#and yes at the same time he is kind and darling and anxious and proper and everything we love about him

[rollforjackass]

look we all know that aziraphale is mr. fiddlesticks-not-fuck and dearie-me-good-gracious, but my favorite thing about him is that there is also, at all times, a fuck-shit little bastard inside of him just begging to be let loose. he's petty, he's passive aggressive, and the Second he decides that playing by heaven's rules isn't going to help anybody, it's all "i know who you are, you idiot!" and "you STUPID man" and "FUCK"

[ds-ts-smut-fics]

Lovely Boys [Chapter Three]

Summary: Janus and Logan are both in love with Remus, it’s just a matter of who can convince Remus of their feelings first. 

Trigger warnings: NSFW, real hardcore insecurity, not the healthiest habits, rough sex, being caught (kind of, they’re not walked in on), mention of abusive and negligent past exes who neglected proper BDSM rules, some very rude degrading self talk, sl*t as an endearing term, pretty heavy pet play, Janus is a brat 

Genre: Hurt/Comfort smut (Sub Remus, dom Logan, switch Janus), intruloceit 

Written by: Virgil & Claire

Edited by: Virgil 

A/N: One more after this! It’s more of an epilogue. <3 Also! I’ve been having trouble with read mores lately, so pls lmk if it doesn’t show up ~Virgil 

Remus’ hand was warm and soft in Janus’, and completely restless. Remus bounced excitedly. Janus was… In a sort of daze, not quite caught up with reality. 

"Remus wanted to make a stop on the way, but…” Logan glanced over his shoulder at them. “If we're adding J, maybe a postpone on the collar, pet?"

He pouted. “O-okay…” 

“Why postpone the collar?” Janus held Remus closer. 

"You're okay with getting a collar for him, some toys? I didn't want to assume, but…" Logan nibbled his lips. Both of you in collars… Hands bound and waiting orders~ 

“Well, I certainly don’t like this look on his face.” Janus tapped Remus’ nose. “You want your collar tonight?”

Remus nodded sheepishly. “If that’s okay.”

"Very true…" Cupping Remus' face, he smiled. "If my pup wants a collar, a collar he shall have… Kiss?" 

Remus kissed him excitedly, and pulled away quickly to throw open the door. “C’mon, c’mon, can we go?”

Chuckling, he nodded, offering Janus his arm. "Shall we, dear? The pup is anxious to go…"

Janus took his arm with a little, embarrassed nod. “Yes, I’m ready.”

"Good boy…" Patting the hand on his arm, he followed Remus out, offering the other hand to him. 

Remus took his hand as Janus spluttered a bit, blushing. “That is not…”

Grinning, Logan winked. "Shhh… It's okay, J!" 

Janus scowled and climbed into the backseat, letting Remus take the front. 

Bending to steal a kiss, Logan sighed. "Janus… Did I say something wrong, dear?"

He crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged.

"I'm sorry…. How can I make it right?" Tapping the steering wheel, he sighed.  I want you both happy, Janus.

“He’s just being a drama brat,” Remus giggled, “isn’t that right, Jan-Jan?”

“Fuck off,” he grumbled, face pink. 

"Oh… You scared me a moment, Janus!!" A soft smile breaking, he sighed. "I don't want to lose either of my precious boys!"

They both blushed bright red, Remus squealing and kissing Logan’s knuckles, Janus scowling and looking out the window. 

Turning to driving, he stroked Remus gently. "Should we get him something pretty too, Rem? You're getting a collar…"

“Yeah!” Remus turned back to grin at Janus, and Janus couldn’t help but return it. “You deserve something pretty, too, Jan!”

"Both of you pick whatever you want, okay? No kink shaming… Just love!" Grinning happily, he hummed as they made their way to the shop, parking the car.

“Yes, sir!” Remus giggled and grabbed Janus’ hand as they walked into the store. 

Walking behind them, Logan grinned, coming up to take Janus' other hand. "Stay close to one of us at all times, my pup… I don't want to lose either of you."

“Good luck keeping him from wandering,” Janus chuckled. He reached out and grabbed Remus’ shirt as he got distracted by something, pulling Remus back to the group.

"Collar and leash set will certainly help…" Reaching out, he took Remus' hand.  

Remus flushed deep red and glanced back at him. “Yeah?”

Janus shifted awkwardly and grinned. “What, do you like that idea, little pup?” Janus wasn’t actually surprised. He’d seen plenty of Remus’ magazines spread around the apartment. 

"I think he likes the idea of someone else holding the reins… Would you heel for me if requested? Should we train you to commands~?" Stroking Remus' cheek, he kissed him softly.

Remus moaned softly, kissing him back. Janus tugged on the back of his shirt. “Let’s go look at the leashes,” he said eagerly. 

One arm around Remus, Logan nodded, leading them over. "Indeed… Perhaps one for each of us? He can choose who he wants to guide him at that time?"

“God, you really do have money, huh?” Janus rubbed down Remus’ back. “Go on, go crazy.” 

Remus wasted no time in obeying, rushing over to the selection and trying each of them. 

Logan nodded as he watched. "I have quite enough to support all three of us, yes. What do you want, Janus?"

“I’m okay,” he said instantly. “I don’t need anything.”

Gently taking Janus by the chin, Logan hummed. "Tell me, baby? You've been so good… Let daddy get you a treat?"

Janus flushed deep red and looked away. He forced a little scoff. “Don’t patronize me. What happened to thinking I was too dominant for you?” 

He pulled Janus into his arms, holding him gently. "The way you seem to want to melt into my arms and be protected… It makes me want to cuddle and protect you, give you everything that I can."

Janus hated that he said that, only because Janus did exactly that: Melt into his arms, nuzzle into his neck, all without his own permission. 

“I’m not a sub,” he grumbled, but it wasn’t all too convincing. “You can try to collar me, but it won’t be easy.” 

"I don't want to collar you, love… Remus needs it, the structure. You, you're a precious jewel because you want support but not control. We share~" Kissing his cheek, he hummed. 

Janus shuddered. “I don’t need anything,” he mumbled. 

“Janny! Look!” Remus bounded forward with two collars in hand and thrusted them out. “This one has spikes!” 

Chuckling, Logan released Janus to let him coo over Remus, smiling. "Perhaps a dinner or just cuddling then, but do tell me if something does catch your eye, dear? Remus… Do you want them both, hun?"

He nodded excitedly. “This one for Janus!” He held up the spiked one, and the thrusted a soft velvet one in Logan’s direction. “And this one for you!” He practically vibrated with excitement as he whirled on Janus. “Which one are you getting?” 

Janus faltered. “Uh…” 

"He's getting the one that speaks to him, pet.. and that might not be in this shop." Stroking Remus, he smiled. "Which do you want, little one?"

Remus glanced between the two of them, and then decided his attention fully on Janus. “You’re not getting a collar?” He whined. 

Janus hesitated. Remus stared up at him with wide, sad eyes. “Of course I’m getting a collar. Just waiting for Master here to pick one out.” 

Remus immediately brightened up and put his in the basket, then rushed off to explore more.

Logan watched a moment before turning to Janus. "Do you want me to choose or are you just putting him off, lovely?"

“Just pick a collar,” he huffed. 

Sliding an arm around Janus, he smiled, taking him to the faux leather section and picking up a black collar with a snake scale look and gold buckles. "I'd love to see you in this, baby~"

Janus blushed as he looked at the collar. “That looks pretty sick,” he mumbled. 

"Classy and wild, just like you!" Stroking a thumb down Janus' cheek, he smiled, setting it in the basket.

“We should find Remus. Who knows what chaos he’s gotten himself into without supervision.” Janus looked away, but Logan didn’t miss the way he leaned into his touch. 

Grinning, he nodded. "Of course, sweetheart… He was headed towards the paddles and crops."

Janus rolled his eyes with a fond laugh. “Of course he was.” 

They found him staring at what may have been the most… Extra paddle Janus and Logan had ever seen in their lives. It looked like it could cause some real damage. 

“Remus,” Janus said in concern, “have you ever actually engaged in pain play before?”

Remus looked at them with a blush and nodded. “Yeah!”

Janus crossed his arms over his chest, remembering Remus had never had aftercare before Logan. “Your partner hitting you in the middle of sex without negotiation first isn’t pain play.”

Remus’ smile faltered, just a bit. “Oh. Well, then no, not technically.” 

Humming, Logan gave Remus a squeeze. "We can talk about what you like, okay, darling? Things like this can actually damage you if you're not careful, and you deserve to be safe even if you want a little hurt with the pleasure."

Remus frowned in confusion. “Damage… Isn’t that the point?” 

Janus dragged his hands down his face and sucked in a breath. He peeked at Remus between his fingers, eyes narrowed and cold. “Do you still have your ex’s numbers in your phone? Their addresses?” 

Sighing, his hand clenching, Logan frowns. "Pup… The cornerstones of play are safe, sane, and consensual… That's why we talk, and consent is so important. Pain is okay only if you want it. Same goes for marks, restraints, all of it."

“But… I want whatever you want,” Remus mumbled. 

Janus grabbed Remus’ hand and tugged him away. “If you really want to try it, we’ll start with something small. And you have to swear you’ll safe word if you don’t like it. Got it?”

Remus kissed Janus on the corner of the mouth. “Okay!” 

Turning to the display, Logan hummed, testing a smaller paddle, trusting Janus to talk sense into the pup. "My lovely boy, it's good that you trust your partner, but we need you to give us feedback in both the good and bad, okay?"

Remus nuzzled into Janus’ neck, who held him like Remus was some sort of hurt angel. “Yes, sir.” 

“We don’t want to actually hurt you,” Janus murmured. “It would… It would break my heart if I put you through pain. Please don’t let us.”

Remus finally seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. He frowned and looked between the two, shrinking in on himself. “Okay. I won’t. I’m sorry. I didn’t know it wasn’t…” 

Hugging him gently, Logan nodded. "It's okay, baby. You didn't know… We're so glad that you're safe, and we want to keep it that way, okay?"

Janus hugged him from the other side. "You're a good boy."

Remus let out a little squeak and covered his face. “I’m not… Not a good boy,” he said, flustered. 

Logan nuzzled him. "We see you as a good boy, our sweet pup… Let us show you how good and lovely you are, honey?" 

Remus buried his red face in Logan’s neck. His legs were wobbly. “Nng…”

“Oh,” Janus smirked, “maybe we should finish up shopping before there’s a problem.” 

Laughing, Logan nodded. "Leash, pet bed… I'm thinking a tail and ear set and some padded socks for when he wants to be a four legged pup…"

Remus rubbed his legs together with a little whine. “Can I put the bed by your desk?” 

Janus ruffled Remus’ hair and kissed his cheek, tugging him towards the pet play section. 

"I'm thinking one by my desk and one in the kitchen by your bowls so you can watch one of us cook for you, pup… Sound good?" Smiling, Logan followed them with the basket.

He nodded excitedly. He squealed as Janus picked him up and settled him on his hip. He kissed Remus’ nose, suddenly very angry that he hadn’t been doing this the entire time. He pulled Remus in for a close kiss, and swallowed down the fact that he loved him. 

Sighing, Logan took another picture. "My lovely boys…"

Janus blushed and glowered at him. “Put your phone down,” he snapped, while Remus giggled and nuzzled into him. 

Winking, Logan grinned, coming over to kiss them both. "I'll send you the picture!"

Janus’s glare deepened, but he didn’t oppose. He set Remus down with a kiss to the top of his head. “Go pick out some things, baby boy.”

Remus wasted no time, excitedly perusing the selection, occasionally picking some things out. 

Hugging Janus lightly, Logan smiled. "He's so happy…"

“I’ve never seen him this happy,” Janus admitted, trying not to sound frustrated. 

"Because we're both here… And he's getting away from his toxic parents. I pushed and gave the way, but you got him here, sugar. Thank you." Kissing his cheek, he gave Janus a squeeze.

Janus rolled his eyes. “Don’t patronize me. It was all you, you don’t have to pretend.”

Tipping his face with a frown, Logan sighed. "I'm not patronizing. He was singing your praises while you were out today, telling me how you set schedules, made him healthy food, encouraged him to rest and study… You kept him alive, baby. I'm very grateful for your loving care of our boy!"

Janus shrugged a little, but didn’t deny it anymore. Remus came back with a basket full of equipment, grin spread ear to ear. 

Attention shifting, Logan grinned. "Show us what you got, puppy?!"

Remus happily took them through the leashes he found, the puppy ears and little outfits, and the big, fluffy bed. Janus was hardly surprised to see he’d snuck some baby bottles in there, too. 

Ruffling his hair, Logan praised him. "Such a good boy, going to be even cuter all dressed up for your masters!" Remus squealed and threw himself into Logan’s arms. Scooping him up, Logan chuckled softly. "Such a good puppy, yes you are!"

Remus kissed along his neck, shaking with happiness. He hunched his hips a little. 

“We should get going,” Janus said with a grin. 

"Mmm, probably right, pup needs a full reward…" He nuzzled Remus, giving his ass a squeeze. 

Janus took the baskets and followed them to the register. Watching what Janus' gaze lingered on, Logan picks up a few more things, adding in nipple clamps that are adjustable and petting a black and yellow outfit for a moment. 

"What's your size, J~?"

Both boys glanced back, and Janus’s face flushed red. “Right. Like I’ll let you make me look like a bumblebee.”

“Medium!” Remus said excitedly. “But he likes things bigger, so get him an extra large!” 

Janus pressed his hand to his forehead. 

Snickering, he moved his hand back to the deep blue outfit behind it, getting an extra large for Janus. "Good to know!"

“Would you knock it off?” He whispered as the clerk giggled at them. “I don’t need anything!”

Kissing Janus' cheek, Logan adds it to the pile anyway. "Ah, but I want to treat you… Even if you don't need it, wear it for me, baby~?"

He crossed his arms over his chest and looked away. “Fine.”

Logan grinned wider. "Thank you, honey… It just felt wrong not getting you treats too."

Janus got into the backseat with the bags as Logan and Remus once again claimed the front. His heart rate quickened as he realized they were going to Logan’s home, unknown territory. Janus wouldn’t have the upper hand anymore. 

Smiling back, Logan started towards his home again. "Do you want separate rooms for now, dears? Your own spaces as well as shared ones?"

Janus grimaced. “That’d be fine.”

Remus pouted. “Do we have to?”

"You don't have to, lovely, and it's okay either way. Janus can have his own space and you can be in my room and both are valid, sweet pup!" Squeezing Remus' knee, he hummed.

As Remus kissed Logan’s cheek, Janus wrapped his arms around himself and stared out the window. 

Logan glanced back. "Janus? What activities other than debate interest you, dear one?" 

He shrugged. “I like theatre. Music. Makeup and clothes.”

Smiling softly, he nodded. "I have a few rooms that I haven't done anything with… I was planning to make Remus an art space, would you be interested in some interior design?"

Janus straightened up and barely repressed a smile. “I suppose.”

"Perfect! I want this to be our home… Not just mine." He grinned, turning towards his home, pointing out good restaurants and parks as they got closer.

Remus giggled gleefully as Janus smiled. “I should call my parents!” Remus squealed, and before anyone could stop him, he whipped his phone out and dialed, putting them on speaker. 

"Oh my…" Logan frowned, looking for a place to pull over just in case. 

"Remus, darling…” a bland voice crackled through the phone, “I hope you have some good news, I was just on my way out to the salon!"

“I do! Where’s Dad?” Remus vibrated with excitement. 

"Out to golf… Is it important? Have you finally been attending classes? Your grades are abysmal… How will we ever find you a job, a wife— You're just so unfocussed!"

Janus bit his lip to bite back the scathing responses. Remus wilted a little. It was okay, they’ll be proud! “No, I’m dropping out! I have a boyfriend— Two boyfriends! One of them is rich!” 

Janus dropped his head in his hands. Oh, boy. 

Squeezing Remus' knee, Logan cleared his throat as she inhaled. "Indeed… You won't be needing to pay his expenses any longer, we shall provide for our dear Remus." 

"Who is this?! YOU RELEASE YOUR CORRUPTING GRASP FROM MY BOY NOW!!" 

"Look to the issues covering the spring gala, madam, I'm sure you'll figure it out…" 

“Wait, wait- Tell her your name!” Remus said in panic. “Your last name, what’s your last name again? Tell her!” 

Logan’s family was famous, and successful… Surely being with him was ‘presentable’ enough, right?

Smirking, Logan nodded. "I am Logan Taylor… And I am your son's boyfriend. I will protect and love this precious man as well as I am able."

"Taylor?! As in the corporation?! Remus Alexander Duke! What have you done…" She trailed off in shocked sputters.

“You’re…” Remus swallowed and blinked frantically. “You’re not… Proud?”

Janus seethed in the back seat. He couldn’t have expected her to be happy he was dropping out of college, but her reaction to Logan? More fear than excitement? Just how did she view her son? 

"I am shocked… I… We— We had appointments for you to meet some girls. I thought you agreed with our plan, honey." She tried to be placating, gentle, though it was clear she was fuming. 

“I told you I don’t like girls,” he mumbled sadly. 

Janus lurched forward and snatched the phone. “If you want to talk to your son, it can wait until you learn to act like a mother. Bye.” Janus hung up and tossed the phone to the side, face red and hands shaking. 

Logan tugged Remus into a hug. "I'm sorry, baby… Maybe she'll come around? Either way you have us, and we support you."

Remus sucked in a breath and buried his face in Logan’s shoulder. “I just… I thought this is what she wanted. Is this not…”

"I'm sure if I were a rich woman she'd be thrilled, my sweet pup… If I had to guess, she jumped to you blackmailing me or some nonsense because it's what she would do. Do you want to be mine on your own terms, baby? It's what's important to me, your happiness, and Janus' happiness… Not hers, not anyone else's." Petting down his back, he reached for Janus as well.

Janus held Logan’s hand with pursed lips. Remus nodded. “You make me happy.”

Smiling, Logan hummed. "Then let's be happy, together… She'll calm and accept us, or she won't. Maybe your father will be better?"

Remus shrugged. “She’s the laid back one. I don’t… Really wanna talk to my dad.”

Sighing softly, Logan nodded. "Mmm, I volunteer my parents for cuddles and extra support?"

Janus grimaced. “You like your parents?”

Smiling softly, he nodded. "Want me to call them? Try that announcement again?"

Remus huddled into himself and shrugged. “Sure.”

“You don’t have to,” Janus insisted. 

"True… Home and cuddles first maybe?" Stroking Remus, he sighed. "Want to hold you…."

“Are we almost home?” He asked quietly. 

Janus’ heart ached. He already saw Logan’s place as home? What about all the months they spent together in their apartment?

"We're halfway between the apartment and my house… Which home do you want, baby?" Stroking Remus' cheek, he sighed, giving Janus a sad look. Janus looked away uncomfortable. 

Remus frowned. “I thought we were going to your house.” 

"That is my home, yes… I was just… You were with Janus for quite some time, wasn't that home? Or is it more the person that makes it home…" Humming, he petted Remus softly.

Janus blushed. “Shut up, Logan.”

“I just want to be with both of you.” Remus sounded confused. “Did I say something wrong?”

"No, pet, just clarifying…" Stealing a kiss, he started driving again, taking them to his house and parking in the garage.

Janus hesitated, but Remus jumped out with so much excitement that he couldn’t help but follow, wrapping an arm around his waist. Remus was the sweetest, cutest boy Janus had ever met— He would do anything for him. 

Giving them a soft hug, Logan smiles. "Welcome to my home… Now our home!"

When they got inside, Janus held Remus close and looked around warily. 

Logan flicked the lights on, starting a small tour and offering a hand for support. "Main floor is all common spaces, kitchen, living room, a pair of small rooms I think will work for an art area perhaps as well as maybe another office for Janus to do school work? Upstairs is three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and my office…"

Janus scowled. “Why do you have a four bedroom house to yourself? How old are you?”

“Why not?” Remus asked excitedly. “If I had enough money, I’d buy a castle!” 

Janus sighed. 

Logan hummed. "I am 28, and I mainly bought it to be able to be close to business and school but have space to myself. Also, there's a nice backyard. I like to garden."

“A lot of space,” Janus grumbled. 

"Well, yes… But I wanted to plan for a family. Being pan, and poly… I was expecting at least two partners and hopefully children." He blushed. "As an only child I wanted something different?"

Janus’ face went pink and Remus giggled, poking Janus’ tummy. “Ohh, you found Janny’s soft spot!” 

"Hmm? Oh! The family or the garden space? I was planning for a future with this place…” Coming over, he stroked his pink face. "I want to share it with those I care about."

“I don’t have a soft spot,” Janus managed, trying not to lean into Logan’s touch. 

“It’s both,” Remus said helpfully, cuddling into Janus’ back. 

Humming, Logan shifted to hug them both. "I have a soft spot for you two so… Don't be shy, my dear?"

Janus just shrugged, hiding his face in Logan’s shoulder. Remus kissed the back of his neck, and he shivered. 

"You're beautiful… both of you. Welcome home, my lovely boys." 

Janus could have melted right there, trying not to show how desperately he wanted to hide in Logan’s arms and never come out, to hold Remus close and force him to believe he’s loved. Remus bounced behind him with naive excitement, squealing and cooing at Logan. 

Shifting to better hold Janus, Logan grinned, tugging Remus in better so they can both cuddle him. "Mmm, to the couch, babies?"

Janus held back a groan and nodded weakly. Remus gripped their hands and bounced after Logan to the living room. 

Nuzzling, Logan sighed softly. "Perfect… Get your collar for me, pup?"

Remus lit up. “Okay! I’ll get Jan-Jan’s, too!”

He was out the room before Janus could protest. Now left alone with Logan, he stiffened marginally and tilted his head away. 

Humming, Logan rubbed the stiff back. "You don't have to wear it until you ask for it, baby… I respect your choices. You're not a sub, you're a switch, yes?"

Janus blanched. The idea of asking for it was… Not favorable. He hesitated on an answer. “I’ve never subbed before,” he settled on. “Didn’t think it’d ever…” Be an option, “cross my path.”

Nodding, he kept the hold light and gentle as he settled behind Janus on the couch. "Understood… I won't ask for more than you're willing to give. Even if it's just hugs and kisses as we share the ball of energy that is our puppy, I'm willing to just be your support, Janus." 

Janus smiled a little— Remus always made him smile. He pretended Logan didn’t make him feel the same way. 

He looked over his shoulder, forcing himself to meet Logan’s eyes. “I can give whatever you need me to.”

Stroking his cheek, Logan nodded. "Be honest with me… Don't hide yourself, or guess what you think I want. I wish for partners that I can care for but also tell me when I'm wrong?"

Janus swallowed and dropped his gaze. “I don’t know what I want,” he whispered. “I just want you to…”

Lightly lifting his head, Logan smiled. "Kiss me, be with me… We'll figure out the rest as we go?"

Janus barely let Logan finish his sentence before leaning in and kissing him softly, arms crossed over his chest. Cuddling him into his arms, Logan moaned softly into the kiss, curling protectively around Janus. Janus gripped onto his shoulders and pressed closer, biting back his own soft sounds of pleasure. 

Stroking down his back, he hummed into the kiss, nibbling Janus' lips for entrance. More, want to taste you, baby~!

Janus immediately obeyed, mouth dropping open and pushing his tongue into Logan’s mouth. Gasping, he squeezed Janus' ass, grinding gently as he twined their tongues. 

Janus pulled away just enough to whisper, “If you’re going to have me submit, it won’t be easy.”

Voice husky, he purred, taking Janus' head to kiss down his throat. "Mmm, I don't mind one bit, baby… You're worth it~!"

Janus bit back a groan, tipping his head back. “Good luck.”

Licking a stripe to his ear, he chuckled. "Thank you, baby~!" 

Janus dug his fingers into Logan’s shoulders, dragging his nails down Logan’s back. 

Chuckling, Logan nipped his ear softly. "Making you feel good, baby~?"

Janus gasped a bit. “Take a guess.” He tangled one of his hands in Logan’s hair, tugging hard. 

Licking his ear, he nibbled it again, before moving back to his neck. "I think you like it when I go vampire on your neck, baby~!"

“Is that what you think?” Janus managed. He dragged one hand down Logan’s chest, his stomach. 

"Mmm…. among other things~!" Gently guiding him to a wall, he pressed Janus against it, lifting him up for more kisses and nips.

Any leverage Janus had been working up to vanished as Logan lifted him up. He let out a groan through clenched teeth and wrapped his legs around Logan’s waist, gripping his shoulders for stability. 

Smirking, he stroked his thighs, grinding lightly. "Mine… My pretty baby~!"

Janus whined and squeezed his eyes shut. 

Kissing his face softly, he hummed. "Look at me, darling one?"”

Janus cracked his eyes open, and met Remus’ eyes over Logan’s shoulder. Embarrassment curdled deep in Janus’ stomach and he almost made Logan put him down, but the way Remus stared at them, holding their collars, like Logan and Janus was everything he’d ever been waiting for—

He flicked his bleary gaze to Logan. 

Cupping his face gently like he's memorizing every line, he hummed. "Don't be ashamed… I want you to feel good in my care, love~!"

Remus bounced over to them with a grin. He kissed Janus’s red cheek. “I have the collars! And my leash.” He smiled cutely. 

Letting Janus slide down, he stole a deep kiss before taking Remus' face to kiss him as well. Remus giggled against his lips and kissed him back impatiently, and then pulled away and thrusted out the collars. 

Taking them, he chuckled. "Eager pup… Kneel, my dear pet?"

Remus dropped to his knees hard enough for Janus to wince, looking up at the both of them with wide, shining eyes. 

"Slower next time, puppy… No hurting yourself, hmm?" Cupping the eager face, he gently tipped his head and settled the collar on, snapping it into place and adding the leash. 

Remus rubbed his fingers against the collar with a grin. “Jan-Jan?” He held out Janus’ with a hopeful smile. 

Taking Janus' hand, he squeezed. "As you please, baby… Your choice."

Janus crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled, “You can do what you want,” but Logan didn’t miss the way he tilted his head back and presented his purpling throat. 

Sliding a finger under the offered neck, he smiled, sliding the collar slowly around, giving time to back away. "Mmm, thank you, baby~!"

Janus felt the collar in a more tentative fashion than Remus did, his eyes lidded. He shakily dropped to his knees. 

Petting them both, he encouraged them to lean. "There's my babies… I've got you, safe and sound."

Janus had to remind himself that it was just the two of them there, that no one could see him… Acting like this. He leaned into Logan’s touch while Remus giggled beside him. 

"Only like this for me, baby… Just relax, let me care for you today, hmm?" Cupping the tenser face, he rubbed behind Remus' ears. 

“Yeah,” Janus whispered as Remus melted and whined into Logan’s touch, “I’ll try.”

"That's all I want, little one… How about you curl up in the couch blankets, get them all ready and I'll get pup his knee socks, ears, and tail?"

Remus perked up, and Janus nodded, trying to ignore the fluttering in his chest. He stole the remote and curled up in the corner of the couch, stealing all the blankets, and finding his favourite show. Remus followed Logan excitedly. 

Smiling, Logan scooped him up, making for the bags and settling the pup next to the table. "Strip, pet… Then lean over the table for your tail!"

