#c&c red alert 3

[your-fave-has-evil-autism]

Nikolai Moskvin from Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 has evil autism!

[grayrazor]

Steam Workshop support for a bunch of old Command & Conquer games now apparently.

Looks like just the 3D ones: Renegade, Generals, Tiberium Wars, Red Alert 3, and Tiberian Twilight.

[insertcleverusername101]

Same experience, but after playing Command & Conquer instead.

[bluelikebruises]

wanna be yours || rhaenyra & daemon targaryen x f!reader

Rhaenyra Targaryen/TargaryenF!Reader/Daemon Targaryen 18+ MDNI! summary: scared of thunderstorms you seek shelter in the confines of your sister's chambers. but things quickly escalate and you find yourself forgetting all about the storm w/c: 8.2k tw: SMUT, 18+, plot? what plot?, INCEST, threesome, slight breeding kink, loss of virginity, cunnilingus, nipple play, some choking, creampie, rough & gentle daemon, slight ooc daemon, lost the plot about half way through tbh, not proof read

a/n: havent written in a while my bad yall the claws of depression got me and then i got a job (booooo). promised a rhaenicent oneshot but yall got this instead im so sorry ((your honor i’m working on it i swear!)) second time ever writing smut so please be kind, any comments or suggestion for improvement feel free to let me know <3

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A storm rages outside the walls of Dragonstone, the ocean and sky bashing against the windows of your chambers. They howl and thrash relentlessly, the rolling sound of thunder striking your heart with fear. As a child it reminded you of dragon roars soothing your unease but now it gave no such comfort.

Most nights when you had resided in the Keep the maesters would inform you of an approaching storm and you would sneak into your fathers chambers and read. You’d read passages of your favorite books and poems aloud to him. Whether he was asleep or awake never bothered you, you simply appreciated his presence. 

Another cry of crackling thunder falls upon your ears causing your heart to hammers in your chest. You silently wish you were not alone feeling as though you were a child, small, powerless, and frightened of the world. If you were in King’s Landing you could simply walk to your fathers chambers and let the storm rage on. But as your luck would have it you were miles away. 

For the past few months you had been residing in Dragonstone as a ward to your sister and her husband. You had loved every minute of your stay up until tonight, in hopes of alleviating your fears you shut your eyes trying to forget about the storm outside. 

Your thoughts are scrambled for a moment before you begin to recall your stay in Dragonstone. You’ve made an array of memories from tutoring Jacaerys in High Valyrian to games played with Joffrey and Viserys to your name day celebration. While you try to recall the many more you had, your thoughts are interrupted by the piercing sound of striking lightning. 

It hurts your ears sending a shiver down your spine, Rhaenyra crosses your mind but you know she is lying with her husband—who would waste no time in making a jest out of your fear. You want to banish the possibility of seeking shelter in Rhaenyra, after all you were far too old to sneak into her chambers. But as another flash of lightning bellows through the sky you could no longer stay still. Fear and anxiety guide your movements as you stand and grab the cloak at the end of your bed.

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The castle isn’t as frightening as the Red Keep under the cover of night, yet you still move quickly through its large cold corridors. With shaking hands you make a valiant effort to knock gently on the giant doors of your sister's chambers, pausing to hear for any movement but none comes. 

With no response you knock again this time with a bit of urgency. You don’t have the luxury of waiting for a response as thunder echoes through the stone causing you to yelp. Without thought you push the door open uninvitedly stepping inside. You do your best to shut the door quietly unsure what to do next. The thunder had passed and yet the patting rain could still be heard. You had not thought this far ahead, what were you supposed to do? Sneak into her bed? 

The room is dark, lit by the beams of moonlight that pour in, it’ll take some moments before your eyes adapt to the shadows of the night. Before you could think to move the sound of rustling and a sword unsheathing alert you of a presence. You need not see who it is to know it is your uncle Daemon. 

You curse yourself turning to face him. He holds his sword pointing it towards your chest and it should frighten you but the storm outside threatens you more than he does.

“There is no honor in killing a man while he sleeps”, he says, stepping into the light of the moon ready to strike your unrecognizable form. 

“I do not intend on killing you Uncle”

At your words his sword drops, “Sweet Dragon, why are you sneaking into our chambers?”

You’ve come to grow accustomed to your moniker slipping from his mouth in a mocking manner, but tonight his voice holds no ill intent. 

Lightning cuts through the sky in a loud shout before you can respond. Your skin crawls and you’re trying to keep your voice from wavering, “It’s quite loud”

“Are you frightened?” he asks, stepping towards you. His eyes bore into yours and under the moonlight it’s as if they are glowing. 

Your heart stammers and you shake your head in embarrassment, clearly lying. A small grin spreads against his lips and you know he sees right through you. The thought and his gaze becomes too much for you to bear as your eyes fall onto the floor. 

“There is no one around to pretend for”, he places his hand under your chin as he tilts your head up, to once again meet his gaze. His gentle demeanor disarms you, most times he’s brutish, arrogant, and entirely uninterested in you. 

“I am merely skittish . . .” you clasp your hands behind your back trying to appear more collected than you felt. 

He looks you over, his eyes sparkle in the moonlight only this time you’re unable to avert your gaze. His fingers hold you still and a sinking feeling of being prey washes over you.

“Rhaenyra?” he asks 

The voice of your sister emerges from the darkness surprising you, “Yes, my love,” 

“It seems our intruder is our favorite little princess”, his fingers trace your jaw, concentrating his eyes on your lips. 

Fear is an afterthought as an indescribable feeling crawls up your body. Your stomach flips under his touch and you fear to know why. 

Rhaenyra says your name, “Come here” 

Without a second thought you walk towards her voice, your eyes now adjusting to the moonlight making out shadows in the darkness. 

Rhaenyra sits upon her bed, furs laid spread over her lap she smiles fondly as you approach. 

Once you’re before her she instructs you to sit, “Has the storm unnerved you?” she asks, placing her hands on yours. They’re soft and her touch is almost enough to make you forget why you had entered her chambers to begin with.

“It is quite loud” 

“Yes you have said that already” Daemon says. His approach has gone unnoticed by you as he stands opposite of Rhaenyra. The side of the bed you assumed he slept on. 

“I read to father during storms,” you admit sheepishly

“Oh you poor sweet girl” she coos, “Would you like to read to us?”, you nod almost enthusiastically, “Come then” she pulls you forward unfastening your cloak. 

The warmth of her hands on your exposed shoulder sends you into a panic. Your septa had made it clear how your virtue was to be maintained until you married. No living eyes were to be set on your chaste skin but your future husband’s and yet you sat next to your sister who threatened to stain your skin. You tremble under her touch unsure how you could deny her. 

Grabbing her hands you halt her movements, “I’m only reading, I’ll be returning to my chambers once the storm passes”

“Of course” she agrees, “But while you are here my husband and I can keep you warm, as can the furs” 

Her smile kills your resolve and like a puppet in her control you cave in, Rhaenyra had always had that effect on you. You thought so highly of her and loved her dearly of course you were always eager to please. Any want or command uttered by her and you’d comply instantly. 

Removing your hands from hers, the cloak falls from your shoulders and she tosses it aside. You shiver as the cold air comes in contact with your bare skin. The nightgown you wore was less than modest, showing more skin then was appropriate for a lady let alone a princess. The feeling of being gawked at consumes you—their eyes burn into your skin.

“Come here princess” Daemon’s voice makes your knees weak. In the moonlight you see a smile on Rhaenyra’s lips, you take it as encouragement and crawl onto the bed. You settle between both their bodies but Daemon tugs at you pulling you towards him, the movement causes your nightgown to slide up your thighs exposing more of your skin. 

If your septa could see you now… you cringe at the thought mortified. Your heart patters rapidly, Gods if it kept beating you were sure Daemon and Rhaenyra were going to hear it. 

If Daemon notices your exposed skin he doesn’t show it, he rather seems preoccupied with adjusting you before him. His legs spread as he sat you between them, his chest pressed against your back as he loomed over you. 

He grabs at your sides pulling you closer to him, and if your heart didn't explode before it exploded when you felt Rhaenyra lips kiss your shoulder then rest her head where she had kissed. 

Your mind and heart betray you as you become a victim to their siren song. You’re a vision of adultery and sin, it’s wrong–unbecoming of a princess and yet you do nothing to stop them. 

With his left arm Daemon keeps you tucked under him and he wraps his right around Rhaenyra who nestles into your shoulder. You had not thought this was where you would find yourself at the beginning of the night. 

The storm is a long way from your thoughts as you try to figure out how your body fits into theirs, if it could. You’re against both of them unsure of how to move. 

You feel Daemon reach for something, “Read this” his breath touches your ear as he places a book on your lap. Being caught between them you had almost forgotten how you ended up practically on Daemon’s lap. 

Picking up the book you read the title, The Mythos of the Land Beyond Essos: Yiti. The book provides a much welcomed distraction, you had heard of Yiti before but only in passing from Lord Coryls. 

“Is it real?” you ask absentmindedly to no one in particular

“Of course it is, sweet girl,” Rhaenyra says, slithering her arm over your lap fully intrapping you in their hold 

Opening the book you were met with half of a map littered with cities and towns you had never heard of. As you turn the page the book's wear and tear is visible, it was clearly loved. For a moment you wonder if it was Rhaenyra or Daemon who loved it. Your thoughts like many times throughout the night are interrupted by thunder and relentless down pouring of rain.

You jump frightened hearing a chuckle come from Daemonand who places a kiss on your hair Any other night the gesture would have been ill fitting and strange but tonight it brings you comfort.

“Read” he gently commands and like an obedient dog you do

You read through four pages undisturbed, your voice only occasionally interrupted by the storm outside that is until you feel Daemon’s fingers on the exposed skin of your upper thigh. Gentle thoughtless traces of his fingers over your flesh. 

His touch makes you acutely aware of their bodies pressed against yours, body heat and furs warmed you like no other. With every hound of the wind and pounding of the rain you shook, which was made worse by their hands and lips trying to sooth you. 

Daemon’s left hand draws circles on your left thigh. Rhaenyra kisses your shoulder and any exposed skin she could reach. It was intoxicating her lips and his fingers. How were you supposed to read when there were two hungry dragons trying to feast upon you. 

The words you’re reading pass thoughtlessly through your mouth, once the information found a home in your mind now simply glossed over. 

Daemon’s lips fall on the nape of your neck sending a shiver down your spine and a soft whimper from your lips. 

In a small effort to keep them at bay you ask questions, it works for the first two questions but after the third Daemon grabs the book from your grasp and throws it. 

With the book out of their way they both grew relentless. Daemon kisses and nips at your neck without disregard. Rhaenyra readjusts herself to be able to access your collar bones, her lips beginning to trail up your neck and jaw. The furs had been tossed somewhere on the bed. 

“Nyra” you plead, nervous of what was to come next. Pressing your thighs together as a warm feeling emitted from your womanhood. 

“Shhh” she coos, kissing your cheek dangerously close to your lips. 

Daemon’s hand pulls your nightgown exposing more of your thighs to the night air. 

You should leave, you know you should but the thought of enduring the storm alone keeps you in place, “Perhaps…Perhaps I should r-read from another b-book” you try to stop Daemon’s hand pulling your nightgown from his grasp

Your efforts are futile as Rhaenyra interrupts you by planting her lips on yours. The action leaves you entranced by her, you melt into her lips moving yours against hers. She tastes like tea, warm and sweet. 

Under Rhaenyra’s spell you’re unaware of Daemon sliding your nightgown further and further upward. His hands stopped only to touch your inner thighs nearing your clothed cunt. You squirmed thinking of the septa’s words, the only man who can lay a finger on you is your husband.

“I can’t…I can't,” you say, breaking away from Rhaenyra and moving away from Daemon’s hold. You move away from them putting some distance between your sister and her husband. 

“Why not?” Rhaenyra asks

They’re feigning ignorance and you don’t know why, “I’m not wed” 

They both laugh and share a knowing expression. 

“Silly girl,” Daemon says, pulling you back to them, his hands dragging you back between his legs, “You are not to wed” his breath is hot against your ear as you try not to think of the heat that expels from his hands

Confusion is clear across your face, “But the Queen said—”

At the mention of Queen Alicent his grip of your flesh tightens, “To the Seven Hells with Alicent,” his hold on your flesh is half as painful as it is pleasurable. 

“You are ours”, Rhaenyra cuts in, “You shall not be sullied by hands that are not our own”, she plants a kiss on your shoulder.  

You’re unable to make sense of their words, you could not be theirs, you would only ever be your husband’s. And yet you could not find the words to say it aloud—to let them know you could not be sullied by them despite how desperately you wanted. 

Your attention is fully on Rhaenyra that the sneaking fingers along your jaw have gone unnoticed. Daemon’s fingers trace your lips before gently pushing themselves into your mouth. They’re cold as he presses them against your tongue and you can taste ash. The taste is almost telling, you think. 

“Suck” Daemon commands

You hesitate for a moment frightened at the possibilities of what would happen next and what they entailed. But all your thoughts fizzle away when Rhaenyra’s mouth bites down on your shoulder and without a second thought you do, making sure they’re thoroughly coated in your saliva. He spreads his fingers exploring your mouth before shoving them down your throat. The unexpected action leaves you coughing gagging, which earns an amused laugh from Daemon as he retreats his fingers.

“Good girl” he kisses your ear and you bite your tongue in order to stifle a whimper. His words ignite a fire that spreads throughout your body, it’s alluring leaving a blazing trail of want in its wake. The need to be praised has your head spinning, never had praise elicited such a reaction from you before. You want to continue being good and dutiful for Daemon and Rhaenyra. 

Rhaenyra sits in front of you both simply watching as her husband's fingers trailed under your nightgown. He pulls your small clothes to the side, the anticipation killing you as his fingers neared. It’s reprehensible you know, but you do not have the willpower to stop him.  

Your breathing stops as two of his fingers come into contact with your sensitive pearl. He groans as he feels the heat of your cunt, drawing circles with his fingers. You bite your cheek trying to stop yourself from moaning, leaning your head against his chest. His fingers begin to accelerate as he wraps your hair around his free hand pulling you to look forward.

“Look at Rhaenyra, sweet dragon, she wants to see you” 

Your eyes catch hers, they’re lit with fervent desire, a look you had never seen before. While you wish you could stare at Rhaenyra forever, Daemon's fingers have returned to their slow pace leaving you unfulfilled and on the cusp of pleasure.

Turning to face him you plead, “Please”, you’re not entirely sure what you’re asking for, only that you need more. Embarrassed by your plead you hide your face in the crook of his neck

“Please what princess” he presses against your pearl roughly 

Through a moan you speak, “Need more” 

You don’t see the delighted smile that spreads over Daemon’s face as he gathers fistfulls of your hair forcing you out of your hiding spot. His eyes fall onto your sister and you’re trying desperately not to let out a string of unbecoming moans. 

With another tug Daemon crashes his lips onto yours, the angel which he pulls you almost hurts but his mouth and fingers provide a wonderful distraction. The kiss is rough, tongues and teeth clashing. All the while his fingers never cease their attack and you’re quickly becoming undone. 

An unfamiliar pressure builds and you find yourself near a breaking point you had never experienced. The building pleasure has your heart beating out of your chest, it’s dizzying. But just when you think you can’t take it anymore Daemon’s fingers stop and he releases your lips. You moan out in disappointment.

“Perhaps you should ask the future Queen for assistance” he pulls your hair like a rag doll. Moving you as he pleases, facing you again towards Rhaenyra. 

“Nyra please”

Gripping your hair even tighter exposing your neck he whispers, “Where are your manners?”

“Please, your highness” you beg eyes glossed over full of want

Rhaenyra smirks, leaning into you momentarily allowing your lips to meet again which you welcome eagerly. 

The kiss is gentle at first, your lips moving in sync. Her tongue laps at your bottom lip and you shutter feeling Daemon ghosting his fingers above your aching pearl. When one of his long fingers threatens to enter your leaking hole you moan into Rheanyra's mouth. She takes the opportunity to kiss you with more vigor. Her lips are so soft and you’re entranced by her, thoughts racing, why had you never kissed her before?

When she finally breaks away she leaves you breathless and you get no time to recover as she pulls the top of your nightgown down exposing your breast. Heat spreads over your cheeks, never having been so bare in front of anyone before. 

The thoughts quickly leave your mind as Rhaenyra’s tongue drags against your hardening nipple. She uses the pad of her thumb to draw circles against your nipple, the sensation adds fuel to the fire in your core. She expertly nips and sucks only stopping to change breasts. 

“N…Nyra please … enough” you try to weakly fight her off. Receiving far more stimulation from your nipples then you thought could ever be possible. Instead she removes her mouth and replaces them with her hands, pinching and pulling without regard. There’s an electrifying pain that shoots down your spine, you had never thought your breast to be so sensitive. 

Rhaenyra does not argue, continuing to toy with your breast as she moves towards her husband. She practically purrs as she nears him a smile lingering on her lips, your eyes close shut as she continues her attack. Above your shoulder she kisses Daemon as if she were not inflecting the most deliciously painful pleasure. The drool that leaked out of you was as shameful as it was degrading. 

When they finally pull away Daemon pushes a finger into your neglected hole, earning a yelp from your lips. The sudden intrusion is foreign and stings, biting your bottom lip you try to keep your cries of discomfort from spilling out.

They work in tandem drawing pleasure out of you with their expert touches. The way you squirm beneath them is pathetic and a distant image to the woman the realm knew you to be. 

“So fucking tight” Daemon says adding a second finger causing your head to spin. He moves his fingers expertly in and out of your cunt. Loving the feeling of your velvety walls, he speaks to Rhaenyra but you can’t hear them. Deaf under the spell of your uncle’s long fingers, your eyes are shut concentrating on the flowering pleasure that was beginning to take hold. 

Rhaenyra’s hands stop their movements and you’re half heartedly aware of the way the bed shifts far too caught up in your pleasure. You’re unraveling completely melted into Daemon, unable to keep your moans quiet they fall from your lips like a waterfall. A knot forms in the pit of your stomach as Daemon stretches you open fucking his fingers into you, you’re left a blubbering mess. 

His fingers mercilessly hit every spot in your spongy cunt, you take every bit of bliss he gives you. Sweat gathers on your pinched brows, your skin feels hot against the cool night air. 

After an especially hard thrust he angles his fingers just right and your walls tighten around him. You feel as though you’re going to die, your breaths come in short quick intervals, you're on the edge of pleasure nearly going under. 

And as if he read your thoughts Daemon halts his movements, removing his fingers from your warmth, “So pretty when you moan” 

Your eyes open in disappointment, missing the feeling of being played with. But Daemon gives you no time to react as he orders you to open your mouth. 

“Taste your filth”

Obediently you do, his fingers are heavy on your tongue wrapping your mouth around them tasting yourself—you’re bitter and sharp unlike anything you had ever tasted. 

When Daemon decides you’ve had enough he pulls his fingers out and kisses you. 

You’ve forgotten about Rhaenyra until you feel a wet sensation on your pearl. With a moan your eyes shift downwards where she rests on her stomach between your legs. She’s excitedly lapping you up, her tongue sending you into a frenzy as she focuses on your puffy cunt.

Moments ago you had thought the height of pleasure was your uncle’s fingers yet it was actually your sister's mouth. 

“Ngh…Nyera” 

Your cries only invigorate her, she presses her tongue into your hole and the sudden motion has you bucking your hips. She laughs into your cunt, amused, sending vibrations straight into your pearl. 

She’s an expert at what she does, her tongue running up and down your slit. Sucking on your pearl with such vigor before fucking her tongue into you. This was not the first time your sister had done such a lewd act and the thought of Rhaenyra having done this before with another woman has jealousy crawling up your back. 

Distracted by Rhaenyra you don’t feel Daemon’s hand lowering, not until his cold fingers are pressing into your pearl. Two of his fingers begin moving sporadically electrifying every fiber of your body. You’re writhing in pleasure, burning with passion consumed by Rhaenyra and Daemon, unsure of how much more you could take. Coming undone as they pull you apart just to put you back together with nothing but their hands and lips.

You’re squirming, “Uncle, Ny…Nyra I’m—I”

Like before Daemon’s movements stop followed by Rhaenyra, you look between them dazed with need and confused. You pout in frustration, tired of being dragged to the edge of pleasure only to have it ripped away from you. 

In response Daemon turns you  to face him, “Fret not sweet dragon, we’ll give you what you want”. His lips fall on yours forcibly, kissing you as if you were the only thing able to quench his hunger. 

He moves off the bed and Rhaenyra grabs your hips, pulling you towards her gently pushing you to fall onto the bed backfirst. With your legs hanging off the bed she crawls on top of you slowly, taking her time to ravish your body with bites and kisses. Her teeth sink into the softness of your flesh and though it hurts you can’t help but moan. Goosebumps rise over your body as she sucks the skin under your breast. When she’s had enough she lifts her head to meet your collar bones, she wastes no time sucking on your skin. Making sure to leave her mark on your skin. 

The feeling is different yet so enticing, full of tenderness and lust. You’re moaning under her and you realize just how empty your cunt feels as it drips for Rhaenyra. 

You need more, desperate for it your hands move not entirely sure of what you are doing only knowing you needed more of her. You pull Rhaenyra’s nightgown trying to get it off. But only managing to pull the top of it revealing her breasts. You make quick work of taking them in your hands, they’re soft and firm, plump from having been filled with milk many times. 

Her mouth releases your skin as she moans

“My two pretty nieces playing with each other, I could die a happy man right now” Daemon stands behind your bodies. His hands touch your thighs repositioning your body how he’d like. Your clay in his hands—pliable—letting him mold you however he likes rendering him full control of your being.

He slides what you can only assume is his cock between your folds moaning as he does so. Warning drums sound off in your ears, you should put a stop to the night's debauchery and end it before you’re ruined forever. But your inhibitions are lowered and you couldn’t exactly care to think what a septa or the realm would think. Not when you were pinned between Rhaenyra and Daemon.

Rhaenyra adjusts herself above you, her knees resting on either side of your hips, giving Daemon room to do as he pleases.

“How do you feel princess?” Her voice is laced with teasing affection. You are unsure how to respond if you could at all, focused entirely on the sensation of Daemon’s cock pressing against your cunt. 

He gives you no warning as he pushes the tip of cock into your weeping cunt, it’s tight and uncomfortable. The intrusion is painful; it feels like you’re being pulled apart, like your body was being set aflame. 

“Fuck” the word falls from Daemon’s lips like a prayer

The fur under you is balled in your fists trying to ease the pain, tears form in your eyes 

“Dae–”

He shushes you, “The pain will lull soon” 

“Be good for uncle, won’t you sweet girl?” Rhaenyra asks kissing along your neck

You’re nodding 

When he fully sheaths himself a painful sob escapes your lips. Your eyes are shut trying to weather the storm. You’re half frightening he’ll start fucking you, the pain would surely kill you. But he does not move, allowing you a moment to become accustomed to his length. 

“Gods, you’ve been keeping such an amazing cunt from us” he says after a moment, slowly he begins to move. Pulling himself out before gently pushing himself back in. 

The first few thrusts send shockwaves through your body. In an effort to distract you from the discomfort Rhaenyra plays with your breast. Nipping one with her mouth while she rolled the other between her thumb and forefinger. You shudder at the stark differences in sensations, like ice and fire you’re teetering the line between pleasure and pain. Tears fall from your eyes as you clenched tightly around Daemon’s cock, Rhaenyra kisses them away. 

The longer Daemon continues his intrusion the faster the pain soothes into a warm pleasure. When a moan escapes your mouth he responds with a sharp thrust. Bliss rests heavy on your brow, the lewd squelching from every thrust only adds fuel to your heightened state.

Rhaenyra moans above you, her face contorted in ecstasy, she’s the vision of desire, a nymph of lust and pleasure. You piece together that Daemon’s fingers are exploring the warmth cavern of her cunt. As you watch her, her eyes find yours and she leans down to kiss you. It’s sloppy and full of half-sound moans. Her breaths begin to quicken and for a brief moment your uncle slows his thrusts to focus on Rhaenyra. Though you miss the feeling you discovered your love for watching your sister lose herself to your uncle.

