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#the potential for the marvels is grand!
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imagine bucky being drunk
warning: kinda spicy at the end
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"He's doing it again."
Sam nudged you in the ribs, tearing your eyes away from Carol; who had been giving you the latest details on her life. The two of you frowned but then Carol smirked, nodding to your boyfriend across the small dive bar she had taken everyone to. Bucky was standing next to Steve and he was pretend punching him in the face. Steve was laughing whilst blocking his friend's air punches.
"I love drunk Barnes," Carol sighed contently and you agreed.
"He's so cute when he's drunk."
"Sure, real cute when the tab is over a grand because it takes a whole brewery to get him tipsy."
Ignoring Sam, you promised Carol you'd return to hear the rest of her story and she smirked, holding up her beer. "We have all night."
Stepping away from the table, you smiled at the bickering going on behind you as to who was going to pay for the tab. Leaving Wilson and Danvers to settle that argument, you walked over to the oldest men in the bar. Bucky's eyes moved to you and he grinned like a little puppy, pushing Steve aside to stumble over to you.
"God, you're so cute," he hollered, pretending to grab a piece of you to eat. He consumed air you and you laughed, grabbing his hand before he could take another bite.
Bucky quickly engulfed you into a hug, squeezing so tight you had to holler for him to release you. "I love a good strangling, but let's keep that for the bedroom, babe."
Steve groaned. "Come on, man."
You smirked, allowing Bucky to pull your back against his chest. He wrapped both arms around your waist and rested his head on your shoulders. "Sounds like Stevie boy needs a little fun."
"That's what it sounds like," you echoed Bucky's sentiments and Steve rolled his eyes when you suggested Carol up as a potential booty call. "What? She's fucking hot. Smart. Funny."
"Captain America, Captain Marvel..." Bucky slurred out a burp and the two of you busted into laughter - giggling like children. Steve instantly turned red and that just made the laughter louder until Carol called out to see what was so funny.
"Don't say a word," Steve grumbled under his breath, pulling at his shirt. "...stay here."
Bucky and you watched as Steve made his way to the booth, sliding next to Carol, who smiled at him. Sam looked over to you and Bucky held a hazy finger to his lips - the veteran understood and quickly excused himself from the booth. He didn't bother walking over to Bucky and you, because everyone knew the two of you were ridiculous together, sober or drunk. Most people couldn't stand being in a room with the two of you for more than a few minutes; hands all over each other or worse, jokes and laughter that seemed endless.
Turning to face your boyfriend, you squished his cheeks and he practically beamed. He was totally drunk and you were totally in love. He kissed you on the lips, at first gently but then his grip tightened at your waist and you buckled against his body.
"....so cute I could eat."
"What's stopping you? The bathroom is unisex..."
Bucky practically welp, gathering you up in his arms in a haste. Having a former super solider as a boyfriend had its perks - his stamina was endless, his physique would make a grown man cry, but his strength? That man could lift hundreds of pounds, so no matter your weight - this motherfucker made you feel light as a feather. And boy, you could get him stiff as a board.
"I just know you're thinking nasty shit," he groaned, moving you towards the bathroom.
"I am but pure of heart, James."
Bucky smiled contently, kicking the bathroom open. It was as good as a bar restroom could get. He placed you gently on the sink and made sure the door was locked. Two strides, that's all it took for him to get on his knees and pulling your panties down from under your skirt. His eyes rolled back for a moment as he took in the sight, but then he glanced up at you with a devilish smile as he firmly spread your legs.
"I love you," he whispered right before diving in-between your thighs.
Rendered speechless, all you could do was grip his hair and lean back into the sink mirror; the lowlights flickering as Bucky reminded you how much you loved drunk him. When all his inhibitions disappeared and he got to enjoy the little things in life - which included going to bars with your closest friends, running the highest of tabs, trying to hook up friends, and most importantly, going down on your girlfriend in a dingy bathroom.
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enkaiuminos · 3 months
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hello!!!! i love your recent fics and i want to request one for you 🥹 one where reader does happy dances every time she eats sanji’s food? and it’s so natural for her that she makes him shy ((in a good way for doing it
Happy Times
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Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x Y/N
Content: Starvation, fluff, Sanji's shy (my favourite part) and Y/N's sad past.
A/n: I hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing this! <3
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First of all, thank you for requesting! This is my first time making a request so I hope this story is to your expectations!
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After the Strawhat crew saved your poor country from its terrible leader, you were unexpectedly welcomed aboard as a new addition to the crew.
Despite your lack of devil fruit powers, Luffy saw potential in you and believed that your unique skills and determination would make you a valuable member of the crew. He admired your bravery during the fight and knew that together, you could accomplish even greater things.
He also might have gotten some persuading from a certain cook.
"Cheers to our new nakama, Y/N!" Luffy exclaimed, raising his cup in a toast.
"Cheers!" the crew chorused in unison, their cups clinking together. Each member of the Strawhat crew expressed their excitement for having you on board, promising to support and protect you as one of their own.
From Nami's approving nod to Zoro's subtle smirk, it was clear that you had earned their trust and had become an integral part of their pirate family.
As the celebration continued, you looked around the room and realized that the cook was nowhere to be found. Curiosity piqued, you excused yourself from the crew and made your way to the kitchen, where you found Sanji preparing a feast fit for a king.
You admired Sanji's culinary skills for a while, marveling at how effortlessly he would slice through vegetables and handle the sizzling oil without hesitation. As you watched him prepare the feast, you couldn't help but be in awe of his culinary prowess.
It was no wonder that he was known as the "Black Leg" and hailed as one of the greatest chefs on the Grand Line.
You decided to slip away quietly, not wanting to interrupt Sanji's cooking or draw attention to yourself.
Finding a peaceful spot on the ship, you took a moment to reflect on the incredible turn of events that led you to become a member of the Strawhat crew.
The memories of your past struggles and the newfound sense of belonging filled your heart with gratitude and determination for the adventures that lay ahead.
.⋆。⋆☂˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆..⋆。⋆☂˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆..⋆。⋆☂˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆..⋆。⋆☂˚。⋆。˚☽˚。⋆.
It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, you were living in a country oppressed by an unjust ruler. The people had been stripped of their wealth, forced to give all of their money as a gift to the ruler on the 10th anniversary of their reign.
You were once a part of an orphanage that suffered greatly under the ruler's oppressive regime. The orphanage struggled to provide basic necessities for the children, and you witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by the people.
As one of the oldest children in the orphanage, you were burdened with responsibilities beyond your years. From the age of 10, you were expected to take care of the younger children, ensuring they were fed, clothed, and safe. It was a heavy weight to bear, but it taught you resilience and compassion at a young age.
You often found yourself questioning the quality and safety of the food made from the meager rations provided by the adults. However, you had no other choice but to eat it yourself and feed it to the younger children, hoping it would sustain them.
Surviving each day became a delicate balance between fulfilling your responsibilities and ensuring everyone's survival.
But one day, the Straw Hat crew, led by the fearless Monkey D. Luffy, arrived in the country with a mission to liberate the oppressed people. With their extraordinary abilities and unwavering determination, they fought against the unjust ruler and his forces, bringing hope and freedom to the once-struggling nation.
As they defeated the ruler and his regime, the people rejoiced, and a new era of peace and prosperity began to unfold.
Everyone thought it was the right decision for you to go with them. . .
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"Y/N?" A voice called you from behind, belonging to Nami.
You turned around to face Nami, a wide smile spreading across your face. "Yes, Nami?" you replied, gratitude filling your voice.
"Sanji said that the food is ready," Nami informed you, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The aroma of the freshly cooked meal wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the meager rations you were accustomed to.
Your stomach growled in response to Nami's news, reminding you of the constant hunger you had endured in the orphanage. The thought of a properly cooked meal filled with nourishment made your mouth water.
As you followed Nami into the kitchen, you noticed that everyone was there, engaged in lively conversation, yet no one touched their food. It seemed as if they were waiting for someone, and curiosity piqued within you.
"Finally! There you are, Y/N!" Luffy exclaimed, his mouth drooling as he resisted from touching the meat in front of him.
You sat beside Nami, a sense of guilt washing over you as you apologized for being gone for so long.
"Now Y/N-san, why don't you taste the food first?" Sanji asked from the kitchen, prepping the last pieces of dessert.
You hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether you deserved to be the first one to taste the food.
Usually you were the last unless you had to taste if it was edible or not.
Everyone looked at you as you scooped a spoonful of one of the dishes, but you paused. The memory of the starving children back in the orphanage flashed in your mind, and you couldn't help but feel that they deserved this meal more than you did.
"It's alright," Sanji's voice said as he was now behind you, his warm hand resting on your shoulder.
It was as if he could read your mind and understand the guilt that was consuming you.
You nodded before placing the spoon inside your mouth and swallowing it. The flavors exploded on your taste buds, a symphony of perfectly balanced spices and textures.
It was a moment of pure bliss, and as you savored each bite, you couldn't help but feel grateful that you were able to experience such a meal after years of deprivation.
The taste of the food was so exquisite that you couldn't help but let out a little dance, your body moving to the rhythm of the flavors. It was as if the nourishment had not only satisfied your hunger but also awakened a dormant joy within you.
As you twirled and swayed, the room erupted in laughter and applause, everyone delighting in your infectious happiness.
"Y/N is doing a happy dance!" Luffy exclaimed, laughing.
The meal had not only filled your stomach but also filled your soul with a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life.
With the biggest smile on your face, you turned to Sanji, gratitude shining in your eyes, and whispered, "Thank you, Sanji. This meal is beyond anything I could have imagined."
Sanji's cheeks went from a light tint of pink to his whole face being red, dropping his cigarette in the process. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and happiness at seeing you enjoy his food so much.
It was moments like these that reminded him why he loved cooking and why he put so much passion into every dish.
"I'm glad that you like it Y/N-san," Sanji answered, his eyes filled with pure love. Shyly, he added, "I put my heart and soul into creating this meal, and seeing you enjoy it brings me immeasurable joy."
You smiled in return, completely unaware of the effect you had on Sanji. The genuine happiness that radiated from you was enough to make his heart skip a beat, and he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of purpose in his culinary endeavors.
Though it didn't go unnoticed.
"Looks like Love Cook can get shy around women," Zoro teased.
Sanji's face turned even redder as Zoro's teasing words reached his ears.
"Shut up, Mosshead!" Sanji fired back, trying to hide his embarrassment. But deep down, he couldn't deny that there was some truth to Zoro's words.
Your presence had ignited a spark within him, and he couldn't wait to continue creating culinary masterpieces that would bring joy to your heart. . . .
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Continue?
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queenshelby · 4 months
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Forbidden Desire (Part 18)
Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Reader (Female/Incestuous)
Warnings: Incest, Smut
Please comment and engage xx 😘
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Birmingham - Three Weeks Later
It was around 8 o'clock when you arrived at Arrow House, wearing a floor-length black dress that showed off your curvaceous physique and accentuated your statuesque presence. The dress highlighted your luscious cleavage and revealed tantalising flashes of your smooth legs whenever you walked.
Accompanied by your new partner Robert, you were rather late as your baby-boy did not want to go to sleep without you rocking him in your arms. Leaving him with your maid, who had travelled with you from Boston, made you nervous but Robert reminded you that an event like the one tonight was not one to be shared with minors.
As such, when finally arriving at Arrow House, you already found the estate buzzing with activity - people talking excitedly about the impending nuptials of Tommy and Lizzie.
The grand old house seemed even more majestic now than you had remembered. There was music playing in the background, creating a romantic atmosphere for the forthcoming wedding ceremony which was something that made you feel conflicted. 
Out of all women in England, it was Lizzie who your uncle Tommy had chosen to marry and, whilst you knew why he had decided to tie the knot with this woman, you wished that he did not. 
With a hint of disgust on your mind, you glanced at your reflection in a nearby mirror, adjusting your hair slightly before heading towards the festivities.
Robert held your hand lightly, leading you across the marvelously decorated ballroom where guests sat sipping champagne and enjoying live jazz music played by a talented band onstage. Your heart ached for Tommy, wondering if this marriage would truly bring happiness to him after everything you two had experienced together. In truth, a small piece of you yearned for him, craving the chance to explore those undeniable connections between you.
But then, the other part of you felt nothing but hatred for the fact that he never wrote to you in the past twelve months.
Hadn't he ever missed you? Did you mean less to him than the woman he was about to marry? These questions circled endlessly in your mind, driving you mad while making you question whether keeping your memories alive was worth the pain. 
Although you had written twice to him, without a response, you knew that Tommy was unaware of the fact that you had his child and so was everyone else. Everyone but Ada. 
You also had not seen anyone but Ada until now and whilst your father had written letters of nothing to you twice a month, it was Linda who caused him to be estranged, adding even more complexities to your strained family ties.
Seeing him standing there now with his brother Tommy, in the distance, sent waves of mixed emotion through you and, usurpingly, on seeing you enter, the room went silent.
Tommy's gaze locked onto yours, a mixture of surprise and curiosity warring across his features.
Lizzie, on the other hand, appeared irritated by your arrival. Her brow furrowed in annoyance as she realized that another potential threat stood among the crowd. 
All eyes turned towards you as you approached the center of the room, radiating confidence in your sleek, high-slung black dress that hugged your curves perfectly. With each step taken, a sense of unease seemed to permeate the space, and the only sound heard was the heavy beat of your footsteps against the polished wooden floor.
Even amidst the chaos, you couldn't help but notice the way Tommy's gaze followed you relentlessly, like a predator studying its prey.
His hungry eyes bore into yours, sending shivers down your spine. The unspoken desire that flowed between you was palpable, nearly tangible. Lizzie's jealousy could be read clearly in her scowl directed your way, causing you to smile subtly to yourself as she noticed your acknowledgment.
Reaching Tommy's side, you greeted him coolly with a nod and a forced smile, determined not to let him see how affected you were by his magnetic pull even after twelve months of silence from him.
Glancing over at Lizzie, you offered her a polite yet detached nod as well, trying to maintain a neutral demeanor amidst the storm brewing within you before approaching her and her husband to be more closely.  
"Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials," you stated calmly, feigning indifference as you spoke. Lizzie's expression remained frosty, refusing to return your gesture. "Thank you," she responded coldly, turning away from you as quickly as possible while Tommy assessed your companion.
"Who is this?" Tommy asked, casting a skeptic glance toward you. His tone betrayed the uncertainty he harbored regarding your unexpected presence at his home, which was something he clearly knew nothing about.
"This is Robert. My partner," you introduced calmly, hiding any trace of lingering attraction towards Tommy behind a veneer of composure. Giving Lizzie a wary once-over, you continued, "He is a doctor, in Boston. We met at a charity event there," you then continued before allowing your father, Arthur, to give you a hug.
"A doctor, eh?" Arthur interjected, smiling politely, before introducing himself as Arthur Shelby, your father, to him.
In turn, Robert shook hands firmly with him, seeming eager to impress him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shelby," he said, to which Arthur smiled approvingly, feeling impressed by the young man's enthusiasm while you, in turn, felt impressed by your father's attitude towards your newfound love. With his third child on the way, he had clearly softened a bit. 
Meanwhile, your attention shifted back to Tommy, whose focus returned to you. The intensity of his gaze sent chills down your spine, stirring feelings buried deep inside you.
"It must be serious if you bring him here, to fucking Birmingham, eh?" Tommy retorted sharply, eyeing both you and Robert suspiciously. His sarcastic words stung, triggering hurt and confusion. 
"For a matter of fact, it is. Robert asked me to marry him," you informed them casually, looking steadily at both Tommy and Lizzie, attempting to conceal the swell of anxiety building within you.
An awkward silence filled the air momentarily as your statement reverberated throughout the room. Tommy's face flushed red frustration.
"Is that true?" he snapped at Robert, challenging his credibility. "You proposed to her?" Tommy wanted to know, causing Robert to nod nervously.
"Yes, Mr, uhm, Shelby..." Robert began to say without a formal introduction, to which you informed him that his name was Tommy and that he was your uncle. 
"That explains things," Robert commented before silently acknowledging the fact that there were some incredible physical similarities between your son and your uncle Tommy. 
"Well, congratulations to you both!" Tommy exclaimed, raising his glass to salute you before taking a generous gulp of whiskey. However, you could tell that he was still struggling to process the news, his emotions bubbling beneath the surface. This wasn't what he expected or wanted, especially considering the tension simmering between you and Lizzie since you set foot into the hall. The last thing he needed right now was more drama, particularly involving someone connected to his beloved niece whom he secretly desired.
"Thank you, Uncle," you replied coldly as the tension grew thick around you and, luckily for you, it was at this point, that you were whisked away by your aunt Polly.
As you turned your back towards Tommy, his piercing eyes seemed to burn into you, leaving no doubt that he saw you differently compared to others present. The sight triggered powerful sensations within you that you struggled to control, prompting you to take a deep breath before joining Polly.
Walking beside you, Polly patted your arm comfortingly, noticing the slight tremble in your voice. As you stepped out into the hallway, she leaned closer, whispering softly in your ear, "it was me who sent the invitation."
The shock registered instantly upon your face, leaving you speechless for a brief moment. "Why?" you eventually managed to ask, confused by her decision, seeing that it was her who suggested you go to Boston in the first place. 
"Because Thomas has been making bad choices since you left," Polly confided earnestly, her eyes gleaming with concern. She took a steadying breath, continuing quietly, "There is such darkness in him these days and it worries me."
Your throat tightened with a mix of sympathy and anger and you wondered how much your absence affected him.
"Polly, you made him send me away and I started a new life, in Boston, with Robert now. I am happy," you lied before continuing on. "So, I am not here to fix Tommy for you," your lips formed a thin line, showing disapproval for Polly's attempt to change your fate.
"No, sweetheart. You won't need to. The existence of your son will do that," Polly explained gravely, pointing out that you having had a child with Tommy would naturally draw him back to reason. 
"You know about my son?" you demanded, surprised that Polly was aware of your baby's existence. It didn't escape your notice that she might have known all along, choosing to remain quiet about it, perhaps wanting to spare you further heartache during those early months when you hadn't heard anything from Tommy either.
Her eyes flashed with sorrow, and she gave a gentle nod.
"I knew that you were pregnant before you left Birmingham. It was one of the reasons I wanted you gone. But please don't think ill of me. I did what I thought best for everyone involved," Polly explained, her voice laced with regret. You listened carefully, trying to reconcile everything she told you tonight and how it tied together. Your head reeling with so many revelations and emotions flooding your system, your stomach clenched painfully.
"All you and Thomas ever thought about were these goddamn elections. This is why he is marrying Lizzie, isn't it? Because she had his daughter, and it would look bad for him if it was to be found out that he fathered a child with a career prostitute," you murmured aloud with anger and frustration.
"Yes. It was the plan all along until you came into the picture," she admitted sadly, confirming your suspicions. "Then he fell for you, and I should have let him, no matter the consequences," her voice cracked slightly, expressing regret over the mistakes they had made.
"He shot three men last night, without remorse, because of some feud with the Chinese. And, the illegal business activities are continuing after, just fourteen months ago, he was certain that, within the year, Shelby Company Limited would thrive from its legitimate business activities alone," Polly then went on to explain without giving you much context but the information was alarming enough to make you worry about what you were walking into.
"Like I said, I am not here to fix Tommy for you. You have to do that on your own," you insisted stubbornly, standing your ground against your aunt's manipulative plans. You weren't going to become part of another game you played second fiddle to the family's ambitions. That time had passed.
"Well then I can only hope that you continue to stay safe wherever you are because, clearly, you have no idea what Tommy is sending through to Boston next. It's not just fucking booze anymore," Polly muttered under her breath, her eyes searching yours with unspoken messages. 
"What do you mean?" you questioned cautiously, wondering where exactly the situation was heading. Your curiosity piqued, your fingers drummed impatiently against your side. "Is it snow?" you then asked, but she shook her head.
She paused briefly, deliberating whether or not to divulge sensitive information to you. But then, finally, she decided to trust you implicitly, understanding your resolve to live independently of the crime syndicate.
"It's opium, Love, and you need to watch your back," Polly revealed solemnly, grabbing your hand urgently.
A mixture of horror and disbelief spread across your features.
"Opium? What does Tommy want with opium?" You couldn't hide your fear and uncertainty about the implications. Opium trade brought immense danger to anyone associated with it, not just legally, but also socially. 
"Perhaps you should ask him yourself," Polly advised, although her tone indicated reluctance, likely knowing full well the outcome.
Feeling increasingly uneasy, you continued to walk alongside Polly, listening intently as she spoke candidly about your uncle's recent descent into what she called the "darkness" and how he was becoming even more dangerous than before. The thought terrified you, imagining Tommy turning against his very own kin, including himself. Yet, you also understood that people like Tommy couldn't simply cease being who they were born to be. 
They were products of their environments, trapped within their pasts, bound by chains woven from their ancestors' decisions. And yet, amidst the chaos and violence surrounding him, there was always something undeniably appealing about Tommy's brutish charm, a magnetism that drew you irresistibly toward him, awakening a hunger you didn't fully comprehend.
When you looked at Tommy, your eyes locked onto his deep blue gaze, a reflection of the storm brewing inside him and, later in the evening, with Robert mingling in the crowd, you decided to confront him.
Without hesitation, you sauntered towards him, the confidence you possessed radiating off every step you took.  
His attention immediately shifted to you, the intensity of his gaze burning hotter than before, sparking memories of countless steamy encounters shared. Despite his determination to ignore you, the connection between you two was undeniable as you spoke.
"A word, please," you requested casually, your voice deceptively calm as his eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"If you want to discuss your wedding plans, Love, then I suggest you do this with Ada, not me, eh?" Tommy responded dismissively, attempting to brush you aside while focusing on assessing your partner Robert whom he clearly disapproved of. 
"I want to talk about business matters," you clarified steadfastly, determined to confront him directly. 
"My office then," Tommy agreed, leading you through the crowded ballroom filled with guests and servants, none of whom noticed you leaving together.
Once outside, however, the tension escalated palpably, causing both of you to exchange guarded glances. You felt an invisible force drawing you closer to him, a magnetic pull emanating from his raw masculinity which erupted completely as soon as you reached his chambers.
For a short moment, his eyes lingered on your form silently, absorbing every curve, every feature – your mouth, your neck, your hands… The room seemed to spin around you as he caressed your cheekbone gently, trailing downwards towards your shoulder.
Suddenly then, Tommy’s lips pressed firmly against yours, his tongue sweeping boldly into your mouth, catching you by surprise. 
Much to Tommy's surprise, however, you pushed him away forcefully and slapped him hard across the face.
"How fucking dare you!" you seethed, struggling to maintain composure, unable to believe his audacity.
Stunned, he stepped backward, holding his reddened cheek as if uncertain how to react.
"Twelve months it has been, Tommy! You pushed me away. I tried to call you. I have sent you two letters and I got nothing in return until Polly sent me this fucking invitation, to your fucking wedding!" Your voice trembled with rage, tears threatening to spill over as you expressed your disappointment. Your sudden explosion caught him entirely off-guard, revealing a vulnerability hidden beneath his swaggering facade.
Tommy stood silent for a few moments, unsure how to proceed or apologise for his behavior. His eyes darted nervously around the room, avoiding direct contact with yours, betraying his guilt.
Finally, he cleared his throat, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Look, we both knew that this couldn't work. You are my fucking niece and I needed to distance myself from you," Tommy said and his voice held a hint of desperation, seeking forgiveness.
"Yes, and you did that, quite well if I may add. And now, I am with Robert and he is a good a man," you pointed out, raising your brow slightly, challenging him to argue otherwise. 
"A good man, eh?" Tommy chuckled dryly, his eyes piercing straight through you, exposing the truth behind his words. "I that really what you want, Love? A good fucking man?" he wanted to know and you bit your lip in annoyance.
"Well, yes, a good fucking man is better than a man who will put me and my son into danger," you retorted defiantly, crossing your arms resolutely in anger.
"Your fucking what?" Tommy asked, shocked and confused about you mentioning a child, before carrying on. "I can't believe that, within a few months of you moving to fucking Boston, this good fucking man managed to knock you up," Tommy spat angrily, thinking that it was Robert who had fathered your son. 
"Oh my god, Thomas..." you sighed heavily. "Robert isn't the father. I was already pregnant when I moved to Boston." There was a pause in your statement as you collected your thoughts, trying to discern how best to break this news to Tommy.
"But listen," you began slowly, feeling the weight of the secret growing heavier within you. "I didn't know at the time. I wanted to terminate, but it was too late. I was too far gone," you carried on and, as those words left your lips, you watched carefully for any change in expression on Tommy's face. 
"Fucking hell," he growled, rubbing his temples, evidently lost in thought.
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fairyhaos · 7 months
Text
❍ the 2k event: junhui + castle
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vote for this fic in the poll!
alternative title: you are my kingdom
pairing: crown prince!junhui x royalty!gn!reader
genre: historical royalty au, arranged marriage, strangers to lovers
word count: 1167
warnings: none
event taglist (send ask to be added): @slytherinshua @rubywonu @pepperonijem @amxlia-stars @weird-bookworm @hannyoontify @my-moarmy-heart @suminsfav @minhui896 @haocovr @lockburn-castle @sweet-like-caramel @horanghae8 @graybaeismytae @karionice @hopetiger10 @shuabby1994
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The wind whistles through the castle, seeping in through under the heavy wooden doors, in through the windows that aren't quite sealed enough to keep away the small squeals of air. You hold your breath, trying to not make a sound, curling up even tighter in your spot in the wardrobe. 
"Y/N?" A voice singsongs, and you stiffen at the sound of footsteps echoing on the stone floor outside of the room. "Where are you?"
The door to the room you're in creaks open, and you try to pretend that you're not there.
It doesn't work, though, because not even two seconds later, the wardrobe door swings open and a man grins down at you, dark eyes glittering. 
"Aha! I found you!" Junhui declares, bright and happy, and you groan. He offers out a hand to help you to your feet, and you accept it, brushing off your clothes as you step out of the wardrobe. "Why are you even hiding in these rooms, anyway? You're never gonna need to come to the visitor's wing."
"Hey. We're playing hide and seek for me, you know. Because I don't know the layout if your castle. You never gave me boundaries!" you point out as Junhui leads you out of the room. "I wouldn't have known the boundaries, anyway. Because again. I don't know the layout of your castle."
Junhui laughs. "That's true. Well, anyway, now you know. These are the visitor wings, where we place the visiting royals or Lords who are coming to make relations with the King."
"Your father," you correct. 
"The King," Junhui says again, smiling. "They don't come say hi to my father just because he's my dad, do they? They come because he's the King."
You shrug. "Fair enough."
"Do you wanna play another round of hide and seek?" Junhui asks. "We have some time before some duties we need to carry out. And then Father wants us to eat with him for dinner."
"Yes! Let's play another round!" you say, clasping your hands together. "I think I almost have down the important parts of the castle."
Junhui grins, and takes your hand. "Okay, let's go back outside! I'll count to one hundred again."
As Junhui drags you through his castle, laughing as you stumble over uneven cobblestones and barrel past surprised servants, you can't help but marvel at how different he is from any other Crown Prince you've ever met. 
You can't help but marvel at how you're married to him. 
It hadn't been a love marriage, but rather an arranged one, as most marriages between kingdoms' royal children were. You had little say in who you were going to marry, and Crown Prince Junhui had been chosen for you purely because your father had wanted to maintain peace with a newly emerged kingdom that showed potential to one day be powerful. 
You were a pawn in the grand scheme of petty politics, to say the least. And you had hated it. 
You had done your utmost to sabotage the engagement, refused all of Junhui's courting gifts, fiercely denied meeting him right up until the day of your marriage, insisting that if your freedom to choose who you were going to marry was being taken from you, then you were going to fight for every other little bit of freedom that you could. 
The marriage had been a whistlestop affair, feeling more like a treaty signing with mildly more fanfare than the wedding it was meant to be, and that had infuriated you even more. 
You'd vowed to despise Prince Junhui and his kingdom forever, especially when you'd been whisked away from your home to go live in his castle with him. 
That is, until the day you walked in on Junhui in tears. 
It had been an accident, with you still unaware of the castle layout having only been there a week, and your maidservant was little help, a snooty young lady who seemed to despise the fact that their "attractive young prince was marrying a person who could hold no candle to his beauty". 
You were trying to search for the stables and had gotten hopelessly lost, wandering around the edges of the castle until you accidentally stumbled upon Junhui, hidden in the long grass in a dip in the stones where a turret met the straight walls, wiping his eyes. 