Janus’ eyes widened and his face flushed. He pushed out the thought that he’s going to see Remus naked— Remus himself didn’t seem too shy. He did exactly as Logan asked, clothes flinging everywhere, and bent himself over the table. Janus kept his gaze firmly on the T.V. 

Stroking his boy, he hummed, rubbing some lube into his hole as he started to stretch him for the plug. "Such a messy boy… You'll be picking that up with your teeth and making a pile under the table afterwards, pup."

Remus whined and started to protest, but Janus cleared his throat. He flicked his gaze to Remus for just a second, shifted under the blankets, and looked back at the T.V as he said, “Puppies don’t speak, unless I’m mistaken.” 

"Quite correct. Pups may whine, bark, yip, howl, or growl… But no words, are we understood, my slutty little bitch~?"

“What’s your colour in regards to that, darling?” Janus asked, barely managing to keep his gaze away. 

“Green,” Remus squeaked, eyes wide. 

Smiling, Logan worked him with two fingers, humming. "That's a good pup…"

Remus whined and whimpered, thrusting back against him. Janus couldn’t tear his gaze away anymore; he took in all of Remus’ beautiful form, everything he’d been wanting to see for so long, and hunched his hips even as guilt settled in his stomach. 

Humming, he beckoned Janus over. "Baby? Can you get me his ears?"

Janus hesitated. There was no way he could get up without them noticing how hard he was. “Get them yourself,” he said and moved his gaze back to the T.V. 

"Come here, baby… Or I'll send pup to you. Maybe he can help you with your problem~?"

“I don’t have a problem,” he snapped. “Get it yourself.” 

Settling the tail plug in, he hummed, sliding the padded socks into place. "Well, then… His mouth is amazing though~!" 

Janus ignored him, face bright red as he burrowed further in the blankets. Snapping softly to get Remus to kneel again, Logan dressed him in green lingerie and set the ears in place, before whispering something to him. Remus grinned and bounded over to the couch. He leapt up and Janus yelped as Remus landed in his lap. He curled up and nuzzled his head into Janus’ tummy, who very, very slowly rested his hands on Remus’ arm and head. Remus nuzzled into him for pets, and Janus felt like he was going to explode. 

Grinning Logan came over to watch. "Isn't he adorable?"

“Mhm.” Janus’ voice was strangled. 

Remus whimpered and looked up at him with wide eyes. Janus brushed Remus’ hair back tentatively, and Remus smiled and nuzzled into his palm. 

"Go on, pup… Make him feel even better~!" 

Remus eagerly tugged at the blankets, Janus tensing. Remus stopped with his hands on Janus’ pants and frowned up at him. 

“Colour?” Remus asked softly. 

Janus melted a little. “You really want to do this?” Remus nodded. “...Green.” 

Remus smiled and unbuttoned Janus’s pants, yanking them down the best he could before ducking his head. Janus let out a choked whine and tipped his head back. 

"Good boys…" Smiling proudly, Logan leaned in and stroked Janus' face, kissing his cheek.

Any guilt Janus had felt melted away as Remus sucked his cock eagerly, and he leaned into Logan’s touch. “Remus,” Janus panted, bucking his hips. 

"Just give his hair a tug when you're close… He likes to swallow, but also likes being painted~!" Rubbing at Janus' shoulders and face, he kissed more. "Watch him~!"

Just the thought of covering Remus in his come, marking him as Janus’, had him tangling his fingers in Remus’ hair and tugging hard. Remus whined and pulled off half way just in time for Janus to come, half in his mouth and half over his nose and cheek. 

Janus whimpered as he stared down at Remus with lidded eyes. He only felt so incredible for a moment before the guilt crept back in. 

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Janus whispered, frantically wiping away his come. “Use your words.”

“I’m okay!” Remus laughed kind of nervously, and grabbed one of Janus’ hands. “I’m okay. Master’s right, I like it. That was really fun!”

Taking one of Janus' hands, Logan hummed, licking it clean. "It's okay, baby…"

Janus shuddered, slipping his fingers into Logan’s mouth. Remus curled back up happily, not bothering to tuck Janus’ cock back away as he nuzzled into Janus’ stomach. 

"Mmm, so delicious, baby… Almost jealous of the pup~!" Licking and sucking, Logan grinned.

Janus groaned and laid back, letting Logan do what he will with his fingers as Remus practically purred in his lap. He felt like he was in a dream. There was no way this was real. 

Logan nibbled his palm. "Happy, baby~?"

He nodded dazily, and made a vague sound of agreement.  

Stealing another kiss, Logan slid onto the couch, petting their pup and he kissed Janus deeply, content. Janus kissed him back with a sigh, fingers raking through Remus’ hair. 

Smiling, Logan tucked Janus closer, stroking down his chest lightly. Mmm, my beautiful babies!

“I never thought I’d be here with you,” Janus mumbled, and after a moment of hesitation, “or him.” Remus had fallen asleep, snoring quietly and gripping onto Janus’s shirt. 

"Mmm, same… But here we are and isn't it lovely?" Kissing Janus on the forehead, he smiled softly.

Janus squeezed his eyes shut as they welled with tears. “I’m sorry I… Acted, how I did. I was… Jealous. And upset.”

Petting him gently, he hushed Janus. "Baby, it's okay…. Really, it is."

Janus wiped his eyes and looked up, trying to keep his tears in. “I don’t deserve you two. Remus is… He’s so good, and you…” 

Nuzzling, he hummed. "Baby, you're good, too. So good. One of the only people to out debate me, ever… You're a handsome, strong… Amazing man. I am lucky to have you and Remus at my side, baby!"

“You had to go through hell to get through to us,” Janus laughed weakly. “We’re both so stupid. You’re sure it was worth your energy?”

Nodding, he smiled. "So worth it… I would have no others at my side~!"

Janus kissed him softly. “Hopefully that lasts.” 

Humming into the kiss, he nodded. "I want this to last, too… But even if something pulls us from a romantic relationship… I will always be your friend and supporter, Janus."

Janus wiped his eyes roughly. “Shut up,” he snapped. 

Voice soft and fond, he hummed, taking his chin. "Never. I do not like falsehoods… Especially when it's about someone I love."

“You don’t love me,” he scoffed, pressing their foreheads together. “You barely know me. This whole thing…” He laughed wetly, “is ridiculous.” 

"I am not in love with you yet, but I care for you deeply. I know that you are someone I want in my life, to get to know. Please let me care for you, Janus?" Touching the collar lightly, he smiled. "This is my promise, you are wanted. You are special and I want to date you. Your problems are mine, let me assist you with them. My arms are yours… Come to me when you have need or desire and I will catch you."

Part of him still believed this was some trick, that neither of them actually wanted him and they were putting him on. It probably wasn’t true, but if it was… Janus wasn’t so sure he cared. 

He leaned into Logan’s touch and nodded, eyes fluttering closed. Stroking his hair, Logan sighed happily as they fell asleep in a cuddle pile.

Also a reminder that Virgil does smut commissions, each coffee equals 300 words

[starberrywrites-ships]

The Side Of Paradise

Linhardt x Bernadetta

Based on the song: The Side Of Paradise by Coyote Theory

"So if you're lonely, no need to show me, If you're lonely come be lonely with me"

Read on AO3: HERE

Ask me why my heart's inside my throat 

I've never been in love, I've been alone

Feel like I've been living life asleep 

Love so strong it makes me feel so weak

Linhardt isn’t the most affectionate person if you will. It’s not as if he wasn’t exposed to such treatment growing up. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. His parents were very expressive in showing their appreciation to each other. It never bothered Linhardt, he just thought it wasn’t something that needed his attention. Linhardt is blunt, and straight to the point. He’s a realist, having to constantly make sure Caspar didn’t get himself killed while also spending every day reading, collecting notes about crests. 

 Crests. They have always been fascinating to Linhardt. Capturing his attention the moment he saw his own father doing research. Linhardt first started with the crest easily accessible. His own. The crest of Cethleann. A symbol of kindness and mastery of light. Ironically, Linhardt sees himself as the opposite. Being nice to those who aren’t worthy seems like too much work. And he thinks of himself as a mediocre healer, especially for someone who hates blood. 

 Living out a proper childhood? He was too busy. He found his passion early on in life. Quickly learning he didn’t need anyone else. And he was fine with it. He liked being alone. 

 (Are you lonely?) Our fingers dancing when they meet. 

It was the Imperial year 1180. The year Linhardt was enrolled in the Officers Academy. At first, it seemed like a bother to him. Having to be around people more often than what he was used to? Not his favourite. But, the pros outweigh the cons. There was a whole library in this monastery, probably full of material Linhardt has never laid his hands on before. Not to mention, being able to research his classmates and their crests in certain scenarios? It was like a dream come true. Sure, the actual reason for going like training seemed important and all, but not really Linhardt’s concern.  

Upon arrival, the first thing Linhardt did was dump all his books out. Most of his strength comes from hollering all those heavy books around. Asking for help was too much work. He would rather do things on his own than be in debt to someone else. It might seem selfish but that’s simply how he works. 

Finally getting everything in his room. He let out a sigh, plopping himself on the bed. 10 moons. Linhardt will spend 10 moons at this academy, growing his skills, his knowledge, and maybe, even his relationship with others. 

You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?) 

I'll be the only dream you seek 

Byleth, a recruited mercenary. Linhardt will admit, he was slightly disappointed. He wanted Hanneman as a professor. He had to set a reputation. In order to get the freest time to study, Linhardt’s first impression will be rude, uninterested, and sleepy. While being sleepy isn’t entirely a lie. It is true, if it was up to him, he would be spending his days sleeping. But sleeping means taking up time, and he finds time precious. He can’t just let it go to waste. 

 While pretending to be asleep on the floor, he watched as one of his housemates run out of the classroom. It seemed as if she’s not one to like people either. Although, she deals with it much more chaotically. It grabbed his attention. 

Maybe she has a crest. 

 So if you're lonely, no need to show me, If you're lonely come be lonely with me

 Bernadetta von Varley. The eldest daughter of Count Varley’s. Heir to House Varley, responsible for religious aspects within the Empire. And best of all, bearer of the Crest of Indech. She definitely was an interesting character. Always the first in class, and yet the first one out. Clearly very skilled in a bow, a factor of her crest. The only problem was, it was difficult to speak with her. 

 She was fast. Spent most of her time within her dorm walls. It was difficult to find her outside of her room without the presence of the professor. But Linhardt did notice a few things. Dining hall, greenhouse, library. All these places seemed to be Bernadetta’s favourite spots to be. 

 She was the only one who Linhardt hasn’t bothered yet. She was something else, so he spent his days in these areas for the small chance of being able to catch her and talk. He has had lunch with her before. But he saw how anxious she looked. Sitting on the edge of her chair practically waiting for the moment she can escape. So, Linhardt doesn’t mention anything. He can wait until she’s comfortable. 

 Lonely (Are you lonely?) 

Passion is crashing as we speak 

She paints. Linhardt learned this.

He wanted a change of scenery. Reading in his room just wasn’t doing it for him. So he went out and searched for a quiet place to read. It just so happened, he found Bernadetta in the same place. She began screaming and freaking out, stating how if she’s in his way, she can leave. A sense of guilt built up in Linhardt. Simply saying she is not a bother and can stay. 

You would think Linhardt would use this opportunity to ask her a few questions. But he came to read. And besides, she looked peaceful. The two continued keeping themselves entertained. No words were exchanged for a bit. 

Unfortunately, Linhardt has no filter. Showing Bernadetta a sense of admiration. Something she definitely didn’t want. 

You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?) 

You're the ground my feet won't reach

Once again, the two were together. It seemed to become a common thing for the two. If he was being honest, Linhardt completely forgot his objective. It seemed to spend time with Bernadetta, even with the silence, which was much more fascinating than her crest. She was fascinating. And Linhardt found himself wanting to learn more. 

His approach to this was being honest. Usually, he keeps his mouth shut. But he wants to help and show Bernadetta he is willing to be blunt with her. Most people see her as weak, but he sees something else. 

What he did not see happening, was her panicking the moment he spoke up about how using crimson, her original approach would have made the painting better. Linhardt saw it as a compliment. He made an error, something that would have been avoided if Bernadetta stayed true to her artistic view. 

The fact she saw it as an insult, going on and on about how she must break her brushes, burn the art and never paint again. Linhardt was shocked, to say the least, perhaps, being honest isn’t the best approach. He felt saddened watching her run away. 

So if you're lonely, Darling you're glowing If you're lonely come be lonely with me

The year is now 1185. The war had been going on for five years now. The whole process seemed so bizarre to Linhardt. He’s not a fighter. His fear of blood proves as a weakness on the battlefield. With the professor back after their disappearance during the attack on Garreg Mach, he has been feeling better. With Byleth’s help, he knows they will help lead Edelgard and the other Black Eagles to victory. 

Life seemed so sacred now. Linhardt didn’t know if he would live to see another moon. The idea of it terrified him so. Would he really fall on the battlefield? All his research for years just, gone to waste? He couldn’t let that happen. He had something to live for. Something to keep growing stronger for. Or, more like, someone. 

Looking back on his Academy self, Linhardt realized something. In class, during training and on missions, in the dining hall, before he slept and while doing research. His mind was thinking of Bernadetta. 

How could he have been so stupid? Granted, Linhardt never would have wanted to imagine himself in a relationship. From his perspective, it seemed only crests were important. But lately, he’s been finding himself wanting to do better. Wanting something more. 

Wanting her love. 

Underneath the pale moonlight 

Dreaming of a circus life 

Carousels and Ferris heights 

I'll be yours if you'll be mine

There was no way he was just going to say it. They’re in the middle of a war dammit. No one is sure of their fate. Linhardt decided to enjoy every moment he got instead. And luckily, he got many moments. Going out into the field. He was thrilled to find Bernadetta there painting. It reminded him how rude he was in the past, and happy to see she didn’t let his words go to her head. 

It was beautiful. 

Linhardt was amazed at how much she had improved. The art was captivating in every way. It brought warmth to his heart. Making him feel a certain way. It felt like home. And watching Bernadetta accepting the compliment instead of running away, it was a cherishable moment. And Linhardt let his guard down. 

(Are you lonely?) Our fingers dancing when they meet. 

You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?)

  I'll be the only dream you seek 

Cute.

Linhardt called Bernadetta cute. 

At that moment he wanted to tell her she was cute. Adorable. Pretty. Stunning. Absolutely beautiful. But, that would be too much for her heart. Besides, with the war still not finished, it’s best he doesn’t mention that he’s in love. At least, not yet.

For now, the two can be alone. 

Alone together. 

So if you're lonely, no need to show me If you're lonely, come be lonely with me

They won.

Rhea was killed and the war was over. 

It felt like a dream come true. 

Are you lonely? Passion is crashing as we speak 

“Bernadetta,” 

 You seem so lonely 

 Linhardt nervously walked up to her. Was this okay? Was all this okay? The idea of having the chance to be happy, was he worth it? 

You're the ground my feet won't reach

“Yes, Linhardt?” 

So if you're lonely 

 She was beautiful. She was unafraid. Bernadetta trusted Linhardt. That much was clear. And it made him flustered. 

 Blush reached his cheek, hiding his hands behind his back. Clearing his throat while attempting to make eye contact. “You . . . mean a lot to me Bernadetta. Ever since our academy days, I’ve wanted nothing more than to be with you. You said yourself, we find comfort with each other's presence. That’s we’re alone  . . . together.” 

Darling, you're glowing

 “Of course I remember, you mean a lot to me too Linhardt.” She says, blushing. The colour on her cheek brought up Linhardt’s confidence. 

He can do this. 

“So much in fact . . . I’m in love with you,” He stated. 

If you're lonely come be lonely with me.

 “Will you marry me?”

[fanficshiddles]

This wasn’t part of the plan, Chapter 4

Melody was almost sick because she was so nervous on the journey over to Tom’s place. The taxi had been bang on time, as expected. But she had kind of hoped it wouldn’t turn up.

She wasn’t really sure why she was so nervous. If she didn’t want to do this, she didn’t have to… But then, she kind of did have to. She had no other option, unless she wanted to continue the way she was going. Working all hours along with college. Something would break, and she didn’t want to think about what that would be.

It wasn’t all that surprising when she was taken to the posh part of the city. She looked out at all the fancy houses on the way. She could only ever dream about living in one of them.

‘Deep breath, Melody. You can do this.’ She muttered to herself when the taxi stopped outside one down a dead end. It was a stunning looking house, right next to a beautiful park. And it had a balcony on the upper floor from one of the rooms.

She stood for a moment at the bottom of the path, just looking up at the house that loomed over her. In a way, it was just as intimidating as its owner.

There was movement at one of the windows, Tom was looking out from behind the screen. That made her start to move up the path towards the door. When she reached the bottom step, the door was already opening.

Melody found her legs unable to keep moving when she saw him. He was certainly dressed down, but somehow he still managed to look really smart. With a thin red jumper, sleeves rolled up his forearms and dark skinny jeans. The clothes certainly didn’t leave too much to the imagination.

‘Are you coming in?’ Tom asked, stepping to the side with a small smile.

She wanted to say no and run away. But she nodded and continued up the steps.

His house on the inside was just as nice as the outside, his décor was simple though elegant. It was him all over. It was neat and tidy, too. Just like his desk and office always seemed to be at the college.

‘Let me get your coat.’ Tom said. Melody jumped slightly when Tom put his hands on her shoulders, sliding her jacket off for her.

‘Relax, Melody. There’s nothing expected from either of us tonight.’ He purred in her ear, making her shiver slightly as he removed her jacket from her to hang up.

She turned around to face him, still feeling really anxious as she kicked off her shoes. The carpet under her feet was nice and cosy, obviously he had under floor heating.

‘You have a lovely home.’ She said, still looking around. She didn’t really know what else to say.

‘Thank you. Come on through to the living room, I’ll get you a drink.’ Tom motioned to the doorway at the left.

Melody went through and was slightly amazed at the size of the room. There was a nice fire place in the centre of the wall opposite her, and it was going nicely. Giving the room a warm and toasty feel.

Well, if I get to spend some time here, I guess this might not be quite so bad. Melody thought with a small smile.

‘Make yourself comfortable.’ Tom said and disappeared to the back corner of the room where there was a minibar.  

Melody took that chance to have a look at some photographs Tom had hanging on the wall. She assumed the pictures were his family. It made her feel a little more relaxed, knowing he was still human at the end of the day, with a family. For some reason, she never thought about her teachers as being normal. Having a life and family.  

She sat down on the sofa nearest the fire, Tom returned quite quickly with two drinks. He sat down on the same sofa and handed her a glass. She was surprised it was her favourite, whiskey and coke.

‘Thanks… How did you know my favourite drink?’ She asked after taking a big drink.

‘That’s what you had last weekend. So I assumed it was a safe bet, didn’t know it was your favourite though.’ Tom grinned.

Melody didn’t really know what to say after that. She felt so awkward and nervous. But luckily Tom was on the ball.

‘I’m sure you’d like to discuss the elephant in the room. Get it out of the way and get you more comfortable, correct?’ He asked, leaning back quite comfortably. Legs splayed wide open and he draped his arm across the back of the sofa near her. His presence was rather dominating. It made her a bit more anxious, a stark reminder that she was in his territory. He very much had the upper hand.

‘Uhm… Yeah. I… I’ve never done anything like this before. I don’t really know how it works, as such. And I’m still not quite one hundred percent sure I want to do this.’ She looked down at the glass in her lap, focusing on the ice swirling around.

‘Well if it makes it any easier, I haven’t either.’

Melody looked up at him, eyebrows raised in surprise. She wasn’t sure why, she just presumed that he would’ve perhaps had a sugar baby before.

‘What made you join the site?’ She asked.

‘I will be completely honest with you, Melody. I overheard you and your friend, Rana, talking about the site. I’d never realised how in need you were for money. At first, I was worried about you joining a site like that. But when I joined, I realised just how extensive the site was for the safety of the sugar babies. When I found that you had joined, I decided to get in touch.’

Melody’s eyes widened. ‘Wh… What? Why? I don’t understand.’

Tom chuckled. ‘I know it may not seem it, but I only want what’s best for my students. I don’t want to see any of you fail. And I’ll admit, the selfish side of me is jumping for joy at the thought of having you at my beck and call.’ He grinned wolfishly. ‘But I have plenty of money to spare, money that you need. I want sex. So, why not?’ He shrugged.

Melody didn’t know what to say to that. Part of her felt warmed at his words, in a way. But at the same time, she was thinking she should’ve been freaked out that he joined just to contact her.

‘Isn’t, um… Isn’t it against the rules for a teacher and student to… get together like this?’ She asked.

‘You know it is.’ Tom nodded. ‘That’s why we will have to keep it quiet.’

‘If we do this.’ Melody looked down at her lap again.

Tom smirked. ‘I think we both know we will, darling. You wouldn’t be here if you were closer to saying no than yes.’ He reached out and hooked her chin, raising her head up. ‘And with your situation, I really don’t think you’re in the position to say no. Are you?’

Melody blushed a little at his intense stare. Her heart felt like it was going to burst, it was beating so fast.

‘I… I guess not.’ She whispered.

Tom brushed his thumb up over her cheek, then leaned back. ‘What do you want for dinner? Chinese or Indian?’ He grabbed his phone and pulled up some menus.

‘Oh, I don’t mind. But you don’t need to get me anything, my body clock is all over the place for food. I can easily get something later when I get home.’ Melody rambled.

Tom looked at her with a raised eyebrow. ‘Well, that will be the first thing to change. You need to get your body into a proper routine. What time do you normally have your dinner?’ He asked with a stern tone.

‘Uhm, if I’m working at the pub then when I get home. So, after two ish in the morning. Otherwise, it’s between seven ish and midnight.’ She said sheepishly.

Tom tsked lightly and held his phone out towards her. ‘Chinese or Indian?’ He asked again.

Melody looked down at his phone. ‘Uhm… What’s cheapest?’ She didn’t want to assume that Tom would be buying, although she had a feeling he would be.

Tom’s eyebrow rose up again, it was certainly getting a lot of exercise tonight. ‘I’d say you’re smart enough to know that when you’re with me, I pay for everything. That is the whole idea of a sugar daddy.’

‘I… didn’t want to assume… since we haven’t confirmed anything.’ Melody said quietly, looking down at the phone she took from him to check out the menus.

‘Hm. It’s a good job you’re cute.’ Tom grumbled before getting up and going to the other side of the room to top up his drink.

Melody blushed and looked at him with wide eyes at the compliment, but he didn’t see because he had his back to her. Part of her wanted to ask him what would’ve happened if she wasn’t cute. But she wasn’t brave enough to ask that, so kept quiet.

‘Have you decided yet?’ Tom asked, joining her on the sofa again.

‘Indian, please. If that’s what you want too.’ She handed the phone back to him.

‘Excellent choice. What do you want?’

‘Chicken vindaloo and rice, please.’

‘Not too hot for you? Sure you don’t want a korma?’ Tom teased with a sly smirk.

Melody narrowed her eyes at him. ‘I’m sure. I enjoy hot and spicy food.’

‘Very good.’ Tom called the takeaway and ordered, he was having the same. Turned out they had similar taste when it came to food.

While they waited for their food to arrive, Tom steered the conversation back to their arrangement.

‘Do you have a number in mind for how much you need on a monthly basis?’ He asked.

‘Oh, uhm. I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it. To be honest, I didn’t even think I’d get this far. When I joined the website, I wasn’t expecting anyone to message me.’ She said shyly.

‘Well, how about I cover your college loan. I will pay that off monthly, along with your rent and any utility bills. Then I will give you two grand a month, to use on groceries and anything else you so wish. Possibly extra pocket money depending on how much you please me and how much time you spend in my company. Does that sound fair to you?’ Tom asked so casually.

Melody’s eyes almost popped out. That was an insane amount of money!

‘Are you serious? My rent alone is like five hundred pounds a month. And not to mention the college fee’ She was cut off when Tom raised his hand to silence her.

‘I am well aware of how much it costs to live in London. You got a bargain at five hundred a month.’ He frowned. ‘I am more than capable to look after you financially, Melody. I am more concerned with whether you will keep your end of the arrangement, spend ample time with me. As you do not seem to be the most relaxed when in my company.’ He said bluntly.

Melody swallowed before answering. Her mind was still slightly reeling with the figures he’d just given her. ‘It’s just this whole thing. It’s so new to me, I am nervous about it. This wasn’t part of the plan I had when I took out the college loan to get in.’

‘You got in over your head. But at least you’re realising that sooner rather than later. You really can’t go on as you are. Not just at the risk of your college work, but for your own health and sanity too.’

‘I know… I know.’ Melody sighed and leaned back on the sofa. The drink was finally starting to help her feel a tiny bit more at ease with her teacher.

‘What’s your main concern with agreeing to this arrangement?’ With the hand that was draped across the back of the sofa, he reached down and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, making her blush again.

‘I’m worried I feel like a whore. It just doesn’t seem right.’

‘What’s seen as right and wrong varies in everyone. There is no harm in having someone look after you, financially and otherwise. And there is nothing wrong with sex. It’s not like you are a prostitute on the streets, sleeping with multiple guys a night for cash.’

Melody snorted. ‘That’s pretty much what Rana said, too.’

‘Perhaps you should listen to her.’

They stopped talking because their dinner arrived. Melody was glad that while they ate, they spoke about general stuff while at the dinner table in the dining room. It was a huge mahogany table that could easily sit a dozen or more people.

Melody found out that Tom was a bit of a geek. He enjoyed superhero movies, the odd comic book along with other literature, Shakespeare being his favourite. His favourite music was rock and some pop. They’d even been at the same gig last year. And he enjoyed traveling. Something that Melody had only ever dreamed about.

She slowly relaxed a bit more, now he was seeming more and more human as time went on. Instead of like some strict robot.

After dinner, they found themselves back on the sofa with another drink.

‘Well, I’d say you’ve had enough time to dwell things over, Melody. Do you want to enter an agreement with me?’ Tom asked in a serious tone as he put his drink down and turned to face her fully.

‘What, exactly, will be expected of me?’ She asked.

‘As we’ve mentioned before, sex will be on the cards. As long as I have an ample amount of your time, we won’t have any issues. You can back out of this arrangement at any time if you truly want to, just as I can. The main part of this relationship working is that we are open and honest with one another. If I feel you aren’t giving me enough of your time, I will tell you. Likewise, if you feel you aren’t getting enough out of this for what you give, you need to tell me.’

Melody sighed and ran her hand down her face. She was attracted to this devilishly handsome man. He had money, that she needed. And he seemed to want to spend time in her company. She would get free time again, proper sleep. God, the thought of having a lie in was almost making her cry in utter joy.

‘Ok, Tom… I want to do this.’

[for-ests]

Falling For You- Tom Holland x Reader (Part 2)

Part 1

Word count: 4, 073

Warnings: None 

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Tom scanned the park for you, feeling his nerves grow with each passing moment. What will you think of him now? Did you still like him?

He sighed loudly as he watched the cars pass by. Your bewitching smile refused to leave his head. 