Her moans only grow louder, she’s calling out her husband's name. Pushing herself into his fingers and suffocating you with her breasts. 

She shakes, eyes rolled to the back of her head with her mouth half opened. Her body is spasming above yours, moans fall from her mouth like prayers as she peaks all over Daemon’s fingers.

She falls on top of you, her head resting on your chest as she tries to catch her breath. Without thinking you caress her hair, it's soft and smooth and it almost startles you when she looks up to you. 

For a moment while you hold her gaze the entire world falls away, nothing else matters but her. You could spend the rest of your life just gazing at her—worshiping at her altar. A gentle smile appears on her lips as she climbs off your body, she moves towards Daemon kissing him passionately. You almost averted your gaze, the act felt so intimate it did not feel right to watch.

Daemon rests comfortably inside you as they kiss, the entire time you have not been able to pull your eyes away from them. And when it is over, as if nothing had occurred Daemon resumes his relentless pace. His cock is pressed deliciously inside you forcing you to see stars. He repeats his actions over and over again. 

“Perfect fucking tits,” he leans down to catch your bouncing breast. Wrapping his lips around your nipple as he thrust harder, lapping at it like a crazed man. His mouth is hot against your skin, his tongue rough as he suckles—as if expecting milk. The thought sends a shiver down to your cunt, causing your walls to flutter against Daemon’s cock. 

“I should put a child in you just to watch your breast swell” 

You know he shouldn’t, it’s wrong you’d be ruined–-more so than you already were—no man would ever marry if you had a bastard. But you can’t suppress the moan from leaving your lips, squeezing around Daemon like a glove. His hips falter for a moment as you choke his cock, “Fuck, does the idea appeal to you?” 

“We could keep her here, have her birth our heirs, keep her stuffed with cock”, Rhaenyra chimes and her words are enough to push you over the edge vibrating with pleasure. Your back arches off the bed as your body is consumed with ecstasy. You’re first ever release racking through you without mercy. 

Daemon moans, your contracting cunt making it near impossible for him to move. 

Your chest heaves as you try to regain your breath, try to regain the composure you had lost hours ago. 

But you’re given no time to do so as Daemon pulls himself from your cunt and flips you onto your stomach. His hands grip your hips as he pulls them up, your head is pressed against the bed. A blush creeps on your cheeks, the position is lewd, one you had overheard Aegon say was reserved for whores. 

Your thoughts dissolve as Daemon runs the tip of his cock along your sensitive wet folds. His movements leave you shuddering, wanting him to just get on with it. 

“Uncle please,” you whine pushing your hips back onto him

“So eager” his hands roam the expanse of your ass before sheathing himself once more inside you. 

The angle offers you a new pleasure, spread wide before Daemon like a feast at the ready for him to devour. Your walls flutter with sensitivity and yet it does not deter Daemon from pulling ropes of pleasure out of you. It exudes from your cunt tenfold and wrenches through your body unyielding. Like everything about the night it’s overwhelming bordering the edge of pain, but you’re too drunk off Daemon and Rhaenyra to put an end to it. Not when Daemon is molding your insides, as if to make sure no other suitor could ever compare. Not that you would ever want another suitor, you could spend the rest of your life beneath Daemon. 

Cold fingers slither themselves up your spine, snaking themselves around the side of your neck. Daemon’s touch is rough, callus hands pressed against the soft of your throat. Fingers stretch over the expanse of your throat, squeezing ever so lightly and you swear you see stars. An involuntary moan escapes your lips as you arch your back into him and it's all the encouragement Daemon needs to apply more pressure. 

Every thrust from Daemon has the air in your lungs exuding at a rapid pace. Your head starts to throb, all your senses are melting into one another. Daemon’s touch is paralyzing; you're frozen, stuck in a twisted masochistic purgatory and loving every moment of it. 

The grip on your neck tightens, cutting the little airflow you were getting. Above you Daemon leans down the heat of his chest against your back. He whispers something in your ear but you can’t hear anything above the beating of your heart. You’re not sure how much longer you could take, eyes half lidded and bordering tears—you’re barely holding onto consciousness. 

Just when the arms of unconsciousness threaten to pull you under, his grip releases and his thrusts come to a stop. Like a stone dropped onto the bottom of a river your head falls straight onto the bed. You try to regain your breath, through painful breaths the sound of Rhaenyra’s laughter reaches your ears. Through your lashes you look upon her, she sits before you smiling, eyes glowing under moonlight. 

“What a spoiled princess, receiving such fervent treatment from my husband” 

In response Daemon gently kisses your back. Slowing and ever so carefully moving his hips as he does so, you moan and Rhaenyra laughs again. 

“Come now, before I’m seething with jealousy” she moves. Her legs spread before you, nightgown exposing her flesh as she adjusted. You have an idea about what means to happen next but your inexperience has you doubting your thoughts. 

Your head lifts in realization that she’s settling herself, her clothed cunt only a touch away. You’re captivated by the allure of her covered womanhood. 

“Go on princess, serve your queen” Daemon voice rings out as he reaches to tangle his hand in your hair forcing you towards Rhaenyra’s cunt. 

She looks down at you, a seductive smile playfully lingering on her lips. She lifts her dress agonizingly slow, pulling the thin layer of her nightgown exposing the smoothness of her skin. When she's finally revealed to you in all her glistening glory you waste no time, diving right into her core. You’re half surprised she wasn’t wearing any small clothes but you don’t think twice about it, devouring her with novice eagerness. 

As you run your tongue through her folds you clench around Daemon getting your first real taste of Rhaenyra. She tastes poignant and sweet like a nectar you had never known but were growing addicted too. You kiss her swollen womanhood inhaling her sweet scent, pressing your tongue against it before swirling around it. Though you know your inexperience shows you eat her up like she was your last meal in the living world. 

Her moans are music to your ears, you look up to watch as her chest heaves. Invigorated by her pleasure you flick your tongue fucking it against her dripping hole, through a half open moan her eyes fall on yours. Her brows are pinched together in ecstasy as her thighs close around your head keeping you in place not that you could think of moving away. 

The world falls away as you bring your sister to the heights of pleasure, drunk by the feeling of her warm cunt wrapped around your face. It’s lewd and disgusting and yet you can’t get enough of it. 

In a sudden motion your attention is pulled away from Rhaenyra, you’re unable to turn your head but you feel Daemon’s cock retracting before he thrust it back to the hilt. You moan into Rhaenyra, sending shooting vibrations through her. She chokes out a moan as her hand comes down to grip your hair. 

She roughly tugs as you continue the intrusion of her cunt, pushing you further into her. Your nose bumps her puffy pearl as you move uncoordinated—distracted and falling victim to Daemon’s relentless attacks. The squelching sounds of your weeping cunt sends your mind into a frenzy, it’s filthy and obscene. 

“Such a good girl,” Rhaenyra purrs, “Had I know you were so good at eating cunt I would have had you on your knees long ago” 

Her words of praise have your pussy fluttering around Daemon who grunts in response. Your mind has gone completely blank, you've lost yourself knowing nothing but the hot liquid pleasure that Daemon and Rhaenyra were tearing out of you. They’re molding you into shapes only they knew—only they could touch. 

Daemon nestles himself so deeply you’re sure if you reach down you’d feel him in your stomach. You try to keep up your pace on Rhaenyra but with Daemon’s insistent thrusts you’re having trouble, sloppily licking and inserting your tongue into her. 

“Gods you were both made for my cock”, he grunts out but you can’t think of a single response. You’re pushed into Rhaenyra with every thrust, slurping her overflowing bliss. 

At her husband’s words Rhaenyra releases you from her grasp letting her legs fall away and you take the opportunity to rest your head on the inside of her thigh. Moaning against her skin coming undone on your uncle’s cock. 

“Is that true, do you think we were made for Daemon’s cock?” Rhaenyra’s hand drops from your hair and gently caresses your face. You can hardly process their words, unable to speak, lost in pleasure and too concentrated on the feeling of Daemon pulling out then stuffing you with each thrust. 

“Did the princess forget how to speak?” Daemon teases his hand coming down to slap the meat of your ass

“She’s cock drunk” Rhaenyra laughs, grabbing your hair and pushing you back into her heat, crying out as she does so. Your tongue laps over her absentmindedly but it’s enough to have her legs trembling. 

Roughly she tugs your hair, her moans becoming more frequent and you know she’s just as close to coming undone as you are.

Minutes stretch into hours as you’re used by your sister and her husband as nothing more than an object to achieve their own pleasure. Your eyes are rolling to the back of your head, unable to do anything but writhe in their grasps.  

With a final lap of your tongue over her womanhood Rhaenyra comes undone against your tongue. Like before her thighs press against your head keeping you locked in place. The sounds that escape her are so indecent you would have never thought sounds like that could come out of the realms delight. Greedily you swallow everything she gives you. 

The spell Rhaenyra cast over you is broken when Daemon spanks your ass again, but now you’re able to turn your head to face him. Head laying on Rhaenyra’s thigh looking back to see Daemon smirking, continuing his assault on your sensitive walls, hips slapping against yours. 

“Uncle…Uncle” you breathe out feeling the thundering shockwaves of pleasure crashing over you. Your words do nothing to divert Daemon, who continues to fuck himself into you. 

In a matter of short moments you’re overwhelmed by pleasure—pushed over the edge by a final slap on the ass by Daemon. You muffle your cry into the bed, shaking in elation. Your body feels like it was struck by lightning, overly sensitive by the pleasure that was just ripped out of you. 

Behind you Daemon unsheathes himself from the warmth of your cavern. Without his hands holding your hips up, you drop onto the soft bed. Mind left a puddle of mush as sleep begins to weigh your eyelids. Your consciousness begins to slip into the realm of dreams, not bothering to check on the wellbeing of your sister or uncle. 

The bed dips at both ends and you feel gentle hands adjust you against the bed, laying you onto your back.��

“Come here sweet dragon I’d like you on top when I release my seed”, Daemon says crawling above you. Your eyes flutter open at the sound of his voice and he smiles down at you. 

Rhaenyra laughs from beside you, “You’re insatiable. Can’t you see she is tired” 

He turns to her, “She is free to object,” then returns to you, “Do you object princess?” 

You know you should, not sure if your body could handle any more of what Daemon wanted to give you. He would surely tear you apart, leaving his marks on your body and spent for days to come—the thought sends a thrill of anticipation down your spine. 

His eyes bear into yours and there’s a hint of softness in them you had never seen before. Of the entirety of your stay in Dragonstone he had never once spared you a glace much less held a conversation with you. Yet now he wanted nothing more than to consume you and after the events of the night your mind has gone feeble. And the look in his eyes is all persuasion you needed, through hooded eyes you shake your head. 

“There’s your answer wife” Daemon shoots her a boastful smile, in return she laughs. His attention is drawn back to you with a kiss, it’s short and sweet but you’re far too tired to appreciate it for what it’s worth. 

“Come now,” he pulls you up with him maneuvering you on top of him as he lays with his back against the bed. Without needing to be told what to do you spread your legs straddling his lap. Daemon ushers your hips over his standing manhood, gently pushing the tip of his cock into your drenched entrance. 

Your sensitive walls make it near impossible for you to fully take him. He groans below slowly pushing you further and further onto his cock. Your body shutters as you take all of Daemon, every single one of your nerve endings on fire. 

After a moment his hands fall onto your hips guiding you to rise then fall onto him. The sensation leaves you trembling, unable to hold your head up, it falls on his chest. 

Your eyes are screwed shut feeling an aching pain coiling in your stomach as tears threaten to spill out, “I…I can’t” you almost sob

He shushes you running his hand over your hair in a consoling manner, “You can”

Tears begin to stain your face as your abused walls clutch against Daemon. He thrust into you slowly, grabbing your face so you’d meet his gaze. You’re fully seated on him as a tear falls from your right eye, he brushes a tear from your face bringing your face to his. 

“Such a good girl taking me so well,” he praises, burying his head in the crock of your neck. He leaves a trail of kisses up your jaw, “Could spend the rest of my life buried inside you”

His words shouldn’t thrill you as much as they do, yet you find desire pooling at your feet lulling the coiling pain. Pleasure comes slow and then all at once bliss blossoms through your body, the sensitivity of your previous releases leaving you with a heightened sensitivity. 

Without Daemon’s guidance you lift your hips and sink yourself back down. You moan when Daemon meets your lifted hips, moving your hands onto his chest straightening your back to sit yourself comfortably. It’s like nothing you’ve felt before, you’re completely full of cock—stuffed to the brim. The feeling is addicting as if your sole purpose in life was to be seated on Daemon’s cock. 

He fucks into you quickening his pace, your cries become louder and more frequent completely entranced in a haze of blistering hot euphoria. You’re pressing your hips against his trying to reach your peak again, chasing that intoxicating feeling. Perhaps Rhaenyra’s idea was not so bad afterall, you give them all the heirs they wanted.

“You’ve been such a good girl for us” he says rutting up to you, his grip tightening around your hips. Indenting into the plush of your skin sure to leave bruises. Your mind becomes a flurry filled blur as you begin to bounce on your uncle’s cock. Hands pressed to his chest trying to find some sort of grounding leverage. You find it, if only momentarily before Daemon’s tip brushes against a spongy part of your cunt. 

A loud cry emits from your lips, unable to hold yourself together any longer. Your walls clench around Daemon who digs his fingers further onto your skin. A groan bubbles in his chest; it's almost animalistic as it travels up his throat. Your eyes fall onto his, there's a dangerous edge of hungering lust that has your head spinning. 

A dangerous smile dances on his lips as his hands travel up your chest towards your bouncing breasts. He cups them, holding them for a moment before squeezing. You shiver at the feeling of his warm fingers on your cold nipples. 

Nearly falling apart at the sensation combined with his insistent thrusts. At the speed he’s hammering you with, you know he’s about to reach his peak. Your eyes close shut when his forefinger and thumb clamp around your right nipple rolling it between them. 

You feel your head explode with pleasure, it shutters through you with such intensity your vision goes white. There’s a brief moment where you think Daemon has fucked you blind. But when you see the ‘o’ shape of his mouth you’re almost thankful he did not, loving the image of him left at your mercy. 

The spasming of your high around him pushes Daemon into his own release. Your nails dig into his skin as he spills himself inside of you, his head thrown back in a moan as your cunt milks his cock. 

After a moment his thrusts become shallow as his elation wears off. He smiles triumphantly, hands sliding down to your hips. His glee should fill you with shame—regretful of the sinful actions that took place upon your sister’s marriage bed but instead you feel satisfied.

Breathlessly you collapse on his chest feeling his seed leak out of you. With your head against his chest you think you should run out of the room, flee to the walls of your chambers and hide from the grotesque act you committed. But exhaustion wears on your bones rendering you unable to move. Your legs tremble, tender from the amount of pressure they endured. 

Daemon says something but you don’t catch a single utterance. 

“Mhm” you hum too tired to ask him to repeat himself. He chuckles, readjusting you both on the bed, you moan as he moves—his cock still buried inside you. 

Your eyes close inhaling Daemon, the smell of leather and musk invades your nostrils. You hate that you find it comforting, hate that you want to stay wrapped in the arms of your sister’s husband. A man that was not yours and yet allowed to defile your womanhood. 

As if Daemon could sense your storming thoughts he traces his fingers on the small of your back. His touch brings you a strange solace, tomorrow you would feel conflicted about your blossoming emotions towards your sister and her husband. Tonight you’d sleep sheltered from the storm, tomorrow you’d face the reality of your situation. 

“Are you drifting off to sleep?” Daemon's voice is almost sweet but before you could answer the chamber door opens. The sound of footsteps entering alert you to a new presence but you can’t move limbs weighing you down instead you hide in the crook of Daemon’s neck. Mortified to have been caught in the bed chambers of the future Queen and her King Consort. 

“And where did you run off too?” Daemon nonchalantly asks his fingers still tracing patterns on your skin

“Refreshments my love,” the sound of your sister’s voice comes as a surprise, you hadn’t noticed the absence of her presence. But you’re happy she’s returned, missing the warmth of her body on yours. You lift your head to see her standing at the foot of the bed, a plate full of fruits and a flagon of wine in hand. 

“Who’s insatiable now?”

[h1nanii]

Concrete Promises [Pink Clouds Pt.7]

Pairing: Plug!Law x Fem!Reader

[Pt.1 ] [Pt.2] [Pt.3] [Pt.4] [Pt.5] [Pt.6]

[Genre: ModernAU!, Romance, NSFW 18+, angst, Fluff, comfort, Emotional confrontation, vulnerability, Adult themes, Princess treatment, Luxury Romance]

[Warnings: NSFW, Violence, Mention of drugs, Firearm usage, Explicit themes, Soft dom!, p in v sex, makeup sex, aggressive language/behavior.]

MINORS DNI

He left without a trace, like he never cared. So why did he seem care when his phone flashed with that notification?

He was still signed in.

Still getting every motion alert from your doorstep.

And now he was watching—watching this man corner you, watching you scream for help, watching your hand scramble toward the doorframe—

Then the screen went black.

You didn’t remember much after that.

A neighbor opened their door and screamed. The man ran. You got inside, barely able to breathe, hands shaking so bad you couldn’t lock the door right.

You collapsed in the hallway, sobbing.

Then your phone rang.

Unknown number.

You answered with a shaking hand. “H-Hello?”

His voice hit you like a freight train. The sound of his V8 roaring in the distant background.

“Where are you?”

You choked on a sob. “Home.”

“Did he touch you?”

“Law—”

“Did he fucking touch you?!”

“No—but he almost did.”

Silence. Static. Something rustling.

“I’m on my way.”

“Where were you?” you asked, voice cracking. “Why’d you leave me?”

More silence.

Then, just before the line went dead

“…I thought I was the threat.”

—

LAW’S POV

The fight hadn’t even been the worst they’d had.

But something about the way her voice cracked—“you could’ve died, and now you’re handing me the tools to watch you die again”—it buried itself in his chest like another bullet.

He left because he knew she was right.

Because he didn’t want to put her in a position where loving him could get her killed.

Because if she was gone, he wouldn’t survive it. He already knew that. The hospital made that clear.

He thought silence was the safest thing he could give her.

But silence became something else.

He hated the way her name lit up his screen. He hated how his fingers hovered over the answer button every time she called, but he didn’t press it. Not once.

Because if he heard her voice, he’d cave.

And if he caved, he’d crawl right back into her arms and bring the danger with him.

He was on a couch in some no-name trap when his phone buzzed with the Ring notification.

Motion detected at front door: 11:38 PM.

He tapped it out of habit. Then he saw her.

Panicked. Cornered. Backed against the wall.

Some dude in a red jacket grabbing her.

Law’s world stopped.

He didn’t think. He grabbed his keys. Didn’t say goodbye to the boys. grabbed his piece. Didn’t even grab his shoes.

All he saw was her.

Screaming. Backed against the door. Alone.

And he’d left her there.

—

—

You didn’t even know you were still on the floor when the first knock hit the door.

You startled, still crying, barely able to move.

Then the second knock came.

“Baby. It’s me.”

You scrambled up, unlocked the door with shaking hands, and—

There he was.

Hair messy. Hoodie halfway zipped. Face wild with panic. He looked like he’d been running for miles.

“Are you okay?”

You didn’t answer. You just threw yourself into his chest, sobbing uncontrollably, fisting his hoodie like he’d disappear again if you let go.

His arms wrapped around you instantly.

“I’m here. I’m right here.”

You pulled back just far enough to look at him, hands on his jaw. “What the fuck is wrong with you—Why didn’t you come back? I called 46 times”

His expression cracked then. Breaking into tears as he held you tighter.

Like he’d been holding everything back until now.

“I thought I was the thing hurting you” he whispered. “I thought the best way to protect you was to stay the fuck away. But seeing that video—you—screaming for help, and I wasn’t there…”

He trailed off, throat working as he pulled you back into him.

“I’m not built to lose you. Not after everything. Not like that.”

You shook your head, tears falling fresh. “You left me alone, Law. I didn’t know if you were dead or just done with me. You shut me out.”

“I know” he whispered. “And I hate myself for it.”

You pulled away again, barely able to breathe. “You gave me a gun and vanished. That’s not love, Law. That’s not how you protect someone.”

“I thought you’d be safer if I wasn’t around.”

“And I wasn’t!” you snapped. “Don’t you get it? You leaving doesn’t erase what you’ve done. It just takes you away from me.”

His eyes locked with yours tearfully.

For once, no walls.

No ego. No deflection.

Just pure, bone-deep regret.

“I’m sorry” he said, quietly. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

You grabbed his hand, placed it on your chest, over your heart. “You want to protect me? Then stop trying to disappear when things get hard. Be here. With me.”

He nodded. Slowly. Sincerely.

“I’m not going anywhere again.” His hands reached out in concern towards your arm that was still slightly trembling after slipping on the pair of slides he forgot by the door. “But for now let’s go, I’m getting you checked out.”

His car remained the same as you remembered, all black interior, the scent of sativa mixed with the black ice air freshener. The little pink gems on the dashboard spelled out in your name on the passenger side.

—

You hadn’t said much since the hospital released you.

A bandage peeked out from your jacket sleeve where the bastard had grabbed you. Your neck still ached from the chokehold. The bruises hadn’t bloomed yet— but Law saw them anyway, every time he blinked.

He hadn’t let go of you since.

Not when you flinched unlocking the apartment door. Not when you quietly checked the locks twice. Not even now, sitting on the edge of the bed, your knees pulled up to your chest, his hoodie swallowing you whole.

Law sat across from you, elbows on his knees, eyes glued to the floor.

His voice was low. Gravel.

“I should’ve been there.”

You didn’t answer.

“You wouldn’t’ve been alone if I’d just fucking answered the phone. Or stayed. Or—” He stopped, jaw tight. “—Or never put you in this shit to begin with.”

Your throat burned.

“I could’ve died, Law.”

He nodded slowly. “I know.”

“I thought I was going to.”

He lifted his head, eyes bloodshot, guilt swimming in the brown you loved so much.

“I was screaming” you whispered. “He had me on the ground. If the Ring camera hadn’t sent you that alert…”

Law’s fists clenched on his knees.

You broke. Quiet, broken sobs, shoulders shaking as you finally let the fear spill out of your chest. “You said I was safe with you. That this life wasn’t gonna follow me anymore.”

He was already moving before you could say more — crossing the room, pulling you into his arms with a gentleness that split you open. You clung to him like the last solid thing left in the world.

“I’m sorry” he whispered, lips pressed to your temple. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

You shook in his arms, hands twisted in the fabric of his shirt.

“I can’t do this forever, Law” you breathed. “Looking over my shoulder. Praying the people who hate you don’t come for me instead.”

He nodded into your hair. “I know. I know.”

Then silence.

Heavy. Thick. Until he finally said the words that would shift the ground beneath your feet.

“I was gonna wait to bring this up. But not after tonight.”

You leaned back, eyes searching his face.

“I want to marry you.”

You froze.

“I don’t care if it’s stupid timing. If we’re too messy. If the world’s still fucked. I almost lost you, and I realized I’d die never having called you my wife.”

Your heart thudded.

“I know I need to clean it all up. Tie off the streets for good. Move smart. But I’m already yours” he said. “Let me make it real.”

You stared at him. Bruised. Shaken. But completely his.

Your voice cracked. “You want to marry me after all this?”

“I want to marry you because of all this” he said. “Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I can’t afford to ever take you for granted again.”

You lunged into his arms again, pulling him close, your lips crashing into his. A kiss that tasted like tears and truth and desperation.

“I want that too” you whispered. “But only if you swear you’re gonna protect us the right way. For real this time.”

“I swear” he breathed against your lips. “No more lies. No more slips. I’m done with that life. You’re the only future I want.”

—

—

Law wasn’t the same after that night as the months passed.

