#i still have no idea how old howl is and i read the book.

[wannabe-fic-writer]

Natasha x Reader : Body Heat

Summary: When a blizzard leaves you snowed in and freezing, your girlfriend comes up with a brilliant idea. Covers the ‘Ski Resort/Winter Cabin’ square of Holiday Bingo.

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI - Smut, Slight Masturbation(R), Oral(R and N), Fingering(R), Face Riding(N), Tiniest smidge of overstimulation.

Word Count: 3k

* * * * * * * *

For a week you’d been cooped up in a fairly old van: driving, sleeping, and eating in it. So when Natasha told you that you’d be staying in a cabin until a new plan was made, you were more than happy.

With Ross on your asses, more like Natasha’s ass, after all the business with the Accords, you’d been running. It wasn’t exactly the life you thought you’d live with the woman but you were with her and that’s all you needed.

These last few days, things having slowed down just a little, have been a dream.

The cabin Natasha had found for you both was small but cozy. Equipped with one bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen, and living room with a fireplace, you had everything you needed.

It was clear when you arrived that it wasn’t lived in. With it being practically hidden away in the woods, the trail to it covered with the thick layer of snow, it was safe to guess no one had been here in a long time. So you had no problem making it your own… as much as you could anyway.

Resources were procured by you, along with a few things to make the space a little more homey. Natasha teased you for the fluffy blankets and pillows you bought, reminding you that you’d have to leave it all behind eventually but you didn’t care.

“For the first time since we met, we’re living together, just the two of us,” you’d said,“ I plan to make the most of it.” And you did.

Every morning, Natasha was woken up with feather light kisses on her face and a tray with breakfast and coffee on it. Throughout the day you would snuggle together on the couch, you reading a book and her pouring over documents for your next move or listening to you read. When night fell, you would light the fireplace and have dinner, ending it with her in your arms.

Sure, the threat of Ross searching for you and finding you was ever present, but things were near perfect.

Were being the key word.

Today started like all the others: breakfast in bed, an intimate but innocent shower shared with your love, and the reading of a book you like. Things took a turn around 4 in the afternoon.

A blizzard warning was given and the snow started earlier in the day. You were prepared: the heat on, supplies stocked, and coffee and cocoa on stand by, plus a large pile of firewood. A few feet of snow had blanketed the surrounding area and with the harsh weather came the shutting off of your power.

The cold didn’t hit instantly. With the heat no longer on, the freezing temperatures from outside slowly crept in.

You did what you could to fight it off: lighting the fireplace, making hot beverages, throwing on some layers, and preparing some blankets. It didn’t prove to be enough though.

The negative 6 degree weather outside took the cabin from a toasty 80 degrees to a chilling 18.

Clad in three layers of clothes: thermal underclothes, thick flannel pants and a long sleeve, plus a hoodie with a hat and gloves, you found yourself still cold. So you burrowed under three of the thickest blankets in the cabin and huddled up by the fire.

All of that and Natasha could still hear your teeth chattering from her spot on the nearby chair.

The redhead claimed to be fine, only in some jeans and one of your thick hoodies, a thin blanket tossed over her shoulders.“ I’m Russian, I don’t get cold,” she said when you offered her sanctuary in your cocoon.

You decided she could go shove her Russian pride and instead focused on not losing any limbs. But you were failing. Or at least it felt like it.

“Holy fuck!” You exclaim into the fairly quiet room. The fire was crackling and the wind was howling but no other sounds could be heard.“ How l-long is this b-blizzard g-gonna last?”

Natasha snorts out a chuckle, eyebrow quirked as she watches you shuffle ever closer to the fire.

With all the fabric you have wrapped around your person, she’s been a little leary about how close you are to the open flames.

“Till tomorrow.” She answers your very rhetorical question.

You send her a glare over your shoulder that further amuses her.

Admittedly though, not much. She doesn’t like that you seem to be suffering so greatly.

Ever since you agreed to go on the run with her, stating that her love is all you needed, she’s been more than adamant on keeping you safe and happy. Feeling like she’s failing at that right now, has her smirk falling and her brain running through solutions.

She comes up with a few but lingers on one that could be effective and fun for both of you.

“You know,” she pipes up after a moment of silence,“ the human body is about 98 degrees on average,” she mumbles, slipping onto the floor with you,“ I’m sure skin on skin contact will warm you up faster than those blankets.”

You scoff, eyes rolling.“ Did you just pull that little fact out of your ass?” You grumble, highly irritated by the cold.

She shakes her head.“ No. I just remembered it. You’d get a lot warmer if you let me hold you. All those blankets and clothes you have on just end up taking on the chill of the room.” Her shoulders shrug, green eyes watching you.

Huffing you tell her,“ you’re just saying that cause you wanna touch me.” You then bury half your face back into the blanket, noting that it is indeed a little chilled.

“What?” Her tone turns incredulous.“ Detka, your warmth is very important to me. I mean, you’re here, cold and suffering, because of me.” She pouts a little.

Looking up with a narrowed gaze, you see the sincerity in her green eyes and the doubt of her true intentions crumbles.

“I- if you think it’ll help we can give it a shot.” You speak softly, pushing the cocoon of blankets off your body.

With a cute smile, Natasha starts to pull her clothes off until she’s left in her black sports bra and matching cotton panties. You can’t help that your eyes roam over her toned stomach and long legs. Your girlfriend is hot and, even through the chattering of your teeth and shivering of your body, you can admit that.

Following suit, you pull off the layers of clothes you’d put on, leaving yourself in nothing but underwear.

Then the two of you scoot a little closer to the fire, Natasha pushing into your side, arms wrapping around you in place of the blankets as she pulls you into her body.

It’s a near instant relief. The warmth of her body surrounds you, gradually staving off the cold atmosphere. That warmth increases as her hands begin rubbing up and down your arms and over your back.

You melt into her, burying your face against her neck as you return her embrace, arms and legs wrapped around her frame.

Her ministrations continue, lulling you into a false sense of relaxation. However, the subtle trail of her hands down your back and over your ass pulls the relaxation away. The instant her fingers slip under the sides of your panties and her hands begin to knead your cheeks your entire body is keyed up.

“Tasha,” you mumble against her neck, hands squeezing her waist.

“Yes detka?” Her oh so innocent tone responds.

“What’re you doing?”

Shifting, she lowers her head and presses a kiss on your shoulder.“ I’m keeping you warm, as promised.”

The hands on your ass squeeze, then run up your sides where she allows her thumbs to slip under your bra to brush the sides of your breasts.

Every move is slow and equally deliberate. Her hands work your body in a familiar fashion, further riling you up with each drag of her fingers along your skin.

Your frustration at being cold fades into one of being incredibly turned on. The wet heat between your legs only increases, as does the desire in the pit of your stomach.

“Tasha.” You say again, this time in a much breathier, needier tone.

She pulls her lips away from your newly marked skin to look at you properly. Upon finding the darkened look in your eyes, flushed skin, and heaving chest, she couldn’t help but smirk.

In truth, she’d barely touched you. Her fingers barely grazed your most intimate parts, instead focused on heavy, intentional touches to every other part of skin.

“If you don’t touch me, I’m gonna go handle it myself and leave you to sleep on the cold hard floor by yourself.”

“But I am touching you, dorogoy.” The words roll off her tongue teasingly and you legitimately huff.

Eyebrows furrowed, nose flaring, you push away from the woman. Cold be damned, you’re much more interested in releasing the pent up feeling in your abdomen.

You wouldn’t admit it but Natasha's actions have certainly left you heated all over.

The redhead watches with rapt attention as you lay back, your hands falling to the places you had just asked her to touch. Green eyes darken further as the fingers of one hand start to tweak your nipples, coaxing them into perfect little peaks, all while your other hand slips between your spread thighs.

Arousal soaks the fabric of your panties and as you touch yourself it begins to coat your thighs. Natasha hadn’t realized how much her touch had affected you, not the full extent anyway.

It's only when you let out a breathy moan that she snaps into action. A hand pushes yours away then pulls your underwear off in one swift move.

Not a second of hesitation is present as the redhead dives in. Her tongue glides between your puffy, glistening folds and she groans against you.

You slip a hand into her hair, lightly fisting as your back arches off the ground. You’re already an absolute wreck, that feeling intensifying as her tongue dips inside you, curling just so.

When your leg hooks around her shoulder, heel pressing into her back to drive her further into you, she smirks. Deft fingers then trail up your leg, ghosting over your slick coated thighs before they tease at your sopping hole.

“Look at me, detka.” Natasha commands, head lifting.

A near annoyed sigh escapes you as you follow her instructions, eyes landing on her chin that glistens from your essence. The words you meant to speak die on your tongue, replaced by a wanton moan as she effortlessly slips her fingers into you.

The fullness they offer is an instant but brief relief that has you shuddering in her hold and Natasha revels in the way your eyes roll back in your head, teeth clamping down your lip.

“Please, Tash,” you beg desperately. The burning feeling in your abdomen was nearing its peak but you needed-“ more. Need more, baby.”

At your words, she ducks her head back down and immediately wraps her lips around your clit. She sucks hard once, twice, then flicks her tongue over the bundle of nerves in time with the curl of her fingers and it sends you straight over the edge.

You cum with a scream of her name, heel digging into her back further as pleasure ripples over your body.

Natasha can’t help but to grip your thighs as they quake beside her head, hips canting up to ride out your orgasm. The taste of you bursts across her tongue and she can’t help but lap up every drop, retracting her fingers so she can shove her tongue into the source of the flavor.

As her ministrations continue, you’re tipped over the edge again, flying head first into a second orgasm. But she refuses to let up, drinking from you like a woman dying of thirst. While her tongue on you had previously felt amazing, the faintly familiar shift from pleasure to pain becomes present and you tiredly wiggle away from her.

Taking the nonverbal cue, she pulls away, licking you from her lips and sitting up on her knees. The pride she already held swells as she takes in the visual result of her actions: your thighs shaking, chest heaving, tits lightly bouncing with each quake of your body.

Her hands take a soothing approach as you come down, softly trailing up and down your legs then up your abdomen to softly squeeze your tits.“ You okay, moya lyubov?”

“Yup,” you hum with a blissfully tired smile on your lips.“ Nearly perfect.”

“Nearly huh?” She quirks a brow, leaning over you to be in your line of sight.“ What do I have to do to lose that nearly?” Leaning down, she presses lingering kisses on your neck.

Hands landing on her hips, you lean up to her ear, running your tongue over the shell of it before whispering,“ come ride my face.”

She damn near snaps her head away from you, eyebrows raised into her hairline.“ Really?” There’s a giddy sparkle in her eyes, accompanied by dilated pupils.

You’re both very well aware of how much Natasha loves riding your face. Not only does she love having your mouth on her, she also loves seeing and feeling you underneath her, able to see your expression as you taste and take her.

A nod is your simple confirmation.“ Let me taste you, baby.” Your hands shift up to the curve of her ass, pulling to urge her forward.“ And those pretty thighs of yours will keep me plenty warm.”

Needing no further encouragement, the ex-assassin stands and rids herself of her underwear. When her panties hit the ground beside you, you notice that they’re much like yours had been, soaked through from her arousal and that makes you even more eager to taste her.

She lowers herself onto her knees, both either side of you as her pussy hovers over you. You lick your lips in a fashion she’s seen plenty of times before, often when your favorite meal is placed in front of you, and pleasure spikes her core.

Your soft, scarred hands find her thighs and you pull her down onto your face with no resistance from her.

Instantly your senses are flooded by Natasha. Sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing, all at once.

She feels soft, even the raised skin from her battle scars are soft under your fingertips. She smells incredible and the second your tongue runs between her puffy pussy lips you can say the same about her taste. And her moans, her sweet, sinful moans, practically bounce off the walls.

You know, just from the way her slick transfers from her thighs to your cheeks, that she’s very much riled up. You also know that after she’s gone down on you that it doesn’t take much to get her to the edge and over. Still, you put in maximum effort.

Hands grip her thighs with near bruising force as you slip your tongue inside her, tasting every drop of her sweetness before pulling out so you can wrap your lips around her bundle of nerves.

While she loves the hold you have on her, two thoughts enter her mind simultaneously, leading to her taking your hands from her thighs and guiding them to her tits. She squeezes your hands which in turn squeeze her tits as she then begins to ride your face, as asked.

Her hips start a rhythm, pussy grinding on your mouth with each roll. She tosses her head back, moaning your name in a heavenly tone.“ Flatten your tongue, detka.” She instructs and who are you not to listen.

The new sensation sends her reeling and her hips stutter as the first sign of her impending orgasm. She doubles her efforts and you do too, now pinching and pulling on her nipples as she grinds faster.

The stimulation of both pleasure points is her undoing. If not for your steadying hands to keep her upright, she would’ve fallen face first into the ground as her eyes fell shut and her limbs practically went limp.

Using the majority of your strength, you slide Natasha down your body until her legs are on either side of you, then you guide her head to rest on your chest.

“I got you, baby.” You assure her, eliciting her to tiredly wrap her arms around your form, snuggling closer to you.

A comfortable silence settles around you two. The crackling of the fire and howling of the wind no longer irritates you, instead it facilitates the overall vibe of the moment.

Despite the layer of sweat on your heated bodies, you pull one of the blankets up over you to stave off the cold that will inevitably return.

When you’re completely calmed and Natasha’s breathing has evened out, her mind and body equally relaxed given the gentle strokes of your fingers up and down her spine, you teasingly speak,“ I knew you were just being horny.”

“True,” she mumbles after giggling,“ but it worked didn’t it?”

“I-” your words fail you as it’s really quite obvious she was right.“ Oh shut up, Romanoff.” You emphasize with a poke to her side which, in her unguarded state, causes her to jerk into you and let out an adorable laugh.

She whacks your chest, then softly kisses it.“ Really though, thank you for sticking with me. I know this situation is far from ideal,” her voice trails off before she adds,“ and far from our dream.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Tash.” Curling a finger under her chin, you tilt her chin up to catch her gaze.“ Being with you will always make me the happiest person in the world, no matter our circumstances. And I know this won’t last forever. In no time we’ll be living our dream. Just gotta get through the hard parts first.”

Her head shakes as she smiles.“ I love you so goddamn much, Y/n.”

“Not as much as I love you, Natasha.”

After a sweet kiss, you cuddle back up together, holding each other tight. In her arms, surrounded by her warmth and love, the sound of the howling wind fades into nothing as you fall into a peaceful slumber.

* * * * * * * *

Taglist: @owloftheshadows @blackxwidowsxwife @b-5by5 @lostandsearching @iliketozoneout @alotofpockets @storiesofsvu

[spacebarbarianweird]

Punishment

Synopsis: Domestic hurt\comfort becomes domestic smut because Tiriel should have listened to her vampire and not risk her life.

Tags: hurt\comfort, smut, dom!Astarion, very long prelude to the smut, a lot of butt slapping + also some complications of having an active sex life when you have a child Based on this amazing art by @mutualcombat

Thanks @themadlu for beta-reading!

Read on AO3

Masterlist

Headcanons

The fall was painful.

An enemy, a resurrected skeleton in heavy armor, easily pushed Tiriel from the cliff. Her armor and weapon left her no place for maneuver and the barbarian fell on the thin layer of ice that was covering the black waters of a lake.

Pain pierced her body. Tiriel gasped – every breath was agonizing as her ribs were broken. She coughed and immediately realized that a bone damaged the lungs.

Stupid, she thinks. So stupid. 

The ice cracks and the waters take Tiriel.

**

“O’su, why are you angry?” Alethaine rubs her sleepy eyes.Whether her dhampirism is to blame or the quarter of human blood in her body, the girl sleeps like a cat, for much longer than human kids her age. 

Astarion doesn’t mind this quirk of hers. 

When she sleeps, she can’t run up to the ceiling and fall from there. And she won’t try to escape outside, especially at night following the call only vampires and dhampirs can hear.

“I am not!” Astarion huffs putting food onto a plate. The four-year-old elf yawns and grabs a spoon in a very clumsy manner. Then she sticks it into the oatmeal and Astarion suspects Alethaine is trying to find sweet pieces of berries there. 

“You are angry,” Alethaine says. “I heard you and Mum fighting yesterday.”

“You didn’t.”

“I did!” Alethaine gets anoyed and hits the table with her small hand. “You were fighting!”

Astarion crosses his arms. Well, as a half undead Alethaine has extremely acute hearing. So acute that no matter how hard her parents try, she does hear noises from their bedroom she can’t yet comprehend.

And of course, she did hear her parents yelling at each other outside the house.

“Well, we had some… disagreements.”

Tiriel was offered a job. To help a bunch of adventurers retrieve a treasure from the dungeon deep in the High Wood. And his wife wanted to go so much that she couldn’t care less about what Astarion was saying.

That the job was dangerous.

That those morons who hired her had no idea what they were getting into.

That the weather was so shitty it made Icewind Dale look like Calimshan. 

And Tiriel accused Astarion of controlling her. That he was possessive, that he didn’t want her to go without him – because he was fucking jealous!

Ridiculous. 

“Why?” Alethaine demands answers.

“It was a bad idea to go alone, that’s all!” Astarion says. “Your mother will spend more gold on healing potions than she will earn!”

Alethaine’s ears twitch. She stops eating and pulls away.

“I don’t like when you fight,” she says. 

“I don’t like either, princess. But it’s going to be alright! Your mother will come back and everything will be good!”

“O’si said she was bored,” Alethaine adds. “When she was reading me a story, she told me she was bored at home. Mum wanted to slay a monster like in that book.”

Astarion nods. Well, another thing he sometimes forgets. Whilst he feels comfortable and nice in their house, reading books, sewing clothes, and taking care of their child, Tiriel is a fighter. She is used to the roads, sleeping in the dirt, fighting, and drinking. Domestic life is exhausting – and she doesn't even know how to occupy herself when the blizzard howls in the woods.

When Alethaine was younger, she required all of Tiriel's attention, but now Alethaine is more or less independent – and the barbarian has started feeling…

…Bored…

“Still no excuse to risk herself!” Astarion protests. “Alethaine, your mum fights as if she was a vampire. And before, I used to be there to have her back or drag her to the healer. Those… morons…. Young idiots won’t do that for her!” Astarion quickly corrects himself. 

“What does “moron” mean?”

“You didn’t hear that.”

“I did!”

“It means someone stupid. Just don’t repeat it anywhere, it’s a bad word.”

“Then why did you say it?” 

“Alethaine, eat your breakfast” Astarion bares his fangs as a threat.

The dhampir huffs and takes the spoon. 

The next moment Astairon hears footsteps. Someone is coming to the front door. 

“Vampire!” he hears the healer’s voice. “A quick word!”

Astarion opens the door. The female halfling doesn’t wear a winter jacket even though her house is many blocks away.

And there is an aura of…

Fear…

“What happened?”

And the Astarion catches a familiar scent. Way too familiar to ignore.

The healer’s sleeves are covered in Tiriel’s blood.

**

Tiriel feels like dying. She knows she is dying.

The dark waters dragged her under the ice trying to murder her. So stupid. Astarion warned her not to go and he was right. He has a better perception of danger than her. She should have  listened.

She didn’t.

Was it some stupid pride preventing her from listening to her husband? Or just the exhausting boredom she endured at home?

Anyway, she is dying.

She is leaving her husband and daughter alone.

Alethaine will grow up barely knowing her.

Astarion … Can he survive without her? Twenty-four years is such a short time for him to heal…

Tiriel failed them both.

Then, she starts suffocating. Primal fear suppresses everything sentient about Tiriel – and it awakes the rage in her.

