#and they don't out of something approaching mutual respect
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hughjidiot · 3 days ago
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No but for real, the lore drop for Ragatha in episode five explains so much about how and why she acts the way she does. Long ramble incoming.
The fact that Ragatha's mother was, at the very least, verbally and emotionally abusive, puts all of Ragatha's behavior in the Circus into perspective.
From the very first episode we see that Ragatha is a positive, upbeat person. When Pomni arrives, Ragatha immediately takes her under her wing to try and ease the transition into this new world. This continues into the next episodes: she tries to hype Pomni up for their adventures in the Candy Kingdom and Mildenhall Manor, and shows concern both times when she goes missing. This even extends to the other members of the Circus: she's on friendly terms with Kinger and Zooble, and stands up for Gangle against Jax's bullying. It's clear that Ragatha is making an effort to be completely unlike her mother: kind, caring, positive and supportive.
However, this insistence on being positive all the time comes with it's own issues. It's not that Ragatha isn't a kind and caring person, because she absolutely is. The problem is how that's all she's allowed herself to be seen as. As Gangle and Jax observed in episodes four and five respectively, Ragatha's constant positivity even in the face of their nightmarish circumstances makes her cheerfulness come of as performative and disingenuous, even if that isn't her intention. It makes it hard for others to gauge just how genuine Ragatha's positivity truly is.
Then there's her need for validation. We see this as early as episode two: when talking to Kinger when Pomni is still missing, Ragatha talks about how rough Pomni's first day was, then admits "I don't think she really likes me that much." Then in episode four, while under the effects of the stupid sauce, she admits that she doesn't want Jax to hate her, even after openly saying that she hates him. We can infer that Ragatha didn't get much love, if any, from her mother, and now she seeks that approval from others and thinks that just being unlike her mother is the way to do it.
The issue there is that she's approaching friendship as if it were something transactional: be nice to people, they'll be nice back, and everyone can be friends. Whereas genuine friendship is formed by opening up and forming a bond with others through commonalities and shared interests. Take Gangle and Pomni: they both like Ragatha well enough, but neither of them are really friends with her. Meanwhile, Gangle and Zooble are friends thanks to their shared interests in the arts and mutual dislike of Jax. And episode five has Pomni start to form a friendship with Jax when he starts showing a less abrasive side during the slower-paced adventures.
Speaking of episode five, there's Ragatha's reaction to Pomni and Jax's budding friendship. Her expression during the bar scene is one of shock and disbelief that Jax of all people - abrasive, loudmouth, bullying Jax - is able to start earning Pomni's friendship before she can, even after showing Pomni nothing but kindness and support. It flies in the face of everything she's trying to accomplish by being everything that her mother wasn't. The end of episode five shows the result of Ragatha's constant forced positivity: Jax and Pomni go off together, as do Gangle, Zooble and Kinger, leaving Ragatha alone without anyone to truly call a friend.
Still, her situation isn't completely hopeless. As stated, the others do like Ragatha well enough - even Jax doesn't completely hate her. Pomni even tried to reach out during episode five's softball game by telling Ragatha that it's okay to let her negative emotions out, showing that Pomni does care about her. The potential is there for Ragatha to grow out of her mindset of perpetual positivity, be more honest with her emotions and form a genuine friendship with Pomni and the other players.
Or maybe Gooseworx will punch us in the gut and have Ragatha snap and abstract from the despair of being alone and the realization that all of her positivity has amounted to nothing. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
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achilleswishes · 2 years ago
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I think the biggest difference between natehawk via death dependency goes something like
Nate: You're going to kill me? Do you promise?
Hawk: You're going to kill me? Whyyyyyyy? Why? ;w;
#I think they're both too respectful to retort that their assailant couldn't possibly match up with everything that has tried to come for#their lives before now. however i think they both entirely believe that they will be the ones to take their own lives#so to different degrees it doesn't really phase them. but of course they could also kill each other#and they don't out of something approaching mutual respect#nate has spent his whole life trying to take his own life and if he can't you're not going to be able to#and hawk has spent his early life thinking everyone would be better off without him. but he loves life and that is what i would refer to#as the categorical growth between them. and one of the main differences between the v1 and v2 timelines and the doppelganger arc#i hate this life so i'm going to take yours. vs#i don't deserve this life so you can take it#i know i said they're both too respectful to say it but it shows in their respective fighting styles#with nate being more confident to the point of being cocky and coming off as arrogant and even impatient with his enemies#while hawk tends to keep his confidence within his abilities... what i mean is that he's reserved and calculating and prideful to a fault-#he's not going to strike unless he knows he's going to be victorious (or he has to)#although he does mirror nate in times of extreme emotion. i think they make good foils for each other. because it's not a bad thing to-#mirror the other. but it's not THEM. it's not what makes them them. but in some ways they will always be each other#but neither of them believe that they will be taken out regardless of the extent of the respect they have for their opponent. it's-#it's simply not within their plans#which is what will be their downfall if - [the rest of this message is scrambled]#dominoz
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guppiechuu · 1 month ago
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sweet like cherry pie 𓂃⋆⭒˚🍒。⭒ s.j.
boyfriend!jake x virgin!reader
length: 3.7k
contains: female!reader, fluff, utterly devoted jake, sweet relationship stuff, seriously so sweet I got toothaches writing this, date night, whiny jake, talks you through it, so gentle with you, but can hardly contain himself, consent checks
warnings: smut (minors dni), unprotected sex (don't be silly, wrap your willy!), praise, dirty-talk, loss of virginity, oral sex, p in v penetration, lots of kissing, mutual orgasm, that pie is creamed guys
synopsis: Jake is perfectly fine waiting as long as you need to take your relationship to the next step. He's never doubted for a second that you're the one for him. So when you finally approach him with the very simple request, "will you have sex with me?", he just about loses his mind. But not before he makes sure you lose yours first ;)
⤷ chuu's 💌 ── .✦ this was so freaking fun to write and made my heart literally flutter the entire time. GOD. I LOVE JAKE. anyways. enjoy <333
——
Jake loved everything about you.
The smell of your shampoo in his room when you got out of the shower. Finding your lost hair ties amongst his dirty laundry. The sound of you mumbling to yourself in your sleep.
He loved you, and he loved being your boyfriend. Doing all the boyfriend things he was meant to. Silly, stupid things like opening doors and giving you a steady hand as you leaned down to put your shoes on.
He loved the feeling of you on his arm, or that excited skip in your step when he picked you up. Your crinkled eyes when he said something funny. Even the way you grumbled in the morning before you had your coffee, he just couldn’t get enough of it.
Being your boyfriend meant Jake had responsibilities, ones that he took very seriously. To care for you, to keep you safe, to make sure you were happy, these things mattered a lot to him, and he took care in demonstrating just how much.
This kind of love and respect extended to your sex life as well.
Jake knew you were a virgin. Of course, he knew. He knew everything about you: your favorite foods, your guilty pleasures, all the words to your favorite songs. He knew that you’d had a few short-term relationships before him and that you hadn’t had sex with any of them.
They just weren’t right, you’d explained early on. None of them made you feel important, or special. You knew you wouldn’t sleep with any of them. You wanted to feel desired and respected, that someone had truly earned their right to your body.
Jake liked the way you’d said that—so matter of fact and confident. He liked that you knew yourself well enough to wait. Sex was important to you, and there was nothing that Jake wanted more than to prove he was worthy.
Despite your inexperience, you had a sexual appetite that rivaled his at times. You were a kisser — a sat-on-the-counter-with-him-between-your-legs, grabbing-him-by-the-collar kisser. You liked to pull him in close, dragging your hips against his as you slid your tongue into his mouth.
You’d pant and grind against each other until, eventually, you’d pull away, hand to your chest, face blushing bright red. It drove him crazy.
But Jake was patient, and utterly devoted to you. If you wanted to wait, he would wait. Hell, if you wanted a ring on your finger first, he had no objections. He had a design picked out halfway through your second date.
It was real for him, realer than anything had ever been in his life. He was ready to remain very patient and very devoted for a long time, right until you were ready to trust him with this part of yourself.
It just so happened that, on the most random of late afternoons at his place, you were ready.
——
At first, Jake thought he was hallucinating.
The way you looked at him—open, sure, no sense of hesitation—it knocked the breath from his chest.
"What did you say?" He breathed.
You blushed. Your face—your sweet, adorable, beautiful face—turned several shades redder.
"Don't make me say it again," You whined, fingers fidgeting with the sleeves of your sweater.
"Please, baby?" He insisted, inching closer to you. "I need to know that I heard you right because if I didn't—if you didn't just say what I think you just said, I'm officially going crazy."
You laughed. "Jake. Will you please, pretty please, have sex with me tonight?"
Jake looked like you'd smacked him straight across the face.
You tried insisting that it didn't have to be a big deal. That all you really wanted was to be with him, to take the next step in your relationship together because, damn it, Jake Sim was the best thing that had ever happened to you.
You didn't need roses or candles, just the feeling of having him close. For real this time.
And in typical Jake fashion, he wasn't having any of it.
He leapt up from the couch, running his hands through his hair a few times as he paced back and forth. "Right," He murmured. "Right, right, right."
Then, he took off down the hall, disappearing into his room.
"Where are you going!?" You called after him.
"Phone! Restaurant! Taking you out and buying you the nicest fucking dinner you've ever had in your life!"
You got all done up. Jake fucking loved it. Watching you in the bathroom mirror, bent forward as you put your makeup on, it drove him wild. He couldn't keep his hands off you, stopping to kiss you every time he came into the room. Hell, coming in just to kiss you.
He felt like he was dreaming. Like this was one, long, unending delusion that he'd somehow slipped into. He put a finger to his pulse, checking to make sure he hadn't accidentally died and ended up in some kind of amazingly strange afterlife.
But, nope. His heart thrummed against his finger, and his beautiful, perfect, way out of his league girlfriend was in the bathroom, putting her hair up to go out.
And she wanted him to fuck her.
Good god.
Jake beamed all night long, getting your car door and pulling your chair out for you as you sat down at your table. You giggled. He was always a gentleman, but now he was really dialing it up—insisting that you order whatever you wanted, refilling your wine glass the moment it was empty, complimenting the way you looked.
"Your makeup looks so good, baby," He said cheerfully. "I like the sparkly stuff on your eyes."
You laughed. "I wear it like this every day."
He shrugged, giving you that dopey grin. "Well, you look beautiful. Gorgeous. I love you."
"I love you, too, Jake."
Whether it was the wine, or the candlelight, or the way Jake's knee brushed up against yours as you ate, you could hardly contain yourself the whole drive home.
Jake tried to keep a steady eye on the road, but the way your hands were roaming up and down his chest, fingers playing with the buttons of his jacket, he found it nearly impossible to focus.
You barely made it through the front door before his lips were on yours, hands scrambling for your waist. You giggled against his mouth, pulling him through the door by the collar and slamming the door shut behind you.
He groaned frustratedly into your mouth, dizzy with the knowledge that he was about to have you completely to himself, that you trusted him enough for this. He could hardly think straight as he picked you up and carried you down the hall to his room.
Your moans grew softer as he laid you down, your hands nervously fidgeting with his shirt. He pulled back, taking in the sight of you—your cheeks flushed all pink, your lips swollen from kissing him. Your eyes darted around his face nervously, not quite sure where to look.
Everything else seemed to fall away. It was like the world began and ended with his bedroom, everyone beyond it ceasing to exist. All that mattered in that moment was you.
He leaned down. "Hey," He said softly, brushing his fingers against your cheek. "You okay?"
You nodded, biting your lip. Your voice was small as you replied. "I'm nervous," You whispered, looking up at him with those big, round eyes of yours.
His heart felt like it was melting inside his chest. "You can change your mind," He said, matching the volume of your voice.
You shook your head. "No, I want to."
"Are you sure?"
"Mhm." You gazed up at him determinedly, still chewing anxiously at your bottom lip.
God, he fucking loved you. You were so cute, so sweet, exactly the kind of girl he always felt like he'd never deserve. You smiled, and he felt his mind go to mush. You laughed, and the rest of the world seemed to go quiet.
Jake took his time. Kissing you slowly, rubbing soothing circles on your hip with his thumb. You sighed into his touch, marveling at the way even the lightest brush of his fingers made your stomach tighten with desire. Long overdue desire.
"Gonna take this off, baby," He said, pushing your dress up your legs.
You'd been naked around him plenty of times—changing out of your swimsuit, getting out of the shower, sharing the shower on the rare instances that you both woke up late for work—but this felt different.
Your body temperature seemed to go up several degrees as he pulled your dress over your head, tossing it to the floor.
"Mmm," He murmured, bending down to kiss the skin on your chest. "You're so beautiful."
His kisses were feather-soft, brushing against your collarbones, your shoulders, your jaw.
He was always telling you how perfect you were, how pretty you looked, how smart you were—but he was all of those things and more. You admired him as he moved down your body, strands of dark hair falling over his face.
"I love you," You said suddenly, prompting him to look up.
"I love you, too, baby."
"No," You insisted, reaching down to grab his face and haul him back up to you. "I love you. I don't ever wanna be away from you. Like, ever."
He grinned. "Good. Because you're never getting rid of me."
"Wouldn't dream of it," You said breathily, tensing as his hand lowered between your legs.
His breath hitched and he froze, biting his lower lip.
"What is it?" You asked, heart quickening at the feeling of his fingers against your underwear.
"Mmm." He shook his head, dropping it onto your chest.
"You can say it, what is it?"
"You're so wet," He whined, voice muffled against your skin. "Fuck, baby. Fuck."
"Will that mess things up?" You asked, unsure. You didn't think being too wet was a problem, but what did you know? All of your knowlege had been based off of explicit movie scenes and poorly written internet blog porn.
"No," He gasped, looking up at you with wide eyes. "No, baby, you're perfect. So perfect, wanna taste you. Can I?" He asked.
Your stomach twisted with nerves, but he was so needy, staring at you with his lip between his teeth. You could've said no, and Jake would have moved on, no questions asked. But something about the look on his face, the way he was waiting so diligently for your answer, all movement paused until he heard what you had to say...
"Yeah," You nodded sheepishly.
He let out a deep groan, coming up to kiss you again before hooking his fingers over your underwear and pulling them down your legs.
It was a foreign feeling, having him so close to this part of your body. You were still nervous, a little self-conscious, but it was hard to stay that way with Jake talking like you were the most perfect thing he'd ever seen in his life.
"God, what am I gonna do," He muttered anxiously, lips tickling the inside of your thigh. "I'm not gonna last a fucking second. Jesus Christ, baby."
You giggled as his mouth brushed your skin again, sending shivers up your body.
"So sensitive," He teased, pressing his mouth to your inner thigh and nibbling gently with his teeth. "I'm gonna kiss you, baby. Tell me what feels good."
"Okay," You said breathlessly.
You ached painfully for him, overwhelmed by the feeling of his breath on your core, his fingers digging into your thighs. He pushed his face between your legs, making contact with his full, pouty lips, and you gasped, your entire body tensing.
"Okay?" He asked, glancing up at you.
You nodded, sitting up on your elbows to watch in wonder as he opened his mouth against your cunt, dragging his tongue between your folds like you were the most delicious thing he'd ever tasted.
"Oh, Jake," You whined, letting your head fall against your shoulder as your brows furrowed.
He responded with a hum, the sound vibrating against your skin as he pushed his mouth further onto you. It was, by far, the most erotic thing you'd ever experienced.
Jake had an incredible voice. Hearing it always put you at ease, no matter the kind of day you'd had or what mood you were in. But feeling it? Feeling the shiver of his voice against your sensitive skin?
Your legs trembled with how badly you wanted more.
It was overwhelming. His sloppy kisses, the soft swipes of his tongue, the way he moaned into you like this was the only thing he'd ever wanted in his life—it left you speechless.
You could hardly make any noise at all, too consumed in the feeling of him curling his tongue against you. It was the hottest thing you'd ever seen. Hotter than getting to watch him work out. Hotter than his voice first thing in the morning. Hotter than all the times he'd confronted rude or handsy men at bars.
This was sexy. The way his hair fell against your skin, his face disappearing into your cunt. The bunch of muscles around his shoulder blades, tensed as he leaned in for more, more, more.
Jake, who had no way of knowing just how unraveled your thoughts were becoming, looked up from between your legs, a concerned expression on his face.
"You okay?" He asked, kissing the inside of your knee.
You nodded eagerly, pushing your hips up towards his mouth. You needed more. You needed to grind into his tongue until you were shaking.
The little action sent Jake over the edge, like gasoline on an already lit fire. He went in again, his tentative demeanor from before disappearing.
You moaned, arching your back as his tongue swirled around your clit, dipping into the well of your pussy with a delcious "mmmm" that reverberated up your body.
"Jake," You cried, hips grinding down on his tongue. "Can you come here? I'm ready, really. Want you now."
He stilled your hips with his hand, holding them in place so he could drag another wet stripe up your cunt. "Not yet," He cooed, kissing you sloppily. "It'll be better this way, trust me."
You struggled to see how anything could get better than this, until your stomach clenched violently at the feeling of his lips massaging your clit. You stuttered, looking down to see your legs shaking around his head.
Your body bucked upwards, hips chasing the feeling that was building in your lower abdomen. Jake's face was slick, your arousal mixing with his saliva as it dripped down his chin. He drank in the taste of you, dick hard beneath his jeans at how whiny you were, twitching under his tongue like you could barely take it anymore.
Every touch made you shiver, each puppy-lick to your clit caused your voice to rise an octave. He devoured you, savouring the knowledge that no one, no one, had ever given you this feeling before.
When it seemed like you could take no more—your hips shaking, your voice cracking under the weight of your moans—he pulled away.
You watched him with a dazed expression on your face, sweaty and already spent. His stomach twisted protectively at the sight of you, the ache of his erection the very last thing on his mind. All he wanted was to make you feel good. To get you over the edge.
To feel you cum around his cock.
He pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor where your dress lay, forgotten about. He trailed his hand up the side of your body as he crawled over you, admiring the way your muscles tensed under his touch.
You hastily reached for his buckle, pulling the clasp apart and unbuttoning his pants. His chest tightened, still half-disbelieving that this was really happening. The rest of your clothes were discarded as he settled between your legs, the heat of your bodies spreading like fire.
You pulled him in, hands on either side of his face. His mouth tasted bittersweet, still hot from being buried between your thighs. Your pussy clenched desperately, missing the feeling of his lips, aching for something to fill it.
"Gonna go slow, okay?" Jake said, his voice wavering slightly. His heart was pounding in his chest at the heat between your legs. "You ready?"
You'd never been more ready for anything in your life. "Stay right here," You said, your lips barely hovering over his.
He nodded as he lined himself up, the slick warmth of your entrance sending a mind-numbing shiver through his body.
You hardly blinked. You watched, lip trapped between your teeth, as Jake's brows furrowed, his mouth falling open.
You gasped, fingers digging into his shoulders as he pushed himself inside of you. It hurt, but not like you expected. It stretched you, slipping deeper inside as you leaked around him, the sensation reaching all the way up to the base of your stomach.
Jake's breath hitched, his whines getting trapped in his throat as he fit all the way inside you.
"Fuck," He breathed, eyes squeezed shut. He couldn't move. If he did, he'd lose it. If he moved even an inch, he'd lose all self-control. And once he started to fuck you, he wasn't sure he'd be able to stop.
Unfortunately for him, you had plans of your own.
You twisted under him, pushing your hips up in an effort to get him to satisfy the burning desire that had tangled itself up in your lower abdomen.
Jake moaned, his head falling into the crook of your neck as you slid against him, your cunt sucking him in even deeper.
"Babe," He growled, trying to get a hold on himself. "Give me— just a second. Need a second or m'gonna fuck you," He said through gritted teeth.
"Do it," You murmured against his mouth, dragging your fingers over his skin.
"Won't be able to stop," He whined, kissing you again.
You didn't care. You needed to feel him moving inside you or you were going to scream.
Slowly, carefully, he started to move, ignoring the stars that were bouncing around the edges of his vision. His body was tense, barely controlled, as he pressed himself all the way down on you.
To take his mind off how unbearably good you felt, he turned his attention back to you, kissing your neck and sucking harshly at your skin to alleviate some of the pressure building in his stomach.
"Jake," You moaned, tangling your fingers in his hair. Your breath heaved unevenly.
He pulled away. "You okay?"
You nodded, stuttering. "Y-yeah, don't..."
"Don't what, baby?"
"Don't stop."
Jake practically fell apart right then and there. He collapsed into you, driving his hips so hard that the bed began to rock beneath you. You arched your back as he filled you up, your throat exposed for him to drag his tongue across and mark up as he wished.
Mine, mine, mine, he thought, digging his teeth into your skin. "Jake, can you..." You bit your lip, squeezing your legs tighter around him. "Can you t-talk to me?" He obliged, kissing you furiously as words tumbled from his mouth onto your lips. "You feel so good, baby, so fucking good. Jesus—I could come right now. Taking it so good, baby. Wanna stay like this forever. Wanna drown in you."
His words were like a drug, injected directly into your bloodstream. The way he touched you, like you were the most precious thing he'd ever laid his hands on, how he praised you for being so good for him, it all made the tension in your stomach threaten to spill over.
"I'm close, Jake," You said against his mouth, tilting your head to bite his lower lip.
He groaned.
"You feel so good," You echoed, watching desperately as he bit his lip, brows furrowed. "You're so big— I didn't think you'd fit at first."
"Mmm, knew it would," He said, reaching a hand between your bodies to thumb at your clit. "Knew you'd take me perfectly. Such a good girl. So wet for me—I hardly had to touch you and you were soaked."
You moaned, grinding your hips against his hand. A tightness formed in your abdomen, rising up like a wave threatening to crash over your entire body.
Jake talked you through it, relishing in every rough stroke you took from him, drinking in the sound of your pretty voice as it called his name, begging to finish.
"Please, fuck, please, Jake," You cried.
"That's it, baby, just like that. Do I make you feel good?"
"Yes," You whined desperately.
"You wanna come?"
"Yes," You repeated.
His breath shuddered, his muscles going tense under your hands. "Cum with me, baby. I'm right here."
You bucked your hips into his, muscles aching with how tense you were, as the nerves in your stomach unwound entirely. He whimpered as he stuttered into you, fingers pressed into your waist so hard it ached.
"Fuck! Fuck— y/n, god, oh my god."
His whiny moans fell against your lips, cock twitching inside of you as he shuddered through his orgasm. You gasped into his mouth, the feeling of him finishing spurring your own climax.
He held you through it, kissing the length of your neck as your body shook, his name falling from your lips. Your body slow beneath his, cum dripping onto his thighs as your pussy clenched around him.
"That's it. Good job, y/n. So pretty. So pretty. Could watch you cum on me forever."
You whined, face buried in his neck as the last of it rolled over you. He leaned his head down to look at you, his pupils blown, expression equal parts concerned and exhausted.
"Jake..." You mumbled, pressing a hand to your face.
He pulled back, eyes darting over your face hesitantly. “Yeah? You okay? Did I hurt you?”
"That was… the best thing that has ever happened to me. In my whole life." Your eyes were bright, skin flushed and glowing with satisfaction and affection for your boyfriend. “If I’d have known— Fuck, that was good, baby.”
He released the breath he'd been holding and laughed. "Good, I was worried for a second."
You looked up at him, pursing your lips. "Was it for you? Good, I mean."
Jake widened his eyes. "Was it... Babe, today is the best day of my life."
He cleaned you up after, carrying you to the shower and covering your face in a smattering of happy kisses. He washed your hair, and your shoulders, and your neck, admiring all the marks he'd left behind.
He was tender with your lower body, kissing your cheeks gently as the water rained down his chest, forming little rivers that lined his muscles. You'd never felt so tired and so rewarded at the same time.
You fell asleep curled into his chest, the sound of your breath slow and steady. Jake kept his arms wrapped around you protectively, a new feeling taking root at the very base of his heart. The very core of his being.
He loved you more than he'd loved anyone or anything in his entire life. And he was going to spend the rest of his days proving it.
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021894s · 11 months ago
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THE GIRL FROM THE BAR ⭑ lhs
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SYNOPSIS: After a tough workday, you visit a quiet bar to unwind, but are harassed by a persistent stranger. The charming bartender, Heeseung, steps in, defending you, sparking an unexpected conversation. As you connect, you feels your stress melt away, drawn to Heeseung's kindness and charm, setting the stage for a blossoming romance.
GENRE: romance, mutual pining
PAIRING: bartender!heeseung x f!reader
WARNINGS: fluff, smut, unprotected sex, oral (m & f receiving)
wc: 6.5k
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It's an unusually quiet Wednesday night when you push open the door of the dimly lit bar. The cool air inside is a welcome contrast to the stifling heat of the summer evening. You make your way to the bar and take a seat, the events of your rough day still weighing heavily on your mind.
As you settle onto the stool, a man approaches, a sleazy grin spreading across his face. "Hey, beautiful," he says, leaning in closer than you'd like.
You roll your eyes, not in the mood for this. "Not happening," you reply, hoping he'd take the hint and leave you alone.
But he doesn't. "C'mon, don't be like that," he persists, his persistence grating on your nerves.
Before you can respond, a voice cuts through the tension. "Pretty sure no means no."
You look up to see a man standing behind the bar, his gaze fixed firmly on the man bothering you. The guy scoffs, looking the man up and down. "Oh, and what are you, her boyfriend?"
His expression remains calm, but there's a steely edge to his voice. "No, but I don't need to be to know how to respect women."
The man's bravado falters, and he mutters under his breath, "Whatever, you weren't that hot anyway," before slinking away.
He turns his attention to you, his features softening into a concerned expression. "Sorry about that. We get the average asshole in here every night."
You're momentarily stunned by his beauty, the way his dark hair frames his face, and the warmth in his eyes, his lean build that wasn’t remarkably bulky, but just enough to make your mind race at the thought of being wrapped in those arms. It takes you a second to find your voice. "N-no, it's okay. Thank you for that."
Heeseung smiles, a genuine and reassuring smile that makes your heart flutter. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
You manage a small smile in return, feeling the tension of your day begin to melt away. "A gin and tonic, please."
"Coming right up," he says, his hands moving deftly to prepare your drink. You watch him, fascinated by the ease with which he works, the smoothness of his movements.
When he places the drink in front of you, you take a grateful sip, savoring the way the cool liquid seems to calm your frayed nerves. Heeseung leans against the counter, his gaze steady on you. "Bad day?"
You let out a bitter laugh. "You could say that. Work was a nightmare. Everything that could go wrong did."
He nods sympathetically. "I know how that feels. Sometimes it seems like the universe just has it out for you."
You raise an eyebrow, a playful smirk on your lips. "You? I can't imagine someone like you having a bad day."
He chuckles, a low, comforting sound. "Looks can be deceiving. I'm Heeseung, by the way."
"Y/N," you say, offering a small smile in return. "So, what brought you to bartending? Surely someone like you has other options."
He shrugs, a hint of a grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "I needed a job, and I like talking to people. Plus, it's a good way to pay the bills while I figure out what I really want to do."
You take another sip of your drink, feeling the alcohol begin to take the edge off your day. "And what do you really want to do?"
Heeseung's expression turns thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure yet. Something creative, maybe. Music or art. I just know I don't want to be stuck in a nine-to-five grind forever."
You nod in understanding, your eyes sparkling with interest. "I get that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going through the motions, doing what I have to do to get by. It's nice to meet someone who dreams big."
"Yeah, but sometimes you need to take a step back and figure out what makes you happy," Heeseung says, his gaze intent on yours. "Life's too short to be miserable all the time. And you seem like someone who deserves to be happy."
You feel a warmth spread through you, not just from the drink but from the unexpected connection you feel with this charming stranger. You continue talking, sharing stories and laughter, and as the evening wears on, you find yourself feeling lighter, the burden of your day lifting with each passing moment.
Heeseung leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. "You know, I don't usually see someone as intriguing as you walk through that door. It's a nice change of pace."
Your heart flutters at his words, and you can't help but smile. "Well, I'm glad I came in then”.
By the time you finish your drink, you realize you haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. "Thank you, Heeseung," you say sincerely. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
He smiles, a genuine, heartfelt expression. "Anytime, Y/N. Sometimes all it takes is a good conversation and a little company to turn things around."
You stand up, feeling a sense of clarity you hadn't had before. "I'll definitely be back."
"I'll be here," he says, his eyes lingering on yours. "Looking forward to it."
As you walk out of the bar, your spirits lifted and your mind clearer than it had been in a long time, you can't help but think about when you'll see Heeseung again.
Over the following weeks, you find yourself returning to the bar with increasing anticipation. Each visit seems to bring you closer to Heeseung, and your interactions grow more flirtatious and comfortable.
Heeseung greets you with a wide grin. “Look who decided to make my night again.”
“Couldn’t stay away,” you reply, sliding onto the stool. “I’ll have a gin and tonic , please.”
As he mixes your drink, he leans in a little closer than before. “You know, you’re quickly becoming my favorite customer.”
“Am I now?” you tease, meeting his gaze. “Does that come with any perks?”