You noticed it in the small things first—the tension behind his eyes when he kissed you good morning. The way he double-checked every lock, every window, every car parked too long on your street.

But it was more than paranoia.

It was resolve.

It started with phone calls. Quiet meetings. That old duffle bag you used to pretend not to see under the bed replaced with spreadsheets and wire transfers.

“What are you doing?” you asked him one night, watching as he tapped something into his laptop, gold chains low on his bare chest.

He looked up at you, blinking slowly. “Washing.”

You blinked. “Washing?”

“Dirty to clean. I’m done moving weight. I’m investing it now. Quiet shit. Real estate. Trucking. Crypto that ain’t trash.”

You raised a brow. “Seriously?”

“I told you I was done” he said. “That shit almost cost me you. I can’t keep walking like that and expect to keep the crown.”

You walked over and sat on his lap, letting his arms slide around your waist. “It’s gonna be hard.”

“I know.”

“You gonna stay out?”

His eyes darkened slightly, but not in the way that scared you. In the way that said he was thinking about every move like chess.

“I’m getting out smart. That means slow. Quiet. And permanent.”

You nodded, burying your face in his neck.

—

Then came the next part—the one that made it all feel real.

“I want us gone” he told you two days later. “Out of this city. Somewhere they can’t touch you.”

Your heart sank. “But my girls—my whole life is here.”

“I know. I don’t wanna take you from what you love.” He took your hand gently. “But if I don’t take you away from here, it might take you from me.”

You looked into his eyes—and saw it. That fear he never said aloud. The fear of another night where he had to watch you through a phone screen, helpless, as someone tried to take what was his.

“I’ll still bring you back whenever you want” he said softly. “Fly your friends out. Spoil you. Give you everything you dreamed of. But we gotta start over. Just us.”

You swallowed. Nodded.

“Okay.”

—

The day he handed you the Glock again, you flinched.

“I don’t want this” you said, stepping back from the case.

“I know.” He didn’t push it. “But I need you to know it. Just in case.”

“Law…”

He gently took your hands and placed the gun into them. “I never want you to use it. But I want you to know how.”

The training didn’t last long—just enough for you to stop shaking as you held the gun in the range. He kissed your temple every time you hit your mark, held your waist down every time he caught you shaking. His eyes told you it wasn’t about turning you hard—it was about making sure you lived.

You weren’t just his girl anymore.

You were his wife-to-be. Even if there wasn’t a ring—yet.

And he treated you like it.

Princess treatment came in full waves: late-night bubble baths, luxury lingerie laid out for no reason, boxes arriving at your door with things you only mentioned once in passing. Trips out of town. Safe houses you didn’t even know he had.

One night, as you sat curled up in his hoodie, new silk bonnet tied, your feet in his lap, he looked at you over the rim of his glass and said

“Tell me everything you want in a house.”

You blinked. “What?”

“Your dream house. Every detail. No filter.”

You raised a brow, but he didn’t budge.

You listed it all—bay windows, walk-in closet, garden tub, light pink tiled bathroom, a kitchen with gold finishes. A backyard with enough space to read under the sun.

He nodded through every word.

Then kissed your ankle and said, “Done.”

“You serious?” you asked, voice soft with disbelief, a sleepy smile tugging at your lips. “You’re really about to build me a dream house?”

Law didn’t look up from your feet—his thumbs pressing slow, perfect pressure into your arches.

“I said tell me everything you wanted” he murmured. “You think I ain’t been listening all this time?”

You giggled softly. “You never look like you’re listening.”

“That’s ‘cause I’m too busy staring at your pretty ass mouth while you talk.”

You playfully nudged him with your toe. He caught your foot mid-swipe and pulled it forward, pressing a kiss to your ankle.

It was gentle at first. Reverent.

Then his lips lingered. Warm. Intentional.

You stilled.

“Law…”

His eyes met yours. Dark. Focused. A storm behind them, barely restrained.

“You got any idea what it does to me?” he said lowly, his voice husky. “Thinking about waking up to you every day, in that house. Watching you walk around in nothing but my shirt, barefoot in a kitchen you designed.”

Your lips parted as he slid his hands up your calves, slow and firm, spreading warmth and goosebumps in his wake.

“Watching you in our bed, in the sunlight…” His hands reached your thighs now, pulling you closer until your legs bracketed his lap, until he was staring up at you like you were the one who built the world.

“Law…”

He pulled you down gently, letting you straddle him on the couch. His hands never left your body. The way they slid under the oversized tee you were wearing—his, of course—made your breath catch.

“You know I’d give you the world if you asked.”

You rocked your hips against him slightly, and he growled low in his throat, cock twitching under the soft fabric of his sweats.

“Yeah? Then give me you,” you whispered. “Right here.”

His mouth was on yours instantly—desperate, deep, teeth grazing your lower lip as you rolled your hips again, grinding against his growing bulge. He grabbed a fistful of your ass, pushing you down harder.

“Fuck, baby…” he hissed, breaking the kiss, burying his face in your neck. “This how you say thank you?”

You nodded, breathless. “It’s how I say don’t stop.”

“Good, ‘wasn’t gonna”

In one smooth motion, Law pulled his sweats low enough to free his cock—thick, veiny, already leaking for you—and lifted your hips.

“No panties?” he growled, grinning against your throat. “You knew what you were doing.”

You bit your lip and nodded again.

He dragged the head of his cock through your slick folds, teasing your entrance, both of you moaning softly at the contact.

Then—slowly—he pulled you down onto him.

You gasped as he stretched you, inch by inch, filling you so deep your thighs trembled around his.

“Shit—Law…”

“You take me so good, baby” he groaned, gripping your hips tightly. “Always so fucking tight f’ me.”

You rocked your hips slowly, both of you moaning in sync, your bodies moving like they were made to do this. Like they always did.

His hands slid under your shirt to grab your tits, rough fingers pinching your nipples until you arched into him.

“Love these” he growled. “Love you.”

You leaned forward, pressing kisses along his jaw, whispering the filthiest things in his ear—how good he felt, how badly you needed him to ruin you on this couch. You both were freaked out to the max.

But your thighs started to burn, your rhythm faltering.

He noticed immediately.

“Tired already?” he teased, breathless.

You nodded with a whimper.

He chuckled darkly, hands gripping your waist tight.

“Then let me take over.”

He flipped you onto your back in one swift motion, pressing you into the cushions as he drove his cock back into you, hard and deep.

You cried out, fingers scrambling for purchase as he fucked you slow, then fast, then slow again—each thrust measured, claiming, worshipful and possessive all at once.

“Mine” he grunted. “You hear me?”

“Yours—fuck—always—”

“You’re gonna cum for me, baby?” he growled, thumb rubbing fast circles against your clit. “Soak my dick, just like that.”

“Law—!“ You shattered around him, walls clenching, body jerking beneath his as you moaned his name like a prayer.

He followed soon after, cursing low into your skin, filling you deep as he collapsed against you, breath hot and uneven.

For a long moment, the only sound in the room was your combined breathing, the faint buzz of the record spinning somewhere behind you.

Then he kissed your forehead.

“I meant it” he whispered. “The house. The new life. You’re getting all of it.”

You wrapped your arms around him.

“I already got everything I want.”

—

You stood barefoot in the kitchen, the same oversized hoodie hanging off your shoulder, a bowl of ice cream in hand. The sound of your spoon clinking lightly against the ceramic bowl broke the silence, and Law, shirtless, leaned against the counter across from you—still watching you like you were dessert.

“You’re staring” you murmured, licking a bit of vanilla from your lip.

“You’re doing that on purpose..” he said lowly, voice still gravel from earlier.

“I’m just eating?” you teased, sliding the spoon between your lips, letting it linger.

“You really think I was gonna let you eat that and walk away clean?” he murmured, his lips brushing the shell of your ear.

You shivered under his touch, your voice barely a whisper. “I thought you were tired.”

His fingers dragged downward, slow and heavy, until his grip wrapped firm around your waist. “I was. Until I saw you sucking on that spoon like you forgot what my mouth just did to you an hour ago.”

You let out a soft gasp as he pressed his hips into yours. He was already hard again, the heat of him undeniable through the thin barrier of his sweats and nothing else.

“You’re trouble” he growled.

You leaned back into him, tilting your head. “You like trouble Mr. Convict .”

He spun you, lifting you onto the counter in one smooth motion, the cold marble sending a shock through your thighs. His hands slid up beneath the hoodie, pushing the hem higher, revealing more and more of your bare skin.

“You know what this hoodie means when you wear it, right?” he asked low, eyes locked on yours as his fingers slid along your inner thighs. Turning you back around to face him.

You nodded, breath catching. “Yours.”

His mouth crashed against yours with no hesitation, tongue deep, demanding. Your legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, heels digging into his back, trying to pull him closer, harder.

He pulled back just enough to look at you, his voice thick. “You gonna stay quiet, baby? Or you gonna let the whole building know who’s making you feel this good?”

Your fingers tangled in his hair. “The walls aren’t that thin.”

That was all he needed.

He slid the hoodie up your thighs, groaning at the wetness already coating you, his touch purposeful, claiming. He teased you just long enough to make your back arch before aligning himself—hot, hard, and ready—and sliding into you in one slow, deep stroke.

The moan that tore from your throat echoed off the kitchen walls.

He cursed low under his breath. “So fucking tight—like you were waiting for me to do this again.”

his pace picked up, hips slamming into yours, the sound of skin on skin competing with your gasps and his name spilling from your lips.

Every thrust was deep and punishing, and yet—somehow—he never lost that control. One hand gripping your hip, the other cradling the back of your head like you were fragile even as he broke you open.

You locked eyes through half-lidded lashes, your voice barely a whisper.

“Don’t stop…”

His jaw clenched, sweat beading on his temple. “Not till you’re cryin mama.”

He shifted your leg higher, changing the angle, and you felt it instantly—how much deeper he could reach, how perfectly he filled you.

Your body responded before your words could. The heat, the tightness, the dizzying pressure—until everything unraveled in white-hot waves. You clung to him, riding it out, gasping against his neck as he followed with a low, guttural moan, hips stilling deep inside you.

He stayed there for a moment—forehead pressed to yours, both of you breathless and trembling, wrapped in the silence of satisfaction.

“We’re really gonna build that new life, you know?”

You smiled, touching your nose to his. “Yeah. One kitchen counter at a time.”

[vinnellamadz]

Everyone asked for both so I’m gonna do both :3, PLEASE I am not a talented writer or anything please excuse me if it’s not as good

Lucifer X reader Headcanons

- Before Lucifer met you, he was definitely an emotional wreck.

He spent all his time in his workshop, creating things as a coping mechanism.

But as soon as he locked eyes with you, it was like a light bulb in him switched on, and he was instantly hooked on you.

- Lucifer tried his best to woo and court you.

As if his last moments on earth depended on it, he would smother you in gifts, specifically custom-made ducks that he always made sure were made with love and perfection.

His desire for you was so intense that he devoted all his efforts to winning your heart and making you his.

It was as if all his sorrows and woes melted away the moment he saw you.

- There were times that Lucifer almost gave up.

As he feared that you didn't return his feelings, thoughts of failure and despair filled his mind.

However, when you finally accepted his advances, he was overwhelmed with joy.

So much so, that he jumped into your arms and held you tightly.

It was a moment of pure blissful happiness, and he knew that he never wanted to let go.

- Lucifer was so focused on wooing you that he forgot to tell his daughter about you.

He was so concerned about making things perfect that he did everything in his power to ensure that your meeting was as perfect as possible.

He was so worried that you might not like each other that he tried to prepare for every possible scenario.

Spoiler alert, you and Charlie loved each other

- While visiting Charlie’s Hotel, a certain red-haired male was stepping a little too close to you for Lucifer’s comfort.

Lucifer saw the male coming closer and closer and grew increasingly concerned.

He did not like the idea of someone else being close to you, especially Alastor

Lucifer felt jealous and protective, and he wanted to make sure that the male kept his distance.

Safe to say you spent the rest of the visit with lucifers arm around your waist.

- Lucifer loves to take you out on romantic dates.

He always finds the perfect places to take you, with the most delightful settings.

He takes you to intimate restaurants, candlelit dinners, and romantic walks on the best beach in hell.

He makes sure to plan everything to the smallest detail, so that you always feel special and pampered.

Lucifer wants to show you how much he cares and appreciates you, and he does it through romantic dates that are always perfect.

- While Lucifer does have his shortcomings, he will go as far as needed to prove to you just how much you are loved every day.

He is committed to making your life a series of surprises and magical moments, and he will always go the extra mile to ensure that you feel loved and cherished.

In the end, Lucifer may have his faults, but he will never let them interfere with making sure you feel special and appreciated every single day.

Adam X reader Headcanons

- Adam does not typically get into relationships, but when he does, he tends to exhibit similar behavior patterns. He engages in playful teasing and name-calling as a way to show affection toward his partner.

Although these antics can seem somewhat derogatory, Adam ensures that his partner never actually feels bad as a result. While he might playfully poke fun at his partner at times, he is also capable of being loving and supportive (barely).

- Adam is not a typical romantic, and he is not used to expressing these types of feelings. Even so, he tries his best to court you in his own way.

There are times when he may act a little awkward or mean, but beneath it all, he truly cares for you.

While he might stumble over his words or lack the grand gestures, Adam shows his feelings through small gifts and nicknames.

- Although you might not be showing any signs of affection, Adam would never give up on courting you. He is persistent and determined to win your heart.

Even if you were to continuously reject him, he would continue to pursue you. Adam feels deeply for you, and he is willing to go to great lengths to make you his own.

So, if you truly want him, Adam would never stop trying to win you over with his endearing charms.

- Once you finally surrendered to his charms, Adams ego grew even bigger.

As part of his big ego, he became extremely affectionate and public in his displays of affection. He wants everyone to see you as a couple, and he doesn't mind who's watching.

Adam wants everyone to know that you're his, and he is going to make sure everyone knows it.

- Adam is an incredibly possessive and insecure man (I wonder why 👀), and he dislikes seeing other men around you.

When a male approaches you, Adam quickly swoops in, giving the other man a dirty look and then proceeding to make out with you in front of him. With his dominant display of affection, he makes sure that the other man knows his place.

Then, he takes you by the hand and leads you away, anticipating the night that awaits you both.

- Adam is a romantic man, and he enjoys date nights with you. He loves to spend time sitting on his balcony with you, eating takeout, and engaging in fun gossip.

However, he also appreciates having nice dinners together, and he enjoys taking you to the hottest concerts in town.

He also likes to express his affection for you through singing, he cherishes your presence more than anything else.

- Even with his flaws and occasional mistakes, Adam is a decent lover overall.

He may be imperfect and stumble at times, but his genuine desire to make you happy is what matters most. Although he may make occasional jabs and tease you, it all boils down to his genuine care for you.

At the end of the day, your happiness is what Adam truly cares about more than anything else. Even through all the ups and downs of a relationship, he will always do what it takes to make you happy.

- Adams favourite movie is frozen.

IM SORRY IF THIS IS OOC ITS MY FIRST TIME WRITING IN SO LONG

[radishpasta]

First kiss

Hiii���� okay so this is my first everrr fanfic and i obviously had to write about Sevika!!

Please give me some advice & critiques (but not too mean, I will cry:’c) and if people like it I’ll post more:3

Sevikas been your co worker at a convenience store for about 5 months, and even with your age gap, her being in her forties and you in your early twenties, it’s like you’ve been friends for years, she’s so honest and blunt about everything, you can ask and talk about anything with her. One night, you and her were working the night shift and barely anyone was coming in so you two were mostly goofing off. She leaned against the counter listening to you go on and on about your dorky interests.

“Yeah I don’t know, it’s the stupidest thing, probably why I haven’t kissed anyone.” You laugh at yourself and how pathetic it sounds to not have kissed anyone at 23. But Sevika pauses and stares at you dumbfounded.

“You’ve never kissed anyone?!” She starts to laugh, a loud, mocking laugh. She’s practically wiping away tears from how hard she’s laughing at you.

You regret ever mentioning it the moment you saw her eyes go wide and a small smirk forming on her lips. “Jeez! Alert the whole town why don’t you!” You can feel your whole face heating up and turn away from her, dying to escape this hell.

“I shouldn’t have told you, just forget I said anything.” You shake your head and go to walk away but Sevika grabs your arm and pulls you back to where you were with ease.

“I wasn’t judging you sweetheart,” she begins, her voice low and rough, “I’m just curious how a pretty girl like you can go all these years without being kissed.” She stares down at you, a soft smile playing on her lips.

You stare up at her for a moment before looking away, the way she’s looking at you makes your heart beat faster. “I- I don’t know,” you shrug, fidgeting with the hem of your shirt, trying to avoid making eye contact with her. “I guess I was just too busy for romance…” You mumble, eyes nervously flicking up to her.

“Too busy huh?” She cocks her head and there’s a long pause as she looks at you, her gaze unreadable, then her smirk turns into a wide grin. “you’re not too busy right now.” She says bluntly, studying your face as it turns a bright red at her words.

“Wha-“ a nervous chuckle escapes your mouth, “well no I’m- I’m not, it’s jus-“ Sevika interrupts you, “You don’t wanna kiss me? That’s okay.” She shrugs and turns away but you reach out and grab her wrist, and Sevikas a big and sturdy woman, you could never move her even if you wanted to. But you pull her back so easily.

“No I would love to kiss you!” You blurt out, and then immediately getting embarrassed at how loud and fast you said that. And Sevika doesn’t help as she slowly turns back around, a wide and mocking grin on her face. “Wow…, you would love to kiss me, huh?” She asks, keeping her gaze locked on you as she steps closer. “Oh shut up!” You cup your face with both hands, trying to hide your reddened face, but she laughs and grabs both your wrists, pulling them away from your face.

Her big and rough hand holds both your wrists in place, using her free hand she grabs your face and makes you look up at her.

You can feel your heart pound in your ears as she slides her hand to the back of your neck, and unknowingly you start to hold your breath, thoughts like “I should never have eaten those onion rings bro” are running in your mind, but the second Sevikas soft lips press against yours they all disappear.

She slowly starts to kiss you harder, deep and passionate, letting go of your wrist to slide her hand around your waist, pulling you closer. Her touch causes a shiver to run down your spine, and she pulls away for a second just to look at your flustered face and chuckles condescendingly, immediately kissing you again, more roughly as she slips her tongue into your mouth.

With your freed hands you wrap them around her neck, pressing your warm and needy body against hers. You can feel her hand run up underneath your shirt, stopping under your breast when you hear the door bell ringing and your eyes snap open, and both of you turn to look at a middle aged man standing there in a Hawaiian shirt and khakis, with his mouth agape.

“I- my car just, um, broke down and I was wondering if yall had a phone or could help fix it… but like I ca- I can come back late-“

Sevika immediately peals your arms off her, and practically ran to the door, mumbling something about helping him.

And you just stand there, staring at the door close as your legs wobble. You softly touch your wet and swollen lips, your mouth slightly open. You bite your bottom lip and turn around towards the bathroom, you can still taste her in your mouth, and can feel a dampness between your legs as you close the door behind you.

[quinnysnursery]

I need a fic on Chris being little around reader for the first time please

-🧡

[🥤] first time for everything | chris sturniolo one-shot

paring : little!chris sturniolo x fem!cg!reader

summary : a late night call results in you seeing your boyfriend regressed for the first time

warning/extra tid-bits : mention of nightmares, crying, use of y/n, thats all i think

word count : 690

divider credit : umm i found all the photos on pinterest :3 (flannel thing from @saradika-graphics)

a/n : chris and y/n are dating OUTSIDE of regression in this oneshot!! reminder that regression is NEVER sexual. (not proof read, i'm just a girl!)

Today was the day. You had known of your boyfriend’s regression for as long as you two had been together- 6 months and two weeks, not that you were counting- but you’d never gotten the opportunity to see him regressed. At least not until today.

When Chris first told you, he made it very clear that his brothers were his main caregivers and he was unsure about being open to having a new caregiver.

“I get attached easily, and I just- I don’t want to get attached and have you leave, y’know?”

You understood- even if it hurt just a tad, you still understood. You respected Chris’ wishes to keep his littlespace his own until he was ready- even if subconsciously you were counting down the days until Chris would invite you into his little world. Pun intended.

You however, did not expect that invite to come in the form of a panicked phone call at three am. 

“Y-Y/n,” Your boyfriend’s voice cried out, immediately alerting you to the fact that something was wrong. “C-Can ‘ou come over?” The slur in his voice was enough to tell you he was regressed. You didn’t waste any time asking for a reason, if Chris needed you- you’d be there. No questions asked.

That’s what landed in front of the triplets front door, waiting for one of the brothers to open the door. 

Just as you were about to knock for what felt like the third time, a disheveled Matt Sturniolo swung open the heavy door- sleep evident in both his eyes and bedhead. 

“Where’s Chris?” You asked quickly, “Upstairs with Nick,” Matt answered. “He’s been crying for you for an hour.” He added, letting you in and shutting the door behind you. “What’s going on?” You asked, brows creased together in concern.

Matt sighed softly, attempting to wake himself up. “He had a nightmare, ‘said we all disappeared.” He explained as the two of you made your way upstairs. Your heart broke at how scared Chris- especially regressed Chris must’ve been at both his brothers and you disappearing.

“Poor thing…” You frown, trying to ignore the nerves building up in your stomach as you and Matt approached Chris’ room. Matt hummed, placing his hand on the doorknob. You quickly pick your hand up, making the middle triplet halt. 

“Wait wait wait-” You said quickly, “What do I like…” You trailed off, trying to find the right words to convey the various different worries flowing through your body. Matt smiled at you warmly, it was clear you were nervous about being around little Chris for the first time.

“He wants you.” He reassured, “He practically forced me to find your contact to call you, I promise there is very little you can do to screw this up.” Matt placed a gentle hand on your shoulder, a promise that you’d be okay.

“Okay…okay.” You breathed, giving Matt a nod that told him to open up the door. Matt stepped in first- you following immediately after. You instantly felt your heart break as you saw the sight on Chris’ bed. 

Chris was curled up underneath Nick’s arm, small sniffles and hiccups escaping from his pouty lips as he rubbed his puffy red eyes with a balled up fist. “Look who’s here,” Nick leaned down slightly to whisper into Chris’ ear.

Chris looked up, lips forming into a small o-shape as he saw you. “Y/n!” He chirped, lips curling into a smile as he reached out for you. You smiled brightly, placing your bag down on the carpeted flooring and immediately climbing into Chris’ bed and scooping the little into a hug.

Chris snuggled into your chest, letting out a content sigh- any worries about you disappearing now a thought of the past. Nick thanked you for showing up, he was very clearly just as exhausted as Matt- both had been up for god knows how long comforting the regressed boy.

“Of course, I got in my car as soon as I got the call.” You said, earning a genuine smile from both of Chris’ older brothers. “I’m here, baby boy.” You coo, rubbing soothing circles into the brunette boy’s back as he clung to you like a koala.

Chris murmured something into your neck, “Hm?” You asked softly, causing Chris to pull away slightly to make his words clearer. “M’ thought ‘ou were gone fo’wever…” He mumbled, tears budding back up in his eyes. 

A soft coo slipped out from your lips- surprising even yourself. “I’m right here baby, I’m not going anywhere.” You soothed, pressing a gentle kiss to Chris’ forehead. Chris nodded against your hoodie before pausing, “Promise?” He asked softly, playing with your hoodie strings as he awaited your answer.

“I promise.” You promised, easing the regressed boy’s worries. 

A few minutes passed before Matt and Nick retreated back to their respective rooms, not before triple checking that both you and Chris were comfortable with being left alone.

“Just call if you need anything.” His brothers said before slipping out Chris’ door.

Once the door was closed, you snuggled further under the sheets- being sure to keep Chris close. The two of you were equally as tired- the alarm clock placed on Chris’ nightstand reading 5:54 am. 

