#also i drank too much iys fine

[sunmisbf]

i just watched the low low music video again n i started crying this is how unstable i am rn

[catscidr]

NEED MORE OFFICE DOTTORE PLEAAAAADE HBAUBGUDUHFIBOND

i. note — he’s my guilty pleasure im sry i js CRAVE this mf twenny four/seven ദ്ദി ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ ) </3 ii. includes — dottore, afab! reader but no gendered pronouns are used iii. cw — im rambling again heyyy what's new. office setting/modern au, dottore is kinda creepy, implied stalking, obsessive behaviour, their feelings are mutual but dottore comes off too strong and reader is a bit dense, mention of periods, drinking/alcohol, implied drugging (but nothing happens). this sounds bad but its tame he's just a weirdo with a crush and is weird about said crush Trust Me

thinking about office senior! dottore using his status in the company to butt in and work on projects that you’ve been assigned. him slowly but surely worming his way into your life ever since he got a taste of you, unable to let you just be a fling, a one-time thing. he just has to ruin you in every way

he would definitely be sooo aware of your steadily blooming crush on him and would use it against you to then tease you to hell and back. this man knows how to toy with people! he’ll most definitely toy with you!!!

lingering touches bordering on unprofessional but still friendly if you squint, going out of his way to ask your opinion on things during a crowded meeting n putting you on the spot, stepping into the elevator at the same time as you to trap you n initiate small talk……

of course said “small talk” is always… a little weird… when it’s with zandik. he doesn’t talk about the weather, stocks, or whatever mundane task you were working on right before you went on lunch break.

no, he’ll talk about things he shouldn’t know about you, things he’d only know if you told him about them, or things that are just a little too… personal? but maybe you’re being a little uptight. maybe you just… don’t remember telling him some things about yourself. it’s not like he’s talking about anything super outrageous or controversial anyways, it’s fine.

“eating instant noodles every day for dinner isn’t good for you, it’s most likely the reason why you get such bad cramps during your cycle. i would recommend adding some leafy greens to your servings at the very least, or some tofu to help with your iron intake.”

what a weirdo…. but hey, he’s kinda right, maybe you should eat more balanced meals so you don’t keel over anytime soon.

office senior! dottore also often does creepy things but in a nice way? if that makes sense?

for example, when the team is brought out for drinks to celebrate another successful project, he’ll make sure to be the only one sitting next to you. you’ll be squished against the wall and his shoulder, beer in hand, your cheeks burning from the alcohol and the proximity between you two

he’ll keep an eye on you and your alcohol tolerance, but not in the way you think he will. he’ll encourage you to drink more, “you seem tense. here, here’s a refill” he’d say in that smooth voice of his. “oh? you’re stumbling on your words, are your nerves still acting up? have my drink.”

and once you get to the point where you’re leaning over the table, head resting on your arms, only then will he start to actually take care of you.

he’ll place one hand on your back, rubbing soothing circles to help ground you from your dizziness. scold you for drinking so much, all while everyone else at the table glances at you with concern (or as much concern as other drunk and tipsy coworkers can muster)

“you shouldn’t have drank so much if you knew your alcohol tolerance was this poor.”

and the shadow of a smile on his face will turn into something more sinister when you frantically get up to rush to the bathroom. you immediately stumble to the floor, dizzy and disoriented. too dizzy and disoriented.

he’ll catch you before you fall as coworkers express their concern for you, only then noticing how bad your state had gotten now that face-planting directly onto the tatami floor of the bar was a feasible outcome

a chorus of surprised “woah!”’s and “are you okay?” ring out, conversations growing quieter as everyone stares at the stoic, scary superior holding up the rookie that got completely plastered at a work event. some are silently judging, but most are ogling zandik

your cubicle neighbor and work buddy gets up from her seat, stumbling on her way to help you stand up. though she had indulged you in gossip about him before, something about him holding your suspiciously drunk body up made alarm bells ring in her head.

“i’ll take them home,” he declares, voice colder than ice. no one really notices the hostility in his tone, too tipsy themselves to notice zandik’s obvious favouritism towards you. “enjoy the rest of your night.”

...and he diligently brings you to your flat, catching you before you stumble on your feet and trip over nothing. the trip was a struggle for the both of you, though more so for you than for him considering he had anticipated this outcome. maybe next time he should reconsider before giving you so much to drink.

[vamprlestat]

crazy what happens when you get inspired. expanding further on the whole messy eater vampire iii and inspired by these (here and here) amazing sketches by @simpleapparition, have a little fic about the first time vampire III fed on someone!

i also posted it on ao3!

The rich and warm taste of pure life filled III’s mouth overpowering his senses at the first bite. He clutched the pliant body closer in his embrace sucking the thick liquid with vigor, feeling the once strong heartbeat go fainter and fainter at the tip of his tongue the more he drank.

Euphoria soon followed as blood filled his stomach. Energy like no other he ever felt before spread through his whole body and for a few moments nothing else mattered except getting more of the precious blood into his mouth. III’s recently deceased heart jumped frenetic in his chest pumping all the new blood in his veins. Amongst everything, III was almost surprised to notice the strong pleasure coiling in his gut.

III opened his eyes briefly to look at Vessel and II. The first one did nothing to hide how much he enjoyed watching III feeding, pupils so dilated his eyes looked black, either from the sight in front of him or the smell of blood heavy in the air. II fondly rolled his eyes.

He knew he was making a mess, could feel the blood dripping past his lips into his chin and neck, soiling his clothes. In the back of his mind, he felt II’s slight disapproval. You’re wasting precious food. III couldn’t care less. He welcomed another mouthful of blood, purposefully more than he could drink, and revelled in the feeling of more of the warm sticky fluid staining his skin.

Too soon, he noticed that the heartbeat that previously thundered in his ears had now gone very quiet, the flow of blood not quite as strong as before. 

Savoring the last few sips of blood he could suck, III slowly lowered the body to the ground and finally unclasped his sharp teeth from the cold and deathly pale neck. His stomach was full and he felt warm and fuzzy, his limbs heavy. Kneeling there, he looked up.

“So… How did I do?”

There was blood everywhere, he noticed, even on the ground. III was absolutely covered in it as he stared at the other two expectantly, hazy eyes glowing in the dimly lit room. He brought his fingers to his mouth, lazily licking the crimson stains, savoring the taste in his tongue.

Vessel went down on his knees and took his mouth in a hungry kiss, eager to feel III’s taste mixed with blood. III gave in to the kiss easily, welcoming Vessel enthusiastically, that pleasant feeling still all over his body. He eventually broke the kiss and looked at II, remembering the early disapproval.

II simply shook his head. “You lack some… finesse.”

“Nonsense, don’t listen to him. That was so hot.” Vessel kissed a trail down III’s neck, lapping on the blood there.

“Fine! It was. Very hot. How do you feel, III?”

“Amazing. Really fucking full. Like I just ate an entire roasted chicken.” He laughed delightedly as Vessel chuckled and sucked a mark in the flesh between his neck and shoulder.

“Impressive, since you wasted at least half of it. Such a messy vampire.”

“Hey!”

II laughed and joined the other two on the floor. He grabbed III’s chin in his hand, turning his face slowly to analyze the mess of blood on his skin. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

[foolishpensandidioticink]

Harry Potter Characters + Love Languages

I recently saw a theory which posited that we receive affection in the form we lacked during childhood and that we express love the way we received it. It made a lot of sense to me and I thought it would be cool to do something with it. I recently saw a theory which posited that we receive affection in the form we lacked during childhood and that we express love the way we received it. It made a lot of sense to me and I thought it would be cool to do something with it.

Part II

Fred Weasley

Expressing

Quality Time

The Weasleys spend a lot of time together. Like, a lot. In fact, Fred sometimes thinks it's too much!

Because of this, though, he wants to be around you as much as possible.

Very clingy. He's the type to hug you and not let go for the next fifteen minutes, and an innocent kiss on the cheek from you can turn into an hours-long makeout session. If you're stupid enough to cuddle him you will not emerge until the next day, if then. He will literally wrap himself around you to prevent any chance of escape.

He will force you to attend his quidditch practices, and he will force you to wear one of his Gryffindor sweaters.

Shows off ridiculously whenever you attend a practice.

After practice, Fred swoops down on his broom to where you're sitting in the stands. "How's it going, gorgeous? Your champion has returned," he grins. You smile playfully at him. "Champion? It looked to me like George was doing most of the work." Fred gasps with indignation. "Your accusations wound me!" "Forgive me, Freddie," you say sarcastically, "Whatever can I do to make it up with you?" "Come for a ride with me. We can be like on of those old witches and her cat. You can be the cat," he adds. You roll your eyes. "Fine, but if you drop me I'm telling your mum.

Receiving

Words of Affirmation

As we know, Molly and the twins have had a *complicated* relationship.

She compares them to their siblings quite a lot, and I see that becoming a problem for them.

In Fred it manifests as excessive bravado covering low self esteem and/or insecurity about his intelligence.

This is why I think he melts a little when you praise him.

He'll put on a smug face but inside he kinda wants to cry.

It doesn't even have to be a lot, one day you nonchalantly go, 'Nice work, Fred. You get it right every time.' and he fucking passes away.

"You're a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for." Fred stills over his latest gimmick. "What?" "Feels like you don't appreciate yourself enough sometimes," you reply, not even looking up from your book. "You're so creative, and I think it's cool." He swallows hard, and it takes him a moment to come up with a suitably cavalier response. "You're right. I should have a bigger ego."

Hermione Granger Expressing

Acts of Service

We don't really get to learn much about Hermione's childhood, so we can't draw conclusions there. However, we can look at the way she treats her friends for clues.

She does Ron and Harry's homework a lot, and she makes Ron a schedule without any reason to, other than affection. She also spends hours in the library researching things in order to help Harry.

I like to think that Hermione would find out your specific learning style and then meticulously craft a study schedule suited to your precise needs.

Constantly checks up on you. Have you had something to eat? Have you drank water today? Are you warm enough? A little overbearing, but in the best way possible.

"Hermione, I'm fine," you grumble. "There's no need to be worried." "I'm not," she protests, face heating up. "I'm sorry if I'm irritating you, I just want to make sure your cold doesn't get worse." "It won't even have the opportunity," you assure her. "Not with you taking such good care of me. I appreciate it, truly I do." "Best start acting like it," she sniffs, turning away huffily. But you can tell, behind that cloud of golden-brown hair, she's smiling.

Receiving

Words of Affirmation

This one seems kind of obvious, right?

For the first three books, Hermione is described as plain and a bit of a pain. She also has a mildly abrasive manner which I think causes most people to feel ill at ease around her.

To summarize, I don't think Hermione receives many compliments, at least not from her peers.

So if you were to praise her, she would be putty in your hands.

She reacts in a very salient manner, stumbling over her words, false and performative annoyance, refusing to make eye contact, fidgeting.

"Ah, here she comes, the brightest witch of her age," You exclaim as Hermione comes down the stairs towards you. "Miss Granger, sorceress supreme, enchantress eximius, tell me, how does it feel to be near divine?" "I-that's not-no-I-Oh, you," she sputters finally. You give her a shit-eating grin. "There's another thing I love about you: your ability to form coherent sentences." "Oh, shut it," Hermione says, taking your arm. "All this sweet talk and not even a shred of intelligence." "Not a one," you reply. "I leave it all to my gorgeous genius of a girlfriend." With satisfaction, you watch her come undone again.

Draco Malfoy

Expressing

Giving Gifts

Another very obvious one.

The Malfoys are rich and, in rich people fashion, probably spoil Draco horrendously. As we see in CoS, they buy him anything his small ferrety heart desires.

Expensive gifts. I'm talking silk house scarves, jewelry encrusted with precious stones, miniature replicas of your favorite animals done entirely in diamond.

He will constantly try to give you money. Like all. The. Time.

You can try to get him to stop but he'll just ''anonymously'' leave money around. You have no idea how he even gets it into your dormitory, but there's always a random stack of coins somewhere on your property.

He'll deny it too, but he's a terrible liar. He somehow still thinks he's slick.

"I don't know what you're talking about! Why on earth would I want to give my money to an ungrateful brat like you?" "Excellent question," you say. "Why are you giving money to an ungrateful brat like me? And how did you even get into my dorm?" He rolls his eyes. "What makes you think it's me?" "Because you're always trying to give me cash or something expensive? Because you want to do nice things for me? Because you're a big old softy?" you suggest. Draco colors violently. "I am NOT a softy, and I resent you for suggesting such a thing." "Who would have guessed it? Draco Malfoy is nothing but a teddy bear," you crow. "Shut up," he hisses. "To think I was about to buy you another suit." "Oh, Draco," you exclaim. He looks at you expectantly. "How very soft of you."

Receiving

Physical Touch

I know, I know. It sounds crazy, but that's exactly why it works so well.

I mean, think about it. Draco's constantly surrounded by adorers like Pansy Parkinson, and I'm sure people are constantly sucking up to him in to get on the good side of his father's money, so words of affirmation would likely have little effect on him.

He's used to getting gifts and likely thinks of it as a given. The same goes for acts of service.

He clearly has a close relationship with his mother, meaning that he didn't really lack for quality time growing up.

So, by process of elimination, physical touch!

He'll fake irritation when you try to hold his hand or hug him, but Merlin forbid you try to let go of him, because all hell will break loose if you do.

Melodramatic ass bitch.

"If you want to break up with me just say so." You glance at him, startled. "What?" "Just break up with me already," he says sourly. "I'm obviously not enough for you anymore." "Draco Malfoy, what in Merlin's name are you on about?" you ask in consternation. "You threw my hand out of yours ten minutes ago, and you haven't tried to put your arms around me at all," Draco responds haughtily. "If you won't perform your stupid acts of affection anymore, you may as well admit you're tired of me." Your mouth opens and closes in shock, and then you burst out laughing. Draco flushes angrily. "What's so funny?" You shake your head. "Nothing, nothing. I'm sorry, Draco, come here."

[cloveroctobers]

terms & conditions — ANGEL REYES x OC/READER x CANE TEJADA

A/N; I'm actually glad that this sat in my drafts waiting to be written (thanks to the poll I put out!) just in time for the season premiere-which isn't being talked too much about as of yet-but I get it! So I gained some more inspo for this piece along with the sudden crush I’ve developed on Woody’s character from power book II—ghost (which I’m also currently watching!) + this song has also been on repeat since I first heard it. It’s fitting and inspired this so let’s get into it!

*GIF BELONGS TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNER!*

WARNINGS/DISCLAIMER: language + I am in no way shape or form a therapist! + Angel being a bit of a d!ck :)

┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ﹋﹋┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ﹋﹋┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ﹋﹋┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ﹋

"Solay it's great to meet you, thank you for coming." The therapist greeted the mahogany haired woman at the door, lightly shaking her hand.

Solay smiled at the bob-wearing lady, shifting her tote bag, which looked expensive, down to her wrist as she fully entered the sunlit room. Her doe eyes briefly glanced at Angel who now sat with his arms crossed in a chair, a scowl written on his face as his eyes almost drank her in.

"Angel." Solay muttered, placing her bag to the side of her as she took the space in the middle of the empty red couch.

Angel ran his tongue over his front teeth, huffing but felt the therapist sending him a warning glance. Almost as if to say, 'We talked about this.'

He breathed, rolling his head back to face Solay who was now putting her phone on vibrate before tossing it back into her bag, "What's going on, Solay?"

"It's Wednesday so I’m pretty busy," she was vague with her words but attempting to be cordial as she added, "How's Mavy?"

"Growing everyday," Angel answered and couldn't help but to throw in, "How's your rebound doin'? Don't think I didn't see him drop you off in that flashy ass range rover, was my son with ‘em in the backseat?"

Solay's doe eyes immediately went into slits as she let out a breath of laughter. She was barely five minutes in the room with her ex-husband and here he was worrying about who she was involved with by attempting to fuck up her energy. He should be lucky that she even showed her face! She vowed at this first session that she would not allow Angel to continue disrespecting her like he loved to do. The only reason she was here was for their five year old son Xavier, to learn better co-parenting methods...and perhaps for a professional to see that she wasn't crazy for putting up boundaries after everything they've been through.

"Okay, let's reel it in." Dr. Michelle Othman rolled her hands, gaining the attention of the two adults in front of her.

The glare did not leave Angel's face as he dragged his eyes back to the short haired woman who sat at her desk.

"Let's discuss that tension," Dr. Michelle started, "As soon as you entered the room, Solay, you were very curt with your words on greeting Angel, why is that?”

Solay inhaled, "It's never hugs and kisses when we're in each other's space. Sure I would like for it be that way—it's like that with my parents who are divorced, they're friendly but I started off just fine until Angel had to go into attack mode."

Angel felt his pressure beginning to rise since Solay liked to commonly relate her parents to their situation…when clearly this was a very different relationship.

"I didn't attack you, I simply asked if you're leaving my son alone with some strange man." Angel stated, "And I have concerns about that, as a father, it's my right."

"Of course you do but you didn't seem to be too worried when you had our son around during your secret meet-ups with Adelita, hm?" Solay pointed out, strangely calm.

Yet it still felt tit for tat.

"We were seperated when Luisa and I started messing around."

As if that makes it alright!

"Not legally and still very much married. Just for you to sleep with her and a couple of days later we're back together like nothing even happened...like I wouldn't find out." Solay told.

Angel scratched at his brow at that, he knew how it sounded but couldn't say much to defend that. He wasn't sure if he could so he just looked away at Dr. Michelle, who was patient and watchful.

"Angel tells me you two were married for some time."

Solay uttered, “Seven years."

"What made you want to get married?"

"I thought I found my person. We were good together, fun together, friends even.” Solay seemed to be in a daze as she talked, “ I always belived that you have to have a friendship as a foundation before anything and although we were completely messy from the start, meaning intimate before we ever became friends—we were always backwards in everything we did—but I enjoyed being around him. I enjoyed being happy with him, laughing with him. Angel made my heart happy at that time and I always knew he wanted a family and I started picturing what that would be like and feel like with him. then i got the chance to realize…I was happier without him." Solay informed the therapist who hummed at this information.

Angel spoke up, "I wasn't sure i even wanted to be married and not because of Solay. She's a great woman no doubt but I always had doubts of not being good enough to be anybody's husband or father. I was scared shitless but Solay always had a way of uplifting me and making me believe we could do anything we wanted together. That also quickly turned into being blamed for the littlest things and I'm not talking about the cheating. I’ll take responsibility for that part.”

Solay nodded, "Yeah he's right. After the first time Angel cheated on me with some blonde bartender, I became iritated by everything he did and constanly being in his space knowing what he had done, wasn't good for me, i knew i had to leave so I could breathe again. I left to my own condo that I was still living in and considered not renewing the lease. Then I found out I was pregnant and that completely changed everything."

Dr. Michelle nodded at all of this, occasionally writing something down on her notepad. "There's so much to unpack here. Could it be that the both of you had these false ideas of what marriage was supposed to look like because of your upbringing? I'm already aware of the infidelity that was in Angel's parents’ marriage but what was your parents' marriage like Solay, if you don't mind me asking?"

Solay sighed, "They tried to never argue in front of my older sister and I but that didn't mean we couldn't hear it at night when they thought we went to bed. My dad was a borderline alcoholic and always stressed about finances but he did a good job at hiding his worries, yet that didn't mean he didn't take it out on my mom. He can get very loud and apparently verbally abusive when he drank towards my mom. What they showed from the beginning seemed like perserverance …when it was really settling. I knew they were happier when they were younger but they ended up getting a divorce when I was in my early twenties."

"Was it a difficult divorce?"

"Surprisingly no? They seemed thrilled to be doing it because they came to a clear understanding of what they needed from each other.”

"Is that what you want from Angel?"

"One hundred percent but I'm not sure when or if we're gonna get there. There's mountains of pain and anger between us both but I want to get somewhere for the sake of our son." Solay tells Angel's therapist.

The woman quirks up a smile, "that's what I'm here for, for guidance but I want you to also acknowledge that you have to want this for yourself as well and not just your son."

"I don't want to do what my parents did, although it almost seems inevitable when life is a cycle right? I don't want to hide the reality of why his parents aren't getting along and can't co-exist because I don't know what that's doing to him mentally. Sure he's only five but I want us to have a healthy and honest mindset so we can raise him as such."

"Angel do you hear what Solay is saying?"

"Yeah, she's not the only one who doesn't want to fuck up their kid." Angel rubbed at his beard in thought.

Dr. Michelle said, "Then we all need to work on the both of you first so you can both do your best in raising Xavier better. Are you two commited in doing so?"

Commitment was almost taboo for Angel Reyes so Solay wasn’t so sure, it was shocking for her to even be aware that Angel decided to seek out therapy in the first place! Yet they were both here, which is the first step, allegedly.

"You're Angel's therapist, so how long do you predict I need to be in his sessions?"

DR. Michelle analyzed Solay for a brief moment before saying, "Believe it or not, you left a big impact on Angel's life as a husband and father so I can not simply provide you with a timeline. This takes work."

"I receive that, I'm not afraid of doing the work." Solay affirms, "I just wanted an estimate on how long this will last until it doesn't matter anymore."

"What do you mean by that?" Angel asked, brows furrowing.

Solay clasped her hands into her lap, slightly raising them as she talked, "I don't know. It's like you're trying to show a new and improved side of you but I still know the bad parts."

"Because you like pointing the finger and always putting the blame on me! Like you can’t accept that I’m happy!”

"Angel," Dr. Michelle warned at the raised volume in his voice, "Solay, Angel tells me the both of you recently got into a disagreement a week ago. Could this be what you're referring to?"

"I guess so yeah," Solay raised her shoulders and stared down at her hands for a moment, "It's just funny or probably pick me of me to think I gave Angel what he dreamed of, having a family and a home but the moment another woman caught his eye...the minute he found out that Mavy was still alive and Adelita was back in town, his perspective completely changed. What made that family different from I gave?"

"What?" Angel exasperated leaning his elbows into his knees now, "there's no comparison between what I have with you and Xavier and Luisa and Maverick."

"You may not think so but that's how it feels."

"Why do you feel that way?" Dr. Michelle pushed.

Solay swallowed the thickness in her throat, "that argument that happened a week ago. I asked Angel if he can take Xavier for me while I underwent a procedure. My mom was in town and would be tending to me so I thought it would be best. Angel came to pick him up Thursday evening, I went to my procedure that Friday morning and Angel brought Xavier back that same night because he, Luisa, and Mavy were going to some carnival for the weekend.”

Solay was in and out of sleep the whole day in her bedroom and her mother tried her hardest to keep her out of it but she soon learned what Angel had done. To say she was livid would be a understatement but thankfully she had her mom there to calm her down and help out, who did the honors of giving Angel a piece of her mind before she slammed the door in his face.

“What was this procedure?”

“I honestly thought it was a boob-job,” Angel interrupts before Solay could say a thing, which made both women cut their eyes at him, “I mean I wouldn’t be mad at you for it.”

Solay shook her head in aggravation while the therapist kept her face stoic.

“Why are you so comfortable speaking on a body that isn’t yours?” Solay questioned.

‘It used to be,’ Angel thought but knew not to let that slip through his lips.

Angel raised his hands from his spot on the chair, “I’m not! I never said you needed that shit anyways, I loved your itty bitties—

“Angel, enough.” Dr. Michelle scolded, “Let Solay finish. I told you at the start of inviting Solay here is for us to see her perspective and get to know her a bit so that we can come to a common ground in your relationship. Now Solay, please continue.”

Angel tried not to roll his eyes. This was his therapist after all and sure he knew what this session was about since it took courage to ask Solay to be here and felt like forever for her to agree. It was all about listening and shit but he didn’t like the picture that was being painted.

Solay sighed with her eyes closed, “I went for a biopsy on my ovaries. So no it wasn’t a boob job or some spa day or walk in the park like you thought, Angel. It was serious and again, Xavy and I got pushed to the side: Second fiddle.”

Sometimes she wondered if it had to do with Xavier being hearing impaired. Did Angel not want to be bothered enough to include their child on his new family outings? She thought about bringing it up but she also knew it wasn’t right to think that when Angel did take up the time learning sign language (in his own way) to communicate with their child. Everyone on his side of the family did and although it was a little shaky for him more so than Solay, he did try… however it didn’t erase the fact that Xavier seemed to be excluded majority of the time.

So she kept it to herself.

Dr. Michelle allowed the weight of silence to be felt. She motioned for the tissues on the coffee table for Solay—if needed but the woman just hugged herself, making the therapist lightly scribble down some more notes at this.

Angel was full on frowning now, “Biopsy…ain’t that for diagnosing something?”

“Cancer, Angel. They were worried after finding a lump in my abdomen and some other symptoms I was experiencing. I just needed you to come through for me, just this once.” Solay exhaled, eyes on him.

Angel felt the color drain from his face. The rings on his fingers were pressed to his lips as he felt his knee start to bounce, “why didn’t you say something?”

“You mean to tell me you forgot in the next twenty-four hours that I was having something done?”

“I’m a dumbass sometimes! I seriously thought it was something minor and really didn’t think or even remember, honestly querida—Solay it fucken slipped my mind.”

“Do you believe his words, Solay?”

She shrugged her shoulders, “it’s possible. He forgot his own brother’s birthday.”

“Hey, we’re not talking about Ezekiel here.” Angel growled while Solay rolled her eyes, “…are you alright, soso?”

Hearing Angel use another nickname on her, made her skin crawl. Once upon a time, she thought it was cute and it actually gave her butterflies when Angel would say it, his rough callous hands cupping her face. Now? She just wanted him to shut up.

“Now you care?” Solay hissed, “all you had to do was include Xavy in on your quality time with his baby brother, that’s it. Do that one thing for me, for him. But nothing else matters and that’s why I’m so pissed.”

“Aye, don’t take this shit out on Mav.”

“I would never. I always engage with that sweet baby when he’s in my presence. That’s Xavy’s baby brother and I’m not that kind of woman. I would never take my frustrations with you out on your kid. Ever.” Solay’s heated doe eyes met Angel’s and he had to sit back in the chair, dejected.

Angel said, “I’m sorry. Forreal. I do wish you would of told me exactly what was going on with you though.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

“I’m sure it would, yeah.” Angel stared, which Solay held.

That felt definite.

Dr. Michelle looked up from her notes, “this is good you two. You’re both laying it out on the table, engaging and truly seeing what it is that you brought you two here. it’s leading us to the root of the problem.”

“Talk to us, doc. What do you think it is?” Angel dragged his eyes away from Solay, keeping his leg bouncing.

“From our conversations Angel, you hold a lot of insecurities and it stems from your own childhood trauma that you haven’t healed from. It’s bled into your marriage and you, Solay. Your defense mechanism is to shut down when situations are tough, putting your guard up instead of saying exactly what it is that’s troubling you.”

“Yes because I’m tired—so tired of reading the same pages of this story over and over with Angel.” Solay sniffed, “I’m not here to say he’s a bad person. I know he’s not. He’s just not a good partner for me. He’s got a strong heart and I know he loved me at some point in our relationship and he cares for our son sure, but I can’t help but to look at him sometimes and feel like I’m dealing with the damn devil.”