“Maybe,” he says with a wink. “Depends on how many more times you show up.”
Conversation always came naturally in the time you found yourself spending with Heeseung. You’d find out something new about each other every time, like how he actually lived right above the bar. Perks of being close with the owner. It didn’t surprise you, his charms and genuinely good heart making it easy for anyone to love him.
You hadn't realized how much you’d come to rely on your nightly visits to the bar until your job started to get more demanding. The project you’d been assigned had become increasingly complex, with tight deadlines and a seemingly endless series of business trips. Each day seemed to blur into the next, and your usual escape—those comforting evenings at the bar—became a rare luxury.
One particular week, a major client needed hand-holding through a difficult negotiation, which meant back-to-back meetings and a whirlwind trip to a different city. You barely had time to catch your breath, let alone think about your next visit to the bar. The days were long, filled with endless calls and emails, and the nights were spent in sterile hotel rooms, far from the familiar warmth of Heeseung's presence.
As the days turned into a week, you couldn't help but feel a pang of regret each evening. You missed the easy conversation with Heeseung, the way his smile seemed to make your worries melt away, and the genuine connection that had formed between you. You wondered if he noticed your absence, if he missed you even half as much as you missed him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, you wrapped up the business trip and headed back home. Exhausted but relieved, you decided to head straight to the bar, your need for familiarity and comfort driving you forward.
As you walked in, the bar was just as you remembered it, but something felt different. The usual hum of conversation and clinking glasses seemed more subdued. You made your way to your usual seat, and there he was—Heeseung, looking up from the bar with a mix of surprise and relief in his eyes.
"Y/N," he called out, his voice warm and welcoming. "Long time no see. I was starting to think ran off with a secret boyfriend "
You smile, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders. "oh yeah, couldn’t wait any longer we just had to elope." you joke back “don’t worry though you can still be my lover”
He laughs, the bright smile you missed bringing a smile of your own to your lips. "tempting. you think he’d be ok with that?"
You take a deep breath, his flirty response catching you off guard despite knowing it was coming. "what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” you flash him a smile, “seriously tho, It's been... a lot. Business trips, endless meetings, demanding clients. I’ve barely had a moment to myself."
Heeseung leans on the counter, his eyes soft with sympathy. "Sounds like you could use a drink and some serious relaxation."
"You have no idea," you reply with a tired smile. "I'll have my usual, please."
As he mixes your drink, you let out a long sigh, finally allowing yourself to relax. When he sets the drink in front of you, he doesn’t pull away immediately. Instead, he stays close, his presence comforting.
"So, tell me more," he says, his tone gentle. "What’s been keeping you so busy?"
You take a sip of your drink, savoring the familiar taste. "Where do I even start? This project I’m on has been a nightmare. We had to fly out to meet with a client who needed constant reassurance. The whole team is exhausted, and I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the past week."
Heeseung listens intently, his eyes never leaving yours. "That sounds rough. I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough time."
"Thanks," you say, appreciating his sympathy. "I’ve missed this place. I’ve missed... you."
Heeseung’s smile is soft and genuine. "I’ve missed you too, Y/N. The place hasn’t been the same without you."
You feel a warmth spread through you at his words. "Well, I’m back now. And I plan to make up for all the missed nights."
Heeseung grins. "I’ll hold you to that. You know, I was worried about you. It's not like you to disappear without a word."
"I’m sorry," you say, feeling a pang of guilt. "I should have let you know what was going on."
Heeseung shakes his head. "No need to apologize. Just glad to have you back."
As the evening wears on, you finish your drink, feeling the comforting buzz of alcohol mixed with the profound exhaustion from your grueling week. Heeseung has gotten busier, a rush of customers filling the bar and demanding his attention. He glances at you frequently, concern flickering in his eyes whenever he catches sight of you.
You try to keep your eyes open, but the combination of exhaustion and the alcohol makes it increasingly difficult. You rest your head on your hand, your eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment.
From your spot at the bar, you watch Heeseung expertly handle the crowd, his movements fluid and confident. Every so often, he throws a reassuring smile in your direction, but the bustle of the bar pulls him away each time he tries to come over to you.
Finally, the exhaustion becomes too much. Your head droops, and you find yourself struggling to stay awake. Just as your eyes begin to close, you feel a gentle touch on your shoulder.
"Y/N," Heeseung's voice breaks through the fog of sleep. "You okay?"
You blink a few times, trying to focus on his concerned face. "Yeah, just... tired."
Heeseung's brow furrows as he takes in your weary state. "Why don’t you come upstairs and rest? You’re not driving home like this."
You hesitate, shaking your head slightly. “No, it’s fine. I’ve been up longer before. I don’t want to intrude.”
Heeseung’s eyes soften, his concern evident. “You’re not intruding, Y/N. I insist. You need rest, and I have a spare room. Please.”
"Come on," he says softly, guiding you to the door at the back of the bar and up the narrow staircase to his apartment.
Once inside, he leads you to the spare bedroom and helps you sit on the edge of the bed. "Stay here. I'll get you some water and something for the morning."
You nod, too tired to do much more than mumble a thank you. Heeseung disappears for a moment, returning with a glass of water, a couple of pills, and one of his soft t-shirts.
"Here," he says, handing you the shirt. "You’ll be more comfortable in this."
You change into the t-shirt, the fabric soft and comforting against your skin. Heeseung returns with the water and pills, sitting beside you on the bed.
"Take these," he says gently, holding out the glass and pills. "They’ll help with the hangover."
You do as he instructs, feeling a bit more coherent now. "Thanks, Heeseung. For everything."
Heeseung smiles, his eyes soft with concern and something else you can’t quite identify. "Anytime, Y/N. You know I’m here for you."
You look around the room, taking in the minimalistic decor, the photos of Heeseung with his best friend Sunghoon, and pictures of his family. The personal touches make you feel closer to him, a warmth spreading through you that has nothing to do with the alcohol.
"You really have a nice place," you say softly, feeling a bit more grounded.
Heeseung chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks. I’m glad you think so."
As you settle into the bed, Heeseung stands, looking down at you with a mix of concern and affection. "Get some rest, okay? I’ll be right downstairs if you need anything."
You nod, already feeling the pull of sleep. "Goodnight, Heeseung."
"Goodnight, Y/N," he replies, his voice gentle as he turns off the light and quietly leaves the room.
In the darkness, you let out a deep breath, the events of the past week finally catching up to you. But despite the exhaustion, a sense of peace settles over you. Knowing Heeseung is just a room away, that he cares for you enough to make sure you’re safe and comfortable, fills you with a warmth you hadn’t realized you were missing.
As you drift off to sleep, you can’t help but feel grateful for the connection you’ve found with Heeseung. And maybe, just maybe, there’s something more than friendship growing between you.
The next morning, you wake up to the soft light filtering through the blinds, your head surprisingly clear thanks to the water and pills Heeseung gave you last night. You stretch, feeling the comfort of his t-shirt against your skin, and remember where you are. The events of the previous evening come back in a rush, and you’re filled with a sense of gratitude and a hint of embarrassment.
You decide to freshen up, so you get out of bed and make your way to the restroom. Just as you reach for the doorknob, the door swings open, and you find yourself face-to-face with Heeseung, freshly showered, with only a white towel hanging low on his hips. His hair is damp, drops of water still clinging to his skin, and his well-defined torso is on full display.
For a moment, neither of you moves. You’re too stunned to speak, and Heeseung seems equally taken aback. His eyes widen slightly as he registers your presence, and then a slow, teasing smile spreads across his face.
"Good morning," he says, his voice a little huskier than usual. "Sleep well?"
You swallow, trying to maintain your composure despite the sudden heat rushing to your cheeks. "Y-yes, thank you. I was just... heading to the restroom."
He steps aside, still smiling. "It's all yours."
You nod, squeezing past him, trying not to brush against him too much. Once inside the restroom, you close the door and take a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. After a moment, you gather yourself and freshen up quickly.
When you step out of the restroom, Heeseung is in the kitchen, now dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, his hair still slightly damp but styled. He’s making coffee, and the rich aroma fills the apartment.
"Feeling better?" he asks, glancing up at you with a warm smile.
You nod, walking over to join him. "Much better, thanks to you."
Heeseung pours you a cup of coffee and hands it to you. "Good. I’m glad. I didn’t want you to go through today feeling like a wreck."
You take the coffee, savoring the warmth. "You’re really kind, Heeseung. I don’t know how to thank you."
Heeseung leans against the counter, his expression thoughtful. "You don’t need to thank me, Y/N. I’m just glad I could help. You work so hard; you deserve to take care of yourself, too."
His words touch you deeply, and you find yourself smiling despite the lingering awkwardness of the morning. "Well, you’ve definitely made a fan out of me. I don’t know what I would have done without you last night."
Heeseung chuckles. "I think you would have managed, but I’m glad I was here. Besides, I like having you around."
You both fall into an easy silence, sipping your coffee. The atmosphere is comfortable, and you feel a sense of closeness that goes beyond the usual bar conversations. It's as if the bond between you has deepened overnight.
"So," Heeseung says after a moment, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Do you have any plans for today, or are you just going to recover from the week?"
You laugh softly, feeling the tension of the past days finally lifting. "I think I’ll take it easy. Maybe catch up on some sleep, watch a movie, and just relax."
Heeseung nods approvingly. "Sounds like a good plan. If you need anything, feel free to hang out here as long as you like. Mi casa es su casa."
"Thank you," you reply, genuinely touched. "I might take you up on that."
Heeseung’s smile widens. "I hope you do."
As you both finish your coffee, the morning sun streaming in through the windows, you realize that this simple act of kindness has brought you and Heeseung even closer. The easy conversation, the shared laughter, and the mutual respect all make you feel incredibly lucky to have found someone like him. Friend or someone thing more.
Heeseung’s expression brightens, and he leans forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “How about we make today fun? I know you said you wanted to relax, but maybe we can do something together. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy—just something to take your mind off work.”
You feel a flutter of excitement at his suggestion. “That sounds great. What do you have in mind?”
Heeseung grins. “Well, there’s a little café down the street that makes the best pastries. We could start there and then see where the day takes us.”
You can’t help but smile back, the prospect of spending more time with Heeseung lifting your spirits. “I’d love that.”
As you get ready to head out, you glance around his apartment once more, the personal touches making you feel even closer to him. The photos, the simple decor, everything speaks of the man you’ve come to care about.
Heeseung grabs his keys and turns to you, his smile warm and inviting. “Ready?”
You nod, feeling a sense of anticipation. “Ready.”
The café Heeseung mentioned turns out to be a charming little spot with a cozy atmosphere and an enticing display of pastries. As you walk in, the smell of freshly baked goods and brewing coffee envelops you, making your stomach growl in anticipation.
Heeseung leads you to a table by the window, and you both take a seat. He smiles at you, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “What do you want to try first?”
You glance at the display, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the delicious options. “Everything looks so good. Maybe we should get a few different things and share?”
Heeseung nods enthusiastically. “Good idea. I’ll get us a selection. Be right back.”
As he heads to the counter, you watch him interact with the barista, his easy charm and warmth evident in every gesture. You can’t help but feel a surge of affection for him, grateful for his presence in your life.
Heeseung returns with a tray full of assorted pastries and two steaming cups of coffee. “Hope you’re hungry,” he says, setting the tray down with a grin.
You laugh softly. “I am. This all looks amazing.”
You both dig in, sharing bites and commenting on the flavors. The conversation flows naturally, the ease between you growing with each passing moment. It feels like the perfect way to unwind after the stress of your job, and you find yourself relaxing more and more.
After you’ve sampled nearly everything on the tray, Heeseung leans back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. “That was a good call. I’m stuffed.”
You nod in agreement, feeling content. “Me too. Thanks for bringing me here. It’s exactly what I needed.”
Heeseung’s eyes soften, and he reaches across the table to take your hand. “I’m glad. You deserve to have a break and enjoy yourself.”
Your heart skips a beat at the tenderness in his voice. “Thank you, Heeseung. For everything.”
He gives your hand a gentle squeeze. “Anytime, Y/N. You know I’m always here for you.”
As you both finish your coffee, the café begins to fill up with the lunchtime crowd. Heeseung glances around, then back at you with a playful glint in his eye. “How about we take a walk? There’s a park nearby that’s really nice.”
You smile, feeling excited at the prospect. “I’d love that.”
You leave the café and head to the park, the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. As you walk along the winding paths, Heeseung keeps the conversation light and playful, making you laugh with his witty remarks and stories.
At one point, you come across a small pond with a few benches nearby. Heeseung leads you to one of the benches, and you both sit down, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
He turns to you, his expression thoughtful. “You know, I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, Y/N. It’s nice to see you relax and have fun.”
You smile, feeling a warmth spread through you at his words. “I’ve enjoyed it too, Heeseung. You make everything better.”
Heeseung’s eyes hold yours, a hint of something deeper flickering in their depths. “I’m glad to hear that. You mean a lot to me, Y/N.”
Your breath catches at the intensity of his gaze, and you feel a rush of emotion. “You mean a lot to me too, Heeseung.”
For a moment, the world seems to fade away, leaving just the two of you in a bubble of shared feelings and unspoken words. The connection between you feels stronger than ever, and you realize that what you have with Heeseung is something truly special.
Heeseung breaks the silence first, his voice soft. “I’m really glad you came into the bar that night. It feels like we’ve known each other forever.”
You nod, your heart full. “Me too. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
The following week, after a particularly easygoing day at work, you decide to stop by the bar for your regular visit. The familiar sight of the dimly lit interior and the hum of conversations usually bring you comfort, but tonight, something feels off.
As you walk in, your eyes immediately land on Heeseung behind the bar. Relief washes over you, but it’s short-lived. Standing in front of him is a blonde girl, effortlessly beautiful, with a radiant smile. She's leaning over the counter, clearly flirting with him.
You freeze for a moment, feeling a pang of something sharp and unwelcome in your chest. Jealousy. It's a bitter taste, one you’re not used to, but there it is, gnawing at you as you watch them. The blonde girl is everything you feel you’re not—gorgeous, confident, and completely at ease.
Heeseung laughs at something she says, and it’s a sound you’ve come to cherish. But hearing it now, directed at someone else, it feels like a punch to the gut. You glance down at your work attire, feeling frumpy and out of place compared to her chic outfit.
Taking a deep breath, you steel yourself and walk towards the bar, determined to act like everything is normal. As you approach, Heeseung’s eyes meet yours, and for a brief moment, his smile falters. He quickly recovers, but you can see the flicker of surprise and perhaps guilt in his eyes.
"Hey, Y/N!" Heeseung greets you with his usual warmth, but you can’t help but notice the way the blonde girl glances at you, her expression curious but dismissive.
"Hi, Heeseung," you reply, forcing a smile. You sit down a few seats away from the blonde, not wanting to intrude but unable to completely leave.
Heeseung shifts his attention to you, his gaze lingering as if trying to gauge your mood. "The usual?" he asks, already reaching for a glass.
"Yeah, thanks," you say, your voice coming out steadier than you feel.
The blonde girl pouts a little, clearly annoyed by the interruption. "I was just telling Heeseung about this new club that opened downtown," she says, trying to pull his focus back to her. "Maybe he could come check it out with me sometime."
You feel your heart sink further at her words, but you try to keep your face neutral. Heeseung, however, surprises you. He doesn’t immediately respond to her invitation. Instead, he finishes making your drink and slides it over to you, his hand brushing yours ever so slightly.
"Here you go, Y/N," he says, his voice soft. Then he turns to the blonde girl, his smile polite but distant. "I'll think about it, but I’m pretty busy these days."
The blonde girl looks disappointed but doesn’t push further. She lingers for a few more minutes, trying to engage him in conversation, but Heeseung’s attention keeps drifting back to you. Eventually, she gets the hint and leaves, though not without casting you one last curious glance.
As soon as she’s gone, Heeseung leans across the bar, closer to you. "You okay?" he asks, concern evident in his eyes.
You take a sip of your drink, the familiar taste grounding you a little. "Yeah, just a long day," you reply, managing a small smile.
Heeseung studies you for a moment, then nods. "Well, I’m here if you need to talk," he says, his voice gentle.
You nod, feeling a bit better knowing he cares. The jealousy still lingers, but seeing the way he prioritizes you over her, even subtly, helps ease some of the sting. For now, that's enough.
Over the next few minutes, the bar starts to fill up, and Heeseung gets busier, but he still finds moments to check on you, giving you reassuring smiles or quick touches on your hand whenever he passes by. It helps, but the image of the blonde girl still lingers in your mind, gnawing at your insecurities.
You watch Heeseung work, marveling at his ease and grace. He moves behind the bar with practiced efficiency, chatting with customers, mixing drinks, and flashing that charming smile. It’s clear why people are drawn to him.
“Another drink?” Heeseung asks, stopping in front of you.
“Sure,” you reply, handing him your empty glass.
As he makes your drink, you can’t help but blurt out, “She seemed nice.”
Heeseung glances at you, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Who? Amelia?”
“Yeah, her,” you say, trying to keep your tone casual.
“She’s a regular. Comes in every now and then,” he explains, sliding your drink over. “But I wouldn’t read too much into it. She flirts with everyone.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Everyone?”
“Everyone,” he confirms, his smirk widening. “It’s just her way.”
You nod, feeling slightly better but still uneasy. “Well, she’s really pretty.”
Heeseung leans closer, lowering his voice. “So are you, Y/N.”
You blink, caught off guard by his comment. “I—what?”
“I mean it,” he says, his eyes sincere. “You’re pretty, and you’re interesting. I enjoy our conversations a lot more than random flirtations.”
You feel your cheeks heat up, and you look away, flustered. “Thanks, Heeseung.”
“Anytime,” he replies softly.
Just then, a group of rowdy customers enters the bar, and Heeseung has to attend to them. You take a deep breath, letting his words sink in. It feels good to hear that from him, to know he sees you differently.
As the evening progresses, the crowd in the bar begins to thin out. Heeseung wipes down the counter, glancing at you with a playful smile. He sets down his cloth and approaches you, the energy between you two crackling with unspoken words.
“You know, Y/N,” he says, leaning closer, “I’m due for a break. Mind if I join you for a bit?”
“Not at all,” you reply, your heart racing with anticipation.
Heeseung slips around the bar and takes a seat next to you. He stretches his legs out and leans back, looking more relaxed than you’ve ever seen him while working. His scent infiltrates your nostrils. The cologne he was wearing wasn’t remarkably strong, but it mixed with the scent of fresh laundry and a little sweat. You thought the combination worked quite well. “So, how’s your night going so far?” he asks, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“It’s better now that you’re here,” you say, your voice soft and genuine.
Heeseung laughs, a sound that sends warmth through you. “Glad to hear it,” he says. “It’s nice to get a break and actually talk to you without having to rush around.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” you say, feeling a growing confidence. “It’s good to have some uninterrupted time with you.”
Heeseung’s eyes lock onto yours, and the intensity of his gaze makes your pulse quicken. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week,” he admits. “It’s like the highlight of my Fridays.”
You smile, feeling a thrill at his words. “Really? I didn’t know I had such an effect on you.”
“You have no idea,” he says, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. “I find myself thinking about you more than I probably should.”
You laugh softly, feeling a blush rise to your cheeks. “I guess that makes two of us then.”
Heeseung shifts closer, his arm brushing against yours. “You know, Y/N,” he says, his voice husky, “I’ve been wanting to ask you something.”
“What’s that?” you ask, your breath catching.
“Do you want anything to eat?” he asks, his eyes searching yours.
You feel a little disappointed at his question. You’re not quite sure what you expected but if your were being honest, you were hoping he’d finally ask you out. Moving past the disappointment, you feel a sudden surge of boldness, you lean in slightly, your lips curving into a mischievous smile. “You,” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.
Heeseung’s eyes widen slightly in surprise before a slow, delighted smile spreads across his face. “Is that so?” he murmurs, his voice thick with amusement and something deeper.
“It is,” you confirm, holding his gaze.
The playful banter between you intensifies, and Heeseung inches closer, his face now mere inches from yours. “you sure you can handle me baby?” he says softly, his breath mingling with yours.
For a moment, the world around you seems to disappear. Heeseung’s eyes are locked on yours, and you can feel the magnetic pull between you. He inches closer, his breath mingling with yours, and you realize that this moment could change everything.
“Wanna find out?” you ask, your heart soaring with anticipation.
Heeseung takes hold of your hand, leading you through a door at the back of the bar, up a narrow staircase that creaks under your feet. The air grows warmer, and the intimacy of the space makes your pulse race.
Heeseung unlocks the door and pushes it open, revealing a cozy, modest apartment. The soft glow of a lamp casts a warm light over the room, highlighting the simple, comfortable furnishings. It feels like a sanctuary, a place where the rest of the world fades away.
Heeseung turns to you, his expression serious but tender. “I want you to feel comfortable here,” he says. “If at any point you want to stop, just let me know.”
You step closer, reaching out to touch his arm. “I trust you, Heeseung,” you say, your voice steady despite the butterflies in your stomach.
He smiles, a mixture of relief and desire in his eyes. “Come here,” he murmurs, pulling you into his arms.
The embrace is electric, and you feel the tension between you dissolve as you melt into each other. Heeseung’s lips find yours in a kiss that is both gentle and passionate, a promise of everything you’ve both been yearning for.
He leads you further into the apartment, his hands never leaving yours. The world outside fades away as you step into the intimacy of his space, every touch and whisper drawing you closer together.
Heeseung guides you to the couch, sitting down and pulling you onto his lap. The feel of his body against yours is intoxicating, and you lose yourself in the sensation of his hands exploring your back, your sides, your face.
“You drive me crazy, you know that?” Heeseung murmurs against your lips, his voice filled with a raw honesty that makes your heart ache.
“I know the feeling,” you reply, your fingers threading through his hair.
You leaned in and kissed him again. The kiss becoming hungrier, the both of you unfraid to show how needy you were for each other.
You could feel his growing length pressing against your clothed core, the both of you letting out a small moan when you ground your hips against him.
He reached down and pulled up your skirt, slipping his fingers inside your panties and finding you wet and ready for him “shit baby you’re so wet”. You gasped as he stroked your clit, his long, slender fingers applying just the right amount of pressure to get you squirming on top of him.
“shit, seung feels so good” his fingers slide down your folds, prodding at your whole. Without warning he slips one in, that singular finger reaching places you haven’t with your own. “You’re all I’ve wanted since I met you”, Heeseung tells you, his words making you clench around him , “m-me too”. He quickens his movements inserting a second, and then a third, the coil in your lower belly snapping at his “seung im cumming” you hardly manage to get out.
“let go for me baby, show me how good I make you feel” without another word, you’re coming undone.
Desperate for more, you reach to unbutton his pants pulling out his hard dick. It was long and thick. You didnt deem it possible for a penis to be considered pretty, but that’s the only word you could think of at the sight in from of you. You couldn't wait to feel him
“like what you see?” he asks. confidence in his voice, it was a stark contrast from how gentle he was towards you on your frequent visits to the bar. It made him all the more desireable. “mhm more than like”
You wrapped your lips around his mushroom tip and sucked him deep into your mouth. His length being enveloped bya warmth that had his eyes rolling to the back do his head. “shit baby”.
You clench around nothing, the newfound nickname one you never watched to stop hearing.
He groaned and grabbed your head, running his fingers through your hair, gripping it. You could feel him getting closer to cumming, but You didn't want him to just yet. You pull away and His eyes shoot open, looking at you with confusion “are you okay?” you smirk at him, climbing up from your spot and straddling his lap “mhm i’m more than okay”. You guided his dick to your entrance, teasing the tip on your slick. You slowly sank onto his cock, a low groan escaping his throat at the newfound feeling of your tight, wet heat.
“hee” you moaned, digging your nails into his shoulder at the feel of him stretching you so deliciously. “I got you pretty, s-shit you feel so good around me” He smashes his lips against yours, capturing you in a hungry kiss.
He pulls out slowly, whining at the loss, only to let out a loud moan as he slid back in, inch by inch until he was buried to the hilt. He repeated the action several more times until you grew frustrated with the pace. “Hee, please go harder”. At your plea, he snaps his hips forward, faster and harder, making you cry out in pure pleasure.
He grabbed your hips and thrust up into you, harder and faster, “y/n… come on baby cum for me”. You could feel yerself getting closer to cumming. You leaned back and ground your hips against him, rubbing your clit against his pelvis.
“hee i’m so close”. He reached up and squeezed your tits, pinching your nipples “so close, I can feel it”. You moaned, your pussy clenching around his dick. Felling you come undone around his cock, he couldn't hold back any longer. He grabbed your hips and pulled you down, cumming deep inside you. “f-fuck baby. so good”.
You pull yourself off his lap, collapsing next to him onto the couch, He joins you not a minute later, pulling you to him, your heard laying on his chest, hearing the quickened beats of his heart begin to settle down back into their normal rhythm. You lay there, panting and sweaty, for a few moments.
"I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you” He confessed. You couldn’t help but laugh at his honest revelation. “yeah well, at least i’m not the only one”, you tell him, a smile spreading across your face, as you look up at him.
He grinned down at you leaning in to press a soft kiss on your lips. "so…" he started as he pulled away, “I don’t want this to be a one time thing… but I also don’t want it to be casual”.
Your heart skipped a beat the moment you heard his confession. You’d fallen for him the moment you met, and the time you spent together did nothing to but increase those feelings. “well it’s a good thing I feel the same way then”, You smile, your big brown eyes bright, filled with promise as you kissed him again. The promise that you wanted him just as much as he wanted you.
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ryker-writes · 4 months ago
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Hi Ryker!
May I request Male! or GN!Reader dating Idia and Malleus?
Because Cater said he finds Diasomnia and Ignyhide people hard to approach, most of the student body fears Malleus and never really saw Idia, I think it'd be hilarious if Reader managed to befriend and woo them both.
I wish you a nice day/night, remember to drink something tasty and eat something.
hi hi! Glad to finally write a request for you since you've been around my blog for a bit! I'll be doing GN!Reader to keep it inclusive to whoever reads and wants to connect with it (hope you don't mind). I kinda got carried away so it's longer than I thought it'd be
Request rules and Masterlists
Dating Idia and Malleus (Poly relationship)
First of all; WOAH
It's not uncommon for people to avoid both Idia and Malleus for very different reasons
Idia avoided people, but some found him creepy or weird due to his unique appearance and personality
Malleus on the other hand, is elegant and refined, but too powerful and intimidating for his own good (and it's not even intentional)
So it's quite a feat just being able to befriend both of them considering they're not often even seen around campus
There's always a stunned silence when you mention them as close friends
Cater says you must have next level "rizz" in order to charm your way into a conversation and friendship with both of them
And when you tell him you're actually dating both of them? He is truly stunned into silence, staring at you like you grew a third head
He and everyone around you is baffled beyond belief
It's one thing to date the world's biggest introvert who can't even attend class in person, but to date a literal prince and one of the strongest mages at the same time???
"They have to have strong magic! How else can you possibly explain them dating Idia and Malleus?"
Dating the two of them had quite an interesting start
I think the only way for you to possibly date both of them is for Idia to come first
If you dated Malleus first, Idia would probably bury how he feels thinking you would never date him too since he can't possibly compete with Malleus for your love
And he does feel a little insecure when you mention also having mutual feelings with Malleus too
But with some reassurance that you still love him very much, he's okay with it!
Actually, he likes it!
With you dating Malleus at the same time, he doesn't feel as much pressure to do everything perfectly to be a good boyfriend or forcing himself to go to big events with you because he knows Malleus is there when he's not
Idia also needs time to himself to recharge his social battery, but he feels terrible telling you he needs to recharge on his own, but now you can spend time with Malleus while he recharges and will be ready to spend time together later!
He sees and understands why you like Malleus too, after all, Malleus is "A SSR boss character with insane stats. Anyone would be attracted to him"
Malleus on the other hand...can't fully see the attraction to Idia
Don't get me wrong, he knows you love Idia too and he respects Idia, even considers him a smart and worthy fellow partner for your love
He just doesn't feel the same affection for him as you do, and that's okay with him
Malleus is open to new experiences and things to try, so when you suggested being in a relationship with both him and Idia, he was surprised, but willing to try
and to his surprise, he quite enjoys it!
