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#whew this chapter..
elsakey · 2 years
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Loid, once he finds out that Yor managed to get him another way of infiltrating the Desmond family:
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notdysfunk · 20 days
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So glad these goobers are just all-around seen as best buddies its so fucking cute
Rlly wanna make my own designs at some point, I'm sure I'll dlowly get some random unique thing i draw them with LOL
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fumifooms · 11 months
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Analysis of Laios’ succubus and theories on what it means - deep dive on Laios’ desires in human connections
Laios’ succubus is a very odd incident. I have some particular interpretations of why it was Marcille, and why things went down the way they did.
We know that a succubus shows what one desires, stated in canon as “an alluring form”; yes often in a romantic or sexual sense, as seen with Chilchuck’s succubus being entirely set on looks and seduction, meanwhile Marcille’s does have a focus on chivalrous noble demeanor as well, showing romantic behavior and personality. BUT with Izutsumi we also see that the liaison doesn’t have to be romantic or sexual at all, either, in Izutsumi’s case it’s a familial bond she craves. So perhaps we can say that the succubus exploits a desire based on connection, in whichever form that takes. Marcille wants an emotional connection foremost(which is also reflected in how it’s a character she knows very well and not a stranger. Perhaps romantic.), Chilchuck wants pleasure(a simple pleasure not unlike alcohol, perhaps such a connection is free of the more risky or unpleasant parts of a relationship, he doesn’t have to worry or to think and can just let himself go. Sexual.), Izutsumi wants a mother figure that can offer her warmth and comfort with who she doesn’t have to be tough (Familial), and I believe Laios’ is platonic and centered on his desire to have people with who he belongs and can be himself with…
But Laios’ case is more complex, it has layers. The thing is, even if Laios wanted to have someone able to turn him into a monster—which it didn’t even have to be, could straight up have just been a monster with such powers—, it didn’t have to be someone he knew. You could say the succubus wanted to disarm Laios’ suspicions with someone he knew and that was nearby, but the succubus seem very direct in every other case, simply appearing with someone’s greatest appearance even though both Marcille and Chilchuck were fully on guard and the succubi knew it. "Believability" isn’t an important factor. No, his succubus being someone he knew was important. It being Marcille was important.
There’s a TLDR at the end of this if you want to cut it short. For everyone else, strap in everyone, if you don’t know me hi I’m Fumi and I made this 3k words long analysis and theorizing bc I am autistic much like the character in question and I think this is both fascinating and has a lot to say. In this I offer both platonic and romantic reasonings and I do go rather in depth in Laios’ psychology and relationships to dissect what ever could this damn cryptic event MEAN. Spoilers for the succubus chapters obviously and also the last few arcs of the series so… Spoilers for the series as a whole!
So attraction wise it’s kinda unsure where Laios stands. He does sort of logically list off aesthetically pleasing traits of the orc’s wives, but besides that… Not really, or he never voices it anyways. He and Marcille never share like “omg you’re pretty” moments or anything. Senshi gets more compliments than either of them through the series lmfao. Maybe Laios is asexual, maybe he simply doesn’t show outwardly his attraction much or even maybe isn’t self-aware about it, regardless… Laios HAS implied preference for Marcille’s looks in the past. With the orcs, he said that “tallmen like long ears”. Laios’ shapeshifter of Marcille has her hair down just like her succubus, which by Kui is explained to be because she had it down when she revived Falin and it really marked him, though it could also be interesting to see it as his mental image of her as her most authentic self, I’ve seen it theorized that it’s a preference too but I think that’s disproven. But of course the most damning evidence itself… The succubus scene. It could have been anyone else in the party, certainly Senshi shares Laios’ interest in monsters much more already. We shouldn’t discredit the way Laios was blushing madly once she revealed she was a monster, that made her more attractive to Laios for sure, but he still wouldn’t have reacted that way if it was just anyone. The contexts are very different, but we can compare it to how Laios reacted when Lycion turned into a wolf man in front of him for instance. Laios certainly doesn’t act that way with Izutsumi- and it’s confirmed like a page later that he does see Izutsumi as a monster already. AND!! Laios starts blushing madly BEFORE she says that she can turn him into a monster- and we can safely assume that the blush isn’t out of simple fluster but out of desire/infatuation since he clearly wants her to bite him in the next page and his blush does not relent at all.
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There’s something we could say about Laios’ liking of Marcille being born out of companionship rather than aesthetic attraction, on familiarity and intimacy. As members of the same party they’ve spent a lot of time together and we’ve seen that Laios trusts in her and relies on her for her skillset and avice. If Laios’ interest in her developped more naturally and gradually, valuing the familiar bond they have, I don’t see why he’d be acting all blushy and lovesick every time they interact or whatever, which is the explanation I have for Marcille genuinely being Laios’ most alluring form but him not freezing at the sight of it. That could also be a reason why he physically rejects succubus!Marcille instinctively, because something about her feels off or different (which is sorta the most direct interpretation of the scene, since Laios’ first thought is that it can’t be Marcille and must be a monster).
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 [Edited in: Oh my god. The picture above is the last page of the dullahan chapter, chapter 57, a chapter that centers around Laios and Marcille’s relationship through flashbacks as Laios is on the brink of death and sees his life flashing before his eyes (he remembers how they first met, etc, which is also interesting to note that on the brink of death he reminisces about her the most). The last page of that chapter, more or less the thesis of the chapter in which we see Laios opens up about the real reason he and Falin go dungeon diving to her after them having a rough meeting but she turns out to also have an interest in dungeons, has Laios go "she starts out frowning but she ends up smiling! Wether its’s about eating monsters or about me :)”. That chapter is the one right before th succubus chapters. Laios’ most alluring form wasn’t “just” Marcille, it’s a SMILING Marcille. Which is why the succubus had such a weird and off demeanor right away (which gets knocked off once it doesn’t work and becomes a more Marcille-like Marcille)! It was only focused on smiling because it was the angle it was working from.