Chris murmured about various different topics, sleepy babbles slowly growing less and less cohesive. Still, that didn’t stop you from responding with various small “Yeah?”’s and “Oh really?”’s. 

Around 6 am, Chris’ babbles turned to soft snores- a balled up fist clinging onto a piece of your hoodie’s fabric. You pressed one final kiss onto the sleeping little’s nose before closing your eyes.

Sure, you hadn’t expected your night to turn out this way…but there’s a first time for everything.

taglist !! :

@natedoeswife @blahbel668 @nicksloverrr @flow3rsturns13 @pkfferoo @pixxiies @mattsturnswhore @17welch17 @pinksikhewei @v33angel @conspiracy-ash @mattssturnz @littlestar44 @graceslittlecorner @zivall @hrtz4alex2211 @bimbob1tch @sturnsxplr-25 @cherry-red-heart @pr3ttyf4wn @frlinbruh @jazminepetit-homme @raynaaxx @tyummyz

[moonlitcelestial]

Chapter 21 

Beyond the Lens - Logbook Videographer!Reader x OT8 Ateez

W/C 12,311 

🎥 Series Masterlist 🎥

☽ Masterlist ☾ 

Inspiration Pictures

Pinterest Board Masterlist

Previous Chapter (Chapter 20)

Disclaimer: This story is purely a work of fiction. It is not meant to assume or mock anything about Ateez, Atiny, or anything relating to what I do not know about being a videographer. This story will follow several of the events that Ateez has done in the past year for Golden Hour Part 2, that being said I will not be able to include everything. 

Contains she/her pronouns.

The logo in the center is mine. Please do not reuse or copy.

I strongly recommend looking at the inspiration pictures and the Pinterest boards linked above (which will be updating as the story goes on).

General Warnings: cussing, conflict, angst, fluff, and obliviousness. 

CHAPTER WARNINGS - ANGST, overthinking, abusive "Father".

I am going to be trying to use a color system for labeling the angst in this part. Red is Heavy. Orange is moderate, and Green is okay. Please read this at your own risk, these are heavy topics. Let me know if you think they need to be changed, the labels were created on my opinions so others may have differing thoughts.

There are lots of links in this chapter, I would recommend you check them out but they are not necessary I just like having references for what things look like. Let me know what you think! <3 Moonie

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Cracking your eyes open, you took in your surroundings, somehow you ended up in your room. You were tucked under Wooyoung who was extremely warm in the mid morning light. Peeking over your shoulder you saw Yeosang was just behind you hugging you like a koala. Both of them were knocked the fuck out. In the bend of your knees was a weight that was most likely Mocha; as it was her favorite place to be on anyone. With a quick glance you saw her dual colored eyes already watching you. She must have noticed you moving around just a little differently. There was muffled chatter somewhere downstairs, and the unmistakable clatter of people in the kitchen. Would it really be worth it to disturb the three of them to go make sure your kitchen wasn’t a mess? Maybe? But it’s so comfy here. You settled back into the embrace of sleep with the thought that it would be a future Y/n problem. 

What felt like only seconds later there was a small jostle to the bed. Something that typically indicated one of the giants had gotten up and there were the heavy paws, which could only mean one thing; Toothless was here. You peeked your eyes open as he walked all over you and the other boys vying for attention, he nearly stepped on Mocha in the process. He got up to your face and sniffed your eyelashes before you groaned and gently pushed him away. After you got him out of your face he moved over to bug Wooyoung who didn’t fare much better. The only indication that he had even registered that there was a 23 pound cat on him was the small groan and him shifting to grab him to cuddle him to death. You snickered as Toothless was pulled into your cuddle fest, he was now between you and Woo purring his big head off. 

Wooyoung peeked his eyes open and quickly shut them again because of the intrusion of light. Yeosang had attempted to scoot closer to you which didn’t yield any kind of different result as he was already almost on top of you. Footsteps alerted you to someone approaching, when they got close enough you could make out two blurry forms of who you could assume were the twin towers. The tell tale snicker from Mingi is what gave them away. They approached the bed and were trying to get the three of you up. Wooyoung groaned and pulled Toothless tighter to him, effectively burying his face in the giant fur ball. You glared at the two of them the best you could without seeing them properly. Then one of them yanked the covers off of you. The cool air of the room immediately invaded your body, the cold threatening to seep into your bones. 

“Noooo, it was so warm. Why would you do that?” You cuddled closer to the two black cats almost squishing Toothless in the process. Wooyoung’s arm wrapped around you protectively and Yeosang just tightened his hold on you.

Before too long and with the help of a couple of the other boys they had dragged you out of the bed. San had a hold of Yeosang, Jongho had a hold of Wooyoung and Yunho put your glasses gently on your face before picking you up in a princess carry to go down the stairs. You tucked yourself into the juncture between his head and shoulder and his responding chuckle vibrated against you. As you got to the foot of the stairs you were met with the aroma of food which immediately perked you up. Looking around the kitchen was spotless, there was absolutely no way they cooked in here without leaving a mess, they must have ordered something. 

Yunho gently settled you in one of the chairs outside and the rest of your boys gave you cheery good mornings. Without a word you immediately took a sip of the drink in front of you. You watched as the boys were passing around plates of food for breakfast, most of them had given you the first portions. When you made sure everyone had enough of the food you started eating; and they followed. The chatter among the boys became more lively as the breakfast went on. You sat there in silence as they continued to talk about upcoming schedules and the Paris Fashion week. 

You fell into your thoughts, their chatter merely becoming background noise. These were your boys and you were theirs. If you could wake up like this every morning for the rest of your life everything that previously happened will have been worth it. All of the abuse, all of the toxicity, all of the heartache, all of the people who used you. Every single bit of it is worth it if you get to be with these eight men that chose you. Maybe one day you could tell them about everything, maybe one day you could show them more of the real you. 

Would they stay if they knew the real you though? The one who still flinched at harsh tones of voice. The one who flinches if people move too fast. The one who gets thrown into memories and it is hard to break them out of said memories. The real you that was only okay less than half the time. The real you that almost always wore a mask, and when it came off it scared people. Would they continue to love you through it unlike everyone else? 

“You okay Kit? You’ve been awfully quiet this morning.” Your eyes trailed over to Yunho’s, he was looking at you intently as he spoke. You could see the lingering worry in his eyes, with a glance over the rest of the boys they held the same look. You let your mask slip into place.

“Yeah, I’m just basking in the moment reminding myself that this is real.” When the words slipped from your mouth their expressions changed just minutely. A warm large hand settled itself on top of yours and gave it a squeeze. Your gaze moved over to Mingi who was smiling softly at you. You intertwined your fingers with his and returned his gesture. The conversation shifted away from you and to Yeosang who was going to be making all of the decisions on what you were going to do today. As soon as the word pool slipped from his mouth you knew the rest of them would be on board with it.

After the delicious breakfast the boys were scattered around the house and in the pool while you were in your room gathering things for your trip. Your flight leaves at some ungodly hour at the buttcrack of dawn so having everything together and ready would be the best idea. You could feel the slowness of your brain, the fog was settling in; you needed to get this done before it took over. Everything was all over on your bed, your largest garment suitcase and your travel backpack. You made your way downstairs and to the mudroom where Yeosang had left your backpack. Throwing it over your shoulder you made your way to your office to grab your secondary camera and a few of your other supplies. You turned around after grabbing what you needed and were met with all three of the giants sniffing around. 

“Shoo, out hooligans,” you waved your hands to get them out of the room so they wouldn't eat the plants. When they had finally made their way out, with a shit ton of persuasion; you closed the door. You made your way back upstairs humming the How to Train Your Dragon theme song, falling asleep during that movie always did this to you; it always stayed with you until you finished it. While you walked back up the stairs you heard Wooyoung shouting, you paused for a second to hear what it was he was yelling about. He was screaming marco. With a shake of your head and a small smile you continued on your way. 

When you got back to your room you set all of the things aside and started organizing your cameras and other equipment. Your hands moved with quick efficiency, due to years of practice this came easy to you; it was also something you could do on autopilot. You paused; a mistake really. Your brain took over and you just stood there unseeing. Everything around you disappeared as you fell into your blank mindscape. You could faintly see the thoughts whirling by almost like text on a jumbotron. 

Would they stay if they knew the real you? The one who still flinched at harsh tones of voice. The one who flinches if people move too fast. The one who gets thrown into memories and it is hard to break them out of said memories. The real you that was only okay less than half the time. The real you that almost always wore a mask, and when it came off it scared people. 

Would they continue to actually love you unlike everyone else? Unlike the boy who had been your solace in high school until he saw your scars. Unlike the family that dismissed you as a burden when you brought it up. Unlike the people that pushed you away when you finally let your guard down to show them your true self. Unlike the man who used you to get a better spot in your class and upcoming companies. 

Would they see you as a burden? Someone who is too much to care for. Someone who can barely hold her shit together unless absolutely necessary. Someone who needs constant reassurance. Someone who can't believe things so easily because of the lies she has been fed. 

A rolling chirp broke you out of your thoughts. Your eyes refocused to see your hands just sitting there holding the dual camera harness like it was a lifeline. You held it long enough the leather was warm with the heat of your hands. You looked over your shoulder and saw Hongjoong and Seonghwa petting Beans while she laid in the giant cat tree. Turning back to your task you continued to pull things out of the backpack to transfer to your traveling backpack; one that had a little more padding. Footsteps approached and you were wrapped in a warm back hug, the person was just barely taller than you. 

Hongjoong appeared next to you, you looked over to him with a small smile. The energy was draining from you fast as the impending break was getting closer. “Are you sure you are okay? Your demeanor seems off this morning” His soft words struck a chord in you, something registered his genuine concern but the other part of you just didn't care; you were numb. 

“I’m fine, just sleepy.” You started moving around again, reaching for the equipment in front of you. Seonghwa’s hold tightened on you almost effectively stopping you all together. 

“Don’t lie, I can tell you aren’t,” Hongjoong’s words were sharp with an undercurrent of worry. You turned to look at him fully, your face was a mask of calm. His face was serious but his eyes; they gave him away. 

“Then why did you ask?” You shrugged yourself out of Seonghwa’s hold and walked over to your bathroom to grab some of the other things you would need for your trip. Most of it was things you wouldn't need to use until you got there so there was no point in waiting to pack it. 

“Because I wanted to give you the opportunity to tell us about it without prying.” He followed you and stood in the doorway; trapping you. This was too familiar.

“Please move,” you muttered with your hands full of miscellaneous things. He stepped aside and watched as you passed him to dump everything on your bed. A small breath of relief left you. You had to be strong here, this isn't something they should have to deal with. 

“What aren't you telling us, love?” Seonghwa’s hand gently grabbed your wrist. Before you could think, you wrenched your hand out of his hold and covered your head. Your knees hit the floor with a sickening crack, the pain barely registered and the old surgery sight sang with odd numbness. Make yourself as small as possible, there will be less damage that way. A gut reaction. Something that you tried to get rid of. Your heart hammered in your chest and through your ears as you were vaulted back in time. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

He caught you. He was furious. He was storming around the house following you menacingly, tracking what you were doing like an animal on the hunt. All you were trying to do was get away from this hell. You were holding many miscellaneous things trying to pack as quickly as possible. Trying to avoid his wrath. 

He was trying to keep you from leaving, trying to keep you from escaping. You were in front of your bed, hands trembling as you packed the final essentials. Your room was nearly barren, a testament to how much he actually paid attention unless it was something of interest to him. 

A rough hand grabbed your wrist and violently tugged you to turn to look at him. He stood over you, his breath reeking of alcohol. Before you could even fathom protecting yourself a hard slap landed on your cheek. Pain bloomed. Strong. Overwhelming. A voice that didn't feel like yours yelped while you held the side of your face. Your mother wasn't here, she couldn't save you; not this time. He landed another hit on you, this one knocked you to the floor. As soon as you hit the hardwood he swiftly kicked you in the stomach. The air left your lungs like a balloon popping; quick and brutal. Your ears were ringing as you looked up to the man who raised you.

“You leave, you aren't allowed to come back, if you do I'll make you regret it.” 

Hearing him was going to be an issue right now, just nod and agree with whatever he says. You weakly nodded to him, your stomach was on fire. The same fire was traveling up your throat as bile threatened to come up. You harshly swallowed before responding. “I understand, sir.” 

“You speak a word of this to anyone, I'll find you.”  

Your eyes couldn't meet his, not if you wanted to make it out. He scoffed at your hesitance and kicked you again, this time it hit your hand instead. “I won't say anything, sir.” 

“If I see you again after this disgrace you're dead.” He marched out of the room leaving the door open. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

“–We won't hurt you. Please.” Hongjoong’s voice cracked on the last word, it rang through you bringing you back to this reality. Your entire body was trembling as you were kneeling at the foot of your bed covering yourself with your hands. Everything was blurry, your breath was coming out in spurts. With everything you had you turned your head to meet Hongjoong’s eyes which widened slightly as they met. He was sitting on his knees next to you, there were tears pouring down his face as he looked you over. All he could see was absolute utter terror in your gaze. The tears streaming down your face were dripping down your neck; you couldn't care to stop them. 

You did this, you caused this, he was in pain because of you.

His hands were hovering over you like he couldn't decide what to do. Loud footsteps echoed up the stairs which made you flinch back into yourself. They were getting closer and then immediately stopped. The steps that were once loud and fast slowly approached you and Hongjoong, they must have seen you flinch.

“Y/n, please look at me.” Your eyes flickered over to Hongjoong. He was offering you a trembling hand. You shook your head and turned back into yourself, resting your head against your bed in an attempt to ground yourself and bring yourself fully back. 

“Boo? Are you there? Boys, what is happening?” 

Willow. 

There were hushed whispers behind you before she spoke again. “Boo, I need you to listen to me. You don't have to do anything but listen okay? You aren’t there, you are here. Your home outside of Seoul, the one you built with the help of your grandparents. You are with your eight boyfriends, the boys who chose you. You are here with us, not with him. He can't get to you. You are thousands and thousands of miles away from him. You are here, not there.”

You listened, focusing on her voice. Her words echoed around in your head. You aren't there, you are here. You repeated the mantra that had engrained itself in your brain for moments like this; sometimes you just needed a reminder. You didn't know how long you sat there just barely whispering the mantra to yourself. Once you felt secure enough in your own mind and skin a shaky breath left you as you leaned your head back just slightly. Hongjoong’s form came into view from the corner of your eye. He was just watching you quietly. As soon as he saw you looking at him he held his hand out again; this time you hesitantly accepted it. He ran his thumb over the back of your hand in circles. There were a couple of whispers before you heard the end of the phone call. 

“I’m sorry.” The voice that left you sounded like your inner child; quiet and small. The child that was still stuck and terrified in that time; tucked away to only barely ever make her appearance. You wiped your cheeks and the tears that lingered in your lashes with the hand that wasn't holding his. The pain was starting to register from your knees. You shifted to fully sit back with your legs outstretched, angling just a little in Hongjoong’s direction. 

“Never apologize for this, not to us, not to anyone.” You nodded at him and turned in an attempt to look at whoever was behind you over your shoulder. Before you could even see who it was, a large set of paws settled themselves on your back and black cat head appeared and bonked you in the face. You let out a watery laugh at Toothless before letting go of Hongjoong’s hand and grabbing Toothless and forcing him to cuddle you. 

“You know when I need you the most, you know that bud.” You were whispering to the giant in your arms and the two men with you chuckled lightly. He kept head butting you to get you to continue petting him. Nothing was ever enough for him, the giant cuddlebug. He absolutely loved to bug as many people as he could for pets. 

“Do you feel like moving?” Hongjoong’s soft question made your heart ache. 

“I can, I might be a little shaky but that's nothing I haven't dealt with before.” You held Toothless like a lifeline. His purring was soothing you as it always did.  

“Okay, do you want to get into your own bed or would you like to go in one of the other rooms?” 

“I don't want to be in a bedroom anymore, can we go to the nook?” 

“Of course, wherever you would be most comfortable. Can I help you up?” You nodded and released Toothless. He didn't wander far from you, stuck in protective help mom mode. He never left you alone when you had something like this happen. As soon as you had scooted Toothless away Hongjoong stood and offered you both of his hands to help you up. You took them and he pulled you up, he was watching you intently something crossed his eyes but before you could decipher it it was gone. You turned to look at Seonghwa, you could tell he had been crying. Before you could think anything of it you walked over and gave him a hesitant hug. He fully relaxed against you, his head dropped onto your shoulder as he held you. 

“I know you. I know your heart and I know you would never hurt me. I know I scared you, and I am so sorry. My reaction was because of my past. I swear it.” He let out a shuddering breath. You stood like that with him for a few minutes. His hands were stroking up and down your back as you stood there. You couldn't quite decide if he was trying to ground you or himself. He gently separated himself from your shoulder and looked you in the eyes. His eyes were swimming with unshed tears, the silver lining his eyes made them pop. He was beautiful in a melancholy way. You leaned your forehead against his while closing your eyes. 

“Let’s go to the nook my moon. If you feel like it, you can talk about it. If not that’s okay too. As long as you are comfortable.” You whispered your agreement and he gently took your hand, hesitating just enough to give you the space to pull away; you didn’t. The two of them escorted you down the stairs and to the nook. There was laughter echoing outside, the complete opposite of the silence you and the eldest of your boyfriends were walking in. Seonghwa crawled up first and immediately opened his arms to you. You crawled up and into his lap, settling yourself between his legs with your left ear over his heart. When you were settled he wrapped himself around you. Hongjoong joined the two of you on the side you were facing. Toothless appeared a second later, squishing himself into your lap. You let out a small laugh and held your arms up so he could curl up with you and against Seonghwa, who also needed his comfort. 

“You don't have to hide yourself from us.” Hongjoong’s soft words shattered your mask, the tears started falling; tears of relief. They didn't hate you, or look at you in disgust. They cared. Seonghwa’s arms tightened around you slightly. Hongjoong’s hand rested on yours that was curled around Toothless. 

“We are here. No matter what, no matter where, no matter when. You are ours to take care of and we won't let you suffer in silence; not now, not ever.” Seonghwa’s words rolled over your mind and heart with warmth. Gentle hands were moving through your hair and lightly detangling as they went. You squeezed Toothless, he was purring and just content being here. From the shift in the large bed you could tell the girls were here too. You looked over and saw Mocha approaching you, her yellow and blue eyes assessing you before she came up and laid against you on Seonghwa’s leg. Beans had looked you over before approaching Hongjoong. Since your lap and side were already taken she went for the next best thing; his lap. Your tears had dried slightly, the tracks were stiff against your cheeks as you smiled at the three giants. The comfort they brought was something you cherished always; especially in moments like this. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

This was something you had to tell them, something you needed to trust them with; a step toward healing your inner child. After a couple of deep breaths you began. “My dad, he abused me.”

You took a shuddering breath in before continuing. “I know I have mentioned it in passing but the full extent of it many people don't understand or know about. He hit me, kicked me and slapped me. He once almost choked me out too.” The two of them sucked in a breath, their grip on you tightened just barely. 

“The time I was thrown back into today was the last time I saw him. I had been squirreling my things away for months so I could quietly leave and never look back. I had been in college for a few months and with the help of my then roommate I got a storage locker out there. He had finally figured out I was leaving completely and was furious; to put it in the simplest terms.” You let out a small dry chuckle looking up so the tears wouldn't fall as you had just gotten them to stop. 

“He started by grabbing my wrist and wrenching me around, he continued with two hard slaps— The second knocked me down, he kicked me in the stomach when I hit the ground. He threatened me and while I was protecting my stomach he kicked me again. He broke a few bones in my left hand with how hard he kicked me.” Hongjoong’s hold tightened on said hand. He lifted it up and kissed the back of it, right where the ghost of the kick still lingered. 

“I know this is a hard thing to tell anyone, and I am so beyond proud of you for telling us, even if it wasn't under the best circumstances. You are stronger than you think you are. You survived, that is one of the hardest things you can do.” Hongjoong’s grip on your hand was tight, but not uncomfortable.

You nodded solemnly at him. “I almost didn't, I almost gave up.” That was something that you had never admitted out loud; a well kept secret. Seonghwa’s head leaned against the top of yours, you felt a shaky breath leave him. 

“We are so happy you didn’t.” he pressed a light kiss to the crown of your head. 

“You are so brave Shutterbug, so unbelievably brave.” 

“Thank you.. Thank you both.” You took a deep breath, noticing the scratchiness of your throat and the burn in your lungs. 

“Please don't tell the other boys, I want to be able to do it myself.” They both solemnly nodded at you. You didn't want them to see you like this if you could help it; not yet at least. Having these two find out was enough for the time being. 

“Would you maybe want to see something that helps me remember I survived?” They both nodded to you. You gently moved your hair up and away from your ear. They took in the sun and moon semicolon behind your left ear. 

“That’s one I never noticed, you also didn't show it to us.” Hongjoong’s fingers were gentle as he traced the tattoo. It gave you goosebumps. Seonghwa was just smiling softly at you, his eyes were still shining with unshed tears. 

“I don’t show it off, it is one that I keep just to myself most of the time.” 

“Either way it is beautiful, just like the rest of you.” Seonghwa’s words shocked a giggle out of you. The mood lightened just a little as he and Hongjoong shared a small look of accomplishment. You settled your head back against his chest and just listened to his steady heartbeat. The three of you just sat there, Hongjoong’s unconscious habit of messing with your rings was shining through. You looked at the one he was messing with, Yeosang must have snuck your ring back on your finger sometime last night. Hongjoong had discovered the moon phase one that spun and hadn't stopped messing with it since. Seonghwa was leaning his head against yours and watching Hongjoong mess with it. You gently grabbed the one from your thumb and offered it to Seonghwa after making it a sphere. He gently took it from you and started to fiddle with it. The two of them were like children keeping themselves occupied with little things as you sat in comfortable silence. The morning began to wear on you, after having an episode like that you always rode on the adrenalin high until you crashed. It had been enough time that you knew it was coming, you tried to fight the exhaustion; but it wasn't a battle to be won. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

Before long the boys had noticed that you fell asleep. You were lying there with your cheek pressed against Seonghwa’s chest. You looked peaceful, a large improvement to the state you were in earlier. 

“I can't believe that she went through that. It shattered my heart when she flinched away from me like I was going to hurt her.”

“I know, star. I understand completely. After the time she flinched away from me when I was just trying to comfort her I had my suspicions. I don't think I realized how good she is at hiding things. Looking at her you would never have thought she fought so hard when she was supposed to be living free as a child should.”

“I don't think she wants people to know.” Hongjoong looked like he was thinking; connecting the dots of things you had unknowingly shown him to hint at this. 

“It’s got to be a defence mechanism, there were some things that struck me when I confessed our love to her. Something that I haven't been able to shake and it has to be connected to this.” he took a deep breath remembering the questions you asked in anguish. The look on your face as you asked was something he could never forget. The way you looked up at him with tears running down your face, your eyes were red rimmed behind your thick framed glasses.

“She asked me why we would pick someone who has so many years of emotional baggage. She told me we would be better off with someone who didnt box away their emotions to forget about their past. She asked why we would choose someone who scares people away, why we would choose the disappointment. She wholeheartedly believed every terrible thing coming out of her mouth that day. This can't just be physical abuse, it is mental as well.” Seonghwa’s jaw dropped, his hand that was running through your hair paused momentarily. He looked down at you, this beautiful woman who had been through so much was fighting battles that no one knew about or could even dream about. 

“Is that why you never told us about how the confession went?”

“Yes, I don’t want to expose how she thinks of herself to the rest of our boys; it isnt my place. She will hopefully show us the rest of herself in due time.” Seonghwa nodded before resuming his gentle combing through your hair.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

“Did you notice the scars on her arms?” Seonghwa’s small question out of the blue after several minutes of silence almost startled Hongjoong. His eyes immediately went down to look at your arms. The one that was trapped between Toothless and Seonghwa was just barely visible. He trailed his eyes to the other that was cuddled against your chest, he saw them then. Hidden under the ink of your camera tattoos were scars that ran up your forearm, they were faint enough that you had to really look for them against the inked skin. 