He gets to know you and Idia on a deeper more personal level, and to him, that's one of the best parts about it! He doesn't have many people in his life that he can be so open and close with, so being able to be like that with both you and Idia really means a lot to him
Malleus knows there are times he's out of touch with modern culture and traditions, so he's very glad to have Idia who can help fill in the gaps and explain some things to him (after rewording his sentence at least five times to make it understandable)
With Idia around, he doesn't feel like he has to worry as much about not being able to keep up with how fast human/modern times move, and worrying about you whenever you're not in his sight
Overall, they both enjoy the relationship the three of you have
Dating both of them is quite the experience
For starters, you'll never face financial issues. Anything you want or even mention a slight interest in wanting, you'll have it by end of the day
Yeah, there's a mountain of presents on your birthday, and that's just from one of them
Security is also never an issue. No one in their right mind would provoke Malleus anyway, but even with Idia they risk all their personal and private information being exposed for all to see and the wrath of Styx security
In fact, just about any issue you have can be solved by both of them
They balance each other well in different approaches and areas of expertise
When you have a tech issue, leave it to Idia. When you have a magical issue, leave it to Malleus. When you have a personal issue or issue with others, they'll work together <3
The two of them love you very much, and they often work together or help each other in their efforts too
Even when Idia is feeling insecure about himself and where he stands, Malleus can sense it and is able to reassure him just how deeply both you and him care for Idia and value him
And when Malleus is feeling confused or like a third wheel of sorts, Idia is willing to take a step back and share attention with Malleus too
They even spend time together on their own too, and despite the initial awkwardness in the beginning of the relationship, they get along quite well
You've walked into Idia's room before to find Idia trying to teach Malleus the basics of technology and computers, even trying to teach him how to play some of the simpler games
The next day Malleus had a custom headset to help accommodate fae ears and his horns
On the other hand, Malleus has managed to drag Idia out of his room more, walking at night for both ambiance and to avoid the majority of people
When holidays come around, the two scheme together on how to surprise/what to do for you
There have been rumors circulating around the school about the two smiling evilly and chuckling in dark corners, and everyone gets on edge for a few days
Most of the time when you mention dating both Malleus and Idia, people don't believe you
They'd probably think you're delusional, but the smart ones know to hold their tongue on that
The not so smart ones (Ace) don't hold their tongue and call you delusional, and suddenly there's a thunderstorm and their search history is public information
Malleus and Idia are both pretty protective of you, and love you deeply, so you bet they're going to do just about whatever it takes to ensure you're happy
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thetarotyapper · 2 months ago
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what would they do to you if they had you all to themselves? (18+)
if you kiss my neck, i'm not responsible for what happens next... ☆ pick-a-card reading☆
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paid services 18+ paid services tarot community ko-fi
(how to pick a card? observe the given options and choose the one which you feel the most drawn to. scroll down to read your message!! remember, this is a general reading, so take what resonates! ps.- if you feel drawn to more than one card/image/pile, feel free to read the others too!! if the chosen pile doesn't relate to you, feel free to choose another. the choice is yours<3)
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☆ pile I ☆
king of cups, death, knight of pentacles, 8 of pentacles, the world, 2 of swords, knight of wands, the tower 
OMG BABE OKAY WOW this person wants to make love to you, like i'm not even kidding. this person has gone through a rollercoaster of emotions because of you and they don't know how to handle it anymore. for many of you, i’m seeing that there is some sort of “situation” here. maybe this person could be a friend of yours? a work colleague? something of that sort? this person is someone you've liked for a long time and it feels wrong to like them for some reason. this person could mean a lot to you. maybe you're worried it'll ruin your friendship (if it's your friend), or maybe you're worried it'll ruin your professional life because you could like someone who is in your workplace. whatever the reason may be, there is some sort of situation here where both of you cannot escape. this dynamic feels wrong, but for some damn reason it also feels so damn right. NO UGH WHY IS IT GIVING FORBIDDEN LOVERS TROPE. I'M LITERALLY SCREAMING RIGHT NOW. there's mutual attraction, but your situation isn't right. y'all will have to be very cautious if you're thinking about moving this connection forward because it also affects a lot of people involved in your connection - like your friends, family, co-workers and so on. okay, i'm so sorry to have kept you waiting!! i just got this “situation” energy and i wanted to clear it out. anyways, let's get to your reading now, my love. 
this person is going to go through a lot of emotions when they're going to be with you for the first time. this all feels so wrong, but it also feels so…..right? ugh why does life have to be so unfair. things are going to feel a little strained and awkward at first but then later, it's going to get SO HEATED. this person has a lot of love to give you, it's almost like they have held themselves back for so long. but they can't take this anymore, they're going to break the walls that are blocking this connection. i'm also seeing that you're going to be very wet (um well sorry that channeled out of nowhere🏃‍♀️). i'm seeing sloppy and hungry-driven kisses. OH THIS PERSON HAS BEEN CRAVING FOR YOU. lots of heat coming in too. LMFAO they're going to adjust their pants a lot because they can't control their hard-on😭. with the king of cups here, im seeing that they'll approach this situation with a mature mindset and they're going to act very cool and well, nonchalant. but guess what? with the tower here, they're not as chill as they seem to be. you get them so worked up like i can literally feel the tension. this person wants to dominate you. they want you to submit to them. they want to see you under them and begging for more. oh babe they're going to change your life. they're hungry for you. i see deep long thrusts - um let me just run away i feel like i'm getting in y'alls bubble aksnamkaka. they literally want you begging for more, like i hear you saying “stop” in between moans but you both know that you want it more rough. they're not even going to wait for you to remove your clothes completely. they're literally going to devour you as soon as they get their hands on you. it's like one moment they're all super respectful and demure and the next it's like BOOM, they're an animal hunting for its prey. 
and trust me when i say this, this is not going to be a quickie. they're going to take their own sweet time in making you come. they've waited days, months, years even to have you all to themselves. all their pent up emotions are going to come out. and this is not a “im gonna do it with them today” typa thing - NO. they've waited a long time for this and it seems like this is all pre-planned too. they've waited for the right opportunity and babe when i tell you they're gonna grab that chance, oh they will. they're going to be so focused on pleasing you, they're not going to stop until you've come undone on their fingers/tongue and their…. well, it starts with a D (d*ck), and if it’s a woman, they want you to fill them up 🫣. i hear them saying “be a good girl/boy and come for me now, will you?” DAMN CHILL OUT BOI. they're a giver. you can literally just lie down and they'll love doing all the work. you're like a precious sculpture for them. you're delicate and they want to handle you with care - but they also don't mind breaking your back in the bedroom 🤭
they're going to be OBSESSED with your body when they see you naked. i can literally hear them saying, “you belong to me and only me”. they're going to be very possessive and jealous when they're making love to you. they're going to do it so slow with you it's almost frustrating. it's like you want them to increase their pace because their teasing is getting too much and you just want to feel the pleasure already, but nope. they're not done. they want to see you crying and begging for more. they want to feel your insides and how nice your….umm….girl grips around their….man😺. they want to feel your girl tightening around them. they want to feel every thrust. they want to feel your moans. they want to feel your desperate pleas. 
however i do see that in between they might rethink what they're doing with you because of this “situational” setting y'all are in but they're eventually going to say “fuck it” and they will literally fuck you. they've waited too long for this. they've waited too long for you. this tension is too much for them and they can't hold it in any longer. 
additional information - 12, mercury, libra, 2, jupiter, virgo, 10, aries, pluto, water, green grass/garland, ocean, mountains, desert, black/grey cloth/shaul, brown, dark - blonde hair, yellow, red, green. 
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☆ pile II ☆
9 of wands, death, the fool, 10 of wands, ace of swords, 7 of cups, 9 of cups, king of wands. 
THE CARDS FOR YOUR PILE WE'RE LITERALLY JUMPING OUT AND WERE SO IMPATIENT. maybe this could mean that your person is impatient too hehehe👀🤭
i'm just gonna get straight to the point - fancy dinners and then hard-core love making. FULL STOP. the person in your mind would SPOIL you if they could take you out. im talking red dress, wine in hand, red lipstick, high heels, back suit, neatly combed hair, sitting in a fancy restaurant. like they'll take you out on THE DREAM DATE. either you or this person is going to love it when y'all play hard to get. they want to break down your walls, and by walls i mean your kitty cat’s walls 🐱. your person will love it when you're unsure about what their next move is, or maybe they're the one who'll love the thrill of not knowing what you'll do next. i think both of you will like to balance out the dominating and the submitting part. maybe y'all both are switches. y'all don't mind taking the lead nor submitting. well that's a good thing because both of you are going to enjoy the thrill of being together and well…..getting spicy😳. before even getting to the ahem ahem part, your eyes will do the talking. no words needed. y'all will literally just look at each other and the tension has already begun. i see them pushing you against the wall, with your hands over your head while they just kiss you till both of y'all are out of breath. they're going to leave hickeys all over your neck so that you know who you belong to. BYE i see y'all literally standing and doing it with each other. y'all ain't even gonna sit down😭. damn y'all are freaky, let me give y'all come privacy and put my sunglasses on 😎 🕶️ 🤏😳👀
the intimacy and dynamic is going to be AMAZING, literally out of this world. there's a lot of passion as well as aggression here. babe they aren't gonna go easy on you, and one round is NOT enough. they're going to explore so many positions with you and they're going to try out so many things with you - like blindfolding you or maybe you blindfolding them. oh my god now it makes sense. remember how i said that y'all would like the thrill of not knowing each other's next move? it's because one of y'all would be blindfolded and the other would take control. I SEE A WHIP TOO. um okay go queens/kings🤭. they're going to love seeing you tired and exhausted after they're done….ahem ahem with you. they'll love seeing your body and your tired face, and they’ll love it when you ask them to take it slow. they literally have so much energy it's insane. LIKE HOW IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE. but hey, who am i to complain? you do you babe😏. they're going to feel so proud of their skills and i also see that you're going to feel so accomplished and happy. no one has ever made you feel this good. 
i'm seeing that for a lot of you, this would be a sign whether you would want to pursue this relationship/connection or not. i think y'all would test each other's compatibility. y'all have a very high sex drive and sometimes it might be frustrating if your needs aren't met so if this person isn't able to fulfill your desires or if you're not able to fulfill theirs, i don't see it working out. i'm gonna be honest, there's a lot of double standards here and even if your sexual needs are met, the relationship won't work if your emotional needs aren’t met. for a lot of you, this is more of a lustful connection than an emotional one and maybe both of you have the same outlook on this connection but if one of you actually wants a genuine relationship, y'all need to talk it out. even though the sex will be great, if there's no genuine feelings, then nothing will feel good. so, please make the right decision. y'all are very tempted by one another and you guys are going to treat each other as possessions instead of humans who have genuine feelings. maybe this person already has someone in their lives and you're just a fling. something doesn't feel right about this connection. they also seem like they have their guard up with you and only show you what you want to see. i do see that they'll be the one taking the lead and coming forward regarding where this connection is headed and one advice i would give you is - please clear your mind and think about what you truly want. maybe this person is actually really good, but there's just a lot of lustful intentions here. 
additional information - 1, aries, ascending lunar node, 11, pisces, descending lunar node, 12, aquarius, jupiter, trees/wood, temptations, orange, brown, white, cream (colour), woman, child, being in a tall building.
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☆ pile III ☆
10 of wands, the hierophant, page of swords, 4 of wands, queen of wands, ace of swords, 8 of cups, the moon, 3 of wands. 
being with you is going to feel like a sin for this person. it's so out of their character to feel this way towards anyone. what have you done to this person, pile 3? jasjajakaka. this person is frustrated and angry at you. they just can't let go of the hold you have on them. a part of them doesn't want to like you but they just can't help themselves. they literally can't comprehend the feelings they have for you. they might try to ignore you, but it's only because they can't stop thinking about you. this person has literally fantasized about you a lot and they kinda feel guilty for thinking about you in that way. 
this person WORSHIPS you, like i'm not even being dramatic here. this person wants to kiss the ground you walk on. you're so ethereal, they can't get enough of you. everytime they see you, their man hardens. they try to control their arousal, but they just can't help it. the way you carry yourself and the person you are - just wow pile 3. you're mesmerizing. i can't even blame them at this point lol. you've got this enigmatic energy, it's driving them insane. people around you literally know that this person feels a strong sense of attraction towards you. they want you to dominate them. they want you to take control of them and use them. they want you to use them for your pleasure. they'll be so glad to be used by you, like i'm not even kidding. i have a feeling this person is very reserved and quiet. they might be a little short or their height might range from short to average (for a man) and you might be tall (for a woman) and this person loves this about you. this also means that your person loves it when you're on top of them and when they have to look up at you. they'll even like wearing a collar for you so you can order and control them around. 
you attract a lot of attention, pile 3. and people can’t help but feel drawn towards your energy. hell, i'm also drawn to your energy. you're so mysterious, people want to study you. the way you present yourself, your face, your hair, literally EVERYTHING about you is so so…..i don't know. i can't find the right words. attractive? mesmerizing? beautiful? your energy literally cannot be explained. you're mysterious and you only let people know a little about you - enough to the point where they think they know you very well, but they don't. i can't shake off your energy, it's so strong and captivating. okay, damn enough i'm getting carried away😅. now let's get back to your reading, shall we?
this person has manifested you for quite some time now and if you want to shoot your shot, i would say go ahead. you have the power here. you are the power. you're everything this person has been looking for. they knew that you're the one they needed when they saw you for the first time. however, i do see that this person is insecure and a little scared because they think that you have a lot of people who want you (and you do) and this makes them a little jealous, but sad. they're afraid they're never going to get a chance with you. i think this person is completely opposite from your standard type. this person is soft spoken, quiet most of the time and all to themselves, glasses, neatly combed back brown/brunette hair (maybe even blonde hair?) and pale skin.
this person admires you from afar. im seeing two possibilities here - either this person finally get the courage to come forward and ask you out or you reach out to them first. but here's the thing, if none of you take the initiative to make the first move, this connection might not move forward and might even be lost. i'm not picking on a lot of sexual energy here. i feel like this person genuinely likes you and wants to get to know you. for them intimacy is not just sex, it's about spending time with the right person. 
i am going to end your reading, my love but something just doesn't sit right with me. i feel like this person feels like they aren't being noticed by you at all and they might even feel neglected in general. their energy is so dull and sad and they struggle a lot with confidence. this person is in conflict with themselves. 
additional information - 12, virgo, moon, 5, 8, gemini, sun, 6, pluto, firm back, back turned towards you, yellow, scared, unsure, argumentative, withdrawal, red, orange, questioning morals, black cat. 
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hi loves!! i hope this reading finds you in good health and i hope you are doing well. take care of yourself and i will see you in my next reading. thank you for being here<3
(note: tarot & oracle cards provide guidance and possible insights into what could happen based on current energies, thoughts, feelings and actions. the cards can highlight potential paths or outcomes, but they do not predict the future in a fixed way. this is a general reading so take what resonates!)
જ⁀➴ all credit for the pictures & dividers goes to their rightful owners and creators.
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loveemagicpeace · 1 year ago
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Saturn lord of karma
Saturn is considered the most powerful planet in astrology and also the planet that is the most difficult to know. For many years, they believed that Saturn was bad, but the negative turned out to be one of the better planets. All other planets lose energy, which is especially true for the planet Mars.
Saturn in Taurus- excessive exaggerations towards materialism. The cause is a strong conscious or unconscious fear of losing property, visits or possessions. People with this position feel that they are not important without money. They may have a fear of poverty. Because by having money, they can enjoy things and have the feeling that they cannot do without material things. They see life as real, serious, uncompromising. They are hardworking and always save money. They are persistent, motivated and want to be successful.
Saturn in Virgo- these people are hard-working, diligent, focused on everyday activities. They work a lot on their health and body. Many times, however, they can be subjected to excessive strain due to their health. These people are perfectionists, precise, thoughtful and very good at what they do. They are very good analysts. Accepting responsibility can be hindered by a lack of faith in one's own abilities, suspicion and fear that they will not satisfy society.
Saturn in Capricorn- here Capricorn is at home and in a comfortable position. He knows how to organize perfectly, he is reliable, solid, responsible. He can be a great leader. An individual with this position wants to be an example to other people, because he wants to be socially and socially important, because he has a desire for power and control. He has very high life goals, he wants to be a successful and respected member of the social community. He has important insights early in his life, but he learns the most from his own experiences.
Saturn in Gemini-the ambitions of these people are related to learning, studying, teaching, acquiring specific knowledge. These people are interested in many things and can also be people who start something but don't finish it because they can't decide what it is that really attracts them. However, the individual may have a tendency to control and overthink each person. It can also be a source of strict upbringing (that he must not say what he thinks). A career can be related to journalism, public speaking, literature.
Saturn in Libra- the area of relationships has the greatest influence on the development of these people. A source of acquaintance, diplomacy, understanding, love and business relationships. But this is the most difficult and the biggest challenge for them. People want to highlight justice, seriousness, affection, kindness, patience. They may feel a great responsibility towards partner relationships. Therefore, they always approach them very seriously. However, they may be hindered by the fear of losing their partner relationship. Many times they have high criteria when it comes to love. The profession of the field is usually related to fashion, science, art, politics.
Saturn in Aquarius- symbolizes solidity, thoughtfulness, progress of ideas, innovativeness. These people can achieve a lot by inventing something. But there are usually people who don't like to follow the rules and do exactly the opposite of what they should. It can cause melancholy, dissatisfaction. Lanka limit freedom of thought. Many times these people want to do things their way. He perceives the world as a place where every person should have the same opportunities for development and social establishment, or professional success. This position is characterized by a scientific-systematic thinking approach, which through experiences achieves a high level of internal crystallization and ingenious mutual logical connection. Such a situation leads to loneliness and problems in partnerships and relationships, because the life principles of these people are very unusual, but at the same time advanced and hard to understand by contemporaries. It also indicates extraordinary creative restlessness, nervousness, unpredictability and a tendency to make radical changes. Due to strict upbringing and limitations in childhood, they later try to make up for it with an exaggerated tendency towards freedom, independence and detachment.
Saturn in 2nd house-This position indicates great insecurity, which is associated with a lack of self-confidence and self-worth. The very slow development of the value and value system is characteristic. There is a probability that the individual's upbringing in his youth was associated with poverty, deprivation, misery or even hunger. So now you are working on getting all the needs. A person can identify himself with money, material goods, or with his wealth, this becomes his only way of asserting himself in the social environment. When a person realizes that money is not everything and begins to change his lifestyle, he sees things differently.
Saturn in 3rd house-The third house tells something about the way of thinking, intellect, basic education, ability to communicate, about gathering information, movement over short distances, means of transport, brothers and sisters and about conditions in the immediate environment. Saturn in the 3rd house creates order, discipline, strictness, responsibility and orientation towards a specific type of self and information. Checks if the information is correct. If a child is exposed to too strict control of information, he may have problems with expression and vocabulary. He can be the target of criticism and constant monitoring of what and how he speaks, thereby exerting psychological pressure on the child. Later in life, the individual has difficulty developing an authentic exchange of information, speaks quietly or reservedly, or is ashamed of what he said. Usually, individuals with this position are very intelligent, have good concentration and great depth of thought. A child with this Saturn position is very diligent and a good student in elementary school. You can be stubborn and value the knowledge that was gained based on experience and practical observations the most. It may happen that one of the brothers or sisters "plays the role of Saturn". This means that, as an older child, he puts himself in the role of a guardian or an authority that must be listened to and obeyed. You are very careful when you drive vehicles, so there is not a high probability of accidents and accidents, unless Saturn is strongly afflicted.
Saturn in 6th house-Daily habits and tasks (for example, hygiene, cleaning, house order, principles of behavior, etc.) are very precisely determined, as the individual demands absolute order and compliance with the established rules. They may be inclined to find themselves in a very demanding job, where there are high standards and requirements that must be met unconditionally. Service is sometimes such a burden with this position of Saturn, that the individual can bear it with difficulty. Work conditions can be made more difficult by a colleague, which has an extremely burdensome effect on the individual, reduces his work morale and tries to devalue the individual's work and efforts. The pressures at the workplace are often so heavy that a person is no longer able to perform their work correctly and with high quality. Prav sesta house points to a close psychosomatic connection between work processes and health, which are also cyclical in their essence. In order to maintain health, it is necessary to be allowed to rest, to eat properly and healthily, to be physically active and to be allowed to sleep. A person's health is most burdened when the individual is burdened day in and day out with the problems and disappointments he experiences in life, and at the same time he sleeps poorly, does not feel well, eats improperly and does not exercise enough.
Saturn in 7th house-The position of Saturn here represents lasting love and marriage relationships, what he expects from personal and business partnerships, how he relates to business clients and other people, and to open opponents and lower courts. This position of Saturn is otherwise demanding, as it shows that relationships are the theme of life that will berequired the most effort, effort, patience, tolerance and perseverance. Balancing the relationship with such a partner is a difficult task, because she strictly insists on her views and principles, which means that it is difficult to expect any changes. Says even to such a choice of a partner who will first test you, isolate you, then reject you and ultimately disappoint you. The question arises how to mitigate or even prevent this. The answer lies within search, contemplation, tolerance, humor and in-depth communication between partners. An individual may choose a partner much older than himself because he is experienced, stable, reliable and financially secure, but he is dissatisfied with him because of inflexibility, old-fashionedness and ageism and other limitations bring a lot of problems into the relationship. You can also be afraid of living alone, but at the same time you are afraid of problems in a partnership.
Saturn in 10th house-The tenth house tells something about career choice, business success and professional reputation, relationship with the public and relationship with parents. The top of the tenth house (MC) indicates concretely expected achievements in life and the realization of the individual's public ambitions. Saturn is extremely well placed in the tenth house, which is why its position is also solid and strong. The individual is fully ready to take responsibility for social achievements, show himself as an honorable person, fulfill his ambitions and become a real authority. Success is the ultimate goal, no matter how difficult the path to it is. Relationship with parents and upbringing are very important in this position, because the more visible of the parents requires discipline, order, rigor and systematicity. It is interesting that the ambitions we feel later in life are proportional to the pressure on the child's identity in the early life period.
Saturn in 11th house-this house tells something about relationships with friends, about group activities, hopes, wishes and expectations in life, about large organizations and events over which the individual has no influence. It is typical for Saturn here that the individual shows his superiority and isolation within the group and behaves like a "lone wolf". He has problems if he wants to establish occasional friendly contacts, because he acts strict, aloof and defensive. People who have been presented to him as "acceptable", i.e. those whom he meets through family, business, religion or interests, rarely receive him warmly, so he feels unaccepted in this social structure. An individual with Saturn in the eleventh house is painfully aware that he is not welcome anywhere, but at the same time he is overwhelmed by a deep feeling of loneliness and detachment.
🎸For personal readings u can sign up here: https://snipfeed.co/bekylibra 🎸
-Rebekah🌙🍍🎸
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itsnesss · 5 months ago
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𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 | minho (xo,kitty) × fem!reader
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summary | you meet minho in the park after your breakup. he listens, understands, and comforts you. as the connection deepens, you share a kiss that brings the peace you've been longing for
warnings | fluff, consolation, breakup, kisses
word count | 0.9 k
author's note | it would help me a lot if you liked, commented and reposted so that more people read what I write and don't forget to follow me, thanks ᡣ𐭩
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The sound of the phone vibrating in your pocket pulls you out of your thoughts. The brightness of the screen makes it clear that it’s Minho. You know something isn’t right. You can feel it in the air. You answer the phone with a mix of nervousness and hope.
"Hello, how are you?" His voice sounds soft, almost cautious.
"I’m… I’m fine," you answer, though you don’t feel that way at all. But Minho has always been good at reading between the lines, and you notice how his tone immediately changes.
"Don’t lie to me," he responds firmly. "Do you mind if we meet up?"
You know what’s going on. It doesn’t surprise you that he called, but you didn’t expect him to read your emotions so well.
"Alright," you finally say, your voice a little broken. "I’ll be there."
The evening cold seems to intensify as you walk through the park, the place where you’ve always met to talk. The wind stirs your hair, and every step feels heavier than the last. You can’t help but feel empty after what happened with your boyfriend. Breaking up with him was the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but you knew it was the right thing. Love wasn’t what you had hoped for anymore.
When you arrive, you see Minho sitting on a bench, his head down, a slight sigh escaping his lips. He notices you immediately, but doesn’t move. You stand there, watching as he runs a hand through his hair and his shoulders slightly shrug. It’s strange seeing him like this. He’s usually so confident, so full of energy.
"How are you feeling?" you ask as you approach him.
Minho looks at you, and for a moment, he seems unsure of what to say. However, in his eyes, you see something familiar: empathy. In his gaze, you know he understands perfectly. He’s been through his own kind of pain.
"It hurts, doesn’t it?" he asks softly, almost as if testing your emotions.
You nod without saying a word, but the lump in your throat grows bigger. Minho moves to make space for you next to him on the bench, and you sit beside him. The silence between you feels comfortable, as if words could make things worse, but at the same time, you both know you need to get out of there.
"Sometimes… I don’t know if I did the right thing," you murmur finally, looking ahead. "Breaking up with him tears me apart, but I also know we weren’t okay anymore."
Minho turns towards you, and for the first time, you see vulnerability in his expression. He moves a little closer, so close that you can feel the warmth of his presence.
"You did it for yourself, didn’t you?" his voice is calm, but full of understanding. "And even though it hurts, it’s for the best. Sometimes love isn’t enough when there’s no respect or mutual growth."
You feel the weight of his words sinking deep into your chest. How is it that Minho knows exactly what you needed to hear? Something in his tone comforts you, makes you feel like you’re not alone in this pain.
"Thank you," you whisper, turning towards him. "Thank you for being here."
Minho smiles softly and nods. A flash of warmth in his gaze makes you feel like everything will be okay. For a moment, the storm in your chest seems to calm. But that feeling doesn’t last long. You know you need more. The emptiness inside you doesn’t disappear completely with just words.
So, without thinking much, you lean towards him. Maybe it’s the pain, maybe it’s the need for comfort, but the desire to be close to him grows like a flame. Minho doesn’t pull away. Instead, his gaze softens, and he slowly moves closer, as if waiting for you to make the move.
Words aren’t necessary when your faces are so close, almost touching. You can feel his breath mingling with yours, and something inside you beats loudly. The first contact is gentle, tentative. His lips meet yours with a tenderness that surprises you, but at the same time, comforts you. It’s as if all the pain you’ve been carrying dissolves in that moment, in the touch of his lips.
Minho closes his eyes, and his hands gently rest on your cheeks, caressing them with tenderness. The warmth of his touch envelops you, and for a moment, you forget the world around you. You forget the breakup, you forget the pain. You’re just here, with him.
"Is… is this okay?" you ask, a little confused, pulling away slightly to look at him. The fear of what this kiss might mean makes you hesitate.
Minho looks at you intently, but this time, there’s no confusion in his eyes. There’s only calm. He nods slowly.
"Yes, it’s okay. Just… let me be here for you."
And then, without saying anything more, his lips find yours again, this time with more confidence, more passion. Everything you’ve been holding back, all the doubts, all the insecurities, fade away. The kiss deepens, and the world seems to disappear.
Finally, when you pull apart, both of you are breathing heavily, but with a sense of peace in the air.
"I think I needed this," you say softly, smiling with a mix of relief and something more. "Not just the comfort, but… this."
Minho looks at you steadily, with a serene and peaceful expression.
"Me too," he responds, moving closer again to gently caress your hair. "Sometimes what we need isn’t just advice. It’s someone who’s willing to be by your side, no matter what".
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gloomwitchwrites · 9 months ago
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Obsession
Thorin Oakenshield x Female Reader
Content & Warnings (MDNI): Stalker AU, mutual stalking, mutual pining, unhealthy behavior, slight tension, flirting
Word Count: 900
A/N: Requested by @protosslady for 3.5k Spooky Bingo (Stalker AU)
One sided-stalking becomes a mutual endeavor.
ao3 // main masterlist // 3.5k spooky bingo masterlist
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A little thrill runs up your spine.
It's a dangerous game you play.
A series of behaviors that go far beyond the bounds of appropriateness.
But you cannot help yourself. The itch to watch—to linger—is a tangible yet unrelenting need.
Many women fawn over Prince Thorin. They openly follow him, throwing themselves in his path with the hope that he might take the bait. They are unafraid and their behavior is acceptable. Why would they not? Prince Thorin is handsome and without a wife. Surely, he would find favor with someone.
But you do not.
You do not throw yourself in Prince Thorin's path.
Yet you trace his every step. Have learned his habits. You go out of your way to be where he is at all times if just for the chance to see him.
It's an obsession. A dark need that won't abate. It is wrong to do this, to dig around and dwell when he has no idea who you are.
At least the other women are forthright with their admiration and longing. Their intentions are clear and plain for all to see. They hide nothing from him nor anyone in Erebor. And they are utterly unashamed of what they do.
You? You are ashamed.
It is a deep wound. A gnarled gash.
But it is an impulse.
One you chose to indulge.
And it’s not like you ever approach him. It’s not like you’re actively seeking Prince Thorin’s attentions, though you believe that he will eventually notice you.
If Prince Thorin crosses your path, you suddenly become keenly interested in a nearby wall, or you observer your nails as if dirt sits under them. But the whole time, you’re observing him from the corner of your eye—tracking his every movement and step.
And on that same note, Prince Thorin does not stop.
He says nothing to you.
You are hyper aware of his presence at all times. You take note of his conversations with others. If you find something out about him—like he’s been enjoying a particular treat of late—you make sure to leave a small gift for him.
No note. No name.
Just an offering. A sample.
The other women who clamber after him wouldn’t date. And when they do, you make sure those gifts disappear completely before Prince Thorin has a chance to see them. One of these days, a few of the miners are going to find a pile of broken gifts at the bottom of a mine shaft.