He had been nervous all day, knowing that deep inside, he needed you more than ever. You were more beautiful than he remembered, your maturity radiant and refutable. How did he miss the potential you promised? 

This date was impulsive. But Tom couldn't deny how long he'd been waiting to see you again. With how much he had missed you, the only cure was to try and mend things. 

If only he had been more courageous back then. If only... if only. 

He never got the chance to tell you how he felt back then. And now, the young man was starting to second guess himself. His heels began to ache from standing in an awkward position for too long, eyebrows narrowing as he wondered if you would appreciate what he had planned out. 

Tom was too shy, too self-conscious. But thankfully, his trip to America had settled those conflicting thoughts. He was now a different person on the inside and the outside. More confident, physically, and mentally. 

He had worked so hard to improve his acting skills; with hard work came success. He'd been working out regularly for months now, and his body was starting to sculpt into the complexion he'd always dreamed of having. Now, all that was missing was a woman by his side. Tom may have changed his appearance, but he was still the same softie his parents had raised him to be. He still cared for his home, his family, and his friends. That would never change, no matter how famous he got.

Just like his feelings for you. He had hoped and prayed they would go away in time, but they kept growing stronger. When he saw your face last night in the pub, it all came crashing down like a tidal wave. 

He remembered your tenderhearted ways, how you had always been there for him even when he didn't deserve it. He was too childish to realize it then, but he was deeply in love with you and didn't know how to deal with it. Tom had not been ready, even if he desperately wanted to be. 

He could tell the same realization happened to you. It was evident in your eyes, in your reserved yet hopeful body language, and in the slight blush that crept along your cheeks every time he uttered your name. 

The passion was still there. It had to have been, or else you wouldn't have said yes. 

Tom leaned against the chain-linked fence, glancing back every once in a while just to see if you had arrived.

He wanted to see you so badly. The anxiety was killing him. What if you didn't show up? The anxious boy grimaced. That would be reasonable. That's essentially what he did to you. He left without saying goodbye. 

He felt so much better about himself now, but that didn't mean you would take him back. What if you secretly hated him? The romantic side of him that he had saved for you was just waiting to emerge, begging and grasping for attention. 

It was starting to cloud his consciousness. 

Tom exhaled deeply and scrolled through his Instagram feed, reading a few recent comments that fueled his ego. He had about 200k, which was good for an amateur actor who hadn't landed any starring roles. A small fan base was better than nothing, and all of this newfound attention was from his own hard work and dedication. 

But he was getting there, his dream role was a few weeks away. That audition would mean everything, but for now, he needed someone to help take his mind off things. You were the perfect person to do so. The person who always did, back before all of this started. Even before he was able to pursue his dream. The thought of losing you permanently had always scared him, so much so that he wasn’t able to form a proper goodbye. One that caused all this pain to begin with. 

Tom hadn't seen you in ages, and you looked better than ever. If he'd fancied you back then, he couldn't even imagine what he would do for you now. His heart began to beat faster at the thought. It was scary, as he realized he might possibly do anything. 

"Tom?" Your voice snapped through the silence, everything else becoming mere background noise. 

He lifted his head and almost melted right then and there.

Your hair drifted so peacefully in the evening breeze, seeming to light up the entire atmosphere. You smiled shyly at him and tucked a few strands of hair behind your ear. "What's up?" You greeted, sighing deeply as your breath misted into the air. Your cheeks were starting to redden from the chill, but you didn't seem to mind.

You looked just as nervous as him. Possibly distracted by your own thoughts. 

Tom hadn't really thought it through when he asked if you wanted to take an evening walk. But when was London ever a comfortable temperature?

"I promise we won't be out in the cold too long." He chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets from the brisk air. "I just wanted to take you one place."

Dismissing his statement, your eyes focused on his hands. You started to rummage through your purse. "Do you want mittens? I have an extra pair."

"S-sure." He said between shivers, graciously taking up on your offer. Tom took his hands out of his pockets and slipped the warm fabric on. "Thank you."

He's always appreciated how prepared you were. He knew you had prepared yourself for heartbreak, even if you did not show it. Only someone with a genuine and kind heart would be so bold. You were there to hear him out. 

Because last night, even drunk, Tom could see the look in your eyes. There was a longing you held that he was unable to notice before.

"It's no problem." Your nose crinkled in the most adorable way as you smiled. "Now, we can hold hands." 

The last part came out as a whisper as if you were unsure of your own rash actions. Regardless though, you followed through, grasping his hand tightly. 

Without blatantly making your intentions known, he had gathered the hint. You were willing to try and make things right. That was all he could have asked for. 

Tom noticed you had become surprisingly cheerful. Knowing you all too well, he understood that your cheerfulness was a way to protect yourself, a facade of sorts.

Embarrassed, Tom glanced away briefly. If he failed to win your heart back on this date, things between the two of you would no longer exist. The young man knew he couldn't deal with that. You were far too important. 

"Ohhh." He laughed, intertwining his coated fingers with yours. "I'm the one who's supposed to make the moves, not you darling."

You leaned against him and tittered, feeling more confident with Tom's true intentions. You had already surpassed your high school awkwardness in less than five minutes. It had taken you and him three years to get this close back in the day.

But you were different, and so was he. 

Breathing deeply, you discarded those thoughts. You glanced up, and the cold that had previously surrounded you disappeared when you looked into his eyes. "Where to?"

Tom squeezed your hand firmly, his entire body warming at the sight of you so content by his presence. "You'll see, I think you'll like it."

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You tried your best not to laugh as Tom guided you down the rocky and secluded path. You could hear each step you took, the snow crunching underneath your weight. The snow threatened to push over the hemlines of your socks, but you persisted farther.

To you, the entire situation was comical. The sun had begun to finally set, and you were slowly hiking through a forest with a man you had once known in grade school. A branch brushed against your jacket as Tom slowly but surely helped you through the forest. 

You did not need the help but you knew how proper Tom was. And because of it, you were able to cling to him longer than necessary. 

"Where in the world are you taking me?" You ventured to ask, already knowing he wouldn't give you the answer. You found this quite the adventure for a first date and reunion. The place he was leading you to seemed familiar, but in a way, you could not describe. The landscape had been cast into shadows, yet the atmosphere was one you found yourself resonating with. Nostalgic vibes from deep within your soul, masked under the guise between good and evil. 

"Shh!" A deep chuckle followed shortly after you stepped over a fallen tree, it was hardly visible. "Almost there." He spoke without looking behind him. The two of you were completely alone, and that thought made you excited.

You were quiet after that, but your grin stayed constant- your true feelings unable to remain hidden. The little things he did made you feel special. Tom could make your heart flutter with just one glance.

Tom’s hat was covering the hair you adored, but his curls were poking out slightly. You wondered if he still hated them, even though all the girls used to swoon over his locks. Unbeknownst to him, you had engaged in that endless dialogue. 

Keeping your eyes focused on the back of his head, you almost didn't realize that you had come to an opening. A large boulder was placed in the middle. It was big enough to seat a few people comfortably.

It took you a moment to remember its significance. But as soon as you did, a blush appeared on your cheeks. Tom thought it was adorable.

"The kissing rock?" You squeaked.

"You were my first kiss." He reminded, turning to you with a shy smile, reflecting on the more awkward moments of your relationship. Though sometimes unbearable to think about, bittersweet they remained. 

You blushed at the memory. You both had your first kisses with each other one night when you and all your friends decided to play seven minutes in heaven. A freshmen year hangout circle that sometimes pressured you to partake in activities you wouldn't typically have. 

At fifteen years old, your heart began to pound loudly in your chest. Watching the lone beer bottle land on your best friend and crush caused your eyes to go wide. Admittingly, you had hoped that you might be able to kiss him, but now that it was happening, your anxiety spiraled until you were unable to move. 

"Uhm-i-" You stuttered, open-mouthed. You were only brought back to reality by a flood of teasing and laughter. Your girlfriends knew how infatuated you were with him. Yet they also knew how shy you were. An interaction like this would never happen in any other scenario. 

Your best friend cheered you on with a smirk of approval. 

"Let's go then." Tom eagerly stood up, watching your cheeks grow noticeably red. He tried to usher you into the room and away from the gaze of all your so-called friends. 

Once the closet door closed, you exhaled roughly. You'd never kissed anyone before, and Tom knew that. What if he was grossed out by you in this way? Would you be able to keep your mouth shut? 

"Well, my friends say you have a crush on me." He whispered, leaning as nonchalantly against the wall as he could. Even through your own sheepishness, you could sense his nerves. "So we can kiss if you'd like to." 

An excellent proposal indeed, but the fact of any boy being aware of your true feelings sent your sense into a frenzy. How could they possibly know you were in love with your best friend? 

"If you want to." You bit your lip, glancing away. 

A short, goofy, and inexperienced Tommy spoke under his breath. "I've always wanted to." 

"Okay." You said, sitting up a little straighter. You didn't know what else to do. Weren't the guys supposed to lean in? Were you supposed to keep your eyes open? 

Tom moved towards you, testing the waters by setting one hand on your shoulder and tucking the other by the low of your back. His touch was shocking in this way, and your teenage brain was desperately trying to sort through the motions. 

Naturally, and almost perfectly, he leaned in. Your lips touched hesitantly at first but then pressed hard once the two of you were able to kiss with closed eyes. You gripped him suddenly as the kiss escalated. You weren't ready for that, though part of you wanted to continue. 

"Someone might see, Tommy." 

Tom pulled away, trying hard not to grin.

"Then, we pretended like nothing happened." 

"Yeah." He scratched the back of his neck, awkwardly. "Then you started dating Jerry." 

"Fucking Jerry." You chuckled heartily. "What a bloke." 

"Yeah." He smiled, biting his lip as he noticed your anxious expression. You didn't seem to be as excited as he thought you would be. Maybe you didn't have any good memories here? Tom pondered on your high school relationships. He'd never kissed anyone here back in the day, but he had heard great things from his mates. 

Most serious couples in your high school had kissed here after school. It might be cheesy, but he wanted to kiss you here. He always had. If you shared terrible memories with this place, he wanted to try and make a good one.

Tom thought that making this relation would cheer you up. Nostalgia was a fitting cure when times were low, especially when you had been away from home for years. 

"Follow me." He urged, taking your hand in his, and pulling you towards the rock.

Your hesitation soon faded as your hands intertwined again. This wasn't what happened back then. It was different, Tom was here with you, and you were adults now. 

Smirking to yourself, you shook your head. You two were alone, you were adults, and you had feelings for each other. Right? So why were you so afraid? 

Taking this leap would mean there was no turning back. Whatever happened tonight would determine your entire relationship with him. 

“Y/N?” He chuckled, waving his hand in your face. You had zoned out for a moment. 

“Sorry,” You laughed with him, smacking his hand away from your face in a teasing manner. 

Tom helped you climb up the boulder, his hands resting firmly on your waist to hoist you up. You blushed at the contact, knowing he was gripping lower than he needed to. Chills were sent up your spine as his warmth moved elsewhere. 

Once you had gotten on top of the rock, you turned around to give him support, only to find he was already sitting next to you. You rolled your eyes, shaking your head lightly. "I see you're more athletic now."

He scooted next to you, a cheeky grin upon his lips. "I'm only trying to show off, you know that, right?"

Your eyes darted in the opposite direction, trying to keep your eyes focused on the long stretch of forest. Tom was much more blunt, much more confident. The old Tom would have never been so straightforward. And as much as it embarrassed you, you loved it.

You turned back to him once the burning sensation in your stomach died down. "You're going to have to do more than that." You teased, becoming aware of how close you were. His lips were just inches away, and he was starting to seem irresistible. 

Tom noticed it too. His urges growing stronger as he watched your tongue run smoothly across your lips. The action made them glossy and far more kissable. Were you waiting for him to do it?

After a moment of searching for an answer in your expression, he started to lean in. He closed his eyes and went for the kiss. Tom could feel his heart racing, he had wanted to do this so badly, and it needed to be perfect. He had to make up for the years he had failed to make you his. Maybe it was for the best, but the time you had spent apart had only caused both of you pain. 

If that was not a sign, Tom couldn't fathom what would be. Everything about you felt right. Everything about you, he loved. It was about time he was brave enough to come forth and admit it. 

And perfect it was. As soon as your lips touched, he felt his emotions ignite in a peaceful yet passionate blaze that he had never felt before.

You shivered from the contact, knowing that if you were standing, your knees would have buckled. Being there with him, like that, was everything you had ever dreamed it would be.

You kissed him back, deepening the kiss and asking for more. You were in love with him, and he didn't even know it. Maybe this was your last chance to show him, perhaps this moment with him was all you had left. 

"Tommy--" You gasped against his lips, literally melting into his warm embrace. His hand brushed against your cheek, guiding you closer with a gentle touch. The second kiss was wet, much sloppier than the first. Your emotions were poured into every movement, your skin aflame and senses alive. 

More. I need more. 

The way you moaned his name encouraged him to take a step forward and pull you closer. He had waited so long to do this, and he never thought he would be able to. That's why this was so special. He was getting a second chance with the love of his life.

The kisses intensified, and your lips parted, inviting him for more. Practically begging for it. 

Your lips began to move in sync, the kisses turning sloppy, filling with hunger and need from all the time you had spent apart. From all the years of denying your love.

Tom's hands began to wander, feeling you up and down from all the angles you had always imagined he would explore. You let him readily, relishing in his praise, becoming drunk on the sensation his lips gave you. You wanted more, you needed more.

You held his face in your mitten-covered hands, kissing him tenderly as you moved to sit on his lap. The contact caused Tom to groan, his arms looping around your waist and holding you as close as he could through the thick clothes you were wearing.

He wanted to feel your skin against his. He knew this wasn't enough to satisfy the passion building up inside him. You were too tempting and always had been. Tom knew you were innocent, and that's what made you so much more alluring. You were waiting to become his, and now was finally the right time.

The two of you pulled apart briefly to catch your breath. Tom tilted his head back to gaze at you. Your cheeks were flushed, but it might of been from the cold. Your expression was sheepish, but not ashamed. And your eyes... man, your eyes seemed to promise him treasures he could only dream of.

"I've been waiting so long to do that." Tom managed to string together a full sentence. It was true, and he has been repeating that to himself for the past two years.

You hastily glanced away. "M-me too." You whispered, acting as if you still did not believe it happened.

Wishing for it to continue, but knowing you had to stop before things got too heated, you crawled off his lap and sighed. You couldn't stop smiling.

"I really fancy you." Tom blurted, eyes widening at the realization of what he said. "If you couldn't tell..." He added, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. That's what he did in embarrassing situations.

"I figured that out when I saw the rock." You blushed. "I remember you saying that you wanted to bring your future girlfriend here."

He couldn't believe you would remember something like that. It made him feel warm inside, a fluffy, and respectful kind. That must mean that you felt the same, or at least you did. It made him sad to think that you liked him back in high school. Hearing him say something like that must have broken your heart.

"I guess that wish came true," Tom said.

Your eyes widened. What did that mean?

"I want to be with you, Y/N." He whispered, all the presumptions of his youth fading away with just one sentence. Now, he seemed like a man. A man who was able to admit, and make sense of his decade-long feelings. 

You could not find the words to speak, your mind analyzing all the possibilities of what that could mean.

"I really hope you know how sorry I am for leaving you." The words came out in a flood, and Tom's composure crumbled in front of your eyes. "When I saw you yesterday, I realized how much I hurt you. You don't deserve that Y/N." He took a deep, shaky breath. "I hope you can give me another chance to make things right... and to possibly be more than friends."

You were deeply pained from his tone and the way his voice faltered when thinking of the past.

"Tommy, it's okay. I understand." You smiled sadly, wrapping your arms back around the boy. You didn't want him to feel bad about it. Though both of you had suffered, there was no going back to fix it. The time apart, though excruciating on bad terms, helped bring you back together. Being away from him for the first time, helped you realize how special he really was to you. He wasn't just your best friend. He was not just a crush. He was the love of your life.

Tilting your head, you pressed a chaste kiss to his chilled cheeks. 

It's not like you had confessed to him before, or made your feelings known. You were both oblivious about your feelings. But why did he leave without saying goodbye all those years ago?

Tom could tell what you were thinking by the grief-stricken look on your face.

"I left without saying goodbye because I knew I couldn't face you. I was afraid to confirm my love for you, Y/N..." He hugged you back, burying his head in the crook of your neck. You smelled as amazing as he remembered, your warmth engulfing him in comfort no other woman could. You were what he had always been craving, and you were always right in front of him.

"Love?" You whispered astonishingly, picking up on the word as he breathed its existence.

Tom pulled away, nodding slowly.

"You love me?" You gasped, tears starting to gather at your eyelids. The fear of your feelings blossoming further in a one-sided relationship faded. It was going to be okay. 

"I love you." He confirmed, all his nerves vanishing as your expression beamed brightly back at him. For a moment, silence consumed you. Before you could think further, tears gathered in the corners of your eyes. Reaching your sleeve up, you quickly wiped them away.

"I love you too." You choked out, the words feeling so good on your lips. So right to say and express. "I always have..." You admitted, eyes flickering away as you said it. "I was too afraid to tell you, and it killed me."

"But I'm here now, I've realized my mistake," Tom assured, pulling you into his chest and squeezing you tight. He couldn't believe how stupid he was back then to leave someone like you behind. You were meant to be together, you had to be. There had never been anyone else that had come close. 

He wasn't going to let you slip away again.

"Come back to my place," Tom commanded more than he asked. The cold was starting to become unbearable, now that the passionate heat that sparked between you had calmed.

"I want to show you how much you really mean to me."

[thesandersarchives]

The Immediate Aftermath (1)

What it says on the tin (in other words: what happened right after Logan turned off the recording). Loceit, background Intruality. Fluff, kissing. 959 words.

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As soon as Logan heard the click of the last recorder switching off, he sighed, closing his eyes briefly. When he opened them, his vision was slightly more blurry than he remembered. A sign that the Eye’s influence was gone, he assumed. Hoped.

The others were watching him, and even without Seeing he could tell that they were all anxious. Waiting for something to go wrong. And inexplicably, looking to him for reassurance that it wouldn’t. That they were all going to be okay.

Before the events of today, he might’ve said that it was too soon to tell, that there was no way to prove any of them were truly free from the Fears for good. 

But instead, he nodded, and offered a smile, because despite all signs to the contrary, today had happened, and Logan couldn’t bring himself to tarnish the hopes of his friends--and Dee. Whatever Dee was to him. And it was high time he found out, now that he thought about it.

He reached out a hand, and waited until Dee took it, relishing for a moment the softness of his glove before speaking.

“...Kiss me?”

Dee grinned, an expression he’d not yet seen on the man, and it was brilliant.

“Gladly, darling.”

Kissing Dee was simultaneously exactly what Logan imagined, and completely unlike what he had expected. His lips were soft, with a slight coldness that lingered from their time in the Lonely, and he made a quiet sound halfway between surprise and pleasure when Logan reached up to cup his face, the tip of his thumb brushing over the scar that streaked across Dee’s cheek. He tasted like Earl Grey, and his hands sat gently at Logan’s waist--until one hand snaked up to pull Logan’s tie and deepen the kiss.

They would have carried on that way for as long as their lungs would allow, Logan was sure, but for Virgil clearing his throat and breaking Logan’s focus on the man in his arms. Dee was visibly blushing when Logan reluctantly pulled away, though it only showed on the unmarred half of his face. 

From the heat he felt in his cheeks, Logan was certain he looked roughly the same, except his hair hadn’t been mussed like Dee’s from when his hat had fallen off (when had that happened? How had neither of them noticed?). And the others weren’t faring much better, except for Remus and Roman, who were openly (infuriatingly) smirking at him.

Somehow, Patton recovered from the awkwardness first.

“Hey, Thomas? Is there a shower I could use? Because I really, really need one.”

He grimaced, showing his grime-covered hands--not that he needed to, the dust and dirt on his clothes and across his face were already proof enough. Remus nodded, his expression shifting to match Patton’s as he reached for the other man despite the state he was in.

“Dibs on going next. You guys don’t want to know how long I’ve gone without washing. Like, at all. Seriously, it’s been a long time.”

Roman’s nose wrinkled. “Yeah, we can tell, Reek.”

Before Remus could, undoubtedly, open his mouth to retaliate, Thomas stepped in.

“There’s multiple bathrooms, you don’t have to wait your turn. Here, this way.”

He turned, but stopped at the sound of someone’s stomach growling. (From the way Virgil immediately tried to shrink into his hoodie, Logan had a pretty good guess as to who that someone was)

“Uh, the kitchen’s just down the hall to the right, first door on your right. Help yourselves!”

And with that, Thomas took off, Remus and Patton in tow. Roman immediately turned to follow Thomas’ directions to the kitchen, loudly proclaiming that he was starving--and pointedly ignoring Virgil’s look of relief and gratitude as he did so. 

The two of them started down the hallway, leaving Logan and Dee in the room they’d all been transported back to after exiting the Lonely.

A room which, Logan now realized, seemed to be Thomas’ library.

Dee looked at him with a smile. “I was going to suggest following Mr. Storm and the elder Mr. Kingsley, but judging from the awestruck look on your face, perhaps you’d rather stay here?”

Logan thought for a moment, then shook his head. “This will all still be here later. I haven’t eaten since this morning.”

Dee winced. “...All I’ve had today is a cup of tea.”

Logan’s eyes widened, and he promptly grabbed Dee by the wrist and led him out into the hallway after Roman and Virgil, launching into a lecture about the importance of nutrition and how tea alone is not a proper breakfast, dear, I thought you of all people would be more sensible when it comes to taking care of yourself. 

Dee let out a breathless kind of laugh, something uncertain beneath the sound, but acquiesced with a smile that might’ve been described as fond, as Logan pushed them both towards the kitchen.

“...Logan, honey, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve literally been kept alive for over a hundred years by supernatural forces, I’m fairly certain at some point I stopped needing to eat.”

Logan frowned, though it was somewhat halfhearted.

“That excuse would have worked this morning, but as of roughly ten minutes ago, you’re a regular human being. So right now, you’re going to let me make us both some food, and then we’re going to eat. And then I’d like to come back to the library and push you up against the shelves and kiss you some more. If you’re amenable, of course.”

Dee was sporting another half-blush by the time Logan finished speaking, but he was grinning again, and Logan fell a little bit further for him as the other man pretended to think.

“Well. Against the shelves sounds a little uncomfortable, but for you... Oh, I suppose I can make it work.”

Logan’s laughter rang out through the halls.

Yes, he thought to himself as Dee tried and failed to muffle his own giggles, they were going to be okay.

[notveryglittery]

sleeping at last

summary: virgil can’t sleep. remy’s here to fix it. words: 1.2k / ships: platonic sleepxiety (remy & virgil) warnings: mentions of not sleeping for an extended period of time, implied self-deprecation. let me know if there’s anything else! notes: it’s my first time writing a proper fic in ~4mo and i might actually cry, i’m so happy and proud. ironically enough, i got this idea and wrote it while trying and failing to fall asleep. also, keep a look out for a few more parts, it’s gonna be a series <3

read on ao3! 

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��Hiya, babe.”

“Please don’t make me regret this.”

“Shh, okay, it’s fine.”

Remy moved slowly, settling himself onto Virgil’s bed, careful to not disturb the other. Virgil had his head in his hands and his breathing was erratic, short stuttering inhales and shaky exhales. His shoulders were trembling.

“Shh, okay,” Remy repeated, dimming the lights in the room with a simple swipe of his fingers through the air. “I have an idea. Think you can look at me, hon?”

For a moment, Remy was worried Virgil was nearing being unresponsive. It was one thing to help the anxious side get the shuteye he’d been unable to achieve for the last day and a half. It was another thing entirely to help him through a panic attack. Remy took a deep breath, preparing himself to do so, if necessary.

Thankfully, a few seconds later, Virgil lowered his hands and lifted his head. Even in the low light, Remy could see Virgil was sans makeup, and the bags under his eyes were not a pretty sight. It looked even like he might have been crying earlier, if the redness was anything to go by.

“Hi there, sleeping beauty,” Remy said, gently, teasing.

Virgil cracked a smile, swatting at him half-heartedly. “Shuddup.”

“No can do, sweetie,” Remy replied in a despairing sort of tone, as if he really was so sorry about it. “Gotta talk to help you get to dreamland.”

“How dreadful,” Virgil groaned, somehow the perfect mix between annoyed and hopeful. It was weird and seemed kind of impossible but Remy wasn’t going to question it.

“You’re not allowed to call my methods cliché, got it?”

“No promises.”

Remy rolled his eyes, pretend exasperated.

“Deep breath in.”

Despite Virgil’s initial response, he followed Remy’s example easily. They both inhaled through their noses. Before Virgil could release, however, Remy held up his hand. He lowered a finger by five Mississippi counts in his head, before beginning to exhale slowly through his mouth. Virgil did the same.

if it hadn’t been thirty six hours since Virgil had last slept (and if even then, it had been more than three hours of rest), Remy would joke about how he could already see the tension draining from Virgil’s shoulders. That’d just put him on the offense, though, as it was clear he was close enough to snapping without Remy’s ribbing to make matters worse.

“We’re gonna go again, but this time we’re gonna close our eyes on the exhale, okay?”

Virgil looked ready to oppose, as if the idea of not being able to see his surroundings when he was so on edge was absurd, but Remy was already beginning to take a deep breath in. Virgil, seemingly desperate enough for a night undisturbed, hurried to do the same so as not to fall behind. This time, Remy counted only two Mississippi seconds, before initiating the exhale. He let his eyes slip shut, only able to hope that Virgil was doing the same. Once his lungs were free of air, Remy opened his eyes.

To his surprise, Virgil’s were still closed, and his head had begun to dip.

‘He must be exhausted,’ Remy thought, ‘I ought to watch over him better.’

“Ready to go again, darling?” He asked, barely a whisper, as if hesitant to break the silence.

Virgil’s eyes snapped open with a quick hitch of his breath. After taking a moment to settle himself, he nodded. “Can you count out loud, though?”

“Anything for you.”

And so they continued. Eyes kept open as they inhaled. Two Mississippi seconds counted aloud in the softest voice Remy could muster. Eyes slipping closed as they exhaled and remaining shut until the next inhale.

After roughly eight rounds of this (Remy wasn’t worried about keeping track, as he already had one set of numbers to repeat), Virgil was looking significantly more relaxed. It wouldn’t do him any good falling asleep sitting up, though, and so Remy decided then it was time to move onto the next step.

“Okay,” he began, hesitantly, so as not to startle Virgil with switching tasks suddenly. “Part two.”

“Hmm,” Virgil answered, swaying slightly in his current position.

“Need you to lay down. Can you do that?”

“Of course,” he responded, sounding haughty, as if offended that Remy had to ask whether he could accomplish such an easy request.

Without much grace, Virgil simply flopped backwards, head landing amongst his pile of pillows. Remy supposed it was a good thing Virgil had already been sitting in the middle of his bed when he’d arrived, so there was less shifting to do before getting comfortable. He was pleased to see Virgil had continued the process of closing his eyes while breathing out and opening them again while breathing in. It seemed harder each time, though, his eyelids fluttering the longer he went on.

