#Miscellaneous Monday

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Hello, dears! Here's part 2 to the Vampire Helena AU I'm writing for @loveinthekeyofx! It's a Love and Legends/Havenfall is for Lovers crossover! I do hope some of you will enjoy it ❤️ it is quite lengthy (just under 7k words), so part of it will be under a cut! - Mod Runa

TW: Discussions of insecurities, References to trauma, Body image issues.

You chuckled as yet another tiny spark of fire flew by your head and turned into smoke right before hitting the mirror, making Morgan sigh in frustration as her hand flinched. Smudging an otherwise perfect line of eyeliner.

"Jordan, I swear to everyone that isn't your Father. If you do that ONE more time!"

JD let out the most dramatic groan you had ever heard in your life and slinked a little further off their bed.

"But I'm so booooored. And you won't let me help with anything!"

You could see the reflection of their upside pout in the vanity, which only made you laugh harder. Morgan pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"If you recall.. I gave you one very important job to do, JD.. the outfit. You're the one who decided to come up in here with a black leather bodysuit!"

JD smirked. "I stand by my decision. That bodysuit was fucking hot."

Morgan shook her head, turning her focus back to doing your make-up.

"Do you see what I have to put up with, Frances?"

"Pfft! You love me." JD replied with a wide, charismatic grin.

"They've got you there, Morgan." You chuckled.

"Ohh no.. don't you dare feed into them!"

You laughed before giving JD a tiny wink in the mirror. The last few months in Havenfall had probably been your most interesting thus far. Even without Helena coming into your life, finding out that not only were "monsters" real, but that you'd been living amongst them since you'd moved to the small town was almost too much to process at first. You could still remember the look of utter horror on Morgan's face when a slightly buzzed JD let their true identity slip.. and then how it grew when they proceeded to out everyone else inside Havenfall's Finest. At first you were convinced it was all a joke. The idea that the local bowling alley was run by a djinn and the town Sheriff was actually a werewolf seemed all too preposterous to even imagine, but the moment JD released their wings and shot a fireball off over the lake you knew they'd been telling the truth.

"The Jersey Devil? As in the Jersey Devil??" You had exclaimed.

"The one and only." They'd replied with a smirk.

To be honest it felt like just yesterday that you'd found out, but also that a part of you'd already known. The sleepy Midwestern town had always seemed to hum with unseen magic.

And now, you knew why.

"Alright! All done."

Morgan sat back in her chair and smiled, placing the tube of mascara back onto JD's dresser.

"I still say you should have gone with the bodysuit."

"Hush, Jordan. She looks great."

You couldn't argue with her there, the woman had done a damn fine job on your make-up. The subtle gold eyeshadow and flipped cat's eye accentuated the green and black top she had picked out perfectly. And your breasts had never been propped up higher in your life. You looked… good.

"I'm not saying she doesn't! But who wouldn't want to see those curves wrapped in leather!"

"I wouldn't." You answered with a laugh.

"Pfft.. you're both crazy. I'm going downstairs to check out the buffet- .. I mean, see if Razi needs any help."

"Please, do not add any of your crazy concoctions to the mix, JD."

The devil turned, giving their partner a faux look of hurt and betrayal.

"But.. you said you liked my pickle and mustard pie!"

"Jordan, please. Remember what we talked about."

They sighed, rolling their eyes. "Fineeeeee."

You chuckled as they stomped their way down the stairs to the bowling alley - the sounds and smells of Havenfall's Finest getting everything together wafting through the now open door.

"I hope you weren't too hard on them, Morgan. It's just Helena and I."

Although, "just Helena and you" couldn't be further from the truth. There was nothing "just" about the gorgeous blonde that had waltzed into your life only a few months prior. And even though the two of you had had your fair share of … Visits? Hangouts? Whatevers? ... you were far more nervous than you would ever let on.

"Listen.. I love them dearly, you know that, but if JD had it their way, that table would be filled with the most abominable culinary creations either of you have ever seen. And I don't want Helena getting scared away by Jordan's horrendous taste in food before any of us have even had a chance of getting to know her."

You put your hands up in surrender, chuckling even harder. "Alright, alright."

"Still.. we should probably make our way downstairs before they get any ideas…"

You snorted. "Good thinking."

***

The sun had just started to set when Helena walked out of the front doors to her apartment building, washing the vast Indiana sky in warm hues of oranges, reds and pinks - a stark contrast to the crisp bite that came with the late Autumn evening air. A soft ping from the blonde's phone and the hushed sounds of a stealthy stride were all that were to be heard as she walked down the otherwise empty street. A subtle smile coming to Helena's lips when she finally stops to check the notification on her phone.

Frances: Of course it is! Any friend of yours is a friend of mine :)

She breathed in a sigh of relief. Even though she knew Frances would be understanding, she still felt a little bad for inviting Vanessa along. Unfortunately the vampire knew it was the best opportunity for the Huntress to be able to meet everybody. To be able to tell her if anyone within Havenfall's inner circle had had anything to do with the coven that turned her. For one thing, the Sorceress' keen senses gave her the gnawing feeling that pretty much everyone who had connection with that bowling alley was likely not human - that she was almost certain - but as for the specifics, those she was unclear on.

That's where Vanessa Helsing came in. Coming from a long line of vampire hunters, she had been tracking the same coven as Helena for months, eager to take them down - to wipe them out. She was the only person Helena knew who had seen almost every person of importance within Dagon's coven. So, needless to say the two had quite a bit they could gain from one another.

Helena had told the Huntress to meet her at the bowling alley, and there she stood. Cladded in black leather under a dim street light - her dark hair almost rivaling the night sky above.

"Good evening, Vanessa."

"Evening, Helena. You sure you want to do this?"

The blonde nodded.

"Your knowledge has been immeasurable in my progress, Helsing. Even if we find no accord within, your presence is still appreciated. Frances means a great deal to me. I need to make sure she's protected."

Vanessa smiled before nodding. "Alright, then. After you."

***

"Wait.. what do you mean she's bringing someone? Like, a friend?"

You placed your phone face down onto the counter and shrugged.

"Ah.. more like a colleague, I guess? I don't really know much about her, honestly."

Helena had only mentioned Vanessa once before to you, months ago when she named her as the client she'd met with that day at the bowling alley. (Though, according to Morgan, the two of them never even made it there that day.) But other than that, the specifics of their relationship were a complete mystery to you.

"Mhm.. well, I'm going to be keeping an eye on said colleague."

You were about to tell Morgan not to bother when the doors to the bowling alley abruptly opened, a rush of cold air as Helena and who you presumed was Vanessa walked in. You couldn't help your mouth from falling open a little at the sight. Helena, of course, looked breathtaking - radiant. With a deep cerulean low cut shirt covered in a red blazer. The colors a perfect contrast to her moonlit hair. The woman next her to her, though… I guess when you had thought of the word 'colleague', she wasn't quite what you had in mind. Morgan leaned in a bit, nudging you softly before whispering.

"Oh, I am definitely going to be keeping an eye on her."

You chuckled. "She's allowed to have friends, Morgan."

"Not friends who look like that and dress completely in black leather.. and, is that a bull whip connected to her belt??"

"Heh, my kinda friend." You heard JD mutter under their breath from behind you, which only led to Morgan scowling.

You cleared your throat. "Just.. be cool, guys."

You walked away from the pair before they could say anything else. And they weren't wrong. Vanessa was incredibly beautiful. With hair as inky as a night sky and a body that screamed nothing but self discipline and rigorous routine. But the way Helena's eyes lit up and how her smile widened at the sight of you definitely helped stifle some of the intrusive thoughts that were slowly trying to move in.

"My dear Frances, good evening. A pleasure as always." She exclaimed with a low bow. "This is Vanessa. I appreciate you allowing her to join us tonight."

You nodded. "Of course! Nice to meet you, Vanessa."

"Please, call me Van. And it's nice to meet you as well."

You turned just in time to see the rest of Havenfall's Finest coming up behind you. At least three of them with their mouths fully agape. You had to chuckle, fully aware of the effect Helena tended to have on people.

"Helena.. this is Razi, the owner and proprietor of this fine establishment. Mac, the town's Sheriff. Diego, Havenfall's finest doctor. And, last but not least, JD and Morgan, our resident chaos demon and their loyal girlfriend. Everyone, this is Helena."

Razi and Mac both gave the blonde a very exuberant "Hello!", shaking her hand. You even swore you saw tiniest hue of pink rising to the Sheriff's cheeks as Helena responded with "A pleasure." Diego on the other hand, seemed more anxious than anything, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two women. As for JD and Morgan, while both were as friendly as ever, Jordan wouldn't be Jordan if they didn't do their best to lay on the charm.

"So, this is the woman that's been stealing our friend away from us… not that I can blame her."

Helena, of course, chuckled gracefully. "Much apologies."

"Mhm.. I'm sure."

You gave JD a pleading look, hoping they'd take the hint and stop before they said anything else. Which thankfully they did, giving you a playful wink instead.

"And this is my.. colleague, Vanessa."

The group gave the mysterious woman a unified greeting, all except for Diego who only nodded and JD who whistled low.

"If that's a colleague, I really need to get myself into the security business."

Both Vanessa and Morgan glared in their direction, an act that quickly made the enby rub the back of their neck nervously.

"A-anyways, let's get this party started, shall we?!"

"Very smooth, Jordan." Morgan replied, rolling her eyes.

You had to hand it to them all, the bowling alley looked absolutely enchanting. And while you were well aware that Morgan and JD cared greatly for you, the lengths that the rest of Havenfall's Finest went to to make sure the evening went as smooth as possible was, needless to say, incredibly heartwarming.

The ceiling was strewn with more twinkle lights than you had ever seen and the long table in the center of the main room had just about every guilty pleasure food you could possibly think of. You made sure to make a mental note to thank Razi later for not letting JD have any say in the buffet. Though, you had to laugh when you came across a small, yet very suspicious pie at the bottom of the table with the distinct aroma of mustard coming from it. It was almost crazy to think how in just a few short months this hodgepodge group of cryptids had almost become like a second family to you. Even Mac was dressed in something other than her usual sheriff's uniform.

You were just about to walk over to where Helena and Vanessa were standing when Morgan pulled you aside. Her brow slightly furrowed.

"Hey, I didn't want to say anything in front of JD because they'd just go all detective mode on us, but I know I've seen Vanessa somewhere before. And Diego seemed on edge as soon as she walked in."

Your gaze lingered over to where the two women stood talking, obviously in the middle of a rather serious conversation.

