#warning i spell it cass and i like it

[serpentandlily]

Arcane - Azriel x Reader

Azriel x DeathGod!Reader

Summary: Azriel never thought he’d find his mate, was convinced the Mother hadn’t even given him one because he was unworthy. That is, until he stumbles upon his mate while looking for the most unusual ally.

Based on this request.

Warnings: very brief illusion to past SA

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“We’ve exhausted all our options,” Rhys declared, dropping his head into his hands. “I’m afraid another war is on the horizon. Koschei cannot be dealt with alone.”

“I don’t understand. The weaver and the bone carver were able to be killed,” Cassian interjected. “Why is it impossible for us to find a way to kill Koschei?”

“It took the might of the cauldron to defeat them,” Rhys explained.

“Well, then let’s ask Miriam and Drakon if we can use the cauldron,” Cassian replied, giving the obvious answer.

“It would be no use,” Feyre sighed. “I destroyed the book. We’d have no idea how to cast the spell the King of Hybern used that day. And we risk Koschei, himself, getting his hands on the cauldron.”

“There’s got to be another way,” Mor chimed in. “Something, someone, that could be as powerful as the sorcerer himself. He wasn’t the only God that found their way to Prythian.”

“Most of them are locked up in the Prison,” Rhys said. “And the Prison would not allow us to free any of them even if we wanted to.”

“Az, how has your search for Bryaxis been going?” Feyre asked.

“Not good,” Azriel answered honestly. “It’s like that thing disappeared from Prythian entirely.”

The room was silent for a moment until Amren sat up straight. “Wait, there is someone we could go to for help. As a last resort.”

Rhys lifted his head, staring at her with a heavy resolve. “No, absolutely not. It is too dangerous.”

“You said it yourself, we’re out of options!”

“What are you two talking about?” Feyre asked, looking between them.

Rhys let out a long breath. “Bryaxis…had a sibling. If you could even call her that. Someone who also came from wherever he slipped through from.”

“And why haven’t you mentioned this before?” Mor asked with a glare, crossing her arms.

“Because,” Rhys started. “Like I said, it’s too dangerous to get into contact with her. She’s…well, to be honest, no one really knows much about her. She keeps herself in a dark cave somewhere in the middle. Likes the darkness as much as Bryaxis does.”

“If no one knows much about her, then how do you know she’s dangerous?” Feyre asked. “Everyone was scared of Bryaxis until I went down there and was helped by it.”

“I’ve been told stories of her from my father,” Rhys explained. “How in the past, long before any of us were born, she could cause the fall of entire armies. Could level any court into rubble and dust.”

“And if that’s true, then doesn’t it speak to her character that she hasn’t done any of that? Maybe she is good of heart,” Mor suggested.

“We’re out of options, Rhys,” Amren said. “She might be our last hope.”

“Fine,” Rhys sighed. “I guess we better get ready for a trip to the middle.”

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

“Alright, maybe this was a bad idea.”

Azriel glanced at Cassian to see him frowning as they stood in front of the dark cave. It was just him, Cass and Rhys who had come here to try and find this creature to ask for help. But it seemed Cassian was already losing his nerve.

“I tried to tell you,” Rhys muttered under his breath. “Azriel, can you scout ahead with your shadows?”

As soon as those words left Rhysand’s mouth, Azriel’s shadows darted ahead, trailing into the cave in a flurry. Azriel’s eyes widened as he was left standing completely bare, exposed. Not a single shadow had stayed with him, which was unusual. He tried to brush it off, tried to hide how uncomfortable he felt without them.

They waited expectantly but his shadows never returned. Azriel’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“I can’t call them back,” he said to his two brothers watching him. “They aren’t listening to me.”

“That’s…unusual,” Rhysand said, stroking his jaw.

Nothing more was said as the darkness in the cave seemed to grow and grow, almost extending out towards them despite the sun overhead.

“Who are you?”

The feminine voice was sensual yet sweet, playful almost. Nothing like he had been expecting. It struck something inside of Azriel, making his chest ache. Rhysand stood up straight, switching from brother to the High Lord in a mere second.

“I am Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court,” Rhys answered, plucking a piece of lint from his coat. “If my sources are right, I believe you are y/n, sister of Bryaxis.”

“That I am,” the voice answered. “Why are you here? No one ever dares come here.”

Those words might’ve seemed like a threat, but her tone was light, curious.

“We’ve come to beg a boon,” Rhysand answered honestly. “There is another Death God who threatens war. We have been unable to stop his efforts.”

“Nobody has ever asked for my help before,” the voice said back in that same curious tone. “And what of Bryaxis. Will they help as well?”

“Bryaxis…Bryaxis was freed by my High Lady. We have been unable to find them.”

A step in the darkness. Another. Light footsteps came closer and closer to the edge of the cave. Azriel’s heart rate picked up, his hand falling to truth-teller. Cassian’s face was white and he looked ready to flee.

“You are afraid.”

It was not a question. Just a statement. But Rhysand answered it like it was.

“Bryaxis is made of nightmares,” he explained. “Something so terrifying to us. Perhaps you do not see it the same way but I imagine you are much the same and that is why we are…nervous.”

A laugh. A light, lilting laugh. Something sparked in Azriel’s chest.

“Me and Bryaxis are not made of the same thing, but opposite. A balance for our world,” the voice said. “Bryaxis is made of nightmares but I am made of dreams.

“Then why do you hide in the shadows?” The question came out of Azriel’s mouth before he even realized he was speaking. He could see his own shadows now, twirling in the darkness as if they were home.

“When we were captured, Bryaxis caused them fear so they were locked below the earth.” Her voice was sadder now, more serious and Azriel found himself hating that. “But I-I caused them…something different than fear. So they kept me locked in their bed chambers for decades, centuries, until I was able to escape. But then I learned those that did not desire me, feared me instead for the same reason. I was either caged or hunted. That is why I hide here.”

A shiver ran down Azriel’s spine. His face hardened at what she was implying. The fae who had captured the two Gods had locked one beneath the library and had used the other for…He felt sick to his stomach.

“If you are to help us,” Rhysand spoke, “I can promise you that we have no intention of keeping you locked up at all.”

“I do not trust the fae. Bind your words to magic and perhaps I will help you in return.”

“What is it that you want from us?”

It was silent for a moment, as if she were pondering.

“A place to stay. A place to live. Somewhere safe from being hunted or kept as a prisoner. A chance to live in this world, outside of this cave. To get to experience all that you do. That is what I wish for.”

Azriel knew that wish. Knew it all too well. For it was one he had for years while being locked in his father’s dungeon. So maybe that is why he found himself stepping closer to the cave, found himself unafraid of the darkness that had captured his own shadows.

Maybe that was why those words slipped out of his mouth before he could think of the repercussions, before he could be held back by one of his brothers.

“I will promise you that, y/n. I will promise you the opportunity to experience life outside of this cage, outside of the darkness.”

He could feel the heavy stares from his brothers on his back but he didn’t turn around, didn’t look anywhere but that darkness, even though he felt so exposed without his shadows.

Another footstep.

And another.

Until a figure began to emerge from the darkness, finally stepping into the light.

Azriel’s breathed hitched, his eyes widening in surprise. He wasn’t sure what he had been expecting, but it hadn’t been this.

Because before him now stood the most beautiful female he had ever seen. The type of beauty only a Goddess could possess. The type of beauty that had his head spinning, had his heart palpitating in his chest.

She smiled and he felt the whole world pause in that moment. It was a sight that would bring any male to his knees. A sight that could start wars.

She held out a small, delicate hand.

“Then I will help you, shadowsinger,” she said.

He mindlessly took her hand in his, shaking it as the sting of magic burned on both of their skin forming a bargain tattoo on the inner wrist. He looked down at it to see what the magic had created out of their promise to each other.

Swirls of shadows with a small lunar moth emerging at the end. A creature that sought light, finally leaving the darkness.

When he met her eyes again, those beautiful expressive eyes, he stumbled back a step. Stumbled as a golden thread unwound itself in his chest and pierced straight through the universe to the female standing before him.

⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽ ⟡˙⋆

The battle lasted thirty-seven days. Koschei was defeated, the females he had spelled were freed. Beron had been exposed for helping him and was killed by Eris finally, bringing a new leader to Autumn.

And things were finally at peace.

“What are these again?”

Your index finger poked at the spongy thing on your plate. It smelled sweet, good. And it was warm to the touch. You glanced up to see the shadowsinger watching you, amused.

“Those are pancakes,” Azriel answered with a chuckle.

“Pancakes,” you repeated, slowly, testing the word on your tongue. “I thought cakes were desserts. Not breakfast.”

“They are a bit different from cake. Made in a pan instead of baked in the oven, hence the name,” Azriel explained.

You hummed in response, taking a bite out of one of the pancakes. “Hm, just as sweet as cake.”

“I might’ve added a bit more sugar than normal to them,” Azriel said, rubbing the back of his neck. “To satisfy that raging sweet tooth of yours.”

Your cheeks heated, that ticklish feeling in your stomach came again. A feeling you had never felt before this month and still had yet to make sense of. It made something in your chest ache when you looked at Azriel.

“You made these?”

Azriel nodded. “Someone slept through breakfast with the others.”

Your cheeks turned even redder.

“You should’ve woken me up,” you muttered before stuffing more bits of pancake into your mouth.

“You deserve to rest, y/n.” Azriel was still watching you with that little glint in his eyes. “After everything, you deserve to rest.”

Since coming to Velaris to help with Koschei, Azriel had been the one to show you around, to help you learn the customs of the fae. He had so much patience for you and your endless amounts of questions.

The others had helped you as well, had welcomed you into their home with open arms, but there was just something special about Azriel. You felt some sort of pull towards him. As if the darkness inside of you called to his.

He was beautiful, more than any God or male you’d ever seen before. And beneath his icy exterior, he was sweet and kind. Thoughtful. Witty.

You enjoyed being with the others but you preferred times like this, when it was just the two of you. He was less shy, more at ease, when it was just you. And something about that made you happy.

Seeing him smile, even when it was just the faintest expression, brought you joy like you’ve never felt before.

And Gods, he brought out so many emotions you had not felt in a very long time, some you hadn’t even known you could feel. You had begun to crave his presence. Desire it. You wondered if he felt the same.

“Did you still want to come with me to the city today?”

Azriel’s voice pulled you from your thoughts. That’s right, Azriel had cryptically told you he needed to pick something up from Velaris today. When you had asked him what he was getting, he had refused to answer.

“Yes, I would like to.”

“We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”

An hour later, you found yourself in Azriel’s arms, flying down to the city. Your heart was pounding in your chest at how closely he held you, like he was afraid you’d suddenly fall from his arms. You kept your own arms around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair.

You still remembered the few hours after the last battle. The showdown with Koschei had left you depleted, covered in wounds, but otherwise okay. Still, Azriel had burst into your tent with panicked eyes and only seemed to be calmed when you had let him tend to you like a mother hen.

You didn’t know what to make of his behavior. But you did know that being in his arms made you feel safe.

“Can we get more of those honey mooncakes on the way back?” you asked, trying to distract yourself from the ticklish feeling in your stomach again.

Azriel laughed, his chest rumbling against your body as he tightened his grip on you. “That sweet tooth of yours really is insatiable.”

“I didn’t get to finish mine from last time,” you said in defense for yourself. “Cassian got to them before me!”

“Well, next time tell Cassian to go get his own,” Azriel said. His breath ghosted against the tip of your ear, causing a trail of goosebumps on your skin. “I buy them for you, not him.”

Once again, you found yourself with red cheeks and a swelling heart. Ever since he had discovered your sweet tooth, Azriel had a habit of leaving sweet treats out for you. At first, he found it hilarious that a Death Goddess craved pastries of all things. But now he found it just downright adorable.

When the two of you returned to the House of Wind, you found Feyre and Mor waiting for you. You barely got out a small goodbye to Azriel before they were pulling you away, telling you it was time to start getting ready for the night.

Tonight was Starfall. Something you hadn’t seen in centuries. The girls helped you get ready as day turned to dusk and finally night.

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Mor giggled, leading all of you out of the room and up to the main balcony. You could already hear the crowd and the music.

You felt nervous as you reached the top, your eyes instantly darting around to find that one person you were always looking for these days.

Azriel stood with Rhysand and Cassian, dressed in all black, finely tailored pants and a matching coat. He looked handsome, yet still beautifully lethal. The darkness and light bounced off the elegant planes of his face, causing his hazel eyes to glow golden.

When he caught sight of you, those eyes widened and you felt them roam your entire body. You’d always hated being looked at in such a way, but not with Azriel. Never with him.

In fact, you found yourself getting heated under his stare.

Rhysand and Cassian moved to their respective mates, leaving you to greet Azriel alone. He took your hand in his, pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles.

“You are stunning,” he whispered. “Absolutely stunning. Happy Starfall.”

You blushed. “Thank you.”

Azriel gave you a rare smile that had your heart pounding. You peered at the crowd, watching the faeries enjoying their evening. Azriel stood with you, his fingers brushing against yours in a comforting gesture. He knew you weren’t the biggest fan of crowds, not when your presence was met with so many stares of both fear and desire.

“What are they doing?” You looked at the crowd of faeries that seemed to all be paired off, moving to the music from the band.

Azriel’s lips twitched, like they always did when you asked him a question like this. “They’re dancing.”

“Dancing,” you repeated. The word sounded familiar, like something you had known in a past life. You had spent so many years in that cave, you had turned into a mere shadow of who you used to be.

“Would you like to dance?”

Azriel had turned to look down at you, running a hand through his hair. His shadows curled around his wings.

“I don’t think I know how,” you whispered.

He held out his hand to you. “That’s alright. You can follow me lead.”

You bit your lip but decided to take his hand. He had promised you a chance of experiencing the world as it should be. He hadn’t led you astray yet.

He pulled you to the dance floor and you mimicked the other pairs, keeping one hand in his and placing the other on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around your waist, yanking you closer to him.

The music started up again and Azriel began to lead you through the dance. It was easier than you thought it would be or perhaps he was just a good lead. Still, it wasn’t long before you were smiling and being twirled around in his arms.

You danced like that for a while, basking in the feeling. The soft music, the laughter, the gentle faelights above you. You had never felt so alive. And it was all thanks to the male who held you in his arms.

A slower song came on, some pairs leaving the dance floor. You looked around in question until you realized the pairs who had remained held a more intimate position. You copied them, placing your arms around Azriel’s neck.

Both of his arms wrapped around you now, resting on your lower back.

“Is this okay?” He leaned down to whisper in your ear.

You nodded, letting him drag you even closer until your bodies were pressed together. The dress you were wearing was thin and you could feel all of him through it. His hard chest, his sculpted muscles.

Azriel swallowed audibly, swaying you gently to the music. You laid your head on his chest, letting him rest his chin on top of your head. Every inch of you that touched him was on fire.

You closed your eyes for a moment, just letting yourself feel this, embrace it. You’d never felt like this before. So warm and light. It felt like it was just you and him that existed.

That is until you opened your eyes. You suddenly felt overwhelmed as you noticed lingering stares. A lot of them. You felt uncomfortable under the weight of them.

“What’s wrong?”

Azriel had some sort of sixth sense when it came to you. He always seemed to know what you were feeling before you said anything.

“Everyone’s looking at me,” you muttered under your breath, staring up at him.

He raised his head, looking around with narrowed eyes. That caused most of them to look away, not wanting to risk the shadowsinger’s wrath.

“Come on,” Azriel whispered. “I know somewhere we can go that’s more private.”

He enveloped you in his shadows until you were stepping out of the darkness and into a rounded alcove somewhere else on the balcony. Vines dangled down from the roof, trailing down the pillars holding it up.

You stepped forward, placing your hands against the stone railing. You could see the crowd below, the one you had just been in. Still hear the music and still see the night sky. You turned to face Azriel.

“Thank you,” you said. “I-I just hate it when they stare. Like I’m some weird creature.”

Azriel stalked forward until he was right in front of you, so close you had to tilt your head up to look him in the eyes.

“They don’t stare at you because they think you’re weird,” Azriel replied. “They stare at you because you are beautiful.”

His hand rose and brushed a strand of hair behind your ear. Your heart skipped a beat. Your mouth parted to say something but a roar of cheers cut you off. You whirled around to see thousands and thousands of stars beginning to soar through the sky.

Your mouth dropped open. It was more beautiful than you remembered. The stars kept falling and falling, like cascading fireworks. So bright and breathtaking. You couldn’t stop the small laugh that escaped your mouth, standing on your tippy toes to lean over the balcony as if you’d be able to reach the stars.

An arm circled your waist and Azriel’s front was pressed against your back as he held onto you.

“Careful,” he whispered in your ear, scared you were going to tip right over the edge and fall down the steep mountain.

“So beautiful,” you murmured, staring up at the stars. “Oh, it’s so much better than I remembered it from all those years ago.”

“It never stops amazing me,” Azriel said. “No matter how many times I watch it.”

You both watched in silence for a little longer, letting the music and laughter and cheers fill the space. Eventually, you turned in his arms, now pressed against the railing.

“Thank you,” you said again, “for bringing me here.”

“Anything for you,” Azriel whispered, raising a hand to rest on your cheek. His eyes were filled with a reverence that stole your breath away.

A brush of magic zipped by in the air and you gasped, raising up your wrist. The tattoo was gone. The bargain had been fulfilled. You had defeated Koschei and Azriel had given you the opportunity to live a life more than you had dreamed. That chance at life was in your hands now.

“The tattoo is gone,” you said, grasping his arm and pulling back his sleeve.

Your eyes widened to see his tattoo still there. The lunar moth emerging from the swirls of shadow.

“Wha—”

“I got it tattooed,” Azriel cut in. “Permanently.”

You glanced up at him in question. “Why?”

“Because I always want a reminder of what I promised you,” he said, his thumb stroking your cheek. “What I still promise you, y/n. A life worth living. I want to continue showing you the world, to be there when you experience new things.”

You were speechless. Completely, utterly speechless.

No one had ever shown such devotion to you, such care and love. Your heart swelled up, your chest ached.

“Azriel,” you stuttered out. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he replied. “I was trapped in the darkness once too. I know what that’s like and I never want you to fall back into it. I don’t need anything from you, just the chance to be there with you while you learn, while you feel.”

Something was building inside of you, building and building until it was ready to break out. You rubbed at your chest, at the unusual feeling.

“I feel this…I feel this thing inside,” You said, gesturing to your chest. “Do you know what this is? Do you know why I feel this way?”

Azriel grabbed your hand and placed it on his chest, in the exact same spot yours ached.

“It is the mating bond,” Azriel answered, softly. “I feel it too. Right here. I have since the day I met you.”

His shadows swirled around like they had been waiting for this. You felt your own darkness rise in response until the two had joined together, watching together from the dark crevices.

“A mating bond,” you repeated.

Something snapped the moment you said it out loud. As if a question you had been asking your whole life had finally been answered. A gold thread was woven between the two of you, a beacon of light in the darkness. A place for that moth to call home.

You gasped looking back up at Azriel. Now that you recognized the bond, it grew more taut. You stumbled closer to him, fisting his coat in your hands.

“A mate,” you whispered. “You're my mate. I..I didn’t even know Gods could have mates.”

“Say it again.” Azriel’s voice was as dark as the shadows. A shiver ran down your spine.

“Huh?”

“Say it. Say that I’m your mate again.”

“You’re my mate,” you whispered, looking up at him through your lashes. “My mate.”

A quiet whine came from the back of Azriel’s throat that sent heat between your legs. Your eyes widened. A muscle in his jaw clenched. The air around you was charged and you felt like you had been set on fire.

“And you are mine,” Azriel growled. “My mate.”

His possessive tone only made that heat grow. Your lips parted, a small breath leaving your lungs. His eyes glanced down to your lips, hungrily. You gave him the smallest dip of the head, the permission he was waiting for.

Azriel surged forward and crashed his lips against yours. You stumbled, your backside hitting the stone railing behind you. You met his vigor with your own.

His lips were soft and warm. And his kiss felt like heaven and hell all mixed in one.

He groaned as you deepened the kiss, tilting your head back to give him more access. You yanked him closer, wanting to feel him everywhere. You never craved someone as much as you craved him.

His tongue swiped your bottom lip and you opened for him, letting him claim your mouth. His scent was intoxicating, he tasted like pure sin. You could drown yourself in him.

Your hands trailed up from his chest to circle around his neck. His own hands were holding you by the waist, pulling your hips into his. They traveled down your thighs until he was lifting you up, seating you on the stone railing, never pulled away from your kiss.

You parted your legs, letting Azriel step even closer as he finally pulled away, trailing kisses down your jaw to your neck. You whimpered at the feeling of his canines grazing the sensitive skin.

His nose traced the column of your throat before he rested his forehead against yours. You were both panting, both completely lost within each other.

“Wait,” Azriel breathed out, squeezing his eyes shut for a second. “I got you something. I don’t want to forget to give it to you.”

Because he would. He would forget his own name as long as the sweet scent of your arousal filled the air. Would forget the whole world existed if you kept staring at him like you were.

He pulled a small black box from his pocket, handing it over to you.

You opened it, gasping at the beautiful ring displayed inside. It was made of gold with a mesmerizing amethyst gem in the shape of a teardrop, accentuated by crescent moons on both sides and tiny stars.

“Azriel,” you breathed out. “This is beautiful.”

A small smile ghosted his lips.

“May I?”

You held out your hand and he pulled the ring out of the box before sliding it onto your ring finger. It was the perfect fit. You admired it, twisting it under the faelights to see the gem glow.

“It’s perfect,” you sighed.

“I had it made just for you,” Azriel said. “It’s what I had to pick up in the city today.”

“I-I really don’t know what to say, Azriel.”

Azriel rested his forehead against yours. “Just say it again. Tell me you feel this too. I’ve been searching for you for over five hundred years now and I just need to hear you say it. Again and again. Until I can wrap my head around it. Until I realize I’m not dreaming.”

You smiled, lifting up to press a small kiss against his lips. Your heart fluttered in your chest at his words, at the realization of why exactly the bargain had been fulfilled. You had asked for someplace to be safe, for a home, a chance to live. Azriel was giving you all of that and more.

“You are my mate. And I am yours,” you murmured against his lips. You pulled back to look him in the eyes. “All I’ve ever wanted was to find somewhere to call home. Being with you, being in your arms—that feels like home to me, Azriel. The one I’ve been looking for my whole life.”

Azriel’s eyes searched yours, as if he was trying to find the lie in your words. But there was none. Of course there was none. You were falling in love with him.

“Does this mean you want it?”

“It means I want you. I want all of you, everything.”

Azriel smiled and the sight nearly blew you away. You giggled as he held you close to him, buried his face in the crook of your neck. He kissed your throat once, twice.

“Then I think we’re due for a long vacation,” he murmured against your skin.

You knew what he was referring to. The frenzy that would come with this. Just that thought alone caused a tantalizing ache between your thighs.

“I think so too,” you whispered back as Azriel pressed kisses up your neck and jaw.

He held your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing against your skin as he stared into your eyes. His gaze was filled with so much promise, so much love. And then he kissed you again and everything felt right in the world. You were home.

[danikamariewrites]

Nexus Being

Cazriel x reader

A/n: Happy poly week day 3! I am so excited to give you this scarlet witch reader fic and hope you like it. @polyacotarweek

Warnings: slight angst and fluff at the end

You pace in front of the hearth in Rhys’s office. Lost in thought, sorting through the pros and cons of what your High Lord, friend, and brother has just asked of you. 

Rhys leaned forward. His elbows on his knees, jaw clenched as he waits for your response. The High Lord didn’t feel good about asking this of you. But Helion couldn’t come up with a solution nor Thesan. Prythian was out of options and you are the last resort. 

You stop, inhaling deeply before closing your eyes. Rubbing at your face you turn to Rhys. That distressed look from when he asked you the unfathomable still pulling at your features. 

“She didn’t leave me the book.”

“I know, but you have to understand-”

“No, Rhys,” you say as calmly as you can, “she didn’t leave me the book.” 

The High Lord nods slowly, taking in the vital information you just dropped on him. “She did leave me other books. Spells that can help but that one is gone. I can come up with something but I need all the time you can give me.” 

“I will do what I can, but delaying Koeschi doesn’t seem likely.” Your eyes wander as you think. 

“I haven’t done this since before she died. Not even Cass and Azriel know.” 

“I can tell them if you want.” He offers gently. “No,” you whisper. “I’ll tell them myself. I just need time.” Rhys nods again. It seems like that’s all he can do right now.

———

The first step was Windhaven. The next, a High Lords meeting. Your stomach was in knots over the thought of telling your mates who you are. What you inherited. 

Your mother, an advisor to Rhys’s father, was the infamous Scarlet Witch. A gift that wasn’t supposed to be passed down. Or so harshly. According to Rhys you rivaled your mother in power. 

Scared of the potential destruction you could cause to the world or reality you buried your powers. Only letting magic out when there was an unbearable tightness under your skin. You passed it off as the magic you inherited from your High Fae father. But that can only explain so much. 

Staring at the suit you made changes to to fit your body and be more in line with your fashion sense. Your eyes quickly glancing over the crown that rests across your forehead has you losing a shuddering breath. An intimidating gift indeed. 

You could hear Cassian and Azriel changing into their leathers in their own closet. Speaking in hushed tones. 

Your mates still don’t know you are going with them to Windhaven. Rhys couldn’t give you the time you needed. Thanks to Koeschi’s new impatience the plan has been moved up by weeks. 

A knock on your closet door had you jumping out of your skin. A ring clad hand resting over your chest to keep your rapidly beating heart inside. It was now or…later you guessed. Better now. 

Slightly opening the double doors so your mates could only see you, you stare up at them. They tried their best not to look so tense but failed miserably. “Hey y/n/n, we just wanted to say bye. It’ll be a few days but we’ll be home before you know it.” Cassian said softly, cupping your face in his large hands. Azriel’s shadows began to stir curiously. His eyes narrowed as two floated up to his ears. You swallowed nervously which Cassian mistook as longing for your mates. 

But Azriel knew. Knew you were holding back. Opening the doors wider you look down at the duffle bag you packed hours ago when Rhys told you to. The males looked down then back to you confused. “Why are you…” Azriel trails off. One of his shadows quickly darts into the closet to investigate your secret. When it hits the shield you put up a red ripple, like a rock hitting a pond's smooth surface, disturbs the darkness of your closet. Opening the doors all the way you turn your back on your mates. Not wanting to see their reactions. 

“I have something to tell you.” Your shoulders tense as you feel their apprehensive gazes on you. Raising your hand a pinkish-red light surrounds your fingers. Waiting to do your bidding, to be shaped in your image. With a slight swish of your fingers the shield dropped, revealing your black and scarlet ensemble with the crown to match. 

Turning back to face them you had silent tears running down your cheeks. Their mouths opened as shock took over. They knew that crown. What power you possess. Before the males could ask questions you went on.

”My mother was the Scarlet Witch. As you know she was part of Rhys’s fathers council. I was never supposed to inherit her power, but the universe has other plans. I know she is supposed to be a horror story. But my mother was the kindest woman I knew. She taught me everything to know about wielding this…unusual power. 

“I don’t know everything though. When she died her book went with her. I’m not sure if it just turned to dust or if the gods placed it elsewhere. Truthfully, I’m glad it’s gone. The thing turned sane people mad and I had no interest in ever opening it. My first lesson was that all magic comes with a price and there is a lot I’m not willing to pay for.” 

