#but this also works as something between Killing Moon and From Her To Eternity | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

itsagrimm · 1 year

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He Who Comes from under the Water

Chapter 9 - Of Moons and Monsters

Monster!König X she/her afab Reader

CN mentions of death, mentions of murder, mentions of cannibalism, arranged marriage, disrespecting and displaying a corpse, ableist language, internalised toxic masculinity, creepy observers with no understanding of boundaries, warning for those who have issues with paranoia, König has issues and needs fairy tale therapy

Not sure how the phases of the moon work? Click here.

Notes for better understanding at the bottom!

Partly beta-read by the amazing @queenquazar. There are typos in there but I need to publish this asap before spiralling into another round of rewriting this for the 10th time. also, thank you so much for baring with me.

6.9k words

Masterlist

this is a hit or miss chapter. love it or hate it. i am ready to throw out my laptop bc this chapter was hard to write.

Oh and I made a playlist for this series. Enjoy.

As the King of Everything from Under the Water, König never grew tired.

As a man, König felt like he was grinding his bones into dust.

The never-ending work started to get to him, eternal weariness was wearing him down like a stone getting chipped away in the currents.

He yawned.

During the day König worked on the Half-Palace. The Half-Palace was getting close to being done, rising up into the sky as high up as it reached down low and deep into the waters. It was a marvel. But König was not done yet, working tirelessly to finish his new residence to finally marry and bring his fiancé home safely.

During the night König guarded his Bride. With his axe in his hands, he stalked her garden, carefully avoiding her strawberry patches and making sure no villager or malevolent creature harmed her. The rumours of a human maiden marrying the Vodyanoy had made its rounds, and König started to see more unusual unwelcome guests creeping in the shadows. Sometimes he found villagers too, boys who turned on their heels just at the sight of König’s giant frame, axe, and piercing deep blue, ever-seeing eyes. Not all the trespassers were clever enough to run away at the sight of him. Twice König used his axe and spilled blood. First time it was a Tschort trying to sneak through the kitchen window. The other time a Kikimora nearly made her way to the Bride’s window. König got to them both in time, killing the intruders with quick blows of his axe and hanging them up in the alder tree around the bride’s house for the night as a warning. The first time his bride cried out at the sight of it, the second time she did not cry anymore.

During the few moments in between when he walked at the lakes beach with her or closed his eyes for a moment, worry consumed any thought in König’s mind. His Bride was fragile. The creeping beings in the shadows wanted her blood, her tender flesh, her inheritance. There was danger everywhere and König started to feel on edge from being on the lookout all the time. In all his life he had experienced worries and insecurities. Now he had learned to fear - for her.

In those moments König wished he could just ignore all tradition and carry her to the half-finished Half-Palace before the wedding to keep her out of the hands of those that wanted to tear and bite and kill and devour her. But then he looked at his own hands - long clawed fingers that could wrap around her neck and break it like a twig or drag her down the deep waters until she was nothing but a lifeless body. The first time that realisation hit him, it had mortified König. He was a danger - just like all the others. And she was just a girl. A girl that managed to get tangled up with him. Baba Jaga’s words still hung over him, telling him he had to sacrifice something to keep his Bride safe. Something deep inside of him knew he had done it wrong, all of it so far. Her fear of water was testimony of it. And so he sacrificed everything for her. But one question remained.

Will it be enough?

Feeling tired and drained, König sighed and made another round to check for danger. For now, no one was there but the moon, rising over the gable of the Bride’s house.

Peaceful, calm, familiar.

König nodded in greeting to the silent lunar wanderer. At least the moon was not out for his Bride. For now.

Of course, the thin slice of the waxing crescent did not nod back.

It was the moon after all.

König let himself fall onto the grass again, leaning against her door and closed his eyes.

A moment, just a moment of rest.

Rest.

Rest…

Sleep was alluring. It called to him like the Rusalkis called for him to return to just being in the water.

Just a little bit...

Just a bit closer…

No harm in it…

With a low “thud” the axe slipped out of his hands, waking König back up from his light short slumber.

König shook his head.

No! He had to stay up. Another Tschort could try to crawl in any moment or Ivar might wipe up the village into a frenzy and come for her. His Bride was so frail in comparison to him, a little maiden and nothing more. Just yesterday she cut herself with a kitchen knife. Or was it tomorrow? Does not matter! One day she would hurt herself again and he had to make sure that would not happen. He could take it, not sleeping and working every moment. His body will withstand. He was a king after all! He was her guardian, her fiancé and soon-to-be husband, her man.

And she was worthy of König to grind himself down as a payback for the life he had condemned her to and the pain he would cause her with his huge hands and sharp claws. Sleep and labour was a necessary sacrifice.

“You are an idiot.”

König looked up, searching for the source of those words.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised. You are an idiot and deep down you know it already.”

König got up from his spot, taking up his axe.

“Who is it! Come out! Show yourself!” The king called.

“I am not hiding myself. You just don’t see what is in plain sight like the fool that you are.”

Confused, König's head whipped around, searching for whoever was talking to him.

“Here, little king. Up!” The voice called. “You are not used to looking up when speaking, aren’t you?”

As told, König looked up while raising the axe in expectation to see a new threat, a new danger, a new assailant.

What he saw instead was the moon.

“Hello.”

König blinked, not understanding how and why the thin lunar sickle was smiling down at him.

“Don’t look so surprised!” the moon scolded with a laughing tone. “You greeted me yourself.”

“How?” König asked, lowering the axe.

“You are asking me how I can speak?”

König considered the moon's words before smiling shyly like a kid getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Okay, that’s fair. You can speak just like I can.”

If the moon could nod it would have done so. Somehow König felt like far out in the interstellar realm of implausibility the moon indeed did nod at him.

“Why after millennia of not speaking to me you do now, moon? I greet you twice a day.”

“I grew to like you, little one. And I got bored watching you self-mortifying yourself. It was entertaining for a while until it became the most pointless thing I have witnessed in a long time.”

“What do you mean, Moon? I am not mortifying myself! How would you even know.”

The moon raised an eyebrow at König. Somehow it did that.

“Please. I have better eyes for that than you, little king. I do nothing else but watch and witness.”

Unconvinced, König crossed his arms.

“What do you know about me and my worries?” He countered.

“Only about half of it. I just see you at night.” The moon admitted. “Shame really. You doing everything else but talking to your fiancé is quite the sight.”

“What is there to talk about?” König replied. “Spare me. Everything is clear. She is just a nice girl who ended up engaged with me, so I have the duty to protect her.”

“Sure, little king. Then you would have no issue just crossing that doorstep of hers and telling her that. Sacrifice the facade and just take her to that Half-Palace of yours and be done with it. It’s all just formalities and traditions at this point. You are just concerned for her safety.”

“I am concerned for her safety.”

König gazed around the dark garden. There was the spot where Ivar had threatened his Bride. And the alder tree König had strung up those that had wanted to harm her. And the axe with which nowadays he did as much killing and fighting as he did building.

“That’s all?”

“That’s all.”

XXX

König looked at the Bride’s door. The familiar wooden frame she walked through every day. It would be easy to just open it and go in. Or knock? König felt like she would appreciate a knock before getting dragged out of her family home in the middle of the night in the name of her safety and his pragmatic marital claims.

Up in the night sky the thin moon sickle was grinning at the sight of the fool calling himself King, silent and expectant to watch something - anything - happen.

But it did not.

Not every night was calm and spent in solitude.

A bunch of laughing and giggling Rusalkis decided to join him and the occasionally appearing fox on his guard post. König looked around, seeing the half-moon rise above the horizon. It had been silent ever since that night a while back.

Of course, the Bride was still sleeping in her own house.

Of course, he had not even attempted to move her from it.

They were still unmarried.

It was tradition König told himself.

She would not want to be in the nearby finished castle with him anyway.

“Why so grim dear Vodyanoy?”

Startled, König spinned around, teeth barren and the axe in his hands.

“Easy.” A rusalka straying behind soothingly replied, her hands up.

König stilled.

“Oh it is you, Lada.” He said and lowered his axe, “I am sorry. I thought someone had crept up to me.”

Lada leaned forward. Her pretty eyes gazed up at him as she lowered her hands.

“You know, not everyone is out there to get you or the Devitsa, Vodyanoy. Take a rest. We can guard her in the meantime.”

“No.” He grumbled. “It’s nice that you are here to help, but she is my responsibility to carry. I brought this upon her.”

Curiously, she leaned forward.

“Oh, you do that a lot these days, König.” Her words splashing down her lips like a lively spring, unimpressed by the near display of violence moments before. “Always responsibility. Always offering yourself up like that makes a difference. Tell me, is this spectacle for you or her?”

“It’s not a spectacle.” König replied, moving back from her and crossing his arms before him.

Lada grinned.

“Alright. Sure. Good luck.” She declared and waved a goodbye at him before, jumping back like a firefly raving in zig zag over a pond's water. König watched Lada return to the other Rusalkis, giving a sharp, toothy and nearly careless smile to flirt with the Fox. They seemed so content with chatting in the moonlight. As if stalking and hunting intruders was a Rusalki past-time. Knowing the Rusalkis it probably was.

König suppressed a yawn, unwilling to admit Lada was right. He really needed to take a break. Soon, when he was married and the bride was safe. He would have given anything he had in him then. But until the wedding there was no point of even thinking about rest or the life leisure he had known before.

Was he really that busy all the time?

Unapproachable and lost in his own thoughts nowadays?

König remembered how much time he used to spend with the Rusalkis. Oh, he did. They had played, filling the air with splashed water, with laughter, with moans.

It felt so long ago.

He hadn’t even thought about it.

Would his marriage remove him forever from that part of his life?

He stilled as the realisation hit. It hurt. But only a little.

Thinking about the Bride's little human fingers that tangled his hair, asking him how his day was, telling him about hers pleased him. König had gotten used to the Bride in his life so quickly, he wanted more of it.

But enough to stop lust and satisfy his more carnal desires?

She…

You promised to guard her, protect her, make her your Queen. Nothing else. König reminded himself unhappily and looked up, searching for answers in the night sky.

There were none, only the looming moon.

It was as if the half-moon was watching him with mockery, observing König’s thoughts and temptations.

König grunted.

Fine, maybe she was charming in many ways. He had to admit that to himself. But maybe that was another sacrifice he had to make for the sake of her. König was sure they could find an arrangement at some point. There was little he promised nor expected from her outside of their marriage. But that was for a moment in the future when he had the right words for it.

Until then, his tasks were easy: No sleep, no leisure, no lust.

König tapped on the hilt of the axe. It’s been a couple of days since he had to use it as a weapon and the calm waiting was wearing him down nearly as much as thinking about his forbidden Bride - her clever remarks, her unrelenting will to life, her careful steps around water. If he asked her opinion about his sacrifices she would say something wise. She always seemed to do, giving him little knowing looks over tea cups, over the lake, over hot puffs of breath escaping her lips. And when she spoke her words rang in his ear like music. Melodic syllables falling from her mouth like raindrops and teaching him of the world.

Now the bride's words were siren songs to him.

He sat down into the grass and watched the house of the bride. There she was, sleeping her well earned rest. And he was outside where he belonged with his claws and flaws and desires. He looked up to the sky. Cold stars and the unmoving moon grinned down at him, silent and calm unlike his thoughts. König wondered if it was easier that way, just to watch and never to do. Just to witness but never to participate.

No wonder the moon is a judgy creep.

König frowned, wishing he did not feel drained, unsure and like he had made the wrong decision.

Let them see. I will do right by her - König promised to himself.

XXX

The night was pleasant but cold. It had rained and the now cleared sky and fresh breeze added to the unusually cold summer weather. König was sitting right under the ledge of the roof, watching drops of the previous rain roll down from the leaves and running into little pools of water. It was calming. And with humid weather like that he knew at least no villager would show up, giving him one thing less to worry about.

König heard her steps before he saw her step out into the night. He looked up.

“König.” She greeted with a blanket around her shoulders. “Would you mind company? The full moon is so bright, and the rain kept drumming against the roof. I cannot sleep.”

He nodded before suspiciously eyeing the massive, silent luminary above them.

Creep.

She settled next to him under the dry roof, facing the dark garden and treeline with him.

“Are you okay?”

Her words reached into him and laughed at his convictions. Just hearing her voice made something stir in him.

“There was so little time these past days and we hardly spoke.” She continued. ”Can I help with something?”

König shook his head before even thinking.

His burden, not hers.

“No, Bride. You cannot fight the monsters lying in wait. You can’t even lift my axe.”

The thought of her facing another Kikimora, a Tschort or an angered, disapproving Rusalka terrified him. She did not even have teeth to tear and bite.

“Is fighting the only way to help?”

He looked down at her, the little pretty thing that he spent the day admiring while working and the night desperately trying not to think about.

She pressed her thighs closer to her body for warmth.

Tangled limbs, desperate touches, heated kisses. He could warm her up.

Instead, he lifted his arm and silently invited her closer. No point in keeping her cold.

“Yes, it is but it is unpleasant work, my Bride. We will marry soon, and you will be safe in the Half-Palace. Do not worry yourself.”

She moved closer, pressing herself into his warm body. With a stern look more for himself than to others König commanded the last of the drops on the grass and from the dripping roof not to touch his shivering maiden.

Of course, she did not notice, only purring like a cat before the warming fire.

For a moment they stayed like that as if she was thinking about his words while König closed his eyes for a moment, indulging in it.

“What will happen with my family’s house? I am fond of this place.” She asked finally.

König sighed and opened his eyes.

“Whatever you want, Bride. It is yours and it always will be.” He chuckled grimly. “Maybe you want to stay here every once in a while, when you grow tired of my company.”

“Do you think you are an unpleasant presence to be around?”

“At times.” He admitted.

“I do not.”

“You are too kind.”

“I doubt that.”

There it was again, the banter. She met him exactly at his level, hitting him playfully where he would never expect it. There was a lightness in her words that made him nearly believe her. König could not help but grin to himself while pressing her slightly closer.

“Any idea about the sacrifice?” She asked while leaning into him to cover his massive frame with what was left of the blanket. A cute but pointless gesture.

“I have some ideas,” König resigned. “But there is no way to be sure it is working and I doubt you want to test it.”

She shivered.

“No.” Her voice was thin and frail, hitting him with guilt.

“I think I need to ask my brothers for help.” König continued. ”But I'm not sure that is wise. It could be dangerous.”

She nodded. “I suppose dealing with family can be like that sometimes.”

König stilled, thinking about her words and listening to the drumming sound of the rain.

“Hmm, I suppose you know a lot about that,” He hummed and paused before daring to speak again. “May I ask … are you angry at your family? For marrying you off to me?”

It was as if he was asking the bravest question of all.

She shifted around.

“Sometimes,” She admitted. “It’s hard because till this day I love my family. But to be fair, marrying me off to a stranger was just the last thing of a long line of things that weren’t as well thought through or kind as they might have told themselves. Who knows. They are dead now and I am here. Could be worse.”

He nodded, trying not to feel too much about her words. Marrying him was bearable. König hardly blamed her. Still, it hurt more than he had expected. Was that pain another sacrifice?

“Could be worse.” He repeated flatly.

“Well now you make it sound bad. That’s not what I meant.” She muzzled into him as if she truly wanted to be there.

König closed his eyes, reminding himself not to lie to himself. This was just a practical arrangement for her. For him.

He cleared his throat.

“So, what do you think we should do?” The Vodyanoy changed the subject. “One brother you already know of is Simon. We used to be close but something happened and since then he is like a ghost of himself, moody and withdrawn but capable of kind and terrible things at the same time. It’s hard to know with him. He never formally claimed his kingdom, but everybody knows not to cross the master of the forest, the Leshy.”

The forest turned silent as if knowing that König talked about its master.

“What are the things that make him dangerous to be around?” Her voice was so little in the woodland's silence, so brave to speak.

König swallowed, remembering his days with his brother. They were long gone, lost in a sea of blood.

“Simon taught me how to kill.”

The forest stayed silent, as if trying not to breathe like an animal of prey sensing a possible predator.

“Oh.” Brave like a single flame in the dark she whispered into the night, breaking the silence, and releasing the forest from the dark grip of its master.

“I have other brothers but the one who could help is the deathless one - Koschei, the master of bones and battlefields. Nowadays he goes by the name Graves.”

“Charming. Leaves little to the imagination why he could be dangerous.”

He grunted in agreement.

“That’s quite a family I am marrying into.” The bride paused. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Scared?”

She shrugged.

“Only a fool would not fear a brother-in-law who is called deathless or for whom the forest dies down.”

Brave one.

“You do not have to marry me and into this family. You know that, right my Bride?” It felt right to say it and offer her a way out from the terror that was his presence.

She stared into the cold wet forest, unmoving and expressionless.

König wished he knew what she truly thought of right now.

“Do you not want me as your bride?” She asked finally with a flat voice.

Her lips singing the siren song. What does marriage even mean at this point?

“I promised it, did I not?” He said instead.

She nodded, a stony expression on her face.

“So, we stick to it.”

“Aye.”

König felt tired. Like he had run out of words, keeping it short and safe instead of pouring out his heart and burdening her. If only he could rest, lay down next to her and close his eyes.

“You say Simon was here?” The Bride mused. “He was the one to point out the danger to me. If he knew how to get rid of it or wanted to help, he would have done it. But he did not. I don’t think we can count on him here. Which leaves…”

“Koschei.”

König felt the corners of his mouth drop down into a disapproving frown.

He knew she was right. Still…

“Maybe there is a safer, cleverer way to engage with him?” The Bride continued. “He is the Deathless. I am sure he might know something and maybe a simple letter or a messenger will be enough. What do you think?”

Still unhappy, König considered her idea. It was sound. Yet the mere thought of having to ask his brother for help and being in debt to him worried him more than he wanted to admit. Graves always had a thing for pretty girls. And for his Bride to draw the attention of Koschei the Deathless did not only feel like asking for disaster but evoked new fears in König.

What if Graves would like her and do as he had done with many girls before?

A new ugly thought roared its head up.

What if the Bride would prefer Graves over him?

“If i keep practising my writing I can write to him.” His dearest Bride added. “I could ask for his council as a bridal gift. What kind of man would refuse or violate that?”

König took a deep breath. He hated how right she was.

“I could work but-”

“Perfect. Let us do it soon.”

Her voice left him as little room to argue as there was left under the blanket between her and König.

“Fine.” He surrendered like driftwood to the currents.

Instead of pushing for more she just sighed herself, relaxing into him and staring into the dark.

She will just be my Queen. König thought to himself, surprised by his own possessiveness. As long as she is safe, it will be fine. No need to worry more than usual.

She was here, at his side and safe.

Nothing more than someone like him could expect or ask for.

He closed his eyes again to enjoy the feeling of the Bride so close to him before straightening up and concentrating on being on guard again.

She yawned, muzzling closer.

“I might fall asleep here.” She admitted. “Is that a problem?”

“Not at all, Bride.” König replied with a feeling he wasn’t familiar with, “I’ll be there.”

xxx

It felt ridiculous how much König loathed the thought of his Bride meeting Graves. He knew it was unfair, hating what his own insecurities and worries did to him. The Bride had suggested a plan and he was the one not sticking to it, that odd feeling in his stomach stopping him from teaching her how to write or write Graves himself. Instead, König could not help but make excuses.

It’s late…

I am busy right now…

Maybe tomorrow…

König told himself that his worries and reservations were justified. He was just cautious. It was Graves after all, the Deathless, the one called master of bones and battlegrounds. And the Bride was so fragile in comparison to all those monsters and men.

“Just talk to her, boy!” The moon nearly shouted down from its high place one night right before vanishing behind a cloud.

König only shook his head.

The Bride was his responsibility and it was his duty to protect her from the world. That was his sacrifice. It had to be the answer. But then doubt whispered again to him.

Not good enough, Graves will be better for her.

A day passed, a night, another day. The Half-Palace was shaping up and König was dreading to be finished. He would bring her home then, far away from all those who were out for her blood.

But then she would be alone - with him.

Suddenly the axe was looking tiny in his hands, just a simple twig in clawed fingers made to rip and tear and drown.

He felt stuck - he was the reason for her troubles but also the key to her safety. He wanted to keep away but then how was he supposed to guard her? He wanted to marry her and be done with it. But what did marriage even mean for him? For her? Was it the delight in her presence he felt? The excitement of just talking to her? The secret longing to take her deep into the waters and embrace her with everything minor that he was, feeling her bare skin and tangled limbs and bubbles of air escaping her moaning lips and reminding him it would be the death of her.

Confusion dripped more into his tired and worn mind.

He was scared of himself and what he was capable of doing.

But no one could understand what he was anyway.

And so König kept it to himself.

That night he was alone. The Fox had gone home. He had young to play with tonight, he had said, and König had only nodded.

Yeah, yeah, sure, I understand.

Lada and all the other Rusalki left for some rest in the ponds, and rivers and lakes.

Deep down König knew that he needed some break as well.

But he was afraid of leaving the Bride alone or staying alone in the house with her. He was a danger too after all.

Defeated, he sat on his regular spot next to the door, gazing through the garden and hoping for nothing and something to happen at the same time.

The axe in his hand had started to rust a bit from all the blood it had spilled. A long time ago it had been a gift from his brother Simon, back when they were close.

“It does not have to be this painful, you know?”

König looked up, searching for the source of the voice. The garden with its tidy strawberry patches and attempts of growing buckwheat and sunflowers was as untrodden as it had been the last time he made his rounds.

“Still up here, little king.”

König looked up and the thin crescent of the waning moon smiled down softly at him.

König leaned back against the wall of the house.

“What do you want, Moon? I am tired. I don’t need a lecture or getting shouted at again.”

The grand luminary of the night sky stayed silent. König wondered if that was all then and prepared to get up again for another patrol round.

“I am sorry. I should not have done that.”

The Vodyanoy blinked in surprise.

“Is the mighty Moon apologising? To me?”

“Don’t make this harder than it is, little king.”

König crossed his arms but nodded.

“Fine. Your apology is welcome. What do you want, Moon?”

“I just want peace between us. Of all your brothers and the old beings walking this earth I feel the closest you. The waters and I… There is some magic working between us and I felt responsible to say something but I overstepped. That is not how good-”, the moon paused, “Neighbours, let’s say neighbours are supposed to be.”

König huffed.

“You are a creepy neighbour, you know that?”

Moon in its interstellar ways giggled.

“I am the watcher in the night. What else did you expect?”

“Maybe, but I don’t have to like it.”

The moon kept smiling.

“If you ever have children I will watch them and keep them safe just like I watch you and just like I watch your Bride.”

“I don’t trust that. And I doubt I will ever have children.”

“Who knows. That’s not up to me.”

They stayed silent.

Nervously, König grinded his teeth and considered what he had heard.

“You watch her too?”

“Yes.”

“Is she okay? Clearly all of this must get to her. And the arranged marriage…”

“Little King”, the moon whispered near softly, “Isn’t that something you should ask her yourself? Be brave. Talk to her.”

“You keep pushing me to talk to her!” König cried out in frustration. “Why? It wouldn't matter anyway! There is nothing to say. Our marriage is just a facade. I am the one most likely to harm her and there is nothing I could say or do to remedy that.”

The anger of the past months, bottled up and pushed down, made their way out of König. Like a hurt animal he howled his words up to the moon.

He jumped up. The axe was ready swinging in his hands, clawed and ready.

If he could, König would have picked a fight with whoever crossed his path just for the sake of it. But there was just the moon - cold and far away.

He screamed in anger.

“I do everything! And it’s not enough. I AM NOT ENOUGH!” König stalked around the grass and felt his anger dissipate with every step getting heavier and heavier.

“I am not enough.” He repeated with finality and came to a halt. “And I never will be.”

It was silent.

Conscious about his outbreak he looked around. Not a leaf dared to move around him. Ashamed he fell into the grass and covered his face.

“I am sorry. It was too much.” König mumbled as he tried to catch his breath and fight the tears. “I am not like that normally.”

“I know, König. It’s okay.”

The moon's words felt like the last push. König cried. He did not know why. Some of it he understood. But a lot were just tears he had to shed years, months, nights ago and now he did not know why he cried.

Heaving for air in between his sobs, König hears the moon's soft words.

“Oh it’s okay, König. It’s fine, little king. It’s fine…”

He was the water and the water him. Köng’s tears flowed endlessly until he was done and only a tired void was left in him.

He looked up to the moon, staring down at him. The soft smiling crescent unchanging and familiar, surrounded by a countless number of stars shining down at him.

“I am sorry for … this.” König started.

“No.” the moon interrupted. “Don’t you dare to apologise for crying. I mean it. It’s okay. Next time, just leave the axe out of it, okay?”

König looked at the axe a bit off in the grass. He had let go of it at some point, feeling like failure again - even in his sadness he was intimidating.

Vodyanoy nodded.

“Listen König, may I say something?”

Another nod.

“You breaking down like that was inevitable. Don’t torture yourself like that. You don’t need to carry it all alone. And I guarantee your the Bride would be the first to listen to you.”

A tired smile made its way up to Königs lips. “There it is again - you want me to talk to her. But she is so fragile. She can never do what I can. What’s the point?”

“You build her up in your mind as mighty as that castle of yours. She is the most fragile, the most worthy, clever and beautiful - don’t deny it. I watched you yearn for her for too long. But she is just a person and not your dream of her. And all your sacrifices are great but the one that truly matters you did not give.”

“Which one?”

“Honesty - with her, with you. You two need to talk with one another instead of silently offering yourselves up. She is not as weak as you make her out to be. And you, little king, are not always strong. It’s painful to watch.”

Defeated but not yet passive, König tried to reason. “You don’t understand. Besides, what is there to talk about?”

“That you care about her maybe? And that you care so much, that’s close to twisting into a mindless adoration suffocating both of you. Let her be strong and be to you what you are for her instead of sheltering and keeping her away. She is an ocean worth discovering, not a cup of water that needs to be kept out of the sun to not evaporate.”

König looked down at his hands. The same claws as always.

“Don’t start that again, boy. Get up, knock at her door and ask if you can sleep there. And tomorrow you can talk.”

Slowly, König eyed her door.

Disturb her? Be a burden to the one he wants to keep all burdens away from?

“Be brave, little king.”

The moon was wrong. Nothing could be fixed with talking. But what if the moon was right?

The door drew him in like nothing before.

And he was so tired.

König got up, collected his axe and stepped forward.

Should he really do it? The moon stayed silent, waiting for König to walk to the door and knock.

He took a deep breath, wiped his hand over his face and stepped forward.

This was it. It felt like the bravest, hardest thing he had ever done.

He knocked.

Cultural context

Tschort (literal translation: devil) can be both a plural and singular. It can be translated as demon or devil. But that only captures the word in its Christian context and not its presence in mostly in pagan traditions in folk and fairy tales. It’s easiest to understand a tschort as a type of evil or at least ill-meaning supernatural male being.

A kikimora is a bad female house spirit known for haunting dreams or generally the household. I know her as an entity that drives humans insane by whispering, stealing eggs, spinning spider webs and confusing her targets but there are other tales about her in which she has other abilities. There are proposed links between the Kikimora and the ancient Greek Moiren, the Germanic Nornen, and obviously the old Slavic goddess Mokosh. Funnily enough in the game “The Witcher 3” the kikimora is a type of giant spider.

