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#lambert has already done this
minne-cerbinna · 9 months
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I'm playing TW1 again and I have thoughts about this tiny little sequence in the Chapter 2 quest "Memories of a Blade", which amounts to the only mention of Coën in the game.
When undertaking this quest, Geralt is investigating the origin of the silver sword he was given to slay a cockatrice; he mistakenly believes that it might be Berengar's sword since he knows the other witcher to have been in the area. A conversation with Thaler, from whom the sword was confiscated by the guard, will lead him eventually to speak to the Gardener outside St. Lebioda's hospital in Vizima. This man used to be a mercenary under Pretty Kitty, but has since retired and works as a gardener, and had lost the silver sword at dice poker. When interacted with, he will begin any conversation with "Look how they grow!", referring to the plants in his garden. The player can then initiate the quest dialogue with option one, "I'm more interested in silver swords".
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GERALT: I'm more interested in silver swords.
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GARDENER: I knew one of you would come by eventually.
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GERALT: You lost it playing dice?
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GARDENER: I was sure I'd win. Beware, the sharp one plays well.
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GERALT: Where did you get this sword?
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GARDENER: Five years ago, there was a battle near Brenna. When the dust had settled, our men had beaten the Nilfgaardians. We ceased to call ourselves an imperial province that day.
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GERALT: You captured the sword during the battle?
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GARDENER: Yes, it was witcher Cöen's [sic]. A strapping fellow and a rare breed. Not very talkative, mind you.
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GERALT: Like most of us.
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GARDENER: I gave my word the sword would find another witcher. As he lay dying, he mumbled about teeth and destiny. Then he laughed -- at his own death.
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GERALT: Yet you lost it gambling?
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GARDENER: I kept it hidden for five years. I lost hope I'd ever run into another witcher. Miss Shani knew Cöen [sic]. She works at the hospital.
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GERALT: Thanks.
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GARDENER: Good luck on the path!
The quest will lead you to speak with Shani, then Zoltan, but neither will provide further information on Coën, aside from Shani mentioning that he died on her operating table -- Shani's dialogue is to provide her backstory as a medic at Brenna and to mention Rusty, and Zoltan simply assesses the quality of the blade to ensure that it is a witcher blade of good workmanship. It has no further significance to Geralt, who, without his memory, has no idea who Coën is and has more pressing matters to deal with than to look into the past of a man who died five years ago (according to the somewhat off-kilter game timeline, anyway). But it's the only mention of Coën in the games, and I find that it's a very interesting way to manifest his presence.
I think it is reasonable to tie Coën quite closely to his sword on a symbolic level, if one considers his appearance in the novels where he not only trains with Ciri, but his prowess with a sword is unrivaled even by the other witchers to the point where she believes that he may be the best swordsman in the world. Additionally, the fact that he fought at Brenna at all means that he offered his sword in the service of the Northern Kingdoms, and when he dies, he is identified by his peers as a "master swordsman" rather than as a witcher, despite the fact that they know of his nature. As such, Coën's sword is a very important possession for him to leave behind.
And from there, there is a connection to Lambert, left unsaid. To go beyond the simple fact that Coën was Lambert's friend, someone dearly loved who was close enough with Lambert and his family to get on with the other wolves and stay a winter at Kaer Morhen, the importance lies with the sword. As with any witcher, Coën wouldn't have much in the way of worldly possessions to bequeath onto someone else in the event of his prophecied death. But he does have his swords, which are established as symbolically important to him. A steel sword could be taken up by any warrior capable enough to use it, but a silver sword belongs in the hands of a witcher, and that is what Coën asked for on his deathbed, for his silver sword to be given to another witcher. While it's very possible that this is meant in a general way, that he just wanted any other witcher to take it up, to avoid the sword being wasted, broken, or dismantled for its composite parts, it also strikes me as possible that he could have intended it for a specific witcher.
Lambert is one of the instructors for Ciri when she's first learning the swordplay and acrobatics associated with being a witcher. Lambert is the one in the first game to provide the instructional descriptions of the Fighting Styles for Geralt to regain his swordplay competencies after losing his memories. And there is another bit of dialogue in TW3 that really emphasises both Lambert's connection to Vesemir, the swordmaster of Kaer Morhen, and the idea of swords as inheritance, as a manifestation of closeness:
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LAMBERT: Knew the old man couldn't live forever. Huh, even told Eskel that when it came time, I'd get his sword. Fits my hand perfectly, you know.
Which is a heartbreaking notion in and of itself upon which I could expostulate, the symbolism there in the fraught relationship between Lambert and his father figure reduced to something as simple as a hilt that fits two hands perfectly. But if this is the inheritance that Lambert wants, it makes it all the more pertinent that Coën desperately wanted his silver sword to make it into the hands of another witcher. Lambert, the son of a swordmaster, wants to take on a sword as a memento of someone he has lost, and Coën, the master swordsman, left his sword behind. Even if Lambert were not the specific intended target of the sword, he would have possibly or even likely known Coën well enough to fulfill his wishes, whatever they might be.
And yet Coën's sword never makes it home or into the hands of someone who would value it, like Lambert would, this last memory of his dear friend. Geralt makes use of the sword during his time in Vizima, and then it is lost, replaced by the gifted Aerondight. And so Coën is lost with it, never mentioned again.
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harrysfolklore · 1 year
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Instagram concept with Sami miro as the face claim and she’s Harry’s stylist and they eventually start dating
HERE !! i loved this concept i hope you like it <33
MASTERLIST | MY PATREON
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yourinstagram starting the job of my dreams this week 🥺
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yourinstagram FIRST STOP OF LOVE ON TOUR DONE !!! thank uuuu for all the love on h's outfits, putting them together for each night has been so far the coolest thing i've ever done as a job, see you soon munich 🤍🕺
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harrystyles Love On Tour. Horsens II. May, 2023.
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harryupdate HARRY ON STAGE IN COVENTRY TONIGHT !!! YN UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT LOOK AT THE HITTIES !!
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yourinstagram snap from the other day !! also spoiler alert: the theme for edinburgh night one will be donus ily harries
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bluedillylee · 8 months
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The witcher timeline is already a mess so I can fit in more family time at kaer morhen if I want.
I want the witchers to help throw a fun party for Ciri to make up for mocking her when she dressed up and to help her feel better after Voleth Mier.
image description below
Yennefer, Ciri, Jaskier, Geralt, Vesemir, Eskel, Lambert and Coen dance in a circle with joined hands.
Yennefer looks at Ciri with a soft expression thinking “She looks happy…good”
Ciri is blushing while looking at Jaskier
Jaskier is saying “c’mon Ciri, let’s show these wolves how it’s done. Do your best with those cloven hooves, Yennefer.”
Geralt is doing the wrong dance moves and thinking “Fuck, wrong foot.”
Vesemir is asleep as he dances
Eskel has scars from the Leshen transformation and whispers to Lambert “is it just me or is the bard hot?”
Lambert has a look of concentration on his face as he says “both of you shut the fuck up. I’m fucking dancing here.”
Coen is laughing at Lambert and saying tauntingly “ c’mon Lamby you’re getting shown up by the bard”
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circuscountdowns · 3 months
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Crude Timeline/Breakdown of my goofy Cult of the Lamb drawings if you’re interested:
The whole premise for this i guess au? Started during my first run, I already knew the game was about kill god become god, but Did Not know you could Marry the god youd betray??? Or indoctrinate him???. Like I didn't even choose the Marriage Doctrine cuz I'm like boo r u kidding me I'm choosing violent Battle Pit always. Which Lambert wouldn't know any of this in the beginning either but the big deciding factor is: 
Lamb is going into it with the mindset of Kill All Gods for what they've done to the sheep (sorry my benefactor, ur included <3) Kratos style lets go, none spared.
That being said, they have a lot of devotion towards Death, I like to think the Sheep folk prayed to The One Below for quick passings knowing they're a huge sacrificial species, and because sheep with their huge herd mentality, the worship flowed heavily which is a threat therefore that plus prophecy equals Slaughter. 
So with TOWW, they play along and genuinely mean they're serving death because they worshiped Death as a concept, a divine entity. They believe when they “kill” TOWW they'll still be “together” because Death is unkillable right (and the lamb would never have to be alone again right). Something new will be written thats the both of us as one.
So in between crusading Lamb and TOWW get closer (i am going to take your throne but that doesn't mean we can't have fun banter or that i don't really really enjoy ur compliments and attention ((because I love kittys…))) and that's when the comic about tanking happens. 
But oh no! Through their journey Lamb discovers that TOWW is actually a Bishop, chained for a petty family squabble??? Has a name and it’s Narinder???? 
The revelation kinda breaks something in their head. it upsettingly humanizes the Bishops, trivializes the death of their people, and takes TOWW off the pedestal they'd placed him on. Uh ohhhh how does this change things i mean I'm still gonna kill all the gods but what does it mean to be a god is it just a crown whats going to happen to Narinder is it actually Narinder I like ?? (And i had a comic for this time planned but idk if ill get to it)
Meanwhile Narinders opinion on the Lamb has so far just been Wow im so proud, I chose good yay I'm gonna be free (why do I feel like I could be free from their devotion alone?) (why are they just like me fr?) 
When Narinder is defeated and they have the choice, the lamb feels they betray both their people for not keeping their promise to kill all gods, but also their Faith and Narinder, v conflicting. 
After indoctrination, Narinder does his typical Isolation, depression, and Lamb mourns what they'd had. In their loneliness, they stop allowing their cultists to die for long. They do all Narinders quests, and when it comes to the resurrection he's like Haha I remember why I liked you. But also he can exploit this. That's the time of the Resurrection comic.
He tries to micromanage from there, if he can't be the god being worshiped rn he's going to control the god. Starts off with whispering insecurities of Your cultists will find a way to leave you, be firmer. Gods should do this, have this, they'll leave if you don't. Lamb knows what he's doing and mostly humors him to keep him around but over time they've just both started to build a proper relationship again. He successfully ironically becomes their right hand.
This goes on for a sec before Mystic Seller knocks on da door like Hello do your joobbbb. And thats a kick enough to get Lamb out of their misery shit to really consider their original plan of killing gods and what exactly they want Death to Mean. (Comes to a conclusion that death is a peace that has to be earned. Through living.)
Bringing Leshy back brings a rift and arguments between Narinder and Lamb. That's when the Narinder Confessional comic happens and he lets out just how hurt he was by Lambs betrayal (cuz that seems to be all anyone ever does to him lol except for his sons)
So as a sort of reconciliation! Lamb brings back Aym and Baal. Yay! That's that comic, where Narinder tries to say it doesn't affect him so Lamb forces them to be together. Aym and Ball stay in the cult for a good while as Lamb works to free Heket, but Narinder is still super giving Lamb the cold shoulder. When Heket is indoctrinated Narinder gets angry again that he has no say on the matter. 
Lamb starts sneaking off to sit in the confessional booth at night and it gets Narinders attention. He follows them in and hears them speak about essentially their motivations and beliefs described earlier. I have a half finished comic of this to partner with Narinder’s confessional, with Lamb’s being more down to earth and kinda just explanatory of the whole timeline but who knows if ill finish it tbh
Narinder reassesses his feelings for Lamb after that.
Right after Lamb's confessional would be when the Baal and AYm comic happens, and Narinder asks for his last request of going on a mission, fully committing to living a life.
Cue big ambiguous gap of time where Lamb gets the other siblings, yada yada healing and dealing. Shamura in the pillory comic happens, the bishops are Not happy about it, but Shamura's only locked up for a night.
Probably takes a hundred or two years for the siblings being comfortable enough around each other and theres a lot less venom being spat out. Idk gods grudges be lasting forever sometimes. Eventually They can start having family game nights, cue that comic. Everyones tired of the shit Lamb and Narinders got going on. 
Lamb still thinks Narinder doesnt have romantic feelings for them. Best friends til the end me and my god, never mind the tense flirting. Lamb does that with everyone. (cursed with flirty asexual disease) For Narinder its that he shouldnt have to say anything everyone should just know that the Lamb is his. Straight up if Lamb asked him, do you love me hed say yes in every sense, but though he is aware of how he feels and would be honest on approach, an immortal relationship/marriage?? It is a lot to ask of the lamb, that has to be a decision they make. Hes content as is.
but No Way could Lamb ask that without a safety net.  So when Lamb realizes Oh its like. romantic jealousy? Interesting lets see how far i can push it, announces they will be choosing a spouse (due to a wager lost they reason, depending on who asks) (the siblings who know of Shamura’s deal, watch in mild amusement at how absolutely wired this gets their brother. No one helps him.) fine for narinder If they get married thats up to them but hes gonna make sure theyre worthy of his vessel first. Marriage is just a title compared to what he and the Lamb have. 
Cue comic i have planned that is Such a funny idea to me but im not liking how its turning out so who knows. But they get married yay! 
Some years later kudaai has offered to make the lamb their own weapon. They go on a little trip to the spot they were sacrificed, now very overgrown and forgotten, and find their chains to make their weapons. 
far future comic
many many many years later Lamb death comic.
that’s it for now. I’ll add more if ideas come but this is context if you’d like. Feel free to ask questions, I’m rotating these fellas in my head
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doormatty3 · 3 months
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Veiled Passions (Josh Lambert x Reader)
Masterlist Ao3
Summary:
[Josh Lambert x Female Reader] [Josh Lambert x You]  After you and Josh had sex, the mutual attraction between you continues to grow stronger. You know that you should stay away from him - he’s your friend's dad, around two decades older than you and divorced. And yet, you both find yourselves irresistibly drawn to each other. So, as the year progresses, you decide to pursue a committed relationship while keeping it a secret from friends and family. But lies never live to be old - especially when they are this severe. And yet, he makes you the happiest you’ve ever been, but doubts creep in as you're reminded of the reasons you should steer clear. And when Dalton, your friend, also confesses his feelings for you, the misery deepens, complicating an already tumultuous situation. Amidst the chaos, one thing remains clear - your heart belongs to Josh Lambert. OR: Josh shows you who you belong to.
Wordcount: 11440
Warnings: 18+, unprotected sex, creampie, breeding, vaginal sex, smut, dirty talk, older man/ younger woman, daddy issues, face fucking, blowjob
A/N: There it is - the second part of my Josh x Reader stories. So I advise you to catch up on the first one before you read this one: Part 1: Pushing Further
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Being a senior has its perks because you have the privilege to venture beyond the campus. While freshmen and those in between can also partake, the administration isn’t particularly fond of the idea.
The freedom to come and go as you please became a valuable asset, especially when it comes to visiting Josh at his house.
Josh, your friend’s father, is almost two decades your senior and divorced but also unbelievably hot and caring.
You got fortunate when you first had sex with him in Dalton and Chris’ room -  you cleaned up and then chatted until they came by. 
You still get wet when you think about that afternoon. It had been and still is, undoubtedly, the hottest thing you’ve ever done. You can still remember how it felt to have his cum inside your cunt dripping out while standing there, trying to appear normal while talking to Dalton and Chris and not like you just got absolutely wrecked by his dad.
Nevertheless, you decided unanimously that the sex in that room had been a one-time thing - the next time, he fucked you in your own dorm bed. And to avoid being caught by anyone, you decided it was safer to meet up at his place since it would have been hard to explain why he was in your room and not in his son’s. 
So far, you haven’t talked about what exactly you are, but there is a silent acknowledgement that your connection goes beyond the superficial. Perhaps fueled by an underlying fear on his part  -  a fear of potential heartache. It’s as if he sees in you the power to evoke emotions that are both thrilling and terrifying. And he’s right with that - the whatever you have has the potential of stirring up dust for both of you. 
Yet, there is a subtle yet undeniable gravitational force that draws you closer to Josh, and in turn, he reciprocates with a magnetic attraction. 
But you know that your fondness for him goes beyond mere friendship or a feeling of infatuation - you genuinely like him. 
As the year unfolds, so does the depth of your friendship with Chris and Dalton. Your bond remains steadfast, growing stronger with each shared moment. You make it a point to meet up as often as possible, cherishing the camaraderie and the sense of belonging that comes with it.
_____
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as you, Dalton, and Chris settle into your usual spot at the café. It’s a cosy haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the outside world, a place where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Chris’s eyes light up with excitement as she leans forward. “Hey, guys, I was thinking,” she begins, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. “What do you say we do something fun this weekend? Maybe go on a road trip or check out that new exhibit downtown?”
Dalton nods eagerly in agreement. “That sounds like a blast! Count me in! We could even go camping if the weather’s nice.”
Your heart flutters at the thought of spending quality time with your friends, but as you consider their invitation, a pang of guilt tugs at your conscience. You already have plans for the weekend  -  plans with Josh that you can’t share with your friends.
With a regretful smile, you shake your head. “As much as I’d love to join you guys, I’ve already made plans for the weekend,” you explain, hoping they won’t press for details.
Chris raises an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her expression. “Oh? What kind of plans?”
You hesitate, knowing you can’t reveal the truth. “It’s, um, a family thing,” you reply vaguely, feeling a twinge of guilt at the half-truth. “You know how it is.”
Dalton nods in understanding, though there’s a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “No worries, we’ll catch you next time.”
As the conversation shifts to other topics, you can’t shake the feeling of unease that settles over you. Keeping secrets from your friends weighs heavily on your conscience, but the thought of betraying Josh’s trust is even more daunting.
With a heavy heart, you take a sip of your coffee, the bitter taste serving as a reminder of the complexities of your situation. As you sit in silence, lost in thought, you can’t help but wonder how long you can keep up the charade before the truth inevitably comes to light.
_____
The Saturday morning sun filters through the curtains as you make your way to Josh’s house. It’s early; the world is still waking up around you, but you’re filled with a sense of anticipation as you approach his doorstep. Each step brings you closer to the clandestine rendezvous you’ve been eagerly awaiting.
As you reach the familiar front door, you pause for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady your nerves. You can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in your stomach, knowing that soon you’ll be wrapped in Josh’s arms, lost in the warmth of his presence.
With a steadying exhale, you reach out to knock, the sound echoing through the quiet morning air. Moments later, the door swings open, revealing Josh’s face, his eyes lighting up with a smile as he greets you.
His brown hair is tousled in a charmingly dishevelled way, and your breath catches in your throat. His stubble beard, meticulously groomed, frames his jawline perfectly, adding an air of ruggedness to his otherwise refined appearance. But it’s his piercing blue eyes, shining brightly with warmth and affection, that never fail to leave you spellbound.
Every time you lay eyes on him, it’s as if you’re struck by lightning, your heart skipping a beat at the sight of his undeniable handsomeness. His presence alone has a way of electrifying your senses, leaving you breathless and longing for more.
Dressed in a soft white shirt that hugs his toned arms and contours deliciously over his soft middle, Josh exudes an effortless allure. Paired with grey sweatpants and bare feet, he exudes a casual charm that only serves to enhance his appeal.
As you take in the sight of him standing before you, radiant and inviting, you can’t help but feel a surge of desire coursing through your veins. There’s an undeniable magnetism to him, a pull that draws you in closer with each passing moment.
“Hey,” he says softly, his voice tinged with warmth. “I’m glad you’re here.”
A rush of relief floods through you at his words, dispelling any lingering doubts or anxieties. You return his smile, a sense of comfort settling over you in his presence.
“Me too,” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
Without another word, Josh steps aside, inviting you into his home with a gentle gesture. As you cross the threshold, you can’t help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over you, as if you belong here with him.
As soon as the door clicks shut behind you, Josh wastes no time closing the distance between you, his arms enveloping you in a warm, reassuring embrace. The world around you fades into insignificance as he pulls you close, his touch sending shivers down your spine.
With a gentle yet firm grasp, he tilts your chin upwards, his blue eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that leaves you breathless. And then, without a word, his lips meet yours in a kiss that ignites a firestorm of emotion within you.
His kiss is tender yet passionate, a symphony of longing and desire that pulses between you with every beat of your heart. The softness of his lips against yours sends a wave of electricity coursing through your body, igniting every nerve ending with a spark of anticipation.
As you melt into his embrace, you feel a sense of completeness wash over you, as if every piece of your being has found its rightful place in his arms. The world falls away, leaving only the two of you suspended in a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss.
Time seems to stand still as you lose yourself in the sensation of his lips moving against yours, each kiss deepening the connection between you.
In that fleeting moment, nothing else matters except the overwhelming feelings that consume you. And as you bask in the warmth of his embrace, you know that this is where you belong  -  in his arms.
As you break from the hug, Josh leads you into his living room, the soft glow of the morning light bathing the room in a warm, inviting ambience. 
Both of you sit down on the cushions, and he pulls you close, sighing softly and content. As you steal a glance at him, you feel your heart flutter, and you know that this is the moment you need to talk about your feelings. 
There’s no easy way to broach the subject, no simple words to convey the complexities of your emotions.
“Josh,” you begin, your voice barely above a whisper, “there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
He turns to you, his blue eyes reflecting concern as he reaches out to gently squeeze your hand. “Of course, sweetheart. What’s on your mind?”
You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the vulnerability of your confession. “It’s about us,” you say, the words tumbling forth hesitantly, and you see his brow furrow. “About where we stand, what we mean to each other.”
Josh listens intently, his expression a mix of understanding and apprehension - and fear. “Go on,” he urges softly, his voice trembling.
“It’s just...,” you begin, your voice faltering as you grapple with the weight of your emotions. “I care about you, Josh, more than I can put into words. But there are so many obstacles in our way.”
You pause, struggling to find the right words to convey the myriad of concerns swirling in your mind. “The age difference, the fact that you’re my friend’s dad... It’s all so complicated.”
Josh nods in understanding, his gaze softening with empathy. “I know,” he says gently, and as he continues, his voice gets quieter with every word until he is whispering. “Believe me, I’ve thought about all of that too. But none of it changes how I feel about you.”
His words wash over you like a soothing balm, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. “I want something permanent with you,” you admit, your voice tinged with vulnerability. “Something real and lasting.”
A flicker of emotion crosses Josh’s features, his expression a mixture of tenderness and determination. “And so do I,” he replies, his voice unwavering. 
“I want us to be in a proper relationship,” he continues, his words carrying a weight that fills the room. “I want you to be my girlfriend.”
The air seems to crackle with electricity as his declaration sinks in, and for a moment, you’re rendered speechless. His words echo in your mind, sending ripples of emotion cascading through your soul.
A soft smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you meet his gaze, your heart overflowing with warmth and affection. “I’d like that,” you say softly, your voice filled with a quiet certainty. “I’d like to be your girlfriend.”
The words feel right, settling into place like pieces of a puzzle finally coming together. In that moment, you know with absolute clarity that this is where you’re meant to be  -  in Josh’s arms, as his partner, his confidante, his love.
His face lights up with a radiant smile, his eyes alight with joy as he reaches out to take your hand in his. “Thank you,” he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity. “You mean everything to me.”