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Oh my god it makes sense. It’s a direct narrative link, it’s as explicitly put with its story structure without Kui just stating it, besides, you know, the many times Laios says how precious her smile is to him. He’s like “I love her smile” and right next chapter the succubus is like “yes this is what he likes seeing most”. But… This also does mean that the focus might be less romantic, like Marcille’s significance doesn’t diminish, but then the alluring form might be less about her and more about the smile itself. About having a friend who looks at him like that, about someone who smiles after eating monster dishes or surpassing obstacles together… Or it can actually be so much more romantic. Like, maybe the smiling Marcille doesn’t work is because well, it’s not like Marcille, she wouldn’t just be smiling like that and behave like that (esp since his musing is about how her smiles are sort of “earned”, that she doesn’t smile right away but it’s sort of like a rewarding sight when she does). So then the most alluring form of Marcille doesn’t work because she doesn’t convincingly BEHAVE like her. His most alluring form isn’t a Marcille-lookalike, it’s her as a whole. More on the succubus shifting/switching in its approach later.]
Anyways.
Where was I. Ah yes, “It could have been anyone else in the party, certainly Senshi shares Laios’ interest in monsters much more already.” But then that’s the point isn’t it. I think Laios’ succubus being Marcille is because his wish isn’t so much focused on her, or on becoming a monster, but on not being alone. On being understood. On having others finally share his interest. On not only becoming a monster, but having someone to share that with. A trusted friend, a companion, or a lover, it matters little in my interpretation, the bedrock of it stays the same. And this is why it’d be someone he already knew instead of someone new, because it’d defeat the point, and it was maybe Marcille because she’s the most vocal about finding monsters disgusting: it’d have finally been a shift in her that she now liked monsters. And again this brings back to when he talks about her smile, when he says that she starts out unhappy with eating monsters, but ends up smiling by the end of it. Her smile itself represents that though first impression or reflexive dislike, someone can turn around and end up liking it anyways, it’s hope for his interests to be liked and perhaps for him to be lovable as well, that it’s possible to be accepted.
But I do think it would be a mistake to say that there’s absolutely no romantic interest, that it’s plainly platonic or another kind of interest misplaced and idealized in her. What we saw with the other succubus is that they 100% act in ways that the person desires, sure Izutsumi’s start attacking after a while, but that was after pushing them over the edge, and succubus Marcille wasn’t being agressive nor did she have a reason to be (even when she could have with Laios’ choking, she didn’t turn to violence, so she was 100% still in seduction mode). Ultimately the goal of the succubus is to make physical contact to be able to suck their essence, but the way they go about achieving that is tailored to the individual’s desire, Marcille’s kissed her hand and Izutsumi’s offered a hug.  The succubus can identify and embody complex desires, often subconscious ones, shown with Izutsumi’s. They go straight to it without complex subterfuge either. Chilchuck’s succubi were very direct because that’s what he wanted, Marcille’s was courtly because that’s what she wanted, Izutsumi’s offered motherly comfort and affection because that’s what she wanted, and Laios’ is Marcille attempting to kiss him. Let that sink in.
Laios why are you choking the supposed key to your heart?
Ok so the theory that Laios’ desire is to have a deeper companionship from an existing companion is pretty tame and surface level I’d say, but strap in… The way Laios reacted violently to Marcille trying to kiss him is VERY interesting. The first thing he thinks about is that she isn’t Marcille so she must be a succubus, then confusion at to why it’s her. He’s even afraid of what the others would think, feeling… Shame? With how he imagines Marcille would be horrified that he likes her that way. Fear of rejection?
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But no no, what interests me is the shift that the succubus makes. It seemed very confident at first, went straight in, but when overpowered shifted the direction it was going in- shifted from a desire for Marcille to a desire for a monster Marcille and whatever deeper desire that hides. But??? Succubi did not make mistakes as to what someone wanted thus far, possibly that has never ever happened before by human records. Could the succubus truly have miscalculated what Laios desires? It’d be hard to imagine that the succubus would misunderstand what type of companionship someone wished for or what approach to take, since it’s done complex cases before too, Izutsumi being very much in denial before it & at first. In Izutsumi’s case, even with her complex feelings over it and her two souls desiring different things, the succubus did not miss its mark, and ultimately it was having a second soul for who the succubus wasn’t alluring that allowed her not to be frozen to the spot. But with Laios the succubus fully switches strategy.
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The thing is that succubi don’t usually need to switch strategies, because the form and approach they take always work and always leave the victim frozen. Izutsumi bypassed this because of her two souls, but was still frozen and struggling to reject the succubus at first. And yet? Laios did. A succubus’ victim is supposed to be instantly frozen, and yet Laios acts on instinct and defensively agressive as soon as his reaction time allows. And well, it’s hard to really come to a logical conclusion as to why, since we have no idea of what rules can override a succubus’ temptation besides multiple souls… C’mon regular Marcille can’t be the winged lion/kenksuke’s desire bc of the loose hair being Laios’ mind-Marcille we’ve gone over this /hj Although, since it’s confirmed that the winged lion was watching with the dream Laios gets induced right after, maybe he’s what allowed Laios to be moving? It’s possible that it’d have frozen him otherwise, even if Laios with his full rationale wouldn’t have accepted the kiss faced with supernatural allure he might have gotten paralysis from being overwhelmed, similarly to how if Chilchuck had his full rationale he wouldn’t allow a woman like his succubus to kiss him (he’s always stayed faithful to his wife even after 4 years of separation, give the guy his earned credit). Getting somewhat offtopic, but something to say about how if that’s the case once again the theme of ‘irrational desire you crave vs what you truly want/need’ that is present throughout the manga would be reflected.
My best guess however on why Laios reacted so quickly and forcefully is: trauma. The more recent arcs with Laios suggest that Laios has deep-seated trauma over humans. He dislikes humans as a whole, that was like, pretty much stated, though perhaps exaggerated. As a kid he fantasized about monsters wiping out human towns. We know Laios has been ostracized for most of his life by others, in his village and in the military, and beyond social rejection it’s shown he got beaten in group too and it was implied that it happened regularly. But damn, disliking humans to the point of wanting to be a monster and murderous genocidal reclusive envies and all of that stuff? That is massive trauma, massive identity & belonging issues and hint at massive trust issues.