"Hm.. wish I could say I knew more about her. Helena isn't very forthcoming about the ins and outs of her job."

"Yeah. Well, if I think of anything, I'll definitely let you know."

You nodded. "Yeah, sure. Thanks."

Morgan gave you a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before wandering off to find JD. Even with the party finally starting to get under swing, your mind couldn't help but begin to drift off to more unsavory thoughts. Just how often did Vanessa frequent Havenfall if both Diego and Morgan seemed to recognize her? Did that mean Helena was meeting with her more often than she'd let on? Were they closer than just colleagues? I mean, you couldn't blame her for choosing someone who looked like Vanessa over someone who looked like.. well.. you..

She was hot.. fit.. beautiful in a way you could never be.

And you were, well.. you.

You subconsciously pulled at the blouse that just a few moments ago had filled you with such confidence, wondering if there was even a point. How could you compete with that? With.. her? How could you be expected to-

"Frances?"

You were jerked abruptly from your thoughts, Helena's pensive face in front of yours.

"Is something the matter? You looked a thousand miles away."

Immediately filled with embarrassment, you quickly shook your head.

"Oh! Yes, no.. I'm fine.. really, I'm fine!" You answered, chuckling nervously.

The blonde hummed low before linking her arm in yours.

"Well, then.. come and accompany us over by the stage, hm?"

The.. stage??

As you followed Helena past the lanes and towards the back of the arcade room, you found that the blonde was right - there was indeed a small platform back there. One that you were certain hadn’t been there before.

"What in the-"

"Ohhh, just wait! You guys are gonna love this!" JD exclaimed as they practically ran over to the two of you. More excited than you'd ever seen them.

"JD.. what.."

"Fuck! Is Razi ever gonna regret buying this." They laughed, holding up a small microphone.

Karaoke. Razi had actually purchased a karaoke machine. Gods, save us all.

The moment JD slipped on their sunglasses, stepped onto the stage and started dancing around it, Morgan's sigh was all too prevalent in your ear as she came to stand beside you - a low baseline coming through steadily from the speakers. You chuckled before turning to her.

"That bad, huh?"

She sighed again. "Jordan's actual singing voice is really quite nice, but of course they'd never be caught dead using it properly in public."

"Ah, gotcha."

You laughed and shook your head, trying to figure out where you had heard that guitar riff before and why it sounded so familiar. You were fairly certain the song choice was of the Metal genre - which would be on par for JD's taste in music - but the underlying melody reminded you of something else. Of something you'd heard a million times before but couldn't quite put your finger on-

Oh.. oh no

JD smirked as the intro diminished, the first lyric sung boastfully from their lungs.

"We're no strangers to looove…"

Morgan groaned immediately. "Jordan! For fucks sake, no!"

"You know the rules, and so do IIII…"

Helena turned to you, obviously a bit amused at the crowd's reaction.

"I am afraid I do not understand the reference. Why are so many people opposed to this song choice?"

JD sang even louder. You wouldn't get this from, any other enbyyyyy."

You did your best to speak loud enough for the blonde to hear you, giving her a quick background of the song and what it meant to be "Rick Rolled". Helena laughed and nodded before turning back to the entertainment, her foot tapping along with the melody.

"Never gonna give, gonna give.. give you up!"

Much to her dismay, you couldn't help but laugh and cheer every time JD pointed to Morgan during the chorus. An act that only made her groan even louder. And the moment the song ended, you could hear Razi yelling from the back of the room.

"I'm docking your pay for that, Jordan!"

The enby bowed dramatically, giving you a little wink before hopping off the stage.

"Mh.. seems that is my queue, little one." Helena whispered to you, giving you a smirk.

"Wha-?"

You stood, a blush already dusting your cheeks and your mouth agape. She was.. she was going to sing???

You took a deep, steadying breath. Completely unaware that the blonde could even carry a note let alone that you would be graced with whatever celestial sounds were about to part from that delicious mouth of hers. But there she was, basked in a kaleidoscope of colors from the lighting above and looking absolutely ethereal.

"Hold steady, Frances."

You swallowed hard, side-eyeing Morgan. "I'll do my best."

And while you had never heard of the song Helena had chosen before, you knew the moment the first note left her lips that you were done for. A hauntingly beautiful melody - smooth Alto notes sang in a soft (what you assumed was her native tongue) German. Your mouth was still open when JD came to stand next to you, nudging you softly in the ribcage.

"Hear something you like? Hm?"

They wiggled their eyebrows at you but all you could do was stare. Of course she sang like a fucking goddess. Of course she was fucking perfect.

Too perfect.

Too fucking perfect.

And here you were, with your mediocre self, expecting her to feel the same? Pssh.

"Psst.. you know what has to happen now, right?" Morgan whispered, her eyes glued to the stage and the incredible being that was on it.

"No."

"Yes! You'd blow her away and you know it."

"No. Not a chance."

"Yess, you have to."

"Are you even listening to her right now? It's-!"

"Don't you dare tell me it's pointless, Frances. Just because she has a gorgeous voice doesn't mean that yours isn't just as hot!"

For the first time since Helena had started singing you looked away from the stage, staring blankly at your friend. "... y-you think… I'm.. ah-"

"Yes, I think, and so does JD… and Razi.. and everyone else in Havenfall who's heard you sing to yourself. So.. you're going to get up there and you're gonna make that woman breathless!"

You sighed, admitting defeat. "Fine, but I choose the song!"

"Fine! Which?"

You smirked. "Rooms on Fire. Good luck finding it."

Morgan smirked even wider and you immediately swallowed. "Bold of you to assume JD hasn't already programmed Stevie Nicks' entire discography into that thing. They've had a thing for her since forever."

You swallowed again. "... Fuck."

***

Helena's body was all a buzz as she stepped down from the small podium. Electrically charged and tingling from the applause of her soon to be peers. She wasn't even sure what had made her get up and do it. And by the look on Frances' face, she was just as stunned. But there was something about being in the round woman's presence that always gave Helena a boost. That gave her the type of courage that made her feel like she could do just about anything. And in that moment, all she wanted to do was to show that warm, delightfully kind woman one of her gifts.

And hopefully - just hopefully - receive some of hers in return.

So you can imagine the look of surprise that sprung to the vampire's face and feeling of elation that rolled over her when Frances stepped up onto the stage. As the same warm light that had just washed over her casted the woman in a brilliant hue, making her look even more beautiful to the Sorceress than she already did.

A brief lapse of time, a single breath of silence before the song started. And it was that moment, when the first flawless note fell from Frances' lips, that Helena knew. Knew why she'd initially been drawn to her and what had kept her so enthralled since.

After all this time, searching between the two realms in which she had inhabited, she had finally found her. A soul as pure and kind as the woman who had saved her from the darkness many years ago. The woman who bore the same face as the one who had stripped her of everything and gave her a life renewed. She had never once, in all her years since leaving the realm she then called home, came across another person who had shone as bright as that woman did.

But here, in that solitary moment of clarity, as the melodic notes rang out from Frances' body and danced across Helena like a lullaby from some other place - like a spell from some archaic time that sang out into the heavens and carved itself into sky - that's when she knew. That's when it all became clear, that Frances was also a keeper of that light - of that bright soul that soothed over the vampire like a celestial balm.

Helena also knew that from that point she'd no longer be able to ignore her feelings for the woman. That her tendencies to mute her emotions and stifle those desires within that seemed to burn with the heat of a thousand suns would no longer be possible.

And as she watched the music take hold of this incredible creature, with all of Frances' curves swaying to the melody - eyes closed and cheeks a gorgeous hue of rose - she made a silent vow to both herself and the woman in front of her. A promise that she would no longer take the coward's way out when it came to her heart and what it deserved. That she would channel that courage she always felt when Frances was around and finally tell her..

Finally tell her that she was, undoubtedly and without measure, falling for her.

***

You opened your eyes as soon as the last note faded off, the crowd before you standing stunned - in awe - almost in disbelief at what they'd just witnessed. And while you were more than used to people's reaction to your voice, you still smiled proudly to yourself. A subtle blush dusting your cheeks as a resounding applause rang out from some of your favorite people.

"Holy shit, Frances. That was incredible!" JD beamed. "You did our girl Stevie some serious justice."

You chuckled. "Thanks, Jordan."

"They ain't lying, friend, that was the best I've ever heard you sing." Added Morgan as she handed you a tiny piece of cloth for your forehead, which you gratefully took.

"Thank you, one might say I was a little inspired."

"Well, inspiration suits you well, then, little one."

Helena's praise caught you off guard, immediately making you turn and face her.

"I- .. uh.. th-thank you? I mean.. ahem.. yeah.. ah, thanks, Helena." You stammered, rubbing the back of your neck.

Helena only nodded but you could tell the blonde had wanted to say more. A fact that must not have been lost on Morgan either as she quickly cleared her throat and hooked her arm into JD's.

"Well, we'll leave you two to talk."

"We will?? But I was just about to ask Frances if she wanted to-"

JD's words stopped mid-sentence the moment their eyes caught Morgan's.

"Oh.. right.. I mean.. we'll leave you two to .. talk."

The enby's subtle tone and small wink was more than enough to fluster you before they sauntered off, your cheeks heating up ever so slightly.

"That Jordan is a rather peculiar person. They remind me of someone I knew back home."

For some reason the thought of Helena being friends with their own version of JD made you feel incredibly warm inside, almost as if an invisible thread had always connected the two of you.

"Really?" You laughed.

"Mh, indeed. His name was Iseul. Your friend Jordan has a very similar spark of mischief to them." She answered, the deep blues of her eyes seeming to wander off in thought for a moment before she continued. "You remind me of someone I once knew as well, Frances."

Now that.. that..

You took a deep, steadying breath as a wash of warmth spread over you like a freshly drawn bath, re-igniting the desire in you that you had, admittedly, done your best to ignore over the past couple of months.

You felt your cheeks heat up a little more before you spoke. "O-oh? Really?"

The blonde hummed, looking almost sad. "She was, until now, the kindest woman I had even known."

You swallowed hard, not even sure how to respond to that information. In all honesty, there was nothing more you wanted to do than grab onto her, hold her close, and scream out into the heavens how much she meant to you. But you also knew that, of all places, the local bowling alley was not the place to make such affections known.

Nor was it the right time…

Probably.

As you collected your thoughts, you took a moment to scan your surroundings. Razi and Mac had seemingly found themselves in a rather heated game of bowling as Diego watched, sipping silently from the tiny flask that he normally kept on him. As for the arcade area, you couldn’t help but chuckle when your gaze landed on JD and Vanessa going head to head in a very excited round of DDR, the sound of Morgan cheering them heard throughout the entire bowling alley.

