#she understood what she'd done wrong but she couldn't commit herself to doing right

[tiredandoptimistic]

Oh my god, Amatis is so freaking good here. I love how she's developed this self-awareness as an adult about how passivity is what allowed Valentine to hold so much power over her life. He was able to establish himself as a dominant figure when they were teenagers, so once they got older and he started pushing his friends to do things against their moral beliefs they all went along with it because it was easy. They were all just following orders.

I also really like Amatis's acknowledgement that even though she understands the harm that comes from failing to participate in government, she still doesn't do it. It's not enough to know what's right, you've gotta take action to back up your beliefs or else you're just letting other people decide what should and shouldn't happen. The thing with TMI is that it's all about the power of individuals to incite change, but it's not just leaders who are responsible for political actions. Individuals need to choose who to support, and when they step back and do nothing then that's a choice too.

[szariahwroteit]

Girls Need Love: A Kylian Mbappè x Original Character Erotic Series.

18+ Minors DNI

Chapter 27

A change in Giselle's schedule meant that the last game of Kylian’s season came and went before they were reunited again. He understood the importance of professional commitment and the importance of a career lived in the spotlight, but there was an underlying annoyance he felt.

It wasn't directed at Giselle per se, but he couldn't help but feel frustrated by the small, thoughtless things she did as she sauntered about their hotel suite, which overlooked the crystal waters of Monaco.

As Kylian watched Giselle move gracefully through the room, the sunlight caught her hair and cast a warm glow around her. She hummed softly to herself, seemingly unaware of the storm brewing in his chest.

“Is this dress okay?” she asked, smoothing her hand over the satin body that hugged her every curve.

“It's fine, please just hurry up,” he murmured flatly, his tone dismissive as Giselle swallowed around the lump that instantly formed in her throat.

“Have I done something wrong?” Giselle asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the lightness in the room tinged with uncertainty. She paused, her fingers lingering on the fabric of her dress, and turned to face him fully.

“Gi, please,” Kylian huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took a seat on the edge of the bed.

“Please, what Kylian?” she asked, her eyes shining with hurt. She took a step back, crossing her arms defensively as she braced herself against the emotional distance that had suddenly stretched between them.

“Please understand,” he replied, his voice softening as he looked up at her. “I’m just… I’m feeling a lot right now.”

Despite his inner turmoil, a car would be arriving within the hour to whisk him away to a Formula 1 event he was set to host alongside Lewis Hamilton to kick off race week.

“Kylian I understand you’re frustrated, but I refuse to allow you to take it out on me!” Giselle snapped, her voice trembling and her palms growing sweaty as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

��Don’t do that!” Kylian scoffed, his resolve beginning as he noticed the look of hurt etched onto Giselle’s face. “I’m frustrated, but I am not taking it out on you.”

“You are!” Giselle countered, her heart racing as she stepped closer, the tension between them electric. “I’m trying to be there for you, but it’s like I haven't been able to do anything right since arriving in Monaco!”

“Maybe, I should stay in the hotel this afternoon and you can enjoy the race with your friends. I'm not in the mood anymore,” she continued, her voice cracking as the dam of emotion she'd tried to build began to falter.

With that, Giselle turned on her heel, her back to Kylian as she fought to maintain her composure. She could feel the tears threatening to spill, and she refused to let him see her break.

Kylian's heart sank as he watched her walk away, feeling a surge of regret. He opened his mouth to call out to her but caught himself, knowing he needed to think before he spoke. Instead, he took a deep breath, grounding himself in the realization that his emotions came at a cost.

“Giselle, wait!” he finally managed, his voice cutting through the noise around them. She paused but didn’t turn back. “I’m sorry.”

Giselle hesitated, her shoulders tensing, and slowly turned to face him. “I’m not the rest of the world,” she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You are so much more than Kylian Mbappé, the footballer to me.”

Kylian's breath caught in his throat at her words. The weight of her gaze, filled with understanding and warmth, made him acutely aware of the fact he was pushing her away. “I know,” he replied, stepping forward, his heart racing with the need to bridge the gap between them. “But sometimes, it feels like that’s all I am. The expectations, the pressure… it’s suffocating.”

Giselle shook her head, her voice firm yet gentle. “You’re Kylian—the man I love, not just the athlete. You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Let me in. Please.”

The sincerity in her eyes urged him to let down his defenses. He took another step toward her, sensing the raw vulnerability between them. “I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

Her lips quirked up into a small, sad smile as she took a step closer, closing the distance. “You’re not a burden. I want to share the weight of what you’re feeling, Kylian. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.”

Kylian looked down, feeling the overwhelming emotions swirling within him. “I just didn't want to drag you into my darkness.”

“And yet here we are,” she said softly, raising her chin so their eyes met, unwavering in her concern.

Just then Kylian’s phone rang in his pocket signalling the arrival of his driver and security detail and subsequently the end of a very important conversation that needed to take place between the two.

“I think it's best if I get a ride to your event with Camille, she offered beforehand anyway,” she suggested, her voice tinged with resignation as she stepped back slightly, searching for distance even as she longed for closeness.

Kylian felt a pang in his chest at her words. “No, Gi, please don’t,” he urged, his tone desperate. “I want you there with me.”

Giselle shook her head, trying to maintain her composure. “You need to focus on the event. I don't want to distract you. Clearly, I’m not what you need right now.”

“That’s not true! I need you. I want you by my side, not just as a distraction but because you ground me,” he insisted, frustration seeping back into his voice even as he tried to keep it at bay.

“I’m right here; you’ll always have me,” she replied, her voice steadier now despite the tears that continued to gather on her lashes. Her gaze was unwavering. “But I feel like this moment calls for a little breathing space.”

Kylian's heart raced as he listened to Giselle's words, feeling the weight of her decision settling over him. He knew she was trying to give him space, but the thought of facing the event without her by his side filled him with dread.

"I don't want breathing space," he said firmly, his voice low and intense. "I want you. I need you."

He stepped closer, closing the distance between them once more. His hand reached out, gently grasping her chin and tilting her face up towards his. Their eyes locked, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"I’m right behind you," she whispered, as his thumb brushed lightly over her cheek. "I just need a second.”

What she really wanted was a moment alone in such a volatile state, a chance to allow the tears she was desperately trying to hold off to fall.

“Can I kiss you?” Kylian asked softly, the warmth of his breath fanning across her face as he leaned in closer, his heart pounding in anticipation.

Giselle glanced up, her eyes searching his for reassurance. The vulnerability mirrored in both of their eyes acted as a bridge between their turmoil and longing. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice almost breaking, but laced with the promise of intimacy.

With that, Kylian closed the distance, capturing her lips with his. It was soft at first, a gentle exploration filled with the sweetness of longing and the ache of their earlier argument. As the kiss deepened, he felt her melt against him, the tension dissipating as their hearts synchronized.

He cradled her face, pouring his emotions into the kiss, hoping to convey everything he couldn't say in words. The taste of her lips was intoxicating, grounding him in a way he desperately needed.

Giselle responded eagerly, her hands finding their way to his hair, pulling him closer as if trying to erase the distance that had formed between them.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Kylian rested his forehead against hers, his eyes locked onto hers.

The ringing of Kylian’s phone interrupted the moment once again, a stark reminder of the outside world pressing in. He sighed, frustration bubbling under the surface.

“Cam’s hotel is less than five minutes away, I'll have her pick me up on the way,” Giselle spoke softly, reluctant to shatter the intimate spell they had just woven together.

Kylian knew the leveled ground they currently stood on didn't mean they were in the clear, but the constant ringing of his phone forced him to leave Giselle behind in their hotel suite as he made his way down to the lobby.

He could feel the heaviness of the unresolved conversation weighing on him as he walked through the opulent corridors of the hotel, lined with delicate chandeliers and elegant decor. Each step felt like a reminder of the emotional turmoil that still simmered beneath the surface.

Once in the lobby, he was greeted by the friendly but professional face of his driver, who discreetly held a door open for him. As Kylian stepped outside into the bright Monaco sunlight, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. Fans and paparazzi were already congregating, hoping to catch a glimpse of him before the big event, and he recognized the pressure he was under. Yet amid that chaos, his thoughts kept drifting back to Giselle.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to reality. It was a message from Camille, confirming that she would be at the hotel soon to collect her best friend. Even though he understood the necessity of attending this event, he knew in his heart where he'd rather be.