Erle / alder is a very important tree in central European folklore and especially German speaking folk. Alder trees are part of the birch tree family, making them very resistant trees. The alder grows on very humid soil, often appearing close to bodies of water or moorlands. Since moors were associated with the dead, alders were considered a bit spooky. Alder trees ‘bleed’ a reddish liquid when being cut, adding to their spooky association. There are several rites around alder and alder twigs. The Erlenkönig or Alder king is a very famous German poem about an elven king trying to seduce a sick child to come and live with him. A german – English translation can be found here https://www.ogn.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/bellcogo2015.pdf All in all the alder tree is just a cool spooky tree with plenty of pagan-Christian connotations around it.

There are a few stories about the moon and as far as I am concerned, they all coexist in a semi plausible way. In the 1964 soviet, kids’ movie ‘Морозко’ the sun does not rise out of kindness to give the protagonist time to finish her nightly chores. The man on the moon or the moon face is a story drawing from German speaking tradition that the moon is a single wanderer watching out for those that cannot sleep or work late at night. It’s a kind presence and there are lullabies for kids about the nice man on the moon guarding them. Also, the moon as the cause of ebb and flood would be of interest to a water being like the Vodyanoy even though many Slavic folk traditions come from landlocked places therefore not noticeably experiencing the tides. At last, the moon is a way of keeping track of time, not just for eastern or central Europeans.

The Rusalkas name is Lada. Lada is a name used till this day. The origin of it is interesting. There are conflicting theories about ‘Lada’ being a possible Slavic goddess of marriage, fertility, love, spring and much more. Since primary sources on beliefs before Christianity in eastern Europe are basically non-existent, I would be careful with set ideas about the goddess Lada. The word лада appears to have further linguistic roots and connotations in old eastern Slavic and modern spoken Slavic languages like significant other, fret, lover, maiden, husband, etc. However, my Russian is far from good enough to get into this and I also don’t speak any other languages from this region. So please be mindful of that. If someone feels like educating me here, I would be very interested in learning more.

Little reminder – Rusalkis are something akin to mermaids or nymphs. They are loaded in symbolism as being promiscuous but also connected with children and childbirth, playful but also dangerous as they kill and drown those who harm them, spinning and washing clothes but also leisure, very much alive but also connected to suicide by drowning. In the stories I am familiar with, Rusalkis can leave the water if they want to, however there are stories where they don’t. Since Rusalkis are a staple in a lot of eastern European folk traditions, there is no one set idea what the right Rusalka is.

Koschei / Коще́й in Russian is the recurring male bad person in at least Russian Slavic folklore. Koschei is also called the immortal or the deathless. The name Koschei translated literally can mean something along the lines as the one of bones. Supposedly he is unkillable because he keeps his soul or heart secured in a separate place than his body. Often that is an egg which is placed in other animals which are guarded. Stories about Koschei tend to place him as the antagonist or love rival. Koschei is supposed to be rich and likes gold. He tends to kidnap, enchant, or marry unwilling young beautiful women (which require rescue of course). He is a sorcerer. Often, he is named as head of a castle or larger hall which indicates a ruler position. This is stressed with many tales naming him tsar / царь / ‘king’. There are links between Koschei and the other classical bad girl in Slavic folklore – Baba Yaga. That is symbolised by helping each other or being related somehow. However, they rarely appear together.

Addition by 'Uroo7kuro0': "Кощей" can come not only from the word "кость"/"bone". Also perhaps he's the prototype of another god whose name is "Карачун"/"Karachun" who was in charge of the cold. Interesting fact in some fairy tales Koschei and Baba Yaga were equally negative characters, while in others Baba Yaga helped the main characters kill Koschei

Devitsa is a transliteration from the word ‘девица’. It’s not well translatable but means something along the lines of maiden, mistress, damsel, maid or lady. Here, it is used like an honour title but like all honour titles the word Devitsa can and is used ironically. Nowadays in spoken contexts

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camilbarnessss · 9 months

Text

¤ The Dance of The Dragons ¤

{ Aemond Targaryen }

《 Part 13 》

The One-Eyed Prince and The Rogue Princess married. Secretly, but they did, even after all the schemes and plots of their families so they couldn't. The lovers made their own discreet plot as well, and it is working just fine. Daera understands their position, the causes of their harsh decisions. However, anyone who was wronged like Aemond so many times was, is going to feel some sort of hatred, wether it's subconsciously or consciously, towards the people who did it. That is a hard true. But, what Aemond ends up doing above the skies of Storm's End, out of rage, and eternal resentment...ultimately starts the domino effect that would lead to The Dance of the Dragons, which will mean the lost of his sanity...and his love.

《 The Invitation's Second Season 》

Masterlist

Warrnings: constant swearing, oral sex [fem receiving], fingering, innocence kink (is that even a thing???), manipulation, adultery, mentions of killing and kinslaying, TARGARYEN INCEST [cousinXcousin]

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Enjoy your reading!!! Likes, comments and reblogs will be highly appreciated ♡♡♡

■ ■ ■

Kalistrox and Vermax, officially, have arrived to the Kingdom of Mountain and Vale.

From any point of the sky, both dragons can see the greatest castle of the region, The Eyrie, which majesty stands at the top of a tall mountain called The Giant’s Lance, and not for nothing. The structure is so pointy and sharp, so delicate and elegant.

“As High as Honor”. House Arryn’s motto couldn’t be more appropriate for them.

From the backs of their dragons, princes Jacaerys and Daera looked down with open lips, marveled by all the trees below them, and all the Mountains of The Moon in the surroundings. Everywhere they’d look, they’d find a mountain or a waterfall somewhere nearby. The Vale of Arryn is beautiful, to say the least.

Soon enough, after soaring in circles in the skies for a few moments, to make themselves noticed, they landed into the lush forest under. Kalistrox and Vermax both growled, curious and uncomfortable, feeling caged between all the trees that surround them.

With Jacaerys Velaryon and Daera Targaryen having descended upon The Eyrie on the prince’s young dragon, Vermax, and the princess’ ancient one, Kalistrox, their mission truly began; they will win The Vale of Arryn for their mother, Queen Rhaenyra.

-Shh, shh…-Daera shushes Kalistrox, caressing his golden scales while walking down his wing, looking around. Also glancing at the surroundings, her husband jumps down from his dragon, petting his head while he shrieks lowly.

Unconsciously walking towards the other, Jace and Daera looked at the many great tall trees, barely seeing the end of them, for they were so tall. They’re not used to be in the woods.

-I cannot remember the last time I was in a forest-, Jacaerys confesses with a curious smile-. Do you?-, he asks, narrowing his eyes to look at her.

Daera blinked slowly, looking away from the trees when remembering the last time she was in a wood. Six months ago, when her nephews Jaehaerys and Jaehaera turned half a year. Queen Alicent took the spirit to celebrate it with a camp to the Kingswood. She was in King’s Landing in those days, on her usual monthly visits to Helaena and the kids, and Aemond.

-…I do-, she answered, mumbling softly. Jacaerys looked at her, noticing nostalgia on her purple eyes.

The princess has a lot of quick memories, all at once, of that time in the woods with the royal family and the lords that accompanied him. She played with the kids non-stop, gossiped with Helaena only to be answered with laughs and scrunched-noses from her, hunted with the lords, bathed naked in a river, secretly danced with Aemond behind the trees at night, kissed with him… How could things be so different now, just from a moment to another?

During their flight here, Daera became aware of something that broke her heart. Lost in random memories and counting random days, she realized that…today is Jaehaera and Jaehaerys’ name day. Today they’re turning a year, and she’s not with them, and neither can. Their aunt, who loves them so much, is far far away from them on this special day, and there’s literally no way she could be there.

She was supposed to be at King’s Landing today, having returned with Rhaenyra on dragonback, as they promised, but everything went to shit. And they’re now here, at The Vale’s wood, away from anyone or anything they know.

-Is something wrong?-. Jace’s question took her out of her mind. Daera quickly sniffs her nose, raising her brows and looking up again.

-No, no-. She shakes her head from side to side-. Only smelling the pine trees, aren’t they lovely?-. She narrows her eyes, smiling and looking around again. Nevertheless, he remained looking at her.

-Daera…-, he whispered her name with softness. The princess glances at him, closing her lips, knowing that he knows there’s something up with her-. It is only me and you, and it will only be me and you during the whole length of our mission; for the first time is like this-. He raises his brows, getting closer to her with slow steps. Daera gulps lightly, curving her eyebrows while hearing his sympathetic tone-…I think we should tell each other everything-, the prince confesses with honesty.

The Rogue Princess gulps again, and starts to nod, actually agreeing with his statement. It is true. The Queen has given them a great responsibility to take, only to the two of them. The best thing is for them to act as one, then, and for that…they’ll have to break some walls.

-I miss Helaena a lot-, she whispered-…and the children…-Daera confessed. Moved, Jacaerys sighed, listening to her-. They’re turning a year today, did you know?-. She smirks tinyly, thinking of those two precious.

-Do they?-, the prince get surprised-. Has it…has it really been a year since we were on Driftmark?-, he asks, not believing how fast time has passed.

-An exact year-, she mumbles with a little sad smile. She couldn’t help but to also think that it has been to an exact year since Luke snaked on her and Aemond, on the beach. The day that everything changed for them, when everyone knew of their affair-. Time does fly, indeed-. She sighed.

-It does…-. Jace whispers, remembering too that night, the very same night the idea of marrying her came to his mind, to save her from Aemond’s hands.

-And I- I fear for them, for Helaena and the children-. Daera confesses, sniffing her nose with unquietness. He furrows his brows, wondering why-. They’re practically alone in that Keep…and I’m not there to help them-, she murmurs, looking down. Daera hurted herself with her own words, thinking of Aemond, thinking that he was in the Red Keep, not having an idea he was actually at Storm’s End.

Knowing that Aemond was completely dedicated to putting Aegon on the throne -which he achieved- Daera feels that now Helaena and her children are truly alone…

-I understand your sadness, wife-. Jacaerys nods, raising a hand to caress one of her arms. She curves her brows, softly, looking at his brown comprehensive eyes-. Know that they won’t be alone for long. You’ll see that, as soon as this is over, you shall reunite with them again, under different terms than these-. He promised, so sure of himself that he actually made his wife to start to smile.

Trusting in that good fate, Daera smirked towards him, lifting up her cheeks. Jacaerys copied her expression, sweetly smiling to her, feeling a little blush on his cheeks.

-You’re good with words, sweet prince-. She whispers with softness, making him to look down, still smiling, and flattered. Daera sighs, caressing his arms and then patting them-. Let’s go to lady Jeyne Arryn now, so you can show off your wise mouth with her too-. She winks an eye, beginning to walk. Jace sighed and chuckled, following her right by her side.

The riders said goodbye to their dragons, promising they’d be back soon. Both princes walked between the trees of the forest, soon remembering of that time they were in here too, with their other siblings, when they were still kids.

In this very forest was that The Rogue Princess gained her soubriquet, after she murdered three rapists that tried to harm her and her sisters. Always a good moment to remember that one.

■ ■ ■

When the Valyrian princes reached The Eyrie’s gates they presented themselves to the guards standing outside. The knights were informed they were before prince Jacaerys Velaryon, firstborn of the Realm’s Delight, and princess Daera Targaryen, firstborn of the Rogue Prince.

They demanded to have an audience with the Lady of The Vale, and none refuted their wish. The princes were immediately taken into The Eyrie, being guided by three honorable knights of House Arryn. The princes were always side by side, he by her right and she by his left.

The castle’s insides are more than beautiful, perhaps more than the outsides. The walls are great and the floors well-polished. Many ancestral heraldries are in disposal around the hallways of the castle. A strong breeze comes from every part they look to. The fortress’ freshness is immaculate.

Soon, they reached the High Hall of the Eyrie, where they found a high throne. And, in there, Lady Jeyne Arryn looked down at them, powerfully seated on a huge and majestic throne sculped in the form of a very delicate tree.

The woman is a redhead woman of strong factions, her eyes are as blue as the sky above her land. Her red hair falls to her back and in front of her shoulders. Some strands of it are over her breast, which are almost in full display, for the lady wears a very open dress, with a wide neckline that reaches the beginning of her belly bottom.

-I present to you, my lady: the prince Jacaerys Velaryon, son of Ser Laenor Velaryon and princess Rhaenyra, and the princess Daera Targaryen, daughter of prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon!-, one of the knights announces with a firm voice.

Jace and Daera stopped walking at the same time after they entered the rooms. The princess smiled tinyly when her mother was named, while the young man parted his lips, bemused, being incapable of not glancing for a quick second to the woman’s breasts, white and big.

The woman looked at him too, better said she stared. A smile crossed her lips, while a shine appeared in her eyes.

-My lady-, Daera bowed her head down.

-My lady-, Jace does the same, both respectful.

The Maiden of The Vale, Lady Jeyne Arryn, was five-and-thirty, more than ten years their seniors. Never wed, Lady Jeyne had reigned over the Vale since the death of her father and elder brothers at the hands of the Stone Crows of the hills when she was three.

There exist many tales about her, many that both princes have heard of. Some tell that this famous maiden was in truth a highborn harlot with a voracious appetite for men. Others attest that Jeyne Arryn prefers the intimate companionship of other women.

We ought to point out that this is not Daera’s first time in The Vale since she was declared The Rogue Princess. She has returned other times after that, in some of the trips she accompanied princess Rhaenys to. However, this is Jace’s first time in here since that time. He remembers little, and doesn’t know which is the truth about the lady’s preference. Daera does. The former one is the true one.

But, we are here to attend to the matters that happen in the High Hall of The Eyrie, rather than its bedchambers.

-Princess-, Lady Jeyne Arryn salutes the white-haired woman, who nodded towards her, serious. They have never been very fond of each other because, as we know, The Vale is not very fond either of the girl’s father, Daemon-. My prince…-, she then looks at Jacaerys, bowing her head.

-My lady-. He nodded too, keeping a serious expression. He holds in his hand a rolled paper-. We come in the behalf of The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, my mother, Rhaenyra Targaryen-. He informed.

-“Queen”?-, Jeyne repeated, slightly furrowing her red eyebrows. Jace breathes in, pressing his lips.

-If it hasn’t arrived to your knowledge yet, then we may inform you that…my uncle -my husband’s grandsire-, Viserys, has…died-. Daera informed with a slow pace, raising her brows to the top of her forehead. Her heart and Jace’s ached internally when thinking of the passing King.

The lady on the throne’s lips parted, surprised.

-Viserys died?-. She asked, with a light sorrow being palpable on her voice. She breathes in, blinking a few times and raising her shoulders-. No raven has arrived from the capital in these days, no word announcing the death of King Viserys, nor about the coronation of princess Rhaenyra as Queen-. Jeyne informs, briefly shaking her head.

-Because dragons fly faster than ravens-. Daera nodded. Jacaerys smirked tinyly, side-eyeing for a second. Lady Arryn, lips-parted, nods slowly, looking at the two of them, and then fixating her eyes on the boy-. My cousin, Aegon, has usurped the Iron Throne-, she suddenly informed as well, making her to go speechless.

-He was crowned King, unfairly, while my mother was in Dragonstone, unknown to the new of King Viserys’ death-. Jacaerys tells with a serious tone, looking at the lady, who stares at him with furrowed brows.

Lady Jeyne looked down for a second, clearly thoughtful. It clearly is much to take in, in less than five minutes since their arrival. She would have first invited them to some crackers and tea, but the matter is indeed too delicate to postpone.

-My lady-

The Velaryon prince’s voice made Jeyne to look again towards them. She sees how they both walked three steps forward, getting closer to her high throne. She recognized the look of bravery on both the princes’ eyes.

-We have come to ask for your support and that of your land, to have you by our side, and to fight for our Queen’s right and honor-. Prince Jacaerys states, truly forgetting the paper he has on his hands.

-The loyalty and fealty from your House and your vassals to our cause is what we ask you-. Princess Daera speaks with calm yet seriousness, with her hands crossed behind her back-. For some days now The Hightowers have been believing they can get away with their treason and treachery-, she raises her brows.

-With The Vale standing by us, they’ll start to understand it will not be that way-. Jacaerys stated.

The princes were well listened by The Maiden of The Vale. She heard every word and thought about every statement. After some quiet moments, she blinked, resting her back against her throne.

Jeyne planned to speak, but went silent when she noticed someone entering the room. The princes turned around too when hearing those steps.

-Maester Mushkun-. Lady Arryn nods towards him, who immediately started to approach towards her, with a paper on his hand-. Can’t you see I am in the middle of an audience with the princes?-, she asks, honestly wondering why he came if he was not called.

-Pardon me, my lady, my greatest excuses, but…-the Maester bows his head quickly towards the princes, who answered with puzzle, curious. Mushkun walks up the stairs towards her seat-. A raven has arrived, my lady…from King’s Landing-. He informed.

Jeyne turned to look at them with open lips. Jace and Daera froze at that moment, getting tense. They looked at each other, clenching their jaws. The lady blinked, slowly taking the paper on one of her hands.

-Thank you, Mushkun-. She mumbles, starting to open the roll. The princes move on their places, unquiet-. Leave-, she ordered to him.

The Maester bowed, and walked down the stairs again. Nervously, and quickly side-eyeing the princes, he walked away, soon outing the room. Jeyne bit her cheeks, and looked down to the paper, reading it silently.

-Fuck-. Daera whispered, and her husband turned to look at her-. Fucking cunts, fucking assholes, fuck!-. She curses under her breath, tightening her fists behind her back. The prince gulps nervously, glancing towards the lady again.

While Lady Arryn reads, she raised her brows and scrunched her lips, giving a huge blink. She continued reading, scoffing lowly. Then, she closed her eyes for some long seconds, tilting her head, and breathing in deeply. Everything under the highly curious gaze of them two.

Jeyne rolled the paper back, softly and delicately. She looks to the young ones, having her jaw clenched, and a thoughtful smile on her lips.

-Dragons do fly faster than ravens, then-. She says.

She let the paper to fall on the floor. The breeze immediately blew it away. Jace parted his lips, and Daera furrowed her brows strongly.

-Thrice have mine own kin sought to replace me-. Lady Jeyne told Prince Jacaerys and Princess Daera, who listened interested-. My cousin Ser Arnold is wont to say that women are too soft to rule-. She says, tilting her head to a side-…I have him in one of my sky cells, if you would like to ask him-. She raised her brows. Daera’s lips lifted up a little, smirking sideways-. Your Prince Daemon used his first wife most cruelly, it is true…-, the Lady confesses in an ashamed sigh.

Daera stopped smirking, pressing her lips and clenching her throat. Jace looked sideways at her, pressing his mouth as well. They both know about the story of Daemon’s first marriage, how he’s said to have coldly murdered Lady Rhea Rhoyce of Riverrun. Daemon’s first daughter does not believe this tale, but this is not the moment to fight it either.

-But not withstanding your mother’s poor taste in consorts, she remains our rightful Queen, and mine own blood besides, an Arryn on her mother’s side-. Lady Jeyne went on saying, with honesty, while nodding-. In this world of men, we women must band together…-, she slowly realizes, looking at her feet for a few seconds.

Daera and Jace stare at her with a hope they could not hide very well, at least not him. All they want is support, reassurance. A safe feeling that they will win, and that everything will be alright.

-The Vale and its knights shall stand with her-. Lady Jeyne Arryn declared with a firm voice, standing up from her throne.

And that’s what they got.

The prince’s chest got filled with air of pride and relieve when they breathed in deeply. Daera opened her lips, starting to smile with glory. The lady wanted to chuckle when she saw the excited look the spouses shared.

-…But I will need Her Grace to grant me one request-. Lady Jeyne Arryn added, raising her brows. They look at her again, curious.

-What might that be?-, prince Jacaerys asked, looking like he would give her anything she’d ask for right now.

-Dragons-. The Lady of The Vale answered, firmly, walking two steps down her throne. Jace and Daera got surprised, listening closely-. I have no fear of armies. Many and more have broken themselves against my Bloody Gate, and The Eyrie is known to be impregnable-. She shrugged, taking another step towards them.

Slowly, Daera closed her lips with softness, understanding now what she was asking for.

-Our enemy has dragons too…-, the princess pointed. The lady smiled to her, raising her brows, and nodding.

-I saw you arriving, flying and soaring up there-. Jeyne says, crossing her hands over her belly. Jace, only for a brief second, glanced at her exposed breasts-. You two have descended on us from the sky, as Queen Visenya once did during the Conquest…and I was powerless to halt you, and I hate feeling powerless-. She narrows her eyes, almost ashamed-. Send me dragonriders-. The lady demanded with firmness.

Daera and Jace both admire her determination, for her people and for herself. Daera thinks of Baela, knowing she’d be perfect for the task. And so, she takes a step front, nearing to the lady.

-We shall see it done, my lady-. Princess Daera agreed, which made a smile to appear on Jeyne’s closed lips-. You shall have dragonriders to defend your land-. She promised.

-Then it is done-. Lady Arryn cheered, raising her brows. She looked past the princess, to the prince, whom she found smiling too. Their eyes connected, and the boy instantly felt nervous, pressing his lips. She keeps smiling, licking her lips-. Another request would be welcomed, wouldn’t it?-, she mumbles.

Daera furrows her brows, looking at her suspiciously,

-May I confess to you, my prince, that a lot I have heard of the Velaryon force, but had never before seen one from up close?-. She tells Jace, taking another step down. Now she’s at their same level, near to Daera, whose fist started to clench behind her back. Jacaerys stares at her, mouth-opened, silly-…At least not one this handsome-, she adds, shrugging.

-Oh-, Jace put his palms together, letting out a laugh. He’s flattered, not because he was called handsome, but because he was called a Velaryon so confidently. He loves that.

-Where is this leading to?-. Daera asked with little patience, with a wide irritated smile on her face, fighting to not curse. That’s the princess Daera the Lady Jeyne has known all her life, so her tone didn’t surprise her.

-I shall make my last petition-. Lady Arryn informs, nearing to the prince with slow marked steps. He gulps, fighting to not look down to her chest. Daera follows her with her eyes on fire-. I want you to fuck me on my throne-. She simply asked to the prince.

Jace immediately turned red, quickly trying to pretend it while breathing in deeply. Within a second Daera gasped, filled of courage.

-‘Am fucking sorry?! What the fu-…?!-, and before she could end her curses, Jacaerys quickly grabbed her hand and pulled it lightly, raising his brows. Daera shuts up, flabbergasted.

Lady Jeyne only watches with calm, forever smiling.

-My lady, um…-Jace licks his lips, breathing in while still holding her hand. Daera breathes fast, nearly killing her with her eyes-. I am afraid that, uh- well…-. He sighs, and then clears his throat under both woman’s glance-. I’m still keeping my first time, my lady, to…someone dear of mine-. Jace’s cheeks turned so red while speaking, not looking at neither of them while doing so.

Lady Arryn raised her brows while she still smiled, surprised. It really shocked her to know that princess Daera -the most lustful princess of the Seven Kingdoms- hasn’t still bedded her one-year husband. Daera, on the other hand, is speechless. Is this truth? Is Jace keeping his deflowerment…for and to her?

-Well, who am I to judge?-. Lady Jeyne sighs, shrugging. Jace gulps, while Daera stares at him at all moments, mouth-opened-. However, then, you can bring me to my climax with your tongue…can’t you not?-. She narrows her cocky eyes, not giving up.

Daera grumbled once again, but her husband quickly pulled her hand again.

-We ask you for a moment, my lady-. Jace asks for, gulping.

-And you shall have it-, she instantly permits.

Jacaerys presses his lips with doubt, looking at Daera, who looked back at him with raged eyes and twisted mouth.

■ ■ ■

-Jace, what the fuck?!-. Daera whispered loudly, as soon as the doors were closed.

-Daera!-, he raises his brows, turning around.

Lady Arryn gave them access to one of the many halls of The Eyrie. This one is huge and with no one in besides them. The windows are tall and open, and in the middle of the room there’s a very large white table of marble, of eighteen chairs.

-How dares she to ask such a thing?!-. Daera hisses with rage, walking into the room. Her fists are tight to the sides of her body-. I should have punched her!-, she growls.

-Let us talk this through, sister-. He recommends, slowly raising his brows while approaching to her.

-Are you not angry?!-, she narrows her eyes and turns to look at him, shrieking.

-Oh I should have punched her because I’m angry?-, he shrugges-. Which I’m not-, he quickly clarifies.

-Well- you should!-. Daera stutters, hitting her own thighs and shaking her head from side to side, troubled.

-I have heard that the Lady of The Vale is this way, Daera-. Jacaerys whispers with honesty, nearing to her. She presses her lips, clenching her jaw while he approaches-. She asked for dragonriders and her- her satisfaction…it seems that we shall give her both-, he says, slowly raising his brows.

-No-. Daera shook her head, gulping-. She’s taking advantage of you, wickedly! You already told her that you haven’t even had your first time, and yet…!-, her complaining was interrupted by him, who cleared his throat with shame when hearing her saying it.

-I am not Luke, Daera-. Jacaerys interrupter her within a whisper. She was left mouth-opened, realizing that she was doing it again-. I am a man-. He states, sure.

Daera closes her mouth, and gulps. Slowly, she looks at him, from feet to toe, seeing his tall height compared to hers, his strong jaw, his broad shoulders. He’s right, she sighs, he is a man.

That's something she remembered most vividly when she remembered that thing they did in King's Landing. When planning on making Alyssa to pass as his daughter, she took him to her bed and…there, she didn’t expect to feel that heat that took over all of her body while seducing him.

She remembers his sharp whines and how big and hulking his cock was, and that was below his clothes. She remembers how it felt to have it poking strongly against her core, and she remembers too how he had to hurry to the washroom to clean himself after they were done, for he cum so hard and abundant.

Looking at his brown eyes, Daera gulps, realizing that she doesn’t want Jeyne Arryn’s cunt to be the first that he ever tastes. That can’t be his first one!

But, is it Jeyne Arryn’s cunt the problem? Does Daera care because its Jeyne Arryn’s cunt, or because is a cunt that…is not her own? Does she want to be Jace’s first time, is that it? Is it that she so much likes his inexperience? Is that she wants it for herself?

The spouses stare at each other, silently. Jace has realized how her brows are now furrowed, and her throat afflicted.

-The faster we finish here, the faster we will be leaving to Winterfell-. The brown-haired prince points with a soft whisper, lightly raising his eyebrows.

Daera’s trembling lips closed harshly when she neared her chin to her shoulder, looking up at him with eyes of doubt and seriousness. He stares at her for many silent seconds, reading her face. He took a step closer.

-I can accept that, as my sister, you don’t want me to do it-. Jace whispers softly, lightly raising his brows. Daera remains silent, staring at him-. But, if it is as my sacred wife…-, he takes a step closer, and in that moment her lips parted-…then speak it now, Daera-. The prince asks with a pleading tone, weakly, curving his frown, and looking at her from up closely.