So then, the negative reaction could be because of Laios’ deep trauma with humans. Because of trauma getting activated, not due to a miscalculation on the succubus’ part but due to a contradicting dislike of the desire that makes the form inherently and straight out of the gate un-alluring, Laios’ repression being so strong that he’s able to affect his own desires in that way, or an instinctive defense response to the trigger (a human).   Even though Laios hides it well, once again recent arcs (and some other moments) make it clear that Laios still has some innate dislike of humans, which in canon is a term that all races like elves fit in. He has a bias against them, perhaps even an innate distrust of them. Who knows how aware he is of it, or how much control and will he has over it. What if Laios reacting agressively to it was his defense mode tied to this kicking in, a survival and security instinct, stopping any possibility of Laios wanting a romantic relationship with a human? Any chance of that human getting close and being hurt by it, either rejected or stabbed in the back? It’d then make sense if Laios is unaware and doesn’t understand his attraction to Marcille then, if it’s a sort of self-made blockage, denial. And that’d make full sense with how, when Marcille is suddenly a monster, then all of Laios’ reluctance is gone and he’s fully enthralled, all that it took was taking away that one blockage for Laios to be utterly charmed. It takes away the trigger element, humans, and replaces it for something safer. A desire for connections, but connections with people that are ‘safe’, people who also don’t fit in with society, who are part of his interest in monsters, who would accept and understand him. I think that Laios does desire human connections, specifically, but can’t allow himself to pursue them either from conscious or unconscious trauma, so though he does desire it he can’t accept that he does/can’t accept the relationship even if it’s handed to him on a silver platter.
Conclusion
The succubus’ shift could then be either that it switched from one wish, a wish for Marcille, to another, a wish for companionship in monster-liking, or that it stayed on the same fundamental wish, but had to improvise with the new information (that Laios is human-averse)(not bc it didn’t exist previously but bc it wasn’t manifested) to take out of the equation the thing that was holding Laios back (from giving in).
But well, the fact that the rest of the party is included does lean towards the former, but in any case that doesn’t erase all I’ve spoken about, all about how Marcille is 100% the focus of this whole thing. It could still be a bit of both. But it is interesting that he worries about the party’s reaction to seeing his succubus being Marcille, and when she shifts into monster Marcille he *still* worries about the others: “b-but what about the others?” He’s a mess, with his most alluring form seducing him, and he still has a shred of resistance in him to question how the others would react, and it’s only when she says that they’re already monsters too that he truly gives in. Is he really so afraid of ostracization? Of losing the people he cares about due to judgement? Then the mention of the others in the party can simply be something the succubus added on top to unlock another “blockage”, the same way she added Marcille being a monster on top of the basic premise of Marcille; Take out the immediate dismissal of humans first, and then the fear of loss and judgement from other friends so Laios can finally stop worrying and give in. That worry/framing I’d say makes the latter more credible, because it’s not the premise of the alluring form but an extra.
In the end, like the recent arcs kind of spell out, the thing central to Laios’ character is less so a love for monsters and moreso a dislike for humans, and this is what this puts on full display.
Laios’ most alluring form is Marcille, a human that doesn’t understand his interests and thus him, and regardless of everything else that Marcille is, that is so traumatic to him that all of his being immediately rejects it.
Thanks for coming to my ted talk! I’ve spent so much time thinking about this and wording and rewording this same train of thought, also it’s the end of my college semester and I’m going crazy
Tldr: My personal fav theory for Laios’ succubus is that Laios really values Marcille’s smile a ton like it’s often mentioned, and that’s what his most alluring form centers on. I’ve got a ton of different interpretation on the why it’d go for a kiss? Since it tailors its approach to the person’s desires, but obviously something goes wrong with Laios’, which is really interesting because even with Izutsumi who resists because she has 2 souls so one part of her can always remain unaffected, the succubus hit bullseye on her most alluring forms. But regardless of that, I think his desire for Marcille (either her or what she represents, wether as a platonic ideal or something else) isn’t wrong/untrue perse, but that Laios has such a complex with humans and intimacy and connecting with others that his defense mode kicks in and that’s when the succubus has to shift into a different, safer desire: one that doesn’t involve humans but that still shows connections and acceptance and belonging. Also Laios realizes that it isn’t Marcille when she goes in for the kiss, which if his allure for her is based on familiarity since they’re friends and all could make sense that it’d break him away from it, or since it’s a liking based on familiarity he doesn’t freeze, or maybe it’s because the winged lion has its eye on him. I think that’s so much more likely with how Kui makes even her jokes be character moments or at least consistent, and also with the tension of the scene, than just the scene being a gag about how Marcille doesn’t mean much to Laios actually.
I think there’s a lot to be said about why Marcille is special to Laios, why her smile means something to him, etc, and I don’t think saying Marcille is special to him is exaggeration or reaching at all. Laios, Marcille and Falin are the golden trio, she’s the deuteragonist, she’s the only other character in the main party whose goal in going back for Falin is Falin and who has a bond with her and Laios outside of being coworkers, in post-canon they live together, happily, in the anime’s ending they’re emphased on by dining out all three together... I could go on.   Marcille has the benefit of being very trusted by Laios, not only with the time they’ve spent together but how she was Falin’s friends first, the person he himself feels so protective of and has been so consistently ostracized throughout her life. Marcille represents a positive odd one out that’s like, the good example of "humanity can be good and safe and warm actually".  Which is a big reason why imo Marcille is like, the secondary protag and with Falin they form the golden trio. She’s central to the story in many ways including making Laios see that humanity is worth saving and sticking with, but that’s a topic for another analysis. One such reason is how his first meeting with her went: it started really badly but ended with her coming around and unexpectedly sharing their interest in dungeons, which made him and Falin open up about the real reason they go dungeon diving, perhaps for the first time. There is just so much that goes into it but Laios seems generally very expectant of rejection: in the climax chapters after he transformed back as a human and was hiding out in the woods, pre-canon in an extra where we see him battling himself on if he should suggest eating monsters or not. But another one, the one I truly want to bring up in this post, is how genuine Marcille is! And funnily enough, how dramatic she is, and how her elf ears change position depending on her emotions. Like, let me compare her affectionately to a dog for a second, but dogs move their ears and use whole body language to communicate, and I think that part of Marcille, really strong emoting, with her ears and body language on top of her often dramatic facial expressions, reassure him. Like ok, maybe he can’t tell when Shuro and Kabru would lie to him, but Marcille? She wears her heart on her sleeve and her feelings on her whole self. And that takes away some of the stress and trauma he has with humans, explains why her smiles would “put him at ease”, doesn’t it?