Angel furrowed his brows as he points at his own chest, “I’m the devil? I know you don’t believe that when you don’t even know what you’re getting yourself involved in with that dude who just dropped you off.”

“Oh, not this again.” Solay exhaled rubbing underneath her eyes, “I did not come here for you to worry about who I’m spending time with.”

“She acts like she’s so much better than me, when she’s dealing with someone just as shitty and she’s acting like fucking Stevie wonder with it.” Angel gritted.

“Are you also in a new relationship, Solay?”

“Yes. It just became serious.”

“Have Angel and this person met?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why?”

“We’d probably kill each other.” Angel declared, feeling his fists lock together at the mere thought of Solay with somebody else.

Somebody better but he was positive Cane wasn’t.

Solay shrugged her shoulders, realizing this was true. Cane knew about Angel and the failure of their marriage and honestly he had words for Angel the day they ever came face to face. He got close but Solay always made sure to detour the man away from causing any chaos. It was amusing to Cane however because one day he was sure he was gonna say whatever came to mind when he set his eyes on Angel.

Solay just wanted a simple soft life, was that too much to ask for?

“Okay,” Dr. Michelle said, “So we have the both of you in relationships, Angel you with the same woman you had relations and child with. Solay’s also in a relationship that you don’t particularly like or trust, Angel. You both share a child together but your regressions towards each other make it hard to be within the same space. Is that correct?”

Solay blinked, “that about narrows it down.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Angel rolled his head around, trying to straighten up the tension in his body.

Dr. Michelle cleared her throat, “seems like we have quite the work cut out for us on resolving these issues between you two. We’re down to ten minutes left on the clock, so I want to give you some homework to take with you so that you’re prepared when I see you both next week.”

“Homework?” Angel exhaled, “I didn’t go off to college for this exact reason, Doc.”

“Well think of this as a introductory course,” Dr. Michelle declared, “you’re welcome.”

Solay snickered at the expression on Angel’s face who was reaching for a post it note on the edge of Dr. Michelle’s desk. The therapist was scribbling some last minute notes as Angel managed to grab the paper, ball it up and toss it in Solay’s direction.

Which resulted in double middle fingers from the woman who managed to dodge it just in time. Angel scoffed and stuck out his tongue until Dr. Michelle cleared her throat.

“Are you two quite finished?”

Solay flicked one of her ponytails behind her shoulder and sent a sweet smile at the woman who stared hard at the pair.

“It’s a simple exercise. Both of you are going to write seven things that impacted your relationship from beginning, middle, to end. You can also form it into a Venn diagram or a pros and cons list, then we’ll discuss it next week. Sound good?” Dr. Michelle asks.

Solay has her phone now, her fingers tapping away at her screen as she sets a reminder for herself to do this before next Wednesday. She suddenly looks up at Angel who has his arms resting on the arm rests, twiddling his thumbs.

“Do I have to text you a reminder?”

“Would you be so kind?” Angel was sarcastic, “I’ll remember. If I can show up to see Dr. Michelle’s beautiful atmosphere, I can remember to do some homework.”

Solay replied in a sing song tone, straight but lightly shaded eyebrows raising, “okay…”

“You don’t believe me?”

“If you do the work, I’ll do the work. Otherwise this’ll be for nothing.” Solay answers, meeting Angel’s much darker eyes before turning back to the therapist, “thank you for your time, Dr. Michelle.”

“Thank you for showing up Solay, that’s time.” Dr. Michelle stood from her desk, walking around to lead the two out.

Solay stood in the lobby, messing around with her phone while Angel shared a hushed conversation with Dr. Michelle—hoping to get some sort of reflection or opinion on his ex-wife. It was a little selfish for Angel to want Dr. Michelle to strictly be on his side but he’d be lying if said he didn’t wish for his therapist to provide him with that comfort.

However Dr. Michelle liked to be theoretical and shit so Angel knew he shouldn’t be surprised.

“We’ll get somewhere, Angel. Now that she’s here, we can get this chapter closed and then focus on the next stage, yes?” Dr. Michelle explained while Angel slowly nodded, taking her word for it.

Soon he bid his goodbyes to the British woman before he fished his pockets for a cigarette. Just to mess around with as he approached Solay, he promised that he would actually quit smoking this time around and so far he’s been on track.

“You waiting for your boyfriend, who probably can’t see over the curb to pick you up?” Angel spoke from behind Solay.

She huffed, glancing over her shoulder, “actually no, I’m waiting on my assistant to get me and bring me back to work—if it’s any of your business.”

“Course it is, you’re still the mother of my child.” Angel snorted, “tell her don’t bother, I’ll take you back.”

“On your death trap? I think not.”

“Traffic gets bad around this time out here…the bike it much faster than whatever your assistant is coming to get you in, so it’s up to you.” Angel tapped the cigarette on the glass window of the door.

Solay thought about it, staring hard at Angel who offered her a goofy smile before pushing the door open, walked through and held it open waiting for the woman to follow after. Sighing, she pressed her phone to her ear to let her employee know that she found her way and that she’ll see her soon.

“No funny shit, Angel. Take me straight to work.”

“What? You don’t wanna stop and have lunch first?”

“Not after that session and especially not with you.” Solay answered as Angel yanked up the helmet that rested on his bike.

Angel did the honors of slipping the helmet down on her head, surely messing up her ponytails as he secured it and knocked his knuckles against the top, “damn, that hurts.”

“Terms and conditions.” Solay pointed, making Angel shake his head as he climbed on the bike first.

Solay followed shortly after, resting her hands on Angel’s shoulders to steady herself. As he kicked the engine on, solay almost flinched, knowing that she had to wrap her hands around Angel’s waist instead.

“Does what’s his face have these terms and conditions that you speak of, too?”

“Yup, he has you to thank for that.”

Angel let out a exaggerated sigh, choosing not to say anything else on that as he peddled the bike backwards before steering into a turn, then he set off into the desert streets with Solay still having a hold on him.

What would have been a hour ride was turned into a thirty-five minute one as the tatted man was parked in front of Solay’s business while she let her hair run free now by using Angel’s side mirror, then handed the helmet back to said man.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime, soso.” Angel glanced at the building seeing a few clients inside of the orange sickle colored building, “spot looks cool as fuck, I’m proud of you, you know?”

Solay had a bachelor’s degree in science, finding her field in dermatology and held her license as a esthetician. She also sold a successful skincare line that she launched on her own website just last year. And this year she purchased her first house all on her own. She was doing well for herself but remained humble about it all.

“Okay, Angel.” Solay sighed, holding her bag down in front of her as she stared out at the orange skies, “we don’t have to kiss each other asses.”

Anfel shrugged, “It’s better than chewing each other out though right? Especially after today and I mean it so what’s the harm in that?”

“…well I appreciate it.”

“See, I can play nice sometimes too huh?” Angel winked as he put his helmet on, “I’ll let you get too it then…remind me, am I picking Xavier up from school on Friday or?”

‘Are you having him for the weekend since it is technically your weekend thanks to me screwing it up last time.’ Angel thought to himself.

“Papa Felipe is so it’s easier for you to bring him to yours.”

Angel was thankful that Solay wants Xavier to actually spend Friday and Saturday night with him after what he pulled last weekend. However he probably knew his pops would give him a hard time and would probably want to keep the boy to himself for the weekend. Solay’s mom and Felipe often chatted; with Felipe telling Angel that his mother, Marisol, probably would have loved Solay’s mom.

“Cool,” Angel said, “I’ll see you on Sunday then.”

“Sunday it is.”

He dipped his head, starting the engine and she watched the man drive off into the sunset before making her way inside.

[Sometime Saturday night…]

Cane Tejada entered the one level stucco home, hands rubbing in excitement as he entered the front of the home. To his surprise, he didn’t find Solay in the kitchen whipping it up and went through the house in search of her.

He found her in the main bedroom with the attached bathroom, touching up her makeup as her hips swayed to a Ayra Starr song. Leaning against the door, he let out a low whistle as his eyes scanned over her curves in the lace corset midi-dress.

“Tonight is my lucky night after all,” Cane bit down on his bottom lip.

Solay stopped leaning over the counter, molding her lipstick covered lips together and blinked her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at the brown-skinned man, “you’re not coming out with me.”

“Huh?”

Solay brushed by Cane, her light floral and hint of a hazelnut scent hitting his nostrils as she walked by. He followed the woman into her bedroom, eyeing her as she sat on the edge of the bed, one leg crossed over the other.

“Where you going, So?”

She smiled up at him as she slipped on a heel, her anklet bracelet glistening in the room, “Out. Without you.”

“Nah, I’m not feeling that. Not with the way that dress is fitting and the way that ass is—

Solay inserted, “not my problem.” She got to her feet in search of her clutch, “matter of fact, why don’t you reach out to what was her name? Effie. And see if she wants to entertain you for the night.”

She tapped his jaw before turning off the light, making Cane slightly curse to himself. He jogged after the long haired woman, reaching out to grip her waist to turn her to him.

Solay held mock sympathy on her face and Cane didn’t like it one bit, “you going through my shit?”

“You left your laptop here and it was going haywire…something about tuition. I didn’t care to read it all,” she lifted her shoulders careless, “so…you should consider looking for the next flight home to New York soon.”

“It ain’t even like that.” Cane started, “it was just business, nothing more.”

Solay shushed him, “I don’t wanna hear about it. I’m not even stressing it babe, it’s fine.”

Cane scrunched up his nose, “but it’s not because you’re dismissing my ass like I ain’t shit—like we ain’t build this together.”

“What even is this?”

Cane was confused, “a relationship? We been locked in for awhile now so why you trying to switch up on me?”

“You’re the one out here dropping stacks on some girl’s tuition.”

“I ain’t fuck her if that’s what you’re getting at.” Cane was blunt with it, “I’m here for and with you. I’m not some disloyal cheating ass bitch, like your ghost rider baby father. Let’s get that straight.”

Solay sighed, staring down at the new set on her hand.

Cane gripped Solay’s chin, making her eyes meet his, “I’m not him, So. I’m not gonna do you dirty, I’m only about you.”

And solay held his stare not entirely believing it. She’s been down this road before and it was wrong for her to enter relationships—serious relationships and always compare them to Angel. He hurt her bad time after time and she’ll be a cold hearted bitch if that meant she gets to protect her heart better.

She’ll get rid of anybody that plays with her, just like that.

Cane included.

“Words are just words, Cane. You have to show me.”

Cane gripped onto her waist, holding tighter but still kept some distance just in case she felt like she wanted to throw hands, “I gotchu. I’m yours.”

“You already violated one of the terms and conditions and you have maybe two more left, so think wisely next time.” Solay warned, resting one hand on Cane’s shoulder.

Cane was swift with pulling out his phone, “what? You want me to take that cash back?”

He’ll sign a NDA if she hit him with one, he didn’t want to lose what he had with Solay. She was the only woman that ever made him feel loved but it’s not like he wanted to get too deep about it. Emotions were a lot to feel you know?

Solay shook her head, “no. I know there’s more where that came from, just don’t treat me like I don’t ever know what’s going on.”

“Heard you.” Cane put his phone back as he stepped closer, glancing down at her lips before sliding his hands down to rest on her backside, “can I get to show you just how important you are to me?”

One hand came up to brush her bouncy curl over her shoulder, exposing the length of her neck which he licked his lips at before placing a peck there.

She shoved him back, “not uh, I have some place else to be.”

“Oh it’s like that, so?”

“Yup it’s like that,” she smirked over her shoulder swaying her way to the front door, “don’t wait up for me. Bye!”

Cane shook his head in disbelief and looked around the empty but quiet one-level home, “fuck am I supposed to do, meditate?”

That’s when he phone rang, right on time and he picked it up on the second ring, “Dru, what’s good?”

“Got that info you wanted on Reyes. Want me to send it your way?”

“Nah just tell it to me and meet me over there.”

Cane listened carefully to what Dru told him before hanging up. A smirk was on his lips as he also took his exit from the home.

he was ready for his own fun for the night.

Sorry so.

┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌ ﹋﹋┊˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ˚₊·

Continue along with my spring anthology writings here.

*Read part two here!

[samiiy20]

♡ 𝐇𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 ♡

𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔: 𝐻𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑓𝑒𝑚!𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑒: 𝑆𝑚𝑢𝑡 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 𝟸.𝟻𝑘 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: 𝑀𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑥 𝑆𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠: 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝘩 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑠𝘩 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡.

masterlist II tag list

This content NOT is for minors!!!

This is merely entertainment, this does not represent any real person.

It is forbidden to copy or translate my work.

English NO is my first language.

The music on the radio was stronger than your nerves, but you couldn't control them. Your friend had invited you on a double date with her boyfriend and her best friend, and even though they already knew each other, it wasn't like they were very close. Also, she lied to you that it was a quiet thing, but when the car slid into the mountains you knew.

You couldn't make a racket in the car, but you were constantly thinking about what you could say to him once they stopped. You hadn't said a word and the boy next to you noticed it.

“Are you okay?”- His voice erased your thoughts and you looked at him for the first time on the trip “you look a bit strange”

“I'm fine, I think I forgot something. “

“We bring everything- Minho said behind the wheel, looking in the rearview mirror with a smile just like your friend's- “don't worry about it”. You let out a fake laugh trying to get your friend to hear you and even though she did, she didn't look at you.

The further they advanced and you realized that they were further from the city, you did not stop questioning many things. Why didn't you notice? Why did you two get invited? What will they get by taking them? Why didn't they go alone? What were they really planning?

By the time you realized it, you had already reached a place surrounded by trees, but in front of you there was what looked like a lagoon, there were some rocks piled up like signs of a campfire.

“Have you come before?” the lovers asked

“A couple of times” he answered

Minho holding your friend's hand- “it's very calm, I'm sure they like it too”.

You couldn't help but look at Han who was seriously looking at his friend. He didn't know anything either? You tried to talk to your friend, but she knew you would claim her, so she stayed with her boyfriend the whole time until night began to fall and they decided to set up some tents.

“We will also sleep here?”Han asked

“Why not?” His friend answered. You weren't bothered by the idea of spending the night away from home or coming to the woods and having to spend the night with your friends, what was bothering you was that they didn't ask you even though you knew each other I would say no, but maybe I might have changed my mind. You thought about taking the car and leaving them alone, but Minho took the keys and you couldn't face him.

You sighed once they finished laying out the wood for the fire and decided that the best thing to do was enjoy the situation a little. You saw the sunset and ate a bit, even drank some of the alcohol they had brought along and also agreed to play for a while with the lovers and the other victim of it all.

"Okay, it's your turn," said your friend. - Truth or Dare?” The alcohol in your system made you talk fast without thinking.

“dare”

“I dare you to jump into the lake” If you had been in your five senses you would have rejected it, but you were a little sick and that gave you the courage to run to the shore and take off your pants, but then you realized you couldn't swim.

You turned to where the firelight fell on your friends and saw them run half naked into the water. The splash of two of them made you take courage again, but as much as you wanted to accompany them you were not stupid. You didn't want to drown.

"Are you afraid?" Han's voice made you turn to look at him, finding him only in his underwear. You felt your face heat up, but you didn't expect me to see it because of the darkness.

"It's not that" he took a step towards you causing you to step back touching the beginning of the water.

“So what is it?

"I do not know how to swim". Han let out a small laugh and you gave him a little shove, but he took your hands holding them over his chest preventing him from laughing. You noticed his serious face and you were suddenly surprised by the change in mood, but you realized that your hands were on his naked chest. He was handsome and you knew it, you had seen him more than usual a couple of times letting your mind think what could happen if...

“I'll show you how to do it” You let him drag you into the water, but the more you felt the liquid take over your body, the stronger you held onto his hands, and when your feet stopped feeling the ground you became a little alarmed.

“I'm afraid” Without saying anything he brought you closer to his body and wrapped his arms around your waist.

"I already have you" his breath tickled her neck, but your hands didn't let go of his shoulders “relax” .

You were so beside yourself thinking about the proximity of his bodies that you didn't realize when they had arrived with the others who were laughing at something.

"But what is going on here?" Minho asked, looking at them with a smile.

“Ohh it's true- your friend said when she realized your situation- it's not what you think, she can't swim.

"It doesn't matter, that's why she's her prince." You felt Han's hand on your waist, squeezing you a little more, and you just stuck your tongue out at them.

"Shut up, you were the ones who brought me without knowing anything" you finally told them, but before they could defend themselves someone else spoke.

“You too?” The bride and groom laughed and swam to shore laughing and yelling as the two of you floated in the water.

“What did they tell you?

“What would we go to eat, and you?

“A walk in the park.

They looked at each other for a while, but then they started laughing, those two were planning something and even though they didn't know, it was funny that they were tricked into bringing them here. At his laugh, Han let go of you for a moment and you jumped in alarm, wrapping your legs around his waist and hugging his neck.

“Calm down, I was just going to hug you better- despite his confession you didn't move from where you were -”do you want to go out? The truth is that you don't want to, but you thought it might be awkward for him to take care of you.

“Would you mind hugging me a little more?

“Not at all, but I think you should stop hugging me like that- He put one of his hands on your back and you untangled your legs from your waist but without separating from his body. You felt good close to him and for a moment your mind again imagined what would happen if... But this time you didn't think about it too much and you just let your hands caress his hair admiring his eyes shining from the moon.

They didn't speak for a while, but you could feel his hand running down your back, moving your shirt up and down a bit.

"If you had known we were coming here, would you have accepted?" you asked lowering your hand around his neck.

“And you? Would you have said yes?

“I don't know, maybe if...

“if, what?

“If you kissed me- You thought you believed that the alcohol was still in you, but the cold water had lowered your drunkenness. Han laughed, but didn't say anything, despite the cold water a warmth ran through your entire body and you wanted the water to take you away, but the boy's hand still held you.

You closed your eyes and hugged him putting your head on his shoulder, you felt how he moved slowly to get out of the water. Once you could get your feet on the surface, you wanted to run, but Han still had his hand on your waist. You managed to get away quickly and took your clothes that you had left before entering, you did not turn back and you only sat by the fire to warm yourself. did you hear Han's footsteps He entered the camp house and then a towel fell on his shoulders.

"You're going to catch a cold, let's go inside.

“Where are the others?- They no longer heard the laughter, but they noticed the other closed camp house.

-I don't know, I guess they were asleep or maybe...

-Don't say it.

You entered the house dragging your feet with goosebumps without knowing if it was from the cold or from nerves. Han had wrapped the towel around his waist and let his mind figure out a little of what she was hiding. He walked over to you and took the hem of your shirt.

-If you leave it on you will get sick. He lifted up the wet clothes a bit, but before he could continue you stopped him.

“Why do you reject me but try to take care of me? Stop playing.

"I couldn't control myself if I gave in."

-Do not do it.” You took off your shirt and threw it on the floor, you approached him and put your hands on his neck. -kiss Me.

He didn't laugh again, he took you by the waist and together with his lips you let your mouth follow the rhythm and let his tongue pass. His hands went to the clasp of your bra and your breasts released, his kisses ran down your neck and his fingers wrapped around your nipples causing you to bite your lips to seal your moans.

"Let me hear you," he whispered into your neck as he marked your skin. You refused the request and that made his hands squeeze your breasts a little more and his teeth sank into your skin causing you to let out a small moan. Your hands held onto his shoulders as his kisses trailed lower and lower until he reached the edge of your panties.

He kissed your abdomen and bit your thighs before removing the cloth that prevented him from touching you. His hands quickly lowered to your released moisture and his fingers explored the area making you squirm a little with each touch. His lips went up to your mouth again, but with his free hand he took one of your wrists and brought it closer to his member. You reached over the top of the towel he was wearing, but plucked up the courage to push it away and touch his skin. You wrapped your hand around the length of him and he moaned, but he drew his fingers deeper as well, touching your clit.

They began to massage each other, and they moaned when their eyes met, the other's fluids were more evident and you didn't know who was more desperate to achieve his pleasure. Your hand was running up and down his member, but you couldn't concentrate because his fingers wrapped around your clit. His bodies were almost glued together and their breaths mixed. The cold in your body had been gone for a while, but now it was burning all over the place, especially in your belly. You let go of his member and he was surprised, but when he saw you go down and open your mouth to receive him he smiled.

You played with the tip of your tongue as you looked up, his hand holding onto your face and pushing the length of him down your throat.

He was delighted to see you receive his entire member and it motivated him to fuck your mouth, your eyes couldn't stop seeing his satisfied face and you felt that this warmed your body more, his voice repeated your name over and over again. But he wasn't going to let this end up in your mouth, so sooner than expected he broke away from you. You got up again, facing his face and your mouth came closer to his ear, letting out what was on your mind.

“Let me feel your cock in my pussy. Han smiled and took you by the waist leading you to the mattress on the floor, he turned you upside down and lifted your butt up. I massage your skin and then the pain in it was present before his blow. You grabbed the blankets that were thrown away and hid your face in the pillow. He began a small series of caresses until leaving your skin red and your pussy even wetter than at the beginning. You looked over your shoulder as his member touched the entrance to your interior.

-Don't look at me like that baby, soon you will have it.

-but I can't take it anymore.

-shhh- he said taking your hair and inserting the tip a bit- “let me enjoy the view”. He took the time to torture you as he slowly relaxed the length of him. When he finally hit bottom, he leaned in to kiss your back and make the wait longer, he wanted to see you beg and you knew it, but you didn't want to give him that pleasure so you bit your lips while his movements tortured you.

His hips moved slowly without following a rhythm and his kisses came and went all over your skin. You closed your eyes when his hand went to touch you again trying to make you lose your composure. The combination of his caresses accompanied by his kisses was exquisite, but when he finally began to take rhythm on his hips you let out a moan with his name.

-Han...

-Yes? -His voice was mocking, but that only turned you on more.

-Faster. A blow to your butt made you sigh, but her movements turned as you asked.

Your body tensed and you felt your legs gradually losing strength, you felt that you were on the edge of your limit, but suddenly you stopped feeling it. You turned to claim, but he just grabbed you and in one quick move you were on top of him, you looked down, his smile on his face and his hands on your hips.

-What do you want? -Your hands rested on his chest and you began to move your hips, making his member caress your clitoris- Take it.

Your hand went down to align his member at your entrance and without taking your eyes off him you went down expanding your interior.

You started moving as you wanted following your rhythm and directing his member to hit that sweet spot inside of you.

You followed your own pleasure carrying Jisung with you, you could feel how your walls slowly embraced the boy's member and how it began to throb, letting both of them begin to despair. Jisung's hands were all over your body, but they had gotten stuck on your nipples that he squeezed every time he wanted to listen to you.

Your legs were weak and your hands on his chest had begun to mark his skin, but you forced yourself to continue until your pussy touched his member and the sensation you gave him filled your walls. You let yourself fall on his chest to get some air and you could hear his heart thinking that at any moment it could come out, one of his hands combed your hair and with the other he held your waist so you wouldn't move away.

-Why did we wait so long?- I ask more calmly

-I don't know- you answered without moving. Then the switch in your head connected to your brain, those two had planned it. Your friend knew what you thought of Jisung and if he had said the same to Minho, surely they had planned it knowing them.

"Do you think that was his plan?" You questioned by letting your thoughts out.

-surely yes.

"Do you think they heard us?" You moved a little to look at him and he smiled.

"I'm sure they did the same." After a few laughs and a cleanup session, they snuggled into the sheets and hugged. What you thought would be a disaster trip ended up being one of the best.

[ceoofhelaegon]

Idc how popular/unpopular this opinion is but Helaegon in the show deserves to be portrayed as a complex relationship and not as Aegon/Naerys 2.0 that this fandom desperately want.

Not to be offensive to anyone but saying that A*mond/Helaena are the original Naerys and Aemon is a braindead take

Received similar asks and I thought it was better to reply to both at the same time…so here we go:

Aegon IV:

Aenys was weak and Maegor was cruel and Aegon II was grasping, but no king before or after that would practice so much willful misrule.

—writings of Kaeth in Lives of Four Kings

'Fire and Blood' were the words of House Targaryen, but Dunk once heard Ser Arlan say that Aegon's should have been, 'Wash Her and Bring Her to My Bed'.

—thoughts of Duncan the Tall

Naerys: I have done my duty by you, and given you an heir. I beg you, let us live henceforth as brother and sister.

Aegon: That is what we are doing.

—Naerys and Aegon IV Targaryen

Nine mistresses:

Falena Stokeworth

Megette

Cassella Vaith

Bellegere Otherys

Barba Bracken

Melissa Blackwood

Bethany Bracken

Jeyne Lothston

Serenei of Lys

Other:

Daena Targaryen

Elaena Targaryen (rumored)

Daughters of Lord Butterwell (rumored)

Many others

Aegon II:

“When his grief had passed, King Aegon Il summoned his loyalists and made plans for his return to King's Landing, to reclaim the Iron Throne and be reunited once again with his lady mother, the Queen Dowager, who had at last emerged triumphant over her great rival, if only by outliving her. "Rhaenyra was never a queen," the king declared, insisting that henceforth, in all chronicles and court records, his half sister be referred to only as "princess," the title of queen being reserved only for his mother Alicent and his late wife and sister Helena, the "true queens." And so it was decreed.”

“Though Blood and Cheese spared her life, Queen Helaena cannot be said to have survived that fateful dusk. Afterward she would not eat, nor bathe, nor leave her chambers, and she could no longer stand to look upon her son Maelor, knowing that she had named him to die. The king had no recourse but to take the boy from her and give him over to their mother, the Dowager Queen Alicent, to raise as if he were her own. Aegon and his wife slept separately thereafter, and Queen Helaena sank deeper and deeper into madness, whilst the king raged, and drank, and raged."

I was going to put Aegon II’s lovers here but we don’t know them, he’s alleged to have 3 bastards, and none of them are confirmed.

Aemon:

Arianne: And the Dragonknight? The noblest knight who ever lived, you said, and he took his queen to bed and got her with child.

Arys: I will not believe that. The tale of Prince Aemon's treason with Queen Naerys was only that, a tale, a lie his brother told when he wished to set his trueborn son aside in favor of his bastard. Aegon was not called the Unworthy without cause.

—Arianne Martell and Arys Oakheart

Not every man has it in him to be Prince Aemon the Dragonknight or Symeon Star-Eyes...

—Wyman Manderly to Davos Seaworth

When he was born they named him for a hero who had died too young.

—Samwell Tarly recalling Aemon's namesake

Aemond:

Prince Aemond Targaryen, also known as Aemond One-Eye and Aemond the Kinslayer…

One-eyed Prince Aemond, nineteen, was found in the armory, donning plate and mail for his morning practice in the castle yard. "Is Aegon king?" he asked Ser Willis Fell, "or must we kneel and kiss the old whore's cunny?"

Helaena:

"Helaena was a pleasant, happy girl, and all agreed she would make a fine mother. And so she did, and quickly."

Naerys:

She almost died in the cradle and was sickly for most of her life, finding most physical activity to be very taxing. She ate but little and was painfully thin, almost emaciated.

She was also devout in her faith, and often found solace in the pages of The Seven-Pointed Star. She would have become a septa, had her father allowed it.

Aegon IV DESPISED Naerys, he disrespected her and by extent his own trueborn son because of that.