And what is the point, really? Will Prince Thorin actually find this attention favorable?
Eventually.
Surely.
You are the most dedicated. You respect his personal space even as you watch from afar. You’re the one who is actually trying by observing and listening, not fawning.
It is an impulse.
A pull.
This is more than attraction—more than lust.
You will have him.
Eventually, you will have him.
It is council day. Thorin always attends.
Like clockwork, you watched him enter at his usual time and place. But many hours have passed, and it is now far beyond the normal time for his departure. Others have passed under the arch, but Thorin has yet to emerge.
Worry sets in.
Have you missed him? Did you somehow forget his schedule? You wrote it all done. There is an entire journal hidden in your home that has it all written down to the minute. Have you completely messed this up?
"A stalker? I'm flattered."
You nearly jump out of your skin at the soft purr of Prince Thorin’s voice. Turning around, you press yourself up against the stone. He is right there, invading your space. Placing a hand against the rock behind you, Prince Thorin leans in, stopping all escape.
"I've been watching you," murmurs Thorin.
Watching…you?
"Me?" you ask, voice small and timid.
He nods. "On council days, you wait here. For me. But you've never approached. Why?"
"I—I don't wait for you." Thorin arches an eyebrow, unimpressed. You swallow, glancing away. "Perhaps I do,” you mutter.
"Do you like me?"
"My prince?" you ask, startled.
"Do you," he repeats. "Like me?"
You've certainly been watching him, tracing his every step, and observing his movements with the hope that he will happen to walk by you. A glimpse is all you want—all you crave.
But Prince Thorin is seeking an answer, and you are unsure of what to say. Admitting that you do would be a relief, but it's clear he knows you've been haunting his schedule like a wraith.
The corner of Thorin's mouth twitches with amusement. "On council days, you wait at this wall for me." He shifts, his gaze angled at the archway he should have come out of. "I exit there to go to the mines." His gaze returns to you. "When I assist in the royal treasury, you're somehow lingering nearby, acting like you're supposed to be there. Everywhere I am, you also are."
"I don't know what you're talking about,” you reply quickly.
"But you,” Prince Thorin emphasizes. “Visit the market when fresh flowers are delivered from Dale. Your favorite treat from the bakery is the apple tart. And you always haggle with Alfrin over jewelry and yet pay full price anyway."
"How—"
"Are we to keep playing games? Or will you allow me to take you on a proper date?"
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n0tsketchyy · 2 months ago
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Guys I need you to hear me out right now. Bruce Wayne and Matt Murdock friendship.
The type of friendship that has anyone who knows them side-eyeing because neither of these emotionally-stunted men are the type to really do “friends.”
———
Bruce Wayne first met Matt Murdock at a charity gala in New York. Initially he approached Matt as another simple, powerful attorney to network with:
What he didn’t anticipate was Matt immediately seeing through his carefully constructed public persona. Something about the way Matt tilted his head while they spoke—as if listening to something far beyond Bruce’s words—unsettled him. Bruce Wayne did not do “unsettled.”
Over the following months, Batman had several encounters with Daredevil while investigating a human trafficking ring operating between Gotham and Hell’s Kitchen. Their initial team-up was tense at best and downright hostile at worst, with Daredevil bristling at Batman’s commanding presence and Batman frustrated at the other vigilante’s refusal to share information. Eventually (way longer than it should’ve taken, they’re both stubborn as hell) they developed a mutual respect for each other’s methods.
It wasn’t until a year later that the connection clicked for Bruce. During a pro bono consultation where Wayne Enterprises had brought in Nelson & Murdock, Bruce noticed Matt’s body language seemed to perfectly mimic Dare Devil’s. That evening, when Matt returned to his apartment, he found Batman sitting silently by his window.
“We should talk, Mr. Murdock.”
Matt just raised a brow, “I was wondering when you’d say that, Mr. Wayne.”
Anyways, post-discovery created an unusual bond, since neither of them had peers who truly understood their dual lives or methods. What began as occasional case consultations evolved into something resembling friendship. Matt was able to work the legal system in ways Bruce couldn’t, and Matt appreciated having someone who understood the burden of operating a city that needed constant protection.
Alfred has noted with amusement that Bruce seems almost relaxed during Matt's rare visits to Wayne Manor, the two men spending hours in quiet conversation in the study. Especially since both of them share a dark sense of humor they don’t express publicly.
When Matt is dealing with particularly difficult cases involving children, he sometimes calls Bruce, not for assistance, but simply because Bruce understands the specific anguish of being unable to save everyone (cough cough Jason Todd). Similarly, on the anniversaries of his parents' deaths, Bruce occasionally finds himself in Hell's Kitchen, where Matt knows exactly when to speak and when silence is needed.
Dick Grayson once commented that Matt might be Bruce's only true friend outside the "family," the only person Bruce interacts with who isn't either a surrogate family member or a means to an end. Bruce didn't deny it.
Their friendship remains largely private—a connection between two men who recognize in each other the same obsessive drive for justice and the same struggle to maintain humanity behind their respective masks. They don't need to meet often; the understanding between them runs deeper than regular contact would require.
(Dick finds the whole situation hilarious—watching Bruce pretend not to know Matt is Daredevil while Matt pretends not to know Bruce is Batman during their awkward "civilian" interactions at public events. He's made it his personal mission to drop increasingly obvious hints whenever they're all together, much to Bruce's carefully concealed annoyance.)
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personasintro · 2 years ago
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Mutual Help | #21
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𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭: @kithtaehyung
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↳ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬; in order for you to pretend to be his girlfriend, he helps you with your sexual desires ⏤ he calls it mutual help
⇢ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: jungkook x reader
⇢ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: fake dating au, fluff, angst, smut, slow burn
⇢ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: explicit language
⇢ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 5.4k+
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⇠ 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯. | 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐱 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 ⇢ 
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When the morning comes, you don't spend any more time in the tent than it's necessary. Jungkook is still fast asleep, facing you with his back in more ways than just in a sleepy position. Even your dreams were filled with him, replaying your yesterday's conversation that ended up with him snapping at you. It affected you more than you hoped for, you know he's just hurt and not ready to tell you whatever happened between him and Kiko. That's his way of coping, even though you're obviously bummed out that you weren't the person he wanted to talk to. But then, you remember when Jimin called you to visit your best friend and you saw how heartbroken he was. He was trying to push away everyone, wanting to be left alone. And he's doing the same thing now and you're going to respect that.
It's different because when they called you that night, Jungkook was calmer and was just left as a depressed and sulked human being. But now, you could've seen him after something happened just a few minutes before he came back to your camping spot.
And that's how you spend your walk to the building where you take a morning shower — thinking about Jungkook while your heart aches for him, even though you've no idea what happened. One thing is for sure, they talked and maybe Kiko finally spilled her secret. Shaking your head, you decide it's time to stop thinking about possible scenarios or your best friend that has never snapped at you so much.
When you come back, you're taken aback at the sight of awoken Jungkook who rubs his eyes and sleepily sits on one of the fishing chairs, wearing his oversized black hoodie with matching black shorts. It's getting hot outside, but he doesn't seem to mind. His hair is completely rustled, sticking to different directions but it still looks soft and sleek.
"Hey, where did you go?" Jimin asks loudly when he sees you approaching everyone, causing their eyes to turn to you but you've set them solely on your friend.
"Went to take a shower." you shrug, giving him a faint smile as you glance at Jungkook.
You almost scoff loudly when he stares at you before he looks away slowly and reaches for some snacks.
Jimin looks at you and then at Jungkook, glancing back at you as he hides a frown that wants to settle on his puffy morning face. He finds it weird because you haven't told anyone about you taking a shower and you just disappeared, Jungkook obviously didn't know when he asked him and told everyone he woke up alone. And the two of you act weird around each other, not hiding it that well at all.
"Are you hungry?" he settles on asking, "We're making some sandwiches."
"No, thanks," you give him another smile but he doesn't buy it, "I had some leftovers from yesterday." you shrug, excusing yourself by saying you need to pack.
And it's true. You don't need your friends staring at you, trying to figure out what the hell happened between you and Jungkook. The worst thing is, that even you don't know.
In the midst of your packing, when you hear some laughter and chatter, Jimin comes up to help you as he loads your luggage into the trunk of Jungkook's car.
"Hey, is everything okay between you and Jungkook? You two are acting weird." he says, voice thick with worry when Taehyung walks up to you and has the same look on his face.
They're worried. You thought they're too busy fooling around to notice you or Jungkook, but it proved to be wrong. They're still your friends and they noticed.
"Uh, I don't know." you shrug, not really sure what to tell them. You don't know anything since Jungkook doesn't want to tell you and you're giving him the space he wanted. All you've got are wild guesses of what could possibly be behind his behavior.
"Did you guys have fight?" Jimin tries again, head tilting to a side as he nibbles on his bottom lip.
"Something like that." you mutter, not particularly showing any emotion.
Of course, you're kind of sad that Jungkook doesn't want to tell you and even snapped at you, something he has never done. Not in such a serious situation where you could've seen there's something wrong with him. He's been very open with you, all the time, but it seems like whatever he's battling with, even you as his best friend, can't help. And for some reason, that makes you sad even more because you want to be there for him. Whatever that is. But as a best friend, you respect his space and even though this is quite new, him not telling you anything, you're not going to be noisy and cause him any more harm.
You can't tell Jimin and Taehyung even the littlest you know. You'd have to mention Kiko and the fact they went for a walk, or God knows what they were doing, that ended with Jungkook coming back in a completely different state. The less they know the better.
"Do you want me to kick his ass?" Jimin asks, causing you and Taehyung to chuckle at his frown and determined tone but even his corners of mouth twitch in a grin.
"Nah, I can kick his ass on my own if he truly pisses me off." you shrug, causing the two men to laugh and you join them.
"Well, I hope everything will be fine. You've barely fought, if ever... and Jungkook looks like shit ever since he woke up. He doesn't talk, barely reacts to any of us and then we saw you acting so distant, we just got worried. Whatever happened, I really hope you'll figure it out."
You realize that seeing the two of you acting so distant and almost ignoring each other, like Jimin just initiated, is very weird to them as well. Jungkook and you bickered a few times, over snacks or stupid stuff that were never that serious and always ended up with him tickling you or you slapping his arm. It happened in the presence of Jimin and Taehyung as well, and you're reminded again how much they know your friendship as well. That's why it was so weird for them to hear that you started dating together.
"We will, Jimin-ah. Don't worry about it." you smile at him, surprised when he hugs you all of a sudden but you hug him back.
It's been awhile since he hugged you, and you missed him. When he pulls away, you see Taehyung leaning against Jungkook's sleek car as he gives you a smile of encouragement. You smile back, knowing that no matter what, they've got your back and are here for you. They might not know everything, but they're true friends.
"That's what happens when you start dating your best friend." Taehyung speaks up, trying to brighten up the mood but it ends up with your smile falling down and Jimin exclaiming his name.
"Taehyung!"
"What? Am I wrong?" he shrugs innocently, causing you and Jimin to burst in laughter as he wraps his arm around Taehyung's shoulders and starts to shake his laughing form.
Shaking your head, you make your way to the rest of the guys while you'll try to enjoy your last minutes on this camping trip.
Taehyung might be right, although you know this has nothing to do with you "dating" Jungkook. This is something his and Kiko's relationship caused. And when you get back and see Kiko's puffy face and Jungkook's dark circles and how pale his skin and face looks from the lack of sleep, you know you're right.
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Going back home settles a weird feeling in your chest. You're sad that it's over and you wish you could stay a little longer to explore nature and experience more adventurous memories. It's sad to think about tomorrow's day, Monday, and the fact you've to wake up early in the morning and go to work. Reality crashes onto you and you realize, those three days being away from your daily routine have passed away too quickly. On the other hand, you can't wait to go back home and take a proper bath. You also miss your bed and how much softer it'll feel now that you've spent two nights in a tent. Appreciation points for Jungkook, for making sure you've got three layers of blankets beneath you, so you've the softest surface and can get a peaceful sleep.
However, even the mentioned man is the reason why you can't wait to go back home. It seems to be more serious than you thought, considering he barely uttered a single word. The only thing he asked you, right after you said goodbye to everyone who went in a separate car, was if you got everything. With a small nod and gentle 'yes' your conversation, a very short lived one, ended.
It feels awkward to be in a one car, where the tension can be obviously felt and not even Taehyung's jokes and attempts of keeping conversation helps. You feel sorry for him, and you're suddenly thankful there is Minjae and Seulgi who keep chatting with him. His words are obviously aimed at you and Jungkook, but you're both not in a mood. You can't pretend you're ecstatic and full of energy, when your sleep wasn't as good as you hoped it'd be and Jungkook looks like he hadn't slept at all.
Your answers and attempt of giving at least some kind of feedback to Taehyung are even more awkward and after that, you decide it's better to just close your eyes and listen to the soft music that's playing in the background. Even Taehyung gives up and sulks back into the seat with a frown settling on his lips.
Minjae and Selugi are the first ones to leave, Taehyung follows them shortly after leaving you and Jungkook alone. The drive to your home is almost uncomfortably awkward, and when Jungkook parks the car in a parking lot you almost let out a sigh of relief. As soon as he turns off the engine, you open the door and go straight to the truck to get your stuff. You're not angry at Jungkook, but you don't really know what to say to him. He's the one who barely talks and you're not going to try and make a conversation when he has made it clear that he wants to be left alone. Just as you're closing the trunk, the driver's door opens and Jungkook gets out of the car.
Surprisingly, he looks at you and you almost gasp at the sight of his face. Of course, this is not the first time you see him today but it's the first time he's looking straight into your eyes from such close proximity. Those dark circles underneath his eyes look even more awful than you thought, and his eyes are glossy and puffy. It's like he's on the verge of breaking down.
"Thanks for the ride," you tell him, giving him a small smile which he doesn't return but takes a shaky breath. "You wanna come in?" you ask, expecting him to cancel your offer.
"Yeah," he rasps out, "If that's okay with you."
Smiling at him, you nod. "Of course." you mutter softly, thanking him when he takes the bags from your hands.
The walk towards your apartment building is silent, just like the car ride here was, except that there's no Taehyung that could fill the awkward silence with his jokes or use his social butterfly personality. Jungkook trails behind you silently, holding your bags for you the whole way into your modest apartment.
"You can leave them here, I need to wash everything anyway," you tell him, closing the door behind him as he listens to you and gently puts them down on the floor. "Thank you." you smile, but all you're met is just another nod he gives you as he takes off his shoes.
You do the same thing, slowly making your way inside while he follows you. His footsteps are almost inaudible, and if it weren't for his soft and musky scent you'd think he still stands beside the front door. He plops himself down onto your couch, and just when you're about to ask him if he'd like to have something to drink, he takes a deep breath before his soft voice carries between the walls.
"I'm sorry,"
Your features soften, and your body moves automatically to sit down next to him as you watch him. He sounds so vulnerable, it makes your heart clench at the sight of your best friend.
You told yourself you're going to respect his decision and not to pry, even though your curiosity and heart tells you otherwise. You wish you could help, to do anything at this point, but it's hard when you don't know what happened.
"She cheated," he says, cutting off your thoughts as your eyes snap back to him and the way he nibbles on his bottom lip. "S-she cheated on me." His voice shivers, hands quickly rubbing his eyes as he tries to ward off any tears that might be ready to spill.
"She told you that?" you ask him, not sure what's the right to say at this point. All you can focus on is his front teeth picking on his bottom lip and your heart hurts for him.
When he gives a weak nod, your hands grab his as you clutch them tightly in your grasp.
She really cheated on him? When Jungkook came up with that thought, you were quick to tell him otherwise. There's no way she'd cheat on him. Yes, their whole breakup was weird and shady, just as Jungkook called it himself. He knew something's not right and when he finally got over the first emotions of a heartbreak, he realized there's something more. Not in a million years you'd think, she's able to cheat on him.
First of all, Jungkook is a complete package. He's a man any woman would dream of. He's a hardworking, loving, soft and thoughtful person who takes care of others and loves them with all his heart. He's not perfect, not at all. But his soul is pure and he'd do anything for his family and friends. He gave himself to her, trusted her with his heart and she shattered it into million pieces from the moment she broke up with him.
And he doesn't deserve that. No matter what he did yesterday, his little outburst and pushing you away, you know he didn't mean it. If it were any other guy, you'd tell him to fuck off but not to Jungkook. Not when you knew as soon as you saw the look on his face, that whatever happened messed him up. And it all makes sense.
That's why Kiko cried while Hoseok comforted her, although you're not sure why he's still by her side at this point when he knows she cheated. He must be a very loyal best friend. You've no idea why she did or any details, you can't really judge her. But the best friend part of you despises her for breaking Jungkook's heart and hurting him this badly.
"We talked and I-I wanted to know what truly happened." His words are hard to get out and you don't burden him with any more questions that might be hurting him even more.
"I'm sorry, Kook. You don't deserve this." you tell him, head dropping onto his shoulder as you hug him.
He sits still, barely moving. It makes you feel useless, because there's nothing you could do to make this any easier. The only thing you can do is to be there for him.
"The worst part of this is that I still love her. Isn't that fucked up?" he scoffs at himself, causing your head to lift up as you stare at him.
"Love is a weird thing." you tell him, understanding how confused he must be even though you've never felt that hurtful breakup. Going through a heartbreak is one thing, being cheated on is another. And the mix of those things at the same time is a complete disaster.
"I want to hate her so much, but I don't. She hurt me and I still fucking love her," he blurts out, "I-I asked her if she loves me."
You sit up, straightening yourself as you can't help but stare at his swollen eyes. "What did she say?"
Eyebrows frowned in confusion, it seems like he's growing even more confused with each sentence and minute as he's replaying yesterday's events.
"She said she loves me." he answers softly, featuring softening as he replays her words.
You can't help but scoff. "She wouldn't have cheated if she loved you."
He glares at you, obviously not liking what you've just said even though he probably thinks the same thing. He just doesn't want to let her go no matter what. "We don't know anything. We don't know why she did that or--" he stutters over his words, but you just shake your head.
"Are you really making excuses for her? Kook, she cheated on you," His face twists into another hurtful expression, but it needs to be said. "You deserve so much better. Someone who's gonna be there for you and treat you just as equally amazing as you treated her. There was no reason for her to do that. Your whole world revolved around her, and still does, and she still did what she did. Cheating is never the answer, if you were the bad guy here, she should've broken up with you before she cheated."
Those words pain him, you can see it on his beautiful but hurt features, but he needs to hear it. He opens his mouth and closes it again, mind settling to say something else.
"I'm sorry," he says, eyes dropping onto his lap.
"What?" you chuckle. Doesn't he have anything to say after everything you just said to him?
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I was acting like a fucking idiot. I was so hurt and I just-- snapped. I wanted to talk to you but then I saw you with Namjoon and I just-- I've no idea what came over me. You didn't deserve that, I'm so sorry." he apologizes, eyes finding yours as he stares at you with determination and honesty in his big doe eyes.
"Kook, it's okay," you mutter, "Although, it was unnecessary to mention Namjoon when all we did was just talk."
"You're right, I overreacted," he frowns, shutting his eyes before he lets out a groan. "I'm such an asshole."
"Don't be so tough on yourself, I knew there was something wrong with you and something must've happened. Don't beat yourself over this."
What good would it do if you were angry at him? You knew from the beginning that there's more to his sudden outburst and reaction. Yes, he acted stupid but it makes sense now.
"No, don't make excuses for me," he tells you, "I was a dick to you. If I could just turn back time and--"
"Hey, hey, hey," you stop him, hands grabbing his as you look into his eyes deeply. "I told you it's okay. You were acting like a dick, yes, but you've been through a lot. Let's not just talk about this anymore, okay?"
The last thing you want for him, is to beat himself up over something he didn't mean.
Jungkook doesn't seem to be convinced by your words, tongue poking his inner cheek as he has the same frown settled on his face.
"I snapped at you so many times before, not even once you made me feel awful about it. You've put up with my ass so many times," you remind him, gently nudging his shoulder as he glances at you. "Remember that time when I screamed at you because you brought me that red mug instead of that pink with white dots on it?" you laugh, remembering as if it was yesterday.
The color of that mug didn't really matter, it was about the size of it that did. Poor Jungkook made you a chamomile tea and you screamed at him once he poured it into the wrong mug. It's just one of many memories where you were acting like a bitch.
"But you were on your period that time." he comments, looking at you confusingly.
"Look who's making excuses for me, huh?" you judge him, the corner of his mouth quirks up as he chuckles.
"You always get bitchy when you're on your period," he shrugs, scrunching his nose while he starts cackling once you let out a fake exclamation. "It makes me feel sorry for your future husband, or anyone that'll have to put up with your ass." he teases you, causing you to slap his shoulder with much more strength as you laugh.
"You're so mean!" you exclaim through your giggling, happy to see him show at least some kind of positive emotion.
"I was just joking," he mutters as his smile slowly fades away. "Kinda."
Snorting, you both sit in a quiet and peaceful silence for a moment before you speak. "What's your plan now?" you ask carefully.
He quickly catches onto the meaning behind your words and lets out another sigh of exhaustion. "I've no idea," he answers truthfully, "I just need my best friend right now." he says, smiling when you cuddle up to his side.
He wraps his arm around your frame, pulling you even closer as you hug him around his stomach with one arm.
"Well, I'm here," you mutter into his chest, "Do you wanna stay the night? I've got some of your clothes in my closet."
You can feel and hear his heartbeat through his shirt as it sends a calming wave through your body.
"Yeah," he answers softly, hand slowly caressing your back.
A few minutes of you cuddling to each other, you hear him sniffling every now and then, making you pay more attention rather than to just listen to his heartbeat and enjoy the comfort of his chest and your couch. "Kook, are you crying?" you ask softly.
"No," he denies, although you hear a shiver running down his voice. Just when you're about to pull away to look at him in an obvious concern, his hold on you tightens and he doesn't allow you to see him.
Your heart tightens. He must be so hurt. Jungkook barely cries, he's stubborn when it comes to crying and he can hold himself back so much. There aren't many things that can make him cry, but this one that he's crying over right now, is serious and understandable. Respecting his decision, you lay back onto his chest while you listen to his heartbeat because there's nothing else you can do. He needs his best friend and you're there for him.
Even if it means just being in his arms while he cries his heart out silently.
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Understandably, the next morning is more comfortable than those two nights spent in a tent and it's not just because Jungkook is warming up your body this time. Your soft and spacious bed is a huge plus too, and there are no bugs crawling near you.
Sun's shining through your blinds, warming up the whole room which starts to get a little bit uncomfortable considering Jungkook's body pressed against yours. But you don't move, letting him hold you while soft puffs leave his mouth and fill the silence.
After he calmed down and made sure you didn't see any tears in his eyes when you looked at him and his arms loosened up around your frame, you opened a bottle of wine. It felt like you both needed it, especially Jungkook, and it hadn't cured his heartbreak but it helped to let his mind relax. One bottle wasn't enough for him to get drunk, and after you finished that cheap wine you bought a month ago, you went to wash yourselves — separately. You just hoped he's not crying while you were taking a shower. He seemed okay when you got out of the bathroom, and even smiled at you as he silently assured you he's fine. Well, not maybe completely but he's getting there. After that, he nestled inside your bed and cuddled with you before you could complain.
But you wouldn't, just the fact he needed someone — his best friend — and have that assurance during such a difficult time, convinced you and was enough.
As Jungkook's breathing picks up pace and is no longer that peaceful and relaxed, you know he's awake. He stretches his tensed muscles but still wraps his arm around your body again, breathing in your scent. It almost makes you shiver against him, feeling up his breath at the back of your neck.
"You're hot." you speak up, whining when he tightens his hold.
"Mhm, I know that." he rasps out, his voice raspy and groggy that makes your heart skip a beat. Why is this man so freaking attractive when he barely does anything? 
"No," you scoff, causing him to chuckle as he already knows what you're about to say. "You're warming me up too much."
Of course, he knows what he's doing and he's just being a little teasing shit.
"But you're so comfortable," he mutters, voice muffled by your hair. "Mhm, so comfortable." he nestles his nose into your hair even more, almost moaning in delight. You know he's just teasing you.
"Come on, you must be getting hot too. You're wearing sweatpants and a shirt." you point out, wiggling in his grasp but he still doesn't let go of you.
"I could've slept naked but you glared at me when I proposed that." he points out this time, causing you to groan.
You remember your conversation yesterday, when you brought him the clothes he left here as he started to complain. You know Jungkook likes to sleep naked, but he's always been decent to wear clothes whenever you've slept in the same bed. Way before you had sex with him, and even after that. You don't know what could happen if he slept naked. Him wearing clothes despite his protest settled at least some kind of relief that you wouldn't have to worry about your damn hormones. Jungkook respected that and he mostly teased you, while he whined like a little kid. But you know as soon as you would just nod and allow him not to wear anything, he would gladly accept it.
You don't trust Jungkook in this. You don't trust his abs and other parts of his body that could've been exposed.
"Yeah, I didn't want your dick rubbing against me the whole night." you scoff, trying to elbow him but it's impossible because of his arm draped over you.
"You've seen it all, baby. You love my dick." he teases you, your cheeks flaring red and you're glad he can't see your flustered red face.
"I'm not gonna make us breakfast if you keep me as your hostage." you decide to say, purposely not saying anything about his dick.
Jungkook catches onto that, although he doesn't say anything and just chuckles because the mention of food takes his mind off it.
"Breakfast? Fuck yeah." he exclaims, suddenly energized when he could barely utter a single word just a few minutes ago. He releases you immediately, causing you to take off the sheets of your heated body.
"Thank God," you breathe out, enjoying how air hits your skin. Deciding, it's better to start the day now because you've to go to work in two hours, you sit up while rubbing your eyes.
You're lucky you're not supposed to be in the office today, and your job requires you to visit a photoshoot nearby your apartment building.
"I'm gonna make breakfast but you should wake up too, I've work today." you say, standing up from the bed as you turn around to look at Jungkook.
He's on his stomach, face buried in one of your pillows as he shows you a thumbs up but barely makes any effort to move. Snorting, you shake your head at him before you're about to feed the always hungry man in your bed.
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You can't with this man.
Jungkook finally shows up once you call for him, telling him the breakfast is ready. It turns out you should've gone grocery shopping after you came back home, considering there's barely anything in the fridge. Kimchi fried rice has been the only option, since you've got almost all ingredients for it. You just had to cook rice which took another twenty five minutes, so you've done your makeup and put on your work clothes.
You're placing the fresh breakfast onto two plates, making sure Jungkook has the bigger portion since he eats a lot, even in the mornings which can be hardly said about you. His soft footsteps are heard, padding against the floor before he stands behind you. Hands placed on your hips, he looks over your shoulder and hums at the delicious sight.
"Come on, eat up. We don't have that much time," you tell him, scrubbing the last bits from the pan.
Your breath hitches when he places a tender kiss against your neck, smooching your cheek before he starts nibbling on the sweet skin of your neck. He smells like toothpaste and his typical scent, even through the strong smell of kimchi and pork belly.
"Jungkook, weren't you hungry?" you whine, placing the pan softly back on a stove as you gasp when he grazes his teeth against your earlobe.
"Why are you so dressed up?" he says, hands trailing down onto your stomach as he starts caressing you through the satin fabric of your rosewood blouse. The other hand slowly moves down and plays with the hem of your casual black skirt.
You look down, heart picking up the pace at the sight of his exposed tattoos, but the view is quickly taken away from you when he softly bites onto your neck causing your eyes to shut. Letting out a loud gasp, you act out of natural instinct and you jerk your hips right into his crotch. It's unintentional and your cheeks burn when you feel his soft bulge through the sweatpants.
"I told you, I, I've got work in an hour." you stutter, trying to find a good balance and strength in your voice but it's quite obvious how bad you're at it, even to you.
"An hour? Hm, that's quite a lot of time." he hums, fingers scratching your legs as they feel your black stocking.
"Jungkook," you gulp, "The food." you tell him pathetically, barely moving because it feels like he has some weird spell over you.
"Fine," he mutters, letting out a sigh before he takes a step back and you're finally able to breathe again.
Turning around, you give him a disapproving scowl which he rewards you with a sheepish grin in return.
"I'll drive you there, to your work." he says, taking the plate with a bigger portion knowing it's for him as he casually sits down on the stool.
He's so comfortable in your home. It makes you mentally snort at him, knowing he always acted like he's living with you. Not that you mind it, though.
"I can drive myself," you shrug, taking your plate as you sit down next to him. "I'd have to take a bus on my way back anyway, if you drove me there."
"I can pick you up, I don't mind." he shrugs, already munching on the breakfast as he stuffs his mouth with it.
"Are you sure?" you ask, not wanting to bother him but you know if you did, he wouldn't propose it in the first place.
He knows very well you've got your own car and you can drive yourself there.
"Of course," he says with full mouth, before he swallows and adds; "I've to edit some photos today but it's not gonna take me long. Just call or text me whenever you're done and I'll pick you up. We can go to mine and watch some movies, if you're up for that. Or anything you want."
