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differenteagletragedy · 5 months

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this is my first time doing an ask kfjhg but i love your fics and h/cs so much!! they're so cute and well written and make me smile :)) anyway, i think it would be cool to see a pov from baxter for the swap au? maybe during/after the almost-kiss scene or the confession scene would be so adorablee!! only an idea, though! ^^

Here is Baxter's confession for reference! And here it is from his point of view :)

Baxter had a good life.

He'd landed his dream job straight out of college, mixing his knack for leadership and practical knowledge of formal events (not to mention his love of romance) to be a wedding planner. He had a beautiful home. He had friends and family -- found family, anyway, with your parents and sister that had essentially counted him as a fourth family member for most of his life.

Still, he wanted more. He wanted you.

He had for years. You were his first crush, his only crush, and that crush had steadily over time developed into something much, much deeper. He couldn't see himself with anyone else but you, and he'd never even wanted to try.

There had been a handful of moments that had made Baxter think you might feel the same way. There was that phase during adolescence when his usual affections, all the hugs and hand-holding and linked arms, had stopped being accepted so easily and started bringing out blushes that made his little heart swell with pride. And prom night was something he thought of a bit more frequently than your average 23-year-old -- it was a night full of dancing and stolen looks that finished off with him holding you close against him, hand cupping your cheek and going in for a kiss that was stopped prematurely when your mom had interrupted.

"I believe it is time for a confession, no?" Xavier had told him over drinks one evening. "Time to put it out in the open instead of wasting time on baseless fears that your feelings won't shared."

Baseless as they may be, Baxter was still scared -- terrified even -- of telling you how he felt. What if he'd been reading the signals wrong? What if your lingering hugs were just habit, the goosebumps he felt when he slipped your bare arm through his because of something other than just being close to him?

If he lost you ...

Xavier wasn't the first person who called him out on this, far from it. Even when you were 13, Cove had bluntly asked him why he wasn't dating you, it was obvious to him, he'd said, that you both liked each other.

After you started hanging out with Miranda in high school, then when Terry started coming around too, they'd teased the both of you about it. Even now, when the four of you went out whenever you found your way back in the area, Terry cackled when he called your hangouts "double dates."

Almost as far back as he could remember, Liz had teased him, asking him when he'd become an official member of the family. It seemed like everyone who knew you both were just waiting on you to finally get together, but even despite all that encouragement, it was something he felt like he just couldn't risk.

Then, the night of your mothers' anniversary party, something changed.

He couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly. Maybe it was having you right next to him again after a good few years of only seeing each other every few months. Maybe it was the night before, when you stayed with him at his apartment and let him cook dinner for you, a preview of the domestic bliss he longed for with you. Or maybe he'd just had enough of being scared.

After a lovely party full of family, friends and dancing, Baxter quickly came up with a plan of action

"I have a proposition," he told you. "Do you think after we leave here, you might indulge me just a little?"

"In what way?" you asked.

"It's a surprise," was all he'd give away.

You agreed, and when the party was over, he walked you to his car and drove you back home to Sunset Bird.

Ever since he was very small, even before he moved within walking distance of a beach, he'd been terrified of the ocean. It was so big and so dark, and growing up in his home, he already had the feeling that the world would someday, one way or another, swallow him up and destroy him. He wasn't going to throw himself right into the abyss of the sea with that weighing over his head.

So, Baxter thought on the drive, if he could get over that, if he could hold your hand and wade into that frightening water, then maybe he could do the same thing metaphorically.

He parked outside your parents' house, and you hadn't figured it out. Even when he walked you to the shore and started removing his clothes, you still didn't quite get it. But that was all right -- he'd been waiting over a decade for this moment, it could stretch out a bit.

"I want to go swimming," he told you after he'd stripped down to his underwear. "With you. Out there. That's the surprise."

He saw your eyes widen, and he smiled. When you started taking your clothes off too, his smile remained in place, though it was a bit darker this time. He'd seen you in your swimsuit countless times over the years, but being out here like this, in your underwear in the dim moonlight, it was different.

Trying to focus on the task at hand, he walked down to the water. He'd gone up to his knees plenty of times, but now he kept going. He did need to take your hand to steady his nerves, but he was too close to stop now.

Once the water got up to his chest, he let out a laugh, in disbelief that he managed to get this far. You encouraged him, just like you always did, but he had more to prove, so he let go of you and started swimming in earnest.

After a moment, he realized it: he was fine. He was facing his fear, and he was surviving. It was the most freeing feeling in the world, and he smiled so wide his cheeks ached, splashing around out there around you. He felt invincible.

Holding onto the feeling, he made his way closer to the shore so he could stand solidly again. When you were close enough, he moved his hands through the water, found your hips and grabbed on, pulling you close. Before he could think about it too much, he brought his lips to meet yours.

There was a moment of hesitation, or maybe surprise, but soon you wrapped yourself around him and kissed him back. He smiled against you, not breaking the kiss, and tried to press you even closer to him. When he needed a breath, he'd pull back just enough to move his kisses to your cheek, your neck, your shoulders that glistened under the moon ...

It was heaven.

When he needed a real break, he couldn't bring himself to let you go, instead choosing to rest his forehead against yours. His smile was still firmly in place.

"What was that for?" you asked quietly.

"For being you," he said easily. "For being my favorite person. For being patient with me even though I should have done that years ago."

He melted when you started playing with his hair, and he saw that you weren't pulling away either. You were there, not wanting to let go of him either. You wanted him the same way he wanted you. If he'd ever felt this blissful, he certainly couldn't remember it.

"Baxter?" you said, breaking the silence.

"Yes?"

"Ask me the question again."

He did pull back at that to examine your expression. "The question" was one you both knew all too well, it was one he'd asked over and over since he'd moved to Prism Vista City. He wanted you to live with him, always telling you that he'd gotten a place with a guest room specifically for you. But the way you posed that question now gave him pause. Despite how well the evening was going, he couldn't help but think that surely there was a limit to this kind of exquisite happiness.

But he was never one to turn you down, so he asked.

"Will you move in with me?"

He watched you grin at him, and then you took your turn to make the first move. You were kissing again, slower this time, more deliberate. There was almost a lifetime of wanting that he was trying to express, and with the way you held him, it seemed like you'd been wanting him for quite a while too.

"That's a yes," you told him when you pulled away. "Just in case it wasn't obvious."

Instead of beginning to discuss the move, the logistics, the timeline, any of that, even instead of going back to kissing you, he took a moment to take one more leap.

"I am so deeply, desperately in love with you," he said. "Is that all right?"

"That's perfect," you told him.

And you were right. It was.

#our life beginnings and always #our life #olba #baxter ward #our life baxter #olba baxter #baxter x mc #baxter x reader #baxter x you #baxter ward x you #baxter ward x reader #baxter ward x mc #our life swap au #i have a new computer and the keyboard is stressing me out so if there are typos i'm sorry i did my best

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yeonyeonyeonjun · 8 months

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Serendipity

pairing: choi yeonjun x fem!reader

word count: 505

synopsis: You were stood up by your date, when a mysterious man came to take his place.

warning: bickering, and I think that is all? let me know if I have missed something :)

a/n: I'm back? kinda. just wanted to try getting back to writing, but let's see how this goes. this is kinda a series? or just a collection of written works until I get bored? pls don't expect frequent updates, I swear I'm bad at all of this 😭 anyway, I hope you guys like this :)) pls feel free to give feedback <3

