrusting into me shifting his thrust to find and hit my spot, and of course he found it.

I whine my eyes rolling back at how good this whole situation felt, the sounds of our skin slamming against each other caused my face to get red God forbid anybody could hear us.

Suddenly he pulls out flipping me on my back before he spread my legs pushing himself back into me causing me to shiver out a pent up moan reaching out for him and he chuckles, his hips rolling as he leaned into my touch, sure I could take being fucked like a slut, but I felt so much better when it was passionate.

I wrap my arms and legs around him as he pounded into my clit causing my legs to shake uncontrollably the knot in my stomach bursting without warning, “fuck! I’m cumming!~” I moan out giving a late warning.

Toji continued to thrust leaning his forehead on mine to share one more sloppy kiss his hips picking up speed before I hear him groan out “shit..~” he lifted pulling out and instantly his cum painted my stomach as he bared a fang.

I shiver feeling his warm liquid hit my stomach, then we sat there panting.

“You learn your lesson..?” He said with a small smirk causing me to giggle. “Actually I dunno, can you run that by me again?~” I ask causing him to shake his head roughly pulling me over by my legs.

As long as he’s fucking me like that? I’ll never learn.

[kittyball23]

Visitor (a Trolls fanfic)

Summary: A month after his imprisonment, Veneer is paid a visit from someone he didn’t think he’d ever see again

__________________________________________

“Aw, no…”

Veneer moaned to himself, slumping down on his cot and facepalming in dismay. He was so not in the mood for this. He never was. And today it was hitting especially hard. Maybe because it had been exactly a month since his incarceration. Maybe because his attempt to speak to his sister had resulted in the throbbing pain that plagued his left cheek. Or maybe because of the haranguing speech that he knew awaited him once he left his cell.

He peeked a glance at the guard awaiting him, arms crossed and eyebrow raised as if to say “Well? Are you coming or not? You may have all day, but not everybody else does!” They were usually stoic, poker-faced, and unsympathetic towards inmates’ desires. Rightly so. Much of the prisoners were delinquents who, if shown even an ounce of freedom, would take it to the extreme. His own sister had learned the hard way when her request to have the ankle chain removed from her leg was surprisingly granted.  The teen was quick to make a run for it, but even quicker to have been thwarted by the security. Veneer hadn't really seen Velvet around since, but from what he heard, she was taken into solitary confinement.

That was why he had made it his mission to be on his very best behavior. He'd speak when spoken to, eat the entire tray of slop that they called “food,” and hit the hay as soon as lights out was called. He never looked for fights or started any, and mostly kept to himself. So maybe, just maaaybe, if he asked really nicely, he could get out of this.

“Say, you know what? I'm not really sure if I can do this. You think maybe we could pick some other time?” Veneer grinned, hoping he looked and sounded polite.

But the guard was unmoved. "NO.”

“But… I'm really not feeling well!” It was a little true. Veneer's stomach was churning at the thought of leaving his cell for what was intended for him. In a desperate attempt, he clasped his hands together, stuck his bottom lip out in a pout and made his eyes big. “Pretty pleeeease?”

The guard had an unreadable expression for a moment, before he raised his walkie talkie up to his mouth to speak. “Increase the prison sentence for inmate number 8231978.”

Veneer dropped and act and gasped. “What? No! Okay, alright, I'll come!”

The guard humphed, unlocking the cell door so the teen could exit. With cuffs secured to his hands and an ankle chain to his left leg, the guard guided Veneer down the hallway.

The former Pop-star suppressed a groan and kept his eyes fixed to the ground. This was one of the parts he hated about this. The ‘Walk of Shame.’ The glares he'd receive. The jeers sent his way. Veneer wished he could burrow himself in the ground if it meant he didn't have to see the dirty looks being cast at him. And if looks could kill… Veneer shuddered to think that he'd probably be dead many times over.

Among other treacherous felonies, it seemed Mount Rageons truly despised frauds. Veneer supposed he understood why. It broke a golden value that was very challenging to win back - trust. He needn't look any further for an example of that, not only with what he and his sister had done, but also for his own sentiments towards her now. The resentment over Velvet’s manipulation… and the painful sorrow he felt in his heart at her stubbornness in refusing to ever speak to him again.

He focused on the sound of the clinking chain rather than the colorful words of the other inmates, and felt only a fraction of relief once he was out of that hallway and brought into the next room over. Veneer stared at the familiar tile flooring beneath his feet. It was perhaps slightly more welcoming in sight than the cell units, for its brighter lights and fresher smell. But that's where the welcome wore out. So far, this room hadn't been a place of positivity for him.

Veneer lifted his head slightly to assess the scene today. The booths were not as busy as it could be, which he was silently grateful for. The less folks to see him, the better. Inmates, all donning the same shabby orange jumpsuit he had on, were seated at them and already engaged in their own conversations with the recipients on the other end of the glass that separated them. He heard snippets of the chatting as he passed by.

“Six more months in the brig, can you believe it? Six months! I'll be old and wrinkled by then - “

“ - and you can't even tell the difference between the chicken and the broccoli sometimes. Ugh, it's awful! How can that even be allowed? That should be a crime!”

“Friends? In prison? Pfft, come on, dude! This isn't gradeschool - “

Veneer attempted to swallow down the lump in his throat, and thought about who his visitor would be this time around. Maybe it was a Mount Rageon, reminding him of how they used to be a fan of his music until he turned out to be a phony, while he sat, quietly mumbling an “I'm sorry” that fell deaf upon their ears. Or, they could whisper about how they still liked him, and believed that the whole Troll-talent thing was an elaborate hoax to spice up the drama. Veneer hated that scenario more than the first, and he would get frustrated in explaining that his jail-time was deserved. Or maybe still, it could be his parents, there to chew him out and express their disappointment in him and his sister. The first time they'd come, Veneer had easily taken the verbal beating, but Velvet only had her anger spiked. He shuddered remembering the way she'd spewed a string of obscenities so foul, even a sailor would be put to shame.

Veneer didn’t dare look up to see who it was at the booth when the guard told him to be seated. He just picked up the phone, and tried to sound somewhat alive as he mumbled into it.

“Hello?”

“It isn't as hip as your old pad, but at least it's something, huh?”

Veneer gasped, recognizing the serene voice at once, and whipped his head up. “Floyd?”

Sure enough, it was the teal Troll speaking into the phone’s receiver. When Floyd offered a gentle smile, Veneer couldn’t help grinning back. Floyd had that effect on folks, it seemed, one of shining positivity even in the darkest times. But that grin disappeared when he caught sight of the Troll’s hair, a rich sweep of magenta… save for the significant white streaks that ran through it. Ones that had been caused by Veneer’s own doing. The guilt bit at him, and the teen suddenly didn’t feel comfort in his unexpected presence. “Floyd, what are you doing here?”

“What do you mean? I came to see you,” he answered simply.

“Why?” Veneer asked, flailing his arms in a baffled manner. “If I were you, I’d be the last person I’d wanna see!” It was only when the guard standing at the far end of the room had shot him a warning look that Veneer realized his outburst had been too loud, and he toned it down.

“That’s not true, Veneer,” Floyd said, and then he smirked. “I’d say your sister wins in that category, wouldn’t you?”

Veneer had to chuckle at that. “Yeah, you are so not wrong there.”

Floyd laughed a little, too, and then spoke again. “But even then, I’m still gonna try to talk to her at some point, too.”

“Good luck with that,” the former Pop-star scoffed. “Anytime I’ve tried to talk to her, it just ends like this.” He turned his face to the side a little so Floyd could see the ugly purplish bruise that was his left cheek.

The Troll winced. “Ouch.”

“Ouch is right,” Veneer whimpered, gently touching the injury in hopes that perhaps it didn’t throb as much. Nope. Still did. He pinched the bridge of his nose and gave an exasperated groan, unable to contain it in him anymore. “So much for my sister not treating me like garbage. This has literally been the worst month of my life! Vel’s never gonna talk to me again. This uniform stinks! And you can only chop so many rocks before it starts to get to your head…” He huffed and heaved a sigh. “You’re SO lucky you don’t ever have to go through something like this. You’ve probably never done one bad thing in your life!”

Veneer expected him to agree right away, but became curious at Floyd’s silence, and the shamed look accompanying it. “Don’t be so sure.”

The teen cocked his head. “Wha?”

The Troll nodded. “I did something twenty years ago that I regret to this very day.”

“Geez,” Veneer said, considering the amount of time. He was hardly twenty years of age himself! “What happened?”

“I abandoned my baby brother. I promised I’d come back, but I never did…” Floyd’s voice got quieter as he continued to explain. “Turned out he wasn’t as well off as I thought he’d be. Our Grandma died, and there wasn’t anybody else to take care of him.”

Veneer winced. “Oof. Sounds rough.”

“Believe me, he let me know,” Floyd confirmed. “He was pretty upset. But then do you know what happened?”

“What?”

“He forgave me. Sure, it’s gonna take some time to heal the hurt of the past, but we know we can do it. And I'm confident that you and Velvet can do it, too.”

But Veneer disagreed. “How can you say that?” he blurted. “You’ve seen Vel. You’ll have better luck talking to a brick wall! It’s hopeless!”

Floyd paused for a moment, considering his next words. “You know, I felt pretty hopeless inside that diamond. You seemed pretty in love with all that fame and money, and whatever other ‘bling-a-ding’ you had…”

“Don’t remind me,” the teen whimpered, embarrassed for the selfish behavior he’d exhibited.

“And yet, you listened to me… didn’t you?”

“Yeah…” he replied warily.

“Then I trust Velvet can with you.”

“But you don’t understand!” Veneer cried. “Vel and I aren’t the same! Well… not entirely,” he amended, recalling how he and she hadn't been so different when it came to their desires for fame and fortune. “Just because I listened doesn’t mean Velvet will. That part of her that would listen has been long gone.”

Floyd cocked his head. “What part?” he pressed.

“Oh, you know,” Veneer went on, “the part that liked to make up bad dances, and didn’t care if we sang off key, as long as we were having fun.”

“Ohh,” The Troll said, nodding in understanding. “But you never know. That part of her could still exist.”

Veneer gave a dry laugh. “Yeah right.”

“I’m serious,” Floyd said. “She’s still there. You just gotta help her find it again.”

The teen eyed the Troll. “You really, truly think that’s possible?”

“Cross my heart, hope to die.”

“Let’s hope not,” Veneer said, feeling a shudder go down his spine as he remembered the way the Troll had gone transparent and nearly succumbed to death. But then he thought about what the magenta Troll said. Velvet being that sister she once was? It would be wonderful. “I guess she's been a diva for so long, I never thought it'd be possible for her to change…”

“It is,” Floyd assured with a smile. “It really is.”

Suddenly, a ping resounded, and he looked down at the bracelet on his wrist and gasped. “Oh! I promised my brothers I’d be only fifteen minutes. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have even let me come. They’re outside waiting for me. I’m sorry.”

Veneer nodded. “It’s all right, I understand. You don’t have to apologize.”

“Thanks. It was nice talking to you,” Floyd said sincerely. “Ooo, and make sure you check the mail! The letter I sent should have arrived today.”

Veneer nodded again. “Oh! Okay, I will. And it was nice talking to you, too!”

Floyd smiled, and was about to head off, when Veneer stopped him. “Wait! I, um… do you have a quick second? I've been working on something… I was kinda hoping you might wanna hear it?”

As Floyd glanced at him expectantly, Veneer cleared his throat, suddenly second-guessing himself. What if he sounded awful? What if Floyd laughed at him? Regardless, he’d already stopped him, so he had to follow through. The song flowed out of him softly at first, his voice cracking a couple of times and making him inwardly cringe. But soon his voice became stronger, the notes rich and beautiful. When Veneer was done, he was met not only by applause from Floyd, but from the other inmates and recipients at the booths as well! He blushed as Floyd offered his compliments.

“That was great!”

“And I swear it was all me,” Veneer hurriedly explained. “No talent-stealing here!”

Floyd chuckled. “That’s good. You really do have some real talent.”

Veneer shrugged. “Guess I just had to work hard at it.”

Floyd gave him a thumbs up. “Right.” Then he turned to go. “I’ll see you around, Veneer.”

The Troll waved, and he waved back. A sense of uplifting filled Veneer. He was in slightly better spirits than he had anticipated himself to feel, and was glad for it. On his way back to the cell, he questioned the guard on any mail delivery for him, and true to Floyd’s word, one letter, sealed with the BroZone lightning emblem, was awaiting him.

Veneer didn’t waste a minute as he tore open the envelope and began to read:

Veneer,

It’s amazing how time passes by so quickly. I can hardly believe it’s already been a month’s time since the incident, of which I don’t believe you need me to mention for you to know what I’m talking about. But, I AM going to mention it anyhow, as it was an experience which has produced great effect. I also see this as an opportunity to debunk or confirm any assumptions you may have regarding me on the matter.

Spending two months encased within a small, and rather uncomfortable diamond imprisonment was, to put it bluntly, an awful experience for me to have undergone, as I’m sure you can imagine. I can’t lie there, or try to sugarcoat anything. Matters were not helped when you were under the impression that this was a necessary thing to do. But shortcuts can sometimes be more ‘cut’ than ‘short,’ as came to be you and your sister’s case. But this is not to say that cuts can’t heal. With time and learning they can, and from there, things are bound to get better.

In the same manner that everyone deserves to be treated kindly, everyone also deserves a second chance. I can’t say that the first impression you left of me was a good one, but have an inkling that my sentiments will change in the near future. Know that you are forgiven for your actions, so long as you understand where your mistakes were, and so long as you have learned from it. I know I can’t make you heed to any advice that I or anybody else may give you, though I strongly recommend taking it, for your own benefit.

I have been on my way to recovery from everything, and am living with my brothers. If you are interested, I can speak to the prison management team and see if we could get you work release at my older brother’s cantina. It’s on a beautiful little island that I think you will find quite becoming (plus, it has a karaoke stage!)

By this point, I would imagine that we would have already spoken to each other, and, should the conversation have gone the way I envisioned, I believe that we can likely look forward to speaking again.