As he settled into the back of the car, he shot a quick glance at the driver. “Can we take a different route? I want to avoid the crowds for a moment.” The driver nodded, adjusting the GPS accordingly.

As they navigated through the less crowded streets, Kylian’s mind raced. He thought of Giselle's earlier words: “You’re Kylian—the man I love, not just the athlete.” The phrase echoed in his mind, grounding him and infusing him with a sense of urgency to mend the rift between them. A rift caused by his emotions, or rather his need to try and suppress them.

Giselle had always been a source of warmth and light in his life, an anchor amidst the chaos of fame and responsibility. He couldn't allow his frustrations and insecurities to push her away—he needed her support more than ever.

His phone buzzed again, this time with a notification from social media. There were already pictures of him circulating, candid shots from the hotel lobby as he made his exit, and comments debating his state of mind.

Kylian took a deep breath, determined to steer his focus back to the event ahead. But deep down, he knew he had to confront the feelings that lingered between them. Once the event was over, he would reach out to Giselle, clear the air, and reassure her just how much she meant to him.

As they approached the venue, the excitement began to mount. Fans were shouting his name, cameras clicking, and bright lights flashed all around him. Kylian steeled himself, projecting confidence, but beneath the surface was a torrent of thoughts and emotions.

He stepped out of the car, putting on the charming façade he was known for, greeting fans and signing autographs with practiced ease. But amidst the smiling faces, his heart was elsewhere—back with Giselle.

The event transformed into a blur of interviews, photographs, and interactions, each moment marked by a polite smile that hid the turmoil within. Just as he was about to step onto the stage, his phone vibrated again with a message from Giselle.

Giselle: I promise I’ll be there for you ❤️

A rush of relief swept through him, and he couldn't suppress a small smile. In that moment, he realized how crucial her support was for him, even from afar.

Kylian took a deep breath, ready to put on his best face, knowing that as soon as this whirlwind ended, he would put everything aside to reach Giselle—he was determined to ensure she knew they were in this together.

Kylian felt like a robot as he navigated the event, every smile he gave was disingenuous and every conversation he partook in surface surface-level.

When giselle arrived, Kylian felt her before he saw her. Their connection was deep , an invisible thread pulling him toward her. The moment he spotted her entering the venue, his heart leaped, and all the noise around him faded away. She was radiant, her eyes sparkling, and despite the tension they’d shared earlier, the sight of her was a balm to his restless spirit.

As she made her way through the crowd, weaving past fans and photographers, Kylian felt an urge to break the barriers of distance formed during their earlier disagreements. Each step she took brought her closer to him, and he couldn’t help but smile at her unwavering presence.

Giselle’s gaze met his, and in that instant, the chaos around them disappeared. She offered a warm, encouraging smile, one that resonated with the depths of understanding they shared. It was that look—the familiarity of someone who knew him so well—that made the churn of anxiety subside just a little.

The event went on, but Kylian no longer felt like a fish out of water. Every interview he did, every laugh he shared with those in attendance felt more genuine with Giselle in the room.

They had yet to even share words since her arrival and already Kylian could feel his mood improving.

Aside from Camille and the lovers themselves no one at the event knew of Giselle and Kylian’s relationship, and as bad as Kylian wanted to pull her into the middle of the room and kiss her until she's breathless, for now they would continue to move in the quiet.

Giselle had felt Kylian's eyes on her from the moment she arrived at the event, their eyes had met across the room more times than she cared to count, but they'd kept a healthy distance from one another.

As Kylian stood in a rather secluded corner where he had a clear view of the entire room, he spotted Giselle and Camille standing over by the bar, an action that was innocent enough until he noticed a man had approached both women, his smile playful and welcoming as he struck up a conversation with them.

Kylian’s chest swole with pride as Giselle gave the man her shoulder almost instantly, her attention on the bar as Camille spoke, her body language a little more open than his girlfriends.

The moment Kylian noticed the man leaning a little too close to Giselle, a wave of irritation washed over him. It wasn't something he had anticipated feeling—jealousy, possessiveness—but there it was, simmering just below the surface. He tried to shake it off, convincing himself that Giselle was friendly and would handle herself in any conversation. Still, he couldn't help but feel the urge to stake his claim.

Kylian took a deep breath and pushed off the wall he had been leaning against, making his way toward the bar. As he approached, he could hear snippets of their conversation. The man was charming and evidently comfortable, casually throwing compliments toward Giselle. Kylian's gut twisted.

“... and I’m sure you brighten up every event you attend,” the man said, flashing a smile that made Kylian's knuckles tighten.

Kylian cleared his throat deliberately as he approached the trio. “Hey, Gi, can I talk to you for a sec?” He aimed his gaze at Giselle but let it flick up to the intruding man, allowing a drop of tension to fill the air.

The man turned to Kylian, his demeanor unbothered. “Oh, I didn’t realize she was with someone,” he said, though his tone held the faintest hint of challenge.

Kylian bristled but quickly masked it, keeping his expression neutral. “Yeah, she’s my girlfriend,” he stated matter-of-factly, leaning slightly into Giselle, wanting to communicate their connection with a physical presence. The moment felt charged, and Kylian hoped it was enough to convey the seriousness of his words.

Giselle's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and relief washing over her features. “Kylian, you didn’t have to—”

“I did,” he interrupted gently, trying to convey understanding, but the irritation still smoldered in his veins. “Didn’t want any misunderstandings.”

The man, undeterred, chuckled lightly. “No harm done. Just making conversation,” he said, but Kylian could see the way Giselle tensed at the interaction, awareness blooming in her eyes.

“Sure,” Kylian said, forcing a smile. “But we’re good.” He glanced at the man, his muscles tensed in a silent warning. “Thanks for the chat, though. Nice meeting you.”

With that, he hooked his arm around Giselle’s waist, his possessiveness acting as both a shield and a declaration. When he felt her warmth against him, the tension began to dissipate, though Kylian could still feel the weight of the earlier argument trailing behind them like a shadow.

“Let’s get a drink,” he whispered to Giselle, hoping to both alleviate the pressing atmosphere and soothe her visibly frayed nerves. “Just the two of us.”

“Sounds perfect,” Giselle replied softly, her smile returning slowly as she leaned into him. Kylian felt gratitude surge for her presence, their connection rekindling with every inch they closed between themselves.

As they moved toward the bar, he couldn’t shake the discomfort from the encounter, but he also couldn't ignore how quickly Giselle's support lifted his spirits.

Once they reached the bar, Kylian ordered a couple of drinks, leaning into the comfortable rhythm they typically shared. “You okay?” he asked, his voice lowered as he turned to her, taking in her thoughtful expression.

“Just… surprised, I guess,” she admitted, taking a sip of her drink. “That was unexpected.”

“Yeah,” Kylian said, their earlier tension hanging in the air between them. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “I just didn’t like seeing someone getting too comfortable with you.”

Giselle raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement sparking in her eyes, though Kylian could sense an underlying tension still there. “Kylian, you don’t need to be protective like that. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can,” he replied, his tone earnest. “But I don’t want you to have to.” He paused, gauging her reaction. “You’re my girlfriend, and I care about how others see you… and us.”

She sighed softly, brushing her hair behind her ear as she considered his words. “I appreciate that, but I also want to be seen as my own person, not just someone tied to you. It’s important to me.”

“I get that. It’s just… sometimes I let the fame and attention get the better of me,” Kylian confessed. “And I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate it all—especially when it comes to you.”

Giselle’s expression softened, warmth returning to her gaze. “I want you to know I’m here, Kylian. I’m not going anywhere.”

Encouraged by her words, he stepped closer, an unspoken promise hanging in the air between them. “Let’s leave this place, shall we?”

“Now?” she asked, eyes sparkling with speculation. “Kylian this is your event.”

“It is, but fixing this distance between us is so much more important than any of this.” Giselle hesitated for a moment, weighing the significance of Kylian's words against the backdrop of the buzzing event around them. The sounds of laughter and chatter faded into the background as she met his gaze, feeling the pull of his sincerity.

Turning to Camille, Giselle was met with a knowing smirk from her best friend. “Go and fix things with your man,” she said, her voice encouraging. “I’ll be fine getting back to my hotel.”

Kylian felt a surge of gratitude for Camille's understanding. He nodded to her, appreciating the support from both women. Without another word, Kylian wrapped his arm around Giselle's waist, guiding her away from the crowded area and toward a privatized exit.

