#when the rest of the world cast a blind eye he saw you

[temperamentalaquarius]

The way that the visibility of Dick's tragedy feeds into Dick's devotion to Bruce... a hundred people witness your parents' murder and only one comforts you while the others gape in horror... thousands read about it in the paper and watch it on tv but only one helps you solve it... how could u not love him with everything you have for the rest of your life? How could you ever deny him anything he asks of you???

#dick grayson #nightwing #bruce wayne #batman #Robin #bitch i might wing #when the rest of the world cast a blind eye he saw you #I'm going to go scream in a corner #NOT SHIP

[novosg]

Early Mornings

A look into what life is like in the early mornings with your bf ☀️

Ft: Hobie, written with blackfem!reader in mind (though no specific pronouns are used)

Fluff, SFW, 1k words (y’all said y’all wanted more Hobie? Bettt)

You couldn’t help but wince somewhat when you blearily blinked open your eyes and felt the early morning sun hit them.

You let out a small groan as you tucked your head back into your pillow, hoping to regain some semblance of exhaustion that would help you return to the land of the asleep. When you were met with none, you reached out and grabbed your phone, the mattress below you creaking somewhat at the movement.

8:15 AM. For a Tuesday it could’ve been worse. You set your device back on the nightstand and sat up, rubbing gently at your eyes. You swung your legs over the side of the bed, deciding you might as well try to get the day started with.

You spared a glance at the sleeping figure next to you and, sure enough, he was still dead asleep. You couldn’t help but smile as you watched the slow rise and fall of his chest. Hobie was practically dead to the world in the mornings, having made his dislike of any time ending with AM clear multiple times.

You weren’t better off in that case either, but you both needed to eat and, seeing as your lovely boyfriend wasn’t about to be of any help, you made the executive decision to rise and make your way to the bathroom to get cleaned up.

One shower and brushing of your teeth later saw you dragging your feet into the kitchen. Sunlight bled through the blinds you had yet to open and cast the room in a heavenly golden hue. You hooked your phone up to the speakers in the living room, putting on some easy R&B before you started rummaging through the pantries.

The music floated throughout the apartment as the smell of pancakes and bacon wafted throughout the kitchen. Even in your still tired state you barely made out the sound of water running down the hall. You glanced at the clock on the stove and let out an impressed hum—Hobie had managed to drag himself out of bed before 9 AM. Now the real question was would he be able to stay out of bed?

Your answer came soon enough, in the form of a pair of long arms wrapping lazily around your waist. Your lips tugged upwards as Hobie held you close, resting his head on your shoulder.

“Hey,” he mumbled, nuzzling into your neck before moving his head to sit atop yours.

“Hey,” you replied softly, relishing in the warmth of his embrace, the familiar scent of the body wash he adored encasing you in a way that made you let out a loving sigh.

“Fuckin’ watch was buzzing. Ain’t even ten yet,” Hobie noted, one of his hands rubbing a soft pattern on your waist. You nodded, turning off one of the eyes and removing the bacon away from the heat.

“Let it buzz. Miguel will find someone else to bother,” you said simply, flipping the last batch of pancakes. Above you, Hobie let out a content hum, tugging you even closer to him.

“You’re right. ‘Sides, it’d be rude to skip out on a breakfast this good,” he added, one of his hands coming up to cup your jaw gently. He turned your head so you were facing him, and tipped his head downwards to press a kiss to your lips. You relaxed even further into his hold while his other hand gave your hip a loving squeeze. He pulled away far too soon, eyes lidded with sleep and love as he gazed at you. “Thanks for cooking, by the way.”

“Of course,” was your soft reply as Hobie pulled away, moving to grab you both some plates. You turned the stove off and stacked the pancakes and some of the bacon on a plate he handed you. Next you made his, and Hobie murmured a quiet ‘thanks.’

You both decided to enjoy breakfast on the couch, basking in each other’s presence as you talked about every nonsensical thing that came to mind. You loved mornings like this—the mornings where life was confined to the walls of your apartment. Confined to the brush of Hobie’s hand against your thigh as he tapped out a random rhythm, to the weight of his shoulder against yours as you leaned into each other, or the melodious laughter that spilled from the both of you when he (unsuccessfully) tried to nick a piece of bacon from your plate.

Once the two of you were done, Hobie took your plates to the sink as you stood from the couch, stretching your arms upwards. Considering neither of you had planned to be up so early, you let yourself be guided back to bed by Hobie’s gentle grip.

He let out a small huff as he planted himself on top of the mattress, a hand coming up to rub at his eyes while you laid down beside him. His dark sweats hung low around his waist while his already cropped tank (which was probably yours considering how small it looked on him) rose up further around his abdomen. He rested an arm behind his head and you took a brief moment to admire him before scooting closer and bringing your head down onto his chest. Hobie instinctively wrapped his free arm around you, his fingers dragging up and down your shoulder in a soothing motion.

All was quiet between you two other than your playlist and the soft exhales of each breath. That was until the watch on Hobie’s side of the bed buzzed unceremoniously.

You couldn’t help but giggle softly as Hobie muttered a curse under his breath. He made no move to get up, though. Rather, he simply pulled you closer to him. You toyed with a fray at the end of his shirt, rolling your eyes when your own watch buzzed soon after.

“Oughta throw those damn things out the window,” he grumbled. As much as you liked that idea, you liked being able to see your friends and him whenever you pleased even more so you shook your head.

“Leave it. Miguel and them will be just fine.”

Hobie mumbled his agreement and grew quiet. Barely a minute later he had drifted off back to sleep, his hand coming to a stop on your arm. You smiled to yourself, letting your arm wrap around his waist as you snuggled closer to him.

You let your eyes fall shut, the warmth of the morning sun and the man beside you lulling you to sleep.

#hobie brown #hobie brown x reader #atsv x reader #x black fem reader #hobie x reader #hobie x you #spider punk #spider punk x reader

[herlondonboy]

7:3

Pairings: Wednesday Addams x platonic!reader / Enid Sinclair x platonic reader / Larissa Weems x platonic!reader

Summary: 7 reasons to go, 3 reasons to stay

Warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, vent fic I guess, so uh, like bcos I need validation 🫶 pure, unfiltered, angst. (Part two here) (Tagging: @lxtins @allisonsblog @wednesday-l0ver @capryuk @smolgayhooman @elduster because they said they’d read it x)

Word Count: 1.1k

Seven reasons to go, three reasons to stay. It honestly seems like such an easy answer, but if you add a zero onto the end of both numbers it becomes harder. Seventy reasons to go, thirty reasons to stay. You sat atop of this hill, resting your back against the oak tree. Weighing the reasons in your head made the pit in your stomach grow, but it needs to be soon.

1. You have no family.

In a fit of blind rage at eight, you set your house ablaze. The fire started in your parents bedroom where you, your mother and father and your little brother were. Larissa Weems, a family friend, was quick to aid you. She brought you to Nevermore and raised you like her own. It was abnormal for normie families to have Outcast children, but that just meant the Outcast gene laid dormant for a few generations. You didn’t speak to anyone for seven years after the incident.

Though Larissa was the closest thing you had to a family, she wasn’t your family and the kids at school liked to remind you of that.

2. The overwhelming anger.

Your nostrils flared as you watched the boy, whose name you never bothered to learn, called you an orphan for the umpteenth time that day. You clenched your fists, digging your nails into your palm until you felt blood rolling down. Pain makes you human, Larissa had said to you. Why wasn’t it working? A wolf pushed you and you struck him with flame covered fist. Your hand was burned onto his face and he hand to live in humiliation with that scar for the rest of his life.

The kids around you immediately dissipated and ran away from you. Then your roommate asked to switch dorms

3. People would finally care.

They don’t care until it’s too late. You knew this now, throwing the noose end of the rope over the highest branch that you could reach. You couldn’t even cry. Why would cry? Crying for the people that never even batted an eyelash at you. For he people that saw your pain and laughed in your face, dancing on what was left of your happiness, hoping to ruin it all for you. You can imagine the people that pushed you to this crying in each other’s arms as your body was lowered into the ground. Who do they think they are?

4. You hurt everyone you touched.

Larissa had pulled you into a hug when you came to her office sobbing. You were hesitant to accept it, but you did in the end. You remember her scream and push you away. It haunted your nightmares every. Single. Night. You looked down at your hands and your eyes widened at the melted fabric on your palms. She told you that it was all right and that she was just shocked, but you didn’t believe her.

You began using weird techniques you’d read about in books from the library; sitting in the kitchen’s walk in freezer for as long as you could, taking ice baths, letting your anger out in a controlled environment.

5. The dreams.

Waking up drenched in sweat and covered in a crisp duvet was not your forte. In fact, waking up wasn’t your forte. Your family coming back from the dead to berate you, blame you. They wanted to kill you back. Your brother showing you what could’ve been, what would’ve been, what should’ve been him. A dashing you man, your mother had said before casting her eyes over you in disgust. You wanted to apologise, but that didn’t deserve it. They should have to beg you for forgiveness. The world should have to beg you for your forgiveness. And it would have if you really wanted it to. You had the power to burn the world to ash.

6. You’d stop being a burden.

Larissa Weems already had a whole school of children to deal with. And, though she didn’t say it, you knew having you in her office for breakfast, lunch, and dinner was bothering her. You didn’t want to admit it, but you grew to like her presence, so instead of staying cooped up in your room, you stayed cooped up in her office. You’d get short, curt answers when asking something and you took that as a hint.

7. Eternal peace.

You’d be free from all your suffering. You’d be dead, you’d be gone. There’s no analogy for this reason. It’s just a fact. You wanted to be gone, that’s all.

But now the reasons to stay.

1. Your Larissa.

She really was your family. The reason you were still alive right now, but it was proving not to be enough. You just hoped that she didn’t blame herself for this. She had saved you and protected you for as long as she could, but now it was down to you. You had to make a decision and it led to you tightening the rope around the trunk of the tree.

2. The people that liked your company.

You had met Enid Sinclair in your fourth year of solitude since you’d come to Nevermore. She walk talkative and it was nice for the both of you. She liked having someone that listened to her ranting and you liked listening to someone talk to you without belittling your feelings. Then you met Wednesday on your 16th birthday, three years later. She was Enid’s roommate and you were scared that Wednesday was going to take her away from you. But that’s not what happened. Soon in days where you waited for Enid in her dormitory, you found yourself enjoying the silence between you. It wasn’t that Enid’s rambling was annoying, but silence was nice every once in a while. Lastly, you met Eugene. He reminded you of your little brother, predominantly the good parts of him. He was a perfect mix of Wednesday and Enid. You loved hearing about his bees and how his mom’s were doing. You adored reading books with him in the library. He helped you get over your fear of yourself.

3. Life.

Sure, you hated life. But there were fun times like when you were five, on your father’s shoulders as he ran through the forest by Nevermore. Or on your fifteen birthday when Enid and Larissa threw you a surprise party in your dorm where’re the three of you danced the night away. Not to mention when you made Eugene laugh. A smile graced your face the whole day after hearing him cackle at a note you gifted to him. Even if it go you kicked out from the library.

It was moments like that that you craved.

But you didn’t get much more because here you were, standing on a stool as you put your head through the noose. Just as you strained to kick the stool away, you heard a scream.

“No!” They said, but it was too late.

Wednesday was too late.

#wednesday addams x reader #wednesday addams x you #wednesday x you #wednesday netflix #wednesday tim burton #wednesday the series #wednesday tv show #wednesday x reader #wednesday addams #wednesday #wednesday x y/n #enid sinclair x reader #Enid x reader #Enid x you #Enid x y/n #enid sinclair x you #enid sinclair x y/n #enid sinclair #Larissa weems #larissa weems x reader #wednesday addams angst #angst #also im very sorry #elijah writes

[thefallennightmare]

Mercy-Four

*gif created by me. feel free to use, simply give credit*

Pairings: Noah Sebastian x Fallen Angel!OC

Warnings: swearing, angst, fluff, smut, mythological talk, violence.

Summary: "Blinded by a fear of feeling, these are the kings we chose. Lost and looking for the meaning, I've been searching high and low" It came crashing down on him. This is the story of the highest banished angel from where she came only to find home in the arms of a mortal man. This mortal realizing he'd face Lucifer himself to keep her.

Lethia: Archangelus Oneironaut also known as Archangel of Dream Walking. Across worlds and dimensions, she walks within. Uncovering dangerous secrets, leaving her cast out, isolated- that is until she begins to learn what it means to feel.

Authors Notes: So I pulled a lot of ideas from my favorite fallen angel romance series, Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick! I hope you all enjoy!

Tags[OPEN]: @thescarlettvvitch @blackveilomens @crimson-calligraphyx @cookiesupplier @lyschko666 @shilohrosechicken @thebadchic @iknownothingpeople @sammyjoeee @malice-ov-mercy @collapsedglasshouses @klutzy-kay24 @iamamatus @lma1986 @bngurngheart @happi-goth

LETHIA

I sat in the middle of Noah’s bed with my knees pulled to my chest and rested my chin on top of them. My mind continued to replay the conversation with Maraxa and her parting words had been etched deep within my soul. I feared that maybe I brought darkness and death to not only Noah but all of his friends' lives. They were innocent bystanders in the battle for my alliance. Stay on this Earth with mortals or fall into the depths of Hell with the light bringer. 

Lucifer. He wanted me alongside him to lead his army of darkness. Against what? I wasn’t sure. But the love we shared wasn’t what it used to be and my heart didn't covet for him any longer. Not when there was someone else who seemed to have filtered into this newfound life without warning. 

Those almond eyes captivated me from the moment I had Noah pinned against the door. His scent was different from most mortals and for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why. The way we always seemed to run into each other or that anytime I dream walked, it was his dream.  

Why was it Noah’s face I saw moments before my fall? 

Why did we have the same tattoo? His on his neck, mine on my ribs? 

None of this made any sense and it only angered me more as to why I was stuck here. 

As I was staring at the length of my black nails, there was a gentle knock on the door of the bedroom; me humming in response to it. When it opened slightly, Noah poked his head in, the long strands of his hair falling into his face. 

“Hey,” his voice was gentle. “I’m just checking to see if you’re settling in fine.” 

“Yes,” I nodded. “I’m sorry for having Maraxa show up here. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”

You don’t know that. 

Noah leaned against the wall next to the door, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s alright. Is she an old friend?” 

I scoffed while laying my legs straight on the bed to lean my back against the wall. 

“She is far from a friend. More like an acquaintance that always wanted my position.” 

If he could hear the venom in my voice, Noah said nothing and simply nodded. 

“Are you hungry?” He asked instead. 

“I’m fine, thank you,” I ran a hand over the black comforter. “I must say, I do feel terrible making you sleep on the couch when your bed is quite comfortable.” 

“Seriously?” Noah chuckled while walking farther into the room to sit on the bed next to me. “I’ve had this mattress for years and it's anything but comfortable.” 

An eerie silence fell between us, something that made me shift in my spot next to him when the warmth from him radiated around me in flames. I could feel his essence all over my skin while not feeling his actual touch. Bumps rose at the back of my neck when I felt his gaze linger there, lighting me a blaze. 

My eyes caught sight of something hanging from above his window so I pointed to it. 

“Are you religious? The rosary?”

Noah peered up at the wooden necklace hanging from his curtain rod. “Oh, that. It’s kind of a long story.” 

Crossing my legs, I rested my elbow on my thigh to rest my chin in my hand. “And I have time. I’d love to know your view on it.” 

With a tender laugh, he nodded before turning toward me so we sat facing each other. “Well, I was raised in a very Christian Baptist household with my grandparents; when I wasn’t staying with my mom. That's another story but it’s not important.” 

Immediately I picked up on the way his eyes cast down at his hands at the mention of his mother but made no effort to acknowledge it. Instead, I urged him to continue with a nod. 

“I’d go to service with my grandparents and help out in the church any way I could. Painting, setting up for service, things like that. I was exposed to a lot of religion growing even though when I was younger I didn’t buy into it as much. Despite having a lot of questions and doubts about it now, I still think there’s a lot to learn about it through religion, spirituality, and faith. Which is why I write about it metaphorically.” 

He ran a hand over his chin for a moment. “I never try to push my own beliefs or agendas on people. I want people to think and believe in things on their own, without having my choice influence them in any way.” 

“I think that’s marvelous,” I hummed. 

Noah smiled. “The whole lore and stories in religion really interest me. I’m currently reading a book about The Fall.”

My mouth ran dry when my body went rigid. “Th-the Fall?” 

“Yeah, fallen angels. It’s actually quite interesting.” 

I ran my hands over my thigh and cleared my throat. “Do you believe in them?” 

“Angels?” Noah asked with furrowed brows. 

All I could do was nod, afraid that my voice would give way to how nervous I was for his answer. 

He ran a hand over his mouth, almost deep in thought. “It’s hard to give a definitive answer because I haven’t seen proof of angels. I thought that angels didn’t exist at first but something changed my view on it. My grandma told me a story about fallen angels when I was younger. What about you? Do you believe it?” 

“You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen,” the tone of my voice dropped drastically as my fingers brushed along the softness of the comforter beneath me. 

Flash images of what I’d done under the King’s command plagued me. Death by my sword was ordered to anyone who disobeyed him. Which rarely happened but when it did, I was the one that dealt with the end of the traitor's life. The familiar feeling of ripping out their wings weighed heavy on my hands as I stared down at them with sheer disgust. 

How could the creator who was supposed to love all of us equally order me to do such vile, horrendous, things to his creations? 

“Lethia,” the softness of his large hands rested on my shoulder, fresh off a kill. “You’ve done well my child. Your allegiance is greatly thought of.”  

My jaw clenched at how foolish I’d been. Following a King who cared so little for us in the end. The amount of wings I ripped out was too much to count. The amount of angels I dragged my blade into cut deep into my gut, causing me to revolt in disgust. 

At myself. 

Since I fell weeks ago, I questioned so deeply why my appearance changed and I always thought it was because of my love for Lucifer. But it could be to pay for all of my heinous crimes up in the Kingdom. Crimes ordered by Him. 

“Hey,” Noah’s tattooed knuckle lifted my chin. “Are you alright?” 

I nearly sobbed when yet again I couldn’t feel his touch; another repercussion. 

“No,” I choked out. “I did horrible things back home and how could I ever be allowed back? Why would he want me back?” 

The screams of my victims were loud in my mind, their bloody wings lying at my feet, and I squeezed my eyes shut at the vision. 

“You don’t have to go back there. You can stay here with me. Whatever you did can’t be that terrible,” his voice cooed in the silence of his bedroom. 

The words died on my tongue, it not being worth it to explain myself to him because Noah wouldn’t understand. 

My heart's racing faltered for the briefest of moments, only for it to double in pace when Noah’s eyes studied me, assessing every inch of my face. I tracked every movement of his tongue when it darted out to wet his pink lips. 

“Lethia.” 

My name was all but a hushed whisper that hung on his bottom lip and when our eyes met, some kind of light danced behind his. I raised my fingers to his mouth to drag the nail of my pointer finger along that bottom lip. Noah’s breath hitched in his throat but remained still as I glanced up at him, dying to know what it would feel like. Facial hair peppered his chin and above his mouth, and I couldn’t help but smile at how good he looked. 

There was no way he wasn't like me. Noah was too eternal, the aura that radiated around him shone bright and pulled me in every time he was around. 

The long locks of his hair fell into his face when he tilted his head towards me, closing the distance slightly. The divine scent of him filled my senses and I let my eyes flutter shut to pick apart each of the different smells. Noah smelled woodsy with a hint of Bergamot and Nutmeg. It smelled like his bedroom. It smelled like him. 

“Noah,” I breathed, now dragging my nails over the tattoo on his neck. 

I couldn't feel his touch but I did notice my hair being brushed away from my face. 

“I can’t explain it,” Noah swallowed. “But I feel this strong connection to you.” 

All of my actions were unknown to me, along with this feeling in my chest that burned with such a good ache. Noah silenced all of the voices in my mind, easing away the guilt and hurt that weighed heavily on my heart for my actions in the Kingdom. I was resistant at first with him but I think it was only because this feeling deep inside of me scared me to the ends of the earth. 

“Me as well,” I admitted quietly. 

My hands rested in my lap now, shaking with nerves, wondering what Noah was going to do. We were so close now, with almost no space between our lips, and before my brain could catch up on what was happening a sudden surge of warmth exploded inside of me before seeping into my veins. My skin pricked with electricity when Noah’s hand glided through my hair and it was then that I noticed his eyes were closed but his lips were on mine. 

He was kissing me? 

Fuck. 

I nearly cried and cursed the King for bestowing me with this curse of not being able to feel human touch. All I wanted was to feel Noah’s lips on mine, taste him, devour him. Although I couldn’t feel him, the feeling that was coming alive inside of me was almost too much to handle and I let a quiet moan be swallowed by Noah, who hummed in delight. 

It felt like fireworks being shot off inside of me. It felt like that first flight I took when I realized my wings kept me upright. It felt like the wind blew through my hair and the softness of the clouds encased me just as Noah’s arm did. 

Something spread my lips apart and now all I could feel was the sudden wetness in my mouth and between my legs. I clenched them together while grasping at Noah’s shirt, trying to feel anything. 

He pulled away to glance down at me, briefly searching my eyes for any emotion I couldn’t give off in the kiss we just shared. 

“I mean this with genuine curiosity but have you never been kissed before?” Noah wondered while his hand cupped my cheek. 

I shifted on his bed and kept my gaze cast down on my lap. While I lay with other angels up in the Kingdom, we’d never kissed; Noah was my first kiss, ever. 

“Lethia?” 

“I-,” my shoulders slumped. “No. Was I that bad?” 

Now while I couldn’t feel his touch, that didn’t stop me from meeting his kiss with the same amount of gentle caress that he led with. 

A low noise rumbled in Noah’s chest. “Not at all. I’d actually like to kiss you again if that’s alright?” 

Unbridled heat expanded deep within me as I nodded quickly and then his lips were on mine again. I let the passion in my heart guide my lips, doing my best to mimic Noah’s actions, and he let out a moan when I climbed into his lap to run my hands through the waves of his tawny hair. Even if I couldn’t feel any part of this physically, I could feel it in my heart, and to me, that’s all that mattered. 

“Lethia,” Noah groaned when I pressed my hips into his. 

Something in my heart told me that he was brushing his tongue along the side of my neck before his teeth grazed over in its path. That same feeling told me that Noah’s hands were sprawled over my lower back before slipping underneath my shirt to claw at my skin, digging his nails in. 

My spine tingled with fire, starting from the base and shooting straight up into my neck before spreading through my entire angel essence. My head fell back as my jaw went slack when the familiar feeling of ecstasy crept its way into me.

Only this wasn’t the kind of ecstasy brought on by a man's kiss or touch.

No. 

The skin on my shoulder blades began to peel away an opening for my wings to protrude from and with a gasp of fear, I scrambled away from Noah and nearly stumbled over my feet as I stood in front of him. He lay back on his elbows, hair a mess from my fingers running through it, and lips were swollen from our kiss. The rise and fall of his chest was uneven as he tried to catch his breath. I dared a glance lower and sucked in a breath when I noticed how hard his cock was in his gray sweats. 

“Hey, are you alright? Did I do something?” Noah asked while rising to his feet and taking a step towards me. 

I took a step back. “No, you didn’t do anything. I-I can’t explain it but-.” 

How could I explain it? 

Oh hey, Noah. I was getting so turned on by our kiss that my wings almost came out.

Yeah right. 

I dragged my hands through my hair and let out an aggravated groan to which Noah gently grasped my wrists and held them against his chest. My gaze bounced back and forth between his eyes, my erratic heartbeat calming. 

“If I went too far, I apologize,” he said. 

“No,” I hastily shook my head. “You didn’t do anything. I just needed a moment to clear my head, that's all.”  

He hummed. “I know the perfect thing to help with that.” 

Before dropping my hands, he left a gentle kiss on them, and I couldn’t stop the smile that spread to my lips as I watched him gather the extra clothes on his desk and towels.

“A shower always helps me clear my head,” Noah said while leading me out of his bedroom. 

“A shower?” I asked, slowly treading behind him. 

“Yeah,” he nodded as we stepped inside the bathroom. “Hot Water. Soap. Shampoo.”

“Naked. I know the drill,” I crossed my arms over my chest with a raised brow. “Are you trying to get me naked, Noah?” 

Nervously he rubbed the back of his neck and a red tint painted over his cheeks. “N-no. I just want to help you.” 

I took the things in his hands with a nod of thanks. “You’ve already done enough for me. Giving me a place to stay.” 

The space between us was small in his bathroom due to his tall stature and he gazed down at me with a slight up curl of his lips as he stuffed his hands in his pocket. 

“I help the people I care about.” 

I cocked my head at him. “You care about me?” 

This word, care, was foreign to me; unheard of in the Kingdom. So to hear Noah utter it made a weird feeling stir inside of me. 

“I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t,” Noah’s voice was low as he took a small step towards me. 

However, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I nearly dropped the clothes and towels. I always tried to avoid looking at myself because of how evil I looked. My red eyes matched the red lights from under Noah’s bed and my short onyx hair barely reached my shoulders. Thankfully my jacket and jeans covered the tattoos that were drawn on my skin; etched in deep with my transgressions. 

I despised how I looked now. Revolted in the darkness that I become. 

“I never used to look like this,” I admitted with a long sigh, letting the things in my hands fall to the bathroom counter. 

Noah stepped behind me to stare at my reflection in the mirror. “Really?” 

“This look?” I pointed to my reflection. “It’s a telling of everything wrong I’ve done. I can’t even look at myself without disgust.” 

His face fell at my words and he rested his hands on my shoulders. “Lethia, that’s the farthest thing from the truth. You look beautiful.” 

That was another word I hadn’t heard before. 

“Beautiful?” I raised a brow, staring at his reflection still. 

Noah rested his chin on top of my head and I couldn’t help but giggle at the size difference between us. I wasn’t exactly short but with Noah’s length, he easily towered over me so to rest his chin on my head he had to bend down a bit, encasing his arms on either side of me to grip the bathroom counter. 

My eyes raked over the tattoos that covered the entirety of his arms, various designs and colors. 

“Well for starters, the length of your hair suits your face structure and the color compliments your olive skin tone,” he left a kiss on the side of my head. 

“I used to have long, almost white hair,” I said. 

“Oh,” his face scrunched up. 

“You don’t like it?” I teased with a chuckle. 

Noah shrugged. “You look beautiful either way but like I said this look suits you better.” 

His hands grabbed the collar of my jacket to slowly pull it down my arms, letting it fall to the floor at our feet. I now stood in front of him in my jeans and white shirt, arms exposed to show the darkness of the tattoos that covered them. 

“Your tattoos are made for you,” he breathed in my ear, fingers trailing up the skin of my arms. 

Our eyes locked in the mirror, the deep crimson of mine paled in contrast to his bright almond ones; however this time when I looked into them, they weren’t cold and vacant. Not like I’d see in my dreams. 

“Your eyes,” Noah breathed. “I think your eyes are one of my favorite things about you.” 

He brushed away the hair from my neck so he could press kisses along the skin there. I watched in the mirror as his teeth grazed over the shell of my ear before sinking deep into the crook of my neck. Straight heat shot through me again and I let myself fall into his embrace with a sigh that sounded more like a moan. 

“I’m afraid,” my bottom lip trembled as I cast my eyes down from his. 

Noah turned me in his arms so I had no choice but to look up at him. His eyes were filled with worry as they searched every inch of my face. I grasped at the front of his shirt, fingers trying desperately to feel the material. 

“Afraid of what? This?” He pointed between us. 

“No,” I shook my head and then let out a shaky breath. “I am terrified by this dark thing that sleeps in me.” 

Noah’s hands were on both sides of my face because he held me firm. Then when the light sparked inside of me, I knew that he crashed his lips on mine, tongue slipping inside of my mouth. Although I couldn’t feel his touch, the feeling I had deep inside of me was telling me everything he was doing. 

One hand cupped my cheek while the other slipped inside my shirt, grasping at the skin of my lower back. His lips and tongue explored every inch of my mouth, dragging his teeth along my jawline and neck as he went back to leaving small marks along my collarbone. 