Daera breathes slowly, looking at the nerves and desire on Jacaerys’ eyes. It’s so obvious, almost touchable. What the princess isn’t being aware of is that her eyes are showing the very same emotion, and he was noticing it with no restriction.

Those nerves on his eyes kill her, turns her on. Fuck. Fucking shit. Fuck Jace. Fuck life. Fuck it.

-As your fucking wife, I want you to do it good-. Daera raised her brows, approaching even nearer.

In that moment, Jace froze up, opening his brown eyes hugely. She tilts her head to a side, gulping, and glancing at his neck for two seconds.

-You have no idea on how to do it, do you?-. She whispers, taking another step towards him. Jace breathes heavily, playing with his fingers at the sides of his body, looking down at her feet. He silently shook his head-. Say it-, she ordered.

-I have no idea on how to do it-, he answered within a whisper, blinking slowly. He wanted to hold a part of her body, any part, but didn’t have the courage to do it by himself.

-Ow, Jace…-she hummed, closing her eyes while breathing in. He licks his lips, and then gulps-. The magic is in one’s tongue-. Daera says with her brows up-. You lick everything that you find yourself with-. She speaks with a sweet voice. She placed a finger under his chin and made him to look up, to look at her.

Jacaerys felt dizzy -in the best of ways- when looking at her dilatated purple eyes, those that right now are so fixated on him. Holy gods, he thinks, does she desire me?

-There’s a button in the middle of a lady’s cunt, you know?-. The princess whispers, narrowing her eyes. In that moment he trembled, closing his mouth harshly-. When using your mouth down there, you must suck that button, as many times as you can, as hardly as you can. As if you were starving you must suck, lick and kiss-. Daera speaks with passion. At the same time, she’s feeling a heat burning in her own button.

-Gods-, he let a great sigh out, trembling. She bit her lips briefly when he did so, mesmerized by his obvious innocence, curiosity and horniness. He’s alluring.

Daera suck her inferior lip, looking at his mouth. She hums, raising a hand, and directing it towards there. Jacaerys trembled when her thumb pulled his inferior lip down. He whined when she rubbed the tip of a finger in there.

-Oh, look at that…-Daera hums, looking at her finger, seeing the heavy saliva she got out of Jace’s mouth. His shoulders come up and down with his fast breathing-…it looks like you’re ready-, she mumbled, flirty.

Screw it.

-Oh, come on-. Daera grunted, grabbing his cloth’s neck from a moment to another and pulling him with her when she started to walk backwards. Jace stutters, quickly following her like an idiot-. Come on, come on, come on-. She speaks fastly as she climbed to the top of the table, seating on it with quickness.

Daera grabbed her skirt, and started to pull it up. Placing his open palms at the side of her body, in the table, Jace breathes fast and desperately, and went speechless when seeing her legs and thighs starting to be shown, just for him to see.

-Seven hells-. He whined, like a pup, stumbling on his own feet even though he was just standing.

-Down, fucking hells-, while mumbling a cursing, The Rogue Princess places an open hand on his head and pushed him down. So weak and mesmerized, Jace was taken down with easiness.

Prince Jacaerys fell to his knees, and the hand on his head pushed him so his nose would clash with the bare skins of her legs. The prince whined weakly, curving his brows and opening his lips, smelling the sweet aroma of hers. She smells like lavender. ´

Completely stunned, Jace babbles against her skin, closing his eyes. Daera bits her lips, opening her legs slowly. Very timidly, he places a kiss on one of her knees, tasting its sweetness. It made him to whine, yet again, and to kiss it again.

-See it-, he heard a low whisper from his wife.

When Jace opened his eyes again, he was left speechless. He is face to face with some kind of marvel, some kind of a flower-shaped thing. It is so beautiful, it is so purple, it is…oh gods, it is wet.

Daera smiled, she did it bigly when seeing Jace’s reaction seeing a cunt for the first time. His rection is all hers, and she adores it. The princess hums, biting her lips for a moment.

-You honor me so much, Daera-. He whispered, nearly with no voice. He hears her giggle. He wanted to look up, but was too mesmerized on the sight-. But whe- where are your undergarments?-, he mumbles, silly.

-Irrelevant-, she cocked her head.

He felt a push on his head from the hand of it. The prince hums weakly, tilting his head to a side, admiring the pretty little thing he was staring to. When recalling the points Daera gave him before, he started to get nearer, breathing fastly.

When his breathing clashes with the wetness of her cunt, Daera straightened her back and breathed in deeply, anxious. She looks down, pushing him again. Jacaerys placed his hands on the floor, where he as kneeled, and opened his mouth.

After almost a year of being married, prince Jacaerys Velaryon for the first time tasted his wife’s, Daera Targaryen, savor. In that moment, they both knew it would never be the same again. In that moment, he discovered the taste of heavens.

It’s deliciously salty.

-Fuck!-, Daera sighed deeply when feeling the first lick from him.

Jacaerys hummed so sharply, rolling his eyes blank with bemusement when feeling the soft flesh under his tongue. He started to move it, so slowly, fearing of breaking something -the poor boy-. Jace licks from side to side, feeling the button going along his tongue.

He looks up while doing it, terribly nervous, but not wanting to stop nevertheless. She finds Daera biting her lips and her hips trembling while she looks back at him. He whines with weakness, scratching the floor with his nails while he directs his tongue to all places possible, as she told him before.

Daera loves power. She’s loving to see Jace nervous of pleasing her, he’s trying so hard and, fuck, so good. She had almost forgotten that the prince is gifted. He learns everything that is teach to him. And he learns fast.

-That’s it-. The princess whispers, caressing his brown mane-. Breath, breath Jace-. She pulls his head, driving him away. Jacaerys breathes fastly and deeply, looking at her with silly eyes and hungry mouth, almost smiling-. Fuck, you son of a bitch-. She mumbled, amused herself, never having imagined that he would look so good and slutty while doing this.

-Am I doing it alright?-, he questions with a fasted breath.

She didn’t answer, on purpose, and without notice pulled his mouth back to her cunt. For no one’s surprise, he actually cheered this, and quickly began to lick all of her womanhood again. She bit her lips, chuckling growly, and making circles with her hips, dancing against his mouth.

He did what was told. In one moment, he prisoned the button on his lips, and sucked it deeply against his cheeks. That was the first time that Daera moaned, doing it loudly and with a smile, jumping on the table. When she did, he whined loudly as well, closing his eyes when feeling tears gathering in it.

-Fuck, fuck, Jac- ow!-.Daera howls with an open smile. He’s licking and tasting everything, always poking with his big nose on her sensible flesh-. Fuck!-. She growls, pushing his head harder.

The young man between her opened legs grunts, clashing his hands against the table and scratching the marble to the sides of her body, going deeper on her cunt. When she saw his hands, she was quick to take them, and to make them clash against her own thighs, grunting too.

When Jace realized he had the permission to touch her skin besides her cunt, he squeezed her thighs tightly, pressing them so hard, almost nailing his nails on them. Daera trembled under his touch, opening her mouth wide. She moaned when seeing his big manly hands squeezing her legs as if they’re made out of sand.

The princess moans, and from a moment to another she climbed completely up the table. The prince followed like a hungry hound, quickly getting on the table too, letting his shoes to fall on the floor. He whines with great desire, crawling with his hands and knees while she crawled back with her elbows and feet, looking at him with a smile.

-Come, come-. She babbles with quickness, taking his hair again, and pulling him towards the middle of her open legs.

Jacaerys groaned sharply, taking her thighs again and now pushing them, opening her legs wider. The princess moaned with a surprised smile, making a fist that pulled his brown hair with force. He whines so sharply, with pain and pleasure, licking the dripping cunt of his wife, which is getting every time more wet, damping all of his mouth and cheeks.

“Is this heaven?”, the prince dared to think. “How did I live eight and ten years without knowing about this marvel? Perhaps I was not living at all”

Feeling all of her insides trembling, Daera closed her legs and trapped Jace’s head in the middle of them. He felt blessed, and never stopped licking her tasty womanhood. She hums two times, and opens her legs again, breathing fastly.

-See, see-. Speaking with no breaths, she makes him to look at her, pulling him away. He licks his wet lips, looking at her eyes-. Give me your hand-. She whispers, sitting on.

-My hand?-, he babbles, licking his lips again.

Daera takes his right hand, for he’s right-handed. Her own hand made two of his five fingers to go down, the two of the middle. That confused him. Why is she making him do this strange sign?

-Is this…-Jace looks at his hand. Only his thumb, index and pinky finger are up-…is this some signal?-, he wonders.

-It is to finger me-. The Rogue Princess answered with a whisper filled of lust and fun, batting her lashes. He parts his lips, speechless-. Do you want to learn?-, she questions.

-Yes-, he answered without thinking about it.

Daera chuckles, taking his hand and guiding him. Jace gasps lightly when he sees her directing those two fingers of the middle towards her cunt, under her button. The prince gets worried, and then he nearly yelled when seeing those finger just disappearing into her womanhood.

-Ow, fuck!-. But he didn’t yell, because she seemed to like it so much. He saw how she gasped and smile, and began to move his hand with hers, making them fingers to come in and out.

-Oh my gods, heavens-. He whispers, shocked, feeling the wet insides of her. He gasps, looking at the enjoyment on her face. Jace breathed fast, starting to make those moves by his own, taking his fingers in, and then out.

-Yes-, she shrieks, making her hips to dance in circles. He blinks bigly, moaning lowly when hearing the sound it was making-. Yes, yes, oww fuc- yes Jace-. Daera grunts, biting her lips-. Faster-, she whispers.

-What?-, he fears.

-Stronger!-, she demanded.

The prince lifts a side of his lips, bemused, and started to make his fingers to go faster. That made the princess to moan quicker, and louder. Breathing fast, he also made his fingers to clash deeper on her interior, until reaching the end of it. Daera shrieks, as a dragon, pushing his head towards her.

Their foreheads met. They breath fast over the other’s face, looking at each other’s eyes. Daera’s are half closed, but yet are looking at him in the middle of her moans. That image will remain with the prince Jacaerys until his last day.

-Does- does it hurt?-. He asked, fearful and a little doubtful.

-Not at all, brother-. She moans, and he whined, biting his lips and going faster-. Yes, yes, fuck yes, Jace!-. She cries with great pleasure, humping on his fingers.

Taking a great liking to it, Jacaerys started to do it as fastly as he could, rapidly going in and out with his fingers while he whines. Daera moaned, lying her back again in the table, and twitching as if she was on fire.

Jace had the greatest of ideas. He returned his mouth to her cunt, but didn’t apart his fingers from it. So, the princess now has the man’s round tongue and bulky fingers doing marvels to her wet womanhood, almost taking her to the skies above The Eyrie.

-Yes, yes! Holy fuck- fucks, Jacaerys!-. Daera cursed and laughed towards the ceiling, pulling his hair with no mercy, completely messing it up.

Breathless and decided, with tears on his brown eyes, Jace sucked on the button with softness, licking at the same time that he sweetly pushed his fingers inside of her.

And with this, Daera finished fairly. He admired how the princess suddenly clenched her legs and twitched in the table, moaning and breathing as if there was no air around her. She pulled his hair so strongly, and grabbed one of her breasts with violence, gripping it.

-Daera-. He whispers, breathless as well, looking at her all.

-Ow, fuck. Goodness…-, she sighs with her eyes closed. She licked her lips, and slowly opened her legs again-. Give it little kisses, Jace-. She orders. The prince was obedient, nearing his lips to the womanhood again, blessing it with soft kisses-…It does marvels when a lady finish-, she murmured with a smile, caressing his brown mane.

While pampering it with tender kisses, Jacaerys looks up to her. The princess smiled silly at him, biting her lips while pampering his hair.

-Oh…-Jace grunted-. I want to do it again-, he confesses, ready to start to lick again.

-Jace-, she quickly stopped him, closing her legs. The prince seemed so disappointed, and hungry, leaving his lips open-. You, um…-she caresses his brown hair-…you’re an expert already, I’m afraid…-the princess guaranteed, raising her brows.

When hearing so, the brown-eyed Velaryon prince smiled, with his heart beating fast and his face all wet. She smiled back at him, kind of amused, adoring his enthusiasm. He never lacks it.

-Then I shall ask you for the last time…-Jace murmurs, slowly coming down of the table. Still lying on it, Daera follows him with her clear eyes-. May I-

-Go ahead-. She nodded before he’d finish his sentence. Jacaerys presses his lips, sighing through his nose while looking and her-. As soon as you’re done, we’re off-. She closes her eyes, resting her head on the table. She hard silence-. Go, now!-. The princess ordered with a funny playful voice.

-Alright-, Jacaerys sighed, turning around, and walking away from the table.

After closing the doors behind him, the prince felt his knees shaking. He covers his own mouth and closes his eyes, moaning as lowly as he could. With a hand, he touches his pants, feeling how hard his cock is. It has been like that even before seeing his wife’s womanhood.

Knowing that there is no time to start thinking about what just happened, Jacaerys quickly directed himself to the High Hall of The Eyrie, standing firmly. And, when he arrived, Lady Jeyne Arryn turned her head to look at him, from her seat.

-My prince-, she raises her brows and smiles when seeing him arriving.

-My lady-, he nods, heading towards the throne with quickness. She parts her lips, tilting her head.

In less than ten seconds, she had prince Jacaerys kneeled in front of her, ready to satisfy her. Jeyne became almost nervous, raising her skirt with all the quickness of the Seven Kingdoms, easily giving herself to him.

Prince Jacaerys closed his eyes, and pretended this was Daera again. Lady Jeyne left out a moan within a second.

Meanwhile, Daera had stayed in the table of marble, lying on it while the breeze comes through the big windows of the lonely hall. Blinkless, she looks up, staring at the chandelier that hangs above of her.

Shocked, she gulps, lost in her mind.

She has just been unfaithful to Aemond. She cheated…

“No no no no, I didn’t!”, Daera quickly comes to her own defense, gulping. Come on, come oooon! It wasn’t cheating. “It was for the cause!”, she convinces herself, “Lady Jeyne Arryn is a woman of specific desires, that shall have them accomplished if they want her to do something” Daera knows this, Daera knows this woman. This was necessary!

She didn’t cheat on Aemond as much as she didn’t either back on King’s Landing, when she made Jace cum on his pants. It was for a…cause…as well. “Everything has been justified”, she swears.

But, being the truth unbeknownst to Daera's wish of feeling innocent, she lusted for Jace, during those prior moments. A huge part of her wishes to denies it, and does it. However, one can't never be too alone to not hear oneself. The Rogue Princess knows she desired her fake husband.

Oh, she wanted him. She wanted for them to do it. She felt so good when she grabbed his hair and violently made him to kneel on the floor to face her cooch. It felt so good to feel his breathing on her flesh, to have his tongue on her flower. It felt good, hells, didn’t it?

…Why?

With her brows curved, Daera gulps and blinks with shame, looking at the ceiling of the hall. Why did I -she started to wonder- if am a married woman, enjoy to have another’s mouth on my femininity?

Is it because of how betrayed she feels by Aemond? Did a part of her want to…betray him back? Is that it? This is her first possible answer.

In the last few days -which have passed too quick for her liking- her true husband has made sure to do evil doings, to act as the devil himself. Aemond had obliged her to abort her baby. He conspired against the crown, when his father's corpse had not even cooled, along his mother and allies. He placed Aegon in the throne, stealing Rhaenyra and Jace’s birthright. He had Rhaenys locked right below his apartments, probably left to starve if she didn't declare for Aegon, and he didn’t care.

Daera has been hurted by him time by time, every time worst, and yet she has showed incredible mercy from her heart, having defended him and think him good, despite his actions. However, perhaps a part of her did want to punish him for them. That part, it seems, is the very one that was incessantly burning for prince Jacaerys moments ago.

So, following this logic: she wanted to betray him too then, to be about. But here is where the logic falls: to what end? How is Aemond even supposed to know he has been betrayed by his wife? What, will she fly to King’s Landing midst war and shovel it to her face? Is Jace going to tell him? Hells no! There’s no way this “desire of justice” would be fulfilled, because Aemond won’t feel the same way as her, because he wouldn’t know it.

This takes us to her second possible answer, which she translated more into a question.

Is this her nature? To run to another man’s arms when things with him are bad? Another man’s tongue, better said. Is…is Daera the same girl she was before loving Aemond? Carefree and from bed to bed? She had never been with someone into a love relationship until she got into one with Aemond. He may not be her first lover but he’s indeed her first love.

Could it be that, now that she feels like she’s losing him, she knows she has the right to desire others?

Daera immediately gasped before her thoughts, feeling a great pain on her chest.

NO! She is not like that, she knows it! “I am not some harlot and I am not losing Aemond!”, she convinces herself of. No one can gainsay her. She made herself to erase every prior thought she had, and declared the truth answer to what happened with Jace:

It was for the cause.

The princess furrows her brows lightly when she started to hear moans from outside the hall, traveling through the hallways. They were female and very indecent, coming from the High Hall of the castle.

Daera tsks her tongue, rolling her eyes with a very bitchy face.

Oh, for the fuck’s sake! The moans started to get louder and louder, until the doors of the hall were almost trembling. Daera grunted with annoyance and had to cover up her ears, cursing in High Valyrian.

“I at least moan with grace”, the princess thinks, “this one does like a goat”.

■ ■ ■

Jeyne Arryn, Lady and Maiden of The Vale, kneel on the floor with grace and delicacy. She bowed her head and softly opened her arms to the sides of her body, having a light smile on her lips.

Jacaerys and Daera stand in front of her, side to side, looking down at her with prideful eyes. The princes start to look around when noticing all the knights of the surrounding kneeling as well. The Maester did too, and some servants in presence did the same.

Daera smirks, pressing her lips, and nodding at them.

Lady Jeyne raised her head, looking up to them with her glowing blue eyes. She looked at the prince, giving a slow blink. He gulped briefly, nodding at her. And lastly looked at the princess, widening her smile a bit more. Daera looked down at her with easiness but yet a little of taunt, biting her cheeks.

Still on her knees, Lady Arryn opened her mouth.

-The Vale is yours, my princes-. She declared, having faith in them, and in their mother's cause.

Jacaerys parted her lips, and Daera smirked with hers, deeply breathing in. She turns her head, and he did so as well, blinking multiple times with excitement.

The princes stared at each other with pride, and a big feeling of achievement.

■ ■ ■

Soon, Daera and Jace were arriving back to the woods. Jeyne became a little disappointed when learned that the princes weren’t staying the night, but was glad to see them off, knowing they had others pressing business. She gifted them two baskets of bread, cheese, ham and grapes. And a generous bottle of wine, for their troubles.

When feeling their riders close, both Kalistrox and Vermax lifted up their heads, glancing through the trees. And there they saw them, arriving while laughing between them. The golden dragon purred with a sweet hurry, shaking his neck.

The princess looked up when she heard them, and instantly laughed harder.

-Hey!-. She raises her eyebrows and scrunches her nose, almost running towards him. Jacaerys sided a smile, nearing to his dragon as well-. My love-, she whispers, caressing his neck’s scales while he touched a cheek against one of hers, purring.

-How did you behave?-. The prince asks funnily, scratching Vermax’s chin, making him to growl with softness.

Daera hums while caressing Kalistrox’s cheek, seeing his golden eyes looking around constantly, narrowing them while groaning.

-They don’t like the woods-. The princess points out, sighing. Jace does so as well, slowly walking away from his dragon after carrying one of the baskets on his saddle. When noticing he wanted to talk, she raised a hand towards her own dragon, and also stepped away from him. Kalistrox purrs lowly, seeing her go-. Could you imagine how dangerous it would be to raise dragons in a forest?-, she wonders, crossing her arms.

-A catastrophe-, he agrees, nearing to her with calm steps. The sun still lights above them, passing through the green leaves of around-. That’s why there’s sand in the Dragonpit-. He recalls with a smile, raising his brows.

-Ah-, she lets a laugh out, nodding. They laughed together.

While the breeze caressed their skin, clothes and manes, the spouses look at each other for some moments of silence. All they could hear was the wind, and their dragons’ breaths. She smiles a little, taking air in.

-How was it?-, she questions. The subject of the question was obvious, for the prince immediately sighed through his nose, and looked around with nerves.

-She is definitely sort of…a savage soul…-, he narrowed his eyes while his cheeks started to burn red. Daera laughed with taunt, nodding. Chuckling lowly, he looks at his feet and the grass under them, stepping on it. Seconds then, he looks up, finding her eyes-…Thank you for teaching me-, he murmured.

Daera’s purple eyes softened, and a light smirk crossed her lips while looking at him. The part of her that we were speaking of before started to get awaken again, for she briefly felt that desire again.

When she became aware of it, she gulped and smiled, pressing her lips and taking a step back while caressing an arm of his with gentleness.

-I’m afraid they will like the North far less-, she changed the subject back to the former one, raising her brows and cocking her head towards the dragons-. Jacaerys looked at her with softness, pressing his mouth too.

-Then we shall part now-. He proposed, lifting his chin-. So, they don’t last longer in it-, he says.

-Ah, we agree-. She winked an eye on him, making him to laugh briefly. Daera chuckles, starting to walk backwards-. Go on-, she cocks her head and he starts heading to his dragon as well-. We’re halfway home now, can you believe it?-. She chuckles.

-I can-. Jacaerys laughs with pride, jumping onto his saddle.

After accommodating the basket with her luggage, Daera took seat on her saddle, seating on it with a playful smirk while looking ta him. Holding his ropes, Jacaerys smiled back at her, biting the inner of his cheeks.

Before leaving The Eyrie, the princes asked Lady Jeyne for ink, paper and a raven. As The Rogue Princess and the Heir to The Iron Throne took the skies again with their dragons, a raven black as night left The Vale towards south, flying to Dragonstone, to deliver the Blacks word of they having wined The Kingdom of Mountain and Vale to their side.

And so, having the confidence that good news will arrive to their family, Jace and Daera rose up with their dragons together, again, flying as one, at the same altitude and speed, ruling the clouds and sun with their power.

They didn’t know bad news were almost to their way to Dragonstone too.

■ ■ ■

Kalistrox and Vermax fly low, making the breeze that reach them a little softer and kinder. Golden and green dragon both soar over a small-sized yet deep clean lake, which waters are almost like glass; it is clean, calm and transparent.

Leaning to a side, seated on her saddle, princess Daera turned her head and looked down, having a sight of the fishes than swims under the water, almost at the same speed they fly to. The princess giggled with sweetness, wrinkling her eyes.

Pines and all kinds of trees seem to be never-ending in The Vale. They have been flying for nearly three hours, and that green sight of leaves has been under them during all of them. This is not called The Kingdom of Mountain and Vale for nothing.

With a smirk on his lips, prince Jacaerys looks forwards while narrowing his eyes. He couldn’t find the river’s end, which made him to giggle with excitement, now wanting to follow the water’s way until reaching its last drop.

Having that goal in mind, he turns to look at his right. There, in the distance, Daera was smiling while looking at the water. Soon enough, she felt his stare, and seated back straight on her saddle to stare back at him.

They shared a look, and smiled to each other with warmth.

They looked at each other until a peculiar sound came to their ears: screams. Though they were not screams of fright, nor of hatred or bravery. They were screams of awe. Screams from…children.

Daera blinked with hope, and looked down again. By flying so low, her eyes easily found a group of kids, five of them, all yelling towards the sky with surprise and excitement, shocked by the magnificent view above of them.

By the river’s bank, the children jumped on their places and waved their hands towards The Golden Ray and Vermax, mesmerized by how the sun was shining on their scales and how the former’s wings were so large that the sun was no longer reaching their smiling cheeks.

As her dragon kept flying, undisturbed by those happy shrieks and salutes, princess Daera blinked with open eyes while a smile started to grow in her lips. Moments then, she grunted a laugh and pulled her saddle, looking down to the ground. Kalistrox immediately obeyed her, growling lowly, and turning around his huge body.

Curious, and smiling as well, Jacaerys pulled the ropes of his dragon too, and made him to turn. They followed, by far, with curiosity.

The children walk backwards with open mouths and shocked eyes, loosen up their shoulders and whole bodies when they see the golden dragon was heading right towards them. Kalistrox flapped his wings with slowness, calculating his landing. Meanwhile, on his back, Daera shushed him and caressed his scales.

Seconds then, The Golden Ray landed on the very river, fitting only less than half of his body, due to its shortness. The lake, deep enough, covered the dragon up to before what would be his knees. Kalistrox purred. Liking the feeling of mud and water on his huge paws and claws.

The five kids blinked with awe, mouth-opened, seeing how a brown-skinned lady of white long curly hair and purple eyes smiled at them from the back of the dragon, who opened one of his wings and extended it until reaching ground. The children walked three steps back, feeling the beast’s golden eyes always staring at them.

-Hello!-, a sweet voice came out of that woman’s mouth-. Hi to everyone!-. She chuckles, starting to walk on the wing her dragon has just placed for her.

-Ah! You’ll hurt him!-. One of the kids, a small brown-skinned girl -of perhaps five- gasped with worriness when seeing her stepping on the wing. Daera raised her brows towards her.

-Ouh no, I won’t-. The princess assures her, unconsciously walking slower-. See? I’m not!-. She laughs, leaning to a side to caress Kalistrox’s wing. The children hear his purr, and it made that little girl to chuckle with amusement.

Daera’s feet touched still ground, arriving in front of the children, separated by a modest distance. They looked at her with eyes filled of curiosity, and she looked back at them with gentleness, almost capable of touching their sweet enthusiasm and innocence.

-He is very strong-. The princess comments, raising her brows and pointing towards the golden dragon, whom they stared at with marvel, giggling a little.

-What is his name?-, one of the boys asked. He’s white as milk, and of brown eyes.

-His name is Kalistrox-, Daera answered with pride and softness.

-And what is yous?-, another of the girls, this one if pale skin, asks with curiosity.

The brown-skinned princess smiles kindly, looking at the five of them with easiness.

-My name is Daera-. She answered, starting to walk towards them, who smiled at her-. Now, I wish to know what are yours-. Her brows raised funnily, while her lips smiled warmly as the children approached to her.

As the day is almost reaching its end and welcoming night, the skies are dyed by a lovely color orange, and the clouds shaped like hearts and arrows -if we have some imagination-. The dusk at presence is a beautiful one, blessing those underneath it, in that river.

Prince Jacaerys landed Vermax on the other side of the lake, on firm ground. His young dragon purrs with calmness, thanking there was not a tree near enough to bother his comfort. Behind his green scaled tail, however, pines are plenty.

Jace came down of his dragon with calmness, standing on the grass with a relaxed posture. He sighed through his nose, caressing Vermax’s neck while looking across the river, looking at her.

Daera has taken seat on a rock that works well enough as a chair. Her legs are crossed, and on there the littlest girl is seated, the white one of blue eyes, whose name is Jocelyn.

There’s Jocelyn, the youngest one, of four. There’s Isaiah, of six, chestnut of brown eyes. There’s Marli, the brown girl, and her twin brother, Kezzie, of five.