Remy moved as well, situating himself further up and closer to Virgil’s head. He settled with his back against the headboard and, with a single thought, made the bed just bigger enough to accommodate them both without being cramped.

“I’m gonna put my hand in your hair. Is that okay?” Remy asked.

Virgil hummed, in what could have been a yes, but Remy wasn’t risking it.

“Virgil, honey, is that okay?”

“Yeah,” Virgil mumbled, tilting his head towards Remy’s voice, blinking up at him.

Without waiting this time, Remy sunk his hand into Virgil’s hair, combing his fingers through the violet locks. He did so slowly, working to carefully remove any knots that needed untangling. Virgil hummed again and if Remy didn’t know any better, he’d guess Virgil was about to melt right into the mattress.

“Keep breathing,” Remy murmured, “eyes closed on the exhale. I’ll count for you.”

Between having to focus on when to have his eyes opened or closed and listening to Remy’s steady counting, the racing thoughts that normally plagued Virgil’s mind were sluggish now, caught in the web that Remy was weaving. Eventually, his eyelids grew too heavy to even bother in trying to lift them.

“M’gonna…” he tried. A few more deep breaths passed before he continued. “Eyes… shut.”

“Good idea,” Remy agreed, “you’re so smart.”

Virgil grunted, as if he wanted to disagree.

“Fight me about it in the morning,” Remy suggested, smiling just enough that Virgil could hear it in his voice.

“Bet,” Virgil managed somehow, despite one long exhale and the tingly feeling of Remy’s fingernails scratching at his scalp doing their best to lull him to sleep.

“Bet,” Remy echoed.

it was maybe fifteen minutes more (it wasn’t like Remy was going to take his phone out to check the time and it definitely wasn’t like he could trust the clock on the wall) before Virgil’s breathing had evened out completely. His expression was peaceful, lips parted slightly and eyebrows no longer furrowed (they seemed to be constantly, always in some state of concern). Remy carded his hand through Virgil’s hair once more before moving away, stretching his arms and twisting his upper body just enough to loosen his muscles from sitting still for so long.

He was careful getting back to his feet, doing his best to avoid any sudden shifts or creaks. Virgil had always been a light sleeper, after all. It took one more easy thought to return the bed to its original size, so Virgil wouldn’t wake up disoriented by the extra space.

“Good night, angel,” Remy whispered. “I’m sending you good dreams so don’t worry about a thing, got it?”

He waited, as if Virgil would tell him ‘no promises’ again.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

[cherriesradio]

Isn’t love meant to be easy? Todoroki

So this is already pretty long and I don’t feel like finishing it so uh yeah.

Warnings: mentions of abuse, forced engagement, bad parents on both sides, one-sided love, mentioned like of musical theater (that’s not really a warning is it lol)

Quirk: Earth. Basically earth bending.

Shoto remebered when he was a kid and his siblings would sneak in books for him. Endeavor being the little jerk he is only let them read books about heros. And only he’s that he saw as “good enough.” Aka the overly arrogant and merciless hero’s. Shoto’s siblings didn’t care what books they brought in, just that it wasn’t revoking around a pro-hero. As long as it would give Shoto and ouce of a normal childhood, unlike them.

He remembers that sometimes, the stories he read in secret would have a romance. The boy and the girl, they would bump into each other. Probably at school. The boy picks up the girls books, their hands touch. And it goes on from there. They eventually confess under a cherry blossom tree, and they kiss. And then live happily ever after.

So, he thought that live would be easy as that. Bumping into each other. Little did he know, love was much more complicated.

You whimpered, scared by how many people were at the party. Even more scared by what your parents told you about this party the day before. You were going to meet a boy, at the same young age as you, and possibly be engaged to him by the end of the night.

Marriage scared you. It’s such a big commitment, yet you had to make the choice in one night? And as a young child as yourself? And knowing how everyone you had meet over the years who were also rich, then it probably wasn’t even going to be your choice. Simply dishonorable.

“Darling, make sure to hold onto my hand. We’re about to meet the boy.” Your mother said. You nodded your head and gulped.

A red and white boy. Around five, the same age as you. He had big eyes. One was grey and the other was icey blue. He looked just as nervous as you, trembling in his perfectly fitting tux.

You looked up, to where your neck would hurt for looking to long. His father probably, was Endeavor. Your parents praised him because he was a big and powerful hero, but he clearly didn’t have a good heart. He look intimidating even without fire bursting from his skin.

“Hello Y/n. I heard you have a powerful quirk. (“Of course he would start with that.” You heard a girl from behind the small boy sigh.)

You gently nodded. You were always told your quirk was powerful. You trained when you wanted but being determined to be a great hero, you trained constantly. When you Frits got your quirk only a year ago it was rather weak, you could barely pick up a rock that weight more then a few pounds. Now you can pick up double your weight.

“Hm. This is my son, Shoto. Shoto, introduce yourself.” The man looked down on Shoto and pat his back, Shoto stepped forward. He was right in front of you.

“My name is Shoto Todokri. I’m five years old. My quirk is Half-Cold Half-Hot. I can make ice with my right side and create fire with my left side.” He said in a monotone voice. He had a strange tremble when he said “left side.”

“Hi. I’m Y/n L/n. My quirks Earth.” You smile softly and held your hand out, he nervously shook it.

Your parents made you spend the whole night with Shoto. He was a good kid. He was patient and queit, you were stuck doing most of the talking. You thanked the lord that your parents were respected, or else you could have been in danger with all the strangers.

That’s how it started.

He didn’t realize he had real feelings for you. You were going to be forced to marry him as son as you turned eighteen, there was no reason either of you should remotely enjoy a forced relationship.

And then came UA. He was going to get into UA for sure, and so we’re you. Purely because you were both powerful. Either way, your both from rich family’s, they could’ve bribed you into it if you weren’t powerful.

And you were clearly avoiding him. He didn’t blame you, you were forced into this relationship and so was he. You would occasionally wave at him in the halls or give a small hello. That was the most you would give him.

He couldn’t help but feel bad about it. You were a kind and patient person, but you didn’t have I care in the world about him.

And like he did with most of his problems, he went to his best friend. Deku.

“Hey Midoryia? Can I ask you something?” Todokri said, tapping on Dekus shoulder. Deku turned to him.

The empty common room was strange. Of course it was rather late, but Todokri knew Dkeu would still be up studying.

“Sure Todokri! What’s up?” He smiled. His freckles popped off his face even in the dim room, the fridge and lamp being the only sources of light.

“I… thsi is going to be rather personal, but I’m engaged to L/n. And it’s kinda bothering our relationship.” Todokri awkwardly said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Deku looked surprised. Everyone he told did, since arranged marriages are so rare now. He quickly connected the dots, that you both had powerful quirks and that Endeavor would take advantage of that.

“Oh. Sorry, Todokri. What do you need me for in that, though?” He titled his head to the side. Todokri’s left side glowed with the white light of the full fridge.

“Your good at friendship. If we’re going to be married one day, than I want to at least have a platonicly good relationship with them. I don’t want them miserable.” Todokri said. Deku could clearly see the guilt in his eyes. Deku gently nodded.

“Well, I could try to get you to connected. Their mostly friends with Kacchans group, but I know them pretty well. They asked to study with me a few times.” Deku muttered. “Next time we study together I could mention you, say how great of a person you are. Maybe get you two to hang out somehow.”

Todokri quickly nodded and was glad to be given the offer. “That sounds perfect Midoryia. Please do.” He said, then turned and went back to his dorm room. He slept more Pres fully than normal.

“Hey Y/n, you know Todokri right?” Deku casually said, turning the yellowing page of the old school text books. The library was empty beside you two and the workers.

“Yeah.” You say and raise an eyebrow. You knew him and your fiancé were friends but you didn’t see a reason why he would have to mention him.

“All Might told me I should try training harder with my legs, since I’m only now trying to use them. So, I’m gonna be pretty busy for a month or two.” He said, looking directly at you insteda of over his book. The room felt hotter. You were definitely leaning on Deku’s support with school, you would probably start failing again if you stopped.

“That good for you. But bad for me. You know how bad I was before you offered to study with me.” You say.

“Don’t worry! Todokri is a smart guy, try studying with him! He’s more queit than I am, but if you spend some time with him he’ll come out of his shell.” Deku said.

You puzzle it in your mind. It would be overwhelmingly uncomfortable, you two wer engaged yet you had ingnored him for most of the school year so far.

“Sure. I’ll ask him about it later.” You say offhandedly. You scoff in your mind. You had only seen this kid at party’s your parents forced you to go to, they didn’t even put the effort into getting you two to know each other well.

You walked up behind the half and half boy. You refused to call him more than a poor, shy and anxious kid. His existence pissed you off. He was a nice kid, polite and patient. But the fact that you were forced to marry this guy you had barely talked to made your blood boil.

“Shoto Todokri? Could a talk to you for a second?” You said, in the voice and tone your parents told you was proper.

“Yes, Y/n? Sure.” He said and turned away from the lunch he wasn’t focused on eating. “What do you need?”

“Could you help me study? Deku’s gonna be busy for a while and I’m a little dependent on him. Which I should probably fix…” You said, drawing your hand back to your chest from his shoulder.

“Yes. I don’t mind. Um… would eight be good? Meet in my dorm?” He said gently. He felt like you were like a wild animal, would scurry away at the slightest wrong move.

“Sure, that’s fine. Well uh… see ya later.” You awkwardly wave and walk back to Mina and Denki, they could clearly tell how nervous you still were. Yet, Todokri stood still. He played with the sting on his hoodie, and blushed.

“Yeah, I’m sure that George Washington was the fourth president.” You sarcastically said. You should’ve remembered that Shoto was horrible at American History, the only class he was bad in.

“Trust me! I’ve very sure he was the fourth!” He defensive cried. You snicker and roll your eyes.

“And who was before him? And after em’?” You say and hide a laugh.

“Um… Alexander Hamilton was a president right? And then… then Thomas Jeffery?” He said, almost shaking from how nervous he was. He had already helped you with every other subject, this was the only one you said you were good at but wanted help just in case.

You made a system. On mondays you would do history, on wednesdays you did math, and on sundays you did American history. And any other day you would train. What a great Sunday you were having.

You snickered and banged your fist on the counter of the empty common room. “Heck no! Alexander was in charge of the treasury, and also wrote for George Washington during the war for independence. Thomas Jeffery,” You did quotation marks with your hands. “wasn’t a person. Your thinking of Thomas Jefferson. He was a president, the third.”

He sighed, it came out white from his cold side taking over. He was trying to keep himself from catching fire. It always felt like that would happen around you after the month you’ve been studying together, fro some reason.

“I think your gonna have to help me with this. How do you even know this stuff?” He said with a sad and pouty look.

“Hamilton, it’s a musical. One of my favorites.” 

He took a menatal note of that.

“Shoto!” You giggled, elbowing the teen. He laughed wildly, not for the first time. Not anymore.

Your jokes always made him laugh wildly, not caring if others see him in the act. Because your there, laughing with him. Sometimes at his own silly actions, and others at your own statements.

You made him happy. Happier than he ever remembers being. He’s been happy before, just… not this much. Not with Iida or Ochako, or his siblings or even Deku. You made him happiest.

“I can’t believe you sometimes!” You giggled and covered your mouth as to not make the white room explode with laughter. Everyone was staring at you already. Half of the class already thought you were dating, the other thought you were pining. Well, Shoto was.

But, the sweet stares you started to give towards Izuku during class, the lingering touchs when you grabbed his arm to ask to study, the tab bit longer than it should be hugs, those heart eyes you would give to him during lunch. It all seemed to stain into his memory, never able to leave.

Friday, January 5. You and Shoto were having your now normal sleepovers, watching romantics comedy’s and crappy tv till midnight.

[thearvariblues]

The Bard and The Wolf - Chapter Two

(AKA Geraskier in the Metal Band AU you didn’t know you needed)

The second chapter of my Fic That Was Supposed To Be Short But Definitely Won’t Be. You can also find it on AO3, if you want! :)

The masterpost for this fic can be found HERE.

2 – Breathe, Buttercup

Silence fell when he walked into the Kaer Morhen’s rehearsal room, and he immediately started to question his choice of clothes.

Yes, he was wearing the same tight black pants as he did the last time. But he’d rummaged through his wardrobe and found a V-neck black T-shirt and a long black vest to go with it (and it might have been a ladies’ vest, but he quite honestly didn’t care), and also a pair of heavy leather boots he used to wear when he was sixteen. His eyes were framed by black eyeliner, and he couldn’t resist putting a little bit of lip gloss on his lips.

He was convinced he looked stunning, until he saw all the band members staring at him.

God, was he trying too hard? Come on, those were metalheads, he clearly wasn’t one of them, why was he even…

And Geralt’s face was completely blank, Christ, but his amber eyes went a little wider. Was it disapproval? It had to be disapproval.

Luckily for Jaskier, someone decided to speak before his anxious brain could force him to turn on his heel and run.

“Oh, wow,” Renfri said. “You look gorgeous, buttercup.”

“Uhm,” Jaskier blinked, his racing mind coming to a sudden stop. “Thanks.”

“Yeah,” Lambert grinned. “Definitely looks much better than the pink shirt you were wearing last time.”

“That was magenta, not pink,” Jaskier said automatically.

“Right,” Lambert laughed. “As if there’s any difference.”

“Well, actually...” Jaskier started, but then Geralt smirked.

“Actually, there’s a massive difference, according to Ciri,” he said. “When I said I wasn’t sure if the pink shirt would fit our image, she rolled her eyes and said Jeez, dad, that was MAGENTA. I got a bit lost after that, so I don’t know what exactly the difference is, sorry.”

“Honestly, I don’t really need the explanation. He was pink. He’s not pink anymore. That’s good enough for me,” Lambert said.

“Ciri’s gonna be disappointed, though,” Renfri commented. “She was so looking forward to taking you shopping to find you something proper to wear...”

“She still can. I mean, those are my only black clothes,” Jaskier smirked, gesturing to his attire. “And it took me ages to dig out that T-shirt. Also, there definitely isn’t any mysterious hole on the back I had to cover with the vest, oh, no. And I have literally no proper accessories, except for the boots, and they’re like twelve years old.”

“Well, look who’s taking his new role as a metal singer very seriously,” Eskel nodded. “I’m starting to be glad Geralt insisted on giving you the chance.”

“I think that’s enough,” Geralt said, shooting Eskel a seemingly warning glance. “We should start.”

“Oh, good. Are we gonna introduce ourselves like we’re in school?” Eskel smirked. “Name, instrument, favorite drink...”

“No need,” Jaskier said. “I mean… For names and positions. Eskel, drums. Renfri, guitar. Lambert, bass.”

“And how do you know that?” Lambert said, cocking his eyebrow.

“I’m least likely to have sex with you. So you have to be the bassist, obviously,” Jaskier shrugged.

“And since he knows the lyrics to White Wolf, he’s obviously seen us play live before, Sherlock,” Renfri grinned. “Just out of curiosity, who are you most likely to have sex with?”

“A gentleman doesn’t tell, darling.”

“Is it Geralt?”

“Enough,” Geralt growled. “I wasn’t even going to say we should introduce–”

“I think Jaskier should definitely introduce himself,” Eskel said. “We should have more information about him before we decide whether we want him in the band or not.”

“Right. Sure,” Jaskier nodded. “It’s fair. So, my name is Jaskier, as you all know. Yes, technically it’s a stage name, but it’s also the name I prefer. I like fine wine, fine music, fine… company.”

“If this is the way you’re trying to tell us you’re gay...” Lambert smirked.

“Bisexual, in fact,” Jaskier smiled. “Pansexual, technically speaking.”

“Cool,” Lambert nodded. “I mean, that’s fine. Renfri and Geralt swing both ways, too, you know.”

“You really don’t know when you should keep your mouth shut, do you, Lambert?” Geralt sighed. “Please. I am trying to get somewhere here…”

“Can you play any instruments besides the guitar, Jaskier?” Lambert went on.

“Yeah, I mean, of course. I can play many instruments, really, really badly,” Jaskier grinned. “But I can definitely play the piano. And keyboards, of course. Also violin. Guitar, piano and violin are the only ones I play good enough to be able to teach them. Oh, and I can play the lute, of course, how could I forget!”

“Oh dear God, he can play the lute,” Lambert sighed. “I mean, of course he can, he’s a bard, after all, but still…”

“Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living, Jaskier?” Eskel asked.

“I, uhm, teach music?” Jaskier replied, biting his lip. “There’s several people I tutor, and of course I am also a lecturer at the local university. Uhm. I didn’t mean of course, of course, I mean I happen to be a lecturer...”

“Breathe, buttercup,” Renfri said, clasping his shoulder. “Nobody’s judging you. Right, guys?”

“Sure not,” Eskel smiled. “So… you have a degree?”

Jaskier bit his lip.

“Yeah. Yeah. That’s right. A degree.”

“Jaskier?” Renfri said, lifting her eyebrows.

“It might be more of a doctorate,” Jaskier muttered. “In music education.”

“But that’s awesome!” Renfri beamed. “Finally someone who could teach Lambert to keep the rhythm!”

“Ha ha, Renfri, ha ha,” Lambert snorted. “Or he could teach you more than four chords, eh?”

“Nah, I don’t need more than three, usually,” she shrugged. “Right, Geralt?”

“Maybe you will, now,” Geralt smirked. “If Jaskier decides to become our songwriter, too.”

“Oh, I could?” Jaskier said, turning to Geralt with his eyes sparkling. “I mean, you don’t have a songwriter?”

“Yen wrote most of our lyrics, and we made the music together as a band,” Geralt sighed. “I’m not the best with words.”

“No shit,” Lambert smirked.

“Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh, boy, I’m gonna have a field day here. Oh, yes, baby, this is Jaskier’s time to shine!”

“Aaand you’ve just released the beast,” Eskel chuckled.

“I’m gonna write you so many great songs!” Jaskier laughed.

“Right. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Geralt said. “Before you do that, we need–”

“Renfri, honey, you’re gonna need way more than three chords, I assure you. But don’t worry, I’m a great tutor! I’m only gonna beat you a little.”

“Jaskier,” Geralt sighed, trying hard to stifle a laugh.

“Oh, my dear hearts, I’m everything you’ve been waiting for! I’m gonna–”

“Jaskier.”

Jaskier’s speech came to a sudden hslt, and the bard shut his eyes firmly and bit his lower lip.

“Geralt?” he peeped.

“Before you do all that,” Geralt smiled, “we need you to try and play a few songs with us. All right?”

“Yeah. Of course, of course,” Jaskier nodded vehemently. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, of course. You may yet find that I am just a shitty folk singer, completely unfit for your epic… metal… songs. Right. For the record, you do have lyrics for your songs somewhere, right? Because though I really love Song of the White Wolf, I’m afraid I really don’t know your other songs that much, and...”

As Jaskier was rambling, Geralt’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He checked the screen. A text from Ciri.

So… Are you keeping him? it said.

Geralt looked at the bard, who was currently talking about the importance of singers knowing their lyrics even in their sleep, and smiled as he typed the reply.

He’s an idiot.

Is that a yes, dad?

Geralt chuckled.

It’s a yes.

*

Jaskier accepted a glass of alcohol from Renfri’s hand. He was a quick learner, because he didn’t even think about asking what exactly was in it.

“So. I don’t want to sound too eager, but...”

“You’re in,” Geralt said. “If you want.”

Jaskier stopped with his glass halfway up to his lips. Those were currently too busy grinning to be able to drink at the same time.

“Seriously?” he asked. “You’re not kidding, right? It’s not some kind of a horrible, cruel joke? Valdo Marx isn’t gonna jump up from behind the couch and laugh at me for believing I could be a part of Kaer Morhen?”

“You’re really in,” Geralt answered him. “And no, we are not going to slap a wig on you and pretend you’re Yennefer, either.”

“Good. That’s good. I don’t really think I could pull that off. So… What now?”

“Now we keep practicing,” Geralt said. “For the Battle of the Bands, you mean?”

“More like for the gig next week,” Renfri muttered.

“A gig next what?!” Jaskier exclaimed. “You’ve gotta be kidding me! You’re expecting me to be able to sing a gig with you next week?”

“Relax. It’s a short one. Only thirty minutes,” Eskel said in a vain attempt to sound encouraging.

Jaskier raised his hand and put it firmly on his chest.

“Right. Only thirty minutes. Oh, dear. I’m having a heart attack. I’m dying. You are expecting me to learn… I mean, there’s just no way...”

“Come on. You’re a clever guy, aren’t you?” Lambert smirked.

“Next week. Next week...” Jaskier groaned.

“Don’t panic, buttercup. It’s gonna be fine,” Renfri said, clasping his shoulder. “We can meet tomorrow and keep practicing.”

“No, not tomorrow,” Geralt shook his head. He was the only one to have the decency to look somewhat apologetic. “I’m playing D&D tomorrow, and if I cancel it again, Vesemir’s gonna find me and skin me alive.”

“Oh, that’s just great!” Jaskier said, spreading his arms wide. “The fate of the band is at stake, we desperately need to practice, but the lead singer… Wait. Did you say D&D?”

*

And that was how Jaskier ended up sitting in a living room of a guy called Vesemir (an old friend of Geralt’s, apparently) the next afternoon, being introduced to a bunch of new players who also decided to join the campaign.

“I’m not really new,” he explained to Vesemir. “I just… kinda used to play with the guys from my former band, and since we’re not exactly on speaking terms right now, I’m looking for a new group, that’s all.”

“Great. Less explaining for me then,” Vesemir nodded. “Now, about your character...”

“Oh, yes, a very surprising choice,” Geralt muttered. “A human bard named Jaskier, who would have guessed.”

“Oh, look who’s talking, witcher,” Jaskier growled.

“My god,” Vesemir laughed. “Now, this is going to be interesting.”

“What is going to be interesting?” Geralt asked, rolling a dice in his fingers.

“Nothing, nothing. If you’re ready, gentlemen, we could start. Our story begins in a little village called Posada...”

*

“Good, you’ve passed the perception check, so… As you are threatening the sylvan, you suddenly realize there’s someone standing behind you. What do you do now?”

“I turn around and defend myself, what do you think?” Geralt growled and rolled the dice.

“One. Oh, great job,” Jaskier sighed.

“Shut up, Jaskier. I’m not the one who’s been unconscious for the past five minutes!”

“Yes, my poor eighteen-year-old baby bard got knocked out, that’s why he needed the mighty witcher to protect him!”

“Well, that didn’t really work,” Vesemir smirked. “Geralt, the last thing you see is a fist heading straight for your face. And then everything goes black.”

“That’s what you deserve for rolling a fucking one.”

“I really hate you, Jaskier.”

*

“I want to break the bard’s lute,” said the guy playing one of the elves. Jaskier didn’t remember his name, but he’d just started to hate the guy.

“No, not the lute! Not the lute!” he yelled.

“Why exactly do you want to break his lute?” Vesemir asked the guy.

“Because I hate humans?” the elf replied.

“Fair enough,” Vesemir shrugged. “No, you don’t need to roll for that. In your anger, you break the lute in half, much to the bard’s displeasure.”

“Displeasure? Displeasure?!” Jaskier growled. “This isn’t just displeasure. I’m gonna murder you.”

“You realize it’s not a real lute, don’t you?” Geralt muttered.

“Of course. I would tear anyone who would try to touch my real lute to pieces. But a lute is a lute. You don’t just destroy lutes, not even fictional ones!”

“He just really loves lutes,” Geralt explained to Vesemir.

“You don’t say,” the man replied. “Geralt, what do you do now?”

“I try to convince the elves to leave the bard alone. Apparently,” Geralt sighed when Jaskier looked at him with big, blue puppy eyes.

“Oh, thank you, thank you. Fucking finally!” Jaskier clapped his hands. “Now, just don’t screw the… Aaand it’s a one again.”

“Jaskier, I’m really starting to regret taking you here...”

*

Some thirty minutes later, the game had ended and the “elves” had left the apartment. Jaskier wasn’t convinced they would be coming back. They seemed like the types who only wanted to try playing, and trying once was more than enough for them. But Jaskier definitely was coming back. If Geralt didn’t mind.

“Right,” he grinned when he realized Geralt wasn’t about to get up and leave any time soon. “Thanks for the magic lute, I guess.”

“Who said it was magical?” Vesemir smirked.

“I’ve told you I wasn’t a newbie. I know how these things work. That lute is definitely magical.”

“Geralt, seriously,” Vesemir laughed. “Where did you find this guy?”

“On the pavement in front of our rehearsal room,” Geralt said. “His band just kicked him out and he desperately needed a drink.”

Vesemir’s eyes narrowed.

“Geralt?” he muttered.

“All right,” Geralt sighed. “Jaskier, this is Vesemir. He’s kind of… our band’s manager.”

“Not kind of,” Vesemir said. “Geralt. Talk.”

“Yennefer’s left the band. Yes, again. For good, this time.”

“Oh, great. And you were going to tell me when?”

“Right now, as you can see. I mean… hear.”

“Awesome. So Jaskier here is…”

“Our new singer.”

Jaskier raised his eyebrows. Oh, boy, was Geralt really starting to seem scared of this guy?

“Geralt, I’ve already told you,” Vesemir sighed. “You can’t choose new band members by picking up random weird kids from the street!”

“Why not? That’s how we got Renfri after Coën left.”

“You mean Renfri, who hadn’t even held the guitar in her hand before she joined the band?”

“She got good, though, didn’t she?” Geralt grinned.

“So what about you, eh?” Vesemir said and turned to Jaskier. “Can you sing, or do you just look pretty?”

Jaskier smirked and took a deep breath.

“When a humble bard...” he sang softly. “Graced a ride along… With Geralt of Rivia… Along came this… song...”

“Yeah,” Geralt smirked. “He can sing, but also play and write lyrics and music.”

“No, that’s too good to be true,” Vesemir shook his head. “After all these years, you’ve finally found someone who can do that? Well, welcome on board, kid!”

“I’m not really a kid,” Jaskier commented. “And about that lute…”

“Yes, yes,” Vesemir nodded. “It’s definitely magical.”

“Yes! I knew it!”

*

The next day, at four PM, Jaskier was doing his very best to try and ignore Ciri, who was busily buzzing around him with her phone’s camera pointing in his direction.

“Just act natural,” Geralt said, for the fifth time in the past ten minutes. “Focus on the guitar and pretend to sing.”

“I’m trying,” Jaskier growled. “Why are we doing this, anyway? I mean, I know, you want my photo for the post about me becoming the new singer, but can’t you just use an older pic of me?”

“Shut up and play,” Lambert sighed. “Though I still think we should take a photo of you both, Geralt. Our two singers.”

“That’s not happening,” Geralt’s husky voice rasped and Jaskier lost his concentration once again.

“Why not?” he asked. “We’ve got such a good chemistry together, and I’m just… me. I’m telling you, Geralt, if you only post me, it’s gonna be a horrible shitstorm.”

“I agree with Jaskier,” Ciri said. “You should definitely be in the pic with him.”

“No,” Geralt growled. “Just play. We have been here for an hour already.”

“Twenty minutes,” Renfri said and reached for her own guitar. “And only because you’re a stubborn cock. Hey, buttercup. Teach me that song, what was it called? The Fishmonger’s daughter?”