His name came out just below a whisper when he lifted me onto the bathroom counter, digging his nails into the thick material of my jeans to spread my legs open for him. Noah stepped between them as I brought our lips together again in another fiery kiss, needing to bring Noah even closer to me by any means. 

“Lethia,” he murmured against my mouth. “I need-.” 

Just as the skin on my shoulders began peeling away, someone walked into the bathroom, causing Noah to jump away from me slightly. Glancing at the now open door, I noticed his roommate Jesse’s eyes bouncing between Noah and me. 

“Shit, I should have knocked,” he muttered while rubbing his face. “I just saw the door was cracked open and didn’t think.” 

I wiped away the saliva from my lips and turned my head away from the two men, feeling this unusual burn on my cheeks. 

“It’s alright,” Noah ran a hand through his hair, still keeping a wide distance between us. “I was just letting Lethia take a shower.” 

Jesse nodded. “Yeah sure, no problem. I’ll just use the bathroom downstairs.” 

When it was just Noah and me yet again, I peered over to him who was leaning against the wall with a wicked smirk. 

“What?” I asked with a slight up curl on my lips. 

He said nothing, only adjusting himself. I dared a glance downward and sucked in a breath when I noticed his cock pressing hard against the front of his sweats. All the warmth in my body shot down to my core and I squeezed my thighs together, hoping it would curb the itch.

How did this mortal seem to set all of my senses ablaze like this? 

“I’ll give you some privacy,” Noah motioned to the shower. 

As he began walking out of the bathroom, I dared a glance at the shower but tilted my head in confusion. 

“Wait,” I spoke while reaching for his wrist, my black nails grazing his skin. 

Both of us reacted with such a shock, nearly making me rear back in surprise. Noah’s eyes bounced from my hold on him to my face; a spark of something behind them. 

“How do I turn it on?” 

“The shower?” His brows creased. 

All I did was nod, some things on this planet still confused me but I didn’t want to tell him that. 

With a chuckle, Noah walked over to the shower, sliding the door open then turned the dial left. 

“Left is hot. The right is cold. Adjust how you need to. There’s already some shampoo and body wash in there for you,” he said when he stepped in front of me. 

Steam began to fill the bathroom, dancing above our heads like the clouds in the Kingdom. Reaching up on the tips of my toes, I laid a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. 

“Thank you, Noah.” 

NOAH

I stifled a yawn behind my hand as I poured myself yet another cup of coffee, stirring the dark liquid as I leaned against the kitchen island. Craning my neck far to the left, I groaned when it popped in a few different places. Sleeping on the couch did a number on my back and neck but I didn’t want to verbalize my discomfort knowing that Lethia was comfortable upstairs in bed. 

Possibly naked, lying in my sheets. 

Shaking the thoughts from my head, I took a large gulp of my coffee, it slightly burning on the way down, when Jesse walked into the kitchen. His eyes raked over my disheveled hair and skewed clothes with a smirk. 

“Rough night?” 

I grumbled in response. 

“I’m sorry about interrupting you and Lethia last night,” Jesse apologized while reaching for a cup in the far right cupboard. 

“It’s alright,” I set my cup on the counter next to me. 

It seemed as if there was something on the tip of his tongue so I urged him to ask his question with a nod. 

“Are you sure you aren’t moving fast with her?” Jesse was hesitant to ask. “You don’t know a lot about Lethia?” 

Even though I was growing tired of the same conversation with my friends, I took a deep breath to ease away the annoyance. I knew they were only coming from a place of love. 

“It’s hard to explain,” I rubbed a hand up and down my arm. “We feel this strong connection between us and no matter how hard I tried to stay away, it seemed as if something kept pulling us together.” 

Jesse nodded with a faint smile. “She seems like a great girl, Noah. We just don’t want you to fall too deep and end up getting hurt.” 

I reassured him with a pat on his shoulder just as Jolly, Michael, and Orie came bounding into the kitchen, all of them going about to start their typical morning routine. It was a rare Saturday that we all had off so earlier in the week we talked about going for a hike today. 

“Still on for today?” Orie wondered. 

“Yeah,” I answered. 

Jolly took a sip of his coffee. “Did you ask if Lethia wanted to come?” 

My lips parted to speak but there was this tingle at the back of my neck, making the hairs there stand to attention, and when I turned slightly, my heart shuddered in my chest. 

Lethia stood in the middle of the kitchen, rubbing a hand on her elbow. Her hair was a mess from a night of sleep and I could make out the faintest of a few purple marks across her neck. My cock twitched in my sweats when I remembered our kisses from last night. But that’s not what made my heart stop. It was what she was wearing. 

My blue and white star shorts and my Jesus playing basketball with the devil t-shirt. It drowned on her, barely covering the shorts. Not only were her arms covered in tattoos but so were both of her legs, the black designs standing out amongst the sunlight that brushed in through the patio door next to her. Lethia looked absolutely breathtaking. 

Like an angel. 

“Hilarious,” she pulled at the picture of the shirt. 

I smiled. “Did you sleep alright?” 

“You guys were going to ask me something?” 

She averted my question with one of her own and Orie spoke up. 

“We were going for a hike today. Would you like to join?” 

“A hike,” Lethia repeated the words slowly. 

Michael rolled his eyes. “You know, walking up a mountain. Fresh air. Scenery. Exercise.” 

Crimson eyes sliced into him. “I know what a hike is.” 

“Cool, so are you coming with or not?” He crossed his arms. 

“I’m touched you want me to tag along, Michael. I knew you secretly had feelings for me,” Lethia teased with a playful smirk. 

Peering over to Michael, I noticed a red tint covering his cheeks before he hid his face in the fridge, rummaging around for something. 

“So,” I began while closing the distance between Lethia and me. “Do you want to come with us?” 

She peered up at me through dark lashes. “You want to spend time with me?” 

“I think after last night that it’s pretty clear,” I said while taming her sleep-tousled hair. 

Lethia leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering shut with a peaceful sigh. 

“Okay,” she agreed after a beat of silence. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed.” 

“Take all the time you need,” I said, trailing my fingers down the side of her neck. 

Lethia slipped away from me and trotted back upstairs to get ready and when I turned around, I ignored the looks from Michael, Orie, and Jolly. Instead, I walked into the living room while hearing Jesse fill them in on what happened last night. 

“You kissed her?” Michael asked as he followed me into the living room. 

Slipping my black jacket over my hoodie, I shrugged. “It sort of happened. We were in my room talking and I asked if I could.” 

He hesitated and I knew, like Jesse, he had some reservations. 

“Look, I appreciate you guys looking out for me, I do. But if I didn’t trust Lethia, she wouldn’t be here. So can we please make her feel welcome?” 

I directed the question towards Michael, who raised his hands. “I didn’t start it.” 

“I think the reason why you two seem to butt heads is because she doesn't take your shit,” Jolly chuckled while tying up his hair. 

Michael grumbled under his breath as Lethia came bounding down the steps, yet again taking my breath away. She was dressed in biker shorts, showcasing her long and toned legs, and a black fitted crop top. Her white tennis shoes stood out as she came to a stop when all eyes fell on her. 

“Do I have something stuck to me or something?” She asked, doing a full 360 turn, and I briefly saw a tattoo peaking on her shoulder through the straps of her shirt. 

Some kind of bird. A crow?

“No, you look great,” I smiled. “Ready?” 

“Shit, my jacket. Let me-.” 

Before she could run back upstairs, I handed her an extra sweater of mine I grabbed from the front closet. 

“Your leather jacket is looking a bit worn so here, you can have my sweater for the day,” I said. 

She hesitantly took it, fingering the material of my yellow sweater. “Thank you, Noah.” 

The drive to our usual hiking spot seemed to go by faster than normal as we all piled in Orie’s SUV; he and his dog, Harper, up front; something Michael gave him shit for when he tried to call shotgun. 

Jolly and Michael were in the middle. 

Me, Lethia, and Jesse were in the back seat. 

My knees were brushing with hers, heat spreading throughout my nerve endings and I suddenly wanted to feel all of her all over me. Memories of our kiss last night flashed in my mind when I found myself staring at her lips while she talked with Jesse. 

I remembered how they tasted; like every dark thought I’d ever had. There was something about her that kept calling to me, to a side that I forever repressed. I needed to know more about her and to know who she was running from so I could protect her from them. 

Once we all stumbled out of the car, Lethia bent low to Harper so the dog could sniff her fingers. With a faint smile, she scratched Harper being the ears, something the dog appreciated with a wag of her tail. 

“You’re a beautiful creature,” Lethia mused before rising to her feet. 

With Orie taking the lead, we all followed up the usual path, Lethia slowly trailing behind. I let her take her time alone, figured something was bothering her, but when we made it about halfway up the trail, I finally turned to face her. Her hand was moving in an orbit as she studied the long black nails; sharp as a blade. 

“Come on slowpoke!” I called out to her with a smile after pulling my hood up.

Her eyes barely lifted to mine, something still clouding her mind. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, coming to a stop. 

“Hm?” 

When Lethia finally looked up at me, it was a few seconds too late as she crashed into me, not realizing I stopped walking. My arms wrapped around her to keep us upright while her hands sprawled over my chest. I was still so nervous to have her this close to me that I knew she would be able to tell when she’d feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. 

“What’s going on in here?” I asked again, tapping her forehead. 

She didn’t even flinch. 

“Nothing,” Lethia said. 

I knew she couldn’t see the look I was giving her through my sunglasses so instead, I squeezed her hips; once again not reacting to my touch. 

“I’m fine, Noah,” she reassured me with a gentle caress to my face. “We should move along before the others wonder where we drifted off to.” 

I glanced over my shoulder, noticing that Jolly was at the top of the hill about ten feet ahead of us; stopped and waiting. 

“The first one to Jolly wins,” I said. 

This made her raise a brow. “A race?” 

“Yeah,” I dropped my hands from her waist. “If I win, I get to sleep in my bed with you. The couch isn’t the best place to sleep on my back. If it makes you feel better, we can put a wall of pillows between us.”

“What do I get when I win?” Her hands replaced mine on her hips. 

I snorted. “Someone’s confident.” 

It was her turn to snort. “There’s no way you can beat me. Now, what do I get when I win?” 

“Whatever you want,” I shrugged. 

She tapped a finger to her lip as if she was really thinking about her decision. 

“If I win, I’d like for you to kiss me again.” 

My cock twitched in my joggers while my heart hammered loudly in my ears. 

“Lethia,” my voice dropped. “You don’t have to make a bet for me to kiss you again.” 

Cocking her head to the side, she stood taller to close the distance. I felt the warm breath fan over my bottom lip and I almost captured her tongue with mine when it darted out to wet her lips. 

Suddenly, her laughter erupted through the trees as she took off in a sprint toward Jolly. Chuckling under my breath, I whipped around to begin running after her, amazed at how fast she’d already closed the distance to Jolly. She was less than five feet from him as he watched the two of us with a smile. 

Suddenly, her steps faltered briefly, just enough for me to pass her in such haste that I didn’t see that she stopped running completely. When I reached Jolly, I tapped his shoulder before raising my hands. 

“I win!” 

Lethia slowly caught up to us with a smile painting the features of her face, not even working hard to catch her breath from the race. It was as if she wasn’t even winded. 

“You did, fair and square,” she agreed while tying half of her hair up into a bun. 

Jolly looked from me to Lethia, a knowing look on his face. “Really?” 

My shoulders fell when I saw the look the two of them shared. 

“Wait,” I pointed to her. “Did you let me win?” 

“No,” Lethia dragged out the word and shrugged. “Why would I do that?” 

When she slipped between Jolly and me, she patted my chest and winked. “You better not be a blanket hog, Noah.” 

I watched her walk up to Jesse, the two of them picking up the conversation they had in the car. 

“You know Lethia let you win, right?” 

Jolly’s voice made me snap my gaze over to him. “No, she didn’t.” 

Now it was me that gave that knowing look and I shifted on my feet. 

“Why would she let me win?” I asked. 

“She wanted you to share your bed with her,” Jolly said as if it was obvious. 

I stood there for a long moment after he left to catch up with everyone else, letting his words settle within me. Lethia let me win because she wanted to share my bed. A fire burned in my gut with that knowledge as excitement filled my veins with the thought of going to sleep tonight. 

When I reached the group, they all were standing on a cliff edge staring down at the city of Los Angeles. This was one of my favorite spots because you could see everything up here but hear nothing of the hustle and bustle of the city, only your thoughts. 

I took note of Lethia who was a few feet away from all of us, in her own little bubble, letting the wind blow through her hair and my sweater that was tied around her waist. Her eyes were closed, a look of peaceful bliss on her face almost as if she belonged in the breeze. Her arms were outstretched as she tilted her head back.  “Lethia.” 

One eye cracked open as she looked at me when I snapped a quick picture of her with a smile. 

“I’m glad you invited me with you guys,” she breathed while dropping her arms. 

“Yeah, you’ve been alright company,” Michael admitted with a grumble. 

She came over and ruffled his hair. “You’re not so bad yourself.” 

Hooking an arm around her back, I pulled her into my chest, breathing my question over her lips. “You let me win the race?” 

“Now why would I do that?” Lethia hummed, playing with the strings of my hoodie. 

“That would mean I secretly want to sleep in the same bed with you.” 

Something mischievous sparkled in her crimson eyes as I lowered my head to her, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. Her body relaxed in my embrace, lips molding against my own, while my hands roamed up her back. 

Pulling away, Lethia dragged a finger over my bottom lip. 

“Looks like we both won in the end,” she respired. 

“How sweet.” 

Lethia’s body went stiff in my embrace when she peered over my shoulder toward the unfamiliar voice. Following her gaze, my brows creased when I noticed a man standing a few feet away from our group, hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his dark Levis. The top two buttons of his white shirt were undone, showcasing a golden chain. For someone walking outside on a dirt-filled mountain, he looked clean; pristine. Not a single strand of his blonde hair was out of place on top of his head. 

“Uriel,” Lethia forced out through gritted teeth.

“Do you know him?” I asked when I looked back at her.

“Unfortunately,” her jaw ticked, never removing her eyes from the stranger. “He’s an old friend. Give me a few minutes?” 

I swallowed the jealousy burning deep in my gut at the way she said old friend but nodded, letting her slip from my embrace. With the guys flanking in a line a few feet behind her, we watched with careful eyes as she moved out of earshot from us. 

LETHIA  

“How did you find me?” I questioned, the soles of my shoes scraping along the rocks beneath my feet. 

Uriel smiled with his lips but not his eyes. “I must admit, your scent was a bit harder to find now that you mingle among these mortals.” 

“What do you want, Uriel?” My hands shook at my side so I rolled them into fists. 

Bright gold eyes flicked over my shoulder towards the guys before they fell on me. 

“I come with a message from the King.” 

I swallowed thickly, nearly faltering my stone face at the mention of the King, but remained calm. 

“I’m surprised he let you leave his side; you were always the one to be up his ass any chance you could get.” 

Uriel’s eyes sliced into me. “The vulgarity of your speech, Lethia. A few weeks here and you’ve changed; in more ways than one.” 

“What’s this message?” I asked with a sigh, ready to end this surprise meeting. 

“The King is welcoming you back into the Kingdom.” 

My heart stopped in my chest as my jaw dropped. I couldn’t ignore the way relief flooded me for the briefest of moments. 

A way back home? I was allowed to go back home. 

“That seems too good to be true. How can I believe your word?” I asked while crossing my arms over my chest. 

Uriel held out his hands. “I am an archangel, Lethia. We’re known for our word.” 

“When the fuck has your word ever been good enough? I sneered, countless memories of how wrong his word had been in the Kingdom. 

“Do you want to be granted a way back or not?” Uriel clicked his tongue against his teeth. 

“Surely the King has a catch,” I reminded him. “He always did.” 

Uriel pointed to Noah. “Erase that mortal’s memory of you, renounce him and everything you’ve done together. Never look his way again and you have your way back home.” 

My heart fell to the depths of my stomach at this demand. Even though there was a tiny sliver of hope of being granted access back into my home, there was no way I could erase Noah’s memory of me. These feelings we shared were still unknown to me but that didn’t mean I didn’t understand that we were important to each other; the feelings were real. 

“I’m not interested,” I spat while spinning on my heels, ready to walk back over to Noah. 

“He will allow you time to think about it, but not for long,” Uriel spoke. “I suggest you accept because the stench of humans is beginning to rub off on you; especially that mortal.”

Both of us glanced over at Noah who was watching us intently while talking with Jesse. They were still a good distance from us so I knew none of them could hear mine and Uriel's conversation. 

“Hm, he fancies you, Lethia. Tell me, how often do you walk in his dream? Quite often I suppose since he has those vulgar thoughts of you,” Uriel breathed against the back of my neck, fingers grazing over mine. 

My head snapped up to Uriel, creating distance between us by snatching my hand away from him. It was clear that I still was able to feel the touch of fellow angels, just not mortals.  

“You don’t know anything! He’s a good man offering me a place to stay away from Maraxa and Lucifer,” I seethed. 

His eyes darkened, almost as black as my wings. “You must not heed to their demands. If you even think about joining Lucifer's army, any chance of you getting back into the Kingdom will be long forgotten. The King is only allowing you one chance. Erase that mortal mind or stay on this putrid planet and walk among these disgusting creatures.” 

“Trust me, I have zero intention of joining Lucifer. It’s because of him I fell into what I am now. But the thought of joining a Kingdom that banished me also isn’t quite appealing,” I scoffed and walked a few steps away from him when his next words gave me great pause. 

“What if I sweeten the deal?” 

Turning slowly on my feet, I held out a hand. “I doubt it but go ahead.” 

Uriel pursed his lips before running a hand through his already perfect long, golden hair. “It is known that Lucifer is looking to revolt and he’s trying to find other fallen to join his army; for example, you.” 

I shook my head. “I already told you, I have no interest in joining him.” 

“The King can be quite lax with this upcoming war. He thinks he has enough soldiers for it but if I’m being frank, without Oblivion, we have no chance.” 

Every part of my body chilled to the bone as all the breath was snatched from my lungs at hearing that name; I hadn’t heard it in so long. 

“I’m not that person anymore,” I stated. “I haven’t been for a very long time.” 

“If you come back to the Kingdom, you can bring him with you. But still would need to erase his memories of you.” Uriel nodded behind me. 

To Noah. 

“What?” I stood tall. “How would that work? He’s mortal, he wouldn’t survive in the Kingdom. Not to mention, the King would never allow it.” 

That’s when something sparkled in Uriel’s eyes. 

“You two will dethrone the King.” 

I laughed out loud at his words. “Dethrone the King? Show up to the pearly gates so we can spit in his face?” 

“Think about it,” Uriel stepped closer to me, running a hand through my short locks. 

“If you accept to dethrone the King, lead the army in victory against Lucifer, you can bring the mortal with you and rule the Kingdom. However, he would have to be a mere peasant there. He cannot remember who you are. Think of him as a mere pawn for you to play with.” 

I stood frozen under his touch as he twirled a strand of hair around his finger. “I’ll even return you to your old physical state. Which you should be thankful for because this one doesn’t suit you.” 

The promise of not only going back home in my old form but being able to bring Noah with me made something inside of me light with the life I’d been searching for since I fell. But it wouldn’t be easy to bring a mortal into the Kingdom; there was only one way to enter. 

Being an eternal being. 

“I’ll think about it,” I muttered under my breath. 

Uriel smiled as he removed his hand from my hair. “I suggest you do because the longer you try to hide your true form, well I don’t need to remind you of what will happen.” 

No, he didn’t. 

My wings will deteriorate. My powers will weaken. Slowly over time, I will lose myself in my mind. 

With a scowl, I turned my back to him and finally sauntered back over towards Noah, who met me halfway, quick to pull me into his embrace. 

“Everything alright?” He brushed away some stray hairs from my face. 

“I need to get far away from that man,” I begged, parts of me that I didn’t want to remember coming back with force. 

“Did he hurt you?” Noah’s hands were on both sides of my face, almost mute against my skin. “Are you alright?

“Please,” I grasped at his arms, digging into the material of his jacket. “Can we leave? Seeing him brought up far too many memories I’d like to forget”. 

Noah nodded while wrapping an arm around my shoulder to begin leading me back down the hill, Uriel’s voice calling after us. 

“I’ll be seeing you soon, Lethia!”

JOLLY

“This place is called what?” 

Noah chuckled at Lethia’s upturned head at him with furrowed brows. “In-N-Out. They’ve got great burgers here.” 

“Burgers?” She said slowly. 

I watched as Noah explained the menu to her, what’s good and what to stay away from. Revealing that she wasn’t particular to any kind of food, he took it upon himself to order her a cheeseburger, fries, and a large chocolate milkshake. 

“Oh, that milkshake sounds delicious,” Lethia mused with a bright smile.

There was a faint smile on my face as I continued to watch the two of them, Noah sliding his hand on the lower back of Lethia as they waited for their food. She had slipped on his sweater on the way down from the mountain, the sudden change in the wind causing all of us to feel a frigid chill.

After Lethia spoke to that old friend of hers, something shifted with her. Noah could tell instantly because he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, not wanting to let her more than a few inches out of her sight. 

“Something doesn’t feel right about this guy,” Noah muttered to me as we watched Lethia and her friend converse. 

I held him back with a grip on his elbow when he nearly stomped over there seeing Uriel run his hands through Lethia’s hair. 

“Jolly,” he warned through gritted teeth. 

“Just give her some time alone, like she asked. If she’s uncomfortable, she’ll let you know,” I said. 

I could practically see all the worry leave Lethia’s body when Noah’s arms wrapped around her not even a minute later. 

I couldn’t explain it, and frankly, I don’t think Noah could explain either how Lethia entranced him since he found her in our driveway all those weeks ago. He claimed there was this undeniable pull between them and almost as if it was fate that they kept running into each other.

There’d been this light in Noah’s eyes every time he looked at Lethia, shining brighter now knowing and witnessing they kissed. He’d become transfixed ever since that first meeting even when she had her hand wrapped around his throat. We all should have been terrified of the strength she possessed when she tackled Folio to the floor or with how tight her grip was around Noah. But if he didn’t feel harm when he was around her, the least we could do was trust her. 

“What do you think?” Noah asked. 

She nodded with a mouth full of food then once she swallowed, Lethia took a large gulp of her milkshake. “Delicious.” 

While I ate my food, I continued to carefully watch them as the others around me had their own conversations. I didn’t miss the way when Noah muttered something in her ear, Lethia’s cheeks turned a deep crimson, like her eyes. 

She had her milkshake halfway to her lips when her body stilled, a painful grimace crossing her features. Those eyes scanned the entirety of the restaurant, almost looking for someone. 

“Are you alright?” Jesse questioned. 

“Uh,” Lethia winced, nearly doubling over in pain when she grasped at the ends of the table. 

A small gust of wind bristled by our table, tickling the back of my neck, and as I rubbed there Lethia quickly rushed to her feet. 

“I need a moment,” she grumbled before rushing out of the restaurant. 

Noah wanted to go after her but decided against it, knowing she needed time to herself. 

“Anyone else think she does that a lot?” Michael questioned. 

Noah sighed while running a hand through the long strands of his hair. “Lethia has a lot going on right now. She needs help.” 

“What do you mean?” I asked while tossing my garbage on the tray in front of me. 

There was slight hesitation from Noah for a long moment until he eventually divulged to us that he believes Lethia is running from an ex who wanted her back, even though he kicked her out of their house. 

“Oh, right. Lucifer,” Michael snorted. “Are we sure she doesn’t have this obsession with the occult or some shit? The only Lucifer I’d heard of is the supposed devil. 

Orie smacked him upside the head. “Dude, Lethia is not dating the devil.” 

“She’s not dating anyone,” Noah’s eyes sliced over to him but they softened when he realized his words. “Lethia’s not dating anyone.” 

“Then what do you call what’s going on between the two of you?” Jesse wondered. 

“I don’t know,” Noah shrugged. “I like her but I don’t want to rush her into anything she doesn’t want.” 

“From what I’ve seen, you’re not. Whatever you’re giving her, she’s reciprocating it back. Lethia feels the same, Noah. You don’t have to worry about that,” I assured him. 

All he did was nod as he kept his gaze on the door of the restaurant where Lethia stormed through minutes before. 

LETHIA

“Come to me, Lethia. My queen. I need you by my side to rule.” 

I clawed at my ears, digging out Lucifer's voice, and continued to run into the woods behind the restaurant. My body ached with the pain of my wings nearly forcing their way out of my back. It’s been a few days since I let them out and it was beginning to crush me. 

“I miss you, Lethia. I need you again.” 

“Stop!” I cried while falling to my knees in the leaves and dirt, hands covering my ears. 

“I’ll never stop until I have you in my presence. You are mine, Lethia. Not his.” 

All but ripping Noah’s sweater off of me, I tossed it to the side just as I let out a sheer groan of agony mixed with ecstasy when my large wings exploded from my back. The force of them caused the branches of the trees around me to falter, some falling to the ground around me like drops of rain. 

My jaw was slack as I peered up to the gloomy grays of the sky, an upcoming storm about to ravage through the city. All the pain I felt inside the restaurant was long forgotten, replaced with the intoxication of my angelic being. My powers began to slowly fester low inside of me and with an open palm, I watched the bright light slowly begin to grow into a baseball-sized orb then with a flick of my wrist, I sent it to a tree far off into the distance, incinerating it completely. 

My body vibrated with all of my senses. I could hear the chatter of people miles away, feeling the slight creep of chills against the skin of my back when my name came out from the chatter. 

“Lethia.” 

Before, it was Lucifer speaking in my mind. But now, that voice that uttered my name was the same that spoke when he was kissing me last night. 

My left wing came around to the front of me, blocking me from anyone who dared to venture into the woods and a broken sob fell from my chattering lips. They were deteriorating at such a rapid pace. While they were still large, dark, and caused fear to any mortal who saw them, my wings were a pathetic excuse to any other angel. A few feathers drifted into the wind, the weakness from hiding who I was taunting me. 

“There she is. I knew you couldn’t hide who you were. The darkness lies inside of you, begging to awaken.” 

I sucked in a gulp of air when Maraxa’s voice crept into my mind now; the cold and monotone bringing a chill to my bones. 

My eyes rolled to the back of my head when a vision slammed into me. 

Noah and the guys sitting in the booth of the restaurant, smiling and laughing with a group of girls that sauntered up to the table. One of the girls was standing a bit too close to Noah, as he signed something for her. When he handed it back, their fingers grazed over the girl’s. His almond eyes snapped from her hand to her face, gazing at all of her features.

“No!” I screamed while rising to my feet. “Stop. I know what you’re doing!” 

“Oh, sweet Oblivion. I’m doing nothing that your mind is already thinking.” 

The way Maraxa uttered my other name made me whirl around, thinking she was here with me. 

“I’m not Oblivion anymore. I haven’t been for a very long time,” I spat, eyes scanning my surroundings. 

“You should see yourself. Looking like a mad angel who lost her mind.” 

Uriel’s warnings were right. My wings were deteriorating and now, I was losing myself in my mind. Were these voices even in my head? Or had I been imagining them since my fall? 

“Lethia?!” 

My head snapped up to just outside the clearing of the woods, Noah’s faint outline slowly closing the distance. 

“Oh, you’re thinking of letting him see you in your true form. Surely, he will think you’re even more of a freak than how you look. He wouldn’t understand.” 

Meraxa. 

The voices wouldn’t stop, no matter how hard I smacked my ears to drown them out. 

“This mortal will never understand you. You’re mine, Lethia. Mine and no one else's. I will have you in my arms once again.” 

Lucifer. 

“Stop,” I cried while falling to my knees again, my wings wrapping around me in a protective barrier. 

“Dethrone the King and all of his kingdom will be yours.” 

Uriel. 

“Lethia? Are you okay?” 

Noah. 

Snapping my eyes open, they landed on Noah who was now a few feet away from me. With a roll of my shoulders, I stood to my feet, appearing just as I had moments before leaving his presence. 

NOAH

“Lethia, are you alright?” I questioned as she appeared through the clearing of the woods. 

I felt Lethia brush past me as she walked back toward the car, not uttering a word at me. My heart sank slightly but I did my best not to dwell on it because of our moments together in my bedroom and the bathroom last night. The unbridled passion between us was burning over into undeniable attraction. 