You swallowed again before smiling and tentatively took the blonde's hand in yours.

"What do you say we take a walk after all of this? There's a place I'd really like to show you, if that's alright with you?"

Helena smiled in turn, her eyes brightening to almost match the color of her shirt. "I would like that very much, little one."

***

The crisp autumn air met Helena like an old friend as she stepped out onto the curb - the wind softly blowing just cold enough to bite at her cheeks, reddening them. With a large moon above them, the Huntress walked silently beside the Vampire, biding her time until they got to her van.

"I want to thank you again for coming, Vanessa." Helena spoke, breaking the silence.

"No worries at all. I had fun actually."

The blonde chuckled. "As did I."

Vanessa shifted nervously from one foot to the other, smiling in a way that made Helena more anxious than she would've liked. The idea of Frances not being safe when she wasn't around.. well, that was a thought that only made the Sorceress' heart sink.

"Out with it." She said plainly.

Vanessa sighed.

"Well, the good news is that I can confidentially tell you that nobody in Frances' immediate circle is part of Dagon's coven."

Helena nodded. "That is good, at least."

"That being said, I can also tell you that most of the people within that circle.. aren't human. And that at least one of them is a vampire."

Helena's gaze shifted quickly. "Which?"

"Diego."

The blonde hummed in thought.

"What about JD and Morgan?"

"Morgan is human as far as I can tell. JD is.. well, I'm not exactly sure what JD is, but it's an energy I've never encountered before. So, whatever they are, it's something rare."

Helena chuckled to herself, recalling the time when Frances had called JD 'one of a kind'.

"That does not surprise me. In your opinion, though, would you say that Frances is safe?"

Helena asked the question simply, for that was the most important thing. Everything else was secondary. Everything else could be discussed at a later time. On a night when the air wasn't so clear and she didn't have that incredible woman waiting for her.

The Huntress nodded, a curtain of dark hair falling into her face.

"I do. At this point anyways. I still have some digging to do, but I'll contact you if I find anything that makes me feel otherwise."

"You have my gratitude, Helsing. Thank you."

"Anytime. You just leave all the boring stuff to me and enjoy the rest of your night." Vanessa replied with a wink before climbing into her van.

The blonde smirked. "Oh, that I intend to."

***

To be perfectly honest, you'd been planning on taking Helena to the lake ever since the plans for that evening were first made. And when Jordan had found out, the spark of mischief and excitement in their eyes was so bright it almost lit up the whole room. Even before you had left the bowling alley they pulled you aside.

"You're still taking her to the lake, yeah?"

A cheeky wink and subtle smirk was all you got in reply when you answered 'yes', which only made you slightly nervous. You knew deep down that if JD had some sort of surprise in the works, it would only be in your favor. They knew how much Helena had meant to you. And honestly, other than Morgan, they'd been the most supportive through it all.

The sky was littered with thousands of twinkling stars as you pulled up to the lake, all paying homage to the bright moon that hung among them. That casted a brilliant reflection into the still water and made you all the more confident in your decision to bring her there. It was beautiful, just like Helena. Almost so that it almost seemed too luminous to be real…

… Just like Helena.

"I see why you like this place, little one." The blonde said, closing her door.

"Oh?"

"Mh, on a night like tonight, it almost looks like a painting."

You smiled, wanting to say more than a quiet "That, it does." As if any sight could compete with how the moonlight danced upon Helena's rosen cheeks and frolicked throughout her hair. How her eyes sparkled and gleamed, making the stars above only pale in comparison. She was a literal work of art, a masterpiece within herself. A goddess walking on earth. She was-

"Frances?"

Her soft tone caught you off guard, and when her gaze met yours you'd almost forgotten how to speak entirely. She looked at you in a way no other person had, as if you were a lifeline and she were a rope. Tethered and frayed and yet oh so beautiful.

"Ah, sorry.. was I staring?"

"Mh.. a little." She chuckled.

"S-sorry."

When you rubbed the back of your neck subconsciously she took your other hand.

"Do not be."

Her voice was soft but the look in her eyes was even softer. A subtle heat coming to your cheeks as she took your other hand in hers, leaning in ever so slightly.

Did she want to-

Was she going to-

Helena took another step closer and you almost immediately fell back, moving away with such abruptness that you nearly toppled over the hood of your car. But, of course, Helena caught you.

"Fuck. Sorry. I.. ah.. shit."

"It is I who should be sorry, little one. I should not have assumed."

For the first time since you'd met her, the blonde looked embarrassed. Which honestly only made you feel worse. You shook your head vehemently.

"No, no. Please. Fuck. You did nothing wrong, Helena. It's just.. ah.. there's some things about me we should probably talk about before this goes any further."

With that Helena took a step back, looking at you thoughtfully and nodded.

"By all means. I am, as they say, all ears."

Before a single word had even fallen from your lips you could feel the subtle sting of tears - pooling at the corners of your eyes and betraying your emotions. You hated this part. You always had. When the love interest finds out your secret and opts for just being friends instead. Though, admittedly, you had genuinely hoped for just a little more time before having to say goodbye to Helena.

"Frances." She said softly, your hands still in hers. "There is, without doubt, not a single thing you could tell me about yourself that I would not be able to accept."

There was a shadow of something darker that lurked within the blonde's gaze that instantly made you believe her. Her eyes a stormier blue than you'd seen before - heavier, sullen - as if they held an untold story of long ago. You took a deep, calming breath - for you knew that, despite your fears, there was nothing in the world you wanted more than to trust her.

"Alright, well.. you see, I'm.. demisexual."

You could tell by the look on her face that it was a phrase Helena hadn't heard before, her eyes giving you a once over.

"I apologize, Frances. I have not.. is this something similar to a demigod?"

At this you couldn't help but laugh, an act that was honestly much needed and actually made you feel a lot more relaxed.

You snorted. "I wish. I'm afraid the only "super power" it gives me is being somewhat sexually stunted."

Helena moved to stand next to you, leaning back against the front of your car - her gaze looking out thoughtfully onto the water.

"Would it help you to know, little one, that, in my own way, that is something I quite understand."

You turned to face her, fingers still locked in hers and resting on the hood of the car. She looked so open, so attentive to whatever it was that you had to tell her. Her eyes shimmering in a way that almost seemed magical. You took another deep breath and pushed back the tears that still were begging to be released.

"Alright.. here goes nothing.." You let out a heavy sigh and felt Helena squeeze your hand a little tighter. "Being demi.. basically means that without a strong emotional bond with a person, my sexual desire for them will be… lack thereof."

The blonde stood quietly, only listening, so you continued.

"While being demi is a spectrum, and some people may only need a strong friendship connection to feel that, for me… well.. it's usually always taken a very strong.. and albeit long.. romantic connection for me to feel, well, aroused with someone."

Helena nodded. "I understand."

"That being said.. you, Helena.. you've made me feel things that I very rarely ever feel, almost immediately.. and to say that I haven't thought of or wouldn't like to sleep with you already is well.. ah.." You felt your cheeks immediately redden and chuckled, shaking your head. "Here I am just assuming that's something you'd actually want from me."

Helena looked at you silently for a moment before speaking."... You assume correctly, Frances. I find myself very attracted to you."

And now you were blushing even harder.

"O-oh."

Helena chuckled. "You are an incredible woman, Frances."

"I.. well.." You took yet another deep breath, trying to collect your thoughts within the chaos of your mind. As if saying what you had to say wasn't hard enough already. "But see.. that's the thing, Helena.. like, you're so beautiful and kind and intriguing and sexy and to say I haven't thought of us together more than a few times in the last few months is well.. it's different for me and I... ahh-"

The blonde inched herself a little closer to you and hummed. "Breathe, little one."

And you did, deeply. Closing your eyes as you let the crisp Fall air and subtle undertones of juniper that rolled off of Helena wash over you.

"Attraction aside…" You exhaled, ".. with how my sexual desire works.. I have no clue when that would actually happen for us."

Helena nodded again. "I understand."

"And so, this is probably where you leave. And I can't even blame you.. 'cause who wants to wait months or even years before becoming sexually intimate with someone? Other than me, that is, but I'm an outlier and shouldn't be counted."

"My dear Frances, you should always be counted."

"Well, that.."

You grinned all too widely and looked down at your hands that were still interlocked. The subtle pink that dusted your round cheeks swiftly deepening and painting them in a warm crimson.

"And as it was, little one, I have absolutely no intention of leaving you. When I say that I find myself very attracted to you.. it is not solely on a physical level. You see, my soul feels lighter when you are near. My thoughts warm when I think of you and my heart seems to ache when I have not had the pleasure of your company for awhile. I believe that I am, wholey and without doubt, falling for you, Frances."

You stared at her blankly for a moment, no words to be had.

"As for my own shortcomings.. sexual and emotional trauma finds me on a similar acumen as you. So, please, do not feel as if we are far apart on these understandings."

You immediately almost felt angry at the thought of anyone mistreating her. This goddess of a woman who deserved to feel nothing but love and compassion for her rest of her days.

"Fuck, I am.. I'm so sorry to hear that, Helena."

The blonde waved her hand dismissively and closed the last bit of distance between you.

"It is a lifetime ago and a story for another night."

You nodded. "Just know I'm always here to listen whenever you're ready to talk about it."

"I know, dear one." Helena smiled, so openly and warmly that you felt your heart lurch a little. The subtle lines in the corners of her eyes creasing as she leaned in closer to cup your cheek. "May I kiss you?"

You felt your cheeks warm beneath the cool touch of her fingers, soft tears forming in your eyes and a laugh upon your lips. "Yes, Helena. You may."

And as her lips touched yours, fireworks lit up the world around you. Not just metaphorically - but physically. Bright and untamed - fire in the sky - that reached out across the heavens above you.

JD's surprise.

It had to be.

You smiled even wider as your kiss deepened. As sparkling embers rained from the sky and your hands came to frame Helena's face. You kissed her softly - tenderly - wanting nothing more than for her to feel just how absolutely precious she was to you. And when the kiss finally broke, you were both crying. Happy tears of emotions long felt. With bright bursts of reds and blues, of oranges and yellows, reflecting across the still of the water as the two of you embraced.

"I'm so glad you came tonight, Helena."

"Mh.. as am I. It was a lovely evening."

"Heh, that it was."

"And who would have thought, that all this time I was in the presence of such a remarkable vocalist."