master list for this series

~~~

At this point, you wondered why you had decided to show up in the first place. You should have dumped him the last time he said he would change. But now here you were, munching on some bread, annoyed and potentially planning his murder. As you munched, you sadly, very SADLY made eye contact with the old couple sitting diagonally to you. They shot you a sad look as you smiled back awkwardly.

As your gaze made its way around the room, you realized, everyone was taking sneaky glances at you. You were so going to murder him. Just as you were about to give up and head home, someone sat across from you, sighing loudly.

“So sorry babe, the traffic was preposterous.” The mystery man said.

“Preposterous? You literally called traffic that?” You replied, not surprised by the choice of words.

“Hey, I’m trying to help you here, and you’re insulting me?!” The man continues.

“Um, well thank you-”

“Yeonjun.” He smiles.

“Yeonjun.” You smiled back.

“So, before this gets awkward and we just start to gawk at each other, why don’t you tell me something about this idiot being who stood you up?” He continues.

“Well, his name is Leo. He was supposed to show up about, let's say an hour ago?” You draw.

“Be honest, how long have you been waiting?”

“An hour and a half?”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah.” You sigh.

“I’m surprised you haven’t thrown your glass of water at me.”

“I know, I should cause a scene. But that old couple sitting diagonally to us have been giving me pitied looks, and they’re looking at us now. So I’m kind of afraid that they might just get a heart attack if I do something this bold.” This makes the boy laugh.

Your eyes widen at the sound. You have encountered your fair share of attractive men, but this man, is something different. Even his laugh is something different. Maybe. Just maybe you are onto something with this date.

“Why did you decide to help me?” You ask, making Yeonjun tilt his head at you in response.

“What do you mean? I saw a pretty girl waiting for some douche and thought why not take a chance and treat you the way you should be treated? Nicely.” He asked.

“Sounds a little cocky to me.” You challenge.

“Agreed. Let’s just get to know each other as friends first. I am sure you will fall for my charms soon enough.” He smirks and shoots you a wink.

“Are you guys ready to order?” The waitress asks, and finally, you get to have food.

The entire night went by with you and Yeonjun conversing over something or the other. By the end, you were a little sad to be saying goodbye.

"Before you leave, I just want to say thank you. For everything." You say with a smile.

"I only accept thank yous in exchange for phone numbers." He says with a smile.

"Well, here you go then." You say, smiling back.

___

Part one done?

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quibbs · 10 months

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So, I've got kinda a comic making question I was hoping you coukd give some insight to. I've been planning on making a webcomic and I wanted to know how you go about outlining a chapter? You see, I have scriptwriting experience for comics, but I was doing it in the way you might for an issue of a typical western comic book, so I had a cap of 22 pages. And since webcomics don't have that cap, I was wondering how you handled how many pages each chapter would be? Is it just as many as you deem fit for the beats of the chapter to flow well? Or do you have a page count you aim for per chapter and adjust as you see fit? I know there aren't any like. Rules for doing this, but it's just something I've had on my mind lol

hmmm unfortunately for the most part my process is oops all vibes: I definitely tend to work under "as many as I deem fit for the beats of the chapter to flow well," but i think there's probably at least a few things about my process that I can elucidate that might help.

i tend to organize my written outline by ACT [ general idea for what takes place and what conflict is taking place in the character,] and then underneath that would fit CHAPTER [what ideas i am trying to establish] , and then underneath that would fit SCENE (written dialogue, setting descriptions, stage directions). I like to start with the biggest overlying connective tissue between scenes and then get smaller and nitty grittier as i write.

this is very quickly made and generalized, but for example if i was telling a story about someone going to the grocery store:

ACT ONE: the discovery of the secret

a girl goes to a the grocery store and discovers the secrets of the sinister, hidden, dark grocery store underground. character should be set up to be so driven by hunger that she just might do anything to satiate it.

CHAPTER 1: (set up)

how does she get to the grocery store? how do i succinctly establish the character of this story? what is she lacking that she should grow to be able to receive by the end of the story?)

scene1 (girl wakes up from violent nightmares with a dark pit in her stomach. she reluctantly gets out of bed).

scene2 (girl goes to pour her cereal and notices that she is completely out of coco puffs. her previous gut feelings that the day would go poorly are confirmed)

scene3 (girl drives to grocery store, for aforementioned coco puffs. another dark feeling tugs at her and is yet again rewarded for it's honesty by a cheerful grocery store employee slipping her a note simply reading "help."

CHAPTER 2 (building tension)

how does the character respond to the call of action and what does that say about her? what are the red flags i should establish now that will foreshadow just how wrong and disturbed this work culture is? what am I trying to SAY by writing it like this- what will the viewer take away, inadvertently or not, by framing the grocery store underbelly like this?

scene1 (girl is alarmed but calmly walks down the aisle. this is not her problem. she is so hungry. she walks toward the coco puffs. her heart sinks: they are out of stock)

scene2 (her heart lifts again when another employee calls out to her, holding the coveted puffs. the girl accepts them, grateful that she will finally have breakfast, when suddenly she notices another note has been slipped to her under the box. "i know who you are. meet me in the bathroom in 5 minutes and change everybody's life here forever."

scene3 (she's had enough. she races to the check out line with the puffs and in her hurry, she notices the box isn't making any noise as it shakes by her side. not like coco puffs in a box often do. she realizes with a heavy heart that it's empty. she sighs and turns around. she reluctantly walks toward the bathroom... almost like she's done this before.

ACT 2: doing something about the secret.

character is officially thrust into this underground network of grocery store vigilantes against her will...she is not happy... she swore she left her days of fighting middle management crime behind her and yet..... these embittered employees are stoking old fires in her heart she had once thought unstokable. we learn about her relationship to this lifestyle and how it led to the person she is today.

etc, etc, etc, and so on, and so forth.

Basically, I don't plan out how many pages I'm going to have. i usually only find out by the time i'm finished sketching it all; and usually by drawing it all out you end up having more ideas, which adds more scenes, etc, etc, etc, webcomicing never ends and never will

My general rule of thumb is to always use as few pages as you can possibly afford without taking away from the story. make it as short as you possibly can while still letting it be as long as it needs to be.

Pacing is everything. the page count truly does not matter as long as the flow is flowing; it entirely depends on your story! your chapter could be 2 pages long if it made sense in the story for it to be 2 pages long (side note: desperately been trying to find a place for a 2 page long chapter for years now but it's never reached fruition. one day. you wait).

IK this is coming from a girl who writes 200 page long chapters, haha. I like to think that I'm getting better at being briefer, but somehow, i never end up briefer than 200. your story could be different! most are. it should be. don't do what i do.

that being said, my overall advice is to always prioritize pacing and writing over an arbitrary page count quota. if the length feels good for the story, then do it. I hope this helps! mwa.

#LONG POST #HOPEFULLY HELPFUL!!#tips and tricks

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spiritfoxarts · 2 years

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Kung Fu Panda different POV

A while ago I had a conversation with my friend about Kung Fu Panda antagonists and here’s what we came to in conclusion:

Kung Fu Panda 3:

Kai - a great warrior, master Oogway’s best friend.

Unfortunately as we all know “history is written by winners”, the only way we learn about Kai is from ONE scroll written by Oogway himself - meaning we only hear HALF of this story. The Kai, Po meets is a Spirit Warrior - a wraith stuck in the state of mind he had before ending up in Spirit World, unable to evolve and change.

The REAL Kai however cared about his allies and friends. He risked his life and traveled in hope to find help for his wounded friend.

What Oogway saw as empty greed, might have actually been Kai’s way to prevent loosing his friends in future. Imagine, if while fighting another huge battle him and Oogway could heal their soldiers with their enemies’ Qi. Everyone would tremble before them. (I know, sounds horrible in long shot, but you get my point)

Their final battle as mortals was probably just a rush decision - maybe Oogway never gave Kai chance to explain his train of thoughts.

Kung Fu Panda:

Tai Lung - (personally, my favorite character) a prodigy student, promised a lot yet banished for following orders.

First his talents: Tai Lung is a great example of body, mind and spirit’s fully used potential. First is the prison scene - he had enough patience to wait for the opportunity to free himself from restrains with JUST A FEATHER.

- Then the climb - without taking a single hit, he overpowered all guards, who stood in his way. Using their own weapons and planning 3 steps ahead. Sure the last falling bridge was a surprise, but he still told himself “I can’t waste this chance.” and gave his all in a matter of seconds to outsmart his opponents.

Also don’t forget that he could still control himself. Prison fight was a coldly calculated set of actions, but then he takes a deep breath and DOESN’T HARM the messenger - he’s gentle and calm.

- Next is bridge fight against Five - look at the difference between him and Tigress - she’s struggling to keep balance and stiffly tries to hold her stance, while he is flawlessly walking and jumping on unstable bridge. This also shows their self-confidence: He knows what he’s capable of and that he can only count on himself, while she believes in her team, she knows they will bail her out off trouble - she’s just a piece of something bigger, which only works well, when put together. But yet again Tai Lung outsmarted them, by knocking them out off fight one by one.

- Fight with Shifu - this is where we learn the story from HIS side. His whole life Tai Lung was looking up to his teacher, mentor and father figure, executing every order flawlessly. And even if becoming the Dragon Warrior wasn’t meant for him, he could’ve become a great master of Kung Fu and maybe one day stand by Shifu’s side.

Unfortunately he was let down by his master. Shifu had one card and bet everything on this one card, feeding Tai Lung hopes and instead of saying: “Ok, so Master Oogway said you won’t be the Dragon Warrior, BUT we can keep training and see where this will take us.”, he stayed silent, didn’t even try to defend his student or ask Oogway “Why?”.

In Tai Lung’s eyes it was a betrayal - he probably thought Shifu will from now on think he’s useless to him. That’s why when he finally met with his former master, he snapped and let loose of his anger.

He was already perfect for master, but no one told him that and so that’s why he didn’t understood the Dragon Scroll’s message. The only reason Po won, was because he understood that he’s perfect the way he is and has to think outside of box to create fighting style fitting for him.

Kung Fu Panda 2:

Shen - heir to the Gongmen City throne and educated strategist.

Now I left him at the end, because it took us a bit to understand his character.

Shen was a promising general, he invented a new type of weapon and wanted to revolutionize ways of fighting, BUT I believe his parents had outdated mindset, not seeing their son’s potential. I mean they went to SOOTHSAYER instead of talking with him. Then “they died from sorrow” - yeah no sh!t, you kinda banished your only child.

Also about his strategy skills. Shen knew a bit how to fight in close combat and knew he has no chance against three guarding Kung Fu masters, yet he put up a good fight against two of them. By using tricks, patience, his opponents’ weaknesses AND most importantly - he broke their fighting spirits by defeating their master with new weapon.

Shen fought with his head and he showed that while also fighting Po. To him it was a game of chess.

Now You might think I’m defending characters, who did a lot of harm - but before you judge someone, learn whole story first.

That will be all - thank You for reading mine and my friend's opinion on this.

#kung fu panda #kung fu panda 2 #kung fu panda 3 #tai lung #kai #lord shen #my post

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the-yuri-librarian · 3 months

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Hi..... if you don't mind, can I ask, your top 10 (or top 7) favorite GL media (can be books/ manga/manhwa/baihe/ anime/movies/tv series)? And why you love them? Thanks if you want to answer....

I don't mind at all! In fact, putting together a top ten has been on my to do list for a while but I haven't done it yet because it seems real daunting. But, I'll try my best here. Spoiler alert, my #1 spot is a tie. I love both titles and I can't pick between them:

1a. Pulse (manhwa):

Premise: Mel is an expert surgeon at an esteemed hospital, and she is happy with where she is in her life. Her work is fulfilling, she has tons of sex, and everything seems to be generally going her way. But, she has no real emotional connections. Mel believes that love is a foolish game, so instead of dating with any real seriousness, she chooses to bounce from hook up to hook up. But, that all changes when Mel meets Lynn. Lynn has a fatal heart condition and desperately needs a transplant. But, she wants Mel to be the one to perform the surgery. As Lynn entangles herself in Mel's life, the stone of Mel's heart begins to crack....

Why I love it: the story in Pulse is incredible. Mel's character arc is perfectly developed, and her backstory is very interesting when you finally get there (she's also very hot lol). Lynn is equally well developed, fighting for her life while also contemplating it's value. The ups and downs of their relationship is gripping, and the ending left me in tears. I do think there is a pretty major flaw in the story near the end, but I won't get into it here as I plan on doing a review after I reread it in February. CW: sexual assault. It is a bit of an age gap but not a huge one. Also this is very spicy

1b. Love Thy Neighbor (manhwa):

Premise: Doyeon seems to be perfect. She has a large group of friends, a perfect GPA, and is sailing through med school with ease. But, she has one problem: her neighbor keeps her up at night. Whether it is debt collectors pounding on the door at all hours of the day, or the neighbor crying into the night while the TV plays, Doyeon can't get any sleep. Eventually, the debt collectors get physically aggressive, and Doyeon has no choice but to pull her neighbor into her apartment to save her. The neighbor, a woman named Jin Joo, ends up staying at Doyeon's apartment for her own safety. This is all fine and well, but why is Doyeon starting to have sex dreams about her?

Why I love it: so, three things here right up front: 1. there is also an age gap in this story (which I think is a coincidence), 2. It is very spicy and 3. it is incredibly toxic (to the point that consent between the two characters becomes murky) and not for the faint of heart. With all that out of the way: I love this story. Doyeon is so incredibly interesting as a character (and might be a genuine sociopath); all she wants to do is be loved unconditionally and she never gets it and that internal tension is incredible. The plot is also very dramatic, and it makes it HARD to put it down (also I've read through season 1 like 3 times in 4 months). I literally count the days between chapter releases. I didn't think I would enjoy a psychological drama so much but this one really knocks it out of the park. This drama has the effect of, murky consent aside, making the sex scenes electric. They are so well written, carrying significant narrative weight while also being genuinely very hot. There is this constant battle for control between our romantic leads that leaks into their sex, and it's just chef's kiss. I cannot stress enough how much I love this story. Season 2 just started releasing a couple weeks ago so now is an excellent time to jump on board. (PSA: if anyone my mutuals or followers starts reading this PLEASE send your live reactions to my DMs I will love you forever I wanna talk to someone about this story so bad)

3. Qualia the Purple (manga)

Premise: [Redacted]

Why I love it: so this is by far the weirdest love story I have ever read, and it is terribly sad. How far would you go to save the person you love most? The lengths Yukari wuld go to save her love are endless, and her desperation is what makes this tale worth reading. I really don't want to say too much here because this story is best experienced knowing as little about is as possible before you start reading it (also why I didn't include a premise). As a heads up: this story is deeply philosophical and may make you cry. Be sure to read the afterword

4. Nevermore (webtoon)

Premise: Lenore and Annabel Lee both wake up on a distant shore with no memories of who they are. Chased by bizarre spirits, they flea until they stumble upon Nevermore Academy. Here, they are told that they are dead, and that they are here to compete for a second chance at life. Also, they can turn into ghosts with superpowers. As they being to move through the trials, it becomes increasingly clear that their previous lives were deeply tied together. But the question remains: what are they to each other?

Why I love it: the real allure to this story is the mystery. Who is Lenore? Who is Annabel Lee? What is the truth behind Nevermore Academy? The list of questions is never-ending. Also, Lenore is an incredibly charming protagonist, whose quick wit and determination makes it impossible to not cheer for her. The is also inspired heavily by Edgar Allen Poe's work and the gothic literary tradition (and aesthetic). In fact, Lenore's name, as well as Nevemore Academy's name, comes from the poem "The Raven," and Annabel Lee is named after the famous poem of the same name. Coincidentally, both this story and the poem "Annabel Lee" take place "in a kingdom by the sea." As a literature nerd, this is a HUGE plus for me. Especially recommend this story for those who like to try and figure out what's going on before the characters do (so, if you were in the red string brigade while The Magnus Archives was airing this is a must read)

5. Her Tales of Shim Chong (manhwa)

Premise: This manhwa is a historical, girls' love retelling of classic Korean novel The Tale of Shim Chong. It tells the story of Shim Chong, a beggar who is desperately trying to make ends meet to feed her and her blind father, and the soon-to-be second Madame Jang, who has been sold into marrying the Chancellor to give her family a better position. After a chance encounter, they build a friendship -- and eventually more -- that transcends class boundaries. But not everyone is happy with the Chancellor's new wife, and Chong's presence is far from welcome in the royal palace. When the Chancellor falls into a mysterious coma after the wedding night, his children make plans to oust Madam Jang, and it may be up to Shim Chong to save not only their relationship, but their lives.

Why I love it: I think the premise of this story is so so romantic; it drives me crazy. Madame Jang is essentially trapped by the narrative, and Shim Chong is the only one who is able and willing to break her out. The premise creates the perfect setting to critique not only the historical politics of Korea, but also the treatment of women within Korean culture (disclaimer: I am far from an expert here but I think the theme is very prevalent). It is also probably the only yuri I've read so far that would qualify as magical realism, which ties in to the folktale setting with ease. There is not a lot of physical affection in this story, but when it's there, it's so sweet I can't help but swoon. If you like historical fiction, I would recommend starting here out of everything on this list (or start with the next entry).

6. Goodbye, My Rose Garden (manga)

Premise: Hanako is a Japanese woman who has come to England in search of her favorite author. In the meantime, she looks for work as a maid and is eventually hired by a noblewoman named Alice. But, Alice has an unbelievable request for Hanako: she wants Hanako to kill her. Hanako immediately begins trying to find out why Alice wants to throw away her life, and as she does she finds a hidden side of the noblewoman kept deep under wraps...

Why I love it: this story is so romantic, and tense, and dramatic that it has become critically acclaimed - and for good reason. The depiction of historical views on homosexuality are really well done and is juxtaposed well next to Hanako's sapphic awakening. I really think that this yuri is a must read, not just because of the romance, but because of the historical perspectives portrayed within. I wish I could say more but it's been a while since I've read it, and I plan on rereading it and posting a review sometime within the first half of this year

7. Mage & Demon Queen (webtoon)