With a sigh, I tied my hair into a low bun, ready to go back home after this long day, but a flutter of movement at my feet caught my attention. It was a lone black feather, just like the one I'd found that first night Lethia appeared in my life. 

Bending at the knees, I reached for the feather, and then with a gasp of breath, I felt my vision being yanked away from me at the edges, darkness encompassing every part of me. I felt my soul being dragged away into another dimension, tumbling into a brighter vision of pure peace and eternal life. 

A woman with white golden hair stood in front of me, even brighter wings protruding from her back, as she held onto less fragile wings from the man who kneeled at her feet. 

"Oblivion," he cried. "Don't fall into the true meaning of your name, please." 

The woman; no angel cocked her head to the side with a slight wicked smile. 

"The King bestowed this name to me for a reason," was all she said before the man's cries of death and pain erupted but were overshadowed by the sounds of his wings being ripped from his back. 

With a gasp of breath, I was dragged back into the present, nearly stumbling onto my ass. Looking around my surroundings, I noticed I was back in Los Angeles, Jolly and Jesse slowly walking towards me. 

"You alright?" Jolly wondered. 

Ignoring him, I twirled the feather in my fingers and locked eyes with Lethia, who gave nothing away from her face except the slight flicker of light in her red eyes.

This vision didn’t feel like it was one of my own memories. It was as if I was dragged into someone else subconscious as I watched from the outside looking in. Something about watching the angel get his wings ripped away from him felt wrong, especially with the wicked smirk the female angel had on her face when she did it. 

I couldn’t ignore the way my mind vibrated with the familiarity of her. I knew who she was but she didn’t look familiar. Her presence was the only familiar thing about her and with a flick of my gaze to Lethia, there was a small part of me that knew who it was. 

With a sigh, I carefully pocketed the feather in my coat pocket and nodded over to Jesse who asked if I was ready to head back to the house. When I climbed into the car, I noticed that Michael and Jolly sat in the back with Lethia, so I retreated into the front seat of the car, while Jesse lounged in the middle with Harper. 

“Everything alright?” Orie asked as he pulled the car out onto the main road. 

Glancing over my shoulder, I watched Lethia for a few beats as she stared straight out of her window, not bothering to meet my gaze. I knew she could feel it burning into her but whatever happened to her outside in those woods rendered her speechless. 

“I don’t know,” I answered truthfully before turning back to face forward with a sigh. 

As soon as we arrived back at the house, Lethia nearly jumped out of the car to run inside once Jolly opened the door for her. She locked herself away in my bedroom for the rest of the afternoon well into the evening. Part of me wanted to check on her if she was alright but it was clear she wanted to be left alone. If she needed me, she would let me know. 

Would she? 

With a shake of my head at the thought, I bid a goodnight to Jesse and Michael as we watched a movie together in the living room and slowly retreated up the steps to my room. The door opened a crack but before I pushed my way through, I noticed Lethia standing in the middle of my room in front of my mirror. She was only wearing a pair of black panties and a matching bra. I knew I should have averted my gaze to anything else but I was mesmerized by her. 

Lethia showed me her back, hands slinking up her spine towards the hook of her bra, the material falling to the floor at her feet. My breath caught in my throat when I noticed the large crow tattoo on her right shoulder blade. But it wasn’t just the sight of it that gave me great pause; it was the large upside-down V scar on her back. It wasn’t an old scar. It looked new; fresh. 

“What the?” I muttered, slowly pushing away from the door to stand in the middle of the landing above the stairs. 

With a glance over the landing, I noticed that Jesse and Michael were still sitting on the couch, and knowing Jolly and Orie retreated to bed earlier, the computer in the studio was free. As I came back downstairs to head into the studio that was off the den, Jesse raised a brow at me. 

“I thought you went to bed?” 

I motioned to the room in front of me. “Late-night inspiration.” 

Shutting the door behind me, I dropped down into the chair in front of the computer with my fingers hovering over the keyboard. My mind was full of different words, I wasn’t sure where to start. 

Black feathers. 

Vivid dreams. 

Crows in dreams. 

Upside-down V scars on a person's back. 

Angels. 

Fallen Angels. 

The last one made me freeze ever so still, a memory of my own past creeping into the front recesses of my mind. 

“Noah, dear! Come on. It’s time for your bedtime story!” 

Eight-year-old me ran down the long hallway of my grandparent's house into my bedroom there and hopped into my bed, where my grandma sat on the edge with a fond smile. 

“Lord of the Rings?” I asked while climbing under the blankets. 

She chuckled while tucking me in. “Now, what did I say about those books? Aren’t you a little too young for them?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Ok grandma, what’s the story tonight?” 

“Fallen angels.” 

“Like from heaven?” I asked with furrowed brows. 

“Now I won't bore you with all the details but there’s something special about them,” my grandma began while patting my thigh over the blanket. “When an angel falls from heaven, people think they’re automatically stripped of all their powers but sometimes that's not the case.” 

She continued. “There’s this story of a great angel that fell, her feathers scattered all over the world. Whenever a human touched them, they would be sucked into memories of the angel.” 

I gave my grandma a “you can’t be serious” look but she only cupped my cheek in response.  

“No one believed that angels walked among us until someone saw the scars on the back of one.” 

“Scars?” I said, sitting up straighter in bed. 

“Large ones on their back. In an upside-down V.” 

I choked on a breath nearly falling out of the computer chair but gripped the handrests to keep myself steady. When I was eight years old, I figured my grandma was blowing smoke out of her ass, telling another one of her many stories. But now, everything seemed to have a bit of truth. 

Biting my bottom lip, I clicked on Google and quickly typed the words into the search bar before I doubted myself a second longer. 

Fallen Angel.

I clicked on the first website. 

“Fallen Angels are angels who have been exiled or banished from Heaven. Often such banishment is a punishment for disobeying or rebelling against their King,” I read the words out loud. 

I scrolled down the page a bit farther, still muttering the words out loud as I read them. 

“If a fallen angel is impaled or struck in the scars created when his or her wings were ripped out usually spanning from shoulder blades to kidney area, he or she will be temporarily immobilized. Some angels still have scars even if they haven’t lost their wings. It’s easier for the skin to peel away for the wings to slip from.” 

I shivered at the phantom feeling but then froze when I read the next section. 

“A fallen angel is unable to feel physical pain or sensations.” 

Scrolling down a bit farther, it was then that I realized how right I’d been about this feeling festering within me; almost begging to be let out. 

“A fallen angel's feather holds a lot of power. It holds the memories of the angel and whoever touches them can find themselves in those memories. A fallen angel's biggest weakness is one of their feathers. If a feather is burned, the original owner of the feather will be chained in Hell for eternity. Otherwise, fallen angels are nearly as indestructible as Angels and Archangels.” 

I fell back into the chair and rubbed a hand over my mouth, letting everything I read process in my mind. Everything correlated to what I’ve noticed with Lethia especially the part of her not being able to feel anything. 

There’d been a few times when it seemed like my touch meant nothing to her. But when we kissed, it seemed as if she could feel that. 

The feathers. 

Even though I tried to deny what I’d seen when I picked up the feather today, I knew that it was true what I’d seen. 

But how come I hadn’t seen anything when I picked up the first feather? 

Hunching back over towards the computer screen, I read more into the section about fallen angel feathers. 

“The more fallen angel feathers you touch, the stronger your connection to their memories is.” 

With a purse of my lips, I rummaged around the desk looking for my lyric book where I had stashed the first feather, using it as a bookmark. The other feather was still in my pocket, weighing heavily with the fear of what I would see next. My heart was pounding so loud I could hear it in my ears and feel it in my throat. It was suffocating, this feeling clawing its way inside of me, threatening to pull me under. 

Did I want to do this? 

Was I ready for what I could potentially see? 

Granted, I had to take everything I read online with a grain of salt because it could have been a bunch of made-up bullshit. But with it correlating to not only my grandma’s story but things I’ve noticed about Lethia, there had to be some truth to it all. 

“Fuck it,” I muttered while grabbing the feather in my lyric notebook at the same time I grabbed the one in my pocket. 

Darkness lingered at the corners of not only my vision but my mind as well. It dragged me under with no warning to the dark depths of what I could only assume was Lethia’s mind. 

My body landed with a thud to the cool wetness of the grass below me and quickly scrambling to my knees, I took in the vast empty field that went on for miles. Brightly colored trees lined the edge of the field and it was so quiet here that I could hear my blood running through my veins. 

“My love. I've been waiting for you.” 

Whirling around on my heels, I took in the sight of a tall man with skinny but large white wings extended from his back. His black hair was a mess of curls in front of his eyes and the dark levis hung low on his hips. The sheer brightness of his green eyes was almost eerie and I felt as if he could see straight into my soul. 

But he didn’t. It was as if he didn’t see me when he walked past me, over towards a lone figure lying in the grass a few meters away from me. 

Long golden, almost white, strands of hair fell around her shoulders as she sat up, bright eyes staring back at the man who was slowly closing the distance. I swallowed thickly when I recognized that face. 

It wasn’t the way I knew her but it was still her. 

Lethia. 

“Lucifer. You know you’re not supposed to be here,” she quickly rose to her feet, taking a step back from him. 

He stood in front of her shirtless, the defining muscles of his chest and stomach tightening as he stuffed his hands deep into his pockets. 

So her ex actually was Lucifer. 

What the fuck did you just step into, Noah?

“I snuck away from the King for a moment. I needed to see you,” Lucifer tried to reach for her. 

Lethia smacked his hands away before running a shaking one of hers through her long hair. I then noticed she also had her wings exposed; large and as white as her hair. 

“We cannot be seen together! If the King finds out we’ve been together, he will banish us; or worse.” 

Lucifer chuckled darkly then pulled Lethia into his arms; her going willingly. 

I gritted my teeth at the jealousy that coursed through me, trying to tell myself that it was a very long time ago and it didn’t mean anything; not anymore. 

“My sweet Oblivion. The King wouldn’t banish his number one soldier. If he lost you, who would tear out the wings of the ones who went against him?” 

My blood ran cold at Lucifer's words. I knew that the first memory I saw had something to do with Lethia but I never put two and two together. She was the one who ripped out the angel's wings.

“I did horrible things back home and how could I ever be allowed back?

Her words from the last night made more sense now than they did when she first uttered them. 

“I cannot,” Lethia tried to fight against his grasp but ultimately gave in. 

“One more night. After tonight, I’ll let you be,” Lucifer’s fingers linked behind her neck, tilting her lips up towards him. 

“We both know we cannot stay away from each other,” she uttered before pulling him down to the grass with him. 

My eyes snapped open with a gulp of air and I gazed around the room of my studio, making sure that I was still alone. It took me some time to get my breath back to normal and my heart back to a steady pace. 

I slammed both of the feathers in my lyric book and hid it in the far back of the closet in the room, hoping no one else would find it. Those feathers held too much power and if I lost them, the looming fear of what could happen taunted me. 

“If an angel's feather is burned, they become changed to Hell for all eternity,” I reiterated the words I read earlier. 

Whether or not that part was true, I couldn’t risk it. 

Letting out a long breath, I shut down the computer and slowly slipped out of the studio, going upstairs to my bedroom unnoticed by Jesse and Michael who were still watching the movie. This time when I stopped in front of my room, I noticed the door was shut so I was quiet as I stepped inside, finding a sleeping Lethia cuddled under the mounds of blankets on my bed. 

I stood there for a long moment, staring at her back as it faced me, wondering what the scars looked like again underneath her shirt. 

My shirt. 

I had offered her to wear anything of mine and it seemed like she took me up on that offer. 

It was clear who she was running from. Lucifer. He wanted her back for reasons unknown to me but it was clear she didn’t want to go with him. 

I moved around my room quietly to change into a pair of sweats, opting not to sleep in a shirt only because it got extremely hot in my room during these summer nights, even with the air conditioner on. 

Softly, I got into bed behind Lethia as the faint breaths coming from her filled the air. For the first while, I laid on my back and stared up at my ceiling but when I noticed she didn’t move away, I turned to my side but still kept space between us. The heat from her body radiated around me, pulling me into her aura and I found myself never wanting to leave. 

Even though I knew what she was now, I wouldn’t tell Lethia I knew. This was something she needed to tell me when she was ready. 

Instead, I wrapped my arm around her midsection and pulled her into my chest. Although she might not be able to feel my touch, that didn’t stop me from running my nose along the crook of her neck, breathing in the scent of her. She must have showered because she smelled of peaches and a hint of something familiar. 

Me. 

I faintly smelled my shampoo in her skin and I hummed in pleasure. 

“What happened to the wall of pillows?” Lethia’s tired voice broke through the silence. 

I knew she was teasing when I heard her smile with her words. 

“This is much better than a wall of pillows,” I mused while I caressed her neck with my lips.

Lethia relaxed in my arms as she gave herself over to me and linked my fingers that rested on her stomach with hers and I wrapped my leg over hers, locking her in place. 

“Goodnight, Noah,” she murmured into the pillow. 

“Sweet dreams, Lethia,” I pressed a kiss to her head, finally letting the long day falter away with the darkness that swallowed us whole. 

#noah sebastian #bad omens #noah sebastian fanfiction #noah sebastian smut #noah sebastian angst #noah sebastian x fallenangel!oc #mercy noah sebastian

[smurphyse]

Big Bad Handsome Man | Spencer Reid

Series Masterlist | Smurph's Masterlist

Part 20 of Room 405

Warnings: angst, tension, awkwardness, strip-tease shows, morning sickness, blood

Summary: You and Spencer finally learn what each other do for a living

There were a few things in life that knocked Spencer on his ass. He really thought he had himself figured out more than once, and sure enough life came by and sucker punched him in the jaw, emerging from a passing crowd like an assassin in the night. 

Each time his body lifted with the force. His feet left the ground and he hit the concrete with such force he was sure that blow would be the one to do him in. Each time, Spencer got back up. Sometimes it took weeks, months, even years …but he got back up eventually. 

Those fists to the chin could never have prepared him for this, tonight. No, this was definitely another thing Spencer never saw coming. 

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for…" the announcer's voice rang out over the lounge as Spencer and Hotch waited for the Arends' to begin their set. 

The crowd rowdily banged on tables and stomped on the floor, yelling in their excitement. Spencer looked around and cocked a brow at them. It was just a strip tease, how could these people be so into it when none of these performers would want anything to do with them on the outside?

"The Nocturne proudly presents, not for the first time and certainly not the last… the beautiful minds behind this den of depravity, the parents of pleasure, the owners and leads of this proud establishment…"

It felt wrong being here like this, with scantily clad people all selling the idea of sex and strip tease. He supposed it made some people happier to escape into this fantasy for a few hours…but you were his escape and he'd much rather be with you. 

He blanched when he thought about how he'd tell you all about this, but then he thought maybe you'd like to see the show someday. Then he'd have to explain what the hell he was doing here in the first place… oh you were going to make such fun of him. 

"Momma and Daddy, a song of lust and trust. Just don't cream your pants too early, children," the MC purred over the speakers as the lights went dark in the lounge. "It's about to get hot in here."

The curtain began to lift slowly, the drum rolls of the people and the band shuddering the ground beneath them. The tension in the air was thick, heady and putting Spencer on edge. A shimmering sinful red backdrop appeared behind the curtain, the glimmering dancefloor illuminating the whole place with the illusion of depravity. 

Long, lean legs and glittery red stilettos began to appear, followed quickly by a matching bustier and feathered short skirt. Sleek hair was pinned up in a 50s style boudoir look, shining under the spotlights. The woman posed with a grin, leaning on one hip with a flourishing hand pointing up at the lights. 

Charlie Arends stood behind her in black leather pants and a matching vest with nothing underneath, hair slicked back and a confident smirk on his face. He looked over the crowds as they began to cheer, the rest of the stage cast in shadow. He turned his head into the crook of her neck and placed a kiss there. 

When the curtain hit the top, a sultry crimson glow blew across the stage, blinding Spencer for a moment. 

A blasting of trumpets and saxophones exploded through the venue as his eyes adjusted, cheers from the crowd going wild. It was then that Spencer finally took in this woman and her outfit, and his stomach dropped as he noticed the final finishing touch. 

A red collar with a heart charm…just like the one you'd surprised him with all those months ago when he came back from Texas after five weeks away. 

Because the half naked dancer in a barely-there corset for every rich man in this room to see… was you… dancing with Charlie Arends.

Your head turned to press your cheek against Charlie's, and he quickly moved to capture your lips in a passionate kiss. His whole world stopped, a fifty pound weight sinking deeper in his belly as your hand pulled the back of his neck to bring him closer. You pulled away as the music swelled.

"The man is tall, mad, mean and good lookin', and he's got me at his eye," you sang sultrily as you and Charlie locked eyes with cheeky grins. Spencer's fingers gripped his pants leg tightly as boiling hot jealousy coursed through his veins. "When he looks at me, I go weak at the knees. Got me going like no other guy."

Your palm landed gently on your husband's cheek, his arm wrapping around your waist. He twisted you out in a flash, lingering fingers clutching yours as you posed for the crowds. They went wild as Spencer sat, mouth agape, watching you in the last place he'd ever thought you'd be. 

"He's the devil divine, I'm so glad that he's mine. 'Cause he's my big bad handsome man."

A song of lust and trust…

Spencer foolishly thought you saved the lust part for him. Was this how you two always were? Clinging and close and unembarassed by touch?

Spencer's rational mind recalled you saying how close you were with your husband, that you didn't date because people never understood your relationship…but as he watched Charlie Arends dance sexily with you, he wanted to melt into a puddle of self-doubt and anxiety. 

You twirled and sang with your lacquer-lined lips, smiling like a fiend. You turned back to him, belting out with a beautiful confidence, "Oh, the music he plays, the way he moves me and sways, rocks me to the floor."

Charlie placed a palm on your chest and with a choreographed shove pushed you to the floor. Your hand lashed out to grip his tie and pull him with you. Charlie leaned in close and licked a heavy stripe up your neck, and Spencer nearly shredded his pant leg as your eyes rolled back into your head. "When he sings in my ear, he makes me shiver and leer. Leaves me wanting more and more!"

Another carefully planned move later, and you were swept up high, then back on your feet. Charlie twirled you out, and with a faux look of surprise you gazed demurely at the crowd as your bustier slipped off and was thrown to the crowd, leaving you in just a lace red bra. 

The crowd whooped and yelled, and without much thought besides not wanting any of these assholes touching anything belonging to you, Spencer’s hand reached up and snatched it out of the air. 

“Cause he’s my big, bad, handsome man. He’s got me in the palm of his hand…”

A few celebratory claps and disappointed boos sounded out behind him, but Spencer's gaze was solely on you as he clutched the fabric. He vaguely noticed Hotch watching him worryingly out of the corner of his eye, but he ignored it. Instead he rubbed his thumb over the lace and beadwork, his usually lightning fast mind struggling to process. 

He wanted to march right up on stage and throw you over his shoulder. He wanted to carry you out and make sure you knew who you belonged to… but another part of him was heartbroken. You looked so happy, in a way he'd only seen in Room 405. But then again, he'd rarely seen you outside it. 

Your hair bounced free from your updo, falling over your shoulders. It flew with you as Charlie and you performed this routine. It was so practiced, so comfortable and full of trust between the two of you. He couldn't figure out why he felt so crushed, so betrayed. All he knew was that he thought he was falling apart in this stool.

The music swelled and boomed, the lights shone off your bright lipstick. Another flick of Charlie's wrist and your feather skirt was gone, disappearing over the crowd. It left you in only some lingerie and those sparkly stilettos, and it looked like something he would've bought for you. 

Charlie twirled you out and you walked sultrily down the glossy stairs of the stage. Your hands flicked out expertly to draw attention to your figure. The music hit a peak, and with sudden fear, Spencer realized a spotlight had turned to him and you were fast approaching. This seat was a hot seat, a place for the performers to interact with the audience. 

Spencer swore he saw the moment your breath caught in your chest as you spotted him. Your steps faltered, your jaw dropping. He shifted in his seat to sit up straighter, locking eyes with your suddenly pleading gaze. You looked back at Charlie with wide eyes, and his head cocked in confusion, but you quickly snapped back into gear as your part came up again.

Strutting to the hot seat he was in both metaphorically and physically, your hand slipped around Spencer’s shoulders as you plopped down in his lap. One long leg crossed over the other, and it took everything Spencer had not to pick you up and run you out of the lounge. Your palm slid over his chest, a perfectly manicured nail moving up to guide him by the chin to look at your beautiful face.

“With his rugged good looks, yeah, he’s got me hooked,” you sang sweetly, but your eyes were watery. You were scared and trembling in his lap at his reaction, and without much thought Spencer slid a hand over your thigh and squeezed your knee. “Got me where he wants me to be.”

“We’re going to talk about this later,” Spencer whispered in your ear as you sang. “Just act natural so nobody suspects.”

You didn’t react the way he thought, your eyes turning into a squint. In a flash you twirled off his lap. The spotlight followed you as you moved, hugging your curves in a silhouette. Your palms slid over his chest as you sang, “He’s the kind of guy that does it for me.”

With a quick push, Spencer’s chair flew back. He landed heavily on his back on the hardwood, watching in pure shock as you glowered down at him for a moment before turning on your heel away from him as the crowd roared. Hotch was there in a second, pulling him and the chair upright. 

“He’s the devil divine, I’m so glad that he’s mine.” You sauntered back up the stairs slowly, hands flourishing out. The music pulsed through his veins as the crowd exploded with excitement and you wiggled your backside for every man in this place to see. 

“Cause he’s my big. Bad! I’m so glad.” You turned enough to gaze sultrily out at the audience with a cocky grin, body posed seductively and wrenching Spencer’s heart in his chest. “That he’s my big bad handsome man, hmm…”

The lights cut out, flooding everyone in darkness. The crowd went wild, clapping and jeering. Spencer clenched his fingers around the bustier as he stared at the spot you and Charlie had occupied, a vein pulsing painfully in his forehead. 

He knew this was irrational jealousy. You'd told him time and time again that your marriage was in name only…but that chemistry between you and your husband was undeniable. 

Another act came on a few seconds after the lights faded, dancers flying about the stage in shimmering costumes and singing along to the beat, but his vision tunneled as it became nothing but background noise to Spencer's own insecurities. 

You were the owner of the Nocturne, the wife of Charlie Arends, the mother of the witness to a brutal murder. You were the burlesque dancer who hated cops…the one Hotch said had a police officer ex who was abusive and cruel. 

Why did you keep this from him?

"Reid," Hotch's voice came from his right, and Spencer turned to see his boss watching him with concern. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," he spat through gritted teeth. Spencer picked up the bourbon courtesy of Miss Fierce and downed it in one gulp before slamming it back down on the table. 

You ran straight to your office after stepping off stage, flinging the door open to your private bathroom as your stomach lurched. Your knees hit the tile painfully as you threw your dinner up into the toilet loudly. 

Clutching the cool porcelain, your sobs broke free as your stomach emptied itself. The music downstairs vibrated the floor beneath you as you sat in a red lingerie set and sparkly stilettos for everyone to see. God, what did Spencer think of you now?

Everything had been going so well, too well. Loud footsteps came up the stairs as you leaned back to lean on the wall. You suddenly felt so dirty sitting there in underwear and a collar on a strip tease bathroom floor. You were nothing in that moment, once again a pregnant whore who felt like she had nowhere to go.

What the hell was he even doing in a place like this? Had one of his friends dragged him here and he lied and told you it was for work? Could you really be mad at him for coming here when you're the one who owned the den of sin?

Act natural so nobody suspects. He'd talked to you like a dirty little secret…and after this that was probably all you'd be to him. 

Charlie flew into the doorway, collapsing to his knees and putting his hands on your shoulders. You burst into unwanted tears and clung to him like a child. Your future was so uncertain at that moment, and all you wanted was your best friend. 

Charlie curled you up in his lap, holding you so tight you were sure to burst. He brushed back your hair to see you as heavy mascara streaked down your cheeks through the glitter and foundation. 

"Baby, what is going on? Are you okay?" he asked softly, full of such protectiveness you wanted to hold him forever and not let go. 

"Oh, Charlie!" you sobbed hysterically. "I need to go home. Please, please take me home."

"I… I, uhm," Charlie sputtered. He didn't let go of you, but you knew how he got when he felt bad about something. You sat up and watched him warily. 

"What did you do?"

Charlie hung his head in shame, "The FBI is here. They want to talk to you."

You shook your head, "I can't. Not tonight. I need to go home, okay?"

"What's going on?" he asked seriously. His arms around you kept you grounded, but you were terrified. Your whole world seemed to be crashing down around you, and you didn't know what was going to happen next. 

"Charlie…" you whispered. Your voice wavered, and Charlie stiffened. Slowly you raised your eyes to meet his. "I'm pregnant."

His jaw dropped, eyes widening in excitement…but then his face scrunched up as he likely realized that baby had no way of being his. Your heart sank into your belly as you watched the father of your children come to his own terms with this, and he nodded slowly.

“The boyfriend?” he asked quietly. You nodded. “Does he know?”

You shook your head, becoming frantic once more. “And for some reason, he’s in the audience in the hot seat… he didn’t know where I work and now he does and… oh, fuck, Charlie!”

You motioned to the mess you looked now with your smeared makeup and scant clothing. “He’s not going to want me anymore… you don’t know about my past, everything… the more he finds out about me the faster he’s going to leave and so will you!”

Charlie’s hand clamped suddenly over your mouth, his brows furrowing together. He watched you with such determination and love you could have died right there. “I know about your past. I didn’t leave, and if he leaves you because of this then you and that kid are better off without him. I’ll be a dad of six instead of five, and you and I both know whoever you marry after me is going to have to deal with that anyway.”

Tears poured over your cheeks and onto his hand. Charlie simply slipped it away from your mouth and pulled you into a bone crushing hug. You sobbed into his shoulder as he rocked you back and forth. “You… you knew? About me this whole time?”

Charlie nodded against your head, “My dad wanted a background check after you told me you were pregnant. I saw everything, and well… I didn’t give a shit because I knew that you were my soulmate, baby. He tried to talk me out of it and… I lied and told you it was because of the club. I’m glad he’s not in our lives, because we deserve to surround ourselves with people who accept us for who we are.”

He pulled back to brush your hair away from your forehead and smile at you. You couldn’t help but smile back. “That’s what we’ve done for the people here, together. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Okay?”

Your voice shook but you believed him, and you were so happy he never made you talk about being a call girl or made you ever feel bad for having to do what you did to keep Tulip safe. “Okay.”

Charlie kissed you then, soft and slow. It wasn’t sexual, it never was anymore. It was comforting, full of love and devotion in a way so few people would ever understand. You kissed him back, clinging to him like the lifeline he was in the darkness you’d found yourself in so suddenly. 

There was a clearing of a throat, and a soft knock on the doorframe, and when you pulled away you found yourself looking up at Agent Hotchner… and Spencer, holding your discarded bustier.

“Mrs. Arends,” he said softly, always nice to you even though you’d been a raging dick to him time and time again. “Are you okay?”

You nodded, but you couldn’t pull your gaze from the sheepish man before you. He lacked all the confidence he had in Room 405, and instead watched you with watery eyes… you knew he’d seen you kissing Charlie, and it had broken his heart.

“Spencer,” you murmured, mostly in shock.

“Y/N,” he replied quietly. 

Agent Hotchner sighed and ran a hand over his forehead. He held out a hand for you. “I think we have a few things to talk about, including your relationship with Doctor Reid.”

He and Charlie helped you stand shakily while Spencer held himself back with his hands shoved in his pockets. Your brows furrowed, and you pointed between them, “You two know each other?”

Agent Hotchner nodded, “Doctor Reid works with me in the Behavioral Analysis Unit.”

Charlie gasped and his head shifted down to you. Everyone seemed to be staring right through you as your brain struggled to process what he was telling you. Charlie thrust a finger at Spencer, “This is the boyfriend?”

Spencer's eyes lit up a bit, turning to you with hopefulness. Anger and confusion battled in your mind for dominance, old memories of Tulip's biological father swirling to the surface. 

“I… I didn’t know,” you muttered, staring hard at Spencer. You cocked your head, “You’re in the FBI? You’re a cop?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, almost shamefully. “I convinced your husband to let us talk to you tonight… about interviewing Tulip. We think she might be th-.”

“You’re a cop!?” you asked again sharply. All the men seemed to take a collective cautious breath in as rage boiled through you like a wildfire. 

