#i promise he was VERY STOKED to respond to this

[magnifiico]

"Yer highny-ness! Uhm sure ya gotta lotta stories to share 'bout how ya wooed Queen Amah-ya! When did ya know she was THE ONE, br--" This hopeless romantic of a girl would stop herself, just in time. With a pop of her palm to her lips, her eyes were wide, almost as if she had startled herself when doing so. But soon enough, she would set that hand back down, and corrects herself, "When did ya know she was THE ONE, yer majes-ticky-ness?"

@yukikorogashi || incoherent scReechiNG at the cutie T~T and ofc tagging @howthesleeplesswander ;)

“When did I know?” He repeats the girl's words in the shallows of a laugh: equally amused by the curiosity as he is by Itsuki's quick correction to her vernacular. In the pacifying shake of his head, King Magnifico communicates quietly that she need not worry—no offense taken or held against her—and his gaze wanders elsewhere to dedicate real thought to the inquiry. “Well, that's one way to put a man on the spot, now isn't it—?” he hums, casting her a playful and fleeting glance.

Nevertheless, compliantly—or maybe it has a little more to do with the king's willingness to enthuse about this particular woman—he comes to some semblance of a response.

“Oh, I wouldn't claim there was ever a single moment—more an accumulation of all the wonderous things Queen Amaya is—but... one evening does come to mind,” Magnifico expounds. “I was deep in the throes of research, back in a time where I was still trying to get any sort of footing in magic; I'd spent the entire day poring over book after book, testing spells, failing many of them... Amaya had been away herself, busy lending a hand to our fellow, ah...” Hesitation clunks in his words, matched by the slightest flutter of his eyelids. He settles with a quiet, “Th-those in need.” Like us.

And then he's off again.

“Well, she had a busy day. I had a busy day. And yet, despite all that, she came in to see me having a few... difficulties in my studies, and you know what she did?” He emits a scoff, like it's so ridiculous a thing for anyone to do—so selfless and unrealistically compassionate. “She drops everything to help me. She's exhausted, and she still spends the next several hours flipping through numerous spell books, sitting there at my side to give me suggestions—even just to keep me company.

“I thought to myself 'There is no one in the world luckier than me right now.' To have the attention and care of a woman like her? And who knows?” The king shrugs. “Could be in that moment, whether I realized it or not at the time, I decided I wasn't going to take that luck for granted. To this day, I would find it hard to forgive myself if I ever did.”

[emilykaldwen]

Morning

@tremendouswolfsaladranch sent me a prompt for Aegon and Abby lazy married morning. I HAVE FINALLY DELIVERED.

Title: Morning Rating: Explicit (just some satisfying morning sex with an appetizer of eating your sexy wife out as she deserves) Pairing: Aegon x wife!OC (Abrogail Strong) Kinks: we got breeding kink! Word Count: 945

This takes place in the Maiden Verse! Unbeta'd cause I just woke up and we're here for just some morning sex.

Happy Sexy Sunday!

It’s barely light out, the morning light watery as the dark clouds roll in with another promise of rainy weather. The fire has been stoked, blazing warmer and brighter in the large grate, which explains why she hadn’t noticed that the nightshirt she wore, one of Aegon’s, was pushed up half over her breasts so the smooth expanse of her belly was exposed. Her husband’s silver head hovers over her lower stomach and she whimpers when his warm mouth presses gentle, sucking kisses against her skin. Her muscles spasm, a shiver tearing through her and her thighs fall open even more. His chuckle is warm, damp breath sending goosebumps blossoming along her skin with the heated blush.

“Behave,” he warns her, knuckles dragging through where she needs him most, the sound obscene with how aroused she is. He must have been coaxing her awake for Abby to feel this wet already. A yelp escapes her, and a moan follows when Aegon begins to nip his way lower, sharp teeth catching along the delicate skin and nosing into the thatch of red at the apex of her thighs.

“What happens if I don’t?” she sighs, one hand reaching down to sleepily card her fingers through his hair, the other reaching up to fondle her own breast. Aegon’s responding purr is deeper than what he should be allowed to make, those moments of beast bond thrumming through his frame as he fits his shoulders between her thighs. 

“As your lord husband, I’ll have to discipline you. Abrogail, I’m sure I’ve made that clear before.” She catches the look in his lilac eyes when he rests his chin upon her cunt, his face fuzzy with stubble that excites her. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re asking for it.”

She moans and shakes her head, biting at her lower lip as she pinches and toys with her right nipple, pretending it’s his thick fingers, his nail scraping along the sensitive bud. “Promise I’m not,” she assures. “I’ve been so very good.”

“Have you-” and Abby cries out, hips arching as Aegon’s tongue darts out to circle the sensitive bud of nerves just as two fingers slip inside, stretching her. Whatever else Aegon said was lost as the buzzing fills her, the sparkle of need and want thrumming through her veins. Fingers tighten in Aegon’s hair, and she feels and hears his moan vibrating through her as her fits his mouth and fucks her slowly, languid and lazy, as if they have all the time in the world.

She had promised him a lie in, and it seemed he’d taken it upon himself to make sure they had it. Fingers curl inside of her just as she curls her own into his hair, and he rubs at the spot that makes her cry and shake, that makes her toes curl against him and feel like her world is shattering around her. The rush of slick he pulls from her is a mess on the bed and over his face and Aegon’s sounds as he shoves his tongue into her to lick up the mess sends her shaking, mouth wet and body hot and writhing against the bed. He pushes her thighs further apart and blearily, Abby looks up at him, licking her lips as he rises.

“Im-impatient,” she manages out and her words are cut off at the feel of his cock pressing inside her. There’s no teasing, no dragging through her, dipping in and out until he has her begging. Aegon’s impatient, slipping inside of her with little resistance and she gasps at the feel of him, the stretch because even after all this time, he takes her by surprise, she’s never prepared for him. 

Her favorite, though, is when he crawls up her body, hips rolling into her, to blanket her. She whimpers, “I missed you,” and licks his mouth, licks the essence of her from the fair blonde stubble along his chin, giggles as he growls and claims her mouth as he claims the rest of her. Abby drifts in and out of understanding, she thinks she peaks again, arms wrapped around him as he buries his face into her neck, telling her his secrets, telling her he loves her, telling her how he’s going to fill her up, get her full, get a babe to catch this time. How he’ll never stop fucking her, even as her belly grows big, because the thought of it makes him want her even more.

She peaks a third time before he spills hot inside her, bodies fitted like they were made for each other, the sound of his name and the sound of hers swallowed in their kiss. Her husband is ridiculous, and self-important, he is selfish and not always attentive, but his love for her? His love, she never doubts, his care for her, she does not doubt. 

As Aegon’s weight rests on her, her legs wrapped around his hips, keeping her filled, keeping his seed inside so it’ll take, so it will finally take, Abby nuzzles into him and he chuckles softly against her neck.

“Good morning, husband,” she whispers against his damp cheek, sleepy and happy and warm and safe.

“Good morning, wife,” he returns, his voice shy, his cheeks flushed, and his lilac eyes bright and warm when she looks at him.

“You make me happy.” Her chest is warm, and his smile is so bright it might crack his face, like the way the sun cracked open and the dragons came.

Hopefully it’ll take this time. Hopefully their child will have a smile as bright as his. Her bright star.

[alexanderlightweight]

hiiii,, i would love to see more of the frost of fury or more of the same sky if you're so inclined,, just also wanted to say i love your cider verse so much and am very eager to see what you do with the sequel

thanks!

i'm curious as to what i'm going to do with it too ^_^

i hope you enjoy

<3 lumine

the frost of fury

-

Magnus barely allows more than a day to pass before he’s sending a fire message to Alexander and demanding his presence and containing his address. The message itself will be enough of a token for his shadowhunter to pass the wards and it's a demand because he Magnus knows it will be obeyed and he wants it to happen now.

The presence of a nephilim against his wards catches his attention and a moment later there is a steady knock on the door of his balcony. Alexander stands there, a wry grin on his face but no true shame at the fact that he was so impatient to see Magnus he scaled the wall and knocked at the balcony instead of waiting to go to the front.

“Punctual,” Magnus teases with delight, because he’s honestly thrilled at how swift Alexander was to respond.

“I didn’t think you’d wait long, I made sure I’d be ready.” Alexander admits and he shrugs as he takes off his jacket and casually folds it over the back of a chair. “I put my hunters on notice that I’d be taking an impromptu leave. It’s good training and it was easy enough to get my paperwork and schedules done ahead of time. Things are calm for the moment, every thing that was causing me problems I sent to Idris. With good time to test my new seconds skills and way of command without going so far as to Idris or another Institute.”

“Aren’t you clever,” Magnus finds himself murmuring as he steps closer and cups Alexander’s jaw.

There is flicker of delighted pride at the compliment and Magnus wants to stoke it until Alexander can glut himself in freely given and well deserved praise.

“And what do you want, darling?”

“What I want?” Alexander smirks teasingly at him, “one thing at a time, Magnus. I can’t tell you what I want until you get what’s owed you.”

Magnus chuckles and leans forward to press a daring kiss to Alexander’s cheek and then his jaw. There’s a moment where Alec’s eyes flutter and then he’s watching Magnus from under lowered lashes. There is a predatory glint to his eyes and Magnus teases the promise of another kiss before pulling away instead.

“And what is owed to me, Alexander?” Magnus is breathless as he finally gets his hands under Alexander’s shirt and feels how Alec steps closer and arches happily into his touch.

“Whatever you’d like to take.”

— Sending Fray through to Idris along with Hodge was worth the extensive paper work for the feel of Magnus’ hands under his shirt and dipping under the band of his pants.

Alec wants more though.

He’s wanted more since he first saw the High Warlock of Brooklyn in person.

Magnus’ mere presence set off every single primal instinct that Alec was capable of feeling and he feels acknowledged and appreciated in a way that he’d once given up on.

“You know how dangerous open ended vows are,” Magnus warns but there is a vicious glee to his voice. Alec’s already let the vow take him at his word, Magnus’ warning comes far too late and they both know it.

Not that Alec was unaware of his actions.

Alec sent his brother, sister and two entire teams of shadowhunters back to Idris — with the excuse of escorting both Fray and Hodge — in the wake of a secret agreement. The clave has agreed that every shadowhunter Alec sends through as a guard will be cycled through various Institute’s for remedial training before Alec will consider taking them back.

Even if they are his own kin.

Alec deserves kisses after the exhaustion of the last thirty-six hours.

Alec deserves more than kisses and he’s rather desperate for Magnus to follow through on the promise.

Magnus could have asked for a great many things and Alec would have been beholden to follow through. It would have been deserved, keeping the mundane away from the shadowworld was too important to be stingy.

That Magnus chose to ask for Alec, well it’s incredibly flattering considering what he could have asked for and Alec wants Magnus to show him what he sees in him.

In fact he’s desperate for it.

[transmutationisms]

I picked up the funny Kuhn book on your rec, and noticed Karl Popper on the same shelf, framing himself in contrast. Do you have/know of any good critiques on Popper in general, or his indeterminism in particular? I'm guessing he didn't convince every Marxist and someone's bound to have responded by now.

yea popper sucks. i mean kuhn himself was responding to / critiquing popper; they very famously had a long ongoing dispute. but like i said before, kuhn is also not where it's at imo. like, not that academic citations are the be-all end-all of intellectual value, but there are reasons you don't typically see either of these guys cited by people working in history / philosophy of science these days lol.

anyway in regards to the marxism angle of this i will say: a major problem with hist/philsci is that these disciplines are pretty ensconced in universities (conservative institutionally & intellectually) and have also taken a long time to even start looking beyond the horizons of great man history, the 'western canon', &c. so the lack of marxists / communists in these fields is like, even more pronounced than in academic history more broadly. like it's insane that people like bob young and roger cooter and adrian desmond are still, like, standouts in this respect lol. so, although there are many many marxists who have responded to popper on those terms, and many many historians and philosophers of science who have responded on that side, the sliver of overlap here is a lot smaller than it should be.

i would definitely read with a critical eye and be on the lookout for places where these texts fail specifically because their authors are not engaging in materialist or properly historicised analysis, or are just blatantly reactionary themselves, in different ways to popper. but, a few places to start with political histsci and philsci critiques of him, or just useful accounts of his legacy and critics:

The Cambridge Companion to Popper (2016). Jeremy Shearmur and Geoffrey Stokes (eds.). <-usual disclaimer that cambridge edited vols. are methodologically, politically, and epistemologically playing it VERY safe. you often want to read them 'backwards', ie, read for what's not being said as much as for what's actually in there. consider this a document that shows what sorts of debates are being permitted, centred, and accepted as 'mainstream' and 'reasonable'.

Epistemological Battles on the Home Front: Early Neoliberals at War against the Social Relations of Science Movement (2021). Beddeleem, Martin. Journal of the History of Ideas Volume: 82 Issue: 4 Pages: 615-636. 10.1353/jhi.2021.0035

Relations between Karl Popper and Michael Polanyi (2011). Jacobs, Struan & Mullins, Phil. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Volume: 42 Pages: 426--435.

Thoughts on political sources of Karl Popper's philosophy of science (1999). Jacobs, Struan. Journal of Philosophical Research Volume: 24 Pages: 445-457

Popper and His Popular Critics: Thomas Kuhn, Paul Feyerabend and Imre Lakatos (2014). Agassi, Joseph. ISBN: 3319065866

Science and Politics in the Philosophy of Science: Popper, Kuhn, and Polanyi (2010). Mary Jo Nye. Chapter in: Epple, Moritz & Zittel, Claus (2010) Science as Cultural Practice. ISBN: 9783050044071

Karl Popper, the Vienna Circle, and Red Vienna (1998). Hacohen, Malachi Haim. Journal of the History of Ideas Volume: 59 Pages: 711-734.

Science, politics and social practice: Essays on Marxism and science, philosophy of culture and the social sciences in honor of Robert S. Cohen (1995) Gavroglu, Kostas; Stachel, John J.; & Wartofsky, Marx W. (Eds.). <-haven't read the popper chapter in this, can't promise it's good

[theanonymousopossum]

The Threads that Bind Us Part 3

@siriusleee It's here! Part 3 has arrived, and Elain and Azriel have officially met. Hope you love it!

TW: none

The sound of music filled the air, and the party was in full swing. Despite their apparent hostility towards the king, most of the kingdom had shown up for the party, wearing whatever the nicest thing they owned was. As such, there was a range from formal suits to overalls with only a few mud stains. 

Azriel’s doulon had quickly briefed him on the course of the evening: all the guests would arrive, then would come the king and Princess Elain, dancing would occur, and then would come the banquet for the nobles and important personnel. Small trays piled high with small snacks were dotted around the edges of the room already, but apparently an entire feast had been planned afterwards, though only for the wealthy, at which point the king would give a speech in honour of his daughter, and then the guests were free to mingle as they pleased.

As honoured guests of the king, Azriel and the other men were provided with the formal attire they would need, as well as permissions to attend the banquet and afterparty. Dancing couples floated around the room, spinning and swaying to the sound of the violins playing a classic dancing song.

Azriel knew how to dance, given that his profession often required him to infiltrate very elegant settings, though he did not prefer to, and as such, he was hanging around the sides of the room, seeing if he could pick up on any important fragments of conversation.

So far his efforts had yielded nothing promising, only some vague palace gossip from the wealthy folk and complaints about harvest from the lower classes. 

Azriel took a few steps backwards, intending to make another sweep, when he walked directly into someone behind him.

The person stumbled, and Azriel quickly reached out his hand to steady her. A noble, based on the dress she was wearing, though which one he couldn’t place until-

As the young woman looked up into his eyes, he realized he had accidentally crashed into Princess Elain, whom he presumed had been trying to escape the ball without being caught. 

“My lady,” he said, bowing slightly, “my deepest apologies. I didn’t see you there.”

“Not at all,” she responded with a smile, accepting his proffered hand, “in fact, you were just the man I was hoping to speak with.”

Not trying to escape, then. Though why on earth was she speaking to him?

“What may I do for you, my lady?” he said, polite but with an air of confusion.

“You are aware of the monster that has been ravaging our cities?” she asked him.

“I am, lady. I was under the impression that our task would be to defeat this monster.”

“Yes. So far, all whom my father has sent to destroy it have failed. However, the gods have spoken to me. I believe it is you who will be able to lift my curse, and be able to defeat the Archetaur. However, you will not be able to do it without my help.”

Azriel’s mind was spinning. This was not at all what he had anticipated when he came down here into the ball. But the princess was offering him aid, and from all he could calculate, her offer was genuine. The part that stuck out to him was the part about a curse. 

Stories of Princess Elain had of course floated around all the islands, most claiming her a shy, beautiful girl who kept largely to herself. Azriel was beginning to realize that there was a lot more to her than met the eye. So he decided to take a chance.

“You honour me, princess, with your confident words. Perhaps you would honour me further with a dance? I wish to know more about your curse, and about what it is that I must do,” he said, with a stoke of boldness. He hadn’t planned on asking her to dance, but as a smile graced her beautiful mouth, some tiny, irrational part of him would die to see her smile like that again.

“I would be delighted,” she said, and he led her out to the dance floor.

—---------------

Elain was very satisfied with herself. Having attracted the attention of the man-Azriel, she had learned- and having successfully said her piece, she was delighted that he was at least considering her help.

As she had rested before the ball, a dream had come to her. A man with dark skin, dark hair, and dressed in a white toga had spoken to her. His face was regal, but he spoke kindly to her.

“Elain,” he had said, “Elain my child. You have suffered much for a crime that you did not commit. Take heart, girl, for the favour of the gods is with you. There is a way your curse may be broken. The man that you have seen shall break your curse, if he should choose to accept your help. Trap the creature within its lair, and give him this. He will know what to do with it when the time is right.”

As soon as he finished, he pulled out of thin air a ball of what appeared to be soft yarn, golden in colour. She took it hesitantly.

“Good luck, child. Flee this island if your curse is broken. Flee, and do not look back.”

With all that said, the man in white vanished, and Elain awoke, confused about her dream. In her hand rested the yarn that had been given to her. 

She took this as confirmation that whomever it was that she had spoken with, the man really was a god, and Elain know firsthand the consequences of angering a god. Besides, it wasn’t like she had much other option than to trust him.

With Azriel’s hand in hers, they swept out onto the dance floor, and for once the princess felt completely unbothered by the eyes that tracked her every movement. No longer were they foxes chasing a young dove. Elain was strong, and if everyone in this palace was too useless to break the curse, then she would just have to do it herself.

A/N: Thus concludes Part 3. Next chapter will be dance scene, and some more information on how exactly Azriel will be fighting this monster. Let me know what you think, I love comments from everyone!

[dragonedged-if]

Can we have a snippet where MC lifts up his romanced princess, dips her and smooches her passionately?

Certainly:)

Let's make this a dinner, then turned into a dance ;)

(MC's POV)

The noble clothes, with their intricate designs and rich colors, cling to your skin like a layer of suffocating heat. Every movement is a reminder of their tightness, and the sensation makes swallowing difficult.

