#i reckon I'll watch the last one tomorrow!!!!

[barkingangelbaby]

watching seven hours of lotr today was good for my soul <3

[amirasainz]

Hey sweetie, could you do more Kelly and max with reader please, reckon their underrated

FLUFF!!! Enjoy reading and let me now if you have some requests. I will take a short break from writing to focuse on my lasts exams. But afterwards, I'll write all of your requests.

-XoXo

No Part 2!!!

Sunset Serenade

Max Kelly and Amira had always been inseparable. Their love story was etched in the sands of time, and the beach was their sanctuary—a place where laughter danced with the waves and secrets whispered through the salty breeze.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Amira Luxury Resort’s private beach. Max, with his sun-kissed hair and easy smile, spread a blanket on the sand. Kelly, her eyes the color of the Aegean Sea, unpacked a picnic basket filled with fresh fruit, cheese, and a bottle of chilled wine.

Amira, radiant in her sundress, twirled toward them. Her laughter echoed as she skipped across the sand, her feet leaving delicate imprints. Max and Kelly watched, hearts swelling, as she spun like a dervish, her joy contagious.

“Look at her,” Max whispered to Kelly. “She’s our sun, our moon, our everything.”

Kelly nodded, her fingers brushing against Max’s. “We’re lucky, you know. To have found each other and to share this paradise with Amira.”

As the sun dipped lower, they settled on the blanket, toes buried in the sand. Amira strummed a guitar, the notes blending with the rhythmic lapping of the waves. Kelly leaned against Max, her head on his shoulder, while Amira sat cross-legged, her eyes wandering towards the horizont.

“Sing for us, Schatje,” Max pleaded, his voice like a seashell pressed to her ear.

And so, Amira sang—an old spansih ballad of love and longing. Her voice carried across the beach, weaving through the palm trees and reaching the distant cliffs. Kelly hummed along, her eyes never leaving Amira’s face.

The sky transformed—a canvas of pastel hues. Pink melted into orange, and the sea mirrored the colors, as if the universe conspired to paint their love story. Amira’s fingers danced on the guitar strings, and Kelly’s heart swelled. She knew this moment was fleeting, yet it held eternity within its grasp.

After a while, Amira leaned against Kelly, her head resting on her chest. “Tell me a story,” she whispered.

Kelly glanced at Max, who nodded. “Once upon a time,” Kelly began, “there were three souls entwined by fate. Amira, the poet, sang of love. Max, the racer, painted sunsets. And I, the dreamer, wove their stories into constellations.”

Amira’s eyes sparkled. “What happened next?”

Max leaned in, his lips brushing Kelly’s temple. “They danced under the moon, their laughter echoing across the waves. And when the stars blinked awake, they made promises—of forever, of love that transcended time.”

Amira sighed, her fingers tracing patterns in the sand. “I want that,” she said softly.

“You have it,” Kelly whispered. “In every sunrise, every shared smile, every stolen kiss.”

As darkness settled, they huddled closer, wrapped in the cocoon of their love. Max hummed a lullaby, and Amira’s eyes fluttered shut. Kelly pressed her lips to Max’s, tasting salt and sweetness.

“Forever,” Max murmured against her mouth.

“Forever,” Kelly echoed.

And so, they sat—a trio of hearts, bound by love, watching the stars emerge one by one. The waves whispered secrets, and the moon painted silver trails on the water. Amira slept, her dreams filled with sunflowers and seashells.

As the night deepened, Max and Kelly held hands, their love a constellation in the vastness of the universe. They knew that tomorrow would bring new tides, but tonight—the beach, the music, and the magic—belonged to them.

And so, they stayed, under the star-studded sky, doting on Amira, their love story etched in the sands of time.

[wizardofgoodfortune]

Gonna go ahead and ask you #58 on your Spotify wrapped while I'm thinking about it

#58 on my top songs is mirrorball by taylor swift! this is definitely one of my fav songs from her, if not The Favorite; a vivid music video plays out in my head every time i listen to it. here's my favorite part from it, which can definitely lend itself to particular dreamling scenarios... like 1989.

And they called off the circus, burned the disco down When they sent home the horses and the rodeo clowns I'm still on that tightrope I'm still trying everything to get you laughing at me I'm still a believer but I don't know why I've never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try I'm still on that trapeze I'm still trying everything to keep you looking at me

---

When his stranger didn't show up in 1989, Hob spent the whole day waiting for him. The whole night, too. He heard the last call but stayed long after, until the bartender—Ian was his name, Hob learned at one point—had to kick him out so they could lock up. To Ian's credit, he did it with his most apologetic face.

"Sorry, Hob," Ian said as he locked up the front door of the tavern. "Feel free to come back 'round tomorrow. Promise the place'll still be here by then."

Hob, who was hovering listlessly beside him, gave him a smile. "You'll regret you said that."

Ian laughed. "I'll never regret having more regulars. God knows we need it."

Hob frowned. Right. He nearly forgot about that.

"Need a lift?" Ian offered, fishing out a different set of keys from inside his pockets. "You've drunk quite a lot."

"I'm fine, I just need to—" Hob took a deep breath, "—I need to walk it off."

Ian narrowed his eyes. "Sure? I better not read about you in the papers tomorrow."

Hob snorted. "Trust me, you won't."

With that, Hob stood in front of the tavern and watched Ian drive off, until the old man rounded a corner and disappeared.

Now that he was alone, Hob slumped down on the damp ground and leaned against the front door. They've probably replaced this door more times than he could count, along with the rest of the tavern. Century after century, Hob saw less and less of what used to be here 600 years ago: the chairs, the tables, the mugs, the godawful drinks. The closest thing to permanence this tavern had was its name, and, up until tonight, his stranger. And soon, it wouldn't even have itself.

Hob reached into his coat pocket and took out his lighter and a carton of cigarettes. As he watched London's everchanging skyline glitter above the Thames, he lit a cigarette, the orange of it glowing in the dark. He sat there, waiting, waiting, waiting. He was good at that, at waiting. All you had to have for waiting was time, and Hob had it in abundance. So he waited until the sun rose, until the streets came alive with cars and people, until Ian came back to open up.

"Oi, what happened to walking it off?!" Ian exclaimed, standing over Hob, shielding him from the noon sun. "Bloody hell. C'mon now. Up you go."

Hob let himself be corralled into the tavern's small office and be sat at the small couch that was probably meant for interviews and terminations. He drank the water and aspirin placed in front of him, and he wore the spare shirt lent to him, but he left Ian's questions unanswered.

"Y'know," Hob started as soon as Ian came back in from the bar, "I reckon I could do a good job running a tavern."

"You should be asleep," Ian said accusatorily.

Maybe he should've been. But instead, Hob was sitting upright, wide awake. "I've been in countless taverns, just like this," he continued, "and I reckon I could make a great one. It would be so great that people from all over the world would come to eat and drink there, and say, 'Hey look, it's Hob's tavern, the greatest one around!' And d'you know what the best part about it would be?"

Ian sighed and leaned on his desk. "What?"

"It would be so great that they'd never close it down. They wouldn't be able to. Everyone would rally around it, even the council. And it'd be there for, for centuries. No, millennia. No, forever."

Ian shook his head, smiling. "A beautiful dream."

"A dream?" Hob scrunched his eyebrows. "You don't believe me?"

"Hob, this tavern has been here for centuries. That's a pretty good run, I'd say. Before that, it might've been something else, like a house, or a barn, or something. And before that, it was probably an empty plot of land, or maybe it was full of trees. Maybe bloody dinosaurs lived and died here. Or maybe it was underwater, I dunno. But I'm getting away from the point," Ian said, scratching his scraggly beard. "The point is: things change. That's life."

Suddenly, Hob was reminded of that night a hundred years ago, how his stranger detested the implication that he changed, that he grew to be lonely, lonely enough to seek out companionship. Hob's companionship. Obviously he detested the implication enough to not show up yesterday. But maybe, just maybe, his stranger will show up again today or the next day, just to prove a point, just to say he didn't need him to be his friend, and to say goodbye for the last time. Surely his stranger's not cruel enough to not show up at all, right?

"I, I know, but I can't let this place change, at least not yet," Hob said. His desperation must've plain on his face from the way Ian smiled sadly at him.

"And why's that?"

"My friend and I," Hob paused, thinking about what to say, "this place is important to us."

"You can always find another place."

"He won't," Hob said, voice breaking, "he won't be able to find me."

"How sure are you that he won't?"

Hob put his head into his hands. "I'm sure."

"You don't have his number?"

Hob shook his head.

Ian sighed. "Well, like I said last night, you'll need a lot of money to—"

"I have the money," Hob blurted out.

"What's that?"

"I," Hob repeated, raising his head in realization, "I have the money."

Ian only looked at him.

"I can, I can keep this place alive until he comes back."

Ian regarded him wordlessly for a few more seconds, then said, "I appreciate the thought, I do, but I reckon you can just establish a new one and it'll be less expensive. You can always, I dunno, put up some signs. 'This way to the new tavern' or something. Then when your friend comes around, they'll just read your sign and go to the new tavern."

Hob stared at Ian, mouth hanging open. Then he laughed, feeling a sleep-deprived lightness in his chest. He stood up and held Ian by his shoulders, still smiling. "Ian, you're a genius."

Ian chuckled heartily. "I try."

"And you're a hired genius."

"Pardon?"

"I'll need a bartender for the new tavern," Hob said, grinning.

Ian scoffed in disbelief, but he was smiling. "And what'll you name it?"

Hob thought for a second, then settled on: "The New Tavern."

Ian chortled. "You need sleep. Dearly."

---

send me a number and i'll write something based on the corresponding song in my spotify wrapped!

[blogger-yura]

Entry #52 Oct 23rd '23

#YurasLife #MovieMonday #HalloweenWeek #Thriller #Horror #Slasher #Gore

𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 - This is Halloween~

This is Halloween~ Pumpkins scream in the dead of night~.

It's that time of the year again! Isn't it just OH, so exciting! If you've been here a while, you might know how much I LOVE holidays ♡ And Halloween, of course, holds a special place in my heart. Wouldn't be able to tell you why, but it's always with great joy that I spend october, and especially the last week, preparing, decorating, and celebrating ~.

Same as last year, to get in the mood this week before the day comes, I've prepared a small list with movies to watch! Some were added to the ranking last time, classics that simply can't be left out–. And some, well, are just here to enjoy and have fun with friends at night (*^ω^)

With nothing else to say, I hope you enjoy this year's selection!

Monday 23rd

Title: Scream franchise (1996-2023) - Director: Wes Craven, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Christopher Landon

It is not a Halloween movie night if there's not at least ONE Scream movie in there. That's it. That's everything there is to say. Ah, how do you even explain this franchise? To this day, it remains a must watch for any and all horror lovers. There is no further discussion about it. I'm taking the holiday as an excuse! Still need to watch the new drop. So do the same, and if you haven't watched them all, make yourself a favor and sit through them tonight!

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tuesday 24th

Title: Hostel (2005-2011) - Director: Eli Roth, Scott Spiegel

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟☆☆

Wednesday 25th

Title: Slither (2006) - Director: James Gunn

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟☆☆

Thursday 26th

Title: The Evil Dead franchise (1981-2023) - Director: Sam Raimi, Federico Alvarez, Lee Cronin

It's the hand. It will ALWAYS be the hand. Picture this, you're watching a terribly gore-y, comical horror movie. You can't get past the 1st person POV of the evil spirit sprinting through the woods, trying to take the movie seriously as it's so old. And then, to top it off, a possessed hand wants to end its former owner's life. That's all you need to know to understand why this is here. A comic, a computer game, a movie, a tv show, and a musical. That's the cultural impact of The Evil Dead!

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Friday 27th

Title: House of 1000 corpses (2003) - Director: Rob Zombie

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟☆☆

Saturday 28th

Title: The Strangers (2008) - Director: Bryan Bertino

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆

Sunday 29th

Title: Paranormal Activity (2006) - Director: Oren Peli.

Lets be honest for once. There's only one good Paranormal Activity movie, and that's simply the first one. Maybe it was the fear it induced, the novelty of the idea and the filmmaking, or simply the fact it made it seem like such an ordinary occurrence, like it could happen to you at any time. But it is, undoubtedly, an axiety inducing, terrifying movie. And I am more than convinced it deserves a little spot in todays list.

Personal score: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆

Did I pick your favorite movie, or did I miss it? It's always so hard picking so little movies to share and have fun with for these dates! Never know if I want to keep the list old school, modern, psychological, or bloody! Regardless, this is the list I'm going with myself! A bit of everything, I reckon, and I know I'll enjoy it.

If you have your own horror list for the week, what do you have in it? And if you don't like horrors, what do you watch for Halloween? (^w^)

Can't wait for next week to come already! Still have so much to share the next few days, though. I'm super excited, and I hope you are too!

I'll go now, or I'll fall behind on my other plans! But I'll be back tomorrow with more, so don't miss me much! All the love, my little pumpkins~.

Stay safe out there! -Yura ♡

🧡: @clubwnderland [💙] @shin-haneul @neonvandalsxcb @neverland-fairies @silcntxnight @urluvlyfe @oppositesattraxt @theboys-oc @norselegends-cb @jinju-oc @fallenangels-cb @domxbot @moonlightchn @cyberpunkcollection @coffeexdreamcb @thetoplinecb @vandalsxcb @teyvatcb @lunaaofthemoon @oc-honeys @3rachabot @darkloversxcb @yandereskz @darkkingdomscb @johnnys-toes-cb @markshands-cb @domrachaa @soyeon-cb @lucky-charmsanhwa @livealittleoc-cb @reve-rv @evicted-oc @littleboywooyoungie @vampireskz @demonljy @welcome-to-maniac @shuhua-cb @theonesxcb @bpkhybrids-shelter @night-racers @firstkill-cb @fearlessxcb @fantasyaespa @minsour-r @redlight-cb @dreamtech-cb @chxithex @hearthstone-apothecary @elemental-dream @kimheebby

[moondustinfj]

Marauders - Enneagram

Remus Lupin: 9

"Still, I check my vital signs/ Choked up, I realize/ I have been less than half myself, for more than half my life

It looks like emphaty, to understand all the sides/ But I'm just trying to find myself, through someone else's eyes

Wake up, roll up your sleeves/ There is a chain reaction in your heart/ Muscle memory/ Remembering who you are

We were born to try/ To see each other through/ To know and love ourselves and others well/ Is the most difficult and meaningful work we'll ever do"

Sirius Black: 8

"I remember the minute/It was like a switch was flipped/ I was just a kid who grew up strong enough/ To pick this armor up/ And suddenly it fit

God that was so long ago, long ago, long ago/ I was little, I was weak, I was perfectly naive/ And I grew up too quick

When I see fragile things, helpless things, broken things/ I see the familiar/ I was little, I was weak, I was perfect too/ Now I'm a broken mirror

Here I am, pry me open/ What do you want to know/ I'm just a kid who grew up scared enough/ To hold the door shut and bury my innocence/ But here's a map, here's a shovel/ Here's my Achilles' heel"

Regulus Black: 3

"Maybe I've done enough/ Your golden child grew up/ Maybe this trophy isn't real love/ And with or without it I'm good enough

I finally see myself/ Unabridged and overwhelmed/ A mess of a story I'm ashamed to tell/ I'm slowly learning how to break this spell

I only want what's real/ Set aside the highlight reel/ And leave my greatest failures on display/ Worthy of love, anyway "

James Potter: 7

" How nice it'd be/ If we could try everything/ I'm serious, let's make a list and just began/ What about danger/ So what/ What about risk/ Let's climb this mountain before we cross that bridge

How wonderful to see a smile on your face/ It costs farewell tears for a welcome home parade/ A secret handshake between me and my one life/ I'll find the silver lining no matter what the cost

But I want to be here/ Truly be here/ To watch the ones I love bloom/ And I want to make room/ To love them through and through and through and through/ The slow and barren seasons too

I feel hope/ Deep in my bones/ Tomorrow will be beautiful "

Lily Evans: 2

"Sweetheart, you look a little tired/ When did you last eat/ Come in and make yourself right at home/ Stay as long as you need/ Tell me, is something wrong/ If something's wrong, you can count on me

I know exactly how the rule goes/ Put my mask on first/ No I don't want to talk about myself/ Tell me where it hurts/ I just want to build you up, build you up/ Till you're good as new/ And maybe one day I will get around to fixing myself too

Like a force to be reckoned with/ A mighty ocean or a gentle kiss/ I will love you with every single thing that I have/ Like a tidal wave I'll make a mess/ Or calm waters if that serves you best/ I will love you without any strings attached/ I will love you without a single string attached"

Peter Pettigrew: 6

" Oh God I'm so tired/ Of being afraid

I want to take shelter/ But I'm ready, ready to fight/ Somewhere in the middle, I feel a little paralyzed/ Maybe I'm stronger than i realize

And no matter what/ Somehow we'll be okay

Don't be afraid"

Sleeping at last - Enneagram

[nancywheeeler]

for the ask game you reblogged - 10 for four weddings and no funeral? 3 and 4 for and it all comes down to you? 1 and 2 for tomorrow never knows? :)

10: Why did you choose this pairing for this particular story?

okay so, the plot inspiration for four weddings and no funeral came from a reddit thread about how colin's waistcoat in the episode "no weddings and a funeral" might have been inspired by simon callow's character, who wears many glorious waistcoats over the course of four weddings and a funeral (last version of this title i'll type, i swear). my brain upon learning that immediately went "wedding fic! a relationship progression across other peoples' special days!" but i wasn't sure what colin pairing i wanted for it. around that same time, i was following the fic "things you can't unsay" by manuronaldo, which began as a gen colin & jamie fic but had started heading towards romance. i then had that very dangerous writerly thought: "let me put a scene down and see if it goes anywhere......" and here we are! i think the plot just really works with jamie in a way it wouldn't have worked with another afc richmond player and colin, especially given where jamie is at by the end of S2 and seems ready for a healthier romantic relationship post-telling keeley he loves her while accepting she's moved on. jamie is also just a veeeery fun pov to write from. i love that bastard (affectionate)

3: What’s your favorite line of narration?

"Or maybe, just maybe, they’re two teenagers holding hands on a bed, in a suburban house, on a quiet street, within a small town, and the universe is bored of them." just about sums up everything i want for steve and eddie. let them rest!

4: What’s your favorite line of dialogue?

i have decided to cheat and give two... fun line: "You’re the most badass woman I’ve ever beheld and when this is over, I think we should platonically have 2.5 babies who will one day take over the world." not fun line: "Steve can’t tell me what to do. He’s dead."

1: What inspired you to write the fic this way?

ranting in your dms definitely inspired a huge chunk of tomorrow never knows! i just couldn't stop thinking about how fucked up it would be on the other side of a time loop, having to watch someone you care about die (and sometimes at their own hand) and having to trust their word for it that it's okay, everything will reset with their death. and it would be particularly brutal for steve harrington, mr. protector of the universe. i was definitely worried the fic would get very repetitive very fast, so when structuring it, i tried to make sure a good portion of the scenes weren't also in "and it all comes down to you" and that we still get to see steve growing into his feelings for eddie and reckoning with his concept of heroism (it isn't just someone who dies! or comes precariously close to it!)