-And where did you hear that?-, Daera scrunches her nose and smiles, looking at the girl on her knees, who had just told her that she knows dragons are from the moon.

-My mother told me-, the girl chuckled with pride.

Daera giggled, showing all of her teeth. She can’t help but to think of her Alyssa and her Visenya; two babes she never got to meet. She wonders if they would have been as sweet as this one, Jocelyn, is.

The princess, with no bother at all, has opened her ears to the children, hearing all the myths, tales and theories they have hard about dragons. This is the first time any of them have ever seen one, and they excited; she’s delighted to listen.

While seeing her laugh, Jacaerys walks from the other side with a thoughtful smile. With calmness, he’s walking to the other side, heading to a path of stones that help to cross the river by foot.

-Would you like some sweets, children?-. The princess asks with a curious smile, immediately receiving cheering and positives answers from the children, who quickly said yes-. You shall have them then-, she laughs, making a sign with two fingers towards Kalistrox.

The golden dragon growls lowly, and starts to extend his neck towards her with slowness. The children squealed with excitement, seeing how Kalistrox’s head was feet above of them when he neared his body to his rider.

-Seven heavens-, Kezzie whispered with awe.

Princess Daera laughs lightly, heading a hand towards the luggage packed near his neck. She opened a small pocket of one of the bags, and took a handful of honey sweets.

-Here you have-, she offers them to them, who instantly cheered and took al the mints, tasting their sweetness with happy smiles.

-Thank you!-, the little Jocelyn smiles as she tastes her sweet.

-You are very welcome, sweetling-. Daera chuckles, caressing the girl’s brown hair with softness.

Kalistrox started to growl from the deepness of his throat, staring forward with menace. Hearing him, Daera quickly turns her head towards the wood, parting her lips.

-Behind me-, she is quick to order, and the children were quick to obey, though they did it with confusion.

Agitated sounds come from the woods, and moments then a handful of armored knights came out from there, galloping with swiftness and distress, looking alerted. Daera pressed her lips, and Kalistrox immediately growled, lifting his head higher while looking down at them with fire on his eyes.

Jocelyn smiled to them.

-Daera-. Jace shot out running immediately towards there, feeling his heart twitching when looking at the armed men arriving.

The knights had come out of the woods with fierce, but quickly trembled when looking to the beast standing on the river, and raising to look at them with even more fierceness and menace. All the men trembled, and two fainted within the second, not having expected the sight of The Golden Ray when riding out of the forest.

-Ouh, well-. Daera tsks her tongue when seeing those two fainted on the floor. She sees the other men stuttering and trembling, forever looking at her beast. She holds Jocelyn tighter to her chest, not knowing who this people were-. Lykiri…-, the princess ordered to her dragon, who growled with fury, nevertheless.

-Daera!-, Jace reaches her, at last, standing right by her side, shielding the children as well, and looking at the knights with seriousness-. Make thy selves known!-. He ordered with firmness, while his wife just looked at them from feet to toe with interest.

-Hya!-

-Quick!-

Two screams are heard from the woods. Jace stands tensely, while Daera remains seated on that stone, rocking Jocelyn on her knees, simply studying the people and the situation itself. Her golden dragon, as fierce as always, studies nothing, and only waits for a command of hers. ´

Soon enough, two more men and their horses come out of the woods, but these are not knights as the other are. They wear fine clothes, fine boots, fine gloves, and a fine perfume. They’re lords, of course.

And out of those two faces, the princess Daera recognized one.

When the lords arrive, with worried expressions, they see Isaiah, Kezzie and Marli shielded by a brown-haired young man, and Jocelyn seated on a woman’s knees. A woman of brown skin, purple eyes and white curls that looked at them with serenity and curiosity, blinking one time.

One of the two lords is slim, chestnut, and eyes as brown as Isaiah’s. Aye, she kens who this man is. She met him years ago, on a trip she did with her grandmother, Rhaenys, to Lannisport. This is Leowyn Corbray, lord of Heart’s Home, a vassal house holding fealty to House Arryn of the Eyrie.

-Lord Corbray-, the white-haired woman greeted, siding a smirk.

-Princess Daera-. Gasping, the lord quickly bowed his head, full of respect. When hearing the girl’s name, and obviously having seen her looks, the other lord opened his mouth with surprise, now knowing who she was-. It is an honor, princess, to…make your acquaintance, once again-. He nods, looking at her again.

-It is indeed-. She leaned her head to a side, caressing Jocelyn’s hair-. This is my husband, prince Jacaerys Velaryon-. She presented him with a nod, placing a hand on his arm.

-An honor, my prince-. Lord Corbray bowed his head, as did the other one. Jace nods towards them with the same respect, holding his hands behind his back-. My princes, may I present to you…Lord Desmond Manderly, of White Harbor-. He speaks with manner, pointing at him.

-My princes, it is a high honor to meet you both-. Lord Manderly closed his eyes and bowed his head to them.

Daera and Jace looked at each other within a second with their lips parted when hearing where this lord is from. The North. White Harbor, the main seaport of the north. House Manderly, a vassal house holding fealty to House Stark of Winterfell…just where they’re heading.

-Lord Manderly, the honor is ours-. Prince Jacaerys says with a gentle nod, looking at him, and then at his wife for a second.

-It is-, she nods as well. Everyone keeps constantly eyeing Kalistrox, both marveled and terrified of his size and fiery eyes. He had retreated a bit since his rider told him to, but yet he doesn’t fail to shake all of their spirits, and knees-. We’re at Heart’s Home then, I take-. She guesses.

-We are, princess-. Lord Corbray answered.

-Ah-, the girl nods-. Why so far from home, Lord Manderly? If I may ask-. Daera questions with curiosity, narrowing her eyes for a moment.

-Lord Manderly has come to see to the arrangements of a settlement between our Houses-. Lord Corbray was the one to answer with politeness, making the princes to look at him with interest. He eyed Isaiah and Jocelyn for a second-. You see, we are to betrothe our youngest children-. He explained, raising his brows.

-Ah…-, Daera narrowed her eyes, while Jacaerys nodded-. Do not tell. This is your child?-. She questions, placing a hand on Isaiah’s head, who chuckled while looking at Lord Corbray, who smiled briefly.

-He is, princess-. He nodded, and then the boy ran to him, giggling. Daera formed a little smiled, which she chewed and erased, keeping a calm expression.

-Father!-. Copying his friend, Jocelyn jumped down from Daera’s knees, and ran towards the lords with an open smile, soon hugging Lord Manderly’s right leg. Daera raised her brows briefly, as did Jace, now understanding.

-And whose children might you be?-. Jacaerys mumbles with interest, turning to look at the brown-skinned twins, who looked at him with shyness.

-They are my cousin’s children, my princes-. Lord Corbray answered, then looking at Kezzie and Marly-. Your mother has been looking for you, twins-. He reproached, raising his brows. They just shrugged and laughed.

Daera breathes in and then sighs, quietly standing up from that stone, taking Jace’s side. She looks at the knights for some moments, noticing they were eyeing her as well. She found a smitten smirk behind one of those helmets, which made her to scoff.

-And you, my princes?-. Lord Manderly, with eyes as cold as the very White Harbor, look curiously at them-. Enjoying the warmth of The Vale as well?-, he wonders.

The princes both pressed their lips. They looked at each other, sideways, for two silent seconds. After them, Lord Corbray spoke.

-Though no raven has arrived to Heart’s Home from the capital, my eldest son has, this morning. He brought with him…grieving news, my princes-. Lord Corbray speaks with glum and respect, looking down. Jacaerys and Daera remain serious, staring at them-. We lament the death of our King…Viserys-, he said.

The wedded princes gulped and pressed their lips. They saw how Manderly made a similar expression to Lord Corbray’s, one of pity. Daera breathed in profoundly, looking around to the knights, the kids, the winds and the sun.

-I propose we find a more fitting place to treat such…troubling matters-. The princess said with determination, raising her brows towards the lords. By her side, her husband gulped, thinking of her passed grandsire, and the impostor that has taken his throne.

-We shall-. Lord Corbray was quick to agree, firmly nodding-. Please-, he pointed the way for the Valyrian princes.

■ ■ ■

Heart’s Home posses a castle of great height and beauty. It is of white marble, as most of the castles in The Vale. It is located on a mountain, of course, just behind the same woods of the river from before.

Turns out that Jocelyn, Lord Manderly’s youngest daughter, and her newly-betrothed, Isaiah, Lord Corbray’s youngest son, decided to gone out to play with their friends without notifying anyone. As soon as their parents became aware of their “disappearance”, they alerted the guards, who immediately went out to look for them.

As we saw before, the guards did find the children, only that they were not alone. It came of surprise to everyone to have the princes Daera and Jacaerys on Heart’s Home, with their dragons, calmly chilling by the side of the river, and playing with the young lords and ladies.

Now, after being formally welcomed in the Great Hall of Heart’s Home, the princes were escorted to another hall, a big one with big three windows, a wooden table of six chairs, and multiple paints of the castle and Vale itself. Only princess Daera, prince Jacaerys, Lord Corbray and Lord Manderly entered the room, besides two guards that joined them.

The spouses are seated side to side, and in front of them, the lords are too. In front of all of them, a warm nice supper is served, though none has eaten yet. The guards stand in the gates of the room, totally silent, as if they were not there.

Lord Corbray plays with his fingers, having a thoughtful look on his face. Lord Manderly thinks too, slowly blinking. In front of them, Jacaerys and Daera stare at them with quietness and silence, letting them think.

Both lords have just been informed that House Arryn -The Vale’s ruling house- had just swore loyalty to the princes’ mother, the Queen Rhaenyra. A paper lies in the table, being read time after time by the lords. It is Lady Jeyne Arryn’s handwriting, affirming her fealty to House Targaryen and the course of its true line of succession, which belongs to The Blacks.

They’re treating more with Lord Corbray than with Lord Manderly, being this his land. They’re letting him know, of course, that his lady paramount has joined to their cause. Almost obligatory he has to do the same. And, doubtless, he will.

-Dragonriders will be send here, to The Vale, to protect your lands and your families from any attack coming by green hands-. Princess Daera speaks with honesty, raising her brows. Lord Corbray caresses the paper, drawing the letters with his fingers while looking at her.

-Dragons in The Vale?-, he whispered, not hiding his surprise. Lord Manderly blinked with the same feeling, briefly clearing his throat.

-Aye-, the prince nods-. Your joining to our cause will be answered with both protection and gratitude from us-. He assures. He’s slouched, with his elbows on the table. By his side, his wife seats lady-like, with her hands on her legs.

Lord Corbray presses his lips, and looks at the both of them. Those purple Valyrian eyes of the princess stared at him with expectance and quietness. The prince’s brown ones are the same. The lord sits straight, breathing in.

-House Corbray will stand with you-. Lord Corbray dictated with decision. The princess started to side a smile, while prince Jacaerys looked at him with high respect. Lord Desmond listens closely-. Heart’s Home will be by your side, do not doubt it, should it come to war-. He declared, heartfully.

-You honor us, Lord Corbray-. Jace nodded, clenching his jaw.

-The Queen will repay your great disposition, my lord, you can be sure-. Daera smiles with gratitude, blinking calmly. Lord Corbray nodded towards the two of them, keeping a confident expression.

After a few seconds of silence, both princes directed their eyes towards the same person. Lord Desmond Manderly. He instantly became aware, and pressed his lips tight, not scared of eye contact.

“His turn”, Daera thinks.

Jacaerys taps his fingers on the table with softness, while the princess opened her mouth and narrowed her eyes.

-I have heard that…the Lord of White Harbor always arrives to the hall with a big laugh-, Daera raises her brows, and places her elbows on the table-. Does the distance from your house make you this silent, my lord?-. She questions with curiosity.

-No, it makes me this preoccupated, princess-. He answered with a hoarse voice, thoughtful. The confession surprised the princes and the other lord.

-What troubles you, lord Desmond?-. Daera mumbles with interest, leaning her head to a side. Manderly sighs heavily through his nose, staring at his supper, but feeling no hunger for it.

-My appetite is gone-, he says-. I came out from the walls of my city to find peace in this warm forest…for me to be with my children, and for my children to be with their sire-. Lord Manderly takes and caresses his fork, briefly raising his brows under their interested gazes-. What I find outside of my city’s walls…-he looks up at them-…is a war between kin-. The lord sighed with tiredness, letting the work to fall on the table.

Daera hided it, but she shivered in that moment. She thought about Jace, Daemon and Baela. Then she thought of Aemond, Aegon and Daeron. She thought of every member of the family, even of Alicent. It is as the lord says. They are one family, but of two sides. As it has always been…

-No war is taking place, Lord Manderly, with all due respect-. Jacaerys shook his head from side to side-. We are just taking caution, and assuring whose and which houses will be by our side if…-he gulps-…if the dispute reaches a peak-. He clarifies.

Lord Manderly blinks slowly while looking at the both of them, and then he scrunches his nose.

-In the North, kinslaying is cursed-. He commented with seriousness.

-It is everywhere-. Jacaerys instantly nods-, under the eyes of every god-. He raises his brows, recalling that, in the North, they worship the Old Gods.

-Blood from no Targaryen vein has been spilled-. Daera states with confidence, making the three man to look at her-, and neither will be, if The Greens see and realize that they do not stand a chance against us, if they see we have both The Vale and The North with us-. The princess stressed “The North” and raised her eyebrows, continuously tapping a finger on the table to get her point straight.

Lord Manderly breathed in, and then closed his eyes, briefly shaking his head and calmly standing up from his chair under the sight of all. He walks slowly, looking outside the windows. Jace and Daera presses their lips with patience.

-I am not the Lord of The North-. He shakes his head, sighing briefly. Daera hums lowly, clenching her jaw-. And you have come to The Vale looking for The Vale’s response. Here, I am only a coincidence-. He states, shrugging-…Why would you even want to convince me?-, his eyes narrow, speaking with humbleness.

Proud as fuck, this one is. Daera turned to look at Jace when he stood from the table too. The sound of the chair made Lord Manderly to turn, seeing prince Jacaerys rising with confidence while looking at him.

-Each flag that can fly next to ours is important, and for yours we would be eternally grateful, Lord Manderly-. The Heir to the Iron Throne spoke firmly, standing besides the seat of his wife, who looks at the lord with crystal serious eyes-. As we speak, we have Winterfell as our next stop, and there we’ll treat with the Guardian of The North-, he assured, surprising both lords.

-You’ll uh…speak with Stark too?-. Manderly questions with surprise, fully turning to him.

-Personally-. Jace quickly nodded-. And it would be a great honor to start our join to Winterfell by having the support of Lord Cregan Stark’s greatest lord vassal-. The prince declares with seriousness, nodding three times.

Lord Manderly looked down after blinking, thoughtful and flattered, most than all flattered. He hums lowly, constantly touching his white moustache. Prince Jacaerys waits patiently for him to think but, after a few moments, princess Daera stood up from her chair within a second, doing it fiercely and decided.

-We understand your fear about kinslaying, Lord Manderly. Trust me, we do-. She heartily nodded. She did kind of tell a lie, for her greatest wish has always been to murder her cousin, Aegon. “Who cares if I lie, anyways?”-. The last thing we wish for is war, but the first thing we want is the birthright of Queen Rhaenyra to be given to her, properly. But is has been plucked away by the usurpers-. Princess Daera speaks with courage, walking some steps pass her husband, who looked at her back with passion, agreeing with her words. Desmond reads her face whole, thinking-…We need you, my Lord-. She slowly declared, staring at him.

Lord Corbray sighed, more than convinced by the princes’ words. Pass some silent seconds, Lord Manderly came to speak.

-White Harbor is not unsympathetic to your mother’s plight-. Manderly declared, opening his hands towards them-. Mine own forebears were despoiled from their birthright when our enemies drove us into exile on those cold northern shores-. The lord remembers, narrowing his eyes for some seconds-. When the Old King visited us so long ago, he spoke of the wrong that had been done to us and promised to make redress-. Desmond tells with his hoarse thoughtful voice.

Jacaerys and Daera listen carefully to him, hearing his story. Lord Corbray does the same, interested too in the tale of his friend.

-In pledge of that, His Grace offered the hand of his daughter Viserra to my great-grandsire, that our two houses might be made as one…but the girl died, and the promise was forgotten…-, he spoke with a kind of shame and pity, pressing his lips to then sigh.

And, understanding what was being asked of them, the princes realized they are facing a bargainer shrewder than Lord Corbray. Daera gulped, turning her head to look at Jace, who bit his cheeks and also looked at her. They stare at each other in silence, talking with their eyes.

The spouses were quick to decide that they must do what it must be done, for the sake of their family and their safeness. So, moments later, the princes stared at the awaiting lord back again, at the same time.

-I understand that you have two younger daughters, Lord Manderly-. Prince Jacaerys says, walking forward-. The youngest, Jocelyn, will marry Lord Corbray’s youngest son, am I correct?-. He raises his eyebrows, reaching his wife’s side, who briefly tilted her head.

-Indeed-, Desmond quickly nodded, interested. Daera gulps, crossing her hands over her plain belly.

-We have a little brother, Joffrey, the same age as your other daughter-. The princess says with firmness, and his lord’s eyes began to shine. Jacaerys breathed slowly, closing his eyes for a second-. Joff will marry your daughter, as soon as all the fuss is over, and Rhaenyra seats the throne-. She declared.

And, so, Lord Manderly let out a big laugh.

-We have a compact-. Desmond vividly nods, approaching to them. Jace smiled slightly, while Daera just nodded-. Now that is worth fighting a war for-. He snickers with confidence, narrowing his eyes.

The brown-skinned princess blinks slowly, traveling in time for a second, and remembering when she herself was forced into a betrothal, to Jace. She couldn’t help but gulp, thinking that she’s now doing the same for her lovely and innocent Joffrey. “He’s so young” she sorrowed. But perhaps that is for the best… And it indeed is for their cause.

Gaining back her posture, Daera breathes in and comes out of her mind. When she does so, she looked down, finding Lord Manderly kneeling before the two of them. She parted her lips, nearly smiling, and narrowing her eyes.

-Your mother’s birthright will be recovered, and we shall have our Queen-. Lord Desmond said with determination, looking up at them. Jacaerys clenches his jaw-. I swear to you the fealty of my men, my house, and my soul-. He promised, truthful, not blinking once.

Prince Jacaerys and princess Daera breathed in with deepness, staring at the lord in silence. Seconds then, they turned their heads to look at each other. When glancing at the other’s eyes, they found similarities. They’re shining. Pridefully and victoriously.

■ ■ ■

The princes weren’t staying the night at Heart’s Home -even though it is already dark-. They would fly until reaching The Neck, where they would make camp and feed their dragons. Afterwards they’ll head to Winterfell.

When the two lords at presence learned of the princes’ plans, they both made their own contribution.

Lord Corbray gave them warm furs and bed sheets, along a basket of fresh bread and salted meat, for them to find as much comfort as possible in their camp. Personally, he gifted a wee silver dagger to the princess, even though she already had one on her belt. She thanked him, and promised him to let him know how she’d name it when she’d find the proper alias.

Lord Manderly took the trouble to redact a letter and send it with a raven towards Winterfell immediately. In the paper, he announces the Valyrian princes’ arrival to the Guardian of the North, Cregan Stark. As his greatest lord vassal, Desmond knew his lord would appreciate the heads up. The raven will arrive first than the princes, for they will make their stop at some point. Nevertheless, the bird won’t.

The day has officially ended; thus, the night has officially arrived. One day. One day, and Jace and Daera won for their side the fealty and loyalty of three big houses of Westeros.

That was something that Kalistrox and Vermax celebrated when, once again, they took off from the ground, and continued their voyage again.

Both dragons shriek loudly and sharply as they soar with fastness above that river. The moon shines right above their heads, lightning all the surroundings and whereabouts beautifully. Older and younger dragon fly side by side for some moments, until Vermax roared and flapped his wings faster, taking off to the heights. On the other hand, Kalistrox flew even lower.

The Golden Ray roared with power, caressing the water with his wings as he flapped them on it two times. Water splashed on Daera’s face, and she laughed heartily when that happened, having a bright smile on her lips, and a great shine on her purple eyes.

The princess chuckled and pulled her saddle, scrunching her nose. Kalistrox shrieked and immediately dipped his body high and higher into the skies of above. He flaps his wings with fastness, quickly getting away of the river, of the woods, of a soft breeze.

A strong wind blows on the princess’ face, and she laughs while crossing cloud after cloud, until her dragon gave a harsh flap an got them out of them. They reached a clear dark sky, to which Vermax welcomed them with a happy shriek. Kalistrox roared back with the same greeting, shaking his long neck.

The prince Jacaerys turned to look at his right with a smile on his face and red on his cheeks. Princess Daera did the same, flying right by his side while looking at him while giggling, having her hands in the air, all perfectly lighted by the blessed moon of this day.

Daera licked her lips, and Jace pressed his, the both doing it with high pride. They felt it in the air as they looked at each other, it is obvious. They are a perfect match. A powerful couple.

They will win the Seven Kingdoms back.

The spouses blink, and turned their heads to stare forward, having the same pride on their eyes while riding their dragons. They faced the moon, more than ready to face everything that their next and last destination could give them.

Winterfell.

■ ■ ■

Had their brother’s “shorter, safer” flight gone as well, much bloodshed and grief might well have been averted.

The tragedy that befell Lucerys Velaryon at Storm’s End was never planned, on this we can all agree. The first battles in the Dance of the Dragons were fought with quills and ravens, with threats and promises, decrees and blandishments.

The murder of Lord Beesbury at the green council -by the hands of Ser Criston- was not yet widely known; most believed his lordship to be languishing in some dungeon. Whilst sundry familiar faces were not seen about court, no heads had appeared above the castle gates, and many still hoped that the question of succession might be resolved peaceably.

The Stranger had other plans. For surely it was his dread hand behind the ill challenge that brought the two princelings together at Storm’s End, when the dragon Arrax raced before a gathering storm to deliver Lucerys Velaryon to the safety of the castle yard, only to find Aemond Targaryen there before him.

■ ■

#house of the dragon #targaryen #aemond targaryen #aemondtargaryen #the one eyed prince #ewan mitchell #rhaenyra targaryen #daera targaryen #hotd season 1 #hotd #the dance of the dragons #dance of the dragons #preasoiaf #house targaryen

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ghooostbaby · 1 year

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i'm been too sleepy to read books these days so i must turn the razor beam of my weighty and emotionally intense analysis to the unsuspecting and unprepared xianxia drama love between fairy and devil

*spoilers*

i was in SO MUCH pain after xiao lanhua transformed into the goddess but then... it just felt so incongruous too. once she has all this power, just the same as dongfang qingcang, but they seperate themselves. and are this weird self-sacrificial power couple "i'm going to drain all my power and self-annihilate so you won't be harmed by the evil god" "no I'M going to drain all my power and self-annihilate so YOU won't be harmed by the evil god" ...

their satisfacton in life came from growing/being with the other so honestly you know that whichever one is "saved" would never be happy without the other so what's the point in deciding to secrerly kill yourself to let the other one live freely when they would only be miserable?? it also keeps creating doubts in they validity of their love ... because, frankly, choosing to lie to someone to kill yourself while preserving the life of the person you love/in love with you is just cruel and disrespectful!!

especially whats the point in keeping it a secret from them to make sure you accomplish your self-sacrifice when there's a chance if you both have this huge power now that you could actually work together?!

"i love this person soooo much i'm going to kill myself so they can live eternally alone"

there's also a lot about the last few episodes that is such pivotal plot stuff but is not really explained at all but the show just *waves hands* cGi MaGiC ~~

i dont really understand how tai sui took over dongfang qingcang's body ... unless dfqc was just overconfident that he could defeat him?

it doesnt exactly make sense, dongfang qingcang floating in the sky and just a lot of CGI flames and ok?? now dfcq is drifting away into mist but why?? he had all these new powers that came out of this confrontation, and now and orchid/goddess used her purifying power and the black lines on his body went away? lots of flashy colour swirls that show him being dissolved idk but it just feels so anticlimactic and ... not believable.

watching this i'm just seeing writers being like 'oh here's a chance for some SICK yet incomprehensible CGI fireballs!!' or 'here's a cliffhanger to make them watch more' not something that extends naturally from the story being told.

i feel like it would have been much more impressive to have dfcq stay after he and orchid defeated tai sui, the two of then burning away the black vapours and kissing passionately...

and there just didnt seem a clear justification why he was still destroyed despite getting his new nonhellfire-fire power and orchid using her goddess powers. it seemed like just forcing more pain to make it more intense. if they burned away tai sui together and just made out in dramatic cgi flame smoke light after they won against the ancient evil god i guarantee i won't just turn off the show for the last 10 minutes about how everything ends up!!

you dont have to shoehorn in pain to keep me watching. and it would have made the plot mirror the theme of love transforming people if they were trying to sacrifice themselves alone to save the other but instead they came together and defeated the evil god united

instead it was like grand story about the transformation of love until the last episode like, oh shit, should we shove some random cliches in here?? yeah! we totally should!!!

have you even HEARD of tolkein's theory of the defining moment of fantasy the ending where great sorrow is possible but it is transformed in a moment of joy, and that joy isn't demeaned for being "unrealistic", happy endings can feel real and true, more real than watching your lover disappear in a ball of cool CGI fire sometimes

and then the actual "happy ending" was so... disappointing. after dongfang qingcang disappears and turns into a lil moon (sweet (':) but then orchid says dfqc can't return and 500 years later the little moon hasn't changed. it goes through the montage of the others 500 years later and then little moon just pops up into a fully formed dongfang qingcang with equally little explanation

like oh ok that's fine, kiss now i guess. i give up

orchid/goddess's expression looks so sorrowful. she looks surprised but mostly just devastated ... i was waiting him to dissipate into mist at any point the way she was looking at him, it didn't seem happy at all. just.. grief.

which is the main reason i think i'm disappointed. it never feel like we got xiao lanhua back, who was the entire other half of the couple that we were cheering for. she seems so grim and hopeless, the way the goddess was pretending not to love dongfang qingcang to save the people and sacrifice herself and drains herself of all her joy, energy, and love. i would have liked to see her at the end showing some of the playfulness and sweetness of xiao lanhua. who is the person dongfang qingcang fell for in the first place. i think xiao lanhua wouldn't have said "dongfang qingcang can never return", even if it was impossible she would have been determined and hopeful and waiting for that day that it would happen anyway. even if it took tens of thousands of years

and... it just would have been a better story if they kissed away all the evil and triumped with the power of LOVE. i'm sorry, it's the truth!