As the weight of Josh’s words hangs in the air, a charged silence settles between you, filled with anticipation and longing. In that moment, without a word, he closes the gap between you, his lips meeting yours in a tender yet passionate kiss.
Time seems to stand still as the world fades away, leaving only the sensation of his touch, the warmth of his embrace. His kiss is like a symphony, each movement a melody that resonates deep within your soul.
In that fleeting moment, as you melt into each other’s embrace, you’re lost in a whirlwind of sensation, every nerve ending alight with the electricity of his touch. It’s a kiss that speaks volumes, a silent declaration of the love and desire that binds you together.
And as you pull away, breathless and flushed with emotion, and Josh’s brilliant blue eyes lock with yours, a surge of electricity courses through your veins, igniting a firestorm of desire within you. Without a word, he leans in once more, his lips capturing yours in a kiss that is both urgent and tender.
His hand cups your face with a gentle yet possessive touch, his fingers tracing the contours of your cheek as if committing every detail to memory. In that moment, there’s no room for doubt or hesitation, only the raw intensity of the connection between you.
The world falls away as you lose yourself in the sensation of his lips moving against yours, each kiss igniting a spark of longing and passion that burns brighter with each passing moment. It’s a dance of desire, a symphony of sensation that leaves you breathless and intoxicated with need.
_____
As the weekend unfolds in a whirlwind of love and laughter, you find yourself swept up in the magic of the moments shared with Josh. Each glance, each tender touch, serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection you share, a connection that transcends the obstacles looming on the horizon.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead  -  the age difference and the complexities of your relationship with Dalton and Chris  -  you can’t help but revel in the joy of what you and Josh have found together. 
But even amidst the euphoria of your budding romance, there’s a shadow that lingers in the recesses of your mind  -  the inevitable day when you’ll have to face the truth to confront the consequences of your choices. The thought of telling Chris and especially Dalton fills you with dread, like a Damocles sword hanging over your head, threatening to shatter the fragile peace you’ve found.
Yet, in the quiet moments shared with Josh, you find solace and strength, knowing that you’re not alone in this journey. He shares your fears and your doubts, but he’s also unwavering in his commitment to fight for what you have.
And so, hand in hand, heart in heart, you face the uncertainty of the future together, knowing that whatever challenges may come your way, you’ll confront them head-on, united in your love and determination.
As the sun sets on the blissful weekend spent in Josh’s company, a bittersweet sensation settles in the air. The time has come to bid farewell, though neither of you is quite ready to part ways.
Standing at the threshold of Josh’s front door, you exchange lingering gazes, each reluctant to break the spell of the moment. The weight of impending separation hangs heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the inevitable reality awaiting you both.
With a heavy heart, you muster the courage to speak, your voice soft but determined. “I wish this weekend didn’t have to end,” you confess, your words tinged with a hint of longing. 
Josh nods in agreement, his gaze filled with a mixture of sadness and affection. “I know,” he replies softly, reaching out to take your hand in his. “But we’ll see each other again soon, I promise.”
The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down your spine, a reassuring reminder of the bond you share. “Do you want to meet up next week?” you ask tentatively, hoping to prolong the precious moments spent together.
A shadow of hesitation crosses Josh’s features, his brow furrowing with concern. “I’d love to, but I have the kids next weekend,” he explains, his voice tinged with regret. “It’s going to be a bit chaotic.”
Your heart sinks at the realisation that your time together will be limited, but you refuse to let disappointment overshadow the moment. “That’s okay,” you say, forcing a smile despite the twinge of sadness in your chest. “We’ll find a way to make it work, even if it’s just for a little while.”
A flicker of determination crosses Josh’s features as he meets your gaze, his eyes sparkling with resolve. “How about you come over during the week?” he suggests, a hint of excitement in his voice. “We could grab dinner or just spend some time together.”
A surge of warmth washes over you at his suggestion, the prospect of seeing him again filling you with renewed hope. “I’d like that,” you reply, a genuine smile gracing your lips. “I’d like that a lot.”
His hands gently cup your face, his touch sending a wave of warmth cascading through your body.
With a soft, reassuring touch, he smooths his hands over your cheeks, his fingers tracing the contours of your face with a gentleness that speaks volumes of his affection. The sensation is electric, sending shivers down your spine and igniting a spark of desire deep within.
With a gentle yet firm grasp, he angles your head upwards, his touch guiding you with instinctual ease. His eyes, a brilliant shade of blue, meet yours with a tenderness that steals your breath away, holding you captive in a moment of unspoken connection.
And then, without a word, his lips find yours in a kiss that is both tender and passionate, a testament to the depth of the emotions that bind you together. It’s a kiss filled with longing and promise, a silent vow to cherish each moment shared between you.
In that fleeting moment, as you melt into his embrace, you’re consumed by a whirlwind of sensation  -  the softness of his lips against yours, the warmth of his touch, the overwhelming surge of emotion that threatens to swallow you whole.
“See you next week, sweetheart,” Josh breathes, his voice laced with longing and affection as you reluctantly part from his embrace.
A bittersweet smile graces your lips at his words, the endearment wrapping around your heart like a comforting embrace. “Until next week,” you reply softly, your voice echoing with the same longing that fills his.
With one last lingering glance, you tear yourself away from Josh’s warmth, a pang of reluctance tugging at your heartstrings as you step out into the cool evening air.
The weight of impending separation hangs heavy in the air as you make your way back to your dorm at university, each step a reluctant retreat from the haven of Josh’s presence. The memory of his touch lingers on your skin, a lingering reminder of the love and connection you share.
_____
The familiar aroma of coffee envelops you as you and Dalton settle into your favourite spot at the café, the gentle hum of conversation providing a soothing backdrop to your afternoon. With steaming cups cradled in your hands, you both take a moment to savour the rich, comforting warmth of the brew.
“So, something strange happened the other day,” Dalton begins, his voice breaking through the tranquil ambience of the café. You glance up, the corners of your mouth quirking into a smile as you listen to him speak.
“What’s up?” you ask, curiosity piqued by the hint of intrigue in his tone.
Dalton shifts in his seat, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. “My brother was over at Dad’s place on Monday,” he explains, his brow furrowing slightly as he recalls the memory. “And he said he saw some women’s clothes in his house and so on.”
Your heart skips a beat at his words, a surge of apprehension coursing through your veins. You try to maintain your composure, but the thud of your heart against your chest betrays the unease gnawing at your insides.
“Oh, really?” you reply, your voice carefully neutral despite the turmoil churning within you. “That’s... interesting.”
Dalton nods, his expression troubled. “Yeah, it is,” he agrees, his gaze fixed on the tabletop as if lost in thought. “I don’t know, it just seems weird, you know? I always thought maybe my parents would try again, but... I don’t know.”
His words hang heavy in the air between you, a palpable sense of unease settling over the table. You can sense the conflict brewing within Dalton, the uncertainty of the situation weighing heavily on his mind.
“What do you think about it?” he asks, finally lifting his gaze to meet yours. There’s a vulnerability in his eyes, a silent plea for reassurance amidst the storm of emotions swirling within him.
You take a moment to gather your thoughts, choosing your words carefully before responding. “I can understand why you’d feel that way,” you say softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on his arm. “It’s natural to hope for your parents to reconcile, especially after everything they’ve been through.”
Dalton nods, his expression thoughtful as he processes your words. “Yeah, I guess so,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “But still, it’s just... weird, you know? I never expected Dad to have a girlfriend.”
You offer him a sympathetic smile, knowing that there are no easy answers to be found in situations like these. “It’s okay to feel that way,” you assure him, your voice gentle yet firm. “But at the end of the day, your dad deserves to be happy, just like anyone else.”
Dalton sighs, a hint of resignation in his expression as he nods in agreement. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he concedes, though you can still sense the lingering unease in his demeanour.
As you sit together in the quiet of the café, the weight of Dalton’s revelation hanging heavy in the air, you can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding creeping over you. The fear of him discovering the truth about you and his father gnaws at the edges of your consciousness, a dark shadow looming on the horizon.
But for now, all you can do is offer Dalton your support and understanding, hoping against hope that he won’t uncover the secret you’ve been desperately trying to keep hidden. And so, with a heavy heart and a silent prayer for guidance, you continue to navigate the delicate balance between truth and secrecy, unsure of what the future may hold.
Dalton fidgets with his coffee cup, his gaze fixed on the table as if lost in thought. Finally, after what feels like an eternity of silence, he lifts his head to meet your gaze, his expression tentative yet determined.
“Um…I…There is something else I have been meaning to ask…” he begins, his voice hesitant as he struggles to find the right words. “I was wondering if... maybe you’d want to go out with me sometime?”
His question catches you off guard, a rush of emotions flooding through you at his unexpected proposal. For a moment, you’re at a loss for words, the weight of his request hanging heavy in the air between you.
But as you gather your thoughts, you realise that you can’t accept his invitation, not when you’re already seeing his father. The thought of hurting him further fills you with guilt, but you know that you have to be honest with him.
“I... Dalton, I appreciate the offer,” you say gently, your voice tinged with regret. “But I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
His brow furrows in confusion, hurt flickering in his eyes as he struggles to process your response. “Why not?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
You hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal. “It’s just... complicated,” you begin, choosing your words carefully. “I’m already seeing someone.”
Dalton’s expression darkens, a shadow of disappointment crossing his features as he absorbs your words. “Oh,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the din of the café. “I didn’t realise...”
You reach out to place a comforting hand on his arm, offering him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, Dalton,” you say softly. “I should have been clearer from the beginning. You’re a great guy, but... I just don’t have those kinds of feelings for you.”
His hurt is palpable, a tangible presence in the space between you. You can see the pain etched in the lines of his face the vulnerability in his eyes as he struggles to come to terms with your rejection.
“I understand,” he replies, his voice thick with emotion. “I just... I thought maybe...”
You can hear the hurt and confusion in his voice, and it breaks your heart to see him like this. You wish there were something you could say or do to ease his pain, but you know that some wounds run deeper than words can heal.
A furrow forms between his brows, his eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and confusion. “I... I thought you were interested too,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, we spend so much time together, and... I don’t know, I just thought...”
His words trail off, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. You can see the turmoil churning within him, the weight of your revelation sinking in with each passing moment.
“I’m sorry, Dalton,” you say softly. “I never meant to lead you on. I value our friendship, but... I guess I didn’t realise how you felt.”
He nods, his expression pained as he struggles to come to terms with your words. “It’s just... it’s confusing,” he admits, his voice tinged with frustration. “I mean, you never mentioned that you were seeing someone. Not to me or Chris.”
You shift uncomfortably in your seat, feeling the weight of his accusation bearing down on you. Guilt gnaws at your conscience, knowing that you’ve withheld the truth about your relationship with his father.
“It’s... it’s still pretty fresh,” you explain, your voice tinged with uncertainty. “I’m still just... figuring it out, I guess.”
Dalton’s brows knit together in confusion, his eyes searching yours for answers. “But...” he starts, a note of disbelief creeping into his voice. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
The guilt weighs heavily on your shoulders, a burden that threatens to suffocate you. “I... I don’t know,” you tell him, your voice barely above a whisper. “I guess I was just... keeping it private.”
Dalton’s expression remains puzzled, his confusion evident as he tries to make sense of your explanation. “So, who is it?” he presses, his tone tinged with curiosity. “Is it serious?”
You swallow hard, the weight of your deception pressing down on you like a lead weight. “Um... well, it’s someone I met recently,” you reply vaguely, your voice faltering as you struggle to find the right words. “And... yeah, it’s... it’s getting pretty serious.”
As the silence stretches between you, a heavy tension settles over the table, the weight of your deception hanging in the air. And when Dalton speaks again, his voice is tinged with a hint of sadness.
“I want to be happy for you, I really do,” he says softly, his eyes betraying a mix of hurt and resignation. “But I think I need some space to process all of this.”
Your heart sinks at his words, the realisation of the pain you’ve caused him hitting you like a punch to the gut. “I understand,” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper. “And I’m sorry, Dalton. I never meant to hurt you.”
He nods, though the hurt in his eyes remains. “I know,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the din of the café. “I just... I need some time to figure things out.”
Before you can respond, Dalton rises from his seat, his movements stiff and uncertain. And with one last lingering glance, he turns and walks away, leaving you alone with the weight of your deception and the echoes of his pain ringing in your ears.
As Dalton’s footsteps fade into the distance, leaving you alone, a heavy silence settles over the café. The air feels thick with tension, each breath you take weighted with the guilt of your secret.
As you sit there, staring into your now lukewarm coffee, your mind races with thoughts of Dalton’s reaction when he inevitably discovers the truth about your relationship. 
The realisation that Dalton harbours feelings for you catches you off guard, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to an already delicate situation.
You had always assumed Dalton viewed you as just a friend, never once considering that his feelings might run deeper. But now, with the truth laid bare, you can’t help but wonder how he will react when he learns that you are involved with his father.
The thought churns in your stomach, a knot of anxiety tightening with each passing moment. You hadn’t anticipated the depth of Dalton’s emotions nor the potential devastation his discovery could bring. The prospect of facing his hurt and anger fills you with a sense of dread, knowing that you will be the cause of his pain.
But even as you grapple with the implications of Dalton’s feelings, you know that you cannot hide the truth from him forever. Sooner or later, he will learn the truth, and you must be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.
You take a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves as you contemplate the difficult conversation that lies ahead. 
But for now, all you can do is wait, trapped in the limbo of uncertainty, and pray that somehow, someway, you will find a way to navigate the tangled web of emotions that threatens to tear you apart.
With a deep sigh, you find yourself grasping for the lifeline of your phone, the urge to seek solace in Josh’s arms overpowering. Fingers trembling slightly, you unlock the screen and navigate to Josh’s contact, your heart pounding with desperate urgency, and you text him.
Hey,
Can I come over? I really need to see you right now…
Please?
The words spill from your fingertips, a plea born of desperation and the overwhelming need for solace. 
Seconds stretch into eternity as you wait for a response, each passing moment feeling too long. Then, finally, a notification flashes across your screen, and you exhale a shaky breath as you read Josh’s reply.
Of course, you can come over. Is everything okay?
Relief floods through you at his words, a wave of gratitude washing away some of the anxiety that had threatened to drown you. 
Without hesitation, you gather your belongings, the need to see your boyfriend overpowering any lingering doubts or hesitations. 
With each step towards his house, the weight on your shoulders lifts slightly, replaced by a glimmer of hope that perhaps, in his embrace, you’ll find the strength to weather the storm raging within you.
Arriving at Josh’s doorstep, you knock eagerly, the sound echoing through the quiet evening air. The door swings open, revealing Josh’s familiar silhouette framed in the soft glow of the hallway light. Without a word, he pulls you into his arms, the warmth of his embrace enveloping you in a cocoon of comfort and security.
As you sink into his arms, the weight of your troubles begins to lift, replaced by the simple reassurance of being held by someone who cares. In that moment, as you bury your face in Josh’s chest, you know that you’re exactly where you need to be.
Then, as if sensing your need for a moment of connection, Josh pulls back ever so slightly, his hands gentle as he brushes a stray strand of hair from your face.
In that simple gesture, you feel a rush of gratitude and affection, a silent acknowledgement of the bond that exists between you. And before you can say a word, he leans forward, kissing your forehead softly.
The gesture sends a shiver down your spine, a tangible reminder of the depth of his care and concern for you. For a moment, you simply stand there, lost in the warmth of his touch and the softness of his lips against your skin.
With a wordless understanding, Josh steps back, his gaze lingering on you with a mix of tenderness and reassurance. He gestures for you to come inside, his silent invitation a promise of safety and comfort in the midst of the storm. With a grateful nod, you follow him into the warmth of his home.
As you settle into Josh’s living room, the weight of your troubles pressing heavily upon you, he takes a seat beside you. His blue eyes, usually so warm and inviting, now reflect a hint of concern. “So, what happened?” he asks gently, his voice a soft murmur that cuts through the silence.
“It’s about Dalton,” you continue, your words hesitant as you try to find the right way to explain. “Today, at the coffee shop... he...”
Josh’s brows furrow slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his features. “He what?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper, his blue eyes searching your face for any signs of what happened that left you so distraught.
“He told me that he... has feelings for me,” you admit, the weight of the confession hanging heavy in the air between you. 
 His hand freezes mid-motion, his fingers tangled in his hair, his eyes widen in surprise, and his lips part slightly as he processes your words.
“I see,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a mix of emotions you can’t quite decipher. He leans forward, his arms resting on the table, his muscles flexing slightly under the fabric of his shirt as he waits for you to continue.
You swallow hard, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on your shoulders. “I... I didn’t know how to respond,” you admit, your gaze dropping momentarily before meeting Josh’s again. “I care about him, of course, but not in the same way.”
You take a deep breath, feeling a knot form in your stomach as you gather the courage to speak your truth. “Josh,” you continue, your voice gaining strength, “I want you to know that I only want you.”
The room falls silent, the gravity of the conversation hanging heavy in the air. You watch Josh carefully, waiting for his response, the uncertainty gnawing at your insides.
His blue eyes meet yours, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty flickering within them. He leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair once more, the tousled strands falling across his forehead in a way that makes your heart skip a beat.
His brow is furrowed slightly, and his lips are drawn into a thin line while the soft afternoon light filters through the window, casting a warm glow on his features and highlighting the gentle contours of his face.
For a long moment, he says nothing, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the walls of his living room. His eyes, a mesmerising shade of deep blue, reflect the turmoil of emotions swirling within him. His jaw clenches slightly, the muscles flexing beneath the surface as he grapples with his own thoughts and emotions. The silence stretches on, the tension between you growing more palpable by the second.
And then, finally, Josh’s eyes search yours, a hint of uncertainty clouding their usually bright blue depths. “Maybe... maybe someone like Dalton would be better for you,” he suggests quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The words hit you like a ton of bricks, a shockwave of disbelief rippling through your body. You stare at him, the weight of his words sinking in with a sickening finality as your heart aches at the thought of losing him.
“But Josh,” you protest, your voice trembling with emotion. “I don’t want someone like Dalton. I want you.”
He meets your gaze, his eyes filled with a sadness you can’t bear to see. “I know,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with regret. “But maybe... maybe I’m not what you need.”
The words hang in the air between you, a painful reminder of the chasm that lies between your desires and reality. You want to reach out to him, to plead with him to see things differently, but the weight of his resignation holds you back.
At that moment, you realise that no matter how much you want things to be different, you can’t force Josh to change his mind.
Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you struggle to come to terms with the harsh reality of the situation. You had hoped that Josh would be the one to offer you solace in your time of need, but now, it seems that even he can’t fill the void that lies within you.
With a heavy heart, you rise from your seat, the weight of your sorrow pressing down on you like a physical burden. “I should go,” you say quietly, your voice barely above a whisper.
Josh nods, his expression filled with a sadness that mirrors your own. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “I wish things could be different.”
But as you turn to leave, a surge of frustration and anger rises within you. You refuse to accept defeat without a fight, not when he clearly wants you as much as you want him. You whirl around to face Josh, determination flashing in your eyes.
“No, Josh,” you say firmly, the intensity of your emotions rising. “I won’t accept that. I won’t settle for someone else when all I want is you.”
He looks away, his expression troubled as he grapples with his own thoughts. “I just don’t know if this is such a good idea,” he admits, his voice filled with uncertainty.
You reach across the table, taking his hand in yours, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down your spine. “Josh, look at me,” you say firmly, your voice filled with conviction as you wait for him to meet your eyes before continuing. “From the moment I met you, I knew there was something special between us. I wanted you then, and I want you now.”
His eyes widen in surprise at your outburst, the weight of your words hanging heavy in the air between you. But you refuse to back down, the fire burning bright within you.
“I love you, Josh,” you declare, the words tumbling from your lips before you can stop them. “And I won’t let you push me away because you’re too afraid to face your own feelings.”
For a moment, the room is filled with a deafening silence, the tension crackling between you like electricity. And then, slowly but surely, Josh’s expression softens, his walls crumbling in the face of your unwavering resolve. He looks at you, his blue eyes searching yours for a moment before he finally speaks. 
“I... I love you too,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper and filled with a tenderness that takes your breath away. “But I’m scared, sweetheart. I’m scared of what this could mean for us. Especially now that Dalton has feelings for you.”
You step forward, closing the distance between you until you’re standing mere inches apart. With a trembling hand, you reach out to cup his cheek, the warmth of his skin sending a shiver down your spine.
“We can face this together,” you say softly, your voice filled with hope.
His gaze softens, a glimmer of affection and determination dancing in his eyes as he draws nearer. “Yes, we will,” he murmurs, his voice a gentle reassurance amidst the storm of emotions.
With his vow echoing in your ears, you close the distance between you, pressing your lips to his in a tender, desperate kiss. The initial brush of your lips ignites a fierce passion between you, each touch sparking a wildfire of desire that threatens to consume you both.
His body responds to your touch, drawing you in closer as if unable to get enough of you.
As you both lose yourselves in the passionate embrace, his hands roam over your back, pulling you nearer with each caress. His touch sends electric currents coursing through your veins, drawing you closer with an irresistible magnetism.
When he pulls back slightly with a soft groan, his eyes flutter closed, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he tries to steady himself. But the yearning between you is undeniable, pulling you back into each other’s arms with an irresistible force.
But before you can catch your breath, his lips find yours once again, reigniting the flames of passion that threaten to consume you both.
“I want you, Josh - only you,” you whisper breathlessly, the words a fervent declaration of your undying love and devotion.
His hands slide up your back, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down your spine as he pulls you even closer as if trying to erase the space between you. You can feel the fervour in his embrace, his body trembling slightly with the intensity of his desire, his lips seeking yours with a hunger that matches your own.
“I can’t imagine wanting anyone else either, sweetheart,” Josh murmurs against your lips, his voice laced with raw emotion. “The way you make me feel... it’s indescribable.”
His words wash over you like a comforting wave, enveloping you in a cocoon of love and longing. In this moment, there is no doubt, no hesitation, only the overwhelming certainty of your connection.
With each word he speaks, you feel your heart swell with love for him, aching to express the depth of your emotions in return. But words seem inadequate in the face of such overwhelming passion, so instead, you let your actions speak for you.
You deepen the kiss, pouring all of your love and desire into the tender caress of your lips against his. as you lose yourself in the intoxicating rhythm of his kisses.
Feeling a surge of emotion overwhelming you, you break the kiss, your heart pounding in your chest as you take a deep breath. 
With a shaky breath, you reach out, your fingers trailing lightly over his skin as you trace the contours of his jaw. His eyes never leave yours, a silent acknowledgement passing between you as you share this intimate moment.
With trembling hands, you slowly sink to your knees before him. The gravity of the moment washes over you like a tidal wave.
Looking up at him, your eyes meet his, a mixture of love, desire, and vulnerability reflected in their depths. There’s a raw intensity between you, a silent understanding of the depth of your connection and the magnitude of your feelings.