2: What scene did you first put down?

the back half of loop 81! specifically this: “What if—” “…this is the last time,” Eddie says with a weary sigh. How many times has Steve delivered the same line, how many times has Eddie stolen it from him to reach the inevitable end faster. “You say that every time.” Trapped in his throat is something tough and thorny. His voice comes out scratched when he asks, “Am I always so predictable?” “Yeah.” Eddie smiles, a touch rueful. “It’s the best.” my little hat nod to palm springs, a superior time loop film. i wrote this at the breakfast table while on vacation with my family lol

put one of a fic title in my ask + questions about it

[casspurrjoybell-29]

Forging Ties - Chapter 7 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

It was nice and warm in front of the massive fire the Orcs had going in the centre of their village but Hamish still sat pressed right up against Duran's side.

He just liked being close to people and he'd had enough Orc breath for one day.

Despite everything Duran had said, Hamish had still been a little worried he wouldn't react well when confronted with sex.

Especially something as unconventional as the situation Hamish had found himself in with the Orc.

As it turned out, he'd been so unbothered that he hadn't even let it disrupt his meal.

Hamish had decided that he just wasn't going to worry about it anymore.

Sure, he was a long way from fully understanding Duran but Hamish had sex with strangers all the time.

Complete understanding wasn't a standard he applied to anyone else.

He still didn't even know the name of the Orc who had just hungrily guzzled his cock.

Beyond the universal language of sex, Hamish had a hard time communicating with the Orcs but Slone was having a great time with them.

He'd taken his shirt off and they were smearing white paint on his chest, back and face in lines and swirls and dots.

None of this had been what Hamish had expected when they'd set out but that had kind of been the point.

He hoped tomorrow would have just as many surprises in store for them.

By the time they were done eating, socialising and in Hamish's case, getting sucked off by an Orc, it was getting late, so the Orcs offered them one of the huts for the night.

"I reckon I'll just sleep outside," Slone said after taking a glance around the inside of the hut.

"You don't have to," Hamish said. "I know it's a bit snug but we'll behave ourselves. I promise."

"Nah," Slone said. "It's fine. I sleep on the ground most of the time. Kinda like it, honestly."

"Well, okay," Hamish said. "If that's what you want."

Duran threw up a ball of mage-light as he entered the hut.

There wasn't much inside except some furs on the floor to serve as a bed but it would be warm.

Hamish followed him in and shut the door behind himself, hurrying to get his boots off and then crawling under the blankets where he wriggled around and tossed out his shirt and then his pants.

"So," Hamish said as Duran sat on the floor to take off his boots. "Do you think Slone really loves sleeping on the ground or do you think he just knows about what happened earlier and has decided he doesn't want to be in the middle of the horny boy cuddle pile?"

"Well... it seems likely he has a fairly good idea of what happened, considering how sharp his senses are. Does that bother you?"

"Nah, it's fine. That's how they are with everyone and everything. They can't afford to be prudish and if Slone doesn't mind, then neither do I."

Duran hesitated over taking his shirt off.

The scars on his back were extremely noticeable and he didn't necessarily want to remind Hamish of his past when he was about to hop into bed with him but it wasn't like Hamish didn't already know they were there.

Perhaps it was better not to be seen trying to hide them.

He took off his shirt.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hamish go from shamelessly watching to averting his gaze.

Great.

That really made a man feel sexy and unashamed of his past trauma.

Connor hadn't liked to look at the scars, either, though he'd gotten off on allowing them to be inflicted.

Seeing things like that be done to Duran had deepened Connor's fantasies without him personally having to come to any harm.

Connor had never been a man without a conscience but he had let other things matter more.

But Duran didn't want to think about him just then.

He stripped out of his pants, climbed under the furs, and allowed welcoming arms to embrace him.

They had been getting awfully close the last couple of days and there had been some stirrings of interest on both their parts from time to time but as they lay face to face, legs tangled together, the situation was getting beyond that which could be politely ignored.

"That orc wasn't enough for you?" Duran murmured near Hamish's ear.

Hamish laughed.

"That was hours ago."

"Teasing is mean."

Hamish wriggled his hips.

"Who says I'm teasing?"

"You better not be. The energy I got from you was great but it's not a substitute for sexual release. You've been touching me for two days and then I sat and watched you get sucked off by an orc and I still haven't gotten off."

"Would you like me to change that?"

"Have I not been clear on the matter?"

"Hmm, fair enough."

Hamish took a firm hold of Duran's ass and ground his hips forward.

Duran didn't need any more encouragement.

He was already trying to simultaneously match the rhythm of Hamish's movements and tug Hamish's underpants off.

It was almost juvenile, rutting up against one another like this.

It reminded Duran of his early days with his master, when Connor had still been too shy about his desires to voice them even to a slave.

They'd already gone much further with Connor in a dominant role but Duran had sensed there had been something significant Connor had been trying to communicate to him when he'd encouraged Duran to rub against him like this and then slowly rolled him so that he had been the one on top.

Hamish's teeth grazed against Duran's throat, bringing him back to the present.

They wriggled their way out of their underwear and Hamish grasped the both of them in one hand, stroking them together.

Duran grabbed him by the hair and kissed him.

It had never been like this for Duran before, never been about his own wants or desires even when his master had put him in a dominant role.

He shoved Hamish down and climbed on top of him because he wanted to and when his lips found Hamish's again, he felt the smile on them.

Hamish grabbed Duran's ass and encouraged him to grind down harder, faster.

Duran came with his face buried against Hamish's neck and his hands gripping Hamish's shoulders.

Hamish's hand stroked up and down his back.

Duran lay there for a minute to see what would happen when Hamish's patience waned but Hamish just kept stroking his back until Duran got tired of his own game.

Duran cleaned them both up with his magic and then crawled under the blanket.

Hamish made a sound of surprise when Duran's lips enveloped him and then let out a laugh.

"Two blowjobs in one day. Life is good."

Duran was, if he were honest, attempting to show off as he swallowed Hamish down deeper.

Duran wasn't just a hot, wet hole like that Orc had been.

He had skill.

He knew how to use his tongue, his lips, his throat.

He knew when to tease and when Hamish's body, with straining muscles and quiet gasps, was telling him to speed up.

Energy flooded through him for the second time that day, invigorating and electrifying and this time, truly earnt.

He swallowed around Hamish's cock and then crawled back out from under the blanket.

Hamish draped an arm around him.

"Next time you'll have to do that where I can see you. I could learn a thing or two from your technique."

"Well, if you need someone to practise on..."

"They say the best way to learn is to do."

"Thanks," Duran said as he let his eyes fall shut. "This really is all I wanted. Just... this."

"It really is all I can give you."

"Hmm... maybe," Duran said. "I think you're a pretty good friend as well."

[edelweisser]

This will be my very first work that I'll be posting here entitled "Predicament", this is also an activity of mine in Creative Writing. I'm also going to attach one of my drawings below. Please enjoy traveling to my oasis!

Ps' This is still a work in progress so please stay tuned for future updates!

Predicament

Listening to classical music has always been my comfort. It's already 2:33 AM now, half the word is already asleep, but here I am, still awake and contemplating about the decisions that I've made. The blanket is beneath my feet, not minding the cold breeze of October coming through the holes in my wall. I stood up to turn off the light, not because of the electricity bill but because it is my last resort. I've been lying in this bed for hours now, if someone is watching me, they'll think that I'm the loneliest man alive.

I should be sleeping now if I don't want to be late for my job tomorrow. I didn't notice a tear escaping from my left eye. Only my pillow knows what's going on with my life. I doubt this pillow will even stay if it have the capability to leave. That's what everyone is doing anyway.

I remember the first time my mother sent me to school. She said she's very happy but her eyes says the opposite. My mother is still quite young that time, her round angelic eyes looks mesmerising, her face is shaped like those in magazines, while her nose is pointed like the girls you can only see in commercials, maybe the reason why my father chose her. Speaking of, I don't have any memory of my father. My mother said that he is an American soldier, the reasin for my western features. My mother have been very vocal about him, whenever I'll ask a question she won't hesitate to answer it. She said that it'll be unfair to me is she keep it as a secret. Those were just some of my vivid memories of my mom.

The next morning I had to wake up early. I reckoned I only had an hour of sleep. The eye bag is palpably showing underneath my eyes. I need to walk down an alleyway before reaching the the main road. Most says, the alleyway is a chaos. Since my mother is a piano instructor, she didn't left that much money when she passed away, just enough for me to afford a studio type room with leaks in roof and small holes on the wall. I bet you can already imagine the various people living here. The reason why it's just normal for me to encounter people shouting — maybe because of an affair, while passing by. Despite being crowded it's still a lifeless road for me. It feels like I'm always living in my own world, like all the other people doesn't matter.

Despite all the bad things that happened to me, I still manage to be an scholar to a nearby state college. One of the things that I'm still thankful for. After working to a fast food restaurant in the morning, I need to go straight to the university that I'm studying at. The university is pretty decent, it's not that big. Most of the youths here who don't have the ability to go to other universities in nearby provinces study there.

After my shift I headed straight to our school. Since I came from my job and our manager told us to overtime for a couple minutes because we needed to run some errands, the classroom is already almost full when I arrived. I sat on the only vacant seat in the room. As usual I sat without looking at my surrounding, last thing I want is to have an interaction with someone. I know that I told you I'm not paying attention to everyone around me but I swear this classroom is quite noisy when I arrived, but now, I can almost hear my own heartbeat. No one is talking. Not until a voice of a girl ended the silence.

"Uhm, I think you're in the wrong classroom", the voice is coming from behind me. I slowly focused on my surrounding, turning my head around.

It slowly dawned on me that everyone is so quiet because they are looking at me. For a moment, I remembered a familiar face, but it ended quickly when I remembered what my situation is. I stood up in a fast manner and ran to the exit quickly. I don't remember much about my childhood but I swear this is the most embarrassing situation I've ever been.

I released a heavy sigh after sitting at my armchair, this time I made sure that it was the right classroom. I didn't notice that I was holding my breath the whole time that I'm searching for this classroom. I can't focus the whole day on our discussions because of what happened. It is not because I am still embarrassed, I've move on already, but because of that familiar face, it is like she's alive again, but I know that it is impossible.

Our last class is P.E., we only played soccer at the football field. I usually stay a bit longer and wait for everyone to leae before showering. So when I confirmed that everyone has already left I started to shower. While I'm in the middle of doing it I heard noises. Someone must have left something and came back. Several minutes later the noise didn't stop but instead it was replaced by weird noises, it sounds like someone is struggling. I quickly finished showering. I wanna know what's causing all the noise. Before I even reached the locker room someone ran rapidly. I didn't get the chance to see who it was or what it is.I then noticed the door of my locker opened, the handle is somewhat deformed, it looks like someone forcibly opened it. I had a mini heart attack. I'm so tired the whole day nd all I want right now is to lay in my bed, but it seems like whoever is controlling this world have a way of pissing me off. The last thing I want right now is another problem. I scanned my whole locker to see if there is anything missing. But instead, I saw something wrapped in a pink checkered handkerchief. But since it is wrapped, I can't see what's inside. It looks clean and the handkerchief smells good. However, I have no plan opening it. So before going home that night, I threw it in the trash can. It was such a long day for me, it's already 8:34 PM when I arrived at my rental room, after just several minutes of laying in my bed I already fell asleep— something that rarely happens.

It's already a week since that weird encounter. Everyday since then someone is leaving the same thing in my locker. Yes, I said "everyday". But yesterday was different, whoever is doing it left a note.

"Please eat this, I made it for you. :<", that is what's written in it.

And just like every time, I still just throw it in the trash. But today I have a plan, I'll wait here in the locker room to catch whoever is doing this. Cause whoever this is, is not helping me at all. I didn't attend to my P.E. class today. So whoever is doing this, they better show up. I didn't wasted my time just for them not to show up today. After an hour of waiting, no one is showing up yet. I decided that I'll just wash face and then I'm going home already.

There is just one wall separating the locker room to our shower room. It is supposed to be just one room but the school decided to put a wall in the middle to use it as our locker and shower room.

Just when I'm about to open the faucet, I heard footsteps. It wasn't just normal footsteps, it sounds like whoever it is, is controlling their footsteps. Like they are trying to make their noises as low as possible. I silently check the other room with just my head poking on the other side of the wall. I saw a familiar person, her hair is short, she is still wearing her uniform. I can't point out where did I saw her because the lights in the locker room are not that bright. I quickly rushed towards her, all I want now is for this to be done. I'm sick of having to throw whatever those things that she's putting in my locker the whole week.

I saw her struggling to open the locker, I quickly grabbed her wrist. The surprise is evident in her face when she looked at me. But I was caught off guard when I saw who it is. It was the girl who looks like my mom. She slowly smiled, it seems genuine. She's now calm— or she's trying to be.

"Since you already caught me, I guess I don't have to do this everyday anymore. Thank god, cause I'm tired of doing this everyday", she said.

My eyebrows furrowed. I know she can tell now that I'm confused.

[zenins]

when you're feelin' low I'll be there too.

pairing Jean Kirstein x gn! reader

genre/warnings: modern au, comfort, established relationship, hints of poor mental health.

summery: the world is heavy and jean is a sweet boyfriend.

wc: 1.6k

a/n: life's been wild and I've been thinking about him and thank you for beta reading; @venusinfurrxxx @nishinoyawn

Slowly opening your eyes, you realize it's morning, again. Shifting to your body to the other side of the bed, you reach over to grab your phone to check the time. Your phone screen shines back at you harshly in the dimly lit room once you hit the power button. With the clock only reading eight-forty-five you let out a small sigh and you drop your phone right back down into the sheets while lifting the covers higher over your head. You turn back around on your other side that's facing the wall. It's still a little early, so you make the decision to sleep a little longer.

This time when you wake up it's noon and you throw your phone back over to the other side of your bed and you settle your head back down into your pillow once more. Before you start to nod off again you can feel the dread already bubbling up inside you, and you let out an annoyed groan not ready to face today or even tomorrow. You just want to sleep, and nothing more.

Last time you checked your phone you only read the time but what you didn't see in your drowsy state was the little notification box just below. It was a text message, a text message from Jean;

["Hey babe! I'm coming over after work, I get off at 3:00pm 💕." — sent 9:28 am]

Some hours have passed, and 3:50pm finally rolled around. The slam of your front door could be heard along with the jingling of keys, a shuffling of footsteps and rustling of plastic bags. Usually that indicated that Jean was here. His footsteps are pretty recognizable and he's also the only one who has a spare key to your apartment.

When he came through the door, he didn't see you in your usual spot on the couch watching TV or in the kitchen making lunch. With that knowledge he reckons that you must be in your room then. It's been a couple weeks since the last time you two had seen each other; Jean lives on campus which is a thirty minute drive from your apartment and he works a 9-5 job when he's not in class or doing homework. After setting the bags down on the kitchen counter he makes a bee-line towards your door.

"Hey y/n-.." Before he could finish announcing his presence, Jean notices your sleeping form, making him swallow back his words. The blinds were still closed, clothes sprawled all over the floor, some trash lay around too, either wrappers or tissues, the doors of your dresser remained open and on top of it were different types of dishes stacked that were threatening to fall onto the floor.

Jean exhaled softly as he took in everything before slowly stepping between piles on the floor towards your figure, taking the seat on the edge of your bed.

"Babe…" He starts to shake your shoulder lightly which makes you let out a whine and begin to stir at the sound of your boyfriend's gentle whispers. He releases a quiet chuckle before trying again, shaking your shoulder a little harder this time but not too rough."Love, It's me Jean, wake up."

You turn over towards the side of the bed where Jean sat, and finally after your eyes have adjusted to the light you notice your boyfriend at the end of your bed.

Your eyes widen, and you sit up a little straighter in bed, rubbing your eyes furiously.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming."

Jean stares at you, concerned. He was smiling, happy to see you, but his eyes say it all as he continues to watch.

"Guessing that you haven't seen my text huh.."

You furrow your brows at him and start to frantically feel for your phone inside the blankets. 4:00 pm is what your phone says and right under the time shows Jean's unread text from earlier. You drop your face in your hands instantly, forgetting about the device all together and inhale a shaky breath. "I'm sorry,.."

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Jean scoots closer to you on the bed and puts a comforting hand on top of yours, the ones still covering your face.

Hot tears start to roll down your face as you realize that he saw everything. You try to swallow the lump that scratches inside your throat while you make an attempt to speak clearly but your own voice deceives you and it cracks. "Everything's a mess, I'm a mess..It's gross Jean."

He crawls over to you, now sitting next to you with back leaned up against the headboard and pulls you close to him lifting you into his lap. Jean snakes his arms around your waist and holds you tightly while he begins to rock back and forth. Leaning his forehead on the top of your head he presses a kiss in your hair and you lean deeper into his touch by laying your back more against his chest as he starts to mumble sweet reassurances to drown out your quiet sobs and hiccups.

After a few minutes, your tears finally give out and you inhale deeply trying to catch your breath.The moment is now still with only the sound of your breathing and the soft movement of Jean still gently rocking you back and forth.

"How about a nice warm shower, hm?" You nod your head at his suggestion but don't make any indication of moving out of his lap anytime soon.

Another silence follows but this time your stomach decided to break the sound barrier with a loud gurgling, almost as if a whale was living inside your stomach. Jean tried hiding a smile from the sudden interruption but you could hear it in his voice when he spoke again "and then after we'll eat since I already brought over your favorite."

Jean lifts you from his lap and gets to standing on his feet in front of you offering his hand "C'mon, I'll get the water running and get you a towel and some fresh clothes." You continue to not say anything, and grab his hand. Jean pulls you up from the mattress and starts to lead you to the bathroom. Once inside he instructs you to sit on the toilet, and undress while he gets the water running. "Waters ready, now wash up and I'll be right back, okay?" He says before leaving the bathroom and pecking your cheek quickly on the way out.

Forty-five minutes passed since he left you to shower, and half of that time was spent sitting on the shower floor, letting water pelt your back and soak your hair. It did feel nice though, the warmth of the water consuming your body, and the scents from your shampoo and conditioner filling up your senses as you scrubbed your scalp. It was relaxing.

With the water now turned off, you stood in the shower shivering from the lack of heat, so you peek your head out slightly from the curtain and call for your boyfriend. He comes quickly with a soft towel in his hands, and a set of comfortable clothes that came straight from the dryer.

When you walk out of the bathroom and back inside your bedroom you let out a small gasp noticing how the disaster that you'd call a room is now clean. Clothes that once covered your flooring are now sitting in the hamper, the few dishes that sat on your dresser nowhere in sight and the blinds are open, with the window slightly cracked. Jean must have noticed the small shock on your face and gently shoved the set of clothes he was carrying into your arms. He picked out an oversized black t-shirt,undergarments and some grey sweatpants for you to wear."Let's hurry, the foods getting cold."

You bite the inside of your cheek while Jean helps you put the sweats on, holding the leg holes open for you while you grab onto his shoulders to keep yourself steady so you don't fall over.

"You didn't have to do that.." you whisper, and Jean looks up at you, trying to catch your gaze with his and he smiles up at you.

"I didn't have to, but I wanted to." he said, matching your tone.

His response caught you off guard, a loss for words and Jean continues to guide your other leg through the last pant hole.

