#been wearing more dresses and skirts lately and honestly loving it

[marilynthornhilllover]

If you’re looking for requests I have one for ya!!

Reader is at a party with their wife (or girlfriend, whichever you decide works best) Alcina. A beautiful woman walks up to reader at the bar and starts flirting with them but they’re clueless and just think she’s being friendly.

Alcina sees what’s going on and gets wildly jealous. When reader gets back to her she’s short and angry with reader. Eventually, she tells reader what she saw and reader is shocked that the girl was flirting with them.

Alcina gets possessive (as per usual) and takes reader into the bathroom and fucks her brains out so the only person in reader mind for the rest of the night is Alcina.

Maybe some sweet fluff at the end?

When temptations are high

Alcina dimitrescu x fem!reader

Warning: smut,slight cunniligus, slight praise kink,strap, degradation kink, possessiveness, dom!alcina, slight mean alcina, manhandling, rough sex, slight overstiumlation, slight orgasm denial, fluff.

A/n: I'm honestly sorry to howsoever requested this because it's been 42,827 years and I'm sorry, thank you for your patience 💀😭hope you enjoy😌💞🙌

The music was great and the party was very much alive. Everyone had their natural flow to the beat of the song. You and alcina were fashionably late as always. You were wearing a skin tight black slik skirt with a simple white vintage cardigan, as for alcina she was wearing black men trousers and a white blouse with the sleeves rolled up around her elbows.

Her hair was curled up around her face, every step she took they bounced. Her silhouette red heels adding to her height. You both turned some heads as you walked up to the bar to get yourselves some drinks.

Alcina made small talk with one of her friends at the bar as she waited for the bar man to hand over the drinks.

Your eyes wondered curiously around the room, flicking from couples grinding on eachother, the single ones dancing their soul out on the dance floor, the vibe was amazing. You could feel someone staring at you, you averted your eyes to the persons mysterious pull. Your eyes landed on this breath taking woman that was standing in the shadowy end on the room.

She had on a red dress that was covered in dimonds and her hairstyle was exactly the same to alcinas, except she had a side part. Her make up was dark and vibrant, alluring a soft glow when ever the lights from the DJ booth flicked across her face.

You must have been staring for too long, because the mystery woman across the room flashed you a sly smirk before turning to the girl next to her and began talking. She must have a strong effect on people because the poor started squirming and blushing drastically.

You had a huge thing for middle aged women and it was obvious just by your relationship with the alcina dimitrescu. You narrowed your eyes at the scene and turned to give your attention back to alcina who was now in another conversation with someone else.

The bartender handed you your drink, a martini, light ice and alcinas ruby red Italian wine. You gaved her drink to her which she glady took, giving you a kiss on the cheek and flashing you a small smile as she returned to her conversation.

You sighed and decided to walk around the room. The music changed to a soft romantic jazz. You smiled and proceeded to turn around to go back to alcina so that the both of you can dance, since of course she loved jazz music but you bumped into someone almost falling down.

A strong pair of hands grabbed your waist quickly and held you close to them. You caught yourself and sighed. Looking up to see the same mystery woman staring into your soul. God she was beautiful. You got lost in her emerald eyes as she gently pulled you up onto your feet to stand straight - her hand never leaving your side.

"Thank you" you whispered, not trusting your voice to say anything more. You could feel your body getting hotter each passing second and it was becoming slightly impossible for you to keep your sanity.

" that skirt looks good on you" she whispered in your ear, her lips slightly hovering over your skin making you sliver. Before you can even respond with an appropriate answer she spoke up again.

" but I'm sure It will look better on my bedroom floor" you were utterly lost for words. She pulled you closer to her and placed a soft but meaning kiss to your neck before sighing, she rested her face into your neck leaving a few more kisses there before she completely released you from her hold.

It took every cell in your body to try not to whine at the lost of contact. You should be ashamed of yourself. You were as red as a tomato if not more red , and sweating ducks. She smiled seductively at you before taking out a business card and giving it to you. She leaned into your ear again and spoke.

" if you ever get bored of the eiffel tower" she said sarcastically, and you knew who she was referring to. You bite your lip and shook your head. She walked pass you and you were immediately met with alcinas golden eyes piercing into your soul.

The were cold and full of anger. From the way her nose flared, she hands were clenched and her hooded eyes you knew it was better if you got on your knees and begged the earth to open up and suck you in because God alone knows what's running through her mind.

You gulped as you slowly walked over to her, like a scolded puppy when they know they did something wrong. As you approached her you could literally see the fire flames burning in her eyes. Her pupils dilated and she only looked at you, like an hawk looks at its prey.

You cleared your throat and stood directly infront of her. She scoffed as she looked down and saw the business card in your hand. She looked over at the woman across the room and glared at her, the lady only raising her glass as if she's making a toast before smirking and walking towards the DJ booth. Alcina suddenly grabbed hold of your wrist and pulled you towards the bathroom area.

She pushed you in harshly but still making sure not to hurt you in the process.

" what the fuck was that!" She shouted her eyes flicking a deadly golden color clear evidence she was completely perplexed and wasn't going to take any bullshit amswer from you. When you didn't answer but instead looked down she tore the business card away from your hand and tore it to pieces before throwing it the trash can.

" if I didn't know better I would think that you wanted her to fuck you right then and there in front of everyone" she spoke through gritted teeth. You didn't expect to get on her bad side tonight, tonight was supposed to be special, a little night out so that the both of you can relax and take a break from work.

She grabbed your chin and forced you to look up at her.

" Your lucky I love you enough not to go to jail otherwise I would have snapped her in half!" She growled. You gulped as you looked into her eyes. She was absolutely serious and she was raging. Her anger is not one to be testednor doubted..It's dangerous and it shows no mercy. And when she's anger she's a completely different person. And if she says she would have snapped that woman in half you best believe it.

She groaned loudly as she harshly let go of your chin. She sighed heavily as she started to paste back and forth across the room.

" cina I'm sorry, everything happened so fast, I almost fell she helped me and- I don't have an excuse because I could have walked away I'm sorry. it's not that big of a deal. Her eyes were just so-" she cut you off by quickly walking up to you and choking you. You reached behind you to quickly hold yourself up by using the edge of the sink and she leaned you back.

" not that big of a deal? what was her fucking name" she snarled at you tightening her grip around your neck, now she was scaring you. Alcina would never hurt you but as of now her grip was cutting off your blood flow and you were losing oxygen. You couldn't even think properly but your tried to remember. You thinked back to when she handed you the card and you looked down at it.

Kate

" h-her name w-was kate" you manged to choke out, before she released you. You immediately gasped for air and you held onto her shoulder. Alcina pressed herself flush against your body and you could feel her strap. You looked up at her wide eyed and she chuckled darkly.

" it was meant to be for a surprise when we got home but my, my darling you need a punishment" she spoke in a sultry voice. Alcina smirked as she saw the blacked out expression on your face. You looked surprise but also so needy for her cock in your greedy hole. You squirmed and rubbed your thighs together but she immediately picked up on it and forced her knee between them to stop you.

She wrapped her hands around your neck again but this time more gently.

" listen to me you little slut and attention seeker, I'm gonna fuck you til you can even remember her name and yours and since you loved her eyes I'm gonna make you look at me while you come undone on mommy's strap and maybe.... who knows, maybe you'll see stars" she chuckled as you already started drooling for her.

In one swift motion alcina unbuttoned your cardigan and unclasped your bra, she lifted you up and placed you onto the counter. You spread your legs for her in a sexy way, batting your eyelashes and biting your bottom lip seductively. Alcina chuckled as she unbuttoned her pants and pulled them down enough for the strap to bounce out.

She groaned as she looked up at you and smirked.

" next time I should have you suck it off, mhm" she spoke in a teasing tone. You'd be more than happy to. Alcina took off your skirt and looked at the thin see through white thong you have on. She chuckled before ripping it, having it suffer the same fate as the business card before pushing it in her pocket. Alcina cooed as she gently ran her cold firm cock up your slit and slightly over your clit causing you to moan as your eyes rolled back.

" so desperate from mommy's cock huh? Mhm little slut who has you this wet and cock drunk?" She asked chuckling as she looked up at you smirking at your needy whimpers and pathetic moans as your eyes rolled back into your head. You mumbled incoherent sentences. Alcina loved seeing you like this for her but she needed you to respond. She was in charge.

In one swift and deep thrust she bottomed out in you. All the air was pushed out of your lungs as you felt the tip of her cock press deep within your spongy walls hitting your sweet spot so good, few more of thoses and you would be cumming and screaming her name. She pressed on the tummy bulge she had created in you and leaned down towards your face smirking like the devil himself.

" Answer me you slut, I got you this cock drunk?" She asked once more in a demanding sultry tone. You tried your best to answer her you really did but God the only thing you could think about was her cock. Alcinas dimitrescus cock buried deep within you. For sure if anyone came in and saw this scenery they would faint.

Your legs trembled as she straightened up her posture and started a few slow strokes within you. Watching as your face convert in pleasure as your mouth formed a small "o" shape as you fought to hold onto her shoulders for stability.

"You love when mommy fucks you like this don't you my love? Think that woman could get this deep in you? Mhm make you cum the way I make you do?" She asked and you forced yourself to squeak out a high pitched "no". She smirked, her eyebrows quriking up in disbelief.

" I don't believe you" she simply stated. Alcina removed your hands from her shoulder as she intertwined her fingers with your, holding your hand above your head. She moved her hips and a relentlessly pace pounding your cunt in ways you knew for sure that other woman can't.

" fuck! Alcina p-please mph!" You moaned as you removed your hand from her hold and tried to press against her mound she she wouldn't deep but she only removed your hand forcing it back above your head as she went even deeper, now she started rubbing tight fast circles around your puffy bud, groaning as the room now became filled with your screams of pleasure and her grunts.

You were seeing stars. Alcina was fucking you like a animal, so fucking good ( as always). Tears started to form in your eyes as you forced yourself to look up at her. She was focused on the sight of her cock going in and out of you and her mission with your clit.

You moaned her name softly as she spat on your clit and started rubbing it more harshly. You fought against her hold on your hip as your eyes rolled back once more. Alcina looked up at the sight before her, she was in awe. You were crying. Your makeup messed up, mascara running down along with the tears, your hair messed up. Fuck you were a beautiful sight to see. That made alcina even more feral.

" fucking God, are you crying draga? Mommy fucks you so good that you cry on her cock, wanna cum too huh?" You nodded uncontrollably as you felt yourself clench down on her cock.

" fucking cum for mommy " she whispered opening your shaking legs to the widest as she fucked you hard and fast, pounding ruthlessly into your g-spot every 2 seconds. With one final thrust you cumed on alcinas faux cock as she panted.

She chuckled at your worn out, gently removing her cock from your ruined cunt she kneeled down and admired what she created like your cunt was the most precious art piece in the entire world. She slowly cleaned you with her tongue looking up at you sympathetically as you let out soft whimpers. She cooed softly at you the vibrations sending a shock wave through you making you grab her hair and pull her away from you.

She softly kissed your clit before coming up and kissing you passionately, you could taste every bit of yourself on her tongue. She realesed you and helped you get dressed again. Noticing the tired expression on your face. She picked you up bridal style and carried you out of the bathroom and through the back door so no one would see.

She placed you in the car, putting your seat belt on she noticed that you were already asleep. She smiled softly, removing strands of hair from your face and quietly shutting the door moving to her side. The ride home to your shared mansion was quite. Alcina took you up stairs and ran you a bath, after she proceeded to cuddle with you in bed.

" I'm sorry if I accidentally hurt you today my love, you know i get a little jealous when it comes to what is mine" she spoke softly kissing your forehead. You smiled up at her and chuckled.

" you weren't sorry when you were fucking my brains out, but not gonnna lie i really enjoyed it" you said sarcastically, she playfully rolled her eyes and stared at you happily.

" God I love you" she mumbled before slowly starting to drift off to sleep.

" not as much as I do" you whispered, you both went back and forth about who loved who more until you both fell into deep slumber.

[enhastolemyheart]

𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 — PARK SUNGHOON

pairing | bf!sunghoon x reader (fem implied)

genre | est. relationship, shopping au

synopsis | wanting to revamp your closet, your boyfriend takes you out for a shopping date.

word count | 0.5k

warnings | idk uh cursing? suggestive(?) so read at ur own discretion (i swear it wasnt my intention to do so), proofread but lmk if any mistakes.

a/n | hihi!! I'm here with another hoon fic! this is rather on the shorter side sorry abt that. it shouldn't be surprising considering the amount of bias wrecking he did lately, like im scared when it's promotions szn or even the mv release ahhh but anyways hope you guys like this work! requests are open and so is the taglist!! reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated!! enjoy reading!!

"Hey is this good?"

Your boyfriend looks up at you from his phone, scanning the dress you choose to try on. he breaks into a little smile when you sees a cute lavender sundress hugging your body in all the right places, flowing into a cute A-line skirt by your thighs.

"Woah..." He dazed off before bringing himself together with a smirk evident. "it looks so pretty on you baby." your face burned and you went back inside to change and show him another one of your picks. this one is definitely a yes.

Sunghoon finally got a break from his schedule, and you needed to revamp your closet. killing two birds with one stone, Sunghoon decided to take you shopping, donating all the clothing that doesn't fit you anymore.

You come back after changing into a bodycon dress this time, you wouldn't necessarily wear dresses, but the weather has been hot recently and you wanted to try being confident in dresses more. plus, Sunghoon loves to see you in dresses. The dress was hugging your curves in all the right places, looking very flattering on you, you blush on the thought his reaction.

You walk out and face him, shyly biting your lip, softly calling out his name, "Hoon?"

When he looks up, his eyes widened as they rake your body. your ears redden before him. he walks up to you, taking your hand in his and twirls you, doing a three-sixty. he bites his lips before looking into your eyes, "beautiful my love, take this." you giggle before nodding. he pouts his lips slightly as if to ask for a kiss, and so you lean in, kissing his lips. he holds your face in his hands, "why don't you try on the dress that I chose my love?" You nod as you turn and walk away, excitement bubbling inside your chest.

You feel sexy when you put the dress on, it was a tight and rather scandalous dress. there is a mini slit on the left side of the fabric that really add to the beauty of the dress. it was backless and it was pink in color too, you knew that you were going to try this on as soon as your boyfriend layed his eyes on it, smirking as he picks the right size and requests you to try it on. you save this piece for the last and hope that there won't be people watching when you see his reaction 'cause honestly, Sunghoon won't be able to control himself.

and that's exactly what played out and you find yourself pinned against the mirror wall, inside the dressing room, his hands roaming all over your body and yours tangled in his hair. as soon as he saw you, he immediately took a hold of your hips, pushing you backwards into your dressing room as he latches his lips onto yours into a hungry kiss. You were glad that no one else was outside to see the commotion happening.

"You look so fucking beautiful, my love. " You can hear the sincerity in his voice.

"Thank you, Hoon."

He takes your hand in his before looking into your eyes, "let's go home? I have planned something." You giggle at his words, fingers running through his hair to smooth it out.

"Yeah, let's go home."

a/n | thank you all sm for reading! I wasn't even intending to make this suggestive but it just happend 😭😭but anyways, feedback and likes are highly appreciated! and I'll see you in the next one!

PEACE AND LOVE <;33

perm taglist: @jak-ey ; @snoowhore ; @hsgwrld ; @seungiesluv ; @1-800shutthefuckup (send an ask to be added; bold can't be tagged)

© ENHASTOLEMYHEART ON TUMBLR, 2023 — do not translate, copy, modify, or repost any of my works as your own in any platform or form of use.

[dollcherray]

₊⊹ HIGHSCHOOL SWEETHEARTS 𓏲 ๋࣭  ࣪ ˖

⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ EDDSWORLD WITH A HYPER FEMININE S/O

ᯓ★ Pst! Cherry says: YIPPEE, EDDSWORLD CONTENT! i've been hyper fixating on eddsworld lately so decided to work on some hcs about them for the fandom, eat up children!! and also... I'm FREE!!! i finally solved what i had to solve so i have more time now, reader is gn :) THERE'S NO TORD IN THIS.

✧₊⁺ Type: Headcanons, Romantic/platonic(?), Fluff.

꩜.ᐟ Music: Highschool sweethearts

𓏲 ๋࣭  ࣪ ˖ EDD

۶ৎ He thinks you're adorable, really! the first time he met you, you were wearing a white soft dress that had black details on the garment neckline along with black heels and white socks, your hair was tied up on a ponytail with a big white scrunchie that had a bow attached to it and Edd was fond of the style the moment he saw you.

۶ৎ Edd is very chill about it, he doesn't care about how you dress and how much you use makeup and bows, as long as you're happy, he's happy!

۶ৎ The only thing he's not really happy with is the shopping sprees you drag him into, don't get him wrong, he's happy that you know your style but, shopping for it almost every week and dragging him along with it kinda bugs him out because you always make him carry the hundreds of bags.

۶ৎ Edd tried to voice his annoyance to you many times, but everytime he sees the happy look on your face, he just sorta sucks it up and be your bag holder for the rest of the shopping spree, Edd has a weak spot for your smile.

۶ৎ And of course you use that weak spot to your advantage when you ask him if you could do your makeup, he may try to play tough and reject it at first but like i said, just use his weak spot that he'll eventually give in.

۶ৎ Edd doesn't really do skincare but wouldn't mind doing it, i think he would be chill about it honestly.

۶ৎ Everytime he's going to gift you, 50% of the chances is that he's giving you dress or heels, the other 50% is either makeup or accessories, because he's that supportive of your style. 🫶🏼 (and he doesn't really know what else to gift you)

۶ৎ Edd thinks this style of clothing really fits you, you look very delicate and pretty with it, so expect him to compliment every time you put together a new outfit.

۶ৎ If someone judges you for the way you dress, he would defend you but wouldn't try to make a scene, it would be more in a chill way, saying things like "hey man, that's not cool" and etc, if the person still try to be rude Edd would just distance you both from them.

۶ৎ overall very chill but supportive :)

꩜.ᐟ MATT

۶ৎ You guys are twinning.

۶ৎ Matt is not a hyper feminine person like you, but he is quite the feminine guy, so he may borrow a shirt or a bow from time to time, just don't forget to ask for him to give it back. (or he may legit steal it from you 👀)

۶ৎ When he first saw you, he was in the mall with Matilda and oh boy when he set his eyes on you, he gave one of those dramatic loud gasps that you could hear it from across the mall, like Matt chill it's just a person wearing a pink shirt from your favorite brand.

۶ৎ He wouldn't really wear makeup but if you ask to do his makeup Matt will gladly accept it!! if you do something more pinkish he'll adore it!! i like to hc that one of his main favorite colors out of the many he has is pink, so he'll be really satisfied with it.

۶ৎ He'll gladly go on shopping sprees with you, you two would be full of shopping bags in under 2 hours, you guys would be walking with a whole new wardrobe in your arms.

۶ৎ Selfies, LOTS of manicure and/or pedicure selfies, skincare nights EVERY NIGHT, you guys would have a whole new album of photos!! 99% of these photos are written "Besties 4ever" or something between these lines in them.

۶ৎ This man is like your fucking soulmate, if you offer him to wear a skirt he would honestly.

۶ৎ Just a silly duo.

⋆.˚ TOM

۶ৎ He has a love hate relationship with it, same reasons as Edd its just hes more passive-aggressive with it.

۶ৎ not that he really cares what you wear, its just the way you drag people in it that kinda pisses him off but, he tries his best to be supportive of it.

۶ৎ Everytime you guys are one of your hundreds of shopping sprees and you make him carry something, he'll grumble under his breath and begrudgingly take one of the bags for you, because, well, its you.

۶ৎ If you ask him to let you do his makeup, he'll instantly say no, like stop asking and scram off.