Your friend,

Floyd

P.S. If you choose to respond to this letter, send it out attached with the postcard in the envelope. Trust me, it will get there :)

Veneer wondered what he meant by that last part, and soon understood when he pulled out the said postcard - with no return address or sender information. But, he shrugged it off. If Floyd had said it would get there, then surely it would get there! And so, Veneer got to work composing a return letter, finishing it with just a few seconds to spare before lights out. The letter looked something like this:

Floyd,

It was unexpected seeing you today. If I was in your place, I would have just moved on with my life and not looked back - especially at the guys who captured me. I want you to know that I am very, VERY sorry for what I did to you and regret it very much. You can take my word that I will never do something like that again to anybody. I was too afraid to say anything about it to my sister before, but now she knows where I stand on this. I hope you’re right and that she will come around one day…

I’m glad to hear that you are recovering and hope that you continue to regain your health. I think that work release idea sounds great! (Although, I’ve never been to an island before… do you mind telling me a little bit about what it’s like?)

I was afraid to talk to you at first, but I actually did like the turnout of it and, if you have any time to spare in the future, I really would like for us to talk again!

Sincerely,

Veneer

P.S. Gonna try and have the full version of that song ready by the time you come back :)

__________________________________________ A/N: I like the idea of Floyd and Veneer becoming friends after the whole ordeal

[mintmatcha]

per my last husband aizawa thought...

you never had a proper ring. The elopement was sudden and bit earlier than anyone had anticipated, so jewelry wasn't a concern.

one day he takes you out to dinner- a nice, nice restaurant, one that he certainly can't afford on a teachers salary. he wears a new button down- not one Mic gave him, not one you forced into his closet. its simple and new, still creased from how it was folded in the store.

"What's the occasion?" you joke, swirling your wine in the same way you saw someone else do once in a movie, "If we weren't married, I'd think you were about to propose."

Aizawa shifts at that eyes flickering to his lap. "Do you remember when we decided to get married?"

"Of course I do." You take a sip of your wine. It's expensive, but you can't tell why. Tastes practicallythe same as the bottle you have at home. "I called every hospital in the city looking for you, you know."

"I know."

"And no one would tell me if you were even a patient, let alone if you were okay. Then, when I found you, they wouldn't let me into the room because we weren't legally family," you laugh, but the memory of it all makes your smile fade. You had only been dating for six months at the time,so it was your first taste in what could go wrong.

"And then Eri's school wouldn't let me pick her up because I wasn't an approved guardian-"

Aizawa places his arm on the table, palm up and waiting. You place your hand within his and squeeze three times, a silent I-love-you. "I know. I'm sorry."

After that incident, marriage just seemed like the smartest choice. There was no big confession or discussion- the idea was proposed one day, the paperwork done the next. At the time, it was done more convenience than for love.

"It's not your fault. You didn't get hurt on purpose and you didn't create privacy laws," you say, "And we should be happy that the school takes that much care in who the kids go home with."

Aizawa doesn't smile at this. His expression is locked downwards, the crinkle in his brow deepening. Every year it gets bigger, just like his hair gets greyer.

"I wish our story had a different beginning," Aizawa says, "One less... pragmatic and more romantic."

"Shouta, are you still thinking about the wedding thing?" you laugh, "I told you, I don't need one-"

"Maybe I do."

Aizawa brings his other hand up. This one isn't empty; a small, velvet box sits on his surprisingly sweaty palm.

"Would you do me the honor of marrying me again?" he asks, "This time, I'll do it properly."

[dazaiandhislovelybandages]

𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗐𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 {𝖦𝗈𝗃𝗈 𝖲𝖺𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗎}

A/n: HE IS BACK BITCHESSSSSS. And even though I know I could have written something with his return, I decided I still want that angst so yeah. Also requests are open for whoever is interested

Genre: angst, have fun

Pairings: Gojo x reader

Warnings: none

“Favourite dessert, go!” You heard your boyfriend shout from the door of your apartment. 

“Red Velvet.”

“No.”

“But that’s my favourite dessert.” You blinked a few times, looking at him confused. Gojo was leaning against the wall of the small arch -the entrance to the living room. 

“Not according to the box I am currently holding.” A forced smile found its way on your face and you forced yourself to stand up and walk over to your boyfriend. Of course you weren’t angry at him or anything, you just loved messing with him. 

  Taking the box from his hands, you placed it on the coffee table in front of the couch before opening it. 

“Kikufuku…?” 

“Of course!” He smiled and jumped on the couch next to you. He removed his blindfold and carefully placed it next to the box. You watched, kikufuku in one hand, as he began technically undressing himself, removing his sorcerer uniform. 

Gojo only stood up to take his clothes to your bedroom and returned wearing a pair of grey sweatpants he had left at your place so he wouldn’t have to constantly carry a change of clothes around. He sat down on the couch and brought the kikufuku box in front of him. His eyes widened at the sight. 

“I clearly remember the box being full.” He whined and threw his head back. “What did you do?”

“I hid half of the kikufuku.”

“Why?” He set the box aside and fell full-force on your lap.

“Because you would finish eating them in one sitting.” 

Gojo didn’t respond. No he remained there staring at you with his ocean blue eyes and a dumb smile on his face. It didn’t take a genius to understand what he was thinking, in fact he had talked to you about it before. Whenever the both of you had the chance to spend some time together, especially sleep at each other’s house, you would often catch him staring at you with the exact same expression he had now. 

And when you had one night, your first night at his place since most of the time he would find himself at your apartment, asked him what was that about he had answered. The truth was, Gojo wished his life was constantly like that; full of domestic moments between you and him. 

He craved for things that would never happen like taking his students out and having you tell them all the scary ghost stories you had told him. Up to that part…this was possible, in fact he could practically see Megumi’s eyes rolling at Yuji and Nobara clinging to each other and Inumaki’s serious stare and the casual nodding of his head that signified he was interested in the story. If he was lucky, maybe Nanami would be there as well. 

But there was something missing. Something was always missing and even though he had learnt to live without that something, his heart ached whenever he thought about it. And at the rare moments he would think about that something or more specifically that someone the light in his eyes would vanish and the loving look would be replaced by a longing and sad one. 

Because at the end of the day he wouldn’t get to talk about your incredible fighting skills as a sorcerer with his one and only best friend. He wouldn’t get to have movie nights with him, you, Ieiri and Geto because Gojo liked perfection and in his mind those big family-like moments with his students, you and occasionally Nanami would never be perfect because his one and only best friend was not and would never be in the picture. 

“Earth to Satoru?” You waved a kikufuku above his eyes, bringing him back to reality. The light in his eyes returned the moment he heard your voice and he raised his hand to catch the sweet but you quickly ate it. “Nanami just called and said we need to head to Shibuya.”

“Hm.” He nodded but instead of standing up, he pressed his face against your stomach. 

“Should we meet in front of the station entrance afterwards?” You caressed the side of his head, your hand finally resting on his shoulder.

“No, let's meet in front of that yakiniku restaurant we had eaten at last week. I am hungry.”

“Fine, I’ll see you then. Oh and don't take your sweet time defeating those curses Satoru, I am hungry as well.”

[alder-saan]

Hiya love! I was wondering if I could request a Cersei Lannister x Fem HandMaiden where R has been her maiden for like forever and has a massive crush on Cersei and Cersei like them back sorta thing ? I know that’s very vague apologies if it becomes difficult.

Much love I adore your writing so so much!!

AAAAAH that'smyfavouritetropeomglikewow

And I love Cersei too (yes, I love Cersei and Brienne, I'm Jaime)

That's okay for giving me a vague description of what you wanted, this trope will always inspire me. And I hope you'll like it.

This one-shot is inspired by Warming her pearls by Carol Ann Duffy.

The pearls

Cercei Lannister x fem! Handmaiden! reader

Warnings: none

Wordcount: ~1700

not real angst, not real fluff... just something in between

You were in her room, silently watching her opening a golden box set with precious stones. She had just discovered it, as it had been placed on a shelf in her room during the day. And in the evening, when you and her went back to her bedroom, you saw it. A present from Jaime, you thought. Gods you hated that man. He had never been mean or even contemptuous, but you hated the way he kissed Cersei. You hated the way she seemed so happy with him. You hated him for being loved by your mistress...

Her back was to you, but in the mirror, you could see her and the box in her lovely hands. In the case, on red velvet, was lying a necklace, with big milky pearls. All white, with pink and blue hue. But the most beautiful, and also the most painful, was her smile when she saw it. A big smile who meant "I love when Jaime spends money for me". She was the kind of woman who loved receiving gifts. And these gifts, big dazzling jewels, wild silk dresses, aged red wines, black panther furs were unaffordable for you.

Cersei looked at you in the mirror, but you didn't see her glance. You were thinking about how she moaned when Jaime kissed her. And how bad you wished she moaned like this on your lips.

"Y/N?" she said, putting the pearls around her neck.

Her voice brought you back to reality.

"Yes, my Lady?"

"You don't like the pearls, do you?"

"Your necklace is beautiful, my Lady."

"Then what are your pretty lips twisting like that for, mh? I hope that's not for me..."

"N-No, never, my Lady. I owe you everything."

"I'm glad you remember it. But why did you look so angry? Tell me."

"Just some guy who annoys me." You shrugged, that was a partial truth.

"Who? I can sentence him to death..."

"Gods, no. No need to do that."

Your Queen gave you a suspicious look. You tried as best you could to act natural.

"Mh. Let's take a bath, shall we?"

"As you command, my Lady."

You smiled a bit. That was your own privilege. As her handmaid, you would see Cersei Lannister every day in Eve's clothes. You followed her into the bathroom of King's Landing castle.

It was a big room, with many pools, some hotter, some colder. In the evening, the golden light reflected on the water, highlighting the ceiling with hundreds of dancing little stars. You locked the door behind you, making sure no one would disturb you (even though the bathroom was exclusive to members of the Royal Family). She was waiting for you to help her undress.

You started unbuttoning the back of her dress. The fabric slipped off the soft skin of her shoulders by itself, gradually revealing her back to your eyes. You turned around her, bowing to lower her dress a little at time. Now you were in front of her, at her feet, you untied her shoes.

"Y/N? Look at me darling, please."

You raised your head, a bit confuse. Did you do something wrong? But she only gave you a little smile.

"Gods if all my servants obeyed me like you do..."

You looked again at her shoes, as she lifted a foot for you to take of one.

"I will do anything you ask of me, my Lady."

"Anything?"

You shivered, hearing in her voice this dominant side of her personality.

"Anything."

You took off her second shoe.

"If I threw you off the wall and asked you to fly, would you do it?"

"I would. I would find a way."

It was a trick question, and you got around her trap. If you had said you couldn't, she would have been disappointed. If you had said it was impossible, she would have replied that you should not pretend to do everything she asked if it was not in your power. Your hand reached her underwear, the only piece of fabric which kept her from complete nudity. She grabbed your wrist.

"Stop lying." Cersei said.

"I am not. Throw me, and you'll see. If I am, the gods will kill me for that. And if I am not, I'll manage to do it."

"You think you're smart, uh?"

She stared into your eyes and continued.

"But you're stupid." She let go of your wrist "You know very well how it would end."

"Yes, but I would die for you." You said, while taking off her underwear.

As you stood up, she looked at you for a moment. You held her gaze for a few seconds, but eventually looked away.

"Do you know why I never replaced you?" She asked.

"I don't know, my Lady."

"Because I don't understand you. You are an enigma, a mistery, Y/N."

"What would you like to know, my Lady?"

"I don't want you to answer my questions. That'd be too easy. I like being challenged."

"I could give you some hints..."

You moved your hands to her neck to remove her necklace but she took them in hers.

"I want to keep it for this time."

Jealousy made your heart sunk. Why? Why did she want to keep it? This moment was yours. It was you and her, the both of you. And only the both of you. Now she wanted to bring Jaime in it? In your moment?

"Yes, sure."

She gave you a smile, noticing the look in your eyes.

"You don't like these pearls."

"I told you-"

"And I don't like when your pretty lips are telling such ugly lies."

Cersei's voice had turned cold, but her smile remained. She was angry.

"I don't understand why. I mean, yes, I like you being a mystery, but I hate when you lie or hide the truth. There is clearly something wrong about those pearls."

You lowered your head, gaze fixed on the tiles.

"Now, undress and join me in the pool. We'll talk about this. You better tell me the truth this time."

Your mistress walked to one of the warm pools and slowly entered the water. You took off your dress and underwear. She was staring at you. You felt as if her gaze would melt your skin. The guilty feeling gave you a lump in your throat. You couldn't manage looking at her.

You entered the water next to her.

"Now tell me everything."

"I can't that's not-"

"Oh, yes, you can. You just told me you would do anything for me."

"Promise me you won't throw me off the wall..."

"I can't promise you anything. Did you betrayed me? Now tell me or I torture you." She closed her eyes. "And I don't want to do it."

"I-I don't like the fact that's from Jaime. I don't like that man I'm sorry."

She seemed confused. But her voice softened.

"What is about Jaime you don't like? Did he hurt you? Is he that guy you talked me about?"

"Yes, that's him. But he never hurt me... on purpose."

"What did he do? I can tell him and he'll apologize"

You nervously bit your lower lip.

"I can't. That's-"

"Please, tell me."

Her voice wasn't cold anymore, you could hear worries in it. You gathered all your courage and breathed in.

"He... He kisses you."

She opened her mouth but didn't say anything, completely speechless. You continued.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't think that but... How I whish it was me... How I wish I was the person you think about all day. I'm sorry that's not... I mean, that's so stupid. You love him, he loves you but Gods! I would do anything to be him just for one night."

"Don't say that, Y/N."

"I am sorry."

All suddenly seemed cold all around you. You looked at your feet, distorted by the little waves, and by the tears in your eyes. Cersei took your chin in her fingers and turned your head towards her.

"Don't say that because he has much more reasons to be jealous than you do."

Your eyes widened. You tried to tell something but nothing went out your throat. She wiped your tears with her thumbs.

"Firstly, those pearls are not a gift from him."

"Wh- What? Who then?"

"I bought them."

At this moment, you felt so stupid. You had assumed so quickly that was a present from Jaime, you hadn't thought about the possibility that it could have been her...

"I bought them for you. I wanted to give you, but when I saw this look in your eyes through the mirror... I thought that was not a good present for you. I thought you didn't like it. And so I decided to keep them, and to buy you an other present."