It had startled you, to see him look so sad and lost, and in that moment it struck you that Junhui was in the same position as you, that he was stuck in a loveless marriage just like you, and here you were, snapping at him and avoiding him and being utterly horrible when his life surely wasn't looking any nicer than yours. 
Silently, so as not to be noticed, you had stepped backwards and left him alone. And three days later, you sought him out in his chambers, hand outstretched and tentative smile on your face, asking for a truce. 
And that leads you to where you are now, many months later. Running through the castle. Playing hide and seek to help you understand the layout of how your new home works. 
"Your Highnesses!" the Head Knight yelps, practically throwing himself into the wall as the Crown Prince runs past, with you in tow. "Please be careful!"
"Sorry, Cheol!" Junhui yells back. "You're getting slow in your old age, though!" he adds, and you laugh. 
There's something so youthfully beautiful about Junhui's face when he smiles like that, you think, as he rounds the corner and throws open the doors that lead outside into the courtyard. 
He's so beautiful. 
"Oh my God," you gasp, leaning against the wall, panting. "I think I'm getting slow in my old age."
Junhui laughs again, dark eyes twinkling. "Nonsense. You're young and fit and beautiful, nothing at all like the old hag that is Seungcheol."
You stifle a grin, trying not to focus on how his words make your heart thump oddly in your chest. "Sure, sure. I bet he could still run you through in the blink of an eye, though."
"Oh, definitely," Junhui says instantly, and you laugh at the promptness of his answer. "But our Court Physician? Wow, Jeonghan is even more of a hag, I swear. He never leaves his room."
You tilt your head. "Jeonghan?"
Junhui's eyes widen. "I haven't taken you to meet Jeonghan, have I? Don't worry, we'll do that first thing tomorrow."
It makes your heart warm, really, the amount of effort Junhui is putting in to make you feel comfortable in his kingdom. Ever since that incident those several months ago, he's been the one friendly face you've found comfort in within this new place. He's been your friend. 
But as he beams at you before turning to face the wall, rambling on about how's he's going to count to 100 really slowly to allow you to choose the best hiding spot ever in this castle, a realisation hits you in the chest so hard that your eyes widen. 
Oh, no. 
"Junhui."
Junhui turns around, his face open, and he looks so beautiful that your heart thumps even harder and you're blurting out what you're thinking without even stopping to reconsider. 
"I think I'm in love with you."
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tom-holland-stuff · 27 days
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Displeasing Encounters & Passionate Debates // Chapter 3
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My Masterlist
// Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 - mood-board // Chapter 3 //
Pairing: Coriolanus Snow x Fem!reader
Summery: After returning form district 12 Coriolanus snow has had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Wealth, status, power, he's got it all. What happens when he discovers that Dr Gaul, his mentor, has taken on a new assistant.
Warning: NSFW / SMUT SMUT SMUT / Swearing / Chocking (let me know if i have forgotten anything)
A/N: Hey Hey everyone, me again. So sorry it's been a minute! here is chapter 3 and as promised things get REAL heated (be warned). im so excited for you all the read this. it originally was going to be alot longer of a chapter but i decided that is probs way to much to hit you with in one sitting, so instead i have broken it into 2 parts (the next one being chapter 4) which means it's basically ready to go. Enjoy my loves.
Word Count: 4.09K
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The gala was an event Coriolanus Snow would rather have avoided. 
Unfortunately duty calls in the most unpleasant ways - or at least he thought so. His presence was deemed necessary as per request, or more so demanded, by the ever-manipulative Dr. Gaul.
Don’t be mistaken, there are most definitely aspects of these festivities that Coryo enjoys. The potential for connecting and becoming well acquainted with the elites of the capital, the music isn’t too unbearable, and the endless amount of free posca is always a plus.
Coryo stands in the corner of the lavish party surrounded by some of his peers. He is barely paying attention as Clemensia and Festus argue over some social scandal. Instead he absentmindedly sips form his bubbling drink, letting his gaze trail off.
The opulent hall is one of the few buildings in the city that survived the war. The walls show its age, the once white walls now an ivory. The ceiling, he swore was as high as his own apartment is tall, held up by marvelous pillars carved from marble, the points in which they meet the floor and roof adorned in flecks of gold. 
Coriolanous marvels at the extravagant interior of the building, trying to distract himself from the feeling of dread that sits low in his stomach. The impending knowledge that he will have to spend the night in her company overpowers anything enjoyable about this occasion. 
The thought of having to be in her irritating presence and listen to her vexatious voice, which will undoubtedly taunt and argue with him, puts an extreme damper on his mood.
Tangled in his thoughts of loathing, he shifts his focus to the entrance of the hall. A grand staircase, made from a similar stone to the pillars, cascades down leading to the middle of the floor. He watches as guests continue to slowly pour in through the doors and down the opulent stairway, spilling out into the room to join their associates and friends. 
One person in particular catches his attention as they stand at the top of the staircase - y/n.
He almost chokes on his posca.
Coriolanous can’t help but be taken aback by her appearance. He notices her radiant smile, the way her red satin dress hugs her figure in the most delicious way, bringing his attention to things he has never thought to notice before. The front of her gown droops and pools elegantly at her bust, exposing the natural curves of her body. It hugs her waist and hips snugly, to then flow from the knee down, the silky fabric spilling on the floor around her. As she makes her way down the stairs he takes note of the subtle elegance in her movements, her grace captivating and mesmerizing.
He might have thought to describe her as a vision of beauty, but he is immediately reminded why he would never actually conjure such thoughts when her gaze meets his, her once illuminating smile transforms into a hard scowl.
He whips his head back in the direction of his friends and kicks himself mentally, embarrassed that he was not only caught blatantly staring, but also that he allowed himself to think such ludicrous things about such a vile creature.
Coriolanous tries desperately to pay attention to the conversation between his friends in an attempt to distract himself. However, his efforts are in vain as he feels a presence approach him from behind, and to his immense displeasure it’s her. 
He slowly turns his head again to acknowledge her approach, mimicking the feral scowl she odderend moments before. 
His stomach flutters in what he assumes is a physical reaction to his dislike for the girl, but he can’t help but admire the way she carries herself with such determination.
‘What is wrong with you?’ he thinks to himself.
“Ah, If it isn’t Coriolanous snow, what a pleasure” she says in the most taunting way, each word laced with sarcasm. 
Her expression couldn’t have been any more insincere.
“Mmm, the pleasure is mine” he retorts, pulling his mouth in a tight line as he copies her tone of insincerity.
“You haven't come with any more of those hideous reptiles have you?” he teases, taking a slow sip form his glass
“I didn’t need to, there are already one too many snakes at this party” she scoffs in amusement.
Coriolnaous hardens his glare in her direction, offended by her comment. In the back of his mind he can’t help but find her jabs and retorts amusing.
Despite his inner turmoil, Coriolanus maintained his facade of disdain, refusing to let y/n see the effect she is having on him. He squares his shoulders and plastered on his most arrogant expression, determined to keep his emotions in check.
Dr. Gaul however, had other plans.
Before either of them have the opportunity to grace eachother with more vulgar statements, their mentor appears beside them, as if she materialized from thin air. 
Dr. Gaul is many things, but she is not a fool, and only a fool would be blind enough to not notice the tension brewing between her two star pupils. 
“Well… my, my, you both scrub up nice” the professor taunts. 
Y/n and Coriolanous both offer her a smile in return for the unusual flattery.
“Now, i think it the most appropriate moment for me to take the time to display my studious protojays to our guests” she continues as she grabs both of their arms, leading them towards a large group of men which Coriolanous recognises to be politicions apart of president Ravinstills party.
After spending what felt like a great deal of time mingling with numerous elites of the capital, Dr. Gaul decides it to be a perfect opportunity to intervene in the interesting relationship blossoming between her students… and have some fun while she’s at it.
“Now my most special pets…” she begins, her smile turning wicked.
Coryo internally cringes at the nickname, uncertain of where this is going.
“...I think that now would be the most splendid time for you both to do me the honor of taking the floor for a dance.”
Silence follows her request.
Corionlanous and y/n both stare at her, eyes wide, trying to process what their teacher just said.
Surely this has to be a joke - he thinks. 
He quickly looks to the dance floor filled with men and women pressed against each other, gliding in unison as the move to the music echoing from the orchestral band.
He snaps his head back to Gaul, mouth opened ready to protest the horrid idea, but before he is able Dr. Gaul motions them away with her hand giving them both a pointed stare, emphasizing the fact that her demands are non negotiable. 
“I'll be watching from here” she says tauntingly. Coryo swears he hears her chuckle slightly.
Accepting his fate begrudgingly, he turns to y/n and offers his hand. She narrows her stare at him and his hand, scrunching her face in audacity. 
She rolls her eyes and huffs in annoyance, clearly realizing she has no way out of this and places her hand in his.
Her hand is soft and supple, much smaller than his own - he blinks hard trying to rid himself of these preposterous thoughts as he leads them to the center of the floor. 
They stand between the other pairs of men and women and turn to face one another, ensuring to keep some distance between themselves. 
With one of her palms still in his, y/n reaches slowly with her opposite hand, placing it softly on his strong shoulder. 
Coriolanus doesn't miss the look of distaste that flashes across her face before she glares at him. Taking that as a sign to reluctantly place his own free hand in the small of her back. 
Her clear effort to keep distance from him makes this position feel, and no doubt look, incredibly awkward. Annoyed and not wanting people to poke fun at them Coriolans pulls her closer to him, the force and speed of the action causing y/n to gasp in shock and stumble slightly against him. She snaps her head to face him, narrowing her eyes in anger as a melody begins to play.
If looks could kill… he is sure he would be dead
Despite their initial reluctance, they find themselves swaying to the music, their bodies moving in sync as they glide across the floor in a waltz of sorts.
Coriolanous looks away from her and into the direction of his mentor, who stands in the same spot with a few other guests, she seems to be smirking in their direction.
“Your not half bad” y/n states plainly, a hint of surprise behind her words. 
The comment brings his attention back to her and his confusion prompts her to continue.
“At this, I mean… dancing,” she affirms as they continue to move around the floor.
His mouth makes an O shape, understanding what she is regarding.
“My grandmam, used to make me practice with her- ” y/n stiffles as laugh at his confession.
“-but only to prepare for events like these” he tries to save himself from further embarrassment, far too aware of how that must sound.
“You're not as hopeless as I would have thought either” he smirks as he raises their clasped hands, spinning her around.
 She performs the step with ease, positioning herself back in front of him as his hand takes its previous position on her back
“I have been made to take lessons since i was young” she states matter of factly, mildly insulted by the remark.  
His smirk deepens in response.
“I'm not sure I can take your word for it” he challenges. Determined to taument her as she does to him.
“Well keep up then” she teases, matching his expression, accepting his challenge.
As the music's tempo quickens their dancing picks up pace. They move expertly across the floor, showcasing both their abilities. They match the moves and fluidity of the other couples, whilst also trying to one up each other, as it had become somewhat of a competition to them as things usually do.
There comes a point where Coriolanus has the urge to be bold, or maybe it's a surge of confidence. 
As if it was an involuntary reaction of his body’s natural doing, he sends y/n down into a dip. 
He has no time to regret his movement as It catches them both off guard as they still in the position.
Holding her tightly with his arm placed firmly around her waist, their faces mere inches apart. 
Time seemed to slow, the blood pounding in his ears. He can only focus on the way y/n’s chest heaves heavily in surprise so close to his own.
They lock eyes, and he swears the world has stopped. 
His crystal blue orbs bore into hers, he can’t think of anything else, drowning in her dazzling gaze. 
Coriolanus was acutely aware of y/n's rapid breaths, the heat radiating from her skin, and this odd feeling simmering between them.
And again, in a reaction not of his own conscious doing, their lips draw closer in an unspoken invitation. 
Y/n’s eyes flick down to his lips and then quickly back to his eyes. Her mouth parts open ever so slightly, letting out a short staggered breath.
It makes him forget where he is, who he is, who she is.
He is rudely brought back to reality. 
Before he acts on his impulses, they hastily pull away from each other. The spell broken as they retreated from the other's embrace, both flustered and embarrassed by the close encounter.
She stares at him, chest heaving. He can’t make out what emotions are swirling beneath her hard exterior. 
He clenches his fists at his side and takes in a deep breath, angered and embarrassed by his actions.
Y/n reciprocates his stance and then quickly turns on her heel, disappearing into the crowds of people.
Coriolance doesn't wait to see where she runs, he turns around in the opposite direction, marching god knows where.
Seeking solace from the chaos of the gala, Coriolanus, feeling overwhelmed, decides to take a walk to get some air.
 He walks through the halls of the building, his dress shoes click on the sleek marble floor, echoing in the extravagant passages.
He needed to clear his head. 
“What the fuck just happend” he whispers to himself, wiping his hand over his face.
He despises y/n- No, 
Loathes her.
So what in the name of Panem has come over him. 
Racking his brain to understand why he had felt that he wanted to- No…
Needed to close the gap between them back on the dance floor.
Lost in thought, he strode through the corridors with purpose, oblivious to his surroundings. 
In his haste, he collided with someone, almost knocking them over.
Y/n - It was y/n.
“Watch where you're going” he huffs at her, brushing off his tux as if she had dirtied him with her touch.
“That's rich coming from you” she retorts 
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” he questions, his voice laced with disgust, desperately trying to remind himself how he feels for her.
Their initial shock now gave way to heated exchanges.
She straightens herself, crossing her arms in front of her. 
He curses himself for how his eyes steal a glance at the way her movement accentuates her chest.
“This seems to be a regular occurrence for you” she points, referring to the past two times this has happened.
She’s not wrong, but of course he would not let her know that.
“I think you mean ‘we’ as it involves the both of us” he asserts, taking a step closer to her. He towers over her, his height allowing him to claim some form of dominance.
The begin to sling vulgar words at one another, with each one it becomes more heated, getting in each other faces
“ Is your ego really that big that it blinds you?” she spits at him.
He stares down at her, letting out a large breath he didn't know he was holding.
Y/n’s scowl fiercens as she steps closer to him and continues.
 “Maybe if it wasn’t so large you would be able to see where you're going.”
Infuriated by her audacity Coriolanus snaps,
“Is there a singular bone in your pathetic body that carries any regard or decency” he demands, chest heaving in anger.
“Is there any in yours” she immediately hurls back at him.
He takes a determined step closer to her, making them as near as they were when they were dancing moments ago. Their faces so close their noses almost brush together. 
“You are absolutely insufferable” he sneers at her.
“The feelings mutual” she heaves.
He watches her lips as she speaks, the deep shade of red that adorns them catches him in a trance. He focuses on her sharp labored breaths, much similar to his own. The heat from their interaction radiates, tangling together in the very slim space between them.
Suddenly, there is a shift in their dynamic.
He barely has time to register his actions before it’s in the midst of happening.
In a moment of reckless abandon, Coriolanus closed the distance between them, capturing y/n's lips in a fierce, possessive kiss.
The tension between them having reached a boiling point, fueling the fire of their mutual disdain and clearly an undeniable undercurrent of attraction, a raw desire that neither could ignore.
Again like the dip, he can’t seem to comprehend the motive behind his actions. However, he doesn't have time to or allow himself to regret it as things begin to move quickly.
Any initial hesitation melted away as the kiss deepened.
Hands roamed freely and ravishingly, grasping at fabric and flesh with desperate urgency. Hair was tugged, nails dug into skin, and breaths mingled in heated gasps as they surrendered to the intoxicating pull of lust.
The heat between them was palpable, igniting a fire that threatened to consume them both.
His movements rough and demanding as he captured y/n's lips in a bruising kiss that left them both gasping for air.
There was no gentleness in their embrace, only raw, primal need as their mouths clashed in a battle for dominance.
Y/n responded with equal ferocity, her nails digging into Coriolanus's back as she pushed him against a wall. 
Taken aback by her fight for control, Coryo bites down on y/n’s lip and tugs, eliciting a moan from her plump lips.
God that might have been the most heavenly sound he has ever heard.
With a growl he grabs her firmly by her waist and flips them around, pinning her beneath him.
Tongues tangling in a desperate dance of need and desire. Coriolanus's hands roamed hungrily over y/n's body. Y/n responded with equal fervor, her grip tightens on him as she pulls him closer, her body arching against his in a silent plea for more.
With a shared urgency, they pushed through a nearby door, seeking refuge in the privacy of an empty room.
Eliciting a deep growl of need, Coriolanus lifted y/n into his arms, carrying her to the nearest surface—a table that stood invitingly in the center of the room. 
Without breaking their kiss, he hoists her up, placing her where he wanted.
Coriolanus trailed rough kisses along y/n's neck, his teeth grazing her skin as he left a trail of bruises in his wake. His hands were everywhere, gripping and pulling at her with a fierce possessiveness that spoke of his overwhelming desire for her.
With a groan of frustration, Coriolanus reached for the hem of y/n’s skirt, lifting it up, eager to feel her, to taste her, to claim her as his own.
Their tumultuous history forgotten in the heat of their newfound connection.
Coriolanus could not make this happen as fast as he wished-
as he needed.
He bunches y/n’s dress up around her waist. The silky red fabric pooling at her hips and on to the table. Y/n catches on quickly, replacing his hands with her own, allowing Coryo to be free to do as he desires.
In a flurry he taps her knee, silently asking her to let him in. She obliges, allowing him to stand between them. His hands rake up her thighs, he stills when he reaches between her legs, caressing the lace fabric that graces her most intimate parts. 
With trembling hands, y/n reached for the fastenings of Coriolanus's trousers, eager to feel him, to taste him, to lose herself in the depths of passion. 
She undoes his belt and fly, and manages to pull down his pants past his knees, but he stops her before she can grasp him through his boxers. His cock straining against the fabric. He holds her wrists tightly and presses them against the table.
Coriolanus trailed kisses along y/n's neck, nipping and sucking at the delicate skin as he makes his way down her body, worshiping every inch of exposed skin. His hands roamed freely, teasing and tantalizing as they explored the contours of her figure.  
He rubs her through her lacy underwear, feeling how slick she is through the delicate fabric. The friction eliciting soft moans and gasps of pleasure from y/n's lips.
He moves the delicate fabric to one side allowing himself full access. He slips one digit inside of her pussy, conjuring a high pitched gasp from y/n, which only spurred him on more.
He adds another finger, and curls them upwards, beginning to bump them in and out at a devilish pace. The sensation makes y/n break from their heated kiss and throw her head back in pleasure.
Coriolanous takes the opportunity to wrap his free hand firmly around her throat, pulling her closer. Y/n gasps, or tries to, as Coriolanus tightens his grip restricting her airway, which only turns her on more. Y/n’s mouth hangs open in pure bliss as Coryo picks up the pace with his fingers.
“You like that hmmm” he hums roughly in her ear.
She nods frantically, unable to offer him a verbal response. Her eyes screw shut as she feels a knot of pleasure form in her stomach.
But Corionlas is not having it. His grip tightens around her neck forcing y/n to open her eyes and look at him.
“Answer me” he demands, letting his grip loosen ever so slightly so y/n can form a response.
“Yes”  she respond breathless 
Coriolanus movements slow and y/n whines in protest 
“Yes, who?” he teases.
“Yes Coyro” y/n whines, her big doe eyes staring into his icy blue ones. 
In that moment, there were only the two of them, and Coriolanous was ready to take this one step further.
He retracts his fingers from y/n’s aching pussy and removes his grip from her neck. The new found emptiness causes her to whine softly, the sound drowned out by Coryo attacking her with his lips once more.
Coriolanus pulls his boxes and pants the rest of the way down, freeing his length from the confining fabric. 
Before y/n has a chance to whine, comment, or do anything of the matter, he pushes himself inside of her wet throbbing cunt. Y/n moans deeply as he stretches her, he growls possessively in response to how her tight walls squeeze him.
As Coriolanus thrusts into her passionately, the force of his desire driving him deeper with each powerful movement, y/n's breath caught in her throat. The intensity of his touch sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through her body, igniting a primal fire that burned hotter with each relentless thrust.
Her nails dug into Coriolanus's back, leaving angry red marks in their wake as she clung to him desperately,  
Every movement sent waves of ecstasy crashing over her, eliciting delicious noises from the both of them.
Coriolanus's grip on her tightened, his fingers leaving bruises on her skin as he claimed her with a possessive fervor that left her trembling with need. His primal moans of pleasure echoed in her ears.
With each thrust, y/n's world narrowed to the exquisite sensation of Coriolanus filling her completely, his touch sending her spiraling towards the edge of oblivion as she feels that familiar knott begin to form again.
Her cries of pleasure only spurred him on further. The sound of skin hitting skin echoing in the empty room as she was consumed by the fiery inferno of their passion.
Y/n’s fingers tangle in his blonde locks and tug, causing him to break their heated kiss with a hiss. He instinctively wraps his hand around y/n’s throat once more and squeezes.
He watches her face as he continues to thrust in and out of her core, the tension in y/n's body reaching a fever pitch, her senses overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of pleasure that coursed through her veins. 
And then, in a moment of sheer abandon, she felt it—a surge of liquid warmth that flooded from her depths, drenching Coriolanus in a torrent of her desire.
The feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced, a release that seemed to leave her trembling with ecstasy as pleasure crashed over her in relentless waves. 
The sensation only brought him to his peak, thick ropes of white covering her thighs as he pulled out.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still as they basked in the afterglow of their climaxes, their bodies entwined in a tangled mess of limbs and desire. And as they stand there, spent and sated.
And then suddenly the reality of the situation hits.
As the shock of their passionate encounter lingered in the air, Coriolanus and y/n hastily dressed themselves, their movements stiff and awkward as they avoided each other's gaze, not uttering a word. Despite the intense connection they had shared, they couldn't bring themselves to acknowledge what had transpired between them. Croiolanus’s mind reeling with disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
Silent and tense, they endured the remainder of the gala, stealing glances at each other from across the room.
Their stares  filled with a mix of confusion and desire. And when at last the night came to an end, they parted ways without a word, the weight of their shared secret hanging heavy between them.
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A/N: What did we think yall?? shit really hit the fan (in the best way possible), or at least i think so. This was also my first time writing smut so please be kind. what are your guy's thoughts? please let me know if you have any suggestions ideas or ask me a question x you can do that here.
Also i don't give permission for my work to be posted without credit or whatever.
TAG LIST // Let me know if you want to be tagged!!!
@secretsicanthideanymore @10ava01 @projectdreamwalker @aoi-targaryen @mrsawog
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A Bounty As Boundless As The Sea | Chapter 1
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Chapters: 1/? Fandom: One Piece (Liveaction 2023) Rating: Explicit Relationships Dracule Mihawk x F!Reader Characters: Dracule Mihawk, Original Characters, Akagami no Shanks, Roronoa Zoro , Perona. Warnings: Mention of blood and physical torture, violence, 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, POV switching. Summary: Constantly evading capture due to a bounty on your head, you were forced to embrace the life of a pirate, despite your initial desire for a thrilling adventure and a simple exploration of the world. One fateful day, the Marines dispatched Dracule Mihawk to hunt you down, plunging you into a game of hide and seek with the formidable Warlord of the sea throughout the East Blue. However, to your surprise, the man proved to be less bloodthirsty and hostile than you had anticipated. His piercing, hawk-like eyes, shimmering with a deep golden hue, left an indelible impression on your mind, while his apathetic yet self-assured demeanor ignited a newfound sense of intrigue within you.
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Note: This story will eventually include bits from the Anime, so you should expect some Spoilers if you haven't watched it. However, everything written here is purely based on the liveaction adaptation.
Please consider that Mihawk is 41 when he first appears in One Piece, which means that the Reader is supposed to be in her thirties at best, even if the age isn't mentioned.
Credits: The divider was made by firefly-graphics.
Read on AO3.
CHAPTER 1
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The day you headed out to sea from your place of origin, you didn't anticipate the course of your life to take a turn for the worse. Of course, in a world infested by piracy, riots, and wars, you were conscious of the potential perils that lurked in the horizon. However, you did not foresee that you would end up with a bounty on your head for taking the life of a Marine Admiral, who had put you through numerous days of torment and barbarism.
If anyone had conveyed to you about a similar possibilty, you would have deemed it to be a matter beyond your wildest imagination. You? A wanted criminal with the blood of another person on your hands? You were renowned for your compassion in your hometown. You could never harm a fly, no matter how hard you tried. And yet, the time you spent incarcerated for a minor food theft in the East Blue brought forth a substantial change in the person you used to be.
You had no desire of becoming a pirate, least of all taking someone's life the way you did. The legendary treasure, the One Piece, didn't entice you in the slightest, as it could very well be a falsehood concocted to unleash disorder on the world. You were seeking nothing but an outing, a break from the monotonous cycle that had exhausted you for quite a long time. You yearned to be on an adventure, to observe the marvels of the ocean, and to gain your financial stability through ethical methods.
You were once the pride of your family, and the thought of how profoundly disappointed they must have felt for your sullied repute overflowed you with mortification.
For a while, everything was as normal as it could be. You worked from one tavern to another, gathering information about the most formidable pirates setting their sights on the Grand Line. You heard several tales from inhabitants and wayfarers, even from the Marines themselves. You were thoroughly pleased with the experience and the wisdom you were acquiring for your own good during your travels.
Unfortunately, things started to deteriorate when your ship developed a massive leak, to the point where you barely managed to reach the next harbor before capsizing and sinking down. The funds available to you weren’t nearly enough to buy a new one, and thus you had to depend on occasional fishermen or merchants for transportation, still paying them handsomely for their help.
On a day when misfortune struck, you were robbed of all your Berries and supplies due to your naivety. You were unable to report the incident to the authorities as the culprits fled as soon as you set foot on land, leaving you without a single coin in your pockets and no food to sustain you during your wanderings. Without money, you could no longer afford passage by ship or meals at local taverns. You were obliged to begin from the outset, tracking down employment opportunities that seemed increasingly difficult to come by.
And then the harassment began, with unscrupulous dealers or pirates demanding a certain type of payment in exchange for their services, which you naturally rejected. As time passed, you had to resort to adopting a defensive stance the hard way, procuring blades and handguns via questionable channels.
You were tired, demoralized, and desperately hungry. Your suffering clouded your judgment, pushing you towards a path you never thought you would accept as your only option.
And then, you had the not-so-brilliant idea of stealing a piece of bread from a market, thinking that just one time wouldn't really be the end of the world. Little did you know, you were about to seal your own fate, as the Marines happened to walk by just as you committed the act, completely unaware of their presence.
You begged for your freedom, spelling out justifications in the hope that they would provide you with the considerate treatment that innocent citizens were supposed to receive. You were gravely mistaken.
The discovery of two sharp daggers and a fully loaded pistol in your backpack certainly did not aid your predicament. Despite numerous attempts to convince them that you were not a pirate, they refused to listen to your reasoning and brought you directly to the Marine base, where a cold cell awaited your arrival.
They left you there without food and barely any water for three days, until the Admiral in charge finally decided to acknowledge your presence. You had hoped that they would recognize their grave misinterpretation and offer you the justice you were due, but you were astonished to find that the conditions of the enstablishment were just as oppressive as the enclosure of your prison.
The commander wished to gain knowledge pertaining to certain fugitive pirates, whose heads were carrying substantial rewards for their crimes against the Government. In view of this, the man put forth an offer that he reckoned would be difficult for you to refuse; join forces with him in return for your liberty.
The hitch was that, besides knowing their names, you were not well-informed concerning these outlaws. The Admiral was convinced that you were withholding more than you wanted to disclose, referring to you as a member of those despicable parasites. The Marines didn’t even put in the effort to corroborate your innocence prior to deeming you officially guilty, using their prestige as a weapon and exerting power over those who were vulnerable.
Ultimately, after realizing you were unwilling to cooperate, the Admiral employed brute force in a bid to extract any secret you were keeping to yourself. In the confines of your cell, you were left to starve and decay as your body continued to weaken. The man would make daily visits, sadistically using his blade to inflict deep wounds on your back, your shirt being ripped in the process. One slit progressed to two, then three, and then ten, until you were unable to keep track of the number. The persistent agony was compounded by the dripping blood, which formed a revolting pool on the floor and stained your uncomfortable bed.
He was a sadist, twisted by madness, using your body as his canvas.
On the brink of abandoning all your hope and acquiescing into rotting in that prison, a guard entered to release you, apprising you that the Admiral had a final proposal ready for you. By then, you had already lost a considerable amount of weight, and you could barely remain standing on your enfeebled legs. The oldest scars on your back itched as they recovered, though the fresh ones were still moist and soaked with blood.