You turn to face them, standing taller than before, tears now dried. “I’m coming with you. Rhys asked. And before you say anything, know he gave me a choice. I am doing this to save us.” Your voice broke on the last word. Tears threaten to spill again at their silence.  

There was a quiet rage swimming in Azriel’s eyes as he held his tongue, not daring to speak in case he said something he regrets. His eyes glued to your suit. Cassian was in awe of you. Of the power you hold. The bond humming as the full power between the three of you is revealed. 

All Cassian did was hold out his hand to you. Showing he did not fear you. Waving your hands over your torso that scarlet light runs down your body, dressing you in your suit and crown. 

When your mother wore it you thought it was the most beautiful piece of clothing. Now that you wear it you don’t know what to think.

It is your now though. The cloak clasped around your shoulders is your mother’s broach of the three faced goddess. You kept the scarlet corset, adding a black body suit under it. The elbow length gloves stayed the same except for the fingers. You changed them to a black fabric to mimic your mothers hands after using that damn spell book so much. The boots were new too. A matching scarlet leather with black ruins painted on them for protection. 

Taking Cassian’s outstretched hand you grapes your bag in the other. He gave you a small smile. Azriel couldn’t even look at you. Wouldn’t. 

As shadows wrapped around the three of you, you reached out to Azriel only to hit a dark wall guarding his heart. 

———

The trip to Windhaven went exactly as Rhys had planned. Devlon was terrified to see the Scarlet Witch once more. The soldiers fell into line out of fear, ready to listen to Rhys and Cassian’s every command. 

You had trailed them through the camp. Head held high as you kept power eminanting from your hands. You felt uneasy about the whole thing. Like you were lying.  

As soon as you got back to Rhys’s mothers house you made a beeline for the bathroom. Gripping the the sink, closing your eyes, you take a deep breath. A soft knock on the door has your head shooting up. Looking at your reflection your eyes glued to the crown perfectly balanced on your forehead. It had never felt so heavy before.

Another knock, a little louder this time, forces you to open the door. Your met with Cassian’s soft face as he looks down at you. “Hey sweet pea, want to talk?” You nod. He steps aside, following you to the empty bedroom. You noticed your and Cassian’s bags were unpack while Azriel’s still sat at the end of the bed untouched. 

You nervously pulled at the fingers of your gloves, pacing next to the bed. Cassian gently perched himself on the edge of the bed, waving you over to stand between his massive thighs. Cass dramatically swishes your cloak out and places his hands on your hips. 

“I’m very proud of you, sweet pea. Today was tough but you got through it. It is no easy feat to face Devlon and our armies like that.” Cassian pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around your waist. Rubbing a hand up and down your spine. 

“Thank you, love.” You softly kiss his forehead, holding his jaw. It’s hard to fully accept that your mates are proud when one of them isn’t here. Azriel hasn’t spoken to you all day. Just to Rhys and Feyre when needed. Other than that he has been doing only the Mother knows what. 

Cass sends love and adoration down the bond noticing the shift in your mood. “Give him time. We’ve all had secrets, he’s just processing.” You nod, running your fingers through his hair. “Can we go to bed, it’s late?” “Of course, sweet pea.” 

Sleep evaded you that night. Trapped in Cassian’s arms you waited for Az to come to bed. Tears pricked your eyes when the sun started to come up, yet there was no sign of your mate. 

—-——

The High Lords meeting had you even more anxious than the camps. Rhys made sure you stayed hidden. 

Before heading into the meeting your High Lord asked you to wait until you were called upon. Your mates didn’t like that. They fought with their brother, accusing him of treating you like a party trick when you were so much more. “Whatever it takes to convince them.” You had bravely told the males you love. It made their bickering cease but you could still feel their unease.

As they left Azriel’s gaze lingered on you. Giving him a small wave, sending a pulse of love down the bond.  

Pacing in front of the doors to the meeting room you toy with the gold rings decorating your gloved fingers. The Day Court sentries guarding the room were tense. You could smell the fear on them as they looked everywhere but at you. 

Rhys tapped on your mental shields. The signal for you to finally present yourself. With a wave of your hand the gold and mahogany double doors open. All eyes were on you except your court. You knew they were sat with smug, nonchalant looks on their faces. “May I present, the Scarlet Witch. Born again and even more powerful than her predecessor.”   

There was an sharp intake of breath that echoes around the room. Helion and Kallias and Viviane looked surprised but bowed their heads at you. Tarquin was just exasperated. Sick of the tricks the Night Court has up their sleeves no doubt. 

Tamlin and Thesan looked shocked. Like they were ready to attack in case you breathed wrong. You stood by Rhysand, looking like the perfect picture of boredom as you stared down your nose at the Lords. 

Beron stood, surprisingly in front of his wife and children. Flames dancing wildly at his finger tips. Pointing at you Beron began his tirade. “We knew how her mother was! How dare you keep this from us Rhysand! The witch must-” Shadows swarmed the Autumn High Lord, binding him to his seat and keeping his mouth shut. 

“Must what Beron?” Azriel asked, tone cold as death. Anger danced in his eyes as he moved to the edge of his seat. Poised to attack no matter the outcome. Before the situation could escalate you hold up a hand wreathed in that scarlet light. “Thank you love, but you can let him go.”    

“If you want to have a chance against Koeschi I am your best bet.” You say staring down the High Lords. “Now,” waving your hands sending scarlet power out candles appear in a circle on the floor and floating around the room. A stack of spell books in the center of the rune on the floor, “I have casting to do and it would be best to leave me be.” 

As they head out Azriel and Cassian linger in the doorway for a few moments. You don’t look back, knowing they’d distract you. Sitting criss cross on the floor you spread the books out with a wave of your hands. Turning your hands palms up the books float up as you do keeping your legs crossed. Closing your eyes you focus on Kosechi, the spell to keep him bound to the lake, and how to rival his power.   

Hours later you're finally back in the room you're sharing with your mates. Leaning against the door you rub at your temples. Mother, you forgot how much of a headache spellcasting gave you.

Your mates stood from their chairs in the small sitting area. Looking at you like you were a power bomb ready to explode at any moment. Breezing past them you stop at the vanity, beggining to take off your rings and other accessories. The crown coming off last.

Behind you, Cassian and Azriel are having a silent conversation. Cass urging Az with his eyes to say something. Azriel clears his throat, "Y/n, can we talk?" Letting out a sigh you turn and lean against the vanity, crossing your arms. You raise a brow at him to go on.

"I want to apologize for my silence towards you, my love. Processing your powers has been a lot for me." You couldn't believe your ears. This was a lot for him? "It's been hard for you? Imagine what it's like for me! I never wanted to inherit this or control it. I live in fear of what I could potentially do to the world. I thought you, my mate, of all people would understand, especially with your shadows."

Cassian looked terrified. He just wanted peace between the three of you restored. The stare down going on between the two of you was nothing like he had ever seen before. Two different sets of dark power ready to be let loose.

Azriel broke first. His shoulders slump with silver lining those bright hazel eyes, now dim from shame. "It made me doubt the bond." You and Cassian were caught off guard by his vulnerability. "What," you whisper. Cass stepped up to hold his shoulders, leaving a small kiss on temple. "C'mon Az, tell us what's wrong."

Guiding him over to the couch, Cassian sits next to Azriel as you kneel in front of him, holding his scared hands. "When you revealed you were the Scarlet Witch all I could think of was the reality bending aspect of your powers. I immediately started having thoughts about the bond between the three of us not being real. That the Cauldron didn't gift me this love. That you created it and my world was going to come tumbling down. I know you would never do that after seeing you in the camps and at the meeting today. Hell, I knew you would never do that period.

"I'm sorry I thought so low of you. I just-I got so scared that you kept this from us, y/n. Please forgive me." He give you a pleading look as tears fall down his cheeks.

You can't deny the pain in your heart at Azriel's confession. You could never in a million years even fathom manipulating a person into a mating bond. Closing your eyes your own tears fall silently down your cheeks.

"Azriel, I would never ever do that. To either of you." Your voice wavers from the lump forming in your throat. "I can't say I'm not hurt but I do understand where you are coming from." Standing, you place yourself on Azriel's lap never breaking eye contact. He wraps his arms around your waist to keep you close. Cassian watched you both with hopeful eyes.

Placing a hand on Azriel's chest you send love down the bond. "Do you feel that?" "Yes."

"Does it feel real?" "Yes." You give him a small smile. "Then it's real Az. No spells, no witch craft. That golden thread between us is as real as the Cauldron." Azriel pulls you into a crushing hug against his chest. "I love you," he whispers into your hair. "I love you more."

"I love you most," Cassian chimes in, gathering the both of you in his strong arms. "Lets make a promise that from now on there are no more secrets between us, yeah?" You both stare up at him, nodding your heads. "Promise," you say in unison.

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

Name Your Price — Amren x Reader (Starfall Week)

Hiiii! Here’s my little piece for @starfallweek 2024. I hope you all like it 💕my beautiful soulmate @greeneyedivy helped me name it 💅🏻

I used the prompt “character A finally makes a move on character B”. I’ve never written for Amren before so this was quite fun!

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 3.9k

“You’re sure you don’t want me to fly you back up?”

Cassian cocks an eyebrow at you, the steadiness of his hold dissipating as he tugs his arms from around you. Though your feet are on solid ground, it takes a moment for your equilibrium to right itself. Being in the skies is something you haven’t yet become accustomed to, despite three of your closest friends sporting wings. And being flown on Starfall is an experience entirely of its own.

“You’ll miss the best part,” Cass complains, peering up at the dark canopy above you. The sky is beginning to stir as the stars ready themselves for their journeys. It won’t be long before they’re soaring and crossing.

And tempting as it is to stay and watch the sight that never lessens in its magnificence, you feel…different this year. Like there’s somewhere else you ought to be. Someone else you ought to be with.

“I’m sure,” you dip your chin. “You go, Cass. Enjoy it.”

But he doesn’t move. He studies you head to toe, studies every shred of effort you put into your appearance — hair and makeup perfected, a stunning outfit hugging your body. You feel beautiful, no doubt — and yet you’re leaving after a mere hour of drinking on the balcony with your friends.

“You know she’s just going to be holed up in her apartment with the curtains drawn,” Cass says. “She hates Starfall.”

You cock an eyebrow. “Who?”

“You know who.”

Amren.

Is it little bit humiliating that you’re so damn transparent? Perhaps. But Cass is one of your closest companions — you can hardly expect him to believe that you’re simply leaving to return to your own home and switch your stunning dress for your pyjamas.

You shrug a shoulder. “I just want to check on her, is all.”

“Hmm,” your friend’s lips twitch. “I’m sure.”

With a roll of your eyes, you swat his ludicrously huge arm. “Go back to the party,” but you lean up to press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you — for flying me.”

“Good luck with the tiny little rain cloud. She’ll be even crankier tonight than usual.”

With a lopsided smirk and a fond — and annoying — mussing of your hair, he launches back into the sky and heads back to the House of Wind. You stare after him, wondering if you’re making the right choice.

Because when Amren says she wants to be left alone, she means it. But…you don’t know. Things have been changing. Things have been…different.

This is your third Starfall, since your move to the Night Court after the war. A native of the Day Court, it had surprised you to find yourself so at home in a place of starlight, so opposite to what you’d always known. But as one of Helion Spell-Cleaver’s nearest and dearest, you’d worked closely with Rhysand and his Inner Circle during those fraught times of battle and bloodshed — and bonded with them far more than you’d ever expected yourself to. Become an honorary member of their unit, so to speak.

And when Rhysand had courteously invited you for a visit to Velaris after the war was over, you’d known from the second your feet had touched the cobbled streets — this was where you were supposed to be.

Three years later, with a home here, a job as a Night courtier…it was hard to imagine you’d ever been anywhere else.

And perhaps the most notable and unexpected connection you’d forged was the one you had with the with the tiny creature whose barbed, edged words were — you’d learned — a sign of affection.

You did not understand Amren one bit. She was a mystery you couldn’t puzzle out, a being that was sometimes so harsh, it was hard to believe she had any warmth in her at all. But Rhysand giving the two of you a subject he’d needed you to research together had brought you closer, over the recent months. Had shredded through that trepidation you’d once felt around her and shifted it into something…different. Something exciting.

You find that try as you might, you can’t stay away.

And that’s how you find yourself strolling those cobbled streets of Velaris, dressed up to the nines and stars beginning to burst above you. You could be spectating the brilliant sight with your friends, but something tugs you towards the other side of the city. To the loft apartment with the sloping windows and the strange, intriguing female who dwells within

Indeed, as you approach, you find those windows to be blacked out. Blocking out the sight of what is occurring in the skies. You almost smile, but now you’re nervous and second-guessing yourself a little. You could turn away, go home — in all likelihood, Amren won’t want to see you.

But tonight feels different. Tonight feels like a reckoning.

So you swallow your nerves and decide you’re doing this.

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

You knock once, and a voice that is both nightmare and fantasy calls out, “Go away!”

Not unusual for Amren. She tells guests to go away, even when she’s invited them.

So you brace a hand against the door and call back, “It’s me.”

There’s a beat. And then small footsteps are padding closer. There are the sounds of bolts being undone, locks clicking. Whatever it is Amren feels she needs keep out is little more than a distant thought as she yanks the door open just a tad and eyes you suspiciously through the gap. Her steely gaze takes in your dress, hair, makeup. She lifts her chin.

“Why are you here?” she asks.

You shrug. Feel a little pathetic as you answer, “I thought I’d come see what you’re up to.”  

“Why.”

“Perhaps I find your company to be just slightly more scintillating than Cassian’s.”

At that, there’s the briefest twitch of her lips. She masks it expertly. “A dead rat has more to offer in the way of company than that boy.”

You snort, rubbing at your arms. Goosebumps are pebbling your skin. The air is too brisk to comfortably be stood in for too long.

Amren studies you again, and too quickly for you to register, she’s widening the gap in the door and yanking you in by the front of your dress. She slams the door shut and gets to work refastening the bolts, sliding across the chains, securing every lock. It’s all you can do to stand and watch.

And then she turns to face you with a neutral expression — one that says that if you find anything peculiar about her behaviour, shut the fuck up. You know she won’t tell you what’s got her so on edge, so you don’t bother asking.

Instead, you turn, still rubbing at your chilled skin, and study the general disarray of her huge, open-plan studio apartment. Her bed is unmade, her trinkets and baubles scattered across various surfaces. And on the numerous overlapping rugs that cover the floor, a gathering of books, some stacked in a pile, others tossed aside, a few open on certain pages. It would seem she is spending the night going over your recent research.

“Perhaps a drink?” you ply, angling away from the mess.

She quirks a dark eyebrow. “Tell me, what is it about you and the others barging into my home and making demands of me?”

“I believe it’s customary to offer your guests refreshments.”

“I believe I didn’t ask for guests in the first place.”

Her words, to anyone outside your circle, would sound so sharp, so harsh. But you know Amren, now. That last sentence vaguely translates another meaning: I wasn’t expecting guests, but thank you for coming. Of course I’ll get you a drink.

Not that she’d ever say that in a million fucking years.

She saunters past you, towards the kitchen area. As she goes, she closes the open books and throws them onto the stacks. Picks up empty glasses.

“Don’t clean up on my account,” you say, knowing full well that she isn’t.

“I’m not,” she confirms. “I don’t want your clumsy feet treading on anything,” she places the empty glasses in the sink and turns to you. “What do you want to drink? There’s wine, wine, or wine.”

“I’ll have the wine, then.”

With the barest incline of her head, she turns her back to you. While she’s occupied, you take a moment to study the covered windows, everything that blocks out what’s occurring outside. Even the skylights are covered, and your lips twitch at the thought of her wrestling her way up there to fasten drapes over them.

It’s all so methodical, so thought out. And though you know she’d probably never tell you, you can’t help wanting to break down that barrier and know the more vulnerable side to her that is so unsettled by this holiday.

A glass is placed in your hand, and you clear your throat, ripping your gaze away from the skylight — but not fast enough for Amren not to notice.

“It unsettles me,” she says drily, surprising you.

You try your hardest not to blink at the offered snippet of information. “What does?”

“Starfall. What it is. What it signifies.” Taking a slow sip of her wine, she sits on the rug. You follow suit. “Those stars, beings, whatever you want to call them…they are on a journey. Going from one place to another. Perhaps from one world to another. That was once me.”

“…and that unsettles you…”

“Perhaps I know one of them, from many, many years ago. Perhaps they are an associate of a time and a world long-forgotten. A past friend or foe or—”

“A lover?” you supply. You’re not sure you mean to say it.

But Amren’s grey eyes slide to you, and one side of her mouth lifts into a wicked grin, bearing sharp white teeth. “Does that surprise you?”

“Yes. No. I suppose I know nothing of your personal relationships. Of what you like.”

“I like what I like, and I hate what I don’t like.”

You stare at her, thoroughly annoyed and thoroughly entertained. Speaking with Amren is so often trickery and riddles. No matter how much you may feel like you’re getting somewhere, she always leads you on a merry dance that circles you back to the first step.

“And what of you?” she asks, surprising you.

Your eyes snag on the way her razor-sharp black hair moves as she angles her head. The ends tickle the column of her long, creamy neck, adorned with a jewelled necklace. For one moment, for some reason, the sight makes your head empty.

But you shake yourself out of the bizarre reaction and ask, “What of me?”

“What do you like?” Amren asks.

You almost snort as you take a long sip of your wine. Amren is simply not somebody who asks questions about other people very often. And the topic of your love life seems like one that would be trivial and pointless to her.

“Are you asking because you want to know?” you smile. “Or to be polite?”

Another flash of those brilliant teeth. “Have you ever known me to be polite?”

“I suppose not, no.”

“So tell me, girl, what takes your fancy?”

Draining your glass, you set it aside and lounge back, bracing yourself on your hands. And perhaps the wine is already commanding your mind and blurring lines — because it tells you to glance down at the full lips in front of you, painted with red that’s deepened by the dark nectar she sips at.

You do.

Amren watches. The air seems to shift.

“Pour me another glass,” your voice comes out huskier than you intend, “and I’ll tell you.”

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

“Lions?”

Rare, for Amren to sound like anything besides being perpetually bored. An hour or so later — and too many glasses later — the two of you are sprawled back on the rug, staring at the ceiling.

“Helion keeps lions?” she turns her head to quirk an eyebrow at you.

“Yes,” you answer with a laugh in your voice. “Very real, very fucking huge lions.”

“I rather thought that Pegasuses were his thing.”

“They are. But his lions are a prided jewel of his — and a court secret that I absolutely should not be sharing with you.”

Her petite, lithe body rolls onto its side. She crooks her arm at the elbow and rests her chin there, staring at you through glazed, grey eyes.

It takes only a beat of eye contact for you both to break into laughter.

This is…unusual. And nice. Though the two of you have undoubtedly been growing closer, Amren always has a glass wall up that allows you to peer through but not penetrate. Tonight is the first night that you feel that…that you might be on the other side of that wall. That she might be letting her guard down for you.

You like it. A lot.

The laughter thinning out, she stares at you. It’s a little strange to see those sharp, angled features not appear harsh and ready to slice at anyone. She appears…open. Almost normal.

“Lions,” she repeats, in something like wonderment. “And they just roam about his private estate? Are they tame?”

“He has sprawls of private land on which they can roam freely,” you tell her. “That land is guarded very well, from anyone he doesn’t wish to share the sight with. The lions are very tame. There’s a rumour — though I never got Helion to confirm it — that they once walked on two legs and spoke our language. That thousands of years ago, a curse bound them to their feline form that even Helion’s vast libraries hold no answer to cracking. And since they weren’t able to break the curse, he and his predecessors set to ensure that they would, at least, always be safe and accommodated and able to live comfortably as they are. If it’s true, they seem perfectly happy in their lion bodies.”

“So Helion allowed you access to them? What are they like?”

You smile — at the images that the question conjures up, and the fact that you hold Amren’s interest enough for her to ask it at all. It makes you feel…proud, somehow. Like the cat that got the cream.

“Amazing,” you rest your arms behind your head, taking yourself back to that private land on which you spent so much time — just you and the lions. “They’re just…regal. The males have huge, brilliant manes. The females are so lithe and elegant. The cubs are painfully adorable. There are families of them. Sometimes, they fight. Often, they play. They love to snooze in the sun and frolic in the long grass. The youngsters love splashing each other in the lake. If they recognise you as someone they can trust, you can comfortably sit with them and stroke their fur. They especially like you if you bring them food.”

There’s such a long pause as Amren takes in your words that after a short while, your eyes slide to her, half expecting to find her asleep. But she simply stares at you. Quiet. Assessing.

“I think I would like to see lions,” she says after a moment. To her, it seems to be a huge confession. Something not easy to admit.

You study the perfect lines of her face. That face that appears in your thoughts when you’re trying to sleep, think about absolutely anything but her. You’re not sure you like how drawn you are to her. She’s so unreachable that it only makes you reach harder. So difficult to work out that sometimes, you question if she delights in your company at all.

It is, after all, you who always seeks her out. Since you began your research together, it’s been you who has found excuses to see her.

You who barged your way into her home tonight, while stars collided above you.

And you who might do something unwise if you stay any longer.

You clear your throat, breaking eye contact. Your head feels as though it’s filled with cotton as you sit up and announce, “Perhaps I should go.”

Amren pauses. “Why?”

“I didn’t mean to take up your entire evening.”

“You could stay,” she also sits up, tucking her legs beneath her. “You never did tell me what it is you like.”

You take a moment to just…breathe. You’re not used to Amren being so…warm. It’s dangerous. Exciting. You don’t know if it’s safe.

Slowly, you turn on the floor to face her. “I’m not sure you’d appreciate the answer.”

A dark eyebrow arches. She likes doing that. “Tell it to me anyway.”

Should you? Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Maybe you’ll tell her that thoughts of her keep you awake, not in the forms of nightmares but in the allure of fantasies. Maybe then she’ll cease all work she does with you, and distance herself from you, and you can rid yourself of these feelings—

“You are what I like,” you speak quickly, flushing hot. “Who I like. I was thankful when Rhysand tasked us to work together, because I was already drawn to you. It seems I can’t stay away—”

A flash of dark hair, the potent scent of perfume and wine, are the only warnings you get before Amren is in your face, her perfect mouth sliding over yours. Wine is the overpowering taste of the kiss, but there are hints of other things behind it — sweet vanilla and something floral.

It takes you by surprise, no doubt. But you push the shock away and sink into the rightness of it. Your shoulders slump, body loosening. You slide a hand up to tentatively cup Amren’s cheek, and you kiss her back.

What starts out slow and explorative quickly builds into something that steals the very air from your lungs. Your bodies seem to move in perfect synchronisation, finding the right positions from which the kiss can deepen and grow. Amren kneels between your legs, and a sharp tooth gives the slightest, twinging bite to your lower lip — one that makes you gasp.

The act is deliberate. She slides her tongue into your mouth, folding it around yours. Your tastes mingle until you’re not sure which is yours and which is hers, and that simply will not do. You want her on your tongue. The flavour of her skin and that scent of hers that is quickly growing stronger, thicker, shifting into something else that you would commit sins to taste.

Your fingers sink into Amren’s hair, and she makes a low noise that could be a warning or a plea. The strands, despite always looking sharp enough to slice through rock, are silken, soft. You fist them in your palm and tilt her head back to kiss her deeper.

But she pulls away, her heavy breaths landing on your lips. Her eyes meet yours, and it’s the first time you see her looking anything besides…steeled. Composed.

She looks flustered. Like pulling away from your mouth was the last thing she wanted to do.

“I don’t know what this means,” she blurts.

The admission makes you pause. You agree, “Neither do I.”

“No—not just this. What you do to me. I don’t know what any of this means,” she narrows her eyes at you, almost accusatory. “Emotions like these have always felt pointless to me, but you…”

“…but me?”

“You…” the word is leaden on her tongue. “You are different.”

Her gaze slides to your mouth again, and you can tell that her comfort is in articulating her feelings with actions, not words.

And that is just fine by you.

Like she reads the encouragement straight from your thoughts, a breathy word escapes her. “Yes.”

And then she’s fastening her lips on yours again and stamping out every shred of confusion. No matter what either of you are unable to say, the dance of your mouths can speak it all. For now, no more than that is necessary.

Amren kisses you, and you kiss her. It’s deep, desperate, yearning. It’s bigger than anything and everything. The stars that race through the sky pale in comparison.

This is the real beauty of this night. The real thing you had hoped for. It could end no better way.

You kiss until your mouths are bruised and tender. Until the taste of wine is gone, and there’s nothing but the two of you on your tongues. For all you know, the rest of the world outside this apartment could have disappeared. You’re not sure you care.

You’re the one to pull away this time, but you don’t move far. You part your lips to gulp down breaths and press your forehead to Amren’s. Your voice is a rasp as you joke, “You better not be kissing me just so I’ll show you the lions.”

She laughs — actually laughs. It’s a short, brusque chortle, but it makes you glow with pride.

But she quickly sobers. Her face is serious once more, her eyes drinking you in.

“I’m kissing you, girl,” she says, “because I think about you too much. Because the very first time I laid eyes on you, it scared me — what I might do to look at you forever.”

You try to mask your surprise. You hadn’t realised—

“It was me who suggested to Rhysand that you and I should work together,” she admits. She pulls back a little, as if urging you to read the honesty on her face. “It felt pathetic and foolish, but I did it to be close to you. I can’t stop myself wanting to be close to you.”

Exactly the same feelings you had tortured yourself with all this time. To think that Amren had agonised over it just as you had is comforting, somehow.

You reach out a hand, pinching a strand of her soft hair between your fingers. She watches the action closely.

“Don’t stop yourself wanting it,” you say, not at all sure that it isn’t a plea. “Don’t stop yourself, when I want it, too.”

“…I’m not used to being…unsure of things.”

“Embrace it,” you offer a smile. “Have fun with it.” With me.

She stares at you, brooding and calculating. You wait for her to decide that this is too out of the realms of familiarity. She won’t allow herself to be so vulnerable.

But then she moves her hand to yours — the one still touching her hair. Slowly, tentatively, she laces your fingers together. She stares down at your joined hands as though the sight is alien, fascinating.

“Stay,” she eventually says, glancing up at you. There’s an undertone in her voice, an inference.

“…the entire night?” you hedge. You try to keep the hopefulness out of your tone.

Her red lips lift into a smirk, grey eyes glimmering. “On one condition.”

“Name your price.”

Your heart picks up as she leans in again. Her hair tickles your cheek, and she watches closely as your skin flushes at the proximity. Her lips hover against yours.

But instead of kissing you, she whispers four words that land straight on your waiting mouth.

“Show me the lions.”

[oldmannapping]

Ficlet: Bodyswap (Dick-Jason and Tim-Steph)

Based on my own prompt, which wouldn't leave my brain.

This is a body-swap fic with only the awkwardness. None of the bonding. Just the weird uncomfortable parts. Okay maybe a little of the bonding.

Excerpt:

Across the Cave, a furious voice echoed off stalagmites and startled several bats.

“Why are you so HORNY ALL THE TIME?!”

An indignant, and equally-bat-startling voice immediately responded.

“Why AREN’T you?!”

It seems there was an impasse.

It’s a tale as old as time. Batfamily meets warlock, warlock fumbles a spell, warlock disappears in a cloud of smoke, Batfamily realises they’re body-swapped…

You know. That old classic.

