#and you vow to spend the rest of your life searching for her!! is this thing on!!

[mossflower]

ough. vrisrezi. if you even care

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [17]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.6k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Warning: eMoTiOnAl DaMaGe

Part 16 | Fic Masterlist | Part 18

How dare he—

Jongho gritted his teeth, his fists tightening at the despicable tactics the fourth prince employed to disrupt your relationship with the general. Usually composed, the assistant struggled to contain his rising anger, feeling an overwhelming urge to resort to violence.

Meanwhile, all Eunsook cared about was your well-being. She empathised with your past, knowing all too well the horrors you endured in your old home. The idea of being married to someone potentially more ruthless than your previous abusers must have been terrifying. Despite understanding the reasons behind her master's actions, she acknowledged his moral ambiguity.

Her only wish was for you to accept that he would never hurt you.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions stirred by the revelation that Seonghwa might have been involved in more than just supervising your father's punishments, your expression remained unreadable. Yeosang held his breath, watching you intently, half-expecting a reaction of terror or betrayal. Whether it was shock, anger, or disbelief, he anticipated something negative.

Desperation clawed at the prince's heart as he clung to his last resort, willing it to work. Foolish as it might seem, the truth was he had no prior experience in wooing anyone, let alone a married woman committed to another. He fumbled in the dark, unsure of the right ways to win your heart, driven only by the conviction that he could be a better husband than General Park.

In his mind, he painted a picture of himself as the ideal partner for you, one who would treat you with the care and affection he believed you deserved. He saw himself as the only one who could truly understand the pain etched into your body, just as you might understand his. And so, he resolved to pursue you relentlessly, even if it meant resorting to drastic measures that could potentially cause you further trauma.

For the fourth prince, the ends justified the means. If it meant having you by his side, it would all be worth it. He vowed to spend the rest of his days showering you with nothing but love and kindness to make up for what he put you through today.

It's time you come to me now, darling.

However, he was in for a rude awakening if he believed you would run into his arms seeking comfort after learning the terrifying truth about the monster your husband turned out to be.

Instead, after a moment of collecting yourself, you lifted your head to meet his eyes, a newfound intensity burning within your gaze, "I'm sorry if this offends you, Your Highness, but what exactly do you hope to achieve by showing and telling me all of this? My husband acted as he did because those people deserved it. As for my father, if you could even call him that, he abused me all my life and killed my mother; he deserved whatever my husband gave him and more."

Though the revelations about the general's potential actions during those extra hours unsettled you, your anger shifted towards Yeosang for bringing them to light in such a manner. Clenching your fists to conceal your trembling hands, you remained resolute. Even if you didn't condone Seonghwa's actions, he was still your husband, and your love for him remained unchanged.

As you stood there, the annoyance toward the fourth prince simmered within you, each word he uttered adding fuel to the fire. From the very beginning, he had refused to acknowledge your new title as Lady Park, a small but significant act of disrespect. Then, he persisted in bringing up topics from your past, despite your obvious discomfort and desire to move on. Now, his deliberate attempts to tarnish the general's image felt almost like a personal attack.

The sarcasm laced in his words when speaking of your husband grated on your nerves. Seonghwa had sacrificed so much for the country, and the least he deserved was respect. It dawned on you now what San had meant about Yeosang's difficult nature. You finally understood why the prince's behaviour could be infuriating.

Jongho and Eunsook exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from concern to awe as they watched you stand your ground against the fourth prince's attempts to undermine your husband. At that moment, it became clear to them that perhaps their worries had been for nothing all along. They should have had more faith in your unwavering love and loyalty to their master.

Yeosang's confidence faltered as he observed your stern expression and heard the firmness in your voice. This was not the reaction he had anticipated from you. Perhaps he had underestimated the depth of your love and loyalty to General Park.

Could the Queen have been right all along?

Feeling a sense of urgency and realising he had no other viable option, His Highness took a deep breath and decided to come clean about his intentions once and for all. He couldn't risk angering you any further than he already had. It was time to be honest, even if it meant facing the consequences of his actions.

The smugness that had once characterised his demeanour now vanished, replaced by a palpable sense of shame as he lowered his head slightly, "I... gosh, I am sorry, my lady. I acknowledge that it was wrong of me to manipulate the situation like that. I'll be honest with you. There was no actual banquet planned. In truth, I haven't celebrated my birthday in years. It only serves as a painful reminder of my existence."

Your brows furrowed in apprehension as you listened, allowing him to continue with his explanation, "I take it you're wondering why I despise my own existence. You're likely unaware of my reputation, unlike others. You may have noticed the birthmark here," he gestured to the red mark on the side of his face, prompting a nod from you.

He offered a faint smile, "Throughout my life, I've been treated like a freak because of this mark. As a member of the royal family, I'm sure you're aware there's an expectation of flawless appearance. So, imagine the shock when they saw the fourth prince with such a conspicuous blemish, my parents included. Both within and beyond the palace walls, people have whispered about my birth, deeming it a curse, questioning if I should have even been born at all."

"Since reaching adulthood, I've rejected numerous marriage proposals. Every woman presented to me has regarded me with disdain in their eyes. But then I met you, my lady, that day in the cherry blossom garden. You were the first person to wear your own mark proudly, without a trace of revulsion. It was as if you saw beyond my appearance. I suppose you could say it was love at first sight for me. I'm in love with you, Miss Jang, and that's why I've brought you here today—to propose to you."

Everything suddenly fell into place.

The puzzle pieces of his behaviour over the past days and weeks finally clicked together, forming a clear picture. Empathy flooded your heart as you realised the depth of his struggles. You knew all too well what it felt like to be singled out, treated like an outsider even by those closest to you, and shown no respect despite your status.

However, you felt a pang of shock upon learning about his feelings for you and his pursuit. It was unexpected, to say the least. You hadn't imagined that he harboured such emotions, especially considering the complexities of your respective situations.

Observing your softened demeanour while listening to the prince's confession, Jongho and Eunsook felt a resurgence of worry. They understood Yeosang's struggles and empathised with his difficult life. Despite that, they couldn't ignore the fact that you were a married woman. Regardless of what His Highness may have gone through, pursuing someone who was already committed was inherently wrong.

The two of them exchanged a concerned glance, silently acknowledging the complexity of the situation. While they sympathised with the prince, they couldn't condone his actions, especially his attempt to come between you and your husband using such underhanded tactics.

Your chaperones would soon find reassurance in your response after a moment of contemplative silence. With a deep inhale, you attempted to offer Yeosang a smile, despite the earlier anger you felt towards him, "Look, Your Highness, I understand the hardships you've endured, and probably continue to endure. I genuinely empathise with you. I'm also truly grateful to have met you. I've never had any friends before, so meeting someone who shares similar interests means a lot to me."

His Highness grinned sadly, "Ah yes, I'm sensing a 'but' there."

With a light chuckle, you nodded, "But it's precisely because I see you as a friend and care about you that I want you to understand that whatever you think you might feel for me isn't love."

He stared at you with wide eyes, but you halted him before he could protest, "Perhaps you've mistaken the feelings of gratitude and joy from finally meeting someone who treats you sincerely for love," You gently explained, "My prince, love doesn't simply happen at first sight like that. It requires much more than that; two people must go through so much together before they truly understand their feelings. I've been through it myself, and I can assure you that what you're feeling is definitely not love."

"Lastly, please address me as Lady Park. I haven't gone by Miss Jang for a while now. While we can remain friends, I must insist that you respect my marriage and abandon any plans you may have. My heart belongs solely to the general, and that won't change."

You sighed at the pleading look in the prince's eyes, understanding that convincing him wouldn't be easy. But you had said your piece, and the rest was up to him to realise. Feeling the onset of a headache from everything, you bowed one final time, saying, "If there's to be no banquet as you've mentioned, we'll be taking our leave then. Thank you for having us today, Your Highness. I wish you happiness."

I'm almost there, my love.

Nearly two days had passed when Seonghwa finally arrived back in the city and approached his own estate. The journey had been one of the most challenging he had ever undertaken. He cursed his injury for slowing him down, as he had to make several stops to rest and change his bandages, mimicking the actions of the medical team soldiers who had tended to him. Despite his urgency to leave camp, he had taken care to pack enough supplies to last the trip back.

Regardless of the constant yearning to be with you again, he felt a twinge of guilt for leaving his army behind abruptly due to such personal matters. If his soldiers knew about his absence, some might consider him irresponsible for his actions.

Shaking his head, he recalled how he used to criticise some of his men distracted by thoughts of their loved ones during battles, viewing them as foolish for letting such distractions affect them. If someone had told him he would act similarly in the future, he wouldn't have believed them for a moment.

The things you do to me, my wife.

The mere thought of seeing and being near you again made his heart flutter. He admitted to himself that he had become one of those fools he once criticised, but he wouldn't change a thing. Experiencing love had shifted his perspective entirely, compelling him to do whatever it took to keep you by his side forever. Having saved you from a life of suffering, he couldn't bear the thought of leaving you alone again. He was determined to be the one to bring you joy, protect you, and stay with you for the rest of your days.

Or... was he really?

His conviction would soon waver as the ominous sensation in the pit of his stomach intensified with each step closer to his home. Alongside it, the pain in his abdomen escalated steadily. What should have been a mere graze now felt like something far more serious. In truth, the discomfort in his insides was becoming unbearable.

Seonghwa gritted his teeth as he clutched the area of his wound one last time, his breath catching in his throat as a sudden wave of pain coursed through him. With a determined exhale, he squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to endure the agony that surged within him.

At the entrance of his estate, the staff responsible for guarding widened their eyes in recognition of their master's arrival. He quickly straightened his posture, putting on a facade of strength to conceal any signs of his injury, "Master, you're back!" One of the staff members exclaimed, their surprise evident as they rushed forward to assist him down from his horse.

Within moments, Jongho emerged from the estate, his expression a mix of concern and relief as he hurried to the general's side, "Sir, I assume you've received my letter?"

Your husband nodded, "I did. His Highness also sent me one, mentioning his intention to propose to your mistress."

The assistant's eyes rounded in surprise, realising the extent of the fourth prince's confidence to openly declare his intentions to pursue you to the general, "Well, he certainly made the attempt."

Seonghwa's steps faltered at this revelation, and he turned to face Jongho, who seemed equally uneasy, "So, it's already happened?"

Nodding, the younger man blinked anxiously, "S-sir, it's not good. The mistress knows," The general felt his blood run cold at that, but he pressed on, "Please, be more specific."

Jongho swallowed hard, bowing his head apologetically, "She learned about the Jang family's punishments and what you've done to the former minister. The prince took us to the palace torture chambers as part of his scheme. While she stood her ground there, she demanded that I tell her everything that happened as soon as we got back."

Suddenly, Seonghwa understood the source of his ominous feeling. He should have known better than to believe he could keep the truth hidden from you forever. Surely, your compassionate heart would struggle to accept what he did. Taking a shaky breath, he asked, "Where is she now?"

"She's in the House of Lotus, sir. She hasn't left since we returned from the palace two days ago. But don't worry, Eunsook has been making sure she eats her meals." Jongho reassured him.

With a nod of gratitude towards the assistant, your husband made his way towards your quarters, passing by the head maid who was taken aback by his sudden appearance. She knew he should have still been at the warzone. However, a quick glance from Jongho conveyed that the master had returned because of their letter. Understanding dawned on her, and she could only hope for the best.

The general's breath hitched as he laid eyes on you again after so long. There you sat in the pavilion, your attention fixed on the lotus pond before you. You appeared just as radiant as the last time he had seen you. However, this time, instead of your usual lady etiquette books laid open, his heart lurched at the reports detailing your father's latest status beside you. These confidential documents, presented to Seonghwa monthly, tracked the former minister's movements. Biting back the wince that threatened to escape him, he ignored the increasing pain in his abdomen and called out your name.

As your head snapped up at the familiar voice, you gasped at the sight of your husband at the entrance of your quarters. Slowly rising from your seat, you cautiously approached him, unsure if this was a hallucination. For so long, you had imagined him here, in this very spot, so many times that you couldn't count. You hoped it was not your mind playing tricks on you again.

This isn't another dream, is it?

You didn't understand why he was back; there was no news about the war being over yet. It's not that you didn't want him here, you just didn't expect him to be here all of a sudden. Standing before him, you felt your eyes water and your heart pound from seeing him again. It took you a moment to process his presence before you whispered, "S-Seonghwa... what are you doing here?" When he did not respond, you noticed his gaze staring past you at the reports Jongho was forced to hand over to you.

Despite the intense urge to pull you into his arms and never let go, all he manages is to harden his expression, "So, I see you've found out." He said, his voice strained.