Opening your mouth, you nod slowly as you hum in agreement. It pleases you that he wants to spend his time with you. Something's telling you this is a way of taking his mind off Kiko.
"Okay, deal." you tell him, trying to focus on eating rather than the electric feeling his mouth has left on your neck and hands all over your body.
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rosesareredrosa · 11 months ago
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Different
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Theo Nott x fem reader
Summary: Y/N, a Gryffindor, and Theodore Nott, start as enemies due to house rivalry. Over time, they discover hidden depths in each other, leading to an unexpected bond and the possibility of friendship.
A/n: I don't know what to do anymore :)
w/c: 1541
The Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter. Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins mingled in their respective groups, creating a tapestry of colors and crests. Y/N sat at the Gryffindor table with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, enjoying the usual banter over breakfast. Across the hall, the Slytherin table was occupied by Draco Malfoy and his entourage: Blaise Zabini, Lorenzo Berkshire, Pansy Parkinson, Mattheo Riddle, and Theodore Nott.
Y/N's gaze wandered to the Slytherin table, where Lorenzo and Pansy were deep in conversation. They were the only ones from the group she could tolerate—no, actually liked. Despite the rivalry between their houses, Y/N and Lorenzo had bonded over a shared interest in magical creatures, and Pansy, surprisingly, had a soft spot for Muggle fashion, which Y/N had a knack for.
However, her eyes inevitably landed on Theodore Nott. His aloof demeanor and icy blue eyes made him stand out among his peers. He was one of the quieter members of the group, often observing rather than engaging. Still, whenever he did speak, it was often to make a cutting remark, especially towards Gryffindors. Y/N had been on the receiving end of his snide comments more than once, sparking a mutual disdain.
As Y/N laughed at something Ron said, she felt eyes on her. She glanced over to see Theodore watching her, a flicker of annoyance in his gaze. He quickly looked away, leaning in to whisper something to Draco, who snickered. Y/N rolled her eyes and returned to her breakfast.
Later that day, Y/N found herself in the library, searching for a book on advanced transfiguration. As she scanned the shelves, she heard footsteps approaching. Turning, she saw Lorenzo with a warm smile on his face.
"Fancy seeing you here, Y/N. Need any help?" he offered.
"Actually, yes," Y/N replied, smiling back. "I can't seem to find the book I need. Advanced Transfiguration Techniques?"
Lorenzo nodded and stepped closer to help. As they searched, the sound of footsteps approaching made them both glance up. Theodore appeared, looking rather displeased.
"Lorenzo, what are you doing?" Theodore's voice was cold, his eyes flicking to Y/N.
"Helping a friend," Lorenzo replied, unfazed. "You should try it sometime, Theo."
Theodore's jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms. "We don't associate with Gryffindors, especially not with Potter's crowd."
Y/N bristled at his words, her previous feelings of annoyance flaring into anger. "I'm right here, you know. No need to talk about me as if I'm invisible."
"Maybe you'd like that," Theodore retorted, his tone biting. "Then we wouldn't have to listen to your incessant whining."
Lorenzo sighed, stepping between them. "Theo, that's enough. Y/N's not like the rest of them. She's... different."
"Different?" Theodore scoffed. "She's just like the rest of them. Arrogant, self-righteous, and constantly getting into trouble."
Y/N felt her temper flare. "Better than being a coward who hides behind his friends and makes snide comments from the shadows."
Theodore's eyes narrowed dangerously, but before he could retort, Lorenzo stepped in. "Alright, that's enough from both of you. We're in a library, not a dueling club."
With a final glare at Theodore, Y/N grabbed the book Lorenzo had handed her and stormed off. She could feel Theodore's gaze burning into her back but refused to turn around. As she left, she heard Lorenzo's hushed voice trying to reason with Theodore, but she didn't care. The encounter had only solidified her dislike for the Slytherin boy.
Over the next few weeks, the tension between Y/N and Theodore only grew. They continued to exchange barbed comments and glares whenever they crossed paths. It was clear to everyone that they couldn't stand each other. Lorenzo and Pansy often tried to mediate, but their efforts were in vain.
Despite this, there were moments where Y/N caught a glimpse of something more in Theodore's eyes—a flicker of something that wasn't hatred. It confused her, making her wonder if there was more to him than his cold exterior.
One day, as Y/N was leaving the greenhouse after Herbology, she found herself alone with Theodore. He was standing by the entrance, seemingly waiting for someone. She considered ignoring him and walking away, but something compelled her to stop.
"Theodore," she called, surprising even herself with her boldness.
He looked up, surprised to hear her use his first name. "What?"
"Why do you hate me so much?" she asked bluntly. "What did I ever do to you?"
Theodore's expression flickered with something unreadable. For a moment, he seemed almost vulnerable, but it quickly disappeared. "You represent everything I despise," he replied. "Gryffindors like you, always so sure of yourselves, always so... infuriating."
Y/N crossed her arms, not backing down. "That's not a real answer. That's just an excuse."
He stared at her for a long moment, then sighed. "Maybe it is. But it's the only one you're getting."
Without another word, he walked past her, leaving Y/N standing there, confused and frustrated. As she watched him go, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Theodore Nott than met the eye.
The days went by, and Y/N continued to struggle with her conflicting feelings towards Theodore. She found herself thinking about him more often, wondering what he was like beneath the cold facade. Meanwhile, Theodore seemed more distant than ever, though there were moments when she caught him watching her, his expression unreadable.
The turning point came during a particularly challenging Potions class. Professor Snape had paired them together, much to their mutual dismay. They worked in silence, the tension between them palpable.
As they prepared the potion, Y/N noticed Theodore seemed distracted. He almost added the wrong ingredient, which would have caused their potion to explode. Without thinking, she grabbed his wrist, stopping him just in time.
"Theodore, what are you doing?" she hissed, keeping her voice low so as not to attract Snape's attention.
He blinked, seemingly coming out of a trance. "I... I don't know," he muttered, clearly flustered.
For a moment, they stood there, her hand still on his wrist. Y/N felt a strange jolt at the contact, quickly withdrawing her hand. Theodore looked equally shaken, but he quickly masked it with a scowl.
"Just be careful," she muttered, turning back to their potion.
They finished the lesson in silence, but something had changed. There was a subtle shift in the air between them, an unspoken understanding. As they left the classroom, Y/N felt Theodore's gaze linger on her, and for the first time, it didn't feel hostile.
As the weeks passed, the dynamic between Y/N and Theodore continued to evolve. The barbed comments became less frequent, and they found themselves working together more often. There were still moments of tension, but there were also glimpses of something softer, something more human.
One evening, Y/N found herself in the library, struggling with a particularly difficult Arithmancy problem. She was on the verge of giving up when she heard a familiar voice.
"Need help?"
She looked up to see Theodore standing there, his expression surprisingly neutral. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
They worked together in silence, Theodore patiently explaining the concepts she was struggling with. As they worked, Y/N found herself sneaking glances at him, noticing the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the way his eyes softened when he was focused.
When they finally finished, Y/N felt a strange mix of relief and sadness. She had enjoyed working with him, more than she cared to admit.
"Thank you," she said softly, packing up her things.
Theodore nodded, his expression unreadable. "You're welcome."
As they left the library, Y/N felt a strange sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more than animosity between them.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of confusion and conflicting emotions. Y/N and Theodore continued to interact, their conversations becoming less hostile and more civil. They still had their disagreements, but there was a growing sense of mutual respect.
One day, as they were walking back from a particularly exhausting Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, Theodore spoke up.
"Y/N," he began, his voice hesitant. "Why do you care?"
She looked at him, confused. "Care about what?"
"About me," he clarified, his tone almost vulnerable. "You've always been... different. You don't just see me as a Slytherin or as someone who hates Gryffindors. You see me as... more."
Y/N stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "Because I know there's more to you," she said simply. "I don't know what it is, but I can see it. And I want to know the real you, not just the version you show everyone else."
Theodore looked at her, his expression a mix of surprise and something else she couldn't quite place. For a moment, it seemed like he was going to say something, but then he just nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Maybe one day," he said softly. "Maybe one day, I'll show you."
As they continued walking, Y/N felt a strange sense of peace. Whatever happened
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021894s · 11 months ago
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THE GIRL FROM THE BAR ⭑ lhs (COMING AUGUST 6 @ 6 pm PST)
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SYNOPSIS: After a tough workday, you visit a quiet bar to unwind, but are harassed by a persistent stranger. The charming bartender, Heeseung, steps in, defending you, sparking an unexpected conversation. As you connect, you feels your stress melt away, drawn to Heeseung's kindness and charm, setting the stage for a blossoming romance.
GENRE: romance, mutual pining
PAIRING: bartender!heeseung x f!reader
WARNINGS: fluff, smut, unprotected sex, oral (m & f receiving)
WC: tbd
REPLY TO BE ADDED TO TAGLIST!!!!
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It's an unusually quiet Wednesday night when you push open the door of the dimly lit bar. The cool air inside is a welcome contrast to the stifling heat of the summer evening. You make your way to the bar and take a seat, the events of your rough day still weighing heavily on your mind.
As you settle onto the stool, a man approaches, a sleazy grin spreading across his face. "Hey, beautiful," he says, leaning in closer than you'd like.
You roll your eyes, not in the mood for this. "Not happening," you reply, hoping he'd take the hint and leave you alone.
But he doesn't. "C'mon, don't be like that," he persists, his persistence grating on your nerves.
Before you can respond, a voice cuts through the tension. "Pretty sure no means no."
You look up to see a man standing behind the bar, his gaze fixed firmly on the man bothering you. The guy scoffs, looking the man up and down. "Oh, and what are you, her boyfriend?"
His expression remains calm, but there's a steely edge to his voice. "No, but I don't need to be to know how to respect women."
The man's bravado falters, and he mutters under his breath, "Whatever, you weren't that hot anyway," before slinking away.
He turns his attention to you, his features softening into a concerned expression. "Sorry about that. We get the average asshole in here every night."
You're momentarily stunned by his beauty, the way his dark hair frames his face, and the warmth in his eyes, his lean build that wasn’t remarkably bulky, but just enough to make your mind race at the thought of being wrapped in those arms. It takes you a second to find your voice. "N-no, it's okay. Thank you for that."
He smiles, a genuine and reassuring smile that makes your heart flutter. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
You manage a small smile in return, feeling the tension of your day begin to melt away. "A gin and tonic, please."
"Coming right up," he says, his hands moving deftly to prepare your drink. You watch him, fascinated by the ease with which he works, the smoothness of his movements.
When he places the drink in front of you, you take a grateful sip, savoring the way the cool liquid seems to calm your frayed nerves. He leans against the counter, his gaze steady on you. "Bad day?"
You let out a bitter laugh. "You could say that. Work was a nightmare. Everything that could go wrong did."
He nods sympathetically. "I know how that feels. Sometimes it seems like the universe just has it out for you."
You raise an eyebrow, a playful smirk on your lips. "You? I can't imagine someone like you having a bad day."
He chuckles, a low, comforting sound. "Looks can be deceiving. I'm Heeseung, by the way."
"Y/N," you say, offering a small smile in return. "So, what brought you to bartending? Surely someone like you has other options."
He shrugs, a hint of a grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "I needed a job, and I like talking to people. Plus, it's a good way to pay the bills while I figure out what I really want to do."
You take another sip of your drink, feeling the alcohol begin to take the edge off your day. "And what do you really want to do?"
Heeseung's expression turns thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure yet. Something creative, maybe. Music or art. I just know I don't want to be stuck in a nine-to-five grind forever."
You nod in understanding, your eyes sparkling with interest. "I get that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going through the motions, doing what I have to do to get by. It's nice to meet someone who dreams big."
"Yeah, but sometimes you need to take a step back and figure out what makes you happy," Heeseung says, his gaze intent on yours. "Life's too short to be miserable all the time. And you seem like someone who deserves to be happy."
You feel a warmth spread through you, not just from the drink but from the unexpected connection you feel with this charming stranger. You continue talking, sharing stories and laughter, and as the evening wears on, you find yourself feeling lighter, the burden of your day lifting with each passing moment.
Heeseung leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. "You know, I don't usually see someone as intriguing as you walk through that door. It's a nice change of pace."
Your heart flutters at his words, and you can't help but smile. "Well, I'm glad I came in then. I think I needed this more than I realized."
By the time you finish your drink, you realize you haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. "Thank you, Heeseung," you say sincerely. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
He smiles, a genuine, heartfelt expression. "Anytime, Y/N. Sometimes all it takes is a good conversation and a little company to turn things around."
You stand up, feeling a sense of clarity you hadn't had before. "I'll definitely be back."
"I'll be here," he says, his eyes lingering on yours. "Looking forward to it."
As you walk out of the bar, your spirits lifted and your mind clearer than it had been in a long time, you can't help but think about when you'll see Heeseung again.
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REPLY TO BE ADDED TO TAGLIST!!!
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jammatown919 · 3 months ago
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I've said to a few people that my ratio of blame for the argument that broke the camel's back is about 80% Yaz and 20% Sammy due to Yaz's attitude about her and Sammy's disagreement over Brooklynn (both sides had completely fair points and valid feelings but Yaz was very unfair in the way she spoke), but I think for their problems in general it's more of an even split where they both have several bad communication habits they need to work on to avoid something like this happening to them again. Yaz
Isn't always honest about how she feels
Decides what she's going to do and just does it with little to no discussion even if it's not what's best for the unit
Can get too stubborn about thinking she's right to the point she trivializes and dismisses feelings she doesn't agree with instead of trying to understand them
Has shown at least two instances of resorting to name-calling and/or other rude remarks when she firmly believes she's right and the other person is wrong (I believe this was largely due to a highly stressed out state of mind in which she was concerned for Brooklynn's safety and lashed out because she was worried the others' reluctance to help her might get her hurt, but it still happened)
Sammy
Isn't always honest about how she feels
Bottles up emotions until she's really, really upset and can't control them
Can be passive aggressive when upset
Doesn't completely respect Yaz's need for space during arguments (gets mad at her for suggesting taking a beat in season one) but expects hers to be respected (gets mad at her for continuing to pursue the conversation in season three)
This is something that, as far as we know as the audience, has been slowly building up over the course of several months to a year, primarily due to a severe delay in honest communication. From what I can gather, ever since Yaz has started trying to recover from her PTSD on her own without Sammy's help, they have stopped telling each other when they have a problem. Yaz most likely did not try to have a real conversation with Sammy about feeling coddled (according to Sammy, there was little to no communication about her moving at all). Sammy most likely did not try to directly tell Yaz how lonely she was after the move (I simply cannot believe that Yaz would not have made more attempts to reach out if it had been plainly laid out for her).
By the time they tell each other their grievances, they're upset and defensive because they've been sitting on their problems for months. They both feel that they have completely valid reasons for what they're doing and they both feel that the other has done something wrong, and they're both right. The lack of honest communication is a mutual problem and the foundation of the majority of their issues. Without this background, I do not believe that they would have broken up over the Brooklynn argument, nor do I think Sammy would have felt as strongly about it because a lot of her feelings toward Brooklynn right now parallel her feelings toward Yaz.
But they have to realize this now. Maybe they could ignore it when they were back to being fine soon after every argument because some threat caused them to come back together without talking about anything. But now it's caused them to break up. They have to know now that something has to change if they're going to make this work again. They're so, so obviously still in love, and with the two groups heading to the same place and them inevitably coming back into proximity with each other, I don't know how long they're going to be able to hold themselves back from approaching each other. They both clearly want to talk. Yaz kept asking for Sammy before leaving Italy. Sammy watched her through the door like she was considering coming outside to say something.
Dysfunctional communication over a long period of time can completely drain a person emotionally, and I completely understand the decision to just walk away from it. But these are two people who love each other deeply, and even at the worst of their problems, want to connect and be together and are devastated by the idea of losing each other. They need to sit with this for a bit. Come to terms with what really caused it to get this bad. And once they do, they'll come back to each other, because they love each other too much to not fight for this relationship. They both have work to do, but they love each other too much not to do it.
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anistarrose · 6 months ago
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random thought but I don't think Lup and Barry taking their sweet time to get together is necessarily inherently indicative of repressed feelings or emotional constipation. with respect to emotional constipation in particular, I don't think that's an inherently wrong or out-of-left-field interpretation — for example, it's certainly not out of character for Lup to have trouble vocalizing feelings to her loved ones, and this is by her own admission — but to me personally, I never really interpreted it as a major factor in the timeline of her relationship with Barry.
or maybe, it would be more accurate to say: specifically in canon, I don't think it's implied that some unhealthy denial of feelings, or lack of communication in a seriously unhealthy and repressed way, is a significant reason Lup and Barry take a long time to properly get together. I don't think it's implied that anything like that was a defining feature or otherwise major theme of their relationship, particularly their relationship between the development of mutual feelings and the "talk" at Legato. because seeing the way that Griffin's monologue talks about their relationship developing, during that period:
"This new love, it wasn’t their focus during the journey. Barry worked tirelessly to understand each world you traveled to, to understand the Hunger and figure out a way to defeat it. Lup grew furiously in arcane power, studying the mystical secrets of the planes, hoping to master whatever spell would break your team out of their desperate retreat. But there were moments between those studies, meals shared in secret, just the two of them under the guise of their work, sightseeing trips for two across these doomed worlds. (...) Looking back, this performance is where that love that Barry and Lup cultivated quietly and cautiously over the last half century truly bloomed."
first, Barry and Lup are depicted with very understandable reasons to prioritize other missions, and other personal growth. it's not impossible to read this as a sign of repression, and in fact, I'd be shocked if neither of them ever threw themself into their work as a maladaptive coping mechanism for something, relationship-related or not — but staying focused on matters of life, death, and the multiverse's continued existence hardly needs repression or emotional constipation as a motivation or impetus.
moreover, I would argue Griffin's monologue doesn't actually frame Lup and Barry's priorities here as an unhealthy work-life balance. Griffin, as narrator, doesn't take a morose or otherwise negative tone when he discusses Barry and Lup's studies — there's even this laugh in his voice as he describes Lup growing "furiously" in power, one that seems meant to lead the audience to a sense of joy and pride. and if Griffin meant to convey these priorities as unhealthy, I think he also would use much different language to describe the time Lup and Barry still spent together — but in fact, their budding relationship is not framed as an incompatibility with their work; it's framed as something that occurs alongside their work, and in addition to it.
and this approach Lup and Barry have to spending time with each other, growing closer? it's described as a love that they "cultivate, quietly and cautiously." it's very specifically active, not passive. they're not running away from each other — they're also not rushing ahead, they're still "cautious," but they're importantly choosing to spend time together. it's something that they mutually want. they are, by and large, for the majority of the time pre-relationship, not avoidant of each other. they are willing to act on their feelings, in a way that's short of entering a relationship — but acting on them, meaningfully, nonetheless.
and could poor communication play a role in this? of course. but what if the main, driving factors in the time they take to get together are actually just... both of them being comfortable taking a long time to get together? comfortable balancing the time they spend with each other with their research to stop the Hunger? comfortable, more comfortable than the alternative would make them, with cultivating their love slowly, not officially confessing or dating until they're ready?
after all, as Taako reminds Barry, and Barry presumably takes to heart — the whole crew, they have all the time in the world. Taako tells Barry that he and Lup don't have to panic, don't have to rush — so naturally, Barry and Lup use the time they have. and they're not necessarily champions of talking about their feelings, but taking their time isn't framed as inherently unhealthy, either. given that they're depicted as cautious, and as nervous — on the beach cycle, before getting Taako's advice, in Barry's case, and in Legato, right before the duet, in Lup's case? the ability to take as much time as they need might even be freeing to them.
anyways. I've enjoyed, and to some extent, even written fics and other fanworks where Lup and Barry's pining bleeds over into angst, brought about by an inability to talk about their emotions. again, I don't think that's inherently out of character. but part of the reason I don't think it's OOC is because — at least in non-AUs — there's 30 years between Lup and Barry's feelings becoming unambiguously mutual (the robot cycle, where Lup "knew"), and the two of them getting together (Legato).
30 years is enough time for a lot of variation, in relationships and in people. a lot of bumps that don't define the relationship in entirety, over all of that timespan.
so. I just don't think Lup and Barry spend those whole 30 years angsting because of miscommunication and emotional constipation, that's what I'm saying. all I'm saying, really. I took a truly ridiculous amount of time to say that, in hindsight. but I'll do anything for a reason to think about Blupjeans.
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221bshrlocked · 6 months ago
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Let All My Love Keep Silence
Pairing: Vampire Pero Tovar x Witch Fem!Reader
Words: 21,640
Warning: Angst to Fluff to Smut. Mutual Pining. Angst to Smut to Angst to Sort of Fluff. Forbidden Love!! Bath sharing-ish. Dirty/Sweet Talk. Minor Hair-Pulling. Oral (female and male receiving). Creampie. Fluid Exchange Kink. Mentions of Blood in a sexual way (go away if you don't like that). Penetrative, Unprotected Sex. Creampie. Reader and Tovar getting off on the idea of ruining each other's biology because of their coupling.
Summary: When two strangers meet in the mystical land of Egypt, they are transported back to a moment filled with nothing but hurt and pain. Neither wishes to accompany the other, but duty requires both of them to travel together, and on occassion, fight alongside each other. A string of curious events continues to befall the company, and a staggering revelation leads them to think they may have met long before that chance gathering in the qahwa weeks prior. And an even more shocking confession brings the once sworn enemies together...or perhaps, finally returns them to one another.
A/N: This is for the lovely @artemiseamoon who's also taking part in the @pedrostories Secret Santa Event and whom I have to thank for being so very patient with me. I hope you like this babes, I've included what I thought would be a good mixture of the prompts you gave me so I hope you enjoy reading this. I apologize profusely that this is a few days late, but I wanted it to be as close to perfection as possible!! Side note, this is set sometime in 15th century Egypt. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays :D
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“All your fury is to hide a fragile heart.” —Ghassan Kanafani September 17th, 1422
There was a strange air about the tavern tonight, one that made it rather difficult to focus on the reason behind your visit to this specific village. No sooner than you had walked in did you notice the shadows flickering around a particularly secluded corner within the busy establishment. And although the drunken laughter and obnoxious swearing filled the inn, you could not help but dwell on the ominous silence that danced along the walls of said corner as you slowly sat down and studied the patrons within the room. It was almost instantaneous, the way your eyes met his through the vigorous crowd, and you knew immediately that the tempest storming in those dark eyes were but a mere reflection of the curiosity and caution swimming in your own. 
But it was not curiosity alone that made him stand from his seat and approach you. No, it was the unspoken understanding of the lives you led that forced him to make his way to you with a purposeful grace unlike any you have ever seen. You arched an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of your lips as he took a seat opposite of you. His fingers tapped a slow rhythm on the wooden table’s surface, a sign of the ancient wariness that has passed between your kind and his own for centuries. Silence stretched between your cold smirk and his furrowed, nearly angry eyebrows, thickening the tension and the weight of history you were sure would make things more complicated—on your end at least. 
Yet beneath the surface of unpleasant memories, you could recognize a flicker of something else—a shared, albeit grudging respect of the mutual abilities and prowess you both shared, however different they were. Your gaze was unwavering, 
You didn’t dare blink, afraid the momentary blindness would bring about your demise. So sure that he would want to rip your neck to pieces, your eyes widen in horror when he holds his hand out for you to take. You look between him and his limb, unsure of what game he was wanting to play with you. Not wanting to show him any weakness, you smile cautiously at him as you extend your own, the sudden touch of his skin making you flinch as unfamiliar memories flood your mind’s eye. You cannot let go of his hand, not because you do not want to, but because the grip he has on your palm tightens as similar, unfamiliar images crash into him. You both look at each other, unsure whether you are both seeing, and experiencing, the same painful evocations. 
It lasts for longer than you care to admit, and when his hold finally loosens, you let go and return your back to rest, unable to hold back from clutching at your chest when you feel an invisible bolt of lightning strike through you. You gaze up into his eyes then, and find his grimace deeper, except it is not one of anger but contempt. Whatever he has seen of you was far from favorable, and you knew he presumed similarly. 
“What brings you here?” His voice is low, the sneer on his expression reminding you of something from a long time ago, a past life perhaps. You shake your head, wanting to rid yourself of whatever was attempting to come to the forefront of your mind. There were matters more important. 
“Do not flatter yourself. I did not come for you, but for a posting.” You cross your arms, watching him as he looks to the side, perhaps wondering if there were more of you around. 
“I am alone.” You are not sure what pushes you to tell him such a dangerous fact, but you watch as his shoulders visibly relax at your admission. He returns his gaze to you, and if you didn’t know better, you would think his eyes could see right through you. 
“That makes two of us bruja.” He responds in kind, and you wish you weren’t so obvious in your own inquiries. 
“A Spaniard in Cairo? Are you here for business or pleasure?” The question is not to his liking, and you chuckle at the prospect of this man thinking that you weren’t knowledgeable enough to place his mother tongue, let alone his accent. 
“Business, though pleasure is not too far.” It’s menacing, the way his smile stretches so easily and reveals his sharp cuspids. You are aware he is purposeful in his warning, and if you were wiser, you would have turned away from him, perhaps even stood up and walked out of the qahwa. But you narrow your eyes at him, challenging him without thinking of the consequences. The serenity that befalls him is irritating and you nearly comment on his surly behavior when a man interrupts the two of you and pushes your ‘companion’ aside. 
“I leave you for a few minutes and you find yourself a lovely woman to terrorize. When will you ever learn Tovar?” The name makes you flinch. You swear you have heard it before, and your reaction doesn’t go unnoticed by the man in front of you. Except, he misunderstands your response for something else, and you know instantly why the smile drops instantly. You should not intimidate him more, but you choose to, wanting to relay a message of pure, unadulterated hatred to him. 
Reaching out, you shake Tovar’s friend’s hand, introducing yourself and letting him know that Tovar was far from threatening. 
“It is lovely to meet you, lass. My name is William Garin, and this ray of sunshine is my old friend, Pero Tovar.” As soon as Tovar’s full name is known to you, you sit back and giggle as anger radiates off of him. 
“It’s a pleasure William, and…Tovar.” You smirk at him, not bothering to react to Tovar as he stands aggressively and walks away from your table. 
“Maybe the coffee didn’t agree with him.” You comment in passing, shrugging your shoulders when William apologizes for his friend and asks to buy you another drink. 
“That is thoughtful of you, but I think I have had enough for the night. Perhaps you could buy one for your friend?” You ask in passing, your eyes never once leaving the entrance of the establishment. 
“I would but unlike me, the man refuses to drink. Come to think of it, I rarely see him consume anything other than that damned drink he always carries on him.” You scrunch your nose at the fact, wondering whether William knows the true nature of his friend. 
“Nevermind him. What is a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?” He leans over, smiling devilishly at you when you mirror him and push into his space. 
“I’m flattered William, I really am. But there is more to me than meets the eye.” You swirl around the drink in your hand, tilting your head to the side when you notice Tovar entering the qahwa once more. He doesn’t join you though, and you suspect it is because you now have his name. 
“I can see that, love.” William’s smile drops and you watch as he points down to the several daggers he can see attached to the inside of your robes. You lean away from him and purse your lips, letting him know that you should have seen his plan coming. 
“What do you want with Tovar?” His voice should be menacing, but you choose not to laugh at him out of respect. Unlike his friend, the man was genuinely being protective, and you admire that about him. You have always admired that about humans. 
“Contrary to popular opinion, I am not here for him but for a proposition.” You don’t bother elaborating as you take out a piece of paper and slide it across the table. William reads it slowly, giving it back to you and looking behind him to see if you had any company. 
“As I told your friend, I am here alone. I work alone, usually.” You finish your drink and leave a few coins on the table, enough for William to notice that you are covering his payment as well. 
“You are aware this commission is for a group of mercenaries?” He asks, and you nod instantly, folding the paper and pushing it back into your pocket. 
“Yes, I am. I may prefer to work alone but circumstances led me here and I- I find myself wanting to take part in this…expedition.” You do not elaborate, not wanting to raise any flags for William as to what you are. Thankfully, he takes your word and refrains from inquiring further about the subject.
“Have the two of you met before?” The question catches you off guard, and you turn to face Tovar, wondering the same thing as you find his eyes already gazing upon you.
“I would remember if I have, but no. I- I have not met him before.” You blink away the faint memories from earlier haunting you once more, returning your attention to William and offering him a friendly smile. 
“Hmm, something tells me things did not get off on a good start for either of you.” William says as he glances at his friend, raising his drink in an attempt to persuade him to join the two of you, but to his disappointment, Tovar turns away and glues his focus on the wall. 
“I have known him for years, and I assure you, he is never so hostile to someone he has just made an acquaintance of.” There is a warning laced between those words, and you nod in affirmation, not wanting to have two men in the company against you. 
“I understand. I must confess, I am not often met with kindness wherever I go…so I fear there is some effect I am having on him. I assure you, however, it is not my intention to anger. I merely wish to…let him know he should steer clear of me as I will of him.” Again, you are unsure why you confess such a sentiment to William and it must not be what he expects to hear from you because he raises a curious eyebrow before laughing out loud. You’re thrown back by the reaction but you say nothing as William stands to his height and nods in appreciation. 