Nothing could have prepared him for the thoughts that invaded his mind. She really did almost give up. They had almost lost you before they even knew you. The thoughts solidified his resolve, if he could help it he would never let you fall that far again. He would do absolutely anything to keep that from happening. His eyes met Seonghwa’s over your head and he knew that the same things were running through his mind as well. 

You were theirs to protect, even if it was from your own mind. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

You woke a while later with the large patchwork blanket draped over you. There was soft breathing above you, before you could move their arms tightened around you. You were in the same position you fell asleep in, a rare feat as you were prone to rotating like a rotisserie chicken when you slept. 

“Hi, my moon. How are you feeling?” Seonghwa’s gentle voice rattled against your ear. You took stock of yourself, there was minute pain in your knees, a comforting weight against your chest and warm arms wrapped protectively around you. Your mind was still foggy, but nothing like it was earlier. It was clear enough to listen to your logical mind.

“I’m better than I was earlier that’s for sure, but I won't lie and say I’m one hundred percent okay. How long was I out?” 

“I’m glad you are doing better. It has been about an hour. Also, I think Hongjoong may have started rifling through your closet in an attempt to help you pack.” He placed a sweet kiss on the top of your head.

“Oh boy, that’ll be an interesting sight. How much of a disaster do you think my room is?” 

“Knowing him it's going to be like a tornado went through it.” You laughed as you took your head away from his chest and looked fully at him, he was smiling at you. The remnants of earlier had disappeared from his beautiful face. 

“We should probably go do some damage control.” It was his turn to laugh as you started moving to get up. Toothless and Mocha both scampered off to god knows where when you started moving. When you got up your knees popped loudly. Seonghwa was watching you carefully from his place in the nook. You offered him a hand to help him up, he took it and you tugged him over. He almost fell off the nook with your tug. Both of you dissolved into a small fit of giggles as he recovered. 

“I forget my own strength sometimes.” You muttered looking at your hands dramatically between giggles. He was looking at you with a large grin before he hugged you gently. It was the kind of hug that could put someone back together. One that if you could you would stay in forever. After a couple of minutes just standing there and rocking back and forth you both decided to go upstairs. As soon as you made it around the corner you noticed all seven of your other boyfriends in your room picking and choosing through your extensive wardrobe. 

You slapped a hand over your mouth as Hongjoong was leading the raid of your closet. Demanding anything of yours that looked professional and was all black. You glanced at Seonghwa who stood there in shock at the total chaos. They had set aside your equipment and some of the other things you already had packed and were attempting to figure out your large garment bag for your clothes. Yeosang was the only calm one in the room, he was sitting cross legged in the chair close to the foot of your bed with Mocha curled up in his lap. Slowly you both approached and saw the entirety of the disaster. Seonghwa was right, it did look like a tornado went through your room. As soon as Yunho caught sight of you he froze prompting the rest of them to do the same.  Their eyes were wide like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar. 

“We were just trying to help, please don’t be mad Noona!” Wooyoung’s shrill voice pierced your shock and it immediately changed into amusement. You started laughing. The rest of the boys nervously joined you. When you got a grip on your giggles you smiled fully at them. 

“You boys are very sweet to help, but did you really have to turn my room into a war zone?”

“We didn’t know what you wanted so we just started pulling things out.” You turned to look at Mingi who was peeking his head out of your closet with a small half innocent smile. You really hoped he hadn't gone poking around in your dresser.

“What if you did a fashion show for us to show us what you typically wear to things like this?” The rest of the boys immediately vehemently agreed with Hongjoong’s million dollar idea. He stepped forward with one of your suits. 

“Will you try this one first?” You couldn’t ignore the pleading eyes he gave you. You knew that if any one of them looked at you like that you were done for. Gently you took the hangar from him and shooed Mingi out of your closet. It was one of your favorites, the all black suit really made your curves pop. You checked yourself in the mirror and added a few accessories to it, once you were finished you opened the door. As soon as you stepped out you saw most of the boys lounging on your bed. Their eyes got wide as they took you in. The smiles that spread across their faces made you feel warm and fuzzy, a welcome contrast  to earlier in the day. It was something you hadn't really experienced to this level before. 

“You are stunning!” Wooyoung was the first to get up. He took your hand in his and raised it above your head to make you do a twirl. When he was finished showing you off he smirked at you and pulled you into a chaste kiss. Hongjoong handed you another one of your suits and before you could completely walk away from the two of them Wooyoung smacked your ass. You rolled your eyes and didn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing the reaction from you. 

When you stepped into the closet you realized that it was your newest addition that you had yet to wear professionally. The three piece suit was similar to the first one but it had small slits at the bottom of the pant leg for more breathability. You quickly slipped it on and made your way out. When you stepped out San was the first to move, shoving Wooyoung back on your bed. He smiled sweetly before placing a quick kiss to your lips. His quick movement caught you off guard as he tugged you to stand in front of the large mirror you had against the wall not too far from the closet door. 

“You look breathtaking” his breath fanned over your ear as he spoke from behind you. His chest was pressed against your back as he held you by the hips. The entire thing sent a shiver down your spine. You took in your appearance, you really did look good. Other than your hair being a little bit of a rat's nest. Yunho moved to stand behind San, you met his eyes in the mirror and he smiled at you. 

“He’s right Haebalagi (Sunflower), you look beautiful. Very professional and sexy.” The rest of the men scattered around your room hummed their agreement. That compliment turned you into a blushing mess, you had been called all of the more normal names, but never sexy. The butterflies in your stomach started to make their rounds and you could feel your heartbeat pick up as well. 

Hongjoong appeared and handed you another outfit, this was the off the shoulder jumpsuit you had. You gently took it and stepped away from the duo behind you. As you walked toward the door you could feel their eyes on you, with a glance over your shoulder you caught a few of them staring at your ass. With a small snort you closed the door to the closet. You set the jumpsuit aside and a flash of black and red caught your eye. Their rustling around must have exposed one of your more hidden gems. It had been hidden in the back of your closet for the longest time, maybe it was time to let it breathe a little; for the fashion show of course. You pulled out the red and black anatomical heart and dagger suit you had only worn once to an awards show. When you held it out in front of you you knew that the boys would like it as it was a little more promiscuous in the chest area. It also showcased just enough of your Luna moth tattoo to keep someone wondering. 

Gently you tugged it on and adjusted the small corset to yourself before completely attaching the chains that hung in front of it together. You pulled out the dagger necklace and earrings you specifically bought to go with this set and put them on. As soon as you checked yourself out in the mirror you knew they would freak the hell out. Before you stepped away you tugged your hair into a low ponytail to at least somewhat tame it. 

You mentally prepared yourself to show off a little. With a deep breath in and out you opened the door. Something hit the floor and several people sucked in a breath as you stepped through the threshold. You looked up to see all of them with their jaws slack. Yeosang was the first and only one to move. He gently took Mocha off his lap and set her on the floor. As soon as she waltzed away he stood and crossed the room to you. His eyes were dark as he stood in front of you. Before you could say anything he muttered “best birthday present ever,” and grabbed your face to pull you into a burning kiss. 

When his lips met yours a small sound left you. He moved his hands to settle on your waist as he pulled you impossibly closer. The nervousness you were previously experiencing increased tenfold with the thought of all of the other boys watching you. It was completely silent in the room other than the pounding of your heartbeat your ears. His head tilted just slightly in an attempt to deepen the kiss. He had almost no shame doing this in front of the others. You may have been new to the whole thing and it may have scared the shit out of you, but you know what; fuck it. If he wanted this kind of kiss you would give him this kind of kiss. His head tilted again just enough to deepen the kiss which you gladly accepted. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders and immediately let your fingers run through his hair giving it a slight tug. As soon as you did a small groan left him and the kiss intensified. 

It was a beautiful dance between the two of you, when one pushed the other pulled. You got completely lost in each other as you moved in perfect harmony. His mouth and tongue were working against yours perfectly. There was a split second of panic as someone came to stand behind you, slotting their hands over Yeosang’s. Before you could process what was happening there were light kisses down the side of your neck. Something akin to a gasp left your mouth and Yeosang took his chance and separated from you to watch whomever was behind you. The kisses were light against the skin that was starting to heat up under the touch of two of your boyfriends. Unconsciously you tilted your head to the side to allow whichever man it was to have better access to your neck. There was a small pain as whoever it was lightly bit the spot connecting your jaw and neck. A stuttering breath left you and a tsk left someone’s mouth. Then the connection to both boys was severed.

You opened your eyes and looked at Yeosang, he was grinning. His kiss swollen lips were a pretty shade of pink as he smiled at you. You turned around to see who had come up behind you and you should have known. Wooyoung was standing behind you grinning like a madman. 

“Okay, I think this outfit needs to stay hidden so these two can keep it in their pants.” You looked at Hongjoong who was a little red faced, most likely from the small show you had been dragged into. You couldn't keep eye contact with him for very long, the thread of shame started tugging at the end of your conscious mind. You nodded and stepped back into the closet. As soon as you closed the door you marched over to the small chair in front of the vanity and leaned heavily against it looking at yourself in the mirror. Your lips were just as bad if not worse than Yeosang’s and there was a small red mark where Wooyoung bit you. Your hair was a little messier than when you fixed it earlier. You took a deep breath trying to quell the rising shame in your body, some of it may have been heat from the makeout but you didn't need that thought right now. Your head hung between your shoulders as you collected yourself, fuck they were too enticing. 

After a couple of minutes you changed into the jumpsuit Hongjoong originally gave you. You took off all of the jewelry and put your normal black studs in. When you walked over to the door a light knock sounded on the other side. You opened the door and standing on the other side was Seonghwa. He smiled at you and stepped aside to let the other boys see you. You smiled at them bashfully and before anyone else could move Seonghwa pulled you into a light hug. 

“Are you okay?” He murmured against your shoulder only for you to hear. You gave a slight nod against his shoulder in answer. He gave you a light squeeze before releasing you. 

“Y/n-nie that makes your paws tattoo stand out! I really like it.” The rest of the boys agreed with San. 

“Thank you Sannie, that's actually why I chose this one. This is really all I have for fancy professional outfits, I have one other jumpsuit but it is almost the same as this one but instead it is a sleeveless one.” Some of the boys pouted at the unofficial end to the fashion show you were doing. You smiled at them and gave Seonghwa’s hand a gentle squeeze before going back in to change into your matching pj set. You stripped everything off and pulled the comfortable outfit on. As soon as it was draped over your frame you took your hair out of the pony tail. You stepped out of the closet with a small smile to your boys before you started making your way out of the room toward where you assumed the boys had hid your small gift for Yeosang. Several pairs of footsteps followed you down into the basement, when you got to the piano room you immediately spotted the tiny gift bag on the bench in front of your piano. You snagged it and made your way back out of the room and Yeosang was only a couple of steps behind the rest of the boys coming down the stairs. As soon as he saw the small present his face lit up with a smile. When he got to the foot of the stairs you handed it to him. 

“Happy birthday Sangie, I know I've technically already told you but still.” He gently took the tissue paper and put it into your outstretched palm. When he got to the present he immediately started laughing and clutching the bag to his chest. The other boys were looking at him with confused but amused looks. When he had recovered from his little laughing fit he reached into the bag and procured the 3D silver doberman chain. The rest of the boys started laughing as well. Their laughter was like music to your ears. 

“Want to see something even better?” Yeosang nodded his head and you stepped around him to go grab your motorcycle keys. The group of boys followed you to the mudroom. You immediately moved to your keys which were hanging on the hooks by the garage door, you held them out to Yeosang. He took them from you and started inspecting them, as soon as he caught sight of the I love my doberman keychain he looked up at you with a large grin. 

“I snuck it onto my keychain the day I got it, I am surprised you didn't see it while we were riding Ink.” His smile only grew the more he looked between you and the small tag. He pulled you into a hug with a small laugh. 

“I love it.” 

“I’m glad,” you hugged him back with a smile at the boys watching from the hallway. When you separated from him he handed your keys to you. As soon as you accepted them you tossed them toward the boys in the doorway and San snagged them out of the air. He started looking them over and burst into laughter, which was followed shortly by the rest of them. 

“That’s amazing, you have great taste in gifts noona” Wooyoung was the first one to speak between giggles. The rest of the boys chorused their agreement. San threw them back to you and you caught them and hung them back up. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

After you had gotten the chaos of your room sorted, with the pouting faces of the boys as you refused their help, you packed your bags. You packed all of the professional black outfits you had done the fashion show with, choosing to leave out the red and black suit. After those were in you grabbed several more casual outfits, a couple of sleep sets, and three pairs of shoes. When you were happy with how everything was packed you moved to the smaller things and started organizing them. You may have dumped them earlier but the scattered way they had landed was not acceptable for you. Your computer, cameras, and lenses were packed into the large backpack as well as some of the chargers you weren't using for the moment, you would put some more small things in there tomorrow morning. The dual camera harness and the extra lens holders were shoved into the suitcase because you didn't really need to have them in the carry on backpack. When everything was finished you turned around surprised to only find Seonghwa sitting in the room with you. He hasn't let you out of his sight this morning.  You remembered the small lego keychain you had for him hidden in your nightstand, you moved over to said nightstand and grabbed it out of the small drawer.

“Hi Hwa.” He was watching you with curiosity as you hid the small gift in the palm of your hand.

“Hi Y/n-nie.” He held out his arms for you and you walked over to the chair by the foot of your bed. As soon as you got close enough he pulled you into his lap in the large chair. 

“I got you something,” you held out the small black and white lego heart keychain. You watched his entire face light up in a smile. He gently took it from you and inspected the two pieces, he separated them and handed you the black one and kept the white one. 

“Thank you my moon,” he gave you a small kiss and put his half in his pocket, probably to add to his keys later. You held on to yours for the time being. He was rubbing your back up and down while you sat in comfortable silence just existing together; something you rarely had time to do anymore. You looked up at the beautiful man who was already watching you. He smiled softly at you before leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. Just as he was pulling away Mingi burst into the room.

“Yah! Hwa hyung stop hogging our Y/n-nie!” He was marching over to where you were both cuddled together. He stopped short of the two of you and you snuck a glance at Seonghwa to see the glare he was giving him. You let out a small huff of laughter, he was being protective of you; and maybe a little possessive. Mingi looked at you for help which came in the form of puppy eyes. With an over exaggerated roll of your eyes you got up out of Seonghwa’s hold and motioned for the tall man to lead the way to wherever he was going to take you initially. He started out the door and you held your hand out for Seonghwa, he took it and you started following Mingi. 

He led you down the stairs and into the basement which was in absolute chaos. Jongho and Yunho were in a heated match of some game on the console. Hongjoong was yelling at Wooyoung while they were playing foosball and Yeosang and San were bickering while playing air hockey. You let out a small laugh as you took in the chaos. Letting go of Seonghwa’s hand you made your way toward your favorite spot in the corner of the couch. You had moved quickly in front of the boys who smiled at you before resuming their heated match of what you discovered was Rocket League. Beans and Toothless were stretched out on the top of the couch and Mocha was curled up against the arm. 

The afternoon and into the night carried on in a similar way, sometimes you would get drive by kisses as the other boys were rotating around the other games. You had shown them the extensive collection of board and card games, some of them now sat on the floor in the middle of the large rug playing Uno. There was a rule that had started, god knows when, whenever one of the boys placed a +4 card down the person receiving it had to do some cringy aegyo. You were glad you hadn't joined the game, there was absolutely no way you would have participated in that. Wooyoung had just performed some of the worst goo goo gaga bullshit you had ever seen while staring into your soul. You launched a pillow from the couch at him after he finished. As soon as the pillow met his face everyone froze and the chaos started anew. 

He got up and launched himself at you on the couch. You were laughing as he was trying and failing to bite you. Somehow you managed to turn the tides and now you were trying to bite him. When you finally got him he was yelling loudly for someone to save him. Out of the corner of your eye you could see the rest of the boys laughing and shaking their heads at the two of you. The match ended shortly after as Wooyoung had just quit playing and settled himself on top of you. You were laying there with him on top of you resting his head on your chest. Not too long after he had settled he grabbed one of your hands and put it against his head indicating that he wanted head scratches. You obliged him and watched as another game started up between everyone but Yunho, Jongho and Wooyoung. 

“Y/n-nie want to play something with us?” You looked at Yunho who was sitting close to your head. He was looking down at you with a smile. You nodded and started shifting so you could sit up fully against the corner of the couch, Woo let out a small protest but got quiet as you settled and lifted your arms for him to lean against you while you played. 

“Can I pick?” Both Jongho and Yunho nodded. “Will you turn on the Switch and grab some joy cons for us then?”

Yunho got up and grabbed the joy cons, he handed you the gray one and Jongho the red one while he kept the blue one. Once he was settled and all of you signed in you made your way over to one of your favorite games; Boomerang Fu. The boys watched as you started the game, immediately they were ecstatic because the characters of the game were cute foods. Yunho chose the bacon, Jongho chose the ramen, while you chose the salt and pepper. You showed the boys the ropes and began with a few bots so they could get practice without absolutely annihilating each other. You went easy on them for several rounds, at the end of each match you got some of the accessories you didn't have. This carried on for a while until you decided to fuck with them a little bit. You started letting them get up to the last few kills then you came up from behind, absolutely kicked ass, and let them win after a hard battle. After a couple of rounds they started getting mouthy with you. 

“Yah! Why are you going after me?! The bot is right there! I thought we had an understanding of them first and then we battled it out!” Yunho was vehemently running away from you while you chased him around the map. Wooyoung was watching with amusement as you tormented Yunho, a few huffs of laughter had already come from him which earned him a glare. Jongho, to no surprise, was already dead having lost to the bot Donut who had an exploding boomerang; you always hated that powerup. They had it out for each other since the beginning of the match. You finally caught Yunho in a corner and killed him. He was huffing and puffing which thoroughly amused you. 

The next round was much of the same thing but the two boys had made a silent agreement that you were going to be the first to get eliminated after the bots. When you were running around you grabbed a powerup before they noticed it. It gave you the disguise powerup, while they focused on the bots you stayed still and it turned you into an object. They were running around looking for where you could be, as soon as they lined themselves up you threw your boomerang and got both of them in one shot. Yunho and Jongho burst up and off the couch yelling at the tv. They almost stepped on Hongjoong and Seonghwa while they watched the slow mo playback of you getting both of them. Mingi who had been watching was laughing his ass off. Wooyoung was squeezing the calf he had wrapped his arm around while he laughed just as hard as Mingi. His squeaks made you laugh as well. 

“Y’know what would make this even better?” They all looked at you with raised eyebrows. “If three more of you grabbed joycons and joined us.”

San, Wooyoung, and Mingi immediately leapt up and snatched the other three joycons. Before Wooyoung could get back to his spot Yeosang had taken it with a small smile. Seonghwa squeezed himself between you and Yunho on the couch. He threw his arm around you and patted Yeosang’s head with his other hand. 

“Birthday boy gets dibs, sorry Aein (Sweetheart)” Wooyoung pouted and stomped around for a minute before he settled himself on the floor against the leg you had hanging off the couch. You started up the game and the other boys chose thor characters. Wooyoung picked the eggplant, Mingi chose the boba, and San had chosen the chocolate bar. As soon as you got into the game the three original players took it easy on the new boys. After a few rounds it started getting closer to pandemonium. Wooyoung and San were targeting each other, Mingi and Yunho had teamed up against you, and Jongho was trying to get anyone he could like the menace he is. You had pulled a few moves with the teleporting boomerang which sent the boys into shock. When you started teleporting around all of the boys were yelling about getting you out first; you ended up winning that match anyway. 

The first time the battle royal powerup was activated all of the boys were screaming as they were getting picked off. You just stood in the tiny little box and listened to them complain about you not telling them. San ended up in a perpetual shield bubble because he was being picked on, Wooyoung was surprisingly good at the game, Jongho was cackling every time he got someone. Mingi and Yunho had gotten into a lock of hitting off each other's boomerangs several times. They got up to six or seven times and then Yunho reacted just barely quicker than Mingi which resulted in his death. You were patiently waiting for them to finish and then you nailed Yunho with your multi boomerang. He almost lunged over Seonghwa to get you, before he could Seonghwa grabbed his hand and put it back in its place on the joy con. 

Each time you got eliminated you ended up giving Yeosang light head scratches. He would lean his head back against your chest just enough to look at you with a cute smile each time. He may have been rooting against you for that reason alone. You also gave some to Wooyoung which sometimes distracted him enough that San could finally get him. 

“Hwa, Joongie or Sangie do you want to play?” Yeosang took the joy con from you and took your place as salt and pepper. When he started the boys tried to avoid getting him so he could get the hang of it, once he finally did he became a sniper. You laughed your ass off as he picked off some of the other boys from long range. Seonghwa and Hongjoong traded places with Jongho and Yunho shortly after Yeosang took your joy con. You watched the absolute mayhem that ensued. There were many protests of who got the power ups and why they kept getting stolen. At one point Seonghwa had the frozen boomerang and was singing Let it Go as he was killing the other boys, much to your amusement he ended up winning that round. You had almost jostled Yeosang off of you with how hard you were laughing as the other boys pouted. 

Hongjoong ended up in some kind of alliance with San because they were both in a shield bubble constantly. The two of them, despite the shields, had almost always been eliminated first by Mingi and Yeosang. Wooyoung was just causing chaos and sometimes complained when he fell off the side of the map while he was trying to lunge at the other boys. You were content just watching them play, something clicking in your heart just being a part of the moment with them. 

Before too long you checked your watch and realized that it was getting close to the time you needed to go to bed to get decent sleep before your flight at 6 tomorrow morning. It may have been decently early in the evening but you knew if you didn't sleep now you would be a grump for your flight tomorrow. You patted Yeosang’s shoulders and gently pushed him up into a sitting position. They were in the middle of a hide and seek match so you didn't want to disturb them too much. You gave him a light kiss on the back of the head and got up. 

“Where you going, kit?” You turned to look at Yunho as you got across the maze of limbs. 

“I've got to head to bed so I can wake up at the asscrack of dawn for my 6 am flight to Paris.” Yeosang ended up pausing the game so all of them could focus on you. 

“Are you driving yourself?” 

“Who is taking care of the giants while you are gone?” The boys had started rapid firing questions at you, you stood there looking at them with a small smile on your face. 

“I planned to. I was going to message my mother to let her know tomorrow morning, she already knows about the trip. Unless you guys want to watch them for me, but you don't have to unless you want to.” You responded to Hongjoong and San’s questions as quickly as they fired them off. 

“I can drive you. That way you don't have to pay for parking.” 

“That's a really early thing for you to be up for when we all know you need the sleep. I am okay driving myself, it's nothing I haven't done before.” You were shaking your head at him and some of the other boys snickered at how you called him out. 

“It wasn't a question, Shutterbug, I’m driving.” You rolled your eyes at him and nodded.

“I would be more than happy to take care of the giants!!” You turned to San who was wearing a large grin. 

“Sounds good Sannie, I can let my mom know that someone is taking care of them.” he made a small celebration motion.

“Alright Haebalagi (Sunflower) let's get you to bed so you aren't grumpy tomorrow. I would absolutely hate to see you grumpy, seeing you mad was enough for me” a round of small chuckles came from all of the boys and you stuck your tongue out at him. 

“Okay Haetsal (Sunlight). You all are welcome to anything and everything here and you can stay as long as you like. Sangie, I hope you had a great birthday. Sannie, I expect pictures of my children while I am gone. I love all of you, get some good rest and don't cause too much trouble while I’m gone if I don't see you tomorrow before I leave.” The remaining boys got up and gave you light kisses on the forehead or lips before Yunho started escorting you to your bedroom. 