This wasn't how either of you had imagined your reunion after the tearful goodbye. With a deep sigh, you nodded grimly, your mind flashing with reminders of your family's physical punishments and the gruesome things he'd done to your father, momentarily shattering the loving image in your eyes, "Yes, I did. And if I hadn't, were you planning never to tell me? What happened to not keeping secrets between us, hm?"

Truth be told, you found yourself no longer harbouring anger towards him for this matter. Over the past two days, you'd taken time to reflect, understanding his perspective and somewhat rationalising his actions. While you weren't exactly upset, you simply desired to hear the whole truth from him directly and perhaps receive a plea for forgiveness. In any case, you were prepared to run into his embrace.

Your words to the prince in the palace were sincere. Your heart belonged only to Seonghwa, and that wouldn't change. You firmly believed in the strength of your love, likening it to the resilience of your lotus flowers, enduring despite the obstacles. This situation, you believed, was just one more challenge to overcome together.

But instead of giving you the response you expected, your heart sank at the cold smirk he wore before speaking, "That's right, I never would have told you the truth if it were up to me. You women are so troublesome; it was stupid of me to think I could actually handle one for the rest of my life. Besides, what difference would it have made? This is who I am, and you knew about my reputation from the moment you were promised to me. So, are you really that surprised?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, he turned away from you, adding, "You've seen the reports. Now that you know what I'm capable of, I won't bother hiding anything from you any longer."

His words pierced your heart like daggers, leaving you reeling in disbelief. Shaking your head in denial, you whimpered his name, hoping for some semblance of the man you loved to emerge from behind that cold facade. This wasn't what you wanted from him. You wanted him to fight for you, to reassure you of his love, just as you had done for him. Confusion gnawed at your insides.

Why wasn't he fighting for you?

What was going on?

"Seonghwa, I-I don't understand—"

Before you could finish, he cut you off abruptly, his words laced with finality, "Yes, it was me. I did all those horrible things to your family. That's the kind of monster I am. But now, you're free. Your family is gone, and no one can dictate your choices anymore. You're your own person. You can do whatever you want and love whoever you want. If it's the fourth prince you wish to be with, you have my blessing. Maybe he's the one who can give you the companionship you desire."

With that, he turned and stormed out of your quarters, leaving you alone and bewildered, with no assurance of his return.

Once out of your sight, he released a shaky breath and clutched his wound, feeling the fabric already soaked with blood seeping through his bandage. Despite his blurring vision, he stumbled through the estate, desperate to depart before anyone noticed his condition. Seonghwa wasn't oblivious; he knew he must have been poisoned when the pain of his injury became too unbearable.

With a sinking feeling, he realised he didn't have much time left, and perhaps Prince Yeosang was right. Maybe what you truly needed was a husband who would consistently stay by your side and not cause you the worry he did.

I'm sorry, my love. This is for the best.

« Preview of Part 18 »

"Physician Jung, there's a letter for you."

Yunho furrowed his brows, pausing his work on his latest concoction aimed at alleviating all of your scars. Despite the challenges he faced in this endeavour, he remained steadfast in his commitment to helping you restore your skin to its original state.

Setting aside the herbs he was working with, he approached the entrance of his quarters to accept the letter from Jongho, "For me?"

The younger man nodded in confirmation, "Yes, oddly enough, it arrived via a military messenger. Initially, I assumed it was intended for the general, but it's specifically addressed to you. General Officer Song requests your urgent attention."

Blinking, the doctor processed the information, "Wait, do you mean General Park has returned to the estate?"

Jongho smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh, yeah. He arrived unannounced just a while ago, thanks to our letter. I suppose the situation at the warzone must have calmed down if he's able to return so quickly. He's with the mistress now. Let's hope things will improve with him here."

Relieved, Yunho nodded and quickly unfolded the letter. His stomach dropped, and his eyes widened at the hastily scribbled words, "H-he's with the mistress, you say?"

"Yes, what about it?" The assistant furrowed his brows in confusion as he watched Yunho shove the letter back into his hands before bolting out. Reading the letter himself, he soon found himself rushing in the same direction, dread filling his being.

No, this can't be.

I was so excited that I got to writing this as soon as I completed all the assignments for the first half of my semester! Only three parts until the end of this story, how we feeling out there?🤧

Holy crap, thank you so much for 1.4k followers! As always, thank you so much for reading and please let me know your thoughts! <3

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[yanderes-galore]

Virus AU Rainbow Dash concept pls?

Sure! Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie actually get infected at the same time, but this is Rainbow's POV.

Previous -> Applejack

Next -> Pinkie Pie

Yandere Virus! Rainbow Dash Concept

(Ft. Pinkie Pie)

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Manipulation, Delusional behavior, Attempted isolation/Abduction, Attempted forced relationship.

By this point in the story, you have three ponies after you.

Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack...

Now you're running away from Sweet Apple Acres, running for your life.

Before you can pass Sugar Cube Corner, Rainbow catches you.

She was originally spending time with Pinkie Pie, the party pony seeming very nervous lately.

Rainbow Dash is quick to ask you what's wrong.

You keep sputtering, tears brimming from your eyes.

Rainbow grows increasingly concerned for you as her friend and ushers you into Sugar Cube Corner.

You begin to be hesitant due to your luck lately.

Yet Rainbow reassures you you'll be okay, sitting you down as Pinkie hops over to you to check on you too.

Both ponies worry about you, especially since it looks like you've sustained some injuries.

The two have no idea what they're getting themselves into.

Pinkie offers you sweets to make you feel better as Rainbow comforts you.

Both ponies don't experience their obsession until later.

You're insistent on not staying with the two, for some odd reason they don't understand.

So once they know you're okay, the two let you go and part ways.

The thing with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie in this AU is their concepts are heavily intertwined.

Rainbow goes home while Pinkie stays in Sugar Cube Corner.

While the two begin to experience some symptoms, they actually work together for some time.

Why? Well...

Both of them begin to notice Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack roaming about...

They can tell something is wrong due to their distorted appearance.

By this point, other ponies begin to hide in their homes.

No pony knows what's going on....

Growing concerned for your well-being, Rainbow and Pinkie vow to each other to find you and protect you.

Rainbow surveys the skies while Pinkie searches the ground.

The virus/curse already urges them to find you anyways.

So, at first both ponies think they want to protect you.

In a way... they do...

But they're just as infected as all the rest.

By the point you see the two again, you can see the signs.

Which causes you to run...

and them to chase.

Rainbow is the faster pony, tackling you to the ground.

You can see her coat and mane are dulled, her ribs showing a bit... blood coats her hooves and her eyes are bloodshot.

The grin she has terrifies you to your core... a familiar twisted sight for you.

"Where ya going!? It's dangerous out here! We should go... I can protect you!"

Your only relief is when Pinkie Pie tackles Rainbow off of you, the party pony thinking Rainbow is harming you due to her own delusions.

It's then you run before the pegasus or earth pony can catch you.

You don't doubt the two will smother you like the others...

So you make a run for a cave, hoping to hide until help arrives...

A temporary relief from the chaos you no doubt caused with Twilight.

[farahtissaiamyloves]

Arranged Marriage

First of all, thank you for the 100 followers !!! It really means a lot to me knowing that you enjoy my stories that much ! Anyway, enjoy.

Part 2

It was annoying.

Marriage Is supposed to be sacred.

At least for the evers.

Yet, after the union of the schools, everybody had been searching for more ways to straighten this bond.

And, unfortunately, one of them was you. 

Or rather, your arranged marriage with the dean of evil.

Everybody, including your parents, found the idea of you, one of the most prominent evers, to marry your evil equivalent.

It hurt you.

You always imagined how would you fall in love with a pretty princess, such as yourself, or a handsome and muscular prince who would fall on one knee to ask for your hand.

Who would, with no hesitation, declare his love for you.

Who would whisper sweet nothings in your ear.

Who would hold you close and worship you.

You saw every and each of your fantasies evaporating in your wedding ceremony.

Lady Lesso couldn't even muster the strength to lay her eyes on you.

You couldn't imagine how disgusted she must have been feeling at that moment.

You still remembered her frown as she placed a ring on your finger and sweared her undying love toward you.

You still remembered how you reciprocated the vow with an emotionless face.

You couldn't stand the idea of your partner, your companion for the rest of your life, to be unable to love you for who you were and was only presenting herself alongside you in formal events.

There were many drawbacks in your marriage.

You weren't only tasked to become a professor at the school, but was also forced to live in the same quarters as the Dean herself.

There wasn't much space.

Lesso had complained endlessly about your clothes.

You had so many.

Yet, you left most of your clothes back home.

But the main disadvantage, except the lack of space for all of your wardrobe, was the fact that you were sleeping on the same bed.

Lesso proved to be unable to sleep on the couch, her bad knee wasn't resting enough or something.

And you had a small problem with your back; you were barely able to walk, much less fakesmile at the morning.

After two months of your marriage, Lesso thought that it was finally time for you learning her true name.

You cursed her that day. You lost yourself that day.

Your little, polite, ever behavior left you as you were shouting at her that it was unacceptable for her wife to learn her true name after two months of marriage.

Leonora seemed a bit hurt but mainly speechless.

After talking her off, you left your rooms slamming the door shut behind you.

꧁☾︎❥︎☽︎꧂

You came back at three at the morning. You thought that Lesso would have fallen asleep by that time.

You were wrong.

She had been pacing around the room; waiting for you.

You glanced at her.

She glanced back at you.

None of you said anything as you prepared yourselves for bed.

You did nothing to hide your anger toward her.

꧁☾︎❥︎☽︎꧂

Time flew by.

Two months became three, and four, and then five.

You attended an other formal event with your wife.

Leonora, who was too bored to talk to other people, ended up spending her time with Dovey as you went to the bar to grab your drinks.

You ordered some whiskey for the bartender, because there was no way Leonora or Leo as she had allowed you to call her would survive the rest of the night without having consumed a strong dose of alcohol.

You ordered for yourself a glass of champagne as the true, pureblood, evers would do.

" Well, well, look who we have here. " A voice from behind startled you.

You froze recognizing the owner of it.

You swallowed hard turning to look at the Prince standing before you.

" Finally, out of the witch's reach, I see. " Philip commented throwing a disgusted look at your wife.

Leonora was standing awkwardly next to Emma as she waited for Dovey to finish her conversation with her beloved Cinderella.

You rolled your eyes at him refocusing on the barman who was preparing your drinks.

Hopefully, he would have them ready soon enough.

" Don't you think that you had ignored me for long enough ? " Your ex insisted.

You sighed wishing for Leonora to have been with you.

Even if she was disgusted with you, she never had never said or shown the slightest proof of that, you just thought that it would probably be true, she would never, EVER, allow to him or any of your past relationships to approach you.

You still remembered how she reacted meeting Andreas and the two of you hadn't lasted for more than a month; you preferred to keep in touch, though, because he was a good friend.

But this. This man.

He had been the definition of toxic in the past.

Leonora, who was giving death sentences to literally everyone who was causing you the slightest irritation, had promised you that she would get rid of the guy in the future.

Both Philip and Leonora were obsessive and jealous when someone was looking at you more than the usual.

But Leonora wasn't... she wasn't doing this at the extent of making you feel uncomfortable, she was just trying to show to everyone that you were married and no longer available for love confessions.

The bartender handed you your champagne but still no whiskey.

You thanked him politely before returning your attention to your former lover.

" Don't ever offend my wife in front of me, again... We don't want to give her reasons to cut your tongue, now, do we ? " You proceeded into a thread.

You knew better than anyone how manipulative Philip could become if you wouldn't cut him off from the very beginning.

He raised an eyebrow at you and took a step closer. " I would like to see her trying. "

And that was the moment, Lesso's head snapped toward your direction.

Both Emma and Dovey had found their partners and were currently dancing with them.

Leonora's eyes widened realizing to whom were you speaking.

Murder time.

꧁☾︎❥︎☽︎꧂

You couldn't believe it ! 

He didn't even blink when he said that.

He truly believed that Lesso wasn't capable of hurting him.

You wanted to laugh at him.

You had heard many never students talking about the well-known Doom Room.

He didn't know what was coming for him.

The barman finally gave you the glass of whiskey.

You smiled at him taking the glass in your free hand.

You then turned to fakesmile at Philip. " Have a nice evening. I hope that I'll never see you again. " 

You told him and quickly turned to leave.

As your head turned, you locked eye contact with your wife.

Leonora was walking to you.

You did two step toward her.

Then, you saw her eyes suddenly widen.

A moment afterward, a hand from behind wrapped around your stomach, pulling your body backwards.

You gasped as you felt some champagne falling on your dress.

Your eyes immediately fell down on your dress.

It was one of your favorites.

If only you knew in advance...

You would have worn an other one...

" You are not going anywhere, little one. " Philip whispered next to your ear.