No matter what gaslighting the show tries to do, or other greenies that hate our Aegon…Aegon/Naerys/Aemon will NEVER be Aegon/Helaena/Aemond and in the words of Tywin Lannister:

Is not an opinion, it’s a fact!

[jupipedia]

why didn’t you stop me? - k. nanami. “i know that i ended it, but why won’t you chase after me?” ex lovers.

part ii.

“let’s not see each other anymore.”

those words were like acid when they left y/n’s lips and now two years later, the bitter taste in the back of her throat as she stands face to face with her ex-boyfriend serves as a reminder of their past.

she doesn’t know why she’s so surprised to see him at gojo’s birthday celebration as they had all been good friends since before the two decided to date. he never missed one of gojo’s birthday celebrations, one-upping her as she missed his last celebration due to being overseas on a business trip, but she was anticipating his absence for some reason. even now as she stands face-to-face with the man, she wishes that she were to find his absence in his place.

she was the first to break the small staring contest that they were having once gojo noticed that she had arrived. once he called her name, she turned her attention to him, meeting his gaze. his eyes flickered to kento before returning to her and shooting a sympathetic look. she glanced back at nanami and offered a wordless bow before walking around him and toward gojo.

“happy birthday, old man,” y/n said, forcing herself to appear less shaken than she truly was.

“glad you could make it, little miss higher up. your six figure job finally let you go?” gojo teased.

“we aren’t all made for the sorcerer life. gotta make money somehow.”

gojo went to quip back, but as his eyes trailed behind y/n to who she assumed was nanami, his shoulders dropped. “about nanami, i–.”

“why wouldn’t he be here, satoru? you guys are good friends,” y/n dismissed, pushing the forgotten present towards the man. “now, enjoy the booze. i’ve got a few students to harass before we eat.”

before the man could utter another word, y/n was already walking towards yuuji, nobara, and megumi, ruffling the latter’s hair before sitting with them. gojo looked away from y/n, only to find nanami still looking at y/n. gojo approached him, hoping to lift his spirits.

“don’t just stand there, nanamin. socialize.”

“i do not want to.”

“too bad. it’s my birthday, so you have to listen to me.”

it wasn’t long before gojo sent the students back to the academy to rest, leaving the adults to mingle amongst themselves in the late hours of the night. y/n was glad that she was sitting in between gojo and who she assumed to be a new teacher. nanami was sitting diagonally from her, refusing to face her direction unlike his prior behavior of tracking her every movement.

“how are you getting home tonight, y/n?” one of gojo’s friends asked as he motioned to the glass in front of her. “you drove, right?”

“it’s water. i don’t drink much,” y/n reassured. gojo turned to his best friend in shock.

“since when don’t you drink? i remember when you out drank all of us a few years back just to prove a point,” gojo chuckled as y/n shoved him with her shoulder.

“since i started to feel the effects of what liquor does to my liver. it’s a bad habit to have, y’know,” y/n joked, earning a few giggles from those at the table.

“oh, you all went to school together? i thought just gojo and nanami went to the academy. are you also a sorcerer?” another one of his very friends asked.

“i used to be. i also used to teach at the academy, but shit happens and now i work as an executive in real estate,” y/n explained, taking a sip of water and avoiding nanami’s blank stare that he now aimed in her direction.

“that would explain the tension between you and nanami,” the same drunk friend commented offhandedly. y/n froze in her seat when nanami audibly put his glass down. “oh, i’m sorry. that was rude.”

“you’re fine, no worries,” y/n said, going to stand up. “i’ll be back. the smell of alcohol is making me a bit queasy.”

gojo shot her a look, silently asking if she was okay. she sent him a quick nod before grabbing her jacket and walking out the door. she didn’t go far, opting to sit on the curb that was right outside of the building. she lit herself one of the cigarettes from her jacket pocket and sighed as she exhaled the smoke.

y/n wanted to laugh at how pathetic she felt when it came to seeing and being around nanami. she wanted to cringe at how eager she was to get up from the table when nanami barely even acknowledged what the other person said. she didn’t expect him to still be heartbroken over something that happened two years ago, but she was still upset to see that he wasn’t as bothered as she was.

as she took her final inhale before putting the cigarette out, she heard footsteps approaching her from behind. she blew out the smoke in her lungs before speaking. “satoru, i said i was fine.”

“you quit one bad habit to pick up another?” y/n’s skin crawled at the sound of nanami’s nonchalant tone, not expecting his presence.

“didn’t take you to be a smoker. you used to gag at the scent of the smoke. wonder what changed,” he continued when didn’t receive a response from the girl.

“not much. just thought i’d give it a try one day,” y/n responded, flicking the bud away from her and into the street.

“why?”

“why?” he asked her as the two of them stood in front of his house.

“things aren’t going well between us. and i don’t think i can make you happy like you want me to,” y/n answered, fighting the urge to cry as she forced a gentle smile. for a few minutes, it was just the two of them standing in silence as she waited for his response.

“okay. let’s not see each other anymore,” nanami agreed, turning away from the girl and entering his home. y/n’s face changed to one of wounded surprise as she waited for him to come back and question her more. she waited for him to open the door and ask how they could fix things or why she thought she couldn’t make him happy.

she wanted him to ask her to not break up.

she didn’t want to break up with him. he was everything she wanted and more. he was kind and he listened to her ramble about something she just found out about that same day. he accompanied her on her walks and trips to the market. they usually took on curses as a team. he would tend to her wounds before his own. why would she want to break up with him?

after a few minutes of waiting, y/n turned away from his door and began to make her way back to her house, not making half-way down the walkway before breaking into harsh sobs.

why didn’t he chase after me?

“thought it would help with stress. news flash, it didn’t,” y/n said, standing up and turning to face him.

“that’s not what i’m asking. why did you really break up with me?”

oh.

y/n wanted to tell him the truth. that she broke up with him because she was scared that he would do it first. because sometimes he looked like he was bored when he saw her. because he didn’t seem like he loved her as much as she loved him. but that’s too hard for her to admit.

so she became selfish.

“things weren’t as great as we thought they would be. that’s all,” y/n answered, checking her phone to see the time. “could you tell satoru that i had to leave because i have work in the morning? i have to go in early tomorrow.”

“okay.”

“it was nice seeing you, ke-…nanami.”

“okay.”

y/n took that as her time to leave as she turned around and began to walk to her car, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. she had almost reached her car before deciding to spin around to see if kento was still standing there.

he was.

‘why didn’t you stop me?’ she thought as the tears began to fall from her eyes.

“why didn’t you stop me?”

© jupipedia—do not repost, plagiarized, or falsely claim my work. likes, comments, and reblogs are welcome!

[hello-nichya-here]

Why does Rhaenys support Team Black when, as far as she knows, Daemon and Rhaenyra killed her children, while Alicent basically offered her a position in Aegon's council?

Laena died... during childbirth/commiting suicide by dragon

Rhaenys said Laena died because "She needed our Maesters" - she's not accusing Daemon of murdering her daughter, she's basically saying "Oh, if only she had been home instead of moving away, our doctors are better, her and her baby would have been fine" which her husband full on pointed out was not true.

Trying to find someone or something to blame when a loved one dies is a very common thing in grief, it's not the same as genuinely believing your loved one was murdered by their spouse because the doctors couldn't get the baby out.

Laenor's (Fake) Death

While the show never made it clear if Rhaenys believed her, Rhaenyra DID tell her, very clearly "I did not kill your son", and Rhaenyra went into the marriage knowing full well that Laenor was gay, and didn't do anything against him even when he failed to keep his end of their agreement of "We'll have a few kids together while sleeping with people we actually like on the side" for well over a decade.

That doesn't exactly paint Rhaenyra as a trigger-happy person that is going to immediately kill anyone that inconviences her - especially not when Alicent, as well as her children and grandkids, all of which pose a threat to her claim to the throne, are still alive and well.

At the very least, I think Rhaenys is unsure if Rhaenyra helped Daemon kill Laenor, if Daemon acted on his own, or even if they both were actually fully innocent. They do live Westeros after all, someone else could need Laenor gone for reasons that had nothing to do with the Blacks VS Greens conflict.

(I do think it was very stupid of Rhaenyra not to go "Actually, your son is alive and well, he just ran away" and I don't mean just in the confrontation, but literally the very second they put the plan into action. Would have spared her of a major headache)

Bhaela & Rhaena are Team Black

Laena's daughters all live with their father, aka Daemon, aka Rhaenyra's husband and seem very loyal to them both. Opposing the Blacks could mean seeing her allies kill her granddaughters, or even having Rhaenyra and Daemon hold them hostage and abuse them as revenge for her disobedience.

There's a reason why, when Rhaenys was considering supporting the Greens (or at least staying neutral on the whole conflict) Rhaenyra reminded her that, instead of being a tyrant, she could also choose to be VERY generous and have her grand-daughters marry their cousins/step-siblings, thus inheriting the throne and Driftmark - it's both a cunning AND diplomatic way to sway someone important to her side.

The Greens Fucked Up

The Greens held Rhaenys hostage and stole her dragon right after Viserys's death, with people being hanged and beheaded left and right for not bending the knee to Aegon II (aka breaking their oaths) -and then Alicent said to the Queen that never was "I know my husband should have never been king and that you were clearly the superior choice, but can you pretty please step aside again try to help me control my son that I can't even fucking find right now because he drank too much and passed out somewhere?"

Alicent can spend all the time she wants trying to frame this as being genenous and offering her to be the King's advisor - it doesn't change the fact that this whole thing is a direct threat against Rhaenys and a major insult (seriously, imagine expecting a Targaryen not to be pissed that you stole their dragon).

Now compare that to Rhaenya saying "Baela will be queen someday and Driftmark will go Rhaena's children. Your descendents are going to inherit the Iron Throne and the seat of House Velaryon through the female bloodline, to compensate you for the fact that you didn't get to be queen and that your GAY son that you KNEW was gay didn't have any heirs to inherit Driftmark because HE didn't keep his end of the deal, so I didn't even have to do this in the first place."

Also, take into account that Rhaenyra allow her and her husband to take their sweet time deciding if they were going to support her (to the point that Rhaenys even admited that she was the one person trying to prevent a truly massive war), and also allowed her NOT TO BOW TO HER DURING HER CORONATION.

Who do you think offended Rhaenys and made her feel cheated, and who offered her a ton of respect, freedom and political claims that could make her at least consider supporting them? Because let's not forget that...

Rhaenys is not fully Team Black

Like I said, she did almost side with the Greens when Viserys was still alive and did not kill them when she had the chance even though that would have ended the war because, in her own words, it was not HER war. Her and Corly did NOT support Rhaenyra right away, and while she looked proud and even happy in her coronation, she did not bow to her Queen.

Rhaenys prioritizes her interests (and the interests of her family) before loyalty to ANY king or queen. If the Greens had played their cards right with her, she would have supported them or at least remained neutral as long as possible.

But they didn't, so she's supporting their enemy, who offered her a better deal. Just the nobles and royals playing their Game Of Thrones.

[bookhighlightss]

BOOK REVIEW ON DREAMLAND BILLIONAIRE TRILOGY

I. The fine print

1. Okay I love how he created a whole ass person who did her drawings for her lmfao.

2. HE WATCHED ALL SEVENTEEN VERSIONS OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BECAUSE SHE LOVES PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. and the way he sometimes related his situation to mr. Darcy, yea adorable.

3. I love Zahra's brains and overall the way she helped in making Rowan realise how he messed up with the employees salary and shit. Independent girly. Love it.

4. I love how she wears and collects batches and the backstory behind it was adorable.

5. Rowan's relationship with her sister was so cute. I was here for it.

6. I don't rmr much of the book but yea they were cute and I like how iris stood up for herself when he treated her like shit and didn't give in easily. ( I don't remember much of the book I read it a month ago)

II. Terms and conditions

1. OMG WHEN I TELL YOU IM OBSESSED WITH THESE TWO I MEAN IM OBSESSED. i love them the most out of this series.

2. They are probably the only couple in this series that actually communicated properly about their feelings and considered each other's feelings too.

3. The way Declan genuinely tried to change and become a better person was wow. Also the fact that he liked her way before the marriage contract.

4. Super obsessed with them and they live rent free in my head alongside Alex and ava.

III. The final offer

1. When I tell you I have so many complaints on this book I mean I GOT COMPLAINS.

2. Okay first of all I get that they were childhood lovers or whatever and then he threw that away and got an alcohol addiction but that never gave the people in their stupid ass town to bring him down that much. Because first of all it wasn't like he vandalised or abused shit when he was drunk so the whole town putting their nose in and being all judgey was unnecessary because they saw how broke alana was after the breakup. Like did u see Callahan being all cheery? No. But okay sure go ahead and judge bcs what else do u have to do in a small stinky ass town.

3. Okay when I say alana had no character development, I mean zero. Nada. Bcs she didn't once ask him why he drank so much and as much as I'm against drinking, people don't drink that much unless they got baggage. She was legit waiting all throughout the book for a chance for him to hurt her and when he did she didn't hear shit she was ready to be like ha I proved myself right, u r an asshole.

4. The sole reason this worked out was because Callahan was down bad for her because she never communicated properly. Homegirl was so stuck on the fact that he left. He drank. He broke my heart. And didn't put herself in his shoes once. Callahan had a lot of baggage and idk I just wanted him to have a conversation with her about all his shit but I never got that so that ticked me off.

5. Okay I love Callahan and his whole personality. I mean mans went to therapy just to fix himself for her. But alana is a big no for me. Idk maybe if she had a character development in another universe I would be here for it.

Overall the books were fun to read. Super fast paced. Will help u get out of your readers slump.

If I had to rate the book from most favourite to least favourite:

1. Terms and conditions ( the best book out of the trilogy).

2. The fine print

3. The final offer ( I'm mega disappointed in this book but I LOVE CALLAHAN the most out of the three brothers )

Most favourite to least favourite kane men:

1. Callahan kane ( hands down the best )

2. Declan kane ( he was amazing )

3. Rowan kane ( he was lowkey toxic)

Most favourite to least favourite kane women:

1. Iris kane ( love love her )

2. Zahra kane

3. Alana kane ( yk why )

Overall id give the series a 7/10.

[lulupen2023]

Barty Crouch Jr/Aro Volturi Harry Potter/Twilight crossover part III (II)/III (II)

Summary:

Barty Crouch Junior's (somewhat horrifying) fate seems to have already been written… or maybe not? What if there was someone who has other plans for him?

Summary of the chapter:

The end. It's time to find out how the events will change ;P Also.. have fun with Barty and Bella fighinting like cat and dog XD

III (II): Immortality suits you …

Bellatrix hugged Voldemort, repeatedly stroking his chest in a territorial way, casting a more than eloquent look at Barty.

"If I remember correctly, Bella, your presence was not required," Voldemort warned her, though he wasn't really upset.

"Forgive me, my Dark Lord, but I couldn't resist,  knowing you in his company, alone." she yelped submissively.

"They’re not alone, as you can see, my dear!" Aro interjected, pulling Barty to him and peering distrustfully at that beautiful witch with thick, indomitable black hair, a proud bearing and a creepy gaze. When it came to territoriality, the two could compete and end up in perfect equality.

"Of course, my Master's friends are welcome and I am pleased to notice this strong bond between you," she commented, much more relieved, also pleasing Aro. "But above all I wanted to see my dear old partner in mischief once more!"

"I'm happy to see you,  too ..." the younger Death Eater admitted in spite of himself.

"Guess what, Barty-Hearty?" she momentarily moved away from her beloved Master to jump joyfully in his direction.

"Don't call me that, BellaFreaks!" he said, making her taste her own medicine.

"You insolent child!" she snapped, and cast a Cruciatus Curse at him. Barty had the same exact impulse, which is why the two Unforgivable Curses ended up canceling each other.

"Explosive, just as I recalled, you two!" the Dark Lord commented, even clapping his hands for a few seconds.

"How could you handle both of them?" the noble vampire asked him.

"Let's say I was never bored!" confessed the other.

"I could never get both of them," Aro muttered.

This time it was Voldemort who pulled Bella towards himself, protectively.

"I would never let you take her away, too!" he declared, to the delight of his devoted servant.

"I'm fine just where I am." she said, resting her head on his chest.

“I'm fine where I am now, as well,” Barty admitted, giving an eloquent look to Aro, who smiled at him.

"What did you want to tell me before, Bella?" the youngest returned to the subject at hand.

“I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black! " Bella sang.

"She's been going on like this for days!" Voldemort chuckled, stroking her face.

"Oh, well, good for you if you eliminated your dear little cousin and made Potter whimper. I drank my pseudo father and halved the goddamn Ministry of Magic, but I don't go around screaming it from the rooftops!" Barty scoffed.

Voldemort walked over to him, giving him an unexpected soft slap on the cheek. "I also know about your deeds, Barty. I know everything and I am delighted!"

"My Lord!" he bowed again.

"But enough talking now, there's dinner waiting for us!" Voldemort acted as the perfect host.

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

At dinner there were also all the Malfoys, but they remained rather taciturn. Among the other Death Eaters, Barty couldn't help but notice an important absence.

"But ... Snape?" he ventured to ask.

"Severus was a bad little boy who played a double game, but by dint of playing with fire he ended up getting burned!" Bellatrix informed him, sitting next to him, giggling.

Aro had been brought a goblet full of what no one would bet was wine, while Barty struggled to eat something, with the intent of honoring the cuisine of his Dark Lord's House Elves, but that goal happened to be anything but easy. Aro had tried to warn him several times that vampires shouldn’t eat human food, but in the end he had let himself be amused by his Childe’s stubbornness.

Bellatrix kept staring at him.

"What's wrong?" Barty asked nervously.

“Aside from those red eyes that could very well be just contact lenses… are we really sure you're a vampire now? I don't notice any difference in your paleness,” she teased him.

"The tanned woman spoke!" he shouted at her, before lowering his voice, to speak in confidence. "You know He will never love you as you wish, right?"

She lost all desire to joke and nodded sadly. “It doesn't matter; I love enough for the both of us. It is enough for me to serve him. " she declared with pride that shone in her dark eyes.

"You two over there, what are you concocting?" Voldemort asked. Although he was at the head of the table, he still picked up on their whispers.

"Nothing, my Lord!" they both answered in unison.

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

After dinner, all the other diners disappeared as soon as possible. No one wanted stay too long with that creepy quartet.

"My boy, would you like to witness me as I torture Fudge?" Voldemort asked, well aware that it was like asking a child if he would like to take a ride on the merry-go-rounds. Too bad that, in addition to his enthusiasm, Barty’s reaction was also that of a child.

“See, BellaFreaks? The Dark Lord wants me to accompany him! " he teased her.

"Oh well, rejoice, Barty-Hearty, but be informed  that He allowed me to attend several times. He also allowed me to torture him once!" Bellatrix preened.

"Go with him, puppy. I will chat with this fascinating Dark Lady. I'm sure we will not lack for topics of conversation!" Aro said, looking at Bellatrix curiously.

"Then we'll try to do something pretty quick. I don't like the idea of leaving them alone for too long!" muttered Voldemort as they walked towards the dungeons where the Minister of Magic was imprisoned. "You know, Barty, dear Cornelius has been here with us for many weeks. I just make sure that every day it is more than clear that my return is all too tangible." he grinned, as they arrived.

"No, not again, have mercy!" cried Cornelius Fudge, who apparently didn't seem to have even the slightest scratch. "You! Again?!" he stirred further, tugging at the magical chains that bound him to a wall when he also noticed the vampire's presence.

“Yes, me, again. You still remember my words, right? I wasn't lying, as you can see. I bet since that day, you would have preferred for me to have killed you! " Barty grinned.

"Y-yes ... have some mercy!" shouted the elderly minister.

"Tsk-tsk, Cornelius, you disappoint me. You already used twice that word that you know I hate," Voldemort shook his head in a reproachful tone, drawing his wand. " Crucio !"

And that was just the beginning.

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

"My Lord, I will never forget such a sight, his screams will remain in my ears for days! " Barty congratulated his Master when even the last terrible spell cast by Voldemort left its effects on the victim. Barty was not even aware of such spells and watched, thirsty for knowledge…and maybe not just that. All that violence was harder to handle with his new nature.

"All that blood ..." Barty licked his lips and Voldemort sensed everything.

“You want to bite him, don't you? So be it, as long as you don't kill him. "

"Oh no, I would never deprive you of such entertainment," the young vampire assured.

"Very well, then, have a taste... can you guarantee it will be painful?"

"Oh yes, my Lord, as much as possible!" sneered the other, showing the now elongated canines. He advanced towards the victim, who by now did not even have the strength to scream. But Barty's bite was so excruciating that it made Fudge let out a further scream.

"Excellent, Barty, now, before I go, I'll heal all his wounds," Voldemort said with satisfaction. The vampire was a little perplexed to see such a magnanimous action from his Dark Lord.

"I understand your astonishment, but ... watch and see!" Voldemort instructed. He uttered yet another spell unknown to the younger wizard. The numerous wounds, abrasions and burns began to heal, yes… but in an inexorably slow way, barely perceptible, but above all, painful.

A cruel dripping.

A torture within the torture.

"It will take about a full day to heal. Just in time to be able to start all over again ... until I'm tired of playing. But I don't think I'll be tired anytime soon," grinned the Dark Lord, while Barty listened, entranced.

"Aro is not just your Sire, am I right?" Voldemort asked without warning.

"Yes. No. I mean… we, him, me…” Barty flushed lightly as he struggled to answer.

Voldemort chuckled.

“My boy, mine is not an accusation, just an observation. Your loyalty to me as a Death Eater pleases me. As for other types of interests ... I would like you to direct them towards other goals. "

Barty was grateful for his new vampire status otherwise he would have turned redder than the hated Griffondor uniforms.

"One more thing, Barty," Voldemort said.

"Yes, my Lord?"

“Could you not tell Bella that I made you torture Fudge,  too? Otherwise I’ll get an earache from her! " Voldemort rolled his eyes, snatching a smile from him, as the young man sealed that promise with a nod.

When they returned to the dining room, Bellatrix was lying on the table with her elbows propped up and her legs bent forward dangling, her mouth half open as she listened in rapture to yet another anecdote from Aro.

"My Lord, you didn't tell me you had such an interesting friend with such exciting stories!" she murmured, reaching him as soon as she saw him.

"And now I belong to that world, drawing all the benefits," Barty said with a grin. "I will always be young, vigorous and beautiful, unchanged over the years. As for you, my dear, ... am I wrong or is it a wrinkle I see?" Barty enjoyed  provoking her. Voldemort had to hold her with both arms, otherwise Bellatrix would have gouged out Barty’s eyes. Or worse.

“How dare you, insolent kid? I will always be young and beautiful for my Dark Lord, even if  I have to  drink the blood of all the unicorns in the Forbidden Forest! " she shouted, wriggling to free herself.

"It can't be said that she doesn’t give me satisfaction!" Voldemort stroked her face and she calmed down at once.

“What about me, my Lord? Haven't I pleased you?" Barty asked, his feelings stung.

“Oh, Barty, you have been indispensable. It is only thanks to you that I have been able to have that coveted alliance with the Volturi that I have been craving since the days of the First Wizarding War. You have been the most precious bargaining chip," Voldemort explained. “You must know that our dear Aro had set his sights on you since you took the Dark Mark, but at the time it was I who opposed it. You were still too young. But when months ago I learned you were in danger, I was finally able to combine business with pleasure for him." He paused, looking at Aro. “I would never have given up such a precious and valiant soldier like you, Barty, if it weren't extremely necessary. ''

Barty was beside himself with delight at all those compliments.

"My Lord, I have no words to thank you, but even if at a distance, I will always be your soldier. I will always rush to you when you call me," he assured him. "I'm just sorry I didn't stop Potter in time on the day of the Trial ...."

"Oh, don't worry, it'll be more fun to hunt him and his friends," grinned the Dark Lord. "Speaking of which, Bella, did you pick up that thing as I asked you?" He turned to her.

"Certainly, my Lord."

"Then go get it."

Bellatrix did not question his orders, but swiftly left the room. After a few minutes, she returned with a very ancient and precious-looking cup.

"Excellent! Now give him the Tosca Hufflepuff Cup," Voldemort urged.

"But, my Lord ..." she protested. She was happy he was pleased, but loath to surrender the prize to another.

"I can feel Your essence in there, my Lord," Barty noted, looking at the cup with curiosity and devotion.

“And so it is, my boy. That's a Horcrux. There are many ways to achieve immortality. There are those, like me, who break their souls seven times and those, like you, who find faster methods. I must also say, not only faster, but more pleasant methods." He made his witty remark, gesturing at Aro. "You said, Barty, that you are still my soldier, after all ..."

"And so it is, I will defend this Horcrux at the cost of my unlife!" Barty swore.

"I could have been a very good guard too, my Lord!" Bellatrix yelped.

"What if I told you that I have other plans for you, Bella? And that, in a few months, you will be a little… too busy to keep a watchful enough guard?" Voldemort made her understand his plans by stroking her belly. Bellatrix jumped for joy, without any effort to hide her triumph. This was perhaps the only thing Barty couldn't compete with her on.

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

Barty and Aro had returned to Volterra months ago. This was an evening like any other.

Aro was sitting in the damask armchair in his bedroom: barefoot, with his black clothes widely unbuttoned, in full relaxation, with a glass of blood in his hand, while he watched his pupil, intent on what was now his favorite activity. He had lured a victim on one of his usual walks and was now slowly bleeding her out. He was also testing some of the new spells he had learned from his Dark Lord.

At that moment he was sprawled on the carpet, dressed in a white shirt, a color he was beginning to like, perhaps because it created a strong contrast with his soul black soul.  And then, the blood on the white stood out even better. His shirt was half covered as he licked the blood off his thumb and then moved on to his other fingers, unhurriedly,

"You know, right, that to feed on humans we aren’t forced  to kill them?" Aro commented.

"Of course I know, but it's more fun this way ... and then you can't expect me not to kill Muggles!" retorted the other. 

“You will end up staining  my carpet! Look, it's a prestigious tapestry! "

"Bloody hell, what a fuss! It just means I will use a Cleaning Spell. Happy?" 

"Nope. I’ll be happy when you bother enough to come here to me and let my arms claim you."

Barty purposely continued to bleed his victim a little longer.

"I'm fine right where I am!" he said,  playing hard to get.

It was just a game. Before Aro could even utter a syllable of protest, he found Barty in his arms, his lips on his, each tasting the blood the other had drunk.

"Aro?"

"Yes, puppy?" he murmured against his mouth.

"Ask me again what my feelings for you are," Barty urged, caressing his long raven hair.

"Why?" His Sire looked at him with great expectation.

"Because I'm getting closer and closer to that word starting with L." His Childe smiled, kissing him.

EPILOGUE 

A FEW YEARS LATER

"No!" Barty thundered. "But first of all, I would like to understand how this could have happened!"

"I am perfectly free to go to London as much as I please and I most certainly do not have anything  to account for!" Jane stood up to him.

"Yes, if in your mind there’s a spoiled, spineless kid! I don't even know how my Lord could have even thought of making him a Death Eater!" he grumbled.