You blushed. A present for you, her handmaiden? A pearls necklace?

"I'm sorry..."

"Do you like them?"

"Those are the most beautiful pearls I ever seen."

She removed the necklace and hand it to you.

"Then keep it."

"I can't, I'm just your handmaiden, my Lady. You can't give me that."

She sighed.

"You would do anything for me, uh?"

"I would. But-"

"Turn yourself."

You turned and showed her your back. She placed the pearls round your throat. Her fingers lingered on your bare skin. That made you shiver. You didn't dare to move. She was drawing small circles with her fingertips. The contact drove you crazy. You were bright red. You wanted more. You wanted her to kiss you.

Your heart raced as you felt her lips on your naked shoulder. Her hands went down your ribs. It made you suffocate. Her lips wandered on your skin, softly brushing it. She kissed your neck, your spine, then she tried to reach your jaw, pressing her breasts against your back.

"Turn again, I want to see your pretty face." she whispered in your ear.

You turned and met her gaze. She cupped your face and kissed you. Her lips against yours, that was everything you had ever dreamed of. That was magical. You shyly reciprocated and placed your hands on her waist. She smiled against your lips.

"Y/N, I want you to wear these pearls so that anyone can see who you belong to."

Cersei moved her head back a little to look you in the eye. She tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear.

"I want you to stay a little longer in my room tonight..."

"Y-Yes."

"Yes who?"

"Yes my Lady."

"Good, now do your job and clean me up. If you do it well I might consider rewarding you."

_____________________________________________

I truly loved writing it, thank you for this request, and I hope you liked it.

[milawritesstuff]

Hey, how's it going? I love your Pedri stories and your writing. You could write one from Pedri that he has a colorful friendship with Y/n, but he wanted something more with her, but the two don't have time for a relationship. Y/N and Pedri try to take a vacation to see each other, because they haven't seen each other for months, and luckily they managed to stay on vacation for two months, but maybe the relationship will change now (sorry if it got confusing) Thank you.

A/N: Hi, I decided to put these two requests together and of course changed it up a bit. Hope you guys like it.

•••

He smiled into the phone.

-I’ll see you in a few hours.-

-Can’t wait to see you, Pedrito.- You said as you ended the call.

You had known Pedri for years. During one of your visits to Barcelona the two of you had ended up sleeping together. And it became a constant occurrence every time you were in the same city. It was fun and exciting. Every time he traveled with the team you looked at your calendar and as serendipitous as the universe was the two of you ended together more times than none.

Last time Pedri had traveled to Paris for a day when he had the day off to meet with you. -I want more.- He said as his lips traveled down your neck. -What do you mean?- He pulled away from you.

You had told him a long distance relationship would never work. You didn’t want to get your heart broken. But he was in too deep by this point. His heart would end up breaking if this didn’t become something more serious.

-I’ll spend all of my free days traveling. Let’s give this a chance.- You stared at him not wanting to admit you were also feeling more for him. So you did the best you could to avoid giving him an answer. You attacked his wet lips and made him forget everything in the mist of passion.

A few weeks later the two of you planned this trip together, to Ibiza. Him hoping some time alone would change your mind.

Your planes were to arrive 10 minutes apart, the two of you met at the exit and took a taxi to your hotel.

-I brought you something.- Pedri said as he unpacked his luggage. You turned around and smiled as he brought out a small blue velvet bag. He handed it to you and you pulled out a bracelet with a heart dangling from it. -As soon as I saw it I thought of you.- He shrugged his shoulders which caused you to laugh at his nervousness.

-It’s beautiful.- You said.

-Like you.-

You spent the next few days taking the sun and enjoying the beautiful Ibiza weather. Walking around the town and going out dancing until the early hours of the morning.

You laid on the bed with your right leg over him and the blanket wrapped around you covering your naked body. You drew small hearts on his bare chest. You smiled as he placed a kiss on the top of your head.

-That was really good.- He said which caused you to giggle. -Thank you, Pedrito. We make a good team.- You loved the way his laugh filled the room.

You enjoyed spending day after day with him. No schedules, no airport lines, and you wish this could be your reality. You sat on your balcony overlooking the water when he walked out with his hair frazzled from the siesta. It was in that moment when his sleepy eyes warmed your heart that you knew you were also a goner. You would do anything for this man even if that included going against all of your thoughts about long distance relationships.

He laid next to you. -Hi sleepyhead.- He rubbed his eyes and smiled at you. -When did you wake up? I hate waking up without you by my side.- He said as he made a baby face causing you to laugh.

-You’re such a baby, Pedrito.-

That night you ate in your room, watched a movie and went to sleep early because you were taking a short yacht trip the next morning.

Pedri had planned everything to detail for you guys. For lunch he had set out a small picnic area on the yacht. The sea breeze hit your long hair. Pedri sitting in front of you.

You smiled when you realized he had brought all of your favorite food. -When did got have time to do all of this, Gonzalez?- you asked. He smirked.

-When you wake up from our siestas and leave me alone, when you take your long hot showers.- He explained.

-Ok, ok I get it.- You said with a smile.

He leaned in and grabbed your hand. -And I’de do a million more things if you can just give me a chance.- He looked at you with pleading eyes.

-Pedri, please.-

-Me quieres?- He asks. You bite your bottom lip knowing you’re a bad liar.

-Te quiero mucho.- You admit which causes him to smile and lean in to place a small kiss on your plump lips.

-Give me a chance?-

-I don’t want to lose you if this doesn’t work out.- You say, for the first time admitting what has kept you from going all in with him.

-You won’t.- He reassures you with a half smile. You shake your head and laugh.

-You won’t take no for an answer will you, Pedrito?- he does a cute thing with his mouth and shakes his head. -You know how persistent I can be.-

You move over to sit on him as your lips meet. A tender, soft, and detailed kiss that leaves him speechless.

-Does that mean yes?-

You giggle. -I’m all in if you’re all in.-

Tag list:

@cinderellawithashoe @httpswiftie @simpingmyassoff @bubblebeep69 @fictional-l0v3r @httpspedri26 @0alanasworld0 @l0verl4ne @gaviypedrisbride @footballerficsposts @fashphotolife @beaschampagneproblems @jvsgnjrtpdar5stkd-tv-m @ikkehehe @jjishotasf @quemirasboboandapaya @maricciardo @gaviswh0re @pedriwifefrfr @dustell @elijahslover @formula1mount

[shadowqueenjude]

Rhysta and the hat saga continues! This one was inspired by @wingsdippedingold and @copypastus (love both of your arts!)

Rhysand shifted his feet nervously. He didn’t know how to handle this situation. Last night, he had apparently drunkenly confessed his love to the viper of an Archeron and proposed to marry her. Even more shockingly, the lady had said yes. Far too prideful to admit he had made a mistake while inebriated, Rhysand had gone along with it instead.

He had tried to explain the situation to Feyre in the best way possible, but the Cursebreaker had taken it shockingly well. Too well, in fact.

“Well, that works out perfectly for me!” Feyre had answered, clapping her hands delightedly. As little affection as he had for her, Rhysand couldn’t help but feel a little insulted. Would it truly have been that bad to be married to him?

“It…does?” Rhysand asked, trying to sound just as jubilant. Feyre’s blue eyes were wide as she nodded vigorously. “Absolutely! Lucien’s brother has been writing me letters for months you see, and I find him so diverting. He hates his father so much and he wishes to leave Autumn. So I apologized and provided much compensation to Tarquin, and he has agreed to host our wedding, after which we will take up permanent residence in Summer!”

Of all the possibilities Rhysand had considered, this one had not even crossed his mind. “Congratulations are in order, then, I suppose,” he'd drawled. Feyre beamed at Rhysand. “Thank you!” Then she began to run out of the room.

“Are you going to tell me which brother? At least tell me his name!” Rhysand shouted after her, but Feyre had already flounced away. Well, she didn’t owe him anything, much as it disgruntled him to admit that to himself.

"If you're that nervous, put on your lucky hat," Cassian muttered, adjusting his bow tie. Rhysand nodded. The lucky hat was a hat he'd bought last night, after which their gambling fortunes had taken a 180 and they'd won ample amounts of money. He'd also worn it as he'd proposed to Nesta. Rhysand was convinced the hat was imbued with some sort of charm, but he had no idea what. He began to dig through his satchel for it. When his fingers finally found purchase on velvet, he pulled it out.

Uh.

Rhysand hadn't seen the hat properly last night, but now he could see it for what it was: a black top hat with the words I ❤️ MEN written across it in bold green letters.

"Cassian?" Rhysand swerved to his best man, placing his hands on his hips. "Did you know what this hat said?"

Cassian pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. "Well...it's fitting, is it not? Considering your obsession with Tamlin and all."

Rhysand felt his skin heat as he glared at his brother. "I got over Tamlin centuries ago!" Cassian looked at him skeptically. "Really?" Rhysand scowled, taking a deep breath through his nose. "Fine! Nesta helped me get over him, ok? I only have room for her in my heart!"

Cassian snorted. "Never thought I'd see the day you got on your knees for a woman."

"She's no ordinary woman," Rhysand snapped. "She is a lady. A queen amongst paupers. My only true equal."

Cassian blinked. "Wow, you truly love her."

"Of course I do." Well, there was nothing else for it. Rhysand slammed the hat onto his head. Instantly, he felt his confidence rise. "It's showtime."

Cassian gave Rhysand's back a "pat" that Rhysand was convinced would bruise, and the two men together walked down the aisle. Despite the ridiculousness of the hat, Rhysand felt confident as he walked down the aisle. Considering the wedding had been planned in several hours, the party was small, and Rhysand had a feeling Nesta preferred it that way.

Feyre stood by Elain's side, both of them dressed in lovely dresses of palest yellow, holding bouquets of night-blooming jasmine. Rhysand swallowed. Azriel stood there silently, shadows swirling around him as per the usual. Everything was perfect. Too perfect.

Now the nerves began to settle in. Rhysand twiddled his thumbs. Maybe she wouldn't even show up. He wouldn't blame her. He wouldn't want anything to do with someone who had sexually abused his sister, even if they had apologized amply for it-

Nesta appeared at the end of the aisle.

Rhysand's heart stopped. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen; nay, the most beautiful person. She was draped in elegant deep blue cloth embroidered with gold thread. Her forearms and ankles were covered with stunning mehendi patterns, and an orange cat by her side carried a ring. Her grey eyes were rimmed with sparkling kohl, her lips bloodred, her cheekbones sharp. She looked like sin itself. Gods, how was he supposed to live with himself when his wife looked like that?

She reached the end of the aisle and placed one soft hand in his. Rhysand watched as her perfect features twisted into a frown. "Why are you wearing that stupid hat?" she whispered.

Rhysand gulped. "It's my lucky hat," he muttered, embarrassed. Nesta rolled her eyes, then placed her free hand on the rim of the hat. She began to pull hard, and Rhysand protested. "Wait, stop-"

"How-is-this-so-difficult?" Nesta grunted, yanking at the hat. Rhysand winced. "Ow ow ow."

Finally, with one ripping sound, Nesta pulled the hat off of his head. She gaped at him, and Rhysand instantly knew why. She had pulled off the wig as well as the hat.

"Your head..." Nesta instinctively raised a hand to touch it.

"Don't!" Rhysand leapt back. He knew his face had to be beet red at this point, but he couldn't let her touch it, lest the humiliation worsen.

"You don't have hair?" Nesta whispered. "But...you're faerie."

"I cannot grow body hair at all, ok?" Rhysand muttered, feeling his defenses come in. "Three centuries ago, I lost all of my hair and it hasn't grown back. It's some kind of condition, I don't know." Nesta blinked. "Does that mean your eyebrows are fake too?" Unable to find words, Rhysand nodded. "I won't blame you if you run away now," Rhysand added. Nesta did not speak; she only walked closer to him. Rhysand's instinct was to pull away, but he kept perfectly still as Nesta gently ran a hand over his smooth head. Then over his cheeks. His lips.

"I don't fucking care if you're hairy as a bear or hairless as a baby, Rhysand. You're not escaping me that easily." Rhysand laughed in joy and relief at Nesta's words. He couldn't stop staring at her. Not only was she perfect in beauty and countenance, but she was the most fierce and loving person he had ever met. He would do anything she told him to. Anything at all, no matter how crazy or painful.

"Priestess, start the ceremony."

The condition I gave Rhysand is a real condition! It's called Alopecia Areata, and it can vary in severity; Rhysand has the most severe version called Alopecia Universalis!

Some pic inspos:

Elain and Feyre's dresses:

Nesta's Wedding Dress:

Nesta's mehendi:

[siremasterlawrence]

Warping Cupid

A cool air is swirling into my room from my master bedroom window which is currently half way open and I can feel a kind, and calm presence flow over me. I flip to the other side of the bed to see this figure in a strange glow of color sitting in my chair waving at me as I leap upward to see a angel. He has a strange red wings appears as velvet color supremely blinding me in a state awe and shock totally lost to the idea I could be in danger.

He is a Cupid snapping his finger a blow of red roses floor through the window swoops around him and reform his the thorns go at it ripping his clothes. He floats back onto the chair now half naked expect for his short pants and gold shoes adorning his feet he is quite as he floats in to the air something is about to happen. Next thing I know my body is lit up rising to my ceiling he blows me a kiss and I am left in question of what is going to happen to me.

I am in a garden of roses with multiple short attractive guys with quivers and arrows on them and I cannot believe this is all vividly real too real. He smirks flipping his fingers in to the air a orb of light lands on to his palm transforms in to a harmonic that he plays. The music emerges in to the air as they all start to smile brightly dancing from through out the garden area spreading even more beautification.

“Do you comprehend who I am?” He asks me with a smirk leading me utterly floored at all so coming at me and I back up to see this. I sit on a rock at a loss telling him I am already aware that he is a Cupid he shakes his head and tells me to not be afraid of him he is here for me. “Why on earth did you and would you bring me here?” He plops on to the ground giving me a high five placing his hand on to my shoulder.

“Hahaha! Don’t be scared” he says as a gold dust appears on my hand.

“Use this gold holy dust to hit someone’s heart.”

“Be careful you should be warned.”