" You are mine. " He added aggressively.

You paled realizing that he wasn't letting you go.

Leonora, who was one the other side of the room two seconds ago, was on your side.

" I don't like people touching what's mine. You either back down now or I'll cut off your hands right here, right now. " Lesso threatened with the most frightening and deadly expression you have ever seen her using on someone.

At the extremely terrorizing statement did Philip's grip on you loosened.

You pulled away, quickly placing the drinks on the bar before hiding yourself behind your wife.

Leonora was scary, she was scaring even you; you couldn't imagine how scared must Philip feel.

She was at the verge of fuming.

Leonora pushed Philip away from both of you with her cane.  

Philip lost his balance due to the unexpected pressure and fell backwards, his back hit the bar.

Leonora kept her cane up, threatening him and forcing him to back down.

" Look at her, speak to her, touch her and you will be a dead man. " She concluded.

You frowned.

You really thought that Leonora was to kill him right on that spot.

But instead, she took your hand in hers and walked out of the huge room hosting one of the most magnificent balls you would attend that year.

Leonora led you to the bathroom.

You both got inside and the dean locked the door behind you.

Leonora was pacing around the bathroom as you tried your best to clean your dress.

" How dare he. " Leonora said angrily.

You knew that she wasn't talking to you, or anyone in particular; she was used in cursing other people out loud.

You sighed when you finally gave up.

Your dress was ruined.

Your favorite dress was ruined.

Generally speaking,  you loved all of your clothes.

And having just experienced the ruining of one of your favorites... it was as if you forced Lesso to watch a fire destroying her beloved Doom Room.

Leonora turned to look at you.

Your eyes were looking down at your dress with the saddest facial expression she has ever seen in your face.

" We can have another tailored for you. We can order for it to be exactly like this one. " Lesso assured you approaching you.

You looked up at her. Your teary eyes locked with your wife's. " You mean it ? "

Leonora placed her hands on your shoulders in an attempt to calm you down. " Of course. "

You took a shaky breath. " So... you are not disgusted by me, right ? Or my love for clothes ? "

The woman frowned. Her hand snaked on your cheek.

The never connected your foreheads. " I know that... we weren't given a choice, but that doesn't mean that we can't give it a try. "

You stopped breathing for some moments, replaying and processing her words in your mind.

Then, out of the blue, you wrapped your hands around her neck.

You pressed your lips against hers.

Leonora reciprocated your kiss with no hesitation.

The two of you kissed like it was the last time you would ever get the chance to do that.

When you pulled away to breathe, you rested your head on her shoulder.

Leonora's hands, which had found their way around your back, tightened around you, pushing your body against hers.

" Can we go home, now ? I can't present myself with a dress in this condition. " You caressed her cheek with your nose and kissed her cheek.

Leonora smirked down at you. " Can't wait to go to bed, do you ? "

You raised an eyebrow not understanding what she meant. " No, I just don't want to be seen like that. "

Leonora rolled her eyes playfully. " Darling. " 

The woman smiled at you thinking that your naivety was extremely cute.

How easily could someone manipulate you...

Not on her watch.

" People don't only use beds for sleeping, princess. " The dean winked at you.

Your eyes widened and a blush appeared in your cheeks after finally realizing what she meant.

" Ummmm. You gonna be soft, right ? " You asked her.

Leonora bited her lower lip in order to contain the smirk which was to form on her lips.

" Right ? "

[bellarkeselection]

Kingslayer Prisoner pt 3

Part 1

Part 2

Jaime and Y/n finish their conversation in his tent and they get closer than they thought they would

If things weren't already complicated enough with me being a Tully who just lost her family and Jaime being the Lannister that caused it. No now I was standing in front of the man trying to stop my hands from shaking before I made an attempt to close the wound. To top it all off the golden lion was shirtless in front of me and I could feel my face was hot meaning I was a blushing mess before his green eyes. “Jaime…I…I don’t know what to say. I’ve never even kissed anyone until the other night. I don’t know what I feel for you…argh seven hells!”

“But you do feel something for me though. I’m not wrong about that am I Y/n?” He lifted his head slightly upward meeting my blue gaze. He reached for with his real hand wrapping his fingers around the needle causing me to drop the blade onto the floor.

Jaime gently tugged me forward where I stumbled over my own boots straight onto his lap. “Jaime - Woah. Maybe I do but I don’t really know what to do with something like that.” I shook my head at him with my hands resting on his shoulders so I didn’t fall of his lap, not like he would let me hit the hard dirt ground.

The golden lion slowly raises his real hand up to cradle my cheek in his palm. He leans forward closing the gap slowly but what caught me off guard was the fact that he was kissing me. “Typically this happens, Tully girl.” I gasped taken back by his forewordness. But something inside me decided to not fight against the feeling immediately yet I rather wrapped my arms around his neck kissing him back as best as I could since I wasn't sure if I was doing it right.

"Am I doing this the wrong way. I mean you're with your sister. And I was just disowned by my uncle and all...mmm." I moaned into another kiss when Jaime crashed his lips back onto mine and I couldn't fight back om how good it felt to kiss him.

Everyone in the seven kingdoms knew who this man was now. Everyone knew that he broke his vow and killed the Mad King. That he slept with his sister. To create three bastard children that everyone thought were Robert Bartheon's. "I'm not thinking about my sister. I haven’t been able to think about my sister since I got to meet you. You've consumed my every thought, Y/n Tully."

“What are we supposed to do with this then. You’re a Kingsguard and I am the abandoned niece of Brynden Tully. We can’t just go running off together like in the takes of royalty can we?” I drew back searching hus eyes for any hesitation knowing that he was probably playing with me since most didn’t trust any Lannister.

Quickly I attempted to move off of his lap yet he only tightened his arms around my waist keeping me closer to him. “We could run away, Y/n. My lord father is gone and that means that I could be in charge of his house.”

“But what about your vow to the Kingsguard for life. To take no wife, hold no lands and father no children. You’d break a vow to be with me a girl you know nothing about.” Pushing my hands against his chest I tried to put distance between us somehow.

Jaime blurted out where I stiffened my back while he spoke. "I've already broken so many vows. I don’t care what people say of me anymore. Not if it gives me the chance to spend my life with you. So what do you say, will you become Lady Lannister. Will you be with me?"

Staring at the lion holding me close to him my heart was beating against my chest. I was always confident compared to most young girls who would see his handsome face. “Yes…yes Jaime. If you wish to run from your sister. I will run with you.” I mumbled out blushing longingly at him moving my hands to rest on his shoulders to steady myself.

“Can I kiss you now cause I’m not good with words for long.” He asked me moving his real hand back up to cradle my face in his palm.

“You may.” I nodded simply with a childish smile.

Without much of a warning Jaime Lannister crashed his lips onto mine deeply and I fling my arms around his neck kissing him back. Our bodies were pressed together as much as we possibly could. He had his golden hand on my lower back with his other running through my auburn hair until we needed air. “I would have never become a Kingsguard if I knew I would get to marry you, Y/n.” He declares through a raspy voice focusing his bright green eyes on me.

Once I had caught my breath I moved my hands underneath my tunic shirt removing it and my trousers before I pressed my lions back onto his. The Lion immediately kissed back where he picked me up never breaking the kiss. He walked towards the bed and dropped me down to the bed. My back hit the soft silk sheets before I rose up from the bed staring at him softly. “I don’t know what to do. My sisters each had different opinions of how this is supposed to feel…”

“And how did they describe it, hmm?” He brought my fingers to his lips, kissing them softly for a moment before releasing them.

“Cat said that it will hurt at first but then after that you will learn to enjoy it. And Lysa says that it's like someone is trying to break you. I’m not really sure which one of them I should believe.” I wrapped my arms around myself watching him when he climbed off the bed standing before me.

Jaime shifted his gaze downward over my entire body. Moving my fingers down I searched for something to grab onto so I was used to being able to calm myself down by archery practice or with a sword. But right now I didn’t have much of a choice. “If you want to know what this will be like I’ll tell you this. It’s uncomfortable and they’re will be pain like you’ve taken a hit from a sword. But I’ll do my best to make it enjoyable for you.”

“I trust you, Jaime. I owe you my life and my heart after all.” I grinned up at the golden lion wrapping my hands around his neck drawing him in for another kiss before our bodies became one. Both of us moaning and kissing like crazy until we reached our end point. Jaime laid down beside me when we got underneath the covers holding each other. “I guess it wasn’t so bad I became your prisoner.”

He kissed the crown of my head squeezing me against his warm chest smiling down at me seeing my eyes slowly close and we both drifted off to sleep for the night. “I’d take you prisoner again if it means I get to call you mine.”

Comments really appreciated ❤️ Tag list - @makeshift-prime @rosie-posie08 @lover-of-books-and-tea

[kristeristerin]

For the Bingo, Soulmates prompt and Tarquin x reader please, thank you and have a great day!

AN - Hello my dear! Thank you for making this request! Tarquin is always so fun to write. I hope you like this! <3

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

The first time you referred to him as your soulmate Tarquin’s eyes widened. The two of you were on his pleasure barge and everyone else had coupled off for the evening leaving just the two of you on the deck.

“Oh, I didn’t mean romantically, Tarquin,” you gave him a soft smile, “I only meant that you’re my best friend and I couldn’t imagine my life without your warmth in it.”

He let out the breath he’d been holding and grinned broadly at you. “Of course! You’re my best friend as well.”

*********************************************

The second time you referred to him as your soulmate was the night the two of you attended Rhyand and Feyre’s Starfall party. You watched fascinated as the lights streaked across the sky. When you turned to face him he was already watching you. The heat of his gaze caused your cheeks to flush.

“You know, they say the lights are the souls of those who have passed moving across the sky in search of their mate in the afterlife. I think that’ll be me looking for you one day.”

Tarquin was quiet for a moment before pulling you close to his side. “I hope that doesn’t happen for a very long time.”

*********************************************

The Third time you referred to him as your soulmate was the night the mating bond snapped into place for the two of you. You watched him wide-eyed as he gently rubbed his chest before crossing the room and sweeping you into his arms. When the two of you broke the kiss he put his forehead against yours and stared at you breathlessly.

“I always knew you were mine,” you raised a hand to cup his cheek, “I’ve known it in my soul since we met that you were mine and I was yours. Soulmate.”

His answering smile was enough to bring tears to your eyes. “So you did.”

*********************************************

The first time Tarquin referred to you as his soulmate was during your mating ceremony. The temple in Adriata was packed full of your family and friends, but you couldn’t take your eyes off of the male in front of you. The priestess spoke her words and then gestured for Tarquin to speak the vows he’d prepared.

“The first time you told me I was your soulmate I panicked. I couldn’t imagine a world where such a perfect female could see herself tethered to me for the rest of her life. You were right though, you’re my soulmate and I intend to spend the remainder of our days proving to you that I am worthy of the gift. I have loved you for many years, and I will love you for centuries to come.”

You wiped the tears from your eyes as you stared up into your mate’s smiling face. “Forever, my love. My soulmate.”

[mediocre-writerr]

Hello, I have a Jennifer Jareau X fem reader request.

An unsub has a hostage and they're standing on a frozen lake and reader being the daredevil that she is, follows the unsub onto the ice. But, the ice starts to crack and the unsub pushes the victim into the water and reader jumps in after them, saving them. (Derek has to break the ice to get them out, JJ is Rs fiance.)

midnight rain [jennifer jareau]

jennifer jareau x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of drowning, blood, and death, angst, a couple curse words

a mediocre author's note: hey guys! it's been a long time, i've missed you, and i hope you all are well! I hope you enjoy my first piece back!

*not my gif*

This case wasn’t supposed to be like every other. Things were supposed to work out differently. But someway, somehow, life just doesn’t play out that way. 

The snow was a soft powder and yet, the contradicting sounds of the snow being crunched at the bottom of your boots told a whole different story. A slight fog surrounded you and the team causing you to lose sight of them for a split second. Yet, the cries and pleads of the young girl was like a lighthouse, leading you to her. 

“There!” JJ shouted, as she pointed out towards the middle of the winter wonderland. The unsub punches the ice from underneath him, as the blonde girl is sobbing against him. 

A bright diamond blinded your eyes, as her hand raised towards the unsub and his victim. In an environment full of white snow and icy surfaces, the diamond was still the brightest thing out there, as it matched with the one that laced on your very own finger.

A promise that you vowed to her, that one day you’d marry her and spend the rest of your life with her. Sure, the diamond was bright, but nothing shined brighter then that promise. 

You took a step forward, but was quickly pulled back, by Spencer. A loud cracking filling your ear, as he pulled you down onto the powdery ground, “They’re on the river! The ice could crack and the current will drag you under!” 