#love between fairy and devil

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xivu-arath · 2 years

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I posted 9,729 times in 2022

508 posts created (5%)

9,221 posts reblogged (95%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@eri-223

@synnthamonsugar

@vergess

@cappurrccino

@soothinghymn

I tagged 6,252 of my posts in 2022

Only 36% of my posts had no tags

#destiny - 1,982 posts

#queue - 1,695 posts

#gif - 593 posts

#the hive - 391 posts

#destiny ocs - 257 posts

#osmium sorrows - 232 posts

#swtor - 217 posts

#pokemon - 195 posts

#hollow knight - 161 posts

#the witch queen - 139 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#mostly i have a lot of friends who play on one server and i'd like to go back at some point to get to play with them at least once in my li

My Top Posts in 2022:

a collection of hive headcanons

physical touch and presence are very significant for the hive. it starts from thrallhood, when the world is defined by what you can fit between your teeth and what is under your claws. later it becomes more complex and potent. proximity can be a challenge or a threat, true affection or the lure for a trap. yet all of these can still mean love

thralls hatch in large broods and stick together, both when hunting and at rest. numbers mean safety, and a greater chance to escape danger in the crowd. hive overseeing thrall often get tired of herding them from place to place (and often more than a few stray or get lost or start fights) and will transport them in a great wriggling tangle like a thrall katamari

thrall will bite anything and everything, but it isn’t always from hunger. often a bite can be curious and investigative, or even reassuring - sometimes you gnaw on part of your brood to know that they’re still there

becoming a knight is a fairly simple thing - just a matter of gathering enough strength for a period of rushed growth. becoming a wizard is more complicated. wizards guard the method closely, encouraging acolytes to have to seek it out through threats, leverage or digging in secret places. it is a known chokepoint and often a problem in more isolated broods, where a lone wizard will try to ensure no rivals can arise. wizard-heavy courts such as the high coven operate on a complex and esoteric web of favours, sponsorship and tithe chains to get around this

performances are a big deal. ascendant hive will often go all out with showcases of specialized spells or group rituals, or performing shared stories and notable history - complete with dying if your role demands it. bad or merely boring shows also tend to end in death, from an unamused audience

the deathsong is always a hit, but by necessity debuts prior to or during battles. only wizards with a great deal of power and influence can get away with killing off a chunk of their armies for a show

art shows up in other ways too - in the evolution and adaptation of runes and sigils, the eternal and very lethal debates about individualized spells versus brutally optimized ones. there is expertise and pride in the making of shriekers and ships, and the design of war moons. it is all drowned in a singular purpose, and so unrecognizable to any outside the hive

79 notes - Posted September 29, 2022

KRILL KRILL KRILL KRILL KRILL

80 notes - Posted February 15, 2022

my charr necromancer ossath bonesire, by the lovely (and impressively fast) @spindlewit!

I love so much about this, but the little minion is so unfathomably cute that I can’t look at it for long. yes ossath might look ragged and menacing and tends to carry an extra skull around just in case but he’s got a little baby on his shoulder!!!

82 notes - Posted November 21, 2022

I’m Really Feeling Something about that statue of oryx fighting akka enshrined in what savathun proclaims is tantamount to her mind

she really doesn’t refer to oryx much on-screen, apart from lightly hinting towards him and ghaul in the same breath in one of this season’s friendly conversations. she’s much more comfortable discussing xivu. how could she not, when her sister is, for all intents and purposes, gunning for her? (I am still holding out hope they’re working together in secret but! who knows!) but oryx is... a layered absence, I think the closest we have in her private lore is the yearning and loss she expresses in the hawkmoon lore tab

the statue is also quite likely a commentary on her feelings about worms, so it can serve a lot of purposes at once. very efficient of her

106 notes - Posted January 11, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

things I appreciate about gw2:

- silly quests where you’re transformed into or disguised as various things. I just spent some time running around as a pig yesterday, it reminds me of the quests in lotro where you’re a chicken

- all the map completion

- progressing events on the map that temporarily affect it, like bridges being torn down

- sometimes an event has a whole little chain depending on if you succeed or fail. fighting off an attack might lead to repairing an outpost and then assembling a team to take out an important enemy or structure. or failing to defend a bridge means protecting the engineers that come along to fix it

- just the general richness of each area with npcs and ambient dialogue, many moving around and doing their own things

338 notes - Posted July 31, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#long post #hi mutuals I love you #the top five posts are incredibly thematic of me #year in review

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nymposting · 18 days

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OK WELL now I have irl friends following here so I reckon it’s high time for another pinned post~

Nym is my primary D&D/Pathfinder OC. He’s been through several systems and rewrites over time but his core identity and themes are just very dear to me so even after all his campaigns have ended I’m still writing about him. Right now his setting is a modern AU of Pathfinder 2nd Edition, with some major homebrewing going on around the magic mechanics.

This blog is just a pile of things that are On Brand as far as his characterization, sense of humor, visual motifs, lore jokes, et cetera. And possibly when I get something written that Im confident in, I might be willing to share. Maybe. Hopefully. We’ll see c:

Please don’t hesitate to send me asks or tag me in things if it seems like they fit the vibe~

Character bio under the cut 🖤✨

Vital info for the character bio girlies:

Full name: Nym Hruska. There are several aliases, nicknames, and a deadname as well.

Pronouns: he/any (genderqueer)

Ancestry: Fetchling. Fetchlings are humanoids who got trapped in the Shadow Plane ages ago and adapted to that environment. They look a lot like other humans but in greyscale, completely drained of all color, and with solid yellow or green eyes without visible pupils. Their eyes can reflect light like a cat’s or in some cases glow. Nym’s eyes are a vivid orange-gold all the way through. His skin is a medium-light grey, and his long hair is stark white. (It’s been straight in early iterations but is currently curly/wavy)

Class: Warpriest. Nym is a cleric of Nocticula, the Redeemer Queen - a goddess of the void, artists, protecting outcasts and exiles, as well as introspection and growth. It’s said that where the sun, moon, and stars hang in the sky, she is the darkness between them all. Previously he was aligned with the demi-deity Saloc; simply put, in the court where your eternal soul is judged, Saloc is your defense counsel. He’s often mistaken for a death cleric based on vibes alone but he’s deliberately blasphemed against the goddess of death before soooo definitely not in her camp lol.

Being a warpriest, while his spellcasting is competent, he excels mainly in combat. On Pathfinder jobs he wears full plate armor and arms himself with a guisarme. (And daggers. Always have a backup dagger.) His role is typically not only to neutralize threats, but to draw an adversary’s fire to protect his teammates. Despite being a cleric, he is not a healer. Healing magic is sparse in this setting, and he has a… complicated relationship with it.

Age: 41. Fetchlings have longer lifespans than humans, typically reaching physical maturity around 20, entering cultural adulthood at 50, and living to be well over 200. But they do visibly age at a closer pace to humans than one might expect. In terms of wrinkles etc, Nym looks about like a 30-year-old that’s been through the wringer.

Height/weight (avg): 6’4”/250ish lb. Due to how he uses magic and other factors, his weight fluctuates A Lot. 250 mostly in muscle is the goal, but it’s often less.

What’s he up to now: Currently he’s an itinerant priest, which is a fancy way of saying he lives out of his truck. He’s mainly a freelance field agent for what’s left of the Pathfinder Society, guarding research teams on expeditions and intervening when the modern world collides unfavorably with local monsters. He has a talent for getting into fights, whether it’s part of a job or not.

The travel is convenient for picking up a lot of contract work in various regions. But also, for totally normal reasons, he cannot stay in the city where he grew up and where most of the Hruskas still live. Officially his residence is in Hellbender Hollow, West Falmont, where he apprentices under his baba.

Notable past lore moments (i.e. from his campaign): stealing fish from essentially the Feywilds and accidentally starting a fish cult; leaving his first god’s service bc he killed one of that god’s boss’s personal soldiers one time; getting poached by a second deity and courted by a third while in a situationship with that last deity’s half-sibling who was also his senior colleague; growing gills as a result of repeatedly swimming in fey waters after the locals told him not to (I am actively trying to justify him having them in the modern AU I love gilled Nym so much)

Associated characters: his family, consisting of his mother, stepfather, four younger sisters and one younger brother; Kharinida, fellow Pathfinder agent and old friend/certified “it’s complicated” situation; Topher, local couch-surfing vampire who keeps saying he’ll join up “eventually”; others unnamed and/or still to come

And I will definitely be adding to this over time but this is the jist for now :)

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eigwayne · 8 months

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I picked up A Journey to Love again, even though I wanted to wait a little longer so I wouldn't be tempted to go into the tags while people were still complaining about the ending. I've managed to dodge most details so far, after all. But every other show I started from my backlog, the main character is an idiot.

I start LORD Critical World over again, because I only watched the first episode or two before, and yeah I remembered the main character is a charlatan but apparently he is also a complete moron. It's like... if Naruto was in a C-drama and played by a handsome 20-something, but it's still season one Naruto on the experience and intellect and annoyingness level.

Then I decide to play Miss the Dragon during work, because it's better to play something I've already seen so I can pay attention to work and not the plot, right? But the main character in that is also an idiot, this time in the innocent maiden variety. Like, I remember the first lifetime was rough and the later ones were more interesting (this is one of those shows where the heroine endures multiple lifetimes of suffering for love), but I forgot it was this bad. Also the CG dragon is not as handsome as the ones in Love Between Fairy and Devil or Back From the Brink or even Eternal Love (the dragon angle was wasted on that show, absolutely wasted). I did redo the scoring on Miss the Dragon a little because I forgot how much I enjoyed the music, but the show itself and the main character are worse than I remembered.

AND THEN I start Stand By Me (2021- the Dream of Chang'an one), because of my newly enhanced appreciation of Cheng Yi. Xuan Lu is in it and she's fantastic so far. So I want to know what's up with the emperor and the Ziyi Court or whatever they're called but again, the main character is awful, just absolutely short-sighted and stupid and annoying. Also, this is like the fourth "young girl's family is killed in a plot and she grows up to get revenge but falls in love with the killer(?)" story I've started, the second one with amnesia as a major plot point, and it's the worst of the lot. I was praying for the "MC's friend gets killed and she stops being so willful because the Stakes are Now Real for her personally" arc, because it's sure to come, this show is trotting out the tropes like they're inbred colts on Derby Day, but I don't know, I'm already soured on this show. I don't know if Cheng Yi can save it for me.

So I don't know how much more of these main characters I can take, especially since I recently watched The Moon Brightens for You and I'm still in pain from that. And like, I can deal with some purposefully unwise characters- Back From the Brink, Love Between Fairy and Devil, Heroes, Mysterious Lotus Casebook (also a Zeng Shunxi character- the man is developing a Type)- and if your character is stupid or unwise, but not annoying, I can deal with it. But if they are stupid AND annoying, I get a headache and start writing bad reviews.

I could never do this for a job. How do drama reviewers keep their sanity?

#currently watching #i need to take a vacation so i have the time and energy for nirvana in fire...

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splinteredhq · 10 months

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CHARACTER NAME: james potter CHARACTER FACECLAIM: michael cimino CHARACTER AGE/DOB: 27th march 2002 / 21 years old CHARACTER PRONOUNS/GENDER IDENTITY/SEXUALITY ETC: he/him, cismale, bisexual/romantic, lilyevanssimp OC OR CANON: canon CHARACTER PROFESSION IF RELEVANT: currently between jobs because he dropped out of auror training right after dorcas was killed. has aspirations tied to the medical field/healing SCHOOL ATTENDED & HOUSE IF RELEVANT: hogwarts, gryffindor ALIGNMENT (the order/death eaters/etc) + GENERAL OPINIONS ON THE WAR/THEIR SIDE: has been entirely sided with the order of the phoenix for years now. james joined the order after lily-- she was recruited by albus, with james kind of. non stop pestering about wanting to be a Part of something. plus, he came to learn the likes of remus were involved too, so. it just made Sense. he looks at the order as one of the only people really fighting for everyone, trying to keep some sense of stability and kindness in their world. he fully supports them in all of their actions. CHARACTER BIOGRAPHY:

james grew up an only child, one that longed to be around more kids his age. his primary school was a relatively small one and once he started presenting magical abilities at 8 years old, he was pulled out to be home schooled. it meant that james had a bit of an awkward first year at hogwarts, trying to figure out how to act around other children-- eternally the old soul type because of his majority exposure to adults. but this soon presented in james acting out, not in any kind of bad way but just… attention seeking traits. playing class clown. the centre of attention type. because any attention was good attention, right? this was how a kid made friends? he figured, it worked. it got him his little gang. and by second year, they were closer than ever when they figured out remus' secret.

this kind of attitude continued for a lot of james' school life, but there was also a very obvious trait in him that couldn't be ignored or overlooked: his loyalty. the kind of fiery passion for those he cared about that wouldn't back down. his friends would joke that it made him the mother hen of the group, and honestly, he didn't really mind. caring for his friends came naturally, as did fighting for them at every turn. this was why the suggestion was made for him, sirius and peter to become animagi in order to help remus through the full moons.

it's also this loyalty that made him so torn when things went to shit between remus and sirius over the prank incident in sixth year. he felt deeply for sirius, knowing what he was struggling with at home, knowing that his actions weren't out of spite, but something else. but he understood how hurt remus must be-- he was too in all honesty. he never expected they'd end up where they were. so he distanced for a while. but, eventually, when sirius turns to him when he leaves home, it draws him back in again. he can't be apart from someone who is like a brother to him for long. eventually, the gang pieces themselves back together, but james is still accutely aware that things aren't the same.

but then but then but then, lily evans. the person james never could have imagined changing his life in quite the way she has. he'd always had a crush, but it wasn't until 7th year that things changed for them. that they really got closer. maybe it was because of how much he'd grown over the summer period-- his parents getting sick kind of brought him back down to earth, to some level of maturity. whatever it was that made her see him differently, james is forever thankful for it. because he couldn't imagine life without her. she didn't change him, but they certainly grew together. intricately woven vines. though he's terrified of losing her, and was terrified when all of the prophecy bullshit came about, there's nothing he would fight for quite like his family.

which brings him to now. just left the auror training team, deciding that… he couldn't commit his heart to it. that he didn't believe in it, believe that they could really do any good for anyone. so now, he's out of work. stay at home dad and husband and he kind of likes it, really. and he intends to use the time to not only fight in the war, but maybe heal some of the weaker parts in his friendships.

ADMIN ALEX APP.

#admin app #accepted #james potter app

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thecoffeelovingfreak · 3 years