As they made their way out of the venue, Kylian could feel the tension in Giselle's body beginning to ease. He led her to the sleek black Maybach he'd been chauffeured to the event in, pulling open the door to help Giselle climb into the car before joining her.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Kylian reached out, gently taking Giselle's hand in his. He brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles, his gaze never leaving hers. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down Giselle's spine, and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Kylian murmured, his voice low and sincere. "I shouldn't have taken my frustrations out on you."

Giselle sighed, her breath warm against his neck. "I know you were stressed, but I felt like I was walking on eggshells. Like nothing I did was good enough."

Kylian's heart clenched at her words. He tightened his grip on her hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin.

"I never want you to feel that way, Gi," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "You're perfect just as you are. I'm the one who needs to do better."

Giselle lifted her head to look at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "We both can," she whispered. "We're in this together, remember?"

Kylian nodded, his throat tight. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. It was a promise, a apology, and a declaration all wrapped into one. Giselle melted into him, her hands coming up to cup his face as she deepened the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.

Giselle pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against his. "Take me back to the hotel," she whispered, her voice husky with emotion and desire.

Kylian's eyes darkened at her words, his heart racing in his chest. He leaned over, murmuring something to the driver before settling back into the seat, his arm wrapping around Giselle's waist and pulling her closer.

As the car sped through the streets of Monaco, Kylian and Giselle lost themselves in each other, their kisses growing more passionate with each passing moment. By the time they reached the hotel, the air in the backseat was thick with tension and unspoken promises.

Kylian helped Giselle out of the car, his hand never leaving hers as he led her through the lobby and into the elevator. The moment the doors closed, he pressed her up against the wall, his lips finding hers in a searing kiss.

Giselle moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervor. The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival, but neither of them noticed. They stumbled out into the hallway, still wrapped in each other's arms, their mouths fused together.

It wasn't until they reached the door to their suite that Kylian managed to tear his lips away from Giselle's. He fumbled with the keycard, his hands shaking slightly with the force of his desire. Giselle leaned against him, her breath coming in short gasps as she waited impatiently.

Finally, the door swung open, and Kylian scooped Giselle up into his arms, carrying her over the threshold and kicking the door shut behind them. He carried her straight to the bedroom, his lips never leaving hers.

Gently, he laid her down on the bed, his body covering hers as he settled between her legs. Giselle arched up against him, her hips grinding into his as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"I need you," she whispered, her voice desperate and filled with longing. "Please, Kylian."

Kylian groaned, his hands sliding under her dress to grip her hips tightly. "I'm here," he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck and collarbone. "I'm right here mon amour."

He sat up, his fingers finding the hem of her dress and pulling it up and over her head in one smooth motion, leaving her in only a flesh-colored thong.

Kylian took a moment to admire the sight of Giselle laid out beneath him, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. He ran his hands over her curves, savoring the feel of her soft skin beneath his fingertips.

"Tu es parfaite," he murmured, his voice low and filled with reverence. "Absolutely perfect."

Giselle blushed at his words, her hands reaching up to tug at the hem of his shirt. "Too many clothes," she complained, her eyes flashing with desire.

Kylian chuckled, sitting back on his heels and pulling his shirt off in one swift motion.

His muscles rippled with the movement, and Giselle's eyes widened appreciatively as she drank in the sight of his bare chest. Kylian smirked, leaning back down over her and pressing a kiss to her stomach, his tongue darting out to taste her skin.

"You're right," he agreed, his voice muffled against her abdomen. "Far too many clothes."

His hands slid up her thighs, hooking his fingers in the waistband of her thong and slowly dragging it down her legs. Giselle lifted her hips, helping him remove the last barrier between them.

Once she was completely bare, Kylian sat back, his gaze roving over her naked form with unbridled appreciation. "Magnifique," He murmured, his voice filled with awe and admiration. "You're absolutely stunning, Giselle."

His hands began to explore her body, tracing the curves and planes of her muscles with reverent touches. Kylian leaned down, pressing soft kisses along her collarbone and down to the swell of her breasts.

Giselle gasped, arching her back as Kylian's lips closed around one of her nipples, sucking gently. Her hands flew to his hair, gripping the strands tightly as pleasure shot through her.

"Yes," she hissed, her head falling back against the pillows. "Just like that."

Kylian lavished attention on her breasts, switching between them and driving Giselle wild with desire. His hand slid down her stomach, fingers dipping between her legs to find her wet and ready.

He circled her clit with his thumb, his fingers slipping inside her and pumping steadily. Giselle moaned loudly, her hips bucking against his hand as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.

Suddenly, Kylian pulled his hand away, leaving Giselle whimpering with need.

Kylian sat back, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he watched Giselle squirm beneath him. "Patience, mon amour," he murmured, his fingers trailing up her inner thigh teasingly.

Giselle growled in frustration, her hands reaching out to grab his shoulders. "Kylian, please," she begged, her voice strained with desperation. "I need you."

Kylian's grin widened, his eyes darkening with desire. "I need you too, baby," he replied, his voice low and husky. "But I want to take my time with you."

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips before trailing his mouth along her jaw and down her neck. His hands continued to roam her body, touching and caressing every inch of her skin.

Giselle's hands slid down his back, her nails digging into his muscles as she urged him closer. Kylian obliged, settling his hips between her thighs and letting her feel the hard length of him against her core.

"Is this what you want?"

“Mhmm,” Giselle hummed lustfully as she turned over onto her hands and knees.

Kylian's breath hitched as Giselle positioned herself on her hands and knees, her back arched in a way that highlighted the curves of her body. He drank in the sight of her, his eyes trailing over the dip of her waist and the swell of her hips.

"Fuck, Giselle," he breathed, his voice thick with desire. "You're so beautiful."

His hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he guided himself to her entrance. Giselle pushed back against him, a soft moan escaping her lips as she felt the head of his cock press against her.

“Slow and deep, Daddy,” Giselle murmured as she deepened the arch in her back, looking back at Kylian over her shoulder as the bulbous tip of his cock rested heavily against her entrance, leaking with precum and drenched in her essence.

Kylian's breath hitched at Giselle's sultry command, his heart pounding with desire. He gripped her hips firmly, savoring the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips. With a slow, deliberate motion, he began to push forward, his thick shaft parting her slick folds and sliding deep into her welcoming heat.

"Like this, ma chérie?" he murmured, his voice low and husky. He paused when he was fully sheathed, relishing the sensation of her tight walls pulsing around him. His hips remained still, allowing her to adjust to his size before he began to move.

Giselle gasped softly as Kylian filled her completely, his impressive length stretching her in the most delicious way. She could feel every ridge and vein of his throbbing cock as it pulsed inside her, sending shivers of pleasure up her spine.

"Yes, Daddy," she breathed, arching her back further to take him even deeper. "Just like that. Slow and deep, nice and slow." She reached back to grasp his thigh, her nails digging into his skin as she urged him on.

Kylian leaned over her, his chest pressing against her back as he began to move. He withdrew until just the tip remained inside her, then slid back in with a long, measured thrust. His pace was unhurried, each slow movement designed to draw out their pleasure and heighten the intensity of every sensation. His hands roamed her body, caressing her sides, and her breasts, teasing her nipples as he lost himself in the rhythm of their lovemaking.

"So tight, ma belle," he groaned against her ear, his hot breath sending tingles down her neck. "You feel incredible wrapped around me."

Unable to resist, Kylian landed a feverish slap on her asscheek before using his hands to spread her open from behind. “So fucking beautiful,” he moaned.

Giselle let out a sharp gasp as Kylian's hand connected with her ass, the sting of the slap mingling with the intense pleasure of his slow, deep thrusts. She could feel her arousal growing with each passing moment, her body responding eagerly to his touch and the delicious friction of his cock sliding in and out of her.

"Harder, Daddy," she pleaded, her voice trembling with need. "I want you to break me." She pushed her hips back to meet his thrusts, urging him to pick up the pace.

Kylian growled low in his throat, the sound primal and possessive.

Kylian's grip on Giselle's hips tightened, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he responded to her plea. He pulled back, then slammed forward with increased force, his thick shaft burying itself deep inside her.

"Yes, ma chérie," he groaned, his voice strained with effort and desire. "You want it harder?"

“Yes,” Giselle grunted, a cry of pleasure forcing itself from her parted lips as she threw her ass back on him, her entire body wincing as she felt him tap against her cervix.

