#and does nothing but says a few words about loss and peaces

[baked-hylian]

Ah, I get it now

ninja society doesn't do the whole foster/adopt thing

[youraverageaemondsimp]

Crimson Flames & Blue Desires.

DARK!Aemond Targaryen x Niece!Reader

WARNINGS: this story will contain mature and dark themes, MDNI, DD:DNE.

CHAPTER WARNINGS: dubcon (not towards reader), oral (m. receiving) not by reader, choking, fainting, violence, anxiety.

next ->

masterlist

A/N: please mind the tags, Aemond is an absolute asshole and a dick in this story, just a heads up.

CH 1: Return to King's Landing.

One, two, three, four.

You counted to keep your mind busy, occupied, preventing any thought from entering your mind as the carriage was moving with a constant speed, you peaked through the holes of it, watching as the keep came into view, biting your lips in nervousness.

You dreaded it.

Dreaded coming back to King's Landing, at least, not after what happened back at driftmark during your childhood days. Your breath hitched in your throat as the carriage came to a halt, and it was time to get out.

With shaky legs, you descended the carriage, taking in the view of the keep, a sudden wave of nostalgia washing over you as you took in the surroundings, memories of your younger days flashing by in your like a flickering flame.

Your shared youth with your brothers.

With your family.

With him.

The dread quickly replaced the nostalgia when you thought of him, you let out a sigh, moving along with your siblings, going inside.

The first thing you noticed was how foreign it looked, it almost seemed like a different place, watching all the three headed dragons be replaced by the faith of the seven symbol, it seemed alicent was changing a few things around.

Regardless, you were glad you didn't encounter him.

A day of peace, spent in your brothers chambers as your original chamber was being cleaned.

Not until the petition was announced to be heard, Vaemond had signed a petition against your little brother, questioning his lineage, which is the main reason you have to come to King's Landing in the first place.

There he stood.

All calm and mighty, oozing off an aura you couldn't quite pinpoint, you wished to be anywhere but here right at this moment. He was still handsome, the loss of his eye weighed absolutely nothing on his looks, in fact, he somehow looked even more attractive.

He was paying any attention to you, more focused on Lucerys, as if he was waiting for something, as a predator looked at his prey, waiting to strike.

That was until his eyes finally flickered to you.

You stared at him back, eyebrows furrowed.

The side of his lips twitched, curling into a small smirk that made you lose your mind. You felt as though you were set on fire, lava coursing through your veins as he continued to stare at you, you broke the eye contact focusing on the situation before you, and you noticed from the periphery of your eye on how he huffed a laugh, making his mother turn to look at him in confusion, before he shook his head.

Your grandsire just then entered the room, looking all sickly, no doubt coming to defend his daughter and her name, trying to be a good father, you wouldn't dare say it but you truly did not think that he was a great father to your mother nor others, he had made your mother feel insecure about her gender for many years, let her be plagued by pressure and stress, only to suddenly then owe her support.

You didn't dislike him, of course not, he was your grandsire after all, though you wished he tried to do more than just the bare minimum. You knew that it was useless for Vaemond to try and argue more against your grandsire so you zoned out, until you heard Vaemond yell.

“HER CHILDREN ARE BASTARDS!” and you immediately snapped your head towards his direction, the court gasping as the words left his mouth, everyone looked at your brothers, and not you and you hated it.

Having been the only one to escape the clutches of the bastardised traits, they think you are the legitimate daughter of Laenor, but the bastard blood flows through your veins just as it does in your younger brothers, even worse is that you do not know who your actual father is, unlike jace.

“And she is a whore.” he says the next part quietly, and you watch in anger, holding yourself back from lunging towards him and stabbing him to death, everything seemed to move both quickly and slowly as you felt a figure pass by you quickly and you were only then able to process what had happened.

Daemon had cut Vaemond, leaving his tongue intact but with the other half of his face on the floor, exposing the innermost flesh. You should be disgusted, look away, but you didn't, instead you smirked a little, comforted by the fact that no such thoughts can bloom nor be relayed by his brain. Your eyes flicked up to Aemond and you saw how his gaze was already on you, pupil blown wide as he watched you cruelly smirk at someone's death.

You changed your expression to that of a blank one quickly, before you watched as Viserys, who was standing, fell down on his seat weakly, and Alicent panicked, calling for the maesters, immediately going over to Viserys to help him. Aemond watched in distaste as his mother did that.

And soon you were being escorted to your chambers, the guard allotted in the front opened the door and you entered inside, smiling at the view, it was your old chamber, the reddish pink hues of the room kept the same way, not at all changing.

You went over to stand at the window, gazing out at the ocean in a daze when you reminisced about the moments you spent here, how you used to sneak out of this very room, to play outside, with him.

You wouldn't lie to yourself, you missed him, the uncle who you had spent your childhood with, running around and reading books together in the library of the keep, helping him practise high valyrian, you loved him back then.

What has changed?

Everything.

Everything except the emotions you felt for him.

But you pushed it far, far, far away.

To the depths of your heart, brushing it all under the guise of hatred, disgust for him, only for it to resurface again after all these years, the moment you saw him.

And you would push them down once again, convince yourself that you hate him, that you never found joy in him, that you didn't enjoy the moments spent together with him, that you never even loved him.

You have to force yourself to lie to yourself.

For it was better. Better for you to bask in ignorance than swim in the truth that is poison.

You rested in your chambers for a bit, and watched as the sun went down, the sky that was once blue and bright plunging into a red that bloomed around it, some hues of purple here and there, the white clouds scattering, it was beautiful, to watch the sky, you wished it would stay like this forever, but you knew that it was inevitable that all of this plunges into darkness, only to rise again and repeat.

The knock on your chamber door brought you out of your thoughts as you went and opened the door, seeing a fair maid stand before she nervously announced that dinner would be soon, and that she was appointed to get you ready for the dinner.

You allowed her inside, she put down the bucket of water she was carrying, and you undressed, leaving you in almost nothing but your chemise, you watched as the maid pour lavender oil into the water, before dipping a washcloth in it, wringing it and clean you with it.

The smell of lavender had invaded your senses, your mind calm and relaxed by it, it provided an odd sense of comfort. After the bath, she had dressed you in a black gown, with cuffs that were red to honour your house colours, you left your hair almost entirely loose except for the two braids that were pulled to the back of your head and intertwined.

With each step you took towards the dining hall the more your heartbeat increased, your nerves on the edge, you felt anxious, anxious to see him again. Would he even be there? You wished he wouldn't.

But the gods don't hear your prayers, and you spot him, talking to your eldest uncle, Aegon, you slowly go to the table, noticing how your seat was next to Jace, but also next to Aegon. You did not miss the glare Aegon threw your way, looking up at you in disgust and anger and you looked down, fidgeting with your hands.

Why were you becoming so weak?

This isn't like you.

Where had your fire gone?

Soon the king came and everyone settled down, toasts were given to one another, celebrating the houses and the betrothal of your brothers to your cousins, baela and rhaena.

You watched as Jace talked to baela, and never have you felt so alone in your life, you simply began eating, and then Aegon leaned his hand against your chair, calling out to Jace, completely ignoring your presence. You had zoned out most of their conversation, not interested in it until you felt Aegon rise from his seat and go over to pour himself some more wine.

“But if you ever wish to know what it is to be well satisfied, all you have to do is ask.” and that made Jace slam his fists onto the table, startling everyone, he breathed heavily.

That's when everyone heard the sound of a chair sliding and turned their attention to it.

Aemond was standing, hands by his side, twitching to take some action as he eyed Jace, silently warning him, Aegon had the audacity to look confused and sat down once again.

Everyone watched in silence, which was suffocating until Jace picked his wine glass up and toasting, taking a deep breath.

“To prince Aegon, and prince Aemond, we have not seen each other in years, but i have fond memories of our shared youth,” he begins, “and as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies, to your and your family's good health, dear uncles.” he finishes, you hear viserys utter a quick 'good' before Jace sits down.

Aemond's eye follows him in disgust, before he looks away and sits down, and just then helaena gets up, clearly pissed since Aegon pulled something stupid again, so she indirectly makes fun of him while hiding her sadness.

“It isn't so bad, he mostly just ignores you.”

“Except sometimes when he's drunk.” she chuckles awkwardly before sitting down and you feel bad for her.

“Dear niece, you haven't spoken at all today.” Aegon turns his attention to you, which makes Jace stiffen up, ever the protective younger brother he is.

“Oh- uhm, I do not have much to say.” you mumble and he purses his lips before realising you're boring and turning his attention somewhere else. Your eyes filt over to Aemond once again, who already seemed to be staring at you, with the same intense gaze and you look away in fear.

Jace got up and asked helaena for her hand in dance, to which she happily gave and then they both danced, everything seemed to be going well, until Viserys had to be taken back to his chambers since he was weak, and then the pig had arrived.

Your breath hitched in your throat and you looked over to lucerys, hoping he'd not do something stupid but he laughed and Aemond slammed his fist against the table, picking up the wine glass in one smooth movement.

“Final tribute, ” he started and you watched him.

“To the health of my nephews, Jace, Luke and Joffrey, each of them handsome, wise…”

there was a pregnant pause.

“Strong.”

“Aemond.” Alicent tried to butt in.

“Come. Let us raise our cups to these three strong boys.” his attention then falls on you, “And their elder sister, unknown whether she is strong or not.” those words were clearly meant to be menacing, and you glared at him.

“I dare you to say that again.” you hear Jace talk, “Why? Do you not think yourself strong?” he questions and that was enough to anger Jace and he punched him, Aemond just smirked arrogantly before pushing Jace, using only little of his power, you immediately got up from your chair and got inbetween them, holding Jace back before the guards came in and held him back.

Jace glared at you, “Why did you stop me? Of course, protecting your fucking childhood love.” he spits and your mouth drops slightly open and the air becomes silent before your mother butts in, “Jace! That is no way to talk to your sister, go to your chambers! All of you.” she reprimands and all of them obey except you, you turned to look at Aemond whose gaze was already on you, and it felt like the world stopped for a moment.

Your eyes scanned his face, he looked even more beautiful from up close and you felt your heart wrench when you noticed how his intense gaze softened, even though it was for a moment, when he took in your features. You looked away, putting your head down and leaving the hall, rushing back to your chambers.

You slammed the door behind you and leaned against it, breathing heavily before slipping down onto the floor. You couldn't bear to look at him, not after what happened. The way his gaze still held softness for you, masked behind his stoic expression, it made you feel bad, guilty, anxious.

You bit your lip to prevent sobs from slipping out, tears streaming down your face, you did not want to look at his face, a constant reminder of what happened.

What you had done.

You still remember the way you pierced the blade through his skin, the way you just swung it to protect yourself, not knowing what or where it hit, and the next thing you knew was Aemond laying on the ground clutching his eye, you remember throwing the knife down and rushing over to him, crying and apologising, it had haunted you since that day, Lucerys took the blame cause he couldn't bear his sister crying. Aemond had not said anything the entire time he was getting his eye stitched and you couldn't look at what you had done.

The sobs broke out before you could stop it, crying to yourself as you hugged your knees.

“What's the point of crying?” You got startled when you hear the voice of Aemond, coming from inside your room, it seemed he snuck in through the secret passageways.

You hiccuped as you watched his dark figure come to you, the candlelight illuminating his features, he had taken off his eyepatch and you watched as the sapphire glinted, the reflection of the orange light, bouncing off of it.

He leaned down, and you twitched in fear before you felt him roughly grab your throat and force you on your feet, shoving you against the door, the metal hinges digging into your skin as your hands shot up to grab his, clawing at them to release you, but his only tightened his grip more.

“You are repenting now? After all these years? After you took my eye.” he growled, further tightening his grip and you gasped for air, thrashing around in his hold as the blood supply was not reaching your brain. “Did you know how painful it was? Of course you don't.” he releases his grip for a moment, letting you breathe but not letting go completely, hand still on your throat, he pushed your head back on the door, and leaned his forehead against yours, before he took a deep breath and sighed in content as he smelled the familiar lavender on you.

Tears streamed down your face, crying because of everything, your heart beating loudly from being scared, your mind becoming fucked with messy thoughts.

You felt scared, guilty, vulnerable, ashamed, embarrassed, everything at once.

You closed your eyes to calm down as much as you can, that was when you felt something wet slide against your face, trailing up the pathways your tears left before, only then did you open your eyes and realise what was going on.

He was licking up your tears.

Tongue travelling upwards your face to your eye, licking the trail where your tears had travelled, before he pressed a small kiss on it, and doing the same on the other side, he kissed your jaw, completely let go of your neck, before wrapping his arm around your waist and dipping his head, kissing your neck.

You felt too weak.

Too overwhelmed.

The previous attempt at choking you finally caught up, causing your body and limbs to give up and completely shut down.

You fainted in Aemond's arms.

Aemond wasn't surprised, instead he carried you over his shoulder. He placed you on the bed, watched as your chest heaved up and down, he grit his teeth feeling his anger come to him once again, and grabbed your unconscious form's cheeks tightly, digging his nails before opening your mouth and spitting into it, he wished you were awake to feel the humiliation.

He fucking hated you so much.

He hates you so much.

He really does.

If he could kill you, he would.

He wants you to hurt you badly, to scar you, to ruin you, the way you had done to him.

Aemond targaryen hates you.

So much, to the point it makes him love you.

A fucked up love.

It doesn't make sense.

He lets go of your cheeks before storming out of your chambers angrily.

Aemond went to his chambers enraged, the poor maid that seemed to be present there at that moment was unlucky, his face turned into a scowl as he watched her slightly misplace his book before he went up to her and grabbing her by her hair, “Your majes-sty i-” she tries speaking but grips her hair tighter, “Shut up, or I'll cut your throat.” and she listened. 

He wasn't usually the one behaving this way towards women, his brother was. He would usually take his anger out by sword training, because his anger never included sexual frustration. 

And so he watches as the poor maid tries to breathe, reminding him of the way you struggled to breathe earlier, as he violently thrusts into her mouth, her tongue swirling around his shaft as he grips her hair tightly, grunting at the way it feels, he lets out a loud moan. 

Of your name. 

The maid, still on her knees, flinches when he climaxes inside her mouth, pulling her off him before looking at her with disgust, He throws some money at her and tells her to never return to this keep again, which she accepts while sobbing. 

She leaves the room and Aemond lays on the bed thinking about you. 

“Fuck.” he groans rubbing his eye thinking about how you had undone him making him react so violently towards someone that had nothing to do with you.

You wake up on the bed, mind all groggy from what had happened, few hours ago, Aemond in your chambers, choking you, and you fainting in his arms, you sat up suddenly and looked around to see if he was there, to your surprise he wasn't, you looked out and noticed how the sun had yet to rise, leaving you in darkness, nothing but the moon far up in the sky, illuminating your room as the candles were all blown out. 

You winced when you felt a burning sensation on your throat, causing you to touch the area, only for it to hurt more. You sighed, knowing it was caused by his tight grip. You felt nauseous when you remembered what he had done, quickly brushing it off. 

Your feet lead you to the window again, as you gazed outside, the moon shining brightly, the water bouncing it's white light off them, you remembered the story that the moon was the sun's wife, but the moon looked so lonely, alone in the sky, but it wasn't truly alone, there were many, many, many stars surrounding it, keeping it company. 

But it looked so lonely in the night sky, without its sun. 

Yet they can never coexist together at the same time. 

Always engulfing each other, either with light, or darkness. Never appearing together as one in the sky.

For that would be a natural calamity.

You related with the moon, a little bit. 

You were truly alone. 

You can never be together with the person you considered the sun in your life. 

You knew you had your parents, your siblings and everyone, though you loved them, you felt like an outsider, at least Jace had the opportunity to know who his real father was, you one the other hand, did not. 