Spencer's eyes clamped shut for a moment, like he always did when he was frustrated, and he ran a heavy hand over the back of his neck like he did when he was nervous. You knew that about him, all those little things about his personality…and here he stood before you in too similar a job as someone who almost broke you. 

He opened them slowly, those long lashes flickering as he struggled to contain himself. Spencer straightened his shoulders and locked jaw. His reached out his palm with your bustier and handed it to you. "You should probably get dressed."

Your battered mind struggled through the slosh of emotions and all this new conflicting information, but you managed to look toward the mirror above the sink and see how much of a mess you were. 

Mascara stained your cheeks, your lipstick smeared. Your lingerie was rumpled and rucked up around your waistline. The only thing still in tact was that fucking collar. Your chin began to wobble as you saw yourself… you looked just how you did when you were stripping for money or getting dressed after visiting a client… like a whore, a sex worker no FBI agent would dare be seen with. 

You nodded slowly and grabbed it from him, your arms moving up to cover yourself. Sucking in a pained breath, you moved forward and pushed past them without a word and into your office. 

You had a paper divider by the window so you could change by yourself and in privacy, and a dresser behind it. With wobbly legs, you struggled to carry yourself over, but Charlie was right behind you, keeping you safe without having to ask for it. 

There was a soft knock on the door, and Miss Fierce came in. Her jaw dropped a bit as she spotted you, but she didn't comment on it when she saw Charlie. She thrust a thumb over her shoulder, "I'm sorry to bother, but there's some guy bothering Tessa near the bathrooms."

"Where's Manny?" Charlie asked gruffly, making it clear he didn't want to leave you. 

"He's on stage and so is Marty."

"Go," you told him softly, but he put a hand on your waist to tell me he didn't want to. You pushed him lightly, "Seriously, go take care of it. I'll be fine."

He shifted so you couldn't see Spencer or Aaron, leaning in close, "You sure?"

"We have to take care of our girls, Chuck." You gave him a soft smile, "You know me. I'll be okay."

Charlie nodded and pressed his lips to your forehead. He turned on his heel and made his way out of the office, making sure to take the time to eye Spencer on his way out. Miss Fierce followed after him, closing the door quietly on her way out. 

"Have a seat," you offered, waving my hands at the fuzzy pink chairs in front of my desk. You went behind the divider and opened a drawer where they couldn't see you. There was a dressing mirror in the corner, and it took all you had not to break down looking at yourself. 

"Obviously, this situation was unexpected," Aaron's voice came from the other side. You heard him sigh and continue, "I knew Spencer had a girlfriend, but I didn't know it was you and he had no reason to tell me as such." 

You shrugged a long duster over a bodysuit tank top and pulled on some jeans, but something about that sentence bothered you as you dressed. You slipped on a black pair of stilettos and pulled your hair back into a ponytail. The anger bubbled further to the surface as you wiped off your makeup, and as soon as you were done you flew out from behind the divider in a rage.

“You knew your team was questioning my daughter!?” you snarled as you stomped toward the desk, your finger pointed at Spencer. “Did you read my file?”

His eyes turned to saucers, wide and a bit scared of your rage. Spencer leaned back in the ridiculous chair and braced himself on the arms. “I… I didn’t…”

Aaron put a hand between you as if to protect him. “Out of respect for your privacy and explicitly detailed lack of trust in the police, I did not divulge any information with my team except what was necessary. Doctor Reid had no idea you were the mother of a victim.”

Spencer watched you and nodded as your chest heaved. You couldn't seem to help but growl as you struggled to contain your anger. You hated cops. They couldn't be trusted. 

You decided to sit down and pour yourself a drink of water from the bottle you kept in your desk drawer. You didn't offer Spencer or Aaron anything, just took a long sip and glared at them. 

"We initially came here tonight to see if you were open to the idea of Doctor Reid speaking with Tulip," Aaron continued cautiously. "He doesn't seem to have had any idea you worked here even though you're supposedly together, but I guess that's something we can sort out later."

"I'm pretty sure I told you exactly where to shove your badge after talking to her last time," you replied coldly, setting the heavy tumbler on the desk. "She's had nothing but nightmares since she spoke with you."

"I understand, but Reid has a great rapport with children, and like I said before I believe talking about it is going to help Tulip more than keeping it inside."

You turned to Spencer, who watched you with those damned puppy dog eyes, "Why should she talk to you?"

"I, uhm, specialize in what we call 'cognitive interviews,'" Spencer started slowly. He cleared his throat awkwardly and rubbed his neck again, and all it did was make you angrier. "This is especially helpful with children. We talk them through the incident as if it's happening in real time, and they experience it again in a safe space where they know they can't be injured or harmed."

He swallowed thickly, hardly able to keep eye contact with you. How could he after seeing you on stage? "It helps people work through the effects of early PTSS, as the event no longer tends to appear in their mind like it's still happening."

You crossed your arms over your chest and leaned back, eyeing him critically. Spencer leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and finally locked eyes with you. 

"You'll be right by her side, keeping her safe," he pleaded, eyes wide and full of what you could have confused for love for you if tonight hadn't happened. "Please, sweetheart, trust me with this. I won't let anything happen to her. You have to know that."

"I don't know anything right now," you whispered, and he nodded sadly. Using his nickname for you in this situation… it gutted you. 

And knowing you were pregnant…you wanted to believe him, but your mind was so scattered. You had kids who needed you now, and your body was trying to create a new one. All this stress… it couldn't be good for you or the baby. 

A sharp scream echoed from downstairs, jolting all three of you from your spot. Your family was down there, and you were on your feet quicker than Spencer or Aaron. You tore across the room without any thought, barreling down the hallway with them following closely behind. 

"Sweetheart, stop!" Spencer called, and you heard the familiar click of a gun leaving its holster. You hadn't even noticed one on him… so many things you didn't know about the man you were in love with. 

As you reached the bottom of the spiral stairs, you spotted a group of people gathered around the bathroom doors. The music had stopped, and someone had turned all the lights on, which only made the danger seem that much more nefarious. 

"Move!" you yelled, shoving through the throngs of people. If one of your girls was injured, you needed to get to them. "Get out of my way!"

There were a few disgruntled hey lady's as you elbowed your way through them. Flinging open the door to the bathroom, you stopped dead in your tracks at what you saw on the tile floor. 

A man was slumped under the sink, a bloody trail leaking from his stomach and over the porcelain. Your eyes glazed over the scene, not really processing it, until you saw Charlie. 

He lay on his back, and he wasn't moving. His blond hair was flecked with splattered blood and mucus. His face was covered with thick red liquid, pooling beneath him and onto the floor below. Your veins filled with ice as you began to panic. 

You collapsed with a scream, reaching out and cradling his head in your hands. It smeared under your palms and across his skin, but you tried to push that out of your mind. He grunted a bit but his eyes didn't open. "Charlie? C'mon, baby, look at me!"

"Move," Aaron's voice came from the side, and he pushed you away. His hands wandered under Charlie's neck, and you realized he was checking for a pulse. 

"No, no, no," you sputtered, unable to comprehend the sight before you. It was all too much, and you couldn't do this without him. You needed him. 

You tried to put your hands on Charlie again, babbling like a child, "Charlie, baby. Baby, please wake up!"

"Reid, get her out of here!" Aaron snapped, and before you knew it a pair of hands grabbed you under the armpits and lifted you in the air. 

"Get off me! Let me go!" you screeched, kicking and flailing, but Spencer never dropped you. 

He pushed you out the door, and you managed to wiggle out of his grasp, falling to the floor. Your morning sickness hit, and before you knew it you threw up all over the ground.  

The gawking staff and customers cast a wide berth, not wanting to get your sick on them even during a time like this. Spencer's pulled back your ponytail as you threw up again. 

"It’s okay, it's gonna be okay," he soothed, rubbing a palm over your spine. "Sweethe-."

"Get off me!" you snarled, shoving him away. Spencer lifted his hands from you and held them up to prove he wouldn't touch you again. You panted as you watched him on your knees, "Let me in there. Now."

He shook his head firmly, getting on his knees to block you. "I can't do that. I called 911, and they're on their way. You'll only get in the way."

Your face scrunched up in rage as you pointed past him, "That's my husband in there!"

Spencer sighed and nodded. You watched in confusion as a tear trickled down his cheek. 

"I know."

"He needs me." 

Spencer shook his head now and wiped his face, "He needs EMS, and Hotch is first aid certified. You need to stay here."

You couldn't focus your rage anywhere else but at him, lurching forward and shoving him again from your spot on your knees. "You don't get to tell me what to do! Not you, not ever again!"

"Okay," he agreed sotfly. Spencer looked like he wanted to touch you again, but he kept himself back. "Okay, whatever you want."

All the fight left your body as you began to hear sirens, and you went mostly limp on the floor. Tears streaked down your cheeks, your hands slick with blood as you watched the love of your life keep you away from your soulmate. 

"He's my husband," you whispered tearfully. 

"I know," Spencer said again, his chin wobbling. He nodded bravely, but his eyes were red and watery. He gave you a weak smile. 

"I know."

Notes: I promise you we'll have a happy ending!

I also wanted to say thank you. I know this was a long update coming, but I have had some of the craziest stuff go on, both good and bad! I chose to work on other stories since I had a block on this for so long, and people gave me a lot of hate... so for those of you who were nice and encouraging, THANK YOU <3 It means a lot to me.

Taglist:

@thedancingcostumeyoungadult @muffin-cup @simplyparker @spencerreidsmommy @hotchandspencearedilfs @gspenc @kbakery @nomajdetective @givemeth @hoshihiime @halloween-is-my-nationality @reidselle @thisiscalmanditsdoctorreid @dreatine @thebloomingeagle @fortheloveofwonderland @theforgottenwinter @parkerreidnorth @reidselle @randomhoex @scargarcia-magshotchner @stitchwrites @pygmygoat-bicyclehelmet @cle13 @aysixdy @elhotchner @directioner5life @elhotchner @loveeee2134 @preciousbabypeter @la-stuffs @stories-you-wont-hear @hotchlover @fortheloveofwonderland @lokiandhisdagger @bellanutellababyyy @dark-night-sky-99 @straightforbuckybutgayfornatasha @maltamurdock @charelletjee @kansas-reid @zephyrmonkey @spencer-reid-wonderland @spencersprettyslut @im-sure-its-fine @tvdstelenaforever @teddylupintonks  @lilibet261 @kneelforloki @dirtytissuebox @almostgenerallyalways @whovian378 @cl0udyqu33n @thegettingbyp2 @averagestudent03 @the-sun-died-out @squishycalumxo @sebastiansstanswhore 

@louderfortheback @pandabiiissh @calebye

@dottirose @lfaewrites @padsfirewhisky @wheels-upin-thirty @f-me-reid @justanothercmblog 

@rexorangecouny @nomajdetective @halloween-is-my-nationality @spenciesprincess @hoely-scripture @gspenc @princesssmooshie @loveeee2134 @reidslefteyebrow @this-is-doctor-and-its-calm @hotchandspencearedilfs @barbietiingz @riverjane-d @2-gay-possums-in-a-trench-coat @simplyparker @thebloomingeagle @pygmygoat-bicyclehelmet @fangirling-galore @randomhoex @drspencerreid80 @kbakery

@fortheloveofwonderland @athenabrown @yukachankyu @matthew-gray-gubler-lover @baciamisottolalucedicentostelle @athenabrown @theforgottenwinter @parkerreidnorth @elhotchner

#room 405 #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid #criminal minds #smurphyse #criminal minds fanfic #spencer x oc #criminal minds fanfiction #mgg #cm fandom #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid/you #spencer reid/reader #criminalminds #criminal minds fandom #spencer reid x reader #spencer x reader #criminal minds smut #spencer reid smut #spencer reid angst #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid/y/n #smurph writes #smut #sugar daddy Spencer reid #spencer reid imagine

[dilemmaontwolegs]

The Secrets of Silk Road

Aemond Targaryen x wife!reader Summary: Aemond visits his wife where she lives in secret to be kept safe from the harrowing royal life that would see her used as a pawn or a means to control Aemond. Warnings: 18+ only, nsfw, fem oral, unprotected sex WC: 1.5k

“Are you certain no one saw you, my love?”

A teasing smile played at Aemond’s lips and he pulled you flush against his body to ease your fears. “You worry too much.”

“And you do not worry enough,” you murmured against his lips that tried to derail your thoughts. “Ser Cole was asking sensitive questions earlier today. Your mother…”

“My mother knows nothing,” Aemond reassured you, his large hands massaging the tension from your back as they unbuttoned the fast that held your dress together. “At most they might have heard of my wanderings down the Silk Road. That will be enough for them to assume it is merely my pleasure that brings me here.”

You laughed softly and tipped your head back to give him more access to your neck, access he greedily took with sweet sucklings to leave his mark. “You do come here for your pleasure, my prince.”

He growled against your skin at the title, nipping your shoulder playfully. “You, my sweet, are more than pleasure. You are the very air I breathe, the blood that flows through my veins. That’s why I must keep you hidden here. I cannot live without you.”

You closed your eyes at the revered tenderness in his voice, a tone he only saved for your ears. This sanctuary he had created for you wasn’t ideal, living within the walls of a whorehouse could hardly be called appropriate, but it kept you safe from the prying eyes of the royal spies. For all those who came looking, you were just another lady of Silk Road, selling skin for those with enough riches. 

There was only one man who could hold your body and your heart, Prince Aemond. 

“Keep speaking like that I will be forced to open these windows and shout to the world that you are mine and I am yours.” Your light tone faded into a sigh, the teasing lost like wishes to the stars. 

“One day, my love,” Aemond promised. “My father is not long for this world, I cannot risk losing you in the aftermath of his passing.”

Your smile was weak and you twirled the band that encircled your ring finger, a nervous habit that had started shortly after he placed it there. With cool fingers, Aemond caught your hand and unfurled your fingers so he could kiss your palm before turning it over and kissing the ring. 

The heat in his eye set the ablaze as he began to kiss his way up your arm, his long unbound hair teasing your skin as he went. “Have I told you that you are the most beautiful woman in all of the Seven Kingdoms?”

You softened into his embrace and smiled at the question he had asked everyday since you met, there was of course but one answer from you, always. “You have one eye, my prince.”

Your fingers followed the sharp cut of his jawline and you felt his cheek pull up into his handsome smile. “If I had both I fear I would be blinded by your beauty entirely.”

The leather strap of his eye patch was warm under your touch as you freed it from his head. His scars had never frightened you like the other simpering women who had seen it. They told the story of his strength, of how he survived the loss and pain that came with the horrific injury. 

He let you bow his head closer so you could press your lips to the raised scar that ran down his face, a soft shudder running down his spine at the gentle touch. “Come, husband, let me ease your burdens, if only for a moment.”

The stubborn prince, who always did as he pleased, listened to you. You were his port in a storm, the safe haven he could rest when he grew wary of watching his back at every turn. Turning to the bed, you brushed the sleeves of your dress over your shoulders and let the material pool to the floor. 

Before you could reach the sheets that had been turned down in preparation for his visit you heard the clatter of his sword being cast from his hip. You could see the reflection of the burning hearth in Aemond’s sapphire eye and it seemed almost as alive as his pale blue eye that seared your soul. 

He took a step closer and shrugged his cloak to the floor before pulling his shirt over his head. More scars littered his chest from the hours he spent sword fighting and you knew each one intimately, some you even helped stitch closed. 

Your eyes followed the trail his hands took, across the hard planes of his stomach and down the soft line of blond hair that disappeared into his leather riding trousers. Unable to hold yourself back any longer to enjoy the tantalizingly slow show he was putting on, you reached for the cord that kept the leather tight to his hips and unlaced it quickly. 

He chuckled at the sight of your eager fingers unwrapping him nimbly and took his own liberty to tease your nipples between his thumb and forefinger. He could feel your breath hot on his neck as you tucked your face in close and whimpered at his touch, pinching and rolling your nipples to stiff peaks. 

“I love the sounds you make for me,” Aemond said with a groan as you wrapped your fingers around his cock.

You tipped your head back as he abandoned your breasts and parted your legs to graze his fingertip through your slit, a soft cry falling from your parted lips. “You make my body sing, Aemond. No other man could make me feel this way.”

He growled possessively and kicked his trousers away from his feet before nudging you back until your legs met the bed but still he kept pushing. You fell back onto the mattress and laughed as you tried to crawl back further but he caught your ankles and pulled you back to the edge before dropping to his knees. “I need the taste of you on my tongue.”

His large hands spread your legs wide and his fingers threatened to leave their mark upon your skin as they dug into the soft skin. Your breath hitched at the first lazy lick through your folds and arched your back, begging for more.

His sweet ministrations left your legs quivering and you buried your hands in the long strands of his hair, tugging until he purred against your clit. You would give anything to freely scream his name in the throes of ecstasy, but it wasn’t a risk that could be taken yet. So you screamed his name in your head, you cried out for him as he plunged his tongue between you slit and lapped at the nectar that flowed with your orgasm.

Aftershocks wracked your body and Aemond enjoyed watching your thighs clench with each one before he rolled that blue eye over your body that he climbed. “So beautiful and all mine.”

“Yours,” you echoed breathlessly. 

He covered your soft body with his hard one and stole the remaining breath from your lips with a kiss that tasted of your pleasure. Your lips parted with a moan and he took the opportunity to delve his tongue into your mouth at the same moment he spread your legs wider with his hips and pressed against your entrance, teasing you with shallow thrusts. 

“Aemond, please,” you pleaded quietly, his hair forming a sandalwood scented curtain around you. “I need more.”

The curtain parted as Aemond rose to his knees, dragging your hips higher so he could thrust his entire length into you. “Oh, fuck, yes, that’s it.”

He smirked as you fell apart beneath him and your walls fluttered around him. “You like that, sweeting? The feel of my cock stretching your pretty pussy, filling you until you can’t take anymore.”

A strangled cry was all you could make as fucked over your sweet spot, sending stars dancing across your vision and a delicate ache in your core as he hit your deepest wall. His eye fluttered closed at the tightening around his cock, your impending orgasm sending your muscles into chaotic spasms that he gladly rode through.

“Don’t stop, please Aemond, don’t stop.” Your voice was barely a whisper as your entire body clenched from your head to your toes and your fingers gripped the sheets with a silent scream before your world erupted. 

Your body was beyond your control as your orgasm ripped through you and Aemond lost himself to the feel of your pussy milking everything from him, spilling his seed with a guttural cry of release. You were boneless, utterly defenseless. You couldn’t even command your legs to untangle from around Aemond’s hips.

Aemond dropped his forehead to yours, bracing your head between his arms and keeping his weight on his forearms so he didn’t crush you. “I can never lose you.”

If his eye were open you would have seen the far off look in it. He had moments where he seemed to hold all the knowledge of the future and whatever he saw caused him to fear it. Only able to give him the reassurance you could, you ran your hands up and down his spine to soothe him. “I’m right here, my love.”

#aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x y/n #aemond x reader #prince aemond #aemond targaryen smut #aemond targaryen x you #hotd fanfic #aemond fanfiction

[peaceloveandstarrs]

For the Ship prompts, could you do #1 or #16 (your choice) and I would like to ship George and myself lmao

Need me some sleepy snuggles with older George if you could 🥰

(Also yes I'm on anon but you know who this is lol 🤭)

i absolutely do know who this is!!! <3

good morning, lazily

1992

The early morning sunlight filtered in through the blinds, casting a dreamy glow over you and George. You were drifting in and out of sleep, only vaguely aware of the light coming in. You made a soft, sleepy sound. It was too early to wake up. Plus, you had George beside you, still sleeping peacefully. You opened your eyes and gazed at him. He was the picture of tranquility. His chest rose and fell with each deep and even breath, and he snored softly. George turned over onto his side, facing you and nestling further under the covers. He had no intention of getting up either. Not that you minded.

You wanted to spoon, but at the same time, you didn't want to take your eyes off of George. He was so handsome. Yes, he had the lines and wrinkles from aging, and his body and face had filled out from his Beatle days, and his hair had gotten a salt-and-pepper look to it, but to you, that made him that much more handsome. To him, he was even more handsome now than he was in his Beatle days. Something about that age and maturity was incredibly appealing to you.

You sighed softly. How had you gotten so lucky? Of all the people in the world, George had chosen to be with you. You! He loved you, absolutely adored you, and sometimes you wondered why he did. But when you got into your head and convinced yourself that you were unlovable, unworthy of anyone's love, much less his, George was always there to bring you out of the spiral and show you all of the things you couldn't see about yourself. You loved him. Oh, did you love him. And each morning, you thanked your lucky stars that you got to go through life with him.

You reached across and grazed your fingertips over George's skin and mustache, admiring the contrast between his warm skin and the scratchiness of his facial hair. He'd grown the mustache at your recommendation, an off-hand mention that you loved how he'd looked in the late 60s when he'd first grown it. And his skin... you didn't know how he kept it so soft, but whatever he did, you were grateful. You felt him twitch under your fingertips, like he was trying to get rid of a fly without touching it, and bit back a giggle. All of his little sleepy motions were so cute. You saw him open his eyes and smiled gently.

“Hi,” you whispered.

George groaned softly as he stretched his body and felt his muscles wake after a good night's sleep. Still not awake enough to speak yet, he pulled you close to him. You cooed softly and rested your head on his chest. It was strong. Solid. Firm. It provided you with a sense of comfort and security that nothing else did. And you didn't know how to show him just how grateful you were. Your breathing synced with George's as he played with your hair. God. This was what you'd craved for your entire life. Safety. Security. The sense that everything was okay. And it was. George was your rock, your safety net, the one on which you could depend.

“Good morning, darling,” George whispered after a few moments. “How'd you sleep?”

“Wonderfully,” you said gently. Because I was with you. “You?”

George hummed softly, a low rumble that resonated in his chest. “Best night I've had in ages.”

You smiled and nuzzled against his chest, listening to the steady heartbeat. The two of you stayed there for a moment, just enjoying the lazy morning. But after a few minutes, you felt George's fingers under your chin, gently lifting your head. You knew what he wanted. You sat up with a warm smile on your face and shifted closer.

And as soon as you were close enough, George leaned in and met your lips with his. It was a soft peck, but he went in for another, and another, and another... you happily obliged. The two of you kissed slowly and lazily, wrapped up in each others arms. George gave you a gentle hug as he kissed you with the energy of a man who had all the time in the world. You made a soft sound in his mouth as his tongue lazily explored your mouth. Yours slid languidly in and out of George's mouth, only stopping when he needed to pull back for air.

George rested his forehead against yours as he caught his breath, smiling and pushing a strand of hair away. Unable to resist, you gave him one last kiss.

“How's that for a good morning?” he said playfully.

“Absolutely perfect.”

And it was. You had your love, you were well-rested, you were happy. It didn't get any better than that.

#george x reader #george harrison x reader #reader insert #beatles fanfic #beatles fanfiction

[btsqualityy]

Magical Love

Prince!Jungkook and Queen!woc (woman of color) Reader

Genre/AU/Rating: 18+, fantasy, magic!au, arranged marriage!au, royalty!au, s2l, fluff, and smut

Summary: You are a powerful Queen, ruling over the Zamia Kingdom with all of the grace, strength, wisdom, and amazing magical powers that you had since the passing of your mother left you with the throne. After 5 years of ruling on your own, you are approached by your court of advisors, The Solar Council, that marrying and producing an heir needs to be higher on your list of priorities. Of course, you don’t think you need to rush into a marriage because you know how to run your own damn kingdom. Luckily for you, your advisors took the liberties of inviting the Prince of the neighboring Pica kingdom, Jeon Jungkook, to Zamia for a “friendly visit”.

Warnings: mentions of deceased mothers, arranged marriages, sexual activity, oral sex, unprotected sex, dirty talk, creampie, big dick!Jungkook, pregnancy and child birth (but nothing descriptive).

WC: 15.1K

Author’s Note: This fic is a part of @btsblackcreatorsociety​’s The Realm of Legends Event! I am so honored to be participating in this event, with several other talented POC writers in this fandom! I hope you all enjoy this because I enjoyed writing it! 

One of your favorite things about living in Zamia was how beautiful the coast looked from any area of the palace that you lived in. The palace was placed right on the shore of the ocean, it being the very first thing that anyone saw when they approached the mid-sized island that was Zamia. 

Being as though you were the daughter of the former Queen and King, you had definitely traveled more than the average citizen of Zamia but something about the shores and the smell of salty sea water always made you feel comforted and relaxed. 

That’s why you were leaning against one of the large windows in one of the main hallways of the palace, watching as the waves crashed onto the shore and met the sand. Suddenly, a small bird flew up to the window and settled itself on the ledge, right next to where your hand was resting. The little creature looked up at you expectantly and you rolled your eyes before reaching out, checking the tiny collar that the bird had on and finding a small piece of white paper attached to it.

Meet me in the formal dining room for breakfast!-Jimin

“You know, the next time that Jimin sends you, tell him to just come and find me himself like a normal person,” you told the bird and the small animal chirped happily before turning around and flying off of the ledge. 

After closing the shutters of the window, you turned to your left and made your way down the hallway to the formal dining room, your golden yellow dress billowing out behind you. 

“Good morning Y/N!” Jimin greeted you happily, his grin almost blinding as you walked into the room. 

“Morning Jimin, morning Hobi,” you replied.

“Good morning, my Queen,” Hobi said respectfully, getting up from his seat and bowing. The two clones of Hobi that were also sitting at the table bowed as well, one of them even taking the initiative to pull your chair out for you.

“I don’t know if your little delivery bird told you, but stop being lazy and having the birds do your bidding for you,” you told Jimin. 

“Yeah, Tweet told me when she made it back to me but she also said that she doesn’t mind helping me out,” Jimin smiled triumphantly. Jimin had the magical power of zoolinguism, meaning that he had the ability to communicate with animals. Ever since the two of you were kids, Jimin was always surrounded by some type of animal, speaking and listening to them as if they were human themselves. Jimin also had the gift of abjuration, which granted him the ability to cast spells that would provide healing and protection. This gift made him especially qualified for the position of your personal advisor, which you gave to him as soon as your coronation ceremony had passed. 

Hobi, like you and Jimin and every other citizen in your world, also had magical powers and his came in the form of cloning. He was able to replicate up to 20 different versions of himself at the same time and all of them were capable of independent actions and thoughts, although Hobi could predict their thoughts and actions himself if needed. 

Most people only had one or two powers but you? You possessed four of them. This wasn’t entirely surprising because your mother had four powers as well and your father had three but it still made people marvel. The first of your powers was telekinesis, the ability to move and manipulate objects without directly interacting with. The second was telepathy, which gave you the power to see, hear, and read the thoughts of others but it only worked if you were touching that person. The third was magic detection which allowed you to sense when magic was being used near and around you. The last, which was your favorite and arguably the most special, was the power of enchantment. This allowed you to give other people magical powers and abilities and unlike your other powers, you weren’t born with this one. Instead, this power was bestowed upon you on the day of your coronation when you became Queen, just like it had been with every previous monarch of Zamia, going back centuries and centuries before your birth. 

“So, what’s the plan for today?” You asked them, looking at the pitcher of orange juice that was sitting to the left of you and smiling when it rose into the air and slowly made its way over to your glass, tilting over and pouring some of the liquid inside. 

“Ah, that’s what Jimin had you meet us down here for,” Hobi spoke up. “The Solar Council wants to meet with you today.”

“Oh hell,” you groaned. “What’s wrong this time?”

“It’s nothing bad, promise!” Jimin swore. “They just have some little things that they want to discuss with you.”

“Little things?” You repeated dubiously. “It’s never anything little when the Council calls a meeting.”

“I know but I pried for some more information from Yoongi hyung and he assured me that it’s just some small matters that they want to give you updates on and stuff like that,” Hobi replied. 

“Alright,” you sighed with a shrug of your shoulders, deciding to just focus on enjoying your breakfast before being faced with whatever antics the council was up to now. 

An hour later, you were sitting on your throne in The Conference Room, where all meetings of the Solar Council took place as well as any other official Zamia business. The long square table was filled with the 6 members of the Solar Council which included Jimin, Hobi, Min Yoongi, Kim Taeyeon, Kwon Yuri and Park Sunyoung.