The ice wounds her hands as she crawls to the surface, bleeding and freezing. 

And then the rage leaves her with only a fever.

Ttiriel barely remembers anything after that. She knows someone carried her somewhere. 

Voices, insults. 

A pair of red eyes staring at her in a dimly lit room.

A child crying.

“Is she dying?! Dad, is Mum going to die?!”

Tiriel wants to console her daughter, but she is too weak. The healing potion burns her throat, but it’s not enough to repair the damage. 

“Astarion, she has frostbite. If the potions don’t help, I will have to cut her leg off.”

Tiriel is hit by a wave of panic. No, not cutting her limbs off! No, they can’t do this to her!

Pain. Fever. Thirst. Difficulty breathing. Tiriel wants to scream but she can’t. She can’t move, she can’t see anything.

Another cry. An angry voice forcing the child to go away. 

Gentle hands. Cold skin. 

Astarion.

Tiriel tries to open her eyes to see him but can’t. She needs to see him. She needs to make sure he’s not a hallucination. That he has come to save her. 

But then, the darkness takes her and there is no pain anymore.

**

Astarion leans on the kitchen table. It’s over. Tiriel is getting better. She has made it. They didn't even have to cut her leg.

She is home.

It will take her months to fully heal, of course, but she isn’t dying. That's the most important thing. 

Astarion takes his blood-stained shirt off, suppressing the desire to chew the soaked fabric. 

“Daddy.” 

He turns around and sees the dhampir. She’s been crying – damn, she is still crying – and stands in the kitchen hugging a plushie dragon.

“What is it, princess?”

“Is mum going to be alright?”

“Yes,” Astarion puts on the clean shirt, the one made of black fabric. 

“Why did you yell at me?”

Astarion feels guilty. The last thing he was thinking about was how the whole situation was perceived by a four-year-old child – he just didn’t want her to be in the same room with her mutilated mother.

“I am sorry,” Astarion lifts the girl up. “Sorry for yelling”.

“Is mum really going to be all right or you just say so?” Alethaine insists.

“She is going to be all right… She just needs rest”

“Dad.”

“Hm?”

“We aren’t letting her go anywhere anymore,” Alethaine says. 

Astarion chuckles. “Well, I don’t think we can prevent her from going outside, but you can express your concerns about her behavior”.

**

A week later Tiriel feels more or less capable of standing up. All these days, she was basically nursed by her little family – Astarion was spending all his time near her bed. Alethaine would come to check asking if she needed anything and was extremely proud of herself when Tiriel asked the girl to bring her a glass of water or medicine.

Tiriel gets up, puts on her trousers and a shirt, and goes looking for Astarion. Alethaine is fast asleep in her bed, barely visible among pillows and plushies. 

Perks of not needing to breathe – Alethaine can bury herself in soft blankets and experience nothing but warmth and comfort.

And, if one day she is thrown into a frozen lake she won’t drown.

One less thing to worry about, Tiriel thinks.

Tiriel finds Astarion in the basement where they stash artifacts and gold. 

“Hello, my sweet,” Astarion smiles, but Tiriel knows he is faking it. He is upset. Angry. And gods know what else.

“Hello,” Tiriel sits beside him. “I'm feeling much better.”

“Good.”

The silence is so heavy it causes discomfort. Tiriel touches his shoulder and suddenly he flinches as if this form of intimacy were out of the question.

“Are you angry?” Tiriel asks. 

“Oh, thank you for asking,” Astarion closes the book and throws it at the wall. The heavy volume immediately becomes a pile of paper. “I am!”

Tiriel bites her lip. She is ashamed of herself. Of what she did.

“Why couldn't you listen to me?! Do my words mean nothing to you, Tiriel?!” Astarion's eyes glow red. “You could have died!”

“I am sorry!”

“I am very well aware of the fact I am going to overlive you. But could you not make it happen so soon?! Alethaine was crying her eyes out. Because she fucking saw you bleeding to death! She has nightmares! and I… I…” he sits on the floor grabbing the fistful of his hair. “Tiriel… I…”

The words are stuck in his mouth and Tiriel kneels in front of him. Then, she cups his cheeks and kisses the bridge of his nose. Then she proceeds to kiss his forehead and lips.

“I am sorry, Astarion. I will listen to you next time, I promise.”

“You can’t even understand how much I want to lock you somewhere,” he says.

“Astarion, we’ve been there. I know you are possessive. But love isn’t about control, unless it is a bedroom play.”

He nods and kisses her wrist. 

Tiriel smiles. “How can I … pay for my disobedience?” 

Astarion suspiciously looks at her. He is examining her, she realizes. Trying to understand if he can… make her pay.

Tiriel unfastens the claps of his shirt, baring his chest. Then she kisses his right nipple and teases it with her tongue.

Astarion lets out a moan but, instead of undressing Tiriel, pushes her away.

“Astarion?” she hesitates. How angry is he, actually?

“You told me you want to pay.” He sits on the bench. “Then you will.”

Tiriel giggles.

“As you wish, my lord, '' she says. “How will I do it?”

“Take off your clothes.”

“I obey,” Tiriel undresses and throws the clothes on the stone floor. Astarion studies her body – scars, fresh bruises. Tiriel nods, inviting him to continue their game.

What is he thinking about?

“Turn around,” he orders and she obeys. “Now, kneel!”

Tiril cringes feeling the harsh and cold surface with her knees. Astarion stands beside her and puts his arms on her shoulders. His grasp is strong and Tiriel admires how truly strong he is as a vampire. 

Fangs pierce the nape of her neck. She gasps, but Astarion hardly takes any blood; he just licks some with his cold tongue.

“You were a terribly bad girl,” he murmurs. “Not listening to what I say!”

Tiriel smiles. Astarion is fully clothed, but she suspects he is already hard.

He pinches her nipples forcing her to moan. 

“What are the odds she won't hear us?” Tiriel whispers and Astarion immediately shuts her mouth with his cold palm.

“We could have built torture chambers for people like your recent clients here and princess wouldn’t have suspected anything.”

“Hm, then we need to bring a bed here.”

“Then she will suspect. Now shut up and let me make you pay for your misdeeds!” Astarion clenches his hands around her neck and forces Tiriel to lie on the stone floor. 

She feels his cold finger touching her pussy. He gently tracks along her labia, forcing her core to get wet. 

Tiriel expects him to get inside, but it doesn’t happen as he keeps teasing her. 

“Astarion…”

The next moment, the index finger of his left hand is in her mouth. 

“Suck it!” He orders.

Tiriel wraps her lips around his finger and makes suckling movements trying to catch the same rhythm Astarion has teasing her pussy.

The heat between her legs became unbearable. She wants to beg him to at least fill her with his fingers, but instead, he abruptly lets her go.

She sits up in front of him as if she were enslaved and he was her captor and master deciding her fate. Tiriel waits, letting him savor the image.

Then he kneels in front of her. His smile is coy and his eyes are tender and Tiriel thinks the play is over – and that he is going to become his usual self in terms of sex. Maybe even much sweet and tender – compensation for all the years of rough fucking.

But then, he tugs her to his lap. His free hand tugs her half-elven ear.

And then he slaps her.

The sensation is so unexpected that Tiriel lets out a cry and then feels tears pricking her eyes. Another slap, stronger and rougher.

She elbows up a bit and feels the bump between his legs. 

Then a pause. Astarion waits. Tiriel can leave. She can say she doesn't like it. That the stone floor hurts her elbows, that the whole thing is embarrassing. That she feels cold or not fully healed.

But she doesn’t say anything. Instead,she moves a bit, making it more comfortable for him to keep slapping her naked butt.

SLAP

His hand is cold and strong, and Tiriel knows it will be hard to sit.

SLAP

Tiriel concentrates on the painful pleasure, allowing herself to melt in it. Her whole world is narrowed down to the torture she inflicted upon herself. 

SLAP

“Will you disobey me again?” Astarion demands.

“No, I never will! Aah!”

“What if I say it’s fucking dangerous to go alone next time?”

“I will listen!”

SLAP

“Good,” he stops. His fingers are placed on her pussy again as he gets distracted by her scent.

Tiriel squirms and moans in his arms as he keeps playing with the swell of her sex.

“Please…” Tiriel whimpers.

“What is it, bad girl?”

“I want you inside of me… please…”

But Astarion doesn't listen. His fingers play with her as if she was a musical instrument. Astarion knows all of her sensitive spots. He knows how to make her come, how to make her a mindless half-elf. He's learned her body thoroughly. In a both possessive and selfless way.

Tiriel feels her orgasm approaching. She clenches her fists and lets out a cry as she reaches her peak.

She doesn't feel cold anymore. Tiriel pants and mewls as Astarion finally lets her go.

He caresses her cheek in the most tender way possible and kisses her.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Tiriel puts her hands on the lace of his trousers, but instead of letting her continue, he gently pulls her away.

“No,” Astarion firmly says.

“Why?”

“Because you are still healing.”

“Astarion, are you fucking serious?! You’ve been slapping me!”

“Yes. I was slapping your butt not lying on top of you”.

“We can do it in a different way!”

“And it still involves some form of physical activity from you. Or me absolutely ravishing you. No. You will get better and only then we will fuck each other into  oblivion.”

“And what are you going to do about this?” she pokes the bump to feel the delicious hardness below the fabric.

“I will use my hand.”

“Save it for the time when I am away,” Tiriel unlaces the trousers, freeing his cock.

“Hand or mouth?” she asks, tracing her finger along the shaft. 

“Mouth… And keep…eye contact…please.”

“As you wish,'' Tiriel kisses the tip of his cock. Over the years they have been together, Tiriel learned how his body reacts to her touches. 

In a moment she’s already swallowed it fully – tears flow down her cheeks. She moves her lips and tongue along the shaft, never breaking eye contact. 

Astarion groans and grabs a fistful of her hair. His cock is cold and hard, but his sensitive, soft skin is quickly getting warmer in Tiriel’s mouth, and she wishes to prolong his pleasure.

But it’s so damn cold in the basement.

Suddenly, she feels being pulled away. Tiriel lets the cock go. Astarion grabs it with his free hand, makes a few stroking movements, and then the white liquid spills over her breasts.

Tiriel stands up shivering from the cold, and only now does she realize how truly intense the slapping was.

Astarion laces his trousers and quickly kisses Tiriel's lips and when she tries to put on her clothes back he wraps her shoulders in a blanket and lifts her in the air.

“Let's go to our normal bed,” he says. 

“Only if you stay there with me,” Tiriel pouts.

“Of course, love, of course!”

Minutes later, Tiriel lies in Astarion’s arms –  he’s insisted on wiping her breasts and pussy himself – and now she can just enjoy the comfort.

“Astarion.”

“Hm?”

“I promise to listen to your advice next time.”

“Thank you, love.”

**

By the time spring starts, Tiriel finally feels well enough to wield her weapon and wear her armor. Astarion knows she longs for a fight and a good adventure, and it would be too ungrateful for him to try to lock her down and guilt-trip her into always staying by his side. 

But someone needs to keep an eye on their daughter and Astarion slowly makes peace with the thought that Tiriel will indeed have to go away without him from time to time.

Astarion puts his old bedroll on the stone basement floor. There was a period when this imitation of a bed was the most comfortable thing he owned. Well, there was a period when he thought getting kisses from Tiriel was merely a reward for his services, not a genuine demonstration of affection.

“No, don't go!” he hears Alethaine’s voice. “Mum! Don’t go!”

“It’s all right, kitten. I will be back in a week. I will bring you a gift from Secomber.”

“No! I want you to stay! Dad!” Astarion hears small footsteps – Alethaine is forbidden from going to the basement due to all the dangerous artefacts stashed there, so she stops on the top step. “Dad, Mum is going somewhere! Again!”

Astarion goes up and sees an absolutely angry four-year-old dhampir pointing at her mother who is preparing for a trip.

“That’s all right, she promised not to fight anything stronger than her,” Astarion picks the girl up. 

“She will find things that are stronger!”

Tiriel approaches them, hugs Astarion from behind, and caresses her daughter’s cheek. “Kitten, I will be back soon, you will see. And when you grow up, you will also have someone who won’t want you to go away – but you sometimes will have to.”

“When I am as big as you, I will have a little girl,” Alethaine says. “And when she asks me to stay, I will!”

Astarion chuckles – well, he hasn’t got used to the idea of having a daughter even though she is four and the very idea of having a grandchild eventually sounds even less realistic than him regaining his mortality. 

“That will be your choice,” Tiriel kisses. “What do you want me to get you?”

“I want a book about elves,” Alethaine says.

“Ok, I will take a look for something interesting.”

Alethaine pulls away, showing that she wants to go. Astarion puts her back and the girl immediately disappears into her room. 

“Are you leaving in the morning?” Astarion asks.

Tiriel nods. “Something on your mind?”

“Actually yes,” Astarion takes Tiriel's hand and makes her follow him downstairs. “Besides,” he playfully pushes Tiriel on the bedroll, “Our best nights were on the road in our old tent!”

--

@tugoslovenka  

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[wuffgang-ameowdeus-moozart]

Aren't you tired of forced romances with no chemistry that only take away from the actually interesting plot? Don't you just want media where romance isn't portrayed as being superior and more important than (queer)platonic relationships?

Well, my exhausted aro ass is too, so here are a few tricks and wisdoms I've gathered over my years of being a-spec (which is all of them) on how to avoid romance (in media) in a very allonormative society 💚🤍🩶🖤

(this is a rec list btw. no I am not shitting on the shows that I tagged, quite the opposite)

1. Middle Grade

I get if you aren't really into that, because it is kind of annoying to be pointed to literal children's literature when all you want is a story that isn't constantly being interrupted by describing the main guy's heated eyes for the twentieth time.

However.

It is true that in middle grade, friendship is always more important than romance. Because, let's face it. Making two eleven year old characters kiss is kinda weird. So even if there is a romance, it isn't very prominent and treated more like friendship and/or a puppy crush. Plus some stories get surprisingly dark?!?!

Examples

- Howl's Moving Castle (Diana Wynne Jones), technically a romance in the end, but mostly focused on found family, shenanigans, and finding your own value

- House of Many Ways (DWJ). Yes, again. I really like her books okay? They always have something so fantastical and whimsical about them. This is my other favorite book by her and it has literally no romance at all. Plus a hmc cameo that is so fun !!

- Coraline (Neil Gaiman). Maybe this is cheating because I never actually read it. However. a) the movie traumatized me. b) Wybie was added to the movie, he doesn't exist in the book, so if "power of friendship" isn't your thing this will be great. Probably vibes over plot.

Flyte (Angie Sage). Technically this is the second book, but I never read the first one and still understood everything. Once again, no romance at all. A fun read, which can get surprisingly dark at times.

2. Short Story Collections

Once again, I get it if it isn't your thing. Short stories are - as the name reveals - short. Which means: no worldbuilding, very limited narrator, open ending, no time to really get attached to characters, etc.

But.

The cool thing about collections, is that they always have a certain theme. And as long as the theme is not romance, romance will not be the focus. Even if there is a romantic relationship, it will be used to explore this theme since there simply isn't time for anything else.

Examples:

Life Ceremony (Sayaka Murata) This is the book that actually made me figure out: hey! I do actually like short stories !! The main theme is basically about being different and it plays a lot with body horror and the perception of your own body in contrast with how society sees it. There is even a story about two women who platonically live together and raised multiple children!

Canterbury Classics: Classic Tales of Horror (introduction by Ernest Hilbert). As the name suggests, this is a collection of horror short stories, featuring well-known authors such as Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe or Charlotte Perkins Gilman. As these are classic old tales, the language is a bit complicated at times and you can read them for free on Gutenberg. However, the book is very very pretty and the introduction is very interesting (Origins of the genre, specific tropes and monsters, etc.)

3. Podcasts

PODCASTS!!! If you follow me, you are probably already aware of those. However, in case you don't, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Audiodramas.

The cool thing about Podcasts is that pretty much anyone can do it. All you need is an idea, a mic, a lot of motivation, and you're pretty much set to go. No producers or publishers you need to get approval from. So it is only natural that this medium is filled to the brim with queer creators. Basically every character is somewhat queer. It's awesome.

Examples:

- The Silt Verses. I adore TSV. I listened to the first season like, four times. (the second one is good too but OH MY GOD THE FIRST ONE). And one of the main characters is canonically and explicitly aro!! Sister Carpenter, I love you with my whole being. And the great thing is, it is very clear that the writers love her, too!! There is a lot (like a LOT) of body horror so it isn't for everybody. But if you think you can handle it I really recommend it. (Plus, not any romance plotlines at all !!)

- Wolf 359. This is one of the older ones and it is really good. It's a bunch of restless and very unwell people stuck in a spaceship under the unforgiving rule of capitalism. However bad you imagine it, I can assure you it is worse. But the really cool thing is that there literally isn't any romance at all. Like, there are great m/f friendships but they never even hint towards a romance. Some people are so unused to that that they literally ship the main dude with the fucking robot AI. (don't worry, not an actual romance plot).

- Girl in space. I am sure you will be absolutely shook to know that this one also takes place in space. It is about a girl. In space. Shocking, I know. Except that she has been on her own for well over a year when suddenly a fleet of strange ships arrive and kidnap her. There is also a very asshole-y robot. And questions about what makes us human. And found family!! And a goat. And cheese. Just go listen to it okay. This is also one of the shortest ones of the list, so maybe a good start.

- Malevolent. I have to confess that I personally am not a huge fan of this one? Like the premise is really cool - a detective who wakes up blind and with a demon in his head who can see through the detectives eyes. What the fuck?, you may ask yourself. So does Arthur Lester. Mysteries and other dimensions and a whole lot of pain ensues. Harlan is undeniably an awesome VA and a great writer, but his stories just seem a bit too repetitive to me? Nonetheless I know of lots of people who enjoy it a lot. Trying to define the relationship between Arthur and John (his demon) is perhaps the biggest mystery of them all. (Jk. there are multiple murders and stuff. they've really got other priorities)

- Middle:Below. This is another short one and probably the least famous of this list? It's about this funky lil dude with a ghost roommate and a cat who can talk (.....or can it?). There is a m/f friendship but it never turns into a romance (wow it is possible!!). They all go on adventures on the dimension between life and death. Despite the description, this is literally just a comedy. A bit spooky at best. Reminds me a bit of scarier kids cartoons like gravity falls.

4. "Gay" movies/series in countries with homophobic censorship

Now you may think, "hey that seems like a bit of an asshole move!". And you would be 100% correct in thinking that.

However.

It does also mean that the main relationship of the story can never be explicitly romantic. They can allude to it, they can try to show it. But they can never confirm. So it is very easy to interpret them as having a QPR. (because tbh I don't think I've ever seen one on television.)

Examples:

The Untamed. Look. I am aware that the first episode is so fucking atrocious, all right? And no, the CGI does in fact never get better. And sometimes the translated subtitles are a bit awkward. But I swear that it is so good. Trust me on this one, okay? Just make it through the first ep. It's a wild ride. Lan Zhan I love you. (However the book it is based on (written by a woman) depicts them being in an explicitly romantic relationship, with lots of very inaccurate and badly researched smut, so the fandom pretty much sees them as exclusively romantic.)

- Word of Honor. Very much in the same vein as The Untamed. Except that the first episode is less horrible. And the one dude has a very fruity fan. And they also raise a kid together. And the costumes of the villains are really fun!! I actually never finished this one tbh. I know that the book it is based on has one very extremely terrible ableist plot point, but I don't know if that made it into the show since I never got that far

The Devil Judge. The last two were fantasy, this one is a dystopia. Very tense and interesting. There is a romantic subplot (typical childhood friend vs bad boy love triangle), but he rejects the childhood friend and they can't exactly show him and the "bad boy" (who is actually a judge. and also kinda his sugar daddy) as explicitly romantic for the reason above. They also live in the same house and cook together and take care of a child together. Can totally recommend.