You gaze at your reflection in the full-length mirror, taking in the sight of your slicked-back hair and the intricate patterns of your attire. As you adjust the buttons on your chest for the umpteenth time.

With your heart racing and your palms slick with sweat, you stand before the mirror, desperately trying to tame your unruly locks. The weight of the upcoming event hangs heavily on your shoulders, and you can't help but feel nervous. You take a deep breath, telling yourself that you can do this. You're determined to look your best for the occasion, and so you experiment with different hairstyles, trying to find the perfect match for your attire.

Suddenly, the door bursts open with a deafening bang, causing you to jump in surprise. A figure clad in armor strides into the room, his sword swaying at his side with every step.

"Lucas!" you exclaim, relieved to see him.

"MC," he responds with a curt nod, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

"Surely you don't think that someone would attempt to assassinate the princess?" you ask, taken aback by the thought.

Lucas doesn't stop his inspection or even spare a glance in your direction as he speaks. "I don't think, I only perform my duties," he says sternly, a reminder of the importance of his role and the constant threat that looms over the royal family.

You let out a scoff, dismissing the notion of someone daring enough to attempt an assassination in the heart of the castle.

"I think no one is mad enough to infiltrate and attack the princess in the heart of the castle!"

But as soon as the words leave your mouth, Lucas stops in his tracks, his gaze turning towards you with a fierce intensity.

"You did!" he retorts, pointing a finger accusingly at you as if insinuating that you were capable of such a heinous act.

Your arms cross defensively over your chest, and a scowl mars your features as you stare back at Lucas. The audacity of his statement stings, and you feel your temper flaring.

"Ouch!" you snap, your voice tinged with annoyance and offense. How could he even suggest such a thing? You may have had your flaws, but you would never stoop so low as to harm the princess or anyone else for that matter.

A smirk played on Lucas's lips as he reveled in stoking your ire. "But don't worry," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice, "I will stop you if you even raise a finger at the princess."

His words hit you like a slap in the face. How dare he insinuate that you would ever harm the princess? Your anger boiled over, and you could feel your blood pressure rising. But you held your tongue, not wanting to escalate the situation any further.

Lucas's casual promise did little to appease you. You knew that he took his job as the princess's bodyguard very seriously, but his accusation felt like a personal insult. You couldn't help but wonder what else he thought of you, and it made you feel uneasy.

You turned around with a huff, determined to ignore Lucas's presence and focus on your appearance. You looked at yourself in the mirror, straightening your clothes and wiping some imaginary dust off your shoulders, hoping to ease your growing frustration.

"Relax, MC," Lucas said, walking closer to you.

You let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the upcoming dinner with the princess bearing down on you. "I know, it's just that she's a royal princess, and I'm nothing," you said, closing your eyes in defeat.

Suddenly, you felt a hand on your shoulder, and you opened your eyes to see Lucas standing behind you, his sharp gaze meeting yours through the reflection in the mirror.

"Look, MC," he said, his voice softer than before. "Clara doesn't care if you have noble blood or if you're just a commoner. What really matters is the heart, and if she's agreed to have dinner with you, then I assure you that you've already captured hers."

You couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and encouragement at his words. Despite the doubts and insecurities plaguing you, Lucas's unwavering faith in you was a welcome reassurance. You turned to face him, offering him a small smile of gratitude. "Thank You!"

Lucas wrinkled his nose in distaste at your attire. "No problem. Also, you don't need to wear that," he said, pointing to your noble clothes.

You frowned, checking every angle of your outfit. "What's wrong with it? Maybe the color?" you asked, feeling self-conscious.

"Nope," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "Clara isn't really into that kind of theatrics. Actually, she's just wearing a common dress and a simple ponytail."

Your shoulders slumped in disbelief. Here you were, donning the finest noble clothes and drenching yourself in the strongest-smelling perfumes, only to realize that it was all for nothing.

Lucas chuckled, amused by your predicament. "Fret not, MC. Here, let me help you," he said, grabbing you by the arm and pulling you towards the mirror.

He ordered you to take off the jacket and unbutton your shirt, exposing some skin to add a touch of allure. Then, he adjusted your hair into something simple yet elegant, framing your face in a flattering way.

"There we go!" he exclaimed, admiring his handiwork.

You took a look at your reflection, surprised by the transformation. Thanks to Lucas's help, you looked much better than before, exuding a quiet confidence and elegance that you never thought was possible. You felt a surge of gratitude towards Lucas, knowing that you couldn't have done it without him.

As you stared at your reflection, marveling at your new look, the echoing sound of boots on marble caught your attention. You turned to see Lucas leaving your presence, and quickly sauntered towards him.

"Thanks again for the help!" you raised your hand, offering a gesture of gratitude.

Lucas eyed your hand for a moment, pondering if he should shake it. He was a man of duty, not of pleasantries. But, with a small smirk on his lips, he finally seized your hand, gripping it tight and shaking it.

"No problem," he said gruffly, his armored form towering over you. "Just make sure you don't embarrass yourself in front of the princess tonight." With that, he turned on his heel and reach for the door but the door opened with a standing person at the entrance.

Lucas bows deeply as he enters the room, showing utmost respect to the royal figure before him. The princess curtsies in response, a playful smile lighting up her face.

"Lucas, leaving so soon!" she says, her voice laced with amusement.

"I'm afraid so, Your Highness," Lucas replies, his tone formal yet friendly. "But I will be outside waiting if you need anything!"

The princess nods, and Lucas turns to leave. However, he pauses for a moment, as if remembering something important.

"Before I go, don't forget my advice, MC," Lucas says, turning to you with a sly grin. "And beware of the princess - she gets a bit scandalous sometimes!"

The princess playfully punches Lucas on the shoulder. "Shh, don't spoil the fun, Lucas!" she chides him, a mischievous glint in her eye.

As Clara circled you, you couldn't help but feel a shiver run down your spine. Her eyes were fixed on you like a predator stalking its prey. You stood there, frozen, as she moved in closer and closer.

Suddenly, she reached out and gave your butt cheeks a firm squeeze, causing you to jump in surprise. You felt your face flush with embarrassment as she licked her lips in appreciation.

"It complements your physique," she purred, running her hands up and down your arms.

Clara walked around the table, her movements fluid and graceful. With a delicate hand, she pulled out a chair and gestured for you to sit. As you took your seat, you felt her warm breath on your neck, a scent of lavender and rosemary filling your senses.

"You know, sometimes I forget that I'm a royal," she said, her voice soft and intimate. She leaned in closer, her lips almost touching your ear. "Titles are just placeholders, don't you think?"

Her breath caressed your hair, and you felt a shiver run down your spine. Clara's presence was overwhelming, yet comforting at the same time. You couldn't help but be drawn to her every move and word.

A playful smirk crossed your lips as you replied, "I don't get what you mean. Maybe a demonstration might open my mind." You shot a wink in her direction, feeling a thrill of excitement at the possibilities.

Clara's eyes widened with amusement as she chuckled. "Oh, someone's eager!" She winked at you, her voice dripping with playful teasing. "You know what they say, MC, patience is a virtue!" She blew a kiss in your direction, the gesture sending shivers down your spine.

Feeling emboldened, you reached out and grabbed a fistful of air, pulling it towards your lips. "They also say, strike while the iron is hot, but in your case--" You trailed off, leaving the rest of the sentence unfinished, letting her imagination fill in the blanks.

"Aren't you a philosopher?" she muse.

"I'm many things my sweet but there are parts that I'm much more proficient." you reached for the glass filled with wine sipping it.

Her head slack back, her laughter filling the room. "Now you make me curious!" she proper her chin under her hand.

"Patience!" you return her words. "Let's have dinner first then see where will the night will take us!" you opened the cover smoke coming out.

The aroma of the main course filled the room, and your mouth watered as you took a bite of the perfectly cooked chicken. It was glazed with butter, and the poached eggs on the side complemented the flavor. The two of you talked and laughed, discussing everything from politics to personal interests.

As the main course came to an end, Clara gestured towards the waiter, who brought out the dessert. The sight of the banana split with vanilla and chocolate ice cream on top, sprinkled with nuts, made your mouth water even more.

You eagerly took a spoonful, savoring the rich, sweet flavors that melted in your mouth. Clara giggled as she watched you enjoy the dessert, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

As the meal came to an end, you leaned back in your chair, feeling content and satisfied. "That was delicious," you said with a smile.

Clara nodded in agreement, a satisfied expression on her face. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Now, where will the night take us?" she asked, leaning forward with anticipation.

You stood up from your chair, the music enticing you to move. You turned towards her, offering your hand with a charming smile. "How about dancing?" you suggested.

She looked up at you, her eyes filled with amusement. "Taking it slow?" she asked, clasping your hand gently.

You pulled her close, your breath mingling with hers. "More like working up an appetite for our much more rigorous activity later," you whispered, a glint of mischief in your eyes.

Together, the both of you moved to the center of the room, the music guiding both your steps. You led the duet, you arms around her as you spun her around.

As you her swirled around, you felt a sudden rush of desire overwhelming you. "I really like to kiss you right now!" you blurted out, your cheeks flushing red.

She gripped your shoulder, her eyes filled with hunger. "Then what's stopping you?" she challenged, taking the initiative.

Your lips met, and the kiss was intense, filled with a ferocity of its own. As you pulled apart, she looked at you with longing. "Why don't we go to someplace quiet?" she whispered, touching your lips.

"I thought you-! a figure barged into the room, wearing a royal garb and eyes filled with disappointment.

"Ah, so this is where you've been!" the Queen's face was hard, her eyes sharp like daggers.

Clara chuckled nervously, pulling you close to her. "Mother!" she exclaimed, trying to mask the panic in her voice.

Thinking quickly, she looked towards the window beside you. "Let's jump out the window and escape through the garden!" she said urgently.

Without hesitation, you pulled her to her feet, and she ran with you in tow towards the window. She threw it open and jumped out, landing in the lush garden below.

As both of you ran through the garden, you could hear the Queen's angry voice echoing behind you. But both of you didn't stop until you were far enough away to feel safe. You collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath and laughing with relief.

"That was close," Clara said, leaning against you.

"Now let's perform the finale without any interruptions," she said, her voice dripping with seduction.

You could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, and your heart raced with anticipation. You couldn't believe what was happening, but you didn't want it to stop.

Now let's finish it there my Readers and I leave it to your imagination but I'm not cruel to leave you hanging and so I will be giving you clues to help you envision the scene 😉😉 🔥🔥

As they explored each other's bodies, the world around them faded away. Nothing mattered except the pleasure they were experiencing in that moment. They moved together in a rhythm that felt natural and effortless, their breaths in sync.

[liminalpebble]

Eddie's Education: Chapter 13

Masterlist link

Minors DNI

Chapter 13

Leia fixated on the sound of her heels clicking against the linoleum as she followed Dr. Ferguson, trying to distract herself from the fear stoking in her belly, and igniting her brain. She wasn't sure what she was in for as the older man turned and shut his door, but she had a pretty good guess. He said curtly, “Please, have a seat.”

She was waiting to see if he would sit as well, and only obliged when he did. She decided to speak first. In the last few months Leia had learned a thing or two about her worth, and she had a feeling she would shortly be called upon to advocate for it. She wanted the first strike. Eddie would want me to fight for myself, she thought, make him proud.

“May I ask what this is all about, Dr. Ferguson?”

He cleared his throat with a grumble, as if preparing to give a speech. “Well you see, Miss Vespero, I'm still concerned over the way you present yourself to your students.”

“Excuse me?” she responded, indignant, “I have done everything you asked...made every improvement. What exactly are you saying?”

“Well, your students reviewed you favorably. Your success rates are rather unusual to say the least.”

“I fail to see the problem.”

Dr. Ferguson huffed, speaking more slowly as if she were stupid. “I'm concerned, Miss Vespero, that you have been motivating your students through less than reputable means.”

“What exactly are you accusing me of?” she said with cold, controlled, fury.

He said, as if soothing a child, “No one is accusing you of anything. I'm...”

She cut him off. “No...no. You're insinuating, which is a good deal worse, especially for a young teacher in a vulnerable position. Accusations can be fought with evidence. And I promise you, sir, there is abundant evidence that I have acted beyond reproach in my duties here. If you insinuate, you can deny accusing me of anything and my hands would be tied. The damage to my reputation would already be done with no fair trial. So do not speak to me like a child. I fully understand what you're doing.”

Leia felt her voice rising and her hands began to shake with anger. Despite the assertive tone of her voice, she felt wobbly and was glad to be sitting down as her body surged with adrenaline. Her forcefulness was unprecedented and it slammed her with both a mental and physical shock.

Ferguson rebutted, “I saw you call Mr. Munson to congratulate him, I've seen him drive you like a taxi service to and from school. I've seen you hug your students on numerous occasions.” He leaned forward menacingly on his desk. “Do you mean to tell me that is appropriate conduct for a young lady such as yourself?”

Leia cringed at that last sentence. He was talking down to her as if she were a naughty teenager who broke curfew and it turned her stomach. “I personally called all of my students who passed the exam to congratulate them, as a courtesy. Dr. Thompson did the same. They deserve recognition for their hard work. And the crime of being transported to and from my place of employment? Sir, I don't own a car...on my salary, I certainly can't afford one. Mr. Munson has been kind enough to assist me in that regard, and frankly, how I carpool is none of your business. Your male employees do the same, sometimes also with students. Are they under investigation?”

Ferguson turned red, a clashing contrast to his puke-colored polyester shirt. He took on a drill sergeant's tone to match his buzz cut. “You are on very thin ice, Ms. Vespero. If you value your job here, which I might add, you are extremely fortunate to have at your age and with so little experience, I would straighten up and fly right!”

She felt nauseous at the idea of losing her job, a job in her field, a job she was good at, a job with students whom she respected when so many people didn't show them respect. Still she said, “Dr. Ferguson, if you attempt to fire me on groundless claims, whether it's insinuation or blatant accusation, you will find yourself on the receiving end of a discrimination lawsuit. Are you prepared for that?”

He pulled at the chain of his crucifix as if he suddenly felt unable to breathe. She noticed the pendant for the first time. The young teacher considered how, really, he's the one wearing something a lot more inappropriate to a public institution than she ever had. She tried to make her nervous swallow imperceptible. It was a bluff. No 23 year old adjunct professor could afford a lawyer like that. She could barely afford ramen noodles if it weren't for her job at the bar giving her just a little more money. Nonetheless, the bluff seemed to have it's intended affect. The dean was startled into a few huffing moments without offering a reply.

She bore into him with her hard, dark, eyes, daring him to speak and glad for his discomfort as he struggled to. “Alright, Miss Vespero. You'll finish out your year here as your contract says, since there is no evidence yet of a breach of protocol, but prepare yourself for a meeting with the board once this year is finished and it's time to renew said contract. We'll have to discuss if you are right for the future of this institution.”

She took a deep breath but refused to break eye contact, saying as neutrally as possible, “Is that all?”

“That's all Miss Vespero. You're dismissed,” he said, and she grimaced as she stormed out of his office, chaffing at being dismissed like a high school student rather than a colleague.

-----

Later that evening, Leia's phone rang. Startled, she slid the bottle of Jack Daniel's and the tumbler of ice away from where they blocked the device, and stared down at the caller ID. She didn't get many phone calls and she didn't like to get them. It wasn't a number she recognized, which at least meant it wasn't Ferguson, so she shrugged and picked up the receiver. Taking a fortifying breath, she readied herself to perform her best impression of a sober person.

“Hello?”

“Hello there,” said that sweet voice, which always seemed paradoxically shy and cocky at the same time.

She smiled. “Hey, Eddie.”

“Sorry to call your at home...I just...I know you never gave me your number, but it was in the staff directory.”

“Don't worry about it! That's fine! It's nice to hear your voice,” she said with an odd slur and crack in her timbre.

“Are...are you drunk?” Eddie asked with a breathy chuckle.

“Maybe a little. What's up?” she asked, trying to divert and hoping he wouldn't ask what had her drinking herself into oblivion tonight.

“Ha. Well, you might want to save it for tomorrow night. We all get trashed every Halloween party, working or not. Two days of hangovers might not be the most fun.”

“I'm fine, Eddie,” she said in a soft voice, hoping he would buy it. He didn't. But he could also tell she didn't want to talk about, and carried on.

“Anyway, I just wanted to really thank you for everything...better than I did when you called before. Sorry if I was being kind of rude or a dick or something. They guys were...well...you could probably hear them.”

She chuckled, but still nervously pinched at the fabric of her couch cushion. “Yeah, I heard them...but don't worry about it. I had to be little miss professional asshole too, with Ferguson breathing down my neck.”

Now Eddie laughed, amused by her drunken openness. “Jesus...Turd Ferguson's still being a dick to you? What is that man's fucking problem. It's not your fault everyone loves you.”

She scoffed. “You have no idea. He's really on the warpath...And...and...everyone doesn't 'love' me, Eddie. I'm just nice...sometimes a doormat, even,” she said, then let her head drop to the back of the couch, gaze meandering hazily around the ceiling.

“Negative, Princess Leia. I'm 100% sure that every guy you ever taught must be head over heels in love with you.” She was glad he couldn't see her turn red as she desperately sought a diversion. I'm too drunk for him to be this charming right now. I can't handle this, she mused internally.

“Uh...even Andy? I don't think I could marry him though, you know. I'd always come second to Miller High Life and the Marlboro man.”

Eddie giggled....giggled...big scary Eddie Munson giggled. And it made her heart flutter.

“I uh. I hate to bring the mood down, but I wanted to make sure Sam hasn't been sniffing around or causing any more trouble.”

Sam. Right. She'd been so worked up about this horrible meeting with Ferguson, she'd forgotten about Sam. Jesus, my life is a circus, she thought, rolling her eyes.

“Surprisingly no. I think maybe he felt inferior enough once he saw a hot metal....” she almost said, a hot metalhead with his ex. “Uh..a metalhead holding a broken beer bottle to his throat was intimidating enough for now to scare him off.”

Leia couldn't see the smile slowly spreading so wide across Eddie's hot face that it made the apples of his cheeks ache. He did a little jump up and down feeling giddy and drunk, himself. A hot metalhead. He thought to himself. He couldn't believe she thought he was hot. Ever since he got the call from the school office, the same verse of the same song of his desires had been pounding through his head like a skipping record. Ask her out. Ask her out. Ask her out. ASK HER OUT!!! Over and over and over again. Wayne, Dale, and Gareth had been yelling it to him as well all day. He'd been pacing and whispering it to himself repeatedly before he picked up the phone, like a devout zealot offering up the same frantic prayer as he worked up his courage, then dialed the number with shaking hands. She couldn't imagine how nervous he was.

He promised himself that once he passed he would ask her out. He reminded himself that this is why he called. He was determined to do it...and yet...hearing that there was some pain in her voice, something sticking like a thorn in her side that she wouldn't tell him gave him pause. Maybe she didn't need him to be her boyfriend right now (if she ever did want it). It sounded like right now she might need a friend a lot more, and what if he ruins their friendship? Eddie sighed. Deep down he knew what he was doing; rationalizing a reason to run, like he always did. He had been thinking so hard about all of this that he didn't realized he'd left Leia with several long moments of odd radio silence that she didn't exactly know what to do with.