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Volume 22 Cover Analysis

Part 1 | Part 2

I'll be jumping right in!

~~~

The Moon:

The Moon is often associated with the rhythm of time, enlightenment, immortality, and the dark side of nature.

Biblically, however, it could also be related to something different.

"In the book of Job 26:9, the Bible reads:

“He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds.”

One of the reasons why God would do so is to protect the moon. The covering was meant to hide the moon from view. In Joshua 10:12, we see God interrupting the normal course of the moon to ensure the battle that his servant Joshua was fighting comes to a successful end." - catholicsbible.com

I think in this context, Joshua would be Fyodor, mostly because Nikolai's coat is also covering him.

- What parts of their minds Nikolai is covering:

Notably, though, it's covering the location of his brain. I'll be using this diagram for this subcategory:

Nikolai's coat and arms are covering the areas that control the initiation of voluntary muscles (3); sensation of muscle and skin (9); evaluation of weight, texture, temperature, etc. (10); sensory association (7); the visual area (1); coordination of movement, balance, and posture (14); eye movement and orientation (12); and a minuscule amount of #6, which controls your emotions.

However #14 is not covered on Dazai. I think (since this area controls movement, balance, and posture) that this symbolizes how Dazai uses the members of the ADA instead of choosing not to or working alone, like Fyodor would do. This is shown here, with how his next move is using a card depicting Atsushi.

The original point I was going to make here, was how this could not only symbolize some aspects of their characters, but could be how the poison would affect them.

- The Blue Moon

"In calculating the dates for Lent and Easter, Catholic clergy indentified a "Lenten moon". Historically, when the moons arrived too early, they called the early moon a "betrayer" (belewe) moon, so the Lenten moon came at its expected time." - en.wikipedia.org

I think this is symbolical of how the moon is underneath Nikolai, meaning he would be the betrayer. To who? The simple answer would be Fyodor, since we know he wants to kill him. But even Nikolai might not be the actual betrayer. I continue this thought in 'The Eye of Providence' category.

The Skull:

The skull depicted between Dazai and Fyodor is a ram skull:

- Ram Skull Meaning

The original meaning of a ram skull was perseverance and leadership. Now, it typically symbolizes occult sciences and devil worship.

I think it could also be related to the Tarot card of The Devil, which I will discuss further in the 'Tarot Themes' category.

- Carnations

The flowers shown with the skull, I believe, look like carnations.

"The carnation symbolizes eternal grief, love, and loyalty. This flower has long been the flower of mourning." - floraqueen.com

Color-wise, I believe the carnations are either dark red or a darker purple.

Purple carnations represent:

"These flowers indicate capriciousness, implying purple carnations usually convey condolence for the unfortunate circumstance. They can also be presented to seek an apology." - floweraura.com

Dark red carnations represent:

"Dark Red Carnations enunciate the profound sentiments of love and affection." - floweraura.com

I'm not quite sure of what those would mean in this context, other than grief and death, but I included it anyway!

- Hair and Leaf

I noticed there is a Japanese oak leaf (as mentioned in Part 1), included with the, what I assume to be hair, coming out of the skull. I'm not going to focus on that here, but it's still something of note.

As mentioned in Part 1, the hair could match Agatha's character design. I'm sure her arc is coming next, and we know almost nothing about her ability, besides its name. And Then There Were None. I think it's name, being depicted with the skull and carnations, could mean she will be a bringer of death.

Fyodor's Card:

Fyodor's card does not appear to be anything, really, except for waves of color. Flip it horizontally, however:

It almost looks like the ocean. The ocean symbolizes power and strength, formlessness, the unfathomable, and chaos. I don't quite know where this would fit in yet, but I'd still like to take note.

It's also possible that it's nothing, we don't know what he has up his sleeve yet besides Chuuya, and I doubt he's his only trick.

The Eye of Providence:

The Color of the Eye:

I noticed the grey eye shown on the Eye.

Which character has grey eyes? Sigma.

The eye in the Eye of Providence is known as the Eye of God.

I think Sigma will play a larger part in the upcoming events of the manga. I also think there's more to his ability and past than meets the eye. What? I'm not quite sure yet, but I do think he's not as much of a simple man as he may appear, especially since his eye is the Eye of God.

Details of the Eye:

I noticed there are details in the Eye, that I could not see before.

- Gears

I noticed there is the shape of a gear surrounding the Eye, along with what appears to be 2 more underneath it.

Gears typically symbolize collaboration, as one gear is useless, and they can only work together. I also think of them similarly to dominoes, since the first one starts moving, which then causes the second to start moving, and so on so forth. Dominoes typically represent goals, but I'm not quite sure where this would fit in.

- Triangles

The triangles appear to be equilateral triangles, which was used in ancient civilizations as the symbol of the Deity.

However, triangles also depict the Trinity.

"The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as being one god existing in three coequal, coeternal, consubstantial divine persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, three distinct persons sharing one homoousion (essence). In this context, the three persons define who God is, while the one essence defines what God is." - en.m.wikipedia.com

I think this could be symbolic of how Dazai, Fyodor, and Nikolai are in the game, while, even though Sigma is technically in the game, he is not as deep into, or quite aligned with the mental state the other 3 are in. They are the triangle, and he is the Eye of God.

I was originally going to connect the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to each of the three, but I'm not quite sure who would be who.

Where the Rays are Shining:

I think it's important to notice where the rays of the Eye are shining.

Clockwise:

The one on the top shines onto the Moon, which as stated earlier, could represent Nikolai as a betrayer. Picking up the thought from that subcategory, I think it could mean Sigma is the betrayer. His eye is the Eye of God, shining onto/connecting to the moon. To the others, the ones who have all used him, his possible future attempt to kill them, may be seen by them as a betrayal.

The second points to Fyodor's eyes.

The third points to Fyodor's card.

The fourth points to the skull and the carnations.

The fifth points to Dazai's neck, and in turn, his card. I think this could represent how Fyodor's card is more revealed chaos, Dazai's is hidden certainty. It's not much, but I'd still like to take note.

And the sixth points to Dazai's eyes.

Tarot Themes:

- The Moon

The Moon is the 18th card in the Major Arcana.

Upright, it symbolizes femininity, cycles, emotions, and the world of the unconscious.

Since we're only seeing the bottom of the Moon, it's possible that it's being used in the context of what it means reversed: illusion, confusion, and deception. Since the Moon is underneath Nikolai, it's possible he could be deceiving the players in some way.

This statement could be even further proved since The Moon also tells you that everything is not as it seems.

"The Moon tells you that something about a situation or person in your life is not what it appears to be and you need to trust what your instincts are telling you in order to see past this illusion." - thetarotguide.com

- The Devil

The ram skull shown, could be symbolic of The Devil card, which is the 15th card in the Major Arcana.

Upright, it represents violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, force, and fatality. This could be representative of what Agatha could bring.

Reversed, it means weakness, evil fatality, pettiness and blindness.

The Devil also tells you that you are feeling trapped or restricted.

"...you may feel as though outside influences or forces beyond your control are restricting you, leaving you feeling powerless and victimised. However, this is the illusion The Devil creates. You are in control of your own destiny and are not bound by anything other than your own attitudes and behaviour. Don’t give up and don’t give away your power. You don’t have to tolerate negativity, criticism, manipulation or abuse from anyone. There are always options and there is always something positive you can do to improve your situation no matter how hopeless things may seem on the surface." - thetarotguide.com

I think this could apply to Sigma's character too, since one of the Eye's rays are planted in the skull.

Aqua Colored, Snow-like Dustings and Grid:

Are most likely from Tanizaki's ability, Light Snow. You can see the luminescent snow around the framed space. You can also see the grid in the framed space, and the luminescent, aqua glow on Nikolai, above the frame. Also, notice how both Nikolai and Sigma appear to be clearer, and almost in a higher quality than Dazai, and Fyodor? I think it's possible that, with Nikolai being pictured under The Moon reversed, meaning illusion and deceit, along with what appears to be Tanizaki's ability at work, that they may somehow, someway, working together. Why, I don't know, but it's possible.

Final Notes:

Notice how Sigma's body is moving toward the future, but his eyes are looking at the Eye. I think it's symbolic of him discovering himself, his ability, and his prowess, almost playing more of a God-like role in the upcoming events.

Based on other theories I've seen, Tanizaki is the most likely to become a double agent or work for another organization, so it's possible that he actually could be working with Nikolai?

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this analysis! Tell me what you think!

#coff's analyses #bsd analysis #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd x reader #bsd fyodor #bsd nikolai #bsd sigma #bsd dazai #bsd theories #bsd symbolism #bsd tanizaki #bsd agatha #bsd volume 22

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sinematically · 3 years

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I watched eternals and ok I have THOUGHTS so I’m putting it here and I’m in a cab frantically typing this so it’s basically unfiltered thoughts kay thanks

- it’s different. It got a very obvious mainstream look. It is still a high budget, heavy CGI or like “comic book hero’s” movie but the more I think about it, the less I find a movie from the last few movies in the MCU to compare it to. So, it’s still very super hero movie, just not like the MCU.

- it’s felt a bit like watching Captain America Civil War. We know all of them, and we know they’ve interacted with each other.

- Something felt incomplete, I think it’s the limited amount we know about each of the eternals on their own? But it’s not really a problem

- seeing Kit Harrington and Richard Madden interact, with a sersi involved? The GoT/SOIAF fan in my has died. KINGS OF THE NORTH BABY!!!

SPOILERS-ish AHEAD

- Ikaris’s storyline was somewhat unpredictable, but also if the fate of his character is sealed, I just need to see what they do.

He’s also hilarious and Richard Madden has wonderful comedic timing

Also, seeing a super hero cry. Shed tears. Kill him self because he loves Sersi too much to kill her, but I’m not killing her is going against everything he believes in? I love Ikaris he is my favourite idiot boy.

- as a desi, everything about Kingo just… worked. PROPER HINDI BEING SPOKEN HAS SAVED ME AND I DONT EVEN LIKE HINDI!!!??? & THE dance sequence, the BHARATNATAYAM?? 12 year old me would learn that choreography in 5 min flat. 22 year old me will need an hour but I know I can do it.

HE SAID DISHOOM. DISHOOM.

- Sprite is such a fucking mood. Her relationship with Dane??? With Kingo?? Kingo and Dane need to meet now too, properly.

The illusions

Also when Kingo said he worked in the movies because he missed Sprite’s story telling

- Thena, my moon and stars and my favourite goddess of war. I want to hug u and hold ur hand and kiss ur knuckles baby you are loved. She can do no wrong and will do no wrong

- GILGAMESH DESERVES BETTER. I’ve concluded that Gilgamesh is a fun house husband who would make the best dad jokes. Also thena and Gil are my only OTP from the eternals. When he dies, the fkn crying.

- When Thena killed the Deviant, everyone in the room felt so much fkn relief. She’s so cool

- I really love Gilgamesh and thena so much. On their own and together

- Salma Hayek did such a WONDERFUL job, the mothering and the nurturing. GOD

- PHASTOS!!! Hilarious & romantic and a good father!! Dude just seeing him KISS A MAN on the big screen?? A MAN OF COLOUR!! GAY MEN KISS IS A MARVEL FILM GODDAMN IT. and the way he talks about his HUSBAND BEN? Wonderful. This is essentially the exchange between him and other eternals

“I thought u lost all hope in humanity”

“They remind me that there’s good left”

- Druig is a himbo I think. I like him. If I could control the minds of people, I too would contemplate taking over humanity to get rid of greed and violence etc etc

- Makkari and Druig are cute. I want more Makkari content because She is so fun. She is every quirky incorrect Marvel quote but in actuality. Also something about her signing her words brings in so much personality to her whole character

- HARRY STYLES IS EROS CONFIRMED

- MY BABY MANS DANE WHITMORE IS BACK

Overall? Imma need to watch it again to decide how much I love it but it’s a 3/5.

#eternals #marvel eternals #Richard madden #Gemma chan #Angelina Jolie #Kingo #kumail nanjiani #sersi #ikaris #sprite #Druig #Makkari #ajak #phastos #Gilgamesh #thena #spoilers eternals #eternals spoilers #marvel spoilers

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spacerangersam · 2 years

Note

Ghosts vampire/werewolf au lore??? 👀

I did write a bit about it here, in case you haven’t see it ( https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/spacerangersam/689661464978604032?source=share ) but like, always happy to talk more about my aus asdfgh.

Also, I don’t know if you mean lore about how specifically vampires/werewolves work in this au or just, general info about this au, so I'll give you a bit of both. Sorry in advance for how long this is.

So, for the world itself, I imagine it's one where all humans know that supernatural beings exist, but it's like, generally hard to find them

It's like spotting a wild fox- very cool, but mindblowing. Certainly, no one's bringing out their pitchforks to hunt them down

Well, some people are, but that's a very small minority, and it's universally considered a bit of a dick move

And there are plenty of supernatural beings who live in human cities and whatnot, but it's not common

Especially with vampires

Speaking of: vampires don't turn into bats, they turn into a pile of writhing leeches. I remember someone telling me that was an idea Bram Stoker originally had before the bats, and while I can't find a source for that, I love it so it's vampire canon to me now

Alison is horrified when this first happens

Vampires can be seen in mirrors/photographs, as long as there's no silver lining/or silver in the film.

They can go in the sun with a lot of sunscreen on, but it's still a big risk. it's best to be careful and get a skincare potion from a witch

And with the Buttons specifically - the reason there's only that small handful left is simply that most Buttons, when turned into vampires, immediately leave the manor

Who can blame them? being stuck with your entire family for all of eternity sounds horrible

George did try to kill Stephanie like in canon back when she was still human, but either Humphrey or Kitty found and turned her just in time

Later down the line, she returned the favour to Captain, who was using the house as a base during WW2 but became incredibly ill

But was it a normal illness, or something else? Who knows.

There's no a/b/o stuff with the werewolves, I cannot stress this enough. Packs are either family groups, or like, a group of friends. If there are any leaders, then they're the parents or the most parent-like

Sort of on that note, Pat still does scouting, but his group is pretty much exclusively made up of cubs from the plague pack, named as such because they were all turned during the black plague

Werewolves turn you through scratches, vampires through biting, but it has to be intentional. A werewolf can scratch you, but unless they’re doing it with the aim to turn you, the only thing it will do is hurt

Why? No one knows. It’s magic

Unlike vampires, werewolves can be born. So Pat, Daley, and Robin were all born vampires, whereas Mary, Thomas and Alison were turned

I'd like to think it was Robin who turned Mary. Maybe she tried to help him when he got injured in his wolf form once, so when he saw the witchfinders coming, he ran ahead and offered to turn her to save her

She agreed, and they made their own little two-person pact

Skip ahead a few decades and after Thomas is turned, the Buttons essentially demand that they take him in

Skip ahead a bit further and the trio meet Pat wandering the woods sadly, fresh from his divorce, missing his pack

He joins the group they become a proper pack.

Daley visits, when his mum lets him

Pat and Cap definitely have like, a frenemies to lovers thing going on. Everyone is aware of this except for Pat and Cap

And despite the tension between the Buttons and the Pack, plenty of them are still friends. Julian and Robin still play chest together, Kitty and Marry hang out a lot- it’s mostly Stephanie and Cap causing the tension

Every full moon werewolves are forced to turn into their wolf form, but they don’t lose control. That’s only for red moons and eclipse, and even then, it’s more like…you know in H20 how the girls would get kind of loopy around full moons? It’s like that

But on normal full moons they have a movie night and just like, pile up on each other and cuddle

Kitty and Julian are sometimes invited

The Pack all live together in a house nearby to the Button’s manor, but it’s a lot smaller and in the woods.

Pat bought it because before then they were just sort of, roughing it in the woods. Not because they couldn’t find/afford somewhere, but because they just didn’t think to

You’ve heard of Alison seeing Cap as a father figure, now get ready for her seeing Pat as a father figure

And oh yeah of course he sees her as a daughter. She's a young fatherless person in his pack? No, he's her dad now, end of. And Daley definitely sees her and Mike as his older siblings.

Mike and Daley would definitely get into a lot of hijinks…definitely

Uh, this is getting long so I better stop, but before that, one last point: since Humphrey is connected with his body here, and to make up for the no turning into bats thing, Humphrey has a pet bat called Body. It’s a Salem situation, you know? A bastard that’s been stuck in the form of an animal to pay for his crimes

But the only one who pays is Humphrey

…okay, think I’m done for now

#i love talking about my dumb aus it's so fun #i want a name for this au so i can tag stuff for it... teeth and claws? eh. it'll do #no wait #fangs and claws au #bbc ghosts

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slightlymore · 4 years

Text

my soulmate loves wine

part of the ‘soulmates collection’

doyoung x fem reader

others: jaemin, jeno

genre: one-shot, soulmates au, enemies? to lovers, romance, smut, fluffy tones, phone chat (there are pics of the conversation)

warnings: tarot readings, alcohol, swearing, insults, explicit sex scenes (oral f and m, penetration, protected and unprotected - seriously, have unprotected sex only with people you trust. if you will have unprotected sex with strangers, i will manifest in the room and besides it being absolutely embrarrassing for you, i will also smack your heads together and call you stupid - bondage, rough, spanking, hair pulling, spit swallowing, slight breeding kink, use of 'slut', dom doyoung, sub doyoung, overstimulation f and m, edging f and m, dry humping, wet humping, mouth fucking, cum swallowing, slight exhibitionism, f solo, m solo, phone sex), doyoung has a big cock too lmao (in all of my own personal readings I always get that my soulmate has a big cock for no reason and I thought it was a funny detail)

words: 17K

tag list: @seostudios @doyochii @doodlingpizza @eboyhyunjunreblogs @mina-is-babie @sorrywonwoo @peterrogers15 @delphiskpoporacle @waffletaeng @wownajaemin @shimyshimykoko @doyoung-onli @chxb03 @strawberrymilkandcigarettes @hyucksie @neonun-au @cumtrov3rsy

_____

January 1st 2:23 am

And if he's not my soulmate, I'd rather wander alone than touching someone else's skin, I'd rather walk this earth with no hand to hold and lift me from the ground. And if I have to heal from it and accept the universe's imposed call, I'd rather suffer from my eternally open wounds. I'll fight the stars and let them burn me, I'll let them laugh at my weakest state and I'd gladly make them erase my memory of ever existing in all of the infinite lives if I have to follow Fate.

Doyoung felt the golden letters on the book cover in front of him and raised his eyes when he heard the crystal curtain move.

“I wouldn’t open it if I were you.”

A middle-aged woman was smiling at him, walking towards the table Doyoung and Jaemin were sat at.

The room became even darker but a certain comfort engulfed Doyoung when she smiled.

“I’ve never seen a book with a poem on the cover instead of a title.”

“A dear friend of mine made it.”

Her expression was calm and peaceful when she eyed the book and put her hand on it, pulling it towards herself.

“It’s beautiful,” Doyoung looked at the worn bordeaux leather. “What’s inside?”

“I’m glad you like it. And that’s-,” she leaned in mysteriously, “-a secret.”

As she spoke, a little candle lit up between them and the boys both flinched.

“Wow,” Jaemin whispered.

Doyoung blinked at the woman then chuckled once, laughing mostly at himself for being so jumpy for no reason. That place was made to look creepy but he reminded himself that it was only a facade.

“I’m here for a reading.” Her gaze was piercing and Doyoung realized that she hadn’t stopped looking at him since she entered the room.

“There’s a certain resistance on your part.” Doyoung tried not to snort. “Well…” I don’t believe in these sorts of things, he wanted to say, but Jaemin suddenly laughed, slamming his palm on the table and making a decent amount of colourful stones jingle on the glass table.

Doyoung sighed. “Sorry, my friend is very drunk.”

“You’re also drunk as fuck,” the other pointed his finger to the first’s face, poking him in the nose as he couldn’t keep his balance.

The woman smiled kindly as if unbothered to suddenly have two obnoxious young men trying to get a reading at two in the morning. “This is going to be a love reading. We’ll see what the Spirit wants to tell you about your soulmate.” “Actually, I’m here for a general one? Like, I don’t know-,” Doyoung tried to find his words and looked at Jaemin. “Money and sex?” the younger one suggested before they could have another laughter fit for no apparent reason. The woman kept the corner of her lips lifted as she retrieved a beautiful tarot deck. “Would you blow on this please?” Jaemin tried to open his eyes. “Blow? Of course. Doyoung is good at blowing.” Doyoung hit him with the shoulder. “Shut the fuck up. We’ll get kicked out if you continue,” he whispered amused. Or at least he tried to whisper. The boys kept giggling for a few more moments then got serious as they eyed the spread of cards in front of them.

The woman nodded and smiled.

Doyoung blinked at the lady then at the cards.

"There's mystery and magic attached to this connection. The universe wants this to be a surprise. You’ve been manifesting a lot, haven’t you?”

The young man felt suddenly very awake.

“Uhm, no.”

“It’s okay if you’re not honest with me. The Spirit can see your true feelings. It’s saying that if you needed a confirmation that this is real, then here it is.”

Doyoung stared at her nail, tapping at the card and wondered how many years of training she needed to be able to read people like that since he was sure that that piece of paper could not be able to tell her anything.

Relaxing on his chair he tried to put on the most neutral expression ever then nodded.

Okay, it meant. Go on.

“King of cups. Your soulmate is very in touch with their emotions. They’re going to teach you how to open up more since it’s difficult for you to express what you’re feeling.” Doyoung tightened his lips before he could wrongfully deny it. On his left, Jaemin was already sleeping with his head on the table.

_____

January 1st 2:23 pm

"Will we know right away that we're each other's soulmate?"

The Lady smiled and nodded at your widened and curious eyes.

"You have an intense soul connection. Also, you’ll know right away because sex-,” You gulped. “-is going to be the best you’ve ever had in your whole life. He’s a very fiery person and is quite domineering, I can tell it from the King of swords. He wants to dominate you in bed, maybe pull your hair? You love it. And he definitely loves your body, especially legs and chest. He worships you and he will put you on a pedestal.”

You felt your face warm up so you put your palms on your cheeks, trying hard to process all of that information.

The woman continued after a little giggle to herself. “He can come off a little cocky. He thinks he’s very good in bed thanks to his natural attributes but that’s just because he’s a little insecure. Maybe consider reassuring him that he’s making you feel good?”

Your mouth was dry and you automatically nodded.

“Wait, what do you mean with- uh-- with natural attributes?”

_____

Sometime in June

“Did you hear about the guy accused of stealing because it looked like he had something in his pocket while in reality, it was his 10 inches monster?” Jaemin asked before laughing like a supervillain, head thrown back on the couch cushions, splattering spit all over Doyoung who was sitting near him with furrowed eyebrows as he tried to find a good movie to watch.

“Yeah, it was me,” Doyoung replied with a monotone voice.

“Oh? Doyoung made a joke? I guess I might say that you’re-- cocky?”

Doyoung chuckled even if he tried not to.

“Okay, since you’re in a good mood-,” the other clapped his hands once. “No.” “You don’t even know what I wanted to ask you!” Jaemin whined. “I’m busy.” “You don’t do anything all day.” “I have to take care of my monster cock-” Jaemin slapped Doyoung’s mouth to cover it. “It hurts,” he mumbled.

“Listen. Next Sunday you’ll accompany me at the opening of a new winery. You don’t have to do anything besides be pretty and drink wine while I try to get between one of the associates’ legs.” “I knew it had to do with pussy.” “She invited me! It’s not like I can refuse. I’ve had a crush on her ever since I met her at that work meeting.” “You mean a few days ago?” “Love has no stages.” “Why do I have to come with you?” “I have two invitations. Drinking expensive wine for free? Hello? I’m doing you a favour," he spoke quickly and dramatically, clicking his fingers. “You need three invitations, for me and my co--ahi!” Doyoung giggled after Jaemin smacked him with a cushion.

_____

You had no idea you’d be having backseat sex that day and honestly, you felt highly unprepared.

Black ripped jeans and a leather jacket, the most basic outfit one guy could have on, yet you were salivating and for once it was not because of the pizza Jeno was handing you.

“Uhm, Houston?” he clicked his fingers in front of your face then looked into the direction you were looking.

“The guy on the right?” he asked without batting an eye. “How did you know?” you turned your head suddenly to face him and he put the slice of pizza inside of your open mouth. Then he rolled his eyes.

“He’s completely your type.” "I want to fuck him."

Jeno raised one eyebrow and you suddenly realized what you've just said.

"No. I meant-," "Hey! Guy with the rabbit mask!" Jeno suddenly yelled at the group of boys sitting on the grass in front of you. "What the fuck are you doing? Are you stupid?" you pulled his arm down. "My friend here said that she wants to f-," you slammed a hand on his mouth before he could finish. "I'm going to kill you," you whispered as Jeno started to giggle.

The Rabbit boy looked at you for a little while, tilting his head to the side, but then turned his back to you. He probably didn't hear anything and thought that you were all drunk.

“What the fuck was that?” you whispered.

Jeno sighed. “Y/N. You’re too shy. If you want to fuck a guy just go and do it."

You scoffed. “I’m too shy? I am not shy. I can fuck whoever I want.” “Yeah? Then fuck the Rabbit.”

You crossed your arms on your chest and put your tongue in your cheek.

“Can’t do it huh?” Jeno teased you. "I can. And I will." "I bet you can't." "I bet I will."

_____

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m here because of a bet.” The Rabbit had a gulp of beer as if girls with a Moon mask approached him with bet talk every day. Then he giggled.

“Sorry, your mask is ridiculous.”

You rolled your eyes even if he couldn’t see it.

Okay, he was a douche. Did you still want to fuck him though? Yes.

“What’s the bet about?” he inquired.

You straightened your lips in a tight line, the sound of your pulse almost audible in the silence of the parking lot.

“MyfriendsaidthatIwouldn’tbeabletofuckyoubecauseI’mshyandIwanttoprovetohimthatI’mnot.”

You spitted everything out thanks to the gigantic amounts of wine you had that night and found yourself panting a little when you were done. A little voice inside your head was screaming that it was dangerous and highly inappropriate for you to behave like that but you shrugged internally and hit it in the face.

“What?” the dude asked after a beat.

You sighed. “MyfriendsaidthatIw-” “Okay, okay,” he raised his palms, “hold up. Talk slowly? Your friend what?” “Myfriendsaid-” “Can you just talk slowly, please?”

“Nevermind,” you turned your back to him and walked away.

“Mooney, come back here.”

You stopped. “How did you just call me?”

The guy straightened his back and laughed under his mask. “If you want to fuck me, at least try and seduce me first.” “Aren’t you already under my spell if you’re so eager to keep going on with this conversation?” you found yourself saying. He shrugged. “I’m just bored. And don’t you want to win that bet? I guess you’re actually shy and your friend was right.” You scoffed. “I’m not gullible. You won’t make me do things only because you told me that I can’t.” “You’re here doing a thing only because your friend told you that you can’t. How is that not being gullible?” “It’s not being gullible if I’m here with that as an excuse when in reality I want to fuck you on the backseat, Rabbit.”

You couldn’t see his face but you knew he was smiling as he opened the car’s door and with a dramatic gesture he invited you in.

You walked in front of him slowly, asking yourself what the fuck you were actually doing, and he was quick to follow you inside.

It was dark and warm and you decided to lie to yourself that the trembling sigh that escaped your lips was because you’ve been feeling cold before and not because you felt the Rabbit’s hands on your waist. You let him pull you in his lap and his palms slowly brushed your goosebumpy thighs first, then your torso, hovering over your breasts before they could grab your mask and take it away. You were breathing through your mouth and you desperately needed to see his expression upon seeing your face. With trembling fingers, you pulled the little white rabbit down and his eyes made an appearance first forcing you to inhale sharply. Masks slipping on the side, you both took in the view of each other. He did not speak a word and you didn’t either.

“Do-,” you started unsurely, “do we know each other? Have we met before?”

He blinked at you and you could tell he was as confused as you were. “I don’t think so,” he whispered and you finally realized how close he was.

Like a switch, when you moved he moved as well and you roughly hit your mouths together, his hands cupping your ass and your fingers curling in his hair. It was so fast and almost painful the way you embraced each other that you wondered just how horny some wine could make you become. He grunted as you suddenly bit his neck and just that sound made your blood boil. You knew how and where to touch him and when his fingers got underneath your dress it seemed like he knew your weak spots as well. You let go of his neck and grabbed his head as your nipples disappeared inside his mouth. His lips were cold just like his touch and it made you shiver.

_____

Doyoung noticed you the exact moment you walked onto the lawn.

Your legs were bare and he wondered why Jaemin dragged him to such a weird party.

“Just buy whatever,” the younger said behind a black ominous mask while examining himself in the mirror.

Doyoung hummed pensively and grabbed the white Rabbit.

“I wanted that one too but since I’m going to see the associate lady tonight again, I thought that something less stupid would be better,” commented Jaemin.

“So you think this is stupid?”

“It goes well with your vibe. Buy it,” he wiggled his eyebrows and for once Doyoung just sighed and shrugged.

“Ah come on, why are you not in a good mood tonight? We’ll have free food and alcohol tonight then free food and wine tomorrow.”

“I really don’t feel like coming. It makes no sense to throw a party before a party. I can’t believe you tricked me into coming to two parties.”

It was Jaemin’s turn to shrug. “These people have been travelling through all of Europe and shit. It’s their version of an afterparty. Like a rave. But it’s before the actual party and it’s on grass, with masks on and at 5 pm. You have to come.” "So there's going to be classical music and tea?"

The cashier ringed their items quickly and Jaemin took out his wallet to pay. “Why do you even get invited to all of these events?” Doyoung went on and added a pack of mints too. Jaemin smirked. “She likes me a lot, huh? Can’t wait to taste that sweet juicy pussy.” The cashier cleared her throat and was quick to dismiss them with her rightfully dry “have a good day”. “I just think she’s trying to gather customers for her wine. Don’t get your hopes up.” “She’ll want to gift me her wine after I’ll make her boun-”

Doyoung was so ready to accept an evening of him wandering around a party full of strangers talking in god knows what languages while his friend got it wet that when you pressed yourself on his crotch, nibbling at his neck and exhaling so deeply, he felt lightheaded.

You were with another guy and Doyoung watched you sit down on the cushions behind his group of friends. Your nude legs got even nuder as your white dress shifted up exposing your thighs. A sudden urge to spread them invaded his mind and he had to do something with his hands instead.

“Hey, guy with the rabbit mask!”

Doyoung turned his head around right in time to see you smack the dude on the face.

“Did that guy just tell you that his friend wants to fuck you?” Jaemin inquired with a giggle. Doyoung wondered how Jaemin could hear something like that at such a distance.

“I guess?” he agreed though. “And I want to fuck her too,” he heard himself add.

Jaemin’s mask looked as shocked as his expression underneath it.

“Why are you so bold all of a sudden? No, I mean, yes! Fuck her.”

Doyoung shook his head to get rid of the imaginary fog. “I was joking. Why are you getting so worked up?”

But when Jaemin finally disappeared suddenly, presumably to drink some wine with his lady, Doyoung could physically feel your eyes on his back as he walked down the hill towards the parking lot.

Your steps were light and you’d stop when he’d stop, unsuccessfully hiding behind the tall bushes of roses.

As he unlocked his car with a high toned beep, he leaned on the side of it and waited for you to approach him. A giggle left his chest when he saw you trying to find him in the middle of all of those cars.

“I am here,” he announced and you jolted.

Turning around you eyed him and stopped in place then took a timid step, then another until only a few separated you from him.

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m here because of a bet.”

You looked airy just like the moon on your mask and he thought you were adorable swinging your body weight from one foot to another like that.

“Sorry, your mask is-,” adorable, “-ridiculous. What’s the bet about?”

“My friend said that I wouldn’t be able to fuck you because I’m shy and I want to prove to him that I’m not.”

You were so bold that Doyoung felt his air miss from his lungs.

You slurred your words on purpose and he tried hard to pretend that he didn’t understand just to hear you say that you wanted him to fuck you again.

“What?” he asked.