“James Ashton, put your hands up where we can see them!” Hotch yelled, his deep voice echoing through the empty forest, “That girl you have in your arms right now, her name is Dakota Winchester. She is not your sister. She is not the one who killed your brother. Your sister is dead. She has been dead for the last two years. Now let her go,” 

“You’re lying!” he shouted back.

Emily shook her head, “We’re not, if you come back over here and bring Dakota with you safely, we’ll show you the evidence,” 

The 22 year old man stood there, blankly staring. All of you held your breath, the punching stop, and he took one step back to stable land. But in a blink of an eye, Dakota was plummeting into the depths of the freezing river, as James ran towards the other side of the river, and onto safer land. 

“No!” you screamed, and you took off running towards the middle of the river. 

“Y/N!” Hotch screamed. He let out a frustrated sigh as he turned towards the rest of the team, “Emily, Spencer, JJ, we need to follow James now. Derek,”

“Already on it!” Morgan responded, carefully following you onto the thin ice.

The blonde profiler shook her head, “I am not leaving here,” 

“JJ-” 

“Hotch, I am not going,” her voice was sterner than ever as her bright blue eyes stared at your figure running defensively towards the little hole in the middle of the river. And without a reply she followed you and Derek.

You stumbled along the ice, falling against the snow that laced along it. Your navy blue windbreaker stained a new white as you stared into the break of the river, “The current must’ve taken her,” you whispered to yourself. 

Your eyes wandered over the thin ice, in desperate search of the blonde girl. Her pale hand was shining bright against the transparent ice. Raising your right hand, you started punching the ice, letting out a groan as it collided with the rock solid ice. The blue and white surface was now stained red as your fist continued to collide with the ice.

“Y/L/N! What the hell are you doing?!” Derek’s voice echoed, and you could feel him getting closer, but all you could focus on was her. 

“C’mon, c’mon, c’mon,” you whispered over and over again. 

You lifted both of your hands up in the air as you started pounding harder and harder against the ice, your knuckles no longer hurting, but rather feeling numb. The ice finally broke and you saw the piercing blue of her eyes slowly start to lose its life. Her body slowly sinking deeper and deeper.

“Fuck it,” you whispered. 

Standing up, you took a deep breath, looking at JJ’s figure running towards you. A soft smile formed onto your face before you dived into the river at the girl, “No!” JJ screamed. 

The adrenaline that was coursing through your body was keeping you warm, as you swam after her. You were finally face to face with the blonde. The victim that reminded you all too well of the girl you are or well who you were trying not to be anymore. 

She was from the same wasteland town. A town full of beauty pageants and big pretenders. To some people it was paradise, but to you, to her, that town was a cage. A cage that kept you captive when all you wanted to do was be free. Some people thought of people like you and her as a daredevil, when in reality, you were just two girls wanting to make a name for yourself other than being trapped there. Sometimes you outgrow that mindset, once you get out, but you…you could never escape it. 

Your arms wrapped securely around the girl as you started swimming upwards. Derek’s hand reached out towards the icy water as he noticed you coming back towards them. His strong grip wrapped around Dakota's arms, pulling her out of the water. Just when you thought it was finally over, the current took you away. 

Burning. That was all you started to feel. The way your skin was on fire as your arms, legs, and lungs all fought to keep you alive. But the numbness was settling in. You didn’t want to fight anymore. You couldn’t fight anymore. 

JJ started flooding your mind, as the water started flooding your lungs, and a ringing started to fill your ears.

“Jennifer Jareau,” you took a deep breath trying to keep your voice from wavering, “I remember one day we were walking around New York City after one of our cases, and we stumbled across a penny. I told you that it wasn’t lucky because it wasn’t heads up. But you leaned down and you flipped it over and said,  ‘Now someone else can have good luck.’ From that moment on, I thought about that simple sentence over and over again, and I thought at that moment that I was that lucky person because that was the moment I realized how much I truly loved you. I love you more than anything and anyone and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So if you allow me, would you do me the greatest honor and spend the rest of your life with me?” 

A new shade of blue filled her eyes, a shade of blue that you vowed to never put on her face, but rather to comfort her instead, “Yes, of course I will,” she whispered back, “But you need to promise me one more thing,”

You let out a soft chuckle, “What’s a bigger promise than spending the rest of my life with you?”

“You’re a hero, Y/N. That’s one of the many things I love about you. But I want a family. I want someone who will stand by my side through thick and thin and put us first. No more running into danger. Just be with me,” she whispered. 

Taking her hands, kissing the top of them softly, “I promise,”

From the moments your lips touched, a montage flashed in your head. Picture perfect, shiny family. There would be big holidays, peppermint candy, the picture perfect family postcard. But for JJ that would be everyday. 

Maybe that’s why you were sitting here, currently drowning in the middle of the river. Maybe it’s karma. Making a promise to JJ that you don’t know how to keep. How to not be a daredevil and how to just be a bride. But maybe just maybe Derek will come and he’ll break through the ice and save you.

But Derek isn’t coming. No one’s coming. Your limbs are losing. Taking in a deep breath as the water closes in around you. Maybe now JJ could finally have the love she deserves. A cloud of darkness fills your vision and everything starts to get further and further away. 

The ringing in your ears started to slowly fade away, as a constant sound of beeping filled it. Your eyes were met with a bright light, but it wasn’t the snow, but rather a hospital light. 

“Hey,” JJ whispered from right next to you. 

“Hi,” you whispered back, “Is Dakota-?”

Your fiance nods, “She’s okay without you, she wouldn’t be here right now,” you smile to yourself softly, but you could feel the tension hang over you, like a fog over a small city.

Reaching over weakly, you squeeze JJ’s hand, “You can say it, whatever’s on your mind, you can say it,” 

“I love you,” she whispers, the shade of blue that you never wanted to cause form in her eyes was now there, “And I thought I almost lost you today. You were being reckless again, after you promised me you wouldn’t. I can’t think about us and our future, when all I can think about is how one day I’d come home from work and I’d have to tell our kids that mom’s not coming home because she ran towards the danger,” her voice cracked.

You could feel your own tears stinging your eyes and you knew it was coming. You were just waiting for the other foot to drop, “Now? I don’t even know if there will be a future for us. Or even if I even want us, anymore. I just need time to stop and think about it, okay? I’m taking a break from the BAU for a little bit, Hotch already approved,” JJ looked at her left hand, carefully sliding off the ring, and placing it on the tray next to you. 

Her warm hands cupped your still cold cheeks, wiping the tears that you didn’t even know had fallen. The blonde’s lips lit up a warmth inside you that was so desperately trying to be lit up again. 

“I love you,” you whisper to her. 

“And I love you. Maybe another time. Or another life,” she whispered back. 

Then with one last look she was out the door. You let out a shaky breath as the tears continued to fall, like midnight rain. Your eyes glanced down to the ring on your own finger, but it was just the silver band. The diamond was nowhere to be seen. It was lost, just like the promise you made to her, and just like the life you gave away.

“JJ?” Derek’s voice broke her out of her trance. His hands stained the same crimson red that yours had, as he punched the ice to save you. The blonde just hummed in response, her eyes resting on the paramedics wheeling you towards the ambulance, “I found this on the ice. I think it came from Y/N’s ring when she was punching through the ice. I thought you might want it. I know a guy who could fix the ring for you,” 

He handed her the bright diamond that once laid on your finger. Her fingers held onto the diamond, like her life depended on it, but she knew. She knew deep down that the ring would never be the same again, “It’s okay Derek, we can’t fix this,”

[strangerthingsstuff4]

A Darling among Dragons- Part Five

Warning- Swearing, Sexual references, Mentions of Violence and SMUT SMUT SMUT!!!

‘One flesh, one heart, one soul now and forever’

With the coppery taste of her brother’s blood seeping into her mouth, Raenerys spoke her vows in unison with Aemond. Their hands had been cut and their life liquid smeared across one another’s forehead and mouth. The two were in the midst of their wedding, Aemond dressed in his best leather tunic and Raenerys in the heavy white gown. Their lips connected to announce their union to the small group of on lookers that had joined them in the small clearing off the king’s wood. The kiss was strange, his lips a foreign feeling against hers. Raenerys had never kissed her betrothed before, always opting for spending her time smooching with their older brother Aegon. Although he was not a bad kisser, his lips were soft, and he was firm enough with her, but he could not compare.

Aegon had been in horrid mood all morning. It had been his turn to beg her to run with him instead of marrying their brother, but before she could even move to grab a cloak to leave, Ser Arryk had come searching for the prince, having been ordered to follow his every move for the last week he had not been able to go anywhere unnoticed. His stomach churned as he watched Aemond kiss her, kiss what was his.

‘Blue scale, pink scale, blue scale, pink scale’ His wife mumbled to herself as she smiled looking on at the new couple.

Aegon’s foul mood followed him back to the castle and to the feast. He sat bearing a grimace the entire night, staring down at all the lords and ladies of the court. The wedding had been a small affair. The king had demanded a traditional Targaryen wedding for his youngest two children, there had been no guests other than those who resided in kings landing. No lords or ladies had travelled to see them wed, nor did they care. Aemond and Raenerys were the second son and daughter of Queen Alicent, they would never be heirs, they were just there. But she was everything to him, she was Aegon’s world, and he would curse his mother and father to selling her off too that fool.

As Aegon swallowed another cup, Raenerys sat on the other side of their father, next to her husband. All the lords and ladies had approached the table and offered their congratulations, more to the king than to them but she did not care. Her mind was solely fixed on what was to happen when the feast ended. She was to lose her maidenhood to Aemond, he who had also taken his sisters virginity. It was not worth the risk of her to save herself for Aegon, her mother had assured her that she was going to have her inspected by the maester, to ensure that she had been penetrated and filled.

Raenerys was pulled from her thoughts of what she had always imagined her wedding night to be, with Aegon, by her husband standing and offering her his hand to dance. She complied and followed his from the table and into the centre of the room. The joyful tune began and so did the dancing, the couple moved gracefully around the room, and they smiled, as a couple of newlyweds should.

‘We will take our leave soon my wife, return to our chambers and… well, just keep smiling and I promise it will be over soon’ Aemond reassured her, looking into her disheartened eyes.

‘I fear I will not be what you have been expecting of me this evening husband’ Raenerys mumbled back as more couples joined them in the choreographed dance.

‘I am sure you will do your duty to me tonight and I will do mine to you’ he said as gentlemanly as Aemond always was.

They parted ways as they switched partners as was planned with their wedding dance. Aemond off with some lady she did not care to know while she gripped the hand and shoulder of Tyland Lannister, the kings master of coin. His big hands rested a little too lowly on her waist, but she would only be with him a few moments, before being stolen off by some other lord.

‘My congratulations for your nuptial’s princess’

‘Thank you ser’ Raenerys replied, refusing to lay her eyes on the face of anyone.

‘I’m sure you will come to love your husband; I mean he does have a look of your eldest brother’ He quipped before releasing her grip and moving onto his next dance partner.

She was stunned, had he really just spoken so rashly to her? Was her desire for her brother so obvious? Raenerys could not take her eyes off the lord of Lannister’s as she moved her feet to flow with her new partner, some lord of wherever. She could not comprehend what had just happened, she was a princess of the seven kingdoms, and he was some lord that served her father! She could have his head for such a thing.

Before she knew it Raenerys was swept from her partner into a pair of familiar arms. He came out of nowhere, stealing her hands and turning with her. Aegon’s hands went straight to her face and pulled her forehead to his as they continued dancing. Raenerys was positive he had only just the festivities to steal her away, Aegon did not dance, not even on his own wedding day.

‘Aeg-‘

‘You are not to fuck him’ he interrupted.

‘Aegon, you know I must, mother will beat me to death if I do not bleed tonight’ She sighed back at him, grabbing onto his forearms like her life depended on it.

‘Kostilus’ (Please) Aegon begged.

Both had closed their eyes and fought the strong urge to taste each other, to inhale the others breath and saliva. It would not bode well for them to express their passion in front of all the onlookers at the feast.

‘Avy jorraelan’ (I love you) Raenerys whispered before she was ripped out of Aegon’s grip.

Aemond pulled his wife to stand behind him as he stepped towards his brother, towering over him.

‘Father is watching! You may be content to publicly shame your wife, but you will not do the same with mine!’ Aemond spat, quiet enough to not catch the attention of the people that surrounded them.

‘I am the one she wants’ Aegon growled, trying to take a step back towards where she stood holding Aemond’s arm, in an attempt to calm his growing anger.

‘And I am the one she was given! Now return to your seat before your head happens to fall from your neck’

Aemond had placed his hand on his brother’s chest, stopping him from coming in grabbing distance of his new wife. Two different tones of purple iris’ met as they stared each other down. The height difference that the younger of the two held favoured him greatly in intimidating his sibling. Aegon bit back a retort and quickly spun on his heel, pushing through lords and ladies, disappearing from sight and from the throne room.