She asked softly, “Eddie...did you zone out?”

“Yeah,” he said pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing at his face in frustration, “yeah, I did. Sorry sweetheart. I've just got a lot on my mind...you know? It sounds like you do to.”

“Yeah...that's an understatement,” she said morosely, and he could hear the clink of another drink being poured.

Eddie sat forward in his chair now, brows furrowed. “Leia, are you alright...I mean really. If you weren't you know you could talk to me right?”

Her eyes welled up and she bit her lip, trying not to sniff, but a tiny one escaped anyway. Eddie heard it. I want to Eddie. I want to tell you everything. I want to tell you how much I love you. I wish my life wasn't a mess with people like Ferguson and Sam here to ruin it.

Eddie has friends and family. He has a life here. Tomorrow is his favorite day of the year, his favorite gig, his favorite party, surrounded by all that love from everyone he cares about. How can I rain on that parade for this sweet odd incredible man? I'd just be a burden...lonely and sad...dragging him away from all these people he cares about. I can't take this man down in the quicksand with me, she thought, and she found herself making the decision she was so used to making; to keep the pain to herself and stay away.

And so they both fell back into old habits that they hoped so much to break. Now she was the one leaving Eddie with an awkward pregnant pause, full of everything she wished she could say. She sniffed and cleared her throat. “I um...well, it's just a little tough right now but I'll be alright Eddie, I promise. Please don't worry about me. I always land on my feet.” Then she forced a brightness into her voice, “Hey...please have lots of fun celebrating your GED. You've worked to so hard and you deserve some partying. And I'll be there tomorrow to celebrate with you in person, okay?”

Eddie's heart sunk with disappointment; disappointment with himself for not asking her out, disappointed that she still felt she had to hide her pain from him. But if she could fake not being heartbroken, so could he. He said in falsely-sunny voice, “Yeah! It'll be fun. Pick you up at 4?”

“That'd be great. Thanks, Eddie. Thank you for everything. You're amazing. Please never forget that or let anyone tell you differently.”

That part she meant. That part held a deep honesty that revived his heart a little and brought tears to his eyes. “Thanks, sweetheart. I'll see you then. Good night.”

“Good night, Eddie.”

@sunflowerdaydreamer

[medicaldoctordana]

Dad, I'm Dating Superman

no one said my writing was good, but that's not going to stop me from doing it anyway... Read on ao3

She didn’t ask for this assignment. In fact, this assignment would have been the last thing she would have asked for. Especially now. Lois had this nagging feeling that Clark was going to propose soon, and the last place she wanted to be right before that happened was a dangerous war zone. There was a small chance she may not come back from this assignment.

Perry White wanted his best reporter out there. An anonymous donor offered to fund her trip and at the behest of finding out why, The Planet couldn’t refuse such a generous offer. Plus, questions needed to be asked, answers needed to be got and there was no better person for the job than intrepid reporter Lois Lane. Even if she was a woman– and a white woman at that; she was small and non-threatening. Surrounded and protected by the United States Army, Lois Lane could gain access to the spaces she needed and ask the questions that required answers.

The only downside to the assignment was that Clark Kent would be stuck at home covering her beat while she was gone.

“You okay, Lois?” Clark asked as Lois stormed out of their boss’s office and back to her desk.

“No,” came her curt reply. “I’m fine. I’m stoked! I’m pissed, I’m fine.” She enunciated each emotion with a different tone.

“Those sound kind of contradictory, Lois. What happened?” Clark had a sympathetic look on his face. He smoothed down his tie and scooted in closer to her on his rolling chair.

Lois glared at Clark, “What, you didn’t use your super hearing to listen in?” She whispered the superpower, not wanting the entire office to know his secret.

Clark spun out in his chair. He thought they were done with this fight. He’d spent two week’s worth of paychecks on flowers just to get her to speak to him again. He resettled his glasses on his face and took a deep calming breath in. “No, Lois. I made a promise to you and I intend to keep that promise.” He spoke sincerely and mentally put ‘flowers’ on his shopping list again.

“Sorry,” She bowed her head in shame. “That– That wasn’t fair. I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just– Perry’s putting me on a plane tonight to go off to work with my dad .” Lois rolled her eyes and slumped in her chair.

Not many people were privy to the location of a four-star general. But from the information shared in the briefing she just received, the mission was headed by General Lane and whoever was sponsoring her plane ride seemed to ignore the conflict of interest by picking the only Daily Planet reporter related to the head of the special unit of the Department of Defense.

It was just her luck, honestly. Right as things were going incredibly well in her personal life, her work life had to drop the story of the century in her lap and take her away from it all. She was not looking forward to all that dust in her hair. But she was looking forward to the possibility of the Pulitzer nomination if things went her way. In the most humble of ways, of course.

“Your dad? Isn’t he in–?” Clark asked.

Lois looked at him wide-eyed and serious. “Yeah,” she nodded open-mouthed. The most fucking dangerous part of the world right now.

“Lois!” Clark acted all surprised. Mostly that Perry would send anyone to cover that story so early in the fighting. There was likely no information to gather as very few pieces on the table even existed, let alone were moving with a plan in mind. It seemed reckless and premature in Clark’s mind.

“I know!” Lois responded with equal enthusiasm. “Some unknown billionaire is paying for the flight and protection and the Planet could really use the good press and the money. You know things have been tense ever since Bush took office.” So much for working for a non-partisan, unbiased paper.

“I know, I know. But Lois, it’s–” Clark widened his eyes and raised his eyebrows like he was afraid to put a name to where she was headed.

Lois recoiled. “My dad will be there along with way too many military personnel and I bet they’ve got the tents and camp on high-security alert. There will be armed transports with a convoy of at least five tanks. Plus with all the extra padding from the mysterious benefactor, I’m less worried about my physical safety and more concerned about my mental safety. I mean, Clark. It’s my father. You know how he is about me and dangerous situations. I bet they haven’t even told him who they’re sending in.” Lois wished for anything that she could call him up and warn him about her arrival. He might have been able to get her out of this if it weren’t for the haste in getting her there. It was too late to do anything now but show up unexpectedly.

“Do you– Do you want me to come with you?” Clark asked hesitantly. They were still working on their dance of partnership. He still wasn’t sure when to implicitly step in and when to let her figure things out on her own. He was getting better at it but it had only gotten harder since he revealed his identity to her.

“No, Clark. You need to stay home. Perry needs you to cover my stories here.” Lois brushed him off and played with the loose strands of her sweater. She wanted nothing more than her big, buff boyfriend to follow her everywhere and support her. But she was also Lois Lane and fearless in the face of danger. She could handle herself on a little makeshift army base and didn’t need any man watching out for her. However, Lois was secure enough to admit to herself that it was okay to want him there.

“That’s not what I meant, Lois,” he used that tone with her, shifted his voice low, and inched ever so slightly into her personal space.

Lois felt her cheeks heat and she smiled shyly as if she just remembered her boyfriend was also Superman. “No, Clark. I don’t need Superman coming to the rescue to shield me from my dad. I’ll be fine.”

Sam Lane liked Clark well enough, but he hated Superman. Something, something, Clark was a bumbling idiot and she could do better but at least he was safe. And Superman. God, Sam Lane hated how he refused to pledge allegiance to the American Flag and its people.

“Whatever you say, Lois.” Clark scooted back with a playful smile. “The offer still stands, just call my name and I’ll be there.”

Lois’s lips turned up and she leaned in to give him a quick peck on the side of his mouth. “Thank you, Clark.” She whispered her admission then stood up and gathered her bag. “I have to get home. My flight leaves in three hours. Come with me and help me pack?” Lois reached her hand out and felt warmth radiate through her body at his touch. He would follow her anywhere.

XXXXX

An unmarked car picked her up at her apartment at the exact time noted on the itinerary Perry had given her at their late meeting. It drove her to a private airfield and dropped her off outside an unmarked jet. The entire way there, she didn’t interact with a single person. There weren’t even people on the tarmac. Lois’s investigative reporter senses were on high alert. A sinister feeling was brewing in the air and for once, she couldn’t wait to see her father– if only to provide a touchstone of safety and familiarity.

She took her own bag with her up the stairs to the plane and wished she had Clark’s x-ray vision to check for bombs. Lois took a seat overlooking the right engine and wing and buckled her seatbelt. 

An automated voice came over the intercom system and welcomed her to her flight. It announced the newly established safety protocols and gave an estimated time of arrival for her destination. The stairs automatically pulled up and it was final. The engines started and the plane began its drive down the runway.

Lois was locked into staying on this flight until it landed or crashed. She wasn’t sure which was more likely.

Immediately, Lois took out her notebook and started jotting down notes. She had a list of questions storming in her head from the second the car arrived outside her apartment and Clark kissed her goodbye. 

They were simple questions at first, Who? Where? Why? But with each passing moment, they grew more complex. More suspicious. Who would go through all this effort? Where were the people orchestrating this from? Why me?

As she was writing her second page of thoughts, a person finally emerged from the cockpit. He was a tall and stocky man. A blonde-red hair covered his head and face. He looked familiar but Lois couldn’t quite put her finger on how she knew him.

Lois scrutinized the man in front of her further. He wore a black button-down with slacks. She suspected he wasn’t a pilot, but perhaps was the man behind this all. He had a look of privilege and evil in his eye and she couldn’t quite shake the bad feeling she got from him.

“Miss Lane. Glad you could make it on such short notice. I’m Aaron Dexter Hull and I’ll be your cruise director for this trip. I’m sure you have many questions and I promise we’ll get to those in due time. Please, feel free to stretch your legs once we hit our altitude and grab any refreshments from the bar in the back. Enjoy the flight.” His voice was scratchy and weathered.

She wrote down his name in her little notebook before reaming him with her questions and demanding he give her answers.

[writingsfromhome]

Chapters II

A/N: Sooo I know the wait’s been really long. I was sorta living in London in Oct, life got hectic, and just got back home and back to this story. What has everyone been up to in October? Any Harry costumes for Halloween?? ;) Part 2 is mostly some world building on Harry’s end, and finally pushing the story forward. I’m working on the third part, no promises, but hoping I can finish it...soon? It’s nice to be writing again. xx

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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

I’m a bit dazed when she leaves. I never thought I would see her again, or if I did she would ever talk to me let alone come over to my flat with her son. Her son. It’s hard to swallow, literally--my throat was drier than the Sahara.

I pour myself a glass of water. Y/N, here. In my flat. Making us dinner. She had a son with some other man, the son that I had dreamed of having with her one day.

My mind doesn’t care about the emotional distress I’m in, it plays old memories on a loop. The night everything ended.

I’m ashamed to admit that it took me two whole months to realize what I lost, realize what an arse I’d become. And by then she was unreachable, I tried to reach out to her sisters, her brother, but if they hadn’t already blocked they ignored me.

Five Years Ago

“I like this one,” Finn says after I have him listen to the chorus on a single we were planning on releasing in the summer. “It’s funky.”

“Yeah,” I take the headset from him. I would have been stoked that he liked it without his usual criticism, but I was feeling pretty low the last few weeks. I just wasn’t feeling the same passion for my music. It didn’t help that I was crashing with Niall until I found my own place and he lived with his very loud girlfriend. “It needs some work.”

“Alright mate,” Finn wheels me around to face him. “Where’s my spunky rockstar gone? What’s this zombie you’ve been the last few weeks?”

“I dunno,” I shrug. “I’m just feeling a bit...uninspired.”

“Well you’ve gotta find that inspiration Harry,” Finn says, already turning away to respond to the text he got. “This single should have been finished yesterday, and we’re releasing it in four months. We need this in the bag.”

“I know,” I blow the air out of my cheeks slowly, like I did with the cigarettes I used to smoke. Now felt like a good time to pick one up again, but it reminds me of the pact Y/N and I made around graduation, to quit together….not like she was around to hold me accountable, I think darkly. “I think the breakup with Y/N and moving out and now I’m sleeping on a couch...it’s sucha shitshow.”

“It’s a setback but it’s not the end of the world,” Finn says absentmindedly. “Plus Y/N was never good for you, that woman was a drag. She was always scowling when I saw her. And you said she was always nagging, it’s a good thing you’ve gone your own way.”

“Yeah but-” I almost defend her but I remember the last few months we were together. She had gotten so negative, she was so unfair. “I’m just finding my feet again.”

“Well find them quickly.” Finn reminds me again. “Use the breakup as material for your album. Rage through it, put in all the shite you want to say to her face! You have to start somewhere and breakups are perfect starting point yeah?.”

It was a good idea, but making an album when I could hardly concentrate on this single was just depressing. I tell him I was calling it quits for the day, I promised to be back first thing tomorrow to complete it. He finally glances up from his phone to look at me, sighing but agreeing and before he can change his mind I’m out on the streets and on the tube back home. Well, Niall’s home.

The flat smells amazing when I walk in, I look for Niall but the shower’s on and I find his girlfriend in the kitchen instead. Great, I sigh, she was kind of a bitch to be around alone.

“Oh, Harry you’re home early.” she comments as I drop down on the couch which was also my bed. It was pathetic, but it helped when my cash outflows were more than in inflows. Sure I was looking for a new place to live but until Niall kicks me out I was glad I didn’t have to pay for a roof over my head.

“Yeah, not really a productive day.” I say. “That smells really good.”

“Oh,” she turns back to her food. “I was making dinner for our date night. Niall’s favourite.”

“I’ll get out of your hair tonight,” I say. She always did this, hinted at wanting me to leave when she could just tell me--I hated it.

“If you don’t mind?” She glances at me. She couldn’t even look me in the eye. “It’s just Niall and I haven’t had a proper dinner together in a while so it would be nice.”

“Right,” message received loud and clear. “If I’ve overstayed my welcome you can just say.”

“I’m not-” she places the knife she’s holding down. “That’s not what I said Harry. I’m thanking you for giving us the night...?”

“I hear the passive comments, you can just tell me to my face.” I can tell I’m bordering on aggressive but I don’t know how to back down. She was always judging me just like Y/N would.

“I’m literally not--Niall,” Niall had chosen then to walk in. “Tell Harry I don’t mind he’s here, he’s your best friend I just asked if we could have the evening for date night-”

“I’m pretty sure your girlfriend doesn’t want me around,” I pick my jacket up from the couch. I was going to leave. “She can just say that.”

“What did you say?” Niall asks his girlfriend and her jaw drops.

“I didn’t say anything! I just told you-”

“I’m leaving, enjoy your night.” I brush past Niall but he stops me.

“Where are you going? Just wait a minute. Let’s just talk this out we can-”

“I’m leaving,” I push Niall’s hand off and walk out. I didn’t know where I was going but I had to leave. Niall and his girlfriend could enjoy their perfect little flat with their perfect dinner date. I could find another place to crash.

“Finn?” I call the only other person who would let me crash for the night. “I got into some shite with my roommate, could I crash at yours for tonight I know your-“

“Oh Harry no,” Finn cuts me off. I’m thrown off by his answer, I stop halfway down the stairwell. “I can’t let you stay with me that-that’s not possible right now.”

“I’ve got nowhere to sleep.” I reason, I can hear how whiny I sound. “You won’t even know I’m there, I sleep on the couch anyway-“

“I’m sorry Harry I wish I could help but--look I’ve got to go we’ll talk in the morning.”

The phone goes dead and I stare at it in shock. What was I going to do? I was homeless.

I hit the streets and walk into the first pub, order the cheapest beer and log into my banking. I look through cheap hotels nearby, but the closest one I could afford was more than an hour by train. So I finish every last drop of the beer and begin my trek to the hotel. Niall calls me but I send him to voicemail, I didn’t want to talk to him. His girlfriend probably brainwashed him into thinking I was some sort of monster.

When I get to the hotel, it’s half decent but it’s loud as fuck and there’s some sort of bar on the main floor whose music carries up to the fourth floor where I find my room. I look at the tight space, at least it was clean.

I throw my jacket to the chair and dive straight into the bed. Fuck everyone, couldn’t they see that I was going through a hard time? Couldn’t anyone give me a bloody break?

I find a random channel and put it on for background noise while I take a lukewarm shower (the water never quite made it to hot), and consider my food options. I think about the dinner Niall’s girlfriend had made, I used to have that, I think. A girlfriend who made me dinner and a soft bed to sleep in. Everything changed so fast.

Suddenly my phone rings. Niall again. I let it go to voicemail. But a few minutes later there’s a knock on the door, Niall’s distorted face looks back at me from the peephole.

“How the fuck did you find me?” I ask when I open the door but Niall barges in, shouldering me out of the way.

“Why the fuck aren’t you picking up my calls? I was worried about you! You just disappeared!” I could tell Niall was furious; he rarely shouted like this and when he did his accent was always a lot thicker.

“So you stalked me?” I demand. “I already told you, you don’t need to worry about me!”

“I do!” Niall shouts. A distant part of me thinks it’s funny how loud we’re shouting, that the music downstairs is probably loud enough that nobody cares about the additional disturbance. “Of course I do! You’re my best mate, of course I care about you! You disappeared so I tracked your phone to make sure you weren’t pissed and passed out on the side of the bloody motorway!”

Niall continues shouting at me and t I let him go on about what an arse I was being and how much I changed. It’s only when he brings up Y/N, sympathetic that I was struggling without her that I stop him. I tell him I didn’t need her, she never cared about me or wanted me to succeed!

“Y/N doesn’t want you to succeed? Y/N?” Niall breaths heavily as he looks at me like I was crazy. “Are we talking about the same Y/N we both know? From our uni days?”

“Yeah! Don’t be thick, she was always so fucking negative! She told me she supported me and then she would just nag at me all day long.”

“You’re a-oh my god Harry, you’re an idiot,” Niall sits down on the bed, shaking his head. “Have you got your head so far up your arse you don’t realize that woman was bending over backwards so you could have your dreams? And you were treating her like-like a fucking used tissue.”

“You don’t know what it was like at home,” I say bitterly.

“No, I do!” Niall stops me.

“So she was complaining about me to you too?” I demand.

He confesses, Y/N’s sister and him went out on a few dates behind her back. She went in on him one night, complaining about how much of an ungrateful dick I was being to her sister. “Harry, Y/N was working long hours to provide for you, she was just asking you to see what she was doing. And before you say anything, don’t act so innocent, I was there on New Year’s, you were ignoring her and kissing up to your label. You put her through hell, and I watched her watch you. She never made a scene, she just made sure everyone was having a good time. You let her go Harry, I love you but you’re a fucking idiot for treating her so poorly and then leaving her like that.”

“I...” I think about what Finn was saying to me for months. What he told me today, he was the only one who understood when I complained about Y/N. “She was always so negative though, always nagging at me-”

“What was she saying?” Niall asks, his volume slightly settled, like he was almost out of steam. And I think about what she was saying: to think twice before buying something expensive, to have some dinner ready when she came home late, to take the clothes out of the dryer when I forgot, to call my mum on her birthday when I forgot. None of it was about my work, or her work.