Maybe it was just your insecurities getting to you, you have always ignored feelings such as this, but ever since you returned to kings landing, it almost feels like everything is falling apart. 

You bring your hands up behind your hair, before undoing the braids, causing the hair to curl slightly before it falls on either side of your face, the night breeze hitting your face gently, wind blowing through your strands, lightly pushing them back. 

You closed your eyes in content, taking a deep breath, one you desperately needed, after what happened. 

You’d have to face him when you have to break fast in the morning.

And It was making you anxious.

[sammysficfactory]

JJK men’s reaction to you calling them a whore/slut

characters: nanami, gojo, geto, and toji

notes: if you want me to go more in depth for a character lmk!

Nanami Kento

oh em gee

he is SHOCKED

have you no shame? no decorum?

“You look like a whore when you wear your suit without a blazer.” you deadpanned.

“Excuse me?” Nanami is thoroughly confused, hoping he didn’t hear you correctly. But he did. And who could blame you?

“You heard what I said.” You shrug.

he would never admit it, but he liked it

the way you said it so outright threw him for a LOOP honey

if he were a rich woman he’d be clutching his pearls

“Don’t say it like that. Just say you think it’s nice and move on like normal people do.” Nanami rolls his eyes at you. If you looked close enough you could see a light pink dusting the tips of his ears.

you laugh at him for being flustered

but you’re a good person so you suppress it a little bit

as you call him a whore more often he gets used to it

don’t get me wrong, it still flusters the hell out of him

but he’s accepted it as part of your relationship dynamic

Satoru Gojo

i can’t even lie to you

gojo would like it

“You look like a slut in that outfit.” You say in a nonchalant fashion. Gojo smirks.

“Do I look like a slut? Or do you see something you like.” he leans forward to you, the proximity of your faces distressingly close.

if you thought his ego was big then

i can promise you it’s 10x bigger now

“You want me so bad.” Gojo laughs smugly. You scoff.

“You wish.”

the truth is you DID want him

he was in that black tee and wearing sweats😩

I CANT BLAME YOU

despite the two of you being in a relationship gojo loved to tease you like you were still single

gojo probably bites his finger every time he thinks about the first time you called him a slut

every few weeks he texts you ‘remember that time you wanted me so bad that you said i looked like a slut? i do🤭’

he be swinging his feet back and forth as he types it out

Geto Suguru

if he’s nothing else, he’s definitely gojo’s friend

he’s a good sport about it

“You look like a whore when your hair is in a bun.” Geto does a double take.

“I- what?” He’s confused. One moment you were sitting in a peaceful silence with your boyfriend, and the next you’re calling him a slut?

very confused about the train of thought you took to get to that conclusion

but after a few times he gets used to it

and his replies are definitely something

“You look like a slut in those glasses.” you say flatly. Geto sighs,

“Come slut me out then.” he says, leaning back and spreading his legs slightly on the couch.

when you hear him say it for the first time you almost caught whiplash

you for the first time in the entirety of your relationship, were at a loss for words

it was BAD

you opened and closed your mouth like a goldfish bc you couldn’t find anything to say

you in fact do slut him out once you gather yourself

he’s smug asf for the next week

Toji Fushiguro

he’s shocked too

but his reaction was a lot different

“Toji, you look really slutty in that outfit.” You eye him up and down.

“Bitch?” he quickly apologizes for his knee-jerk reaction.

“Watch that bitch word, Toji! Deadass.” You narrow your eyes at him. He already knew how you felt about that word.

he saw his life flash before his eyes when he said ‘bitch’

he’s super smug too

he isn’t as bad as gojo or geto though

it becomes a running inside joke between the two of you

toji would do shit like send photos of his outfit and say ‘feeling extra slutty today’

and it might make you chuckle a little when he sends them

“You’re not going to the market with me looking like a whore Toji, go change.” you joked.

“Wow, are you slut shaming me right now? I thought you were a feminist.” He accuses you in fake shock.

“I’m getting women’s lick back.” you justify yourself.

does it sound kinda weird to other people? yes

but did you care is the real question

the answer is no

[kiss-me-cill-me]

Can we get a part 2 of morning light where Jim gets to do all the things he wants to do to her 🙏

Okay, you've all convinced me. The world clearly demands more Jim, and who am I to deny the world? Nothing too crazy going on here, because I honestly see him as the type to still be a little hesitant in this situation, but he does get to have a bit more fun in this one lol.

Moon Light

Pairing: Jim (28 Days Later) x Reader

Word Count: 2.2k

Summary: Maybe moments of peace aren't as rare as you'd think, even during the apocalypse. Although, if you have anything to say about it, not all of Jim's moments with you will be quite so peaceful as the first.

Warnings: Smut, mentions of reader's recent loss of virginity, hair pulling, maybe some light manhandling, corruption kink if you really squint

A/N: This is a sequel to Morning Light, which you can read HERE!

***Please read the warnings before continuing. Minors DNI***

The end of a long day always makes you eager to crawl into bed. That heavy feeling that sweeps over your limbs after many hours of arduous hard work - scavenging or gardening or doing any one of the other dozens of small chores necessary for survival - is like a siren’s call to the pile of blankets that wait to enshroud you and Jim every night.

Today has been long for a… slightly different reason than usual. After your slow start to the day, it's been hard to focus on anything else but Jim. And now, pleasant memories of your shared morning together still float through your head as you press back lightly against Jim’s chest; the steady rise and fall of his breath lulling you into a state of half-sleep.

Jim’s body suddenly twitches behind you; his arms contracting momentarily as he falls deeper into his own slumber. You stir, roused from the edges of some dream that had been almost ready to claim you.

“Sorry, love - go back to sleep,” Jim murmurs. 

He places a soft kiss on your temple, brushing his lips over a stray beam of moonlight that lands on the side of your face. You settle back, burrowing into the crevice of Jim’s arm that’s wrapped securely around you.

“M’not asleep,” you say, dreamily.

“Sounds like you are,” Jim teases, his breath still pleasantly warm on your neck.

He’s already nestled back into the pillows, nose pressing into the crook of your neck, lips lazily kissing you as he speaks.

“I’m not,” you insist, your voice a bit steadier.

And it’s true. You haven’t been able to sleep, even if you may have been teetering over the edge of it just a few seconds ago.

“Something wrong?” Jim asks. His own voice is sleepy but still clear; concern washing over his words as he pulls you just a bit closer.

“No. Just… thinking about earlier,” you reply.

Jim’s fingers against your waist tighten; almost too softly to notice. You might not have if not for the way your senses seem to be heightened; anticipating even the smallest movement.

“Earlier?” Jim’s voice now has the faintest hint of suggestion. “What’cha thinkin’ about earlier for?”

Your body wiggles against him; unable to hide your excitement at his slight teasing. As your back brushes just a bit lower, you don’t miss the feeling of something hard pressed up against you.

“Jim!” you squeal.

“What? You’re the one thinkin’ about it,” he hums, playfully holding your hips against his.

And he’s right; your mind is running wild. Racing with all kinds of thoughts and ideas about what he could do to you now. Now that you’d given yourself to him once. 

There’s still so much time for you to explore, and to have him help you discover this new and exciting part of life. But… why bother to wait to get started?

“Jim…” you sigh, grinding back into him.

“What is it, love?”

He’s gentle as always, letting you take the lead. You press back even a little harder, testing the limits of his resolve.

“Touch me, Jim. Please.”

Jim doesn’t waste even a second with asking you whether you’re sure, this time. He must know, with the way your back arches into him, how badly you want him again. His hand snakes down, not quickly and not slow. Trying to hide his eagerness, unsuccessfully. You hum as he pushes past your waistband. All you have on is a pair of lace panties, and not much else aside from an old t-shirt. No wonder you were both getting ideas.

“You really have been thinking of me,” Jim laughs.

His fingers curl into the wetness that’s already gathered between your legs, not quite pushing past the soft resistance - to the place where you want him most desperately. Your walls flutter at the absence.

“’Course I have,” you reply. “Liked it that much, did ya?”

Jim’s voice is still slurred, heavy with the remnants of sleep even though he’s fully awake now. Before you can think of a response, you’re cut off by your own sudden gasp, as Jim’s fingers finally press inside you.

“Too much?” he asks.

“No - keep going. I like it.”

“Mmm. Wanna do more than just think about me?” Jim teases. “Want me to stop you from gettin’ yourself all bothered?”

“Yes.”

The word comes out a bit more desperately than you’d meant it to. But there’s no stopping yourself as Jim curls his fingers inside you, coaxing out more breathy sighs as you whimper against him.

Jim drags his fingers out of you, only to bring them up to pull down at your panties. You help him maneuver them over your hips, lifting your legs once they slide past your knees so that you can snatch them away. Under the blankets, Jim hurries to slip out of his own boxers. He’s wearing even less clothing than you are. All that’s between you now is your thin t-shirt.

“Wanna take this off, too?” Jim asks, tugging at the hem of your shirt. 

You sit up for a second to pull the shirt off, then settle back down to rest against Jim’s chest. He’s already pressing between your thighs; rutting himself through the tight space of your legs. One of his hands comes up to messily grab at your breast; his fingertips pressing into the soft flesh.

“Want me to be gentle again, love?”

Your throat clenches at the dark tint in his words. You think back again to earlier, when Jim had promised to let himself do things to you that might break the rickety old bed that you shared. Now that you’ve gotten your first taste of intimacy, you’re thrillingly eager to learn about other, slightly less soft and gentle sides.

“Am I allowed to say no?” you breathe.

“Only if you want to,” Jim says, laughing a little.

His hips thrust just a bit more roughly against you as you squeeze your thighs together. The drag of his hard length between your legs is making your head spin already. Jim brings his lips up to rest against your ear.

“You’re not the one who needs my permission, you know,” he teases. “Already told you how badly I’d like to have my way with you.”

You bring a hand up to cup over his, still squeezing into your breast. Your fingers brush lightly for just a moment, before clamping down and pressing his touch into your skin with an intensity that's unlike anything he’s dared to give you.

“Then no,” you say, your voice sounding soft even in the silence of the dark room. “This time, I don’t want to be gentle.”

Jim tears his hand away, leaving the soft flesh of your breast to instead grab roughly at your hip. In one swift movement, he has you pressed into the mattress, your chest shoved against the sheets as the blanket over you is torn off. He leans down to whisper in your ear, his voice a bit huskier now.

“I was kind of hoping you’d say that,” he admits, before pressing a quick kiss to the side of your face. “Just promise to let me know if you need me to stop.”

You don’t have a chance to reply before Jim is pressing inside of you, taking it fairly slowly at first to give you a chance to adjust, but clawing against your hips the deeper he gets. You let out a soft whine, but press back to make him slide further into you, silently letting him know to continue.

The feeling is strange again at first, but now that you know what to expect, you adjust quickly. Jim stays still for a moment, then tilts his hips, hitting the same spot inside you that made you go crazy earlier. You see sparks, and grab at the bedsheets.

“You take me so well,” Jim praises, starting to move at a slow rhythm.

You arch your back, desperate for him to do more; go faster. He’s still being too gentle, and while part of you is grateful, what you really want is for him to let loose. He’s strong, though, and each thrust pushes you into the mattress. Your hips rise to meet him, and your face presses deeper into the pillow.

“You’ve got no clue how hard it is to hold back with you,” Jim growls above you.

You feel your walls clench down around him, and Jim lets out a hiss. His fingers are so tight against your hips that it feels like he might sink into your skin. You moan, desperate for more; desperate to make him pump into you and chase his own high.

“Don’t hold back, then,” you beg, wriggling as much as you can with him holding you.

“You need to pace yourself, love,” Jim grunts, the exertion of restraint creeping into his voice.

“I told you to not be gentle.”

Your voice is almost a whine at this point, and you feel Jim’s hips stutter against you. He regains his composure quickly, pistoning in with another sharp thrust. That’s more like it, and you hum in approval. 

“This still too gentle for you?” Jim teases, leaning down to press into your back. “God - fuck her once and she’s already begging for me to corrupt her.”

You let out a small squeak as Jim grabs a generous fist of your hair, pulling your neck back a few inches as he gives it a soft tug at the roots. 

“But alright, love. I can be a bit rough with ya.” Jim pulls your hair again, and you sigh, sinfully. “Too bad, though. You were such a nice girl.”

The smirk in Jim’s words makes you grin. This is exactly what you wanted from him, and you listen with growing thirst as the sound of his hips snapping into you fills the small room. His pace is getting faster now; the sound of his breath speeding up to match. His fingers tangle in your hair, pulling back sharply with each thrust. You let yourself give in to the pleasure of knowing he's close; enjoying the ride as Jim chases his high. All of a sudden, he stops - pulls out and flips you over so that you’re laid on your back, looking up at him.

“Touch yourself,” Jim gasps, lining back up without pause. “Wanna see your face when you come.”

It takes you a second, between the distracting heat that blossoms over your chest, and the feel of him pressing back into you; stretching your walls as he picks up just where he left off. But you do, once you’ve gathered your thoughts well enough, bring a hand down to play with yourself as Jim continues to thrust.

“Fuck - might not last long enough for you to do it,” Jim laughs, more than a little out of breath. 

He stops, pressing into you one more time before pulling back, still half inside of you as he looks down, watching your fingers knead over your clit.

“That’s it, love. Oh, fuck - keep going. Need you to come like this.”

He starts to move again, more hesitantly. Wary of finishing before you’ve had a chance to do the same. It’s hard not to make quick work of yourself with Jim nearly growling over you, and soon you feel yourself tip over the edge.

Jim lets out a string of curses as you feel yourself clench hard around him. And just as quickly, he’s lifting you up, one hand snaking under your waist while the other comes up to grab hold of the headboard. He pounds into you with your hips raised shakily off of the mattress, desperate and making you grab at the bed sheets just to avoid getting pushed by the force. 

Finally, Jim pulls out with a sharp breath, letting himself sink down to nestle his face in your neck as he screams weakly.

“Shhhhit… fuck,” Jim groans. 

He’s still holding you up, your body half hovering over the mattress, your shoulders pressed into the pillows. The sheets below you are ruined, to say the least - until you have a chance to bring them down to the river and wash them, in any case.

“Sorry,” Jim laughs, clearly embarrassed. “Got a little carried away there…”

You giggle and look up at him still bracing himself against the headboard. Carefully, you push Jim across to the less messy side of the bed, flipping him over. Once he’s on his back, you straddle him, feeling the dampness that still lingers against your core as it presses into his stomach.

“Why do I have a very bad feeling that I’ve awakened something in you?” Jim chuckles.

You don’t reply, until you’ve had a chance to lean down and give him a long, steamy kiss on the lips. Only then do you pull away.

“Because you have,” you confirm.

You and Jim both laugh as he flips you over again so that you’re stretched out below him, looking up at his playful eyes in the hazy moonlight. 

“Well, since the sheets are already half ruined,” Jim says. “What d’you say we finish ‘em off?”

You nod, already wrapping your legs around him.

“Told you I didn’t mind sleeping on the floor,” you laugh.

[canaidliafail]

Stay grounded pt.4

[ part 5]

streamer abby x streamer reader 🌿 MDI

notes: alright so this was long. almost 4k words if Im right but its cause I had a lot I wanted to say. This episode is a lil more depressing then the rest since I spoke a bit on loss & trauma. I hope you don’t mind that and still enjoy reading it 🤍 it does end on a very positive note though :>

CW: trauma and mentions of loss of parental figures, sexual content, alcohol usage and Abby being a community strap

•ABBY’s POV•

•if I leave, maybe I can start again , Do right on the wrongs and have a better chance •

_________

In your darkest hours, when it's most difficult to stay afloat you will find yourself in absolute cold white solitude . It's not that you don’t have friends, it's that your fall tends to happen when everyone is away,

you friends will have exams or an important event, your parents will most likely be drowning in work.

such is the course of life. So with bared teeth and a tense jaw you have no choice but to march on. Abby's downfall came in the form of persistent nightmares where she would see her dad. Every year near his death’s anniversary she would become a shell of herself and in those weak moments she leaped back into old habits and sought out comfort in old connections. Until the consequences of those actions caught up to her and she paid double the price in fallen friendships and blackmail

In grief your judgment is clouded. Your anger takes the best of you but see, the world doesn’t owe you an apology.You know, you don’t get over a loved one's death. You just learn to live with it. Live with that and every other hard bitter truth. And that's what Abby learned to do.