۶ৎ But if you really insist on it, like really annoy him about it, he'll eventually give in out of irritation, only to regret it moments later when he sees the "pink mess" (in his words) you did on his face.

۶ৎ Man walked out of your room looking like a drag queen.

۶ৎ Tom is also the type of man to not do skincare but wouldn't mind doing it, so if you offer him to do it for him, he'll accept it and thank you for taking care of him. (cutie)

۶ৎ Sometimes he doesn't understand why you wear so much pink, honestly, but he isn't the best one to complain anyways, since he (like the others) mainly wears one color.

۶ৎ Grumpy cat.

[lainiespicewrites]

Someone to take her home

Hey guys so I wrote this a while ago! This is a Henry one shot it an OFC because I'll die on the self insert hill! LOL it gives me so much comfort. Is that weird IDK. Anyway this story is kind of heavy. I wrote this to get out some feelings about an SA that I had experienced. I've always been someone that if I'm stressed I rewrite the situation with a comforting outcome or a better outcome to release the stress or make myself feel better. I wanted to sort of write myself a way to get some comfort from the trauma. And I hope having a character like this sweet soft version of Henry may help some of you too. I never reached out for myself for help and maybe I should have but if you experienced something please talk to someone. If you need someone to talk to or just want a place to let it out my DM's are a safe space <3 Just as disclaimer this doesn't mention any of the actual situation that happened to me. Just a filler to get out the emotion. Still this is a fluff with lots of love and sweet gentle young Henry bc I just know in my soul this was and is how he is as a person!

Warnings: Light Cursing, Trauma, Mentions of sexual assault. (Please reach out for help even if it's just talking to someone about your situation. My DM's are open if y'all wanna talk after this <3)

Description: OFC goes to college party and meets Henry and they become fast friends. and he helps her when things turn bad with a guy he warned her about.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stared at myself in the mirror one more time. I needed to leave soon. If I looked any longer I would find something I hated and talk myself out of going. So I grabbed my bag and turned off my bedroom light. Nervous didn’t begin to describe how I was feeling. I’d never been to a party like this before. Sure I’d been out a few times in high school. But it was usually theater cast parties. And one time my friend and I stole some captain morgan from her parents liquor cabinet. But this was on an entirely different scale. 

Most of my drinking was a night in with the girls with wine or movie night drinking games. God I sound so boring. It’s not that I don’t enjoy partying. I was genuinely excited to be invited out tonight. Lilly and I had worked together for a few assignments in class. And we would say hi when we ran into each other in the dorms. But, I never expected to get a text this afternoon inviting me to her boyfriend's party. Purdue was an incredibly large campus. Upwards of 40,000 plus students. Yet somehow Lilly’s boyfriend Riley Hardesty seemed to know everyone. He was known for throwing huge parties all year. They weren’t exclusive. You could just be driving through the neighborhood and stop in.  But she told me a friend of  Riley’s had asked her about me. 

Matt Parker. I know of him. He’s in my English 204 lecture. But we’ve never talked. But he is really attractive. So maybe something good would come from all of this! I decided just to walk as my dorm wasn’t far from the house Riley and his roommates lived in. It was a cool night in mid october and I was definitely regretting the little black denim skirt I was wearing. I was smart enough to wear a cardigan but it was still cold. Thank God it's only 2 blocks down. I bit my lip nervously. Am I even going to know anyone here? Anyone I actually talk to? It’s too late now. I already got dressed and ready. I walked here. I have to go through with this. 

I took a deep breath and walked inside. Things were already full swing. I could hear the music outside before I even opened the door. No one seemed to notice me and honestly I was okay with that. I looked around scanning the room. Almost everyone had a drink in hand, standing around in groups talking. The smell of  pot hit me immediately as I started to walk through the house. I wasn’t  the least bit surprised. I made my way to the kitchen where I found multiple drinks, alcohol and mixers available. I kept it simple and grabbed a wine cooler. Something fruity. I was definitely going to need a buzz if I was going to be here longer than 5 minutes.

 I pushed my way out of the kitchen and found a quiet corner to drink and observe for a while. I was busy listening to some guys talk about last weekend's football game when I heard someone’s voice. And I realized they were talking to me. I shifted my eyes seeing a guy standing next to me. He was maybe 6’1, blue eyes, and brown hair with soft curls. I gave him a gentle smile,

“I’m sorry, what was that?” I asked. He smiled and chuckled softly. His smile was beautiful. 

“I uh, Just noticed your shirt. Are you a Def Leppard fan?” He asked. I looked down. I completely forgot that was the shirt I was wearing. I just thought a band t-shirt would look cute with the skirt. But

“Yeah! Well I know a few of their songs! My Mom was in her 20’s in the 80’s and she loved them!” I said. 

“She has good taste! They’re awesome! Are you here by yourself? Not trying to be creepy I just noticed you were by yourself over here and I wanted to make sure you were alright,” He rambled. I nodded.

“I look that out of place huh? Yeah, I um. I’m friends with Riley’s girlfriend. Well not friends necessarily. But I know her. Anyway she invited me because of some friend of Riley’s but I don’t know this isn’t normally my scene. Wow that was a lot,” I blushed. “Sorry,” I mumbled. 

“For?” He smiled, raising an eyebrow. “We’re talking. I like getting to know people! And I totally get it. This can kind of be a lot sometimes. I actually came with some friends but I needed to step away from all the crazy for a second. I’m Henry by the way.” He smiled, extending his hand. I took it and He squeezed mine softly. 

“Alayna!” I said. 

“It’s nice to meet you!” He smiled. “Which one of Riley’s friends? If you don't mind me asking,” He raised an eyebrow. 

“Matt Parker,” I said bluntly. “You know him,” Henry took a sip of his beer and nodded. 

“I do, He’s alright. We’re sort of friends I suppose. He may have good intentions. Listen, I know you don’t need my advice, but just be careful around him. I don’t know what you were expecting with him or hoping for. But he can be a little, well, if I had a daughter I wouldn’t trust him with her. But I could be wrong. I’m sorry, that was a bit much. I don't want to ruin your evening,” He said. 

“For?” I smirked copying his face from earlier. “You seem to have pure intentions. Just looking out for someone. That’s really kind of you actually. I honestly don't know what I was expecting. But I can handle myself. I didn’t really come out tonight for him. I wanted to actually let loose and have fun for once. I’ve been trying to have more adventures, meet new people, make new friends.” I smiled looking him in the eyes on that last part. He gave me a big smile and held out his beer bottle to cheers me. 

“To new friends,” He spoke and we clinked our bottles together. “I like you, I mean talking to you.” He said. 

“I like talking to you too! I was honestly super anxious about coming tonight. I was worried I’d be too anxious and awkward to have fun or it would be too much. Because this is a lot. I’m 100% sure I saw someone do coke off the kitchen counter. But I’m actually enjoying myself. Right now anyway.” I laughed. Henry chuckled. 

“Good! Well, I’m going to go find my friends but, what's your number? I’ll send you a text real quick and if you get overwhelmed or uncomfortable  or need to escape all of this for a bit come find me! Or text me. I’d be happy to be there for you.  And we can just chill out for a while.” I smiled and gave him my phone number. It was nice to meet someone as kind as Henry. You don’t meet a lot of people that… genuine and gentlemanly in places like this. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before he walked off to find his friends. I wandered off to get another drink while I was standing in the kitchen waiting to grab another wine cooler. I felt someone lay their arm across my shoulder. 

“Hey gorgeous,” I recognized Matt’s voice. I gave him a soft smile. 

“Hi,” I spoke. 

“I’m glad you came tonight, You having a good time,” He asked, clearly buzzed. 

“Yeah,” I said tentatively “One hell of a party!” I laughed. 

“For sure!” He smiled and moved to the side of me taking his arm off my shoulder. “What are you drinking babe?” He asked. 

“Just Mike's lemonade.” I chuckled awkwardly. 

“Aw come on girl you can do something stronger than that huh?” He joked. I shook my head.

“I probably could but I’d rather not get sick.” I said. 

“Aw well come on at least do a shot with me?” He asked, giving me a puppy dog face and pouting. “Just tequila, we got training wheels!” He added. 

“I don’t know… I don’t wanna get too crazy,” I said. 

“Nah, it’ll be alright, it’ll just loosen you up a bit!” He spoke already pouring the shots. He slid one over to me. And a piece of lime. “Ready?” I picked up the shot and stared at it questioningly. 

“Alright,” He smiled. We clicked the glasses and hit them against the table before taking the shot. It was super bitter. I immediately followed it with the lime. But it didn’t help much. When I looked up again Matt had gotten me another Mike’s from the cooler.

“Atta girl!” He smirked. He took a step closer and I took the drink from him. Then I heard someone call his name from across the house. They were starting another game of beer pong. “That’s my que babe, but wait for me yeah? I’ll come back to you after this game!” He smirked and left a wet kiss on my cheek before running off to join the boys. 

Charming is certainly not a word I would use to describe him. But he’s nice. And he’s just trying to make sure I have fun. There’s no harm in that. I wandered around the party again. I opened up my new bottle and tossed the cap on a nearby coffee table. I thought about watching the beer pong game but I honestly wasn’t interested. I found the door leading to the backyard and saw there was a bonfire going. I stepped outside and found an empty seat by the fire. I watched it crackle for a bit and took a long sip of my drink. I felt a warmth inside me and knew it was coming from the alcohol. I started to relax as I listened to the fire and the white noise of the people chatting around me. It was a gorgeous night.

“Hey!” I heard a voice from behind me. “Funny meeting you out here!” Henry spoke, pulling up a chair next to me.

“Hey!” I said excitedly. “It’s calm out here. I like it!” I said. Henry smiled. 

“I do too, I love a good fire. Fuels the soul.” He half joked. 

“ I love the smell! Is that weird?” I laughed. 

“No,” He chuckled softly “Not at all! So, besides the band on that very cool shirt, What other music do you like?” Henry asked, leaning back in his chair and taking a long swig of his beer. 

“Oh all kinds. I’m a big lover of the stuff from the 70s though! Elton John, Heart, the Beatles, I guess they’re technically 60’s. I know it’s kind of old school but. I feel like they just don’t make music like that anymore.” I explained. 

“Classic! I like it,” He smiled. 

“What about you?” I asked. 

“Oh I’m all over the place too. I’m actually a big country fan!” He smirked. 

“I wouldn’t have expected that from you but I respect it. It’s not my favorite genre but there are definitely some good ones there!” I smiled. Henry and I chatted for a while. We talked about our majors. He's a history major. Where we’re from, he has an accent but I didn’t want to ask and be weird about it. He told me he’s from the UK. We talked about books, history and our friends. It was nice. A little while later I felt an arm around my shoulder again. I knew it was Matt. 

“There she is! Did you think I forgot about you babe?” He asked. 

“No,” I smiled blushing softly. He smiled. 

“Hey Henry! Are you having a good time, man?” He asked. Henry nodded and finished his beer. 

“Yeah! Actually I should go get another one. It was nice talking to you Alayna!” He smiled at me before he got up and left. I don’t know why but I could tell Henry wasn’t the biggest fan of Matt. He said they were friends earlier but I think he was just trying to be nice

I was shaken from the thought when I heard Matt’s voice again. 

“Hey, follow me!” He said enthusiastically. 

“Okay,” I smiled. I got up and followed him back inside. He led us upstairs and down the hall to what I assume was his room. 

“Too many people out there, I wanted to be alone with you,” He smiled. 

“That’s really sweet! It is pretty crowded.” I said. 

“Yeah,” He said blankly. “Are you enjoying the party?” He asked. 

“I am,” I said half telling the truth. I enjoyed talking to Henry. 

“God you’re so gorgeous,” He said. “I always want to talk to you in class but you always leave so quickly I never get the chance.” He said. 

“Thank you,” I blushed. 

“Can I kiss you?” He asked. I don’t know if I wanted it or if it was the alcohol but I nodded. He smirked and leaned in kissing me on the lips. It was gentle at first but then he quickly started using tongue. I felt kind of awkward. So I backed away. “Oh sorry, you okay?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” I lied. He just nodded and went back to kissing me. I kissed him back a bit but then I felt him start to feel me up. I froze. I really didn’t want that. He moved his hand under my shirt and I stopped him. 

“Uh Matt, I really don’t know about this.” I said nervously. He pulled back 

“It’s fine, nobody's gonna come in, don't worry about it.” He said and started kissing my neck. Oh god this sucks. 

“No I mean. I don’t… want to do this.” I stuttered. 

“Come on, it’ll be fun babe, it’ll be alright.” He kept feeling me up and continued kissing me. I felt stuck. He pushed himself against me, grinding into me. He moaned. I swallowed hard. Fuck, I really didn’t want this. 

“No, Matt, I really don’t want to.” I said again. 

“Shhh just go with it.” he said, shushing me. “You’ll enjoy it, I promise.” He said, sliding his hand under my skirt and rubbing his fingers against me. 

“No, stop Matt,” I said again, my voice quivering. He was definitely stronger than me. He used his other hand to take himself out of his shorts and he grabbed my hand putting it on him while he kept touching me, forcing his fingers inside. It hurt. I don’t know how but finally I found the strength to push him away from me. He stumbled back and fell against the bed and I ran out of the room. I could feel the tears stinging in my eyes already but I had to get out of this house. I quickly ran down the stairs and out the front door. Matt was pretty drunk so I don’t even think he tried to follow me. I walked a little way down the street and stopped letting out a sob. What the hell just happened. How did I let that happen? How could I have been stupid enough to trust him or follow him? I didn’t know what to do. I probably should have headed back to the dorm but I didn’t want to be alone right now. I took to my phone trying to think of who to talk to. 

I saw I had a text. It was Henry. “Hey it’s me! Henry I mean lol feel free to text me anytime.” I sent him a quick text taking a deep breath and trying to pull myself together. I didn’t want him to see me like this. I was so stupid. He tried to warn me. 

“Hey, it’s Alayna, where are you?” I sent it. To my surprise he responded almost immediately. 

“By the fire, You okay?” it read. 

“Would you wanna go on a walk with me?” I asked. There’s no way I could go back there. 

“Sure :) where are you?” 

“On the front sidewalk like 3 houses down toward campus.” 

“Be right there!” true to his word about 2 minutes later I saw him walking down the sidewalk toward me. 

“How are you?” He asked. 

“Good,” I nodded absentmindedly. 

“Were you leaving?” He asked.

I um,” I stuttered “Yeah, it was just… too much. I was gonna head home. I feel stupid I was just gonna walk home. I'll be fine, I’ll let you have fun. I don’t wanna interrupt your night.” I rambled. 

“No! Please do! I’d be happy to walk you home. Talking with you was the most fun I had tonight actually.” He stated simply. I smiled weakly.

“I’m glad.” I said. 

“Are you alright?” He asked me. I sighed trying not to get emotional. 

“Yeah, just a little overwhelmed and tired.” I lied. We walked in silence for a bit. I couldn’t believe how kind he was. The fact that he would leave his friends to walk me home. He was genuinely concerned about me. That feeling made me even more overwhelmed and finally after everything I could help but start crying. I felt like I had no control over my body as I started to sob. I felt my shoulders start to shake. Henry stopped and put his hands on my shoulders.

“Alayna what's wrong?” He asked me. I tried so hard to speak.

“He wouldn’t.. And I said… no, but he kept…” it all came out in broken sobs. Henry didn’t say anything. He just pulled me into him and hugged me tightly. After a few seconds. I started to calm down and tried to steady my breathing. 

“Shh it’s alright,  just breathe.” I heard him say. I slowed my breathing. “Did he touch you?” He asked gently, trying not to upset me again. I couldn’t speak, I just nodded. Henry went stiff. I looked up and saw his jaw was clenched. “Mother fucker,” He mumbled quietly under his breath. Then he spoke louder “Do you want to go talk to someone? Like report it?” He asked. Again his voice was gentle. I shook my head. 

“I can’t, I know I should but I really can’t, not now.” I said. He nodded. 

“Okay, well let's get you home.” He said. I started to walk again. Henry kept an arm around me as we walked. We were quiet the whole way there. He walked me all the way to the door. Wanting to make sure I got in okay.

“Thank you,” I said. But just as he turned to leave I grabbed his hand. “Wait, please don’t go.” I said, trying not to sound desperate. Not that I had the energy to care. 

“You want me to stay?” he asked. I nodded. 

“Yeah, no, I .. I don’t .. You don’t have to, I’ll be okay.” I said. 

“Hey,” He paused, grabbing my hand. “It’s okay, I don’t mind.” So I took off my shoes and slipped into the bathroom to change into some shorts. I laid in my bed and Henry sat next to me. “Do you want to watch something?” He asked. I nodded. And turned on my TV scrolling aimlessly. I stopped on some old 90’s sitcom. 

“Thank you, for staying,” I said. 

“You shouldn’t be alone right now. And I meant what I said. I had more fun talking to you tonight than with anyone else.” He smiled sympathetically. 

“I did too,” I said.  I sat up going to kiss him but he stopped me.

“Not tonight, darling. Believe me I would love to kiss you. But I think you’ll regret it later if you do this now. I like you. I’m not going anywhere. Let's take this slow. You’ve been through a lot tonight. I’ll still be here when you’re ready. But I think tonight you need to rest.” he said. The universe gave me Henry tonight. If I hadn’t ran into him. I’d have been alone after being sexually assaulted by a guy I barely know. Any other guy wouldn’t have treated me like him. He was so gentle and respectful. He was genuinely looking out for my best interest when he could’ve taken advantage of my vulnerability. I just nodded.

“I’m sorry that was stupid.” I sighed. 

“No, it wasn’t” he put his arm around me pulling me into his side and I naturally rested my head on his chest. “You don’t need to apologize. Try to get some rest.” He spoke gently. I could hear his heartbeat and my breath slowed to match the rhythm. Eventually so did he. I looked up to find him asleep with his arm still around me. I settled in snuggling into his side. All the noise around me slowly faded away and I finally got to rest, falling asleep in Henry’s arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That’s it you guys please let me know what you think. I love you all so much! You’ve shown my writing so much love 🥰

[l0lita-luv]

it would be so cute if u wrote abt reader & ellie going on a first date, how awkward and nervous they both are 😭 but maybe they end the night tg, just pure fluff they watch a movie but ellie is lowkey too scared to come off as pushy so she just misses a million cues from reader that they want a kiss 😭

Stop it because this is so cute anon! Tysm for the request!

First Date

Fluffy!!

Nervous Ellie Williams x Nervous Fem!reader

warnings- use of y/n-Fem!reader-kissing

key terms- y/n-your name,y/n/n-your nick name, y/c-your choice

a/n- Took me a while but love how it turned out!

You and Ellie are both nervous wrecks on your first date!

Ellie’s p.o.v

You had been taking to Ellie for a while, she was super sweet and you had thought about asking her out but you were afraid of rejection. But you weren’t the only one! Currently, Ellie is trying her best to hit the send button but kept on thinking of the worst!

Ellie

Hi y/n! Uh I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?

She did it, she actually sent the message. She was contemplating whether to wait for a response or to delete it before you see it, but it was too late when she saw you were typing! She was practically dripping from sweat from the fear of rejection, the sun rays coming from her window not helping.

Ellie

Hi y/n! Uh I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?

Y/n

Hey Ellie! I would honestly love to, let me know where and when!

She stared at the message in disbelief, “I’m going on a date with y/n!” She shouts out having no mercy for her neighbors ears, she smiles at the message for a while before quickly looking for a restaurant, she stops when she finds a pretty classy restaurant, she sends you the information and immediately gets up already picking an outfit for tomorrow.