I look to Niall, my best friend who traveled half of London just to make sure I was okay. And I think about Finn who turned me away when I needed him tonight. Who was talking shite about Y/N long before we began having issues. I can’t believe it, Niall was right, “I’m a fucking idiot.”

Niall sighs, probably relieved we didn’t have to fight anymore. I sit down on the bed beside him and lay on my back. I lost her, I just let her go. How could I have let her go when all she was doing was trying to support me the best she could? Even when I was being a dick.

“I have to call her,” I say suddenly. “I have to apologize I-”

“She won’t answer,” Niall puts my frenzied plan of action to rest. “She moved, I tried to visit her last month but there was some Polish family living there. And she won’t answer any of my calls. She’s left me behind too. Even her sister will barely talk to me.”

“I have to try,” I take my phone out and dial her number, I knew it by heart since uni. It goes to a generic voicemail. I try again, and again, while Niall watches. Finally he gets up and nudges the bag on the table. I only just notice he’d brought it in with him.

“Just get some rest Harry, I’d tell you to come home with me but my girlfriend’s pretty pissed at me and I’m probably sleeping on the couch tonight.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry about that.” I think about his girlfriend, what I did. I’d have to apologize to her too, she wasn’t kicking me out. “I’ll come by tomorrow and apologize.”

“I appreciate that,” he nods. “She packed some food for you anyway, said you might need it. She gets it, bad breakup.”

“Isn’t that your date night dinner,” I ask when I open it and the smell hits me.

“Not anymore--and don’t say sorry to me. Save it for her, just...take care of yourself. I’ll see you later.”

I give him a hug and see him off. I wolf the dinner down and begin calling Y/N again, then her sister, her brother, her other sister...but nobody answers. I contemplate trying her mum but even I knew that might be crossing the line. They probably hated me.

I cry myself to sleep and when I wake up again it’s 7am. The silence is deafening compared to the noisy atmosphere I fell asleep to. I feel it then; I feel alone, dreadfully alone. I reach out beside me but there’s nobody there, of course. Y/N was gone, I let her slip through my fingers and I didn’t want to believe it but I don’t think I was ever getting her back. Not after what I’d done.

I think about us, especially the end. We weren’t who we used to be, and I think I was the reason for that. We were just two ghosts existing together, remembering how it felt to have a heartbeat.

I fall back asleep, the thought of her on my mind as I do.

***

A knock at my door jostles me out of bed. I’m barely awake when a cart wheels into my room followed by a short man. He freezes when he notices me in bed, glancing back to the door to check the room number.

I glance at the time, it was 11:30, past checkout.

“I’m sorry,” I croak out before he could kick me out. “Could I just get a few minutes to get my things? I lost track of time.”

He eyes me, finally giving a quick nod and stepping out. When I get to the bathroom to brush my teeth I get a good look at how awful I looked: my eyes are bloodshot and puffy, I looked a mess. This was the I-cried-myself-to-sleep-twice look.

I brush quickly but my realizations from last night continue to badger me like a bad migraine. My stomach churns with regret and guilt and anger, and it’s quickly followed by a sadness so deep I don’t think I could ever recover from it. I couldn’t stay sober, I realize, so I walk into the nearest pub and order a pint. And then another. By my third, I’m drunk and it was barely noon. I have a dozen missed calls from Finn, I knew he’d be furious but I figure he was already angry so I ignore him.

I think I spend the rest of the day in pubs. I lose count of how many drinks I’ve had. Around 5 the bartender forces a number out of me and Niall shows up to take me home. I only slightly register that his girlfriend isn’t around, he tells me where she is but I don’t remember. I black out.

***

I don’t know how the next month passes. Or, actually, I don’t know how I manage to live through the next month. The days pass by and I go to the studio, I listen to Finn faff about and I come home and go straight to bed. I remember apologizing to Niall’s girlfriend, and Niall continues to get me to eat, but I mostly call Y/N’s phone. I go to our old flat twice and the third time the Polish man living there threatens me. I probably looked scary with my nest of hair and the beard that was growing in.

Finn grows impatient when I only come up with slow melodies. He wants me back on an upbeat song to introduce me to the world. I try to write things, but it’s only when I’m going through old shitty photos on my computer from when we used point-and-shoots in uni that I uncover a load of pictures of Y/N and me. She looks so youthful, so do I. She has her classic strawberry red lips and a daring look in her eyes. I look in love any picture where we’re caught in the background. I ache, how did I get so far away from him. My heart constricts, and then I’m locking myself in the bathroom, sitting in the bathtub with a beer and going through each picture. I hear myself laugh and cry, Niall knocks on the door at one point but I tell him I was fine. I can’t get enough of this nostalgia that threatens to choke me, but I wanted the punishment of this loss, I needed to see the way we used to be.

The one picture I land on, she’s blowing out cigarette smoke with her eyebrows raised. She’s looking at the person behind the lens, at me, with a glint of some inside joke. I recognize a few familiar faces in the background staring at us-at her. I touch the screen, I love her so much. I remember this night, she was stressed about graduation and nearly smoked a whole pack of cigarettes. Then the words comes to me: She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes/ hard liquor mixed with a bit of intellect.

I rush out of the room and into the living room for my notebook. I write the lyrics down as they come, as the memories of uni and our wild days rush through me. All the trips we took, the late nights and early mornings, the booze and the sex, and the feeling of euphoric youth. I put all my crazy love into it. And when I’m done I have a good set, the chorus still isn’t quite right but I had something to show to Finn. This was going to be it, I felt it.

***

“Live drums and guitar?” Finn pursues his lips. “I thought we were sticking to a drum machine?”

“It needs live drums,” I try to convince him. “Think about this, it’s got big energy it needs the real thing.”

“I don’t know if this new energy is coming from this new woman you’re singing about, drugs, or a lot of coffee but I’m not complaining,” Finn chuckles. “And don’t tell me if it is drugs, the less I know the better. I’ll see what I can do. But that chorus--”

“I know,” I agree. “It’s not big enough for the song.”

“This woman you’re singing about it a wild thing, but then the chorus is about love it’s just not fitting. This woman...you meet her at the pubs you’ve been drinking at lately?”

“I met her drinking, yeah,” I tell him a white lie, avoiding any details about Y/N. It was becoming more clear to me that Finn just didn’t want Y/N and I to work out. I don’t know why but I don’t think I was telling him anything about her anymore.

“Okay, work on these lyrics I’m calling Ty and a couple other guys in to go over this too. I’ll get back about the drums later.”

By the time I’m heading home on the tube I have a yes for drums and I’m pumped. A teen on the platform even recognizes me and asks for a photo which takes my day from brilliant to blinding. I was on cloud 9.

I offer to help with dinner that night, Niall’s girlfriend and I had found a friendly medium and we settle for dinner around the small table. She talks about some friend she knows, “her boyfriend was trash though. Like, I told her when they were dating, but after they broke up and she realized it herself I wasn’t going to rub it in her face right? But she told me she literally told him about the baby when she broke up with him on the phone can you believe that? She literally said, “We’ve over and before you hear it from anyone else I’m having your baby but get this straight, it’s none of your business!”

“She said that?” Niall sits back in shock.

“That’s a really good line,” I comment absentmindedly and when they look at me blankly I explain. “For a song, like it’s a good line. I can imagine it...loud, guitar, backup vocals like I’m having your baby! It’s none of your business.”

“That would sound good in the one you’re workin on now.” Niall encourages.

“Yeah wait, s’cuse me.” I find my notebook and cross out the chorus to include that. By the time I’m done they’ve finished dinner and Niall’s left dessert on the coffee table. He understood the Zone, he wrote a lot more when we were in a band in secondary school. The memory prompts me to call him, I play him the new version of the song and ask for his opinion. He brings out one of my guitars I’d been storing in his closet and opens it and we have a session right there in his living room. By the time I’m done, I know I’m done and I convince him to join me tomorrow in the studio. I needed his help.

“This is about Y/N isn’t it?” Niall asks when we’re finishing up.

“It was,” I admit. “It had the essence of her, like the old her before I fucked us up. But now it’s a bit more than that.”

“It’s gonna be a hit,” Niall says. “Remember me when this gets big.”

“Mate, you’ll be right beside me on stage.”

***

But a few weeks later, after finishing the song and taking a break visiting my mum Finn gives me the bad news. My single was being pushed back further. He tells me, “They think it’s going to do smashingly but we’ve got two big artists coming out with albums. They think it’s going to get lost in the noise.”

I close my eyes. Deep breaths Harry, I remind myself. They loved it, it was just a set back.

But how many setbacks, another part of me asks. It was setback after fucking setbacks. All these setbacks turned me into someone I couldn’t recognize. I lost the love of my life because of these setbacks. I feel the temper flare up.

“Finn, what’s your role in all this?” I ask.

“In what? I pushed it Harry, trust me they-”

“You say that but it’s been over a year of setbacks.” I had enough. “I hired you because I thought you could help me navigate this shit show of an industry but you’re just dragging me through the shite. I’m getting nothing from you.”

“I’m working hard behind the scenes Harry,” he looks pissed, but worried for once, and I realize how much power I’ve given this man. “If I had a dollar every time I had fight for you I could fund your album myself.”

I snort, “Cut the bullshit. If I had a dollar for every song I’ve completed while I wait around for you to get me release dates I’d have enough to pay rent. I don’t feel like working in the studio today, and next time you’ve got a meeting with the suits I’m coming along.”

Finn opens his mouth and gapes like a fish. I leave him like that, feeling better than I had in a long time. Who knew all it took was realizing you let the girl you loved get away, and to go back to your roots.

And now I stand here in my apartment that my EP paid for. All my fans paid for. It was hard to wrap my head around it when I thought about it. Five years ago the release of my single might have been pushed, but at the next meeting I attended and fought for myself. I had to wait another year but I got a summer release date the year after, and it was a slow build but I get to release an album a couple years later.

Somehow, it worked in my favour. Releasing my best singles piqued enough people’s interest that by the time I announced my album the preorders paid the cost of the album itself. That was the same year my contract with Finn had to be renewed.I didn’t renew it. I signed at the managing company Niall was working at and my professional life has gotten a lot easier since.

“I can’t believe that just happened,” Niall interrupts my journey into the past.

“I didn’t just dream that?” I joke.

“It happened,” Niall lays on the sofa. “Can you believe that? She’s got a kid!”

“I...I can’t.” I choke out. “How has so much life just...gone by without her?”

Niall looks to me. “I’ve missed her too.”

We sit in silence, lost in our own memories. I think of the album sitting half done on my laptop, most of those songs were about her. They were too sad to make my first album, they wanted me to include a lot of my earlier songs I made. This album was a lot of her. I wish I could sit her down and have her listen to it, it was my heart beating saying her name in a melody and I wanted her to know it.

“I should go,” Niall gets up quickly. “Did you ask for her number or anything? What did you talk about when I left you alone?”

“She didn’t want to,” give her number or talk. “I don’t blame her, she’s got her son. Is his dad in the picture?”

“No. Just her and Julien.”

“Julien,” I say his name. I remember when we were together, she’d said she loved the name whenever we talked about the kids we would have together. The ones who were never going to see life anymore. “He’s a smart kid.”

“He’s cute right? He was picking up all your instruments, you should tell her you’ll give him free lessons. There you go,” Niall chuckled. “I’ve got your way back to her.”

“You’re such a romanticist,” I tease him.

“No, I’m not the broody musician,” Niall walks up to the door. “Alright then, I’ll talk to you Thursday,” He had out-of-town talent he was scouting so I wouldn’t be seeing him.

After he leaves, I indulge in some more memories of life during a simpler time. I think about Y/N with whatever bastard got to call Julien his son. I think about her with this imaginary man, he was probably a handsome devil, dark haired. Did she call him the names she called me, I wonder. Did he see Julien on the weekends? Did she regret being with him, or did they catch up with a smile and touch on the arm when he picked his son up? I wanted to know. I needed to know. What sort of life had she been living without me?

I used to look her up all the time before, especially the first couple years we broke up. I would check her social media but she had made herself private, or deleted them. I stopped when I got into my first serious relationship after her, I had to force myself to stop and I only did it when I got really drunk. The last time I did it, I actually got her work profile. When I do it today, I also get her company information--I grin at my phone when an idea takes shape. Her company threw events, and I had a birthday coming up...

***

Monday morning I walk into Y/N’s building, her offices are on the ninth floor so I take the elevator up. The receptionist must recognize me because she does the thing where she stares a moment too long. I ask to see Y/N and I get told I had to have a meeting, she was apparently busy.

“It’s a casual thing,” I start to sweat, what if my plan didn’t work and I got turned away? “I ran into her and her son--Julien. She said she could make some time.”

Her face softens at the mention of Y/N’s son and I know I have her. “Mmm I could put you in at quarter past 10? Nothing earlier than that.”

I could wait for 10 hours if I had to, I think. Instead I thank her and take a seat. I open a random magazine and flip through until I see a picture of my face. Apparently I was depressed and heartbroken. I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous that was. The media decided to go with the angle of heartbreaker when I started releasing my music. They caught a few shots of me with different women within a few weeks and that sold it. Truth was I mostly had meaningless flings since Y/N, and if you could call an 8 month relationship serious, that was the longest I’d held out. When I was finishing an album with songs that rehashed the biggest heartbreak of my life, it was hard to get into the mood of settling with a single person. The heartache I felt every time I rehashed my past was made better by fun but meaningless sex.

Before I could do the torture of reading through the article, the receptionist squeaks my name and asks me to follow her. She leads me to a small board room where Y/N sits at the head, and I notice the shock on Y/N’s face that she forces into neutrality.

“Harry...” she eyes the receptionist who lingers. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

I glance at the receptionist, I was about to be caught in the lie. But when she notices me looking she ducks out and closes the door behind her.

“So, what brings you to my place of work?” she asks, one eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, I know this is your job and I promise I’m here in a professional capacity.”

“Okay...” Y/N says and I can’t believe I forgot this minor detail about her. Every time she didn’t believe me, she would stretch her words out: oookaaaay...

“I would like to hire your services for a birthday party I was planning.”

“For...yourself?”

“My birthday.”

“Unless something’s changed, your birthday’s in February.”

A nervous thrill runs up my spine, she remembered. “It is in February.”

“It’s November?”

“Never too early,” I shrug.

“You do know we throw corporate or industry events not...birthday parties?”

“No this is a big one.” Y/N still wasn’t warming up to me and I try to settle my nervous tics. It seems like the initial shock of bumping into me had worn off, and she was frosty like I expected her to be yesterday. Or maybe she was just softer around her son. “I’m inviting a lot of corporate people. I want it on a larger scale--a bigger venue.”

“And you decided to come here?” She says, and she does it again, you decided to come heeeere?

“Well I’ve been talking about this with my manager, and when I saw you yesterday I remembered this is your line of work! So, why not support your company than your competitor!” At this point I was saying anything to convince her I hadn’t stalked her last night and was trying to weasel my way back into her life.

“Just...cut the bullshit Harry. What are you doing here?”

“I’m serious,” I decide to walk closer and then decide why the fuck not. I pull out the chair beside her and sit. She crosses her legs but stays put.

I had no pre-approval for the party and was absolutely going to get in some shite but I add to the lie to convince her. “It’s part birthday celebration and part listening party. I’m releasing an album next year and I wanted some people to hear a couple of the songs and give their feedback so...”

“I thought listening parties were small intimate things?”

“I-”she was good, but I roll with it. “Go big or go home, yeah?”

“Right now,” she pulls a face. “I’d choose going home.”

I sigh, she was a tough cookie to break. “I just need you. Uh, you like your services. Professional services.” Way to make this weird Harry.

But my fumbling awkwardness brings a smile to her face, albeit a small smile that quickly fades, but I call it a win.

“You’re so odd,” she comments finally before pulling her laptop closer to her. “Okay, your birthday’s first of February and luckily aside from Valentine’s it’s not a big celebration month. How many people are you thinking? I can go through some popular venues right now.”

She was going straight to business and I’m unprepared. This made-up party was going to be very real, but I needed to find a way to make this personal too. I wanted to know how she was doing.

“Medium-ish? What do you think? You probably go to a lot of events right?”

“50-100?”

“Uh yeah,” she was determined to keep this professional. But I could be just as dogged. “Do you plan this out? Do you have a team?”

“I have a team,” she finally confirms. “But I would be leading it so don’t worry.”

“Oh I’m--I know you’re very organized and thorough. I trust you.”

There’s a beat of silence before she moves on quickly. “Any theme?”

“Surprise me,” I had no fucking clue.

“No,” she stops typing. “I hate when clients say that! I don’t know how to surprise you just...tell me what you want!”

I laugh. “Alright well maybe a bit of 70s inspiration? But classy.”

“I can see that,” she nods thoughtfully. “Disco ball and retro dance floor. Maybe you’ll grow out a mustache.”

“If I remember correctly you liked that mustache.”

She laughs, “I...” she trails away, realizing what we were talking about. I’d pushed it too far. “I’ll note down the theme.”

We sit in silence for a little bit while she types away, I break it by asking: “So I feel like we didn’t really get to talk yesterday. How have you been?”

She studies me before answering carefully, “Bumping into you and Niall yesterday was an unexpected surprise--it was nice seeing you two are doing good but...that doesn’t erase everything that’s happened between us.”

“I-no I’m not saying it does. I just want to know how you’re doing...you look like you’re doing really well.”

“I am,” she confirms, laying down her boundaries. “And I’d like it to stay that way, I don’t want any...complications.”

I stumble when she implies I’m the complication but I slide back into game mode and put a polite smile on my face. “I didn’t really get to say it yesterday but I...I’m really sorry about everything. I can say a lot of-”

I stop when she pushes away from me, like she needed the physical distance. “Why are you doing this right now?”

“Call me an arrogant son of a bitch,” I shrug. “But I just need to talk to you. Apologize, I just want to know you’re happy.”

Her eyes tear up and she looks away, twisting a ring on her finger. I watch as she tries to take a deep breath but it comes out shaky. “You know what, I am. I’m happy with the life I made. And I have a son now, I can’t do...” she gestures between us. “This. I don’t want to have these conversations. I’ve moved on.”

“You’ve...” it feels like I’d swallowed a cotton round. I was being selfish, I knew I was but I was desperate not to let her slip through my fingers again.

“I mean,” she continues like I hadn’t spoken. “You made it pretty clear what I was to you the last time we discussed us. You made it clear how you felt about me. And if you’re looking for closure, please don’t rope me into any plans you’ve made. I’ve already found it.”

Her hands shake but not as bad as the tremble in my body, from the anger at myself and the hurt I pushed down every day to survive. “I didn’t mean half of it,” I try to say gently. “I wasn’t in a good place.”

“Neither was I,” Y/N snaps, standing up. “But I didn’t stand in front of you and make you feel small and unloved. Now, like I said I don’t need this. If you want to set a meeting just ask Raina up front, I have to go.”

And just like that, I let her go. Again.