When you made it to your room you did your nightly routine before crawling into bed. Yunho had disappeared into one of the other rooms when you got to the landing. Before he got back you dug around in your nightstand for the cute lego keychains of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy. As soon as he stepped into the room he was smiling at you. You waved him over and he crawled into the middle of the bed. He tucked you under his arm pulling you closer, you threw your leg over his and cuddled as close as you could to him. You gently placed the Miles Morales on his chest, he looked down at it and a dramatic gasp left him. He quickly snatched the small lego keychain and inspected it. You held up your hand with the Gwen Stacy keychain hanging from around your index finger. The giddy noise that left his mouth was adorable, he grabbed your face and started quickly placing kisses all over it. You were giggling at his ambush, letting him do as he pleased. When he recovered he gently placed the keychains on your nightstand and turned back to you.

“Thank you, I love the gift.” his voice was soft as he spoke while he brushed some of your hair out of your face. 

“Of course Yuyu, I saw it and couldn't pass it up.” The small smile he had grew again. He leaned in and kissed your lips gently. As soon as the kiss started it had ended, which was probably a good thing. He pulled you close again and rested his cheek on the crown of your hair. You took off your glasses and settled yourself completely against him, his heartbeat was a steady presence against you. His long fingers were running through your hair lightly massaging at your scalp as he went. Now you understood why they liked it so much, it was soothing. He was lulling you into sleep quicker than you ever were able to fall asleep by yourself. There was a small jostle of the bed, you were too far gone to register if it was a human or a giant. 

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

Your blaring alarm woke you, as soon as you could you grabbed the damn thing and cursed at it. You looked at the two men that were cuddling close to each other. Hongjoong must have been the one that joined you as you were falling asleep. He was cuddled against Yunho much like you had been a minute prior. His small frame looked absolutely tiny compared to Yunho’s tall one. You gently separated yourself from the two of them, grabbed your glasses and phone, and made your way over to your closet to change into your designated airport outfit. A baggy shirt, cargo pants, a hoodie, and a hat all of which were black. When you get to the airport you would put on a mask so you were covered, most of the time it worked out that people didn’t want to speak to you if you were completely covered. A small groan alerted you that one of the boys was awake. You dimmed the lights in the closet and peeked your head out the door to see Hongjoong sitting up and rubbing his eyes. When he caught sight of the small sliver of light from the closet his eyes immediately went to you. He smiled at you and stretched out as best he could, Beans had taken up residence as close to his side as she could be. The movement from Hongjoong must have been enough to rouse Yunho who peeked his eyes open and rubbed his face. You held back the noise bubbling up your throat at your two very cute boyfriends. 

There were some small protests from the two boys they had gotten themselves up as you put the rest of your things in your bags. Once you were finished with them you lugged the two slightly heavy bags down the stairs and to Aria. With quick efficiency you got everything loaded up and situated, you set the bags in a specific way so they wouldn't move too much. After everything was situated you pulled the two lego keychains out of your pocket where you had hidden them while the boys were getting up. Quickly you got them attached to your keychain and made your way back into the house. When you stepped back in, the kitchen light was on and Hongjoong was standing in front of the coffee maker waiting (im)patiently for it to brew. Yunho was sitting at the island still squinting at the brightness of the lights. You chuckled and moved to lay yourself against his back, wrapping your arms around him and resting your chin on his shoulder. He lightly leaned into you. Hongjoong had turned toward the two of you and held out two travel mugs. The smell of your drink made a small smile worm its way onto your face as you grabbed it and took a sip. 

The three of you had made your way out to Aria. Hongjoong had held his hand out for the keys which you dropped into his waiting palm. Yunho was getting himself into the back seat while you made your way to the passenger seat. You scooted your seat up a little so the tall man would have plenty of legroom, not that he couldn't stretch out in the backseat anyway. When everyone was settled you pushed the garage door opener on the sun visor. Hongjoong had waited until it was done moving to start backing out of the garage.

It took you a little while to get to the airport but when you arrived there weren't many people. The boys had immediately gotten out of the car as soon as it was parked. Yunho opened your door with a smile before you had the chance to. Hongjoong was already at the trunk grabbing your bags for you. You rolled your eyes at the princess treatment. Hongjoong had settled your backpack on the top of the suitcase attached to the handle. He gently scooted it over to you before pulling you into a quick hug. He planted a short kiss on your lips before he stepped away. Yunho was next, he gave you the same treatment and straightened your hoodie. 

“We love you, be safe and message us when you land.” You nodded to Hongjoong and placed a kiss on his cheek. 

“I will, I promise. I will also let you know when I am settled in my hotel.”

“Good.” Yunho was just quietly watching you with a soft smile as you spoke; he was still half asleep. You stood on your tiptoes and gave him a small kiss on the cheek as well. 

“I’ve gotta get moving, I love you and the rest of our boys. Keep me updated and I'll see you soon.” You reached into your bag, pulled out and put on your black mask. They nodded and stepped away from you and back toward the car. You gave a small wave at them as you walked through the doors. The way through the airport was thankfully quick, you knew this place almost like the back of your hand at this point. Your passes made it even quicker than the poor souls that were standing in the waiting line. When you finally made it through the security you took out your over the ear headphones and turned on your music. 

You were only waiting a little while before you started boarding. The timing was perfect, your group was being called just after you arrived. Your steps echoed in the long hallway toward the plane. You slightly bowed to the pilot as you entered before making your way to your designated seat. When you settled into your small suite you paused your music to listen to the announcements and the approximate times you would be arriving, weather permitting. It was going to be a long flight and you would be getting to Paris late for them and early for the people here. You cuddled down after the plane was in the air, the music from your boys lulling you back into sleep. 

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Next Chapter (Chapter 22)

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[dearly-somber]

Purr | j.jk

-> pairing. wolf shifter!jungkook x human!reader (f)

-> genre. slow burn, f2l (friends-to-lovers), fluff, angst, drama, high school!au, eventual romance, eventual smut

-> w/c. 948

-> rating. 13+

-> a/n. I’m going to drop a Spotify playlist for this couple soon!! Please look forward to it <3

-> warnings. None!!

-> collection. mini-series

-> started. Jun. 30th, 2022 @ 18:26

-> fin. Thurs., Nov. 9th, 2023 @ 14:28

-> edited. Mon., Nov. 13th, 2023 @ 12:22

-> divider credit. @mmadeinheavenn, @saradika-graphics

Y/N stifles a yawn as tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She shakes her head (as if trying to shake the yawn away), then smacks her lips together, sitting deeper in the couch as her eyes struggle to stay open.

Jungkook feels himself smile, momentarily forgetting about the movie they’re supposed to be watching together—V for Vendetta. It’s far outside of their preferred genres, so he finds it unsurprising that she’s lost interest.

Suddenly she turns her head to him and Jungkook nearly breaks his neck trying to look away in time, his cheeks flushing pink at the embarrassment at being caught.

Jungkook’s eyes widen as he raises his hands above Y/N’s shoulders, his heart racing as she shifts in her seat to lower her head into his lap, one hand tucked under his thigh and one resting on his foot.

His heart pounds hard against the back of his throat, eyes glued to the back of her head. If you told Jungkook a few months ago that Y/N would actively seek him out and be comfortable enough to be physically close to him, he would have laughed in your face. Seeing it happen before his eyes blows his mind.

A satisfied feeling in his stomach makes his chest inflate with a sense of accomplishment and pride he can’t put into words.

She nuzzles her cheek against his thigh, a little hum escaping her lips as she slowly relaxes her shoulders and softens her exhales.

With his hands still hovering just above her shoulders, Jungkook takes the leap to put his hand in her hair, gently running his fingers through the nice-smelling strands and occasionally letting his fingers brush against the back of her scalp.

Her heartbeat slows even further at the sensation, and fond smile tugging his lips upward in response. Jungkook sets his eyes back on the movie, idly dragging his hand through her hair.

“Jungkook-ah!”

“Hm?” He looks at Jimin with alert eyes, momentarily halting his motions to focus in on his hyung.

Jimin is quickly followed by Taehyung, who wraps an arm around Jimin’s shoulders with a goofy grin. The two shifters look down at Jungkook’s lap with curious eyes, Taehyung’s eyebrows comically high on his head. “That’s new,” he says.

“She’s sleeping,” Jungkook mutters, putting a finger up to his mouth as he continues stroking her hair.

He wonders… If Y/N were a cat right now, would she be purring?

He hopes the answer is yes.

“Did you need something?” Jungkook asks, trying to divert their attention as he grows ever-shy under their knowing smiles. He brings his free hand up to massage the tips of his ears, knowing for a fact they’ve turned a bright red.

Taehyung snickers as Jimin replies, “Not right now, but we were brainstorming about ideas for Rosie’s birthday next week and we need a third opinion.”

Jungkook nods. “What have you come up with so far?”

“I think we should take her to Lotte World,” Taehyung chimes before Jimin gets the chance. “She’s been talking about it for weeks.”

Jungkook nods thoughtfully. He remembers that one day a few weekends ago when Y/N came over to hang out and ended up chatting with Rosé for nearly an hour about Lotte World and how amazing it had been the one time she got to go with her parents.

“I think we should do something cozy,” Jimin says. “We can go out to the river and swim for a bit, then come back, change, and barbecue. It’s not super extravagant or anything, but I think she’ll like having everyone together to celebrate, you know?”

“Mmm,” Jungkook hums thoughtfully.

He thinks both options are good. They’re both things Rosé would enjoy and be thankful for, and they’re also things the rest of the pack can enjoy.

He wonders, though, “Why not do both?”

“Huh?” They say together.

“Do both.” Jungkook shrugs. “We can go to Lotte World first and then come back to barbecue. Some excitement and then something nice and cozy,” he says, briefly glancing back down to watch as strands of Y/N’s hair fall between the gaps in his fingers.

“Wow,” Jimin says, looking off into the distance. “Since when were you so smart?”

Jungkook pouts.

Taehyung muffles his laughter in Jimin’s shoulder, reaching around him to ruffle Jungkook’s hair. “Don’t take it so serious, Kookie. You know we’re just kidding. It’s a good idea!”

Jungkook smiles. “I guess… Tell the others, then?”

“Yep!” Taehyung says excitedly, pushing away from Jimin to stretch his arms out behind him. “Tomorrow, though. I’m beat.”

Jimin rolls his eyes, whispering conspiratorially, “He was up playing games all night.”

“Yah!” Taehyung says a little too loud—Y/N shifts closer to him in her sleep.

“Shh!” Jungkook hisses. Taehyung raises his hands in defeat, shaking his head on his way to his and Jimin’s bedroom.

Jungkook waits a few seconds to make sure she’s really asleep before continuing his ministrations in Y/N’s hair.

“You know.” Jungkook looks up at Jimin. “You two have gotten really close.”

Jungkook smiles. “Yeah… She’s opened up a lot.”

Jimin ruffles his hair affectionately. “I’m happy for you, Kook. Maybe, soon…?”

Jungkook shakes his head softly, looking down at the back of Y/N’s head. Her shoulders rise and fall in time with the steady rhythm of her heart. “Maybe.”

Jimin gives his shoulder an encouraging squeeze, whispering goodnight as he heads upstairs.

Jungkook rests his hand on Y/N’s shoulder with a slow sigh, leaning back against the couch as he focuses on the last couple of minutes of the movie nobody’s been watching.

“Soon,” he whispers.

<- prev | next ->

[tillysmoon]

Welcome to my self indulgent au; Fallen Grace ִֶָᐟ

The quick sum is c!drista is not pleased by c!dream reviving c!tommy but necromancy magic is stronger;; um its okay though bc he gets a sheep demi-god gaurdian ^_^ yapping below

Honestly.. I love racconinnit but I think half-demon tommy makes it more fun!

— c!drista had taken curiosity of tommy during exile because um hello? Her bother is literally forcing some teenager to "hang" out with him

— in this au some events would happen because of c!drista,, like convincing tommy to leave dream and run away which ends up in the c!bedrock brothers yknow? ...not sure about anything else though, I'm forgetful with lore I'd need to be a rewrite

— and then c!drista just like.. dissappears to go do whatever a god of imagination and chaos does,,

— cue to her blinking back when she sees c!tommy in limbo ( which is a pretty flower field with sheep and cows ( maybe a certain one starting with h,, ) )

— and then.. c!dream literally does what mortals aren't supposed have happen to them- revival. Sensing her brothers going to do something bad- she tries to turn him into an angel to protect him.. but a necromancers will can be stronger due to the book probably being ancient tongue.. so we end up with a fallen angel !

— his eyes are green now! Upper white lower green,, saw some revival art hehe also the bells were a hc by ( Bubvy_ on Twitter ) but I like to think there holy or something so they don't really jingle unless he's in danger to alert his ( new ) guardian demi-god ! Drista takes the form of a white sheep with a few golden locks with a chest design ( which.. I think might be just a heart 4 cute factor ) and green eyes,, sort of to resemble friend :3

— dresses in blue instead of red,, because the color reminds him of death.. and it's soothing because ghostbur :(

And um,,, that's all I have ! I made this so that I could imagine an smp where I can be c!tommy but like meified !

— goes by mello too ( because our fictive / fk also goes by that :3 )

— I'll be honest... I forgor scars so um,, we'll just say they turned gold and healed ^_^ ( he also now bleeds gold )

— if I do add more to this? Heavy cannon divergence is probably when c!dream escapes ( but my dsmp event memory is poor so )

Everyone jumps for joy at c!tommy art trust

[jadelover69]

hehe my twst panic oc 😼😼😼

*i was too lazy to draw the other eye😭😭😭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚

𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄: ❝Puh-leaze! As if I’d like losers like them!❞

𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌: Pain (disney hercules)

𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎:

Class: 3-C

Dorm: Ignihyde

Birthday: June 18!!!

Age: 18

Height: 6,2

Dominant Hand: Right

Sexuality: Polyamorous and Queer

Favorite Subject: Ancient Curses

Hobby: attending comic convections, playing guitar or piano

Likes: Money, her friends, Idia!!! Melaina!!!

Dislikes: Judgemental people, ppl being rude to her

Favorite Food: Baklava

Least Favorite Food: Meat Pie

Club: Pop Music Club!!!

Homeland: Fleur City

Special Skill: sniffing out rich ppl

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂:

𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓*

*broski so the name might sound a lil’ crazy its not!!

it just means if she touches someone she can just place her unique magic on them and they’ll be scared or worried or well panicked for no reason

That means theyll be skittish, won’t think clearly, and in a state of some kind of mental fog

Which Thana usually takes advantage of

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘:

A loud brash girl who will fight you if you try to disagree with her

Will fight you if you say anything about her friends

Smug, and will always hide her true emotions 

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄:

A tanned girl with some scars, and a snaggletooth smile

Sharp teeth

Very, very bright yellow eyes

Horns!!! Has a tail and wingswhich she hides,

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃:

When Thana was young there was one thing she knew for sure. Never bond with others.

Bonding meant telling others her thoughts and secrets. It would do her no good to befriend others.

It was shoved down her throat by relatives and family friends, and over time she started to believe it.

Until Idia and Melaina(twst pain oc!!!😜😜😝😝) came into her life.

She loved them and thought they loved her too!

Until the day he died. Thana disn’t think he actually belive her! It wasn’t her fault! It wasn’t her fault.

At least that’s what she told herself.

Idia was in shambles, he wouldn’t talk to them anymore and they weren’t allowed inside.

She knew he hated her, and she didn’t blame him either! She hated her for this too... Melaina tried to talk to her but Thana blocked her calls. Melaina didn’t deserve her.

Until eventually... they stopped coming.

Thana couldn’t believe it. Her friends left her! They left her. They left her! They were horrible she couldn’t believe them!

They all lost contact for years. And Thana was happy! For sure! Who needs those losers anyway!

Until that carriage came. A carriage to Night Raven College.

Fuck.

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐒:

Loves researching mer-folk!!!

Will bite you!!

Scene girlie!!

Eats anything edible!! Big-back alert!!

May or may not blame herself for Ortho’s death!!

Taglist!! @babyghoul138 @cheerleaderman @jewelulu @beneathsakurashade

@bunniehunn @the-rini-rush @skibidibabygirl @screamintoad

@teighveepao @skrimpyskimpy @cloudiepuffs @kuragebride

@4necdote @twtysevapr @blood-red-bumblebee

lemme know if u wanna be tagged or not!!!

[rynfiles]

snowy days !

✎ᝰ — snowy days with the mha boys !

★ — deku, kirishima, bakugo, shoto, kaminari x gn!reader

★ — genre + warnings: fluff + no warnings

★ — a/n: an old post that was deleted and thought it was perfect for the winter season <3

꒰ IZUKU MIDORIYA ꒱

ꔛ izuku already knew that it was gonna snow the day before. he was all too prepared with his scarf, winter costume pressed and clean, and even his uniform layered up

ꔛ deku even had your stuff prepared, after he rambled on about how you could get sick and cold if you’re not prepared

ꔛ when the sun came up that boy was wayyy more excited than finding out all might is teaching at u.a

ꔛ he called you to see if you were up and if not, he would give you more time to sleep since he didn’t wanna bother you. but if you are awake, then he’s walking to your dorm to share his thrill of seeing small fluffs of white falling down

ꔛ for the time being, you guys would draw small shapes on your dorm window, drink hot chocolate, and nap in each other’s warmth

꒰ EIJIROU KIRISHIMA ꒱

ꔛ WHEW! this boy is wayyyy too excited when he wakes up and sees snow outside his dorm. literally taking 2.5 minutes to get ready so he can grab you and enjoy the snow together. just as excited as he is, until you tell him that snow isn’t enjoyed in a shirt and shorts

ꔛ kirishima reassures you plenty of times that he will be fine but of course listens to you since it is the “manly” thing to do. now he is overdressed but at this point, you wave it off

ꔛ surprisingly, and unintentionally, you guys match in cute snow outfits and your beanies are the two of your favorite colors. kiri is wearing a f/c beanie and you with a red beanie! once you guys realize, you take pictures and kirishima is complimenting you every chance he gets

ꔛ you guys enjoy the snow with snowball fights, polaroid pictures, making snowmen, and snow angels

꒰ KATSUKI BAKUGO ꒱

ꔛ bakugo was mumbling and grumbling in his sleep when he found out that it was gonna snow. he’s really not too fond of snow due to his quirk but deals with it anyway cause you absolutely love it

ꔛ for himself, bakugo would rather stay inside and sleep all day since school is more than likely canceled for the day and training was definitely not the move for the day. but of course, he’ll go along with any plan you have for the day

ꔛ when he hears you at his door, he drags himself from his bed and opens it to see you doing your happy dance. now he can’t even say no to your invitation of s’mores and snowball fights because of your starry eyes and gleeful smile that had your cheeks poking

ꔛ not a surprise that bakugo turned the snowball fight into a competition and almost hit you too hard with one throw. he almost won if it wasn’t for someone distracting him and you getting your last hit

ꔛ he claims you cheated but bakugo knows good and well that you won, just won’t accept it. for now, snowballs thrown back and forth until a winner is declared

꒰ SHOTO TODOROKI ꒱

ꔛ shoto isn't really biased on what the weather is tbh, but he definitely leans on the winter and spring time. more so winter, ‘cause one, he can build onto his quirk, and two, the holidays + his birthday :)

ꔛ but he can’t deny that he DEF enjoys the snowy days. he enjoys the pure white flurries that race down to the ground and layer up as he walks to class or to practice. sometimes he hopes it snows too much so class he can spend the winter day with you <3

ꔛ also ‘cause of his quirk, he pretty much knows how to handle the snow and how to prepare for it. then again, he can make it snow in july if he wants to. during the summer, he’ll order hella snow coats, (sometimes for you and him if he’s feeling generous) beanies, gloves, etc.

ꔛ when he feels the breeze slightly colder than usual, he immediately text you that alert that it’s a snow day ! now, he won’t get ready until you are awake and getting ready yourself

ꔛ while you are getting ready, he is planning out the day for the two of you. he usually relies on the typical snow forts to build, a snowman, snow angels, and end the night with hot chocolate and holiday movies :)

꒰ DENKI KAMINARI ꒱

ꔛ kaminari, similarly to kirishima, is all too excited for the winter season. he may as well run in the snow with just shorts on…which he almost did (don’t ask)

ꔛ ngl, he was definitely checking the weather every single day for when it’s gonna snow. that’s his sign that the holiday season definitely started and two, it’s the white christmas that he’s been dreaming since halloween

ꔛ at first, he was quite nervous to step out cause of his quirk. who knows what could happen if electricity meets snow ? what if he creates a blackout ? well…won’t be the worst that happens but then again, shoto and momo will side eye him for cutting off the heater. now they have to create one for the entire dorm building

ꔛ but as some months pass and the snow becomes heavier, he’s careful but enjoys the fluffy ice in his hand and how the snowflakes tickle his face. his hair and face only, he’s not too fond of the snow touches his hands (again, don’t wanna mix electricity with snow)

ꔛ as he becomes more and more comfortable with the snow, he barges into your room and babbles about the pretty snow outside. he rambles on and on about how you HAVE to join him for the snowball fight that’s happening with the class. don’t trust him tho, he can get sneaky

𖥻 my first winter post on this blog ;p ! hope you guys liked it and I haven’t wrote for mha in a while actually

𖥻 lemme know if you guys want more winter hcs or even winter scenarios with mha :)

𖥻 bye babes, drink your water and I love you MWAH 💕

𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐏 💗: 1 chronicles 16:10-11

© 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟥 𝗋𝗒𝗇𝖿𝗂𝗅𝖾𝗌. 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

[th0tformikasa]

Dark Red

rafe x f!reader

Something bad is about to happen.