You were the only thing on Ellie’s mind for the whole morning, right after she ate her breakfast she went to the bathroom to shower and do everything she needed to do to look presentable. After she did that, she went to go change, for once, she didn’t just wear some regular old pants and a plain shirt, she decided on a pair of jeans, with a nice flannel.

y/n’s p.o.v

“Oh my god what do I wear!” You yelled out frustrated, you had everything planned out except for your outfit. At first, maybe a nice shirt with a skirt, but you thought that was too plain! You were rummaging through every article of clothing until you found a pretty baby pink dress, it was off the shoulder, and had pretty ruffles with lace peaking out. “Perfect.” You think to yourself.

You went into your bathroom and did very simple makeup, and brushed your hair taking two front pieces and tying it in the back, adding a matching bow to complete the look. You smile at yourself as you start to feel the nervousness shower over you. “It will go great y/n!” You keep thinking to yourself. Checking your phone, you see Ellie told you she was only three minutes away, you hurriedly put on some white heels, along with your bag that contained your belongings. Before you knew it Ellie had arrived!

Hearing the doorbell, you rush to the door met with a stiffened Ellie, “Hi Ellie!” You manage to get out, “Hi y/n!” Ellie stutters out, you both endured a couple seconds of silence before Ellie breaks it, “So you ready to go?” Ellie asks carefully, “Yup!” You respond with a light smile, she nods as you step out of the house closing the door and following Ellie to her car.

“You look beautiful by the way.” Ellie manages to say, a light tint of pink covering her face waiting for you response, “Thank you Ellie! You look really pretty you know?” You say with a little more confidence, Ellie’s heart melts at your words and manages to whisper out a “Thank you.”.

The drive was pretty silent mixed with some of Ellie’s corny humor enlightening the mood. When you both arrive, Ellie is quick to rush out of her seat to open the door for you, “Aw thank you Ellie! You’re so sweet.” You compliment her, she smiles, “No problem!”.

You both enter the noisy restaurant filled with laughter and some yelling? Ellie goes up to the front desk, “Reservation name?” The waitress asks, “Ellie Williams.” Ellie responds, “Great follow me!” The waitress perks.

You suddenly feel a boost of confidence and reach for Ellie’s hand holding it, Ellie’s eyes widen a hue of red smothering her face, she smiles at you as you both continue walking to your table. “What would you guys like to drink?” The waitress asks kindly, “I’ll have a coke.” Ellie replies, facing you once again, “Uhm I’ll have y/c!” You reply smiling at the waiter. She nods as she writes down the rest heading to the kitchen.

“So uh y/n! What are you going order?” Ellie questions trying to compose herself, “I think I might get pasta or something like that.” You respond with a light smile, Ellie couldn’t help but stare at your features, “You’re so pretty…” Ellie mutters out, Ellie soon realizes what she said wanting to crawl into a whole and never come out, you couldn’t help but blush, “Thank you Ellie, your quite pretty yourself.” You stutter out. “So are you guys ready for entrees?” The waitress asks.

The rest of the date surprisingly goes smoothly, you both really enjoyed your food. “So will you guys like to split the bill or is one person going to pay?” “I’ll p-.” Ellie cut you off, “I’ll be paying!” She quickly responded handing the waitress her card, you frown at Ellie speaking as the waitress left, “I was going to pay!” You tell Ellie, “I asked you on this date y/n, plus I had a really good time.” Ellie responds, your face softening.

“So…” You try to start a conversation, “Uhm would you like to come to my house and watch a movie or something?” Ellie asks hopeful, “Sure!” You respond quickly surprised at her question. “Great.” Ellie responds smiling, you smile back. You both make your way to the car silence filling the air, when your arrive Ellie is quick to open the door for you once again signaling you to sit down, you lightly laugh at this.

The car ride was once silent again, Ellie’s door opening once you arrived breaking it. You smile as you hear Ellie hurrying to open the door for you, as you step out, Ellie closes the door and reaching for your hand. As you both walk into her warm home she’s speaks, “Uhm do you need any clothes?” Ellie questions worrying for you, “Yes please, this dress is starting to kill me!” You respond smiling. Ellie nods, “Follow me!” She exclaims leading you to her room. She opens the door welcoming you in as she goes to her closet, coming back quickly handing you an oversized band tee with some loose sweatpants, “Thank you Ellie! But where should I change?” You question, Ellie’s eyes widen before hurriedly responding, “Uhm you can change in the bathroom!” She stutters, you only nod as you walk over to her bathroom.

When you come back, Ellie is sat on her bed having a movie picked out. “What’re we watching?” You question, “Jurrasic park if that’s ok with you?” She lets out a little embarrassed, “I always knew you loved dinosaurs but that sounds good!” You respond reassuringly. She smiles as she pats the spot next to her, with you following.

After a couple minutes into the movie, you try to make some moves! Holding her hand, sometimes even caressing it softly but she wouldn’t get the hint. Even once when she looked at you, you tried leaning in but all she did was turn away! I guess she had no clue of what you’re trying to do.

Ellie p.o.v

“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!”, Ellie mentally screams at herself, “She just caressed your hand Ellie!” She thinks to herself panicking. She turns her head to you, “Are you liking the movie so far y/n/n?” She asks seeming calm, “Yeah Els! I really am enjoying it.” You respond. She notices you leaning in and out of panic she turns back to the movie. She feels you retract your hand from hers, missing your touch already. “She just tried to kiss you Ellie! Why did you turn away!” She thinks to herself panicked.

“Just do it Ellie.” She finally says to herself, “Y/n.” She says calling you, “Yes Ell-.” You get cut of by Ellie’s lips meeting yours, you smile into the kiss quickly following her lead. Ellie pulls away noticing what she just did. “I like you a lot y/n, will you be my girlfriend?” Ellie asks confidently, “Of course I will Ellie!” You smile, Ellie’s lips finding your lips once again.

wc- 1,327

[missmaywemeetagain]

Something Blue, A Pink Scarf Universe Story

A/N: Ohhh, so y'all forced this out of me, what with all the talk about the "Blue Scarf" and expanding the "Scarf Universe" thrown at me this week! 😂 (I hear you, I hear you!) Be careful what you wish for, lil' darlin's!! Honestly, though, I've known since I ended Pink Scarf that this was something that was going to happen in this particular way to our dear Reader and E, I just never knew if it was going to see the light of day. And with this week's prompt, all the inspiration and stars seemed to align at once on Sunday, so this came out rather quick and may be rough, and it's possible I might go back and tweak it later, but I'm happy with it for now. I hope this satiates you for the moment. I hope it gives you all the feels. And, yes, perhaps I may expand this little Blue Scarf into a series and include a spicy story or two later, if you all are good lil' babies for me. 😏 💙🧣💙 Let me know in the comments and reblogs...😉

Thanks always to my sister wives @thatbanditqueen @whositmcwhatsit @ellie-24 @from-memphis-with-love @be-my-ally and @vintageshanny for allowing me to skirt by late with this week's prompt. 😇

Prompt: “How are we going to solve this problem?”

Rating: PG (ish?) || Word Count: 2.7k

TW: Fluff, angst (always), infidelity (sort of??), no smut (so sorry loves)

Something Blue, A Pink Scarf Universe Story

August 1971

It’s fitting, you think, that today of all days, you’re wearing his blue silk scarf in your hair. Elvis hasn’t worn it much since that fateful summer a couple of years ago—and only for a few more shows and a couple nights out—so you had absconded with it and made it your own, as you’d managed to do with many of his things. You loved how it smelled of him, the silk doused in his musk and cologne, and how it reminded you of the not-wearing-a-shirt-under-a-jacket/jumpsuit phase he gone through that summer and fall of ‘69. Lord, you’d loved that phase. It had been so easy to lay him bare before you.

Heat floods your cheeks at the thought of what this particular scarf has seen between the two of you, and then at the fact that this might be the worst possible time for a thought like that to pop into your head. You know it’s the shock of the bomb that just dropped on your lives that has your brain short circuiting a little. Because neither of you ever expected this.

You nervously twist the platinum and diamonds on your ring finger, the ones which pledged his love for you in front of your family, friends, and the world. Thoughts fill your mind of your lovely, small wedding, how this scarf had been there for that important moment, too, tied around your waist, cinching your white dress—being both your “something borrowed” and your “something blue.” Elvis loved that you’d included it, this piece of him, as part of your gown.

He also loved untying it at the end of the night and letting it flutter to your feet with the rest of your dress.

It’s counterpart, the pink scarf, had been tucked into the pocket of his suit jacket, a little secret for you both. You’d enjoyed it, as well, later that night.

“Y/n, did y-you hear me? I-I-I-It’s me,” Elvis says, snapping you out of your memories, his hand lingering on the phone he��d just placed back on its cradle. “How are w-w-we going to solve this problem?”

The wavering fear in his voice is palpable and in any other circumstance it might scare you, but a strange sense of calm falls over you. Somehow the domino effect of both of your actions two years ago have led you to this very moment. Tragic as it is, it seems meant to be.

Just like you and Elvis.

Closing your eyes for a moment, you breathe deeply. Yes, there is a part of you that is still jealous and angry about what brought you here. But you knew, even back then, that it was possible he’d been with others in your month-long absence, that his fear of losing you plus old habits could have driven him into the arms of another. It wasn’t a new revelation, just one neither of you had wanted to talk about after all was said and done. And it hadn’t been an issue since, so you figured bringing it up would be more trouble than it was worth.

Pushing that hurt aside, a much bigger feeling swells within you—one you’ve been hesitant to name for fear that it would not come to fruition. But now everything has changed.

“It’s not a problem,” you state, your voice surprisingly steady.

“W-w-what?” Elvis questions, those oceanic eyes of his widening in disbelief.

“It’s a gift, Elvis. From the most unlikely and sad circumstances, yes, but a gift all the same. Isn’t it?” You’re not quite sure if you are trying to convince him or if you are just stating the obvious, but those feelings continue to rise in you and have for days. And they overshadow the fading fissure of anger and the burgeoning fear that you refuse to let consume you.

Hope. Joy.

“A gift?” he repeats, letting the words roll on his tongue, letting them sink in. He blinks slowly, gaze shifting off into the distance for a moment. Then, he looks down at the paperwork on the table. At the picture. “Oh. Oh.”

A shuddering breath shakes his shoulders, his ring clad fingers clawing at his knees. It’s when the tears pool in his eyes, finally betraying his sensitive vulnerability after so many days of keeping it in, that you slide out of your chair and rush to his side.

He immediately buries his head into your belly, his arms circling around your waist, clinging to you. A sob wrenches out of him, one so deep that it brings tears to your eyes.

“I-I-I’m so s-sorry. I-I didn’t think...I-I-I din’t know,” he hiccups. You’re not sure if he’s apologizing to you or her or him. Maybe his apology is for all of you.

“Shhh, hush, it’s okay,” you coo, tears trickling absently down your cheeks. You run your fingers through his soft hair before pulling back, cupping his cheeks so he is forced to look at you.

He is so wide-eyed and young-looking staring up at you, his eyes now matching the scarf in your hair with their electric blue, a dramatic contrast against the redness caused by his tears.

“It’s not a problem, honey, it’s a gift. He is a gift,” you say, wiping the tears that linger on his prominent cheekbones. “We can do this. I want to do this. If you do.”

Elvis blinks up at you, surprised. “Really?”

“Yes. If he’s a part of you, he’s a part of me, too. And—and,” you choke up, swallowing your past sorrows, “you know it’s something I’ve always wanted. Something I never thought we could have. This is…a chance to make something wonderful out of something tragic.”

You’re aware the reality is likely going to be much more complicated than either of you can fathom in this moment. There is a part of you that is utterly terrified it won’t live up to the miracle you want it to be and that you won’t be worthy of the task. But that is not what Elvis needs to hear, not right now. Your insecurities can wait.

Elvis looks down at the picture resting on the table of the young woman and her baby. Your gaze follows. The first time you saw it, you knew, based solely on the fact that the woman looked so much like a younger version of you, that something had happened between them in those weeks you’d escaped from Vegas to California, when you left him, trying to figure out if you could forgive him. When you were trying to recover from your life turning upside down.

Her likeness plus the look of horrified guilt on his face upon seeing the picture told you all you needed to know about that. His begging and pleading for forgiveness at your feet solidified it.

But it had been the way Vernon had blanched white as a sheet when seeing the baby that you understood the true consequence of Elvis’ dalliance.

It was a punch in the gut, at first. Of course, it was. But logically you knew that he’d been hurting in those weeks without you, unsure if you’d ever come back to him. It wasn’t altogether surprising that he’d sought out comfort from a girl who looked so much like you.

You wanted to be furious at the fact she had gotten pregnant by him so easily, but you knew that was a futile road to go down, especially after what happened to her.

According to the letter she’d given to her lawyer, who had sent it on to Elvis, the cancer within her spread like wildfire. It was too late to save her by the time her pain had sent her to the doctor. She—Theresa—had never planned to ask Elvis for a thing, she reiterated. Theresa had been content to raise her son by herself. But she had no family to take him in when she was gone, and she could not bear to think of her son alone and unloved.

“You don’t have to take him, Elvis, truly. But I beg you, please, please make sure he is placed with a nice family, that he is loved and taken care of. I cannot leave him all alone.”

His lawyers weren’t convinced, however, and didn’t want him to even entertain the thought. It could open you up for all sorts of future problems, Elvis.

But that didn’t stop him from finding out for himself because, as all of them knew, nobody tells Elvis Presley what he can and can’t do. He tracked her down, in Denver of all places, and took you and Vernon with him to the hospital to see Theresa. You didn’t know how you would feel seeing this girl Elvis had been with in a moment of weakness. Would you want to slap her face? Would you want to cry and scream? Would you want to tear her apart?

Instead, it had shocked you into silence, seeing someone that resembled you so closely withering away from disease, as if it were some sort of eerie harbinger. It made your skin prickle. But then compassion filled you, more so than you ever expected. The poor woman was on death’s door, but you’ll never forget the relief in her eyes when you all walked through the door. That look was something that couldn’t be faked. Nor was the toddler playing with the nurse in the corner, the little boy who Vernon looked at like he’d seen a ghost.

The boy was the spitting image of his father.

But that didn’t stop Theresa from encouraging a paternity test. She was well aware of what a mess this could be for Elvis, and she didn’t want there to be a shadow of a doubt for anyone involved. She wanted him to be sure.

“I don’t want to ruin your life,” she’d croaked, her emaciated frame limp and barely able to produce the tears she was trying to hold back. “I never want him to be a burden.”

The tiny blonde child chose that pivotal moment to break away from the nurse, waddling over and grabbing Elvis’ flared pant leg with chubby little fists, commanding Elvis’ attention downward. His chin tucked, gaze following the movement at his feet, and you watched him wrestle with what to do, what the protocol in this sort of situation was. It was intense, this first moment between them, and the boy’s all-too-familiar crooked smile and slow blinking blue eyes made your heart clench.

You watched Elvis come to an unspoken decision, and he lifted the boy easily and almost too naturally tucked the boy into his hip. The room collectively held its breath, watching the scene unfold. You’d never seen a child snuggle up to an unfamiliar person like that before, the way he buried his head into Elvis’ shoulder as if drawn in, inexplicably trusting. Granted, Elvis had that preternatural way about him, his essence bringing people to him constantly. But this was different.

Heart fluttering into a gallop, you watched Elvis take this moment in before nodding solemnly, sucking in his lip. With the child tucked into his side, it was obvious to you that he was holding back his pressing emotions to stay in control. Nevertheless, he was unwavering when he told Theresa, “Even if he’s not mine, I’ll make sure he finds a good home. I promise you that.”

She’d closed her eyes then, and when they opened, you saw a gratefulness and relief so strong it nearly bowed you over.

Elvis had done the blood test right then at the hospital. Everyone was quiet on the plane ride home. Elvis, pensive and withdrawn, clutched at your hand so tightly it tingled from the loss of circulation. And when the call came the next day that Theresa was gone, your heart broke for her. Sheer willpower had kept her alive long enough to make sure her son would be safe. A mother’s love.

You’d wept for her. You’d wept for you and for Elvis. You’d wept for that little boy.

Nicholas. Nicholas Aaron.

You didn’t tell Elvis that the moment you saw the 16-month-old toddle towards you that you knew. That you loved him instantly, like something magical locked into place. It was too early, too soon. But you knew.

Elvis hadn’t wanted to talk about it much as you all waited for the results. He was antsy and on edge, everyone giving him a wide berth. His guilt was trying its best to distance him from you, that deep seeded, insecure vulnerability in him trying to simultaneously push you away while needing you close. It was evident in the way he clung to you in his sleep. But you did everything in your power to let him know you didn’t hate him for the indiscretion, that you still loved him unconditionally, no matter the paternity outcome.

Of course, your mind whirled in overdrive, circling the drain around your surprising emotions about Nicholas. You found yourself worrying your nails down to the quick about whether he was safe and who was caring for him since his mother died. Your heart felt like it was tearing in two whenever you thought about it. You knew you shouldn’t get too attached, but you couldn’t help it. It was primal and biological, this response.

So when the phone rang this morning and Jerry had so seriously handed it to Elvis, you knew what it was, your breath catching in your throat. This was the moment that would change everything. And you hoped it was for the better as you sat across from him, wringing your hands in your lap. Silence filled the room as Elvis listened to the voice on the other end, his face going Hollywood blank, giving you nothing to hold on to. Your heart threatened to explode right out of your chest and onto the table.

He thanked the voice on the other end and hung up the phone.

“E, what did they—” you started.

“I’m his father,” Elvis finally whispered in shock.

And now you are here, holding him to you, being his rock while in your own state of disbelief and wonder. A thousand emotions roll through you all at once: Hope. Joy. Sorrow for Theresa. Guilt for being happy in the face of Nicholas’ tragedy.

“Do you want this, to take him in, Elvis?” you ask, prompting him to look up at you once more. You pray you know the answer.

“Of course, I do. I’m his father. He’s my son,” he says, as if the unfamiliar words have finally landed and he believes them. Then his signature 1,000-megawatt crooked smile spreads across his face. “I have a son! We have a son!” he adds, proudly.  

Elvis jumps up, grabbing you by the waist, spinning you around until the room tilts on its axis. You laugh breathlessly, arms locked around his neck, wondering how in the world you’ve managed to get here after all this time, in the most unlikely of ways.

A son.

When he sets you down, he looks at you, grinning from ear to ear with an unbridled passion like you’ve never seen from him before. It’s not sexual, and it’s different from the passion he has for his music. It’s the love of a new father, you realize, something you never thought you’d get to see. It makes your heart swell uncontrollably.

“Are you absolutely positive this is what you want, lil’ mama?” His questioning eyes search yours as he cups your face, his fingers catching in the blue scarf in your hair. The pet name suddenly takes on a whole new meaning, releasing butterflies in your stomach.

Excitement has your heart racing and your breath short, but you beam, winking, “Oh, I’m one thousand percent positive, Daddy.”

Elvis kisses you deeply, as though he’s merging with you, engulfing you. It takes your breath away completely.

“We have a son,” he whispers, smiling against your mouth. “Let’s go get our son.” There’s something in the way he includes you in this, a pointed clarity that you are not an outsider because you aren’t Nicholas’ biological mother. No, he’s telling you in no uncertain terms—this is your boy as much as he is mine.

And after so many years thinking it could never be, it finally, truly hits you, without a doubt:

I’m going to be a mother.

*

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[kittensartswriting]

Happy STS! I hope you’ve had a good week :) What is something about your WIP that’s either on your mind lately or that you wish more people would ask you about?

Hi! Happy STS!

I haven't been writing in several months (I've needed to focus on uni), so I have been mainly thinking about worldbuilding. For a while now I've been quite obsessed with figuring out the fashion in far too much detail. It's honestly not that important for the story, but I love dress history so it's just extremely fun for me to come up with a hundreds if not thousands of year of fashion evolution for almost a whole continent. Figuring out Ahinian fashion has been most interesting and hardest part too, because I'm trying to base it less on anything historical and more trying to come up with something different.