_________

Abby enjoyed her routine and the way she had neatly organized every aspect of her life. She maintained a perfect balance of secrecy and exposure and kept everything under wraps, emotions included. Her manager did occasionally usher her to post more scandalous things since she was about to open an onlyfans but abby remained adamant that her crowd would find out about it without her saying so much as a word

Everything had a plan and purpose and everything was peaceful. Until you came into her life out of nowhere. She could not understand why did her mind stay so hangup on your name after that stream but she was sure she had seen it before.

perhaps in a fanart or maybe a shoutout?

so she went to check that day her socials until she saw your repost and the familiar username popped up cottoncandy

she looked at it and went through your profile and hated how intrigued she was by your interests but mostly by your appearance. There was something too unique to pass by and so she had decided to close her phone and go to the gym.

I can not allow someone in my life right now. Everything is in its place and it just…it wont work

She tried to convince herself while getting dressed. But you lingered in her mind like a vulture circling around waiting to pounce. There was a girl at her gym, one that she didn't know her name but she was presentable and had a spunky attitude and most importantly, really wanted Abbys attention. Abby was in the middle of taking a break between sets and took off her cap to wipe her face from the sweat with her gym towel. The girl approached her then and had her usual chatter that often times lasted around three…maybe four minutes. This time she was determined to ask Abby out. And Abby normally would agree without giving much thought into it. Nora once had called her community strap and she hated how well that nickname fit. When the question came though Abby found herself putting on her black hat back on and lowering it enough that the shadow would cover her eyes,rejecting the expecting girl curtly and went back to her sets with more force than usual. Because nothing today went “as it usually fucking would”

When she went back home she spent a good few hours stalking you and then another few denying she did that.

she texted Nora who unceremoniously left her on

read

“fuck” abby mumbled

It had been…years since she felt a spark of interest towards someone. Sure she was sexually active. Ever since she had her sexuality figured out she spent a year making up for lost time sleeping left and right with every woman that winked at her. However none of those girls -which did not lack in wit or looks in any way- piqued her interest. So she was bothered by you and why you were on her mind so much. She doom scrolled your entire page and when that was no longer enough she searched your YouTube channel to find your videos. 2.

Only two videos which meant thats how much it took for you to move to streaming. She rested on her couch and Alice whined next to her

“I do not need my own dog bullying me right now” she growled and Alice laid on her bed feigning innocence. She put your video playing in the background.and would chuckle at your jokes and then she would actually break into loud laughter and would replay a moment in awe. Eventually when wrapping up the video you sat back and had a talk in response to an older question

-I like this game.it speaks on the experience of loss which ,well…anyone who has personally lived through it would know how isolating that feeling is. I like that. Most importantly I like that depending on where you are in life you will take a very different message from this game, the purpose of revenge, forgiveness or acceptance. Or maybe something else that I am not in that stage to grasp yet. Highly recommend you guys play it as well-

She was taken aback. She didn't expect this video to end on such a note and she felt her heart ache. Not in pain but in something else entirely. Her frustration turned into delight. She started liking what you did to her and that was enough for her to make a move

___________

Ellie and Abby had a weird relationship. Abby no longer hated her but she didn’t like her either, however being in the same community and city meant you would have to be involved one way with one another thus she took the smart, professional decision to keep things civil. It was her managers request really, no. It was a demand actually but she followed through. So while they occasionally would post a pic whenever they hang out, Abby wanted nothing more to do with her unless necessary and she believed that the feelings were mutual.

However when she saw Ellie take notice of you the way she had something snapped. Abby had the privilege of being in Ellie “close friends” story and saw the upcoming comment of her admiring you and she got jealous. so she had to pull something. Something to keep you focused on her.

Her insecurities always got the best of her in times like this and when it happened she was irrational. She decided buying you that beloved statue that you mentioned more than once on your streams would send the message clearly

you didn’t. Because gifts were anonymous. But someone did get the message a few days later

“explain this purchase please” he asked mad and impatient

“Thought you wanted me to branch out and go international. She is an upcoming streamer and-“

“oh. So its a she. Explains a lot then. Should I be concerned for more large expenses on behalf of your breaching out?”

said her manager with a sharp tone. Abby pursed her lips and looked up and away in concentration. Truthfully she was bad at this. at being professional. That's why she had a manager. She forgot to account for the fact that the transactions she made went through him, which was usually a good thing. She forgot why now, but it was

“I promise I won’t do anything stupid…well-“

she tried and she heard Isaacs deep breathing on the other line

“yes?”

silence

“abby speak. I’ve known you long enough”

“So I thought of sending her a video…would that be good?”

“I do not want to know about your private sex life”

“no see I won’t directly send it…”

more silence. Abby chewed on her lip and rubbed her neck. She was sitting on her gaming chair ready to film and she was hot and ready enough which she feared Isaacs boring tone would turn her off and would ruin her plan

“It has to be behind a paywall. Abby this is business and even though I don’t want to ruin whatever fairytale shit you are living in you can’t keep doing whatever you want, you have a name and”

she put he phone on speaker and left it on her desk. she walked to her kitchen, made a coffee and filled alices bowl with food. when she went back to the room Isaac was still talking

“alright so how much should I charge?”

“400. The way you usually do”

“400?! There’s no way she will pay that- She doesn’t even know it will be sent only to her” she protested and he groaned

“200?” she asked

“250 and that's final” and he finally hung up. She smiled and once she was back and ready she started filming.

it started slow and she didn’t really intend to go too far. just enough to give you a taste of her. She had a very clear image of you in her head. Eventually though her thoughts drifted to you between her thighs, on your knees and ready to taste her. She let out a sigh and her fingers circled her clit in slow motions. she pictured you biting the waistband and asking for permission, looking up at her with those lovely eyes. your voice came a lot cleared than she expected

“Can I? abs?” and she groaned and let out a chocked

-fuck- as her hand went lower and she started fingering herself. She tried to fool herself that it was your tongue against her folds instead of her rough calloused fingers

“fuck cotton-“ she whispered and folded in on herself as she started thrusting harder still not getting the satisfaction that she craved. she wanted to feel you. On top of her riding her strap and beneath her as she rode your face. She knew you would look good all messed up, makeup ruined from the heated session.

What did you sound like when you moaned ? Were you loud in bed ? did you talk a lot? were you shy?

Fuck I wanna know…I need to know you

and with that she came. she grabbed her phone and the 20 minute video she had planned had to be cut at the 3 minute mark due to her stupidity calling out your name. Loud and clear too. she sat on the floor and stared at the footage for a good few minutes before sending it and waiting with the tab open.

within the first hour she already feared that you would buy the video. she even considered deleting it and sending it for free. she could deal with Isaac tomorrow

but few minutes later she saw the pending turn to paid

_________

Almost as if in another timeline, she had to visit a professional on matters she deemed unimportant, and if they ever mattered to her, she now forgot why.

Abbys therapist was a woman cunning and smart and could decode everything about Abby. They had been working for a year. That was the longest that Abby ever stuck with the same therapist before running away in anger at the lack of progress. She was unsure if this one helped, but she did find herself accepting her anger and coming to terms with it. She would still cry about it and she would always stay spiteful to her peers that still had their parents close.

“I’m happy that you seem more willing to open up your heart again Abby. I have to ask though. Are you sure this isn’t a hopeful trauma bond that you are seeking to create?”

“No, definitely not. Sure I liked that she seemed more insightful and all but no, I just like her for all the other aspects” Her therapist took note of that and Abby felt insecure in herself and her decisions once again

________

After her bold move on onlyfans, She did expect to get the silent treatment but she underestimated how stubborn you would be about it and that was a thing that really excited her.

such a brat

She held the plastic cup in her hand and stared at the clear liquid as it swished back and forth.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. What if she doesn’t even like me? I mean I know she has been following me for a while but that doesn’t say anything…”

Manny leaned against the table and crossed his arms in consideration.

“I dont know man I think she does like you, she’s probably just shy or something”

“shy?!Manny she hasn’t texted me in two days and we were supposed to call again last night”

“oh, so two days is too much but you leaving her on ready for weeks is fine?”

Abby rolled her eyes

“Do you have to remember every little thing?!” She looked around at the crowd dancing and playing beer pong. She didn’t even remember whose villa this was, only that it was a big shot youtubers that she got invited to. She usually avoided these events. Abby, despite of everyone's assumptions, was in fact shy and a little awkward and when Mel & Owen were at these parties it made her a lot more tense than she already was. She saw the couple in a corner kiss and then talk with others and eventually Mel would glare at Abby.

With a long sigh she grabbed her phone to check your profile. you had a story next to the statue she got you and she felt her cheeks heat up in excitement the room finally going quiet as her focus was directed at your photo. She slid up to respond to the image and was interrupted by someone getting a little too close to her personal space

“So you know her?” Ellie asked. Abby looked at the short girl and held back a scoff

“Kind of. We occasionally talk”

Ellie nod and looked around and then back at Abby

“Ugh…do you perhaps know if she is..single? or lesbian?”Abby sat on that and realized you actually had never explicitly announced your sexuality which made her reconsider every damn thing she did so far. Then came the next question.

were you even single ? or did she just make a move on someone who is spoken for?

Abby noticed ellie cock a brow and before she could smirk in triumph she locked her phone and shoved it in her pocket

“Yes she is but she already has her eyes on someone” She half lied. I mean she did hope you had your sights set on her but she couldn’t know for sure. You had talked about things before but somehow Abby never even thought to question you about those very crucial details.

“hm…I see” said Ellie and abby gave her a curt nod and excused herself. She was in no mood to talk to her any further than that but she felt uneasy. Ellie was persistent and Ellie was also, very openly a lesbian. she was attractive and there was no reason you wouldn’t be attracted to her.

“fuck this is so stupid” she mumbled to herself and went to fill her cup with more alcohol. there was no way she would be able to handle the night otherwise.

At this point two things were possible. She was drunk or she was seeing things. She double checked and indeed, there was a message from you. a few actually with videos attached and all. If she were at home, she would be screaming in ecstasy. she went to the bathroom for privacy and checked your chat which consisted of a mess of texts thanking her for the gift and the rest fawning over how ‘gorgeous Eivor looks in this size” and Abby bit her lip to stop herself from smiling anymore like an idiot. It was adorable. She watched the videos again and again of you showing her the statue which she didn't really care about but just your excited voice was enough for her to stay hooked on those three, 4 second clips.

Glad you liked the gift

Cotton candy: liked ????? My God I need to make it up to you somehow I don't know how, like dfjjdkrkge

A breathy chuckle escaped Abbys lips as her heart swelled at the sight of your texts. She noticed in the short span of talking to you that you tended to speak a lot more and a lot faster when it came to your interests. Without filter too and she liked that.

How about that call that you completely ghosted me on?

Cottoncandy: Ok listen I was…well

Cottoncandy: Fine sure. I’m free now if you are ?

Sure. I'll go take a shower and be back

And Abby rushed out of the bathroom and went straight to Manny to ask for her coat and car keys.

“What ,are you leaving?”

“Yeah sorry I’m not feeling so well, think I’m getting another migraine”

She said morphing her face into a pained expression and grabbed her leather jacket the minute he passed it over to her. She had never seen herself fold so fast over a girl and she was not in the mental state to acknowledge how embarrassing all of this was on her behalf

half an hour later when she was back home she immediately texted you trying to seem cool, relaxed, unbothered even

ready?

cottoncandy: sure :)

and she pressed “call”

__________

Things were just easier after that. She noticed you relax up and get bolder, responding to her posts more often and occasionally sending a text without waiting for her to post a story which she admitted to have started doing a lot more often for the sole purpose of giving you the push you needed to talk to her. You would often hang out at each other's streams and she quickly found out that when it came to humor, it was identical to one another and would throw jabs at each other that kept the chat entertained and Isaac pleased because your audience had new things to speculate. Abby was public with her friendships without disclosing anything more which left her audience running in circles and trying to pry more private information. This whole back and forth with you now reignited the audience's spark and due to how new it was, everyone seemed supportive and excited. In the back of her mind, Abby feared that this would eventually prove to be difficult to manage but she forced herself to stop rushing things in her head.

At the end of the day, so far you two were just friends who talked and, well, had probably simultaneously jacked off at the thought of one another without ever addressing that. That was another thing Abby chose not to speak about despite the fact that she would obsessively check on who purchased her sets to come to the sad realization that she had in fact scared you off her onlyfans.

She wasn’t sure if all of those were things she was supposed to feel, after all she had never taken it slow with anyone. Not that she ever gave them the time being that she would mostly do one night stands. With you it was different and she had to understand if it was due to the distance or if you were special to her after all

cottoncandy: Uni was AWFUL. I am actually dropping out

you are so dramatic

Came her response to which she received a fiery series of messages of you whining about how difficult things were before winter break.

cottoncandy: I honestly can't wait for it. I am so excited to just rest :)))

any plans? Do you have a trip planned with your friends or maybe your partner?

you read the message immediately but it took you a few minutes to respond and Abby gave a pat on her back in a derogatory way.

this is the worst possible way I could’ve asked if she is single

cottoncandy: no specific plans and no partner. I'll probably rot on my couch since my plans on going on a trip crumbled.I would cry but my tears run thin due to exams these days

You really like traveling dont you?

Cottoncandy: Who doesn’t ? I love visiting my friends abroad or vice versa

Abby didn't travel much. Not outside the country at least. She considered your messages and tried not to delude herself into a double meaning. Were you asking for an invite or were you inviting her ? Perhaps you were just venting. She was Picking at a thin layer of unstuck plastic from her table and toyed with it until it snapped. Either was she now knew you were not seeing someone and she could make a move guilt free

There wasn’t really a discreet way to go about this and if she was going to suggest it, you would need at least a heads up to rearrange your schedule.

I could visit you for winter break. I’m usually free around that time

She was rambling. She never spoke that much. But the rewarding excited messages that followed suit were rewarding enough to make up for her discomfort

Cottoncandy: Holy shit are you , wait for real?!

Sure. I always wanted to visit your city

She didn't. Again, Abby didn't travel. She didn't care about traveling. She just wanted to see you. Her phone screen went blank and then your face popped up on call.

“Yes?”

-Did you mean it? Cause if so I need to prepare things

“Like I said. We both have those two weeks available and it was about time I took a little trip. I could talk my manager into believing this is for work”

-Oh sure. If you want we can do a collab as well so that you don't take a loss in revenue and stuff

“Cotton its fine. I just wanna hang out with you. Don’t worry, leave that up to me”

She reassured and felt her ego inflate at how easily you seemed to be put at ease with her words. She couldn’t know for sure if her attraction was romantic or just sexual but she sure as hell loved the way you two aligned.

You spoke for a while and with winter break only a month away you already settled on the dates.

“I have to go to the gym now but I’ll send you a text once I get the tickets so that you know what time Ill be there

-alright perfect! See ya

Abby put her phone away and for a few minutes she would occasionally laugh, softly, while imagining what it would be like. She was nervous and with delight she noticed that she finally regained that spark in her where she had a crush and wanted to speak about her instead of statistics, trauma or finances. she felt good

[charliedawn]

Morpheus x Reader

Synopsis : You are planning on asking Dream to marry you and rehearsing all the best ways to do it—only for Dream to hear you. Enjoy.