I don’t remember wether I’ve mentioned this somewhere or just in my reblog linked at the end of the post, but while at first I thought the succubus going for a kiss on the lips heavily implied a romantic desire in Laios,  now I have a couple different theories on why the succubus would have gone for that approach. I think the most likely is that, if the principal allure of his succubus is her smile, the succubus is like "as long as he sees her face right up until i can suck up his blood and he passes out I’ll be gucci", so it’s not about the kiss but about him seeing her face all the while until the very last moment, so he stays charmed.
Btw chapter 34 explores Laios’ relationship with touch too imo, and we see that he is uncomfortable with touch to some degree, very unsure and hesitant and tense. I feel like it’s something more shown in a bigger picture sense with his whole struggles with humans and extras, than just in any one page so go reread the beginning of that chapter if you want I’d say, but putting a page below as example anyways. I think it’s notable that it’s a character moment shared with Marcille too, she acts sort of like a bridge to humanity with social propriety and being extroverted in many cases. In the chapter Chil and Marcille point out how awkward he is with touch, but he learns to be casual/comfy enough about touch to do healing magic with her (something that was also enforced through him having to practice magic on Marcille turned to stone, he got a lot of touch exposure and magic practice done in those days. Dammit Laios, MArcille and touch is worthy of a whole analysis of its own). She’s just like, his human comfort zone, even if they aren’t that close at least at first, besides Falin he has literally like no friends and I think that itself shows how he doesn’t fit in well socially and that it’s a significant struggle for him. But yes what I was saying here is I believe there’s setup for him recoiling from touch like he did with the succubus (due to an instinctive aversion to touch made especially intense due to the succubus’ oddness and forwardness).
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I have even more theories and rambling on details on the succubus here in a reblog, but unless I want to put in some pictures of Laios repressing himself around others and such I don’t think I’ll be touching this post again in a while
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turtleinsoup · 3 months
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Cute little filler chapter! Nothing to see here. Nothing at all! Don’t even be scared! It’s just Draxum & the Twins having a teeny tiny little talk! :)
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kithtaehyung · 6 months
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upcoming: yoongi’s interlude: fugue pairing: 3tan!yoongi x reader(f)  series: masterlist | three tangerines | fireworks | house party | basketball |  stay |  sidewalk talk | friends | dalo | like that | anytime | sundress season | yoongi’s interlude | forfeit | flutter | video call | busted rating/genre: m (18+) ; [redacted] ; brother’s best friend au, implied age gap au summary: fugue—in music, a compositional procedure characterized by the systematic imitation of a principal theme in simultaneously sounding melodic lines. note: well, the first interlude was a total surprise. but now.. y'all know what this is basically gonna be :')) note 2: interestingly enough.. that sugafree video came at the best possible time for this banner to be done (and you'll also find out why i'm shook when this drops.) like i'm speechless. warnings: posted at drop date  est. drop date: oct. 2023 est. word count: 8k 18+ 3tan taglist: form here
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A Fine Line [part 4]
Summary: You've been with Aegon for a little over four years and the relationship just isn't the same. His brother isn't helping the situation, either. This is a Modern Day AU!
Pairing: Aegon x Reader / Aemond x Reader
Word Count: ~7k (holy shit)
Author’s Note: I am so sorry that this took so long! I wanted to give a special thanks to @queen-helaena & @persephonerinyes for their feedback and direction on this chapter! Also, my personal Baela, @felteppsters for her daily duty of being my best friend. I will get the next chapter out as soon as I can, I promise it will be less than the six or so months it took me to write this bitch.
Warnings for the entire series: severe angst, cheating, unprotected sex, jealousy, lying, possessiveness, stalking, manipulation, language, alcohol use, recreational drug use.
Masterlist (it's been so long you might need a refresher)
Playlist here (be sad with me)
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It was light out when you heard the front door open and close. A soft groan escaped your lips as you stretched; fatigue deep in your bones from a restless night. You quirked your brow as you glanced at the window. The remnants of a pink and purple sunrise were painted in the early Saturday morning sky.
His feet shuffled against the hardwood floor. Your eyes were fixed on the bedroom wall as you heard the door open. He was fully clothed when he fell into the bed next to you; still had his shoes on, even. The faint smell of clove cigarettes still lingered on his skin. A sigh escaped his lips as he nestled himself into the mattress as if everything were perfectly fine. You shot up quickly, turning to face him; your tongue burning with all of the words that you wanted to say to him, but you just couldn't bring yourself to actually speak them.
So you don't say anything.
You don't say anything as you sit cross-legged in the living room floor; folding his laundry as he sat on the couch eating the breakfast that you cooked, drinking the coffee that you made, laughing at whatever stupid TV show was on. You don't say anything as you stood next to him at the kitchen counter, fixing yourself a plate of dinner. You don't say anything as he crawled into bed with you that night and kissed you on the cheek.
No, instead you put it away. Just like everything else. And for the next three days you hardly say anything to each other, and if you did speak, it was 'dinner is ready' or the occasional 'have a good day'. You ate in separate rooms and he had started falling asleep in his office. It was the first time since you had started dating that the silence had become this loud. Sure, you hadn't had sex in almost a year, and more often than not he just felt like a roommate to you, but the silence had becoming deafening.
It was actually Aemond who had encouraged you to bite the bullet and be the first to say something. You'd been texting back and forth since the bowling alley. It was a weird feeling, teetering between guilt and giddiness, whenever you saw his name pop up on your screen. Nevertheless, you appreciated his company, even if it was just through text. It was more communication than you were getting from your own boyfriend and best friend; you'd never known Baela to be so busy, but every time you asked if she wanted to hang out or have a glass of wine over FaceTime, she was otherwise occupied.