I can best figure visual things like fashion out by drawing it, so I started with the royal siblings, Agrippa and Manoheahpi. Here they are showing of court fashions. Black, dark blue, white and yellow are colors of the moon cult and their clan, which is the head of the moon cult. Agrippa is wearing a formal gown and a headdress of the heiress. The extreme sleeves and the ribbon skirt are part of the formal court dress. Manoheahpi is dressed in a casual outdoorsy aristocratic men's dress. He is a sage, hence the tattoos.

I think it's very interesting to figure out gendered clothing because it reveals so much about the gender construction and gender roles of a society. Ahinians have technically five genders, voasin - a woman, deavin - a man, vašáin - a third and separate gender category, voasdár - afab or intersex person, who lives as a man (-dár is masculine suffix), and deavnei - amab or intersex person, who lives as a woman (-nei is correspondingly a feminine suffix). In their culture gender is less defined by the body and more defined by the spirit. Their society is not entirely egalitarian though (even if more egalitarian than your typical patriarchal binary society), since their society is theocratic and gender essentialist, not in biological way but spiritual way. Therefore magic is very gendered. They are matriarchal so women hold most of the political power. This is reflected in dress - upper class fashions are more feminine coded, lower class fashions more masculine coded, and religious attires are vašáin coded because they are traditionally sages. In more formal setting aristocratic men too wear long gowns, and lower class women also wear shorter gowns.

I'm still figuring out the details of vašáin dress, clothing of lower classes and ceremonial dress. But I do know that very warm layered clothing is considered finer and more upper class, since the climate is very cold and the upper classes live in large castles, which can't be warmed to very comfortable temperatures. On the other hand lower classes live in small log cottages that are filled with hot smoke that even in very low temperatures keep the cottages in near 30C temperatures, so their indoors clothing are basically one layer, which they see as underwear. So even in hot summer upper classes dress in a lot of layers for formal occasions, the layers are then just thin and made of silk, linen and/or nettle. They don't wear crowns, but they wear elaborate hair jewelry indoors (with caps when it's cold indoors too) and elaborate hats outdoors. Lower classes also wear more toned down and more practical hair jewelry, but mostly caps and hats.

Also this all applies only in the agricultural area, which is along the Vuolhú river (the area marked in the map). The societal structures are very different outside it (so most of the country) where agriculture is not possible and people are herders and hunter-gatherers and quite nomadic. Population density is quite expectedly much higher in the agricultural area, so people wise, it's most of the country.

[in-halingstardust]

hi! im interested in a spicy matchup with a male character! 

im a short (4’11”) female, INTJ, wears glasses, flat af. i do think i dress up nice, mostly cute, casual, minimal and classy. i like long pants or short skirts.

i mind my own business and don’t really interact with people (anxious). im pretty serious, i try my best to act more open and friendly in social events. honestly a clown with people im close to. i love hanging out with my friends! but I also like being alone in my room. not touchy but I can see myself being cuddly with an s/o. i like people who are easy-going and funny and also mature and responsible.

i love to draw and cook! hikes are cool too. i believe in “you have to try everything once”. i did try group cycling, ice skating, fencing and archery.

my love language is acts of service and gifting! you said you wanted that drink as a joke for your birthday in 5 months? no worries i’ll remember that. love praise kink <3 sensitive to touch especially ears and thighs, vanilla, love a switch <3

thank you! <33

//my appearance ain’t saving me but for context i am legally allowed to drink and drive

I love how you had to add you're legally allowed to drink and drive I was laughing so hard. Pretty mild and super romancey (<- is that how you spell that word?) Anyway anon, I hope you enjoy and super sorry this is so late! ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭ ੈ♡‧₊˚

I'm gong to pair you with Dan Heng!

There is a sweet contrast within the two of you. A middle ground that keeps both your relationship stable, content, and real. You both are like the swell and white of the waves that crash against the shore line. Mixing together in harmony. 

There would be slight touches, the warmth emanating as you two stand close on a rainy day, ankles nudging playfully underneath the blankets, warm lattes and hot tea. Lots of quiet affirmations with you two, hidden from the public. 

The best part are the cuddles,

❥ The way Dan Heng surrounds you. At first he is hesitant, as if he has never been this close to another before. As he warms up he will graze his nose into you neck resting after a long day. The slight hint of cardamom and maple encompasses you. You wrap your hands around his waist and feel this is the best place in the world.   ❥ Comfortable? Dan Heng would ask on another day, him on his back reading a book with you pinned on top of him listening to his heartbeat. His spare hand would run fingers through your curls as you both drifted off on a lazy weekend. ❥ Little Spicy -> Dan Heng likes it when you wear your glasses. I mean -yes- you should be able to see; but he really likes it when you’re both in a heated make out session the way your glasses slide awkwardly around. Really likes it, when your panting and they start to fog up before he removes them.

[darthvashtique93]

A Cosmos In The Sand

Chapter 2

Raven sat at her vanity, dressed and surrounded in luxury, but feeling as depressed as ever. Her top was made from gold and iolite, spun by Slaede's personal magic weavers. It was tight and covered only her breasts. Her skirt was made from the same material. It barely covered her undergarment as there were slits on both sides. A 2-row coin anklet made from gold decorated one foot, while a thin, iolite thigh-ring adorned the opposite leg. A tiny iolite stone decorated her belly button. A finger-to-wrist hand bracelet with five rings weighed down her left hand. An iolite armband with gold chains wrapped around her right arm. The large hoop earrings were surprisingly, thankfully, very light. Raven always forgot she was wearing them until after she moved her head. Her eyes were lined with a dark kohl, bringing out the natural, violet hues. Finally, her hair – black as night but shone violet when either sunlight or moonlight hit it just right – fell straight down her back. She looked every bit the prized jewel Slaede made her to be. She hated it. The soldiers referred to her as Slaede's treasure, and Slaede dressed her as such.

Her traveling tent was just as decorated as her room back at the palace. The most comfortable throws, the softest pillows, and iolite incense burned her lungs. She was even allowed to ride Slaede's favorite horse, something she only did when she felt compelled to do so. And while she enjoyed the finest foods and wines, her family – her sisters – suffered in dungeons. Raven's service to Slaede was the only thing keeping them alive and safe from Slaede's most perverted guards.

Raven closed her eyes and prayed for respite from her burning lungs. Tears gathered behind her closed eyelids. She didn't know how much longer she could continue this…this façade. She loved her family, but she was beginning to wonder if they were worth the pain and agony. The innocent lives lost because of you, her subconscious reminded her. Raven tried not to think of the screams of those dying at the hands of Slaede's army, but they flooded her dreams. She honestly couldn't remember the last good night's sleep she had.

A sob broke through Raven's painted lips. She was so tired – tired of being afraid, tired of feeling worried, tired of being tired.

Opening her eyes, Raven spoke, "I know you're there." She was greeted by silence. Turning on her stool, Raven faced her seemingly empty tent and spoke again, "Don't I deserve to see the face of my would-be assassin?" Scanning the tent, Raven's eyes came to rest on a dark corner, where a shadow seemed to emerge from a shadow. The warrior stepped into the light. He was tall – at least a head taller than Slaede. He was muscular, darkly tanned, and his eyes were a strange mix of green gold. The hatred that burned in his eyes seared her skin "You've been betrayed, Ibn al Xu'ffasch," Raven continued.

The warrior froze, a question marred his handsome face. "You know my name," the warrior stated in disgust.

"And I know why you're here, Damyan," Raven replied. She opened her mouth to say more when she felt a burst of energy in her soul. Colors of every kind swirled in her eyes. Multiple visions of the same event played in her mind. Suddenly, she saw her salvation – multiple ways to freedom that began and ended with him. She needed him. He needed to survive this night. "You-you've been betrayed," Raven repeated while her mind fought to come up with a plan to ensure her assassin's safety. "You-you've…" she paused as she willed her brain to think faster. Confusion swept crossed the face of Ibn al Xu-ffasch. It was quickly replaced by hate. He drew his weapon, but before he could take a single step, soldiers flooded Raven's tent, surrounding him. Shock and anger quickly replaced the hate on his face. But it was too late for him. His momentary lapse in focus allowed 10 of Slaede's finest soldiers the opportunity to rush him. Before Raven could think, Damyan was bound to a beam supporting Raven's tent.

"Well, well, well," Slaede was heard before he was seen. His soldiers parted, making room for Slaede to stride up to Damyan at a leisurely pace. "You look so surprised," Slaede smirked up at the young man. Damyan looked past Slaede. "You!" he spat at the short figure standing behind Slaede. "You betrayed us!"

"I did," the figure, Mara, smiled brightly. "Grandfather really should have listened to you. Alas, the old man was surprised when I slit his throat. I could tell…by the look on his face," she held up the decapitated head of Ra's al Ghul. Raven was surprised to see sorrow fill Damyan's face. He must have really loved the old man. "Here," Mara tossed the head at Slaede's feet. "By my grandfather's head, I pledge my allegiance," she bowed her head.

"I welcome you with open arms," Slaede said.

"Father!" another voice called out. Raven scowled at the sound of the voice. "Look who I found!" Graent dragged a squirming female behind him. Raven had no idea who the female was, but judging by his aesthetics, she was Damyan's mother.

"Ama!" Damyan gasped as the woman was forced to the ground.

"Hello, Talia," Slaede walked to the woman and smirked down at her. "You know, Damyan, in another life, I would have been your birth father. Who knows? Maybe the King of Go-tham would still be alive had Ra's given me your mother as promised," he angrily grabbed Talia's face. "Maybe I'll have her anyway," he smirked evilly.

"I'd rather die," Talia sneered.

"That will be arranged," Slaede marched over to a bound Damyan and searched him. Behind Slaede's back, Raven looked to see Talia staring up at her. Please save my son, Raven heard Talia's voice in her head. Raven looked at her in shock. Save him, Talia spoke again, and he will save you. Raven gave a minute nod.

"Here it is," Slaede pulled a knife from Damyan's ankle. "I'll give you another chance, Talia. Swear allegiance to me."

"Damn you."

"Fine." Grabbing Talia by the hair, he plunged the knife directly into her throat.

"Ama!" Damyan yelled out, and the sound tore at Raven's heartstrings. Talia fell to the ground as a gurgling sound came from her throat as she choked on her own blood. Raven looked away from the macabre sight, but instantly regretted it when she met Damyan's hateful gaze. "I'm going to kill you, sorceress," he growled, and Raven had to step back at the wave of hate she sensed coming from him. Yes, Raven thought, I can use this.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14253019/1/A-Cosmos-In-The-Sand

[mymoodwriting]

Request for Anon (Yandere Mafia Baekhyun) 3.7k, mafia, yandere, pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy, abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, accusations of cheating

“I’m pregnant!”

“No you’re not.”

    You were dumbfounded by Baekhyun’s words. The news was definitely life changing, and you knew that when you confessed this he might not take it well, but you weren’t expecting such a cold response. As Baekhyun got up from his desk and approached you, his eyes fixated on the pregnancy test you were fiddling with in your hands. He took it from you, looking it over.

“Take another one.”

“I have… that’s the third one… they’re all positive.”

“How long?”

“It’s been two days since I’ve missed… and I don’t know how far along I am. Maybe a week or two… we can go to the doctor and-”

“Get rid of it.”

“Wa… what?”

“I’ll cover all the expenses. Just let me know.”

“We need to talk about this. Are you sure-”

“You wanna keep it?”

“I… I don’t know…”

“Then think about it.” Baekhyun leaned over to kiss your head. “I have a meeting to get to, and I’ll probably be home late. So don’t wait up.”

“Okay…”

“Love you.”

“Me too.”

    Baekhyun handed you back the pregnancy test and grabbed his jacket on the way out of the office. You stayed in place, trying to understand exactly how that all went down. Eventually you looked back at the pregnancy test. You did need to think things through, you just thought you’d do that with Baekhyun. You returned to your bedroom, going over to the window and staring up at the sky. Truth was the two of you had always been careful. You were on the pill, and most of the time he’d wear a condom too. Of course that wasn’t always the case, but the fact that you were pregnant now brought up a lot.

    You two have been together for years now but you had never talked about the possibility of having kids. It never really came up, and perhaps you weren’t at that point in your life to talk about it either, but now here you were. Even if this decision would ultimately come down to your choice, you still wanted Baekhyun’s input. He seemed to be busy now, and you honestly didn’t have all the information. The first thing you needed to do was go to the doctor and get some answers. So you made a call, and luckily enough scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning. You thought to tell Baekhyun about it, but given how he took the news, it was probably best to leave him out of it for the time being.

    You ate dinner alone, sitting in the silence of the dining room. It wasn’t the first time you had done this, but given the circumstances things felt far more lonely. You thought to stay up, wait up to see him and make sure he got home okay, but you’d probably just worry him if he found you passed out on the couch. Besides, you had an appointment tomorrow, so you should probably get to bed. You didn’t how late it was when you heard the shower, but you did manage to vaguely stay up until you felt the bed dip. Arms wrapped around you and pulled you close.

“… rough… night…”

“Hm… sleep well…”

“… ye…”

    In the morning you found yourself alone. It wasn’t the first time, but it certainly hit differently today. There was a note on the nightstand, Baekhyun explaining that something came up and he needed to go. You knew what type of work he did, so you understood these things happened, although you found it sweet he always took the time to leave you a message. He even pressed a kiss to the paper as his signature, and you softly kissed it back.

    You had a proper breakfast after you showered and dressed for the day, opting for a simple shirt and jacket with a skirt, and comfortable shoes. As you made your way down to the front entrance you noticed two guards. They weren’t usually there but you didn’t dwell on it, grabbing your car and house keys from the desk in the entrance hall. When you approached the door they got in your way, making it so you couldn’t leave.

“Could you move, please.”

“We’re under orders to keep you in the house, ma’am.”

“Excuse me? You must be mistaken, now move. I have an appointment and I don’t want to be late.”

“I’m sorry, but those are our orders.”

You scoffed. “Baekhyun would not keep me in this house. So move, or I will have you killed.”

“…”

“You may work for my husband, but don’t think I’m powerless.”

“No offense ma’am, but if we don’t follow orders, we are dead. So you’re staying here.”

“For fucks sake, your orders are to protect me. It’s just easier to do that when I’m contained in an enclosed space. So follow me out into town for all I care, but if you lay a finger on me, you’re dead.”

    You pushed them aside and walked out the front door. Soon enough you heard footsteps behind you. Baekhyun didn’t always put security on you, the people around here weren’t stupid enough to try anything, but he’d get paranoid every now and then. This was one of those times. Before either of those guards got any ideas you told them to get their own car and follow you like that if they wanted too.

    You started up your vehicle, checking the directions and getting on the road. It was a smooth ride, and you made it to your appointment, checking in early and waiting for a bit. You hadn’t seen a gynecologist in a while, and you were certainly overdue for things too. They’d probably mention all that while you were here, but this was about the pregnancy first and foremost. When you were called up you took a deep breath to calm your nerves.

    While you waited around in the exam room your eyes wandered to all the posters around. All talking about pregnancy and other things related to your reproductive organs, and their health. It was a bit nerve wracking seeing it all, but this was important. Once your doctor came in you went through the usual questions, and you began the examination. You found out you were three weeks pregnant, thinking back to a handful of nights that could have been the one. As far as the doctor was concerned you were healthy, and so was the baby. They began to go over what you’d need to do to take care of yourself, but there was a burning question in your mind.

“So… uh… how long do I have before… I can’t… not have the baby…”

“You have until late in your second trimester, which is about 22 weeks from conception. In simple terms, you have about five months.”

“I see.”

“If you intend to terminate the baby it would be best to do it during the earlier stages. You should speak to your partner about this and make a decision.”

“Yeah…”

    You were still going back and forth on the idea, but set up future appointments to keep up with your health and the development of the baby. You probably would have gone home, but there was a lot on your mind and you didn’t think driving would be the best idea now. So instead you walked down the street, looking at what was around until you found a good place for some snacks. The two guards that had followed you went in with you, but sat away from you, giving you space. Things didn’t feel so uncertain now, in regards to what was going on with your body, everything else was still shaky.

    You wanted nothing more than to talk to Baekhyun, to figure this out together, but you were scared how he’d react. It felt like it was too soon, and you did have some time to wait around.  Once you felt better you returned home, telling the guards you wouldn’t say anything about your outing if they didn’t wish to report it to your husband. Regardless of what they’d say, you were sure they were just relieved you were back home. You went to your room, wanting to soak in a warm bath, kinda wishing you could have a glass of wine, but it wouldn’t be good for the baby.

    When Baekhyun got home later you said nothing about your doctors visit, and he didn’t seem to know either. He was happy to see you though, and things felt like nothing had changed. He told you about his day, being vague and not giving details, but the way he spoke kept your interest. Even if his work was dangerous, you understood that at its core this was all just business, and it kept you safe. You had dinner together, followed by a couples shower. Things might have gone further but you were both quite tired, and settled for snuggling in bed. For a while things were like before between you, but at some point you’d have to address the elephant in the room.

“Not this again…”

    You were planning to go out for some minor errands when you noticed two guards at the door. Baekhyun was home in his office today, but he never had guards posted at the door because of that. So clearly this was about you, and you rolled your eyes as you went over to his office. Usually you’d knock, he could be on an important call, but you didn’t care to do it this time around, just bursting in.

“What’s with the lockdown protocol?”

“Huh?”

“The guards posted at the door. Why can’t I leave?”

“Who said you can’t leave?”

“You did this last time! The guards wouldn’t let me leave cause they had orders to keep me in the house! What gives?!” “Oh, that was different. They’re meant to accompany you.”

“Accompany me?”

“Aren’t you going to the doctors today?”

“Huh? Why would I go to the doctors? And why would I need an escort!”

“Well I figured you’d want an escort for the procedure. So you’re not alone afterwards.”

“Procedure? Wait, you think I’m getting an abortion?”’

“Aren’t you?”

“No. Why would-”

“We’ve talked about this. We already-”

“No, we didn’t talk. You yelled at me.”

“So you want to keep it?”

“I don’t know, but I’d really like to talk to you about it.”

“Fine, let’s talk then.” Baekhyun stood up. “I don’t want a kid. Do you have any idea how dangerous having a kid in this line of work is?”

“Obviously, but you are well respected in this world. No one would dare touch me, and-”

“A kid is a different story. I know you can handle yourself, but a child can’t.”

“So what? You wouldn’t protect it out in the world? You-”

“I can’t possibly trust anyone in a school environment. Too many variables, too many dangers, too many situations a child can get hurt in.”

“There’s always home schooling and-”

“Why are we talking as if you’re keeping it?”

“I just… I…”

“Do you want to keep it?”

“I… I don’t know, alright. I already went to the doctors before. I’m three weeks along, and I have a few months before things would be dangerous. I know I shouldn’t drag this out but I really wanted to talk to you, and this isn’t how I thought this would go down, but…” You took a moment. “You’ve made up your mind then, you don’t want to have a kid?”

“No. I don’t want you going through all that shit. You’re all I need.”

    Baekhyun came over to you and pulled you into his arms. He rocked you to the sides and rubbed your back, humming a soft melody. Even if this wasn’t how you thought the conversation would go, you at least had an answer from him. It was a much easier decision for him to make, whereas for you there was a lot more involved than a yes or no. Still, now you knew where Baekhyun stood in all this.

“Do you want me to take you to the doctors then?”

“No. I have a lot to think about…”

“What else is there?”

“A lot for me.”

“Then what’s the point of asking me?”

“I didn’t get myself pregnant here, Baekhyun. I wanted to know where you stood in all this, but it’s still my body, my choice.”

“If I don’t want it then what does it matter?”

“Ya! I’m the one who would-”

“Is it really mine?”

    You were stunned into silence, staring at Baekhyun in disbelief. Soon enough anger bubbled to the surface and you attempted to slap him. He caught your arm with ease, smirking at the attempt.

“Did I hit a nerve?”