A huge smile spread across Jaskier’s face as his fingers started to dance on the strings.

“Oh, fishmonger, oh, fishmonger, come quell your daughter’s hunger,” he singed softly. “To pull on my horn as it rises in the morn. For ‘tis naught but bad luck–”

“And I’ve got it,” Ciri announced. “What do you think, Renfri?”

“That our buttercup looks absolutely adorable,” the guitarist smiled, looking over her shoulder. “Good job, Ciri. Now we only need to write the post.”

“Great,” Lambert commented. “That’s gonna be a piece of cake, isn’t it?”

Continue with Chapter Three

[writersmacchiato]

Fluff Alphabet | Neville Longbottom

A = Attractive (What do they find attractive about the other?)

When he first saw you, he thought you were beautiful. Though it was your smile that caught his attention and he spent many afternoons daydreaming about it, always bursting out into a violent blush when you directed a smile his way.

You loved his eyes. How they seem to twinkle when he talks about something that he’s passionate about, how they light up when he sees you.

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why? Why not?)

Neville might want kids at some point, but he’s not in a rush and if you don’t want to have children, he wouldn’t mind either. For him, having you, your plant babies and Trevor Jr. is more than enough for him and he loves your family as is.

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

He likes to curl up against you with his head on your chest and his arms wrapped around your waist, your fingers combing through his hair.

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

Neville likes to plan small, quiet outings where you can both be comfortable. Often times, a picnic by the lake or walking through town and window shopping. If he wants to be romantic, he’ll dress up and cook dinner for you at home. Going all out with candles, wine, and flowers.

E = Everything (You are my _____ (e.g. my life, my world))

“You are my reason for smiling everyday.”

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

Neville fell for you so quickly and easily, he thought it was embarrassing. It was during his time at Hogwarts with you, after a particularly awful session of Potions where it seemed that Snape had it out for him - more than usual. You trailed after him, grabbing the sleeve of his robe.

“Are you okay?”

He shook his head, “I will be.”

You frowned, but tugged him along. “We’re going to the lake.“

“Why?“

“To cheer you up, of course.”

He followed after you, listening as you ranted about how awful and unprofessional Professor Snape was, with a pounding heart that was a pile of lovesick goo.

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

Neville could not be rough. Even if he tried. There is not anything in his being that would permit him to be anything but gentle.

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

When you first started dating, Neville had a hard time showing affection. Not because he didn’t want to, he was just shy and awkward. And, coupled with the off-looks he received — it was awkward. However, hand holding is the first thing he got down. He loves it. Will hold your hand at every given opportunity.

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

Neville noticed your kindness; how you stood up for others, helped them with the smallest of things...and wanted to be able to know you. He could be content with being your friend.

J = Jealously (Do they get jealous?)

He doesn’t get jealous, it’s more of a sad wallowing. His self-esteem is pretty low and you’re way out of his league, or so he thinks. Whenever someone comes along and flirts with you, rather than stepping in (he knows you can handle yourself anyway) he tends to drift away as negative thoughts plague him. You have to coax him back to you with kisses and reassurance that you love him.

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

His kisses are soft, hesitant almost, but sweet. He has a hard time believing that you would want to be with someone like him, so he makes sure to cherish you.

You kissed him first. It was after a ‘date’ and he was walking you back to the dorms when you stopped and gave him a small peck on the lips before scurrying away. Neville’s poor heart almost gave out on the spot.

L = Love (Who says ‘I love you’ first?)

He does.

You had just moved in together, it was only a few weeks in and were planning what to put in the garden. There was so much available space and the ideas were limitless. Neville was practically heart eyes looking at you as you rambled on about how there should be different quadrants for the patches to best utilize it. You then mentioned making room for a greenhouse, knowing how much Neville adored the ones back at Hogwarts.

“Merlin, I love you.”

You look at him warmly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I love you too. Now, where should we put it? I think on the south side, because that area gets the most sun.”

Yes, he was in love with you.

M = Memory (What’s their favorite memory together?)

You shield your eyes, casting a look over the beach. The sun was only just beginning to rise over the horizon, a soft glow of yellow glistening over the water.

“This is perfect.” You say, grinning back at Neville. He can’t help but stare at you; seeing how the light makes your face glow, the tired but happy look in your eyes.

This is perfect.

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Neville doesn’t necessarily spoil you with gifts, but with acts of services and quality time. He would rather plan an evening in with you, relaxing and romancing you than to gift you something. Although when he does, it’s thoughtful and something you thought he wouldn’t even notice.

O = Orange (What colors remind them of their other half?)

Green — he first properly talked to you in the greenhouse, during a class, and since then he’s associated green with you. Plants are his passion and he’s lucky enough to have you interested in it, even if it’s only for his sake.

P = Pet names (What pet names do they use?)

Sweetheart and darling are his go to.

Q = Quaint (What is their favorite non-modern thing?)

His grandma gave him his mother’s wedding ring and for a long time he wore it around his neck, but then he took it off one day to clean it. He thought he lost it and was in near hysterics when you got home, reassuring him as you helped him look. It was under the bed, but he realized then he wanted you to have it.

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

He enjoys curling up with you and just relaxing. Sometimes, you’ll watch a movie or read books, but he’s content with whatever as long as he’s in your presence.

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Whenever he feels particularly upset, Neville will go outside to the garden and spend time with the plants there. This is normal for him, but he likes the familiarity of it, how it makes him feel in control.

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

He can spend hours on end just talking about plants; all the facts he knows, new and old. Telling you the proper way to handle such and so, or how some of the plants are misbehaving. When he becomes a professor, he enjoys talking about his classes and students.

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

For Neville, all he needs is some time in the greenhouse or garden and if you’re there? Perfection. Sometimes, if he’s feeling particularly stressed out, he’ll walk out to the pond that’s on your property and just sit out there for hours. That’s when you know to give him some space.

V = Victory (What is something they overcome? Are proud of?)

Neville thinks it’s a little stupid, but there used to be a plant in the garden that every season would wither away without fail. It was one of your favorites and he was determined to keep it living. And yet, nothing he did seemed to make a difference. He was doing everything right, by the textbook, and it still perished.

You had told him it was okay. But the next time he was planting seeds, he carefully placed them in a small pot and brought it inside to your bedroom — already full of plants. Every morning when he woke up he would place three drops of water, two drops of nectar, and a sprinkle of ground up cinnamon on the plant. You woke up when he let out a victorious shout months later after the same routine was followed. When you looked at him in confusion, you were shocked to see the plant fully grown looking perfect.

“You did it!” You exclaimed, tumbling out of bed to wrap him in a hug.

He grins, sweeping you off your feet in his excitement. “I did!”

W = Wild (What is a wild dream/wish/fantasy of theirs?)

Neville is content with his life, it’s turned out much better than he ever expected or hoped for, his wilder dreams are...well, we won’t say; this is the fluff Alphabet after all.

X = XOXO (Do they write love letters?)

Neville actually loves to write letters to you, so much that you’ve come to expect them for every birthday and anniversary. They’re always so sweet, tissues at the ready before you read them. You collect them all in a shoebox and Neville’s face was burning red all day when he accidentally found it.

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

The idea of marrying you is a dream he often has, waking up with a smile and his heart about to burst when he sees you laying across from him. However, the idea of proposing to you is terrifying and it twists his stomach into an anxious mess. He knows you love him, but would you want to marry him?

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

Neville gets a toad and names him Trevor Jr. and constructs an elaborate habitat for him both indoors and outdoors. You’ve walked in on him talking to TJ before while attending to his plants.

———

Everything tag list: @venusstarlight108 @knivestheresnothingtoit @yajairayellow @awesomefaith14 @ardentmuse @salladwinston @maddieb97222 @anchy-bananchy @staygoldponebone @unique05sstuff

Harry Potter tag list: @p-adfoot

[gamerwoo]

Seonghwa: Facade (Part 3)

Characters: Seonghwa x female reader (featuring Hongjoong)

Genre/warnings: royalty au, sorta arranged marriage au, slowburn, fluff, a little bit of angst

Word count: 3,301

Summary: Being an assassin, you’ll do anything for anybody as long as they can pay for it. However, you might’ve met your match after meeting your next target, Park Seonghwa, the prince of the kingdom. It’s not that his fighting skills match yours or that he’s even a little suspicious of you – it’s how he has a heart of gold, cares so deeply for his kingdom, and would do anything for you despite the fact he has only just met you. So now you have to make a choice: fail your orders and accept death…or kill the man you’ve fallen in love with.

a/n: IT’S SEONGHWA’S BIRTHDAY SO I’M POSTING A DAY EARLY LMAO

Previous | Next

Day 17; 10:41 -- 73 days until deadline.

You hadn’t seen Seonghwa since that day that you saw Hongjoong for the first time while he watched you and the prince. Somebody would come to your bedroom and apologize on Seonghwa’s behalf for not seeing you, but it wasn’t until the day before that you were finally told he was sick -- by Hongjoong who could tell you were anxious because nobody would tell you what had happened. Seonghwa was your target, so you thought he’d either found out and was actively avoiding you, or plans had changed and nobody told you. Either way, it made you nervous.

“He didn’t want you to know because he didn’t want you to worry,” Hongjoong had explained. “He’s not deathly ill or anything, it’s just a stomach bug.”

So three days had gone by since he had first gotten sick, and you’d been in your room all three days. You were starting to get bored, even with Hongjoong coming in to ‘check on you’. Nobody else in the castle seemed to give a shit about you except for Seonghwa, which made no sense since everybody thought you were going to be the new princess and then queen. You thought the people that lived in the castle would pay a little more attention to you. You may have had a mission to do, but it didn’t mean you couldn’t ‘befriend’ anybody while you were staying there.

Instead of suffering another moment of boredom, you waited until the castle had gone mostly quiet before sneaking out of your room. The halls were much darker than you’d ever seen them since you’d never snuck out of your room other than to climb out the window and shimmy down the vines that climbed up the side of the castle, but you knew this was good since it meant everybody was asleep. So you made your way to the kitchen and tried to throw together a soup as quickly as possible. It was one you would make for Mingi or any of his friends when they fell ill, and you’d learned it from a sweet midwife whom you’d had to stay with for a mission before. She claimed it could cure any stomach bug, so you paid extra attention when she made it -- even though you knew it couldn’t actually cure anything.

Once the soup was made, you held the bowl of soup between both hands and made your way to the prince’s wing of the castle. Despite everybody seeming to be asleep, you kept your steps soft and light, and your senses sharp just in case somebody happened to be lurking. You were sure most of the guards were still awake, working in shifts to protect against possible intruders or any other dangers.

When you’d reached Seonghwa’s door, you balanced the bowl in one hand to knock softly. You didn’t hear a reply, but you slowly opened the door anyway, peeking your head inside.

Seonghwa laid in bed, his face illuminated by the fire in the fireplace across the room. His eyes were barely open, watching the flames as they made the wood crackle every now and then. He didn’t even look at you as you slipped into the room -- a task that was much easier with this thin, milky white dress that you were given as a nightgown rather than the stiff, thicker dresses you had to wear during the day -- and closed the door softly behind you.

“Seonghwa,” your voice was quiet when you spoke his name.

Immediately, his brown eyes flashed over to you, a tired smile spreading over his features, “Darling, what are you doing here this late? I don’t want you getting in trouble over me.”

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I made you soup,” you told him, bringing the bowl over and setting it on one of the two nightstands.

Seonghwa pushed himself to sit up. His cheeks were flushed pink, and there was a very light sheen of sweat on his forehead that made little strands of blonde hair stick there. When the blanket fell away from him as he sat up, you saw the fancy attire he had to wear wasn’t on his body, either -- not that you expected him to wear fancy garments to bed, but you didn’t expect him to be shirtless. You’d been around plenty of shirtless men before, so you weren’t sure as to why you felt your cheeks heating up. You blamed it on the warmth from the fire that was across the room.

“How’d you find out?” he frowned as he reached over for the soup with the spoon resting in the bowl. “I told everybody to keep it secret from you. I didn’t want you to worry about me.”

You just shrugged, coming up with the best excuse you could, “If we’re to be married, worrying about you is something I’ll be doing often. May as well start now.”

Seonghwa chuckled as he stirred the soup slowly, “I guess that’s true.”

He ate a spoonful of soup, humming softly at the taste. He seemed to like it enough to eat more of it, but he didn’t comment on it like you assumed he would. You raised your eyebrows at him while watching him eat another spoonful, his eyes meeting yours and pausing with the spoon in his mouth.

“Hmm?” he asked around the spoon.

You laughed softly, “Good?”

“Mm!” he took the spoon out of his mouth and swallowed, putting the spoon down and nodding eagerly. “Yes, it’s very good, darling. Thank you for making it for me, I greatly appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I learned the recipe from...a kind woman from my home.”

“It tastes a lot better than the soup they’ve been giving me, actually. It tastes more...like...home. Does that make sense?”

“No,” you admitted with an amused laugh.

“The soup I’ve been eating tastes like the fancy stuff we eat at dinner parties and whatnot,” Seonghwa explained, ignoring the fact that you were technically laughing at him. “This tastes like what I imagine soup made by your mother would taste like after hours of playing outside in the snow and coming in to warm up. It tastes like home -- warm, happy, and made with love.”

You couldn’t help but giggle, shaking your head, “That was very cheesy, Seonghwa.”

“Yes, but it’s true,” he stated before eating more of it.

Seonghwa continued to eat and continued to keep thanking you for making him anything so late at night. You reassured him it was no big deal since you typically stayed up late anyway, but then he started lecturing you between coughs on the importance of getting enough sleep. You promised you were getting enough sleep, but he wasn’t having it -- even as sick as he was.

“Once we’re married, I can always make sure you’re sleeping the proper amount,” he nodded to himself.

“Shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself? You’re going to cough up a lung,” you joked. “And speaking of sleep,” you began, standing up and taking the almost empty bowl from him and setting it on the nightstand, “you need a lot of rest to feel better.”

Seonghwa flashed you a dazzling smile even though he was pale and flushed, “Tuck me in?”

“Are you a child?”

“No, I just want my fiancee to spend more time with me.”

“Weren’t you just telling me to go to sleep earlier?”

“Then sleep beside me.”

You snorted, rolling your eyes, “Okay, now I’m sure this fever is messing with you.”

Seonghwa whined softly as you gently pushed on his shoulders, making him lay down before you pulled the covers up and tucked him in anyway. He grabbed for one of your hands, holding it with both of his, “At least stay a little longer. Until I fall asleep. I haven’t seen you in three days.”

You sighed, looking into the puppy dog eyes Seonghwa was giving you -- the same eyes you’d seen from Mingi whenever he wanted something, too. But you knew you had to continue to act the part, so you gave into Seonghwa with a slow nod.

“Fine, I’ll read to you until you fall asleep,” you decided.

Seonghwa smiled and released you from his hold, allowing you to walk over to one of the few bookshelves in his room. He watched you the whole time, thinking you were absolutely stunning like this -- no makeup, no fancy hairdo, and a simple dress that showed off the curves of your beautiful body but was also very plain and let your own natural beauty speak for itself rather than being too overpowering from the intricate detailing. Like this, you didn’t look like every other noblewoman he’d seen -- you were even more beautiful. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t checking you out and admiring you.

When you’d finally chosen a book, you went back over to his bed, sitting on the edge and angling yourself to face him. Seonghwa reached up with one hand, cupping your cheek and stroking it softly with his thumb.

“I didn’t think it was possible to think you were more beautiful than I already thought you were,” he murmured, realizing this was the first time he was seeing you without all the extravagant clothing and makeup. He’d never just seen you before.

Your cheeks blushed pink under his touch, your eyes falling from his face to the bedding you sat on. Your heart started beating quicker, but you knew it was just an involuntary response to the compliment.

“Your fever is making you delirious,” you chuckled before you opened up the book and began to read to him.

Seonghwa knew he wasn’t delirious, and he knew he had never seen anybody as breathtakingly beautiful as you, but he would have to wait until he was better to convince you. So, for now, he kept quiet and let you read, listening to your every word until his eyelids began to get heavy. Your voice was just so soothing and nice to listen to that it began to lull him to sleep.

When you’d noticed he’d fallen asleep, you closed the book and placed it on the nightstand beside the bowl. You stood from the bed, made sure he was tucked in properly, and then went for the door, trying to keep as quiet as possible. You spared him one last glance as you opened the door, his slightly sweaty skin glowing from the dim light of the fireplace. It was no secret Prince Seonghwa was beautiful, but he was even more beautiful with his face completely serene, his full lips slightly parted as he slept.

You quietly slipped through the door, silently and slowly closing it before turning around to leave. That was when you jumped and let out a quiet gasp seeing somebody right in front of you.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa’s uncle demanded in a hushed tone.

“He’s sick, so I went to take care of him,” you explained. “He’s asleep now.”

The man’s eyes narrowed as he looked down at you, “Why would you do that? You’re not actually falling in love with that retched boy, are you?”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes slowly just so he knew how dumb he sounded, “I would never fall in love with my target, sir. I’m simply doing what any fiancee would do. I have to act the part, don’t I?”

And with that, you walked past him and down the hallway that was only dimly lit by candles, making your way back to your room.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Day 19; 23:52 -- 71 days until deadline.

After the little stunt you pulled two nights ago, you weren’t allowed to visit Seonghwa anymore. You were told it was because they were afraid of you falling ill as well, but you knew it was because Seonghwa’s uncle was mad at you. You didn’t really care if you got to take care of him or not, you just wanted something to do to keep you from rotting away in your room from boredom. However, one of his maids came in to ask you how to make that soup because Seonghwa refused to eat anything else. You got to go down to the kitchen for a day to make a large pot that they could reheat whenever Seonghwa got hungry.

That only kept you occupied for one day, though. So now you were back to sitting in your room, reading whatever books you had, doodling on whatever stray papers you could find, and staring out the window while you daydreamed of doing anything other than sitting around a bedroom. You did visit Mingi the last two nights, but you could only do that for an hour tops. It didn’t keep you from getting bored during the day.

But that night, you were debating on going to find Mingi again. You knew sneaking out too much would get you in trouble, so you tried not to go check up on him every single night -- he was an adult, anyway. You just missed your brother, and you hated feeling so useless and just bored all the time.

A soft knock on your bedroom door had you turning away from the window that you sat at to look out at the night sky.

“Come in,” you called softly.

When the door opened, you expected to see the grumpy old man giving you a stern look and ready to interrogate you. But instead, you were met with quite the opposite -- a handsome prince with a dazzling smile. Seonghwa quickly closed the door after he entered, walking over to you with soft steps as you stood up.

“What are you doing here?” you asked him in an urgent whisper.

He chuckled, “Nobody can hear us. I just wanted to thank you for the other night. I haven’t gotten to seen you since, so I snuck out. I assumed you got caught since my uncle specifically told me I couldn’t see you until I was better.”

Seonghwa took one of your hands, holding it up against his before slowly lacing his fingers through yours. You stared at the way your hands intertwined as you tentatively did the same. You weren’t sure if you liked these small gestures now or if you were just getting used to them being done.

“You didn’t get in too much trouble, did you?” Seonghwa asked softly, fluttering his eyelashes at you while he held your hand to his chest, right above his heart.

You shook your head, “No, he just asked what I was doing in your room unsupervised and after hours. I’m sure he was more upset with any guards around than me.”

“If anybody bothers you, you send them to me, alright? I’ll deal with it.”

Then, Seonghwa did something you weren’t expecting. He bowed his head, pressing his lips tenderly against your forehead. It barely brushed your skin, but you still felt the touch. You felt your heart leap out of your chest at the gesture, but you were already composed by the time he pulled away and smiled at you.

Maybe you weren’t used to the gestures yet.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he promised before he let go of your hand and left your room.

You let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding, your shoulders slouching forward as you dropped your head into your hands. You had no clue what that even was. Why would he kiss your forehead like that? Anybody else you’d ever had to form ‘romantic’ relationship with only kissed and touched you in sexual ways, but Seonghwa...

There was another knock at your door, and you suddenly stood up completely straight, staring at the door like you’d gotten caught doing something you weren’t supposed to. You were positive it was going to be Seonghwa’s uncle this time.

“Yes?” you called.

The door opened, but in walked another surprise guest: Hongjoong. You sighed, letting your eyes close and your body relax.

“Good Lord, can you and Seonghwa stop with these surprise visits?” you groaned.

“What are you so tense for, _____?” Hongjoong teased as he silently closed the door.

“What are you doing here?” you countered, not bothering to answer his question.

“You and I haven’t gotten a chance to properly talk,” he shrugged, walking over to sit where you’d been sitting in the windowsill. “I spoke to you all of three minutes the other night. Haven’t gotten to go see Mingi, either. How is he?”

“He’s alright last time I checked,” you told him. “He said you had a mission in the castle.”

“And apparently, so do you,” he smirked. “Please tell me it’s that fucking awful uncle of his. God, that guy is insufferable.”

“Really? You don’t like him?” you asked, walking over to sit beside him.

“No one does. He’s the only family Seonghwa has left, though. Lord, I can’t believe Prince Seonghwa and that man are related at all. Seonghwa’s so kind and caring and loves people and nature and everything, and his uncle is... Well, he’s the devil if the devil were a tall old man with a resting sour face.”

You looked at Hongjoong curiously, “You like the prince?”

Hongjoong just scoffed as if the answer were obvious, “Who doesn’t? Prince Seonghwa is amazing -- you should know, _____. How long have you lived in this kingdom? Since you were born?”

“Yeah, but you know I stay under the radar and don’t pay attention to the law.”

“That is true. Still, he rules over all of us so I thought you’d like him, too.”

“...Should I like him?”

“Do you like him?”

You opened your mouth before slowly closing it, letting out a sigh. You looked at your lap, your hands gripping the seat of the window, “I was paid to assassinate Prince Seonghwa. That’s why I’m here.”

The silence that followed your statement told you that Hongjoong’s jaw had all but dropped to the floor. Even he was stunned by this, but you had to be truthful with him -- he was somebody you could trust, anyway.

“O-oh...” was all he said.

“I’m sorry,” you told him, finally meeting his eyes again. He actually looked sad, and you were actually sorry. “If I don’t do this, though, then--”

“Then you die,” Hongjoong nodded, “I know how it works. Don’t worry, _____, I’m not upset with you and I don’t blame you for going through with it.”

“Really?” you asked as Hongjoong stood up and walked toward the door.

He nodded, only pausing to look at you when he opened the door to leave, “I just wish it didn’t have to be him. He’s so genuine and kind and-- ..._____, I think he really cares deeply about you. I do get what you have to do, I just-- If you could ever find a way out of it, I think you should.”

“...Really?”

Hongjoong closed the door again, apparently not done talking.

“_____, do you really not feel anything toward Prince Seonghwa?” he wondered. “Not even just in a friendly kind of way?”

You paused to think about it. You did feel...something when he complimented you or did things for you or gave you gifts. At first, you just felt nothing but sorry for him whenever he was nice to you, but now you felt almost grateful sometimes when he treated you with such kindness. You could admit you didn’t think Seonghwa was a bad person, but you didn’t know what else you could say past that just yet.

It didn’t matter, though. Your opinion on him wouldn’t change anything.

When you didn’t say anything, Hongjoong left you alone in your room.

[austennerdita2533]

A/N: Here’s a Part 2 to my KC/Hades and Persephone drabble, “Fill Me with Your Kissing Death,” I wrote for AU week. It can be read as a standalone, but both parts/chapters are here under the title “Our Lips Are Raw with Petals and Pomegranate”:

(A03) (FFnet) 

I’d also like to send a special shout out to the lovely Helen, @klarolinessecondbreakfast, because her stunning KC edit (here) reduced me to a flailing fangirl within seconds *cries: it’s so beautiful* and provided me with the inspiration to f i n a l l y finish this damn thing. And thanks to my beloved Sadie Sadie, @kickassfu, for listening to me bitch, moan, and complain about this story (and all of my writing) without cease.You ladies are the best! 

Enjoy lovelies.

xx Ashlee Bree

Drain Me of This Blushing Neglect

Many eons ago, in a land rife with sharp, barbed edges which were thicker than mountain bone yet more slippery than a snake’s shedding skin, and throughout a kingdom forged out of tinted glass the color of dragon’s breath and oppressive temperature swings that clattered teeth or beaded flesh with sweat, a god-king paced the dim crooks and corridors of his home at all hours like a wraith. And like a wraith, he floated through his duties and demands. Lost to all dreams of delight.

It was during a time when loneliness still cracked hard along Klaus’s knuckles as well, charring blood between his bones until it drained into deeper pits of nothing because there was only empty air to hold, because there was only that whistling despondency around each muscle, around each tendon of his fists. It was in a moment, too, when midnight felt like a silk rope around his neck: exquisite in its strength and power to bind, but so tight he wanted to choke while his fingernails pried at the prickly coffin. Crying out for a rose-snowed droplet of life. Gasping for the swell of cerulean waves and dawn’s preening feathers.

As he skulked beneath the dense fog of another unbearable death-day one evening, however, a yellow daisy suddenly appeared like a vision to slip through the full but dark moon above his head. With naught but a single petal, it slithered open the center with a flawless vibrancy that made it impossible for him to blink. Eager, it seemed, to dig itself through the earth’s dirt and worms so it could wilt somewhere against the austere rock below, near his feet. Perhaps even die. For, there, in the Deadlands, the only water which existed came from tears which weren’t plucked—never plucked—but scratched from a cemetery of miserable, tormented, bloodshot eyes.

Klaus monitored the daisy’s progress with rapt attention. Curious, of course, but also flummoxed by the crumbling stones of the plum sky which fell to the ground like droplets of hail as the petal sliced its way inside. Humming vivid streaks of moisture atop blunt peaks and ashy ravines. And also illuminating the air with songbird waves that were slowly taking form. Down the center of the moon the flower cut with smooth purpose and precision, seeping into the Deadlands with a gush so it could unfurl all its spring curves before him like a million rays of honey slipping from a budded sheath.

It expanded toward him in silky green leaflets first, and in peachy feminine limbs second. Revealing to him, not a flower, but a garden of a woman not yet in full bloom. A sagacious, cheerful young woman, who, like him in a complementary way, was an outcast in a cosmos where multifaceted hopes or ambitions were stifled—blackened until they could no longer breathe. And yet…

The young maiden planted herself before him like a partially eclipsed tree: half shaded, half shining rays of gold.

“Sorry if the light stings a bit, but you’ll adjust to it in time. And to me,” she said, beaming. “My name’s Caroline, by the way.”

Like a perfectly off-kilter dichotomy, she then offered Klaus a sprite “hello” with no bow. Unafraid, it seemed, to match him eye-to-eye; nor to face him, toe-to-toe.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I thought it proper to introduce myself.” Caught off guard, all he could do was blink. “You know,” she added with a flippant hand gesture plus an anxious bounce of her toes, “since I’m to become queen and everything?”

“Truth be told, love,” he sighed and scratched the back of his neck, “I don’t recall placing an order to the Sky for a midnight bride, so I’m at a loss here. What are you saying? And how did you manage to squeak through the gates of my home without prior—ah, what’s the word?”