“In that case, lass…should he bother you, do not hesitate to come for my aid.” He silently thanks you for the drink as he finishes it quickly before placing it down on the table. You eye the goblet for a few seconds, hating that he placed it in front of you…and Tovar.
“That will not be needed, but thank you for the offer. I will keep it in mind.” You retract your hands from the table, placing them on your lap to avoid any misunderstandings with Tovar. 
“See you tomorrow at the port.” He calls after you as he leaves, patting Tovar on the back twice on his way to the stairs. Wonderful, they were staying in the inn as well. You rub your temple harshly, wondering why those visions plagued you for months on end, only to bring you to such a man.
A vampire of all creatures.
Could he not, at the very least, be a lycan?
Your racing thoughts are interrupted by none other than the man himself, and you ground yourself before you meet his gaze once more. He wastes no time before he grabs William’s drinking cup and pulls it out of reach. 
“You need not worry, I am not interested in him. Or you!” You blink tiredly, knowing that your meeting was due to a mission and not something else. 
“That is hard to believe, maga, when you explicitly asked for my name.” His expression is hard, and you swear you see the whites of his eyes turn a deep shade of gold for a moment, but you know he would never act irrationally in such a crowded place.
“If you recall, nightwalker, I did not ask for your name. It was given to me freely by your friend, whom I suspect, does not know of your true nature, or else he would have refrained from giving me both his name and yours.” You hiss at him, your behavior making him frown harshly and clench his jaw tightly.”
“I suspect you heard everything, and against my better judgment, I will put your mind to rest. You seem older than others of your kind I have met before, so you know it is not possible for me to lie to another…creature. I have no use of your names, nor will I use them to my benefit.” Your revelation comes as a shock to him, because as soon as the promise leaves your lips, his demeanor shifts, and he no longer radiates violence but a sense of understanding. 
“But make no mistake, if I so much as suspect anything from you, I will choose my safety…and whatever that entails with it. Do you understand me?” Too long a moment passes between you, but you wait with bated breath until he nods in agreement before you stand and step away from him. 
“As I told your friend, I do not wish to have anything to do with you. And I will happily remain out of your way to offer you similar courtesy.” Your voice is unwavering, and Tovar studies you closely, his eyes as fixed as your message. He stands opposite you and for a moment, you are distracted by his broad shoulders and firm presence. But you brush the thought aside and blink slowly when he nods in affirmation one last time. 
“Sleep well, bruja.” He bids you a good night and walks away, leaving you more confused and concerned than when you first entered the qahwa an hour ago. Looking around the voyagers in the room, you cannot help but think of leaving the country altogether. You are confident that should you stay, things would only grow more complicated, and you have no desire to live in anxiety until this mission is finished. But you know you should not ignore your visions, nor should you move past what you saw when you took Tovar’s hands. 
You could not place this need to know who he is to you. Nor did you wish to ignore the sense of familiarity that washed over you when you held his hand in your own. 
The feeling was unlike anything else you have ever experienced, and the desire to place him grew exponentially over night, keeping you awake until the sun shone in the sky. You pushed the windows open at dawn, allowing the prayer call to put your mind at ease as you prepared for the day. 
A part of you had accepted what the next few weeks, perhaps months, could reveal. You knew you should listen to your mind, allow it to care for your well being and drive you away from this task. But as you exited the inn and found Tovar waiting upon a camel and eyeing you as you approached the men he was surrounded with, you knew your heart had won this time. 
You would not leave. You would not run away. And you certainly would not allow Tovar to have you question your sanity. 
“Who brought the girl?” You walked to your horse, patting her neck as you fed her the carrots you bought the previous night. Ignoring the question, you continue to softly rub your companion, whispering words of encouragement as she ate every last bit of food you offered her. Expecting the man to move aside when no answer was offered to him, you glance quickly to the side when you hear him approach closer than you appreciated, and as he reached out to touch your hair, you dragged a dagger across his chest and pinned it just beneath his neck, holding his arm in between the two of you and staring at him until his eyes were filled with nothing but shock and fear. 
“If you value your neck, I suggest you keep the rest of your limbs to yourself.” The warning is breathed lowly, loud enough for him to hear, and the rest of the men to wonder about. It takes him a little over a minute to respond, and you push him away aggressively, making your lack of patience known to the others. You wait to see if anyone else is willing to test you, and when they all return to their conversations, you attend to your horse once more. 
As you mount her, you chance a look at Tovar and find him attempting to hide a smirk from you. Unsure of what he could possibly be smiling about, you pat your horse and ask her to move towards the dock, not bothering to wait for any of the company. 
Passing the busy markets of Cairo, you admire the crafts and tools being sold throughout, and you make a stop when you notice Tefnut eyeing the ripe strawberries ahead. You jump down and walk towards the older woman, collecting a fair amount of strawberries and putting it on the scale to see how much it costs. She holds out seven fingers and you nod in gratitude, giving her the coins she requested and then some. She pats her chest in return, handing you another few strawberries to which you refuse, silently letting her know that you do not need any more. 
Making your way back to your horse, you stop in your tracks when you see Tovar and William flanking your horse and conversing. Not wanting to create a scene, you approach Tefnut and take her reins, bringing her forward and away from the two men so she can eat in peace. 
“What do you think you are doing with my horse?”
“If you value your companion, lass, perhaps do not leave her by herself. We were behind you when we saw a man attempt to take her away.” William starts, holding his hands up to ensure you do not misunderstand his kindness for something else. You look between him and Tovar, and you cannot help the shock written on your features when you find him relishing the sunlight as it begins to warm the day. 
Tovar knows immediately why you are stupefied but he shakes his head, refusing to give in to whatever inquiries you now hold for him. 
“Vámonos,” he paces away on his camel, calling after William who continues to wait for a response from you. 
“Noted, thank you.” You say nothing further, knowing that explaining why you are not worried for your horse could open potential lines of questioning from both him and Tovar. As you watch them move closer to the port, you wonder how Tovar is able to bask in the warmth of the sun without instantly setting into fire. Pushing the rest of the strawberries into Tefnut’s mouth, you mount her and follow the two men, already meditating on the different spells that could offer such protection.  
You were sure it was a spell, but you were also aware that only a powerful witch could hold such abilities in her hands. Not only that, but he would have needed to either compel her or do something so honorable that she granted him this in return. The question was, did Tovar receive this gift through coercion or offering. 
When you finally reach the port and find the rest of the company surrounding a gentleman standing high on a ship, you get off Tefnut and walk towards the back, listening to who you presume is the headhunter of this mission. 
“Now, you may ask yourselves why there is such a large number of you, the answer of which lies in who and what you are meant to be protecting. For the coming weeks, you are tasked with protecting the merchant caravans traveling along the Nile. Our merchants will be carrying several goods, the most important of which are textiles and gold.” You listen carefully in an attempt to find answers to your questions. You are unsure whether you were brought to this land for the sole purpose of protecting said merchants, or something in association. 
“Before I go any further, you all must understand something very important. Should any one of you grow greedy and tired of your travels and decide to steal something for yourself, I assure you, I will ensure your death comes soon after by none other than the rest of the company, who will be paid double upon their return. Do not test me.” He refuses to smile throughout his speech, and you know then that he may have been double-crossed by mercenaries before. A familiar sensation crosses over you and you turn around in time to see Tovar refusing to look elsewhere. You maintain his gaze for a moment out of habit, and only when the headhunter continues his speech do you finally turn away. 
“Expect bandits of many allegiances along the route. And under no circumstances will you allow others in your company that have not been hired by me. You will each receive a quarter of your share now, and when you have reached Aswan, you will have the rest of your payment.” You notice several men raise their hands to inquire after their task, but you pay them no mind as you approach the merchants and introduce yourself. Two men nearly huff in humor when you tell them you are one of their protectors, but the third man quiets them instantly, letting them know what he has seen earlier in the morning. 
“Good day to you all,” you bid them a farewell before returning to your post, watching as each man receives his share from the gentleman on the ship and makes his way back to the merchants. When it is your turn, you say nothing but your name, to which the older man nods and continues on. As you move back to your horse, you walk past Tovar, and for a split second, his scent seeps through your senses and halts you in your steps. 
Myrrh and Oud. 
The combination is distinct, one that you are sure you have been in the presence of before. And as you turn around to look at the man you informed the night prior that you wish to steer clear of him, you get the sense that your desires would soon shift and lead you into temptations. Or perhaps, trouble. 
Shaking the intrusive thought away, you lead your horse to the back of the company and wait for them to move. If Tovar notices the way you meditate on him throughout the morning and well into the afternoon, he says nothing of it and does as he promises.
You speak to no one as you move up the Nile towards Atfeh, and by nightfall, you find that you are nearly reaching the end of Cairo. As the winds shift and the air grows colder, you hear the leader of the merchants speak to several of the men in the company. Knowing that you are probably resting for the night, you hop off of your horse and lead her towards the shallow end of the Nile, telling her to remain there for the night until you come in the morning. 
“Enkotk hahten,” you pat her a few times and back away from the waters, aiming to find a nice tree to make your cot beneath so you can avoid remaining with the men. Not looking behind you, you bump into someone’s chest and slowly turn to find Tovar looking past you and towards your companion. 
“Am I mistaken in assuming that you just put a spell on your horse, hechicera?” You are aware his question is not one of nosiness but curiosity, yet you grow irritated at his questioning gaze, mostly due to the fact that he was forcing his scent upon you once more, a scent which you grew to enjoy with each minute that passed in his presence. 
“Am I mistaken in assuming that you can walk during the day because of one of my people’s spells?” You retort and notice the manner in which his body grows rigid instantly. He had not expected your question, that you are certain of, but what throws you off is the somber, almost lonely spirit that comes over him at your inquiry. 
“I- I do not know.” You furrow an eyebrow at him, unsure of why your heart clenches tightly at such a sad expression from him. Not knowing what you should do, you step away from him to clear your mind, not wanting his musk to distract you any further. 
“I make sure she remains where she is, and anyone who means her harm is gifted with an unkindly kick to the face.” The comment seems to fulfill its purpose and you watch as Tovar nods once before moving his camel towards the water as well. You are not sure what about him that seems so fascinating to you, but you move away from the company regardless, not wanting to partake with any of the men as the night grows colder and lonelier.
Lying below a tree at the edge of the company, you glance around to ensure that no one is nearby before reaching out both of your hands and envisioning the tree above you.
“Come, O Isis, mighty in magic, protector of your son Horus! Deliver me from all evil, harmful things, from the serpent, from poison, and from any harm that comes my way. Let him who knows no evil against me enter.” Whispering the words into the night air, you open your eyes and watch as a soft haze only you can see falls around you. Glancing out into the Nile, you see Tovar push his camel near your horse and pat Tefnut on her back. Unlike the others, she responds kindly to him, nosing at his armor and forcing a graceful smile onto his features. The moment is cut short when he suddenly turns to look at you, and before you can turn away, he steps away from your horse and bows his head, silently apologizing for presuming familiarity with your companion. 
Pulling the blanket over yourself, you shut your eyes and surrender to a deep sleep. It has been long since you allowed yourself any respite, but something about the previous night’s meeting, and today’s long journey, pushes you briskly into an intense slumber.
You dream of ancient dunes and majestic monuments. You dream of the running waters of the Nile River and a sunrise unlike any you have ever seen. You dream of long-forgotten touches and soft kisses.
But perhaps most importantly, you dream of a pair of brown eyes, following you everywhere you go, gazing through your soul longingly, begging you to return the love etched deep within them. 
Hoping. Hoping for salvation. 
“All roads lead to you, even those I took to forget you.” —Mahmoud Darwish October 30th, 1422
“¡Cuidado!” You stoop to the ground in time to avoid a dagger to the neck, and without hesitation, you pull the weapon through the air, aiming it straight into your assailant’s chest and watching as he falls to the ground with shock and fear written on his expression. There is no time to dwell on the reason behind your enemy’s attack, and you swiftly end one man after another, noting the unique ways they move and speak in hopes of understanding more about them. 
Chaos continues to unfold around you, and you do your best to remain beside the merchants and their goods, refusing to allow anyone near them. There is a strange air about the field, one that you cannot help but recognize instantly. You would know that presence anywhere in the world, and as you take down the men approaching those you are meant to protect, you miss one strutting from behind you, and when you finally feel his spirit lingering just against your back, you are met with a pair of strong hands, ones that push you aside and receive a silver dagger in your stead. 
A painful howl rips through your chest, and you watch in horror as Tovar reaches behind him and drags the weapon from his back, not caring for how beastly he must look as he penetrates the knife three times into his enemy’s jugular. He turns around and studies you, and the shock of his actions must be apparent because he nods once and moves on to the next unfriendly visitor. 
You are unsure of how to think of what he has willingly done for you, but you waste no time and stand to your height, continuing to battle alongside him in hopes of returning the favor should it be needed. There is no way of knowing how long the company spends fighting off the bandits, but by the time you are done, the sun slowly begins to set past the horizon and you are left with a multitude of bodies to either bury or scavenge from. 
When you are positive you are no longer needed, you walk towards the nearby village, wanting to find the source of familiarity brushing over your mind ever since you entered Asyut. Moving through the quiet streets, you call out to the spirit of the witch, hoping she has enough strength to respond in kind. Not a few moments later, you watch as a soft, green thread loops around you and slowly pulls you forward. You follow without delay, watching as the thread grows into a deeper shade the closer you approach the hiding place. As soon as you stand in front of the broken down building, you push through doors and run into the property, not caring for the possibility of more bandits.
Making a sharp turn to the left, you come to a halt as you look upon a face you have not seen in decades. 
“Petra,” you call out for her, running to her side as she breaks down into tears and reaches for your arms. A sigh of relief escapes your lips as you wrap yourself around her, and you briefly feel a sense of trepidation take over you, but you give the thought no time to linger, wanting to nurse your friend’s wounds as soon as possible. 
“What are you doing here?” You pull away and hold her cheeks in your hands, looking in between her bloodied and bruised eyes as she continues to sob in your arms. 
“I- I do not know. They never told me what they wanted with me, only that I was useful to them in some way. But now that I know you are here, I suspect they are after you. Please, sister, tell me you are safe. Tell me they are not after you.” She speaks haphazardly and you quiet her down to the best of your abilities, not wanting to give her any reason for more panic now that you saved her. 
“I am well, dearest. Do not worry,” you smile at her, pulling her to her feet and breaking the chains around her wrists to lead her away. Only when you reach the door to the abandoned home do you look up and find Tovar waiting for the two of you. You do not get a chance to explain yourself asTovar sniffs the air deeply and releases the unholiest of growls, aimed not at you but your coven sister. 
“What- what is he doing here?” She shakes in fear and hides behind you, and you throw a protection spell around her for precaution, not wanting to lead attention to the three of you. 
“He will not hurt you, I promise.” The words do not leave your mouth for more than a few seconds before Tovar menacingly walks towards you, his eyes turning a deep shade of fiery gold that reminds you of what he is. 
“Do not test my patience, Tovar.” The command is barely louder than a whisper, yet he refuses to back down, offering you a similar order in kind. “Do not mock my kindness, maga.” The display of his canines would shake you to your core had you not spent the past few weeks traveling with him and knowing him just a little bit more.
Neither of you seem to back down, and only when you feel your friend descend to the floor and clutch at your feet do you finally push Tovar away and warn him with a snap of your fingers. A fire engulfs the inside of the building instantly, and you watch as his demeanor shifts to one of caution. He looks around him briefly and returns his focus on you, not bothering to say another word as he backs away and holds his hands up in defeat. 
“Remember the headhunter’s words, she cannot join us.” He warns as he walks out of the smoky room and out to the street. 
“I will vouch for her.” You retort immediately, letting him know that your decision is not up for debate. He shakes his head at you and glances at Petra one last time, breathing in her scent one last time as he returns to the company. 
“Why are you traveling with that- that thing?” Petra inquires when Tovar is out of reach, and you turn to her, patting her on the neck one last time as you lead her to your group. 
“It was not my decision. I- I joined a company tasked with protecting a group of merchants and he happened to be one of them.” You weave your hands around her skin, silently breathing healing and protection spells that would alleviate her pain and wounds quicker. 
“Do you know him?” There is a strangeness about the question she asks and for whatever reason your mind conjures, you shake your head in an instant, a part of you letting you know that it would be unwise to tell her of the familiarity you feel with him. 
When you reach the company, you speak with the merchants, letting them know that you found your sister by chance, and that she would only accompany you for a few days before she feels better. As they inspect her, you barely manage to hide the smile from your face at how helpless she makes herself appear to them, and only when they nod their approval do you take her away and ask her to ride on Tefnut. 
The rest of the day is met with more silence, the company beginning to wonder why the bandits have increased suddenly. This was the fourth attack in the span of three weeks, and although your numbers did not noticeably decrease, you also cannot help but think of how abnormal things have become the closer you grow to your destination. 
You speak with your old friend, asking her about what she has accomplished in the past few decades, and responding in kind when she wonders where you have been and why the coven has not seen you for nearly a century. You do not know how to answer her, knowing that you could not lie to her if you tried. You tell her you had people to help across the world, sites you wished to visit at least once in case the wars of the New World reached your place. 
When night falls, you choose to bring her to an inn, telling her to remain within her room for her own safety. And if she wants to ask where you will go, she does not get to it as Tovar’s presence suddenly becomes known within the confines of the small tavern. 
“I assure you, he will not harm you in any way.” You shut the door behind you, locking it and casting one last spell out of fear of other, non-creature visitors. Heading down the stairs, you find Tovar seated by himself at one corner of the cafe, the scene reminding you of that fateful night a few weeks prior. You approach him slowly, not wanting to trigger his anger any further. 
As you sit down opposite him, you find the color of his face graying, and nearly reach out to touch him but remember how little you know each other. He sneaks a glance at you, but says nothing, the somber expression he offers you forcing your heart to beat faster out of sympathy. 
“Are you unwell?”
“It is none of your concern.” His answer is laced with venom, and you cannot blame him for the hostility, knowing that had he brought more of his kind near you, you would be as uncomfortable, if not more. 
“I promise she will not grow near you.” You are not sure what pushes you to offer him such a vow, but the manner in which he recoils into himself and winces at your words lets you know he is not appreciative of the gesture. 
“Do not make promises you cannot keep, bruja. You and I know of the past our kinds have suffered through.” His voice is tired, and you attempt to ask him once more if he is unwell. 
“Tovar, what you have done for me today-”
“Save it, I do not care for your gratitude, nor do I have any use for it.” He pushes you aside as he walks out of the inn, and you are left speechless, afraid of why your chest tightens at the prospect of him getting hurt for your sake. You have questioned the action all day long, trying your damnedest to find a reason behind the selfless act he performed without so much as a blink of an eye. Nothing has changed throughout the past few weeks, apart of course from the occasional hello and silent sharing of space. 
Looking outside, you find the sun setting across the village, and you choose to spend the night walking about the town, wanting to rid your mind of the thousands of questions roaming about Tovar and Petra’s presence. 
Gods, why was she here of all places? There was never a reason for someone like her to go so far from her home, let alone travel outside of the coven. There was an oddity to you running into her in this land, more so at being captured by men dressed in attire you have not seen before.
Venturing deeper into town, you surrender to the relief that washes over you the farther you move away from the inn. A part of you feels guilty for not spending more time with your coven sister, but you decide to listen to your heart once more, already ruminating on why reluctance flooded at you upon your first sight of her. 
“Goddess divine, please tell me. I am your servant, and I long to know.” The prayer is whispered into the night air, and you decide to ignore the matter and look for more healing herbs, knowing that you should enforce your aid on Tovar the next time you see him. That dagger would be nothing had he fed, but you have not seen him drink an ounce of blood throughout the past few weeks and you would hate for any sickness to befall him because of your lack of focus. 
So engrossed in the concoctions of herbs and potions you are collecting, you completely miss the thread of green calling for you, and only when it begins turning into a soft shade of red do you finally recognize it. You drop the powders in your hand and race to the inn, regretting ever leaving Petra by herself. Deep down, you knew there would be an issue between her and Tovar, but you had hoped that he understood you were not to be trifled with. 
By the time you reach the inn and run up the stairs, you find the door to her room unlocked and broken off of its hinges. You gasp when you find Tovar bloodied and heaving, his hands clasping onto your sister’s neck as his fingers dig deeper into the skin. 
“Tovar,” you try to warn, but the look he offers you is nothing less than murderous. 
“Tell her…tell her what you told me.” He is breathing heavily, and you note the way he refuses to loosen his hold on her. 
“Unholy animal-” She hisses at him, only to be met with a snarl and a threat of a bite to her neck. You are not sure what he is referring to, but seeing her eyes widen in shock and horror lets you know that it must be important enough for Tovar to test your patience so openly. 
“Tell her, what you told me.” He orders once more, his eyes never leaving your own as you snap your fingers and create a door to the room, one that remains shut tightly to avoid any visitors. 
“Tovar, unhand her.” 
“I cannot do that, bruja.” He shakes his head, his retort not leaving you much of a choice. 
“Petra, please. Give him whatever he wants.” You plead with your friend, wishing she is a bit wiser than others of your kind. 
“If I tell h-her, she…she will not believe. I am her sister, and you are…nothing. You are nothing to her. She will not believe-” You step forward when you hear an agonizing screech escape her throat and you watch as Tovar delivers a harsh bite to her shoulder. He unclenches his jaws from her a moment later, licking his lips once and shutting his eyes to better envision what her blood offers her. There is a moment of silence as Tovar sees in her memories what he has been seeking, and only when he is satisfied does he push her to the ground and grip her hair tightly. 
“If you do not tell her, I will show her. Which do you prefer, capulla?” At the mention of her memories, her eyes seek you out and tear up, leading you to tilt your head to the side and approach the two of them slowly. 
“You must understand, we- we couldn’t…” She attempts to make excuses but Tovar was never known for his patience, and he twists her neck once, signaling another bite to her shoulder should she refuse to obey him. 
“Tell. Her.” His voice is menacing, and you nod at her with a smile, wanting her to understand that it will all be well. 
“In my pocket…reach for the paper in my pocket.” She signals for her right pocket and waits with bated breath as Tovar snatches it and throws it at you. You inhale deeply, unsure of what either of them is referring to. 
Slowly unfolding the flimsy piece of paper, you read the top line of the letter and flinch at the familiarity of the date. 
“What is this?” You ask Tovar, unsure of what he is attempting to show you. His body grows tired by the minute, but he pays it no mind as he maintains his hold on your sister and responds to your question. 
“This is the reason why you cannot recall any memories since the last time you were here,” he finds more knowledge of his statement in your eyes than he thought he would, and he takes a deep breath before continuing with his revelation,  “and why I cannot remember anything before 1249.” Once again, the date is not unknown to you, and your eyes widen in realization as you come to understand what he is referring to.
“That was-”
“Yes, the same year you were here.” He cuts you off, pointing at Petra to let you know of her involvement. When you do not make a move to read the letter, he nods towards the piece of parchment and asks you to read it one more time. 
“Read it. Out loud, please.”
“December 24th, 1249. An equilibrium, at last, has been attained.” The sentence is bothersome, and you turn to look at Petra, finding more fear in her eyes now that you had hold of the letter than before, when it was only her and Tovar. 
“Por favor, continúa.” 
“I pen these words with a trembling hand, for the events I am about to recount are of such grievous nature that they shake the very foundation of our order. The traitors have been uncovered, and what we beheld defies comprehension. Upon first encountering them, our hearts were struck with disbelief, for it was assumed—nay, taken as truth—that our coven’s esteemed leader bore envy for her gifts. How deeply mistaken we were! Alas, the fault lay with us all.” You bite your lower lip in anticipation of what’s to come, gazing at Tovar to find any inclination of what the contents of this letter mean to you, either of you. He is nearly trembling but he remains steadfast in his stance, not once letting go of the witch in his hands as you continue to read the words so close to you, yet so far. 
“Until the night of her final sighting, we labored under the notion that she had been cruelly abducted. But, oh, how far this presumption was from the truth! When at last we found her, it was in the arms of the devil himself. Not as his prisoner, nor his thrall, but as his equal, his beloved.” You look up to Tovar once more and find him refusing to meet your eyes, as if seeing you would break him for eternity. “She had not been coerced, nor, as his own kind did divulge to us, had he been ensnared by her enchantments. Together they stood, bound by their own volition, in a union both repugnant and unholy. How vile such a betrayal is to witness!” At the mention of the relationship, a flash of an unknown, distant memory crashes through your mind, and you are met with visions of your arms wrapped around the golden skin of a man, one who resembles the vampire standing not a few steps away from you. 
No, it cannot be.
“Let it be known that on that cursed night, witches and vampires, long foes, stood as one to halt an abomination. It was a spectacle both harrowing and grotesque—to see the depths of her devotion to him, and his to her.” You are not aware of the tears streaming down your cheeks until you shakily gaze at Tovar and find similar sadness rolling down his face and onto his armor. The words ripping through your chest are of similar torment to him, but he does not budge to grow closer to you, instead furthering his painful grip on Petra out of heartbreak and anger. 
“More abhorrent still were his pleas, his promises of eternal torment should harm befall her. In the end, it was their own affections that wrought their downfall. Unable to endure the sight of her bloodied form, he cast aside all pretenses of strength and supplicated himself for her sake—not his own, but hers alone.” You cannot find it in yourself to read it further, the retelling of those events twisting a knife deep within your heart that you swear you may die should you continue. 
“Read on, querida.” 
“In response to his desperate entreaties, we offered him a choice, though it pained us greatly to do so. It was then he understood why their bond could never endure. A single glance sufficed to convey our intent, followed by but a whisper: she was to forget him, utterly and irrevocably, until the very earth itself crumbled into dust. And thus, he consented, knowing it was their only reprieve. He resolved to undertake the task himself, loathing the mere notion that another might exert such power over her. He could not, would not, permit any other soul to carry out so dreadful an act. It was a torment of unimaginable cruelty, and he alone would bear its weight.” You can feel Tovar’s spirit burst into little fires, and you know then why his hurt runs deeper than your own, why you longed to be near him all those weeks ago but chose to stay clear of him out of a hidden inclination, as if growing closer to him made you burn. 
“When his turn came, the coven encircled him, our enchantments weaving an intricate web about his mind, until her name was lost to him entirely. The very notion of her existence was swept away, as fleeting and insubstantial as the sands of the Egyptian dunes beneath the relentless desert wind. Perhaps he welcomed it, for the burden of love was too great even for one such as he. Yet, I confess, I do not believe the spell was entirely imposed upon him. A creature of his power could never have been subdued against his will. For this reason alone we sent her to him, to bring about his end. How little did we anticipate the depth of their bond, for it became evident they would be one another’s undoing.” There is no doubt in your mind on who the letter is referring to, as each word delivers a long lost memory you have begged your soul to recall countless of times. You can envision him so clearly in your mind—his laughter as you drew circles on his chest, his eyes gazing at you longingly as you kissed your love across his skin, his hands as they broke you apart and bound you together with affection and loyalty, and above all, his spirit as it promised to never leave yours, not even if the gods themselves ordered you apart. 
He was yours. And you were his.
“I recount these dreadful events as a record of the night in Luxor, that it may stand as a warning to all who come after. We ensured that no offspring could result from their cursed union, for such a progeny would herald the ruin of all creation. Yet, I implore you, vigilance must remain eternal. They were not easily subdued, and should fate ever conspire to reunite them, it will herald the death of us all.” Tovar kneels to the ground, his mouth whispering promises of evil into your sister’s ears as you finish the letter and finally read the betrayal of the writer. 
“Yours in eternal duty, Petra A.” 
Silence fills the room as you allow the history within the letter to settle in your mind. You fold the letter and place it in your pocket, not caring for anything but the woman kneeling in front of you. 
“You betrayed me. You- my own people, betrayed me? How could you do it?” You ask her as you crawl towards her on the floor, not once asking Tovar to ease his grasp on her. 
“You have to know why. Your…union is- it is unforgivable.” Her hatred disgusts you, and you frown at how easily she attempts to explain her actions. 
“You speak of our union so simply, as if you yourself did not join my brothers and ask them to aid your conquest.” Tovar growls his own concerns to her, not caring for how violent he is becoming as his nails bleed her skin further. Her sobs are silent and she shuts her eyes when you stand and move away from her. 
“I need you to know Petra that- that my lack of forgiveness is not due to your betrayal, but because you enforced your pathetic values over my happiness, over his peace. I will find you in every lifetime, and I will rip out your soul with my bare hands…and send you to the goddess without powers, and without explanation.” Before you can respond to you, you reach out your hand and grab hold of her mind, weaving intricate designs around her body until you find what you are searching for and tugging it from her physical presence.
Tovar watches as a yellow cloud forms around the room, and with a snap of your fingers, a mixture of fire and water storms around the yellow shadow, encircling it until it turns into ash and drops to the ground. You twirl your finger around the dust, collecting it into a small pouch and shutting it tightly. 