WARNINGS: Mentions of menstruation, mentions of sex drives and sexuality, swearing

Across the Cave, a furious voice echoed off stalagmites and startled several bats.

“Why are you so HORNY ALL THE TIME?!”

An indignant, and equally-bat-startling voice immediately responded.

“Why AREN’T you?!”

It seems there was an impasse.

It’s a tale as old as time. Batfamily meets warlock, warlock fumbles a spell, warlock disappears in a cloud of smoke, Batfamily realises they’re body-swapped…

You know. That old classic.

Dick and Jason were glaring at each other. Themselves. Each other, in each other’s bodies. You've got it, it's not your first rodeo right?

It’s been three days since the unfortunate warlock incident. As well as Jason and Dick, Tim and Stephanie have also been body-swapped in a move that seemed particularly designed by the spell/universe to cause maximum rage to Steph and mortification to Tim.

Jason and Dick have refused to allow the team to be locked down because Fuck Off, You Can’t Tell Me What To Do (Jason) and Bruce For The Good Of The Team We Need Some Space Because If We Murder Each Other It Will Be Bad For Morale (Dick).

Bruce might have held out for longer but Alfred’s visiting family in England and without his arched brow of British judgement, Bruce tends to let his children pick whichever course of action seems like it will cause the least about of hassle to Bruce’s personal routine.

He didn’t love them in the Cave 24/7 either. He’s had to ship Cass and Damian off to one of his nicer safehouses because having to manage four moody, hormonal, body-swapped vigilantes was hard enough without the mental load of school pickups and packed lunches. He misses Alfred. He’s hiding in his office at the moment, getting more Wayne Enterprises work done than he has in years.

Jason and Dick, and Tim and Stephanie, have spent three days in each other’s bodies, absolutely not patrolling or going anywhere that they’re likely to be recognised, but exercising and getting coffee and generally behaving like prisoners on day release. Zatanna has assured them that these sorts of spells usually fizzle out after less than a month, so it’s just a waiting game.

Apparently, they are bored. Apparently, they’re getting on each other’s nerves again.

Jason, in Dick’s body, has just raked his hands through his hair and pulled it nearly hard enough to rip it out.

“Why are you so HORNY ALL THE TIME!?” he has bellowed.

Dick’s reaction is to pull Jason’s body to its full height in indignation. “Why AREN’T you?” he shouts back.

Jason is at the end of his rope. “Everyone you see!” he says, pointing a finger at Dick. “I was just going for a fucking RUN. I just wanted some exercise, because this fucking body can’t go three minutes without goddam MOVING. And it just wouldn’t SHUT UP.”

He’s so mad. He continues: “This fucking body checks out EVERYONE. You’re constantly just sizing people up and thinking about boning them. ALL THE FUCKING TIME.”

Dick is also mad. “That’s not true!” he rebuts. “I notice people! We’re trained to be observant! Yeah, one of the things I notice about them is attraction. That’s NORMAL. That’s what people DO. At least I’m not thinking about the best ways I could incapacitate some poor 15-year-old barista.”

Jason flares Dick’s nostrils. “I do NOT think about hurting kids.”

Dick scoffs. “No, you think about hurting EVERYONE. Everyone you see is a threat. How could I take this person down? Am I stronger than this person? Is that lady hiding a gun in that baby stroller? All day long! You think that’s normal? You think that’s better than noticing if someone’s attractive?”

“It’s more fucking useful, especially in our line of work. You think you’ll ever save the day with a heroic boner?”

“Oh my god stop talking about it!”

“I wish I could stop THINKING about it! I had to SHOWER in this goddam body. Do you know how hard it is to ignore someone else’s boner in your shower? I nearly punched myself in the dick, pun fucking intended.”

Dick makes Jason’s teeth grind. “Do NOT break my penis.”

Jason points at Dick again like he’s a giant disobedient dog. “I will get your FUCKING nipples pierced if this body has one more hard on. I’m not fucking around.”

Dick flails Jason’s huge arms. His fluid, lithe movements look very out of place on a muscle-bound heavyweight. Almost campy. “I have literally ZERO control over that right now. You realise that right? You realise you sound ridiculous.”

“You’re the one who conditioned your body to be like this. Make it stop!”

“I don’t know if you forgot about this part of puberty or if you were just too busy being angry and emo and FARTING to notice, but boners are a fact of life, suck it up.”

“Firstly, some of us actually eat vegetables - YOU need more fibre in your diet, Grayson, don’t get me started on that – and secondly, sorry I didn’t condition myself to repress freakish amounts of lust. I must have been too busy DYING and being RESURRECTED and BRAINWASHED BY THE LEAGUE OF ASSASSINS.”

“Oh my god WE GET IT, YOU DIED. You cannot use that to win every argument. Stop being so angry in my body, I can feel how gross and grouchy yours is all the time and I don’t want you infecting mine.”

“That’s funny, since I’m probably keeping your body the cleanest it’s been since you were fifteen, you horny maniac.”

“There’s a difference between feeling attraction and acting on it! It’s NORMAL to notice people in a sexual way! Don’t shame me!”

“Stop saying ‘attraction’, this is not attraction, this is Ivy-level mind-fogging crotch-throbbing run-ruining-“

“Just because all YOU think about is violence and murder, don’t get mad at me for having a sex drive!”

“I’m not mad at you for having a sex drive! I’m mad at you for making ME have your sex drive!”

“I didn’t cast this spell!”

“I know!”

“There’s nothing wrong with being sexual and expressing it with whoever I want, as long as they’re consenting!”

“I know! I support you! I couldn’t give a fuck who you bone and I don’t want to think about it, but I support it!”

“Good!”

“Good!”

Steph and Tim are standing a few feet away, watching hypnotically. Steph uses Tim’s bony elbow to nudge him in her ribs. She whispers something to him and he snorts a laugh, then freezes.

“Um,” he says in Steph’s voice, expression tight. “I think you might need to teach me how to use a tampon. Or, uh. Sanitary pad. Whichever you’re most comfortable with. Or. Um. Maybe your body just peed? Many women develop incontinence after childbirth, so it’s fine, I just. Uh. I just want to know what I’m dealing with here.”

Steph gapes at him. “Jesus fucking Christ.” She grabs her phone and swears when the fingerprint ID doesn’t work. Jabbing in her PIN, she swipes to her period tracker app. “Fuck. Un-fucking-believable.”

Ten minutes later, Steph and Tim emerge from the Cave’s bathrooms with grim expressions, not meeting each other’s eyes.

Tim, valiantly trying to remain scientific, offers, “I didn’t know it smelled different than normal blood.”

Steph digs Tim’s nails into his palms. “Stop talking.”

Tim cannot stop talking. “I just mean. I’ve been around a lot of blood, but never, you know. That kind of blood. And I never thought about how, in its basic composition, it’s not just blood, it’s also endometrial cells and cervical lining so of course it would be different.”

“Stop. Talking.”

Tim is a nervous talker. “And also, good idea on using the gloves and applicator. That way I didn’t have to touch any, um, you know, touch your, touch you when I was doing the. Yeah. Not that it would be gross or bad to touch you, I mean. You’re very. Great. And women are. So brave. Every month. But it’s just. You know. It’s not. I mean you consented, but in this situation, is it really consent, since this whole thing is kind of coercive, since you don’t REALLY have control over your-“

“SHUT UP!”

Dick and Jason raise their heads like meerkats from where they’ve ended up facing off with their phones, stubbornly shout-reading each other google search results for “normal male sex drive” and “how do I know if I’m asexual”.

“Everything okay over there?” asks Dick, Jason’s deeper voice carrying easily across the Cave.

“Fine!” say Steph and Tim in tandem.

“Totally natural and normal!” adds Tim helpfully. “We’re totally comfortable. We’re blossoming. We’re very healthy.”

Steph groans. “I cannot believe I used to date you.”

Part Two

[igotanidea]

Cheater - part 2

part 1

Warnings: SMUT -MINORS DNI PLEASE! heavy angst, heartbreak, poor life choices, trauma, drama

A/N: special thanks to @90s-belladonna - I kinda heard your comment :D, and sorry for all the spelling mistakes, it's waayyyy past midnight here but I just had to finish it.

Ok, here we go people. Get ready for angst in 3....2......1.....

***

„You sure as hell moved on pretty fast.”

“Come on, Dick, it’s been three months. Do you seriously expect me to cry over a guy who, may I remind you, cheated on me. And who, may I remind you as well, you wanted to beat to shit cause of that?”

“Hey, I’m just saying” Dick raised his hands in surrendering gesture “it’s just nice to see you smiling again.”

“Besides.” Y/N gave him a warning expression “Kyle and I are just friends. We are having fun together, but he is a freaking green lantern. Here one second and on the other side of the galaxy the other. You cannot quite rely on a guy like that to get into a serious relationship with.”

“Mhm, sure. Someone should probably tell him you think so.”

“Why?”

“Cause I can see the way he looks at you.”

“Which is how exactly?” the girl turned around, facing Dick, her eyes showing nothing more but a confusion.

“Like you are a piece of meat, Y/N. He surely wants something more than friendship.”

“Who? Kyle? He’s a resident flirt. He’s not treating me seriously, and neither do I him.”

“Right, whatever you say.”

“You are being paranoid Dick. I know you want to protect me and I appreciate that, truly” she put a hand on his shoulder making him look straight into her face “but I’m fine, I promise. And if anything wrong were to happen I know where to turn. You may have slightly different judgment, but all I’m asking is a little bit of trust. Can I have that, Dickie?”

“Fine! Fine! Have it your way. But. If he does anything. I mean, anything you don’t like, you tell me, all right?”

“All right, Mr. Vigilante. Even though with all the batman training I could probably kick his ass myself. But I promise.”

“Good. Have a nice date then.” he laughed leaving the room.

“It’s not a date!” he yelled after him

“Sure, you keep telling yourself that, sunshine!”

***

After learning what Jason did (who was irrelevant at the moment) Y/N swore to herself she will not succumb into depression and bad thinking. Nope. It was not her fault, she was the victim and there was seriously no reason to dwell on the past. It hurt, sure it did, she loved him after all and such feeling cannot just be turned off, but slowly with Babs, Cass and Steph help she got back on her feet. This entire situation was particularly hard for Dick, since if nothing else Jace was his brother, but he was Y/N’s biggest support as well, helping her get her mind of things by giving her some serious vigilante training and let her join the team on the field. He would never do that under any other circumstances and Y/N appreciated that in every way possible.

So yes, after a month or so, she started to heal and let go, opening herself to life and putting her extra energy into patrols and night work. And that was how she met Kyle. It was actually quite easy. One day, on the titans meeting, while Y/N was discussing the details of newest mission with Donna he just dropped by, apparently because of some mission, and the girl instantly caught his attention.  And given the fact that Kyle had a relationship with Wonder Girl it made it easier to push through to Y/N.

“So, who’s your little friend, Donna?” he asked, tilting his head and eyeing Y/N carefully.

“I’m sorry, who are you calling little, green?” Y/N scoffed “just because you ego is sky rocket high, does not mean I will let you diminish me.”

“All right, there’s no need to get defensive. You just seem like the newest member of the team and that makes you …. Well, little. Unexperienced. A greenie if I may say so. ”

“Kyle….” Donna warned the boy, but he let those words go.

“No offence here, little one, but maybe you should just go home and stay safe. Earth has many protectors who are way more qualified to do the job.”

“Ok, that’s it.” Y/N came right at him, before Donna or any other member of the Titans could stop her. He knew exactly what green lanterns were capable of so with just one perfect swing, turn and kick she managed to grab his ring, with which he was recklessly playing. Once her fingers clutched around the source of the boy’s power, taking him completely by surprise, she threw some of her shurikens in his direction, the force of the flying object, pinning Kyle to the wall.

“Hmmmm” he muttered easily breaking free and humming in admiration “I may have underestimated you.” he reached his hands toward her “I don’t think we were properly introduced. I’m Kyle Rayner, and who may you be, sunshine?”

***

Their relationship was rocky. There were teasing and playing on each other’s nerves, but also quiet moments together when no words were needed to fill the silence. There were fights and banters, but also supporting each other and tending to each other wounds. Y/N missed the fact that this was pretty similar to the other relationship she was before. Guess the girl had a type. But still, Kyle was just a friend to her. Maybe even a frenemy. Nothing more. Nothing. And that was why it was so hard for her to believe the truth behind Dick’s words. Did Kyle see more to their talking and meeting than it truly was? Did he want … more?

It was a bit too late to wonder about that, but her mind was just fixed on this thought.

Was that why he asked her out for tonight. Truly, Y/N believed it was just a casual outing, especially when he mentioned the possibility of his female friend joining him. Y/N was convinced, she was supposed to be the wingwoman and said friend was the one Kyle had his eyes on, but now, as she recollected how the guy asked her out, she realized how wrong she was all this time.

“Hey, Y/n” Kyle grabbed her waist from behind and not giving a damn about her kicking and screaming to put her down, spun her in the air “how about we go out next Saturday? Hm? Come on, say yes, you know it’s impossible to deny this handsome face.”

“First of all, get your hands off me, Rayner! And secondly, why would I say yes to you. You are a terrible person.”

“hmmm. You’ll get dinner for free, and perhaps a flower? How is that for an incentive?”

“That sounds better. I may be friends with a billionaire son, but still had to cut on expenses. How unfair is that?” she scoffed

“It’s settled than.” Kyle smirked “I’ll pick you up at 6 p.m., little one.”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Not a chance” he bend over and pecked her cheek so quickly it was like it never happened “Oh, and one more thing. I have this one friend, who recently started going out with some new dude. She says there’s a bit awkwardness between them, though she paved over the reason. Anyway, I thought maybe we can show those two how nice and friendly it can be between a man and a woman?”

“Oh, so now I’m a woman?”

“Hush, little one. What I meant was that Artemis and her guy may be joining us, hope you don’t mind? We can still have….. “ he hesitated, his eyes fixed on his face and he had to fight an urge to lick his lips “fun.”

“I don’t really care who joins us.” Y/N waved her hands around dismissively “can I just go now?’

“Sure. I’ll see you soon, pretty.” He threw her directions and took off flying.

“Showoff.” She mumbled under her nose.

BUT WHAT THE HELL DID HE CALL HER?! PRETTY?!

***

Yes, she obviously misjudged Kyle’s intentions over her and that came out painfully clear when he knocked on her door, all dressed up, looking.. well, as much as she hated to admit it, handsome. Thank god, she put on a clear pair of jeans and her best shirt. Otherwise she would fell terribly underdressed.

“Hello, little one.” He smiled his signature flirty smile and handed her a single flower.

“One flower?” she raised an eyebrow taking it from his hand “what am I supposed to do with it? Smell and swoon over your charm?”

“told you it was gonna be a single one.  Were you expecting more?”

“No.” she shook her head “let’s just go, all right. I’m actually pretty hungry and the sooner I meet that friend of yours, the sooner I will be free of talking to you.”

“Always a pleasure to be the one to be used by you.” Kyle grinned and motioned her to the car.

“SHUT UP!”

“You look so cute when you are flustered.” He cooed “now come on, get it the car. Are you waiting for me to open the door for you? Cause that may take some time.”

“I’m just reconsidering if my hunger is really worse than the pain of being in your company…..” she pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering what she just got herself into “Fine. Fine, I’ll get in. But just to be clear, I’m ordering the most expensive dish on the menu.”

“Which would probably be a burger and fries, but whatever you say, little one.”

“I HATE YOU, RAYNER!”

“Yeah, I love you too, Y/N.” he teased playfully, but somehow his tone was a bit different than usually.

Oh, she was terribly wrong with judging his intentions, and hell, apparently Dick was right. 

***

Once they arrived at the destination, Kyle quickly noticed his friend already sitting in one of the booths. Her red hair were obviously distinctive so there was not a chance to miss the girl.

“Y/N, I’d like you to meet Artemis, one of the biggest mischief there is. Artie….”

“Don’t call me Artie!”

“…. This is Y/N, the girl who though she could beat me the first time we met. Hopefully now she realizes how wrong she was.”

“Hi!” Y/N decided to ignore Kyle’s words and focus on the other girl, instead “I’m Y/N. Good to see I’m not the one who gets called by him.”

“That’s annoying, isn’t it? Maybe we should join forces in kicking his ass?” Artemis smiled

“Bet that would be a shame for him. Can you imagine? Beaten by two girls?” both of them laughed. This Artemis girl seemed nice.

“Ok, ladies, enough of your silly dreams. Where did you lost your boyfriend, Arty? Cause my girl mentioned something about trying to leave me broke and I can’t wait to see her try. How long will we have to wait for him?”

“He just went to the bathroom. Something about bracing himself. You can’t possibly realize how  much effort I had to put in dragging him out tonight.”

“Girl, can we switch guys?” Y/N laughed “I would kill for a man who’d rather stay at home than make me go out.”

“Hmm, nice try, but I’m not giving up Jason so easily.”

“Jason?” Y/N froze for a second. No. No, this could not be…..

“Oh, there he is. Hey, Jace!” Artemis waved her hand in the direction of a black-haired guy. With a white strand of hair in the middle of the forehead. “We’re here.”

“Rayner.” Jason muttered, slipping into the booth.

“You never mentioned you were going out with Jay Todd!” Kyle laughed loudly “that is a hell of a coincidence, isn’t it?”

“Wait, you know each other?” Artemis’ gaze switched between two boys

“Long story full of hate and friendship.” Kyle laughed again. “Anyway, Jason, I’d like you to meet and probably get jealous of the pretty girl I came with tonight. No offence to your girlfriend present.”

“None taken.” Artemis shrugged and snuggled closer to Jason.

Jason, whose gaze travelled toward Y/N.

And then he realized and his eyes turned wide.

And what was even worse, she realized too. The girl who was so nice and sympathetic was also the one, Jason cheated on Y/N with.

“Hey, are you two all right there? You both look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Yeah, we’re fine.” Jason stuttered, not really convincing anyone.

Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

This was sure as hell going to be a fucking interesting night.

***

The tension could literally be cut with a knife.

At least for Jason and Y/N since Kyle and Artemis were having so much fun together that if the other two were to disappear and never come back, none of them would even notice. While the lantern and the red head were just talking and talking and talking, the former Robin and the newest Titans member were focused on picking on their food, not even eating, just dragging it all over the plates, eyes down, unable to pretend. All those months of lying to herself and just by seeing him Y/N was falling back into the same trap.

Good thing she caught herself on repeating the same scenario.

“You are being awfully quiet, Y/N” Kyle finally realized whose voice was missing in the conversation “Todd here is a constant growler, but what happened to my little one?” he grabbed her waist pulling her closer and pinched her side, missing the furious glint in Jason’s eyes. Y/N did not and decided to use it.

“Sorry, I was just thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you, Kyle. And you let me pick my own food, that is sooo kind of you.” she mocked “boys this days, right Artemis?’

“Sure…..” the other girl nodded “we are both lucky I guess, I mean Jace, despite his rather harsh outside is pretty friendly on the inside.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is.” Y/N smiled, her eye travelling to Jason, who at this point was just clenching his jaw. “Kyle, honey! You should have told me you knew each other. I would be much better  prepared for this date. Now I feel like I don’t know your friends at all and seem boring.”

“boring? Y/N, love….” Kyle immediately matched Y/N tone, not fully aware why she turned to be like this, but he liked that. “You are everything but boring.”

“Oh, stop it” he laughed in the silliest, girlish smile she could produce and pushed his chest lightly, playfully “you’re making me blush.”

“And that’s the prettiest blush in the galaxy.” Kyle brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, bringing his face closer to hers. “And I would know, I am the green lantern after all.”

That was simply enough for Jason. He could not control himself anymore, standing up abruptly, almost tripping the table and the dishes.

“Jason?” Artemis took his hand, rubbing it gently “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” He hissed through clenched teeth. “I need to smoke.” Without any other word of explanation or apology he left the table, heading towards the back exit.

“I’m sorry.” Artemis sighed deeply “I told he’s been acting strange for a while now…..”

“Really?” Y/N sipped on her cocktail innocently “for how long exactly.”

“A few months actually. I’m not really sure what’s got into him…. Maybe I should go and check on him?”

“Leave it, Artie. I’m telling you, Todd is one hell of a strange man…..

“Can’t argue with that….” Y/N mumbled, but no one heard her.

“…. A closed book, you could never open unless he lets you in.”

“Right…..” the red head played with her knife, twisting it between her fingers skillfully. “Kyle, I … I really should talk to you in private later.”

“Whatever you have to say, you can do it in front of Y/N.”

“Nah.” Y/N shook her head “I’ll give you two a minute. I need to go to the bathroom either way.”

“I’m sorry Y/N.” Artemis eyed her apologetically.

“It’s all right. Just have your talk, I get it.” Oh, she did get it. Guilt was eating Artemis up and Y/N was definitely not going to be the one to sympathize with her. “Just let me know when you’re done.”

“You got it, pretty. I gotta take you back home safe after all.”

Y/N just send him a light smile and headed towards the bathroom, but before she could reach it, she felt a strong grip on her wrist and was dragged outside.

“What the fuck!?” she hissed, twisting her assaulter arm in a well-trained motion, but it backfired on her, once she noticed who the attacker was. “What the fuck, Jason!?”

“What are you doing with him!?”

“Why do you care?!”

“What are you doing with that pimp!?”

“Pimp?! Oh, I’m sorry, are you speaking from experience? Cause sure as hell you would recognize someone to do it that business.”

“Be careful with words now, princess.” Jason hissed

“Oh, you think you can scare me” she cooed “that is just so. damn. Cute. In case you didn’t notice things have changed. I’m not the helpless girl anymore. Dick….”

“Oh, I know what my brother did. I know he trained you and made you join Titans. Is that how you met Rayner? Are you going out with him now?’

“This is none of your damn business!” she yelled

“Isn’t it?” he hissed taking a step forward, pressing her into the building wall, trapping her between it and his body, her hands pinned on her sides.

“I can still kick your ass, you know.” she struggled against his grip. Damn it, he was strong, that one thing surely did not change.”

“Than do it, I dare you.” he mumbled into her ear and it made her shiver.

Focus Y/N - she thought to herself -remember what he did”

“how is it going with Artemis?” she kept her tone cool, not showing how his proximity was affecting her “she’s worried you don’t love her anymore, you know.” she pouted “such a shame. Wasting perfectly good relationship…. AUCH!” she yelled as Jason pressed her further into the wall, the cold stone hurting her back.

“Do you ever shut up?!” he hissed

“At least I’m running my mouth in all the right places!” she yelled trying to push him off “not where they should never wander!”

“How about I show you were they should wander.” His eyes glistened with lust and she shivered under the weight of it. Oh, hell no!

“Don’t even think about it!” she hissed, but he completely ignored her words, getting closer and closer to her face, his grip becoming iron clad, probably leaving bruises “GET THE FUCK OFF ME! KY….”

Before she could finish yelling the other guy’s name Jason’s lips were already on hers, moving rapidly, hungrily with the intensity that made her melt instantly. And hating herself for that. For a moment she was struggling to break free, but once his hands moved over to her waist, pressing her closer to him, wondering over her entire body, touching all the places only he knew about she completely gave up. Fuck, he just knew her body too well to even try to object. At the moment, her brain just stopped functioning, completely giving in to the desire he was igniting in her.

God, his mouth. His soft mouth, moving against her own, biting on the lower lip, causing her to moan involuntarily and let his tongue inside, exploring and claiming her.

“Jason…” she whined, fisting hands into his jacket, pulling him closer.

“Yes, princess. Keep saying my name. Tell me you missed me the way I missed you….” he tangled one hand in her hair, tilting her head and kissing her neck, sucking on the sensitive skin and leaving a hickey. "Tell me….” He panted against her skin.

“I… I…..” she whimpered, still fighting not to give in completely, but slowly losing this fight “Fuck….” Poor girl could not hold back a whimper as Jason grabbed the back of her thighs, lifting her up and wrapping her legs around his waist, pressing her into the wall once again, but this time making sure she did not feel any pain.

“Why did you came with that fucker, huh?” he mumbled playing with the hem of her shirt “out of every people on the planet it had to be him?” he grinded against her and damn, it reminded her of all the nights they spend together tangled in the sheets, when he was making her feel so good.

“Jace….” She moaned more, grabbing his neck and putting his mouth back down, kissing him back with desperation and need.

“You’re mine.” He hissed, letting go off her thigs, her whole weight leaning onto the wall as he started unzipping her pants “Fuck, you could have wear a skirt for once. But you know what, I’m actually glad you didn’t. Means you weren’t planning on doing anything with him.” He slid her pants and panties down a bit, putting her feet back onto the ground just to get them all the way to her ankles, getting on her knees in front of her, grabbing her ass now. “God I missed this. I missed you.” he breathed, kissing her leg up, slowly, tentatively, getting towards her inside thigh and stopping there for a second.

“Please…. “ she buckled her hips, head falling back and banging against the concrete. She didn’t care if anyone saw them here in quite compromising position. She needed him. She wanted him. She craved the way he always knew how to please her, how to satisfy her hunger “Please Jason….”

“What do you need princess?” he licked on her most sensitive part with the precision no one else could even begin to compete with and she let out that little kitten noise that always made him aware of how good he was doing. Jason Todd had a fucking praise kink and his pants were already tight. “tell me. You already got me on my knees, I’m listening.”

“I…I…. Ah! Jason!”

“Yes, princess?” he smirked, sucking on her clit “you’re so wet for me, and god, you taste just delicious….”

“I need you in me, now!”

“I got you covered.” He raised onto his feet, unzipping his own pants, ready for action, once again lifting her up, spreading her wide and pushing in. Fuck, he was fucking her in a public place and what spurred him on even more was that she let him. He made a mistake of ever letting her go. Of cheating on her. He would do everything to get her back, to make her forgive him, to come back into her life. Anything. Artemis might have been hot and good in bed, but Y/n and him shared a connection,  a deep bond, they had history. Surely that must have meant something to her, right? Right?

They were going to talk later and he would explain everything, begging for her but as for now all the was focused on was making her cum, reminding her how good he could make her feel. He. No one else. Not Rayner or any other fucker. He. Jason Todd. The one bound to her, left at her mercy.

God, she felt so good, so tight, so warm around him when he was snapping his hips against her, getting lost in all the sweet sounds she was making for him.

“Baby….” He whispered kissing her with undeniable passion ‘you’re mine….. you’re only mine. Say it. Tell me you still love me. ” he begged slowly losing his mind over the sensations

 “I…. Ah! Don’t stop. Jace. Fuck, don’t stop” she pressed herself onto him, picking up the pace, fire inside her begging to be released. “Please, please, oh, please, Jace.” He nails dig into his back and he welcomed that familiar pain.

 “Come for me, baby. Let me feel you.”

“So… close… “ she panted, her breath ragged.

“I’m the only one who can make you feel like this.  Make you cum so fast, so hard. No one else. Not a one-night stand and definitely not Rayner.”

“Oh, fuck, fuck!” she screamed as he finally took her over the edge, her orgasm overwhelming her whole, her body shaking in his arms as he held her tight, caressing her back and sides, whispering praises and sweet nothings into her ear, following soon after, coming inside her. What he didn’t know was that she screamed not only because of the intensity of the orgasm, but also because she realized Kyle was still inside the diner. With Artemis. Artemis with whom Jason cheated Y/N on.

Fuck, he made a terrible mistake.

“Princess” Jason mumbled, still bemused by claiming her like this, pretty sure now that he made her come they would talk and clear things out “I love you….”