“What the person could be obessed”

“Deadly so”

“Hmm! I see then”

“I will have to think about it”

“I would hope so “

“I choose….you”

“Oh Dear! My love”

“What babe?”

“This is not acceptable”

“Not allowed?”

“No! I am flattered”

“So then zip it”

“Nnnoooooo”

“Here we go “

“Bbbblllllffffff”

“I beg you stop”

“This is sinful “

“You are a Cupid “

“So what ?”

“Not a angel”

“Does not matter “

“I am I control here l

“I will send you back “

“You shall not”

“How dare you “

“Step back”

“Watch my hands “

“Don’t blow “

“Bbbfffff”

“Aaaahhhhh!”

“Uuuuugggghhhh!”

“You are a…a sexy specimen “

“The man of my dreams”

“You serve me”

“Of course “

“Walk over here”

“Take my hand “

“Look in to my eyes “

“Get closer “

“Hug me tight “

“Inhale my scent “

“Dog your nose in”

“Feel me up”

“Know my body”

“Inside and out”

“Lay your head on my shoulder “

“Kiss my neck”

“My checks”

“Lick my armpits”

“My cock”

“My ass! Taste your God!”

“What do you will?”

“Tell me your whim?”

“Whatever you wish “

“Don’t be silent “

“Please”

“Speak “

“I am your everything “

“Yes my King”

“Kneel at my feet”

“Kiss my hands”

“Transport me back”

“Us back?”

“Both of us”

“I love your place “

“Do you ?”

“I can make it grandiose “

“Well you have my approval “

“Yes Master”

The end

[dmagedgoods]

Owlcatober Day 22 - Nobility: The Intruder

His bright, familiar laugh captivated him the way it always had. It was a condescending sound, but it didn’t lack interest. “Lord Adar! A pleasure. I take it that you are not a frequent visitor to such exuberant gatherings? You ignored my last invitations with flagrant indifference.” The young, long-haired man smiled at Daeran. “A lord? Only on the paper.” With a cheeky wink, he added: “But you can call me Tao.” “I will call you a welcome distraction. This celebration long outlived its purpose: to provide me with frivolous, inordinate entertainment.” Daeran made a tired gesture. “Look at them, as tedious as uninspiring wherever I go, by ill luck, even here at the gate to the fearsome worldwound.” The party was past its peak, indeed, most of its decadent guests had reached an unpleasant level of drunkenness or intoxication by various drugs and alcoholic beverages, unable to even stand straight, muttering nonsense with their pompous, tasteless clothes disheveled, giggling senselessly while lying on red velvet couches and colorful pillows on the floor, or fucking prostitutes in corners not dark enough to spare him the view of their sweating, grunting bodies. The room was a disgusting mess of empty bottles, half-eaten food, knocked-over furniture, and two or three unconscious bodies. He had never seen Daeran not bored sooner or later during his own gatherings of this very nature, and still it seemed they stayed his diversion of choice for a reason unknown to him. “Rumors say it’s the Knight Commander himself who provides you with distractions,” the strangely sober, late guest continued their conversation, and Daeran’s smile grew cold. “The Knight Commander? He wouldn’t condescend to do something more fun than take a bath in ice water. He reminds me a little of my dear cousin, both politicians - which should be telling enough already -, as fond of their power as of their own wearisome voices. Even more, they share the same self-righteous, holier-than-thou demeanor that bores their enemies to death before they get an opportunity to attack. One should think that with this remarkable ability, the crusades would have been over a long time ago.” Fierce agony had entwined his body and soul alike, contracting tighter and tighter around his very being, cutting into what was left of him with every painful breath. His wishes blurred with his reality and memories. Had anything between them been real? Anything at all? And was Daeran asking himself the same questions? – While shaking him off like an annoying fever dream? The stranger laughed. “So, people are right with their stories? He is Iomedae’s chosen one?” “You truly haven’t spent much time in Drezen, have you? The only one who chose him is himself, as some quite amusing current developments have shown. Neither Iomedae nor my cousin are overly fond of him anymore. An enjoyable little irony.” The only one who chose him is himself. The truth in those words weighed heavy on his heart. “Well then, it seems, you and I, we are outliers among the local nobility.” Lord Adar smiled his charismatic smile, and a part of him wanted to turn it into a grimace of pain. “We?” Daeran asked mockingly. “Well, unfortunately, we are surrounded by his kind in one direction, and …” He gestured toward the room. “theirs in the other.” “Excruciating.” “In this case, as your distraction of choice, allow me to suggest something closer to the excitement you wished for.” “Oh? And what could you possibly have in mind with that oh-so-subtle insinuation?” The stranger leaned closer until his lips almost touched Daeran’s ear. He couldn’t hear the words, but he saw his mouth brush his cheek, Daeran’s long fingers on his arm as if to hold him in place, and how Lord Adar elegantly escaped him nonetheless. “My room. In half an hour, and I will await you in most pleasant anticipation.” With that, and after a playful bow, he left through the large doorway. Daeran leaned back. Not a hint of a smile stayed on his features the moment he found himself alone again among his illustrious guests.

Maybe it was his oracle senses, maybe just a last hint of their once-so-strong connection, but something made him look up to the low, elegant gallery with the dark entwined balustrade, his luminescent eyes attentive and searching the moment he stepped back into the shadows. His black coat merged with the darkness. He should not have come, not have given in to the urge to see him. For some long, torturous heartbeats, they stood motionless. Sensing each other’s presence. Or maybe just a vague impression. Then Daeran turned around and walked towards the door as well to get ready for his distraction of choice. A potion of invisibility hid him further when, eventually, he stepped out of the darkness and left the house behind. ~ While not needing the story at all, this little snippet is an added scene to "Below" and happens after the second chapter.

[tieflingtareon]

My love, are you the devil? (Oh, call me a devil)

Chapter 38 | Words: 6.8k

Summary: Astarion found himself often surprised by his heroic companion. He had one goal. To become the favoured companion of the group, to earn the Tieflings loyalty, to make Tar'eons strength his own. Yet Tar'eon isn't like the usual target of his manipulations. Despite his naivety, he does not seem gullible. There is something very wrong with their 'leader' to begin with. Astarion isn't sure if he wants to control it or eradicate the threat it posed. But can he really do either when Tar'eon himself seems so...unwaveringly kind?

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/50668558/chapters/127995079

"It feels so...empty now. This places feel more like a graveyard than the one we slept in." Astarion scoffed softly, looking around at the home he once called his own. "How quickly things can change..."

"Ballroom?" Tar'eon questioned, carrying the box of explosives over his shoulder. It took a bit of shimmying to pick the lock, but seeing as it was before dawn, there was no one in the store to catch them. Astarion had the right idea, collecting fodder to feed the flames.

"No, I think...the office. Half of it in there, half out here. Pass me some of that." Tar'eon smiled softly as he handed over a dozen fireworks to the vampire. Astarion smirked and looked up at him. "I'll go up to the Ballroom. You handle the down here."

"As you wish." Tar'eon leaned down and pecked his cheek sweetly before hauling off with the crate. Astarion smiled to himself as he watched him go, making his way up the stairs and past the ballroom doors. He slipped into the office and set about placing explosives precariously around the room. Tar'eon had definitely handed him the ones with the most power. He cracked one open and shook the powder inside past the doorway and into the ballroom, placing a small explosive there to set off the ones he'd put inside the room.

It was tempting to riffle through drawers and ransack the place, but honestly, he didn't want any of it. He hadn't taken the staff or the dagger because he didn't want the reminder. He was happy to do the same here too. He did however linger on the throne that sat, untouched by the battle within the ballroom. He sat himself down in it, playing with the final firecracker in his hands.

To think, he could have taken it for himself. Taken Cazador's throne, used his palace as his own, throwing lavish parties and watching over the elite guests, knowing he was above even them. It would have been a dream come true, once upon a time, being all powerful.

Now...it felt like a vague construction of his imagination, obscured by time and ageing maturity. Long forgotten. The desire was no longer there. Though, he'd admit, the throne was comfortable. Perhaps he'd get one of his own one day, just to lounge in while he embroidered or read. Living a life without power and status did not mean he had to forgo all luxuries. If he could not buy it, he would damn well make it. He deserved a throne, vampiric royalty or not.

He looked up when he heard Tar'eons familiar footsteps, eyes softening as the tiefling entered the ballroom, closing the distance. There was a small smile on his lips, and Astarion chuckled.

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Just reminiscing on all that could have been." He mused, running his fingers over the polished wood of the chair, the velvet cushioning. "It's a pity I don't have a throne of my own, I think I'd look just divine with one, don't you think?" He crossed one leg over the other and smirked.

Tar'eons gaze was achingly fond as he knelt down on one knee, taking his hand in his. Astarion watched as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his hand like some kind of knight in shining armour, then moved to his knuckles, before turning his palm upwards and kissing his inner wrist.

"You would. I think I'll make you one, once this is all over." He looked up at the elf, and Astarion knew he would. There was an unbelievable amount of devotion inside Tar'eon, a near terrifying amount. Astarion was glad he managed to wake up from near death with a moral compass, or he was sure the man would level cities on his request alone. He certainly wouldn't be where he was now if he had woken up as his former self.

"Get up." Astarion took his hands in his and guided the man to stand, the tiefling blinking, unspoken questions in his eyes. "You don't have to kneel before me, as nice as you look there, darling. I don't crave that kind of power, especially not over you. I prefer when you stand beside me." Tar'eons eyes widened before his expression softened, leaning down to kiss his brow.

"Then I will stand by you. Always." He promised, nuzzling white curls and inhaling deeply before he pulled back. "Are you ready?"

"You know what? I think I am. I'm completely, utterly done with this place." Astarion stood and placed the final firework upon Cazador's throne. "Let's watch it burn."

Tar'eon followed him to the entrance, looking back at the palace. The gaudy art, the antique furniture, the dreary atmosphere...

He turned to Astarion and gestured for him to go ahead. This was for him. He deserved to be the one to set it all alight. The elf smiled at him and stepped forward, fire curling around his fingers before he gave a shout.

"IGNIS!" It struck, and in succession, explosions followed, the fire burning through gunpowder. Tar'eon wrapped himself around the vampire and transported them away to the Lower City wall, looking up as the explosions continued to sound in the distance. Astarion's eyes shone as he watched windows shatter, smoke billowing out of the palace before them.

He laughed.

"There goes your legacy, bastard! Weep in the Hells!" He flipped his middle finger at the building, watching with bright eyes as parts began to crumble, falling into itself, brick and wood scorching beneath the raging fire that only grew in ferocity.

"I'm realising now that we probably should have made sure the fire wouldn't spread..." Tar'eon winced. He hadn't thought the far ahead. The palace was decently isolated he supposed...

He heard a familiar thudding and mechanical squeaking, whipping his head around to look at the Steel Watchers approaching from the distance, drawn to the property damage. He had no doubt Flaming Fist would follow soon after. He cursed and took Astarion's hand in his, pulling him away from sigil and the burning building. The Fists would take care of the fire, should it try to rage out of control.

"Fuck you, Cazador!" Astarion cackled, not hesitating to follow. He was filled with glee, cheeks ruddy and lips split in a wide, fanged grin, watching it disappear for good behind them. Cazador would be forgotten by the history books, his palace nothing but ash, his influence on Baldur's Gate fading to nothing, and Astarion loved it.

He would never be able to remove the scars the man left on him, but burning down the home, the prison, he was trapped in for two centuries was a beginning at healing some of the damage he'd done to him.

The sun broke over the horizon and Astarion relished in it's warm light, cutting through the early morning's cold bite. He threaded his fingers through Tar'eons as they ran. He didn't know how many days he had left in the sun, but...he knew he'd have more than Cazador ever would. He'd have more than Cazador ever did, even in the shadows.

He gave up the power, but in exchanged, he gained something far greater. He would have friends, love, a real family. A home, even if not physical. That was more that that bastard could have ever made for himself.

In the end, he won.

****

"Woah, where were you two?" Karlach blinked at the pair with a strip of meat half hanging out of her mouth, the two stumbling into the room as Astarion fell into Tar'eons chest in a fit of breathless giggles. After sleeping in a graveyard, breaking into a firework shop, setting Cazador's palace on fire, and running from Steel Watchers, it only made sense he'd need a moment to collect himself.

"Did you go for a pint without me?" Karlach whined a little, Shadowheart walking over in her pyjamas with a smirk, stealing a slice of toast from her lovers plate.

"They aren't drunk." She noted with ease and Astarion barked another laugh.

"No, no we are not." He grinned and slipped out of Tar'eons arms with a squeeze to his bicep. "I'm stealing the first bath. Go eat, darling, you must be starved." His eyes twinkled, winking at his lover and sauntering off. Karlach looked between the pair, brows jumping up in question to Tar'eon. The tiefling looked away, avoiding the silent query, but that was answer enough.

"You dog!" She laughed, slapping her thigh as Gale came over with two plates.

"Stop stealing Karlach's breakfast, I have yours right here." He tutted at Shadowheart who rolled her eyes and took the plate anyway, giving the barbarian half of her ham. Karlach smiled like a sap, pulling the cleric half into her lap so she could cuddle her while eating.

"Thank you, Gale." Tar'eon smiled as he took his own plate. He was pretty hungry.

"Why are you covered in dirt? Or is that ash?" Gale frowned.

"Uh, well..."

"Did you blow up Szaar's palace?" Wyll asked in shock, a thumb pointing back towards the window he'd just been looking out of. It was hard to miss the giant smoke cloud coming from that direction. "I can see it from here! Did you plan a two man heist while we slept?"

"Uh, no, that was kind of a last minute thing..." Tar'eon pursed his lips. "But yeah. That was us."

"Well...I can respect property damage." Shadowheart smirked. "Is that why he's so smiley today?"

"The adrenaline rush of crime can be quite addicting." Gale seemed to be on the same page as Shadowheart. "Let's hope he sticks to the petty sort of crimes, at least. Vandalism is preferable to arson."

"I think we're okay for now-" Tar'eon was cut of by Astarion called his name from the bathroom.

"Get in here and wash my back; seeing as it's entirely your fault I have dirt everywhere." Tar'eons tail perked up, wagging a little at the invitation. Karlach snorted and the Bhaalspawn flushed at being caught out by his blasted tail.