After your leg slips through the last bit of pants you pull him into a hug and tears start racing down your face again. Jean pulls you closer once more and you take the opportunity to bury your head into the crook of his neck since Jean was currently on his knees."I'm here for you always, you know that right?"

You sniffle in response and croak out a small "okay."

Jean kisses your stomach from the level he's at and the two of you stay in that position taking in one another as if it's just you, him and no one else in the world. Right now it's just him and you, with his hands resting on the small of your back, lightly tracing shapes into your clothed skin, and you,breathing in his scent.

"Love, as much as I love being on the floor, it's starting to hurt my knees," he complains, but his words are muffled from his face being pressed into your abdomen and he can feel your body vibrate from a giggle you were trying to suppress.

"Let's go eat, the food is probably cold by now." Jean slides up from the floor, pulling away from you to grab your hand, and starts to tug you in the direction of the living room where food sits out on the coffee table and a Studio Ghibli movie ready to play on the TV screen

ageless and blank blogs DNI

[harryssatellitestompers]

Stolen Time

A/N this is united, and probably has a lot of false information as I don't know anything about Cancer

Pairing: Harry Styles X Reader

Where Harry is sick and y/n is an angel

Waring: major character death, suicide , little bit of alcohol addiction

4th February 2009

Dear Diary, Four days ago it was my 16th Birthday. My mum (Anne) got me a diary for my birthday. She told me to write everything down, so that one day when I'm older I can show my kids--and grandkids--what life was like when I was young. I don't see the point because I always get bored when my grandparents talk about life in the stone ages but it doesn't matter. Here's a bit about me: I have a mum called Anne, a sister Gemma and a dad Desmond. My parents broke up when I was 7. Zayn and Liam are coming over soon so I'm gonna go. Bye!

8th February 2009

Dear Diary, Writing that sounds strange since I'm not writing a letter to someone called Diary, It's more future me. There was a new kid in my class today. Y/n. She's really pretty and has super bright eyes. She sat with Louis and his group of friends today, I don't think I'll get to talk to her since she's a "cool kid" and I'm not but she seems really nice. Gemma left for University a few days ago, I really miss her but she calls most days. Liam and Zayn are coming over now byeee!

1st March 2009

Dear Me, I haven't written in a while, that's cause there's been nothing interesting to say. But today the best thing happened. Y/n got partnered with me for a Hpe project. We need to create a game and show it to the class. She's super nice and invited me over to work on it tomorrow. If I've forgotten--which i highly doubt--I have a huge crush on Y/n. Wouldn't it be funny if I married her one day and we were showing this to our kids. Niall Horan is also friends with us now, he used to be with Louis 'group but he got kicked off the Footy team for his bad knee, now none of the pops want him. He's alright though, mainly quiet and only talking to Zayn. X Harry

4th March 2009

I was wrong. Niall is not quiet. He is loud and DOES NOT shut up. he's like a giant, happy, loud cloud floating around and making people laugh. Apparently its because he's Irish. I just think he does it cause he's sad and doesn't want people to know. Y/n has a really nice house. Her parents are super cool too. I think she's rich rich. I'm middle class but she lives it a mansion. She had an older brother but he left a while ago. I think he might be dead, I didn't want to ask. She even sat with us at lunch today. I don't think her other friends liked it very much cause they kept glaring over at spread rumours about me. - H

11th March 2009

I've been at hospital for the past two days. We had a fire drill and I passed out in the field cause the sun was too hot. You'd think that I'd be allowed to go home but the doctors kept me overnight to do some tests. Niall recons its cause I'm dying. Zayn said its cause I'm pregnant and Liam is just worried. Y/n came to visit me earlier, she brought a card, some flowers and Louis. I don't know why she brought him cause he doesn't like me. It doesn't matter though cause he left to get food a few minutes after. Y/n was sitting on my bed beside me and the BEST thing happened. She KISSED ME. Y/N KISSES ME. it was only on the cheek but it was still awesome. I might ask her to be my girlfriend soon. xx Harry

14th March 2009

Y/n and I are dating. She sits with me at lunch now. It's really fun. We have our Hpe game due tomorrow and I think were gonna get an A, Y/n doesn't think so, she doesn't like the written report. Reckons its got to many "flowery" words for an essay, I dunno what that means though. Y/n is on her way here now, we're gonna watch some movies. xx Harry

16th March 2009

Hi, I woke up in the middle of last night. Mum was crying through the phone to dad. I think it was about me. Mum's been really strange lately, she's always letting get whatever I want, but she's extra coddling than usual. I asked y/n about it and she said it might be cause we're getting older and she doesn't want her last kid to leave home. I don't know tho. - Harry

18th March 2009

I have cancer. That's why mum was sad. Cos she knew I was gonna die. I haven't told anyone else, it's only me, mum and Gem who know. I want to tell y/n but I don't think she'd want to be with a sick kid who's a ticking time bomb. I'm taking her on a date soon. To this little park with ducks. She's always loved feeding the ducks. We also got an A on our assignment which was cool. See you soon! X Harry

3rd April 2009

I've learnt a bit more about what's wrong. I have stage 4 Leukaemia. The doctors said that I'd be able to make it if I took my treatments and didn't exhaust myself. I'm starting chemo in a few months. Apparently it'll make all my hair fall out and I'll get real skinny. The day I fainted apparently had something to do with it, cos I'd been feeling really tired and weak, the sun didn't help either. There'd no cure for what I have, but most kids who get it are usually don't die. I went on the date with y/n, she had a really pretty blue sundress on. I kissed her, proper this time we've only been together for a few weeks but I really like her, it's like she's this super bright glowing star. Louis Tomlinson also started hanging out with us, he's y/n's step cousin or something, he nice when he's with her but still a dick when he's with the other pops, he doesn't pick on me as much though which is good. Xx harry

13th April Today was y/n and mine 1 month anniversary, we went to the park again and ate some pizza from this little Italian restaurant it was really nice. We even got to get gelato afterwards. I like spending time with her. Whenever we're alone it's like nothing bothers us. We're in our own little world. She feels like home.

23rd June 2009

Hey, I haven't written in a while cos I've been busy. I started chemo. Its been going alright, I've gotten a lot skinner and my skins kinda pale cause I don't get to go outside as much. I think Y/n knows something wrong. I threw up in the middle of class last week, and again when her and I were studding at my house. She's been really nice about it though, didn't ask too many questions. Louis found out I have cancer. He was visiting his mum or something and ran into me at the hospital, he didn't say anything though, just gave me an awkward side hug and hurried off. After I was finished with my treatment, it took 1 hour and 25 minutes this time, I saw Louis crying on a bench in the garden part of the hospital. I went over and gave him a hug. He stopped crying after a while, mum ended up taking him home with us. He played footy for a while outside with Niall, Liam, Zayn and I, it was pretty fun. See you later!

30th June 2009

I told Y/n today. We were at the park, watching the baby ducklings and it just kind of fell out. She hugged me and we both ended up crying alot. She told me I wouldn't die, cause I'm a fighter. We sat at the park for a few hours before my mum called and said I had to come home. Y/n stayed that night, we didn't do anything, we just sat up all night talking and watching movies. She told me I should tell Niall, Liam and Zayn, I don't know how though.

July 2nd 2009

Today my hair started falling out. I woke up and there was some of it on the bed. I freaked out and wouldn't let mum in my room, she called y/n cause she knew I'd let her in. When she saw me she just hugged me and waited till I told her what happened. She just brought her hands up to my hair and said that she could shave it off for me if I didn't want it to be slowly falling out for the next week. I said yes. After it was done she kissed my head and said I looked beautiful. We didn't go to school today. She's in the shower now. Mum said she could stay for dinner.

July 4th 2009

I told the guys about my cancer yesterday. Y/n was there when they got to my house but went to talk to my mum when I was telling them. Liam got really sad and started crying, Niall sat and listened to everything I said. Zayn sat there in shock. after I told them mum said we could all have a sleepover, y/n left then. The guys were really supportive about it, I told them the chances of my living where really high but they were still sad, We played on my Wii most of the night. Zayn and Niall eating about 20 packets of chips and 3 boxes of pizza between them. Around 2am Liam was passed out on the floor, Zayn and I drew on his face. It's 9 am now, Niall's starting to wake up. Bye!

July 22nd 2009

They put me on new meds cause the old ones stopped working I've been getting weaker, kids avoid me at school and Louis started hanging out with us. His old friends were making fun of me cause I had cancer, he got upset cause of his mum and left. His mum has cancer too, I don’t know if I’ve already said that. I'm at the hospital now, I've got a special private room that I stay in when ever I need to do treatments. I don't think having my own room is a good sign, Niall and louis like it though cause they get to eat the jelly and moose the nurses give me.

August 5th 2009

Hello!

Today was super fun, I went to go see y/n's eisteddfod. In LONDON! She came 3rd and got highly commended. She sang a song called "Salvation" its really sad. But I like it. She has an amazing voice. After her performance I went over and kissed her. She went really red and started blushing. When we got home, we went out to Maccas with the boys for dinner. She also introduced me to one of her friends Zoe, she's nice but kind of intimidating. Liam has a crush on her. Also Niall's getting knee surgery tomorrow morning, he's staying at the same hospital as me, two floors down. I told him I'd sneak in a visit him when it was done.

August 23rd 2009

Happy Birthday Y/N! She's 16 now, same age as me. She had a party at her house with heaps of people. She introduced me to her family (extended as well) and they all seemed really nice. She also introduced me to her brother, he's 19, studying art somewhere. Not dead. He doesn't like his parents much and they don’t like him but y/n seems to adore him. I had no idea what get y/n fir her birthday. I asked Louis and he took me shopping. I ended up getting her a really pretty snow globe. It had what looked like our park in winter, with a frozen pond and two people sitting on a bench. It also plays music, the Disney one about wishing on a star and dreams coming true. I started to feel really tired part way through the party. Y/n dragged me to her room and told me to sleep. Then she went back downstairs to kick everyone out. I kissed her when she got back and called ger and angel, she just rolled your eyes and smiled down at me.

November 14th 2009

Hi!

Yesterday was mine and Y/n's 8 month anniversary. We went to our spot at the park again, and she took me to the ice-skating rink. It was really fun, but I fell over alot. When we were walking home I had a coughing fit and threw up on the path. Y/n called my mum and she took us to the hospital. The doctors did some tests and apparently the Cancer spread to my lungs, they said I'll need new ones as soon as possible, the waiting list is really long. Y/n stayed at the hospital the whole night with me and mum. Gemma's also flying home to visit. Mum left to pick Gem up a few minutes ago, and Y/n is painting my toenails. I don't know what colour, she said it was a surprise. Last night, when the doctors were talking to mum about me, I figured it's highly unlikely that'll I'll ever get to read this when I'm older, let alone to my future kids. I still want to write everything down though. I think I might start writing it to you, y/n, instead of me, all our happy moments so that when I'm gone you can read over it and remember all the good stuff, and that stuff I'm too scared to tell you. It's not Christmas yet but I've already bought you a gift. It's a silver locket of a star, with the word angel engraved in the back. Cause that's what you are to me. You're my Angel. There for me when I'm lost in the dark.

10th December 2009

Hiiiii,

I've been in hospital for the past few days, the doctors said I could go home on the 24th and stay there till new years. I'm really weak now and have to use a wheelchair. They keep putting me on new meds, cause they stop working after a month. I get to go home for Christmas now, until New years, then I'm back at the hospital. Gemma's back again. She’s flying back and forth alot, it'd be costing her a fortune, but I think she's worried about me. You're asleep right now, lying curled up into my side. The nurse came into check up on me before, but left when she saw you there, we're lucky is was Abby and not Rosalind, she would have woken you up and kicked you out. I think you're waking up now, Byeee!

27th December 2009

I made it home. Niall, Louis, Liam, Zayn and you came over for boxing day, we played alot of board games together, Mum and Gem played too. Dad called as well, to wish us a merry Christmas, he doesn't want to see me though, Mum said it's cause he thinks if he doesn't see me when I'm sick, I'm not sick. I gave the necklace to you, I think you liked it. You also gave me a polaroid camera, so that I could take pictures of all the things I love and put them in my hospital room when I weaker than usual. We went for a walk to the park, going extra slow cause I get tired really easily. I told you I loved you, and you said it back. Now that we've said it for the first time we don't stop. Niall and Louis keep teasing us about it. Liam and Zoe are dating now, you and her want to go on double dates. Gem, mum and I are going to watch home alone now. xx Harry

1st January 2010

I'm back at the hospital. I accidentally took some of the alcoholic punch instead of the normal one at your parents new years party, it didn't mix well with my meds. I still got my new years kiss, even if it was in an ambulance. I woke up about half and hour ago, Abby, my nurse, said that your parents had taken you home not long before, I think they’re worried about you, you're hardly ever at home now. I don't know if you know this but you looked really scary last night. Still beautiful but really scary. Screaming at the medics while red and blue lights flashed. I think you thought I was gonna die. You can't get rid of me that easily though.

1st February

I'm 17 today. You took me to the park, I was in a wheelchair and everyone was starting at me. Probably wondering why an angel like you was with a freak like me.

We stayed there for hours watching the sun set. You look so beautiful when he light shines on you like that. We spent the evening planning our future together. You want three kids because you hate even numbers. You also gave me a ring. With the word angel engraved inside and the date I asked you to be my girlfriend. You have one too. You said it was a promise ring. Meaning that we will always love each other. When I asked you why you put angel in my ring you told it was because I saved you. I know it sounds silly, but maybe were soulmates. Wouldn't that be awesome. Gotta go now x H

10th February

I'm getting better. The doctors don't know how but I feel a lot better, I can walk by my self now. You cried when you saw me standing near the fish tanks at the entrance and wouldn't stop hugging me, neither would my mum. I'm at home now. I was even able to shoot some hoops with the boys. It was fun. Until Niall made everyone play chubby bunny, I threw up then. Gem left a few days ago, she was really happy when I told her I was getting better. Mum said that we might be able to go visit her at uni next time instead of her flying out to see us. Also I decided to use my wish. I'm getting us tickets to go to Disneyland in March, we'll be there on our 1 year anniversary. You, me, Gem and mum. It'll be super fun, we also have passes to skip the que, and a three night stay at the resort. I haven't told you yet, I did tell Niall, Li, Zayn and Louis though, they were pretending to be jealous that I didn't invite them. They're excited for me though, they also think I'm gonna propose to you on the teacup ride. I think we're still too young for that. Maybe one day we will get married though. I'd just want our families and a few friends there nothing to big. I know you want that too, not until you've graduated though.

20th February 2010

Hey Y/n, I'm at the hospital again,  My head hurts, and my skins going all blotchy. The cancer is back, which sucks, the doctors said I'm still fine for Disneyland. Mum talked to your parents and they organised that we're not gonna tell you where we're going. Your mums gonna pack your bag and It'll be a surprise.

I gained a few pounds when I was feeling better which was great, I don't look as sick now. The chemo isn't as strong as it was before, and doesn't work as well but that doesn't matter because were going to DINSEYLAND. It makes everything worth it. I don't know how I would have done all this without you, you're always there supporting me, you're my angel. You just walked through the door now. Byee! x H

3rd March 2010

I'm sorry. This was not the way I wanted it to end. We had so much planned that we didn't get to do. I'm sorry for being sick. This is shit. I can see you over in the corner, you're crying, so is mum and Gem. Can you tell them that I love them so much, and I never wanted to hurt them. And that I'm sorry for saying Gem was the worst sister ever when she left for uni.

I know you'll read this soon. Maybe tonight, maybe next week, I wish it was never. This book that was meant for my future self has now turned into one sombre long letter to you.

I like to think that you won't be sad if I go, but I know that's probably not right. You love me, and I love you so, so much. Promise me something. That no matter what you'll never stop smiling. Your smile saves people, you saved me, you're my angel. I know why we met--even if sometimes I wish we didn't, so you wouldn't have to go through this pain--but I think God sends people like you into the lives of those who need cheering up. And one day in the future you'll meet your angel too. They'll find you in whatever dark place you are in and save you, even if you don't realise it. So please angel, keep smiling. Thank you for sticking with me, and I'm sorry I couldn't be a better boyfriend. Who knows maybe we'll meet again someday, as strangers, maybe the we can get the fairy-tale ending we deserve. I'm blessed to have you in my life, and please never forget how much I love you. I'm sorry for letting you down, for not being able to give you the dream life you've always wanted. I know this will be hard, angel I know. You'll feel like your drowning , but eventually you'll learn to swim, and from then on life will be easier, you'll be able to see the time we spent together as a happy memory cast in sunlight, no a sad tragedy. I'll always remember we have had the time of our lives together. But now our chapter is over. I know it's hard to walk away, but it has end, no matter how much we wish it didn’t . Say goodbye to Liam, Zayn, Niall and Louis for me. I love them all. I don't think I've ever cried this much. This sucks. I will miss you so, so much. I'm sorry for everything. I'll be waiting for you, in another life. Hopefully we can meet again somewhere, somewhere far away from this mess. Don forget to smile. I love you. Its time to le

13th April 2010

H,

Happy 1 year baby.

Nothing's the same without you. Even a school it's like a veil of shadows is draped over everything, like the world's lost it's colours. Your funeral was last week.

I hated it.

The people that would bully and whisper about you were crying and talking about how you were their best friend. I know it's selfish but I hated it. I ended up breaking down during your eulogy, Liam and Zayn had to step in.

I met your dad. He hates him self, he's been self medicating since he heard the news, he's not the only one. Anne and Gemma are doing okay, they've got each other to work through it though.

I tried to do what you said, to smile and be happy. I don't know how though. Everything hurts, even breathing, everything I try to talk or do something it's like I'm being strangled. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you, I tried H, I really did.

I guess you really are an Angel now huh? Up in the sky. I know you told me to let you go, that everything will be fine eventually, but how is that possible when my other half is gone? I think I've made you wait long enough, I can already start to feel my body shutting down. I'll see you soon angel.

Love Y/n

[dragon-kazansky]

Yes, sir! | Niki Lauda

Professor Lauda AU! 👨‍🏫

Gender neutral reader

Dedicated to @lieutenantn and @scuttle-buttle

I'm using the first names of people I know in real life for the friends, so I apologise if you share the same name 😅

And thank you @scuttle-buttle for letting me make references to your fic 'The interpretation of dreams'

Some of my German translations may be wrong, I'm still learning 🥺

[Next chapter]

Part 1

You sat outside on campus. Your classes didn't start until tomorrow, but your friends started today. You agreed to meet them for lunch. You hadn't been sat outside for too long when they came out. Upon seeing you, they rush over, smiling.

"Lucky you with your extra day off," Katie says, grinning. She was studying music. This girl and her guitar were a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure.

"It's only one day," you laugh.

"One day more than we got," Michael added. When it came to computers, you knew no one better.

"Still, must be exciting not that you've started your classes. I'm not scheduled until tomorrow."

"Speaking of, what did you even pick? You never actually told us," Michael asks, sitting down next to you.

"Literature and languages."

"Ooo, look at you with your 2 subjects," Katie laughs.

"Just wait until I can tell you fuck off in other languages, then we'll see who's laughing," you grin.

"Funny. Can we go eat now?"