You were forcefully shoved into the office as the guard closed the door behind you, leaving you on your knees, alone with your jailer. Once again, the Admiral attempted to coerce you with promises of salvation, threatening a proper execution the following day if you didn't comply.
It was evident that he had grown tired of toying with you. The Admiral's obsession with pirates seemed to be a severe mental illness, as he saw evil lurking in every corner, when in reality, he was the only monster in front of you.
The moment he turned his back to you and placed his arms across his torso while looking at the window, you became aware of an opening directly upon his desk. There was an empty plate sitting there, with a fork and knife neatly arranged upon it.
A knife, sharp enough to effortlessly cut through a thick steak.
Your heart pounded loudly in your ears as you swallowed hard. Time was of the essence and you needed to act swiftly, without any hesitation whatsoever. Summoning every ounce of energy left in your frail body, you stood up from the polished floor, careful to make minimal noise with your tattered boots. Advancing at a steady pace and with a calculated gait, you went up to the large table, your eyes fixed on the back of the Admiral's head.
Ignoring his eccentric speech, you stealthily grasped the knife by its handle, slowly leading it away from the dish and carefully concealing it inside the sleeve of the meager garment you were still wearing.
You could barely take a couple of steps back before he turned to face you once more, a malicious grin spreading across his lips. He taunted you, expressing his pity for your miserable state and remarking how much fun the two of you could have if only you were smart enough to choose his side.
He walked past the table, extending his big hand to touch your shoulder. You acted on pure instinct as the hunger, resentment, pain, and fear that had consumed you for the longest days of your life surged to the surface all at once. You let the knife slip from your sleeve, tightly gripping it in your hand before delivering a quick and effective stab to his neck, slicing it open.
For a brief moment, you felt nothing. With cold, deadpan eyes, you stared at him as he gurgled and collapsed to the floor. It was only when you saw the blood pouring forth around him that you abruptly snapped back to reality, realizing the gravity of what you had just done.
Panic surged through you when you heard the guard knocking at the door, and from there, everything happened in a blur of rapid movements. As the knob turned, you ran to hide behind the door, seizing the opportunity to slip away when the guard discovered the Admiral's lifeless body in the room. In a rush of agitation, you escaped through the halls and stumbled upon a Marine uniform that was slightly oversized. Fright filled your heart as the shrieking alarm carried on blaring through the base, until at last you managed to end up outside as a disguised cadet.
You discovered an unattended boat moored at the port, which you promptly took control of. Embarking on a journey to an unknown destination, you discarded the stolen uniform in the middle of the ocean, allowing yourself to finally collapse and rest.
The more you pondered on it, the less determined you felt to adhere to the regulations. You believed that the laws and policies of the world were established to serve a better code, but those who worked for the government, meant to become an example to admire and strive to imitate, turned out to be even more despicable than the scum they vilified.
Whenever your scars itched, or someone asked about them to satiate their curiosity, you were reminded of the little trust you could bestow on anyone in your proximity. In the event that even a senior official had the power to pronounce fatal verdicts and physically torment a civilian without carrying out an adequate examination, to whom could you turn for protection?
Ultimately, you realized that the most logical option available for you was to return to your hometown. But then, as you began preparing to leave your life at sea, a wanted poster bearing an image of your disraught face was displayed on the walls.
In that moment, you felt as if you had been shattered into a thousand pieces. You were now persecuted like any other pirate the Marines wanted to capture, and you could no longer travel to your island for the sake of your family and friends. You were alone, lost, on the run from the authorities and bounty hunters.
If they were going to treat you like a pirate, then you would just become one. And so you learned, fought, stole, cheated, and fled, over and over again. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, you found yourself living in a way that would prevent you from falling and drowning, training extensively and gaining muscle. You became adept at disguising yourself on the spot, and acquired a set of skills that you never imagined would be fitting for your old, innocent self.
All you could do was endure and survive.
Between your shady deals and overheard conversations, you learned about a certain Warlord of the Sea, and none other than the strongest swordman in the world. A man whom you, with your existing notoriety, should have never dared to cross paths with.
And yet, you did.
Dracule Mihawk, once a dangerous pirate known as the Marine Hunter, had now formed an alliance with the World Government, allowing him to carry out his questionable deeds while putting on a facade of indifference. The first time you laid eyes on him, you were casually strolling down a bustling street. He leaned against a stack of wooden crates, seemingly at ease as he carefully surveyed his surroundings.
You could only identify him based on an outdated, revoked bounty poster that could still be spotted here and there on walls or scattered in the streets. However, at the outset, you didn’t know that he was specifically targeting you of all people.
It became increasingly clear to you that he had been dispatched by the Marines to pursue you relentlessly, as you began to notice his presence wherever you went. You couldn't comprehend how he managed to track your every move, as you were confident that no one was tailing you. Yet, he displayed the stealthiness of a bird of prey, meticulously observing your actions before launching his ultimate assault. You couldn't help but feel intimidated, especially in the presence of his colossal sword and menacing yellow hawk-like eyes, albeit beautiful and captivating.
He didn't even pay you any evident attention until you met his gaze by chance, sparking an electric and unsettling connection between the two of you. Despite his detachment, showing little interest in his surroundings, you couldn't help but notice that the more you tried to hide, the closer he seemed to lurk nearby.
One day, as you hastened your pace, you arrived at a bustling village market, with Mihawk still trailing a few steps behind. You quickly veered towards a clothing stall, feigning fascination in the assortment of hats and dresses on display. The merchant, a friendly middle-aged man with long hair and a sumptuous beard, warmly urged you to explore more of his wares in the privacy of a fitting booth.
In order to alter your appearance, you donned a voluminous, frilly red dress that gracefully swept the floor, effectively hiding your outfit underneath. To further conceal yourself, you completed the look with a matching hat that kept your hair securely tucked away.
As Mihawk strolled by the stall, you caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror before you. Maintaining your composure, you intentionally raised the pitch of your voice, exclaiming with exaggerated enthusiasm about the vibrant colors and exquisite materials of the dresses, even altering your accent.
The merchant's genuine excitement warmed your heart despite your act. After paying for the clothing, you bid the man farewell with a gentle wave and walked in the opposite direction, leaving the stall and stealing a final glance behind.
You caught sight of the Warlord’s sword and the white feather of his hat vanishing amidst the crowd. With a satisfied smile grazing your lips, you turned on your heels and dashed towards the docks where your new boat awaited you.
Just over a month later, you found yourself once again face-to-face with the swordman, this time at a tavern in a different part of the East Blue. Despite his distance from your position at the bar, the frequent glances you exchanged with each other evoked a completely different sensation.
In a peculiar manner, he seemed to be savoring the chase, never resorting to his strength or speed to corner you. Instead, he engaged in a game of hide and seek, seemingly finding amusement in the pursuit.
Naturally, you weren't foolish enough to approach his table and engage in conversation with a man who was likely plotting to hand you over to the authorities. After emptying your glass, you rose from the bar and made your way outside into the open air. Without bothering to check if he was following, you skillfully maneuvered yourself through corners and darted down alleys, searching for the most efficient shortcut you could find. Finally, you arrived at your vessel and embarked on another voyage, mustering the courage to look at the docks as the boat moved further away.
Mihawk stood there, unmoving, his expression void of any emotion, his golden eyes piercing into you without a single blink.
And just as it had happened before, a grin spread across your face. It was a triumphant gesture, a deliberate provocation to show him that you were also thoroughly enjoying the game. Mihawk remained unfazed, turning away and retracing his steps without making any attempt to pursue you by sea.
This pattern continued for quite some time, with more encounters scattered all over the East Blue. Each one of them ended with your successful escape, leaving his intense gaze fixed upon you. At some point, you began to suspect that he was intentionally letting you get away. It seemed unbelievable that a skilled fighter with his reputation would consistently be defeated by a novice like yourself.
While it was initially exhilarating and you liked the thrill of the challenge, in the end, it left you with a profound emptiness in your heart. Dracule Mihawk was undeniably a handsome man, but his attention proved incapable of filling the void that lingered within you. This was primarily due to his unfriendly intentions, as he solely aimed to capture you eventually. The truth was that you deeply missed your family, friends, and the mundane life that you could no longer reclaim. Ever since obtaining that bounty, you had to sever all contact with your loved ones for their safety. The overwhelming sense of loneliness and the feeling of being trapped in an endless cycle weighed heavily on you, leaving an intense craving for a definitive way out that appeared impossible to find at the time.
Your reasoning led you to the conclusion that if Mihawk's true intention was to hand you over to the Marines, he would have to kill you in the process.
While you didn't necessarily desire death to befall you, the life of a pirate had its limitations when it came to joy and fulfillment. It simply wasn't the path meant for you, and you couldn't help but wish you had known what awaited you beyond your familiar surroundings before leaving behind everything and everyone you held dear.
You were utterly exhausted, drained both physically and emotionally. The scars on your back had fully healed and partially faded, but they still left behind a collection of unsightly, rough marks that marred your skin. You were so desperate to avoid setting foot in another Marine base that you would have willingly allowed Mihawk to annihilate you.
And so, the next time you saw him, it was meant to be the very last.
Voices reached your ears, hinting at the existence of a cave brimming with wonders on a small, inhabited piece of land. Given the prevalence of pirates eager to seize anything valuable, you didn't have high expectations for what you might discover. fueled by curiosity and with no pressing obligations, you made the bold choice to embark on this adventure, inspect the cave and fearlessly delve into its depths.
As you had anticipated, there were footprints marking the sandy and muddy terrain within the cave. Empty treasure chests were scattered about, their contents long since plundered. You could only salvage a few scattered pieces of gold and jewelry that had been left behind in various locations.
Though the loot may not have been plentiful, it was still a satisfying outcome after such a long journey. Your focus was captivated by a ring that could have easily been overlooked, partially buried in the sand with only a corner of its metallic surface peeking out. It was a stunning golden band embellished with a raw emerald gemstone, a piece that felt perfectly suited for you and one that you eagerly anticipated wearing once it had been thoroughly cleaned.
Silver chains, leather strings, sparkling gemstones, and ethnic rings. You cherished collecting these pieces from your travels as mementos, a way to etch every experience into your memory, symbolize your personal growth, and serve as a reminder that you were alive and thriving.
With your bag partially filled with your newly discovered treasures, you gracefully emerged from the cave, feeling the gentle breeze caress your hair. Lost in contemplation, you strolled along the shoreline, your eyes set upon your boots as they sank into the sand, making a satisfying sound with each step.
It took a moment for you to realize that you were no longer alone on the island. Someone stood just a few feet away, observing your approaching figure with a composed expression.
As you finally raised your gaze, your heart started pounding, and a sense of unease coiled in your stomach. Standing before you was Dracule Mihawk, his piercing golden eyes locked on you.
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Gradually, your movements slowed until you finally came to a halt. Despite the noticeable distance separating the two of you, he made no attempt to close the gap. His stance exhibited no hint of malice; his hands rested calmly at his sides as he observed you, not even reaching for his sword.
The longer you locked eyes with him, the less inclined you felt to leave. With a subtle smile, you displayed unwavering determination and proceeded to walk forward with confidence. Mihawk remained motionless, offering no indication of initiating combat as you drew nearer, leaving his intentions cloaked in enigma.
You walked past him, deliberately avoiding eye contact and redirecting your attention to the path ahead. Your ears remained vigilant, attuned to the surrounding sounds, making sure that he wasn't closely trailing behind you.
However, shattering the silence, his voice suddenly reached your ears, and you heard him speak for the first time since it all began.
"You are quite challenging to track down.”
You stopped abruptly, clutching the bag tightly on your shoulder. Swallowing hard, you fought to suppress the lump that formed in your throat. His voice, like liquid honey, flowed effortlessly, captivating your attention and exuding a calmness that instantly alleviated your nerves.
You took a deep breath, reluctantly acknowledging that the sound of his voice was stirring emotions within you that you weren't ready to confront at this moment.
You turned around, meeting his golden eyes once again. “Not that much for you, apparently,” you retorted, your words laced with a hint of defiance.
For a brief moment, you caught a fleeting glimpse of the corners of his lips twitching, as if hinting at a smile. However, it immediately disappeared, leaving only a trace of its presence.
"Now what?" you asked him. "Are you finally going to capture me and hand me over? If that's the case, then you'll have to kill me. I won't put up any resistance.”
“Is that so?”
No matter how much you strained to interpret his expression, he appeared remarkably disinterested, showing no signs of engagement or emotion.
You shrugged, "We both know that I wouldn't stand a chance against your sword. The bounty poster states 'dead or alive,' and I doubt they would be concerned about the state I'm in as long as I'm eliminated.”
Casting a fleeting glance at the sword at your hip, he emitted a curious hum, tilting his head slightly to the side, almost imperceptibly. Silence settled between the two of you, accompanied only by the gentle rhythm of the waves, creating a soothing melody that enveloped the atmosphere.
You waited patiently, but he made no indication of taking any action against you.
"Well, that was quite the delightful conversation," you remarked sarcastically, pivoting on your heels and resuming your stride.
As your eyes landed on your boat in the distance, you suddenly realized that the urge to hasten your steps had dissipated. The weariness of constantly running away had taken root in you, leaving you with a profound sense of homelessness, unable to find a place where you truly belonged.
To your surprise, you heard him steadily moving behind you, his footsteps synchronizing with your own in a deliberate and unhurried rhythm. You continued along your path, maintaining silence, a part of you anticipating a powerful strike that would bring you down. However, to your relief, the enigmatic man made no attempt to impede you. Not even a hint of hostility could be sensed.
As your nervousness heightened, you made a deliberate choice to pause, silently inviting him to draw nearer. With caution, your hand moved to release the dagger from its secure holster on your belt. A quick glance at the subtle shadows cast on the sand confirmed that he was now mere inches away, in your immediate proximity.
In one seamless motion, you spun around, positioning your blade against his throat without applying any pressure. It served as a warning, your glare speaking volumes without the need for words.
Mihawk remained unaffected, appearing to disregard the presence of the dagger entirely. Frustration surged, causing you to tighten your grip on the hilt of the knife, your eyebrows furrowing in annoyance.
"Are you seriously planning to follow me around without making a move?" you demanded, your voice tinged with exasperation. "How much longer do you think I can endure this game of cat and mouse?"
"You can lower that knife," he replied, his tone filled with discontent. "I have no intention of causing you any harm.”
As you observed him up close for the first time, you couldn't help but feel a slight infatuation with his striking appearance. His eyes held a captivating allure, his face partially shadowed by the wide brim of his hat, and his dark hair cascading in soft curls at the nape of his neck.
In an effort to regain composure, you cautiously withdrew the blade from his throat, though you kept your hand poised and prepared.
"Didn't the Marines send you after me?" you asked.
"Oh, they certainly did."
"And you're not going to obey the orders?"
Mihawk let out a quiet scoff, looking away from you and briefly gazing upward. "I don't take orders," he stated firmly.
You instinctively took a step back, regarding him with suspicion as your eyes carefully scanned him from head to toe. "They say that the Warlords of the Sea are nothing more than lapdogs of the Government.”
His golden irises locked onto you once more, seemingly a threatening gesture. However, undeterred, you pressed on. "Enlighten me, then. What should I believe? What other purpose could you possibly have in relation to me?”
You allowed your hand to fall to your side, although with a tight grip on the hilt of the dagger. Mihawk contemplated his response, ultimately giving you the most nonchalant look imaginable.
“I’m just killing some time.”
You took a moment to process what he had told you. "I'm sorry, what?" you responded, seeking clarification.
"Although I do find you intriguing,” he added.
You were left speechless, your mouth hanging open. "You don't even know me," you replied with incredulity.
"I’ve seen enough. And I am aware of your reputation.”
Crossing your arms, you took care not to accidentally cut the leather sleeve of your jacket in the process. "What's so intriguing about my reputation?”
Mihawk pressed his lips together before responding, "A woman escaping a base full of Marines, completely unarmed? That's not something you hear every day.”
You rolled your eyes. "Don't tell me you're one of those sexist bastards who think women can't handle themselves.”
"Quite the contrary. Not even most men would be able to escape that situation unscathed.”
You stood there, a smug grin adorning your face as you watched him. It would be a lie to say that it didn't give your ego a significant boost.
But deep down, the memories of those days still twisted your insides. "Who said I came out unscathed?" you retorted. "And this doesn't explain much either. You said you have no intention of handing me over, so what's your motive, Warlord?”
"Perhaps I wanted to personally verify your worth.”
Unable to contain yourself, you let out a soft chuckle, shaking your head in amusement. "In other words, you were bored.”
"I can become quite laidback when I don't have anything interesting to occupy my time," he said casually.
A part of you found him entertaining, but at the same time, his way of speaking to you continued to irritate you. "Well, at least you can afford to be laidback now that your bounty has been cancelled.”
Your retort was filled with venom and resentment, yet once again, Mihawk appeared unfazed by it. "With or without a bounty, I wouldn't do anything differently.”
You started to question the authenticity of the rumors surrounding this man, considering how different he was from your initial expectations. The fact that he hadn't made any aggressive moves towards you made you wonder if there was more to him than met the eye.
Evidently, his immunity with the Government held little importance to him. He exhibited a keenness to discover something, anything, that could captivate his time and attention, disregarding any orders he may have received. He pursued his own interests, driven by personal motivations above all else.
"That's a shame," you murmured. "I'm afraid I'm not as interesting as you may have assumed. The only thing I excel at is disguising myself.”
"You are underestimating yourself.”
"How so?”
"You mercilessly killed a Marine Admiral. You managed to evade all pirate hunters who pursued you and successfully escaped from me multiple times.”
"All I did was survive.”
"And you have been successful in that, so far.”
A heavy sigh escaped your lips as a gust of wind swept through your hair. "Do you know what it's like? To be separated from your family, unable to even reach out to them because you're constantly being chased wherever you go?”
Mihawk remained silent, attentively observing your reaction.
And then, he spoke. "Such are the perils of a life on the open seas, I'm afraid.”
"I made one mistake, and I've been punished in the harshest way possible. How is that fair? They left me with no other choice. I had to do what I did.”
"You don't need to justify yourself to me," he replied calmly, his tone devoid of judgment.
"You say that, yet here you stand. No offense, but why should I place my trust in you?”
As your heart raced in your chest, its strong beats reverberating through your body, you took deep breaths in an attempt to calm yourself down. Meanwhile, Mihawk remained as calm and serene as ever.
"Do as you wish," he said with a casual shrug. "But I must say, you are quite unrefined. Your movements are predictable, and unless you learn to control them, you won't last much longer.”
You raised an eyebrow at his statement, letting out a laugh that was a mix of amusement and surprise. It seemed like a blend of criticism and advice, leaving you intrigued by his words.
"What's this? Now you suddenly want to offer me your help?" you questioned skeptically. "I never asked for your guidance. Whether I live or die is my own concern," you declared firmly.
Mihawk's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying as if he were scrutinizing you closely, studying every detail.
"Unless," you continued, leaning forward and bringing your face dangerously close to his, exuding confidence, almost brushing his lips with yours. "-you want to be the one to push me to my limits," you added, your words carrying a daring challenge.
His typically stoic expression, always composed and unwavering, appeared to subtly shift in response to your audacious gesture. You could catch a whiff of his captivating scent, a blend of cologne, sea salt, and earth, filling your senses.
You had to quickly pull away from his taller figure, concealing the faint blush that was starting to creep onto your cheeks.
"What's the final verdict, Warlord?" you taunted. "After all, you were given explicit orders to capture me.”
Your blade made contact with the golden cross he wore around his neck and pressed against his chest, the sound of metal against metal resonating in the air. The open coat he wore left little to the imagination, revealing that he had indeed chosen not to wear a shirt underneath.
You returned to your serious and sincere demeanor, looking up to meet his hawk-like eyes once more. Your stern and courageous facade was starting to waver, but you were determined not to let a stranger see your vulnerability, especially when your life was on the line and his intentions remained uncertain.
You chuckled with amusement as you securely placed the knife back into its holster. What am I supposed to do?" you pondered aloud, more to yourself than to him.
“Grow strong and keep fighting,” he declared. "If you don’t wish to die sooner rather than later. Certainly, it won't be by my hand.”
His words left you speechless, leaving you without a proper answer as he walked past you, now the one departing. You turned around, staring at the intricate details and embroideries adorning his coat. With each step he took, his sword lightly swayed on his back, creating a graceful and mesmerizing motion.
"They won't be pleased with that," you raised your voice, ensuring that he could hear you. This prompted him to pause and briefly turn his head, acknowledging your words.
"They never are," he replied with a tone of resignation before resuming his journey, leaving you behind.
A smile of relief and respect formed on your lips as you reflected on the man who had relentlessly chased you, only to ultimately allow you to go free. Somehow, he perceived something valuable and worthy in you that led him to defy the orders of the Marines, opting for a confrontation that didn't resort to physical violence.
As he became a tiny speck in the distance, you readjusted the bag on your shoulders and set off towards your own ship. A newfound sense of confidence coursed through your veins like never before, propelling you forward into the unknown.
Yes, you had firmly believed that seeing him at that moment would undoubtedly be the ultimate encounter.
Except that it wasn’t.
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eloquentreverie · 2 months
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𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭
𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: DBF! Ari Levinson x Female reader
𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: One night when Y/N, after a harrowing experience at a party, calls her father for help. To her surprise, it's Ari Levinson, her father's best friend and her long-time crush, who comes to her rescue.
𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭: you come and pick me up, no headlights. requested by @brandycranby
𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: age gap,(reader is in their mid 20's & ari is 33) reader has strict parents, mentions of assault(not from Ari.), smut, vaginal sex, fingering. ( let me know if i've missed any potential triggers.)
𝐚/𝐧: here it is, re-uploaded! I hope you guys enjoy reading this. It's definitely not my best work but I am proud of this piece.
𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐈𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱 | 𝐀𝐎𝟑
The cool summer night air sent shivers down her shoulders, her yellow sundress fluttering in the wind. Y/N never wanted to be here in the first place. Parties were never her thing. She would rather be curled up in bed, wearing her pajamas, engrossed in one of her favorite supernatural novels, or binge-watching her beloved TV show while enjoying a bowl of popcorn.
But Eliana, her best friend, had different plans. “Come on, it’ll be fun,” she urged, yanking her inside. After just an hour, Eliana abandoned her to fend for herself amidst the crowd of intoxicated and sweaty bodies. Not wanting to appear too dependent, she attempted to blend in. She grabbed one of the many red cups scattered across the kitchen table and took a sip.
Part of her wanted to feel annoyed, but it was typical of Eliana to leave her like this. Despite insisting that she should step out of the house, Eliana had left her alone to navigate the situation. She took another sip of her drink and settled onto an empty couch, observing the mingling and dancing people, the booming bass from the music reverberating through the lavish home’s walls.
She surveyed the room, taking in the luxurious splendor that surrounded her. The towering ceilings and grand staircase captured her attention, while she marveled at the spacious and open floor plan adorned with magnificent, expansive windows. The elegant furnishings and intricate artwork added to the lavish atmosphere, transporting her to another world.
Despite the luxury, unease settled within her. She was out of her element and unfamiliar with anyone at the party. Thankfully, she had her cell phone with her, just in case something went wrong.
While seated on the couch, a handsome man with a defined jawline, dark hair, and green eyes approached her, edging closer with his arm draped over the loveseat’s edge. He purred, his breath tickling her neck. “Well, hello there, darling. What’s a beautiful creature like you doing all alone?”
A cold shiver raced down her spine, an unsettling feeling causing her stomach to churn. She felt frozen, unable to move or speak for what seemed like an eternity. But amidst the fear and panic swirling in her mind, she finally managed to utter a few words.
“Um... I... I can’t do this,” she whispered. As she began to move, she felt his warm hand grip her leg, his fingertips inching closer to her thigh.
“Aw, don’t be like that, babe,” he grinned, his face mere inches away from hers, the stench of alcohol on his breath. “Come on, you know you want this,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, his fingers digging deeper into her thigh. Y/N swiftly rose from the couch, abandoning her drink without a care if it spilled, and marched out the front door.
As the music from the party faded into the distance behind her, she stood on the edge of the driveway, wrapping her arms around herself against the cool summer air. It had been only a few minutes since she had called her father to come pick her up. She could have called an Uber or contacted one of her friends, but with the incident that had just happened still playing over and over in her head, she just wanted to go home and curl up in bed.
Just before she was about to sit down on the ground, she spotted a familiar red pickup truck. It was similar to her father’s, but when it pulled up to the side of the road, and she saw the handsome, buff man behind the wheel, she recognized none other than Ari. Her dad’s best friend and also her long-time crush.
Her heart started pounding, and now her stomach swarmed with butterflies. The good kind. The kind that made her excited and nervous all at once. She took a step back as she watched him roll down the window, and her breath caught as she saw his charming, big grin - the grin that always made her heart flutter.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Ari greeted her, and his voice made her melt even more. “Your dad called me to pick you up. He said he was busy. Go on and jump in.” She stood there for a few seconds, unable to move, but eventually, she mustered up the courage to open the door to the passenger side of his truck and climbed inside.
An awkward silence fills the car as Ari drives down the road, heading toward her house. His eyes are focused on the road, but he can’t help but notice the change in her attitude. She’s usually cheerful, happy to talk with him and joke around but, tonight is different. Y/N’s quiet, shifting nervously in her seat. She watches as the flashing lights of the cars pass by on the road.
After what felt like an eternity, Ari finally broke the silence. He shifted his attention to her briefly before looking back at the street in front of them. “Hey, what’s wrong? You’re really quiet tonight.” He comments, his brows furrowing in concern.
Y/N thought the urge to sigh as she felt Ari’s gaze burning into her, as she continued to look out the window. “It’s nothing, I’m fine.” She lied, swallowing hard before she turned to face him, but her eyes never met his. A part of her knew it was a pitiful excuse. She’s never been good at lying whenever it comes to him. She felt a pang of guilt, too. Ari had always been so lovely to her throughout the years. But she was also aware of his temper and how protective he was of her at times.
Ari felt a flare of frustration. He knew she was hiding something—her unusual quietness tonight told him that much. She was one of the most open and cheerful people he knew. To see her this closed-off didn’t sit right with him. “Y/N, I know something’s going on,” he said, letting out a sigh. “You’re clearly upset about something. Do you not trust me enough to tell me what’s bothering you?”
He kept his eyes trained on the road but stole a couple of quick glances her way. Hurt creeping into his voice, he pressed further. “I care about you. Please, talk to me.”
A soft sigh escaped her lips before she spoke. “Ari, I know you care…It’s just…” she trailed off, trying to search for the right words.
His jaw clenched when he heard her response, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel. He knew he probably shouldn’t press further, but he just couldn’t drop it. There was this pitiful feeling in his stomach, telling him that something had happened. He wouldn’t stop until he got to the bottom of it.
“What? Come on, tell me. I need to know what’s going on with you.” He urged, and his tone shifted from annoyed towards caring again; though whether he liked where things were headed remained questionable.
She winces as Ari’ voice takes hold. Her heart speeding up a little faster as she contemplated if she should really tell him. She shifts uncomfortably in the seat of his car, the hem of her dress rising slightly and revealing the fresh mark on her thigh. As Ari’s voice washes over her, a wave of conflicting emotions crashes within her.
Her heart quickens its pace, the rhythm echoing the tumultuous symphony of her thoughts. She gazes out of the window, her reflection staring back at her, torn between the truth and the consequences it may bring.
The hem of her dress betrays her, rising ever so slightly, exposing the tender mark on her thigh—a silent testament to the unspoken secrets she carries. In the confines of his car, she fidgets uneasily in her seat, the leather beneath her palms growing slightly damp. The ticking of the clock seems amplified, each second stretching into an eternity.
His eyes snap to her legs as she suddenly moves, noticing the small bruise on her thigh that he hadn’t seen before. He gasps in shock and concern, the anger in his chest melting away as he reaches out to touch the bruise gently, but before he has a chance, she quickly tugs down the hem of her dress. “What happened, Y/N? Who did this to you?” He asks softly. For a brief second, he forgets about driving. He looks back down at the road and pulls over to the side of the street.
“There was this random guy, and before you ask, no, I don’t know his name. He tried to have his way with me. But…I left before he had the chance to do more.” Her words came out fast and by the time her gaze met his, Ari’s face had an expression of empathy and anger. Angry that someone would even dare touch her in that way. But he was mostly upset that she had to go through something like this—and he wasn’t there to help her.