Premise: In a world where demons and humans are at constant war, Malori has survived childhood and become a powerful mage..... because she is totally in love with the Demon Queen, Velverosa. In fact, Malori would do anything to spend time with her, and she means anything. Day after day Malori climbs the Demon Queen's tower to try and win her heart, and day after day she is defeated. Will the Demon Queen ever love her? Or, will Velverosa be slain before their relationship has time to blossom?

Why I love it: ONE OF THE ROMANTIC LEADS IN THIS STORY IS A TRANS WOMAN (it's Vel lol). But also: this is by far the funniest yuri I have ever read. Whether is is on the cheesy side or the genuinely hilarious side, the humor in this story is baked all the way through, giving it an adorable charm. Additionally, Vel's slow decent into love is so fucking adorable that I often find myself going back to reread her confession; it's just so sweet. If you like a wholesome, light hearted story, or are a big fan of RPGs or isekais (it's not one but it's close enough), then you MUST give this a read. I'm afraid Webtoons.com is putting it behind a paywall soon (against it's creator's wishes), but you may be able to find it else where possibly.

8. Sunstone (American comic)

Premise: in this erotic romcom, Lisa is a writer and, more importantly, a submissive. Ally is a well-experienced programmer and considers herself a dominatrix. They have one thing in common: they have never done BDSM in real life. One day, they meet in a virtual chat room and become fast friends. This friendship evolves as they begin exchanging DMs, and eventually they decide to meet up. They hit it off just as well in person as they do online, and their one time sexual encounter becomes much more, changing their lives forever.

Why I love it: this comic features probably the most realistic depiction of a BDSM relationship - and BDSM sex - that I have ever seen. The characters are complicated, and messy, and so human that you can't helped but be sucked into their lives. It also features one of the most romantic confessions I have ever experience in yuri. Just top notch writing from top to bottom, while also treating the subject matter with dignity and care. The writer has a lot of experience with BDSM in real life, and it really shows with the way the series treats consent, safe words, and after care. If you've never read this story, you need to change that asap. You're really missing out.

9. Whisper me a love song (manga)

Premise: On her first day of high school, Himari watches a band play at the opening ceremony, where she immediately "falls in love" with the lead singer. The next day, she runs into that singer, Yori, and tells her so. Yori's response is unexpected: she says, "I love you, too." Quickly, and awkwardly, Himari realizes that her platonic feelings are being met with Yori's romantic feelings. As their friendship develops, she begins to wonder: what does it mean to love someone?

Why I love it: I really love music, especially rock and punk music, so a romance story based around a musician is automatically going to appeal to me and this one is no exception. Himari's struggle with her sexuality feels so real, and Yori's determination to win Himari's heart naturally compels her internal conflict forward until she has to decide. This manga is so so so cute, especially considering Himari's puppy dog like energy, and this story is almost guaranteed to make you swoon. It is ongoing and getting an anime this year, so please read it and support the official release!

10. Bloom into You (manga)

Premise: Bloom into You tells the story of high school freshman Yuu, as she discovers herself and tries to gain an understanding of "love," which all of her friends seem enamored with. She has never had someone who felt special to her in that way, though she desperately wants to. This all changes when she meets sophomore Nanami, who has also never fallen in love. As they get to know each other, Nanami begins to fall in love with Yuu, though Yuu does not understand why. At the same time, Yuu thinks her chest may be starting to flutter, a feeling that she has longed for but still does not understand...

Why I love it: so there was no way that this wasn't making the list, right? It is the standard for high school yuri, and for good reason. Yuu and Nanami are perfect for each other, and Yuu's slow decent into love is incredible to watch. If you have never read yuri and you want to know where to start, the answer is right here. It is, in fact, required reading. If I were to teach a semester long university class on yuri (a fantasy situation I think about alot), this would be the first story I would assign. The romantic tension is mesmerizing, the supporting cast is top tier, and the ending is immensely satisfying. There is also ace/aro representation, arguably in the main character and canonically in the supporting cast. I am currently doing a live blog/analysis of Bloom into You if you want to follow along with me, though I am very behind on it (I swear I'm gonna continue it, and I'm sorry to my followers :( the new year has not been kind to me lol).

I have done reviews and analysis of some of these series, and have borrowed summaries from those posts. I am linking those down below in case you haven't read them. However, if you read the Qualia the Purple review before reading the manga I will find you:

Her Tales of Shim Chong Review

Qualia the Purple Review

Bloom into You Ch. 1 Analysis

Bloom into You Ch. 2 Analysis

Edit: I just realized that you asked for girls lov books too, so I guess that is going to have to be a separate post....

#long post #asks #yuri #girls love #yuri posting #manga #manhwa #webtoons #recommendations #seriously sorry its so long #I feel like I'm always saying that #anyway #please send me more asks!#request reviews #ask me my thoughts about what i've read #tell me to read obscure yuris no one has ever heard of!#my inbox is always open :)

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veneritia · 2 months

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Maddie’s 2024 Writing Progress week ten

↳AKA where I try to build good writing habits by challenging myself to write a minimum of 30 minutes a day

this week’s progress: 2,868 words written this week/ 24,745 words written this year / overall draft word count is 35,053 words

I finally got to write the poisoning scene! This scene's been on my mind since I first outlined it, but despite planning it, the second I finally got to it I decided to change it all up. Originally, Fenice was supposed to clock that her wine was poisoned and then avoid the assassination attempt, but now I thought it might be better if she didn't notice it until it was too late. It made a lot more sense. Fenice is smart, sure, but she's an inexperienced and sheltered girl up against a paid assassin.

I've also started on the chapter where we meet Sola Eidos!! Honestly he's one of my favorite characters, so I'm excited to finally write him into the story.

This week’s excerpt of When Comes the Dawn

She raised her chalice high. “A toast! To grave mistakes, and that they only befall our enemies.”

#wtwcommunity #writeblrgarden #writeblr #collection.my projects #collection.cacoethes scribendi #series.wctd #wctd.excerpt

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nerdieforpedro · 3 months

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Can't win cariño

Javier Gutierrez x GN reader

Rating: Teens and above

This blog is for readers 18+ MDNI

Word Count: 819

Summary: Javier whisks you away for a vacation. Your stubborness leads to some change in plans, but it's Javi. He always manages to figure it out and find one solid way to question his judgement.

Warnings: Javi G being himself, fluff, very soft, two food mentions (because it's been a while - I've got to maintain my Nerdie food cred)

Notes: This is from the wonderful blerb @frenchiereading gave me to work with. Hehe 😘 Your next one will take a bit longer. I did use a few of the pictures you had in the ask moodboard. Do you remember which ones? 🥸

Main Masterlist / Javier Gutierrez Masterlist

“Por favor (please) just a week. Una semana mi amor (A week my love).” Pools of russet eyes framed with sienna tufts of curls wore you down in bed. He could ask you for anything with those orbs. You’d tell him you would think about it and you would. In less than two minutes you’d agree but it did still count. Sort of.

This time, Javier has whisked you away on a much needed vacation for you both. Work has been mentally draining per usually and even Javier who exudes positivity like a ball of sunshine was a bit dim after back to back meetings with different producers who kept wanting to change different scenes in his scripts which would alter core parts of what he’d written. He didn’t tell you where you were going until you reached the airport. The two of you had gotten in one of the international lines and finally when your tickets were uploaded on your phone, you squealed.

"Saint Lucia!"

Beautiful white beaches, perfect temperatures, the resort was immaculate. The first day and a half was wonderful as you settled in with Javi and explored a bit. Your first mistake was not checking what temperature the ocean water might be and the second was despite jumping in the water and discovering it was frigid, you splashed around as Javi watched from the beach, wisely only dipping his feet up to his ankles. He was trying to have you come back in after twenty minutes, but it was too much fun. The contrast between the warmth on your shoulders and the cold water splashing intermittently on your body was much too enjoyable. It was over an hour before you finally emerged from the water.

It didn’t happen at first, after coming back in and showering, the two of you showered, ate lunch and cuddled with a movie on the sofa. The sneezing started, followed by the stuffy nose and chills pms shaking you to your core. By the time the sun set, you refused to get in bed with Javi as you hadn’t listened to him and now were ruining your vacation together. A shivering mass under blankets is what you’ve been reduced to. It’s horrible, you feel horrible and you know as sweet as Javier is, he would never tell you I told you so or express his frustration while you didn’t feel well but you know he had to feel both.

”Cariño (sweetheart), you’re coming to bed or I’m joining you on the sofa. I will not sleep alone.” Javier had his arms crossed with a stern look on his face. It’s not a look you saw often, only reserved for when you’re being stubborn like now. You pulled a blanket partially off your head to expose your eyes and top of your head. You kept your nose and mouth covered to try and control your germs.

“I’m not gonna get you sick. I need to stay over here. I’m so sorry Javi. I hadn’t been able to play around in water like that for quite awhile. Let me stew in my ick here.” The same pout that had let you on this trip, now was looking back at you. Your retreat inside your blanket cocoon was swift to avoid it. Javier was not one to give up. Settled inside the blankets, you cursed your sickness only to feel then ripped from you and a sudden exposure of air to your skin. He pulled the blankets you’d wrapped around yourself off in one go, a triumphant smile was on his face as he plopped down next to you. Your body turned away from him in protest, but he grabbed you from behind and stretched his arms around you with the blankets.

”No escape mi cariño. I’m in your burrito now.” The hair from his mustache ticked the back of your neck as your body relaxed. You did try like always to fight, but you weren’t going to win. The two of you fell asleep on the sofa, your backs angry with you the next morning. After breakfast, Javier ran you a bath and heavily encouraged that he wipes you down, then applies vapor rub to your chest and doesn’t let you wear more than a robe. When you asked why, he replied, “since you soaked yourself in cold water yesterday, you should air out for the day.” This leads to the two of you not leaving your room and Javier assisting in regulating your body temperature multiple times. Best sleep you’ve had in quite a while though.

Over the week, your cold runs its course and Javi takes you around the island to explore instead of just the resort. He never did get sick, you wonder how he managed to do it. Javier describes some soup that involves iguana tail and chicken feet.

You decide that your cold was not that bad.

#pedro pascal characters #fanfiction #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfiction #javier gutierrez #javier gutierrez x reader #javi gutierrez #Javier Gutierrez x gn reader #A Nerdie fic

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lycorogue · 1 month

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Latest Story: You Pretended Not to Care

HOO BOY! THIS STORY! (And by that, I mean the source material) I've barely written 3k words of fictional prose since 2022. Then I read through episode 20 of the webcomic adaptation of Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story (aka I Thought It Was A Common Transmigration), and I churn out a 7200-word BEAST to fill in that "fade to black" we got.

I did try to write this so even if you don't know/remember the source material you can still (hopefully) enjoy this sweet bit of smut. Hope I did right by all of you!

Oh! And btw, it wasn't until after I had this story edited did I go back and find the English translation of the original Korean webnovel. I'm pleasantly surprised at how close I was to the character's motivation and inner monologue. It was so cool to find out that I was able to pick up on the crumbs the author (and adaptor) left for me.

Also, in case it isn't clear, any italicized text between two chevrons (<>) is Killian remembering passages from Edith's diary. Also, for any who may be unfamiliar with the source material, or who might need a refresher, the reason Killian had Edith's diary in the first place was because she used it as a handwriting sample to prove papers were forged in her hand.

Finally, I tried really hard to make it evident when I switched POVs. If any part (or the whole thing 😬) feels "head-hoppy" please let me know.

OK! Enough stalling!

Summary: When Suna Choi reincarnated as Edith Rigelhof, the villainess of the novel Suna read the night before she died, she knew she had to do everything possible to avoid Edith's cruel execution at the hands of her own husband. Seemed easy enough to avoid the pitfalls that led to Edith's demise. She attempted to befriend the novel's protagonist Rhyse Sinclair. She refused to be her despicable father's spy. Most importantly, she wouldn't fall in love with her husband Killian Rudwick. His heart already belonged to Rhyse, and his arranged marriage to Edith wasn't going to change that. Despite her best efforts, Edith is still being forced down the same path as the original novel's plot. At least, that's what it seems like. But when Edith finally waves the white flag and decides to just follow the plot after all, the novel again has other plans. Edith steels herself for the next main plot point: a failed attempt to seduce her husband… except… this time it isn't going to fail…. **A more in-depth look at Episode 20 of the Webtoon adaptation that doesn't shy from the smut** Rating: Mature/Explicit (due to description of a sex scene) Word Count: 7,228 Status: completed one-shot Continue reading below, or find this story over on AO3 or on DA.

You Pretended Not to Care

Dreading what she was about to do, Edith cracked open Killian's bedroom door. She hated this. She hated it all. She hated that she had no control over this life either. She hated that her fate was locked in. She hated that she had no choice but to have the entire Rudwick family despise her. To have Killian hate her.

Worst of all, she hated how she didn't hate him in return. She wanted to. She needed to. It would make everything easier. Despite the past three months, though, she didn't hate her husband. What's worse, there were those quiet moments where he didn't seem to remember that he was supposed to hate her as well.

Those quiet moments - those glimmers of hope that he could maybe learn to love her - were the cruelest parts of this new life. Those breaths of fresh air where she truly believed that she might have found a home where she could relax and enjoy life. That she found a loving family. That someone could maybe fall in love with her. That she wasn't destined to have her own husband cut her down while she begged for his mercy.

She didn't want to advance the story to its next plot beat. It was too painful to be so vulnerable, and for that vulnerability to be twisted into manipulation and used against her. She had no choice though. That was now clear. Despite how much she fought to not be the Edith Rigelhof she had read about, despite showing kindness and humility and making every strategic move she could think of to avoid Edith's downfall, the story marched on exactly the same.

Edith purposefully didn't pick out dresses for herself while the dressmakers were at the estate, and she was still accused of being rudely disapproving, unappreciative, and entitled. She graciously accepted the dainty ruby necklace Rhyse picked out for her, and yet Cliff still bought all of the other jewels for Rhyse in order to make a point. Just like in the novel. Edith wanted nothing to do with espionage and smuggling information to her father. She even sent him a letter stating precisely that. She was then framed and accused of espionage nonetheless. It didn't matter what she tried. The story was already written. There was no way to change it. The plot would just correct itself to keep following the path already carved by the novel.

Tonight, Edith will attempt to seduce her husband. There was no getting around it. The story would find a way to make sure of that. She'd probably still be accused of it; hated for it. She'd lose Killian no matter what she tried. She might as well lean into her fate. She could at least enjoy getting one kiss.

Edith stood beside Killian's bed. She stared at his beautiful face; his bangs fallen into his eyes. His white shirt was loose and partially unbuttoned, leaving a tantalizing view of his strong, broad chest. A chest she wanted to lie upon; to be held against. Edith knew she was doomed the second she set eyes on Killian. Not just because he was destined to literally kill her, but because – aside from his older brother's mesmerizing golden eyes – Killian was the most breathtakingly beautiful human she had ever seen.

She knew the deal. Killian was madly in love with his family's ward: Rhyse Sinclair. He'd spend his whole marriage to Edith loathing the arrangement and resenting his wife's very existence. It was impossible to win her husband's affection, especially away from gorgeous and charming little Rhyse. There was no point in falling in love with Killian.

She couldn't resist no matter how hard she tried, however. Even before being reincarnated as Edith, Suna Choi had preferred Killian. He was the secondary love interest of the novel Stop Obsessing Over Me, Brother! She knew that his attempts were hopeless, that Rhyse and Cliff were end-game. Still, the way Killian loved Rhyse and supported her felt so much more sincere. Suna had wondered what it would be like for Killian – or, really, any man – to love her the way he loved Rhyse.

And then she was reincarnated as his wife in an arranged marriage. She saw him pine over Rhyse instead of her. Suna didn't fault him, though. It was that devotion towards Rhyse that Suna had fallen in love with Killian for in the first place. She didn't begrudge Rhyse for making Killian smile so brilliantly. She just wished he would smile her way now and again as well.

After tonight, there was no hope that she'd ever see Killian smile again.

Good, she thought, I can't keep pretending this marriage will ever work out. I can't keep holding onto hope. After this incident, please hate me like you're supposed to. So that I can resolve my own feelings.

Edith brushed her hair back and out of her face as she leaned down towards her husband. His soft lips were temptingly parted as he slept; beckoning. It would be the last bit of fun Edith would be able to have. She could give herself a treat. Make what she was about to do worth it.

Even with how cruel Killian had been to her, though, she couldn't do that to him. She knew that he was saving every part of himself for Rhyse. He was going to hate Edith either way, but she couldn't bear to take that away from him. She wasn't the villainess they had all decided she was.

Instead, her lips drifted to his forehead, softly brushing his bangs out of the way without use of her hands. She soaked him in best she could; inhaling his scent as her lips tenderly kissed his smooth skin, the tension of his daily scowling at her relaxed as he slept.

Her lips lingered a bit longer than they probably needed. She didn't want to pull away and give up the only loving contact she'd probably ever have with her husband. Edith needed it all over with, though. She retreated slightly, but still stayed close enough that her face would fill Killian's vision as he opened his eyes.

Now, when he wakes up, Edith thought, he'll look at me with disgust.

She wanted to avoid this next part so bad. She feared seeing what true disgust would look like carved on Killian's angelic face. She knew she'd seen close, and it pained her each time she remembered each of those cold, heartless looks. This would be a new level, though, and she struggled to not cry in anticipation.

Killian stirred oh-so-slightly. His breathing shifted. His lashes fluttered.

Here it comes. Get it over with, Killian. Prove to me that you will only ever hate me.

Edith expected a scowl upon him seeing her. Shouting. Shoving. A demand for guards to take her out of his sight. A berating for her vulgar behavior.

She did not expect Killian's right hand snatching hold of her left wrist.

Edith jumped back, tugging slightly against Killian's tight, but still gentle, grip.

“You pretended not to care this whole time.” There wasn't any grogginess in his sharp tone. It was as if he had been awake the whole time. Edith panicked that he had somehow known about her seduction attempt and had faked being asleep.