Wednesday night, after you had put away the leftovers and finished the dishes, you had found yourself standing in the threshold of his office. It was a room you hardly visited and the art on the walls looked foreign to your eyes; almost making you feel awkward to stand in what felt like his space. You watched as he was reading his emails; quietly speaking to himself, saying all of the things he wished he could respond back with. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't even noticed you standing there.
"Aegon?" You asked and he flinched slightly.
"Hey!" His body softened and he gave you a tired smile. "What's up?"
"It's Wednesday," you shrugged. "Did you want to come down and watch our show together?"
"Oh," he sighed. His hunched shoulders fell. "I have so much work that I'm trying to catch up on, and it's getting late."
You bit your lip and nodded, but lingered against the doorframe. His fingers went back to typing on the keyboard, undoubtedly waiting for you to make your exit. After a few moments, he looked back up at you, obviously confused as to why you were still there.
"Is everything okay, love?" He asked.
The things that you wanted to say made your mouth taste fowl as they lingered on your tongue. How long could you keep up the charade? How long could he? You were holding on the crumbling foundations of your relationship, silently begging for him to help you save it, and he still did nothing. This was the part where you wondered if he even realized that you were one foot out the door, with your bags nearly packed, or if he'd even care.
How many times had you rehearsed what you would say to him? He was sitting right there, asking you, waiting for your answer. Yet, you still couldn't bring yourself to say it.
And the cycle continues.
"Yeah," you say with a small smile and push yourself off of the door frame. "Don't stay up too late working," you told him. "You deserve a break, you know?"
"A break," he laughed dryly. "You're funny."
You turned to head back downstairs but before you could reach the first step, Aegon's voice stopped you.
"Hey," he said softly and you turned back to him. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
The words left your lips with ease but their weight lingered. At this point, you couldn't tell if they were genuine or the easy, default response. The doubt was planted; sprouting like a garden sick with disease in your mind. The more it grew, the more you wondered if this was all that there was to it after four years. Was this the end of your relationship? Would you do anything at all to salvage it? Would he? It couldn't be that easy to unravel everything you had built together, and yet it was; all it would take were two words, just two. A simple acknowledgement that things weren't working out and then someone decides who stays and who goes.
It's over.
It was the smell of bacon that woke you the next morning.
Your body ached from a restless night as you sat up, stretching your arms above your head before reaching for your phone. Your brows furrowed as you read the date and time, almost having forgotten it was Thursday. It had been years since Aegon had cooked breakfast, let alone in the middle of the week. You quickly shifted out of the bed, shuffling down the hall before stopping in the threshold of the kitchen.
He was at the stove, humming softly as he turned down the heat on the bacon. For a moment, you were taken back to when he'd wake up early and cook breakfast on the weekends. You'd wrap your arms around him as he worked, swaying back and forth as music played over the little bluetooth speaker that sat on the counter. He wasn't someone who spent a lot of time in the kitchen, but he knew how to get the bacon just right and his scrambled eggs were always perfectly fluffy.
"Morning," he greeted as you stepped into the room. You slowly approached him and wrapped your arms around his middle, placing a small kiss between his shoulders. You felt him tense for a moment before he relaxed in your arms.
"What's the occasion?" You asked, reaching around him for a slice of bacon. "Figured you'd be at work by now."
"I'm taking the morning off," he shrugged as you moved to his side, leaning against the counter. He pulled the last few strips of bacon off of the pan and laid them across the cooling rack before turning the stove off completely. "I really wanted to spend some time with you, if you can spare it."
Your lips turned softly into a smile, "I think I can manage."
He stepped in front of you, his hands finding their place on your hips, gently pinning you against the counter. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in for a soft kiss. He lingered there, forehead pressed to yours as he sighed against your lips. Despite everything, you craved these moments with him. Your body still reacted in such an automatic way to his touch that it was almost enough to make you forget it all.
Almost.
You didn't want to question it, but an unsettling suspicion lingered in your chest that there was more to his actions than just wanting to spend some quality time with you. After all, it had been months since he had shown any interest in you in that regard.
"I do have ulterior motives, however," he mentioned.
There it is.
"I knew there was something behind all of this," you sighed with a quick roll of your eyes.
You went to step around him but he stopped you, lifting you at the hips so that you were sitting on the counter. You brace yourself for what is about to be said. The short silence echoed throughout the room as he weighed his words. Instinctively, your negative thoughts fill in the blank as he nudges himself between your knees and looks up at you with a pout. You can almost see the infidelity in his eyes, and you know that he can see the apprehension in yours..
"Don't, it's not like that," he said quietly and you exhale a breath you hadn't even realized you were holding in. "My mother is hosting a dinner tonight, celebrating the return of her favorite son, and I'd really like you to be there."
Your eyebrows raised with surprise.
"Are you sure?" You ask tenderly as you move a strand of hair from his face, suddenly feeling guilty for thinking so poorly of him. His blue eyes were downcast, unmoving from your lap where his thumbs drew circles in the skin of your thighs.
"I don't even want to go," he muttered. "But, I'm obligated to and I want you to be with me," he took a breath before looking up to meet your gaze; you could see the sincerity in his blue eyes. "It would mean a lot to me if you were there."
"Okay," you agreed and he leaned forward with a thankful sigh, pressing his forehead to your shoulder. Your hand comes up to the nape of his neck, fingers instinctively twirling in his hair. "Why don't we go get back in bed?"
He lifts his head and places another kiss on your forehead, breathing out as he does so, "I wish I could, but I've got to go pick up the dry cleaning."
"Send someone to go get it for you," you sigh and groan, tilting your head back in annoyance allowing Aegon to place a chaste kiss to your neck.
"Mhm," he breathes with his lips still pressed to your skin. "I could."
"You should," you whisper.
Aegon hums in response as his lips trail across your clavicle. His hands gripped at your waist, squeezing as you both leaned deeper into this moment. He pulled you forward by the hips, allowing your legs to wrap around him. His hands slid slowly up your thighs, fingertips teasingly playing along the bottom hem of your shorts. You breathed out, bringing your hands to his jaw and pulling him up to meet your lips.
You couldn't remember the last time he had kissed you like this- the last time he touched you like this. Three words clung to your lips as they parted to say, "I miss you", but before they could take form, the abrupt sound of Aegon's cell vibrating on the countertop pulled you back down to a harsh reality. He pulls away reluctantly, a mixture of frustration and obligation on his face as he sighs.