----------------------------------------------/-------------------------------

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[ray-ray-writings]

Family Matters-Awesamdude

This is a Sam x gn!reader also with a bit of Son!Tommyinnit x gn!reader as well in the dreamsmp! Thank you to 🍉 for this idea!!! (P.S. Do you all remember that Fundy video where he coded it so that he could take Dream on a movie date? Yeah we’re going to pretend that that code applies to Minecraft and so you can have TVs so you can watch movies and stuff lol… That’s all) (P.P.S. This took longer than I thought it would so this is my only post for the night. I’m sorry)

Masterlist here!

After spending a lot of time with Tommy, Y/N and Sam decide its time to expand their own family

Y/N’s POV

“Honey I’m home!” I heard my husband call from the front door. “In the kitchen!” I called back as I finished up dinner. “I also brought a guest. Hope that’s okay.” Sam announced as he entered the kitchen. I looked away from what I was doing a little confused. “Of course it’s okay, who did you bring?” I questioned as he approached me, leaned down and gave me a quick kiss as a greeting. Sam simply grinned and moved out of the way revealing a blonde teenage boy standing in the doorway with a grin on his face. “Tommy!!” I exclaimed, leaving the stove and running to the young boy. “Hi Y/N!” He shouted in response, allowing me to wrap my arms around him and pulling him into a tight hug. 

“It’s so good to see you! I feel like I haven’t seen you in a while!” I told the young boy, pulling back slightly from the hug. “Yeah, I’ve been a bit busy with Tubbo. But I ran into Sam as he was walking back from the prison and we started talking and he invited me back here for dinner. I hope that’s okay, I can leave if you want, I don’t want to intrude” Tommy rambled off nervously. I couldn’t help but let out a scoff of disbelief at that, “Okay course it’s okay! You’re always welcome in our home Tommy. Come, sit! Dinner is almost reader,” i said before peeling myself off of the boy and ushering him to the open seat at the table. 

I quickly returned to the stove where Sam had taken over making dinner and had actually finished by the time I got there. “Do you want to serve or do you want me to?” Sam questioned softly, giving me a warm smile. I let out a hum before responding, “I’ll serve if you want to get drinks.” Sam gave me a nod, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to my lips before moving away from my side and getting cups. I quickly grabbed three plates before portioning out the food I had made and carefully carried the plates over to the table and set them down in front of our respective chairs. “Thanks Y/N. Thanks Sam” Tommy thanked us as we set the food and drink down in front of him. “No problem kiddo” I responded, sitting down in my own seat before Sam sat in his. “Let’s eat!”

The three of us ate together and talked about our days as well as catching up with what Tommy had been getting up too. It felt really nice talking to Tommy. Ever since Philza had moved out to the tundra with Techno, we had kind of taken Tommy under our wing. Sam had spent a lot of time with him building and I had spent a lot of time with him mining and gathering materials. It had been a little bit since the three of us hung out, Tommy had been busy with Tubbo running their country. 

“Can you stay for a little bit longer?” I asked the younger boy as we cleared plates from the dinner table. A bright smile formed on his face as he nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah, yeah I can. What did you have in mind?” Tommy responded. I gave him an excited grin before quickly putting the dishes in the sink, grabbing his arm, and pulling him into the living room. Sam also put his plate in the sink and followed behind us. 

Once in the living room, I softly pushed Tommy to the couch before rushing over to the TV and putting in a new movie I had yet to see and I knew that Tommy and Sam would enjoy it too. I turned back around and found Tommy sitting in the middle of the couch and Sam sitting to the right of him. I giddily took the spot open on the left side of Tommy and hit play on the remote. 

Once I had settled on the couch, I moved my arm to wrap around Tommy’s shoulders and pull him close to my side. Tommy gave me a confused look but I shrugged, “I wanted to be close to you and my husband, and this is the only way to do it.” At my words, Sam reached up and wrapped his arm around Tommy’s shoulder too, his arm resting on top of mine. Tommy seemed to accept my answer and settled down, almost curling closer into my side. 

The three of us mostly watched the movie in silence, laughing at the appropriate parts and joking about something the characters were doing. Toward the end, I felt something drop onto my shoulder. I looked over in confusion and felt my heart melt at the sight. Tommy had fallen asleep and in his exhaustion, he head had dropped onto my shoulder. I looked up and met Sam’s eyes, who was staring fondly at the two of us. 

“He really is like our kid sometimes” I whispered to my husband. His eyes didn’t leave Tommy’s form. “Yeah… Do you think that maybe… possibly… we could… ya know?” I knew what he was trying to say. “Really? You want to?” Sam’s eye flicked up from Tommy’s sleeping face. “Yeah, I really really do… Is that okay?” There was a moment’s pause where we both stared at each other, glancing down at Tommy before meeting his gaze again, “Of course that’s okay Sam. I really want to start a family with you. I love you so much” “I love you so much too baby.” Sam, as carefully as he could leaned across Tommy and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips before settling back in his spot with a grin on his lips. We were going to do it. We were going to start our own family. 

*Time skippppp*

Tommy was the first person we told when we had gotten confirmation that we were going to be parents. The two of us made Tommy’s favorite meal and told him that we were going to have a baby. “I’m going to be a big brother?” Tommy gasped in excitement. Tears filled my eyes at his words. Of course Sam and I considered him as a son, but we didn’t know he thought of us in the same way. “Yeah Tommy,” Sam chimed in, tears forming in his eyes as well, “You’re going to be a big brother” Tommy shot up from his seat and ran over to me and threw his arms around me. “Oh this is going to be so cool! I’ve always wanted a younger sibling and now I can finally have one! I’m going to teach them so many curse words!” That made the both of us laugh, “No you absolutely will not” I chided, laughter lacing my voice as tears began falling down my face. “Oh I absolutely will.” 

The next few months were spent preparing for the baby. Tommy was a great help. He spent a lot of days helping Sam extend our house and prepping a nursery for our new addition to the family. Tommy also spent a lot of time helping me. Making sure that I had everything I needed and that I wasn’t over exerting myself, which I found very sweet. Tommy did not leave our house during this time and so we decided to build another room for him to live in. 

Once the baby, a beautiful little girl, finally arrived, Tommy was so stoked. He almost never left her side. Tommy would spend several hours holding our little baby, Stella. There would be many nights where Stella would wake me or Sam up with her crying and by the time either of us got there, Tommy was already holding her, trying to sooth her crying. He was really truly the best big brother to Stella. 

“You guys haven’t had a proper date night in a long time yeah?” Tommy asked randomly one night as the four of us were seated at dinner. Sam and I shared a look before turning back to the boy who had become our son, “Yeah, I guess not huh?” Sam asked with a chuckle. I couldn’t help but chuckle as well as I fed Stella, “It’s been since… I don’t know, before we announced we were going to have Stella. But it’s alright, Stella has taken up a big part of our life and she needs a lot of attention, it’s what being a parent is. We’re alright” I told the boy, looking over and throwing a wink to Sam who threw one back at me with another chuckle. 

Tommy was silent for a moment, contemplating his next words before he spoke, “I mean… Maybe I could watch her for the night while you two go out and have a proper date night” Tommy offered. The offer surprised me. Because yes, Tommy loves his little sister and spends a lot of time with her, but he has only spent time around her when we were around as well. “I would be a really good babysitter too! I would make sure she was fed and she had a clean diaper and went to bed on time. I pinky promise!” Tommy rambles, trying really hard to convince us. 

I looked over to Sam who was already looking at me. I rose my eyebrow at him, and he shrugged in response before raising an eyebrow at me in return. I also gave him a shrug in response before we both turned back to Tommy. “Alright” we both agreed in unison. “After dinner we can pick a date and time, how’s that sound?” Tommy let out a cheer at Sam’s response, startling Stella a little bit. I giggled and quickly soothed her, getting her to go back to eating before looking back at Tommy, “I take that as a yes?” “Yes! Absolutely!” 

So the date was set. Next week the two of us would go out on a small date together, leaving both of our children behind back at the house. Each day that passed, Tommy grew more and more excited about the date. I honestly think that Tommy was more excited about our date than we were. Once the day finally arrived, Tommy practically shoved the two of us out the house, slamming the door closed behind us. 

I couldn’t help but hesitate to leave the front of our house. Sam immediately noticed and wrapped his arm around me and pulled me along the path, “Come on hun, they’ll be fine. You know Tommy loves her and wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” I let out a sigh but nodded and rested my head on his shoulder, “You’re right. You’re right. I’m just nervous about leaving her,” I admitted. Sam let out a hum and leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head, “I know baby. Me too, but Tommy’s got this and if he needs anything, he knows to get a hold of us.” I nodded once more, “Yeah… Yeah okay. Okay… Let’s go have fun baby.” “Let’s do that”

The two of us left the house, only glancing back one time each to make sure the house was still standing until we were out of view of it. Once we could no longer see the house, the two of us began to focus on each other and our date night. We allowed ourselves to get lost in each other and go back to the giggly cutesy couple that the two of us were before we had our baby. Not that we’re still not giggly or cutesy, it’s just that we have definitely been more stressed due to our child. But we were able to have an actual, proper, date night with no screaming kids interrupting our kisses or hugs. It was actually really nice and relaxing. 

When the two of us came home, it felt like we were on cloud nine. For the first time in a long time, we didn’t have to worry about either of our children. We knew where the baby was and that Tommy was taking care of her to the best of his abilities. The house was quiet when we walked in, which was a little weird. Normally, Tommy would be talking to Stella if she was awake, but if she wasn’t he would have put her in her crib and come back downstairs to watch a movie or something… But the TV wasn’t on and he wasn’t talking. 

“Tommy?” I called out softly through the house. No response. “Tommy?” Sam tried, his voice also soft. Also no response. “Maybe he’s asleep?” I murmured, walking forward further into the house, Sam following behind. “Maybe. But that would be weird too, he usually never goes to be without telling us goodnight.” “Maybe he’s trying something new” “Maybe.” 

The two of us walked through the house quietly, looking for any sign of Tommy or Stella. Sam and I parted ways as we walked through, Sam went to the kitchen and I went to the living room. My eyes scanned the room and immediately stopped on the most adorable sight I had ever seen on the couch. I poked my head out of the living room and called to my husband softly, “Sam. I found them,” I whisper shouted causing him to step out of the kitchen. “Yeah? They in there?” “Yeah… Come look.” Sam quickly walked down the hallway and peered into the living room. “Oh my gosh” he whispered as his eyes met the sight, “I know right?”

There on the couch was Tommy and Stella. Tommy’s head was tilted back onto the back of the couch and baby Stella rested on his chest. Tommy’s hands rested protectively on Stella’s back holding her close to him. Small snores were falling from the young blonde’s lips as he peacefully slept on the couch. Over Tommy’s shoulder, a burp rag rested and beside him a half drunk bottle lay on it’s side. It seems that he was trying to get her to eat, but she just wanted to snuggle and sleep. 

“He really is the best big brother that anyone could ask for,” I whispered to my husband who hummed in agreement, “He really is. They’re the best kids that parents could ask for.” Kids. Our kids. They are our children. A small tear made its way down my cheek causing me to let out a sniff, “yeah, they really are.” Sam looks over to me and chuckled, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. “You big softie” he teased, leaning down and pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Oh hush, you’re the same way,” I mumbled, my face pressed into his chest. I felt a chuckle rumble through his body as he laughed at me, “Yeah… You’re right. You’re 100% right.” 

We stood there for a few moments longer before I let out a small yawn. “Tired?” Sam asked, pulling me away from the hug slightly to look at my face. I gave him a small nod and a tired smile, “Yeah, I had a really fun day with this really cool guy and now I’m a bit tired,” I told him. Sam laughed and pressed a small kiss to my forehead. “Wow, that guy sounds pretty cool,” Sam claimed, going on with the joke. “He really is. I love him lots, we have two children together that we should probably put to bed right now.” Another laugh escaped his lips, “I’m sure he loves you lots too. And I’m sure he’d agree with you about getting the kids to bed. I bet he would suggest you get Stella and he get Tommy.” It was my turn to laugh at him, “Yeah. I would definitely agree with that,” I giggled. Sam gave me a soft smile before leaning down and giving me a soft and slow kiss that I instantly returned. “I love you so much” “I love you too” 

After we broke apart, the two of us softly moved to the children that were knocked out on the couch. Ever so carefully, I peeled Tommy’s hands from his sister’s back before picking her up and tucking her to my own chest and stepping away from the couch. Sam quickly took my spot and ever so slowly and carefully picked up our son bridal style. We carefully made our way to our respective child’s room. I carefully laid Stella down in her crib, tucking her in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, and leaving the room. 

I made my way to Sam and I’s shared bedroom, quickly getting ready for bed and crawling into bed before Sam entered the room as well. We were silent as he got ready for bed and crawled in next to me. “Have any troubles?” I whispered, curling myself into his chest. Sam’s arms immediately wrapped around my body, cuddling me closer. “No, you?” “Nope. All good on the Stella front.” “Good” 

We were silent for a little while longer, his hands rubbing up and down my back softly, lulling me closer to the edge of sleep. “I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you,” Sam murmured after a while, breaking the silence. “For what?” I responded sleepily, confused at what he was saying. “For this. For letting Tommy in our home. For Stella. For giving me family.” A soft warmth filled my whole body at my husband’s soft confession. I carefully pulled my head from his chest and peered up at him softly, “Oh baby. You don’t have to thank me for that… It was just a part of your decision as it was mine. We’re in this together babe. You and me, it’s our family. Our little family.” 

I tilted my head up and Sam got the message. Our lips met in a soft but passionate kiss. The kiss said everything. “Thank you” “You don’t have to thank me” “You’re my family” “I love you” Another wave of warmth flooded my body, making me feel cozy and warm. It was a feeling that I never ever wanted to leave my body. It was a feeling that could be caused by no one else, only my husband, the love of my life, my everything. “I love you so much” Sam murmured against my lips. “I love you too. So much more.” 

Well that ending sucked… lol but there you have it! I really hope you enjoyed it! If so be sure to leave a like or maybe even a reblog!!

[twofrontteethstillcrooked]

18 Oct. Suptober: Inferno

"So you decided to open with tentacle porn?"

s13 au: deancas, nsfw-ish

Cas said, "I have been considering our first sexual encounter," which caused Dean to swallow coffee directly into his lungs.

It took him two minutes to stop coughing. Cas thwapped him on the back once but otherwise waited with his hands wrapped around a ceramic cup.

"We haven't had a first sexual encounter," Dean finally choked out.  

Cas smiled down at his own less lethal legal stimulant beverage. "I know. I've been thinking about what I could bring to the table."

Dean wondered if Cas was using that adage correctly. "What do you mean?"

"I have seen much of human copulation over the centuries," Cas said, seemingly without finding the topic taboo for the breakfast nook. "In times past I would've said I found the notion of sex to be, at best, of limited interest."

Tamping down the urge to start screaming, Dean said, "And you've changed your mind?"

Cas looked at him with a kind of quiet surety. "Oh, yes."

This wasn't exactly news to Dean. They'd acknowledged their love, friendship, and devotion to one another. They'd made out in the Impala backseat, counted stars from a picnic blanket in a field of wildflowers, held hands while watching Support Your Local Gunfighter. They'd slept tangled in the same bed for a couple of weeks in a row. They'd drifted closer and closer together in homey fidelity no less potent for having been, thus far, chaste (or chaste-ish, anyway; what he'd learned waking up with Cas spooned around him seemed exceptionally promising). 

Dean had never felt more patient: they were twining their lives together in permanent and inextricable ways, and it felt like everything he'd ever wanted and everything he'd long thought he could not have.

The steady heat in Cas's eyes pierced him through with a whole other level of desire.

He meant to respond with more than a shaky sigh and an inability to stop staring, but wasn't fast enough before Cas was saying, "Given your predilection for tentacle porn, I thought perhaps we could start there."

Dean experienced a real life record scratch occasion. "...What?"

With grave somberness, Cas said, "My angelic grace can be used for a variety of extrasensory, even extra-dimensional, if you will, experiences. Though my true form is not imbued with the sorts of limbs common to this planet's array of creatures that would be categorized in the Cephalopoda class, I do have more limbs than you that can be utilized--"

"Uh," Dean said. He went offline for an undetermined amount of time. "--and it perhaps goes without saying that my stamina will far outpace yours, though of course I would not be opposed to resting for as long or short an interval as you deem appropriate--"

"Whelp," Dean said, as much as anyone has ever truly said such a word out loud.

"--a blazing inferno, a throbbing conflagration, if you will--"

"Please," Dean said, rallying his last lingering shreds of sanity, "please stop talking."

He put his face in his palms and his palms on the kitchen table and laid there in the comparable, uncomfortable darkness. After some period of time he realized Cas was stroking the space between his shoulder blades, a soothing motion that stoked warmth into Dean's chest.

He raised his head.

Cas's eyes were the darkest shade of blue, full of banked humor and an amount of affection Dean could barely begin to gauge.

"You are a very, very bad angel," Dean said, sounding to his own ears somewhat scandalized. Laughter started to bubble up inside him and he let it out in a helpless exhalation.

Cas grinned, somewhat bashfully. He thumbed the line of Dean's jaw. "My understanding of western culture is that mature adults in committed relationships are supposed to consciously communicate on matters of sexual intimacy. Except, god, that sounded awkward."

"So you decided to open with tentacle porn?"

Cas looked at Dean from beneath his eyelashes. "I could've began with a spirited treatise on the relative risk/reward ratio of sub/dom dynamics."

Dean's throat closed off as if to take the threat of drowning by coffee out of the equation. The rest of his body just blushed.

He recovered enough to say, "No-one who's ever wanted to get laid has ever used the phrase 'spirited treatise' as part of the seduction."

"No?"

"No," Dean said firmly.

"What would you want me to say, then," Cas asked. His voice was low and lilting and he'd pressed himself very near on the bench. "If I were trying to seduce you."

Dean gave himself the opportunity to think through what he wanted to say.

When he'd mostly decided, he pitched his voice as low and soft. "It's not… I get it. We're transitioning, right? This whole thing where we…are together together, it's been so good, and I get that we're supposed to talk about this shit like responsible grown-ups and enthusiastically consent, and that stuff's great, it really is." He cupped the back of Cas's head and rubbed at his silky little curls. "But if you're asking for my honest preference?"

Cas nodded, face full of vulnerability. He looked at Dean in a way that made Dean ache everywhere, in more than one way.

"Then I think you should simply tell me what you want," Dean said.

Cas nodded again. After a second, he slipped an arm around Dean's waist and leaned forward, put his hot mouth against the shell of Dean's ear.

Dean shivered all the way down. 

"What I want," Cas whispered, "is for us to go to into the bedroom, undress each other, and fuck until neither of us can stay awake a moment longer."

Minutes later, Dean realized it wasn't going to be his night for responding verbally in a timely fashion -- he was too busy coaxing Cas's tongue into his mouth for speech. He didn't think Cas minded, on either count.

[write-like-you-mean-it]

Streets (Shalnark x Reader)

This is a commission piece from @pastelbear12. It is a part 2 to Pretty Little Psycho. If you would like to commission me, here's a link to my commission page. I hope this kills you Sophie.