If he is in awe of what you had just done, he says nothing and stands to his height, kicking the lifeless body at his feet to ensure she is no longer alive 
“What will you do with her?” You ask as you watch Tovar drag her body from your room and throw her into his own that is across from you
“Scatter her across the Nile.” He shuts the door to his quarters and returns, settling down on the bed beside you quietly. 
“My own people betrayed me.” The admission hurts more than you care to admit, and you turn to look at Tovar, only to find him wiping the streaks of tears away from his cheeks. 
“Only because mine told them.” He responds instantly, and you hate how little he seems to be affected by his own revelation.
“What happened?” You are not sure what brings you to ask him such a question, but a part of you wishes to know whether he knew beforehand or if her presence alerted him to so sinister a plot. 
“I sought you out after our conversation, to ask if you can aid me with…it does not matter. When I could not find you, I came to rest, and found the door unlocked, your friend spewing words that seemed too familiar for me to ignore.” You make a mental note of asking him later what he required from you, and you watch closely as his lips quiver with what happened while you were in the village. 
“She did not appear too taken by my presence, but when I passed into your room, her fear stenched the room instantly, and I knew then that- that what I felt initially was not intuition but truth.” He looks to you then, and you find the brown of his eyes so expressive, a reminder of how he looked at you before…all those years ago. 
“She must have seen realization dawn on me and felt it unnecessary to continue her lies. She had come with those bandits willingly, bandits which I should let you know, are of my own kind. They feared our paths had crossed in this land and wanted to ensure we did not remember what had happened before. Before I can ask her what she was referring to, she did…this.” He points at the lashes across his face, the deep cuts covering his arms and chest, wounds you hurt to think of. Without much thought, you stand and approach your bag, collecting the herbs you managed to purchase before the events of the night unfolded. 
“What are you doing?” He stands instantly, only to sit back down when you turn around and silently ask him to rest. Tovar remains quiet as you bring your bag to him and remove as many of the healing herbs as you can. 
“Can you please remove your armor and tunic?” You ask once, refusing to look into his eyes as he begins the slow, agonizing process of taking his clothes off. Neither of you say anything as you wait for him to throw his belongings to the floor, and you let him know that you will fix them as soon as you are finished administering the medication to his skin. 
“This may hurt a bit. I- forgive me.” 
“It is nothing, hermosa.” You do not dare ask him why his names for you changed, but you wait patiently as he continues to tell you what Petra informed him of. 
“She knew my wrath would fuel me, and by the time I had my hand wrapped around her throat, she spilled her secrets easily, telling me of everything your kind and mine had done to us 173 years ago. She- she spoke of their success as if it was destined by God himself, as if our lives meant nothing. I knew I would rip her throat to pieces if she did not call you, so I led her to believe that I will release her when you come.” He hisses in pain when you rub a brown salve across his chest and arms, turning the other way to avoid showing you his fangs. 
“And then I came.” You distract him, letting him know that you understand he does not mean to snarl at you. 
“And then you came.” His body shakes the lower you apply the herbs, and when he is sure you are finished, he stands and walks away from you. 
A loud gasp spills into the room when you see his back and the wound he received because of you. 
“T-tovar.” You whimper his name, and it takes every ounce of control to not throw your arms around him and apologize for your lack of sight. 
“I am not worth your tears, sabia.” He turns around and smiles sadly at you, reaching for your cheeks and wiping the tears away. You step closer to him, and only when Tovar scents your body does he come to his senses, quickly backing away from you and reaching for his tunic.
“Wait- Tovar, please wait. I- I can heal this.” You lead him to the bedside once more, and kneel on it as you ask him to face away from you. 
“Do not worry yourself.”
“You and I both know that this silver will only spread, and unless you feed now, you will not be able to heal quickly. Please, let me heal you.” Your voice breaks at the end, and Tovar can do nothing when you plead with him. He nods silently and shuts his eyes as he feels your hands skim across the skin of his back. Your touch is so familiar yet so distant, and he suspects that similar emotions tunnel through you, but he pays them no mind, not wanting to abuse your kindness and have you think he wants more from you now that-
Now that you both knew the truth. 
“O Isis, great healer, mother of Horus, deliver your humble servant, Pero Tovar, from all evil. May the breath of life fill his lungs, and may your light heal his wounds. By the power of Geb and Nut, the father of the earth and the mother of the sky, may your body be restored. Let the sacred words cleanse your mind and body, and the breath of life renew your soul and spirit.” Tovar can feel you touch his skin in strange patterns, and he nearly asks why you are choosing the old gods of this land when he feels a kindle of fire radiate across his back. He haunches over in pain, but says nothing as you continue to touch his back, your skin softer and hotter than anything he has ever felt in his life. 
He is unsure how long he remains in your bed, and only when he feels you let out a long sigh does he turn around and find you slowly falling over. 
“Cariño, you are hurt!” You smile at the worry in his voice, chuckling at how different everything seems to be now that you both put a name to the mixed feelings you experienced all those weeks ago upon your reuniting. 
“It…I am well, P-pero.” The whisper of his name could send him flying if he was capable of such a feat, and he swallows thickly as he lays you down and covers you with the bedsheets. 
“Rest, mi luna. And I will come to wake you tomorrow.” He smiles down at you, the expression letting you feel a safety you have not known in so long. You nod absentmindedly, letting go of his hands and falling into a deep sleep as Tovar collects his belongings and leaves your room. He locks the door behind you and makes quick work of his clothes, his body rejuvenated with more than your words and herbs. 
Entering into his room, he is met with the lifeless body of Petra, and he cannot help but sneer at everything she has done to him and you. Without wasting another moment, he carries her body and shuts his eyes, racing down the stairs and out to the Nile bank in a matter of seconds. He glances around to ensure no one can see him, and when he is positive he is alone, he quickly shreds the witch's body to pieces, scattering them across the river as he promised you until nothing but her blood remains on the soiled ground. 
Looking out into the dark horizon, he allows himself a moment of respite and clarity, wanting to bask in the knowledge of what he has felt ever since he laid eyes on you in the qahwa was nothing but his heart’s memories begging him to remember you. 
He had known then it was no coincidence, the way your scent was so familiar to his senses, and he was aware that this same recognition was what drove him to seek you out after the battle and know why your sister’s blood was so fundamental to his memories.   
Tovar did not know what would become of either of you, but after your little tricks minutes ago, and the way you wept as you read that letter, he dared to hope. 
Hope for a chance to prove his loyalty to you. 
Hope for the possibility of finding love in your eyes once more, the same deep affection he has felt for you all those years ago, and the one that drove him to remain near you ever since your paths crossed. 
“The voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses.” —E. E. CummingsDecember 3, 1422
He was different, much less wary than before, and more interested in keeping your company throughout the journey. You could not refuse his kindness, nor his friendship. So much has passed between the two of you in the past few weeks. From fighting bandits alongside each other, to sitting quietly around the fire at night, your shared experiences grew with each passing day, and before you could place a word on it, your fondness for him evolved into something deeper, something you reminisced about and wondered if it was new or based on past feelings. 
The memories returned, one by one, and as you trotted alongside him throughout the day, you stole glances of him, often finding his brown eyes aimed at you before you attended yours on him. He would smile and turn aside, embarrassed you had caught him openly dreaming of you. 
And with those memories came a sense of possessiveness. You could not keep silent when he was approached by the bedouin women you met along the way, and he certainly could not keep his mouth shut when other men in your company sought you out late at night. There was an unspoken rule between the two of you, an understanding that you were not available to others, and you desired to speak of its finality, but it appeared that he wanted to address said rule long after the mission was finished. He preferred to keep you at arm’s length, afraid to speak of the matters that befell you on All Hallows’ Eve. You told him later of your reluctant thoughts on whom you thought was a close friend, surprised to find him answering you about your own kind’s heightened powers during this time of year. He recalled things you were sure only a witch would know, and smiled as he realized how he knew such matters. 
The more time you spent together, the more you understood of your past life, or, the life you held before they made you forget each other. You learned about his past, and in turn, realized things within your own life. Tovar too became more aware of his behavior the more you spoke of what you envisioned each night. Of course, you would never tell him of the more intimate moments your mind’s eye recollected, but you got the sense that he knew. The mischievous smile that graced his features and the shy demeanor that overtook him each time you recollected a day from your past lead you to believe that he saw similar dreams, or perhaps, imagined said sentiments when he rested his body late at night. 
Yet, with those shared experiences, you had to continue pretending that you were not more. As much as he hated to admit it, Tovar was a shy soul, and you were not one to speak of such matters with someone unwilling to actively take part in such a conversation. So, you let him lead, praying each night that he would begin to notice the way you look at him, the longing filling your hands whenever he is near, the wildness of your heartbeat as it whispered his name over and over again. 
But he never crossed that line, and you pushed his reluctance aside as you took your belongings and made your way to one of the hamams. You had invited him earlier, letting him know of the privacy you can afford with your earnings. Then he brushed off your offer, mumbling something or other about not trusting the open space about the establishment. But you could see through the excuse; something was bothersome to him, and you hoped you had not done anything to upset him. He may have been a nightwalker, but he held a sensitive soul, one you remembered vividly from before. When neither of you moved following your invitation, you looked upon him, silently asking if he was bothered by something you may have done. He shook his head then, as if to tell you he can read your thoughts and does not wish to dwell on the matter. 
“The waters in these baths come from the oasis nearby, they have healing abilities.” You attempt to tempt him, but he does not budge, refusing you once more as he walks away and disappointedly responds to you. 
“Déjalo.”
You were not sure if it was possible to be more plain; sure, if he wishes to discuss your situation after the commission, you could take him up on the offer then. But he does not bother to explain himself to you, the hot and cold behavior throwing you off and raising anxious questions in your mind. You pray to the gods you had not accidentally pushed him away. It would break you. 
A part of you wanted nothing more than to blame him, but you could not. His kind was never confrontational with matters of the heart, and you guessed it took you a long time before to become so intimate with him.  
Reaching the bath you rented for the night, you smile at the woman sitting outside and let her know that another, more brooding gentleman may or may not join you. You ignore the smirk on her expression, silently entering the vapor-filled room and shutting the door behind you. 
It is more exquisite than you initially thought, and you set your towels aside, stripping down to nothing and throwing the dress atop your towels before stepping into the hot water. It does wonders to your body, the immense and quick relief allowing you to momentarily forget why you had originally wanted to spend some time here. The quietness of the room, and the marvelous architecture engulfing your tired soul, allow you to doze off. You whisper soothing spells across the waters, wanting to feel more relaxed in preparation for the journey tomorrow. 
As you float around the small space, you feel a familiar presence grow closer to you, and not moments after your eyes flutter open do you hear the door to the hamam open wide, signaling the arrival of none other than Tovar. He reluctantly enters the cloudy area, adjusting his sight to the space until his attention falls directly on you. 
Silence fills the room as you both acknowledge the other’s presence, and before you can ask him what has changed his mind, Tovar places his belongings beside your own and asks you to turn around. You give him a moment of privacy and face the small window at the end of the little opening within the wall, watching the stars twinkle outside in an attempt to focus on anything other than the nude man touching the same waters you are resting in.
“Are you decent?” You cannot help but smile at the question, and when a gruff consent vibrates across the walls, you turn around and finally meet Tovar’s eyes. Although you have healed him weeks prior, the sight of his golden skin littered with old wounds and scars sets you on fire, and you have to force your gaze away from his chest to avoid embarrassing yourself. 
“I am glad you came,” your attempt at making the moment less awkward fails, as Tovar does not bother to respond to you but steps around the water silently and lets the heat heal his weary soul. 
You are unsure how much time passes, but you let Tovar lead the space, afraid his anxiety would force him out of the waters. You can tell he is watching you closely, and you do not bother to behave any differently than if you were alone, knowing that he much prefers the quiet enjoyment of the intimate moment over anything more involving. He allows himself to relax soon after, and you throw him a soft smile as you pass the palms of your hands across the waters and heat it just a little bit more. His skin grows a little red, and you worry it may not be to his liking. 
“Is it uncomfortable?” You inquire, hoping he would not shy from telling you his true feelings. 
“Está bien,” he breathes lowly, and you cannot help the shiver that courses down your spine when his deep voice reaches your skin. Tovar notices the effect he holds on you, and without dwelling much on the appropriateness of his actions, he approaches you, his gaze never once wavering as the water dances around your bodies. You hold your breath, afraid to break whatever haze that befell you, and when he is a mere hair-breadth away, you look up and into his eyes, allow your chest to rise and fall rapidly as shallow breaths come and go, signaling your excitement and nervousness. 
You watch him closely, and in turn, Tovar studies every movement of your body, as if you were a prey he has been seeking for ions. He never once looks beneath your neckline, and you credit his immense self-control, knowing you are incapable of offering him similar comfort. When your back touches the cold tiles of the wall, you swallow the lump in your throat and quiver, lips shaking at the prospect of whatever the vampire in front of you has in mind. 
His eyes are dark with promises only you know he can fulfill, and as stares into you, you are suddenly taken back to a similar moment, one that has you regret ever hurting him. Focusing on the scar across his eye, you raise your hand and slide it over his temple and cheek, frowning at imposing such lasting violence on his skin. 
“Forgive me,” there is nothing more to say, the history you find in his eyes letting you know he remembers what you have done to him upon your first meeting. He shuts his eyes and nuzzles into your hand, unaware of the way his hand reaches out to grasp at your upper arm. Tovar pulls you closer until you are breathing the same air, and when he opens his eyes and finds tears rolling down your cheeks, he wipes them away, his attention seeking your lips when a droplet of water sticks to the lower skin. Sliding his thumb across your mouth, he parts his own lips and tilts closer to you, until nose nudges yours and forces you to look up. 
So very close to feeling his mouth steal your breath away, you feel your heart shatter into a million pieces when Tovar suddenly moves to the other end of the bath, his back turned away from you and his muscles rippling with an anger you have not seen for weeks. 
“Wha-”
“I cannot understand you.” He is seething, and had you not been sure he was finally going to claim you, you would have thought this was all a dream, a very sick, twisted dream. 
“What…what do you mean?”
“You allow me such…liberties, and yet you- you seek out the merchant boy whenever you can? As if we are nothing but- but…” Tovar trips over his words, and your frown deepens when you finally piece together what he means to say to you. 
“Tovar, if there is a concern you wish to address, do so plainly.” You approach him then, voice wavering slightly when he turns around and stares somewhere behind you, as if he could not bear looking into your eyes.
“Do not play coy with me, bruja.” The name he breathes, one that slowly turned into something that makes you smile, now sounds nothing more than an insult, and you feel a pang of hurt at the insinuation behind his words. You try to maintain your composure, but the manner in which he is set in his mind lets you know he may not see past his perspective at this moment. 
“I am not one to jest, Tovar, and until you are willing to speak freely and listen in turn, I will waste my time. Enjoy the bath…alone.” You attempt to move past him but he reaches out for your arm and pulls you back, causing you to snarl at him out of fear of getting hurt any further. 
“Do not touch me!” 
He removes his hand immediately, staring at fiery eyes as you narrow them at him in irritation. You know you should leave, not speak another word that may be misconstrued or worse, one that cannot be taken back. But his anger lights your own and you walk towards him, pushing your finger into his chest as you part with nothing but lies. 
“If you were vain, I would justify your anger as such. But this is different and whatever jealousy you are falling into is unnecessary.” 
“And what if I am?” His question is unexpected, skin buzzing with energy now that you have spoken of what his mind has been thinking of for the past few days. You attempt to convince yourself to retract whatever thoughts brewing deep within, but seeing him react so strongly to your proximity and assertiveness pushes you further and before you can control yourself and walk away, you retort with a hiss. 
“If you were, I would tell you that you have no reason to be. I am nothing to you, and I am certainly not interested in this swine of a man. This behavior will only-” Perhaps the universe decided against your response and wished to avoid any further misunderstandings because just as you are readying yourself for an outright battle, the doorkeeper walks in and interrupts your conversation. 
“Yajib ‘an tughadiron,” she requests for both of you to leave, and you suspect it may be because of the hamam’s rules, the ones you chose to ignore for Tovar’s sake. Shaking your head at him, you do not care for your nudity as you leave the waters and haphazardly wear your tunics once more, apologizing to the young woman for any inconvenience you may have caused and leaving before Tovar can so much as think of another sentiment against you.
Only when you reach the dressing rooms do you allow Tovar’s concerns to settle in, and you settle against the wall, eyes looking into nothing when it occurs to you that he has plainly admitted to feeling jealous of your conversations with the merchant. You are unsure why he would allow his mind to tread towards such thoughts when he can plainly hear your words and understand your inquiries are nothing more than shared interests in the trade products. Your journey was close to an end. Edfu was a few days away from your destination and you wished to see what goods you can buy from the merchants that may be of benefit to you once you leave. 
There was absolutely no reason for Tovar to ever waste a moment on why you are conversing with the man, and you shake your head in disappointment, knowing this could all be avoidable had he asked to speak with you on your…relationship. 
Putting on your clothes, you swear beneath your breath at the thickness of that man, knowing that it was probably as difficult to get him to confess his feelings to you before as it was now. 
“Goddess help me,” you speak to the empty room, only to flinch when you hear heavy breathing emanate from behind you. Turning around, you find Tovar’s chest rising and falling angrily, as if the mere sight of you caused him extreme discomfort. Not caring for the display of intensity, you pull on your tunics and avoid his gaze, allowing him another moment of respite before you truly rip into him. He surprises you, though, when he approaches you and waits for you to look at him before he speaks. 
“No, you are wrong. You are not nothing to me, and…I- I am jealous bruja, I have been jealous for weeks now.” The way in which he murmurs his confession disarms you, and you stop moving altogether, eyebrows furrowing at his choice in words and their timing. You cross your arms and meet his gaze head on, refusing to back down as you have done so weeks prior. 
“Who could you possibly be jealous of, Tovar? I rarely speak to anyone in our company.” You know better than to interrupt him, but you cannot help the question from leaving your lips, wanting him to think through his next words carefully to avoid irritating you any further. Then he shakes his head and swallows the lump in his throat, and you are, once again, mollified at how easily he affects your mood. 
“I am not jealous of those men, I- I am jealous of-” You can tell he is struggling to find the right word to speak, because his hands clench and unclench, jaw set in place and lips pursing with impatience, as if he hated himself for not being capable of speaking his mind freely. You wait for him, knowing that you may never have him so forthright ever again, and as his breathing calms, you are suddenly hit with a wave of defeat and hurt, feelings you were positive are not your own but his. 
“I am jealous of the rain.” The words escape his lips, barely above a whisper, yet heavy to feel like a confession of the soul. For a man of his stature, you are shocked to see a shaking ripple descend down his form, his hands ball into fists at his sides, the knuckles turning white, as though he is holding himself back from closing the distance between you. When he finally musters up the courage to look at you, you are met with a vulnerability you never thought you could see in him again—a rawness that strips away the hardened exterior he wears like armor. 
His brows knit together, raised in despair, as if willing you to understand the storm inside him without him having to explain. You blink in confusion, unsure what he wants to convey. Tovar mistakes your quietness for indifference, clearing his throat to give himself enough time to find the necessary sentiments in hopes of forcing your heart to beat for him. When he speaks again, his voice is steadier, though no less anguished. 
“I am jealous of the rain, mi amor. I am jealous of the rain because it touches you so intimately, night after night, when I cannot.” His shoulders, broad and strong, sag ever so slightly as if they can no longer bear the weight of his emotions. And you feel your breath hitch, his words settling like an ocean of water on your chest, heavy with longing and need. He does not stop, the floodgates of his emotions now open and unreserved, begging to be released for his sake and for a glimpse of hope from yours. 
“I am jealous of the rain because it kisses your skin continuously when I dream of nothing else but that very thing.” Tovar takes a step closer, the space between you trembling with unspoken yearning. You can feel heat radiation from him, the fire in his words burning brother with every syllable. And your eyes, full of wonder and curiosity, pull him in further offering him a glimpse of what he held in his arms centuries ago. He was not a man of faith, far from it, but seeing the manner in which your body leans into his space, Tovar is sure his prayers have been answered, and your spirit finally felt the desperation of his very essence. 
“I am jealous of the rain because…” His voice falters, his jaw tightening as he struggles to continue, afraid you fear the depth of what he desires from you. “Because every time it comes, you welcome it with open arms and smiles, letting it do whatever it wishes with your body…when I am desperately-” A single tear trails down his cheek, and you see his composure shatter as his hand briefly reaches towards you, only to stop mid-air, retreating as though he’s afraid his touch might burn you. 
Or worse, your skin sets him into an eternal fire. 
“When I am desperately wanting to be the one you welcome, the one you grace with upturned lips.” Tovar’s revelation hands in the air, raw and unrelenting. You feel your heart ache for him, but before you can respond, he surges forward again, his voice rising with an almost pained intensity. You dare not flinch, knowing whatever has hold of him will soon overflow through you and push you to put him out of his misery. 
“Do you know what it feels like, bruja? To be so close to you and yet so far away? To burn every time you laugh, every time you speak, knowing that I am nothing but a shadow at your side? One that you despise because of what my kind has done to you.”
He steps back as if his own confession has wounded him, his hands shaking at the thought of you denying his heart, the one he had no choice but to bear to you, uncaring of what you may do to it. His next words are softer, almost fragile, as if spoken into a void he is confident will only face him in return and ignore him. 
“I am jealous of the rain…but I am terrified as well. Terrified that you will leave once I-”
“Pero,” you interrupt, trembling at the intensity of his feelings, and the knowledge that he more than reciprocated your own but was drowning in a sea of helplessness. 
Pero freezes, his dark eyes widening with disbelief at hearing you call him by his given name. You step forward, lips parting in anticipation, and for the first time, your voice breaks through his storm of self-pity.
“You have been jealous of the rain, and all this time, I have been jealous of the moon.” His brow furrows, confusion flickering across his features at hearing you return his confession in kind. But you continue, growing steadier the closer you move towards him. 
“Watching how it lights up your face at night when I wish to be the one you look to.” His breath catches as your words settle between you, and you press on, your own emotions spilling forth like a river breaking through land. 
“Longing for you to see me the way I see you. Praying to every god known to man that you will look past my nature and find my heart, the one that speaks your name with every beat.” Pero’s expression shifts, his guarded walls crumbling as he steps closer. His voice is shaking with uncertainty as finally allows himself to touch you. His hand finds your cheek and he leans forward to rest his forehead against your own, shutting his eyes to ensure that this was not a dream, that you were in his arms, returning his love and more. 
“How can you be jealous of the moon…when you are mi luna?” He pulls away then, searching your eyes for any lies and finding nothing but unadulterated truth. You bite into your lower lip as his eyes pierce through you, leaving you breathless and needy for him. Swallowing hard, you cannot hold back any longer and throw your arms around him, letting your body sag against his embrace as he holds you against him and tightens his arms around you.  
“I—I cannot breathe when you are not near.” Pero releases a deep sigh of relief at your confession, his breath a ragged whisper as he nuzzles into your neck and scents your intoxicating skin. 
“Dios mío, bruja. You will be the death of me.” For the first time in decades, the weight of longing gives way to the lightness of surrender, and you dig your nails into his back, wanting him to know that you cannot ever allow space between you now that it has finally disappeared. 
“I think I am finally starting to believe you mean that.” You chuckle against him, and as you feel him pull away, you look at him and search his face for any hint of hesitation. But all you find is sincerity, his eyes fixed on you, dark and unwavering, as if you are the only thing anchoring him to this earth. 
“And if I do?” Pero asks, his voice low and tinged with an unguarded mischievousness.  
Your chest tightens at the rawness in his tone, the unspoken please woven into his words forcing your heart to pound against your ribcage. The warmth of his presence pulls you in, and you swallow nervously, wanting to ensure you have his undivided attention before you reveal your deepest desires.  
“Then I beg you to show me.”
His eyes, once filled with mischief, convey disbelief, and he simply stares at you as though he cannot comprehend what he is hearing. The air around you feels charged, heavy with unspoken hunger that neither of you dare to release just yet. 
“Amor,” he says, ceasing to breathe until he is certain of what you are asking of him. 
“Pero, please.” You clasp onto the collar of his tunic, eyes locked onto his as you will him to understand that you mean your request with every ounce of your being. 
The conflict in his eyes is palpable, his jaw clenching as he fights some internal battle, his physical needs pushing past all else. 
“You wish for me to-” He stops himself, his words faltering as if he is afraid to say them aloud. Pero brushes a stray strand of hair from your face, the touch featherlight, yet intense enough to send a shiver down your spine, the moment making it impossible to look away. 
“Yes,” you nod, praying he can move past any reluctance and see your desire for him as clear as day. “I need you, Pero.”
For a moment, he simply looks at you, as though trying to memorize every detail of your face. Then, with a deep sigh, his gaze softens and he grazes your cheek with his fingers. 
“If I have you,” he says quietly, wanting you to understand how fervent his feelings for you are, “I will never again let you out of my sight. I will fight the heavens and the earth to keep you by my side.” His promise should terrify you, the possessiveness and loyalty he displays making you think twice before you completely surrender to him. But the opposite occurs, and you find yourself willing to forever be at his mercy.
“Pero, I am yours,” You reply, balancing yourself on your toes as you tilt your chin up to offer him a final answer. “I have always been yours.”
His lips curve into the faintest smile, a bittersweet expression that speaks of all the pain, longing, and love he has carried for so long. Slowly, he leans in, parting his lips as you both shut your eyes and finally give your hearts away. 
Again. 
The world around you fades into nothingness as your breath mingles with his own, your lips touching with a mixture of tenderness and desperation. The soft kiss is thick with emotions, and you dare not let go of him, terrified he might disappear should you release him. Pero must feel a similar fear, his hands rough and trembling as he holds onto your waist with one and cups your neck with the other. You both tilt your heads to the side with need to deepen the kiss, and no sooner than you part your lips does Pero, with fierce and unapologetic rawness, collide against you. He presses against you with a fervor that steals the air from your lungs, the hand around your neck slipping into your damp hair and tangling in the strands as he pulls you impossibly closer. His body molds into yours, a growl escaping his throat when he feels your hand find their way to his chest and clutch at him as if your own life depended on his presence. 
And when his teeth grace your lower lip, a spark of intensity ignites something primal between you. Your heart beats erratically at the shameful thought storms your mind, and you find yourself wishing with every bit of you that Pero could see through your need and give you what you desire without you needing to beg him for it.
Pero must sense the wanton ache threatening to make itself known because he finally breaks away, not to pull back, but to study your expression and take pride in the effect he holds on you. Your lips tingle, swollen and red from the raw intensity of the exchange, and you cannot help but stare at his fangs, wondering what they would feel like as they sank deep into your skin until he gorged himself on you. Then you meet his eyes and are taken aback by the golden rings piercing through you. It takes you but a moment to understand that he knows what you want from him, and he licks his lips dramatically, savoring the taste of you before he leans down and carries you in his arms. 
“Whatever debauched desire you want from me, querida, it is yours.” You take note of the truths between the lines, flushing heatedly at being so seen by the man you have fallen in love with once and learned to love again.
“Take me.” The two words are whispered with assertiveness, and Pero does not need to be told twice, quietly pushing your head to rest on his shoulders as he rushes to his quarters. Neither of you say anything, knowing that should you speak another word, you would have each other out in the open without a single care. Only when you reach the hallway of your rooms does Pero stop and turn to you. 
“Do you wish for my bed, or for your own?” The question is asked, not out of reluctance, but out of care. He wants to ensure your comfort, refusing to place you into a distressing space that may have you guessing his loyalty to you. 
“I want to be in your bed. I- I want to erase the memories of our last goodbye, the silence that followed us like ghosts. I want to feel the world in your arms, Pero, and nowhere else.” The sentiment is heartbreaking, and Pero nearly falls to his knees at the depth of your emotions. He nods once and makes his way to his quarters, unlocking the door and walking inside as you snap your fingers to shut the door behind you. 
He sets you down and gulps nervously, hands etching to strip you bare but waiting for permission to do so. You rest your forehead on his chest to quiet your mind, and when you are sure you can meet his piercing eyes once more, you raise your head and look at him. A faint glow of candle light dances shadows against the stone walls, the tension in the air simmering and threatening to overflow. You lock your gaze upon him, wishing to hear what he has dreamed of, hoping it is not too far from what your mind conjured up of him. 
“What do you want?” You ask, allowing his presence to anchor you to the ground so you do not fall over from the proximity of his rigid body. 
“I want…you.” Pero says, his hesitance born not from his feelings but the self-control he is fighting to maintain. “I have never felt as deep and as torturous a desire as I feel for you.” His confession pins you to him, and you suddenly feel like a prey ensnared with her predator, haunted by the thought of having him in such a way that the universe deemed unholy. 
But how could such love be unholy, when all you seek to do is pray his name like a sweet benediction, and in turn, permit him to prostrate at your feet as he entreats for a glimpse of your affections. 