“Death?”

“I was going to say invitation,” he said with a twitch of his mouth, “but frankly…yes.”

“Oh, that.” Caroline rolled her eyes then snorted like the answer was obvious. “I came of my own volition, silly! I found and ate your lovely forbidden fruit.”

“You…you what!?”

“No need to pretend to be shocked or anything. That pomegranate was a devil to procure, sure, but not impossible by any means. (Personally, I think on some subconscious level, you hoped someone would find it and that’s why you didn’t obscure it from view completely.)”

“Besides,” she continued lightheartedly, “I was determined. I needed a new home where I could cultivate my extremes, and you…” she bit her lip, “well, you needed me.”

Klaus blanched for a second time, recovering only long enough to arch a brow at her.

“Don’t look at me like that. You do.” Caroline fixed him with a penetrating glance and crossed her arms. “You need me—I can feel it.”

Chuckling, Klaus mused over this last comment before billowing around her with an acute gaze so he could assess her, head-to-foot. He took in her green-thorned thumbs, her soil-hemmed gown, her hair woven through with dandelion weeds, and couldn’t help but think her an anomaly. A beautifully assertive and provoking anomaly, mind you, but an anomaly all the same.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” he said in reply, “but I assure you I require nothing and no one. I never have and I never will. Moreover, the absolute last thing I desire is a spring queen.” “In fact,” he added with an air of protracted arrogance and a voice which boomed with commanding certainty, “were I so inclined to choose a bride for myself at all—which I neither am nor plan to be (I prefer to rule alone, unchallenged, you see)—what makes you think I’d dare to select one as fresh or as perky as you are, hmm?”

“Wow. Are you so greedy and bitter that you refuse to share the falling granules of Time with me? Seriously!?”

“And what if I am?”

Caroline gaped.

“You know,” she narrowed her eyes; placed her hands on her hips, “I rather expected you to be glad of some eternal company down here after all your time alone…but nope!”

“Instead, you’re nothing but a stubborn and pretentious jerk who’d rather sift along in solitary sameness, absolutely miserable, than usher in an opportunity for change and cohesion! You’re…you’re a coward! Terrified of the mere possibility of intimacy, you are,” she scoffed. “You want it more than anything, but you’re too damn afraid to let yourself have it even though I’m basically gifting it to you for free! And let me tell you, pal,” Caroline added with an arm-crossed humph and a pout, “being alone by choice is infinitely more tragic than being alone by command.”

“Pretentious jerk, eh?” Something twinged hard against his ribcage. “Coward?” It was his heart. It was his heart twingeing; it was his heart heavying in his chest.

“That’s not so awful,” Klaus said with forced apathy as he let the stinging truth of her words sink in. “I’ve been called much worse than that.”

“What?” Caroline’s brow furrowed and she softened. “By who?” she asked.

“My father…earthlings…tormented souls…” He offered her a tight, painful smile. “Anyone and everyone, I suppose.”

“Really?”

Klaus shrugged, glancing away to kick at a rock.

“I’m sorry that’s…that’s not okay. I shouldn’t have—you’re not that bad, okay? You’re just a little…rough around the edges is all.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Don’t let it go to your head or anything, and definitely do not make a habit of infuriating me, because I will throttle you,” she said, daring him to try with a look, “but I kind of like that you’re enigmatic. You’re vexing in a good way, you know? You keep a girl on her toes.”

Caroline drifted closer then, and it thrummed something deep inside of him because he could smell her authenticity. He could feel how much she meant what she said.

Soft and delicate, this spring darling was spun from thread that burned gold with candor, consideration and care; so instead of flaming into annihilation when another’s anger or pain snipped at one of her split ends, she curled herself around the wound like a compress and shined hope against it until all felt possible. Until all was healed again. Not healed in the way it once was, mind you, but doctored in a way which stitched all the residual agony together, making one feel better about the jaggedness it left behind in the end. More calm and controlled about it, so to speak.

She was nourishing in presence as well. She cultivated growth in a way that required the shoveling up of his old roots to study tangles and bends because she believed it was the only way to see where the neglect first started, because it was the only way for her to calculate when the rot would win out if there were no intervention.

(Not that Caroline wouldn’t work like hell before disease encroached that far, of course. Because she would. She did.)

Hair trickled over her shoulders like blades of grass bending in the breeze, too. It framed her in shades of mercy so blonde, and so glossy, she reeked of pure sincerity and compassion, infecting everyone she met along the way. And while the trunk of her was deep and grooved with shadows—not to mention full of thick sap Klaus smelled but couldn’t see without sawing further beneath her rings, the leaves of her were airy and graceful and constantly swaying in a fashion which he considered to be most distracting. Yet…

Also (much to his chagrin), grossly enchanting.

This young woman, who had appeared in his kingdom without beckoning, was beguiling in an unsettling way. She unnerved him with tender words and mannerisms until the distrustful paranoia in his mind began to thaw…until the cold armor of his chest started to fall with a settled plonk near his ankles.

Something about Caroline primed his ears to listen and consider before he spoke. Where, with anyone else, his mouth wouldn’t hesitant to strike out or blast.

So, why the discrepancy? What was so halting about her, how was she so melting?

She was everything Klaus shunned, after all. She was everything Klaus pertained to loath here in this jarring domain…amid these burdensome, endlessly lamenting, clutching souls.

A woman who, with a chirping voice much too high and sweet when she spoke her three-syllable name: Caroline, Caroline; plus a smile which held the promise of sharp green, yellow, blue and pink demands, and a chin stained with the red-orange juice of a pomegranate, had asked upon her arrival, if he’d clip open the iron cage around his heart for her. Wondering, sanguinely, if he’d make room for a white-blossomed girl with nothing to offer him but seeds.

But would he?

Could he?

Klaus already knew no one wanted to amble through the dank and troubled air of his thoughts, of his kingdom. Just like he understood no creature in existence thirsted for his smoldering artistry, either.

It seemed people feared the scraping of his charcoal fingertips through their heads because he tended to linger over their memories, dreams, and friendships until they shivered or sweat. The cretins never once appreciating the skill it took to sketch out every folded swoop of longing he found wound around their bones like shoelaces. Which was laughable, frankly. Truly laughable. After all, what was so hard to fathom about a king, sentenced to the dark, who knew how to paint others’ misery?

All beings shrank away from his hunger, though. They always had. They found fault with his voracious creativity and called him the Sculptor of Shadows behind his back while they tittered.

(And they were always tittering.)

Something unsettled earthen kind about the way his glare ripped them apart to draw what once was in the realm above, to paint that which was no longer their’s to hold or hide. With his eyes brushing against all the weight their hearts had to bear in life, he colored all conflict out of them and stroked it into the air for review.

Each piece was unique in its daunting, but exquisite, truth, too. No two stories, no two people, were the same.

Klaus had an innate talent for depicting with whom another’s life was shared, for how long it was felt, why it was relished, resented, or missed; and when it all came to an end—but most people hated it. Hated him for his creations. Every single one of them were unable to understand precisely why their old lives must be preserved on ghost canvasses that could echo, but could never be touched again. They couldn’t reconcile how much agony it cost him to portray things he longed to experience himself, but most likely never would.

Klaus knew, too, that no soul, dead or alive, cared for knowledge or insight into his bruising history. People preferred ignorance. People preferred not to hear.

It mattered not that his step-father, Mikael the Mighty, kicked him from the cloud-castles of his birth and into the pits of hell because he thought him a plague on the Original family—a repulsive half-blooded beast, you are; and no son of mine, he’d said before punting Klaus into the Deadlands to rot; to be forgotten; to roast in the flames like garbage—only that people distrusted the moonstruck yellow of his seer eyes more. They were eyes which stalked through so much of others’ loveliness and adventures, but reflected no such contentedness of his own in their depths.

Unfortunately, suspicion and aversion were the emotions which won out first and foremost among the once-living. It was easier for earthlings to fear him. Loath him. Misunderstand him. It was easier for them to condemn his pledge to preserve everlasting memories in death than to understand that he’d never waltz in the arms of the changing seasons himself unless he did so vicariously:  through them.

Perhaps it was too difficult for anyone to believe Klaus might know something of dejection, too? Or grief. Or wonder. Or longing for something alive. Perhaps it was impossible for anyone to fathom that the Kindred of the Damned might know something of suffering, too?

“You can’t fool me, you know,” Caroline cut in like a chirping dove.

“No?”

“No.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I…” Eyelashes flicking to his face, gaze unwavering, she shuffled forward with tulips trailing in her wake to place a tentative but steady hand on his chest. “Because I hear the muffled howl of your heart full of holes—how all of that emptiness blows straight through you. It calls out like the notes of a flute every time the wind rustles in the hopes that someone out there will hear it and rush into your arms. That’s why I came. I heard it, I felt your aching melody in my veins,” she said, her voice as soft as a feather. “I still do.”

Reaching for his hand, she beamed up at him with the rose-gold softness of a million suns as she intertwined their fingers in a tender, comforting way he’d never been shown before. The gesture caused Klaus’s throat to scratch uncomfortably. His lungs tingled with the warmth of a coming sunrise, making it almost difficult to breathe.

“That doesn’t mean you can dethrone me, though, sweetheart,” he replied in a low drawl.

“It doesn’t, you’re right. But if you let me,” Caroline said with a tilt of her head and a spreading smile, “I could occupy one next to you so you always have someone by your side?”

Those words, as legend later would claim, changed everything.

For, although she left behind a small lesion on the moon’s sooty, weathered face where her perfectly-petalled tip punctured it with grace and light, she showed Klaus the finesse of bending instead of breaking. She replenished his rotted insides with laughter, with hopes of forever which tangled them together like two onyx-shamrock stems dancing in the wind. She taught him how, sometimes, a heart given freely beats louder and longer, feels fatter and fuller, and gushes softer and surer than a heart that’s taken forcibly.

Before long, Klaus realized her nectar burned too bright for him to resist the urge to close his eyes and revel in her liquid sunshine taste…so he breathed Caroline in until he was blinded. And here’s a little secret:

He never regretted it once, either.

[shellelyn2]

Tonight Is For Change (Epilogue) (Newt Scamander X Reader)

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST:

Hello loves! Well, here we go. Ready or not. This is the epilogue to my Newt x Reader series that honestly has meant so much to me. It’s the story that saved me from severe writer’s block and I will always be proud of it. Is it my best work? Maybe not. But it comes from a place in my heart… and I hope that shows. It’s sincere. Newt has helped me through some really challenging times of feeling alone, being stressed, and craving affection. I think I’ll always be thankful he gave me a way to vent and feel better. (Good ole JK. She’s the best.) I’m scared to post this. It means a great deal to me and I love it so much. I really hope you do too.

Dedicated to: Everyone who is struggling with change in their life. Those who feel the outcome is uncertain and you can’t be sure it will all be okay. All I can say is don’t give up - don’t worry - we can push through and hopefully everything will be better than we imagine it will be. Also, to be a little bit personal - this part is also for the “older” readers who desire to be married or have children. It’s hard when life doesn’t seem to work out the way you “think” it should. Like I said, don’t give up. (I’m telling myself that too.)

Title: Tonight Is For Change (Epilogue)

More?

MASTER LIST

Pairing: Newt Scamander X Reader

Rating: T

Warnings: lots of fluff, a little bit of brother angst, some sexy times (implied mostly, not too graphic - I hope), more fluff, children, etc.

Fluff Level: TWO MURTLAPS & A SWOOPING EVIL

Additional notes:  I took some liberties. I don’t know Newt’s Mother’s name so… it doesn’t exist? Also, I wrote THESEUS & I could be ALL WRONG but we don’t have much to go off, do we? I hope it’s okay. Also, I called those sleeper cars on trains “cabins.” It’s just a small thing but it might annoy those who travel mass transit. I live in the USA. We aren’t cool like that.

Also, if you enjoy this, can you please send feedback? It really helps motivate me and I welcome ALL of it!

GIFS/PICS ARE NOT MINE! Message me if you’d like credit!!

Three and a half years later.

Southhampton, United Kingdom.

You were almost “home.” The journey from New York City to the UK had been unlike anything you had ever experienced. For seven whole days there had been nothing but the sea surrounding you. It had been exhilarating at first but towards the end of the expedition your little family became anxious to stand on solid land again.

“Katherine, love?” You buttoned your daughter’s overcoat and her bright [your eye color] eyes met yours, “You be sure to hold tight to Mummy’s hand, all right?”

Katherine giggled as you gave her a loving peck on the cheek, “Yes, mummy.”

“Do you see Daddy over there? He’s just arranging our tickets for the train. When he is finished we will go sit down and rest for a bit."

Katherine smiled and squeezed your hand tightly. Poor Newt. This was his least favorite part of traveling. Every time an inspector had to check his case he was terrified one of his creatures would escape, "Anything to declare?"

Newt shook his head, "No.”

At only three years old your daughter impressed everyone with her maturity. Her vocabulary was considerably advanced and you gave all the credit to Newt. He had been telling her stories and reading to her since before she was born. Katherine had inherited his mischievousness, brilliance, fluffy cinnamon curls, and thousands of darling freckles that dotted her skin.

She had inherited your eyes, smile, and remarkable kindness. You and Newt were so proud of the charming little girl she was becoming.

The three of you were so excited to have finally disembarked in England. Unfortunately, there was still another full night of travel until you would arrive at the Scamander family residence on the outskirts of London. You, Newt, and Katherine would live there for a couple of weeks until your own cozy cottage was ready to move into.

You considered Newt as he approached you with tickets and case in hand. You could tell he was overwhelmed by the crowds of people and was just as anxious as you to get going.

Even after all of these years he took your breath away. Your marriage had matured profoundly. You were symbiotic. You could read and feel one another’s emotions in a glance.

The last few years had been a roller coaster of experiences and it had finally climaxed in a decision to move to London. New York City had been exceptional and it was there your relationship with Newt had blossomed. However, raising a family there was not desirable for either of you. Katherine needed a place to run and enjoy her childhood. Newt had a burning desire to travel Europe again and continue employment with the Ministry. You looked forward to the challenge of raising your children, seeing them off to Hogwarts, and perhaps even completing some work for the Ministry in muggle relations. Since both of your parents had been muggle born you had an extreme fascination with their way of life. The opportunities that lied before you filled your heart with happiness.

“Just about time, my loves.” Newt pecked your cheek before bending down to look in Katherine’s eyes, brushing his fingers through her curls, “How are you, darling?”

“Good. But, Daddy - can I have one of those?” Newt’s eyes followed Katherine’s little finger pointing to a cart of delicious baked goods and candies.

Newt faced her big, bright eyes and you smirked, fully aware he was unable to resist his darling little girl, “Of course you can, sweetheart. Come on, then."

The three of you approached the cart and Katherine analyzed each temptation in front of her. Newt laughed at the look of hunger in her eyes, "These will rot your teeth.”

Katherine giggled and the gentleman attending the cart raised his eyebrows, “‘Ello sir. Ma’am. Little lady. What can I get ye today?”

Newt placed a protective hand on Katherine’s shoulder, “What would you like, darling?”

Katherine pointed to a white frosted cupcake with a pink rose on top.

“We would like the cupcake with the rose there,” Newt motioned, “And that mint chocolate cake there. Anything for you, love?”

“Sure. I’ll have three butter toffees, please?”

“Anything else, sir?”

Newt rummaged through a pocket, searching for some change.  "Umm…No.“

After paying the man you strolled over to a bench, your cart of luggage in tow. Katherine sat sandwiched between you and Newt while you ate your treats and observed the busy platform of travelers.

Newt wiped his hands on a handkerchief, ”[your name], when we get settled in our cabin I will need to tend to the creatures. It has been hours.“

"Of course. Katherine and I will see about some tea and then we can all have dinner together.” You gazed into Newt’s tired eyes as he fed you a tiny bite of his cake, “Mmm, that is quite delicious.”

Newt grinned, noticing the same exhaustion in your eyes, “I think we all deserve a lengthy rest after this journey.”

“I agree.” You stroked his warm cheek, “I just want you to hold me, if I’m honest.”

“Mummy?” There was a slight tug on the sleeve of your forest green coat, “I’m finished.”

Newt wiped Katherine’s face and hands with his handkerchief then planted a giant kiss on the top of her head, “Did you enjoy that, precious?”

“Uh huh.” She reached her arms towards Newt and he pulled her into his lap, rubbing his nose against hers. Your heart melted at the affectionate way he took care of her. He really was the best Father. Yes, you were biased but he was exceptional and it really showed in your daughter’s eyes as she snuggled against his chest.

You could not ask for a better husband or a happier marriage.

When it was finally time to board the train you were relieved. At least now you could change clothes, eat proper food, and hopefully get some much needed sleep. Newt spent a couple of hours in the case taking care of the creatures and feeding them. They all needed the quality time and it was well deserved.

When Newt reappeared in the cabin you and Katherine were almost finished dressing for dinner.

“Hello Daddy.” You teased, “All finished?”

Newt raised his eyebrows, memorizing the way your dress hugged your curves, “Daddy is very lucky."

"I laid out some clothes for you… I didn’t know if you wanted the green or the navy vest.”

“I really don’t have a preference."

The kindness of his smile made you weak in the knees. How could he be so adorable?

You hugged him tight and within seconds Katherine was forcing her way between your legs. "Hey! Mummy! Look!”

You chuckled and lowered your eyes toward your daughter. She was dancing around pointing at a jeweled hair pin she had clipped into her curls.

Newt pulled his dusty shirt off and walked to where you had laid out his clothing.  

“Oh, you look beautiful sweetheart.” You complimented, bending down to tie the purple bow at the back of her dress.

Newt slid his arms into the sleeves of his new shirt and turned towards his daughter, “Yes love, you look quite exquisite.”

Katherine furrowed her eyebrows, “What’s ex-qui-bit?”

You grinned as you applied your lipstick in the mirror, “It just means you are very pretty, love.”

“Oh…” She grinned and twirled in her dress, “Thanks Daddy.”

Newt beamed, pulling on a fresh pair of trousers, “You’re welcome, my love.”

You sat on the edge of the bed while waiting for Newt to finish dressing.

Katherine was sprawled out on the floor drawing what looked like an extra tall Pickett in her journal.

“The creatures better behave tonight. Can you imagine if they got loose on a train?” Newt shivered at the thought, “We would probably be thrown out of England and have to go right back to New York City.”

A look of terror filled your eyes, “Oh please don’t say that, Newton. I’m never going on that ship again.”

Newt ruffled his hair, “Well, do I look like an ordinary gentleman about to eat dinner on a train?”

You took that as an invitation to examine your handsome wizard. He wore a tan shirt tucked into black trousers. His navy vest brought out the blue in his eyes and you couldn’t help but sigh. Blue was definitely his color. His fluffy hair was a little messy, but that was Newt. Black dress shoes. A pocket watch. The case gripped tightly in his hand. You couldn’t help but wonder - for the millionth time - how someone could look so good without much effort at all.

He was ridiculously handsome. Your heart began to race, just observing him, and you realized how much trouble you were in. He was literally irresistible to you. It took everything in your power to not attack his face with kisses that very moment.

His lips parted and you glanced away quickly, gulping down your desire.

“Darling? Should I wear a tie?”

You shrugged your shoulders. He could wear a brown paper bag and he would still be just as scrumptious looking. You watched his hands fiddle with the zipper on a small duffel bag, sucking on his bottom lip gently.

“Accio.” Newt’s favorite blue bow tie appeared and with a quick flick of his wand it tied around his neck.

“Perfect. Let’s go."

You were afraid if you didn’t leave right then, you never would.

Katherine protested quite loudly at dinner when you tried to tuck a napkin into the collar of her dress. The problem was only solved when Newt tucked a napkin into the collar of HIS shirt showing her that it was no big deal at all. The two of them sat across the table and you couldn’t help but laugh as Newt slurped his soup and blew bubbles in his milk, making Katherine giggle with delight.

Newt continually rubbed his foot against yours under the table, knowing how much you loved this "secret” affection.

The food you had eaten on the trip over the sea had been delicious and you never went hungry however there was something about a good old fashioned English meal that sent your hearts soaring. You were almost home.

Later that night you tucked Katherine into her small cot as the train rattled along the tracks.

“You know, I still can’t believe we are finally off that ship.” You remarked, sitting on the side of your bed to pull on a pair of socks.

“Yeah,” Newt sighed, “We are almost home. I can not imagine what it will be like to see Mother and Theseus again. It’s been years.”  Newt rubbed your lower back, enjoying the texture of your silky blue nightgown.

“I am a little nervous to meet them. I hope they understand that we would have come sooner if it had been possible.”

Newt ruffled his hair and shrugged, “I agree. Mother will be thrilled either way, I think. She’s desperate to meet her granddaughter. Theseus is - well, he is a difficult one to read at times. What concerns me most is how Grandfather’s death will have affected them.”

“You’re right. I only wish we had known he was ill. We could have made this journey a couple of months ago - when they were in the midst of it."

"Yes.”

You stood up to check on Katherine. She slept soundly and the light from the lamp made her skin glow. You smiled, caressing her cheek.

“Are you ever coming to bed, my darling?"

You glanced back at him. He was laying on his stomach like a child, talking out the side of his mouth, all cozy in his pajamas. He blinked up at you with tired eyes.

"Patience my love…”

“I’m cold!” Newt complained, faking a shiver.

“Oh, please.”

“I am,” He insisted.

You crawled into the comfortable sheets as Newt rolled flat on his back. You nuzzled against his neck.

“Finally!” He grabbed your waist and pulled you against his chest with longing.

“Mmphh, and how do you - expect me to - breathe?”

Newt laughed out loud then instantly cupped a hand over his mouth.

Katherine groaned in her sleep.

“So sorry.” He whispered, loosening his arms, just a smidge.  

You loved the feeling of his warmth on your skin. You caressed your lips across the stubble on his chin, paying particular attention to the bit of hair just under his bottom lip. You lingered there for a moment before you sucked his lip into your mouth, kissing him tenderly.

Newt moaned into your kiss, “Merlin’s beard…”

“Do you like that?” You whispered, trailing down his neck with tiny kisses.

Newt swallowed and inhaled deeply as you kissed his adam’s apple, “Mmhmm, oh… yes.”

Your kisses continued to the base of his throat and paused between his collar bones.

“Oh, darling…don’t stop…” His fingers trembled as they caressed your hair.

You smirked, and decided to tease him - just a little.

“You know, I can honestly say I’ve never slept on a train."

"Are you sure?” He panted, arching his neck towards you.

“Never.” You stroked his neck with your nails.

Newt was desperate but continued to make conversation, “I’ve slept on a train loads of times during my travels. However, this trip has been much more… pleasurable.”

“Mmm, yeah? Why is that?"

Newt’s mouth found yours instantly and he kissed you slowly, sensually, as if trying to memorize every movement of your lips against his. His breath was warm and delicious and you couldn’t help but melt into him. His lips were softer than normal - and more - wet? It was a strange sensation and you felt yourself desiring more. He was all around you. His scent. His hair. His arms. His legs.

"Newton-” You moaned as your hands wandered down his chest. You slid your fingers under his partially unbuttoned shirt and rubbed his stomach.

Newt gasped, “Your hands are freezing, my darling.”

“Sorry, love.” You took a moment to breathe.

Newt hummed, tenderly running his fingers down your spine. “It’s…fine…”

You lifted your hands to his lips and he blew his warm breath on them, “You may continue…”

“Oh, you’d like that wouldn’t you? Have you forgotten our daughter?”

“Bugger.” Newt whimpered, tucking your head under his chin. You kissed his neck and listened to his racing heart.

After a few moments Newt broke the silence, “Darling, I have been meaning to ask you…”

“Yes, honey?” Your finger drew circles in the chest hair between his collar bones.  

“After a time, that is… when we are more settled in our new home… and perhaps when Katherine is a bit older… well, she’s old enough now I suppose… I was just thinking it would be wonderful if…”

You cut him off with a loving kiss, “Newt! Just say it, darling.”

“I simply wanted to inquire if you thought it would be nice for Katherine,” He paused, peering into your eyes, “our daughter…”

“Yes… our daughter?"

”…to have a little brother or sister.“

Your cheeks felt warm and your heart melted. You had been wanting to ask him for months when he thought the appropriate time for another baby would be but you always hesitated. You had all been so busy with the transition of the move to London and his book gaining popularity. Newt cupped your chin in his hand and studied your eyes before continuing his thoughts.

"I know you are worried about the timing of everything and if we will ever be settled enough, but darling, I have so much hope in our life together here. I believe it will turn out better than we can imagine.”

You smiled gently, hoping he was right. Everything would be so brand-new and foreign to you but the courage in his eyes made it impossible to doubt.

Tears began forming in your eyes as you shook your head yes. “Oh love, I was afraid to ask…”

He winced at your reply, “Afraid? I’m so sorry. Did I make you feel that way?”

“Well no, not you. I have been feeling so stressed about our new life beginning and I…” You kissed his cheek, “Newt, this is exactly what I want.”

Newt felt elated. He sealed the plan with a promising kiss to your lips.

The next morning came quickly. The train was nearing your stop and for that you were relieved because Katherine was about at her wits end. She climbed on everything, waving a fake wand in the air, pretending to catch Thunderbirds and Nifflers. Of course, Newt egged her on acting like a frivolous child himself as he grabbed at her little feet when she hopped by.

Eventually, after much persuasion, the three of you snuggled on your bench seat as the sights of your new town came into view. You gazed out the windows with curiosity. Mounds of green fields rose up as far as you could see. Small picturesque homes with red roofs and church steeples mingled among the trees. It was beautiful and in your mind’s eye you saw a vision of growing old here in Newt’s arms and watching your children play. You smiled, content, and rubbed your nose against the shoulder of his coat.

“What are you thinking of?” Newt kissed your forehead.

You rubbed down his arm and grabbed his hand, lacing your fingers together in a tight embrace, “Our future looks so promising.”

Newt bopped your nose and pulled you and Katherine closer, “Yes. Yes, it does.”

A beautiful, mature woman stood on the platform. Her wool skirt blew against her stocking clad legs. In her eyes, she carried the wisdom of an ancient oracle however the bright green shade of them made her appear considerably younger. Her face had several small scars upon it along with a dusting of freckles. Now you began to understand where Newt got his good looks from. She was breathtaking and warm, in her own way, and you couldn’t wait to know her better.

“My baby.” She held Newt in her arms as tears streamed freely down her weathered cheeks.

“Oh, Mother. I have missed you.” He kissed her forehead tenderly, leaning back to examine her eyes. The years had been rough, but they had been kind, and she held an undeniable wisdom in her countenance.

“Mother, I would like to introduce you to my beautiful wife, [your name.] Darling, this is my Mother, [her name].

(A/N: I’m not even going to begin guessing her name.)

You reached out to shake her hand but she pulled you in for a warm hug, "Hello, sweetie. It’s good to finally meet you, at last.” Her cheek was wet with tears as it rubbed against yours and you couldn’t help but shed a few of your own.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Scamander.”

“Oh, sweetie. Just call me Mum.”

You glimpsed Newt’s eyes and he grinned.

Katherine was hiding behind Newt, latched onto his leg so tight that if he took a step he would surely trip and fall.