You sighed. “MyfriendsaidthatIw-” “Okay, okay,” he raised his palms, “hold up. Talk slowly? Your friend what?” “Myfriendsaid-” “Can you just talk slowly, please?” “Nevermind.”

Fuck.

“Mooney, come back here.”

The air rustled with energy and he completely missed everything besides “I want to fuck you on the backseat” part and he had no idea how you got into the car and how he got you on his legs.

But now there you were, soft in his arms.

And when you took away your mask his head got drilled by a thousand questions. Your eyes, mirroring his expression as you slid his mask down, told him that you were thinking the same thing. Like two magnets you collided in a heated kiss and your scent was so familiar that Doyoung sighed when you let his lips go to breathe.

_____

Finally, finally, finally, your mind was chanting as the Rabbit moulded your body with his hands.

Your mind became mush so quickly that it was honestly embarrassing when you realized that you were riding his hardened cock. His lips on your neck seemed amused and after a moment he took away his fingers from your body, leaning back and watching you from under heavy lids.

You bit your lower lip and stopped with a certain difficulty, the burning sensation between your legs already boiling inside your veins.

"Go on."

His voice was sultry and raspy and your body reacted to it as if under a spell.

Your fingers on his shoulders deepened their hold and you closed your eyes for a brief moment before opening them again.

"Come on. Go on. Doesn't it feel good?"

He cooed, dragging one single finger across your bust, between your breasts and down on your stomach. His eyes wouldn't let a single expression of yours escape them.

"It would feel better if you fucked me."

The light in his irises twinkled.

"But I like to see you like this," he said before leaning in and letting his breath caressing your ear. "Desperate."

His voice was like a hiss and your skin shivered with goosebumps. You felt his open mouth on your nude shoulder, slowly going towards your clavicle and you extended your neck up to welcome him.

"Go on," he ordered again and your hips snapped, rolling on him, feeling the way your panties got pulled up as he slid his hands under your dress and twirled the sides around his fingers. It was frustrating as intoxicating and soon enough the windows of his car became misty from your heavy breaths.

"I hate this," you whined and he chuckled. "I can see that."

Almost completely lost in your foggy mind you jolted at a sudden snap and you stopped your motions just to see him slide your panties from between your legs and throw them to the front.

With a single pull, he pushed your now raw pussy on his clothed cock while his hands spread your ass, guiding your movements.

"Fuck," you gasped, feeling the rough material on your sensitive skin and it didn't take you a lot to go over the edge with fingers curled inside his hair and mouths open against each other. He drank your shaking moans, then without giving you a second to remember where you were, his arms wrapped your torso and pushed you under his weight. Your feet stopped on the window as you yelped and you desperately wanted to call his name when you felt his tongue lap at your wetness. His fingers were tightly wrapped around your thighs and when you moaned a few times in a row, your back arching and your body squirming in his hold, he palmed your stomach and pressed you down again.

_____

You looked like every sex dream Doyoung has ever had.

Arms thrown around your head, chest rising and falling, your sweet whimpers and soft skin, it drove him crazy. Your thighs pressing on the side of his head felt like everything he has ever wanted but wasn’t aware of.

Mine mine mine all mine. A weird possession sentiment swept him away and when he looked up at your fucked up expression he felt like shivering. With a plop he let your clit go and kept pumping his fingers inside of you, curling them right where you wanted him to, kissing your navel, licking your under breasts, sucking the skin in until it probably hurt, then sucking on your nipples, and finally on your lower lip. He wanted to see your face when you’d cum all over his fingers and when you gasped, wrapping his torso with your arms and trying to hide your face into the crook of his neck, he grabbed your chin and made you look at him. Your eyelids fluttered as he heard you swear multiple times and as he felt you clench so deliciously that he couldn’t wait to feel it around his aching cock instead. He wanted to rest a bit, maybe put his head on your soft chest and listen to your heartbeats but you were a stranger and you were hooking up in his car. So he sat on his knees between your legs instead, panting as if he were the one who just came, and he let his eyes trail on your naked body, licking his lower lip when he reached your wet core. He would have wanted to smear all of that on himself but he reached his jacket instead and took a condom out.

“Why do boys always carry a condom with them? You never know when you’d end up fucking?”

“Actually, when we carry a condom we never fuck and when we don’t have it we have the opportunity to fuck.”

“Well, today you’re lucky,” you smirked and he loved the way you tried to hide away your embarrassment with banter.

“Do you still want to do this?” he palmed your knee.

“Yes,” you nodded. “You didn’t cum.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Do you want it?”

Doyoung wondered what kind of expression he had on to make you light up so much.

You bit your lower lip and sat up suddenly, getting on your knees as well and turning around with a certain difficulty.

“Yes,” you said again and bent over.

Doyoung choked at the view and wondered what country he had saved in his previous life to deserve all of that.

_____

You dreamt about opening a winery probably since you tasted wine for the first time.

You loved it.

Sour, sweet, bitter, flowery, fruity, still and frizzy, you loved it all.

People thought you were crazy and no one supported you until you met your best friend in university.

“Are you kidding? I’d love to open a winery with you.”

The classroom was well lit and she looked like an angel against the sunny windows.

You looked at her with wide eyes. “Really?”

She hit your arm playfully. “Of course! I love wine and that sounds like a very cool idea.”

“Look, I’m actually very serious about this so if you’re saying this just to-,”

She took your hands and looked into your eyes. “Me too. We’ll do it. I promise.”

Now, years later you were looking around at the freshly painted venue and couldn’t believe your eyes.

You did it.

Tall ceilings and shelves full of your blood and sweat, you walked around slowly, one finger to gently tap on the various displayed bottles.

“Hey, hey, no touching. We’ve cleaned them up and they have to shine.”

Your friend appeared on your side and you smiled. Her dress was sleeveless and you made a face touching her arms.

“Have you been working out girl? What are these?”

She snapped her head down to look at herself. “I guess… uhm, it’s all of the exercises… uhm that I do.”

You took her sudden panic for embarrassment and cackled. “With the party guy?”

“Who?”

“Jaemin you said?” “Oh yeah! Yeah, we’re quite active, aha.”

“Well, to get those arms you might have done a lot of hardcore BDSM.” You laughed but your friend looked rather mortified.

“Aw, come on,” you gently elbowed her. “I also fucked the guy from yesterday,” you added to make her feel better. And she lit up so much at the news that she almost knocked over the bottles in front of you.

“And you tell me now? How did it go?” “Well, I guess. I don’t really want to think about it though. I don’t think I’m into hookups.”

_____

Doyoung didn't like hookups but when he stepped inside the winery's main hall and saw your legs again and the way your ass was wrapped in that short dress he desperately wanted to bury his cock in it.

"Not bad, huh?" Jaemin smiled at the waiter welcoming them with glasses of wine, before looking up at the nicely decorated venue.

"Yeah, not bad at all," Doyoung murmured as you turned around and he considered fucking your breasts too.

Then he cleared his throat as he took a glass of wine as well, feeling his neck warming up. He looked around as he sipped, suddenly conscious of people as if they could read his horny mind. At that moment, with his body acting up as if possessed, he wondered if the wine didn’t have some sort of aphrodisiac in it.

“Do you also feel a little funny?” Doyoung placed down the wine and reached for his tie to loosen it up.

Jaemin glanced over him and promptly looked down. “Uh-oh. Do we have an emergency?” he started to laugh and Doyoung closed his eyes briefly before opening them and turning around towards the buffet.

“Heh, did that girl do something to you? You were so upset when she left without saying anything.”

“It was just a hookup,” Doyoung murmured trying to understand what kind of food he was staring at.

“An amazing hookup if you get like this upon seeing her.”

“Not for her I guess.”

“So you are upset. Cupid worked hard last night,” he elbowed his friend.

“Give me a break. You’re also crushing on your lady.”

“Also? Kim Doyoung, are you crushing on the winery girl?”

He shook his head quickly putting a pastry in his mouth to have an excuse to not speak. Jaemin lightly hit him and Doyoung hit him back like kids in third grade when suddenly the lights became dimmer and you spoke into a mic.

_____

“Hey, have you seen Jeno?” you asked your friend after finishing your introductory discourse and let people finally get wasted as they wanted to. “Who?” “Jeno? The guy I’m always hanging out with? He should have been here by now but I don’t see him anywhere.”

Your friend made a perplexed face and you sighed. “You’re right. You’ve never met him before. You’re both my best friends so I always forget that you’ve never seen each other.”

“Well, I kinda know how he looks like, so if I see him then-,”

"So you stole my money,” a sudden voice at your back interrupted you and you turned around to lock eyes with none other than the Rabbit.

He was so good looking that you felt the urge to kiss him, yet his mocking face made you so irrationally mad that you felt like slapping him too.

You put your hands on your hips and raised your chin. "Proof?"

You were still panting last evening trying hard to stop shaking from your third orgasm in a row. The Rabbit did a lot of things to you and you wondered why you didn’t hook up with strangers more often if that was the outcome. His wallet was on the seat in front of you and for a split second, you smiled wondering if he carried a family photo in it. His back looked very broad as he stood outside the car and presumably tried to make himself pee with a half-hard penis but probably failing. A sudden voice startled you and Doyoung replied to it. You quickly pulled down your dress and eyed the ripped panties on the steering wheel. Shit. You tried to grab them but the dude talking to Doyoung took a few steps closer so you retreated. "Fucked her good just like you planned?" Your face scrunched in a pout and you suddenly found yourself very upset. Doyoung didn't reply anything but you weren't sure that he didn't make a face. It was a good night. You had fun and a good-looking dude made you cum. You fucked him good just like you planned too. Then why did you feel a little used? Maybe you weren’t acquainted with the hookup culture, or maybe deep down you hoped that the sudden attraction you felt for the Rabbit was magical, but suddenly you felt very weird and a wave of disgust invaded you.

He was definitely not your soulmate and you should just get out of there.

You opened the door slowly on your side, quietly looking over your shoulder to make sure that they wouldn’t hear you. Feet on the ground you eyed the wallet again and you opened it. Not to check his family photo as you previously wanted to, but to get all of his cash. You swallowed a chuckle and ran away up the hill back to the restaurant’s garden.

He scoffed. "You’re a terrible thief. I make you cum and you steal from me?"

"You look like a rich guy. You deserved it. Also, you ripped my panties."

"And you liked it."

You clenched your jaw. "It wasn't even good sex."

His jaw's muscles flinched too. "You probably couldn't walk properly."

"Yeah, because of the cramped car not because of your cock."

"I think you have a loss of memory all of a sudden. Do I have to remind you how my cock feels like?"

"Sure. Then I will be able to say to your face that it doesn’t feel good.”

_____

"Fuck, it feels so fucking good."

Dragging you by the wrist, Doyoung shoved you in the first room he found and pressed you against the cold wall.

"I can't believe I'm about to have sex in the rosés showroom," you spoke with a breathy voice and when Doyoung pressed his open lips on yours you realized that you didn’t even know his name.

One thing is hooking up with a dude in his car while drunk, another thing is choosing to fuck him consciously on the opening of your new business and completely sober.

Although, when he started to kiss your jaw and neck, his tongue slowly creeping out and tickling your nerves, your mind felt so hazy that you wondered if you somehow had something to drink already and couldn’t remember.

Didn’t you hate the guy just a few moments ago?

“Do you really have to wear these dresses and drive me insane?” he whispered on your lips as his hands pulled up the dress in question.

You wanted to reply with something smartass but honestly, you chose that dress with him in mind.

Somehow, while browsing your closet for the big day, your mind could not stop thinking about the Rabbit boy. Your mixed feelings towards him confused you and you'd go on weird tangents of complete hatred and high adoration thinking about his face between your legs.

Certain that he’d come to the opening too, you carefully wore each piece of clothing you had, looking at yourself in the mirror and imagining he was the one looking at you through your eyes. Would he like the split on your thigh? Or would he like the way the dress accentuated your breasts more? Without realizing your hands were on your bust going up slowly, gently kneading your soft skin, cupping your boobs and flicking your nipples. Then one moved on your stomach, then on your thigh and just like that you started to moan.

And you were moaning at that moment too as the Rabbit lightly caressed your clit with the tip of his cock. You pushed your hips towards him to get more and he pushed you back into the wall, one hand reaching for your mouth and slipping the thumb on your tongue. You twirled it around his digit and sucked, lightly choking when he reached farther and choking again when you finally felt his cock fill you up too.

“You have to be quiet, Y/N.”

Your name on his lips made you tremble.

He probably heard it during the welcoming discourse or read it on the pamphlets and the fact that he knew it and you didn’t know his one, made you feel vulnerable in a pleasant way.

Or maybe it was the way his hand gripped the softness of your thigh, keeping it up on his hip, or maybe his own hips pushing inside of you that made you feel like turning into mush.

“Will you be quiet for me or am I fucking you too good?” he took away his finger and you gasped for air, your whines getting louder.

“As I thought,” he mocked you. “It wasn’t even good sex, she said.”

You bit your lower lip and hid your face into the crook of his neck but he pulled you away, cupping your cheek. “You have to look at me. I want to see this pretty face when you cum.”

Your eyes fluttered as his cock basically decided to rearrange your guts and you dug your fingers into his shoulders with a teeth-gritted moan.

“Are you close, baby?” You nodded breathlessly, the sudden pet-name just making it impossible for you to not beg to make you cum.

“You want me to make you cum?”

You nodded again. “Gonna cum- so hard-,”

The Rabbit thrust a few times more into you and suddenly pulled out.

You gasped as if mortally offended but unable to move a muscle.

"I don't think so."

His smirk made you swallow your own spit and he held your waist when he took a step back after letting your leg down.

“Hey! Come on!”

Dragging you away just like before he made you walk towards the party hall. His iron grip made it impossible for you to just go away and finish yourself and honestly, it would have been quite pathetic.

You moved as if drunk, fingers visibly shaking and mind clouded in the middle of the crowd.

"Fuck, I'll make you pay for this."

He smiled at you and intertwined his fingers with yours before lifting both of your hands and placing a kiss on your knuckles.

"Yes darling, I've already paid last time," he replied as a few curious people looked your way and saw just a random couple chatting peacefully.

You took a deep breath and tried to smile unbothered, imitating Doyoung's relaxed expression.

"It was just a joke. Do you want those couple of bucks back?”

He tilted his head to the side. “No. Let’s say I had paid you for your services.”

You disregarded him and opened your clutch, retrieving a few dollars. With a quick hand, you shoved them halfway inside Doyoung's pants making sure others didn't stare.

"Thank you for today’s fuck too then, slut."

_____

To say that it was easy for Doyoung to stop feeling you around his cock and pretend he wasn’t about to lose his mind when he couldn’t cum either, would be the biggest lie of the universe. But your frustrated expression, trembling limbs and glossy eyes made it all worth it.

“Where have you been?”

Jaemin handed him a glass of white wine and Doyoung took it absentmindedly. When he brought it to his mouth and had a sip he almost spit it back inside.

“What the fuck is this?”

Jaemin chuckled. “The winery’s speciality.”

“This is disgusting.”

“I had a whole bottle of that yesterday so now I’m used to it.”

“Why is it so sour?”

Jaemin hit his shoulder lightly to bring his attention to something and when Doyoung raised his gaze he saw your furious aura staring at them from a few steps away.

“Maybe the lady behind the recipe is sour as well,” he joked. “I lied when I asked you where you’ve been. Saw you together just now. Did you not fuck her good enough?”

Doyoung smiled and took another sip of the wine, barely being able to not make a face for a second time. “I fucked her so good that now she’s mad.”

“From her expression, she doesn’t look very pleased with the experience. And in fact,” Jaemin added quickly, grabbing Doyoung’s arm since he got distracted by the red wine, “she’s probably seeking a better one.”

You were chuckling at some dude’s pick-up line and accepted to disappear with him out of Doyoung’s sight.

The sweet dessert wine he tasted felt as sour as the first one.

_____

“Is the person I’m thinking about my soulmate?” “You already know the answer to that.”

You bit your lower lip unsure.

“What do you want me to say?” the lady smiled. “Yes or no.” “Why don’t you have faith?”

You leaned back in your chair and let your gaze fall on the decorations on the tarot reader’s desk. The little obsidian stones reminded you of the dude’s eyes and it made you irrationally angry.

You wanted to make him jealous.

You wanted him to come up to you and grab your hand or something and make the boring-ass guy that approached you to leave.

But he didn’t.

If he really were your soulmate, wouldn’t you both feel it? Were you just going crazy? Were you lonely enough that you weighed your every desire on him?

“I saw him just twice and I don’t even know his name,” you sighed, talking almost to yourself.

You probably unconsciously pouted because the Lady smiled kindly at you. She was no therapist but she gladly accepted to talk to you again after your first encounter.

“Does he match the description the cards gave you?”

“Well, he does have a very big cock, yeah,” you started. “Uhm, yes, it was that type of meeting,” you explained quickly before she could judge but the woman didn’t look unfazed. In fact, she was quite pleased to hear that.

“You think that meeting your soulmate is just seeing them and everything falls into place. But it’s harder than that. You still have to want it and you still have to work for the union. So many people missed the opportunity to get with their soulmate because they didn’t work hard enough.”

“Well, shouldn’t this be meant to be or something? Even if I make mistakes?”

The Lady tilted the head to the side and for a split second you felt as if talking to a lost best friend. “We have a lot of choice in life. Everything is out there ready for you and you will get help but only if you have faith it will happen.”

_____

“You again?” he asked, fakely annoyed.

You’ve always brushed off your mom’s words.

“At least take your sweatpants out of your knee-high socks.” “It’s just the convenience store at the corner, mom. It’s not like I will meet my soulmate tonight at 10 pm.”

But you actually met him and it was terrible.

The packs of instant ramen in your hands trembled a little as the Rabbit dude passed one hand through his hair waiting for a normal human reaction from you.

“What are you doing here?”

“Buying groceries for dinner,” he explained then eyed your snacks. “You too, I see.”

You tried to not let his subtle mockery get to you. “Yeah but why in this store in particular?”

“You’re wondering if this is fate?” he giggled.

But actually, Doyoung was the first to wonder if it was fate.

He has never really thought of the Lady’s words in detail, nor he believed in any of it, but when he first saw you descending the hill with your moon costume as if you were the actual moon, his mind independently carved the thought of how nice it would be for you to be his soulmate.

“I live in this neighbourhood and I assume you do too since you’re dressed like this,” he let his eyes fall and he looked at your stained pyjama pants.

A wave of heat passed through your whole body and for the first time, it wasn’t pleasure.

Your real soulmate would have never said that.

Embarrassed, you cleared your throat.

“Well, see you around then.” Turning on your heels, you didn’t wait for him to greet you back.

“Did that guy make you cum?”

You stopped so suddenly that the first two packs of ramen fell to your feet. You grunted and tried to bend but it was impossible to grab them without making the others fall too. With the corner of your eye, you saw the rabbit boy’s hands retrieving your stuff and when he got up again you felt his skin on the back of your hands as he pulled the remaining packs from you and let them fall in his cart. “Thank you.”

“Answer my question.”

You gulped but put on a brave face.

“This is not a conversation to have in the condiments aisle.�� “Then come to my apartment.”

The intensity in his voice made your heart beat faster and then you blinked at his back as he turned around the cart and made his way towards the register.

“Wait, my ramen!”

He didn’t acknowledge you and greeted the cashier good evening. You awkwardly stood beside him as they beeped all of his fancy groceries.

“Uhm-,” you extended your hands to get your ramen but they beeped that too without batting an eye and the rabbit bagged everything in a few seconds.

“I- I could have- why-?” you followed him. “Now I have to pay you back.” “You gave me enough money last time.”

You crossed your arms on your chest as Doyoung placed the bags inside his car's trunk.

“That was for-,” you started but stopped realizing that you were about to talk about sex on a busy street in front of your corner grocery store.

He smiled. “Yeah?”

“Give me my ramen now.”

“Get inside,” he indicated with his head and without missing a beat he got behind the wheel.

“Why do you even drive if you live in the neighbourhood?” You entered and sighed, trying to put on the seat belt. “The groceries are heavy.” “Do you even lift?” “I love lifting women but not groceries.” “You lift other women and I can’t get a guy to make me cum without you asking me questions about it?”

Doyoung looked at you with a little smile as you stopped at the red sign. “Does the thought of me with other women make you upset or am I imagining things?” “Does the thought of guys making me cum make you upset?” you retorted. “Yes.”

You choked on air and the movement of the car starting again made your body press back on the seat. You didn’t expect that.

“Then why did you make me leave with him?”

Your voice got tiny and you hoped he didn’t actually hear you because at the same moment you realized that it was a little embarrassing. But his sudden glance told you that he did. His gaze returned towards the street and his adam apple travelling up and down his throat told you that he didn’t know what to say.

“Why did you leave with him?” he eventually asked.

It was your turn to not speak.

Not in a million years you’d admit to a stranger you wanted to make him jealous. A stranger that put his dick in you twice, but a stranger nevertheless.

“We just talked a bit. I was bored.” “So I guess he didn’t make you cum.” “I don’t do hookups,” you said before realizing what you’ve just said. “I mean-,” you looked at him and he blinked back. Fuck. You told the hookups guy that you didn’t do hookups.

“I mean, without being attracted to the person a lot. And that dude was not attractive,” you tried to explain fighting the urge to hide your face away.

“Thank you. I’m also crazily attracted to you.”

The car’s air became a little heavier and you thought that if you touched it with a single finger it would buzz as if made of electricity.

The walk to the apartment complex was almost urgent. His hands didn't leave your body once when you reached the elevator as if he suddenly forgot what personal space was and when you got to his door he firstly slammed you against it, hands quick to get under your shirt.

"Hey," you eyed the elevator's lights behind his back as he started to kiss your neck. "Someone's coming." "Let them come." The skin he sucked in made your eyes flutter and you whined feeling his fingers so close to where you needed them but so far away. "No, seriously. I think they're going to stop here." Doyoung hummed unbothered but you felt his hand press the code behind your back. Right when the elevator doors opened and you made eye contact with a cute little old lady, the door behind you opened too and you yelped falling backwards. Doyoung was quicker though and he held your waist, pulling you back into the kiss and closing the door with his heel.

Shoes off and no time wasted, you were suddenly bent over some sort of furniture and your pants got pulled down.

A single silent gasp left your mouth when you felt Doyoung's lips on the back of your thighs and when his fingertips grated at your sides pulling your panties down to your knees you started to pant. His hot breath tickled your pussy and you shifted in his hold. Doyoung's hands grabbed your ass to keep you in place and slapped one of your cheeks when he licked up a stripe between them.

You whined once and put your head down and closed your eyes, fingers mindlessly grabbing whatever Doyoung kept on the cabinet. When he pushed his fingers inside, your back arched and his cologne fell to the side with the cap open. The sudden scent of it made you even wetter and Doyoung hummed appreciatively with his mouth full.

"It feels so good," you whined again, imperceptibly grinding on him, brain not understanding when you got so horny all of a sudden.

"Please please please make me cum this time," you begged, looking behind you and seeing his hands spreading you all out for him before his fingers could find spots inside of you that you weren't aware of having.

"I kinda wish you'd beg some more," you heard the note of amusement in his voice.

His hands didn't stop though and before you could form any words your whole body contracted and lifted itself on the tiptoes, knees buckling and head light. Doyoung's airy breath met your spine and he held you in his arms to prevent you from slipping on the ground, kissing your back up slowly until meeting the shoulders.

"Good girl," he brushed your ear with his lips and you remained with your eyes closed, breathing heavily and when he made you turn around, you felt your body weak as if it was made of jello. He pulled you towards himself and you heard his chuckle buzz inside of his chest. In a second he threw you on his shoulder and you let out a little cry, your limbs dangling around him.

"I didn't know you were this strong."

He walked a few steps and turned left inside a dark corridor. You tried to look around but you barely noticed anything before he gently placed you down to sit on the bed.

"You don't know a lot of things about me."

When you raised your head to meet his face you smiled tiredly.

"I don't even know your name."

He tilted his head to the side amused. "Doyoung."

"Doyoung," you repeated, feeling the sounds on your tongue.

It felt very right.

Then his eyes fell on your naked legs and you sucked the air in, suddenly rolling in his bed, one piece of blanket to cover you up.

Doyoung, still standing by the bed, put his hands on the hips and furrowed his eyebrows.

"I'm here with my pussy all out. That's so embarrassing,” you explained.

"Yeah. I've just seen it up close just one minute ago."

"I'm having post nut clarity," you added, voice muffled and only the top of your head poking out the impromptu burrito.

"Well, I'm not having any post nut clarity since I didn't nut, so to me, it's not embarrassing."

"Oh my God you're right!" you eyed his crotch and sat up.

"It's alright. I didn’t plan to do anything else anyway. Just wanted to cook you dinner actually since I’ve already eaten," he sat near you chuckling and took off his shoes. "My mom would hit me in the head if she knew I walked up to the bedroom with these-," but then he gasped softly as you placed a kiss to his nape. Your arms wrapped his torso in a back hug just as your legs did with his waist, draping them in his thighs. His hands automatically started to palm your knees as you made your way towards the base of his neck.

“I don’t have any condoms,” he whispered as to stop you.

Your fingers found the hem of his shirt very quickly and you lifted it, loving the way it ruffled his hair after you threw it somewhere on the floor. Having his bare back in front of you made you lose track for a moment and when you touched his chest you realized it was the first time that you actually saw him naked.

“We don’t need them for what I want to do to you,” you murmured.

He breathed in shakily. “Well, we’re responsible adults so you have to know that I also don’t do hookups so I’m completely clean but if you don’t want to--ah shit-,” he almost whined when you let your hand down his abs to palm his crotch slowly.

He turned so cute all of sudden that your tummy did backflips as you kissed his jawline.

“Are you saying that you want to fuck me raw?” you whispered amused.

His cock twitched under his pants and he bit his lower lip.

“Does the thought turn you on, Doyoung? Feeling me around you, soft and wet until you can’t take it anymore? Huh?” You cooed, pouting your lips as you pronounced his name, savouring it on your tongue.

His breathing increased and you wondered how he still kept it all together.

“Cumming inside of me? Having your warm cum spill out-,”

He turned around suddenly and you let him push you down on the bed but only for a moment. The kisses you started to litter on his neck made his hold weaker and he threw his head into the pillow as you got on top of him. You kissed his chest slowly, then went down until you could finally pass your tongue on that single vein under his navel’s skin.

"I'm so on edge that I might cum only with a single touch," he breathed out and you smiled on his stomach at his honest side, whining a little when he slid his fingers into your hair as if to urge you to go on quicker.

"You should have told me," you sat on his thighs and slowly fumbled with his belt.

He bit his lower lip and watched the little show you put on for him.

"Well, now you know and you still want to torture me like this."

You lifted one corner of your mouth as you finally unbuttoned his pants.

"I think you deserve it, don't you think?"

He shook his head. "Not one bit. I've been good to you."

"Oh really? Then why don't you show me again what a good boy you can be and beg me to finally touch you?"

"You really think you can use my ways with me?"

You opened your mouth to reply but every word died in your throat as he reached down and pulled out his cock, pumping it up himself, a single shaking sigh of relief coming out of his mouth. "Shit-," he closed his eyes and pushed his head back, exposing his neck as his adam apple went up and down. You couldn't take your eyes off him and the sounds he started to make hit you right between the legs. His tip poked out of his fist as he fucked himself and for the first time in your life you were dying to suck a cock.

"Doyoung-," you breathed out but his hisses made you gulp, feeling your mouth dry at the sudden spurts of cum on his lower stomach.

"Shit," his chest rose and fell heavily and his eyes looked black underneath his heavy lids. Without being able to take it anymore you bent down and licked his tip sending shots of electricity through all of his body.

"Ah- Y/N-,"

You sucked his cock clean and, letting it out with a lewd pop, you smirked.

"Now you're going to take it."

And he took it well, cupping your head as it bobbed up and down, not without the most sinful sounds you've ever heard a man emit. As he placed his other hand on your cheek, you slid your own fingers down your stomach and reached your aching clit.

"Ride me?" he caressed your face with his thumbs and you looked up, basking in his fucked up expression.

With a wet sound, you let his cock out, licking his tip once to break the string of saliva attached to it and moved upwards on his body.

His hands were quick to grab your sides and when you started to grind on him he inhaled shakily, eyes piercing the way his shaft slid through your lips. Then he grabbed your shirt and roughly pulled it up, making you discard it in a second.

One hand to guide your ass and one hand to grope at your breasts and you were almost cumming again. And when he reached behind you and you felt his cock poke at your entrance you lost strength in your arms and leaned down on his chest, your breasts squeezed and your skin rubbing on each other when he started to thrust into you.

His hips' movements were deep and sharp and when you raised your bust enough for your nipples to rub on his chest he squeezed your ass and spanked it once making you moan loudly and fall back on him. So near to your orgasm, you dug your fingers into his arms not worrying about the little marks your nails left on his skin.

And then he stopped with a grunt.

You whined and opened your eyes to see him smirk.

"Fuck you, not again," you whispered breathlessly. "Yeah, fuck me."

And you bit your lower lip, lifting yourself up by putting your palms on his chest and started to bounce on his cock. Doyoung started to breathe with his mouth and he let his hands rest on his sides enjoying the way you were so desperately trying to chase your high.

Your thighs were burning and your mind was clouded but you didn't stop and when you started to call his name, Doyoung finally grabbed your waist again, taking the lead and finally sending you over the edge.

You finally cried out and pushed your face into the crook of his neck biting down on his skin as he kept going, not giving you a moment to breathe.

And when you heard him choke against your ear too, a string of profanities lingering in his lips you felt his hot cum fill you up, but getting slowly fucked back in with his last thrusts.

You remained like that both breathless for some time, his hands gently cupping your face to look at you. His eyebrows furrowed and he quickly dried your wet eyes.

"Are you okay? Was that too much?"

The concern in his voice made your heart swell and you shook your head.

"I'm feeling very good," you smiled and his expression relaxed a bit.

As he pulled out you felt his semen slide on your thigh and pool where your stomaches we're meeting.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Doyoung. I was just getting frustrated as always when I’m around you.”

His hands went up and down your back as if soothing your skin. “I love how my name sounds on your lips. It feels like I’ve somehow waited my whole life to hear it.”

You blinked a few times, the sudden sweet words so weird in his mouth that you raised your head to look at him.

He looked back as shocked as you.

"Wow, I feel so sticky," he changed the subject as you opened your lips to talk. You eyed the little buds of sweat on his forehead and imagined you looked as spent as him.

"Are you also having post nut clarity?" "Yes. Everything is clear." "What's clear?" "This was one of the best nuts of my life and I want to do it again."

_____

Unable to stand on your own legs without shaking you remained sprawled on Doyoung's bed for a while, eyes heavy with sleep.

"The groceries are still in the car," he said while zipping his pants.

He offered to take a shower together but your growling tummy interrupted him so now you were alone in the bathtub, lazily lathering up your skin and waiting for him to come back from the parking lot.

Relaxed from the good fuck and the hot water, you looked around curious, checking out his toiletries as if they could tell you more about this mysterious Doyoung guy.