Raenerys did not receive a word from her husband as he escorted her back to her seat at the head of the table, nor did she get a word from him as she spent the rest of the night staring longingly at the big heavy doors that separated her and Aegon, wherever he had disappeared to. She did not get a word out of Aemond until it was time for them to retire to their shared quarters. With a firm grip on her hand, she was led through the corridors by her husband, the nerves of what was to come, eating away at her. Raenerys struggled to keep up with Aemond’s big strides, the noise of the continuing partiers fading gradually as they quickly moved further away and deeper into the red keep.

‘My prince, my princess’ The knights on guard of their apartments greeted them as they came into view.

‘I wish to have some privacy with my wife, you are dismissed’ Aemond insisted without even stopping his stride.

Once in their quarters with the doors closed behind them, Aemond let out a big sigh. Whether it was out of relief or frustration she could not tell. Raenerys watched in anticipation as her husband walked over to their now shared four poster bed and pulled back the drape.

 ‘You and Aegon are never going to have a moment alone if you both continue to be so reckless with each other’ he stated while continuing to feel the stones on the wall.

‘It has been a difficult day for us both, Aemond what on earth are you doing?’ she questioned confused as she watched him move past her to the other side of the bed.

‘Father will have us both shipped off to Dragonstone if you do not become more discreet dear sister, which I assure you neither off us wants’ He continued as he began knocking on the wall.

‘Mother would not allow him to send us to that godless pit, besides father does not care as long as we are not humping in the court’ She grumbled, reserving herself to remove the heavy jewels that sat around her neck and turned to place them gently on her dresser, ignoring the heavy rumble that sounded behind her from where Aemond messed with the wall.

‘That sounds like fun’ his echoing voice hit her ears like the sweetest song.

Raenerys lifted her head and spun to be blessed with the sight of her eldest brother, climbing through an entrance that had appeared out of no where in the wall. Aegon smiled gently at her while she looked back, shocked.

‘I would not wish to take you for the first time, this may not be the pairing either of us wanted but I do care for you, and this can be a happy marriage… as long as we are discreet’ Aemond reassured her before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

‘Be gentle with her’ he warned Aegon before climbing into the gap in the wall himself and pulling the slab off brick work back into its place.

It was merely seconds before Aegon crossed the room and captured her lips with his. The kiss was heavy, passionate and needy.

‘I was so scared I was to do this without you’ she breathed between kisses.

Aegon’s hands moved to her hips and gently led her backwards until the back of her knees hit the side of the soft mattress. His movements completely destabilised her, allowing him to turn her way from his with ease. Removing his dagger from its sheath on his hip, he was too impatient to unlace her bodice, so he took to sliding his blade up through the lace that was holding the tight corset up around her chest. He moved his attack to her neck and shoulders as she slipped out of the sleeve and the fabric slipped off her body, leaving her in the partly translucent silk underdress she had chosen to wear, mainly for the satisfaction of her husband but Aegon enjoyed it just as much. Seeing her nipples peek through the fabric sent a wave of emotion through him that he knew he couldn’t contain any longer.

‘After we are done tonight you are going to have a taste for no other cock but mine sweet sister, you will have a thirst for me as I do you’ Aegon growled into her ear as he lightly bit her lobe.

Raenerys inhaled sharply at his words and his breath on her neck. She pushed her behind into him and pushed out her chest as a glorious shiver took over her entire body. His hands wandered her bound while his lips sucked a bruise into the nape of her neck. He knew he shouldn’t, but he was thinking only of the way her eyes would look nervously to him when their mother or father asked her of her marital bedding. He drew a soft moan out of her, she was leaning into his begging for more of him, more of his delicious touch.

She turned to face him once again and began removing his tunic. Her own mouth now found his, nibbling on his lip lightly and allowing his tongue to enter her mouth and maintain dominance while she undressed him.

‘I already have that thirst, I have had that thirst for many a moon now my love’ Raenerys smirked playfully, helping him out of his tunic and under shirt.

Once free from his constricting clothing, Aegon’s lips kissed any patch of skin he could find. He pulls her flush against him, needing to feel her against him. Her skin hot and soft. Raenerys breathed heavily, dizzy off the pleasure he was causing to pulse through her. They continued to undress each other, Aegon bunched up the silk underdress that was covering her modesty and lifted it over her head leaving her bare.

She was beautiful.

Every curve, every crease, he could drink it all up. He reluctantly removed his eyes from her body to watch as she untied his breeches. His erection was evident through the fabric but that did not prepare Raenerys to see it uncovered for the first time. She was slightly taken back at the sight of her brother’s manhood slapping up against his stomach after being release from his trousers. It was redder than she had expected, and shinier.  

‘Do not be alarmed, I will be gentle’ Aegon soothed, pulling her against him once again and kissing her, gentler this time.

‘How do you want it?’ he questioned lovingly.

Raenerys searched his eyes for any hint of wanting, trying to find out if there was a correct answer, she was supposed to give him to make him happy. She found nothing but pure curiosity and devotion. She lifted her hand and tucked a stray lock behind his ear and out of his face.

‘I would look upon you, if it pleases you’ she mumbled gently.

Aegon gently nodded his head towards the bed, signalling her to climb up. He helps her onto the soft mattress, climbing over her as she shuffled herself to the centre. Aegon settled himself between her legs, spreading them a little further to allow himself a proper look at her. She was visibly wet, her folds glistening with her arousal for him.  His cock, pulsing and begging to be buried inside her, sat seeping droplets of his seed onto his stomach while he used his pointer and index finger and ran them through her folds, collecting her juices and spreading them over himself as a form of extra lubrication.

‘Aegon please, I have waited long enough’ Raenerys whined, arching her back a little trying to catch more of her brother’s teasing touch.

‘Are you sure? I do not wish to hurt you’ He worried, slipping a single finger into her opening.

‘I’m ready’

Still a little hesitant, Aegon lay over her and placed his tip at her entrance. A soft kiss was shared between them as he slowly pressed himself into her, clenching his eyes shut as her hands flew to his hips, pressing against them slightly. He quickly searched her face for a sign, anything that was telling him to stop but despite her scrunched up nose and worried eyes, Raenerys nodded her head. So he continued slowly. His arms were bent either side of her head, his hands stroking her soft hair in encouragement to take him.

‘Ahh’ Raenerys whimpered when his head popped into her fully, stretching her out at his full girth now.

Aegon wanted to tell her soothing words and encourage her but he struggled keeping his satisfaction silent. At long last he had her wrapped around his and she felt better than he could have ever imagined. She was tight but not so much to strangle him. She was slick and warm, whether that was with her arousal or her virgin blood he did not care, she felt glorious. Raenerys nails digging into the skin on his bare hips pulled him back to reality, continuing to push into her Aegon bottomed out. His entire manhood was enclosed within her, and he could not help the gravelly moan that he released at the feel of her unintentionally clenching around him.

‘I-I… I’m going to s-start rocking now, okay?’ he struggled to get out.

‘Okay’ Raenerys sniffled, her eyes having filled with tears at the stinging pain that throbbed from between her legs.

She took a deep breath preparing herself for the pain of his movement. The stinging stabbed at her again when he began to remove himself from her slowly and then sink himself back in. The mixture of her wetness and blood made it easy for him to slide in and out of her. Raenerys’ hands moved from pressing his hips away from her and moved to holding onto his back, her legs had begun to drop further apart as she grew accustomed to the invasion of her womanhood.

‘You… you can speed up’ She muttered nervously; her face flushed red with a slight embarrassment of asking his to fuck her faster.

Her brother obliged happily and picked up his pace in thrusting into her, small moans and grunts fell from his mouth more freely now as they joined the small whines that she was allowing to float into the otherwise silent room.

Aegon moved his face down and enveloped her left nipple in his mouth, he relished in the gasp that fell from her already open mouth and the way she arched her back, pushing her breasts further into him. One of his hands found her waist while the other continued to hold him up above her. The slap of skin on skin now filled the room as Aegon took it upon himself to harden his force into her, watching her flesh ripple as it rebounded off him made him roll his eyes into the back of his head.

It was a sight that she could happily get used to, her lover ploughing into her, his face overtaken with pleasure. She loved the way his plump lips had parted slightly, and his eyes were closed, the deep moans that he graced her ears with. The pleasure was muted slightly with the pain that still resided between her legs, but it was still there, her whole body felt as though it was a light with the brightest fire. Aegon hiked one of her legs over his hip and drove himself into her faster and harder, it was uncomfortable more than it was enjoyable, but she was not about to tell him that. They had both wanted this for so long but Aegon more so, she knew he had dreamt of it from the way he would moan her name and grind himself against her on the nights he shared her bed.

‘I’m goin- fuck’ Aegon groaned loudly as he faltered in his thrusts.

Raenerys was unsure of what was happening, his hips were flush against her, his cock was twitching inside of her, and his hands were digging into her skin so hard, they were sure to leave marks. Her chest heaved as she breathed heavily, watching him reach his high was something she never knew she needed to witness. His short silver locks stuck to his forehead with sweat, he dropped himself onto her. She held him while they both calmed, ran her fingertips over his sweat slicked back and through his hair.

After a few moments of silence, Aegon lifted his head and connected his lips to hers. It was a kiss no longer full of passion but swimming with love and care for the amazing woman that had allowed him to deflower her, taken his seed and his heart. Pulling his lips away he pressed his forehead against hers, his hands gripping her body tighter.

‘You are mine, from this day until the end of my day’ Aegon mumbled quietly

[runnning-outof-time]

For your celebration can I request a blurb using “It’s too early…stay in bed” and “There was no reason behind that. I just wanted to kiss you” with Tommy? Congrats on 1k!

Thanks for sending this! ☺️💕 I hope you like how it turned out!

*I’m Celebrating 1K Followers...thanks for the love!

Good Morning, Beautiful

(Gif by @tatianapetrovna)

Warnings: none

This starts on a sunny morning after one of the most important days in (Y/N) and Tommy’s lives.

The gentle morning sun causes (Y/N)’s eyes flutter open. She feels the warmth of it first, and it’s quickly followed by the warmth of the arm that’s around her. She looks around the room first before her eyes move to focus on the man sleeping to her left. The man who was now her husband. For once in his life he looked peaceful, and was sleeping with a slight smile on his face. She curls in closer to him, her hand slowly moving down the side of his jaw.

Tommy feels her fingers on his skin, and it makes him open his eyes and turn slightly to look at the woman that was laying next to him. “Good morning, beautiful,” he rasps, his voice hoarse from not speaking in a while.

“Morning, Tommy,” (Y/N) smiles softly as her eyes meet his blue ones for a moment. “Where are we?”

Tommy chuckles at her question. “We got ourselves a hotel room, love. You said that if we went back to Watery Lane that you’d tell everyone you saw,” he informs her.

“I did say that didn’t I?” she questions, laughing softly as Tommy nods his head the best he could with it against a pillow. It becomes quiet between the two as she caresses his cheek again, her eyes hooked onto his. “Can you believe that we actually got married?” she asks him then, her voice just above a whisper.

“I can,” he says, the side of his lips quirking up into a smile. “Did it the exact same way we did when we were younger,” he calls to mind the exact details of their nuptials: how they went to Charlie’s yard on a whim after calling Jeremiah over, and said their vows to each other inside the horse stables as Charlie and Curly watched on....which was the exact same thing they did when they were just 11 and 12, and were planning on taking over the world together...just this time it was legal.

“Yeah, but this time it’s real,” she points out, saying the last word in an exaggerated whisper, making Tommy chuckle yet again.

“It is,” Tommy grins as he brushes his forehead against hers, his hand holding onto her shoulder tightly. They share a short kiss, and there’s smiles on both of their faces when they pull away.

“We still need to tell our families,” (Y/N) says then as she searches Tommy’s eyes. She can’t believe that she’s allowed to get lost in those oceans for the rest of her life.

“We do.”

“What’s with you and your short responses?” she teasingly questions him, brushing her nose against his.

“Just wanna spend some time with me wife curled up next to me,” he tells her, his response making her heart flutter.

“We should at least go tell Polly and your brothers,” (Y/N) says after a few minutes pass. She moves in the bed then so that she was practically sitting up next to Tommy.

“It’s too early...” Tommy trails off with a groan as he tries to get her to lay back down with him, “stay in bed.”

“Tommy,” the word begins as a groan, but it quickly turns into giggles as he was able to pull her on top of him, their bodies pressed together as their lips met in a slow, passionate kiss. “Tommy...” she tries his name again as his lips leave hers to trail down the skin of her neck.