She wiggled to break free, but Killian tightened his grip. Edith was startled not by his strength, but by his control. His grip was firm, unrelenting, and a bit ravenous. But it didn't hurt. The tension made it seem like he wanted to hurt her, and yet his grip never once clamped down enough, as if something inside him was able to stop his muscles just before breaking that thin line.

“Are you now so overwhelmed with lust,” Killian continued, “that you can't pretend anymore?” He was sat up in bed. His head was tilted forward, knocking his bangs back into his eyes, giving him a mischievous, fox-like stare. He finally smiled at Edith, but it wasn't the warm, beaming, kind smile he would give to Rhyse. This was a lecherous smile full of cunning and the satisfaction of a successful hunt.

This wasn't how it was supposed to happen! Everything else had gone exactly how Edith had read it in the novel. No matter how she handled the situation, the end result was always the same. Edith was still accused of being vulgar and entitled after the dressmakers visited. She was still left with just the dainty necklace while Rhyse received the rest of the stock the jewelers brought to the estate. Edith was still accused of espionage, put under house-arrest, and eventually let go. It shouldn't have mattered what she did that night. Killian was still supposed to awake disgusted with her seduction attempt.

Killian's look was anything but disgusted though.

“No,” Edith choked out in fear. Her mind raced as she tried to sort out what Killian was planning on doing with her. “I just--”

“That's fine,” he interrupted. With the elegance and strength only gained from years of sword mastery, Killian yanked on Edith's left arm, pulling her towards his bed while also flipping her onto her back. In an instant, he was straddling her knees.

Edith's long, red hair billowed out behind her like a messy halo; pinned beneath her body. Her left arm equally pinned to the bed by Killian's stern grip still on her wrist. Her right arm was free, but it felt too heavy to move as Killian looked down on her with that mischievously lustful grin.

“Satisfy me, Edith. Seduce me like the Rigelhofs taught you.” Killian started undoing another button on his thin, white shirt. His eyes drilling into his stunned bride beneath him. “Who knows? I might end up attached to your body.” His voice got deep and had a voracious gravel to it.

What is he doing? This isn't right! This isn't how it was supposed to go at all!

“W-wait! Killian!” Edith willed her right arm to move, and she pried Killian's hand off of her. Without him pinning her down, Edith sat up best she could. Her eyes flashed with worry, panic, and confusion. She knew this wasn't what Killian wanted. It couldn't be. The novel version of him had no interest in Edith. He would never fall for her seduction attempts. He was too devoted to--

“Are you sure...” She took a deep breath. She didn't want to ask. She didn't want to hear his answer. She didn't want him to change his mind. She knew she had to be certain, however. “You'll be alright with me?”

Killian stopped undressing himself. The passion and thrill of the hunt flushed from his face as Edith looked up at him in full earnest.

“...and not Rhyse?” she finished.

A pain shot through Killian's chest and his stomach twisted slightly. Does she truly not care, he wondered, enough to bring up my feelings for Rhyse?

He pulled away, stepping off the bed and allowing Edith to sit the rest of the way up. Her eyes were so huge and sincere. It was hard to not recognize the surprise painted across her face. It made Killian want to both retreat from her and devour her.

Even if we were forced into a marriage of convenience... she really doesn't expect anything from me, her husband....

Her lack of expectation from him infuriated him. She was fully aware of his love for Rhyse, and she had resigned herself to a loveless marriage. Even so--

Killian was giving himself to Edith, and yet she stopped him. Even when he thought he was offering her exactly what she desired she still expected nothing from him.

Killian wanted to satisfy her. He demanded that she satisfy him, but he knew he wanted it the other way around. He wanted to reward her words in her diary. He wanted her to keep watching him and desiring him. He didn't want her to give up her fight for his affection. He yearned for her to crave him.

He rested a hand beside her leg on the edge of the bed, then made it creak slightly as he leaned towards her. She leaned away, giving him space as she studied him and tried to figure out his angle.

His angle was lust.

With the blinding swiftness he used before to catch her wrist and pull her onto the bed, Killian pinched Edith's chin between his thumb and forefinger. Halting her retreat instantly, Killian leaned closer, bringing her face inches from his. He stared intensely into her large, uneasy eyes, and delighted in how his boldness caused those doe eyes to soften and close slightly.

They were the furthest from Rhyse's eyes. Edith's large breasts – raising and lowering in quick, short breaths – were far from Rhyse's as well. Edith's full, supple thighs and curved hips were the opposite of Rhyse's slender frame. Her wavy, fiery red hair equally foiled the elegant fairness of Rhyse's straight golden-blonde locks.

Killian loved Rhyse. It was true. He'd do anything for her. He wanted to spend every waking moment with her. He delighted in her smile. He wanted to protect such a gentle and delicate woman. She was sunshine personified. He had wanted to give her his all.

Edith was the farthest from Rhyse that he could think of. Yet he also wanted to give her his all. In a different way. In a more primal way. He wanted to gift himself to Rhyse. He wanted to lose himself in Edith.

And yet, Edith hesitated when he offered precisely that. If this was what she wanted, why would she care if Killian would regret their night together?

“I should be asking you that question.” He whispered. Soft. Firm. Challenging. Playful. Aloof. Yearning. “Aren't you the one who was so confident in yourself that you would crawl into my bed in the middle of the night?”

She wouldn't believe him if he told her he wanted this. He wasn't even sure he could say those exact words.

Edith...

He'd get her to accept his offer. To forget Rhyse the way he did. This wasn't about her. This was about a man and his wife. This was about quelling a fire. This was about finally letting go and truly going for something he desired without hesitation.

Killian pressed his lips against Edith's.

Her eyes stayed wide; frozen in shock. Those lips weren't supposed to be hers, as much as she wanted them to be. They were Rhyse's. Killian had waited the last four years for her. He had never before felt the touch of a woman. Never tasted another's mouth. And yet he was pressed against Edith's.

It was a bit awkward. A little innocent, but still very lustful. Suna never felt this level passion before in her life. Either of them. It shot warm shivers through her core.

Killian ravenously pushed on her mouth with his own, trying to force her down. Edith retreated across the mattress, and he pursued her, crawling his way back onto his bed. His left knee wedged between her legs.

Edith's fear of the consequences and misconceptions of this night vaporized as Killian's kiss drained her brain of oxygen. This night alone didn't cause her eventual death, so why not enjoy the bliss?

With a gasp and slow exhale to steady his breath again, Killian pulled away. He towered over Edith as he remained kneeling with their legs interwoven. Before Edith could regain her own senses, Killian brusquely snatched her wrist once more.

“After all the snooping and sneaking glances,” Killian aggressively teased, “now you can touch me all you want.” He finished unbuttoning his shirt and pressed Edith's right hand against his tight pectoral. With a shrug his undone shirt slid off his shoulders, revealing them to her as well.

Edith fiercely blushed as she remembered that Killian had read a portion of her diary the day of her questioning. Her face and ears burned as she tried to mentally recount exactly what she had said about Killian; what he could have possibly read. How lustful had she been in her writings? Was he just toying with her to teach her a lesson?

“N-no,” Edith stammered in a panic, “that's not what I...” Her eyes darted from her hand on his chest up to Killian's deep, dark eyes. The puckish grin and challenging stare had both fallen; softened. Killian almost looked defeated; pleading. He couldn't have possibly wanted – genuinely wanted – Edith to lust after him, could he?

His chest beneath her hand was firm and silky, but it rose and fell in uneven, subtly quivering breaths.

That's right. Killian didn't know the touch of a woman before now. He wouldn't possibly go this far just to mess with me, right?

“What I mean is...” Edith relented. She pressed slightly with her finger tips, and Killian's grip loosened, more cradling her wrist than actually holding it. He gently directed her to follow the crease separating his pecs. Edith's fingers quaked against the soft ridges of his chest. Before her mind could catch up with her body, her fingers slid down to his abs. She outlined each one with her nails, memorizing the sensation as it shook through her.

Killian's muscles were all the more defined as he directed Edith to explore them. He flexed each one as her fingers wandered. He had to. It was the only way to keep himself from shivering at her touch. He wasn't expecting the tingles along his skin. He didn't anticipate how much his body would miss the delicate tickle of her fingers as they roamed to a different part of him. He wanted to collapse into her. He wanted to give her everything she desired of his body. He wanted to devour her in kind. He wanted to tear the nightgown she was wearing. Ruin his sheets. Decimate his mattress.

He had always been able to keep his lust in check before. He was able to have full control of himself. With Edith, however? With her feather-soft touch? With those fierce quips? With those saucer-large inquisitive eyes? With that porcelain skin? He was becoming a beast and he needed to rein himself in.

“Are you happy now?” He asked her barely above a whisper. His voice strained as he struggled to contain himself. They hadn't even done anything physically strenuous, yet sweat already dotted his temples. He hoped Edith didn't hear him gulp down the sticky saliva making his mouth dry and his teeth hungry for her skin.

He had never been preferred over his brother before. He was either Cliff's equal or he had fallen behind at some point. Killian knew his father would never overlook Cliff and name him heir of the dukedom instead. He also knew that it was pointless to think that he could ever win Rhyse away from Cliff. There was no world wherein Killian got what Cliff desired.

Killian didn't need to fight for Edith though. She was all his, and she preferred it that way. He wanted to make sure she would always choose him over his brother.

As he stared down at her, Edith melted at Killian's soft, flushed face. His tight voice rattled in her head; otherwise empty due to her brain traveling along with her fingers across Killian's exposed stomach. His hand giving her the guided tour. Happy? she thought, I could spend the rest of my life just touching this man's waist, stomach, arms, and chest...

Suddenly, she realized he had asked her a question that she didn't answer. Blushing harder, she focused on her hand traveling back up to his left pectoral. She was acutely aware of what she had been doing, and how humiliating it was that he had read her diary and then called her out on what she wrote via... this! She couldn't look at him. Not into those soft, pleading, lost eyes.

She tried to ignore the quivering in her voice as she answered. “Huh? Oh... I-I...”

Killian used his right hand to continue directing Edith's fingers as they skated across his chest. Meanwhile, his left hand found her ankle and started venturing its way up her leg, pushing her skirt up slightly as he did. His nails dug tantalizingly into the back of her calf just below her knee.

“Yes...” Edith breathed, finally answering Killian. Yes! Good Power Almighty, yes! In both this life and her previous one, she had never been more happy. She wanted this to go on endlessly.

Screw restraint. Edith's breathy “yes” was all Killian needed. That single word was filled with tension begging to be released. It broke Killian's willpower. He needed her now. His hand snaked from outside her gown to under it, feeling the silky lines of her bare legs. A fever raced through him and his groin twitched.

Like a taught fishing line, Killian's eyes darted to the nape of Edith's neck. That obscene lure that snagged him their wedding night. With an invisible yank of the line, Killian's lips crashed into her neck.

Edith gasped and twitched at the touch, which just made Killian linger there all the more. His teeth gently scraped across her collarbone and his lips brushed against her skin in phantom kisses. Each inch his mouth crawled caused her to squirm and gasp again.

This was a fun game. He wondered how many times he could make her quiver. Was it infinite? Would she eventually numb to his touch? Could he turn that gasp into a squeak or a moan?

I can't believe I find Edith Rigelhof adorable...

Her chest heaved in shaky breaths against his bare chest, and his heart raced knowing how undone he was making his fiery bride. His hand crept higher up her thigh, his forearm pushing the skirt of her nightgown up and over her knee. All of his slow, methodical, gentle touches made her shift and squirm, and it excited him all the more.

“K-Killian!” she gasped as her leg twitched against his touch.

There must be something wrong with me, Killian mentally berated himself as he shifted his weight forward, creaking the bed again.

Then it happened. Edith groaned. It was strained, like she was fighting against letting the lewd sound escape her lips. It was soft and deep and rumbled out of her chest.

Killian ripped his arms out of his sleeves and tossed his shirt to the floor. He then crashed right back into Edith, concentrating on her right collarbone this time. His hand reaching her bare hip as he rested more of his weight against her.

Edith's mind went blank. She knew she needed to keep her wits about her. She needed to strategize. She had to deduce how this act would be twisted by the story to keep the plot on track. Prepare herself. Find a way to at least lessen the blow.

Instead, her mind was filled with Killian's lips on her skin and his hand on her hip; wordlessly instructing her to strip. She was more than happy to comply.

Shifting her weight, Edith slid the back of her nightgown up to her waist so she was no longer sitting on the skirt. Lightning shot through her as her fingers entangled briefly with Killian's. She then squeaked out his name as his hand followed hers and he caressed her ass.

“What's wrong?” Killian roguishly chuckled into Edith's ear before nibbling on it. “No final words for me tonight?”

He was right. It was mortifying for her to be his putty like this. She needed to take charge. Just as she had always done with him. She had never allowed him the upper hand before. Every time he had pushed her she would push right back.

First, she needed to regain her bearings.

Edith arched her head to try to pull away from Killian's insatiable mouth. It backfired and instead left more skin for him to explore, making her squeak with surprise. Her nails scraped across the sheets, and she gathered whatever loose cloth she could into her tightening grip. Her toes curled. Her stomach flipped. She had failed. She didn't want Killian's lips to ever leave her skin. She panted his name once more as she submitted to him.

Shifting his weight to better balance himself, Killian kept his left hand exploring Edith's leg and hip. His right hand then traced its way up her spine, searching for the tie to her nightgown. Upon feeling the soft ribbon tail, he tugged. Her gown loosened. The neckline instantly drooped and slid off her right shoulder, granting Killian more real estate to traverse. As his lips and left hand continued their private expeditions, Killian's right hand traveled back down Edith's spine, making her shiver at his touch.

His middle finger caught the buttons along the ribbon at Edith's waist. It was a bit more work to slide them back through their restrictive loops than he expected. Despite normally being a very dexterous person, Killian was clumsy with his unbuttoning, and he growled his frustration about it into Edith's shoulder. Gasping, Edith grabbed the back of his head and held him against her skin. Her hips shifted in his grasp as well. Her left leg pushing against his right, spreading herself more for him.

Killian's chest tightened. His nails pressed against her hip. He slid his left leg over, shifting her leg as well. A new fragrance wafted into the room. It made his head spin and his heart race. Cradling the back of Edith's head, Killian broke from her grasp and collided with her lips.

Running on an autopilot she didn't even realize she had, Edith massaged Killian's lips with her own, demonstrating the proper way their mouths should dance. Her tongue gently tapped against his lower lip. He instantly granted her entry, and she gingerly ventured into his mouth. He greedily pushed back, nearly choking her.

She pulled back with a gag, and Killian instantly stilled. Heat billowed off of them both as they stared each other down, studying their partner for their next move. Cradling each side of his face, Edith gently pulled him down to her. She gave him a cautious, closed-mouth kiss. He allowed her to set the pace, so she tested the waters with her tongue again. His lips parted hungrily and welcomed her inside. She gently pushed against his tongue before trying to wrap her own around his. Understanding, Killian responded in kind. Softly this time. He let her take the lead as his mind instead focused on her buttons again.

Edith rested her head against the bed, and pulled Killian down with her. She left her back arched for his hands to undo her buttons. The new angle helped him, and they loosened all the easier. Each time she felt her nightgown loosen a bit more around her waist, Edith ran her nails across Killian's back. Finally, the third button was released.

Realizing his task was done, Killian sharply inhaled Edith's scent. Pulling away from her mouth, he slowly let his breath back out with a ravenous sigh. His hands roamed her bare legs. Her hands explored his back. His heart pounded in his ears. He couldn't believe the next step he was about to take. There would be no undoing this night. He would never be able to pretend it didn't happen.

“Killian?”

Her voice was too gentle. Too breathy. Her eyes were too wide and pleading. Her hair looked too enticing sprawled out behind her on his bed. Her skin was too soft. Too warm. Too welcoming.

“Tell me what you want, Edith.”

“I--” She studied him. This was her out. She could escape before this whole thing went any further. They'd regret this in the morning. She knew that much. At least, Killian would regret it the moment his lust was satiated. She just needed to tell him no, and he'd probably let her leave.

She couldn't deny what she wanted though. The weight of his body pressed against hers was too sweet. The slight roughness of his swordsman-calloused fingers sent electricity through her. Her body was feverish and her mouth was dry and starving. She'd break if they stopped now.

“I want you, Killian,” she whispered.

That puckish smirk returned, along with a glint in his eyes.

“What do you want from me?”

“Whatever you are willing to give.”

“What if I already did that?”

Edith's face fell. Of course he was just teasing her, playing with her. Her face burned with embarrassment and desire. She curled in on herself, and nibbled her thumbnail to try to release some tension.

“Do you wish for me to leave then?”

Killian's stomach flipped as Edith looked up at him with a little pout. As he watched her bite down on her fingernail he instantly missed her mouth. He wanted to hear her pant again; moan again; to gasp out his name again. He would never sleep again if he didn't know those sounds by heart.

He leaned in so his lips were tantalizingly close to hers. “I wish for you to tell me specifically what it is that you want from me.”

Her gasping breaths tickled his lips. Edith's mind raced for the right answer. She knew this was a test of some sort. Her brain was too full of lewd thoughts though. Now wasn't the time for strategy. Before she could finish calculating, her mouth blurted out, “I want to feel you.” Her eyes darted towards his waist before blinking back to match his gaze. “All of you.”

Killian's crotch twitched. In an instant, his tongue was in Edith's mouth again, and his hand was tangled up in her hair. His free hand scrambled for the bottom hem of her nightgown, and he was startled to find her hand already pulling it up for him.

They broke away from each other, and he hurriedly peeled her gown up and over her head. He didn't look at the skin as it was exposed. Instead, his eyes followed the cloth as it slid up her body and through her long, thick hair before it dropped to the floor. When he turned back to his bride she sheepishly had her arms over her chest and her knees pressed against his leg still wedged between them.

Could Edith Rigelhof be shy about her body?

With a tenderness Killian didn't understand, he brushed his fingers against her exposed collarbone. He then played with her shoulder for a second, drawing a few circles and causing Edith to shiver at his touch. He then traced her arm down to her elbow, and then across to her wrist. His hand never ventured towards her breasts, instead concentrating on the goosebumps growing on his wife's arms.

Edith squirmed beneath him. Her breath quaked in anticipation. She fought the urge to just grab him and do whatever she needed to satisfy herself. She felt so close to the brink as it was already, it wouldn't take long.

What is he doing? she thought as Killian's feather-light touch skated across her skin. Why is he so--? It kept her a second to realize the word she was looking for was sensual.