“Josh,” you whisper, your voice barely above a breath, filled with a mixture of reverence and longing. “I need you. I need us.”
You begin to trace delicate patterns over the fabric of his jeans, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath. Each touch sends a jolt of electricity coursing through you, igniting a fire that burns hot and fierce within your veins.
Josh watches you intently, his gaze locked on yours with an intensity that makes your heart race even faster. His breath hitches slightly as your fingers dance over his legs.
You can feel the tension building between you, a palpable energy that crackles in the air around you. It’s as if the world has faded away, leaving only the two of you in this moment of pure connection and desire.
With each caress, you feel yourself falling deeper and deeper under his spell, lost in the intoxicating whirlwind of sensation and emotion. There’s a hunger in his eyes, a silent plea for more, and you’re more than willing to oblige.
Your touch grows bolder, more urgent, as you trace the outline of his muscles, feeling the strength and power that lies beneath his clothes. His breath comes in short, ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling with each passing moment.
And as you continue to explore his body with your fingertips, you can’t help but marvel at the beauty and complexity of the man before you. He’s so much more than just a physical being  -  he’s a soul, a heart, a mind, all wrapped up in one irresistible package.
As Josh watches before him, his eyes widen with a mix of surprise and excitement. Without hesitation, you quickly reach for the waistband of his pants, your fingers deftly undoing the button and zipper. With a swift motion, you push his trousers and boxers down to his ankles, and he steps out of them gracefully. 
His erection springs free, thick and hard, glistening with anticipation, and you can’t help but lick your lips as you take in the sight. The dim light of the room dances across his skin, highlighting every curve and contour of his muscular frame.
His breath comes in short, ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. There’s a hunger in his eyes, a primal desire that mirrors your own. He reaches out to you, his hand trembling slightly as he cups your cheek, his touch sending shivers down your spine.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice husky with desire. “I can’t believe you’re here with me, doing this.”
His words send a thrill coursing through you, igniting a fire that burns hot and fierce within your veins. You lean into his touch, your heart pounding in your chest as you feel the heat of his body radiating against your skin.
You reach out and wrap your hand around the base of his dick, causing his breath to hitch and his eyes to roll back in his head. He is hot and heavy in your hand, thick enough that you can’t close your fingers around him as you jerk him off slowly.
After a few pumps, you swirl your tongue over the head of his cock, coating him in your saliva and tasting his precum. Josh groans lowly in his chest as you tease him with your mouth.
The whole situation turns you on beyond belief, and you really like how responsive and loud he can be - it gives you the confidence to continue and take it even further.
So you open your mouth and take the tip inside, sucking lightly as your hand continues to stroke his length. 
As Josh’s hands find their way into your hair, gently gripping the strands, you feel a rush of electricity shoot through your body. His touch is both commanding and tender, his fingers threading through your hair with a delicate precision that sends shivers down your spine.
His breath comes in shallow gasps, his chest rising and falling with each ragged exhale. His eyes flutter shut, lashes brushing against his cheeks as he succumbs to the pleasure radiating from your touch.
“Christ, sweetheart,” he murmurs, his voice rough and strained with desire. “You know how to drive me crazy. Keep doing that, please…”
His words send a thrill coursing through you, igniting a fire that burns hot and fierce within your veins. You continue to take him deeper into your mouth, relishing in the way he responds to your touch, his body trembling with anticipation.
As his fingers tighten in your hair, you feel a surge of desire and unconsciously clench your things.
The sensation of your warm mouth enveloping further causes his breath to hitch in his throat as he gasps in ecstasy.
His moans grow louder, echoing off the walls of the room as the sensation threatens to overwhelm him. “Sweetheart, that feels incredible,” he groans, his voice husky with desire.
When you run your fingernails over his balls while pleasuring him with your mouth, he bucks his hips, causing his cock to be pushed down your throat.
You gag from the sudden intrusion and instantly feel tears pooling in your eyes. 
Josh keeps his dick deep inside your mouth until he realises you’re gagging on him. His grip on your hair slackens, and his eyes widen with concern as he pulls back slightly, watching you carefully. 
“Sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to push it that far,” Josh’s voice is filled with genuine concern, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort.
But before he can say anything more, the words tumble from your lips without a second thought. “Fuck, do it again,” you gasp, your voice hoarse with desire as you struggle to catch your breath.
His face contorts into a mix of surprise and excitement, his eyes widening in disbelief at your bold request. But he won’t hesitate for your pleasure. With renewed determination, he gently pushes his cock back into your throat.
You gag again, but this time you’re more prepared for his dick, so it’s easier to take it. His fingers tangle in your hair, a firm grip that sends a thrill down your spine as he takes control of the situation.
Looking up at him, you’re struck by the sight before you. His mouth is slightly parted, lips glistening with anticipation as his tongue occasionally darts out to moisten them. His brows knit together in concentration, a display of the focused desire that burns within him. 
Beads of sweat adorn his forehead, catching the light and casting a soft sheen over his features. His blue eyes, usually so warm and inviting, now smoulder with a fiery intensity that ignites a passionate flame within you.
As he guides your movements with a gentle yet firm hand, you feel a rush of excitement course through your veins. Each touch, each stroke, sends waves of pleasure crashing over you, building the anticipation to dizzying heights. 
In the heat of the moment, you find yourself lost in his gaze, captivated by the raw hunger that burns within him. His touch is electric, sending sparks dancing across your skin as he guides his cock deeper into your throat. 
Saliva pools around his dick and drips over your chin and onto the floor as you gag lightly with each thrust. 
Josh’s hips pick up pace as he continues to fuck your mouth, driving himself closer to climax. And as you surrender to the passion that courses through you, you know that this moment will be etched into your memory forever.
His breath is ragged, his chest rising and falling with each laboured breath as he pulls out of your mouth, his dick coated with your spit. 
Almost greedily, you take a few deep breaths to fill your lungs with air again properly as you try to steady yourself after the intensity of the moment.
Worldlessly he steps closer to you, his hard cock still glistening with your saliva and his precum, framed by his shirt that sits clings tight to his defined frame, accentuating his toned arms and soft middle.
Bending down, he presses his lips against yours, his tongue eagerly seeking entrance as he pulls you up to stand. The kiss is electrifying, sending a jolt of pleasure coursing through your veins as you lose yourself in the sensation of his touch.
With a primal need driving him, Josh breaks the kiss, his lips parting from yours as he slowly removes his shirt. As the fabric slips off his shoulders, it reveals the expanse of his chest, every muscle rippling beneath smooth skin. He tosses the shirt aside without a second thought, his gaze never leaving yours.
You follow suit, fingers fumbling with the buttons of your own shirt until it falls away, leaving you bare before him.
There’s a moment of hesitation, a fleeting pause as you drink in the sight of each other, the raw desire reflected in your eyes.  The sight of him, shirtless and exposed, sends a shiver down your spine. 
Appreciatively, you let your eyes wander over his defined, muscular arms - the play of light and shadow accentuates the contours of his muscles, creating a mesmerising display of power and grace.
As your eyes roam over his torso, your gaze is drawn to the dusting of brown and grey chest hair that adorns it. Each strand seems to catch the light, creating a subtle shimmer that adds to his allure. 
You trace the trail of hair with your eyes, following it as it leads over the softness of his middle, which is a gentle curve that speaks of warmth and comfort. It’s a stark contrast to the chiselled lines of his arms, yet somehow, it only adds to his allure. 
His skin is warm to the touch, and you can feel the heat radiating off him as he moves closer to you.
His gaze roams hungrily over your exposed skin, tracing the curve of your waist, the swell of your breasts, and the line of your collarbone. 
Without a word, you step closer, closing the distance between you until you’re standing mere inches apart. His hand finds its way to the small of your back, pulling you into his form until your bodies are pressed together, skin against skin, heart against heart.
His touch is electric, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through your veins as you lose yourself in the sensation of him. The fire that burns within you is fuelled by him. 
“I’m going to fuck you hard, sweetheart,” he growls, low and primal deep in Josh’s chest, sending a shiver down your spine as you feel the intensity of his desire wash over you. It’s a sound that speaks volumes, letting you know exactly what he plans to do with you in the moments to come.
His eyes, dark with passion, lock onto yours with a hunger that sets your heart racing. There’s an unmistakable longing in his gaze, a fierce desire that leaves no room for doubt about his intentions.
He lifts your legs up, resting them on his shoulders as he positions himself at your cunt.
You moan loudly when the tip of his hard, thick cock parts your slick pussy, entering you without resistance. The stretch of his dick sends shivers down your spine as he continues to push it slowly into you.
This is the first time he takes you without proper preparation - normally, he would eat you out or at least finger you before, but you can’t bring yourself to really care. 
Not when he feels so good, so right, and so big inside you.
Josh’s intense blue eyes remain fixed on you, unwavering as they drink in your every reaction. It’s as though he’s trying to memorise every detail of your face, committing the moment to memory as he loses himself in the depths of you.
You mewl when he bottoms out deep in your cunt, filling you completely. 
“You feel so good, Josh,” you whisper breathlessly, your chest heaving with desire. “Please, move.”
Your words hang in the air, thick with longing and anticipation, as you await his response. Josh’s gaze darkens with desire, his lips parting slightly.
With a low growl of approval, he shifts his weight, his movements deliberate and controlled as he begins to move against you, his hips setting a steady, deep rhythm. The sensation of his body moving with yours sends shockwaves of pleasure coursing through you.
As he moves, his hands roam over your body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. You gasp at the sensation of his touch, your senses overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.
With each movement, the pleasure builds, the tension between you reaching a fever pitch as you both give in to the undeniable chemistry that burns between you. At this moment, there is nothing else in the world, but the two of you lost in a sea of desire and passion.
And as you cling to each other, consumed by the heat of the moment, you know that this is just the beginning of a night that promises to be filled with ecstasy and bliss.
“That’s it, sweetheart,” he says, his voice hoarse with desire. “Take it.”
His words send a shiver down your spine, igniting a fire deep within you as you move together in perfect harmony. Every touch and every movement is electric, sending waves of pleasure crashing over you with each passing moment.
“God, you’re so hot,” he groans, his eyes locked on your heaving chest. His words only fuel the flames of passion between you, driving you both to new heights of ecstasy. 
His thrusts become more forceful, each one driving deeper into your pussy. The smell of your sweat mingles with the slick sounds of our skin slapping against each other.
He slowly lowers his head, taking one of your nipples into his mouth and sucking hard, igniting every nerve ending it touches with a searing intensity. You arch your back, a moan escaping from your lips as he teases the sensitive nub with his tongue.
His lips follow, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses in their wake, each one leaving you gasping for breath.
“You’re so damn responsive for me,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice husky with desire. His hands roam freely over your body, tracing the curves and contours with a possessive urgency that sends a thrill down your spine as he moves to capture the other nipple between his teeth gently.
“Only for you, just you,” you mewl, your voice barely a whisper as you surrender to the overwhelming pleasure washing over you.
“That’s right, sweetheart,” he grunts out, his words punctuated by the soft sounds of his lips trailing lower, his breath hot against your skin. 
His hands grip your thighs tightly as he drills into you, his cock hitting all the right spots inside you.
You feel like he electrifies you, setting every nerve ending ablaze with a tantalizing intensity. With each caress, each whispered word, each deep thrust, he ignites a fire deep within you, stoking the flames of desire until they burn with an almost unbearable intensity. 
You feel yourself teetering on the edge, the pleasure building with each passing moment until you’re on the brink of losing yourself entirely to the intoxicating sensation he evokes within you, your cunt clenching around him.
“That’s it, sweetheart,” his voice is rough with desire as he encourages you, each word sending a jolt of electricity through your body as he pushes deeper and faster into you. 
His chest rises and falls with each ragged breath, the exertion of pleasure etched across his features as sweat beads on his forehead glistening in the dim light.
“Nobody fucks me like you do. Nobody pleases me like you do,” you stammer, your words a mixture of moans and gasps, “You feel so good, Josh.”
“You belong to me,” he growls possessively, his voice thick with desire and dominance, his hips slamming against yours as he takes you roughly. The headboard of the sofa thuds against the wall with each powerful thrust.
His eyes, darkened with desire, lock onto yours, his gaze filled with intensity as he thrusts deeper into you. He dominates you with a primal energy, his every touch igniting a fire within you. As the pleasure builds, you feel yourself getting closer to climax, the intensity of the moment overwhelming yet exhilarating.
Your breath comes in ragged gasps as you feel the tension building within you, reaching a fever pitch. “I’m so close,” you whimper, the desperation evident in your voice.
His own breath comes in ragged gasps as he urges you on, his voice a deep growl of desire. “Let it all go, sweetheart,” he encourages, his hands gripping your hips as his hips thrust rapidly into you and his thumb finding your clit to rub rough circles. “I want to feel you come apart in my arms.”
With his encouragement ringing in your ears, you give yourself over to the overwhelming pleasure that courses through your body. Every nerve ending is alight with sensation as you tumble over the edge, waves of ecstasy crashing over you in relentless waves.
He watches you with hunger in his eyes, his own release imminent as he follows you into oblivion. “That’s it, sweetheart,” he groans, his voice strained with the effort of holding back his own climax. “Let me feel you.”
With one final, desperate cry, you shatter into a million pieces, the intensity of your orgasm washing over you like a tidal wave as his name falls from your lips over and over. And as you collapse against him, spent and sated, his fingers dig into your hips for better control as he drives into you one last time.
He releases himself into you, his body shuddering with the force of his orgasm. His hot seed pumps into you, filling every inch of your tight cunt as he loses control completely.
“Oh fuck,” he breathes heavily, still buried deep inside you. You feel your pussy clenching and throbbing, pulsating with the aftermath of your orgasm, milking his aching dick. 
With your bodies still intertwined, he holds you close, unwilling to let go of the intimate connection you’ve just shared. His chest rises and falls in sync with your own, the rhythm of his breath gradually steadying as the euphoria of your shared passion begins to ebb. His cock remains inside you, refusing to let go of the warmth that is your pussy.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before,” he pants, his voice husky with emotion as he continues to hold onto your hips as his dick twitches inside you, slowly softening. “You’re incredible, sweetheart.”
Your heart swells with affection at his words, the warmth of his embrace enveloping you in a sense of security and belonging. “You’re incredible, Josh,” you whisper, your voice barely above a murmur as you nestle closer to him.
“I love hearing that,” he whispers, his breath hot against your skin as he slowly withdraws from you. 
His cock slides out with a wet pop sound, leaving behind a trail of their mixed juices on your thighs. His gaze lingers on you, filled with a mixture of adoration and desire, as his chest rises and falls rapidly.
“Damn, sweetheart,” he says, his voice thick with desire, his eyes tracing the curves of your body with unabashed admiration. He reaches down, his fingers brushing against your wet and well-fucked cunt, and a soft moan escapes his lips as he feels the warmth of your juices mingled with his own.
His lips find yours in a tender kiss, a silent testament to the depth of his affection.
As you break apart, Josh’s blue eyes sparkle with a mixture of adoration and gratitude, the soft light of the room reflecting off their depths like a shimmering pool. His skin is dewy with sweat, a sheen of moisture glistening on his smooth complexion as he leans in to kiss you once more.
His muscles flex beneath the surface of his skin, the sinewy lines of his arms defined and sculpted from years of hard work and dedication. You run your fingers lightly over his torso, tracing the contours of his body with a sense of wonder and appreciation. 
Josh’s hair is sweaty and tousled, strands of brown falling haphazardly across his forehead as he leans in to kiss you again. His breath is warm against your skin, his touch gentle yet possessive as he pulls you closer, deepening the kiss with a sense of urgency and desire, enveloping you in a cocoon of warmth and protection.
His stubbled jaw clenches with a mixture of desire and restraint, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggles to contain the intensity of his emotions.
As you lose yourself in the moment, the sound of footsteps echoing through the house brings you back to reality with a jolt. Panic courses through you as you scramble to dress, the urgency of the situation pressing in on you like a suffocating weight.
Josh moves quickly, reaching for his shorts and tossing you his shirt as you both try to cover yourselves before the inevitable confrontation. 
But it’s too late. Before you can even process what’s happening, the door swings open, revealing Dalton standing in the doorway, his expression a mask of shock and betrayal.
Your heart sinks as you meet his gaze, the guilt of being caught washing over you like a tidal wave. Shame burns hot in your cheeks as you shrink back, trying to make yourself as small as possible in the face of Dalton’s accusing glare.
“Wha- What the hell is this?” Dalton stammers, his voice filled with disbelief as he takes in the scene before him.
But Josh steps in front of you, his protective instincts kicking in as he shields you from Dalton’s wrath. His jaw is set with determination, his blue eyes blazing with a fierce intensity as he meets Dalton’s gaze head-on.
“Dalton,” he says firmly, his voice tinged with warning. 
But Dalton’s eyes are filled with hurt and betrayal as he looks between the two of you, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place in his mind. His anger is palpable as he takes in the sight before him, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggles to contain his emotions.
“I can’t believe this,” he says bitterly, his voice trembling with emotion. “I confessed my feelings to you, and this is what you do? Fucking my father?”
The accusation hangs heavy in the air between you, casting a shadow over the fragile happiness you had shared just moments before. His words cut deep, a stark reminder of the tangled web of emotions and secrets that now threatens to unravel before you.
Josh’s jaw tightens, his eyes flashing with a mixture of frustration and regret as he struggles to find the right words. “Dalton, I... I never meant to hurt you,” he begins, his voice heavy with remorse. “I know this is difficult to understand, but...”
But Dalton’s fury is unrelenting, his eyes blazing with a fire that threatens to consume everything in its path. “Difficult to understand? You’re sleeping with my friend, Dad.” he retorts, his voice laced with bitterness. “She could be your daughter!”
The accusation cuts deep, slicing through the fragile facade of peace and happiness that you had clung to just moments before. Shame washes over you in waves, threatening to drown you in its suffocating embrace as you struggle to find the words to defend yourself.
You feel a pang of guilt at the hurt in Dalton’s eyes, knowing that you are the cause of his pain. But before you can offer an explanation, he turns to you, his gaze filled with betrayal. “And you,” he says, his voice trembling with emotion. “I thought I could trust you. I thought you cared about me.”
Tears prickle at the corners of your eyes, the weight of Dalton’s accusation crushing you beneath its weight. “Dalton, I...” you begin, your voice faltering as you search for the right words. But the damage has already been done, the rift between you widening with each passing moment.
But Dalton shakes his head, his eyes clouded with anger and confusion. “I don’t want to hear it,” he says bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper.
But before you can speak again, Josh reaches out, his hand finding yours in a gesture of comfort and support. Instantly, you feel a sense of reassurance wash over you, the warmth of his touch offering solace in the midst of chaos.
Dalton recoils at the sight, his face contorted with disgust at the intimate gesture. “I can’t believe you would do this to me, Dad. And you,” he adds, turning his gaze to you, “you should be ashamed of yourself.”
With that, he turns and storms out of the room, leaving you and Josh alone in the wake of his departure. The silence that follows is deafening, a stark reminder of the pain and heartache that now fills the space between you.
Josh squeezes your hand gently, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret. “I’m sorry,” he says quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “I never wanted things to end up like this.”
You nod as your heart is heavy with guilt and uncertainty. “I know,” you reply softly, your voice barely above a whisper. “But we have to find a way to fix this. For Dalton’s sake and for ours.”
Josh nods in agreement, his expression filled with determination. “I’ll talk to him,” he says firmly, his eyes meeting yours with unwavering resolve. “I’ll make him understand.”
A sense of hope stirs within you. The road ahead may be difficult, but with Josh by your side, you know that together, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.
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harrytheehottie · 1 year
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THE BRITS A HARRY STYLES ONE SHOT 
word count: 1.6k very hot & steamy! 
This wasn’t your first award show with Harry. You had just come off Grammy week which was your first ‘outing’ as a couple -- well, a couple to the people around you. You made the joint decision to not walk the carpet for both events. You were one of the last few things that Harry could keep to himself as someone who has had most of his privacy shared with the world, with or without his consent since he was a teenager. He still wanted you there alongside him during the most important moments of his career.
You watched and cheered alongside your group which was made up of Harry’s regular entourage, his sister and a few extra label heads that he invited. You watched as he opened the show, performing As It Was with much more energy than he could have at the Grammys where he was immediately hit with the turntable going the wrong way and detouring his entire performance and night.
You couldn’t wipe the grin off of your face when you quickly rushed backstage during the first commercial break to Harry’s green room - where he was changing into his third outfit of the night. His chocolate brown hair was styled perfectly from his hands constantly running through it. He was buttoning up his silk baby blue shirt when you got his attention through the mirror,
“There she is,” he said in a sing-songy voice, clearly already helping himself to some beverages before you got there.
“You were incredible,” you told him before walking over and leaving a kiss on his lips, your pink gloss rubbing onto his lips.
“Mhmmm, thank you - not just saying that?” His voice was low trying not to let anyone else in the room here. Harry was the hardest person on himself and you knew the mishap from the Grammys was replaying in his mind.
“Never.” You reassured him, leaning up to meet his lips again.
“Ahem” Lambert cleared his throat as he tried to get situated into his suit.
“Sorry! Sorry, I’ll be out of your way!”
You gave Harry one more kiss goodbye before heading back out to your seat.
You decided to sit at the second table where Harry’s collaborators and all the plus ones of his entourage sat. You were in an odd predicament where people knew you were together but they also didn’t - the public was unaware of your relationship with Harry, you’d see speculation on if you were one of the roadies or a new assistant that Jeff hired and you’d see an odd comment here or there asking if you were the girlfriend but nothing that really caught wind. Harry did a great job of protecting you and your locked instagram helped.
You cheered him on from your table as he won award after award after award. He was on fire - downing every shot that came his way, drinking liters of tequila at this point and stumbling through his speech as he took a long pause collecting his thoughts on stage. This was your favorite type of Harry when he lets all his anxieties go and allows himself to enjoy the night ahead.
The fourth and last award for the night - album of the year. You watched with bated breath as the credits rolled through of all the different nominees, Harry turned around to you for a quick moment catching your eyes before blowing a kiss before the fate of the night was announced.
“And the album of the year goes to… Harry Styles.”
You jumped up from your seats in excitement.
One. Two. Three. Four.
Harry swept the Brits.
You were screaming and yelling and hugging everyone next to you and you were so caught up in your own reaction that it took you a second to realize what Harry was doing, maneuvering through the group of people to find you. His arms opened wide inviting you in - suddenly the cameras and the stories and the future headlines didn’t matter. Your boy won and you wanted to join him in all the excitement and exactly how he wanted.
So when he wrapped you in a hug and began whispering in your ear telling you how he can’t wait for later you were a goner. You did something you probably would have never done if the two of you were a little bit sober but you kissed him on the lips quickly, “now stop wasting time and go up there.” He held onto you for a little bit longer before gathering himself and walking up towards the stage with Tom and Tyler.