“Thank you so much for meeting with us on such short notice, your Highness,” Yoongi began after everyone had bowed to you and taken their seats. 

“Cut the bullshit Yoongi, and tell me why you really called this meeting,” you huffed as you regarded the leader of the Council. 

“As radiant as ever,” Yoongi joked. “We just have some things to discuss with you, as well as some updates.”

“Very well,” you acquiesced and Yoongi took a seat as Yuri stood up.

“To begin, I am delighted to inform you that the new school in the kingdom has been finished and the dedication ceremony naming it after your mother, our late Queen Thaliah, has been scheduled for two weeks from today,” she reported before taking her seat again.

“That’s amazing,” you smiled happily. “Jimin, please make sure that my schedule is completely free that day so that my father and I can spend as much time there as possible.”

“Of course, your Highness,” Jimin nodded. 

“As for some magic developments,” Taeyeon said as she stood up. “The most recent ceremony for the current group of five year olds in the kingdom happened a few days ago and their powers have fully come in.” Although everyone in the kingdom was born with magical powers, having full autonomy over them and having them to their full capacities wasn’t entirely possible until a person had turned five.

“Oh, what were their powers?” You wondered.

“One with illusion manipulation, one with time manipulation, and two with shape shifting,” Taeyeon answered. 

“God, I feel bad for the parents of the two with shape shifting,” Yoongi tsked. “My older brother is a shapeshifter and that can be difficult.”

“Well, it should be easier for them now that their magic has fully come in,” you pointed out as Taeyeon took her seat. “Thank you, Councilwoman Kim. Councilwoman Park?”

“The small famine that the farmers were experiencing has passed and we’ll be able to resume our weekly famers’ markets,” Sunyoung announced. 

“Great,” you sighed in relief. “I thought I was going to have to request assistance form the Agara kingdom and you know how difficult King Junsu can be.”

“Happily, speaking to him won’t be necessary,” Sunyoung grinned. “A group of farmers also sent a basket for your table, in thanks to you for your continued support of them. I instructed the helpers to place it in the kitchen.”

“Thank you, Councilwoman Park,” you said as she took her seat. 

“Now that all of the updates are out of the way and you’ve mentioned another kingdom, your Highness,” Yoongi spoke up a he leaned forward and set his folded arms on the table. “We actually do have something that we’d like to discuss with you.”

“I knew it,” you chuckled. “What is it?”

“There has been some concern about the royal bloodline,” he began slowly. 

“And what concerns are those?”

“Well, you’ve been Queen for the last 5 years and you haven’t found a suitable spouse yet,” Yoongi replied. 

“I am well aware of that and as I’ve stated previously, I don’t feel as though I need a spouse in order to properly rule Zamia,” you reiterated. 

“Oh, we absolutely agree, your Highness!” Yuri interjected. 

“We don’t ever want you to think that we doubt your ability to rule,” Sunyoung added. 

“As members of the Solar Council though, we do have to advise you that finding a suitable spouse isn’t just about having a second person to rule the kingdom alongside you,” Taeyeon pointed out. “You know as well as anyone that the entire kingdom’s magic will be strengthened if there were two people on the throne instead of just one. Also, it’s about preserving the amazing magical legacy that has been established by your family. It won’t be possible to do that if you do not marry and produce issue.”

“Produce issue?” You repeated with a scoff. “What am I, a farmer? Or a production machine?”

“That’s not what Councilwoman Kim meant,” Yoongi sighed. “We just want to ensure the future of the kingdom.”

“Listen, I respect all of you as Councilmembers, as well as my friends,” you started. “But I am not, at present or in the near future, looking for a spouse.”

“Well, that’s why I took the liberty of inviting one of the Princes from the neighboring Pica kingdom to Zamia for a friendly visit,” Yoongi announced with a bright smile and your eyes widened in surprise.

“You what?”

“Prince Jungkook will be here in two days’ time,” he finished. Looking around the table, you saw the faces of the other Councilmembers and realized that they were not at all surprised by the news of this visit. Why? If you had to guess, it’s because they all fucking knew. 

Everyone knew, but you.

Feeling your temper steadily rise, you abruptly stood up from your throne, causing everyone else to stand up as well and you stepped from around the table before storming out of the room and into the hallway. You couldn’t believe that they’d had the audacity to invite a foreigner to your kingdom without discussing with you beforehand, and it didn’t help matters that the foreigner was in fact another royal that you had never met before. 

You had managed to work yourself up so much that you didn’t see anyone else walking down the hallway before you bumped into them. 

“Hey, where are you off to, little one?” The voice said and when you looked up, you saw your father, Edric. 

“Daddy, I’m sorry,” you apologized instantly but Edric shook his head, immediately noticing how upset you were. 

“Come with me to my study and you can tell me all about it,” he murmured, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and leading you down the hallway in the opposite direction that you came in. Once the two of you were in his study, he led you over to the large bay window that was on one wall, helping you have a seat before sitting down himself. 

“Now, tell me what has you all worked up,” he encouraged you. 

“I had a meeting with the Solar Council and Yoongi informed me that they’ve invited one of the Princes from the Pica kingdom to Zamia,” you revealed. “With hopes that I’ll take a liking to him and want to marry him.”

“Did they?”

“Yes,” you nodded your head. “I’m so upset because they blatantly went against my wishes all because they want me to pop out babies and keep the royal bloodline going. I mean, aren’t I doing a good job as Queen? I know I’m not Mommy but-”

“Hey, you are an amazing Queen,” Edric reassured you. “And who cares if you’re not your mother? You are fantastic in your own right and I never want you to forget that, ok?”

“Ok.”

“And as for the whole visit business, I knew about it because the Council asked for my permission to invite him here,” he admitted. 

“Daddy, why did you do that?”

“I just want to see you happy, like your mother and I were,” he explained. “I know that you’ve thrown yourself into giving this kingdom all that you have but you deserve your own happiness. Ruling gets lonely baby, and you need someone by your side to not only love you but to support you when times get hard.”

“I know that Daddy, I do,” you replied with a small smile. “But you and Mommy’s marriage was a special case and a large amount of arranged marriages don’t turn out the way that yours did. I doubt mines would.”

“But you won’t even have the opportunity to find out if you don’t try,” Edric reminded you. “Running a kingdom on your own for five years is nothing to balk at. It’s a burden but not one that you should be shouldering alone. Please, at least give this all a chance. Worst case scenario, you don’t like him and we can all continue on as we have been.”

“Alright Daddy, alright,” you relented. “You’re right. What’s the worst that could happen?”

.............................................................

In the neighboring Pica kingdom, Prince Jeon Jungkook was walking into his family’s castle after having gone for a run when he saw one of his older brothers, Taehyung, running up to him. 

“There you are!” Taehyung exclaimed as he stopped in front of him. “I’ve been looking all over for you! Where were you?”

“Went for a run, like I do every morning,” Jungkook chuckled. “What’s up?”

“Appa wants to see you in his study,” Taehyung told him. “Said that it was important so you should go now.”

“Alright, thanks,” Jungkook nodded before turning and walking off down the hallway. Once he made it to his father’s study, he knocked on the door and waited until he heard a deep voice say “come in” before he twisted the knob and pushed open the door. 

“You wanted to see me?” Jungkook asked and his father, Kiwoo, waved him inside. 

“Come in, come in,” he said and Jungkook walked in, shut the door behind him, and walked over to sit in one of the chairs that was placed in front of his desk. “How are you, my son?”

“Good, just got back from a run,” Jungkook replied. 

“Ever my energizer bunny, huh?” Kiwoo joked and Jungkook rolled his eyes at the childhood nickname that his father gave him. 

“Did you have something that you wanted to discuss with me?” 

“Ah, yes. With Namjoon set to become King once I have moved on and Taehyung set to act as his second in command, I’ve been thinking about your future lately,” Kiwoo said. 

“My future?” Jungkook echoed. “I’m in Pica’s royal Navy and thought that’s what I would do.”

“And I’m still in total support of that, don’t misunderstand me,” Kiwoo assured him. “But I received a letter of invitation from the kingdom of Zamia for you to be a special guest of the Queen.”

“Really?” Jungkook wondered with a raised brow. “That’s kind of odd when I’ve never been to Zamia before.”

“Well, word has it throughout the kingdoms that Queen Y/N is now looking for a spouse so I suspect that’s the reason why you received the invitation,” Kiwoo surmised. 

“Did she?” Jungkook hummed. “I remember when she issued that proclamation like three years ago that she wasn’t searching for a spouse.”

“Well, things have obviously changed,” Kiwoo shrugged. “The visit will be three weeks long and if no sparks fly, then no harm, no foul.”

“Do you have a photo or something of her?” Jungkook asked and his father nodded, reaching into an envelope that he had sitting on the desk in front of him, reaching inside and pulling out a small photo before handing it off to his son. Jungkook literally felt his breath being taken away, his eyes widening when he saw how gorgeous you were. 

“She’s a looker, right?” Kiwoo smirked and Jungkook nodded his head in agreement. “She looks exactly like her mother, that one. If her personality is anything like her mother’s was, then she should be an amazing person too.”

“Ok, I’ll go,” Jungkook agreed easily. 

“Great! I’ll set everything up and you’ll leave in two days!” Kiwoo said but Jungkook didn’t pay attention to what he was saying, too busy staring at the photo of you in his hand.

.............................................................

Two days later, you were standing in front of the castle, along with the Solar Council, your father, and a few of the helpers that you employed, waiting for Prince Jungkook’s arrival. 

“You ok, Y/N-ah?” Jimin whispered from his place next to you. 

“I still don’t like this,” you muttered. “I’ve never even met this man and yet you, along with the rest of the Council, decided to invite him here in hopes of sparks flying.”

“Ok, ok, don’t work yourself up all over again,” Jimin sighed. “We said that we’re sorry for not getting your approval but we truly did have good intentions.”

“Whatever.”

“If it helps any, you look amazing,” Jimin smiled as he looked over your body that was draped in a loose gown that was blue and yellow. 

“If I don’t feel great, that doesn’t mean that I can’t look great,” you joked, making Jimin laugh. Just then, the gates to the castle suddenly opened and a long black limousine pulled through them, slowly creeping forward before stopping in front of where you were standing. 

“Remember everyone, these are visitors from another kingdom so best foot forward,” you said loudly, getting murmurs of agreements and “yes, your Highness” in return. The driver of the limo had gotten out of the car in the meantime, walking around the backseat and opening the door. You watched with bated breath as a man got out, and you gasped lightly when you saw Jeon Jungkook for the first time. 

He was dressed in what you knew to be some type of military uniform, which was a deep forest green color. His black hair was slicked back, with a single strand flopping over onto his forehead, and his chiseled facial features were on full display. His gaze and jaw were strong, contrasting with his nose, eyes, and mouth that looked so gentle and kind. The man was fucking hot and even you could admit that. 

After he got out of the limo, he was followed by another man who was equally as gorgeous and a few helpers from their own kingdom as well. 

“Your Highness,” Jungkook said as he walked over to stand in front of you. Having done this literally thousands of times before, you extended your hand and Jungkook took ahold of it, his grip on you firm as he bowed down in front of you while you did the same. “It is my honor to meet you.”

“And I you, Prince Jungkook,” you replied with a tight smile, watching as Jungkook stood up straight again. 

“This is my brother, Prince Taehyung,” Jungkook introduced the two of you and Taehyung stepped forward, doing the same thing as Jungkook and grabbing your hand as he bowed to you. 

“An absolute pleasure to meet you, your Highness,” Taehyung smiled. 

“You as well, Prince Taehyung,” you responded. “May I introduce my father, Dowager King Edric?”

“An honor,” Edric smiled, taking the time to shake both Jungkook and Taehyung’s hands. 

“And my council of advisors, the Solar Council,” you gestured towards the six people standing behind you. “They are the ones that extended the invitation.”

“Easy, little one,” Edric murmured in warning and you lightly rolled your eyes. “I know you both must’ve had a long journey here. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

“That would be wonderful, thank you,” Jungkook nodded. 

“Well, we’ll get your things inside and you both can freshen up before we meet in the formal dining room,” you said before turning and gesturing towards your helpers and they walked over to the limousine to help with the luggage. 

An hour later, you were sat at the head of the table with Jungkook at your side as you all convened for dinner together. 

“So Jungkook, you’re the third-born son right?” Edric asked.

“Yes Sir,” Jungkook nodded. “I’m the youngest, Taehyung hyung here is the middle child, and my brother Namjoon is the oldest.”

“Ah, I was the fourth born son myself, and the youngest,” Edric chuckled. “Definitely a hard road.”

“Sometimes but my hyungs are great,” Jungkook smiled as he nudged Taehyung with his elbow. 

“I hear Jungkook’s a valued member of Pica’s Royal Navy,” Hobi brought up. “How long have you been doing that?”

“Uh, since I was about 20,” Jungkook replied. “I don’t know, it just always interested me. Why? I don’t know.”

“It’s honest work,” Yoongi smiled. “Your Highness, don’t you like the ocean?”

“Of course I do, Zamia’s surrounded by it,” you responded with a sarcastic smile. 

“Jungkookie here is an amazing swimmer, although he’s great at anything physical really,” Taehyung bragged on his younger brother. “Swimming, running, biking, even horseback riding.”

“Horseback riding?” You repeated with intertest, since you loved horses. 

“Yeah, we’ve all been riding since we were kids and our mother taught us but Jungkookie’s the only one of us with an actual interest in it,” Taehyung told you. “You should see his horses back in Pica. They’re gorgeous.”

“Y/N-ah has quiet the stable herself,” Edric smiled. 

“Who taught you to ride, your highness?” Jungkook asked you. 

“My mother did, actually,” you said. 

“Maybe the two of you could go on a horse ride together while you’re here then, Prince Jungkook?” Jimin suggested. 

“I’d love to, if you would, your Highness,” Jungkook said and you just shrugged your shoulders noncommittally. 

“Maybe. I have to ask though, why would a man with the power of speed bother with riding a horse?” You questioned. 

“You know about my super speed?” Jungkook wondered in slight surprise. 

“One of the Queen’s many powers is magic detection,” Yuri explained. “She can sense when any power is being used near her and what power it is.”

“But I’m not using my super speed,” Jungkook chuckled. 

“So you think,” you interjected, making him look over at you. “But I can sense how restless you are from the long travel and that amount of energy isn’t associated with any other power but super speed.”

“Plus, she has a cousin who has super speed so she’s felt it before,” Edric added, making you smile and nod.

“That too.”

“Wow,” Jungkook gasped in awe. “That’s amazing. To answer your question though, I do enjoy slowing down when the moment calls for it and or even when the right person calls for it.”

“Is that right?” You murmured, purposefully ignoring his attempt to flirt with you as you busied yourself with digging into your meal. The rest of dinner went the same way, everyone trying to stimulate conversation between you and Jungkook while you resisted every try with the same stale attitude. Jungkook seemed to take it all in stride though, not seeming at all affected by your dry answers or disinterest for him and anything that he had to say.

Behind closed doors though, Jungkook felt entirely differently than he had let on. 

“How could Appa even expect any of this to work?” Jungkook groaned as he paced back and forth in the guest room that he and Taehyung were sharing. “She barely even looks at me!”

“Cut her some slack Kook, she’s probably struggling to come to grips with all of this,” Taehyung said from his place on his own large bed. “I mean, imagine if you were King and your council went behind your back to invite some woman that you had never met before into your castle.”

“You think they went behind her back?” Jungkook wondered.

“I know it, because I read Jimin-ssi’s mind at dinner and he was thinking ‘shit, this is not going the way the councilmembers and I envisioned,” Taehyung reported, using his gift of telepathy to have read Jimin’s thoughts. “So just give her some time.”

“Time isn’t exactly a luxury that we have,” Jungkook chuckled as he sat down on his bed and looked at his hyung. “We’re only here for three weeks.”

“I know but don’t give up yet,” Taehyung advised him. “Keep trying. After all, nothing worth having ever comes easily.”

.............................................................

The next morning, you were up at dawn to take a walk along the shore that was right in front of the castle. After the awkward dinner the night before, you slept fitfully because you could never rest when foreigners were in the castle which was the one thing that you didn’t really enjoy about being Queen. 

As you walked, you thought about the day before. Jungkook seemed nice enough and he was certainly handsome, but you weren’t entirely sure of his suitability for you. Sure, he had some of the same interests as you but he was also the third born son who you were almost sure didn’t receive any of the training that children who were expected to become monarchs did. Of course, not having that training didn’t mean that he would be incapable at the job but it damn sure did help. 

You also knew that you were a humungous bitch at dinner and you felt kind of bad about it. Jungkook and everyone else were obviously trying to make the best of the situation but you didn’t make it any easier. You figured that it wouldn’t be the worst thing if you actually did try to get to know him, so at least that way, you’d be able to truthfully say that he wasn’t a fit for you. 

You were so absorbed in yours thoughts that you didn’t realize someone breezing past you until they had almost bumped into you. 

“Hey!” You shouted and the figure turned around, and you realized that it was Jungkook. “You almost knocked me down, you know?”

“Sorry, your Highness,” Jungkook apologized while bowing lightly towards you. “When I’m running, I get kind of a blur around me which makes it hard to see anything that’s not right in front of me.”

“Ah, the faults of our powers,” you joked, making Jungkook laugh. “What are you doing out here so early?”

“Well, I was feeling really pent up since I hadn’t been able to run and I couldn’t sleep because of it so I just decided to come out here,” he explained. “I have to say too, Zamia is beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such clear water.”

“Yeah, it’s home,” you smiled as you looked out onto the water. “And it must be hard to have all that energy.”

“It can be sort of inconvenient at times, like when I have royal duties but it comes in handy other times, like when I’m working with the Navy,” he replied. 

“The Navy’s an unusual choice for a royal,” you noted as the two of you began to walk down the beach together, side by side. 

“Well, since I’m not in immediate line for the throne anymore, with Namjoon hyung and his wife Youngja having just had their first child, I’m more free to do what I want,” Jungkook said. “Since I have the powers of super speed, weather control and conjuration, being in the military just made sense.”

“Conjuration?” You questioned. “What’s that?”

“Basically, it means that I can bring forth any form of creatures, items, spirits, demons, deities and elements by either summoning, creating, or manifesting them,” he told you. “So things like images of them, their voice, or even holograms of them.”

“Wow, that’s unique.”

“Got it from being the child of a monarch,” he said and you nodded your head.

“I know that one,” you chuckled. 

“What about you? What are your powers?”

“Ah well, you know about the magic detection but in addition to that, I have telekinesis, telepathy, and enchantment,” you answered. 

“Telepathy?” Jungkook whistled. “That must be tough. Taehyung has that power, too.”

“It only works for me if I’m touching the person whose thoughts I want to read,” you explained. “Which I actually like because the thought of being able to hear an unwilling person’s thoughts makes me cringe a little bit.”

“Yeah, that could be awkward,” Jungkook laughed. 

“My telekinesis is pretty straight forward. I can move objects at will without touching them.”

“And the enchantment?”

“I got that when I became Queen,” you smiled lightly. “It’s a power that’s only in my family line and each monarch gets it when the previous monarch passes away so when my mom died, I inherited it.”

“Wow. You know, my parents used to speak highly of your mother,” he told you. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“It’s ok,” you shrugged. “All a part of life, right?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” he murmured. “I lost my mom too, when I was 15.”

“I’m sorry,” you echoed his previous sentiment but he just waved his hand dismissively. 

“Let’s talk about something happier before we get all depressed,” he joked lightly. 

“Well, you said that the water was pretty but what about the rest of the kingdom?” You questioned. “Do you like it?”

“I think it’s beautiful,” he replied. “Much larger than Pica, though.”

“I know, I’ve been to Pica,” you nodded. “Pica has a charm about it though, along with it’s citizens.”

“I hope I’m included in that,” Jungkook attempted to flirt and instead of outright rebuffing him this time, you just smiled without saying anything and Jungkook took that as a win. The two of you continued to make conversation as you both made your way back to the castle, getting to know each other more and more with each step that you etched in the sand. 

“You know, maybe we should go on that horseback ride while you’re here,” you offered and the grin on Jungkook’s face was so wide, you knew his face had to hurt.

“I’d love to,” he agreed without hesitation. “I really would.”

.............................................................

A few days later, your schedule had finally cleared enough for you to be able to go on that horse ride with Jungkook. You met him in the stable in early afternoon, letting him look over the horses while you packed up the lunch that the helpers had prepared in a wicker picnic basket. 

“This one is gorgeous,” Jungkook murmured as he stepped over to one of the larger horses, allowing the animal to sniff his hand before he began to gently pet her. “What’s their name?”

“This is Lady and she’s a Friesian horse,” you smiled. “She’s my baby.”

“I see why,” Jungkook replied. “She’s magnificent.”

“She was born on the anniversary of my mother’s ascension to the throne, so that’s why she named her Lady,” you explained. “My mother gave her to me when I turned 18 and we’ve been close ever since.”

“Whoa!” Jungkook exclaimed and when you looked over, you saw Lady shaking her mane towards Jungkook purposefully. 

“Oh yeah, she’s a little sassy thing too,” you giggled, watching as Jungkook tried to get the horse hair out of his face. “Here, why don’t you ride her brother, Lord?”

“Twins?” Jungkook guessed.

“Twins,” you confirmed with a nod. Two of the helpers that were working in the stables saddled up both horses for you and once the two of you were settled on top of the large animals, you whistled over at Jungkook. 

“I have a place in mind where we can go, follow me,” You said before clicking your tongue, which urged Lady into a light jog out of the stable. Jungkook and Lord followed behind you and once you were sure he was following you, a smirk spread onto your face as you clicked your heels against Lady’s side, which made her break out into a full blown run. 

“Hey!” Jungkook huffed, a smirk of his own appearing on his face as he took your challenge, bumping his heels against Lord’s side and continuing to do so until he had almost caught up to you. 

That’s how the two of you rode for the next 15 minutes, going up into some of the hills that were behind the castle. The silence was sporadically interrupted by giggle coming from you or laughs coming from Jungkook, usually when one of you managed to overtake the other in terms of speed. By the time the two of you made it to the small meadow that you had led him to, you both looked a little windblown. 

“This is so pretty,” Jungkook murmured in awe as he got down off of his horse. Without asking you, he walked over to you and helped you down from your horse as well and you smiled up at him in thanks. 

“No one knows about this spot except for family so we don’t have to worry about someone finding me for something or another,” you told him. Jungkook untied the picnic basket from Lady’s back and the two of you found a good spot right near the bank of the stream that was also in the meadow.

“Do you ever get tired of being Queen?” Jungkook wondered as the two of you sat down together, and you shrugged while you opened the picnic basket and began setting the lunch out on the blanket that you two were sitting on. 

“It can be...draining sometimes, knowing that so many people depend on me and look to me for guidance and reassurance,” you confessed. “My mom and dad used to make it look so effortless and it wasn’t like that for me, at first.”

“My oldest hyung Namjoon says the same thing,” he nodded in understanding. 

“But on the opposite side, I actually like being needed like that,” you continued. “It’s also nice knowing that so many people revere me, even though I truly doubt I deserve it.”

“Well, from what I’ve gathered from you this first week, I think it is deserved,” he said gently. “Even though you iced me out that first day.”

“I hope you’re not holding that against me,” you grimaced. “I was more so still upset at the Solar Council, because they extended that invitation for you to come visit without my permission.”

“They can do that?”

“No, but they found a loophole and asked my father,” you huffed. “Since he’s also a royal and the former King, he has the right to extend invitations like that.”

“I did think it was odd when my father told me about it, especially given that proclamation you issued a few years back,” Jungkook said. 

“The Solar Council has made it a habit of trying to convince me to get married and pop out babies but I just want to focus on being the best Queen that I can be for my people, you know?” You told him. “If I’m somewhere in the castle, barefoot and pregnant, who will everyone look to?”

“Something that my dad has always said is that he can’t give the best of himself to the people if he’s not taking care of himself,” Jungkook said. “It must be insane to have so many people set their hopes and dreams on you, and I’m not pretending to know what that’s like, but I think you should make time for yourself too. Also, if you don’t mind my saying despite the real reason why I was invited here, having someone by your side means that the kingdom wouldn’t be vulnerable while you’re gone or busy.”

“But no one loves Zamia as much as I do,” you chuckled. “How will I find someone who respects it and it’s people as much as I do?”

“If you find the right person, they’ll love Zamia because you love it,” Jungkook explained. 

“And do you?”

“Do I, what?”

“Love Zamia?” You questioned. Jungkook paused for a few moments, pondering your question and you held your breath, trying to gauge if you had been a little too forward with him. 

“I think that as I learn more about it, it’ll be impossible for me not to,” he finally replied and you smiled, knowing exactly what he meant by the phrasing. 

“Nice to know,” you whispered. 

“Oh! Before I forget, I have something for you,” Jungkook said and you watched as he held his hands together, slowing pulling them apart and revealing a hologram of a bouquet of calla lily flowers. 

“They’re so pretty,” you cooed and Jungkook extended his hands towards you.

“Take them.”

“It’s a hologram, I can’t,” you laughed in disbelief. 

“It’s only a hologram for as long as I want it to be,” he revealed. “Go ahead, take them.” You tentatively reached your hands out, grabbing onto the bunch of stems and gasping when you could feel them on your skin. 

“Eternal flowers,” you muttered, leaning forward and smiling when you realized that the hologram even smelled like real life calla lilies. “Thank you, Jungkook.”

“You’re welcome,” he smiled as the two of you went back to enjoying lunch together. 

.............................................................

Everything between you and Jungkook changed after your date in the meadow. For the following week, the two of you were together anytime that you had some moments to spare. Though that meant that your quality time wasn’t so plentiful, Jungkook never complained about it and was always able to make the most of the time that you did have to spend together. 

Jungkook was funny, more than you expected him to be, he was kind, and he was so clearly loving. The relationship that he had with Taehyung was enviable and he had even begun to get closer to Jimin, Yoongi, Hobi, and even your father. Seeing Jungkook and Edric together made you happy, and you began to seriously look at Jungkook as someone that you could be with. 

With that thought in mind, it’s what spurred you to invite Jungkook to the dedication ceremony for the newest school that had been built in honor of your mother. You wanted to see how Jungkook would act with you in public, as well as how he’d interact with your citizens. 

“We’re almost ready for you, your Highness,” Jimin told you and you nodded your head, biting lightly on your lip as you stood off to the right of stage that was in front of the large crowd that had gathered for the ceremony. You were dressed in a fitted pants suit in Zamia’s official colors, blue and yellow, as well as a sash and your gold crown. 

“You ok?” Jungkook asked as he looked over at you, dressed in the same Naval uniform that he had arrived to Zamia in. “You look nervous.”

“I’m not the biggest fan of public speaking,” you confessed. “And this is for my mom so I really want it to be good.”

“And it will be,” he promised, reaching down and grabbing your free hand that wasn’t holding your speech in his hand. “Just take some deep breaths and speak from your heart.” Having him hold your hand allowed you to read his thoughts, and you could literally feel how sincere he was in what he said to you. 

“Ok, thanks,” you said, a soft smile coming onto your face when he lifted your hand and kissed the back of it gently. 

“Your Highness, it’s time,” Jimin said and you nodded your head, giving Jungkook’s hand a quick squeeze before letting go of it and climbing the steps to the stage. The crowd cheered at the sight of you and you took a few moments to wave at them all before stepping behind the podium. 

“Good morning,” you smiled. “Thank you all so much for attending this dedication ceremony for our newest magic school. The formation of this school is special for two reasons. The first being that this school is a solid, visible example of how much our kingdom is flourishing. Needing more space means that our population has risen and to do that, one needs faith in the people that serve them that their needs will be met. It means the world to me that you all feel like you have a happy enough way of life here in order to start and grow families of your own, so thank you for that.” The crowd cheered loudly for a few seconds before calming down and allowing you to continue.

“The second, and arguably the most important to me personally, is that it gives us the chance to dedicate something to our late Queen, my mother, Queen Thalia,” you continued. “Queen Thalia was an innovator. She established the first official school in the kingdom, made sure that every citizen regardless of age was able to read and write and knew how to control their powers to the best of their ability. She was determined for the citizens of Zamia to have the best lives possible and that effort is seen even now, 30 years from her coronation. With my pleasure and the blessing of the Solar Council, I hereby dedicate this building as the Queen Thalia Magic Education Center!”