Kylian's hips snapped forward, his powerful thighs driving him deeper and harder with each thrust. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, mingling with their labored breaths and moans of pleasure. He gripped her hips with bruising force, his fingers digging into her flesh as he pounded into her relentlessly.

"So needy for my cock," he panted, his accent thickening with arousal. "You love it when I fuck you like this, don't you?"

Giselle could only moan in response, her body shuddering with each forceful thrust. She felt completely consumed by the intense pleasure, her mind hazy with desire. Kylian's dominant presence overwhelmed her senses, and she reveled in the feeling of being completely at his mercy.

"Yes, Daddy!" she cried out, her voice hoarse with ecstasy. "I love you, I love your cock!"

Kylian's eyes flashed with primal hunger at her words. He leaned over her, his muscular chest pressing against her back as he wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand snaked up to grasp her throat, tilting her head back against his shoulder.

"That’s it, ma belle, give me everything," he growled into her ear as he sat up on his knees with her, the position causing him to slip even deeper as she felt his presence in her stomach.

The nasty, obnoxious sounds of their sex filled the air around them as they indulged in a game of give and take.

Their bodies were scorching and their sex was intense as Kylian moved within her, each languid flex of his hips reminding Giselle exactly who she belonged to, body and soul.

Her eyes rolled back as Kylian’s fingers found her clit, his arm wrapped securely around her waist as she melted against him.

Turning her head, Giselle pushed her face beneath Kylian's jaw, breathing him in as he took her to heights she hadn't explored before.

Kylian's fingers circled her clit with expert precision, his touch sending electric shocks of pleasure coursing through Giselle's body. He could feel her walls tightening around his shaft, her body responding eagerly to his ministrations.

"That's it, ma chérie," he murmured, his voice a low, seductive purr. "Come for me. I want to feel you shatter around my cock."

His hips continued their relentless pace, each thrust driving him deeper into her welcoming heat. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened, pulling her flush against his chest as he claimed her completely.

Giselle's breath hitched, her body tensing as the coil of pleasure in her core tightened to breaking point. Kylian's fingers on her clit, combined with the intense sensation of him filling her so deeply, pushed her over the edge.

"Yes! Oh God, Kylian!" she screamed, her body convulsing as a powerful orgasm crashed over her. Her walls clamped down around him, pulsing and milking his shaft as waves of ecstasy washed through her.

Kylian refused to let up, fucking her through her orgasm as he whispered into her ear, slipping in and out of his native tongue as Giselle came apart on him.

“I’m not done with you,” he murmured into her ear.

Kylian's body tensed as Giselle's orgasm gripped him, her walls squeezing his cock like a vice. He groaned deeply, his hips stuttering as he fought the urge to come with her, gritting his teeth. He wanted to draw out their pleasure, to make this moment last as long as possible.

As Giselle's tremors began to subside, Kylian slowed his thrusts, his movements becoming languid and deliberate. He savored the feeling of her body, still quivering with aftershocks, wrapped around him. His lips brushed against her neck, placing soft kisses on her damp skin.

"That's my good girl," he gushed, his lips curving into a smirk against her flesh. “I want to look into your eyes.”

Kylian gently lifted Giselle off his lap, laying her down on the bed. He crawled over her, settling between her legs as he gazed down at her with intense, smoldering eyes. His hands caressed her face, thumbs brushing over her cheeks as he leaned in close.

"Open your eyes, ma belle," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. "I want to see you, all of you, as I make you mine again."

Giselle's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze locking with Kylian's as he positioned himself at her entrance. She could see the desire burning in his eyes, the primal hunger that never seemed to be fully sated when it came to her. It sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine, her body already aching for more of him.

"Yes, baby," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. "I'm yours. Always yours."

Kylian's lips curved into a possessive smile as he slowly pushed forward, his thick shaft sliding into her welcoming heat once more. He watched her closely, drinking in every flicker of emotion that crossed her face as he filled her completely.

"So perfect," he whispered, tucking his arm behind the crease of her knee, allowing for deeper penetration.

Kylian began to move again, his hips rolling in a slow, sensual rhythm as he gazed into Giselle's eyes. Each thrust was deep and deliberate, designed to stimulate every nerve ending in her sensitive core. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss as he continued to move within her.

His tongue danced with hers, exploring the depths of her mouth as he savored the taste of her. One hand tangled in her hair, tilting her head back to deepen the kiss, while the other roamed her body, caressing every curve and hollow.

Giselle wrapped her legs around Kylian's waist, her heels digging into his backside as she urged him deeper. She could feel every inch of him, his thick shaft stretching her walls and hitting that perfect spot inside her with each thrust. Her nails raked down his back, leaving trails of heat in their wake as she clung to him desperately.

"Kylian," she gasped against his lips, her voice breathless and needy. "I love it when you make me take every inch."

Kylian groaned, the sound muffled by their kiss as he felt her walls fluttering around him.

Kylian pulled back from the kiss, his eyes dark with desire as he gazed down at Giselle. He loved seeing her like this, completely consumed by their passion, her body yielding to his every touch. He wanted to possess her, to brand himself on her soul so deeply that she would never forget who she belonged to.

"Every inch, ma belle," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "You take me so well like you were made for my cock."

His hips snapped forward, driving into her with increased force. The bed creaked beneath them, the headboard slamming against the wall with each powerful thrust.

“My pussy was made for you, make me take everything,” Giselle pleaded, her words slightly jumbled amid pleasure.

Kylian's eyes flashed with primal hunger at Giselle's desperate plea. He gripped her hips with bruising force, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he began to move with renewed vigor.

"That's right, ma chérie," he growled, his accent thickening with arousal. "This pussy belongs to me. Say it."

He punctuated his words with a particularly deep thrust, his pelvis grinding against her clit as he filled her. His gaze bore into hers, intense and commanding, demanding her submission.

Giselle gasped, her back arching off the bed as Kylian's thrusts became more forceful. She could feel every inch of him, stretching her walls and hitting that perfect spot inside her that made her see the colors of the universe.

Her legs wrapped tightly around Kylian’s waist, keeping him inside of her as the tip of his cock kissed feverishly against her cervix, her eyes rounding as her mouth fell open in a silent cry of ecstasy.

Kylian's gaze darkened with desire as he watched Giselle's reaction, her body trembling beneath him as he pushed her to the brink of ecstasy. He loved seeing her like this, completely lost in the pleasure he gave her.

"That's it, ma belle," he murmured, his voice a low, seductive purr. "Tell me who this pussy belongs to. Say my name."

His hips continued their relentless pace, each thrust driving him deeper into her welcoming heat. His hand snaked between their bodies, his fingers finding her clit and circling the sensitive nub with expert precision.

Giselle's mind was hazy with pleasure, her thoughts scattered as Kylian's touch ignited every nerve ending in her body. She could feel the pressure building inside her, the coil of pleasure tightening with each thrust and flick of his fingers.

"Kylian," she gasped, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "It belongs to you, Daddy. My pussy is yours."

Kylian's eyes flashed with triumph at her words, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Good girl."

His hips snapped forward, burying himself to the hilt inside her as he growled, "Now come for me, ma belle. Show me how much you love being mine."

Kylian's fingers moved faster on her clit, applying just the right amount of pressure to send Giselle over the edge. He could feel her walls fluttering around his shaft, her body tensing as the orgasm crashed over her.

"Yes, Daddy!" Giselle screamed, her nails digging into Kylian's back as her body convulsed beneath him. Waves of pleasure washed over her, her vision blurring as she surrendered to the intense sensations.

Kylian groaned deeply as Giselle's walls clamped down around him, her orgasm triggering his release. He slammed into her one final time, his shaft pulsing as he spilled himself deep inside her.

"Fuck, Giselle!" he cried out, his voice strained with ecstasy as he filled her with his hot seed. His body shuddered, his muscles tense as he rode out the waves of his climax.

As the last tremors subsided, Kylian collapsed onto the bed beside Giselle, pulling her into his arms. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his heart still racing in his chest.

Giselle was unable to articulate her emotions as her eyes met with Kylian’s, instead, she raised her head, pressing her lips to his as she melted into him, fitting perfectly against his frame.

“I love you,” she croaked as she finally found her voice, her nipples hard against the warm planes of his chest.