Helena smirked, making you blush.

"Psh, speak for yourself! That song you sang was beautiful."

The blonde hummed, smiling. "Thank you, little one. It is named 'Diese kalte Nacht'. It is by the band Faun. I am rather fond of them."

You chuckled to yourself. You knew if JD were there they would have made one of their legendary puns right about now.. "Oh, so you'd say you're... FAUNd of them?"

"Well, I can't say that I understood any of it, but you sang it beautifully."

"As did you, Frances. I do not know of this Stevie Nicks, but I have to wonder if her voice is anywhere near comparable to yours."

You looked at her for a moment, mouth agape.

"Oh, that's it. We are so having a Stevie Nicks night at my place!"

"Mh.. consider it a date."

***

You had just crawled into bed when your phone went off.

Morgan: Yoooo.. you awake?

You: Yep! Just got home, actually lol.

Morgan: Oh? How'd it go??

You: Really, really good. We uh.. we kissed.

Morgan: I knew it! We knew she liked you! Jordan is gonna be fucking ecstatic when I tell them.

You: lol You guys are the best.

Morgan: Well, you deserve it :]

You: Thanks lol

Morgan: Ah.. not to add some unwanted mystery to the evening... but I figured out why Vanessa looked so familiar. Had a little chat with Diego after you left.

You: Oh????

Morgan: Um.. yeah.. she's a fucking vampire hunter.

You: A.. WHAT?!

#lovestruck #women of lovestruck #love and legends #havenfall is for lovers #helena klein #frances/reader #jordan davies #Morgan/Havenfall MC #razi nassar #mackenzie hunt #diego escalona #vanessa helsing #helena klein x reader #helena klein x frances #fluff #fluffy #first kiss fic #miscellaneous monday

[conanbluebox]

Miscellaneous Monday

International Criminal Number

1412

It's everyone's favorite phantom thief! Though he does not receive a proper introduction they do highlight what his number means.

#International Criminal Number 1412 #Detective Conan #other #name origin #ep 76 #dcmk #Miscellaneous Monday

[cherrycolacookie]

Friendly neighborhood…you know the rest. 💙❤️

#its me <3 #curvy and cute #miscellaneous #spiderman #spidermansuit #across the spiderverse #marvel #cosplay selfie #cosplay girls #cosplay #spideysona #marvel cosplay #spiderman cosplay #spiderman costume #spring 2024 #happy monday #monday mood #mirror selfie

[lordsardine]

.

#wooo! finished edits. hell yes #i can def get some rewrites done tomorrow/over the weekend #and on monday. i think i have time budgeted for that #miscellaneous

[cdreambur]

real music

#bringing you miscellaneous kpop title tracks i like this time :D #also some of you might recognize that first song title and yes that's the song i named that one au after lol #still think the vibes of the song and the mv fit the ones i wanted for the au so well #but yeah have been obsessed with all of these songs at one point in the past and still love them a lot :D #real music monday #Spotify

[riwrite]

its probably been pretty obvious at this point but ive been really struggling with rp lately. ive just felt stuck, like i dont know how to do this anymore. i really struggle to keep the handful of threads i can get and i posted an inbox call two weeks ago and i havent sent out a single ask for it. i dont mean this post to come across as much of a vent post or anything, it's mostly just me acknowledging this. i really want to write with and even befriend you guys but i feel like i've forgotten how for some reason. so i guess thanks for sticking around even though ive failed to actually write smth for a while, it means a lot <3 i do want get back on my feet bc i love this hobby dearly and honestly? i miss it. which feels silly considering how often im actually on this blog but i do really miss it and im doing my best to figure this out

#i can sorta track this happening looking back and honestly. maybe my therapist will have advice lmao. ill have to ask her on monday #its just very frustrating knowing the problem is me but not knowing how to get comfortable again #so. idk thank u guys again just for sticking around. i want to feel like im actually participating in this hobby again #‧ miscellaneous. → 「 out. 」

[anguis-sapphire]

I am getting a maximum of five and a half hours’ sleep tonight. It’s nearly half eleven and I have to wake up at five. My intention was to go to bed around nine, and then time completely vanished on me.

These next ten hours are going to be quite the time ;w;

#a call from the void #posts made by me #miscellaneous tag #here we go.. #I didn’t get either of the things I needed to finish done #but I did at least do both of the things that started today (my end-of-course test and my final weekly test for a different course) #and I packed #and I did most of the things I needed to do to get my room ready for the inspections on monday #so that was something?

[leemarkies]

has anyone black friday shopped at target? what was it like?

#i’ve never black friday shopped before #but i work tomorrow at 8:30am and i work in the same shopping area as our local target so i thought i’d maybe shop before my shift #i wanna buy a switch lite and maybe some miscellaneous gifts but idk #also: does anyone know of ANY switch lite black friday or cyber monday sales? #marie.txt

[spiders-around]

making college stuff !

#ocs #pr3tt #assignments were to make a drawing with descriptive lines #(line that doesn't change its width and doesn't break randomly) #and one with a sensible line #(line that changes width and breaks) #idfk if i did it right . class is on monday #my art #miscellaneous

[chaotic-sproutlet]

I don’t know why but my friends decided to argue on the group chat (at 3AM) about which day of the week is physically the strongest…

….

#vote #debate #serious question #days of the week #miscellaneous #random #my friends argued about this for 2 hours while I slept #Monday #Tuesday #Wednesday #Thursday #Friday #Saturday #Sunday #idk how to tag #:sob: #silly question #tumblr polls

[fourcornerstar]

WIPs be apon ye

#very self indulgent #I can't art right now #Elmo has a half finished procreate and miscellaneous sketches to Jobless Monday #my art #my camera’s shit rn forgive me

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Ruelle covertly (or not so covertly) ruining Vo’s day (by which i mean life) whenever Piama is upset by Vo overlooking her or treating her like crap. Then returns to Piama and pretends nothing happened and what do you mean it isn’t my fault that happened and gets some tsundere fluffing? With or without MC in the relationship as well (can decide if poly or just ruelle x piama)

Written by: Squirrel

Being invisible has its perks. Ruelle has never taken this for granted. Albeit wanting to disappear from a situation or not be seen due to her introverted nature, her ability to vanish from sight has always been a blessing. But never before has it been used so nefariously. Not even in mistress Xenia’s most devious schemes.

Ruelle had been sent to find MC. She found the queen in her chamber with Piama who was trying, and failing, to explain that she hadn’t been crying. With her usual civility and good nature MC let the obvious charade go and instead focused on soothing her friend. Meanwhile, Ruelle took careful note of Piama’s every word.

Second only to Xenia’s, Ruelle’s mind is like a steel trap. What she hears she can recite word for word. Unfortunately for lady Vo.

Galen looks from Ruelle to the box as Mako personally, carefully unloads it. It’s a rare day when the quartermaster is so quiet and cautious. The starseeker looks at the box, then at the princess, “You’ll need to put them somewhere cold before they wake up, smoke doesn’t keep them calm.”

“I know,” Ruelle replies.

Curiosity killed the cat, not the pirate. Galen pockets the coin just in case Ruelle has any second thoughts, “What are these bees for, dare I ask?”

“I never mentioned bees. You never sold any bees. Bees never came through her majesty’s port. That’s why I paid you double,” Ruelle says grimly. Upon remembering her plan, however, she smirks just a little, “You’ll hear about it. Give it a couple of days.”

“Hopefully not at your funeral.”

The following morning Ruelle is sitting at breakfast with MC, Amara, and Lyris. Piama comes in looking rather frenzied. She takes her seat and Lyris pours her favorite tea.

“Good morning.”

“Not for Vo it isn’t. She was attacked by a horde of mountain bees yesterday evening,” Piama says. Her expression is strange because it is a perfect border between being appropriately delighted the old woman got what she deserved and upholding appearances that her aunt is bedridden for the foreseeable future.

MC grimaces, “Mountain bees are wicked. Do they come to Lysende often?”

“Not unless they are brought here,” Amara remarks, “I’ve been trying to trace their origins since last night with no success.”

Ruelle feels eyes on her. Sure enough Lyris is looking at her out of the corner of his eye. It is no accident that she’s at breakfast with them this morning. Usually the autumn princess is deeply engrossed in running errands for the spy mistress. Lyris isn’t stupid. He sees the correlation. Everyone else is simply too blinded by concern, not for Vo’s welfare, for the safety of the rest of the population.

“Who else was hurt?”

Piama has to finish chewing a bite of pastry, “That’s what’s so odd! Only aunt Vo was attacked. Everyone else was fine.”

“Gideon determined her dress had been sprayed with a honey perfume. No one would have detected it but the bees,” Amara chimes in.

“How odd. Ruelle, don't you wear honey perfume?” Lyris smirks, tossing a very pointed look in her direction. Ruelle doesn’t so much as flinch. She rolls her eyes, “I don’t wear perfume. What’s the point of being invisible if they can smell you from across the corridor?”

So the mystery of the mountain bees was never solved. But more importantly, Vo never learned.

They’d courted. Dated. Kissed. But that had all lead up to one thing: the end. Piama had determined they weren’t meant to be. Something Ruelle respected, with much effort and agonizing. The twinges in her chest aren’t ghosts haunting her. It feels too familiar knocking on Piama’s door the night of some fancy event for spring.

“Piama?”

The door opens just a crack. Piama huffs, “What do you want?”

It’s a mood and a tone no one knows better. Ruelle gently leans her hand on the door. It’s gentle enough Piama could easily hold her back but the same pressure lets the princess know Ruelle wants to be let in. The door swings open just enough for Ruelle to slip inside.

There is no dress laid out on the bed. The balcony doors are open and there’s a multitude of papers and books on the bedspread. Some of which Piama hastily turns over so they can’t be read. Ruelle can’t help her rugged smile knowing full well what they are.

“What are you doing up here alone? There’s some fancy shmancy to do in spring-”

“Vo didn’t invite me.”

“Okay-”

“No Ruelle. It’s not like autumn where everyone just shows up anyway because there’s only a few of you. Unless you were invited you don’t show up to spring events. You look desperate and uncooth.”

Like a match on kerosene Ruelle’s sense of justice is burning again. But she suppresses her wicked imagination for now.

“Put on the dress you would have worn. Fix your face and your hair, however you think it looks pretty. I’ll be back in about an hour.”

Piama squints at her, “Why? What are you planning?”