The crowd went wild at the announcement, cheering loudly and chanting a mix of your mother’s name as well as yours. Your father walked up onto the stage then with a pair of scissors in his hands and together, the two of you cut the ribbon that was right in front of the door to the school. 

“Amazing job, little one,” Edric whispered to you and you smiled, leaning forward and kissing his cheek. After posing for a few photos with your father, the Solar Council, and the administration staff of the school, you made yourself busy with speaking to the citizens of Zamia, something that you prided yourself on taking the time to do. 

“It’s about time that we finally had a building dedicated to your mother, ancestors rest her soul,” an elderly man named Minho told you. 

“I know but the Solar Council, as well as my father and I, wanted to make sure that the dedication made sense and with this being a school, we saw no better time than now,” you explained. 

“And how are you yourself, dear?” Minho’ wife, Helena, asked you. “I know it’s been five years since she passed on but it can’t be any easier for you.”

“It isn’t but I’m doing well, thank you for asking,” you replied. 

“Of course she’s doing well, with one of the Princes of Pica visiting her,” a woman named Sooyoung laughed. “Are we going to be having a royal wedding and a coronation ceremony?”

“Not anytime soon,” you giggled. “Prince Jungkook as well as his brother Prince Taehyung are just here to visit.”

“Your mother said something similar when your father came to visit from his home kingdom,” Helena pointed out. 

“Have a good time, you guys,” you bid your goodbyes to them to cut the conversation short, laughing to yourself when you heard them groan and complain behind you. You walked over to Jungkook, who was speaking animatedly with some children. 

“Queen Y/N, Queen Y/N!” One of the little girls, who you knew as Boram, called out to you.

“Hi Boram,” you smiled, watching fondly as she did her best to do a bow to you before you greeted the other children as well. “Hi Yihwa, hi Sangjun.”

“Your Highness,” Yihwa and Sangjun both replied, the two of them able to greet you a little more properly since they were seven and nine years old versus Boram’s tender five.

“Queen Y/N, are you gonna marry Jungkookie Oppa?” Boram wondered and you couldn’t help but to laugh as you bent down so that you were level with her. 

“You’re calling him Oppa already?” You wondered. “Do you like him that much?”

“He’s nice,” Boram nodded. 

“She’s just saying that because he let her zap him with her electricity,” Yihwa reported. 

“Ah, your powers came all the way in,” you deduced and Boram nodded excitedly. 

“My ceremony is next week!” Boram announced happily. “Will you come?”

“You can’t ask her that, Boram,” Sangjun said. “She’s Queen and has other stuff to do.”

“I’ll have Jiminie check my schedule and we’ll see but no promises, ok?” You told Boram, making her nod reluctantly. 

“Jungkookie Oppa, can I use your hand to show Queen Y/N what I can do now?” Boram asked him hopefully and unable to deny her pouty lips, Jungkook nodded his head. 

“Sure, come on,” he gestured towards himself and Boram squealed excitedly, bounding over to stand in front of him. After you stood up straight again, you watched as Boram took a deep breath before making a spark of electricity with her finger, then using it to zap Jungkook’s palm. 

“Wow, amazing Boram!” You cheered, clapping your hands and making a big show of it. It was always a monumental moment when a person’s powers fully came in, and you wanted to encourage Boram as much as possible. 

Watching the exchange also made your respect for Jungkook grow exponentially. Getting a zap of electricity to your bare palm was no picnic and yet, Jungkook took it with a smile because of how happy it obviously made Boram. After that and seeing how he talked about magic books with Yihwa and what it was like being in the Navy with Sangjun, as well as talking to a bunch of other children and adults, it just confirmed what you had begun to suspect about Jungkook ever since your date in the meadow. 

Jungkook would make an amazing spouse and an amazing King, and now it was your move. 

.............................................................

You paced back and forth on the balcony to the Throne Room, your blue dress breezing behind you and your gaze focused on the waves that were crashing against the shore. You had told Jimin to have Jungkook meet you here so that the two of you could talk, and your nerves were kind of starting to get the best of you as more time passed by. 

“Your Highness,” Jungkook called out and you turned around, watching as he strolled over to you. “You wanted to see me?” He was dressed in a tan shirt, tan slacks with suspenders holding them up, black shoes, and his hair pushed back from his face.

“Yes, hi,” you exhaled harshly as you stopped pacing and looked at him. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Well, I figured it must be important if you requested my presence,” he said. You took a quick deep breath in before releasing it, as a last ditch effort to calm yourself before you began to speak. 

“So, we both know the real reason why you were invited here?” You began. 

“Yes.”

“And over the last two weeks, we’ve gotten to know each other better than I thought we would,” you mentioned. “As a result, I’ve become interested in you and I hope the feeling is mutual.”

“It is,” Jungkook nodded with a smile. “Very much so.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” you sighed in relief. “But now, I need to know how you feel about Zamia.”

“I told you, I love it,” he replied honestly. “It took my breath away when I first got here and after attending that dedication ceremony with you and getting to speak to the people, I fell in love even more. If needed, I’ll do anything necessary to support Zamia and you as well, if you allow me to.”

“And you’re not just here to take Zamia away from me?” You asked and Jungkook shook his head with a furrowed brow. Although it was much rarer now, it wasn’t unheard of for a woman or a man to marry into a royal family just to stage a coup and snatch the power for themselves. 

“The thought of that never even entered my mind, or my family’s mind,” he assured you. “I’m also a third born son so power hasn’t ever been high on my list of goals in life.”

“But that could be a reason why you came here,” you shot back. 

“See for yourself if you don’t believe me,” he said, extending his hand out to you. You grabbed onto it, intertwining your fingers with his and allowing your eyes to flutter shut as his thoughts and feelings flooded into your mind.

The very first thing you felt was peace, which you always interpreted as meaning someone was being honest or had pure intentions. That peaceful feeling almost became overwhelming and that only confirmed how truthful Jungkook was being. 

The second thing wasn’t a feeling, but a vision. The two of you were walking in the meadow that you had taken him to, hand in hand with two little figures running around in front of you. You could see how bright your smile was as you watched what you assumed would be your children play together and Jungkook eyes were focused on you, smiling at you with a look in his eyes that could only be described as fondness. 

“Oh my gosh,” you gasped as you opened your eyes, seeing that Jungkook was looking right at you with a soft smile. 

“Did you see?” He wondered and you nodded your head slowly. “That’s what I hope for when I think of my future here, with you.” 

“Jungkook,” you whispered as tears welled up in your eyes, the vision of your prospective future making you emotional. Jungkook instantly moved closer to you then, gently cupping your face in his hands and making you look into his eyes. 

“I know you have your reservations and I respect them, but I’m telling you that I want this and I want you, regardless of what that might entail,” he stated firmly. Looking into his brown eyes and not knowing what words might even exist for you to properly communicate how he made you feel, you decided to that the only thing that could tell him was a kiss. So that’s exactly what you did. 

Your lips crashed against his passionately, your hands wrapping around his neck to grip at the hair on the back of his head. Jungkook returned your eagerness as his hands slipped away from your face and down to your waist, gripping you tightly and pulling you closer to him. He walked the both of you backwards until you were pressed up against the ledge of the balcony, your back arching as his lips trailed away from yours and began to press open mouthed kisses to your neck. 

“Fuck,” you moaned.

“Mm, our Queen has a potty mouth,” Jungkook murmured teasingly, making you laugh out loud. 

“Yeah, kind of.”

“I don’t mind, as long as I’m the one making you curse,” he said deeply and you found yourself nodding your head. He captured your lips with his again, making you moan again as the two of you made out. You weren’t sure how much time had passed as you lost yourself in the feeling of his lips but suddenly, you realized where you were and what you two were doing and how it would look if anyone were to walk out onto the balcony. 

“Wait, wait, wait, we can’t,” you gasped, placing your hands against his chest and pushing him back slightly. “We can’t go too far, you know?”

“Of course, of course,” Jungkook nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” you chuckled. 

“What’s your schedule like for the rest of the day?” He questioned suddenly. 

“I’m free.”

“Great. Wait here for an hour and then meet me in the meadow, ok?” He said and you shrugged your shoulders before nodding. He pressed one last kiss to your lips and before you could ask where he was going or what he had up his sleeve, he raced away from you. 

After an hour of more pacing and not knowing what to do with yourself in order to stay occupied, you rode your horse to the meadow and once you got there, you saw Jungkook already standing near the stream as he waited for you. 

“What is all this about?” You wondered as you stepped over to stand in front of him.

“If we’re going to do this, I wanted to do it the right way,” Jungkook told you, reaching out and grabbing both of your hands in his. “You don’t have to feel obligated to say yes to what I’m about to ask you, ok?”

“Ok,” you nodded. A soft gasp escaped you when you watched him get down on one knee in front of you, letting go of one of your hands to reach into his pocket and pull out a large, round sapphire engagement ring. The band was gold and the sapphire was surrounded by white diamonds on either side. 

“Y/N-ah, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” Jungkook asked and you nodded your head up and down rapidly, squealing lightly when he slid the ring onto the fourth finger of your left hand. 

“It’s beautiful Jungkook,” you murmured as you held your hand up, admiring the ring. 

“My father gave it to my mother the day that I was born,” he explained as he stood up. “The sapphire is my birth stone and before she passed, my mother gave it to me to use as an engagement ring for the right woman.”

“And I’m the right woman?” You wondered as you wrapped your arms around his neck while he set his hands on your hips. 

“Absolutely,” Jungkook stated firmly. At a loss for words, which seemed to be a regular occurrence when you were around Jungkook, you settled for pulling him into a passionate kiss in an effort to communicate exactly how you were feeling at that moment. 

“I’m going to be everything that you need me to be, I promise,” Jungkook whispered against your lips. 

“I know, I know,” you smiled before kissing him again and you did know, deep down inside of you, that he was a person you could trust and depend on. 

.............................................................

A month later, wedding preparation was in full swing and the palace, as well as the entire kingdom of Zamia, was buzzing with excitement. Admittedly, you were as well. Even though you still had your typical duties as Queen to take care of, planning your wedding had proven to be unexpectedly fun and you loved setting up even the smallest of details. 

Jungkook was a big help as well, coming with you to every meeting that had even the smallest thing to do with the wedding and offering you his support on your official duties as well. He had also kept his promise to you as he began to undertake his own royal duties for Zamia, and you found that the load he took off your shoulders was incredibly helpful. 

Despite that, the two of you hadn’t been able to spend much alone time together since you announced your engagement and you were surprised by just how much you missed his presence. You missed his humor, his smile, his laugh, and how he always made you feel at ease. 

“Y/N-ah?” Jimin called out and you turned around from where you had been staring out of the window at the shore in front of the palace. “Jungkook’s back.”

“Great,” you smiled, gathering up the hem of your blue dress in your hands and rushing down the hallway and down the grand staircase. Once you made it to the side door which was already open due to the helpers who were bringing Jungkook’s bags into the palace, you ran outside to see Jungkook standing next to the limousine.

“Jungkook!” You cheered and he turned around, his grin wide as he opened his arms and you didn’t hesitate to run into them, throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him passionately as he wrapped his arms around you and lifted you up off the ground. The kiss grew heated pretty quickly, your tongue slipping into Jungkook’s mouth as you felt his hands roam over your waist through the material of your dress. 

“Oh, I missed you baby,” Jungkook murmured against your lips and you smiled, pressing one last kiss to his lips before pulling back to look at him. 

“I missed you more,” you cooed, running your hands through the hair at the back of his head. “How was Pica? And your family?”

“They’re all good, excited to come here at the end of the week for the wedding,” he told you as he set you back down on the ground. You wrapped your arm around his and intertwined your fingers together as you both walked back into the palace. “And I got the rest of my things.”

“You’re officially moved in then,” you noted. 

“Yep and you’re stuck with me,” he teased, making you roll your eyes playfully. “What have you been up to while I was gone?”

“Eh, the usual,” you shrugged. “Work and more work, as always.”

“I hope you won’t be too busy for me after the wedding.”

“I won’t be, because I’ll have you by my side,” you smiled up at him and he returned your smile as the two of you climbed the staircase and then strolled down the hallway together. 

“I hope you have your gift picked out for me for the ceremony,” you mentioned. “It’s tomorrow.” The ceremony that you were speaking of was a tradition for royal engaged couples, where they would present each other with a gift in front of their families and the Solar Council as a way of affirming their promises to each other and as a way of blessing their coming union. Typically, the gift was an extension of one’s magical powers but it was always interesting to see what each couple came up with.

“I already have my gift for you and you’re going to love it, I know it,” he said cockily. 

“You sure about that? It’s gonna be hard to outdo the present that my dad gave my mom.”

“He gave her a fucking island!” Jungkook exclaimed, making you giggle at his facial expression. 

“You better had come up with something that good then,” you joked. Smirking, Jungkook leaned against the wall and pulled you with him, forcing your body flush up against his as he wrapped his arms around you. 

“You’re a menace, you know?” He said. 

“I’ve been told,” you smiled. “At least you know you’ll never be bored.”

“That I do,” he chuckled before cupping your face in his hands and kissing you firmly. Per usual, you lost yourself in the kiss, your body melting into Jungkook’s as your lips slotted together. You had no idea how long the two of you ended up staying there, pressed up against that wall, until someone cleared their throat and caused the two of you to break apart. 

“So sorry to interrupt the two of you,” Yoongi huffed. “But you’re late for your next meeting, your Highness.”

“And you have a lesson on Zamia’s history to attend, Prince Jungkook,” Jimin giggled. “Which I remind you, you have to finish before the wedding on Saturday.”

“Of course,” Jungkook sighed with a smile. 

“Give us a second, we’ll be right there,” you told them, and Yoongi and Jimin nodded before walking away. 

“No privacy,” you scoffed. 

“Well, we are in the hallway,” Jungkook pointed out. “Good thing that we were because if we were anywhere else more private, you wouldn’t be going to that meeting.”

“Oh yeah?” You purred. “And why is that?”

“Because you wouldn’t be able to walk,” he whispered and you felt a tingle in your lower half. The sexual tension had been a constant any time the two of you were together since you had gotten engaged, and there had been several times over the last month that you had to stop yourself from falling into that temptation. It wasn’t that you wouldn’t have been able to, especially since you had before in your life, but as Queen, you wanted to do things in a more “traditional” way and save that for you and Jungkook until your wedding night. 

“We’ll have two weeks off after the wedding and my dad will take over for us so I hope you’ll keep that promise,” you murmured. 

“Let’s go!” Yoongi shouted from the end of the hall and you rolled your eyes in annoyance. 

“You better go before Yoongi hyung blows a gasket,” Jungkook laughed. “I’ll see you tonight for dinner?”

“Of course,” you nodded. “Have a good day.”

“You too, baby,” he smiled, leaning down and giving you one last kiss before pulling away from you and allowing you both to go your separate ways. 

.............................................................

The next night, you were stood outside of the Throne Room, anxiously shifting from one foot to the other. The time for the Gift Ceremony had come and Jungkook’s family, as well as your father and the Solar Council were inside of the Throne Room to watch. 

“Y/N-ah?” Jimin said and you raised your head to look at him. “You ready?”

“Yeah,” you nodded with a smile. “Do I look ok?”

“Gorgeous,” Jimin chuckled, reaching out and fixing the golden crown that sat on top of your head. You were dressed in a golden gown that had a blue overlay and swept the floor when you walked. 

“Let’s go then,” you squared your shoulders, watching as Jimin cued to the helpers and they opened the double doors. You began to walk inside, a wide smile falling onto your lips when you saw Jungkook, dressed in his naval uniform as usual, standing next to Yoongi as he waited for you. 

Once you made it to your throne, Yoongi motioned for everyone to take a seat and when they did, he turned to look at you and Jungkook. 

“This is the Gift Ceremony, where the two of you will present each other with a gift to mark your commitment to both each other and your upcoming marriage,” Yoongi recited. “Please kneel.” You and Jungkook did so, and Yoongi reached down to grab ahold of one of your hands and one of Jungkook’s before placing them together. 

“As the Leader of the Solar Council, I hereby bless this upcoming union with the approval of my fellow Councilmembers,” Yoongi said. “Are the both of you entering into this union of your own choice, in sound mind and body?”

“I am,” you and Jungkook responded together. 

“Please stand,” Yoongi instructed and you both stood up straight again, still holding onto each other’s hand. “Your Highness, Queen Y/N, will present her gift first. Your Highness.”

“Jungkook,” you began as you turned to look at each other. “I cannot express how happy I am to be joining you in marriage and to have you as a part of my family. I love how caring and loving you are, and how thoughtful you are of other people. Because of that, I have chosen to give you the gift of voice echo.”

“Really?” Jungkook gasped and you nodded with a smile. 

“With this gift, you’ll be able to project your voices to places that you’re not present in,” you explained. “Meaning that even your family will be able to hear you from here to Pica.”

“Jungkook, do you accept this gift?” Yoongi asked.

“Yes,” Jungkook confirmed and Yoongi motioned for him to kneel again, which he did. You took a deep breath then, raising your hands up and waiting until a fine, yellow haze began to generate between your palms. Once you were satisfied by how much there was, you began to slowly wave your hands over Jungkook’s head, causing the yellow haze to flow downwards over his hair. 

“As Monarch of Zamia, I grant you this power,” you crooned. The haze dissipated and Jungkook stood up, and you motioned for him to try it. “Go ahead.” 

“Taehyungie hyung?” Jungkook whispered, so soft that you barely heard him and he was standing right next to you.

“I hear you, Jungkookie,” Taehyung revealed with a smile and the grin on Jungkook’s face was so wide, you knew his cheeks had to hurt. 

“Now, Prince Jungkook, your gift,” Yoongi moved them along. 

“Well, I went back and forth on what to get you,” he began. “My powers together are a weird combination so it was a challenge at first but I think you’ll love what I came up with.” He stepped down off of the small platform where your throne was and moved a few steps backwards, making you arch an eyebrow since you didn’t know what he was doing.

Holding his hands out over the floor, Jungkook’s stare was intense as a gust of wind began to create a vortex at his feet. You watched as the vortex became bigger, so much so that it was almost as tall as Jungkook was. 

“Jungkook?” You called out, slightly worried that the vortex was going to hurt him. 

“It’s ok,” he promised as he glanced at you over his shoulder. “She’s coming.”

“She?” You echoed and when you looked back at the vortex, you realized that it was looking less like a vortex and was taking the shape of an actual person. Once some of the dust fell away, the image that was left behind had your jaw dropping and a loud gasp coming from everyone that was present. 

“Is that?” You croaked, seeing what was unmistakably your mother Thalia smiling down at you. 

“It’s your mother,” Jungkook smiled as he turned around and extended his hand to you. “Come here, it’s ok.” You stepped down off of the platform as well, pacing over to stand next to your fiancée as you looked up at the image in disbelief. 

“Can she hear me?” You asked as you grabbed onto his hand.

“What do you think?” Thalia wondered, and tears began to stream down your face steadily.

“Mommy,” you cried. 

“Hi my baby,” Thalia smiled softly, her eyes crinkling at the sides the way you remembered they always did. You marveled at how clear the image was, Thalia’s umber colored skin glowing in the light of the haze that she had appeared from.

“I miss you so much,” you gushed.

“And I miss you,” she replied. “I’m so proud of you though. You’ve been doing an amazing job as Queen since I left, not that I ever had any doubts.”

“You really think so?” You questioned, your ability to lead Zamia’s people one of the most pressing questions that you had been wishing you were able to ask your mother. 

“Absolutely, but there’s one thing that you could be working on.”

“What is it?”

“Learning to open up your heart,” Thalia said. “I know you and I know how you get set in your ways, but open your heart and allow Jungkook to love you. You deserve all the happiness in the world, my baby and Jungkook wants to give it to you so let him.”

“Daddy told me the same thing before Jungkook came,” you chuckled through tears. “About being open.”

“Well, your father taught me that same lesson and since you’re just like me, it makes sense that he taught it to you as well,” she giggled. The image of Thalia then turned around to look at your father Edric, who was sitting to the right of where you were standing. “I miss you so much, my love.”

“I miss you more,” Edric smiled sadly, lifting his hand to his mouth and blowing her a kiss. Thalia turned back to look at you then, smiling fondly. 

“I love you so much, Y/N,” Thalia told you before turning her gaze to Jungkook. “Take care of my baby.”

“Yes ma’am,” Jungkook nodded with a smile and suddenly, the image of Thalia disappeared and the wind that had created the vortex wrapped up into itself before flowing out of the window. 

Before Jungkook could ask how you felt about his gift, you threw your arms around him in a tight hug as you sobbed into his neck. 

“I can’t thank you enough,” you whimpered and Jungkook just hugged you tight you him as he pressed a kiss to the side of your head. 

.............................................................

Once your tears started, they just wouldn’t stop so Yoongi wrapped up the Gift Ceremony pretty swiftly and everyone dispersed, leaving Jungkook to walk you back to your bedroom as you recovered from the wave of emotions that you had just gone through. 

“If I had known you’d be this upset by my gift, I wouldn’t have done it,” Jungkook murmured and you instantly shook your head as you wiped your face free of tears for what felt like the hundredth time in the past half hour. 

“No! I loved it so much, that’s why I’m like this,” you told him. “When my mom passed, it was very sudden so I never felt like I got to say goodbye. Today, in the Throne Room, it kind of felt like closure, you know?”

“I know,” he nodded in understanding. “You don’t mind that I did it, right? I didn’t overstep?”

“You gave me the greatest gift I’ve gotten in my life,” you replied honestly. “I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“You don’t have to baby,” he said. “I did it because I wanted to, because I care about you.” The two of you made it to your large bedroom doors then and Jungkook let go of your hand that he was holding. “So, I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast?”

“Or we could go to breakfast together in the morning,” you suggested and Jungkook’s eyebrows rose in confusion.

“Huh?”

“Stay with me tonight,” you clarified. 

“You sure?” He checked. “I don’t want you to feel like you owe me or anything just because of my gift or-” you cut him off by leaving forward and pressing a slow kiss to his lips. His words faded into nothing, his lips moving with yours as you kissed him sweetly. 

“Stay with me, please,” you repeated after pulling back a little to look at him. “I want you to.”

“Ok baby, ok,” he nodded his agreement which made you smile. After grabbing his hand, you walked over to the door, nodding slightly to the two guards standing outside before opening one of the double doors and walking inside. 

“I didn’t know you had guards at your door,” Jungkook noted as he followed you inside and shut the door behind himself. 

“I wish I didn’t but the Solar Council insisted,” you shrugged. “A monarch thing.”

“Understandable,” he chuckled. You led him over to the bed before turning to face him and wrapping your arms around his neck. “They can’t...uh, hear anything in here, can they?”

“No, it’s soundproof,” you swore. “I had the room designed that way once the Solar Council said they wanted guards.”

“So if I wanted to make you scream my name,” Jungkook trailed off. 

“They wouldn’t hear a thing,” you finished. With that, Jungkook wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into him as he kissed you passionately. He picked you up, allowing you to wrap your legs around his waist as he bent down and laid you out on the bed before climbing on top of you. 

“I want to take care of you, Y/N-ah,” Jungkook murmured against your skin as his lips trailed downwards to our neck. “Will you let me?”

“Yes Jungkook,” you moaned as he left open-mouthed kisses against your skin. “Whatever you want.”

“Turn over for me so I can get this dress off,” he instructed and you nodded, waiting until he had moved off of you before sitting up and turning over so that your back was facing him. You reached up and took off your crown, holding it in your hands while Jungkook grabbed ahold of the zipper of your dress and pulled it downwards. 

Pulling the dress over your shoulders and exposing your gorgeous melanin infused skin, Jungkook couldn’t help but to lean forward and press soft kisses against your shoulder. 

“Beautiful,” he muttered.

“You’ve barely seen me yet,” you giggled as you reached over and sat your crown on the bedside table.

“I can already tell,” he huffed. You sat up on your knees then, pulling your dress down the rest of the way and then throwing it onto the floor before turning back around to lay flat on your back. He couldn’t help but to gawk at your body, a matching blue bra and panty set hugging your bust and hips. 

“Like what you see?” You purred teasingly. 

“Love it,” he smiled. 

“You get undressed too,” you said and he nodded his head, getting off of the bed and standing up straight as he began to take off his naval uniform. You turned onto your side and propped your head up on your hand, watching with a smile as he first took off his jacket then his pants and the sword that had been hanging at his hip. 

“You know, I can get used to this,” he mentioned.

“What?”

“You, laying in bed, waiting for me like this,” he said and you could feel your cheeks warm up in embarrassment as he climbed back onto the bed. 

“Me too,” you agreed. You quickly sat up and undid your bra, pulling it from your body and throwing it to the side before Jungkook leaned down and sucked one of your nipples into his mouth. A loud gasp escaped you, your hands instantly threading themselves in his hair as you allowed him to cause your nipples to harden on his tongue.

“I’m gonna make you feel good baby, I promise,” he declared, moving down your body and leaving kisses in his path. You lifted your head slightly, smiling when he grabbed the waistband of your panties and pulled them down your legs. You wordlessly spread your legs for him, which made him groan in appreciation when he saw your glistening folds. 

“So wet baby,” he whispered, using his fingers to spread your labia apart before diving in, sucking your clit into his mouth. You cried out as your head fell back against the bed, your body writhing on the bed as Jungkook worked his mouth on you. 

Now, you were no stranger to sex at all. Jungkook wasn’t the first man to have ever courted you before but with him, you had to admit that it felt different. It wasn’t only the skill of his tongue that had you seeing stars but you felt such a strong connection to him, it was almost palpable. You guessed that this is what intimacy was and now that you’d felt it, you weren’t sure that you’d ever be able to give it up. 

“Oh God,” you whimpered, biting down harshly on your lip when Jungkook began to draw figure eights on your clit with the tip of his tongue. As he did so, he slipped one finger into you, moaning against you when he felt how easily you had let him in. 

“Shit, just like that,” you blurted out. Jungkook began to leave wide licks from the bottom of your clit up to the top before going back down and repeating the action, and that had your orgasm building up in your gut. 

“Ah, I-I’m gonna, gonna,” you tried to warn him but you cut yourself off with a sudden yell, your back arching up from the bed as you came on his tongue. Jungkook moaned appreciatively, slurping up your cum as you rode your orgasm out. 

“Good?” He asked and you nodded your head, slightly panting as he rose up and looked at you, licking your essence from his lips.

“So good,” you laughed in disbelief. Jungkook reached out then and gathered some of your wetness onto his fingers before using it to lubricate his cock, which was fully hard and bobbing against his lower stomach. 

“You ready for me to fuck you, baby?” He wondered and when you nodded your head rapidly like a child, he laughed fondly as he positioned himself so that he was on his knees in between your legs. 

“You sure you don’t want me to suck you off?” You asked. 

“No, I need to be inside of you now,” Jungkook shook his head. “Plus, we have all the time in the world to get to that later.”

“Mm, that we do,” you smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him into a searing kiss. As you slid your tongue into his mouth, Jungkook grabbed the base of his cock and pressed the head of it against your slit, slowly pushing himself into you. You both sighed into each other’s mouths at the feeling of his cock stretching you out, and Jungkook clutched onto the sheets next to your head as he worked you open.

“You’re so tight Y/N-ah, fuck,” he groaned harshly and the way that he moaned your name had your walls clenching around him. 

“And you’re fucking huge,” you huffed out with a laugh. “God damn it.”

“But you’re taking it so fucking well,” Jungkook swore as he looked down at you. “Like you were made for me.”

“Cheesy,” you giggled which made him laugh as well. “You can go faster.”

“Yeah?” He hummed and once you nodded, Jungkook made sure that he was steady on his knees before sitting up and fucking into you a little bit faster. He set up a steady rhythm then, making it easy for the two of you to lose yourselves in each other. 

“Just like that, shit,” you burst, your hands sliding from around his neck and trailing down his back. “Yes Jungkook.”

“Am I pleasing my Queen?” He wondered.

“You are but I’m not your Queen here, with just us two,” you told him. “I’m just Y/N with you.”

“My Y/N,” he said and hearing him call you his made you smile widely and what came out of your mouth next totally slipped out on accident. 

“I love you,” you said, your eyes widening slightly when you heard yourself say it. 