Assassination Classroom. A bunch of students have to kill their teacher who is an alien. that's literally the plot. I cried so hard at the finale. Nagisa and Karma have MASSIVE vibes and you can't convince me otherwise. (There is a romantic subplot that does end in a kiss, but they agree to continue as friends since those were..... extenuating circumstances. The dude very clearly is not into her). Nagisa also very aro-spec coded imo.

5. "Straightbaiting" Anime

Sometimes Anime does this thing (which I personally find very hilarious) where a boy and a girl will have no other romantic involvements or love interests while growing closer and closer, but never get together. A bit like reverse queerbaiting.

Examples:

- Fairy Tail. The ultimate power is friendship anime. That is all you need to know. (I should also perhaps warn you that the end of the last arc (and the sequel series, but we don't talk about that) are huge letdowns. Like the buildup? So good. But....welp. If that doesn't bother you too much and the idea to have a group of people be the main character instead of one person only, this may be the series for you. Just do yourself a favor and skip all the filler arcs

Soul Eater. I really love the vibes of this one. Once again, most of the fandom likes depicting them as explicitly romantic, but they never canonically are. It also reminds me a bit of creepy children cartoons. It is also where the superior fictional school exists, Devon. Frankenstein teaches there (the dude, not the monster). People transform into badass weapons. Nobody can convince me that Make Albarn is not a trans woman. However the ending deviates a bit from the manga, and I personally think the anime one is a bit worse

Noragami. This one will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first anime I really watched. This one also has people who transform into weapons, but the vibes are very different. It goes a bit more into Japanese folklore in case that interests you.

Bonus: Canonically Aro/Heavily Aro-Coded Characters

They were not anywhere above because the stories they are in didn't really fit any of the categories. But they exist!

Wolf (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts). I adore Wolf. There is also barely any romance. Like, it will seem like it at first, but don't worry, it's only straightbaiting. There is a romance subplot but it's very brief and very much in the background. Overall very good aro show 👍

Isaac (Heartstopper) Very queer show, very high likelihood that you already know of it. The series per se is very romance focused, but as far as I've heard the a-spec rep in S2 is really good

Georgia (Loveless). Actually never read it. But, well. Title pretty self-explanatory dare I say. By the same author as Heartstopper (Alice Oseman)

Chance/Chris and Shadow/Ryan (woe.begone) Are explicitly in a QPR together !! they are also probably the healthiest couple in the podcast lol

Henry Clerval (Frankenstein). Henry is the "a couple of besties!!" to Victor's "we look like a couple <3"

Barbie (Barbie 2023) If you've seen it you know what I mean.

Jo Marsh (Little Women). I never read the book, but Jo in the 2019 movie??? very sus.

I would also recommend checking out Japanese books! I personally think they are much better at writing romance than the western people lol. It's more about knowing each other and sharing your views of the world, thus changing each other and leaving a mark forever, even if the relationship ends. (studio ghibli romance vibes). My favorite Japanese book doesn't have an English translation :(

aber an alle Deutsch-Sprecher*innen: Die Katzen von Shinjuku (Durian Sukegawa) -> og title: Shinjuku no Neko

Can't think of anything else right now, but please leave some of your own recommendations! Hope this helps ^^

[blueparadis]

꒰ SOMETHING ABOUT U ꒱ ⋮ KAEYA ALBERICH → [ CONTENT & TAGS ]:fem!reader, references to canon divergent lores ( mixed with my ideas; nothing promising but i needed to get this months old idea out of brain so that i can focus on other activitis :">) , kaeya has obsessive behavior, angst, mention of prostituion, implicit smut. word count —2k // back to blog navigation. // beta read by my beloved ari @orchid3a . also tagging @kaelily <3.

synopsis:: “Beyond the sea, against the waves

where the sea and sky meet, where tides kiss the moon,

A protector shall be re-born, and Khaenri’ah will rise once again with retribution.”

Many grave and galant eclipses and solstices have been witnessed by the mortals, humans lived and died but the protector did not return. A prophecy that was made years ago has now made it to the front page of the newspaper with the headline, “DID THE GODS GRANT MERCY TO THE KHAENRI’AHNS ?”

A year ago Kaeya Alberich would neither have believed in this prophecy nor would have sworn to pursue the veiled truth and call it ‘fate’. But now, his ship sails across the oceans with him sitting in his personal chamber holding a brown paper, reading the same article that was published a year ago while a girl sleeps in his bed.

His million moras haul, alive and breathing.

Kaeya settles at the edge of his bed swirling the wine in his goblet. With your eyes closed, bosom rising and falling at a slow steady speed he thinks you look like one of those sleeping fairies inside those nyctinastic flowers that he once saw in picture-book when he was a toddler; he accidentally stumbled upon it and saw the wonders that belonged to the out of the word, this word— a child sitting at one of the corners of the library, hiding from the Archon’s wrath, hiding and protecting, hiding and fearing. He is not someone to put faith in the Archons. He does not feel anything about the mocking existence of the Archons, neither rebel nor rage; nothing. Therefore, must he be the one to go against the waves and wind, against the sun and moon, against the gods?

But if Archons were to really exist as people claim, then perhaps it was the Archons' will when his eyes fell on you for the very first time, on that cold night, on that dead island under an enormous tree as you were lying half-clad, breathing but barely alive. While his home was swallowed by the oceans five hundred years ago with no trace at the bottom of the sea, there was you, a fragile creature taking the last of its breaths. He found you in the exact same place where once he breathed and lived in the air of Khaenri’ah. Kaeya does not believe in the Gods, but he does believe in ‘miracles’, and ‘chance encounters’. Now he is ready to believe in some years-old prophecy.

A flame flickering to live on still delivers light.

The winds were treacherous that night, they were not howling like other stormy nights Kaeya had endured. There was an uncanny smell in the winds of the island, a smell that he can neither remember nor recognize, the mixed smell of something greater, something divine— like ichor, blood and bones. He could hear something eccentric too; He knew the winds of the sea like a caterpillar knows its fate to become a butterfly. But this was different, a foreign feeling. It felt like the wind was whispering right into his ears. He has never felt so hollow before. 

That was the first time he heard how hollow he was. It is like when someone was blows air through a hollow pipe so rapid, so full and so hollow that it is on the verge of breaking. Standing there in the dead of the night, with his crew busy at the shore decking the ship he could not separate between himself and those bullet shells that looted lives while his eyes glimmered at your corpse-like body in the pale moonlight, lips trembling and then curving into a crescent. 

The clanking sound of bullet shells hitting the floor, the sound of blazing homes which once were made with love and care, the screams of the dying, and the smell of the dead— he remembers it all. It might have been five hundred years ago for others, but it was still fresh as a morning dew in his mind. He can not forget. Every time he sleeps, he dreams of destruction and every time he is awake he vows on vengeance.

“Woah! Careful there,” Last time when Kaeya was here you had been sleeping. You have been in and out of slumber for a week now. He helped to restore your balance as you tried to wake up and stacked a few pillows behind your back so that you sit at ease. You do not resist, do not have enough power to do so. The marks on your skin are slowly fading, your eyes are now much more expressive, lips and ankles devoid of any fine lines. The only scratch on your body is on your forehead, a star, and a half circle at the lower end of the star. It is very faint now but its there. It was raw and fresh at the night when he first laid you on his bed. It seemed like someone carved it with a knife but there was no dried blood along the scar or anywhere on your body. 

Last month, precisely, a week ago, when Kaeya fetched a doctor for you from the port city of Mondstadt, Dorman, he did not mention anything about the scar. Even when he asked about it specifically, all he got was a laugh at its non-existence. But he can see it, clear as a day. 

“You are doing a lot better than when I first saw you.” He admits as you finally look at him. “Are you hungry? Last night you did not eat much.” It has become a part of his routine now. Being there when you wake up, helping you, telling you stories, taking you out on the deck, watching you from afar when you are awake, and watching you up close when you are asleep. He is trying his best to help you to feel comfortable as much as possible so that you remember your origin, so that you remember your fate, so that you remember what the Archons did. But so far you have only talked minutely about your home and he did not make much of it. 

“No. I do not feel hungry.” Your fidgeted with your fingers averting his gaze. Your attention falls on the dip created on the bed where he kept his hand to adjust the pillows. You gulp wetting your throat. “But I do feel thirsty.” You keep your hand beside his, an inch away. He looks at you, with sapphire-embedded eyes and then at the hands. His little finger shifts towards yours, slowly. You quickly pull your arm into your lap. “Do you think we can visit the port city today?” you ask hoping to divert his attention.

Last night he mentioned it and when you ask so eagerly so softly, his barren cold heart is set ablaze. You are now strong enough to pay attention to him. It makes him happy. Kaeya smiles looking at you before answering, “Of course we can. The others will take care of things at the ship and meanwhile we can visit the port.” He leaves the bed and walks towards the exit of his room. Before vanishing from your sight he states, “Get changed. I will be be the one to accompany you to the city today.” 

You have been living in his room, breathing his air, sleeping in his bed, and wearing his clothes for a month since the day he rescued you. Traveling amongst the winds and the waves with you has not been entirely in vain either. Truth be told, Kaeya likes your presence. Today he is finally taking you out amongst the people and needless to say he is not leaving you out of his sight. He is walking behind you while you are in awe, admiring the surroundings. 

You two stand at one of the shops as you ask about all the things and watch everything with such surprise in your eyes that it reminds him of himself when he was a child. He occasionally scans your surroundings, waves at the people he knows, and smiles at the girls he visited at the pleasure house. Those were some bright evenings he lived, enjoying the night at the pleasure house, fucking the girls till they fainted and disappearing into the sea at the break of dawn— the best he had of his life until . . . you walked into his peaceful luxurious life. He glances at you increasing the amount of distance between you two scooting to a side.

The crowd is slowly increasing and why would it not? Kaeya is here and word must have gotten around the town. He rarely visits port cities unless he has to collect hauls and buy some supplies in exchange for them. This was neither of them. This was a new thing. A news: ‘Lord Alberich is here with some maiden.’ It will draw attention more to him than to you. His smile fades away as he turns his head and does not see you. He asks the shopkeeper and he tells that you went towards the sea. shit.

The dusk is approaching and he should be in his room in his ship with you, not scouring the earth for you. Kaeya enters his room briskly with hundreds of thoughts running in his mind, wild and free. What if you are not here? What if someone recognized you? What if someone abducted you? What if . . .?

He sits on the chair with a thud seeing you on the bed with a new set of clothes, lying unconscious. He remembers buying you some clothes but not changing them. The clothes you had been wearing are neatly folded and kept on another bed. His eyes are still on you like a hawk watching its prey. “When did she get hear?” He asks as his breathing becomes even.

“About an hour ago, Lord Alberich.” one of the members of the crew answered. “She found her way back to here. We found her lying unconscious to the ground when we came to give the food.” Kaeya waves his hand at them asking them to leave. He pours some wine into his goblet and like always, sits at the edge of the bed but this time closer to your face.

He runs the back of his fingers along your cheeks murmuring to himself, “What am I gonna do with you… you are driving me insane, paranoid a bit.” He does not know your origin, your past nor your full name, nothing. Even though he is trying his best to give you the benefit of doubt, you keep thinning his faith on you every time.

He lifts up his head, his arm reflexively stretches towards the gun in the hostler. He presses and clicks open the safety lock and keeps the nozzle at your temple. Will you bleed blood or ichor if he hurt you? Will you lament or will you punish him if he hurt you? Are you here to kill him and his people? Or Are you here to help him and his people? 

His fingers move over your forehead, over the marks. He is sure he is the only one who can see your forehead scar. So he takes a risk that he did not think of doing it, ever. Keeping his goblet aside, his index finger slipped underneath his eye patch, pushing it aside for it to remove. There is it, his suspicion is confirmed.

As the scar on her forehead glows and his right eye does not sting or hurt like it should his limbs give up and he lands on his knees beside the bed. There he sat and wept like a boy while his ‘fate’ lay in front of him. How can he not believe what he sees with his own two eyes?

So many questions yet answers to none. But he is aware of only one thing— that you are everything that he does not believe. An Archon. A deity. A bane to his existence. But he refuses to hurt you. He refuses to become the very thing he despises. He refuses to let it go in with just one shot and therefore, he must keep you, tame you, and protect you. 

—

ik this has a lot of loopholes & might make this a multichaptered series but that depends on how well it will do :]

[harukaprism]

Soulmate AU

Pairing: Cyno xGN!Reader

Warnings: Potential violence against reader, fighting, soulmate au, that is all.

Word Count: 1,534

Dawn's notes: Howl has been on my brain and this is the result. Have fun!

In all of Teyvat soulmates surrounded you, everyone had their soulmate, everyone had someone for them.You had yet to find yours in your beautiful home of Mondstadt, which was fine; you were happy actually happy yours wasn’t in your home country. You wanted to explore and travel the world to find them, even though you had no hints as to who it could be. 

You did have something of your soulmate, everyone gets something to wear from their beloved that way when you two met you knew who it would be.They had gifted you a very beautiful necklace, plated in gold was a eye made out of beautiful amethyst with the pupil as a gold dot in the middle. You gave a set of simple gold earrings; it wasn’t much like the gifts you had seen your friends get but they were a treasured possession of yours that you would be able to spot miles away. 

You wore the necklace everyday, taking very good care of it just in case they had come to visit to find you, but as the years had passed you gave up hope that you would find them in your home or even Liyue. With that you made a decision. 

“You really want to visit Sumeru?” Lisa asked as she went through her book in the library. 

“Yes, Inazuma is too far away right now so I figured I would visit Sumeru to see if I could find them there.” You were determined to do what it took to see the world to find them and the one person in Mond that knows the country was your favorite bookworm. “Come on Miss Lisa, you are the only one that I know that has been there and I want to know what to prepare for. I have always wanted to travel Teyvat and looking for my soulmate is the perfect excuse to do that!” 

With a sigh she stood up grabbing a book from behind her desk. “If you really are serious, make sure you are prepared.” Handing you a stack of books her eyes fell to the necklace that she had seen for many years now. “You have to be careful and don’t worry too much if you do not find them right away.” 

Excitement shot through your body as you held the books to your chest. “Thank you Miss Lisa, really, I appreciate it.” 

The look on her face did not escape you as you watched her sit down, a mix of joy and also sadness, though for why you weren’t sure. “Just doing my job. Those books are to be returned in 2 weeks, cutie, I mean it.” 

With that you ran out of the library and into your little apartment and cracked open the old books, they had everything you could ever know about the country of wisdom and all of its deserts. You had no idea how much time had passed before you had finished every book, writing notes of what not to do in situations and what you would want to see. 

After reading the books multiple times you returned the books and packed everything you would need. Lisa still had contacts in Sumeru City so she set up some lodging for your stay. With everything packed and someone to keep an eye on your house and mail you left Mondstadt and

started your travels. As you traveled on foot to Liyue you followed all the notes that Lisa and even Kaeya had put together for you, there was many things listed that you should go see and ways to travel, the second you crossed the border into Sumeru your felt the cool rush of the wind hit you as your eyes were met with the most beautiful sight that you had ever seen. 

The lush landscape of Sumeru City was beautiful but the most intriguing part was what laid behind that huge tree, the vast land of sand. Something was pulling you there so you decided to make that your final destination. 

Following Lisa’s advice you made your way to Gandharva Ville to rest for the night, as you laid down for the night in a hut you heard the distinct jingling of jewelry, something that you knew well. With your heart pounding you rushed to your window and looked out searching all over for the glimpse of gold reflecting in the moonlight but you were only able to see the forest. 

You were disappointed for sure but you had to move on, you would find them sooner or later. In the morning you were greeted by the lead forest ranger Tighnari. “Thank you for letting me stay the night, I hope it didn’t cause too much trouble.” 

The man shook his head with a pleasant smile on his face.”Oh no need to thank me, I was happy to let an adventure stay the night. Where is your destination for this trip?” 

“Ultimately the desert! Ever since I stepped foot into Sumeru it has been calling for me.” You could see his eyes drifting to your necklace. “Ah, this is from my soulmate so I was hoping that I would find them here, if not my next step is Fontaine.” 

The look he gave was one of recognition and solace. “I doubt that you would need to travel that far. Be careful in the desert and make sure to bring plenty of water and supplies.” With that interaction over with you made your way to the city and got your room secured and set up. 

Your next few days passed pleasantly. The connections that Lisa had in the city were wonderful and you got really good advice as to how best to get to the desert. After a two day trip you had finally made it to Caravan Ribat, the second you stepped into the city heat rushed from beyond the wall and basked you in the amazing feeling. 

After getting a room for the day you made your way to the gate that separated the city and the vast ocean of sand. The gusts of wind surrounded you like a warm hug, every aspect of life drew your attention and you deviated from your path to Aaru Village to look at the flora and fauna. 

You weren’t keeping track of the time but soon the sun had started to set and the cool breeze filled your ears. “Well well well, what do we have here?” The unknown voice brought you out of your studies of the flower in front of you to the group of mercenaries slowly surrounding you. “You’re not from the desert are you?”

You were no stranger to fighting, you were part of the Adventures Guild, you were experienced with defending yourself. You held your hands behind your back not wavering. “Just leave me alone, I have no interest in fighting some low life scum.” 

“Oh looks like you have quite the mouth. I can fix that.” The leader, you guessed, cracked his neck as he walked up to you. Just as your hand gripped the hilt of your sword the air cracked around you and stilled. In a flash of light the men were on the ground and a tan man stood before you enveloped in a purple glow. 

As he turned you heard the noise that you were very familiar with, the gold earrings that he wore upon his hat shone brightly in the setting desert sun. Stunning red eyes like rubies pulled you into his gaze as his white hair settled down and he came to a standstill. 

His eyes glanced down to your necklace as you kept your eyes trained on those earrings. “There you are sweetheart, sorry I’m late. I was looking everywhere for you.” 

With your heart fluttering you dropped your sword into the sand. “Not how I intended to meet you and I am impressed at how you have utilized the earrings. I see you have kept good care of them after all these years.” 

With that he approached you and took the pendant between his fingers. “I never thought I would meet you. Tighnari told me that he suspected you were my soulmate when you stayed in Gandharva Ville. He said you were coming to the desert.” 

With a huff you crossed your arms. “No wonder he made that comment. He knew I would run into you.” Your bottom lip jutted out just a bit in a pout, this seemed to cause him to lose focus on the jewelry he gave you and his calloused thumb came up and danced across your lip. 

“Call it divine intervention, he was looking out for the both of us.” Suddenly your vision was covered in darkness as you felt the hat that he wore was placed upon your head. “You have been out here too long, let’s go to Aaru Village for some rest and shade.” 

Lifting the hat with one hand you pushed the tuft of hair covering his eye out of the way. “You are more handsome than I thought you would be.” 

His chuckle was low as he laced his fingers with yours and started to guide you.

[marvelandsuchstuff]

Late Night Storms

Author's note: Listen, I was in an interesting place last night when I decided I need to write a 5k word smut for a charecter that only appers in like 2 episodes (when he was alive) of a show I watched in november… once. I know, I know - what the fuck? I think after hours of looking for more fics to read, I just decided I could do it. So here we are - also thank my friend who told me to post it, because I wasn’t gonna. Let me know what you think. Both Rowan and the reader are 18.