You nod and the lot of you go to the nearest cafe for lunch. The Red Wing is a nice little place to meet with friends and catch up, and it was really close to the university.

You grab a table near the window while Michael goes to order for everyone.

"Do you want to know who your Professors are going to be?" Katie asks, pulling out her phone.

"You know?"

"You can see the teachers on the website, I can check for you," she says, already signing into the website.

You say nothing and try to peek at the screen as she searches for the right page.

Michael returns and takes a seat.

"Uh oh," Katie says, looking at her phone strangely.

"Uh oh? Why uh oh?"

She looks at you with a bitter expression.

"Your language professor... you have Professor Lauda," she tells you.

"Professor Lauda? Why is that uh oh?"

Michael and Katie share a look.

"He's, uh... he's a bit of a perfectionist. Kind of strict. He has thrown students out of his class if they haven't kept up with assignments or he thinks they're just wasting time," Michael tells you.

"Oh, I see. I'm sure it will be fine. I'm taking languages because I want to."

Katie shrugs, "well, your funeral."

You narrow your eyes at her. They were making it out as if he was some demon teacher who worked here. You were sure it would be fine.

"What about my other professor?"

"Professor Barnes? He's alright. Cute. People like him," Katie sighs.

"There we go then. I'll be fine!"

Michael and Katie share a look again. You roll your eyes and ignore them as your food arrives.

You're back at your apartment early, in time for an early night so you can be refreshed for your classes tomorrow.

You weren't worried about what your friends had said. You were sure you could handle what ever this Professor Lauda would throw at you.

You arrive to your literature class early. Professor Barnes is friendly and welcomes you into his class. You take a seat near the front and wait for the other students to arrive.

When everyone has settled, the class starts.

Barnes introduces himself, introduces you the schedule for the term, and spends a bit of time getting to know his class. He makes a joke here and there. He's definitely going to be a favourite yours, you just knew you would enjoy his classes.

He dismisses you all with a gentle smile.

You have some time before your languages class. For some reason a lite bit of dread settles in. You really wanted to do well here, but what if you didn't? Would he actually kick you off the course?

Michael was able to meet up with you as you made your way to your next class. He had just left his class cor the day when he saw you on the way to yours.

"Hey!"

You stop and let him catch up with you.

"On your way to Lauda's class?"

"Yes."

"I think it's very brave of you to take this risk," he says, placing his hand on your shoulder.

You roll your eyes.

"You're over exaggerating! He's just a Professor!"

"Y/N, there are only two professors in this university that scare me, and Lauda is one of them."

"Who's the other?"

"Professor Kreizler, but you're not taking his class, so you don't have to worry about him."

You chuckle softly.

"I'll be fine. I have to go! See you later."

Michael watches you go.

You arrive to the class just in time. The class isn't as full as the other class. Just a few students scattered about. Absolutely no one was sitting on the front row. The professor has his back to the class as he organised papers on his desk.

You headed to the front and sat down, taking out the things you would need.

The professor turned around.

Never has anyone made such an impact on you before just from their presence. Your mind ceases functioning as you get a good look at your Professor.

Soft brown curly hair, dark brown eyes, not too tall, not too short, toned, but not buff. Gosh, did he look good in that turtleneck sweater.

His eyes scan the students. The room was only about half full, not that he cared much. He knew he had a reputation in the university. People couldn't deal with him, but it didn't matter because he wouldn't be able to deal with them either.

His eyes land on the only student brave enough to sit up front. He would be able to see you working from there, but that wasn't what made him stop to look at you. No, it was the fact you were probably the best looking person to ever walk into his classroom.

He flickered his gaze away before it could be read into too much by anyone.

You hadn't seemed to notice he was staring.

Still, he was a professional and he would remain so. Nothing wrong with having good looking students in a class.

"Hallo, willkommen. I am Professor Lauda, your languages teacher. This class is for German. Please, if you had no intention of being here, leave now."

No one shifts.

"Very well then. I have written the schedule for the term on the board, copy it down if you must, I will not be repeating it after today."

You note it down, using all your will power not to just look at your Professor.

"I must ask, does anyone here have any basic knowledge of German?" He asks, eyes scanning the class.

A few hands go up. Better than his last class where barely anyone had any former knowledge. Your hand is up too.

"Gut. You," he nods at you, "introduce yourself auf Deutsch."

You hesitate for a second, not expecting he would pick you. Though, you are sat up front. You're an easy target.

"Hallo, ich bin Y/N."

Y/N. Wunderbar. He had your name. He moves onto the next student who put their hand up, and then the next. You were none the wiser to his little trick of just wanting to know who you were.

"Now, listen here," he says, gaining everyone's attention after introductions, "if you so as waste my time, you are off this course. I only want students who mean to learn. If you fail my tests, you can walk tight out. If you fail to hand in an essay, you can leave."

He scans the faces of his students.

"Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir!" The class all spoke together.

"Gut. Now, pay attention."

He begins the introduction for the course. Though you are paying attention, you're slightly distracted by his voice. English or German, you could listen to him talk all day.

You write down notes as he speaks, not wanting to miss anything. You almost miss some details because you just wanted to sit and listen to him talk.

Class is over before you know it. Time had passed far too quickly for your liking.

"Dismissed. Don't be late."

Everyone gathers their things before they go. You close your notebook and glances up at your professor. He once again has his back to the class.

"Danke, herr Lauda."

Lauda glances over his shoulder to see you standing there. He looks you up and down quickly with his dark eyes. He turns back around without saying anything.

You leave, feeling a little awkward.

Michael is waiting outside for you.

"How was class?" He asks, falling into step with you.

"Not that bad. Professor Lauda isn't that bad!"

"You're lying! He's so intimidating!" Michael exclaims.

"He's fine. Maybe I should I meet this Professor Kreizler for reference."

"He's intimidating too."

"Do you actually like any Professors here?" You ask.

"....not really!"

You chuckle softly and keep on walking. Michael has to jog a little as you pick up the pace.

"I dare you! Though he might be OK if his assistant is there."

"His assistant?" You look at him curiously.

"Yeah, pretty sure they're together."

"Hmm. Cute."

"If you say so, Y/N. Right, I have to leave, there's a computer with my name on it," he grins.

"Yeah, whatever. See you!" You laugh as he walks away.

You head back to your apartment, done for the day. You would go over your notes and have some dinner before turning in for the night.

Tomorrow was another day, and you were eager to return to your languages class.

@lieutenantn @scuttle-buttle @rumblelibrary @zemosimp05 @hb8301 @celtic-witch-bitch @somethingthatsaysbubbles @lorna-d-m @anteroom-of-death @belle82devart @vverliebt @alltimebandsexual666 @charistory @mischief-siriusly-managed @thatoneartgalsstuff @mssennimatilda

[sezja]

Take a Leap

"You'll write, right?"

"Since when do you read, Thildonnet?"

Guydelot smacks Okhi's shoulder at the good-natured jab, then leans back once more in the tall grass. Seems quieter than it should: the bee skeps over at Fullflower Comb, just a few fulms away, are still silent. The bees haven't recovered from the aftermath of Dalamud's fall and the shifting aether; much of the world remains changed, even here in the Black Shroud. Hard for Guydelot to fathom, that. The Twelveswood's always seemed untouchable, inviolate. Now there's talk that the elementals' power is waning, the moon's gone and dropped out of the sky, and...

And Okhi's leaving.

She's leaving today, in fact. A shiny new satchel sits beside her, bursting full of foodstuffs, fresh clothing, medical supplies, all the odds and ends she could think to pack. She's got a new quiver full of fresh arrows; the two of them had sat up late all week fletching new ones, keeping only the straightest and keenest. She's got a new bow; they'd spent the last week breaking it in, firing arrows into straw targets until Okhi was certain she had the feel for it. It'd be her best friend on the road, after all - seeing as she was leaving her other best friend behind.

Not for lack of trying, mind. Aye, she'd wheedled at him for the past two years as she readied herself for her seventeenth nameday, when she'd bundle up all her necessary belongings and take to the road. A few times she'd damn near convinced him, too; what did Gridania have that the rest of the world didn't, eh? At least that he wouldn't be glad to set behind him: his parents, the stuffy people, all the rules one came to live by beneath the boughs.

Aye, if he hadn't finally been admitted into the Gods' Quiver, he'd likely have his own satchel and bow ready to go.

He absently smooths the front of the recruit's tunic he's wearing - hard to believe it's already been two moons since they took him on. It ain't that he likes the work, mind. Mayhap he's holding out hope that once his training days are behind him, life as a Quiverman will get more interesting...

Or maybe he just doesn't want to set out into a world that's changed in ways he doesn't understand yet.

Dalamud's fall - the Calamity - has shaken the world like a stone dropped into a pond, and who knows what the ripples might do? The way he sees it, better to wait it out and hope things settle. That's not the way Okhi sees it, naturally; the way she sees it -

"You could still come with me, y'know," the Keeper says, rolling over in the grass to face him. "It's a big world. I could use the company."

"And you could wait another year, I reckon," he replies, rolling to face her in kind. It brings back memories - they've been friends since they were tiny, and they've spent many a summer day's end curled side-by-side in the grass like this. Hells, they'd tumbled each other for the first time not far from this very spot, here in the grass, getting grass cuts in all sorts of unpleasant places... but that was years ago, and they've long since stopped the tumbling, but lying here together - that's never stopped.

Strange to think it will, after today.

Strange to think tomorrow he'll wake in a Twelveswood that doesn't have Okhi Chelawae in it.

It's enough to make him want to go with her. How many other friends does he have, after all? None so close or so true as she, and none who know him half so well. She won't know him at all once she's been gone a while.

"You're lucky I'm waiting another second," she retorts. Her green eyes narrow. "Can't believe you're stayin' for the bloody Quivermen. I'm gonna come back and find you a right proper little archer for the Twelveswood."

It makes him laugh. "Only thing I won't be is little." He stretches, pointedly. "Time you come back, I'll have two fulms on you, watch." She'd sprouted up four ilms in the past two years, finally growing taller than Guydelot - but they both knew his Wildwood bones were just waiting, just biding their time. "And aye, might be as I'll be a famous archer, like the Godsbow himself."

"You don't wanna be famous."

"You're right," he concedes, closing his eyes. "I just want... hells, I dunno, Okhi; I just want to do something with archery, mayhap. I wanna feel like it's for something."

She snorts. "Aye, it's for putting food in your belly and furs on your back." She sits back up. "Nearly mid-morning. I should head out soon, if I mean to reach Thanalan by evening."

He sits up too. "You ought to get a tent. There's no telling how many nights you'll be stuck on the road."

"Aye, sure, I'll fish about in Quarrymill." She sighs. "Guydelot, you should come with me! There's nothing here."

Guydelot's silent, watching a young Wood Wailer pass by, doubtless on his way to tedious guard duty near the Hawthorne Hut. Not yet on duty, he carries his mask rather than wearing it - Guydelot can see the thoughtful, distracted look on the young midlander's face. Pretty face. He spares the two of them half a glance-

Even at this distance, his eyes are such an impossibly deep shade of blue it steals Guydelot's breath away, set in a stern yet beautiful face.

Half a glance, then the Wailer dismisses them with a polite nod of indifference and moves on, trudging ever onward to his onerous duty.

"There's that."

"He wouldn't give you the time of day," Okhi says, half-chuckling. "You know it."

Guydelot grins. "Actually, I don't know it," he replies. "And if I leave with you, I reckon I'll never know it."

Okhi shrugs, standing and shouldering her quiver and her pack. "Suit yourself. While I'm off seducing the lads and lasses of the Far East and everywhere from here to there, you can be here, pining after a Wood Wailer."

"Pining." He's already forgotten what the man looked like - only what he represented; all the beauty and wonder to be had right here at home. "Right. Listen-"

"I'll write." She smiles, but it's wobbly - and for the first time, he realizes why she'd been pestering him to come along. She's nervous. Scared half to death. But here she is, ready to go anyway, all alone.

He drags her into a hug. They've never been the hugging sort, but after a moment, she winds her arms around him too, and squeezes until his ribs creak.

He walks with her as far as the South Shroud, then turns her loose, watching until she vanishes around a hill.

It's not too late to follow her, you know, he tells himself... and then, with a sigh, he turns and heads back for home. It'll be time to report for duty soon, and he's already been late for muster twice.

Best of luck, Okhi.

Whatever his own future holds, he hopes it's at least half as exciting as hers.

[bemylord]

do as you're told

「ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ ʟᴇᴠɪ ᴀᴄᴋᴇʀᴍᴀɴ」

warnings: bad!levi, unprotected sex, swearing, choking, gagging, degrade, daddy kink [captain kink], nsfw, smut.

word counter: 1.9 words.

ｃａｐｔａｉｎ ａｃｋｅｒｍａｎ

it has been a long day since you woke up. assignments from the captain levi were impracticable before surrender: disassemble a paper bale, sort 'em into letters, trash, requests and again trash. you didn't knew exactly what for levi the word trash mean to him. but you know that he has never read bullshit from the court. yes, he's respecting it, but again - his office is full of paper bale.

then you need to clean the windows and at the end of the day, when he'll be back you've to help him. levi didn't say it either what kind of help he's expecting you to do.

'brat, you've to be here at eight or else i'll make you to clean my shoes with your tongue'

he wasn't joking; you knew he can do that. a quarter to eight and you're spinning near his office, waiting for him. barely standing on your feet, falling asleep.

'i was certain you won't be able to fulfill my instructions, but you did, fortunate brat'

he sat down on the chair, staring at you sullenly. your blood runs cold, you stopped in the middle of the office, staring at your shoes. it's been an exhausting day, you're been doing the tasks since dawn and now it's almost sunset. you were ready to sit on the chair in front of levi, when he gave you a warning sign.

'did i allow you to sit down? you still have an assignments to be done' you're speechless of his rudeness. you just sighed, getting ready for new not less exhausting duty. you've got a feeling that you won't be able to training tomorrow, due to today's responsibilities.

captain showed you a gesture with his index finger: 'come here' and did without a word. approaching towards levi, your legs with difficulties moving, dreaming to feel your soft and warm bed underneath your body - one second, and you'll be asleep.

'yes, captain levi' you said, standing in front of him. ackerman unrolled the chair with him, putting hands on his knees.

'bend over closer to my face, idiot' your cheeks are covered with a pink blush, after levi pronounced that. it's the basic order: being relatively close to him. 'calm down', you mind said, 'he won't kiss you, relax'. when you did you, he brought his lips to your ear, scorching the earlobe with hot breath.

'undress me'

you're dazed, trying to reproduce his words in your head. udress? only shirt or totally naked? you've never see him naked. you've seen the outlines of muscular body in all of the years of his persistent and sometimes brutal training. but, will that means you're gonna touch his skin, his scars and smell his skin?

'did you not hear me unless you wanna get a punishment?'

he said that louder, waking you up from your thoughts.

'yes, sir'

carefully removing from him neckerchief; you slowly unbutton the buttons of his white shirt, feeling his chest rise. unbuttoning the last button, you were praying to god that it'd end, 'cause even doing it, just undressing him, it's compulsion you to think about the lower part of levi's body. when you finished, he took off his shirt, putting it on the table. you straightened your back, trying not to stare at his bulge.

'i said, undress me, cadet. i'm starting to think to give you another punishment'

before you touched the belt, swallowed nervously; your hands are almost shaking, oh how hot is he. the heat of his body is maddening, you can't deny it.

'how you're gonna take off my pants, when i still in my shoes?'

levi is rude as fuck now. he's always acting and being rough with everybody, but now he's too rude to you. you did every task, every fucking task and now he is still not satisfied? you wanted to say chill out captain, there's no need to rush, but the fear of having another task after depleted day, stopped you.

you got down on your knees, taking off his shoes. 'i'm only undressing him, please, i can't get arousal of doing it'. standing on your knees, you looked straight into the eye, with a mute supplication in your eyes, beg him to stop this.

'now my pants, y/n. take them down'

he said it with his deep and husky voice. you're done right now: wanna escape, run away from him, but you blatantly wanna know what'll be next.

to tease him? yes.

to run your fingers from his knees to the bulge? definitely yes.

you sighed, touches the belt, unbuckling the belt, faltering to touch the zip. you felt it. felt the bulge under his pants. unzipped the pants, looked up.

levi is relishing every second of this torture. he knows you're wanna more and he'll give it to you. he got up from the chair, still gazing at you with lust in his eyes, waiting for you to take off his pants.

slowly you put them down; your heart beats faster than always. maybe it's because you've been doing intimity things. it's so aroused. finally, it's over.

'i've a long day, brat, i wanna take a bath'

'you want me to make a bath for you, captain?'

'no', you mentally sighed, expecting that captain finally allow you to leave the office. 'wash me, i'm dirty'

you thought. wait, huh, what? seriously? he's certain? levi can do it by himself, he's no that tired as you're. you were reluctant to do his duties, when there were other people he could asked for.

'what if someone sees us in the bath?'

'i gave 'em an order to be in the bedrooms until the sunrise, no one wouldn't sneak out'

you got up off your knees, following the captain. you made him out to be your captain, your mentor, not a beast. he must be a mentor. when you both got in the bath, he locked the door for credibility.

'now take off the last thing'

it's necessary to be done by you? but, he's the leader, so you need to reckoned with him. you took the edges of the boxers, taking them off. you're trying to look everywhere but not at his growing dick. yes, you wanna see at levi, but, fuck, his cock.

you took the towel, soak it in warm water, rubbing over his body. it's hard not to look down there. you went behind his back, rubbing his back, ogling at him: muscular, strong body with littles scars from the past battles. light emanating from candles, showing his curves perfectly.

it's a curse - look but don't touch levi's body. only staring and choking from the pleasure.

'my lower body is dirty too, brat, hurry up'

so you back face-to-face with ackerman. you bited your lower lips, restlessly rubbing his stomack.

'are you scared to look at my dick, cadet?'

no, you aren't. you're taking precautions. you are cadet. you killed titans and you're still alive, and here it goes: you are scared to watch at yours captain dick.

no you aren't.

'on your knees, y/n, and with every rub you're gonna call me captain'

the hell. it's getting hotter here.

but, anyways, you want it too. wanna touch it and suck his dick. lick the balls and go back to the tip of his cock.

'captain', he's mesmerized by you: the way you gentle rub the towel over his body, washing him, staring straight into his eyes.

'i bet your tongue will clean my dick better'

you finally look at his cock. the tip is pink from your careless, your gentle touches.

'captain', you whispered, slightly blowing on his dick.

you knew that'll happened. you're gonna be on your knees, insatiably sucking the dick so levi will come in your mouth, breeding you. and every soldier needs to release the desire. especially the sexual desire. both craving to each other, but up to this moment you were just a team.

now you're standing on your knees, so your teammates will ask you what happened with you. what will you say? but, it'll be tomorrow, now you're sucking his dick like it's the last time you see him. unquenchably up and down, using your tongue, strocking the base of the cock with one hand.

when you reached down, unzipped your pants, thinking about rubbing you clit.

'have you had my permission to touch yourself, brat? i'm gonna gag you on my cock'

levi put his hands on your nape, gagging you, practically chocking, giving no breaks. humanity's strongest is rough everywhere, you were well-aware about it. tears begin to accumulate in the corner of the eyes: getting a bang out of pain and pleasure. it won't stop, you don't wanna it to stop, playing this moment in your head, scorching this in your mind to the day you'll die.

