#why dowes he...have no tag

[bumfuzzled-bee]

Pat pat.

[jackalsraised]

cw anti st*ggy and st*cky joke:

its funny how much i hate st*ggy considering i also dont like st*cky romantically

[ferrarifudds]

Truly Madly Deeply. ✷ Ollie Bearman

Pairing: Ollie Bearman x Bff!reader

Summary: When a spontaneous evening hangout with your best friend Ollie reveals everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Word Count: 2.5k

Vera’s Voice! Truly Madly Deeply by One Direction is the song ever so argue with the wall!!!! Hiiiii :3 first tumblr post ever. If it’s bad. Sorry. Idk.

& Hello. Shoutout Enya. Shoutout Bea.

Mindlessly reading a book in your swinging net chair hung in your room, your legs were crossed beneath your body as you hopelessly read about childhood soulmates.

Your heartbeat was gradually beating faster as you approached the page where the boy finally realizes he's been in love with his best friend the entire time.

Sitting at the edge of your seat, your body fluttered with butterfly’s, envying every single line your eyes followed among the pages.

But it’s too bad you were interrupted.

“Hi!” Ollie barged in unannounced, catching you so off guard that you stumble out of your seat and fall onto the floor.

You sat there for a brief second, trying to process and understand what was happening. Who just came into your room unannounced and why does it sound like Ollie? He wasn’t supposed to be back for another week? He had told you the night before he would be with Prema for a few more days..

But then it clicked— it really was him?

Looking up, you were met with Ollie’s signature grin, his curly hair seemed slightly damp, presumably from a shower. He was leaning against your doorframe like he had every right to be there, as if barging into your space without warning was completely justified.

“Miss me?” He teased, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.

You scrambled to your feet, heart hammering in your chest—not because of the book anymore, but because of him.

“What the hell?” You managed to sputter, clutching the paperback like it might steady you. “You’re supposed to be in Italy?!” He laughed. "Well, I lied. So I can surprise you."

Before you could even process the weight of his words, he was already closing the space between you, his arms wrapping around you in a tight, familiar hug. It was so him—effortless, comforting, grounding. And, as always, it left you speechless.

You found yourself hugging him back instinctively, burying your face in his sweatshirt, which smelled faintly of pastries and whatever cologne he always wore. For a moment, it was easy to forget the world outside of this.

Just you and Ollie, like it had always been.

“I've missed you,” He murmured against the top of your head, his voice soft.

Your stomach flipped. His words were light, nonchalant, but there was something in the way he said you that made you pause.

"Missed you too." You smiled.

As you pulled away, Ollie’s arms dropped to his sides, but the grin on his face only grew wider. His eyes flicked down to the book still clutched in your hands, his curiosity piqued.

“What are you reading?” He asked, leaning a little closer, his head tilting just enough to catch a glimpse of the cover.

You shook your head. “Nothing important!” Your voice was obviously guilty of something, your hands clutching the book tighter as you took a step back.

Ollie's brow quirked, his grin turning mischievous. “Nothing?"

You huffed, knowing you weren’t going to get out of this easily. “It’s just… a romance novel…”

His eyes lit up at that, a teasing smile turning downright devilish. “Oh, now I have to know,” He said, lunging forward with zero warning.

“Don’t you dare!” You shrieked, spinning around to shield the book, but it was too late. Ollie was faster, plucking it clean out of your hands and jumping back like a kid who’d just won a game of tag.

“Ollie!” You groaned, reaching for it, but he held it high above his head, flipping open to a random page.

His eyes scanned the lines quickly, and then he froze, his grin somehow widening further. “‘The boy looked at her like she hung the stars in the sky,’” He read aloud, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. Then, he glanced down at you, his expression ridiculously smug. “What’s this? A little wishful thinking?” "You're such an ass! Please stop." You were more than embarrassed at this point. You were mortified.

Ollie wasn’t done teasing. “You’re blushing,” He pointed out, his tone light but insufferably smug.

“I am not!” You snapped, snatching the book back from his hands and threw it across your room.

“Oh, you totally are. Don’t worry, though.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was sharing some huge secret. “If it helps, I don’t think childhood soulmates are that unrealistic.”

Your heart stuttered, his words sending a confusing wave of butterflies through your stomach. But before you could respond—or even fully process what he’d just said—he straightened, clapping his hands together.

“Anyway,” He said, his tone abruptly casual, “We’re wasting precious daylight here.”

You blinked at him, completely thrown off. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on.” He grabbed your wrist, gently pulling you toward the door.

“Wait—what? No! I never agreed to go anywhere!” You tried to dig your heels into the carpet, but it was a half-hearted attempt at best. Resistance was futile when it came to Ollie, and you both knew it.

“You don’t have to agree,” He said breezily, tugging you along like it was the most natural thing in the world. “I’m your best friend. I’m basically entitled to hijack your evening whenever I feel like it.”

“You’re impossible,” you muttered, reluctantly following him.

“Yeah, but you love me for it.”

“Debatable.”

By the time you reached the stairs, you’d given up the fight entirely. At least you were dressed enough to leave the house—not that Ollie would have cared either way.

“Can I at least know where we’re going?” you asked as you descended the stairs, your voice laced with exasperation.

“Going somewhere?” Yourmom called from the family room, where she was cuddled up on the couch with your dad.

“Just the beach,” Ollie answered with an easy smile, not missing a beat.

Your mom chuckled, shaking her head fondly. “Why did I even ask? Have fun, you two!”

As soon as you were out of the house, Ollie released your wrist and started walking ahead, his hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie.

“Slow down! What’s your rush?” you asked, jogging slightly to catch up with him.

He slowed his pace to let you fall into step beside him, the warm summer air wrapping around you both. The sun was dipping lower in the sky, casting the street in hues of gold and orange.

“No rush, you've just got slow legs,” He said casually, glancing over at you with a grin that told you otherwise.

You rolled your eyes. "Not everyone is a high-performance racing driver." A scoff escaped from your lips.

He chuckled at your jab, his grin only widening. "And not everyone has the luxury of doing nothing all day."

You rolled your eyes again but couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at your lips. “It is not nothing,” You said, nudging your shoulder into his. “I did a lot. You know, during your absence.”

The way he raised an eyebrow caught your attention. "Oh? And what was that exactly?" He asked, his voice dripping with playful curiosity.

You shrugged, not wanting to admit how much you’d missed his company. “You know, homework, mostly. Reading.” You grinned slightly, waving your hand dismissively, though it was clear from the slight flush creeping up your neck that there was more to it.

The conversation drifted into silence for a moment as you both kept walking down the street. The sky above you was gradually darkening, the golden hue of the sunset slipping into soft pinks and purples.

You glanced at him, catching that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes, but this time, it felt like it held something more.

Was he acting this carefree to mask something? Was it just his usual self, or was there something he was hiding?

You didn’t know, but the two of you continued walking. The way his stride matched yours, the subtle glances he stole when he thought you weren’t paying attention—it all felt too intentional to be just casual.

You both arrived at an ice cream shop that sat near the shore, and Ollie was quick to order your favorite flavor—Stracciatella. It was such a small thing, but it made your heart skip. He knew you too well.

Soon, you followed him toward the shore, settling down on the rocky sand, the two of you enjoying your ice cream as the sun began to sink lower into the sky. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing filled the space between you, and for a moment, it felt like time had slowed.

The casual silence between you and Ollie was comforting, but it didn’t stop the undercurrent of tension that lingered. You could feel his presence beside you, the warmth of his shoulder just brushing against yours. But neither of you said anything. It was almost like you didn’t need to.

You glanced at him again. There was something unspoken in the air—something he wasn’t saying, but you knew. You didn’t have to hear it to feel it. Ollie was always so easygoing, but now, there was a quiet heaviness in his gaze that you hadn’t noticed before.

Without a word, he gently draped his arm around you. It was the kind of gesture that had become second nature to him, but tonight it felt different—weighted with something unspoken. You leaned into him slightly, the warmth of his touch grounding you, but there was an undeniable tension in the air, thick enough that you could almost taste it. Neither of you spoke, but both of you felt the quiet, pulsing energy between you that had always been there but was now somehow heavier.

You didn’t look at him—you couldn’t, really. If you did, you were certain you wouldn’t be able to stop the fluttering in your chest. Instead, your gaze remained fixed on the fading light of the sunset, trying to steady your breath. But Ollie, ever perceptive, seemed to sense your unease.

After a moment, he spoke softly, breaking the silence, his voice carrying the same calm, measured tone it always did, but there was something in the way he said it—something that made you turn your attention to him, even before he continued.

“There’s been something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about for a while.”

You looked at him, curiosity piqued, but you stayed quiet, waiting for him to continue. He kept his gaze on the horizon, his voice softer now, almost as if speaking the words aloud made them more real.

“I’ve been thinking about you a lot,” He said, his words barely above the sound of the waves. “More than I should, maybe.”

Your breath hitched, heart skipping a beat. “Thinking about me?” You echoed, not sure if you were imagining it.

“Yeah,” Ollie said, glancing over at you, his eyes serious but soft. “Especially, when I'm away." He let out a sigh from his nose, "Evert race weekend, every meeting, every day, I can’t stop thinking about you." "Ollie.." He ignored your attempted interruption, wanting to pour his heart out first. "I could be in the middle of complete chaos, but all I would really want is for you to at least be there—to be the one I can hug and celebrate with, or even be there for you because I always miss your important events.” He was rambling.

“No matter what’s happening, it’s you that’s always on my mind.”

Your heart fluttered in your chest, his words sinking deep into you. He wasn’t just talking about the races; he was talking about you. About how much he wanted you by his side, how much you meant to him.

“And every time, when the day is all over,” He continued, his voice growing more confident, “I just wish you were at least there next to me. All the time. Just... sharing everything with me. You know?”

You swallowed, trying to steady your racing heartbeat. You had always been there for Ollie, cheering him on from home, or occasionally on the sidelines if you had a break from schooling to join him at a race, but you never imagined this—never imagined that he was feeling this way too.

“You know I’m always here for you, Ollie,” You said softly, leaning in a little closer, your voice barely above a whisper. Although his message was clear, a smidge of uncertainty still lingered.

He smiled, his eyes locking with yours, a faint blush creeping up his neck. “I know. But... it doesn't feel right yet? Not when I don’t have you the way I want.”

“The way you want?” You echoed softly, your brow furrowing slightly, trying to make sense of the weight of his confession.

He nodded, his gaze never wavering from yours. There was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, but beneath it, you could see the genuine emotions he was holding back, the ones he wasn’t used to showing. “I keep thinking that maybe there's a possibility to be... something more. But every time I want to say it, I’m not sure if it’s the right moment or if you feel the same way.”

You felt a rush of warmth in your chest, something between excitement and nervousness. The way he was speaking—so raw and open—made your heart race. You had been waiting for this, but never expected it to come like this.

“And what do you mean by more?” You asked, your voice barely more than a breath, your eyes searching his. Ollie nodded slowly. "Like.. being your boyfriend?" He said nervously, slowly glancing at you, looking into your eyes.

You blinked, your breath catching in your throat as his words hung in the air, so simple yet so full of meaning. The vulnerability in his voice made your heart thud against your chest. He was sitting there, uncertain, yet laying his feelings bare for you to see.

“Really?” You whispered, barely able to believe it. The question had been sitting on the tip of your tongue for so long, but hearing him say it out loud made it feel real. Made everything feel real.

He looked at you, his face flushed, eyes filled with a mix of hope and hesitation. “I know it might sound mad, but… I just… always think about the idea of us. Maybe I’ve been afraid to say it because I didn’t know if you felt the same way. But it doesn’t feel right, just being friends when… when all I really want is more than that.”

Your mind was about to explode. You had thought about this moment for so long, imagined it in countless ways, but never imagined it could feel this raw, this real. Your heart was pounding in your chest, the weight of his words making everything around you seem to slow down.

“Ollie,” You whispered, your voice trembling just slightly. You didn’t have to think twice, didn’t need to wonder if this was what you wanted. You had known for so long that it was him.

A soft laugh escaped your lips as you interlocked your arm around his. “It's about time you said something."

He smiled, his lips twitching into a nervous grin, his eyes still locked with yours, searching for something—some sign of what you were feeling.

But you didn’t even need to search. You already knew what you felt. You had known for so long, even when you tried to convince yourself otherwise. You took a deep breath, your chest tightening with the weight of everything you had been carrying.

“I’ve always loved you,” You said softly, almost like a confession you had been keeping locked away for too long. You felt the words settle in the space between you, like they belonged there. “More than anything.” “Truly, madly, deeply.”

comments , likes , & reblogs are appreciated ! ^_^ had fun writing this one even tho i’m not the biggest fan :P

tags! @planetpedri & @halfwayhearted ofc.

[nakylvr]

— LOSER

sophia laforteza x fem!reader

synopsis જ⁀➴ after your encounter with sophia the previous night, you think it won't happen again. that is, until she finds you again, and asks a question you haven't heard in a long time.

warnings/tags જ⁀➴ language

wc જ⁀➴ 3,4 k

prev | next | masterlist

hi! i'm back with this! i'm so sorry it took so long 😓 but we're back and running! i have updated everyone who wanted to be added to the taglist which is still open!

“WHAT?!”

“Dani, calm dow-”

“How am I supposed to calm down?!”

“It's nothing, really-”

“She walked you here and gave you her umbrella!???”

You let out a long sigh, rubbing your temples as Daniela sits in her bed across from you in yours. You had just made the mistake of telling her what happened last night when Sophia walked you back to the dorms and gave you the umbrella. You expected this reaction, honestly. But it was a lot for just waking up at ten in the morning

“Yes, she walked me back and gave me her umbrella,” You say slowly so she understands. “It's not that big of a deal.”

“Obviously it is!” Daniela jumps to her feet. “She has never even taken a glance in our direction and now all of a sudden she is trying to talk to you? It's a big deal, Yn!”

“No, it's not!” You groan, falling backward onto your bed.

“Why did you even agree to her walking you back?” Daniela questions, her arms crossed over her chest.

You hesitate before answering. “I don't know,” You mumble.

“Don't lie to me, Yn,” Daniela tells you.

“I just…” You sigh again, sitting up to look at your friend. “I guess…I just wanted to see what would happen if I said yes. She seemed genuine so I let her,” You admit, fiddling with your hands anxiously.

Daniela tries not to sigh at your response. She figured that would be a reason, but she didn't think you would actually agree for Sophia Laforteza to walk you across the campus. “Did anyone see you two?” She asks.

You shake your head, pulling the sleeves of your sweater over your hands. “I don't think so. It was raining pretty bad so I doubt anyone would’ve been able to see.”

“Well, that's good,” Daniela nods. “You know what’ll happen if people find out she's talking to you.”

“Yeah,” You acknowledge, nodding your head. “It's probably the only time it’ll happen, so I’m not going to stress on it.”

“Let's try to keep it that way. I don't need to lose my best friend to some petty popular rich girl,” Daniela says, sitting next to you on your bed and wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “I love you a shit ton, Yn. I don't want you getting hurt if she does talk to you again. Promise me you'll at least be safe?”

“You won't lose me, Dani,” You reply, leaning your head against her shoulder. “But, I promise. Trust me, I seriously don't think anything will happen. She was probably just being nice.”

“Yeah, nice,” Daniela mutters but you don't hear it.

…

Earlier that morning, Intak was practicing with the soccer team. Now, despite being the best center the team has seen in years, Intak didn't get along well with his teammates. They were basically dumb popular jocks, and they essentially shunned him after he denied wanting to hang out with the popular kids, wanting to hang out with you guys instead. He didn't mind it, though. The guys were assholes anyway.

He kicked the ball into the goal when he felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to see one of his teammates.

“Yo, Sophia’s asking for you. Dunno why, just don't be a loser,” The teammate tells Intak.

“Sophia?” Intak tilts his head to the side before looking over to the bleachers and seeing Sophia standing at the edge of the field. “Yeah, uh, okay.” He says before jogging over to the girl.

“Intak!” Sophia smiles when he reaches her. “Sorry if I interrupted.”

“No, you-you're good!” Intak responds, running his hand through his sweaty hair. He is confused about why she's talking to him, and that she even knows his name. But, he isn't going to say that. “So, uh, what did you wanna talk to me about?” He asks her.

“Well,” Sophia clasps her hands together. “I wanted to ask about Yn.” She smiles at him.

“Huh?” Intak lets out, looking at the girl with confusion. “Why?”

“Just curious,” Sophia answers. “You're always around her so I figured you might know something about her that no one else does.”

Intak is growing more and more confused the more Sophia says, and it's evident in the way his eyebrows are furrowed together. “Okay…” His voice trails off. “You're not planning on doing something bad, are you? Because Dani and I will kick your ass if you even try to,” He says firmly, pointing at the girl.

“What?! No! No, no!” Sophia quickly shakes her head. “I’m just– I want to get to know her, is all.”

Intak eyes her for a moment, attempting to see if she's lying or not. It's hard to tell, but he nods his head slowly. “Okay. What do you wanna know?” He asks hesitantly.

Sophia smiles again at his question. “Just the basics,” She replies.

Intak nods again, glancing back at his teammates seemingly not caring that he's talking to Sophia before looking back at her. “Sure,” He says.

After talking with Sophia during the remainder of practice, Intak was walking through the halls while texting the group chat as he drank his water. He had yet to say he talked to Sophia, knowing the reaction he would get out of you all. He figured it’d be better to say it in person.

He did end up telling Sophia what she wanted to know, just some basic random things about you like your favorite color, food, what classes you were in, and stuff like that. He thought it was weird, but he was too nice to say no when she told him she would help him get back on good terms with his team. She was probably lying, but then again, maybe it was good for you to make some new friends. He wanted new friends too, but he loved you guys too much to try and become friends with others. Especially when your group was already labeled as the “loser group”.

Intak stopped abruptly when he read the message you sent to the group chat. Explaining what happened with Sophia last night and it clicked in his brain. “Oh my god,” He mumbles to himself. He types a response on his phone before calling you, which you pick up immediately.

“Intak, don't freak-”

“Yn, what the shit?!” Intak whisper-yells into the phone as he starts to walk again.

“Look, I already dealt with this with Dani, so please don't make a big deal out of this.”

“How do I not?!” Intak says, looking around to not bump into anyone.

“By not freaking out!”

“This is a big deal, Yn!” Intak retorts. “You don- You don’t understand! Sophia was just at my practice asking random ass questions about you!”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Just meet me at the bleachers, I’m going to find Hoon and bring him with. Try to find Dani if you can,” Intak tells you, turning a corner to go where Sunghoon’s dorm was. “I really don’t like this, Yn.”

“You all need to stop worrying, it’s not that big of a deal. You’re all blowing this way out of proportion. But, whatever. I’ll see you at the bleachers, I guess.”

“Thank yo-” Intak can get out before you hang up the phone. He pulls the phone away from his ear and lets out a sigh, continuing to walk to the dorms.

…

Sunghoon laid on his bed, or, what he thought was his bed. It was nearing ten a.m. when the sun peeked through the blinds causing his eyes to open groggily. He lifted his head off the pillow and grabbed his glasses, putting them on and looking to his side. His eyes went wide at the sight.

“Fuck,” He whispered to himself.

Quietly but quickly, Sunghoon got out of the bed and started searching for his clothes in the dorm room he had only been in twice before. He put his shirt on backwards accidentally, almost tripping over his pants before slipping on his shoes. He looked over to the other male in the bed when he heard movement, quietly grabbing his bag before exiting the room as quickly as possible. He glanced around to see if anyone was around before scurrying off to whatever class he was supposed to be in.

Sunghoon hurried down the hallway when suddenly he was grabbed by the back — or rather, the front of his shirt, halting him in his tracks. He let out a yelp before realizing it was Intak. “What the heck, Intak?” He grumbled.

“Your shirt’s on backwards,” Intak tells him, letting go and walking to stand in front of him. “Whose dorm were you just in?”

“What?” Sunghoon questions as he pulls his shirt to see the tag in front of his chest. “I was in my dorm.” He lies.

“Then why didn't you answer any of the group chat texts?” Intak inquires, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I was studying with Yn. You know how midterms are. I slept in for once, sue me,” Sunghoon lies again. “She and I actually study.”

Intak’s eyes narrow, catching the lie. “That's funny. Because Yn just told the group chat that she went straight to the dorms after her last class and that Sophia Laforteza walked her back.”

Sunghoon tenses up at Intak’s response. He was caught in his lie and found out you talked to Sophia again. “She what?” He lets out. “Why?”

“Who were you with?” Intak counters.

“Why does it matter?” Sunghoon retaliates. “I’m not allowed to have other friends?”

“You don't have other friends, Hoon,” Intak tells him. “We both know that.”

Sunghoon shifts on his feet, clearly anxious as he tries to come up with a response. “I was with someone, yes,” He acknowledges. “But, that's not important. Why is Sophia talking to Yn?”