She was still nervous about letting him fully see her. True, he had watched her in the tub their wedding night, but she was able to partially cover up, and the rose water obscured his view slightly. Killian's room was dark, but this was still different. He could destroy her at any second.

She didn't take her eyes off his face from the moment her nightgown was tossed to the floor. That fox-like mischievous hunger he first had when he caught her in his room was gone. As his hand traced her arm his eyes had a soft concentration to them. He focused on exploring every inch of her skin with genuine curiosity. His upper teeth brushed his lower lip, as if fighting against biting it. He gently pressed his knee against her bare crotch, and Edith resisted grinding against it.

Why isn't he simply taking me?

Then Edith remembered how new Killian was to all of this. As flustered as she might be, she still had some experience in her previous life. Killian didn't. When his hand reached her wrist she relented to his touch and let him pull her arm away with ease. With her free hand, she cradled his face and brushed his cheek with her thumb.

“Edith.” He whispered her name. He had no clue why. It was like a prayer. Like a confirmation that he wasn't actually asleep. She was there. She was waiting for him. She was gorgeous.

He started at the nape of her neck, then kissed down to her cleavage. He tasted the faint salt pooling along her skin. He felt her chest shiver at his touch. He focused on her soft panting. Her breasts were so velvety. He never imagined how pillowy they actually were. As his lips and tongue explored her chest Edith moaned again.

“Killian--” She sharply inhaled as he switched to the other breast. “Please.” She whimpered slightly, but held his head in place.

Hearing her plead with him awakened the animal instincts in him once more. In a flash, his pants were off and on the floor. He then grabbed behind each of her knees and angled her so he was pressed against her soft flesh. She gasped at him simply knocking on her door. Her heat engulfed him. Juices already welcomed him.

“Do it again,” he growled. It wasn't malicious. He meant to demand this of her, but his voice came out wanting.

“Hmm?”

“Plead.” He hoped she didn't hear the pleading in his own voice.

Edith's nails dug deliciously into Killian's upper arms as she weakly tugged on them. She looked up at him with her large, saucer-wide eyes, her eyebrows pinched in yearning. “Please,” she whimpered. “Keep going. Don't stop.”

Killian's crotch twitched again in response, and he thrust forward, causing Edith to cry out. His angle was off and he instantly knocked into bone.

Edith winced, but truly didn't want him to stop. She pulled his hands down to her hips. Then laced her legs around his waist, holding him in place so he couldn't retreat. She then shifted her hips and arched her back. As she readjusted around Killian he rubbed against her clit and she cooed.

“Are you okay?”

Edith blinked up at him.

Did he seriously ask me that?

She nodded. “Slow. Please?”

He complied. At an achingly slow pace, he slid out of her until just his tip remained inside. He then slid back in just as slowly, allowing Edith to shift and readjust his angle as he crept back into her. He watched every inch of her shifting body and blushing face.

“Like this?”

Edith whimpered out an affirmative as she bit her lip.

Killian gave her a couple more slow thrusts to memorize the proper angle. He felt like he was going to burst at this pace though. His whole body vibrated as he ached to build up the pressure faster.

“I can't keep going this--”

“Faster,” she interrupted. “Please.”

He gladly complied. Noting the angle he needed to be in, he shifted them both so he could thrust his hips faster. Edith cried out once more, and Killian instantly paused, nervous that he hurt her again.

“No. Please. Keep going,” she panted. “Like that. Please.”

He did as his wife asked of him, causing her to squeak and moan some more. It was becoming Killian's new favorite sound.

“Killian.”

No. Hearing her pant out his name like that. That was his new favorite sound.

He leaned in and kissed her neck and along her jaw. She shuddered at his touch and ran her fingers through his hair.

Suna had boyfriends in her past life. She had slept with them before. It wasn't terribly frequent, but she wasn't inexperienced.

Nothing felt as good as Edith felt in that moment, though. Her body was feverish. Tension was knotting in her stomach. Her mind grew foggy. Her skin tingled. Killian's body was the exact weight to counter the pressure building inside her.

Maybe it was the learned vigilance of a swordsman. Maybe it was because Killian was a virgin. Maybe it was because he was exploring and experimenting. Maybe it was because he was subtly looking to Edith for direction while pretending he was still in charge himself. But Edith had never known a man so attentive. Every changed note of her moans told him where to press. Every shift in her breath directed him where to kiss. Every mew that escaped her lips informed him of how fast he should be going. A few sharp gasps instructed Killian on where to focus while inside her.

“Killian,” she panted again. She was cusping the hill. Her whole body felt so tight. She didn't realize that sex could feel so amazing. She wanted more. She didn't want Killian to ever let her go.

His back was clammy against her greedy hands. The sweat from his chest mixed with hers. His primal grunts and growls only made her body heat up faster. His face remained buried in her neck and chest.

“Edith,” he gasped, causing her heart to skip. She didn't want to admit until that very moment that she had been wondering if he was just picturing her as Rhyse. That he was ignoring who he was actually sleeping with. That he was using her as little more than a sex doll stand-in for his true love.

“Edith, moan again for me.”

He quickened his pace again. One hand anchored him to the bed. The other wrapped around Edith's back and latched him to her. He rocked his hips, trying to remember to grind against her slightly as he thrust into her.

Edith's chest tightened as her breath became harder and harder to catch. She bit her lip and groaned against the tension. She whimpered with longing and pinched her eyes tightly closed. The pressure in her crotch increased, but the one against her stomach lessened.

“Edith.” Killian's voice shook as he struggled with his own tight chest. “Look at me.”

She did. She released a breath she forgot she was holding, and opened her eyes. He wasn't pressed against her anymore. He had pulled far enough away to look at her; watch her face again. He grunted as he quickened his pace once more, slamming hard into her. She didn't care. She needed that extra pressure as well. She winced, trying to trap a scream inside her throat.

“Don't.” He brushed her lip with his thumb. “Don't hold it in.”

He grunted and gasped as he climbed to his own climax. With an animalistic drive, he did whatever he needed to finish. He barely slid out of her, keeping the pressure of her vagina firmly wrapped around him.

Every inch of Edith felt too weak to do anything but let him use her. Still, she wanted to repay him for his efforts, so she tightened herself best she could. She instantly felt him pulse against her, and she screamed out. She didn't try to muffle herself this time.

Her constricting around him, followed by her crying out in ecstasy was the final push for him. Loudly moaning himself, he released all of that built up tension inside his wife. She responded in kind. Her back arched and she rocked onto the back of her head. Every muscle within her tightened like a rope about to snap. Her toes curled and her nails dug into his back. He felt her hips shift and her walls pulse around him; squeezing him dry. She cried out with a high pitched scream of pleasure, and her legs shook against his hips.

Both spent, Killian collapsed against Edith's chest. Her legs flopped to either side of him, and she melted under his weight. They both struggled to catch their breaths, but Edith had little problem running her hand through Killian's hair, petting him.

Killian was the first to even out this breathing. Gently, he lifted himself off of Edith and brushed his sweaty hair out of his face. Her hand rested against his chest, not ready to separate from him.

“Edith,” he whispered once more.

She couldn't respond. Her own breath was still too shaky.

Tenderly, he untangled himself from between her legs.

Here it comes. Edith looked away from him. He was satiated now. His senses would soon come back, and he would throw her out of his room; instantly regretful for his lapse in judgment.

Killian took her in. He watched her start to curl into herself again, her eyes tightly closed against him.

Is she nervous that I will want to go again before she recovers?

Killian brushed her hair out of her eyes and kissed her forehead.

Edith's eyes shot open, and she turned to face him. “Killian?”

He didn't say anything. He simply snuggled next to her and rested his head on her shoulder. He then pulled the sheets up around them.

“You should stay here tonight.”

She blushed as she nodded, then rolled onto her side. Killian's arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close to him. His body heat wrapped around her was soothing, and it wasn't long before she fell asleep in his arms.

Killian felt Edith's breathing slow as she dozed off. Her body relaxed against him. Her scent filled his nostrils, making him feel a little dizzy. He didn't hate the sensation though. Despite common sense screaming otherwise, he didn't hate anything that happened that evening.

He had been relieved to find out that Edith had woken up earlier that day, but didn't know how to approach her. He had feared that he was part of the reason she had fainted in the first place. He had assumed that she no longer wanted anything to do with him.

His heart had danced when he caught her in his room. She looked so earnest and innocent it had overwhelmed him.

Then he was inside her, and he never imagined a feeling so amazing. It took all of the willpower he had earned from years of training to not climax after that first corrected thrust. He couldn't let that opportunity go by so quickly. He focused on Edith instead of his own euphoria as best as he could to make it last.

Besides, after everything, didn't he owe Edith that much?

Killian kissed the crown of her head and pulled her in tighter.

What am I going to do with you, Edith Rudwick?

He buried his face into her plush locks, and fell into one of the deepest and most restful sleeps he remembered having.

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asirensrage · 10 months

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Cursed - Hanma Shuji Oneshot

Title: Cursed Rating: Explicit Fandom: Tokyo Revengers Pairing: Hanma Shuji x Kanae (undescribed oc) Warnings: Sex. Threats (well the threat of setting someone on fire). Swearing. Drinking. Smoking. Slight choking. Slight possessiveness? Word count: 5942 Summary: Kanae hates clubs but a chance meeting on the patio might change her mind...or at least make up for the disaster the night is turning into.

Notes: Unbeta'd. Originally I had planned for this to be Ran, but Hanma took over as I was writing it. I was inspired to finish the club scene I started writing by the anons who complained about writing "sex with cartoon people". Nothing like spite to inspire smut lol. I wasn't planning on naming the character but things got confusing with other unnamed characters hahaha. Also, I've never written Hanma before (except in a long fic I'm working on that's unshared). Regardless, I hope you like it.

She hates clubs.

They’re packed with too many people, the drinks are overpriced and someone is always touching you. It’s never anyone you want either, it's always the creepiest men who seem to emerge from the cracks in the walls to infest the dance floor. And yet…Kanae’s here.

She wishes she was in bed. It’s 10:30 at night and they manage to get in without waiting too long because they had been put on a guest list by a friend of a friend. Apparently, her cousin is the DJ for the night. Kanae didn't entirely believe her, but she doesn’t have to wait in line for hours so she isn't complaining. Especially when she is dressed in an outfit she didn't even get to choose. She bit her tongue and kept her remarks to herself though. It is Kira’s friend’s birthday and Kira picked out the skirt and top Kanae’s in. That didn't mean she could stop herself from fidgeting and trying to ensure her ass isn't showing every time she moves.

"A couple hours," she mutters as she follows the group to the bar. "Just a couple hours and I can go home." Someone hot and far too sweaty leans into her. She grimaces and shoves them away, picking up her pace and wiping off the remains of their perspiration. Gross.

"What do you want to drink?" Kira shouts at her when she finally gets the bartender's attention.

"Vodka tonic!" It's an easy drink and one that no one will really notice when she switches it for water later. Kanae won't have to deal with them realizing she’s not drinking as much. It's not ideal but she prefers someone keep their wits about them and make sure they all get home safely.

She sips at it when it's handed to her, passing over some money as she takes it. It's probably not enough based on the vibe of the place but Kira doesn't say anything. If she needs to pay more, they’ll deal with it another day. Now isn't the time, especially when they can barely hear each other over the thump of the bass.

Once everyone has their drinks, she’s shuffled to the dance floor. She’s not close to the others and finds herself on the outskirts of the group as they dance. Whatever. It’s fine. She closes her eyes and loses herself in the music. The bass vibrates through the air and she practically feels it replace her heartbeat. Regardless of who she’s here with, at least she can dance.

She enjoys it, smiling at the others and letting herself relax to the music…until someone’s hand touches her waist. It’s not uncommon, especially in a place like this when she lets herself relax, but it’s not welcome. She turns to get a look at the person touching her, removing their hand and shaking her head. She thinks she can hear someone laughing behind her, but she ignores it, making sure the man doesn’t touch her again. He tries, but after she pushes him back, he retreats.

She turns back to the group she’s with. A couple of them have disappeared, including Kira, and she’s left with strangers she recognizes from the group. They smile, but they mostly focus on dancing with each other, shifting subtly to exclude her. She’s not sure if they mean it or not, she doesn’t know them well enough to judge, but she takes the hint anyway. She leaves, heading for the bathroom, or at least outside to get some air. Whichever she finds first. She keeps an eye out for Kira but the mesh of bodies pressing together mixed with the strobe lighting makes it near impossible to make anyone out at this level.

The bouncer at the door tells her if she leaves, she has to wait in line again, but that there’s an outside patio back the way she came. She considers leaving, but she should at least find Kira and make another appearance. At least while Kira’s still sober enough to remember her being there.

“Thanks,” she tells the bouncer and heads back inside.

She just needs a minute.

A minute to herself before she dives back in trying to find her friend again and being faced with the girls they came with. It’s nothing against Kira, but the group has turned out to be a bunch of bitches.

Kanae managed to find them again by sheer luck, shoving her way to them back on the dance floor. Kira hugged her tightly before swaying with her, trying to get her to dance. She stumbled, still unused to the heels she was forced in with the additional weight and force of Kira, and bumped into one of the birthday girl’s friends. Kanae apologized for it and the girl smiled back and waved her off. Not even a minute passed before the same girl bumped back into her, this time spilling part of her drink on her. Luckily it missed most of her outfit, splashing mainly on her shoes, but the smile on her face was clearly fake and her friend next to her laughed.

Kanae took a deep breath, trying to stay calm before she left for the bathroom to clean herself up. It didn’t take too long. One of the strangers in the line offered her a couple of napkins from her purse and told her there was seating on the same patio the bouncer told her about. It’s a sad state if the strangers in line at the bathroom were nicer than the people she came with. She gave the girl a smile and thanked her for the napkins before making her way outside.

Which is where she is now.

She’s not exactly hiding, even if she’s sitting on one of the benches alone and fairly certain that none of the others know where she is. Her phone is silent so it’s not like anyone is looking for her yet. She ignores the few others on the patio, taking the time to carefully wipe off any of the remaining liquid from her feet and shoes while trying to make sure she’s not accidentally flashing someone.

“What a bitch,” she mutters.

“The shoe?”

Kanae looks up at the voice. One of the people who had been here when she walked in is standing before her. He seems incredibly tall but she’s sitting and bent over so she’s not inclined to fully believe her eyes. He is handsome, even if he’s smoking and looking a little overdressed in a suit. Who wears a suit to a club?

“Yes,” she says, completely deadpan. “You know how it is, put on a cursed shoe and have to deal with it trying to bleed on you.”

He grins, not at all put off by her attitude. A small breeze blows, cooling the sweat that’s still on her skin and wafting over the smoke of his cigarette and the scent of his cologne. It’s a strange mix but not a bad one. “Did you know it was cursed before you wore it?”

She stares at him, unsure if he’s completely serious or actually willing to play along with her. “You know what?” she says, slipping her heel back on and putting her foot down. “I didn’t. You see, the first one I put on was fine, but the second? Cursed.”

“Did you buy them from a witch?”

“They were a gift actually. Should have been the first warning sign.”

He laughs at that before crouching down so that he’s at her eye level. His hair is a mix of blond and black, styled to the side. “So what really happened? It’s too clean to actually be blood.”

“It’s still early,” she mutters, thinking of the girl who purposefully spilt her drink.

“It is,” he agrees.

Kanae meets his eyes which seem to shine in the low light. There’s something dangerous about him. She can’t place it, but there’s a warning sign blaring in the back of her mind telling her she should tell him she’s not interested. It might be the tattoos she can make out now that he’s closer or the long earring that hangs off of one ear. She bites at her lip, considering if she wants to answer him. She shouldn’t, but in the last five minutes he’s been more interesting than the rest of the night put together, and honestly, she’d rather have this excuse than have to go back inside. Maybe she should just go home.

“Well?” he asks again, taking a drag of his cigarette.

“Someone spilt a drink,” she admits.

“On purpose?”

“Depends.”

He’s trying not to smile, but he raises his eyebrows waiting for her to elaborate. “On?”

“Whether I believe her apology or smile.” She sighs and closes her eyes for a moment, feeling the way the bass vibrates through the floor. She opens them when she feels the man in front of her move. He stands back up on his feet before sitting down next to her. His thigh presses into hers as he turns to face her. “Was it your drink?”

“No. Hers.”

“Was she jealous?”

“Of what? My two left feet?”

“Thought you were cursed.”

“I am. Unfamiliar heels, an outfit I didn’t choose and a birthday for a friend who’s not even mine? Sounds like a curse to me.”

“Hmm,” he leans a little closer as he flicks his cigarette away. “Want me to break it?”

“And how are you going to do that? A kiss?”

He grins. “Do you want one? Or do you want revenge?”

“Revenge?” She blinks, suddenly far more interested. “How would I get revenge?”

“With me.” He stands and offers one of his hands. “Come.”

“Well, when you ask so nicely, how can I resist?” she drawls, taking the time to fix her shoes out of spite. She looks up at him. “You haven’t even introduced yourself.”

“Neither have you.”

She presses her lips together, weighing her options, but the desire to find out what type of revenge he meant wins. She takes his hand.

“Good,” he nods. He easily lifts her to her feet, nearly sending her stumbling forward into him. His arm wraps around her waist, steadying her. He is definitely taller than her, even in her heels. “Careful.”

“Maybe you should be more gentle.”

“Not my style,” he tells her. He moves, keeping a hand on the small of her back as he guides her back inside. He laughs as he watches her nose scrunch up at the wall of noise that greets them as he opens the door.

“I have to find them!” Kanae yells, trying to get him to hear her. He motions for her to follow him, leading her up a slightly hidden set of stairs that were blocked by a guard. The guard lets them pass, nodding to the man guiding her. She frowns but follows.

At the top of the stairs is what can be considered a VIP area. It’s large and open but somehow slightly quieter, the music dimmed by the glass that sections them off from the main club. She wonders how she didn’t see it when she was looking around as they first arrived. There are others in the area and they seem to perk up as she’s walked in.

“What do you want to drink,” he asks, leaning down so his lips are by her ear.

“Vodka tonic,” she says, already planning on not drinking it.

“Go find your friends,” he motions to the window. He leaves her, greeting others and heading to an area she assumes is where they get their drinks.

She ignores it, walking towards the window. The people look smaller and it’s almost impossible to catch sight of her friends except for the way the dress the birthday girl wore manages to sparkle in the light. They don’t even seem to notice that she’s gone. Figures. She should have left Kira to attend by herself.

A hand touches her waist and she turns to see the man standing there, offering her the drink. It looks and smells like a vodka tonic, but she’s not that stupid. She pretends to take a sip.