Kylian's heart swelled with emotion as Giselle's words washed over him. He tightened his arms around her, holding her close as he gazed into her eyes. In that moment, he knew that he loved her more than anything in this world. She was his everything, his reason for being.

"I love you too, ma belle," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

He captured her lips in a tender kiss, pouring all his love and devotion into the gentle caress. His hands roamed her body, touching her with reverence and adoration.

As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Kylian knew that he would do anything to keep Giselle by his side. She was his partner, his best friend, and his lover. And he would spend every day showing her just how much she meant to him.

"Forever, Giselle," he whispered against her lips. "I'm yours, and you're mine."

Giselle's heart fluttered at Kylian's words, a soft smile spreading across her face. “You’re just trying to turn me on again,” she teased.

“Is it working?” Kylian asked, his hand finding the small of her back as he humored her.

“Can I get on top and show you?” Giselle smirked against his lips.

Kylian's eyes darkened with desire at Giselle's teasing words. He loved her playful side, the way she could go from vulnerable and loving to confident and seductive in the blink of an eye. It was one of the many things that drew him to her.

"Show me, ma belle," he murmured, his voice low and husky. He rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him so that she was straddling his hips. His hands gripped her thighs, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he gazed up at her with hungry eyes.

Giselle's heart raced as she settled onto Kylian's lap, feeling his hardening length pressed against her core. She loved the feeling of being in control, of having him at her mercy. It was a heady sensation, knowing that she could reduce this powerful, dominant man to a trembling mess with just a flick of her hips.

She leaned down, her breasts pressing against his chest as she captured his lips in a searing kiss.

Her tongue danced with his, exploring the depths of his mouth as she grinded her hips against him, coating his length in their mixed essence. She could feel him growing harder beneath her, his thickness pressing insistently against her core.

Kylian groaned into the kiss, his hands sliding up her back to grip her shoulders. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss as he matched her rhythm, his hips lifting to meet hers.

"Reach down and put my cock in slowly," he murmured against her lips, despite his breath coming in short gasps he still had the possessive upper hand. "I want to see everything."

Giselle's eyes locked with Kylian's as she reached between their bodies, her fingers wrapping around his thick shaft. She could feel him pulsing in her grip, hot and heavy, as she positioned him at her entrance.

Slowly, tantalizingly, she began to sink down onto him, her walls stretching to accommodate his impressive size. She bit her lip, a soft moan escaping her as she felt every inch of him filling her up.

"That's it, ma belle," Kylian praised, his voice strained with pleasure. "Take me deep. Show me how much you love my cock."

His hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh as he guided her movements. He watched her face intently, his gaze dark with desire as she took him to the hilt.

Giselle's hips came to rest against Kylian's, his entire length buried inside her. She took a moment to adjust, savoring the sensation of being so deliciously full. Then, with a wicked grin, she began to move.

She lifted herself up slowly, until just the tip of him remained inside her, then sank back down with a languid roll of her hips. She set a steady pace, rising and falling on his shaft with graceful ease.

Kylian's breath hitched as Giselle started to ride him, his fingers tightening on her hips. He watched her with hungry eyes, drinking in the sight of her above him. The way her breasts bounced with each movement, the flush of pleasure on her cheeks, the way her hair cascaded down her back it was a breathtaking view.

"So fucking beautiful," he growled, his accent thickening with arousal. "Look at you, taking me so well. Such a good girl for me."

His hands slid up her torso, cupping her breasts and teasing her nipples with his thumbs. “These are mine,” he growled, swatting her breast and receiving a strangled cry of approval.

“Again,” she whimpered, arching her back so her breasts could press more firmly against his hands. Kylian chuckled softly, enjoying her neediness, and obliged her with another teasing slap, relishing the way her body reacted.

"You like that, don't you?" he asked, his voice low and sultry as he kept a firm hold on her hips, urging her to keep up the rhythm.

Giselle nodded breathlessly, her pleasure mounting with each thrust as she rode him harder. She felt empowered, the way Kylian's eyes flashed with primal need, making her crave more, fueling her desire to please him.

Determined to take control, she rolled her hips in a new rhythm, grinding down onto him with every rise, catching the sensitive spot inside her. The pleasure surged through her, sending electric jolts to her core. She gasped, her body responding eagerly to the stimulation.

"Yes, just like that," Kylian encouraged, his grip tightening as he pushed his hips up to meet her. "Feel my cock deep inside you, claim it all, ma belle."

Unable to match his power, Giselle fell forward onto Kylian's chest her teeth closing around his flesh as he took over from beneath, the sound of their skin clashing filling the room.

Kylian's hands gripped Giselle's hips firmly as he thrust upwards, his powerful muscles rippling beneath her. He set a punishing pace, each snap of his hips driving his thick shaft deep into her welcoming heat. The sound of their bodies colliding filled the room, mingling with their moans of pleasure.

"So fucking tight, ma belle," he groaned, his accent thick with arousal. "Your pussy was made for me."

Giselle could only whimper in response, her body overwhelmed by the intense sensations coursing through her. She clung to Kylian's chest, her nails digging into his flesh as he pounded into her relentlessly. The pleasure was exquisite, bordering on pain, and she never wanted it to end.

"Yes, Kylian," she gasped, her voice strained. "Fuck me harder. Make me yours."

A fierce desire ignited in Kylian's gaze at Giselle's desperate plea. He flipped them over, pinning her beneath him as he drove into her with renewed sense of need.

He needed to be the one to wreck her, to break her apart and put her back together again. She was his in every sense of the word.

By the time the were done, Giselle could barely move as she lay sated on Kylian’s chest, between her legs still tingling with satisfaction. The room was filled with the remnants of their shared ecstasy, the air thick with the scent of their lovemaking and the warmth of their bodies entwined.

Kylian brushed his fingers through Giselle's hair, planting soft kisses on her forehead as she nestled against him. He could feel her heart still racing, a comforting rhythm that matched his own. The connection between them was palpable, an unbreakable bond forged in passion and love.

Giselle sighed contentedly, burying her face against Kylian’s chest as a wave of warmth and safety washed over her. The previous tension from earlier that day felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the intimacy they had just shared. She could still feel the aftershocks of pleasure coursing through her body, a testament to how deeply they had connected.

Kylian tightened his embrace, reveling in the feeling of Giselle against him. He could feel the weight of the world begin to lift, if only for this moment. Everything outside their bubble—the event, the paparazzi, the expectations—all faded into insignificance.

“You okay?” he murmured, his voice laced with concern as he stroked her hair gently. He couldn’t shake the feeling that despite everything they had just shared, there was still an underlying thread of uncertainty that needed addressing.

“I am now,” Giselle replied, her tone soft and filled with warmth. She glanced up at him, meeting his gaze with a smile that held a mix of mischief and affection. "That was... incredible."

Kylian chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. “Incredible? I’ll take that as a compliment.” He leaned down, planting a soft kiss on her forehead, savoring the intimacy of the moment.

“But,” she began, hesitating slightly as she searched for the right words. “We do need to talk about everything that happened earlier.”

He nodded, his expression turning serious as he recalled the tension from before. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. It was unfair to you.”

Giselle sighed, resting her chin against his chest, her expression thoughtful. “I know you’re under a lot of pressure, Kylian, but I want to be there for you. I don’t want to feel like I’m walking on eggshells, especially when I want to support you the most.”

“I don’t want that either,” Kylian replied, his voice earnest. “I care about you too much to push you away like that. It’s just...sometimes I feel overwhelmed by everything going on in my life. The expectations, the constant attention... it gets to me.”

Giselle leaned back slightly, searching his eyes. “You know you can always talk to me about it, right? No matter how heavy it feels for you, I want to know. I want to help you carry the load.”

Kylian’s heart swelled at her offer. The weight of her understanding and love was a comfort that he desperately needed. “I’m still learning how to share those feelings. I always thought I had to handle everything on my own,” he admitted, meeting her gaze with sincerity.

“Maybe you just need to let me in a little more,” Giselle suggested gently. “You don’t have to face it all alone. You have me, remember?”

“Always,” he vowed, squeezing her hand tightly. “I promise I’ll work on being more open with you. You mean everything to me, Giselle.”

She smiled, the warmth of her affection radiating between them like a cozy blanket. “And you mean everything to me, Kylian. I just want us to be able to share everything.”

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss, a silent promise to do better.

[not-so-lost-after-all]

She thought she knew what she was doing, that they can make a deal with the devil and win again against all odds.