Warnings: Smut, thunderstorms, darkness, subspace (and kinda a drop-ish), Dom!Rowan x Fem!Reader (He gives me switch vibes) 18+ please

Word Count: 5.4k

Read on AO3

_______

Clouds up above chucked down rain in ample measure. The Dorm window was covered by the droplets racing down. Yoko, my roommate, sat with pen in hand by the window, looking out at the storm across the courtyard. As far as I could tell, the storm was only getting worse with the wind howling in the background, fuck. 

I liked the rain, hell I loved dancing in it - but storms, while being in a 3-century-old castle? Not my favourite I will admit. I had situated myself under my sheets, clambering onto my phone, trying to get a signal.  

“The cell line must have been hit, and the wifi is gone,” I said to Yoko, popping my head out just slightly 

“I wouldn't be surprised, it’s howling,” She replied, still staring out the window in awe. 

I sighed in frustration, great. There goes my plan to distract myself. I sit up and shuffle to grab a book, and that’s when it happens. 

All the lights flicker simultaneously, a telltale sign that power is about to go also, which I don’t think would help the current situation. I return to my spot under my bed, to which Yoko laughs, but it doesn't help much. I needed to leave before it got much worse.

Just my luck, at that moment the lights flicker on and off again before completely short-circuiting. Pitch black wasn’t my best friend unlike a certain Wednesday Addams, another reason to get out of here.

Yoko must have thought the same thing was about to happen because, in a few moments, the pitch black was illuminated by a strong torch that she had near her leg. It was strong enough to shine through the white blanket I was under, which I was thankful for.

I heard footsteps approach my bed, which made me jump slightly, but I quickly realised it was probably just Yoko coming to check on me. I peeked my head out slightly and saw her above me, smirking a bit. 

“You know you’ll be fine right?” she questioned, sitting down at the end of my bed. I curled my legs into myself as I pulled myself up to the headboard. I knew she meant no harm but it was instinctual from my home life. That was also the reason I hated storms… but I really don't want to think about that. 

“I know,” I reply kinda quietly to try and ease her worry for me. 

She gave me a kind smile back, and we kinda just sat there in silence with the thunder roaring over us. Every once in a while, lightning hit and I jumped, She grabbed my hand to calm me down the first time and kept it there. Tears stained my face as they slowly seeped out in 

After one really loud roll of thunder, a glimmer of an idea hit her as if lightning had personally struck her, “Do you think you’d be up to going to see Rowan? Not that I don't want you here of course but he can probably help you more”

Yoko was right, Rowan knew me better than anyone else, even myself sometimes. We’d been together for almost 2 years now, which was rare for a school relationship but somehow we just fit. He’d know how to help. 

“Ye-yeah” I stuttered, one problem, “but I can’t walk alone, I’ll probably end up in a ball somewhere, and Weems would find me and I’ll get in trouble."

“I wasn’t suggesting you walk alone,” she replied, “I’ll come with you to the dorm hall, all you got to do is walk down the hall, okay?”

All I had to do was the hall? That sounded reasonable, I replied “Ok, sounds go-good.”

So Yoko tugged me out of bed, and hesitantly I let her guide me. We grabbed our coats and were about to head off when I asked, “you’ll be ok coming back won’t you?”

She turned to me and stated “I have other plans, don’t worry.”

Ok then. 

---

When I got to the dorm hall, it was well past curfew and I knew I’d be in deep with Weems if you got caught again. She didn’t exactly like the late-night meetings or being dragged out of bed at midnight to deal with us. However, I was here now and it was useless going back to curling up under my sheets. 

Yoko had said her goodnights as she left me alone to wander to Rowan's room. The hall wasn't scary per se, but the few candles that lit the space were dull, so it was once again dark. 

I knocked on the dorm door, hoping it was quiet enough as to not be heard by anyone else but the people inside. Oh shit, I hope Xavier, his roommate, isn’t here to watch this meltdown, but it was too late now. Thankfully, light footsteps approached the other side and the door was pulled open slowly, obviously not expecting anyone at this hour.

Soft brown eyes greeted me, along with a smile as soon as Rowan registered who it was. His brown hair fell perfectly and his glasses frame his face really nicely in this light. However, the sweet smile faded as soon as he saw the state I was in. Realising there must still be tear stains covering my face, I went quickly to wipe my face but he was quicker to pull me into him.

Rowan pulled me farther into his room and the door shut behind us quietly. I don’t know how long we stood there, but it was long enough for my cries to turn into soft sniffles while Rowan kissed my head. 

“Do you want to go sit?” he asked softly. I looked up at him and nodded slowly, immediately he replied, “ok sweetheart.” 

Rowan helps me remove my wet coat along with my shoes, which he places at the foot of his bed. As soon as he does, I’m straight back in his arms. We shuffled over to the bed, which might I say is not as easy as it sounds when you’re in someone’s arms and they’re unwilling to release you. Which is cute in itself but isn't very practical. 

When we got onto the twin bed, Rowan situated himself under me so that I could just lay on him, which I was grateful for. An arm remained warped around me tightly, while the other traced down my back, which made me squirm just a tiny bit and he chuckled. Another kiss landed atop my head which I gave a small smile.

“There’s my girl, I was wondering where she went” Rowan whispered with a smile. 

“I’m here,” I giggle, looking up at him and then immediately turning away shyly to blush. How did I get so lucky? 

“If you’re here baby, can I see your face?” he replied as he caught my cheek with his thumb. I let him guide me back to his gorgeous eyes and kind smile. “Can I kiss you?”

“Please,” I whispered, he didn't have to ask but it was cute that he did. My lips met his, soft and sweet, very much him. I giggled a bit, biting my cheek, he tugged on my lip slightly. It was just us at that moment, and it felt so good.

Rowan pulled with a kiss on the cheek, and reached for his inhaler, mumbling something along the lines of “curse you asthma” as he did. My head returned to the comfy spot on his chest, catching my breath as well. 

We were like that for a while, it just felt right. 

“Hey, where’s Xavier?” I asked curiously as to why we weren’t getting annoyed groans in our general vicinity, not that I wasn’t happy about that fact.

He chuckles back, “I can’t believe that’s what you are worried about,”

“I’m definitely not, just seemed strange coming in here with no push back,” I replied 

This, once again made Rowan laugh and whisper semi-seductively, “I can give you pushback if that’s what you want baby,”

This just made me bury my face in his chest in embarrassment, he was so slight with it sometimes and he always knew it worked, hence the endless teasing. Pulling me closer to him, I forget how strong he is sometimes, even though most people don’t tend to notice. 

“I believe he’s at some party with Bianca and co,” he added. Oh, that’s where Yoko was off to then. She probably felt bad for leaving me alone and knowing parties aren't really my thing, decided it would be unfair to ask of me. Rowan took a deep breath and hesitantly asked, “are you alright now?”

“Yeah, just the-” I replied, pointing upwards and waving my finger around as if that was a word replacement. 

“Storm” he added, “I’m sorry I didn’t come to get you sooner, I know how much you hate them, I was caught up in an assignment.”

I shook my head, “No, no, no, it’s not your fault or your job for that mat-”

“It most definitely is my job” he cut me off but that just garnered me to shake my head more, “Uh huh, yes it is”

“Not”

“Is, I don’t like seeing you like you were when I opened the door, you’re breaking my heart baby” Rowan reacts a bit of unusual sourness to his voice.

I hug him even tighter, he’s so unbelievably good to me, I just whisper “I’m sorry, I couldn’t get a hold of you, the cell tower went down”

He takes a deep breath and smiles gently, “Stop apologizing for stuff you can’t control”

“Right back at you” I laugh, “but we got here and we’re good, aren't we?”

“We’re so good right now sweetheart” Rowan replies, laughing a bit too.

---

We lay there for a while longer, just content with how we were. Thunder rolling over the night sky and the sounds of rain out the window - it wasn’t that bad now that I was in his arms, my own personal shield from the elements. It was at this moment I realized Rowan’s room was illuminated by candles of all kinds, it was really romantic for a school dorm.

“I like your candles” I comment, lifting my head to look around the room.

“I had them saved for a special occasion” he replied with a glimmer of mischievous, “But this works too,”

I think for a moment… it would take my mind off the storm, that’s for sure. So I replied sweetly “Who said we couldn’t use them for a special occasion?”

Rowan looked down at me with a mischievous glint glowing in his eye, “Are you sure you want that tonight sweetheart?”

I nod into him.

“I need words please” He stated sternly but with a smile. Rowan was, um, rough when he was in control, we had rules set out so neither one of us could get actually hurt and we both felt safe.

One of them was that we had to give explicit consent to the other whenever we were controlling the scene, so I obliged, “Yes, I want this”

“Ok, you know your rules and your safe words, anytime you want out-” He affirmed.

“I just have to say, I got it. '' I cut off, Rowan was always so careful to make sure I was comfortable with what was about to happen and I did the same for him when I was in control as well. We worked well in that way. 

“Can I see your pretty face again?” he asked as his thumb drew to my cheek and turned my head once again. He lent down to initiate the kiss, and soft lips enveloped mine once again, I swear I could live here forever. 

As the kiss grew deeper, I climbed on top of Rowan to get a better angle. This wasn’t any use though, because as soon as I was in the right position, strong hands gripped my sides and flipped my entire body. Now, Rowan had the upper hand on top and the only thing in his way was his glasses.

When we came up for air, Rowan hovered over me, looking amazing as he did so. He leaned over to his side table and removed his glasses while also going for a quick puff of his inhaler. I could be content between his legs forever.��

However, that quickly drew to a close when he returned his attention back to me, lowering himself onto his forearms to meet me. He gave a quick peck to my lips and slowly made his way down to my neck, sucking enough to leave bruises. 

I moaned loudly when he got to a really sensitive spot, to which he responded by coving my mouth to try to muffle the sounds. He knew this was ok, 3 taps to get out if I needed, and my hands were free to rummage through his hair. He came to a halt after a really loud moan, commenting “Hey baby, you gotta stay quiet for me, ok? I don’t want people down the hall hearing us”

I nodded and tapped him 2 times, meaning ok. He smiled up at me and whispered “Good girl,”

He slowly attached himself to my neck again, moving further down as he did - It felt so fucking good. When he got to the hem of my shirt, he looked at me with his soft eyes, once again asking permission. I nodded and pulled on my shirt to lift it over my arms. It got discarded and thrown on the dorm floor along with Rowan’s sweater.

I pulled on his tie to connect our lips again, I needed him to be close. He sunk his lips into mine, using the height he had to overpower me and battle me into submission. The tie he had on was wrapped in my hands as I tried to remove it but was making me frustrated. Rowan caught on pretty quick and decided to peel off my lips and loosen them to pull off. 

Once he had it in his hands, I stared at it for a brief moment - could I ask him to just maybe? I mean we’ve done it before and he certainly loves it. I think Rowan must’ve noticed because he says “if you want something, you’ve got to use your words”

Fuck. I was definitely caught, I sigh and very quickly ask, “Could you, um maybe, tie me up please”

He laughs a bit and I must turn bright red from embarrassment. He replies, “Can you say that again?”

I let out another sigh, so this is how it’s going to be. I try to curl into myself to hide but Rowan’s on it already, trapping my hands by his sides. I give in and ask again slower, “can you tie me up with your tie, please?”

He smiles and responds “Please, what?”

Catching his drift, I know what Rowan wants and he knows what it does to me. It’s also comforting in a way, to give him complete control over me. So I reply, “please, sir”.

“Good girl,” he praises with a kiss on my forehead, “I’ve got you.” 

I believe him completely, I trust him like nobody else. He slowly takes his tie and makes sure it is knotted around his bed frame while I lift my hand to meet him. He gently secures them in and I pull to make sure they’re tight enough.

“Ok,” Rowan comments, “You’ve got to make sure you’re quiet because I can’t cover your mouth”

“Yes, sir.” I reply quickly. He smiles down at me and scans my body underneath him.

He grabs behind me, undoing the clasp of my bra, along with the straps that hold it in place. He stares at my boobs for a good 10 seconds before doing anything else. Cute. 

“Do you like what you see?” I ask, smiling up at him, wiggling around to make them bounce a bit 

“Uh- ye-yea-yeah” He stutters for a second, reminding me that my cute nerdy-ass boyfriend is still under there. He coughs and grabs his inhaler - which makes me burst out laughing. He returns to me with a stern look, to which I quiet down to a giggle, but he just shakes his head. 

“You’re really cute y'know” I state 

He smiles at me, “Thanks, I guarantee you won't be saying that once I’m inside you though”

That just makes me turn red again, and he is the one laughing this time. Rowan makes his way down to my tits with kisses and then down even father to the top of my sweats. He looks back up at me for final confirmation, to which I nod.

“Words,” he reminds me.

“Yes, sir.” I respond softly, I need him to do something, anything at this point.

With that, he hooks his fingers under the soft cotton of my sweats and underwear and pulls them down in one fell swoop. The cold air hits me like a wave and I curl up - but as always Rowan is there to pin me down. He grabs my thighs and spreads them open for him to see.

“You’re so pretty,” He expresses with a smile. I go pink at the compliment - I can’t believe he’s mine. He lowers himself down to meet my pussy and starts sucking on my clit like there’s no tomorrow. I whine from not being about to do much or touch him but I suppress myself when he flicks his eyes to me, telling me to stop. He grips my thighs tighter as he delves in more. 

I am beginning to reach my climax and do you want to know what he does next? He stops like fully comes off me. I moan out from the loss of contact and writhe around trying to get any friction from anywhere.

“Shhh,” he states, “I got you, I got you.”

Rowan takes his hands from under me and pins me down till I stop.

“Why?” I whine in my haze - Rowans is not one to not make me finish that's for sure. 

“I promise it will make it ten times better when you do cum - I promise,” he whispers to me, “I also need to be inside you.”

I look up at him, hazy, already dipping into subspace from the stimulation and the emotions from before. At that moment, I realize he’s basically fully clothed and I… well I’m not at all.

“Hey, how is this clothing situation fair?” I ask lightly. He looks down at himself and then back up at me.

“You’re right, this is no good,” he replies and shuffles off the bed toward his wardrobe. I cry even more from the loss of complete contact, which catches Rowan off guard. He returns to my side, squatting down beside the bed and losing the tie so I can reach out for him. He takes my hand, kisses the knuckles, and says “I’m right here ok, right here - can you tell me your colour?”

I smile small, “green, I’m ok, it's just a lot.” 

“Alright,” he replies, still holding my hand in one of his while the other unbuttons the shirt he has on, “I’m just going to go put my clothes on my chair, ok?”

Two taps for ok and he kisses my head again. Shuffling over to his desk he takes his shirt and his trousers off, god he’s so beautiful. He comes back over as soon as he’s done, fully unclothed, kneeling down on the bed to meet me. 

“No changes since last time?” Rowan asked sweetly. Right, birth control and all that jazz.

I smile and shake my head, “No, sir.”

“Ok, you ready?” he asks, lining himself up with me. 

“Yes, please sir,” I practically moan out. He pushes in, he’s big so it's quite an experience - always the quiet ones. Once he is fully in, we connect lips again, pushing down on my tongue. 

At first, we remain like that, just letting us get used to each other. Rowan breaks the kiss, and asks “are you ok to move?”

I nod “Yes.”  

That's when he starts thrusting softly in and out of me, first, he is calm and collected. He keeps a solid pace, slightly wimping when our hips met and kissing me all over. I bite my lip to keep from screaming out in pleasure. I jut my hips to meet his, becoming full once again.

Rowan increased his pace as my hands tangled in his hair. If there was one thing this boy did know how to do, it was knowing exactly where to hit to stimulate me in the most insane ways. He found a sweet spot and hit it over and over and over so that it felt just right.

He was also not averse to using his abilities to enhance the experience. Using his mental ability to stimulate my clit without having to move his hands from mine was truly amazing. He was skilled at it, that’s for sure. It was an interesting feeling to have all your nerve endings stimulated at once to give you pleasure. 

Still pretty sensitive from before, like Rowan said I would be, aided me to get closer to the edge. This combined with the stimulation from his cock, sent me writhing pretty quickly. Wiggling and shaking around - I couldn’t help it, it felt so amazing. He kept his hands in mine, pinning them down so I didn't become too hard to control under his touch.

“Come on sweetheart,” he uttered, with even harder strokes which had me unable to control my moans anymore. 

“Plea-Please,” I breathed out shakily, I was so close. 

With one final slow thrust, the euphoric high of release overcame me. Fuck me. My brain fully went at this point, it wasn’t the most intense thing we’d done but I think it was the high emotions and the overall just sent me over the edge. It felt really fucking good. 

Rowan continued to up his pace, both with his mind and him inside me. He allowed my senses to overstimulate me and send me even higher. It made me whine “Fuck”

“I know, I know, but you can give me one more yeah?” he asserted - he was clearly trying to be the death of me. 

I could barely function, let alone speak but with a last bit of energy I managed out a quick breathy “Yes, sir”

He gave a nod in agreement and his thumb gently slide down my cheek, “Such a good girl for me”

He slammed himself into me, making me cry out in pleas. My neck became nothing more than something for Rowan to bury himself into while giving me hickeys which would definitely show tomorrow. I could feel the bruises being formed by his lips as he pulled the sensitive spot by the collarbone. 

I tried to buck my hips up to meet his, key word tried. It was more of a half-hearted attempt to bring me back to the situation but there was no hope. I was completely gone, the only thing that mattered was Rowan, the gorgeous boy in front of me. I was determined to bring him into the highest plane of euphoria, so I kept tightening around him and hoping he’s come along with me. 

Luckily for me, Rowan caught on pretty quickly with long strokes, holding on to me to gain pleasure. Faster and harder than before, he finished with a few final thrusts and cumming inside me, which also did me over. The high brought me even closer to the clouds than before. 

Rowan also seemed completely gone for a few moments, seeing the stars as he called it. He layed on top of me for a while, kissing me and my body lazily, just coming down from that high. I played with his hair for a bit, to which he hummed softly. He allowed me to come back to somewhat of a normal level of brain activity while he gently traced small stars into my skin along with a few more kisses here and there. 

I don’t quite know when, but at some point pulled out and got up, which I tried to lazily fight the warm body from leaving. He managed to get off the bed before I moaned at the loss of contact. He hummed in response, squatting down beside me and going in for a sweet kiss - which was much appreciated. I knew he had to get up and leave me to sort out the things he needed, which were to take care of us, but I still didn't want him to leave. 

When he finally broke the kiss, he did his signature forehead kiss and whispered “I gotta go for a minute, but I promise I’ll be back sweetheart.”

I flickered my eyes towards him, responded softly and with a small smile, “go”. 

So he got up and pulled himself from my grip, I repressed the urge to fight for him again. Instead, I lay there, listening to the wind and the rain and him in the bathroom. I began slowly positioning myself upwards, much to the dismay of the pain in my back but I knew it would help. The storm was calming down it seemed but the wind still howled through the courtyard and the school.

Returning from the bathroom a few minutes later, Rowan approached the bed, a towel around him and a damp white cloth in his hand. He moved to spread me open once more, this time the cloth came into contact with me, which made me sob a bit.

“Shhh… it’s good for you baby,” Rowan gently encouraged. He was right of course, but that didn't make it any less sensitive. 

Once he was down, he left again, but this time only for a brief moment. When he returned back to his room, he came with empty arms. Carefully he came over and helped me stand to meet him, which was painful but was helped by him. 