“Stay. In. Bed. With. Me,” he says, accentuating each word with a kiss. (Y/N)’s a fit of giggles as she manages to grab hold of his face and hold him still so that he’d look at her.

She smiles then as she lowers her face as close to his as possible. “Let’s. Go. Tell. Everyone. We’re. Married,” she mimicks Tommy’s actions, kissing his lips between each word she says. She finishes her sentence off with a longer, deeper kiss and she runs her thumb along his bottom lip when she pulls away. “There was no reason behind that...I just wanted to kiss you again,” she tells him, making him chuckle as he looks up at her with an immense amount of adoration in his eyes.

“We’ll tell them later,” Tommy wagers as he reaches up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, “stay in bed with me.”

(Y/N) searches his eyes again, making him hold his breath in wait for her answer for a few more moments before a smile breaks onto her face. “I’ll stay in bed with you,” she tells him as she slots back into his side and drapes her arm over his bare chest. ���It wasn’t that hard of a decision...I could use a few more hours of sleep,” she says as she tucks her head into his shoulder.

“Who said anything about us getting sleep, love?” Tommy’s grin is evident through his words, and it makes another round of butterfies erupt in (Y/N)’s stomach.

[undreaming-fanfiction]

With This Ring (10)

Chapter 9 here, Ao3 here

Jason Carver was anything but happy about the recent developments.

It wasn’t that he didn’t find Nancy Wheeler attractive, of course not. She was beautiful, polite and crazy smart. Jason respected her, even if she was a bit too headstrong for his liking. Anyone would be thrilled to marry her. 

But no matter how perfect she was, she wasn’t Chrissy Cunningham.

Jason begged his parents for more time. “I'm not ready to give up on her yet,” he told them. The investigation wasn’t closed, there were still leads to follow, he was sure of that! Just let him talk to Chief Hopper, give him one last chance! 

But his parents sat him down and no matter how many words they said, they always boiled down to the same answer - no. His mother gently took hold of his hand and told him, “you need to face the truth, Jason. Chrissy Cunningham is gone. You can’t spend the rest of your life chasing a ghost.”

He would have loved to tell her that as long as there was no body found, there was still hope. But it had been a year, and despite his desperate persistence, Jason was starting to feel the truth creep up on him. That Chrissy Cunningham was lost to him forever.

Maybe that realization was what made him say yes in the end. He was so tired of it all, the questioning, following leads, chasing the Hawkins PD for answers they didn’t have. If Eddie Munson had still been around, Jason would force him to spill everything he knew. But that ship had long sailed. Instead, Jason was trapped in a constant cycle of regret and misery.

Maybe it was time to let go. He did everything he could, searched every corner of Hawkins. Maybe his mother was right, and he deserved his happy ending. As happy as it could be.

He vowed to do right by Nancy. This was his second chance, his redemption for failing Chrissy. He bore no ill will towards Harrington, but he knew all too well how much it hurt to lose his partner so shortly before the wedding.

He opened his wallet and took out a small photograph, its edges frayed from constant touches, words it couldn’t hear. It was Chrissy in her cheerleading outfit on the day Jason’s team won their championship game. She was smiling without a single care in the world. There was a reason why Jason kept using this picture for all the missing posters, it showed exactly who she was. 

“I’m so sorry, Chrissy,” he whispered as he kissed the picture one last time. Slowly, he opened his desk drawer and put the picture there, to the very far back. He couldn’t bring himself to throw it away, but this was a good start.

He gave it the last wistful look before he closed the drawer and walked over to his closet. He had to find his suit and get ready for the most important day of his life.

Chapter 11 here

[dyns33]

Unknown love

Another Lord Byron x Reader. I had two versions of this story, I don’t know yet if I’ll post the second one. 

Lord Byron could have said no to his dear aunt.

He would often say no to his dear aunt when she asked him nonsense or boring things, mocking her only to be better forgiven with smiles and poems a few days later.

So when she told him about marriage, he laughed. He had scoffed.

But unfortunately, he also had to listen to her carefully when she explained to him that the family's finances were in a terrible state. They were spending way too much to keep up appearances and pay for the upkeep of the mansions, and soon they would be broke, up to their necks in debt, and unable to go on living as they wanted.

It was not suitable for a family like theirs.

Lord Byron did not care what other people thought, but he loved his daily life, he loved his comfort, his freedom, and even if his writings brought him a little money, the parties and other pleasures he offered himself made everything disappear even faster than it had happened.

A good arranged marriage was therefore the ideal solution.

He was very clear with his aunt. She might find a rich heiress, but in exchange he insisted that his loving future wife would not prevent him from continuing to follow his habits.

In short, he would offer his title and a mansion to the young girl, who could live on the estate, in another building, as a Lady, and he would stay in his house, as if he were absolutely unmarried.

His aunt thought that was a wonderful idea, since he could be extremely unpleasant when he wanted to.

After several months of searching, she found Y/N Y/L/N. 

According to her, the girl was perfect. Pretty, discreet, well brought up and educated. If he ever wanted to talk to her, he wouldn't be bored. He wasn't sure she shared his love of partying and debauchery, but after a quick chat with her father and the young girl, she had seemed smart enough to say that her husband would be free to do whatever he wanted, as long as he didn't force her to do things she didn't like.

Lord Byron signed the marriage contract, showed up at the church, read his vows and quickly kissed his new bride before returning to his business. The little time he spent with Y/N was not unpleasant, but he didn't really try to get to know her well.

It had no interest for her, really. A waste of time, and the risk of hearing a lot of criticism about the fact that he was neither a good husband nor a good man. Even if his new wife's opinion didn't matter, it was never pleasant to be insulted. His life therefore continued normally.

There were many times when he had to talk a bit with Y/N, at dinner parties they were invited to, or during important celebrations where she insisted on being by his side.

Again, Lord Byron had nothing against her. She really was as beautiful and intelligent as his aunt had said she was, and he sometimes found it sad that she ended up marrying him, but it was too late to have any regrets.

      "I have a favor to ask of you, but I'm afraid you will mock me."

      "If you want a new dress, jewelry, or another silly gift, that's fine with me."

      "No, none of that." she said shyly, lowering her eyes. "I... I had the pleasure of reading some of your writings and I... I was tempted to write myself. I would like you to read me."

This made him laugh. It was stronger than him, he couldn't help laughing, which seemed to upset his dear wife, who avoided him for the rest of the evening.

He didn't think about it afterwards, too busy preparing his new poems and having fun.

Until a new author appeared in the newspapers, then publishing some works. An anonymous author, whose identity no one knew, except perhaps the publisher who refused to give any information. An author whose writings were prodigious.

Lord Byron fell in love with these writings, and very logically, he considered that he could only love the mind that had produced them, even if he knew nothing about this person.

For months on end, he not only began to write for his unknown love, but he talked about their works to everyone and he harassed the publisher, who always refused to give him a name, even when he offered him many money, kneeling down on front of him.

One evening when he was talking about this with his friends, his wife came back.

      "I don't want to disturb you, but I was wondering if you would have some time to read this poem I wrote for you."

      "It's adorable my dear, but no. Not because I don't have time, but I'm afraid that nothing can touch me since I discovered the writings of this mysterious author. I'm afraid to be terribly critical of you in an unfair way."

      "But maybe you'll like it. Maybe... Maybe I write as well as this author."

This made him laugh again, and this time it made Y/N cry, who went back to her house.

Byron didn't think of it, like the last time.

Except that the day when the new writing of his love was to be published, there was nothing. 

Everyone thought there might have been a problem. The author could have had an accident, a family problem. They might have needed more time to finish writing. They might have had no idea, or been unhappy with what they had done.

But the days passed and there was no news. The publisher made no announcement, saying it was awaiting word on whether it could give a release date. Then he announced sadly that there would be no date, because there would be no more publication.

This was terrible news, which plunged Lord Byron into deep torment and endless depression.

Nothing had any flavor or importance anymore. He couldn't write and the few parties he organized didn't amuse him at all.

The truth came out during one of them though, as the drunken publisher that he had invited stared at him, slumped on the couch, too miserable to move.

      "You are pathetic."

      "Thank you, I know. You are no better yourself. Could you at least tell me why my love no longer writes ? If it is a personal reason, a death, an illness, I could understand. I think I I need to understand, to mourn. I really loved them."

      "You don't like her at all, otherwise she wouldn't have stopped writing !" growled the editor, emptying his glass. "She was wonderful, and you ruined everything. I'm sure her poem was perfect, but I didn't have the time to read it, she burned it ! She burned everything ! You can be proud of yourself. Men of your kind shouldn't marry such amazing women, they destroy them."

It may have been the alcohol that made the publisher say absurd things, but Lord Byron then had the terrible doubt that the author was Y/N, his dear wife, and he immediately visited her to find out for sure.

She didn't seem surprised to see him, when he never came. She was really very smart. She immediately guessed the reason for his presence.

      "I know that you know, so talk then leave. Or don't talk and leave, please."

      "I don't know what to tell you, to be honest. I didn't know... I'm an idiot. I apologize to you, I'm begging you to forgive me. Do you hate me ?"

      "If I hate anyone, it's myself. It was obvious that you weren't interested in me and I was stupid to think that would change. I never dreamed of being published, you know ? I don't care what other people think. I wanted... I just wanted your opinion. It made me so happy to hear that you liked my writings. They were for you, only for you. But when you laughed, when you refused to even imagine that I could be a good writer... It hurt me, and I couldn't do that anymore. I decided to keep myself to myself, I will not write anymore."

      "No !" he cried, falling in front of her. "I cannot live without your writings, knowing that it is my fault that the world is deprived of such wonders !"

      "All good things come to an end. But you're a writer yourself, so you can go on."

      "I don't have your talent, clearly not ! And why should good things come to an end ? It's absurd."

      "To savour them, and have beautiful memories."

      "No. No, I refuse."

      "And yet, Lord Byron, so it is. I loved you, I was happy to be your bride, I thought we would understand each other. I was wrong and now it's over. Goodbye."

Despite his tears, pleas and lamentations, Y/N went to her bedroom, leaving him alone on the living room carpet, from where he refused to move for three days. Then, tired and hungry, he finally agreed to go back to his own house, where he stayed in bed, not writing, not reading, and giving no party.

Everyone was very worried. This was not normal, for even when he was desperate or ill, Lord Byron threw at least one party a week.

To learn that his love, his divine love, was his wife, who had loved him, who had written for him, and who had lost the flame because of him, had been a real shock for the poor man.

He didn't think he could be himself again, after such a revelation. Once again, nothing was important anymore, absolutely nothing and he let himself waste away for days.

Then, as he brought her his meal, his butler placed a manuscript on his bed.

      "I don't feel like reading." muttered Lord Byron without moving.

      "Forgive me. Your wife insisted, but I can..."

      "Y/N ?! This is from Y/N ?!"

In an instant, Lord Byron was full of color, springing from his bed to pick up the manuscript and read it by the fireplace, careful not to burn the pages. In addition to the poem she had offered him to read, there were all of Y/N's writings, those she had published, and new ones, which she had never shown to anyone else.

Heart pounding, not caring about the night, the rain, his pyjamas, his bare feet, Lord Byron ran across the land that separated their two houses. Without thinking, he climbed the stairs, opened the door to his wife's bedroom, and sat down by the bed, taking her hands as she slept.

      "You have to publish all of this."

      "My god, George, what time is it ?" she asked turning her head in her pillow.

      "Too soon, or too late, I don't know. What I do know is that I love you, I love your writing and you need to publish it."

      "Right now, I have to sleep."

      "You don't understand."

      "I understand. I completely understand, I wrote all this." Y/N said looking him in the eyes. "Now, Lord Byron, go to sleep."

      "I can't ! Not after this. I need more ! The world needs more !"

      "Not now. Sleep. I know you can, for me."

Too exhausted to get up and go home, Lord Byron stared at his wife's bed for a long time, where he had never slept. Sighing, Y/N took his hand to help im up, laying him down next to her.

But he still couldn't sleep, watching her. This annoyed her a little, and when she asked him why he still wasn't sleeping, he replied that she really didn't understand.

      "Maybe not. What is wonderful for you is normal for me. And vice versa, I guess. Or almost. I cried while reading your writings, but they never prevented me from sleeping. Close your eyes."

This time he obeyed. That night was the start of something new, the couple finally settled under the same roof after a year of marriage, sharing the same bed, and starting to write together.

[tempest-sun]

Forever and for Always Chapter 9

Chapter Nine: The Reunion

A/N: Last chapter before the epilogue! As always, I hope you all enjoy <3

Words: 2,104

Warnings: Smut (unprotected p in v but reader is already pregnant but wrap it before you tap it)

Summary: Reunited at last, you and Rex spend the evening getting reacquainted with one another after months apart.