“How dare you insinuate I’d ever cheat on you! After all these years! Does this marriage mean nothing to you?!”

“I’m just checking all my bases here. You’ve been strange lately.”

“Cause I found out I’m pregnant! And if it’s not yours then you need to find whoever assaulted me!” You couldn’t help the tears building up. “I can’t believe you…”

    You yanked your arm away and quickly left the office before the tears started to fall. This whole situation was stressing you out and instead of being a comfort he was being the worst person ever. For a moment you questioned why you married him in the first place, but you took a breath and calmed yourself down. You couldn’t stay in the house, so you grabbed your things and stormed out, ignoring the guards trying to follow. You knew you shouldn’t be driving so you got a cab and blurted out the address of a friend.

    When you got to Mark’s place you let yourself in, having a key he gave you a long time. You knew he wouldn’t be home for a while so you went through his snack cabinet, getting yourself something and collapsed on the couch. You put on some TV to help you take your mind off things. Of course Baekhyun tried to call you, but you didn’t want to hear his apologies or whatever right now. Eventually Mark came home. He was surprised to see you, but mostly concerned.

“What brings you by? Usually you call.”

“Just thought to surprise you.”

“If that was true you wouldn’t have been laid out on my couch.”

    You didn’t tell Mark you were pregnant, especially so early on when you hadn’t made a decision yet. So you just told him the two of you fought and he practically accused you of cheating on him. You broke down in tears then, saying this out loud making it real and not something you can just bury. Mark comforted you through your tears, wanting to assure you that everything was going to be alright.

“Couples fighting is normal. You're bound to disagree on things and get upset over it. I guess this is your first major fight."

“You could say that."

“He loves you, you know that. I'm sure once you both cool down you'll make up and be okay."

“I hope so."

    You stayed with Mark for a while, but you knew you had to go home before it got late. Baekhyun was surely worried when you left, and if you didn't come home soon he'd send out all his men to find you. Mark didn't need to get caught up in all that, so you thanked him for being your shoulder to cry on. He saw you out and got you a cab, telling you everything was going to be alright. The sun had already gone down as you were on your way home. You stared out the window, seeing what the world had to offer. It was what you’d expect to see, people on their way home or going out, but one thing in particular caught your attention.

    A couple had parked their car on the street side, one of them holding a baby while the other was getting the stroller out of the back. You watched for as long as you could, seeing the smiles they shared with each other, and with their baby. A hand trailed down to your stomach as you watched before you drove off. You never really thought about having a kid before, but there was no one else you’d rather have a family with than Baekhyun. You knew he was against it, and you understood the dangers, and his line of work, but you wanted to try, you wanted to be a mother, you wanted to have this kid. When you got home Baekhyun rushed to embrace you, relieved you were back.

“I’ve been so worried.”

“I’m sorry…”

“No, that’s on me. I shouldn’t have said something so stupid. I know you wouldn’t do such a thing. Please, forgive me.”

“I know you didn’t mean it, but it still hurt.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m gonna be pouty about it for a while longer.”

Baekhyun sighed. “That’s fine. Just promise to let me know when you want to take care of this.”

“About that…”

“What?”

“I’ve made a decision.”

“About what?”

“I… I want to keep the baby…”

“Y/n, we-”

“I know what you said, but it’s my body, and ultimately my choice.”

“Y/n-”

“I know… but I want a family… with you.”

“No.”

“You say that now, but I’m sure you’ll come around and-”

“If I don’t?”

“What?”

“What if I don’t come around? What will you do with a child I don’t want?”

“I… does no part of you want to be a father? At all?”

“No. Not in this line of work.”

“Think outside that for a second and just-”

“I’ve heard enough of this discussion. Tomorrow you are going to the doctors and getting rid of this idea, okay?”

“… no…”

“Y/n-”

“I said no! I want a family, Baekhyun! I want to have a kid running around these halls. I want to see you smile as you look at your child. I want more than this…”

“Y/n…” Baekhyun took your hands. “I’m sorry. This is my fault for not being more careful with you. I didn’t mean to get these ideas in your head-”

“Shut up!” You stepped back. “What about me? Doesn’t my happiness matter here? All you care about is yourself, and how this would affect you, but what about me?”

“I’ve told you how I feel about this. What are you going to do then? Raise it on your own? Cause I am not giving-”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m having this baby, with or without you.” You took a moment. “I’ll grab some things of mine and leave. Tomorrow I’ll go see a divorce lawyer.”

“You can’t be serious y/n. After-”

    You ignored his words and walked past him, heading upstairs. He kept calling out to you, but you didn’t pay attention. He didn’t like this side of you, chasing after you and grabbing your arm. This conversation was just going in circles so you didn’t have any intentions to start it again. Although Baekhyun was getting more frustrated with your actions, and the two of you wound up arguing.

“Let me go!”

“Talk to me! You can’t just-”

“I’ve said my peace, now let go!”

“Not until you talk!”

    Despite your attempts to free yourself, Baekhyun’s grip was firm, and because of that you lost your footing. You collapsed down the steps, feeling every bit of pain from where you got hit, only getting relief when you finally reached the floor. Your vision was still spinning, and the edges of your vision were getting dark. For a moment you noticed Baekhyun reaching out to you, his voice muffled and distant. You felt a tear slide down your face as everything went black, not from the pain, but fear that you had lost something.

🖤

    The world slowly started to fade in from the darkness. You heard the soft sounds of machines, feeling warmth surround you, a hand holding yours, and muffled sniffling. It was a bit of a struggle but you managed to open your eyes, taking in your surroundings. You were in the hospital, Baekhyun at your side and holding your hand. His head was down and he was mumbling to himself.

“Baekhyun…”

“Y/n!”

    The boy immediately jumped up, and you could see that his eyes were red from tears. He was relieved to be able to look into your eyes, and then the tears started flowing again. He fell to his knees but kept a hold of your hand.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry y/n. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“Baekhyun…”

“Yes, what is it? Does it hurt? I’ll call the nurse so-”

“Baekhyun…”

    You squeezed his hand with what little strength you had. Now you were the one with tears in your eyes. You were afraid to ask, but you had to.

“… the baby…”

    Baekhyun looked away from you, and you feared the worst. You were already starting to choke on your tears when he leaned down to kiss your head.

“The baby is alright… I’m sorry I did this…”

    The tears still flowed and you squeezed his hand again. All you could feel was relief despite everything that had happened.

“I’m sorry I was so hard on you about this. Something like this never should have happened.” Baekhyun took a moment. “I was afraid to lose you over the news… and then I almost really lost you… I’m sorry…”

“Don’t cry… I’ll be okay… we both will…”

“What you said before, about leaving. You can’t, please.”

“Baekhyun…”

“I was wrong, okay, about what I said. I’m just afraid…”

“Of what?”

“What if I’m not a good father… what if I can’t protect our child? What if I can’t protect you?”

“You think I don’t feel that same… all parents worry about that… but we have each other… and we’ll give everything we have…”

“I’m sorry. I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”

“We’ll figure this out… together… okay?”

“Yes. Yes, I promise. I won’t leave you, or our kid.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[shanesboyfriend]

The Flower Dance (Shane x Reader)

haha first post and its already very self indulgent. anyways, this is based on how i've always danced with shane at the flower dance, since i basically shower him in gifts!! hope you enjoy!

Shane x male!Reader (he/him)

Summary: Obviously you wanted to dance with him. Without a doubt. But you knew he had issues with trust. If you asked him to dance though, he might be upset. Might think your request was a way of you making fun of him or he might take it the wrong way. If he wasn't interested romantically in you, he might close himself off again. There were a lot of ways this could go wrong...

Moving into the Valley was, so far, the best decision you'd ever made.

The Spring had been peaceful and, while you were still finding your footing with this whole farming thing, you'd been doing pretty well! You'd already grown a decent amount of parsnips and the new potatoes and cauliflowers were growing perfectly. Currently you were saving up for some green beans. Though you weren't exactly thinking that hard about that right now.

Right now, you were looking yourself over in a full body mirror, frowning slightly at the blue suit, embroidered with faint, lighter blue floral patterns. "I dunno, Haley," you hummed with a squinted your eyes at yourself, turning to see yourself from the side. "Isn't it a bit..."

"Tacky?" The blonde girl giggled from where she sat on her own bed. Her sister, Emily, had been kind enough to make you an outfit for the Flower Dance this year though you were questioning if the suits were really supposed to be this... uncomfortable. "Yeah," Haley sighed wistfully. "Mayor Lewis loves tradition though. Em's offered to give the outfits an upgrade but he's always refused." She pulled the edge of her skirt down slightly, the soft white fabric looking pretty on her.

Were you not gay, she would undoubtedly been the girl of your dreams.

"At least your dresses are pretty," you pointed out with a pout. "You guys have more stylistic freedom." The men had to wear blue suits with white button up shirts while the girls could wear any white dress so long as the skirt was knee-length.

Haley shrugged with a smirk. "Wear a dress next year then." You paused at her suggestion. The idea tempted you honestly...

Emily knocked on the door quickly. "You guys ready? I don't want us to be late."

"Coming, Em." Haley rolled her eyes almost dramatically. As you got closer to the sisters, they would often comment to you how 'weird' it was that they were sisters, like they were so different they couldn't possibly be related. But then they'd immediately do something so sister-like it floored you.

But hey, what did you know?

The walk to the fields wasn't too long nor was it as bad as you thought it would be in dress clothes. Haley complained a bit about how she didn't want grass stains on her shoes and Emily pointed out how they'd be dancing in a field so it didn't matter.

"Soooo... what's the point of this dance?" You asked as the three of you neared the clearing. You'd understood the point of the Egg Festival and the egg hunt had been fun, but this festival was unknown to you. There'd been nothing like this in the city.

Emily made a little happy sound, twirling a bit as she walked. "Something about fertility rituals." You immediately paled and she just laughed good-naturedly. "The meaning has changed over the years, don't worry!" Emily did another twirl with a reassuring smile. "Nowadays, the dance is just something couples or close friends do together..." She seemed wistful as she stared out at the open field "Dancing is how I feel connected to the world around me." Emily said, almost a dreamy tone to her voice. "I've never bought into the idea of self. It's more sensible to me that we are all ripples in the universe... So dancing makes me feel like I'm apart of the universe, a ripple of my own."

You and Haley shared a look as her sister adjusted the red flower in her blue hair. "She's weird," Haley whispered as Emily made her way into the clearing and out of earshot. "I never understand how her mind works..." Haley sighed with a shake of her head, the flower crown on her head rustling..

Shrugging, you just followed after Haley as she led the way towards Alex. "She's nice though. Could be worse."

Haley gave you a look. "Like that'd stop you." She teased, making you blush.

Her comment wasn't untrue, you thought to yourself as your eyes drifted across the field and landed on a very particular man. One you had, despite his best interest, whittled down enough to be considered a friend. Buying him drinks had certainly earned you favor but the pizza you'd bought him for his birthday had sealed the deal.

You were friends with Shane. Regardless of how hard he'd tried to be mean to you, he'd softened with you. You'd shared a drink with him by the lake and listened to his troubles, his drunken ramblings. At one point, a few days ago, he'd asked if he'd ever gotten sentimental when drunk. You'd lied and said no and he'd told you that, should he ever get that way, to forget whatever he said.

He had issues with intimacy and trust. You had issues with a need to be useful and you did things without really thinking or planning. But hey, it'd landed you here, so maybe it wasn't all bad.

When you had told Haley about your budding friendship with Shane a few days ago, she hadn't even pretended to be surprised. "You befriended me before anyone else," she had said as she painted your nails, "Clearly you have a 'type' of person you like."

You'd chosen to not think about it too much.

"Sooo... you gonna ask him to dance with you?" Present day Haley asked, hands resting on her hips.

Staring at Haley, a few thoughts crossed your mind. First one was that you were never confiding secrets in Haley again. Second was a worry that you were obvious in your feelings for him.

You glanced quickly across the field at Shane, dressed in a plain blue blazer and matching dress pants, the white shirt unbuttoned just a bit at the top and he'd clearly abstained from wearing a tie. He seemed to be conversing with Alex, likely about the recent gridball game. They liked the same team, as far as you knew. Shane seemed so enthralled in the conversation he didn't even notice you staring.

"I have no idea what you mean." You said to Haley with undeserved confidence.

She leveled you with an unimpressed look. "Uh huh. Sure babe. Look, Shane's never been asked to dance by anyone in this town that, like, actually wanted to dance with him specifically. He and Emmy only dance together 'cuz it's mutually beneficial." Haley smirked at you. "He'd probably be reeeeal happy if you asked him. Since you like him and all."

You paused at that, feeling a pang in your heart as you blushed. As Haley walked off to go practice her dance moves, you mulled over her words. You knew Shane hadn't grown up in the valley and, up until a few years ago, he'd never needed to participate in the dance.

So the idea that Shane had never danced with someone who liked him made you feel weird. Not pitiful but something close.

Obviously you wanted to dance with him. Without a doubt. But you knew he had issues with trust. If you asked him to dance though, he might be upset. Might think your request was a way of you making fun of him or he might take it the wrong way. If he wasn't interested romantically in you, he might close himself off again. There were a lot of ways this could go wrong...

You felt yourself zone out. A lot of your thoughts surrounding Shane and what you were going to do. You were so entranced that you didn't even see the little figure approaching you until she tugged on your arm. "Oh!" You exclaimed, looking down at Jas. "Hey sweetheart. You need something?"

Since moving to the town, you'd become familiar with a lot of the townspeople. Jas included. You brought her daffodils almost every morning and chatted with her when you saw her. She was a sweet girl, very mature and observant for her age. Marnie had talked a little bit about her parents being gone, that her mom had been Marnie's niece and Shane's sister. That her death had been devastating.

Jas was acutely aware of her parent's existences. She'd been barely two when they'd died but talking about them upset her immensely.

"Are you going to ask Uncle Shane to dance?" Jas asked innocently, a too-knowing look behind her eyes.

You felt your face heat up, looking away nervously. "Ah, um, well, I... I dunno if he'd want to dance with me. I'm sure he'd rather dance with Emily..."

Jas looked up at you and giggled, almost like you'd said something ridiculous. "He talks about you a lot! I hear him sometimes in the barn talking to Charlie. He really, really likes you." She smiled, taking your hand in hers. "C'mon! I'll help ya!"

"J-Jas- No it's okay! You don't have to-" You stuttered as the girl pulled you across the field. Secretly, though, you let her lead you. A deep part of you wanted Shane to dance with you and Jas could be a good buffer if he said no. Even if he did reject you, he may be softer about it with Jas present...

At least you wouldn't be stewing over 'what-ifs'...

"Uncle Shane!" Jas called, practically skipping over.

Shane's head snapped over immediately, his eyes on her before he looked at you. It made your stomach do flips and made your face heat up. As much as he believed he had fucked up with Jas, he clearly adored her and she adored him in turn. He wasn't perfect, far from it, but you knew he cared.

The thought he'd make a good dad was quickly stamped out before it could blossom.

"What's up squirt?" Shane asked, making his way over. Alex had walked off to go see Haley so it was just the three of you. At least that'd lessen your embarrassment if he rejected you.

Jas said nothing, just reached over and took his hand in hers. Before Shane could ask her what was up, she pressed your hands together, your fingers tangling with Shane's. His hands were warm...

The older man blinked down at his goddaughter, a flush creeping up his neck. "Uhhh... Jas? What's, uh-"

"The farmer wants to dance with you!" She beamed, looking proud of herself and her matchmaking skills. "Have fun!" Jas said before skipping off to find Vincent.

Shane let go of your hand quickly and chuckled nervously. "Uh, sorry about her. She's- that's new from her."

You swayed a bit on your feet, feigning ignorance. "Yeah, I, um, I dunno what that was..." Swallowing, you decided to take a leap. "But, um, if you wanted to dance with me... I- I want to dance with you." You let out a breath you didn't know you'd been holding.

Shane stared at you like you'd grown two heads. "You... want to dance with me?" He asked incredulously. "I thought you'd be dancin' with Haley?"

Now it was your turn to stare. "What? No, I- Why would I be dancing with Haley?"

"Dude, you follow her around like a lost puppy." Shane smirked, giving you a look. "Figured you'd be with her."

You blushed a bit and gave him a shrug. "Well, I like you. I'd rather dance with you."

...Fuck, wait, shit!

Shane stared at you, gaze softening slowly. "You're serious?" His voice was soft. As if you were going to pull out the rug from underneath him. Make fun of him.

You nodded quickly, feeling your heart pounding in your chest. "I want to dance with you."

Shane let out a soft huff, smiling down at his shoes. "Yeah. Alright. Since it's you." You swore he was blushing as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Um. See you then?"

Feeling lightheaded, you nodded. You knew you were smiling dumbly as Shane walked away. You turned to watch him go and you wondered if he was just as nervous about the whole thing as you were.

[meowmeow-motherfucker]

Covenant- Chapter 5

Summary: With the five year anniversary of the attack on New York approaching, Odin and Fury come to the agreement that an arranged marriage between Asgard and Earth would show good faith toward all future interactions. When Odin refuses Jane’s candidacy, Agent Coulson is tasked with finding a suitable wife for the prince of Asgard.

Pairing: Loki x OFC

Warnings: pot smoking, fluff, more fluff, flirting, pining, Asgardian pearl-clutching, more wedding prep and princess lessons, mentions of archaic wedding traditions

Taglist: @lokisgoodgirl @gigglingtiggerv2 @icytrickster17 @mysteriouslyfriedjellyfish @lokislilkitten @justjoanne242 @amlocked @ddmariegirl @mags-04-blog @sharris8 @meepycheep @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @the-fantasy-loving-angel @jaidenhawke @smolvenger

Back at it again after a break. Thanks as always for coming along on the journey!

Two weeks until the wedding

“Good morning, dear!” Frigga chirped as Claire stepped into the sitting room. It was early morning, the suns rays already casting golden beams on the walls. Outside on the balcony, a songbird praised the sun, its harmonious song adding a cheerful melody to the morning.

“Good morning,” Claire replied, remembering too late she was supposed to curtsy. Behind Frigga, Loki snickered as she gave an awkward bob. Claire glared at him over Frigga’s shoulder, and he grinned.

She looked beautiful today. Her official wardrobe had been completed, and today she wore the first of the dresses in her official court color. The lush fabric lapped at her ankles as she walked toward him, the full skirt accentuating the curves of her waist. The high-necked bodice had no sleeves, her bare arms protected from the early morning chill by a matching stole. Loki spied the ever-present silver band around her bicep.