"Maybe your Lord was pleased to have such a gorgeous little blond in his ranks!"

"My Lord values other ideals far more important than physical beauty!" Barty was getting nervous.

"Are we really sure? You're so gorgeous, too! " she winked shamelessly.

“What's all this noise? I remind you that Caius, Marcus and I are in the middle of an important meeting!" Aro rushed towards them.

"Oh please, you're just waiting for Heidi!" Barty belittled the importance of the issue, making Jane chuckle.

"So I see that someone here wants their prey ration halved!" his Sire threatened him.

"Later, in bed, you’re going to pay for this!" Barty growled in his ear.

“Oh, my puppy, is that supposed  to be a threat? It strikes me more as a promise!" Aro clicked his tongue, winking. "As for you, my dear Jane, I deduce this is the period in which you go into heat ... again!" he teased her.

"I don't think it's too much to ask for a reliable mate  when you have eternity ahead of you. You've found yours!" the blonde retorted.

“I understand, but not with Draco! I will NEVER want to be related to a Malfoy! " Barty made it clear. "I mean, I'm a Volturi now, right?"

"Love, if after fifteen years you still have doubts, it means that I have to refresh your memory for good!" Aro murmured, hugging him from behind and nibbling his right ear, which sent him into raptures. "You are a Volturi, for all intents and purposes."

"And anyway, Jane, I think you are wasting your time with Malfoy. When I was a Professor at Hogwarts , I realized how he was always around Potter all the time. His pretense of contempt for the Half Bloods has never convinced me and over time things have only gotten worse, in my opinion! "

"I believe so too," muttered the vampiress. "What if I was  related to the Riddles?" She already knew she was playing the trump card with him.

"Huh?" his eyes widened, more than usual.

"Oh well, Delphi is growing so well ... and we get along so well!" Jane chuckled.

"I am her Godfather after all. I still find it hard to believe that I was my Dark Lord’s best man at his wedding. I've got it! That's where you must have met Draco!" Barty accused her.

"Yes, but that's not what we're talking about!" Jane pointed out.

"You are right. I was saying, as her Godfather, I only want the best for Delphi and you do look  like the best,” he smiled at her.

"A reason to further strengthen the alliance between Volturi and Voldemort. Certainly he too would be happy!" Aro approved.

"An alliance more than vital. That damn Potter and his friends have destroyed five Horcruxes in only one year!" Barty remembered. “Okay, one is Potter himself, but he still doesn't know that. At least I think he's still ignorant of it. Or maybe he's dead. Anyway, I don't trust him. I expect an attack from him at any moment, even if he knows he couldn't possibly escape! "

“I know, puppy. But in that case, Alice would warn us in time. I still remember when, years ago, you revealed to me their fears. Young Cullen was afraid of hurting his Bella. She was afraid of dying old and withered. Sweet Alice feared a war with us. In short, having them join us was so easy,  I could almost have done it without your power! "

Barty growled his disappointment.

"I said 'almost'!" he specified. "You have no idea how precious you are to me, Barty."

"And you have no idea how much I care about continuing to be precious to you, love." Barty smiled at him, kissing him.

“What do you say, puppy? Is eternity a long enough time?"

-

END

Notes:

Barty Hearty and BellaFreaks play a lot on assonance, I am very proud of those nicknames and in my opinion they are pure canon lol Torturing Fudge is well and good >: D I have never read' The Cursed Child " but I wanted to wink at a happy and dark-fluffy Bellamort family, more than the first word, the parents will have awaited her first Crucio (and one thing does not exclude the other) .. awww tenderness XD as for Jane, she sends me bisexual vibes I could not resist the Drarry hint #sorrynotsorry I leave it to your imagination whether Harry (or his lineage) will return to the attack or not or what happened to him, I like him, so I like to think he is alive; P

Would you like to see these characters again, maybe some missing moments? Because I have some...

thanks for reading :)

[ronoken]

I saw something recently asking, “what’s something someone shared with you that they never shared with anyone else?”

I have a little story. Nothing fancy, but it’s mine.

When I was about 18, my grandpa was moved by my mother from his home that was 200 miles away to a nice house about a block from our house. He was a quiet man who didn’t speak quickly, and he was very reserved. He also suffered from some dementia, which led to him yelling about the neighbors stealing his water when they flushed their toilets. That has no bearing on the story, but it helps to paint a picture of who he was and why people didn’t really interact with him. He was gruff to his neighbors, and he never opened up to anyone.

Still, he was my grandpa, and he was now living nearby, so one extremely boring spring day, I walked over to his house. I realized I hadn’t really spent any time with him in ages, and he was right there, so why not? He let me in and showed me around his house (which I’d been in before. He always took you on a tour). We sat in his front room not really knowing what to say when he opened a cabinet and said, “You wanna see something?”

I said sure. He took out a large photo album and started flipping through it. It was filled with pictures of him in World War II. He was posing with his company, goofing off with other soldiers, there was one of him with a pretty girl that was very much not grandma, and so on. On that note, when I asked who she was, he got a little red and said, “Oh, she, um, was pretty wild. That was a wild week.” He also made a woof sound. He did that a lot, and I catch myself doing it now, too. Woof.

Then he took out a box full of medals and started going through them, and holy fuck. He takes out a bronze star, a silver star, and two purple hearts. He tells me about how he was a combat medic, and one day while island hopping, his unit came under fire from a sniper. One of his friends was struck, so he ran across the beach to get him. While trying to drag his friend back to safety, he took two sniper rounds to the chest… and kept dragging his friend until they were safely back with their unit.

I learned the medics weren’t able to remove the bullets because they were too close to his heart. He died with those bullets still inside of him, which to this day blows my mind.

And after all that? He just… went home. He married grandma, worked at a dairy for decades and just kind of existed. Growing up, I’d never seen grandpa do much of anything except play with his model trains in his basement and watch TV. He was a slow-moving man who liked to record James Bond movies off network television and drank nothing but coffee. He would walk a mile to the library to read the daily paper because, “the paper costs dough, ya know.” He wasn’t outgoing or quick to act, but he’d done this one thing, this one incredible, heroic, life-changing thing for his friend all those years ago that he’d never talked about before with me.

And the reason he suddenly shared all that? I spent two hours talking to him. That’s all. I made some time and spent it with him, and he shared something with me that no one had heard before (mostly the talk about the pretty girl, but some other things, too).

Not too long after that, he started having mini strokes and was put into a series of assisted living complexes and homes. I saw him off and on, but I’d moved away by then, gone to college, met a gal, and so on.

The last time I saw him, he was suffering from full-on dementia and Alzheimer’s, but that afternoon, he was clear. I was there with my son and my oldest daughter, who was only three at the time. It was our first visit up north in over a year.

He looked at me, my wife and my kids. He smiled and said, “That’s a fine-looking family you’ve got there.”

That was the last thing he said to me. He died a couple weeks later, just north of 90. We set his medals out at his funeral, and there were so many. We had a table just for his medals. It floored me because I was pretty sure there were some that I hadn’t seen and that he hadn’t talked about. All I could think was if he was willing to share about getting shot in the chest by a sniper, what hadn’t he talked about? I honestly don’t know. I don’t think anyone in the family does.

I have lots of memories of him, but that afternoon in his front room stands out. It was one of the few times he ever lit up around me, and it was just because I spent some time with him.

That’s all.

Woof.

[aminiatureworld]

Enigmatic Feelings II

Characters: Beidou, Childe, Eula, gn!reader

Word Count: 5,402

Warnings: Swearing

Premise: In which the reader’s s/o is jealous

Author’s Note: Decided to tack on two characters to the request. This is my first time writing for Eula, and I think this prompt really fit her. She really reminds me of Kaguya Shinomiya in mindset, which is kinda hilarious. I hope I wrote her well!

In case you’re wondering, I kept all the NPCs gender neutral so that the reader might interpret them as they wish.

Beidou

Beidou and her crew tended to get drunk. Like, a lot. Rowdy parties soaked in alcohol, audible from Guyun Stone Forest to Qingce Village were simply part of ship culture. Though they might’ve been loud and somewhat disorganized, there was never any sense of overstepping boundaries, and things never ended up going too far.

Or at least that’s what Beidou would’ve liked to think. Watching you and another shipmate moseying up to one another was a surprisingly unpleasant experience, and Beidou took another swig of her flask to wash out the acidic taste in the back of her mouth.

What did it even matter if someone was flirting with you? It was the end of a long haul, emotions were running high, and everyone knew that you were the captain’s partner. Everyone knew that nothing serious would come of a little flirting, and the occasional compliment or teasing remark towards you here and there had never really bothered Beidou before. She wasn’t about to be jealous of a few flirty shipmates; after all, the ability to sweet talk should probably be a requirement for signing up for piracy anyways.

Maybe it was just how blatant the flirting was, so different than the usual passing, good-natured banter. Beidou knew how well each of her shipmates could hold their liquor. She also knew how quickly norms and rules tended to be thrown out the window the moment one got plastered. Even if the shipmate meant nothing truly malicious or devious in their words, Beidou couldn’t rule out the fact that they were probably genuinely flirting.

Neither could she ignore the fact that you were distinctly flirting back. Beidou wasn’t really surprised by this turn of events, after all you’d always responded with a good natured tease at the remarks flown you way and even engaged in some meaningless flirting yourself towards the other members of the ship. It was part of ship culture after all, to be so open and careless. The sea was never calm or placid, why should her voyagers be so? Still, Beidou couldn’t deny the fact that she was uncomfortable by the current situation, protocol be damned.

A part of her wanted to go up and tell you right out; you were her partner, and she was sure that you’d be able to understand what she was feeling. Yet pride kept her at her seat, downing more liquor to distract herself from her conundrum. After all, it’d be kind of hypocritical of her to cultivate a familiar ship culture and then turn around and revoke it at the drop of a hat, wouldn’t it? Nor would it feel right to enforce rules upon others that she herself didn’t follow. It’s not like Beidou hadn’t ever flirted with or teased someone else without thinking too much about it. How could she blame her crew for following her example?

Still the sight of you and your shipmate danced in front of her eyes, urging her to do something she’d surely regret. Beidou let out a loud sigh, something that wasn’t ignored by the people around her.

“You alright captain?” Juza eyed Beidou worriedly. One of the other hard drinkers on the ship, Beidou knew that she couldn’t rely on alcohol to allay her Chief Mate’s worries.

“I’m fine!” She spoke loudly, plastering a large grin upon her face. “I was just thinking about how proud I am of all of you! How much of a tight-knit crew we are!”

Beidou could tell that she was garnering the attention of the rest of the shipmates and stood up. She had neglected to make a speech so far, so wrapped up was she in the scene playing out before her eyes. Clearing her throat Beidou held up her flask, the eager anticipation of her crewmates combining with the liquid fire in her system, causing a wave of rash confidence to run through her. At least she was an entertaining speechmaker.

“I look out upon the faces of warriors now! We may be somewhat irregular, an anomaly of the seas. However, that doesn’t change our bond, our fierce loyalty, our capabilities. I look out upon a group of people closer than family! Perhaps you’ve had brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles, but tell me this! Could any of those members of your previous lives fight back to back with you? No! They could not! We are a special breed, and there will never be anyone who can understand us as we can understand each other! And we ought to never forget this! Do not forget the brotherhood forged by fire. I know that I never will!”

Cheers erupted from every corner as sailors drank gleefully. A few of the more out of commission crewmates were sobbing uglily, hugging whoever was in their vicinity and making slightly incomprehensible statements of affection and loyalty. Beidou sat down, smiling at the chaos in front of her. Yes, she really was part of a band of brothers, and there was no reason to forget or doubt that. Why was it then that she felt as if she’d been somewhat deceitful? And why was it then that her eyes once more drifted towards you and the sailor who was now enthusiastically slapping you on the back?

The rest of the night passed in a haze of alcohol, as Beidou downed drink after drink. She didn’t walk up to you, didn’t try to acknowledge the source of her unease. Why should she? It was a party after all, and there were other things to do. Passing out just as the sun was beginning its ascent once more into the sky Beidou wondered if she was always going to feel this way when anyone got slightly flirty with you. If so, well, she was in for a rough time.

The next day was greeted by a pounding headache. The sun was much too bright, and Beidou let out an annoyed yelp as she stumbled towards her window, trying to not fall flat on her face as she grasped for the curtains. Yanking on them awkwardly she had just managed to get them somewhat closed before there was a knock on her door. Cursing the captain drew herself up as much as she possibly could in her current state, hoping that her clothes didn’t look too much like she’d simply slept in them.

“Come in.”

“I thought you might want a pitcher of water.”

Your voice was soft and slightly apologetic. Letting out a sigh of relief Beidou nodded, allowing herself to stumble back towards her hammock and flop onto the blanket. Wow she had drank a lot last night. You walked over to her desk, steps too steady to be that of a hungover person. Pouring a glass of water you stared at Beidou as she drank, a question in your eyes.

“What is it? You seem to want to ask me a question.”

“Are you sure you’re up to answering?”

“Well now I won’t be able to rest until you tell me it.”

“Fair enough,” you smiled. “Was something wrong last night?”

“Whaddya mean?”

“I mean you didn’t even walk over to me once. I was kind of surprised, to be honest.”

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, I just want to know why you were avoiding me.”

“I wasn’t avoiding you.” Beidou wrinkled her nose. Her head throbbed in protest and she quickly dropped the expression, sighing before taking another drink of water. “Well, perhaps I was slightly avoiding; but it’s wasn’t your fault.”

“Whose fault was it then?”

Beidou paused, trying to gather her thoughts as she searched for an answer. “You know that I don’t mind some familiarity on this ship.”

“Yes, as you so eloquently put last night,” you giggled slightly. Ignoring the subtle tease Beidou continued on.

“Well, I mean it; but it seems like I’m not very good at following my own rules. That shipmate you were flirting with last night? I just, I don’t know. Normally I don’t mind, y’know? But this time, well, it couldn’t stop bothering me. Even though you didn’t seem to mind it at all.”

“I didn’t mind it because he was drunk off his ass.” You pointed out, voice still soft and understanding. Taking one of Beidou’s hands in yours you leaned over to press a quick kiss on your partner’s forehead. “I’m sorry to hear it was bothering you though.”

“It’s not just that,” Beidou admitted. It seemed the floodgates of her thoughts had opened, and now she felt the need to tell you everything. “It’s that I couldn’t even follow my own rules, that I couldn’t stop myself from feeling… almost resentful. A captain, a good leader, they follow their own rules. It’s the only way to whip all the idiots into shape. But I couldn’t do that, I failed last night; I failed as a leader, I failed as a partner. I couldn’t follow my own example. Some leader.”

“You’re being too hard on yourself,” you murmured. Squeezing Beidou’s hand you shook your head slightly. “I know that the people on this ship sort of see you as a goddess, which you are, to me at least. Still, even goddesses can sometimes have flaws. Besides, if a shipmate ever came to you with these fears you’d absolutely laugh it off, give them a pat on the back, and send them on their way. So maybe you should follow your own example in that way. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”

Beidou’s gut reaction was to contradict you, to point out once more how she had failed. However she was too tired, and your point was making a suspicious amount of sense. “Very well,” she smiled slightly, “you have a way with words darling. You sure you haven’t missed a career as a siren?”

“I already have a lovely sailor, thank you very much,” you giggled. Pressing soft kisses across Beidou’s cheeks you stood up. “Now drink a lot of water and get some rest. We can’t have our captain out of commission.”

“I trust I’m not the only one sleeping in today?”

“Oh definitely not! It’ll probably take a week before we’re in any shape to treasure hunt again.”

“Pity.”

“So greedy!” You gasped in fake surprise.

“As if you didn’t know that when you signed up.”

“I don’t know I never pegged you as the jealous type,” you said in a sing-song voice. Beidou felt her cheeks redden.

“Shaddup.”

Your laughter filled the cabin, bright and rejuvenating. Beidou couldn’t help but crack a small smile herself. How had she ever gotten so lucky in regards to her partner? Regardless of how, she wasn’t about to take you for granted.

  Childe

Childe liked to think of himself as one of the “good ones” when it came to Harbingers to work under. Was he somewhat demanding and only expected the best when it came to combat? Well, yes. Did he regularly debase his coworkers and underlings? No, he wasn’t Scaramouche after all. As long as you were passionate in your drive to serve the Tsaritsa and as long as you never missed out on your training, well Childe was sure that he could never have a problem with you.

That was, in fact, not true.

One of the Fatui messengers had been talking to you for almost twenty minutes now, though about what Childe hadn’t the slightest idea. After all, he’d already gotten the message that he needed, and the messenger surely had no business with you – you didn’t even work for the Fatui. Still there the messenger stood and there you stood next to him, a small smile on your face as you let out a soft laugh in regards to whatever they were saying.

Childe knew that he had no reason to feel as he did, but that didn’t stop irritation from rising inside him, and a sudden urge to flaunt his superiority that he usually reserved for the field of battle rose up inside of him. He didn’t quite understand why he was suddenly struggling against the urge to run up to you and throw his arms around you, but the urge was certainly there. What in Teyvat were you talking to that messenger about? What could possibly take up so much of your time? Considering the small fragments of conversation that made it to his ears Childe ruled that it was nothing truly of importance.

Letting himself lounge even more across his office chair Childe let out a slight sound of annoyance. Weren’t the two of you doing something before the nuisance came along? Sure, it wasn’t necessarily the most important thing, but discovering the best place in Liyue to study the stars was hardly worthless. After all, being somewhere high up and with a good view meant a better survey of the land around you. Who knew when some pesky Millelith or intrepid adventurer might try to attack the Fatui members scattered across the plains and mountains in Liyue? It was imperative to have eyes on everything, certainly more important than whatever this was!

Finally giving into his rising irritation Childe walked over to the two of you. Slinging an arm around your shoulder, Childe tried to give the messenger a smile that didn’t convey ‘scram or I’m kicking you out’. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but my partner and I have business to do and I’m sure that your other messages won’t deliver themselves. To the Tsaritsa information is everything and all that, so you should probably make sure people actually get said information.”

“Oh, uh, yes my lord. I’m sorry.”

The messenger pulled himself up straighter, giving an awkward bow. Turning to go the messenger didn’t fail to turn back around to give you one last smile. Accentuating his smile once more Childe finally detached himself from you as the messenger walked out of the office, shutting the door softly behind him.

After that the messenger seemed to be showing up everywhere. Childe could’ve sworn he was getting more mail in a week than he had in all his previous months in Liyue. Not to mention how awkward the timing of the deliveries seemed to seemed to be. What was the point of getting “important” mail right before the Bank ostensibly closed? What was Childe supposed to do with the information now? Never mind the fact that the letters and notes he was getting seemed to be getting more and more mundane, even nonsensical. A shipment of weaponry to be picked up, that might be important. But specifications on the renovations Dottore was making on his lair? Why would Childe ever need to know something like that?

Nor did it escape Childe’s notice that these messages always seemed to come with at least twenty minutes of conversation with you. How was the Harbinger supposed to concentrate when someone was yakking away in his office? Besides, what did it matter to you what this person’s favorite flowers were? Childe knew that the Tsaritsa was often quite ingenious in her schemes, but he truly couldn’t see what relaying someone’s favorite flowers could do? Had he mentioned before that you weren’t even a member of the Fatui?

Every day the messenger would endlessly chat with you about the stupidest things, and every day Childe would end up interrupting the two of you. What started with slinging an arm around your shoulder was slowly escalating. First it was an arm, then two, then an arm around your waist, then a head on your shoulder. One time he’d even pulled you right against him, smiling slightly as you let out a squeak of surprise.

Of course Childe knew what he was experiencing, was not necessarily unfamiliar with the concept of jealousy. Still, he wasn’t about to tell you about it. After all jealousy was a shallow, grasping sort of emotion; something that caused generals to fight against one another to approach him or the Harbingers instead of tending to their own troops. Jealousy was a useless sort of emotion, and not one that a warrior such as himself ought to feel. Besides, did he really need to feel jealous about an annoyingly persistent messenger? They were hardly above a weed in the hierarchy of things.

Still, Childe couldn’t exactly deny that he was feeling jealous. Avoidance was one thing, deceit was another. Even if he didn’t want to tell you about what he was feeling, he would never lie to you about it. Which is why at the end of another tedious twenty minute conversation when the messenger had finally left and you turned around to ask him if something was wrong Childe found himself frozen, stuck between quite the rock and a hard place.

“Why would you ask such a question darling? Does something seem wrong to you?”

“Childe, please. You’ve been clingier than barnacle recently. Are you even supposed to be at the office today; weren’t you supposed to inspect an outpost in Dragonspine today?”

“I just wanted to spend some time with my wonderful, amazing partner! Is there something wrong with that?”

“For you? Yes, there absolutely is. Childe, are, are you upset about something?”

Childe stared at you for a moment, crumbling under your persistent gaze. He could tell that you were worried, could tell in the slant of your mouth and the furrow of your brow. He couldn’t very well say no. That would be lying after all. He was upset about something, even if it was something utterly beneath him. He was still upset.

“That messenger has been annoying me.”

“The one that just left?” You turned to look at the closed door behind you, a puzzled expression on your face. “But why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? They’re flirting with you.”

“They’re not!” Your expression was incredulous, but you paused for a moment, obviously thinking about something very seriously. “At least, I don’t think they are. Are they?”

“Yes,” Childe let out a snort. “I can’t believe you didn’t notice. Why else would they be delivering the most worthless information before chatting with you when they should be somewhere else?”

“I guess you’re right,” you admitted. “But Childe, it’s not like I’d ever be interested in them. I mean, I can see how it’d be kind of annoying to have someone invade your personal space, but why the clinginess?”

Childe stared at you for a moment. “You’re kinda dense you know.”

“I’m not!”

“Oh you absolutely are. How else would you not realize that I’m jealous?”

“Well, well because I don’t know. You just don’t seem the jealous type. Besides, it’s not like I’d ever have interest in anyone other than you. I don’t know, I just don’t see the point.”

“You really are dense.” Childe smiled a small, frustrated smile. Letting his head drop into the crook of your neck he let out sigh. “I know that there’s no reason that I should’ve be jealous. I just, am. I don’t know why, but seeing that messenger flirting with you for days on end, I couldn’t help it.”

“Hey, it’s alright.” Your tone shifted slightly as you reached up to card gentle fingers through Childe’s orange locks. “Sometimes we’re just weird like that. Just as long as you know that you never have reason to be jealous, then you can be jealous sometimes. Alright?”

“Alright.” Childe whispered, finally letting himself relax a bit.

Raising his head he pressed a soft kiss to your lips. You let out a small purr of happiness, gladly reciprocating. The weight on the Harbinger’s chest lightened, and he was finally met with the feeling of lazy contentment.

“Now, don’t you have an inspection to attend?” You smiled indulgently. “Go on, I’ve got errands to do anyways. As much as I appreciate the attention, you have to lessen the clinginess, okay?”

“Can’t make any promises darling.”

The sound of your indignant squawk, combined with Childe’s laughter, chased him out of the room and down the staircase.

  Eula

As a member of the esteemed Lawrence family Eula was confident in the fact that such base emotions as jealousy were utterly beneath her. What did people take her for? A commoner? What a presumptuous line of thought!

No, it was certainly not jealousy that Eula was feeling right now. What a preposterous notion. She was simply irritated that a Guild member had forgotten all respect due to the Knights of Favonius. After all, you were a part of Mondstadt’s frontline protectors, a far cry from those poor fools who relied only upon commission to prove their worth. Yes, it was simply how presumptuous that lowly Guild member was being, taking up your time on your patrol across the parapet of the wall surrounding Monstadt, to engage in such a frivolous act as flirting.

Surely there was nothing more to it? No, it was not even worth it to pose such a stupid question. After all, what was a lowly adventurer to Eula? A nuisance, perhaps, but nothing more. Certainly nothing to be worried about. There was no reason to pause at the tower door, no reason not to simply walk over to you, her partner and coworker. Your time on patrol was done, it was time to come in. Why then was she hesitating?

“You must love the view up here,” the adventurer smiled widely.

“Yes, it’s very nice!” You were all smiles.

“I’m sure it’s made all the more beautiful by your presence,” the adventurer pressed on.

“Ah, t-thanks,” you replied, smiling again and reaching to grasp the back of your neck. “Really, you’re too kind.”

“Not at all!”

The adventurer appeared to want to say something else, but Eula had long ago decided that things had gone too far. Who did this mere Guild member think they were?

“Your time is up soldier, you are needed in the afternoon meeting.”

Eula tried to keep her posture as correct as possible, looking straight past the interloper to you. You seemed to brighten, rushing over to Eula and nodding enthusiastically.

“Eula! Of course! I’ll be down, right this instant.”

“Good,” Eula replied, giving a curt not. Glancing over towards the adventurer she crossed her arms. “As for you, layawaying a knight of Favonius is a blemish upon the Adventurer’s Guild. Such a discretion surely must be paid with vengeance. Mark my words, I will not let this deed go unpunished.”

The adventurer stiffed. Taking a step towards Eula their face contorted into a snarl. “Listen here you Lawrence –”

“We’ll be going now!” You jumped in, glancing at you Eula nodded. Turning around she kept her features neutral. However she noticed the way you gestured apologetically at the fool before going to follow Eula, expression one of undeniable embarrassment.

Perhaps it was too much to hope that the adventurer might’ve learned their lesson. There they were the next day, standing right in front of you, acting as if yesterday’s squabble had never happened. Talking your ear off just as before Eula couldn’t help but frown at how they were to you, how they always seemed just about to brush their fingers against yours. How crude to do such a thing to a perfect stranger.

“Dear, is everything alright?”

Your voice snapped Eula out of her reverie. The two of you were walking towards Headquarters to grab your extra equipment before heading home. Normally Eula cherished such quiet moments, feeling like they were the few times when she could be utterly confident, utterly herself. This time however she found the events of the week pressing on her. Only managing to nod Eula quickened her pace slightly, as if to outrun the feelings that were growing inside her.

 “Hey, is something wrong?”

Eula lifted her gaze away from the papers she’d been halfheartedly scanning, her eyes meeting Amber’s. Eula would be the first person to admit that she wasn’t exactly sure how she had become friends with the eccentric Outrider. Indeed most of the things about Amber on paper grated Eula quite a bit. Still Amber was probably Eula’s closest coworker – other than you – and closest thing to a best friend that Eula had. It was perhaps unsurprising that Amber should notice something was wrong, and Eula was almost pleased by the fact that Amber was concerned about her.

“Nothing of great importance,” the knight replied. “There is only a nuisance which has been taking up a great deal of time and seems to still be interfering, despite all my efforts.”

“What kind of nuisance?” Amber tilted her head. Eula looked away, staring at the shelves that lined her office. She didn’t really want to look her coworker in the eyes.

“A, human nuisance. There has been an adventurer from the Guild who has been taking up a great deal too much of my partner’s time. They are utterly too presumptive in familiarity, and I feel that they are jeopardizing the Knights of Favonius with their irresponsible actions. Yet, despite all my efforts, they refuse to rethink their devious ways. It is no small problem.”

“That does sound very unpleasant.”