“Bathroom,” he directed as he wrapped his arm around me to guide me, walking over the barren hardwood which sent a coldness to my feet. I was thankful he was there, I’m pretty sure it would’ve been impossible to make it by myself, things littered the floor left and right. This made it very hard to walk in the low light but Rowan seemed to manage perfectly. Only having fumbled once, to which he hooks onto me with a cute laugh and a peck on the cheek, we made it to the bathroom. 

As soon as I felt the tile I tried to make a b-line to the bath that Rowan had drawn, but he had other plans. Gently guiding me with the palm of his hand along my back over to the toilet to get rid of the nasty stuff, he stayed with me till I was done and clean. 

With a little nod of my head, he pulled me into his side once again, lifting me into his arms this time. He's always said it is like carrying a feather with his abilities taking the physical weight off him. He’s just guiding me on where to go, but it feels no different when you’re zoned out. I wish he'd done it before, my legs were sore, but it was probably a good thing he made me walk through, to stretch knowing I’d be gone after the bath.

Gently, Rowan places himself into the bath, then me on top of him. It’s nice, the warm water hitting my skin as it makes little waves and with the candles scattered around, it’s magic. 

He pulled himself up and made sure my head was above the waterline. We layed like that for a while. I was fighting the urge to sleep when he started to glide his hands over my body lightly. My eyes closed once again and I fully surrendered to his touch. 

Rowan noticed how tired I was, probably knowing that between the storm and the sex, I was emotionally and physically drained. Which is why he whispered “Sleep sweetheart, I’ll take care of you, promise”.

I barely registered the sentence to nod, but as soon as I did, Rowan kissed my hair and I was off into the abyss, trusting that he’d keep his promise. 

---

I remember fading in and out of some sort of consciousness throughout the night. The sounds and smells of Rowan cleaning our bodies, along with the smell of bath salts and candles. It was peaceful. One of my favourite purple bath bombs layered the bath with stary swirls and bubbles 

After some time, Rowan finally exited the bath and got wrapped up in towels, before moving on to me. He most certainly used his powers to get me dry and into the pjs, I stored in his room. Thank you pre-planning. 

His glasses must have been back on because I distinctly remember accidentally brushing something metal near his face and cringing internally, hoping I didn't make them fall. But luckily he didn't pay much attention as he was too focused on other things. He laid me down on Xavier’s bed for a minute, which highly confused my delirious self. I quietly questioned him with a small mewl when he left my side, reaching out for him.

He turned back to face me, hand still in mine and chucked, “I thought you were asleep,”

“I am, keep going and coming,” I replied weakly and a bit hazy, I wanted to let him know I wasn't fully there

“Ah,” he said as he approached me again, making us level as he squatted “well I need to change the sheets baby, you made a bit of a mess”

“Sorry,” I replied with guilt. I should at least help him, I thought. But almost immediately after trying to get up, I fell back down onto my stomach, to which Rowan laughed. 

“Don’t worry about it baby, I got it. Besides, I love taking care of you, so let me,” he stated, his thumb tracing my hand. He smiled at me and lent over for a quick peck to my lips. He then got up to stand again, let go of my hand, walked over to his closet and rummaged till he found the extra sheets he was searching for. Meanwhile, I let sleep consume me once more, the black abyss taking me away once again. 

--

Rowan must have finished the bed because before I knew it, I was in his arms again being taken from one bed to another. My sweet boy. 

Carefully he laid me down under the sheets, and then tucked me in. He blew out all the candles that surrounded us, as well as in the bathroom. Soon though, he came back and peeled back the covers on his side, sliding under the warm blankets as he did. 

I gently found myself sliding over to him for even more warmth and comfort. He allowed me to roll onto him, with my neck in the crook of his. His hands once again drew patterns on my back, a reminder that he was still there if I needed him 

I just curled into him deeper, not caring about the 6 am wake-up call I would get so I could slip away before we were caught.

“Thank you,” I whisper, I don’t know what inclined me but I felt the need. Maybe it was the profound sense of safety I found in his arms as they held me tight or the emotional stability I now had, but I thought it was necessary. 

Rowan’s hands faltered for a brief second, and then he whispered, “Anytime, sweetheart."

Thanks for reading!! Let me know any feedback!

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

"Look, Kim. Powerful communist theory, rigorous and truthful."

+1 Communism

KIM KITSURAGI - "Ousia..." he enunciates the word diligently. "I agree -- humanitarian sciences. It stands out. Not a lot of critical theory around in Revachol West..."

+5 XP

Level up!

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - Your incendiary remark has failed to provoke him.

REACTION SPEED [Easy: Success] - Wasn't there some in the communist student's room?

"A student in the apartment building seemed to have some as well."

Keep it to yourself.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Well, yes. That one student did."

READING MATERIAL - The little books seem inconsequential next to the big pile of frivolous entertainment covering them.

1. "Critical theory books… What do you think this means?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Whoever has lived here -- they have *some* education. And a certain set of interests."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - Interesting...

I put this point into Inland Empire.

MICROGRID GENERATOR - An old cylindrical generator is nested above the ammo lift, with makeshift electrical wiring running out of its side and across the floor. The cables disappear into the wall to your right.

KIM KITSURAGI - The lieutenant puts his hand on the metal barrel, checking for warmth...

"It's cold now," he concludes. "But someone has been maintaining it. The wiring has been repaired."

"Where do these wires lead?"

"What kind of generator is this?"

Tap on the side.

"What does this mean? A generator here?"

[Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - He looks at the wall socket. "Downstairs somewhere."

2. "What kind of generator is this?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Liquid carbon, I would imagine it takes *mazut*." He points to the open fuel cap on the side of the dynamo.

"The kind that's favoured by vagrants and fuel thieves. It's been a long winter… Long and cold."

RHETORIC [Easy: Success] - If anyone's stayed here, they'd need a generator.

3. Tap on the side.

MICROGRID GENERATOR - A hollow ring -- the canister is empty. Dust falls from the generator and down into the ammo lift.

4. "What does this mean? A generator here?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "I don't know. I am not a philosopher."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - That is his idea of a joke.

"I am. This generator proves the universe is material..." (Kick the generator.)

"I meant why is it here?"

Say nothing.

PAIN THRESHOLD [Medium: Success] - A small agony -- minuscule bones may have fractured -- but it proves the point.

"...ouch." (Grab your wounded toe.)

KIM KITSURAGI - He nods approvingly. He even smiles.

"I meant why is it here?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Someone with basic electrical skills has restored it in order to keep the room warm. Maybe it's the *fire guy*..."

+5 XP

MICROGRID GENERATOR - The wind outside picks up suddenly with a faint howl. Inside it's warm.

5. [Leave.]

This great blast door must weigh over 10 tons. Rust peels off it.

SMALL BLAST DOOR - You see a small metal door nested inside a larger one -- a heavy steel blast door. There is a conventional keyhole above the handle. It's very small.

"What's on the other side?"

"How do we open this?"

[Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - "Another part of the island probably." The lieutenant looks into the keyhole. "The lock looks like it could still be usable."

2. "How do we open this?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Maybe this is one of the doors we *don't* open?" He looks at the door, then at its bigger brother, then at the lock…

INTERFACING [Medium: Success] - He's right. It would be better to open its *big brother*. A powerful engine hangs under the ceiling -- it must control the blast door.

"You're right. We open the big one -- do you see controls anywhere?"

"No, this isn't 'One More Door'. We're opening it."

"I find us not opening it highly unlikely."

"Sure, you're right. We won't have to open it."

KIM KITSURAGI - "I think there's a console just southeast..." He shuffles his feet to stay warm. "Let's look around. Getting the blast door open seems like the best plan."

New task: Open the blast door

3. [Leave.]

This hatch is jammed shut.

FELD "INSULAR" CONSOLE - Green paint flakes off the monoblock aluminium cabinet. There are rows of switches on the front panel, a frequency band and even a keyboard...

Run your fingers across the keyboard.

"What is this then?"

[Leave.]

FELD "INSULAR" CONSOLE - The keys rattle like teeth. This keyboard hasn't been functional in decades.

"What is this then?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "The console of an antique computation device." The lieutenant points to the wires running into the machine. "The generator upstairs, with wires coming out. They terminate here."

"Could this open the blast door?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Possibly..." He inspects the dials. "'Urgence -- Ouvert!', 'Allumer', 'Radiodiffusé'. It sounds like this device was used to control the electronics here. Maybe it still does?"

INTERFACING [Medium: Success] - This device was used to control the electronics in the room. It could open doors, control lights, function as a radiocomputer...

"Could this open the blast door?"

Turn: 'Emergency -- Open!'

Push: 'Light (Interior)'.

Slide: 'Radio' dial.

[Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - Nothing happens. "We need to restore power before using this, officer. The generator..." He looks upstairs. "It didn't look like there was fuel in it."

"We should look around outside. There are barrels all over, maybe one of them still has something in it..." He looks into the dim light to his right.

New task: Find fuel for the generator

INTERFACING [Medium: Success] - The boat engine!

"Or we could get some from the boat engine?"

"Failing that we could… go back to the mainland and get some from…"

Nod in agreement.

KIM KITSURAGI - "But, officer," he looks you in the eye, "then we would have to *swim* back to the mainland. Let's just look around, okay."

FELD "INSULAR" CONSOLE - The console stands by, mutely. 'Urgence -- Ouvert!' reads a dial key. 'Allumer,' reads another. The frequency band says: 'Radiodiffusé.'

3. Push: 'Light (Interior)'.:

FELD "INSULAR" CONSOLE - Nothing happens.

4. Slide: 'Radio' dial.

FELD "INSULAR" CONSOLE - The dial slides under the glass, silently. You make out defunct stations on the UKV frequency. The words "FELD INSULAR" are written on the band.

LOGIC [Challenging: Success] - An *idea* lights up in your head...

"Maybe we could contact Soona -- the programmer lady? She could open the door for us remotely."

No. It's too far fetched.

KIM KITSURAGI - "This is an air-gapped system." The lieutenant inspects the indicator. "*Off-air,* I think they call it. That won't work."

+5 XP

"Are you sure?"

"Okay."

KIM KITSURAGI - "No, I'm not, but it would not be very good military technology if programmer ladies could control it remotely. Also, it's ancient. Incompatible."

5. [Leave.]

Well, let's look around for fuel, then.

Water rushes below -- far down below.

🎵 Seafort

A firing slit. You can't see inside.

It must have been a direct hit to take out such a huge chunk.

The sound of distant cargo ships... signal horns echo on the water.

The ice cracks under your feet. Be careful not to fall through...

INLAND EMPIRE - A strange feeling... looking at the water. Maybe you should just wander off into the sea? Leave it all and walk in...

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Medium: Success] - With a bottle in your hand.

A bottle in my hand?

Why?

But it's cold...

Raise your sight.

[Shake your head.]

ELECTROCHEMISTRY - Always.

Why?

INLAND EMPIRE - Perhaps there's someone there? Under the water. Waiting for you.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - Where it has always been.

SHIVERS [Challenging: Success] - In front of the video rental on the corner. At the crossing...

PERCEPTION (SMELL) [Challenging: Success] - Smelling of Tutti Frutti and betrayal.

PAIN THRESHOLD [Medium: Success] - Baby, you know it's going to hurt.

3. But it's cold...

INLAND EMPIRE - Yes -- cold and still. But love is warm, like the inside of her mouth.

Yes, please…

No-no-no-no…

INLAND EMPIRE - Oh *fuck* yes. Go there in your head. It's been days since you've thought about her. A week...

VOLITION [Easy: Success] - No-no, we're not starting with that. Not now. Not this time. This thought is over.

4. Raise your sight.

INLAND EMPIRE - In the still mirror of the bay you see Martinaise, reflected. Tall edifices of ruins reach into the water, like shimmering towers. And the shacks too. Pine trees and motor lorries, upside down...

Islets and posts like stepping stones lead into the water in front of you. Go. Step in... it's been too long.

5. [Shake your head.]

The winch is broken rust has eaten what remains of the chain.

The pain in your pelvis makes you wince. Then you continue.

The inside of the fortress... You make out the console and the blast door.

No way to jump down here without breaking a few bones.

The depot that supplied this chain is long gone from the coast.

A weathered artillery map showing coordinates in the Bay of Revachol.

An old medicine cabinet, newly stocked with drouamine.

At this point in the game I don't expect to be taking much more Health damage. Still...

LUM FUEL CANISTER

There is still some fuel in this battered canister. A litre or two. The metal looks decades old, the logo of the automotive manufacturer LUM has faded on the side.

MATTRESS NEST - There's a rain-soaked mattress on a concrete slab, only half-covered by the crumbling roof. At the head of it -- double embrasures -- firing slits, like two eyes in the wall.

KIM KITSURAGI - "B triple prime..." The lieutenant lowers his voice, stepping closer with his hand on his gun. "This looks like a good place to shoot from."

Inspect the mattress.

Inspect the wall.

[Turn away.]

MATTRESS NEST - A single-person mattress. Modern, civilian use. Brand name: Marjorie. There's a fuel stain on the cover, along with cigarette burns.

PERCEPTION (SIGHT) [Medium: Success] - And an empty can of beans on the ground next to it -- filled to the brim with cigarette butts.

Pick one out of the can.

Back off.

PERCEPTION (SIGHT) - The silhouette of a tobacco picker adorns the paper filter. The brand: Tioumoutiri.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - Contemporary Revacholians prefer Drouin (a local blend from the southern islands) or Astra, the legendary cigarette from Graad. Tioumoutiri is favoured by older men for its paper filter tips, sweet smell, and added tar.

"Tioumoutiri. Like the ones we found at Land's End, remember?"

"Someone's been smoking Tioumoutiri cigarettes. Not a lot of that around."

KIM KITSURAGI - "I may have been wrong -- when I said it was unimportant." He stares into the can for a second. "This means the same person could have visited both locations."

+5 XP

"I didn't see any signs of smoking inside, though. If people live there, they keep it tidy -- this here may also be a smoking spot."

2. Inspect the wall.

MATTRESS NEST - There's a firing slit in the wall in front of you. Like a little window...

Touch the concrete first.

Look through the hole in the concrete.

MATTRESS NEST - Quite old, and grimy from years without cleaning by anything other than the rain.

2. Look through the hole in the concrete.

MATTRESS NEST - The springs screech as you lean on the mattress and crane your neck to look out...

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - Trepidation. A tingling feeling in your stomach...

MATTRESS NEST - A small piece of Martinaise coastline opens up in the square in front of you -- like a tiny landscape painting, one kilometre across the water. The ruins look familiar.

On the left...

On the right...

MATTRESS NEST - A towering skyscraper, its top floors shaved off by artillery fire -- Capeside Apartments: Rue de Saint Ghislaine 33A and 33B.

2. On the right...

MATTRESS NEST - The red chimney and collapsed back of the four-story tenement in front of the Whirling-in-Rags -- Rue de Saint Ghislaine 10. The Doomed Commercial Area.

And between the two...

MATTRESS NEST - The box-shaped silhouette of the Whirling-in-Rags. You see a small fleck of white on the rooftop -- the upstairs window of Klaasje's room in the rain, reflecting light.

"Motherfucker."

"There it is."

"I can't be 100% certain, but…"

KIM KITSURAGI - "What does that mean? Do you have line of sight to the window?"

PERCEPTION (SIGHT) [Challenging: Success] - More than that.

"Kim, with a pair of binoculars, I would be able to see *inside* the room."

"Yes -- there's an opening between 33A and 10. I can see to the roof."

KIM KITSURAGI - "A pair of binoculars? Or a scope of a *rifle*?" He points to the makeshift bed. "You'd be prone, lying on the mattress, barrel resting on the embrasure..."

HAND/EYE COORDINATION [Medium: Success] - Cheek against the cheek rest, hand on the hair trigger. On a calm day like this...

"Kim, I could make it -- I could make the shot."

I don't want to boast…

KIM KITSURAGI - "Good." He pats you on the back, three small pats in a row. "I think we have it, detective. The origin of the shot. This is the *sniper's nest*."

Task complete: Determine where the shot came from

+70 XP

Level up!

VISUAL CALCULUS [Medium: Success] - Affirmative.

"Finally."

"Better late than never."

"*Why* didn't we come here before?"

"Boo-yah. Master cop work."

KIM KITSURAGI - "In our defence -- nothing pointed here. Many, many leads pointed elsewhere."

"You're right."

"Six people are dead. We could have prevented it."

-1 Morale

KIM KITSURAGI - "Don't beat yourself up, officer. We did not put guns in their hands, or get them drunk." He looks north, over the fortification, then adds:

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - The lieutenant pauses. Regret comes over him.

KIM KITSURAGI - "We will make up for it. Here. I feel it."

"Could the shooter still be... here?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Where?" He looks behind his back.

"In Martinaise."

"On this island."

"Right *here*." (Point at the mattress.)

KIM KITSURAGI - He does not answer, just nods. With his back hunched, he looks around once more and says...

HALF LIGHT [Medium: Success] - He feels... uncomfortable suddenly.

KIM KITSURAGI - "We should move. Now."

3. [Turn away.]

You feel eyes on your back. Someone's watching, but you can't say where...

Back in the fort, I examine this bed.

SPRING MATTRESS - There's a greasy old spring mattress in the corner, resting on piles of softcover books. White linen and a pillow are visible under a worn-out karakul blanket.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Someone has been squatting here." The lieutenant inspects the bed. "The linen is fresh. Recently washed."

"How recently..."

"Do you think whoever slept here is…"

"There are signs that someone... lives..."

PAIN THRESHOLD [Medium: Success] - You force the rest of the sentence out through pain, thick as molasses, no longer able to hear yourself speak.

KIM KITSURAGI - "You know, officer..." He looks at you with a touch of concern. "You *can* rest here if you're feeling tired. I will keep watch. You could use some rest for what's ahead."

New task: Rest in the flak tower

"Maybe a little shut-eye, just an hour..." [Go to sleep.]

"No time to rest now." [Leave.]

I'm going to wrap up this update in another post.

[onewomancitadel]

A smattering of general updates:

I played Tears of the Kingdom. I didn't really enjoy it. I understand why it was popular though; I'm just not the demographic for these types of video games anymore. I didn't find it creatively rewarding and after a time I sat there thinking 'I would rather be writing right now', and since then I have learnt that writing is made easier by doing things which are not writing, because it makes me miss it. My dad also doesn't really like it but for some reason has played hundreds of hours in it. I don't know either - I think he will take anything called Zelda at this point.

I spectated the Doctor Who David Tennant Special and watched some clips of the new season. I'm not a fan of RTD, and not a DW fan anymore (not for a long time), but it was an interesting study in how studios try to attract old and new fans.

I read a lot of books, and that lie people tell you about all books being good for you is a lie, because a cyberpunk anthology of short stories made me so angry I got heartburn. I think people who say that are saying so because they wish that they could read a lot, in which case I say, yes I think reading is a gift and we should engage with it, however, sometimes I get so physically angry from something stupid/bad I've read because bad writers exist that it gives me actual pain. I am reading Howl's Moving Castle right now and it's very joyful; I am very surprised by the liberties the animated film took! However so far I do think both experiences are worthwhile, and if you enjoyed the Ghibli film, I very much recommend checking out the original book if you want to revisit that world again. The prose is straightforward but a little whimsical, and Howl is very, very funny. I have laughed aloud a few times.

Well, you know I rewatched Dark, and it's funny that during my exile I said 'this is like if RWBY got the ending it deserves' and then, er, I found out it's not renewed yet, and that's still up in the air, which for the entirety of RWBY I have only had one true moment of doubt of such a thing, and that was a while ago.