He looked away, exhaling loudly through his nose. His strong fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly once more. “I should go back there. What’s he look like?” Ari questioned, his eyes furrowed in concentration while he struggled not to let his anger boil over any more than it already had. His mind filled with a variety of images of how he would make this man. No, this monster regrets ever touching her again.
A chill ran down her spine at his words, a wave of nausea washing over her. She hated the idea of him going back there and hurting someone. Not because she cared about the other man. She couldn’t have cared less about his well-being. But she didn’t want Ari going to prison, or worse, just to teach someone a lesson. That wasn’t him.
She shakes her head firmly. “Ari, please. Just... take me home. Please? He’s not worth it. Come on,” she pleaded, reaching out and touching his shoulder.
His eyes flickered to her touch, his anger simmering. “Alright,” Ari relented. “But if you see him again, tell me.” He says before turning the key in the ignition and starting the truck back up again. All she did was nod in response. The rest of the way home was filled with awkward silence.
She didn’t know what to think. Too many feelings swarmed around in her brain. As he pulled into her driveway, she noticed how some of the lights were still on and there was no doubt that her mother was still wide awake in the office. Before she reached for the car door, Ari’s voice broke through the silence.
“Hey, Y/N, are you sure you’re alright?”
The heat rushed to her cheeks, making her feel embarrassed. She knew her feelings were written all over her face, and she couldn’t stand the fact that Ari was probably seeing right through her.
She could feel the tears prickle in her eyes before she spoke. “Yeah. I’m fine.” Her voice cracked a little as she spoke. She was anything but fine. She just wanted to lock herself in her room and cry, forget that the whole night had even happened.
Ari’s face softened before he leaned in. “Hey, come here,” he cooed, wrapping his arm around her. His thumb gently ran up and down her back, trying to soothe her. “Do you want to stay the night at my place?”
“Um, no, it’s fine...” she started, her voice trailing off. A part of her wanted so badly to go home with him, to feel safe and comforted under his roof. But the shadows of what happened earlier still clung to her, making her hesitant. She stared down at her hands, weighing the internal battle.
“Actually...” She lifted her eyes back to meet his caring gaze. “Do you want to stay for a bit?” she asked softly.
His arm wrapped around her, pulling her into him. She sank against his sturdy frame, comforted by his steadying presence. His hand gently brushed a strand of hair back from her face. Rather than getting lost in thoughts of his kiss, she just let herself feel protected. Safe.
With that, they both exited the truck, and Ari grabbed her bag from the back seat.
The two of them slowly walked inside her house, careful not to wake her mother. Standing outside her door, she hesitated, the weight of Ari’s presence suddenly feeling both nerve-wracking and exciting. Pushing down her swirling emotions, she slowly opened the door, hyperaware of his closeness behind her.
Y/N watched as he set down her bag. She felt the heat rise up from her stomach into her chest, and her pulse quickened. “I’m gonna go get dressed. Just make yourself comfy, okay?” she says softly, making her way toward the bathroom.
“Alright. I’ll just be here, okay?”
The door closed behind her, and the silence that filled the room made her realize what was about to happen. She hadn’t been alone with him since... well, since... never.
After she had showered, changed into her pajamas, and made herself presentable, she opened the bathroom door. Ari was sitting on her bed, scrolling through his phone. Y/N paused for a moment, questioning if letting him into her bedroom was the right decision after all. But a wave of anxiety clenched her chest at the thought of being alone tonight. She ultimately decided having Ari’s comforting presence nearby would ease her nerves more than isolating herself.
She walked up to her bed and climbed up beside him, initially leaving some space between them. Despite having known Ari for years, being this intimate in her private space felt strange and nerve-wracking. She took a slow, deep breath in an attempt to relax her rigid posture.
As she gradually settled in and felt his warmth beside her, Ari's presence reminded her of the safety he represented. Back in familiar territory, his scent and steadiness calmed her racing mind.
“Thanks for doing this, Ari,” she whispered, scooting down and laying on her back. She let out a soft sigh, staring up at the ceiling and watching the fan spin.
He placed his phone on the nightstand before laying back down on the bed and staring at the ceiling with her. “Anytime. You know I’d do anything for you.” He reached his hand over and intertwined his fingers with hers. He had been thinking about what had happened earlier.
The mere thought of someone harming her ignited a fiery rage within him, while the notion of her being with anyone else left him physically and emotionally sickened. These feelings had been simmering beneath the surface for some time, but now they were reaching a boiling point.
His hand felt warm against hers, and the butterflies in her stomach had been back, fluttering around inside her. The room felt so warm and she was suddenly very aware of the fact that they were lying on her bed together. Her heart was racing, and she had never been so nervous.
“So, is everything okay?” He asked, his voice deep and soothing.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her hand reached over and ran through his thick brown hair. His eyes were dark, his brow furrowed in concern. “Honestly? No.” she sighed, biting her bottom lip. “It’s just...I keep thinking about that guy and how things could’ve ended badly if I hadn’t...”
She trailed off, her other hand subconsciously running over the bruise on her leg as tears began to trickle from the corners of her eyes. “God, I feel stupid,” she mumbled, trying to hide her face.
“Hey,” he cooed, lifting up her chin with his finger, meeting her tear-filled gaze, “Don’t you dare say that. None of what happened was your fault.” He rolled over onto his side, cupping her cheek gently, and wiping away her tears with his thumb. “Listen. I care about you, Y/N. So, so much. And nothing will change that. Okay? Don’t you ever forget that.”
She nodded, sniffling slightly as she looked down. “I know, I know. It’s just... I can’t help but think what would’ve happened if I hadn’t gotten away.” She was shaking slightly, her skin warming up underneath his touch. “I could’ve done more.”
“Sweetheart, you did more than enough. I promise. I’m proud of you,” He sighed, moving his hand up to stroke her hair. “Is there anything else bothering you?”
“Well. The truth is... I don’t know what I would have done tonight without you, Ari,” she said softly. “Having you here by my side, reassuring me I’m safe...it means more than you know. I’m just so thankful to have your friendship.” She bit her lip, hesitating. Her heart pounded as she debated admitting her deeper feelings. But the weight of the day’s trauma held her back for the moment.
Ari gazed at her, taking in the emotion in her eyes. “You know I’ll always be here when you need me,” he said gently. “Your friendship means everything to me, too. Especially tonight.” His sincerity made her heart swell. It gave her a burst of courage. She took a shaky breath.
“There’s something else,” she confessed, her voice small but steady. “Ari, I think I have feelings for you. I’ve been struggling with it for a while now.”
She fell silent, her cheeks warm. She searched Ari’s face nervously for his reaction.
Ari stared at her in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest as he listened intently to what she was saying. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Y/N...” He whispered, his eyes searching hers, trying to find the words to express how he felt towards her.
He took a deep breath before leaning in and pressing his lips against hers. His hand moved up from her cheek and into her hair, tangling in her locks, as he pulled her closer to him. The kiss started out slow and gentle before becoming more passionate and heated as time went on. Her hands ran down his sides, gripping onto his shirt tightly as she returned his affections eagerly.
Before he could continue, he pulled away. This didn’t feel right after what had happened to her tonight. He didn’t want to take advantage of her.
“Fuck, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that,” he apologized, looking away from her.
“What? Why?” she asked, confused by his sudden change in mood.
“I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you or anything like that. Not after what happened tonight.”
She sighed, reaching out to touch his arm. “Ari, you’re not taking advantage of me. I want this. I want you.”
He stared at her for a moment before smiling. “Not tonight. Believe me, I want this too, but I want to do it right.” He looked into her eyes deeply, his palm cupping her cheek.
“Okay,” she said softly, nodding. “I trust you.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers once more. This time, the kiss was soft and gentle, full of passion as he pulled her closer to him. Her hands ran down his sides before resting on his hips as she kissed back with equal fervor. She could feel her heart racing faster than ever as they continued to embrace each other.
After a few moments, they pulled away from one another, both breathing heavily. “Let’s get some sleep, okay? We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Y/N nodded, laying back down and pulling the covers over herself. Ari laid down next to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat against her ear, and it was soothing. As she closed her eyes, she listened to the steady rhythm of his breathing.
She had never felt so safe before. She knew that no matter what happened, he would always be there for her. With a smile on her face, she fell asleep, content with the knowledge that she had finally found her rightful place.
When morning came, the warmth of the sun made her skin glow. Ari’s body heat warmed her cheeks and made her feel safe, safe in his arms. She felt his body move before he shifted and turned to face her. Ari smiled at her.
A warm, sleepy smile as his fingertips brushed the strands of hair from her face. Her smile grew as she met his gaze. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Ari murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. Her arms wrapped tighter around him as she breathed in his scent and sighed peacefully. Her hand moved to his chest, feeling his heartbeat softly under her palm. It all felt like a dream.
A wonderful dream that she never wanted to wake up from. Her lips parted, just about to respond, when there was a slight knock on her door, followed by the knob jiggling and her mother’s voice. “Y/N? Y/N, are you in there?
Ari and Y/N both jumped up in shock from their interlude, making sure to cover himself with a blanket while she spoke up. “Mom! Yeah, I’m here. What’s up?” she responded before smirking at Ari and pulling the cover over her head. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re a little too big to hide under the cover from my parents,” she whispered in a sarcastic tone.
He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “What? Do you have an idea or a plan I don’t know about?” She shushed him to keep him quiet as her mother spoke once more. “Are you going to come out anytime soon? It’s nearly noon.”
She tugged on his arm, leading him toward her huge walk-in closet. Ari stood still in complete shock as she tried pushing him in.
He barely moved an inch and crossed his arms with a displeased look plastered across his face. “In there? How the hell do you expect me to stay in there? I could barely fit!” She hushed him one last time before whispering, “Will you just get inside? It’ll only be for a couple of minutes!”
“A couple of minutes? You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered under his breath before reluctantly stepping inside. He crouched down and sat on the floor, trying not to knock anything over. Y/N shut the door behind him and quickly made her bed. She quickly opened the door, forcing a small smile onto her face. “Sorry. Eliana dragged me to this party last night and...It was really late.”
Her mother raised an eyebrow at her, “Oh really? Well, I’m glad she finally invited you somewhere other than her house for once.” Y/N’s smile faltered a bit as she nodded. “Yeah, it was fun.”
“Well, that’s good to hear. I just came in to check on you. Your father and I are going out for lunch today. Do you want us to bring something back for you?”
Y/N shook her head, “No, thanks. I think I’ll just stay in today.” Her mother nodded before making her way out of the room. Y/N let out a breath of relief before shutting the door and opening the closet door to reveal Ari sitting on the floor with one of her lace panties. She snickered at him as he dropped them immediately and stood up. “Really? You’re gonna go through my underwear?”
Ari smirked at her before stepping out, “Hey, I didn’t go through your underwear. I was just admiring it,” he joked before wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. She rolled her eyes and turned around to face him. He smiled down at her before leaning in and pressing his lips against hers for a brief moment. “I should probably get going. Your dad is probably gonna be home soon.”
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Later that day, Y/N was lounging on the couch, swiping through her phone. She was startled, however, when she heard her parents walk through the door. “Hey! How was lunch?” she asked them as they walked into the living room. Her father smiled at her. “It was good. We went to that new restaurant downtown.”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve been wanting to go there,” Y/N replied, smiling back at him. Her mother sat down on the couch next to her. “How was your day? Did you do anything fun?” Y/N shrugged, “Not really. Just stayed in and watched some movies.” She looked up at her mother and noticed a strange look on her face. It almost seemed like she was suspicious of something. “Oh, that reminds me. Did Ari get you home safely last night, kiddo?”
Y/N froze for a second before forcing a smile onto her face. “Yeah, he did. Thanks for asking.” Her mother grinned, nudging her slightly. “Oh? So, Ari took you home last night?” Y/N nodded slowly, hoping her mother wouldn’t pry. Her mother would often tease her about her crush on Ari.
“He did,” she confirmed, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. Her mother raised an eyebrow at her, “And did anything happen between the two of you?” Y/N shook her head quickly, “No! I mean...why would ask such a thing?” She laughed nervously, trying to play it off as if nothing had happened between them. Her parents looked at each other before looking back at her and laughing softly.
Her father patted her on the shoulder gently. “Well, we’re glad you had fun last night.” As if on cue, her phone dinged with a text message from Ari. She smiled to herself as she read it.
Today. | 1:30pm.
Ari: Hey. What are you up to?
Y/N: Nothing much. Just hanging out.
Ari: Cool. So, what are you doing later?
Y/N: I don’t know yet. Why?
Ari: I was thinking we could hang out at my place?
Her heart began racing in her chest as she read his text over and over again. Was he really asking her to come over to his house? She couldn’t believe it! She quickly responded back to him before looking up at her parents, who were still chatting amongst themselves. “Hey, mom, dad?” They both looked up at her curiously. “Yeah?”
“Is it alright if I go over to Elli’s house later?”
Her parents exchanged a quick glance with one another before nodding in unison, “Of course. Just let us know if you’re staying the night.” Y/N smiled brightly at them as she stood up from the couch. “Thanks!
She looked down at her phone before typing a quick reply.
Today | 1:38pm.
Y/N: Yes. I’d love that. Where do you want to meet?”
Ari: Meet me at the docks at 6 PM.
Y/N: Okay. Sounds good! I’ll see you soon. :)
Ari: See ya soon, beautiful <3
Y/N couldn’t help but grin widely at the nickname he had given her. She quickly ran up to her room and began searching through her closet for something cute to wear. After a few minutes of debating on whether to wear a dress or jeans, she finally settled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a white crop top with a black leather jacket over it.
She waved goodbye to her parents and quickly rushed outside, shutting the front door behind her, and headed towards her car. As she arrived at the docks, she parked and walked towards Ari, who stood casually in the moonlight, smiling warmly at her. “Hey, gorgeous,” Ari murmured as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She giggled softly as she hugged him back tightly. “Hey yourself.” Ari pulled away from her slightly before leaning down and kissing her passionately. Y/N sighed softly into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck. When they broke apart from one another, Ari smiled down at her lovingly before taking her hand in his. “Come on, let’s go,” he said quietly.
Y/N nodded eagerly as they made their way towards Ari’s truck. Once inside, Ari started up the engine and drove off towards his house. She couldn’t help but stare out of the window at all the beautiful scenery passing by as they drove along. After a few minutes of driving, Ari pulled up in front of a large two-story house. He parked the car and turned off the ignition before getting out and opening the door for Y/N.
“Wow,” she whispered as she got out of the vehicle. Ari smirked at her. “What? You like it?” Y/N nodded excitedly as she followed him up to the front door. Ari unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open for her. She stepped inside and looked around in awe at how nice everything looked. “You have a beautiful house. It’s so big too!”
Ari chuckled softly as he closed the door behind them. “Thanks. I’m glad you like it.” Y/N smiled brightly at him before turning around and looking at all the different paintings hanging on the walls. “These are amazing!” she exclaimed as she admired each one carefully. Ari walked over to her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, my mom painted those when she was younger.”
She turned to face him with a surprised expression on her face. “Really? Wow... she must be very talented.” Ari nodded proudly. “Yeah, she is.” Y/N continued to look around the room until her gaze landed on a framed picture sitting on top of a bookshelf. She picked it up and examined it closely. The picture showed Ari standing next to his parents and sister. They all looked so happy together.
Y/N smiled softly at the image before placing it back down onto the shelf. “So, how was work?” she asked curiously as she sat down on the couch.
Ari sighed heavily as he plopped down next to her. “It was alright, I guess. Nothing special happened today,” he replied casually. She nodded understandingly as she leaned against the armrest of the couch. Ari glanced over at her and noticed that she seemed nervous about something. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head slightly and forced a smile onto her face, “Nothing... I mean... nothing important.” Ari raised an eyebrow at her skeptically, “You sure? You seem kind of anxious about something.” Y/N bit her lip nervously before looking away from him, “It’s nothing, really. We haven’t really talked about last night. And I don’t know where we stand now.”
Ari frowned slightly as he reached out and took hold of her hand gently. “Y/N, look at me,” he whispered softly. She slowly turned her head to face him once again.
He smiled reassuringly at her as he stroked her knuckles with his thumb, “Last night was amazing. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time now. I’m glad it happened.” Her face warmed as she gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. “Really?” Ari nodded, “Yes. Absolutely.”
“But what about my parents?” she asked worriedly.
“What do you mean?” Ari questioned. Y/N sighed heavily as she looked down at their intertwined fingers. “They would never accept it. I just...I can’t lose them. My whole life, my family, has always been there for me. And if they find out that I’ve been keeping secrets from them...” Her voice trailed off as tears welled up in her eyes.
Ari reached out and cupped her cheek, wiping away her tears with his thumb, “Hey, listen to me, Y/N. Your parents love you more than anything else in the world. They would never leave you over something like this.” She sniffled softly as she looked up at him hopefully.
“Do you really think so?” He smiled warmly at her. “Of course I do. Besides, we’re not doing anything wrong. We just like each other.”
Y/N giggled quietly as she leaned into his touch. “Okay. You’re right,” she replied with a smile.
Ari pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed the top of her head affectionately, “Everything’s going to be fine, I promise.” Y/N sighed contentedly as she snuggled closer to him and nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck.
Ari chuckled softly as he tightened his hold on her, “Come on, let’s go make dinner, alright?” Y/N nodded eagerly as they both stood up from the couch. Ari led her into the kitchen and opened the fridge. “How does chicken sound?” he asked.
Y/N shrugged her shoulders indifferently. “Sounds good to me.” Ari nodded as he grabbed a couple of vegetables from the basket sitting on top of the countertop and placed them inside the sink. “Alrighty then. Let’s get cooking,” he stated enthusiastically.
“Do you want some help?” Y/N inquired shyly.
Ari smirked mischievously at her. “Only if you want to help,” he answered. She grinned sheepishly as she moved beside him and helped wash the vegetables while he prepared the chicken breasts. Ari glanced over at her with a grin as she focused on slicing the tomatoes.
She bit her bottom lip in concentration, which caused him to chuckle under his breath. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow in question. “What’s so funny?”
Ari shook his head amusedly as he returned his attention to the task at hand. “Nothing,” he mumbled. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him before focusing back on her own job. “Liar,” she teased, smiling coyly. He glanced at her sideways and winked playfully at her.” Maybe.” After they finished preparing dinner, Ari took the food outside on the patio, setting the table and lighting candles.
As they ate, Ari kept staring at Y/N with an intense gaze. His eyes were full of longing and desire, and it made her cheeks heat. “So. Is this how you usually get the girls? You make them feel special, bring them home to your place, and cook for them?” She asked teasingly, hoping to ease some tension.
He snickered at her remark and shrugged nonchalantly, “Not exactly. This isn’t my usual style, but I admit, I wanted to do something extra nice for you.”
“So, what is your thing, then? What’s your style?” she asked, curiously.
“My thing?” Ari repeated in amusement. Y/N nodded eagerly, “Yeah. Your pick up lines, flirting techniques, that sort of thing.”
Ari leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m not really one for cheesy pickup lines. If anything, I’m straight-to-the point. If I’m interested in someone, I tell them outright,” he explained. “Oh? Like when you kissed me the other day?” Y/N shot back with a sassy grin. He grinned in return. “Yeah. Exactly.”
He cleared his throat loudly before continuing on, “As for the other part...flirting techniques? I just use what feels natural to me.”
Y/N couldn’t resist laughing at his bluntness, “And what’s natural to you?” Ari glanced down at her lips and licked his own subconsciously, “For instance, I could compliment your beauty, but I’d rather kiss you senseless instead. I could pull you close to me and hold your body against mine. I could whisper sweet words into your ear, telling you how much I adore you. All of these things come naturally to me when I’m around you.”
Her mouth went dry as she stared into his handsome face. “You...really think that about me?”
“Of course.”
“Then why haven’t you tried anything before?” Y/N inquired curiously. Ari smirked roguishly, “Because I’m waiting for you to take charge first. I want you to feel comfortable enough around me to make the first move,” he replied honestly.
She nodded thoughtfully before looking back up at him, “Can you...show me some examples?” Ari chuckled deeply, “Sure,” he replied huskily. She smiled happily, “Alright! So...what do I do?” She scooted her chair closer to him and gazed up at him expectantly. Ari leaned forward and placed one arm around the back of her chair.
With his free hand, he gently traced small circles against the bare skin of her upper thigh with his fingertips. She sucked in a sharp breath at the intimate contact as goosebumps spread over her entire body. “Well...you start off slow at first,” Ari murmured softly. His hand slowly trailed higher towards the hem of her skirt. Her heart raced erratically as she felt his hot breath brush against the shell of her ear, sending shivers throughout her body.
She instinctively tilted her head back slightly to expose more of her neck. Ari leaned closer to her, allowing his lips to linger close to the sensitive area behind her earlobe. Her eyes fluttered shut as he began leaving light kisses along the base of her throat. She moaned softly at the sensation and reached up to run her hands through his hair, grabbing a handful tightly.
His hand slipped under the hem of her skirt and cupped her ass. “What...what’s next?” she breathed out quietly. Ari responded by lifting his head to look into her half-lidded gaze, “Next, you try to gain control of the situation. You want to assert yourself as dominant,” he murmured.
Her mind fogged up with lust as his thumb started massaging the curve of her rear. “Show me.”
“Gladly,” Ari purred.
She gasped as he suddenly pulled her onto his lap so that she straddled him, “Oh...” she muttered weakly, feeling his arousal pressed up against her inner thighs. Ari wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him.
Her face heated further at the sight of his erection poking at her leg. “Now, you take control, Y/N. Tell me what to do next,” Ari demanded roughly.
She swallowed hard as she placed one hand flat against his chest. “Kiss me, please,” she begged shamelessly.
Ari didn’t waste another second, leaning down to capture her lips in a fierce kiss. Their mouths moved fervently against each other. Their tongues danced wildly, each fighting for dominance. Ari cradled the back of her neck with one hand, keeping her in place while the other rested possessively on her hip, pulling her closer to him. Y/N moaned against his lips as she bucked her hips upward, rubbing her crotch against his erection.
Ari growled low in his throat, pressing himself harder against her as he continued devouring her mouth. Their breathing became labored as the temperature between them grew more intense. She broke apart from him momentarily to catch her breath. Ari quickly dipped his head down, trailing hot open-mouthed kisses along her jawline, traveling lower toward her neck.
“Ahhh... Ari...” she mewled when he bit into her skin harshly, leaving behind a noticeable bruise. “I’ve been dying to taste you, baby. Now it’s my turn to pleasure you,” he groaned seductively. She whimpered pitifully as she grabbed at his shirt desperately, trying to rip it off him, “Please...” she pleaded. Ari smirked smugly at her eagerness, “Whatever my princess desires.”
Her stomach did somersaults at his words and tone, causing her core to throb with need. She dug her nails into his flesh as she tugged on his shirt. “Take it off!”
Ari chuckled darkly before grasping onto the bottom edge of his dress shirt. Slowly, he lifted the fabric upwards until he was completely bare from the waist up. His defined abs and taut muscles glistened brightly in the soft moonlight, making her mouth water. She ogled hungrily at him as she reached out to caress every inch of exposed skin within her reach.
His toned chest flexed underneath her fingers as they roamed along his pecs, tracing downwards towards his six-pack abs. She bit her lip, suppressing a moan as her digits skimmed over the dips of each ridge. Ari inhaled sharply as she grazed her fingernails gently along the V-shape leading down below his jeans, “Mmm...just wait till I have you begging for me.” Y/N shivered pleasurably at the thought. “Why wait?”
Suddenly, he grabbed hold of her hips and hoisted her up easily. “Ari!” she exclaimed, wrapping her legs around his waist instinctively. Ari chuckled wickedly before carrying her bridal style inside his house.
“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll take care of everything from here.” She giggled softly as he carried her through the kitchen and into the living room before bringing them upstairs. When they arrived in front of his bedroom door, Ari kicked it open, not once breaking his stride. He stalked over towards the bed and deposited her down onto the mattress.
She smiled excitedly as he loomed above her, crawling onto the bed himself. Ari crawled on top of her and stared deeply into her eyes. “I can’t believe we’re finally doing this after so long,” he whispered.
Y/N reached up and cupped his face lovingly, “Me neither. But I’m glad it’s with you. You make me feel safe, Ari.” He kissed the tip of her nose before leaning back slightly, “May I remove your clothing now?” he requested. Y/N nodded eagerly.
Ari smirked mischievously at her response before grabbing hold of the hem of her tank top and slowly pulling it upwards, exposing more skin to his hungry eyes. After removing the garment completely, Ari carelessly tossed it aside and lustfully gazed at her bare torso. She bit her bottom lip as she covered herself shyly with one arm across her chest.
“Don’t hide yourself from me, baby. You’re beautiful,” he murmured softly. She swallowed hard as he reached out towards her and gently pried away her arm, revealing the rest of her body.
“So perfect,” he breathed out in awe. Her heart raced wildly as his fingertips traced along the outline of her curves, “You’re so gorgeous, Y/N.” Ari dipped down and captured one nipple between his lips, suckling gently upon it.
She gasped loudly as he swirled his tongue around the hardened bud, sending jolts of electricity throughout her entire being. He then moved onto the other breast and gave it the same treatment. She writhed underneath him as he continued teasing her sensitive nipples with his mouth.
Eventually, Ari released them with a pop and began trailing kisses down her stomach, stopping right above the waistband of her skirt. He glanced up at her briefly before hooking his thumbs into the sides of her skirt and panties and pulling them both off in one swift motion. Her cheeks became hot when he stared hungrily at her exposed lower half. “You’re so wet for me already,” he stated huskily.
Y/N whimpered softly as he spread apart her legs wide open, “Ari...” she whined pitifully. Ari smirked wickedly at her before lowering himself between her thighs.
“I’m going to devour you now, baby girl.” Y/N panted heavily as he pressed his lips against the inside of her thigh, kissing his way upwards towards her dripping core. She cried out loudly when his tongue swiped across her slit teasingly, tasting her juices. He hummed appreciatively at her flavor before diving back in, lapping eagerly at her entrance.
She moaned uncontrollably as he sucked and nibbled on her swollen clit, sending waves of pleasure throughout her entire being. Ari continued feasting on her until she was trembling violently underneath him.
He lifted his head slightly to look up at her. “Are you ready for me?” he asked huskily. Y/N nodded frantically as she reached down to grip onto his hair tightly, “Yes... please... I need you inside me,” she begged shamelessly. Ari chuckled darkly before crawling back up towards her face and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She moaned against his lips as she tasted herself.
He broke away from her mouth and gazed intensely into her eyes. “Are you sure?” he questioned seriously. She nodded eagerly once again.
“Yes! Please, Ari!” He grinned devilishly at her response before reaching over towards the nightstand beside them and grabbing a condom from the drawer. Y/N watched intently as he ripped open the package with his teeth and rolled the latex over his length. Once he finished preparing himself, Ari positioned himself at her entrance and pushed forward slowly, entering her completely.
Y/N cried out loudly as he stretched her walls apart, filling her completely. He groaned deeply as he buried his face into the crook of her neck and began thrusting in and out of her at a steady pace. She clung tightly to him desperately as he repeatedly slammed into her forcefully. Ari lifted his head from her throat and stared deeply into her eyes, “You feel so fucking good wrapped tightly around me, baby,” he murmured lowly.
She moaned breathlessly in response as he increased his pace, pounding into her relentlessly, “Ari...faster!”
He grunted in his throat as he obeyed, quickening his movements while still maintaining his control over her. She threw her head backwards against the pillows, arching her spine upwards.
The combination of his relentless assault on her sensitive spot and the friction of him rubbing against her clit made her delirious with bliss. He continued driving into her mercilessly until her climax hit. A rush of pure ecstasy overwhelmed her senses. She screamed out his name as she convulsed powerfully around him.
“Fuck yes,” he hissed as he continued pounding away, prolonging her orgasm for several minutes. Afterward, she slumped against the mattress, gasping for air, completely spent. He slowed down eventually before halting his movements completely, staying buried deep inside her.
She whimpered pitifully as he pulled out slowly and carefully removed the condom. He tossed the used prophylactic off to the side as he knelt on the bed between her spread open thighs.
She gazed up at him exhaustedly as she ran her fingertips lightly along his thighs. “That was amazing,” she breathed out with a blissful smile.