“Indeed, and yet I know not what to do. My reprimands have fallen on deaf ears.”

“Have you thought of maybe telling your partner.”

“Why would I ever reveal such feelings to my partner?!” Eula whipped her head around to look at Amber. The smile on her face was somewhat self-congratulatory.

“Eula, can I ask if you’ve considered something?”

“What is that?” Whatever Amber was about to say, it wasn’t going to be good.

“Have you considered the possibility that you might be jealous?”

“What, what nonsense! As if I should ever fall prey to such, to such base sensibilities!” Eula felt her face redden. Finding a particularly dirty spot upon the ground Eula stared intently past her friend. No, surely Amber was wrong.

“If you say so,” Amber shrugged. “But you might want to think about it. I mean, if I were feeling jealous I’d want to tell my partner. Besides, isn’t it the duty of a knight of Favonius to be honest and true?”

“You’re taking this awfully seriously,” Eula mumbled.

“Maybe,” Amber smiled, “but I do care about you. Remember that.”

With that the Outrider grabbed the paper she’d presumably been looking for and walked out the door before Eula could think of any sort of comeback. Turning her gaze back to her work Eula let out an exasperated sigh. Vengeance would be required against her coworker for such a ridiculous suggestion.

It was beginning to get on evening as Eula raced towards your regular guard spot. She’d worked later than usual today, probably spurned on by irritation at Amber’s ridiculous suggestions, and now Eula hoped that you hadn’t given up waiting for her and decided to go home. Climbing up the stairs her mind drifted once more to what Amber had said. Jealous? A member of the Lawrence clan was jealous? No, it was surely ridiculous. I mean, sure, she found the majority of her family members repulsive and vain and lazy to a fault, but surely she had to take something out of all the time she had spent within their midst. Besides, appearances had to be kept up, if only for the song and dance that the other people of Liyue insisted on continuing, long after it had stopped being of any use.

And yet, if she really was jealous, which of course she wasn’t, wouldn’t it be right to tell you? It was these thoughts that chased Eula. As she reached the top of the stairs to the opening of the parapet she decided that, if Amber’s theory were somehow proved right, she would tell you. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, the familiar silhouette of an adventurer meant it was the perfect time to figure this question out.

“It’s pretty late, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I suppose it is,” you smiled. “Still, Monstadt must be guarded day and night, mustn’t it?”

“Ah yes, the Knights must do all they can to protect our glorious city. Still, would there not be another reason for you staying up here so late?”

“Not particularly,” you shook your head.

“Are you sure about that?” The adventurer leaned towards you. Eula once more felt her heart seize up with that now all too common emotion. Was this jealousy?

“Uhm, I’m pretty sure.” The more that Eula had watched this song and danse the more she had realized how awkward you seemed around this person.

“Oh come on, a lonely figure looking out from on a wall, it’s sounds pretty story-like doesn’t it? Then again, you are straight out of a fairytale.”

“Thanks,” you replied, laughing somewhat awkwardly.

At this point Eula had come to a decision. Regardless of what this emotion was, and she was becoming increasingly worried it was, in fact, jealousy, you still seemed to be somewhat uncomfortable. Walking out onto the parapet she took your hand, glaring at the adventurer which stood across from you.

“I see you are once more distracting one of the Knights.”

“They didn’t mind, did you?” The adventurer’s mouth screwed up into something resembling a sneer. When you said nothing they shook their head. “You just had to come and make everything awkward; typical of a Lawrence member to be such a pain in the ass.”

“And now you insult one of the Knights! Indeed, the punishment will surely be great; and, until I decide what punishment is to be meted out, I suggest you take your leave.”

“You can’t tell me what to do!” The adventurer sputtered, but Eula merely smiled.

“Indeed I can. If I find you harassing one of our Knights one more time, know that I will not be so lenient as to merely give you a warning.”

“I wasn’t harassing anyone!”

“Distracting them then, making them unable to perform their duties, being a public nuisance. Do any of these serve you better?” Eula waved her hand. “Not that the terminology matters at this point. What matters is that you stop your current behavior.”

“Please just listen to what Eula says,” you piped up. Smiling a small smile you walked over to the adventurer. “I know that you were just trying to flirt, but I think that you should shoot your shot elsewhere now. Okay?”

The adventurer looked slightly red in the face, though whether it was embarrassment or anger was anyone’s guess. Slinking away, grumbling something under their breath, the Guild member was soon down the stairs and out of sight.

Sighing loudly you turned to Eula.

“Thanks for that. I mean, really! I don’t think they were trying to be actively malicious, but really sometimes you just have to read a room! I’m just glad I didn’t have to break it to them by myself.”

Staring at the stones under her feet Eula found herself mumbling something.

“What?”

“It, it wasn’t for your sake.”

“Ah yes, I know, it was for the honor and glory of the Knights of Favonius! Still, thank you.”

“No, I didn’t mean that. It was that, well, Amber’s been talking to me.”

“Amber?” You tilted your head, evidently confused by the sudden turn of the conversation. “What was she talking to you about?”

“About a very foolish emotion, one that I would never dream of feeling myself. And yet, I, I do believe that maybe, just maybe mind you, it had a factor in, in my actions.” Unwilling to come right out with it Eula found herself frowning. “The audacity of her really, to imply that a member of the Lawrence family might experience something as base as jealousy!”

Looking up towards you Eula saw recognition pass over your features. For a moment you did nothing, then suddenly a small, soft smile broke out on your face. Walking over to Eula, you gently enclosed your partner’s hands in yours.

“Thank you for telling me Eula, I’m sure it must’ve been difficult.”

“I-I’m not sure about it yet!” Eula stammered. “Only Amber wouldn’t stop talking about it.”

“That does sound like Amber,” you let out a soft laugh. “Still, thank you for telling me. It means a lot to me, okay?”

“A-alright.”

“I’m glad.”

You leaned over to give Eula a quick peck, before turning to walk down the stairs. Eula followed, one of her hands still intertwined firmly with yours. Suddenly her heart felt lighter than it had all week.

[nikethestatue]

La Dolce Vita

Part II

On the Wings of Desire

Warnings: Language

(I had to split this chapter into two because it was getting too long. Hence, no sexy times, but angst galore) Comments and reblogs and likes are always appreciated! Let me know what you think. 

Chapter One is here

Two Years Ago

 Azriel

 Azriel pulled up to the flower shop.

There was a surprise that he wanted to share with Elain, and like a young boy on his first date, he was both excited and nervous. But he hoped that she’d like it. Funny how he still got a little nervous with her, exuberant even.

It’s been three months since they’ve met and he loved every minute that they’d spent together. The nature of their relationship was a little undefined, but he didn’t care. So what if they weren’t ‘dating’? So there weren’t official dinners and outings, to show only the best part of each other to one another? They moved beyond that right away. They simply loved being together. It was inexplicable, how quickly it happened, how easy it was between the two of them, but Azriel could never get enough of Elain.

He came to her shop whenever he wanted, helped her out, hung out with her, and she went to the garage to meet him. If he was busy and couldn’t meet with her, she closed her shop for lunch, and brought him a sandwich, so they could eat together. He loved it, even if he actually had a restaurant and a bar on premises and she technically didn’t need to buy him food. But there was something special about her coming up the stairs to his office, dressed in one of her cute, flowery dresses and heels. Every time it was a different sandwich, a different drink and a different snack—sometimes a cookie, or good chocolate, or weird chips, or a full-on pastry with cream and ganache and whatnot. He developed a strange fascination with his lunch options, never knowing what it would be and eagerly anticipating it.

Sometimes, he took her on long rides—one of their favourite past times. If he knew that she was up to her eyeballs with orders, since this was summer and it seemed like everyone was getting married, he would bring her takeout to the shop, and they’d sit and arrange flowers until the wee hours. When things calmed down, and there was a quiet evening ahead, she usually invited him to come and eat at her place. They cooked together, drank wine, and then went for a walk.

They haven’t had a kiss yet.

Did it bother him? He’d be lying if he said that he didn’t dream of Elain all the time, of her supple, soft body, of how she’d look naked, of how she’d feel when he filled her, what sounds she’d make, what her face would look like when she climaxed around him? Was she a screamer? A beggar? Was she loud or quiet and shy?

She never spoke of her past boyfriends, so he had no idea of how many men she’s been with. Secretly, he hoped that it wasn’t too many. Maybe it was some male thing, but the idea of her with another man, the thought of someone else touching her, making her moan, making her love—it didn’t please him at all. He thought that he was more modern, more advanced in his thinking—and usually he was—but in this case, he was struggling with accepting Elain wrapped around some other male.

 Surprisingly, even though it wasn’t even 6 pm yet, the flowers that usually spilled outside the shop were not gracing the pavement and the shop looked closed for the day. But Azriel went and knocked on the glass door anyway, seeing as there was some light coming from Elain’s office in the back. There was no response, but he knocked even harder, almost banging, until he heard Elain’s muffled voice yelling, “we are closed!”

“Laney, open up! It’s me!”

A few moments later, Elain appeared in the darkness and then the door opened.

And his jaw almost dropped.

She stood in front of him, wearing a slinky, satin, cobalt dress that looked almost like lingerie. Of modest length, it nevertheless emphasized her breasts very enticingly: soft and full, and pushed together just enough to create a hint of delicious cleavage. A simple set of glittering silver chains nestled seductively in that yummy valley between her breasts. One bare foot was clad in a strappy silver sandal, while she held the other, and jumped awkwardly on one foot, balancing herself on the doorframe. Her hair was curled and arranged over one naked shoulder.

He struggled to keep his breath from whooshing loudly.

“Whoa…”

“Hi Az,” she sounded…uncomfortable.

“Hey you. Hot date?” he chuckled, eyes gliding from her pretty toes up to her eyes.

Her throat bobbed and she didn’t answer.

Shit.

He fought the urge to cross his arms on his chest. But then he’d look threatening, towering over her, much like his father did when he was in one of his moods. Azriel swore to himself long ago to never, ever cross his arms with women.

“I didn’t think you’d be coming over,” she began, voice wobbling.

“So, you figured that you could sneak out?” he spat unkindly.

“I am not sneaking out!” she snapped, flushed and defiant. “I am going out,”

“With whom?” he demanded.

He and Elain had never fought. Never even disagreed.

They laughed together. They joked and discussed. They argued over books and movies. They talked about design, food and travel, places they wanted to visit, and things they wanted to see. Elain randomly texted him names of 3 and 2 Michelin star restaurants from all over the world, telling him where she wanted to dine, why, and eagerly opining on the menus.

Elain was his.

His little foodie, who was a fearless eater, and sampled just about everything and anything.

Elain was his.

His little art lover, who had a surprisingly wide breadth of knowledge of painting, art history and strong opinions on artists and styles. When he found out that she adored Balthus and that Egon Schiele was her favourite artist of all time, his respect for her only increased.

Elain was his.

His little intellectual, who read Anna Akhmatova’s poetry, listened to Alain Elkann’s podcast, and who could easily talk about the history of Lamborghini or Aston Martin, and Formula 1, just to satisfy him.

What the fuck was this?

Why was his Elain going on some date with another man?

Anger rose in him so quickly; he had a difficult time stopping his hands from shaking. So, he clasped them behind his back.

“It’s none of your business,” she said coldly. “I don’t have to report to you who I am going out with,”

“You don’t?” he demanded absurdly.

“No, I don’t!”

“Please tell me who he is?” he decided on a different approach. His brain was working furiously, trying to dissuade her, yet not anger her, yet find out as much information as possible.

“No!” she shook her head stubbornly. “Why do you even care?”

Why did he care? WHY did he care?

He couldn’t have been misreading all the signs. He couldn’t have been misreading her interest, her acceptance, her want.

There was no doubt in his mind that she wanted him—emotionally, as a friend, as a partner, as a lover. Reading people was his job, his calling, and he’d never been wrong. He certainly wasn’t wrong with Elain—she was an open book to him. He didn’t need to evaluate her reactions to his company to know that she was absolutely enthralled with him.

So why this?

Was it something he did? There were no hints of anything amiss the last time they’d seen each other. They were at her place, they cooked Italian together—spaghetti and clams—and he opened a bottle of Petilia Greco di Tufo, a pure, harmonious white from Campania. Then they went to the rooftop—their favourite place—and watched the city, enjoying gelato and playing cards.

Squeezing his hands behind his back, he demanded, “Has he been vetted?”

“Vetted? Vetted?” she exclaimed incredulously. “Who is going to be doing this vetting?”

She stared at him and bit out,

“I don’t like this side of you. This is crazy behaviour,”

“Why? Because you are going on a date? Suddenly. Unexpectedly.”

At that, she blushed furiously, squirming under his heavy, icy gaze.

He continued, “And with some guy you refuse to tell me anything about. Have you told Cass?”

“What? What exactly is Cass? My father?”

“Cass runs security for,”

“I know what Cass does!” she cried, looking furious, but also uncomfortable. Insecure. Anxious. “But I am not telling him. Leave me alone. I am not telling anyone,”

“Not even Nesta? Elide?” he demanded. “And what if something happens?”

“What’s going to happen?!” she asked nervously.

Nothing.

Probably nothing.

He was being an overbearing creep, but he couldn’t stop.

He needed to know. And yes, he wanted her to be safe.

“Who knows?” he shrugged menacingly. “He is unvetted. No one knows anything about him. Have you even Googled him?”

She blushed.

That’s a no.

“Unless you tell me his name, I am not leaving,” he warned. “I need to know who you are going to be with.”

“I am not telling you.”

“Fine,” he propped himself against the door. “We’ll just stand here.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

The standoff continued for another few minutes, until, exasperated, she blurted,

“His name is Dorian!”

“Dorian. As in Dorian Gray?”

She rolled her eyes. “How funny.”

He took out his phone and asked, “Does Dorian have a last name?”

“Are you seriously going to Google him?”

“Absolutely I will. Since you didn’t.”

“I am not telling you.”

“Fine,” he shrugged. “I’ll await Dorian’s arrival and have a man-to-man talk with him,”

She paled.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Watch me.”

She glared at him, and then sneered, “Why don’t you invite Lorcan too! And Rowan. So the three of you can stand here, in your freaky silent vigil and glare at him, to scare him off.”

“Good idea.”

She shrugged, “And when Dorian comes here, you three can tower over him.”

“Why? Is he tiny?” Azriel snorted.

She rolled her eyes and then thrust her foot into her other heel, finally. As she tied it around her ankle, she muttered angrily, “so disappointed in you,”

“Get in line,” he snapped.

“Adarlan,”

“What?”

“His last name is Adarlan.”

Azriel immediately typed the name into the phone.

A pretty white boy. Columbia. Pre-law.

Figures.

Of course, someone like that would want someone like Elain. And she’d want him in return. Pretty, proper. Pathetic.

“Satisfied?” she rose to her full height. Her cheeks were flushed, brown eyes gleaming with anger and challenge.

She was so beautiful and so annoyed with him, Azriel was blinded by her, by her light, her spirit.

“Not for a while,” he said blandly and shrugged.

That made her redden. Not the blush of anger. Her sexy blush.

So, he went for it.

“Call it off,” he begged.

“What?”

“Call it off. Please.”

“Why?”

Because you are mine.

He wanted to tell her. To explain.

But did he deserve her? All that light and goodness? Perhaps, pretty boy Dorian was indeed more appropriate.

“Because,” he began and then heard a car pull up behind him.

Steps.

He didn’t turn around.

“Elain.”

“Dorian.”

Her face lit up with a smile.

“Ready?”

She nodded. “Just let me grab my bag.”

When she disappeared, Azriel turned around at last.

Dorian was good looking, tall, thin. Young. Looked like a kid, though Azriel figured that he wasn’t much younger than him. But Azriel’s lived about 540 years by now…at least that’s how it felt, and Dorian—Dorian probably had many girlfriends, many friends, and daddy’s money.

He was about as interesting as a bag of beans.

They stared at each other.

Azriel didn’t give a shit.

He didn’t care about anything, other than this is what Elain chose. This Dorian may end up holding Elain’s hand. Perhaps going in for a kiss. That sensuous weak mouth may touch Elain’s perfect lips—the lips that Azriel only dreamt of kissing. And what if it went further?

What if,

No.

No.

Elain was not a ‘first date sex’ kind of girl. Never. Not his Elain.

“Treat her well,” he growled a warning.

Dorian blinked.

“What?”

“Treat. Elain. Well.”

“Who are you?”

“Consider me her brother-in-law.”

“Oh. Okay. Alright. Sure, man. Yeah.”

Fucking intellectual powerhouse.

“I am one of many,”

“Many what?” Dorian asked in confusion.

“Many brothers-in-law. And they all look like me. Some are even bigger.”

“Ready?!” Elain chirped.

“Um, yeah,” Dorian’s eyes darted back and forth.

Azriel finally gave up and crossed his arms on his chest.

“Have fun you two,” he said sweetly.

“Thank you. I’ll see you at Rhys’s pool party on Saturday,” Elain acted like everything was normal.

“Sure. Bring Dorian along,” Azriel jerked his chin. “We’ll be delighted to have him.”

 Elain

 “He is a charmer,” Dorian finally exhaled once they were inside the car.

She grunted in response.

“Does he have enough tattoos?” he started to reverse. “Oh, look, a Ferrari,”

“It’s his,” she bit the inside of her cheek, glancing quickly at the unmoving figure under the awning.

“His? What is he? A drug dealer?”

“Dorian!” she snapped. She was so on edge, she sat on her shaking hands the moment she buckled up.

“Sorry. Sorry. But really, do you want me to,”

She interrupted,

“What? Are you offering to beat him up?”

“I mean,”

“Dorian. He is a Navy Seal,” she said bluntly. “His bicep is the circumference of my head. His buddies are all pushing 6”7 in height and are all former Navy Seals. I am just saying. You aren’t taking him on.”

Dorian didn’t feel the need to disagree.

 Azriel

 Elain was his home. She was his happy place. His joy.

Her smile made everything better.

When she touched him--his fingers, his cheek—that touch carried more sensual promise than anything he’d ever experienced. And he’d experienced plenty.

Azriel’s only brush with love was when he was 18 and it was right before Morgana fucked Cassian, lost her virginity to him and got pregnant by him. He wondered if that’s what fucked him up, turned him off love for this past decade. Ploughing through endless bodies felt good, though he was usually left with the feeling of residual emptiness and longing. But he accepted it.

Elain though. He didn’t plough into Elain. Never even so much as seen her breast. And yet, his head was filled with her. Images, both erotic and mundane floated through his brain constantly. Elain’s eyes lighting up when he called her ‘baby’. Elain tasting a pastry, in her own special way, sometimes dipping her finger into the cream, and driving him wild. Elain reclining her golden head on the seat of his car, eyes closed. Elain being a little drill master when it came to arranging flowers, absolutely unperturbed by the idea of ordering Rowan and Cassian and Fen around.

That Elain was offering her smile, her time, her attention to that pretty prick Dorian was just intolerable.

If he could, he would actually climb the walls. But Azriel couldn’t climb walls, even if parkour-loving Fenrys would probably teach him how. Therefore, he went back to the shop, where Nuala was just packing up for the day.

“I need your car,” he demanded.

“We are in a garage,” she reminded him reasonably, but nevertheless tossed her keys to him. He caught them with one hand and said, “I owe you one.”

“You owe me like fifty…but who is counting?”

Nuala didn’t know why he needed her car, but she did know that he was beyond pining, at this point. He was in full love mode. As in LOVE. Capital letters, heart palpitations, sleepless nights, acting-like-a-drug-addict LOVE. Who would have thought? Not only that Azriel would fall in love at all, but that it would be with Elain.

Azriel got into Nuala’s ordinary Acura, drove to Elain’s apartment, and kept vigil the very same way she told him he would.

At this point, he didn’t care at all. He sat and waited in his shadows. Waiting like this—he learned this level of patience back in the Navy, during his recon missions—suited him, and his personality. Lorcan and he could sit like this for hours. Days. They weren’t bothered at all. Cassian and Fenrys would whine, complain and bounce like little children.

Shadows were his friends, as they’d always been, since he was a boy and hid from his abusive father. They protected him then, and concealed him now.

Finally, at an acceptable, and slightly boring, 11:23 pm, Dorian’s generic Audi pulled up.

There was no way that either of them would spot him, or assume that he was around.

Dorian opened the door for Elain, and she stepped out. They talked. She smiled. Then laughed.

It all grated on Azriel’s nerves. Go inside! He wanted to shout to her.

Then, Dorian made a move. Azriel tensed, when the pretty boy reached his hand out and ran his knuckles over Elain’s bare shoulder. The hand stopped entirely too close to her breast, as he squeezed her upper arm, holding her close. If Azriel sensed even the tiniest expression of discomfort from her, he’d be flying out of the car in a snap.

They talked some more, that gross hand still resting on Elain’s arm. But then, she opened her arms and Azriel grimaced. No way. No way was she going for a kiss.

And thank all the gods above, but she only hugged him, and not a close hug either—but that awkward, butts-out, shoulders pressed together weird hug. Something males typically gave each other, so careful to avoid any penile interaction. Then she walked to her building and gave Dorian a little wave. He hopped in his car and drove away.

What a prick. Didn’t even wait for her to get inside.

But she stood still, door unopened, keys in her fingers. And then, she peered into the darkness. A long, penetrating gaze. Aimed right at him. Like she saw through the shadows. She looked and looked, and he melted in the shadows, into the darkness of the car.

And then she flipped him off, and walked inside.

 Elain

 Piled into Lorcan’s Range Rover, it was Elain ad Elide, Lorcan and Connall in the car.

It was a nice day for a pool party, for a long drive to the Hamptons, for enjoying the sunshine.

Elain was having none of it.

She hated this idea to begin with—pool parties—which were full of too-rich and affected young people, prancing around in skimpy underwear. The women too perfect. The men, full of unreasonable expectations.

Feyre and Morrigan liked this crap, Cassian too, Aelin—certainly.

All the people with their perfect bodies and big hair and bigger personalities.

This Range Rover was like the car for outcasts.

Lorcan looked like he wanted to be at a pool party as much as he wanted to have a rectal exam. Connall, she was sure, would just sit by the bar and nurse drinks all day long. Elide would always find an escape with Lor, and the two of them would huddle together and make snide comments about the attendees to each other.

Elain sighed.

She was such a stupid, inexcusably dumb, fucking idiot.

“Do you know why Az isn’t coming today?” Lorcan looked at her in the mirror.

“Oh?”

She bit inside of her cheek, stifling a pathetic cry.

It shouldn’t have surprised her that Azriel decided not to attend, but she still harbored hope, somewhere inside of her that he would. That they’d be able to talk. That he’d…

Forgive her?

“No, I don’t know,” she mumbled.

“Did you have a fight or something?” Lorcan’s strange black eyes looked at her like they were scraping the edges of her soul. It wasn’t the most comfortable of feelings.

“No.”

She spent the rest of the trip in sullen silence. Even Elide didn’t try to shake her out of her stupor.

 As expected, the party was ridiculously over the top.

There were throngs of people milling about, all in various stages of undress. Firm, golden flesh gleamed in the sunlight.

There were three bars—one for beer, one for cocktails and one for everything else. An ice cream station. A s’mores station. Wagyu beef sliders. Lobster hot dogs. Jamon Iberico. Wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Deep down, Elain was grateful that she’d never be this wealthy.

She was happy with her flowers, her shop, and she was considering opening a pastry shop down the road. And then Azriel had his wonderful garage, but successful as it was, it wasn’t on the Darling level of wealth…And that was alright. It was perfectly enough, too much even,

She stopped.

She should’ve just told him. Everything. A long time ago. But the intensity of her own feelings towards him frightened her, and then…she fucked it all up.

She meandered absently around the premises, listening to Feyre’s and Nesta’s screeching from the pool, where both were perched on the shoulders of their respective lovers, whacking each other and others with long plastic poles. Mor and her new girlfriend were making out passionately in a hammock. Fenrys was swarmed by a bevy of busty beauties. And so on…

She was feeling foolish and exposed in her pink bikini, wishing she had a wrap or something. Her body was no worse than all of these other girls’, but she couldn’t help but compare herself to them. They were confident. Exciting. Entertaining. They flirted and laughed loudly. They had sparkly teeth and giant lips.

She didn’t know how to flirt, and wasn’t glamorous or polished like them.

“What’s a pretty girl like you doing here all alone? Without a drink?”

A man sidled over, his bold eyes roaming about her body, assessing.

“I am fine, thank you,” she made to get away and walk towards the pool, but he thrust an insistent hand in front of her, holding a drink.

“Come on, sugar. Join me.”

Sugar?

And then, there were four of them. Five.

None were threatening, but being surrounded by so many men, while basically naked was outside of Elain’s comfort zone. They were joking, laughing, chugging their beers. She didn’t know any of them.

“So, who are you?” asked one of them.

“A guest.”

She angled her body towards the pool, trying to sneak past them.

“A guest? We are guests too! Nice party,”

“It is. Pardon me, I have to go,”

“But why?”

One of them caught her hand in his and pulled lightly, grounding her in place.

“Excuse me!” she attempted to withdraw her hand, but he didn’t budge. They herded her a little closer to the house. A sixth man approached, carrying a little tray with tequila shots.

“Where do you got to go, baby?”

Another hand slipped down her back and brushed over her butt, making her jerk.

“What the hell?” she hissed, but her indignation was met with amused smiles.

“Such a pretty girl, all alone. Come, join us,”

“I am not alone!” she snapped angrily.

“Oh no?”

“And who are you with?”

“My fucking boyfriend!” she lied, a little scared now.

“Oh, a boyfriend?” teased one. “And who might that be?”

“Do we know this boyfriend? Where is he?”

She looked around desperately, and then lied again, “He is inside. And coming back, soon.”

Laughter.

“Ohh, I don’t think so. I’ve been watching you for an hour, and there is no boyfriend.”

“I think I need to go,”

“But why!?!”

They goaded, “Tell us about the boyfriend?”

“His name is Azriel Bagarat,” she blurted out.

More laughter. Challenging, condescending laughter.

“Really?”

“Mr. Fancy Garage is your boyfriend?”

“Good one! I almost fell for it.”

“Azriel Bagarat-I-date-a-new-girl-weekly makes for a bad boyfriend, honey,”

“You aren’t exactly his type.”

Tears threatened to pour out of her eyes, and she was horrified by her body’s reaction to the taunting.

She threw, “and what type is that?”

“He doesn’t go for squeaky clean girls like you.”

“Maybe it’s an experiment!” laughed one of them. “He is into all sorts of fucking kink. Maybe he is wetting his cock in some virgin flesh,”

“Are you even legal?”

“You look awfully young.”

At this point, Elain was not above screaming for Lorcan, or Rowan, or anyone else. Her looking weak and pathetic was the least of her concerns.

For a moment, the teasing and the laughter died down. One of them exclaimed, “Oh hey. There you are!”

Fuck. Another one.

The scent hit her first. The sharp, intoxicating smell of his expensive Armani cologne. She’d recognize it anywhere. That hint of cedar and a chilled night air. That was him. Her home.

And then, the familiar dark arm slipped across her stomach, tugging her firmly to his front. Another hand slid to her throat, laying on it, but not squeezing. He held her tenderly, close to him, possessively.