"No," you whine. "You took the morning off."
He steps back away from you, and your hands instinctively reach out for him, hoping to provide an anchor. You can't help but feel disappointed as he answers the phone; Otto's disgruntled voice faint on the other end, screaming. Aegon, deeply apologetic towards his grandfather, hurries out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his office, leaving you sitting on the counter with two plates of untouched breakfast and a sickening feeling of disappointment.
One step forward, two steps back; like playing the fucking Hokey Pokey with your relationship. You sat there for a moment, allowing the feeling of his now absent touch to linger on your skin, wondering if you'd ever become numb to it. You gently slide from the counter, your feet resting flat on the cool tile, and let out a small sigh as you begin disassociating and staring out the kitchen window.
The rest of the day seemed just as monotonous.
Your mind was in a fog as you thought ahead to dinner with the Targaryen-Hightower household. Your expectations of the evening were uncertain, given the limited information you possessed about Aegon's family. You knew Aemond, and you knew enough about Otto Hightower to form an opinion- albeit not a very positive one. He never talked about his father, and the only interactions he had with his mother were when he was ignoring her phone calls. There had been a few times Aegon had mentioned his sister, Helaena, who he described as 'creative' and 'artsy'. You also had heard him mention his youngest brother, Daeron, a few times; he would call every now and then, Aegon never ignored his calls.
There was also the half-sister, Rhaenyra, from his father's first marriage. She was typically referred to as 'dad's favorite'. You knew the most about her, only because she was quite vocal in interviews, discussing her father's health and the potential scandal surrounding the succession of his business.
"What do I wear to this sort of dinner party?" You texted Aemond. The same text that you had sent Aegon hours ago hadn't received a response, and as the hours passed you grew increasingly nervous.
"Something formal but it is just a dinner," his reply came quickly, followed by a second text. "I would stay away from the color green, however."
"Noted, thanks!"
Baela was typing away on her keyboard furiously next to you as you turned to face her in your chair. She had a red gel pen stuck behind her ear and her eyebrows were furrowed as she worked. She had been particularly quiet, which was unlike her. Typically you couldn't get her nor Jace to stop bickering over the cubicle wall long enough to think of a single sentence to write.
You chewed on your lip for a moment before you decided to swivel your chair to face her, reaching for the jar of green M&M's on the island that separated your desks. "Hey, you got a minute for me?" You ask as you pop a few of the candies into your mouth, hoping to break the ice.
"Hm?" She hums but her fingers are still typing. You toss an M&M at her and she turns completely to face you. Her expression softens when you smile at her, "I'm sorry, I've just been swamped with this new project Jason put me on this week."
"Is there anything that I can help you with?" You ask, not even knowing that Jason had her working on something new.
Baela shakes her head, "I appreciate you, always, but Jace has been doing some extra credit for me."
You laugh softly, although you couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that she hadn't asked you. "That's probably best, he could use something to do."
"So, what's up?" Baela asked, getting to the point.
"Aegon invited me to a dinner with his family," your friend's eyebrows immediately shot up in surprise and you nodded. "I've never met any of them and I have no clue what to wear. Aemond said it would be 'formal' but it's still 'just a dinner', and Aegon- he didn't say anything."
"D'you ever find out what happened to him Friday night?" She asked.
You shook your head and frowned, "I could really use some girl time, if you could spare it."
At precisely 4:59 PM you and Baela both rolled yourselves out from underneath your desks and grabbed your coats. The snow was barely sticking to the pavement, and a thick, dense fog hung over the city as you stepped out of the office; the two of you arm-in-arm, laughing about something that had happened earlier at work. You were thankful for her company, as the last few days had felt particularly lonely. Plus, you were hoping to get a chance to talk to her about her new work assignment and how her week had been.
Aegon wasn't home when you got there. At this point, you wouldn't be surprised if he'd come through the door just to tell you that the dinner had been cancelled last minute; and you, standing in the middle of the living room, all dressed up for nothing. He wouldn't even acknowledge the effort you had put in to looking good for him. You allowed that scenario to play out in your mind as Baela poured you a glass of wine. She was talking about Jace, but your attention was elsewhere; unable to decide if you would be relieved if the dinner was cancelled or disappointed. You did want to see Aemond, and you did want to be there to support Aegon, but the potential drama that the evening held had you on edge.
"I can always tell when you're not listening to me," she laughed as she took a sip of her wine. She had a lock of your hair wrapped around the curling iron as you sat on the toilet in your bathroom.
"I'm sorry," you frowned, knowing that you hadn't heard a single word she had said about her new work project.
"You've got a lot going on," she said softly. "Talk to me."
"It's just Aegon," you sighed. "It feels like our relationship has been dead in the water for almost two years and we're both just holding on to nothing."
"Have you talked to him?" Baela asked, moving on to another section of hair. You tossed a hand up, trying to keep your head as straight as still as possible. "You need to talk to him, Y/N."
"What is there to talk about?" You asked with a defeated sigh.
"There is everything to talk about," and she was right. Baela was always right when it came to relationship advice. "You can't just decide to throw away four years because he's not being a good boyfriend right now. Aegon loves you, it's so obvious, he just seems stressed. Maybe he's going through something, maybe it's his family, have you even asked?"
You shook your head, not wanting to continue this conversation any longer. Just because Baela was always right, didn't mean that it was what you wanted to hear. Sometimes you just wanted someone to confirm your suspicions, or tell you that he was being a dumbass for pushing you away, or that you should break up with him and free yourself from the emotional torment that you were experiencing daily just from staying in this relationship.
You were his girlfriend, not his therapist. It wasn't your responsibility to sit him down and figure out why he was no longer putting forth any effort into making this work. All that should have mattered was the fact that he wasn't, because to you, that was a direct reflection of how much he cared. The bar was on the floor, it wouldn't take much at all for him to give you something. Yet, he couldn't even do that. He did just enough to make you feel like the fact that you were still hanging on was worth it, but you knew that it wasn't.
It was only a matter of time.