Perhaps it was too soon but as you collected the soapy water to blow on it you felt like falling in love a little.

A little smile crept on your lips when you heard the entrance door open and close with a thud and you looked in the mirror to check on yourself before Doyoung could barge in. As if he didn't fuck you while you were looking crazy just moments before that.

"That was very quick-," you started but squealed and put your hands on your chest as a man entered the bathroom not looking like your Doyoung at all.

"Oh my God!" the guy jumped back a little before starting to laugh.

"Who are you?"

"You scared the shit out of me. Why are you here in the dim light?" the young man kept going without answering.

You blinked at him. "It's relaxing."

"I'm Jaemin. Doyoung's flatmate," he finally explained and you wondered why he looked at you as if knowing you. "And you must be the winery girl."

You tilted your head to the side. "Winery girl? Do you know me?"

"I kinda go out with your friend? The other winery girl?"

You widened your eyes. "You're the BDSM guy?"

For the first time since he entered the bathroom, Jaemin looked flustered.

"Exactly what did she tell you about us?" he scratched the back of his head.

You giggled. "My friend has been very happy lately. I know enough to make sure you're treating her well."

Jaemin's eyes lit up and you thought he was so cute to have a crush on your friend. Your mind suddenly thought of Doyoung and wondered if he might have a crush on you too.

"Think of the devil," you murmured as Doyoung appeared behind Jaemin with the groceries bags.

"You were thinking of me?" he smiled then suddenly realized the whole situation. "Why the hell are you looking at my naked girl?" he tried to tackle the other. Jaemin chuckled and took a few steps back in the corridor.

"Had no idea she was here, I swear!"

_____

My girl.

You were sitting timidly at the dinner table, wearing Doyoung's clothes and looking at Jaemin's back as he prepared the food. The water running in the bathroom and Doyoung's faint singing voice made you chuckle.

He said, my girl.

You put your hands to your cheeks.

"You really like him."

You jolted and raised your head to see Jaemin comforting eyes.

Batting your lashes you wondered what kind of expression you had on and with a little note of panic, you wondered if it was that easy for Doyoung to see it too.

"This is a secret between us," Jaemin started lowering his voice, "but I think he likes you too. You really look like his soulmate now that I think about it."

You were about to melt but his last words made you snap out of the dream.

"His soulmate?" you questioned, suddenly very interested.

Jaemin shook his head as if to not give him any importance but upon seeing your curious eyes he placed the lid on the pot and sat down in front of you.

"So it was new years," he started and you gulped. He then stopped to giggle, remembering the scene as if it played in front of himself. "We were drunk as fuck. We went to like three different parties and I was wasted. I don't know if you're familiar with the place but there's a tarot reader downtown. We were bored so we decided to go there."

Your head felt suddenly very light. "And what happened?" you asked with a faint voice.

"Oh, we made a fool out of ourselves for sure, but the woman was nice and did a reading for Doyoung. I don't remember much but I kinda remember the physical descriptions. And you scarily look like that a lot."

You swallowed again and you felt your mouth dry.

"And does Doyoung remember?"

"Remember what?"

You gasped when Doyoung appeared on your side, a towel around his neck as he used one end to dry the back of his head.

"I was telling Y/N about the soulmate thing, you know? When the lady told you that they'd be coming around summer?"

Doyoung's pupils trembled a little but then he turned around and headed towards the fridge.

"Ah yeah. I don't believe any of that though," he said and poured himself a glass of water.

You looked at his profile as he drank and then noticed Jaemin's pitiful expression.

"I got a reading on new year's too in the exact same place," you confessed and the silence afterwards felt heavy.

"And your soulmate was someone that looks like me?" Doyoung joked and Jaemin giggled awkwardly.

Your heart stung very painfully but you let out a dry chuckle too.

“I don’t believe in it either. But it was very fun,” you lied.

“I should have done a reading too,” Jaemin commented.

"I'm starving," Doyoung lifted the lid and his friend got closer to stir again.

Their voices talking about ingredients felt muffled as you tried hard to swallow your stupid tears.

_____

You had no idea why you believed the soulmates story.

Maybe you were lonely or just plain bored but the idea of having a designated person you could be with during your lifetime felt very comforting. Especially since the Lady told you to have faith.

Doyoung seemed to fit every category and you were so insanely attracted to him that it did not make sense for him to not be your soulmate. But do soulmates appear then disappear from your life, leaving behind nothing besides your memories of them?

Maybe you should have given him your number after you left his apartment that night, but reflecting about it with a cold mind, you did well to not seek him out given his reaction to the whole soulmates discourse.

He was definitely not your soulmate. It shouldn’t have been this hard.

Looking at your desk you sighed at the amount of work you had to do for the day and you imagined Doyoung walking through your door just like soulmates in movies would do. Then you shook your head trying to get those intrusive thoughts out of your head.

Enough.

But it was so difficult, especially as your eyes kept falling on his cologne, partially hidden behind your pens.

You grabbed it suddenly intending to throw it out.

"Oh sorry, I made this fall," you eyed the bottle of perfume on the cabinet by the entrance as you put on your shoes. With quick hands you grabbed it but before placing the cap on, you brought it to your face and smelled it again. "It's very nice." Doyoung, seeing you out, was leaning on the wall. "Do you like it?" You nodded. "You can keep it." You hesitated, wondering if he was joking or not. "Think of me," his eyebrows wiggled amused and if you wouldn't have been so exhausted you would have begged him to take you against the same cabinet again.

Now, eyes closed, you were thinking of him indeed as you smelled that cologne, a shy hand slowly creeping up your thigh.

No. You weren't about to masturbate at work but the temptation was so big that you jolted as if awoken from a dream when your phone rang.

You breathed in and out as if to calm down and picked it up.

"Y/N speaking."

"Hi, soulmate."

His voice made you physically shiver and your heart started to beat so fast inside your ears that you were afraid Doyoung could hear it too.

"How did you get my number?"

"I don't have your number. This is the winery's one and I googled it."

You bit your lower lip feeling stupid.

"Yeah, yeah, you're right. Sorry, I'm a little tired."

"Have you been working a lot lately?"

"Yes," you replied and it was true, but it wasn't work that clouded and exhausted your mind.

"You need a pause then. Do you want me to help you relax?"

His low and amused tone made your legs shift and you changed their position.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Are you alone?"

"Yes," you almost whispered.

"Then close your eyes for me."

You did timidly and the increase of your breath probably was a confirmation for him that you listened because he went on soon after.

"Now touch your neck slowly with your fingertips. Go down to your clavicle then gently cup your breasts."

"This is making me shiver," you breathed out.

"Good. I bet you're wearing a thin bralette and your perked nipples are poking through."

You sighed as you touched them and smiled at Doyoung's correct intuition.

"Yes," you replied.

"Can you play with them as I would if I were there?"

You whined and bit your lower lip trying to resist the urge.

"Doyoung-," this is a little inappropriate and honestly, kinda rude of you, especially since you went mia suddenly and now you want to pick up from where you left, you intended to say but didn’t manage to.

"Do it," he commanded and your hand flew to your breasts and started to play with your nipples as if it didn't belong to you anymore.

"Good girl. Does it feel good?"

"Yes," you whispered.

"Speak up love."

"I can't be loud."

"Oh really? Then, now slip one hand under your panties and rub your clit. I bet you're soaking wet and let's see if you'll be able to not be loud."

His voice sounded like a hypnotic melody and you didn't even question it when you found yourself with the fingers gently pressing on your clit in little circles. Your breath got quicker and heavier, the grip on the phone was even stronger.

"Doyoung-,"

"Yes, babe? Does it feel good?" he cooed.

"It feels so fucking good-,"

"Can you slip a finger in for me too, love?"

You nodded even if he couldn't see you and you did as he wished, the stretch so unsatisfying in comparison to Doyoung's girth to make you whine frustrated.

"I- I wished you fucked me instead-,"

"Okay then," he replied calmly and for a split second, you wondered if the whole phone sex thing was not something you weren’t good at to make him reply so dryly when the door to your office opened and Doyoung took his tongue out at you.

His sudden presence made you so flustered that you promptly pulled your fingers away as if he caught you doing it instead of being the one ordering you around.

"What are you doing here?" you put your phone down with a shaking hand.

He walked lazily towards your desk and put a paper bag on it. "Brought you your clothes."

You looked at them. "How did you get in? My secretary-,"

"Told him I was your boyfriend."

You felt the air stop inside your lungs at his words but you couldn't do much as Doyoung suddenly bent down with hands on the desk and took your still wet fingers into his mouth.

You gasped softly as he sucked on them slowly, letting his tongue collect every single drop of your wetness, his deep eyes flickering with amusement at your visible lust.

And you were so horny that you didn't even question it when he grabbed your wrists and made you stand. You took a step towards him but he pulled you by the waist and turned you around, pushing you towards the desk with his hips and pressing himself into your ass until you were bent over.

"You look amazing like this, just like a little slut waiting for my cock, ain't I right?"

You gasped for air as he pressed one palm on your spine and the other slowly raised your skirt.

"You keep dressing like this at work. No wonder your secretary was so upset to hear that I was your boyfriend. Do you want us to put on a little show for him? So he knows his place."

His fingers drawing lines up and down your clothed pussy prevented you from forming any words and when you felt your panties slip to the side and heard Doyoung's zip you inhaled aching to feel him inside.

But he didn't touch you where you wanted him to.

"Answer me," he slapped your ass and you curved your neck up with a hiss.

"If you finally fuck me good enough perhaps I'll be loud enough for him to hear me."

Another slap.

"Are you being a brat now? Should I not make you cum just like-,"

"Nonononono please please no please--" the string of begging erupted out of you way too easily and it was interrupted by Doyoung's dry laugh and hard cock finally slipping inside.

You exhaled deeply and he grunted, bottoming out until you felt his hip bones on your ass.

He remained still then he snapped.

"Fuck fuck Doyoung--ah!" you cried out.

"Louder."

Your voice would have increased in volume without him ordering that but it certainly added to the whole desk creaking and skin slapping symphony.

One of his hands was palming your ass while the other pulled you towards him by the waist, but then he changed his mind and grabbed your arms by the elbows, pulling your torso up and making you curve your spine.

You cried out his name again and stared at his reflection in the window in front of you. Eyebrows furrowed and a couple of strands of his hair fallen from the styled fringe made his gaze even deeper when you locked eyes.

Then he smiled wickedly and a shiver shook your body knowing that nothing good will come out of that. And soon enough he let go of your arms and held your bust instead while the other wrapped your throat. You gasped for air and he attached his teeth to your shoulder sucking deeply and slowly, so different to the pace of his quick hips.

Your desk phone rang and Doyoung held you harder as an indication to not even think about it. Not that you even cared about besides the way his cock was stretching you all out.

The string of your choked moans just increased their tempo until you shuddered in his arms with a cry, so hard and so suddenly that his hips stopped and he let go of your throat in a second, holding your body and breathing deeply with you until you didn't whine anymore.

A kiss on the cheek then on the neck and you turned your head around, searching for his lips.

Your phone rang again and he smiled.

"Answer."

"But you're still-,"

He grabbed the phone, placing it to your ear and you had nothing else to do than breathe heavily and greet with a shaking and hoarse voice.

You understood the first three words of the person talking on the other side before Doyoung pushed you on the desk again and started to thrust into you, this time seeking his own high.

You gritted your teeth and rotated your torso to be able to place your palm on his stomach and push your nail into his shirt.

The look in your eyes just made him even more amused.

“Yes, yes, no, could you please repeat that?”

And even if the voice on the other line kindly repeated itself, your eyes rolled inside of your head and your body moved back and forth on the desk making you not understand a single thing.

It was so highly unprofessional and inappropriate that it made your blood boil with pleasure. You hung up, making a mental note to call back and use the ‘line went dead’ excuse.

Doyoung didn’t like that independence a single bit and he made sure to show you as you suddenly found yourself standing, no cock to stretch you out anymore and his hands on your waist turning your around.

“On your knees.”

You slipped down in front of him with hands on his stomach then you let them fall on his soft suit pants.

The veins on his hand were popping when he grabbed his cock and lightly hit your lips with its tip. You let out your tongue and let it bounce on it, leaning in to be able to catch in between your lips.

Doyoung tutted and took half a step back making your suck on air.

“When and how I say so,” he murmured and got closer again.

His other hand grabbed your head and kept you in place, fully controlling the way he pushed his shaft between your lips, slowly smearing his precum on them.

“I really want to let my cum slide down your throat right now.”

You opened your mouth eagerly and he smiled wickedly.

It reached the back of your throat in one go and you gagged, pressing your nails into his thighs. Heavy on your tongue, you couldn’t move so it was Doyoung to slowly thrust his hips, increasing his movements until you started to drool.

“Fuck, you’re so good-,”

Short-breathed and fingers tightening in your hair you could feel him reaching his orgasm soon.

You lifted your gaze up and when he pulled out to make your breath you cupped his balls with one hand and took him inside of your mouth again.

He choked and started to grunt, meeting your movements with his erratic ones until he went suddenly still and you whined feeling his cum hit the back of your throat.

You swallowed quickly making him hiss as he thrust a couple of times more and he pulled out slowly, a string of saliva and his seed to connect your tongue to his tip.

“You’re amazing. You know that?” he whispered with a raspy voice. His fingers caressed your cheeks and lips as you looked up at him panting.

_____

“Do you want me to hit him with my car?”

Knowing him, it wasn’t a joke so you lightly hit his thigh. “Jeno!”

He chuckled.

Meeting your soulmate - it should have been electrical, like two magnets meeting each other.

The first moment you saw his shoulders, you knew it was him. Before you even saw his face and learned his name, you sighed in relief. Finally, you’ve found him and you were at home.

Then why was it so difficult to just be with Doyoung?

He fucked you good and kissed your lips. He made sure you were okay after fucking your throat and even massaged your feet as you tried to catch your breath on the couch inside your office.

“Can you please bring us, like, something to drink and some snacks?” Doyoung opened the door and talked to a very mortified secretary.

“Sure,” he suddenly got up and looked around as if not knowing which planet he was on.

“Why are you torturing that poor boy?” you rolled your eyes when Doyoung plopped back on the couch near him. “Now he’ll want to resign from the job and he was quite good at it.”

“I think he liked it. I know a post nut face when I see one and he definitely had some fun under that desk.”

The secretary entered the office and his lips were tight as he placed the tray with coffee on the little table in front of you.

“Thank you,” you smiled kindly at him.

“No sugar for you ma’am and one sugar for you sir,” he announced before leaving as quickly as he came in.

You leaned in and took your mug, sighing when you felt it’s warmth heat your skin.

“How did he know I take my coffee with one sugar?” Doyoung furrowed his eyebrows while doing the same.

You looked at him and shrugged. “I told you he’s good at his job.”

And you were thankful that the boy didn’t leave because now as you talked to Jeno in your office, weeks after you’ve seen Doyoung in there, you really needed someone to do your job.

“I’m just not even concentrating much. I think I caught feelings for him while he only saw this as-- fucking,” you threw your hands in the air once and sighed, sitting down at your desk.

Jeno hummed pensively. “Well, he strikes me as someone too romantic for that. People who just hookup don’t behave as he does. They just fuck and leave.”

You rubbed the bridge of your nose. “I just think he was being considerate. You can’t fuck someone’s mouth then leave them there like that.”

Jeno hummed again. “But he did call you my girl and he called himself your boyfriend.”

You looked up. “My girl as the girl that I fuck and my boyfriend only to make the secretary let him in.”

Your friend pursed his lips as if considering that side of events.

“How do you even know all of these details? I don’t remember telling you any of this before,” you chuckled.

Jeno cleared his voice. “You told me. Are you having a loss of memory too now?”

You sighed. “Maybe.”

The young boy cleared his voice again. “Anyway! Plan. Send him nudes.”

“What?” you exclaimed.

You could go around your sweet friend Jeno suggesting you to fuck Doyoung when he was the Rabbit boy but suggesting you to send the dude nudes?

Seeing his pink cheeks Jeno must have suddenly realized what he has just said too and regretted it.

“Trust me. He’s an air sign. They like sexting and mind fucking and all of that stuff. Now I have to go.”

You looked at him standing up. “Since when are you into astrology? Also, where are you going? We were supposed to have lunch together!”

“Sext him and send him a good coochie pic. Bye, love you,” he left like the wind and you leaned back in your chair perplexed.

_____

"Do you trust me?"

"Yeah," his voice was a whisper and it got engulfed by the jingle of handcuffs in your hands.

You were so beautiful and intoxicating that Doyoung found himself having difficulties breathing when you slowly started to crawl on the bed towards him.

“I’m glad you wore the lingerie I sent you,” he whispered, hands reaching towards you to feel the material under his fingertips. But you grabbed them with a sudden force and Doyoung groaned, finding himself pinned to the bed instead.

“No touching,” you purred.

The young man sighed, feeling his cock twitching on his lower stomach.

You eyed it and smiled like a cat. “You want me to touch you, babe?”

Doyoung nodded. “Please?”

You licked your lips and leaned down, your lips so close to his cock to make him audible whine. A little bit. A little bit more and he would feel-

And then he woke up shaking in his bed.

“Shit.” Doyoung closed his eyes again, rolling on his back with a certain difficulty.

His cock was so hard that it was almost painful and he felt short-breathed.

He looked at his ceiling again and he blinked twice when he realized by the hue of it that his phone lit up.

With a groan he extended his arm to the side and grabbed it, narrowing his eyes at the bright screen.

Then he choked and sat up.

“Fuck!” Doyoung exclaimed upon seeing his phone turn dark in his hands.

With a quick roll of the body, he put his palms on the ground looking for his charger. It took him some other swears and grunts to finally charge it but the phone remained black.

“What the fuck,” he sighed, hitting his head into the pillow.

_____

It was in the way you walked, the way your feet touched the floor.

Or maybe it was the way the air floated between your fingers when you moved your wrists as if grabbing something in Doyoung’s chest and pulling him towards you.

The line of your back extended up until your neck, the line of your jaw, your cheeks puffing up when you laughed and your eyes closing for a second. The sound of it making his heart beat faster and a little smile creeping on his lips although he was in a very bad mood that day.

The people you were talking to stopped looking at you and stared somewhere behind your back instead.

Mouth still open while explaining to them that blue and red looked disgusting together, you turned around to see what caught their attention and you met Doyoung’s face.

Your breath hitched and you had to swallow a few times before being able to speak.

“Hey,” you straightened your back as he approached you.

“It’s time for a lunch break,” he announced without batting an eye.

You blinked a few times, trying to process his presence there all of a sudden.

“You’re dismissed,” he spoke to the creative team and they obeyed him, walking away slowly and chuckling between themselves.

You waited for them to not eavesdrop and huffed before whispering. “Who do you think you are?”

“Your soulmate.”

He slipped his hand in yours and started to walk towards the exit. You let yourself be dragged amused for the first steps then stopped.

“My bag.”

Doyoung rolled his eyes and raised his other hand that was already holding it.

“Come on. I’m starving.”

“Where are we going?” you asked the back of his head as you were already descending the stairs. “Why are you here?”

“I’m annoyed,” he replied as if that was a sufficient explanation and opened the passenger seat’s door for you. "So I wanted to see you because it puts me in a good mood."

You looked at him for a few moments then sighed, trying to conceal your flustered emotions.

“Why are you annoyed? Because you realized that leaving me on read last night was stupid?” you put on your seatbelt.

When you raised your head Doyoung’s palms were on both sides of your face and his lips on yours. You exhaled softly, not expecting any of it so suddenly, then timidly you rested your hand on his knee. The luscious material of his suit was delicate under your fingertips so you absentmindedly started to draw little circles on it, imitating the pattern Doyoung’s tongue was making yours dance in. When he pulled away slightly you managed to look at his eyes. He placed another peck on your lips, then another. By the time he placed the third one you were giggling. The corners of his mouth raised too and you cupped his face and he flinched imperceptibly.

“I thought you wanted to slap me.”

“There are many reasons why I would want to slap you but not today.”

“Not today.”

“Be ready anytime.”

“You too,” he kissed your knuckles before putting his hands on the wheel. “But like on the butt.”

The engire roared as Doyoung turned the keys.

“My phone died,” he explained.

“Yeah, okay.”

“I swear.”

The engine roared again and you drove away from the winery's parking lot.

You sighed, crossing your arms on your chest.

“It’s okay. Only because you’re sweet.”

"Am I sweet?"

"You are."

"You're sweet too so I can't wait to eat you out again."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "Okay, you went there."

But he didn't do anything you'd expect him to do. Entering his apartment calmly, you both let the shoes at the entrance and you sighed to feel his soft living room rug under your bare feet.

No bending, no pushing and no hands to knead your flesh.

You tilted your head to the side amused as he placed your bag on the couch and ventured towards the kitchen.

"Is Jaemin home?" you inquired. Maybe that was the reason he didn't want to rearrange your guts that day.

Doyoung took away his jacket and slowly rolled up his sleeves. Your eyes followed his movements and although you weren't horny one bit before you saw him, now you would have been able to go on for multiple rounds with no rest in between upon seeing just his forearms. You took away your jacket too and expected him to do something already but he turned around and entered the kitchen instead.

"I'm making spaghetti."

You blinked at his profile as he retrieved a pan and a pot, filling the latter with water.

"Did you really bring me here for lunch?" you couldn't help but ask as you sat down at the table.

"Yeah. Why? Is that strange?"

You shrugged. "I don't know. You've always sought me for other things."

He faked an offended expression. "I fed you dinner last time."

You smiled. "But you also fucked me."

"You want me to fuck you after spaghetti?"

"Not necessarily. I like just hanging out with you, but only you like it as well."

As if sensing something in your tone, his amusement wore off when he finally started to cut the onions.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I like it?"

"I mean, we've never really openly discussed this," you gestured between you. "Hell, I fucked you three times before knowing your name."

"You've never asked for it."

"Yeah, well, my mouth was busy doing something else."

He smiled a little and let the onions fall into the hot pan, stirring a few times and opening the fridge to retrieve the tomato sauce.

"How do you want to discuss it?"

His voice got quieter and you had the hunch that he really didn't like having serious talks or emotional ones. Just like, well, just like your supposed soulmate. The thought made your stomach knot up.

"I know this might sound a little funny, but like, what are we?"

Doyoung added the tomato sauce and sprinkled salt, pepper and hot pepper flakes on it before stirring. His domestic look made your chest hurt in ways you've never experienced with him before and suddenly you were afraid to know what he had to say.

"I don't know, but we can be something starting now."

You sighed a little. "Like, friends with benefits?"

Doyoung's expression didn't change but his throat moved as he swallowed. The water started to boil and he put the spaghetti in, pushing them inside as they softened.

"You want us to be friends with benefits?"

No.

Yes.

But like no.

You wanted the friends, you wanted the benefits, but you wanted more.

Would you scare him away if you said that? Would he retreat just like he did when you mentioned the soulmates discourse?

"What about you?"

Dancing around each other like two assassins about to throw the first dagger you let the silence be the witness of it.

"I like you," he hit you first but it was no knife. It was light just like a kiss and your eyelids fluttered.

"Really?"

He let out a single soft chuckle. "Yeah. Why are you so surprised?"

You gulped and looked around not knowing what to say.

"It's just-- your whole soulmate discourse made it look like you wouldn't be romantically interested in me at all."

Doyoung didn’t speak for a moment as if trying to remember, then nodded.

"I don't believe in soulmates."

He placed the lid on the sauce and let it slowly cook.

"I believe in choices. And I'm choosing you I guess."

"Don't you think that maybe you're conditioned to choose me because I'm your soulmate?" you tried to joke but Doyoung didn't smile.

"And where would the fun be in that? My freedom? I think the universe might give you a path but you're free to follow it or not."

"Of course. But isn't it comforting to know that the universe is taking care of you that way?"

"Maybe. Perhaps we're actually soulmates and we've met like ones but now it's our duty to do something about it. I can decide not to see you anymore. What's the universe going to do about it?"

"Make me get into your way and annoy you?" you smiled and his lips curved too.

"What I'm trying to say is that I think we're making our soulmates. I decide that you're my soulmate and we mould ourselves to fit each other. No one is a perfect fit."

You didn't know what to say.

"I tried all of this time you know? I actively sought you out and maybe to you it was fate but we wouldn't be here if I didn't come to you. But you've just been waiting."

His words stung your heart and it felt like a scold.

"I just--it's not like I don't care. I also like you. A lot. I was just--hoping for it to be soulmate like, you know? Maybe that was childish of me."

"What did the Lady tell you? As your last words?"

"To have faith."

"Me too. But to me, faith is putting in the effort and believing in good results. Not waiting for stuff to happen."

"I guess you're right."

"Would you have let me go if you didn't think I was the soulmate you were looking for?"

You blinked a few times unable to speak.

Yeah.

You would have and the sudden realization felt so scary that your spine started to shiver.

He has been speaking without looking at you and at your silence, he turned his head towards you. When he noticed your glossy eyes he let the pan go and walked towards you.

"Why? No. Why are you crying?" he kneeled in front of you, talking with a soft voice and he placed his hands on your shoulders.

You shook your head shocked to see a few drops on your thighs and quickly patted your cheeks dry. Then you let out a timid laugh.

"I don't know what happened. I got emotional all of a sudden. It's fine."

Doyoung sighed and nibbled at his lower lip.

"What I'm trying to say is, even if someone came to me now and told me that you're not my soulmate and they are instead, I would not care. I'm still choosing whoever I want and that's you."

You felt your chin shake by itself and hated the fact that you wore your emotions on your sleeve like that.

"I'm sorry."

"Why?"

You shrugged. "I don't know. I feel like I fucked up something."

Doyoung waited, his fingers gently running your arms.

"I would have probably made the mistake of letting you go-," you sobbed, "and at first since things have been so weird and not necessarily easy I didn’t try enough-,"

His eyes softened and he pulled you into a hug.

"You're here now. Why are you worrying about things that could have happened?"

You wrapped his neck and hid your face into his shirt. His familiar scent culled you and you bathed in his warmth.

"I feel like I'm very childish right now and the lady told me that my soulmate liked me for being a boss woman-,"

"I like all of our sides, you fool," he pulled you away and kissed your forehead.

"But you’d like me more if I tied you up." "You’d also like me more if I tied you up." "I actually like it when you're subby." "See? And the lady told me that you liked me being dominant." "I do love it when you're dominant," you timidly circled his chest with your finger. "Hm, maybe I should-,"

"The pasta!" you yelled pointing your finger and Doyoung jolted turning around towards the stove.

The pasta was completely fine and he sighed closing his eyes.

"I thought it was on fire," he complained with a whiny tone as he turned the stove off. Quickly he drained the spaghetti and threw it in the tomato sauce stirring it afterwards. With the corner of his eye, he saw you stand.

"Come here."

You giggled and took a few quick steps back.

His eyes were furious and paired with his smiling expression he looked like a tornado.

"Come here," he repeated.

You shook your head.

"I said-," he managed to grab you and throw you on his shoulder, "-come here."

"Fuck!" you squealed. "Yeah, fuck, that's exactly what I'm going to do to you now."

One second you were standing and the other you were lying down on the couch with the most aggressive Doyoung you’ve ever seen attached to your neck.

The whines came quickly as he sucked your skin inside the mouth, not worrying for a second if it might become sore. As you grabbed his belt his iron fingers clasped your wrists together and you found yourself pinned with your arms above your head. Your chest rose and fell fast looking at his dark eyes under the unstyled fringe.

“Be a good girl and perhaps I’ll think about making you cum,” he whispered through his teeth. You squirmed under him and found yourself breathless.

“Did you hear me?” his other hand fell back the exact moment he bit down on your clothed nipple.

“Are you not wearing a bra?”

You giggled. “I manifested you coming to see me today. And you did.”

His eyes were dark as they analyzed you and for an instance, you thought he’d burst into tears.

But then he reached the hem of your blouse and lifted it up in a second, biting your nipple, letting his tongue circle it afterwards, soothing the sudden sweet pain then biting on it again, stretching it out, sucking on it, giving the same treatment to the other one. His fingers intertwined yours when he felt your wrists try to lift up from the couch and he pushed them down even harder than before.

“Do I have to tie you all up? Huh? I bet you’d like it, right?”

His breath was hot on your lips and so was his tongue when he took it out and slowly outlined them with his wet tip. You opened your mouth and took out your tongue too with a little moan, trying to catch him into a kiss, but he chuckled lightly and let you feel the air instead. Another whine as you lifted your head to reach him but he was quick to push you down by pressing his fingers on your throat. You choked lightly and he pouted.

“Bad baby girls don’t get to kiss,” he murmured. "But if you really want it-" he pressed one finger on your lower lip and opened your mouth. Y

our thighs tightened their hold around his waist and you pulled him towards you even more. The trail of saliva falling on your tongue from his mouth added somehow to the wetness between your legs.

You wanted to be a good girl. You wanted to be a good girl so badly, pleasing him and letting him whatever he wanted to you.

Swallowing slowly, you opened your mouth for more and he finally shoved his tongue inside, kissing you deeply, grunting as he let your hands go and you were quick to let them slide under his shirt.

His skin was hot and your fingers icy cold. He hissed when you circled his nipples and bit your lip.

"Maybe you should warm your hands by doing something useful." He took his cock out and-

"Okay, that's enough!" Jeno threw a cloth on the crystal ball.

"Ah! Come on! I was having so much fun," the Lady complained, jingling her earrings as she giggled.

The boy sitting across the table made a throwing up sound. "Also, why are you still looking like that? It's creeping me out," he commented.

The Lady looked at the mirror on her right and chuckled again.

"I like it when Haechannie is like this," Jaemin appeared from behind him and playfully kissed his cheek.

Jeno made another gag sound. "Gross."

Haechan shook his head and as the boys blinked he was back to his boyish looks. "I'll never get used to this," Jaemin murmured as he was not holding long hair anymore.

"Good job guys. We did it again," Haechan stood up and yawned, lifting his arms in a satisfying stretch. "If Jaemin didn't get back home that time she was over then it might have been quicker," Jeno lifted his legs on the table and leaned down on the chair.

“This is my first job! It was very tough for me actually,” Jaemin complained.

“Hard for you? I had to be myself, the winery girl, the secretary-,” he counted on his fingers.

“I had to be the cashier and I almost lost it when Jaemin said he couldn’t wait to taste your wet pussy-,” Haechan threw his head back and laughed. Jaemin imitated him soon after.

“Did you see Doyoung’s face? He wasn’t into it at all.”

"I miss being a Gryffindor. This universe is boring as fuck,” Jeno rolled his eyes even if he was also smiling a little.

"The next one might be as boring as this my dear friends," Haechan sat back down and brought out his book.

Jeno groaned. "Can't we have a normal life for once? I had to pretend I was a girl. And not only. The thought of Y/N thinking I was doing BDSM stuff with that guy-," he indicated a very amused Jaemin, "-took a toll on my health."

"I'm sorry I'm not a shapeshifter too. I would have loved to be the girl in this relationship. Also, it was you that told her we were doing BDSM stuff, not me.”

“It’s because I forgot to fully shift my arms! She thought I was-,”

"Quiet."

As Haechan spoke the guys immediately stopped talking and Jeno put his feet down.

"The next one is going to be a hard one. We're going to a dark place."

He closed the book.

"To hell, boys."