Those spawns deserved some peace. Were too dangerous. Dead for so long. Astarion could have had it all - his pain, weakness, humiliation and guilt wiped away in one moment.

Even after he carved the runes into Cazador's flesh, their minds remained connected. So she felt it when it happened a few moments later and it was like some dark cold twisted tenticles spreading through his mind. Then he pushed her out of his head so aggressively her nose started bleeding in the red dim light. It took her a few words with him to realize what a fool she was...

---

He offered to turn her almost right away, to her surprise. After all, what difference does it make after everything she's done for him? She frowned, she's not going to be anyone's puppet.

“But this would be different. I love you, isn't that what you wanted to hear?”

(“Everyone's favorite. I love you.”

“Having fun, aren't you?”)

She sighed and took a few steps to kiss him. Astarion started caressing the back of her neck, practiced touches as she's fully aware but she lets him. Then the grasp around her throat tightens a bit and he punctures her lower lip with one fang. She suddenly felt especially dirty and pushed him away. There's an icy numbness around her chest now because yes, this felt exactly as wrong as she expected.

“Isn't it a little late to be peevish, pet?” he chuckled.

---

There weren't many times they spoke to each other but many times it came down to her decission to remain “pathetic”, “human” or  “unpolished”. He insisted on her being his spawn, she admited to herself resignedly.

He told her once that he should have turned her in her sleep, that would teach her a lesson. He noticed her widened eyes and drank the pain. Then she returned fire with fire. That night she cried in her bed for the first time in a decade, she didn't even know if it's more out of self pity or a gnawing guilt over what she's done to him.

---

“There's no use in us fighting any longer.” He said that with more frustration than sadness. Her temples throbed, slowly processing what he's saying. “It is for the best.”

“I suppose you can say so when I've done terrible things for you with nothing to show for it,” she couldn't resist but her tone was still as calm as she could manage.

That awful chuckle of his again. “The man of your dreams, the hope of him, is your own worst enemy. The greatest crimes in this world are commited for love,” he almost vomited the last word.

No, that's not it but he never understood that's not what she wanted and she failed to really show him.

(“I can't be what you want to see in me.”

“You already are what I want to see in you.”)

He waved his hand like a magician which she would find amusing any other time. “I know how to play with it and I can't resist playing the hand I know.”

She was stunned for a moment - gods, she knew so well he has sharp tongue but even for him, this was a low blow. It was pointless to tell him she'd go back in time if she could but she sure as hell won't give him another satisfaction.

“Well then,” she cracked a smile, “I hope you'll be happy in your twisted way. Don't think of me when you sink your teeth into someone else's neck.”

“Thank you for everything, darling, and don't think of me when you scratch someone else's back.”

(“Stop it, you don't have to say such things,” she started a bit haughtily but quickly mellowed down. “I already said I'm going to help you. And I know I'm far from being your usual first choice. It's allright, I've never been anyone's first choice.”)

---

She was already drunk from four cups of wine when Karlach joined her at the table at the inn.

“One more cup with me and then we'll call it a night, what do you say?”

She grinned at the tiefling and sighed grumpily. “I suppose the last weeks took a toll on me, that's all. Your glorious leader,” she pointed out bitterly, “will be good to go in the morning.”

“Bullshit. Of course it's him. We can leave without him if you want.”

She shook her head. “No, I can deal with him and we need all the help we can gather. He's going to help, even if for his own gain.”

“Then you're stronger than I would be,” Karlach murmured.

“Not really but for now... lets pretend it doesn't hurt at all.”

She emptied the fifth cup to be sure she will blissfully forget what she lost and what she's done, even for the night.

[casspurrjoybell-32]

*Warning Adult Content*

TWO AND TWO - Chapter 9

Naylan

Mavis was confusing the fuck out of me and it was starting to get on my nerves.     

"On one hand, he tells me that he doesn't want us to mate or anything and now he wants us to be friends that kiss sometimes?" I whined to Georgiou's wife, Leigh, as she took the empty cup of beer I had finished before dropping a plate of pizza rolls in front of me.

"Yeah, that sounds like it sucks," Leigh said, grabbing a stool before joining me at the kitchen island.

We were both in the kitchen of her and Georgiou's place.

I stopped by when I was downtown and that was starting to be less and less since the pack in the woods had started to become more stable and self-sufficient.     

"I'm sorry for ranting," I murmured, picking up a pizza roll before taking a bite.

"It's just been getting to me."     

Leigh nodded, resting her head on her raised palm.

"I understand."     

"Like, he said we should be friends who kissed but we haven't done that yet. He hasn't even held my hand," I whined, not carrying that I sounded like a YA novel protagonist.     

Leigh snorted, hiding her grin with the back of her hand.

"You really want that kiss from him, don't you?" 

"Maybe..." I trailed, licking inside my mouth before picking up another pizza roll.

"He's my mate after all. I'm allowed to feel like this, aren't I?" I asked, watching her nod.     

"Oh absolutely," she said, raising the cup of juice she had brought for herself to her lips.

I smiled, letting out a sigh as I stared down at my plate of food.

One evening when I had come over, I had been an emotional mess and Leigh had stepped in where Georgiou couldn't.

It wasn't very long until I told her what my problem was... my mate... my confused as hell supposed to be, life partner that was made and shaped for me by the Goddess.   

"I just want him to be straightforward with me. He seems to like me somewhat, so I'm not sure what he's doing..." I said, narrowing my eyes at the marble island surface as I thought of all the walks I've had with Mavis so far.

He was less on guard these days and seemed to enjoy being around me or maybe he was just happy to have someone to talk to.

He came from a small community of about thirty coyotes and he had told me he was an only child.

After hearing him talk about his father a bit, I understood where his commitment issues might have been coming from but it still frustrates me.     

Don't get me wrong.

I don't think he's playing mind games with me... at least, not intentionally but it does feel like he's leading me on since he can't come up with a concrete answer.     

"Give him time," Leigh said, making me snap out of my thoughts.

I blinked, raising a brow at her.

"It took Len forever to tell Adyen what they were because of the complicated circumstances and I think this is similar in a way..." she paused.

"Not the recessive wolf part but the complicated part," she clarified, reaching out her hand to grab my free one.

The number of bangles she wore was comical to me.

They were colorful and stacked up against each other, making any hand movements from her sound like a rattle stick.

I'm not sure how they haven't stopped blood flow yet, even.     

"Yeah, that's true," I said, narrowing my eyes at her hands.

"He does have people to take care of and he's hesitant about that and a whole other situation that he's dealing with from his past."     

Leigh smiled a little.

"See?" she said, getting up from her chair before picking up her cup and heading for the sink.

"Just be patient."     

I smiled, resting my head on the kitchen counter.

"Yeah, you're right." Leigh always has a way of making things seem trivial and I guess that's why I told her about Mavis and not Georgiou or even Adyen.     

I was drifting in and out of a nap as Leigh washed dishes wiped the kitchen counters down with a rag.

She'd started playing a podcast from her phone and it served like white noise as I waited for her to finish cleaning.

My eyes flickered to the clock sitting on the counter at the far end.

I licked my lips, noticing that I would have to start heading back to the pack grounds soon.   

As I was figuring out what route I would take back the door to the kitchen flung open, making me and Leigh look over to it.

Georgiou was standing by it with a frown on his face as his chest rose and fell.   

"Oh, Naylan, you're still here," he said when he caught my eyes.

His expression softened as his eyes drifted to Leigh.

"I wanted to talk to my wife if that's alright."     

"Alone?" Leigh asked, dropping the rag she had in her hand before wandering over to the kitchen island before pulling out a seat for herself.     

Georgiou seemed to think about it for a while before he shook his head.

"Nah, it doesn't matter if Naylan is here. It might actually be useful information for him."

The blond man I had come to look up to as a mentor strolled over to the kitchen island before pulling out a seat for himself again.   

"I got some troubling information. Remember when I told you a few of the packs were complaining about missing goods?" Georgiou asked, looking at his wife and then me.

"I think I told you too."     

"You did," I said, nodding my head.

The packs had assumed that my wolves had something to do with it.

I was a bit irritated about that but it had been a fair assumption since we'd snatched equipment here and there when we first got to Toronto.   

"Okay, so they found who the culprits were," Georgiou explained and Leigh and I both stared at him.     

"Isn't that a good thing?" Leigh asked, making her husband shake his head a bit.     