“Dunno,” Intak shrugs. “C’mon, we’re heading to the bleachers to talk about it.”

“Wh- I have a class I’m supposed to be in,” Sunghoon responds.

Intak rolls his eyes at his friend’s words. “Dude, who gives a damn? C’mon,” He says, grabbing Sunghoon’s arm and starting to drag him down the halls.

“What the- Intak, you can’t just- Whatever,” Sunghoon tries, but knows his words will fall deaf on Intak’s ears. He lets the other male drag him to the bleachers, where the group normally went to sit and talk when on campus grounds.

Once they got to the bleachers, you were sitting there with Daniela talking. Looking in the boys’ direction, you raise an eyebrow when you see Sunghoon’s shirt.

“You know your shirt is on backwards, Hoon?” You ask him.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Sunghoon nods, putting his bag down and sitting down next to you. “What happened? I haven’t had a chance to read the messages,” He says, taking his glasses off and cleaning them with his shirt before putting them back on.

“Well!” Daniela speaks up before you. “Our lovely Yn here apparently had Sophia talk to her again. And walked her back to the dorm. And gave her some fucking umbrella.”

You reach your hand over to Daniela’s which was balled into a fist, resting on top of it while looking at Sunghoon who was staring back in confusion.

“She what?” He lets out, confused. “Why?”

“That's what we're trying to figure out,” Daniela tells him.

“Guys, I seriously don't think it's that big of a deal!” You sigh loudly.

“Well, it’s odd, you have to admit,” Sunghoon says. “For someone who has never looked in our direction before, don’t you think it’s a little odd that suddenly she’s speaking to you?”

“Well–” You start.

“She also asked me a bunch of random shit about you!” Intak interrupts.

“What?” Daniela and Sunghoon both look at Intak.

“Yeah!” The boy nods quickly. “It was super weird, how did she even know I was on the team? Let alone that practice was today?!”

“See! More weird things!” Daniela exclaims, swinging around her hand that wasn’t being held by you. “This doesn’t make any sense!’

“You’re overthinking it!” You stand up abruptly, letting go of Daniela’s hand. The three all look at you with wide eyes, going silent at your sudden outburst. “For the first time since we came to this school, someone has shown a little bit of interest in me! And instead of being supportive friends, you think it’s some kind of lie or something!”

“Yn–”

“No! I’m not going to listen to this shit anymore!” You cut off Daniela, grabbing your bag and slinging it over your shoulder. “You guys really suck sometimes.” You shake your head and start stomping away.

“Shit, Yn!” Daniela starts to get up but stops when Sunghoon puts his hand on her shoulder.

“Let her go,” He tells her. “She needs some time.”

“Whatever.” Daniela smacks his hand off her shoulder. “I still don't like this.”

“Me either!” Intak groans dramatically. “It's only going to end bad.”

“Drop it.” Sunghoon snaps at the two, making them look at him with surprise. “Like she said, we should be supportive of someone talking to Yn, even if it is Sophia. We shouldn't interfere if she doesn't want us to. Okay?” He glances between the two.

“Okay,” Intak says with a nod.

“That means you too, Dani.” Sunghoon looks at the blonde. “You're on thin ice already where you are. Don't fuck it up.”

“Okay,” Daniela grumbles under her breath.

…

Walking down the hallway with your earbuds playing music, you find yourself where you always end up – the empty music room.

Closing the door behind you, you take one of your earbuds out, letting it hang by the cord as you set your things down on one of the small tables. Sitting down, you pull out your notebook and pen from your bag, setting them down in front of you. You flip through the first few pages before stopping on a page.

For the past few months you’d been working on different songs, and thankfully with the school having a recording studio, you could actually get somewhere with it. You have nine finished songs that just need to be recorded, and one last one you were still struggling with writing the lyrics for. It was rare for you to get stuck once you got started, but as you reread the words on the page, you still couldn’t come up with anything.

Despite doing it solely for fun, it was stressful at the same time. At least, right now it was. You tap the pen on the table while continuing to gaze at the words, nothing coming up in your mind of what to write the chorus. All you had done was the first verse, and you had no idea where it was going.

“God…” You groan, resting your head on the notebook.

“Struggling?���

You jump at the voice, sitting up and quickly closing your notebook, and turning your head to see Sophia standing there. “How long were you standing there?” You ask.

“Just now,” Sophia answers. “Didn't mean to scare you like last time.” She smiles sheepishly.

“It's fine,” You mumble. “Are you stalking me or something? How did you know I was here?”

“Coincidence?” Sophia says. “I saw you storming away from the bleachers and followed you.”

One of your eyebrows raises at this. “Why?”

“Well, you looked upset,” She shrugs. “I expected you to be here of all places anyway.”

“Well you found me,” You wave your arms up before they land back at your sides. “What do you want?”

“I wanted to ask you something.” Sophia takes a few steps towards you.

You couldn't lie, you were curious now. What did she want to ask you? And why was she asking it now, when you were alone? “Okay…” Your voice trails off. “Spit it out.”

“There's a party my friend is hosting this weekend and I was wondering if you wanted to come?”

What?

You stare at the girl for a few moments, blinking occasionally trying to process her words. “I’m sorry, you want me to what?” You finally say, looking at her with confusion.

“You don't have to say yes,” Sophia is quick to say once seeing the look on your face. “I just thought maybe you’d want to go with me.”

What.

Your lips are parted in surprise at her words, struggling to figure out a response. While you hate parties and haven't been to one since you were in high school, part of you wants to say yes. “What do you mean by with you?” You question, needing a real confirmation before you answer.

“It's a plus one kinda thing,” Sophia replies. “He doesn't like too many people showing up, it causes too many problems.” She pauses for a second before continuing. “You’d be with me the whole time, and I promise nothing will happen to you.”

You try to hide the shock you're in, but it is evident with your wide eyes as she continues talking. She says it like it's nothing, like it's the truth. And it has you believing it is.

“When is this party?” You ask.

Sophia’s smile turns into a grin at your question. “This Saturday.”

Nodding your head, you pick up your notebook and put it back in your bag, zipping it up and putting it on your shoulder. You walk up to Sophia, standing in front of her close enough that she can see the barely noticeable smile pulling at the corners of your lips. “Give me your phone,” You say.

Sophia doesn't ask why or say anything, pulling her phone out and handing it over to you. You open the contacts and put your number in before handing the phone back to her. “Then you'll text me just to confirm, right?”

Sophia takes her phone back and nods her head, surprised by your actions but trying not to show it. “Yeah,” She says. “Yeah, I will.”

“I’ll be waiting, Laforteza.” You start walking out of the room, leaving Sophia standing there with her phone still in her hands like an idiot.

That was easier than she expected it to be. And it wouldn't have been if not for the mini argument with your friends minutes prior. But, then why was Sophia’s heart beating incredibly fast? Why did she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding when you left the room? Why was she surprised by your actions?

…

“Where the hell is she?”

“Doing what you told her to do.”

“Well, it shouldn't take this long!”

“Maybe she has to convince her. It would probably take a while.”

“I can hear you talking about me from a mile away,” Sophia pops up behind the group, making them all jump.

“Jesus, Soph!” Jay sighs loudly. “What the fuck?”

“What? It's not my fault you talk loud.” The Filipina shrugs, sitting down next to him at the table.

“Well, did you ask her?” He asks, putting his phone down.

“I did.” Sophia nods. “And she said yes.”

“Really?” The three let out, looking at Sophia with surprise.

“Did you bribe her?” Lara asks.

“No.” Sophia shakes her head. “I didn't even have to convince her!”

“Wow,” Manon lets out. “That's a shocker.”

“Totally,” Jay agrees.

“But, that means whatever you’re doing is working.”

“Yeah, which is a good thing.” Lara nods. “I mean, it’s like you said, how could anyone resist you?”

“Right,” Sophia responds, nodding her head.

While the three talked, Sophia zoned out for a few minutes. The plan was working, but she didn’t even really know what she was doing for it to work. She had caught herself hesitant to even enter the music room when she saw you storming off inside, and that was new. Sophia never hesitated for anything. She knew what she wanted, she did what she wanted, and she would get what she wanted. But, she didn’t know what she wanted. That was a first. She was well put together and didn’t have issues with a lot of things. But, this was already steering in a different direction just by your actions. She didn’t know what to do about it.

“Sophia, are you listening?”

“What?” Sophia looks over at the three.

“We need you to buy booze for the party, can you do that?” Manon asks.

“Yeah, sure.” Sophia nods.

“Cool, it’s gonna be a real banger,” Jay smiles.

Sophia just nods again, a fake smile on her face as she listens to them start talking again, her mind wandering to different things.

This wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought.

taglist (open!) :

@zhivaxo ; @yeetaberry127 ; @ourlovesarang ; @ponyojoo ; @jeindall777 ; @falling-intoo-deep ; @mcuppidz ; @baelabong ; @miyanok ; @jellaaa ; @winieter ; @artrizzler19 ; @starstruckgoateepuppy ; @pminjucaptor ; @dismaldiary ; @sixflame438 ; @hwonnrinji ; @gtfoiydlyj ; @lafortezalover ; @sunshinez4 ; @greenniee ;

[bluerthanvelvet444]

°✵.｡.✰ 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕟𝕥 𝕞𝕖, 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕞𝕖 ✰.｡.✵°

Tate Langdon x fem!reader

tags: fluff! super fluff!

warnings: none. no use of y/n.

summary: reader has trouble sleeping due to the hot temperature.

character count: 5k.

full fic under the cut ↓

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

She glanced at the old-fashioned clock that sat on her nightstand.

2.25 AM.

Damn it. She snorted and turned in her bed multiple times, rolling on her side to try desperately to get some relief and possibly some sleep too. It was a hot summer night, mid-July. Typical you'd say, but the warmth of that specific night was unbearable. Beads of sweat danced on her skin and fell down into the mattress. She huffed, fed up. She felt trapped in that heated room, her skin fusing with the thin sheets underneath her. She so desperately needed something, but what?

She abruptly got up-which caused her to feel slightly dizzy- and opened her door and window, in hope to get even the slightest chilly and fresh breeze of the night. "Useless" she thought. She walked towards the bed again and plopped onto it. She was now laying in a star position on the bed. Open arms, open legs, and most importantly- open wide eyes, staring at the ceiling waiting for the shadows to clear so that she could get up and live another day. Nothing. The darkness stayed dark. Not a single movement was captured by her eyes. Not a single sound heard. The room was completely silent, the only noise a bit more distinguishable was her breathing. The steady rhythm that caused her chest to rise up and down.

Up and down.

Up and down.

Up and dow-

“You should take a shower. You're all sweaty.”

That unmistakable voice rang through her ears. Tate. Tate Langdon. One of the many ghosts that haunted that hellhole of a house. He was the most annoying one. She could almost hear the shit-eating smirk, that he always had on his stupid face, just by the way he spoke. She hated it. She sighed and plopped on her elbows.

“You should knock on the door before entering. It's common sense, and you might find an unpleasant scene.”

“You left the door open. Anyone could've seen your 'unpleasant scene.' So what's the matter? Can't sleep?”

She rolled her eyes at the rhetorical question he asked. She despised it. That tone in his voice, like he always found everything a stupid thing to joke and be cocky about.

“It's too hot in here. My skin's melting.”

He grinned in his usual teasing way. He was wearing his striped sweater, the sight of it only was making her sweat.

“Sounds fun. Do you need help?” He asked, with that same monotone voice.

“Help with what? Melting?”

“Sleeping.”

Oh. He wanted to help. He wanted to help? Was he stupid or what? Well, yes, anything impossible could be possible in the Murder House, but it's not like he could magically change the temperature and make it all better. Couldn't he?

“And how exactly would you do that?”

She saw the tiniest grin form on his mouth. He gave her a slight chuckle and crawled on the-what used to be his-bed.

“C'mere.”

Pardon? Come where? Did he want her to sit on his lap or something? Uhhhh weird. Super weird. She was confused, sure, but what else could she do? Stick her head in the refrigerator and hope none of the trapped souls would take advantage of her? No, thanks. She rolled her eyes and scooted slightly closer to him.

“So? What's the plan?”

He chuckled.

God, that stupid laugh.

He reached out with his hand to touch her, but before he could do that, she raised her brow and scooted away.

“What the hell are you trying to do?”

“It's gonna make it better...do you trust me?”

“No.”

“That's the only choice you have.”

“...Fine.”

She scooted back to her previous spot next to him and, with a hesitant and unsure expression on her face, she watched his hand come closer and eventually rest on her shoulder.

Cold.

His hand was cold.

Of course it was. He was dead, after all. Why hadn't she thought about this earlier?

She sighed and unconsciously leaned into his touch, closing her eyes at the feeling of relief she was so badly seeking and finally found. He smiled and motioned for her to come closer. She nodded and crawled a bit closer so that she was sitting between his legs and her back was pressed up against his cold chest. His arms wrapped gently around her waist, his cold hand grazing slightly her exposed tummy.

“Better?”

“So much better.”

She sighed contentedly. Finally.

That chilly feeling was something she could've gotten addicted to. This is why a more lucid version of her would've slapped her as soon as she said the following words.

“Thank you.”

She mumbled, drunk off the cold feeling. Even though she couldn't see it, Tate's lips curled in a small smile, and with a deep, caring voice he spoke.

“Anything for you.”

She was obviously sleepy, and her mind had clearly drifted off to better places, so she probably never acknowledged the words that came out of his mouth. Or maybe she did, but she was too stubborn to admit that his stupid smile, his icky laugh, his mocking tone, were starting to grow on her, and she could've possibly gotten used to falling asleep to them. After all, she hated it…how hard loving him was. Tate Langdon, the sweetest ghost in the house, once the mysterious and cocky facade he put on was scraped away.

The last thing she heard was a smacking lips sound due to his frozen lips pressing gently over her forehead. Or maybe she also heard a faint “I love you”. Who knows?

Anything in the Murder House is possible.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Autor's note: aaaahhhhhh this is the first fic I've ever writtennnnn!!! this took me sooo long. I'm really getting into writing so if you have any ideas or prompts about what I should write next, feel free to suggest! hope you like it, i put my whole self in this (especially with the grammar!!)💙💙

join my taglist!!

all rights reserved!!

[ashwhowrites]

ohhhhh eddie munson x popular!cheerleader!reader

they’ve been dating for a few months & sometimes they’re sitting at his table & sometimes at hers with her cheer friends & the jocks. her girl friends have warmed up to him since seeing him being so cute to her but jason etc aren’t. but every time they even try saying something slightly mean she shushes them & ofc they listen to her. eddie adores her & when she moves her face he holds up the middlefinger to jason with a smirk💀

I loved this idea and it was fun to dabble in. I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it <3

The tables

Eddie winning over the school's sweetheart, Y/N was a huge shock. She was the head cheerleader, teacher's pet, and everyone's favorite. She was sweet and friends with everyone. A complete opposite of Eddie, but maybe that's why they worked so well.

Hellfire loved having her around, and how happy Eddie was with her. She was friends with all of them and took the time to learn about them.

Even her friends warmed up to their relationship and began to like Eddie. The girls loved going to the bar to watch him perform, and Eddie loved that she didn't have to sit alone. Eddie watched their cheers as a return. They all supported each other.

Jason still wasn't a fan and his followers. They picked on Eddie whenever she wasn't around. But Eddie shrugged them off.

They switched off every day where they sat for lunch. Some days at the hellfire table and some days at the popular table.

Eddie's favorite thing about sitting at the popular table was how pissed off Jason got. All her cheerleading friends would talk to Eddie and engage in conversations, and Jason hated it. Eddie loved that he was accepted by the popular crowd.

"So during the campaign, Dustin just slams dow-"

"Tonight's game is going to be so good!" Jason said, cutting Eddie off.

Y/N rolled her eyes and looked at Eddie. Waving a hand in Jason's direction.

"Continue." She demanded. Everyone's attention was back on Eddie as they listened to his story about the campaign.

Eddie smirked and winked towards Jason as he started his story again.

~~~

On a different day, they cuddled at the hellfire table. Dustin and Mike going on a rant about a new video game. She listened closely as Eddie munched on carrots.

As they minded their own business, Jason walked up. A snarl on his face. "Hello, freaks." He sneered.

"Table. Go." She demanded, not even looking in his direction as she pointed her finger towards the popular table.

Jason sighed in defeat and stomped off to his table. The hellfire boys laughed as he marched away. Eddie leaned back and looked over at him, flipping him off, smirking when Jason huffed and looked away.

~~~

Eddie was talking with Chrissy as Y/N sat down. She kissed his cheek and cuddled into his side. The table engaged in a group conversation, Tracy needed advice about her boyfriend's troubles. Eddie loved gossip, and Y/N always filled him in on the latest about her friends. Eddie listened closely as Tracy ranted, nodding along.

"Well, I think that-" Eddie started, but was cut off from Jason. Eddie rolled his eyes as Jason quickly spoke.

"She doesn't need advice from trailer trash."

Y/N snapped her head towards Jason. A pissed-off expression on her face. She crossed her arms and leaned over the table.

"Shut your damn mouth."

After the one demand, Jason sat silently for the rest of the lunch period. Eddie finished his advice with a smile.

When Y/N stood up to throw away the table's trash, Eddie was quick to lean over the table and get in Jason's face.

"You're so her bitch." Eddie laughed and stood up. He followed Y/N out of the lunch room and wrapped his arm around her. He looks over his shoulder to flip Jason off one more time.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37

[1-800-imagines]

history teacher | r.c.

part 1

(tags will be done when i get to my computer!)

authors note: this is an au bc we all know rafe cameron would NEVER be a high school history teacher so with that being said, he’s on the sweeter side

—

you honestly couldn’t believe your eyes when you looked at your younger sister’s class schedule.

it had to be a joke.

rafe fucking cameron was your younger sister’s history teacher.

you and rafe had hooked up a few years prior on and off during college and at one point you thought a relationship may have come out of it but rafe had suddenly cut it off. it still broke your heart little to think about it because you had developed some pretty heave feelings for him.

you called your mom to briefly tell her to at you knew one of the teachers. your mom laughed when you told her who it was and then she had suggested that you accompany your little sister to the meet the teacher that night.

the premise excited you but also scared the shit out of you. last you had heard about him, he was back with his on again off again girlfriend.

after about an hour of deciding, you had finally decided to go to the meet the teacher. but you made sure you looked good for it - doing your hair and makeup and a dress you knew rafe loved.

you had even hooked up with him one time while wearing it in the back seat of his truck.

your sister questioned you of why you got so dolled up but you merely told her it was because you knew one of her teachers from school.

you were a bundle of nerves walking into your old high school. you and rafe had graduated the same year but never crossed paths until years later.

the open house had a bell schedule for the kids to walk their schedule like they would on the first day. your sister had rafe for 4th period split lunch which meant they went to his class, halfway through went to lunch, and then went back to his class.

you made it through the first 3 periods but as 4th approached your heart was hammering.

you put your shoulders back to try and portray confidence and plastered a smile on your face before walking into the classroom.

rafe didn’t notice you at first but when he did, he practically did a double take. he was about to speak but you took the opportunity to say, “hey!” with a smile. but damn did he look good. he had a fitted button up shirt and tight slacks, you were glad you wore the dress.

it seemed like he was about to say something but your nerves couldn’t handle it so you continued, “you have my sister for history this period.” you motioned towards your sister who was standing close to you, on her phone completely oblivious to her surroundings.

“oh i do? cool.” rafe honestly didn’t know how to react either. “well take a seat anywhere and i’ll start in a few minutes.” he said. you could feel his eyes rake up and down your body. he cleared his throat again and walked to some students and parents trickling in.

you sat in a desk across from your sister. you pulled out your phone and texted her, ‘the way he’s ignoring me😭’

she grinned when she saw the text but didn’t say anything else.

after a few minutes of rafe circling the room, he went to the front of the class to start his spiel. you took the opportunity to go on your phone and text him, ‘wow mr. cameron, you look pretty spiffy.’ it was ballsy for sure but you didn’t really have anything to lose.

once rafe was done talking, you quietly told your sister to wait in the hallway for you and you approached him. the class was nearly empty.

“hey, so uh, how are you doing?” rafe must have been caught really off fucking guard to be stumbling on his words.

“doing good. just working. how long have you been teaching here?” you asked softly. you had been to the open house the previous year and hadn’t seen him.

“this is my 2nd year.” he said, his hand went to the back of his head and ran through his hair.

you hated small talk, so you decided to just be bold, “you wanna hang out soon? catch up maybe?”

he nodded, “yeah i’m down. just text me.” you couldn’t read his emotions when he said this. so you decided to test the waters.

“already did. that is if i’m not blocked still.” you had been blocked previously because of his ex but you had no clue if they were or weren’t together.

he grinned a little, “might be. i’ll have to see.” there he was. the rafe you knew and loved peaked through.

“i’ll see you then.” you said turning on your heel.

right as you reached the door, he spoke softly, “it was good to see you y/n.” and with that, you practically skipped away.