“I love you too,” Jungkook replied effortlessly, which left you even more confused. 

“Really?” 

“Of course. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” he responded. “I love you.”

“I love you,” you repeated, moaning when he kissed you again. Your movements became a lot more passionate and almost feral then, your legs wrapping around his waist to pull him close and one of his hands reaching down to grip your thigh tightly. 

“Fuck yes, right there,” you panted, your entire body moving up and down on the bed with the force of Jungkook’s thrusts. “Please don’t stop, I’m so close.”

“Me too baby, me too,” he grumbled. “Come with me baby.” Jungkook sped up the pace of his thrusts and put more force behind them, causing you to see stars and your orgasm slammed into you suddenly. 

“Fuck me!” You screamed in pleasure. “Jungkook! Jungkook!”

“That’s right, moan my fucking name while I fill your pussy up,” he commanded and all you could do was dig your nails into his skin while he used you to make himself come. Once he did and you felt his warmth flood inside of you, he collasped on top of you and you just laughed as you set your hands in his hair. 

“So much for waiting, huh?” He mumbled groggily.

“Yeah, but it felt right,” you shrugged. “The wedding’s in two days anyways so we were close enough.” A comfortable silence fell over the two of you then, you both basking in the afterglow while coming down from your orgasms together. It had gotten so quiet, you had thought Jungkook had fallen asleep when he suddenly spoke up. 

“You know, we’re gonna have to redecorate this room once we’re married,” he pointed out.

“Why?” You questioned. “It’s in Zamia’s official colors.”

“I know but a change might be nice,” he said. “Plus, it’s our bedroom now.”

“You’re right,” you agreed. “Once we get back from our honeymoon, we can hire an interior designer.”

“Did we just make our first compromise?” Jungkook asked as he sat up to look down at you.

“I think we did,” you chuckled. “The first of many.”

“You got that right,” Jungkook smiled. “I love you Y/N-ah, and I can’t wait to marry you.”

“Me too and I love you too,” you replied, leaning up and kissing him gently. 

.............................................................

“You about ready, baby girl?” Edric asked and you nodded your head, taking your bouquet of flowers from one of the helpers that were standing outside the double doors of the church. The day of the wedding had finally come and it had been declared a major holiday in the kingdom of Zamia. Every citizen, old and young, had come to stand outside of the church and catch a glimpse of you in your wedding dress.

Speaking of the dress, it was the traditional white dress with sleeves that covered your arms and a scooped neckline. The body of the dress was adorned with calla lilies, which were the official flower of Zamia and both your veil and train of your dress were cathedral length, which you figured was appropriate since you were literally getting married in a cathedral. To finish off the look, of course, was your golden crown.

“It’s time, your Highnesses,” a helper named Karina told you. 

“Here goes nothing,” you whispered, hooking your hand onto Edric’s arm and waiting for the double doors to be opened. Once they were, you and your father began the walk down the insanely long aisle, smiling politely at all of the guests who had come from far and wide to attend. They varied from family and friends of yours and Jungkook’s, to Kings and Queens from other kingdoms as well as their dignitaries. 

The only person you seemed to be able to focus on though, was standing at the opposite end of the aisle next to the priest. Jungkook was dressed in a classic black suit, having decided to forgo his naval uniform since he was longer a part of Pica’s navy. His hair was pushed back away from his face, showcasing his strong jawline and his gorgeous eyes. You couldn’t help but to smile widely when the two of you locked eyes with each other and Jungkook did the same, his nose scrunching up adorably. 

Soon enough, you and your father made it to the altar and Jungkook moved to stand next to your father on the opposite side of you while the priest motioned for the guests to take their seats.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The priest asked. 

“Her mother and I do,” Edric answered. You turned to him then, allowing him to kiss your cheek over your veil before he shook Jungkook’s hand and went to his seat in the front row. 

“We are gathered here today to witness the joining of this man and this woman in holy matrimony,” the priest began. “If there’s anyone who has just cause why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” When a few seconds of silence were all that followed afterward, the priest continued on. 

“Being as though this is both a wedding ceremony and a coronation of sorts, we’ll keep things straight and to the point, like our Queen here,” the priest joked, making you, Jungkook, and all of the guests laugh. “Rings, please.” Jimin stepped forward and handed you Jungkook’s wedding band, while Taehyung handed Jungkook yours.

“Queen Y/N, we’ll start with you. Please take Jungkook’s hand and repeat after me,” he instructed and you nodded, holding onto Jungkook’s left hand while you held his wedding band in your right. “I promise to be there for you, in sickness and in health.”

“I promise to be there for you, in sickness and in health,” you echoed. 

“For better or worse.”

“For better or worse.”

“For richer or poorer.”

“For richer or poorer.”

“Til death do us part.”

“Til death do us part,” you finished, sliding the band onto his fourth finger then. 

“Prince Jungkook, now you,” the priest said and you and Jungkook switched hands, your left hand resting in his now. “I promise to be there for you, in sickness and in health.”

“I promise to be there for you, in sickness and in health,” Jungkook repeated.

“For better or worse.”

“For better or worse.”

“For richer or poorer.”

“For richer or poorer.”

“Til death do us part.”

“Til death do us part,” Jungkook said as he slid your ring onto your ring finger. 

“Now Prince Jungkook, please answer the following questions with honesty,” the priest said. “Do you solemnly vow to guard and aid the kingdom of Zamia?”

“I do,” Jungkook nodded, his grip on your hand tight and reassuring. 

“Do you vow to go to war for the kingdom of Zamia, if the need ever arises?”

“I do.”

“And do you solemnly vow to act in the best interests of this kingdom at all times, to the best of your ability?” The priest finished. 

“I do,” Jungkook agreed and you smiled proudly, your heart warming at hearing Jungkook answer the same questions that you had on the day of your coronation five years prior.

“Please kneel,” the priest said and Jungkook let go of your hand before he got down on one knee. Councilwoman Kim stepped up onto the altar then, holding a pillow that held a replica of your crown on top. The priest took ahold of the crown, picking it up and moving slowly before gently lowering it down onto Jungkook’s head. Once he did, Jungkook stood up again and grabbed ahold of your hand again. 

“I now pronounce you man and wife, as well as Queen and King of Zamia,” the priest declared. “King Jungkook, you may now kiss your bride.”

Jungkook turned to you, reaching down and grabbing the hem of your veil before lifting it up and over your head. Wrapping your arms around each other, Jungkook pulled you into a searing kiss which made the guests inside the church and even the citizens outside of the church cheer wildly. 

“I love you,” he whispered against your lips.

“I love you too,” you replied with a grin. 

.............................................................

“Jungkook, watch out!” Jungkook turned around at the sound of your voice, his eyes almost bugging out of his head when he saw a ball of fire coming straight at him. Using his super speed, he ran over to the other side of your bedroom, sighing heavily when the ball of fire hit one of the large potted planets that sat next to the window and lit it aflame.

“Y/N-ah,” he huffed. 

“It’s not my fault! It’s the babies,” you pouted as you walked out of the en suite bathroom, your hands cradling the bottom of your large baby bump. You were nine months pregnant and due any day with twins. You and Jungkook had only been married for nine months as well, meaning that you had gotten pregnant on your wedding night (or the day of your Gift Ceremony, which you felt was the more likely possibility but no one knew about that besides you and Jungkook).

“I’ll be happy when you give birth and stop accidentally setting things on fire,” Jungkook said, grabbing one of the many fire extinguishers that had been placed throughout the palace during your pregnancy and using it to put out the burning leaves. 

“Again, it’s not me,” you whined. “I’m having contractions, which is making it harder to control.” The thing that was causing you to set things on fire was power tapping, which is something a lot of people experienced while they were pregnant. It just meant that you had access to whatever power your future child was going to have while you were still carrying them, meaning that one, or god forbid both, of your children were going to have the power of pyrokinesis. 

“Just imagine what it’s gonna be like for the first five years of their lives,” Jungkook shuddered at the thought and you did your best to take some deep breaths. “How are you contractions though?”

“Getting painful,” you confessed. “They’ve been steadily getting worse since last night.”

“Maybe we should call the doctor then? Get you ready to bring the little ones into the world?” he offered, walking over to you and wrapping his arms around you. You gratefully leaned into his embrace, wrapping your own arms around his waist as you laid your cheek on his chest. 

“I’m nervous,” you admitted in a quiet voice.

“Why?”

“Because I’m gonna have to give birth to two babies and once they’re born, I’ll be stuck here in the palace while you take over for me,” you explained. 

“Hey, we talked about this,” Jungkook scolded you softly. “You staying here and recovering with our babies is more important than you going back to work and inevitably stressing yourself out trying to do everything at once. Plus, this is a part of the reason why I’m here for you, to take some of the stress and worry off of your shoulders. I got you baby.”

“I know,” you smiled as you looked up at him. “I know and I trust you. I’ve just never taken any time off.”

“That’s why you deserve it,” he told you. “You have to take care of you, ok?”

“Alright,” you groaned, clutching onto his shirt when you felt another contraction begin.

“Should Jimin hyung call the doctor?” He asked and you nodded your head rapidly. 

“Please.” 

Seven hours later, you were laying in your bed with your son and your daughter on your chest. Your labor has been easily the hardest thing you’d ever done but as soon as you saw their little faces, which were a perfect mix of your own face and Jungkook’s, you knew that all the months of morning sickness, mood swings, and setting almost everything (and everyone) on fire had been worth it.

“Y/N, you did so good baby,” Jungkook grinned, leaning over and kissing your forehead.

“I didn’t think I was gonna make it there for a second,” you chuckled. “But I’m just happy that they’re here and healthy.”

“We still have to name them,” he pointed out. 

“Well, I don’t know about him but I like Ja-young for her,” you said, lifting one of your hands and running it over your daughter’s thick, curly hair. 

“How about Jung-hwa for him?” Jungkook offered. 

“Sounds good,” you smiled. “Little Ja-young and Jung-hwa.”

“I love you so much, Y/N-ah,” he whispered and you looked up at him, still not used to how much love would be in Jungkook’s eyes any time that you saw him looking at you. 

“I love you too,” you replied, sighing happily when he leaned forward and captured your lips with his. Before you met Jungkook, you’d have no interest in marriage or having a family but now that you did, you couldn’t imagine your life without them. All it took was a Prince from an unassuming kingdom to teach you that what was really important in life that was to someone who loved you, without conditions and without reservations. 

Yeah, you were pretty damn lucky to have Jeon Jungkook in your life. 

#bt #bangtanarmynet #bangtanbathhouse #bts jungkook #jungkook x reader #jungkook smut #jungkook angst #jungkook fluff #bts x reader #bts smut #bts angst #bts fluff #bts imagines #bts scenarios #bts reactions #btsblackcreatorsociety

[fairy-writes]

Hey☆ Sorry for not providing more information. Next time I will be more detailed.♡ I meant twins vaccinated only in the head.☆ And thank you for your response.♡

CONJOINED

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Fandom(s): Demon Slayer

Pairing(s): Rengoku Kyojuro x Female!Reader

Himejima Gyomei x Female!Reader

Shinazugawa Sanemi x Female!Reader

Notes: This turned more into, like… first-meeting headcanons. I hope that’s okay!

I also took some liberties with the photo in regard to what the conjoined second head can (or, in this case, can’t do. The head doesn’t do much of anything in this.) do, so I hope you like it!

Request: Could I have some headcanons on how Gyomei, Sanemi, and Kyojuro would react to a fem s/o who has a conjoined twin brother?

__________________________________________________________________________

You lived a life of a loner. Well… save for your brother. 

So you supposed it was more of a nomadic lifestyle. 

You usually had a cloak to hide your face(s), but in this case, a child had ripped it off. It was an accident, but the screams that filled your ears hurt your heart nonetheless. 

You were physically thrown out soon after. 

The dirt and rocks scrape the skin off of your hands and knees, tearing your cotton yukata. It was ripped and dirty, one of the downsides of living the life you did. 

But your parents cast you out, as did anyone who saw your face.

Or in this case, you supposed it was faces. 

Rengoku Kyojuro x Female!Reader

When you first meet Rengoku Kyojuro, you had just been cast out of the village you had been passing through. 

“Hello, stranger!” Came a booming voice, and you flinched, hurriedly bringing your hood up to hide your face, and you wrapped your scarf around your head to hide your brother’s face. 

A body crouched in front of you, hand extended to help you up. 

Brown uniform, a white haori with flame patterns near the hem, and a katana slid through the belt. 

Looking up, you came face to face with wild red and yellow hair and matching eyes boring into yours. However, they weren’t filled with disgust as everyone’s eyes typically were. Instead, they were filled with… kindness?

“My name is Rengoku Kyojuro! What might your name be?” He exclaims, and you bite your lip but find yourself taking his hand.

He pulls you to your feet easily, not showing any care in the world about your scarf and hood. 

You mumble your name, and he grins, saying it back to you.

And the rest is history.

Himejima Gyomei x Female!Reader

The blind man was the only one to treat you with kindness.

You had been traveling with him for three days, speaking in quiet tones for fear he would somehow be able to tell you were a monster. 

He had saved your life, crushing the head of the demon who had nearly eaten you. 

It had been so easy for him… It made you wonder what he would do to you if he found out what you really were. 

On the fourth day, he asked you the question you feared most. 

“What do you look like?” He asks, and you freeze, nearly tripping over a stray root before he catches your arm quickly and pulls you to your feet before you hit the ground. 

His massive hands are gentle though rough from handling his spiked flail and axe with the long chain connecting it. 

“Why do you want to know?” You say bitterly, and he stops, looking down with blind eyes. 

“Because I would like to know the appearance of my friend.” He says simply, and you blink. Friend? He considers you a friend?

You had never had a friend before. Not with your looks and faces. 

So you let him do something no one ever has. 

You let him touch your face. 

“You are beautiful.” He whispers, fingers tracing your features and his hands cradling both your faces. 

He catches your tears as you begin to cry.

Shinazugawa Sanemi x Female!Reader

Shinazugawa Sanemi is perhaps the rudest person you have ever met. 

Sure, he had saved your life from a vicious demon, but almost immediately after, he had left.

He hadn’t even checked to make sure you were okay. 

So you followed him. Though looking back on it, you weren’t sure why. He would just think you are a monster like everyone else. 

It took two days before he blew up at you.

“What do you want with me?!” He shouts. 

Luckily, you are in the middle of a forest, following his crow to the next mission, so no one can watch the encounter.

“I want to thank you.” You say, and he throws a hand up,

“There! You thanked me! You’re welcome!” He snaps and turns, broad shoulders moving the foliage as he pushes through a particularly stubborn bit of trees before pulling out his katana and slicing it away.

The wind blows your hood and scarf from your face. You scream and try to catch them, but it’s pointless as they blow away into the sky. 

At the noise, Sanemi turns around, and you scream again.

“Don’t look at me! I’m a monster!” You cry out, hunching onto your knees so he doesn’t see your face. 

But it’s too late. He’s seen your face, judging by the shocked look on his face. 

However, instead of slicing your head off with the cry, “So you’re a demon!” he kneels down and grabs your hand, gently prying it away from your faces. 

“You aren’t a monster.” He says genuinely, catching you off guard with his soft tone and sad eyes.

What had the world done to this poor man? 

He continues, “You aren’t a monster. You’re a human. Just like me.”

#rengoku kyojuro x reader #kyojuro rengoku x reader #himejima gyomei x reader #gyomei himejima x reader #sanemi shinazugawa x reader #shinazugawa sanemi x reader #rengoku x reader #kyojuro x reader #sanemi x reader #shinazugawa x reader #gyomei x reader #himejima x reader #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #fairy writes

[argisthebulwark]

so so so I was on my way to work this morning blasting music right. not paying any particular attention to anything, just letting my playlist shuffle through bc I still had major fog brain and didn't think of anything past hitting play and what not.

Well suddenly mantra by bring me the horizon came on and it snapped me awake, particularly the part right after the second chorus that goes like "I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, all I'm asking for's a little bit of faith" bc my brain was like !!! major miraak and ldb vibes holy shit (which btw this entire blog is responsible for my new obsession with him so thanks)

like that part just hits soooo well for that. the lbd asking miraak to just have faith in them!!! and leave apocrypha with them. I had it on repeat for hours today and it's just been stuck it my head for the rest

aaa!! i don't usually listen to new BMTH but you're so right about this song. it's been added to my Miraak playlist. it goes so well. i'll link it here for anyone who wants to listen

"I promise I can save you."

The Last Dragonborn's words rattled Miraak's bones. Their hand was covered in blood and ink when they thrust it toward him. Eyes full of desperation watched his every move over the Black Book sitting open in their lap, dark magic whirling and twisting over its pages.

He couldn't trust them. They were his enemy. He belonged in Apocrypha even if it crumbled. He wanted nothing more than to squash their obnoxious hopefulness. He couldn't be saved, didn't know if he wanted to be.

"Close your eyes and listen carefully, Dragonborn." Miraak put every ounce of hatred into his words. They didn't even flinch. "I am bound to this realm. You cannot save me."

"I'm the only one that can save you." Their hand grabbed his, warm skin sticking together and Miraak was disgusted by the way his heart leapt. He'd stomped down his feelings for so long. He wouldn't allow himself to feel that way about the Last Dragonborn.

"How do you expect to do this?" That damned smile was on their face at his words. He knew he'd lost to them yet again. He had spent lifetimes building himself into an unbeatable foe but failed time and time again when met with the Last Dragonborn.

"I know it doesn't make a lot of sense." They babbled and gripped his hand so tight he swore he'd lose feeling. "All I'm asking for is a little bit of faith."

Their words took his breath away. The Book's green glow cast eerie shadows across the Last Dragonborn's face when they looked over at him and Miraak caught a glance of what they could have been. He imagined them at his side at the height of his power, matching thrones in his palace, the unstoppable force they could have become had they met under different circumstances.

"Can you believe in me?"

It's so easy to believe in them. Miraak felt himself nodding before he could think better of it. Apocrypha's seas beat against their platform and for the first time in ages he felt hope. It was a dangerous feeling but the Last Dragonborn gave him hope.

The world turned upside down. Miraak was nauseous when he tumbled through empty space, flashes of green and black stealing his vision when he succumbed to the power of the Black Book. The Last Dragonborn clung to his hand through it all. They never let him go.

Landing back on Skyrim knocked the air from his lungs. The bright sun overhead blinded him and old smells he'd long forgotten filled his nose. Trees towered overhead and Miraak waited for his vision to stop swirling.

Despite his worst fears the Last Dragonborn never let go of Miraak's hand. They squeezed his fingers to call his attention. He hesitated - his mask had been lost in their last battle. He wasn't sure what they saw when they looked at his face, if he'd become some horrible monster like the Seekers.

Their eyes crinkled when they smiled up at him. Miraak knew he was staring but couldn't help himself - the grime covering their face did nothing to stop his heart from hammering. He even felt a bit guilty for leaving so many wounds on them.

"How did you do that?" He whispered, trying to figure out how they'd cast a calming or persuasion enchantment without him noticing. He knew the truth but had to bury it. He couldn't have feelings for the Last Dragonborn. Absolutely not.

"Do what?" They laughed, rolling closer to Miraak over the dirty ground of whatever forest they'd landed in. "I just talked to you. You're the one that listened."

They were dangerous. Far too charismatic for their own good. Miraak's heart leapt when the Dragonborn leaned close to him, studying his face. They didn't seem horrified so it couldn't be too bad, though he didn't feel inclined to find a mirror anytime soon.

"You're too persuasive." Miraak felt himself smiling, a plan already forming in his mind. His last plot had only failed because he was working against the Last Dragonborn, but on the same side they could conquer everything. "Do you want to start a cult with me?"

#thank you anon this song actually fucks #asks #anon #miraak #writing #skyrim #miraak/dragonborn

[spikybanana]

@wolfstarmicrofic - prompt: olive - post PoA in a world where Sirius finds Remus

The first winter out of Azkaban should feel warmer than this.

Sirius sits outside, the snow-draped garden is blinding in a winter sun that does nothing to warm him, and he is too numb to move. He stares at the willow in the corner, every single of its frost-coated branch a dangling harsh whip in the wind. It's been a whole day since the full moon, and Remus has just come back, barely dragging his feet to the sofa before collapsing.

Sirius doesn't know how long has passed before Remus comes to sit by him.

"You shouldn't have gone to the ministry cell alone." Sirius says, even though they both know there's nothing Sirius could have done. He is barely held together himself, and only because the parts are frozen in place.

Remus shakes his head in mute understanding. He snaps his fingers a few times, curses when the familiar blue fire doesn't come, then sighs, withdraws his wand and tightens his brows with the incantation:

"Expecto patronum."

The form of the large dog that bursts forth surprises him. He turns to Remus, question in his eyes.

Remus smiles wryly, and says, "I've been hiding the corporal form from myself, even. Padfoot's never left me, wherever you were."

It shields them with the force of its etheral glow. It's not warm. But familiar, consoling.

"I've lost mine." Sirius confesses quietly.

Remus doesn't reply, only takes his hand and squeezes. And Padfoot— Remus' Padfoot, comes to sit at their feet, resting his head comfortingly on Sirius' knee.

-

By late spring, Sirius finds more strength in his frame. He could run with Moony again, and let Remus lean against him the next morning, while waiting for Remus to wake. This time, they cuddle at the foot of a lone great oak, somewhere in the depths of English woods. It's the only tree in sight that hasn't yet joined the riot of bursting green. But even from its worn knotted and knarled trunks, baby green shoots are just starting to emerge.

The wolf is still vicious, but has learned to be tamer, more trusting, after months of company by someone who'd loved him once, in old memories distant as a dream. Padfoot is not yet strong enough to scuffle with him as they used to, but neither does the wolf scuffle much now.

Sirius twirls his new wand in his fingers, hesitates for a moment longer before enouncing,

"Expecto Patronum."

The space around them glows for a moment, then fades away. He swallows his disappointment. At least it's brighter than it was a few days ago.

Remus' patronus is still Padfoot. He saw when they had the run-in with Dementors let loose.

"Expecto patronum." He whispers again, and watches the same blue wisp of light rise for a moment then fall. He can hardly explain to himself the obsession with this spell. Maybe there's just something he wants to prove to himself. To Remus.

-

It's a night at the height of summer when he finally gets it. In the shade of a new moon, the sky-full of pinpricks of stars are burning bright as ever. Sirius sits on the olive stump, whose new shoot has itself become a fully-grown tree. Its bristling branches, full with ripening olives, hides away almost half the sky. Under his feet, the grass is dry and warm even long after sunset. But he can't help but be sceptical of warmth, despite it having been so long.

As if sensing his unease, Remus finds him, and tacitly sits down on the ground, his back against Sirius' legs and head resting on his knee.

"What's wrong?" Remus asks.

"Nothing." Sirius says reflexively.

Remus leans further back, and catches his eyes. In them, Sirius can see the whole of the sky.

Sirius hesitates still.

"Go on." Remus encourages. "I've noticed, you know, you and the spell."

"Since when have you learned to read minds?" Sirius lets out a breath in wonder. But he finds his resolve, and casts.

"Expecto Patronum."

Padfoot greets him once again. The feeling in his chest is a mad swirl of pride and a strange sinking. Shouldn't it have been— if Remus' patrnous is—

"Funny." Remus only grins at Padfoot with unadulterated joy, "I noticed something a while ago." And wordlessly, Remus swishes his wand for the same spell, and the four-legged animal that jumps to meet them is—

"Moony." Sirius barely murmurs. For a moment his head rings with the rush of emotion and it all becomes clear, clear as the moon-less night sky. And he remembers. James' patronus was never the doe, neither was Lily's ever the stag.

"I've missed seeing him," Remus says, as they both watch the two patronuses leap and chase and play all around them, leading a dance of light bright as the whole of the sky.

"Me too."

#wolfstar microfic #wolfstar #microfic #remus lupin #sirius black #patronus #my writing #wolfstar ficlet #rated m for em dash

[the-scythes-pen]

Sunshine (Solomon x Reader)

You are my-

"-Sunshine. My only sunshine."

You let out a laugh, playfully slapping the sorcerer's arm as he leaned towards you with a playful smirk.

"It's true! I don't need to return to the human realm if you're here with me. You're all I need."

"Oh, stop it-! I'm not the sun! You need vitamin D-"

His cheshire grin remained, Solomon resting his head in his hand as his eyes held you with humor and adoration.

"Really? Because you absolutely light up any room you walk into."

The flush on your cheeks was gorgeous- and Solomon felt like you had cast a spell on his heart. Perhaps you did, he pondered, even if it was unwittingly.

"There's nothing I need more in this universe than you."

His voice was soft, filled with love and affection for you- and he only hoped you could truly tell just how much you meant to him.

You make me happy when skies are grey

The bags under your eyes looked so much darker under the bright lights. Golden rays poked through dark clouds, cascading through the glass in the room you were left in; and Solomon's head hung in sadness and fear.

And yet still you turned to him and gave him the brightest look he had seen- you were clearly a mess, but you were gorgeous all the same.

"It'll be alright, Sol. We'll get through this."

His fist clenched on top of his thigh. He had had so many things in his life taken from him, and now his time with you might be cut short as well?

Perhaps he would need a visit to the Celestial Realm to speak with a certain someone.

"What will the brothers do?" He mumbled. He was still surprised you could manage a chuckle at a time like this.

"They might not even understand what's going on. Satan might try to find something to help, but I doubt anything can. You've already tried- what more is there for us to do but hope human medicine is enough?"

A shaky inhale.

His hands were shaking.

"Hey. Look at me."

Your hand covered his own pale one, and grey eyes lifted and looked at you under a mop of white hair.

There was no mistaking you were sick. That lump you both had felt was something Solomon had seen too much in his lifetime. Your face was paler then usual.

But he still saw the light in your bright, beautiful eyes. The sunlight that fell through the blinds of the window beside the both of you forming a halo from behind- and suddenly, the Doctor's office didn't look so stiflingly white. It glowed gold- and it was as if you were radiating the colour itself, lighting up the darkest corners and filling the empty space with naïve hope.

And yet, a small smile couldn't help but tug at the corners of the sorcerer's lips as he launched himself into your embrace; losing himself in the warmth you radiated as if it meant the world to him.

You'll never know dear, how much-

"-I love you." His voice cracked with unreleased tears, a pale hand smoothing over your sweat covered hair.

You didn't respond. You couldn't.

The sorcerer leaned in, his lips barely touching yours in a hopeless, longing ghost of a kiss.

He pulled back, eyes flickering from your lips to your eyelids- thin veils covering the dulled irises, hiding them from the wretchedness of this world that Solomon cursed so, so much.

"...and I always will." His lips hovered above your own as he spoke, a single droplet falling from shiny grey eyes and onto your pale cheek.

That was the first and last time the sorcerer would cry for you, he told himself. It hurt too much to cry.

He laid his head next to your motionless body, arms crossed over the white sheets of the hospital bed as he buried his face between them.

The brothers had come and gone, the angels had visited too- even Diavolo and Barbatos had stopped by to pay their respects.

Solomon felt his body tremble. He was cold. You were cold. And god did he miss your touch. Your embrace. Your smile and your laugh-

More tears rolled down his cheeks, staining the pristine cotton below. He couldn't hold back anymore.

His hand trembled as it reached slightly to the side to take your hand. His grasp on you was so gentle, as if you would break with any more pressure on your fragile body.

He wept silently. He wasn't one to sob and wail anymore; not like he did thousands of years ago.

Weak legs pulled him to his feet, his head barely lifting as it was merely pulled along with his body; and with practiced motion, his arms hooked underneath your form and moved you slightly over- barely enough for him to be able to slip onto the bed beside you, head resting on the very edge of your pillow as he fixed his gaze on the side of your face.

It was silent, for a moment. And for once he wished the heart-rate monitor still made noise.... at least then he could hear your heart beat, however weak it may be now.

His eyes closed; lids heavy with exhaustion and depression. He had barely slept in the past month, between trying to find a way to prolong your life by any means, then trying to find a way to relieve the pain, then simply staying at your bedside- he didn't have time to rest. He couldn't lose you. He couldn't. He finally had someone in his life that truly understood him after so many years; he finally had someone who he loved and cared for so deeply, someone who made his world so much brighter and vibrant and-

Quiet sobs racked his body as be buried himself into your side.