Fourth chapter of Under My Skin, masterlist | previous chapter

w/c: 4413

ᴅᴀʀᴋ ʀᴇᴅ - ꜱᴛᴇᴠᴇ ʟᴀᴄʏ

~~~

The sun filtered through the slats in the blinds, dust dancing in the golden light. Juliette blinked awake, curled up on the old couch with a half-folded blanket tangled around her legs. Someone was snoring—probably JJ—and the faint smell of stale pizza and sunscreen lingered in the air.

Her head ached a little, not from alcohol, but from laughing too much, too late. The kind of ache that meant something good had happened.

The living room was scattered with the remains of last night. Markers without caps, empty soda cans, a crumpled pizza box balanced on the edge of the table like it had made a bold leap and gotten stuck. She spotted Pope still asleep in a camp chair with “I <3 Pogues” drawn across his forehead in pink paint, that has since dried down.

Juliette stretched, yawned, and got up, her muscles sore in the best way. She wandered into the kitchen, where Kiara was already perched on the counter, scrolling through her phone and munching on dry cereal straight from the box.

“Morning, sunshine,” Kie greeted, tossing a Cheerio at her.

Juliette caught it in her hand, smiling. “Why do I feel like I got hit by a truck?”

“Because we had a great night,” Kie replied. “And because John B used you as a human pillow at some point.”

As if summoned, he appeared shirtless and groggy in the hallway. “Anyone want to hit the beach today?”

“We’re always at the beach,” Pope mumbled from the floor, still mostly asleep.

“Yeah, but there’s gonna be a party tonight,” John B said, now fully alert, as if the word itself was a shot of caffeine. “Topper’s throwing some big thing on the north side. Fire pits, drinks, music—probably a few bad decisions.”

Juliette raised an eyebrow. “We’re going to a Kook party?”

“We’re not invited,” JJ called from the other room, “but when has that ever stopped us?”

Juliette rolled her eyes. She should’ve known. Still, part of her chest buzzed with anticipation—nervous, but excited. Chaos was always nearby when the Pogues and the Kooks collided.

 “I would say you guys shouldn’t go,” Juliette said, digging through the fridge with a skeptical look, “but I know you won’t listen.”

There wasn’t much inside. A bottle of hot sauce, a near-empty carton of orange juice, and some pickles floating in sadness. She grabbed a sleeve of crackers and made a mental note to hit the store later. Again.

“So, are you gonna come, Jules?” JJ asked as he plopped down next to the rest of the group, a mischievous glint already brewing in his eyes.

Juliette turned, holding a cracker between her teeth. “Who else would keep an eye on you guys? I can’t overwork Pope.”

She sent Pope a teasing smile and scrunched her nose, making him sigh dramatically.

“You two just love trouble,” he muttered, shaking his head, but the corner of his mouth tugged up.

Juliette flopped onto the arm of the couch, still munching. “I’ve got a babysitting shift this afternoon, though. Just a few hours.”

“What? That’s so lame,” JJ groaned. He came up behind her and placed both hands on her shoulders, giving her a playful shake like a frustrated toddler.

“It’s literally, like, three hours,” she said, laughing through her words as she tilted her head up to look at him. “You’ll survive.”

“That’s debatable,” he grumbled, flopping over her shoulder dramatically, letting his full weight drag on her until she squawked and shoved him off.

“I swear,” she muttered. “You need supervision like a toddler with scissors.”

“Exactly why we need you there,” Kiara chimed in, still perched on the counter. “It’s not a proper beach disaster without Jules babysitting the rest of us.”

Juliette smiled, letting herself relax into the familiarity of it all. The house, the banter, the way they all knew how to orbit each other even in chaos. It felt good—safe, even if it was temporary.

Still, her mind wandered to the party and the strange conversation she’d had with Rafe the night before. She hadn’t told anyone about it yet, not even JJ. Part of her hoped she wouldn’t see Rafe tonight. But that was wishful thinking. Kook parties had a way of drawing everyone out of their holes.

“You know what sounds like a lot of fun to me?” Juliette said, standing and turning toward the group with mock excitement. “Someone picks me up from work, and then we go grocery shopping after.”

“Um, that does not sound like fun,” JJ said, making a face like she’d just offered to clean gutters.

“Plus,” he added, glancing toward the kitchen, “we have everything we need right here.”

“I don’t live here, so I don’t care,” Pope interjected flatly, already done with JJ’s logic. “But, for the record, there’s only beer and pickles in the fridge.”

“Exactly,” JJ said, shrugging. “Everything we need.”

Juliette rolled her eyes and leaned her hip against the table. “You guys are hopeless.”

“You know what I think you should do, Juliette?” John B said with a grin, already bracing for her reaction. “I think you should just call up your best friend and ask him for a ride.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I might wring your neck.”

“I’ll start digging the shallow grave,” Kiara deadpanned.

“Um, you know what,” Pope said quickly, sensing the danger level rising, “I think I’ll be your personal escort today.”

Juliette blinked, surprised but smiling. “You sure, Pope? I don’t want to drag you into the chaos that is Harris Teeter on a Friday.”

“Hey,” he said with a mock salute, “I’d rather brave the grocery store than listen to JJ explain how beer and pickles are a balanced diet.”

JJ opened his mouth to argue but paused. “Okay, first of all, pickles are vegetables.”

“Jesus Christ,” Juliette muttered, laughing as she threw a cracker at him. He dodged it with unnecessary flair.

“Alright,” she said, looking toward the clock. “I gotta head out. Babysitting duty calls.”

“You gonna be good?” Kiara asked softly as she stood up, brushing her hands off on her shorts. Her voice was quieter, more serious.

Juliette hesitated for half a second. “Yeah,” she said with a nod. “I’ll be fine.”

But something in her voice betrayed that she wasn’t completely sure.

“I’ll take you, Jules. I’ve got my car and I need to stop by the Wreck to help my parents out,” Kiara offered, flashing her a small smile.

It wasn’t unusual for the two girls to ride together, but Juliette could tell this was more than convenience. It was because of the talk they’d had the night before—the moment Juliette broke, and Kie had quietly pieced her back together.

“Okay,” Juliette nodded. “I’m gonna go get changed.”

~~

They drove in easy silence, windows down, the humid breeze rushing through the car. As they turned onto Figure Eight, the air felt thicker, heavier, and not just from the heat. Juliette looked out the window at the manicured lawns and oceanfront houses. She recognized the one coming up. A house she sometimes dreaded going to.

Today was one of those days.

She was too worn out to fake the usual smiles for parents she didn’t relate to. But that was the good thing about babysitting—you didn’t really have to deal with the parents for long.

“Thanks, Kie,” she said quietly as she climbed out of the car.

“You got it,” Kiara said. She lingered just a beat longer than usual, eyes watching Juliette carefully. But she didn’t press. She never did when Jules was like this.

Juliette gave her a small wave and turned toward the house.

She wore a pair of cutoff jean shorts and an oversized Kildare Fishing Company shirt, practically swallowing her frame. Underneath was her swimsuit—today’s hopeful gamble. It was blazing hot out, and if the kids were up for it, maybe she could convince them to go swimming.

When the door opened, she greeted the parents with a soft smile. Their eyes flicked to her face—more specifically, her lip. The glance was subtle, polite even, but it didn’t go unnoticed. She ignored it. She was choosing peace today.

They thanked her quickly, both dressed in crisp clothes, clearly headed out for a date. It was only a short shift, they had mentioned wanting a lunch alone. Just a few hours. Then they’d be back.

As they pulled away in their sleek car, Juliette watched them for a moment longer than she meant to.

It wasn’t the glamor that made her envious. Not the money. Not even the house. It was the love. The ease. The presence of two people who, despite everything, still wanted to sit across from each other at a lunch table and talk.

She sighed softly and turned toward the living room, hearing the familiar thump of little feet across hardwood.

“Alright, guys,” she called out, her voice lifting slightly as she spotted the kids popping up from behind the couch like little whack-a-moles. “How are we feeling about having a pool day?”

“YES!” came a unified scream from the two kids.

Juliette chuckled. At least someone was having a perfect summer.

~~ 

It hadn’t taken long for the kids to get changed and ready for the pool. Juliette helped them lather on sunscreen, reminding them to cover their ears and the tops of their feet. Felix, the younger one, bounced excitedly in place while she made sure his floaties were snug around his little arms.

The moment they were set free, the two of them dashed out the back door with wild energy. Juliette followed behind with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

The Glasburry’s backyard looked like it belonged in a magazine. The pool glistened under the sun, framed by palm trees and neatly trimmed hedges. It was one of those places that looked like it had never seen anything less than perfect.

Juliette took a moment to dip her toes in before climbing into the pool with them. She stayed close to Felix in the shallow end, holding onto the floaty straps when he got a little too confident. His older sister splashed and swam circles around them, showing off the new strokes she’d learned at swim camp.

For a little while, it was easy. The sun was warm, the kids were giggling, and Juliette could almost forget about the way her lip still throbbed or the dread that always came with being back on Figure Eight.

They swam for about an hour and a half before the sun started to feel a little too strong and the kids began to get sleepy.

Juliette wrapped them both in big fluffy towels, the kind that smelled like expensive detergent, and ushered them back inside. She helped them bathe and change into cozy pajamas; tiny matching sets with cartoon sharks on them.

They kept saying how much fun they had.

“You’re the best, Jules,” Felix had said, his voice muffled into his watermelon slice.

Those kinds of compliments always caught her off guard. She wasn’t used to being told she was good at something. Especially not something like this, being gentle. Being safe.

Once they were all settled on the plush couch, she let them pick a Disney movie and curled up beside them. One kid nestled under each arm. They were sticky with watermelon juice and warm from the sun.

For the first time in a while, Juliette felt like she belonged somewhere.

Even if it wasn’t really hers. Even if it was just for a few hours.

~~

The parents returned not long after. The kids were still glued to the couch, eyes wide and mouths sticky with watermelon as the final scenes of the movie played out.

Juliette stood to grab her things, trying not to disrupt the peaceful bubble they were in.

“I don’t want you to leave, Juju!” Felix whined, wrapping his little arms around her leg. The nickname had stuck from the very first week she babysat him.

Cinthia came over and scooped him up, her movements practiced and graceful. “She’ll be back soon, honey. I’m sure she’s got somewhere important to be,” she said softly, brushing Felix’s wild curls from his forehead.

She looked to Juliette with a smile. “Seems like you guys had a good time, huh?”

“We had the best time,” Juliette said, smiling back genuinely for once.

“Thank you, dear,” Cinthia said, setting Felix down again and smoothing out her linen dress.

Mr. Glasburry appeared from behind, envelope in hand, as usual. He handed it to her with a polite nod, then paused, his eyes lingering just a little too long on her face.

“Not getting into any trouble, are you?” he asked, gesturing toward her lip.

Juliette let out a light chuckle, already used to this routine. She reached up and grazed the edge of the bruise. “No sir. Just a stupid accident.”

A lie. The same one she’d told the day before at her other job. The same one she was starting to perfect.

“Good,” he replied, satisfied. “You better get a move on. Looks like Heyward’s boy is waiting on you.”

Juliette followed his line of sight through the front window. Sure enough, Pope’s familiar figure was leaning against the driver’s side of his dad’s truck.

“He’s the type you should be hanging out with. He’s smart,” Mr. Glasburry added with a short nod.

Juliette just smiled and nodded, gripping the envelope tightly in one hand and her bag in the other. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

She stepped outside into the heat, letting the door swing shut behind her.

Her mood instantly lifted the moment she spotted Pope properly. She quickened her pace toward the truck, a real smile tugging at her lips for the first time since she’d walked into the house.

“Pope!” she called out.

He looked up and grinned, pushing off the truck and opening the passenger door for her.

“You know, you’re my savior, Pope.” Juliette sighed as she slid into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt. She glanced over at him, a grateful smile playing on her lips. “You’re still good with grocery shopping, right?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I don’t know how John B lives like that though,” Pope said, shaking his head as he pulled away from the curb.

“It’s because he’s a teenage boy living alone,” Juliette replied with a shrug. “You know how they are—he thinks a fridge full of beer and mustard is a balanced diet.”

“If I was living alone, I’d at least keep the essentials,” Pope said, glancing over at her for just a second.

“Oh, I’m sure you would,” Juliette said with a knowing smile, pointing at him. “You, Pope Heyward, were raised eating good.”

“That’s true,” he admitted with a small shrug, but the pride in his voice was obvious.

Juliette sighed dramatically. “I need to come over soon and trick your mom or dad into cooking. I’ll literally pay. Like—full babysitting rates.”

Pope laughed. “You know you don’t have to pay. Just show up and say you’re hungry. My dad’ll pull something together like he’s competing on ‘Top Chef.’”

“That’s the dream,” she said, grinning out the window.

Pope shifted gears smoothly as they merged onto the main road leading toward the Cut. “So, how was the shift?”

“It was good,” she said with a small nod. “We went swimming.”

“I can tell. Your hair’s dripping.”

Juliette laughed and quickly scooped her curls up into a messy bun. A few soaked strands stuck to her cheeks and her bangs were already starting to dry into their usual wispy shape.

“Oops,” she muttered, then leaned back in her seat, exhaling softly.

A pause settled between them, not awkward—just familiar.

“So what’s on the list?” Pope asked eventually, breaking the silence again.

“Eggs, bread, milk... the basics. Maybe some beer if we want John B to worship us,” she said, half-joking. “Oh—how’d you end up with the truck today?”

“I was doing deliveries for my dad earlier,” Pope said. “He’s been swamped at the restaurant lately, so I told him I’d help out.”

Juliette nodded, a soft appreciation flickering in her eyes. “You’re a good son.”

“Yeah, well, you’re a good friend for grocery shopping on your day off,” he said, nudging her shoulder lightly.

She smiled at him, a little more genuinely this time. “I needed a break. And this? This is the most normal I’ve felt in days.”

“Speaking of…” Pope began, slowing the truck to a stop. “I know you talked to Kie yesterday, but—are you good?”

Juliette blinked, surprised to realize they’d already reached the grocery store. She hadn’t even noticed the familiar parking lot come into view.

She didn’t want to talk. But Pope always asked with good intentions—and more importantly, without pressure.

She nodded. “Yeah. Fine now. Had a fight with Luke, so I’m gonna stay at the Chateau for a while.”

Pope parked, but he didn’t move to get out. Instead, he turned to face her. “He did that?” he asked quietly, eyes landing on her split lip and the bruise beginning to form along her cheekbone. “He’s a piece of shit.”

Juliette looked away, jaw tight. She made a mental note to throw some makeup on before the party tonight. She hated this—being looked at like she was breakable, being pitied or questioned like a kid. She knew Pope cared. That’s what made it harder.

She nodded once, tightly. Words stayed lodged in her throat.

He nodded back, accepting the silence. “You talk to your brother yet?”

They both knew JJ wouldn’t take it well.

“Nope,” she said, popping the ‘p.’ “I will. Probably tomorrow. I don’t wanna ruin tonight.”

Pope gave a small hum of agreement. “Okay.”

He finally unbuckled his seatbelt, then glanced at her again. “Wanna go in? Or do you need a minute?”

Juliette shook her head and unbuckled her own belt, grabbing her phone and shoving it in her back pocket. “Let’s go.”

Pope didn’t push. He just opened his door and climbed out, waiting for her at the front of the truck before heading toward the store.

~~

The duo spent a while weaving through the aisles, grabbing everything Juliette had listed earlier—milk, eggs, bread. The essentials. But she also tossed in a few extras: some chips, a tub of butter, cooking oil, a box of cereal she liked even though it was technically for kids.

They left the store with their arms full, both juggling brown paper bags as they made their way back to the truck. Pope popped the trunk, and they packed the back quickly and efficiently—he was practical like that.

Once they were back in their seats and buckled in, Juliette glanced over at him.

“Go to the gas station on the next block,” she said casually, then added a softer, “Please.”

Pope gave her a side-eye. “The one with Sketchy Paul?”

“Yeah,” she confirmed, deadpan. “Gonna get us some beers so John B doesn’t whine.”

“You’re eighteen,” he reminded her, his voice dry.

“I’m aware,” she said with a grin, stretching her legs out and propping one sneaker against the dash.

Pope didn’t argue—just shook his head and pulled out of the grocery store parking lot.

As they neared the run-down gas station, he gave her a skeptical look. “What exactly are you planning?”

Juliette smirked and leaned back in her seat. “Sketchy Paul usually gives me beer for free. I think he’s got a weird little crush or something. Which, gross, but if it means I don’t have to pay? I’m not above it.”

Pope groaned and let his forehead lightly thump against the steering wheel for dramatic effect. “That man is like forty.”

“And that man has a fridge stocked with Natty Light,” she shot back. “Sacrifices must be made.”

He sat up again, resigned. “Just don’t let him talk to you for too long.”

Juliette winked as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Don’t worry, Pope. I have a strict five-minute creep limit.”

She hopped out and headed inside, leaving him muttering to himself in the car.

~~

Juliette strutted back to the truck, arms full—two six-packs of cheap beer in hand, a smug little smile playing on her lips.

Pope leaned over and pushed the door open from the inside for her. “You were in there for seven minutes,” he said as she climbed in.

“Paul talked to me about his pet turtle and offered me a job,” she replied, balancing the beers on her lap. “I think I traumatized him when I said I only work for tips and beers.”

Pope blinked. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“Say thank you,” she grinned, clicking her seatbelt in place. “For risking my dignity so you guys can have warm beer later.”

“Thank you,” he deadpanned, starting the truck. “Truly, you’re a hero.”

Juliette looked out the window as they pulled back onto the road. The sun was inching lower in the sky, casting long golden beams through the trees that lined the road out to the Cut. It felt like summer in every sense- humid air, loud cicadas, and the quiet hum of something always about to happen.

When they arrived at the Chateau, Pope pulled up out front and they started unloading the bags. Juliette grabbed the grocery bags first, letting Pope handle the heavier stuff, which mostly meant the beer. They shuffled through the front door, the screen creaking like it always did, and began stuffing the fridge with what little they had just bought.

Juliette was probably stronger than Pope, but she didn't feel like carrying anything heavy at the moment. Plus she thought it would be a good workout for him.

John B appeared at some point and immediately went for the beer, cracking one open like he hadn’t just had cereal for lunch.

“You two are saints,” he mumbled between gulps.

“No, I’m a saint,” Juliette corrected, swatting the back of his head lightly. “Pope just drove the getaway car.”

Once everything was put away and the fridge looked a little less pathetic, Pope checked his phone and sighed. “Alright, I gotta drop the truck back at my dad’s. He’ll have a heart attack if he sees I didn’t return it by sundown.”

Juliette nodded, grabbing a glass of water and plopping down onto the couch. “Tell him I say hi. Also tell him I’m thinking about hiring him as my personal chef.”

Pope raised an eyebrow. “That’s suspiciously specific.”

“Because,” she said, lounging deeper into the cushions, “you’re gonna bring me back some grilled shrimp, right?”

He paused at the doorway, looking at her with an amused smirk. “You want me to sneak shrimp out of my house?”

“I’m not above begging.”

Pope laughed, shaking his head as he walked out. “You’re lucky my dad makes extra.”

Juliette just smiled to herself as she heard the screen door creak again and shut behind him.

John B followed after him, swung the door open, and shouted out, “Be back so we can hit the beach together!”

Juliette couldn’t hear Pope’s response, but she was sure it was a yes. John B stepped back inside with a grin on his face.

“Thanks for shopping, J,” he said, the sincerity in his voice clear.

She smiled back. “Think of it as my rent payment for staying here.”

~~ JJ and Kiara arrived at the Chateau not long after Pope had left. The group was lounging around, sipping the warm beers Juliette had talked her way into getting. Now, they were just waiting on Pope to return.

Since her babysitting shift, Juliette had changed. She wore a white tube top with her red string bikini peeking out underneath, and kept on the same distressed denim shorts—most of hers looked identical anyway. Her hair hung down around her shoulders in soft, damp waves, though she figured she might throw it up later depending on the wind.

She’d tried to cover the forming bruise on her cheek. Concealer didn’t do much to hide it, and the split on her lip still stung. But she added mascara, blush, and a swipe of light pink gloss anyway—maybe to distract from the things she couldn’t cover.

She was curled up on the couch next to Kiara when the door opened and in walked Pope, a paper bag of food in hand and the scent of grilled shrimp following him in.

“There he is!” JJ shouted, a little too loud over the music blaring through the old speaker.

“You’re so loud, JJ,” Pope muttered, still standing in the doorway.

“What a weird way to say you love me,” JJ grinned.

“Yeah, yeah—enough with the flirting,” Kiara cut in, already standing and heading for the door. “Let’s go.”

“Guess we’re going,” John B said with a shrug, grabbing his keys and following her out.

Pope held the door open, letting everyone spill out ahead of him. Juliette stood last, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder, her lip still aching a little every time she smiled.

“You good?” he asked under his breath as she passed him.

She nodded once. “Yeah.”

“Shotgun!” JJ called out, running ahead.

“Absolutely not,” Kie said, jogging to beat him to the passenger seat. “You’re sitting in the way back with the rest of the gremlins.”

“Rude,” JJ muttered, climbing in anyway.

“I take offence Kie” Juliette shot out.

Kiara sent her an apologetic shrug.

Juliette tossed her stuff into the van, then climbed in beside Pope and JJ on the bench. She tugged down the hem of her shorts and leaned her head back against the window, trying not to overthink the night ahead.

The van rolled forward in that uneven, bumpy way it always did, and someone connected their phone to the aux. Music blasted, windows were down, and the wind tangled itself through everyone’s hair like summer itself was sitting in the van with them.

As they made their way toward the beach, the sun dipped lower, casting shadows that stretched long across the road. There was laughter. JJ made some terrible joke. Kiara threatened to make him walk. John B chimed in from the driver’s seat with one hand out the window, fingers slicing through the air.

Juliette watched it all, one corner of her mouth lifting.

Tonight was going to be messy. Probably loud. Maybe chaotic. But it would be theirs. And for now, that was enough.

~~~

next chapter

an: I was actually going to include the party in this chapter, but I decided against it. The next chapter is going to get messy. So be prepared.

[solifloris]

i promised ... and i owe ... so many of you thoughts on xavier's "no restraint" card..... SO HERE IT IS, UNDER THE CUT !! i ramble a lot so it's very long 🫶🫶

(this was so hard guys. this card was a whole entire shock factor.)

first of all...... please delight in this reaction image i can offer you. because. any of you who are reading this rn know exactly which part of the card i'm referring to when i say:

(in conclusion, my legs are open)

.. ANYWAY !!!!!!!!! CLEARS THROAT

things we're going to talk about? well, it's me, so (A) character development, (B) relationship development, but also (C) WHATEVER THE HELL WENT ON IN THAT KINDLED MOMENTS SSCENE <3

(A-1) Character Development; Xavier

over the past few cards we've been having of him, i think it's safe to say that we're familiar with a number of his mannerisms, and i've also talked about a lot why that is and what goes into that.

but a lot of it changes in this card. and it's so much more than just the moment of realization he has in 21 days, too. enough that—aside from what we know eventually takes place—we can safely assume that all this occurs after that card chronologically.

exhibit a; tendency to do things on his own.

this is something that i may not have talked about as much, but i'm pretty sure we all know it's there—that xavier has always carried this tendency to do things all on his own. there's multiple examples of this, and it goes way way way back to his anecdotes.

i.e. with "passing by" and "when shooting stars fall", we already have prime examples—

"Whether it's tasks assigned by the higher-ups or senior members, Xavier always completes them quickly and methodically. He works until they're done, but nothing more."

"Xavier stands alone amidst a circle of fallen bodyguards. In the corner, Lawrence is tied up with bed sheets, his neck at an odd angle."

"I notice the wounds on his hands and face. Catching his breath, he holds out his hand, showing me a small, glowing Protocore. This is the first time he's looked at me with desperation in his eyes. When he moves closer, I notice a ring of light around his neck. It's a striking, suffocating red."

in his lightseeker myth, too, he's also the one to take the initiative and look for an alternative to philos' sacrifice. he leaves mc behind, and he leaves jeremiah behind—it isn't until later that he's able to enlist the help of others and form the backtrackers, and even then, they all recognize that he's the most capable one among them. in fact, it's also evident in "from the stars" from world underneath:

"As the leader of the Backtrackers ... Asteroids, turbulence, and the collapse of wormholes couldn't tear Traceback ll's team apart. With Xavier there, they managed to break through the universe's most impregnable spacetime barrier."

"It seems like everyone had a reason to give up and leave halfway except you. Well, you did too, but you wouldn't because no one could replace you. We all thought that you'd still make it to the end, even if you were the only one left."

in the main story, we're also faced with multiple scenarios of xavier going off on his own to do hunter duties, or otherwise a little extra in order to find the protocore that he needs—"heartstring symphony" is also proof of that.

and lumiere's myth is no different, nor is the whole legend behind lumiere in the first place.

"Xavier is missing. He didn't show up on the set, and there was no sign of him at home either ... Since then, I've never received a Wanderer alert on my watch again. Just like Xavier predicted, the dark clouds gradually dispersed, and the heavy rain slowly became a gentle drizzle until it ceased completely. Breathtaking evening clouds replaced them. Dusk falls, accompanied by millions of glittering lights creating a spectacular meteor shower. Long streaks reminiscent of contrails are etched across the sky. Meanwhile, the newest updates are being broadcast repeatedly on the massive screen in the heart of Azure Square. The previously rampant Wanderers have disappeared overnight, leaving behind only some suspicious Protocores ... The doomsday panic, which overtook the city like an inflating balloon, shatters silently as if pierced by a pin."

"Right on cue, my watch loudly sounds the alarm, and I hear the roars of Wanderers from the flames. At that moment, Xavier vanishes, and a beam of light with as much force as a rainbow piercing through sunshine cuts through the collapsed, burning factory. In the blink of an eye, he leaps out of the raging fire, his sword still coated in Metaflux that has yet to dissipate."

"'Threat levels are at least A. I have to go—' 'Stay here. I'll be right back.' Xavier pushes down my shoulder, and a strange red light around his neck is quickly concealed by his collar."