She looked as though she belonged.

~~~~

The marketplace was busy as usual, crowded with throngs of people scurrying about. The crowd parted as they walked, bowing low to the prince and future princess, as well as the queen walking behind them with her attendants.

“This is so surreal,” Claire giggled, wiping a hand over her face. “We just met two weeks ago and here we are, on our way to pick out wedding rings,” she looked up at him with a shy smile. “If this was happening on Earth, we would have been on hundreds of dates by now.”

“Hundreds?” Loki chuckled. “Exactly what does one do on hundreds of dates?”

“All kinds of things,” Claire replied wistfully. “Skip school to go to the mall, arcade dates, spend the day at Santa Monica pier…”

“What is the mall?”

“Remember what I told you about a lot of stores being separate?”

“Of course.”

“A mall is the opposite. It’s a big building with lots of stores inside.”

“This all seems rather...muddled. Some are together, some are separate...what is the purpose of that?” Loki asked. “What is an arcade date? And this Santa Monica pier?”

“The pier is like the ones here, but instead of docking for boats, the Santa Monica pier has shops and restaurants. There’s a really nice Ferris wheel too. I had my first kiss at the top of that Ferris wheel.” Claire smiled fondly at the memory.

“Sounds dreadfully romantic.”

“It was,” Claire sighed. “It was sunset, the ocean was all sparkly...it seems like a lifetime ago.” she chuckled.

“And which of those was your favorite?” Loki asked.

“Honestly, all of them were nice, but the ones I liked the most were the simple ones. My boyfriend and I used to go to the drive-in on the weekends and hold hands. We didn’t have to talk, it was just nice to be together, you know?”

“I can’t say that I do,” Loki replied somberly, dropping his gaze from her lips. The berry shade she’d chosen to wear today was enchanting. “What was his name?”

“Mateo,” Claire said fondly. “God, I haven’t seen him in...twenty years?” she laughed.

“Not much time for romance while working for S.H.I.E.L.D., I imagine.”

“God, no!” Claire laughed loudly. “Not that I was particularly interested, but everyone gets lonely and a girl has needs.”

“Is that so?” Loki asked with interest. Claire’s eyes darted down to his mouth when he licked his lips. “Do tell.”

“A magician never reveals her secrets,” Claire turned away, a secretive smile tugging at her lips. “You’ll find out eventually anyway.”

“I think you’ll find I can be rather persuasive.” a flash of green pulled her attention back to him, drawing her eyes to the flower he’d manifested in his outstretched hand.

“Isn’t it better to learn from a source that hasn’t been persuaded?” Claire asked as they reached the jeweler’s storefront. Loki graced her with a smile, the flower disappearing.

“Indeed,” he opened the door and gestured for her to step inside. “My lady.”

Inside the store, they were guided to plush chairs and the owner presented tray after tray of rings for them to choose from. Loki and Claire sat side by side, Frigga and her attendants sat behind them offering commentary on the selection.

Many of the rings Claire was shown were too feminine for her taste, or were gaudy or just plain ugly. All of the offerings were gold with green stones, of course, to match Loki’s colors.

Claire felt annoyed that her ring had to be yet another reminder she was signing her life away, but pushed it aside and focused on finding a ring she liked. There were several that were beautiful of course, made with actual gold and sizable emeralds in impressive settings, but Claire had never been one for flashy jewelry. She would wear this ring for the rest of her life- it had to be right.

The owner brought out another tray, this time with less flashy offerings.

“Perhaps Her Majesty will like these better?” the owner said as he placed te tray in front of her. Claire felt an odd twinge as she realized he was talking about her- she still wasn’t used to people treating her special and that title-

“These are different,” Claire replied as she gazed at the tray. The stones were still green, but they were not emeralds. Opaque white stones with delicate tendrils of deep green sat in luxurious settings of gold, some clustered with smaller round diamonds, some with delicate looking details that seemed so fragile they would unravel if you touched them. “Is this moss agate?”

“Excellent eye, madam,” the owner smiled proudly. “My apprentice wished to make some offerings as well- he is not yet skilled enough to work with finer gems, but as nothing has caught your eye yet, I thought…” Claire spied a ring with a large oval cut central stone, flanked by crescent moons and smaller, teardrop shaped ingots of moss agate.

“This is beautiful,” she murmured, lifting it from the tray to inspect it more closely. “What do you think?” she asked Loki.

“Your opinion matters more than mine; you’re the one who will wear it,” Loki replied, but he leaned closer to inspect it nonetheless. “It is lovely.”

“There is another band that my apprentice designed to go with it,” the owner held up a second gold band, this one in a sloping shape to accentuate the first band. The band was decorated along the bottom, with a triquetra in the center and triple moons on each side. The center of the triquetra and the full moons were set with small diamonds, crescent moons solid gold, and tiny emeralds sat within the corner loops of the triquetra. Claire pressed the two bands together on her finger, her heart fluttering at the sight of them. They were absolutely gorgeous. “The knot in the center is not as popular in our culture, but the triquetra represents-”

“Past, present, and future,” Claire smiled at the ring on her hand. Claire had long been a believer that the universe would sends signs if one was simply willing to see them- she felt it was no coincidence that she was presented a wedding ring with the trinity knot on it. Whatever her misgivings about how she got here, this felt like a sign that she was in the right place. “I love it.”

“Is this the one?” Loki asked from beside her. Claire nodded, confident in her choice.

“Yep, this is it.”

“Excellent choice, Your Majesty,” the owner bowed respectfully. He whisked the rings away, Claire’s selection set aside for safekeeping. He returned with a tray of rings for Loki to choose from. Loki was not much for jewelry either, but one of them stood out as a clear match for the ring Claire had chosen.

It was a smooth, thick gold band with a thin seam of moss agate running through the center.

“What do you think?” he asked, offering it to Claire for her appraisal.

“It’s beautiful work,” Claire said, inspecting the ring from all angles. “And it would match mine. It suits you.”

“I like it,” Loki agreed, setting the ring aside on the tray. “This one.”

“Excellent choice, Your Majesty,” the owner said. “We shall have both rings ready in two days’ time.”

“Wonderful,” Frigga said from behind them. “I think it is time for some lunch before our afternoon outing.”

Lunch took place two streets away in an elegant restaurant that made Claire feel out of place. She looked the part, sure, but she still felt like Oliver Twist in a room full of rich people.

“Claire?” she felt the feather-light touch Loki’s hand at her lower back and she looked over to see him looking at her with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Sorry, things just got real,” Claire laughed nervously. “I'm feeling really nervous now.”

“Here,” Loki guided her to a seat, taking the space beside her. “What troubles you?”

“I was just thinking about the-” Claire grimaced, shrinking in on herself. “The wedding night.”

“Oh! I would never force myself on you,” Loki swore, pulling away from her. “You have my word.”

“No, no, that's- that’s not what I'm worried about, I don't feel threatened by you,” Claire said hurriedly, keeping him close with a hand on his arm. “I just remembered that the original plan was for us to-”

“Ah, yes,” Loki ducked his head, a frown marring his handsome features. “The lovely tradition of having witnesses for the consummation is both ancient and disturbing.”

“Yeah,” Claire gave a relieved sigh. “I rejected that part of the treaty real quick.”

“As did I,” Loki replied. “Not that I'm particularly shy, but whenever my mother talked about it I could tell it had bothered her to go through it and I didn’t wish to put you through that.” Their conversation was interrupted as their party was directed to their table. Claire and Loki were seated beside each other, with Frigga on Loki’s other side and the crones opposite them. As they were perusing the menus, Claire leaned over to keep talking to Loki.

“You talked to your mom about sex?”

“I was an inquisitive child!” Loki said defensively. “I also had a very negative outlook on marriage and thought it stupid. Still do,” He admitted, shaking his head. “But she was determined that Thor and I both learned the traditions and all of it, as someday we would have to go through it.” They were interrupted again as a server arrived to take their orders.

“Well that's cool. And for what it's worth, I also think marriage is stupid.”

“Yet here you are.”

“Here I am,” Claire replied. “Though I will admit I am feeling more...optimistic about it.” she smiled warmly as their food arrived, and their private conversation ended as they were roped into conversing with the crones.

~~~~

Frigga’s afternoon outing was a play- a retelling of an ancient tale of love and war. Claire read over the playbill with a mix of excitement and dread. She enjoyed theater, she supposed, in a general sense (S.H.I.E.L.D didn’t give much time off for attending plays) but she didn’t know what to expect from this. She’d come to learn that the Asgardians LOVED telling exaggerated tales of war and men occasionally would write poems for women they wanted to court. Claire was just thankful Loki hadn’t accosted her with a shitty poem- it would have been too difficult not to laugh in his face.

She liked his face, but romantic gestures were pushing it- devastating jawline or not. The thought of being surrounded by the vulturous young ladies of the court, all of them gawking at her while Loki botched iambic pentameter made her want to vomit.

She was grateful that she’d been seated next to Loki for the play though. It made it easier to have private conversation with him.

“Hey, thanks for refusing the consummation thing. It would have been difficult to pretend that I'm innocent.” she whispered.

“Are you not a good actress?” Loki whispered back with a hint of disappointment. “What a pity. I'd thought all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s agents were professionals.”

“Oh no, I'm very good,” Claire grinned wolfishly. “Just not that good.”

“If there is anything I can do to perhaps...make things easier for you-” Claire snorted, the sound decidedly unladylike.

“I’m not worried,” she smacked his arm with the back of her hand. “I just didn’t want an audience.”

“I see,” Loki paused before leaning closer. “Circumstances being what they are...we will still need to put on a bit of a show.” the low timbre of his voice gave her goosebumps, and Claire shifted in her seat.

“I know, your mom told me,” she murmured back. “I think it's dumb, but apparently putting a couple drops of blood on bed sheets is easier than accepting I'm a sexually liberated woman.”

“Liberated?” Loki parroted.

“Oh yes,” Claire grinned. “I do what I want, when I want. Or I guess more accurately, who.”

“A trait I can admire,” Loki replied with a smirk. “And does my oafish brother make the list? Were you disappointed-”

“Oh no, Thor is nowhere near the list,” Claire pulled a face, shaking her head in disgust. “You are, though.” she winked at him, meeting his gaze boldly as the lights dimmed. Loki's mind went blank, his brows furrowed as her words sank in. It was an unusual thing, to be desired so openly. He was not a stranger to being desired- as a prince, second or not, he was a desirable bedfellow- but more often that not, it was his status and what it afforded them that people were after, not him. His past trysts had been secluded in shadow, for his admirers never shared their affection once the sun rose. All the same, he’d accepted their suits; after all, he was a hedonist by nature and not one to turn away from pleasure.

There was something novel about this odd woman. The labyrinthine societal rules kept most wrapped in layers of deceit like fabric, suffocating any truth before it could fall from their lips. But not Claire- she had not yet been indoctrinated by the ridiculous rules of court, and not once had he sensed that she was lying to him. It was refreshing indeed, and Loki appreciated it more than he could say.

Loki clasped Claire’s hand in his own in the darkness, unwilling to give voice to such vulnerability. Claire settled her other hand on his arm, leaning into his side as the lush red curtain was raised. Rapt silence fell over the room as the play began, and Loki whiled away the first act tracing his thumb over the empty spot on her hand that her ring would soon occupy.

13 days until the wedding

Loki was lost in thought as he walked around the palace. It was now less than two weeks before he would wed, and although his future wife was an intriguing puzzle he longed to unravel, Loki still felt less than giddy about the event. Servants bowed to him respectfully but gave him a wide berth, afraid and unwilling to anger the dark prince. Loki was used to such treatment even before his incursions on Midgard, but he supposed his dark mood did nothing to dampen their fear of him.

He found himself in his mother’s garden, the tall flowers swaying soothingly in the breeze. Some of the flowers in the center of the garden were moving oddly, wiggling rapidly and disturbing the surrounding flowers. Loki ducked under the thick branches to investigate, picking his way to the center of the flower bed.

He found his future wife sitting on the ground, legs crossed in front of her. She had an array of things spread in the dirt in front of her, and she was smoking.

“Uh…hi,” Claire said, exhaling pungent smoke into the space between them. “What’s up?” Confused by her question, Loki looked overhead only to see the canopy of flowers with specks of bright blue sky peeking through.

“The sky?” he wagered. Claire laughed as he sat down in the dirt opposite her. Her shawl lay on the ground beside her, a soft blue that heralded her as a favorite of his mother. The silver band on her bicep matched the soft gray of her dress, sparkling sporadically as the flowers above them danced in the breeze and the sunlight shone through in minuscule rays.

His future wife was rather beautiful, Loki was man enough to admit it. Today her lips were tinted a dark grey which complimented the soft hue of her gown. She was slender in frame but well built from years of working for S.H.I.E.L.D.. In the short time he had known her, Loki had learned she was fierce with her words and her wit. She was shorter than him, but most everyone was. Her unbound hair hung down to her breasts, the thick chocolatey tresses practically concealing them from his gaze. Her eyes intrigued him- she was so young compared to him, but her eyes had seen much. The rich dark blue shade of them made Loki think of the sea, and sapphires. And she was…she was talking to him.

“What?” he asked stupidly. Like a fool, he’d been caught up in being able to actually look at her. They had spent time together of course, but always, always under supervision.

“I asked if you wanted a hit,” Claire repeated, holding out her cigarette to him. It wasn’t like any he’d seen before- the smell wasn’t as offensive and it was clearly hand-rolled in white paper. “It’s good stuff.”

“Is it tobacco?” Loki asked.

“No way, that stuff is nasty,” Claire replied, her nose scrunching adorably in disgust. “It’s pot.”

“I don’t know what that is,” Loki replied, accepting the cigarette and giving it a sniff. “It’s not as offensive as tobacco.”

“You guys don’t have weed here?” Claire asked in astonishment. “Damn, I’ll have to add it to my list of stuff I want brought here.”

“What is it?” Loki asked.

“It’s a plant. There’s different strains and they have different effects, but this is called Granddaddy Purple. It’s to help you relax.”

“Why are you smoking to relax?” Loki asked, even as he smoked from the cigarette. The smoke had a pleasant burn and a pungent aroma.

“Gee, I don’t know, probably because I signed my entire life away,” Claire replied sarcastically, giving him a judgmental stare when Loki choked on the smoke and started to cough. “Dude, don’t- hold it in for a second- wow, you suck at this.” she snickered.

“Believe it or not, I’ve never done this before.” Loki passed the cigarette back to her.

“You’ve never done drugs? Like, at all?” Claire balked, holding the smoke in her lung before exhaling toward the flower canopy. “But you’re- you’re old! You probably witnessed the big bang!”

“That was before my time, actually,” Loki laughed, his mind starting to feel a little hazy. “You’re upset.”

“You bet your ass I’m upset,” Claire’s nose wrinkled as she exhaled sharply. “No offense. It’s not you, it’s them. The crones.”

“I take it lessons are not going well?”

“I mean…” Claire shrugged. “They’re okay, if you like being corrected constantly. Everything I do is wrong, apparently, and I’m hopeless.”

“I’m sure you’re doing fine.”

“I’m really not. Ask your mom,” Claire sighed. “Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if they sent me home, the way they were talking.”

“You think they would?”

“I don’t know. And I don’t know whether I want them to send me back or keep me here. There’s a lot of variables.”

“I understand. I have...reservations as well.”

“Are we stupid for doing this?” Claire asked, exhaling slowly into the air between them.

“What?”

“I don’t know, sometimes quitting is the best solution to a problem.”

“You wish to leave?”

“Yeah, kind of,” Claire admitted. “I left everything behind to come here. What exactly am I getting out of this?” Loki began to count on his fingers.

“A considerably longer lifespan, immeasurable wealth and respect-”

“More like loneliness and a gilded cage.” Claire muttered.

“-Stability,” Loki countered. “Can I try that again?”

“Please,” Claire scoffed as she passed him the roach. “I’ve never been stable a day in my life.”

“An auspicious match, then,” Loki chuckled, taking a deep hit from the blunt. “Neither have I. At least, not that I remember,” He took another hit before passing it back to her, relaxing back into the grass beneath them. Loki took stock of himself, and he was starting to feel…something. “It takes a moment, doesn’t it?”

“Isn’t it nice?” Claire gave a dreamy sigh as she laid down beside him. “If you want it to hit faster, hold it in your lungs for a few seconds before you exhale,” she coached, giggling when Loki started coughing again. “Coughing also helps.”

“Does it?” Loki managed weakly.

“Oh yeah, it does,” Claire giggled. “It makes me feel all tingly and disconnected.”

“Doesn’t it make you feel…vulnerable?” He glanced over at her.

“I guess so, yeah,” Claire shrugged. “But it’s nice to escape reality for a while.”

“Do all Midgardians smoke this? What did you call it, grandfather purple?”

“Granddaddy,” Claire corrected with a laugh. “And no, not all of us Earthlings smoke the ganja. But there are lots of uses for it.”

“Like what?” Loki asked.

“Like I said, there are different strains for different things. You can smoke it, cook or bake with it, use the fibers to make clothing…this stuff though- it’s mostly for relaxing, but it also makes colors richer, food taste better…sex feel better,” Claire sighed wistfully. Loki looked surprised by her answer. “What?”

“I have never heard a woman speak so freely about such things.” Loki seemed genuinely scandalized by the idea.

“Dude, you’re cute, but you need to loosen up,” Claire cackled, propping herself up on her elbow to look at him. “It’s the 21st century, lots of women have recreational sex.”

“I am not cute,” Loki scoffed, his face scrunching with disgust as he said the word. “I am a god.”

“Yeah, y’are,” Claire said flirtatiously, short bursts of smoke escaping her nose as she giggled. “Maybe cute isn’t the most accurate word, but I stand by it.” Loki thought she looked enchanting, mirthful and sun-dappled beneath the flowers, and the now-familiar churning in his belly returned with a vengeance.

“I will never mistreat you,” he pledged, his eyes never leaving the golden shimmer the sun revealed in her lip polish. “You have my word.”

“I know.” Claire grinned at him.

“Do you?” Loki laughed.

“I fascinate you,” Claire shrugged, offering him another hit from the roach. Loki took it, enjoying the burn and the fuzzy feeling behind his eyes. “That and you think I’m pretty.” Loki snorted, a puff of smoke escaping his nostrils as he glanced over at her with pinkened cheeks.

“A bit of both.” he admitted.

“I knew it.” Claire said smugly.

“You are so self-assured!” Loki crowed indignantly.

“Well I was right, wasn’t I?”

“You were,” Loki agreed softly, turning on his side to stare at her fondly before seeming to come back to himself. “I should go,” he said suddenly, getting up from the grass. He made a show of brushing dirt off of his leathers to hide the flush taking over his face. He’d become overwhelmed with desire to kiss her, and now he was running like a coward. “We’re not supposed to be alone.”

“Right,” Claire rolled her eyes, inhaling from the roach again. “Propriety and whatnot.”

“Oh, she does have sense,” Loki replied sarcastically. “I’d like to leave our reputations intact, if at all possible.”

“Why do you care so much what people think of you?” Claire asked. “We’re getting married in less than two weeks regardless, so who gives a shit?”

“I do,” Loki dusted off his pants. Claire sat back and watched the show, enjoying the way the fabric clung to the muscle of his thighs. “Unless of course you decide to leave.”

“We’re still good, right?” Claire asked, looking him up and down. “Or did I cross a boundary?”

“We are fine,” Loki said shortly. “What was the percentage you gave us the other day?” Claire grinned, exhaling smoke through her nose.

“I predicted a respectable seventy percent, but it’s up to eighty-five now that we’ve smoked pot together.”

“I barely smoked any,” Loki argued weakly. Claire laughed loudly. “Perhaps another time I can try more.”

“Alright, it’s a date,” Claire smiled. “I’ll put in an intergalactic order for more kinds,” she snickered at her joke, which Loki didn’t understand. “Hey, don’t tell anyone where I am, okay? I honestly can’t handle any more princess lessons today.”

“It will be our secret.”