Ruelle pauses on her way out, “You couldn’t have gone to Vo’s thing because you are attending a very important, private date with a suitor who shall remain nameless. I’m off to find a potion and Sevastian and we’re going to make sure everybody knows about it.”

Once Ruelle is gone Piama bites her thumb. She looks at the poetry she’d been pondering and unfortunately it all seems quite clear. She’d been so bored she was organizing her poetry, some of it safe for mixed company some of it not. But one common strand connected all of it. It all conjured the same welling of emotion and mental imagery. 

Before, Piama hadn’t been able to work it out. She just couldn’t put her finger on who it was her heart was pining for. A tall dark stranger had never been her type. But, Ruelle isn’t a stranger and she’s not all that tall.

In the morning Ruelle doesn’t appear at breakfast. She doesn’t want it to become obvious. She’s fairly sure Galen, Lyris, and Sevastian are onto her as it is but being the good friends of Piama that they are, they've been enjoying playing their parts.

Instead Ruelle remains invisible nearby enjoying the idle chatter with a bittersweet smile. She’d told Piama the person she was with all evening was Sevastian who had consumed a potion to appear as someone else. In reality Sevastian was predisposed so it had been her. Of course she’s not about to disturb Piama so the painful truth will only plague her.

Chatter fades to silence as lady Vo makes her way over.

“Good morning.”

It was, Ruelle thinks to herself.

“Good morning.”

“Piama, may I speak to you?” Vo seems passably civil. That’s as close to pleasant as she gets without being overtly sickeningly sweet. 

The two leave and Ruelle follows. They aren’t fully out of earshot when Vo turns on her niece.

“Do you think you’re clever? Making up a ruse about some suitor?”

“I was with someone all night-”

“Wonderful! Just what I need, my niece not only being a fool but an easy one at that,” Vo hisses, “I did not invite you because I needed you at home not making a disgrace of our family.”

Piama’s face is red hot with anger. Her hands ball into fists full of her skirt, “I was dancing with them all night. They went to my door and no further. Guards saw us-”

“Yes, so did Duchess Luana. It was no one important, just one of your friends in disguise. Honestly, are you trying to make yourself as unattractive as possible?”

Footsteps grow closer, quickly. Ruelle has to put effort into making noise she’s so accustomed to moving silently. As soon as she rounds the bookshelf Vo looks completely composed as if she wasn’t spitting venom just moments ago.

“Speak of the devil-”

“And she’s already here,” Ruelle cuts Vo off, “Her majesty is summoning you both.”

As they round the corner the hate Vo was just spitting is nothing compared to the collective loathing of every person at brunch. That collective loathing is nothing compared to the cavernous pit of animosity that is growing ever deeper within Ruelle. 

Piama is sadly accustomed to this. What would have any other spring princess in tears, Piama proudly shrugs off and hides just how hurt she really is. But her friends can see it. They can see it in the little tilt of her eyebrows when she tries to smile and the way her mouth becomes narrower as she fights back tears. Her hands clasp together and her posture becomes absolutely perfect, for a time.

At dinner Amara makes her way to the table.

“What is it Amara?”

“Lady Vo has been poisoned.”

“Oh no-”

“It’s nothing fatal, just uncomfortable,” Amara hesitates, “She’s coughing up frogs.”

“Frogs?” MC asks. Meanwhile Lyris grabs for a drink to hide his smile. Sevastian doesn’t care and smirks openly.

The captain of the guard nods, “And the occasional snake. Again, nothing dangerous just unusual. Gideon is scrambling for a cure.”

“It sounds magical.”

“He thinks your magic might be able to help.”

MC doesn’t want to help. Objectively spring and Altadellys might be better off without Vo but MC is the queen. She can’t be making that harsh a judgement. She doesn’t want to be known for being ruthless. So she’ll heal the old woman and advise her to speak less. That is how Vo seems to do her worst damage.

Slipping away nonchalantly Piama makes her way to mistress Xenia’s door. She shudders but knocks anyway. The spymistress cocks her head slightly when she opens the door, “Princess Piama. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Ruelle.”

“It just so happens I am as well. If I find her you’ll be the first to know.”

Piama goes to her room and ties a ribbon to the balcony window. It’s an old method of communication they used to use. In mere minutes, Ruelle is climbing in with the ribbon in hand.

“What’s wrong?” Different colors mean different things. Pink is the utmost urgent and usually a safety issue.

Closing the balcony doors Piama pins Ruelle with her eyes, “You’ve been poisoning Vo.”

“Why would I do that?”

“She’s been particularly unpleasant lately. But that’s nothing new, it’s just what she does sometimes. She’ll stop-” Piama cuts herself off, “Don’t try to change the subject. I know it’s you.”

Ruelle sets the ribbon on Piama’s vanity and sits on the end of her bed with a smirk, “You have proof?”

Frost that smile, Piama fights not to bite her lip. She can’t help how flustered she gets and nobody does that better than Ruelle.

“When we were younger you said if you ever really hated anybody you’d make them cough up frogs. It was one of the first spells you ever learned. Now Vo is coughing up frogs.”

“Don’t forget snakes.”

“It is you!”

“I deny everything. Mistress Xenia can attest to it, plenty of people can conjure up that sort of trick. Besides, if I did then you’re suggesting I’m doing it to defend you,” Ruelle stands, “And you don’t need defending flower power. Your bark is just as bad as your bite.”

Piama’s whole face flushes in a mix of emotions too complex to pick apart even if she had time. She points at Ruelle accusingly only to have the autumn princess chuckle softly. On her way back to the balcony  Ruelle touches Piama’s cheek, “Don’t worry, I’m sure when Vo learns to be sweeter she’ll stop coughing up frogs.”

“That won’t happen-!”

But when Piama turns, Ruelle is gone and the balcony door is open. All that’s left is a tattered purple ribbon tied to the door handle. One that Ruelle has obviously held onto for some time. The thought makes Piama’s stomach flutter, and her heart warm.

#answered #anonymous #women of lovestruck #lovestruck #reigning passions #ruelle of autumn #piama of spring #ruelle x piama #fluff #light angst #fluffy angst #miscellaneous monday

[conanbluebox]

Miscellaneous Monday

Character Introduction

Acrylic Keychain

These are two advertisements for a Detective Conan acrylic keychain series. The characters offered in order from left to right, top to bottom are, Edogawa Conan, Kaitou Kid, Akai Shuuichi, Haibara Ai, and Amuro Tooru. These keychains interestingly drop the character ages, though many of their official ages are unknown. I must apologize here though, that I couldn’t find the second advertisement in a higher quality. I will post each character individually at another point.

#Edogawa Conan #Kaitou Kid #Shuuichi Akai #Haibara Ai #Amuro Tooru #Detective Conan #other #advertisement #merchandise #acrylic keychain #person #multiple #dcmk #Miscellaneous Monday

[vivalabunbun]

Sweet Sweet Nothings

Summary: The sweet lull of normalcy in an unconventional marriage

Word Count: 7K

Tags: Alhaitham x Fem! Reader, Fluff, this is just pure fluff, Smut, NFSW, MDNI, Omegaverse AU, A/B/O relationships, Modern AU, Alpha! Alhaitham, Beta! Reader, breeding, biting, established relationship, TW: Very vague mentions of gender dysphoria (of your secondary gender), TW: pregnancy and birth, Protective! Alhaitham, Jealous! Alhaitham

Authors Note: This isn’t much of a story, think of it as a collection of sweet nothings and domestic life with Alhaitham and the Sumeru cast after this. I just felt like I had to give them fluff after that slow burn. Enjoy!

Teal-orange eyes snapped towards the ticking clock on his oak desk, the time read 5 pm. Alhaitham’s duties were over for the day, now he had more pressing matters to attend to. Swift hands gathered up the papers scattered across the dark wood, stacking them into a neat pile before his body pushed against his plush seat. The golden glint of the ring on his finger only spurred him on to quickly exit his office. 

“Hey! Alhaitham are you leaving work now? Great, how about we grab some drinks with-”

“No. I’m busy.” He bluntly dismissed his blond senior. 

A firm hand snatched up his blazer that had been thrown across the back of his seat, the other flicked off the desk lamp. 

“Oi! Your senior is inviting you to a-”

“If you have a request you need approved then please leave it on my desk, I’ll look over it once I return back to the office on Monday.” Alhaitham skirted past the blond’s still frame at the doorway, paying no mind to the disgruntled scrunch on Kaveh’s face. His mind was focused on more pressing matters. 

–

“And then the brat just WALKS past me as if I were some dust on the ground! Could you believe that?” Kaveh thumps his glass back onto the tavern table, a small splash of wine lapped over the side. 

Tighnari took another big swig from this glass, his ears weren’t drunk enough to handle the tumultuous complaining of the blond. Cyno was only half-heartedly listening, ruby eyes trained on the brand-new deck of cards he had spent the week building in his hands. 

Yes, it is just a typical Friday afternoon. Colleagues gathered at Lambad’s Tavern, congregating at an outdoor table and enjoying the nice wine and early Spring air. Although more often than not, there would only be three seats filled instead of four. 

“Just what is so important that they trifle over common courtesy? In the world of job opportunities, networking and connections are a critical part of getting higher up the chain. Just how did that shrewd man get that promotion?” Kaveh’s face already had the tall tale signs of a drunken glow. 

“Well, it’s not really that out of character for him. People have always found his actions grating, but his efficiency at his work can’t be denied.” Tighnari rested his head on his hand. 

“There’s been a change in the head secretary lately.” Cyno asserted, eyes now trained somewhere else. 

“Oh? How so? He’s the same old crude man.” Kaveh dismissed. 

Cyno motioned with his eyes at a sight just behind the two other men. Two confused heads turned to follow his gaze. Nearly choking on their drinks at the scene they were now witnessing. 

There stood Alhaitham’s towering figure walking hand in hand with yours, bags filled with books and miscellaneous trinkets carried in his other. What made the men uncomfortable was the uncanny softness dawned on the stoic secretary’s face, as his teal eyes focused on you. 

His Beta wife was pressing her body against his arm as she spoke close to his ear, pointing at random stalls and vendors. Alhaitham leaned down to hear you through the chattering crowd, making sure to maneuver your bodies through the bustling streets. 

The three men didn’t know what to make of the scene in front of them as the couple walked out of sight, still holding each other close. Kaveh wonders if the wine being served today was stronger than usual. However, the three unwed men now got their answer to Alhaitham’s sudden full schedule. 

The table of bachelors called for more wine. Maybe to cleanse their palette of the sour taste of jealousy. 