He was flustered up there, the mix of emotions, tequila and having his favorite person in the world Stanley Tucci present him the award. You watched as he said his thank you’s and gave the mic to Tyler and Kid to say theirs. You were elated for him, buzzing for
You knew your actions would be called into question soon. The headlines that Jeffrey would have to handle. But those were Monday’s problem, right now you were with all your friends celebrating the one man that brought you all together. And when Jeff came over to give you a hug just as Harry began speaking on stage, you knew you had nothing to worry about.
You watched as he clung onto Stanley Tucci through Tom and Tyler’s speeches. He was at the level of drunk where a cup of water or three would do him some good. All three of them fumbled through their speeches before the last performer took the stage. You were overwhelmed with so much emotion and you needed to be as close to him as possible.
Last week, you met him at the after party but this time you decided to wait for him. You found his green room again wanting to give him a quick congratulations before finding the rest of your group and heading over to whatever party he needed to show face for.
“Can I come in?” You knock first thinking his stylist and team would be back there as well not wanting to interrupt anything.
Harry opened the door and you were sure your jaw had unhinged from its place. He was standing there in his tiny briefs, his torso filled with tattoos and semi-erect in between changing into his after party attire. He was the only one in the room
“Told Lambert I got it from here but I think…” Harry paused trying to find his words. He was buzzed and giggling but aware.
“Need a hand?” You finished his thought for him. And just as the words left your mouth you were aware of the innuendos that would follow. Harry closed the door behind you and you watched as he locked it - now the two of you were just alone for the first time all night.
He had a giant grin on his face, you knew he was up to something. You watched as he walked over to the couch and you followed him standing over him as he looked up at you as he whispered slowly, “need you now” moving his hands over his crotch.
He hadn’t even touched you yet and you were already a goner. The biggest night of his career and all he wanted to do was be as close to you as possible as soon as he could - even if it was on a questionable couch in his green room.
Harry reached out and hooked his arm around you and pulled you onto his lap. You thought back to earlier that day when you squeezed in a facetime call to ask what dress you should wear and Harry insisted on you wearing the pink mini. You were centered with him almost embarrassed at the state that he already worked you up in,
“So wet for me,” He whispered.
You leaned forward as you began grinding against him, your mouth at his ears as you whispered back, “I’ve got a thing for winners.”
Harry’s hands found the zipper on the side of your dress and began haphazardly pulling it down, your decision to not wear a bra was certainly working in your favor as he moved his mouth over your nipple using his fingers to play with the other. You shuttered against him as he began to suck, grinding against him as your collective moans filled the room around you.
“Want to feel you inside me,” you said as you got up for a second to take everything off. Harry watched as he too got himself out of his briefs and you were back on him. Your hands stroked him once, twice watching as he threw his hand back highlighting the veins on his neck. You lined your center with his and slowly inching down with that familiar stretch.
“Fuck,” you whimpered.
You loved being this close with him, the vulnerability and excitement in being the person he wants to be with in moments like this. It was more than just sex.
You began grinding slowly against his length, Harry whispering encouraging ‘s’good for me’s through his teeth. You moved your hands into his hair -- pulling and grabbing as you worked yourself to finish and when Harry’s hands moved from your breasts and began working your clit, you were done for - moans and groans filling the room with Harry reaching completion soon after.
You sat in silence just taking each other and the moment in.
“You kissed me on camera,” Harry teased as you got up from his lap and sat next to him on the couch. He had his face turned toward you.
“I did” you giggled moving forward and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“S’ike I’ve won five times tonight - four brits and” Harry found your eyes before continuing, “now, everyone knows you're my girl.”
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Chapter Six: New Adventures
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Surprise Surprise! 🥹🥹🥹 I have missed you all so much and I am so happy to be back writing! This chapter has tested me in ways I could have never imagined, but I am so glad I finally finished and I'm sharing it with you guys 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 I hope you enjoy it and I promise there won't be so much time in between postings ✨✨✨ As always, my inbox is open for you guys and please come talk to me about what you thought of the chapter! All the love, Mar 🤍
May 14, 2022 – June 13, 2022: Month Six
May 17, 2022
Harry. New York City, New York. 7:20 P.M.
The house hadn’t been this loud for a while, probably since Coachella. While Y/N was busy getting Pippa ready for bed, I was in the kitchen with Lambert and Jeff finishing dinner while Pauli, Niji and Elin helped us by setting the table. Mitch went to the airport to pick up Sarah and Glenne, while Ny Oh let us know she would be here later.
After placing the pizzas in the oven there were strong knocks coming from the door which had me laughing, as soon as I opened Glenne kissed my cheek quickly while removing her shoes and pouring some antibacterial gel, “Is she still awake?”, I smiled and nodded, Glenne reached in for Sarah, and they started making their way to the nursery.
I greeted Mitch while leading him to the kitchen, then made my way to the nursery. Once inside, I smiled and went to hug Y/N and kissed her temple, she squeezed my side and turned to kiss my chest, Sarah and Glenne were busy cuddling Pippa who was all smiles.
Y/N cleared her throat and started making her way to grab Pippa, “Okay little miss, say goodbye to your aunts, okay?”, Sarah and Glenne pouted and kissed Pip, then handed Pippa back, exited and closed the nursery door; Y/N settled into the rocking chair while I floated around the room making sure the monitor and fairy lights were on, then sat down next to her and kissed her knee.
She smiled and ran a hand down my face before turning to look at Pip before whispering, “How is she six months old already? It still feels surreal, like six months ago we were learning to give her a bath”, I smiled, and nodded, “Time has gone by so fast, and doing this with you has been the best experience ever”, she smiled and blew me a kiss, “I love you Harry”, I squeezed her hand, “I love you too Y/N”.
Once we settled Pippa in her bassinet, we closed the door and went back into the living room to have dinner with our friends. Once everyone had their dinner plates served and found a place to seat, I reached for my glass and cleared my throat, “Well hello everyone! Thank you for being here; I am glad to have you all here, especially because we still had to celebrate and welcome Jaffra to the band!”
Cheers were heard all over while Jaffra gave us a smile and a silent thank you; once the cheers were done everyone was looking at me again, I smiled and sighed, “So… we’re just three days away from the release of the new album- “, I smiled as cheers and hollers were heard around the living room.
I cleared my throat, “And once the album is out, chaos will surely ensue; between the One Night Only shows and the beginning of tour, this will be a few busy weeks, but I am forever grateful to have you all here with me”, Mitch then said “Here, here!”, I smiled before placing my glass at the table.
“We are about to embark the biggest year of tour so far; with the residencies, Latin America, Australia, Asia and back to Europe it will be a hell of a year, but I trust that we have a great team and things will go on smoothly”, everyone nodded while I took a deep breath, “However, I really feel the need to ask a selfish favor from you”.
Everyone, except for Jeff and Y/N nodded, “I need you guys to promise that you will have the best time, that you will enjoy everything, the good, the bad and the worst, to give your everything into every show, every rehearsal and every travel, because… because I honestly don’t know if this will be the last time we will do this”.
Y/N squeezed my hand and kissed my cheek, “This has been, a very wild ride, and to be honest with you... life has changed so much this last year, and I really don’t know where we’ll be tomorrow, but what I do know, is that right this second, this is where we are supposed to be”, there were nods all over the place, “So once more, let’s cheer to welcome this last adventure with Love On Tour!”.
May 19, 2022
Harry. New York City, New York. 11:55 P.M.
“Drive safely guys! See you tomorrow!”, Glenne and Jeff gave me another wave as the elevator closed, I also closed and locked the main door and leaned mt forehead taking a deep breath, I then walked to the kitchen, made sure that all lights were off, and trash was put away then made my way to the master bedroom.
I expected for Y/N and Pip to be sleeping but was surprised when I opened the door and saw Y/N sitting up and looking out the window and the anxiety I felt when Glenne asked me to go with her to the nursery returned. I sat next to her in bed and reached to run my hand down her face, she turned to see me and gave me a small smile.
“Hi baby, everyone gone?”, I nodded and kissed her cheek before whispering, “Yes, everyone asked me to say goodbye and that they can’t wait to see you tomorrow”, she nodded and sighed while reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze.
I placed another kiss to her cheek before whispering, “You okay?”, she nodded and turned to see me, “Yeah, just tired, all the excitement and the long nights drained me”, I nodded while she continued to talk, “Let’s go to bed yeah? You need your rest too”.
I sighed defeatedly and nodded my head, then made my way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Once outside I leaned into the bassinet to see Pippa, I smiled then leaned to kiss her cheek softly before pulling back and getting into bed, Y/N joining me a few seconds later.
We both made sure our alarms were one before cuddling into our pillows, I pulled her by the waist and nuzzled her neck, she made sure she was comfortable before letting out a breath and kissing her cheek before whispering, “I love you, and I’m here for you baby, whatever you may need”.
May 21, 2022
New York City, New York. 7:30 A.M.
The smell of fresh coffee pulled me from the slumber I fell into after feeding Pip at around three. I got out of bed and made sure she was still sleeping then left the room, leaving the door was ajar. I then started walking to the kitchen where I could hear Harry humming and cooking.
When I entered, I started making my way to stand behind him and placed a kiss between his shoulder blades, then wrapped my hands around him, he reached down to kiss my hands before whispering, “Good morning baby”, I smiled and placed another kiss, “Hi you, I missed you in bed”.
He laughed a little and turned off the stove, served breakfast and grabbed the plates while I grabbed the coffees before making our way to the table; we started eating in silence, placing little kisses in each other’s hands before he cleared his throat, “How are you?”, his eyes were hopeful on me talking to him.
I sighed and wished I could ignore the elephant in the room but knew it would not be worth it, “I’m not okay, I’m very sad and disappointed”, I sniffled, he reached to clean my tears, “Baby, maybe you should talk with Ellie, or even your dad”, I shrugged my shoulders, “What good would it do? She still belittled me and my baby”, I sniffled, “I get it, I am her disappointment but that little girl sleeping in her bassinet is not guilty.”
He nodded and kissed my temple then rested his forehead against it, I continued to speak up, “I just don’t understand, how can she see her and still pretend she doesn’t exist; isn’t she curious? Like doesn’t she want to know who she is, who she looks like, if she has any personality quirks from me?”
Harry ran his hand down my back then whispered, “I wish I could go back in time and give her a piece of my mind, be sure to protect you both from her; above all I wish I could take away your pain and sadness because you don’t deserve it, and I’m sorry that I couldn’t.”
I smiled in appreciation and reached for a napkin, “I will be okay, I promise you, but I need to feel sad and process this, okay?”, he nodded and squeezed my arm, “However you Mister should start to finish your suitcases, okay? Us girls are already packed, and we leave in about seven hours”, he laughed, then stood up and started clearing the table, “Fine, I will pick this up and will finish packing, okay?”
I nodded then left the kitchen and went into the room and smiled when I noticed that Pippa was slowly rousing form her sleep, “Oh hi baby! good morning my girl how are you?”, she cooed once I pulled her into my arms and started leaving slobbery kisses on my face, “Are you hungry? Yeah? Let’s go eat, then we will have some tummy time and then we’ll get ready, and you’ll nap before our flight because we are leaving for London!”
Pippa smiled and we switched sides, “Oh look at that smile! You’re so happy to go to London huh? I am too, I miss our family so much”, our family, as warmth spread through my chest I turned down and smiled at her, “Yeah baby, our family, the one who chose me and love you because you are their blood, the ones we deserve and will love us forever.”
May 22, 2022
Harry. London, England. 12:45 P.M.
We had been back in London for less than 48 hours and it felt so good just to be home. Even if there was so much chaos and things to get ready, being back with family made the whole travel worth it. My mum had made sure that our fridge and pantry were stocked as soon as we arrived then left some dinner ready for us.
I was finishing setting the table while Y/N got Pippa ready while we waited for our guests to arrive; after setting down some wine glasses the doorbell rang and I smiled when I opened it and saw our first arrival, “Dad! Welcome, come in!”, my dad smiled and hugged me, then proceeded to remove his coat and hang it on one of the available hooks.
“Harry! How are you son? I hope I am not too early?”, I shook my head and we started making our way to the living room, “Not at all, just finished setting the table and waiting for my ladies to be ready, little one woke from her nap a little ago”, he smiled and before he could speak, a voice carried over from the stairs and into the living room.
“I hear that someone is asking for the girl of the hour?”, Y/N appeared with Pippa in her arms and gave my dad a smile while walking to where he was standing, “Des! Welcome! It is so good to see you!”, my dad met her halfway and pulled her into a half hug, “Hello darling, it’s so good to have you guys back here.”
I smiled when I realized that Pippa was giving my dad a very curious look, but still held on to her mum’s arm, she laughed a little and bounced her while my dad offered her a smile and coo, Y/N spoke up, “Who is that baby? Is that your grandad? Do you wanna say hello?”, my dad reached for her and started kissing her cheek, while Pippa patted his cheek.
The doorbell rang again and as Y/N went to open I went to stand next to my dad and Pip, she offered me a smile and I chuckled a little, my dad ran a hand down her head, “Oh she’s definitely a daddy’s girl huh?”, I nodded and reached to kiss her cheek, then turned to look at him, “I mean yes, but as soon as she sees her mum, dad is out of the picture”.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Y/N come into the living room followed by Gemma, Michal and my mum; we all said our hellos and sat down in the living room for a little, Y/N left to check how lunch was coming along and when she came back she sat next to me, I kissed her temple and continued talking with Michal.
Gemma cleared her throat and reached out her arms to grab Pippa, who was still happily being held by my dad, my mum going to sit next to him and cooing at her hoping to coax a few smiles and giggles, “Okay can the grandparents share her with her fave aunt?”, my mum shook her head and my dad placed a kiss on Pippa’s forehead before handing her to Gemma, who was smiling so big and kissing all over her face while the baby cooed at her.
“I can’t believe she can laugh now”, my mum nodded along with my dad who was smiling at the baby as he spoke, then added, “Before we know it she will be crawling and walking and talking”, I shook my head and pouted, “Nope, not happening, we have been discussing the fact that she needs to stay this little forever”, Y/N shook her head but before she could add anything else left for the kitchen to get the pasta out of the oven.
“H! It’s ready!”, I nodded to the direction of her voice then turned to our guests, “Okay everyone lunch is ready, so let’s go to the dining room”, we all started walking towards the lovely smells and took our seats at the table, Y/N went to grab Pippa and promised Gem she would give her back as soon as she ate, the took her seat next to me and settled Pip in her lounger.
After a delicious lunch and an even better conversation, we all moved back to the living room to have some dessert and tea; Gemma laid with Pippa, Y/N, and my mum on her little playmat for her tummy time while the rest of us scattered in the couches around. My mum then turned to look at me and asked, “Is everything ready for your show?”
I nodded while I sipped on my tea then left it on the coaster, “Pretty much, we will do a visit to the venue tomorrow and Tuesday will be packed before the show; I’ve arranged for a van to pick you all up so that you can all come together, is that okay?”, everyone nodded then continued to enjoy their dessert.
It was around seven that we said our goodbyes and once I made sure my mum was distracted, I nodded at Gemma, who came to stand next to me and whispered, “So, still up for babysitting tomorrow?”, she nodded then turned to make sure mum was not coming, “Yup, will be here tomorrow at around 5 okay?”, I nodded and then we said our goodbyes; once I made sure they were all on their cars I licked the door and went upstairs to join bedtime routine.
May 24, 2022
London, England. 10:30 P.M.
I closed the nursery door and made sure that the monitor was on before making my way downstairs where friends and family were digging into the catering we had ordered for after Harry’s concert, which by the way, had been such an eclectic event.
Once I entered the kitchen, I was greeted with a plate served by Anne, I smiled in appreciation and she squeezed my arm before taking a sip of her drink, “Baby went down, okay?”, I nodded and finished chewing before answering her, “She did, I was worried she would wake up once I transferred her, but she must’ve been so tired.”
She chuckled in agreement and gave me a soft smile, a few seconds later I felt someone pull me into a chest and kiss the back of my head, I smiled and settled myself against his side and kissed his peck, “Hello superstar! Enjoying your party?”, he nodded and opened his mouth, I fed him a bite of my sandwich and while he chewed Anne and I continued to discuss our plans for the weekend.
After swallowing his bite, he gave me a soft squeeze and then turned to look at Gemma and asked her to come over, Anne gave us a curious smile and I reached to squeeze her arm, she then asked us, “Is everything okay?”, we nodded and Harry spoke up, “We just want to talk to you all, is that okay?”, they both nodded and we made our way to the foyer, where we knew we could talk privately.
Des and Michal also joined us, and Harry cleared his throat before speaking up, “So… we have been keeping a secret from you guys”, my mum gasped before excitedly whispering, “Are you pregnant?”, we both chuckled and shook our heads, “No, we’re not pregnant, but we hope to have more babies later on.”
Anne nodded and asked us, “Well, are you guys okay?”, Harry nodded and smiled, “Yeah mum… uhm we have been speaking about our future as a family, and where we want to settle”, Gem was smiling while my mom gave us a hopeful smile, Harry continued, “So… we have been viewing a few properties in different locations, and…”
Anne gave us an excited but careful nod and harry turned to look at me, I smiled and kissed his hand, which was laying on my shoulder then turned to look at our family, “We just put an offer for a house”, before they could speak up, I added, “Here, well actually, a few blocks down”, everyone’s eyes opened so big, Anne was stuck in her place while Gemma pulled us into a hug followed by everyone else.
Anne stood frozen in her place with some tears falling from her eyes, Harry walked carefully next to her and as soon as she could she pulled him into her arms, and a few seconds later she pulled me into her arms too, then whispered, “I cannot believe this! I honestly had made pace with the idea of only seeing you three every few months, but the fact that I will be able to see you when we feel like it? It’s just priceless.”
We pulled back and turned to look at everyone, Des spoke up, “So what’s next?”, Harry smiled, “Well, we have to wait and see if the offer will be accepted, Olive our real estate agent said it could take anywhere from weeks to months, so it’s a waiting game”, Gemma smiled, “Well, I cannot wait for us to be able to go house shopping”, I laughed, “I’ll definitely let you know Gems”.
May 28, 2022
Harry. London, England. 10:30 A.M.
“See you in a few mate!”, Jeff nodded and continued to walk with the personnel from BBC while I made my way to the entrance to collect Y/N and Pippa, as soon as I saw her she gave me a big smile and I pulled her into a kiss and hug, then we started to make our way back to my dressing room.
Once inside I lifted the blanket covering the stroller and smiled at the sleeping baby; not wanting to disturb her sleep I let the blanket fall again and walked to sit with Y/N on the couch, once I settled her on my lap, I started kissing her cheek repeatedly while she let out some squeals and little laughs.
A ping from her phone had me pulling back and reaching for my phone to see if I had any new notifications. She took out a deep breath and squeezed my arm before chuckling, I turned to look at her and gave her a questioning look, she settled on my lap and whispered “Harry…”, u hummed and kissed her nose with my eyes closed.
She whispered again, “They accepted the offer”, I opened my eyes and smiled at her, my eyes asking her to confirm what she just said, and she nodded before speaking up, “We got our house H”, I stood up and pulled her into a hug while we spun, making sure to keep quiet for the baby. I stopped and whispered against her lips, “We got our house baby”, she nodded and placed a chaste kiss then whispered, “We got our house”.
June 11, 2022
Glasgow, Scotland. 7:30 A.M.
A whimper coming from the monitor pulled me out of bed, I grabbed my sweatshirt then made my way to the adjoining room where we had created a nursery for Pippa, turned on the lamp and cooed at the crying baby, “Oh no baby what are those tears for huh? We’re here for a dress-up party for your daddy!”
I settled on the bed and removed my sweatshirt and shirt so I could feed Pippa, who latched immediately, “Oh you were hungry huh? I’m sorry baby I am such a meanie huh?”, she turned to look at me and my eyes watered, I still could not understand how I could love her so much.
Once she finished, I changed her diaper and we left her room and ordered some room service, the turned to pull out the little cake, candles, and balloons I bought yesterday while sightseeing with Glenne. As soon as I finished setting up room service arrived, and I went into our room to wake him up.
With Pippa in my arms, I walked to my side of the bed and settled with her on the bed, once she saw her dad she squealed and I laughed, then placed her next to Harry’s face, “Come on baby say, ‘Dada wake up!’”, she started aggressively patting his cheek; he let out a deep breath and chuckled, “Morning baby girl! hello you!”, he turned around and pulled her into his lap, she smiled and he pulled her in for a kiss then turned to look at me, “Hi baby.”
I smiled and leaned to kiss his lips then whispered, “Hi, breakfast is ready, wanna come out?”, he nodded then handed me the baby, went to the bathroom and as soon as he came out, we headed to the living room. He stopped on his tracks and smiled at the decorations I set out for him and pulled me into a hug.
We sat down and started eating breakfast, then I lit up the candle and before he could blow it I cleared my throat, “I just want to say that I’m so proud of you, it is amazing to be a witness to your radiance and happiness and to be able to love you at the end of everything”, I sniffled and he squeezed my hand and reached for Pippa.
“I know that we won’t be able to be with you every single date physically, but I need you to remember that we are always with you here”, I placed my hand over his heart and he sniffled before whispering, “I love you Y/N more than words are able to express it, and I know I repeat it a lot, but I truly will never ever be able to repay you for everything.”
I pulled him in for a kiss, then left a bunch of smooches on Pippa’s head before pulling back and whispering, “Now before you blow your candles, I want for you to make a wish for this tour, okay?”, he nodded and closed his eyes, then blew out the candle. Pippa and I clapped a little then kissed his cheek before speaking up, “Okay my love, you have about four hours until we have to be at the arena, so take your time getting ready, okay?”, he nodded then pulled me up, “How about we settle her for a nap then enjoy the tub for a little?”, I nodded then followed him.
June 11, 2022
Harry. Glasgow, Scotland. 7:45 P.M.
The murmur of the crowd was enough for my hands to tremble harder than they already were before and I could feel the sweat falling down my spine; I had been ready for a while and met my band for our pre-show ritual, and hugged my family, but right now the only thing I wanted was to hug my girls.
Speaking of, they have been on my dressing room for a while because little miss Pippa had an explosive accident, so I knew that’s where I would find them. As soon as I entered Y/N offered me a smile, however it disappeared when I started sniffling and making my way to them, “Baby what’s- “, I didn’t let her finish before I pulled her into a hug.
She started running her hand down my back while cooing at me, “Baby it’s okay, take a deep breath”, it took me a few moments, but I calmed down and we pulled back; she ran her hands down my cheeks and cleaned my tears.
Before I could speak up a shriek had us looking at the baby laying on the cushions next to us, Y/N laughed and pulled her into her arms kissing her head, “Were you missing us baby? we could never forget you huh?”, I smiled and handed Pippa my fingers to chew on, Y/N whispered, “Feeling better?”, I nodded, “so much.”