"...Dream of the Endless. No. Too formal. Hum..", you mumbled to yourself while walking up and down the corridor. You tried to find the right way to address the Dream Lord who you were about to ask a very important question to, but it was hard. Nobody knew how to talk to Dream. And even after all those years beside him—it was impossible for you to find the right way.

"..Dream ? Yeah. No. Maybe...Morpheus ? What would he prefer ? Does he even have a preference ?!" You even had trouble finding the right title. To you, he had always been Dream. But, to everyone else ? He was the King of a realm you couldn't even begin to grasp the immensity of. He was powerful. Powerful enough to move mountains and shape the minds of billions of people..He wasn't simple. And, maybe was it the reason he had chosen you ? You were simple. Your mind was an open book to him. He knew its every nook and crevice. Because everything that made you special or anything out of the ordinary came from your dreams.

You kept to yourself and didn't dare meet the gaze of any of the creatures roaming the castle and busy with their daily tasks. You had a task of your own to apply yourself to, but whenever you would try to find the right words—those two gorgeous ocean eyes would come haunt you and freeze all coherent thinking out of your head. How did one propose to the Lord of the Dreaming ? Master of Nightmares and Dreams ?

How did one propose to Morpheus ?

It was a difficult task, and even though you wanted nothing more than to rush to the library and ask Lucienne for help, you knew you had to do this on your own. Morpheus was ethereal—beautifully so. He had a castle. Subjects. Magic..He didn't technically need you—but he had still chosen you to remain by his side. So long had past since your first meeting with the Dream Lord—and yet—you still had trouble talking casually with him. You were at a loss for words every time he graced you with his presence.

But, you had to do it. You had never been so sure of anything in your life. Today was the day.

"Morpheus. Dream of the Endless. Would you..I mean..If you'd do me the honor of accepting to..?..No ! Not like that !", you yelled out of frustration and earned yourself a couple of confused and concerned stares from the different people surrounding you.

You suddenly felt very embarrassed and decided to find shelter in a more secluded place to continue your internal debate. You then took the direction of your bedroom for some peace and quiet—knowing Morpheus wouldn't return from his trip to his sister's realm for another day or two. It left you just enough time to be prepared and find the perfect words.

You took a big breath and couldn't help but pick at the beds of your fingernails while pondering on the final draft—the final question that would get past your lips in his presence. You wanted it to be perfect—just as perfect as him..

"Could you marry me, please..?", you asked with just the right amount of desperation to show your terrible fear of rejection. You were on the verge of tears and pictured Morpheus actually saying no. The walls would shake. His unforgiving eyes would glare dagger at you. His red lips would turn into a dark scowl. You wanted him. So badly. But truth was, you had noticed how he had seemed so distant from you the past few months..You were scared he might have grown bored of you—or worse, found someone else.

You didn't even hear yourself utter out loud—your voice a mere whisper as you tried not to think of all the hurtful things he could do to you..He was the only being in the universe you had ever really felt at home with. You loved him, and it was high time he knew just how much.

He would hear your feelings.

Even if it was your last day in the Dreaming.

"Morpheus. Dream of the Endless. Love of my life. Would you marry me ?", you finally settled for those words with your eyes closed and imagined Morpheus standing there—an indescribable expression on his face. But, after some time, a small smile crept on his face and he parted his pretty lips to utter one word.

"Yes."

Your eyes snapped open, as that yes was far too real to just be a fruit of your wild imagination. You turned around swiftly and your eyes widened at the sight of the object of all your desires and affection standing before you. You hadn't even heard him come in !

"You...should have knocked.", you stated—too stunned by his mere presence to say anything else. You just couldn't believe he was here. You hoped it wasn't some cruel joke of one of the Nightmares..You stayed frozen for a while and neither you or Morpheus seemed to know what to say next. Finally, Morpheus decided to end your suffering and break the agonizing silence.

"My apologies. Should I re-enter then ?", he asked and turned slightly to the door—showing he had every intention to do just that. But, you quickly shook your head and grabbed his hand.

"No. No ! I just...Really ?" You uttered that last word in such disbelief—it brought amusement in Morpheus' eyes. However, he remained silent and it took a moment or two for him to speak again.

"Why yes..I would get out and re-enter again—with knocking this time—if you'd wish ?"

You let out a small huff before shaking your head again. He was doing it on purpose. He wanted you to say it. You indulged.

"No. Not that. The other thing. You..You really want to marry me ?"

A heavy silence settled between the both of you at your question and Morpheus seemed to ponder for a second or so—probably to taunt you.

"May I give you my answer now ?", he finally asked and you nodded.

"S..Sure. Please. One more time."

He smiled tenderly at your endearing overwhelmed expression and took a step forward.

"I..."

He took another step.

"...do."

You burst into tears of joy and tried to wipe them away unsuccessfully. You then wrapped your arms around his shoulders and peppered his face with kisses—ignoring the way he groaned in fake annoyance under the attack.

"I love you. So much.", you laughed and even though tears strained your cheeks, you had never felt happier in your life as Morpheus chuckled—his chest rumbling from the action as you pressed yourself closer against him.

"...I would certainly hope so.", he playfully replied and you didn't answer. You were in another land—another universe..You had reached the summum of bliss and refused to return to the land of the simple living.

But then, a thought came to your mind as you asked.

"Say..Why did you come back so early from your trip ?"

Morpheus hummed softly to himself before finally confessing.

"I..was actually asking for my sister's advice on how to propose to you. She wasn't exactly clear. She said to 'follow my heart'. And somehow ? It led me back directly to you.."

Well—If that wasn't romantic, and an excellent way to tease Morpheus for centuries to come..Morpheus then reached for something in his pocket and when you saw the ring in his hand—you suddenly ran out of breath. It was beautiful. It was all so.. Morpheus. The dark ring was made out of black matter and you could see little dark purple stones floating around it. You laughed to yourself and Morpheus gave you a quizzical look.

"...Are you alright ?", he asked—a little worried at your euphoria, even though overjoyed himself. You then took out the ring you had chosen for him—with the same exact pattern and the corners of his lips curved up slightly.

"...Great minds think alike.", you mused and Morpheus tilted his head to kiss your forehead tenderly.

"You have the most wonderful mind I have ever seen..", he admitted and you chuckled. To think you had worried about him growing bored of you...You should have known Morpheus would never do that to you—because he had fallen in love with your mind before you had even physically met.

"Likewise, dear Dream of mine.", you mused and Morpheus smiled. He leaned forward for a kiss, but you shook your head and pulled away from his embrace.

"You still haven't answered my question. Do you really wish to spend the rest of your days with little old me ?", you taunted and Morpheus restrained an eye roll, as if the answer wasn't obvious..

"...Yes."

The moment he finally said it, you grinned widely and wrapped your arms around his neck and finally kissed him, making sure to make a mess of his already dark curls running wild.

"...I love you..", you whispered in his ear and Dream smiled before nuzzling your cheek and you could have sworn hearing him purr appreciatively.

"Me too, my little dreamer. Now, and always."

You laughed and tried not to sound too dejected at the thought of eternity. You weren't eternal. Your love would last long after your disappearance however, but you hoped his would last as long.

"Always is a long time..", you playfully reminded him—but Morpheus remained dead serious as he replied sternly.

"There is another reason I came to my sister."

You peered up at him with a quizzical expression and Dream smiled fondly down at you, his fingers tracing the side of your face tenderly.

"My love...How would you like to be immortal ?", he asked and your eyes widened significantly.

"Wait...Like Hob ?"

Morpheus smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I managed to reach an agreement with my sister to extend your life expectancy..indefinitely."

You felt tears in your eyes and your heart swelled with love for the being that was willing to argue with Death on your behalf. You stood up on your tiptoes and kissed his lips.

"...Dream of the Endless. I do not deserve such gift, but if it means spending more time with you ? Then, call me selfish. For I will accept this gift with open arms."

You felt Morpheus' smile against your lips and he held you a little closer. He would never call you that, for it would admit his own selfishness.

And Dream didn't like to admit his weaknesses.

He wasn't about to lose you to his sister, and he would make a deal with Lucifer themselves to keep you by his side.

"....So, did you ask Hob to be your witness already ?"

Morpheus let out a low growl from within his chest, one that you recognized as a reluctant admission and you chuckled knowingly. Figures.

You wondered if Lucienne was available ?

[lunaslovelyrambles]

-> this is a sequel to this ficlet i posted a while back bc it's seemingly very popular - even still :)

— • — • —

your eyes haunt him. they have since the moment he got back to marley. whenever reiner has a moment of time to let his mind wander it always brings him back to you.

the pain he caused you, mainly, and that look in your eyes the last time he saw them. so full of hurt. and it was all his fault.

now, he's on the train back from the mid-east war. the constant fighting had worn his body to the bone. the stress of being on the front lines, and as a titan shifter nonetheless, wears him out more than the others.

he remembers back on paradis, before revealing himself as the armored titan, you had told him that he should take it easier.

"we're better when we fight together, after all! it's okay to let some of the others take on some of the burden as well."

he wished he listened to you. he wished he could go back to moments like that. moments where your eyes would light up as you nudged him, joking about stupid things.

but he couldn't. pieck lightly tapped his shoulder, breaking him out of thought.

"hey, we're almost back," she smiled at him, "spacing out, huh? must be thinking of something good if you were that out of it."

yeah, he thought, he was.

-x-

reiner can't think of many moments in his life where he's felt at such a loss for words. in those few moments, however, he thinks this one might take the cake.

you're standing in front of him. you're older, prettier - he didn't think that was even possible - and really here. you're not a figment of his imagination.

he thinks of so many things that he wants to say. he's missed you, he's thought about you every day, he's wanted nothing more than to see you again, you look so beautiful.

none of them come out.

because your eyes are downcast, sad. and only flickering to look at him every few seconds. his heart breaks.

"it's been a while, huh?" you barely even whisper it. still, just hearing your voice makes him shudder. he didn't realize just how much he missed hearing it.

he nods, still staring and still struggling to talk. hell, he can barely even believe this is real. that he's getting a chance to talk to you again, and that you aren't trying to kill him for what he did.

you sigh, tugging at a belt on your gear. he follows your fingers and then falls back onto your eyes, as always.

"look, i don't-"

"i'm sorry."

he finally cuts you off, and it's then that your eyes finally meet his for longer than a second.

"i-i'm so sorry."

it's all he can say. that's all he's wanted to say to you for years now. all he wanted was one chance to apologize to the hurt that he caused you. for making your eyes shine less.

if the only thing he does for the rest of his life is grovel and beg for forgiveness at your feet, he'd be okay with that.

you let out an airy chuckle and it catches him off guard.

"yeah, i know. i'm sorry too."

he can't fathom why on earth you are apologizing. he's done nothing but cause you pain, and you're apologizing to him?

he thinks for certain, now, that you're the opposite of the lies marley fed him about people on paradis. because no devil could ever be as angelic as you are.

and as he gapes at you, awestruck by your words, you smile at him and that light in your eyes returns for the briefest of moments.

-x-

he wakes with a start. years have gone and passed since the battle of earth, yet the nightmares still haunt him. he thinks that they always will, even a little. however, they have gotten better over time.

"good morning," you smile down at him.

well, especially with you by his side.

reiner huffs a response, still too deep in sleep's depths to form words. the sunlight pours in through the open window next to you. he could've sworn he died and went to heaven.

he hasn't. and he thanks every god out there for allowing him to find such peace in this lifetime.

you brush some hair lightly out of his face with your hand, the coolness of the ring on your finger making him sigh. his eyes shut instinctively. it's too bright, too early.

"we have to go meet the others today, don't fall back asleep on me." your voice was so light, so pleasant. he's finding it hard to listen.

his eyes open again and he meets yours for the first time this morning. he's met with that all too familiar gaze.

the one that he saw after he kissed you for the first time. or when he snuck out of the barracks with you all those nights to look at the stars. the look when he asked you to marry him.

his eyes look back with the same feelings, and he feels happiness.

— • — • —

-> masterlist

[casuallyimagining]

When September Ends // part three.

Min Yoongi x female reader

Summary: Six years after leaving your home planet, you’re forced to confront your past… and the one you left behind.  Word Count: 2,967 Genre: Star Wars au, friends to enemies to lovers, angst Warnings: minor character death, survivor's guilt, yoongi has anger issues, mentions of the death of an entire planet, anxiety, alcohol, reader character suffers from the burden of high expectations, mentions of torture (nothing  explicit), mentions of needles, hospitalization, brief descriptions of scarring, brief descriptions of panic, hospitalization, an assassination attempt, a gun fight, murder

Notes: Thanks to @daechwitatamic and @the-boy-meets-evil for listening to me complain about this fic, helping me plan, and beta-ing for me; to @oddinary4btsfor the late-game encouragement and edits.

Playlist: All of the poetry in this fic has been pulled from various songs and poems. You can find all the songs (and some others) in the playlist that I made for this fic on Spotify.

previous | masterlist | next

Tee is still humming a soothing tune when you land on Orto Plutonia what feels like eons later. Your breathing has evened a bit, and your heart is no longer racing, but you still feel like there’s a rock in your stomach, and a bantha seems to be standing on your chest. But you push those feelings aside–you’ll get over it, eventually. You have a lifetime to mourn and move on from the loss of… whatever your relationship with Yoongi was.

You stand and stretch, and you can feel Tee’s hand on your back, steadying you. You glance outside through the windshield. The wind is blowing gently, taking clumps of snow and ice with it. Why did you always assign yourself to the frozen planets? Apparently you hadn’t gotten enough of it on Fest or Hoth–you had to continue the torture, even when it was your choice. 

Could have gone to Canto Bight, you lament silently, shrugging on the long, puffy coat you’d brought. Could have gone undercover as a cards dealer. But no. Had to come to the furthest planet possible.

You step off the ship, Tee clanking down the access ramp behind you, and you’re greeted by a tall, fuzzy creature with two sets of eyes. He raises a hand in greeting, and you respond in kind. 

“Thank you for letting me come to your planet,” you say to the Talz. “I hope to leave as soon as possible.”

Tee translates for you, a string of grunts and growls and snuffles. It’s one of the perks of having a custom-built droid. She’s part medical droid, part protocol droid, part pilot, part whatever else you need her to be. You introduce yourself and the Talz–whose name, you learn, is Multap–leads you up an icy slope to the village where his father is chieftain.

Despite the wind, it’s surprisingly not that cold. Your coat does a good job of warding off the chill. Multap shows you the hut you’ll be using as home base and leaves. The Talz seem peaceful, but part of you is glad they’ll be leaving you alone for the most part. You aren’t particularly ready to have a mission partner.

It’s a simple reconnaissance mission. Word had gotten to the Alliance that the Empire was scouting planets in the Outer Rim to build secret research bases. Orto Plutonia happens to be one of those planets. There are seven Alliance agents–eight, including you–currently exploring the ice planet, looking for signs of the Empire. You each have a sector to scour and report back on. It was estimated that the whole thing would take two months. Just long enough for you to figure out the rest of your life.

You settle into the hut easily. Tee brings a few crates from the ship and you begin to build your home for the foreseeable future. One of the crates contains a long-range communications terminal. As you assemble it, you can’t help but think of the irony of it. It was Yoongi’s brother who had taught you how to put together most communications equipment. He’d taught you how to build it, how to repair it, how to hack it. Everything he’d learned in the factory on Fest. And as you gently plug the final ribbon wire into the board, you flick on the power and the terminal’s screen springs to life.

Thanks, Dae, you think dryly. 

You take some time to double-check the encryption, making sure it fits the most recent Alliance ciphers before sending off a quick message that you’d arrived safely.