"Better get in there, solider. Sounds to me like you two made a right mess out there." She smirked and Tar'eon looked away, unable to hold her gaze as he stood and passed his plate off to Wyll who looked like he was trying so hard not to laugh at their leader. He knew himself to be reckless in his youth when it came to fits of passion, but in the dirt? It was quite amusing to see the usually stoic Tar'eon stumble over himself to get to his demanding lover.

"Try not to get water where it shouldn't be, you two." Shadowheart teased.

"Don't worry, darling, I'll leave some cold water for you, since you don't know when to stop playing with fire." Astarion sing-songed and Wyll stifled a choked laugh against his palm. Karlach grinned wolfishly and squeezed her girlfriend tight, the cleric offering Astarion her middle finger. Astarion blew a kiss her way, dragging Tar'eon into the bathroom by his collar.

"...What's the bets?" Gale quirked a brow, his voice knowing and expectant.

"Oh they definitely fucked." Karlach grinned.

"Boring, we already know that. What are the bets?"

"Ten gold on Tar'eon topping." Shadowheart shoved a slice of bread in her mouth.

"Fifteen on Astarion. I have to vouch for my best mate." Karlach shrugged.

"Setting?"

"Beach?" Karlach frowned thoughtfully.

"He said dirt, not sand." Gale shook his head. "I'm guessing the park."

"The park?" Wyll looked at them in bewilderment. "Let's give them some privacy, Gods."

"You don't have any thoughts? Any bets?"

"I'm not making bets on my companions intimate relations, Gale." Wyll rolled his eye and shook his head. "None of you are. Let it be."

Karlach pouted and Shadowheart looked bored, Gale giving a guilty smile and flush.

"Ah...Perhaps that's a little invasive. We'll let it be."

"Good." Wyll turned when he heard footsteps behind them. "Ah, Lae'zel, good morning."

"Fifteen on Tar'eon."

"Lae'zel."

"I suspect Astarion is the leader though." She smirked.

"Lae-bae, you are a genius."

"Call me that again, Karlach, and I will spill your viscera on the floor."

"Noted." Karlach grinned. Wyll sighed. So much for privacy. He supposed this was just how friends were. Some old fashioned teasing could never go amiss.

****

"You could have just asked me to join you." Tar'eon scrubbed at the dirt and blood that clung to Astarion's hair, massaging his scalp as the vampire rested back against his chest.

"Mm, perhaps." He hummed. "Gods, your hands feel nice."

Tar'eon huffed out a soft sound of amusement. He didn't need to be so thorough, but he enjoyed how relaxed Astarion was in his arms. Once he was certain he'd gotten all the muck out of his hair, he eased a cup of water over his curls, using his hand to keep the soap out of his eyes. He repeated the action a couple times before he was satisfied, smoothing the soaked strands from his face and kissing his widows peak.

"Better?"

"Much." Astarion smiled softly and opened his eyes to look up at the tiefling. "I must say, I much prefer your magical hand to Gale's."

Tar'eon snorted softly.

"I'd hope so." He twisted a curl around his finger and let it lay upon his brow in a ringlet. "How are you feeling? Now that's all...over."

Astarion sighed, looking up at the ceiling with a small frown.

"I'm not quite sure. It feels a little ridiculous, to still be thinking about Cazador. He's gone, and I'm here - I won." He shook his head and closed his eyes. "Yet I'm still left reliving it all. Everything that happened. Playing it over and over in my mind..." Tar'eons hand threaded through his hair once more, and he was grateful for the gentle touch. The reassurance.

"Do you think we did the right thing, freeing all those spawns?" Tar'eon asked. Astarion hadn't been wrong. It was a big risk. For all they knew, most of them would fall to their instincts, their hunger, and kill innocents. At the time, all Tar'eon had seen was those hallowed faces, seen Chessa's sad eyes, begging to go home even as she told him to leave them to rot. He knew giving them the chance to live their own lives was the right thing to do morally, but ethically? If they were wrong about them?

He supposed he'd simply have to carry that burden and keep a close eye on them, once this tadpole business was over.

"I have to hope so. And if not, at least there's only so much damage they can do in the Underdark." Astarion shrugged before smirking to himself. "But that first rush of freedom can be intoxicating - I didn't always make the best decisions when I first tasted it. They'll need guidance." He conceded.

"Are you volunteering for the job?" Tar'eon chuckled. He wouldn't mind spending some time in the Underdark, if that's what Astarion wanted to do. He would gladly enjoy the pretty luminescent environment, despite it's dangers, while Astarion guided the spawn on the right path. Astarion gave an infectious chuckle, obviously amused by the very notion of being a guide to seven thousand socially inept vampire spawns.

"No, much as I'd like to become a lord ruling over the Underdark's vampire spawn, we have unfinished business with the mind flayers."

"And after we wrap that up?"

"After that - who knows? Everything that happened to those spawn is my fault, in a way..." He admitted with a sadder smile this time. "I suppose that's the less convenient side of freedom - having to live with the choices you made." He pursed his lips before hesitating to continue.

"Back at the ritual, all I could see was the power on offer, and the safety it promised. I was so blinded by it..." He gave a small chuckle at the irony of it all. "Just as Cazador was." He sat up properly, turning around in the soapy water to look at Tar'eon.

"But you saw something in me...someone else I could be. Someone who could break the cycle of power and terror that started," He scoffed out a laugh, unable to fathom how long ago it was. "Centuries ago. You saved me back there. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but...I do now." He took Tar'eons hands in his and smiled softly, admiring the faint scars on his knuckles, the patches of white discolouration upon his hands.

"Thank you."

"You saved yourself. All I did was give you a push in the right direction." Tar'eon smiled softly and squeezed his hands. "The ritual - it would have changed you. I'm glad you resisted its temptations."

"So am I." Astarion was honestly a little surprised that he meant it. "Fun as all that power would have been, this feels more...'me'. When I look at my future, anything and everything feels possible now." Even the idea of walking in the sun again once the tadpole was gone felt possible. There was so much to explore now, both inside and around himself.

"And I get to share it with you, as a partner. An...equal." He'd never thought he'd have that. Being on equal ground with another person. Not above or below, but...standing right beside someone. It felt good. "You saved me from myself, and let me walk a new path where I can be free. Truly, honestly free."

The rituals powers would have made him safe, made him powerful, but it would not have freed him. Not like he wanted. He would have trapped himself. It would have been no better than selling his soul to the devil.

"This is a gift, you know." He leaned forward and rested his forehead against his, closing his eyes. Tar'eons arms came around him without having to ask and it made him smile. "Thank you. I won't forget it."

"Being able to share my life with you is just as grand a gift. Thank you." Tar'eon nuzzled his pointed ear and smiled fondly as he guided the man to rest upon his chest, raking his claws through pretty white-silver strands. There was nothing that could make him happier than knowing Astarion was happy too. That they'd have each other to watch their backs. Astarion didn't need some ritual to keep him safe; Tar'eon would gladly protect him with his life.

After a few minutes of basking in the warm water, Tar'eon spoke up softly.

"Astar?"

"Yes, love?"

"I...I just want you to know I promise to keep you safe. Always. You'll never want for the powers of the Ascendant." Astarion made a vague sound, pulling a face as he waved his hand.

"It would be nice not to have to rely on you as my great protector, but, well...I do appreciate the thought."

"I'm not trying to make you out to be a damsel, I promise." Tar'eon chuckled. "I know if it came down to it, you'd have my back in a fight. I know you'd protect me too, with everything you already have. I just...wanted you to know that I'll do everything I can to make you happy. Make you feel safe."

"All I've ever wanted was to be seen, and to not be alone - scared...Tar'eon, you've given me all I've ever wished for, and promised me even more. I don't think there's much else I can ask of you." Astarion tilted his chin up and Tar'eon took the invitation, kissing his lips softly. His bottom lip still stung a little from their 'night of passion'. He didn't mind it though. "You make me happy. I don't want anything else."

He paused.

"Except perhaps a really nice throne, and a couple more daggers for my collection. Maybe a new bow too." Tar'eon snorted and Astarion's lips split into a wide grin, watching the tiefling fall into his shoulder and shake with muffled laughter. "What? I never said I wasn't high maintenance, darling."

Tar'eon let out another laugh, warm and pleasant to the ear.

"No. You didn't, did you? I suppose that's my burden to bare, to keep your pretty face around."

"It is quite nice, isn't it?" Astarion's eyes twinkled. He'd seen his face through Tar'eons eyes more than once now, and he had to say, he may not look as young and handsome as he assumed, but...he did feel beautiful, when he saw himself in Tar'eons perspective.

"The nicest." Tar'eon agreed, cupping Astarion's face with pure adoration on his expression. He pressed a firm kiss to the space between his brows, Astarion relaxing the natural furrow of them when he realised how much tension he was putting there. "The water will get cold soon. I'm still pretty tired, and hungry. I think I might take a nap before I drag myself back out into the city again."

"Ah, and what will you do today?"

"Jaheria wants to find this guildhall to get a lead on an old friend. We might take a peak into the sewers. But there's still all those murders happening in the Lower City..."

"That sounds awful. Do I have to come?"

"You can stay back here today, if you want." Tar'eon offered and Astarion hummed thoughtfully.

"Well...I can't let you get yourself killed while I'm not around, not now. I suppose I'll come." He sighed like it was such a hardship to follow him around. Tar'eon smiled.

"Thank you."

"Oh hush. You, myself, Jaheria and...Lae'zel perhaps, should go investigate the guild. As for the others, I think we should get them scouting the city, collecting information on the murders. We can report back our findings later this evening. Two birds with one stone, so to speak."

"Sounds like a solid plan." Tar'eon smiled. He supposed he didn't have to do everything himself. "We'll cover more ground that way."

"Don't we just make the most excellent pair, my dear?" Astarion smirked as pulled himself up and out of the tub, walking over to the towel rack and drying his hair off. He tied the towel around his waist and ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to style it back into place. Tar'eon watched him from the tub, resting his cheek on his forearm.

"...Was I the first person you ever fed from?" He didn't know why it only struck him now, but it did. Maybe because his gaze kept falling upon the ring of teeth marks on the rouge's neck.

"Ah, well...yes. My diet wasn't exactly humanoid, darling, you know that. Cazador didn't allow it."

"Were you ever tempted though? To bite someone?" The vampire scoffed.

"Of course. I always wanted to, after all it's simply a vampire's nature, to want to feed off living things." Astarion frowned at his sudden curiosity, tilting his head at the other. "Why do you ask?"

"I...I keep having memories come back to me. Most of them don't make sense, not right now, but...I know I killed my family. My foster family, from before. I wonder if they were my first. I wonder if I...felt bad about it, back then. Or if I was so blinded by Bhaal's 'love' that I couldn't feel anything." Astarion took in the tieflings sad expression, his distant, glossy eyes. He sighed softly and came to kneel before the man, tilting his chin up gently so he would look at him. Focus on him, rather than the horrible, scrambled memories making him look like a kicked dog in the rain.

"You know...I tried once before. To bite someone. It was in the early days with Cazador. I couldn't have been with him more than a decade; he didn't let me out of his sight until he was sure I knew the rules. Until he knew I could lure back meals to him without going mad with bloodlust." He gave a weak laugh, shaking his head. "He was, dare I say it, kinder when it was just me. Before he made the others. He was still cruel, but he almost bothered to pretend I was just a clueless child, rather than being his disappointing eldest who should have known better. Not sure what that says about him, grooming his 'child' to be a lure for deviants." He sneered before reminding himself of the point of his story.

"But...eventually, he let me out of the palace to hunt for him. It was...startling, but exhilarating, being out in the world again. Seeing what changed and what hadn't. Back then, I still remembered some of my life before him. The turning...it can sometimes blur stuff, but you can still remember the important things. Maybe it's the shock of death that does it. But, the longer you live, the harder it is to remember it all. I don't remember anything but the barest bones of my past now. My old job title, my mother, the group of Gur who attacked me - I remember them, but I can't see their faces anymore, I can't hear their voices...I can't even remember the case that damned me to their wrath." He looked away, a touch...ashamed of who he once was.

"I can't remember my own mothers smile, or if my father was there at all. Yet I do remember that purple and blue were my favourite colours. I'm still fond of them, even if I look best in red and white." He chuckled, looking down at his hands, picking under his nails before he raised his gaze to meet Tar'eons.

"I don't remember the man I tried to bite either. But I remember how...horrified I was. Because when I leaned in to do it, to taste him...I smelt every other person he knew on him. His life. I could smell the perfume of his wife on his collar. I could smell the fur of his dog on his clothes. The oil that clung to his skin from his job where he was likely the best of the bunch...I could smell spittle of his newborn on his skin. Infants - they have a certain scent that's different to adults, to other children - and I couldn't do it. Not because of Cazador. But because I couldn't bring myself to." He shook his head and sighed. That man was probably long gone now. He was pretty sure he'd lured a different one that night, some drunkard in an alley, most likely.

"If you asked me now, I'd care very little for who I sank my teeth into, as long as they smelt appealing. A meal is a meal, but...It was still fresh back then. I was still...human, in a way. A scared child who didn't want to hurt anyone. Not quite the jaded man I am now." He admitted, smiling tightly. "The night I bit you - it was fuelled by many things. Spite, frustration...and desire to get back at Cazador for telling me I couldn't drink from thinking creatures. From restraining me and my vampiric nature." He gestured vaguely to the grandness of his undead status. It didn't feel so grand anymore. He was a vampire still, but...Tar'eon had managed to bring the man back to the surface. The one that actually cared for others. Who had the ability to love again, not just his friends, but himself. It would be a slow progress, but one day, he wanted to say confidently that he loved himself as much as he loved Tar'eon.

"What do you feel now? When you bite me?" Tar'eon asked softly and Astarion struggled to find the right words.

"I...You taste like wine, and warmth, and...spices I can't remember indulging in but know I have. It's not easy to describe. I suppose you taste of all the things I have a fondness for. The taste alone is delicious, I assure you, but...it's knowing you trust me that makes me so fang-happy around you. That, and you have a very...potent smell to you when you start sweating. Your heart is like a drum when you're excited, and...it's hard to ignore when your pulse only gets louder every time I'm near you."