“I missed my girl,” he whispered, his gravelly, husky voice so familiar to her ear it sent a shiver down her spine.

Why couldn’t it be like this forever? Her in his arms? Forever?

“My gorgeous girlfriend always brings all the boys to the yard,” he chuckled. And then, to Elain’s utter delight and pleasure, he placed a warm, open mouthed kiss on the side of her neck.

She shuddered.

He’d never kissed her. Never intimately. Never kissed her like this.

His. She was his. And he just marked his territory.

It was glorious. To be kissed by him was something that she’d dreamt of and here it was—unexpected, sensuous, surprisingly erotic.

His thumb stroked the side of her throat, and then he leaned in and kissed her again. Same spot. Her bare vulnerable throat, her pale neck, his for the taking. She had no control of the situation, and she loved it.

“Thank you for keeping my girlfriend company, gentlemen, but I’ll take it from here.”

Not so brave anymore, in the face of this towering mass of muscle and tattoos, the men sheepishly offered him a shot, which he knocked back and then even attempted to high-five him, though he drew the line at that.

As they scampered away, Azriel did not release Elain from his embrace. She just stood there, with his arm around her, her body pressed into his almost-naked body and all she wanted was to turn around and peek. Or have him kissed her again. She really, really wanted him to kiss her again.

He did not though.

Finally, his arm fell away and he stepped back, causing a sorrowful sigh to erupt in her chest.

She turned around. His face was unreadable, as always, and though she picked out his little tells and signs of emotions now, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“Thank you,” was all she could mutter. He didn’t answer. “I didn’t think you were coming,”

“No need to talk,” he cut her off. Then turned around and added, “feel free to leave with Lorcan or Cass.”

He was walking away when she called out, “Wait. Az. I want to talk. Please,”

“No,” he said simply.

She ran after him, trying to keep up with his long stride.

“Az, please, I need to,”

“It’s Azriel to you,” he corrected bluntly. “You don’t get to ‘Az’ me,”

She swallowed, tears stinging her eyes.

“Okay…okay,” she begged. “Azriel, I want to explain, please,”

“You don’t always get what you want,” he threw back.

She paused, but then added,

“But sometimes, you get what you need.”

A tiny smile twitched on his lips. But he schooled his face into neutrality and without turning to her, said,

“If you must tag along for the rest of the day, pretending like you are my girlfriend, it’s up to you,” he shrugged indifferently.

She didn’t care. At least he didn’t send her away. At least, she could be near him, and with time, she’d thaw his anger.

She followed him silently, like dog. Trying to be inconspicuous, but she stayed at his side, even if they didn’t talk and he continuously ignored her. It allowed her time to ogle his incredible body, which she did with relish and without shame. If he was going to be nasty to her, she at least would feast her eyes on all that muscular gorgeousness. Those Cadre men—they were all stunning, at least when it came to their physiques. Azriel, though, was a little more stunning than the others. Only Fenrys, perhaps, was at the same level of attractiveness.

They went to the bar and she followed him faithfully, not letting him out of her sight. He glanced at her, sighed, shaking his head with annoyance, but Azriel being Azriel, he ordered her a mojito, while he drank Sipsmith London Gin and tonic, and after a while, thrust the drink in her hand and muttered, “I am going swimming.”

She took it and sat on a chair, stiff-backed and patient, watching him.

When he emerged from the water, she was waiting for him with a fresh drink.

“Your tattoos look like wings.”

He rubbed a towel over the black and blue tattoos on his shoulders and arms and looked at her.

“Your tattoos,” she said again, watching his wet body and the markings on it come alive on his skin. When he was in the pool, and his arms rose and fell in the water, they looked like wings. “They look like wings. Bat wings.”

“Is that a compliment?” his voice was still cold, bored.

“Yes.”

She handed him his drink and then took his scarred hand in hers. He made to pull away, but she squeezed.

“You are my boyfriend,” she reminded him. “Would be strange if you didn’t want to hold my hand.”

He had no choice but to grip her hand back,

and fuck if it didn’t feel nice.

Two days, and he was going nuts without that little hand. Two days, and he’d missed her touch like it was his life’s necessity.

And then, she gently rubbed her thumb over his own.

“Stop that,” he ordered.

“No,” she said flatly.

“Elain,”

“Azriel,”

“It’s not going to work,” he warned.

She shrugged, “we’ll see.”

They took a few more steps, her thumb still stroking his fingers, and then he stopped abruptly.

“What do you want?”

She looked up at him and said, voice surprisingly firm, “I want to get into your car and drive home with you. I want to cook you dinner. I want to hold your hand. That’s what I want.”

“And what do I want?”

“You want the same thing,” she assured him, unusual confidence in her voice and on her face.

He watched her, unblinking, but she did not balk from his assessing gaze, did not step back. She just clutched his hand like life depended on it. His jowls twitched and he bit his lip, before says, “go and put some clothes on. We are going home.”

“No. Come with me,” she tugged him with her. “I don’t trust you.”

He smiled, at last, and her heart fluttered with joy at the sight of that magical smile.

They found their clothes, threw them atop the bathing suits and as soon as they were dressed, Azriel took her by the hand and led her out to the parking lawn. It was a Maserati Ghibli today, beautifully embellished with subtle pinstripes. No one would dare do this to their 90K car, but Azriel did. And it looked stunning.  

 The drive wasn’t comfortable.

He still wasn’t speaking to her and she just sat there, for an hour or more, in silence, hands on her lap.

Finally, once they began approaching the city, Elain asked, “where are you taking me?”

“Home,” was all he said, his first word since they got in the car.

She thought and said, “I don’t want to go home.”

His voice mocking and obsequious, he asked, “Please tell me, Elain, where should your personal Uber take you? Would you like a coffee? A snack? A walk in the park? A trip to the library? Should I deliver you into Dorian’s loving embrace?”

“Stop it,” she snapped at him, all red and angry. “Stop with all that!”

Azriel plowed forth, ignoring her command, “where was he today, by the way? Why was I stuck rescuing the damsel in distress? Where is brave Dorian?”

“Nobody asked you to rescue me!” she lied, suddenly realizing that maybe, that kiss meant nothing to him. That it was all for show.

“Yeah, you looked like you were handling that situation very well,” he decided dryly.

“You know,” she folded her arms on her chest, “do take me home.”

“Good.”

“Good.”

Once they entered the city proper, Azriel fought the traffic aggressively, swearing under his breath more frequently than usual, obviously intend on getting rid of her as soon as possible.

She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t break through. Couldn’t get to him, not around the walls that he’d constructed around himself. She thought that she could, but she was wrong.

Finally, they were coming towards her block.

The silence was stifling. Unbearable.

“Why did you do it?” he blurted suddenly.

She looked at him, but before she could offer any explanations or excuses, he continued, not looking at her, “Was I not enough? Was he better?”

“He is nothing,” she managed, desperation tinging her voice, her whole being. She reached out to touch him, but he jerked his arm away.

“Don’t,” he warned. “Nothing? Why would you do this, Elain? Was I not enough? Too weird? Too brown? Too low-born? Too fucked up?”

Elain stared at him in horror. She was numb. Words failed her.

He was shaking his head.

There was true sadness, dejection written on his face. Devastation.

“I was falling in love with you, Elain,” he said so softly, she barely heard the words. “For three months, I’ve been falling in love with you. I’ve loved everything about you. I knew that the hammer would drop…One day, it would drop because it’s not like this could ever be,” he made a wide gesture with his hand.

He stopped the car next to her house.

“But I thought that it would be me. That I’d fuck up somehow and you’d dump me. Which would be…expected…”

He sighed, his breath so ragged it sounded like a sob.

“But I didn’t expect this. Truly. Though looking back, I don’t know why I didn’t?” he shrugged. “That’s what Mor did—the only other one I thought that I loved. But we were young and stupid, so…” he was looking out the window, seemingly talking to himself, not to her anymore. “But now I am almost thirty and for once, I thought that maybe, just maybe, this one time, I’d get what I want.”

Elain was weeping silently, fat tears pouring onto her hands, dripping off her face.

“I wanted you more than anything, Elain.”

Elain. Elain. Elain.

She hated that he called her Elain.

She hated that he didn’t use his usual endearments with her, that she was no longer his ‘baby’ nor his ‘love’. She wasn’t his ‘gorgeous’ or his ‘beautiful’. She was just Elain.

There was no warmth in his voice. Only some kind of hollowed emptiness, instead of the usual teasing smirk, the undercurrent of humour and love, of tender softness that he always used with her. Only with her.

“You can have me,” she managed finally through her sobs. “You can ha--…”

He finally turned his head and looked at her, that gaze dark and pitiless.

“I am not sure I want you anymore. We’ll coordinate the wedding situation and we’ll be civil to each other, for Feyre and Rhys’s sakes. Goodbye Elain.”

She sat there. He waited. Then, with a groan, he got out and went to open the door for her.

As she stepped out of the car, she begged one more time, “Azriel. Please. Please just allow me the opportunity to talk to you,” she wiped her face, with her fist.

It destroyed him completely.

He didn’t know what to do with himself, as he tracked her movement, that childish, simple, raw flick of her fist over her eyes. It wasn’t the modelled, reserved, dab-the-eye practiced move that you saw on reality shows, the fake tears, the faux sadness.

This was Elain; sorrowful, devastated, begging.

“Please,” she pleaded again.

“I asked you to call it off,” he reminded her. “I begged you. You didn’t.”

She choked on a sob.

“You threw it in my face, Elain. This random man, whom you also led on, by the way. Led him believe that you were interested. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I am too old for this…Allow me the opportunity to just deal with this break up—or whatever it is—however I can. We both need to move on.”

He’d never left a crying woman on a sidewalk.

But he’d also never been in love before. And his heart had never been broken like this.

 ********************

 Azriel

 Nuala Gennaro has been trying to reach her boss for three days, to no avail.

He didn’t respond to texts, or to calls. He didn’t show up to work. He wasn’t at the garage, at the tattoo shop, or his design studio. He didn’t seem to be home either, because she drove by his loft a few times and the windows remained dark.

She had keys to his house, but that was a violation of privacy that she didn’t feel like engaging in just yet. Was this an emergency? He gave her the key for ‘emergencies’. Was this one? A healthy, 29-year-old handsome man disappearing for three days didn’t seem like an emergency, but still, Nuala was concerned.

She was going to give him one more day, and if he was still AWOL then she’d begin to worry.

Azriel was responsible. Whatever was happening in his life typically did not reflect on his work ethic. Besides, he was usually so guarded and seemingly unemotional, it was hard to say if he was affected by anything. Nuala had met him in high school—a beautiful, quiet, mysterious boy who looked like a fallen angel and who seemed unusually confident and astute for his age.

They reconnected after he and his brothers returned from the Navy. He was darker and quieter than she remembered, and hardened in his manner and bearing, and had a haunted look in his eyes which worried Nuala for quite some time. She’d been apprenticing as a tattoo artist and they’d met to discuss her joining his venture. She wasn’t sure if this whole garage/restaurant/tattoo parlour for rich people thing was going to be feasible or even realistic, but Azriel believed in the concept and somehow, got her enflamed by his passion as well. They’d slept together over the years, but even if she would have wanted more, he wasn’t willing to give it to her. Azriel went through women with the determination to conquer, mild interest and lack of follow up. But he never gave any of himself to them. Pleasure—yes. Self—no. So, Nuala had decided—staying with him and in his life, in his business, as his protégé and associate was more important than having him as a lover, even if he was by far the best lover she’d ever had.

The only thing that did seem to affect him—deeply, powerfully—was Elain Archeron.

Nuala didn’t think that it would happen. Didn’t think that Azriel was a man to fall in love so passionately, so completely, and even if he was denying it to himself, Nuala knew him well enough to know the truth. And whatever happened between him and Elain, approximately a week ago or so, truly devastated him.

Prior to his disappearance, he operated as if he was in some sort of fog. He answered questions, he gave instructions and directions, he did whatever was expected of him—met with clients, held meetings with his car suppliers, negotiated deals—but his heart was not in it. His beloved business was no longer his priority, and that confounded Nuala, for she had never seen him like this before.

She arrived early, earlier than usual, because she needed to get crackin’. Without Azriel, things seemed…tighter…more difficult. She’d never noticed it, but somehow, he carried this business, made it seem easy, and she falsely believed that it was a walk in the park. Gods, it wasn’t! It was busy, and difficult, and required constant attention and decision making, and reports only piled on her desk—financials, inventory, guest lists, requests, specs. It was endless.

Azriel’s office, a glass cube perched at the top of the building and overlooking everything below, the entire operation, was very dimply lit this early morning. Cassian installed one-way floor to ceiling windows in the office, so no one could look inside, but Azriel was able to see everything, if he so desired.

Nuala climbed the industrial-style stairs and opened the door without knocking.

At first, she thought that there was a fire. The office was entirely engulfed in smoke, but before she could hit the alarm button, nauseatingly pungent stench of tobacco assaulted her nostrils.

“What the hell?!” she exclaimed, rubbing her eyes, and rushing to open the outside windows. She left the door open as well, to encourage some sort of ventilation.

“What the hell,” she muttered again, finally making out Azriel in the dimness, who was sprawled on the leather sofa, in jeans and boots and a black t-shirt, his arm hanging listlessly to the floor, a cigarette between his fingers. On the floor, an almost empty bottle of Jameson’s and an overflowing ashtray, stuffed to the brim with butts. Tom Waits’s insanely gravelly, bourbon-and-tobacco-soaked voice filled the space as well.

“Wow,” she crossed her arms on her chest. “Wow.”

“Why are you here so early?” he asked by way of greeting.

“Funny thing—my boss disappeared for three days. Four days, actually. No word. No text. No call. No email. No warning. No idea whether he is dead or alive. So yes, it’s made for some early mornings for some of us.”

No answer.

He took a deep drag of his cigarette and said nothing.

“What the fuck, Az?”

“Like you said,” he shrugged indifferently, “I am the boss. I don’t have to report to anyone.”

Nuala bit her lip, but did not retort in the way she wanted to retort.

“Where were you?” she inquired calmly.

“Vegas.”

“Vegas?”

“Rhys’s Bachelor Party.”

“Oh.”

“I won money. It’s somewhere,” he glanced around absently. “Give it to some charity…”

“Which one?”

“I don’t care.”

“Fine.”

She didn’t push him. But added, “you can’t smoke here.”

“It’s my shop,”

“Even though. State and city regulations.”

He put out his cigarette compliantly.

“It’s 5 am. When did you start drinking?” she asked, pointing to the bottle.

He gave a lazy glance and shrugged,

“Technically, I didn’t stop drinking…It’s been a few hours…”

She was shaking her head.

He stared into the ceiling blindly, wordlessly.

Nuala didn’t know, but she also knew. So she took pity on him.

“Az,”

“I’d like to be alone now.”

“I will leave you alone,” she promised. “But…” she let out a whoosh of air, preparing herself. “Elain,”

He didn’t react.

“Elain is downstairs.”

To that he did react. He sat up so quickly, she didn’t track the movement with her eyes.

“I found her on the steps, outside,” said Nuala. “She looks like hell. I barely recognized her.”

“Why is she here?” he asked stupidly.

“I think you should probably ask her that. She wouldn’t come inside,” Nuala explained. “She said that she’s been sitting outside since 4 am, hoping to catch you.”

But Azriel was already out the door, sprinting down the stairs, making Nuala gasp, as he took three at a time, and she feared that he’d fall down on the concrete floor and break every bone in his body.

It was only five in the morning, and the streets, even NYC streets, were empty.

It was drizzling, a summer thunderstorm about to erupt.

Elain was sitting on the doorstep, arms wrapped around her knees, huddling into herself in the morning chill.

“Elain,”

She jumped up and turned to him.

He never saw her like this—wrecked. Utterly devastated. Wilted.

His lovely flower girl, his little rose, his darling beauty—wilted. Instead of her usual colouring of pink and golden, caramel and honey and cream, she looked black and white. Like everything was leeched out of her, every spark, all joy, each remarkable hue.

They did not greet each other. She just looked at him, and,

“I’ve hurt you,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady, the tone firm. “I know that. And you can leave and discard me, and you have every right,”

Azriel just stood there, looking at her, unable to get enough. Thinking that there was a possibility that this was going to be one of their last conversations. And that possibility was unacceptable to him. It was intolerable.

The rain began to fall.

Azriel moved under the awning, angling his body so she would come and stand under it as well, but she didn’t move.

Steady droplets pounded the pavement, giving off that fresh smell of wet asphalt. The air was heavy and humid and felt unsettled, like it was preparing for a torrent.

“But know this one thing,” she continued, staring at him, unblinking, eyes brimming with tears. “I fell in love with you on Saturday, May 9th, at 7:14 in the morning. I had loved you every moment of my life since then. I will love you every moment of my life until I die. Nothing will ever change that. I don’t speak to you as some besotted, inexperienced girl, who is smitten by a handsome man…I speak to you from my soul. You have my heart, Azriel. Every broken and sad piece of me, you’ve managed to put together with your beautiful, scarred hands. I will never ask for anything of you—not even a word back, but I needed you to know this. I want you know that I’ve never loved anyone, no man, no being, not my sisters or my parents, as much as I love you. All my joy, my peace, my dreams are connected to you. You are the first thing I think of when I wake up, and the last when I fall asleep—and then I dream of you. I don’t care if you know this, but I’ve built up my whole life around you in my head, all my fantasies are about you. All I want is to love you. That is all. Not very ambitious, I know,” she wiped the tears that were flooding her face, mixing with the rain, “but I can’t think of anything that would ever bring me more happiness, more satisfaction than to love you. And…” she choked a quiet sob, “if you don’t want me—that is alright…I want you to be happy. And if I don’t make you happy, then, so be it, but,”

Azriel couldn’t help himself. Couldn’t contain his bursting breath, his aching heart. Every bit of him felt electrified, wild, untamed.

He grabbed her, his arm pressing her soaking wet body to him, the rain pouring over them, and she trembled and sobbed next to him. Such indescribable hope in her eyes. That maybe, just maybe, it would all turn out like her fantasies.

He cupped her wet, pale face in his palm and murmured,

“You want me?”

Her trembling fingers traced his cheekbone and she nodded mutely.

“Say it,” he groaned.

“I want you,” she whispered.

“Say more,” he begged. “Say everything.”

“I love you. I choose you. I want you.”

He soaked it all up. Every breath. Every word. Every emotion on her face.

“Well,” he muttered, “if we are keeping score…then I fell in love with you on Tuesday, May 5th, at 4:47 in the afternoon.”

She laughed through her tears, clutching at him with desperate hands, as if fearing that he would disappear. Turn around and leave her.

But he wasn’t going anywhere. Ever.

He was exactly where he wanted to be. Yearned to be all his life.

“First glance, baby,” he lovingly caressed her face, “first glance. Love at first sight.”

She kissed the tips of his fingers.

“You are my home, Elain,” he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him, her cheek pressed to his chest, his hand cradling her head, “my favourite person in my life. With you, all things are possible. Sometimes, I feel like I can fly. Like I’ve grown wings and I hear the song of the wind. But I think that it’s just your voice in my head. You won’t leave, right?”

She chuckled and shook her head, “No. Never.”

“Because this week,” he shuddered, “it’s like I lost a limb…There was this phantom reminder of you, always within me, and yet, you weren’t there. I couldn’t reach and find you next to me. I’ve never felt such emptiness,” he brought her hand to his chest and lay it on her booming heart, “there was nothing here,” he pressed her hand closer, and she felt the steady beat, “empty…You weren’t with me, and there was nothing left.

“I think I’ve been in love with you—forever. I don’t even believe in past lives or other worlds, but sometimes I feel like I’ve known you for eternity.”

She raised her face to him, surprise and awareness in her red-rimmed eyes,

“I feel the same. Az, I’ve always felt the same thing!”

“Yeah?”

“Yes,” she nodded vigorously, “when we held hands the first time, when we just met, I recognized your touch. I knew your scars. It was all familiar to me, like stepping back into my own home, after a long absence. Reacquainting myself with something that I already loved.”

He cupped her face in his hands and asked,

“May I kiss you?”

“You have to kiss me,” she smiled a happy, luminous smile at him. “I’ve waited for a long time for you to kiss me.”

Azriel smiled, and looked up, rain drenching his face and their bodies.

“Are we really going to do this? In the pouring rain?”

She was grinning, smiling happily, nodding, “All the cliches in the world!”

He clasped her jaw in his hand, wrapping his other arm tighter about her.

“I loved when you kissed me at the party,” she admitted, a little breathless.

“Yes?” he murmured and then dipped his head, and gently pressed his lips to her throat.

Elain shuddered against him, her breasts, nicely full, round and soft pressed tightly against his chest, and she sighed her pleasure.

“Like that?” he whispered against her cold, wet skin, and she half-moaned, nodding. So he kissed her neck again, on the other side, raking his teeth gently along the warm, pulsating vein. He kissed along her collarbones, tender and sweet, but with acute intention. Her breasts moved against his chest, their shirts nor her bra providing much of a barrier between his skin and her firm, swollen nipples.

Up her throat he went with his lips, kissing softly, until he pulled away for a moment, their breaths mingling, warm next to each other. He tilted her face just so, to have better access to her full mouth, and then kissed the plump lower lip. She clutched at his shirt and pulled him closer, the rain forgotten, the world encapsulated in his mouth, in the loving pressure of his lips against hers.

Elain looked irresistible. In his arms, where, let’s face it, she belonged, with her cheeks finally, finally taking on the familiar rosy blush.

Azriel, all 6”4 or “5 of the dark, bestial sexiness of him was wrapped around her. The low, sensual purr that he emitted turned into something more primal, hungrier when his mouth moulded into hers. The base, animalistic attractiveness of him, the bronze arms, the thick markings of his tattoos all over his skin, slithering like shadows, was almost too much for Elain to handle all at once, and she moaned, loud, and desperate against his lips. He brushed his nose against her cheek, and then nose to nose, and she was so stupidly needy for him that she struggled to stay upright. He brushed his fingertips over her lips, squeezing them between his and her own, and she licked on the pad of his thumb, laving some of the scars with the tip of her tongue.

Gods, this man could kiss.

Brutal, savage and noble--all amalgamated into one indescribable, unforgettable experience. Hungry and knowing, agonizingly slow, he devoured her mouth like it was some succulent, exotic fruit that he’s been craving. His lips explored her thoroughly, unhurriedly, tasting and savouring, caressing and worshipping. It was she who slipped her tongue inside his mouth, tentatively at first, but then gaining in boldness and confidence, especially once he sucked her in and stroked it with his own. He tasted of something masculine: alcohol, maybe, deep and rich and smokey, and tobacco, certainly, which, surprisingly, she enjoyed, but also something sexual. If Elain ever thought that she could taste passion, this lazy, indulgent sucking of his tongue on hers was exactly that. He groaned into her mouth, low and hot, and then licked on her tongue, with sensual playfulness which she loved.

She was hot in his arms, against his towering, heated body, and even the pouring rain couldn’t cool her off. The slabs of his abdominal muscles pressed into her belly and she was growing positively addicted to having him so close to her, his massive strength enveloping her so nicely, cushioning her against him. Nothing in her life has ever felt so wonderful, so sublime as Azriel felt in her arms.

Their kiss went on and on, heady and glorious, with him exploring every bit of her mouth with his tongue and lips, his hands caressing her body unobtrusively.

“Gods, I want to kiss you for eternity,” he moaned, tearing himself away from her lips at last.

She was panting, glassy-eyed, in love. He squeezed her face between his palms, looking down at her, her happiness, the unabashed joy in her eyes.

He’d finally made someone happy.

“Okay,” she agreed easily.

He smiled and kissed her again, then again, his lips creating a certain magic between his mouth and her skin and their bodies.

Elain had fought for him.

She didn’t give up. Didn’t shrug it all off. Didn’t leave in anger or panic. His absence meant something to her—perhaps, meant more than he could understand. He knew the misery of not having her in his life. It was only a week, but it was a week of pure hell. Now, he assumed that it wasn’t only he who felt that gaping chasm in his heart. She, for some inexplicable reason, loved him. Of that, he was certain.

“Now, I think we’ve satisfied any girl’s quota of romantic cheesiness,” he decided and she laughed, slapping his bicep lightly. He kissed her softly, “and I am taking you inside,” he said.

Elain only now realized that her feet haven’t been touching the asphalt for the duration of the kiss. She was literally floating aboveground, in his arms, in the throes of their first kiss.

The cheesiness quotient has been achieved indeed.

“Will you kiss me more?” she asked, as he swung her in his arms and carried her inside the shop.

“I am confident that I will never stop kissing you,” he assured and made his way up the stairs, to the office, clutching the dripping mess that she was in his arms.

She’s been here before, but he brought her straight into the attached bathroom, which was appointed outlandishly, and with a nice shower too.

“Get in there,” he ordered, “now. Before you catch a cold because of your love for kissing in the rain,”

She giggled, kiss-drunk and toed off her soaking wet converse that smacked limply on the tiled floor.

“But what am I going to wear?”

“My clothes, obviously,” he shrugged. “Unless you don’t want to, which is fine, because naked is just fine by me. Actually, preferred,”

She snickered, but looked at him, a little uncertain, and he rolled his eyes and muttered, “yes, yes, I will leave! Don’t worry. Though you know, I will eventually see everything anyway. So your modesty is misplaced on me.”

Azriel was correct. A hot shower was perfect. Despite it being late August, standing under pouring rain wasn’t as much fun as they made it seem in the movies.

The door opened and he came in, “here is some stuff for you.”

She looked at him over her shoulder, probably a little sultrier than she intended, and he winked, “Nice ass!”

“Ugh, stop looking!” she croaked, but he only laughed.

“You are the one with the bare butt!”

Then, he scratched his chin and bit his lip, making no move to leave.

“Az!” she exclaimed, blushing, but also kind of … intrigued.

“This is a very, very, very nice ass,” he muttered to himself, but loud enough for her to hear. Her blush only intensified, when he said, “the things I am going to do with it. Mmmm,” he rubbed his lower lip with his thumb, as if contemplating what he will be doing with her butt and then finally walked out, shaking his head.

When Elain emerged from the bathroom, with her hair wrapped in the towel and wearing Azriel’s t-shirt and shorts, she found him in a leather chair, sipping coffee. He’d also changed and his hair was mussed and damp, his bare feet crossed at the ankles, resting on a leather stool.

“There is coffee for you,” he jerked his chin towards a marble coffee table that had a basket of pastries and two large cups of coffee.

He marked everything.

How she looked in his clothes, which were much too big on her, yet cozy, though the shorts that she wore were hilarious, reaching below her knee.

How she brought him his coffee first, before taking her cup.

How she sat on the stool, by his feet and crossed her legs, before giving him a croissant and biting into her own.

“Have you warmed up?” he asked, sipping his coffee. Chugging gallons of coffee American style wasn’t his thing—he preferred quick, small espressos, but this giant cup did take the chill away.

She nodded.

“Do you want to talk?” he asked.