[rosewood-multifandom-writer]

So I looked back at the Fictif tag on Tumblr and… it’s just sad, honestly. I’m sad for the people that stuck around even when Nix Hydra was making stupid decisions and had controversies on them and were insulting their fans’ intelligence. I’m sad for the people that wanted to see Last Legacy be concluded, and how it’s gonna be left in Cliff Hanger Hell.

I am always a sucker for visual novels, whether I be playing them (like with The Arcana, Fictif, and Dream Daddy) or I’m just watching people play it (like Love and Deepspace), I like seeing a multiple choice game where the ending and outcome is different. I especially love it when it’s a dating simulator or otome game (kind of the same thing) because I can insert myself in a situation when I can romance a hot guy or girl.

I know there are some followers on here that followed because of me thirsting for my Fictif favorites and loving the stories… well up until Nix Hydra decided to be dumb and not give the female love interests a chance like Tess and Celia. And I was mad about what happened with Celia’s story, meanwhile I don’t even like the two other guys from the same visual novel universe. I loved her a lot and I wanted her story to be as long and engaging with two different endings, but nah, I don’t get that, but the two guys I am not even attracted to get that treatment.

Not to mention the same copy and paste corporate statement and “apology” after disappointing fans and making it crystal clear that Nix Hydra only used LGBT themes just to market their game. That’s about it. That is why whenever I see corpos use LGBT themes to market their product, I always question if it’s genuine or not. Spoiler alert, it’s not 100% genuine. Just like how Nix Hydra I was not genuine in their apology when Tess’s story in Roadkill was cut short meanwhile the other two guys Poe and Howie got more than 10 chapters.

I was there before Dorian purchased Fictif and The Arcana. It felt like an insult that Nix Hydra straight up was not listening to any of us about our concerns and criticisms about how they handled the female love interests and of course, how they are not updating Last Legacy, and the last update was back in September of 2023. SEPTEMBER 2023. Do you know how much of a longtime that is for an app that has visual novels?

Imma be real with you. Jesse Rodriguez was the first guy that did it for me in Fictif, in the Visual Novel Ghosted. Like… a man with bad boy with a heart of gold vibes and in an already established relationship with the main character and only the main character can see his ghost? Loved it.

Last Legacy is what attracted me to Fictif the most, because Sage (the catboy in the game) gave me Dante vibes before I even started playing Devil May Cry, Felix (the necromancer mage) I loved the most because I love his aesthetic, I love his personality, and I felt for him when he lost his boyfriend. Anisa I also loved a lot, and I love how adorkable she is but at the same time, makes a good leader, and I love characters who show leadership, but I feared that she would get the exact same treatment Tess and Celia got, so I left Fictif altogether.

I deleted Fictif and The Arcana and said, “screw this, I deserve better games and better stories.”

So… do I hate Fictif and The Arcana? No. I still like them, it just feels like a tough pill to swallow just seeing old stories that were properly concluded with my favorites be stomped into the ground by Nix Hydra and their bad decisions.

Plus, looking back at my old Fictif and Arcana content, and seeing where I am now, I can look at it with bittersweet memories. Hey, I can even make OCs inspired by my favorites from Fictif, because if my personal favorites are not gonna get the same treatment as the fan favorites, then I will give them that treatment.

And some people in both fandoms have also made great fanworks of Fictif and The Arcana, so I will check out more of those on A03 whenever I’m missing my favorites but don’t want to download the apps anymore.

If any of The Arcana and/or Fictif fans (former and current) are reading this, you guys deserved much better than what happened. You guys have been the most chill fandom I’ve been in even when Nix Hydra was not listening to any of us. I’m glad to have been part of both the Arcana fandom and the Fictif fandom. I mean that.

[nee-biter]

Pink | Virgin!Miguel O'Hara x F!Reader

✨THIS IS PART TWO ✨ Tags: MINORS DNI!! SMUT!! comfort sex, p in v, oral sex, this smut is kinda fluffy tbh 😳, references to sexual abuse that happened in previous chapter, alcohol, cursing part one can be read HERE

By the time he arrived at your building, the time on his watch read ‘11:38 PM.’ Miguel set you down as you led him to your one bedroom unit. The smell of paint wafted through the living room; Miguel thought that the walls were newly painted, until he saw a large canvas resting by a wall. When you turned on the lights to reveal your unit, his eyes were on the canvas that covered the wall. You had been painting a scenery. A few home-bound boats on their way to a bustling dock. A walking lady with a parasol was the center of the painting, awaiting the boats. The manner in which you’ve painted it made it seem like it was a romantic celebration.

“This is beautiful,” He said, admiring your work. “You should’ve been a fine arts student, (Y/N).” Miguel looked over to you; you were already trying to kick off your shoes.

“Too bad we’re already seniors. Enough of that, let’s go to my room.” You could speak full, coherent sentences, which Miguel celebrated. 

Your hand grasped his, pulling him to your room. 

The light from the living room illuminated your bedroom. Miguel could see some of the objects littered around—a purple jewelry box mounted on your desk, a light blue comforter splayed across the floor possibly left in a hurry this morning, a succulent in a white pot near your windowsill, and a picture of you and your family on your drawer. Miguel knew you, but he didn’t know the full you. Secrets about you were all around your bedroom, but he was about to learn the most intimate one of all—your body. 

You sat on the edge of your bed, beckoning him to occupy the space next to yours. Your fingers removed his glasses, placing them softly on your drawer before sighing. “So,” you said.

“So,” Miguel echoed. He looked deep into your eyes with purpose, to see if you had any doubts about this and to see if you were still drunk. It didn’t seem like you were intoxicated in anything else but the air between the two of you. Miguel could smell the alcohol on your breath, but even more piercing was the tempting scent of your pheromones. It drove him crazy, but he wanted you to lead. Whatever you desire, he wanted.

“Why don’t you kiss me?” You asked, leaning closer and eyeing his lips.

‘Of course, anything for you,’ he thought. Miguel closed the gap between the two of you. His lips felt rough, but he himself was tender with you. You placed his hand on your thigh and your hand traveled to his face, cupping his rugged jaw. You moaned into the kiss; your need for him couldn’t be satiated even as he pressed his body close to yours. His chest pressed against yours and you could feel how solid he was. You were so curious to see his body, but he kept focusing on your soft lips.

All of your previous partners would jump at the opportunity to squeeze your breasts or to shove their hand in your panties, but Miguel was taking his time. Or, he could be super shy. You laughed in between kisses since nothing was happening beyond making out. “What are you doing?” You broke the kiss to ask. His hand neither traveled farther up your thigh or unto your breasts.

“Kissing you. Do you- Do you not like kissing?” He asked, a mix of his saliva and yours slathered on his lower lip. 

“I do, Miguel, but I need you.” You nodded at him, trusting that he knew what you were implying. Your heart was all over the place and Miguel’s doubtful gaze made it even worse. “Do you… not want to have sex?”

“I do,” He confirmed quickly. “But, I have something to confess.” 

“What is it?”

Miguel took your hand in his, drawing little circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. “I haven’t done it.” He watched as your eyes widened. “With anyone. At all.”

“At all, as in you haven’t…?” You stuttered, as he shook his head. “You haven’t gotten down..? Or received? Or…?” You were shocked with every shake of his head. Then, you started giggling. The situation was cute. All this time, you thought Miguel was secretly a player. Someone who was a nerd outside, but a total woman-killer in bed. But now, you were suddenly put in a position where you would have to take care of him. The idea gets you excited. “Why are you a virgin? Oh wait, that’s a bad question…”

“Long story. Strict parents, busy schedules, never the right girl, you know it.” Miguel turned his face away from you. 

You paused. “Well, am I the right girl?”

“You’re more than that.”

You scoffed. “Of course you’ll say that. Aren’t I an easy target?” Tonight, you were at your most vulnerable. Not two hours ago, you were violated by a man you thought you could trust. Now, you’re suddenly swept away again. It’s just like you to not know what to do with your heart. “I’m basically throwing myself at you. The first girl you’ll ever fuck.”

Miguel’s response came to him too fast. “Hopefully, the last one, too.” And he meant it.

“What?” You laughed, not believing how he could say that with such determination. “Isn’t that going too fast?”

Miguel put his hands on either side of your face, letting you gaze in his eyes as he assured you. “If you throw yourself at me, I’ll catch you each time.” He kissed you again. “Plus, you’re the one who wants to get a move on.”

You smiled at the way he teased you, yet was sincere with you. You felt like you could trust him the most, but that just might be the leftover alcohol in your system. He ran his fingers through your hair as your tongues brush against each other. 

Miguel squeezed your thighs with his one hand, while the other one hovered above your breast. “May I?” He asked and you nodded, in need. He obliged, connecting his warm palm on your tit; His kiss became more passionate, after noticing you had no bra on. This whole time. He squeezed your tit some more, as he gently pushed you down on the bed. He broke the kiss. “Can I—Um, can I taste you?”

“My pussy?” You teased, liking the way your words made his ears red.

“Yes.”

You swung your legs over to the bed. His hands grasped your knees, as you laid down. 

Miguel admired the way your hot pink dress hugged your curves; the hem of your dress was hiked up to the top of your thighs and he could faintly see a wet spot on your white panties. As if seeing your underwear wasn’t enough to spur him on. You spread your legs completely open; The back of your calf brushes his clothed cock as you did this. If his cock was hard a while ago, now it’s threatening to ruin his pants. 

“Take my panties off, baby,” You spoke, seductive and demanding. 

Miguel’s eyes stayed on your pussy, as he hooked his fingers on your underwear, pulling them off slowly. “Fuck,” was all he could say when he fully uncovered your glistening pussy. Two of his fingers crept up to your folds and spread it apart.

“Like it? You wanna taste me?” 

Adjusting his position, Miguel leaned closer to where you needed him the most. He licked a tentative stripe up your folds, hearing you gasp at the contact. 

“More baby, more. Don’t be shy.” Your hand grasped your tit as Miguel continued to give experimental licks, watching which ones make your face contort into pleasure, which ones make you squeeze your tit, and which ones make your legs twitch. At one point, Miguel would circle your clit with his tongue, earning cute moans from you. Then, he tried pushing two fingers in your entrance while he sucked earnestly on the underside of your clit, and that made you hook your leg behind his neck. 

“You’re so delicious, princesa.” His cock was leaking for sure. Miguel watched as you would moan and your eyebrows would knit as his fingers curled to brush your sensitive spot. His movements were slow, until you begged him to hurry up. His free hand was clasped underneath your ass as he brought your pussy closer to him, allowing him to taste you even further—he interchanged his motions. His fingers now rubbed your clit as fast as possible, as his tongue drove itself deep in you, repeatedly fucking your hole.

“Miguel, fuck! Fuck!” Your legs were high up, as you felt your stomach tighten. Your eyes were on Miguel tongue-fucking you and then the next, they were closed as you felt your orgasm crash into you. His tongue made you ride it out, giving you sloppy in-and-out motions before he set you back down on the mattress.

Miguel couldn’t detach himself from your pussy. Even as you came down from your high, Miguel was giving tiny kisses on your clit, watching it flush pink. You had to pry him away from you, already overstimulated. Miguel had a smirk on his face, pussy drunk. “I would like to say for the record that that’s my first time doing that.”

“Really?” You were breathless. Never had any man eaten you out like that. You were so used to guys who would stay down there for like a minute or two, before requesting for head. “N-Not bad.” You looked at Miguel, who couldn’t stop admiring you. 

“You’re beautiful when you cum.” He couldn’t stop replaying the memory of you reaching your climax. “I’d love to see it again.” Leaning into your face, he gave you soft kisses on your cheek. 

As he leaned closer to you, that’s when you noticed the bulge on his pants. You became aware he was still fully clothed. Determined to change that, you sat up and felt your insides flutter a bit as you did. You pulled the hem of his shirt up, exposing his naked torso. “Huh, nice abs.” You couldn’t help but run your fingers on his body. He had a six pack, toned arms, and a happy trail. These and the fact that he’s a fast learner made him the complete package. 

You moved on to his pants and his briefs, stripping them off and setting free his cock in haste. “Mmm,” You moaned as you came face to face with his tan cock. His tip was pink and had precum slathered at the slit. One angry vein ran along the underside of his tip. You wrapped your hand at his base and realized you would not be able to fit his length if you wrapped both hands around him. Greedy, you stroked his balls too and he shuddered at the touch. 

“Like it? You want to taste me this time?” He teased, repeating what you said just a few moments ago. 

Smirking, you conceded and spat on his tip. Your hands stroked his cock faster, then gave wet kisses around his tip. Miguel moaned with every spit that dripped from your lips and when you slid his cock in your mouth, he could barely keep himself quiet. You tried your hardest to resist, but you put your hands on his chest and pushed him down on the mattress. “I want you inside me please.”

“Need me already?” Miguel felt his cock twitching as you crawled on top of him. He sat up momentarily to tug your dress off of your form—an action you followed through with. The two of you were now nude. Miguel looked at your breasts, already wanting to paint them with his own cum. 

“Yes, Miguel. Now, stop teasing.” Not caring that he didn’t have a pillow under his head, you pinned him down—you wanted to get fucked by him now. You aligned your entrance with his tip, before sliding down.

"Oh, fuck!!" Miguel screamed, as his cock was welcomed into your velvet walls. You mewled as your pussy accommodated his length. You were fucking tight; it’s because his cock was the biggest you’ve ever tried to fit in you. It was strange; he was the virgin here, but you felt as if this was your first time again. Oh, he was gonna ruin you, no other man can have you now.

“(Y/N), (Y/N)” He cried out when his whole length was buried deep in you. A hand dug through your thigh; you swore you could feel a hint of claws. Feeling you on top of him and squeezed impossibly around him is the best; he’s glad—thankful—that you’re his first.  “Move when you’re ready, Y/N.”

You took his hands in yours and leaned back, granting him access to see your whole nude form. Riding him slowly, up and down, you moaned every time his tip made contact with the sensitive spots that he had just fingered minutes ago. Miguel let go of one of your hands, just to squeeze your tit again. He loved your breasts, you can tell. “Miguel, baby,” You would moan, as you were rolling your hips to please his cock. You were getting faster, using his grunts as motivation. 

Miguel placed his hands on your waist as he started thrusting upwards, his own pace was rough and erratic. His grip on your waist tightened as he pulled you towards him, letting your bodies smush together. Your breasts on his chest. Your stomach getting tickled by his happy trail. He was in control now, as he pounded you and left you limp in his arms. Miguel grabbed your hair and pushed it back; he wanted to see your face as you cum again. 

But as your pussy was getting fucked by Miguel’s cock and as you started moaning his name, you froze. You suddenly remembered the video Harry took of you and how your moans in the video were similar to how you were moaning now. You stopped your actions altogether. Miguel noticed your pause and stopped himself. 

“(Y/N), what’s wrong?” Miguel panicked, then slid out of you and sat you down beside him. It was no fun if you weren’t enjoying it. “Hey, look at me, did I do something wrong?”

“No, it’s okay.” Your hands tried finding your blanket, covering yourself. “I just… accidentally thought of what happened with Harry again.” It’s hard to trust someone again after that situation.

“I’m sorry,” Miguel said. He thought back to what happened, too, and he hoped that Harry’s jaw was broken from Miguel’s punch a while ago. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No! I- I need you here.”

Miguel nodded. He covered his bare cock with a pillow first. “Do you want to do something else first?” He looked at your features; Your stare was blank, completely fixated on one spot on the wall. Realizing that he should distract you from the anxieties you were having, he started thinking about his favorite memories with you. He chose one that could make you laugh. “You remember that one time our professor slipped on the floor?”

You chuckled softly. “Yeah, ‘cuz someone didn’t clean up the soap on the lab floor.” 

“And he had to be carried bridal-style to the clinic?” Miguel nudged you, remembering how you and Miguel volunteered to take the poor professor to the clinic. 

“And we couldn’t stop laughing when we dropped him off.” The memory of that day filled your head. That was the day you started having feelings for Miguel, who you didn’t know could smile so brightly. He was always doing his best to make you smile, even if he was more reserved than you are. Even now, he could make you laugh. “I’m so sorry for bringing you here, Miguel.” 

“You should never apologize, (Y/N).” Miguel caressed your cheek; all of his adoration for you could be felt in his fingertips. “You’re the coolest person I’ve ever met. He should be sorry, not you. All you’ve ever done is love your hardest. You deserve someone who’ll do his best to love you back.”

“You mean you?” You laughed, leaning into his. touch.  

Miguel brushed the hair out of your face. He looked at you earnestly, his eyes a deep, brown red. “I know I would love you better than anyone can, if you gave me the chance.” 

You were seduced by the idea of him loving you. “What does that mean?”

“It means, (Y/N), I want to go on a real date with you.”

You closed the distance between the two of you again; his lips locked on yours as if he was parched for more. 

“Let me make love to you. I promise I’ll be better than him.” Miguel laid you down on your back, adorning your skin with the softest kisses. “Don’t think of anything or anyone else. I’ll be your comfort for tonight, princesa” He moved on top of you, his eyes scanned your face if you had any doubts. But you didn’t. You were willing to try again, because it’s Miguel and his care for you is evident in every touch, every gaze, and every kiss. 

“Please fuck me,” you said and wrapped your arms around his neck to pull him in. 

Miguel pushes his cock inside of you slowly, as your moans scattered around the room. His length curled into your walls, nudging the bundle of sensitive nerves. A tender snap of his hips and you felt like you were on fire. He sped up gradually; your head limped into the pillow, but he grabbed your chin with his hand, “Look at me, (Y/N).” His voice soft as he pounded you. “Cum for me.” 

His quick movements. The thickness of his tip. His hot breath on your mouth. The sound of skin slapping skin. How vulnerable you were, being filled like this. How hot he was. How his hand was on your cheek. Him whispering praises in your ear. The biting of his lip, as his eyebrows knitted in concentration, trying not to cum inside you right then and there—all of it sent you over the edge. 

Your walls tightened as your second orgasm arrived. With a cry, you sunk your nails into his shoulders. Though your eyes were snapped shut, you felt Miguel drinking in your expressions as you came. His thrusts became erratic—an effect from your lewd display. Finally, he pounded you a deeper time, before pulling out with a grunt, shooting ropes of his warm seed on your tits.

“Fuck!” Miguel cried out as the last ounces of his cum shot to your mouth. He couldn’t believe how perfect you look, marked by him. He spent a few seconds admiring you and you spent a few seconds catching your breath, before he eventually said, “Would you like me to wipe it off?”

You replied by licking your lips and tasting his seed. “You just want to rub my tits again~”

Miguel chuckled, “Maybe. But I still want to clean you up.”

You offered him a box of tissues that were conveniently under your bed. He wiped his cum off, as you enjoyed being taken care of by him. Your previous orgasms still made your vision a little hazy; you wondered how he was.

Despite being the inexperienced one, Miguel was still determined to do aftercare. He massaged your thighs and wiped your sweat off, too. “Was I any good?” He put on his glasses. 

You laughed, “I came, didn’t I? Twice~” You grabbed his arm and pulled him back to the mattress. “No other guy could do that.” 

He leaned into your embrace, facing you and caressing your hair. “Really? Actually, wait, I don’t want to hear about your past boyfriends.” 

“Don’t worry, I don’t care about them. All I want is you.” You played with his hair, too, as you both basked in the afterglow of your recent hook-up. Your warm bodies interlaced with one another. “About that date~” He perked up. “Miguel O’Hara, would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?” 

Miguel kissed your nose, liking the cute face you made as you nuzzled him back. “Where would you like it?”

[gojosnympho]

use me - c.jh

pairing: jongho x black!fem!reader

genre: smut

word count: 1.9k

content warnings: friends to lovers, unprotected sex (no), oral sex (m receiving), breast play, dirty talk, rough-ish sex, multiple orgasms

synopsis: you offer to help your friend with his problem.

playlist: please me - bruno mars ft cardi b

author’s note: jongho has had me by my throat BAD lately so i finally got the will to finish this fic i started two months back! i also did NOT proofread this shit my bad y’all. i hope you love it anyways tho🥹🩷

tags: @ariesunz for you boo!

“are you even listening to me, jongho?” you asked him. he wasn’t but it’s not because he wasn’t interested in what you were talking about, of course not. he was always interested in what you had to say, he was your friend after all. that’s why he felt so guilty about why he wasn’t listening to you. he was too focused on the way your boobs looked in your top to even begin to comprehend what you were saying.

“i’m sorry, love. what were you saying?” he asked, diverting his breath away from your boobs back to your eyes.

“i was just asking what movie you wanted to watch,” your words made jongho snap back to reality. both of you were sat on your apartment’s big comfy couch because… that’s right! it’s movie night. like it is every friday night. your boobs looked so good he’d forgotten what was happening. he felt like a stupid, horny teenager. he was a grown ass man for god’s sake, but the curve of your breasts and the way he could almost…almost see down your shirt had him going insane.