"All done," Baela said shortly after. You took a look at yourself in the mirror and smiled at her through the reflection; she had such impeccable skills with a curling iron and your hair looked perfect.
"Now we just have to figure out an outfit," you smiled.
"What about that one green dress you wore to the office Christmas party?" She asked as she followed you to the bedroom. "I love that dress, I have been meaning to ask if I could borrow it."
"You absolutely can," you replied and threw open your closet door, pulling that specific dress out on the hanger and laying it on the bed for Baela. "Aemond said that I should stay away from the color green, though, I have no idea why."
"How oddly specific," she chuckled as she smoothed her hands over the fabric of the dress. "I have a date next week, and this is perfect."
"A date?" You asked, eyebrows raining in suspicion.
"Yeah," she smiled. "It's kind of new but he's really sweet, he makes me all giddy. Like kicking my feet while we talk on the phone kind of giddy."
"So that's why you haven't been answering my FaceTime calls," your tone was light, but with your back to her, you couldn't help but frown. You remembered how giddy Aegon used to make you feel. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to make you smile. "I'm happy for you, B."
You were being sincere and she knew that.
"Alright," you took a breath, shoving those memories back down where they belonged and turned towards the bed. "I think I have it narrowed down to the red or the blue."
"The red says 'look at me'," she says and joins you at your side. "You don't want that kind of attention right now, go with the blue."
"You're right."
The dress was boring, but it still accentuated your curves, and was the perfect choice for a semi-formal family dinner. As you stood in front of your mirror, putting the finishing touches on your outfit, you could heard the front door open and close. Baela's eyes connected with you through the mirror and you gave her a soft smile.
"Babe," you heard Aegon say from the threshold of your bedroom. You turned to see him standing in the doorway. "Baela," he smiled and nodded his head at her. "The car is waiting."
"Doesn't your girlfriend look absolutely incredible?" Baela asked, obviously proud of the work she had done.
"Sure," his face was flat. "You look great."
Your smile fell- along with every bit of your confidence- as he turned back down the hallway without so much as another word. You turned back to Baela; giving her a look as if to say, 'this is exactly what I mean', but she only returned it by squeezing your shoulders and giving you a reassuring smile.
"Maybe he's just nervous?" She's trying to play devil's advocate.
You knew it wasn't true, you knew that he just didn't care, and trying to convince yourself otherwise was exhausting at this point.
"Yeah," you agree with a frown and grab your clutch from the bed.
The Targaryen-Hightower residence was a sprawling, water-front mansion about 45 minutes north of Manhattan in Greenwich, Connecticut; what Business Insider claims is the richest neighborhood in the United States. The car ride there was silent, save for the soft sounds of talk radio coming through the speakers. You kept your gaze trained out the window, avoiding making any type of small-talk with Aegon as he drove. He kept his focus on the road, his face becoming more pained with anxiety with each mile you drew closer.
He sighed as he turned the car into the driveway, and you reached across the center console to place your hand on his thigh to show your support. Even though you felt indifferent towards him at the moment, you knew that tonight would be difficult for everyone involved. You may not have ever witnessed the dynamic of this family first-hand, but if Aegon was right about any of it, the mood would be dysfunctional.
The valet opened the door and Aegon held his hand out to you, no doubt putting on a display for anyone who may have been watching. There was a figure waiting at the door; her wavy, red hair glowing like a halo- or Devil's horns- from the overhead lights in the foyer where she stood. Immediately you noticed the emerald green dress that she was wearing, now knowing exactly why Aemond had steered you away from that option.
"I didn't think you'd come," Mrs. Hightower said softly to her son as you stepped through the door. She reached out to hug Aegon, who only stiffened as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders before placing a kiss on his cheek.
"I didn't want to," Aegon replied curtly.
"Aegon," his mother spoke sternly, as her gaze fell upon you. "This was meant to be an intimate family gathering."
"Please tell me we can't stay, I'd love nothing more than to go home," he spoke in a low tone, a touch of annoyance evident in his words. You pretended to be interested in a painting adorning the foyer wall where you lingered, still waiting to be formally invited in. "Y/N is my family, mother, more so than anyone in this house."
"Aegon," she warned with a sigh.
He moved to step around her and called back to you, "shall we?"
"Just a moment," Alicent continued, holding her index finger up to her son. Aegon sighed, his jaw was clenched. "I'd like to speak with Ms. Y/L/N alone for a moment."
Aegon swallowed and glanced down at you. His lips pursed as he nodded slowly, realizing he couldn't spare you from what was likely to be an uncomfortable encounter. "I'll be in the dining room, okay? It's just through those doors, there."
You nodded and he planted a short kiss on your cheek. Turning, you noticed Alicent standing at the base of the painting you had been admiring just moments ago. She didn't seem old enough to have four grown children, and for some reason, that unsettled you. Her red hair cascaded down her back as she gazed up at the painting, a tight but sad smile playing on her lips as you watched her.
"This painting is worth more than you'll make in a lifetime, you know," she stated coldly. "You should feel privileged to even look upon it." Your brows furrowed at her words. Before you could respond, she continued, "I understand that by you being here our family affairs are at risk of being publicized. Consider it a warning when I say that your career would also be at risk if you chose to do so."
You took a deep breath and resisted the urge to roll your eyes, steadying yourself before responding, "Your concerns are valid, Mrs. Hightower, but I'm here for Aegon not a story," her expression tightened as you held her gaze. The tension in the air lingered, but you stood your ground, refusing to be intimidated. "Now, if you'll excuse me."
You didn't breathe until you stepped through the dining room doors. Your eyes immediately found Aemond as you stepped into the room. His concentrated gaze shifted down your body slowly, taking in your appearance, and you could only hope that this navy blue dress was working for you in the way that you wanted; though, the approval was evident in his stare and in the faintest smirk on his lips.
When you finally looked at Aegon, his face was undoubtedly apologetic. He offered a small smile as he poured you a glass of wine and gestured it towards you. "She didn't say anything particularly cruel, did she?"
"Nah," you replied with sarcasm and sipped from the wine glass he handed you. "She only threatened my career."
"She's harmless," Aemond interjected.