Tar'eons cheeks grew ruddy, sinking a little deeper in the water.

"Oh. Sorry. I...didn't realise it was that obvious."

"Don't be. I think it's sweet. I have excellent self control...most of the time. So you don't have to worry. I like you far too much to drain you dry, my love."

"I'd hope so. I love you too much to let the Urge have you, so I guess I understand." Tar'eon smiled shyly and reached out to caress the rogue's cheek with his knuckles. "I suppose having your own blood bank always around eases the desire to nibble on others anyway."

"Oh, I still consider it. Shadowheart smells like bloody honeysuckle, who wouldn't want to take a bite of that?" Astarion purred, a twinkle in his eye. "And Wyll? He definitely tastes like righteousness itself."

"You are incorrigible."

"Did you learn that word from Gale, perhaps?" Tar'eon shoved him gently and Astarion laughed, standing. "Come on. Enough overthinking about the past. You're here now, aren't you? You've changed, and for the better from what I've heard. We both have. So don't go tying yourself in knots over things you can't change."

"It's hard not to. I might not remember, but I still did those things. I still...hurt people. A lot of people."

"You may have killed thousands in the past for all I know, but if I've learnt anything from you, it's that all you need is for someone to believe in you, and you can change. You can...be better. You have the chance now, same as I, to make things right. So quit moping and get your head in the game, love. We have a Bhaal cult to stop and an elder brain to kill, and we can't do either without you."

Tar'eon huffed softly and smiled. Astarion always knew what to say when he got wrapped up in his own head. He stood up and finally stepped out of the tube, wrapping Astarion up in his arms so he could squeeze him.

"Thank you."

"Yes, yes, I'm just amazing. Please try to avoid crushing my perfect body though." Tar'eon eased his hold on him and pulled back with a small smile. "It's my best asset."

"I'd disagree." Tar'eon kissed his forehead. "It's your hair." Astarion gave a surprised little giggle at the cheeky response and smacked his chest.

"I told you. I have the best hair in the camp."

"You really do." Tar'eon indulged the vampires ego for his own amusement before kissing his curls and pulling away to grab his own towel, wrapping it around himself. "About your armour - I know we lost it yesterday. I can ask Wyll or Gale if they have something extra in their packs?"

"It's fine, really. I'm sure we'll come across something soon anyway. I'll just wear something with a little extra padding today. Some coverage if we're going into the sewer of all places."

"As long as you're sure."

"I am. Your cloak does wonders anyway at keeping me hidden. If they can't see me, they can't attack me."

"Alright, alright. If we happen upon anything to your taste, just let me know."

"Oh, you know I will." Astarion winked and gave a delighted laugh. Once the pair were dressed, they joined everyone else for breakfast, the druids, Isobel and Aylin finally awake, as well as young Yenna who was attempting to feed Grub some ham.

"I heard you have taken succor in one another's bodies. Congratulations!" Aylin raised her glass to the pair and Tar'eon coughed, choking on his own spit. He hadn't been expecting such a greeting.

"Aylin!" Isobel flushed in embarrassment. Her lover really didn't understand the privacy needed for the topic when it came to speaking about it.

"This is a good thing, is it not?" Aylin frowned. "Physical intimacy is a holy form of expression of one's trust and devotion in another. It is an honour to indulge in another body, especially someone the one you love. We should be celebrating!"

"I don't think I've ever been congratulated for fucking before." Astarion mused. "I agree with you, Dame Aylin, as long as there's good wine in this celebration you're suggesting." He winked at her and laughed when Tar'eon grabbed his arm and dragged him down to sit with him on the cushions surrounding the table. The tieflings ruddy blush was simply delicious. Gale was kind enough to provide Tar'eon with a new plate, freshly heated, without any embarrassing comments.

"Holy honkers, what is on your neck, As?" Karlach gawked at the bite mark, drawing attention to it now. It had been fairly easy to miss when he stumbled in, face stained a faint red from blood anyway.

"Oh? I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, sweet Karlach. Mirrors are of no use to me." He replied coolly and Karlach gaped.

"Tar'eon."

"Please don't say my name like that."

"Soldier, I am shocked." Karlach was an awful liar. She was practically grinning ear to ear at the chance to tease the pair. "I can't believe you'd give As a taste of his own medicine."

"I can." Jaheria muttered as she took a sip of her tea. "Between a vampire and Bhaalspawn, it's safe to say there will be an abundance of teeth to go around."

"What can I say? I'm just that delicious." Astarion gave a haughty laugh and Tar'eon rolled his eyes fondly.

"We thought we'd split up into two groups today." He stated in hopes of changing the topic, popping a mushroom in his mouth. "Jaheria, Astarion, Lae'zel and myself will be heading into the sewers to find some connections in the Guildhall. I was hoping a few of you would volunteer to go out and scout the area for more on the Bhaal cultists and their list."

"Yeah, sure, 'Heart and I will go, right, babe?" Karlach offered and Shadowheart smiled.

"I suppose. If you stay inside too long you'll start eating the floorboards."

"Better than dirt." Astarion smirked. "Any other volunteers?"

"Ah, well, I had planned to pop into the Sorcerous Sundries today..." Gale excused, not sounding entirely truthful as he looked away to pick lint of his pyjamas. "Take a wander, if you will. Speak to an old friend or two."

Wyll glanced at the wizard and then to Tar'eon, giving an apologetic smile.

"I actually need to grab some things in town as well, so I think I'll go with Gale today. Perhaps you'd like to volunteer Halsin? Isobel?"

"I'd be happy to lend a hand, if you ladies need it." Isobel smiled at Karlach and Shadowheart. "It's only a simple scouting mission anyway." He noted, mostly for Aylin's sake.

"I'm afraid I have...duties to attend to." Halsin excused, standing from the table. "I should be off now, if I'm to be honest." Lae'zel who had been sharpening her short sword beside him glared at the druid from the corner of her eye.

"Oh, well, uh - enjoy whatever it is you're doing today?" Tar'eon smiled awkwardly as he watched the druid leave. He had seemed awkward about the city in general. He was probably feeling homesick, away from all the nature and wilderness.

"Alright then, we've got Gale and Wyll on shopping duty I suppose, if you two don't mind grabbing some extra things for all of us. Jaheria, Lae'zel, Astar and myself will go and find more about this Minsc fellow, and Shadowheart, Karlach and Isobel will scout the city for any more survivors on the murder list. Meeting adjourned?" With that sorted, others began to move from the table towards their own bunks to get ready for the day while Tar'eon ate.

"What about me?" Yenna asked and Gale laughed.

"I think it's best you stay here today. Least our wandering come upon any danger. Aylin makes fine company, don't you think?" He gestured to the only one who would not be leaving the Elfsong from his knowledge.

"I can teach you how to break the spine of men in two." Aylin said with fiery eyes and Yenna frowned.

"Um...okay?"

"Excellent. You'll make a fine warrior, little one."

"Please don't teach her violence, Aylin. Uh, keep it to a minimum?" Gale begged, placing a hand on Yenna's head.

"Hmm...I can teach her to use a blade instead?"

"I...I'll take it. Make it a wooden one, please, I really don't think children should be playing with swords."

"Gale, relax, Yenna's in safe hands with Dame Aylin, I promise." Wyll placed a hand on the wizard's shoulder and squeezed to help ease the tension out of him, smiling fondly at Gale's worry. "I'm certain you got up to far worse mischief as a child."

"Yes, but that was me, wizard prodigy and with a father proficient in healing magic. Yenna is not me, and I am not proficient in healing magic. If I was, I wouldn't be carrying around a dozen healing potions all the time." Gale narrowed his eyes at the swordsman who simply shook his head, looking the wizard in those flickering dark eyes.

"Relax." Wyll lowered his voice. "You've been tense ever since Elminster visited. I know you're anxious about...seeing her again."

"It's been years since I've had a proper audience with her. And she wants to tell me- to tell me what exactly? That she's disappointed I'm not dead? I don't know what she wants, but there's no comfort in the idea of seeing her, I tell you that."

"What do you think she's going to say, Gale?" Wyll gently took his brass hand in his beneath the table.

"Well, I doubt it's an apology for asking me to die on her behalf." Gale scowled. "Whatever it is, if it's important enough to send Elminster, we can be damned sure she's serious." He sighed. "This is a conversation long overdue - on both sides. I...owe it to her to hear her out, come what may afterwards."

"Then perhaps it's time to see her. Even if you're scared." Wyll knew what it was like, to both want to see and avoid someone all at once. He wanted nothing more than to speak with his father again, but he was rightfully scared to think about how it might go after the last time.

"I'm not scared; I'm the great Gale of Waterdeep. I fear nothing, and everything fears me." Gale huffed and Wyll smiled.

"Nothing? Not even spiders?" He teased.

"That was one time. They're creepy, alright? Do you know how horrifying it is to walk into a cobweb? The feeling of their silk never leaves your skin." He shuddered.

"All I'm saying is that it's okay to be nervous. You won't be alone, Gale."

"Yes, well...you can't exactly come in to the audience with me. It's kind of a...one on one thing."

"Then I'll be there when it's over. Whatever may come." He assured and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Go, get dressed. I'll wash up."

"I could just do it with magic, you know..."

"A little hands on labour never hurt." Wyll chuckled, shooing the wizard off. He knew the man appreciated it when he did small things like washing up dishes. He may love showing off his magical prowess, but it was the times when Wyll didn't ask for it that he got that soft look in his eyes, like he was being presented with a sweet gift.

"I'll help dry!" Yenna piped up and Wyll grinned at her.

"Alright then. Teamwork is a valiant quality, I say." He offered out his fist and she bumped her own small one against his after a moment, a shy smile on her lips that drew a warm chuckle from his own.

Tar'eon polished off his plate as his armour was dropped over his head. He pulled it down with a huff and attempted to pull his chest plate off, but he'd managed to hook it around his horn. He growled quietly in frustration and Astarion laughed, helping him untangle himself and giving him a quick kiss.

"Lae'zel is itching to go out, I can tell. Your nap will have to wait, I'm afraid." Tar'eon groaned. He could manage, but he didn't like it. "Oh, I know, you poor thing. Look, ask Jaheria nicely, and I'm sure she'll fix that bloodloss of yours, meanwhile, I'll grab you some coffee from downstairs, hm? How does that sound, love?"

"I love you."

"I'll take that as a yes." Astarion chuckled and offering out a white piece of lace to his lover. "For your hair. To keep it out of your face." Tar'eon took the lace and smiled as Astarion kissed his cheek before making his way out of the room to get Tar'eon the coffee he desperately needed. Tar'eon tied the top half of his hair back like he always did and stood, getting into his armour.

Another day of adventures awaited him after all. Who knew what it would bring?

[sanjisprincesswifey]

STOP OH MY GOD YOU’RE THE BEST SANJI WRITER ON THIS WHOLE APP HHKDBKKDBK— I just found your blog and I’m literally obsessed ❤️❤️❤️

Could I maybe request "all you have to do is say yes" with Sanji + she/her pronouns? Never stop being amazing!!!! ❤️

note: anon i am obsessed with YOU! you are so kind, thank you for your sweet words my love<3 hope this sanji fluff is to your hearts content :)

♡: gender neutral reader. 500+ words. sfw content.

you rub your eyes, yawning softly as you stumble around the sunny until you reach the galley. you knew staying up all night in the library reading was a bad idea, and now you’re thirsty and your eyes are burning from being under the reading lamp all night.

the door is slightly ajar when you get there and for a second you fear that luffy had broken through the fridge lock sanji had installed again.

“luffy?” you groan with annoyance, pushing the door open. but no luffy in sight, instead sanji is sitting at the dining room table, candles lit up all around the room along with a fancy meal prepared set out across the table. you notice his hair is slightly disheveled, almost enough to reveal both of his curly brows, and his shirt messily unbuttoned, which was odd since he was so adamant about keeping up his clean image no matter the time of day.

sanji’s eyes widen when he notices that it’s you and to be honest, he would’ve rather had it been luffy or zoro find him like this.

“sanji? what’re you doing? what’s going on?” you ask, stepping into the room.

glancing around at the entire setup, he realizes there are little to no excuses for what he’s doing so late at night with such a fancy meal made. he sighs, taking in a heavy breath before offering you the seat next to him.

“i’ll explain in a second, care to join me?” he suggests, pulling the chair out for you to accept. “we missed you at dinner tonight, my angel.”

with a slight blush, you do so, placing yourself down in the chair. “yeah, i’m sorry, i was so caught up in this book i didn’t want to stop reading it,” you smile, beginning to go on a tangent about your read while diving into the meal he prepared.

sanji dreamily sighs, his head resting in his hand as he stares at you with a love-riddled expression completely engulfed by what you were saying. he doesn’t know what it was, the way the candlelight struck your face, the way you spoke so passionately, but he couldn’t stop the words that left his lips.

“—marry me y/n,” he proudly states, not even asking as a question, but saying it as a statement.

you blink a couple of times; you were caught off guard, so much so that you almost choked on the food. it wasn’t surprising that he asked, he’s asked before all somewhat jokingly, but this time was different. the tone in his voice was so serious, yet so full of confidence. it’s like it was something he knew he wanted.

“what? sanji, what are you—”

“all you have to do is say yes, please y/n.” he begs, getting down on one knee and fumbling to pull out a small velvet ring box.

it makes sense now, the meal, the candles, he was preparing.

“this isn’t how i wanted to ask; i wish i could’ve rehearsed more if i’m being honest. but i don’t want to live another second knowing that you aren’t going to be mine forever,” he affirms, taking your hand to place kisses against the back of it.