“you pick,” jongho told you.

“i picked last week,” you complained with a whine.

“fine,” he grabbed the remote that you held and began clicking through all the options hbo max had to offer. he looked over at you again, his eyes zeroing in on your boobs once again. he wondered if you’d let him touch them but he pushed that thought away. you were his friend.

“while you figure that out i’m gonna go get a snack. do you want something?”

“no. thank you though.”

you nodded politely and got up to walk towards your kitchen. jongho really did try to keep his eyes on the tv in front of him but it was almost instinct the way his eyes became glued to your ass. he watched you all the way to the kitchen until you disappeared around the corner. his heart was pounding in his chest and blood was rushing to his dick. he tried to pull himself together by going back to scrolling on the tv. he finally decided on a random movie that looked interesting enough, hopefully you liked it. you came back with a bag of your favorite chips and sat back down next to jongho.

“did you pick something?” you asked him.

“yup,” is all he could muster. he was so fucking pent up he felt like he was going to explode.

he pressed play in hopes that the movie would take his mind off of how horny he was for you. he didn’t know what the fuck his problem was. he always thought you were pretty, he had eyes he could see that. he always thought you had a nice body too, what was so different today? was it the fact that he hasn’t had sex in a while?

“jongho, what the hell do you have me watching?”

jongho was too busy staring at you again to even worry about the movie that was playing. he looked away from you to the big flat screen tv that was in front of you to see the most explicit sex scene you would’ve thought you were watching porn. jongho grabbed the remote and paused the scene before it could go any further. blood was rushing to his dick again and he was so painfully hard in his pants he thought he could cum untouched.

“i’m sorry. i just clicked a random movie,” he explained himself, blush dusting his tan cheeks.

“are you okay, honey? you look sick,” you reached out to touch his face to check for a fever. your hands were so soft, he wanted them to touch something else.

“can i be honest?”

“mhm,” you hummed with a nod.

“i really, really need you right now.”

“need me?” you asked in confusion. it didn’t click in your brain until you look down at his lap and saw how his sweats were tented by his erection. “jongho…”

“i’m so sorry. i’ll leave if you want,” you shook your head at his words.

“what do you want me to do for you?” you asked him, crawling over to him.

“i can’t let you do that.”

“but i want to, jjong. please let me help you,” you said with the cutest pout on your plump lips.

something snapped in him because without thinking too hard about it, he stood up from the couch and pulled you up with him. he kissed you, shoving his tongue in your mouth and his hands reached behind you to grab your ass. after he squeezed it, he left a rough smack on both cheeks causing you to jolt forward and moan into his mouth.

“you sure you want this? i’m not gonna be gentle,” he told you, pulling only slightly away from your messy make out session. your lips were still connected by a string of spit.

“use me to make you feel good,” you assured him.

he kissed you one more time before pushing you down to your knees. you looked up at him with your dark brown eyes and he almost…almost felt bad about how he was going to ruin you. jongho pulled his shirt over his head, followed by dropping the sweatpants he was wearing to his ankles. the only thing that kept you from seeing him fully was the calvin klein briefs. he grabbed himself through the fabric, squeezing it until he let out a faint moan. you were drooling now; you wanted to taste him so badly.

“you want it?” he asked you.

“yes.”

“tell me what you want then, sweetie,” your friend teased you, again squeezing his dick in his large hand.

“wanna suck your dick. wanna make you feel good,” you replied, reaching up to replace his hand with your own. you squeezed him and watched as he turned into mush from just your touch. you hooked your fingers into his briefs and pulled them down to join the sweatpants that were pooled around his ankles.

you were shocked to see what he’d been packing in his pants for the year that you’d known him. it was thick with veins running up and down the length. it was longer than you’d expected too. you couldn’t wait to feel him inside of you.

“you have a pretty dick.”

“suck on it then,” jongho said. he grabbed your hair in one hand and his dick in the other. he slapped the pretty pink tip on your lips before sliding himself into your mouth. he hissed, squeezing his eyes shut at the feeling of your warm mouth. he opened them to look down at you. you looked so pretty like this, he thought. your mouth full of dick. “you’re so fucking good at this, huh?”

you kept sucking him off. every once in awhile jongho thrusted his hips up making his dick hit the back of your throat. you had tears in your eyes from how deep he was.

he pulled you off of him, “you like me using you? this what you want?”

“i love it. i want more.”

so he gave it to you. he kicked his bottoms out of the way so that he could undress you. he all but ripped off your top. he started to place kisses all over your chest that were soft initially but they soon turned rough and bruising. jongho’s lips were on one of your breasts, sucking on the perky brown nipple while his fingers tugged on the other.

“feels good, jjong,” you moaned, carding your fingers through his hair.

he was obsessed with your boobs. he sucked and kissed on them until your pussy was a weeping, drooling mess. you kept squirming so he disconnected his lips from your other nipple to focus on undressing your bottom half. jongho didn’t speak when he grabbed you up and put you face down ass up on your plushy, pink carpet. in this position, he could see everything. your pretty pussy was just begging to be fucked the way it was soaked and damn near dripping.

“i don’t have a condom,” jongho said.

“just pull out. please, i need you,” you whined with a swivel of your hips. just that small movement made your ass jiggle and made jongho lose his mind even more.

“you want my dick that bad, sweetie?”

“i need it. i need to feel you, jjong. please, fuck me,” you whined some more. your whining and begging turned him on to the point he couldn’t wait anymore. he used one hand to grab your hip, the other he used to like himself up at your tight pussy. he pushed in, slowly.

“you’re so fucking tight,” jongho grunted through clenched teeth. he used both of his hands to grip your hips when he picked up the pace of his thrusts.

your skin felt hot all over. all you could do was moan while he fucked you because every other thought was static and white noise. he started fucking you even harder, his hands gripping your hips so hard you knew he was gonna leave bruises; bruises that you’d wear proudly. you cried out, your nails digging into your carpet, your pussy squeezing around his fat dick. his one hand moved from your hip to your shoulder for more leverage to pound into your pussy even deeper. you cried out his name in pleasure and craned your neck to look at him.

he smiled deviously at you, “making this pussy feel good, baby?”

“so fucking good,” you replied.

he was fucking you so good you understood why some girls couldn’t leave niggas alone. he was fucking drilling you. you didn’t think your legs were going to work properly after this.

“fuck me back, sweetie,” jongho encouraged you, leaving a stinging smack on your ass cheek. you complied with his wishes, backing your pretty ass up on his pelvis. jongho was in heaven watching the way your ass rippled every time you moved against him. “that’s my good fucking girl.” he praised smacking your ass again.

you kept at it for what felt like hours; fucking each other like rabbits until you creamed all over his dick with a loud moan that probably woke your neighbors. jongho wasn’t done though. he pulled out of your pussy and flipped you on your back. he pushed back in almost as quickly as he pulled out.

“wanna see your pretty face when i’m making myself cum from this pussy.” his dirty words not only made heat gather in your cheeks but your pussy fluttered around him. he smiled at you before giving you a sweet kiss on the lips that was a stark contrast to the way he was fucking you. his thumb came in contact with your clit, rubbing in small circles so you could cum again. you were still so sensitive from your first orgasm that this one came down faster and twice as hard.

“shit, jongho!” you cried out as you orgasmed again. your heart was beating out of your chest and your ears were ringing and you swore you were seeing stars.

“fuck, baby. fuck!” jongho grunted. he pulled out just before he could nut inside of you. his seed splattered on the soft skin of your tummy. you scooped up his cum with your fingers and brought them to your mouth, sucking them with a moan. jongho watched you with low hooded eyes and his chest still rising and falling from his own orgasm.

“you taste so good, jjong.”

jongho smiled and then leaned down to kiss your lips, “feeling alright?” he helped you up from the floor and sat you on the couch.

“mhm,” you confirmed with a nod. “we should do this again.”

“i’d love to.”

[keysorsomething]

The Shape

2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Just a little fluff fic I wrote a couple days ago :) I compulsively check the Nikto tag so maybe I can make someone else who does that happy! And it mighttt have a pt. 2 in the works ! Also sorry if the format is weird I was never a tumblr girl

Cross-posted on Ao3

Nikto was hardly a man. Hardly a person. Hardly alive. He was just a shape. Just a thing. All he did was kill who he was told to. But, you didn’t think that. You didn’t believe that. He was a person to you. And you treated him as one.

You didn’t force anything. You didn’t push, pull, twist. You let him do what he wanted. He wasn't sure why. For as long as he could remember, where the memories of childhood - memories before him - become fuzzy, he was never treated like that. No one asked his opinion. Even if it was for something simple, like what was for dinner.

You were always so gentle with him. It was almost nauseating. With you, it was always “Aw, hey, Nikto! How are you?” or “What's the word for that in Russian?” He didn't understand it. You were not friends. He did not reciprocate your politeness. Maybe that was just normal where you're from. But, his current running theory was that you must have some form of brain damage. Perhaps you were dropped as a baby.

He stood in the doorway of the armory, head slowly leaning to the side as he studied you. His bright blue eyes broke through the dim lighting as if they were backlit by two LED bulbs in his skull.

You sigh. You really weren't in the mood for it at the moment. You've had a really sucky day and were just trying to clean your gun before you put it up for the night. His gaze burning through your skin as he studies you like a zoo animal is not what you need at the moment. But, you know him enough. You’ve learned a few things from your interactions with him. You know asking nicely, or even demanding won't do much for him in this state. He doesn't mean anything by it - at least you're pretty sure it's just harmless curiosity. Still, you just aren't in the headspace for it. So you have to shoo him off. And luckily, you know just how. You place your gun on the table, rising up.

He doesn't back away as you approach, instead turning his head more. Slowly, you reach out. He’ll snap out of it if you move to touch him. He'll jump back, then growl and stalk off. You're sure of it, that's how it is anytime anyone tries to touch him.

So when the tips of your fingers meet his chest plate, you're the one to flinch. His eyes look wider from under the mask, but he doesn't move or even open his mouth to speak. He simply blinks at you, one eye closing and then the other. Like a frog.

Okay, he's staying when you touch him. That is completely out of the ordinary. Maybe you could weird him out enough for him to leave you be..? You raise your eyes to meet his, and something about the way they shine down on you is… unusual. You can't tell if he's staring at you affectionately, or with the look of a girl in a horror movie that stumbled upon a dead body. Or perhaps both.

Still, you swallow down your confusion, any reservations you have, and shame. Slowly, while maintaining as intense eye contact as you can, you drag two fingers down his chest, like petting a stingray at an aquarium. Before you go lower than his peck, you pick your fingers up and place them back at the top - where his chestplate covers his neck.

He blinks again, looming over you, his shoulders are squared. He's clearly tense. He'll back away soon. You repeat the action several times over, becoming more confused and frustrated the more he doesn't back away. Eventually, his hand raises, and he places two of his fingers on the squishy part of your neck, where it meets your chest. Your breath hitches, fear creeping into the back of your mind that he was trying to kill you.

Slowly, and with a lot more pressure than you were doing on him, he drags his fingers down your chest. He was mimicking you. You tense up, watching as he drags his finger down your chest before circling back to start at the top of your neck again. His hand is almost suffocating, even if he’s only putting two fingers on your neck. And you’re sure he could put so much more weight into it. He could snap your neck, pin you to the wall and strangle you. He’d probably cock his head to the side as he did it. Like fucking Micheal Meyers.

You shiver, closing your eyes. But the violence never comes. He’s very gentle with you, as gentle as a man of his… caliber in his profession can be. He does take his other hand to yours, dragging your hand down and circling back up. He was trying to get you to do it again. You crack your eye open, meeting his piercing blue stare, like hot water down the back of your shirt.

Slowly, you start to move your hand again. You stand there for a moment, your fingers starting at the peak of his neck guard and sliding down his chest as he mimics you. You look at his eyes, as he looks at yours. It was a strange, somber moment between the two of you. You watch his shoulders fall, relaxing under your touch and gaze. He's breathing heavily, like someone hyperventilating after being jumped out at. Your own hands are shaking, still unsure if this is a vulnerable moment or a trap. And his hand is going to flatten against your neck. And then it was going to be lights out. You swallow thickly, but you don't move your eyes from his. His pupils keep dilating and constricting, which you're not too sure is healthy. You hope this doesn't kill him.

All at once, he pulls away. His hand from your neck, his neck from your hand. His eyes narrow at you. He holds his hand at his chest as if it were covered in some form of filth. He looks down at it like it betrayed him before his eyes turn back to you. 

“Спасибо,” He growls out before his dark form melts into the shadows of KorTac base after dark. Once more just a shape, he stalks off, leaving you standing in the doorway of the armory, shock running through your body. His footsteps fade into nothing as he leaves you all alone, frozen in shock.

You just touched him. He just touched you. And then he thanked you? You stare off into the dark, now bare walls. They are an uncomforting grey. You look down at your own hand, turning it over in your sight. You... pet Nikto. On the chest. With two fingers. Like a stingray, in the pet pool at the fucking Aquarium of the Pacific. 

…How do you even process the moment you just had? Would you ever have another one? Was that a one-time thing, or would he creep to you at night like this, for the most barebones form of touch like that? You close your fingers, rubbing them against each other, before you turned around, slipping back into the armory to put your gun up. Still in some odd trance, eyes distant and foggy as you focus on the various thoughts floating through your head. You don't know if you can call it a fantasy.

 

But, that doesn't mean the thoughts are unpleasant.

[mumms-the-word]

Mini Veilguard update!! Under the cut as per usual because there are early game spoilers here (I have thoughts!)

Explored most of Treviso and Minrathous, as much as I can before going to get Davrin anyway. Treviso is gorgeous and Minrathous is interesting (idk what I expected out of Minrathous but we’re also only seeing Dock Town so…we’re not really seeing much of the actual magisterium sector). I know there’s a big choice coming up because I got spoiled by people who don’t tag their spoilers (still mad about it) and it’s making me think

I read an excellent post about how DATV has essentially sanitized a lot of the lore to make the game palatable and on the whole I do agree. I feel like I’m getting LaCroix spritzes of lore flavor rather than bold and confident lore flavor. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of lore, plenty of callbacks to all three of the earlier games! It’s just…subtle? Or hidden in codexes

I think the thing that strikes me most is that for all the talk of slavery in Minrathous we don’t really see slavery at all. At least, I haven’t, this far in the game. Where are the magisters beating their slaves? Where are the merchants buying slaves because it’s Just How Things are Done? Obviously if slaves live in estates with their masters, then that explains why we don’t see a lot of them in Dock Town. But where are the conversations between Dock Town citizens where people are facing difficult choices to potentially sell themselves into slavery to feed their families? Both Dorian and Krem talk about these as realities in Minrathous and other cities in Tevinter.

As for Treviso, I think it’s beautiful and the fact that the Antaam has broken from the Qun and dissolved into war bands fascinates me. I think that’s cool! But the Crows baffle me. They’re too nice. It’s very odd. On the one hand, I LOVE Teia and Viago. On the other hand, they and Lucanis should be the exception, I think, for being Crows interested in freedom fighting and protecting Treviso. And maybe other Crow cells not in Treviso are still cutthroat brutal tormentors who buy children to train as assassins, as Zevran tells us, but we sure don’t get to see it in the game.

I can shrug and set most of it aside, lose myself in the beauty of the game and the charm of the companions (who I do like, a couple of weird conversations aside). But apparently I have to choose whether to save Treviso or Minrathous soon. I guess from the Blight? I don’t know details because I have tried my hardest to avoid spoilers lol so if you’re reading this DON’T tell me!

Buuuut

I don’t know. Right now that choice hinges on who I will disappoint (Neve or Lucanis) and who among the NPCs I may be willing to sacrifice (Hal the fishmaker, certain faction members, perhaps). I suspect, given how nice the game is being, that I won’t lose access to Teia, Viago, The Viper, Tarquin, Mae, or Dorian. I mean, I doubt I’ll see Dorian again but he’s a fandom darling. I’ll be very surprised if he dies. But I digress. The point is, I know it will feel like a sacrifice…just a smaller one than it could be.

Because the choice could be so much harder, so much more complex, if it was a choice between two obviously corrupt cities. Do I sacrifice Minrathous and call it a lost cause because slavery is so rife there, the magisters are corrupt, the Templars aid the magisters and not the people, and they keep sacrificing people for blood magic? Is full on destruction the only thing that will get the city to reset and recover in productive ways? Or do I sacrifice Treviso, which houses a bloodthirsty guild of assassins who buy and raise and train children to be killers, who is now under siege by reckless Antaam, who cannot be defeated by anything short of a major catastrophe? What if both cities were revealed to be more gritty and cruel than we actually got to see in the game? How do I choose which to save and which to allow destruction to come in?

Some of these elements are still present. But they’re buffed down. Maybe the game will surprise me! But for now I feel like I’m choosing between saving my favorite NPCs or my favorite aesthetic, rather than facing a complex choice over which city to save, knowing both the good and the bad and everything in between.

We shall see! I am off to the Anderfels (I think) to meet a couple of wardens and hopefully see Davrin soon. So I will update again soon!

Oh, PS: COMPLETELY baffled by the fact that Varric recognizes the lyrium dagger as being the red lyrium idol. Like, sure, fine, those two things are related, and its true that’s why Solas wanted the red lyrium idol (just see Tevinter Nights and the comics)

But bro they look nothing like each other!!

What do you meeeaaaaannnnn

“it has the same ring at the top” okay and?? One is blue and shiny and the other has twisted corpse figures and is red and crumbling and was also turned into a giant ass greatsword back in the day??

Super weird reveal, not a fan, but it was more funny than annoying so there’s that.

Anyway we press onwards lol

[v-ternus]

His Creation Myth

Nice little MountainDew I wrote that got me out of a writing slump. For @forlorn-crows , because of your kind tags on my last Mountain fic.

MDNI

~1900

tags: water Dew, virgin Dew, handjob, alot of praise, Mountain is absolutely whipped, nice mention of a little aftercare

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Freshly summoned Dew has a quiet movie night with Mountain, and lets all pretend that he's never done anything before. A problem arrises, and good boy Mount has to help him.

Below for your consumption.

It was just supposed to be movie night, a welcoming night so to speak with some snacks and lighthearted conversation. Mountain wanted a relaxed moment with the new summon. But things went sideways halfway through watching Nemo of all things. 

Dew had started feeling a weird heat pooling in his stomach. Before long, the slight pressure from the throw pillow on his lap was becoming excruciating. He sat there, with a pit of worry blooming deep in his chest, before finding the courage to raise the pillow a little. He finds a tent in his sweatpants with a small, darkening wet spot. The hot ache occupying his midsection combined with whatever this was made him feel like he was dying. 

He was apparently staring for too long, because Mountain had to interrupt his non-attention. 

“Something wrong?” Mountain’s words may as well be cracks of thunder, they spooked him and he stupidly jammed the pillow into his lap to hide his problem. It visibly makes him wince, which doesnt help Mountain’s brewing suspicions. 

“Nothing!” He says, too quickly, that it was definitely unusual. Mountain looks at him with those obnoxiously kind, green eyes, a stare that wasn't going to let Dew avoid confessing his problem. Dew was very new to life topside, he was fresh, but Mountain had already taken a liking to him. He could read him pretty well and had learned most of his tells. 

“It's written all over your face Dew, come on. You’re new, you couldn't have run into too many problems yet, I can guarantee that I’ve dealt with whatever it is,” 

The pleading and genuine concern was making things more difficult for Dew. His dick was really aching and he didn't know why, or how to fix it, how to make himself feel better. For all he knew, he could be dying, he had never dealt with this in the pit. Maybe something went wrong during his summoning, maybe his vessel was defective. Regardless, something was very, very wrong. 

Mountain pauses the movie and moves to face Dew, again asking what's wrong. His undivided attention makes Dew’s face hold a bright shade of red, hot shame working down his spine. He tries to curl in on himself further but ends up pushing the pillow down again. The harsh friction makes tears pool in the corners of his eyes. 

Mountain can smell his distress, astringent and bitter. He uses a finger to raise his chin up to bring them face to face. He’s left staring at a pair of eyes screwed tight. 

“Bug?” Dew’s breath hitches. The endearing nickname was the final nail in the coffin. 

Dew finally lets the words out with a whine, “It really hurts,”

“What does?” As far as he’s noticed, nothing had happened to Dew in recent days, and definitely nothing happened in the two hours they’ve been hanging out. He couldn't drum up a moment where he could’ve gotten hurt. 

Dew doesn't even really know what’s hurting, he cant really explain it, so his only option is to show Mountain. Once he moves the pillow, Mountain knows exactly why Dew is hurting. 

“Oh…” He swears he tried to keep his voice neutral so as to not alarm Dew, but he failed miserably. If anything, the way he said it further convinced Dew that something about this was bad, that it would be hard to fix. 