'i wanna fuck you raw, tonight, y/n, you should be dripping or else it'll hurts as fuck'

not it won't. you're acking for it, hungry for ackerman's cock. there is something in the ackerman's blood; you don't know exactly what, but he's certainly beckoning you: his smell, his manhood, his willingness to kill titans. it all in conjunction is maddening you. he quickly take off your clothes, started to kiss to greedily, biting your lips.

he hoisted you up by the waist, making you wrap your legs around his torso. the next second you felt like you were pressed against a cold wall.

'i knew it, brat. you've been craving for me, i'm happy it's mutually'

you didn't hear the last words, moaning to feel the tip inside you. one second and he completely entered you. huge, thicc cock. he increased the pace right after the first push. you're leaving the red patterns on his wide back, whining on levi's ear, kissing his neck, leaving a wet path from one shoulder to the other.

'you squeeze my dick so hard, my brat, you wanna cum already?'

'it's just so good'

'hold it, i wanna to cum concurrent with you'

you do as you're told. hold your orgasm. he won't last long, he endured too long, yes, he's strong. but when it comes to the person he loves - he will be weak only for them.

his cock is pounding right in the g-spot, making you melt. you've been a feverish french kissing since he went inside you. fat dick in the tight pussy, kissing the person you love - isn't it lovely?

couldn't be better.

'i'm cumming levi, can't no more'

you wrapped your legs tighter around your captain, cumming with him. he came with a little groan, leaved a dozen nail marks on your hips. he put his forehead on your shoulder, catching his breath. he let you out of his arms, kissed you on the forehead.

'tomorrow i'll go for a small expedition and when i'll return, i'm expercting you to be on all fours and naked'

'you're smug as fuck, levi'

'are you talking back to me?'

'i'll do it, captain'

///~~~///

oops, almost fifty people subscribed to my blog in a day and, wow, thank you guys!

[obislittleone]

Intelligent Insanity

13/?

Jerome Valeska x Reader

I'm still tryna speed up events here because I rlly rlly wanna get to the good part i have planned okay

Series Summary: Two lives can start very differently, but it's never the beginning that makes the story. It's the the journey the lives take that eventually bring them down the same path.

Chapter Warnings: mentions of death, fluff, angst, mentions of murder.

After a few days with Galavan's personal health worker, I began to feel like brand new. Jerome had been right by my side nearly the entire time, minus the moments when he and Galavan were plotting the next Maniax strike.

I wished I could attend the big blow out at the police station tomorrow, because I would hate to miss such a big event. I also wanted them to know I was still alive, and that they couldn't just kill me so easily. I wasn't necessarily a force to be reckoned with, but I certainly wasn't a pansy that would die with one shot.

I got up more on my feet with each day since the shot, and I thought myself to be ready enough for the grand mission, though Galavan insisted I stay. As much as it pained Jerome to see the look on my face, he agreed as well.

"You just got the stitches out yesterday, just stay here and I'll be back before you know it." He rubbed up and down my arms. The scene was sweet and momentous, as if a man was leaving his girl for a business affair, and would return for her when he was finished. However the task at hand was far from a business affair.

"I know.... Just promise you'll get that cop that shot me?" I asked, glancing up at him with a sad look upon my features.

"Of course, princess. He'll pay for what he did to you." Jerome's voice got darker when he neared the end of his words, his hand coming down to the spot on my side that was still healing. I couldn't really even feel it anymore, but the pain around it still made me a little sluggish.

"Be careful, I don't need you getting shot too." I said, straightening out his uniform, which was an exact replica of the one's the GCPD wore.

"We'll be okay. Galavan is sending in backup this time, so there won't be any chances." He convinced me, and I knew he would do a great job. He always did. His showmanship, his stage presence, all were charismatic details about him that made him special. He was purely captivating.

"You know, you'd be a good looking cop.... if you were into that sort of thing." I laughed.

"Abiding by the law is not as fun as breaking it, my dear." He said in a sing song voice, turning the end into a long whistle. He was a great whistler, and when I wanted to hear a certain song he gave it every time.

"That's certainly true. Go get em, tiger." I said, pressing a firm kiss to his lips and sitting back on the heels of my feet. He was unsatisfied with that, pulling me back in for one more. "I love you, ya psycho."

"I love you more, ya little maniac." He wrapped his arms around me one last time, holding me close to his chest before he was off. He turned back around from the door, tipping his hat to me and winking.

When he was gone I sighed, leaning against one of the bedframe's giant colums. He was such an amazing boy, truly. He was going to rule the world someday, whether he knew it or not. Gotham was going to bend to his will.

The amount of people that feared him was many, but I had a feeling the amount of people who believed in him would be bigger. Sure, he was a matricidal freak that escaped an asylum where he'd been held since his first murder... everyone has to start somehwhere. He was going to make people see him a little differently.

-

Later that night, when Jerome was safe and sound, back at Galavan's penthouse, we got nestled down into bed and watched as they rolled the footage of today's massacre on the news. I smiled as I saw the tape recording begin to play. They even put out a viewer discretion warning before they played Jerome's clip.

"Ya hear that? I might be disturbing to some viewers." He laughed his signature maniacal cackle, and already I had a smile on my face.

While watching the video, I couldn't help but admire the way he looked. So happy to be in his element, and simply taking it all in. His little speech to the citizens of Gotham had me in stitches, but also gave me goosebumps. He was quite the entertainer, and he knew it.

The clip ended on his laugh again, and boy did it make me feel things. This crazy ginger did things to me that he didn't even realize. I could go on and on about the way his smile made me weak, or how the way he spoke gave me chills, but in this moment I simply felt like showing him how he made me feel.

I threw my leg over him, sitting up so that I straddled him on either side. He didn't even act surprised, he just smiled and quirked an eyebrow, as if he was somehow expecting this to happen.

"Am I in for it?" He questioned, already knowing the answer but pining for it anyway.

"You have no idea."

-

The morning after, I awoke to an empty bed. I wasn't disappointed, for I must have overslept by a lot for Jerome to have already gotten up without disturbing me whatsoever. He wasn't really an early riser, so the fact that he was not only awake, but out of bed before me was a shock.

I pulled on the shirt he'd tossed to the floor and a pair of underwear, making sure that the shirt was long enough to cover up without needing shorts. When I found that the shirt hung by my knees, I left the room, content on my journey around the penthouse to find my boyfriend.

I stepped inside the main room to find Galavan and Jerome leaned over a table, discussing important plans. Galavan noticed me enter first, and without shame he looked me up and down. I wasn't necessarily as fun to look at as Barbara, but I suppose in my state of dress I could be found desirable. Too bad I only had eyes for the ginger.

When Jerome caught the stare Galavan was giving me, specifically my legs, he walked over and blocked me from the older man's view. I wasn't sure what the meaning was, for I didn't know the harm that was being done, but Jerome stood in his place unwavering.

"I'm sorry I left so early, but we've got big news." Jerome smiled, grabbing both sides of my waist and pulling me closer.

"Tell me." I said enthusiastically.

"I get to kill my father tomorrow.... and you're gonna help me. After that we're gonna crash a charity ball." He spoke with such fluidity and excitement to the death of his father, who, by understanding, was just as much of a jerk as his mother.

"Murder?" Something changed in my eyes, they became dark and infatuated with the idea of driving his father to the place of death his mother currently was.

"Murder..." he said seriously, with a spooky, eerieness to his tone, but then his smile spread and his laugh gave me small chuckles of my own.

We had a busy day tomorrow.

Tags are open!!

@gabile18 @i-sneeze-to-appease

[darkdevasofdestruction]

The Tigress of Wrath and the Golden Dragon ~ Yin Zhen x Reader

This is a little fic in which the reader is a girl whose father is an important War General for the Emperor Kangxi, and since he has no sons, and the girl shows great aptitude in fighting and strategic thinking, he chooses to present her to the Emperor and requests to treat her as a man and use her skills accordingly.

When she was a child, she got along well enough with the 3rd and 4th Princes ( Yin Zhi and Yin Zhen accordingly ) yet, due to her more tomboyish personality, and the legend of a Tigress Warrior, they nicknamed her "The Tigress" both as a nickname, and a teasing too, as she seemed to be terrible at being feminine as well, as we know how life was like in the 17th-18th century.

Just like the 14th Prince, she was then taken by her father to train in martial arts and returned to the Palace many years later, when she was of age, and to prove herself, she has to go through some challenges…

---

"Father...? Do you think...Those two will remember me? It's been so long, and I've changed so much and...I don't know." the girl asked her father awkwardly, as they walked casually towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the place where the Emperor would talk to the people requesting an audience, and solve paper businesses. "Y/N, dear, you may be scared that they won't recognise you, sure, but remember that you are about the same age, and if you've changed so much, imagine that you may not recognise them either. You know very well men change quite a lot when they grow. You were taller than them when you were a little munchkin, but now, I'm sure they will be towering over you." her father chuckled, seeing the horrified look on her face, only to pat her head reassuringly. "That's...So not cool...I'm sure that, with my eternal luck, I'm going to pass by them, and not realise who it is...Ah, father, look at that boy over there, in the red outfit! Do you think it's one of them? Yin Zhi used to like red, that much I remember! Ha, and he didn't grow up too much, I'm sure he's around my height!" the girl grinned triumphantly, her chin held high, which made her father laugh even more mirthfully. "Why don't you go ask him, then? Who knows, you may just be right!" he encouraged her, and with a smile on her face, she ran up to the boy with no inhibition whatsoever, convinced she was talking to her old friend.

"Hello! Sorry to bother, but are you, per chance, the 3rd Prince? I haven't been in the palace since I was very little, so I'm trying to find my friends." she asked the boy in the most carefree manner possible, only to have him chuckle at her and shake his head. "You're about 11 princes down the line, sorry to disappoint you, miss. I'm the 14th Prince, although, I have to say, I'm rather surprised to hear that my brother actually had friends. He's not the most sociable, as far as I'm concerned, but I'll give you a little tip on where to find him. Both him and the 4th Prince are busy devising some kind of plan or something with our Father, the Emperor, so that's the safest bet if you want to find him." the boy explained, as the cricket in his little cage made a cute, almost happy noise of confirmation. "...Yin Zhen is there too...? Oh boy, that's very exciting...Well, thank you for the information, Prince, I appreciate the help. See you around." she bowed quickly to him, in a manly mannerism, which confused the boy garbed in red, yet didn't quite question anything, as she bolted off to her father's side, quickly telling him what she found out.

And so, they arrived in front of the doors, and the Eunuch announced their arrival, allowing them to step inside and kowtow to the floor to greet the Eye of Heaven.

"May the Emperor live eternally." the two chanted in unison as they bowed down in reverence. "General Nian, I pray you have arrived safely. And I see you've finally brought your daughter with you as well. Just as expected, she grew up a real beauty, just like her mother."the Emperor smiled at them, as they nodded their heads as a thank you. "Your Majesty is kind and benevolent above all, yet I dare not receive just praise." the girl raised her sight so she could look at the old man, feeling awkward, yet unstoppable. "A humble one she is, General, you've raised her well. As I see it, she is of age. Are you here to request a good marriage for her? Perhaps with one of my sons?" the Emperor asked, earning a silent yet startled gulp from the girl. "Your Majesty, I dare not. My daughter, bless her soul, is not the most feminine one, yet, since she left the palace, she showed incredible aptitude in martial arts and fighting, and her teachers deemed her intelligence above average. While she is hopeless with a needle, I can proudly say that she can stab with a sword infinitely better than many of our soldiers. If you may have it in your heart to forgive such an obvious stray-away from our usual traditions, please consider using her skills, for she learnt a great deal and she wants to serve our country and the Emperor with her very brain and life.” her father pleaded, and it seemed like the Emperor was actually considering this move. “Very well, I understand your wish, and it makes sense, however, you will have to prove yourself in front of everyone. There are prejudices everywhere, and close to nobody believes in the resurrection of someone like Princess Pingyang or Lin Siniang. Should you prove them wrong, I shall grant you the title of Apprentice Detective. I believe you remember my sons here, the 3rd and 4th Princes – They, too, were here to volunteer to help solve a case in a province away from the palace, and you may join them.” The Emperor explained, making both the father and the daughter bow gratefully. “Your Majesty is kind and benevolent above all. I shall prove I am worthy of this position and make you and my father proud.” She spoke, and thus, the Emperor raised. “Today, you may rest, as you have come here from a long and tiresome journey, yet tomorrow, you shall be fighting the soldiers in training at the Academy, and depending on your performance, I shall make a decision.” Was the last thing the old man spoke, and then, he dismissed the young ones, as he wished to talk about the situation of the Army in the North-East province.

And so, the Eunuch guided them outside and guided her to the Palace of Everlasting Wisdom, which was awfully fitting for her, but she thought nothing of it, instead, quickly befriended the maids and had them tell her anything of relevance about life in the Palace.

But…Those two Princes…The Emperor said they were her old friends…But they were so grown up and looked so sharp and mature! How could that have happened? She still looks soft and youthful, while they look like hardened adults! How is that fair in any way? Not to mention…They’d be working together? On a journey, away from the palace? That’s insane! So exciting! …Hopefully.

That night, she slept like a baby, both eager and anxious for the next day’s challenge, whatever that may be…After all, she MUST get everyone’s respect, should she wish to have a nice life in the palace and not be constantly pressured into marriage or into becoming a concubine.

Y/N dressed in a nice, light blue dress, like those worn during the reign of the Empress Wu Zetian, since she found those kinds of outfits the best for martial arts, and styled the top of her hair in a simple bun tied in a blue ribbon, letting the lower part sway with the wind. Taking her sword in her hands, she unsheathed half of it, seeing the reflection of her beautiful eyes in it, and grinning, to hype herself up, she slammed the sword back and put it at her waist, rushing to the fighting area.

In the middle of the court, she bowed to the Emperor, who was there to watch the show, yet her gaze was nowhere close to him, but her eyes caught Yin Zhen’s ebony eyes watching her, and she could only smirk, very smug and proud of herself.

As she kneeled like a warrior in front of the Emperor, her eyes averted to His Majesty, as he started explaining what she had to do, as a few boys who must have been fresh out of the Academy, went on either side of her, in perfect sync, 3 on each side, 4 meters apart from her.

“I am aware that one must carry a sword to protect themselves and their allies, yet today, you must show that you are capable of doing so without using your blade in such a manner. Discipline, strategy, reflexes, wit and martial arts shall be what you will be tested on today. You may begin.” As he rose from his throne, he extended his hand up in the air, then abruptly let it fall to his side, as if to highlight the beginning of an entertaining show.

As soon as the loud “BEGIN” was heard from the echoing voice of His Majesty, the girl quickly made a few backward tumbles in a way to get out of the men’s way of harm, then got in a fighting stance, ready to take everyone out. The first 3 were easy to defeat, and ultimately, she grabbed the 2nd one’s arm and swung him around, kicking him into the 3rd, making the three of them fall to the ground – But then she got ambushed by the last three, and as she felt herself get grabbed by the light jacket over her blouse, she quickly twirled around, letting the attacker remain with the jacket in his hands, while she dropped to the ground, sweeping her leg over his own, making him fall to the ground. As she finished the 4th, she twirled around again, kicking the 5th in the jaw, then taking out the ribbon from her hair and choking the last one standing, and thus, she was standing tall surrounded by a pile of beaten up men who stood no chance.

However, no day is short of surprises, as she notices Yin Zhen’s sword get unsheathed and him walking towards her with an amused smirk, and she could only tsk in annoyance – This game of proving the others wrong seemed rather unfair all of a sudden – Going against a sword barehanded? Not exactly wise, she reckoned – And thus, she took out her own sword from her waist, extending it for the Prince to see.

“I believe what you are doing will go against the rules set by the Emperor, Y/N. Are you willing to point a sword towards the Crown Prince?” the 4th Prince chuckled very amused, but now, it was the girl’s turn to grin. “Who said anything about a sword? The Emperor told me not to use a blade, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m merely using its scabbard, correct?” she continued parrying the Prince’s swings with perfect accuracy, but she knew he wasn’t actually going full strength on her, she could feel it in the force behind each strike. “I’m not sure if I should be offended that you’re not taking me seriously in this fight, or if I should be concerned about the gold possibly getting whisked away.” She laughed merrily as they continued to dance the waltz of swords, each strike going harder and harder. “If it does, I will make sure the Imperial Blacksmith forges a much better sword for you, and the scabbard will be embellished fit for an Empress.” Their weapons were crossed while their faces were so close to each other that they could almost feel each other’s breaths, and their words, merely above a whisper, needn’t be any louder, for their conversation was meant to be intimate and away from anyone’s ears. “I’d be much happier if it was fit for a Prince.” She laughed in his face, ready to prepare for another strike, but somehow, the Prince’s hit made the scabbard fall off and rotate far away from their positions, looking at them as if mocking. “How rude and unfair of you, Princeling! How am I supposed to fight you now that I can only use the sword’s handle?” she shook her head in mock annoyance, as he sheathed his sword and stepped in front of her. “I win.” He spoke in a simple, teasing manner, flicking her forehead – An endearing and affectionate habit he used to do only to her when they were young and would sneak out of the palace to play around in the Plum garden. “You win nothing, Yin Zhen.” She scoffed, only to notice a glint of silver sparkling in the Sun, and realizing what it was, she jumped, twirling the sword around to pick it up by the blade’s edge, and stepping on his chest, she propelled herself in the air, hitting away a flying arrow sent into the Emperor’s direction. “…Was that planned too?” she asked, not even noticing the running blood coming from her hand. “No, it wasn’t. Father, are you alright?” the Prince ran to his father’s side, while the girl looked back in the direction from which the arrow was sent flying. “The five of you, don’t move! Guards, keep them still!” commanding the royal guards who obeyed her orders, she examined each of the protesting men who either cried out their innocence, or hollered it out. “You were the one who sent the arrow flying. You have a horizontal line across the middle of your fingers, which means you didn’t use a bow, since it would have attracted attention, but instead, most likely, a mini crossbow that many assassins use – Which makes sense, considering how the arrow is about half the size of a normal one. And the two of you are accomplices. You have the crossbow under your clothes – You’re not actually fat, you just stuffed your clothes to appear so, and you provided the arrows, there is a fragment of a coloured feather part which is used for arrows to fly properly.” She explained with ease, which made the Emperor and the other Princes gather around behind her, listening to her reasonings. “Yes, very well, that does make sense. Yin Zhen, Yin Zhi, what do you make of this situation?” the old man looked at his two Princes, who seemed to ponder the situation over, but came up with no other solution by the end of their brief investigation. “It seems to me Miss Y/N came up with the right solution, Father.” The 3rd Prince answered quickly, not wanting to stay there more than needed, but also being rather intrigued by what was happening. It wasn’t often that a court case would find itself before their very eyes so easily. “Very well, very well indeed.” The Emperor nodded in agreement, stroking his beard. “Father, if I may – I wish to express my opinion on Y/N’s