“Fuck you, Todd!” much to his surprise she pushed him away, tear gathering in her eyes.

“I don’t …. What….?”

“You fucking idiot! You stupid scumbag!” she cried out, bending for her pants and panties and putting them back on. God, she fell for him again. stupid, stupid, stupid

“Baby….” He reached for her cheek, but she slapped his hand hard

“Get away from me! I’m warning you.”

“But I …. I….. I want you back….” He stuttered “I’m sorry for what I did, I am. Losing you made me realize…”

“Oh just shut the fuck up. You used me. Again .That’s all  it was. And fuck, I let you. And hey, you just cheated on your girl, who you previously cheated with. Funny, isn’t it?” she smiled sourly, wiping away the tears. “Guess the history repeat itself. Once a cheater, always a cheater. Anyway, I am going home….”

“At least let me take you.” his eyes were futilely searching hers “We can talk when you calm down, baby.

“Talk!?” she snapped “I don’t ever, ever, ever, want to see you again! And I can go by myself, definitely not with you. Good luck explaining to Kyle and …. Her… where I went.” She turned on her feet, angrily walking away.

He fucked up. Again .

***

“Dick…..” she showed up on her best friend’s doorstep, shaking, crying, freezing to death.

“Y/N? What happened?” Dick instantly pull her into his chest and inside, rubbing her back just to warm her up a bit.

“I…. I did something terrible. I… I let….”

“Shh…” Dick cooed “breathe. Just breathe, all right? I’ll get you something to drink, you will take a shower and some rest and then tell me, ok?”

“O.. ok…” she stuttered

“Whatever happened, whatever Jason did to you, I’m here. I’ll help you.”

“How….how do you know…..?”

“I know you are not shaking like that because of Kyle. He’s a prick but he wouldn’t hurt you. My brother on the other side…” he shook his head “I guess I will have to kill him.”

“No, please, just stay with me.” She clung onto him desperately searching for safety and reassurance "I don;t want to be alone...." her sob was just so terrible it made Dick tighten the hug.

“I’m not going anywhere. At least for now…..”

To be continued?

[shadowdaddies]

can i please request where it’s the batboys x reader where they’re all mated to reader and they compete w each other for readers attention and she feels so bad for spending time with one of them while her two other mates watch so she makes them get along and they slowly fall in love with each other aswell. Like Cassian will call Az baby or something and he’ll make rhys breakfast and they’re all cute and reader is just so happy that they’re all falling in love

*sigh* my dream tbh. thank you for the request lovey💜

All Together Now

Poly!Batboys x Reader

When you had first mated with the three Illyrians, they were each too wrapped up in their mating frenzy and protective instincts towards you to recognize each other. The fighting was constant, Rhys fighting Azriel for time with you, Cassian whisking you away after training without warning for time alone. 

What should have been a dream for you was unbearable, and something had to be done about it. You made the arrangement with Mor once your mating frenzy with each of the boys ended. You brought your mates to the House of Wind, leaving them once they were inside. You cast a spell you had learned from Helion, placing wards that trapped the three of them in the house for three days. “I know you all love each other, and if you love me, you will figure your shit out,” you warned them before Mor winnowed you away with a promise not to disclose your location in case they managed to leave the house. 

Your expectations were low upon return, thinking you might come home to some very beaten and bruised mates who you could convince to tolerate each other being with you. The shock of coming home to Rhysand making breakfast for Cass and Az while they laughed about old memories was something you were unprepared for. 

You waited outside for a moment, just appreciating the joy on your mates’ faces when Azriel noticed you. He leapt up from his seat, running to the door. No sooner had you stepped inside the threshold than the shadowsinger scooped you in his arms. “We’ve missed you,” he mumbled against your neck. You tensed at the affection, worried that Rhys or Cassian would pry him off of you, but they both smiled at the interaction.

You moved over to the kitchen island, taking a seat next to Cassian as you gave him a kiss in greeting. Rhys flipped a pancake, pulling out an extra plate for you from the cupboard as you watched all of them in quiet consideration. “You three are much more... agreeable... than I expected.” 

Azriel’s shadows played with your hair, clearly missing you the most out of all of them, as Rhys turned towards you with a mischievous grin. The three of them exchanged glances before turning towards you. Cassian spoke first, his broad hand moving to rub circles on your lower back. “It took some time,” he paused as they all chuckled at the comment before continuing, “but once we all managed to calm down, we were able to talk things through.” 

Azriel continued, “we’ve always had a special bond between the three of us, and thought that was just because we grew up together, and have similar values.”

Rhys interjected, “which is true.”

Azriel nodded, “that is one part of our connection. But something that never clicked until you came along was how much deeper our connection went. We realized that we have a bond of our own.” 

You gaped at the three of them, unsure of what they meant - what you were hearing. “We are all bonded. You are our mate, but we are all each others’ mates. Once the hormones from the frenzy wore off, we all felt the connection,” Cassian explained. 

Silver lined your eyes at the realization. They wouldn’t be battling for your attention anymore. You could all be together, without fear of hurting each other in the process. 

Cassian leaned in, giving you a passionate kiss as Azriel moved around to join, giving you a hug and kiss on the temple before kissing Cassian. Rhys cleared his throat. “Alright everyone, settle down for breakfast.” 

The four of you enjoyed your breakfast before going upstairs to your room, celebrating your return. After that day, it wasn’t much of an adjustment as the three males became more comfortable in their relationships with each other. 

You couldn’t understand how the cauldron had blessed you so greatly with these three males, but as you cuddled into Rhys after a long date night, only for Azriel and Cassian to come home hand-in-hand to join you on the couch, you couldn’t be any more grateful for the loves of your life.

[makethatelevenrings]

(S)he Walks in Beauty // J. Todd x AFAB!reader

Requested? Yes!

WARNINGS: SMUT 18+ MINORS DNI, unprotected sex, body insecurity, cursing

Summary: The Gotham gossip rags decided to make you their target for the night. Jason has some things to say about that.

“I hate these things,” you grumbled as you tugged on the fabric of your outfit so it settled better over your hips. A soft grunt from beside you was the only response from your boyfriend, but his hand settled on your waist. You savored the warm, steady presence behind you and leaned into Jason as the two of you studied the crowd that was starting to enter the lavish ballroom. Bruce and Tim were off schmoozing it up with the folks around you, but you were hanging on the outskirts.

Dick was in the Batsuit for the night with Steph, Damian, and Cass patrolling with him. The family rotated through who attended galas to ensure that the city wasn’t left defenseless and their covers were still established. Jason was rarely put in the limelight at these events because there were always hundreds of questions about the “resurrected Wayne” and where he was all those years. Bruce and Alfred had concocted some story about amnesia and a Swiss medical facility, but journalists were always eager to discover more about the elusive Wayne.

Jason had one stipulation for attending these events. If he goes, you go. Three reasons. One, he was not going to face these vermin bastards by himself. Two, he didn’t like leaving you home alone in the East End all night when he was all the way in Bristol. Three, and he would never admit this out loud, there was some predatory feeling in him that was satisfied by the sight of you on his arm.

“Bruce promised that if we make it to midnight, he’ll get Steph to bring McFlurries back and will distract Alfred long enough so we can eat them.” A tight smile graced his face but you knew it wasn’t directed at you. His lips brushed against the crown of your head and you leaned back against his chest.

“Let’s just get this over with,” he grunted. The vultures were streaming further into the room and you were starting to feel a lot like roadkill that they were circling, intent on their next meal.

You made it an hour.

It was a risky outfit and you knew it when you put it on for tonight. The fabric clung tight in all the right places and the color was different than the normal muted colors you wore. Red. To anyone on the outside it looked like you were just wearing a daring flash of color. To Jason, it was a reminder.

The Red Hood had staked his claim long ago and his color draped your skin.

But it was flashy. Eye-catching. Able to be talked about. And boy, did they talk. It was as if every Gotham gossip column turned their sharp eyes on you and decided that you would be the gossip pinata for the night. Comments about your weight, hair, clothes, skin. Even comments about your nails. You took all the backhanded comments with a small smile and a polite jab in return, but every barb just dug deeper into your chest.

“I see you decided on the walking red flag,” one columnist cooed. “How do the Waynes feel knowing the prodigal son is dating Gotham’s new fashion faux pas?”

“I don’t know, Kelly, you tell me. But please be sure to spell faux pas correctly. I know grammar, spelling, and punctuation isn’t the strong suit of your journalism career.”

“It must be so hard being last year’s model.”

“Well, I hear the newer versions always have bugs and defects.”

“You’re a charity case, Y/N,” Kelly snapped.

“And your press credentials are stripped.” A cool voice came from behind you. She blanched at the sight of the person standing at your side and Tim offered her that shark-like grin that graced Red Robin’s face when he cracked a case. He reached over and neatly snapped the cord hanging from her neck off, holding up her press badge like it was a trophy.

“I would leave before security comes by. I would also leave the city. Maybe the state. I hear Oregon is lovely this time of year.” Your boyfriend’s little brother dropped her press badge into the trash can and looped his arm around yours. Tim steered you away from the press gaggle and towards the dark figure pressed against the wall. Jason was in the middle of lifting a glass to his lips but he paused when he saw the two of you approach.

“What’s wrong?” Jason stood up straighter, his eyes darkening as his sharp gaze darted around the room to find whatever threat was present.

“Nothing, it’s nothing,” you muttered. “I was handling it.”

“Get out of here,” Tim ordered. “Before Brucie catches wind of what the press has been saying and he decides to make Jenna Greene cry again.”

“What has the press been saying?” Jason’s voice was tight and you pointedly looked away from his calculating stare. His rough, calloused hand enclosed around your wrist and he tugged you into his side.

“Go. I’ll distract them and come up with an excuse,” Tim urged.

“Thank you, Timmy,” Jason said. Tim squeezed the hand that rested on your shoulder and you nodded in thanks. Being away from the crowd, the stares, the comments…you could feel the shame creep up into your chest. So when Jason started to lead you out of the ballroom and towards the panel that would lead to the main portion of the manor. You slipped in before him and he shut the door after you, his hand settling on the small of your back.

Jason didn’t say anything as the two of you walked to the stairs, up to the second floor, passing the room that he refused to look into, and to the guest room that you two occupied anytime you stayed overnight at the manor. You quietly entered and crossed to the bathroom so you could start to wipe off your makeup. The bedroom was silent but you could guess what he was doing.

“Damnit,” Jason growled. He appeared in the doorway, his jacket off, cuffs rolled up to his elbows, and tie loose. He gripped his phone in one hand and ran the other through his hair. Messy curls stuck up at all angles as he thudded his forehead against the wall.

“It’s not as bad as it seems,” you said weakly. “I’ve heard it all before.”

His head raised so he could make eye contact with you in the mirror. You sighed and set down the makeup wipe in your hand. Jason leaned his head back against the wall and watched you.

“It’s just…that’s how the way things are, Jase. You learn to live with it.”

“Please tell me you don’t believe in the shit they’re saying,” he croaked. You wanted to tell him that you didn’t. That you were able to shut out the voices and let the words bounce off of some impenetrable armor you had built up, but you could never lie to Jason. From the moment you saw him, you knew that he would ruin you in the best way possible and seeing the look in his eye just now was enough to ensure that you couldn’t lie.

“I get it, y’know? It’s a bright color and it highlights some areas of my body that maybe don't need to be shown.”

A pained noise escaped him and he stepped forward, his chest pressing against your back as his hands wrapped around the edge of the sink. Jason pressed his face against the crook of your neck and inhaled deeply.

“That’s the biggest load of horseshit I’ve ever heard,” he whispered. His right hand came up to slide across your waist and he pressed you impossibly closer. You gasped and let your eyes fall shut as his lips ghosted over the skin of your jaw, neck, and shoulder.

“Jason,” you breathed. Slowly, methodically, as if you were a delicate package, his hands peeled away your clothes, leaving you in the lace underwear you had selected earlier that evening. You eyed your body with disdain as the words said tonight crept into your mind. Jason caught onto your train of thought quickly and he silenced the voices with a quick nip at your shoulder.

“I should go back down there and rip them apart,” he seethed. “Identities be damned.”

A shaky exhale escaped your lungs. The contrast of the pure rage in his voice with the delicate way his hands stroked down your heated flesh made your head spin. He looked directly at the mirror, his lust blown eyes meeting yours. You could feel him press against your ass and he grinned, sharp and dangerous.

“You can feel what you do to me,” he murmured. “Baby, seeing you in my color drove me up the fucking wall. God, your ass is perfect.”

He palmed your ass with one hand and lowered his head to suck a hickey onto your jaw. You mewled and thrust back against him, forcing a groan from his lungs. He rolled his hips and then grabbed your waist, spinning you around so you were facing him. Jason reached behind you and unlatched your bra, letting it fall to the ground to join your other clothes.

He kneeled down and settled his hands on your hips, gazing up at you in a mixture of adoration and lust. You slid one hand in his hair and brushed your thumb along his temple.

“She walks in beauty, like the night,” he murmured. “Of cloudless climes and starry skies.”

His teeth enclosed around the flesh above your breast and you gasped, hands coming up to cradle the back of his head as he added another mark to your skin. Like a painter with a canvas, Jason scattered hickeys across your chest and down your stomach.

“And all that’s best of dark and bright.” He mouthed the words along your stomach. “Meet in her aspect and her eyes.”

He bit down on the edge of your underwear and dragged it down the expanse of your legs until it pooled at your feet. Jason nudged at your knee and you leaned back against the sink and spread your legs, exposing your glistening cunt to him. He groaned and pressed his cheek against your inner thing, his hot breath washing over your pussy.

“Thus mellowed to that tender light, which heaven to gaudy day denies,” he whispered the last lines of the stanza and then his lips enclosed around your clit.

Jason Todd ate pussy like he was a dying man and this was his last meal. He was always a generous lover, but today felt like he was on a mission. All thoughts other than “oh god” and “fuck” fled your mind as he licked, sucked, and stroked your cunt. Your hips lifted up off the counter on their own accord and he followed without hesitation. Heavy gasps and pants escaped you as he buried a second finger in your slit and spread you apart. You could feel him moving inside of you. Every callous, ridge, and scrape of his well-manicured nails set your nerves on fire.

And then he pulled away, leaving you a soaking, whining mess.

Your juices stained his chin as he grinned up at you. Jason spun you back around so you were facing the mirror once more before he wrestled with his belt and shoved his pants down to his ankles. He grabbed his hard cock and pumped it twice before he bent you over and slid into you in one swift move.

A moan escaped you and he grabbed your chin, forcing you to look up into the mirror and watch as he pulled his cock out and then slammed back into you. The sight of your cunt swallowing his dick was so fucking hot that you nearly came right there.

“See how well you take me?” Jason panted. “It’s like you were made for me. Made to take my cock.”

He punctuated his words with another roll of his hips and your jaw dropped open in a silent cry. Jason smirked, his broad chest heaving with every thrust.

“Seeing you come apart on my cock? Best fucking sight in the world. I should take you downstairs and show them all just how perfect you are. These tits. That ass. So fucking perfect.”

You clenched around him, your walls spasming as he continued his repeated thrusts. A keening whine left your throat, mingling with the sound of his balls slapping against your skin. Your body burned with the insatiable heat of your orgasm and sparks of pain and pleasure lit through you as his cockhead dragged against your inner walls again.

“Jase,” you gasped. “Jase, baby, it’s too much.”

“You can take it,” he grunted. He slid his hand down to rest against your swollen clit and he started to rub the bundle of nerves with an easy going vigor. Your head fell forward onto your forearms but his other hand wrapped around your neck and yanked your head up to watch the mirror once more.

“I’m not gonna stop, sweetheart. Not until I’ve fucked all those silly thoughts out of your head. Because you’re nothing less than perfect, baby, and I won’t let those fucking vultures down there make you think any other way.”

You woke up the next day with sore hips, an aching cunt, and a map of hickeys decorating your body. Jason was fast asleep next to you with the sheets pooling at his waist, his scarred torso exposed. Sometime between the third and fourth orgasm, he had moved you to the bed and fucked you so slowly and carefully, it had felt as though he was pulling you apart every time he pulled out and putting you back together with every thrust in.

Rolling onto your back, you traced a finger down the map of bruises that littered your torso. Your neck, breasts, stomach, and hips were all covered with Jason’s marks. You were examining a particularly dark bruise on the inside of your thigh when his strong arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you into his chest.

“Hi,” you whispered in greeting. He pressed a kiss to your forehead and then your nose, cheek, and finally lips.

“Hi,” he murmured. “You know you’re beautiful, right?”

“I do now,” you teased. A soft smile graced his face, the smile only you got to see, and he brushed his fingers lightly across your jaw.

“And smart and funny,” he added. “And unbelievably kind.” It was a secret between the two of you that the Red Hood sets aside some of his bounty from his crime syndicate that was used to help the kids of the Bowery. You had met the infamous Red Hood when you were buying food for a street kid. When a shootout forced you to take cover in the same alley as him, Jason made sure to keep you covered. An uneasy truce had bloomed between the two of you: the crime lord and the caretaker.

He paid for food, clothes, and anything you needed to help keep the kids safe. He made sure your shitty apartment had some security. He showed up on your fire escape with a bullet in his gut and landed in your bed. He wormed his way into your pants and then into your heart.

And by god, he was a sap.

“Thank you,” you whispered. You dropped a kiss to his shoulder, right above a scar that you knew to be from a knife, and pressed your face against his neck. Jason stroked a lazy hand up and down your back.

“How would you feel if all of Gotham’s gossip rag sites mysteriously went down last night and no one’s been able to fix the server?”

“Remind me to give Tim a hug later.”

“You’ll have to give Bruce and Babs one too. It was a joint operation.”

You snickered and traced random patterns against his chest. “What time is breakfast?”

“We have about an hour. Alfie’s making your favorite because he loves you more than all of us.”

You sat up and swung your leg over his waist so you were straddling him. “Good. That gives us the perfect amount of time to discuss your particular brand of self hatred.”

tag list:  @annalayton19​ @tiannamortis​ @khaetiin​ @mcrmarvelloki​ @gone-batty-fics​

[ummmlife]

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami Boyfriend

part 2

warnings! : nanami x afab reader ; slight nsfw (still mdni) ; angst (?) ; headcanon ; salaryman!nanami ; if none of this makes sense (spelling and grammatically speaking) i'm sorry but my first language isn't english (lol)

What comes to my mind thinking about Salaryman!Nanami is: misery.

This man lives miserably in a constant depressive state that he isn't even aware of. He lives in a monotone routine that consists of: waking up at 5 a. m., getting ready for work, take the subway when is rush hour, getting at the office at 6:37 and start working at 7 o'clock for 8+ hours, have a casse-croûte for lunch, then leave the office at 1 a. m., get back home for a shower and sleep. Then repeat this over and over again.

The ambience of the city full of other corporative slaves just like him filling every single space of negative energy ends up draining him as well. An endless cycle of stress and tiredness that keeps, slowly but surely, consuming him.

That's how the life of a salaryman is.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami will always come back home extremely tired, wanting nothing but a glass of whiskey and a migraine pill.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami would try to pretend that everything is fine when he gets paid every month, just to then feel a knot in his throat after paying every bill.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who feels helpless every time he finds you completely asleep on the couch after a failed attempt to try to stay awake to wait for him to get home.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami will do his best to spend more time with you but that only happens twice a month because he craves to sleep on his free days.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who could get sick very often due to overworking himself and, basically, venerates you for taking care of him.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who cries himself to sleep silently every night when he's in bed with you while you're sleeping because he feels that he's losing his life in a job that is taking away his best years.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who hates himself for not having enough time for you as he had before and fears that he's ruining your relationship.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami whose libido is lower than 0 and has no energy to even have sex anymore, but begs you to cockwarm him to sleep, because the warm of your pussy hugging his dick brings him comfort. He doesn't just want to cuddle with you, he doesn't just want to hug you, he wants to feel as close as possible.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who will cum immediately once his dick is deep inside of you because, honestly, he can't last a minute with you anymore. Of course, he won't pull out, so get ready to sleep with his thick cum filling your womb and wake up with his flaccid dick still inside while his little "gift" from last night keeps leaking from your inside.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami will shyly ask you to let him sleep with his head on your chest to squeeze your tits and suck your nipples for stress relief.

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami who ends up collapsing in front of you like a little kid and who you end up convincing to leave his job.

After watching your boyfriend have a mental breakdown, which you never thought possible, you had him lean over you on the couch while he calmed down a bit and stopped crying. —"I really don't know what would be of me without you... you are an angel in my life, thank you."

Miserable Salaryman!Nanami that just quit his job and took part of his savings to go on a trip with you to Malaysia, so he can finally rest in peace next to you on a nice beach with no more worries in his life.

shitty concept and shitty headcanons, yes, but i really like miserable (big) men craving comfort from their partners :) that's all ‹𝟹

[tadpolesonalgae]

Chapter 3

A/N: Please defer to warning section in Chapter 1

-Chapter 2- -Chapter 4-

It’s already dark when you reawaken. The air cool and refreshing to your overheated body, pleasantly relaxing.

A knock is landed to your window, three thuds in rapid succession. There’s only one person who asks for entry through your balcony, and you smile, swinging your legs over your mattress as you manage to stagger your way to the curtains.

As expected, Cassian is waiting in the night for you to unlock your doors, windows filling the main portion of the entrance that make for a good view.

You twist the key and dip the handle, allowing him into your bedroom. “Good morning, Cassian,” you say, grinning slightly at the male as he strides in, wings flared casually at his back. “Morning?” He asks, a note of incredulity to his question. “Good night sounds like a dismissal, though,” you mumble, seating yourself on the bed before re-tucking yourself in.

“You know it’s midnight,” he prods, attention on you as you turn onto your stomach, one arm hanging over the bed as you peer up at him. “Having a sleep in? Rhys told me you’ve made your decision.” You nod drowsily, “not going back. Especially after yesterday.”

Cassian sighs, taking a seat on your bed, forcing you to shift away so he doesn’t crush you. “Seriously, when was the last time you had a satisfying roll in the sheets?”

“Gods don’t ask me that. I’ll get depressed.” Instead of laughing like you had hoped, you feel the weight of his gaze upon your back. You wince, “that was supposed to be a joke, but I think it’s the truth.”

“Why didn’t you quit sooner, if it’s so tiring?” He asks. He makes a good point. “I don’t know, Cass… it used to be so fun. Gods, it used to be amazing. I could have all the sex I wanted, and not worry about anything else. It was great. And satisfying. I don’t know when it stopped.”

You groan to yourself, shifting to a sitting position. “I think I’m going to start going out more. Actually look for something that will interest me. I don’t want sex to always be so monotonous, I want it to spark something in me again.”

Cassian tenses, then looks over his shoulder to you. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Sleeping with more males?” You crawl over to him, draping your arms over his shoulders as your front presses into his back—between his two, large wings. “Why wouldn’t it? Mother forbid I get caught in a dry spell.”

He grits his teeth as he feels the soft press of your body against him, hands fisting in his lap. “Isn’t it unknown males who’ve been disappointing you? Why don’t you try someone you trust? To give you a good time, I mean.”

You shrug, “one’s mated, one’s moved to Day, one’s on the continent and the other died.”

“Please tell me you’ve had more than four clients who’ve pleased you.”

You laugh, “I’ve had more than four. Those are the ones I clicked the best with, though. Guaranteed satisfaction.”

“And remind me why you’ve been putting up with any less than that?”

You huff, pushing away from him, crawling beneath his wing as you slide off the bed, striding for your wardrobe to get dressed for the day. Night. “Point taken, Cass. You can let it go now.”

“No, I can’t.”

Your brows raise as you turn to look over your shoulder at the male. The bedroom is still very much in shadow, including the General, a deeper patch of darkness on your bed. The only light is from the street lamps, spilling in through your windows.

He’s watching you intently. Even if you couldn’t see in the dark, the tell-tale way your hairs are rising demonstrates enough about the intensity of his gaze.

A muscle feathers in his jaw as he takes you in properly. The night robe down to your ankles, made of the softest cotton. The way it slides smoothly across your skin when you move, not catching on any undergarments. The thinness to it, so he can make out your breasts; the dip between your legs.

Sometimes I wish someone would just drag me into an alley and take me there.

Maybe it’s foolish of him to wait. On you, or Rhys and Az. You’ve basically given the okay, admitted that you like the idea of being forced.

Sometimes…I think about what it would be like to have someone lock me up.

You’re pulling on some underwear, and he catches how you tug the material over your hips, the cut of the fabric perfectly showing off the plumpness of your hind. How much would he give to bend you over, spread you wide, and eat you from front to back. Set his mouth everywhere he can.

Strip me down, put me in a collar, and make me obey.

When you don’t get an answer to your question—halfway through pulling your nightgown off over your head—you look back at him, keeping the material of your robe to your chest. Though you really aren’t too bothered about him seeing you.

“Why not?” You repeat, then jump.

He’s crept up behind you, on those silent feet of his. You’re surprised you didn’t hear him—usually Azriel’s the only one who can get the drop on you.

His hands settle on your bare waist, gently turning you around to face him, your night gown still clutched to your chest. If you were to drop it, you would only be left in your underwear. “You deserve better,” he growls softly.

You know he doesn’t mean it in an encouraging way.

“Cassian,” you warn, sensing the new territory he’s pushing you onto. His eyes seem glazed, as if he’s not fully with you.

Sometimes, I think I’d like to have choice stripped out of my hands.

He doesn’t reply, only grips you tighter to him, knowing you can feel the hard press of his cock against your abdomen.

“What kind of stunt are you trying to pull here, Cass? I know I joke around with you three, but you understand that’s all it is,” you state softly, but firmly. It’s a clear line in the sand. He’s your friend, and you refuse to muddy another relationship of yours because you can’t keep your lust in check.

“You’ve never thought about it?” He drawls, the rough sounding syllables dragging from his throat.

Your brow narrows, “of course I’ve thought about it. That’s precisely why I will not let any of it happen.” You could swear a soft snarl rumbles in his chest. “And where has this even come from? What, now I’m quitting my job you think I won’t make you pay?” You say, coldly. “That you can take me because you want me?”

You’ve dealt with a few too many males who’d believed they were entitled to something that was not theirs. You refuse to let this spiral any further. But he doesn’t seem to be listening.

I think I’d like for someone else to be in control of me.

“That’s exactly what I think.”

You stiffen beneath his touch, the assertive dominance in his tone. The entitlement. He’s making it attractive.

You jolt when one of his hands slide lower, resting over your ass; squeezing.

But you shake your head. “Cass…we wouldn’t work. We’re too different. I don’t like the soft touches, and I know that’s what you crave. So don’t start this now, it’ll only end badly. With you wanting more than I can give.”

A growl sounds in the back of his throat as you lay a hand against his chest, ordering him to let you go.

Instead he snarls, hand leaving your hip to pull your robe from your arms, baring you to him.

“Cassian,” you hiss.

He takes a step forward, pushing you back against your closed wardrobe. He gives your ass an appreciative squeeze, followed by a hard spank.

It’s when his fingers brush closer between your thighs that you shiver—hadn’t you been fantasising about a scenario like this just yesterday? Your breathing shallows, heat rising to your skin.

“Am I being too gentle with you, then?” He drawls. “Too soft?”

Your back involuntarily arches when the pad of his middle finger presses against your entrance.

“Would you like me to be more demanding? Rougher with you?” He growls, circling the dip in your underwear. “Want me to force you to take me? Because I’ll do that. Keep you pinned against your closet while I sink my fingers into you.”