“What do you mean oh?! You have to help me. I think I fucked up Mountain.” A new scent quickly invades Mountain’s senses, it reeks of burnt wood and venom— fear. His brain is quickly wiped clean of any joke, realizing that Dew really has no clue what’s happening. 

“Calm down Dew, you’re perfectly fine,”

“How am I possibly fine?” The tears have started to fall against his rosy cheeks, leaving trails down to his jaw then neck. 

“You’ve really never…?” Mountain desperately needs the full picture, needs Dew to confirm his suspicions. Dew shakes his head, messily wiping off tears that wont stop falling.

“I know how to fix this,” Its Mountains turn to blush. He’s worried that he’s taking advantage of Dew in such an unknowledgeable state, but he’d be lying to himself if he said that this didn't make him throb in his own pants. The chance to relieve him, to teach him for the first time. The notion turned him into a puddle. 

He cradles Dew’s face, dragging his thumb across the tear streaked cheek. The warmth makes Dew loosen his eyes a bit, it takes him off the edge just enough so he can breathe. 

“You need to tell me if anything feels worse ok? Really Dew.” Dew sighs, hopeful for relief. 

“Ok,” Its a quick whisper, he follows it up with a nod just to make sure. His eyes are still shut, he doesn’t know what the cure is and he definitely doesn't know what Mountain is about to do. So he waits patiently, waits for whatever is supposed to make him feel better. 

What he doesn't expect is his shirt being lifted off and a new pressure surrounding his cock. The sudden contact makes him hiss. His eyes shoot open to see Mountain’s eyes locked on his crotch with his large hand palming over it. 

Pain floats around in his mind, he’s sensitive. He didn't think the pain could get worse, but it did. And it was torture. But it was steadily being replaced by a comforting warmth the more Mountain kneaded at him, so he didnt say stop. 

“I’ll show you Dew, how to make yourself feel good,” He drags a thumb over the larger wet spot, slowly, right over the tip, making a point to press down on where he thinks the slit is. Dew jolts and reaches for the offending hand, clamping around his wrist. 

“—feels like you’re lighting me on fire. Hurts.”

“Sorry,” He doesn't mean to tease, not now, but he just can't help it. It's built into him like his magic. It's stronger than second nature. He studies Dew’s face when he goes back to gentle touches. Takes in how his jaw has gone slack, how his pale blue eyes watch on with awe while Mountain touches him.

He gives one last tender squeeze before gently wiggling his arm out of Dew’s grasp. He hooks a finger into Dew’s sweatpants and works it down to his mid thigh, just enough to get it out of the way. Just enough to catch a glimpse of the offending member. 

He didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't what he saw— a heavy cock that bounced against his stomach right under his belly button, leaking pre onto his little happy trail. Its nicely thick and long enough that the head would sit nicely in his throat if he got the chance to wrap his lips around Dew. 

“I’ll teach you everything Dew. You just have to let me.”  He wraps his hand around Dew’s cock and he feels it twitch, kicking against his hand. As well endowed as Dew is, he looks embarrassingly small in Mountain’s grasp. He wants to make a remark, make Dew blush even more by telling him just how small he is, but he tucks that fantasy away, for now. Dew’s cock is so red that it's almost purple, he understands then, why he shed tears. 

“It’s so much Mount,”

“Give it time Dew.”

He starts to stroke him, root to tip, lightly gliding over the head and Dew yelps each time. Soon, the drag of his hand fills the room with wet noises. The only other noise is a stream of ‘Ah, Ah, Ah’ falling from the little ghouls mouth.

“Your body already knows what to do, bug, look at how wet you are,” Dew moans, high and feminine. His eyes catch on his slicked thighs and hips, noticing how he they shine with the light dim light of the tv. Mountain's brain is enamored by how he looks like a star as he comes apart in his hands, by how pretty Dew sounds.

The previously overwhelming sensation has bled into indescribable pleasure, Mountain is towing Dew back from the thin line between pleasure and pain. With the relief, he starts to relax, his muscles go numb. 

The earth ghoul recites a silent prayer to whatever is out there. He prays that he’ll be the only one to ever hear his siren sing, that Dew will be his— that Dew would let himself be his.

The easiest support is against Mountain’s chest, so he uses it, leaning against the supple flesh while Mountain snakes his hand up onto the nape of his neck, dragging his nails over his scalp. He holds Dew close, relishes in his warm breath against him. 

Dew starts to roll his hips, jerky and uncoordinated, until he finds a rhythm. He thrusts up to meet the tight fist around him while Mountain uses his finger to pet at the sensitive spot under the head. 

“Good Dew, take what you want,” Mountain watches as even more slick drips out of Dew, it quickly reminds him of his soft spot for water ghouls.

Dew’s rhythm starts to falter and the muscles in his toned thighs start to twitch. Mountain can see it, hell he can damn near taste it, Dew was close.

A tightness forms deep in Dew's stomach, he’s about to have his first orgasm, ever. And the best part? He doesn't even know it. 

“Mountain, what is this? Its- Mount its…” He’s been reduced to a mumbling mess, devoid of any coherent thought thanks to Mountain’s ministrations. All he can do is cling to Mountain like he's his only chance at salvation, which in this moment, he really is.

“Just let it happen Dew, let go for me.”

Mountain tightens his hand and jerks him off faster, twisting when he gets to the tip and rubbing his palm into the head to polish it for good measure. He’s trying his hardest to snap the wound up band in Dew. 

Dew cums without a sound, save for the yelp of him choking on his own breath. He keeps nuzzling his face into the column of Mountain’s neck, grazing his fangs over the tender flesh. All he can smell is his earthy scent, laced with pine and lavender.

He has an unexplainable urge to bite, he wants to sink his teeth in, but he clamps down on his own lip instead. A tinge of copper hits his tongue as he breaks skin. His fingers stay wound up tight in the earth ghoul’s shirt, feeling like he would drift away without the tether. 

Mountain feels like luck is raining down on him as he gets to watch the birth of something he can only describe as celestial. He basks in the glory of Dew discovering pleasure, realizing desire, he watches as Dew fully becomes one with sin. He cant peel his eyes off of the cum spilled over his fingers, speckled along the small hairs of Dew’s happy trail.

Mountain keeps stroking him, working him through everything gently. Once Dew goes soft, he rests his dick gently against his thigh before wiping his mess off on his sheets. He pulls Dew into his lap, ignoring the stickiness that'll inevitably dry uncomfortably between them, and pulls him tight against his chest while leaning against the headboard. He feels Dew’s heavy breath, the deep rise and fall of his chest against his own. 

Dew shifts his leg and unknowingly nudges Mountain’s own throbbing cock, it makes him gasp. But his brain doesn’t recognize it beyond that, it doesnt care about his release. All his brain can think of is the twitching ghoul in his arms.

“Fuck, Mount. Fucking hell.”

“Was that ok? Are you ok?” Mountain expects a simple yes, but Dew’s answer is better than he could’ve imagined. 

“Teach me more sometime.” He feels him further sag into his chest, feeling hopeful for the future. He places a kiss against his hairline and catches his scent again. This time, Dew smells like petrichor and a breeze along a shoreline, sweet and light— happiness.

Dew resting on him makes him feel flayed open, like his raw nerves are being singed one by one. His brain is draped in the sensation— he can’t imagine a life without it.

They’ll eventually get up and when they do, he’ll run a bath for the both of them. He’ll lay Dew on top of him in the tub with his back to his solid chest. He’ll lean his chin on Dew’s bony shoulder and whisper about how good he was, how this is what he deserves each and every time he ever lays with someone. He’ll pepper the side of his face with soft kisses as he mumbles words of thanks, immensely grateful that Dew trusted him with something so special. They’ll stay till the water runs cold. 

He hopes Dew falls asleep tucked into his side. 

[ace-does-stuff]

take one step forward (two steps back)

summary: guarding the Master Emerald gave him purpose when had nothing but corpses surrounding him, no wonder it's so hard to drop the urgency

tags: character study, angst

authors note: a gift for the wonderful @ohposhers because i missed their birthday by A Very Large Margin and wanted to write them a fic regardless, hope everyone enjoys

How long has it been since he started doing this?

...

. . .

.  .  .

Yeah, too long.

Knuckles shrugs just enough to return feeling to his arms. He doesn't stand up though. It's his resting day, where he allows himself to sit instead of pace circles around the Master Emerald.

He should go find food.

Or water.

It's been a while since he last did so.

Maybe he should've given himself breaks more often then once a day.

But what if it happens again?

Eggman, Robotnik, whatever the people call him now, what if he returns? Comes back for a second shot at getting the Master Emerald?

What if he succeeds?

No!

Fuck, no, bad thoughts. It won't happen again, he's better than that now. Nothing will ever touch the Master Emerald again unless it's his own two paws or someone who he dearly trusts.

He stands up and paces circles around the Master Emerald. He just needs to get it out of his head, doubts, fears, worries, he's better now.

The telltale sound of wings flapping alert him and he finds Rouge dropping down. In her arms is Shadow, being carried similarly to a cat with one hand under each of his arms. She places down Shadow and drops down beside him with a small flourish as usual.

"Knuckles, why are you still here?" Shadow asked.

Knuckles scoffed, "I'm doing my job, why aren't you doing yours?"

"We were supposed to meet up at one of the cafe's today for a drink, sweetheart," Rouge said.

Knuckles faltered.

That was today?

He should get a calendar, or a more accurate tell of time. He doesn't even know how old he is in an exact number these days, just the rough estimation from Tails' DNA test. There is no exact date of birth, so he chose January first, an easy one to remember.

"What's wrong with you?" Shadow questioned as he stepped closer.

"It slipped my mind," Knuckles said. He was lying through his teeth and everyone knew it.

Shadow quirked a brow.

So did Rouge.

"I have to guard the Master Emerald-"

Rouge bit back at his statement, "No you don't. Nobody wants to steal it anymore."

"You do, for starters."

"And? Who else?"

Again, Knuckles goes silent.

"That's what we thought," Shadow said rather curtly.

"Sorry for forgetting, it won't happen again."

He knows that's a lie.

He knows his mind is still full of worries about the emerald. That he'll never truly be able to empty it and leave behind the need to protect the emerald. He knows he's a dog in that aspect.

"You better not, we were all looking forward to hanging out with you sweetie," Rouge said with a bit of a pout.

"Don't forget that you have a mission with Sonic tomorrow," Shadow said.

Rouge elbowed him, "Ease up, don't be so snappy."

"I'll do better next time."

-/-/-/-

Knuckles doesn't do better.

He swears he tries too, but everything just sort of, falls out of his brain. There was one little scare, a stray degraded beebot made its way onto the island. It had no real directive or drive to move to obtain the Master Emerald but it sets off every single alarm inside of Knuckles' head.

He just reverts.

All of his knowledge remains but it's shoved aside and replaced by an instinct to hunt and herd and protect. He does laps of the entire island, scouring for anything that could be out of place. He knows logically he doesn't need to, that it was just a leftover stray badnik.

But deep in the recesses of a mind molded to one purpose since he was naught but a child, he needs to do this. And he can't deny his instinct, he never could.

-/-/-/-

Shadow finds him passed out by a creek in the Mushroom Hill's. It just looks like he collapsed. Face down on the mossy grass and body splayed out like he's dead.

"Rouge! I found him!" Shadow called out.

In mere moments Rouge came crashing down from between mushrooms that threatened to bounce her back. She brushes herself down before standing at attention. With a brief glance at Knuckles' her cockiness evaporates. "I think we should be worried."

"Our mission-"

"He's passed out on the ground something happened to him!" Rouge snapped, pressing a gloved paw to Shadow's chest to nudge him back, "He's your partner, start acting like it. Cut him some slack."

Shadow huffed, "Fine."

Rouge crouches down and shakes Knuckles' awake.

He's groggy and slow to gain his senses again. His body is strained. Fuck he didn't actually get any water before passing out, did he? He scrambles to the creeks edge on auto-pilot and near fully submerges his snout.

With a heady gasp he resurfaces.

"Finally awake?" Shadow asked.

Knuckles snaps over to face him.

"What happened, red?" Rouge asked. There's a near pitying look on her face, one of worry.

"Badnik, Master Emerald," Knuckles said. He was still hacking on taking in too much water. "You know how it is."

"One Badnik?"

"They're like bugs, if you see one there's bound to be a hundred."

"Was there a hundred?" Shadow asked before taking a seat on the dirt. Rouge followed suit.

Knuckles shook his head, "I still had lap Angel Island to be sure."

Rouge felt worry build faster in her stomach, "How many times did you lap it?"

Knuckles shrugged. "Enough."

"Until you passed out, is how many times," Shadow corrected, "You need a vacation."

"That Badnik only further proves why I can't leave my post even once," Knuckles said. He didn't know why he was arguing in favor of this awful cycle. He had to. He had duty. He had purpose. This was his existence. He can't abandon, not now, not after it's been proven it has a point again.

For a stagnant moment both Rouge and Shadow are silence, then Rouge speaks.

"We'll stay with you then." She speaks with finality to her tone, "If you can't visit us off island then we'll visit you on island and protect the emerald with you."

"You just want to steal it like you always do," Knuckles spat.

Rouge scoffed, "Please, there are far bigger fish to fry than a thing like The Master Emerald."

"Even if you kick her out, I'm still staying here to guard it with you," Shadow tacked on.

"It's not your job."

"It will be."

"It will never be your duty the way it's my duty."

-/-/-/-

They still come to pester him daily on his laps.

He still tries to ward them off out of an instinct then real conviction towards them. He loves them too much to actually want to get rid of them. He still can't kill the thing in his head that says that anyone with sentience stepping foot on the island wants the worst.

That won't stop them from bothering him non-stop regardless.

"We brought you some grape jello," Rouge stated as she handed the cling-wrapped bowl to Knuckles.

"And a blanket for your hammock hut you have set up out in the woods," Shadow tacked on as he tossed a crocheted blanket at Knuckles. It consisted of muted hues of reds, blacks, pinks, blues- nearly the entire rainbow really. "Everyone wanted to pitch in and cast a few rows of their own color."

Knuckles wrapped himself up in the blanket, "That's sweet."

"Do you think we could help you guard the Emerald yet?" Rouge asked, "Robotnik is back out."

Knuckles paused before nodding, "Yeah, you guys can help if you really want to."

Rouge grinned, "I hope your hut has room for two more hammocks then, cause if it doesn't we're all dogpiling."

[ryiju-muunie]

Afraid to start; Got your heart in a headlock

Usopp/Zoro Roronoa Warnings: ambiguously post time skip but it’s probably not accurate shut up, aphrodisiacs, awkward conversations, awkward confessions, angst with a happy ending, no smut Word count: 4814 DESC: Chopper wanted some mushrooms, Usopp wanted to bond with Zoro alone, and Zoro was hungry.

NOTES: I had this amazing idea from reading the lovely Lagneía by zoldsick! I really liked the premise and kind of did my own spin with Zosopp because I have seen not enough people writing for them! C'mon!! Don't make me flood the tag with my own stupidity!! I'm not very caught up to post timeskip so if this is inaccurate ignore it and be nice to meee :)) Also I did use google translate in latin so if it's not accurate suck my dick :))))))

“Okay, I need you two to gather some supplies with us. Do you think you can do that?” The commanding voice of Robin flowed through her shipmate's ears, forcing them to stand straighter underneath her tout gaze. She stared with crystal blue eyes, hair pushed back into a loose ponytail as she continued, “Chopper is looking for different mushrooms and foliage to create different medicines. I’m assuming this won’t be too much trouble.”  

“I mean if you want, I can do it myself!” The small reindeers voice made Usopp look down at him, as he peered out from Nico’s legs. He had a different cap that adorned his head, something forest green. It was made to blend into the wilderness of the island they had docked at for the day. This island was covered in an overgrown jungle that would have sent the sniper back into bed for another twelve hours if he could help it.  

“Relax,” Zoro chimed in from beside Usopp, “We can split up. Me and long-nose, you and Robin.” He motioned with his head to the two in front of him, barely giving the ‘long-nose’ in question a second glance.  

Nami had been adamant they stopped at this island to gather fresh supplies, as she had heard it was overgrown with fruits and vegetables. Maybe Sanji had pressured her into stopping here, or Luffy’s incessant protests that they needed something new to eat instead of the same fish they had been getting for weeks. Usopp didn’t mind gathering for Chopper, especially since the scary Robin had asked, and especially if he had help from a strong man like Roronoa Zoro. Although, that wasn’t to say the Great Captain Usopp couldn’t hold his own! I mean, he could forge through these kinds of brush in his sleep!  

And this would be a good chance for the sniper and the swordsman to bond a bit. They had known each other for well over two-years, and barely exchanged more than a handful of words. It felt like wherever Usopp was, the green-haired man avoided. Maybe in the beginning they were closer, but something shifted after they were separated, and they couldn’t be in the same room alone without Zoro finding a way out to leave.  

Did the brunette stink? I mean, he always tried to shower regularly. And he didn’t snore that loud. Maybe he was too intimidating for the swordsman to handle, so they couldn’t be alone in fear of having a battle to the death? If that was the case, why would Zoro be okay with them searching for mushrooms and other junk by themselves now? 

“Perfect,” Robin smiled, clasping her hands together and closing her eyes, widening a friendly smile, “I’ll go ahead down. We can meet back in an hour?” The two crewmates nodded and the other two were off onto the island. Trees hung out over the beach, cascading shadows down onto the sand. It looked dark from here, looming into the blue sky overhead.  

Usopp went to speak, opening his mouth awkwardly but he was stopped by Zoro’s rough words, “We can probably get Luffy to come with.” There wasn’t a chance to respond, as it was posed more as a statement than a question. The moss-head immediately turned to walk back into the ship, to find his captain and soil the bonding moment they could have had together.  

“Luffy’s probably going to slow us down,” the sniper willed himself to say, feigning confidence. He wasn’t scared to voice his opinions, no! That would be silly. Why would he fear the much taller, much scarier swordsman who slowly turned to face him again.  

Zoro widened his good eye, raising his eyebrows along with it. As if to say, ‘And?’  

“I don’t want to have to watch out for both of you, you know,” the sniper crossed his arms over his chest, which today was covered by a green shirt [sticking to the green theme of fitting into nature], “And he’s probably busy.”  

“Watch out for the both of us?” That seemed to be the only part that stuck to Zoro, making his expression tighten, “You don’t need to watch out for me at all, long-nose.” He pressed his lips together to hold back a laugh, a movement he instantly regretted as the swordsman’s gaze darkened. 

“Which way is North?” Usopp asked instead, knowing he’d win the argument.  

Roronoa rolled his eye, pointing up, “This way, obviously. Do you think I’m stupid?”  

As he spoke, the brunette pulled out the compass he had workshopped himself to look a bit cooler than the bland one he had found on an island a few weeks back. It was fully functional, just boring. He shoved the compass in his friend's face, which showed that, no, North was not upwards.  

That settled it, and the two were off on the island. Usopp insisted Zoro go in front, in case he started to wander, which evidently happened a lot. It was like herding sheep, as he kept having to correct his path. There was nothing at the edge of the jungle that looked to be what Chopper was looking for, so they kept going. The sniper knew that there was some mushroom that the deer had wanted to study. It was pink with small red dots adorning the large head, with a yellow base. It was distinct, and with their luck, they could find it.  

That wasn’t to say they were going to leave empty handed. Usopp was collecting random leaves and flowers as they went for himself, although he knew the doctor could use them if he shared.  

Zoro made a sharp right, and the sniper followed behind him, letting a silence fall over the two. To some it could be described as comfortable silence between two long-term friends, but he would describe it as awkward. Usopp didn’t know what to say that could bridge the gap. Clearly something had changed and he was out of the loop as to why that had been. Did the moss-head realize he secretly hated him and everything he stood for? Were they no longer friends but estranged cabin mates? God, the thought made him a little nauseous.  

“What are we looking for exactly,” Roronoa asked as he pushed aside some vines with his forearm, looking back at his crewmate with a narrowed eye, “So I know.” To get this over with, was what Usopp phantom-ly heard at the end of that sentence.  

“Oh! A Nulla Excitatione mushroom. They’re native to thick rainforests and wet places,” he explained, realizing he knew more about this subject than he typically thought, “It’s a small mushroom with a pink exterior and little red dots.”  

“So,” Zoro paused, stopping his steps to look at the other, “Like the mushrooms that the fry-cook makes for us?”  

“Well technically but-” Usopp was cut off with a wave of Zoro’s hand and a dismissive, “Okay.”  

The sniper felt himself deflate a bit. He was interested in technology and creating, yes, but plant life was another hobby of his also. Secretly, when Robin had even recruited him for this, he was excited to gather stuff for his own collection to test. No one liked to hear his ramblings, maybe aside from Sanji, but even then, he knew to a degree he was being tuned out.  

“You know you don’t have to do that,” he muttered, letting a rock get kicked from the toe of his boot toward a tree to his right.  