Yoongi sits in the mess hall. He’s still cold, still hates this planet, still hasn’t slept. Mostly, he’s been assigned to sorting through intelligence sent in from resistance agents stationed in every far-flung corner of the galaxy. He’s been up to his ears in data, rumors, and flat-out lies. Finally, he gets a break from it all, but almost immediately, his brain floods with thoughts.

Thoughts Yoongi doesn’t particularly want. Thoughts that keep him up at night.

There’s a weight pressing on him, like he’s trapped under the rubble of a building that’s just fallen down. His lungs feel heavy, his heart is a rock in his chest. He’s angry, but now, it’s mostly just directed inward.

His caf is cool in its mug when two trays plop down on the table in front of him. Yoongi looks up to see Namjoon and Seokjin–another member of Namjoon’s band of lost-and-found. Namjoon smiles, and there’s something soft and kind in his eyes. It’s not pity, Yoongi thinks, but something more akin to understanding and empathy. He’s had some time to get to know Namjoon, and ultimately, he likes the young leader. Yoongi can see a lot of himself in Namjoon, he can see hints of sorrow just under the surface. Namjoon only lets it show when he thinks no one’s looking, but Yoongi is always looking. It’s his job to look, to observe.

Seokjin, almost eerily, is polished, always perfect. He’s always got a joke, always knows the right thing to say, always has control of the situation. He’s taller than Yoongi, but he has an impeccable talent for disappearing into crowds. He’s jovial, but there’s a subtlety to him that Yoongi appreciates. But Seokjin hates to be alone, and more often than not, Namjoon and Seokjin can be found together.

“How are you feeling?” Namjoon asks gently. Yoongi barely looks up from his caf, a glare and a scowl evident on his features. Namjoon nods. “Ah.”

“You shouldn’t make faces like that, Yoongi-ah,” Seokjin scolds playfully, pointing a spoon in the younger man’s direction. “Your face will freeze and people will think that you’re a Dressellian.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, but he does his best to school his face into something more neutral. It’s not either of their faults that he feels this way. He should at least try to not take it out on them.

“What do you want?” It comes out harsher than intended, and Yoongi winces at the edge to his voice. But there’s a crack, too, and he thinks that Namjoon picks up on it, because the young leader smiles gently.

“How would you like to get off this frozen rock for a while?”

Three weeks of uneventful scouting pass. You get used to the cold after a few days, but the food Multap brings you is absolutely abhorrent. Thankfully, you’d brought some rations to supplement the Talz’s generosity, but god, you aren’t sure how long you can survive on bland root vegetables and flavorless broth. 

Entirely by chance, you finally get a lead one morning when your dreams are plagued with images of things–people, a person–you’d rather not dwell on. You give up sleeping sometime in the wee hours of the morning, before the sun has risen over the snow-covered horizon, and so you make yourself a cup of caf and sit by the window, watching the sky change colors. Suddenly, a small craft flies slowly overhead, the red lights of its rear thrusters standing out against the darkness.

You dress quickly, grab your gear, and within minutes, you’re out the door. Tee is hot on your heels, complaining the whole way about how you need more sleep. It’s strange and exhilarating, this unplanned recon. Normally, you’d meticulously plan, come up with contingency plans, make sure you knew what would come next. But there’s no time, and maybe something in you is excited to not have a plan for once.

It’s eerily quiet out in the snowfields. It’s fairly flat, which makes it infinitely easier to track the ship to where it lands. However, that also means there’s almost no cover. You manage to duck into a rocky outcropping, peeking out around the crag to watch. Tee sits behind you, folding up her arms and legs, making herself small. Her metal is a black matte, and she stands out against the snow, but she shoves herself against the rocks to lessen the chances of being spotted.

A small group of stormtroopers–two lines of four–march out of the ship, guns in hand. They approach a set of several makeshift buildings nestled against the cliffs. The buildings all bear the Empire’s insignia and are no larger than military tents with solid sides. The troopers stop just outside of the foremost building and salute. You can see at least one Imperial officer standing at the entrance. He moves aside to let them in.

“What are they doing here?” you whisper. Tee beeps lowly in response. It’s not what you were expecting, but you also know she’s recording, creating something concrete you can send back to the rebellion when you’re back to the hut.

But when you shift your weight so you’re more comfortably pressed against the crag, you hear something click. Far too late, you register that it’s the sound of a blaster coming off of safe mode. You freeze, raise your hands. Slowly, you turn. 

Commodore Grafner stands in front of you, blaster at the ready.

“Hello, bartender.”

The cursor on Yoongi’s datapad blinks at him, judging him. He hasn’t written anything. Yet. He hasn’t written anything in a while. Poetry used to be a comfort, a way to calm his mind when his thoughts turn ugly. He’s always been able to take the storm in his head and turn it into a stanza or two, to separate himself from the emotions so he could examine and work through them outside of himself.

But his recent nightmares have stuck in his mind’s eye so spectacularly that he’s having a hard time putting things down in his notes. It’s been weeks, and he’s barely gotten any sleep because every time he tries, he sees the same damn thing.

You’re there. Because of course you are. Yoongi does his best to push you to the back of his mind during his waking hours, but his dreams have a different idea. And what’s sad is, nothing ever really happens in the dreams. You’re there, and Yoongi’s there, but you don’t say anything and you don’t do anything, but for some reason, he wakes with the most disturbed, dread-filled feeling in the pit of his stomach. It fucks up his whole day, clouds his mind when he should be focused on other things.

He’s running on empty at this point, and he’s positive that he’s going to pass out in the middle of some corridor. Thanks to Namjoon, he’s stationed in an unfamiliar place–a Mon Calamari star cruiser orbiting around some Outer Rim asteroid–which means he can’t just go hide in some convenient corner when he feels like this. 

But for now, he’s chugging caf from a reusable cup, tucked up against one of the windows of the cruiser. The asteroid is just barely visible below, its craggy surface hiding a smuggler’s haven. Yoongi sighs, leans his head back against the steel support beam surrounding the window, and curses his datapad, turning it off.

“Has it offended you in some way?” Seokjin’s voice makes Yoongi jump, and he hits the back of his head off the steel behind him. The older man apologizes and hands him a fresh cup of caf. “Mind if I crash the party?”

For a moment, Yoongi is tempted to reject him. He’s not really in the mood for Seokjin’s jokes. But at the same time, it’s not like he’s really doing anything. He may as well not do anything with Seokjin. So he gestures to the rest of the empty space in front of the window silently. 

Seokjin sits, mirroring Yoongi, his back against the beam on the other side of the window. He sips at his caf, eyes on the asteroid below.

“I didn’t think it would be so pretty,” he says, nodding to the empty space outside the window.

It’s true. The striations and bands of minerals on the surface of the asteroid, pockmarked by impacts from meteors and ore drilling, are strikingly beautiful. Twice a day, the asteroid is in perfect view of all of the planets in the system it orbits in, and the glows from the star’s light through the planets’ atmospheres turns the space around the asteroid into a kaleidoscope of colors.

Seokjin clears his throat. His tone is somber when he speaks. “I uh… I get nightmares too, sometimes,” he says quietly. For a moment, Yoongi is confused, but then the older man continues. “The walls are really thin, you know. I guess I should consider myself lucky that you’re only having nightmares and not really good dreams.” It’s a joke, but he says it so seriously that Yoongi can’t even bring himself to be offended by the innuendo. “But I… I wanted to tell you that. That you aren’t alone, I mean. I have a lot of regrets about where I left things with some people. That’s mostly what I dream about. And I would give anything to be able to go back and fix things.”

There’s a sharp response on the tip of Yoongi’s tongue, something along the lines of telling Seokjin to kindly and immediately fuck off, but he never gets to say it. Just as he opens his mouth, Namjoon appears behind them. 

“We need your help with the comms array.” It’s directed toward Yoongi.

His reply dies in his throat, the venom gone with the moment. Seokjin says nothing about it, merely stands and asks if Yoongi wants him to toss his cup for him. 

It’s infuriating.

They took your coat. It’s freezing in the Empire’s makeshift buildings, and they’ve left you with no protection from the cold. Thankfully, the walls keep out the wind, but they’re so thin that they do almost nothing to keep heat in. You’re alone in an empty room, hands secured behind you to the chair you’re sitting in. There’s no way for you to tell how long you’ve been here, but it feels like at least an hour since they threw you in the holding cell.

You have no idea where Tee is, they separated you from her when Grafner brought you in. As annoying as the droid can be, you’re a little distraught at the idea that she’s been destroyed. It’s a small comfort that you don’t currently need her, though that’s probably more a testament to the adrenaline running through your veins than your ability to avoid panicking. 

The door hisses open, and you have to force yourself not to look. You aren’t successful. Grafner enters the room flanked by two troopers with blasters at the ready. The lieutenant’s face is neutral, which makes you nervous. If he were visibly angry, or excited, or something, you could at least make a guess as  to what’s about to happen.

That’s not entirely true. You can certainly assume what is about to happen. 

He circles you slowly, silently. Each step echoes a hundred times louder in your ears. Finally, when he’s behind you, he speaks. 

“I would offer you the easy way of doing things, but I think we both know how that would go.” You can hear him begin to pace from one side of the room to the other. He never goes far enough for you to be able to see him. “I hope you can appreciate that I’m on a tight schedule here. I’d rather not waste time.” He steps into your field of view then, but just barely. “Perhaps, you will see that it is in your best interest to cooperate. And if not…” 

The door opens again, and a droid floats in. You can almost see your reflection in its shiny black surface. It’s covered in lights and ports. On one side, it’s got a metal rod–you can see it spark with electricity–and on the other, a long, thin needle attached to a syringe that’s filled with some sort of clear liquid.

“Let’s start with your name, hm?” Grafner takes a step closer, his hand coming down harshly on your shoulder. You shrug him off, but stay silent. “What were you doing on Bespin?” Again you say nothing. The droid floats closer. “Last chance.” The commodore grabs your face, forcing you to look at him. “This is a big one: where is the primary rebel base?”

For a moment, you stare at him. “You’re really just expecting me to tell you all that?” Your moment of bravery is mumbled, because he’s still holding your face. 

But quickly, he lets go. The sound of the slap is almost as sharp as the sting it leaves behind on your cheek. “Remember that I tried to be lenient.” His voice is dark, and he gestures to the droid.

You can hear your heart pound in your ears as it floats closer. The needled arm extends out, and you try to squirm away. The droid beeps in protest and extends a metal clamp from one of the ports on its underside. It latches onto you, holding you in place.

Your mind shifts, your thoughts are sucked to the past, to happier times. You recognize in the moment that it’s your brain trying to protect you. It’s jarring, but not unwelcome, as even still, you can feel the searing pain in your arm, the fire in your veins.

But then your focus, your memories, solidify. You see Yoongi as a small boy, still shy and quiet, following you around because you’re his only friend. You grow up together, first defending him from bullies at school, then as preteens navigating responsibilities at home, then as teenagers figuring out where you were going to land in life. Laying on the roof, annoying his brother, him sneaking into your house when you should be studying. The memories and adrenaline keep you focused, distract you so you don’t dwell on the present. It almost works.

Almost.

previous | masterlist | next

so uh.... how we feelin? do we hate grafner yet? literally two of my betas read this part and were like 'how dare you'. I'm so interested in your reactions.

[star-girl69]

Dragon Dreamer

a/n: i hope you all enjoy!!

warnings: angst, crying, swearing, incest, tell me if i missed anything!

Chapter Four- Let Me Memorize Your Face

—-

You wake the next day with a thousand words on your lips. But your bed is empty.

You feel your heart twist painfully and foolish tears well in your eyes and you cannot help but want to rip your hair out for being so foolish.

Aemond said he loved you. Aemond held you.

And he left.

Of course he left. Because this war is much more important than you. Much more important than his wife, who is strong and brave and a Dragon Dreamer but also just a foolish child who wants him to stay.

Why can’t he stay? Maybe only for a few minutes, stay long enough for you to memorize his face. He would place his hand on your face- because he is so mesmerized with you- and you wouldn’t feel the need to hold it there. Not scared he would pull away.

Your skin burns with the ghost of his touch.

Your eyelids are seared with his image.

He is everything. He is all you can see. You are nothing.

—-

“Is something the matter, Y/N?” Alicent’s words a kind, and you feel the need to lean into her motherly touch. But you are still feverish with loss, embarrassed for thinking you would wake with him beside you.

“I’m just worried about Aemond.”

She nods, her face twisting painfully. She sighs.

“Oh, sweetling, I am too. I know he did not mean to kill the boy. It must be weighing heavily on him. I never wanted any of you to know pain like that.”

“Pain like what?” You ask, curious. You know of pain quite well. But what does your almost-mother speak of?

She smiles, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes.

“Like loss.”

—-

The aviary is alive with the sound of birds, and you hum as one lands on your finger. Helaena watches from the outside, a caterpillar winding between her fingers. She would never put her precious bugs in harms way.

“And this is a mourning dove. She’s only three years old, named Laen, in memory of Laena and Laenor. They are your something cousins, I think.”

The twins do not make any motion, content to sit on the floor of the aviary and feel the green carpet below them. They lack curiosity, but everyone else in the Keep has grown tired of hearing about your birds.

Aemond would listen, you think bitterly.

But Aemond is not here.

Jaehaera and Jaehaerys will have to do.

“Doves symbolize peace, love, freedom. Isn’t that beautiful?” Jaehaerys looks up at you with curious eyes, a smile overtaking his face at nothing. He is young, innocent, and so unlike you. “Can you say freedom? Free-dom?” Your eyes are alight.

“Ee-dom.” He whispers. You smile.

—-

“My wife,”

The words startle you. You haven’t heard them in so long.

“Aemond,” you whisper, not daring to put any derision in your voice. You are tired, do not want to risk his displeasure. You set a small black crow onto a branch, the runt of the clutch, who fell from his nest.

“Has the day treated you well?” You turn toward him, and he leans against the cage of the aviary. A bird flys in front of him, but he does not startle. Black bars separate him and you. He smirks, glancing behind you towards the setting sun. The garden air is still warm with it, but fading quickly.

“Yes. The twins and Helaena kept me company.” His smirk drops, and he suddenly seems like a young boy again. Toeing the ground anxiously.

“I don’t mean to leave you.”

“Then why do you?”

“Y/N…” He trails off, as if to say, I cannot tell you.

But his refusal only scorns you, and you open and close the gated door quickly. Storming past him, footsteps sinking into the soft grass.

“My love,” he starts, but you are tired.

“Aemond, I’m tired. Please.” He seems hurt, but you cannot find it in yourself to care. He grabs your hand and you let him.

“I love you, my dreamer. Do you know that?”

You do not answer, because you are not sure if you do.

—-

taglist:

@stargaryenx @leoramage @slutforaemond

[paperstorm]

The Tarlos fandom (on twitter) has got so cruel. On FOX’s birthday post about Ronen several people commented “I hope it’s his last”. I don’t understand how people can have so much hatred for a person that they wish them dead. Particularly a person who we know cares about the environment, LGBTQ community, animals etc and from the reports of those who have met or talked to him in real life seems sweet and to really care about his fans.. He’s not an evil person. They are accusing him of being pro genocide and I still don’t understand why. In both posts on instagram that are in his own words he talked about loss on both sides. Innocent people suffering through nothing they’ve done and how much he hates war. How does that equal pro genocide. Yes in the early days right after the initial attacks (to which he appears to have had a personal link) he might have reposted some more controversial posts from other celebrities but I think he deleted them before 24 hours (so acknowledging they were wrong to share?). I can’t be sure on that as they are certainly long gone now but I think when I went looking after seeing people go off on twitter they weren’t there . He hasn’t posted about the war in a few weeks, he stopped deleting pro Palestine comments on the Biden post quote. I think that means something. Now, none of us know what he’s thinking or what he’s doing outside of the few minutes he shares with us. He might not say anything anti-Israel /pro Palestine but doesn’t mean he hasn’t learned.