–

“Have you seen Alhaitham today? I’ve been trying to hand him this paperwork since Friday.” Kaveh approached the head lawyer at the water cooler, the weekend was now over and it was now Monday, and the secretary was nowhere to be seen. 

“Hm? The head secretary applied to use his paid vacation time off. It was approved last Friday.” Cyno took a sip from the paper cup. 

“Huh?” The papers fluttered out of the architect’s slack hands, jaw agape. 

His junior truly was trying to annoy him to death. That conniving bastard Alhaitham. 

Fontaine was very different from Sumeru, with different types of foods, shops, and culture. It was quite exciting the first week of your late honeymoon to duck into every shop along the city streets. You discovered that your husband was fluent in the language, anything you pointed at he would translate for you without hesitation. However, the wonder of sightseeing faded within just a few days, like the true homebodies you were, there was a silent agreement to spend the rest of the time in the grand honeymoon suite. 

The hotel Alhaitham booked was the most luxurious one Fontaine had to offer. You will have to blame this decision on the generous amount of financial freedom granted by a pharmaceutical payout. It was only fair in Alhaitham’s mind, you worked very hard during the rut brought on by faulty inhibitors. Hard work should be rewarded, so he decides you should be indulged with the best room service, fancy baths, and thousand-count silk sheets. 

How you spent your time in the suite was really no different than how you would spend it in Sumeru. Alhaitham was laying down on the silk sheets, back slightly propped up by down feather-filled pillows, unwinding with a book in his hand. 

“Ah…Ah!... Ah… Making your wife do all the work while on vacation? You’re such a terrible husband, Haitham.” You stilled your hips, hands propping yourself up along his toned body. 

“Mm? You were really enjoying yourself, I didn’t want to interrupt.” There was a teasing tilt in his voice, teal eyes never looking away from the sentences printed as his other hand rubbed circles into your hip. 

From this angle he reached deeper than usual, making you feel so much fuller. Your walls were clenching down, trembling with pleasure from the stretch and thick tip poking that one spongey spot. A while ago you had abandoned your book in favor of bouncing up and down on your husband’s lap. It was your late honeymoon, after all, there was almost five years' worth of time to make up for. 

You knew your husband was just teasing you, but your lips couldn’t stop a pout from forming. You shifted a bit more on top of his god-like physique, pressing his tip deeper against that sweet little spot deep inside. Wandering hands made their way to grope at his plush pectorals followed by your pouting face, eyes trained on the book your husband was so engrossed by. 

“Hmph…” A displeased huff left your lips, it was absolutely adorable to him. 

“Is something the matter?” The corner of his lip was upturned just the slightest bit. 

“It’s our honeymoon and yet my husband is already having an affair with a book.” You playfully sulked into his chest. 

“My, I never knew my wife was the jealous type.” Finally, he snapped the book closed, playful eyes gazing into yours. 

“I guess you learned something new then.” You gently confiscated the book from his hand, placing it farther away on the large bed. 

Alhaitham gave a hum of acknowledgment, both hands now firmly seizing the sides of your waist. Steadying your body before following it up with a solid snap of his hips. You pressed your face harder against his chest, muffling the moan that was suddenly forced out of you. 

“Isn’t this what you wanted? Why are you so quiet now?” His hips set a rhythm, slow and deep. 

His thick length dragged along your slick walls in all the right ways, you could feel every inch outlined inside you. Each roll of his hips gently lifted your body up before accompanying it back down. Your mouth fell open, breathing out soft moans against his warm skin. The smell of lust hung heavy in the air of the spacious room. But you wanted more, this slow lovemaking couldn’t satisfy the greed deep within. 

“Mmm… More…” 

“More?” His pace escalates just the slightest bit. 

The sloppy sounds of your connecting bodies were louder now, with each in and out of your slick cunt like purrs of pleasure. He was hitting that spot that brings shooting pleasure throughout your nerves. Still, maybe it's because your expectations have been set a bit high from your first taste, but your greed wanted more. 

“More~” You breathed out, face now pressed into the crook of his neck. 

“Mmm, I think I know what my lovely wife wants.” A hand supports the back of your head, smoothing out the hair. 

Swiftly you got turned under him, his board frame now looming above, that handsome smirk on his face. He rested your head gently on the dawn pillows, as your arms wrapped around his neck pulling him down closer to you. The combination of his weight on top of you and how heavy he felt inside your sobbing cunt sent shivers up your spine. Yes, this is what you wanted. 

Leaving the crook of his neck, your lips chased after his. Alhaitham couldn’t help but let out a small huff, you were quite needy today. His lips captured yours in a deep kiss, shallowing all your noises. He shall spoil you, it was your honeymoon after all. 

In this position, he had much better footing and grasp on your waist. Meaning the strength and pace of his hips slamming into yours increased to the rhythm you desired. Moans were flowing out like water from your mouth, eyes teary with lust. The claps of your bodies echo through the room, he would pull out to the tip then slam back in. Just the way you liked it. 

Teal eyes observed your loose face, the rolling back of your eyes signaling that the knot was about to come undone. But before he lets you reach cloud nine, you have to answer a question that he’s been pondering. 

“Would you rather have consistent pleasure spread evenly throughout the year… or four days of nonstop, mind-melting pleasure then nothing for the rest?” Alhaitham asked right up against your ear, making your skin bristle. 

You felt his hips roll back to their slow methodical pace. Oh, he wasn’t going to let you taste sweet release until you paid the toll of his curiosity. Really, your husband can be so mean sometimes. You let out a small whine, trying to roll your hips into his but his firm hold prevented such action. 

“Answer the question, sweetheart.” Alhaitham continued to egg you on, clearly enjoying your displeased whines. 

“Why can’t I have both?” You muttered close to his own ears, tightening your embrace around him to offset the embarrassment creeping up on you. 

At your response his hips stilled, stoic teal eyes gazing at you as you looked away. You didn’t see the smirk that returned to his features. 

“Goodness, my wife is insatiable.” He dragged his length out fully. 

Before you could even let out another whine at the loss, he returned it fully inside of you. Filling out your unexpecting walls again pounding against that spongey patch, making your back arch up and toes curl. 

“AH!” Your body was pressed impossibly close to his. 

“I wonder if I should keep you at home, confined to the bedroom for your sake.” His hot breath ghosted over your ear. 

He was pistoning in and out now, fat tip abusing your sweet spot just the way you wanted it. Your walls were clenching around his girth just like how your arms were holding onto him to ground your sanity. The searing white flashes of pleasure were shooting up through your nerves, the edge was approaching fast. The filthy fantasy Alhaitham was painting in your mind only served to quicken the process. 

“All you have to do is be a good wife, and welcome me home with open legs. How about that?” Alhaitham pressed sweet kisses against your neck, a far cry from the filth that was leaving his tongue. 

You felt his teeth brush against the side of your neck before they clamped down. That was what unraveled the knot inside you. Your ankles hooked together as your hips pushed closer to his. Back arching almost painfully, bodying trembling and eyes rolling back. Alhaitham let out a small hiss at the tightness of your walls contracting. He wasn’t going to last long if you continued to be this impossibly tight. 

He could tell from the way your eyes were still seeing the back of your head you were still in the midst of your orgasm. This meant that Alhaitham was free to chase after his own release now. So he does. His length continues to pound against your quivering walls, pushing through the tight clenches. The extra gush of slick helped to accelerate his movements further. Sloppy slapping of skin against skin, he could feel that his tip was probably red and swollen from his calculated delayed release. 

Pressing his pulsing tip right up against your cervix, the tension inside him finally snapped. Flooding your walls with thick, warm release. Your body instantly responded, walls beginning to twitch and convulse more, trying to milk every last drop. Alhaitham panted against your neck, sucking on the soft skin from time to time as he held your body close. 

“Mmm… Don’t mark up my neck. I brought all these pretty dresses to wear and now I can’t wear anything but turtle necks.” Your fingers tussled through his messy ash locks. It seems like you’ve returned from cloud nine.

“You can just wear them in the room.” He pressed another kiss to your neck. 

Before you could voice your complaints your husband buries your face into the crook of his neck, a silent invitation. Who were you to reject? The sensation of your teeth clamping down onto his smooth skin, leaving deep indentations seems to appease his primal urges noted by the low growl that rumbles in his chest. 

“Would you like to take a bath, habibti?” Gentle finger caressed your face. 

You hummed in confirmation, nuzzling into his touch more. The calm, sweet lull of intimacy washed over the room. Passion satisfied, for now at least. 

“You smell.” Dehya scrunched up her nose. 

You gave a deadpan stare at your Alpha friend beside you. You recently returned from your trip to Fontaine, meeting up with your friends to show them the gifts you had brought back. 

The weather wasn’t that hot today so you definitely weren’t sweating, and your outfit was also fresh from the clothesline. You even took a quick shower before you went to the agreed-upon cafe. You brought your arm up to your nose for a quick sniff, nothing smelled particularly off. 

“I smell normal.” You raised an eyebrow at her. 

“No, you smell like you just rolled around in the forest.” She retorted. 

Now you were confused, glancing at Candace and Nilou. Wait, why does it look like the two were trying to hold back their laughter? What is going on? You just wanted to give them their souvenirs. 

“What Dehya is trying to say is… it seems like you’ve gotten closer to your husband.” Candace rested her elbows on the table as she leaned in. 

Oh. They meant that. A scarlet flush instantly engulfed your cheeks, a silent admission of the truth. All at once you saw the gleam in your friends’ eyes, and they started hounding you for the details. 

The tea served at the cafe was always brewed to perfection and the leaves were of the highest quality. However, your friends were much more interested in the new development of your marriage. 

–

You were drained. You loved your friends, you really do. But spilling the tame details of the budding romance between you and your husband with burning cheeks sure depleted your battery. In a way, they deserved to know, supporting you for over five years throughout the murkier times. 

At the moment, you were curled up on the couch against your husband’s chest. Fingers fiddling with the ring that matched yours resting on his finger, as his attention was trained on the book in his other hand. It wasn’t time for your ritual quiet reading session, so you felt it was appropriate to quietly enjoy some skinship. Alhaitham didn’t seem to mind. 

“Haitham.” You began. 

“Mm?”

“What is your scent like?” You continued to fiddle with his wedding ring. 

“According to your friends, a tree.” His deep voice replied, never once looking up. 

“Mmm.” Your lips pressed into a line, still toying with the gold band. 

You had that look on your face, Alhaitham notes. Demons don’t disappear so easily, even at the start of a new chapter, they will continue to cling to your shadow. If he could, Alhaitham would strangle those devils with his own bare hands. But he couldn’t. So instead, he shall always be there to pull you out from the ice-cold water back to the warm shore. 