"Yes, and no," Georgiou said, looking from side to side as if he was about to drop a bombshell or a secret.

"They tried catching them. It should have been easy since they were described as young-looking and a bit malnourished but it wasn't," he went on, sucking the inside of his lips.

"They shifted into hyenas."     

"Hyenas?" Leigh's voice was small like she couldn't believe her ears.   

"What's shifter hyenas doing in Canada?" her voice was growing higher.

She sounded scared and there was a good reason that she was.

Hyenas were stronger than any wolf... even an Alpha.

It didn't matter how young they were.

The only wolves that could clash with them without running with their legs behind their tails were the small population of dire wolves left and maybe some wolf species that outweighed them, though hyenas tended to be quick on their feet and agile.

However, these were just things we were told growing up, most wolves haven't seen hyena sifters, they were this thing that existed by weren't thought about too much because of distance... they lived in Africa, the middle east and stretched into the Asian continent. 

So, back to Leigh's question. What were hyena shifters doing in Canada?     

"I got some of our hunters to sniff around," Georgiou continued.

"It seemed like a few spotted hyenas escaped from the local zoo and the zoo didn't leak the information so as not to scare people. If there's no sighting by humans, then they're not going to just talk about it and will do their investigation in secret."     

Leigh's lips drew into a thin line as her brows knitted into a small frown

"The thing is, they're not going to ever find them because they're shifters."   

"Exactly," Georgiou nodded.      

"What are we going to do?" Leigh asked, licking her lips as her eyes fell on the table.

"How are we going to catch them...? Should we catch them?" she was rambling now and her being more scared made sense.

A wolf stood no chance against a hyena but a recessive wolf... they were toast.   

"Don't panic," Georgiou said, getting up from his seat before walking over to his wife and standing behind her.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and gave them a small squeeze as his eyes locked with mine.     

"Naylan," he called, making me blink.

"Yes?" my voice shook a little... it was probably from all that I was taking in.   

"We're telling as few people as possible about this," Georgiou said.

"We'll take the humans' lead here. If anyone knew that hyenas were just wondering about the place the mass panic would make them harder to find." 

"I understand," I muttered.     

"Also, keep your meat storages sealed tight. Maybe get extra locks. They're only going after meat, raw meat if they can," Georgiou explained and I nodded my head.

It was only after Leigh and Georgiou excused themselves from the kitchen after Leigh started to hyperventilate that I put two and two together.     

Were the hyenas behind the depleted rabbit population this season?

[i-love-hobbies]

The biggest criticism Lilith's redemption arc gets and Eda's biggest strength

(ft. me getting completely side tracked and wanting a Hooty redemption arc)

Ok, so firstly I wanna talk about real life and then say how it was done in the owl house.

I hate the words "Everyone should get what they deserve." Cause firstly this never happens, secondly, the words are very vague and it opens a window of miscommunication and thirdly, cause in Lilith's case they are focused at, she needs to be hurt in order to change.

There are even people that have said that they are looking forward to watching Lilith suffer (I don't know if I've said it on the internet but I was one of them.)

Revenge has been proven to not make people feel better. And a lot of therapists usually say you need to forgive people. That doesn't mean fix the relationship, it means try to stop wishing they get hurt. Cause the feeling is only hurting you.

Also it's a normal human feeling to be angry, so no I'm not calling people monsters for this. And forgiveness is a hard process that takes a lot of work, but it usually isn't helped by hurting others.

The words people usually use to defend this sentence are:

"Consequences change people's minds or at the very least make them scared of doing it again."

Ok so how about we use this sentence instead, it's short enough and the main mission now is keeping ourselves safe Instead of it being hurting someone, you're still wishing it but it's not the main goal, it's a secondary one.

Well, cause it immediately shows two issues both statements have.

Firstly a friendship with someone that wants to hurt you but is scared of doing so is not a healthy one, cause they'll just try to be sneaky. You can only do it with people that aren't close to you like how the authorities do it towards criminals.

Secondly punishments rarely change people's minds. They've never worked on me, especially when you attack my identity, cause this way you make it even worse. And expecting that you can change someone usually means you're about to fail.

"But we can't get rid of punishments, people will hurt us."

I'm not saying we should. I'm saying our main goal should be our safety and hurting them may happen but it shouldn't be important.

Or better yet:

"Building healthy boundaries to the point where you're not getting hurt anymore, but not going overboard."

Examples:

- You have a friend you see Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. But on Wednesdays, after work, they usually are very ignorant of your feelings and sometimes joke at your expense. So you stop going out at Wednesdays.

They might never ask why you did it and that's ok, cause you're not getting hurt anymore.

But usually they do ask why? You explain to them the issue with respect, don't call them names.

Some people will change after this and you can get rid of the boundary later on.

Other people may acknowledge this and say it's a good idea, cause they are overwhelmed, but never change.

Other other people may start hurting you even more. You build the boundaries even more, sometimes to the point you cut them out of your life, even if they weren't hurting you intentionally.

Which is completely ok if you can't maintain contact without being hurt.

- Eda's handling of Gwendolyn's cures is another good one. She never called her names or anything. She just made sure that Gwen can't hurt her anymore. Cause it wasn't only the cures. Eda's feelings were always getting ignored. She literally couldn't talk with her about anything other than the curse. Her emotions were getting neglected.

- Eda's handling of Tibbles is also an interesting example.

At first after the scamming she just left him. She couldn't see how he could hurt her.

And in episode 14 she killed him. Cause he showed that he would do anything to murder her dump kids and knew their address. Almost same story with Adegast.

Yes murder in this extreme cases can be a healthy boundary.

Lilith's relationships with the owl fam

King:

King didn't know Lilith was living with them and knows about her neglect.

Luz:

Luz would only stand up for others never for herself which is very unhealthy. I don't know if she forgave Lilith, but I can see her not mentioning it if she hasn't and playing along as a teacher.

"The real mystery is how she can be both so smart and yet so wrong at the same time. Academics, am I right?"

The closest one to her she has roasted like this, is her mentor, who firstly makes people feel safe.

"EDA, You're embarrassing me Infront of my crew." - Raine, after thirty years of not seeing her.

Secondly, she was being a jerk, she was teaching Luz about cards while she was begging for magic lessons and was not getting it for weeks.

"Cards, the paper rectangles that old people think are fun."

Heck, she might even be scared of Lilith. She almost got killed.

So far I don't have a reason to think she likes her. She hasn't really talked with her or about her much.

Eda:

Eda has already shown that she can handle conflicts in relationships. Like in episode 9, where she got Luz into Hexside and everything I already said.

I made an entire post about Eda being too emotional and I still stand by it, but serious situations that have to do with relationships, she usually is very rational and good at handling them. Probably because of the curse making her afraid of her anger and countless people attacking her.

At the beginning of the series Eda probably was expecting that the worst case scenario would be for Lilith to catch her and if Lilith isn't given the time to realise what she did, she'd be killed and best case scenario Lilith changes.

Episode 5, where Lilith burned down her wanted posters, episode 8 where Lilith was gonna get her straight in the coven instead of arresting her, episode 11, where Lilith said she wanted for Eda to join on her own and episode 17, where they played grudgby.

Proved to her even more that Lilith cares a lot for her and maybe she will change.

Then episode 18 happened and King wanting hugs and Luz's "Let me die!" Suddenly the worst case scenario became not her dieing but her dieing and the trauma the kids will experience. The fact that they won't have her in their lifes.

Lilith says "Then why were you so easy to curse?!?" This does not sound like "I accidentally did this and I'm sorry." No, Eda thought Lilith did this on purpose. And now her kids might get killed by her own sister cause she was too naive to trust her.

From now on I don't think she was trying to kill her cause Lilith isn't dangerous without raw power like Adegast and Tibbles, but to disable her is a possibility.

To add to this Eda wasn't rational almost throughout the entire finale. She probably didn't pick up on the line "If you would just let me explain." Just like she didn't question why Lilith was thrown in a cage.

Then she learns that Lilith commited treason together with her kids and started feeling like she doesn't know the full story, but Lilith is still a caring person. So she jumps Infront of the beam to save both Lilith and King.

Afterwards Lilith shares the curse and has nowhere to go if she gets kicked out so there is no reason to believe that she would hurt them physically.

I know in a post I said I don't think she fully processed the situation with Lilith. But now I think I was only half right.