That is gross, the person running that Fox account shouldn’t have to deal with that for just doing their job. Twitter can be a cesspool at the best of times and these certainly aren’t the best of times. He’s said a lot of things I don’t like, and I don’t personally find any kind of “peace on both sides” placation super convincing when it comes from someone who cheered for weapons being sent to a military that is committing genocide, but I hope he’s learning. I really do. He seems from what Ive seen to have a very centrist liberal view of all this but he is a very centrist liberal so I’m not surprised by that. The propaganda is real. I don’t judge anyone for being mad at him or for being done with him but I’m hoping it’s a good sign he’s stopped posting and has deleted donation links. Unlearning something you were taught for 30 years is not a small task and it’s not gonna happen overnight.

[avecra]

A Change In Duty - 2

series summary: In the Northern Lands is where you meet Natasha’s fiance, King Steven and right hand man Captain James Barnes, who takes an affinity to you quickly, though you are hesitant to trust him. But when a familiar darkness begins to loom over the kingdom, you won’t hesitate to uphold the duty to your royals to protect them. And Captain Barnes will do anything to ensure the safety of the Queen’s Lady.

pairing: knight!bucky x lady!reader

word count: 4.7k

chapter warnings: fluff, minor self deprecating thoughts, minor angst, mentions of war, a small peak into our lady's past

series masterlist // next chapter

The intricate designs of the bed frame kept you from falling asleep, though you were glad. With Natasha sleeping soundly next to you, it gave you a moment to yourself, relishing in the new environment around you.

It appeared the king was fully prepared for the arrival of not only his dearest, but also you as well, having a room built and decorated just as you would. You had an inkling feeling that Natasha had spilled to him about what you liked and disliked.

Her room was built to her liking, red silk bed sheets, a bedpost lined and designed with her family’s emblem with little patterns of things that matched her personality. A closet filled with all the dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes she could ever think about.

Drawers lined with the most beautiful jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, anything that Natasha pleased was already there for her. It made you smile, knowing that your good friend had a life full of love ahead of her.

A few minutes of peace passed before a sudden knocking resounded against the wooden door. Sitting up quickly, you glanced over to Natasha to see she was still peacefully sleeping, her nose scrunched up with her hands solved under the pillows.

Making your way over to the door, you opened it and saw a young woman, brown hair braided out of her face. In her hands she held a welcoming vase of blooming roses. “Good evening, my lady. His Majesty is ready for dinner whenever Her Highness is ready.”

“Thank you. I will start getting her ready then, I suppose.” You nodded and glanced back and noticed how Natasha had begun to stir, stretching her arms above the headboard. “She will be down shortly…” your voice trailed out.

“Wanda, my lady. Should you need anything at all, I am here.” You frowned slightly, but Wanda didn’t seem to notice. She simply bowed her head with a smile and skipped off down the hall, disappearing from your view.

You weren’t even aware you were allowed a helper to you. It had been you and only you from the beginning. But perhaps it was just the hospitality of the king’s staff, really the whole palace that had been nothing but kind to you the entire day.

“Oh my lords, lady,” Natasha’s sleepful voice reached your ears and you turned and made your way back to her. “This bed is too comfortable, wouldn’t you say?”

A small smile graced over your features and you nodded. “It would make me want to stay in bed forever. Your fiancé is awaiting your arrival. Perhaps I should start getting you ready?”

She sat up quickly, almost headbutting you in the process, and looked at you with a giddy smile. “As long as I get to pick out a dress for you.”

“For me?” you frowned.

Natasha rolled her eyes. “Oh, please! The way Captain Barnes was looking at you says it all, lady. The way he kissed your hand was sweet, you have to admit it.”

Heat spread across your cheeks like a wildfire, you were at a loss for words. You didn’t think anything of it, the captain had more important duties than longing after you, just like you had your duty to Natasha.

It didn’t matter how your stomach fluttered when he looked at you or the skip in your heartbeat as he delicately kissed over the skin of your hand. None of that mattered.You had a strict duty to uphold and you couldn’t risk a new found love getting in the way.

“I am certain he does that with every noblewoman he comes across. Afterall, he is the captain of the knight guard. I would think he would have to do that with every woman he meets.” you said, leading her to the chair that sat in front of a grand vanity mirror. You started off with her hair, brushing through the knots and tangles until it was smooth enough to braid down her back.

“But you have to admit,” Sneaking a navy blue evening dress from one of the open cases, you undid her dress and helped her slip into the azure gown. You were fluffing her hair when she met your eyes in the mirror. “He is rather handsome, don’t you agree?”

A huff passed through your lips and you shook your head. “If you are truly that curious, then yes, I think he is very handsome. But I’m positive he gets comments like that all the time. Besides, there are far better maidens than me.”

The last part was said under your breath, but she heard it clearly. Natasha frowned while you buttoned up the back of her dress and once you were finished, she turned around and looked at you, emerald eyes raking over the wrinkled dress that you wore.

“Will you be joining us for dinner, Y/n/n?” Natasha asked, hope glinting in her eyes. She so desperately wanted you to join her, you could see that on her face.

From the age of sixteen when you started assisting, you had been raised on the notion to separate your personal life from your duties.  You had survived on that single notion for years, and you forgot what it was like to just be at ease for a night. A part of you feared you would be stuck in that mentality forever.

“It would make me really happy if you joined us,” She tried again and a sigh passed through your lips.

You supposed one night wouldn’t harm anyone. Afterall, this was a new scenery to you. “If you insist.”

Natasha grasped your hand and smiled. “I do, my dearest. Here, just a simple dress, only for tonight.”

She pulled out a neutral colored dress from one of the cases and held it up to your body, giving you an encouraging smile. As you changed with her help, which she insisted on, she couldn’t help but notice your body language.

Though your posture was perfect, back straight and shoulders relaxed, Natasha noticed the missing gleam in your eyes. She brushed hair away from your eyes and slipped a necklace around your neck, letting the silver pendant rest on your chest.

“Natasha-”

“It looks better on you anyways,” she said insistently, glancing down at the insignia of the Northern Lands. “This is our new home, Y/n. I don’t wish for you to be fearful or anxious anymore. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can assure you it will never be like that again.”

Her hands gently held your shoulders and she caught your eye in the reflection of the mirror. Even after the months of working alongside her, you were still blown away by her gracious acts.

“I want you to be… you.”

Tears burned the back of your eyes, but you kept your chin raised. You swallowed past the lump in your throat, past the memories that began to burn into your mind. There was still a duty to undertake, and you couldn’t let your personal feelings get in the way of that.

She was royalty, yet here she stood, buttoning up your dress and adjusting your hair. “You have freedom here, Y/n. I want you to explore, go around and see everything this beautiful land has to offer, perhaps meet someone. Don’t be afraid.”

An airy chuckle passed through your lips and you nodded, catching her green gaze in the mirror. “Okay,” you breathed out. Natasha squeezed your arms gently before she looped her arm around yours, leading you out of the room.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Natasha drawled out ratherly dramatically and you let out a small laugh, leaning more into her side as the both of you made your way further down the hall. She glanced over at you with a smile, hearing distant voices in the dining room, before the guard that stood at the entrance opened the door,

---

Bucky nodded to Pietro, the young blonde haired man gave his captain a nod before opening the door to the dining room, where Steve stood standing by the window that overlooked the gardens.

“Is that your idea of ‘wear something nice’?” Steve asked, taking a single glance over at his best friend. Brown leathered armor covered Bucky’s arms and chest, sword sheathed on his hip. A few feet beside him stood Peter.

“I am not here to join your dinner, I am simply teaching my squire proper etiquette inside the castle,” Bucky grumbled, deadpanning towards Steve.

Peter looked up at the sound of his title and he casted a look of confusion towards the king, though the blonde shook his head. “Are we here tonight so you can see the new pretty lady, Captain?”

Steve barked out a laugh and Bucky’s face turned redder than the tomatoes that grew in the garden. Peter, unaware of the conversation between the two men prior, joined in on the laughing, and the corners of Bucky’s lips lifted slightly.

“See, you’re smiling!” Steve pointed out. “Just admit it, Buck; you think she is pretty and you like her. Just admit it.”

Bucky scoffed, “I had one interaction with her, you’re acting like I’ve known her for ages.”

He would be lying to himself if he didn’t think you were pretty; he was intrigued with you from the moment you first stepped onto the pavement of the castle grounds. Bucky wanted to know you, but he knew Steve would be breathing down his neck about it.

“She is very pretty, Captain,” Peter said, brown eyes wide and innocently unaware of the bickering conversation between the two.

“Even your squire agrees,” Steve said with an all-knowing look.

“Hush, Peter,” the knight murmured and the young boy pressed his lips together. Bucky felt his neck grow hot. He cleared his throat and looked towards his squire, a soft smile on his lips. He gently grasped his squire by his shoulder and guided him towards the entry doors. “When the ladies arrive, you will guide them to the table and offer seats. Once they are seated and dinner begins, you return to your post in front of the door. “Understand?”

“Yes, Captain,” Peter nodded in acknowledgement.

Bucky turned back to Steve with a glare and said in a low voice, “Why are you so intrigued about your beloved’s lady? I welcomed her just as I have welcomed every other noble person who comes through these gates.”

Steve hummed and scratched mindlessly at the chairs, running the pad of his fingertip across the smooth wood, he looked back up at Bucky. “Yet I have never seen you take a lady’s hand and kiss the back of her palm. You have never done it.” The knight huffed, moving his eyeline to the other side of the dining room. Steve spoke again, “Look, whether you truly like her or not, I don’t mind. If a friendship progresses into something more, all that matters to me is that you are happy, Buck. It is what you deserve, friend.”

Before Bucky could reply, the doors suddenly opened and Peter bounced over to Natasha and yourself as the two of you strolled in, arms linked together. Steve stood up taller, a smile creeping along his face as he laid eyes on his betrothed. And just as he predicted, Bucky’s eyes flickered between his squire and you.

Steve chuckled under his breath and clapped Bucky’s back once before he made his way over to Natasha. And once again, in just the span of a couple hours, Bucky’s eyes were on you. He watched as you nodded and bowed, your gaze moving from the paintings on the walls to his.

He couldn’t help but send you a small smile, testing the waters to see if you would reciprocate. A wave of glee passed through him as the corners of your lips lifted up slightly. He couldn’t help the curious gaze as he raked your form, though you pretended not to notice.

The dress you had on molded to your figure, sleeves going all the way down to your wrists, covering the skin of your arms. The pendant sat on your chest, the silver chain hanging around your neck, and your hair fell in its natural form down your back.

Simple clothes, yet he thought you looked beautiful. You shyly turned your gaze back to Natasha.

“I hope you are fully rested,” Steve murmured, Natasha nodded and nudged you, a gleaming look in her eyes.

“Just as my lady was saying, my bed is so comfortable, it makes me want to stay forever,” Natasha said.

“Let us not wait a minute more,” Steve said and gestured for Peter to step forward.

The young squire placed your hand on his forearm and led you to the grand table, mimicking Steve as he did the same with his beloved. Bucky watched from his place along the wall.

A chair was pulled out for you and you hesitantly sat, glancing over to Natasha. She gave you an encouraging look, sending you a smile and a look in her eyes that read, It is okay.

Dinner went on as smoothly as you hoped it would be, with the kitchen staff bringing out a beef stew that had been in the royal family for generations. It was quite tasty, you thought to yourself.

You spaced out, continuing to sip the beef broth while Natasha and Steve engaged in a more private conversation about their upcoming wedding. As you mindlessly sipped your stew, your eyes flickered over to the knight and his squire that stood over by the window.

You noticed how the captain spoke to his apprentice in a low, encouraging tone, he was so busy with his squire that he didn’t notice your curious stare as you raked over his features.

A light stubble covered his chin, a sharp jawline, his chestnut hair was pulled back as you had seen hours prior. His posture was relaxed, leaning against the wall and gazing out of the window His eyes lit up as he spoke to his younger mentee, speaking low and the young boy’s eyes lit up.

Blue eyes suddenly met yours, yet you did not look away. Only when the king said your name did you avert your attention to him.

“My dearest tells me that you enjoy reading novels and such,” Steve said, a gentle tone to his voice and you felt your cheeks heaten up. You glanced at your friend. You couldn’t find your voice, so you nodded. “What do you read, if you don’t mind my prying.”

“I have not had the chance to read that much,” you started. You saw Bucky turn his head in your peripheral vision as the sound of your voice. “but I do enjoy romance and adventurous novels.”

“I suggest taking a peek into the library. I feel as though you would enjoy it.” You murmured back in appreciation, going back to your food.

Bucky glanced at you, the corners of his lips lifting up slightly. Your shy demeanor intrigued him; how someone so full of light, that radiated a sense of calm, could be so quiet and tense around everyone.

Before you knew it, dinner was finished, along with dessert and cups of wine that had been drained. You had never been so full in your entire life.

Steve glanced between his second in command and future queen with an all knowing smirk. “I would like to give Natasha a tour of the gardens before bed. Captain Barnes will be escorting you to your quarters, lady.”

You nodded, though you felt a worry bubble in your stomach. For what, you were unsure of. You didn’t know if it was the new environment, being without Natasha, or just your shyness taking control of your body and mind.

“You will be okay, won’t you?” Natasha asked in a low voice so that only you could hear.

A forced nod and smile, you looked at her, “I will be okay. You do not need to worry about me.” She leaned her forehead against yours and grasped your hand. “Have fun with your fiancé.”  

Peter walked over to you and offered his forearm once again, but the captain interrupted the young boy’s actions. An armored arm reached out to you and you grabbed his hand, allowing him to help you out of your seat. His hand was rough and calloused, but his hold was gentle and soft.

Bucky offered you a smile when you fully rose, helping to adjust your hand to rest in the crook of his elbow. “I shall see you tomorrow morning, lady.”

You nodded and bowed your head before the knight led you out of the grand dining room. You exhaled a tense breath, Bucky noticed.

The walk to your quarters was calming and you could not help the curious stare as you gazed along the portraits and the cream colored walls that held shields and swords. The captain had taken you through the hall that showed the victories previous knights and soldiers had victoriously won.

“This is our victor hall, where we pay tribute to those who have fought for the independence of the Northern territories,” His deep voice tore you out of your reverie. You looked up to find his gaze settled on yours. “They inspired me to be who I am.”

Further down the hall, you came across a portrait of the captain and the king, both donned in battle armor with bruised and cut skin, showing the raw result of war.

“You have had brave role models, Captain,” you said, keeping his gaze on yours, albeit quiet though he heard you loud and clear. “You should be proud.”

He smiled and continued to glance at you while you turned your attention forward. “You are the Queen’s assistant, correct?” You hummed in acknowledgement.

Bucky was curious about you. About where you were from, what your interests were besides indulging in novels and fictional worlds. He wanted to know you better, wanted to know why you were so reserved and quiet. He was determined to truly know you.

The doors to your quarters soon came into view and it wasn’t until then did a wave of fatigue hit you, though you kept your posture straight. “Thank you for walking me, Captain Barnes.”

“You are welcome,” he murmured, his neck twitching slightly. “I just wanted to say welcome to the Northern Lands. And please, milady,” You pushed the door open and turned to him as he leaned against the wall, a smug smoke on his face, “call me Bucky won’t you?” You gaped, lips parted in shock at his gentle request. There was so much you had to adjust to if you were to be fully comfortable and at ease in your new home. Addressing the captain of the knight guard by what you presumed to be his nickname would have been inappropriate under his ruling.

But you weren’t there anymore. Afterall, Natasha did say to be yourself, even if you were beginning to figure out who you were.