Ari grinned proudly down at her as he leaned forward to kiss her lips tenderly. “You were incredible.” She giggled softly as she returned his affectionate gesture before pulling back slightly to look into his eyes, “So...does this make it official now?” she teased, referring to their relationship status. Ari chuckled deeply before wrapping his arms around her waist and rolling them over so that she straddled his lap. “I guess it does,” he replied huskily.
She smiled widely as she placed both hands upon his chest and began rocking her hips against him, grinding herself against his hardness. He groaned appreciatively as he gripped onto her hips tightly, guiding her movements.
“Ride me, baby girl,” he demanded huskily. Y/N grinned wickedly at him before lifting herself up slightly and sinking down onto him slowly. They both moaned loudly in unison as she enveloped him completely. She began bouncing on top of him, riding him hard and fast.
Ari growled low in his throat as he watched intently as she bounced up and down on his length, “Fuck...you’re perfect,” he praised. Her eyes rolled back into her head as his tip repeatedly hit her g-spot over and over again. Ari reached up to cup both breasts firmly, squeezing them roughly as she continued bouncing on top of him. He pinched her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, twisting them harshly.
A small whimper escaped her lips, “Ari...” she whined pitifully. He smirked smugly at the sound. “You like that, don’t you, baby girl?” Y/N nodded frantically as she increased her pace, slamming herself harder against him. Ari released one of her breasts and moved his hand downwards towards her clit. He pressed his thumb against the sensitive nub and rubbed it while continuing to pinch her nipple with his other hand.
“Ahhh! Yes! Yes! Yes!” she chanted loudly, throwing her head backwards. Ari growled ferally as he thrusted upwards meeting her halfway, “Come for me, baby girl!” he commanded forcefully. She cried out his name as she felt her walls convulse around him, milking him. Ari grunted deeply as he climaxed simultaneously with her, spurting his hot seed inside her womb. He groaned huskily as he filled her completely.
Once they rode out their high together, she collapsed upon Ari’s chest, gasping for air. He wrapped his arms around her frame protectively and held her tightly against him as he nuzzled his nose against her forehead. “Mmm...that was wonderful,” he murmured softly. Y/N hummed contentedly as she snuggled closer towards him, “It was...but can we cuddle for a few minutes? I’m exhausted.” Ari chuckled deeply as he pressed a loving kiss upon her head, “Of course. Whatever you wish, baby girl.”
She smiled happily before closing her eyes tiredly, allowing herself to drift off into a peaceful slumber while listening to the comforting sound of Ari’s heartbeat thumping steadily beneath her ear.
When morning came, she woke up feeling refreshed and satisfied. However, a sudden wave of panic washed over her when she realized the bed was empty. Quickly, she sat up and looked around frantically, only to find Ari nowhere in sight. “Ari?” she called out timidly. There was no response. “Ari?” she tried again.
Still, nothing.
Her heart rate spiked as her breathing quickened in fear. “Ari?!” she yelled out louder. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, revealing a shirtless Ari wearing only pajama bottoms and holding two mugs of coffee. “Sorry. Had to make coffee,” Ari chuckled as he sauntered over towards the bed with a charming smirk plastered upon his face.
Y/N sighed deeply in relief as her panic disappeared completely. “Oh, thank god,” she breathed out, placing a hand over her rapidly beating heart. Ari handed her a mug before sitting down beside her. “You ok, baby girl? I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologized. She smiled weakly, “No, no. It’s fine. I was just worried you’d left or something.”
Ari frowned slightly at her admission. “Of course not. Why would I ever leave such an amazing girl?” he murmured gently. Her cheeks heated at his words before sipping her coffee. Ari chuckled lightly as he pulled her onto his lap and began nuzzling his nose against the nape of her neck lovingly, “I could never abandon you, baby girl.”
She giggled joyfully at the ticklish sensation his action created. “You promise?” Ari lifted his head to look into her eyes. “Absolutely. I’m yours forever.” She beamed brightly as she leaned forward to peck his lips lightly. “Good.”
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Two months had passed since Ari had started dating and during those couple months, she felt happier than she’s ever been before. But it was increasingly getting harder to keep her parents in the dark about their relationship.
As much as she hated the idea of having to sneak around behind her dad’s back, it was worth it to avoid unnecessary drama and tension between her father and Ari. They haven’t seen each other as often as she wished, though.
However, today would change that. Her father was visiting relatives in New York while her mother had gone away on a business trip for the weekend.
So, she decided to invite Ari over for dinner tonight so they could spend some quality time together without worrying about getting caught. She wanted to cook something special for him since he’s always treating her so wonderfully.
So, she spent all afternoon preparing a delicious meal for them both: homemade lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, and chocolate cake for dessert. Once everything was ready, she quickly showered and changed into a cute outfit before heading downstairs to wait for Ari’s arrival.
Just as she finished setting the table, the doorbell rang loudly throughout the house. She smiled brightly as she skipped over towards the front door excitedly and swung it open, revealing Ari standing outside holding two bouquets of flowers in each hand.
“Hey beautiful,” he greeted with a charming smile. Y/N grinned at his gesture as she stepped aside to let him inside. “You didn’t have to bring me flowers.”
Ari chuckled lightly as he handed her one of the bouquets before leaning forward to kiss her cheek softly. “I wanted to.” Her cheeks heated as she accepted both gifts from him and closed the door behind him. “Thank you. They’re gorgeous.” Ari smirked smugly at her response as he followed behind her towards the kitchen. “Not nearly as gorgeous as you are.”
She shook her head as she placed the flowers into a vase filled with water and set them on the countertop before turning around to face him again. “You’re such a charmer,” she teased playfully.
Ari shrugged casually before pulling her close against him and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. “Only for you, baby girl.” Y/N giggled happily as he dipped down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. She moaned softly into his mouth as he slipped his tongue inside, tangling it with hers.
After several minutes of intense kissing, they broke apart breathlessly. Ari gazed deeply into her eyes while stroking her cheek tenderly with his thumb.
“I missed you,” he murmured huskily. “I missed you too. So much,” she replied softly. Ari smirked mischievously at her reply before leaning forward once more and pecking her lips lightly. “How long do we have the house to ourselves?” he asked curiously. She bit her bottom lip as she averted her gaze away from his intense stare. “Until Monday.”
Ari raised an eyebrow at her response. “Really? That’s quite a long time. What about your father?” Y/N sighed heavily at the mention of him, “He’s out-of-town visiting relatives in New York for the weekend and mom had gone away on a business trip for the entire weekend.” Ari grinned widely at her words as he cupped both cheeks between his palms and kissed her deeply again. “Perfect. We can spend all day tomorrow together,” he murmured against her lips.
“Come on, I cooked us dinner.” She grabbed hold of his hand and led him towards the dining room where their meal waited patiently for them to eat it. Ari whistled loudly as he took notice of all the food she had prepared.
“Damn, baby girl. This looks incredible.” Y/N smiled proudly, overjoyed by how well everything turned-out. “Thanks. It’s nothing really.” Ari shook his head firmly as he pulled out one of the chairs for her to sit down before taking a seat beside her. “Are you kidding? This is amazing! No one’s ever cooked me anything so extravagant before.”
“Well, it’s not every day that we get to spend alone,” she pointed out as she served him a generous amount of lasagna and salad. “Now enjoy your food. Don’t want it going cold,” she instructed firmly. Ari grinned appreciatively at her generosity as he took a bite out of one of the breadsticks. He groaned loudly in appreciation at the delicious taste. “You made these yourself?”
She nodded proudly as she sipped on her wine. “Of course. Only the best for you.” Ari hummed appreciatively as he swallowed down his first bite with another swig of red liquid, “Fuck me...” he murmured lowly to himself after taking a few seconds to savor the flavors lingering within his mouth, “This is the most exquisite thing I’ve ever tasted.” She giggled softly at his dramatic reaction before scooping up some salad onto her plate. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” Ari glanced over at her briefly with a boyish grin. “Like it? I love it!”
Y/N giggled again as she nibbled on some greens. The two ate their fill before clearing up afterward and deciding to move things to the living room, where they enjoyed a bottle of champagne whilst watching TV. She snuggled closer into Ari’s side as he wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders. Ari leaned over and placed a chaste kiss against her forehead. “What did you have in mind for our weekend alone?” he asked with a slight hint of curiosity laced through his voice.
“Well, I thought we could stay in all weekend. You know, watch movies, make-out, fuck,” she teased playfully, earning a chuckle from Ari.
“Sounds perfect. As long as we get plenty of time alone together,” Ari replied huskily as he squeezed her arm lightly, “I need you, baby girl.”
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The following morning, Y/N awoke bright and early, ready to start her day with Ari. She quickly showered and changed into shorts and a tank-top before heading downstairs to fix breakfast for them both. Ari stumbled sleepily down the stairs shortly afterward, dressed only in loose sweatpants hanging dangerously low upon his hips. He yawned tiredly as he ran a hand through his messy bed head while shuffling his way towards the kitchen where Y/N stood making coffee.
“Morning, handsome,” she greeted cheerfully. Ari grunted groggily as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and buried his face against her neck. “Morning baby girl,” he mumbled against her skin, placing a soft kiss upon her pulse point. She giggled lightly as his facial hair tickled her slightly. “Sleep well?”
Ari hummed deeply as he pressed another tender kiss against her flesh. “Better than ever. It’s been ages since we last shared a bed together,” he remarked sadly. She frowned slightly at his words. “I know. But I do have some good news. I’ve been thinking about getting a place of my own.” Ari lifted his head from her neck to peer down at her with furrowed brows. “Really? How come?”
Y/N shrugged casually. “It’s time to start my life. And I can’t exactly do that with my dad constantly breathing down my neck,” she explained before pouring two cups of coffee and handing one to Ari. “I want my independence.” Ari smiled proudly at her as he accepted the mug gratefully and took a small sip. “I think that’s an excellent idea.
When are you planning on moving out?” She grinned widely as she reached up to caress his cheek tenderly with her palm, “Hopefully next month. Maybe you could help me?” Ari chuckled deeply at her request. “Of course. Whatever you need,” he answered lovingly before dipping down and pressing his lips against hers firmly, kissing her deeply.
She moaned softly into his mouth when she tasted hints of bitterness upon his tongue. Ari growled low as he gripped onto her hips tightly while backing her against the kitchen island.
She gasped in surprise when her bottom came into contact with the edge of the marble countertop. Ari took advantage of her parted lips to slip his tongue past them and delve deep into the wet cavern of her mouth.
She reluctantly pulled away. “As much as I love kissing you, I need to finish breakfast.” Ari pouted slightly at the loss of contact but didn’t protest any further. “Fine.” Y/N giggled lightly as she pecked his lips quickly before turning around and continuing with making pancakes for them both.
Ari watched her intently as she worked diligently on preparing their meal. He admired how beautiful she looked standing there wearing nothing but shorts and a tank-top with her hair pulled up into a messy bun atop her head. He loved seeing her like this: relaxed and carefree.
He couldn’t resist anymore. Ari closed the remaining distance between them, standing directly behind her, and wrapped his arms securely around her waist once again. “I love you,” he murmured into her ear softly. She froze momentarily when his hot breath ghosted over the shell of her lobe, causing goosebumps to form on her skin, “Ari...”
“I’m serious,” Ari stated firmly as he trailed small kisses along the side of her neck down towards her shoulder blade where he bit down on it gently causing her to gasp loudly in response, “Ever since that evening, when your Dad invited me over for dinner, you’ve captured my heart completely.
He pressed his chest firmly against her back as he nuzzled her hair affectionately, inhaling her intoxicating scent of strawberry shampoo mixed with her own sweetness. “I’ve never felt this way before about anyone. Ever,” he breathed out heavily. Y/N spun around in his embrace and gazed deeply into Ari’s sincere blue irises.
“Ari...I...” she began only to trail off, unsure of what to say next. He smiled softly at her uncertainty before leaning forward and capturing her lips in a loving kiss once again. “Say you love me too,” Ari pleaded against her mouth as he cupped her cheeks tenderly between his large hands.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she responded, “Ari, I- “ She was interrupted by a sudden loud ringing coming from above, startling them both. They jumped apart immediately. Ari frowned deeply at the intrusion before sighing heavily and pulling away from her completely to head upstairs and grab his phone off of the nightstand. She groaned internally when she heard his footsteps receding from her sight, leaving her alone once more to continue making breakfast in peace.
What just happened?
Ari walked back downstairs, holding his cell phone in one hand whilst typing away on the device with his free one. “That was your father. He’s calling to check on you since it’s Sunday. Apparently, he hasn’t heard from you since he left town,” he informed her with an annoyed tone evident in his voice.
She rolled her eyes as she placed their food onto plates. “I haven’t answered his calls because I haven’t talked to him.” Ari furrowed his brow as he sat down at the dining table across from her. “Why? What happened? Are you fighting with him?”
“Not really. It’s complicated,” she answered vaguely. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fine. Then let’s eat.” She nodded her head silently while munching on a piece of bacon, “So...how did it go with dad yesterday? I hope you didn’t cause any trouble,” she teased playfully, hoping to lighten the mood.
Ari smirked slightly at her comment. “Nope. I behaved myself perfectly.” She laughed loudly at his answer before taking another bite out of her pancakes. Ari watched her closely with a serious expression etched across his handsome features, “I’m serious, Y/N. Your father is very important to me. I would never intentionally upset him by getting into an argument with him. Especially not over something so trivial as a simple misunderstanding.”
“Yeah well, dad is a bit of a drama queen sometimes,” she joked lightly. Ari chuckled deeply in agreement. “Yes, he certainly is.”
After finishing their meal together, they moved to the living room where they relaxed lazily upon the couch while cuddling under a warm blanket and watching reruns of Family Guy. She laid her head upon Ari’s chest as she listened to the steady rhythmic beat of his heart beating beneath her ear. She felt completely at ease listening to him breathe steadily.
“So...is there a reason you’ve been avoiding talking to your father? Or are you just being stubborn?” Ari asked curiously. She shrugged indifferently. “No reason. Just haven’t spoken to him since last week.” Ari hummed thoughtfully at her answer. “And what happened last week?”
She sighed, “Nothing much. Just a typical argument between father and daughter.” Ari nodded his head slowly as he ran his fingers through her silky locks tenderly. “I see. And what about?” she remained silent, refusing to give an explanation, “Y/N, please. Whatever it is, I promise not to get upset.”
“It doesn’t matter, Ari,” she whispered quietly. Ari frowned deeply at her stubbornness, “Obviously it does if you won’t tell me what happened.” She sighed again in frustration, knowing that he wasn’t going to drop the subject until she gave him an answer. “We were arguing about moving out,” she mumbled reluctantly. Ari raised an eyebrow at her response as he tightened his arms around her tiny frame. “Really? Why?”
“Because he’s scared that I’m growing up too fast,” she admitted honestly, “And that I’m gonna get hurt or something. Plus, he doesn’t want to lose me.”
Ari chuckled softly, causing her head to bounce lightly atop his chest. “And is that a possibility?” she glanced up at him briefly with an uncertain expression. “I don’t know,” she answered truthfully, “Maybe.”
Ari shook his head firmly at her uncertainty. “Well, I don’t think so. You’re strong and independent. You can handle yourself just fine.” She smiled gratefully at his words. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you, Ari.” Ari returned her smile with a loving one of his own. “Anytime, baby girl.”
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A week later, Y/N and Ari decided to tell the truth about their relationship after dinner one night. She invited Ari over and everything seemed to be going fine. They cooked together, ate together, cleaned up together and then afterward they sat down in the living room together for a nice chat.
“So, dad, mom, there’s something I need to tell you,” She announced nervously. Ari took hold of her trembling hand into his large one and squeezed reassuringly, “It’s okay,” She gulped loudly as she glanced over at her parents’ faces who wore confused expressions, “Mom, dad, Ari and I have been secretly seeing each other for... a while,” she blurted out quickly, waiting anxiously for their reaction.
Her mother’s eyes widened slightly. “What?” She nodded her head slowly. “Ari and I have been together romantically. For some time now.” Her father stared directly into Ari’s gaze with narrowed eyes filled with anger. “Is this true, Ari?” he demanded through clenched teeth.
Ari nodded his head confidently. “Yes, it is. And I care deeply about your daughter.” Y/N smiled brightly, overjoyed by his confession. Her mother smiled too as she reached over and gripped onto Ari’s other free hand tightly, “Well, then welcome to the family Ari,” she said happily, causing her to laugh loudly in relief. She leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on Ari’s cheek.
“Wait, hold on a minute here,” her father interjected, suddenly gaining their attention. “Are you serious, Ari? You’re dating my little girl?” Ari grinned sheepishly at his friend as he nodded his head. “Yes. Yes, I am.” She smiled widely at Ari. “Dad, please don’t be mad. I love Ari,” she pleaded desperately. Her father sighed heavily. “I’m not mad, honey, but it does concern me.”
She frowned at his statement. “Why? Are you worried that we won’t last long?” she questioned curiously. Her father scoffed loudly at her question. “Of course not, honey. Ari is like a son to me.” Ari grinned proudly, overjoyed at hearing that information. “Thanks. That means a lot to me,” he thanked gratefully.
Her father smiled at him genuinely. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go get ready for bed. I need to...process this,” he announced before standing up abruptly and making his way out of the living room, leaving everyone behind.
Her mother stood up next and stretched her arms above her head, “He'll come around. Night you two,” she bid goodnight before walking out of the room and following behind her husband. She waited a few moments after everyone left to finally speak up.
“Well, that went a lot better than I expected,” she teased playfully, making Ari chuckle softly in amusement. Ari turned to face her completely with a serious expression etched upon his handsome face, “So what now?” he wondered aloud, causing her to tilt her head sideways curiously at him, “What do you mean?”
“Now that they know, are things going to change between us?” he asked anxiously.
“No. Not at all,” she answered confidently before adding, “If anything, they will only get even better. Besides, you’ve always known that my dad loves you.” Ari sighed contentedly, “I know. I just had to hear it come straight out of his mouth before believing it,” he confessed softly.
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A month after moving into her new home, Y/N had settled in comfortably, thanks to Ari’s help. Living under her parents’ roof, with their disapproval of her relationship, was no longer an option. Now, she was just a few blocks from Ari’s place, which turned out to be incredibly convenient. Ari had practically moved in with her, staying over every night and cooking all their meals. They had become closer and more intimate, learning how to trust each other completely.
Tonight, she was making spaghetti and meatballs, Ari’s favorite. She hummed softly as she stirred the marinara sauce, watching it bubble. From the garage came the sound of Ari working on his old Cadillac convertible, Metallica blaring from the radio.
The kitchen timer dinged, indicating the garlic bread was ready. Opening the oven, she carefully took out the hot dish with potholders, the delicious aroma wafting up to her. She set the bread on the countertop and removed the potholders, smiling in anticipation of the meal they would soon share.
“Ari, dinner’s ready!” she called out, trying to be heard over the music. There was no response; he was probably too engrossed in his work. Barefoot, she made her way to the garage.
Entering, she saw Ari lean over the car’s engine, his shirt off, revealing a sweat-drenched back. His usual black sweatpants and leather shoes completed the look. “Baby, dinner’s done,” she said brightly, her eyes admiring him from a distance. Ari looked up, his attention shifting to her. “Did you say something?”
“Oh shit! Sorry, princess. I was so engrossed in fixing this damn engine I didn’t notice you were there. Give me a few minutes and I’ll rinse off real quick and meet you inside.” She nodded understandingly. “Alright. I’ll get things set up. Don’t be long, okay?” Ari flashed her his trademark charming grin as she turned away and walked back inside the house, leaving Ari alone again in the garage.
After setting aside his dirty gloves, Ari headed for a quick shower while she prepared their spaghetti and meatballs dinner. Minutes later, he re-entered the kitchen, looking fresh and crisp in a white button-up shirt tucked into dark blue jeans, his damp hair loosely falling to his chin. His blue eyes shone under the fluorescent lights.
“Took you long enough,” she teased, laying out the silverware on the dining table. Ari responded with a deep chuckle, wrapping her in a warm embrace. “Sorry, princess. It took a bit to scrub off all that grease and oil.”
He kissed her forehead gently, breathing in her scent. “You smell great, baby,” he complimented, his eyes briefly trailing over her before meeting hers again. “Mm, I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
Dinner was mostly uneventful, save for their occasional flirting. After their dishes were loaded into the dishwasher, Ari wrapped his arms around her and spun her around. “Woah there, big boy,” she giggled. He dipped her gently until her hair hung loose against her shoulders, the tips brushing against the floor. She stared up at him with adoring eyes, her arms encircling his neck.
“Thanks for cooking tonight, baby. It was great,” he whispered against her skin as he placed light butterfly kisses along her neckline, earning a sigh from the woman he loved. “Always,” she responded.
A soft moan escaped her when his lips trailed up to her earlobe where he nipped on the sensitive skin, drawing out a gasp from her, his tongue licking across its edges. Heat began pooling between her legs at his touch and she closed her eyes as shivers ran throughout her body. “Ari, wait...”
“What is it?” he whispered against her skin again.
“Let’s go to the beach.”
Ari pulled back and stared at her, a confused look plastered on his face, “The beach? Tonight? It’s pitch black outside,” he laughed softly.
“So?” she responded innocently, giving him a coy smile. He grinned and shook his head. “Whatever you want, princess.”
Hand in hand, they strolled out towards the beach, arriving at the shore where the waves lapped softly at the sand. Ari encircled her waist, pulling her close as they both gazed out at the ocean. “Ari?” she spoke softly. He hummed in acknowledgment. “Thank you. For everything. Life is so much brighter with you.”
Facing him, her smile grew as she met his gaze. His own smile widened, his eyes tender and warm. The intensity of his look sent a wave of warmth through her.
Gently cupping her cheek, Ari spoke with deep affection. “I love you more than anything, Y/N.” His words left her breathless, feeling the weight and passion behind them.
He pulled her even closer, their bodies pressed tightly. “You mean everything to me, princess.”
Her eyes shimmered with emotion. “I’d choose you again and again, Ari.” His own eyes moistened under the setting sun. Leaning down, he kissed her sweetly, a kiss that resonated with happiness and love. Her fingers weaved into his hair as their kiss deepened, perfectly in sync.
Breaking away after a few moments, she ran towards the shallow waves, laughter trailing behind her. She twirled in the water, feeling free and elated as Ari jogged after her. “Don’t you dare ruin this moment!” he called out playfully, his wide grin matching her joy.
“What ever do you mean, Mr. Levinson?” she asked coyly before splashing water at him. Ari chuckled deeply before chasing after her through the cool ocean waves. They chased each other for several minutes until Ari caught up with her, wrapping his arms securely around her waist from behind.
He lifted her up into the air effortlessly as she squealed loudly in delight. He spun her around slowly in circles while gazing lovingly into her beautiful eyes. “You’re my whole world, princess,” he whispered. “And I’ll never let anything bad happen to you.” Sheleaned in and pressed her forehead against his. “Promise?”
“I promise, baby. With all my heart.” Their lips met once again in a passionate kiss, sealing their future together.
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freesia-writes · 1 month
Note
hello friend, for the valentines rec - would you be interested in doing a fake dating/relationship situation b/w Crosshair and f!reader? go wild with why they have to fake date 😂
thankssss ❤️HB
THE CROSSHAIR EFFECT got me on this one! 😂 Sometimes when I write him, I just get absolutely sucked in. So this one had me in a mood and I quite enjoyed it. It's a little stereotypical or trope-y or something, but it's delightfully indulgent in my doofus opinion. So I hope you enjoy! 😊 Dividers by @stars-n-spice on this post here.
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Crosshair x F!Reader Word Count: 2000ish, hehe Content Warnings: just kissin and in-universe cussin
OH, and since this takes place at a fancy gala, I have to link this gorgeous fanart by @perfectlywingedcrusade because it's just fitting and should be appreciated by everyone. They're lovely images of Crosshair and her OC, so check em out!
A kiss on the hand and a cup of the face
Holding each other close in fancy attire
Out for a stroll while lookin good
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The grand gala was in full swing, the opulent castle venue aglow with soft, golden light and the murmur of animated conversations. You and Crosshair, disguised as a wealthy couple, moved gracefully through the crowd, your steps synchronized as you navigated the sea of elegantly dressed guests. The stoic sniper's presence beside you was palpable, his every movement calculated and precise. His sharp gaze swept over the room, taking in every detail with a keen eye for potential threats. Despite the formal attire he wore, there was an unmistakable air of danger about him, a reminder of the skilled soldier lurking beneath the facade of a sophisticated gentleman. And it kinda gave you the tingles.
As you exchanged pleasantries with other guests, your mind raced with the mission at hand. The two of you had been tasked with infiltrating the gala to gather intel on a new weapon being developed by the Separatists. It was a high-stakes operation, and the success of the mission relied on your ability to blend in seamlessly with the crowd while discreetly gathering information.
You stole a glance at him, marveling at the effortless way he maintained his cover. His demeanor was cool and collected, his expression unreadable as he engaged in polite conversation with the other guests. You marveled at his ability to remain composed under pressure, and if you were being honest, you’d admired him for a long time, and had given in to an increasing amount of time spent thinking about being with him in various scenarios. So when this mission had come up in such a way that required you to pretend you were in a relationship, you’d had to fight hard to keep your face neutral and even harder to ignore the pronounced eyeroll and scoff of disgust he’d made.
You were still trying to push the thought from your mind as you leaned against the bar, having split up to different parts of the room. You could swear there had been some significant moments between the two of you, conversations that showed some vulnerability, slight softening in his piercing glares… But sometimes you wondered if the entire dynamic was just wishful thinking on your part. 
“Haven’t seen you around here before,” a fellow attendee said, sidling up beside you at the bar. You gave a small smile and a nod, just enough to acknowledge him without being memorable in any way, hoping he would take the hint. 
He didn’t.
“Where are you from?” he pressed, stepping slightly closer and holding up two fingers to the bartender, who had waved to him for his order. “I feel like I’d remember a beautiful thing like you.” You had your selection of default answers, offering some uninteresting and vague information, but he was a bona fide hemorrhoid, weaseling ever closer both verbally and physically. 
“I feel like you’re not being entirely honest with me,” he purred, tilting his head and reaching to trace fingers along your arm. 
“I’m not sure I want to tell all my secrets to someone I just met,” you replied, matching his suggestive energy to avoid triggering any toxic masculinity. You gave him a small smile, but it was met with a furrowed brow that made you start to feel a little anxious at how to get out of this particular situation. 
Right on cue, however, Crosshair stepped in, his arm sliding around your waist as he pulled you close. Your heart skipped a beat as you glanced up at him, face relaxing into content familiarity. 
"Darling, there you are," he said smoothly, flashing the intruder a charming smile. The honey-sweet words in his sibilant, smoky tone were absolutely intoxicating, and you silently cursed the flush that bloomed across your cheeks without your permission. "I've been looking all over for you." 
The guest faltered, taken aback by Crosshair's sudden appearance, and when the sniper turned to face him fully, positively exuding confidence, he excused himself with a polite nod.
"Thanks," you murmured, grateful for the diversion.
"Don't mention it," he replied, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary. "We have to be convincing, don’t we…”
“Sorry you got stuck doing this with me.” You felt a wave of frustration wash over you, beginning to feel tired of the way he seemed to jerk you back and forth between softness and harshness, fondness and disdain. You wished he would just come clean one way or the other.
“A mission’s a mission.”
“Mhm,” you agreed, feeling your mood souring by the second.
“Problem?” he asked quietly, forcing the fakest smile you’d ever seen as a couple passed by and fluttered their fans in your direction. It made you want to punch him. 
“Nope. Just… On a mission.” You pulled your fur more tightly around you, scanning the room for the targets who were supposed to have the inside info. You’d had yet to locate them, despite schmoozing for the last hour or two. You didn’t notice the way his eyes followed the flow of your hair into a regal bun at the nape of your neck, nor the way they continued back up across your face, unreadable emotion flickering just beneath the surface. 
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“Oh, Chris, you’re hilarious,” you proclaimed, in the snooty voice you’d adopted around others. You could tell it grated on Crosshair’s nerves, and you couldn’t help the smug sense of satisfaction you felt when his steely gaze met yours for a moment in the privacy of a quick sideways look. You knew there’d be hell to pay later for randomly giving him a name like that, but you didn’t care. Your feet were aching and you’d been done with all the fake socializing about an hour and a half ago. But the two of you had finally worked your way into the “inner circle of sleemos”, as your partner had deemed them, and now were the critical moments upon which the entire mission hinged. 