“yes, sanji. i’ll marry you,” you assure, a tear slipping down your cheek.

like, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated! (✿◠‿◠)

[jinwoosungs]

{ 92 }

the fairytale.

barnabas tharmr x fem.reader

within the castle settled in the heart of the kingdom of waloed, a dark king walks with a purposeful stride towards his chambers. if anyone were to see the sight of king barnabas tharmr, they would be taken aback by his almost calm and collected state. gone were the heavy set armor that usually decorates his form as he was simply dressed in a soft, linen suit. 

the king was donned from head to toe with the softest fabric, and he could feel his steps echo across the stone floors. he walks with a brisk pace, and if anyone were to truly see him, they would realize that he had a tiny smile adorned all across his features. 

settled on his right arm was a thick tome, one of the king’s favorite novels he enjoyed to read. the story told that of a young man who had lost everything in the midst of the war and somehow managed to overcome each and every form of opposition taken against him; rising up to become a king of a nation against all odds-

barnabas chuckles at the memory of the story, knowing that he found it to be a favorite of his simply because he saw himself within the pages of the novel. and truly, what better way to enjoy such a story of trials and tribulations than with his wife reading such words aloud with the tranquility of her voice?

in mere minutes, he appears before the front of his chambers, the guards he had placed in front of his room both stiffening in response before giving him a bow, “welcome back, king tharmr.” 

he acknowledges them with a grunt, fixing the collar of his shirt while asking in a tone dripping with authority. “is my wife still safe and sound within our chambers?”

“y-yes, of course, sir. the queen is doing quite well. for we have attended to her every need.” 

“hn, as you should.” with a snap of his fingers, he demands the guards take their leave to give him and his wife some privacy. with one final bow, both guards leave, allowing barnabas to enter their shared chambers. 

his fair lady notices his entry almost immediately, with a smile painting her features as she was settled in the midst of the grand bed. the velvet mantle was wrapped around her legs when she settles her own novel to the side all while giving him the gentle smile he loved and adored with a passion. “my beloved king...!” 

barnabas couldn’t help but let out a rich chuckle upon hearing her excited cries of his name. almost a bit too eager to finally be within his maiden’s reach, he crawls atop the mattress, feeling it sink even further with his added weight. keeping the thick tome pressed against his chest, he joins his wife and surges forward, pressing a deep kiss against her willing lips. 

the dark king relishes in her sighs of sweet pleasure, allowing her hands to delve themselves into his hair as he lets out a hoarse whisper of her name. listening to his dear wife let out a string of giggles, barnabas had nearly forgotten about the novel in his hands had it not been for his wife mentioning it. 

in the midst of pulling away from his searing kisses as the need for air became too much to bear, she catches sight of the novel within her husband’s grasp. “oh, were you wanting to read with me, my darling?”

he lets out another grunt, finally remembering the tome in his hand before beckoning her to take it. “huh? m-my king?”

barnabas sighs at her obvious confusion, moving his entire body in a manner so that he was now settled comfortably against her lap with his hands resting across his chest. he closes his eyes and simply tells his wife, “read to me.” 

odin’s dominant didn’t see the way her eyes widen at the thought of reading such a thick tome out loud. “goodness barnabas, are you truly expecting me to read every single page within a mere night?” 

cue another grunt from the dark king, “of course not. i simply wish to hear your voice, is all.” 

the young queen could feel her face become heated at the honesty heard within his voice, placing the book next to her so that she could admire her husband’s features for a brief moment. lightly tracing at the fringes of hair that borders his face, she allows a soft giggle to erupt from her lips. his eyes were still closed, painting his features as a picture of perfect tranquility. whilst her fingertips traced at his rosy red lips, she couldn’t stop the sigh from escaping her as she leans down to press a lingering kiss against them. 

just as barnabas was in the midst of returning her kiss, the maiden pulls away from him with a teasing grin. this makes barnabas open one eye at her, trapping her within his steel blue gaze. “you best stop with your teasings with your husband, lest you wish for him to ravish you instead?”

she rolls her eyes upon hearing the sultry tone in his voice, giving his nose a gentle flick with her fingertips before holding the book barnabas had brought within her hands. “alright, calm down my dear old man, and i shall read to you.” 

with a gentle huff, barnabas closes his eyes once more, ready to listen to every word his maiden read all while cuddling himself closer to her form. 

the queen sighs and opens up the book to the first page, about to read the words printed when an idea struck within her mind. she couldn’t stop the smile from forming on her face as she cleared her throat and began her tale...

------

once upon a time, there lived a powerful king who’s strength was unmatched. he spent his entire life conquering his enemies, allowing them to fall and cower at his feet. the confidence he exuded truly knew no bounds, and he was unstoppable. the king was certain he was able to bring the entire world down to their knees for him if given the chance-

yet, he couldn’t deny this sudden ache that took over his heart. the darkness that he had become so accustomed to seemed to take over the entirety of his form. it left a deep void within his heart, and the king was uncertain what he could do to fill it. 

so he spent the coming years rushing into battle, hoping and praying to the goddesses that such feelings of emptiness would simply go away each time his hands became dyed with the blood of his enemies. his sword would slash away at the soldiers who dared go against him, piercing through even their thickest of armors in response. 

perhaps what happens next was simply due to a miscalculation on his part. in the midst of battle, he had become so focused on the scent of metal and blood that filled his senses, his heart pounding with adrenaline as the darkness seemed to consume him. 

as he rose his blade for what had to be the millionth time, his senses alerted him to an incoming enemy from behind, and just as he faced the soldier who dared attack him in such an unsavory manner-

he felt their spear pierce through the lower half of his abdomen. 

the pain was immediate, becoming so sharp and prominent as it took his very breath away. yet despite how dire his injury was, the king still managed to pierce through the enemy with his fabled sword. 

he was gasping then, knowing that he could not stay in battle a moment longer as he used the last bit of his strength to walk away from the war. his eyes were becoming heavy as his breathing became even more labored. with each step he takes, he could feel his strength leaving his body as the exhaustion weighs down heavily against his veins. 

when he found himself in what looked like the middle of a forest, the king allows himself to fall forward, his armor landing with a heavy thud against the grassy terrain as he was surrounded with the forest trees looming over him. 

what a lonely way to die, the king muses to himself, feeling his eyelids grow heavier and heavier by the minute before succumbing to his exhaustion, allowing his consciousness to fall deep into oblivion...

“are you alright?” 

the king hears a soft voice calling out to him, rousing him from his deep slumber as he allows his eyes to steadily open. he groans, finding his form settled on top of a tiny bed as a young woman appears before him. 

her lips were turned downwards in a frown as she gently lay her hand against his injured abdomen. “please do not strain yourself. it took me a great effort to help with tending to your wound.”

he lets out a grunt, running a hand through his hair whilst he asked her where he was. 

“you are within the comfort of my cottage, sire.”

the king looks down at his form, finally realizing that he was left in his pants as the entirety of his upper body was left bare for the fair maiden’s eyes alone. covering his wound was a tightly wound piece of cloth, steadily becoming dyed red as evidence of the blood that seeped from his skin as it slowly began to heal. trailing his gaze towards the corner of the room, he sees that his dark armor was settled off to the side, seemingly washed of all the bloodshed as the young maiden clearly took enormous efforts to care for it.

the mere sight of it was enough to send a surge of warmth to course through the dark king’s veins. 

her hands suddenly reach out to touch at his face, forcing him to return his attention back to the woman. her gasp upon meeting his gaze truly was endearing, and the king found himself wanting to drown within the gentle hues of her gaze. “ah, m-my apologies for staring, f-for i have never seen someone as dashing as you before.” 

“is that so?” a surge of confidence was felt coursing through him as he kept his deep blue eyes on her form, feeling his strength steadily returning as he takes a hold of his maiden- nay, his savior’s hands before pressing a gentle kiss against the back of it. 

with a husky voice, he begs her to relinquish her name to him, to which she responds with a slight stutter in her voice. basking in the sound of her name, the king meets with her wide eyed gaze, clutching her hands within his all while telling her, 

“as payment for your kindness- for you saving me, i will take you back to my kingdom as my queen. 

make no doubt about it.” 

and despite the way the maiden’s heart was beating so painfully from within the confines of her chest, she knew that the dark king spoke so many truths-

for she had never felt so happy before in her entire life. 

it was in that moment that she gives him a silent vow, forever promising to remain by his side in sickness and in health, until death do they part. 

------

she completes her tale then, shutting the novel now, for there was no need to continue on with her ruse. 

wanting to see the expression on barnabas’s face, she looks down and was delighted to see him clearly looking away from her. he seemed abashed, with a hint of pink dyeing his cheeks as he hid his lips behind the palm of his hand. 

the queen lets out a coo of his name, gently teasing him as she ran her hands across his midnight locks of hair. “did you enjoy my fairytale?” 

barnabas lets out a huff, still not meeting his wife’s playful gaze when he tells her, “that was no fairytale, that was the moment you and i first met.” 

she lets out a hum in agreement, leaning down to press a lingering kiss against his forehead, “aye, you’re correct sire. that was also the moment i fell in love with you at first sight.” 

with her hands still gently running across his soft strands of hair, she waits for her husband to say something, anything in response to the start of their love story. yet still, barnabas refuses to meet her gaze, seeming to bury himself even deeper against her lap. the young queen sighs, believing that her old man was truly upset with her for not actually reading the story contained within the thick tome. 

letting out a sigh of defeat, she opens the book once more, “alright alright, i apologize for teasing you, my love. i shall go on and begin reading the true first page of-”

detecting his growl of her name, she suddenly finds herself pressed against their shared mattress as her beloved king tosses the novel to the side. “forget the damn book, i could care less about such a tale when i’ve got my own happily ever after within my arms.”

barnabas completes his passionate words with yet another searing kiss on her lips, eliciting a soft moan of his name in response. as barnabas settles himself between her legs whilst fisting at the skirt of her deep navy blue dress, he hoarsely tells her of his undying love, promising to always cherish her before proceeding to worship her form until dawn-

and truly, there was nowhere else the young queen of waloed would rather be than trapped beneath her king’s embrace ♡

a.n. - if no one else will shower my dark king with the love he oh so deserves, then so be it. i will do it for him 😤

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[firstdegreefangirl]

Santa Baby

Theme: Day Two - Santa Hat @12daysofchristmas

Fandom/Character(s): Tim Bradford/Lucy Chen (The Rookie)

Word Count: 1281

Ao3 link here!

“Alright, no, you’re right. No, no I’m not upset, it’s not your fault. We’ll … figure something out. You just focus on feeling better. I’ll check in later, OK?” James finishes the conversation, hangs up his phone, and sighs.

“What was that all about?” Grey asks. “Sure didn’t sound like good news.”

“Will? The guy who was going to be Santa for the toy drive this afternoon? He’s got food poisoning. Something about a Tinder date and a hole-in-the-wall sushi place.”

“So we have … a toy drive, and Christmas cookies, but no Santa Claus?”

“Right.”

“That is … sub-optimal.”

“We’ll figure something out,” James repeats. “There are a few other people I can call.”

And call them he does. But two last-minute vacations, a sick dog, a classroom holiday party, and a partridge in a pear tree later, he’s hanging up yet another phone call.

“That’s it. That’s the last volunteer whose holiday plans I didn’t already know about. There’s … no one. We’ve got an empty Santa suit, and no Santa.”

“What about no Santa?” Tim raps his knuckles against the doorframe and steps into the sergeant's office.

“Will’s sick. He can’t be Santa this afternoon, so we’re trying to figure out how to fill his … boots.” James chuckles, and Grey looks Tim up and down.

“Actually … James, I only met Will once or twice, but could we find someone else of a … similar size?”

“Now that you mention it …" James sizes him up too, nodding slowly.

Tim figures out what they’re suggesting, and takes a step back.

“No,” he says, eyes wide. “Absolutely not. I’m supposed to be handing out the free cocoa. I can’t do that if I’m sitting across the room hearing Christmas wishes.”

“We can put Smitty on cocoa duty,” Grey waves his hand dismissively. “He can handle it.” Tim raises an eyebrow. “We’ll … put Thorsen with him. It’ll be fine. What we need is someone the right height for Santa’s pants.”

“And you think I’m the guy to pull it off?”

“I do. You’re what, 5’11?”

“6’1,” Tim mutters. “But you’re saying I give off ‘jolly old elf’ vibes? ‘Cap on head, suit that’s red, special night, beard that’s white?’”

“We’ve got the suit. Might be a little loose around the middle, but I’m sure we’ve got your … padding … from Vegas around here somewhere.”

“Sarge.” He knows he’s whining now, but he doesn’t care. “Really?”

“Come on, Bradford.” James steps forward, drawing himself as close as he can to Tim’s height. “It’s for the kids.”

“Yeah, Tim,” Grey echoes. “Do it for the kids.”

--

Lucy stands behind a card table, obnoxiously oversized plastic gloves on both hands. Every time she reaches for a cookie, they crinkle, and it’s worse than nails on a chalkboard.

“Mrs. Elf Lady?” The child in front of her can’t be more than 5 or 6 years old. “Can I have the pink and green one?”

“With the swirls on it?” She nods. “You sure can!” Lucy reaches for the cookie on the tray, but she’s feeling blindly because a flash of bright red velvet across the room catches her attention. She finds the cookie, wraps it in a napkin and holds it out.

“Mrs. Elf Lady?”

“Hmm?”

“This isn’t the swirly one. Why are you watching Santa? Are you on the naughty list?”

“Oh! Um …" She looks down, switching the swirled cookie with the ornament-frosted one she’s holding. “I’m sorry, honey. I’m watching Santa because … Mrs. Claus told me to make sure he doesn’t get a sunburn all the way in California, and I’m trying to make sure he looks alright.”

“Oh, OK.” She shrugs. “I’m gonna go tell him I want a bike-cycle. I can look and report back.”

“That would be … tell you what, let’s make it a super-secret mission, OK? Santa doesn’t know I’m helping Mrs. Claus out, so you can’t tell him, OK?”

The little girl nods seriously. “I’ll be like a spy!”

“Sounds like a plan.” Lucy holds her hand out for a high-five, and the girl skips off with her mom.

She forgets about the interaction almost as soon as it’s over. Between passing out cookies, she’s watching Santa, who’s obviously Tim wearing a red suit and fur-trimmed hat, complete with a fake beard.

He was supposed to be cocoa duty, Lucy thought, at the table next to her. But Smitty and Thorsen are manning the beverages, and neither of them know anything about the reassignment when Lucy asks.

All afternoon, she watches Tim hold babies, smile patiently with teenagers posing for goofy pictures, let toddlers babble on like he’s got any idea what they’re saying. He lets bigger kids clamber up onto his lap and tug at the pompom on his hat, but doesn’t try to push the shy ones.