He flips the book over, placing it faced down on the arm of the couch. His full attention was now on you as he tenderly grasped your hand, pulling you closer. He pressed his nose against your neck, senses searching through the thick layer of opulent woodiness. 

The faint sweet hints of padisarah pudding mixed with the bath products and laundry detergent you shared were guarded by that layer. The scent that he recognizes as yours, the scent he shares with you. 

“I smell like you. That is the only scent I will recognize as mine.” His teal eyes peered up at you. 

You were silent for a moment, hand halting but still grasping the ring. 

“Pfft. Have you been reading my old novels again?” You couldn’t suppress the small laugh and smile. 

“Did you want me to?” 

“No.” 

You intertwined your fingers with his, rings clinking together, a physical show of a bond. 

Alhaitham rested his head in the crook of your neck, continuing to breathe in your essence. The scent of you always seems to lull him into a drowsy state of comfort. Yet, it wasn’t heavy nor did it cloud his thoughts, so he could always think clearly of you. Yes, this is the scent he adores. 

“Have you been doing something to make my Alpha and Omega coworkers avoid me?” 

“...” 

“What a weird Alpha you are.” You rubbed your cheek against your husband's resting face. 

You’ve been sluggish lately, Alhaitham observed. More often than not, he found himself carrying your sleeping frame back to bed after you fell asleep curled up on the sofa. Book in your limp hands. Your alarm would also be ringing longer than usual, you used to be able to turn it off by the first ring so as to not disturb him from his slumber. You knew he was a light sleeper. 

As he took a bite of the dinner you had just cooked he notes the blander taste. It was your usual style to throw in as many spices as you pleased. It was the start of flu season, and Alhaitham noted the cough that’s been going around in his office. However, he had a different hypothesis he wanted to share with you tonight. He watched as you chewed then shallowed. 

“Habibti, have you taken a pregnancy test lately?” His voice was calm, tone stable. 

Your fork clattered against your plate as you stared at him starstruck, eyes wide and mouth agape. This was why he waited, it wouldn’t be good to have food go down the wrong pipe. He maintained a neutral expression, staring into your eyes to read the emotions that were running rampant behind them. 

“N-no… but…” A furrow formed between your brow as you brought a hand up your mouth. A habit of yours when you were deep in thought. 

The two of you were careful. Pills are taken at specific times. Morning after teas were always in stock around the house, either he brews it for you right after a moment of passion or you would drink it in the morning. However, Alhaitham wasn’t startled. He understands that even with birth control there was always a risk. 

Dinner was swiftly finished, dishes piled in the sink for later, there were more pressing matters to attend to. You were currently in the bathroom with the pregnancy test he had picked up on his way home from work. Alhaitham was leaning his back on the wall beside the bathroom door. He was trying to calculate when you last had your time of the month, or when exactly you began to behave differently. 

The singing hinges of the bathroom door pulled him out of his thoughts. You had that look on your face again. Alhaitham didn’t even need to look at the test in your hands to know the results, two red lines. From how frozen your stance was in the door frame, he already knew what thoughts were running through your mind. 

Children were never planned nor discussed, at the beginning the two of you were much more focused on your careers and enjoying your free time. That is to say, you greatly enjoyed the double income and no kids life. However, there was now a fork in the road. The hands holding the test were now trembling. Alhaitham quickly brought you into a tender embrace, to silence the wild thoughts before they begin to torment you. 

“Whatever your decision may be, I will support it unconditionally. Take your time.” Rubbing a small circle into your back. 

You were silent but your arms wrapped around his torso, resting your head against his shoulder. Quiet reading time was a bit more quiet than usual tonight. 

–

It was now a Saturday night, Alhaitham had already situated himself on his spot on the couch. There was already a book in his hands, but he didn’t open it, he was waiting for you. You usually didn’t take this long in the shower, he was beginning to wonder if he should go knock on the door. But there was no need, soon the soft thumps of your steps were heard coming down the hall. 

Contrary to the usual, you make a b-line straight into his lap, curling up against his board frame. He didn’t say anything, supporting you with an arm and holding you closer. 

“I want to keep the baby.” You spoke softly against his neck. 

Alhaitham closed his eyes, mind going deep into thought. There was more than enough money saved up to support a child. Sumeru has free good quality health care, a great daycare program, and the best education system. The nation offers a generous tax deduction for families with children. There were enough rooms in the house that one could be turned into a nursery, it would be troublesome to have to babyproof everything and rearrange the furniture. 

Ah, the two of you will have to sacrifice your free time and sleep to take care of a needy newborn. However… He opened his eyes. 

“Then we should start making preparations for our new addition.” 

If it’s with you, Alhaitham is more than willing to sacrifice those luxuries and needs. 

Alhaitham had to be more observant, the changes to your body and hormones made it so you were much more sensitive to your surroundings. Foods that were too strong in scent had to be dialed back or not cooked in the house. He also took care to clear the floor of any stacks of books lest your foot knocks into them. 

The worst part of it was probably how the pregnancy was disrupting your sleep. Your body needs it, yet the growing bump and overactive hormones made it hard for you to find a position that welcomed the sweet embrace of sleep. Often tossing and turning, Alhaitham would  place a pillow under your belly which seemed to help a bit. 

Then came morning sickness, Alhaitham is adamant that your child be thankful for all the suffering you were enduring to give life to them. 

The ashen-haired Alpha had been extra careful with his inhibitors as well, making sure each dose was measured to the line and constantly checking the dates printed on the bottles. Still, the clawing of his instincts only grew stronger as his teal eyes observe your bump growing day by day. You were working so hard to carry the child, he needed to do something to make you relax and comfortable. 

–

Currently, your bed has been buried under a mountain of quilts and plush pillows. You had your hands on your hips as your eyes surveyed the messy state of the bed you had just made a few hours earlier. You folded and pack those quilts away weeks ago, why were they back out? 

“Haitham, why can’t I see our own bed?”

“There’s no cause for concern. Your body must be tired, go take a rest.” A gentle large hand rested on your lower back, encouraging you towards the heavenly pile. 

That sentiment from seven years ago still rings true to this day. Your husband is weird. Still, there was a small smile on your face, what a silly sweet weirdo he is. The soft wafts of fresh linen encapsulated your senses, layers upon layers of fabric cushioning your achy joints and growing belly. Gentle fingers combed their way through your hair, making your eyelids grow heavy. 

Were these inherited instincts or learned gestures from old light novels? Oh well, the answer is irrelevant. 

One Saturday afternoon you were rudely awakened by the maddening repetition of thumping. You were now well into your second trimester, the bump on your belly growing steadily day by day, which only meant your sleep schedule only got worse. All your senses have been going into overdrive lately, every bump in the night making your eyes snap open. You groggily rubbed the sleep out of your eyes, begrudgingly rousing your sluggish body from the haven of pillows and blankets. 

By this point, you and Alhaitham had announced to friends and family about your pregnancy, there were many tears of excitement shed that day. Followed by a steady stream of boxes and gifts placed into your or your husband's hands. These items ranged from teas to help with morning sickness to long loose maternity gowns. 

At first, you raised an eyebrow at the shapeless dresses your mother had gifted to you. Stating that they made you look like a lost ghost. However, now with your baby bump, the soft loose fabric felt divine against your sensitive skin. Carefully, pushing off the mattress you took your time gaining your balance. Moving has become troublesome because of your now shifted center of gravity.

Steadying yourself with a hand on the hallway wall you waddled toward the source of the commotion. As you grew closer to the room across the guest room, an extra space that was utilized as a small side library the barrage of noises stung your ears more. You felt irritation creeping up on you. 

Grasping your hand on the door frame you peered inside to see a head of blonde hair. Oh. It’s Kaveh. That explains the noise. 

You quietly observed the back of the unaware man as he continued to hammer furniture together. Your husband had told you earlier in the week that Kaveh would be coming over to help set up the nursery. He mentioned something about the blond having to pay off an old debt. 

Oh well, it saves you and Alhaitham the trouble of rearranging the furniture. 

“Ugh, that bastard has not changed a single bit. Who would choose such an ugly bassinet? His poor child will be welcomed into the world surrounded by ugly furniture.” 

Your lips pressed into a firm line. You had chosen the bassinet when out shopping with your husband. You bought it with your own money too. You thought it was quite cute… It’s cute, right? You waddled off to find your husband. 

“Alhaitham…” Tighnri stood just to the left of the glass door of the small cafe, your favorite cafe. 

Your husband was exiting the door, a small chime from the bell hanging above his head announcing his departure. A brown take-out bag, that contained the padisarah pudding you have been craving for the fourth time this week, clutched firmly in his hand. Alhaitham greeted his fellow colleague with a nod of acknowledgment. 

“I know your wife is pregnant. However, food should be in moderation. Especially sweets. You should know that during pregnancy the change in hormones makes it harder for the body to control its levels of-”

The ashen-haired man raised one hand, signaling for the other to halt their lecture. 

“I acknowledge your expertise and advice. However, time is precious and to save both of ours, I invite you to take this debate up with my wife. To warn you beforehand, you will lose.” 

Tighnari let out a huff of exasperation, steps heading in the direction of your shared home with Alhaitham. Surely you were more reasonable than your Alpha husband at the moment. Tighnari knew it was in their primal instincts to pamper their mates, caving into any demand no matter how unreasonable or troublesome. 

The head secretary has always been a rather level-headed individual in his eyes, sometimes to a fault, so it must just be his instincts influencing his actions. Tignari even heard from a certain blond that the ashen-haired man had given him the deadliest glare because the architect had critiqued your taste in home decor. 

“It’s normal for people to have cravings during their pregnancies, and for the most part, it’s harmless. However, there is a whole misconception about the saying ‘eating for two’. In truth, you only need about an extra glass of milk and an extra pita pocket a day. You are feeding a small-”

Alhaitham stared ahead at the path in front of him, doing his best to tune out the ramblings of the shorter man walking beside him. He had one purpose, and that was to deliver your padisarah pudding to you. 

–

Tighnari was now walking in the direction of his own home, spirit shaking a bit. Like always, Alhaitham’s prediction was flawless. He lost. The defiant blank gaze you gave him at the doorway of your house was enough to make the ebony-haired Alpha stop his clearly unsolicited advice. In the end, you got your pudding.