“Thanks.”

He looks like he knows but he doesn’t press. “Find them?”

“There,” she points out the birthday girl. “See the sparkly dress? Just to the left of the bar and about five people away from it? She’s the birthday girl. There are maybe five of them plus Kira.”

“Kira?”

“My friend. She’s the one who asked me to come. She’s the blond next to the birthday girl.”

“Who dumped the drink on you?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know her name. She had short hair, like to her chin?” she motions to it. “Blue dress.”

He nods before motioning to someone. She turns to look but her attention is redirected to the man beside her as he reaches out to touch her chin and turn her back to him. “Eyes on me.”

“Or what? Another curse?”

He grins at that. “You ever consider your luck? First a curse and now me?”

“Why? Are you the villain?”

“Not to you.”

Her eyebrows rise at that turn of phrase. “Still don’t know your name.”

He leans down, mouth pressing against the corner of hers, a mockery of a kiss. “Shuji. Hanma Shuji. You’ll want to remember it.”

“Oh?”

“Tell me yours.”

She gives it, watching the way his lips move as he repeats it back. She kind of wants to make him say it over again. His eyes seem darker in this light, but she’s not sure if it’s the room or the promises that fill it.

“Oi!” Their attention is pulled from each other by the voice that calls out. “You gonna introduce us?” One of the others in the room is standing, looking toward them. He’s not as tall as Hanma but his grin is just as sharp.

“No,” Hanma says. “But she has friends.”

“I don’t know if I’d call them friends,” she mutters more to herself than anything.

His grip on her waist tightens as she hears familiar voices chattering and getting louder. That was fast. He turns her towards the entrance and she follows, letting herself sink in further against him as the group she came here with is escorted in.

“There’s the bitch,” he murmurs in her ear as they all arrive. She snorts and instantly covers her mouth, trying not to laugh. The other girls look around impressed but Kira manages to see her first and breaks away to come towards her.

“Hey! I was looking for you!”

Kanae raises her eyebrows. “You were?”

“Yeah, they said you went to the bathroom.” Kira nods back to the others who are giggling and trying to look like they belong. “Looks like you got off track.”

She grins at that because Kira, for all her obliviousness when it comes to her friend groups, is still a good friend and one of the few people who gives her the same snark back. “Just a bit. I went out to the patio and ended up meeting Hanma. He brought me here.” She nods at the man next to her who still hasn’t let go.

“Couldn’t let her hide and leave, now could I?”

Kira looks at him, slightly suspicious. “Leave?”

“Yes,” he says. “Said a friend dropped a drink on her. Ruined her night.”

“I didn’t say that!”

He yanks her into him, causing her to stumble. “No? Wasn’t that why I found you wiping off your heels?”

“Stop causing problems,” she says, scowling at him.

He leans down and grins. “I haven’t even started yet.”

Kanae’s saved from responding when the rest of the group seems to realize she’s there and close with one of the men in the room. The other men haven’t come near yet, sitting together and watching the events of this group of women encroaching on their space.

“We thought you left,” the birthday girl says as they reach them.

“No, not yet.”

“I stole her. Sorry,” Hanma says, not sounding apologetic at all. “How are you enjoying the club?”

“It’s wonderful,” the girl who spilt the drink on Kanae says, smiling widely at him. “It’s one of my favourite clubs. My cousin’s DJing tonight.”

Oh, Kanae thinks. So it was her that got them on the guest list. Of course it was.

“That right?” Hanma asks, letting go of her to pull out another cigarette. He smirks at the expression on Kanae’s face but it doesn’t stop him from lighting it. “Hold this for me.” He hands her his lighter.

She frowns but takes it, hand wrapping around the cool metal.

He looks back at the women she came here with. “You girls want something to drink?” He leaves when they agree and she finds herself quickly surrounded by Kira and her friends.

“How do you know him?”

“He’s hot! Where did you meet?”

“Do you know who he is?”

The last question captures her attention. “What?”

It’s the birthday girl who asked, looking surprisingly serious for the moment. Kira looks just as confused as she is.

“He’s the–”

“Here you are!” she’s cut off by his return. He motions for a waitress who followed him to hand out shots. “I got shots, hope you don’t mind, to celebrate. It’s your birthday, right?” he motions to the birthday girl. She looks surprised that he knows but nods as she takes it. They’re handed out to everyone and the girls all cheers and wish the girl a happy birthday.

Kanae uses the moment to set down the vodka tonic she’s not drinking but takes the shot and follows along. It burns the back of her throat and she regrets it as soon as it settles in her stomach. She hands back the shot glass to the waitress, but the woman doesn’t leave once she has them all. Hanma takes the last glass on the tray before motioning her to go. It’s larger than even her vodka tonic.

His eyes meet hers as he stands behind the group and her mouth drops open as she watches him raise the glass…and pour it on the head of the girl with the DJ cousin. The one who faked accidentally stumbling to spill her drink.

The girl screeches and turns towards him. “What the fuck? Why did you do that?” Some of the other men are laughing but Hanma has yet to take his eyes off of her.

“Go ahead,” he nods towards Kanae. “Light her up.”

“What?”

The girl bursts into tears and Kanae’s suddenly very aware of the warning the birthday girl was trying to give her, the same warning she ignored on the patio. The lighter in her hand feels ten times heavier with the expectation of his words.

She doesn’t look away from him though, cataloguing everything she knows in the back of her mind as she crosses her arms. “Inside?” she asks, slightly incredulously. “That’s a terrible idea. She’d run and catch everything else on fire.”

His gaze burns into her as he moves forward, the group of girls parting as if they can’t get away fast enough. Kanae’s vaguely aware of the way they basically flee the area, and how the other men look towards Hanma but don’t stop them. Only Kira remains, hovering at the stairs, uncertain whether or not to leave her. “That your only concern?”

“It’s one of them. A spilled drink isn’t enough to warrant setting someone on fire.”

“No?” He sounds a little breathless as he gets close, his chest nearly touching hers. “What is?”

“I don’t know,” she admits. “Never had the urge before.”

“Not yet.”

“Not yet,” Kanae agrees.

He leans down as his hand slips to the back of her neck. He tilts her head up to meet him, mouth slanting across hers, as his other arm loops around her waist and pulls her into him. She kisses him back. It’s easy with the way his hands grip her, holding her in place against him. The kiss deepens and she can taste the alcohol and smoke on his tongue.

His hand moves lower. Her breath hitches at the feeling of his fingers brushing the edge of her skirt, sliding under until she grabs his wrist to stop him from going higher.

“Hmm?” He pulls back just enough to lay warm and wet kisses against her neck. It’s almost enough to distract her but her grip tightens when his hand tries to move again.

“Not here.”

He nips at her throat. “Fine.” His eyes meet hers as he moves back and she lets go when his hand finally moves from under her skirt. He doesn’t stop touching her. Instead, he moves to wrap an arm around her waist, guiding her back towards the stairs. Kira is gone. She barely gets a chance to think about where they went because she’s ushered out a door she definitely didn’t see before. It leads to a back entrance where there’s a car waiting.

She knows this is a bad idea. Especially after what happened upstairs, but the way his hand stays on her, his body continuing to brush against hers, drives all rational thought out.

She barely has a moment to settle herself in the backseat before he’s sliding in next to her. The only reason his legs aren’t cramped is because of the way the car is laid out, meant to provide more space in the back. He grabs her before she can find her seatbelt, pulling her with ease onto his lap.

Her skirt rides up as she straddles him but he doesn’t give her a chance to think about it. Instead, his mouth is on hers again. His hand slides up the back of her shirt, warm against her skin as he presses her closer.

His other hand tightens around the back of her neck, as though he can control the kiss and keep her there. He kisses her like he’s threatening to devour her, to consume everything that she has while making it worth her while. It’s easy to lose herself in it, to forget the way he wanted her to set someone on fire because they spilled a drink on her. The promise of revenge, of humiliating someone who was purposefully cruel to her, makes the taste of him addicting. How rare is it to have someone who can keep up with her, to help her even if it’s in an unconventional way? The thought of it helps her choose to rock her hips against his, to chase the pleasure that sparks down her spine.

His grip tightens, thumb on her neck digging into her pulse point. The strength of his hands is enough to make her shiver. His hand on her back moves lower, guiding her to rock against him. She can feel him hardening under her, even in his suit. She moves one of her hands to grip the lapel of his jacket and the other digs into his hair. He groans into her mouth, bucking up against her. She whines in return. It’s not enough.

The car stops.

Neither of them notice, not with the way he’s trying to burn himself into her, how she’s trying to press closer to chase herself off of a precipice. It’s only when the driver knocks that they pull apart.

Kanae tries to catch her breath. He shifts, moving her off of his lap and adjusting himself before checking to see if she’s slightly presentable. She pulls her skirt back down, aware of the way he’s watching her, before nodding. He gets out first, offering her a hand. She takes it, allowing him to pull her up with ease before his hand is back on her. The warmth of it seeps through her clothes to her skin.

She’s led past more security to an elevator. The doors barely even close before he’s kissing her again. Her back is pushed against the cool marble as he presses himself into her. She feels impossibly small but she’s not threatened. Not even when his teeth nip at her lips before moving across her cheek and down her neck. He sucks and bites at her skin, soothing the burn with his tongue before doing it again. She thinks he’s trying to mark her, not that he needs to. It’s not as though she’s about to forget this night. Still, her hand is back in his hair, nails scraping gently against his scalp. His thigh moves between her legs and he pulls her closer to him until she’s almost perched on his leg. She can’t stop herself from rocking against it, searching for the delicious friction she knows it can provide.

The elevator door opens. She doesn’t get a chance to move. He lifts her, hand on her thigh and guides her to wrap her legs around his waist. He kisses her again.

She doesn’t know how they get into his apartment. Lights come on as he walks through, hand on her ass and still carrying her with ease, but her focus is only on the man still kissing her. She breaks it to scrape her teeth against his jaw, enjoying the way he falters slightly.

“Fuck,” he mutters before finally letting her go. Her body drags against his until her feet are on the floor. His hands are pulling at her shirt, lifting it above her head and throwing it off to the side. Her bra follows just as fast. He cups her breasts, thumbs brushing against her nipples like he’s done it a thousand times before. She bites back the moan, watching as his eyes seem to darken further.

“On the bed,” he nods towards her. She glances back, taking in the large bed that’s made and how it sits with the headboard pressed up against the wall. It’s neat and organized, completely contrasting the chaos she knows he inhabits. Kanae takes the chance to unzip her skirt, letting it fall and she kicks off her heels before she sits on the edge of the bed.

Hanma has already tossed his suit jacket on a chair and she finds herself fascinated by the way that he moves. The shirt is unbuttoned, showing the muscles she felt when she was pressed against him. It’s different to see it though.

He grins as his eyes meet hers, realizing she’s watching him. He kicks off his pants once they’re undone and she finds herself scrambling back on the bed as he stalks forward once naked. His hand, the one tattooed with punishment, grabs her ankle and yanks, pulling her back towards him.

“Not running from me now, are ya?”

“Where would I go?” she asks softly. He leans forward until she’s lying back on the bed and he’s above her, holding himself up with one arm.

“Where indeed?”

The hand on her ankle trails up her leg, callused fingers scraping against soft skin and leaving goosebumps in its wake. She keeps her eyes on him, slightly breathless as his fingers reach her inner thigh. The anticipation is killing her. Amusement glints in his eyes because he pulls back, moving his hand to her hip and sliding it up. It feels encompassing and yet not enough.

“Are you going to touch me?” she asks, trying to bite back the way she wants more.

“I am touching you.” He lowers himself, pressing closer against her. The weight of him is comfortable but not enough. She opens her legs, hooking one around his waist to guide him closer. “Want more, princess?”

“Well if you can’t handle it, I can take care of myself.”

He laughs at that before the hand that was tracing nonsensical patterns against her skin holds her throat and his grip tightens. “Careful what you say to me, princess. Might take you up on that. You want me to take care of you?”

She nods, a strange mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through her. He’s not hurting her, but the point is made.

“Ask me, baby. Beg.”

“Please,” she sounds breathless, but he’s rocking his hips against hers in a slow torturous motion. “Please, Hanma.”

“Gotta say my name, Princess. Do it right.”

“Shuji, please.”

“Hmm?” he leans down, nose brushing against her cheek. “Please what? Use your words.”

“Please, Shuji. Fuck me.”

He kisses her hard. Her hands run over his shoulders, holding him close as he presses closer. When they break for air, as she kisses his cheek, his jaw, anything she can reach, he nips at her neck again before shifting and going lower.

Her breath catches in her throat at the feeling of his mouth encompassing a nipple. He drags his teeth over it before soothing it with his tongue. Her hand grips the back of his head to keep him there. His hand moves between her legs, trying to slip under her underwear before getting frustrated. She feels the way it pulls before hearing the rip and realizing what he’s done.

“Hey!” her protest is diverted as he sucks hard. It turns into a whine, and the thought of her destroyed underwear is quickly shoved to the back of her mind when his fingers move between her legs. He shifts to give himself more room, pressing forward until he finds her clit. Her head falls back and she loses herself to the sensation of his mouth and hands.

He presses his fingers into her, curling them, moving and adding another until she’s gripping his hair, her stomach tightens and she finds herself thrown off the edge into an orgasm. It’s the fastest that it’s hit and it leaves her breathless and almost in shock.

Shuji moves back, taking the time to observe her. “That good?” He asks, grinning at her. She stares at him for a moment, confused at the way he seems to enjoy watching her fall apart.

“Just a bit,” she breathes.

“We’re not done.” He moves and pulls her with him until he’s lying on his back and she’s straddling his waist. “Well?” his hands rest on her hips. “Show me what you want.”

He’s almost insufferable but she can’t help but appreciate the way he makes his demands. She leans forward, kissing him gently before pulling back before he can deepen it again. “Condom?”

He nods towards the nightstand and she tries not to roll her eyes at the fact that he has them stored there. How many other girls has he taken home? She shoves the thought out of her mind. It’s none of her business and it’s not like she’s sticking around to care.

It takes a bit of maneuvering and she has to tear open the wrapper with her teeth, but she enjoys the way he groans as she rolls the condom on. She readjusts herself before pressing herself onto him. His grip tightens almost painfully and he swears under his breath. She has to remind herself to breathe as she sinks down. It’s a small kindness, she realizes, to let her adjust to him in this position.

“Fuck,” she mutters. She rocks her hips slowly, revelling in the feeling of being so full, of knowing that he’s breaking because of her. It makes her moan seeing how he’s trying to hold back. She starts to chase the tension that is building back up. It’s too slow.

He agrees because in moments, his hands are gripping her again, forcing her on her back before his arm is hooked under her leg and he’s pushing in again. His pace is steady but quick, he kisses her, demanding her attention even as her eyes close to the feeling of him. Her orgasm is fast approaching and all she can do is reach for him, trying to hold herself steady. Her nails dig hard into his skin but he doesn’t tell her to stop.

“So fucking good,” he says, leaning forward to push her legs closer to her chest. “Knew you would be.” She bites at his lip for that and he laughs before kissing her. She tastes blood but his pace increases and he moves until his fingers press against her clit.

His touch is rough but the tension breaks and she tries not to scream, especially as it’s drawn out as he keeps going. His thrusts quicken, chasing his own release. One of his hands finds its way back to her throat. He holds her there, fingers pressing into the sides. Her eyelids flutter, the feeling increasing the remnants of her orgasm until his hand moves to the back of her neck and pulls her up so he can kiss her again.

He groans into her mouth, hips stuttering against hers as he finally reaches his peak. He pulls back, just enough that his mouth is barely an inch away and they’re breathing each other’s air as they both try to catch their breaths. Her body feels as though it’s been electrified, sparks running under her skin where he still touches her.

He slowly releases her leg, setting it back down, his hand running over it lightly before he pulls out. She feels the loss of him instantly, half wanting him back and half aware that she is exhausted. It’ll hit all at once. She knows that.

She tries to force herself to sit up as he gets up and disposes of the condom. She mentally wonders what it would cost to get a taxi back. She has to contact Kira and find out if she made it home safely.

“Here,” a wet cloth smacks her in the face.

She grabs it, scowling at the man who stands before her, unashamed in his nakedness. It’s awkward now that it’s over. It always is. “You didn’t have to throw it.”

“You should have caught it.”

She decides not to comment back on that and instead takes the opportunity to clean herself up. She moves to the edge of the bed but before she can start, Shuji kneels before her and takes the cloth. She stares in stunned satisfaction as he carefully wipes up the remnants of their sex. It makes her breath catch with how sensitive she is. He throws it back towards the bathroom and stands.

“Do you know where my phone is?”

“Why?”

She tried not to look exasperated. “So I can call a cab and check on my friend.”

He laughs softly before he bends down so his face is in front of hers. “Who said we were done? Get up. I’ll pull off the top sheet and then you’re getting into the bed.”

“I am?”

“That’s right, princess. I told you, I’m not done with you.” He pulls her up and she looks up at him. She’s shorter without her heels and now he seems impossibly tall. He yanks the top layer off of the bed before pulling back the rest and nodding toward her. She turns towards it, looking at the way his bed now seems to suit him before wondering if she really wants to do this.

A sharp sting on her ass makes her yelp as he smacks it.

“Get in, Kanae,” he orders.

She scowls but does. The sheets are softer than anything she has at home.

He climbs in after her, pulling the sheets back up to cover them. His arm wraps around her and pulls her close. “Rest. You’ll need it.”

“Yes sir,” she mutters sarcastically, already sinking into her exhaustion. She’s warm and comfortable. Whatever she wakes up to is tomorrow’s problem. Not today’s.

“Hmm, could get used to that,” he teases.

“Not a chance.”

“We’ll see.”

oc taglist: @raith-way @arrthurpendragon @veetlegeuse @chickensarentcheap @residentdormouse @endless-oc-creations @stanshollaand @wordspin-shares @chrissymunson

#spite smut #ridea acts out of spite #tokyo revengers oc #hanma x oc #hanma shuji x oc #tokyo revengers fic #hanma shuji oneshot

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walkawaytall · 1 year

Text

Fic masterlist

Last updated 2023/12/22.

Thought I’d create a masterlist of my fanfic for future reference. This’ll also include details about posting schedules wherever they apply. Literally everything I write at this point is Original Trilogy Star Wars stuff with a fairly heavy focus on Han/Leia. I’m open to suggestions/prompts, but I make zero promises.

Series

In-progress

Purpose of Heritage ao3 | ffn Currently 16 parts, 143277 words and counting I’ll be honest, I have no idea how many parts this is going to be as I am updating more or less as I write. It’s a tight third-person account of how Leia went from a displaced princess at the end of A New Hope to a legit military leader in The Empire Strikes Back. The angst is strong in this one, but I promise I try to lighten things up every now and again. If you like longer chapters, you’re in luck because these keep clocking in in the 8K-9K range. The next planned update is slated for Friday, December 29, 2023.