“This is our Katherine.” Newt announced, attempting to pry her fingers from his trousers, “She’s terribly shy this morning. Come on, Katherine. Say hello to Grandmother.”

Very reminiscent of her Father she peeked out from beneath her curls, with a lopsided smile, “Hello.”

Mum leaned over, reaching her wrinkled hand out for her to shake. Katherine looked from you to Newt then back to you before letting go of his leg. She inched forward cautiously; studying the woman.

After a moment Katherine’s eyes brightened, "Grandmother!”  

“Oh! My precious child! You are so beautiful. Gramma loves you so much, my dear."

Katherine giggled joyously as she received kisses on her rosy cheeks.

Newt stood next to you, an arm around protectively around your waist whilst witnessing this special meeting. You were both thinking the same thing - this moment was so worth the journey.

You felt like you had stepped into a fairy tale. The Scamander family residence was whimsical and inviting. Having bred hippogriffs most of her life, Mrs. Scamander had made their land something reminiscent of a farm. There were wide open fields with ancient oak trees.Tall green grass and wildflowers had taken over most of the enclosures where hippogriffs had formerly been kept. You would have loved to have seen it in earlier times. The house itself was charming, rustic, and warm - decorated with many unusual maps and trinkets from around the world. There was a roaring fire in the sitting room and wide open windows where you could stop and observe the breathtaking view.

Katherine was chasing an invisible Niffler around the dining room table. "I’m so sorry. She’s been so caged up this week it’s a wonder she’s not running to the hills. Katherine!! Oh Newt, talk to your daughter.”

Newt’s laughter filled the room, “She’s just excited, darling.”

Your room was cozy and just perfect for the three of you. It had a high ceiling with wooden beams. Three giant windows with lace curtains that showed off the view of the gardens. There was a roaring fire, two sitting chairs, and a comfortable looking bed with the softest blankets and pillows covering it. You could not wait to unpack and make this home for a time.

Newt strolled to the window and gawked at the view, “Thank you, this is wonderful Mother."

"Well, I will let you get settled and then we will have some tea. I expect Theseus this afternoon, if his train is on time.”

Several hours later

You, Newt, and Katherine were standing in the hallway examining moving family photographs that lined the wall.

“This was the time that Theseus pushed me in the pond and I almost drowned."  

"Look at you, Newt. You were so young.”

“I was never young.”

“This is proof.”

Newt pointed at a frame with glee, “Oh darling, this is when Theseus left for Hogwarts. Bugger. I was so jealous.”

“You followed soon after, right?”

Newt smiled, a faraway look in his sea green eyes, “Yes. Suppose I did.”

“Oh, who’s this?”

Newt laughed, “Grandad. Ah… he used to take us frog hunting in the pond."  

His eyes began to water and you grabbed his hand, sensing the heartache in his memory.

"I can’t believe he’s gone.”

“I know.” You pulled him into your arms and kissed his cheek.

Newt sniffled, “Thank you.”

Suddenly, Katherine tugged on his trousers, “Daddy? Where’s Pickett?"

Newt spun around, "What do you mean? He’s not in the bedroom?”

Katherine shook her head and giggled. “Noooo…”

“Darling.” He knelt down to her, “Have you seen Pickett?”

“Nu uh.” She beamed, bouncing up and down.

Newt grinned and wriggled his fingers towards her stomach, “Do I have to get my Niffler tickler out?"

"No Daddy!” She screamed, disappearing down the hall.

Newt took off, running sideways as if hunting down a creature, “Come here my little darling.”

She lied down on the sofa and laughed hysterically.

Newt’s head popped out from behind the sofa and she screamed again.

“No!! Daddy! NO!!!”

Newt attacked her stomach with tickles until the branchy bow truckle appeared from the sleeve of her shirt. Pickett was terrified and made a lunge for Newt’s arm attempting to get away from Katherine’s grasp.

“My Niffler tickler won again!” He exclaimed, falling over the side of the couch. He scooped Katherine in his arms and kissed her nose. “You little bugger.”

You stood there, a giant smile on your face, wondering how in Merlin you had been rewarded such an amazing man. You were just about to join them on the sofa when Theseus Scamander himself strolled into the room.

“Hello.” He greeted, striding towards Newt. He was tall, with dark eyes and brown curly hair. His shoulders were broad and his arms muscular. He had excellent posture. You recognized the war hero in him immediately.

“Theseus!” Newt exclaimed, pulling him in for a gigantic hug, “It’s been years.”

“It sure has.” He locked eyes with you and you felt a bit nervous. He seemed to examine you from head to toe. Did he not approve of Newt’s choice? You smiled gently.

“This is my beautiful wife, [your name.]” Newt placed a hand tenderly on the middle of your back as you reached out.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Theseus.”

“Likewise.” He shook your hand firmly. His hands were even more callused than Newt’s.

“And this is our daughter, Katherine.” You attempted to bring her around from behind your legs, “She’s a little shy.”

Theseus knelt down in front of Katherine and held a coin in his hand, “Do you want to see a magic trick?”

Katherine shook her head yes; slowly moving towards him. Theseus showed her the coin and then held his wand over it, “Orchideous.” The coin disappeared and turned into a red rose. A large grin spread over his face as he handed it to her.

Katherine squealed and waved the rose in the air, showing you and Newt, then wrapped her arms around Theseus’s neck.

“Well, she loves you now.” Newt chuckled, “I’ve just been replaced.”

The warmth and affection in Newt’s voice thrilled you. He was finally reunited with the people who mattered most in his life.

It was bound to be a blissful two weeks.

There were picnics in the garden. Walks in the countryside. Shopping in the town. You and Newt had been to your cottage to make final arrangements and were excited to have a place to call your own.

There were lots of little moments spent cooking with your mother-in-law. She told you stories about Newt’s childhood and breeding hippogriffs. You could tell she was not entirely convinced Newt had chosen the right career path but she loved him dearly. It was evident in the way her eyes would light up when she spoke about him.

Theseus spent several hours in front of the fire, sipping on cold beer, telling you and Newt about the war. The ministry. The magical society in London. Things weren’t as perfect as they seemed… and that made your heart fearful. Newt rubbed your knee and told you not to worry.

It was a perfect little life.

Until the evening when everything went amiss.

Newt and Theseus sat outdoors in the garden enjoying the sunset. You were laying in bed, reading, relishing the warm breeze coming through the lace curtains. Katherine was on an outing with her Grandmother. You could hear the brothers begin speaking and could not help but listen in on their conversation.

“Your wife is quite lovely, Newt.”

“Oh, thank you.” He beamed, “She’s certainly that - and much more.”

“As is your daugther.”

“Yes. She’s my precious little darling.”

“It’s a shame we could not have seen more of her when she was younger."

"Well, she is only three. There is still plenty of time to watch her grow.”

“I never thought you would get married.” Theseus blurted out, his tone becoming a little darker.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, neither did I.” Newt retorted, standing up from his chair. You could see the side of his face from the window. He focused down at Theseus, sucking his bottom lip, waiting for the next question.

“So, what have you been doing for all of these years, Newt?”

Newt gulped, “I have been finishing the second edition of my book and working at MACUSA, for a time.”

“Still got that case of creatures?”

Newt pursed his lips as his face turned a shade of red, “Yes.”

“Hmm… I should have known."

You bit down on your bottom lip, hard. Why was Theseus treating Newt like this? They had not seen each other in so long. You knew it would eventually be uncomfortable but surely Theseus could be a little more civil?

"Perhaps if you had not shirked your responsibilities here at home you might have been around for Mother when Grandad…”

Newt narrowed his eyes, irritation welling up inside of him, “If I had been around? You knew I was in New York. I made sure you all knew of my whereabouts. I told you I met [your name] there and decided to marry.”

He was desperately trying to explain the reasoning for his choices and you felt your heart break a little, knowing the agony he must be feeling.

“I wrote to you about my daughter and my responsibilities at MACUSA. Not once did I ever receive a letter when Grandad fell ill - you know I would have come in an instant.”

Theseus rolled his eyes, set his bottle of beer on the table next to him, and stood in front of Newt. He folded his arms tightly across his chest, “I was trying to protect everyone here at home while you decided to go live out your love story.”

Newt’s eyes filled with tears, he felt foolish looking so weak in front of his brother.

“I did what I knew to be right.”

“Well, so did I.”

“Then, we are equal.”

“Equal?” Theseus spat, “Equal?” He motioned towards the bedroom window you were in, “How are we equal?”

Newt took a moment to respond, breathing in deeply to calm his nerves, “We did our duty. We did what we knew to be right. Both of us. Theseus, I can not help who I am. I know you and Mother do not approve of the life and career I have chosen. However, this is who I am now.”

“You could have been more…”

Newt’s voice began to raise, “MORE? SERIOUSLY? Theseus, I could have been MORE?! I’m a good husband… and a devoted father. That is all I could have ever HOPED to be. What MORE do you have Theseus? A uniform?”

You winced, you had never heard Newt so defensive. The tone he used and the words he spoke, though true, were unlike him and it hurt you knowing he would regret it. Theseus made no sound, his boots sounded heavy as he stormed away, heading straight for the fields.

You heard the house door close and soft footsteps before Newt entered your bedroom. His eyes were full of emotion. He took one look at you and crawled onto the bed, tucking his head under your chin, “Did you… hear all of that?”

You disliked having to admit it, “Yes, darling. I’m so sorry.”

“I am certain I hurt him, and I did not mean to.”

“Newt, he was being absurd. How could he say those things to you?”

“How could I say those things to HIM?”

The silence rested between you as Newt curled up, resting his head on your chest. You stroked his hair back and listened to his unsteady breathing.

Eventually, he found his voice, “I understand that he is angry with me about not being here when Grandad died but honestly, how were we even supposed to know? It must have been horrible for them. They needed me. I was not here. He is right about that, at least.”

You traced your finger down the bridge of his nose to his lips, “He is grieving. He hurts, Newt.”

Newt gulped back his tears, “So do I.”

“Exactly. Neither one of you are in a proper state of mind about this right now."  

"I never wanted to be a disappointment to my family, darling.” He turned so his face was buried in your chest, you felt hot tears seeping through your shirt onto your skin.

You continued to stroke the curls at the back of his head. “You are NOT a disappointment, Newt. You never will be.”

“How do I show them that?”

You thought for a moment, “Newt, just be you. They will see it in time, and if they refuse to admit it then at least you know who you are.”

Newt sniffled and lifted his head to peer into your eyes.

“If it helps, you will never be a disappointment to me. You have always been quite the opposite. Katherine has the most loving, caring, silly father and that is more than enough for both of us.”

Newt wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Really?” He moved closer so that his lips hovered mere inches above yours.

You hummed and kissed his nose, “Yes. Really.”

Newt parted his lips and kissed you hungrily. You returned his kiss with eagerness. You rarely spent time alone due to traveling, being parents, and work. Therefore, having this moment to let loose was most welcome.

You pulled him closer, running your hands under the back of his shirt so you could tickle his bare skin.

Newt groaned in your mouth, the echo of it making you giggle.

You raked your fingers through his hair, gently pulling on the curls at the back of his head.

Newt deepened the kiss and rolled on top of you, covering your body entirely with his. He whimpered softly, “I want…"

You kissed him between words, "What – do you – want?”

Newt hummed against your lips, “Mer— Merlin..”

“Merlin?” You tried really hard not to burst into laughter as his kisses continued.

You grabbed his hips, pulled them down to yours and he moaned your name.

“Tell me…” Your heart began to race, you had been longing for this.

“You, darling.”

“Absolutely.” You consented, loosening his belt.

Suddenly, there was rapid knocking on your bedroom door.

Newt rolled off of you quickly, panting, as he grasped for the book on his nightstand. He held it up in front of him, “Come,” He cleared his throat, trying very hard to breathe, “Come in.”

“Daddddddyyyyyyy! Mummmmyyyy!” Katherine squealed running toward the bed, jumping in between you. “Gramma showed me the frogs in the pond. They were slimy and gross!” She paused, staring at Newt with furrowed eyebrows, "Why are you reading the book upside down, Daddy?“

Newt laughed exuberantly, his cheeks flushed, "Am I?”

You giggled and whispered into his ear, “Breathe, darling."

He licked his lips, silent pleading in his eyes.

You grinned in return, "I love you, Newt.”

“Mmm, quite.” He replied, reaching for your hand. “I love you too.”

You laced your fingers together as Katherine curled up between you, resting her head on Newt’s chest. She stared up at him with curious eyes. “You’re silly, Daddy.”

Newt patted her head, “Oh, you think so, darling?”

“Yes. Your cheeks are all red.”

Newt smirked, “Yes well, Mummy was telling me – a funny story.”

“About what?"

Newt looked to you, desperate for a cover story, his body slowly recovering from anticipation, "Uhhh…”

“About the mooncalves. Yeah. The moocalves, darling. We were laughing about how they eat like this…” You tilted your head up, opened your eyes wide and made something similar to a fish face with your lips, pretending to eat pellets in the air.

Katherine just stared at you, obviously not convinced, but content enough for now. She curled up on Newt’s chest once more and listened as you told her stories while she drifted off to sleep.

A few days later

You were washing dishes in the kitchen sink when you glanced up and saw Theseus standing under an enormous oak tree behind the house. It was there that some of the Scamander family had been buried. You sighed, wiping your hands on a towel. You debated if you should go talk to him. Since the argument with Newt, Theseus had barely said a word and kept mostly to himself.

You made up your mind. You were going to talk to him. Maybe you could say something to convince him that Newt meant no harm. If nothing else, you might understand him a bit more.

You strolled towards him carefully, making small noises along the way as to not startle him in your approach.

When you reached where he stood, you stopped next to him and folded your arms across your stomach. Your voice sounded small, “Hello.”

“Hi.” He stated, refusing to avert his gaze from the headstone.

You tried to be friendly, “I thought you might like some company for a bit.”

Theseus shrugged, a hint of a smile on his lips, “Of course.”

"It’s a beautiful evening.” You remarked, shifting your wait nervously between each foot.

“Yeah well,” he scoffed, finally looking towards you, “I don’t see it.”

“You… you don’t see the beauty of the sunset? Or the way the wind blows through the trees?”

He shook his head no and pursed his lips.

“You don’t see the white, fluffy clouds and how they contrast against the deep blue sky?”

He motioned his head towards the grave, “I only see what I want to see. Grandad. He’s dead. We’re all dead.”

You shook your head in protest and reached out, resting your hand on his forearm. “We are not dead. Not yet, anyway…”

“Well, I am.”

You grimaced, letting the silence rest for a moment. Was there any use trying to help him?

Theseus took a couple of steps forward and brushed dirt from the stone.

“You should take Katherine to get some ice cream. She’d like that.”

Theseus rolled his eyes and faced you, “Did you not hear what I just said?”

You felt yourself shrinking under his stare, “I’m - I’m sorry. I meant no harm.”

“Yeah, well… everything is so wonderful in your precious little world of creatures and magic and the perfect husband that it does not surprise me you wouldn’t understand.”

“I wouldn’t understand? Theseus, you have NO IDEA what I have been through in my life. How could you say that?”

Your tone sounded harsher than intended. He stood in front of you, staring directly in your eyes. His hands balled into tight fists while he seemed to size you up. You wondered if he was about to hit you.

“I am all alone. I have no one. I have NOTHING! Your husband made that VERY clear to me.”

You cautiously reached over and rubbed his left arm, “You have US, Theseus.”

“Sure.”

“You do. Why do you think we came here? We could have stayed somewhere else.”

“Yeah well, why didn’t you?”

You bit your bottom lip, fighting back the urge to scream or cry, you weren’t sure which, “How dare you…”

“How dare I? What are you doing here, anyway? You don’t know me. You don’t know what’s in my heart.” He took his hand and slammed it against his chest and the hollow sounding thud made you jump.

For a split second, you wanted to shrink away and retreat from his presence but a little voice inside screamed, 'Hold him.’ Ohhhh no. You were not going to hold this man. It might work for Newt but Theseus was a caged up lion, ready to pounce in a moment of fury.

He covered his face with his hands and began to shake. You wondered if it was anger until a painful sob escaped his lips. Without a second thought you wrapped your arms around his neck and stroked the hair at the back of his head. He buried his face into your shoulder and sobbed, his hand resting at the back of your neck.

Whereas Newt always smelled of cinnamon, honey, and sweet tea; Theseus smelled of alcohol, dirt, and ocean air. It wasn’t an unpleasant smell - it was just such a vivid contrast that it caught you by surprise.

“Shh, I’m here.” You whispered against his neck. His tears fell on the top of your head as he tucked you under his chin.

Theseus seemed to be rocking you with the rhythm of the trees. It was really comforting and you hated to admit that you enjoyed his muscular arms around your back. Not once had you EVER complained about the body Newt had - you never would. It left NOTHING to be desired however, Theseus had the arms of a soldier - a man who had lifted artillery and operated heavy machines. Therefore, his hold around you felt impossible to break.

You worried a little and tilted your head up to meet his eyes. Before you could even speak a word Theseus cupped the side of your face and planted a kiss on your lips. You froze. It felt familiar, a bit natural… but SO wrong!

“No..” You managed to muster, pushing against his chest. “Theseus… no.”

His hands slithered to your lower back as he leaned in for a second kiss.

“THESEUS!” You yelled, shoving his chest as hard as you could. The force of your hands shocked him as he backed away from you.

“I’m sorry. [Your name], I am SO sorry.”

It was too late. You were furious. You wanted to slap him but knew that wouldn’t do any good. That same little voice inside told you to be calm… if you blew up, you could very well lose Theseus forever… and that was the last thing you desired. Despite everything, he wasfamily and you needed him. Newt needed him.

Theseus shook his head in regret and sprinted towards the house.

You called after him but he would not stop or listen.

Newt happened to see you chasing Theseus across the field. He took a few steps toward you as Theseus pushed past him into the house. His eyes were full of concern as you collapsed into his arms.

Your sobbed as your arms reached towards Theseus who was buttoning his coat near the front door. “Newt! Tell him to STAY!” You practically screamed. Newt kissed your forehead fiercely and set you on a chair.

Newt’s eyes darted between you and his brother, “What happened?”

“I’m sorry, Newt. I won’t stay. I am leaving this very moment.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Theseus.”

“You can not tell me to stay, Newton. I’m NOT a child.”

“THEN DON’T ACT LIKE ONE!!” Newt yelled louder than you ever thought he would be capable of.

Theseus stood still, a shocked expression crossed his features. He fell to his knees, sobbing painfully.

Katherine began crying in the bedroom and you came to your senses long enough to go comfort her.

“Shh, darling, everything is fine. Mummy’s here.” You whispered, kissing her nose.

You returned to the hall and listened to the conversation from the doorway. Katherine wrapped her arms around your neck.

Newt approached Theseus the way he would an angry creature and rested a hand on his tense back. In his softest voice he consoled, “Let me help you.”

“You - can’t - help me  - Newt.”

“Please brother, let me try.”

Theseus inhaled deeply, his sobs becoming less frequent.

“Remember that time, when we were boys, and Mother told us to stay out of the hippogriff enclosure… and I wouldn’t listen?”

“You nearly got yourself killed.” Theseus added, a small smile trying to form on the corners of his lips.

“Exactly. Right.” Newt chuckled, “Who rescued me?”

Theseus rolled his eyes, “I did?”

“Yes. Do you remember what you told me?”

Theseus exhaled and lifted a hand to Newt’s shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes, “I told you I would ALWAYS rescue you, little brother.”

“Now, won’t you let me do the same for you?” Newt inquired, wrapping his arms around his brother’s shoulders. “Let me protect you from all this.”

The walls around Theseus’s heart begin to crumble a little, “You shouldn’t have to.”

“You’re my brother. I want to.”

You walked towards them, cradling Katherine in your arms. They held each other with tears of remorse and regret burning in their eyes.

Your own heart filled with hope at the precious sight.

The rest of the evening was spent in front of the fire telling stories of happier times. Theseus apologized PROFUSELY to Newt about kissing you. You laughed it off but Newt had a small flame burning in his eyes. “Of all the…. how could you Theseus?” You calmed him down by rubbing his knee and whispering sweet words of love in his ear.

You promised him that Katherine would be sleeping next to Theseus that night to make up for it. Upon hearing this, Newt hushed himself quickly; the hope of what that might mean warmed his heart.

Several Hours Later

Newt moaned passionately against your lips as you kissed him once more before rolling off of him. You raked your hands through his damp curls and stretched out against his side.

Merlin, he was exhausted - and he knew you were too. He ran his fingers down your back, feeling the goosebumps forming on your skin. You had been so good to him and he knew he was a very lucky man. What he had done to deserve such love was out of his comprehension but he was so thankful.

You wrapped an arm around his waist and rested your head on his chest, listening to his beating heart. Your body shivered against his. You were both glistening with pleasure… and a bit of sweat. You smirked at Newt’s messy hair and traced his jaw with your finger.

“How are you feeling?”

“Darling,” he pulled you closer, “Thank you."

You smiled and kissed above his heart, "For what?”

Newt took a deep breath and stroked your arms, “You make me feel so… loved and,” he blushed, “desirable…”

You inhaled deeply, “Oh Newt, you have no idea.”

“I never knew…I never thought…” He paused and you waited for him to continue, “I was never good with people, you know that, so I always had a feeling I would never be able to…”

You peered up at with warmth in your eyes, “Yes?”

He kissed your forehead, “When we got married I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to please you… somehow my inexperience would be a disappointment to you…”

Now you laughed, caressing his cheek, “Oh sweetie… you have proven yourself wrong on that account, I think."

"I hope you realize that every time we make love - I consider it a gift. I feel so blessed that you offer yourself to me.”

Your heart melted. He was too pure and perfect for this world. You seriously considered if he was even real for a moment as you studied his eyes.

“Honestly Newt, I find you irresistible. You are a gift to me, as well. How is it possible that such a generous man who gives SO much has room in his heart to give even more? Your compassion and selflessness astonishes me. You are my dream come true, as silly as it sounds. The fact that you even share your thoughts and feelings like this, without reserve, makes me love you even more, my darling.”

Newt stretched his arms above his head and smiled, content with your reply. His body felt warm and electric. So full of love. He would have cried if he wasn’t so tired.

“Besides, making love with you brings about the most adorable results.” You winked and stroked your fingers down his chest. “Our daughter is living proof of that.”

“We did make an adorable child.” Newt agreed, wrapping his arms around you once again, “Suppose we will end up filling every room in our cottage with children.”

You hummed, “Mm, I’m not sure my body could handle it at my age.”

“Please. You’re not as old as me.”

“Nearly.”

He caressed your hair with his nose and laughed, “I don’t see any gray hairs.”

“Oh, really? I see plenty in yours.”

“Now that is incorrigible. Come here.” He pulled you on top of him once more, “I’m not letting go until I hear an apology.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Scamander?”

“I’m serious.” He grabbed your hips and pulled you close.

“Round two?”

Newt laughed, considering your offer.

You lifted up to kiss each side of his face; directly on the wrinkles by his eyes.

Newt blushed and turned his head away, “Oh! Now you are trying to remind me of my wrinkly eyes?”

You giggled, your head falling against his, allowing him perfect access to your neck. You moaned when he attacked you with kisses and Newt smiled, knowing full well he had found your weakness. “Give up yet, my love?”

“Mmm.”

Newt wrapped you against his chest, fully intending to keep you there for the rest of the night. His heart was full and you truly hoped he understood that you were genuinely thankful to him for being such a wonderful husband and father. There were no words or actions to properly express the emotions you felt. You had to be content to let the beating of your heart against his be enough.

“So, is Theseus a good kisser?”

“Shush, Newt.”

“Is he?”

“Go to sleep, darling.”

A few moments later Newt shook you awake.

“No, but really…”

“Never as good as you, my love.”

Finally content, Newt kissed your forehead, stroked your hair back, and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Author’s Note: I’m literally dead.

I really hope you enjoyed it. PLEASE love it and share it and the best thing you could do is send me a message and let me know your thoughts.

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MY MASTER LIST

[lets-imaginerwby]

Could you do a scenario where Winter introduces her shy s/o to her family? And maybe include Winter defending her s/o when her father disapproves of them and says things to lower their self-confidence? (Let's face it, Jacques is a jerk and would not approve of his eldest daughter dating someone who is too shy to make direct eye contact with him.)

“Winter, I- i’m not really sure about this…”You grippedher hand tighter as she led you up the stairs to her house’s door. What a houseit was, mansion was a more fitting term, a borderline palace. The sheerfanciness of it wasn’t calming your nerves one bit.

 Winter sighed “(Y/n), it’ll be alright.” She pauses on thestep to turn back and look at you. “I know you’re nervous, and even I wish wedidn’t have to do this, but unfortunately we can’t avoid this meeting forever.We’ve been dating for months now, father insists on meeting you.”

 “Right, your father is what i’m really worried about. Fromwhat you’ve told me-” The door opened, interrupting your worrying.

 A short, pleasant looking man opened the door. “Ms. Schnee,it’s so good to finally see you again.”

 Winter turns to him with a smile “Klein, it’s been a while.”She clasps a hand on his shoulder before gesturing to you. “This is my partner,(s/o).”

He smiles at you, and it could just be a trick of the light,but it seems his eyes soften to the point of actually becoming a lighter shade.“Ah, yes, we’ve been expecting you. You have no idea how happy I am that ms.Schnee has found someone special to her.”

You blush and duck your chin a little. “N-nice to meet you.”

There’s a hint of pity on his face, seeing you so nervous tomeet your girlfriend’s family. He honestly doesn’t blame you. “Right this way.”

He leads both of you through the house, good gods, the décor of this place, until you reach the door ofsome kind of study.  Klein bows slightly “Yourparents and siblings are in here, waiting for you. Are you ready to see them?”

Winter nods, her lips pursed. She looks to you, Klein’squestion repeated on her face. You take a breath. Better to just get this overwith. Her sister shouldn’t be too much of a problem, the brother’s a bit iffy, hermother would likely be more interested in her drink than the dinner accordingto Winter, but her father, the misterSchnee, would be the biggest issue. You haven’t heard very many good thingsabout him from either the papers or Winter.

Another breath. Youcan get through this with Winter next to you.

You nod. Klein bows again and opens the door.

There, seated all on different chairs surrounding a gorgeouscoffee table, is one of Atlas’s most influential families. With their palehair, the same shade as Winter’s, in their light, elegant clothing, illuminatedby the delicate light of the chandeliers amidst the lavish setting of thesitting room, they look like a gathering of snow faeries. A gathering of royaldoves waiting for their missing member.

If you were to take a picture of this scene and show it to someone,it would look like the perfect family at the height of elegance. Yet actuallystepping into the room, there is an unmistakable tense energy in the air. As ifeveryone in this room wished they had more space away from the others thantheir chairs could provide. They all look up as you in Winter enter, in a slowmanner as if your entrance is no more interesting than two flies stumbling in.

Winter closes her eyes and nods in her family’s direction. “Greeting,father, mother.” Her eyes open and flick to her younger siblings “Weiss,Whitley.”

Weiss’s eyes shine as she looks at her sister, but it’s asif she puts a muzzle on her excitement. She gives a hesitant smile “Winter, I’vemissed you.”