Pairing: Teasing!Shalnark x female reader

Warning: Teasing Shalnark, bondage, public sex, choking, daddy calling, very dom Shalnark, this is pure smut.

Word Count: 2610

You let your head duck under the red rope as you held tightly to the blonde in front of you. His face lit up with a wild, untamed excitement. You felt a tight squeeze on your wrist which matched the same tight lipped grin. Shivers ran down your body at the choice you made.

“Hey Shal,” called one of the men still stuck in line. The taunt left his face as Shanark faced his peer. The taller and muscular blonde who’s name was Phink motioned towards the entrance of the club. “You know the boss’s mission.”

Shanark waved away the notion. “You have enough people. Tell the boss I’ll be back later.” His gaze flickers to your own. “I have a more important mission to attend to.”

The music bumped through the speakers as Shalnark dragged you across the floor towards the bar. Not much was different between the two places beyond the line to enter was much shorter and there was a lack of a friend by your side. If you’d not been caught up in his hazel eyes, the terror may have set in by now.

Heavy bass swam between dancing bodies, flirty conversations, and frat boys chugging beers. You could almost hear it over the steady beat of your own heart. Your breath was shaky from the walk over and getting caught looking too long at the blonde man.

“What do you want? He asks while leaning his back against the bar. His arms planted across the empty space of the bar. “Or would you rather I pick for you?”

“I would-” You didn't have a chance to respond as Shal caught you off guard. Although you were going to respond, you didn’t know what you were going to say. Would you allow him to choose for you or would you rather choose something for yourself.

“Or are you worried I’ll spike your drink?” His eyes flicked up and down your body as if he was taking in a beautiful view. “Don’t worry. I’d like you to remember who will leave bruises all over your body tomorrow.”

An involuntary whimper forced from deep within your core. His words made your choice for you. “You can choose.” You almost couldn’t recognize your own voice. It was hoarse as if your throat was starving for water and squeasy as if you needed to gasp for air.

Shalnark reaches over to bush his thumb over your burning cheek before lightly gripping your chin to look up at him. “Seems like you may need water more than anything else. Wouldn’t want you to be too dehydrated for me.” You squirm away from his touch only to have him hold your jaw tighter. “I didn’t say you can look away, did I?”

“No,” you whisper. Shal’s thumb moved to your lips. They part when his finger presses lightly on the bottom lip to wetten them with your own saliva.

He chuckles: “Good girl.”

The blonde stranger’s words catch the breath in your chest which causes you to inadvertently cough and squirm away. “I’m sorry,” you mumble as you try to find a safe hiding place for your eyes that’s not the burrowing gaze of the man in front of you.

“No need to be sorry, princess,” he says while motioning to the bartender. He orders two waters. Shalnark ignored the rolling eyes of the worker,

“You didn’t order anything for yourself?” you question.

“No. I want to be coherent too. Any drinks and you may squirm away from me too much.” Your weight shifted between your feet. Before the bartender could return, Shalnark leaned in right next to your ear and mumbled “not that you aren’t already squirming for me.”

Your lips part to respond as the bartender sets down two bottles of water. Shalnark picks up both and hands you the other one.

“Anything else for you two?”

“Not now. But keep an open tab. I’ll be back for more.” The bartender takes this as his cue to find other patrons who will pay more. Your partner uncapped the lid and drank the full bottle down with almost no stops.

“Trying to impress me?” you tease while upcapping your own bottle. You take a few sips to try and cool your heat-filled cheeks.

“No,” he says while looking disinterestedly at the plastic in his hand. “I’ll need an excuse to use the restroom later. It’ll look suspicious if I take you to the bathroom the moment we walk in.”

Your nose scrunches while putting the bottle back onto the counter. “Why would you..?”

“Don’t tell me you’re that oblivious, princess,” Shalnark says. His tongue reaches out to wet his lips. The blonde’s pupils were blown as he leaned over the bar and into your space; making sure there are no gaps between you. Fear sends a chill down your spine. “I’ll want to take that pretty dress off and do unspeakable things to you.” Your grip tightens on the plastic as some of the water splashes onto your dress. “Ah now you have to come with me. We have to dry off.”

Shanark’s hand rested once again in your trembling hand as the bottle was left on the bar. Part of you hoped you’d never see that bottle again.

The swinging door finally closing was the last barrier between the two of you. Shalnark roughly gripped the clothing that guarded your hips and pulled you into a rough kiss. His force knocked the wind out of your chest. His body cages you against the door; although, that’s not what you would call it. Your arms were wrapped tightly around his neck

For his stature, you weren’t expecting his hands to be forceful enough to pull you against his own. You could have sworn you heard a tear of fabric as Shalnark looked for the skin of your back or hips. You wouldn’t be one to look at it until much later. Instead, you focused on the warmth pressing on his lips and warm breath against your own.

“Shal,” you groan while hiking your legs higher. He took the cue and pushed his full weight into your to lift your body so that you can wrap your legs around his waist. Your dress shifts up to around your waist.

You whimper while feeling his cock pressing into your thigh. Thick enough to feel it was semi hard. Your hips inadvertently grinded against the man. Shalnark pulled away from your lips with only a string of saliva and a whine to replace the once filthy noises.

“Did I tell you to grind against my dick?” he asks. His grip tightens against the small of your back.

“No?” you question. Your mind is a little hazy and lustful.

“No…” Shalnark’s voice trails off with a commanding expectation.

“No, master?”

“Better. But I’m looking for a word that starts with d.”

You could feel yourself absentmindedly closing your legs to gain any friction on your already wet pussy. “No daddy. You didn’t say I can grind against you.”

“Good girl,” he whispers against the shell of your ear. He peppers soft kisses against your lobe before ripping the little piece of fabric against your cunt. You squirm to try and close as the cold air hits your unclothed pussy. “Now. Hands up.”

You cock your head but comply. Shalnark shifts to hold you up by pressing your weight into the door. Your hands dangle above only for him to use your ripped underwear to tie your hands together. He ties them tightly while crossed. “Better,” he grunts before letting you down from his waist.

Shalnark strips the thin shirt and places it on the door knob. Your body trembles from the cool of the room mixed with fear of what could happen. He places a chaste kiss on your lips which leaves your head spinning and wanting more.“Knees, kitten,” the blonde commands and you follow.

When your knees hit the floor, you felt the force of the inability to use your hands. No matter how hard you tug, you cannot get released. You realized how under control you were of this strange man. The realization made your thighs slicker with your own wetness.

“Good little slut. I’ll treat you so nice if you suck my cock well.” Shalnark reaches a hand into your hair and tug it enough to look up at him. He chuckles at your open lips and doe-eyed look. The spider uses his other hand to pull out his throbbing cock. His tip was angry, red and leaking.

You wet your lips before kitten licking his tip. Shalnark hissed at the sudden touch. Curses escaped his lips and the grip on your hair tightened. You take this as a cue to keep doing a few test licks.

The salty taste edged you on to do broad stokes at the underside of his head. Without warning, the man shoves his cock into your mouth. “I’m done with your teasing kitten,” he grunts. “Treat me right.”

Your cheeks hollow as he pulls out of your warm mouth. Your tongue keeps flat against your jaw as Shal sets the pace. At first he’s kind by not shoving his full length in your mouth; however, this kindness doesn’t last.

One push is a little too far and causes you to gag around his length. This pushes the spider to go a little deeper. Your gag reflex would be your betrayal. Shalnark grips the back of your head to guide you at the pace he wants while your hands dig into his thighs. You could feel the trembling of his cock before he pulled away from your lips. Saliva runs down your chin and neck. Soon enough you kept your mouth open and let him use you.

“Fuck you got me too close princess,” Shalnark grunts while helping you to your feet. “Let me treat you to the same.”

At first, you were excited. Then you realized he didn’t cum. You got him close but not enough. Your eyes widen as he kisses your burning lips. “No daddy. I want to cum.”

“Good use of your word kitten,” he mumbles while dragging you to the sink. “I’ll let you cum if you do good. I promise.” His eyes twinkle with some miscivious thoughts.

He uses the sink as a way to prop up your body. You pray that it will continue holding your weight as Shalnark lifts your right leg over his sanding shoulder. This position creates a throbbing pull on your muscles.

A single finger dips into your dripping cunt. He’s teasing the outside as you quake against his touch. You pull at your restraints in hopes of helping him give you something to clench your walls around. “P-please,” you whine.

“Please what, princess?” Shalnark questions.

“Please touch me, daddy,” you cry. Your hips buckle against his touch. Shal hums but compiles. He moves a finger inside your warm cunt which causes you to gasp. Your back arches before hitting the glass of the mirror behind you with your exposed back.

Shalnark curls his finger and touches the spot that sends stars around your eyes. His finger picks up speed while moving in and out of your pussy. Whimpers and whines fall from your lips with little regard for who could hear.

Another finger is added to the one. His pace picks up. “Princess, you’re not ready for me yet. You have to take three of my fingers before being able to handle my cock.”

You whine again. Two felt like enough. You were spread and drowning in your own pleasure; yet, he refused to touch the bundle of nerves. You clenched down on his fingers. “You do that princess and I’ll make it four,” Shalnark whispers. Your pussy made slapping noises with each thrust of his hand.

For all you new, you could be covering his hand with your juices. You wanted to complain but Shal spread you more with a third finger. You clench at the small pain even though he slowed down.

“Doing so well, kitten.” Tears pricked your eyes. Soon Shal could move his fingers without you tightening around them. He took this opportunity to pull out his fingers and lick off any of the remaining juice.

He tears the underwear that holds your wrists. You had no objections as the binding was starting to hurt your arms and wrists. An acceptable pain that would leave bruises for days to come.

Before you could gain composure, Shalnark flips you over to look at yourself in the mirror. Mascara ran down your face from the tears of pleasure and slight pain. Your pupils were blown and lips plump from the barrage of his thick cock. The once beautiful dress was pushed away so that your tits were hanging out. You looked like a sweaty whore; however, your partner only looked hotter. Sweat dripped down his face and wetted his hair. He was filled with determination.

Your once bound wrists were tied by one of his hands behind your back. He uses the other one to line up his cock at your entrance. He traces your lips with the tip of his cock before pushing in. “Fuck,” you grunt while pushing your face more into the mirror. Shalnark uses the momentum of pulling your wrists to bounce you further on his dick.

“Oh princess, you feel better than I imagined,” your partner grunted as he slid out only to push back in. The hand not bound to your wrist slaps your ass at the same time his cock slammed into you.

He did this a few more times until the stinging pain was replaced by Shalnark fucking into you faster. Your whimpers turn into soft screams. Lewd slapping of skin and a few of the spider’s grunts echoed in the small bathroom.

Shal reached up to twist your head to look at yourself in the mirror. “Look at you princess.” He sticks a finger into your open mouth. Drool pools on the end of the sink. “Look at how much of a whore my pretty princess is. Drooling for my cock.”

His hand slid from your mouth to your neck. Lifting you up so that your back is flush against his chest. The hand that was on your wrists was repositioned to your clit. He rubbed rough circles in hopes that the growing tension in your stomach would break.

“Fuck ‘m close,” Shalnark grunts. His hand at your neck tightens around your airway while making it hard to breathe. It was all too much. Your clit, Shalnark’s hand, his thick cock fucking into you.

For the moment after you came, you swore you saw stars. Shalnark pumped a few more times into your cunt until he squirts his cum inside. He bites down on your neck to keep him from moaning. It wasn’t until he was coming down that he finally allowed you to take in the precious oxygen you desperately needed.

Shalnark’s teeth were replaced with soft kisses to your sweat covered skin. He pulled out of you once he and you had come down from your collective highs. Your shaking legs were covered in a mixture of your own cum and his. You shiver from the loss of him filling you up.

“Can you walk, darling?” the blonde questions.

“Yes?”

“Good because we’re going to a hotel. I’m not letting you go.”

“What about our bar tab?” Your question felt hoarse and tired. You had no more fight in you.

“Fuck the bar tab,” Shalnark says while handing you his shirt. “I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk tomorrow.”

Masterlist

[inactiveanimeblog]

goth ! itachi x cheerleader reader one shot

tw : sex, angsty if you squint, cheating, slight choking

A/N : i’m sorry, it’s very short but i’m just trying to get something out asap! i’ve been very busy pls don’t hate me.

it wasn’t always like this. you and itachi uchiha’s relationship. you both hated each other in the beginning, being so different from one another.

you the popular cheerleader with straight A’s. every girl wanted to be you, every guy wanted to be with you. you were hot shit and you knew it. getting the attention of anyone in the room as soon as you walked in.

itachi uchiha. the goth boy in your school. wearing black eyeliner and all dark clothing every single day. always had heavy metal blasting through his headphones. nails painted dark purple. he always smelt like cigarettes and cheap cologne. he disgusted you.

that was until you guys were paired on a poetry project together. you spent the entire week with him getting the project done for class. what you weren’t expecting was for him to convince you to fuck. and he fucked you ruthlessly. making you scream out his name in pleasure, while his hips snapped into yours, thrusting into you so deeply. so good.

ever since that week you and itachi have been sneaking around together, hopping on each other like rabbits every chance you got. you both promised to keep it a secret from everyone, especially since you had a boyfriend. kakashi, the most popular guy in school. it was a decent relationship, but he just wasn’t doing it for you. itachi was though.

nonetheless you could never be caught dead with him. if people found out you were fucking itachi uchiha, your precious reputation would be destroyed completely. and you just couldn’t let that happen.

you texted itachi to meet you at your house and to park down the street so no one would see his car there. it was 8:34 pm on a friday night.

your friends and boyfriend asked you to come out to a party with them but you played it off like you didn’t feel good tonight, meanwhile you and itachi were fully naked under your covers, making out.

you pulled away from the kiss and leaned your forehead against his. “baby stay here tonight, i don’t have plans, and my parents will be gone all weekend.” you said, gazing at his beautiful dark eyes, your fingers roaming through his long messy hair.

“yeah? you want me to stay over tonight?” he asked.

you hummed and nodded your head in response, licking your lips to once again go in for another kiss. before you could put your tongue in his mouth he pulled away and you pouted.

“so.. when are you gonna break up with your boyfriend y/n? don’t you think we’ve come far enough to where we can let our relationship be known.” he stopped talking for a moment before asking you “you love me.. right?” he’s gliding his hands along your exposed body, fingers softly trailing from your thighs all the way up to your breasts.

“itachi.. not yet. i promise one day i’ll break up with him and we can be together. but now is not the time. and of course i love you.” you assured him, while you were unsure of your own promises.

“but how long do i have to wait? don’t get me wrong i could wait forever for you, but i don’t want to share you with him.” the look in his eyes show confusion, sadness. you could tell he fell deeply for you. and you were all over itachi since the first time you guys had sex, but to come out with you relationship with him would have the entire school talking about you. negatively.

“soon itachi. i promise you. soon.” was all you answered with. you leaned up to peck him gently on the lips. his lips felt perfect against your own, molding together like you guys were soul mates.

itachi leaned down to your neck trailing wet kisses behind your ear to your collar bone, before stoking then slapping his hardened dick against your soaked cunt, teasing you with it. you moaned and lifted his chin up to look you in the lust filled eyes, silently begging him to stop teasing you and put it in. he didn’t wait another second to insert himself in, slowly entering you. your mouth hung open as each inch slid in. your hands cupped his face rubbing circles around his cheeks.

itachi set a fast pace immediately, not holding back the loud moans and curses coming from his mouth while you clenched around him. your voice filling the room as well.

“i—itachi baby. p—please please i love you.” you cried out while he rutted into you so deep hitting your cervix harshly. itachi wrapped his long slender fingers around your throat and squeezed it lightly.

“ohhh f—fuck y/n. i love you too. oh my— oh my god i love you so much. you feel so fucking good.” he moaned out, continuing his rough thrusts in and out of you. his voice is needy and rough, every emotion he felt for you showing through it. every word he said to you sounded like pure bliss. his moaning was beautiful heaven to your ears.

his forehead fell forward to yours as he moved his hands to your thighs. squeezing them so tight, it would definitely leave bruises.

“fuck baby. i wish i could just mark up your neck. make it known that you’re mine. all fucking mine.” he choked out.

with each and every thrust in you, you let out breathy moans. “itachi, soon i promise baby soon. i’ll tell everyone i’m all yours!” your near was coming. legs shaking around his torso, back arching pushing you closer to him. he took one of his hands and placed it on your swollen clit, rubbing circles around your sensitive bud. you whined as you became undone. eyes rolling to the back of your head.

itachi kept fucking you senselessly, fucking you through your high as his near was coming too. his hips slamming into yours and his groans coming out louder.

itachi’s thrusts were becoming sloppier, you slipped your bottom lip between your teeth as spurts of his cum shot out of his cock and inside of you. filling you up completely. he let out some shaky breaths before pulling out and collapsing on you.

you played with his hair while he laid on top of you. both of you breathing heavily and body gleaming of sweat. he thinks to himself that he could die happily in your arms right now.

“i love you.” he whispers, face buried in your neck.

“i love you too.” you respond, closing your eyes.

[sirthisisa-wendys]

The General (Part 7.5): Geto Suguru x Fem!Reader

synopsis: home is where the heart is... right?

wc: 1.8k

tw: nsfw (minors dni)

masterlist

Home.

“You can’t!” The choked words fall out of your mouth, and you fumble for something to say, anything that might change his mind. “Geto, I--” 

I don’t want to go home.

“You can’t change my mind on this, little one,” he whispers, reaching out to cup your chin and wipe a tear from your eye. “I can’t keep you safe while I’m not here. And the likelihood that the Emperor might try to attack the camp will be high while Gojo, Haibara, and I are not here.”

I can’t leave without you. 

“B-but Nanami--” 

“Is beyond capable of keeping everyone safe, but I want to know you’re more than safe. I can’t--” He inhales deeply, trying to find the words among the various others in his mind. “I can’t lose you.” You press both of your hands to his face and lean in to kiss him, holding onto him tightly as his arms snake around you. 

“Geto…” you murmur when you pull away, but he presses his lips against yours again before replying, 

“My first name is Suguru.” You kiss him again, running your hands through his hair and whispering his first name over and over again, like a prayer to gods you don’t believe in. His hands dip under the pelt you’re covered in, cupping your hips and pulling you on top of him as he lays underneath you. You continue to kiss him, feeling the evidence of his arousal fully against core. “Y/n…” he mumbles, placing a hand on your neck and you pull away, waiting for him to speak. “Y/n, do you know what you do to me?” 

“Great General, do you know what you do to me?” Suguru chuckles, holding your head against his chest. 

“I must restrain myself; I made a promise.” 

“Must you always keep your promises?” you groan as you look up, and he smiles a toothy grin. 

“Always. They’ve gotten me this far, haven’t they?” 

“Perhaps we need to… amend this promise.” There’s a certain glint in his eye that makes you think maybe… just maybe he might give in to you this one time. “I suggest that for tonight… we forget about this little promise.”