On that topic, yes, I still ship Jaune/Cinder, believe Cinder's redemption is likely, etc., although there are some more external concerns I would wager now than before. Before I thought it very possible to do without any commercial influence, and it depends what compromises they do or don't end up making or having already made. My analysis of Jaune's arc in V9 may not hold water as much (e.g. if you lean towards the view there were rewrites to cater to growing the audience, or perhaps it's two ideas married? I'm not sure) so I'm going to think about it more, and there always has been a tension in RWBY between what is being expected/baited and what is foreshadowed/said/actually happens.

I figured out how to write again and what was blocking me, so there's that. To talk about it a bit more, since my break I have worked every single day on writing. My key takeaways are that you need a delicate balance of delusion and self-doubt to get anything done - you don't know you can do something until you actually do it - and every excuse I invented for not writing was not the reason I was not writing. I can write with a migraine beginning to set in on an uncomfortable desk where I can't even rest my elbows properly on the end of a bed with no back support without aircon in the middle of summer before I've even taken my hair out from bedtime plaits in my pyjamas. I didn't even expect to get my fic done right before midnight, actually I was like 'well lol that's not going to happen, I'll write anyway though, fuck New Year's' because I wasn't doing anything, and then I finished and looked at the time and was like ooooh. I actually completed my goal! So I'm very proud of that. Anyway writing is breathing, to me, I go crazy if I don't do it, no matter what it is, and every single piece of nonsense advice of productivity was not helpful, ever, but I did figure it out. Also admittedly I got a fire burning under me again because I found out I was actually right about Raven, in which case I took that as a sign from heaven I was on the right track. One should hope.

I am excited about Dune Part Two, yes, although I am trying to avoid Villeneuve talking about the film because I know all the marketing is basically directed at people who aren't Dune fans, and I have to see it for myself to see what it's worth. I enjoyed the first film, and Villeneuve seems excited to direct Dune Messiah, in which case I am willing to do whatever possible to make that happen. Because that's about as complete a story you're going to get in a major motion picture adaptation and it would be So Fucking Good.

[robynrogerscarter]

Short stories of a hero

(It's my first fanfic, hopefully who ever reads this likes it, it's inspired by this https://pin.it/7GuFf73Lv )

Platonic Bucky Barnes x teen! gender neutral reader/ Platonic Bucky Barnes x OC/ Platonic Bucky Barnes x Peter Parker

It was a slow, quiet day at the Compound- no missions to go on, nothing that needed to be done. The only noises that people could hear was the rain outside the large building.

Y/n was sitting in the common room, reading a history book and eating raisins. Nearby, a speaker played a fire ambience to suit the weather. It wasn’t an in depth history book-just some Smithsonian book on World War Two that they had grabbed in one of their many book buying sprees. Yet, after lazily skimming a page, Y/n froze, rereading that section before grinning. There, on the page, was Bucky’s name and picture-the story being about his time in the army before the Howling Commandos.

They looked around the empty room, an idea formulating in their mind. Y/n had a lot of history books…maybe if they collected articles on Bucky, then they could make something that could help Bucky relive good memories? It was vague, but it was worth a shot. Y/n got up, formulating the plan as they went.

They went to Robyn first- they knew he'd want in on it, and it would give them both something to do. Y/n quietly walked to Robyn’s room, knocking and waiting for permission to come in before doing so. The moment Y/n came in, a grin grew on their face as they steepled their fingers. 

“I have a half baked plan.”

“Should I be nervous?” Robyn asked, laughing a little at how weird Y/n looked at the moment.

“No, this is better than the last idea of making a dryer into a cotton candy machine like that one Pinterest thing.” Y/n passed Robyn the book, opening it to the part with Bucky and his picture. The picture was one of before the war, probably one his family had-him in his uniform, looking confidently at the camera. “Do you think, if we collected stories of Bucky from back then, it would make him think of happy memories of that time? Like-I’m pretty sure that Steve remembers a lot of stories, but Bucky probably doesn’t still. He probably has a lot of cool war stories, or just ones of him and Steve.”

Robyn nodded thoughtfully, grinning at the picture that the Smithsonian had chosen for the book. “Yeah, that might be a good idea! Though he might have already looked through them-”

“Who might have looked through what?” A voice asked from the doorway-it was Peter, holding some boxes of his stuff. He was just moving his stuff in after being made an official Avenger.

“Making something out of old stories of Bucky that might make him happy.” Y/n replied, shrugging. 

Instantly, Peter’s face lit up and he hurriedly put his boxes down in Robyn’s room, much to their annoyance. “I have something that might help with that! Hang on- I got it somewhere in here-” Peter dug into the boxes, shoving things around muttering before darting out the door and digging into the boxes in his room. After a minute, he came back, a folder in his hands.

“I did an essay on Mr. Barnes for school! There were a lot of cool stories that I found- like that one time when he snuck into enemy lines and managed to get a lot of little kids out of the area before the actual attack began! He’s one of my favorite war heroes!” Peter chirped away excitedly, while Robyn examined the notes in the folder.

Robyn passed the folder to Reina, looking up at Peter confidently. “This is perfect! Now all we have to do is put it together, and whack bam boom, we got it!” Robyn jumped from foot to foot, their own excitement making them antsy to begin.

───   ･   ｡  ﾟ  ☆  :   *  .  ☽  .  *   :  ☆  ﾟ  .   ───

After about five days of hard work, the plan was in motion. The present was set on the table, wrapped up in brown wrapping paper that the trio decorated themselves. Robyn had gone to get Bucky, and Peter was snacking on the grapes that Y/n was binge eating. Y/n had just swatted Peter’s hand away from their grapes for the tenth time when Robyn walking in, pulling Bucky by the hand into the room.

Bucky looked at all of them, smiling confused as he sat down on the couch. “What’s the present for?”

“It’s for you! We made it for you.” Y/n grinned, nudging the package towards him. Bucky gave them a curious look, opening it slowly and trying not to mess up the drawings on the wrapping paper. As he pulled it out, his eyes widened in surprise.

It was a book-freshly bound just how it was done in the 40’s, with dark blue fabric and paper board, and the name “Short stories of a hero” stamped on the cover and the spine with silver leaf. The pages were crisp and clean, with rough side edges. Flipping it open, the pages were typed in the exact same font as they were back then, if not slightly more crisp.

Robyn, Y/n and Peter watched him look at it, anxious about how he liked it. After a little while, Robyn spoke up nervously from where he sat next to him. 

“Do you like it? We tried to get it as close as we could to the real thing…” 

Peter added on with his own comment. “I have a lot of the stories from when I researched you for school- you’re kinda one of my heroes.” He smiled awkwardly.

Bucky grinned, looking up at all three of them. “I love it- thank you guys, that- this really made my day.” He wrapped Robyn up in a side hug, Y/n and Peter joining in a second later. Soon, they all sat down and let Bucky read some of the stories- Steve and Sam joining in later to hear the tales of Bucky’s heroism in the days of the war,and beyond.

(Again, this is my first time writing a fanfic that isn't a comfort character letter or a headcanon, so I hope you guys liked it, and thanks for reading!)

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Soothing Rain of His: Chapter I - The General and His Tidemaker

Summary: You are now living a life of a Grisha. All seems to be well. Your powers are growing, your relationship with General Kirigan is blooming. But things start to change when the Sun Summoner is found and brought to the Little Palace.

A/N: Yes, I'm alive! And I come back with another fic about General KiriganxReader. As I mentioned, this is a second part to the one with Reader being a Tidemaker. Some things have changed in my life, that's why it took me so long to come back here. But here I am and I present to you another story, hoping you will like it. Enjoy! As usual, I don't own anything from "Shadow and Bone". But! I've started reading the books from the Grisha universe! I read the trilogy and I'm currently reading the next books. But English still isn't my first language, so if you see some mistakes, let me know.

Chapter Summary: You're kidnapped (again) but as always Aleksander comes to your rescue. You enjoy the safety of his arms... but what is he hiding from you?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Fedyor Kaminsky, Ivan

Word Count: 4430

A/N: Smut alert. If you don't like it or are underage, don't read from: "Aleksander wastes no time and quickly gets rid of your and his clothes." to: "It takes a few minutes for both of you to calm your breathing.".

Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089533222/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089684414/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089559830/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683636/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389089683626/

milaya – sweet girl moya lapushka – my darling, honey, sweetie

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

'This is the third time I've been kidnapped this week!' you groan, throwing your head back. 'It's getting old!'

At the moment you are tied to a chair, your arms spread. The chair is on a wooden plank. The plank is hanging dangerously on the edge of a very high building. In front of you some very angry men.

'We will let you go,' their leader says. 'As soon as you will tell us what we want to know.'

'I'm not stupid,' you say flatly. 'I know what you mean by that. You're going to let me go from this plank and fall to my death. Not really keen on that idea.'

'Listen, you little…' the man growls. You raise eyebrows at him, challenging him to finish this.

'What is the Darkling's weakness?' the leader asks, calming down a bit. You sigh.

'I told you many times already,' you say. 'Not. Telling.'

'You were his most loyal servant,' the man says, already losing his temper again. 'You must know something.'

'It doesn't mean I'm going to tell you anything,' you snort. 'Like you said, I was his most loyal servant. And I'm still loyal to him. He is my general, you know.'

'I will kill you, you know.'

'Go ahead. It will save both of our times.'

The man growls and throws himself at you. His lackeys barely stop him. You stare at him mockingly.

'Like I already said, this is the third time I've been kidnapped this week,' you say. 'Which means I have experience in such situations and they don't frighten me.'

'I'm not like others,' the leader growls. 'We're not like others.'

'I have to agree on that,' you say, nodding. 'You're much stupider.'

'Enough!' the man howls and takes out his gun. 'We'll see how the Black General will deal with the loss of his loyal soldier.'

You stare him calmly in the eyes. He uncocks his gun. His lackeys plead with him to reconsider. But you hit the nerve. He has enough. He prepares to shoot…

'Any last words?' he growls.

'Sure,' you say. 'The shadows behind you have become thicker a minute ago.'

'What?' the leader asks, frowning. He and his lackeys turn. At that moment General Aleksander Kirigan emerges from the shadows, causing the men to gasp in shock. If a look alone could kill, the men would drop dead in a second. Your lover doesn't like what they have done to you. Not at all.

'One more step and she dies!' the leader shouts, pointing his gun at you again. Kirigan doesn't need to move. Before they can react, he creates the Cut and kills them all. However, that causes the leader to land on the wooden plank. It creeks menacingly. Your eyes go wide.

'Uh-oh,' you say. Suddenly you are no longer tied. You throw yourself forward just as the plank gives. Aleksander meets you halfway and grabs you, then moves away, as the plank and the body of the leader fall down.

'Well, that was close,' you say and look up. Aleksander looks at you with an unhappy frown.

'What?' you ask. 'I didn't ask them to kidnap me, you know that.'

'Yes,' Aleksander sighs, his face relaxing slightly. 'I'm just really tired of watching you get thrown off the tops of the buildings.'

'This time I wasn't,' you protest. 'Well… just barely.'

Aleksander sighs again and holds you tighter. He kisses the top of your head.

'I would lose it if I lost you,' he says. 'I hope you know that.'

'I know,' you say softly and look up at him with a smile. 'But I'm not going anywhere.'

Aleksander smiles back at that. Just then you hear rushed footsteps. You two pull away from each other. A second later Fedyor and Ivan rush in, panting.

'Let me guess,' you say and point at Aleksander. 'He rushed off without you again?'

'How did you know?' Fedyor asks, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

'Maybe because he does that all the time,' Ivan says, sending Aleksander a look. You cross your arms and raise your eyebrows at your lover.

'Seriously?' you ask.

'You shouldn't have gotten kidnapped again,' Aleksander says, shrugging.

'It's not like I asked them to kidnap me, you know,' you say.

'While that is true,' Ivan says, 'please, tell us you've reached the limit of kidnapping in this week.'

'I certainly hope so,' you sigh. Ivan and Fedyor take deep breaths and look at the bodies (or their pieces). Fedyor sighs.

'Because that's what my day missed,' he says. 'Cleaning the bodies.'

Still, he starts getting rid of the mess Aleksander has created. Ivan joins him without a word. While not exactly thrilled at the prospect, you walk to join. Ivan, however, stops you with a hand on your chest.

'No, you go back to the Little Palace and rest,' he says. 'You had enough of traumatic events for today.'

'Or for seven,' Fedyor says glumly. You smile and kiss Ivan's cheek.

'Thank you,' you say and go to the door leading off the roof. Aleksander quickly follows you. You descend the stairs.

'I can swear I saw Ivan smiling slightly after you kissed his cheek,' your lover says. 'What happened? I remember him not even remembering your name. Now suddenly he acts like a bird mother around her chicks.'

You laugh at that. You look behind your shoulder, amused.

'You know that's true,' Aleksander says, shrugging. 'So? What did I miss?'

'Well, I did turn out to be a Grisha,' you say and stop, as you were now on the bottom of the stairs. Aleksander joins you. You place yourself right in front of him. You play with the buttons of his kefta with a smirk.

'And he's one of the very few people to know we're in a relationship,' you say. 'I actually overheard him and Fedyor speaking how good I am for you.'

'Really?' Aleksander asks, raising his eyebrows. You hum and nod. He cups your cheek.

'They're right,' he says and leans down. 'You are good for me.'

You smile and press your lips to his. He kisses you back hungrily. As always, he has troubles with stopping. Alas, he pulls away and you step outside. There you see four horses. You sigh.

'I see you brought Star,' you say, staring at your horse.

'No,' Aleksander denies and offers you a hand to help you up on the horse. 'Star brought me.'

'Seriously?' you ask, surprised, and mount your mane with Kirigan's help.

'I start to think she was a hunting dog in her previous life,' he says and mounts his horse.

'That would explain a lot, actually,' you say, nodding. Aleksander frowns.

'Like what?' he asks. You smirk at him.

'Wouldn't you like to know?' you ask and wink at him. Then, you ride away. Aleksander chuckles, shaking his head and urges his horse to follow you.

At last, you reach the Little Palace. Tommy, your stableboy friend, rushes to meet you. He's very relieved you're alright and you can see it on his face.

'[Mary], thank Saints you're alright!' he says and reaches out to help you down. He misses the frown on Kirigan's face.

'Don't worry, I got it,' you say to Tommy and dismount the horse on your own. 'There, see? I'm not so terrible around horses anymore.'

'I know, I know,' Tommy says, grinning. 'And I'm very proud of you. But it doesn't mean I can't help you with them from time to time.'

You chuckle at that. Tommy takes Star's reins from you. He still doesn't seem to notice that General Kirigan is still there.

'Are you okay, then?' he asks, looking at you with worry and taking a step closer to you.

'Yeah, don't worry,' you assure him with a small smile. Suddenly a shadow is casted over you.

'That may be, but you still need to be looked over by a Healer,' Aleksander says, an edge in his voice, dismounting the horse, and looks at Tommy. 'So, if you excuse us.'

Tommy casts his eyes down under Kirigan's stare. He nods.

'Of course, General,' he says and risks a glance at you. 'See you later?'

'Yes,' you answer. That's all you manage to say, because suddenly Aleksander's hand is on your arm and he pulls you inside the Little Palace.

'What's that about?' you ask once you are inside, raising your eyebrows at him.

'I didn't like the way he looked at you,' Aleksander admits reluctantly after a moment. 'Or how close to you he was.'

You blink, puzzled. What does he mean by that?

'Like what?' you ask. Aleksander raises his eyes to the ceiling. He loves you, so much, but sometimes you can be clueless.

'He clearly has a crush on you,' he explains. Your mouth form in an 'o'.

'Don't be ridiculous,' you say after a moment, then blink, realising something. 'Hold on. Does that mean you were jealous?'

'Is that so surprising for you?' he asks. Before you can answer, he pushes you against the wall. He leans his face very close to yours. Your eyes go wide. He narrows his.

'As soon as I see someone else getting close to you, I get jealous,' he says quietly, his voice low. Your heart skips a beat.

'Even if it's Fedyor or Ivan?' you ask. Aleksander freezes.

'Fine, they are an exception,' he says. You fight back a smile. You look at his lips and he looks at yours. You lean toward each other…

But just then you hear footsteps. Aleksander lets you go and pulls away. A few Grisha show up from behind the corner. They nod to Kirigan and he nods back. Once they're gone, he clears his throat.

'Please, allow the Healers to look you over,' he asks. 'I'll come to your chambers later.'

'Alright,' you agree, nodding. Aleksander can't help himself and caresses your cheek. You smile at each other.

'I love you,' he says.

'I love you, too,' you say softly. Aleksander reluctantly takes his hand away and leaves you. But not without casting a last glance at you from behind his shoulder. With a smile on your face, you go to the Healers. You hope this time they won't joke about you being their frequent visitor.

*

You are so tired after being kidnapped that you fall asleep before Aleksander comes to visit you. However, you are not allowed to have peace, apparently. Nightmares take a hold of you, torturing you with what happened and what could have happened.

Finally, you wake up with a scream. You're panicking. You have no idea where you are. But suddenly there are hands on your arms.

'Shh, it's okay,' someone says soothingly. 'I'm here. I'm here, [Mary].'

'Aleksander?' you whisper. You see him in the dark. He pulls you to himself and hugs you, caressing your back.

'It was just a bad dream,' he says quietly. 'You're safe. You're in my arms and I won't let anyone hurt you. You know that, don't you?'

'Yes,' you whisper and snuggle into him. 'In your arms I'm safe and sound.'

'Exactly,' Aleksander says and tightens his hold on you. 'I'm here with you. We can sit in silence and hug. Or you can tell me about that nightmare. Whichever you prefer.'

You think for a moment. Aleksander doesn't rush you. He continues to hold you and caress you back soothingly. A moment later you're calm enough to be able to talk about your dream.

'I dreamt of today,' you finally say. 'But it ended differently in my nightmare. You didn't come. I was falling and there was no one to catch me. I was so scared…'

'It was just a dream, milaya,' Aleksander says and kisses your temple. 'Just a dream.'

'It wasn't just that,' you say, shaking your head. 'I tried to put on a brave face, but I was scared on that rooftop. I'm scared every time I'm in such situations. I fear… that one day you won't come. Or come too late. And I will die.'

'Listen to me,' Aleksander says, tilting your chin up. 'I will always come to your rescue. Nothing will stand between you and me. Never lose hope. No matter what, I will come for you. Your place is by my side, remember? I know today was scary. But you were so brave.'

'No, I wasn't. I told you. I was very much terrified.'

'Being brave doesn't mean being fearless. It means being scared and yet facing the odds. Which you did. I'm so proud of you. And I'm sorry you had to go through that.'

'It's okay. If it's the price for being yours… I will gladly pay it.'

'Stop saying things like that or I will…'

'Yes? Go on. Finish that sentence.'

'Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?'

You grin at him. He chuckles and kisses your forehead.

'You should go back to sleep, milaya,' he says. 'It's late and you had a tiring day.'

'No, not yet,' you say, shaking your head. The memory of your nightmare is still too vivid. Aleksander's look softens. He caresses your cheek.

'I'm right here,' he says. 'I told you once. I'll fight the bad dreams if they come after you.'

You smile. He can't help but smile back. He presses his lips to yours and you answer the kiss. You almost melt in his embrace.

'Will you stay with me tonight?' you ask, your voice so quiet he can barely hear it.

'Yes, my love,' Aleksander answers. 'So, sleep. There is nothing to fear.'

'What if I keep waking you up with my nightmares?' you ask.

'Then I will continue to comfort you after them,' Aleksander answers. 'But they won't come. I will scare them away. I am, after all, the fearsome Black General.'