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Perspectives ao3 | ffn Currently 3 part, 7048 words

So, this isn't really a series exactly, but I don't know where else to put it. It's a companion piece to Purpose of Heritage, and currently just has the first half of chapter one from Han's POV. The intent is for it to be a landing place for perspectives other than Leia's for select events in Purpose of Heritage, but I have no strict plans for this. It's just going to be updated as I have ideas.

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Untitled Vader Knows About Leia AU Through a series of unfortunate events, Darth Vader discovers that Leia Organa is his child when she's 11 years old. He wants to spend time with her. Bail and Breha allow supervised visits for their own purposes of attempting to get more information about the inner workings of the Empire.

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Complete

Collateral ao3 | ffn 11 parts (10 chapters and an epilogue), 51135 words An Ord Mantell story in which I attempt to answer the question “What is everyone’s damage at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back?” because everyone (okay, let’s get real, I’m mainly talking about Han and Leia) just existing with that sort of emotional turmoil and vitriol for one another without a concrete cause makes zero sense. Obviously no one has ever done this before. I’m very unique and special. (See? I can make the jokes. But...uh, I legitimately think my take is a solid one? I’m allowed to say that, right?) Also, the epilogue makes this not a total downer, hooray!

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Hearthstide ao3 | ffn 3 parts, 15468 words Life Day is approaching and Leia needs the celebration to be perfect. Han discovers there might be more to her fixation on the holiday than meets the eye. A holiday-themed story about grief, loss, love, and rebuilding.

Written for @yearoftheotpevent - December prompt: holidays together.

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Han Solo/Leia Organa Drabble Collection ao3 | ffn 4 parts, 400 words A collection of drabbles I wrote for Tumblr using prompts chosen from a list by followers. All center on Han Solo/Leia Organa.

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One-Shots

In-progress - titles are subject to change

Working title: Someday A missing scene from Leia's POV set in the holding cell in Cloud City.

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Working title: Macabre Post-war Han and Leia have an unusual way of dealing with some of the trauma they've experienced: creating their own holidays to celebrate every time they should have died and managed not to.

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Complete

Tell Your Sister ao3 | ffn 1731 words Yeah, so I rewatched The Return of the Jedi over Christmas and Anakin’s final words really sunk in and I realized just how heinous they are in context for Leia, so this is me working my baggage with that detail of the film out. It’s loosely from Han’s POV, but focuses on Leia and Luke discussing Anakin’s dying words with Leia reacting in a manner I personally feel is appropriate given the circumstances. It’s meant to be fairly light-hearted. Don’t take it too seriously. But also, even redeemed Anakin Skywalker sucks.

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Fleeting Infatuation ao3 | ffn 1836 words This started because I wrote a scene for Purpose of Heritage that I really like, but I ended up killing the subplot that would lead to it, so I set out to write a one-shot that would lead to it instead, wrote this, and...this doesn’t even include the aforementioned scene. It just turned into its own thing. It’s set during a nebulous Hoth time period. Leia realizes how annoying it is to have a crush on Han Solo. That’s it. That’s the fic.

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Served Cold ao3 | ffn 3216 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent January 2023 prompt “snow”. Han really hates snow, Leia tries to fix that using questionable methods. Han eventually gets over himself. Mostly fluff, minor angst.

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Presumptuous Man ao3 | ffn 1631 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent February 2023 prompt "If I kiss you, will you shut up?". Han is concussed during a mission and has made that Leia’s problem. Virtually zero stakes, mostly fluff, I’m 99% sure there is a better ending buried deep in my brain using the repeated phrase “pick your battles”, but I got tired of trying to end this thing, so I called it done.

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Speak Louder ao3 | ffn 1960 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent March 2023 prompt “acceptance”. Luke has literally never seen Leia and Han apologize to one another, and he doesn’t know how that’s possible. Fluff and minor angst, but mainly fluffy friendship slice-of-life nonsense.

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Reconstitution ao3 | ffn 2067 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent April 2023 prompt “peace”. This fic has everything: post-ROTJ adjusting-to-post-war-life feelings, Han and Leia taking a painting class together because they both need hobbies, present tense for some reason, a metaphor involving dehydrated rations, a general vibe that I’m going to refer to as “casually poignant angst”. I’m not sure what I did here, but I do actually like it.

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Opportunistic ao3 | ffn 3550 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent May 2023 prompt "Who are you?" Leia in the moments before freeing Han from carbonite in Jabba's palace. I don't know what this is considered stylistically, but there's angst, there's flashbacks, there's Han Solo almost crying, and there's me, adamant that Leia releasing Han from carbonite the way she did could not have been Plan A or probably even Plan G. Girly went rogue, I swear.

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All The Voices ao3 | ffn 2138 words Post-ROTJ fluff. Pregnancy causes Leia's bad dreams to get worse. The solution? A nighttime routine involving Han telling ridiculous bedtime stories to their unborn child. This is for a Reddit prompt challenge using the trope "Silence, you fool!"

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Spiral Together ao3 | ffn 4666 words Pre-ESB nonsense. Some of the Rogues think that Han and Leia are in a fight and refuse to go on a mission with them until they make up. Which they take it upon themselves to facilitate. By locking them in a room together. Rightfully tagged with "Hoth Turns The Rogues Into Feral Space Raccoons".

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Reactive ao3 | ffn 2405 words So, once I found out that it's canon that the Tantive IV was captured because of a faulty hyperdrive motivator, I have thought about the fact the Leia must have been panicking leaving Hoth. Like, a lot. And as someone who's had more than one panic attack in my moderately short life on this planet, I decided to explore that a bit and this happened. It's a little mushy, but what hurt/comfort fic isn't, amiright?

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Confirmed by Sources Close to the Subject ao3 | ffn 3910 words Written using the @yearoftheotpevent June 2023 prompt: "You aren't what I expected." When Han returns to base with a new biography in hand, Leia is horrified to discover who the subject of the book is. Crack-adjacent, friendship/romance, fluff/angst.

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Fortitude ao3 | ffn 2610 words "I've never done one of those 5+1 Things fics. I should try that." -me, like twenty-four hours ago

Five times Leia Organa lost everything and one time she didn't.

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Nemesis ao3 | ffn 2688 words Everyone thinks Wilhuff Tarkin is exaggerating when he calls Princess Leia Organa his nemesis, but soon he'll have proof that she isn't what she presents herself to be.

So, awhile ago, I made this Tumblr post that imagined a world in which Wilhuff Tarkin declared a teenage girl his nemesis à la Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock, and then madame_alexandra commented specifically referencing the episode of 30 Rock called "Game Over", and five weeks later, my brain created this.

This is the dumbest thing I have ever written.

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Terrified Without You ao3 | ffn 6818 words Han and Leia end up stuck in a crevasse together on Hoth after being in an argument about...well, Leia can't remember what exactly. With no way out and comms not working, all they can do is sit, wait, and try to survive.

Vague Hoth-era time period. Pre-The Empire Strikes Back.

Written for the @yearoftheotpevent - July prompt: Stars.

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Every Version of You ao3 | ffn 2872 words Leia prepares herself for the aftermath of revealing her parentage to Han. My take on the Leia Tells Han About Vader conversation that must've happened post-ROTJ. It's mushy, it's angsty, it's all the things it's supposed to be, I think.

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So, Now I Have to Destroy Them ao3 | ffn 3766 words Han Solo wasn't invited to join in a game of Bounty Hunter -- not that he cares. But everything changes when a certain princess asks for aid during the final hours of the game.

Vague Hoth time period when people aren't yelling at each other.

Written for the @yearoftheotpevent - August prompt: “You’re The Only One I Could Turn To For Help”.

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Brief Shadow ao3 | ffn 764 words Shortly before the move to a brand new base, Leia grieves.

Written for Han/Leia Appreciation Week 2023 Day One prompts: Anniversary/Memory.

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A Billion Ways to Die in Space ao3 | ffn 994 words When Leia's mission runs late, Han worries.

Written for Han/Leia Appreciation Week 2023 Day Two prompt: Reunion.

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Theories ao3 | ffn 1415 words Reeling from the escape from Hoth, Leia considers the possible reasons Han has decided to leave the Alliance. AUish I guess because I headcanon that Han and Leia's first kiss definitely happened before that one in the circuitry bay.

Written for Han/Leia Appreciation Week 2023 Day Three prompt: Rescue.

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The Short Stick ao3 | ffn 4985 words I started thinking about Main Character Syndrome and how, in so many pieces of fiction involving episodic adventures, it has got to be exhausting for the non-main-characters to just exist alongside these people, so I wrote a fic from the perspective of a character who barely knows Han, Leia, and Chewie as she’s forced to accompany them on a supply run featuring a definitely-not-Alliance-approved sidequest. This is all during Bickering URT Hoth Days and is written from the perspective of a character who technically exists in canon but has very little established about her in general (Samoc Farr).

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Far Too Violently, Far Too Long ao3 | ffn 7329 words Leia keeps a journal of letters to Han while he is frozen in carbonite. Later on, Han finds it.

Written for @yearoftheotpevent - September prompt: "I wrote this for you."

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Entirely Shattered ao3 | ffn 983 words So, thanks to this Tumblr post, I noticed for the first time ever that someone appears to be working on top of the Millennium Falcon while Leia is handing out orders right before the Battle of Hoth and also said someone appears to stop what they're doing to watch her as she speaks before starting their work up again. So. Uh. This is that moment. And making it fit a prompt required a bit of stretching, but I feel like it still works :D.

A vignette written for @yearoftheotpevent - October prompt: Lightning.

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Intentions ao3 | ffn 3635 words Luke pulls the brother card when asking about Han's intentions with Leia. A lot of irritated ridiculousness ensues. This started as a sort of twist on the interpretation of a "meeting the family" prompt, but I don't know what it is now.

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Just Tauntauns ao3 | ffn 4799 words Princess Leia has hidden on a closed Millennium Falcon with Han Solo three days in a row while Echo Base is in lockdown. The Rogues are obsessed with what this may or may not mean, and Wes Janson takes it upon himself to dig up the truth.

Absolute Echo Base nonsense. If you want to get picky, this is technically canon divergent, though no one can prove it didn't happen.

Written for @yearoftheotpevent - November prompt: Secret relationship (reveal)

#author: WalkAwayTall #fanfiction #fanfiction masterlist #masterlist #star wars #star wars fanfiction #star wars fanfic #star wars oneshot #hanleia #han x leia #hanleia fanfic #leia organa #leia organa fanfic #ao3 #ao3 author #fanfiction.net #my fic

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cherthegoddess · 2 years

Text

Then There Was You- Chapter Six

Pairing: Tom HollandxScreenwriter!AssistantDirector!Reader

Summary: Y/n is a screenwriter for her first movie called Hurts so Bad where she meets Tom Holland who plays the male lead, William. The cast tries their best to push the two together. Will they be successful or will the two do the getting together on their own?

Warnings: This was written with a black reader in mind, but anyone can read it.

Word Count: 1.6K+

Join my taglist and rate the story here!

Masterlist

Previous Chapter I Next Chapter

Chapter 6:

It had been two months since the cast and crew party and since Y/n finally admitted her feelings toward Tom to herself. Her feelings only grew for the man. The teasing from her friends actually dwindled since she talked to them about the situation. Tom and Y/n had become steadily closer, sometimes even hanging out together alone in his room. It was a struggle to not talk to anyone about liking Tom. To not tell anyone how her heart swelled anytime he called her, love or darling. Or when he laughed at something she said. It was already hard enough for her to admit it to herself, but admitting it to everyone else was going to be even harder. So she made a plan. Lori was coming to visit within the day and Micheal, Ryan, and she was planning to have a quick little lunch together. Y/n decided she would tell them then and hopefully convince them to seize on the teasing at least around Tom.

Y/n then focused back on the scene at hand. “I like being friends with you, Aliyah,” Ryan’s face looked down in disappointment. “I like being friends with you, too Willaim,” she said trying to hide her sadness. Their conversation pauses. “I have to go. See you tomorrow,” Ryan says in a rush and walks off the scene. In the scene Aliyah is hiding her emotions, she never thought that the movie would ever correlate with her life, but Ryan acted her feelings perfectly. “Cut! We might run through the scene a couple of more times after our lunch break! Great job people see you at 4!” Ryan C. said. Y/n talked to Ryan about some lighting changes they could make and moving the camera to a slightly different position. She watched as Tom talked to a few of the crew members, she could vaguely hear him ask about their families. He always seemed so genuinely invested in every conversation he had. He must’ve felt her eyes on him because he looked up and winked at her, then quickly got back in the conversation. She felt her heart flutter at the motion. She was a goner for sure.

When Y/n and Ryan’s conversation concluded, she went to go grab a bottle of water. Just as she grabbed one she felt a pair of hands cover her eyes. “Guess who?” said the person dragging out the o’s. Y/n almost exploded with excitement when she turned around. "LORIII my love. I missed you so much!” Y/n said hugging her friend. Lori and she had been friends since they were kids. Though she and the other girls were close, Lori and Y/n had been through it all, they were practically sisters. “I missed you too, sis! Now put your hand out,” Lori and Y/n had this tradition whenever they hadn’t seen each other they would do a handshake, and not just anyone it was the infamous Peter and Ned one. Y/n grinned at this, sticking her hand out to complete their handshake. She hadn’t noticed that Tom was watching with Ryan and Micheal until she heard his laugh. “Wait, isn’t that Peter and Ned’s handshake?” Micheal answered him with a laugh. “Yeah Lor and Y/n/n have been doing that ever since they saw Spiderman: Homecoming. They’re the biggest Marvel fans I know.” Y/n shrugged her shoulders and Lori went to introduce herself. “Tom! It’s so nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you and I’m a huge fan!” Lori hugged Tom. Tom hugged her back. “It’s wonderful to meet you as well. Y/n talks about your friendship often during our movie nights.” Lori raises an eyebrow at Y/n finally noticing the way she looks at him. “Movie nights, huh? I haven’t heard about these.” Before Y/n can say anything Ryan quickly jumps in, “And we’ve only been invited once to their little hangouts.” Y/n’s mouth gapes open, “It’s because you never say yes when we do invite you! We gave up asking like 5 weeks ago!” Tom laughs at the group, seeing how close they were. Micheal wraps his arms around Lori, “Well we have to run off to lunch before Y/n and Ryan have to get back to it! See you soon Tom.” The group says their goodbyes and Tom hugs Y/n after the majority leaves. Lori eyes the two in amusement.

The group is seated, settled, and took their round of pictures.

Lori asked a question after taking a sip of wine. “So, what’s the tea with you and Tom?” Y/n nearly choked on her own when she heard the question and the group laughed, Ryan, patting her back. Y/n clearing her throat and sitting up straighter. “I actually want to talk to guys about him. As you all heard earlier, we’ve been hanging out a lot these past few months but before that, the night of the cast and crew party. I, um, discovered something. I… Gosh, I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. I think I like Tom.” The group looks at her and then at each other and laughs. “Thank god you’re finally admitting it to yourself, Y/n/n, and to us, but babe we been knew. Also Michael you owe me! I told you she would tell us this month!” Ryan puts her hand out. “Yeah, sis, Ryan, and Michael have been telling me all about your little crush since day one. I knew nothing about the bet though. Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to tell us though. I know it's been hard for you to express your romantic feelings towards people.” The group nods their heads in agreement. “So what do you plan on doing about it?” Michael asks. Y/n puts her head in her hands and looks back up running her hands through her hair. “I don’t know Mike, I don’t even think he feels the same way. I think I just want to enjoy looking at him and spending time with him. I don’t want to ruin our friendship more than anything. And if our friendship is messed up filming will be too. I just-” Lori cuts her off, “Y/n/n, babe, you’re overthinking. Take a breath. It’s okay if you’re not ready yet. But Tom definitely likes you, from the posts I’ve seen and the little interaction that I’ve seen, he likes you. Enjoy your time with him and tell him about your feelings when you’re ready.” Y/n smiles are the group as they comforted her. “I love you, guys you’re all the best. But no more making bets on me or teasing. I’m talking about you Ryan.” Ryan laughs but takes Y/n’s feelings seriously promising not to do it again. The group is soon interrupted by the waiter bringing their food. Y/n grins when she sees, “I love Atlanta,” The group laughs at Y/n’s goofiness.

It was finally the end of the day and Y/n was exhausted from the day. They went through a couple of more scenes throughout the day. Even then she had to say to work on some things two hours later. She was glad to finally make it back to her room. Y/n kicked off her shoes and grumbled about what she was going to eat. Most things were closed at this time. There was then a knock on her door. She tiredly gets up off the chair she was almost comfortable in and opens it. There was Tom standing there with a bag of something that smelled amazing and a huge grin on his handsome face. She watched it fall when he glanced her over, there was a pang in her chest when a grown graced his face, she’d do anything to bring it back. So she smiles trying to push the tiredness off her face but her voice claims it instead. “Hey, Spider-boy what do you got there?” She winces when she hears her voice. “Y/n, darling, you look exhausted. I brought you some food because I figured you haven’t eaten yet. Go sit down and relax, I already warmed it up before I came I’ll get some plates.” Tom nudges her towards the bed. She obliges, giving up because she is so tired. She turns on Netflix and switches it to Supernatural a show the two had been watching together since she found out Tom had never seen it. About five minutes into the episode, Tom comes in with what looks to be two plates of fried rice and sesame chicken. Y/n perks up with excitement when she saw it. It looked to be from the place they tried a few weeks ago and she loved it. He hands her the plate and she practically breathes it in. “Tom you’re the absolute best, thank you so much. I owe you one,” she says with food in her mouth. Tom chuckles at her and grabs a napkin wiping the food off her face. She felt her face grow warm at the gesture. “It’s no problem, love. I’m just glad to be here with you. I don’t understand how you watch this show while you’re eating.” Y/n nudges his side shhing him to watch the show. They watch the show moving their plates aside when they were done. Y/n puts her head on Tom’s shoulder slowly starting to doze off. When he notices, he wraps the blanket around her slowly getting up to leave, and maybe her tiredness gets the better of her but she asks him to stay. And he does.

Next Chapter

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multisfabulis · 1 year

Text

Only Through Acceptance Will Love Find Us

Changes on the Horizon (Chapter 4)