Boiling fucking Cauldron.

You eye him warily, still conscious of his good natured friendship. Can you really trust him not to lose his head?

He doesn’t wait for your answer, pushing the damp cloth to the side and shoving the tips of his middle and forth finger inside your wet heat.

Your breath catches, eyes widening marginally as you stare up at him in surprise, mouth forming a small circle.

He knows if he’s going to have you, he needs to do it now. Catch you off your guard, pounce while you’re knocked off your feet so he can taste you while you’re dazed. If he doesn’t give you the time to think, you won’t try to get away from him. Not that he’d mind that hunt. He wouldn’t lose.

And so he pulls away a little, hands sliding beneath your thighs as he hoists you into the air, forcing your legs to wrap around his hips. You grip onto him on instinct, centuries of muscle memory kicking in as you tighten your hold on him.

Your eyes blink and you seem to become aware of what he’s doing once he’s tossed you onto your bed. You attempt to push away from him but his palms wrap around your ankles, pulling you to the edge of your mattress. “Cassian,” you hiss, though it lacks the previous sternness—slightly breathless now. “What are you doing?”

He gives you a panty-dropping smile, heat curling in your lower belly. “Centuries as a sex-worker and you can’t guess?” He snarls softly, pushing your thighs apart. “I’m giving you some damned pleasure. You need something to lose yourself in, and I need someone to sink my teeth into.”

You open your mouth to respond but he’s shoving his fingers back inside, curling against your walls, sinking into your wet heat. They make an obscene squelching sound, a rough laugh dragging from the male’s throat. You’d forgotten how different it feels when you have an emotional attachment to your partner. How much more intense it gets when there’s a vulnerable familiarity to the process.

And it seems he knows that.

His grin turns feline as he lowers himself between your thighs, hot breath brushing over your heat and your lower abdominals flex. “Cassian,” you warn, knee bending as you move to place your foot on his shoulder. His hand lands atop your thigh, keeping you in place as he manoeuvres himself so your legs are spread and hooked over him.

“Behave,” he drawls, nipping at the sensitive skin beside him. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” His teeth flash before he leans down, dragging his tongue firmly up your centre, tasting the obvious arousal. He has the audacity to lick his lips as he stares you down. “You’re getting off on it, aren’t you?” He laughs, but it’s a degrading sound, your heat tightening around his pleasurable fingers. “This’s why you became a sex-worker, huh? Because of how much of a whore you are?”

Cassian presses and open mouthed kiss to your thigh, biting down lightly. “Look at you… Gods. Practically begging for me to put my cock in you and fuck you into the mattress, isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

He’s right. You don’t know how he’d figured it out. And you’re in no position to contemplate.

Right now, you have a very attractive male between your legs, someone you know and trust, violating you in such an intrinsic way that it has your legs tightening around him. Your heart pounds as you let him take you for himself. This might be the one time you get to perfectly live out your fantasy. And he’s doing it so well.

Cassian can’t help the deep satisfaction that burns through him as your back arcs from the bed, hips rolling down onto his fingers—the beginning movements to a symphony of pleasure. You’re warming yourself up.

And a possessive male through and through, he reaches out for Rhys.

The High Lord responds quickly, knowing where the male currently is, eager to see if any progress has been made on getting you into their bed.

Grinning smugly to himself, he lets Rhys in. Just as he settles his mouth over you.

The first thing he feels is a wave of arousal, the High Lord having to find a seat for his physical body as he shoots his conscious to be alongside Cassian’s. The second is a wave of fury that sears his brain, making it difficult to concentrate on keeping some of his mental shields up to guard against Rhys’ power.

Already, he knows his High Lord will be searching for the Shadowsinger, to inform him of the turn of events. He’ll be in some level of trouble if both of them team up against him.

But he doesn’t have the heart to care. Not as a sweet moan spills from your lips that makes even Rhys still, conscious turning away from Cassian in favour of taking you in.

It’s Az he’ll have to worry about.

He’ll probably be able to sway Rhys with offering up the memory: the scent of your arousal, the flavour of your heat, what it’ll feel like when you come on his tongue. Yeah, Rhys’ll be manageable. It’s Azriel he’ll have to watch out for.

The Spymaster has a nasty habit of repaying wrongs ten-fold.

Rallying his strength—and taking the High Lord on while he’s so distracted—Cassian shoves Rhys from his mind. Allowing him just a taste of pleasure, a drop of your arousal, enough to tempt him later.

He has to finish you off quickly—but satisfyingly. He just knows one or the other will be over any second now to tackle him off you. They’ll probably try and lock him up after making such a big jump without consulting either of them. And now he’s between your legs and they’re not.

Your fingers thread through his hair and he’s pulled back to the forefront of his mind as your hips buck, winding over his mouth, his tongue flicking against your clit in a way that has you arcing from the bed. “Cassian…” you moan. It’s hardly a breath, and he wonders if you intended for him to hear.

“Don’t… You can’t… Stop it…”

His cock twitches against the seam on his leathers, rubbing so tantalisingly, as he hears your muffled whispers. Who knew you would get off on something so wrong. But he’s more than happy to oblige you.

He presses you to the bed, one muscled arm over your hips to pin you down as he eats you out. A soft sob drags from your throat, fingers tightening in his hair as you desperately drag him into your heat, needing him.

Cassian’s eyes nearly roll to the back of his skull. You’re dying for that release—one you’ve apparently been deprived of at your work. How you managed to put up with anything less than perfectly satisfactory is beyond him, and it draws a growl from his throat, nipping at your clit, a possessive act of ownership—to sink his teeth into you one way or another.

“Cassian!” You gasp, hand fisting as your thighs squeeze his head, legs locking around him as you raise your hips to his mouth. His tongue fucking into you while his nose rubs against your clit.

You bite into the knuckles of your fingers as the high crests over you, bathing you in pools of sunlight that melt into your very bones, warming you to the core. It feels like you’re coasting along a hot breeze, bathed in sweet sweet life, blessing you with divinity as his tongue soothes over you, until you’re down from your high.

You pant deeply, recovering from the mind-sizzling high, thighs still trembling as you unhook them from his shoulders, finally daring to comprehend what you let him do.

Fuck the line in the sand, then.

You push upward until you’re sat at the edge of your bed, the male still between your legs. Your hands cup his jaw and already he’s moving to grip the nape of your neck, wanting your mouth on his. But you tut softly, feeling that confidence that’s gifted to you after a good roll in the sheets. You could do anything to him right now. Anything you want.

“Easy, General,” you purr. He snarls softly at the denial, but your fingers thread through his hair, tilting his head back. He groans deeply, gripping onto you as your tongue laps at the gleaming skin around his mouth, licking up your slick, nipping at his lips. “Good boy, Cass.”

A sound of need drags from his throat. Anything indeed.

You shift, knees bending as you slide off the mattress, thighs spreading as you settle on his lap. He inhales shakily, hands moving to your waist as he drags you over him—you allow it.

“I need you,” he growls, so deep and visceral you hardly recognise it as his own voice. You give him a sweet smile, “and you can have me.” You see the relief in his features, feminine delight igniting in the pit of your belly. The high is incredible.

He moves to untie his leathers, but you settle your hands beneath his, palming his cock and he growls with pleasure. “Tomorrow,” you purr.

Cassian’s eyes snap open, pupil’s dilated, nostrils flared as his brow narrows. “You can wait a little longer, can’t you?” You press a kiss to the space beneath his jaw, slowly dragging your mouth down until you nip at the centre of his throat, over that knot. “Let me torture you a little in return. Then you can have me. As long as you like. As rough as you want.”

He hisses, bucking his hips up into your palms, warm and soft.

You pull away, staring down at him from your elevated seat on his lap. “Tomorrow night, I’m going to go out. I’m going to have my lunch around two, and then I’m going to come home. I’ll walk slowly, and I’ll have drunk a bit. I might be stumbling by that point.” You grind your hips down over him, feeling the strain of his cock against his leathers, and imagine what it’ll be like to have him pounding into you with that warrior’s body, trained to hunt and kill.

“I want you to come and find me, and drag me off the streets. Even if I protest, or try to scream and runaway, I want you to take me. Down an alley, in a tavern, in my own damn home—I don’t care.” You tug on his hair, “do that, then you can have me, Cassian. I’ll even let you pick what we do, and how.”

He’s about to respond, but there’s a knocking at your door, dragging your attention away. You hiss at the interruption, but Cassian’s still watching you. He can’t believe it. He just has to make it until tomorrow—elude Rhys and Az until then, and you’re all his. It’s only when you go to stand that he grips you tight.

You give him a look, “it’s only Rhys. Let me see what he wants.” Cassian snarls softly, seemingly beyond words. Your brow narrows at his response, “listen, General. First of all, that was good, so I’m giving you the courtesy of not making you pay. Second of all, this?” You gesture between the two of you. “Stays secret. I’m not jeopardising my relationship with your brothers because of a new development with you. And third,” you whisper sharply, “this is just sex. It does not entitle you to be handsy with me outside the bedroom, nor does it suggest any change in the status of our relationship. I need you to understand that, Cassian.”

You add, a touch softer, because he’s still a dear friend—one you can’t lose. Not without cutting yourself off from all three of them. “If you understand, find me tomorrow. But if you think you can’t handle it, or might develop feelings more intense than what’s already between us, I need you to be disciplined. It will only end in tears otherwise, okay?”

Another series of knocks land on your door again, followed by the High Lord calling for you—he sounds tense. Terse.

But Cassian manages a nod and relief courses through you—even if you’re still slightly wary. He was good between your legs, and you can trust him with those darker parts of yourself. Especially since it appears he has a similar streak.

“I’m going to answer the door. I need you to take off from the balcony. Normally I would offer aftercare, but if Rhys sees you here, with how intense the smell is—” Cassian growls slightly. “—he’ll realise what happened, and that’s a mess I’m not getting into.” You don’t kiss his mouth as you want to—as you normally would to clients after something so extreme. Instead you raise to your feet, and put on your nightgown again, moving to your bedroom door.

You don’t look back at him.

[safely-in-vhagars-belly]

👑The girl in the silver dress👑New version (Prt 2) (prt 1 here)

Aemond x reader

Tags: Fluffish, royalty, modernroyalty, theselection

Cool devider credits: firefly graphics

🔷Summary: You are invited to become a selected girl for Prince Jacaerys's selection. You never thought you would fall for his uncle, prince Aemond instead.

🔷Author's note: Based on the books by Kiera Cass, but reading them is not required.

🔷Wordcount :5840

🔷Warnings: Mentions of non-con (Not happening to mc or oc) It will happen to Dyana, and it will be kept very without details. Mc does try to comfort her.

TAGLIST: @connorsui @lportes-22 @thisaccountisrandomsstuff @nikkitc0703

Training continues for months. You are trained how to sit, how to exit a car, how to dress and even how to nod and how to smile. Things you thought you had mastered and conquered long ago, are now fresh tall mountains that you must conquer once again. Lady Aemma has been a resentful and ruthless teacher that does not value tardiness, talking back to her or other inappropriate things.

As the snow begins to fall in the courtyard, and you make your way out for some much needed personal free time, you notice you aren’t alone in the old gardens. Against the cold stone walls, covered in ivy, is a long tall familiar silver haired boy with a cigarette in his hands, clearly lighting it before bringing it to his pink soft looking lips.

You hate how nervous you are around royalty. It has been months and for all reason, you should be prepared for anything they would throw at you. And yet you are terrified of them. You feel like an ant, marching up to a lion. He would not care that he crushes you under his paws. He would not even know or realize. 

You make a small prayer to the gods in your head before giving it your all, and making a tiny curtsy for the prince. ‘’Prince Aemond.’’ You say, acknowledging him.

He does not greet you. He doesn't even know your name. ‘’You’re in my nephew’s selection.’’ He says, taking in your gown, remembering when you spoke to him. You give a hesitant nod. Prince Aegon has courted a lot of girls from the selection, and they all have been sent home or worse, even punished for their treason. From the 35 girls, he ruined the chances for at least 5 of them. The Queen covers it up very well, and Lady Aemma protects the girl’s privacy, but you noticed a pattern. Aegon scoops during a lesson, talks with a girl, the next lesson, he brings a gift, and the lesson after that, she is never seen or heard from again.

Aemond grabs his leather jacket, searching his right pocket. He brings out a used pack of cigarettes, broken open and most cigarettes already gone. ‘’Do you smoke?’ He wonders, out loud. You hear Aemma scream in your head, and you never quite liked the taste of cigarettes. So you shake your head.

Smoking was something your grandfather used to do, and now he is dead. 

It is a bit attractive, however, because you know it's bad but you don’t need to join Aemond in his activities.

‘’I try to avoid it.’’ You say, carefully picking your words, hearing Jace’s warning in your head.

He smiles, as if lost in thoughts.

‘’Hm. Clever.’’ You feel your cheeks tingle and they turn red because of the cold, you hope it is the cold.

Aemond puts the cigarettes away, and you notice several rings around his fingers. ‘’What is your name, again?’’ He wonders.

You see no harm in telling him that.

‘’Y/N.’’ You say. 

He briefly frowns before exhaling smoke. ‘’No Lady or fancy last name?’’ He is right. You should have said that. So why didn’t you?

You feel pressured and anxious.  ‘’I-’’

Aemond grins. ‘’I’m teasing.’’ He tells you, closing in a bit.

You nod. You can’t feel your toes because of the cold but you aren’t sure that it matters. ‘’Right. Sorry.’’

He steps back, and just like that the spell he briefly put you under is broken. ‘’Don’t apologize. I won’t.’’ He adds with a wink. It is what you told him at the ball. You feel yourself smile. You step a little closer.

‘’I really appreciate the time you took to talk to me at the ball.’’ You say, and you mean it.

He smiles as if to say he liked it too. ‘’It’s always a pleasure to talk with someone who appreciates history.’’ He takes notice of something behind the two of you and frowns, you follow his gaze, turn around but by the time you have done so, it is gone.

He distances himself. ‘’However, my lady, I’m afraid the walls have eyes here, and ears. I think it is best for you, to go back inside.’’

You feel dread fill your chest. ‘’Did I offend you?’’

Aemond shakes his head, returning to his smoke.‘’I’m protecting you, that is all.’’

Your feelings are all over the place after your talk with Prince Aemond. One moment, he seems very kind and gentle, the next, it seems like he pushes walls around him to protect himself. You quietly wonder who caused him to be this quiet and this alone. He can smoke as many cigarettes as he likes, wear as many suits you wouldn't afford if you sold your left arm, and you would still see a lonely young man in a suit.

Your thoughts are wandering when you walk inside the halls that lead to the rooms of the selected girls. You are so caught up in your thoughts, you don’t notice that you bump into someone.

You apologize, quickly grabbing her bag for her that falls to the ground. It is filled with clothing, crammed into the small bag. When you finally meet her eye, you see its Dyana. You are very happy to see her. Until you see that she has cried. ‘’I’m leaving.’’ She tells you, with her timid soft and even more broken voice.

You frown, recalling how happy Jace seemed when he danced with her. ‘’O, why?’’ Dyana fumbles with a lock of her messy bun, barely looking at you, her eyes far away.

She finally breaks under your gaze. ‘’I’m not fit to marry the Prince anymore. This place only brought me misery.’’ The words leave her mouth in a hurry as she takes off into the direction of the great stairs. You stop her, your chest filled with dread and worry.

You beg her to reconsider.‘’Wait, slow down.’’ Not fit to marry the prince anymore? What does that mean?

She freezes the moment you lay a hand on her arm, and somehow, you already know what has happened to her when you look into her eyes. You drop your hand right away, stepping back to give her space, before tearing up silently too. Someone hurt her, in the worst way imaginable. ‘’He is the prince. The Queen’s son. How was I supposed to…’’ She whimpers. ‘’Say no?’’ The Queen’s Son.

And just like that, your world shatters. ‘’Oh my gods.’’ You mutter, at loss for anything else. 

Dyana clutches her bag, tearing up helplessly. You want to hug her so tightly, but you know, not every survivor wants to be touched by strangers, especially not so soon after. ‘’Did something happen?’’ You ask, your voice gently.

Dyana nods, furiously as she recalls what has happened to her. ‘’He touched me. I didn’t wanted it.’’ She is righteously furious and hurt.

You will find that pig. ‘’Who did?’’ You ask.

She shakes her head. ‘’You can’t stop him. He’s too powerful.’’ You become afraid. Was it all an act? Did Aemond play you?

You need to know who did this. ‘’Who did this, Dyana?’’

She sinks to the floor of the hall. ‘’A-aegon.’’ You are relieved, and suddenly it makes sense what happened to all the other girls he ‘’courted’’. He likely won their hearts, took advantage of that, and sent them away to hide it from the other girls. ‘’That filthy pig.’’ You groan, balling your hands into fists.

You look at Dyana, your face softening. You sink to the floors too, not giving a damn about your gown. ‘’We must talk, but we will do it in my room. Walls have ears here.’’ You help Dyana stand up, but give her the choice of accepting your hand. She seems grateful and accepts, still shaking on her legs when you bring her and her bags to your room.

‘’Dy, I’m so so sorry.’’ You tell her, after you have given her a cup of warm chocolate. She nods as if to say she appreciates the gesture and the kindness.

She speaks. ‘’It’s not your fault. You weren’t there, and I thought Aegon was being kind.’’ She is blaming herself. You are enraged. They always pretend they are.

You make a cup of hot chocolate for yourself too. ‘’He should face justice.’’ You say.

She nods, but is unsure how to achieve that on her own. ‘’How? He’s the prince.’’

You have a few ideas. But unfortunately, that idea must wait. Another worry has popped up in your head, the way a weed pops up in a garden. ‘’Dy, I’m afraid I have another very unpleasant question for you.’’ Dyana seems to know where you are going, and nods, closing her eyes, wiping at her eyes.

You gently ask this, knowing it wasn’t likely on her mind earlier. Or perhaps it was. But you need to know for certain. ‘’Did Aegon, use…a condom?’’

She thinks for a moment, before shaking her head, faster and faster before covering herself, hugging her knees. ‘’No. No, gods…’’

She turns to you, terrified. ‘’Do you think i’m…?’’

You remain calm, but let her feel whatever she needs to feel. She is allowed to feel afraid, furious, broken and sad. ‘’I think it is for the best that we find someone to trust. If you are, we must get help.’’ 

She nods, instantly. And she has a idea as to where to get help too. ‘’The Queen.’’ That is a horrible idea, in your honest opinion. She is the mother of Aegon. She won’t discipline him for anything, and will send Dyana away.

You let her idea down gently. She is Aegon’s mother. ‘’No. We must not go to her. She will only protect Aegon and send you away.’’ 

Dyana nods, but you can tell that that was her only idea for help. ‘’Who can possibly help me?’’

You sigh, deeply, praying you won’t regret this. ‘’I think I know someone.’’

The rooms of Lady Aemma are decorated with the stuff from the Vale. Beautiful statues and paintings show that Aemma misses her home very much. The colours blue and grey stand out very much as well, as most pillows and trinkets are in those colors.

Her ladyship is dressed for a day in, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, likely her work-out clothing. ‘’Lady Aemma.’’ You dip in a curtsy, and you pray to the gods she will help you but mostly Dyana.

She is shocked to see you here. Worried too. ‘’Y/n. Can I help you? You had a free day today, remember?’’ It is true. You and all the other girls have a day off, every week.

You take a breath, steadying yourself before speaking. ‘’I have a delicate situation.’’

You fill Aemma in on what happened to Dyana. Aemma’s expression changes to neutral, to worried, to upset, to fury. 

Dyana is horrified to see who you brought, but you did not know who else to bring.  She covers herself, trying to curtsy for Lady Aemma despite everything. Lady Aemma tells her with a wave of her hand to stop it, her face a reflection of Dyana’s sorrow.

Dyana breaks into another wave of tears. ‘’I-I know you must be so disappointed.’’ She says, to Lady Aemma.  ‘’I’m sorry, Lady Aemma. I tried to stop it.’’

Aemma comes a little closer, tears silently falling down her cheeks. Her voice is very gentle when speaking, her eyes sorrowful. ‘’Yes. In Aegon, but not in you, sweet child. Look at me.’’ Dyana hesitates, but obeys. You remain silent, knowing you did the right thing.

Aemma grabs Dyana’s hand, waiting for her to push her hands away. She doesn’t, so Aemma takes her hands into her own. ‘’You did nothing wrong. Men will always take advantage of good, kind women. You must not let this crime taint your kind heart.’’ She tells Dyana and you hear Aemma’s voice break as Dyana nods furiously. 

She seems so strong as nails and stubborn as iron. ‘’I won’t. I won’t let him win.’’ You are glad, she decided to stay.

She seems afraid of Aemma. As most girls are, that met Aemma. ‘’Are you not furious? I should be thrown out of the castle.’’ Dyana mutters, quietly. You know she is referring to the maiden rule. Before the selection started, you were forced to answer that question as well. 

Aemma sighs, but does not aim it at Dyana. It is aimed at the gods if anything.  ‘’Aegon should be thrown out of the castle, Dyana. They broke the rules with him bothering you, we will break a few rules now too.’’ You wonder who the they are who she refers to so angrily. 

Aemma continues, her disgust getting the overhand. ‘’The rule that only maidens can vouch for the Prince’s hand is such ancient bullshit.’’ 

You both gasp at her language , but you agree. ‘’Lady Aemma.’’ Dyana mutters, slightly speechless, but delighted.

The lady of the vale chuckles, grinning. ‘’You think Jacaerys is a virgin? Or Aemond or Aegon for that matter? They fucked. It is unfair to disqualify girls when their sheets see more activity than a laundry service.’’ That makes both of you chuckle, and Aemma joins in, grinning as well.

She nods to herself before getting up. ‘’Good. I brought supplies. I will make moontea for you, you can drink it.’’ She shows Dyana a bag with supplies and goes to work in your kitchen. You remain by Dyana’s side when Aemma has left.

Dyana tears up one final time, before reaching out and embraces you, whimpering in your coat. ‘’Thank you so much, Y/n. You might have saved my life.’’ Dyana is given moontea, and goes to sleep in your rooms after that. Aegon can’t find her here anyway.

You shared your room with a girl who was disqualified too, earlier. You quietly wonder if you should have done more for her as well.

You and Aemma leave Dyana be, sleeping peacefully. You turn to Aemma. ‘’I know you told me I shouldn’t be so kind…’’ 

Aemma suddenly grabs you by your shoulders, shaking her head when tears roll down her cheeks. She laughs, a little emotional. ‘’Oh. You shouldn’t listen to what I say about friendship. I have no friends. I don’t know anything about it.’’ She laughs, but there is a sad truth there. You pity her.

You nod, silently becoming sorrowful too. ‘’So you will keep Dyana’s secret?’’ You ask, just to be certain.

Aemma does not need a moment to think. She will. You see it in her eyes. She too had her own monster who committed crimes against her. ‘’Yes, I will. Unfortunately, I lost all my privilege with the king. I can’t make him punish that pig, sadly.’’ She attempts to leave, wiping at her eyes quickly so the outside world can’t tell how she cried.

You call her back. ‘’Lady Arryn-’’

‘’Yes, Lady Y/n?’’ She asks, turning around.

You smile at her. ‘’You do have one friend. Should you wish it.’’

She clears her throat, clearly touched. ‘’Thank you, Y/n.’’

Since Dyana is resting in your rooms, you can’t go there to read. And it is a good excuse to visit the royal library. The bookshelves are tall as the ceiling, the tables made of special imported wood from the north and the books are centuries old. You are looking for books on Nymeria, your comfort subject for when you are upset. 

You see a red leather bound book with her name on the spine, but it is too far above on the cell for you to reach it. You jump up and down in an attempt to get it.

A familiar voice calls out to you, startling you. ‘’Want me to grab it for you?’’ You quickly turn around, bumping into the bookshelf and causing several books to fall down. You gawk at him. 

Yet you can’t stop your smile from spreading ever wider. ‘’Aemond!’ He smiles shyly at you when putting the books back on their spot. You mutter when he goes to work. ‘’I mean, your highness, I mean hello. I mean…" You dip into a curtsy. 

He chuckles. ‘’It’s quite alright. But that does not answer my question.’’ You try to convince yourself that he should not bother, but you really want to read that stubborn book.

You stare at the book you so eagerly want to read. ‘’Yes, please.’’ You say, instead of lying.

Aemond grabs the book easily, reaching much higher than you ever could. He hands you the book.‘’Thank you so much.’’ You mutter.

He takes in the book, reading the title. ‘’It’s a good one, but I think you’ll like this one better, personally.’’ He grabs another much lower positioned book, also about Nymeria, called 10,000 ships. ‘’That book covers Nymeria better. I think the book you are holding is very Valyrian based.’’ You look at the subtitles and nod. Fire and blood, it’s called. The motto of the Targaryens, and very obviously a hint that the book won’t be fairly written.

He seems to know his history. You quickly read the first few pages and see her being compared to a witch, an escort lady and a traitor in one sentence. ‘’Ew.’’ You comment, dryly, before slamming it shut.

Aemond nods, solemnly. ‘’My sentiments too, when I read it. It’s filled with slanders and lies of her enemies.’’ You let him put the first book back.

You notice he smells very nice. Like coffee and cigarettes. ‘’Thank you, for your recommendation.’’ You say and you mean it. He takes a book with him as well, about Oryn.

Prince Aemond does not mind helping you. ‘’No problem, just happy to help.’’ Prince Aemond says, his voice a bit gentler than usual. He gestures to the gate that leads to the exclusively royal part of the library. ‘’You are welcome to join the royal parts of the library. We have better lighting and comfortable chairs.’’ 

You aren’t sure. Aemma said that those parts are off limits. ‘’Won’t I get in trouble?’’ You would hate to be thrown out over something minor like this. But you really want to follow Aemond too.

Aemond pretends to think before laughing. ‘’No. You are with me. You won’t be in trouble.’’

He escorts you to the royal parts of the private library. There is indeed better lighting, and way more comfortable chairs. You and Aemond sit down on a couch covered in red and black velvet before each picking up your book. You notice you read the same line over and over again, bored and tired, not having the concentration to read as your eyes keep glancing at Aemond. He peacefully reads his book, lost in another world.

Eventually, Aemond goes to get a snack and you remain alone. You have a lot on your mind and you try to put things in perspective. Aemma seems nicer now, and you are very thankful for her discretion and her kindness she showed you both. Perhaps there is more to her story than you thought. Dyana seems to be fine now, but you must keep an eye on her and remain her friend. And Aegon? If you see him again, you likely strangle him on the spot. 

Finally, Aemond returns with a plate of cookies, in the middle of it all stands one lonely chocolate cupcake, the one you ate at the ball. ‘’How did you know?’’ You ask, delighted as he hands you the cupcake.

He hides a blush. ‘’I…I asked. I hope that is alright?’’ He asked. For you. You raise a brow. Aemond blushes, further. ‘’I saw you eating one, at the ball. You liked it very much, you even licked off your fingers.’’ He rambles, a little nervous. ‘’I’m sorry, that must have been so creepy of me-’’ You silence him, grinning. 

You quickly swallow the food you had in your mouth to answer him. ‘’Why would it be? I love cupcakes.’’ You say. These taste even better than Jace’s.

He seems very pleased when you eat the cupcakes, not giving a damn about manners or decorum when you lick off your fingers. ‘’I’m glad.’’ He sinks back to the couch, and briefly your shoulders touch. He quickly takes a bit of distance. 