There's a teasing smile on his face. You giggle and hide your face in his chest. Because you both know he's never been terrifying to you.

'Sleep, moya lapushka,' he says, his voice soft and gentle.

'Well, there is a slight problem with that,' you say. Aleksander looks at you, curious.

'Your face is so pretty I just want to stare at it,' you explain. Kirigan chuckles. Then, he smirks. In a moment, shadows envelope the whole room and you can't see a thing. You glare at your lover. Which is pointless, really, since he can't see you.

'Now that's just cruel,' you say.

'Sleep,' Aleksander says, amused. You sigh heavily.

'Fine, fine,' you say. 'But you better chase off the nightmares. Or else.'

'What?' Aleksander asks, holding back a chuckle. You think. Hm. That's a tough one.

'Or else I will…' you start, thinking, and you grin when you have an idea. 'Or else I will go to Baghra and ask her to tell me all the embarrassing stories from your childhood.'

You're met with silence. Suddenly, shadows back away. It allows you to see a deep frown on Aleksander's face.

'You wouldn't dare,' he says. You smirk.

'Better fight of the nightmares, then,' you say. Aleksander cups your cheek. He looks at you with great tenderness and seriousness.

'For you, I will battle an entire army,' he promises.

'Of nightmares?' you ask. He kisses you again.

'Of anything,' he whispers and shadows swallow you both again. 'Now, sleep. Or you will perform terribly at practice with Baghra. You know she won't let you skip it.'

'I don't understand why I still have to have them,' you groan. 'I control my powers now. She just enjoys tormenting me, doesn't she?'

'I think she just wants to make sure you're ready for a life by my side,' Aleksander answers after a moment.

'Does she know, then?' you ask, your eyes closing. Your lover is silent for a moment.

'I think she suspects how important you are to me,' he answers. You don't answer him. Aleksander waits. He smiles, hearing your even breathing. He kisses the top of your head.

'Sleep well, my love,' he murmurs. 'I'm right here. By your side. Where I belong.'

*

Aleksander is the first to wake up. He opens his eyes and sees your sleeping face. It makes him smile. He stares at you in his arms for a moment. If he could, he would stay here for the whole day. Alas, his duties call.

He sighs quietly and untangles himself from your grasp. He turns around and sits down. He puts his feet on the floor and is about to stand up, when he feels arms circling his waist. He stops.

'Where do you think you're going?' he hears your sleepy voice. He chuckles and turns his head. Your eyes barely manage to keep themselves open, but your hold is still strong.

'I have work to do, lapushka,' he says.

'What work?' you ask. Aleksander is silent. He gently pries your hands away from him and stands up. You sit up and stare at his back, suspicious.

'What work?' you repeat. Aleksander sighs and turns to you.

'I have to go to Kribirsk,' he says and you feel your blood turning into ice. 'There's going to be a new skiff. I need to oversee the departure.'

'And were you planning on telling me you're heading toward the Fold?' you ask. 'Or did you just plan to leave me behind, clueless?'

'I was hoping you'd wake up about time I'm ready for the departure and you wouldn't be able to stop me,' Aleksander admits. You roll your eyes and stand up. Sometimes, he can be really stupid.

'Stop you or come with you?' you ask, walking around your bed to him.

'Both,' Aleksander answers and looks at you sternly. 'After what happened yesterday, I can't let you leave the Little Palace. Not all the way to Kribirsk.'

'What if I sneak out after you?' you challenge him.

'And how do you plan to do that?' Aleksander asks, raising his eyebrows. 'On a horse?'

You open your mouth and close it. He's got a point. You're still too afraid to ride so far away on a horse on your own. But you're stubborn. So, you cross your arms and look at him with your chin raised.

'Then I will ask Tommy to ride with me,' you say. 'I'm sure he will agree. Actually, I will go ask him right now.'

You start walking toward the door. But Aleksander's hand shoots up and grasps your wrist. You turn to look at him and shiver at the dark look in his eyes. His grip on you tightens and he pulls you to himself. Your chests collide.

'Do that and it will be the last thing he will do,' Aleksander says, his voice cold. 'You know I'm not joking.'

For a moment you stare at each other. Finally, your lover loosens his grip and takes a step back, giving you your personal space.

'I don't want you to go there without me,' you say quietly. 'I'm worried about you.'

'And I'm worried about you,' Aleksander says, caressing your cheek. 'Trust me, [Mary], it kills me to leave you alone here. But I don't want you to get hurt again. Please, stay here, where it's safe. For me.'

'I just can't let you go,' you say and look at him pleadingly. 'Please, don't make try to make you stay.'

Aleksander sighs and brings your foreheads together. He kisses you gently on the lips.

'I have to,' he whispers. 'And you know it.'

You do. So, your shoulders slump in defeat. Aleksander looks at you apologetically.

'I'll come to you before I leave,' he promises. He kisses you again and exits your chambers. You sigh and stare at his retreating form. When he's gone, you're in the same position for a moment longer. Then, you smirk. You have an idea.

Some time later, Aleksander is tidying up his documents on his desk. He doesn't have much time before he has to go. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.

'Enter,' he calls, not bothering to look up. He hears someone walking inside and then to him. Soon a familiar kefta enters his vision. He smiles and raises his gaze to meet your eyes.

'I told you I will come to you,' he says. 'Did you think I would sneak out?'

'No,' you deny, walking slowly to stand behind him. 'I thought that I don't want to leave things between us like that. You know, both feeling sorry and sad.'

'And how would you like to leave them?' Aleksander asks, curious.

'Well, I have some ideas, pretty boy,' you say and press yourself into his back, your hand sneaking toward a certain place in his trousers, causing him to groan. 'If you want. Because if you don't or are in a hurry, I can always leave.'

Your hand starts to retreat and you pull yourself away from Aleksander. But before you manage that, he turns abruptly and grabs your arms. He spins you both around and pushes you against his desk, hard.

'Now, now,' he says. 'You know better than to tease me, [Mary].'

'Me, teasing?' you ask, moving your hips, grinding slightly against his growing bulge. 'Never.'

Aleksander gasps at the feeling. You smirk at him and grind again.

'You're in trouble now, milaya,' your lover growls. His lips attack yours with passion. You happily answer his kiss. Aleksander wastes no time and quickly gets rid of your and his clothes. He leans to your ear.

'I hope you know I'm not going to be gentle after that teasing,' he whispers and bites your ear. You gasp.

'Who said I want it to be gentle, pretty boy?' you ask, turning to kiss his cheek.

'That's my girl,' Aleksander says with a smile. Unexpectedly, he turns you around, so your back is facing him. You're very surprised by that.

'You didn't expect that?' Aleksander asks, amused.

'Can't say that I did,' you answer. You gasp, when suddenly your lover's fingers trace your sensitive parts. He chuckles and starts teasing your clit.

'Already so wet for me…' he says and enters you with his fingers. You moan when he starts moving them.

'Yes… Yes, for you… only for you!' you say, breathless from Aleksander's actions.

'That's right,' Aleksander growls in your ear. 'Remember that, lapushka. Only I am allowed to make you feel like this. No one else. Do you understand me?'

You nod vigorously. Aleksander pulls his fingers away. You whimper at the loss.

'Good,' your lover says and positions his member at your entrance. 'Because you're the only one who can make me feel this good. This happy.'

You want to respond something to him. But suddenly he bends you over, surprising you. Before you can ask him about it, he enters you with one push. You yelp and moan.

'That's new,' you gasp. 'Position, I mean.'

'I assure you, you're gonna like it,' Aleksander says and smirks. 'But remember. I'm not going to be gentle today.'

'Shut up and move already,' you say, throwing a look at him over your shoulder. He chuckles and kisses you.

'As you wish, my love,' he says and starts moving. He starts slowly, but it lasts for about a second. His thrusts soon become hard, rough and deep. It makes you gasping and moaning. Soon you're panting his name.

'That's right,' he growls. 'Keep saying my name. Remember to whom you belong to. My sweet girl… My darling… My love…'

'Aleksander…' you moan, throwing your head back. Aleksander grabs your throat gently. He makes you turn your head again. His lips seize yours in a heated, passionate kiss. Your tongues fight for dominance. Taking his mood, it's no surprise he wins. Not that you mind.

'[Mary]…' he whispers in your lips.

'Aleksander…' you whisper. 'Take me… Take me whole…'

Your beloved growls and moves even faster. You hold on to the desk for dear life. Aleksander was right. You do like this position. And how rough he is with you. After yesterday you need that. To feel his hold on you. His claim. That you belong to him and he will always protect you.

'I'm close…' you pant at some point later.

'Come for me, [Mary],' Aleksander grunts, his thrusting becoming erratic. 'Come around me, screaming my name.'

He hits the right spot a few more times and you reach peak, screaming his name, like he asked. He feels you clenching around him and it triggers his orgasm. He shouts your name as well, burying his face in your neck. You shiver, feeling him spill inside you.

It takes a few minutes for both of you to calm your breathing. Aleksander kisses your shoulder when it does. You close your eyes and smile.

'As much as I would like to go for another round…' your lover sighs.

'You have to go, I know,' you say softly. Aleksander squeezes your hips gently and slowly pull out. You already feel incomplete. He takes a step back and allows you to straighten up. You both clean yourself and put your clothes on. Just then there's a knock on the door.

'Enter,' Aleksander calls, after making sure you're decent. The door opens and Fedyor walks in. He looks at you and it takes him barely a few seconds to understand what took place. He tries to contain his smile. He fails.

'I'm sorry, General, but we must leave now,' he says. Aleksander nods.

'I'll be there in a moment,' he says. Fedyor bows his head slightly. He smirks at you and sends you a wink. You roll your eyes, as he leaves. Once you're alone again, Aleksander gently caresses your cheek. He looks at you apologetically.

'I'll come back as soon as I'll be able to,' he promises. You smile slightly.

'I know,' you say and cup his cheek. 'But know that I will miss you.'

'I'll miss you, too,' Aleksander says and kisses you gently. 'Terribly.'

You smile at each other. You help Aleksander put on his cloak and then he joins your lips once more, cupping your face. You watch him leave, sadness filling your eyes.

Once the door closes behind him, you let out a sigh. You know it's not dangerous, since he's not going to cross the Fold himself. But you can't help but have this feeling that tells you that something is going to happen. Something that's going to change a lot.

…

You have no idea how much is going to change.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could.

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49547866/chapters/125050297

[heyitstyyyy]

so remember how I said I had ideas for that Howl’s Moving Castle au?

yeah I went bonkers JSJDJDS (excuse the messy handwriting, if u need clarification for what it says just ask smmssm)

Tang is Sophie, Macaque is Howl, MK is Markl, LBD is the Witch of the Waste (instead of turning to an old woman though she turns into the lil girl), I think I’ll have Lady Iron Fan as the headmaster of magic (I forget the name but I believe that’s what she was called in the movie sjsjsj), Mo is Heen, Red Son is Calcifer, aaannd Wukong is Turnip Head (hehehe Peach Head)

made a few changes to some of it, like instead of a normal curse that’s put on Macaque and Red Son, Macaque had taken some of the Samadhi Fire inside of him while coming across Red Son going bonkers when he was a baby, and so his “monster” form is less bird based and more fire based

the little girl yoinks Macaque’s heart out of genuine confusion and not out of selfishness

MK’s disguise isn’t an old man, it’s his old monkie design

Tang is a worker at Pigsy’s Noodles instead of a hat shop, and finds Macaque while delivering noodles to Sandy, and Yin and Jin are hassling with him and not flirting with him

when Macaque rescues him from Yin and Jin, he mistakes him for Monkie King (which Macaque just chuckles at) and doesn’t realize who he is. he ends up reading up on the Lore with Sandy (who saw him fly in and got him some tea in case he was still freaked out or smth), and is terrified upon realizing its Macaque, who the book says is evil. Sandy’s all like “well he helped you right?” so Tang is conflicted, but overall set on “yea hes evil the Lore says so”

Tang gets caught by LBD after going home to his apartment, finding her there looking for Sun Wukong. Tang is sassy and skeptical per usual, and because he doesn’t turn over the info (that he doesnt even have, but she thinks she does bc she saw him with Macaque before), he curses him as a warning, to show him how powerful she can be. Mei tries to get him out of his apartment that morning (she works at Pigsy’s too) but he plays at being sick. she leaves the building, so Tang is able to slip out easily and head to the mountains to see if he can find Macaque, bc he did help him before, and might know what’s going on

Red Sun turns back into a human(?) after Macaque’s heart is returned, and stays with Macaque and the gang so that Macaque can guide him in controlling the fire himself (and totally NOT because he’d miss them)

Wukong is still well known as the Monkie King and all the lore and stuff with him is basically the same as it was in the series, except the whole “Wukong murdered Macaque” thing didn’t happen, and was a misconception bc they DID know each other as kids, but Macaque disappeared after meeting Red Son, and LBD cursed Wukong WAAAY after that for the lols

also a small detail that I couldn’t illustrate here; Macaque doesn’t start with blonde fur, he starts with white fur! thought that would be a cute nod to that one interpretation of Macaque with white fur, and the fandom’s whole theory that he used to have white fur, but lost it, except that, instead of getting burned or bc he was killed, it’s just cause Tang messed with his hair dye hehe

hope this wasn’t too too much nsjsjs,, I just really love this movie, it being one of my favorites of all time, and ofc when I saw the Inkypages content with it, I got inspired,, I hope it was okay that I took that idea and ran with it like a football,, hehe,, maybe I’ll make a fic out of it! def been thinking abt it, just dunno if I’ll do it yet,,,

og idea by @pechachaos

check them out!!! they’re SUPER talented,,!!

[harker-jonathan]

7 May. —It is again early morning, but I have rested and enjoyed the last twenty-four hours. I slept till late in the day, and awoke of my own accord. When I had dressed myself I went into the room where we had supped, and found a cold breakfast laid out, with coffee kept hot by the pot being placed on the hearth. There was a card on the table, on which was written—

“I have to be absent for a while. Do not wait for me. D.” I set to and enjoyed a hearty meal. When I had done, I looked for a bell, so that I might let the servants know I had finished, but I could not find one. There are certainly odd deficiencies in the house, considering the extraordinary evidences of wealth which are round me. The table service is of gold, and so beautifully wrought that it must be of immense value. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. I saw something like them in Hampton Court, but they were worn and frayed and moth-eaten. But still in none of the rooms is there a mirror. There is not even a toilet glass on my table, and I had to get the little shaving glass from my bag before I could either shave or brush my hair. I have not yet seen a servant anywhere, or heard a sound near the castle except the howling of wolves. Some time after I had finished my meal, I do not know whether to call it breakfast of dinner, for it was between five and six o’clock when I had it, I looked about for something to read, for I did not like to go about the castle until I had asked the Count’s permission. There was absolutely nothing in the room, book, newspaper, or even writing materials, so I opened another door in the room and found a sort of library. The door opposite mine I tried, but found locked.

In the library I found, to my great delight, a vast number of English books, whole shelves full of them, and bound volumes of magazines and newspapers. A table in the center was littered with English magazines and newspapers, though none of them were of very recent date. The books were of the most varied kind, history, geography, politics, political economy, botany, geology, law, all relating to England and English life and customs and manners. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and it somehow gladdened my heart to see it, the Law List.

Whilst I was looking at the books, the door opened, and the Count entered. He saluted me in a hearty way, and hoped that I had had a good night’s rest. Then he went on.

“I am glad you found your way in here, for I am sure there is much that will interest you. These companions,” and he laid his hand on some of the books, “have been good friends to me, and for some years past, ever since I had the idea of going to London, have given me many, many hours of pleasure. Through them I have come to know your great England, and to know her is to love her. I long to go through the crowded streets of your mighty London, to be in the midst of the whirl and rush of humanity, to share its life, its change, its death, and all that makes it what it is. But alas! As yet I only know your tongue through books. To you, my friend, I look that I know it to speak.”

“But, Count,” I said, “You know and speak English thoroughly!” He bowed gravely.

“I thank you, my friend, for your all too-flattering estimate, but yet I fear that I am but a little way on the road I would travel. True, I know the grammar and the words, but yet I know not how to speak them.

“Indeed,” I said, “You speak excellently.”

“Not so,” he answered. “Well, I know that, did I move and speak in your London, none there are who would not know me for a stranger. That is not enough for me. Here I am noble. I am a Boyar. The common people know me, and I am master. But a stranger in a strange land, he is no one. Men know him not, and to know not is to care not for. I am content if I am like the rest, so that no man stops if he sees me, or pauses in his speaking if he hears my words, `Ha, ha! A stranger!’ I have been so long master that I would be master still, or at least that none other should be master of me. You come to me not alone as agent of my friend Peter Hawkins, of Exeter, to tell me all about my new estate in London. You shall, I trust, rest here with me a while, so that by our talking I may learn the English intonation. And I would that you tell me when I make error, even of the smallest, in my speaking. I am sorry that I had to be away so long today, but you will, I know forgive one who has so many important affairs in hand.” Of course I said all I could about being willing, and asked if I might come into that room when I chose. He answered, “Yes, certainly,” and added.

“You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where the doors are locked, where of course you will not wish to go. There is reason that all things are as they are, and did you see with my eyes and know with my knowledge, you would perhaps better understand.” I said I was sure of this, and then he went on.

“We are in Transylvania, and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Nay, from what you have told me of your experiences already, you know something of what strange things there may be.”

This led to much conversation, and as it was evident that he wanted to talk, if only for talking’s sake, I asked him many questions regarding things that had already happened to me or come within my notice. Sometimes he sheered off the subject, or turned the conversation by pretending not to understand, but generally he answered all I asked most frankly. Then as time went on, and I had got somewhat bolder, I asked him of some of the strange things of the preceding night, as for instance, why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. He then explained to me that it was commonly believed that on a certain night of the year, last night, in fact, when all evil spirits are supposed to have unchecked sway, a blue flame is seen over any place where treasure has been concealed.

“That treasure has been hidden,” he went on, “in the region through which you came last night, there can be but little doubt. For it was the ground fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Why, there is hardly a foot of soil in all this region that has not been enriched by the blood of men, patriots or invaders. In the old days there were stirring times, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came up in hordes, and the patriots went out to meet them, men and women, the aged and the children too, and waited their coming on the rocks above the passes, that they might sweep destruction on them with their artificial avalanches. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.”

“But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look? “The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely. He answered.

“Because your peasant is at heart a coward and a fool! Those flames only appear on one night, and on that night no man of this land will, if he can help it, stir without his doors. And, dear sir, even if he did he would not know what to do. Why, even the peasant that you tell me of who marked the place of the flame would not know where to look in daylight even for his own work. Even you would not, I dare be sworn, be able to find these places again?”

“There you are right,” I said. “I know no more than the dead where even to look for them.” Then we drifted into other matters.

“Come,” he said at last, “tell me of London and of the house which you have procured for me.” With an apology for my remissness, I went into my own room to get the papers from my bag. Whilst I was placing them in order I heard a rattling of china and silver in the next room, and as I passed through, noticed that the table had been cleared and the lamp lit, for it was by this time deep into the dark. The lamps were also lit in the study or library, and I found the Count lying on the sofa, reading, of all things in the world, and English Bradshaw’s Guide. When I came in he cleared the books and papers from the table, and with him I went into plans and deeds and figures of all sorts. He was interested in everything, and asked me a myriad questions about the place and its surroundings. He clearly had studied beforehand all he could get on the subject of the neighborhood, for he evidently at the end knew very much more than I did. When I remarked this, he answered.