Word Count: 4179

It's been over 7 months since I last updated this fic and it had to be a chapter that has given me the most trouble to write thus far!

I genuinely don't know why writing this had to be so much of a struggle. The rough draft was fine, for the most part! When it came time for the rewrite portion, I just couldn't be satisfied with anything I'd written for it, even after 3 or 4 rewrites. It got so bad that I ended up asking my beta reader/friend for help because I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong and I wanted their input on this to see if they had any suggestions. Then something akin to a miracle happened; I managed to find inspiration from an unlikely source (which I shan't divulge because it is NOT something I want to discuss on a public forum) and I was finally able to write to a degree I was both content with and found quality in. I still struggled with other parts later on but they weren't nearly to the severity the beginning was.

I don't know when the next chapter will be or whether I'll have just as much trouble with it as I did this but it'll be sometime next year! At least I can say I updated this fic more this year than I did last and that's good enough for me.

Read on AO3 | Read on DeviantArt | Support me on Ko-fi!

Several hours passed before Ven felt brave enough to open the front door. Her eyes scanned the area for any signs of Renard, hoping she wouldn’t catch a glimpse of blond hair or white clothing. He was sure to be angry with her, enraged even. People like him never took rejection well, especially after being humiliated in such a degrading fashion like he’d been. There was no telling what he might do to her upon seeing her again, which scared the utter shit out of her.

It was only a kiss. A kiss, something she considered to be far better than whatever else he had planned for her. Yet knowing that did nothing to help calm the anxiety roiling in her stomach. The scene kept replaying over and over again in her head, forcing her to recall each and every disgusting detail. The way his body felt atop hers, how his eyes looked when they met her gaze, the warmth of his breath as their lips were about to touch, it…it made her sick.

What was she supposed to have done? Should she have tried to fight him off or let him have his way with her? Was living in fear of retaliation better than living with the shame and guilt of allowing him to do that to her? Could she have done something differently to avoid either outcome? What was the right answer here? Was…was there even a right answer?

She wanted to bash her head against the nearest wall. What was the point in asking herself all these questions? No amount of what-ifs, could haves, and should haves would change what happened. The only thing she could do now was learn from it. Ready herself so she wouldn’t be caught off-guard again. That meant keeping her dagger on her at all times just in case.

Her mother wouldn’t be home for another few days yet so Ven was determined in holding the fort down until then. Once Mother made a safe return, they would pool their money together and leave Belleurseul at first light. She didn’t know where they would go but anywhere was better than staying here.

For now, however, she had pets to feed. She walked out to the stable with tentative strides, peeking over her shoulder every so often to see if Renard was waiting for her when she looked back. Thankfully, she reached her destination with little to no issue and she was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

The animals brayed and clucked at her arrival. She gave them all a smile as she filled one of the troughs with hay for the cows and sheep to munch on before turning around to scatter seed for the chickens. They dug in straight away, acting as if they’d never been fed a day in their life while Ven took the liberty of refilling their water. Then she sat on the stool Mother often used when she’d milk the cows and watched them eat. At least they were happy.

It wasn’t long before her mind began to wander. What was she going to do about Renard? Dealing with him herself was out of the question since he could easily overpower her if she made any attempts to fight back. That left asking someone for help but who would want to help her in bringing the golden boy of Belleurseul down? That wasn’t even taking into account whether or not anyone would believe her in the first place. She’d be inviting hell to come to her doorstep if she came out about this. Was this what they called being stuck between a rock and a hard place?

Maybe a walk was in order. A dusky stroll around the woods might do her some good, help clear her mind of things. So she quietly stepped out from the stable and made her way towards the forest that surrounded her house. It may have been stupid to go traipsing through the place so close to nighttime but she knew nothing dangerous lurked in there. She would be all right.

The sky was streaked with shades of red, orange, and violet as the setting sun cast its golden rays across the land. She walked through the woods with leaves of similar color crunching beneath her feet and a chill beginning to seep into her bones. Some of the trees had already lost their dressings with the coming of winter, which meant the others were sure to follow not long after. She and Mother would need to start stockpiling food soon if they were to survive while on the road.

Memories of the time she spent here flooded her mind. She remembered how she’d crawl into bushes or climb up trees to hide from imaginary monsters and how she’d dig into the mud after it rained to find and catch worms to bring home. Then there were the days where Mother played with her when she felt well enough to do so and hadn’t had work to do. Those Ven looked back on fondly. She was really going to miss this forest when she and Mother left.

There was one spot in particular she’d hate to leave behind. Other people would regard it as nothing special but not her. To her, it was her safe space, her home away from home. It was a place she could go to for some peace and quiet when life became too much for her to handle sometimes. She wasn’t sure if there’d be anything like it again outside of Belleurseul. Knowing her luck, the universe would take it away from her just as she found it so she wasn’t feeling optimistic.

Her heart stirred upon arriving at a familiar clearing. What greeted her first was the hill with its tall grass that stopped at her knees as she passed through. Then it was the climb up to the top of the hill. Awaiting her there was the rolling countryside bathed in light and the multicolored expanse looming above it. Seeing that in all its glory always brought about a sense of wanderlust, a desire to go and explore everything the view had to offer. This was why she loved coming to this place.

She sat down amid the grass, basking in the fading sunlight. The wind ruffled her hair and clothes as she drew her knees up to her chest to keep herself from shivering in the cold. The sight was as beautiful as always to behold. Yet looking far off into the distance did little to quell her mind.

What laid beyond Belleurseul’s walls? What was the world like outside the confines of her cage? It all seemed so grand and vast to her that she wondered if she’d ever see only a fraction of what there was. She longed for the call of adventure, yearned for it with every fiber of her being. However, there was one thing she wanted more than anything else, something she coveted with her very soul. When would they finally come into her life to rid her of her loneliness? When?

Her gaze wandered over to a lone dandelion standing beside her. She thought it strange to find one blooming out of season here, especially with it being so close to winter and all. It was then she remembered an old superstition she heard about them way back when she was a child. If one were to blow the seeds off it, it would make their dreams and wishes come true. It never worked for her in the past but she had the urge to try it again, if only for nostalgia’s sake.

Plucking it out from the ground, she held it up to her face. Was she really going to do this? Was she really going to rely on an old fairy tale to help bring her happiness? God, it sounded so stupid, so childish, so embarrassing to trust in something like this but it was the only thing she had left at this point. So, with reddened cheeks, she closed her eyes and made her wish.

‘I wish to meet my prince.’

Thus the seeds were scattered to the wind, carried off in the direction of wherever it blew to. She watched them vanish from sight, hoping someone out there in the great beyond heard her and granted her wish. Maybe, just maybe, this was the way to go about it. Only time would tell if it worked or not.

Then there was what sounded like clattering behind her. She hastily rose to her feet, her hand going straight to where she had her dagger sheathed on her thigh. Her heart pounded in her ears at the thought of facing Renard again but she wasn’t planning on going down without a fight. She would scar the bastard right where it hurt the most so everyone knew of what he had done. She waited in anticipation for his arrival, her eyes trained on the opening she walked out of not too long ago.

However, her would-be intruder wasn’t Renard. It was Dahlia, trotting out of the forest with Mother’s cart still attached to her. There was still cause for concern, though, when her rider appeared to not be in the driver’s seat controlling her. That sent alarm bells ringing throughout Ven’s head.

“Dahlia?” She stepped forward to hold Dahlia’s face in her hands. “Dollie, what happened? Where’s Mother?”

The horse only pushed her muzzle closer to her. It was times like these Ven really wished animals had the ability to talk. Quick glances over at the cart revealed mud caked on the wheels and marks resembling scratches along the sides of the wood. Were they attacked by a pack of wild animals on the road? Whatever the case may be, she needed to get to the bottom of it.

Detaching the cart from Dahlia, Ven climbed up on her saddle and ordered, “All right, girl, take me to where Mother is! Quick!”

With that, Dahlia galloped back in the direction she came from. Ven’s mind raced a thousand miles a minute as they hurried to wherever Mother was, wondering just what happened to her yesterday. It couldn’t have been anything good, judging by the marks left on the cart. Still, now wasn’t the time to be thinking of the worst-case scenario. She needed to remain calm and focused on finding Mother. She was going to bring her home safe and sound, despite her intrusive thoughts saying otherwise.

Night descended upon them right when they reached yet another forest shrouded in darkness. Dahlia slowed to a walk as she sniffed along the ground in an attempt to find and track Mother’s scent. Wolves howled in the distance, scaring Ven more than she had been previously. So they were the ones responsible for attacking the cart, she thought with a grimace as her grip on the reins tightened ever so slightly. Suddenly, the horse let out a whinny and broke off into a trot.

It was a short time later they stumbled across it. A large castle with a moonlit veil stood before her, everything except its shape obscured in shadow. She could just barely make out its arched windows set in the walls above and the chiseled stonework that gave this building its form. She would’ve doubted Mother being here if it weren’t for the odd lack of sentries keeping watch at the front gate. A noble wouldn’t leave their home unguarded for no reason, right? Was it possible then Mother took shelter here, believing it to be empty?

Slowly but surely, they walked through the gate. Shivers ran up her spine at the idea of entering this creepy place alone but she wouldn’t be deterred. She came here with a goal in mind and nothing was going to stop her from returning home with Mother in one piece. Climbing off of Dahlia, she approached the set of heavy-looking doors that laid up ahead of her. When a couple knocks earned her no response, she decided ‘to hell with it’ and headed inside by herself.

She stepped into what she presumed to be a foyer. The door slammed shut behind her with a loud thud and she nearly jumped out of her skin in fright. She waited for servants to accost her, question her on who she was and what she was doing here in the middle of the night. Yet no one came, leaving her to wonder if the castle truly was abandoned or if she had just caught a lucky break. Either way, it certainly made it easier for her to try finding her mother in this place. Steeling her nerves, she ascended up the grand staircase.

“Mother?” she called out, her voice bouncing off the walls and high ceiling. “Mother, are you here?”

No answer. Whether that was good or bad, wasting time around here wasn’t going to prove anything. She stopped upon reaching the landing and looked up at the darkened hallways on the second floor. She didn’t want to be here longer than was necessary so picking the right way to go was key. Deliberating on it for a few moments, she chose to search the east wing. Her footsteps echoed all throughout the room as she climbed the stairs and entered the left corridor.

She was terrified. She wasn’t one to believe in ghosts and such but the creaking of wood underfoot, noises she could swear were whispers, and the feeling of eyes drilling into her were making her think otherwise. The suits of armor she’d occasionally pass by didn’t help matters, either. Still, she continued onward, determined to be brave in the face of potential danger.

“Mother? Mother, are you here?” She turned round a corner and found herself in another dark hallway. “Mother, if you’re here, please answer me. I…I need you to say something.”

“Oh, are you with miss Ravavyre?” a voice replied to her left.

She stopped dead in her tracks. There weren’t any doors she recalled walking past so who did that voice belong to? She looked in the direction of where it came from, spotting a lone candelabra sitting atop a nearby table. Nothing seemed to suggest the presence of another person but she was sure she didn’t hallucinate that.

Retracing her steps, she answered, “…Ye-yes but who are you? I ask that you show yourself.”

“I’m over here, miss!” They sounded closer but she still couldn’t see them.

She decided to approach the small end table. There wasn’t anything on it to indicate someone was talking to her through it, like a loudspeaker or a similar device, yet she was sure this was where she heard it from. Then it hit her. Was the candelabra itself speaking to her?

“H-hello?” she quietly called. She waited for an answer, something to prove to her she wasn’t crazy. Nothing happened. “Of course, what was I thinking? Random inanimate objects don’t speak, Ven, what were you---”

The candelabra sprung to life and excitedly replied, “Hello, miss!”

She screamed as she jumped backward and fell to the floor. Okay, scratch what she was thinking earlier, she had to be going mad because there was no way in hell a candelabra just talked to her. It hopped down from the table and started making its way toward her with its wicks brightly lit. She needed to run, hightail it outta there, but she was frozen. Crap, crap, crap!

“Calm down, miss, you’ve nothing to be afraid of!” it said, waving its arms in a motion that was meant to be nonthreatening. “It’s all right, I won’t---”

Remembering her dagger, she whipped it out from its holster and pointed it in the candelabra’s direction, ordering, “Stay right there! Don’t come any closer!”

“All right, all right!” It did as it was told, keeping its arms up. “Listen, miss, my name is Fria, okay? You’re looking for your mother, who happens to be miss Nithenoel Ravavyre, correct?”

She eyed him suspiciously. He knew who her mother was and he didn’t seem to be harboring some hidden agenda or ulterior motive. After having her dagger trained on him for a few moments, she breathed out a sigh and dropped her hand. He had information she needed so she had to play ball with him. The second he tried anything, though, she wouldn’t hesitate to punt him across the room.

“Yes, that’s her,” she answered, sheathing her dagger. “I apologize for my rudely behavior, I’m not used to talking candles and---”

“It is quite all right, miss,” he assured her with a smile. He hopped up to her and took her hand between his to kiss it. At least he was a gentleman, if nothing else. “Would you like me to take you to her? I’m sure she’d be quite happy to see you.”

Forgoing any pretense of subtlety, she said, “Yes, please, I…I was so worried when our horse came back home without her and I just wanna know if she’s okay.”

“Aside from some minor injuries, she is all right, I promise.” Fria turned away to face the darkness up ahead. “Come, follow me. I’ll take you to where her room is.”

“R-right!” She rose to her feet and fell in line behind him. “Thank you, Fria, you have no idea how much this means to me.”

“It is all well and good. By the way, might I ask you for your name?”

“It’s…Venlithea but I prefer to be called Ven.”

“Ah, pretty name for a pretty girl.”

The corners of her mouth curled up into a tight smile. He only said it to be nice, not because he actually meant it. Besides, even if he did, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to take it as a compliment after the day she’d had today. Renard thought she was and that turned out so well, didn’t it? So she decided to just brush it off as she followed after Fria down the long corridor.

The glow from the candlelight made venturing through this a little easier, which she was grateful for. She could see windows that were as tall as the ceiling with their curtains drawn to her left and large portraits hanging on the wall to her right. The people shown in them were from a family she didn’t recognize and their name didn’t ring any bells in her memory. What were they like? They had to be interesting folks if they had someone like Fria as one of their servants.

“So, tell me, miss Ven--” Fria started, breaking Ven out of her reverie-- “how did you find your way here? I’m curious to know if you happened upon us by accident or if you knew of us beforehand.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t know anything about this place. When Dahlia, the horse I mentioned earlier, came home without Mother, I simply asked her to take me to where she was and I guess she tracked her scent and led me here. This is actually my first time ever leaving home so this is all new to me.”

“Ah, I see. I must say, you’re very brave for going through that dark forest all by yourself. At your age, no less!”

She resisted the urge to trickle some bite into her words as she corrected him with, “You appear to be mistaken, Fria. I only just turned 18 a few months ago so I’m not as young as you believe me to be.”

“Ah, I apologize, miss. Regardless, I commend you for your effort. It must not have been easy for you.”

They fell silent shortly before arriving at their destination. The anticipation was killing her as Fria knocked on the door several times to see if the person they were here for was behind them. A voice that sounded similar to Mother’s answered and he announced he had a visitor with him. It was at this point Ven couldn’t wait any longer. She took hold of the handle and swung it open.

The first thing she saw was her mother, who was in the process of getting out of a king-sized bed. Then her eyes laid on the bandages wrapped around her arms and the parts of her legs that were left bare. Her clothes were different from the ones she was wearing yesterday and her hair was tied back into a singular ponytail as opposed to the usual four braids. Finally, there was the simple cane she grabbed on to help her stand as her eyes widened in surprise at Ven.

“Thea, when did you---”

“Mother!” She all but tackled her into a tight hug, burying her face in her chest. “God, I was so worried about you! When Dahlia came back home alone, I thought you had---”

“It’s all right, sweetheart, I’m okay.” She felt Mother return the hug with just as much strength as a hand stroked her back. “It’ll take a lot more than that to knock out this old woman.”

Tears sprung to Ven’s eyes as Mother let out a hearty laugh. Having her in her arms again like this after worrying over whether she was dead or not caused the dam she’d been building since Renard’s assault earlier to burst. Sobs wracked through her body as she cried like a child in her embrace, much to her mother’s bemusement. She needed this, especially with everything that happened today.

Pulling away to dry her tears, Mother asked, “Did you really miss me that much, Thea? I said I’d be back!”

“...Yeah, I did,” Ven replied, hoping she didn’t hear the hesitation in her voice.

“Well--” she wiped away another tear as she chuckled-- “I know I shouldn’t say this but it does warm my heart to see how much you love me.”

Ven choked back a laugh. She hated lying to her mother but she couldn’t bear having her know the truth. She’d feel so guilty for leaving her there alone to be taken advantage of and that was the last thing Ven wanted. They just had to pool their money together, then they’d be gone from Belleurseul sooner rather than later. They wouldn’t have to put up with Renard ever again.

Their happy reunion was briefly interrupted by Fria telling them Ven was free to stay the night and dinner would be served shortly. There was just the matter of letting the Master know about the new guest but Fria was able to ease their fears with assurances of him being fine with it. The Master, known as Ferreth, seemed like a decent enough person if he allowed her mother to stay here free of charge. Ven wanted to thank him for taking care of her before the day was over.

Still, today was…a lot. The pain of losing her dear friend still lingered but having her mother there to comfort her made it easier to handle. They were planning to return home tomorrow so as to not be a burden on the people living here. They were the kind to not overstay their welcome. As much as she dreaded the possibility of facing Renard again, she’d be brave and prove she wasn’t scared of him. She would just need to act the hell out of it.

Tonight, she would rest. Reality could wait.

#airi's writing #oc; Venlithea #oc; Fria #oc; Nithenoel #beauty and the beast au

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