Lucy stifles a laugh when a young father demonstrates how Santa’s Lap is supposed to work, sitting on top of Tim in a futile effort to get his son to follow suit (the child stays by the young woman who came in with them, wrapped tightly around her leg). She can see Tim’s face from across the room, the patience wearing thin behind his eyes as he passes a miniature candy cane to the woman, who hands it down to the little boy.

A few families behind them in line is a teenage boy, presumably holding hands with his little sister (if the way she keeps shouting “Bubby! Look, Santa! Is any indication). When they get to the front, she loudly asks him to sit beside her for the picture. Lucy can’t hear his response, but he shakes his head and she asks again. She watches Tim say something, then give a hearty – probably fake – laugh and pat his other knee. The teen tries to protest again, but Tim interrupts him. This time, he winks, and the boy settles for squatting down beside him. It must be good enough for his sister, because Nolan takes the picture and they move on.

They haven’t been dating very long, but Lucy would be lying if she didn’t admit that there’s something foresightful about watching Tim interact with children.

As the celebration winds down, Lucy starts packing away the leftover cookies. She wraps a few up to take home to Tamara, but most of them will go in the breakroom for everyone to nibble at over the holidays. She’s just closed the last plastic carton when she feels someone come up beside her.

“Saw you watching Bradford all night.” Lucy tries not to let the disappointment show on her face when she turns around. She loves Angela, sure, but there’s someone else she’s been hoping to talk to. “It surprised me too. He's not really the guy you’d expect to get along with kids, huh?”

Lucy chuckles, thinking back over the two years she’s spent riding along with Tim. Even before today, she’s watched him throw footballs and talk through family drama and hand out police badge stickers from the roll in the back of the shop. Maybe Angela’s right, at face value: looking at him, no one would guess that he’s got a soft spot for the little ones. But looks can be deceiving, and Lucy knows better.

Of course, she can’t say that. Not yet, anyway, when they haven’t told anyone about the conversation they had in Grey’s office a few weeks ago. They’re getting there, building on the foundation they’ve created with stolen moments and quiet evenings sharing Tim’s couch. In due time, they’ll let everyone know. Maybe then Angela will understand why Lucy has been so amused today.

But in the meantime, she just smiles and shakes her head wistfully.

“Must be a Christmas miracle.”

[what-a-strange-creature--moved]

Slow Dance

Bella x Jacob | AU - No Cullens Word Count: 2,645 | Rating: G, no warnings Summary: At her father's insistence, Bella agrees to go to prom with an old friend. A/N: I think this is my favorite one so far. 💘 Written for day three of my February writing challenge previous | next (18+) Read on AO3

It started with Charlie, of all people.

“I just wanna make sure you’re not missing out on anything,” he’d told me, as if that would be enough of an explanation to cool my rage. I still don’t know what he was thinking, arranging for me to go to prom without even asking me first.

“I just can’t believe you’d do something like this. It’s my life! It’s not fair!” I hadn’t yelled at my dad like that since I was a kid and I knew how petulant I sounded as the words left my mouth.

The argument we had that night two weeks ago had been fiery and, ultimately, pointless. Part of his plan had been to find a date for me — because I certainly wasn’t going to ask anyone myself — which led him right to the door of an old friend. Jake was more than happy to accompany me to prom, and with someone else so excitedly involved… well, I couldn’t slam the brakes on the whole operation now, could I?

Now that the day is here though, I could imagine all the things I would rather be doing instead of dolling myself up. I could be rereading a book for the millionth times. I could be doing laundry. Researching colleges to apply to in the fall. Talking to Mom on the phone, thanking her over and over for never putting me in a situation like this.

As I finish curling my hair, I stare at myself in my bathroom mirror, harshly, critically. A medium-sized burn radiates heat and blooms brightly on my neck beneath my left ear. My makeup, painstakingly applied on my own, will certainly pale in comparison to the other girls I’ll see, who I’m sure went to a department store to have it done by a professional. So unused to formal clothing, I decided I would put my dress and shoes on before starting on my face and hair, just so I could get comfortable in it, but now my feet are aching and my body itches everywhere the fabric touches.

My dad better hope this will all be worth it.

“You almost done, Bells?” Charlie calls from the living room. “You kids’ll need to leave soon.”

“Be down in a minute,” I yell back as I yank the curling iron’s cord from the wall. I run my fingers through my hair, spraying some hairspray in short bursts like Mom taught me. Some of the strands still clump together, but overall it’s not my worst attempt.

I take a step back and really take it all in, looking between the sink mirror and the full-length mirror on the bathroom door. When I picked out my prom dress, I’d been feeling very dramatic and angry, only a couple days off from my argument with Charlie. I chose a black velvet dress that sweeps the floor and hugs my body in a way I’m not entirely comfortable with now. In the store, I liked the deep, dark purple floral pattern that covered it, but in this dingy lighting, it looks too much like old lady wallpaper. This all goes without mentioning the thin straps and the low neckline — I really don’t know what I’d been thinking.

Honestly though, I don’t look too different than I normally do. Kind of. Maybe a little paler than usual while wearing such dark colors. And the black eyeliner is a little intense…

Oh boy.

I brush my hair over my shoulders, partly covering my face, and hope that’s enough to make me feel more like myself; at least I have a place to hide.

“Are you trying to skip out on taking pictures with me?” Jake yells up the stairs. “Because I think you might get your wish.”

“Shut up, I’m ready!” I laugh, and it’s enough to finally get me to leave the bathroom.

Here goes nothing.

//

I didn’t get to avoid having my picture taken. Charlie and Billy snapped a couple of Jake and I in the living room, a candid one as he tied the corsage around my wrist and one of us posed, our arms loosely around each other’s waists. My smile felt strained in spite of my best efforts, but Jake exuded such confidence that I’m sure the photos will turn out at least half alright.

And though we pull into the venue’s parking lot a few minutes after prom had kicked off, we still manage to catch the photographer as he takes pictures of the couples going into the building. Once again, I can only guess how the photo will turn out, how much of an evident contrast there will be between Jake and I simply because he’s more comfortable in his own skin than I could ever imagine being myself.

“I’m surprised Forks High was willing to shell out the money for a place like this,” Jake says lowly, so close that his breath tickles my ear. I shiver, then sweep my hair over my shoulder, a curtain of separation.

I turn my head, leaning in so I can speak just as quietly.

“My friend Jess told me the prom committee had to do a lot of fund raising. It looks great, though.” Apparently, it had taken an unreasonable amount of convincing for the school board to approve a Paris-themed prom at a local private venue instead of using the school gym like every other year. Somehow, they pulled it off.

“Is this anything like the dances back in Arizona?” he asks, nudging my side with his elbow.

I smile up at him. “I wouldn’t know.”

Then I take a step away from him as I lead him toward the table my friends are seated at near the DJ booth.

Ever since I walked down the stairs at my house, I’ve noticed a difference in Jake.

He hasn’t said too much about the way I look, which is both a relief and a worry. A relief because I don’t want any attention drawn to myself, but I worry because I still feel like I look ridiculous.

At first sight, all he did was smile that broad smile of his and say, “Nice dress.”

Which Charlie followed up with, “Kind of showy, though,” before I could respond.

I could feel how red I turned as I stood at the base of the stairs, arms crossed over my chest.

Eventually, Billy said consolingly, “You look very nice, Bella,” and I mumbled, “Thanks,” and then we moved on to the exchange of flowers.

Since then though, Jake has found every reason to be much closer to me than he ever has been. When he speaks, it’s soft and close to my ear. When I move, he moves as if he’s a shadow, attached to me. Each time I stumble — an inevitable thing when I wear nice shoes, no matter how short the heel is — he grabs my arm or waist and balances me again, whether or not I need the help.

It’s new. It’s… interesting. I try to maintain a little distance, but it doesn’t feel right to tell him to back off. He’s not bothering me or anything.

“Well, well, well, look who it is!” Mike says as Jake and I walk up to the table. He has an arm slung over Jessica’s shoulder, but I catch the quick elevator glance he gives me. Sometimes I want to smack him. “Bella and… uh, the La Push guy. What’s your name again?”

I open my mouth to respond, but I’m beat to the punch.

“It’s Jacob.” As he speaks, Jake pulls out a chair then gestures for me to sit down. I take the seat, blessedly next to Angela. She smiles excitedly at me, tells me she loves my dress and hair, and her infectious energy has me smiling back and complimenting her, too.

“Oh yeah, I totally forgot,” Mike says, though from the way he says it, it doesn’t really seem like he’d forgotten. “And how do you know Bella? I can’t remember.”

“Our dads are friends,” Jake replies as he sits down beside me. “We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

“That’s right, that’s right,” Mike says, nodding as if he’s working through the information. “But it’s been a while since you’ve seen each other?”

I glance over at Jess to find she’s already looking at me. She seems just as confused as me, though I can tell by the hard line of her mouth that she wants Mike to stop talking. I hope she can see in my eyes that I want the same thing.

For his part, Jake appears unfazed. His hands are clasped on the table, the sleeves of his white button-up rolled to the elbows. He looks at Mike for a long moment, then says, “You don’t have a very good memory, do you?”

Mike scoffs, stammers a bit, looks around at the rest of us, but there’s no way for him to recover. Tyler and Lauren tease him openly while Jess drops her head into her hands. I try to hold my laughter in, covering my mouth with my hand, and I look over to see Angela doing the same.

“God, Mike, stop being weird,” Jess says, slapping his shoulder with her clutch. “Let’s dance.”

Then she drags him out of his seat as the opening notes of an upbeat pop song shake the room. Lauren and Tyler follow suit, leaving me to talk with Jake and Angela for a while. Now freed of any strange tension, it’s fun to joke around and people-watch with them. It’s easy to forget how much I’d been dreading this.

After a few songs, Angela leaves to join Eric at the DJ booth, and then it’s just Jake and I at the table, a comfortable silence settling between us.

I take a moment to really look at him for the first time tonight. His button-up and black dress pants are simple and well-worn. He didn’t wear a suit jacket and the deep purple tie he’d came in with as well as the boutonniere I’d pinned on him are now abandoned on the table. I look at his long, shiny hair and warm skin, and I’m struck with a sense of affection I can’t place.

I think back to days when we were kids on the pier of a lake, me running from him as he tried to put bait worms down the back of my shirt. I fought hard to put a stop to those summers in Forks with Charlie, but when I recounted the highlights from those years, Jake was there for most of them.

Maybe that’s where the flutter in my chest is coming from: it’s nice to remember someone so fondly and, years later, be fond of them still.

After a moment, Jake looks over at me, his grin widening when our eyes meet.

“Are you having a good time?” he asks, brows raised. He sounds a little skeptical.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“From what I’ve heard, you reeeeally don’t want to be here.”

I grimace, then shake my head, turning away from him.

“That’s true,” I mumble. “I don’t normally do things like this.”

He leans in toward me, close enough that he curls an arm around the back of my chair to support himself. Once again, I’m struck by his proximity. I can smell the cologne he’s wearing and I’ve only seen him a handful of times since coming back to Forks, so I have no way of knowing if he’s the type of guy that wears cologne all the time or if it’s just for tonight, but it’s masculine and warm.

“Do things like what?” he asks, and it takes my brain a moment to catch up to our conversation.

“Um, well, I don’t really get dressed up or go out with… people,” I say, flushing. “And I definitely don’t dance.”

He frowns, tilts his head. “Why not?”

I scoff. “I’m too much of a klutz for that. Plus, it’s not my thing.”

“Oh, c’mon,” he teases, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. I jump at the skin-on-skin contact. “How do you know it’s not your thing if you don’t try?”

“The klutz thing kind of answers that for me,” I respond. “Unless you want to see me flail all over the place.”

“You won’t flail all over the place.”

“You just want to point and laugh at me,” I tease, crossing my arms in a put-on huff. “And here I thought we were friends.”

He gives me a long look, his teeth digging into his lip. I wait for what he might say next, watching his mouth for his next joke. No other reason.

“I won’t laughing at you, Bella,” he says, his voice that same quiet, low tone, somehow perfectly audible despite the thumping of the music. “I promise.”

I don’t know what to say next, suddenly sharply focused on Jake’s hand, his cupping my shoulder, and his dark brown eyes and his cologne. Lost as I am, I’m aware that I don’t know what to make of this feeling at all. I’m never in situations like this with a boy. Every “date” I’ve been on has been slapped together for me, but this is the only time I’ve been relaxed enough to not look for a way out. Maybe it’s Jake’s natural affability, or maybe it’s the fact that I just know him, but my level of comfort makes me feel as if I’m about to shiver out of my seat. I hope I’m not actually shaking as much as I feel like I am.

Jake seems more alert than I am currently. His chin lifts and his eyes pull away from mine.

“Oh, here’s a good song,” he says. That’s when I hear the change that’s taken place: a slower tempo, a softer melody. Couples on the dance floor hold each other close and begin to sway back and forth.

Jake stands, holds out a hand to me.

“Come on,” he says, then smiles widely. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

I give him a half-glare, one without any ire behind it — I’m sure if I pressed the issue enough, he would back off — but I grab his hand and let myself be led away from my safe little corner.

In a choice that feels only slight purposeful, Jake stops near Mike and Jess, who are spinning in a tight, absent circle not looking at each other, then turns to face me. He places one hand on my waist while the other brushes my hair back over my shoulders, away from my face. It’s a move I don’t expect, my face flooding with heat.

When his other hand finds my waist, I place my hands on his shoulders and we begin to dance.

After a moment, he says, “See? No flailing.”

“We’re barely doing anything.”

“Were you expecting a waltz?”

“Maybe.”

He huffs a laugh, rolls his eyes. Then, in another move I don’t expect, he pulls me closer to him. I look up into his face, so kind and familiar. I feel the way his chest moves as he breathes, a inch of two away from mine. I don’t know how long this song has been playing or how many minutes are left in it, but time feels a little irrelevant all the sudden.

Jake opens his mouth with a quick breath, then closes it. I hum, give him a questioning look, but he shakes his head.

“What?” I ask, brows furrowed. I’ve never known him to second-guess something he wanted to say, at least to me.

He holds my gaze for a moment, grinning shyly.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” he says. Soft. Low.

The smile that grows on my face is hundred-watt, but I can’t help it.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Perfect.