“Not nearly as delightful as you, my little poodoo,” he answered, earning a round of gasps and chuckles from the uppity crowd. 
“I say!” declared a man with a huge space-walrus mustache. “That is quite the nickname, my good boy!” He chuffed heartily, casting a side glance at his tall, spiky wife who clearly didn’t approve. Quickly changing his demeanor, he was shaking his head in somber disapproval by the time he looked back at you. 
“Oh, we’re just so… so close…” Crosshair continued, almost choking on his words as he looped an arm around your waist again and pulled you against him so abruptly that a little bit of your drink sloshed out of the glowing martini glass. You quickly turned your splutter of indignation into a playful giggle, not so subtly digging an elbow between his ribs as best you could. “I could just call her every name in the book,” he gushed, poking the tip of your nose with a single finger. 
“Oh goodness,” you laughed, downing the rest of your drink in one huge gulp. “Would you excuse us? And can I get anyone else another drink?” You turned away so quickly, grabbing your partner by the arm and dragging him along, that you didn’t see Mr. Walrus Stache lifting a finger to take you up on that drink offer. Instead, you did your best to hide the absolute rage you felt beneath the surface as you found a side door out onto a small balcony. There was a single member of the waitstaff there, a Rhodian who was taking a drag off a long cigarette, and his luminous eyes narrowed at the two of you as you appeared, flicking the ash off the end of his smoke and dropping it to the ground before stalking back to work. 
“What’s gotten into you?” Crosshair began, turning on you as soon as the last tails of the server’s apron were out of sight. You looked up at him, too frustrated to enjoy how close he was as he loomed above you furiously. “We finally get--”
“ME?!” you spluttered, grasping the shiny lapels of his suit jacket, “You think we’re gonna get anywhere with you calling me poodoo?!” In any other context, the sheer ridiculousness of the situation would have been hilarious, but the simmering undercurrent had risen to a rollicking boil, and his eyes narrowed dangerously. 
“Well if you weren’t acting like such a little shi--”
“You’re ridiculous!” you yelled, fists clenched at your sides. But before you could finish the rest of your retort, his hand was clapped over your mouth, cutting off any further attempts to lash out at him. It did not, however, help to quell the fury within. You grabbed his arm with both hands, pulling at it in futility, then froze completely as he stepped in close, wedging a thigh between your legs and flattening you against the stone wall of the castle with his entire body. “What the f--”
“Just shut up for one second,” he hissed, and the sheer intensity of his presence combined with the exhilaration of him pressed against you took every last thought and word right out of your brain. You let out a breath, heart pounding against his chest where he’d bent himself around you, eyes large as they locked on his. He slowly removed his hand, wiping it on his pants with a slight wrinkle of the nose, then tucked it into his pocket, leaving the other arm braced on the wall above you. “Listen,” he said, quietly now, with an urgency yet softness that melted you to your core. “Whatever… this… is…” He took a deep breath, then continued, “We need to get that intel. Then you can… take care of yourself…” He finished with a tiny, confident nod, stepping back in surprise when you burst into laughter.
“Take care of myself?” You slapped your hands flat on his chest, pushing him away with playful force as you felt yourself puffing up again to put him in his place. “Crosshair, you don’t have a damn clue, do you…” You ran out of steam as you registered the myriad of emotions on his face, slowly falling silent as he closed the distance between the two of you again, emanating a different kind of energy this time. 
“Care to enlighten me, then?” he asked, tilting his head at you with equal parts condescension and provocation. There was a smolder in his pale brown eyes that made your heart skip a beat, and you were so overrun with feelings of your own that you couldn’t even begin to sort out one from another. You reached for his lapels again, now using them to pull him back against you as you brought your mouth to his with a forceful, determined kiss. His tiny huff of an exhale had a million possible meanings, but you didn’t care, because one of his hands found your waist and the other cupped the back of your head, pressing his face into yours with a hunger that set your… heart… on fire. 
You lost track of everything else as your senses were flooded with every magnificent aspect of him… His scent, touched up with a ritzy fragrance he’d added for the evening… His slightly raspy breathing… The warmth and passion that radiated from his strong, focused frame. The feeling of his mouth on yours was everything you’d imagined it to be, and he pulled back for a short breath of air before turning his head the other direction and capturing your lips again, slightly more open this time as you melted against him.
It felt like a split second and an hour later when you separated, with deep, ragged breaths and a blissfully dumbfounded look on your face, staring at him in awe and unabashed delight. He kept his face stoic, though there was a slight glow to his cheeks and a spark in his eyes that made your knees weak. 
“Now can you keep your head on straight?” he poked, stepping back and straightening his suit. 
“Absolutely not.”
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𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭
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MUSEUM VISIT | PETER PARKER X READER | IMAGINE | 
PAIRING: Peter Parker x Reader SYNOPSIS: You and Peter spot a cute elderly couple and see a glimpse of your future. Word Count → 600 WARNING(S): fluff, technically you're enemies to lovers in the tiktok so you and peter can be here if you want, watching a family, love.
AUTHORS NOTE: this is based on this tiktok
MARVEL MASTERLIST
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Y/N and Peter Parker were excitedly chattering as they wandered through the museum on a school trip. The grand halls were adorned with magnificent artwork, capturing the attention of the students with their intricate details and vibrant colors. The two friends were in awe of the masterpieces before them, their minds temporarily freed from the rigors of school life.
As they meandered through the exhibits, Y/N's gaze happened upon an elderly couple holding hands with two adorable little children. The sight warmed her heart instantly. She could tell that these were the couple's grandkids, and the family's connection was palpable. They strolled through the museum together, pointing out different paintings and sculptures, their faces alight with joy and wonder.
A smile tugged at the corners of Y/N's lips. It was a beautiful scene, one that resonated deeply within her. She admired the family from a distance, feeling a sense of longing and happiness well up within her. The genuine love and togetherness radiating from the elderly couple and their grandchildren was truly heartwarming.
Suddenly, Y/N felt a gentle nudge on her shoulder, breaking her reverie. She turned to see Peter Parker looking at her curiously. "What're you staring at?" he asked, a playful grin on his face.
Y/N blinked and tore her gaze away from the family, not quite ready to share her thoughts. She simply shrugged and managed a small smile, unsure of how to articulate the emotions that had stirred within her.
Peter followed her gaze, his expression shifting from curiosity to understanding. He too observed the elderly couple and the children, and for a moment, both friends fell into a contemplative silence. The scene before them seemed to resonate with something deeper, evoking emotions that transcended the present moment.
As if guided by an invisible force, one by one, the family members turned their heads and looked directly at Y/N and Peter. Their faces lit up with genuine delight, and they raised their hands in a friendly wave. Y/N and Peter exchanged surprised glances before awkwardly raising their hands to wave back, their cheeks flushing slightly.
The elderly couple shared a knowing smile as they continued to hold hands, and the children's laughter echoed through the museum halls. Y/N and Peter watched as the family eventually moved on, disappearing into another section of the museum.
Y/N finally turned to Peter, her eyes misty with unshed tears. "Did you see that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the ambient noise of the museum.
Peter nodded, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Yeah, I did."
For a moment, the weight of their shared history hung in the air, the unspoken words filling the space between them. It was as if they both felt a profound connection to that future, the one where they might have grandchildren of their own, admiring art and sharing joyful moments just like the family they had observed.
As they resumed their exploration of the museum, Y/N and Peter held onto the fleeting moment of connection, a shared understanding that went beyond their current circumstances. Little did they know, the family they had seen was a glimpse of their own potential future, a reminder of the enduring bond they shared that could withstand even the most unexpected twists of fate.
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cerealboxlore · 1 year
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My Personal Headcanons For What's Inside The Rock Of Eternity
A Lazarus pit waterfall with a nymph made out of it's liquid (just chilling somewhere randomly inside the rock, she sings to Darla sometimes.)
An entire prison disguised as a library that holds magical and ancient prisoners inside of the pages of its books.
An opera house room dedicated to long dead and lost musicians of time who can be heard singing their compositions/songs with their final breaths all throughout. The eternally burning violin gets to be played in there sometimes.
An entire hall of statues dedicated to past and former champions of magic/the wizard's old friends who were slain in battle.
A giant space dedicated to rare, magical, and mystical gems from all across the universe, including Kryptonite (which Billy thought was just a huge emerald)
Fountain of Youth
A door leading to an open green field of wild flowers growing abundantly, like in Howl's Moving Castle.
Little stations throughout the RoE where there's maps created with crayon stating where you are and where to go next.
Random glitter thrown about by Darla (she didn't want to waste good bread to leave a bread trail, so she used glitter).
A communication circle to speak with the gods and patrons that work with the wizard SHAZAM.
An entire room filled to the brim with ancient wines and ambrosia created and gifted by Dionysus (none of the marvel family can go in yet).
A grand central train station with ghost/monster train attendants.
A training room where ghosts and projections of enemies can be conjured to battle against.
An exorcism room right next to it.
A trampoline hall.
A secret set of keys/skeleton key that can be given to anyone the Champion of Magic deems worthy, that allows the user to enter the RoE at any time for any reason. (No one can find the keys/lost them somewhere in the RoE).
I think that's about all I can think of right now! Let me know what y'all think could be inside the Rock of Eternity, I'm really interested in what the nexus of magic has inside! There's so much potential for it and amazing mysteries within it ✨️
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firapolemos05 · 4 months
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No devil hides beneath my bed
Part 1, Part 2
AO3 CW: nsfw (minors dni), whumper pov, past noncon, promise of future noncon, pet whump, captivity, dehumanization, sexual slavery, put on display, intimate whumper, creepy whumper, multiple whumpers, cages, restraints, ring gag, forced arousal, object insertion, overstimulation, auction, noncon touching
Tonight Scarlet hosts the Lanista Society for a special dinner event. The Champion is the coveted prize, and Ivan is honored to have been the cause of it.
Champion taglist: @emmettnet , @ostensiblyfunctional
Ivan is left marveling once again at his superior's immaculate taste.
High Martinet Matar sure knew how to throw a party.
Her guests had been greeted with the finest. A banquet of gourmet Crescentine dishes and exotic delicacies. Fresh fruits and cheeses, tender meats and fish, spiced breads and decadent sweets, aged wines from the mountain vineyards. The finest money and magic could offer.
Their venue is just as grand, perhaps more so due to its creativity. A conjured demiplane Scarlet produced specially for this affair. Ivan finds it rather ingenious.
The woman was no stranger to hosting guests at her manor; he himself had been there only last week. But she limits those meetings to no more than a few people at a time. Fewer bodies are easier to keep track of. With large parties like this, comes the ever present risk of unsavory infiltrators. The Lanista Society held members with many enemies. The uninvited in disguise or potential rivals waiting for the right moment to snoop around. Larger groups made it inconvenient to keep tabs on everyone.
The demiplane removed that risk.
No need to worry about the unwanted loose in your home if you're not bringing them to your home to begin with.
And as a bonus, the spell's design was limited only by the imagination. And a wizard of Scarlet's caliber knew fine decor.
All which was fully on display for tonight's event. It was a special occasion after all.
On one end of the chamber, seated on a raised platform, was an ornate bronze cage. Round and domed at the top like one of those old-fashioned bird cages that didn't allow room for the bird to spread its wings. However this cage was far larger, for its occupant was no bird.
Scarlet found the perfect display for the Society's beloved Champion. An advantageous maneuver given he was the subject of business this evening. If Ivan had thought he looked enticing their first meeting a week ago, Scarlet had expertly ensured that the people present now would be incapable of keeping their eyes off him.
In fact, there was already a crowd forming around the cage.
Knees spread and wrists secured above him, the Champion was giving everyone a show with his trembling body. Years of fighting had toned his muscles, and the shimmering red velvet bands only accentuated them. Scarlet must have gotten the outfit custom tailored, for it turned the tiefling's form into a canvas painted with red. Velvet strips hugging his thighs and shoulders. Flowers of beaded lace climbing from hip to collar to the small of his back. Dangling garnets mimicked the appearance of dripping blood.
Absolutely exquisite.
Scarlet had elected to keep his lower region covered, draping that same black cloth around his waist that he'd worn last time. Ivan could see the sense; what was already being shown was enough of a free sample.
The guests were permitted to touch, at least to the extent they were allowed without having to pay. And the Champion’s body was a buffet getting more attention than the actual food. Fingers traced the soft velvet, then slipped in between to caress exposed skin.
“He has the best reactions if you stroke his tail,” Ivan had informed them, and they were quick to take advantage.
The touches worked well to elicit forced pleasure, though perhaps not as much as some other things.
Scarlet couldn't allow her pet to spend the whole party glaring or growling at guests, so Ivan suggested a means to keep him occupied. Just a couple simple toys, one placed inside him and the other encircling the base of his tail where he was most sensitive. Both hidden from the guests eyes with a specially crafted belt that doubled to prevent the tiefling from making a mess of himself.
From how much he was trembling, struggling to close his legs, face flushed as he moaned around the ring gag strapped around his head, the toys were doing their job. And the guests were very much appreciating the sight. Ivan could see a number of people with their hands under their pants.
He couldn't blame them. They stood before a desperate succubus, beckoning them all with pleading huffs of breath and squirming hips. Ivan himself was imagining how pretty that face would look around his cock.
He would have to wait his turn.
Ting! Ting! Ting!
The rhythmic taps of a wine glass drew the attention of the masses to the head of the table where Scarlet stands.
“Now now, everyone. I know my pet has been an exciting treat for you all, but I do hope you help yourselves to the dessert table.”
There were more than a few bouts of embarrassed laughter. Ivan included, as he too nearly forgot to go fill up his dish.
“I'm pleased to see he has garnered such interest,” she continues. “Just a quick reminder that the bidding period ends in thirty minutes. The current highest offer stands at 2,500 platinum.”
Well, not too bad a price tag for the Champion’s first official patron (Ivan's previous night with him didn't count). And if this went to a formal auction at the end of the party, if there was still an active bidding war, that amount would likely grow.
But already, he'd be returning home tomorrow with a decent payment. In a deal that spoke wonders of her generosity, Scarlet had agreed to save a percentage of the funds for him. None of this would've happened had he not raised the suggestion to her.
Lucrative business indeed. Ivan could recognize many big names at this party. Politicians, industry tycoons, nobility, all those with plentiful riches and power. He wonders if he could convince some of them to assist him in forming a similar operation in Mężnydzik. Or perhaps a connected branch.
Those were thoughts for the future. Right now, he was enjoying the view.
The first moment the cage is clear of onlookers, Ivan walks over and reaches through the bronze bars to lift up the Champion’s head to face him. With how long he'd had his mouth held open, his chin was streaked with drool, but thankfully Ivan had the foresight to wear gloves.
“Just like I said, little devil,” he purrs, gazing into eyes that struggle to focus through the mind clouding sensations. The tiefling whines in protest as Ivan lets his other hand trail up his thigh. “I knew you'd be quite popular.”
There's a moment of clarity to the Champion’s stare. A moment he's able to fight through the tears and the unwanted stimulation and-
Oh. Well isn't that a nasty look.
Reference for the outfit here.
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Making Memories - a.theory
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This is my fic. Please do not repost this (reblogs are good). Do not copy my writing. Do not steal my writing. All rights are reserved for my writing and my original character(s).
WWE Masterlist
(warnings: fireworks, crowd)
(pairing: austin theory x singer!f!reader)
(word count: 1.2k)
WrestleMania had always been a dream for Austin Theory, a pinnacle he aspired to reach since stepping foot into the world of professional wrestling. This year, however, the anticipation was magnified by the presence of someone special: (y/n). Sharing the experience with her elevated the entire event to new heights of significance and emotional resonance.
Discovering that (y/n) had cleared her schedule for the entire week just to accompany him to WrestleMania filled Austin with an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. Despite her hectic tour schedule, she had made the effort to prioritize this momentous occasion in his career, showcasing her unwavering support and love. For Austin, knowing that she was by his side amidst the grandeur of WrestleMania made the experience all the more surreal and unforgettable.
As they entered the arena, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The sprawling venue hummed with activity, bustling with the energy of wrestlers, crew members, and fans alike. For (y/n), attending WrestleMania alongside Austin provided a rare glimpse into the intricate workings behind the scenes of the grand event. As they strolled around the arena, she marveled at the sight of other wrestlers diligently preparing for their matches, each one focused and determined to deliver a memorable performance. Engineers hustled to set up the ring ropes, ensuring everything was meticulously in place for the upcoming battles. The stage crew meticulously tested the lights and screens, their dedication evident in their meticulous attention to detail.
Observing these behind-the-scenes preparations gave (y/n) a newfound appreciation for the dedication and hard work that went into making WrestleMania a spectacle unlike any other. It was a world of controlled chaos, where every element, from the lighting to the pyrotechnics, played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Austin and (y/n) were standing at the top of the quarter-mile-long ramp, looking out at the stadium. As Austin was discreetly signaled by a staff member about the impending fireworks test, a rush of anticipation electrified the air. Sensing the moment’s potential, he turned to (y/n), his heart pounding with excitement. In a spontaneous surge of emotion, he leaned in and kissed her passionately, just as the first burst of fireworks illuminated the sky. The rhythm of the kiss mirrored the rhythm of the fireworks, rising and falling in a symphony of desire.
In that fleeting instant, time seems to stand still, encapsulating them in a bubble of enchantment. The vibrant colors overhead mirror the kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within them: love, joy, and a hint of exhilaration. As the fireworks dance across the canvas of the sky, their embrace becomes a symphony of passion, blending seamlessly with the crackling sounds and dazzling display.
Surrounded by the spectacle, they share a profound connection, lost in the beauty of the moment. Every explosion becomes a punctuation mark in their love story, etching memories that will linger long after the last spark fades. In the backdrop of the dazzling lights, their kiss is not just a gesture but a celebration of their love, an affirmation of the magic that binds them together in that extraordinary moment.
“I’ve always wanted to do that.”
“What?”
“Kiss you under fireworks,” he answered with a smile, “The WrestleMania stage is a bonus, though.”
“Glad I could make your dream come true.”
“Oh, you sure do.”
—-
As the hours ticked by, anticipation mounted, and the energy in the arena reached a fever pitch. Finally, the moment arrived. The roar of the crowd filled the air as the first match of the evening commenced, signaling the official start of WrestleMania. For Austin, stepping into the ring on the grandest stage of them all was another dream realized—a climax of years of relentless training, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
As the night wore on, Austin’s match drew nearer, and (y/n)’s excitement reached a crescendo. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the culmination of months of hard work and anticipation. As Austin made his way to the ring, (y/n) could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her hands trembling with nervous energy.
As (y/n) watched from behind where Samantha Irvin sat, her heart swelled with pride and admiration for Austin. She could see the fire in his eyes, the sheer passion and determination radiating from every move he made in the ring. His athleticism, his charisma, his sheer presence in the ring—it was a sight to behold. Each slam and maneuver was executed with precision and expertise, a testament to his skill and dedication as a wrestler.
But more than just the action in the ring, it was the emotions that coursed through the arena that left a lasting impression on (y/n). The cheers of the crowd, the gasps of disbelief, the palpable tension that hung in the air—all of it contributed to the electric atmosphere of WrestleMania. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, with every twist and turn leaving her on the edge of her seat, fully immersed in the spectacle unfolding before her eyes.
For (y/n), watching Austin shine on the grandest stage of them all was a moment she would never forget. It was a testament to his talent and his tenacity, a reminder of why she fell in love with him in the first place. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the match, (y/n) couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride wash over her.
Her heart skipped a beat and a blush rose to her cheeks when he pointed at her from his spot on the ropes. The title belt she felt pressed against her earlier when they kissed on the stage was around his waist once again. Bathed in the glow of the lights, (y/n) couldn’t help but think that Austin was shining just as brightly, if not brighter.
As the night drew to a close and the crowd began to disperse, (y/n) found herself reflecting on the events of the evening. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the nerves and excitement of Austin’s match to the sheer joy of being surrounded by fellow wrestling fans. But above all else, it was a night she would cherish forever—a night filled with love, laughter, and the electrifying energy of WrestleMania.
—-
(y/n) bid Samantha farewell before following her security to the backstage area. She was filled with a rush of emotions, eager to express the overflowing joy and gratitude in her heart. Driven by an undeniable force, she hurries toward Austin, feeling as if she’s floating on air as she quickly closes the gap between them.
As she reaches him, she throws her arms around him in a tight embrace, her warmth enveloping him completely. The moment feels like a rush of all the emotions they’ve shared throughout the evening – the smiles, the stolen glances, and the magic of the fireworks.
In that embrace, time seems to slow down, allowing them to savor the connection they share. Austin’s arms wrap around her, holding her close as if he never wants to let go. It’s a moment of pure bliss, where words are unnecessary, and the silence speaks volumes.
As they hold each other tightly, the world around them fades into the background, leaving only the two of them suspended in their own little bubble of happiness. In that fleeting moment, (y/n) knows that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be – in Austin’s arms, surrounded by love and warmth, as they bask in the afterglow of a magical night.
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windsweptinred · 10 months
Text
Metamorphosis Part 6
(J'ai fini!!! The last chapter is completed! 🎉But as its turned into such a lengthy beast it has been split into a two parts. So, you have part 6 here and keep an eye out for part 7 hot on its tail tomorrow!)
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Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5
Night swept to a halt as he stepped through the doorway, taking in the scene before him. The dim light from the hearth gave the room a soft, homely feel. Casting everything within with a welcoming golden tint, stealing away all the sharp edges. A grand table had been set for eight, though no one had taken a seat. Instead, the occupants of the room stood about the fireside. To the right of it, the imposing figure of his eldest brother Destiny stood, his intense focus fixed upon his little brother.  Night felt an instant urge to bow his head in contrition, for some misdemeanour he was sure he had committed unknowingly. Swinging from his brother's long sleeves, Delirium cavorted giddily. She threw her head back as she noticed his arrival, gracing him with an upside down beam that he returned with a faint, grateful smile. To the left, Desire and Despair stood in their usual conspiratorial huddle, their faces giving nothing away as they took in Night's appearance. 
Night cast his eyes about the room searchingly, willing one more to emerge from the shadows. He had hoped … He closed his eyes and reached, into himself, into the vast, dark emptiness that fed destruction. Felt himself coiled around the bountiful potential of creation that was Time. Forever twining together in the essence of….There. He held out a hand in invitation, and felt it pushed back towards himself, with an answer, equal parts love and reluctance. Not yet, not yet. 
Death brushed past him, entering with no indecision, all wide smiles and warm greetings. Turning to him expectantly to follow. He took them all in, his siblings, his family. 
As Dream, they were like paints on a great canvas to him. All of them distinct with their own purpose, yet blending together to form the greater picture. Now, he was the canvas. A part of all of them, and they, a part of him.  He was the ink that formed each word of Destiny. The darkness behind the eyes at Death. The unlife waiting in each act of Destruction. The black nothingness into which Delirium espaced. And oh, the unending vastness of Desire, the unknowable depths of Despair. 
He looked to Dream, who stood behind him, peering over his shoulder curiously, still somewhat hesitant to leave the security of the hallway. Dream. He saw it now so clearly. Did all not look to the Night with awe and wonder? Dred and madness. Was he not the incomprehensible thing they prized and marvelled at. And what were dreams, what were nightmares but a petite, lovingly crafted copy of that? He would always follow in his footsteps, a few steps behind. 
Night prayed one day his Time would find him… And that they will be kind and good and patient. But not for a good while… He was but a New Moon. And had many phases ahead of him. 
He felt a hand at the small of his back push him lightly, sending him stumbling forward. Recovering his step with speed, he swept into the room in what he hoped was a dignified entrance. Turning with a ready rebuke on his lips, only to have his annoyance melt away at the sight of Time, his hand holding Dream's, leading the young man into the room, whispering clandestinely. "OK, here's the plan. You hold my hand, I'll hold yours. And if it all goes tits up…We run at them screaming. Show them were not the least bit scared out of our wits. We've got this!" 
The overwhelming urge to take both into his arms, propriety be damned, was dampened only by that space being filled by an explosive mass of colour. Delirium bound up to him, throwing her arms about his neck and hoisting herself up. Leaving Night to frantically grasp her hips in steady hold as she wrapped both legs tightly around his waist. She beamed ecstatically at him, her neon fish, swimming about his billowing locks with intrigue. 
Taking his head in her hands, she kissed him with a dramatic smack upon the brow
Before laughing riotously. "Hullo brother mother!" 
Night shifted his weight to set her more securely upon his hips. "Delirium." He acknowledged. Giving a slight smile as she latched onto his hair, gazing intently at the stars that glistened about it. "And I am still just your brother Del. That has not changed." 
Delirium swung back in his grip, giggling hysterically as if he had said something incredibly funny or foolish. Perhaps both.
It was then her gaze landed on Time. With a squeal, she leapt free of Night's embrace, skipping up to lean into Time's face on tiptoes. 
"Hello new Father!"
Time laughed good naturedly, seemingly unperturbed but her complete disregard for his personal space. "You can just call me Time, Delirium. Or Hob if you wish."
Delirium bounced on her toes, "OK Father Hob," she replied, before grasping at his shirt and tugging urgently. "I would like a crown of anemones." 
To his credit, any perplexion Time may have felt at that statement did not show on his face. He merely gave her an affable smile, leaning in closer to her, as if the confusion over her request was purely down to his mishearing." Sorry, beg pardon?"
Delirium cocked her head to the side, mismatched eyes fixed on his intently. For a brief moment, stark lucidity flooded her gaze and she clutched at his wrist possessively. Before it was gone, and she twirled on her feet. 
"Fathers are meant to spoil their little girls. The caterpillars tell me so. Old Father did not..But you do not shoo me away like he did. And I am the littlest of the girls. So I would like a crown of anemones." She flapped her arms towards her fish, still cavorting around Night's head." For my fishes."
Time's eyes softened and he placed a hand atop of her head, his hair flaring the exact shade of brilliant scarlet as hers. "I'll see what I can do." He promised sincerely and  she clapped her hands together eagerly. 
Finally, with a mischievous grin, she peaked abruptly around Time. And, with a sound of delighted triumph pointed at Dream, as if she had happened upon him in a game of hide and seek. Grabbing his hand, she hauled him forward with excitement, looking towards the others with glee. 
"Look, look! … A new baby brother! All soft like happy clouds." 
Dream looked back longingly to the safety of his hiding spot behind Night and Time, before looking shyly to the crowd of eyes before him. Mustering a small wobbly smile, he bowed his head in greeting. 
"Hello my siblings." 
Desire gave a tut, before sauntering forward with an entertained smirk. Night felt himself instinctively tense as they prowled towards Dream, only to watch as they idly tickled the young man on the nose, as one might a kitten. "Well, aren't you just a little bowl of peaches and cream?" 
Despair paid no heed to their new brother, instead scowling at Delirium. "That's not how it works Delirium, you know that it! Dream stands third of seven always." 
Delirium gave a sulky pout in reply, swinging  around to Night and Time once more with a dramatic stomp of foot. "Then can I have a new, littler boy sibling?" She asked with a beseeching expression. "So I can still be new father's apple eyes. I am tired of being the youngest!"
A rosey nebula flared across Night's face as he blinked owlishly at her request. Beside him, he heard Time give a choked cough. Hair and skin morphing rapidly as he anxiously sought a response. The fire in the hearth gave a spluttered crackle, seemingly in sympathy with their plight. 
"Delirium, enough." Destiny commanded, and the room fell into obedient silence. Walking towards Dream, he placed a hand atop of his white curls, declaring in a solem, yet soft tone, "Dream of the Endless, you are most welcome."
He gestured with his free hand towards the table, ladened with food and drink. "Come my siblings, let us be seated, " he directed. Making his way to his usual chair at the head of the table, pulling it out ceremoniously and looking at Time expectantly. 
Time lifted his hands in a gesture of surrender, shaking his head decisively. "Ah, no mate." Making his way instead to the foot of the table. Pulling out the chair and flopping down into it with determination. "You took the helm of this family long ago and have steered them true. I'm good here." He patted the table in front of him as if to reinforce his words. 
Delirium skipped gaily to sit at his right. Legs swinging merrily. Mismatched gaze staring adoringly at her obvious new favourite. 
Destiny turned to Night, a slight flicker of doubt creasing his brow. He motioned to the chair once more, inviting him to sit. 
Night shook his head assuredly. "My husband speaks truly, that chair is yours, my brother." He walked to Destiny, placing a hand lightly upon his brother's wrist, careful to avoid the cold manacle that hung there mercilessly. Frowning at it with distaste, he looked into Destiny's all seeing, blind eyes. "I have no wish to be set above you. Nor be denied your unwavering guardianship of me, big brother. Please, sit."