"The red light on Xavier's neck flickers wildly. He swings his weapon, sending out a lightblade to kill the remaining, struggling Wanderer. Smoke created by the dissipated energy rises in all directions. He leans against the wall, trying to steady his wobbling form after the intense battle. 'Abnormal vital signs have been detected. Excessive use of Evol. Disengage from combat immediately and receive treatment...' Xavier turns off the annoying warning on his watch and lifts his gaze to the entrance of an alley, where several shadows are closing in on him."

moreover is the fact that from world underneath, we also know that his collar acts as a suppressor:

"'...Light Evol has been detected. Evolver's Evol limit cannot be defined.' 'Any attempts to probe its limit triggers a special neck suppressor, which prevents the Evolver from using their full power.'"

and yet despite that, he still continues to do what he does, anyway.

a lot of things play into it, and i talk a lot about how his upbringing as a prince must have largely contributed to habits like this. he's used to doing things on his own, and he's expected to, in a way—all the burdens and duties placed upon him the moment he was born, when he bever had any say in it. already in his "when shooting stars fall" anecdote, he's isolated from everyone and constantly surrounded by bodyguards, and mc acted as his only source of freedom by reaching for him past that barrier.

it's also worth noting that most (if not all) of this that he's been doing, is all and always for mc, too—as if it comes back full cycle. it's how he shows his love for her, because it's really the only way he knows how to.

which also brings attention to his always and ever highlighted communication issues—because common in all of these examples up until this card, is that he's been vague about it.

never giving the full answer.

never truly explaining what he's been up to.

and it's something that mc knows; he keeps his secrets well, and they've never really truly talked about these things.

but "no restraint" plays this out a little differently.

"Even though I still want to ask him about where he went, it's only a matter of time before more of Henrik's men arrive. Escaping is our main priority."

And yet;

"I realized I was being followed, which is why I didn't contact you. I managed to shake them off, but I was concerned they might catch up to me. That's why I searched for the Protocore by myself."

—"Why are you suddenly talking about this?"

"...No reason."

xavier willingly explains.

mc doesn't particularly ask—yet he says it anyway. to clear the air, to maybe make it known that he is putting in an effort.

in this situation, he hasn't derived from his habit of going off on his own, but he provides a good explanation of it. there's mediation; he's saying that he trusts her, and he wants to ensure that there is nothing for her to be worried about.

"I just wanted to say I'm not the kind of partner who would leave you behind... I'm also not one of those young people who take things for granted, either."

and he further willingly explains when she does probe him, replying with a reflection of the excuse she gave one of the bodyguards just to be able to get information out of him.

BUT, MOSTLY—

"i know you know" is xavier directly addressing the fact that their relationship has been curated around this trust that they've been starting to build with each other—he knows that mc was not exactly doubting him, yet he wanted to reassure her anyway, as if speaking it out loud makes it official.

sometimes you don't ask for reassurance because you know in your heart that your doubts aren't real. but receiving it never hurts—and that's how this plays out.

xavier has always known that communication has always been an issue with him.

he's willing to fix it, and willing to take that extra step to make sure mc doesn't feel unloved with him. he doesn't want to leave room for doubts.

"i know you know." i know you know i will never leave you, i know you know that i love you. i know you know, but i'll say it anyway. because i mean it. and you don't have to worry.

(LIKE DO YOU GUYS GET HOW IMPORTANT THIS LINE IS? 😭 HOW MUCH IT SAYS FOR THE EXTENT TO WHICH HE TRULY LOVES HER? 😭)

exhibit b; aloofness.

we also know that, while xavier can be pretty intense with regards to the previous point, he's always had this calm, easygoing, aloof nature to him. as if he could fade into the background, as if he's simply floating around like a little cloud—there's this aura around him that simply wants to just... be.

but, again, it's almost as if so much more hides underneath that. like it's not totally 100% inherently him. like it's not entirely natural, like the part of him that's like this is maybe somewhat a façade that he's been putting up for so long, so it's just ended up... becoming part of him, by force of habit.

there are so many subtleties to the way he seems to try to express himself—the little things. microexpressions. involuntary emotional leakage. they last for a fragment of a second, but they're there, and with xavier, they seem to always convey so much more than whatever words he can muster.... because he always finds himself short of doing it in the way he wants to.

again, it goes back to his communication issues.

he's used to being isolated. used to speaking eloquently as he does only when required, but never really quite knowing how to express affection. or, again, how to express himself in general.

"it's like he's just so used to being princely, that he can't let go of it even if he isn't a prince anymore. he wants to, but old habits die hard—he hides so much beneath that exterior still, and it's mc who's able to help him tear down those walls, mc who's able to make him want to try harder to."

and it's why we've always seen this push and pull with him. he has trouble being honest about his feelings, difficulties in telling mc he loves her, difficulties in being direct to the point with her. he'd dodge her questions, be vague about things... hints of directness, but never really pushing forward with it. he'd tease, but it falls short—mc doesn't know if he's being genuine or not. he doesn't know how to convey that. so a lot of their previous cards and previous moments have been very vague. so, so many examples, a very prime one being his lightseeker myth, because their communication issues very sincerely stuck out with that one. and the last intimate card they had—"tender nights"—and in fact, "heartstring symphony" too, very blatantly display how difficult it is for him to convey his feelings the right way.

but... again, "no restraint" plays that out a lot differently.

"If I had known, I would've kept you company until the mission ended."

"When you said no, they said— 'You're a special person. Won't you reconsider?' ... Did you reconsider?"

"'It's just a scratch. It'll heal in no time.' ... Xavier shakes his head, stands up, and leaves the room. When he returns, he's holding a box filled with bandages that have red foxes on them."

"He gets down on one knee and covers my knee with a bandage. The dim light blurs the outline of his hair ... After smoothing out the bandage, Xavier puts slippers on my feet. And then he stands up and leans against the edge of the table, shoulder to shoulder with me."

"He seems to casually glance in my direction. Noticing how I'm wearing a bathrobe, his gaze lingers on me for a second longer..."

"Does that mean you only like the bandage?"

"Before I realize it, his hand that's on the table slides over. He hooks his pinky over mine. 'I'm curious. The cupcake you mentioned—is it your favorite?'"

and...

he's more intentional with his words and his actions this time. he wants to show her that he loves her, he wants to show her that she means a lot to him. and they're still little things, not too major, but there's a certain confidence in the way that he does it. there's sureness. it's less of those awkward moments of "should i, shouldn't i?" and there's way less hesitation.

he's insistent on holding her and taking care of her wounds. he's insistent on having her say her side of things, because he wants to know what she really thinks, too. small staps towards clearer communication—and though the tension may still be high with them in this card in general, it's a kind of tension where you can feel that they're more comfortable.

it's a stark contrast.

this is the xavier that's more than just learning, more than just realizing—he's doing.

you can really see how he's grown as a person.

(A-2) Character Development; MC

BUT it's not JUST xavier who's grown. because like in all relationships, effort comes from both sides. and the main point here, is that mc has learned to trust him a little more, too.

this part is a little shorter, but i really wanted to bring attention to two scenes and how they both play out—and i'd also like to point out the very start of the card.

the card starts off very general and sets the scene quite well, but it also starts off with mc and xavier separated. this becomes largely the topic for discussion as the card goes on, because mc does wonder where he is, and why he isn't saying anything to her.

but it's not implied anywhere that she's particularly upset about it.

in previous cards/interactions, there's always a sense of exasperation behind her words—sometimes, like in "heartstring symphony", she's upset about it. she chastises him, she sometimes makes it known that she doesn't like when he does those things—

but this time there's none of that.

she allows the mission to move smoothly, doesn't react as much once she does hear xavier contact her again... and even if it shows that she keeps wondering where he is and what he's doing, and later on what he has been doing, it's founded on curiosity instead of frustration.

"Even though I still want to ask him about where he went, it's only a matter of time before more of Henrik's men arrive. Escaping is our main priority."

this is the mc that trusts him.

this is the mc that knows she doesn't particularly need reassurance from him, and she can do without it, because she knows what no matter what, she can trust what he's been up to.

and now;

if it wasn't obvious yet previously, this should make it.

because she's not upset—in fact, she's fond.

she recognizes that her own feelings stem from her own desire to have him with her at all times, too, but most of all, she recognizes that there's nothing to be concerned of, anyway.

she knows that in the end, the person that xavier loves is her. the person that xavier wants to protevt the most is her. the person that xavier wants to be with, as much as he can, as much as the circumstances let him—is her.

she's content with that.

she smiles at the bandage, because it's proof of it—he's just treated her wounds, so insistent on taking care of her even if she knows it's nothing but a scratch and that he doesn't even need to dote on her.

but he does.

he goes the extra stew to get a cute little bandage because he knows it'll make her smile more, too.

she knows that, and she's happy.

"You have your secrets too, but you're different from them."

in a stark contrast from the mc we've been used to before that seems a little on edge and unsure and so doubtful of so many things because there's a lot about xavier she doesn't know yet—this time, she accepts it. because they're both working towards communicating more, and being more affectionate... and there's just no reason and no need for be to be concerned.

it's a big step for her to take, and this is a surprisingly big amount of trust she's putting on him, but it's further proof of how much she—they—have grown.

"You're like.. a cupcake I tucked away so I can have you all to myself."

this is also a line that holds so much in it.

it's really struck out to me, and for a number of reasons, too— (1) it further emphasizes how content she is with him and how much she trusts him; (2) it further emphasizes her own growth with relation to how she shows affection; (3) it says a lot about the kind of special treatment she gives xavier, too.

starting with point #2—the mc we see with xavier has always been bold, always the one to initiate things.... but never truly reciprocates.

like the xavier before, mc never really follows through with what she starts. she'll tease, then pull back; initiate, and then abruptly leave him hanging. she's not much better than xavier in terms of showing affection, because although she may seem like the bolder one, the truth is that she's always been scared.

it goes back to the level of trust she has in him.

because she doesn't know too much about him, it prevents her from truly acting on her feelings—she doesn't know what to expect, doesn't know how far she's allowed to take things.

teasing remains teasing.

not this time.

we also see the level of sureness she has in her actions with the way she initiates their more intimate moments later on; she might have started out as coy, but not once did she back away from it... if not for the fact that she encourages it, even.

"I tug at his sleeve, unable to figure out whether I'm meaning to be flirty or not."

she says this, but she still continues. because she knows what she wants, and she trusts him with it.

then you bring that all together with point #3—the allusions to her own personality.

"You're like a cupcake I tucked away, so I can have you all to myself."

to me it feels less about her reciprocating his more possessive nature, and more about her views on how she's been cherishing him.

tucked away.

she uses past tense.

she could have very well said "a cupcake i tuck away"; which would imply that she frequently wants to hold him close to her to save for when they're alone.

but this is a cupcake she tucked away.

and to me it feels like she's held on to him so long... without actually appreciating him for who he is.

it's like having a pretty dessert with you, one that's too pretty to eat, so you keep for yourself for a while. and you... don't eat it. even if you're supposed to.

it's like getting a precious jewel, but you're too concerned about it being stolen from you, because it's just that precious and beautiful—so you keep it. you don't wear it, whether outside or wherever. you don't. wear it. even if you're supposed to.

and that's not appreciating them for what they are.

to me, it feels like that's how the change in tense makes mc's words appear.

a cupcake she tucked away—hasn't eaten at all. like how, with xavier, for all that she's been fond of him, she's never onve bridged the gap between them on her own, either. she's kept him at arm's length, doubted him, and everything else that comes along with all the communication issues they've always had.

this time, she recognizes it—and i'd like to think that in a way, she's also apologizing for it. she admits, out loud, to herself and to him, that she's been pretty selfish. she hasn't been treasuring him and cherishing him the way she needs to be. she hasn't been reciprocating when he's affectionate. she's been only shying away when he initiates something. she knows she's been like that, and she's saying—i'm not going to be like that anymore.

and again, it goes back to trust.

she trusts him.

and because she can trust him, she can love him how he is, for who he is.

"so i can have you all to myself" feels a lot more like, "so i can finally love you."

and then we get to this scene.

for one thing, she doesn't deny their relationship at all; for another—their conversation on "love" feels very striking to me, too.

"but he can be a little mischievous sometimes."

"isn't that just love?"

and then...

"you're not wrong."

it's like a very direct jab at xavier and his way of being affectionate; the teasing that he does, and the way he's sometimes a little vague, sometimes a little awkward—but he's trying, and he's becoming more sure of himself, too.

and xavier's way of showing affection is truly reserved for her, because there's really none of that awkwardness with anyone else—he doesn't try so hard.

mc seems to be, here, descriving that nature of him as "mischievous".

it is, in a way.

but she also knows that it's love.

that it's his way of showing love.

she recognizes it. she accepts it.

she's learned things about him, too, and she's thinking... all of it can be compiled into this little word called love.

there is love between both of them.

and we can say that at this point, they're pretty far into their relationship.

they've gotten quite comfortable with each other—they're being touchy, the playful banter is light and easy... and they're definitely working to strengthen the bond that they have. their communication has improved SO much... i'm so proud of them 😭

it's definitely not a fully developed relationship; they're still a little shy around each other, there's still a lot of tension that's hard for them to navigate. it seems they've also yet to cross the " i love you" barrier, or at the very least, that it's difficult to say—plus, mc is exceedingly embarrassed to find xavier had overheard her conversation with the receptionist.

yet... when we move on to when they start to get intimate, it's also very interesting to me that it goes so smoothly—and it's definitely not their first time.

but it's a first something.

and it doesn't make the moment any less full of emotion.

this particular sequence honestly had me so INCREDIBLY confused at first, because why on earth would he be trapped right;

but then you look into who xavier is and how he's been with mc, and it goes back to that—he has so, so much love for her that he simply doesn't know how to deal with it.

he's pleading her.

he's saying that if she continues drawing him in like this, what with how much he always feels for her, he's not going to be able to hold back.

it's a trap, in a way.

xavier is still trying his best to discern what it means to show love to someone—because all these years, he hasn't been able to learn that properly. and yet now that mc has fully grasped her end of the stick, now that she's confident and sure of what she wants and how much she feels for him, it's bringing forth a bubble of emotions that he can't seem to describe.

it might not be their first time, but i don't think that xavier ever moves on from what it feels like to be wanted by her like this.

it's scary, because he doesn't know how to navigate things like this.

"It's almost as if tiny flames are flickering in the depths of his gaze. They're faint yet ready to ignite my soul at any moment."

xavier, who's been raised with the notion that he has to know things, to be able to potentially lead his people as the future king of philos...

this is something he doesn't know.

and like how mc was always afraid of how uncertain she was with him, right now, he's afraid because he has so much emotion ready to burst forth that he doesn't know what to do with it.

there's an aura of disbelief that makes it so hard for him to grasp.

it's always been "i will love you in every universe"—for the both of them.

and now, he's having the full realization, maybe for the 928482857th time since they've become official, that she's saying those words back to him. that if he can love her in every universe, as every version of himself... then she can do the same for him.

she wants to do the same for him.

she is doing the same for him.

"she loves me."

"she wants me."

he's pleading with her to take what she wants, because she has all of him.

and then we go back to mc's confidence—because she realizes he wants this to proceed in exactly the same way she wants it to, and she's willing to become his undoing.

and even if he technically switches and takes charge in the next second, it comes to fruition that her giving him consent in this way is what breaks him free of that bubble.

"don't hold back", is all that this is, really.

and he doesn't.

and it's just, not really just about the tension they've built up to get to this moment—the coy excuse of using the protocore's supposed effects—there's so much that goes into it, with the way they feel, with how their desires are so blatantly displayed just like that, with how their love fuels how much they need each other.

it's almost funny, in a way, because it's as if both of them are saying "take me, i'm yours." at the same time. and then it becomes less about possession... and more of a complete and utter surrender to each other.

and i think that's beautiful.

(which also. BONUS? but if this doesn't signify how focused xavier is on giving pleasure and at the same time how easy it is for him to lose himself in the moment and feel good because you're feeling good—i don't know what else will ✋)

(also like. the aftercare... the morning cuddles.... the hickey mc left on him 😭 i love them so much..........)

IN CONCLUSION . . . . THIS CARD MADE ME FEEL MANY THINGS.

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO MY TED TALK 😭✋

[laursdomain]

How about an angsty platonic xaden x imogen one shot from imogen‘s pov? I wish there were more scenes with those two! Maybe one comforting the other? No stress tho if you don‘t feel like it!!!

least favorite

pairing: [platonic] Xaden Riorson & Imogen Cardulo

prompt: Xaden Riorson cared about one person and one person only–Violet Sorrengail. Everyone knew it. Even the marked ones knew it, but they have no problem with that truth. In fact, they love it, they only want the best for the person who saved their lives. Xaden would only show his true emotions to Violet, never showing it to anyone else, not even his own cousin…or does he?

genre: angst + comfort

warnings: mentions of major character(s) deaths, angst, grief, comfort, imogen and xaden actually having a friendship, mentioning of spoilers for parts of OS

w/c: 1.5k

a/n: ahh i love this idea, the way my jaw dropped at this idea LOLOL. anyways enjoy on my attempt to write a imogen pov :3

ྀིxaden riorson masterlist

Quinn was dead.

Grief is a funny thing, I thought. I think it's hilarious how Malek took great pride in taking everything I ever loved away from me. My mother. Katrina. Now Quinn. Losing my mom and sister was hard when it first happened. But I never expected to lose Quinn, even if we were in the middle of a fucking war. The cherry on top is not knowing where Garrick is, the only other person in my life that can provide me solace. He doesn’t know that, though. 

I stay on high alert, even as my thoughts are spiraling, in the long hallway. I lean against the wall, one foot propped against it. Violet Sorrengail laid unconscious in the room behind, hours away from marrying Xaden. I can’t help think it’s about damn time. I owe Bodhi a lot of churam. I whip my head up at the sound of boots echoing through the wallway, instantly straightening my posture as Xaden comes into view. 

He was a venin. The thought sends a shiver up my spine, though I make no movement.

“Where is she?” Xaden refused to make eye contact, there was no hiding the bright red veins that protrude from his sockets.

“Inside. Sleeping.” I respond, gesturing to the room with my head.

Xaden nods subtly, still not making eye contact. That annoyed me to no end, especially when it was him of all people doing it. I thought back to all the times he scolded myself and Bodhi whenever we would avoid eye contact when we did something wrong.

“Stop doing that.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them, immediately catching Xaden off guard.

“Doing what?” He questions, immediately taking on his usual tone. The Xaden Tone, Bodhi and I  dubbed. 

“Avoiding eye contact.” My eyes narrow, staring pointedly at his red eyes.

“I didn’t think you were looking.” Xaden muttered under his breath, but I caught it. I always did. 

I scoff, “says the person who always yells at me for not keeping eye contact when speaking.”

“Why would you want to look at it?” He questions, referring to the veins.

“Who says I do?” I snap back. “You’re still our leader, even if you’re a venin.”

He scoffs, “I’m the enemy now, not your leader. Unless you’re planning on becoming a venin?”

“I would never,” I grit my teeth, realizing immediately how rude my words sounded. I know Xaden loathes being what he is. “You’ll find a way, you always do.”

“Maybe not this time. Maybe this war was a false hope this entire time.” Xaden’s words are pure venom, beating himself as if he’s a punching bag. 

“Are you saying all our efforts were for nothing?” My brow raises, folding my arms over my chest.

“Yes,” Xaden’s tone was somber, and I knew his tone all too well. He was regretting things he never did. I didn’t know exactly what was going through his head, but I could guess. Maybe he was regretting that he didn’t spend enough time loving Violet, considering he’d put a barrier between the two when he became an initiate. Or that he kept forcing Bodhi to become the heir when Bodhi didn’t want that. I’ve been victim to Bodhi’s rants over the past couple of weeks. Or that he kept turning down Garrick’s ideas to go to the bars in their second and third year to get high on churam to the point they’d be a laughing mess on the way back to their dorms.

“So Liam died for nothing?” My words hold venom as I stare at him, willing him to look at me. 

Xaden finally looks at her, his body tensing and untensing. I test the waters, seeing how long it’ll take for him to break and look somewhere else.

“I heard about Quinn.” He speaks, almost as if he’s speaking to my soul. 

“Don’t.” My eyes clamp shut, squeezing any images of Quinn out of my brain. Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned Liam–no wonder he brought up Quinn. I couldn’t handle speaking or thinking about her, maybe I’ll never be able to.

“It’s okay to be upset,” Xaden reassures, lifting his hand to rest it on my shoulder, but hesitates before letting it fall back to his side. 

He’s a venin, she probably doesn’t want him touching her. 

“I’m not upset.” My words come out weak, pathetically trying to convince myself. 

“Imogen–” Xaden begins, but is soon cut off.

“No.” My words are firmer this time. “I am fine. Malek took her and she’s safe, with Mom and Katrina.” I hated how my voice began shaking the moment I mentioned my sister. My Katrina. 

A beat of silence wraps around us, the air thicker with grief. Mentioning our loved ones brought on a moment of silence, maybe that silence was for them. 

“When we lost Liam,” Xaden chokes back emotion, “I was distraught. But I wouldn’t show any emotion because I needed to be strong for everyone else. He was like my brother.”

I refuse to meet his eyes, and I half expect him to scold me for it. I wish he’d scold me for it. My brain needs something else to focus on.

“I wish I could’ve shown how upset I was, so trust me when I say it’s okay to not be okay. You can grieve, I won’t tell anyone.”

My jaw clenches, desperately trying to prevent any tears from welling in my eyes. I wouldn’t be weak. Not in front of Xaden, of all people. No, that was reserved for Quinn and Bodhi. The mere thought of Quinn brought on a surge of images and memories, ones that I’ve fought so desperately to keep back. I lost the battle, hating how tears began welling up in my eyes as a lone tear escaped my eye. I brush it away quickly, hoping Xaden didn’t notice.

He always noticed.

Wordlessly, he wraps his arms around my frame, gently bringing me in for a hug. It was a foreign action between the us, I’ve only seen him hug Violet and Bodhi. Not even Garrick was lucky enough to receive a hug from Xaden. At least, none that I’ve been present for.

Though, that doesn’t stop me from reciprocating the action, loosely resting my arms around his bulky back, not necessarily embracing him, but holding him. We stood there for a couple of minutes, no words were exchanged as small cries could be heard from my own body as I mourned my best friend. Even though Quinn was not a marked one, Xaden tolerated her. Even before Violet, Quinn was the first non-marked one he ever trusted. But Quinn never knew that. In Xaden’s mind, if Imogen and Bodhi trusted her, so could he. So he did. 

“I always trusted her,” Xaden confessed, soothingly patting my back.

“What?” My words were muffled, but he could make out what I was saying. I heard him the first time, but I half believed my brain was tricking me. There’s no way Xaden just told me he trusted Quinn, right? He’s just saying that to comfort me, right? I wait for him to continue, anxiously holding my breath.

“I trusted Quinn. Before Violet.” 

A dry chuckle escapes my lips, “why?”

“Because you did.”

I didn’t question him. I’ve learned never to question Xaden Riorson. Even though he wanted me to question him, question the absurdity of that statement, I didn’t. Because I fully understood. Who wouldn’t trust Quinn? In my eyes, she was the most loving, caring, and brave rider I’ve ever known. Maybe, just maybe, other people saw what I always saw. I know Bodhi always saw what I saw, so would it really be absurd for Xaden to also see that? 

I won’t lie, I’ve always suspected I was Xaden’s least favorite. Hell, I had even said it aloud to Quinn one night when we were drinking. But, here, in this moment, I can’t help but think that maybe I was wrong. If I were his least favorite, why would he be comforting me over the death of my best friend? Maybe we are closer than I realized. 

“Can you promise me something?” Xaden asks from above me.

I find the strength to remove myself from his embrace, wiping my face of any stray tears. I looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

“Promise me you’ll take care of Violet for me.”

“I promise,” I found myself saying, but I wasn’t lying. I’ve grown to care about Violet Sorrengail, more than I realized. Aside from Bodhi and Quinn, she was someone I could fully trust. 

I’ve lost what was most important to me. Xaden comforted me during this, with no questions asked. Hell, I hadn’t even asked him to. Now I’ll protect what is most important to him, because I refuse to even think about comforting Xaden over the loss of Violet. Because, in reality, I’ll be comforting both of us.