You didn't respond.

You couldn't.

Finally, a soft, small melody fell from his lips; filling the room with a melancholy so powerful yet so quiet you wouldn't even know he was speaking. It was a short, simple poem with a recognizable melody, one that he hadn't heard in ages. But as he lay at your side in the stiff hospital bed under the dim orange glow of a setting sun, his voice broke once more with the final words that he spoke.

"Please don't take my sunshine away."

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me swd #otome games #reader insert #obey me x reader #obey me solomon #obey me solomon x reader #solomon x reader

[corporatefrog]

↳˗ˏˋ loose change ˊˎ˗ ↴

level 2 - my 43 year old roommate and me

featuring: yn officially meeting the single mother they'll be staying with during their time in South Park

notes: you KNOW i had to get the moms in this. they're so underutilized

series masterlist

previous level | next level

38…40…42…

My car slowed to a crawl as I scanned the street. I had rented a room in a woman’s house to save money during my trip. She seemed kind from the email’s we’d shared after I responded to her listing on Facebook. Apparently her son had moved out a few years prior and the house felt empty with no one else staying there. 

44…46!

The house was a blinding green that didn’t seem that eye-burning in the pictures I saw online. My eyes squinted to avoid damaging my retinas with the color. You could barely make out the number above the door. I pulled my car into the driveway, triple checking the number was correct before putting my car in park. Nothing would be more embarrassing than pulling into the wrong house and standing in their driveway like the biggest idiot in the world. I’d get chased out of town by self-hatred before I could even start my job. 

The front door opened as I was pulling my bags out of my car. I turned to see the woman I’d be staying with walking towards me with a smile. Her brown hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, blue shirt tucked into her red pants.

“Yn, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” 

—

Name: Liane Cartman

Age: 45

Status: Single Mother

Fun Fact: Since her son moved out, Liane has gotten really into rock climbing!

—

“Liane! Nice to finally meet you too!” I exclaimed, pushing down my exhaustion as I turned to face the woman. Sleep can wait until I’ve given a good first impression to my technical landlord. She grabbed my hand in both of hers, giving it a shake before letting go. Liane reached past me and lifted my bags before I could protest, talking over her shoulder as she walked back to the door.

“How was the drive? The mountains are always troublesome if you haven’t driven the roads before.” 

I speedwalked to reach her, “Oh, it wasn’t too bad! I found a podcast called Walk the Walk with-”

“With Jimmy Valmer!” Liane finished for me, opening the door while still carrying my bag, “Jimmy is such a sweetheart! He used to hang out with the boys all the time.” 

Upon entering the house, the smell of cedar covered my senses as though I’d walked into a warm fall night. The tv played an episode of Seinfeld while a cup of coffee sat still steaming on the end table. To my right, a picture of Liane and a young boy standing in front of Mount Rushmore hung on the wall. That must be her son! You can definitely see the resemblance between the two. I wonder if he’s as kind as his mother? 

Liane had started on this story about one time when her son and his friends held a competition to find a new friend for their group after one of them had gotten ill and how Jimmy had been one of the boys in the competition. Weird way to cope with sickness but you know I did weird stuff when I was 10 too.

Yeah, like wearing green lipstick to school everyday. 

Okay, fuck you?

“You’ll be staying upstairs in Eric’s old room. He doesn’t come visit much which is why I thought it would be best to rent out the room.” She said, beginning up the stairs still holding my suitcase. I feel bad that she’s carrying my suitcase but I can’t seem to get a word in between her stories about her son, his friends, or the town in general. I understand though. When you’ve been living alone for a while though, it feels different to have someone else in your space again. 

Liane led me to a room with deep purple walls and the brown hardwood floor that covered the rest of the house. The dark atmosphere was lightened by a large window beside the bed. Morning rays filtered through the window, casting light on the dust which lingered in the air from the room’s months of disuse.

The mattress creaked slightly as Liane placed my bag on the bed.

She turned to me with her kind smile, “I hope this room will work well for you.” She said, gesturing abstractly to the room around us. I assured her it was perfect, fighting back the exhaustion pulling at my eyelids as I thanked her again for her hospitality. 

Liane waved off the thanks as though I were doing her a favor. She began to head towards the door, saying I probably needed a few hours of “beauty sleep” (which was right. I began to wonder if the rays of light were actually beginning to wave around or if I was beginning to hallucinate from exhaustion) but stopped halfway through the doorway. 

“I forgot to mention! Some friends of mine are coming over for our Wednesday Wine Night tonight if you’d like to join us! No need to accept the offer, I just thought I’d extend the invitation. Their sons are all around your age so I’m sure they’d love to meet you.” She said before bidding me goodbye and leaving the room, shutting the door behind her. 

I let out a sigh as silence fell over the room. 

I did it. I really did it. I moved to an entirely new town and I’m living with a stranger for the next three months. All because my boss told me to. This is another level of follower. 

Bro you live in a capitalist society. Buying gas with your Speedway rewards card makes you a follower. 

Too exhausted to ignore my own snarky thoughts, I fell backwards onto the bed. My head immediately sunk into the pillows as the mattress cradled me like a newborn baby. It felt like I’d died and gone to bed heaven. It was the comfiest mattress I’d ever laid on. What kind of person gives up a bed like this to live alone? 

A kid who’s mother is so infuriating he cannot stand the thought of living with her for another second. 

That doesn’t make me feel any better. What if the kid is the asshole? Kids can be assholes too. 

Then he would’ve taken the mattress out of spite. Because he’s an asshole. 

I’m not listening to you anymore.

My eyes traced the sun rays that streaked across the ceiling, mind wandering as exhaustion gripped at my consciousness. I’m finally here. I wonder what’s going to happen over these next few months. The endless possibilities swirled through my head. If I can get in with this arcade and help it grow, my boss will have to give me a full time position after this internship. Then I’ll become super rich and be able to buy a lighthouse on the Canadian coast to live out the rest of my life in peace. 

Either that or we go broke and burn in a hellish ball of failure.

Thank you, inner voice. Thank you so much for that thought.

No problem.

Deciding sleeping on these hopeful thoughts might benefit me more than dwelling on the possible negatives, I continued to let my thoughts wander into the potential lives I could live in South Park until sleep overtook me as the world around me woke up.

taglist [reply to be added]:@n0tangeliccc , @valstarroz , @kenanonsthoughts , @axteroiid , @hand-writxen , @that-kid-fromtheplayground  , @woahnotmecryingoverafanfiction, @h3artilly, @sula0kin, @ryenwritess

#loose change #the girlies coming out to play #get ready for mom moments in future chapters hehe #things get more interesting next week #south park x reader #south park #corporatefrog

[inariter]

Stay With Me-4

Masterlist:

Stay with Me-1

Stay with Me-2

Stay with Me-3

Stay with Me-4

Stay With Me-5

Stay With Me-6

                                                          ------------

Trigger Warning:

sexual assault/violence, domestic abuse

                                                          ------------

“Please tell me she’s fine.” OA asked as soon as he barged through the hospital doors. The lead they had didn’t seem to equate to much of anything, not unless they wanted to go to a list of hundreds and find a crimson red flag among the others. Considering the shop wasn’t always true to its nature. And for now, they were left fishing for other leads, sifting through hours of camera footage to find something. And hearing the news, he couldn’t be anywhere else but here at this moment. 

Because if it were the last, and he wasn’t here, OA would have never forgiven himself for it. Not in a million years.

“OA, you should calm down before I tell you anything.” Terrence said, leading OA to a nearby chair. It was the best Terrence could do before OA before getting down to the details. It was what he always did. “Look before you go accusing this or that, we did everything we could. We’re all family here at this hospital and we would move heaven and earth to make sure (Y/n) would come out alright.”

“Just tell me already, Terrence. I have to know.” OA braced himself for the bad news to come. He found it almost funny since he always thought the roles would be reversed, that it would be him on death’s bed while his friends broke the devastating news to his family...and of course (Y/n).

“(Y/n) had lost a lot of blood by the time she came in. She was loosing more by the second and though we were lucky the bullet didn’t do too much damage. While we were able to stop the bleeding, the damage had already been done and she slipped into a coma. We’re doing what we can for now, the rest all depends on (Y/n).”  

“What are her odds?”

“Well, from a medical perspective, it’s hard to say. The chances are a bit low but we both know (Y/n). We both know how much of a fighter she is, I’m sure you remember that bar fight. She won’t back down ever and if I was placing bets on who could get out of this, it’s (Y/n).”

OA cracked a small smile but honestly, he wasn’t sure what to think. 

“If word changes, you’ll be the first to know. But in the meantime, if you need anything just call.”

“Who is her power of attorney?”

And for once, Terrence grew silence, the smile that he once had faded. OA had a feeling Terrence knew something he didn’t. Something about (Y/n) that she had yet to unpack for him.

“That’s a bit more complicated. Because the last person we have on file, it’s not someone I want to call up.”

“Who is it?”

“(Y/n) always meant to tell you about him, OA. He was a bastard of a man who almost ruined (Y/n)...he almost destroyed her chances at ever being in a relationship. Well to ever be her happy self again, he tore her apart piece by piece until here was almost nothing left.” OA could feel his blood begin to boil even hearing this vague description. Wanting nothing more than to hunt down the man and punch him square in the face for even daring to hurt the kind hearted woman. But he knew it was best saved for another time, when lives weren’t in the balance. “ And then, you came along OA. I wasn’t sure at first about the whole thing but I saw the way (Y/n) looked at you and you looked at her. I saw how you lit up her world every time you stopped by the hospital or when you texted. You showed her that it was alright to open herself up and love again. You showed her how to be happy again. I’m as grateful for you as (Y/n) is.”

                                                        ------------

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Her eyes fluttered opened to a scene before her. It was early morning, the sun’s rays flooding through the blinds casting light into the room. There she lied, a smile adorned, as she took in the sight before her: OA sound asleep by her side, soft snores escaping his lips. He looked so peaceful...so handsome and perfect, she could barely even fathom being here. Despite in the sounds of a car going on, nothing really could break this moment. 

(Y/n) reached her hand eye, her thumb tracing his well defined features. Shaping the sculpture of a man that laid before her. 

“How did I get so lucky?” (Y/n) murmured, planting a kiss on his forehead. Only to hear a small chuckle.

“I should be asking the same thing.”

The two giggled before embracing one another, their lips gently meeting as they danced in harmony. Their hearts skipping a beat in unity as they cherished this moment forever. A memory imprinted on their minds, like they framed it up high. They never wanted to leave this room, they never wanted to leave this moment since it was simply perfect.

Her lips curved into a smile as they parted ways but as she opened her eyes, hoping to see OA, they only opened to see him. 

“Hello darling.”

And the heart that once beated so fast, now stopped. A cold chill ran up her spine as panic began to rise. She could feel her trembling hands trying to push him away, trying to get him off her.

“Now, now, we’re just getting started. You’re the one who wanted this after all.”

“N-No. P-Please s-stop.”

“You can’t deny me, darling.”

Goosebumps rose as last night’s leftovers threaten to rise. Feeling her shaking hands bound over her head, feeling as his other hand explored her every inch, she just wanted it to stop. Yet despite her pleas he continued as he pleased.

Just like he had done over and over again. 

It wasn’t always like this. It wasn’t always like this toxic push and pull, there were once happy times. They were both happy once upon a time. Until those darker parts began to show and take over. She tried to leave numerous times but it first began that he promised to stop but when it didn’t, when she was serious this time, things turned ugly. Leaving her trapped in a place she once called home, unable to call for help even if she could.

Only hoping that soon someone would realize that something was wrong...that they would come crashing through that door soon. 

But it never came.

“Stop crying already!” (Y/n) could feel the burning sensation before his hand even made contact with her cheek. Tears streamed steadily down her face as she cried out for help that would never come. “Come on, (Y/n). I can’t be the only who’s trying to make this work. We were happy.”

“Then you changed.”

“I’m...I’m not the bad guy! Stop painting me as one.”

“Stop acting as one. You think the man before me is the man I fell in love with. You think he’s the one I wanted to marry, where I would say ‘I do’ a thousand times over, because he’s not.”

Another hit made her neck twist uncomfortably as sobs escaped her lips. Especially feeling him beginning to push in without a care of what she felt. And if that wasn’t enough, she felt his hands tighten around her neck, squeezing more and more tightly until breath could longer come in.

“This isn’t my fault.”

Feeling her life begin to drain and she so desperately clawed at his arms and face. But it was only grabs to keep on living in this miserable reality. 

If only that would have happened, seeing this was his tactic again and again. And by the time she came to again, he apologize continuously, taking care of her like he did back then.

“(Y/n)!”

Hearing that voice, hope returned as she tried to shout with all her might. But her guardian angel found her with trying, punching her shell of a husband without hesitation while cradling her ever so gently.

“It’s going to be alright. Don’t worry, I’m going to take care of you. And that bastard won’t ever lay his hands on you again.”

                                                          ------------

“So after all these years, she finally needs me again? Funny how things work out, huh?”

OA held his tongue for now but hearing the way he talked about (Y/n), like she was still his...like he belonged to her despite everything. OA wondered how he even managed to get a woman like (Y/n) in the first place. Better yet why he would even think about harming even a hair on her.

“Warren, so help me God, one wrong comment and I’ll beat your ass again. Put your that massive ego aside and do something good for (Y/n). You owe her that much after all the hell you put her through.”

“Hey now, I still love her as much as I ever did.”

“Then prove it. Make the right decision, make sure she survives. Better yet, after she does survive, let her wake up to you finally signing those divorce papers. She deserves to finally be happy, Warren. So make the right decision.”

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Hey everyone! Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it. I wasn’t even sure about posting this story but it’s hard not to seeing the idea just wouldn’t stop running through my head. Anyway, I do try to post as often as I can but I do have another story on this platform and I have other stories on other platforms to keep up with. Not to mention school, work, and other things, I’ll try my best though! Same to replying to others as it depends on when I check here. Anyway I hope you all are doing well and I have a few others to tag for their support:

@mrspeacem1nusone  @thegreat-annamaria @masset-fotia​ @mjaudrey​

#fbi #OA Zidan #oa zidan x reader #Maggie Bell #Jubal Valentine #isobel #angst #romance #Scola #tiffany #fbi x reader

[anin13]

Shumori chapter 9

TW: Diabolik Lovers, swiss idol ideation and self hate, survivor's guilt.

Once upon a time there was a railroad line

On the road to hell there was a railroad track; if you ride that train till the end of the line, where the sun don't shine and it's always shady

It's there you'll find...

-You won't even acknowledge me, not even in this! It's not your little world and me simply existing in it!

-...Anything but him, please!

-We both wish it had been YOU instead!

...That it was simply a matter of time.

Before anything else could happen, before he could stop the fire lamp from falling on Edgar's face, Shu found himself back at a white place. With a phonograph, to play the tunes he no longer heard. His music book, the pages crossed by black crayon and doodles of dogs and cats. A pillow to sleep the sorrows away, a half eaten apple and a puppy he knew all too well.

...Waiting for something to happen?

There was a door that cast a faint shadow. He could use it to get out into that strange dream world he'd met Laito and the others in a lucid dream. He didn't have the will this time. He just wanted to stay here, away from everything, away from himself if possible.

Destiny is not something you can escape, no matter how much you let sunlight blind you to it; the vampire king's firstborn...

You've been coming here to shut the world out for as long as you can remember.

...It's been centuries.

But in the last weeks there is something off here you can't put your finger on. There is a chandelier, hanging from the ceiling, wherever that is. In it are 6 candles, only two with colored flame, one yellow one green. They clash with everything else here, don't they? You have no idea why it's here. There is no need for light.

-Heyyyy... -an exhasperated half-growl echoed from afar, muffled- How long do you plan to drag this on?

That was a voice from outside. It sounded familiar in tone.

Shu half-opened his eyelids to come back to the real world and saw the starry sky, trees, stone structures and a tall, grown man instead of the child he'd somehow expected.

Yuma put a hand on the blond vampire's forehead. It felt cold, and he felt dumb; of course, Shu was an undead!

Shu's brow was furrowed in confusion. What was he doing?

Oh, right. Humans check for fever like that.

Yuma might still have moments in which he thinks he's human. Shu found it funny when he retracted the hand, embarrassed; he seemed to remember feeling for signs of life in him was pointless. He was easy to read as ever.

Yuma recovered fast,

-You somehow feel asleep on a stone cold bench in a garden! -he announced- You have a good skill right there, you'd be able to rest if you lived in the streets!

-...You came.

-I had to! -Yuma blurted out despite himself- ...And there was nothing else to do. -he added, almost casually- What did that apple mean? You just met me and you haven't investigated nuthin' 'bout me.

Shu almost smiled and sat up,

-It means it's time to give you back, like a lost boy.

Shu started walking toward the entrance, and Yuma frowned like a kid who had just been denied dinner.

-Hey, I forgot where I live! ...Wait, yer not going anywhere! -Yuma caught up and grabbed Shu by the back of his sweater,

-Stop that, -Shu dragged- it'll ruin my sweater...

Yuma pushed him against the nearest wall and pinned him there,

-You can't keep pretending you know nothing. I am trapped in empty memories, suddenly I meet ya people and I start having this strange thing where I can't even remember my own name. -Yuma pushed harder and grit his teeth- One last time before I snap. Do you people have anything to do with this?!

-Maybe. How should I know? -a calm Shu averted his eyes- Lately I am trapped in the opposite problem, I remember too much, particularly every time I want to rest.

Yuma lightened the pressure on Shu's chest. Surprisingly, this wasn't some evil bastard plotting the Mukami family's demise. He'd gotten an inkling, but this hidden sincerity confirmed it.

-Yuma Mukami, right? -Shu looked at his face again, looking for any changes he could barely notice; only small new scars and long lost freckles- Be glad there is no memory or fate to torment you.

Yuma opened his mouth to retort but Shu suddenly freed his left hand and pulled Yuma's clothes off his shoulder. A big burn scar crossed it.

-I see... -Shu tried to keep a neutral tone but failed- how did you get these?

Yuma jumped backward and pushed Shu's arms away. He was now officially creeped out.

-What the HELL? Are ya tryin' somethin' funny? You damn perverted aristocrats...

-Don't flatter yourself. -Shu retorted in a very well practiced dismissive tone- You have broad skin marks. What happened?

Yuma couldn't just bring himself to run into the forest again and leave this uncomfortable conversation. This was his only clue, and probably only means to return to his family.

Whoever they were.

The apathetic guy really didn't seem like a bad one. He looked sad rather than aroused or anything like that, now he'd stopped talking to observe; maybe Kou's story had come into his mind as the other guy tampered with his clothes; nobody ever checked your skin out of nowhere under normal circumstances.

This was anything but a normal circumstance.

There was nothing normal about either of the vampires involved.

-I... don't know, I've had them since I can remember. I can't remember anything before I was 13. They could be a clue about what happened but I have no idea what made them.

Shu met Edgar when he was 11; he wondered, again, what he had lived during those times, and how come he ended up a vampire.

Yuma saw the unspecified questions swimming in his eyes,

-I only remember I used to live in the streets with Boss, our gang leader, and other boys. -he sighed and approached Shu again- When they got killed I ended up in an orphanage. I met the others in a room they used to lock up problematic kids in.

Shu laughed a bit. It was only natural!

-We tried to run away and they shot us. I don't remember much after that other than making a deal with a massive guy with long white hair in a room red and hot as an oven.

-Our benefactor claimed to feel bad for us, and made an offer we couldn't refuse. -Yuma looked up, recalling Karl-Heinz's exact words- A second chance at life, if we helped him. I wasn't even sure if I was imagining shit.

Shu knew what this "benefactor" had offered.

-Sounds unfair, offering anything like that to a child in the brink of death.

-Che. -Yuma scoffed- I already spoke enough, are you gonna spill the beans, or what?

-You want to get back to your house, that's all I called you here for. I have no beans to spill, but something strange is indeed happening. My dreams are funny these days, but I'm sure yours aren't. -Shu pointed to the entrance and walked on under the windy night sky, beckoning Yuma- Come on in.

Yuma was confused, weird dreams were normal, weren't they? He was probably lying, too, but he'd get nothing out of beating him, either way, and he was tired and hungry.

-Why are you helping me? We've been nuthin' but trouble for you guys! -Yuma's voice started raising- We kidnapped your personal snack!!

Shu smiled again,

-I don't care, she's not my snack, and I'm sure you won't kill her.

-How would ya know that?!

-You... don't seem like a bad guy.

Shu muttered Edgar's words from the past about himself slowly, hoping, praying something might spark a remembrance in Yuma, but on the other hand, begging for it not to be the case; Yuma had been through enough.

Yuma fell silent, surprised, and as he recovered the ability to speak,

-HAH?

-So we're going to call your brother who kindly gave me his phone at school.

-Ruki WHAT? -it was Yuma's turn to laugh; that was impossible.

-...Something about his priorities being the brothers, or whatever. I didn't care enough to remember.

Yuma couldn't help but feeling a bit happy Ruki was willing to risk the mission for him, but wondered if some kind of punishment awaited once he got back...

Yui was dressing up after school, as she was finally going on a normal high school girl kind of outing! Almost normal, but it was okay- She was so excited! She couldn't help but feel embarrassed about how easy and with how little she could be presuaded to spend time with the Mukami brothers despite them having kidnapped her.

Granted, nobody in the Sakamaki family, not even Subaru, had ever gone to any trendy places nor tried to hang out with her pretending to be humans with her without causing a ruckus. It had normally only been walks around places that were open at night. Very late at night.

Yui felt a little sad but a little happy.

There was a knock on the door.

-Eve... may I... come in?

-Azusa! Yes, of course!

Azusa looked a bit shy,

-Hey Eve... Ruki won't be joining us today... he says Yuma... is at the Sakamaki's house...

-Is he okay?

-Yes, that Shu guy... found him somehow... he is not their... hostage.

Yui was confused. But at least now Azusa wouldn't be worried; his brothers might have been horrible, but Azusa was kind of sweet! Hopefully Subaru would like him as his friend someday too.

Another thought crossed her head, why was she wanting to be friends with Azusa? He had kidnapped her! And so had Kou!

-A-anyway, Azusa, too bad Ruki can't join but I'll be happy to hang out with you and Kou!

-I am happy too... to spend time with... our Eve. We will have... a great time!

Azusa smiled and left the room, not before pocketing Yui's nail clipper for dubious purposes, since Ruki had confiscated several sharp items from him lately.

Kou Mukami was still at school; of course he remembered he had kind of a date with the Masokitty he'd better not miss if he wanted to lure her more into him.

But it was his turn to return some bullcrap teacher stuff to the library and clean up the classroom by himself, on account of a little bit of glitter escaping the outfit he'd smuggled out of the idol agency to wear at school.

What true fashion lover wouldn't have taken that chance???? Either way, he was nearly done and trendy places would close later today, as it was Friday.

He had finished mopping the floor for the 4th time when he decided it was enough and cursed Karl for not giving him illusionism magic to simply hide the damned sparkles. So irritating and unfair.

On his way to the library, something felt off. Everyone was supposed to be gone, but he felt a presence. It felt sinister but familiar. The presence wasn't alone, but he couldn't make out the neutral presence from the sinister one.

Creepy. He'd do this fast.

As his footsteps echoed faster up the stairs and into the library halls full of dusty books he finally heard a page turn behind some shelves that made the space look labyrinthic in the slumber.

A bit nervous, he turned the corner and found Laito Sakamaki sitting on a chair with his legs crossed on a desk, casually reading an ominous-looking book. He was surrounded by two floating green flames that gave his eyes a look as if they were lanterns, a bit like his name.

Kou tried to tiptoe away from this unwelcome sight; he'd already seen the guy in a weird dream and didn't need this.

Too late. A giggle followed him.

And Laito appeared in front of him.

-AAAAH!

-So you are a screamer I.R.L. too -he smiled and showed two pointy fangs- You are a vampire too, no need to be afraid. And it's a full moon!

SHIT. And who the HELL called irl I.R.L. in real life????? Only if you were a vampire who hasn't quite caught up with the times...

There was no reason for Kou to be afraid, so he simply said something about having something to do and turned around.

-Ah, too bad. Your plans have been cancelled. -Laito proclaimed as green glowing chain barriers slithered over all possible exits- You see, it's a full moon, and my patience is short. I won't be satisfied easily...

No fucking way. Kou ran.

-Why are you so afraid? -Laito's voice followed him with an audibly raised eyebrow- I just want answers!

Kou stopped running. The book Laito was holding was about dreams; the sensation he had in his bowels got replaced by a different kind of cringing spasm. This was embarrassing; his history had caught up with him again. Kou raised his palms in surrender,

-Hey, if you simply wanna talk there is no need to put scary stuff on the door, is there?

Laito smiled ominously,

-They wouldn't bother you if you didn't want to leave... I know eeevery trick in the book! -he slowly approached Kou like a cobra would a mouse- I have had many, many people try to avoid my questions lately, and I'm not going to be left talking to myself tonight as well.

-What..? -Kou sort of could relate, but seriously, the magic chains were disturbing! He'd have to convince Laito to calm down, despite the fake calm demeanor he tried to exude. His eye told him it was as fake as the wigs in the TV studio. They were so fake yet so well done they looked uncanny.

He sat down on a chair in front of a library desk and invited Laito to sit down in the opposite chair. There was no way out of this; the Masokitty would have to hang out with just Ruki and Azusa.

Who knows, maybe Kou's absence made her heart grow fonder!

Reiji woke up with a headache after dreaming of having a shouting match with Shu on a railroad track. He should have maybe just exploded the mine he was inside of in the dream to have woken up less mentally sore.

Somebody was entering the mansion. He looked down the balcony. It was simply that good-for-nothing. Wait. Someone followed. The tall Mukami guy. What in tarnation?

He'd see what was happening from afar. This was fishy.

-Your brother's in his way to pick you up, better not make it too scandalous...

Reiji facepalmed. Why would that be scandalous?

-Ya sure have a house full of useless trinkets, what the hell do you have that broken phone for if you can just..?

-We never bothered to throw it away...

-Not even the guy who seems to have his shit together? I don't know him well but he looks like a real clean freak!

Reiji felt some pride and some nervousness. That guy had detected so much in so little time? He was glad the turmoil underneath wasn't so obvious.

Shu laughed at the guys's jokes. This guy looked very familiar but he couldn't put his finger on why. Shu had an almost loving look on him.

As if he'd found his person after a long time. Reiji cringed.

The doorbell rang and Ruki took Yuma with him after declaring Shu a decent man (WHAT) and thanking him.

He didn't feel like having that oaf hostage or anything but there was no reason to fraternize with thieves. Much less make their team whole again! Incomprehensible.

-Hey Reiji, what are you glaring at so intensely? -Kanato emerged from the bathroom, startling Reiji

-Never mind. It really is not my business why they stole that woman, either way, it's Subaru's girl, Subaru's case.

-Are you thinking how Shu making a friend is irritating?

-I am not interested in befriending terrorists, Kanato... but I am intrigued who the tall guy is. Have we met him before?

-No, I'd never seen him, and Teddy says he'd rather not meet him again.

Reiji was left wondering and rummaging his memories as Shu felt, for a few minutes, as he said goodbye to Ruki and Yuma, like the false human he had pretended to be for Edgar so long ago: happy?

-Eve... Kou said he's caught in school stuff tonight... so it's just the 2 of us... tonight... like a date, if you want!

Azusa's smile was very convincing and Yui really wanted to give in to make him happy, and she felt comfortable with him but she would be strong; she'd never do Subaru dirty like that!

-Ehh, yes, Azusa, a friend-date is a nice outing too!

-I'm very happy, Eve! Where do you wanna go first?

Yuma was relieved to be sitting on the soft limousine seat next to Ruki, heading home and sipping blood his brother had stolen from the hospital especially for him about a week ago. Ruki had anticipated some form of starvation and Yuma was grateful.

-Hey Ruki... -Yuma couldn't get something out of his head- what do you think could have made the shape of the scars I have on my shoulder?

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This chapter is short-ish because i am very sleepy :D but more soon!

#diabolik lovers #diabolik lovers fanart #shumori #diabolik lovers fanfiction #omoriau #shu sakamaki #yuma mukami #kou mukami #laito sakamaki #yui komori #azusa mukami #reiji sakamaki