She didn't fully process how much she was hurt but she understood Lilith's situation. Forgave her as soon as possible, not immediately. But that doesn't mean she rebuilded the relationship as soon as she forgave her.

First of, the forgiveness part happened after episode 1. The entire episode she was guilt tripping her, which I don't think was helping the situation. It makes Lilith more emotional which then makes it harder for her to face reality.

I'm not calling Eda a bad person for this but I do think it was a mistake.

What wasn't a mistake but a good thing is Eda wasn't the one to listen to her problems, it was Hooty. Cause her emotional health matters too and standing in one room with her sister is challenging.

And now I'm wondering does Eda know about how Lilith was treated by both the coven and their parents.

Eda calling Lilith a tool, seems to me more of them competing with each other rather than the recent events. Also Lilith forcing her rules without saying why they are there.

I'm glad the episode ended with them switching roles, where Lilith is now more powerful. Though I'm pretty sure the roles are getting switched again.

So what about the rebuilding of the relationship or should I say trust.

Well they didn't show us much, but I think the trust isn't fully back.

Cause she has only been proving that she can be physically trusted like when she saved King's life.

Eda never opens up, which is unhealthy. But in this case it's a healthy boundary, cause King did it and he got Lilith projecting onto him.

Lilith isn't good at being mentally supportive and still has bad habits.

Lulu and Hootsifer

Hooty helping Lilith was something, she really needed and didn't take for granted, cause the only one to ever even consider this is Eda.

They are buddies that look out for each other. I wouldn't say they talk a lot about feelings as they have no idea how to do that, but there are examples where they do.

Like "What kind of a witch am I?" and Hooty's letter.

Her letter for Hooty, was supportive, but ignored the issue of Hooty always being in people's personal space.

Which led to Hooty drugging Eda, kidnapping three children and almost killing said kids when his plans didn't work the way he wanted. He also ate the letter for King.

I want a Hooty redemption arc, now!

[pigeontheoneandonly]

OC Interview

Thanks @bardofheartdive​ and @citadelsushi​!  I've been wanting to do this one.  :)

Tagging @maxrev​, @practicingproductivity​, @not-plaidweave​, @thexgrayxlady​, and anyone else who wants to do this!

Answering for Nathaly Shepard, circa post-ME2.  She's not one to really open up, so I've answered as if she were talking to herself or someone else she trusts completely.

By FAR my favorite image of her is by @kauriart​: https://kauriart.tumblr.com/image/188072982445 

But I'm not sure if she'd be cool with me re-posting it, so have a screenshot of exasperated Nathaly (pre-freckle-mod, because all of those are still laying in a giant pile):

name ➔ Nathaly Zelena Shepard.  Zelena was my grandmother, and Nathaly was my great aunt.  Someone gets tagged with Nathaly every generation, so we were overdue.

are you single ➔ I'm not sure.  I don't feel single, but in strict technical definition, I guess I'm not not single either.

are you happy ➔ I'd like to think I'm getting there. it's been awhile.

are you angry ➔ Yes.  All the time. It's… getting old.  But there's no simple way to move on from things you couldn't control.  Admitting you had no control is almost worse.

are your parents still married ➔ My parents have been married for thirty-five years.

NINE FACTS

birthplace ➔ An Alliance Kodiak, tail number AS7842, en route to Arcturus.  Right between the fire extinguisher and the pressure relief valve if you believe my mother.

hair color ➔ Red.  It's natural.  You'd be shocked how often I'm asked.

eye color ➔ Blue.

birthday ➔ April 11, 2154.

mood ➔ Hell if I know.  I wouldn't turn down a sandwich.

gender ➔ Female

summer or winter ➔ Fuck planets. Fuck seasons.

morning or afternoon ➔ Morning.  Hell, when I was active duty, I got up so early afternoon was basically evening.

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ➔ Yes. Because the universe is a cruel place.

do you believe in love at first sight ➔ I do not.  Like at first sight, sure.  And I'm not talking about lust-- though that happens too.  Sometimes you meet a person and immediately know you'll get along.

who ended your last relationship ➔ It was mutual. Once trust is gone, you don't have a relationship anymore.  All we had was a formal acknowledgement of that fact.

have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ Yes.  I would've given anything not to.

are you afraid of commitments ➔ Afraid feels too strong. I'm not really compatible with commitment, or putting other people first.  But it doesn’t terrify me.  

have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ {laughs} You know, I have?

have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ Do you know what "secret" means?

have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ More than once.  And more than twice.  Pretty regularly, if we're being honest.

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ➔ Love. Absolutely.  Maybe.  Sex is wonderful and it doesn't hurt as much.  But--- No. Love, definitely.

lemonade or iced tea ➔ Neither tempts me, but if I have to choose, iced tea.

cats or dogs ➔ I've never had a pet. Gut feel says cats, but I'm not familiar with either.

a few best friends or many regular friends ➔ You can't put a price on being understood.  No amount of casual acquaintances fill that void.

wild night out or romantic night in ➔ I've had enough wild nights.  God, I’m old. {sighs}  Make me a drink and let me sleep, and I’m yours forever.

day or night ➔ Day.  Usually.  Night has its charms.  

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ➔ A lot less frequently than I wasn't caught.

fallen down/up the stairs ➔ I've experienced the occasional localized spatial rearrangement whereby the stairs became proximate to parts of me other than my feet.  It's something quantum, I'm sure.  Commander Shepard isn’t clumsy.

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ Sure.  Who hasn't felt that ache? Sometimes feels like I've done nothing for the past year but want things I can't have back.

wanted to disappear ➔ How do you think I wound up at the ass end of the Terminus?  Sometimes the only way to get a moment to yourself is to outright vanish for a little while.

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ➔ {glances away and smiles to herself, a little silly} Eyes.

shorter or taller ➔ Not many people are taller, so I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of comparison.

intelligence or attraction ➔ Someone used the term sapiosexual in my presence once and my soul fled my body.  I think by attraction you mean are they hot, but attraction is the sum total of so many things, and the difficult part is that chemistry is different for every person that draws you.

hook-up or relationship ➔ Depends.  You only want relationships with particular people, and if they're not available, a hook-up does just fine.  Better, actually, than a relationship with the wrong person just for the sake of having one.

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ➔ I think sometimes arguing is how we show our love.  Especially between mom and me.  But dad's sometimes worse, because how I live makes him worry, and the way it comes out… I'll take mom's lectures over hurting him like that.

would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ Yes.  I resent the implication that this is an inherently bad thing, or needs fixing.

have you ever ran away from home ➔ I never really had a home to run away from. Where would I go?  Space?  The Martian planitia?  

have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ I sort of got thrown out at eighteen. Thrown directly into the navy, but I was well aware of the alternative.  Hard to blame them, considering.  I was a handful.  Since then? Kicked out of bars, sure.  Got kicked out of a Home Spun once on account of unintentionally shooting up the place.  I'm banned for life.  The duvets of the world miss me desperately.

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ Hate is a strong word.  But sometimes experience binds you more tightly than how much you enjoy someone's company.  Sometimes in a life as weird as the one I've led, it's more important.

do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ Not all of them.  That said, it's amazing how close the past several years made the those I have left. If I've been lucky in nothing else, I've been lucky in my friends.

who is your best friend ➔ Kaidan.  Before he was anything else, even if he's never anything more again. I don't think I knew what a best friend was before I met him.  

who knows everything about you ➔ Kaidan always sees straight through me, and it's damn annoying.  And wonderful, being seen like that.  But mostly annoying.

[jonathanspenguinboxers]

This is my favorite quote from Amatis and probably in the entire book because it perfectly encapsulates the theme of the book, and calls out one of the biggest enablers to people like Valentine

I adore the circle and this is why, it’s so important if you can take away what’s meant to be taken

Oh my god, Amatis is so freaking good here. I love how she's developed this self-awareness as an adult about how passivity is what allowed Valentine to hold so much power over her life. He was able to establish himself as a dominant figure when they were teenagers, so once they got older and he started pushing his friends to do things against their moral beliefs they all went along with it because it was easy. They were all just following orders.

I also really like Amatis's acknowledgement that even though she understands the harm that comes from failing to participate in government, she still doesn't do it. It's not enough to know what's right, you've gotta take action to back up your beliefs or else you're just letting other people decide what should and shouldn't happen. The thing with TMI is that it's all about the power of individuals to incite change, but it's not just leaders who are responsible for political actions. Individuals need to choose who to support, and when they step back and do nothing then that's a choice too.