You feel a yawn coming up. Aemond whistles, impressed by the size of it. It is your turn to blush but his chuckle reveals he was just joking.  ‘’It was a …intense day.’’ That is all you will say on it.

You see worry grow in his eyes as he sits up straighter, clearly listening to you, eager for you to share your worries.  ‘’A girl wanted to quit the selection.’’ You tell him, fiddling with your hair.

He nods, as if understanding why someone would want to do that. ‘’How do you feel about that?’’ He must think you are dumb for talking her out of it.

You tell him, anyway. You don’t want to lie to him. You rather have him think you are dumb, than that he thinks you are a liar. ‘’I talked her out of it. Jacaerys seems very taken with her.’’ You recall how they danced and laughed. Before that pig ruined it all.

Aemond chooses his words carefully. ‘’I don’t understand something. You are here for Jace. Shouldn’t you, be…I don’t know, glad that she leaves?’’ You would never be glad if anyone left that way. But you can’t tell Dyana’s secret.

You hope he understands that. ‘’Not the way she left, Aemond.’’ That way was horrible. You sit up straighter, looking at the chocolate on your fingers.‘’I will fight but I will fight fair.’’

Aemond’s pupils seem to dance like stars when you look into them. He whispers a single word. ‘’Admirably.’’ You are unsure if he talks about your strategy or you.

You are reminded of your duties and of Jace, keeping your distance from the prince. ‘’Thank you.’’ A shiver runs down your spine, causing you to flinch.

The prince notices, a frown growing on his beautiful face. ‘’You’re cold.’’ 

You laugh, rambling a bit.‘’I usually am. Such a stupid habit from-’’ he silences you by taking his leather jacket off and carefully putting it over your shoulders. You smell his scent, and feel the warmth of his body over yours. You blush, unintended. ‘’O.’’

He grins to himself. ‘’Better. I don’t like you shivering.’’ You chuckle.  Aemond picks his book back up, and you look over his shoulder reading with him. But it has been a long day, and your eyes start to close slowly. You fall asleep, eventually, snoozing peacefully agains Prince Aemond. 

After a half an hour, dreaming about Dornish statues and one-eyed princes,  you awake. You notice Aemond smiling at you, still with his nose stuck in a book. ‘’Good evening, sleepy beauty.’’ You gawk, quickly adjusting your messy hair and your gown. You blush too, he calls you beauty.

You feel so embarrassed. He must think you are lazy.‘’I must have drifted off.’’ You mutter.

But he does not seem to mind. He puts the book away, on the table.‘’Yes, but it is fine. I was with you the whole time.’’ He reassures you. ‘’I would not leave you to sleep alone.’’ He is such a gentleman. 

You can’t fathom how he is related to that pig. ‘’I don’t understand how you are related to your brother.’’ He would have taken advantage of you.

The prince surprises you with his answer. ‘’I sometimes don’t either.’’ He reveals, his voice very distant.

You think for a while, taking in Aemond’s lucious glamorous Valyrian locks. ‘’I want to teach him a lesson.’’ You tell him.

Aemond leans in a little closer, intrigued. ‘’O?’’

You smile back, enjoying the way you become so brave and fearless when you are with him. ‘’But I need your help.’’

Aemond is a true gentleman, providing you what you need. He has access to the royal rooms, and after telling him that you suspect that Aegon is behind a lot of girls leaving, he does not hesitate to help you at all. You are sitting in your rooms, waiting for Aemond to enter through the door with the supplies for your revenge plan. 

Tomorrow, several foreign ambassadors from all over the kingdom will visit. A ball will be held, and time with the prince is on the agenda. But you have a different reason to be excited. 

There is a soft knock on your window. Confused, you open it and look into Aemond’s face. In his hands he holds a plastic bag. Your room is on the second floor. You notice there is a small balcony and he likely have climbed all the way from his rooms to yours. ‘’May I come in?’’ He asks, politely. You are shocked for a few moments, before letting him.

He delivers you Aegon’s favorite shampoo bottle, and a few bottles of pink paint. ‘’Did anyone question you?’’ You wonder, as he is finished taking the stuff out of the bag. He shakes his head. 

He puts the shampoo bottle on the ground, putting the paint next to it. They are small little squeezable bottles of neon pink glitter paint. Perfect. ‘’No. Aegon’s bathroom is unlocked, so I had no trouble sneaking in. The paint I took from my mother’s room. She likes painting from time to time.’’ Well, you are shocked. The Queen has hobby’s. Who knew?

He rambles on, excitedly to help you with this plan. ‘’I went with the Neon pink unicorn color.’’ He adds with a cheeky grin. You like it when he talks with you. You like it when he becomes comfortable enough to drop his shields and walls.

That is perfect. The ball takes place at night, so if Aegon has neon hair it would be even more funny. ‘’My hero,’’ You declare before grabbing the shampoo bottle, filling it with the pink glitter paint. ‘’I hope Aegon likes pink.’’ Aemond watches you work, as a loyal huntsman seeing his evil queen prepare a deadly poison. Except this won’t kill Aegon.

Your phone buzzes and you look at the screen. Your heart drops several floors. Dyana is on her way.

You curse, quickly hiding the bottles. ‘’Ehm, a friend of mine is coming over. Can you perhaps hide under my bed for a while?’’ You ask, a stunned Aemond. If Lady Aemma was here, she would scream. You, asking a royal to lay under your bed? You, having a man in your rooms? You plotting revenge on the prince? All of this is so unbecoming, but if it is unbecoming, why do you feel so safe with Aemond near you?

Aemond seems fine with that, sinking to his knees before laying down on the floor and rolling under your bed, easily. You thank him silently and wait for Dyana to show up.

She comes mere moments later, causing you to flinch. She smiles brightly, seeming much happier and more upbeat. She brought a present as well, a basket filled with shampoo and soap bars, bubbles and other delicious goods wrapped with a large pink bow and a thank you note attached. She presents it happily to you, and your heart melts when she hugs you tightly. 

Aemond is still present, so you must be careful not mentioning what happened to Dyana. ‘’I’m so thankful for what you did for me, Y/n.’’ Dyana speaks. She wipes at her eyes, laughing. ‘’Happy tears, this time.’’ She tells you. ‘’Lady Aemma arranged a therapist for me, I can see her for an hour on my free day. We took up creative therapy, and I learn painting.’’ She tells you excitedly. ‘’Without you, I would have given up. Thank you so much, Y/n.’’ 

‘’You’re welcome, Dy. Everyone would have done the same.’’

Her eyes become very serious and hollow. ‘’No, Y/N. You are the only one, I think. You are kind, you deserve the throne.’’ She tells you. ‘’I am your ally, should you wish so.’’ You feel a bit uncomfortable with that knowledge. Did no one help her aside from you? And why does she being your ally feel as if you take advantage of her too?

You speak your heart. ‘’Dyana, I don’t want you to be my ally. You are not indebted to me. I do would love to become my friend?’’ You suggest. ‘’The basket was not needed, but it is much appreciated. I love bubble baths.’’ You let out a soft giggle.

Dyana grins and comes closer to your bed, sitting down on it too. Your eyes widen in slight horror. ‘’Of course!’’ She sniffs a few times, taking in Aemond’s scent who is likely freaking out right under her. ‘’Hm. Have you been smoking?’’ She wonders but does not sound judgemental.

‘’No.’’ You say.

She frowns. ‘’Weird. I smell cigarettes.’’ She tries to look under the bed, and you quickly call her attention back by clearing your throat.

You must lie quickly. ‘’Uhm, yes. My former roommate smoked.’’ She nods, getting up and leaves after that, thanking and hugging you again. 

Dyana leaves shortly after that and Aemond comes out of hiding.

‘’It was worse than I thought.’’ He speaks when he has cleaned the dust from his hands. ‘’He…He took advantage of her, didn’t he? Of that poor sweet girl that was here just now. That is why you want to teach him a lesson.’’ He eyes the gift basket.  That is very much true. He is quite observant.

You nod. ‘’Yes, he did.’’

He sighs, rubbing his face with his hands. ‘’I can’t place her voice, so no worries. Even if I do figure out who it is, I will keep her secret. I just can’t stand that pig…’’ His voice trails off. You bring out the bottle of shampoo and hand it to him, your fingers briefly brushing. 

He accepts the bottle, putting it in his bag. Aemond seems as if he wants to say something but decides it's for the best if he just leaves.  And when he does, he takes a piece of your heart with him.

The ball is in full swing when you and the other selected arrive. Only 20 girls remain, including you, Baela, Floris, and Dyana. Most girls greet the royals first, and you do the same. Your attention is drawn to the well dressed prince Aemond, who hovers around by the buffet, with a plate with two chocolate cupcakes. You wish to run to him, to ask him who he is reservering those treats for. 

A sudden pain in your side reveals someone has grabbed you. You turn your head, afraid of looking into the face of a furious Aegon. Instead it is Floris, with her catlike eyeliner and dark golden gown. ‘’I’m so glad you have decided to change the positions.’’

‘’Huh?’’ You mutter, a little stupid. 

Floris chuckles. ‘’Oh, it is obvious. The entire world sees.’’ You wonder what that is. Prince Aegon is finally entering the room too, thunder written across his face.

‘’Oh my gods…’’ Lady Baela murmurs. You stifle a laugh, as you see prince Aegon with bright pink glittery dough in his hair that makes it seem like he had a duel with a toddler who’s only weapon was clay.

You chuckle, lightly before grinning at Dyana who lights up right in front of you. A hand is wrapped around yours, and you notice that Prince Jacaerys has joined you. ‘’May I have this dance?’’ You nod, complying.

Aemond watches as you two attend the dance floor, his heart clearly broken as he puts the cupcakes back with a sad grin. You don’t see him at the ball anymore after that. You become more and more aware of your feelings for Aemond and Jace, and what you feel for Jace is friendship. Jace twirls you around before speaking. ‘’You want to go after him, don’t you?’’ He asks, his voice soft and slightly heartbroken as you keep eying the doors, waiting for Aemond to come back.

Yes you would. ‘’I can’t. I’m yours.’’ You speak.

That is a lie and you know it. He shakes his head, his brown short hair shaking.  ‘’You are your own. I can’t protect you from the rules, but I can’t stand to see you miserable either, Y/N. You and Aemond belong together.’’ He says.

You still doubt it. ‘’But the rules. I’ll be thrown out.’’ You don’t care about being thrown out. You care about Aemond not answering these feelings.

He sighs, trying to get you to go after Aemond. ‘’Perhaps Aemond can find a loophole. He is very clever.’’ Perhaps. Perhaps he can.

Your feet take off running, to where Aemond disappeared to. Your heart is finally free and open. ‘’Aemond?’’ But you can’t find him. You do find a letter addressed to you, and you watch through the window as a motorcycle leaves the castle gates, and your heart shatters into a thousand pieces. You read the letter before running downstairs, running out in the rain in your ballgown, after the motorcycle. But he is long gone, and you can only cry.

Y/n

I’m leaving the castle until the end of the selection, perhaps after that.

I’ve come to care for you, and my sense of duty has been suffering because of you. I thought I knew for certain that I was a man of priorities and morals, but you make me want to break and risk it all for you. 

You are my nephew’s selected, and I can’t watch how he courts and throws away girls left and right, for he does not deserve a single one of you. He does not deserve the kingdoms, he does not even deserve to hold your hand, if you ask me. 

I want you, but I know you won’t choose me. No one ever does. I will come back, perhaps. Perhaps not. 

The media will call you a whore if you were to pursue me, and no foreign ambassador would ever take you seriously. There will be rumors if our relationship started during the selection, and people will mock every child we will have as a bastard. I can’t put you through any of that, as what the media writes about me, already kills me. I can’t stand to watch you become a bitter and resentful woman, and to see that pure light inside your soul die.

I hope these foolish one-sided feelings of mine go away over time, and I hope you can find the strength to forgive me for writing you this letter, and not speaking it to your face. 

I love you, and because of that, I have to let you go.

-Prince Aemond Targaryen.

A/n

Thank you for reading. Part 3 will be the final part!:))

[lavenderdreams205]

spn thoughts as requested

tw & spoiler warning

they should have kept the grungy filter and aesthetics from the early seasons

bring back the southern / midwest gothic vibes

dean would've listened to and loved 90's & 2000s grunge - I know that the whole "there's no good music past '79" is a key part of his personality but pre series/early seasons dean is soo nirvana / Weezer / smashing pumpkins coded

there is too much flannel in the later seasons - I miss the carhartt and leather jackets so bad

BRING BACK DEANS JEWELRY

there's so much about cas that we don't know. there's all the episodes where he just isn't there and they never tell the viewers what he's doing or where he went

on the same note, cas's personality isn't nearly as flushed out as sam's or dean's are. who is his favorite musician? what's his favorite place to travel to? why does he like the pimpmobile so much? does he actually like the trench coat or does he wear it just because it's there?

so many people characterize cas as a little guy, and while he is cute, it's important to remember that he's also an incredibly powerful eldritch horror who leads angelic armies and brands Michaels vessel just because

dean is bisexual and in love with cas - I won't take the time to list all of the reasons here, but you can definitely find those reasons somewhere

i would've loved for them to use the handprint as a physical manifestation of their bond instead of having it be just a scar that fades with time

i'm actually really ok with the way cas dies, I think it makes sense for his character and provides closure (for him, at least, not for dean)

the parallels of cas and dean meeting in a barn and then dean dying in a barn

cassie is deans first love, cas is his last

the imagery of the empty as cas's wings in 15x18

why do the subtitles spell cas as cass, its awful

there's a few lines in the early seasons that seemingly reference dean getting roofied / sa'd and are subsequently played for laughs, Jensen Ackles confirmed that dean would've done underage sw when John didn't leave them with enough money. I believe that this trauma is a major reason that dean never accepted his sexuality

the way deans alcoholism is overlooked and joked about is actually insane

having dean be completely ok after 15x18 is also insane, especially after the widower arc where the show specifically shows it's viewers how deeply dean grieves cas when he dies

deans death is literally so stupid. I get that the show is trying to make a really meta point about the characters not having plot armor anymore because chuck is gone, but dean deserved to find peace. if the events of the show had never happened and pre series dean had never gotten pre series Sam back into hunting it would've ended the exact same way - dean dead on a hunt and Sam dying from old age

dean spends as much time on earth as he did in hell, and while he would never be the same, I like to believe that if he had been allowed by the narrative to live longer he would've gotten back a little of the twinkle in his eyes that he had before hell

in 15x20 Bobby says that cas helped rebuild heaven but if he was there he would've gone to see dean. additionally, there's no way cas should have been able to escape the empty. this is such a glaringly obvious plot hole and it drives me nuts

I would've liked to see cas's wings in the show - not just the shadow of them

the only time I tolerate serious discussion of wincest is in the context of ethel cain

i am a Sam disliker - while he does have many positive qualities, I have a really hard time getting past him not looking for dean when he was in purgatory and him joking about deans alcoholism and other traumas

i like Sam the best when he's with Eileen, I think they're adorable together and I'm mad they killed her off

I am a chronic jack defender, that boy has done nothing wrong

it would be interesting to explore cas and jacks relationships with their respective genders

there's no way being forced to murder the dean clones didn't affect cas, we only saw him kill the last one but the first few he had to kill had to have been devastating

i'm really disappointed by 14x13 Lebanon, we get the scene with John and Sam but I would argue that dean has significantly more reasons to be upset with John and it's unfortunate that the episode just glossed over this - I believe a screaming match between the two would have cleared the air a bit and been at the very least cathartic for dean

i'm fairly sure that it's canonical that John sent dean away on his 17th birthday to kill lesbian ghosts. my personal hc is that John suspected that dean was bi and sent him to teach him a lesson

i saw a post on here comparing hunting culture to biker and cowboy culture and viewing those things through a queer lens and I thought it was fascinating - there's so much spn could've done if it cared about the show more than money and losing viewers

every time cas and dean beat the shit out of each other, it serves as further proof of their relationship rather than discrediting their relationship - ie demon dean and cas fighting in the library is used to parallel Cain and Collette. it could even be assumed that their love is stronger because Cain killed Collette but dean left cas alive

The purgatory love triangle was so silly

once dean worked through all of his trauma and toxic masculinity he would've been a swiftie

all of the main characters have old / vintage cars but in like season 13/14 dean sam and cas just collectively own and use this really ugly silver truck from the 2010s. its such a small detail but it absolutely ruins my viewing experience every time I see it

dean is actually really smart but most of the fandom overlooks it because Sam is characterized as the smart one. if you know anything about cars you know it takes an insane amount of brains to build a car from scratch (he did this with baby multiple times throughout the show) also he just makes an emf meter using basically nothing. if dean had been given the same opportunities he gave Sam, he would've been an engineer or something

i will always be a John hater, if this man has 0 haters, I am dead

[missjamiekaye]

I'm sooo hung up on Boostle baby Rip Hunter.

Booster loves his kid, but he feels this deep, overwhelming sorrow when he is struck by how much Rip reminds him of Ted. Booster has such a deep feeling of love for his son - starting from the first time he gets to hold him. Yet, he can't get over how similar Rip is to Ted. Their smile, their eyes, their mannerisms - it gets overwhelming at times. Booster feels a deep sense of grief when he is reminds that Rip is just as much of a part of Ted as Rip is a part of him.

When Rip starts kindergarten, be learns how to read and write earlier than most, and Booster is so proud - until he thinks about how smart Ted was, and how proud Ted would be of his son. That night, Booster ends up bawling his eyes out when he imagines how Ted would be as a parent. Would his friend love Rip just as much as Booster does? Would Ted stay - settle down, and turn a new leaf with him - if he knew? Another more self-loathing part of Booster asks himself if Ted would really stay to take care of a child he didn't plan for, or want.

Also. Skeets. He lets Booster know what and what not to get for Rip in terms of toys, food, and furniture. Skeets makes Booster research about product recalls and infant safety, and it gives Booster the biggest migraine ever.

Also like. Other characters and people. Would any of the JLI visit or check up on Booster and Rip? Would Booster tell them that Rip was Ted's kid? I can only imagine the drama.

J'onn drops by during Booster's pregnancy to see him, reads Booster's mind unintentionally, and finds out about the situation. He ends up consoling a very emotional and conflicted Booster about the whole thing.

Guy Gardner helps Rip with math homework because he used to be a teacher, but he gets angry at the worksheet Rip was given because he struggles with the new way of doing long division.

Oracle finds out about Booster's time travel stunt when one of Booster's friends asks her what forced into him into such a sudden retirement and disappearence, and she begins keeping tabs on them as one of Ted's friends.

Bruce's daughter Cass is looking for a summer job, and ends up becoming Rip's babysitter - doing things like playing Wall-e with Rip and Skeets, and letting him win playing kickball with him.

(I guess warning for suicidal ideation?)

Gosh yeah a lot of it hurts. For THE MOST part to me, finding out he's going to have a kid is like a point where Booster finally feels like he doesn't want to die anymore. The thought of having his kid makes him finally be okay with existing in a world without Ted. Just thinking about that makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry.

Skeets is absolutely like an overbearing midwife lol. Telling him far too much information than he wants or needs to know.

Pftthathw you got me thinking about Booster having a bad spell and Batman really not knowing what to do and just calls J'onn up. Emergency J'onn visit.

(pfthathaha thank you Moose for helping with his mental mess)

[thepaperpanda]

Make Your Wish || Ivar the Boneless x fem!reader

Masterlist

Summary: Ivar decides to cheer you up after an unfortunate event that left you feeling down

Warnings: none ♥

Word count: ~ 1175

Authors: Fenrir & Cass A/N: The prompt for today is: Stargazing according to my best friend, "Ivar speaks as if he watched too much Lion King before it was even animated, lol”  ♥

There's no way you can believe it: Hvitserk cheated on you, and he isn't even sorry about the thing.

Even though you knew Hvitserk's tendencies, you hoped this time would be different; you hoped to love and be loved.

Now that you're sitting outside The Great Hall sobbing and trying to calm down as the feast is taking place, you realize you're a fool.

The inside of the building is filled with loud and happy sounds.

The only thing you want is to hide from everyone, even if others have already forgotten what happened.

Throughout the entire feast thrown by his older brother, Ivar kept an eye on you, including the scene where you caught a drunk Hvitserk fucking a thrall. After seeing, you running out, crying like a child, he decided you shouldn't be left alone.

Since he is used to crawling, Ivar decides to leave his crutch against the wooden table.

As he crawls by, he hisses and curses people, trying to think of a place you could go.

Upon leaving the Great Hall, Ivar sits casually on the ground with his back against the wall; although he is good at crawling, this shit is fucking exhausting.

It only takes him a second or two to notice the shoe prints you left, and he instinctively follows them as he scans the path leading deeper into the village.

Sitting on stones, you wipe your tears away. Accepting it is still very difficult for you. Why does he do this to you when you tried your best?

You almost fall off the stone when something suddenly touches your leg. Sighing with relief, you realize it's Ivar. "By the gods, Ivar! You scared me."

He smiles mischievously. "I didn't mean to, I mean it," he says, sitting flat on his ass and adjusting his legs. "I saw you leaving and thought I'd check out the reason."

Leaving the stone, you sit next to him.

While Ivar isn't perfect, he can be a decent man when he wants to be.

"Check out the reason? You and everyone else know why."

"Hvitserk." The word is spit through his clenched teeth as if it were some kind of dark spell. It's always Hvitserk. What did he do today?"

Your tears flow again as you explain, "He fucked the thrall, everyone saw it, he made a fool of me! What the hell was he thinking? I was good to him, and he just treated me like I was nothing? Am I really that useless, Ivar?"

The abrupt, unexpected outburst makes Ivar blink a few times and grimace a bit; he had always had trouble dealing with crying people.

You quickly wipe away the tears, "I'm sorry, you probably don't care about this. I really didn't expect this to happen."

Ivar instinctively wraps his arm around you, pulling you closer to him. "Hush," he whispers.

Taking a deep breath and nuzzling him, you let out a heavy sigh; it feels so strange, but also so good and calming at the same time.

"Thank you," you whisper.

It's dark outside, so you cannot see his reaction - he smiles to himself. "You're welcome."

As you pull away, you look at him and say, "I bet you think I'm pathetic. At the end of the day, I heard so many things about Hvitserk and his unfaithfulness, so I don't see why I am surprised. I was so stupid, and now I cry for that!"

Nodding occasionally, he listens to you. To his utter surprise, he feels bad for you, and he feels he knows exactly how you feel. He has felt that way before, too. "I didn't say that, these are your words, Y/N," he tells you softly.

Nodding, you wipe your cheek, looking at him. "It must have been difficult crawling all the way here. Thank you for coming to check on me," you tell him, offering him a gentle smile.

Ivar shrugs simply. "Why are you worried about a cripple? You're going through hardship, not me," Ivar says calmly and improves his position to rest his back more against  the rocks you sat on before. Ivar whispers, "Look," and he points his index finger at the dark sky.

As you gaze up at the sky, you improve your position so that your back also rests against the stones. There are many stars in the dark sky, like beautiful lanterns set against a deep darkness.

"Make your wish quickly, Y/N!" Ivar shouts, pointing at two shooting stars. As he closes his eyes, he murmurs something to himself.

Before looking at him, you also close your eyes and murmur your own wish. "What was your wish?" You ask him openly.

A shrug of the shoulders accompanies his response, "For Bjørn to die. What was yours?"

With a blink, you soon giggle and shake your head; it's never clear if Ivar's serious or joking. You respond, "To meet someone who will make me happy," without much thought.

After a moment of thinking, Ivar leans forward and kisses your cheek briefly. The smirk on his lips widens as he stares at you for a moment. "It appears that the second part of my wish has just come true," he adds.

Totally confused by his behaviour, you stare at him in shock. "Second part? What's that?"

"That if I kiss you, you won't smack me."

You smack him on the head with a frown, then kiss his cheek.

Looking up at the stars, he smiles brightly and rests his back against the rocks. "Do you like stargazing?"

"Honestly, I do. They are so beautiful, just like diamonds or other shiny stones," you nodded and returned to watching the stars. "How about you?"

"I do, actually. I enjoy spending some productive alone time overthinking all my mistakes," he smiles, more to himself, joking darkly. "As stupid as it may sound, I like to imagine that my father and otherwise kings, among gods, are looking down on us from this endless darkness above."

"It's what my mom says, too," you smile and point at the big, bright star in the sky. "I give you my left hand as proof that this is Ragnar right now looking at us."

After cocking his brow, Ivar nods. "It might be. But if you're mistaken, you'd be left handleless, wouldn't you?"

Playfully pushing his shoulder, you tease, "He's watching his youngest son."

Despite his eyebrows cocked, Ivar gives you a stern look before smiling widely. "I would appreciate some help with horses if you could join me at the stables tomorrow. It's my turn to take care of them."

"I would love to help you, especially now that I don't have to worry about Hvitserk," you nod your head a little too eagerly.

Ivar smiles and squeezes your hand, telling you "Fuck him, you deserve fucking better. "I already cannot wait for tomorrow," you laugh, squeezing his hand. It may be that the youngest Ragnarsson is not as bad as his depictions by others suggest, you think to yourself

[neptunesenceladus]

Wanted to do a list of some of my favourite fics across fandoms so here it is! En Enceladus’s favs (as of April 2024). This was actually going to just be my most recent ones but i ended up going through all the recs in my bookmarks, so, these are sorted into fandom to make it easier for you.

DC Fics:

Tractors by @lieu42

DC firstly lieu42 is cool af, so note that down. If you in a mood for time travel and Tim Drake having a crisis then this is definitely for you. I love it so much I bound a physical copy. actually just read everything by him, you will not regret it.

New Wave by @yellowocaballero

DC What if Steph was the first Robin? You should know I love Steph and this is probably the fic that cemented that, I really love how she is portrayed and the 90s skater aesthetic. this fic and tractors are probably my top two recs so go read them now please and thank you

Frequency by @cryptocism

DC, Teen I truly don't know how to sum this up. Basically Thaddeus Thawn "disappears" so CRAYDL activates clones of him. It's so so good and only got one more chapter until it is complete! Also the song November by Sparkbird fits one of the characters (Six) so so well.

Zugzwang by Hinn_Raven

DC, Teen Steph is dead so why is the new talon that Cass is seeing around strangely familiar?

The Juniper Suite by @shhhenanigans

DC, Teen, M, and E (currently 4 parts, first is T and last is E) Genuanly can't describe this one. It's jayroy, with this twisted fairytale body horror theme. so big warnings for body horror, I really love how the author writes all of it and plays with tense and imagery.

Time (to protect you) by Blueseabird2

DC, Teen Dick Grayson and Constantine go back in time to try and save everyone. It's mostly cute batfamily fanon with angst, it was my first DC fic I read (with the exception of Dark Matter) so has a special place in my heart (also the reason I have read so much Hellblazer)

Marvel/MCU Fics:

Pigeon and Crow by @deniigi

Marvel, Teen Peter Parker and Johnny Storm become friends. Deniigi always has beautiful writing and this is no exception. Personally love the wordplay.

Peter Parker's Tapeworm by Ginevra_Benci

MCU, Teen Firstly, the tapeworm is a metaphor. This one is what if the spell at the end of nwh failed and even Peter forgot he was Spider-man. Its really good, especially how the memory loss and displacement is written.