“Awesome,” Claire sighed, relaxing back into the soothing embrace of the grass. “I like secrets.”

~~~~

When Claire eventually emerged from the garden, she had just enough time to meet Frigga for tea. Claire liked the queen, but she was nervous about meeting with her, especially having cut out of princess lessons early that day. Believe it or not, Claire did not find needlepoint compelling. Her knowledge with ropes and knot-tying didn’t exactly translate, and Claire would rather stab her tutor with the needle than use it to make delicate flowers with thread.

Frigga looked radiant as always when Claire arrived. Claire had a passing hope that she didn’t smell like pot as she sat down to tea with her future mother-in-law.

“Hello dear,” Frigga greeted her with a warm smile. She got to her feet and gathered Claire in a warm hug, which never failed to prick at Claire’s heartstrings. “You look well. How are your lessons going?”

“They’re okay.” Claire offered with a shrug. Frigga picked up the tea pot to begin pouring tea.

“Are you certain?” Frigga asked knowingly as she poured Claire a cup of steaming hot tea. “Your tutors are of a different mind, especially your needlepoint instructor.” Shit.

“I mean...I’m definitely struggling. For all my skills, I can’t seem to do anything right here. It’s frustrating.”

“Every new venture is a challenge,” Frigga replied smoothly as she poured her own tea. “I too felt out of sorts when I first came to Asgard.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes,” Frigga smiled fondly at the memory. “Odin and I were betrothed from a very young age, and although I spent most of my youth preparing to take my place as his wife, preparing and doing were very different things. It is understandable that you should feel upset or overwhelmed.”

“I definitely feel overwhelmed,” Claire agreed. “There’s so much for me to learn, and just when I think I have a grip on things, something else gets added. And it’s also very frustrating that ever since I came here, I’m basically viewed for nothing more than my reproductive potential. I have so much more to offer than that and I feel like no one cares.”

“Childbearing is an integral part of our society, Lady Claire. All women have talents, this is true, but through our children our people survive. The children you have with Loki will ensure the alliance between Asgard and Midgard will endure for centuries to come.”

“But isn’t that degrading?” Claire asked sharply. “Not every woman wants to have children. Shouldn’t they be allowed to choose for themselves?”

“Perhaps, but that is not the issue at hand. You do not have the luxury of choosing, dear. You made your choice when you agreed to come here.” Frigga said gently.

“Well maybe I’m having second thoughts,” Claire set her cup down with more force than she meant to, the loud clink drawing a pointed look from Frigga. “This is not what I had in mind.”

“Is leaving truly what you wish?” Frigga asked. She could tell the young woman was discouraged, but much was at risk if she backed out of the treaty.

“I don’t know,” Claire spun her empty tea cup in its saucer instead of meeting the queen’s eyes. “I’m not sure I’m the right person for this. It seems like no matter what I do, it’s not enough.”

“I appreciate this is a tremendous undertaking for you,” Frigga replied gently. “What young women learn over the course of years, you must learn in weeks. I can also appreciate that my son is not the easiest young man to get along with.”

“Right,” Claire grimaced. Frigga knew about their spats; practically everyone in the palace did. “Maybe it would be best if I left.”

“Do you know what happens if you do?”

“I know this is to form an alliance, but Asgard and Earth aren’t on bad terms. There’s no threat of war.”

“There is not, that is correct. There is however, significant threat to Loki. Should this alliance fail, he will be returned to his cell in the dungeons.”

“I thought that was only if it failed after we married.”

“I’m afraid not, dear. I have tried to change the king’s mind, but he will not be swayed.” Frigga pursed her lips behind her tea cup.

“But-” That’s not fair. Why does Odin have it out for Loki? “This isn’t right.”

“No, it is not. One of the hardest aspects of being royalty is that we often must swallow knives to make peace.”

“So if I leave- even if Odin himself says I won’t cut it- Loki goes back?”

“Indeed,” Frigga replied, a sour look upon her face. “I’m sure I don’t need to impress upon you how vital it is that you and this marriage succeed,” she grabbed Claire’s hands in her own. “I am sorry to burden you with such responsibility. But I fear you are the only means I have to save my son,” Claire swallowed nervously. “I would beg you to reconsider. Please.”

Twelve days until the wedding

Claire struggled to sleep the night before, still trying to figure out why Odin was so dead-set on Loki going back to jail. Hadn’t he served enough time?

She wasn’t sure if five years equaled eighty deaths, but it definitely was unfair to release someone from prison only to throw them back in. Somehow Claire doubted whether Asgardian law had the concept of double jeopardy on the books.

After tossing and turning for hours, Claire had examined and re-examined the problem from every possible angle. She’d finally come to a solution- the only solution that didn’t leave her in an ethical quagmire and Loki in a jail cell.

She was going to stay.

Somehow, she would successfully finish her princess lessons and shove her success in her tutor’s faces. She would fulfill the obligations of the treaty and become princess royal of Asgard, and Loki’s wife.

Her mind made up, she’d finally fallen asleep for what seemed like five minutes before Ragna was waking her up for the day. She struggled to stay awake as her hair was brushed to perfection, the promise of seeing Loki at breakfast forcing her from her chambers. He was probably worried sick she was going to leave him to his wretched fate. She had to talk to him.

Except he wasn’t at breakfast. Ignoring the nerves upsetting her stomach, Claire forced herself to eat.

After breakfast, Claire set off with Ragna and a guard under the guise of walking off her meal. Loki was somewhere in the palace, and she was determined to find him.

~~~~

The hallways seemed to grow busier on the lower levels they explored, and Claire followed the crowds. People curtsied and bowed to her as she walked the halls, making her feel like a celebrity. She gave polite nods to everyone they passed, keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of Loki.

A flash of green caught her attention and Claire perked up, scanning the clusters of people for Loki.

There!

Loki stood with his back to her, in an animated discussion with two men she didn’t recognize. Without a thought, she dashed toward Loki, leaving Ragna and Gunnar in the dust. People parted like the red sea as she ran, gawking with dismay at the woman who dared to run.

Loki was in a discussion with two fellow council members when Claire raced up to their group.

“Hey,” she said breathlessly as she pulled him aside. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I need to talk to you.” The council members bowed to her respectfully as her hands clasped around his arm. She seemed genuinely upset, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she fought to catch her breath.

“Are you alright, my lady? Where is your escort?”

“Oh, um...somewhere back there,” Claire gestured over her shoulder. “I promise I’m fine.” Loki’s companions shared a concerned look at her boldness.

“A moment, please,” Loki said to the men he was with before steering her a few feet down the opulent hall. “What troubles you?”

“I wanted to clarify what I said yesterday.”

“My lady, we didn’t see each other yesterday.” Loki squinted at her in warning.

“Right, of course,” Claire winked. “But what I said, about feeling indecisive.”

“I see,” Loki nodded. “Then you have decided-”

“I’m staying.” Claire spoke over him.

“But you-” Loki blanched, clearly confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“I was freaking out,” Claire sighed. “I wasn’t kidding when I said lessons were going badly. It’s my fault...I- you know what, no. I’m not taking blame for this-”

“For what?”

“Everything about this just…” Loki looked concerned as she clenched her fists and growled angrily. “Goes completely against my feminist beliefs. Having to sit there and listen to those old bats go on and on and on about how my entire life is supposed to be about you! I’m supposed to let you make all the decisions about everything! Where we live, how many babies we have, you name it! I’m not supposed to have opinions!?” she threw her hands up questioningly between them.

“I suspect that would be like asking you not to breathe.” Loki joked, regret filling him instantly when Claire’s stormy eyes settled on him.

“If you think for one second that I’m going to be trailing after you like a lost puppy-” she jabbed a finger at his chest plate angrily, and Loki’s eyebrows nearly reached his hairline. “You’ve got another thing coming, pal. Either I walk next to you like an equal or not at all.”

“I would not want you to,” Loki replied slowly. “I apologize for your difficulty. I did not realize-”

“How sexist your culture is?”

“Madam-”

“What?!” Claire huffed. “Are you gonna tell me I’m wrong? Is that too strong of an opinion for you; because it sure is for everyone else.”

“I do not wish for any of those things,” Loki replied, a pinched look on his face. He sighed, glancing with concern at the people milling around them. Many of them gave the engaged couple odd looks at they passed. “It is difficult to discuss this openly here.” Neither of them could say what they really wanted to say with so many others around them, but Claire did not seem to care at all.

“Why? I don’t give a shit. You wanna know the truth?” she asked. “When you totally didn’t see me yesterday, I was fully prepared to cut and run. I had my things packed and ready to go. I was on board with stepping up for my people- I still am- but I draw the line at making myself small so other people can be comfortable.”

“I see.”

“But...then your mom told me what would happen to you if this doesn’t work out, and I don’t think you deserve that,” She placed a hand on his vambrace as she spoke, and Loki stared down at her for a beat, making her think she’d overstepped. He swallowed as she stepped slightly closer and if Claire didn’t know any better, she’d think he was nervous. “I’m still not vibing with all of this, but I think there’s more to you than what I’ve seen. I am trying to be as open about this as possible. I just need to know it’s not for nothing.”

“Thank you,” he said finally. “I still think this endeavor foolish, but it is far preferable to the alternative. That said, you are not alone in your concerns, and I would like to discuss them with you at length,” Loki grimaced as his companions summoned him. Claire offered a faint smile when his expression soured. “I’m afraid I must go. I shall see you soon, Lady Claire. I look forward to discussing this further. Do enjoy the rest of your day, my lady.” He drew her hand into his and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, keeping his intense eyes focused on hers and setting her heart to racing. His lips were soft and warm, his touch gentle. Something in Claire quivered and turned to a puddle as she fought back a swoon. How could something so innocent make her stomach clench and turn her knees to jelly?