“That is all I have to report. Now that you have this knowledge, I trust that you will be able to decide if this proposition is fair or not. Here are the files for you to look through.” The ivory-haired Alpha placed the stack of papers on the smooth desk. 

“Understood. Thank you for the report, Cyno.” Alhaitham gathered the paperwork into his hands, beginning to skim through the contents. 

His teal-orange eyes soon left the crisp papers, peering at his colleague with an inquisitive glance. It wasn’t like the head lawyer to remain in his office after he finished delivering his information. 

“Is there any more you would like to discuss?” 

“Yes, I have prepared a gift for your child.” Cyno reached into his blazer pocket. 

Alhaitham hid his sigh. Your home was already littered with so many gifts and baby items, it was troublesome keeping the floors clear of any potential tripping hazards. You were now in your third trimester, slow steps more focused on your balance and the ache in your lower back than paying attention to the floor. 

Your husband wonders if he should have waited until he applied for maternity leave to tell his closest colleagues about your pregnancy. 

“Here.” Cyno handed him an engraved box.

Was this a TCG card case? Alhaitham’s unreadable eyes shifted between the case and the head lawyer’s eager eyes. Really, he should’ve expected this, he is already well aware of the tan Alpha’s obsession with the card game. 

“Thank you.” Your husband took the gift from the awaiting hand. 

“I custom-made the deck to be as beginner friendly as possible. Even still, these cards are staples in the game so this deck will be solid regardless of the changing meta. I made sure to have every card laminated as young children don’t know restraint. The box is also custom-made, it is made from solid wood but any sharp edges have been rounded out.”

“You didn’t have to go through so much unnecessary trouble.” Alhaitham wishes that Cyno didn’t. 

“Since most gifts have been either for your wife or for the child, I have prepared a gift for you as well.” Cyno reached into his inner coat pocket. 

This was unexpected. Your husband observed the tan man pull out a small journal. Stationary? You had already gifted Alhaitham a lifetime supply, but they were for only very important situations. So this could be a welcomed addition.

“I wrote down some of my best jokes for you to tell.” 

Nevermind. Alhaitham didn’t even want to reach for the small notebook. Cyno places it on top of the desk. 

“It’s unnecessary.” 

“It will help pass the time while entertaining your child. Your wife has been pregnant for a while now, it must feel like an maternity.” 

“...”

“Did you not get it? It’s because ‘maternity’ sounds like ‘eternity’ and-”

“I am very busy, head lawyer. Please excuse yourself from my office.”  

 Alhaitham was aware of the concept of ‘pregnancy glow’ from the anatomical journals he read some time ago. However, seeing it in person was much different from what the book had described. Another example of how learning purely from books is not enough. 

You were radiant, features softer and skin glowing. The aura around you has also been much gentler, likely attributed to your constant drowsiness and lack of stress from work as you were now on maternity leave. More often than not, Alhaitham finds it hard to keep his hands off of you.

 Resting an open hand on your round belly, feeling the subtle shifts of your child as he reads. Hugging you from behind as you cook, it’s to support the baby he reasons. He offers his chest as a pillow whenever sleep calls for you regardless if it was on the couch, you needed your rest.

However, there’s a caveat: others can’t seem to keep their hands off you either. 

“Oh! What a strong kick! I think they have real potential for dance.” Nilou exclaimed as she felt your belly. 

“Haha, what a meddlesome kid already. Kicking your poor mommy.” Dehya also had one hand resting a top. 

“It’s uncomfortable, yes, but it’s a good sign that they’re healthy and strong.” You let out a small sigh. 

“Here, have another pillow to support you” Candace placed the soft cushion behind your back, relieving some of the pressure. 

“Thank you, Candace. Even though I’m going to become a mother soon, it seems you’ll always be the mom of our group.” You giggled, giving your friends a wide smile. 

“Oh, you flatter me too much.” Candace chuckled, joining the rest in feeling your round bump. 

Alhaitham sat in your usual spot on the adjacent sofa, trying to read his book. However, his teal eyes couldn’t help but peer over at the hands that were plastered all over your belly. Although his gaze remained neutral, his lips were slightly pressed into a line. Their hands didn’t need to linger for that long he surmises. 

–

“Have a safe trip back!” You bid your friends goodbye, it was nice to have visitors when you couldn’t leave the house easily. 

Alhaitham closes the front door after their figures disappeared into the distance, offering his muscular arm to support you. You gladly accepted, as your feet and joints sang with relief as pressure was shifted off of them. Slowly strolling down the hall back to the living room. 

Alhaitham presses a soft kiss against your temple, a clever diversion from his true intentions. He couldn’t help the frown that formed on his lips or the scrunch of his nose. Your friends had drenched you in their scent, overpowering your subtle fragrance. Tsk, this is why others should keep their hands to themselves. 

“Let's take a shower. Of course, I’ll assist you.” 

“Mm? Haitham, it’s pretty early. We haven’t even had dinner.” 

“I’ll help you wash your hair as well.” 

“Haitham-”

“I’ll massage your shoulders and feet afterward.” 

“... Fine… remember to use the lotion as well.” 

“Of course.” 

There was no reason to be nervous even as your due date grew closer and closer. A room at the Bimarstan has already been reserved. He had already prepared a hospital bag with extra clothes, blankets, and toiletries. Alhaitham also packed some books in there was well. However, as you began to count down the days, it’s hard not to notice the anticipation in the air. You were very much ready to meet your child and to finally not be pregnant anymore. 

“Do you think the child will be more like you or me?” You turned to face your husband as he lay in bed. 

“It doesn’t matter. As long as they’re healthy.” Alhaitham tucks a quilt from the nest up to your chin. 

“Oh? I think that if our child looks like you but has my personality, they’d be quite popular.” You pondered out loud. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham pulls you closer to him from behind, resting his chin atop your head. 

“Then if they resemble you, it's best that they have my personality. Lest our peaceful lives will be disrupted by a constant stream of suitors at the door.” He entertains your musing. 

Your soft giggle jingles through the air as you stroked your belly, his hands soon join yours. A comfortable silence encapsulated the two of you, his soft caresses lulling your heavy lids closed. This was the sweet calm lull of normalcy, and you both were satisfied. 

Alhaitham had closed his eyes, only for them to snap open with the sudden jolt of your body. Did the baby kick again? They sure are disruptive, he can already feel the long sleepless nights to come. However, there were still a few days to stock up on as much rest as possible. 

“Haitham, I think my water broke.” 

Nevermind. 

–

 You were holding onto his hand with an iron-clad grip, crushing his fingers together. However, he knew this was barely scratching the surface of the discomfort you were currently experiencing. If he could, Alhaitham would bare all your pain himself. 

However, he couldn’t so he’ll sit beside you in the Bimarstan, brushing the hair out of your sweat-socked face and whispering sweet nothings to encourage your efforts. You’ve been in labor now for about four hours. Alhaitham has decided that the first thing your child learns to write will be a thank you letter addressed to you. 

You were trying to keep your breathing as stable as possible, practicing the technique the midwife taught you. Put the pain of the contractions always broke your streak, making you have to start from the beginning to try and steady your breath. The midwives and doctors were encouraging you to push as hard as you could. You already were, but you took a deep breath and then held onto it. Giving it your all. 

--

“WWAAHHHHH!” 

A loud, piercing, yet beautiful cry echoed off the walls. 

“It's a boy!” The doctors announced. 

--

“He’s got quite the set of lungs.” You giggled, tears still pooling at the corners of your eyes. Cradling your newborn. 

Alhaitham only let out a gentle hum, resting his head on your shoulder as he gazes at his son. Eyes as soft as the little one’s plump cheeks. It was quite a riveting experience, how can one fall in love with a little stranger so quickly? 

“No more full nights rest for us when we return home, huh.” You rested your head on top of his ashen hair, smiling as you continued to stare at your little bundle. 

Your husband lets out a soft mixture of a hum and a chuckle. He’s already prepared himself to sacrifice sleep in order to nurture this little bond created between the two of you. 

To your surprise and his great delight, your child sleeps through the nights well. A little too well. You had been released from the Bimarstan just a few days ago, the doctors all said your child was healthy. However, you couldn’t help but stare at him as if you were in a trance. 

“Come to bed, your body needs the rest to heal.” His warm touch grasped the sides of your shoulders, as Alhaitham pressed his face into your neck. Trying to lure you back. 

“Yes, I know but… just a little while longer.” You reached a hand up to tussle through his soft locks. 

Your eyes never stopped observing the small ups and downs of your little bundle of joy as he slept. Well, the face he made earlier when you had woken him up for his regular feedings sure wasn’t one of joy. He’s just like his father, grumpy when disturbed from the sweet embrace of sleep. But he needed to feed every three hours if he was to grow up healthily. 

“He’s quite a lot like you. A deep sleeper.”

“Oh? I think he’s quite like you, Haitham. You should’ve seen the mean mug he gave me.”

“I never scowl at you.”

“Yes, but you’re grumpy when woken up.”

“Hmph.” Your husband buries his face deeper into your nape. Teal eyes never breaking their gaze from the child you’ve gifted him. 

The air was quiet, yet warm and sweet. It was well past your preferred bedtime, but strangely not a single muscle felt tired as two pairs of eyes continued to study the small moments of his chest. 

“Should we head to bed now, Haitham?”

“Mm, perhaps a few more minutes wouldn’t make a drastic difference.” 

Fin~

#alhaitham x reader #alhaitham x y/n #al-haitham x you #alhaitham headcanons #alhaitham x you #alhaitham smut #alhaitham scenarios #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact x you #genshin x you #genshin omegaverse #genshin smut #alhaitham fluff #vivalabunbunfics #alhaitham fanfic #al haitham x you #alhaitham x yn #alhaitham imagines

[lordsardine]

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#well the date went okay?? he didn’t even like Try to initiate anything which made me feel comfortable #honestly he’s very nice and we’re meeting again Monday #miscellaneous #I’m still like #nervous about the whole Physical thing and don’t know if I’m doing anything right but like 😭 sure why not #holy fuck it is freezing rn we both were like yeah fuck walking around let’s go home and defrost 😭 #gonna take a hot shower and binge some YouTube

[cdreambur]

real music

#first time having english songs in this kind of post lmao #but yeah miscellaneous rock songs i love :D #especially kintsugi kid like i almost cried when i heard that song for the first time #i have so much to say about it but i will hold back #to sum it up: i am not normal about this song #like just the fucking opening lines make me wanna bash my head against a wall #i consider it musical perfection #other two are so good too like i've honestly been obsessed with all of these at one point lmao #real music monday #Spotify