“Thank you, James.” you said quietly. The knight softly smiled at you and nodded his head, and you looked back at him with a smile before softly closing the door. You ignored the fluttering feeling in your stomach, faintly hearing the retreating sounds of the knight’s footsteps.

After a few moments to yourself, you began to look around your new room before smiling softly to yourself. A bookshelf with a few novels from the few packed bags you had brought, a bed that was just enough space for two people that was covered in the softest covers you had ever felt. The view from the window overlooked the gardens filled with the tallest trees and rosy bushes. A wooden nightstand stood next to the bed that had a pitcher of water and a mug, along with a small vase with a single rose.

Digging around your cases, you changed into a nightgown and began to slither into the sheets when an exhale slipped past your lips, the soft mattress eased against your sore muscles and it wasn’t long until you eased into sleep.

---

Just as the sun began to rise over the mountains, you were wide awake.

Quickly drinking the last remnants of your water, you tied your hair back and stepped into a dress that was simple and modest; that was the dress code that you had followed for years prior.

A dress that covered the marks on your arms, that showed only the skin of your sternum. Neutral in color, you never wore any bright colored clothing, not wanting to take the attention away from Natasha or Steve.

That was the way you were taught, and you weren’t sure you could ever break that habit.

Making your way out of your room and down the hall, you knocked once on Natasha’s door before opening, seeing a mess of red hair peek up from the pillows. You gave her a minute to wake up while you busied yourself with finding her a dress and shoes. A dramatic groan reached your ears.

“Why must you be up so early?” Natasha groaned as you walked out of her closet with a dress and a pair of shoes. She sat up in bed, rubbing vigorously at her eyes to get rid of the sleep that was evident in her features.

“You have a busy day ahead of you, may I remind you,” you spoke, opening up the curtains to let the smallest bit of light in. “Don’t you wish to spend the day with your soon to be husband?”

A sigh passed through her lips as she watched you pull out the chair that sat in front of her vanity, grabbing the hairbrush that sat on the top. She noticed your movements and lept from the bed into the chair.

You began to brush through the tangles, weaving her smooth hair into a single braid that fell down her back. A dark forest green dress sat on her bed and you leaned over to grasp the soft material, gesturing for her to stand up.

“What are your plans today, my friend?” Natasha’s voice broke through the silence. You met her gaze in the mirror.

“I.. am not sure,” you replied quietly, lacing up the back of her dress.

“Perhaps you should explore the castle grounds,” Natasha suggested. “Maybe you will bump into a certain knight.”

Heat spread across your cheeks and you cleared your throat, ignoring her comment. There was nothing between the two of you, you swore. You had known the man for less than a day. Just because butterflies erupted in your stomach when he touched you or kissed the back of your palm didn’t mean anything, you swore to yourself.

It was nothing, right?

“Shall I escort you to the king or will you be okay?” you asked.

But she shook her head and turned around, capturing your hands in her own. “No, I will be alright. But please, wander around, meet some new people. For me.”

She looked at you, hopefulness swimming in the greens of her eyes. You suppressed the sigh that threatened to pass through your lips and nodded. “Eat something so you’ll have your strength. I will see you later.”

You walked her out of her room and watched as  she sauntered down the hall, to where one of the knights stood, offering his arm to her before disappearing from your view. And then you were alone, just paintings and knight armor surrounding you.

You took the opportunity to explore the halls, glancing up at portraits of past royals, past captains and lieutenants, past servants that were practically family to past kings and queens, princes and princesses.

It made you smile, though there was a slight ache in your heart. Family was something you so longed for, and though you had Natasha, she was to be wed in just a few short months. Then, you would be alone, only tending to her when she needed it.

You were so wrapped up in your own thoughts, you failed to hear the footsteps coming closer to you.

“Good morning, my lady,” You turned at the sudden voice, eyes wide as you came face to face with James.

“Good morning,” you replied quietly, watching him as he made his way over to you. You swallowed thickly and intertwined your hands behind your back, glancing up at the knight nervously.

“How did you sleep?” he asked with a smile.

You gaped, eyes flickering to his striking blue ones as he stopped about a foot away from you. “Good, thank you.”

You were unsure if you were allowed to converse in a conversation with him this long, but Natasha did tell you to meet and talk to new people. Perhaps you could befriend the knight, nothing more.

But the way he looked at you, blue eyes softening, scratching at his stubble that you guessed covered a few short scars. One thing you had in common.

“Just roaming the halls today?” he asked, curiosity clear in his voice. Your shoulders slackened, tension following off your body as you nodded. “Perhaps I could give you a tour? Just so you don’t get lost.”

James offered his arm to you, hopeful that you would take it and allow him to guide you through the new land. A small smile lifted onto your face and you nodded, gently placing your hand on his arm.

He led you down the halls, quietly explaining where everything was; the gardens, the library, the kitchen, as well as the stables and training grounds. He spoke softly to you, despite the ruggedness of his appearance, through the rough tone of his voice. You could listen to him talk for hours.

James led you down where the gardens were, where towering trees stood as tall as the sky, green leaves falling down. Autumn was so close, that you were excited about. The cool, crisp breeze that would flow right through you.

“Where are you from, my lady?” James suddenly asked, and you nearly choked on his words.

It wasn’t a topic that you necessarily enjoyed talking about. In fact, you rarely talked about it, keeping all of the emotions bottled up. Granted, it wasn’t quite the right reaction, but it didn’t matter. The past is the past, you always told yourself, no matter how bad you wanted to change it.

Your silence concerned the knight as he looked at you with furrowed brows, but you cleared your throat and glanced up at him with a smile.

“Eastern Lands, until I moved to Natasha in the southwest. Though I do not condone that as my home.”

James looked at you. “Where would you consider your home?”

You gazed up at him, the close proximity between the two of you was enough to make your heart beat rapidly against your ribcage. This close, you could see the faint freckles that painted over his cheekbones and the wisps of hair that fell out of the leather string that held his hair together. To you, he was the most handsome man you had ever met.

“Hopefully the North will be my new home.”

He smiled at your answer. “Hopefully.”

“Captain,” a voice called from down the hall and instinctively, you flinched, moving back a few steps, but James’ hand steadied you and kept you close to him. He looked down the hall to one of his knights. “Ms. Maximoff is requesting your presence, something about inquiring the guest wedding list.”

You heard the sigh that passed through James’ lips and you reluctantly pulled away from his warmth, though you missed it instantly. You tried to push the thought deep down, but you felt cold without him next to you.

“I’ll be okay, James.” you said. He looked at you with remorse, grasped your hand and kissed your hand. That sent butterflies into your stomach.

“I promise I will finish our tour later,” he said in a low voice and sent a wink to you before following his knight down the hall.

You did not miss how he turned to look at you before he disappeared down the hall completely.

And still, the butterflies in your stomach fluttered as you gazed down at the back of your palm.

So much for nothing more.

---

tags - @emmabarnes @impala1967666 @yourlocalwriterangie @raging-panda

[men-of-colors]

Yesterday I finally saw “Barbie”, required watching for both the Woke and the AntiWoke.

Ryan Gosling never looked so buff or Simu Liu so sexy.

But I’m not here to talk about them.

There was something wrong that I could not place my finger on and after getting home I looked at several Barbie-sucks YouTube videos. They all had a point but weren’t quite MY point.

In Barbieland, the Barbies and Kens all live totally separate existences but also get along in perfect harmony. Nobody seems to give a second thought that the Barbies hold all positions of importance, all the way down to the janitors (arguably important because they actually hold a job), while the Kens are LITERALLY just decoration. Genitalia, thus libido per se, does not exist so neither does romance nor drama between the sexes. True, the Kens seem a little frustrated, but they manage while in truth there is nothing substantial going in the Barbies’ lives either.

At Barbie’s dream house, every night is “girl’s night”. Nobody knows what happens to the Kens at night, not even where they supposedly live. Girls hang with girls and boys with boys.

In other words, it’s a queer, queer, queer, queer world. Queer and peaceful and happy. All the fucking time. But of course no one fucks at all. Or ever. All that Ken meat and muscle around and not even a neck rub.

All that changes after Ken has seen the human world where Kens (men) are not just decoration but have this thing called Patriarchy which makes them important. And they have horses. Ken realizes this is what Barbieland needs: Patriarchy!

Ken gets back to B-land before Barbie does and gets to work. In what seems to be the space of a few hours, B-land is totally transformed and all the Kens have seduced the Barbies and are acting like rednecks. With mini-fridges full of beer.

Stereotype-Barbie returns horrified. B-land has become sexualized, and heterosexualized at that!

We’re not in Pleasantville anymore... (Speaking of which, Reese Witherspoon would have been much better as Barbie than Margot Robbie)

The fact that Stereo Barbie is horrified and works hard to get Barbieland back to the way it was (Pleasantville style), is what horrified so many reviewers. But others say that is exactly the point. But again, I’m not going there.

I had another take.

Seeing how in Barbieland, no one goes hungry (they can’t eat), they can beach all day and dance all night, and boys and girls are allowed (meant?) to live separate lives, it seems like a total queer utopia.

So the sudden loss of innocence in the Ken boytoys was particular poignant from

the perspective of a gay kid.

For most queersons, puberty is a time when their whole lives —fantasies and all—are reduced to a shambles, and they spend the next several decades trying to put everything back together again, only in a different grown-up version. There are no blueprints or social guidelines that serve as hints along the way.

So yeah, I understand Barbie’s horror though not for the same reasons. You can never go back to how it was.

What happened after that, well you can go see it yourself and see where you might fit in.

Anyway, I was hoping for some kind of funky version of La La Land mixed in with Pleasantville and the Truman Show, but Barbie was no La La Land. And that’s OK I guess.

You go out and watch it and see for yourself.

[missizzy]

Fic: Hold Me in the Darkness(Critical Role, Vaxleth)

It's Keyleth who falls asleep first, this final time. Vax won't sleep yet. He wants just a little more time, just a few minutes, at least, a last chance to memorize her face when it's at peace. He knows it won't be again while he's still alive.

Will I remember her? he silently asks the Raven Queen. Will I remember Vex? Will I remember any of them?

It frightened him, her realm, in a way it hadn't before that day. It's not even how dark and cold and lonely it was; he could face all that. It's that this time, he felt the effect it had on him. His heart feels colder now, and he's been fighting a feeling of distance from events since he got back. And that's just from a few hours.

When he next meets with Vex after this battle, it will, hopefully, have been a century and a half. When he nexts meets with Keyleth, it ought to be well over a thousand years. Even if he does remember their names, does remember all his friends, what use will that be, if he can feel nothing for them by the time they die?

Looking at Keyleth now, Vax still feels so much. And it's hard for him to imagine beholding her and not being overcome with love and adoration. He's letting it flow through him now, trying to commit the feelings to memory.

There are so many people he could do this for. He conjures mental images of them instead. It is easiest for those who sleep here with them in the Feywild; he can even hear Grog's faint snores when he remembers nights on the road, all of them huddled together for warmth. He thinks of Shaun, and Allura and Kima, wishes them strength to get through the hour this will be for them. Of Tary, probably now begun his journey back to Wildemount.

Of Korrin, and of all the friends he's made this year in in Zepyrah, whom he cheerfully said goodbye to only a few weeks ago, none of them knowing he'd never see them again. That's a whole new pain to lance through him, another thing he still can't imagine being indifferent to-but he knows what's to come could make it so.

Ironically, it's words from Ellaila, now happily married and living her own life, but making sure to drop in on Keyleth now and then, that hang in his head, "You strike me as a happiness an Ashari leader isn't supposed to get to have." She went on to say how happy she was to see Keyleth have it anyway, had no reason to think she might lose it.

Nor, in all probably, has she ever had any idea of how her old friend once felt about her. That's one of the many things about Keyleth only Vax knows.

One of the many things where soon, there'll be noone to know them.

It's not even just himself he's worried about when it comes to the future preservation of a heart and a soul. Even when he hoped to live a full life out with Keyleth, he feared what would happen to her, she who loved so much and so deeply, when she started losing all the people she loved, and he hopes she will love others, but then she'll lose them, too. How much pain can a heart take, before even the softest one has to grow hard?

How much will losing him now speed up that process? Vax actually doesn't think it will immediately, but he knows she'll feel this loss for years, maybe even decades. He fears in a century and a half's time, when his sister dies, it'll cause it to spring anew for her, all over again.

He supposes he might not remain in total ignorance of how everyone will fare. The Raven Queen has now had the chance to import a bit more information to him of what his future duties will be as her champion, and it will on occasion involve him in the affairs of this world; he might even come back into it for brief moments, at her bidding.

And even when he wouldn't, and she might even keep him from his friends, she herself certainly keeps track of what's going on. She's been doing so for the lot of them since she first found them in the tomb of her previous champion-and now she'll have to keep doing so, thanks to the understanding the two of them came to, in these last few hours he's been dead again.

She's certainly not the only one at the moment, either. The gods are seemingly all communicating with each other about these people who have come to receive their favor. There even seems to be some gossiping going on, and between gods Vax certainly wouldn't expect it from. At least enough so that the Matron has now passed on to him what Pelor sensed inside his sister when she plunged into his holy fire.

Vax doesn't think she knows yet. He doubts it was planned. Hells, it's all too possible she'll find out from a miscarriage; the battlefield is no place for a woman who wants to keep her baby. Though she hasn't suffered one so far, even when she was briefly dead, and that gives him hope she'll get through the rest of this without it happening.

Of course, even if she does, she and Percy will still inevitably have children. De Rolos must have their heirs, and Vax knows Vex wants children, too. Nieces and nephews he won't get any time with, who will know him only from their mother's stories. To some extent, the thought that he'll miss meeting the first of them by so little taunts him. But it would've been worse for him to not know. It's still a consolation he can hold on to, one more person who'll see to it that his sister won't be at all alone.

That is a comfort, he thinks, to know those he love won't be alone. He wishes, more than ever, that Vex and Percy had only waited long enough to have him at their wedding, but at least he knows now they have each other for good. He's also more glad than ever Scanlan is now back with them, and indicating that at the very least, he won't cut himself off completely again any time soon. Pike and Grog, too, will remain in their circle, and Vax very much hopes they haven't seen the last of Tary, either.

But even there, he can't be as consoled when it comes to Keyleth. She'll be less supported at home, with only an aging father left to love her, burdened with responsibilities that will leave her with only so much time to be where her other friends are.

I need to keep helping her. The realization wraps himself around him like his armor, a thing he absolutely must do, no two ways about it, period. A simple fact, unshaken even by the additional fact that he has no idea how to do it. Instead, that just further fuels a feeling of determination, not necessarily stronger than those he's felt before, but it settles down deeper within him, an eternal commitment of the kind the living aren't ever in position to make.

And the mistress he'll be going to serve soon can thinks what she wants about it. He's accepted her demand, yes, and that by itself is just fine. But she knows he ultimately did all of it for people other than himself, and she ought to realize what that means. And this new feeling, he instinctively knows, she and her realm can never destroy. Maybe he can even preserve more of himself within it than he'd keep otherwise. Bury it all down, maybe not hidden, exactly, but kept out of sight and mind, until it comes time to act on it.

Keyleth sighs in her sleep, and shifts over; her head was already more facing him than not, but now her arms fall over him. She now has bourn his cold touch without flinching while awake, but even with her asleep, Vax still tenses up when one of her hands finds the bare skin of his, still expecting it to shy away.

There's just enough light filtering in for some of her freckles are still visible. Vax spent the year he had with her trying to memorize them. He never quite managed it for them in their entirety, but those on her face he can see with his eyes closed. He wants so badly to touch, that would wake her for sure.

So instead, he keeps watching. He's so close, he can see her throat rising and falling as she breathes. Everything around her is warmth. Vax has, in the past, joked to himself-and to her, once-that she might radiate just a little sunlight even when she isn't casting any spells. Now, he thinks he could be brought to believe it, if he only had a little more time.