Ch. 01 - Ch. 02 - Ch. 03 - Ch. 04 - Ch. 05 - Ch. 06 - Ch. 07 - Ch. 08

“Hello Cyar’ika.”

You close your eyes. No. No. This can’t be possible. It’s just a dream. Another torment. You’ll open your eyes and he’ll be gone. Just like every morning. 

You open your eyes again. The Captain who stole your heart a lifetime ago remains in front of you. He is just like you remember, although the months he’s been ‘dead’ have deepened the lines on his face. He is still devastatingly handsome though. 

Taking a few steps forward, you reach out expecting him to disappear in a wisp of smoke. You tentatively place a trembling hand on his cheek. “Is this real?”

Rex closes his eyes leaning into your touch. His hand covers yours. “Yes, this is real. I’m here.” The warmth of his hand anchoring him to you. 

He has a faint outline of a scar on the right side of his head, only noticeable where his blonde hair hasn’t grown back. You can’t imagine what might have caused such a wound. 

Your heart pounds in your chest at the thought of what he’s been through. You missed him so much and the thought of him in pain makes you sick. 

This is too much. 

“I— I need some air.” You manage, leaving the Lawquanes. 

Rex watches dumbfounded through the open window as you walk down the stone path towards your home. This is not how he envisioned your reunion at all. 

Suu puts a hand on his shoulder. “Give her a minute. It’s been a long day.”

“I’ve waited months for this. I don’t want to waste any more time.” Rex decides to follow you outside. 

He can see your silhouette under the streetlights illuminating the street. He hesitates when you unlock the door to your home expecting it to swish closed behind you when you enter. But, to his surprise, you’ve left your front door open for him. He takes it as a sign to enter your home ensuring that the door is locked behind him. 

You stand in the kitchen with your back to him. Your shoulders rising and falling with quiet sobs. You hear Rex’s heavy footsteps as he crosses the room to you. His arms wrap around you and he rests his chin on your shoulder. The scent of your skin welcomes him home. You bring your hands up to hold his forearms.

“I thought I lost you.” Your voice is barely above a whisper. 

“I know,” he laments with a sigh.

“The reports—they said—” you shake your head.

Rex folds you in his arms holding you against his chest. He strokes your hair mumbling words that he hopes will ease your mind at least for a brief moment. 

He had told Hunter that being dead in the Empire's eyes had its advantages. While that was and still is true, it cost him your grief and your pain. His vow to never hurt you shattered amongst the debris of his old life.

“I missed you,” you murmur, listening to the thrum of his heart. He’s alive, warm, and safe. 

“I missed you too,” he looks down at you. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner.”

You cradle his face in your hands, searching his eyes. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

“And I’m not going anywhere,” his thumb traces your lips, butterflies dancing in his stomach. He kisses you like it’s the first time.

You stand on your tiptoes to press your body against his to deepen the kiss. You’ve longed for him. You need to feel his skin against yours just to prove you’re both alive. To prove that despite the universe's best efforts, Rex is here with you. 

You look up at him through your eyelashes, giving him a shy smile. “Take me to bed, Captain?”

“With pleasure,” he smiles, scooping you up into his arms bridal style. He carries you down the hall, sneaking in a few kisses to your lips.

The soft yellow glow of the lamp on your bedside table is the only source of light in your room. Rex as he gently sets you in the center of the bed. He supports his weight on his forearms so as not to crush you beneath him. His lips haven’t left yours except to release contented sighs. 

You reach to the side to shut it off but he stops you. “Leave it on. I want to see you.”

You blush under his gaze. His deft fingers slowly undo the tiny buttons on the front of your dress. It falls away from your body leaving you in just a thin pair of panties. You feel self conscious in this moment, hyper aware of every new stretch mark and pound gained since he’s last seen you. 

“Beautiful.” Rex sits back on his heels to drink you in with a tender smile tugging on his lips. That single word melts away your insecurities.

You sit up on your knees, untying the straps of your dress, tossing your dress to the floor. 

“You’re way too dressed,” you reach for the hem of Rex’s shirt. He raises his arms allowing you to peel it off him.  

You bring him back in for another heated kiss, your hand curled at the nape of his neck. His arm encircles your back, pulling your bare chest against his. His one hand encircles your breast giving it a gentle squeeze causing you to groan at the contact. Your arousal pooling between your legs. 

With your free hand, you unbuckle his belt and let it fall to the carpet with a small clink. You fumble with the button on his trousers.

“Let me,” he breaks apart from you to help in your quest to release him from the confines of his pants.

Your mouth waters at the sight of him bare underneath the fabric. A far cry from the protective layers he usually wears under his armour. His cock is already hard, a bead of pre-cum leaks from his tip. 

He moves to ease you to lay down on the mattress but you stop him with a hand on his chest. He pauses. 

“Let me take care of you, my love.” You guide him with your hands on his biceps to lay on his back. 

Rex acquiesces, stretching his long legs out. You straddle his lap, reaching between your bodies lining him up at your slick entrance. He nods in permission watching you sink down on his thick cock until he is fully seated inside your tight heat. Your moans harmonize with his at the sensation of your bodies reacquainting with each other. 

Maker, he is breathtaking when he’s underneath you. 

You caress his face contorted in pleasure. Rex leans into your touch. The look of love in his brown eyes is fuel to the fire ignited in your heart. You’ve never felt more like a goddess than you do right now. 

Your fingers trail across his chest, mapping out every scar, a sordid tale written across his bronze skin.

“These are new,” You frown. 

“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” he brings your hand to his lips kissing your knuckles. 

You know he’ll tell you when he’s ready. For now, you’ll enjoy this moment and how you feel. To temporarily forget the horrors of the War. You guide his hands that are entwined in yours to rest on your hips, gently rocking yourself on him. You place a steadying hand on his chest over his heart finding a steady rhythm savouring the stretch of him. 

“Rex,” you breathe.

“I got you ner Cyare.” He sits up, claiming your lips in desperation. His hand cradles the back of your neck, his other arm secure around your back holding you up. 

You wrap your legs around him gripping his broad shoulders. This new angle he has you in hits that special spot deep inside you. He swallows your moans as your tongues dance together. He thrusts his hips up and you throw your head back. Rex’s lips latch on your throat, trailing open mouthed kisses down to your collarbone. You circle your hips against him stoking the flames coursing through your veins. 

“Oh, Rex, right there,” you moan, your nails lightly scratching his scalp.

You feel him smile against your skin. A red mark blooming on the sweet spot of your neck where he had latched on. “Gonna cum for me Cyar’ika?”

“Yes, please, don’t stop,” you grind against him in tandem with his thrusts. Sparks explode behind your eyes as you cum around him. The burn in your veins consumes you completely. 

Rex fucks you through your orgasm, resting his forehead against yours. His thrusts become erratic and sloppy as he chases his own release. “I love you, Cyar’ika.” He pants, his warm breath against your lips. 

“I love you Rex. So much.” You punctuate your sentiment with pecks to his lips. 

“I’m close.” He groans, holding you tighter to him. 

“Let go for me, my love.” 

His thighs tremble beneath you as he thrusts into you one final time, his cum flooding your walls. The two of you stay wrapped in each other catching your breaths.

Your limbs are like jelly when he eventually eases out of you. The two of you lay on your sides facing each other. A part of you is terrified that if you move your eyes away, even for a second, he’ll be ripped away from you once more. 

“I went to your apartment you know,” Rex traces your cheek with his fingertips breaking the companionable silence. “Seeing it empty… I thought that I’d never see you again.”

You brush a tear from his cheek. “I’m sorry that I left. I shouldn’t have given up on you. On us. I’m so sorry.”

“That’s in the past now. I never stopped loving you.”

“Neither have I,” you lean forward to kiss him. 

You feel a sharp kick in your ribs. The baby reminding you that it’s here too. “Oof.” You groan. 

“What is it?” Rex looks concerned. 

You just grab his hand and place it where the kick came from. “Feel that?”

Rex’s eyes widen at the sensation of another powerful kick underneath his palm. “Is that?”

“Yes, that’s your son.” You smile proudly. 

“My son,” he says in awe. He adjusts his position so he is eye level with your swell. “Hello ad’ika.”

Another kick and you can’t help but laugh. “I think he likes your voice.” 

Rex smiles, caressing your belly as he talks to your child. “Your mummy and I are very excited to meet you, little one.”

Your heart swells, listening to Rex murmuring in Mando’a. There’s no doubt in your mind that your child is going to be so loved. Rex looks up at you, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Come here love,” you open your arms, enveloping him in them. 

He wraps his arms around your body and you hold him. “I spent so many nights dreaming of this,” he whispers. “Dreaming of holding you in my arms again. When Jesse told me about the baby… I tried to get to you, I’m sorry I left.”

“Hey, hey. Look at me,” you tilt his chin up. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re here. That’s all I care about, the rest of it is stardust.”

Rex leans up to kiss you softly. “I’m never letting you go again.” He vows. “Speaking of which…” he extracts himself from you, moving off the bed. 

You crack a smile watching him search for something. “What’re you doing?” You pull yourself up into a seated position pulling the blanket around you. 

Rex crouches down, rustling around in the pile of your mixed clothes not answering you. He rejoins you in bed as quickly as he left, sliding under the blanket so that it covers his lap. He turns to look at you with a serious look in his eye, producing a small black velvet box in his hand. He places it in your hand. 

“Rex? What—?” 

“Open it,” he urges, biting back a giddy grin. 

You gasp, when you see what’s inside. Nestled in foam is a delicate silver ring with a square sapphire resting on top. You cover your mouth with your hand, completely speechless. 

“Will you marry me?” He asks nervously.

You nod. “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”

Rex slides the ring on your finger. Cradling your face in his hands, kissing you with the promise of eternal devotion. You match his passion in a silent pledge of your heart and soul to him.

Sleep easily finds the two of you as you hold each other. Your dreams have finally come true.

————————————————————————

Taglist: 

@ems-alexandra ; @loverofclones ; @citrusdoll ; @graciexmarvel

@flyingkangaroo ; @eternalwaffle ; @mrsct7567 ; @maximalblaze

@julsbvb12 ; @literallydontlook

[camillafanfiction]

Love changes everything - Chapter 2

When Charles arrived at Bolehyde Manor one and a half hours later, he found Camilla in a state he had never seen her before. Her usually sunshiny face was pale and grey, the sparkle in her eyes that Charles so loved was gone - her face was flooded with tears instead. 

She hadn’t opened the door, so Charles had used the spare key that lay under the big terracotta pot right next to the front door and went searching for her in the house. When he finally found her on the cold kitchen floor she sat there stock-still with a cigarette in her hands, only tears pouring down her face. According to the ashtray and the empty cigarette packet she must have smoked at least ten cigarettes within the last two hours. Charles wasn’t quite sure if her body still consisted of anything else than nicotine and smoke. He tried to suppress coughing to not scare her, but failed miserably. However, she still didn’t take any notice of him.  

“Camilla?”, he tried for the second time, but she didn’t respond. “Darling?” Charles sat down on the floor, right next to her. “You need to get up. You will catch your death of cold on that floor.” Only secondarily he noticed that this probably wasn’t a very tactful way to put it in this very situation. “Ducky? Please say something.” Charles felt helpless. What should he do if Camilla was now suffering some sort of trauma?  What if she would remain that apathetic for the rest of her life now?

Finally, Camilla opened her mouth, but no words seemed to escape it. She moved her head slightly, looking at Charles. “He is dead.”, she sobbed. “I’m all on my own now.” Her heart raced and her mind was filled with the wildest thoughts while there was a suffocating emptiness inside of her, too. 

“You are not alone. I am here and I am not going to ever leave you again. You’ve got Tom who needs you and you’ve got your whole family supporting you. We’re all here for you.”, Charles replied with his calming voice, stroking gently over Camilla’s arm. He would have loved to kiss her, to take her pain away, but this was not the right moment. Instead he tried to hover her up from the ground. She would really get pneumonia if she sat here for any time longer. “But, darling, please get up.”

Camilla just shook her head. She was unable to move or to speak. She would just spend the rest of her life here on the kitchen floor. Her life was over. Her husband was dead. She was a 28 year-old widow with a 10 months-old baby. Nobody would ever want her again. She would spend the rest of her life all by herself. She had not planned on that. She had planned on a long and happy marriage, three or four children and a happy, quiet life in the countryside with some roaring parties every now and then. Of course, her marriage had not been as happy as she had hoped it to be - Andrew did not love her, at least not the way a husband should love his wife. There had been moments when she had loved to throw Andrew out of the house for sleeping with every one of her friends, for being unfaithful to her right from the start. The rows they’d had had been back-breaking, but she had decided on him. She had stuck to her marriage vow, though Charles had made it more than difficult for her.