She tensed right away, and he said, “All is forgiven, I swear. “

She eyed him suspiciously, nevertheless.

He smiled at her, and added, “But...I think that I need to understand what happened? Did I do something to,”

“No!” she exclaimed immediately. “No. It was nothing you did. Never think that it was you,”

“Alright,” he said calmly. “Then what was it?”

She didn’t look up from her cup, running a finger over the rim.

“Talk to me, love,” he encouraged softly.

“You’ve consumed me, Azriel,” she confessed, her voice barely audible. “From the moment I saw you, you’ve consumed me. And I guess…” she sighed, “I was stupid…a stupid, stupid person because I didn’t know,”

“What?”

“Whether I was infatuated, or in love with you. So I thought that maybe, if I expose myself to another man, even in some minor way, I might be able to tell what I feel,”

“And? Did you?”

“Dorian…” she swallowed nervously, “he is a nice guy. He is in Law School with Nesta—that’s how I know him. When he asked to go to dinner, and I said yes,”

She looked up at him, tears threatening to spill out from her eyes,

“And I felt nothing,” she admitted, her voice broken somehow. “I could only think of you. The entire time, I could only think of you and I knew that it wasn’t fair to him…”

Azriel agreed, “probably not”.

“And I knew that I’d made a colossal mistake… But,” she set her cup on the floor and squeezed her fingers. “I…”

She halted. Said nothing else.

Azriel waited.

“What?” he probed, sensing that there was something she wasn’t telling him. He reached for her, but she only shrunk into herself.

“Elain, what is it?” he pressed.

She blushed and murmured, “promise me you won’t leave me, if I tell you.”

His brow furrowed, “Please,” he begged, “tell me what’s going? You are legit scaring me right now.”

“You won’t lea--,”

“Don’t be ridiculous! I am not leaving you, no matter what. But are you alright?”

She pulled her hair from the towel and it spilled over her shoulders, half-obscuring her face. He reached and tucked the wet strands behind her ears, so he could see her face.

“Talk to me, baby,” he urged gently.

She exhaled and then said, looking straight at him,

“I’ve never been with a man, Az.”

He looked at her and then blurted, absurdly, “Like a virgin? But you are so hot!”

She couldn’t help and burst out laughing.

“I guess not hot enough,” she shrugged, a bit more relaxed about the situation now that he seemed relieved and smirking too.

He exhaled, deeply, bubbling his lips, “Phew…I thought it was something,” he shook his head, not able to express his relief. “Important…Something, I don’t know, serious?”

“What would be serious?”

“I don’t even know,” he admitted, “but certainly more serious than a hymen!”

He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.

“And I appreciate you telling me,” he said seriously, kissing the inside of her hand, but then, that glint in his eyes returned and he asked, “so did you want the hunky Dorian to deflower you?”

She pushed at him with her foot and he fell back dramatically in his chair,

“Auuu, you are so unbelievably violent!” he complained, rubbing his side.

“I can be even more violent!” she threatened.

He was laughing, but then he caught her feet in his hands and squeezed them gently, holding them on his lap.

“So you didn’t have boyfriends in high school? In college?” he asked at last, genuinely perplexed.

She sighed and explained,

“In high school I was dating Luce,”

“You were dating a girl?” his brow furrowed. “I didn’t know,”

She started to laugh,

“No! Luce is a man. Lucien,”

“Oh…Oh. Every time you mentioned Luce, I just assumed he was a she.”

“No, he is my best friend. The closest friend I’ve ever had, besides maybe Nesta. We’ve always been close and then in high school, we began dating,” she tugged on her wet hair, “or rather, go on dates.”

“What’s the difference?”

“I didn’t know either—not in the beginning. But then, when we were juniors in 11th grade, he came out, to me only.”

“Ahhh,”

“Lucien’s step-father is really horrible. Like, awful. Physically abusive to all his sons, and always fancied himself this alpha male. So for Lucien to come out to him would have been suicide.

“We agreed that we’d continue our ‘dating’, until we graduate, and Luce was looking at schools only in California. As far as possible from here, from Beron.”

“And you were…okay with it?” he inquired, gently massaging her feet.

She shrugged, “I suppose I was. Luce and I had a good relationship,”

“But it was without any,”

“Intimacy,” she nodded. “I don’t know, I suppose it was enough…My mother had died recently and we lost most of our money, so I guess dating and boyfriends weren’t a priority, if I am being honest.”

He nodded with understanding.

“And college?”

“I had a boyfriend,” her voice wobbled a little, “but he…”

The heavy gaze that Azriel levelled at her told her that he already guessed.

“Sometimes,” she said, “when you are in the situation, you don’t see the warning signs,”

“Did he hit you?” his voice, so cold and menacing, sent a chill down her body.

She shook her head, “No. It didn’t get that far…Cass interfered,”

“Cass?”

“We’ve known Cass for at least a year,” she reminded him, “before he started dating Nesta. He spent a lot of time with us, at the house, because I think he didn’t want to part with Nesta,”

Azriel smiled, “No he didn’t. He wouldn’t stop talking about her for a year…I’d never seen him like that. First Rhys, then Cassian…Guess there is something special about these Archeron sisters,” he decided and stroked her face lovingly, smiling at her. She tucked his palm between her cheek and shoulder and kissed it.

“They do have a tendency to fall in love with the three brothers,” she agreed.

“Yes, they do.”

“Cass, he called us ‘his girls’—Feyre and I. Always asking after ‘his girls’, bringing us presents, doing fun things with us. And I came to love him so much,” she sighed. “And I know that he truly loves us too…But you know Cass—he is a no-nonsense kind of a guy. So once, he observed Graysen with me,”

“Graysen?” Azriel rolled his eyes. “That’s a horrible fucking name,”

She laughed,

“It matched his personality. But you know, on paper, he looked great. Handsome, good family, money,”

“So basically Dorian?”

Elain rolled her eyes,

“You are never going to have me live this down, will you?”

“Not for a while.”

“At least you are honest. Gray, he just…didn’t care, I guess? It was all about him. When I’d talk about opening my shop, it would just be a plain ‘no’. He’s put me down…” she sighed, “sometimes comment on my weight—I was either too fat or too thin.” Azriel flinched at that. She continued, “He’d tell me what to eat. What to wear. Where to go,”

“Jesus fucking Christ,” he muttered.

Then, he sat up straight in the chair and opened his arms to her.

“Come here.”

Elain, a bit unsure, and a bit rattled by the memories, moved towards him. He cupped her face in his broad scarred hands and said, “All in the past. Now, it’s just you and me.”

She nodded, gently squeezing his wrists. He leaned in closer and she nodded. His sort of power, the more aggressive and primal, and seemingly more dominant than what Graysen could ever conjure up, did not scare Elain at all. He beckoned and seduced her with that pursuit and challenge, but he did not frighten or oppress. It was similar to what Cassian possessed and how he managed to seduce Nesta with it, turned her compliant to his demand and instruction, or Lorcan with Elide. Azriel’s power, his seduction, were more cerebral, his affection passionate, but controlled. Elain could abandon herself to him, and yet she knew that she’d never be abused or taken advantage of, no matter how much control she relinquished.

This kiss was sultry and voluptuous, and it felt dirtier, heavier than their first one. He sucked her lips, is tongue softly grinding against her in a smouldering, almost smug rhythm. He fucked into her mouth steadily, and purposefully, rendering her completely breathless in his arms almost instantly, forcing all thoughts of previous loves and heartaches out of her head. She made a tiny, strangled noise deep inside her throat and squeezed his wrists harder.

“Tell me things, baby,” he muttered heatedly against her lips, thumbs brushing over her cheeks.

She smiled, “what things would you like to hear?” He kissed her softly, lips pecking on hers playfully, and said, “all the things…all the good things that you told me before,”

“That I love you?” she asked simply, looking at him with earnest, undimming desire.

“Yes,” he groaned, pulling her closer to him, until she was straddling his thighs, her legs naturally falling on either side of him. A desperate moan escaped his lips, as Elain licked on them with the tip of her tongue, before he demanded, between kisses and caresses of his tongue in her parted mouth, “more,”

“I love you. I love you,” she breathed, then panted, “you are mine…I am yours. Forever, if you’d like,”

“I’d like forever,” he agreed.

She pulled away, her soft, lovely face serious,

“Az,”

“Elain,”

“Do you want to be my boyfriend?” she asked, and he grinned, nodding. She sounded absurdly solemn about this, like she was signing a business contract. “I love you. I want you to be my boyfriend,”

“Alright, babygirl, I will be your boyfriend,” he nodded easily.

“No jokes.”

“No jokes.”

He then said in turn, “But you’ll be mine.”

She nodded.

“In every way,” he added, in a tone that did not allow space for much argument. “Body,” and he lightly ran his knuckles against the side of her breast, and she nodded. He added, “but I want more,”

“What do you want, Az?”

“Love,” he said simply.

She kissed him. “I love you,” she said.

He waited.

“I chose you, Azriel, the moment I saw you. When my heart dropped at the sight of you, and when everything fell into place. I don’t mind choosing you for the rest of my life, if you have me,” she murmured shyly.

“I will have you,” he agreed, her admission making him swallow hard, a thick glob of air lodged in his throat. He might have cried, if he weren’t so happy. His flower girl. His.

He looked and looked, and considered something. She waited, silent. Silence was always a friend between the two of them. Silence was easy and unoppressive and welcome. It allowed them space, and yet they remained together in that mute, mutual understanding. While he was thinking, she took his hand and softly kissed each scarred fingertip.

“I am calling on my bargain,” he declared suddenly, and stroked her head.

Confused, she scrunched her face and muttered, “what?”

He grabbed her behind in his strong hands and somehow, managed to rise up, with her clutching at him. His nose burrowed into her ear and she squirmed, giggling, when he grunted, “what a nice little ass!”

“You seem to like it,” she laughed, wrapping her arms around him.

“I love it!”

“Now what about this bargain?” she reminded him, a bit concerned. “What are we doing?”

“Whatever I want!”

“Az!”

“Lainey.”

He headed for the door, with her in his arms, and she screeched, “I don’t even have shoes on!”

“You don’t need shoes where we are going,”

“Azriel!”

“Why are you so fussy?” he mused, smirking, as he made it down the stairs.

“Why won’t you tell me?”

“I don’t have to tell you. All I promised was that it’s not going to be ‘bad’ whatever that means.”

She sighed, shaking her head, muttering under her breath. He, in turn, very much enjoyed her clutching at him, her body in his arms, her wet hair swiping over his arm. She looked very cute, if very ridiculous in his clothes, and frankly, he was too elated, too disbelieving that this was even real, to let her go. He held her and nuzzled at her neck, at her face, sometimes returning to her beautiful mouth.

He carried her through the still-empty premises, though waiters at the bar and delivery people in the kitchen were starting their day. When they saw their boss carrying a woman, who frequently visited him here in the past few months, they pretended not to notice, as if this was a normal affair. In fact, no other woman ever came here, to visit him. He’s never been seen with a woman, never said that he had a girlfriend, even if women seemed to lose their minds in his presence. But until this one—absolutely not the type of a woman he typically attracted—he never allowed anyone to get close to him.

Azriel made his way into the cavernous insides of the building, at last entering the tattoo shop that he had on premises. It was elegantly outfitted and bore his usual aesthetic—restrained, modern, striking with its use of black, white, and splashes of cobalt.

Elain looked around, when he set her down and pointed out, “I’ve been here before.”

He nodded.

As she wandered about, looking at various lithographs and prints with unique tattoo designed, she finally stopped abruptly and whirled to him,

“No!”

He was laughing under his breath.

“No!” she exclaimed again.

“No what?” he winked, sitting down on a stool, and patting on a leather recliner beside it.

“You…” she fumed. “No!”

He tsked, “A bargain is a bargain.”

“Azriel!” she stomped her foot.

He crossed his arms on his chest and looked at her, “Elain.”

“I am not getting a tattoo!”

“You most certainly are. Stop being a wuss and come here.”

“I am not going to,” she insisted.

“You know,” he notified her conversationally, as he started to prep his equipment, “a shitty little Bagarat tattoo is like $800 bucks,”

“Congratulations. Give it to someone else,” she offered, scowling. “Maybe someone would like a sleeve for twenty grand!”

“I won’t give you a sleeve. Jeez, you’ll probably faint at the first prick,”

She huffed, “I will not!”

He shrugged.

She pressed, “I will not. I am not afraid of needles and I have a high pain tolerance.”

“Lots of talk, babe, no action,”

Stomping angrily, she crossed the open space and challenged, “do you even know how to tattoo?”

“Cass and Rhys…” he winked. “And whenever Rowan decides to add to his collection…Or Gavriel,”

Those were some of the finest, most intricate designs that Elain’s ever seen.

“You did those?” she asked, brow furrowed.

He nodded.

“They are beautiful,” she whispered.

“Will you trust me?” his voice softened and he extended his hand to her.

Elain sighed and then slid on the lounge chair. It was comfortable. She was nervous.

“What will it be?” she asked. “May I see it?”

Wordlessly, he pulled a piece of paper from a folder, but then did not give it to her. She waited. He suddenly seemed uncertain, almost shy.

“Az,” she said gently, “may I see it? I am sure it’s beautiful.”

He swallowed and then explained, “I traced it the first day…evening…When we met, and you were here, at the garage. I,” he exhaled and then looked at her, “anyway…I was overwhelmed, I guess. I fell in love with you and all I could think of was you.”

The words warmed her up, and everything in her softened at his nervousness, at his admission.

“I want it,” she took the paper from him.

“It’s just for you,” he clarified. “It’s unique to you. I needed to quiet my brain and capture the essence of you, and this was it,”

Elain looked at the drawing. It was smaller than she expected, and rendered masterfully—an absolutely exquisite flower cradled in an embrace of two wings.

He swallowed tightly, and then said, “It’s called On the Wings of Desire.”

Without saying anything, Elain pulled up the shirt that she was wearing, just up to her chest. He looked down at her, expectantly.

She put her hand under her left breast, where her heart was and said, “there. I need it there.”

He nodded, remaining silent.

She saw that this was important to him, some ritual that he desired for her to go through, some sort of marking. That’s what it was. It dawned on her, at last. This was his mark, on her. He was going to do it himself, put a part of him, of his creation, of his work, not just on her skin, but within her blood, into her.

She clasped his hand and his eyes flew to her, a shadow of apprehension and anxiety in them, probably as much emotion as he’d be willing to show. He feared that she’d changed her mind.

“Az,” she licked her lip, suddenly nervous to request this of him. “Can you,”

“What?”

“Can you do it on you as well?” she proposed quietly.

He, it seemed, was unable to verbalize what he needed to, so she helped him, “Same spot, alright? Across your heart. So you know that I am always with you, as you are with me.”

He nodded vigorously, clearly relieved and absolutely in love with her proposition.

“Who will do it?” she wondered. “Please don’t ask me!” she laughed.

He smirked. “Nuala. She will do it. Only Nuala or Rowan tattoo me.”

She nodded and then relaxed back into the leather.

“No crying,” he said.

“Alright,” she shrugged. “Kind of weird that you are this sensitive to pain, but okay. I’ll hold your hand.”

He was laughing.

“I thought only Nesta had a big mouth like that,” he said, as he prepped the skin and pulled on his gloves.

“Mistake number one,” teased Elain.

“I am seeing that now,”

He then said, “Okay, I may accidentally brush against the boobie,”

“How accidentally?” she chuckled, while he pressed the outline into her skin. Then, the needle began its wheezing and Elain winced, as the first prick of the needle stung her skin.

“You good?”

“Yeah,” it was more painful than she expected, and she figured that the spot that she selected was probably not the best and would hurt more than an arm or a leg, but she was set on it.

“Absolutely, totally accidentally,” he lied. “You are the one who chose the spot,” he pointed out.

Elain was a trooper. She did not make any hissing noises or any sounds at all throughout the tattooing. The shading was the longest and most painful part, and even then, she remained composed and only winced a few times.

“I am sorry,” he murmured repeatedly, especially when a bit of blood seeped onto her skin.

“Prick your finger,” she whispered.

“What?”

“Prick your finger,”

“And?”

The soft doe-eyes blinked at him a few times, and she said, “I think you know what to do.”

So he did. He pricked his finger and mixed his blood with hers.

 Nuala offered to tattoo ‘No Regerts’ on Azriel’s chest, if Elain so desired. She considered it, while Nuala explained that Azriel was now at their mercy and they could do whatever they wanted to him. At the end, he walked away with only a small tattoo over his heart.

 It was about 8 am when Azriel and Elain left the garage. The sun was shining and there were no remnants of the previous storms. It was like it never happened. But it did happen. Everything happened.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, slinging his heavy, muscled arm around her shoulders. She’s been clutching at her side the whole time.

She shook her head no and looked at him. He smiled and then kissed her.

“I love you,” he murmured suddenly. Elain’s face broke into a loving smile and she reciprocated by kissing him back. “Let’s go home.”

[kakashisdarling]

Steamy neighbor - Kakashi Hatake

Kakashi x Reader

Warning: NSFW, nudity mentioned

Find part II here.

I just moved in next to the sexiest ninja alive. But truth be told, he really gets in my nerves.

I met Kakashi Hatake back in the academy and even though my eyes were always involuntarily drawn to his figure, we were never friends. We barely shared more than a couple polite words and a simple sense of camaraderie.

However, lately he’s been truly testing my patience. We’ve discussed every single day since I moved in. He claims that I turn on my lights late at night with the only purpose of disturbing his sleep and he even has the audacity to blame me for arriving late to his activities.

What bothers me the most is that I can’t seem to get him out of my head. He even shows up in my dreams and I’ve been losing my sleep over the whole situation. This morning I feel extraordinarily tired. I decide that I’m not in the mood for cooking, so I’ll just make some juice and grab something on the way.

I sigh heavily as I look up through the kitchen’s window, but something catches my eye. My lungs feel tighter, I can hardly breathe.

Kakashi is cooking something in the stove. Naked. He is cooking naked.

Kakashi’s fucking naked. Right in front of me.

Dear god.

My eyes get lost in the way his shoulder blades shrink and stretch simultaneously with his cooking, his biceps making a show as well. Kakashi has a broad and muscular back that leads the way to his magnificent round ass and those well-built thick thighs. I mean, even his fucking ankles are sexy.

How is it even possible for someone to have such a perfect body?

Is this real?

Am I still sleeping? I scratch my eyes. I’m most definitely not dreaming, the universe simply decided to make me suffer today.

I have no clue of what to do, so I just keep staring for a while. The sight is eye candy.

He looks amazing, even with his mask on. And I can’t help but wonder how he’d look fully naked and without that mask.

Holy shit.

He turns around to grab something and I get a glorious full view. Shit. My lungs aren’t working anymore, this is breathtaking. I can’t even begin to describe what I’m seeing. His athletic chest and his well-defined abdomen are something to die for. And the most overwhelming part is that Kakashi has a morning boner…

Holy shit.

Lord, help me. All of a sudden, I’m seriously considering running to his door and helping my steamy neighbor with his cooking task. I’m losing my mind.

I can’t take this anymore; his back was already too much to handle but the front view is simply unbearable. Impulsively, I knock on the window and as his is partly open, he immediately turns to me. He looks really sleepy and his deep gaze warms my whole body. I feel the gap between my thighs soaking wet.

“Neighbor, you should really close your curtains” I advise with a thin tone.

He frowns and seems confused at first. But then it hits him.

“Are you enjoying the view?” he smirks playfully.

“I w-wasn’t… I-I didn’t m-mean to…” I nervously mumble as my cheeks turn bright red.

He laughs as he lazily closes his curtains.

I’m lost. There’s no hope for me.

How will I face him now? As soon as I see him, I’ll remember his body and dirty thoughts will cloud my judgement. And if the Hokage assigns us a mission together, I won’t be able to travel by his side and fight rationally. It’s unethical, I shouldn’t be thinking about my naked comrade.

Still unsure of how I’ll face him with a straight face, I decide that the best course of action right now is to hurry the hell up. Maybe that way, I’ll avoid the usual morning encounter.

I break my own record and get ready within fifteen minutes. But as I’m locking the door, I hear Kakashi’s door opening.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I shouldn’t have made that stupid juice; it wasn’t even that good.

“Hey” he says with a stupid smirk on his face.

And surprisingly, I still have the sudden urge to punch his face. Maybe not everything is lost.

“Morning, neighbor” I answer softly, avoiding his eyes.

I start walking down the hallway and he catches up with my step.

“Where are you heading to?”

“I have a meeting with Lord Hokage.”

“Me too.”

I nod silently, it looks like we are walking together to the office.

It’s so awkward. I need a way out.

“Oh, I almost forgot I have to stop by Iruka´s” I quickly make up an excuse to run away.

Kakashi raises his only visible eyebrow.

“I guess I’ll see you in the meeting, Y/n” he says.

I nod again as I start making my way to Iruka’s. I don’t need to stop by but maybe he could share his breakfast with me. In the end, he is my closest friend and I only drank that stupid juice before trying to escape from Kakashi.

————————

“YOU SAW HIM NAKED?” Iruka is totally freaking out.

“Don’t scream, you doucheface.”

“You know what? I’ve always had the feeling that he paid a lot of attention to you, since the academy” he says with a dreamy voice while he packs breakfast for the both of us. Thankfully, Iruka is also attending the meeting.

“Iruka, are you onto some kind of weed or something?”

“Maybe he did it on purpose. Maybe it’s something he read on Icha Icha.”

“Oh no! Did you put the same substance in my breakfast?” I cry dramatically.

“Y/n, I’m serious here.”

“Iruka, you know that’s nonsense, it was just a sleepy mistake.”

“Fine, I’ll keep the doubts to myself.”

Giggling, I take the lunch he is offering me and happily eat my breakfast as we make our way to the Hokage’s office.

“We were waiting for you” Lord Hokage says as Iruka and I enter the room. There’s only two other people inside, Kakashi and Gai.

“We are sorry Lord Hokage” I stutter. I can feel Kakashi’s strong gaze on me.

Lord Hokage nods and smiles faintly.

“Now that you’re all here, we can start. I have assigned pairs to fulfill a delicate mission. We have reports of strangers lurking in the forest near our village. We don’t know their intentions or if they’re dangerous. You have a week to gather information about them and conclude if they’re a threat or not.”

That’s good. I’ll be paired up with Iruka, as usual and I’ll have a week to fully clear my mind.

“Iruka will team up with Gai and Kakashi with Y/n. I know that’s not the usual, but I want to see how you work together. That’s all, good luck.”

Shit. I’m so screwed.

Iruka chuckles mockingly and I give him a murderous look as we make our way out.

“Iruka!” Gai calls as he approaches us. “Are you free to discuss some details?”

Iruka nods and squeezes my arm warmly as he walks away with Gai.

“So…” I hear Kakashi speak behind me. “We could grab some ramen while we chat about the specifics of the mission.”

“Sure.” I suddenly remember the incident of this morning and my cheeks heat up once again.

“Are you feeling ok?” he smirks, I know he is aware of the reason I’m getting all blushed.

“Uh mmm I-I j-just… I’m sorry about this morning.” I mumble.

“I’m not.” His smile grows as I raise an eyebrow all flustered and confused. “We’ll be working together a whole week, so I might just as well simply confess. I know that every morning you make juice in front of your window and I was aware my curtain was open this morning, Y/n”.

Wait a second… Did he just…? Is he serious?

I loudly clear my throat; I don’t understand anything. “What do you mean?” I inquire.

“I like you, in fact I always have. I never tried anything because I feared having emotional ties affecting my work as a shinobi and honestly, I thought you were dating Iruka. But when you moved in next to me, I realized it was the right time to make a move on you.”

“Oh” I am so surprised that a pig could fly right in front of me and I wouldn’t even notice. “You are a big riddle, Kakashi Hatake. But I like you, too.” As I finish the sentence a smile begins pulling up my lips.

“Well then, it’s good that I asked the Hokage to pair us for this mission.” I chuckle at the master plan of the ever so handsome shinobi next to me as we start walking to the ramen shop.

Hey guys, I hope you’re doing well! This was the first fic I wrote about Kakashi, but I just kept re-writing it over and over again until I finally fully liked the outcome. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Oh, and remember requests are open(:

Reblogs are always deeply appreciated, thanks for reading <3 

[eltanin-malfoy]

The Portend (His Royal Highness II)

word count: 6.7k

warning(s): cursing, anxiety

a/n: hi all! i just wanted to say that i know this chapter’s length is SO different from the first one’s but that’s because that one is, again, 2 years old and was written all at once. the other chapters will also be fairly long from here on out. i hope you enjoy this one!

taglist: @drawlfoy @war-sword @lilyreachelcassidy @socontagiousimagines @andreasworlsboring101 [@kaibie @regalillegal @mayorofzillyhoo, i know you all wanted to be tagged in the full-length HRH and this is pretty much it ig. please let me know if you’re still interested and want me to add you to the permanent tag list for this series]

reply to this post or send me an ask/dm if you want to be added to the tag list for the series or for all of my fics!

HRH - Table Of Contents

Y/N placed her palms flat on her desk as if doing so would bring any sort of change to the absolute hurricane that had begun its wrath within her stomach. She tried to imagine she was somewhere else for a second. Why would any rational human being do this to someone? That too to someone with as much responsibility as she had. Oh, right… she’d forgotten. Prince Draco was far from rational. Far from being a human being, even.

She looked down at the paper trays with guest lists upon guest lists kept before her, shifted them to the side and planted her face on the wood. That’s better , she thought. Now no one else can see how fucking ridiculous I feel right now! She tried to think about what the hell she’d done to him to make him act so horribly towards her. What could she have possibly done in a past life that would have resulted in her having to face such a… conundrum? She’d thought it was hard enough having to bargain with the King and Queen over how much detail could possibly be squeezed into cake decorations but had no idea a situation even more stressful could and would arise.

How could she let herself get so weak? How could she not bring herself to be assertive? She could have just said no, right? It wasn’t that hard. He hadn’t been nice at all. She took a deep, deep breath, trying desperately to calm her brain. It had begun to run from thought to thought, imagining every possible scenario that could go wrong. She had so much work left to complete on her own, and god knew how much attention and criticism she might face at and after the ball.

And the way she’d freaked out in front of Draco as well! She was sure he must’ve been at least a little put off by how strongly and emotionally she’d reacted so quickly. God, not that that should matter that much but… if they were supposed to work together for a highly publicised ordeal, they had to get along, right? Right? She hadn’t meant to do that. It’s just that he’d already shocked her a bit by slipping into her office so unexpectedly. And then he’d gone on and rushed to… that . Not to excuse what he did but perhaps she should’ve realised she didn’t need to panic so much over it either. She knew she was having a hard time with her anxiety…

Nevertheless, she brought her hands to the edge of the table closer to her and pushed herself up. She looked forwards, turning slightly to face the window she was looking out before everything turned to shit. The scenery was still gorgeous, albeit not that comforting anymore but looking out at the wide expanse of a beautiful garden would bring just about anyone some tranquillity. She had been thinking about how lovely the weather was today, how nice it would be to go for a walk after she’d finished up with her work. Maybe she could even head downtown for once and meet some old friends. But no, no one was happy just giving her a single moment of peace. Even fate was bent upon just giving her as much to stress about as was possible.