“Why only tonight?” he wonders, running his hands down your back. 

“Because it may be our last.” 

You’re flipped onto your back, and Geto - no, Suguru - hovers over you, his black locks falling over his right shoulder. “Our last, hm? Have you no faith in me?” You are about to answer, but Suguru presses his lips against yours - harder than before - and nips at your bottom lip. You open your mouth and let his tongue slide past your lips before you close your eyes. It’s all you’ve ever wanted, you think, and then your rational mind shuts down completely, giving way to your carnal desires. 

Hands begin to explore around each other’s bodies, drifting places they’ve only dared to go in your dreams. “Suguru, please,” you whine, and at this, something changes in him. He unties your kimono and splays you out across it, taking care to avoid jostling your legs too much. 

“You’re absolutely exquisite,” he hums, kissing down your neck and chest, until he’s made it down to your core. “I’m going to touch you now. Let me know if anything doesn't feel good.” You nod, and he dips a finger into you, eased in by the slick collected there. You arch your back slightly as he moves the finger in and out while kissing down your thighs. The movement strokes your insides like you’ve never felt before, and you whine loudly in response. Suguru coos down below you and looks up, his eyes trained on your face. “Does it feel good?” 

“Y-yes,” you choke out, and he presses another finger into you slowly. As his fingers move inside of you, a feeling of intense pressure builds in your stomach. When Suguru’s thumb brushes across the sensitive bud above your slit, you gasp - eyes closing as another wave of pleasure crashes over you. He continues his motions for a few moments, then removes his fingers from inside of you, sliding them into his mouth lazily as you watch, sucking them clean, and then sliding them back out. 

For some reason, that motion alone makes you feel even more aroused, and your face heats up at the sight of him stripping his hakamashita off slowly as if he were putting on a show for you. His eyes lazily roam over your naked body and he growls low in his throat; a heady sound that goes straight to your core. The umanori slides down his hips and his length springs free, fully hard. You look away quickly, unsure if you should even stare at him in such a manner, but his fingers guide your face back to his body. 

“You’re allowed to look just as I am.” 

“I… I’ve never…” you sputter, and Suguru taps your lips with a finger. 

“I know. We’ll take it one step at a time.” You nod, and he presses a long kiss to your lips, holding your head with one hand, and the other stroking his length. “But before I do anything, you have to do something for me.” 

“Anything,” you breathe and he dips down to your core again. 

“I want you to enjoy yourself.” His words are whispered against your slit and immediately, his tongue darts out of his mouth, shocking you into stillness. It isn’t long before your throat emits a strangled groan as his tongue ravishes you from top to bottom, and the feeling of pressure returns to your stomach. 

“Su-Suguru, I--” His eyes flick up to meet yours, hands holding your thighs against the sides of his face. “I don’t--” You gasp involuntarily, breaking all of the concentration you had to focus on the words coming out of your mouth. Suguru moans beneath you and blinks, but you’re bordering on losing your mind and too far gone to notice. When the tip of his tongue flicks your clit repeatedly, you tilt your hips up and exhale loudly, hands flying to Suguru’s head. You don’t know what’s happening to you, but it feels like you’re about to unravel and die right then and there. Your legs begin to shake and you’re worried that it’s very possible you could die, but you also don’t want him to stop. Your moans get louder and louder until you finally feel the snap in your stomach and you let out a near-yell and...

For an eternity, you are lost. 

There’s no war. There’s no village. There’s no you. 

Everything is endless, timeless, and you are one with the infinity of the universe. 

At least, for a few moments, you are. 

When you come back to reality, your hands are still on Suguru’s head, and he’s kissing the insides of your thighs with tender pecks, traveling up to your knee and back down methodically. 

“Are you alright?” he murmurs, and you shake your head ‘yes’ slowly. “How do you feel right now?” 

“I… I feel warm and calm…” you breathe, and he smiles down at you, lifting a brow. 

“Would you like to try something else? Or would you like to--” You reach up a hand a touch his length, pulling like he did before. Suguru groans and bites his bottom lip, watching you stroke him with a modicum of skill. It isn’t until you swipe your thumb across his head that you earn your first gasp of the night, and he hisses while inhaling. “I’m not going to last long if you keep doing that,” he advises, and you stop, waiting for him to make his next move. 

Suguru presses your legs apart and slides his length down your slit before looking up at you and whispering, “Tell me if this hurts at all.” In a slow thrust, he pushes into you and you bite your lip, trying not to cry out at the uncomfortable stretching sensation you feel. When he’s in enough, Suguru looks up at you and presses a hand to the side of your face. “Any pain?” 

“No,” you lie, hoping you could push through this. But as he slides into you, he only seems to get bigger and you close your eyes while he trails kisses down your neck and on your chest. “Ah!” you cry out when it becomes too much, and his eyes snap up to catch yours. His hips immediately stop moving, and he whispers apologies repeatedly, trying his best to soothe you. After a moment of stillness, you relax your muscles around him and he sighs. 

“We can stop here,” Suguru begins, but you shake your head ‘no’. 

“I want to keep going.” He kisses your cheek and begins to move again, thrusting in and out slowly. The moaning begins again, timed perfectly with his movements as he exerts an enormous amount of control over himself. His eyes are level with yours, examining your face while you memorize everything: how you feel, how he feels inside of you, the way he looks, the way his lips feel against your skin, his fingers that are laced through yours above your head… everything. 

You squeeze his left hand a little as a signal for him to pick up his pace, and somehow, Suguru understands you perfectly. The thrusts quicken, and soon you’re both making noise, responding to each other in turn. 

“Y/n…” he breathes, dropping his head into the crook of your neck. “Oh, gods, you feel so good.” Normally, any compliment would fall flat, but this compliment stokes the flames of desire in you tenfold. Your heart is beating wildly in your chest as his strokes deepen, pulling noises from your soul that you never imagined you could make. Suguru continues to praise you and your body, and when he whispers “you’re doing so well, my love” you’re done for. 

Your eyes roll to the back of your head and you cry out his name as if you were in pain. But every nerve in your body is alight as you tumble into the darkness again, your fingers and toes clenching painfully as you ride it out for the second time. The rhythmic clenching of your core around his length is just enough to tip you both to the brink of ecstasy. 

“That’s it…” Suguru pants, his hands tightening around yours. “Y/n, I… I’m going... to cum.” 

“Please, Su,” you plead, and he grunts loudly, leaning his head back as he pumps something warm into you. When he’s done, Suguru leans down and kisses you lazily while his fingers untangle from yours. After he flips you over onto his chest, he pulls the sheets around you two, and holds you close while stroking your back mindlessly. 

“How are you feeling?” he whispers, and you lace your arms around his frame. 

“I feel really good. You?” 

“I’ve never felt better,” he laughs, making his pulse quicken a little. “But get some rest, my love, and don’t fret. I will be here when you wake, rest assured.” Your eyes are already fluttering shut as he speaks, and soon, you’re drifting off to sleep in his arms, your old home a long forgotten concept because... this is home. 

_______________________________________________________________________

TAGLIST: @kamisamaundercover​ @jotazinha​ @just4readingfics​ @mxhi​ @sammytamaki​ @brownskinnedgirll​ @keelyshayee​ @leanne-tamashi​ @vabybizzle​ @amaris9​ 

[marvelsmylife]

Take a chance on me

pairing: Natasha Romanoff x reader

request: Hi! Can I request a Nat x fem reader? R is a teacher, & meets Nat when she visits her classroom. They flirt, but the reader turns Nat down. She has a 10 year old son (single mom) R likes Nat but is afraid to get their hopes up. Nat doesn’t give up, runs into them both getting ice cream. She joins them, Nat and her son hit it off, they head back to reader’s appt and Nat learns the truth. Nat says she wants them both in her life, she spends the night and they sleep together. Fluffy end please! 🙏 A/n this is another smutty Natasha fic that I can’t believe I actually wrote. I apologize in advance for the smut and if you are under the age of 18 please don’t read. I’ve had people in the past anonymously message me saying either their younger sibling or child was reading these types of stories and they are not ok with it.

When Natasha agreed to visit a fourth-grade class with the rest of the Avengers she didn’t expect to be attracted to the teacher. Natasha was surprised she was attracted to you because she typically went for a butch woman but thought you looked adorable in your floral dress and white cardigan. She hoped she’d be able to talk to you for a bit after their appearance but didn’t get her hopes up because they had a hectic schedule. Fortunately for her, Steve agreed to stay half an hour after their appearance with the class because you told the Avengers that your students planned a little party for them as a thank you. Natasha took this as her chance to steal you away for a few minutes before she had to leave. Unfortunately, when she was about to go up to you Wanda walked up to and started talking about what was like to teach so many children every day. Natasha glared at Wanda and was mentally cursing her out because she got to you before her. Since Wanda could read minds she looked over at Natasha gave her a nod so she walked up and asked: “I’m sorry Wanda but can I steal y/n for a few minutes?” Wanda nodded her head before you walked her over to the library corner of your classroom. You were happy that the other Avengers were in the classroom so they could distract the kids while you talked to Natasha. Throughout the entire party, you and Natasha talked about everything and anything. It’s been awhile since Natasha clicked with someone so when she noticed there were a few minutes left before she had to leave she decided to ask you out “Since I’m leaving soon what do you say we continue our conversation later tonight? Maybe over dinner and see where the night takes us?” Taken off guard by Natasha’s question you blinked several times before you responded “I’m sorry Natasha but can’t” you apologized. It’s not that you didn’t want to go out with her, god you really did but you were a single mother of a ten-year-old boy and he was your main priority. Sure you’ve had relationships after your sons' father walked out but they didn’t last once they found out you were a mom. “Can I ask why?” Natasha asked while she gave you a confused look because she thought you guys were hitting it off. “I just can’t ok” you snapped. Natasha flinched at your answer before she watched you walk away and started thanking the other Avengers for stopping by. Natasha spent the rest of the day thinking about your interaction in your classroom. She wanted to know why you rejected her because she knew there was a spark between the two of you.

The following afternoon Natasha went out for a walk to distract herself from thinking about you but just as she was passing an ice cream shop and spotted you hugging a young boy. Wanting to know who the little boy was, Natasha entered the shop and walked up to you “hey y/n” Natasha smiled when you looked over your shoulder and spotted her. “Natasha what are you doing here?” you asked and wrapped your arm around your son. Natasha elected to ignore your question and looked down at the young boy next to you “Who’s your friend?” Natasha asked. “I’m her son Alexander” the little boy held out his hand and introduced himself. “I love you and all of the Avengers.” Natasha shook his hand and smiled at him “Thank you. You know what, let me pay for your ice cream?” Natasha pulled out her wallet before you had the chance to answer “I don’t know how much their ice cream was but you can keep the change” the teenage employee looked like he was about to have a stoke when he noticed Natasha gave him a $100 dollar bill. “Would it be ok if I joined you guys?” Without a second thought, Alexander nods his head excitedly “can she join us, mom?” Alexander looks up at you and gives you his signature puppy dog eyes. Not wanting to disappoint your son you agreed “of course she can” you kissed Alexanders head and start to head towards the exit so you could eat it outside. Natasha was grateful that you agreed to let her hang out with you guys because she got to know you and Alexander in a deeper level. You were surprised that Alexander was so open with Natasha because he was usually very shy when he’s around someone he’s never met before. He when he wanted to ask someone a question he would usually whisper in your ear so you could ask. With Natasha though he was smiling from ear to ear as he asked Natasha about what was it like to be an avenger and if he could be one when he grew up. Before you knew it you and Alexander had been talking to Natasha for three hours. You could have spent another three hours talking but Alexander started tugging on your sweater and mumbled “Mom we have to go! Tommy’s sleepover is in a few hours and I haven’t packed my stuff yet.” Not wanting to leave Natasha just yet Alexander asked “do you want to come to our house? I can show you my avengers' collection while I pack my stuff for the sleepover.” “Only if your mommy lets me come over. I don’t want to go if I’m not welcomed by everyone” Natasha looked up at you and smiled. “Of course you can come over” you responded, “we better get going before Tommy’s parents stop by to pick you up”. You guys all got up and made your way to your car so you could head back home.

Half an hour later you guys arrived helped Alexander pack for his slumber party. It took you guys an hour to get him packed because Alexander kept showing Natasha all of his toys and continued to ask questions about the Avengers. Once Alexander left there was an awkward silence between you and Natasha before you decided to speak “so what do we do now?” “We can sit and talk about why you rejected me yesterday,” Natasha suggested and caused you to tense up. Patting the seat next to her on the couch you reluctantly walked over and sat next to her “Was it because of Alexander?” “Yes,” you answered honestly “99% of the people I’ve dated in the past left when I mention I have a son” you admitted while you looked into Natasha’s eyes. “I thought you were going to be one of the 99% so I said no so I could save myself from another heartache.” Natasha felt her heartbreak at your answer. You were such a sweetheart and the thought that people stopped seeing you because you had a son made her upset. “I promise I’ll never leave” Natasha whispered as she grabbed your hand kissed them. You wanted to believe Natasha but you heard that same speech before. “Do you really mean it? I don’t want you to get my hopes up.” “Yes, I mean it. I um can’t have kids so if you give me a chance I’ll treat Alexander as if he was my own son.” Natasha bit her lower lip when she realized she just revealed a secret, not even the Avengers knew. A wave of guilt washed over you at Natasha’s words “I’m so sorry” you apologized even though you didn’t have to. “It’s ok” Natasha let go of your hands and rested on of her hands on your jaw “just give me a chance and I promise I’ll make you and Alexander my priority.” Licking your lips you looked back and forth between Natasha’s eyes and lips “please don’t make me regret this” you replied before you leaned in and kissed her. It had been a while since you kissed someone so you didn’t hold back and took control. “I thought I was going to take control” Natasha laughed when you broke the kiss and started kissing your way down Natasha’s neck. “Sorry but I love being in control” you pulled away and took off your top. “You know what, let’s take this to my room. I have a very comfortable bed and my own toys I want to show you” you bit Natashas lower lip before you got up and dragged Natasha towards your bedroom. Your hands were all over Natasha as you guys entered your bedroom. Natasha in the meantime was undoing your jeans “I’ve been thinking about this pussy all last night and this morning. I want a taste before we do anything.” Natasha pushed you onto your bed and yanked off your jeans and panties. “But I want to be in control” you whimpered. Natasha just smiled and watched as you got comfortable on your bed “you’re going to pay for this.” “I’m sure I will” Natasha removed her top and bra before she settled herself between your legs. “Ohh god you smell so good.” Natasha rubbed her nose against your clit and teased your entrance. Without warning, Natasha inserted two fingers inside you and started flicking your clit with her tongue. “Fuuuck” you hissed and pulled on her fiery red hair. Looking down at her Natasha sent you a wink as she wrapped her lips around your clit and started sucking on. “You’re so wet baby” Natasha made a scissoring motion with her fingers. Abandoning your clit Natasha starting leaving hickeys on the inside of your thighs as if she was marking her territory. “Mmm, let's see what you taste like” removing her fingers Natasha licked her fingers clean and proceeded you eat you out. “Jesus fucking Christ” you screamed when you felt Natasha fucking you with her tongue. Natasha growled, “You taste so good baby, I’m not sure I’m going to leave this spot for a long while.” Natasha bit your thigh before she continued to go down on you. Natasha alternate between fucking you with her tongue and fingers. The sensation was too much for you and soon you felt yourself cumming “oh my god NATASHA ! ! !” you arched your back as you came all over Natasha’s face. “That’s right sweetheart, cum for me. You look so hot when you cum” Natasha praised you while licked up your cum. As soon as Natasha was done she kissed her way up your body. But just as she was about to kiss your lips you rolled you guys over so you were on top “smooth” Natasha laughed. “I know. Now hold the bars and close your eye” you instructed Natasha while you rubbed her clit slowly with your thumb. Doing as she was told Natasha held onto the bars on your bed frame and closed her eyes. Acting fast you got up and began to rummage through your nightstand until you found your handcuffs and the keys that when along with. “Y/n hurry up” Natasha whined but soon regretted saying those words when she felt the handcuffs around her wrist “Y/n, what the fuck” Natasha tried to get out of the handcuffs. All you could do was laugh at Natasha’s frustrated state “You might be used to being in charge when it comes to saving the world but right now, in my house, I’m in charge.” you leaned in and kissed her before you got up and walked over to your closet. “I have four different sizes of strap-ons and since I’m feeling nice I’ll let you choose-” “Fuck me with your thickest one” Natasha licked her lips and groaned she noticed I was holding a thick tan strap-on. “Moby it is” you waved the strap-on before putting it on. You watched Natasha biting her lip as she saw you lather the strap-on with lube and made your way over to her. “You’re going to love Moby. He’s my favorite because he makes the toughest chicks like you cry” you added on when you finally joined her and got between her legs. You started to tease her pussy with the tip you felt a sense of pride as you watched squirm at your action. “We’re alone right now so make as much noise as you want sweetheart” you bit Natasha’s lip before you thrusted inside her. “SHIIIIT” Natasha yelled. “Fuck me, hard baby. I love it fucking love it hard” She begged so you gave her what she wanted. Placing her left leg on your shoulder you found yourself getting turned on even more as you watched her breast jiggle every time you thrusted inside her. “as you wish little red” you fucked her as fast as you could. “YESSS” Natasha cried while she pulled on the handcuffs. The sound of your bed squeaking filled the room as you fucked Natasha faster and faster. You couldn't help but smile when you heard Natasha crying that it felt good. "Don't pull too hard or you'll hurt your wrist" you warned Natasha in between thrusts when you noticed she was pulling on them. "Please uncuff me" Natasha begged while she continued to pull on the handcuffs "please". “If you try anything I will spank you, got it?” Natasha enthusiastically shook her head so you pulled out and got the keys to remove the handcuffs. “Get on your hands and knees” you instructed and Natasha obeyed immediately. You waited until Natasha was comfortable before grabbed her hips and thrusted inside her again “shit ! !” Natasha cried. With Natasha’s cries and pleads for you to give her more as you fucked in different positions. You were surprised Natasha lasted so long because whenever you used Moby the person begged you to stop because it was painful. Not Natasha. She took him like a champ even though she was exhausted from cumming so many times. “I can’t anymore” Natasha whimpered as she slowly rode Moby. “One more time sweetheart, just one more time” you hugged Natasha’s sweaty body and placed a kiss on her lips. Hearing those words, Natasha looked into your eyes and started riding Moby as fast as she could until she felt herself cumming. “Oh god yesss” Natasha sobbed as she came hard. “You’re ok” you soothed her while you picked her up and laid her on your bed “I’ll be right back” you pulled out and Natasha let out a sigh of relief before you disappeared into your bathroom and came back with a towel. “Let me clean you up.” “You’re such a peach” Natasha sighed as you cleaned her up. “I know” you laughed softly and tossed the towel to the side and wrapped your arms around a tired Natasha. “We should really go to sleep, Alexander will be home in a few hours. Too tired to respond Natasha nodded yes before you fell asleep in each other’s arms.

[alj4890]

All Through The Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU fanfiction. 