The Lost and Forgotten by @litcraz

MCU, Teen believe it or not, this one was written before nwh, litcraz just fully predicted it. Peter has to make a very bad deal and everyone forgets he exists, but he keeps ending up back in the Avengers path.

Star Wars Fics:

hope has bloody knuckles by @independent-variables

SW, Teen Legally required to star the SW section of this with two independent-variables fic, their writing is so much to me (I literally binged all 4 pages of their star wars fics on ao3). This one is about after the Clone Wars, Davijaan moves to Pantora with Cody to heal after the war. He reunites with a civilian he met once and slowly falls in love. Examines person hood, healing, love, and siblings. (oh and the authors settings in Pantora are inspired by Alaska and are so freaking beautiful)

sing back to the red bird, soldier by @independent-variables

SW, Teen I was hard-pressed to make a choice of just one more from this author, but since I can't list all of them here is another favourite. It's about Rex discovering what it means to be free, and have a choice beyond brainwashing, and then offering freedom to all his brothers. It uses elements of Tatooine slave culture by @fialleril, which is all just so beautiful, so definitely check out them as well!

Dielectric Breakdown by @jessepinwheel

SW, Teen Quite likely the first clone wars fic I read? I love a good mystery and this fic has that with a very fulfilling ending. Obi-Wan kills the Chancellor and goes into hiding toward the end of the war. Five years later he's presumed dead but Cody doesn't believe that and wants to know why he betrayed everyone.

Message Traffic by @skitzofreak

SW, G and Teen This is a must read for anyone. It's all written as correspondence, transcripts, and droid logs, as a post rogue one fix-it. It's actually amazing how much the story makes you invested while you are very clearly behind a fourth wall. I adore it so much.

floating, sinking by shuofthewind

SW, not-rated another everyone survives rogue one fix-it. I just really love rogue one and seeing all the characters get more. Also the perspective switches are really really good.

False Dichotomy by nsmorig (@far-sector)

SW, M One that was recommended to me (by independent-variables). Its dark and has body horror so I loved it. The way Cody is written from both his own perspective and others is in such a way that you can really understand who he is. Truly one of the Cody fics. There is also a sequel that's a wip and is also amazing (I'm still thinking about it).

Bucket of Bolts by @independent-variables

SW, G haha, I lied. have another inderpendent-variables fic. This one looks at Ahsoka and Rex in-between the end of tcw and start of rebels. I love them and whatever it is they have going on.

All Their Tomorrows by @breakfastteatime

SW: Jedi Fallen Order, Teen Horror!!! The Mantis crew find an abandoned ship floating in space and its super creepy and leads them to investigating a dark faction of force sensitives.

Six extras from assorted fandoms:

Talk Me Home by @comebacknow

The Maze Runner, Mature I love tmr so much, never not thinking about it. This beautiful work covers the six months in-between the end of the scorch trials (movie) and the death cure (movie). I've read it multiple times, it expands on both the characters and world building so much.

the scar i can't reverse (the more it heals, the worse it hurts) by EverythingButTheKitchenSink (ElvisHasLeftTheBuilding)

The Maze Runner, Mature I've been following this fic since it was only a couple chapters, its really brilliant. Lots of time travel shit and trauma and seeing Thomas through everyone else's eyes. I would also recommend going through a few of this authors other works as well if you enjoy!

Once & Future by spqr

The Witcher, Mature If you haven't read anything by spqr, congrats, you're missing out. This one is a kind of sleeping beauty au, where Geralt is a statue and Jaskier accidentally wakes him up. They then have to go on a quest to save everyone Geralt holds dear.

Silver and Copper by Heronfem

The Witcher, Mature I love this cause, horror. It gets pretty dark, please mind the tags is horror is not your forte. Jaskier is cursed so a witcher is hired to save him.

Vanishing Act by nockout

Harry Potter, Mature This is probably the only time I'll recommend a harry potter fic, but it's truly worth it. This is a noir detectivy thing that starts by being spread over two different points in time that slowly meet. I have no clue how the author keeps all the plotlines together cause, wow. It also follows an original character which I really love. I'm a few chapters behind that latest update so am feeling like a reread is in order.

can we be seventeen? by acennabeth

PJO, Teen ending with some fluff. This is just percabeth getting a break from everything and being teenagers for an evening. it's so special to me

[beelzebuddy-catan]

The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 3

Summary: Tired of wanting to help the brothers, but never being able to, Cass finally reaches her limit. Maybe Levi should make a mental note, when the Avatar of Wrath is worried about a human's anger, you should be too. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of death, heavily implied sexual content Spoilers: Up to Lesson three and Lilith's status Characters: Cass (OC), Lucifer, Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Diavolo, Barbatos, Solomon, Simeon, Preta (OC), and Vassago (OC). Notes: Just like Asmo's mind control doesn't work on MC, demon powers in general don't work on Cass, including Diavolo's. Previous Part • next part

“HEY, I TOLD YOU! LISTEN WHEN I’M TALKIN’ TO – wait, the stairs that lead to the attic? Stop stickin’ your nose where it doesn’t belong. And don’t go thinkin’ you can just offer the Great Mammon a little bit of money so he’ll spill the beans. Let’s pretend I did. Lucifer would kill me – no, he’d have me eliminated and it’d take me a good two hundred million years to recover.”  

“Oh, so you’re afraid of Lucifer.”  

“I ain’t afraid of Lucifer! Tell ya what. I’ll let you buy the information off me for the monetary equivalent of two hundred million years’ worth of the world’s total oil production.”  

“Is that with inflation?”  

“Is that with – I ain’t gonna tell ya.”  

"DOES HE EVER SLEEP?” Cass whispered sharply as she threw a pillow onto her bed.  

This was the fifth time this week she’d woken up to some ominous voice in the walls calling for help only to be stopped by Lucifer when she got to the foot of the stairs. At this point she should take him up on his offer to make her a tea that would put her into a coma because it might be the only time she actually gets some rest.  

Lilith wasn’t much help either. She couldn't even tell Cass what was at the top of the stairs. Apparently, there was some charm at the very top preventing her from going through. Lilith wasn’t sure what the spell was since it didn’t seem to be related to her ghostly status. Which meant Cass couldn’t even try and get Solomon to help.  

The lack of sleep would have been bad enough, but she also had to deal with the brothers. Each of them had more baggage than she had under her eyes at this point. Worst yet, they wouldn’t let her in enough to even help them with it.  

Lucifer acted like a politician giving a statement whenever she tried to talk to him. Do not disappoint Diavolo. We’re counting on you to make this a success. Just once she’d like to see him show any side of him that wasn’t polished or annoyed at his brothers.  

Whenever Mammon was near her, he started complaining about having to watch over her. Even though he was hovering around her a lot more since making the pact. He started walking her to her classes and hanging out after, even banging on her door until she let him in. If he wasn’t complaining about her or his brothers, he was trying to rope her into some complicated money-making scheme that always seemed more of a bad idea than a pyramid scheme.  

She was lucky if she saw Levi more than once a day. If she did, he refused to make eye contact or acknowledge her presence. The little time he spent with his brothers was spent on his phone, mumbling under his breath, or fighting with Mammon.  

True to her expectations, Satan was cordial to a fault. Just like Lucifer, she never really saw past his mask unless he was angry. While anything could set him off, she started picking up on his warning signs. The book he was holding would snap shut with an unexpected force. He’d take a long-calculated breath, staring at the person or thing that set him off. When they weren’t in the House of Lamentation, she could feel the murderous aura building around him before he excused himself.  

That aura wasn’t exclusive to Satan, she learned. She felt it with all of the brothers when they weren’t at the house. Whenever their emotions started to take over or they lost control of their sin, it would start forming. Mammon, who seemed to have little to no control over his greed or emotional state, seemed to be the only one who didn’t radiate that feeling on a regular basis.  

The first time she’d felt it around Asmodeus had taken her by surprise. While he’d been flirty with her since they met and tried to charm anyone he encountered, the darker side only crept up once and a while. There was a sense of desperation behind his actions. A desire for something more, to be seen as something more.  

Beel, she’d learned, wasn’t as apathetic as she’d suspected. He was able to stay level-headed, expect when it came to his brothers or food. He simply wasn’t an expressive person. He’d been spending more and more time with her. There was something comforting about his presence. And just when she started to think he may share the sentiment, he would withdraw, as if afraid of getting close to her.  

“Why do I get stuck here looking at your face every morning,” Mammon’s outburst pulled Cass from her thoughts. She gave him a quizzical look over her coffee mug. “Ya know, eating a human is a treat for demons, right? Having you sit there and not being able to do anything is like having a premium-grade, medium rare, roast Iriomote musk hog in front of ya when you're stuck eating dried black belly newt legs.”  

Cass’s eyebrows scrunched together. Did he just compare her to a roasted hog? Mammon was too busy going on about blackbelly newt legs and roasts to notice the glare she gave him. He jabbed his fork in her attention, finally making eye contact.  

“And ya know what the worst part is? That thick juicy hunk of meat started ordering me around like it’s the boss or somethin’. What kind of sick torture is that?”  

“Did you just call me a hunk of meat?” Mammon froze, as if he hadn’t even realized that’s what he’d said. After a moment it looked like he was going to double down and confirm the insult, so Cass continued. “This hunk of meat has only given you an order once, by accident. And if you called me by my name to begin with, it wouldn’t have happened.”  

“Where are your brothers?” She asked when she saw him open his mouth, knowing it would end in an argument. An argument consisting mostly of him complaining.  

“Hell if I know. Asmodeus is a playboy who sneaks out at night, so he’s probably sleepin’. Satan’s a goody two-shoes and I don’t care where he is. And I don’t even want to think about Beel. He ate the custard I was saving after I TOLD him not to eat anything with my name on it.”  

Cass rolled her eyes, of course she can’t get a simple answer from him. Most of the time, she found Mammon oddly charming. With the headaches caused from lack of sleep though, it was unbearable. “Pay attention when I’m talking to ya! Bet the others scurried off to class so I had to deal with ya on my own. They’re rotten and it’s all ‘cuz of Lucifer! Stuck with you in a pact, Levi’s lame haircut, Satan’s stupid horns, Lucifer’s nasty smelly feet.”  

“Do you know about those stairs on the west end of the house?”  

“HEY, I TOLD YOU! LISTEN WHEN I’M TALKIN’ TO – wait, the stairs that lead to the attic?”  

Ah, so the others did know about them. So, whatever was blocking Lilith didn’t seem to affect other ghosts or demons. But how would Lucifer know to put up a spell so she couldn’t get up there. He didn’t even know she was there. What was he hiding and who was he hiding it from?  

“Stop stickin’ your nose where it doesn’t belong. And don’t go thinkin’ you can just offer the Great Mammon a little bit of money so he’ll spill the beans. Let’s pretend I did. Lucifer would kill me – no, he’d have me eliminated and it’d take me a good two hundred million years to recover.”  

“Oh, so you’re afraid of Lucifer.”  

“I ain’t afraid of Lucifer! Tell ya what. I’ll let you buy the information off me for the monetary equivalent of two hundred million years’ worth of the world’s total oil production.”  

“Is that with inflation?”  

“Is that with – I ain’t gonna tell ya.”  

“You could have just said you don’t know what’s up there.”  

"Of course, I know what’s up there!” Silence hung between them. “Fine, you want to know so badly? Then go up there yourself. If you want to get past Lucifer, just distract him. What’s that series Levi likes again? The Tale of the Seven Seas Trying to Get Rich Quick...Wait, no. The Tale of the Seven Kingdoms. 

“Whatever, it doesn’t matter. Just get a vinyl edition of the soundtrack from that and use it to distract Lucifer. Don't know why, but he’s interested in it. Get your hands on that soundtrack and you’ll be able to climb those stairs.” 

Cass stood up crossing to the door. “Well, let’s go.”  

“What makes you think I’m helpin’ ya? If ya want the soundtrack so bad, go find Levi and work it out with him yourself. I gotta get to class.”  

“Mammon, I said let’s go,” Cass said, feeling the same warmth from her pact mark she’d felt when she’d first invoked its magic.  Mammon followed her out of the dining room grumbling like always.  

-- -- --

Cass was about to knock on Levi’s door, when Mammon yelled in her ear. “LEMME GO, DAMMIT!”  

She jumped, the magic allowing her to control him, breaking with her concentration. Mammon stumbled backwards, head hitting the edge of the nearby end table. He looked up, rubbing his head. They stared at each other for a moment in shock.  

“What the hell, Cass? Ya coulda given me a little warning!”  

“I’m sorry! I don’t exactly know how to control a pact. I don’t even like using it.”  

“Whatever,” Mammon grumbled, standing up. “You don’t have any prudence, do you? You can’t just storm up to Levi’s room demandin’ the vinyl from the Tale of whatever-it-was.”  

“You mean the Tale of the Seven Seas Trying to Get Rich Quick?” 

“You know what your problem is? I’ll tell you.” Mammon stepped closer as he spoke.  

“Oh, please do,” Cass snapped back. 

It probably would have been easier to ask Levi for help without Mammon. The two always seemed to be arguing, even when they got along. Not to mention, his constant put downs and yelling was only making her headache worse.  

“Mammon, you jackass,” Levi called out from his room.  

“Who said that?” Mammon looked around wildly. “I’m not a jackass! Or an idiot!”  

“Or a scumbag or a money-obsessed moron,” Cass added on, unable to resist the urge to mock him a little more.  

“I’m tryin’ to help ya!”  

“You’re making way too much noise, Mammon,” Levi yelled, “I'm trying to watch Magical Ruri Hana: Demon Girl.”  

At this point, Cass didn’t have the energy to trick Levi. She just needed the vinyl, so she could give it to Lucifer and stop whoever was talking all through the night. Every day she was one step closer to poisoning everyone in the house with holy water. 

“Open the door, Levi. I need your TSL soundtrack.”  

The only response from Levi was a curt laugh. Both Mammon and Cass knew exactly what it meant, not that she expected anything different. She sighed rubbing her temple, what were the odds Mammon could just break the door down. Levi did say he couldn’t beat Mammon in a fight. Maybe she was at her last resort.  

“And I’m the idiot.”  

“Well, if it isn’t the pair everyone is talking about.” Solomon stepped up to Levi’s door, knocking softly. “I heard a rumor about a certain human who looks very ordinary at first glance. She just arrived and already has a pact with a demon. Though, the demon must be incredibly stupid because he let the human discover and exploit his greatest weakness to then forge a pact.”  

“What a total numbskull! Who was the demon?” Mammon laughed, the sound echoing around the hall. 

“Definitely a numbskull,” Cass muttered. “What brings you to the House of Lamentation, Solomon?”  

“Levi invited me,” he answered, clearly enjoying Mammon’s obliviousness.  

“What’s the secret phrase?” Levi called when Solomon knocked again. 

“The second lord attempted to steal the Lord of Corruption’s platypus which could lay golden eggs. Having incurred the wrath of the Lord of Corruption for this misdeed, it was ordered that the second lord would forever be dubbed the Lord of Fools.”  

Levi’s door opened a crack. “Secret phrase authenticated you may enter.”  

Solomon nodded to Mammon and Cass before slipping into Levi’s room. The sound of the lock clicking back into place echoed through the otherwise empty hall. Cass sighed, not sure what to do next. Mammon, in his own world, seemed to just catch on to what Solomon had said.  

“OI SOLOMON! I AIN’T STUPID!” He pounded on the door, but there was no answer. “You know what, he’s the stupid one, givin’ away the secret phrase and all, wait, that was the secret phrase!”  

Mammon knocked on the door again, gesturing for Cass to repeat what Solomon had said. “The second lord att-” before Cass could finish the sentence, Levi made a buzzing noise.  

“Secret phase authentication failure. Access denied.”  

“WHAT? Ya didn’t even let her finish? What is it a one-time password?” Mammon yelled, resuming his banging.  

Cass linked her arm with his, pulling him away. “Let’s just go, it’s not like he’s going to change his mind.” 

“Maybe you should at least watch TSL on DVD before asking for favors.”  

Cass let Mammon pull away to return to Levi’s door, knowing it was a lost cause to fight him. He was already hurling insults at Levi and Levi wasn’t hesitating to yell right back at him. Cass sighed, deciding they could be Solomon’s problem for a while. She was running late for class anyways. Luckily, she caught Beel heading towards the door and was able to walk with him. 

-- -- --

Cass stared down at the cover of Volume 8 of the TSL series Levi had lent her, pen tapping against her chin. The book ended with the Lord of Emptiness being trapped in the Tower of Shadow by the Lord of Corruption. Based on the parallels between the series and what she knew of the brothers, the writer was someone close to them.  

She didn’t know much about their history apart from what little information Lilith would share, but she wouldn’t be surprised if the end of this volume coincided with the start of the exchange program. Beel had been upset about his younger brother but wouldn’t talk about him because of Lucifer.  The youngest brother, she had been told, was an exchange student in the human world.  

She groaned, letting her head fall to the table. Something told her that it didn’t matter if she could find a connection or could find more information about them from the series. She just knew that the only way she was ever going to learn anything helpful was getting up those stairs. Which she couldn’t do without Levi. Having Levi’s help seemed more and more impossible by the second.  

A soft thud drew her from her thoughts. She glanced towards the noise. A fresh chocolate croissant sat next to her now empty mug. The demon who had brought the plate pulled a chair up to sit down with her. She glanced around the coffee shop, realizing only now that it was empty. The demon who had joined her was working. He must have gotten bored and decided to have some fun.  

Cass poked at the croissant, hesitant to eat it because she was still learning what was human-safe in the Devildom. That, and she’d only seen the barista in passing, she didn’t know if she could trust him yet. There was something oddly calming about him though, at least compared to the other demons she’d interacted with him.  

Then again, he was just treating her with common decency. Maybe the bar was so low for her expectations now that he was just less terrible than the other demons, but terrible none the less. Her brain hurt trying to figure it out. It didn’t help that her, Mammon, and Beel had been up the entire night before watching the TSL series.  

Mammon, who complained about being there every chance he could, ended up crying most of the series. When he wasn’t crying or complaining, he was yelling at Beel to stop chewing so loud. Cass still wasn’t sure why Beel had even come to her room. He said he’d heard them talking about the movie marathon and decided there would be popcorn. Yet, he’s the one that brought all the snacks, something he could have done without Cass or Mammon. 

“I didn’t do anything to the croissant.” The demon once again pulled her from her thoughts. “And all the food here is edible for humans.” Cass shot him a look, still trying to figure him out. “Diavolo’s been trying to make human and celestial things more accessible here. It’s not a perfect remake, but it’s safe.” 

“Why are you giving it to me?”  

“You’ve been here for a few hours and haven’t eaten. I don’t really know how often humans are supposed to eat and don’t want you to die.” He looked up from the notebook he was reading. “Sorry, should I rephrase that? I don’t care if you live or die, but if you die here, it’s going to cause me problems.”  

He looked back down at Cass’s notes. Cass tried to hide her smile as she began picking at the croissant. Most everyone ignored her or treated her like dinner. Despite adding the second part, she knew the gesture was genuine.  

“I’m Cass, by the way.”  

The demon laughed, setting the notebook down. “Is there anyone in the Devildom who doesn’t know who you are at this point? I’m Vassago.”  

“I’m starting to think Solomon’s having demons follow me,” Cass murmured.  

“How’d you know – " The shop bell rang, cutting Vassago off. He rolled his eyes before going to the front.  “Leave her alone. I’m seri – PRETA.”  

Cass jumped at the sudden change in his volume. Standing in front of her was the demon she’d seen on her first day. One thing she’d noticed quickly was that most demons stayed in their human form, especially in classes and around the Academy. The demon in front of her was definitely an exception to the rule.  

“I’m Preta.” They grinned, mouth stretching further than humanly possible, adding to the unease Cass felt.  

The next few seconds happened so fast that Cass almost didn’t process it. Vassago snatched the croissant out of Cass’s hand, jumping up on the chair. He held it out of Preta’s reach, but barely had time to gain his balance before Beel tried tackling him. Did he come in with Preta? Preta’s hand shot out to stop him, knocking over the half-full cup he’d left when the bell had rung.  

“Stop trying to steal Cass’s food,” Vas snapped at the two demons.  

Beel hung his head and grumbled a quiet ‘sorry’. Preta, on the other hand, didn’t even try to look remorseful. “Vas, I’m hungry. You said you there wasn’t any baked goods left.” 

“There aren’t any baked goods left.”  

“She’s not even eating it!” Preta yelled.  

“I ALREADY ORDERED YOU FOOD. IT WILL BE HERE IN TEN MINUTES.”  

It wasn’t until Cass felt something wet hit her foot that she realized the coffee from Vas’s cup had spilled. She shot up, trying to move the papers out of the way. It was too late. The cup had landed directly on Levi’s book, soaking the pages.  

She held the book up, coffee dripping from the pages onto the table. The reality of the situation hit her like bricks. An exasperated sound left her lips. It wasn’t quite a laugh, but it had a similar cadence. They were fighting over an old croissant. A croissant she didn’t even care about. What a stupid, normal thing to do. In most contexts, it would have been funny to watch.  

Except she wasn’t in most contexts. She was just a human, stuck in hell, surrounded by demons threatening to kill her daily. She didn’t have the luxury to enjoy stupid, normal things. Their fight ended as easily as Vas ordering takeout. Yet, at the end of the day, she was the one whose life was on the line.  

She hung her head, letting the book fall to the ground as her hand dropped. The book Levi made her swear she wouldn’t ruin. The book he’d barely been able to bring himself to lend her. Levi, who had threatened to kill her moments after meeting. Levi, who wished death on his own brother for leaving a figurine in a box. Not ruining it, just not appreciating it.  

“Cass?” Beel asked, tilting his head to the side. Cass looked up, tears threatening to fall.  

“It’s just a book, we can get you a new one,” Preta added.  

“It doesn’t matter,” she whispered. “I told Levi I’d give it back to him tonight. I don’t have time to get a new book.”  

“There’s a used book shop on the street over, we can look there.”  

Cass picked up the book from the floor, putting it in her bag. She haphazardly threw the rest of her things in after. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll figure it out. Thanks for the croissant, Vassago.” With that, she pushed passed Beel and Preta and left the Bitter Inferno.  

Usually, she hated walking down the streets alone. In their human forms, most demons were over six foot tall. Even Asmo, one of the shortest demons she spent any time with, was 6’2. Which made her a lot easier to notice. She’d gotten in the habit of wearing heels over four inches, just to blend easier. Not that it did much good.  

The streets were almost empty, though. It had rained earlier and was expected to rain more. Maybe she was finally catching a break. As Preta had said, there was used book shop on the next street. Secondhand Spell Books. Cass sighed, knowing that short luck was already over. There was no way a secondhand spell bookshop would have the TSL book she needed.  

Cass pulled at the door, but it didn’t budge. The lights were still on, though low. It wasn’t uncommon for a building to have low lights or for her to have difficulty opening the heavy doors downtown. A small, barely legible, handwritten sign sat near the handle. Secondhand Spell Books will be closed on Tuesday due to a private event.  

That was more in line with how the day had been going. Cass sat down in the alley next to the bookstore, leaning against the side wall. Something about the empty alley felt safer than returning to the House of Lamentation and whatever waited. That’s when she realized what she was really dreading, was the look on Levi’s face when he realized the book was ruined.  

After making a pact with Mammon and helping Levi, she’d seen him very little. The minute she handed the destroyed book back, it would just serve as confirmation for Levi. Conformation that his interests weren’t worth appreciating. That he wasn’t worth appreciating. He put so much energy into the shows and things he enjoyed. But in his eyes, nobody put any energy towards him.  

One of the shop bells rang, followed by a moment of silence, then “Cass?” Satan stood next to the bookstore, close enough to the door that the rain missed him. When did it start raining? Satan opened his umbrella, crossing to her. He sighed, squatting in front of her, hand pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Did Mammon do something?”  

“What?” The question took her so off guard that she started laughing. Satan tilted his head, unsure what the reaction meant. “Why would you automatically assume it was Mammon?”  

“Well, for one, you’re crying, alone in the street, at night. He is supposed to be making sure you’re safe. Two, it wouldn’t be inconceivable that Mammon did something stupid.”  

“You should be nicer to him.”  

Satan hummed, standing up. He held his hand out, helping Cass up. “May I inquire why you’re out here, if Mammon didn’t do anything?”  

Cass hesitated, still not entirely sure how she felt about Satan. It wasn’t like him to genuinely care about her. Plus, even if he could help, he wouldn’t do so out of the goodness of his heart. She relented, knowing she was picking the lesser of two evils, and pulled the ruined book from her bag. Satan took it from her, flipping the cover open. Both of them visibly cringed at the sound of the pages peeling apart.  

“You’re hiding because you’re afraid?”  

“No, it’s not that.” Satan glanced up at her for a moment before looking back at the book. “I receive death threats every day. It’s just, it’s, I don’t know, it’s hard to explain.”  

“Well, we’ve got some time on the walk. Unless you planned on sleeping here.”  

-- -- --

“If I’m understanding correctly, you’re upset the book is ruined because you think it means you’ll fail a test Levi was giving you?”  

“Kind of? It’s not like I think Levi was intentionally testing me. I don’t think he’d even entertain the thought. It’s just a feeling I have. It’s easier for him to push people away before they push him away. I mean, he spends all day comparing himself to you and your brothers. That has to weigh on him.”  

“Ah, in a way he’s convinced himself he’s not good enough and acts out on that. That way, when someone does tear him down, he is already expecting it. The book, or anything he lends out, is a way to see if it’s worth getting his hopes up.”  

Satan came to a stop outside Purgatory Hall. Cass sighed, looking up at him, knowing he didn’t have an answer, but wishing he did. It wasn’t that she just failed a test. She failed Levi and he didn’t need any more false confirmations that he wasn’t good enough.  

“Why do you care so much, though?” Cass’s knitted together in confusion. Why didn’t Satan care more? They were brothers after all. “I’ll be right back. I have to ask Simeon something. Try not to get too upset about Levi, you haven’t failed him.”  

Cass didn’t have time to ask Satan what he meant before he disappeared down the hallway. Cass looked around the foyer. Why couldn’t she have been put here with the angels and Solomon? That would have solved all of her problems. Well, not the almost being killed by demons everyday related ones, but the paranormal life coach ones.  

Unlike the House of Lamentation, Cass was welcomed with open arms when she visited Purgatory Hall. It was starting to become a safe haven for her. Simeon would bring a cup of tea to cheer her up. There were nearly always fresh baked goods that Luke prepared. Even Solomon’s mumbling when doing experiments had become a comforting sound.  

Despite Lucifer’s warning, she and Solomon had become close. She wasn’t sure how it happened. Maybe they both found comfort in being around another human, even if what they knew about each other was limited. Maybe Solomon was secretly after something. Maybe he found it amusing how she didn’t put up with his shit just because he was a famous sorcerer.   

She assumed Simeon’s friendly nature was in part because he was an angel. Though it felt like more when he patiently listened to her vent. He was one of the few beings that knew the brothers, that could commiserate with her.  

Despite his protests and claims that he was older than her, she started viewing Luke as a younger brother. And while he may deny it, he took on the unofficial role of her guardian angel, unafraid to stand between her and danger. 

“Thank you again, Simeon.”  

“You really don’t need to mention it.” Cass turned to see Simeon and Satan walking down the stairs. Simeon held a book under his arm. “Cass, it’s lovely to see you.”  

“You too. Actually, Simeon, I wanted to see if you and Luke were busy on Saturday. There's a bakery near the coffee shop I like is trying out a new menu.  