“Do what?” The swordsman responded, although the brunette was surprised, he even heard him. Well great, now he had to say what he was thinking. But the Great Truth-er Usopp could do that! He could speak his mind whenever prompted! Except, he didn’t really want to say what he was feeling at that moment. It wasn’t like the other man would listen anyways.  

Usopp swallowed, “Never mind,” he pushed forward, until he was ahead of the green-haired male, brushing past different plant-life to make a clear path. He didn’t hear footsteps behind him, but he realized he couldn’t find it in his heart to care. So, what if that big burly idiot got lost? The sniper knew someone could locate him easily, especially since this island wasn’t that big. Knowing Sanji, he’d probably run into the moss by accident and force him along on his own errands for fruits. 

There was another wave of silence, as Usopp continued to push branches and vines away from his person. He wanted to venture deep enough into the wilderness, and further away from Zoro, to get some peace and quiet. But he knew, when the footsteps started up again, that he was being followed by the lug.  

This silence was different, it was visibly tense. There were clearly words that needed to be exchanged, but there was no chance any of them would acknowledge it. Zoro was never the feelings type. He never said anything he didn’t have to, or anything that would lead to sappy moments. All Usopp could tell was the only thing going on behind those eyes were thoughts enthralled with sake … and swords.  

Up ahead, Usopp could see a clearing. And more importantly, he could hear it, too. Water, fresh water, rushing down from a hill, was what he could sense. As he broke through the last branches of thick brush, he saw it. A small waterfall coming from a mountainous lump of boulders, spouting out clear water into a large pond that seemed to break off into different streams further back. There across the bank were mushrooms, littered with colors, all for him to collect for their doctor. And some for him to take for himself, of course.  

It was different from anything he had ever seen before. The sniper had never seen mushrooms growing inside a brook, let alone at least twenty. He found himself rushing to the site, prying off his shoes and rolling up the cuffs on his overalls to step into the water to start collecting. There were purple, yellow, even green mushrooms, but no pink. Well, he didn’t need the pink mushroom if he had all these other ones. Which he carefully plucked from the water and plopped into his bag.  

“Why did you come if you’re going to do nothing?” Usopp asked, peering over his shoulder, as he hunched over, at the green-haired annoyance behind him. The swordsman stood behind him, grumbling a bit as he sat down onto a large boulder beside the pond.  

Zoro let out a huff and got up, smiling tightly, “Happy?” And he turned, going to wander off by the edge of the clearing. At least he had some semblance to know not to wander off too far, but the other didn’t care much if he did.  

“This stuff is like what curly cooks for us, right?” Roronoa called out after a bit.  

Usopp replied in a hasty, “Yeah sure, Zoro,” as he pulled out a small book with plant names, images, and descriptions. The best thing he could do now as he collected one of each mushroom was identify them to better expand his knowledge.  

The sniper flipped through the pages, matching up pictures to the mushrooms he collected. He stepped out of the water and sat back on that boulder, taking his time to make sure he was right in his comparisons. He had to be, and it made him proud. If no one else cared about his interests, at least Chopper would be content with what he found. And he decided to keep at least one mushroom for himself, the green one. Maybe he could dissect it to find out more about its biology…  

All of Usopp’s thoughts were interrupted as he heard a loud, “AW FUCK-” Followed by rapid coughing behind him. He jerked his head around to see Zoro hunched over, holding his throat with one hand, while the other pounded a fist against his large chest. Of course, he had to go and do something stupid. Of course, when the sniper was almost at peace.  

“What did you do?!” Usopp sneered, hopping off the boulder to fully assess the damage.  

He was horrified to look upon the scene and see a half-eaten Nulla Excitatione mushroom lying on the grass as Zoro gaped over it, “Are you serious,” he blinked slowly. 

“You said it was like what the cook makes us you-” Zoro let out a cough and a strained, “Oh my god-”  

“I didn’t! You didn’t let me finish my explanation or I would have said they’re both mushrooms, but one you shouldn’t ingest!” Usopp balled his fists by his sides as he continued, “This is why you- This is- This is why I hate being around you!”  

It was something he didn’t mean to let slip. Something he didn’t realize he felt. Something he knew wasn’t a lie. But something he wished was, as Zoro looked over at him with a tense expression.  

“Zoro…” Usopp tried but he was cut off with a glare.   

“What’s gonna happen,” Zoro coughed into his hand, attempting to stand up straight but falling forward onto his slacked knees, “To me?” Another round of rapid coughing escaped his lips as sweat began to build on his forehead.  

The sniper knew that this mushroom wasn’t good to ingest due to some kind of side effects, but he wasn’t entirely sure what the side effects were. So, he opened the small booklet and flipped around until he saw the name in giant letters before him. The picture almost identically matched the mushroom rotting on the ground, and the description made his mouth run dry.  

A nervous laugh left his mouth, and he closed the book, “Nothing bad.”  

“You’re lying you-” Zoro wheezed, “-Goddammit- Tell me what it said!” His face was growing warm by appearance alone, although the other didn’t doubt, he was probably burning up.  

Usopp knew it would do no good to omit the truth and lie, as the swordsman was probably already feeling the effects by this point. And he knew if he was transparent, the quicker he could leave the man to … deal with it.  

“You ate the Nulla Excitatione mushroom, or as it translates to: The Arousal Mushroom. Ingesting it almost instantly puts your body into a full blown ‘arousal attack’ and it won’t let up for at least thirty minutes,” he inhaled, “To an hour.” A tight smile appeared on his face.  

“Why the hell did Chopper want this?” Zoro spoke through gritted teeth, leaning forward to cover his face and hide the apparent erection straining through the pants he opted to wear today.  

“Probably to use it in medicine to help blood flow,” Usopp shrugged and looked away, “I should probably leave-”  

“No,” Roronoa rasped, looking up to make intense eye contact with the sniper before him. There was something in his eye, something artificial. It looked like he wanted Usopp there for one in his life, whether that was in that way or just to be there as comfort. It was sweet for a moment, but turned to bile in the brunette's throat. His friend didn’t want him there, he wanted something to use through his heat. It was understandable, sure, but it threw salt in the wound that he wasn’t wanted before, and he was only wanted due to a messed-up mushroom.  

“You’re not in your right headspace. It’s better if I leave you and wait at the ship for an hour. Then I can come back,” Usopp dismissed the look and turned to head back to the brook, so he could grab his shoes and leave.  

The green-haired male made a strangled noise, “Just… Stay. I need you here…” He spoke in a loud whisper, as if it was becoming painful to speak.  

From reading the effects of the mushroom, Usopp knew it was plausible. When someone's body was sent into that kind of mode, it was hard to do nothing but … complete. He tried not to think about it too much, to think of Zoro in that light.  

“No, you don’t,” he exhaled, grabbing his shoes and fitting them back onto his foot, “That’s the mushroom talking.” Usopp turned on his heel and peered over at his friend again, seeing him leaning forward on the grass with his elbows resting to the ground. His head hung low, hidden by shuddering shoulders, forcing himself to breathe through his increasing pain.  

He hesitated for a moment, before heading back to stand before him, “Just trust me-” 

“Long-nose-” Zoro croaked as the brunette continued. 

“-It’ll be better if you handle this on your own-” 

“Sniper-”  

“-That way you don’t embarrass yourself with stuff you don’t mea-”  

“Usopp.” His voice was a cracked plea, something that sounded hollow. It didn’t sound like Zoro, no, it sounded like a shell of himself. It sounded like he wasn’t the strong man who could handle anything, but someone who had lost everything and needed a friend. But as much as the other wanted to believe it was genuine, he knew it was because he was the only one standing there.  

Zoro raised his head, locking his dark brown eyes with Usopp’s lighter colored ones. His iris was covered with a blown-out pupil, that only a faint rim of color was enough to discern he was human. There wasn’t any lust behind his eye but rather pain, embarrassment, even some shame.  

“I need you here,” he whispered, barely above a murmur. Barely audible with the flow of water from those rocks behind the two, splashing into the pond below.  

“No, you don’t, Zoro, that’s just your stupid lust-filled, mushroom eating brain talking- which by the way,” he pressed his hands together, “Why did you- Why did you eat it!? Why in your head did you think it was okay!? You never listen to anything I say! You never- never even let me finish, to tell you not to eat it- even though I should’ve known I should’ve said that because you’re you, and, of course, you’d eat it!” Usopp inhaled, “You don’t want me here Zoro. You don’t want me- you don’t even speak to me. When was the last time we hung out after Boin Archipelago? O-Or even before that? You avoid me like I have Usopp-is-annoying-and-should-be-avoided-itus, which is not contagious- if I had it!”  

Usopp wasn’t sure why he was speaking, why he was saying all the things he felt. All the things he meant but knew he should have kept under wraps. All the things he thought would fall on deaf ears to be ignored the very next day. But it felt different. Zoro had nowhere to go and nowhere to turn to because of his stupid mushroom eating habits, and he was forced to listen- no, forced to confront something that was probably apparent to everyone. He had to face the fact that he was treating the sniper differently, as if he wanted to throw him overboard the first chance he got.  

Zoro simply stared at him as sweat dripped from his brow. Maybe it wasn’t necessarily the most perfect time to say, as he looked like he was struggling to stay conscious. Their eyes were connected, interlocked, with something intense. It wasn’t lust, it was a standoff. The brunette wasn’t backing down from his feelings, feeling that bravery, he almost rarely ever got. And the swordsman was letting him bare his soul, his heart, all his frustrations.  

They fell into an overwhelming silence, letting Roronoa’s labored breathing fill any gaps from the small waterfall. Then he looked away, down to the grass where sweat fell from his chin onto blades of green, “I don’t avoid you.” To that Usopp made an offended noise, “I don’t try to avoid you.”  

“Why? I thought we were, I don’t know, friends,” the sniper's voice was turning unsure, as if he was worried, he had crossed a line with his words.  

“You hate being around me and I avoid you like you have Usopp-annoying… whatever,” he huffed and turned his head to the side, “But we’re friends?” 

Usopp had to admit it sounded like they weren’t friends at all. He swallowed loudly and knelt, before he plopped down onto the grass and brought his knees to his front, “I guess not.”  

Zoro lifted his head and groaned, “I don’t know why I avoid you,” he exhaled and closed his eye, furrowing his brow, “You make me feel weird. Ever since Kuragiana you…ve changed,” he ended that word with a strained voice, as if it hurt him to say that. Which was, again, very plausible.  

“Weird? Do I stink?” He raised an eyebrow.  

“No. More like I feel like I probably do,” Roronoa finally lifted himself up from the ground, kneeling with his back hunched. His shirt was drenched in sweat as if he had fought ten bad guys with eleven more to go. It hadn’t even been an hour yet, so they both knew this was nothing compared to what would happen later.  

Usopp let out a laugh, “You? Self-conscious? That’s not funny.”  

“You make me nervous,” Zoro sighed, trying to say what he wanted to say without saying it, “Like, nervous nervous.”  

“Saying it twice means nothing to me,” the sniper looked away with mock annoyance, “I don’t make anyone nervous, unless you’re talking about my enemies.” A laugh came tumbling out of his lips as he attempted to lighten the mood that wouldn’t lighten.  

“I’m serious long-nose,” he looked down at his shaking hands, which balled up on his thighs and dug into his skin, “I think I avoid you because I-”  

“Don’t want to talk to me? I already know,” the brunette spoke as Zoro continued slowly, dragging out his words.  

“-Like you.” He nodded his head slowly, trying his best to don a smile but it looked more awkward and pained than anything else. As if he was struggling to keep sane and the only thing, he could do was clench his jaw repeatedly, to stop those artificial urges from plaguing his mind and infecting his actions.  

Usopp stopped, his body turning stiff. He what him? He what? He couldn’t- The great Swordsman Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro- couldn’t like the- Great Captain God Usopp- at all! There wasn’t a chance in hell that the reason he had been avoided was because there were romantic feelings at play! Especially since that meant he was in control of this situation. Usopp held the cards that could throw off his friend and send him into a spiral of embarrassment or at least a moment of being content while in this situation.  

“You don’t,” he let out a nervous laugh, “That must be the mushroom talking! Hello, it’s the arousal mushroom for a reason! Hahahhaaaaa!”  

Zoro let out a groan, “God, you’re so annoying, my feelings for you aren’t necessarily sexual, idiot. Maybe I like you romantically.” 

“And why would you do that?” He asked, although he didn’t mean to let those words slip out.  

“I don’t know,” Roronoa turned his head to look away, with his jaw clenched unnaturally tight, “Maybe it’s because you’re amazing, and you’re funny, and you’re a damn good fighter when you’re not cowering like a bitch. And you make everyone stuff, but you don’t make me anything,” he looked at the sniper, this time baring his soul, “Why don’t you make me anything?”  

But he had, fuck he had. The number of things Usopp had tinkered with for the swordsman that he hid away never to see the light of day could [and definitely did] fill a box. A new sword sling, makeshift handles for blades he had come across on different islands he thought Zoro would like. Even a mug he molded from clay to hold his damn sake. All of it was thrown into a box that he pushed deep into a crevice of his workshop, never to see the man they were made for. All because he thought that the man wouldn’t like it, because he thought the man didn’t like him.  

Well, this was funny.  

Usopp opened his mouth a few times to speak, but all that came out was an awkward giggle that didn’t hint at anything he wanted to say. Zoro’s eye narrowed and the other could sense he was taking it the wrong way. The rejecting way. He didn’t want to reject the green-haired man at all. It was weird. He never wanted to reject him, but he never considered him romantically. Well, maybe that was a lie. The brunette had thought about him like that maybe once or twice but pushed it away to work on anything and everything else.  

“You don’t have to laugh,” he grumbled, going to stand up but finding his legs hadn’t found their footing yet. So, he slumped back onto the grass and fell onto his back.  

“Zoro,” the sniper breathed out, letting his eyes flutter closed for a moment as he gathered his composure, “I have a box of stuff I made you. I-It’s all stupid stuff, like mugs and new swords. I never gave it to you because I thought you hated me, isn’t that funny? It’s like, if we ha-had talked then none of this would’ve happened!” 

Usopp opened his eyes to see one brown one staring back at him, the pupil almost a quarter smaller than what it had been several minutes prior. There was a faint blush across Zoro’s face that wasn’t there before, that the other man was sure wasn’t because of the arousal mushroom. And there was a small, just a crooked smile adorning the swordsman's lips as they watched each other.  

“Now what?” Zoro asked, breathless, looking up at the sky.  

The brunette blew air out of his mouth and fell back beside his friend on his right side, turning to face him, “We still need to wait out your mushroom.”  

Zoro looked down at him, “I meant… not the mushroom,” a tan hand came between them, motioning to the pair as they laid on the plush grass.  

Usopp took his spare right arm and lifted it up, so he could lay just a bit closer. He didn’t care if his friend was sweaty, it was something he didn’t realize he had been longing to do since he heard that confession. The moss-head stared, letting it happen. Like he was made of malleable jelly, for the other to put into position.  

“Well, I like you,” Usopp started, but he trailed off, unsure how to finish his sentence.  

“Like, like-like, or like?” He raised an eyebrow.  

“Like-like-like…?” The sniper furrowed his brows in confusion.  

“You like-like-like me?!”  

“No! Repeating words means nothing to me!”  He sat up, leaning on his left elbow as he smacked the other's chest.  

Zoro let out a laugh, and rolled his eye, wrapping the arm that Usopp had forced beside him, around the other man's shoulders. It pulled him in and made him brace against the sweaty warmth that was the swordsman, who needed a shower after this. 

“Romantically or not?” The moss-head clarified, stretching his free hand up into the air and clenching his fist, before unclenching it, and repeating the process.  

At that, Usopp paused. It felt right to be beside Zoro, to be close to Zoro, to talk to Zoro. As if there hadn’t been any awkwardness in the past. As if the avoidance was just that, in the past. All of it was gone and he was left with a new future that the other man could be a part of all he had to do was confirm.   

Instead of speaking, he pushed from the green-haired man and hovered over him, staring down with a softer gaze. The original mission of getting mushrooms was far from his mind. The original plan he had for his entire day was out the window, now he just saw this swordsman below him. Whose hair was matted to his forehead with sweat, and whose skin was flushed from a flame burning inside his body.  

And instead of speaking, Usopp leaned down [in an act of rare bravery] and pressed his lips to Zoro’s. It was a quick and chaste kiss that made the tension in the sniper's body release as a faint exhale.  

Zoro grabbed the brunette’s shoulders and pulled him back, staring with a wide eye, “Mushroom. Get off. Right now.” His voice was strained, and he looked as though he was fighting demons to keep his distance from the other man.  

“O-Oh right!” Usopp leaned back, crawling away to create some distance, “Sorry.”  

The swordsman’s eye was closed, as he attempted to steady his breathing, “When this wears off,” he pressed his lips together, “I’ll show you a real kiss, that’s all me.” 

Usopp was going to hold him to that. 

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 9,346 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 9.) Acts Of Defiance.

It had been two weeks since Lord and Lady Gallagher had announced that they were challenging for the throne. Their announcement had Cordonia buzzing. But with the Five Kingdoms Festival happening soon Their Majesties didn't have time to stew on it. 

"Of all the times for you to have the Five Kingdoms Festival you choose to have it now?" Shanelle asked her husband as they had breakfast with their kids.

"Yes. It's been years since we've had it and I need a distraction. Besides, it'll be the children's first festival." Marquise replies. 

"Yeah! We're excited. Right boys?" Khari asked her brothers who were playing with their French Toast sticks. "I think that means yes. Also, I can't wait to see all the dragons." 

"Dragons?" Marquise asked. 

"Yeah. What's a kingdom without big dragons?" Khari replied. 

"Who told you there would be dragons?" Marquise asked.

"Mommy. She said she hoped there would be dragons this year. Since you didn't have them last time." Khari replies. 

Marquise looked over to his snickering wife. 

"By the way, where do you keep the dragons?" Khari asks. 

"Dagon! Rawr!" Kylo piped up. 

"Yeah, Kylo! Big rawr!" Khari said in encouragement to her little brother.

"My love. There are no dragons."

"No dagons?" Zyon asked. 

"No, my love. No dragons." Marquise replied. 

"Why?" Kylo asked. 

"Because dragons don't exist," Marquise said to him. 

"Yes, they do!" Khari protested. 

"My sweetheart. Your stuffed animal doesn't count." 

"He does too! Just because he doesn't breathe fire doesn't mean he isn't a real dragon Daddy."

Shanelle snickered as Marquise mean-mugged her over the rim of his coffee cup.

"Finish your breakfast so you can get ready for school." 

"Okay. But we're still gonna have dragons at the festival, right?" Khari asked. 

"Dagon!" the boys piped up. 

Marquise groaned. 

"I think the children have spoken." 

"I'm gonna get you back for setting me up," Marquise whispered harshly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

Soon it was time for the Princess to leave for school. 

"Are you ready to go, my sweet?" Margo asked Khari.

"Yes, Grammy. I just gotta tell the boys goodbye first." Khari replied before turning to her brothers, "Bye Kylo! Bye, Zyon! I'll see you two later." 

"Bye-bye, Sissy!" Kylo said to her. 

"See you yater (later) Sissy!" Zyon said to her. 

"It's time to go, my darling," Margo said to her. 

"Okay, Grammy. Bye, Mommy! Bye Daddy!" Khari said to her parents. 

"Bye, baby girl," Shanelle said to her. 

"Have a good day at school," Marquise said to her. 

Khari waved at everyone before leaving with Margo to head to school. After watching their daughter head off, the couple walked down the hall to His Majesty's office. As they walked down the hall with the twins, Marquise had his face in his phone texting away. 

"Um, sir. Who are you texting so much?" she asked. 

"Another woman," he replied. 

"Excuse me?" she asked as she stopped him dead in his tracks. 

"I'm kidding! Geez!"

"What's the name of that song? Dumb ways to die?"

Marquise gave her a look as he adjusted his sleeve. 

"If you must know, I'm texting your father."

"Since when do you text my dad so much?" 

"Since he's the new Herald."

"And just what are you two texting about?"

"I'm having him put out a statement on behalf of the Monarchy."

"About what?"

Marquise looked at her.

"Understood."

"In the meantime, you and I will strategize."

"Okay."

When they got to his office, the door was locked. Leaving the twins confused. 

"Uh oh! It wocked (locked)!" Zyon said to his brother. 

"What we do?" Kylo asked. 

"Ask Daddy!" Zyon replies. 

Kylo looked up to his dad. 

"Daddy! The door! It wocked (locked)!" Kylo said to him.

"Well, you have to knock so we can open it," Marquise said to his son. 

"Oh! Otay (okay) Daddy!" Kylo replied. 

The twins looked at each other and then banged on the door. Causing their parents to laugh. 

"Well, you told them to knock," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That's not how that works." 

Once the door was opened the twins ran in and went straight for their favorite spot in his office by the window. With the twins situated the couple got down to the matter at hand. 

"Alright sir, we need to discuss how we're going to handle this. Because it's not only caught fire but the blaze is starting to turn into an inferno."