Unable to bear the separation for another moment, you pull away and begin to undo the knots of your clothes. Pero bites into his lower lip, refusing to focus anywhere but your fingers as you unlace the fabric shielding you from his eyes. With each piece of fabric you throw onto the floor, Pero finds it a little more difficult to maintain himself, the last ounce of self-control threatening to evaporate into thin air. 
Afraid of what he may do to you, he mirrors you and slowly unclothes himself, finding the fire in your eyes as heated and cardinal as the flame burning his soul. And when you are both left with nothing but your linen undergarments, Pero stretches his hand and takes hold of the band around your breasts, waiting until you nod to unwind it from your body. He slips his fingers beneath the white fabric and pushes it down, no longer able to keep his gaze appropriate as your skin is displayed for his hungry eyes. He looks at you, and he finds his mind conjuring up images of similar moments from a past life, ones that had him kiss and bite along the curve of your delicious breasts until you could not bear it any longer. He ceases to breathe altogether, returning his attention to your face as he steps closer to you and pushes your lower undergarment to the floor, finally allowing him to view you whole. 
“You…you undo me. Every glance, every breath, every inch of you.” His voice quivers as he speaks, his hands grasping your waist and forcing you to shiver in return. 
“Pero,” you place your hands across his chest, fisting the linen of his shirt and pushing it a little higher, signaling your need to see him. “I wish to see you…all of you.” You gulp anxiously, wanting to simultaneously rapidly surrender to him and slowly fall in his arms. His eyes darken, a mixture of determination and something more primal flickering in his gaze at your request sounding so melodious to his ears. He removes your hands from his chest and takes hold of the edge of his shirt, raising it high above his head and swinging it behind him as he stands in all his glory. 
You finally allow yourself to properly view him, and you cannot help but gasp at the glory of his body, the muscles rippling when your gaze falls upon them and envision long nights of passion, soaked in sweat and pleasure.  
“Goddess in heaven, you are…breathtaking.” You whisper, fingers training the sharp lines of his jaw, down to his neck and lower to his rigid stomach. His breath quickens beneath your touch, and you feel your heart threaten to beat out of your chest when he grasps your hand and pulls you against him, until your hard nipples brush against the hair on his chest. 
“You have stolen the words from my lips.” Pero smirks at you, and you feel a bit dazed from the sudden, possessive touches, wishing he could end your misery then and there, push you down on all force and fill you with his gorgeous cock until you knew nothing but the sound of his name and the heat of his seed spilling inside you. You blink at him, distracted by thoughts of what he may do to you, only to find his grip loosening around your wrist and nearly pull away.
“Is there something on your mind?” Your voice drops, filled with worry at the thought of him doubting you. 
“I- I do not wish to hurt you. I fear that should I…should we continue-” Pero hesitates for a moment, uncertainty creeping into his heart as he registers the dazed look about you due to his neediness. He fears what he may do should you continue to be so willing and pliant in his embrace. He knows, and remembers, all that you have done to each other centuries ago, but a part of him understands that this was then. 
And you were here, now. 
“I have wanted you, for so long mi cielo. I am unsure whether I can be gentle tonight.” You interrupt his train of thought, cupping his face with reverence, until his eyes focus on you once more, and ignore the flying doubts threatening to halt your union. 
“You do not need to hold back,” you continue, voice assertive, yet filled with a desperate need that grows hotter the longer you remain so far from him, “not with me.”
“I do not need gentle, Pero. I need you.” You breathe with a finality, pressing your body closer to his until he sees and feels nothing but you. His lips part at your confidence, cock twitching at hearing what you crave from him. 
“You will tell me to stop,” he says, voice laced with a warning that you know better than to ignore,  “tell me to stop before I go too far.”
“I am yours, always.” your eyes never leave his, the trust between you simmering and reaching a zenith more powerful than any fear. He leans down, molding his lips with your own as he wraps his arms around your thighs and carries you, deepening the kiss when you cross your legs behind his back and swallow his moans. He kneels on the bed, but does not let go of you, slowly moving across the soft sheets until he lays you down against his pillows. You twist your head to the cushions beneath you, taking in Pero’s musk and filling your senses with his scent. He sits back and watches you lose yourself in him. Waiting for you to satisfy your cravings, Pero traces his fingers down your body, clenching his jaws tightly when he flicks a nipple and watches it pucker beneath his touch. 
There is a glow about your skin that he cannot fathom, and he commits this moment to memory, wanting to create new visions grounded more in the present than the past. 
“Your blood, it sings to me, mi bruja,” Pero groans, forcing a shudder across your very being as his words settle and pull you from your momentary haze. “I can hear it rushing to the surface, desperately pleading to touch my tongue.” He gives you no time to dwell on his promises, falling against you and attacking your neck with wet kisses and teasing bites. You drag your nails across his back, tangling your fingers in his hair as he holds onto you hard enough to brand you. Your scratches sends a new wave of pleasure down his spine, and he continues to lick and nip at your sternum, the top of your breasts, and at last, your hardened peaks. His fingers deftly pinch the other nipple, rolling it aggressively until you finally ask him what you have thought of since you knew who he was to you.
“Do it, please.” You moan, your body aching to feel his teeth sink deep within and drag your blood onto his tongue. He blows air against the cold, damp skin of your breasts, watching you squirm beneath him and shake with shameless lust. 
“No, no little one. The first time my teeth sink into you,” he hums his pleasure against you, voice dark and seductive as he leaves a trail of bites down your stomach, “it will be when my cock is deep inside you, filling you with my seed.” He pushes your thighs apart, nesting his hips perfectly against you, his cock twitching against your heated core deliciously, the hard, velvety skin kissing your mound and silently asking it to wait…just a little bit more. 
“Ohhhh g-gods,” your hands grip his shoulders tightly, and you muster up the courage to look down, wanting to watch his every move as he finally brings you to the deepest abyss. 
“Por favor, mi hechicera, call for me. Call for me as you always have, as I have longed to hear again.” He urges as one hand descends down your body and draws patterns across your inner thighs while the other rests above your heart, wanting to hear it beat his name with each kiss he delivers to your flushed body. 
“Pero,” you sigh longingly, the word slipping from your lips both like a prayer and a confession. 
“Hmmm, again.” Pero groans, his touches growing more confident, reaching just a bit closer to where you ache for him. He roams his eyes across your body, finding the familiarity of your beauty melancholic yet intoxicating. 
“P-Pero…oh-” Again, you moan his name with flagrant agony, suspended between pain and pleasure. He smiles at you then, watching as your spirit recognizes his own and reaches for some semblance of relief. When your eyes remember to open once more, Pero slips his fingers in between your folds and drags his middle finger twice to force your attention on him. You reach for the hand atop your breast, intertwining your fingers with his own and digging your heels into the sheets in preparation for what is to come. You mouth another plea, tears threatening to stream from your eyes as you feel another finger tease your entrance. 
“Moan for me, little luna.” He commands, his teeth biting at your upper thigh as you flinch beneath him, the knowledge that he can bring your demise so easily soaking his fingers instantly. 
“Please, touch me Pero.”
“Where would you like me to touch you?” Pero’s voice is rough with hunger, the beast within wishing to have you now etching to make himself known with each little whimper you gift him. 
“Where I ache for you.” You attempt to bring yourself closer to his hand, fuck yourself on his fingers for some relief, but Pero shakes his head and pulls away, dragging your wetness across your thighs and pressing down on your hips to keep you still. 
“Here,” he teases with a smirk, hands laying flat against your waist. “Or here?” He moves his fingers slowly across your stomach, just barely touching your skin, chuckling to himself when he sees how impatient you are becoming. “Perhaps…here.” Knowing he cannot hold back much longer, Tovar brings his hand back to your core, allowing you a single breath before he pushes two fingers deep inside your cunt. 
“Yesssss, everywhere. Pero….everywhere.” You arch your back, lost in the sensation of his thick fingers as they prod at your inner walls. Torn between keeping your eyes on him and throwing your head back, you blink hazily at him until you can no longer maintain his gaze, the golden rings suddenly taking over his orbs driving your ecstasy further. 
“Do you want more, my love?” He kisses your navel, nosing at the skin and breathing in your scent. His senses flood with your essence, and he drives his fingers deeper, pushing against a place that has you squirming beneath him and reaching for his arms. 
“Please, Pero.”
“I have waited for this for centuries,” Pero murmurs, his voice raw with longing. 
“As have I.” You barely manage to breathe the sentiment, unable to focus on much else apart from the pleasure he continues to ring from your body. 
“You are exquisite.” You push your head aside, biting into the sheets to prevent more noises from spilling into the room. Tovar pouts at your timidity, and he stops moving altogether until you manage to look at him through heavy-lidded eyes. “No, do not shy away from me, mi bruja.” He feels the heat rise between you, and he drags himself lower, until you feel his breath fan over your wet cunt. 
“Let me have you, querida.” He groans, knowing that you both have waited a lifetime to feel this intimacy once more. When you nod your consent, Pero dives into you, tongue licking at the sensitive nub until your nails dig roughly into the skin of his forearm. 
“Nghhh,” you gasp in shock, the strength with which Pero delivers each stroke of his tongue signaling the ferocity of his desire, the wet movement igniting sparks of pleasure that ripple through your body and leave you trembling under his unrelenting touch. You whine his name, along with incoherent thoughts, one that has you wishing he could somehow sink deeper into you. 
“Does that feel good?” His touch is possessive, as dominating and rough as his voice. You wonder how you have passed through life without feeling this each night, but you pay the sadness no mind, wanting to relish in finally being in his arms. 
“Hmm,” you instinctively respond to him, skin rising with goosebumps as he wraps his lips around your aroused peak, grazing his teeth across the small muscle until he feels you lose your mind. 
“That taste of you…it drives me mad with need, amor.” Pero confesses as he tongues at your folds, driving his fingers harder and quicker inside you until your walls begin to flutter around him, pulling him in deeper with each pass he expertly delivers to your weeping core. 
“I can feel you, embracing my fingers, growing more heated and—tight.” The growl that escapes his throat is enough to push you higher to the edge, the desire laced in his words and his actions letting you know this was only the beginning. You look at him then, finding his golden eyes trained directly at you. The knowledge that such a powerful man has willingly chosen to surrender himself to you is intoxicating and you pray for him one last time, finding your past, present, and future in the intensity of his gaze. 
“Pero, I-...I’m,” you stammer, the pressure building inside you threatening to spill over against his mouth. He does not let up once, continuing his ministrations until he feels you clench around him even tighter. 
“Fall apart for me, amor.” Tovar commands softly, allowing himself a moment of respite before he returns his attention to your warm cunt. “Let me taste your pleasure—now.” 
The order comes in between thick laps of his tongue against your folds and harsh thrusts of his digits into your aching core, the sensations overwhelming you until you are powerless. With a few more brushes of his fingers against your quivering walls, you submit yourself to the pleasure, a silent scream signaling your climax to Tovar, the expression of ecstasy on your glowing features forcing him to continue pulling more from your body. 
He maintains his gaze upon you, his fingers halting as far inside you as he can reach until he feels a soft spot push against him. He rubs against the swollen bit of you a few times, enclosing his lips around your flushed pearl one last time and sucking as hard as he can. Had his arm not been against your chest, Tovar is sure you would have flown from him, and he maintains his strength against you as you continue coming in his arms, sobbing his name over and over again until he sees your tears wet his sheets. 
Not wanting to turn the pleasure uncomfortable, he stops his attention and raises himself from your thighs, slowly slipping his fingers from your core and watching as more wetness seeps out of you. 
“You are radiating.” Pero comments, waiting for your eyes to find him before dragging his fingers across his tongue and licking them dry. You let go of his arm and reach for your cunt, covering it with your hands embarrassingly as you attempt to sit up and feel his skin slide against yours.  Might it be because of me?” The question is asked before you find his lips and slip your tongue inside his mouth, tasting your arousal on his lips and moaning at the filthy nature of what the two of you are doing. 
“You- you know as well as I this is all for you, because of you.” You reply as you kiss across his chest, marveling at the sheer power hiding beneath the scars and muscles on display for your hungry eyes. Sneaking a glance at him, you wait until his golden eyes shine brighter before dragging your hand down his stomach. 
“Ahh, b-brujita-” he moans in return, the warmth and softness of your palm holding him hard enough to have his cock still twitch against you. He kisses your temple as he shuts his eyes, feeling your touches grow more confident and teasing. 
“Why do you enjoy calling me a witch so…sinfully?” You giggle when he hisses through gritted teeth, your fingers rolling his base right as you drag your nails to the flushed tip of his member. 
“B-because you have spun your—oh, your spells upon my heart, bewitching it with your- your soft touches, and sweet words.” Pero admits desperately, his hands resting against your shoulders as you slide your hand back and forth. 
“I do not recall doing such intricate designs…amor.” Your smile does wonders to him, the playfulness of your pleasure allowing him to remember nights he thought he could never recall again. Then you use his language, and he feels as if the world around him is passing away into nothing. 
“No? T-then explain how madly bewitched I am by your very soul.” There is longing laced around his simple confession, and you cannot help but pull him against you, wrapping an arm around his neck and kissing him passionately as he pushes you against the bed. 
“Pero,” the heat you feel in your core intensifies, but you know you want, more than anything, to hold the weight of his cock on your tongue before he takes you. 
“Ahhh, hermosa- por favor, sácame de mi miseria.” You push him on his back and he falls willingly, fingers twisting in your hand instantly when he sees you descend down his body and continue teasing his cock. 
“Will you let me have you as well?” You ask, kissing and nipping down his body, never once breaking his gaze as you lick down his navel and breathe against the base of his cock, waiting for him to give you permission. 
“You do not need-” He begins to say but you cut him off with a kiss to the tip of his cock, claiming his as yours. The action shocks him into silence, and he throws his head back, revealing the sharp canines he tries his best to keep in hiding. 
“Let me taste your cock on my lips, please!” You beg, mouth and hand aching to feel him against you.
“Soy tuyo.” He sighs in defeat, resting his thumb against your lips and rubbing the plump skin twice before nodding in acceptance. Not a second passes before your mouth wraps completely around him, and Pero is sure he has died and gone to the highest of heavens, the warmth of your throat proving to him that such wonders do exist. 
“Ahhh diablilla,” his breath comes in ragged gasps, fingers twisting into your hair again as you look at him and continue to take him as far down as you could. A mixture of his arousal and your saliva streams down your chin, and Pero whines when he sees you drag it across the rest of him and massage his base, not caring for how filthy you may look. 
“You look beautiful…with your lips wrapped around my cock.” He groans, hands tightening on your neck as you move your head up and down the length of him. When you are sure will not turn away, you lightly pass your teeth against the crown of his cock, watching as his hips push forward unintentionally and send him deeper inside you. 
“How far are you willing to go to make me lose my sanity, woman?” He snarls at you, shaking his head in disbelief as you continue to pleasure you, as you know. You smirk as you worship him, removing your mouth from his velvety, hard skin for a moment to respond and returning your touches again to prevent him from retorting in kind. 
“Far,” your eyes meet his with a spark of defiance and mischief, and Tovar is powerless beneath you, completely and utterly powerless. 
“I- I fear you may not have to…I- I am,” he stammers, groaning in unbelievable rapture as he imagines what your cunt must feel like if your mouth flutters around his length like an angel’s wings. 
“I cannot take much more, love…you feel too- too heavenly.” Pero admits shamelessly, his body trembling with the overwhelming sensations coursing through his veins. You shake your head then, watching as the action spirals him back against the bed once more.
“I thought I was your little devil?” You respond, kissing along his wet cock and watching as he fights to maintain some semblance of control. 
“Oh god…the devil was once an angel, querida.” His voice is strained with need, and you are unsure if he wishes for you to continue or halt. 
“If I am an angel, then you must be my god…my master.” You whisper to him then, moving your hands across him and pressing your breasts near the reddened tip to prove to him you are as dazed, if not more, by his existence as he appears to be by your own.
“No…no little one, it is you who is the master of this lonely heart. You and no one else.” You do not expect such a heartfelt revelation to break through the wanton desires swimming in his golden eyes, the words forcing you to stop altogether as you memorize the somber and hopelessly-in-love features gazing at you.  
“Come here!” Pero uses your momentary distraction to his advantage, dragging you against his body and pushing you beneath him once more, nesting his hips perfectly in between your thighs and snatching both of your wrists above your head.
“But I-” you begin, but he silences you with a passionate kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth hungrily until he can taste his arousal in your mouth. The knowledge that you both swallowed the other’s essence deep inside of you sends his heart into a frenzy, and you must reach a similar conclusion because you respond to his vigor with as much madness, swirling your tongue around his own and praying he can finally put you out of your misery and take you. 
“Another twist of your tongue and I would have lost myself in your mouth.” He warns as he kisses your jaw, laughing when he hears you question him through a fit of giggles. 
“Is that so bad?”
“No, but if I am finally having you, then I am coming in your pretty cunt first…and then I will fill your other holes. ¿Me entiendes?” His voice drops with desire, eyebrows raised in determination as you finally allow his words to settle in your mind. 
“Pero, take me. Now…and do not dare to be gentle.” You plead, burning with a need to feel his cock brand your cunt as his.
“I want you to ruin me,” you confess, hands balling into fists as you attempt to loosen his grip from around you. He growls at your request, letting go of your arms and smiling when your arms reach around his back in an attempt to pull him closer to you. “And put me back together…with your touch etched on every inch of my skin.”
“You will tell me if-” You cut him off one last time with a fierce kiss, nodding when you release him and reach for his cock.
“Look at me,” he drags your attention away from the space between your bodies to his golden eyes, staring at you closely until he ensures you are focusing on nothing but him. “And know that I am never letting you go.” His demand is low and full of promise, and before you can answer him, he removes your hand from his length and drags it twice across your folds, not wasting another moment before pushing himself into your tightening walls. 
“F-fuck,” the expletive would shock him had he not known you, and he rests his weight against his hands, sheathing himself completely inside you until there is nothing but the air separating your bodies. He waits for you to breathe, and when he is sure you have adjusted to him, he pulls out as far as he can before pushing back inside with a groan. 
“You are…my desires incarnate.” He groans, one hand gripping your hips as the other fists into the sheets beneath your head. 
“Your cock is—it feels like a fire blazing inside of me. Hot, heavy and s-so fucking hard.” Your body arches towards him, and you cannot help but lose yourself in his eyes as his thrusts deliver with a steady, roughening pace. Your words undo him, and he cannot control his body from pushing harder into you, the feeling of your cunt, so warm and inviting, making him wish he can stay attached to you forever. 
“I feel you in my soul, my love.” He nudges his nose against your chin, breathing heavily as your fingers tug on his hair and beg him for more.
“Ohhh, yes!”
Your cries match his groans, and as you find that familiar pleasure build once more, you are met with a vision not unlike the one you are experiencing now, one that has you looking forward to all the nights you would share with Pero now that you found him again. 
“Your cunt is heaven, as if you were made for me. I fear I will never get enough of you.” Pero shakes his head as he nuzzles into the crook of your neck, finger bruising your skin as your sighs grow louder in his ears. 
“You have…completely undone me, Pero.” Your gasps are music to his ears, and he feels your core clench harder around him, pulling him in deeper with each push of his hips. 
“How is that,” he asks, his voice gruff with need, “I can feel your heartbeat,” you tilt your head to the side as he sucks on your neck and marks you as his, “each time you clench around me?”
“Please,” unable to form more words, you plead for him to finally drink from you, wanting to be connected to him in every way possible. 
“Has your body learned my touch already, mi bruja?” He chuckles at you then, watching as your skin comes alive the more he shapes your cunt to his length. 
“Does it remember my cock when- oh fuck, when it claimed you time after another all those years ago?” His hand caresses down your side, until it rests against your thigh and pushes it higher. You cross your legs behind his back, his cock filling you deliciously. 
“Pero, you are killing me.”
“No, little one, I am calling for your witch’s blood to pray for me.” His whole being is raw with need, and he grows crazed when your body responds to his madness and glows for him. 
“Oh, she likes to hear how I crave her?” You want to sob at his teasing, but with each word he whispers to you, you feel yourself growing closer to the edge of release. 
“Does that please you—knowing that, when I fill you with my seed, and keep you in my arms forever, that your witch will be ruined for all eternity? Does that make you wet, mi bruja traviesa?”
“Yes, oh- oh gods, Pero, please. Claim me!” You cry out at the sentiment, body shuddering with anticipation of what you are confident will be the greatest pleasure known to the world.
“Lord knows how fucking gratifying it will feel to have your blood course through my veins…knowing that I have feasted upon you, mierda- ah mierda…until you have ruined me.” His growls increase, as do his thrusts, and when you turn to look at him and find his eyes no longer golden but red, you beg him one last time, knowing he will not turn you down once more. 
“I- I am close…so close.”
“Where can I-” He stares at your skin, unsure of where you would rather hold evidence of his bite. There is madness storming in his eyes, one that has you cutting him off and telling him to do whatever he wishes with you. 
“Wherever you desire, my love.”
“I…love you, my beautiful witch. With every part of me capable of knowing such a feeling.” He confess, his hands trembling as he wraps his hand around your neck and tilts your head far back so he can gain access to the top of your breasts. Your body is prepared to explore in pleasure, and when you feel him kiss the top of your nipple twice, you ask him to join you. 
“Pero, be with me.”
The moment his teeth pierce your sink, a strangely familiar warmth washes over your body, and you flutter around his cock instantly, the pleasure of your coupling and his feeding blinding your sight and sending you into a state of ecstasy you long to experience again already. You can hear him groan against you, his seed filling your womb with long, hot ropes of warmth that mirrors the heat beating against your chest. He gulps you down hungrily, enough to satiate the desire he feels for you but not to send you into a sleep. When he is sure he has had his fill of you, he clenches his jaw and pulls away, licking the wound twice to prevent it from bleeding any further. 
Pero looks at you then, a part of him afraid of how you may react when you find the beast in him wanting for more. But as you always have, you caress his cheek gently and pull him down, kissing his lips one last time as you finally whisper those words to him. 
“I l-love you Pero, oh so much.”
He nearly cries at the sentiment, unsure of what good he has done in his life that deserves such affections from you. Slowly, he pulls himself away from your body, wincing in discomfort when the sudden lack of your heat washes over him. You pout in return, wanting to remain filled with him until the morning, but knowing that you both needed a moment of respite if you were to continue through the night. 
Pero falls to his back, not wasting a moment as he pulls you to his side, until you are intertwined in each other. Neither of you say anything, and Pero meditates on the words you whispered to him seconds ago, wondering if you were merely remembering your past or truly meant what you have conveyed to him. 
The room feels suspended in time, the air heavy with the revelations you parted to one another throughout the night. He leans over and urges you with a question. 
“What can you remember?” He asks then, wanting to know, more than anything, if you recall him the way he knows you.
“I feel as if I- I remember everything.” You look up at him and smile, fingers drawing patterns across his damp chest, wanting to be sure you were still in his arms. 
“Tell me,” his breath fans over your temple as he kisses you once, reutrning the smile on your features and waiting to hear your response. 
“I remember your eyes, how safe they always made me feel. And I remember your touch, the way you tended to be soft when you loved me, and the roughness you brought when you craved me.” Your heart pounds as you recall the visions that have plagued your mind for weeks on end. And Pero’s lips part, but no words escape him. He swallows hard, his throat bobbing as you continue to prove to him that, whatever your heart knows now, is more important that what you have felt for him before. 
“Most of all, I remember how deeply you loved me and how I could not breathe without being in your arms.” 
The silence stretches between you, heavy and intimate with promises of what is to come. When you speak again, your voice is tinged with an almost unbearable sadness, afraid of what his answer will be to the question that plagued your spirit for a while now. 
“Where will you go…when this is all over?”
“I will find those responsible for our lost time,” his jaw is set with determination, tone cold and resolute when he offers you nothing but the truth. 
“And I will kill every last one of them.” Your brows knit together when you see pain flicker across his face, the memories of what your kind and his have done to you pushing you to ask one last request of him. 
“Let me come with you.” Your hand brushes against his, playing with the veins on his wrist as you wait for a response. 
“I cannot, mi corazón.” He shakes his head and silently apologizes to you when he sees anguish etched into your very soul.
“Please?”
“Have I not promised you long ago that these hands were for you? That I would do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” He cups your cheek, the smile he aims at you letting you know that there is a future for the both of you when he is finished with his mission. 
“Can I not offer you the same promise?” You lean into his touch, wanting to prove to him that, just as his hands are for you, your magic is for him, and him alone. 
“Everything I do, my love, is for you. My anger, my wrath, my revenge…it is all for you. I will raise hell on earth if anyone strives to separate us once more. Why would you bloody your hands, when I care not for my own?” Tovar says firmly, wanting you to be certain that his love and loyalty will never pass away again, that he will surely return to your side when he is confident no one means you any harm. 
“Because, Pero…I never understood love until I felt your hands on me, and I want your hands to carry my heart. But for you to do so, I must ask the same in return. I must drench my hands in the same blood, if only to feel worthy of caring for such a gift from you.” Your voice softens his expression, and you pray to the old gods that he sees how far you are willing to go to keep him safe from harm. 
“You wish to carry my heart, when you yourself are my heart?” A storm of emotions swirls around his question, and he leans down to meet your lips in a chaste kiss once more, shaking with the thought of ever putting you in danger again. 
“Pero,” you hold his gaze then, once again knowing that he will not refuse you now that he sees you are just as wanting to rid the world of those who hurt you as he is. 
“Sí, mi amor?” He breathes, his voice barely louder than a whisper.
“Let me protect you as you once protected me.” You say with determination, and watch as his eyes struggle to comprehend your request. 
“Please, my love. Let me.”
“I could never deny you any request.” With a sigh of defeat, he chuckles at you and nods in agreement, closing his eyes and surrendering to the knowledge that you will always hold him powerless in the palm of your hand. 
“Mi alma, you are too entangled in my soul for me to ever be apart from you. Whatever you desire, you have it.”
“Te amo, mi bruja.” He murmurs, voice thick with emotion, and heart even heavier with the love he sees etched, not just in your eyes, but your very existence. 
“And I love you.” Your words are a promise, a bond unbroken by time or circumstance, one that you solidify with a kiss to his heart before you allow the Luxor night air to lull you to sleep. 
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Translation:  Maga - mage Bruja - witch Hechicera - Sorceress/enchantress Capulla - dumbass Querida - dear Hermosa - beautiful Luna - moon Cielo - heaven Cariño - darling/sweetheart Alma - spirit Vida - life Amor - love Corazón - heart Sácame de mi miseria - put me out of my misery Soy tuyo - I am yours Diablilla - little devil ¿Me entiendes? - Do you understand me? Bruja traviesa - naughty witch Mierda - shit
Pedro Pascal Taglist (and any of his characters): 
@paste-0-princess @feelmyroarrrr @libbymouse @its--fandom--darling @spideysimpossiblegirl @princess76179 @cheekygeek05 @miraclesoflove  @purple-mango @metalarmsandmanbuns @acthenerd @greeneyedblondie44 @cannedsoupsucks @wordsnwhiskey @talesfromtheguild @f0rever15elf @vibin-hippie @onesmokinbabe @leaiorganas @words-way-of-life @kideyz  @lovesickmadsadpoet @niall7inches @rosiefridayrogersunday @sleep-tight1 @itsfreeekinbats @cybergroupie  @marsplsstop @ezrasbirdie @diogodxlot @janebby @juletheghoul @bii-aan-ckaa @nohartandsole @djjarins @giselatropicana @maziken @blackmarketmummy @laviipopii @ew-erin @fan-of-encouragement @melody13522 @clydesducktape @planetariumx @thirddeadlysin @leannawithacapitala @fangirl-316 @thou-creature-of-the-deep @what-iwish-you-knew @nabootycall @pascalsky @pedrostories @anaaaispunk @monocromaticstaircase @severinsnape @elegantduckturtle @gothicxbarbie @revengeisaconfesionofpain @hypnoash @pedritopascalito @eri16 @andiesturgss  @snarwor @christina-loves @tintinn16 @persephones-garden @reaperofmen  @heykathchuu @hotchlover @kaumalade @MSWarriorBabe80 @nakhudanyx @ezras-channel-rat @solemnlyswearss @thegirlnextdoorssister @alpaca-swimsuit @elinedjarin @yuukiblissthemusicwitch @dihra-vesa @pscalwhiskey @midwesternwitchery @daddymando @letskeepthislo-ki @xwalltoast @alexxavicry @ewoksrus @dear-fifi @nagassia @kirsteng42 @s-u-t @yourdragonsfire @girlofchaos @thisshipwillsail316 @squidwell @the-helmet-stays-on @mssbridgerton @buckybarneshairpullingkink @hungrhay @hugmedin @balck-rose-29 @trickstersp8 @happycupcakeenthusiast @daddypedritopascalito @onlinecementery @janebby @domaniquessidehoe @cassiepascal @lillianacristina @bitchwitch1981 @hallecarey1 @vee-bees-vlog @riddlelecter
P.S. If someone can let me know whether the tags are working, I would really appreciate it!!!
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