“I’ll check with Luke, but I’m sure he’d love too.” Simeon held to book out for her to take. “Satan told me what happened earlier. I think this may help soothe things over with Levi.”  

It was a first edition of the book that had been ruined earlier. On the inside cover was the author’s signature and a brief note. A piece of notebook paper was placed halfway through the pages. There were various notes and plot developments from the unreleased volume 9 book. Cass shut the book and tried handing it back to Simeon.  

“I can’t take this.”  

“I insist. It’s just been gathering dust. I’m certain Levi would appreciate it more. Maybe not the notes on volume 9, but you can keep those.” 

“This is amazing, I can’t imagine how I’ll repay you.” 

Before Simeon could answer, something cold hit Cass’s neck, causing her to scream in surprise. She turned around to see Solomon grinning, holding up a single winged pendant. He was leaning over into her space, so they were almost eye level. Neither of them blinked, not wanting to back down. 

“Here I was waiting to give you this. It’s the Lord of Corruption’s lost wing. It was only sold in limited quantities when Volume 1 was released. I happen to know Levi doesn’t have it. What would you give me for it?”  

“How about I don’t kick you in the balls?”  

“I’m starting to think you might like Simeon more than me.”  

“You’re only now picking up on that? I’ll have to be less subtle.” Cass snatched the pendant before Solomon could pull it away.  

“Careful, there’s a curse on that so anyone who wears it falls in love with me.”  

“I didn’t realize you liked Levi that much.”  

Satan or Simeon coughed, causing Cass and Solomon to break eye contact at the same time. “Do you want to continue whatever this is or walk back with me?”  

-- -- --

“Did you think coming back with Satan would help you?” Levi yelled as soon as Cass and Satan stepped through the door. As usual, the dark aura she began to sense from Levi vanished after a few seconds. Cass and Satan exchanged a look. “Beel already told me.”  

“I’m sorry, Cass. I thought I could talk to Levi for you.”  

Cass sighed, casting Beel a reassuring look. She knew his heart was in the right place. It didn’t really matter anyways, Levi would have found out about the book in the end. Besides, she now had two different things to make up for it, so they should be square.  

“This is why I don’t lend things out to normies. I just knew you were going to mess it up. Not only are you NOT an otaku, you’re also a human. Can you do anything right?”  

Cass’s hand froze, partially through pulling the book out. “Deep breaths, Cass,” she told herself. After living with the brothers, she’d learned Satan wasn’t the only one who would snap at the drop of a hat. While there were far fewer things that set her off, they definitely existed. One of those was demons underestimating her and brushing her off solely because she was human.  

“What? Were you seriously going to return my ruined book? LMAO.” 

Satan, who had been observing the interaction, stepped forward. He placed his hand on Cass’s as if to stop her from pulling out the book. “Levi,” his tone left little for argument. He also had become more in tune with your anger. 

Levi didn’t seem to care. “Why? What’s she going to do? Did you think learning a little bit about TSL would make it, so I’ll like you? You’re lucky Mammon’s such an idiot or you never would have been able to make a pact with a demon.” 

“You know what Levi,” Cass snapped tossing the bag to the floor. “I’m over this arrogant, conceited, woe-is me crap. I get you like TSL, but I don’t think you know as much about it as you think you do. I bet I even know more than you.”  

Cass wasn’t sure where that came from. She wanted to be there for Levi, but first she wanted to prove him wrong. No, she wanted to beat him, make him think about treating her like that again. She could blame the anger, the wounded ego, the lack of sleep, the constant disparaging remark about Mammon, but really it could be any one of them. The flood gates opened. 

Something flashed in Levi’s eyes, but it was gone almost as fast. “Do you seriously think you know more than me about TSL? As if I’d ever accept a challenge like that.” He scoffed, turning to go back to his room.  

“The fact that you’re running away, proves I’m right. You know you’d lose.” 

Levi spun so quickly it made Cass dizzy, he marched over, glaring down at her. She refused to break eye contact. Given how tall he was, it was near impossible to hold her head back that far. Due to his horrible posture, Cass was always forgetting how tall he actually was.  

“Excuse me?” The words flowed out like venom.  

“You heard me,” Cass said with the same animosity.  

The tension in the room was palpable. Even Levi, who looked like he might snap at any moment, seemed to be holding his breath. Maybe he was trying to intimidate her into backtracking or maybe he was trying to decide if he should just kill her here and now and be done with it.  

“Fine, I accept your challenge. I’ll even make a pact with you if I lose, that’s how confident I am,” Levi answered, finally breaking eye contact. He started walking back towards his room before once again turning to call over his shoulder. “Just one thing. If you lose, you might not make it back to the human world alive.”  

With that, Levi disappeared up the stairs. Cass let her shoulders drop, instantly feeling some of the tension leave her body. She picked up her abandoned bag and threw it over one shoulder. So much for fixing things and maybe getting a step ahead with the gifts Simeon and Solomon gave her.  

“Can I give you some advice?” Beel, who Cass had forgotten was in the entry way, broke the silence. “Levi’s the demon of envy. If you work him into a jealous frenzy, he’ll lose control. Once that happens, he’ll slip up and give you an opening to exploit. But if Levi does lose control, your life will also be in danger.”  

“What else is new?” Cass mumbled under her breath.  

She thought of the piece of paper Simeon had put in the book and the pendant Solomon just happened to have. Of course, Satan hadn’t genuinely cared. He certainly was calculating, she had to give him that. He must have realized that if she was upset, there was something he could capitalize on later that would piss Lucifer off.  

-- -- --

Mammon rattled off question after question about TSL. Despite her recent introduction to the series, she had actually learned a lot about it and was able to answer his questions easily. Not that she really thought she had a chance at beating Levi. Honestly, if it weren’t for the spoilers and the pendant, she’d be screwed.  

“You know that right?”  

Cass, who hadn’t heard the question, answered as sincerely as she could manage, “Yeah, that actually makes sense.”  

Mammon stopped walking, staring at her in shock. Oh no, what had he asked. She just assumed it was something about how great he was or how he didn’t want to be here. He turned away before she could catch his eyeline, but she didn’t miss the faint blush that had appeared.  

“It feels weird when you agree with me like that. I mean, doncha think that would’ve been the perfect time to put me down or somethin’?”  

Mammon rubbed the back of his neck nervously, still refusing to look at her. She did like poking fun at Mammon because he always had a big reaction, but she was going to have to change how she went about it. The other brothers must really be relentless in their comments.  

“Whatever, just forget it. Let’s talk strategy. Beel was right about Levi and jealous. There’s no way you’ll win a competition about TSL in a fair fight, so we’ve just got to figure out how to make him jealous. It can’t just be some braggin’ ‘cuz all that will do is make him talk about how it’s not fair and you’re lucky.” 

“Oh, I have it covered. I have spoilers for the next book, a signed first edition of the book that got ruined, and a limited-edition pendant.”  

“Yeah, that’ll do it,” Mammon laughed as they continued walking towards the student council chambers. He continued asking her TSL trivia until they made it to the doors. Mammon stopped her before she could go in. “Ya probably already know this, but if Levi does snap, there’s a real possibility he’ll try and kill ya.”  

She really was getting a soft spot for this demon. “Careful Mammon, someone might hear and think you actually care about me.”  

There was that blush again. Mammon started sputtering, unable to form a coherent sentence. She stepped back to open the door. Everyone else was already in there. Diavolo, Barbatos, and Lucifer were standing in a cluster discussing something. Levi was looking down at his phone, headphones on, ignoring the world. Asmo was filming a video while Satan and Beel sat waiting.  

Asmo lit up when he saw Cass and Mammon enter. He rushed over, looping his arm with Cass and pulling her to the center of the room. As if preparing to shoot a movie scene, he positioned her in front of Diavolo’s seat before fixing her hair. She swatted him away, not worried about fly aways, given the current situation. He continued directing everyone to their seats before forcibly pulling Levi to the center with her.  

“All right, everyone! The wait is over!” Asmo announced, ever the performer. She wouldn’t be surprised if he had tried to film this live but was stopped by Lucifer. “It’s time for the Devil’s Trivia Showdown! The quiz show that pits demon against human!” He mock oohed and ahhed behind Levi and Cass. The only one who seemed to be enjoying his antics was an enthusiastic Diavolo.  

“Today, we’re testing the knowledge of the super-famous fantasy series known to all The Tale of the Seven Lords! Let’s meet our competitors.” Asmo stood next to Levi holding a fake microphone up for him to speak into. Levi scoffed in response. “First, he’s a demon who freely admits to being a giant TSL nerd, meet Leviathan.”  

“I am the G.O.A.T. None can oppose me!”  

Asmo oohed again before spinning to introduce Cass. “And his challenger. The human who was only introduced to TSL recently and binged the DVDs. Say hello Cass.”  

“Hi.” Asmo didn’t move the microphone, his eyes insisting she say more. “I literally could not care less about this series. I just want to make him cry.” It was a lie. She had really enjoyed TSL. She just wanted Levi to suffer a bit and it’d be even funnier to beat him after saying she didn’t care about it.  

Levi inhaled sharply, before turning to face her. “You watched the DVDs ONCE. That’s it! The fact that you even challenged me is an insult to TSL. Do you have any idea how infuriating-”  

“Things are really heating up here!” Asmo interrupted stepping up to the bench. “Judging this fierce competition is our very own Demon Lord himself, Diavolo!”  

“Hello there, good to see everyone. Thank you for coming!” Diavolo stood up as he made his remarks.  

“Color commentary will be provided by Satan, Avatar of Wrath. Can he keep a cool head as a good commentator should?” Satan shot Asmo a dirty look but didn’t answer. “And our guest demon, the always-famished Beelzebub. Appearing for his usual fee, cheeseburgers.”  

Cass looked over to see that there was a pile of food in front of Beel. While Beel was describing how much he loved cheeseburgers from Hell’s Kitchen and Asmo started introducing himself, she snatched a few onion rings off the table before going back to her position.  

“Are you, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” Levi erupted. “You’re eating right now? Did you really risk your life to steal food from Beel at a time like this?”  

Cass coughed, trying to breathe around the bite of onion ring in her mouth. She hadn’t expected them to still be scalding hot. One of the special Devildom tricks she was still getting used to was how they could make take out taste just as fresh as when it was made.  

“I mean, every day I risk my life,” Cass said, taking another bite of the onion ring. “Might as well get a snack out of it.” 

“She may be fearless, folks,” Asmo chimed in, stepping between them, “but let’s see if she really knows her stuff.”  

Asmo proceeded to ask them questions about the series. Levi’s questions started difficult and became increasingly more challenging each round. Cass’s questions started easy and stayed that way. After a while, Diavolo seemed to be the only one still finding the game entertaining. Satan’s commentary was becoming increasingly sardonic and Beel’s cheeseburgers were almost gone.  

“How long are we going to keep this charade up? It’s so boring, I might fall asleep.”  

“You heard him Cass, let’s see if your trump card livens things up. Crush him like a bug!”  

-- -- --

Levi started laughing, the sound more maniacal the longer it went on. It didn’t help that the chamber echoed the sound, adding to the eerie cadence. Nobody dared move, as if any movement would set Levi off.  

“You can’t just make things up and think you’ll win. The Lord of Masks wouldn’t do that to the Lord of Shadow.”  

Cass grabbed her bag and pulled out the book Simeon had given her. She flipped to the page with the handwritten notes. “What’s better, Henry dies.”  

Levi froze, staring at the book in her hands. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” Despite his words, Cass could see the panic in his eyes. He knew she wasn’t lying.  

“I’ve heard that as well,” Satan added from the side. 

“While I’m unable to discern the veracity of Cass’s statement, I can confirm the truth in Satan’s.”  

“Take that Levi! You know Lord Diavolo can tell if someone’s tellin’ the truth. Except for Cass I guess, but that doesn’t matter right now. Because Cass totally just won.”  

Levi’s head turned between them all as he started mumbling to himself. “THAT CAN’T HAPPEN,” he screamed. “The idea that YOU could be a bigger fan than me.”  

Mammon stood up, eyes not leaving Levi. “Woah, Levi –"  

“NO, NO, NO, I WON’T STAND FOR IT.”  

The dark aura Cass had become accustomed to when the brothers got upset started to overpower her senses. Levi yelled, or hissed, or something as his sin took over. His eyes narrowed as he focused on her, horns sprouting from his head, tail hitting the floor.  

She vaguely heard Mammon yelling at her to run, but Levi had already cornered her against the bench. So, this is how she died. Not that she was all too surprised. She had been warned by Beel, Levi, and Mammon that this was a probable outcome. For the briefest moment, she thought it might be fear that caused her to maintain eye contact.  

When Levi took a step forward, she realized it wasn’t fear but understanding. Of all the things she’d expect to feel when she was seconds away from being killed by a demon, understanding was not it. Satan was right, she hadn’t failed Levi because the book wasn’t the test. All he wanted was someone like Henry. Someone that stood by him even at his worst moments.  

Even if he didn’t intentionally do it, this was the test. Would she stick around after seeing what he thought was the worst side of himself, the anger, fear, obsession, envy that was part of him? What happened to them that this is how his brain processed that information? And what happened to her that made it make sense?  

As Levi closed the distance between them, Cass refused to cower or hide. If this was the last he saw of her, she would make it count. The last thing she remembered before everything went dark was hoping Levi understood what she was thinking.  

I see you for who you are and I’m not running away.  

[luci-in-the-stars]

Bad Vibrations||| Van & Luci

TIMING: A few months ago, before winter LOCATION: The Commons PARTIES: @luci-in-the-stars & @vanoincidence SUMMARY: Luci's experiment on boosting a good vibe only necklace doesn't go very well, and Van gets to deal with it. CONTENT WARNING: None!

Luci was usually fairly careful with her magic, especially now that it was acting strangely. However, almost in spite of herself she seemed to need to experiment. It wasn’t malicious - she didn’t want to hurt anyone - but it was a curiosity she couldn’t stop even if the prices were increasing. 

Which, she thought as she looked at the state of herself as she tried to amplify a spell that was already attached to a necklace, was becoming stupidly high. It should have been relatively easy - the ruby-ish jewel already had a protection spell on it - but now it was clattering across the ground  in a way that made Luci think that it was about to push everything away in a five mile radius. She was just lucky that she had picked a relatively sparse part of the park to work on the spells. Until she saw someone round the corner. 

“Uh - Sorry excuse me Don’t come any closer!” Luci shouted her hands up to wave the other down as she saw the necklace shake again in the grass. “I think I did something wrong again,” Luci said, pulling her notebook again to look at the circle that seemed to have fallen out of step since the last time she’d looked like it. Like an invisible hand was erasing bits of it. “Please hold. I’ll try again.” 

___

Not being able to go home was becoming boring. Van was bitter and she missed her desktop setup, even if Cass had told her that she would get her a new one. The 300$ that Xóchitl had transferred was burning a hole in her pocket and she had already poured a significant amount into rolling for a lightcone she didn’t really need. She’d never been any good at saving her money, and that remained true when she had literally lost her home. 

Okay, so maybe it hadn’t quite settled in that her house full of memories would probably become a gooey scrap pit at some point if something didn’t change and change soon, but it wasn’t like Van needed to worry about that. Not right now, at least. 

She’d been walking aimlessly, longboard tucked under her arm, before she noticed a person sitting in the grass. She didn’t care about people sitting, but what she did care about is when people told her to not do something. “Um, I can definitely get that. Doing things wrong, I mean.” Van’s voice carried across to the girl and the blanket and the necklace. Was it moving? Van’s brows furrowed. “What are you trying?” 

___

Luci was very much trying not to look panicked as the necklace seemed to be shaking in a way it shouldn’t be. Afterall, science was partially mistakes happening, and - well she didn’t know what the worst thing could happen but she imagined it wouldn’t be life threatening. So, she was trying to have an air of confidence about herself as the other stopped and looked at her and at the necklace. She was trying very hard to find the line that should have been there to contain the shield - if only so she knew why it was shaking.

At the question Luci looked up to the person who wasn’t leaving and gave her a sheepish grin as she replied, “Oh um - my boss asked me to fix something on it - make it stronger, and I think perhaps I changed the wrong thing. It’s supposed to protect people from ‘bad vibes’ - no I don’t know what that means in this context either - and so I was trying to expand it’s range.  It’s not supposed to be shaking like that. I’m trying to figure out if it’s stable or if it’s going to explode and push everyone away from it- I believe 500 feet.. If it does - that’s probably not good. Not extremely bad, but I’m probably going to have to run in a minute if I can’t get it to stop. ” Especially because she wasn’t sure if she could move out of the range herself. 

“I don’t know why my equations keep unbalancing themselves, they shouldn’t be doing that,” Luz muttered under her breath, not trying to get away from the necklace while there was still a chance she could fix it.  

___

The stranger was speaking and Van wasn’t entirely sure what any of it meant. Something about bad vibes and the necklace together didn’t really make all that much sense. Was it like one of those funny gaydar keychains? Except it detected bad vibes? Or what it thought were bad vibes? Was this person some kind of tech genius? Van had no clue, but she stayed put and squinted, looking towards the necklace as it vibrated lightly on the blanket that the girl was sitting on. 

“You think it’s going to explode?” Van’s eyes grew slightly wide as she took a tentative step back. At least she’d never done that. But she couldn’t even be sure this wasn’t just science. It definitely couldn’t be magic. How many other people were there out like her? Like Milo? That was the only other spellcaster she knew of, aside from the person who had insisted she had magic when she melted her car’s wheels. She bit the inside of her cheek, wrapping her arms around herself as she watched the necklace shake. 

“I don’t know how far 500 feet is, but there are like, other people at this park.” She paused, eyebrows pulling together in near permanent concern. “Should we like, call the bomb squad? Is this one of those robots for class or something? Are you on a robotics team?” 

___

Luci’s attention was split now looking at the necklace that seemed to be picking up on wobbling and her notebook quickly rebalancing the equations to deamplify the necklace. It was harder now - her magic insisting on erasing and adding things she didn’t. If she wasn’t sure that it was doing it, she might have thought it was her own carelessness. It wasn’t though as she chased a two around the circle to put it back properly. 

“Yes - well. Possibly at least. I don’t think it has enough power to go boom - ah I got it,” Luci said with a nod. With the question inherent in what 500 feet was she said, “Oh about 200 steps from me I believe. No the bomb squad couldn’t do anything about it and I’m not a fan of robots. Do you like them?  Here we go - necklace please don’t explode, wouldn’t be a good vibe.” The last bit was mostly under her breath as she put the paper onto the necklace with very little fan fair. 

For a moment nothing happened, then the paper glowed the necklace stilling as Luci let out a breath and gave the other a small smile. “See! - oh no that’s fire huh?” She said as soon as she smelled a familiar burning as she started moving back off of the blanket moving her things with her. “Yeah that’s a fire - um - oh shoot. Not exploding though.” 

______________

Van wasn’t really sure what she was watching. The fear that she felt was impossible to place, because deep down, she knew what this was, even if she didn’t want to admit it. Magic hung in the air, she could feel it beneath her skin. It was a new feeling, being able to place that, and she hated it. She wasn’t sure why, though. 

“I don’t know anything about robots, no.” Van watched with bated breath as the stranger began to speak to the necklace as if it’d actually listen to her. She wasn’t sure why she thought it would, but maybe there was something that Van didn’t know about what the other was doing. She was ignorant to all things magic, so it seemed. 

There was a beat of silence, and something hopeful pulled over the girl’s face, but it quickly disappeared. Van was left to stand in horror as the necklace caught on fire. “No exploding, but there’s fire! Put it out!” She wasn’t sure what to do, but she knew that they couldn’t catch the whole common on fire. Anxiety swelled in her chest, and the blanket’s edges began to melt away into goo— no heat to be found, but just liquid. Shit, Van thought to herself, hopeful that the girl would think it was the weird necklaces doing and not hers. 

______________

“Ah - well that’s okay I think. Really they aren’t as fun as they seem like they’d be,” Luci said with a nod. The other seemed to be panicking, which to be fair - most people would be. She was just used to the failure of an experiment. Most of her mind now though was on the burning as she quickly pulled her bag and other belongings away from the necklace which was now being fascinatingly weird in a different way. Scrambling just away to keep the fire and strange goo away from her Luci sighed. 

“Oh I didn’t consider goo coming out of it - No worries I got it.  “ Luci said as the other told her to put it out, she saw it seeping and for a moment wondered if her magic had caused it. Pulling out her water bottle she Dumped it onto the fire and goo - hoping that it was just melted blanket. “ I always keep a full bottle of water incase - I used to carry a fire extinguisher but - did you know they don’t let you bring that onto planes?” Getting closer to where the necklace was absolutely not protecting either of them from bad vibes she sighed and said, “well at least it’s not on fire? Don’t know about the goo.”

________

The stranger seemed more concerned with her belongings than the actual object on fire, and really, Van could relate. She’d definitely save her phone over pretty much anything else. She stared wide-eyed at the scene unfolding before her. If she were on the other side of this, she’d be panicking way more, but the girl who seemed to be about a few years younger than her seemed totally cool about what was happening. That didn’t make much sense. 

Lucky enough for her, the girl seemed to think that the melting was from the necklace. That was good, at least. Van’s stupid secret was safe for another day, even though something told her that it wouldn’t be much of a secret within the vicinity of the girl ahead of her. As soon as the fire had started, it was gone– a splash of water, and it was like nothing had ever happened. The blanket was still a little melted, both from the power and from Van’s anxiety. She felt uneasy, noticing the way it was seemingly different from the actual parts of the blanket that had gotten burned. But the stranger mentioned the goo, and Van decided to follow it up, “yeah, I mean– there’s goo everywhere, maybe it um, came from underground.” Her mouth tasted like iron again. Fuck. “But um– can… I ask, what were you doing? It wasn’t robotics, right? That’s not what that was?” Because it had been magic, Van could feel it, even if she wanted so desperately to ignore the way it buzzed under her skin. 

________

Luci sighed at her failure wanting to kick the grass and deciding that she had, in fact, already did enough to the park. She really thought this one was going to work out, but like the slowly increasing amount of her magical experiments it seemed to fail. Usually she wouldn’t be too upset by it, but now someone else had seen her do it too. Moving her glasses back properly on her knees and letting the little stars on her glasses chain hit her face she wondered if the other had figured it out. 

At the idea of the goo coming out from under ground she tilted her head thinking about it. “Huh - maybe. I don’t see why it couldn’t. Once it’s not so - everything I’ll move the blanket to check.” After all, it might be more likely that the necklace had somehow done it. At the question Luci looked back up at her realizing she did not have her normal excuse of chemistry experimentation. After all, she was not anywhere near a sterile lab and the other did seem very smart. 

“Oh - no, not robotics. I’m not really good with technology to be honest - just the normal stuff like social media and spotify - well I guess not everyone does that but you know,” Luci started talking a mile a minute as she tried to figure out what she should reveal, a bit uncomfortable as she rolled up her sleeves. “Oh that’s not really the question is it. I was trying to uh - enhance the good vibes of the necklace through amplifying known elements through a series of calculations and introducing new potentially helpful materials,” Luci said after a moment knowing that none of that was technically a lie but was absurd as she went to her bag to pull out her notebook, hoping the other would at least be bored enough not to ask for more information. “Apparently, I only gave it bad vibes instead.” 

Thinking that maybe the other might call the fire department on her, she thought on her feet a little and decided that maybe showing the calculations would help her argument “Um - I can show you? It’s not anything scary or something you should tell the fire department about,” Luz said, showing one of her pages that she had tried before this one. “See?” 

________

Maybe not a great excuse to use. If the girl moved the blanket and  didn’t see the goo coming from underground, she’d be suspicious wouldn’t she? Van clasped her hands together, fingers nervously twitching against each other as she watched the girl move around the object of her experimentation. Van watched carefully, only lifting her gaze when the other confirmed that it hadn’t been robotics. 

Obviously it hadn’t been, but a part of Van had hoped it was. Because if it was, then she could put her head back into the sand. “Social media and Spotify aren’t really technology…” She bit the inside of her cheek before shaking her head, “it doesn’t matter though.” Because it didn’t, not in the context that this conversation was taking place over a melted blanket and a necklace that had caught fire. Van’s expression twisted, presenting the confusion that came with the girl’s explanation. “I don’t know what any of that means, but I mean, like, I trust you, but I’m not really sure what good vibes came from the necklace catching on fire.” 

Maybe she was being a little too judgmental. After all, all she could do with her magic was open up black portals and melt things. That wasn’t really impressive, either. 

Van had to keep herself from snorting in response to the bad vibes comment, because really, that’s what it had exuded. 

She found herself continuing to stare at the necklace. It was no longer vibrating on the ground, but it was eerily still— and a part of her thought it might erupt in flames again. Her gaze shifted once the question of whether or not she wanted to see bloomed. Van could think of nothing else she’d rather do than not see anymore of whatever was going on here. 

“No, I’m— no it’s okay, I believe you. Um, you know what you’re doing, and like, I never passed science class really not without a ton of extra credit assignments, and I like space a lot more than like, this, whatever this is, so it’s okay.” She was rambling, and she unclasped her hands, tucking her thumbs into the pockets of her cargo pants. But the page was already directed towards her and she looked over it. It wasn’t as scary as she thought it might be, but it still made no sense. “I like the way you write your I’s.” A dumb comment, all things considered. Another brief pause, before Van was clearing her throat again. She needed to go before her anxiety reared its ugly head. “I should— what was your name?” 

________

“Yeah you're right, they really aren’t,” Luci said with a nod. At the idea of what good vibes were supposed to appear she shook her head a little, sad about the failure in front of her for the first time. Experiments didn’t always work, and she knew that but she wasn’t sure what Vera was going to say. “I think ‘vibes’ just aren’t something a necklace can really do anything for - I’ll be honest I’m not quite sure how to quantify them anyway. So you know. Bad vibes. ” 

After all, she was an alchemist and whatever magic this was had been done by someone else. She had just hoped to amplify it. She probably should have clarified it though.

Holding the notebook, she saw the other was a bit hesitant but really Luz just wanted to show that she wasn’t doing anything particularly dangerous. After all, for most people this would look like nonsense - maybe something chemical but not something that caused fires. She seemed nervous, and that made Luci want to show that she was - normal? It would be a stretch for that - more so that she wasn’t dangerous. 

Well - Luci didn’t think she was dangerous at least. 

“Oh I like space too! - Thank you,” She said rapidly the comments making only tangential sense. Although it didn’t seem like the other was about to call the fire department on her. “Oh - My name is Luci. What’s yours?” She asked, not quite confident on how the conversation turned but eager to be on a new subject. 

_____

“Bad vibes,” Van agreed with a small nod, eyebrows pulling together. The sooner she left, the easier it would be to breathe and ignore everything she saw and made happen. The last thing she wanted to have to do was explain to somebody else who was clearly using magic that she also had magic. 

If it was that, and Van was sure of it– she could feel it beneath her skin in the same way she did when she became anxious, but this time it felt different, more muted. 

“Luci, okay, like Lucille or something– uh, I’m Van, but not like the car, so I guess you wouldn’t be like Lucille and just Luci.” Maybe Lucinda. She cleared her throat, clearly embarrassed. “I think– it was good to meet you Luci, but I should probably head home, or to work. I can’t remember what I was doing.” Before Luci could say much else, Van took her opportunity to leave, head ducked against the wind. She felt silly and stupid, and she sincerely hoped she would never run into Luci again for the sake of absolving herself of her embarrassment.