We stayed like this until Jeff came to get us, I pulled her up with me and we walked all the way to the side of the stage, we turned to look at each other and smiled, she spoke up, “We’ll be watching from the box, yes?”, I nodded and kissed Pip’s cheeks and her lips three times, “I love you baby, I’ll see you after okay?”
She nodded and I started making my way to the back of the stage and stopped on my tracks when I heard her scream my name, I turned to look at her, “Yes?”, she smiled, “Welcome to Love on Tour 2.0; break a leg handsome.”
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lovecanyon · 2 years
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HARRY’S HOUSE - ONE NIGHT ONLY - NEW YORK
dad!harry x reader
MASTERLIST
-
"It’s pretty!"
Y/N lets out a smile as she readjusts Beau’s soundproof headphones. Harry and the band were rehearsing for his one night only show that Beau begged his parents to watch in person, instead of on a tv backstage.
Inez was also at the arena but stayed backstage with Glenne and Harry Lambert during the rehearsals, per Harry and Y/N’s request.
"It is pretty baby!" Y/N grins ruffling Beau’s hair which makes him lean into her. The lit up house shape caught the four year olds attention, even when his dad was preforming.
While Harry rehearses he mostly has his attention on Beau and Y/N. Either he’s singing to them or blowing them kisses. It made him feel special that his son and fiancé were watching him with so much adoration.
Sometime around when Harry starts playing Kiwi Anthony, their photographer goes around to take pictures of everyone, especially the singer’s family. He shoots a bunch of pictures of Beau with Y/N watching Harry preform on stage. He’s also very careful with not photographing the four year olds face.
Right after the rehearsals are done Harry rushes off stage and grabs Beau, hoisting him onto his hip. Since the rehearsals were over Y/N slowly pulls off her sons headphones, careful to not get them stuck in his hair.
"Did you like the performance Beau?!" Harry grins as his ringed hand pinches his son’s cheek. Beau lets out a giggle digging his head into Harry’s neck.
"Yes daddy!"
-
"Harry. You’re going to be fine. Now put on pants, please." Y/N tells her fiancé which makes him grunt against her stomach.
"Darling I feel comfortable." Harry mumbles as he furrows his brows.
"You go on stage in 30 minutes. Are you going to preform in your underwear?" Y/N playfully scoffs running her hand through his hair. He stays silent but nods sheepishly. "Jesus. Harry!"
"I’m sorry! But if it’s possible I would—"
A knock on the door makes Y/N jump up from the couch and Harry slump uncomfortably against the couches arm. She opens the door revealing Jeffrey on the other side holding a sleeping Inez.
"We trade children. You get Inez, I’ll get Harry." Jeff jokes as he walks into the dressing room. Y/N let’s out a laugh as she grabs her sleeping daughter from his arms.
"Please take him." Y/N jokingly says as she softly lays Inez down in her travel bassinet. Beau was already knocked out on a recliner, snuggling his stuffed animals the arena gifted him. It wasn’t a surprise he fell right asleep after the rehearsals finished, he and Harry went on a 'run' early this morning in Central Park with Tom and Jeff.
"Please be careful. I don’t want Beau to fall or anything." Y/N sleepily mumbles against her pillow.
"I promise darling." Harry smiles bending down to kiss Y/N head and Inez’s cheek, who was laid against her mother’s chest.
"Daddy I’m ready!" Beau jumps up and down on the hotel floor making Harry grin.
"Let’s go then!"
"Get pants on him then I’ll take him." Jeffrey tells her before leaving the dressing room. Once the door shuts Harry looks up to see Y/N with her hands on her hips staring down at him.
"I get dressed. You get dressed. Got it?" Y/N tells Harry which makes him groan and stand up.
"Wait…I forgot we are matching." Harry lets out a grin, seemingly growing excited.
Harry and Y/N both picked out their outfits together. He chose a white shirt with red hearts but she picked out a tank top instead. Her leather pants also looked a little different than his. And in her opinion her heels were the best part.
-
"Harry. Let’s go, there’s already five minutes left—"
Y/N gets cut off by Harry softly grabbing her face and pressing his lips against hers. She smiles into the kiss which makes Harry nip at her lip and laughs leave her. Soon though, they both pull away to catch their breaths.
These type of moments made Harry want to drop down to his knees and thank Y/N for everything. She’s gifted him with two wonderful children, constantly inspired him to write and create songs, supported anything he did (including touring the entire world).
He was so fucking grateful for her. She changed his life for the better.
"I love you." Harry tells her which makes a smile crawl onto her face. "Seriously. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be doing this if I haven’t met you. So thank you darling."
"Harry, I-I love you so much." Y/N sniffles as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I can’t wait until we get married. It’s going to be one of the best days of my life, besides Beau and Nez’s births." He grins letting his thumbs wipe her tears. "Please don’t cry because I’ll cry. And you know I won’t stop."
Harry was about to reconnect their lips but a knock on the dressing room door stops them.
"We need you now Harry!" Jeffrey calls out from behind the door.
Y/N gives Harry one last hug before pushing him out the room knowing he will protest to stay with her longer.
As he walks down the backstage hallway, Y/N shouts out something that makes a large smile form on his face.
"You’ll do so good rockstar, I love you!"
-
Before leaving both her kids sleeping in the dressing room, Y/N makes sure Tommy is in the room watching Beau and Inez in case they wake up. After that she gets rushed out by staff and into the crowd.
One of the stage managers bring her to Jeff and Glenne who were waiting for her by the sound equipment. Fans soon begin to recognize Y/N next to Harry’s manager which makes everyone start to take photos of her.
But right when the arena lights turn off and Harry’s intro begins playing some do take their attention off of her, some don’t.
Music For a Sushi Restaurant was the first song that Harry was playing. Y/N vividly remembers where he got the inspiration from. They were in Japan celebrating the release of Fine Line.
"Excuse me. A green tea?"
"Right on it Ms." The server nods which makes Y/N give them a smile.
"Thank you. Now what were you saying H?" She turns Harry who was busy staring at her. His stare made her smile and tilt her head. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
"It’s cause I love you babe. In every kind of way." He tells her which makes her shake her head and grin.
"I love you too H."
Y/N smiles lovingly at Harry preforming. He was in his groove, dancing around on stage with the band. Him being happy made Y/N over the moon. Truly he was the love of her life.
Once the chorus drops Y/N begins to dance with Glenne and Jeff. Music For a Sushi Restaurant was one of her favorite songs Harry ever wrote for her. Between the lyrics and instruments, it made her feel very content.
The next song Harry played was Late Night talking. This specific song he wrote when him and Y/N first started to talk. They would both stay up late, either facetiming each other or be on a regular call.
It was a routine for them.
"I have to go to Hollywood tomorrow with Alessandro then I’m leaving next week to visit Bishopsgate with my dads…you can come with me if you want. I-I don’t wanna bother you or anything—"
"No! I mean no you’re fine, it’s fine. I’m totally free. Just gotta pack and book my flights." Harry interrupts her clutching his phone against his ear. Of course he wanted to go. He would follow her to any place, even if it’s Hollywood or Bishopgate, he’s coming too.
"Oh! Amazing, I’ll pick you up at your apartment early in the morning tomorrow." Y/N bites back a smile.
"How about I’ll pick you up. I know how you hate getting up early." Harry tells Y/N which makes her laugh.
"I forget you’re an early bird."
The song had a very special memory attached to it, every song on the album did. It made Y/N want to burst out into happy tears.
"He’s doing so great." Y/N smiles making Glenne wrap her arm around her shoulder.
"You know when you both first met, Harry couldn’t stop talking about you. His eyes lit up every time someone brought you up. I’m pretty sure he was in love with you when he first laid eyes on you." Glenne says which makes Y/N laugh.
"I love him so much."
The following song was Grapejuice, another one of Y/N’s favorite. Harry wrote it after Y/N had brought up their first kiss they had in France. The memory was very much still imprinted in Y/N’s brain.
She remembers it like yesterday.
"I got your favorite wine. 1982 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux?!"
Y/N gasps as she lets her book drop down onto the blanket. Swiftly she stands up from the grass and jumps to give Harry a hug.
"Harry, thank you. Alessandro has been trying to find this for me but he’s had no luck." Y/N grins wrapping her arms around Harry’s neck.
The whole scenery made everything feel so perfect. They were both in the garden, breathing France’s air. Nothing could be better than this.
So Harry leans in.
Once his lips are against her’s, he grabs her face with both his hands so he can be closer to her, if that was possible since his body was already crowding hers.
Pulling away was so difficult to do but they had to get air.
"Let’s drink some wine and I’ll read to you." Y/N whispers biting her lip nervously. Harry sends her a grin as he plops down onto her blanket.
"Hmm what are we reading…In Watermelon Sugar, sounds interesting." He reads Y/N’s book title.
Grapejuice was pretty much everyone’s favorite, Sarah’s, Mitch’s, Jeff’s, Tyler’s…because they knew what the song’s backstory was. Harry had always told them the story about his and Y/N’s first kiss, especially when they were in the studio.
As the night went on Harry had sang his whole album including a few songs off his other two albums which made Y/N feel overjoyed. In between some songs, fans did go up and ask Y/N for a picture which she accepted because she was in such a good mood, thankfully.
Y/N even had a bunch of conversations with them and bonded with some. The night was just so very amazing.
-
"Brittany!"
Brittany lets out another gasp making Harry laugh even harder. She definitely looked more surprised than she did with Harry.
Y/N made this all possible for her, she was the one that commented on her TikTok videos, interacted with her on social media numerous times and especially, invited her tonight to meet Harry.
Y/N standing in the doorway made Brittany cry more than she already was. Swiftly Y/N walks over to the blonde and opens her arms for a hug which Brittany accepts.
"Jesus Christ you guys are going to give me a heart attack." Brittany laughs against Y/N’s shoulder. "I seriously love you. Like you are my idol."
"Excuse me what about me!" Harry furrows his brows playfully, making everyone in the room laugh.
"Shut up you narcissist." Y/N jokes. Brittany covers her mouth with her hand as she continues to look back and forth at Y/N and Harry.
"I love you guys. I’m dead serious." Brittany mumbles as Y/N and Harry smile.
"We love you. Your TikTok videos got us through quarantine." Y/N tells Brittany which makes her let out a gasp.
"Holy shit."
After the crew finished filming, Harry and Y/N decided to take Brittany to the dressing room where everyone was hanging out in. Of course Y/N could tell she was excited the way she was grinning and looking at everyone in pure amazement.
"It’s pretty much just going to be the band, Lambert and us. Oh, and our kids are awake so them too!" Y/N informs Brittany.
"Literally my favorite nepotism children." Brittany tells Harry and Y/N which makes them let out multiple laughs. Brittany truly was a funny person that they both enjoyed to be around.
Right when the three of them walked in the room, they were immediately greeted. Sarah was holding her son while Lambert had Inez in his arms.
It was like a dream come true for Brittany, all these people were like her idols.
Swiftly Beau runs up to Y/N which makes her hoist him onto her hip. The four year old had a large grin on his face as he looks at the blonde woman next to his parents.
"Hi." Beau says.
"Oh my god. Hi." Brittany waves her hand which makes Beau follow her actions. It blew her mind the way he looked exactly like Harry. The four year olds eyes were the exactly same as Harry’s, the dimples on his cheeks definitely came from Harry, and his smile was identical to Harry’s.
He was literally Harry’s twin.
"I’m Beau. What’s your name?" Beau smiles at Brittany.
"My name is Brittany. I am a big fans of your parents." Brittany tells Beau making Y/N grin. Their whole interaction was so genuine it made everyone in the room watching want to burst of joy.
Y/N sets Beau down on the couch and lets him continue to talk to Brittany. She continuously made him laugh and smile, even Lambert clutched onto his stomach when she made a joke.
Truly this was one of the best nights Y/N and Harry have ever had. The environment was amazing, everyone was just having a great time. Her daughter was babbling against her chest while Harry showed her clothes on his phone for the kids.
"Harry we already have six packages on the way."
-
tag list : @harrysmatcha @harryspinkpillow @helen-with-an-a @florencepughily @peterparkerbae @toji-dabi-wife @fallonx @drphilssoulmate @cherriesrae @alienorknight @valluvsu @ivegotparticulartaste @ayeshathestyles @hazgoldenstyles @eiffelmezarry @tsukishimawhore @renatavieira @michellekstyles @eleanordaisy @shawnsblue @academiaghosts @japanchrry @agustdpeach @hannahnikohl @hrryscherrys @whoscamila @ch3rryrry @msolbesg @newyorker14 @futuristicpalacegardenpsychic @youusunshineyoutemptress @eunoiamaa @kaitieskidmore1 @gublerscherry @cherryfragrancx @ssuziess @milkiane @teenidlemuse @golden-hoax @flwrmuse @leah2002 @sunshinemendes8 @your--sweetest--downfall @melllinaa @iluvjj @bisouma @tenaciousperfectionunknown @vodka-is-gay-and-so-am-i @cashtons-wife @harryistheonlyoneforme
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Grammy’s 2023
A/N: So I’m no writer and haven’t written anything in years. I had this tumblr though at one point where I was trying to write out the perfect love story. Somewhere along the way I have lost inspiration to write it out although I’ve been living it out in my dreams all this time. I love Harry with all my heart to the point where it sometimes scares me how much you can adore someone you’ve never met and probably never will.
Anyway Grammy’s inspired me again and put such a story in my head that I knew I had to write down. It took me some time and it’s not perfectly written but here it is. So I hope somebody will enjoy it.
Also I decided to write is as a continuation of the story I have started here all those years ago so that’s why it has a name of Harry’s partner rather than Y/N. 
 Grammy's 2023
I woke up to the bell ringing, followed by my two daughters' excited screams saying hi to their grandma.
It must be so late since Harry's mum is already here and I'm just waking up. I rolled on the side and grabbed my phone from the bedside table to check the time, finding out that it was indeed already noon.
Harry must have woken up before the girls since I wasn't woken by one of them slipping into our bed like they usually do.
I got up, wrapped myself in my favorite silk robe and went downstairs, where I was met with Ellie, Daisy and Anne sitting by the dining table making plans for their evening together.
'Mommy' Ellie our oldest exclaimed. ' Nana's here and she said we can have ice cream when we watch daddy on TV'
'Yeah ay cream' the 2 year old baby joined in excitement
'Oh she did? ' I made a surprised face before adding ' Good thing I bought your favorite then' I winked at Anne while girls were jumping to the news.
'Hello darling' Anne greeted me and came up for a hug
'Hi' I smiled wrapping her in my arms ' Do you happen to know where Harry is? ' I asked but before she could answer two strong hands wrapped around my waist.
'Morning Sleepyhead' Harry said into my ear 'You ready for a big day? '
'Morning ' I said turning around to leave a quick kiss on his lips 'can't wait'
'Good cuz everyone is going to be here soon and the chaos will begin' he smirked
We were supposed to be getting ready at a hotel way closer to where the ceremony is taking place but the girls were so bummed they couldn't go to watch daddy perform that we decided to at least have them around for getting ready so they could see our outfits and all.
Just as Harry said not longer than 20 minutes later people started showing up at our doorstep. A make-up artist mostly for me but to touch up my husband as well, Lambert with his whole crew who brought all of our outfits for tonight, Sigourney to do both our nails, caters with ton of food, Anthony to photograph the getting ready part and so many more people that I didn't even know what exactly their part in all of this was.
'Daddy! Daddy! ' both girls run to Harry who was having his nails done while my hair was being done. 'Can Sig do our nails to with your purple polish? Pretty please' Ellie looked up at him with her infamous puppy eyes.
'I don't know if there will be time bugs' he said and put frowns on their faces
' I don't mind doing it' Sigourney said looking at me ' if that's okay with you guys'
'Sure' I said ' let them have their fun babe' I told to Harry
' But nails only, don't even think about make up' he chuckled trying to hold a serious face so they knew he wasn't joking which only made me laugh.
‘Guys! Announcement!’ Jeff says excitedly ‘Harry’s House just won its first Grammy! Best Engineered Album! Congrats man!’ he adds coming up to Harry to give him a hug while everybody cheers
‘Congratulations babe!’ I yell from across the room, not being able to get up from make-up chair. 
Jeff decides it calls for celebration and pours everyone some Champaign.
It was 2 hours later, everyone almost ready, Harry is downstairs getting dressed with his stylist's help and Anne is helping me in our bedroom while Ellie and Daisy watch.
It wasn't easy picking my outfit, I wanted to match with Harry but at the same time it was hard not to clash with him since he is wearing such a colorful and sparkly at the same time jumpsuit. In the end I decided to eliminate color but match by also going sparkly.
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'You look stunning sweetie' Anne compliments me when I'm all dressed.
'Sooo pleety' Daisy joins her Nana while Ellie just holds her tiny hand over her mouth in shock.
'I want to be as pretty as you mummy when I'm big' she finally exclaims making my heart so full.
'You're already even prettier now' I tell her while leaning down to hug her. 'Okay. Are you ladies ready to see what your dad is wearing? '
'S he dressed funny again? ' Ellie asks making Anne and me erupt in laughter.
'You'll have to judge on your own bug'
We make our way down and as if he had been waiting for us Harry is looking directly in our direction.
'Oh my! ' he says looking me up and down and gesturing for me to spin around ' aren't you looking breathtaking my love'
'Not so bad yourself ' I smirk coming up to him and stealing a quick kiss. 'However you have to wait for the big judges verdict ' I laugh looking at out babies.
Daisy runs up to us and starts touching Harry's outfit, examining all the crystals. Ellie though taps her tiny lip and acts like she's thinking really hard about what she thinks of his outfit choice.
'Ells what do you think? ' Harry finally asks her
' A little funny' she decides and everyone in the room starts laughing. ' but I like' she adds
‘Thank goodness. ' Harry acts relieved ' we're safe Lambert' he jokes ' you got me worried there darling, thought I would have to change. '
'Can stay like that ' she says with a serious look on her face.
'Guys we should be leaving' Jeff comes into the room with a phone to his ear. ' the driver is pulling up '
'Anthony! Could you please snap a photo of me and my girls? ' Harry asks his photographer before calling the little ones and me to take place next to him.
We take a few photos, Anne also joins in for a few and then it's really time to leave. But not before some really hurt looks from our babies who don't want us to leave.
' Be good for grandma. ' I kneel to look at my babies ' And go on wish your daddy good luck and tell him you love him ' I whisper to them which makes them spring across the room to Harry latching onto his legs
'Good luck daddy!’
‘Oh thank you my loves’ Harry kneels down to them and gives them both a kiss. ‘Be good for grandma and watch out for daddy on TV’  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red carpet was crazy as always. I have so much respect for all those celebrities that do this all the time. You would think that doing it with my husband by my side would be easier but he gets yelled at so badly. It’s like the photographers can’t get a picture of him without screaming his name on top of their lungs first.
Since Harry is not the biggest fan of red carpets as well, after like 2 minutes of having our pictures taken separately he waits up for me and takes my hand to guide us inside after a few shots of us side by side.
Straight from the carpet we go to our backstage room, where the band is chilling as well as some more of our friends. We say hi to everyone and Harry changes into his second outfit. 
‘Don’t you look good Mister’ I wrap my arms around his neck and say directly into his lips before going in for a kiss. He slides his arms around my waist, pulling me as close as possible to his body.
‘Thank you darling’
‘Okay lovebirds, let’s go’ Jeff calls for us. 
We untangle from each other but Harry keeps my hand in his as we make our way to our table. 
We say hello to a few people, including Lizzo and Adele who happen to sit at the table next to ours.
The ceremony starts with Bad Bunny performance to which Harry and I dance in our seats like almost everyone since his music makes it impossible to sit still. After that Trevor Noah starts his monologue while walking across the tables and surely at one point he stops by ours and talks about Harry.
‘Harry Styles is here tonight everybody!’ he announces which makes everyone from the upper seats cheer and Harry gives a quick wave at the camera. ‘ I mean what can you say about this man that hasn’t been said huh?’ he continues ‘Incredible album, mind blowing tour. 15 night run at MSG and the Forum. Woman throw their panties at this man, then he puts them on and he looks better in them than they do’ that makes me cringe and I see Harry shaking his head too. ‘Easily the worlds sexiest man! Are you kidding me?! There’s no competition! Sex symbol of the globe! Especially now since they killed the green M&M!’ he adds before walking away to find his next victim.
‘So much more than just a great body love’ I lean into Harry and whisper into his ear, knowing how uncomfortable Trevor’s comments made him feel.
‘Thank you. Love ya’ he smiles at me and gives me a quick kiss.
The first category that is announced is the Best Pop Vocal Album, in which Harry’s House is actually nominated. Jenifer Lopez comes on stage to announce the winner. Harry squeezes my hand in his and keeps them in his lap as we impatiently wait to find out who won.
‘And the Grammy goes to... Harry’s House Harry Styles!!’ she reads out. 
Without dropping my hand Harry covers his face, shocked at what has just happened. Tom, Tyler and Jeff all go crazy, as well as Lizzo at the next table.
‘You won babe!’ I finally exclaim looking at Harry who uncovers his face and looks at me with pure happiness in his eyes. ‘You got it!’ I add when he cups my face in his hands and kisses me passionately. ‘I love you so much,  go on collect your prize’ I tell him once we separate. Unable to say anything he lets go of me and goes to the stage  with Tom and Tyler to get his award and I go to hug Jeff as we both say how fucking great it is.
‘Thank you so much.’ Harry starts his speech ‘This album from start to finish has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. From making it with two of my  best friends to playing it to people has been the greatest joy I could ask for. So I wanna thank Rob, Jeffery, Tommy, Tom, Tom and Tyler and everyone who inspired this album, everyone, my friends who supported me through it. And most importantly I want to thank my incredible wife, Rosalie and our amazing daughters, Eliie, Daisy I love you! Thank you so much, I wouldn’t be there without you.’
My eyes water listening to him talk and I know our babies are going crazy at home hearing their dad talk about them on TV. 
Harry comes back only after his performance, he has lost in some categories but the biggest one Album of the Year is still to be announced.
He keeps repeating how he’s already so happy to have won even one but I know how much it would mean to him to be distinguished like that.
So when Trevor comes up on stage to announce the winner of this category, I can see Harry tense up and feel him squeeze my thigh tighter. And the moment the host walks up to Rhina, Harry’s fun, I exchange knowing look with Jeff just as the lady reads out ‘Harry! Harry Styles’.
‘Oh my god!! Babe you did it! You did it!’ I scream on top of my lungs, getting up from my seat and almost shaking Harry as he has his head in between his hands. ‘You won!’ I say one more time when he gets up and wraps his arms around me. ‘I am so incredibly proud of you’ I add.
‘Thank you for everything’ he says looking deeply into my eyes before going for a kiss. Too soon for my liking I have to let go of him and watch as he goes on stage. 