arrival here, at the Palace. I believe she will be the perfect Detective Constable. She expressed skills in combat, intelligence, tactics, wit and charm – I believe men will find it easier to confess to her, should they be found in a precarious situation. It will prove to be very useful in our mission in the Jiangnan province.” Yin Zhen’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts and spoke without realizing. “Jiangnan? That’s pretty close to Hunan, where I spent most of my time. I heard it’s a rather interesting and developed city. What’s the problem there?” she asked, and it was then that the Emperor truly decided to assign her the case. “There has been a string of rather bizarre murders, Young Detective, and I would like you and my sons to go investigate and put a stop to the injustice taking place. You will be on the road tomorrow, these two will show you the book with the written statements about each singular crime that took place. Rest assured, I will inform your father of your departure, and later tonight you will be provided with the imperial token and any weapon you may be in need of.” The Emperor told his scribe to write the declared Royal Decree and had his personal eunuch give her the Imperial Token that will ensure her access to any place or information that she may otherwise have difficulty reaching. “Your Highness is kind and benevolent above all. May Your Majesty live eternally.” Young Y/N kowtowed in front of the old man, who chuckled and patted her head before leaving the place, and with him, the rest of the crowd…Sans the two eldest princes. “I thought tigresses would grow with time, not regress so much. How amusing.” Yin Zhi chuckled, making light of the height difference that was now reversed. “It’s not my fault I was born in the wrong body, is it now? No matter now, I can accomplish the same things with no difficulty or impediment. A tigress will forever be a tigress, be it a cub or a celestial one.” She smirked at the older prince, who could only scoff and walk away. “Great seeing you again, Y/N. As annoying as always.” He grumbled, leaving his brother alone with her. “It may be my imagination alone, but I believe he became grumpier than ever – Correct me if I’m wrong, though.”Y/N shook her head in disbelief, only to get her forehead flicked once again. “And you are as reckless and airheaded as always. If I don’t take care of you, you’ll die before you realise. The Palace life is a harsh one, especially for a woman, be it one in the harem, or merely one with ties to anyone from the Imperial family. Don’t be foolish thinking you are exempt from harm.” Yin Zhen warned her with a sharp and serious tone – She almost couldn’t recognize him, remembering how much of an air head HE used to be, and she had to scold him every time he’d get hurt by being careless and falling down a tree, or falling in the lake. “You don’t have a fever, do you, Yin Zhen? I don’t recognize you! Since when have our roles been reversed, anyway? Besides, what’s the harm done to me, considering I could prevent any from coming to you and your Imperial Father?” Y/N shrugged simply, before getting her hand taken in his and realizing his concern – Her hand was actually slashed and bleeding from when she held her blade tightly in her hand to deflect the stray arrow ready to claim an important life. “You, dummy. Good thing I learnt from the Tigress how to take care of my cub, otherwise, this little kitten would have been much tamer in the future…And that wouldn’t be fun, would it?” The prince took a handkerchief from his pocket and held it tight against the wound, waiting like that until it stopped bleeding altogether. “Marigold ointment will take care of it. Hopefully, no scars either.” She muttered, looking down at her hand with resentment at the idea of scarring. “Even if it does scar, it won’t take away your beauty and worth in this world.” This comment – so charming, spoken in such a suave way, as he drew closer to her – Made her heart beat like never before, and she was sure her face must show the warmth she felt. “I

didn’t realise you’d become such a smooth talker. Little Yin Zhen sure grew a lot since we’ve last seen each other. Undoubtly, you must have a lot of ladies swooning over you. Ladies with skin as smooth and pale as milk, that is. You don’t have to make me feel better, I am aware of this society’s beauty standards, and how people look down on women with scars. But thank you. I will be going now. Make sure you are well rested for tomorrow’s journey…It will be a long one.” With a small smile, Y/N drew back her hand, taking the handkerchief with her as well – She couldn’t possibly return it all bloody, right? – And went back to her assigned palace, not giving the prince any chance to speak back or refute in any way. How could he possibly find the woman he’s been pining over for so many years – In any way, shape or form – Disgusting, just because of some scar? He knew – It was true – He knew how people were…But not him, and not when it came to her. For so many years since she’s been gone from his arms, he’s been thinking of her and her alone. He wasn’t like his elder brother, so dissolute and indulging in his own pleasures, as far away from the Imperial family as possible, while also ensuring his favouring to their father…But He was different. Yin Zhen WAS going to be the next Emperor, and he WAS going to marry Y/N, no matter what. He just got her back…No way in hell was he going to let her go again.

When he saw her again, he couldn’t believe his eyes – She grew up so much, she looked so beautiful, like a woman – It was only now that he saw her with different eyes, it wasn’t just the old fondness from their childhood…But now, his heart was beating faster looking upon her face.

Stars were twinkling brighter in her eyes, than on the bright sky of Summer, her gorgeous visage rivaling even the Moon Goddess Chang’e – And she was as stubborn and nonconformist as always, wearing dresses from so far back – The Tang dynasty, ages ago – And they suited her so well, he was mesmerized watching the loose fabric fly around her so graciously as she spun around so gracefully, swinging her sword and taking down her enemies with perfect precision and stance…

And her expression…Gods, her expression…

It reminded him of his own.

She oftentimes looked to be ruthless, stoic, sharp and unforgiving…And yet, every so often, when not surrounded by people, he would see her eyes soften to the littlest of things, be it a beautiful flower, or a cute puppy yapping at her, wanting to be petted and played with.

He saw her that night – She couldn’t sleep, perhaps? Or maybe it was the night coming faster, awakening the lovely moon, in her honour – She saw her next to the lotus pond, bathing in the silver light of the Deity, as her finger so gracefully glided over the strings of the zither that she played with such nostalgia, that he felt his own heart weep.

Why was she so sorrowful, he wondered. No person who lacks a certain degree of a broken heart would be able to play with such vibrating emotions the instrument that holds the soul of the player, and of the listener. The fourth prince felt connected to her – A heart to heart and soul to soul connection – Solely through the sounds coming from every pinch of the strings…

He knew he would never again feel something so powerful with anyone else. It was his mother who once told him so many tales of heroes saving princesses and falling in love, and yet, those stories never explained in such detail what either of them felt. It was clear to him now that those authors were never actually in love to begin with. God forbid men feel or act with any vulnerability towards the woman they vow to protect and cherish for the rest of their days.

He wanted – Oh, how much he needed – To go to her, to accompany her melody by playing the flute, for those songs are meant to be played together, as a couple, in perfect harmony – And yet, he was afraid that, as soon as he’d approach her, the little tigress would flee from him. He was aware of how frail and afraid she was of admitting she held a more romantic side, and yet, this very fear of her was what was causing her so much distress, even if she was aware of it or not.

Perhaps, this woman wasn’t just a tigress, but a fawn as well, choosing which side of her to show to the world, depending on what her heart and mind dictated…In a world ruled by men, being a deer would only get you to become dinner, so play the role of a fiery tigress and make everyone flee in fear.

It was the perfect strategy, clearly, and yet…

Yin Zhen never showed fear.

“I never imagined my first case would involve something so complex.” Y/N spoke, almost without realizing, as she went over the case file once again, bouncing absent-minded in the horse saddle. “We immediately sent word to the constables in Jiangnan so they won’t touch the body more than needed. Congratulations, your first case will have you look at something gruesome.”Yin Zhi mocked her, and yet, he was shocked hearing her laugh lightly. “That’s gonna be fun!” she grinned, trying to imagine the way she’d find the bodies and whether she’d be able to make heads or tails of everything. “I hope all three of the bodies will be left in perfect shape, otherwise it would be such a pity, don’t you think?” she mused, a confident kitten-like smile creeping on her face. “Any man who hears you speak with so much glee about dead bodies will flee for you. I’d be more careful about what I’d say out loud before it’s too late and I end up all alone, old and ugly.”The 3rd prince’s comment made his younger brother frown in anger, shooting him a warning look. He didn’t want the girl to become even more sorrowful than she already was. Not being the stereotypical feminine woman wasn’t as popular now as it was hundreds of years ago, when the bravest women were, in the end, praised and beloved by everyone, going down in history, tales of their bravery being sung at events all over the country. “Then…Think I’ll find a pretty woman? If I can’t find a man to love me, protect me and cherish me, like in those nice stories our mothers told us when we were young, then might as well become the warrior seeking a beautiful, young maiden who would willingly sooth my soul and tend to my wounds. Doesn’t sound half-bad, does it? Women are very beautiful, maybe I can find the appeal a man feels when seeing one, if I imagine it long enough.” She chuckled carefree, but the prince knew that, deep down, she was used to such harsh comments being made about her, and in her heart, she held no hope of a future with someone by her side. “As if that would happen.” The prince scoffed at her breeze-like comment, only for her to laugh at him, tauntingly. “What is it, Zhi Zhi? Afraid I’m going to be more popular with the ladies than you? With how rude you are, I think it’s safe to say I would win, if that were the case.” A tigress, a fawn…And a smirking fox. Yin Zhen wondered whether he would come to discover more spirit animals residing inside her heart – He was fascinated, and also, satisfied with how she turned around to taunt back his brother with such perfect ease, that it angered the elder one. “We shall see…” oh, look at that, the 3rd Prince actually took that as a competition starter – How very serious of him! “Enough bickering, you two, we have arrived.” The 4th Prince scolded those two as they trotted inside the city of Jiangnan, admiring the provincial beauty and simplicity of the place, until they were greeted by the main constable of the place, who guided them to their quarters, offering them information about each case, only for then guide them to each of them, in the order they were done.

“Good golly, I never would have imagined a human could end up so fat!” the girl exclaimed, her jaw dropped in horror at the mountain of a man that sat in front of a table, his upper body engulfing the wooden furniture with the layers of fat as he was hovering over it entirely. “Be more respectful of the dead, Y/N…”Yin Zhen sighed softly as he went ahead to look around the room. “I’ll wait for you outside.” The constable muttered, doing as he told.

The girl then put a veil on her face to cover the bottom half of it, protecting herself as much as possible from the possible diseases and, most of all, from the stench of rotten food and flesh. With help from the two imperial brothers, she had the corpse lay on the floor completely, so she could perform an autopsy and see the cause of death – Not only a failing heart, as it was completely engulfed with a scary amount of fat, but…His stomach was burst open, and a concoction of digested and undigested food was disgustingly splayed all around his entrails.

Clearly, he ate himself to death, and yet, she wondered how come the constable didn’t deem this simply a heart failure, considering his appearance? Perhaps signs of forced entry would explain everything – But why would this one be killed in such a way? Wouldn’t it be more satisfying to have such a glutton starve to death? P’haps, even more…Cruel?

Maybe it wasn’t a hate-crime after all, but a way to teach this one that gluttony wasn’t, in fact, good…A twisted way to teach someone a lesson – Don’t steal away the starving people’s food - Y/N realized that, what he may eat at one meal, would be something she’d need for a whole week, and the thought of it had her stifle her chuckle at the irony.

Glutton…Gluttony…Interesting concept. Truth be told, she never met anyone so unhealthily, so morbidly obese – Especially for food was scarce in many provinces, and while there was abundance at the Palace, not even there, did she see anything more than slightly chubby.

Perhaps people who stood out with their wrong-doings were to be eliminated. This one was already an outcast from the rest of the citizens of this place, nobody would miss him, so he was a fair kill.

“Did you find anything relevant around the room?” she asked as she got up and went to wash her hands from the disgusting body juices she had to dig into. “No signs of forced entry, however, the culprit was definitely sitting in the chair opposite of him. What did you find from the body?” the younger brother asked as they all left the room. “Mr. Constable, have you seen anything out of the ordinary in this city lately? A new person, an event, uhm…People acting weirdly, or I don’t know, anything that would stand out from the usual.”She asked, not yet answering the prince. “Nothing that I would think from the top of my head, no…Things have been normal for the past weeks…Until these tragedies started happening, so quickly, one after the other…” country constables really are useless, the girl realized, as she merely smiled at him and put her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll bring justice to the victims and this city. Until then, stay vigilant and tell us should you find out anything new.” Saying that, she decided to go on ahead to the next victim’s house, letting the running thoughts take over her mind.

Hurrying down the busy streets of Jiangnan, they found their way to the second house of the day – Once again, no signs of a forced entry – Yet this body was different. This man was built normally, so the chances of an accidental death due to natural causes was out of question. He was sprawled over his bed, his clothes dyed with his own crimson blood, his hands and feet impaled with golden ornaments, as melted gold was poured over his face, melting it, and in turn, killing him in such a gruesome way…And piles of golden ingots, silver taels and jewellery were piling over the rest of his body, almost suffocating him.

There was nothing to dissect here, the cause of death was obvious, so the last thing to wonder about was the reason for this atrocity.

So much wealth put everywhere on display…If this was the same person, then maybe…The lesson they wanted to teach this man was humility? Or…Altruism? Temperance? To give away his wealth to those less fortunate?

Perhaps this culprit thought he was trying to protect his city from these people who may taint it. Those who are too…Greedy…

Gluttony…Now Greed…

I wonder what the next lesson taught will be – Y/N thought to herself as she searched around the bed, throwing away all the riches from it, then finding a small, yet fat book that held stray specks of gold on its cover.

‘Bible’ it was called.

“I found one like this at the fat guy’s house, on the table. It certainly is the same killer, then.” Yin Zhi said, taking out the food-stained book from under his clothes. “…I’m onto something. Let’s go to the next one.” Y/N muttered, slamming open the door and bursting through it, going to the 3rd house.

This one, instead of being piled up with the obvious signs of their addictions, it was…Empty? Completely empty?

The victim was laid on the ground, on what looked like a comfortable bed with a pillow, but upon closer inspection, the person was heavily malnourished, looking like a rotting corpse, with its skin barely there anymore, and…

Hold up…

The corpse…Has a pulse…?

As Y/N touched her fingers to the veins on its neck, the corpse’s eyes shot open – They were blood shot, desperate, in complete agony - The girl let out a startled yelp as she fell back on the ground as she watched the…Victim’s chest heave up and down, a guttural scream let out as…The sown-together lips were torn open to allow the man to yell out his pain.

“What do we do?!” Y/N looked back and forth to the brothers, as Yin Zhen knelt and quickly slit his throat, making him go quiet. “Any complaints?” he muttered, watching the girl quickly shake her head. “What the hell was that…? Didn’t the constable say he was definitely dead? That means no pulse, no heartbeat, no vital function…Nothing! This wasn’t nothing!” putting her hand to her chest to calm down her breathing. “Someone wanted us to see him in this state. To act as a warning to us. They knew the constable here was good for nothing, and the culprit wanted to scare us away from this city. Too bad this won’t have the effect he so desired.” Yin Zhen scoffed as he brought his hand under the pillow, finding another book with the same name. “What a sadist…Whoever the killer is…Is sick. Very sick.” But…Why was this one killed? He was humble enough not to lavish himself in riches, not wasting food, or objects…Maybe his behaviour to other people was bad? Maybe he was a jerk? “Any idea about this one?” the 4thprince asked, as the girl shook her head. “No…This time, no idea. Let’s go out, I have to think.” She muttered, going out of the house, looking up at the bright sky and watching the fluffy clouds go by which way the wind wants them to. “I keep thinking on this…I have a feeling that…I read about this somewhere…Some long time ago. Someone is trying to teach these victims a lesson. Don’t be a glutton. Don’t be greedy. But…I can’t figure out what this one did…What did he do so wrong that he had to be induced in a coma and suffer so long…You could see his muscles, and they were in such a horrible state, from not moving…How could he have ruined this city that he deserved this punishment-lesson?” she tried to think out loud, hoping that somehow, the answer will come by itself.

As she walked down the cramped streets of this place, the two princes trailing down behind her, trying to make out their own theories, she got snapped out of her mind palace by the angry shriek of a woman, fighting a weird-looking man in front of a big house.

“You will never get us out of business, so leave already! Spread your mindless indoctrination in another city, you’ve already angered everyone else in this one!” the woman, very beautiful, despite the twisted expression of rage on her face, shouted at the man, who, instead of having matching anger…Looked rather…Serene? “Miss, what is the problem, please? May we help you in any way?” the girl rushed to the woman’s side, holding onto her to calm her down, which worked well. “Ah, yes, you can help me by getting that stupid foreigner out of our city! We never wanted him, but those useless constables let him spread the word of his false God around this place, and now, look at him! Walking around as if this is HIS country! The audacity!” she scoffed, before shaking her head and inviting the trio inside, which made Y/N realise this house was a brothel – In fact, a pretty rich one – “You three are new here. What brings you to our city? The blooming cherry blossoms, perhaps?” the woman, Ying Yue, asked them, as she poured tea for them. “We came here to investigate the series of peculiar murders that took place in this city…But I never imagined, in my life, I would see a foreigner in the flesh! My father and the professors I learnt under wanted me to keep a broad mind, so I am somehow familiar with some literature from Europe, and yet…This man looked…Out of it.” Y/N explained, taking a sip from the aromatic tea, as her eyes were fixated on the visage of the beautiful matron. “Ah, yes, him. His name is…Difficult to pronounce. Alexander, he insists on calling himself. He is from a different religion, worshiping this Deity called ‘God’, and he wants to convert us. He is truly shameless…He keeps preaching how we are all sinful and need divine retribution. Honestly, I don’t understand him at all…Sometimes, he starts talking in a weird language, and waves around that wooden cross of his. He’s creepy. And he’s trying to get our brothel to close down and all the women become nuns and repent.” She shuddered with indignation as Y/N gasped in realization. “Oh…Heavens…I think I know what’s going on…He carries around a book with black leather covers called “Bible”, correct? Does he have any copies?” the girl asked, feeling the fire of understanding surging through her bloodstream, remembering the three booklets found at each scene of the crime. “Gosh, yes, he does. In fact, he spent months translating it in Chinese and handing out copies to every household, and all that. We tossed it into the fireplace, but…I believe there are some who still have it.” The matron explained, and just then, Yin Zhi pulled out the three books from his bag. “Like these ones?” The prince handed the woman the books, but she refused to touch them, disgust splattered all over her face. “Yes, like those. I don’t know what written in them, as I said, I never bothered with them, but hopefully, they will help you in some way.” The matron sighed, as she heard many of her girls giggling, and looking back, they were on the floor above, leaning on the bannister, looking down at the two men bashfully. “You two, it seems my girls have taken a liking to you. Why don’t you go have some fun? It’s on the house. Miss, if you want, we have a few men too, very handsome.” The matron rose from the table, trailing her hands down the men’s shoulders, trying to allure them in. “Not bad…” Yin Zhi muttered, looking up at the beautiful young girls waving at him. “Ah…Hahaha…U-Uhm…Thank you, I’ll pass. Thank you for the offer, I-I have to go now. I’ll see you two at the inn. Bye.”With that, the young girl didn’t wait to see whether the 4th prince accepted the offer or not, instead, she bolted out of the brothel and continued walking around the city, admiring the light from the many colourful paper lanterns hung around the place.

Instead, for the remaining of the evening, and dead into the night, she hovered over the book, skimming through it, this time, more attentively for any key word, or phrases that may get her to understand what was going on.

And then, she remembered her own words – Sinful, gluttony, greed – she said to herself, and there, she found the meaning of those words.

The Seven Deadly Sins.

Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth.