How should she afford the house, the dogs, the horses…? A million thoughts chased through her mind, but she wasn’t able to catch a clear one. Her brain seemed unable to work and she didn’t manage to tell Charles off for calling her ‘darling’, like she usually did.  

“Milla, my darling,” Charles carefully put her arms around his shoulder, “I know you’re unable to move or speak, but I will carry you, okay? Trust me.” He hoisted her up and, with all the power he had, he carried her to the sofa in the living room on his shoulder. Carefully he put her down and fetched a blanket from the shelf next to the fireplace. She was so cold, Charles thought worried as he placed the blanket around her. In the dim light, however, he could see her lips forming a “Thank you!”.

“Tom…”, she murmured then. “Can you look after Tom?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Of course.” Charles placed a small kiss on her forehead before he disappeared, but she was too wretched to protest. 

Camilla didn’t know how long Charles had been gone. She was lost in her blurry thoughts up to a stage where she wondered if she herself still existed. Only at Charles’s second try she realised that he had been telling her that Tom was fast asleep and well. One and a half hours before she had thrown the three men who had told her about Andrew’s tragic, yet heroic death out of the house and then hummed Tom to sleep. She hadn’t been able to bear company, she’d felt numb and empty and she hadn’t been sure if this was ever going to go away. But then Charles had appeared like a vision and for a moment she hadn’t been sure if this was a dream or reality. She still felt numb, unable to do anything despite just sitting there, but she didn’t feel as alone anymore. “Please stay.”, she brought out, her blue eyes half-shut, and Charles nestled against her, trying to find some space beside her.

For a moment he felt like flying. “I’m never going to leave you ever again.”, he promised again and felt his fingertips over her cheek, hardly able to resist the urge to kiss her. “I need to be in London tomorrow noon, but Trevor will inform your parents and siblings and they will come and care for you before I leave and I will be back tomorrow night.” Camilla was too tired to protest, too exhausted to reply anything. Charles wrapped his arms around her and she just let it happen. Enjoying the warmth, the closeness and the well-known smell she fell into a light, dreamless slumber…   

The next thing Camilla heard was a rumbling in the kitchen. She had no idea what time it was and why her back hurt so much. Still half asleep she opened her eyes and was blinded by warm, golden sunlight. For a moment she felt peaceful and at ease, but then her mind was flooded by the memories of last night. The moment she saw Charles coming into the room with a cup of tea in his hands she knew it hadn’t been a nightmare, but a cruel reality.

“Good morning.”, Charles said quietly and kneeled down next to the sofa. “How are you feeling, darling?” He knew it was a stupid question the minute he looked into Camilla’s puffed, sad eyes. If only there was something he could do to make her feel better. He would do anything in his powers, anything she wished for. “Tom is fed and has a new nappy on.”, he declared proudly, a cheering smile on his face. Had it not been that very situation, Camilla would have laughed by the mere thought of it. Yet she knew he had done brilliantly. 

“Thank you.”, she said simply and took a deep breath. “Is he really…?” She couldn’t bring the word ‘dead’ out of her mouth. It was all too much.

Charles nodded and he could see a single tear falling down Camilla’s face. She was so brave, he thought. She did not deserve this, nothing of this. She deserved to be happy and loved, she deserved a picture perfect life. With him her life would not be picture perfect, but at least he would love her like no one else in the world. Camilla was, always had been and always would be his one true love. Since the day he had first met her he had known that he would never be able to love someone but her. Nothing would ever change that. No matter what Uncle Dicke tried to tell him, no matter the royal ladies his grandmother wanted him to marry. It had always been Camilla or no one for him. He could get lost in her blue eyes, no matter how sad and puffy they were. He would always want her, no matter the circumstances. He would always love her no matter what state of mind she was in.

It was an irrational act but he didn’t notice as he grabbed her hand tightly and said “Darling, I just want to be with you always. Marry me!”

There was a moment of silence as Camilla tried to comprehend the words Charles had just spoken. Her eyes turned wide, then shocked and a second later she cuffed his ears with a loud smack.

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Oliver said that buck is going to reflect about the person he wants to be, the relationship he wants to have, the PARTNER etc. but we still didn’t see him do that which I thought that would have happened before the break up and not after! So he’s going to realize it between the break up and the vow renewal right? From your point of view I mean, I knew we don’t know anything 🤣

Hey Nonnie

it depends on your definition of reflecting! I would argue that he has been reflecting, he just hasn't been especially blatant about it and its a process, not something thats going to just happen in a couple of episodes. I personally think that the kiss has triggered some proper introspection in him - something he is continuing to do. It's part of why he found it so hard to actually tell Taylor about it - because when you're actually going through a process of figuring things out for yourself, keeping something constant can be super helpful and maybe that is what Buck was thinking - 'I'll process this and figure everything out, then make any changes etc' however the guilt about it got to Buck and it makes him dig in harder - its what Buck does - we've seen him do it several times - he realises he messed up then goes out of his way to ensure it doesn't happen again (ahem* the kitchen scene and everything that comes after *ahem!) this applies to both is personal and professional life.

What we have also seen in 5b is him start to verbalise it - especially around Maddie - 'I did a dumb thing and then i did and even dumber thing' - he knows deep down how he truly feels about Taylor, his relationship with her and who he wants to be, he just hasn't been ready to call it quits yet - because when you don't know who you are and you are questioning yourself - especially when the world around you has been thrown into chaos - it can be incredibly hard to make a big change because you know it could throw you yourself into a spiral.

So I think Buck has been spending 5b reflecting - especially post Eddies breakdown - in helping Eddie he is beginning to look inward more as he watches Eddie heal - for himself and not for others - Buck is really beginning to figure things out - he just hasn't worked out how to get out of the mess he made by asking Taylor to move in - because Buck being Buck doesn't want to hurt anyone he would rather take the hurt on himself. Thing is - Buck has always had strong morals (yes they can be a bit misguided at times) and Now Taylor has crossed the line, he will be less bothered about hurting her - because what she has done has hurt him infinitely more than he could ever hurt her. Thing with Buck is - he on't just walk away - he'll want to know why so the break up will get messy as he struggles to understand why she would want to do what she did.

The break up will then speed up the process of Buck figuring things out - but like I said earlier - that process isn't a straight forward one - and the guilt Buck will be feeling towards the firefam for Taylors actions - when he said they could trust her is only going to complicate things further. So as he wrestles with that guilt on top of continued introspection, Buck will spiral. But all of this will be good for him in the long run because he will now truly be able to see the difference between a toxic relationship and a good relationship and he will be able to see exactly what it is he's been building with Eddie - that he already has what he's been searching for - the family he craves and someone who loves him for who he truly is without question and not for what he can do for them.

So yeah thats my opinion and feelings about where we are with Buck - the reflecting Oliver spoke about has been going on but the 'course of true love never did run smooth' so we're in the middle of it right now and we'll see the rest in 5x18 and in S6!!!

[clandestineverses]

Romantic Quotes From Movies

Read on for 20 of the most Famous Movie Quotes from hollywood records that are perfect for any event, whether you're planning a wedding (strive printing them in your decorations or incorporating them into your vows!), searching to show up the romance in your courting, or sincerely dreaming approximately your luckily ever after.

1. "You complete me." —Jerry Maguire 2. "People do fall in love. People do belong to each other, because that's the only chance that anyone's got for true happiness." —Breakfast at Tiffany's 3. "To me, you are perfect." —Love Actually 4. "Don't forget: I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." —Notting Hill 5. "We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of 30 and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything—what a waste!" —Call Me By Your Name

6. "I want to tell you with my remaining strength that I love you. I always have. I'll drift next to you every day as a ghost just to be with you. Even if I was banished to the darkest place, my love will keep me from being a lonely spirit." —Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 7. "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard, and we're gonna have to work at this every day. But I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day." —The Notebook 8. "You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." —Pride and Prejudice 9. "Our love is like the wind. I can't see it, but I can feel it." —A Walk to Remember 10. "We'll always have Paris." —Casablanca 11. "I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you." —Dirty Dancing 12. "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." —When Harry Met Sally 13. "At best, it's a happy delusion—these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they're about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don't think it's conservative or delusional. I think it's radical and courageous and very romantic." —Frida 14. "In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you." —Juno 15. "What I'm trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are." — Bridget Jones's Diary 16. "At best, it's a happy delusion—these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they're about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don't think it's conservative or delusional. I think it's radical and courageous and very romantic." —Frida 17. "In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you." —Juno 18. "What I'm trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are." — Bridget Jones's Diary 19. "Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for." —Dead Poets Society 20. "I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you." —Pocahontas

[sapphircs]

WHAT IS LOVE? - DRABBLE

It was a lovely evening for Thinya, spending some quality times with a few friends at the tavern after a long day of work. Ale, fruits, bread and cheese were filling the table accompanied with laughter and tales that kept them all interested. Most of the group was always discussing interesting topics, some that they experienced and others that brought their curiosity up. That night, one of Thinya's friend asked the question: "What is love after all? How would you define it or what is the experience you had  with this feeling?"

This question left the group quiet. Some of them were waiting for answers, other were searching for an explanation. The oldest and wisest dwarf cleared his throat and simply smiled as he remembered the early years when he courted his wife: "Love is a beautiful feeling. On the physical part, it brings you new sensations such as tingles in your stomach, butterflies tickling your body, red painting your cheeks and heat working better than the fireplace of this tavern." At this last comment, the group laughed, thinking of this nice definition of the word love. 

Most of the group experienced this romantic side of love, most of them being married and having a family. Thinya never did, a part of her longing for this, longing for the sensations, the happy feeling of being appreciated for who she was, admired and loved by a wonderful dwarf. She listened carefully to the stories, her green hues trying to experience this feeling in her imagination. How wonderful must this be? Coming home at night to a partner who receives her with opened arms and wrapped them around her to hold her tight. A feeling of protection, this must be. The touch of his lips on her temple and few words whispered in her ear to tell her how much he missed her. At this thought, her body shivered. She didn't hear her neighbor calling her multiple times, only when she felt the touch on her shoulder. "Thinya?"

The dwarrow dam jumped, her dreaming session vanishing as fast as a lightning tearing the sky. She looked at him and then the rest of the group before asking: "I'm sorry... What did you say?" The dwarf smiled and simply formulated another time his question: "What kind of love did you witness in your life? You must have at least one memory or something?"

Thinya looked at the group who was now curious to hear about her experience. She looked at her ale, took a sip of it and looked up to try and recall one memory she cherished particularly. A tender smile came across her face as she relived this one again. "I actually did receive love once in my life. Not the same love than all of you with your partners, naturally. But this was for sure love." The dwarf sitting by her side nodded and smiled before encouraging her: "Love doesn't have to be romantic, love can be any other kind of attention that makes you feel valued and appreciated." Thinya nodded at his answer before continuing her tale. 

"I experienced love for the first time of my life with my parents. I had the luck of being a wanted baby, with two beautiful souls who tried as much as they could to create a mix of their love. I'm the result of that. Not only was I expected, but my gender was an extra surprise for both of my parents and they vowed to protect me and love me as much as they could." Thinya stated, scanning the group to see their faces showing fascination. "My mother showed me love by always brushing my hair, calming my fears and young sorrows. Not a huge sorrow, just the typical sorrow a tolder would have. Mine was seeing my father leave to the mines everyday, separate himself from us for a matter of few hours. My mother's embrace was often comforting me and the activities she had for me were always making me forget the short absence of my father."

Thinya paused as she took a sip of ale and smiled. "My father would tell me everday that I was the most precious gem he ever had in his life. His way of showing me love, was also spending time with me and showing me his passion and the reason why he was leaving home for a few hours. He started bringing me to the mines with him, explained to me the gems, their particularities. This passion transmitted resulted, a tragedy and decades later, into making me a jeweller as well. I will simply always remember the light in his eyes whenever he was seeing my mother, or simply me and my newborn brother." As she finished explaining her experience, Thinya simply concluded by saying. "That was love. Pure, strong and protective love." 

The group remained quiet for a few seconds before one simply said: "That is absolutely right. Thinya simply explained another kind of love, and I thank you for that actually. I think it's time for me to go and see my wife and kids." At this sentence, all nodded and simply decided to call it a night. Thinya was thankful for this delightful evening. She didn't walk back directly home, the dwarrow dam simply decided to go on a detour and greet the stars shinning upon the Lonely Mountain. As she leaned over the stoned balcony, Thinya smiled and looked at the stars before whispering: "I've experienced loved from my parents. Will I experience this romantic love one day?"

The only answer Thinya received was a shooting star flying upon her head. The wind simply caressed her face as the dwarrow dam added: "Thank you, Mahal. Please, send all my love to my parents and brother."

And with those last words, the dwarrow dam return back inside of the mountain, her heart filled with love and hope.