The first thing he does is give his fan such a tight hug I worry he might crush her. And then he gives the most beautiful speech that leaves me crying my eyes out.
‘Shit...shit! Man!... I’ve been so inspired by every artist in this category with me. A lot of different times in my life I listened to everyone in this category. I think that on nights like that it’s obviously so important to remember that there is no such thing as best in music. i don’t think any of us sits in the studio thinking, making decisions based on what is gonna get us one of these. This is really, really kind. I’m so so grateful. I would also like to take a moment to thank one more time my wife. Rose I wouldn’t be standing there if it wasn’t for you. I couldn’t do it if it wasn’t for your constant support. I know life with me, especially during periods when I’m working on new music and touring with it, is very demanding and so I’m so grateful for your understanding and patience. Also thank you for being the best mom to our daughters, for taking the best care of them when I have to be away from you and for always making sure they know how much I love them even when I’m not there to tell them myself. As well as for packing them up and jumping on a plane with them to meet me on the other side of the world when you notice how much I miss my babies. I couldn’t wish for a better partner to walk through life with and share those one in a lifetime moments with. So this award is for You. I love you. ‘
I was not kidding when I said I was bawling my eyes out listing to Harry speak. Jeff had to hold me up when we were walking backstage because I was so emotional. And as soon as I walked through the door that had “Harry Styles” written on them I run straight into Harry’s arms.
‘Love? What happened? Why are you covered in tears?’ Harry asked pulling me slightly away from himself to get a better look at me.
‘Why?! It’s your fault! What were you expecting saying all those beautiful words up there?’
‘Ohh... that’s what got you so emotional.’ he pulled me closer to him again ‘Well I meant every single thing that I said. I don’t tell you often enough how much I appreciate you.’
‘I love you’ I whispered ‘And now kiss me before someone steals you from me because I can already see a line of people wanting to congratulate you’ I asked him and he did just that before allowing other people in the room to have his attention.
I took this opportunity to text Anne and get started with our secret plan. Well almost secret as I had to include several people to help me pull it off.
To Anne:
He did it!!! Did the girls see his speech?
From Anne:
I knew he would!! They did! Got so excited too! I filmed it , I'll send it to you.
To Anne :
send it to Harry. I don't want him looking at my messages with you to not ruin the surprise
To Anne:
Btw the plan is on, you can start getting them ready, I'm calling the driver now so he should pick you guys up in like half an hour.
From Anne:
sounds great! See you soon!
Just as I put my phone away, Harry's that has been in my purse signaled incoming text, I checked it and it was in fact video from Anne of Ellie and Daisy watching Harry's win announced.
'Babe, your mum texted you girls reaction to your speech. ' I told Harry handing him his phone. 
He took it and straight away played the recording in which Ellie was telling her younger sister to keep her fingers crossed so daddy wins this big award, Daisy screaming 'Daddy! Mummy! ' when Harry and I were shown on TV and then, them jumping up and down while saying that they daddy won and that he is the bestest.
I looked over at my husband who had tears in his eyes. Oh he has no idea what's coming, I smirk to myself.
Harry is soon taken to do a few interviews and have some photos, with his trophies, taken. All while I'm constantly texting Anne to know where they are. Just as Harry sits down for more pictures I hear Anne trying to talk as quiet as possible, telling the girls to not talk so they can surprise their daddy. They are very good at being silent up to the point when they notice me and they can't stop themselves from calling for me. I quickly bring my forefinger to my lips showing them to be really quiet. However when they bring those tiny baby hands to cover their mouths I almost burst out laughing.
I make sure Harry is to busy to notice what's going on and walk up to my babies. I give them the biggest hug and kisses before taking them to follow me and go up to Harry when I tell them. We make our way to stand almost behind the photographer, from the corner of my eye I see Jeff giving Anthony a sign to get ready to snap some shots to get Harry's reaction to seeing his daughters.
'Okay girls, you can go up to daddy and surprise him' I smile at Ellie and Daisy.
They have the biggest smiles on their faces and their eyes sparkle with excitement as they pass the photographer and get in his way.
Harry notices them straight away and gasps in disbelief.
'What?! What are you doing here my loves?! ' he embraces them with his arms, leaving two statues he's been holding on the bench.
‘You win! ' our younger screams and claps her hands. 'And we saw you sing on TV with granny, and you and mummy' Ellie says excited 'And uncle Jeff and Tom... And, and aunt Lizz' Daisy adds
'Oh my goodness. You saw everyone babies' Harry laughs.
'You! ' he points a finger at me 'You cheeky minx. I don't even imagine how you managed to sneak them into freaking Grammy's. '
'Well I did have a lot of people involved into making that happen. ' I answer ' And it was only possible because you have so many people who love you and wanted to help make you happy'
'Get over here' he orders and as soon as I'm within his reach he wraps his arms around me, brings his lips to my ear and says 'I'm soo very happy. Thank you. You're the best I love you' he kisses me passionately.
Anthony takes some pictures of the four of us and two Grammy statues, of Harry and the girls, us four and Anne and just Harry and Anne.
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‘So I promised Ellie and Daisy that they will come with us to get some dinner but then your mum is taking them back home so we can go to the after party.’ I tell Harry when we are in a bathroom together changing into our after party outfits.
‘Sounds like a plan’ he says ‘However I would be just as happy if we went back home with them and ordered some takeaway’
‘Oh I know you would but that’s not gonna happen.’ I tell him as I come closer to him. wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes before continuing ‘And I’ve got another surprise... after the after party we will go to the hotel where I have booked a room for us so we can celebrate my three times Grammy winner husband.’
‘Is that so?’ he smirks
‘Mhmm... You most certainly deserve a proper celebration’
‘Tell me more and we’ll be skipping the after party and going straight to that hotel’ he says before kissing me hard.
Before we can get too into the kiss we hear a knock on the door followed by Daisy’s voice asking for her parents. 
We finish getting dressed before coming out and following everyone to the cars that are waiting to take us to Harry’s favorite Italian restaurant.
The entire way to the restaurant Ellie and Daisy are talking nonstop, telling Harry how they were watching him in TV, that they saw mommy and daddy kiss and heard him saying that he loves them. How much they liked his performance and assure him that no one could tell when he tells them about the turn table incident. They also don’t forget to mention how granny was crying when he was saying how much he loves mommy. 
‘By the way how much they talk it’s very obvious that they are your kids Harry’ Jeff laughs at some point from the front seat. 
Once in the restaurant we order more food that we could possibly eat and celebrate Harry in a small circle of his closest people. 
Daisy and Ellie devour their favorite margarita pizzas and beg us to have some dessert. Obviously Harry could not say no to his girls so they finish the meal with a big portion of chocolate cake.
After finishing dinner it’s time to head to the party and for girls to go back home.
‘Mommy! Daddy not leave’ Daisy tears up as we begin to put them in a car with Anne. ‘want cuddle in bed’ she says with those damn puppy eyes 
‘Babe, how about we drop by home on our way, put girls to sleep and then head out?’ Harry asks looking at me with pleading eyes
‘It’s your night Harr, we can do whatever you want’ I lean into him and give him a peck on the cheek. ‘As long as I get you to myself at the end of the night’
‘Someone is very eager to get me out of my clothes. Aren’t you?’ he whispers into my ear with a smirk
‘You look so hot in them that you could very well stay in them while you fuck me’ I reply
‘Damn! You weren’t joking when you said how much you love me in suits.’  he almost moans. ‘As much as I can’t wait for that, let’s go home and put our ladybugs to sleep.’ he adds and guides me back to the car where our daughters are already strapped in their car seats.
‘Okay lovies. How about mommy and daddy go home with you and put you to sleep and then go to their party?’ he asks them ‘Does that sound like a good plan?’
‘Yes! Yes!’ they exclaim and we get in the car with them after informing Jeff that we will join him and the rest in about 2 hours.
When at home Anne insists she gives Ells and Daisy a bath so Harry and I don’t mess up our outfits. Soon they emerge from their en suit bathroom and join us in their bedroom. We give them each a kiss before I slip into Ellie’s bed with her and Harry cuddles with Daisy. They insist on reading their favorite princess book to which their father happily obliges. 
Not later than half an hour later both our angels are peacefully asleep. Carefully not to wake them we sneak out but have to admire them a little before we leave the room for good.
We go downstairs to where Anne is sitting on the couch in the living room.
‘They’re down already?’ she asks and I nod ‘All the emotions of the day must’ve tired them out pretty badly then’
‘Good it went this way cuz I was scared they wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, going through all the events of their night’ I chuckle
‘True’ she agrees ‘Now you go out, enjoy the rest of the night and I will take care of my grandbabies’
‘Thank you Mum for staying with them’ Harry comes up to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek. ‘We’ll try to be back as early as possible tomorrow’
‘Oh don’t you rush, we will be fine here and I’ll most certainly enjoy some more alone time with them.’
‘Okay we will be in touch then’
‘Great. Have fun you two!’
‘Thank you Anne’ I smile at her and we leave the house, get into the car that has been waiting for us and get to the after party.
I don’t even know who is hosting this party but it’s packed with A-listed celebrities. That being the reason why my husband is very quickly stolen from me to get introduced to many people and have pictures with them taken. I thankfully run into Claudia Sulewski who I met at Coachella last year and hung out with a few times ever since.
We catch up, chat and have a drink until I see Harry approaching us.
‘There you are!’ he says standing behind me and embracing me with his arms. ‘Hi Claudia’ he greets her
‘Hi Harry! Congrats on your big win! Well deserved’ she praises
‘Thank you!’
‘Okay I gotta go find Fineas but it was lovely to see you again and catch up!’
‘Yeah! Say hi to Fineas and Billy from us! I tell her and she walks away
‘So are you done with official part of this party?’ I turn to look at Harry. ‘Met everyone you had to meet? Had all the pictures taken?’ I smirk
‘I guess’ he confirms. ‘Why? You ready to ditch and get naked?’ I burst out in laughter 
‘Not yet Mister’ I put my arms around his neck ‘First we will party properly since I don’t even remember when we last had a night out like that’ I tell him ‘I want to dance until my legs can’t hold me up anymore!’ I exclaim
‘Sounds like a plan’ he chuckles ‘Also heard there is going to be karaoke at some point’
‘You’ve got to be kiddin. We are so singing something!’ I beam. 
We both love karaoke. Harry for an obvious reason and me well I think almost every little girl wanted to be a singer at some point. I cannot sing for a life of god though however it never stops me from having lots of fun doing it.
We do exactly as we said. Dance, sing our usual “Time of my life” together and then Harry sings more with some other people while I dance some more. There is a lot of alcohol involved but not to the point where any of us is drunk unconscious.
It’s around 3 am as we arrive at the hotel that I booked us so we could have some time just the two of us because that was something we didn’t do in a long time with Harry’s crazy schedule and probably won’t be getting again soon considering that the tour will continue in like 2 weeks.
The suite is amazing with huge bed and a big bathroom in front of it separated only by a see through glass wall. There is a huge shower as well as a humongous bath with Jacuzzi settings.
A/N: There might be a part two but I just needed to get this out for now.
Let me know what you thought!
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dapandapod · 1 year
Note
A few days ago you reblogged an "incorrect Witcher quotes gifset" where Ciri interrogates Geralt about him being in love with Jaskier. JUST SAYING but I'd read that a million times over if you wrote it 👀
Based on this gif-set by @lamberts
Why, thank you Nonnie-love! Because I don't need sleep anyway (I do) I decided that flattery gets you everywhere, so I pulled together this.
Though, I do have Ciri Science and the Idiot Syndrome, if you are looking for some more idiots being called out.
Thank you for the ask, love, hope you enjoy! On Ao3 here
The morning is still freezing cold, the sun barely up to melt the lingering frost clinging to the cliffs and forest floor. Their steps are quiet, precise, their breathing measured.
Ciri doesn’t need the guidance anymore, but sometimes it’s nice to just run. The path around the keep has many traps, many tricks to watch out for. Geralt watches Ciri bounce over the icy rocks of a creak, then follows closely behind her.
Just in front of a log, she sidesteps, easily avoiding the fall trap there. She uses a branch to swing between two rock formations, balances along its side until she can simply slide down it safely.
Geralt follows, he meant to keep an eye on her, but he finds himself zoning out. The mind numbing task is something he could probably do in his sleep by now.
His mind drifts to lazy evenings by the fire, with easy banter and friendly ribbing. With songs, filthier than any brothel, or older than Vesemir himself.
After the mountain, Geralt wasn’t sure he would get that again. Talking it out was one of the worst things he has done, but a wound must be cleaned, or it will fester.
Ugly truths and shaky apologies were exchanged with the help of some dwarven spirit. Bitter stuff.
Geralt had woken up the next morning on the floor in Jaskier’s room, reclining over a tipped over footstool. His back was hurting, his ass was freezing, but his chest was lighter than it’s been for many years.
“Keep up, Geralt!” Ciri calls from up ahead, and the forest comes back into focus around them.
“As if you can keep up with me, cub.” Geralt smirks, lengthening his stride.
Of course Geralt out paces her. Ciri got sloppy and slipped in the frost, swearing as colorfully as Lambert when she found her feet again.
Together they walk through the gates and inside the keep to join the others for breakfast. Most of them are still on their respective morning duty, so the main hall is more or less empty except for them.
Among the many bookshelves along the walls, Geralt spots Jaskier’s cloak. The eggs are still steaming hot, but he peels one absently anyway, eyes lingering on the forgotten cloak.
“I have a question.” Ciri announces, working her knife on the hard cheese between them.
“Ask it.” Geralt replies, gathering the shells in a neat little pile.
“How long have you known Jaskier?”
Geralt considers this, to be completely honest, he haven’t given it much thought. Maybe he should have.
“How old are you again? Eight?” He asks teasingly, and she gasps in mock offense.
“Thirteen!”
“Right. I had known him for six years at your parents' betrothal.” Wow, time really passes by fast.
Ciri frowns at this, considering this information.
“But… No, that can’t be right.”
“What?” Geralt bites into the steaming egg, already eyeing another one.
“He doesn’t look older than twenty five, does he?” She says, finally managing to get herself a piece of cheese.
That… could technically be true. Geralt is spending too much time with people who doesn’t age the human way, he doesn’t really react to it anymore.
“Ask him about that.” Geralt advises, even if he himself is a bit curious now.
They chew in silence for a moment, sounds from the keep waking up filtering in through the thick wooden doors. 
“I have another question.” Ciri says at last, tearing a bread bun into two. Geralt nods at her to go on.
“You are in love with Jaskier.”
Thank the crazy scientists of the past for gifting witchers close to perfect control of their bodies.
Geralt too reaches for a bread bun and tears into it, only to keep himself focused on anything else but what the little brat princess just said.
“That wasn’t a question.” He remarks, attempting to play it off. But no such luck.
“So you agree it’s a fact.” Ciri says, a victorious smile playing on her lips.
Geralt is just about to disagree with her, as the doors to the main hall swings open and the bard himself walks in.
“Oh, that's where I left my cloak!” He says to no one in particular, saunters over to it, and swiftly drapes it over his shoulders. “It is dreadfully cold this morning, don’t you think?” 
Jaskier sits down next to Geralt and reaches for the jug of watered down ale.
“What? Is there something on my face?” Jaskier asks when neither Ciri nor Geralt picks up conversation.
“You look fine.” Geralt mutters, finishing his egg in one bite.
Ciri just keeps smiling her sneaky little smile, that only grows wider when Geralt rolls his eyes and thumbs away a smear of ink on his chin.
“I have another question….”
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queendomkey · 7 days
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I continue my agenda that TTPD is secretly a western album, I swear—
God. This song. This song.
At this point, I should put a boiler plate disclaimer that I understand these songs are very much about Taylor's life, and this one especially so. It's all about scrutiny, about the press and the media circus of being a child in the spotlight, about not being able to grow up (you stay the same age you get famous at in the public's eye, to paraphrase Swift.) It's about the mental side effects of that, of the suffering she admits to hiding: I want to snarl and show you just how disturbed this has made me.
I think there is an expectation that people (any people, not just celebrities) should only show signs of distress when they are at rock bottom. If you're functioning, if you're getting out of bed most days and still brushing your teeth, etc, you aren't depressed enough to complain. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me is Swift striking back at that mindset, that actually, she shouldn't have to perform rock bottom ( because she seems done with performing peak happiness ) 24/7.
However, I really want to dive into the imagery of the song, and then maybe elaborate on it too much.
I'd be remiss to say that I'm writing this the day after she performed it live for the first time, and I am so utterly obsessed with the live performance. The lights, the mirrored platform giving the appearance of levitation, and say they didn't do it to hurt me—
BUT WHAT IF THEY DID?
In general, that section of the bridge is my favorite. I've already referenced it twice! To give context, the full line is: So tell me everything is not about me, but what if it is? And say they didn't do it to hurt me, but what if they did? I want to snarl and show you just how disturbed this has made me.
( That is followed by the line that has become a meme, and I wrote a whole post being annoyed at that. It will forever rot in my drafts. )
The speaker's description feels like hypervigilence, the kind caused by a life time of whispers and daggers behind your back. If you've ever been the center of a workplace drama, or the odd kid out, or the New Person in a club or activity, or just have anxiety, you know this feeling well. You know the feeling of asking - is this about me?
I love the phrasing of I want to snarl, because it shows that she is expected not to. She is expected to... Actually. Let me set this up.
There's a parallel to her country contemporary Miranda Lambert's Mama's Broken Heart. Lambert details allowing herself to be dramatic and heart broken after she feels like her life went up in flames. Where Swift's speaker enacts supernatural revenge, Lambert's is more mundane (cutting her bangs with scissors, hunting him down at the bar in their small town.) The bridge, here, describes the expectation that is put upon young women:
Powder your nose, paint your toes / Line your lips and keep 'em closed / Cross your legs, dot your eyes / And never let 'em see you cry
Swift's speaker, jilted and in pain not just from her lover (the who's who of who's that) but also from the scrutiny she's placed under (by her community, her friends, maybe even the press) has decided that she will no longer be the picture perfect woman. She will no longer bow to their whims, and is executed by public opinion for it.
So I leap from the gallows and I'll levitate down your street.
This very strong imagery.
Historically, women who have been hanged are expected to act a certain way. We often think of witch trials, but women have also been executed for crimes like murder and theft. They are to act penitent, to appeal for public approval with their final breaths. If they serve as anti-examples, begging for God's forgiveness and showing other women to behave, how to not make their mistakes, then they are granted posthumous grace.
But speaking of witch trials. Women and men who were accused of witchcraft were not witches, not in the modern sense of the word, or the historical one. Some were midwives, some were just poor women, old women who had things their neighbors wanted to take. Some were widows, and some were just disliked. It had nothing to do with their "crimes," and all to do with wanting to get rid of someone "unseemly."
The witch trials are often used as emblems of sexism - because they were. They were a tool of patriarchal oppression against women who fell outside the system, for one reason or another. ( I'd also like to note this oppression went doubly strong against women and men of color. It's a very loaded topic. )
The imagery also makes me think of Margaret Atwood's Half-Hanged Mary, a fictionalization of the real life Mary Webster. Webster was accused of witchcraft by Phillip Smith, and taken to be hanged in Hadley, Massachusetts. Mary, a woman in her approximate 60s, survived the whole night, was supposedly buried, and still emerged alive.
Atwood's fictionalization has the same spite, the same rage as Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, "Tough luck, folks, / I know the law: / you can't execute me twice / for the same thing. How nice." By the end of the poem, she has become the witch they accused of her being.
Here, the speaker of Who's Afraid of Little Old Me does the same. Almost implied to be a ghost, but the imagery also implies a witch, a woman too powerful for the rope to kill - she decides to return to haunt her accusers, her killers. She crashes their party (there were often parties or auctions of the women's belongings)—
Like a record scratch as I scream — who's afraid of little old me?
She, too, has become what they accused of her being. I am what I am because they trained me.
Phillip Smith, by the by, didn't do so well. He disappears from the account around 1683. In The History of... Massachusetts Bay... by one Mr. Hutchinson, "...it happened that she survived and the melancholy man died." Webster went on to live for 14 years after her hanging.
It felt a very apt comparison to make.
There are other metaphors at play here - a media circus going on in the background, references to the stage animals that have killed their handler for their mistreatment. The title is a reference to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, a play about how lives are so complex behind closed doors.
But in the end, I think it all furthers that same metaphor.
The pain of being in the public eye for too long has hurt the speaker in ways that the audience can't understand, because they have not lived it. Very few people are at that level of fame and scrutiny, and while a non-famous audience can relate in some ways, the speaker feels the only way to get the severity across is to invoke death and false hangings.
She is asking for them to see her as powerful, but also as human, and flawed, and hurt.
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lambden · 1 year
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#25: "What have you done now?" for the ship of your choice?
2.7K words, T, geraskier! warnings include alcohol overconsumption & references to Jaskier's alcoholism. set post-s2 thank you so much to @spilledbutter for looking over this for me! <3
Long after all the other residents of Kaer Morhen have gone to bed, soft hands come to touch Geralt’s shoulders, stirring him from his unrestful sleep. He jolts upright, sitting straight in his chair; the grip on his shoulders does not slip. Soft, strong hands then. He closes his tired eyes as the laboratory around them sways. When he speaks, the rumble rises from deep in his chest: “Yen?”
A broken off laugh, and not the voice he was expecting. “No. Not Yen, I’m afraid. Sorry to disappoint.”
“Jaskier,” Geralt corrects. The last thing he remembers is bidding goodnight to his brothers as they stumbled off to their rooms, conspiring to pull some awful prank on Coën. Geralt should probably get up to warn the poor Griffin about whatever Lambert and Eskel intend to do. 
Then again, the damage has already been done. His eyelids flutter shut once more, and he slides back forward, seeking the comfort of the solid table as a balm for his aching temple.
Jaskier, who Geralt honestly forgot was in the room, holds him up. Very strong hands. Geralt exhales, and with his trembling breath and tired throat, the noise comes out as a whimper. He reclines into Jaskier’s arms, who receives him with surprising stability and even brushes the sweaty hair from his forehead. “Darling,” croons the bard.
Geralt’s breath slows, caught in the tide of Jaskier’s expanding lungs and chest but buoyed by his thick arms. The bench underneath him could crumble to sand, and Geralt thinks Jaskier could still hold him here. The strength is even more impressive given that Geralt is practically dead weight right now.
Each word is a soft puff of air tickling the back of Geralt’s pink ears as Jaskier continues, slow and quiet and for once not amused at all, “What have you done now?”
Good question. Geralt, suddenly panicked that he’s been caught falling asleep in a puddle of his own sick, opens his eyes— but the laboratory table is thankfully only cluttered with the souvenirs from his night. Emptied bottles stacked against each other and long-forgotten cups tower over small plates of pits and crusts. The real culprit, Eskel, has already fled the scene, but he left behind the remnants of his poison in a few of the bottles. Geralt can’t even remember where he said he’d found the damned stuff, let alone what type of liquor it was. But he had warned them of its potency, and Geralt and Lambert, determined men of science that they were, had been desperate to test out the claim.