That means…

The fat guy was forced to eat until his stomach exploded – That was Gluttony. The rich guy was literally buried under his own wealth – That was Greed The coma guy…He had nothing in his home, except for a bed…And he didn’t move for months on end… - That must be Sloth.

Pride, Envy, Wrath and Lust remained…

Lust?

LUST!

The brothel!

That’s why the Christianity envoy wanted to shut down the brothel! God didn’t see lightly any sin committed, and lust was a sinful indulgence!

She had to warn them!

As she ran out of her room, back to the brothel, she noticed smoke rising from it, as it was engulfed in flames… Shocked, Y/N ran inside the burning building, covering her face with her long sleeve so she won’t breathe in the smokes and die while trying to make rescue attempt. She bolted up the stairs, searching every room and evacuating the fainted women who didn’t have the time to leave…But did she really want to see them fainted, on the ground? But maybe seeing them would bring her a certainty that at least they aren’t in a place even more dangerous than this one.

But he saw them, and all her worries were bundled together in the pit of her stomach – The closest escape was through the window, even thought it was to far up, she was confident she could manage to drag them somehow, despite how heavy they were, to safety, outside.

Thank goodness I learnt martial arts – She thought to herself – As she picked the 4th Prince first, jumping down the window, then climbed back up for the 3rd prince to bring back to safety. She hovered over both of them, trying to find out if they breathed in too much smoke, since they passed out like that, as she coughed a bit to eliminate the smoke she inhaled, and thought how Yin Zhi seemed to be okay, but…Zhen Zhen wasn’t doing as brightly…He was barely breathing… So she attempted a procedure she learnt from the monks – To press on the chest at a patterned pace, and the lift the head up a bit and breathe air into their mouth – If it was a different circumstance, she would have been very flustered, considering their lips would touch, but now, she had no time to think twice, as she took deep breaths and exhaled, praying to the Heavens for him to wake up already.

And after a few procedures repeated, he slowly opened his beautiful dark eyes, and Y/N could only sigh, collapsing on his chest, breathing in relief.

“Thank Heavens you’re awake…I thought you were going to die…” she muttered more to herself than to him, before feeling a hand on the top of her head. “Thanks…” the prince spoke out in a tired voice before he, with some help, got in a sitting position. “Your clothes are ruined. And you’re covered in ashes. Come here.” Taking out a napkin once again, he cupped her cheek as he gently cleaned her face, as she looked away awkwardly. “What happened? Neither of you would get caught in a burning building. You could have jumped out of the window. I know you, of all people, wouldn’t get distracted by anything.” She asked, frowning and putting one of her hands over his, stopping him from moving his hand – And he did, shifting his gaze, looking right into her eyes – He could see the worry, the gentleness, the wonder…The love and relief – And the lingering feeling of her soft lips on his own was worth everything, and yet, he’d have rather taken the initiative and kissed her in a more fitting place. “The sake and tea we got served was drugged. We didn’t realise until it was too late. We thought at first it was only the alcohol, but the girls fainted faster than either of us. By the time we felt hazy, we thought it was from the alcohol, Yin Zhi is much more of a lightweight than I am…But when we smelt the smoke, we tried to get up, but found out we couldn’t. But how did you get here? I was sure you’d stay at home and analyse that book the whole night.” He spoke, and the girl cleared her throat awkwardly, chuckling and scratching the back of her head. “So, uhm…That’s what I was doing…And then I realized what the crimes meant. All of them represented one of the seven deadly sins from the Christian Bible. Gluttony, Greed and Sloth being the ones already committed…And, well…Lust was one of them, and I remembered the missionary trying to close down the brothel. And since you were here, I was afraid the perpetrator might try something, attempting to get rid of his pursuers…And when I came by, the brothel was already aflame, neither of you was anywhere to be seen, the matron and many of the citizens were just standing by, screaming, but nobody was trying to put out the fire…I had to do something, you know.” She explained, unconsciously putting a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Give props to the tigress to figure out something like that and to be brave and reckless enough to risk her own life to save a bunch of people that don’t have anything to do with her.” The prince chuckled, only to see the girl’s brows furrowing. “You’re making it seem as if I did a bad thing. Besides…Don’t just say there were people who didn’t have anything to do with me, as if we are strangers to each other. It’s rude.” She muttered, getting up and turning to his brother and slapping his face. “Get up, Zhi Zhi. I know you woke up by now. Don’t just eavesdrop on people’s conversations, you, jerk.” “At least don’t hit so hard, damn…Don’t hit your future husband like that too, he’ll leave you.” The 3rdprince rubbed his now red cheek, only to have the back of his head slapped by his brother as well. “I don’t need to bother with a husband, anyway.” She muttered, walking ahead at the front of the brothel where the matron sobbing, hugging her girls who were crying as well – But at least they woke up, all alive and well – Unlike the crumbling building that couldn’t resist the forces of nature…Induced nature, that is.

The women jumped on their saviour, praising and thanking her for saving their lives, but Y/N’s eyes were glued on something else – The foreigner holding a Bible and a cross in his hands, as his eyes were fixated on the fire while his lips were constantly moving – Was he preaching, she wondered?

No matter – Her rage was bubbling inside her heart so badly that she pushed aside the women and stomped to the foreigner, yelling at him and picking him up by the neck of his shirt, shaking him roughly.

“HOW DARE YOU TRY TO BURN PEOPLE?! HOW DARE YOU KILL THOSE OTHERS JUST LIKE THAT?! YOUR RELIGION IS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL ABOUT LOVE AND CARING FOR YOUR PEERS, NOT ABOUT KILLING AND OPRESSION!” she screamed in his face only for the man to blink in confusion and fear, but…He didn’t seem…Guilty…?? “M-Miss, I’m sorry, I know I am a foreigner and I’ve been trying to convert people and show them how great our religion is…But I’d never kill! The Lord is against harming others, at all costs!” the foreigner tried to explain himself to the girl, but she didn’t stop until she punched him to the ground, only to stop abruptly. “…So…You’re claiming you are innocent? For all 4 crimes? Even though the concept of seven deadly sins is a Christian thing?” she muttered, looking down at him. “Yes, miss, yes! After all, everyone in this city could have read the Bible, I translated it in many books, and delivered them to all households. I made sure to do that for all of them!” Alexander explained himself, and the girl could only nod, seeing the innocence in his eyes. “…If that is true, then, you have my apologies for misjudging you and accusing you of such atrocious crimes. I am sorry that some evil-doer is using your religion is a misguided way, and speaking your God’s name in vain. I don’t believe there is any believer in any faith that would appreciate their belief being treated this way.” Sighing, the girl helped the man up, only for him to take both of her hands in his, looking up at her with delight in his eyes. “Miss, you understand what my religion is all about! I am so happy to see someone so open to new things! Miss, wouldn’t you consider converting to Christianity for the greater good? I would gladly guide you through the path of redemption and make sure no trace of wrath lingers in your blood!” the girl’s first thought was to snatch her hands away – Touching was an intimate thing only lovers should do, not someone like him! – And yet…Her mid was somewhere else, and it wasn’t until Yin Zhen came to slap away his hands that she came back to. “Don’t touch other people so lightly, foreigner, especially women. It’s an act of intimacy in our country, and it shouldn’t be engaged in unless both parties are familiar with. Better get more accustomed to our ways before you decide to act so freely.” Poison dripped from Zhen’s words as he put his arm protectively around the girl. “Well, what do you expect from foreigners, any way? Especially one so outspoken? They come here, trampling our lands, as if they own the place, then they take away our lands, our women, and then will demand to be kings. Tsk.” Zhi spoke, which made the girl snap her head up at the foreigner. “Alexander, I need your opinion! Just now, you said wrath lingered in my heart, correct? Other than wrath, there is only Pride and Jealousy left. Do you think there is any possibility that either of these two would be a victim to the Seven Deadly Sins criminal?!” the girl’s voice was evidently worried, thinking back at the brothel incident. “The culprit could have put the brothel on fire at any time, and yet, they waited until both Yin Zhen and Yin Zhi were there, and they were drugged, along with the girls. This can’t be just a coincidence, can it?” Y/N spoke out, worried for her two friends. “Miss, this one here reeks of pride and vanity, that much is obvious, while this one’s jealousy can be seen from miles away. Maybe people from around are used to such behaviour, it may be normal for you, and yet, from someone from abroad, with a different kind of lifestyle and society, everything is different. If you think either of you may be in danger, then please, do be careful, and please protect this city. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people, but it’s been tainted by this killer’s darkness.”With a small smile, the foreigner left the place, as the girl’s hand fell to her side. “…Well, future Emperor, how does it feel to have escaped your first assassination attempt?” she asked dryly, walking back to the inn, while the other two were behind her. “Tsk, are you really going

to listen to that guy? Who does he call vain, anyway?” the 3rd prince scoffed, only for the other two to look at him with a bored expression. “Honestly…” they sighed in unison, not wanting to address the Envy part on Yin Zhen’s side – Why would he be jealous, anyway? And the foreigner only said that after the prince pushed him away from her…

The room was silent for the longest time, and they were ready to go to sleep, until the girl decided to go on the roof of the inn and look up at the moon, as she felt it helped her think better. Being alone always made her feel much better and to think clearer. The moon was full, and she could even see the bunny of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and she smiled, resting her chin on her knees.

“You shouldn’t be out alone.” The familiar voice of the 4th Prince came up from behind her, but she could only shrug simply. “I can take care of myself. You’re the one who got drugged and almost died. You were careless and distracted.” She didn’t look at him – In fact, she didn’t shift her gaze from the moon at all. “I admit my mistakes. I was careless. I hoped that I would find out vital information on the people around here – Brothel girls are always the best people to ask for dark secrets, since men are intoxicated and speak freely around them – Alas, all I found out was that the constable is a frequent guest there…But never as a client. They said he was concerned about their well-being. They also said the ones who died deserved to die, since they were dead beats. And the last victim was a lazy who never in his life worked, so his lesson was to contribute to society in any way.” The prince explained, but the girl already figured out as much. “You would know best about being intoxicated and being vulnerable around women, wouldn’t you?” she muttered softly, but her mind was in a complete other place. “Do you blame me for remaining there with my brother?” he asked, sitting down next to her. “No.” her answer was simple and blunt, but he could tell, it didn’t come from the heart. “You should.” He admitted his mistake without a second thought. “…You’re a man. That’s what you do. Besides, you should get used to having lots of beautiful women around you. You’ll be the Emperor one day. You have no choice.” She said in a cold, rather impersonal tone, not wanting to dwell further into this awkward and tragic discussion. “One man can only love a woman alone. His heart is his own, while his body is the country’s. Men who truly love more than one woman are feeble, and should not be trusted.” He explained softly, but the girl didn’t spare him any glance. “In Europe, a King has only one wife, who is the Queen…Only their child is legitimate and the heir to the throne. Any…Mistake the King might do is swept under the rug, and the bastard is hidden from the world, or even killed. And the Queen…The poor Queen is all alone. Her sole role is to bear children and continue the lineage. They are not allowed to do anything, while the country abuses her body and soul, but the King can do anything he pleases, for the whole power is in his hands. Meanwhile…Here, the Emperor is forced to have multiple women as wives, and all can bear legitimate heirs…And yet, ask any woman, and you will see just how lonely and desperate for affection they are. They are not truly loved…But the Emperor goes to them when he remembers them…And sometimes, doesn’t even stay the night. The visits are brief…And when she grows old…She is forgotten, just like a wilting flower. I wonder…Which fate is more cruel? And also…Why should it be cruel at all? The Sun and the Moon are both beautiful, and yet, all alone. Maybe it’s better to be alone than heart broken.” She sighed, getting up and turning to leave, only for the man to stop her by embracing her from behind. “Y/N…Can you feel my heart beating? This heart belongs to you and you alone. It has been that way since we were children. I won’t deny, what you said is true in its whole entirety, but I never felt and thought the same way about a woman as I do for you. I am a man of my word, Y/N, and I vow to you – I vow on this country, and on my name as the next Emperor, that to me, there will never be anyone more important to you. So please, allow me to protect your heart, and I shall gladly give you mine for you to hold. Please trust me as much as you did when you let me catch you whenever you’d jump from the top of a tree, or when you’d find out a secret from your spying around the palace, and you couldn’t help but tell it to me, and me alone. I am yours for the rest of my life…So in turn, be mine, and mine alone.” His embrace tightened, and the girl felt hotter and hotter, her face became flustered, and she could feel her heart beating faster from emotion…And worry. “You are asking a great deal, you know, don’t

you? Something like this can’t be given away so lightly. It’s my heart, and I have only one. Only I know how to protect it…If I give it to you…Any wrong move can make it fall to the ground and shatter. And trust me, there is no remedy for a broken heart. What will you do then…My dear Zhen Zhen?” the term of endearment that she hasn’t used since they were children…How melodious and loving it sounded…The little fawn came back to him. “I would never let that happen. If it falls, I will fall with it, so I can catch it before it reaches the ground. If water rains on it, I will cover it with my own self, so it won’t get wet. If it’s too hot, I will fan it myself, and if it’s too cold, I will make sure to warm it until it’s not trembling any longer. So trust me, just one more time, and I promise you, you will never regret it.” He kissed her temple softly as his hands reache her own, intertwining his fingers with hers – He could feel her trembling softly – He knew the effect he had on her, and of her conflicting thoughts. “…Let me think on it, and I will tell you my answer by the time we reach the capital. Until then…Let’s catch the culprit and be rid of this pestilence. Actually…Let’s visit the constable, for a change. I believe that…He is not as innocent as he seems…And his uselessness may be just an act. If you can’t trust a constable, then who can you trust, the saying goes. So, what do you say? Are you in?” she turned around, failing to meet his eyes, but she could see his smile…As beautiful and confident as ever. “Let’s catch him.” He nodded, and together, they went around the house, their sword in their hands, carefully, and they were going to meet at the back of it, while they investigate every little bit of it – And yet, by the time the prince got to the back…There was no sign of the girl at all. “Y/N? Where are you?” he tried to look around for her…And yet…The only clue that indicated the girl was ever around this place was the blue ribbon that used to hold her hair up.

However, the darkness of the night became an even darker abyss for the prince as well, as he was hit in the head with a metallic object, which had him hazy enough to be dragged into the warehouse just behind the constable’s house. There, he got tied to a chair in the back, as the place was illuminated by a bunch of paper lanterns – And then he saw her – In the same state as him, only she seemed much…Out of it?

“What did you drug me with?” her voice sounded like a drunk man – Slurred and groggy – And yet, his eyes were only set on the small, shiny object in the constable’s hand. It was foreign, and strange…It was…Weird. “It matters not what I did to you, Miss Detective. What matters is that here, you and your dear Prince will face your demise!” the constable, Rui, grinned creepily at her. “…A constable from hell. How unlucky for the people here. Why bring us here?” she continued asking, trying to keep a grip on reality. “Once the verdict is done, I will execute the law. Imperial Detective Constable Y/N. You protect the law. But what have you done wrong? Go on, tell me. I know you know. That friendly foreigner already told you.” He insisted, crouching down to her level. “…My heart is filled with Wrath.” She muttered, feeling her head swimming and spinning in a vertigo mixed with a hurricane. “Yes, good, good, the sinful wench acknowledges her evil-doings! Then, you know that I have to kill you, just as I killed the others! They only brought misfortune to our beloved city! And you…You are the worst of them all. Wrath is the reason everything good gets destroyed. Women, of all people, should be gentle, calm and understanding. You? You behave like a mad war criminal who seeks blood alone!” he screamed in her face, as she could only roll her eyes at his stupid allegations. “Oh, spare me the bullshit. You are the one who bent the law, punish yourself first. You are stupid.” She groaned, feeling a headache creeping. “SHUT UP, BITCH! Who do you think you are, speaking like that to me?!” he said, slapping her face and snatching away the Imperial Token given to her by the Emperor. “You think if you have this token given away from that conceited fraud you call an Emperor, you will be protected from anything? NO! In fact, you and your two silly princes just signed a death sentence coming here! But, alas, I couldn’t do away with them when I wanted to, you just HAD to folly my plans! Very well, then, I shall do away with you first, while he watches you physically feel the very same wrath you inflicted upon this world!” and thus, he took a syringe and, despite all her struggling, she was still bound to the chair, and he had no problem injecting her with more of whatever that horrible liquid was – It made her even hazier than before, and her vision became blurry – Not even by straining, could she see well in front of her anymore – And it made her panic, trying to breathe faster, as she felt the cold metallic barrel of the weapon placed cruelly on her forehead – It only made her skin feel even hotter than it already was. “So, I’m guilty…For being alive. For trying to save people. And you…You are…Innocent. You are a hero…For killing. You are no God. You have no right to take away the lives God gave to those people. You are not the Judge, nor the Executioner. If you so firmly believe in Christianity, you would know that God hates no one – In fact, he loves all he created, equally – And would never approve of such senseless killing. You just chose to pick apart a few paragraphs that suited your narrative… And you went with it, using a foreign Deity as your scape goat. You are absolutely pathetic and a sorry excuse of a man and a constable. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Her words shocked the prince, but also made him afraid for her – Unlike her, he could see the twisted look of anger on his face – And he could anticipate his next move – As he saw the culprit strike down the girl once again, with such force that the chair tipped over and she fell on the ground with it. “I shall now pass my verdict to this witch! Those who are foolish and arrogant are unreasonable. It is from excessive arrogance, for deceiving the holy court and committing falsehood…I declare Y/N, the Imperial Detective Constable, to be executed at exactly 2:00 in the morning.” He declared, looking at the sand falling down in an hourglass, and leaving the room just briefly. “Yin Zhen…Is there any way out for us?”Y/N asked, hoping she was loud enough for the prince to

hear. “Yes, there is. I just need a little more time. Y/N…Do you know what that metallic object was?” he asked, trying to cut away the ropes with a stray nail he found on the chair. “It’s a gun. Horrible European invention. Honestly…I’m so tired. I just…Want to rest for a while…And get this over with…I want back home…I want to see the mountains in Hunan again…And the flowers bloom. I want to play in the river and catch fish…And pick fruit from up the tree…And make wine and cakes…And have them with you….Yin Zhen?” she let her head back on the chair’s seat, looking up at the wooden ceiling, as she sighed deeply. “Let’s get the hell out of here, I’m so done with sins and whatever.” And thanking herself for training to be flexible, and that the ropes were tied as neatly as they should have been, she bent down enough for her tied up hand to reach into her hair and pull away the hair ornament that had a very sharp needle, so she could cut away her restraints with moderate ease.

However, as soon as she got up and tried to take a step forward…She stumbled and almost fell down. “Is this what it’s like to be drunk? Because if it is…I hate it.” She groaned, gripping her head, as everything began to spin in around her at an even faster pace, so badly, that she had to catch onto something. “Y/N, look out!” the prince yelled at her, as the constable came back, ready to pounce on her, but she turned around, slamming her needle hand into his flesh, as she tried to pull away his gun-hand from her as much as possible.

However, the needle was very old, and it broke from all the commotion – Her drugged self was none the better either – And with just a bit more strength put into it, the constable wrenched his gun arm from her grasp and he punched her to the ground, knocking out the air from her lungs. It really pissed her off, and she wanted to rip him apart limb from limb, but the drugs were too strong still to allow her to do anything that she wanted to do.