Even while she continues to sleep, Keyleth's arms continue to move. One of her hands finds his back; Vax can feel a little extra warmth against his armor. He thinks that her fingers are pressing pretty hard against him, even as he can see her other hand sprawled out by his head, fully relaxed, but maybe inching toward him as well. She hasn't tried to cling to him too much while awake, but maybe right now she can't help herself.

Cling, my fierce, beautiful Kiki, Vax mentally says to her. Cling until you rip away a part of me; it should be so easy to do so. Keep it safe for me until we meet again.

If he lasts long enough tomorrow, maybe she'll pull it off.

He's just telling himself he does need to sleep, and closing his eyes, when he hears a strange caw, from somewhere maybe not too far off, although who knows in this realm. It's probably not a raven; the birds are different here. But it kind of sounds like one.

For a moment he thinks he should resent that. But when he doesn't, he's not going to force the feeling. The Raven Queen is with him anyway, has always been this past year. He had even found himself spotting ravens in Zepyrah, at least every few days, and often thought they were looking at him. That's not even been something he's never been glad for.

And in another moment, he's glad for it again. Because as he closes his eyes at last and settles into his beloved's embrace, the beginning of an idea starts to form in his head.

[the-butterfly-blues]

Hi I have a prompt! I love protective!marc so much maybe he could save the reader from a creepy guy in a bar?!? Thanks!!

My first request!! You have no idea how happy this makes me! There were like three different versions of this in my head, so if this isn't exactly what you're looking for, I'll gladly write it differently, but I really do hope you like this!

Pairing: Marc Spector x Reader Word Count: 555 Masterlist Requests or Prompts you'd like to see are gladly welcome.

Going to bars isn't necessarily uncommon as they've become a regular at this little place called Josie's. Well, she's been a regular for years, having gone with a few friends so much that most of the patrons knew her by name. Today though, they're going to a bar they've yet to try.

"How good do you think the food's going to be?"

Whenever they'd go to a new bar, they'd try the food and if it was good, they'd put it on a list of places to come back to if they were at a loss for where to go.

"I'm going to guess six out of ten." "Going a little high this time, sweetheart." "Well, this place looks better than the last."

They take a seat at the bar, ordering their drinks while talking about their days. As they finish their first drink, she begins leaning against him, her head on his shoulder while his arm lazily wraps around her waist. His thumb gently rubs against her hip as he smiles softly, just happy to be beside her. For a moment, he believes that nothing can ruin this, but not even minutes later does an obviously drunken man take the empty seat right beside her, ruining the peaceful air around them. As he starts flirting with her, Marc's arm tightens around her waist as the corners of his lips twist down. This man has the audacity to hit on her when it was more than obvious she's his girl. Even if she wasn't, can't he see how uncomfortable he's making her?

"She doesn't want anything from you, pal, so just fuck off."

Instead of apologizing and backing off, he doesn't give up, now grabbing her arm. Marc was trying to be nice for her sake so their night wouldn't be ruined over a fistfight, but the second that creep laid his hands on her, the man didn't stand a chance. In a matter of seconds, it was over. The creep is sprawled out on the ground with a broken nose and blood seeping from his mouth. Gently grabbing her hand, he leads her outside before anyone can even say anything. They're quiet as they head home, no longer wanting to be out. The second they step through the door, she's sitting him down at the kitchen table and looking at his slightly bruised knuckles.

"I'm fine." "There's a cut." "It'll be fine."

He sighs as she walks away only to come back with an antiseptic wipe and bandaid.

"I don't know where that other man has been, nor do I want to, but I'm not giving it a chance to get infected."

Watching her dab the cut with the wipe, he can't help but feel bad. If he had handled it differently then maybe they'd still be out having a good time.

"I'm sorry I ruined our night."

Stopping what she's doing, she looks up at him with a small frown. How could he think such a thing after he'd just saved her? Without him, well, she doesn't want to think about what could've happened.

"You didn't ruin anything."

Not wanting to dwell too long, she smiles while covering the cut with the bandage.

"At least we know not to go back there again. Definitely a zero."

He can't help but crack a smile.

[electricbluebutterflies]

JessLeto + kisses in the rain

Content warning for discussion of early miscarriage / wow I haven't relived that personal experience in a few years and this felt cathartic. Mid-era, PG-ish, also on ao3, and posting live for once (as opposed to throwing in the queue for y'all to see in two weeks) because reasons.

Time passes and her wandering remains a habit. Slightly different now, in a place that has become home, familiar routes and patterns that vary with the seasons and obligations she accepts more cooperatively now than she did a decade ago, but-

If she wants to be alone, barely within sight of the compound, no one will bat an eyelash about it. People fear her; they always have, she reminds herself, but she has proved her capabilities, and if the assumption is that she needs somewhere particularly quiet to meditate…

Not completely inaccurate, Jessica reminds herself, but not just that either. She’s never been that simple.

If she hides the state of her heart from anyone who might not respect it, that is her decision; if she hides this state of loss…

Such things are not supposed to happen. She is still young enough that her body should be cooperative if she chooses to let it bloom, barely thirty, one healthy child and now two losses and the first was early enough she could completely hide it but this one is-

This time she will have to speak of it, this time a week after she put her partner’s hands on her skin and told him what was to come, this time just far enough for a few unpleasant hours and the wreckage of her body placed in a box, wrapped in a dress she will never wear again and-

She was lucky, she thinks. It happened early enough in the day for her to handle in peace, and now at midafternoon she carries the box towards a stone tomb that has had no new occupants in two hundred years and this is ritual enough, leaving her could-have-been daughter among her ancestors, leaving-

She will carry this pain alone, as she always does. Even when she must disclose it, and she will do so cautiously in the quiet of night with her mouth against her partner’s skin and that will still be-

Perhaps her body is not suited for this, perhaps not meant to carry daughters even though she was once told that was all she was good for, perhaps her son will always be an only child and-

Jessica steadies herself at the entrance of the tomb, thankful it is not locked, thankful there is nothing of value within its walls. Just the remains of a long-dead cadet branch of her partner’s family, if she attempted to follow the family tree correctly, uninteresting and unremembered and-

There ought to be ritual for this. There ought to be pretty words to say about a child that did not quite make it three months inside her, a tiny creature that for whatever reason decided-

She will not know what happened. It is better not to know. Better to place the box where it will be safe, leave this memory to rest, wait another few years before she opens herself again and the fear of-

Jessica allows herself a few tears in the darkness, unusual emotion in perfect privacy. She had wanted this, wanted the delight of it even as she feared how she might have to protect, even as-

By the time she slips back into open air, the sky has shifted, darker clouds and light rain as if mirroring the state of her heart. If she must mourn quietly, at least the natural world understands, at least-

In the distance, an all too familiar figure heading her way. Dammit.

Now is no time to be difficult, Jessica reminds herself, but her plan of how to explain the past day of her life is about to be useless, she can’t lie for anything, she can’t-

It is enough to move before she is noticed, to stand with her back against stone and hope against hope that her partner’s tendencies are in her favor, that by the time he sees her nothing is particularly-

They used to do this so frequently, when they were younger and she was less of a known factor. These adventures of letting herself be found, delightful then, all the quiet places she only knows because her partner suggested them to her and some she has never tried because he ought to have them too and-

“You needed solitude this badly?”

“If I have disturbed yours-“

“I would not deprive you of-“

“What do you need, my love?”

He stops just out of reach and she knows this heart-pattern, the worry that is not clearly voiced as worry but-

“You normally hide elsewhere.”

“Again, if I have done something improper, I will-“

A silent prayer for patience, hands against his coat for the same. “And now I am more concerned.”

“There is nothing to-“

“First your disappearance in the night, now-“

Jessica shifts her weight, more onto the wall behind her, uncertainty and-

No. There is nothing to fear. No accusations yet, no closer movement, no-

“If I choose to mourn in my own ways, I do not trouble anyone else with it. If you…”

Her partner takes this as invitation to move closer, to stand beside her and reach for her hand and she can’t recall the last time they had a difficult conversation without his fingertips tracing spirals and-

“You-“

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“I would show you if-“

He gathers her into his arms, and she feels weak for it, unsteady and desperate and-

“You could have-“

“I would not worry you.”

“And this isn’t…?”

If she’d had more time, she thinks, if she’d been able to handle this the way she’d planned, she would’ve done it better. She would at least look more composed for it, not too-pale and too-cold and-

“I knew it would be displeasing. I know-“

He kisses her eyelids, tilting her face down for access, something deeply protective about that man and how often she hides beneath it and-

“Such things do happen.”

“Not to women like me. Not unless-“

If she is defective, that is her burden. She will politely step aside if asked; she knows what this means to her partner, how much he wants-

“I would not have you hurt yourself for our benefit.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you are-“

She takes his words with a kiss, more forceful than she usually is, desperate to make this stop, make this-

“I know it would please you to have another child. I would-“

“Not at the risk of you!”

“Slight discomfort is not-“

“Is that all it is, or-“

“I will be fine with a day or two of rest. If we were not in open air I would show you how-“

“Yet you walked all the way out here to-“

“And you wonder why I didn’t-“

“You are not alone.” His voice breaks, heavy with emotions he holds back just as well as she does, and she can feel them through the layers of fabric beneath her hands, the sorrow and desire and-

“It still would have been wrong to bother you. It was so early in the morning and-“

“Do you know what it was?”

“We would have had a daughter.”

“She would have been as beautiful as you,” he murmurs. “And likely even more stubborn.”

“Perhaps too much so to live.”

“Perhaps so.”

Jessica takes another kiss, softer, lingering, unsure whose tears she tastes. The desire to take more is always present in her, to allow her partner even closer, to allow everything, but there are sensible limitations in her current state and she will not-

“We will not speak of this,” she breathes. “Unless you have…”

“I have not.”

“Good.”

One of his hands climbs to the base of her neck and on instinct hers move to cover it, keeping him close, someday she will feel echoes of this, someday-

“You could have said something-“

“I won’t regret this. I can’t. If I-“

It is early enough that no one else knows, Jessica reminds herself, and her normal behavior is just mercurial enough to give her space. If she claims a seclusion, it will not be an issue, and domestic life will still go on without her as if-

“You are as you are, my storm, and if this is how you would-“

“It is. Allow me my quiet.”

“Always.”

She lingers almost too long, nothing but her fragile heart and the rain and this rare beautiful moment of adoration shown so clearly and-

“Will anyone come looking after you, my love?”

He makes a low sound, almost amused by the idea. “Why might you ask?”

“I would prefer…”

“You’re not normally this fond of rain, but-“

“No memories out here,” she breathes. “Nothing…”

“Understood.”

[yuzuna123]

Part 3:

Now she was definitely miserable. She lost all of her friends, and her boyfriend was cheating on her. Who knows how long he was doing this to Jamilah.

He was doing this for a long time.

As soon as Nina found out that her friend was crying, she immediately went to hug her.

Jamilah was shocked at first but she broke down in Nina’s arms.

“I’m so sorry Nina…”

“It’s okay sweetie. Just take it easy…”

Jamilah sniffed. “I thought you hated me after our fight? Made you come back?”

“No Jamie, I never hated you. I don’t want to hear you say that. I was upset and the reason I came back because you looked very depressed and this was not you at all. In other words, I was worried.”

Jamilah cried. She felt awful and Nina embraced her even more.

Well, at least she had her best friend.

All of this was happening while Shang and the others found out that the Physics teacher was assaulting Anxelin and potentially preying on other girls, including Nina and Jamilah.

After a week of insanity, everything went back to

normal as if nothing had happened.

Almost.

Jamilah found herself in the library acting as if it was the first time she entered the library.

Then she saw Li’l Shang sitting in his regular seat.

Her eyes glistened. She was still not over on what Chad did to her and not talking to Shang for a while.

Now was the chance. She had to talk to him because she misses him a lot and it was guaranteed that he misses her as well.

But will he forgive her for what she did? Maybe, I don’t know. Shang was a strange guy.

Jamilah gathered all of her strength and went over to him with tears in her eyes.

She was completely heartbroken.

She was depressed. Once in a while after her breakup with Chad, she thought of doing….

No, if she does that, her whole family would mourn for her loss, and she didn’t want that.

Thankfully, her brothers cheered her up but she was still hurt.

“Hey, Shang…”

Shang looked up and saw Jamilah and noticed she was crying softly.

“Jamie…”

Shang hated seeing girls he cared about crying, so he took Jamilah’s hand lead her outside on the school grounds.

After explaining everything to Shang while weeping, Shang just stared at her before he smiled softly.

Seeing Shang smile made Jamilah looked confused.

“Why are you smiling…?”

“I’m glad you came back. I’m sorry what happened to you and you never deserved it. You were just trying to be a good girlfriend and Chad took advantage of you because you were loyal and you loved him at least.”

Jamilah was speechless. She didn’t know what to say.

“Here, instead of listening to depressing music, listen to this.”

Shang gently place his earbuds in Jamilah’s ears as he let her listen to ‘Imagination’ by one of his favorite indie/ Lo-Fi artists.

Jamilah paused. As she was listening to this song, she felt freed. Looking up, she saw Shang had a gentle smile on his countenance.

He looked peaceful as if he was at ease.

Slowly, Jamilah cracked a soft, tiny smile.

From there on, Jamilah’s life took a turn for the better. She and Shang started getting closer and closer until eventually, they started dating.

After a couple of dates, they were officially a couple.

A lot of people could see that those two were going to be a couple someway or the other.

At first, Jamilah was skeptical as she just came out of a abusive relationship, but as time went on, Shang was nothing but a loving boyfriend. She regretted deeply that she didn’t date him sooner.

Around two years had pass since Jamilah and Shang were dating, they were stronger as ever. Sure they had few minor bumps here and there but they loved each other deeply.

After the events at what happened in around Auradon City, the Bal engagement party, around this time Shang proposed to Jamilah, and she was elated.

“I love you so much, Shang and I’m happy that I can be your wife.”

“This is like music to my ears.”

They tied the knot roughly one year later and they were overjoyed.

….One year later after their wedding, Jamilah was pregnant with her and Shang’s first baby.

And when she told him this after he came home from military, he was excited.

“I’m going to be a Dad!”

“Yes you are. You’re going to be an amazing father.”

Those words came to life as Jamilah went into early labor and deliver her twin babies in June before losing consciousness.

Shang was there for his wife and kids as he was who took care of them while in hospital. After a stressful two months, the twins finally came home.

Jamilah and Shang were so happy that their babies arrived home. They were soaked up in love for those two.

Several months later….

Shang rubbed his wife’s growing tummy and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “It’s going to be okay, Jamie.”

“What if-”

“This baby will come to full term. Trust me.”

“Erm okay…”

And Shang was right, on December 16, it was Jamilah’s birthday when she went into labor and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

“Hello, princess,” Jamilah breathed. “It’s your mama.”

“Welcome to the world, princess,” Shang smiled softly as he kissed his daughter’s forehead.

This baby, Saleema, was the first child Jamilah and Shang ever hold since the twins were in incubators for the last two months.

Like Shaiming and Jia, the young parents were soaking up all the love for their sweet little girl.

A month later, Mulan held a smiling Saleema in her arms.

“Aw, she’s such a cutie pie!” Mulan cooed.

Jamilah chuckled. “I know. She’s a sweet little dumpling.”

Jamilah paused in thought as she looked back; she went through a lot in her life and the best thing about it was meeting Li’l Shang, falling for him, marrying him and bore him 3 beautiful children and she wouldn’t want it no other way.

The end :)

aww 🩷🩷 this is adorable! very nice work!, do you have more fanfics and ideas about Shang Jr and Jamila? i imagine them with two kids you know, a boy and a girl like Shang and Mulan. 😁😁