He struggles to piece together a good answer for Jaskier. Even though the bard has stunk like a tavern since they first ran into each other again, Geralt still feels embarrassed as he decides how to explain his night. Maybe if he tells him they were mourning, Jaskier will have more sympathy; except they weren’t drinking away their grief, not specifically. Witchers are always mourning, of course, but… it had been a good night. Right up until he passed out alone and stone cold drunk in the cold stone basement.
Geralt supposes he should be lucky it was Jaskier and not Ciri who found him, or Yennefer; he’s sure the sorceress would have some choice words for him. Jaskier should have some choice words for him. A few decades ago, if Geralt had brought the bard to Kaer Morhen and had a party without him, Jaskier would have given him hell for the lack of an invitation. But now he doesn’t complain even a little, just gently working his fingers through Geralt’s hair.
“Why aren’t you mad at me?” The words spill out before Geralt can catch them and cork them. He twists in his old friend’s grip, suddenly desperate to steal a glimpse of Jaskier’s expression, and in the process his elbow knocks a bottle off the table. It bounces away without shattering but the sound is enough to make both witcher and bard jump, and Jaskier’s strong, soft hands release Geralt.
A little pink— his heart is racing, Geralt’s witcher senses supply— and wide-eyed, Jaskier says, “What?”
“Why are you down here,” Geralt mutters, unwilling to repeat himself. It was a stupid question anyway; Jaskier is mad at him. The bard hasn’t said as much, not since Geralt picked him up from his jail cell. But even though witchers have a famed ineptitude for emotions, it would take the obliviousness of a rock troll to see past Jaskier’s anger. His fury, and heartbreak, are woven into him— stitched into his ruddy skin, his messy hair, his vulnerable eyes, the frippery he drapes himself in to look tougher. His fury is in his scent, how he stinks of booze and… What was it? Heartbreak and heroics? Destiny?
Those vulnerable eyes search Geralt’s for something now, and when Jaskier doesn’t find whatever it is he’s looking for, he blinks and sniffs and clears his throat all at once. “I know there aren’t any windows down here, but up in the world of the living,” the bard informs him, sounding more like his haughty usual self, “dawn has almost broken. You’re usually training at this point— I knew you and the other witchers stayed up late, but I didn’t know you had drank yourself to sleep right on the table. I mean, when I came down here, I thought something had gone horrendously wrong.”
“Something did go horrendously wrong,” Geralt jokes, deadpan. “I drank too much.”
“Yes.” Another sniff. “I think they can smell that from Novigrad. But, I’ve seen you drink an entire bar by yourself before.”
“That was human alcohol,” he clarifies. “This was not.”
“Ah.” Jaskier gives the bottle rolling away on the floor a more considering glance, then stoops to pick it up. Geralt has seen Jaskier sample more dangerous substances but not many, so instinct takes over. He rounds his knees over the bench to spin around properly in his seat, and then rises to stalk over to the bard and— well, he only means to take the bottle and set it down on the table again. But as he misjudges the distance between them, he ends up slamming into Jaskier and knocking him back a few steps.
This time, the bottle does shatter, and Jaskier shouts. “What the fuck! What is— listen, Geralt, just because you’re experiencing a proper hangover for the first time doesn’t mean you get to fucking— whatever the hell you think it is you’re doing!” His hands fly up to grab Geralt by the collar of his shirt, shaking him as best he can. The motion doesn’t sway Geralt as much as the loud sound does; he holds firmly onto Jaskier’s shoulders, trying to regain control of his breathing. “And if you want to know why I’m not mad at you, well, I’ve got a lovely surprise for you, you absolute prick, because I am, in fact, furious—”
“Then why come down here,” Geralt interrupts roughly, sounding as ragged as he feels. “Why keep tabs on me if I’m such a—”
“Keep tabs on you!” Jaskier chokes, incredulous. “I couldn’t give less of a fuck what you do—”
“You watch me train every morning,” he growls. Jaskier’s angry mouth clamps shut at that, and the rush of colour floods his face once more. “Even if I couldn’t see you watching, you just said about as much. Why?”
“Maybe I like seeing you tire yourself out!” There’s that anger, solid as a mountain. Geralt rests against it, almost comforted by Jaskier’s rage even as the man continues. “Maybe it pairs well with my morning tea; such a lovely sight, my boorish, sweaty witcher throwing himself against a training dummy for hours and hours as the sun rises instead of talking out your deep grief and trauma with, oh, hmm, I don’t know, fucking anyone? A friend? Your family? Your sorceress lover?”
“We talked about feelings last night,” Geralt protests.
Jaskier huffs, dropping his grip on Geralt’s shirt. Each angry sentence had been accentuated by him brandishing his fists as if to shake Geralt, like an angry child— in the absence of his tightly curled fingers, there are long lines that will undoubtedly stretch out the shirt. Geralt doesn’t care. Cold as ice, the bard hisses, “Did you now?”
“Oh yes.” Vaguely, at least.
“And how did that go?”
His memories are too vivid for the amount of liquor he consumed. Only a few hours ago, this room felt much smaller. Happier, despite the blips of enormous grief— how had their discussion about feelings gone? He remembers Lambert pretending not to fight back angry tears, hiding his twitching scowl behind his mug after they all fell silent at the mention of an old quirk Diever used to have.
Geralt, in lieu of a good answer, releases Jaskier’s shoulders so as to indicate the broken glass shards littering the floor between them. And, bizarrely, this works. Jaskier’s face falls, and he laughs uncomfortably. “Right. Yeah. Sorry. You’re drunk, and I’m being a prick.”
Instead of insisting that if he was still drunk he would feel better, Geralt steps over the bottle and presses a hand to Jaskier’s shoulder again. “No… you came to check on me,” he reminds the man gently. “Even though you’re furious. No one else has even noticed I didn’t make it to bed last night.”
“That’s probably for the best,” Jaskier mutters. This time he doesn’t shake Geralt, nor does he shake him off. He simply tolerates the witcher entering his personal space, just like how Geralt used to put up with the young bard’s apparent and obnoxious omnipresence. He doesn’t even avert his gaze, staring blatantly instead. “If I really was Yen, I’d be disappointed. You look like shit.”
“You used to bathe me,” Geralt blurts out, emboldened by the closeness and the hangover. Jaskier gapes, but he continues, a boat cut loose from its anchor, drifting further beyond the forgivable pale. “I haven’t forgotten. I’ve lived for more than a hundred years, but… I’ll never forget.”
“Geralt,” Jaskier says, heavily and warningly and desperately.
“You— you could do it again now,” he stammers. His hand rises from the man’s shoulder to the side of his throat; he lines his pointer fingers up under Jaskier’s jaw and feels the bard breathe. Pulse to pulse, the years are easier to forget. “I’d let you. You haven’t changed so much, you know— new coat, new hair… and you reek of wine now, but—”
“Wow—”
“But, your eyes are the same blue as ever.” Geralt traces the curve of Jaskier’s cheekbone, humming. “Vitriol blue.”
“If you’re trying to sound like a poet, comparing my eyes to sulphuric acid is a shitty start.” The protests are less effective thanks to how Jaskier’s voice trembles. He lifts his hand but only to place it over Geralt’s, palm soothing his knuckles. Geralt sways into him, and once more a strong arm circles around his back, keeping him steady. “If you remember this when you’re sober, you’re never going to speak to me again.”
“I’m painfully sober,” promises Geralt, lowering his tone to impress the severity of his sobriety upon Jaskier. “My stomach is killing me. I want to sleep for two days straight, then wake up to a barrel of coffee and a gigantic breakfast, and then I want to poison Eskel for doing this to me.” And Lambert too, for good measure. “But first, I want you to bathe with me.”
“Geralt.” Jaskier shakes his head as his steel grip tightens around the witcher to support him. But despite his stern expression and posture, his voice is soft and affectionate as ever. The laboratory has never seemed smaller. Geralt strokes the bard’s cheek again. “Fuck. Listen to me, my stupid darling witcher. If I take you down to the springs right now, you’re likely to drown and I’m nowhere near strong enough to pull you to safety. Sleeping for two days sounds better, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t you like to go to bed?”
Instead of pointing out that Jaskier is obviously strong enough to lift him as he’s holding him up right now, he finally relents. “Yes.” The human’s shoulders sink in relief until Geralt pleads, “Take me to bed, Jaskier.”
Jaskier laughs, tense and sharp, and pulls away before Geralt can try to persuade him anymore.
-
Every blow of his steel sword against the rotating iron dummy is a new pin-prick against Geralt’s already fragile skull. He keeps at it anyway, only showing himself mercy by striking at a less vicious rhythm than he might on other mornings. And while he usually doesn’t have to worry about the sun, the early afternoon is almost blinding.
As poor as he feels, he’s in much better shape than last night. The exact logistics of how he made it to bed and undressed have escaped him; he only knows that Jaskier had somehow managed to carry his drunk ass all the way back to his room. Geralt twists to glance up at the high walls of the Keep, his gaze searching for the window to the bard’s room. The little songbird watches him train every morning, just as Geralt had cruelly pointed out last night. Maybe it pairs well with my morning tea.
It’s no longer the morning. The familiar silhouette of his friend is nowhere to be found now.
Geralt strikes the dummy again, stomach roiling— not from his bad hangover, but from bitter, inescapable embarrassment. Over the decades they have fallen into certain roles together. Usually, Jaskier is the one who can’t handle his alcohol, who imbibes too much and makes it the witcher’s problem. Usually Jaskier is the one teetering on the slippery precipice of inebriation, begging Geralt to stay up and chat with him, loudly singing of the night’s exploits, and constantly proclaiming to his captive audience of one how very not drunk he is.
But in all their years of friendship, Jaskier has never behaved like that. Sure, he’s broken bottles, and stumbled up to Geralt stinking of sweat and sin and far worse things than liquor. But he has never pressed himself up against the witcher’s body, never begged to be held or gripped him tightly or traced the outline of his face. Never has Jaskier asked Geralt to bathe him; let alone to bathe with him.
Geralt swings too hard. His shoulder twinges; he beheads the iron dummy. Its vague head-shaped appendage clatters to the ground and the loud noise echoes around the stone courtyard.
Still, Jaskier does not peek out of his window.
Geralt sheathes his steel and stomps back inside, livid with himself. He pushes open the doors to the main hall and strips off the top half of his sweaty armour as he does. When he succeeds in removing his shirt and throwing it to the ground, he sees the very man who’s been on his mind all day standing before him.
If Jaskier is put off by the ugly scowl marring Geralt’s features or by his heaving, bare, oily chest, he doesn’t let it slip. In each of his hands is a clay mug of steaming water; he proffers one now and Geralt accepts it gently, cowed by the kindness. It isn’t in fact water but hot black tea.
In all those times that Jaskier came to him for aid, drunk as a Skelligan or hungover enough to curse the gods themselves, Geralt doesn’t think he ever went to the trouble of brewing the bard tea. He raises the mug to his lips without question; it’s delicious, and instantly calms his aching head. This makes him feel even guiltier. “Thanks,” mutters the witcher.
Jaskier’s eyes flash, but he keeps his musings to himself for once. There is a slightly clipped, nervous edge to his tone as he chirps, “Feeling better?” 
Perhaps he’s expecting Geralt to lunge forward and drop the mug between them and embrace him again. Geralt, mortified, will do no such thing. He answers honestly and bluntly, “No.”
Jaskier should slap him for his impudence or chew him out for his ungratefulness. He just smiles, nervously shifting between his feet, and then finally paces over to retrieve a previously unnoticed basket from a nearby table. Inside lay some small vials of oil and cleanly folded towels. Geralt’s heart melts, and Jaskier, still smiling anxiously, says, “Well, I’ve got just the thing.”
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midnightwrriting · 9 months
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Late Night Talks
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DALTON LAMBERT X FEM!READER
summary: Dalton has had a hard time sleeping and he finally told someone, that someone being you.
word count : 1.8k
warning: TW: rubber band snapping. ANGST! mention of nightmares fluff! at end.
did not proof read
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It's been a few weeks since Dalton moved into his dorm, Chris his roommate had already moved after the first week they both realized she was a girl. Although Chris was constantly over hanging out with Dalton while he had painted, and she played her hooter.
You were her new roommate, anytime she came into the dorm she would tell you about some awkward thing Dalton had done but she would always refer to him as dolphin. if it wasn't for Chris, you probably wouldn't have met Dalton, but God you were happy you did.
He was awkward- very awkward and shy, but that's what you liked about him. He was sweet and caring and always looked out for you and Chris, even when you went to parties. Although after a while you noticed little things about him, you noticed that some days he'd drink cups and cups of coffee. You noticed that he wore a rubber band around his wrist, and he would snap it throughout the day when he seemed to get tired.
You noticed the dark circles around his eyes some days were darker than they normally are.
It was a late night, as everyone hung out in Dalton's room since he had a vending machine on his floor. Dalton sat at his desk paining for some assignment while Chris laid on his bed trying to come up with some beats for her music class.
"I don't about you guys, but I can't make music while falling asleep so I'm gonna hit the vending machine and smother myself to sleep." Dalton just waved over his head while his eyes stayed locked onto the canvas, as Chris got up you locked eyes with her, she had this look saying 'now's your chance to make a move' her eyebrows danced as you rolled your eyes.
"See you guys tomorrow" it was just you and Dalton now; it's never been awkward with you two because you both end up finding something to talk about. But the room was filled with a comfortable silence. Your neck was getting tired from looking down at your notebook, looking around to stretch it you saw the drawings Dalton had up. A few of his mom, siblings and grandma just none of his dad.
Your eyes then landed on the long-haired boy, he was hunched over with his paint pallet in his hand while the paint brush rested in the other, as your eyes landed on his face you noticed his head was at a weird angle.
Throwing your stuff aside you crawled off the bed and walked to the desk. "Hey, Dalton you awake?" you could hear him mumbling about something but couldn't understand. You could see his eyes moving as they were closed, his breath becoming more uneven. "Hey hey can you hear me?" you grabbed the paint supplies out of his hands setting them on the table. He was hunched over more now as you pushed him back to fit between him and the table.
"Please stop this, I don't know what you want from me" his voice was a low whisper yet came out harsh. "Leave me alone" just as he had said that he shot up in a panic knocking you back into the desk, flipping the chair in the process. He stood there for a minute like he didn't know where he was.
Until he heard you groan, looking down he saw you on the floor holding you head. "Oh my gosh y/n- what I'm so sorry fuck-" he ran down to you cupping your head.
"No, hey it's okay- it's on me for getting all up in your face" you laugh off the nerves you had. "I'm fine Dalton I swear. I should be asking if you are, okay?" he grabbed your hands as you talked helping you off the floor.
"What do you mean?" he sat you on his bed while he picked up the chair.
"I mean you fell asleep, but it sounded like you were having a nightmare or something" you could see the panic on his face when he realized you heard him. "And don't try to play dumb, I've noticed you've been drinking more coffee, not paying attention as much, and the rubber band!" you stand up and grab his arm.
He looked down ashamed, but part of him was glad you noticed so he can finally talk about it. "It's not like I can help it. It's hard to explain but theses nightmares aren't that simple they're real and the more I fall asleep the harder it is for me to escape." he sits you down on his bed again but joins you this time.
"Look I have this ability and when I fall asleep, I travel to this other realm. It's called the further, and there's this red face demon that has been trying to get me for years. I've been afraid to sleep recently, and I guess just moving away from home has caused it to act up again." your heart sank at this, if this is all true, he hasn't had a proper night of sleep in weeks.
"And you're sure it's not like some very lucid dreaming?" you watched as he only looked down. He was afraid to see your reaction, he hadn't told anyone here about it, but you- he could trust you; he liked you.
"Dalton look at me" you grabbed his face pulling it up to look at you. "I'm staying with you tonight! After seeing what I saw and you telling me that I don't want to leave you alone." His eyes had tears in them, and your heart hurt seeing him like this, you cared about him and he's hurting.
Before anything more could be said he lunged forward wrapping his arms around you crying. "I just want it to stop" his head was buried into your chest, his tears falling onto your shirt.
Your arms hugged him tight, as tight as they could. "It's okay, let it out" your eyes watered as well.
"I want you to stay, please stay." your hand held his head trying to sooth him as he cried.
"I am. I will." you lifted his head cupping both sides. His eyes were red and glossy, cheeks stained with tears. your thumbs ran under his eyes trying to dry the tears. "I'm not leaving Dalton."
You fixed how you were sitting and laid down, he followed and just laid on top of you. He continued to cry into your chest until there was no more tears. Your hands were wrapped around him as his were around you, your hands laid in his hair. His breathing had become heavy his warm breath brushing the inside of your neck.
He was asleep finally.
You stayed up longer just to make sure he was fully asleep, you wanted to be awake just in case he woke panicking again. But once 4am hit you closed your eyes falling deep into sleep.
For the first time in weeks Dalon had a full night of sleep. He woke up with a fairly good headache. When he opened his eyes, he was confused to seeing your chest in his face, he felt his face blush at the thought of being this close to you. He felt your body pressed against his, your legs tangled with his, a smile on his face as he looked at your face. He wouldn't say it out loud, but you were so beautiful.
He sat up a little, so he was resting on one of his arms. Your hair was in your face so moving his other arm from your waist he brushed the hair out of the way so he can see you fully. He noticed little things he never noticed before; he saw little moles across your face. How your eyes move under your eyes like you're dreaming, and how your face slightly twitched.
He wanted to stay like this longer, so he moved again hoping not to wake you. Putting his head back into your neck he hummed at the smell of your perfume still lingering.
Your eyes slowly opened, taking a deep breath you looked down and saw Dalton still laying on you. His head in your neck, without thinking you moved your head to rest on his.
"Thank you" Dalton's voice broke the silence. He sat up so he could look at you. 'Thank you for last night, I- I didn't know I needed that. If it wasn't for you, I couldn't have slept and- I just want to say thank you."
You listened to him and watched, he had opened up to you and you didn't want to mess it up. Your hand without thinking went to his face, you held it as you spoke. "Thank you for trusting me enough with this, I want you to know I'm here for you always. With whatever you need"
He leaned into you touch, he loved when you were this close. He wished you were this close all the time.
You didn't realize how close your faces were until your hand was on his. You smiled as you watched him lean into your hand, he was so pretty. With his brown eyes, and his mole on his left cheek.
He opened his eyes noticing you looking at him, turning his head he kissed the palm of your hand making your cheeks heat up. His heart beating faster by the second, looking between your eyes and lips. he wanted to kiss you so badly.
Watching him it's like you understood, your eyes went between his and traveled down to his lips. Your eyes met his, the only thing that could be heard was the muffled voices in the hallway.
You both knew what you wanted; your thumb laid near his bottom lip. Brushing against it, you nodded your head hoping he understood, and he did.
He leaned his head in meeting you halfway, your lips brushed against his and it's like everything around him paused. They were soft and chapped as his was as well. It was slow, and so sweet his hand went to the side of your head puling you in more.
You didn't want this to end, you were kissing Dalton! After liking him for so long it was finally happing. His hands were holding you so close, like you were about to slip away.
You were the first to break away, both your faces were flushed. your forehead rested on his. "I've always wanted to do that" his voice was soft and still had hints of morning voice.
You smiled agreeing with him. His eyes went wide at your confession, but his heart was beating faster than ever. You leaned up grabbing his face peppering him in kisses. And for the first time in a while Dalton felt like everything was going to be okay.
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shy-urban-hobbit · 8 months
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"Usual rules of 21 apply. You go bust, you have to either take a shot or do a dare." Jaskier stated for the benefit of everyone sat at the table.
"What are you, 12?" Lambert sneered as Jaskier dealt everyone in.
"Some of us would like to able to eat this month. Last time I played you guys for cash, you cleared me out."
"Not our fault you're a shit player. Besides, we gave it you back."
Jaskier heard Aiden mutter "How generous of you." From next to him and he felt his heart sink a little.
He so wanted his best friend and his boyfriends family to get along. He already knew Geralt and Aiden got along fine and Eskel was his friendly self after his usual shyness at meeting someone one new, always self conscious of his scars. Lambert and Aiden though seemed to be a no go. Jaskier was hoping they'd warm up to each other but three social meet ups later and they'd yet to say two words to each other that weren't sarcastic (Aiden) or borderline insulting (Lambert).
Things started off fairly tame, with most people opting to do shots first (bar Lambert, who was tonights designated driver for those who wanted a ride later and was playing with soda instead). However, a couple of hours and a good amount of Dutch courage later, the dares had started. Ranging from downing a shot glass of extra strength hot sauce that had Eskel making a desperate grab for the milk to Geralt doing a lap of the garden naked, much to the delight of a tipsy Jaskier. Lambert was incredibly happy for the potential blackmail material he was collecting. A still relatively sober Aiden laughed from where he was nursing his own drink, feeling relatively smug at having only suffered half as many losing hands as the others.
"Ok. Final hand, then I'm calling it a night." Eskel slurred from where he was swaying dangerously in his seat.
"Hmmm." Geralt agreed from where he was slumped against Jaskier, the brunette grinning like a madman as he sat twirling a small paper cocktail umbrella in his fingers (because of course he had cocktail umbrellas in his house).
"Ok, ok, ok." Jaskier stated, slamming the umbrella down and holding a finger up imperially, "Dare this time iiiiiiiissss....loser has to kiss Lambert!"
The table erupted.
"Why the fuck am I the dare?!'
"Eeeew!"
"Don't care if he's adopted. I'm not kissing my brother, Jask."
"I never said you had to kiss him on the mouth, you perv!" Jaskier sniffed "And it's only if you lose!"
The others all looked to Lambert, who was also the designated dealer at this point, "Fucking fine. Let's get this over with."
Aiden stared at his cards in disbelief, ignoring the wolf whistles and cheers, "You're fucking kidding me."
23. Bust.
"Oh, get over yourself." Lambert snarled back.
"You guys don't - don't have to.' Eskel managed to get out, looking between them like he was expecting a fight to break out.
Aiden shrugged and downed the rest of his whiskey, "Dare's a dare. Just make it quick."
"Not going to be a problem."
"Wait, wait!" Jaskier called, grinning impishly, "New rule. Aiden's not related, he does have to kiss on the mouth!"
"Jaskier." Lambert let a warning growl slip into the word but didn't get any further as a pair of lips pressed against his then swiftly retreated.
"There. Done." Aiden said fishing his phone out of his pocket, "I'm calling a cab."
"You're over on Beech, right?" Lambert asked.
Aiden nodded.
"I'll drive you. It's on my way home anyway."
"You don't have to."
Lambert jangled his keys, "Designated driver. Remember?"
"Still. Thanks."
Both of them tried to ignore the way Jaskier was excitedly jabbing Geralt in the ribs with his elbow.