She looked down at the paper trays she’d just abandoned. Administrative work could distract her a bit, couldn’t it? All she had to do was send RSVP reminders and reach out to the guests and performers coming in from out of town about their travel and accommodation details. As well as request the performers for the outlines of their performances and send them contracts saying they’d stick by the approved setups. They couldn’t have a repeat of last year’s embarrassing The Hobgoblins’ performance. To be very brief, it had gone sexual. (The King and Queen’s expressions during it were still popular reaction gifs) She picked out one of the lists and opened up her laptop, finally beginning the work she’d been putting off all morning. It seemed so much easier and more comforting now that she had the much more disturbing dilemma on hand. She corroborated the list in front of her, adding ticks and crosses to the list to mark invitees as having confirmed or not. She then compiled their contact details and created a template for emails to send to those that had yet to confirm their attendance and travel itineraries. After this, she did the same with the list of performers, making sure to add enough information to their emails regarding the outlines they should send back.

And there… most of her work was done already, wasn’t it? Now all she had to do was proofread these, make sure all of the addressees were receiving the appropriate emails and well, press send. It shouldn’t take too long and then she could… She could get back to stressing about the problem fucking Draco had landed her in, goddammit! She was right back there again, her stomach beginning to swirl dangerously. She tried to take in a few deep breaths, forcing herself to get back to work. It wasn’t that hard. It wasn’t that hard!

Never mind, she couldn’t deal with it right now. She… Well, she needed a break. Or maybe she just needed to leave work early today. It was fair game after what the hell Draco had just unloaded on her. It was time she gave her intern some actual responsibility anyway. He was a sweet little fellow, straight out of university. Had his head in the right place but wasn’t particularly good with all the practical work yet. She’d assigned him some random organisational task she knew wouldn’t take her more than a minute and wasn’t going to bother checking because she thought it was simply too easy. Hopefully, he’d been able to do it to her standards.

She sat back in her chair and raised her hands up to her head, stretching out her fingers and breathing in and out deeply through her mouth. She was going to do this. She was really going to handle this (easier) bit of the work off to the intern and he was going to do it just fine. Just fine. Maybe she might have to assist him with it a little bit but it was going to work. It would work. Yes, it would. She shook her head to try and shake off some of her anxiety and stood up, closing her laptop’s screen and picking up the tray of guest lists. She walked out of her office and into the large room outside of it, which had a small group of cubicles placed in the middle.

While the rest looked rapt in their work (an exaggeration, to be sure, a lot of them were chatting with their co-workers and eating snacks), she noted her dear intern was just sitting idle which both made her feel hopeful and worried. He was sitting with his laptop closed, one hand tapping on the table’s surface, the other holding his phone.

“Hi, Colin!” Y/N said and he jerked forwards in surprise, dropping his phone to the floor. “Oh… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”. Colin shook his head as he picked it up and looked it over, “It’s no problem, miss… My phone is just fine. Are you alright? I know the prince was just in your office, he came to ask me where it was first! I was so excited and I asked him for a picture but he said he was in a rush! I can’t believe I’ve managed to have a conversation with one of the royals already!” Hmm… “have a conversation” was probably a stretch but… she chose to ignore that. The boy was definitely an optimist and she couldn’t fault him for that.

“That’s lovely, Colin. I’m sure you’ll get to talk to him and the others again. I had some work for you if you’re up to it.”

“Yes, of course! Does it have anything to do with the prin-”

“Let’s calm down there, Colin. I trust you’ve completed what I assigned you earlier?”

“... Oh, yes I have!”

“That’s great.”

She set the paper tray on the side of his desk and he looked at it for a few seconds before looking up at her again.

“So… what do I have to do?”

Y/N gulped and laid out the lists for him, beginning to explain to him the meanings of the markings she’d made and the emails he had to look through and send off.

***

Beep, beep.

Y/N kept her phone pressed between her shoulder and her ear as she walked around her apartment. She was holding a large iced vanilla latte in one hand and her purse in the other. She knew she needed to set something down but felt too jittery to do anything but pace around with her stuff. It was probably partly inspired by the amount of caffeine she’d drank that day but hey, that didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Today was also a terribly tense day, wasn’t it?

Beep, beep.

She took a nice long sip of her latte, relishing in how nice and cold it was. She had the air conditioner on and had taken off her blazer but it still felt like she was this close to overheating. This sudden heatwave throughout the country was absolutely unwelcome as far as she was concerned.

Now if only Pansy’d pick up so she could get some clarity on the situation. Suddenly the dial tone ended and she heard the crackling of breathing through the speaker.

“Hello, Y/N?”

She smiled and finally set her purse down.

“Hi, Pansy! It’s so nice to finally hear your voice. Are you free to talk?”

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting, I was just sending off this email but now I’m free for a bit, yes. And Jesus, Y/N, is something… up?”

“Oh, nothing… it’s just… the prince really got me gobsmacked today.”

She hears her gasp over the phone.

“Oh my, the prince?! Well then… I certainly wasn’t expecting that. Although, I suppose… it’s not so far off for the prince to bother you when you’re working at the palace...”

“Pansy… that’s beside the point.”

“Yeah, okay, so… what happened? You have to tell me now.”

“I will but you need to promise me you won’t get mad or jealous of me or anything. I didn’t choose to be a part of it.”

“Of course I won’t be mad. Why would I be?”

“Well, you know, your history and… how you were off your trolley about him as a teenager?”

“Oh, bugger off, babe. That’s not even true anyway.”

“Oh, really? I can vaguely recall someone crying and taking care of him for weeks after he was attacked by that bird he harassed in the first place.”

“I was just… overemotional.”

“Right.”

“So what, okay? So what if I liked him for a while? There’s nothing there anymore. Even waking up to him the next day after the… you know what between us, I was just repulsed. And you thought he was fit too! So. And I feel like I only just liked him because I thought my parents would be happy with us together.”

“That’s… fair. But yes, you’re right, I’ll get back to my story then.”

“Yes, please.”

Y/N started to unbutton the collar of her shirt, beginning to feel hot again. She took another sip of her latte.

“Well, basically, I was just sitting in my office, you know, minding my own business, when Mr Royalty just busts in and starts talking to me.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Yeah, I know right? Anyway, he got straight to it and asked me to be his date to the coronation ball.”

“Holy shit! That’s… never mind, but you said no, right?”

“Well… at first, yes. But then...”

“You what? That’s so unlike you, Y/N, come on…”

“I know, okay… I shouldn’t have. I just started to feel bad for him and I... Should I get out of it? I’m thinking I will. It’ll be stressful, won’t it? I just… I don’t know what to do about it, okay? I’m lost. Help me.”

Pansy fell silent for a second and Y/N undid the whole of her button-down, setting her drink down onto a table as she headed into her bedroom to look for a lighter change of clothes.

“You know the first thing I’m going to tell you is you owe him nothing. I know you felt bad for him but he really shouldn’t have asked you that with no context or anything. He was the one in the wrong here for sure. It’s sweet of you to accept his offer but you don’t have to keep up on it if it’s really stressing you out so much. Also, the fact that you accepted such a spontaneous offer makes me a little sceptical of the power play there...”

“You’re right. Also, I think it definitely wasn’t nice of him but he wasn't mean about it or anything. He was definitely adamant but eh....”

She set her phone onto her bed and turned it to speakerphone, opening her wardrobe and taking out a t-shirt and some shorts.

“At the same time… when we look at the positives, they are fairly significant. You’ll likely have to give in… not that many hours in exchange for a pretty fun night. You know the service at royal events is amazing and if you’re literally the date of the guy the event is being thrown for, the King being crowned that night… I’m going to guess you’ll get so much from that. You’ll obviously get some… fame and have to pack on some PDA there and what not but that means free stuff, great clothes, who even knows what else. You’d just have to work extra hard for that time and balance the work, but I thought you said you were done with a lot of the stuff already.”

“That is … true.”

“But you’re not happy with that, are you?”

“You don’t have to say it like that. It’s just… actually I don’t have a counterargument for that. The perks do sound pretty good.”

“Right? But you know, there might be criticism or hate or something you might get.”

“Well… I’ll also get paid to advertise things after that, won’t I? And free things and VIP invites to places I wouldn’t even have been able to enter before.”

“Well, yes, but… maybe that’s something of an exaggeration, you know. Not every brand or group or whatever is that fixated on how much publicity they can get.”

“... I mean, aren’t they?”

“Okay, yes, they are. I think you should do this.” Y/N laughed as she took off her skirt. She sat down on her bed in her underwear, lying down so her head was near her phone.

“This was a very helpful call. Thank you.”

“I do agree, I think I was a huge help.”

“I concur. Again.”

“Thank you! Now, can I request an invitation to the ball as well?”

“Pansy!”

She giggled and sat up, crossing her arms. “Of course I’ll get you an invite, Pans!”

“Great. I was expecting that. I’m not missing you floundering around, having a… Cinderella moment for the world.”

“A Cinderella moment?”

“You know, getting a chance to dress up like a princess for a night? It’s weirdly literal too, it’s just for the night and then you go back to being normal again. Unless… the prince charming decides…”

“Shush up!” Y/N felt her face beginning to heat up. Not for the second time in one day… She sighed. And… partly because of the same person too.

“I’m sorry, darling. I hope I didn’t say too much there. You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah of course. It’s just a problem I’m starting to recognise with me. I keep getting more aggressive and emotionally charged than I mean to be.”

“I get that… you could try meditation, you know. Or you could join my yoga class, it’s pretty relaxing. The teacher has a nice butt too.”

“Pans!”

“Y/N!”

***

Her evening was fairly relaxed after that. The call with Pansy had seemed to fix the problem. Well, not exactly “fix”, more like change the way she looked at the issue so it felt all the lighter. And it worked pretty much the same. She began to feel so much better about the decision she’d made. After all, even if it was destiny or whatever, she’d been chosen for a reason, right? She’d managed to get Draco’s number off of Pansy. (“ It’s from… way back when so forgive me if he changed his number to get me off his back or some shit. ”) And… on a caffeine high, she had decided to text him almost right away.

Hi, your royal highness!

It only took a few hours but soon she was privy to:

Where did you get this number?

Got it from a friend. It’s Y/N btw :) should’ve said that before.

Oh, right! That makes sense. How’re you doing?

I’m alright, thanks. What about you?

I’m okay.

Listen, I was thinking about what happened today.

And now I’m wondering if we could meet tomorrow? Morning, if possible? It’s urgent.

Y/N squinted down at this message in confusion. What was this suggesting? Was there something wrong? Was he going to retract his offer? She knew there must be some kind of administrative work they’d have to log but was it really that serious already?

Sure, I’ll be free to meet before 9:30.

That is not what I was thinking of when I said morning :(

What, do you wake up at 4 o’clock or something?

No, I meant that that was too early!

She rolled her eyes. She should have seen that coming. He wasn’t exactly known for being put together. Or spiritual, for that matter.

We can call now if you really want.

No, it’s okay. It’s better we talk about it in person. I should try and wake up earlier anyway.

As you wish.

So I’ll meet you tomorrow then. Let’s say, 9 am sharp?

Perfect. I get dropped to the main drop off point at that time anyway.

Great. See you xx

See ya x

Y/N set her phone on her counter and put it to charge for the night. What the fuck? What was happening? The sleep she’d been looking forward to seemed to have suddenly drifted away. What was she going to have to worry about tomorrow morning?! She shifted under her sheets, turning where she lay to face the other side and look out her bedroom window. It was a clear, clear night. If she looked hard enough, she could probably see the edge of the royal estate. But then again, she really didn’t want to. She turned to the other side and just stared at her closet.

She wasn’t sure when her mind got tired of imagining potential disaster scenarios for the next day but Y/N woke up to the sound of her alarm ringing at 6:45 am. She reached over to her nightstand and turned it off, sitting up in bed and looking out the sun already shining bright in her window. It was barely May but the days had already begun to increase in length.

Since she’d woken up with ample time to complete her routine, she did everything she could to pamper herself, spending almost an hour in the bathroom. She even changed into her nicest formal clothes after, a white pantsuit with dark detailing. She packed her work bag with the essentials, her laptop, her water bottle, her royal admin ID, her wallet, stationery and her phone. She felt very prepared for once. Whatever was coming her way would be taken care of as needed.

She had a comfortable trip from her apartment building to the estate, the state-sanctioned car ride feeling a lot less bumpy than usual. It was still just as clear as it was last night, but the car’s windows were tinted so the sun’s rays felt like they barely even touched it. There was only the slightest hiccup when the driver slammed the brakes too hard all of a sudden and made Y/N’s face hit the seat before hers. OUCH!?

It didn’t take very long for the car to get to the palace, stopping at the main entrance pavilion. She didn’t notice anyone there yet and checked the time. It was still only 8:53 am. She had enough time to walk to the administrative wing, leave her things there and come back with time to spare. She walked through the hallway and towards the next hall which she knew led her to-

“Fuck me!” “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. Hi, Y/N.”

She had her hand on her heart, trying to slow down her breathing as she looked at the blonde who had bumped straight into her. He had his hands in front of her to catch her if she fell. Thankfully, she had just missed falling.

“What the hell is it with you and giving me heart attacks?”

"I promise you that wasn’t my intention.”

“Well, I’d sure have hoped it wasn’t.”

She sighed and dropped her hand to her side, looking up at him with an eyebrow raised.

“So?”

“So, yes. Um. Can we walk or something? I don’t want to be standing here and have someone walk in on us?”

“... Draco, what do you have planned exactly...?”

She looked up at him quizzically and smirked. He managed a small smile but shook his head.

“God, get your mind out of the gutter! I just mean… this is stressful, okay?”

“Well, I’d like to drop my things off at my office if you don’t mind.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you by the admin wing’s garden exit.”

“Done.”

***

Y/N had decided to leave her blazer on her chair and all her belongings except for her phone on her desk. Hopefully, Colin was good enough as a guard or she was getting robbed. Either way, she could spot a tall blonde’s head nervously bobbing above the hedge next to the exit. His face was a concerning shade of pink, goodness could only hope he’d put on an adequate amount of sun cream.

“Draco?”

“Yes, hi.”

He managed out, looking toward her walking out now.

“Are you okay? You look… red.”

“I’m fine.”

“I mean, are you sunburnt?”

“Oh…?”

He brought a hand up to touch his cheek.

“No, but that’s a good point. Let’s stand in the shade.”

She stopped where she was and he walked in to meet her. She felt her insides begin to do the jitterbug in anticipation. What could possibly have him so on edge? What was wrong?

“I’m really very sorry about yesterday. I wasn’t exactly thinking very straight when I came to see you. In hindsight, I know it got on your nerves and everything and I should’ve been a lot better at telling you about it.”

“It’s no big deal now, honestly.”

“Okay, but that’s not exactly why I called you. The thing is, there’s going to be a lot of PR work at this ball. I didn’t realise it before but Mother told me she’s arranging a meeting with our publicist for us today. And the publicist is never there just to take the piss. This is serious now. Like, even more than I thought it was.”

“I- what do you-”

“It’ll be very pressing, I would never hold it against you if you decided to pull out.” He stared into her eyes with a pensive expression on his face and Y/N felt whatever response she had been planning just vanish from existence. She pretended to have comprehended everything he said, but could only really think of saying one thing right then… That’s what she said... but that would be inappropriate. He soon got conscious and looked to the side and she felt the cogs in her brain begin to work again.

“The thing is my mother was getting a little impatient with me and telling me it was time for me to tell her who my date for the ball is. My parents have been begging me to find one unless I want to risk an arranged marriage, it’s a long story. So, I told them I’d find a date for myself and that they don’t need to worry. The truth is, I didn’t actually bother to find one and it was starting to get a little late. You know there’s only one month left till... right, you know. So… she came to talk to me about it over lunch and she told me I had to tell her who it was so she could arrange everything for us. I started to think about whom my parents would be okay with me going with and whom I would be okay with and well… you were on top of the list.”

“I’m hoping that’s a compliment.”

“It- it is. I told her your name and she was satisfied with it, I think. And then I was scared she’d come and talk to you immediately so I ran to you first and just asked you about it then. Again, I’m sorry it came out as forcefully as it did. I didn’t mean to… get you stuck in this whole thing.”

He took a deep breath and looked back at her again. Her stomach seemed to begin buzzing as she felt her anxiety grow. This was not going to go as smoothly as she expected, was it? The queen, and most likely the king as well, knew. Although that wasn’t exactly unanticipated, it gave everything a sense of finality. Like, she didn’t have much legroom here at all.

“Anyway, that's what happened. I’m sorry, again.”

He looked at her as if he was waiting for her to yell at him. She wasn’t intending to and just turned to the side, trying to calm her racing heart. She needed to make a decision, didn’t she? And who knows what kind of problems would face her, either way, she decided to go? It seemed like teasing to dangle this lux option in front of her just to draw it away. Draco annoyed her.

Looking at how strangely afraid of her he looked, she couldn’t help but notice how very much he started to look like the Draco she used to know. Little and arrogant and scarily afraid of his parents getting upset with him.

“You’re fine. I… I’m going to need some time.”

“That’s okay. You can take as much time as you need. The problem is, I have no idea when today my mother is going to pull you out for the publicist meeting.”

Y/N huffed slightly and covered her face. So, what was she going to do? What was she going to do?

“I’m in.” She’d set her mind to it, hadn’t she? She’d made a promise to the prince, and his parents knew of it already. She’d already told Pansy she was going for it. Well, all of those things and also the prospect of fulfilling a childhood princess fantasy seemed more enjoyable than anything. There was something so gratifying in that idea, dressing up well and being pampered and showered with affection and just… pretending to be a princess. What could be more fun than that?

“You’re sure?”

The answer was nothing.

“Yes.”

Most likely.

“Well, I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“So do I.”

***

It still hadn’t really sunk in yet that she was actually going to do whatever this would entail. Sure, she’d been dreaming about it the day before but it seemed completely different now. Her gut seemed to be calmer now, signifying that perhaps her intuition hadn’t been completely off guiding her in the direction it had.

What’s sad was Y/N was still lost about this after Narcissa had whisked her away into one of the palace’s many giant bedrooms. She was sitting on the bed, still in her work clothes, stressed after having had to explain to Colin how to decide how accommodations would be settled for the guests and the performers coming. She’d been expecting the meeting with the publicist and Draco to happen but she was lost as to what was taking place right now.

Narcissa approached her with a clipboard and a pen. “Now, dear, I just need you to sign these first.” Y/N took both from her and glossed through the texts.

A non-disclosure agreement and an employment contract…

“I’m sorry, your majesty. Do you mind me going through the documents before signing them?”

“Absolutely not, sweetheart. Though do try to rush, we have appointments we need to get to in time.”

“Thank you, ma’am. Honestly, ma’am, I’m not too aware of legal jargon like this. Could I please ask you to explain the purpose of this agreement?”

“Well, when any…”

She seemed to want to say a word but held it back, twisting her tongue around in her mouth as she thought of what to say.

“Person unfamiliar with our ancestry and our policies gets… involved with a member of the family, we have them sign one of these in order to protect our privacy.”

“I see…”

That seemed very… imperialist of them. She began to skim through the document, trying her best to understand it based on what little knowledge of this she had. It all seemed par for the course except for the last clause.

“I’m sorry again, ma’am. The others make sense to me but this one: 11. Covertness, it’s quite vague, the “other actor”…?.”

“To be transparent, the King and I posed the covertness clause as a protective measure. We don’t need Draco learning about this agreement and growing wary of all of us. We’re doing it to protect him more than anything. You are not to revert any of this portion of our meeting to him and he mustn't ever come to know of this agreement or the contract at all.”

The Queen suddenly seemed scarier than she ever had in all the years she’d known her.

“Well, that’s- I’ll have to think about that for a second.”

She started looking through the employment contract. It was similar to the one she currently held, nothing too special, except for the fact that it detailed that she was entitled to a lump sum of £200,000 at the end of the event, assuming she kept up her end of the agreement. She paused for a moment and just stared at that number.

“Is this a misprint by any chance, ma’am?” The Queen leaned over and looked at where she was pointing, then shook her head.

“No, it is not.”

She took a deep breath. That would be much more than enough to have her set for life and for a private event planning business alongside. It would take her 10 years to even come close to earning as much. She continued reading the document. She was supposed to participate in a few publicity stunts, make it clear “she had good intentions” and was supposed to disconnect from the prince entirely after the affair was over. Those terms didn’t sound too harsh, now, did they? A little acting and ghosting for 200 grand? It didn’t sound like much. Even a real big shot actor wouldn’t get paid half as much for such little work. And the part about her leaving the prince alone after was a little strange, but she supposed it made sense, what with the royals’ obsession with keeping their family all blue-blooded. Draco had been the poster child for that kind of thing growing up. And she likely didn’t have an ounce of it in her.

Why were they even that desperate anyway? This seemed huge. It might boost the prince’s reputation a bit but… what else was there to this? She knew the country was not doing the best in terms of international relations but did this really hold that much weight along those terms? Surely, there was something here she was missing. Regardless, 200,000 quid for a little work and a lot of fun was too amazing an offer to turn down. And so, Y/N signed both papers and handed them back to her. Jesus Christ, Draco’s impulsive decision was about to get her rich. Quick. She certainly hadn’t been expecting this.

She handed the clipboard back to the Queen who smiled and took it back quickly, setting the papers into a folder which she kept in a decorative paper bag. Not a bad hiding place at all. She walked outside for a few minutes, before reentering, followed by a squat old lady well-dressed in mauve and a younger woman wearing similar clothes. The Queen ushered towards either of them and began speaking.

“Madam Malkin and assistant, this is miss Y/L/N, the crown prince’s date to the coronation ball, miss Y/L/N, this is Madam Malkin, the family’s official stylist and designer, and her assistant.”

Y/N raised her hand out for her to shake, and she did so, firmly. “It’s so great to meet you, Madam.”

“Pleasure as well, love.”

She retracted her hand, looked over Y/N’s outfit and began whispering to her assistant.

“Well, to be very honest, I feel we don’t have to worry about my wardrobe as much. I know I probably don’t meet the royal standards but… I was planning on buying this really nice dress online anyway. I could show it to you and have you approve it if that would be fine.”

The Queen looked at her vacantly, her eyebrows raised and her nose pinched in the slightest. Then her expression settled and she exchanged a look with Madam Malkin before looking back at Y/N. Madam Malkin maintained an unamused expression, then began to speak.

“ I hope you know we’re not going to let you just wear a dress you bought online to the ball… We’ll tailor one for you. And your other clothes will be picked from contemporary designers ourselves.”

Y/N just looked at her silently, nodding and blinking slowly in assent.

***

An hour or so of Y/N having to change into various clothes behind a divider and then show them off to the pair of them passed quickly. It was very fun knowing she’d get a bunch of very nice clothes out of this (even custom made underwear so her clothes fit her right over them!), and she thought the royal family was really being very generous with all of this. Lots of money and clothes? There had to be some kind of catch, right? Something that would make this hard to keep up with? What was it? Just the stress of all the work that’d pile up? That didn’t seem like enough. Everything was not going the way she was anticipating. It was going a hell of a lot better. Mostly.

The actual meeting she’d been waiting for all morning was finally occurring. She was seated in a meeting room opposite the Queen and Draco and their publicist. It was weird seeing them like this. It seemed like a strange grown-up parent-teacher conference.

“So, our point is, we need to have you both make it clear to the public that there is a strong relationship between the two of you.”

The redheaded man droned on at the head of the table and Y/N looked over at Draco who glanced at her as well before both turning to look at the man.

“It’s Percy, right? I’m just a little… I’m sorry if I just don’t know my current affairs well enough for this but… why?” Y/N gulped, crossing her arms tightly after asking this question. It was quite bold of her for sure. She could only hope she wasn’t violating anything by asking this. “She’s not wrong.” Draco chimed in, ”You never had to do anything like this, mother.” The Queen smiled but shook her head. “Things just aren’t the same anymore, are they?” She looked over at Percy to continue.

“We now live in a world of social media and tabloids and none of that will work towards the image we need to create.”

Draco seemed to be satisfied with that and just looked at Y/N silently, who could only really do the same at this point. “I’m sorry, again, I… think I’m missing something here. What “image” are we trying to create?”

Percy and the Queen exchanged a long look, where she pursed her lips and shook her head somewhat disapprovingly. She then nodded and he began to speak.

“Miss Y/L/N, to be very frank, the kingdom isn’t doing amazing. In terms of international relations and funding and… most importantly, resources and trading. We’re afraid we’re losing allies and we cannot risk anything. We not only need to increase viewership and publicity of the ceremony and the ball, but we need to raise the reputation of the family and the prince in the public eye. It’s… a trend at King’s coronation balls for royals or other elite families to offer their daughters’ hands in marriage to the crown prince or king. Our prince is bent upon not getting into an arranged marriage and having to reject offers is a lot more publicly disgraceful than you might anticipate. As you might know, the country wasn’t even on speaking terms with one of its neighbours because centuries ago a crown prince rejected an offer for marriage and an alliance with them. We cannot risk having that happen when we’re in as dire straits as we are.”

Y/N could only look up at him with her mouth agape. They were serious. This was why it mattered so much to them. This was why she was being paid to do this. In case they offended an ally or just any other country. Because of the prince’s idealistic desires for romance or whatever it was. Although she couldn’t really fault him for that, his father hadn’t had to do the same and she’d heard the conditions for some of those alliances and the situations they landed themselves in the future were never that positive.

She nodded up at Percy. “I understand. I should probably read a bit more on the news and the family anyway. I tend to avoid it.” Percy barely seemed to notice her response and started to talk about strategies and actions that needed to be taken. The meeting ended with Draco and Y/N agreeing to keep up with their public profiles and maintain a good reputation on them. They were supposed to interact more publicly for the time being while Percy laid out more intricate publicity stunt plans.

As she left the room and started to walk back to her office, thinking about what work she had to do, someone tapped at her shoulder gently. She turned around to see the very same prince that had dragged her into this mess staring down at her.

“Again, I’m sorry.”

Him saying that like this made her feel guilty now.

“It’s- it’s really okay. You don’t have to say that.”

“I feel like I have to. You’re barely getting anything for doing this for us.”

“That’s- that’s not true. I’ll have my fun, won’t I?”

“Well, whatever it is, what I told you yesterday, the offer still stands. I’ll get you anything, I’ll buy you a mansion, whatever you like.”

“Not that I’d ever decline you giving me anything… you really don’t need to. Thank you for the offer, though.”

Y/N bit her lip and smiled up at him, waving him off as he made to leave, pretending like that was really the truth. She watched him as he walked to the other end of the hallway. She was going to have to keep up this lie all the way till the event. It definitely wasn’t going to be easy. She began to clench her jaw, setting a hand on the wall as everything rushed through her head.

This was exactly like Cinderella except she had no evil stepmother or fairy godmother or glass slipper or a prince charming on a quest to find her, just a lump sum, publicised PDA and more acting than she realised. And absolutely no way out of seeing the story through anymore.

a/n: there will be a hell of a lot more draco in the next chapters, stay tuned!