A/N Other than my few Bloodbound shorts, I’ve never written anything with supernatural overtones before. After receiving requests to see Liam and Riley’s story if he was a vampire, this storyline was born. Since it is set in one of my favorite books from Pixelberry, I had to include as many of the main and supporting characters as I could. The following chapters will explain more where they and what our main characters are. Not going to lie, I am very anxious to step out of my comfort zone for this, but I’m also super excited to see how it goes. Along with The Royal Romance, I will be referencing and altering both The Crown and The Flame and The Royal Masquerade.

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Masterlist

Prologue

Once upon a time...

"Father!" Zenobia rushed down the stairwell. "Kenna is at the gates!"

King Luthor's frown deepened as he studied the places his troops had been destroyed. His hope to unite the five kingdoms and wipe off the abomination was for naught.

Kenna would not stop until he and his surviving offspring's heads were on pikes.

...until their blood filled the crystal goblets of the Dark Queen.

"What do we do?" His son, Diavolos, asked.

Luthor knew it was only himself Kenna wanted. After he had killed her mother, hoping to stop the monsters once and for all, Kenna would have her revenge.

If only he had known that she was a vampire...just like her mother.

"Listen carefully." His voice trembled at this possibly being the last time he was able to speak to his son and daughter. "A Nevarkis must always be ready to fight the creatures that prey on the weak and vulnerable."

"But..." Zenobia sniffed. "How? How can we possibly kill the unkillable?"

"She can be killed just like her mother before her." Luthor snapped. "Sunlight. A dagger to the heart. Cutting the head off." His features hardened with resolve. "Know that those are our true allies. Continue your training with daggers. Never stop being vigilant. Educate your children. And remember: where there's one vampire, many more lie in wait in the shadows."

Diavolos stepped forward and gripped his father's shoulder. "We will fight for you."

"No." Luthor corrected. "Fight for our people. The innocent. Fight for a chance to live without fear of monsters."

He cleared his throat. "If I should die--"

"Don't say that!" Zenobia screeched. "We'll be--"

"Kenna is coming for me." Luthor interrupted. "I know I must face the consequences of my actions."

"But--" Divalos lowered his head. "What are we to do?"

"Kill her." Luthor ordered. "Let your emotion be your strength." He took their hands. "And remember that a vampire is nature's evil incarnate. They will do whatever they want and kill anyone who they think is in their way." His voice turned to pleading. "Kill Kenna before she has a chance to kill you."

Zenobia nodded in a jerky manner. Diavolos swallowed with tears in his eyes.

"Good. Now prepare yourselves." Luthor pulled his sword from its sheath. "The devil herself is here."

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

Two years later...

Kenna cuddled her infant son, humming a lullaby.

Dom came in, a soft smile gracing his lips at the sight of his family.

"How are we this evening?" He asked, placing a kiss first on her lips then one on his son's forehead.

"A little fussy." Kenna explained. "But otherwise perfect."

"Good." Dom stretched then went to stoke the fire. "I will be going out later tonight."

Kenna's head jerked up. "Why? Are there more rumors?"

He nodded, a determined frown formed on his lips. "The Nevarkis brats refuse to let us live in peace." He moved to stand before the window that looked out toward the kingdom he had once lived in.

High in the mountains, the couple and those like them had found sanctuary. They built a kingdom, one of darkness and shadow that allowed them to live freely. He and Kenna were crowned the rulers, chosen by their people...those that were cursed as monsters.

"Si and I will be standing guard." He explained. "I will not risk you or our child."

"Dom..." Kenna pulled him close, capturing his lips in a long tender kiss. "This must end. I was foolish to let my need for revenge take over." Tears sparkled in her eyes. "Luthor might have left us alone if I had given him a chance."

Dom's face contorted into furious hatred. "A Nevarkis can never be trusted!" He gripped her waist, hands heating as he lost his temper. "He would have plunged a dagger into your heart the first chance he had."

"Dom." She said softly when he singed her clothes.

He wrenched his hands from her with a grimace. "I didn't burn you, did I?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine." She tried to lighten the mood. "Just a little overheated."

He took deep breaths to get himself under control. "Stay here where it is safe." His eyes searched hers. "Have you fed recently?"

"No, but I should be fine until you return." Kenna lifted a bottle with blood for their son. "I can call on one of the servants to help me if I need to."

"Promise me you won't go outside." He pleaded.

"Only if you promise to come back to me." She responded.

His lips quirked in that cocky smile she has always adored.

"Always, my queen." He kissed her once more, then slipped out the door to search out their enemies.

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

Present Day New York...

"Cordonia...land of both beauty and mystery." Riley wrinkled her nose. "Boring."

"No, it isn't." Hana argued. "I think that is the perfect beginning."

"Look at the comments from our last video." Riley swiveled her laptop so her friend could see. "People love our walkthroughs and all but hate my narration."

"Well..." Hana's brow furrowed. "Maybe we should try to add more to it than just narration." She pulled out some sketches. "We could add some animation of the history before showing our footage of the country."

"That might work." Riley mumbled, tapping her pen against her notebook.

The two set to work planning their next project.

After years of trying, they had finally achieved their dream of traveling for a living. The two college friends had taken every class they could on how to make their hopes into a reality. With Riley's love of history and business and Hana's talent with art and fashion, the pair had created a successful travel channel that showcased rarely visited countries and cities around the world.

Hana took care of all the shopping and dining found at their chosen destinations. Her "day trips" were hailed as must see for anyone planning a vacation. Riley took over for what could be found at night. Myths and legends blended in with what could be discovered once the sun set. A place's nightlife was thoroughly researched and reached a wide variety of their audience, causing many to plan a vacation just on her recommendations alone.

"Did your mom suggest where we should go first?" Riley asked, after skimming the same few articles about the elusive country.

"Not really." Hana hedged.

Riley glanced up. "Is she giving you a hard time again?"

"Yes." Hana slumped in her chair. "She told me to call when I was done playing tour guide."

"Geez." Riley grumbled. "Does she not realize that we have created a legit business?"

"Ladies shouldn't be involved in anything that does not pertain to their husband and family." Hana quoted. "I was supposed to have my debut to Cordonian society last year." Angry tears filled her eyes. "She still hasn't forgiven me for missing out on the Masquerade Ball."

Riley wrapped her in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry."

Hana patted her back. "Don't be. I finally feel like I can accomplish anything."

"That's because you can." Riley sat back with a grin. "Especially with planning out what we should focus on first."

Hana giggled as she went to search out some of her old books she had inherited from her grandparents. "These might help you with your part."

Riley's eyebrows lifted over the titles. "The Crown, the Flame, and The Night Queen."

"That is the earliest recorded story of vampires and monsters in Cordonia." Hana explained. "Queen Kenna Rhys and King Luthor Nevarkis both fought over uniting the kingdoms that make up Cordonia." She shook her head in disbelief. "There is a legend that Queen Kenna was a vampire that married a man who could transform into a dragon."

"For real?" Riley eagerly opened the book. "What happened?"

"Luthor died." Hana reached for another history book. "Some say it was a sword fight while others say she ripped his throat out with her fangs."

"Whoa. Either way, she sounds pretty epic."

"His son got revenge though." Hana flipped to another chapter. "He sneaked in one day and supposedly dragged Kenna into the sunlight. Before her husband could save her, she burned to ash."

"Brutal." Riley shivered. "What did the dragon do?"

Hana shrugged. "Supposedly he left with their child to protect him." She pointed at some drawings rendered from the Dark Ages. "Kenna's son came back to extract revenge. He eliminated one entire side of the Nevarkis family tree."

"And let me guess," Riley picked up another book. "The remaining Nevarkis's struck back?"

"It's supposedly been a feud for centuries between the Nevarkis and the Rhys' families." Hana pulled up an image on her phone. "Though one is currently ruling Cordonia."

Riley studied the image. "Queen Olivia Nevarkis. Looks like the Rhys lost the throne."

Hana shrugged. "There's a myth that they still rule Cordonia from the shadows."

"Mythical royal vampires, huh?" Riley laughed at the thought. "I hope I bump into one just so I can figure out who's really in charge."

Hana giggled at the thought. "You would be the only person to ask a logical, government question instead of the usual, whoa you're a real live vampire!"

Riley threw a pillow at her. "Hey! I can be calm and collected when faced with the unknown."

Hana threw the pillow back. "Tell that to the supposed haunted house we visited on our last trip." She broke out into laughter with Riley's defense that squeaking doors were the true villains. "On that note, I'm going to start packing. Our flight leaves first thing in the morning."

"I'll be ready." Riley promised.

Once alone, she flipped to a more current timeline of the supposed Dark Kingdom.

King Constantine Rhys the Third rules over what is his rightful kingdom. Rumors swirl that he is simply biding his time until he can eliminate the usurper, Queen Olivia Nevarkis, First of Her Name. The people know that one day, a Rhys will sit upon the throne, uniting the Dark Kingdom and Cordonia once and for all.

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

Cordonia's Royal Palace, 2 a.m.

"Heeeerah! Olivia threw her daggers as hard as she could while doing a roundhouse kick.

The blades struck into the chest, head, and groin of the makeshift dummy.

She brushed the few strands of red hair that had escaped her hair clip out of her eyes. With a great deal of scrutiny, she studied her dagger placement.

"The one to the head needs to go deeper."

She spun around with a start at that all too familiar voice.

"You're late." She folded her arms and tapped her foot.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. Had to stop off for a quick bite."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "That's not funny."

"Not that kind of bite." He teased, holding up a styrofoam box.

"Oh." She blinked in surprise. "I forget that you enjoy normal food too."

He chuckled at that. "There are certain foods that I don't think any man could ever give up."

Olivia decided to ignore that as she wiped the sweat from her face and neck. "Now that you're here, let's get the formalities over with."

"Very well." Liam gestured toward her. "You may go first."

She sat down on a bench lining one side of the palace gym. She motioned for him to join her.

"Not you!" She hissed when she saw his all too familiar guard.

Drake Walker bristled at her tone. His brown eyes clashed with her green.

"Give us a moment, please." Liam asked him.

"Don't let your guard down." Drake warned. "Remember, she's a Nevarkis."

Olivia tensed. "Perhaps you should remember what happened the last time you said something like that."

She quirked one eyebrow at the man and felt a sense of glee when he winced in memory.

His hand automatically drifted to his side where one of her daggers had once struck true.

With a quick bow to Liam, Drake stepped back out into the hallway.

Liam shook his head. "Are you two ever going to get along?"

"Stop talking stupid." Olivia snapped. "Now then, as you know...I must have my revenge."

"I know." Liam folded his arms and leaned casually against a column.

She eyed him for any sign of hatred.

It drove her crazy how unvampiric he could be.

He seemed almost human.

He seemed...kind.

A vampire is nature's evil incarnate. You can never trust a Rhys.

Those words had been drummed into her skull by her parents and then her aunt after their deaths by Constantine's hand.

And yet...Liam had done the unthinkable.

He had actually been a friend to Olivia.

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

The night after her parents' funeral, five year old Olivia had been sitting alone before the fireplace, weeping over them.

Her aunt had left her to deal with her own grief and to plan the next attack upon Constantine.

As she searched for a tissue, Olivia jumped back with a shriek at the little blonde haired boy that held the Kleenex box.

His eyes were filled with unshed tears as he handed her a tissue.

"Who are you?" She asked, remembering that a Nevarkis must always be brave.

"I'm Liam." He explained. "I wanted to...I wanted to tell you I'm sorry about your parents." He sniffed and took a tissue for himself. "My mom died too."

Olivia blinked and took a cautious step forward. "Are you...are you a vampire?!"

He nodded.

She whipped out the dagger her mother had given her and rushed at him.

Liam moved faster than she could comprehend, gently keeping her hand above her head.

"Let go of me, monster!" She ordered. "You're why I'm all alone!"

"I didn't do anything." He told her, anguish taking over his handsome features. "I don't want to hurt you or anyone."

"Liar!" She snapped. "That's what you do. Lie and kill." Her tears ran faster down her cheeks. "And now you'll kill me."

"I won't." He promised. "I swear I won't hurt you." He ignored his own tears trickling down his cheeks. His blue eyes burned with resolve. "My mother made me promise never to hurt a human."

Olivia shook her head. It had to be lies. Isn't that what vampires and monsters do? Lull you into letting your guard down so that they could have an easy kill.

"Your father will pay for what he did." She said, hoping to see his true, evil nature. "He must die!"

"I know." Liam slowly released her and took a step back.

Olivia watched in surprise as he sat down before her fireplace and pulled out a silk blue ribbon from his pocket.

He motioned for her to join him.

She slowly lowered herself down, dagger poised in her little fist in case he made a move.

"May I have your hand, please?" He asked.

He patiently waited on her to decide whether or not to give it to him.

She tentatively placed her hand in his.

His lips turned up into a relieved smile as he wrapped the ribbon over their joined hands.

"What are you doing?" She asked, lowering her dagger.

"Making a bond." He explained. "I, Liam Rhys, Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom, promise to never seek out revenge and to end all vendettas against the Nevarkis family." His blue eyes held her green. "Just as my mother, Queen Eleanor wanted me to."

Oliva's lips parted. "You mean it?"

"I do." Liam's voice held a great deal of sincerity. "I would rather walk into the sun than not do as she asked."

"Oh." Olivia sniffed. She could understand that kind of devotion.

"Do you," Liam's cheeks colored. "Do you think we can be allies?"

"A Nevarkis will never be friends with a monster." She repeated the rhetoric that she knew by heart.

"But," Liam's shoulders slumped. "We're not all bad."

"All monsters are bad at heart."

"I'm not." He pouted. "I don't want to be."

"You're so weird." She muttered.

"Am not." Liam grumbled. "I hope I'm not."

Olivia looked down at their hands still bound together. "I guess since you promised something, I should too."

He didn't bother to hide his surprise.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I, Olivia Nevarkis, The Crown Princess of Cordonia, swear that after I kill Constantine Rhys, I will lay down my weapons." Her brow furrowed. "I'll pick them back up though if you or any other monster tries anything."

Liam's smile grew. Before she could react, he tugged her into a quick hug.

"Now we can be friends!" He cheered.

"Friends?" She shook her head. "I'm a Nevarkis and you're a Rhys. We can't be friends."

"We will be." He vowed, jumping to his feet. "I have to go before Father finds out I've sneaked out. I'll try to come back in a few nights."

Olivia didn't have a chance to tell him whether or not she wanted him to. In the blink of an eye, he had jumped from her balcony and was already out the palace gates.

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

That had been the beginning of Liam's visits. Through the years, he had remained true to his promise. He did all he could to befriend her and never tried to sway her from seeking vengeance.

Olivia had once asked him how he could take her threat against his father so easily.

He had merely shrugged, explaining that he knew it was the way of things. His father had killed both her parents, while he had only lost one. He hoped she didn't since he did not wish to see his father or her dead.

Olivia had then told him again how weird he was, bringing another smile to his lips.

And now here he was again, calmly taking her promised vengeance well.

"So what business brings you here tonight?" She asked.

"Father thinks it is time I chose a wife." Liam responded. "I thought you should know that I will be spending more time in your kingdom to find one."

Olivia shot up off the bench. "What? But you promised to never hurt a human!"

"And I will keep true to that." He explained.

"But..." Olivia's brow furrowed. "You'll turn her into a vampire."

"Only if she wishes it." Liam explained. "I won't force her to make such a decision."

"I see." She began to pace while thinking. "You'll have vampire children."

"Only if she's a vampire." He reminded her. "Remember my brother."

Olivia paused. She had forgotten about Leo Rhys, The Great Disappointment of the Dark Kingdom. His mother had begged Constantine not to turn her. It had never been asked before, and in his mercy he had agreed. That was when they all discovered that a monster and a human could only produce a human child. In order for the heir to the Dark Kingdom to be a vampire, both parents had to be the same being.

"And you'll be fine having human children?" She asked. "If you're chosen bride refuses the Vampire's Kiss?"

"Of course." He responded.

"Lord, you're so weird." She muttered.

His smirk flashed. "Let's hope the woman I choose doesn't think so."

"Are there no women in your kingdom you can choose from?" She asked.

"I've looked." He shook his head. "It's hard to explain, but if one doesn't have an arranged marriage, then we must search until we see the one meant for us."

"And you somehow got weirder." She brushed her hands down her pants and held one out to him. "Good luck, I suppose."

"Thank you." He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. "I'll keep you updated on my progress."

"There's no need."

"Of course there is." He winked at her on his way out. "We're friends."

Her lips parted to once again remind him that they couldn't be. For some reason, she decided not to say it.

Liam had somehow wormed his way into her life and had become the closest friend she had ever had.

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

The Lee Residence, Shanghai, China...

Lorelei paled as she reread the report. 

It can’t be. Not Now!

Of all the times for this to happen, it would be when her stubborn, foolish daughter decided to visit. 

Given the nature of her relationship with Hana, she knew that there was no way she could convince her to postpone her trip to Cordonia. 

There was only one course of action left to take. She would have to call the one man who was capable of protecting her daughter. She would promise hiim anything as long as he kept Hana out of Liam’s clutches. As much as wanted her to give up this ridiculous hobby she called a job and settled down with the right sort of man, she would never put her in the path of becoming the next vampire queen. 

Setting down the packet of information from one of her informants, she checked to make certain no servant was out in the hallway and then searched for the needed phone number.

Taking a deep breath, she placed the call.

Her trepidation grew when he didn’t immediately answer.

"Hello."

"Lord Beaumont?" 

"Yes." She could hear a door closing in the background. "Who is this?"

"Lorelei Lee." She replied.

"Lady Lorelei." He responded with a recognition. "How can I help you?"

"My daughter and her friend have got it in their heads to come visit Cordonia." She began. "I'm not certain how long they intend to stay, but I was hoping that I could retain your services."

"For what exactly?" Lord Beaumont asked.

"Protection." She replied. "I have heard through certain channels that the dark prince is beginning to search for a bride." She took a deep breath. "We do NOT want our daughter anywhere near that vile creature."

"I understand." He replied. "I usually don't do personal security. With my brother, Bertrand, retired," he hesitated, "it is left up to me to help protect Cordonia's borders."

"My husband and I would be in your debt if you could watch over her in the evenings." Lorelei cajoled. "I've heard that your brother is planning on extending his vineyards. We would be more than happy to invest in the production and distribution of his sparkling wine. Perhaps even let it be the only sparkling wine we serve in our hotels."

"Send me her information and picture. Call her and tell her that since our family is an old friend of yours, that I've volunteered to show them around. Find out where she's staying and when she plans on arriving."

"Oh thank you, my lord. We--"

"I'll also need a contract prepared and signed for all that you offered." He added.

"Yes of course. I'll get everything to you at once." She promised.

Once he ended the call, she sank back down onto her chair. 

She bowed her head and began to pray that her daughter came to no harm these next few weeks. To lose Hana to one of the many creatures that roamed the night in Cordonia was too horrible to even contemplate.

If anyone could keep her daughter safe then it was none other than Lord Maxwell Beaumont.