With one last hesitant pause, Destiny did as he was bid. Night followed suit, slinking elegantly into the seat to his brother's left. As he settled his hands upon the table, he felt his Destiny lay one of his own subtlety atop of it, squeeze gently, then remove it. Neither acknowledged the other, but out of sight of their siblings' gaze, Night moved his foot. Settling it against the side of his brother's in a reserved yet intimate act of affection. 
Death sat to Destiny's right, smiling proudly at her brothers. Placing one hand upon Destiny's forearm, and reaching one out to Night, she squeezed both fondly, a slight, wet sheen present in her eyes. 
Time thumped the spot to his left, looking to Dream expectantly. "Dream lad, come keep me company!" The young man practically fled to his side with obvious relief.
Two empty chairs remained, one between Dream and Death. The other, between Delirium and Night. A thick silence settled over the room as all tried valiantly not to stare between Night and Desire with foreboding expectation. 
Despair stayed loyally at her twin's side. One hand fiddling nervously with the hem of her jumper. The other latched supportively to Desire's sleeve. Desire moved not a muscle, eyes fixed upon the floor, silent as the grave, expression blank. 
Night closed his eyes apprehensively. A great weariness coursed through him, as he let out a great sigh that drew all eyes his way. He twisted in his seat and looked to the twins with a strained but warm smile painted across his face. 
"Despair." He said in a encouraging tone. "If you please, be seated by your brother, Dream." Despair sent her twin one last consoling glance, before moving obediently to sit between Dream and Death. 
Looking now to Desire, Night mustered more conviction into his smile and voice. Patting the chair next to him as if tempting a distrustful stray to his side. "Desire. Would you come sit beside me?"
Desire did not move, nor acknowledge he had spoken at all. Night pulled the empty chair out further, encouragingly. "Desire… please!" 
Desire's shoulder gave a slight shift, nose and mouth twitching a fraction in irritation. Then relented, moving haltingly towards Night, sliding with obvious reluctance down next to him. In a final show of childish contempt, they shifted the chair away, settling it closer to Delirium. 
Further down the table, Night saw Dream gazing skittishly between them, open concern on his face. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, before offering quietly, "I will sit with Night sibling, if you would be more comfortable in my place."
Desire looked, consideringly at Dream
Glancing to his left at their twin, then to his right, where Time sat, a look of clear disapproval maring his otherwise pleasant features. They looked briefly to their lap, before settling determinedly into their chair, adopting a laissez-faire demeanour, running their gaze idly across their perfectly manicured nails. "I am most... Satisfied here, sweet little Dream." They said languidly, before quirking their lip slightly, adding a quiet, yet sincere "Thank you." 
Night looked expectantly at Desire, who resolutely refused to meet his gaze and felt overwhelmingly tired. Tired of their antics, tired of their bickering. Tired of their conflict. He had not thought all magically healed between them. But had hoped, with their words and actions in his moment of peril, that they had  reached some kind of peaceful accord. 
Furrowing his brows in vexation, he let out a drawn, exhausted exhale. "Desire, I admit to being somewhat confused. Your actions led me to believe you did not wish to see my demise." His eyelids drooped. "Or… was I mistaken?" 
Desire fixed their eyes squarely at the empty plate in front of them, giving a non committed shrug. Beneath the table however, Night felt their legs jig in an uneasy jitter. Finally, after a loaded pause, they incinded their head towards him slightly, eyes downcast. 
"I never wished you dead big brother. Not truly. I meant what I said."
Night looked at them, perplexed. "Then what is it that troubles you so? You have never been lost for words with me before. Even if only to goad and mock me. " He caught Desire's golden eyes lingering on a flowing flare of galaxies at his wrist. Before they set their gaze back upon the table. 
"Is it who I am now? What I am?" He questioned awkwardly. 
He watched Desire's throat bob, a look of deep unease forming on their face. Across the table, Despair reached for them, petting their fingertips lightly as Desire gnawed at their painted lip. Night reached out also, placing a tentative hand upon their siblings' chair as near to them as he thought would be permitted. Deeply uneasy at their obvious distress. 
Desire flicked their eyes to him, once, twice. Before squaring their shoulders and letting out with a great breath. "You can draw my blood now without consequence." 
Night reared back, aghast. Across the table he heard Death let out an alarmed gasp. Immediately reaching her hand out to grasp at Desire's wrist in an immediate gesture of reassurance. "Desire, no, no! How could you think that?"
Night starred in abject horror at his little sibling. Finally finding his voice he asked in a despondent tone "You really think…?" 
Desire shrugged once more, pulling from their sisters' touch, curling in on themselves. "I have seen you dole out retribution with ease, many times. When you believed it was deserved" . 
Night ran a hand frantically through his hair. Unable to outright deny their words. He heard the harsh scrape of a chair legs against the floor and looked to see Time making to rise, concern radiating from him. He lifted his hand to halt him, though much of him wished for his husband's comfort. Let them have this out here and now. It had been a long time coming. 
"And you believe yourself deserving?" He enquired flatly. 
Desire shrugged again, answering equally flatly. "I'm not sorry." 
Night smirked ruefully at that, looking to Desire, though they still refused to meet his gaze. "No matter their cruelty, your actions have brought me here. I would suffer the heartbreak, the degradation over tenfold, for the joy they ensured. You must never regret their occurrence, I forbid it!"  Night felt the familiar sting of tears at his eyes and blinked in a futile attempt to ward them off." But perhaps someday, I hope you may feel remorse at the pain they caused me. As I do for all I have hurt with my tempestuous nature. As I do for any pain I may have inflicted, knowingly or not on you, little sibling."
Desire turned fully to him in shock. Their eyes met, and Night remembered the joy and love he had once felt at the sight of those eyes. Youthful eyes that looked upon him, as though he was the most important being in the creation to them. Eyes that thought him their omniverse. Where had it all gone so wrong? He thought of Killala, and of sweet, naive, first loves. Had that truly been enough to destroy their bond? 
"Oh Desire, how did we come to this?" 
Desire gave no response, could give no response. And Night pondered on the futility of it all. Mind wandering to once great and shining Lucifer. And how pride truly was the ruin of all. He chided himself on his foolishness, on their shared fragile ego. Mother had been right all along, he supposed. He and Desire were too alike. 
He huffed at that, leaning against his sibling, staying when he felt no resistance. 
"I had all but given up that day. But I suppose you know that. Yet you spurred me to fight, begged me to fight. To desire life. You were there, when I was at my lowest." He looked to Desire, and gave a small, sad smile.. "You always have been, in your own manner, have you not?" 
Desire turned to him, somewhat cautious, somewhat hopeful. He reached and took their hand in his. Feeling them tremble in his touch.
"You told me to desire life, to desire to be loved as I loved. And here I am, heart brimming with it. Can you not feel it?" Night put their palm to his breast, holding it steady, rejoicing in the accepting touch. Without, he saw Desire's eyes glow with ravenous fascination, as they leaned to him, basking in the feel of themselves permeating his core. Within, he felt himself, the great seductive darkness that coursed through Desire and Despair. Oh, the twins had much of Night within them, dark and cold yet so alluring, so easy to lose oneself to. His ruinous darlings. 
"It is true I have been fortunate. But I offer thanks for that, not to the Fates" He whispered reverently. "But to you, to Despair. Who offered a brother facing the gallows comfort and will to defy."
Desire rested their forehead gently against his. And for a time, both sat and savoured the closeness. Gazing at each other with slight smiles and bright eyes. Before Desire gave a wet laugh," I am not calling you mother!"
Night let out an incredulous chucke, pulling away with a look of mortification. "I should sincerely hope not!" 
Desire, seeming to regain awareness of their audience, gave an aggrieved huff. Dabbing demurely at their eyes in an obvious effort to cover their embarrassment. "Dammit you're ruining my eyeliner. You idiot!"
Night heard Death give a soft chuckle, while Delirium let out a manic giggle. A quiet snicker from across the table brought his attention to Despair, hook dangling loosely from her fingers, looking at her twin with visible relief. He smiled slightly to himself at the rare sight of her, unperturbed and serene. "Despair."
She snapped her attention to him, apprehension flooding back to her face, her posture tightening. He graced her with a kind look, saddened to have spoiled her peace. "You have a brother now, who walks a path only you have previously travelled. I know I can rely on you to guide his way with wisdom." 
Despair turned from him to Dream, who had sat watching them in quiet contemplation. But perked immediately at the mention of his name and gave Despair a sweet, hopeful look, fiddling self consciously with his sleeves." I would greatly appreciate any guidance you may give me, my sister." He said softly. 
Despair gazed consideringly at Dream, before nodding sagely. Turning to Night, she looked at him with an intense, unwavering stare. "I promise big brother."
Dream smiled delightedly, before leaning into his sister's side with affection. Despair started, looking at him with complete mystification. Yet slowly, her posture relaxed and she reached out, lightly running her hook through Dream's white curls. Beside them, Time sat, watching them adoringly, sending Night a look of such utter pride and devotion, Night felt himself fluster, looking away with what he knew was a completely ridiculous smile on his face. 
At the head of the table Destiny rose and all eyes turned to him attentively. 
"My family." He said with gravity. "We meet here in kinship to share wine and break bread together. To mourn those we have lost, to acknowledge those who are absent and to welcome those we have gained. We welcome Father Time, long missing from this table. We welcome Mother Night, who's chair has ever sat empty. And we welcome brother Dream, who meets us anew. Endless, take pride in each other this night, for this eve we start a new page together."
Eight glasses raised unified, to toast his words.
………………..
Sunet drew across the skies of the Dreaming that evening with magnificent grandeur. As the denizens of Night, unfurled his colours and heralded the arrival of their new monarch's first twilight. 
From the balcony of his once private chambers, Night watched as Dream bid farewell to his siblings below, parting from each with a sweet smile and affectionate touch. Time stood stalwart by his side, genial and warm as he wished each goodbye in turn with a fond embrace. Leaving the likes of Destiny and Despair bewildered in his wake. As each departed, they raised their hands in silent adieu to Night. He returned the gesture in kind, whispering a quiet vow to each as they blinked from view. 
"I will make existence kinder for you. I swear it!"
As Death, last to leave, blew him a tender kiss in parting, a breeze of dying heat and cool night air brushed against his skin.  A wave of nostalgia fell over him at its touch. Memories of all being new and full of wonder. Of playfully capering around his older brother and sister. Of Mother and Father, more engrossed in each other then their small brood. Of being ever under the ever watchful eyes of… 
 "Dusk, I have been expecting you." 
Beside him, from a rich plume of vivid, sunfire reds and deep midnight blues, a woman manifested. Dark and enchanting with an elegant bearing. He nodded regally in greeting.
Dusk bowed her head courteously. "Greetings little Master. The celestial bodies rejoice at your ascension and eagerly wish to pay homage to their new Lord. We await your command on this, your first eve." 
Night sighed deeply, leaning against the rails before him in an evident show of fatigue." Tonight bid them fulfil their duties
 I am weary and have no strength to play court." 
Dusk bowed her head once again in acknowledgement." We shall fulfil your request with pleasure, little Master. Is there any other way I may be of service to you?"
Night looked to Time below, feeling the magnitude of all that had occurred the preceding days, finally pressing down upon him. Oh how he wished to shut himself away with his husband and rest. Before they must face the next sunrise and everything it brought with it. He shook his head and gave a dismissive wave of his fingers. "That is all Dusk, you may leave and to return.." 
"With respect, little Master, I am the handmaiden and herald of Night." Dusk interrupted, with a polite yet assertive tone. Night was reminded, despite his aeons, just how young he must look to her. He glanced at Dream. We little boy kings indeed. "Where you go, I must precede." She continued. "Just as my twin sister must obediently follow in your wake." 
Night thought of himself, under constant supervision once more, even that of considerate Dusk and compassionate Dawn, and felt something within him twist nauseatingly. No, that would not do. 
"Your consistent presence at my mother's side was a comfort to her Dusk." He stated firmly. "But I have no such need to be chaperoned and coddled."
Dusk barely hid her disagreement at his words. Her look, one that an adult might grant an argumentative, impetuous child. Night was sure, that was exactly how she viewed him. Oh, somewhere the Fates were laughing at him. 
"Be that as it may little Master," She relented, with a placating indulgence that made Night's irritation flare. " My place is by your side. Perhaps, until you are settled, I may attend you in a form more to your…Personal preferences?" She sniffed, "But I am no fanciful raven." 
With that, her feminine form dispersed and in a waft of evening mists, a great owl emerged. Feathers a mass of dark, rich browns, deep, aged golds and warm blacks, which held within them the iridescent glow of the dusk skies. When she spread her vast wings, the beauty of twilight illuminated from them. Her eyes, the burning copper glow of the setting sun. She landed with easy grace upon his shoulder, mighty talons gripping gently either side of his slim shoulder. Her height significantly surpassed his head. She began at once fussing at his hair. Not in an act of comfort, he knew. But to tame it to some exacting standard known only to herself. 
Night nodded his consent. He would never admit it, but the familiar weight upon his shoulder instantly eased a tenseness he had bore, ever since he had handed Matthew into Dream's care. 
Looking towards the skies, he brushed  absentmindedly at her feathers, relishing the warmth they left upon his fingers.
"Dusk, how was mother…" He trailed off, unsure if he truly wished for the knowledge he sought. 
A period of silence followed as Dusk looked to her talons in contemplation, before she spoke carefully. "She was with your Lord father at the end. I believe that brought her some comfort." Night appreciated her diplomatic turn of phrase, even if he could easily read around it.  He drooped further onto the ornate railing, exhaustion creeping its way slowly through his body, leaving his limbs heavy and numb. "You will miss her." He stated. 
Dusk cocked her head, "One must not mourn the dying star. They have had their time to burn brightly." She moved closer to his head, carefully aware of the sharp clutch of her claws. Gently she rested her beak against his cheek, nibbling supportively at his skin. "You are my priority now little Master, do not concern yourself with such thoughts."
Giving him one last nip to his ear, Dusk studied him. "You look most weary little Master. The role you inherited is an immeasurable one. Does the burden weigh heavily upon you?" 
Night studied the skies, his new subjects, his new kingdom, and pondered. A great burden? To be Dew Masker, Night Bringer, Sleeps Joy, Fair Lightless, Accursed Unlight. 
"I do not find it a burden Dusk, it is merely different. Like looking at the same view from a new perspective. So all is just as it was before, but the image you see is entirely new."
He watched as below them, Time and Dream made their way back towards the castle, disappearing from view.
"Before I saw the wonder of it all. I could look upon a star, a human, a flower.. And see such beauty in it. Not for itself, but in how it aspired, how it feared, how it dreamt. I wove about their hearts and minds, was there in each thought, was every imagining, every fantasy. They reached upwards begging for escape and I was the hand they sought. I was being of legendary fortune or epic tragedy, and that was all I could see in them, in myself."
He closed his eyes, pleasure awash about his face." But now, I feel them, held within my embrace, within my very essence. Every writhing atom of them. Each one a tiny tapestry of myself and Time, woven by great hands. And oh, we ebb and flow within them, always dancing. An eternal dance. And it is beautiful."
Dusk puffed her breast out with pride at his words." Very good little Master, you shall be a fine Night indeed." She said with absolute conviction. 
Night felt a swell of elation at her words and ran a thumb over her head in silent thanks, before straightening. "Come, let us say our farewells to Dream." 
He walked one last time, through the place that had served as his innermost sanctuary. Stroking his fingers tenderly across the ebony furnishings. From the many wondrous trinkets amassed and placed about it with care, he selected but one item. A small, intricate blanket of raven feathers, which he clutched reverently to his chest. 
He reached the doorway, stopping and  resting his head against the frame. Bidding goodbye to the walls, the halls. Every book of the vast library. Everything from foundation to turret, before pulling away with reluctance and making his way down the fluctuating galleries of the castle. Unbeknownst to him, a tear dropped delicately from his eye, trailing down his face, swept away with a subtle shift of Dusk's wing. 
"Everything has been made ready for your arrival." Dusk assured. "Ofcourse you must make as many changes as you wish to make it your own."
"We do not retire to my parents' realms Dusk. My husband wishes to return to the place of his birth to rest. And I wish to be by his side."
Dusk's plumage bristled in agitation. "We journey to Terra, little Master?" 
Night raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Is that a hint of disapproval I hear Dusk?" 
"Of course not, little Master." She replied with civility. Adjusting her grip on his shoulder. "I simply find Lady Gaia's manner rough-hewn. She has a plain speaking tongue, a crude humour and is too wild in her ways. She also shows little to no respect for her betters." 
Night tittered, stroking her wings in appeasement. "Oh Dusk, you shall adore the new Lord Time." 
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clarinartiste · 2 months
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Character analysis: the gargoyles as a reflection of Quasimodo
[This is based on the interpretation that the gargoyles are Quasimodo’s imaginary friends, and that their traits can give us some insight into Quasimodo and his own mind and personality]
Part 1 - Victor
Victor is the first of the gargoyles and the most sensitive of the three. Right from the beginning, he shows an awareness for Quasimodo’s feelings, immediately noticing that his attitude is despondent. He alerts Hugo to this too, and they both discuss what might be troubling their friend.
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In our first real introduction to Quasimodo, we see him taking care of a baby bird and encouraging it to fly. Right away, we get a sense of his gentleness and how receptive he is to the needs of others. Quasi has a wonderful capacity for compassion, and I think that Victor’s sensitivity and emotional alertness is a reflection of this part of Quasimodo. Quasimodo is so inherently selfless that he takes care of others with no expectation of reciprocity—he genuinely just wants to help.
There’s something especially heartbreaking about the gentle and caring way that Quasimodo treats the bird, when he himself has never known that kind of love. Like, he’s giving to others what he wishes he had. This is further emphasized when Laverne echoes his own words to the baby bird, “No one wants to stay cooped up here forever.”
I also believe that Victor is representative of Quasimodo’s strong desire to know more about other people, their lives, their traditions, and their culture. When encouraging Quasimodo to go the Feast of Fools, he suggests “you could learn to identify various regional cheeses!” and “study indigenous folk music.” He places emphasis on the learning value of joining the festival, saying, “It would be a veritable potpourri of educational experience.” (side note: I love the pope pun here haha, combined with the little wooden figure)
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In “A Guy Like You,” he has strong ties to cultural icons like the statue of David (at least, I think that’s what the animators are parodying here) and he wears a bow tie as he plays the grand piano by candlelight as Laverne sings.
Interpreting Victor as an imaginary friend, reflecting the traits of Quasimodo’s mind, it feels natural that Quasi also appreciates art and music. He loves human expression. He wants to connect with other people and understand how their minds work, how they explore their feelings and beliefs through their creations.
(also, on the part with the statue, I want to point out Victor timidly peeking after he covers the statue’s member. In some ways, I feel like this is a parallel of Quasimodo’s own bashful nature)
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(also, in “A Guy Like You,” when Hugo says “You’ve got a look, that’s all your own, kid,” he does a picture-frame gesture towards Quasimodo with his hands/hooves, and Quasimodo draws back slightly and raises up his own hand in a gentle protest, again showing his shyness and reluctance to draw attention to himself)
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Anyway, back to the point about appreciating art and culture—we see Quasimodo expressing his own artistry, creativity, and self-expression through his wooden figurines. Constructing these figures and imagining himself among the people really demonstrates his potential for empathy and his desire for connection. With his figurines, he lives vicariously through this miniature model of the city, desperately seeking out that kind of companionship and longing to join the Parisians.
In “Out There,” he wistfully sings, “All my life I memorize their faces / Knowing them as they will never know me” and he expresses a powerful desire to connect with them. He is deeply interested in their lives, their interests, and their personalities, saying how he is “Hungry for the histories they show me” and taking a curious, compassionate interest in them.
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Quasimodo has a wonderful capacity for creation. When he shows Esmeralda around the bell tower, she marvels at the decoration and asks, “Did you make all these things yourself?” and Quasi softly replies, “Most of them.” He’s very humble in his response, and he hides behind a pillar as he says this line, again not wanting to draw attention to himself. Even around Esmeralda, the person who, at this point, has shown him the most kindness out of anyone, he feels really self-conscious and he is reluctant to step out into view.
Part of it might be his crush on Esmeralda and the ensuing nervousness, but I definitely think that he is also acting this way because of how Frollo raised him, constantly repeating the idea that he is a “monster” and really damaging his self-esteem. He only runs out from behind the pillar in a flustered panic when Esmeralda pulls the cover off of his unfinished wooden figures. But as he gets more comfortable around her, he introduces her to the bells and leads the way.
He cares deeply for Esmeralda—his feelings for her are compassionate and pure. This makes it all the more stressful for him when he fears she might be in danger, especially while seeing Paris burn and not knowing her whereabouts.
As the gargoyles look out, Victor frets, “I’m beginning to fear the worst” and he tries his best to be “stone-faced” when Quasimodo walks in, not wanting to upset him any further. He’s also the first to crack under pressure and and burst into a very emotional, tearful display when Quasimodo asks, “Is there any sign of her?”
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Although Quasimodo is not crying in this scene, I feel like Victor is a representation of his most extreme inner feelings at the moment—catastrophizing the situation and harboring fears for Esmeralda. He genuinely just cares about her that much, and he knows that he would be devastated if anything bad happened to her.
Quasimodo shows himself to be a deeply emotional person, and cries the most out of any character in the film—crying with joy when he is crowned the King of Fools, crying with sorrow and humiliation when the crowd tortures him, crying with heartbreak when he sees Esmeralda and Phoebus kiss, and crying with grief when he believes that Esmeralda is dead. He feels with his entire heart, loving fiercely and experiencing the world with very powerful emotions. And I think that’s a really beautiful quality about him. His sensitivity is part of what makes him so strong. And his empathy for other people is the emotional core of “Out There,” his desire to live among society and know them, to find community.
Seeking companionship and love, he makes up the gargoyles as imaginary friends in his mind. By extension, he imbues them with some of his own personality traits. Victor as an imaginary friend reflects Quasimodo’s sensitivity, artistry, shyness, empathy, and emotional nature :)
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faintingheroine · 1 year
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Heathcliff Was Never Cathy’s Brother or Her Possible Brother In The Eyes of Society But a Friend and Later a Possible Romantic Partner
“Cathy sat up late, having a world of things to order for the reception of her new friends: she came into the kitchen once to speak to her old one;”
Here Heathcliff is equated with Edgar and Isabella as Cathy’s friend.
“An unfeeling child,” I thought to myself; “how lightly she dismisses her old playmate’s troubles”.
A playmate
“I did not marvel how Catherine Earnshaw could forget her first friend for such an individual. I marvelled much how he, with a mind to correspond with his person, could fancy my idea of Catherine Earnshaw”.
Equations continue
“I’ve no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn’t have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now;”
Cathy herself thinks of marrying Heathcliff and dismissed it because of money and social class
“I want to cheat my uncomfortable conscience, and be convinced that Heathcliff has no notion of these things. He has not, has he? He does not know what being in love is!”
“I see no reason that he should not know, as well as you,” I returned; “and if you are his choice, he’ll be the most unfortunate creature that ever was born! As soon as you become Mrs. Linton, he loses friend, and love, and all!”
Nelly thinks it is nothing unnatural for Cathy to be Heathcliff’s choice to fall in love with. It is a perfectly natural thought for both of them.
““She’s ill,” said Hindley, taking her wrist; “I suppose that’s the reason she would not go to bed. Damn it! I don’t want to be troubled with more sickness here. What took you into the rain?”
“Running after t’ lads, as usuald!” croaked Joseph, catching an opportunity from our hesitation to thrust in his evil tongue. “If I war yah, maister, I’d just slam t’ boards i’ their faces all on ’em, gentle and simple! Never a day ut yah’re off, but yon cat o’ Linton comes sneaking hither; and Miss Nelly, shoo’s a fine lass! shoo sits watching for ye i’ t’ kitchen; and as yah’re in at one door, he’s out at t’other; and, then, wer grand lady goes a-courting of her side! It’s bonny behaviour, lurking amang t’ fields, after twelve o’ t’ night, wi’ that fahl, flaysome divil of a gipsy, Heathcliff! They think I’m blind; but I’m noan: nowt ut t’ soart!—I seed young Linton boath coming and going, and I seed yah” (directing his discourse to me), “yah gooid fur nowt, slattenly witch! nip up and bolt into th’ house, t’ minute yah heard t’ maister’s horse-fit clatter up t’ road.””
In this underrated passage, Joseph complains to Hindley that Cathy is hanging out with boys. Boys being both Heathcliff and Edgar.
Everyone (including Heathcliff and Cathy themselves) sees Heathcliff as a potential partner for Catherine.
They always call him her “friend” never her brother.
The only instance of it is Edgar scolding her to not greet “a runaway servant as a brother”.
Other than that reference, no one, no one sees Heathcliff as Cathy’s brother.
So can this myth of “everyone suspecting that Heathcliff is Earnshaw’s bastard son or everyone including Cathy herself finding their relationship transgressive because it is incestuous” finally die?
It is not a Thing in the text.
This is a story of two people who couldn’t be together because of class and to a lesser extent race. You can see pseudo-incest into it if you want to, but characters don’t. They are not siblings.
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im-a-wonderling · 1 year
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Love & Hate, Part VI ~ Paul Lahote
I finished with my organic chemistry final today, so to celebrate, here’s part 6 of Love & Hate!
Summary: Sick of his life being dictated by the wolf inside, Paul Lahote is determined to keep one choice for himself and never imprint on anyone. But the wolf has different ideas. 
Warnings: uhhh chronic pain?
Word count: 6.5k
Love & Hate Masterlist
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“That’s your grand idea?” Paul asked, disbelief coloring every word like a rainbow. “Run?”
Instead of laughing or saying ‘just kidding’, Jacob folded his arms, looking defensive. “Look, you know how powerful the wolf is. Nothing manmade is going to be able to contain it, so your best bet is distance, yeah?” Jacob waited until Paul nodded before continuing. “Now, we can run faster than a car, and if you tried to book a flight now, it would be expensive and potentially disastrous if the wolf gains control while you’re in the air.”
Paul shuddered, getting a sudden image of the wolf forcing him to jump out of the emergency hatch of a commercial airliner with a parachute, screaming Y/N’s name on the way down. “So…what, I just run as fast as I can for two days?”
Jacob bobbed his head. “Until the wolf gains control and makes you turn around. And by that time, you’ll have expended so much energy that the wolf would be starting on an already low tank.” 
Jacob’s idea had merit, Paul had to admit, but there was one big problem. 
“What about you-know-who? Who’s going to look after her during this trip?”
“The pack will,” Jacob said, like it was obvious. “C’mon, she’s just one person, and we’ve got a pack of ten.”
Paul snorted and pushed off from leaning against the counter. “She’s far more difficult than you’re giving her credit for.” 
His friend suddenly averted his gaze, staring at the coffee pot on the counter. Paul rolled his eyes. Werewolves tended to wear their hearts on their sleeves, and Jacob was not an exception. He was clearly hiding something. 
Paul crossed his arms. “Spit it out.”
“What?” Jacob asked, the defensive expression cutting into his attempt at innocence. 
“Say whatever it is that’s making you look like you swallowed a gumball,” Paul said, voice sharp with annoyance. 
Jacob winced. “Don’t worry about leaving her,” he said instead of answering Paul’s question. “We’ll figure it out.”
Paul wasn’t worried, but Jacob’s attempt to hide something made him nervous. “Why shouldn’t I worry?” 
“We’ll tighten up the patrols, and we’ll be fine until you get back.”
“What aren’t you saying?” Paul pressed. Jacob’s mouth stayed stubbornly closed. “Don’t make me put you in a headlock.”
Jacob grinned. “You think you could overpower me?”
“Don’t change the subject.” 
His friend rubbed his neck. “It’s just…you don’t spend that much time talking to her or protecting her anyways. If you’re gone, nothing will change much as far as Y/N’s concerned.”
A sharp tug in Paul’s gut almost made him gasp. 
She doesn’t need me.
The thought bounced around Paul’s mind with brutality, along with growls from the feral creature that shared Paul’s body. Paul barely managed to keep the sounds from escaping the confines of his own mind. If this conversation was happening a day closer to the full moon, he wouldn’t have succeeded, a fact which reminded him of the urgency of the situation. 
“The other members of the pack will be dealing with the full moon as well,” Paul finally said. “You won’t be able to take care of her completely.”