“Well, but, my friend, is it not needful that I should? When I go there I shall be all alone, and my friend Harker Jonathan, nay, pardon me. I fall into my country’s habit of putting your patronymic first, my friend Jonathan Harker will not be by my side to correct and aid me. He will be in Exeter, miles away, probably working at papers of the law with my other friend, Peter Hawkins. So!”

We went thoroughly into the business of the purchase of the estate at Purfleet. When I had told him the facts and got his signature to the necessary papers, and had written a letter with them ready to post to Mr. Hawkins, he began to ask me how I had come across so suitable a place. I read to him the notes which I had made at the time, and which I inscribe here.

“At Purfleet, on a by-road, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. It was surrounded by a high wall, of ancient structure, built of heavy stones, and has not been repaired for a large number of years. The closed gates are of heavy old oak and iron, all eaten with rust.

“The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face, as the house is four sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass. It contains in all some twenty acres, quite surrounded by the solid stone wall above mentioned. There are many trees on it, which make it in places gloomy, and there is a deep, dark-looking pond or small lake, evidently fed by some springs, as the water is clear and flows away in a fair-sized stream. The house is very large and of all periods back, I should say, to mediaeval times, for one part is of stone immensely thick, with only a few windows high up and heavily barred with iron. It looks like part of a keep, and is close to an old chapel or church. I could not enter it, as I had not the key of the door leading to it from the house, but I have taken with my Kodak views of it from various points. The house had been added to, but in a very straggling way, and I can only guess at the amount of ground it covers, which must be very great. There are but few houses close at hand, one being a very large house only recently added to and formed into a private lunatic asylum. It is not, however, visible from the grounds.”

When I had finished, he said, “I am glad that it is old and big. I myself am of an old family, and to live in a new house would kill me. A house cannot be made habitable in a day, and after all, how few days go to make up a century. I rejoice also that there is a chapel of old times. We Transylvanian nobles love not to think that our bones may lie amongst the common dead. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. I am no longer young, and my heart, through weary years of mourning over the dead, is attuned to mirth. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken. The shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may.” Somehow his words and his look did not seem to accord, or else it was that his cast of face made his smile look malignant and saturnine.

Presently, with an excuse, he left me, asking me to pull my papers together. He was some little time away, and I began to look at some of the books around me. One was an atlas, which I found opened naturally to England, as if that map had been much used. On looking at it I found in certain places little rings marked, and on examining these I noticed that one was near London on the east side, manifestly where his new estate was situated. The other two were Exeter, and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast.

It was the better part of an hour when the Count returned. “Aha!” he said. “Still at your books? Good! But you must not work always. Come! I am informed that your supper is ready.” He took my arm, and we went into the next room, where I found an excellent supper ready on the table. The Count again excused himself, as he had dined out on his being away from home. But he sat as on the previous night, and chatted whilst I ate. After supper I smoked, as on the last evening, and the Count stayed with me, chatting and asking questions on every conceivable subject, hour after hour. I felt that it was getting very late indeed, but I did not say anything, for I felt under obligation to meet my host’s wishes in every way. I was not sleepy, as the long sleep yesterday had fortified me, but I could not help experiencing that chill which comes over one at the coming of the dawn, which is like, in its way, the turn of the tide. They say that people who are near death die generally at the change to dawn or at the turn of the tide. Anyone who has when tired, and tied as it were to his post, experienced this change in the atmosphere can well believe it. All at once we heard the crow of the cock coming up with preternatural shrillness through the clear morning air.

Count Dracula, jumping to his feet, said, “Why there is the morning again! How remiss I am to let you stay up so long. You must make your conversation regarding my dear new country of England less interesting, so that I may not forget how time flies by us,” and with a courtly bow, he quickly left me.

I went into my room and drew the curtains, but there was little to notice. My window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the warm grey of quickening sky. So I pulled the curtains again, and have written of this day.

[mygeekcorner]

For the book ask

8 13 16 23 25 38 52 53 90 and 135 :)

8 a book you finished in one sitting

It wasn't the first time I read it so if that's how we're counting this isn't the right answer but:

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. Growing up my mum would read us Narnia and when I was old enough to read myself it was the first series I devoured so I have a very nostalgic glow about the whole thing. When I was somewhere in my mid-20s my parents asked me to house- and dog-sit for them when they went abroad for a week. Which was all well and good until I got the flu halfway through. I remember going into their library and finding The Horse and His Boy, mums favourite from all seven books, and then just laying in their bed reading it as I waited for my fever to go down, and with a blizzard howling outside the windows. I finished the book before I finished my coughing fits, but it was a very comforting night thanks to all the memories attached to the book.

13 your favorite romance novel

Oh god. So here's the thing, right? Here is The. Thing. I read a lot of books that Have romance in them - are they very good books? Yes. Are they romance novels? No. Do I read romance novels too? Yes. Do I like them as much as Stories? No.

But I guess if I had to pick one I like that has romance as the focus I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen when I read it in school. Even if I was more interested in the family dynamics than the romance. Sorry.

16 a book you’d recommend to your younger self

There are quite a few I think baby Geeky would have liked, but also many of them weren't out when I was the perfectly intended age so I don't know if it disqualifies them?

Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist was a very good book I got in a gift-exchange with an online friend and I think I would have liked it just as much if I had read it in school as I did in my 20s. And back then I might have had the energy to get my hands on the whole rest of the series and not just one more book rip.

23 a book that is currently on your TBR

We do not speak of my to-be-read pile.

This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone is the most recent buy to be added to it after I happened upon it earlier this summer. Trigun twitter tells me to go in blind though so I still have no idea what awaits me.

25 a book by your favourite author

Ok so I haven't actually had a favourite author since I was a preteen. Not because there aren't good authors out there, I just haven't been like Dedicated(TM) to reading all of their books like that. But the last time I had a favourite it was Eva Ibbotson because she had so many .. I want to use Finurlig but there's no proper translation for it .. clever in the tingly exciting way that makes you want to poke it? delightfully innocent yet clever stories and I just reveled in them as a child. Especially Not Just a Witch, the one where the two witch besties broke up because they both wore the same hat made of snakes to graduation, but then they came together to defeat the man who was two-timing them for capitalistic reasons.

38 your favourite series

I don't have favourites as such. Anymore. But I always have a blast reading The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger, there is just something about a supernatural Victorian London with romance and queer rep that just tickles me. I love watching Alexia have tea with the most flamboyant vampire ever, admiring her werewolf husband´s behind, and hitting evil scientists with her umbrella. All while her ditzy bestie is trying to tell her all about the latest fashion in hats. Who wouldn't love to read about chaos like that?

52 a popular book/series that you love

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a brilliant trilogy and we are all correct for saying it.

The themes! The brutality! The way I was bawling on the bus and couldn't stop for hours after finishing Mockingjay? Fucking superb you funky little YA-book.

53 a popular book/series that you hate

Is it cheating to say Twilight here? ^^;

It really wasn't for me, sorry to anyone who hoped differently. I did finish it for research (fanwar) purposes though. That's a week I'll never get back.

90 the longest book you’ve read

So I said when I got this ask before that it was probably Gone with the Wind (418,053 words) or one of the A Song of Ice and Fire books and apparently A Storm of Swords (424,000 words) and A Dance with Dragons (422,000 words) would all look very promising for longest novel I've read. And they were all worth the pages they took.

135 recommend any book you like!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, listen I know none of us tumblrinas actually miss anything that Neil puts out, and this was a big one at that. But it really was so good and scary and inventive and I had a really good time being creeped out by the coins showing up in peoples mouths over night.

[thosesillylittlegayghosts]

My (positive only) thoughts on the rwrb movie

BAD REPUTATION

I’d be down’ and ‘actually I’d argue that-‘ is so on brand for Alex I love him already

The lil intro thing is jokes

It’s giving MAJOR early 2000s romcom vibes and I’m LOVING it

DAVID BOWIE

Shaan taking none of Alex’s shit what an icon

We love Henry being a lil history neek

His mum outranks my mum HENRY STOP I LOVE YOU

‘Means you’ve got good taste Alex’ is so crushing Henry coded

‘And why do you dislike me?’ He sounds like a bratty three year old I’m howling

‘I need to get out of here’ BECAUSE HE WAS CRUSHING I CANNOT

I’m sorry what the actual fuck was Henry talking to that kid about? Cause I heard ‘it’s so sticky as well’

Wait is Miguel Liam? Also bestie Alex why are you admitting this was a cover up so easily my guy you are in PUBLIC

Oh yeah no it is those two have definitely hooked up

EYELASHES

What an entrance to his dms Henry truly (also what is that bitmoji bestie 😭)

HRH PRINCE DICKHEAD

BUT WE WERE EVER SO CAREFUL DEAR WE ARE FUCKING WINNING BOOK FANS

No because this is such a cute way of showing the text messages?? Like Alex and Nora hanging out and Henry just ranting cause he’s all Alex can think about is adorable

‘Bellend’ please he’s so British

HENRY ON ALEXS BED AS THEY TALK I CANNOT THIS IS BETTER THEN ANYTHING I COULDVE IMAGINED

That entire convo was gold

Okay so then making Nora June with pez confirmed?

GET LOW YESSSS

Henry’s awkard dancing I actually adore him he’s so me

THEH GAVE US THE MUSIC FADES OUT ONLY FOCUS ON THEM MOMENT LIKE WE KNEW WE WERE GETTING IT BUT STILL

Oh ok so Alex and Nora aren’t gonna kiss it’s just random girls

Are Alex and Nora exes in this or no?

I’m half an hour into this and it’s taken me an hour cause I keep freaking out

‘Made me understand the difference between rugby and football’ Alex bestie what the hell are you going on about?

‘I can wrap my head around being low level into guys’ ‘I’ve been with two guys’ ALEX

wait so is Liam like a different person still? The guy from high school and Miguel is just another guy?

AMY WALKING IN ON THEM PLEASE

FUCK OFF ok so we might not of have got Henry singing the national anthem but we got ruining the names of a bunch of British landmarks so yay! Ig?

I love how in the book he’s early and in the film he’s late? Like what?

So they’re just gonna casually mention Henry ‘fancying’ Alex since the beginning (is that what we’re calling it these days?)

As gay as maypole, ok so we’re not getting that line later then

HANOVER STUART PLEASE ARE THEY NOT ALLOWED TO USE MOUNTCHRISTEN WINDSOR BUT ALSO WHY OF ALL THE OLD ROYAL NAMES THOSE TWO?!

HENRY YOU ARE ALSO IN PUBLIC

OMG ACTUAL CANON CONFIRMATION THAT PRINCE HENRY AND HENRY FOX ARE DIFFERENT PEOPLE?! LIKE ACTUAL EXPLICITLY SAID?!

This is not very causal friends with benefits of you I’ve gotta say, it’s giving major love of my life deep convos

LANA DEL RAY 😭

DEAR

Bestie this is really not very casual of you

Slay politics talk! (I have no idea what any of this means I’m way to English for this shit)

Omg Alex being a politics nerd! Also why does he know his mum better than she knows herself 😭

Don’t he’s so happy to be back in Texas I’m gonna cry when he gets fired

EMAILS THE EMAILS ARE STARTING

HE DID THE LINE HE DID THE SHOULD I TELL YOU THAT LINE

NO SHIT HES ABOUT TO START TALKING ABOUT ARTHUR

Ok wait not he’s not it’s fine

Bloody love zahra

LITTLE LORD FUCKLEROY

His mothers book?

ALEX WAS READING ONE LAST STOP I LOVE IT WHEN AUTHORS DO THAT

There’s a distinct lack of Bea in this movie

THEY MADE HIM SING BADLY POOR NICHOLAS

KARAOKE BITCHES

Alex while Henry is singing is the DEFINITION of ‘Alex is so in love he could die’

Ok so they just changed Oscar to senator of Texas rather than California

Honestly props to Nicholas cause you can see him rethinking all his life choices that led him to that moment

He fr went peace and jumped and I love him for that

NOOOOO HENRY

also did he just like leave pez there or what?

Please for the love of god put Bea in a leather jacket I beg

AHHH HES PLAYING THE PIANO

Slay prince Henry bbg

I CAN LOVE YOU AND WANT YOU AND STILL NOT WANT THAT LIFE YES THAT IS MY FAVOURITE PART OF THAT SCENE IM SO GLAD ITS THERE

Okay so they’re going straight to the v&a? Slay ig

Literal tears in my eyes over that MINUSCULE Arthur fox mention

They changed your song 😭

Okay I actually like this though

HISTORY HUH BET WE COULD MAKE SOME YES THIS IS PERFECT (but also does this mean no one’s gonna know about that line?)

If I had a nickel for every-time one of the guys in a queer couple said I love you in a hug….

Nah this is gonna be it isn’t it

Shit shit no I’m not prepared for this, not from Henry’s pov fuck off im already nearly crying and I’ve got it paused

NO NOT PHOTOS OF THEM AT THE V&A THAT WAS MEANT TO BE JUST THEIRS

is this how people know about history huh?

Also I’m sorry but Reddit? Really?

Okay yep I cried

PREACH ALEX PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR THIS

I fucking love zahra

‘Mooing over the prince like a cow in labour’

Alex is gobsmacked

WE GOT A BABY GUYS

Them playing the national anthem together was not on my bingo card

Also the subtitles say it has an actual name?? I legit just thought it was called god save the king/queen respectively

‘My affection comes with strings’

YESSS SLAY SHAAN THE OG BOYFRIEND ON A STRING

Also we love to see firstprince gossip

Okay that shot of Henry going to twist his ring only to pan over to Alex twisting the ring means SO MUCH TO ME ITS UNREAL

Minor slay to the king for putting Philip in his place (never thought I’d say that)

The way Henry slouches before he asks that question makes my day

‘Homosexual’ im sorry that prononciation has added years to my life can we all say it like that now please?

Not them swapping the motorbikes for bicycles 😭😭

[night-market-if]

Dear sweet author, poet-est of words, curator of comfort and IF deity of angst...I am not ok. WE are not ok. I'm going preface this "ask" that actually isn't one at all (my very first ever, mind you) with an apology for how rambly and unhinged and it may end up being. I've been wrestling back and forth with my Anxiety about sending this (people-ing makes me nervous) but after finishing Book 1 I cannot get your story out of my head, and you deserve all the love and gushing.

The plot, the characters, the prose are all just so amazing! You're so very talented and deserve all the recognition for this work of art. I've been with your story since before the first Chapter was released and it has gone from something I have enjoyed immensely to one of my favorite IF's ever and oh boy have I read a lot! The lore and environment are rich, and each character has a distinct voice that is their own. There are so many wonderful things I could say but I don't think I'm eloquent enough with words to do it justice.

*SPOLIERS AHEAD*

Reading through the last few chapters, specifically 11 and 12, for obvious reasons I believe I can confidently say I have gone through the 5 stages of grief and more. lol I knew what was coming and it still completely subverted all of my expectations. Played through first as my Milomancer and the literal gut punch I felt in some of that ending dialogue, specifically on whether he cares or not wrecked me. I haven't had a visceral response to a story like this in so long it completely took me by surprise. Oh, and can we just praise you for that buildup of suspense leading to the talk with Milo. I was legitimately holding my breath so convinced we were going to find him at Mals and it was just the invitation. *Screeches*

Anyway, reading this has made me an absolutely feral, sobbing, punching the air howling into the abyss of a mess and I just can't stop thinking of all the possibilities of things to come. When I finished, I immediately went back, read through all the routes with all the variations because I just couldn't get enough. It's crazy to see all the hints, correlation within everything and put it all together. Just genius. There are so many other things I want to touch upon, but this has gotten so out of hand, I apologize. (I hope this doesn't come off as too overly familiar) But now that I've finally sent my first ask I think I'll be comfortable sending more in the future.

So, congrats on technically finishing book 1!! I'm looking forward to reading the beefed-up version and in the future the next book (which ofcourse is a long way off). I'm sure you're chomping at the bit to get everything completed but I do hope you take time for yourself to just relax and be proud of all you have accomplished. Remember to stay hydrated and take care of yourself!

Much love from an old broad who is just a big fan <3

Unhinged asks are my favorite!!!!!

Thank you so much for being here from the get go. I look back on almost a year ago now and kind of feel like I was looking at someone who had no idea what she was doing but was going to barrel through it all anyway. Which, to be fair, is how I treat most things in life.

I'm so glad that you went back and read it again after chapter twelve! I have been peppering in little hints from the get go. So much so that I thought nearly every chapter, someone was going to call me out. LOL! And some people did but most did not which leaves me just in awe.

I've taken next to no time for me, if we're going to be honest. LOL! But I'm hoping to son. Mainly, personal life has been hectic so I am looking forward to sitting and diving into my work again.

I really hope you send more asks in the future! I'm not scary and would love to hear from you. Thank you again so much for reading!

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[saint--claire]

Tagged by @blackidyll - thank you! (◕‿◕✿)*:･ﾟ✧ I had fun with this, this was a good one.

10 Films I Love: (not in order, because jesus, I can’t pick that)

1. The Little Mermaid.  Little me was obsessed with it, adult me still loves it, and all versions of me can still sing it (badly). 

2. Top Gun Maverick - MY BELOVEDS.  Something that (for me) the sequel was even better than the original.  TGM was such a brilliant sandpit to fic writers that I got back from my 2.5yr year writing slump, and got to get back the joy of that as a hobby.  Watched the ending in awe, having completely lost track of time in the cinema and with no idea about whether they were going to kill of Tom Cruise in a blaze of glory.  (For the record I am glad they did not).

3. Now You See Me - the ending to this day delights me.  I caught the movie by accident right at the start cooking dinner at uni one night, with the movie on the communal TV. 

4. The Old Guard - undying found family.  Beautiful dynamics between everybody.  Sweet romance.  Insane anti-hero who you know is going to stir some shit up.  Very hot woman swinging deadly weapons around.  Also love that.

5. Howl’s Moving Castle - Restful.  Old Sophie has the attitude on life that I want.  This movie is calm-down-and-drop-off-to-sleep - everything’s safe watching.

6. Glass Onion - A Knives Out Movie.  Just delightful.  The main thing I enjoy about this movie (apart from all of it) is how very obviously each actor is having the time of their lives.  They all look like they are having fun.  I also suck at murder mysteries and the endings are complete surprises to me every time, which is great fun.

7. Fast & Furious - I saw the trailer for FX yesterday and I am WILDLY excited.  It looks absolutely batshit insane and I nearly cried when Paul Walker came on. Another movie where the actors are all having the time of their lives.  Fast cars go zoom, cool stunts, great actors, a movie that understands exactly how far outside the bounds of reality and physics it is and still doesn’t give a shit.  Inspirational.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean - Boats!  Swords!  More cool stunts and pretty people!  Everything about the series.  I was about to say my favourite was the third, but then I remember the fountain of youth and curse of the black pearl and couldn’t commit.  Still absolutely obsessed with the King of the Brethren Court, and her hat.

9. Skyfall - I’m with blackidyll here, this was the best.  We were given so much - Q, James & Q, everything that happened with Skyfall manor, and James and M.  I will say Eva Green as Vespa remains my second favourite Bond Girl, as the first, clearly, is Q.

10. The Martian - Maybe I was lying when I said I couldn’t pick a favourite movie.  I adore this movie.  I watched it for the first time with my Dad, not having read the book, and then twenty minutes after it finished I found and read the book and loved that even more.  The love, emotions, desperation, and humanity gets me every time.  “Houston, 6 crew safely aboard”.

I am going to tag @milestaller @luddycris @glitterisblue - if you have the time and spoons xx.  Anyone else following me - also feel free to complete!