As she struggled to get up, she heard the unfamiliar sound of the gun cocking, and then, a demonically loud explosion – Was that the sound of the gun shooting? She wondered, and yet, why didn’t it hurt her? Why didn’t she feel anything? She was sure that, should he shoot, he would shoot her – He wanted her to be in pain and feel the physical consequences of implied wrath.

“Y/N, are you alright?!” ah, that’s Yin Zhen calling out her name like that! And he was struggling…Yes, he must be wrestling the killer. “Yeah, I’m good, but be careful with that gun! One shot and it could kill you!” she called back, and got on her knees as soon as she heard the sound of the heavy, metal object fall to the ground.

As she heard the two men struggling to take the other down, she searched around almost blindly for the gun, and after some time, she finally managed to catch a hold of it, and with shaky hands, she properly held it in her hands, the barrel pointing forwards. The killer was dressed I dark colours, while Yin Zhen’s whole outfit was a bright gold, so, as Y/N strained her eyes to see better, she took a deep breath and pulled the trigged – And then static – Her ears were ringing, and she groaned, the gun falling from her hands as she gripped her head, covering her ears, hoping the horrible ringing noise would stop already.

“Yin Zhen, are you okay?!” she called out, struggling to get back to the shaky reality, hoping the drug’s effect would go away faster already. “…Yeah. You killed him. It’s finally over.” He sighed, going to her side and picking her up bridal style, leaving the place and going back to the inn. However, instead of going back inside, the prince made a detour, and chose to go to the highest hill, where the flowery trees were untouched by the city. “How did you know where to shoot, despite being drugged and not seeing well?” he asked, very curious, as they sat down on the grass, at the bottom of a tree. “…I may sometimes make fun of you for wearing such bright and colourful clothes…But if it was Yin Zhi, I wouldn’t have been able to pick apart the two silhouettes. So, to answer your question…Pure luck, I guess.” She shrugged, sighing and leaning her head on his shoulder, looking up at the moon, seeing it fall down, as the dawn was beginning to come, and the sky was painted in the most beautiful colours there were – And even better, her vision was beginning to clear up. “Let’s hope we won’t have to deal with anything foreign again. This was more of a drag than it should have been.”The prince said, and the girl could only grumble in agreement. “Ah…Right. Uhm…This…It broke. I don’t think it can be repaired anymore.” She muttered sadly as she took out the broken hair pin from her pocket. “This…I didn’t realise you still had this. It’s been so long since I gave you this pin.” He gingerly took it in his hands, but it wasn’t sorrow on his face – No, instead, he was smiling, realizing the feelings she had for him were as strong as ever. “…It’s the only piece of jewellery I wore since then.” Her voice was soft, the little fawn was brave, and speaking. She was honest with herself, with her heart…And with him. “No matter. I can give you any jewellery you want. This was old and I’m surprised it lasted as much.” He chuckled lightly, but the girl shook his head, confusing him. “…I don’t want any jewellery, Yin Zhen. You don’t get it. This…You picked this, thinking of me. You wanted this hair pin to be mine. To wear it. You thought it suited me. You thought it would make me think of you…And it did. And I only wore this one, and every day. I knew it would keep me safe…So I put it on again just before approaching that house. Guess your heart will always protect me. So, you understand? I don’t want just any jewellery. I want a piece of your heart, soul and thoughts to be in anything you give me, otherwise, it’s completely worthless to me.” She explained, snatching back the pieces of the broken accessory, making the prince smile fondly at her. “Very well, I understand what you mean, and I know just what to do. So, for the first gift I will give you…Have this jade pendant. I had it made for me a long while ago. It’s been mine, so, it’s a part of me. And now, I give it to you, to watch over you and protect you. I held it on my sword’s scabbard, I think it suits the black and gold of it very well…And so will yours.” He declared, taking both his and her swords, and trading the two pendants on each sword. “And I shall take yours, as a gift, so I can have a piece of your heart with me as well, wherever I go and you’re not next to me.” His teasing smile crept on his face as he heard her chuckle, snatching her pendant from his hand, tying it to his sword by herself. “That’s much better. It counts when the other gives it to you themselves, dummy.” She let him hold her to his side, as they watched the sky in silence.

When morning finally came, they got up, ready to wake up a very grumpy 3rdPrince, then went to the brothel matron to tell her they will be leaving, and who the real killer was, so they can find themselves a new law enforcer…This time, not a homicidal one.

“Are you sure you won’t be staying one more night, cutie? I mean, we didn’t even have the time to get acquainted with each other…It’s pitiful.” The woman whined, but the prince was indifferent. “There is only one woman alone who owns my heart.” He chuckled, waving the girls goodbye as they got on their horses and went back to the capital. “Very smooth, Princeling.” The girl laughed at him, kicking the horse to go faster, almost as if she was challenging him for a race. “I know what I want in this life.”He declared, and for the remaining long journey, they’ve been teasing each other enough for the 3rd prince to curse them regularly…More so than usual.

“I am very proud of the three of you for solving such a horrible crime. And to think the constable himself was the perpetrator all along! To attempt to commit such a horrible act of regicide…I am glad he got killed by his own weapon.” The Emperor sighed, stroking his beard and shaking his head in disbelief and disappointment. “Father, without Y/N, we couldn’t have done it. She played the crucial role in all the mystery-solving and having the courage to fire such a dangerous and strange contraption. It was lucky she was versed enough in foreign culture and literature for her to pick up on the hints given by the killer at each crime.” The 4th Prince praised the Detective girl, who merely cleared her throat awkwardly. “Your father will be very proud of you when I tell him of your brave deeds! I will have to think of a reward for you, but if you have something in your mind, do tell, and anything shall be granted.”The Emperor spoke, dismissing them. As they bowed, ready to exit the room, the girl smirked, turning around playfully. “I want to marry your son.” She laughed, running away from the Palace of Mental Cultivation, back to her own small place, leaving the two princes and the Emperor to blink and gasp in shock at her boldness. “About time.” Yin Zhen huffed, smirking, as he rushed to catch up with her as well. “Those two are such idiots…But I guess…Together, they will be good rulers in the future. Don’t you think, Father?” the 3rdPrince smirked in amusement, looking out at those two. “This youthfulness and open-mindedness is sure to be a great addition to this country in the future. Until them, let them be children at heart, for just a little while longer.” The Emperor chuckled whole-heartedly, closing his eyes and reminding his own youth, as it was so long ago.

Back at her palace, she hid behind the heavy drapes as she quickly and very skillfully fidgeted with a red rope – She’s been practicing it for a long time, and by now, she could say she was sort of an expert at this – And before she realized it, the drape was strongly pulled away, and in front of her, an amused prince towered over her, not caring about the poor maid’s pleas to get out.

“Found you.” He watched carefully as he noticed her face raise, and her eyes directly look into his – She got more courage, this fawn – He wondered if she really was just a sweet fawn anymore, or if another spirit animal found its way inside her heart. “Found me.” She mused, holding up the red knot for him to take. “This…This is the Love Knot, isn’t it? I’ve never seen it before.” He spoke, taking it from her hands. “And now, you give it to me. When did you even have the time to make something so intricate and complex, anyway?” he asked, looking at it with adoration. “I practiced it a lot when I was in the mountains, training. And besides…You sure took your sweet time getting here. Were you really so stunned by my statement that it took you so long to move?”she teased him, only for the man to quickly cup her face and kiss her – Her lips were as sweet as the last time they touched, and yet, now it was a proper kiss, and now, he felt her slender, small hands over his, as she deepened it with even more love, not wanting to let go of him any time soon. “I’m not the only one who loves to surprise.” The prince let out a soft, content breath, as he watched her eyes sparkle brighter than the moon itself…And she looked very much kissed – And her lips…They were plump, and in very need of more attention. “Clearly.” The corner of her mouth sprung upwards, very amused by his statement. “So, princeling, if your Father decides not to kill me after the stunt I pulled at the palace…Then, you got your answer. But, be very aware, I am not afraid to commit regicide on you, should you be a jerk to be at any time, understood?” she glared at him, more or less seriously, as she grabbed the front of his clothes, dragging him down to her level. “Crystal clear, darling.” He chuckled, nodding in understanding. “Good. Then, kiss me again.” She ordered, and he could only comply. “Any time, Y/N. Any time.”

[halfway-happyyy]

She’s My Kind Of Girl

AN: this started as an idea of the lovely @bskarsgardlove92‘s and i kind of just rolled with it! i hope you enjoy, and as always, feedback is welcomed and appreciated! 

synopsis: Alex dresses in drag to attend a costume party with his girl, as one half of Swedish superband, ABBA! Absolute fluff ensues!

“Though you may hail from a long and distinguished line of inexplicably talented thespians, I know you well enough by now to recognize when you're not telling me something.”

Alexander passed a serviette over the front of his mouth and swallowed back a bite of salmon, cocking an eyebrow in amusement. “I beg your pardon?”

She sipped deeply from her glass of chilled wine, and cocked her head to the side, eyeing him. “Don’t play coy with me, Alex. You were on the line with Eija when I came into the kitchen. That glint in your eyes says so much and then nothing at all in equal measure.”

“One could almost say that you know me too well, kid.”

"Almost," She grinned around the delicate rim of her glass. “Now spill it, Skarsgård.”

Alexander leaned back against the oak chair, dangling a long arm over the back of it. “Dad’s seventieth birthday is next month. Eija’s hosting a party back home for him, and she wants us to be there.”

She thought fondly of Alexander’s father often; he had been one of the first faces of his family that she’d had the privilege of meeting when her and Alexander had started taking things a little more seriously. Where her own father figure had been virtually non-existent most of the time, she was blessed to have such a wonderful father-in-law in Stellan. He was such an integral part of their lives that the thought of not returning home to Sweden to celebrate him was almost too much to bear.

“I’ll look into flights tomorrow morning. What kind of get together is it? I would imagine knowing Eija as I do, that she's got something wonderful up her sleeve?”

Alexander's lips curved up into a devilish smirk and he cocked his head to the side.

“She's hosting a costume party.”

There it was…

“God, I can only imagine the ideas that beautiful mind of yours has already dreamed up.”

Alexander tipped the rest of his wine into his mouth, his blue eyes glittering mischievously in the low light from the dining room lamp. “Hm, you know how much dad loves ABBA…”

It was the precise tone of his voice that she reckoned prepared her for what was coming next. “Oh boy,” She giggled under her breath.

“Well, I propose that we go as Björn and Agnetha.”

She mulled the thought of it over in her head, and then an idea swam into her mind's eye that caused a smirk similar to her other half's to tug the edges of her lips skyward. “I'll do it on one condition, my love.”

His eyebrow lifted in intrigue. “I'm all ears.”

“I will do it if I can be the Björn to your Agnetha.”

His laughter- utterly loud and booming, filled every square space of their home with a warm and joyous sound. When it subsided, he leveled his gaze with hers and she noticed immediately, the blush that had risen to the apples his cheeks. After a moment, he nodded his head finitely. “You've got yourself a deal, kid.”

*

She glanced at the watch face beneath the bell sleeve of her silver, sequined blouse, and sighed heavily. “C'mon dancing queen, we haven’t got all night…” Alexander emerged from the bathroom door a moment later, a blonde, perfectly styled wig fell below the cups of a filled-out bra.

“I must say,” He reached toward her to tousle the brunette wig atop of her head, a smirk in place on his features. “Silver and forest green sequins do wonders for you, kid. Or should I say- Björn.”

“Oh hush,” She giggled. “I can hardly imagine the outfit you’ve conjured up for this evening." They gazed at each other in silence for a moment before she gestured to her vanity. "Shall I do your makeup?”

Alexander shifted from foot to foot. “If you wouldn't mind,” He murmured.

She stood on tiptoes to twirl strands of blonde hair around her finger. “It would be an honour, Agnetha.”

She followed Alexander to the vanity next to their bay window and turned on the lamp so that it illuminated his face perfectly. Pulling up a photo of Agnetha on her phone for reference, she set to work. “She sometimes likes to wear bold colours on her eyes, so that’s the look we’re going for this evening.” She started the process by moisturizing and priming his face, opting out of a foundation, and using a tinted moisturizer instead. “Alright, close your eyes for me, my love.” He did as he was told, and she allowed herself a moment to admire how breathtaking he truly was. After a couple of seconds of searching, she found a palette that was made up of different shades of purple and applied a muted lavender hue over both of his lids. Wanting to go a little darker, she blended a violet shade into his creases and stood back to admire her handiwork. Nearly done, she decided to go dramatic on the eyeliner, but when she reached for her favourite tube of mascara, Alexander faltered.

“I don’t need… falsies?”

She blanched. “Alex, I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but your natural eyelashes are beautiful,” She took his face in her hands and gently turned it to the side, gesturing to his left eye. “Look how long and healthy they are. I think I have some cheap lashes lying around somewhere if you really want them, but I think a few coats of mascara will do wonderfully.”

He reached up to press his lips to the underside of her jaw, shaking his head. “No, I trust you.”

She kissed the tip of his nose and got back to work. “You’ve done magnificent so far. I’m just about finished…” She glanced around for her mauve pink lipstick, held a hand beneath his chin and applied the colour to his lips. “Alright, rub your lips together for me please.” She watched him do as she asked. “Now pat them together, as if you were smacking them.” She waited. “Alright, for the finishing touch,” She reached for her bottle of setting spray, told him to close his eyes, and let the mist settle over his face. “You my love, are finished and ready for the evening.

He leaned forward to inspect her handiwork closely, and a large smile grew on his face. “You’ve done a wonderful job, kid.”

She nodded towards the washroom door. “Go on then, Chiquitita. The party awaits.”

“You and your ABBA puns, huh?” Alexander smirked, before closing the door behind him.

“Oh, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Just wait until your brothers get a hold of us.” She snickered. While she waited for Alexander to wrap up, she began lacing up the white platform boots she had found weeks ago. They added an extra four inches to her height, and she fought back a giggle as she sipped the last remnants of her pre-game cocktail.

Ten minutes elapsed, and she began to feel the familiar tug of inebriation deep in her belly. Suddenly, Alexander cleared his throat. “I’m coming out. Are you ready?”

“I’ve literally never been more ready in my life.” She deadpanned.

Alexander emerged from the washroom, and all she could do was gape at his figure as he stood poised in the doorway. Lord knows where, but he had managed to find a hot pink jumpsuit with a silver-sequined trim around the neckline and a heart-shaped cutout that showed off his adorable, trim bellybutton perfectly. He donned glossy, white boots on his feet that only added to his seemingly immense height. “Well, what do you think?” He asked, dubiously.

She swallowed hard. “I have lots of feelings about it actually… but our car is here, and your father awaits.” She held her arm out for him to take. “Shall we go, my beautiful Agnetha?”

Alexander accepted her arm gratefully and bent down to press a kiss to her cheek. “Lead the way, Björn.”

“What are your brothers going as?” She asked, as they slid into the backseat of the sedan.

“Uh, I think Bill and his family said that they were going as Disney characters. Gustaf and Valter are going as Top Gun’s Maverick and Goose, respectively,” He paused so that they could share a laugh at that. “And I’m not sure yet what Sam and his family are doing.”

She scratched contemptuously at the back of her head. “I hate this wig already.”

Alexander snorted into his drink. “But it looks so good on you… the way it kind of frames your face in that ‘the 70’s called and they want their hair back’ kind of way…”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s the heart-shaped bellybutton window for me.”

Alexander guffawed loudly. “Oh really? We're playing that game? Well then, it’s the extra four or five inches that you’re wearing but you still don’t reach past my sternum, for me.”

They rounded the corner to Stellan’s street, and laughter bubbled up out of her mouth like a song. “It’s the fact that you look better than most women I know, for me.” This sent Alexander into such a frenzy that she paid the driver herself. “Alright, Agnetha, I have a dream and it involves you exiting this vehicle tonight,” She nudged his back to get him out of the open car door. “Let's go, girlfriend.” They ambled up the pathway hand-in-hand and stood giggling in front of Stellan’s door. Roaring laughter and bits and pieces of broken Swedish and English conversation could be heard from inside as her finger hovered above the doorbell. “You ready?”

Alexander nodded, finitely. “Go on then,”

She rang the bell and waited for what felt like years, before the door flung open and Eija greeted them in a demure, feline costume. Her face was disbelieving at first, but then her painted-on whiskers twitched; she cracked and laughter roared from her belly in happy waves. When she could speak again, she shook her head gleefully. “Come in, come in you two. What an honour to have one half of the world’s greatest band with us!” She ushered them into Stellan’s lively home, the scent of a freshly-cooked feast hung tantalizing in the air, and made her mouth water hungrily. “Just wait until papa sees you!” She clapped her hands merrily, pulling them into the adjacent living room.

Their entrance caused mass hysteria; pure laugher on a level that was hard to fathom. Gustaf approached them first, a pair of sunglasses sat perched atop his head, and he was sporting a mustache. Clad in a pair of army-green coveralls, the badge on his chest simply read, ‘Gus.’ “I have to say that when Alex first told me what the two of you were planning, this was not what I had in mind…” He scratched absentmindedly at the bridge of his nose, his smile wry. “But you two absolutely knocked it out of the park. Well done, brother.” He belly laughed, and wrapped an arm around Alex’s shoulders, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I can’t wait until dad sees you.”

Valter appeared before them next, clad in the exact same costume as Gustaf accept that his badge read, ‘Maverick’, and he had on over his blue eyes, a pair of mirrored Rayban aviators. “Mamma Mia, Agnetha! Such lovely bosoms you have!”

A hand appeared out of the abyss and sneaked its way toward Alexander’s ample breasts, but the younger Skarsgård's plan was foiled before he could get there with Alexander slapping it away just in the nick of time. “Touch them and die, Valter.” He beamed, devilishly.

Valter's grin was sheepish. “My apologies Agnetha- Björn.”

She tossed a wink his way. “Turns out she can take care of herself just fine.”

“Alright, alright, where are they?” Stellan’s achingly familiar voice- unmistakable anywhere, boomed throughout the room. When he caught sight of them, he stood stock-still and tilted his head back, his rolling laughter loud and genuine. It caused pleasant goosebumps to rise in waves over her arms, and she couldn’t help but laugh along with him. “This is it,” He announced. “I couldn’t dare to ask for another thing after this. My eldest boy and his love coming in drag as Agnetha and Björn? This is seventy, folks!” He closed the distance between them to wrap them both in a crushing bear hug. When he pulled away, his eyes were glittering brightly beneath the low light of the many lamps scattered around the living room. “How unbelievably wonderful it is to see you both here.” He kissed both of their cheeks over again, his smile wide and utterly contagious. “On a totally unrelated note- that you and Björn here have similar situations happening… ehm, up top, is really quite miraculous, isn’t it?”

Alexander rolled his azure eyes, laughing loudly at that. “Happy birthday, dad.”

“And what a wonderful birthday it turned out to be. Come, come. We have much to discuss.”

The night carried on in much the same fashion; drinks were had (and spilt), laughter was shared, pictures were taken- and all the while, she just felt unimaginably blessed to be a part of it all. Closer towards the evening’s finish, she felt Alexander’s hand tighten around her own, and she knew then, without a shadow of a doubt that this was her family. This was where she belonged.