“None of us have been fighting against an imprint bond. It won’t affect us a quarter as much as it affects you. Besides, all we have to do is keep an eye on her.”
“Oh, that’s all is it?” Paul snapped. “You’ve been doing a marvelous job of that. Twice now she’s snuck past whomever is supposed to be watching her!”
Jacob narrowed his eyes, and Paul braced himself for the lecture about how he alone was responsible for his imprint’s safety. How Paul needed to get his act together because his imprint needed him. How the last thing he should be doing is getting angry at his imprint when his imprint was the one being hunted by a bloodsucker. 
“How did you know she snuck out today?”
Paul froze. That was not what he expected. “Because…you told me.”
Jacob shook his head. “No, I didn’t.”
“You must’ve,” Paul argued, but Jacob shook his head again. “Well then I must’ve heard it from the telepathy bond.”
“But you just walked home in the rain in your human form,” Jacob reasoned. “You couldn’t have known unless–” Jacob cut off as realization dawned on his face. “What did you do to her?”
“Nothing,” Paul sneered and tried to walk away. 
A hand grabbed his shoulder, forcing him back around. “What happened?”
“Nothing happened,” Paul said forcefully. 
“You’re lying,” Jacob growled back. “Because after whatever happened, you walked home in your human form in the rain because you were ashamed and scared that the pack would find out what you did.”
Paul hated his friend for knowing him too well. “I didn’t do anything to her!” he snapped, shoving at Jacob’s shoulders, but Jacob didn’t budge.
“So you said something to her then. The two of you argued, and you said something horrible.”
“Let go of me.”
“Paul-” Jacob started to say in a warning tone. 
“If you’re so worried about her, why don’t you leave me alone and go find her? Oh, that’s right, she has more important things to do than run lines.” 
Jacob fell back a step, as if Paul had physically shoved him. The hurt in his friend’s eyes shot Paul down to the core, and waves of guilt started crashing on the surf of Paul’s conscience. 
“I can’t believe you just said that.” Jacob’s wounded voice felt like a punch to the gut. 
But Paul wasn’t ready to apologize, not to anyone. 
“I have to go pack,” he said, walking towards the bedroom. “Apparently, I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”
-
The sky was pouring rain as I drove to the hospital. I could hear Paul’s words in every swipe of my windshield wipers. 
Rid of you. Make everything impossible. Someone like you. 
I clenched my jaw. 
Maybe I’d just live in the hospital instead of Sam and Emily’s. The staff locker rooms were decent, and I was willing to bet the mattresses in the on-call rooms were far better than that couch I’d been sleeping on. I’d done many difficult things in my life before I’d ever even met Paul. I didn’t need him to break this imprint bond, especially if I couldn’t stomach ever seeing him again. 
All I needed was for the pack to catch the vampire. Then I could go find Billy Black’s friend on my own and make it happen. 
I pulled into the hospital parking lot, and the handicapped parking space mocked me as I drove past it, reminding me of the permit stuffed into my glovebox. I ignored its jabs, parking in one of the spots reserved for doctors. 
Limping my way through the parking lot, the sound of Paul’s voice faded away, replaced by the tapping of my cane, an ear-scratching reminder of what I’d lost, what I now was. 
A flare of pain burst from my knee upwards, the exertion causing my injury to complain. I curled my free hand into a fist. 
Every time the pain threatened to make me crumble, I pictured what I was working for. 
Pale, everlasting skin. 
Glinting, bronze eyes. 
And an indestructible, flawless body. 
A new beginning. 
That’s why I put up with pain. That’s why I was putting up with all the werewolves and the vampires. 
Perfection. 
I limped into the entryway, not even bothering to acknowledge the woman at the desk’s greeting. I shook off the rain, cursing myself for not grabbing a raincoat when I’d snuck out of Sam and Emily’s house earlier. 
Nearly slipping twice, I managed to make it to the elevator, angrily pressing the button for the second floor much harder than I needed to.
The doors pulled open with a cheery ding, and I walked down the hallway towards my office, my pace getting more and more labored. Standing on my feet beside my flat-tired car for so long had been a mistake. My flagging endurance only added to my irritation. 
But as I walked past the closed door of Carlisle’s office, I heard his voice inside and stopped immediately. 
“...not a bad idea. Of course I’ll look out for her, and I can enlist some of my kids to help as well. They’ll stay out of sight, but reinforcements never hurt.”
He paused for a moment, but I heard nothing. He must’ve been on the phone. 
“Sounds like a plan. Thanks, Sam.” 
I cocked my head. 
Sam? Why would Carlisle and Sam be talking? I thought werewolves and vampires were natural enemies. When Carlisle was checking me out in Sam and Emily’s living room, the dynamics had been strained to say the least. 
Before I could arrive at a conclusion, the door in front of me swung open, and Carlisle stepped out. “Y/N,” he said, not sounding at all surprised to find me lingering outside of his door. 
Then I felt silly. He had vampire hearing. He probably knew I was there the whole time. 
Carlisle gave me a strained smile. “I just got off the phone with Sam, and he explained everything.”
Everything? 
“Honestly, it’s a huge relief for me. We needed someone to work the next few nights anyways, so it’s all working out for the best.” He smiled at me, clearly expecting me to be excited. 
“Yes, that’s great, I’m glad Sam explained it all,” I said, trying to sound natural. 
Carlisle nodded. “I was just about to leave for the day, but I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the end of your shift. Again, you can call me if you have any questions at all.” 
I nodded. “I’m just gonna…go find some scrubs.” 
What was that? I wondered as I walked to the supply closet. Why would Sam of all people call Carlisle and tell him to let me work at the hospital? I thought the pack wanted me to stay within their territory while the rogue vampire was still out there. 
I bent down to set my fresh scrubs on my desk and then froze.
What if…Paul was behind it? Something in our argument must’ve motivated him to whisper into Sam’s ear to have me work at the hospital. I never understood the need for me to stay at Sam and Emily’s, but Paul clearly thought it was necessary. 
Did our argument make him want the vampire to find me and kill me? 
I didn’t want to think that of anyone, let alone my supposed soulmate, but Paul couldn’t have done it out of the goodness of his heart. None of that goodness was reserved for me. 
My thoughts whirled faster and faster, whipping towards tornado speed. 
I shook my head a little. Paul’s motives didn’t matter, not if they got me closer to the doctor. The more the doctor saw of me, the closer we’d get. The closer we got, the harder it would be for him to say no to changing me into a vampire once the bond was broken.
And becoming a vampire was the only thing that mattered. 
-
Paul’d fashioned a sort of backpack to carry the essentials for his trip, the weight of which slowed him down a bit, but was well worth it to have clothes and money with him. Within eight hours, he’d reached Twin Falls, Idaho. He’d stopped for a meal at McDonald’s and then kept going. By nightfall, he was on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. 
Paul forgot how much he loved to run. The wolf loved it too, even if it kept routinely bringing up thoughts of Y/N and guilt about their argument. Paul didn’t want to care, but even as he shoved the wolf down, it offered him no relief. Not when he was acutely aware that all this denial of the wolf’s urges would only contribute to the frenzy the wolf would cause as soon as the full moon rose. 
The thought kept urging him on, pushing him to run faster and faster. In the end, he had to stop after the second time he nearly ran into a telephone pole, due to the sagging of his eyelids. 
So he found an area dense with trees and flopped on the ground. He wouldn’t stay there long, certainly not long enough for anyone to notice he was there. Just a quick power nap before he continued his journey.
Paul’s eyes were growing heavier and heavier, his breathing evening out. All the energy he’d spent was catching up with him, and he knew that this sleep would be a deep one. 
But just before he could slip into unconsciousness, he was jerked awake.
Duuuuuuude.
What’s your problem, Jared? Paul snapped at the voice in his head. I’m trying to sleep!
No wonder Y/N’s not asking any questions about where you went. 
Paul’d forgotten that his fight with Y/N would be as good as broadcasted in his wolf form. The shame pattering in his stomach made him bristle. She thought that I didn’t want to imprint on her because of her limp, he replied defensively.
Well, good thing you set her straight. 
A growl vibrated in Paul’s throat, letting Jared know how little he appreciated his packmate’s sarcasm. 
Look, the pack all knows that Y/N’s limp has nothing to do with your desire to break the bond, but you’re keeping Y/N at an arm’s length. How was she supposed to know?
Why are you defending her? Paul nearly shouted. You’re supposed to be on my side!
I am on your side. Jared sighed. But you’re supposed to be on hers.
Paul didn’t answer. Jared knew how he felt about the imprint bond, so he wasn’t going to waste the energy. 
Y/N had just moved into the area when the vampire tried to kill her, Jared reminded him. She was all alone, and right now, she doesn’t have anybody but us. Have a little compassion.
Paul chewed on that. 
He couldn’t imagine feeling alone in La Push. Even before he’d joined the pack, with all of his dad’s siblings and cousins, Paul had more family than he knew what to do with. And now with the pack, he had more brothers than he knew what to do with. 
He didn’t want to admit that Jared might have a point, but thanks to the wolf telepathy, Jared already knew what Paul was thinking. 
Aching for privacy, Paul shifted back into his human form and pulled on his pants. 
He was going to sleep in his human form tonight. 
-
The tight ranks of the werewolf pack never ceased to amaze me. 
I didn’t find it strange that I hadn’t seen Paul since our argument by the side of the road. But what was strange was how no one brought up Paul in conversation with me. All the pack’s sly comments about Paul and I being soulmates somehow just faded away simultaneously. In fact, they avoided mentioning him at all, and it seemed as though they were hoping I wouldn’t ask about him. 
But that was crazy…wasn’t it?
Either way, I couldn’t complain about it, not when I was finally at work.
I’d worked as a phlebotomist all through undergrad and med school, gaining as much experience as I could. As demanding as the patients could be and how scared I was at first, there was still something thrilling and mysterious about hospitals. I’d wanted to explore every nook and cranny, ask questions about all the machines, and learn about what everyone’s roles were. Now I had a medical degree, and I knew what all the machines did, I knew what each position was responsible for. The mystery was gone, yet the thrill was still there. 
It’d been too long since I’d been at the hospital. I’d missed the clean, yet sharp smell of antiseptic, the weak lights overhead.
It made my heart feel nearly full again. 
Nearly. 
The cane in my hand—my only consistent companion—was the only thing ruining my perfect picture. 
As if my thoughts had summoned him, Carlisle turned the corner at the end of the hallway, flipping through the pages on a clipboard. He looked up, saw me, and stopped in his tracks. Quickly, he patted down his pockets and then turned to go the way he’d just come.
I’d been hoping for some time with Carlisle, but he was avoiding me so much, I wondered if he’d forgotten that he’d told Sam he’d look out for me. 
His avoidance rankled, eating away at me, but I just shoved it down.
When Paul and I finally succeeded in breaking the imprint bond, Carlisle would finally be willing to hear me out. Once I told him my reasons for wanting to become a vampire, the tender-hearted doctor wouldn’t be able to stand not giving me what I wanted. 
Then, I wouldn’t just be back to normal, I’d be better than ever. 
I straightened my shoulders and went on with my shift.
-
Paul started, his eyes opening. He knew immediately he’d slept much longer than anticipated, judging by the sunlight streaming through the leaves above him. 
He cursed, scrambling to his feet and chucking off his pants. 
He needed to keep moving, or all this running would have been for nothing. He knew that as soon as the wolf gained control, it would be frantic. He barely managed to make sure his pack was secure before shifting and running like a life depended on it. 
-
The mattresses in the on-call room were not better than the couch. My knee ached after just one night on the mattress just as much as it had sleeping on the couch for nearly a month.
Nevertheless, I crawled onto the bed, trying to sneak in a nap before my third night shift in a row started.
But I couldn’t sleep, and I knew it wasn’t just the familiar aching pain radiating up my leg that kept me tossing and turning. 
It was that imbecilic werewolf.
If he’d just turned all the energy he put into his hostility towards catching the vampire, this bond would already be broken, I might already be a vampire, and we’d both have moved on with our lives. 
My phone rang. 
“Hello?” I answered blearily. 
“Y/N.” Even through the phone, I could hear the warmth in Emily’s voice. 
I sat up, rubbing my tired eyes. “Hey, Emily, how are you?”
“Oh, not too bad.” Emily gave a soft sigh. “I just wanted to let you know that you’re still safe, that the pack have been taking turns patrolling the hospital.”
I cocked my head. If that were what she really wanted to say, she could’ve texted me. No, what she wanted to talk about was not some security update. “Thanks, that’s good to know.” 
“Of course!”
I didn’t say anything, waiting for Emily’s motives to reveal themselves. 
It hadn’t even been five seconds when Emily sighed. “Sam told me about your argument with Paul.” 
I tensed “Paul told Sam?”
“No, it was the pack telepathy.”
I froze. “I’m sorry, what?”
“The pack telepathy? You know, they can hear each other's thoughts?”
“What?”
“Uh…well…” Emily stammered. “Did…did Paul not explain that to you?”
“No, he most certainly did not,” I retorted, cursing Paul’s close-lipped nature for what felt like the millionth time. “So, what, they can all communicate telepathically?”
“Not all the time. Only when they’re in their wolf forms.”
I swung my legs over the side of the on-call mattress. So everyone in the pack knew everything about every interaction I’d ever had with Paul. 
That was…disturbing. To say the least. 
Did that mean that everyone in the pack knew everything that happened between Emily and Sam as a husband and wife?
I couldn’t help the shudder. 
The sound of Emily’s sigh came through the phone. “Look, Y/N, I understand that this is a lot to adjust to. Believe me, I struggled with it a lot, and I didn’t have a vampire hunting me. But it gets easier. It does, and suddenly one day you realize that you wouldn’t want any different.”
“I do want different,” I blurted without thinking and then felt my cheeks heat up. I hadn’t meant to be so truthful. 
“Paul was out of line to say what he did,” Emily said, “but the two of you have been stuck in this whirlwind of stress. He might not admit it, but he’s stressed about that vampire being after you.”
The only reason I didn’t laugh was due to my gratitude that she assumed Paul was the biggest thing I wanted to change about my life. 
“He is,” Emily insisted, correctly interpreting my silence. “I know he’s a tough egg to crack, but he’s the most loyal, determined person I’ve ever met. You just have to get through his shell and then he’ll never let you go.”
All the more reason not to stretch out this imprint business any longer than I had to. Paul had been doing an excellent job of not getting too involved so far, but I didn’t know how long this would last with this oh so powerful imprint bond. 
“You know, Emily, I gotta get some sleep while I can.”
“Right, sorry.” Emily paused, and I could practically see her weighing her next words. “Will you be coming back here tomorrow?”
I bit my lip. Emily had always been more than generous with me. Even if I didn’t necessarily appreciate all her opinions about the imprint bond, I had to appreciate her efforts. 
Emily inhaled on the other side of the line. “It’s silly but…I’ve missed having you around.”
Warmth flowed through my chest. “Yeah,” I said without thinking, “I’ll need some sleep after my shift tonight, and these mattresses at the hospital suck.”
“Great,” Emily said, her smile evident in her voice. “I’ll see you tomorrow then!”
“See ya,” I said, and she hung up. 
I laid back, staring at the ceiling as all my warm and fuzzies wore off. 
When I’d decided to move to Forks, I didn’t want to waste any time on anything other than becoming a vampire, especially not something as domestic as friendships. 
But I somehow ended up with a friendship anyway. 
I turned over, mashing my face into the pillow. 
This mission kept getting more and more complicated. 
-
It’s exhilarating to have covered so much distance so quickly, Paul thought to himself, as he ate in a diner in Kansas City. If Paul had known he could run to Missouri from La Push in two days, he would’ve done it long before now. 
He bit into his fourth burger, chewing happily. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been all on his own, but he knew he’d certainly never been this far from home. 
He’d only ever lived in La Push and Tacoma. His memories of Tacoma were just as scattered as those of his mother, and considering the last time he’d seen her had been there, it made sense.
Paul sat back in his chair, the burger suddenly tasting like cardboard. 
His parents divorced when he was eight. He remembered the loud sounds of their arguments floating through his closed bedroom door after he’d gone to bed. 
The first and second times he asked his dad why he was fighting with his mom, his dad changed the subject. The third time, his dad let out a heavy sigh and looked so sad that Paul was the one to change the subject.
When Paul’s dad sat him down and explained that he and Paul were moving to the reservation without his mom, Paul ran to his mother and begged her to make up with his dad so he could stay in Tacoma. 
All his mother said was: “It takes two to fight.” 
She hadn’t even fought for Paul to stay or asked for partial custody. She’d only tried to force blame onto her soon-to-be ex-husband. 
Paul shook his head, dismissing thoughts about his mother. If he thought about her for too long, the thin ropes leashing his emotions about the past wouldn’t be enough.
All of the sudden, Paul felt a sharp tug in his navel. 
It was so sudden and painful, Paul lurched forward in his chair, gripping the top of the table.
It was starting. 
The wolf was fighting for control. 
Paul tried to breathe through the pain, but his strength meant nothing in the face of this kind of pain. 
He glanced out the window to see the sun still setting. The moon hadn’t even come up yet, and he could already feel it. 
“Hey dude,” the apathetic waiter said, making Paul jump in surprise. “We’re closing.”
“Yeah,” Paul managed, “I’ll clear out.”
Paul’s movements were methodical and forced as he packed up his stuff, threw away his trash, and stepped outside the door into the humid night air. The employee locked the door behind him. Paul tried his hardest to step off the curb and keep heading east until he found a private space to shift and continue his journey. 
But he couldn’t do it. 
The only thing Paul could do was stand still on the same spot on the sidewalk, defending his autonomy with every fiber of his being as the wolf fought for control. 
The moment that moon actually rose, it would be over. There would be no communicating with the wolf and no reasoning with it. Their brains would be one and the same, and Paul would have one priority and one only. 
Paul tried to prepare himself, but as soon as the first sliver of the moon appeared on the horizon, it was like a bucket of ice water being tipped over his head.
Oh, what had he done? 
How could he have raised his voice at his imprint? How could he have run away instead of making it right? Being so far away from the one whom his whole world revolved around, it deeply wounded him. He needed to get to her, to his entire reason for breathing. He had to apologize, to hold her close, to beg for forgiveness. 
There was nothing else that mattered.
He took off running. 
-
Crash.
I froze outside of the patient room I’d just been passing. I rapped my knuckles against the door. “Are you okay in there?”
There was no response.
I pushed the door open to see an elderly male on the floor, clearly having just fallen out of bed. 
“I need some help here!” I called towards the nurses’ station, rushing inside as best I could. I checked the man’s neck for a pulse and found none. 
I started chest compressions just as a nurse and a CNA barged into the room. The CNA left and returned with a respiratory pump, kneeling on the floor to gently blow air into the man’s lungs. “What’s the patient here for?” I asked in between compressions. 
“He was admitted for coronary heart disease.” The nurse kneeled as well. “Dr. Cullen wanted to wait to see if it cleared on its own before trying a procedure.”
“Well, it hasn’t cleared,” I panted, continuing compressions. “Switch.” 
The nurse got into position, taking over compressions while I hit the code blue button on the wall.
-
By the time the moon was directly overhead, Paul was already nearing Salt Lake City. Somehow, he’d managed to cover distance twice as fast as before. 
He was powered by love, he just knew it. 
The bungee cord feeling Paul’d gotten when he imprinted, it was as if the bond had hit its maximum distance and was now recoiling, pulling Paul back to the place where he belonged with great speed. 
Why had he ever gone so far in the first place? What place could he ever be if he was far from those lips that pouted when she was deep in thought? Or frowned when he made some insipid comment? What place could he ever be happy without those eyes that betrayed her thoughts when she schooled the rest of her face into passivity? Without her sharp wit and determination, what life could he lead that could be worth living? 
Oh, Y/N.
He heard her name in every footfall, every gust of wind, every bird call. 
Y/N.
Y/N. 
Y/N.
-
“It’s been hours, and his stats aren’t going up,” I said to the house supervisor. “At this point, we have to put in a stent if he’s going to make it to tomorrow.”
“We’re not qualified for that,” she replied, wringing her hands. “We don’t have the space, nor the personnel to staff an OR.” 
“Then what’s the nearest hospital capable?”
“Olympic Medical Center, but it’s 60 miles away!”
“Then you’d better call for a helicopter!” I snapped. The house supervisor fled the room, and I turned back to the patient. I pursed my lips, willing him to live, to hang on just a little longer. 
-
The pressure on Paul’s heart steadily increased, but Paul didn’t care. Even if it burst in his frenzy to get to his imprint, he still wouldn’t care. Without her, there was not a single thing his heart could be used for anyways, and running towards the woman he loved was certainly the best thing to be doing when he died. 
He only sped up as he passed the state border of Idaho and Washington.
-
Considering my limp, I was not a good candidate to roll the stretcher up to the roof, but I did it anyway. I’d been keeping this man alive all night, I was not about to desert him now. 
The roof was freezing, and when the helicopter landed on the roof, the wind generated by the blades only made it colder. Still, I limped right up to the medical personnel in the helicopter, relaying all the important information as the patient was loaded inside. 
“Are you coming with us?!” the man shouted. 
My heart leapt. “Can I?!”
The man nodded. “Yeah, but you gotta decide quickly.”
I could just say yes. 
It was at the tip of my tongue. It would be so easy to just go, to supervise and make sure that the man was well taken care of and that he made it to surgery before his time ran out. Plus, I would be in the air. There was no vampire species I was aware of that could fly, so I’d be safe from the vampire. 
But then I thought of the wolves circling the hospital, the wolves that had been watching over me. How much would I worry them by jumping into a random helicopter and flying to Olympia? If Emily heard about it, how disappointed would she be? 
And if Paul heard about it, how much would he yell at me? 
I groaned, pushing away from the helicopter. “I’m staying!” The nurse helped me wheel the empty bed towards the elevator, allowing the helicopter to take flight.
And it did. 
I couldn’t help but feel disappointed as I watched it go. I should’ve been happy, because my patient was on his way to the medical care he desperately needed. I just couldn’t help wishing that I had the freedom to go too. 
“Are you coming in?” the nurse asked.
“I’m staying up here for a few minutes. Page me if you need me.”
The nurse nodded and left. 
The sky was lightening, but while sunrises normally instilled some sense of peace, I was frustrated.
I’d done something. I hadn’t just slept on a horribly uncomfortable couch and lounged around for a day. I’d used my knowledge to save a life, which was exactly what I wanted to do every day for the rest of my life. 
And then came that moment when these stupid werewolves got in the way yet again of something I needed as much as breathing. The frustration thrashed in my chest like a rabid animal. I’d been here for over a month, and I’d taken one step forward and what felt like twenty steps back. 
So I was going to stay on the roof. I was going to stay until the thrashing stopped. 
-
Paul shifted, pulling his shorts on and throwing the bag aside. He didn’t care about such things, not when he’d finally reached Forks General Hospital. 
But before he could step up to the edge of the parking lot, a force hit him from behind, causing him to crumple to the grass. “Get off!” he shouted, twisting and flailing. 
He shifted back into his wolf form and broke free, whipping around to face whoever stood in between him and Y/N.
A russet brown wolf stood there, a wolf he recognized as Jacob Black.
What are you doing? he spat at Jacob.
Keeping you from doing something you’ll regret. 
Paul dashed for the hospital. For a moment, he thought he’d successfully made it around Jacob…until Jacob tackled him from the side, and the two went rolling. The full moon makes you even dumber, Jacob noted with a strange sort of glee.
Paul wanted to rip his friend’s head off for not only keeping him from his heart’s desire but for laughing at him in his misery. He squirmed and fought as hard as he could, but every time Paul tried to get closer to the hospital, there was Jacob, dragging him back. Once, Paul nearly set a paw upon the asphalt of the parking lot, but Jacob collided with him from the side, forcing him back again. 
Let me by! Paul screamed. I need to see her!
Y/N’s okay, man, she’s safe and well. But you can’t see her right now.
Paul growled, and giving up on the notion of sneaking past Jacob, he launched himself at Jacob instead. Don’t tell me when I can or can’t see her! The two werewolves went rolling right into a tree, causing the thirty foot tall tree to groan and lean to the side. 
Multiple voices of his brothers calling his name and trying to reason with him swarmed into Paul’s head, but Paul was well beyond reason. 
I’m sorry for this, man, but it’s gotta be done. Before Paul could react, Jacob’s teeth clamped down on Paul’s shoulder, and Paul howled in pain.
-
I was about to head back into the elevator when I heard it.
A howl. 
The blood in my veins ran cold. Something was happening, something to do with the werewolves patrolling the hospital to keep me safe. 
My thoughts immediately went to Paul. With all the wolf’s imprint instincts in his mind, he was the one most likely to do something stupid in an effort to keep me safe. 
I ran into the elevator, jamming the button as I pulled out my phone. 
“Hello?” said Emily’s voice.
“It’s Y/N. I think something’s happening in the forest beside the hospital. I heard a howl.”
“Sam’s already on his way there, but you need to stay in the hospital where it’s safe.”
“Emily, I’m the one medically trained! I’m the one that can help!”
“Not if it’s the vampire,” Emily said. “If it’s the vampire, leaving the hospital would be the most dangerous thing you could do.”
I jammed the ‘door open’ button repeatedly. “If someone is injured because they’re trying to protect me, I’m not just going to stand by and let them suffer!” Before Emily’s response could filter through my phone’s speakers, I hung up, shoving the phone into my white coat’s pocket. 
When the elevator doors opened, I took off. 
Sunlight poured through the windows, giving the hospital lobby its ordinary sallow glow. 
I didn’t even make it out of the front doors of the hospital before Sam was there, standing in my way with no shirt and arms folded. 
“Let me through!” I snapped, not even bothering to try physicality. “If someone’s injured, I can help!”
Sam’s expression didn’t shift from its stony state. “Right now, you need to stay back.”
“If someone’s injured, I can help!”
“Paul will be fine,” Sam replied. 
My heart leapt into my mouth. I knew it, I knew Paul was the one to do something stupid and almost get himself killed. I desperately clung to my last shred of common sense. “If the vampire injured him because he was trying to protect me–” I croaked. 
“That’s one of the hazards in our occupation.” 
“One of the–” I bit down on my lip, trying to keep my temper from flaring. “Paul needs help!”
“Yes. Our help.” Sam made a shooing gesture. “Go finish your shift.” I didn’t budge, glowering at the alpha. 
The lobby doors behind Sam opened, and Jacob came through. “We got him back to La Push,” he said. Then, he stopped short, just noticing that Sam wasn’t alone. 
“What happened?” I asked Jacob, my voice dangerously soft. “Tell me.” 
For some reason, Jacob chuckled. “Paul’s okay.” Was he being…glib? One of his best friends was hurt, and he seemed to be smothering a smile. 
“Somehow I doubt the vampire would leave Paul ‘okay’.”
Jacob cut a strange look in Sam’s direction, and Sam gave a minute shake of his head. “Don’t worry about it,” Jacob said. “We’ve got it all under control.”
Sam folded his arms. “Go back to work, Y/N.” 
“You’re not my alpha,” I said with a sneer. “I don’t have to do anything you tell me to.”
Sam cocked his head, and I didn’t even need to ask to know what he was thinking. Why was I fighting so hard to help when I wasn’t wanted?
Suddenly I remembered what Emily’d said about the telepathy. Was Paul experiencing this with them, right in this moment? Did he think that I cared about him? 
The thought pulled me up short. 
“I’m a doctor,” I said, my voice softer than I’d intended. “It’s my job to help people that are sick and hurting. It’s what I’ve worked for my whole life.”
Sam and Jacob exchanged a look, but neither spoke. 
The lobby doors opened again, and in came Carlisle. He slowed to a stop when he noticed the three of us. “Sam,” he said with a nod. 
Sam matched his nod. “Carlisle.” 
Carlisle’s eyes traveled over the two werewolves before reaching me. “Y/N, how was your shift?” he asked. 
I hesitated, not sure if I wanted to let Carlisle’s entrance distract me from the situation.  But getting close to Carlisle was always my goal, and I wouldn’t let anything ruin that. “The patient in room 203 was airlifted to Olympic Medical Center for a stent replacement.” A smug smile formed on Sam’s face, and I wanted to scratch his eyes out. As I continued relaying the details, I heard the lobby doors open and assumed Sam and Jacob were rejoining the pack. 
It was only when Carlisle and I reached the elevator that I realized I didn’t know if the rogue vampire had been caught or not.
But right at that moment, I found it hard to care. 
-
Part VII
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