The young boy, Whitley, straightens from where he lounged inhis chair “Yes, I’m glad to see our darling sister around the house again. Ihope the driver didn’t get you stuck in traffic or anything, it feels as thoughwe’ve been waiting so long.”

There’s a flash of ire in Winter’s eyes, but she’s alwaysbeen an expert at controlling her emotions “I apologize for our tardiness.”

“Well, when we’ve been waiting months to meet this apparent partner of yours, what’s a few moreminutes.” Jacque Schnee radiates an aura of power, something that makes youcringe and feel so small compared to the ice king, no more like ice dictator, sittingbefore you. “Klein, dinner must be almost ready, yes?”

Klein dips his head low when talking to mister Schnee “Itshouldn’t be more than a few minutes, sir.”

Jacque nods “Good. What perfect timing you two have.” HEwaves a hand and Klein backs out of the room, likely to see to the dinner preparations.Once the butler is gone, the eyes of the patriarch of the Schnee family meetyours. Despite your best efforts, you find yourself shrinking back even more.

There’s a slight shift in his demeanor, and suddenly heseems more like a business man than before. He smiles, but there’s a slighttense feeling behind it. “You must be (Y/n).”

You nod your head “Ye-yes . It’s a p-pleasure to meet you,sir.”

He narrows his eyes, scrutinizing you. Is wife sits in thechair beside him, looking bored.  Jacqueleanes back and folds his hands “I wish I could say we’ve heard so much aboutyou, but I’m afraid my dear Winter hasn’t been telling so many stories aboutyou. Why, I was shocked to even learn of your existence hardly a month ago. Youmust have busy as we never received a visit from you since then, or in themonths prior where you decided it was proper to date my daughter.”

Your face heats up and you look down at your hands “M-m-myapologies, sir.”

This night is going tobe hell.

Thankfully, the actual dinner started rather soon after the initialintroductions. It was probably the best food you’d ever tasted, but you were soanxious you couldn’t bring yourself to enjoy it.

Weiss and Whitley offered a few points of conversation, Whitleymore smoothly than his sister, who seemed a tad stand-offish but mainly reserved,as though she felt she had to be careful of everything she said. Mrs. Schneehardly supplied her own thoughts on whatever was being discussed, and Winter hadno trouble keeping up with the polite conversation. You, though, felt such aterrible nervousness constrict your chest. The air in this place was so cold,so polite to the point it was clear it was all a façade, it was unbearable.  Mr. Schnee seemed to see right through you, hehad a cool, business persona wrapped around him and he constantly directed theconversation toward you. Earlier, you had feared he would largely ignore youfor not coming from a rich background, but this probing and toying with yourclear uncomfortableness was so much worse. He acted so polite the whole time,the perfect business man, but there was a malice under that persona.

Winter noticed how uncomfortable you were and reached overto squeeze and hold your hand under the table. You give her a grateful smile.

You flinch as Jacque clears his throat. “(Y/n), it would benefityou to pay attention when your host askes you a question, don’t you think?”

You avert your eyes and stutter an apology. You hear himsigh. “Honestly, Winter, how could you think someone like this was suited to beingwith someone with the name ‘Schnee’?”

There’s a new kind of tension on Winter’s shoulders, and it leaksoff into the air. Weiss shrinks in her chair slightly, Whitley looks on in amusement,Mrs. Schnee takes a drink. “What was that, Father?”

Mr. Schnee leans forward in his chair and looks between thetwo of you. “You may have turned your back on this family and your title asheiress, but you still have a duty to your name. From what I’ve seen, thisstuttering child is not fit for someone of your station. They can’t even look apotential father in law in the eyes as they speak. I don’t care if you keepgoing with this military nonsense, just don’t let this person embarrass our family name.”

Your grip on Winter’s hand goes slack and you feel tearsburn your eyes. This was so much worse than you imagined it’d be. Of course hewouldn’t approve, how in his right mind could he let his daughter date someoneso stupid, shy, and… and…

“The only people I take orders from nowadays are mycommanding officers.” Winter tightens her hold on your hand as you’re about topull away.

You blink in surprise, as does Jacque. “Excuse me?” He says.

“I thought I made this clear, I am no longer a child underyour roof, I am an Atlas military special operative. I will not take any orderson how to live my life, not from you. I only brought (Y/n) here as a courtesy,but I see that was foolish of me. I’ve made my dearest uncomfortable unnecessarily.”She looks over at you. “I’m sorry.”

You can’t even find the words to say it’s okay. Her fatheris fuming, his eyes cold and glaring at you and Winter.

“How dare you say this to me in my own house. I won’t havethis!” Jacques rage is so hot, it begins to melt his composed exterior.

“That’s understandable. I believe it’s about time for us tobe leaving, anyway. Right, (Y/n)?” Winter stands, pulling you up with her.

“uh, ye-yeah. Thanks for the meal…” You manage to force out.

Winter looks at each of her family members in turn “Mother,Whitley, good bye. Weiss, I wish you luck in your training. Father,” She lookshim in the eye. “Take care.”

Before you exit the dining room, Winter stops to look backat her father one last time “You know, the name Schnee has always sounded tooharsh to me. I think (Y/l/n) has a lovely ring to it, all warm and pretty,perhaps I’ll take that someday. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about metarnishing your pristine name.”

She leads you out of the manor, past Klein who holds thedoor open and gives you a warm, reassuring smile.

You mutely follow behind Winter to the car, trying toprocess what just happened. What Winter just did, what she said…

You barely register her say “I’m sorry for that.” She’sstopped, a hand on the car door. “I never should have brought you here.”

“N-no! It’s alright, really. I- I just, what you said…”

Winter laughs “If that bridge wasn’t burned already.” Shelooks at you “I don’t regret that part. I won’t let any one look down on youthe way he was. He’s an idiot for not being able to see your worth.”

You blush and duck your chin. Winter laughs again, warmerthis time, and places a hand on the back of your head to pull you closer andplant a soft kiss on your hair. She tilts your chin up to kiss you a secondtime on the lips “Come on, let’s go. It’s far too cold out tonight.”

[supernaturalimaginesforyou-blog]

Forever with the Devil (Chapter 1)

„What do you mean?“ Lucifer talked nervously, turning his back to Chloe, so she couldn't hear the phone conversation he was currently having with Maze.

As he took a few steps away from her and started to speak in a more quiet tone, Chloe got curious. Since Trixie was in school and Dan was working, there was no one in Chloe's house except her and Lucifer. Silence surrounded them. The detective could only hear bits of the conversation, since she wasn't able to hear what was Maze saying.

She didn't even manage to see the distress and utter panic that covered Lucifer's face, since his back was facing her the whole time.

„...Yes, I-I...“, Lucifer sighed heavily.

That was the first time Chloe heard him stutter. If she didn't know better, she would even say his voice cracked a little.

„I'll be right there, don't do anything without me.“, he ordered harshly and hung up hurriedly.

Chloe approached him and put a hand on his shoulder gently. The fabric of the expensive suit was smooth against her soft hand. Her light touch made him turn around and look at her.

„Is everything okay?“ she asked.

She tried to cover up her shock upon seeing his pale, worried face expression and his anxious stance. He looked like someone sucked the life right out of him.

„I have to go.“, he muttered and quickly went to the doors.

„What happened?“ Chloe insisted, going after him.

Lucifer was near his car in an instant, ignoring Chloe's questions.

„You're clearly upset, you can't drive in this state.“, she said, taking him by the arm so he would look up to her. „Let me drive.“

„No.“, he answered briskly, his jaw clenching. „I have to go. Alone.“

Not bothering to return her gaze or even say goodbye, he turned on the engine and drove off as fast as possible. Chloe stood there for a moment, contemplating what to do, but then quickly got her car keys and went after him. For the first time since she met Lucifer, she saw him out of character, not being his usual, chatty and flirty self. Something serious must've happened and whatever it was, she wanted to help her friend. She wanted to make sure he was alright, the same way he cared for her when she was feeling miserable.

The whole ride to the beach, Lucifer's mind kept running through possible scenarios that could've led to this rather unusual turn of events. Niether of them seemed even remotely plausible. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what was he feeling at the moment. He just wanted to hurry, see if Maze was right.

But, she couldn't be.

Lucifer was convinced that this was some kind of a joke. A bad trick that somebody wanted to play on him. If that were the case, the Devil himself will make sure that he invents a new kind of pain for the creator of this twisted scheme.

L.A. streets were quite busy and the sunset was only a few minutes away.

And that meant Chloe could follow Lucifer easily.

Little did she know, he couldn't be bothered with humans right now. He was too busy speeding to his destination and dealing with something that meant a great deal to him. He was so agitated that, even if a dragon wrapped in tin foil chased his car this very moment, he wouldn't even flinch.

Upon arrival, he immediately spotted Maze, tapping with her heel while standing in one place, her arms folded under her chest. Her face was almost a reflection of Lucifer's; uneasy, anguished and almost horrified. The usual anger that illuminated her face was gone.

They were on the beach in a second, rushing towards a spot that Maze told him about over the phone. Niether of them were aware of the detective catching up.

The waves were splashing, hitting the shore a bit harder than usual. The night was setting and it was quite odd that the temperatue rose as they walked on the beach. The warm air surrounded Maze and Lucifer, standing a few feet away from what appeared to be a lifeless body spread out on the sand, clothed only in a tight, white dress, but now splotched with blood and dirt. It was enough to cover her thin and tall body, but not nearly enough to conceal the magnificent grey wings which were currently filthy, not shining bright like they once used to, also spread out onto the wet sand.

„The Queen...“, Maze whispered. „It's really her.“

Chloe was not far, so hearing the demon call a winged creature her queen made her more confused than ever. She knew about Lucifer, him being the Devil and all that, but she was almost completely sure she couldn't stand seeing any more supernatural and/or biblical beings. This was too much for her. Nevertheless, she remained still, probably even frozen in shock. Trying to pinch herself to see if she's dreaming didn't work.

What stunned her most was seeing Lucifer.

Again, she couldn't see his face, but she saw his shoulders tense under the dark suit. If she could see that tear which slipped down his cheek, she would've thought that she went absoutely mental. She wanted to reach out to him when she saw him falling down on his knees in defeat.

He couldn't move, couldn't run up to the body on the ground, shake her, yell at her, do anything in order to wake her up. His body was almost petrified from sudden grief and shock that overflowed him. Maze, feeling only a tad better, had managed to make a few steps forward and then kneeled down. She closed his eyes for a brief moment and bowed her head, feeling angry and frustrated, her teeth gritting. She yelled and punched the ground near the body, making sand scatter around. Chloe flinched at that, almost feeling scared.

A few moments later, Maze stood up. She kept her head high up like always, but this time in fake confidence.

Gazing towards Lucifer, who was still stiff, his eyes mournful, not removing his stare from the gorgeous face on the ground, she noticed another thing from the corner of her eye.

„Detective Decker.“, she said through clenched teeth.

„...What the hell are you doing here?!“ Mazikeen shouted, sending chills run down Chloe's spine.

Despite that, she stood up and walked away from her hiding spot, trying not to look so perplexed or scared. She was busted.

„Did you get her here?“ Maze turned her attention to Lucifer, asking in disbelief.

At that, he finally snapped himself back to real time and away from his thoughts.

Without turning around to face Chloe after he got up, he spoke sullenly and harshly. „Get her out of here, Mazikeen.“

The dark-haired woman obliged, walking up to the blonde while sending her the best evil glare she could muster at that point. In the same time, the King of Hell moved to his Queen. His hand went to her cheek, brushing his fingers lightly against her pale, soft skin. He could hear Chloe arguing with Maze behind him, but the voices of the two women quickly dissipated from his mind. He couldn't hear the waves crashing on the shore either. All he could think about, all he could focus onto, was her.

„Is it really you, my darling?“ Lucifer whispered, now taking her hand in his.

As soon as his fingers intertwined with her droopy ones, her eyes suddenly opened and she gasped for breath.

Lucifer could hear the waves again and both women stopped arguing immediately. They were all looking at the winged woman now.

„Lucifer...“, her voice was light, but croaky, it was like she woke up from a long slumber and her vocal cords were still recovering.

The Devil himself had teary eyes.

„I...“, her voice was wobbly too. „I love you...“

And with that, she was gone again. Her eyes closed and her head dropped on the sand, with her hands becoming limp.

„No!“ Lucifer yelled. „Come back! No! You can't do that again!“

Chloe shivered when she heard him yell like that.

She never heard his voice laced with so much pain, sorrow and indignation all at once. Maze let her go, almost pushing her away, and then went over to Lucifer, so she could help him. With shaky hands, they raised her up, being especially careful with her wings, while the detective still stood frozen in place. She didn't know the proper course of action in this kind of situation. That is why she followed Maze and Lucifer, carrying the woman to his convertible and settling her in the back carefully. They both ignored Chloe, hurrying into their cars so they can drive off.

„Lucifer, I...“, Chloe started.

But, he quickly interrupted her. „Whatever you want to say, don't. You were not supposed to be here, therefore leave.“

She could've sworn that she saw his dark eyes flash red for a second, but she brushed it off. Before she could think of anything to say, he drove off, his tires squealing.

[cecile-and-her-very-own-universe]

Drops of Metro in Her Hair Chapter 8

huck grabbed his bismuth shovel off the table, giving it a quick dust off with a nearby rag.

“You ready for the day sport?” His dad asked, ruffling his hair.

Chuck laughed a bit. “Yeah dad, I’m ready.”

He smiled and grabbed his own shovel, looking at his closely. “Hmm…”

“What?” Chuck asked.

“There’s a dent in the spade.” He said. “I’ll have to get it fixed later.”

He turned around. “Beatrice, sweetheart! Are you ready?”

“Coming, Frederick, dear!” A heavily pregnant woman stumbled into the room, holding on tightly to her own shovel. She smiled warmly as she went over to her husband and gave him a hug.

He smiled gently and kissed her forehead. She looked down at Chuck and smiled. “Good morning Charles.”

“Mooooom.” He groaned in embarrassment. “Just call me Chuck.”

“There’s nothing wrong with your name, sweetheart..” Beatrice said teasingly, squeezing Chuck’s cheek. “It’s a great name, and you should be proud of it.”

“All right mom.” Chuck said, still blushing a bit in embarrassment.

Beatrice’s smile was replaced by a look of contorted pain.

“Sweetheart!” Frederick rushed over and pulled her into a tight hug. “Are you all right my dear?”

“I am now that you’re here.” She breathed out before kissing him passionately.

Chuck rolled his eyes a bit. He went over to his dad. “Okay casanova, we gotta go right?”

“But how will I go on without being in your strong, warm, embrace.” Beatrice said dramatically, stroking Frederick’s cheek gently.

“Mooom, you both work in the same place, remember?” Chuck asked.

“I know dear.” She said, putting her hand on his shoulder. “But one day, when you’re in love, you’ll understand.”

“Mom and dad didn’t know you were aromantic?” Cecile asked.

“Cecile, at that point, I didn’t know I was aromantic.”

Frederick grabbed her hand and lead her towards the exit of their family unit.

She grimaced as she clenched her stomach again.

“Are you positive you are all right my dear?” He asked.

“Yes…” She panted out, leaning against Frederick. “I’m positively fine! I just think I’m anxious to start the day.”

They went their separate ways from Chuck, who headed to where the other twelve year olds were gathered, to start his day.

At first it had been mostly uneventful, with him and the others focused on the task at hand, silently digging to the core of Metro.

Chuck was pushing up lumps and lumps of dirt. He wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his arm, getting dirt on his face. He was so hyper fixated on working that he almost dropped his shovel when his group’s leader cleared his throat aggressively from behind.

He quickly turned around. “Sir? Is something wrong?”

He shook his head. “No, nothing is wrong per say, but you do need to report to the medical bay immediately.”

Chuck’s eyes widened. “The medical bay? What for?”

“Your mother has gone into labor.” He said, “Your father is already there.”

“In labor?” Chuck asked in surprise.

“Yes.” His leader confirmed.

“But...the dig…” Chuck said,  looking back at the others.

“You’ll be able to make up hours later on.” His Leader said. “You should be there for your mother.”

“Can’t I go after the dig?” Chuck asked.

“You didn’t wanna see me?” Cecile asked, sounding hurt.

“I’m sorry Cecile.” Chuck said. “It’s not like that anymore. I was young, and all I cared about was digging...I still do care about it obviously, but you’re still more important to me.”

He stroked her hair gently and she giggled. Rover snuggled closer and licked her cheek, making the giggle turn into a full blown laugh.

She looked at Chuck, smiling now. “So was that the day that changed that?”

Chuck shook his head. “No, that happened a little later on, but it was a start.”

“Digging is important, but your family is moreseo.” The Leader said. “We need workers to thrive or we’ll have less people digging in the future. Do you understand?”

Chuck shrugged. “I guess so.”

“Good. I will see you tomorrow then.”

Chuck grabbed his shovel and made his way out of the hole. As he made his way to the medical bay, he quickly wiped the dirt off his shovel with his shirt.

When he got there he saw the doctor waiting in the doorway.

“There you are.” She said. “Your parents are inside, waiting for you.”

Chuck went into the small room and winced at the lights. He put his shovel’s spade above his eyes, trying to block it out.

“Charles!” His father said, rushing over and pulling him into a hug. “We’re so glad you’re here son!”

“Hey dad.” Chuck said, returning the hug. “How’s mom doing?”

“She’s doing just fine.” He said with a soft smile. He pulled back and grabbed Chuck’s arm, leading him over to the small hospital bed.

Beatrice’s eyes lit up when Chuck came over. “Charles, I’d like you to meet someone!”

She shifted her arms so Chuck could see the small infant swaddled in a white blanket. The baby whined and snuggled into Beatrice’s breast. “This is your new baby sister, Cecile.”

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Frederick asked proudly.

Chuck examined her. “I mean...I guess so...she just looks like a baby to me.” He shrugged.

“Do you want to hold her?” Beverly asked.

“Uh…” He looked at the shovel he was already holding. “No thanks, I need to clean my shovel.”

Beatrice frowned. “But…”

“He’s just being responsible, my love.” Frederick reassured her, giving her a small kiss on the forehead. “Don’t take it too personally.”

“Right.” She sighed slightly, pulling Cecile closer. “You go on and clean your shovel, perhaps you can have a more proper introduction later.”

Chuck sat down on one of the plastic chairs and grabbed a tissue from the box. He started dry scrubbing the shovel down while his mom and dad cooed over the baby.

“You didn’t wanna hold me either?”

“Again, Cecile, my mind was focused on other things.” He said, scooting his chair a bit closer to her bed. “But it doesn’t matter now, okay?”

“Okay.”

“You ready to go home?” Frederick asked.

“Home? But what about the dig?” Chuck asked.

“You don’t need to worry about that yet, son.” He said, “You’ll just make up time tomorrow.”

“But I want to dig!” Chuck protested.

“Tell you what kiddo.” He said. “We can dig together at home, okay? That way we can keep an eye on your mom, okay?”

“Okay, dad.” Chuck grabbed his shovel as he his dad went over to the hospital bed.

He grabbed her arm gently and helped her stand up, making sure she still held on tightly to Cecile.

“How are you feeling love?” He asked.

“I’m doing  fine. The pain hasn’t gone away completely, but...I feel like by tomorrow I’ll be fine and ready to dig some more.” She smiled.

Frederick led her home as Chuck followed closely behind, clutching his shovel tightly.

Beatrice laid in bed, holding her newborn close to her chest. She smiled warmly as she stroked the few strands of purple hair just barely starting to grow in,

Chuck and his dad stood in the fairly deep hole in the middle of their family unit. Chuck only kept his focus on digging until his dad cleared his throat,”Son?”

“Yeah, dad?”

“How do you feel about your new sister?” He asked.

Chuck shrugged. “I mean she’s a baby...I guess I don’t really have an opinion of her. I’m still mad I had to stop digging for her birth.”

“I’ll admit, that was upsetting for me as well, but we’re family and we need to look out for one another.” He said, “One day Cecile will grow up to be an excellent digger! And we all need to be here to nurture her skills as a future digger, it’s what The Grand Emperor wishes, do you understand?”

“Yes dad.” Chuck said, looking back at the ground.

Back on the bed, Beatrice held Cecile closer. “I’ve got something for you, my angel.”

From behind her bed, she pulled out a small, home sewed, plush shovel and placed it in her arms.

Cecile made a small sound before dropping the plush shovel.

Beatrice laughed gently before grabbing the shovel again. “No sweetheart, hold on to it.”

Cecile whined and let go again.

Beatrice frowned this time as she grabbed the shovel. “My angel, I spent so much time making this for you. I want you to cherish it, as much, if not more than I cherish you and Chuck.” She placed it in Cecile’s tiny hands again and rocked her gently.

This time when Cecile dropped it, Beatrice caught it right away.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you want this? I made this for you.” She said, trying to put it in her arms again. “Don’t you like it?”

Cecile yawned before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Beatrice sighed as she placed the plush shovel back where it was before. “Maybe later you’ll want it…”

“Chuck?” Cecile asked.

“Yeah?”

“What happened to mom and dad?”

Chuck sighed. “Maybe...we should wait until your older…”

“But I want to know.” Cecile whined softly.

“All right, but again, if you can’t handle it, tell me and I’ll stop, okay?”

Cecile nodded. “Okay.”

The following day a robot nanny dog came to the family unit.

“Thank you so much for coming.” Beatrice said to her.

The nanny dog let out a happy bark in reply and went over to the bed where Cecile laid. She sniffed Cecile and gave her a gentle lick on the cheek,

Cecile made a noise and reached her hand out, touching the top of her head.

The nanny dog leaned over and nuzzled Cecile.

Beatrice smiled. “You promise to take care of my daughter?”

The dog barked in reply and gave a small salute before turning back to the baby.

Beatrice, Frederick, and Chuck left their family unit and headed towards the digging grounds. Beatrice’s eyes lingered on the entrance to their home before shifting back.

“Are you all right my love?” Frederick asked.

“Yes.” She said, although she sounded slightly out of it. “I was just...pondering somethings…”

“What kind of things, may I ask?”

Beatrice shook her head. “Nothing of importance, my dear. I ...I just hope Cecile will be all right home all alone with the nanny dog.”

“Why wouldn’t she be, darling?” He asked. “She was made byThe Grand Emperor specifically to care for babies.”

“Right, right.” She said, “Foolish of me to think otherwise.”

Chuck and his parents went their separate ways and went off to their respective digging sites.

That night, Beatrice put her still dirty shovel against the wall, and went over to Cecile, cradling her close. “Hello my angel, my precious little one.”

She sat on the edge of her bed, stroking the small curls of hair out of Cecile’s face.

The nanny dog took a step away, her eyes landing on the still dirty shovel leaning up against the wall. She let out a slight huff before heading out of the family unit area.

Beatrice kissed the top of Cecile’s forehead and bounced her slightly. Frederick and Chuck both sat down and started cleaning their shovels off.

Beatrice looked at Cecile in the eyes and smiled softly.

“Why don’t we try this again?” She asked, grabbing the plush shovel. She placed it in Cecile’s hands.

Cecile’s grasp loosened and she dropped it onto the floor.

Beatrice reached down for the shovel but paused and decided to keep her arms on Cecile. “My baby, my precious baby.”

“And then the next day...she just vanished.” Chuck said sadly.

“And dad?”

“Things got harder after mom disappeared...for all of us.”

Frederick scrubbed  his cloth against his shovel, while Chuck sat by cleaning his. In the corner of the room, Cecile wept.

Frederick sighed as he put his shovel down and went over to the bed. “Cecile, darling, you must calm down.”

He picked her up and cradled her gently. “Shh, shh it’s all right, it’s all right. Please stop crying my poor little angel.”

He kissed her forehead and held her closer. “I’m here for you, you don’t need to be so sad...I’m here as is Chuck...we’re here Cecile, we’re here...and we always will be.”

Cecile’s cries turned into just soft whimpers, and slowly she drifted off to sleep.

Chuck came over. “Is she doing okay dad?”

“I think so.” He said, stroking a piece of Cecile’s hair out of her face. “I think she misses her mother…”

“How can she miss her, she’s a baby! She isn’t even going to remember her!” Chuck cried. “I’m going to actually remember her! Cecile isn’t!”

Frederick gently laid Cecile back on the bed and headed over to Chuck. He gently put his hand on his shoulder. “Son…”

Chuck sniffled loudly and clung to his dad. “It’s not fair dad! What happened to her? Where is she?”

“Shh shh, I know son, I know.” Frederick said, pulling Chuck into a tighter hug. “But we all have a right to miss her, even Cecile does.”

“But she won’t remember mom.” Chuck sniffled.

“I know, I know.” He said, gently stroking his back. “But when she’s older, she’ll have the right to know about her mother...she’ll be sad then...and she should be able to be sad with us. Do you understand?”

“I think so.” Chuck said.

“And we’ll both be here for her, right son?” Fredereck asked.

Chuck  looked over at Cecile and then back to his dad, smiling a little. “Yeah dad. We will.”

The next day Chuck and his dad were waiting for the robot nanny dog to show up before they headed off to dig.

Frederick groaned as he kept trying to smooth out the shovel.

“Is something wrong dad?” Chuck asked.

“This dent is getting a lot worse.” He sighed. “I can not buff it out.”

He sat down. “Perhaps if I put a little elbow grease into it, I can get it..”

Frederick tried again before letting out a defeated sigh. “I’m never going to be able to fix this am I?”

He looked around and his eyes landed on a pair of rocks “Hmmm, if I can not buff it out, then perhaps I can undent it.”

He grabbed both of them, keeping on steady on the spade and holding the other tightly in his hand. Slowly he moved his arm back and forth, aiming it just perfectly before striking the other rock.

The pressure of the blow shattered that part of the shovel.

“Oh dear!” He gasped. “My shovel!”

“Dad?” Chuck asked. “What happened?”

Fredrick stood up and grabbed his shovel, cradling it the same way he would Cecile. “N..nothing son. Everything is fine. I just uh...I need to..talk..to my group leader about this...incident...When the nanny comes, you can just head off, all right sport?”

“Okay dad…” Chuck said, although he sounded a bit unsure.

Later that day Chuck arrived back to the family unit. The nanny dog had just finished rocking Cecile to sleep and gave her a small kiss on the forehead before leaving.

Chuck sat on the bed  and looked at Cecile as she steadily breathed in and out. “Wow, you’re really tiny aren’t ya?”

Cecile made a small noise and Chuck laughed softly. He looked over to the side of the bed and saw the plush shovel.

Chuck grabbed it and sighed, hugging it close to his chest. Gently he stroked Cecile’s hair. “Mom loved you a lot, you know?”

Cecile made another noise.

“She even made this for you.” Chuck said, holding the plush closer. “She made me one too when I was younger...I still sleep with it, but...don’t tell anyone that, okay?”

Cecile let out a small sound.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Chuck laughed.

They sat there silently for a moment until Chuck spoke up again, “Hey, where’s dad? He’s usually here by now.”

Chuck peeked out the entrance for any sign of him. The only thing he could see was the guard dogs piling into the elevator and going to the surface.