"Agreed. Even though this is what I wanted to have happen, now it's time for us to come out and properly address this challenge head-on." 

"So what do we do? How do we handle this?"

"We come out strong yet defiant and united. We remind the people why we are the Monarchs and of our continued commitment to service of Cordonia and her people And we also remind them that we do not take kindly to idle threats."

"I don't think there's anything idle about this situation."

"No, it's not."

"So when do we have an interview scheduled?" 

"We're not doing an interview."

"We're not?"

"Nope. We will make our official statement at the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms."

"You do remember what happened the last time we did that right?"

"I haven't forgotten. That's part of the reason why we're doing the festival this year. This is to show we are stable as the Heads Of The Monarchy. And it'll give us a chance to reconnect with our public. And it'll also prove why there is no other choice but us."

"While I don't disagree you might wanna dial back your tone just a bit. Our goal is to win our people over. Not to remind them of kings long past."

Marquise sighed. 

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. You're annoyed. And rightfully so. But we will get ahead of this before it gets way too outta hand."

"Indeed we will."

"What have your sources found out so far?"

"So far many of the houses that have started pledging support once supported the Sons Of Earth and The Liberation Core."

"Meaning they still believe in Anton and his cause."

"Not in so many words but yes."

Shanelle groaned. 

"Great..." she muttered. 

"Indeed. Since he's been locked up he's only had one visitor, his aunt Duchess Mildred Severus-Dupont."

"I know her. I met her when I hosted my first Queen's Tea." 

"Yes well, it's come to my attention that she has been ill as of late."

"What's wrong?" Shanelle asked. 

"She needs a liver transplant. After he was seized, Anton instructed that the remainder of his treasury go to her. And she's all but burned through it paying for her treatments." 

"Okay. What does that have to do with anything?"

"I have an audience with Anton to discuss his aunt's rapidly deteriorating condition," Marquise replied. 

"You're not gonna use his aunt's illness against him are you?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"What makes you think he'll cooperate?"

"While he may not care about much in this world, he does seem to care a lot about her and her well-being. Especially now. Besides, he wants to have her put on the transplant list, and since I want answers about these noble houses, only one of us is gonna win this fight. And I have no plans on him winning anything." 

"Okay well, I'll grab the twins and get to work on our official response."

"Nah. Leave them here. You go work on the response."

"You sure?" she asked. 

"Yup. My audience with Anton won't be until this afternoon. So we'll be fine until then."

"Okay. I'll see you in a bit."

Marquise nodded before Shanelle told the boys she'd see them later then left to work on their response for the festival. Marquise watched his boys play before getting started with his day. It began with a teleconference with his aunt Queen Audrey Balthazar. 

"Hello Aunt Audrey!" he said as he greeted her.

"Hello, nephew! How are you?" she asked. 

"I'm alright Aunt Audrey. How are you?" he replied. 

"I'm as well as I can be given the current state and circumstances of my kingdom."

"I understand. How is Richard?"

"He's doing as well as can be as well."

"I'm sorry that there isn't much I can do in terms of assistance at the moment."

Audrey waved him off. 

"The fact that you are willing to help us in our time of need is enough for me. Besides, the last thing I want is for Demetrius and Ermina to come after you."

Marquise scoffed. 

"Oh please! I'd pay to see that pompous idiot and the goblin he married try to come for me. He and his military may think they can take over your kingdom but they would stand no chance against mine." 

"No, they wouldn't stand a chance against you, my nephew. Besides you have enough going on with some fools trying to steal your throne."

"So you know about that?" he asked. 

"Of course. Your mother wasn't my only friend in Cordonia," she replied. 

"No. She was just your greatest friend here."

Audrey chuckled. 

"Indeed. Besides, news like that travels fast through international waters."

"True. But you needn't worry. No matter what is happening here, it will deter me from helping you."

Audrey breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, nephew." 

Just then Kylo spoke up. 

"Daddy! I tirsty (thirsty)!"

"Okay. Come here, my love," he said to his son. 

Kylo toddled over and then climbed into his daddy's lap. 

"Can you say hi my love?" Marquise asked Kylo. 

Kylo looked at the screen and smiled. 

"Helyo (hello)! Helyo!" 

"Hello there, little one! My goodness! He's adorable. Just as cute as you used to be." 

"What do you mean used to be?" Marquise joked before getting Kylo a cup of juice. 

"Detchu (thank you) Daddy!" he said before taking a drink of his juice. "Duice (juice)! Yummy!"

"You're welcome, my love. Zyon, can you come say hi?" Marquise asked his youngest son.  

"Otay (okay) I toming (coming)!" Zyon replies. 

Zyon came over and joined his father and brother. When he looked up at the screen he waved. 

"Helyo!" he said with a wave. She waved at him.

"Hello, Your Highness! My my! Your father should be ashamed of himself. You two are absolutely adorable. Your mother really outdid herself." 

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her.

"I won't keep you long. We'll touch base soon." 

"Of course, Your Majesty. Stay safe."

"You as well, nephew." 

Marquise ended the call with his arms full of his boys. 

"Daddy! Who dat (who's that)?" Zyon asked. 

"That is my aunt Audrey. She was one of your grandmother's best friends." Marquise replied. 

"Granmudder (grandmother)?" Kylo asked. 

"Yes, my boy." 

 That's when Margo walked in. 

"There's my two turtle doves. I've been looking for you both."

"Gammy (Grammy)!" the boys squealed as they got down and ran to her. 

"And how are you son?" she asked. 

"I'm alright. I just finished talking to Aunt Audrey," he replied. 

"Audrey? That's lovely. How is Her Majesty doing?" 

"She's doing fine given the circumstances."

"Ahh yes. With the insufferable bellowing pig setting his sights on her and King Richard's kingdom, I can imagine."

Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.

"A bellowing pig?"

"I said what I said."

Marquise shook his head with a smirk. 

"You've been around my daughter too long." 

"Clearly. Now Shanelle tells me you have an audience with Anton Severus. Are you sure you should be meeting with him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes, Madam Geaneaux." He replies. 

"Don't get smart with me! I am still your mother!" She warned him. 

Marquise snickered. 

"I will be fine mama. He can't get to me anymore. Besides, if he wants his aunt to live comfortably for a few more years, he'll tell me everything I want to know." 

"It's not that I don't trust you, Your Majesty. I don't trust him. He did try to overthrow the Monarchy."

"I haven't forgotten. But now that he's had quite a few years in solitary confinement, I'm sure he'll be willing to compromise on a few things."

"Alright, My King. I will trust you to know what you're doing." 

He came over and hugged her. 

"I do. I will be fine mama."

Marquise spent the rest of his morning with the twins and his mother and after lunch with his wife, it was time for his audience with Anton Severus. After grabbing a folder from his office, he made his way to the throne room. Upon arriving, he was greeted by guards and a heavily chained Anton. Once seated on the throne, Marquise threw Anton a very cocky smirk. 

"Well well. If it isn't my old friend. How are you? How is solitary confinement? Is it treating you well?" He asked Anton who stood stock still, "It's alright gentlemen. You can let him out of his restraints. I trust he isn't stupid enough to die here."

"What do you want?" Anton asked. 

Marquise tossed the folder at Anton's feet. 

"What is this?" Anton asked. 

Marquise shrugged. 

"You tell me."

Anton picked up the folder and read through a few pages. 

"These are all noble houses."

"Yes. Noble houses that once did business with your father Theodore, when he was Head Of The Sons Of Earth, and your mother Pamela when she was a ranking member of The Liberation Core. They now want to do business with Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Ahh yes. The young couple that wants your throne. I wish them both well. Hopefully, they can accomplish what I could not."

"I thought you might say that."

"Of course. No one wants to watch you fail or see you be ruined more than I do." 

Marquise smirked. 

"I heard about your aunt. My condolences on her condition." Marquise replied. 

"My aunt is none of your business." Anton hissed. 

"Oh, but she is actually. Because without me she'll continue to suffer. Why you may ask? Because your treasury has all but dried up. She soon won't be able to afford the life-saving care that she so desperately needs." 

Anton blinked. 

"You're willing to let an innocent woman die?"

"It wasn't that long ago that you tried to kill me and my wife. And that was after burning down the Applewood Orchards in an attempt to overthrow the Monarchy so...yeah I am. As the Bible says, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." 

"Mildred is innocent!"

"Not from where I'm standing."

"You have no right to deny her basic care!"

"I do when it comes to the safety and prosperity of the kingdom. If keeping the kingdom safe means sacrificing your aunt for the greater good of that safety then I will do what is in Cordonia's best interest." 

"Oh please! You just want to take her away from me so I have no one."

"See my motives however you like my good man."

Anton shook his head in disgust. 

"Is this what you're teaching your children?"

"My children know that sometimes Daddy has to make decisions that aren't always popular or agreeable. Especially my heir. But she understands that Daddy sometimes has to do what he has to do." 

"Including letting my aunt die?"

"I've already explained myself. And since you've decided to be uncooperative, we have nothing more to discuss." Marquise said to him before turning to his guards, "You can take the prisoner back to his cell. I have no more use for him."

Just as the guards got ready to take him back he spoke up. 

"Wait! I'll tell you everything I know."

"How do I know you're not lying Anton?" Marquise asked. 

"Because my aunt is innocent. She knew nothing of my father's plans. I will not let you sacrifice her for your own pettiness and selfish revenge." Anton replied. 

"Pity. Just when I was about to go to my office and issue an arrest warrant for her. Especially since I have no idea that she isn't actively conspiring against The Crown even in her current condition. Can't be too careful nowadays."

Anton seethed. 

"I should've killed you when I had the chance." he sneered. 

"Yes. You should have but you didn't. And now enough wasting my time, talk!"

"If I do this I want a guarantee that my aunt will be safe and cared for."

"She will be put on the transplant list if that's what you're asking."

"I want it in writing! Your words mean nothing to me!" 

Marquise rolled his eyes impatiently. 

"You're stalling. Which is only going to prolong the inevitable. The inevitable being your aunt dying a very painfully agonizing death."

"I will not say another word until I have your promise in writing!"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Very well. We'll play this your way," he said to Anton before turning to his guards, "you have my explicit authorization to execute the Duchess. At once."

"At once Your Majesty!" a guard replied. 

"No!" Anton shouted. 

"Then talk!" 

"Alright! You win! Just swear to me that you'll keep your promise that she will be safe and I'll tell you everything."

"Much better. Now let's get down to business."

Just then Her Majesty walked in. 

"What are you doing here my love?" Marquise asked Shanelle. 

"I came to check on you since the boys are in the garden with their grandmother, and I see it's apparently still breathing," Shanelle replied while nodding to Anton. 

Anton scoffed. 

"Well well well! If it isn't the no-good American shrew he married." he sneered. 

"This..."

"Be nice," Marquise said to her. 

"I'm finding it."

"It takes you that long to find it?" he asked 

"It does. It does," she replied. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around her waist. 

"You're just in time my Queen, Anton was just about to tell me everything he knows."

"On second thought, I've changed my mind. I'm not telling you shit!" he hissed. 

Shanelle raised a challenging eyebrow at Anton. 

"Oh really? Well let's see if I can't change your mind shall we?" she asked. 

With a slight nod from The Queen, a guard beside Anton produced a long thin dagger and sliced Anton's left ear clean off. Leaving him screaming in pain. 

"Now that I have your attention, talk!" Shanelle said to him. 

Within the hour Anton had revealed everything he knew about each of the noble houses and true to his word, Marquise spared his aunt. The couple watched as a bleeding and shackled Anton was led out of the throne room. 

"Slicing a man's ear off?" Marquise asked. 

"What? He's still got the right one. For now anyway." Shanelle replied. 

"You are brutal, my love."

Shanelle shrugged. 

"You can't say that he didn't deserve it." 

"No, I can't."

"So now that we know what he knows about these noble houses, how do we verify that any of the information he gave us is true?" she asked. 

"My team will verify the information," he replied. 

"Okay. And what do we do in the meantime?"

"In the meantime, we continue to get ready for the Five Kingdoms Festival this weekend. But first, we get someone to clean up the blood that was shed."

Shanelle snickered. 

"I'm not sorry for what happened. However, next time, I think I'll have the guards aim lower. Maybe cut a digit or two off one if not both of his hands." 

"Remind me never to piss you off."

The two walked to the garden where Margo and the twins were. They watched as she had the boys watering flowers with her. 

"Come over here my darlings. We must water these flowers as well," she said to him. 

"Otay Gammy! We toming!" Zyon replies. 

The boys toddled over with their watering cans in hand. 

"Remember my sweet turtle doves, we must always water our flowers. Do you know why?" she asked the boys. 

"Be big! Strong!" Kylo replied. 

"That's right my darling. We want our flowers to grow so we must water them." 

Marquise smiled as he watched.

"Yook (look) Gammy! Bun bun! Right dere (there)!" Kylo said as he noticed the group of bunnies in the corner. 

"I see my love. Would you two like to feed them?" Margo asked. 

"Yeah yeah!" They replied. 

Margo picked some small celery sticks from her basket and handed each of them a stick of celery. 

"Come my loves. Let's feed the bunnies," she said as she led them to the bunnies, "now remember my little ones, we must be gentle with them. We don't want to scare them. So we must be soft."

"Soft?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes. That way they know we're friendly."

"Otay Gammy!" Kylo said to her. 

She showed them how to hold the celery sticks and watched as they fed the bunnies. 

"We did it! Yook Gammy! We did it!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yes, you did! Well done my turtle doves." she said to them. 

Marquise wrapped an arm around his mom and pulled her into a slight hug. 

"You are such a grandmother,"  he said to her.

"Of course. It's the best part of my job."

"Aren't you supposed to be retired Margo?" Shanelle asked. 

"You want to tell your daughter that?" Margo replied. 

Margo turned to her son. 

"How was your meeting with he who shall not be named in front of my grandsons?" 

"Let's just say Shanelle and I got quite an earful of information."

Margo nodded. 

"Understood My King." 

Just then a long whistle came from the sky. 

"Oh no..."

When Marquise looked up, Shanelle's pet Hawk Tiberius swooped down. 

"Hey!" he said as he ducked. 

Tiberius came back up and swooped down over His Majesty again. 

"Aiiiii!"

Shanelle and Margo stifled their laughter as they watched. 

"Do that again and I'll have you taxidermied!" Marquise yelled at the hawk as landed on a tree branch.

"Why is he here again?" he asked his wife.

"Because my duchy is being worked on which is where his roost is, that's why. Also, he's here in this particular garden because he likes that crabapple tree," she replied. 

"That or he's after the rabbits," he muttered. 

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed in his pocket. 

"Excuse me." he said before stepping away and answering the call, "Hello? Headmaster Gallagher, how can I help you? Huh? Who? When? What?! SHE DID WHAT?! How?! But!...I...yes ma'am. Yes I understand. I'll be there shortly. No no. Thank you for calling. Alright."

Marquise hung up and walked back over. 

"What? What happened?" Shanelle asked. 

"Your daughter got into a fight at school."

Shanelle's eyebrows shot up. 

"She got into a fight?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time."

"Oh boy..."

"Oh no," Margo added. 

"Uh oh!" the twins piped up. 

Marquise sighed. 

"Apparently there was this boy in her class teasing her about Lord and Lady Gallagher's announcement. And was saying how his parents were supporting them and that they couldn't wait to see us lose. She told him to leave her alone, but he didn't, and when he said something bad about Elena, she picked up a rock and hit him in his face with it." he explained. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Oh my God!"

"So now she's been suspended."

"Oh boy," Shanelle said with a groan. 

"Don't tell me that you're okay with this?" 

Shanelle sighed. 

"No I'm not but if she told him to leave her alone and he didn't...I can't say that I feel too bad for him."

Marquise exhaled. 

"When you put it that way, I agree. But still, she can't go around hitting people in the face with rocks." 

"I know. Especially now."

Marquise sighed. 

"I'll go get her."

"You want me to go with you?" Shanelle asks. 

"Nah. You stay here. I'll be back in a few."

"Okay. And go easy on her."

"Don't I always?" he asked. 

Soon Marquise left the palace and traveled to the academy. When he got there, she was standing at the gates with guards and Headmaster Gallagher. 

"Hello, My King. It is good to see you." Headmaster Gallagher said in greeting to him. 

"Hello Headmaster. It's nice to see you as well," he replied. 

The Headmaster nodded politely before turning to Khari. 

"Now Princess, you do understand why I had to do this don't you?" she asked her. 

"Yes ma'am," Khari replied, keeping her eyes trained on the ground. 

"Okay. I'll let you tell your father what happened today. And I'll see you next week okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

Headmaster Gallagher looked to her father. 

"The boys' parents have requested a formal meeting with you and Her Majesty to discuss the matter. Is that alright?" she asked. 

"That's fine. How about next Thursday morning?" he replied. 

"I will send you both an email for confirmation."

"Very well." he said to her before looking at his daughter, "are you ready to go my love?"

Khari nodded her head yes. 

"Come on. Let's get you home."

Marquise nodded to Headmaster Gallagher before getting into the waiting limo with Khari. The whole ride home Khari clutched her backpack and was silent. Marquise wasn't too mad at her for standing up for herself and her friend but he also knew the importance of appearances. When they got to the residence, he led her to the living room where her mother and grandmother were waiting. Khari sat down next to her grandmother without saying a word. 

"What happened at school today?" Shanelle asked. 

"I got into a fight with a boy in my class named Charlie," Khari replied quietly. 

"Why?" 

Khari's lip quivered as she swiped angry tears away. 

"Because he was teasing me. I told him to stop. Even my teacher told him to stop but he didn't. And when he said he was happy that Elena was dead..."

Margo and Shanelle glanced at each other.

"You got mad then picked up a rock and hit him?" Margo asked. 

"Yes. He wouldn't stop. He wouldn't leave me alone. I had no choice. And now I'm in trouble for protecting myself," Khari replied. 

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"Princess, come here."

Khari looked up at him then got up and went to him. She stood in front of him with her head down until he lifted her chin up so she was looking at him. 

"Now you're not in trouble because you were defending yourself against this boy. You're in trouble because you could have seriously injured him." 

"But!" Khari started to say before her daddy tapped his lips stopping her, "my love. I want you to hear me okay? You hit him with a rock and enough force that you could have broken his jaw or worse. Whether you intended to or not, you still had a weapon in your hands. Now under no circumstances am I angry that you defended yourself. Neither is your mother or your grandmother."

"But I tried Daddy! Honest! I tried to stop him! I told him to stop! I told him to leave me alone! But he wouldn't stop! No matter what I did!" Khari said, visibly upset. 

It killed Marquise to see his daughter so upset. 

"I am not saying that I don't believe you. Because I do. I am not saying that you are wrong for being mad. Because you're not. But this kind of behavior can not and will not be tolerated. Is that clear?"

Khari stayed quiet. 

"Khari..." he warned. 

Khari nodded. 

"Yes sir." 

"Good. Now your mother and I will figure out what your punishment will be."

"Does this mean I can't go to the festival this weekend?" Khari asked. 

"No, you can still go to the festival this weekend," he replied. 

"Okay."

"Listen to me. No one is angry at you. While we're disappointed in your actions, because we all believe that you could've handled this situation better, we're not mad."

"Daddy's right," Shanelle added. 

"I know that he wouldn't stop and I know you did everything you could to make him stop, but you picking up a rock and hitting him with it made a bad situation that much worse. Now your mother and I will address this next week when we meet with his parents and your Headmaster."

Khari nodded her head sadly with a sniffle. 

"Come here," he said to her with open arms. She went straight into his arms and he held her as she cried, "Shhh! My love. Don't cry. I know you didn't mean to hurt him. I know you were defending yourself. It's going to be alright." 

"But what if people start to call me a bad person?" Khari asked with tears in her eyes. 

"You stop right there young lady!" Margo replied, "Yes. You made a bad decision but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. If anything, that little boy is a bad person because he was bullying you." 

"Are you sure, Grammy?" 

"Yes, my sweet. I'm sure."

Khari looked up at her dad. 

"Can I say something?" she asked. 

"Of course my love," he replied. 

"I don't feel bad that I hit him. I feel bad because I got in trouble."

Shanelle choked on her laugh and Marquise just shook his head.  

"You are your mother's child. Now go on with your grandmother and check on your brothers."

"Okay, Daddy."

Khari kissed his father on the cheek and then hugged her and went down the hall with her grandmother to check on the boys. 

Later that evening, while on her weekly group FaceTime call with the girls, Shanelle gave them the run down of what happened.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Khari did what?" Robin asked. 

"You heard me loud and clear. She picked up a rock, cocked back, and clocked that little boy right in his face." Shanelle replies. 

"Gee! I wonder where she got that from..." Nina teased. 

"First off, fuck you! Fuck everything about you! And secondly, as your cousin can attest, half the damn reason I was always getting into fights in school growing up was because you have an even bigger motor mouth than your two goofy ass brothers do. Thank you very much." Shanelle snapped at her. 