She thought about it for the rest of the day.

~~~~

Long after a respectable princess-to-be should have been asleep, Claire sat awake in her apartment going over her notes. What little intelligence S.H.I.E.L.D. possessed on the god who had laid siege to New York lay in front of her. Claire had read the dossier back to front and at this point could likely recite it in her sleep. It was her personal notes that she scrutinized now, unable to make them fall in line with the printed narrative. The Loki written on the page was calculating, grandiose, and malevolent. The Loki she was coming to know was none of those things. Well, he was still grandiose, but Claire figured that was part and parcel of being raised as royalty. The man was literally a god, worshipped for thousands of years. Still worshipped, Claire corrected herself as she thought of his rapid fans who’d pledged their undying loyalty to him before the debris in New York had been cleared.

Claire had done research of her own before her arrival in Asgard, doing countless deep dives of obscure forums and social media, and had managed to unearth a small collection of personal accounts which had yet to be verified. One such account came from a subreddit, posted by a woman living in New York at the time of the attack. The woman claimed that Loki had pushed her aside as a large piece of debris had fallen, sparing her from certain death. If it true, perhaps her husband-to-be was not the monster that the people of Earth thought him to be.

Most of what Claire found was unhelpful. Comments ranging from the typical ‘I can fix him’, ‘he’s just misunderstood’ to pure filth about what the poster would do to the man if given half a minute with him. Claire had originally dismissed them all with a roll of her eyes- she might be a monster fucker, but having witnessed the carnage of New York firsthand she wasn’t ready to ride the man’s dick at the time. Now that she was getting to know him and riding on his dick was a fast-approaching reality, Claire wasn’t too mad about it. The circumstances, sure, but not the getting-to-fuck-one-of-the-hottest-men-in-the-galaxy part. The man was FINE.

And he wasn’t like S.H.I.E.L.D. had thought he would be. Bruce had described him as ‘bag full of cats’, but Claire felt she was beginning to see behind the curtain. Sure he was mischievous, and kind of a dick, but he was thoughtful, and gentlemanly, and at least willing to listen to her concerns about the rampant sexism. And so fucking tall.

Focus, Claire. She fought not to melt at the memory of him kissing her knuckles earlier. For all the smut she consumed, a kiss on the hand was what made her all gooey inside? What was she, twelve?

She blamed the forced separation. In the limited time they spent together, they were watched like hawks in the name of propriety. Would things change after they married? Claire quite liked the intense stirrings their interactions caused, and hoped the feeling remained after the wedding. Her eyes dropped to the hand Loki had kissed, her skin tingling as she remembered the feeling of his lips. She wanted another. Fuck it, she may as well admit she wanted him to kiss up her arm like Gomez Addams. She deserved to be loved like Morticia.

Claire sighed wistfully before pulling herself out of her rose-tinted thoughts. She could daydream about Gomez and Morticia later. For now, she needed to focus. Shaking her head, Claire pulled the dossier back in front of her, rifling through the small stack of photos inside. She’d already seen them several times, but this time she caught something she hadn’t seen before.

In many of the photos, the photo was blurry- having been pulled from subpar traffic cameras or someone’s shaky cell phone. However there was one, from his time aboard the helicarrier, where the image was crystal clear. In this photo, it was clear how haggard Loki was. Just like the times before, Claire noted the dark shadows beneath his sunken eyes, the grayish tint to his alabaster skin and how pale and chapped his lips were. In the margins of the glossy photo paper, Claire had made notes: -not sleeping? -drugs? Anything she could think of to explain his appearance. Prior to meeting him, Claire had had no way of knowing, but the biggest clue had been staring her in the face the whole time. Loki’s eyes were blue in the photo.

Weren’t his eyes green? Claire dropped the photo, thinking back to the times she’d seen him in the past few days. The marketplace, the garden, the hallway that morning, dinner...his eyes had been green each time. No blue whatsoever.

What the hell?

Just as she was scribbling a new note in the margins, a knock on her chamber doors startled her. Wasn’t it a bit late for social calls? Ever cautious, Claire closed the dossier and hid it beneath the couch cushion before she went to the door.

A handmaiden stood waiting, bearing a heavy looking tray of dishes and a cloche. The guard watched from his post beside the door, looking bored.

“The meal you requested, madam.” The handmaiden said, giving her a curtsy.

Claire hadn’t requested shit. She didn’t recognize the woman, but she was still pretty new to the palace. Just as she was about to close the door, the handmaiden winked at her. Claire paused, thinking for a moment that the wink looked familiar. The fuck?

“Right. Yes. Sorry, I must be more tired than I realized. Come in.” The guard relaxed, allowing the handmaiden to step inside and closing the door behind her.

“Do you allow anyone into your chambers, or am I special?” Loki asked from behind her, grinning when Claire whirled to face him.

“You sneaky little shit,” she hissed quietly, looking at the door in alarm. “You can’t be here! The paw patrol will be pissed!”

“Paw patrol?” Loki’s face scrunched in confusion. God damn it, he was cute. And in fewer layers than usual. His leather armor had been exchanged for soft looking leisure clothes, but his long limbs were still covered by dark fabric. “I am not familiar with this band of enforcers,” he set the tray upon the table in front of the couch. “May I sit?” he gestured to the couch.

“Never mind,” Claire sighed. “Yes, please.” his loose collar gaped to the side as he sat down, and Claire was granted a teasing glimpse of his collar bone. “Why are you here? Why is Gunnar not barging in to haul you back out?”

“Because princess lessons are going poorly, and you clearly need the extra help,” Loki sighed, brushing his hair back from his face and exposing a strip of skin at his waist. “As to your second question, the room is cloaked in my magic. Your guard will not be able to hear us. I’m not risking imprisonment again so you can learn how to properly curtsy.”

“Hey, fuck you.” Claire spat. It was nice of him to offer his help, but he didn’t have to be condescending about it.

“Not yet, darling,” Loki brushed off her words, clasping his hands together. “Now then, let’s get started.” He dragged the heavy table closer to them with ease, the fabric of his sleeves barely containing the muscles in his arm as they flexed.

“Oh goody.” Claire said flatly as she sat beside him. Loki shot her a dark look as he reached to pull the cloche off the gilded charger beneath it. He set it aside, letting her see what he’d brought. A small assortment of little sandwiches and what looked like miniature fruit tarts sat on the charger, waiting to be consumed. In front of the charger, he’d arranged a proper place setting and Claire was actually a little impressed.

“This is how the table settings are arranged for state dinners,” he explained, naming each utensil as he touched it. His thigh pressed against hers as he spoke, and Claire struggled to focus on his words instead of the steely muscle she could feel. This was the closest they had ever been and her body was intensely focused on that fact. “You start from the outside and work your way in with each course.”

“Yeah, I know,” Claire replied, pushing away her desire to ride his thigh. God, how good would that feel? “I’m a commoner, not an idiot.”

“Well how was I to know?” Loki chuckled. “Better to start with the basics and work our way up,” I’ve got something he could work up. “Focus darling, or we’ll never finish.” Claire snorted, drawing another ireful glare from her husband-to-be. He waved his hand and the dishes disappeared from the tray, replaced with a scroll of parchment.

“Aw, snacks.” Loki rolled his eyes, returning the charger with another wave of his hand.

“I swear you’re just like Thor,” he shook his head, taking one of the sandwiches for himself before handing it to her. “Now pay attention. This will help you remember the rank of anyone you may meet. It’s very important that you know how to address members of the court and in what order.”

An hour later, Claire was able to recite the flow chart back to Loki and had satisfactorily answered all of his questions on how to address the various nobles.

“Maybe I’m not such a shit princess after all,” Claire remarked as she rolled the scroll back up. The charger rested beside her on the couch, the snacks long devoured. “I’m definitely making flash cards.” Loki grinned.

“It helps to have study materials. No doubt the crones expected you to memorize it after hearing it once.”

“Pretty much.”

“Do you have any questions before I take my leave?” Claire’s eyes flicked to his as he looked up at her.

They were green. So why were they blue in the surveillance photo?

“Why are you helping me?” Loki licked his lips as he considered the question, his brows bunching as he met her gaze again.

“Because regardless of how we got here, our paths are now intertwined,” he said gently. “I will not let you fail, Claire. Even if it means risking life and limb to teach you.”

“Life and limb, huh?”

“Of course,” Loki nodded. “Should you fail, the alliance would be in ruins and you would be sent back to Midgard. I, however, will either be sent back to prison or to the executioner’s block. Most likely the latter.” Claire paled as the weight of their situation crushed her.

“Your mom didn’t tell me that part,” she murmured. “Fuck, I really am a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

“A what?”

“Remind me to introduce you to Monopoly,” Claire smiled weakly. “Actually, that would be a great way to teach you about capitalism.”

“A lesson for another night, I think. You should get some rest.” he got to his feet, gathering the tray in his hands.

“Probably,” Claire agreed as she yawned. She got to her feet as well, her back popping as she stretched. Loki’s eyes trailed over her body, lingering on the curve of her hips. “Will there be more lessons tomorrow night?”

“But of course,” he replied easily, his eyes darting up to meet hers. “I will be sure to bring snacks, since that seems to motivate you.”

“I was hungry!” Claire cried defensively, both of them giggling. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Loki nodded as he made his way to the door. Suddenly, he wheeled back around to face her. “About what you said earlier-”

“Yes?”

“There are many things I would change, if I could,” Loki pursed his lips. “I may not ever have that power, but I will always treat you as an equal.”

“Wow,” Claire smiled, relief flooding her veins. “Than-”

“An annoying, hot-headed one, but an equal nonetheless.” Loki smirked as she scowled at him with annoyance clear on her face. “A jarl?” he questioned before she could speak.

“My lord.” Claire replied, giving a sarcastic curtsy. A corner of Loki’s mouth curled upward at her cheek.

“The second prince?” he pressed.

“Pain-in-my-ass,” Claire cackled. “Good night.” Loki’s half smile evolved into a full one, and before Claire could blink, the handmaiden from before stood where he’d been.

“Sleep well, my lady.”

[devildome]

The brothers reacting to your interest in historical human fashion

-and the DevilTube channel you run as a hobby!

Commission for @wirelesswizard! I want to thank you for your patience, I know it's been a minute since you sent it in. Honestly, it was really fun to work on and study up on historical dress and the like! This is my first commission, and sadly it will be my only one for now. I love writing, but it simply is not possible for me to continue after this. Maybe again in the future!

Reader is GN, though the fashions lean towards feminine~

Lucifer:

- "MC, time for dinner!" Lucifer's voice reverberated through your door. He was getting impatient, clearly irritated that you were late for supper again for no discernible reason.

- "Coming!" you managed to strangle out while you reached for the upper strings of your corset. Getting into it was harder, you remind yourself while simultaneously swearing to never wear this garment again.

- You struggled for several silent moments before hearing Lucifer's knocks again. "You say you're coming and yet I don't see this door opening. Are you joining us for dinner or shall I tell Beel--"

- "I'm stuck." You swing the door open to a unvexed Lucifer. You were completely covered, thank Diavolo, but it was a strange feeling to be dressed in an Edwardian corset with sweatpants underneath, not to mention your no makeup makeup (for video purposes only) smeared from the effort of changing clothes.

- In one swift motion, Lucifer steps into your room and closes the door. "Turn around," he says.

- Without question, he undoes the knot you had created in your efforts to get free. While doing so, he loosens the rest of the garment so you'll be able to wiggle free once he's gone.

- "Quite the outfit, MC. I regret not knowing you're a seamster." He comments, stepping back to a respectful distance.

- "Oh it's just a hobby..."

- "Then it shouldn't get in the way of regular house activities. You'll be at the table in 5 minutes or I'm letting Beel have your serving."

- After the eldest brother leaves your room, you scramble to get to get dressed in normal clothes and get to the table before too late.

Mammon:

-You pouted at your open closet. It was filled to the brim with miscellaneous pieces of historical costuming; so full, you barely had room for the rest of your normal clothing thank Diavolo for school uniforms.

-You think to yourself that there has to be a better way of organization beyond tossing them haphazardly into the closet and shutting the door.

-Slowly, you take each piece out--a hoop skirt here, a belt there, and several shawls and covers--and inspect them carefully for any damage before laying them gently on your bed. The last piece was arguably the biggest.

-A cape. One modeled for 16th century Italy no less.

-A knock sounds at the door, and before you have a chance to answer, Mammon and his antics burst in. "Oi [MC] whaddya think about going--what's all this?" he questions, freezing mid step.

-You can see the grimm symbol as clear as day in his blue eyes as he scans all the items in your room. They land on the gold cape still hanging up.

-"I'm organizing my stuff," You say, to emphasize that you are not selling anything.

-There is a tense silence between the two of you--a battle of wills over the fate of your hobby.

-"Are you gonna--" he tries to say.

-"Keep organizing? Yes. Sell? No." You put your hands on your hips. Your word is final.

-He pauses for way longer than is comfortable, but his eyes keep flickering between you and the cape. He yearns for the cape as one would apparently yearn for a lover.

-After a few more seconds of silence, you finally relent.

-"Okay, you can wear the cape, but no selling. Got it?"

-You might as well have not finished your statement as Mammon zoomed to the garment and flung it on with the bravado only he can bring. And you know what?

-It looked good on him.

Levi:

- Armor. Armor was different than fabric. It was, well, armor. Metal.

- Recreating a knight's armor seemed so simple from the get-go that you figured you'd give it a shot.

- At least you had the sense to use foam and cardboard and metal spray which was easier than commissioning a smithy.

- Do they even have human smithy’s in the Devildom? Whatever.

- You look your costume armor in the mirror. Looked realistic enough to fool anyone who wasn't there at the time, though it was remarkably stiff due to the glue.

- And you sort of... glued yourself in there.

- Just when you debate about going to the bathroom in such a delicate state, a rapid but soft knocking sounds on your door.

- “A-A minute! I’m, uh, a little predisposed at the the moment," you say.

- A shuffle at the door and a little mumble tells you its Levi. You could feel the anxiety through the door. Great. You scared him off.

- "Wait, Levi? That you?"

- "Y-yeah," he said through the door.

- "You can come in!"

- He slowly opens the door and pauses at the sight before him: you standing there amongst craft supplies as stiff as a statue in your perfectly molded false armor.

- "[MC], what..?" You can see his hands shift and tense through his coat pockets, but you just let out a small laugh.

- "I'm trying out a style of armor from feudal England. It's my favorite era of human history and, well... I got curious."

- Levi just stands there frozen, clearly unsure of what to do or say next. Both of you just sort of stand there. Then it's Levi who breaks the silence:

- "I know a knitting pattern that makes the yarn look like chainmail."

- "I would like to know that, yes. But first," you hold out your cuffed hand, "please help me get out of this. I need to use the little knight's room."

Satan:

- It was at the library where he figured it out. The clues were there, of course, with your desk being covered in threads and boxes shoved to the side whenever he came over to study with you in your room, you shuffling to put the tripod for your DDD away. It was none of his business of course, but he'd be damned if he didn't find out what it was you were hiding.

- You were now in his domain and by Diavolo he would see your personal project through to the end.

- You startle a bit when he sits across from you, your attention being pulled from one of the many open books sprawled across the table. He regards you with an amused look as if he had solved a great mystery that no one asked him to solve.

- You tell him you've had a long-time interest in 16th century dress, how their corsets were constructed, and the Elizabethan age overall. Though... you were frustrated that you hadn't found an actual legible how-to guide for constructing their dresses.

- He thinks for a second before telling you to wait.

- After several minutes, he returns to you with a few more books in hand. The first one being a how-to on gown construction, the second being a collection of studies done on historical human textiles; the third is a how-to on how to build different kinds of bodices.

- With these, too, Satan adds that he knows a few tailors across the city that would have better access to fabrics.

-The next month is spent studying and practicing until you construct a passable dress for your next DevilTube video on human fashion, thanks to his help.

Asmodeus:

-You are overwhelmed. Your specialty fabric had just come in, but you realize you need help. A Lot of Help.

-You barely have time to explain yourself and your 5 foot pile of fabric before Asmo drags you through the doorway into his room.

-"Oh [MC] you know how much I love ruffles, are you kidding me? I didn't know you liked that kind of extravagance~"

-Oh yeah. You knew.

-You explain the reason for your request; you were doing a video on France and their influence on human fashion both back then and in the present. You were going the extra mile for this one bit, but you didn't want to do any less.

-To say Asmo was excited is an understatement.

-He is almost jumping off the bed when he tells you all about why he knows what he knows, the time he's spent with Solomon in the human world, the actual techniques for certain seams in the clothing of that particular era.

-In all, you're taken aback by exactly how much Asmo knows, but you don't complain as it's way better than reading books and not absorbing a single word.

-The next few weeks you spend hanging out in his room, both working on different parts of your gown. Eventually you run some makeup ideas by him and he responds in kind.

-The final fit came together in his bathroom as he helps you into your wig and ties you into your corset. In the mirror you look ridiculous, the powdery face and bright colors of the ensemble making you feel like a clown.

-But the sense of accomplishment overpowers all of that. -You thank Asmo for his help and everything he did, and he wastes no time accepting the thanks with a hug. "Obviously, who else would help you look as good as you do, doll?"

Beel:

- The gym was a weird place to wear a dress. It was a heavy material, dark, and so thick you were already sweating.

- Beel couldn't help but stare in bewilderment at your bizarre choice of clothing and weird workout form and listen to the lesson you were giving to your DDD.

- You were doing a short bit about workout wear of the early 20th century. Women gaining their independence lead to more freedom regarding sports and general athleticism, so you thought it would fit to dress as such.

- You notice Beel sort of inching closer on the screen of your device, but you pay no mind as you continue on with the routine.

- Eventually, he's right there next to you, mimicking your form and wondering what the hell was going on. You show him what you're doing and explaining the reasoning why they wore what they wore and why they did what they did.

- After your video finished, the both of you all sweaty and messy, Beel can't keep his eyes off you.

- "What are you staring at? Something on me?" you frantically check your person for anything that might ruin your costume.

- "No it's--" He paused, "Should I have worn a dress like yours?"

- Oh Beel.

Belphie:

- "It's just a dress, [MC]."

- You huff. No, he wasn't wearing just a dress, it was a true vintage recreation of a 17th century nightshirt that just so happened to be in fairly good condition never mind the clear evidence of stains and patchwork near the chest

- Belphegor, the seventh demon lord of hell, stood there in your room rubbing his eyes as if he didn't just sleep all day in your bed.

- It was the final part of your fashion video essay, and all you need is one last model for the sleepwear portion--the conclusion.

- "No, it's not. Just hold still while I get this b roll."

- "I was having such a good dream before you woke me up--"

- "And you'll be back to dreaming in no time, Belph, I promise."

- He tugged at the plain-looking nightshirt, inspecting the material.

- You didn't mind as it actually captured well on camera--his inquisitive facial expression, his posture towards the camera, and his general sleepiness all paired well with your voiceover...

- Until he complained.

- "What's it made out of? It's kind of itchy."

- "Supposed to be made out of human cotton," you reply.

- He points out the seemingly random stitching near the collar. "What's this about?"

- "No clue, didn't ask." You watched the camera screen carefully. By this point you had enough b roll, but it was never a bad idea to have more.

- "How long do you need me here?" the demon's face scrunched, and you knew he was feigning annoyance so he could get back to napping.

- "I am just about--"

- Aaaaand he's flopped on the bed.

[autumnworld19]

Hi Autumn! This idea has been growing on me, so I'm gonna share it with you. I'm thinking that our reader works as like a pole dancer at a club, moderately popular with her regulars. She's been doing this for a long time to make money, it's all she knows. The yandere is friends with some old money rich guy, and he gets dragged along to the club in the city because it's his friend's birthday. He's a country guy, not used to big cities. He hates the club, it's loud, it's noisy, so he fully intends to get drunk sitting in a corner of the bar. But then the reader comes out to dance, and it's like magic, the whole club can't stop looking at her. The yandere's friend manages to get her for a private performance, and the yandere's a snarky little shit, so he's bantering with the reader. The reader's not taking any of it personally because this is her job and what she gets paid for, but he can't stop thinking about her. And it makes him burn inside to think of her dancing for other men that aren't him.

I apologize for responding late! But went you sent this to me yesterday, I literally laughed out loud. Because I was just imaging a Yandere customer getting obsessed over a pile dancing reader. Literally it was fated for you to send this to me. And I’m so happy you wanted to share it with me.

But let me raise the stakes, how about the Yandere is a stationed soldier in some made up country. Like he’s a traditional, country man. Like in his mind, women shouldn’t be out and about, they need to be in the house taking the kids and her husband, and if she is??? Wheww that dress/skirt better not be any higher above her knees. He probably envisioned himself with the girl next door type, or the library type. Of course he would want a hidden sexiness to them, that only they show to him. The “lady in the streets, freak in the sheets”.

He probably regards himself as gentleman, and would be caught dare at a place like back at home, very small town and word gets around real quick, for you know what I mean. But it’s his superior’s bday or some kind of celebration, and he just hadddd to come 🙄. And when reader comes out. I dont have a description of what she’s wearing, because I honestly idk. So I’ll leave it up to you. She’s real sultry, And watching her do her VERY tame version of like a body roll/hip roll. But the crowd of uncultured men go crazy. But for him who never seen women in such an act in the first place, it knocked the wind out of his lungs. I imagine it was Like the 1960s (don’t ask I just love that time period). Like there’s no internet, no digital cameras. Pornhub dosen’t exist. The best he could hope for growing up as a teenage boy, was find some dirty magazines in his dad’s/uncle’s/grandfather’s stuff.

Other than that, you just don’t see stuff like this in the usual. So this is all new to him. He honesty dosen’t know how to act, but being the (like you said) snarky, machismos man he is, he puts up a tough act. He dosen’t want anyone noticing hes freaking out internally, both excitement and Anxiety.

And his friend is super drunk, and just offers a bunch of money to y/n just to give him a lap dance. With that amount of money? For just a simple lapdance? She’ll be a real idiot to refuse, she hurries to agree, before another girl can snatch up this great deal.

Y/N was going to perform this simple lapdance and then get the hell out. At first, he’s shell shocked. Like just frozen as a statue. She figured it might be his first time, thought he would be one of those shy types, you know the nice ones… so she starts talking to him and that’s when everything goes downhill. Her voice was enough for to break out of this hypnosis . He grabs her waist and starts dry grinding her. Of course she stops him, tells him “no touching unless you have more money to hand out”. He gives her money, but not only to do simple touches but to degrade her too. The whole time he just calls her names, this and that. And I can imagine our reader being a touch cookie with a even tougher and thick skin, so all his words just bounce off her. She just does what she needs to do and get out. So she completely silent with him. When it’s over, right in front of his face, one of her regulars (her favorite you can say), a soldier(could even be his army buddy), request a simple lapdance, and he watches her talk in this happy, upbeat, cheery tone/attitude while she walks this other customer to another room. And he’s angry as fuck. Like where was all this decent customer service when she was with him. His buddy explains he’s regular, and just encourages to come around move which is ultimately horrible for the reader of course 😂

And you’re right! I can see him be the insanely controlling and possessive type. Like he lays at night thinking about all the men she dance half naked for. He’s so angry, but yet, so hard. Because not only for her dignity but his too! How do you think he feels watching his girl dance for other men????

When he goes back home, after all these years. Guess who he sees again?

Seriously thank you for sending the ask in! Feel free to come and rant about whatever oc you have in mind!

~ Autumn

[crushingcasanova]

Hello, darling!

I’ve been out to today so I haven’t managed to send you an ask. How are you? You’ve been on my mind today.

Anything fun planned? I have some questions for you.

1) Do you prefer skirts or dresses or trousers?

2) Do you have a favourite tree species?

3) Golf or bowling? Why?

~ 🌠

Hi dear!

I'm well! I missed you, my dear. How are you doing? I know I sent an ask earlier, but I just want to make sure >_<!!

I'm going to a sweet 16 tonight! That's about it, honestly. I mentioned it earlier but it's going on till really late, so I'm hoping to stay awake the whole time. How about you?

As for your questions, here are my answers:

1) Do you prefer skirts or dresses or trousers?

Definitely skirts. I dress very hyperfeminine and I just don't like the feeling of pants, honestly. I usually wear skirts, but I love dresses pretty equally!

2) Do you have a favourite tree species?

I do! It's either a magnolia or a cherry blossom… they're very pretty trees!

3) Golf or bowling? Why?

I'm better at bowling but I find golf more fun! I used to play a lot of wii golf when I was younger… it was really nice.

I await your answers to these questions, too! I'd love to hear your thoughts <3

[dominimoonbeam]

Don't Run - 11

This work is mine and I do not give consent for my works to be used, copied, published, or posted without my permission. I am sharing chapters as I work on this story but it is copyrighted material that I plan to rework and publish when completed.

you can find the series from the start over on patreon.

story tags: mobsters, romance, explicit sex, explicit language, learning to trust, dark themes, bad childhood, arranged marriage, reference to past murder, kidnapping, danger, violence, guns

DON’T RUN - CHAPTER ELEVEN.

Freya came back to the apartment just after noon.

She’d expected it to be empty.

She’d been wrong.

She stood just a few steps into the foyer, the door still open and the keys in her hand.

The living room was crowded with white clothing wracks of bagged garments and stacks of boxes. A woman came around the corner from the kitchen, mug in hand and big glasses making her small round face owlish.

Freya blinked at her. She had never seen her before and yet the owl looks distinctly upset with her. Freya felt like she’d arrived late, when, in reality, she had nowhere to be.

The owl seemed to realize it, her perfectly painted lips pressing to one side and her shoulders flattening out. “Ma’am,” the owl said. “In the future, it would be helpful if I knew where you were.”

Freya still hadn’t closed the door behind her. Honestly, she was still considering turning and leaving. “Who are you?”

The owl’s eyes got bigger somehow. She couldn’t be older than Freya, but she carried herself like someone had bolted steel to her spine. The smallest hint of a blush touched the high rounds of her cheeks. “I suppose no one told you. My apologies. My name is Wells, I’ll be assisting you.”

“Assisting me with what, Wells?” Freya kicked the door into a hard swing. It closed loudly and the owl’s frown twitched.

“I am one of the Ellis family assistants. I’ve been assigned to you.”

Freya didn’t love the sound of that. In fact, it sounded a lot like a babysitter. She tossed her keys onto the high table next to the big vase of fresh flowers.

“Mr. Ellis thought you could use the guidance.”

Freya snorted. “Which Mr. Ellis?”

“That would be the senior Mr. Ellis, ma’am. Harmon Ellis.”

Cold fear prickled her spine. It had almost been easy to forget her nearness to the mobster kingpin of Everton when she was busy dealing with Adi and Ezra.

Wells marched into the living room, pulling one of the racks of garment bags into the open space. “We have a lot to do.”

“Do we?” Freya was still skirting the idea of walking to her room and closing the door like an unreasonable teen. It was definitely tempting, but teens didn’t get what they wanted. They only got themselves into more trouble. Freya needed a plan to get out. She wasn’t a kid and no one was going to help her but her.

Wells was clearly a pro, because she managed not to sigh or roll those big eyes. She started unzipping bags and pulling out dresses. Gowns. She cast looks at Freya, assessing her with the garments in mind, it seemed. “We need to decide on your dress for the wedding party, as well as Mr. Ellis’s suit. Both will be sent to the tailor. Then there’s your outfit for the ladies brunch tomorrow.”

“The what?” Freya came around and sat on the couch, watching the owl shake her head at a black silk dress and zip that bag back up.

“Mrs. Ellis is having a charity brunch. You’re expected to attend.”

“I didn’t get an invite.”

“I did.”

Freya crossed her legs at the knee, not missing the way the owl looked at her boots, that perfect mouth twitching again. “So, you’re going to dress me up and tell me where to go.”

Wells paused, considering the scope of those words before shrugging once and nodding. She pulled another rack out, this one with knee length dresses. “Do you have a preferred style, ma’am?”

Freya smiled.

The owl glanced back, saw it, and did not ask again. Instead, she pulled a light blue dress from the assortment. It looked like something Alice in Wonderland would wear and Freya almost thought that was fitting. She hated it. She didn’t want to wear any of those dresses.

But that didn’t matter. “Which Mrs. Ellis is throwing this party?”

“Charity brunch,” Wells corrected. “Your mother-in-law.”

Freya bit the inside of her cheek to keep from wincing at the title. At least being invited meant the family wasn’t completely freezing her out. She slapped her knees and stood up, startling the owl. “Okay, Wells, do your worst.”

She had thought by “do your worst” she was inviting a round of dress up. She had not expected to be hauled to a salon where she almost had to bite someone to keep them from bleaching her hair. Wells had, indeed, picked out her outfits when they got back to the apartment that afternoon. She’d taken the gown away for alterations and left specific instructions for Freya’s hair and makeup for the brunch tomorrow.

When Freya was finally alone, she wondered which of them was the boss in their relationship.

She supposed the answer was, Harmon Ellis.

She put on an oversized band shirt worn thin with holes and padded out onto the balcony in the dark.

-

Adi got home late. Honestly, he’d been sitting in the parking garage for the past forty minutes trying to convince himself to come upstairs.

The living room was dark and the whole apartment quiet but for the breeze rolling in from the open balcony door. The living room was full of clothing racks and boxes in a disorderly sort of order that suggested someone had gone through them all and arranged them.

He put his keys down next to hers on the side table, already spotting the silhouette of his wife outside those tinted windows, leaning against the balcony and looking up at the stars. The wind twirled her dark brown hair, a few inches shorter than it had been the last time he saw her. She wore nothing but an oversized t-shirt, bare feet on the concrete lip of the balcony so she could stretch higher, elbows on top of the railing and body bent. If he cared more, he might be worried. If he cared less, he’d look away.

She’d pointed a gun at him the other night and the thrill still hadn’t left him.

What did that say about him?

A silver twirl rolled into the dark sky and he realized she was smoking.

Adi smiled, taking a few steps closer and telling himself he was just going to turn and walk down the hall. He didn’t need to talk to her. What was there to talk about? But he stopped at the mouth of the hallway, still watching her through that open slider door.

He didn’t know her.

He couldn’t trust her.

She turned, looking back over her shoulder at him like she’d felt his gaze.

Eyes locked, Freya slowly brought her cigarette to her lips and took a long drag. Her nails weren’t their usual dark color, he realized with some surprise. There was something almost comical about that paler-than-pale pink while she wore that battered black t-shirt and mischief in her eyes.

She exhaled smoke and it looked dangerously close to an invitation.

Or maybe the sense of danger was because he suddenly wanted an invitation.

Adi cocked a smile and turned, tearing his eyes off her to walk down that long hall to his bedroom. Pride and suspicion kept him steady. He was not going to get caught trusting a Morgan, no matter what Ezra said.

-

Freya finished her cigarette, turning her back on the stars and the city after she caught Adi watching her. What had that look been? And why did she like that grin he flashed before he walked away? She hated him, she reminded herself. They could be comfortable enemies. She could let him think she was going to work with him to get them both out of this situation. But she could not, and would not, let herself think they were anything but rivals.