"Esk, you coming?" Lambert received no reply from his brother who, it turns out, had wandered over to the couch at some point in the last few minutes and passed out.
"Let him crash here." Geralt muttered, "Won't wake him now."
"Jaskier, I'll see you Monday." Aiden said, giving his friend a tight squeeze and Geralt a couple of solid back pats before looking back at Lambert, "Ready when you are."
The door to his flat hadn't even clicked shut before Lambert was kissing Aiden soundly. The other man humming into it happily.
"Fuck me, that was torture." Lambert said, making his way into the kitchenette and grabbing two beers from the fridge handing one to Aiden before flopping down onto the couch. Aiden hummed in agreement, taking a swig as he leaned over the back of the couch, wrapping an arm around Lambert and resting his chin on his shoulder. Watching as the other pulled up the next episode of the series they'd started binging.
"You know we're going to have to tell them eventually, right?"
"I know." Lambert butted his head against Aiden's affectionately, "I just..."
"Just?" Aiden prompted, taking another mouthful of beer while Lambert got his thoughts in order.
"I'm not embarrassed or anything. Everyone in my family is already up in each others business and you were already friends with Jaskier. I just - I just want it to stay like this for a little longer. Just us two, nobody else."
Aiden pressed a kiss to Lambert's cheek, "I get that."
"Plus you do realise Jaskier will be even more insufferable when we do? He'll say it was down to that little stunt of his tonight."
"Eh. If he can remember it, let him have it. I know I'd prefer it to the true story of how we met getting out." Aiden said with a laugh as he released Lambert and vaulted over the couch, landing next to him with far more grace than a man clutching an almost full beer bottle should possess before placing it on the coffee table.
"Ugh. I think that's the first time I've cheated to lose! I feel dirty."
"Yeah?" Lambert gave a grin as he moved until Aiden was laid out on the couch underneath him. The others hands already sneaking up the back of his shirt, "How dirty, exactly?"
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Note
For the mixtape drabbles! She Keeps Me Warm (Mary Lambert) + Kate Bishop x reader? 🥺
I finally watched Hawkeye, just for you, anon! Thank you for this beautiful request 💜
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Even If I Tried
This drabble is part of JJ’s Mixtape - a mini series based on my followers’ favourite songs and characters. You can read more of them here!
Song prompt: She Keeps Me Warm
Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader (no pronouns used)
Words: ~800
CWs: SFW. Some fluff and kissing. A near-kitchen fire.
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You start swallowing the thick stench of something green, leafy and burning the moment you walk into your apartment. You drop your bag immediately and rush through the smoke-hazy air that’d settled in the front hall.
“Babe?” There’s an edge of nerves in your voice. Kate swears under her breath when she hears it and wonders if there’s any way to salvage- “What’s going on?”
Flying into the kitchen, waving a hand in front of your face to fend off the assault of burnt broccoli, you swan to the stove and take control of the situation. Kate steps back, starting to explain, “It’s- um, actually it’s supposed to be smoking like that because it’s uh… a flambé dish and-” she kicks herself when she sees your first move is to turn on the extractor fan above the stove, so she tries saying, “and you’re supposed to let the room fill with the aroma.”
You turn and raise an eyebrow, feeling a smirk begin to form. Instead, you hold it back. Just to see how far your girlfriend would dig herself into this whole. “You’re supposed to fill the room with the aroma?”
“Yes,” Kate seals her lips tight as she nods, obfuscating her glance as she so clearly bullshits on the spot. “This dish is all about creating atmosphere.”
“Atmosphere,” you repeat.
“It’s fine dining.”
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Your smirk lets loose. The universe always has the best comedic timing.
“Shit,” Kate swears under her breath and rustles past you to climb on the counter and access the smoke alarm.
You call after her, “Is the sweet symphony of the smoke alarm part of the atmosphere?”
“It- how the hell- it is actually,” she continues flubbing her way through the explanation as she tries to find the button to turn the alarm off. While she’s sufficiently distracted, you turn all three of the burners off. They were all set to high, absolutely incinerating whatever the hell food this used to be.
She jumps down and lands expertly in front of you, standing with a false confidence before turning back to the stove. You see the flash of panic cross her eyes when she realises that this… fine dining was not salvageable.
“Kate…,” you start, placing a gentle hand on her upper arm.
She seals her lips and closes her eyes, as if she’s transporting herself to somewhere else, shaking her head furiously. You’re grinning now. “Kate,” you say again, and she screws up her face when she hears the humour in your voice. “Oh, babe,” you laugh and pull her close, beyond endeared at her denial as the food keeps sizzling in its own charred remains. Catching a glimpse at the recipe on her phone, you nuzzle your nose against the place behind her ear and tease, “Kind of a big step, going from hot pockets to this-”
“Oh, come on!” Kate grunts and tries to shrug you off, but you laugh and pull her closer. She pouts for a second or two. Then, completely called out with nowhere to escape, your beautiful yet culinarily-incapable girlfriend sighs in defeat. With a wince, she looks at the stove and then lets her forehead fall against your shoulder.
“The onions really stung my eyes.”
You grin wider and run a hand down her back. “I’ll kick their ass.”
“Mmm-already done,” she sniffs and looks at one of the pans that was filled with something at various stages of destruction, mumbling, “I showed them.” She turned back to you and started blurting out, “I wanted to do something nice for you because you’ve been working so hard and your mom said you had this a lot growing up so I thought it would be cute,” she gesticulates wildly, trying to defend herself while you just watched on, filling with a love so warm you could burst. “But, phew, let me tell you…” she looks back with wide eyes. “Broccoli burns fast. I mean you really gotta watch those suckers once they’re in the pan.”
She finally stops for air and looks at you for approval, forgiveness, assurance, all of it. As always, you give her everything.
“I love you,” you pour out in a single breath before kissing her lovingly, gripping both of her hips to pull her in close. When she kisses you back you can taste the smoky air on her skin, and it makes you smile.
“I’m-,” Kate pulls back and reaches for her phone. “Gonna order us a pizza.”
You circle her wrist and tug it away before slowly backing her against the counter, a safe distance away from anything hot. “Later,” you whisper against her mouth before once again savouring the taste of her blushing lips.
In the warm haze, she kisses you.
Until the smoke alarm goes off again.
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merlot-and-chardonnay · 5 months
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A Lark Among the Wolves and Dragons: Chapter 7
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Chapter 6
-----------Kaer Morhen--------------
"Ready?" you ask Ciri, wooden sword in hand. "Whenever you are," Ciri answers, light on her feet, eager to get this sparing session underway.
In the last several weeks, since that day when you discovered Geralt's secret kink, you had asked him to teach you how to use a sword. You've always kept a knife or dagger on your person before as a precaution as being a woman traveling mostly by yourself wasn't all that safe in this world, but now you wanted to really learn the art of sword fighting so to better defend yourself should the day come.
Geralt had initially found this odd, given you were more of a pacifist, but he nodded and agreed to teach you alongside Ciri, who was already advancing well into her training.
You currently took a stance, ready to spar with the young girl. You have yet to beat Ciri in a sparring match, but this time you had feeling today was the day. You check to make sure the wrappings around your chest were still secure (you're still breastfeeding and it's not the most comfortable feeling to have them move about all over the place when you're spinning and sword swinging).
Eskel, Coen, and Lambert stood at the sidelines as spectators along with Vesemir, who was holding Aemma in his arms and keeping her company (something the old man would've enjoyed a little more if your daughter wasn't  so keen on pulling his mustache every five seconds or so).
Geralt stood by waiting to give the signal as you and Ciri make stances and touch swords. On the witcher's signal, the two of you clash wooden swords.
"Five crowns on Ciri," Lambert whispers to Coen. "I'll take that bet," Coen whispers back. "I double that bet on (y/n)," Eskel joins in on the conversation. "Pfft, (y/n) has yet to beat the Ciri in a fight," Lambert fights, "the girl can fight circles around her." "Then you have nothing to worry about," Eskel shrugs.
You continue clashing swords with Ciri, mimicking the turns and pirouettes Geralt has been showing you. Ciri had age and speed working in her favor (along with the fact she's never had a baby), and of course she's been training longer than you were. But, you noticed the young girl has been getting a little cocky today, almost certain victory was hers like it has been dozens of other sparring matches with you.
Maybe you could use that to your advantage.
You back away, feigning like you were about to yield and accept defeat from the girl once more. Ciri lunged towards you, ready to finish the match. You notice the way her feet were positioned; a sloppy mistake made as a result of her cockiness. You quickly spin around and trip Ciri, causing her to fall over.
She quickly grabs her sword and still parries your sword from the ground. You keep swinging, even though Ciri said she yielded, but you didn't listen as you start to experience flashbacks from your previous life in Westeros, back to the day of the tourney.
"(y/n), she yields," Geralt calls out. The other witchers exchange looks, wondering what was going on with you.
"(y/n)! That's enough!" Geralt exclaims, but still you don't listen.
Him and Eskel run to pull you away from Ciri.
You were panting and sweating, barely aware of your surroundings as Geralt tried to shake you back to reality, calling your name.
You were fully brought back the moment you heard your daughter crying in distress.
"Huh? What?" you shake your head.
"The fuck is wrong with you, woman?!" you hear Lambert's voice, "you almost killed the girl!"
"What?" you look to see Ciri was still laying on the ground, Coen helping her back to her feet. You also look to see Aemma was crying, Vesemir doing his best to comfort her, carrying her away from the scene.
Your eyes widen in horror, realizing what you have done. You drop the sword in your hand, feeling sick to your stomach. You turn and run back to the keep.
---------Flashback: King's Landing---------------
 "I don't believe I've yet expressed my congratulations for being named heir, princess," you say as you tune your lute.
It had been nearly a month and a half since Daemon had left for Dragonstone, since you broke off your relationship with the prince. Since then, you've kept yourself occupied entertaining Rhaenyra and composing more songs to get over your heartbreak. It hadn't been easy, but you knew it had to be done for the sake of your mental well-being.
From what you heard, though, Daemon had taken someone else with him in your place; probably Mysaria, you figured. It was no surprise as he had still been seeing her even though you made him promise not to when you and him were still together. You never said anything; he was a man after all and one who was used to doing what he wanted and no one else would challenge him. This was already apparent by the fact that Daemon's been occupying Dragonstone this whole time, even though Viserys had ordered him to Runestone to be with his wife, and the king had yet to do or even say anything about it.
 "It must be a high honor to receive such a title," you continue speaking to the princess. "I suppose it is," Rhaenyra admits, her mind seeming to be in another place. "For what it's worth, princess, I think you'll make a good Queen," you say, meaning it. Rhaenyra is the Realm's Delight after, all, and even though she is a woman, you believe people would come to accept her as their leader.
"I sense this is not on your mind right now, your Grace," you say, bringing the girl's attention back to reality. "Oh, forgive me," the princess speaks, "I uh, I was thinking about my mother. I miss her dearly." "I understand," you nod, "as someone who's lost a mother before, it took months, years I dare say to get over her loss." "How did you do it?" Rhaenyra asks. "I honestly wasn't able to come to terms with losing her until years later," you admit, "my, uh, father had his own way of grieving her loss, one that placed me in a position where I had to put aside my own grief and take up many of his responsibilities. And when I was able to properly mourn, I just had to stare into the void and scream my heart out...and compose a number of songs to further process my loss. It gets easier princess, with time...never easy, but eventually, you'll be able to come to terms with it as well."
"Why didn't you leave with my uncle?" Rhaenyra asked you, changing the subject. "...My place is here with you, princess," you decide to tell her, "you're the reason I am here in the first place, it wouldn't have been right to leave my station, especially given your recent, uh, loss."
Rhaenyra wasn't completely convinced by that answer, but accepted it nonetheless.
"I'm not so sure I want to be queen," the princess admits, "up until this moment, I never even considered that would be a possibility for me. Up until now, all I wanted was to just ride on Syrax, travel to far off lands, and eat cake."
You chuckle a little at that, seeing how this statement made you realize how young she still was.
"Yes, I too would like to travel to parts unknown and eat cake," you joke, "oh wait, I've already done that."
Rhaenyra laughed at that, "I should like to travel to this Continent from your songs," she says, "see the things you've seen, meet the people you have. I should like to meet this white hair witcher you've spoke so highly of, or this warrior Queen, the Lioness of Cintra. I'd like to see these elves, dwarves, and dryads from your ballads, learn to swing a sword, or learn how to use magic and become a sorceress like the one from your songs."
"Unfortunately, princess, one must be born with the natural ability to use magic," you tell her, "however, anyone can learn to use a sword."
"Can you use a sword?" Rhaenyra asks. "Not a sword," you admit, "but I have some skill in using a knife or dagger. I consider myself a pacifist, princess, but that doesn't mean I don't want to defend myself. This world can be a scary place for a lone woman, anything can happen to people like us." "Well, then I will consider myself most fortunate to have a dragon by side," Rhaenyra says.
In the midst of your conversation, Ser Harrold Westerling approaches you and the princess, "my princess," he greets, "the king has requested your presence." Rhaenyra gave you a strange look before answering the knight, "did he say why?" "It is best that you see for yourself, princess," Harrold answers crypitcally.
Rhaenyra nods and allows the man to escort her to the small council chambers. Rhaenyra walks inside, but Harrold stops you, "I'm afraid this meeting is not for troubadours." You nod and turn, pretending to walk away but actually went through a secret entrance to listen in on the meeting; it was a special passage into the small council room that you remembered Daemon showing you once.
You look through the slats of a screen you were hiding behind. You see the small council with Grand Maester Mellos, Lord Lyonel Strong, Otto Hightower, and of course the king with Rhaenyra by his side.
At the other side of the table was a man dressed in black and gold with the sun embroidered on his robes. Two soldiers in armor with similar patterns stood by, along with a woman dressed in white and silver.
You recognized the sun insignia to belong to that of Nilfgaard. Your eyes widen even more the moment you recognized the woman to be the mage Fringilla Vigo.   
What, you wondered, were Nilfgaardian ambassadors doing all the way in Westeros?
"It is an high honor to be welcomed into your home, your Grace," the Nilfgaardian ambassador begins his speech, "it was a very long journey, and truly you have lived up to your reputation as a kind and generous king. To show our gratitude, please accept this humble gift." The ambassador has a servant approach the princess with a necklace of gold, "a personal gift from His Imperial Majesty, Emhyr Var Emreis."
Rhaenyra looks to her father who nods in approval and the princess accepts the gift, "it is truly exquisite," she says, removing the Valyrian steel necklace her uncle gave her so as to wear this one. It was not quite the same, but she turned to the ambassador and thank him for the gift.
"It is truly a wonderful gift," Viserys speaks, "but I assume you did not come all this way from the Continent to gift us with gold necklaces and flattering words."
"You are right to assume such," Fringilla speaks, "we have also come with an offer. From the emperor himself."
"Forgive me, but who are you exactly?" Otto asks the woman. "Fringilla Vigo," the mage answers, "I serve His Imperial Majesty as both his court mage and his confidante. You can rest assure my words are his."
"You are a sorceress," Rhaenyra says impressed, "I've heard much of your sort. Can you give us a demonstration?"
Lyonel, Mellos, and Otto exchange looks, a little skeptical. "I'll be glad to, princess," Fringilla says, standing and approaching the young woman. The mage mutters an incantation in Elder speech and in her hands a glass figurine of a dragon appears in her hands, "for you. Consider it another gift."
"How are we to know this is magic you possess?" Otto scoffs, "for all we know this...charlatan could have kept this little figurine in her sleeves this whole time."
Fringilla only made a threatening smile and turned to the Hand, "if you doubt the authenticity of my talents, my lord, perhaps you would like further proof if I turn you into a toad."
Otto glares back at the mage, ready to call her bluff, but on the chance that she was serious about this little threat, he relents, "that...won't be necessary."
"I'm glad you agree," Fringilla smiles again in victory. 
"I believe you wished to give us an offer on behalf of your emperor," Viserys speaks, bringing the conversation back.
"Of course," Fringilla speaks, "the Emperor wishes to propose a marriage. Himself to your daughter, the princess Rhaenyra."
Rhaenyra's eyes widen a bit, your eyes widening also from where you were hiding. "I think it a fair arrangement," the mage speaks, "in the last years since I've been brought to serve His Imperial Majesty, Nilfgaard has prospered. We have access to new resources in food, metal, wood, and many other things that could benefit this realm. Should you accept, the princess will be crowned Empress of Nilfgaard and her children will bear claim to Nilfgaard's throne."
"An Empress of a foreign land along with the title Heir Iron Throne...a very generous prospect indeed," Maester Mellos speaks.
"And what resources, pray tell, would the Emperor of Nilfgaard wish to trade with us in return?" Otto asks.
Before either the sorceress or the ambassador could answer, you feel your stomach turn and retch in response, which caught the attention of the small council.
You stay still, in hopes no one would come investigate.
Said hopes were dashed when Fringilla muttered another incantation that dissolved the screen.
You stare at the audience with an awkward smile on your face, "Must've been something I ate," you joke.
Otto gets up and yanks you from your spot by the hair, dragging you to the table.
"Hey! Let go! Let go!" you demand.
"Looks like we have a rat in the walls," Otto sneers, "Have you come to spy on the king?" "Get your fucking hands off me!!!" you bite Otto's hand, causing him to release you.
"(y/n)?" Rhaenyra rushes over to your side, "what are you doing here?" "Forgive me, princess, I did not mean to snoop," you tell her, wiping your mouth, "I saw the emblems of your guests and recognized them to be Nilfgaardian."
Fringilla stood and stared at you, almost like she had seen you before.
"I know you," she speaks to you, "the bardess from the Continent. The White Wolf's Lark."  "I've heard of you too," the Nilfgaardian ambassador quips in, "(y/n). My wife is a big fan of your work. The Song of the White Wolf is her particular favorite."
You notice the way Viserys and the small council looked at you.
"Yes, that, uh, that's me," you shyly admit. "No relation to the Bard who's written ballads of the same famous White Wolf, is there?" "Uh, he's....he's my brother," you tell the mage, "singing and a penchant for writing seems to run in the family."
"You must be Fringilla Vigo," you speak to the mage, "I've heard of you. I'm friends with your colleague, Yennefer of Vengerberg."
Fringilla had a certain look on her face at the mention of that name, "if you do happen to come across her again, tell her I send my regards...and to thank her."
"I'll be sure to do that," you say.
"If I may interrupt," Otto says, "We had more pressing matters to discuss." 
"Ah yes, a marriage proposal between the princess of Dragonstone and the emperor of Nilfgaard," you say, "it is a rather unique proposal," you turn to Fringilla, "I'm a little surprised Emhyr Var Emreis didn't look some place closer to home; any of the Northern realms on the Continent would've sufficed. Temeria, Kaedwen, Redania...Cintra perhaps. Or maybe further down south? Last I heard, the Duke of Toussaint had two eligible daughters that are close to marrying age."
You lean closer to Fringilla and speak in the elvish language, "of course none of those places boast a possession of dragons. Dragons that could be used in Nilfgaard's favor in times of war."
Fringilla stares at you, standing up to address you in the same language, "a bold accusation for one who doesn't even know of the treasure she currently carries."
You raised an eyebrow, confused by that statement.
"Can we please talk in a language we can all understand?" Otto exasperates.
"This offer to unite the two realms is quite generous, that much I'll admit," Viserys speaks, looking to his daughter who had a certain look on her face, "however, it is one we will have to talk over. We will take this proposal into consideration."
Nodding, Fringilla and the ambassador up and exit the small council chambers. 
You attempt to sneak away, hoping to avoid some kind of reprimand from Otto or the king. "Not you," Viserys speaks, getting your attention, "you stay."
You sigh and stand by the table, "father, surely you don't mean-" "I would," Viserys admits to his daughter, "as this is highly irregular. However, I believe as a Continental her input would be most useful."
You give the king a confused look, "what can you tell me about this emperor? This Emhyr Var Emreis?"
You were still confused, but grateful you weren't going to face some kind of discipline, "Regretfully, your Grace, I know very little about this man," you tell him, "In fact, very few on the Continent, outside his inner circle, know anything about him. His predecessor, the late king, had a certain reputation for drinking and whoring while his subjects starved and threw riots on the streets. The king was disposed and a usurper took his place. Emhyr apparently had fled as a child and then returned to take back his throne and turn Nilfgaard into an empire."
"So he means to start a conquest it seems," Lyonel speaks, "and what better way to do so then with an army of dragons by his side."
"Do you think this to be the case, (y/n)?" Rhaenyra asks you. "...I would not be so quick to discard that motive as a possibility, princess," you honestly tell her, "and if Nilfgaard means to start a war with the northern realms, I predict those kingdoms will send envoys with similar proposals so as to secure an alliance with House Targaryen."
"Excuse me, father," Rhaenyra takes you by the arm and escorts you out of the chambers, "if what you say is true, I should like to learn more about these kingdoms," she tells you, "will you indulge me?" "I'll be happy to, princess."
-----------end of flashback: Kaer Morhen----------------
"Do you want to talk about it?" you hear Geralt ask as he leans by the door way.
You were in the bathtub, back facing the witcher, relishing in the hot, steaming water.
You weren't sure what to say as you were still reeling from the events earlier today when you almost pummeled Ciri to the ground.
You weren't sure what came over yourself. You've never lost control like that before, but the moment you had Ciri down, all you thought about when you would have to use those sword skills. You had started to imagine yourself fighting off Aemma's father, what it would be like if he came to Kaer Morhen on his dragon only to drag both you and your daughter back to the one place you did not want to go back anytime soon.
"Is...how's Ciri doing?" you decide to ask, pulling your knees close to your chest. "A few bruises here and there, but she'll live," Geralt assures, "it's nothing she hasn't had before."
"Oh gods, what have I done?" you groan, resting your head against your knees, tears welling up from the guilt of almost causing the poor girl grave harm, "Geralt, I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I wouldn't blame Ciri if she didn't forgive me for this."
"Ciri was little miffed at first," Geralt says, leaning behind the tub and grabbing a wet rag to wash your back, "but she's come to understand. She's already forgiven you."
"I don't deserve it," you sniffle, "I almost killed her."
"No you didn't," Geralt assures, "not with a wooden sword that is."
"But I could've if we were using different weapons." "Hey," Geralt scolds, "quite beating yourself up over this. It happened, no one got hurt, it's all in the past, now we need to move on."
You sigh as Geralt rinses out the rag. You feel the witcher place a kiss on your bare shoulder, "Geralt," you say, "if something happened to me or Aemma...if someone tried to take us away from Kaer Morhen, you would stop them, right?"
"Like Aemma's father you mean?" Geralt says to which you lightly nod, "if he tries to take you away to place you don't want to go, I'll do everything in my power to stop him."
You turn around in the tub, taking Geralt's hand in yours, "thank you."
Chapter 8
Masterlist
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