"Hey!" Bron spoke up. 

"Oh girl hush! You know good and hell well that your husband loves to run his damn mouth like a marathon!"

Bron's jaw dropped with a smirk as the girls died laughing. 

"Not the Queen gagging people!" Robin said with a cackle. 

"She knows I ain't wrong. My little brother will run his mouth into the ground if you let him."

"No, you're not wrong but damn Nelle." 

The girls laughed. 

"Marquise isn't actually mad at her is he?" Dee asked. 

"No, he isn't mad at her and neither am I. It's just the optics and unfortunate timing of the whole situation." Shanelle replied. 

"You mean with those two fools thinking they can take your throne?" Robin asks. 

"Yup. This could be used against us even though Khari isn't technically wrong." Shanelle replied. 

"No she's not wrong! That stupid little boy started it and my Princess finished it."

Shanelle cackled. 

"Oh my God. My daughter could rob a bank in broad daylight in front of you, tell you she did it even though you watched her do it, and you would still say she didn't do anything."

"And would!" Nina said matter of factly. 

The girls laughed. 

"So who are these two who think they can take the thrones from you and your husband?" Chutney asked. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"I know that tone. They're the Heads Of State of one of the duchies here. When my cousin had to resign from his position of the duchy in question, they ran to take his place. Although personally, I think they were hand-picked by my Dad's sister-in-law, they won the local election to become the new Heads Of State." Shanelle replied. 

"How long have they been there?" Aly asked.

"About a year. They were elected right after the boys were born. Bron and Rob met Lord Gallagher's older sister Josselyn at the derby last year. She's the Headmaster at Khari's school." Shanelle replied. 

"Mmmhmm. Has she given y'all any trouble?" Dee asked. 

"No. Besides, I doubt she wants to run afoul of the King." Shanelle replies. 

"What does that mean?" Robin asks. 

"It means your big brother can remove her from her post," Shanelle replied. 

"Really?" Aly asks. 

 "Yup. If at any point His Majesty is ever displeased with her work or performance, he can remove her entirely." Shanelle replied. 

"So why hasn't he fired her?" Robin asks. 

"Because firing someone from a high profile position such as hers without cause, is a dickhead move that his father always used to pull. Also because my husband isn't a tyrannical dictator. So unless she gives him an absolute reason to, he's not gonna fire her. Also, her younger brother doesn't need that kind of ammunition." Shanelle replied. 

"How close are they in their pursuit?" Dee asks. 

"Honestly it's hard to say. But so far they've gained some ground since their announcement." 

"Yeah well. I don't care what they think they're doing, but nobody is taking shit from you without going through me first." Nina quipped. 

"And this is why I was always getting into fights in school and why Chut always had to drag me away. Because of you."

"Love you bestie!"

"Love you too babe!"

After her call with the girls ended, Shanelle found herself lying across her husband's chest.

"Y'know, you make an excellent body pillow sir."

"Glad I could be of service."

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" 

"Yes. The final preparations were made today. The palace is ready to host."

"Wonderful!"

"And our official statement is ready?"

"Yup. The final draft is completed. All you have to do tomorrow is read it."

"Will do my Queen." 

The weekend dawned bright and early the next day, as the palace staff readied themselves for the Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. Balloons, streamers, maypoles, apple bobbing booths, and many other activities and games were set up and ready. 

Meanwhile, the royal family was getting ready for the festivities as well. Even though Kylo had his shoes on the wrong feet. 

"Otay! I ready Daddy! See?" he said to his father. 

"Whoa! Slow down, my love. You're not quite ready yet." 

"Huh? I not?" he asked. 

"No, my boy. You're not. You have your shoes on the wrong feet." Marquise replied pointing to his shoes. 

Kylo looked down at his feet. 

"Here. Come here," he said as he picked his son up. 

"No Daddy! I ready!" Kylo fussed as he squirmed. 

Marquise took Kylo's shoes off. 

"Here. Look," he said to his son as he put his shoes on the right way, "the left shoe goes on your left foot like that. And the right shoe goes on your right foot. Like that. See?" 

Kylo looked down at his shoes in wonder. 

"I ready now Daddy?" Kylo asked. 

"Now you're ready. Let's go find your mother and siblings." 

"Yay! Let's doe (go) Daddy!" 

They joined the others and headed out to the well-decorated grounds. The children were enamored by everything they saw. 

"Whoa!" Zyon said. 

"Wow!" Kylo added. 

"It's all so pretty. You did good Daddy." Khari said to her father. 

"Why thank you, my Princess. I drew inspiration from the last Festival we hosted." 

"Yook Sissy! Dagons!" Kylo said to Khari. She looked up and saw the dragon balloons. 

"I thought dragons weren't real Your Majesty," Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"They aren't real but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun," he said to her before corralling their children, "we'll play and have fun in a minute my loves. But first, we have to welcome everyone." 

"Oh! Okay, Daddy." Khari said to him. 

He led his family to a raised podium. He held up a hand to quiet the crowd. 

"Good morning everyone! I want to thank you all for joining us here at the palace today. It's been some years since we've hosted a Festival Of The Five Kingdoms. But I felt that now is the time for all of us to reconnect and celebrate the kingdom we all call home. Many centuries ago, my ancestor Queen Kenna Rys fought for and united five small individual kingdoms into the Cordonia many of us know today. So today we celebrate her greatest victory as well as our home. And now I believe the Princess has something she'd like to say." 

Khari got ready to speak but stopped. 

"What am I supposed to say?" she whispered to her father. 

"Let the fun begin," he replied. 

"Oh yeah!" she said before turning to the crowd with a big smile, "Let the fun begin!"

Soon the festival got underway. People milled about visiting the various stalls and tents. It did Marquise's heart good to be able to mingle and interact with the people. He had a great time going around to the many vendors, including his uncle who was with Margo. 

"Bonjour neveu! Ça fait plaisir de te revoir!" Jean-Pierre said in greeting. 

"Bonjour tonton! Ça fait plaisir de te voir aussi."

"And look! My nieces and nephews are here! Hello children!" Jean-Pierre said to Khari and her brothers as they came over with their mother. 

"Uncle Jean-Pierre! You're here!" Khari said to him as the children ran into his arms for a hug. 

"It's great to see you all. This was a fine day for the festival nephew." Jean-Pierre said to Marquise. 

"Thank you, uncle. Where is Anna?" Marquise asked, "I thought she'd be here too."

"She's with our new grandson. I can't tear her away from that child." Jean-Pierre replied with a chuckle. 

"What are you selling uncle?" Khari asked. 

"I'm selling ham, salami, your aunt Anna's favorite bread, apple butter, and other cold cuts. Would you and your brothers like to help me?" he replies. 

"Yeah! Come on boys. We have to help Uncle Jean-Pierre sell his stuff." Khari said to the boys, "what can we do uncle?"

"Well, you three can greet everyone as they come by. How's that?" he asked 

"Okay. We can do that." Khari replies. 

"You can leave them with us. You two go enjoy the festival." Margo said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded before he and Shanelle took off. The couple took part in a few games. Like bobbing for apples. 

"You sure you're up for this?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Pssh! Piece of cake!" he replied. 

Marquise joined a few others as they gathered around a barrel full of apples. 

"On your marks! Get set! Go!" The proprietor said to the contestants. 

Marquise inhaled deeply then dived for the apple closest to him and caught it. 

"Not bad, Your Majesty," Shanelle said to him. 

"Like I said, piece of cake," Marquise said before taking a bite of his apple, "mmmm! A Granny Smith." 

As the couple wandered around the festival, they tried many delicacies and even bought a few handmade trinkets. Everything seemed to be on the up and up until Lord and Lady Gallagher showed up. Intent on ruining the day for the royals, they made a beeline for Their Majesties. 

"Well, this is quite the setup you two have. It's almost like you want the people here to forget the fact that you two are about to lose this very palace." Lord Gallagher sneered at them. 

Shanelle set her jaw while Marquise chuckled dryly with a smile. 

"You know I'm glad you're both here and I do hope you'll enjoy the festival. Now if you'll excuse us both."

"You can't run from us forever Marquise," Makenna said to him. 

"Give King Elgin my regards will you? Now have fun you two." 

Marquise dragged his wife in the opposite direction. 

"Just give me five fucking minutes with them. That's all I'm asking."

"As much as I would love to see what you can do to them, you have to remember there's a time and a place for everything. Right now isn't the time or place. Now until then the closing of the festival."

"Is that when you'll make the statement?"

"Exactly. In the meantime, try to relax and enjoy yourself, my Queen."

"I will. But if Lady Makenna looks at me sideways again, I can't promise that I won't knock her ass into next week."

"Understood." 

The couple parted ways and went about their business exploring the festival. Shanelle saw an archery stall and decided to try her hand and so did Lady Makenna. 

"Come to see me embarrass you, Your Majesty?" Lady Makenna asked smugly. 

Shanelle smirked. 

"I'd love to see you try," Shanelle replied. 

Shanelle watched Makenna nock back an arrow and hit the target in the chest. 

"Lady Makenna leads!" the stall operator announced. 

"Beat that!" Makenna sneered at Shanelle. 

Shanelle rolled her shoulders to loosen up before nocking back her arrow and letting it fly. Her arrow took the targets' head off. Leaving everyone slack-jawed. Including Lady Makenna. 

"Her Majesty wins!" the stall operator proclaimed to the stunned crowd. 

"I win!" Shanelle whispered, "Oh, and next time, it won't be your husband's head that I imagine that arrow taking off. Next time it'll be yours."

Lady Makenna's face turned ugly. 

"You don't scare me!" she hissed. 

"See sweetie, that's the thing. I ain't trying to scare you. I'm trying to bury you. There's a difference."

Makenna seethed. 

"Now if you'll excuse me, my lady, I have a trophy to win." 

Shanelle watched Makenna stomp off with a very satisfied smirk. For the rest of the afternoon, Lord and Lady Gallagher spent most of their time trying to undermine Their Majesties. As the festival wound down, many gathered at the raised podium to hear His Majesty give the closing. 

"Are you ready?" Shanelle asked. 

"I was born for this," Marquise replied. 

"Go get'em champ."

Marquee smirked at his wife before turning and addressing the crowd. 

"I want to thank one and all, for coming out to celebrate our kingdom today. Today was one of the best Five Kingdoms Festivals, we have ever had. It brings my heart so much joy to be able to share with all of you. To see many of you playing, trading goods, laughing, trying your hand at the many games, and just having fun, reminded me of the times my brother and I would run around wreaking havoc with all of our friends as children. I think Mr. Schiender is still holding a grudge because I ate all of his hand pies one year." 

The crowd laughed. 

"As I stand here and look out amongst the crowd, I am reminded why our nation is so great. It's because of each of you. All of you are the heart and soul of this kingdom. You are why, although we are a small kingdom, we are one of the strongest kingdoms in the world. This year we celebrated 500 years of our existence on this earth. We have accomplished many great things since the time of Kenna Rys and her mother Queen Adrianna. Today, the children of her people and her bloodline legacy celebrate her greatest feat. Cordonia herself." 

The crowd applauded. 

"Now if you all will indulge me for just a moment, I'd like to address a VERY large elephant in the room," Marquise said as he cleared his throat, "as many of you know, a challenge to the throne was issued two weeks ago by Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here today."

He squared his shoulders as he continued. 

"As many of you know, my wife and I have been your King and Queen for almost 9 years. It has been the honor and privilege of my life and my wife's life to serve this great nation and all of its people. It is a precarious position to be in. Because every day, we must make decisions for the betterment of the kingdom we all call home. Now I will admit that some of the decisions we have made as Monarchs for that betterment haven't always been well received or liked for that matter. I humbly apologize for that. While we have never intended to offend or slight anyone, I can admit that sometimes does happen. Again that is not our intention. Our intention is to always put the people's needs first. To make sure everyone prospers. Not just a select few."

Marquise took a deep breath. 

"I'm sure many of you remember what it was like before my wife and I became your current King and Queen. Because many of you lived through the reigns of my father and my wife's uncle. My father King Constantine Rys ruled over what was once North Cordonia and my wife's uncle King Edward Miller ruled over South Cordonia. By the end of both reigns, our home was unrecognizable. Many were frustrated with both monarchs. Many of you felt forgotten by them. And you were. As a young prince, it was heart-wrenching to watch my home slowly deteriorating. And when talks of a civil war began, my heart was shattered. I could not fathom the thought of our great kingdom being at war with itself. My heart could not bear it. I refused to believe that the same kingdom that welcomed my mother with open arms could be destroyed. The only way to save us all on the brink of war was to unite us as one."

Shanelle placed a hand on his right arm. 

"When we became your monarchs, our collective goal was to save our nation. To balance the scales so that no one was left out. To make sure those of common blood could have the same advantages as those of noble blood. We looked to give everyone equality and equity. We took two struggling economies and worked to reform and save them both from the brink of bankruptcy. And I am proud to say that is what we have done. We have always prioritized the success and prosperity of us all. Because that is the promise I made to myself for my home. A promise that I would always put my people first. The same way my mother did. She is my greatest inspiration. Because of her, we have so many councils, guilds, and committees run by and for the people. Because she believed that Cordonia was always for the people. As do we." 

He looked at his wife and children with a smile. 

"I promise you all I'm almost done. I said all of that to say this, being a monarch is not for the faint. It is constant. It is hard. It is not instant nor is it self-gratifying. It is 24/7 365 days a year. It is prestigious, yes, but it is also precarious. It is not an honor and privilege that Her Majesty and I take for granted. It is not an honor and privilege that we will ever allow our children to take for granted. It is a gift. It is a nourishment of the people. Like a shepherd tending a flock, we tend to Cordonia. As your Monarchs we have pledged and committed our lives to be in and of the highest form of service. It is a commitment that we have no plans on leaving. So to Lord and Lady Gallagher who are here in attendance today, I say this to you both, Her Majesty and I do hereby formally accept your challenge but make no mistake, the only way Her Majesty and I will ever leave our throne is when our daughter is named the newest Queen Of Cordonia. And NOT a moment before. Again I thank you all for coming. May fortune continue to smile upon you all."

Marquise ended his speech to a standing ovation. And when he looked out at the crowd, Lord and Lady Gallagher were fuming. He threw them both a wink and a cocky smirk before he joined his family, where his wife had a smirk on her face. 

"Now that is the King I know." She said to him. 

"Damn straight it is." 

"Way to go Daddy!" Khari said to him. 

"Dood (good) job Daddy. Dood job!" Kylo cheered. 

"Yay! Daddy!" Zyon piped up. 

Margo had a prideful smile on her face. 

"Well done my boy. Your mother would be proud." She whispered to him. 

"I hope my mother is proud."

"I will always be proud of you."

Marquise smiled at her. 

The days following the success of the Five Kingdoms Festival were a busy one for the royal couple. And when that Thursday morning rolled around, they were ready for the parent conference with Khari's Headmaster. As they rode to the academy, Marquise was face first in his phone and Shanelle noticed. 

"Well, something's clearly got your attention,"  she said to him. 

He looked up. 

"Apologies, my love. I was going over everything my spies sent me about this boy's parents."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow. 

"What did they learn?" she asked. 

Marquise turned his phone to her. 

"Say hello to Count and Countess Hubert and Gwendolyn Grovemere. They're from a smaller noble house in Duchy Avernia," he replied. 

"That's the duchy just south of here, correct?" 

"Yes. Count Grovemere serves on the Budget Disbursement Council. And the Countess, now she's interesting, her parents, were members of the Sons Of Earth."

"Really?" 

"Yes. Her mother was a baker and her father was a goat herder. They joined during my father's reign. Their local chapter staged a hostile takeover of a local Head Of State Office about 20 years ago that her father took part in."

"What happened to him?" 

"No one knows. Her father disappeared a few days after that takeover was busted up. His disappearance left her mother to raise her and her two sisters by herself. Eventually, her mother remarried but this time she married a Duke."

"Hmm...that could be why she's supporting Lord and Lady Gallagher."

"Could be. So be prepared for whatever they try to throw at us." 

"I always am." 

They arrived at the academy and were escorted to Headmaster Gallagher's office where the Count and Countess were waiting. 

"Your Majesties, Count and Countess Grovemere, thank you all for joining me here today. Let's all be seated so we can get started on a resolution to the matter at hand." Headmaster Gallagher said to the parents. Once everyone sat down, she spoke again. 

"Now we're all here to discuss an ongoing issue between your children."

Countess Grovemere scoffed. 

"There would be no issue if they raised their child correctly!" she said to the Headmaster. 

"With all due respect Countess, your son is not innocent." Shanelle shot back. 

"My son is a victim of your god-awful excuse of a daughter! She hit him!"

Shanelle could feel her blood pressure rise. 

"Countess, your son was told to leave my daughter alone but he chose not to! She hit him yes. But he had been warned multiple times to leave her alone."

The Countess gripped the handles of her chair. 

"You know, she's no different than her grandfather. He always thought too damn highly of himself. Went around thinking he could do whatever he wanted. Damn, whoever got hurt. Just like your daughter!" the Countess sneered. 

"My wife is right. How can we trust either of you when you allow your daughter to do whatever she likes to people?" Count Grovemere added. "This is what Lord and Lady Gallagher were talking about. You two are unfit to rule! You can't even control your own daughter!" 

Just as Shanelle got ready to explode, Marquise cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention.

"While I understand why you both are upset, neither of you will ever speak to Her Majesty in any capacity that is not respectful. You will respect her title and mine at all times whether you like us or not! Secondly, my daughter is nothing like my father. Nor are you anything like yours. Your father I could actually respect. Unlike you Countess. And lastly, your son told my daughter that he was glad her friend, an innocent child who died because of cancer mind you, was dead. Do you two have any idea how heartless that is? Your son antagonized my daughter until she could no longer take it. Yes, my daughter was wrong for hitting your son, but I will never cry for anyone who antagonizes someone else simply because they want to!" 

Marquise inhaled deeply to center himself before he continued. 

"Now we are here to resolve this issue and it is my hope that we can achieve that without this turning into a shouting match."

Headmaster Gallagher nodded. 

"Thank you, My King. That is why we're here. We need to come to a common resolution. The children have missed enough days."

"Our son should've never been suspended!" The Count said to her. 

Headmaster Gallagher steepled her fingers together. 

"Actually Count Grovemere, Charlie should be expelled. Because the Princess isn't the first child he's tried to bully. But since I believe in peaceful conflict resolution, we are here. Also might I add, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind for any reason. All of you will respect each other at all times while you're here." 

The Count sputtered indignantly. 

"Now how do we peacefully resolve this issue?" The Headmaster asked the parents. 

"You would go against your own brother?" The Countess asked. 

"As I've stated, this academy is no place for political biases of any kind. What my brother does or does not do has no bearing on me or my ability to lead this educational institution." She replied to the Countess. 

Headmaster Gallagher took a deep breath. 

"Now I believe we have a conflict to resolve."

After an hour of back and forth the issue was finally resolved. With both parents agreeing that both children should apologize to each other and the Monarchy handling all medical expenses for Charlie. And should Charlie misbehave again he will be expelled. No questions asked. 

On their way back to the palace Their Majesties discussed their meeting. 

"Well that was...something." Shanelle said to her husband. 

"Indeed. Are you alright?" He replied. 

"Yes I'm fine. Although I wanted to put that woman through a wall. I can't believe she compared Khari to your father."

"I know. But we both know Khari is and never will be anything like him. Also she only said that to get a rise out of us. Namely me."

"She was trying to get under our skin and she almost got under mine but thankfully you were there to keep me tethered. Because I could've crashed out."

"That and well I wasn't trying to pay for a new wall in that school." 

Shanelle snickered. 

"Noted."

Just then Marquise's phone buzzed. 

"Oh dear!" 

"What? What happened?"

"According to this headline from the CBC, Anton Severus was found dead in his cell. He hung himself."

"Convenient."

"Apparently he left a suicide note."

Shanelle gave her husband a side eye. 

"Can anyone confirm this?"

"Of course. You know the staff at the dungeons are very thorough."

Shanelle raised an eyebrow at him. 

"Mmmhmm. How long has he really been dead?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Since they took him back to his cell that day." 

"Marquise!"

"What? Don't tell me you're about to cry for that imbecile."

"Of course not. But why wait until now to put it out?"

"Because it's a warning to all our enemies." 

"So you are like your father?"

Marquise shrugged with a cocky smirk. 

"So does that mean you're also going back on your word to him?"

"What word? I don't remember giving him my word at all. And there is no one who can or will verify that I did." 

"You're gonna let his aunt die?"

Marquise rolled his eyes. 

"The old bat is gonna croak anyway. Why get in the way of life's natural progression?"

Shanelle cackled. 

"You are a whole mess."

He raised her left hand to his lips for a soft kiss on the back.

"And you, my beautiful Queen, you love every bit of my mess."

Shanelle smirked at him. 

"Yeah, I guess I do."