"Harmless isn't a word I would use to describe our mother," a girl you could only presume was their sister, Helaena, added as she reached her hand out to you. "I'm Helaena, by the way, it's nice to meet you."
"Shit, sorry," Aegon cleared his throat. "Y/N, this is Helaena."
You chuckled at his late attempt to introduce you to his sister and shook her hand, "it's nice to meet you, too! I've heard a lot about you."
"And I've heard absolutely nothing about you," she gave Aegon a look before glancing back at you. "No offense."
"None taken," you smiled, brushing her comment off.
"Forgive me for wanting to keep my relationship away from this poisonous family," Aegon argued as he slumped down in his chair.
The door to the dining room opened and Otto Hightower stepped over the threshold. Aegon sighed loudly, slumping even further in his chair upon seeing his grandfather. You had never met him, but you had watched him in countless interviews. He took his role as Chief Operating Officer very seriously and you respected him as a businessman. However, you despised him for the chokehold that he had on your boyfriend; for the fact that he was singlehandedly responsible for ruining so many moments over the last two or so years, including one this morning.
It was strange to watch the way this family interacted as an outsider.
Aegon was visibly displeased to see his grandfather, and yet Helaena jumped out of her seat to give the old man a tight hug before showing him a video on her phone; her smile was bright as the two of them laughed together. Then, your eyes flitted over to Aemond whom was seemingly unfazed by his grandfather's presence; sitting calm and collected at the head of the table, his blue gaze caught your stare and his lips turned up slightly before you averted your eyes back to Aegon who was actively trying to drown himself in wine.
When Alicent entered the room, the mood shifted once again. She silently took her seat next to her father and signaled for the waitstaff to begin bringing in the food before she unfolded a napkin across her lap. Otto leaned to whisper something in her ear, to which she shook her head in response.
"Are we not waiting for father?" Aegon asked, his eyes slightly narrowed at his mother.
"Your father is in no condition to join us," Alicent's tone was sharp as she looked directly at you.
It was then that you realized Viserys Targaryen wouldn't be joining his family simply because you were there. They had done an excellent job at keeping the specifics of his health condition private and it was clear that they wouldn't be taking any chances. The look Alicent gave you from across the table was enough to make you feel small; you could see in her eyes the blame she placed upon you, as if it was your fault why her husband wouldn't be joining the rest of the family. Aegon reached his hand under the table and squeezed your thigh gently and you looked up at him.
You could tell that he now regretted his decision to invite you.
The first course had been served; the sound of forks and knives scraping porcelain plates echoed through the otherwise silent dining room. At one point you had mentioned that the food was delicious, but your comment seemed to fall upon deaf ears. When the waitstaff arrived to collect the plates and bring out the second course, you thanked them, but were only met with tight-lipped smiles.
You hated every moment you spent sitting at this table. You hated the antique furnishings, the polished candelabras, the wallpaper, the fact that the china you were eating off of probably cost more than a year's salary. You wondered if it had been like this for all of Aegon's life or if there was ever a flicker of normalcy. Suddenly, you wanted nothing more than to call your parents and thank them for the childhood you had so obviously taken for granted.
Aegon finished what was his third glass of wine, and before he could even set the glass down, a butler was on the way with the rest of the bottle for a refill. You wanted to say something, but were terrified of drawing attention to yourself, so you settle for looking at him; hoping to convey your concerns silently.
It was Helaena who broke the silence as the second course was served. Her voice was soft and hesitant, but at least she was trying.
"So, Y/N, how long have you and Aegon been together?" She asked you with small smile. Unlike her mother, Helaena exuded sincerity; she seemed to actually care to get to know you.
"We'll be celebrating our four year anniversary next week," you smiled, but it immediately disappeared when you looked at Aegon; his boozy gaze remaining downcast on the table in front of him.
When the words left your lips, you heard Alicent chuckle. Both you and Aegon, and everyone else at the table looked over to her. She laughed again, covering her mouth with her hand this time, "I'm sorry, four years?"
"Why is that funny?" Aegon asked, his jaw clenched.
"It's just that- before tonight- I don't think anyone here knew you even existed," she laughed again, digging her metaphorical knife into your side just that much more.
"We shouldn't have come," Aegon said as he pushed his untouched dinner away from him. He stood up and grabbed your hand, "we're leaving."
Before you could respond, the dining room door opened and your eyes widened as Viserys Targaryen struggled into the room with a walking cane. Behind him, a nurse followed closely with a wheelchair. Alicent immediately rushed to his side, allowing him to hold onto her for support.
"Aemma, where is Rhaenyra?" He looked around the room, almost panicked, before his eyes fell upon his daughter, "Rhaenyra?"
"It's Helaena, Dad," she frowned, unable to meet her father's gaze.
"This is supposed to be a family dinner, was it not?" He asked, his strained voice becoming louder with each word. "Where is my daughter? Where is Rhaenyra? I- I need Rhaen- I need to tell her-"
"My dear," Alicent spoke softly as she tried to reassure her husband, motioning for the nurse to pull the wheelchair up behind him so that he could sit and rest. "Rhaenyra couldn't make it, she apologizes, she and Daemon will come to visit soon."
She turned towards the table and excused herself before she helped a tired Viserys back out of the dining room and down the hall.
"Let's get out of here," Aegon muttered to you.
"No," Otto interjected as he continued to eat; completely unfazed by anything that had just happened. Aegon groaned, knowing what was coming. "We need to discuss the Stark account, the board meets tomorrow and there are still details we must go over."
"We can discuss this in the morning," Aegon answered pointedly.
"The board meets in the morning," Otto argued. "There's no time. I advised you of this earlier that we would need to finalize it tonight. I am sure your guest won't mind waiting."
Otto looked at you and smiled curtly. You glanced up at Aegon, his expression regretful, and nodded at him to let him know you'd be okay. He promised he wouldn't be long, but you knew better. It didn't take but a few moments after they had left before Helaena also excused herself, leaving you and Aemond alone at the table, as the kitchen staff began cleaning around the two of you.
A breath that you weren't even aware that you had been holding blew through your lips and you could hear Aemond chuckle softly.
"First time?" He asked and you almost laughed out loud.
"What gave me away?" You asked with a smirk as you took a sip of your wine. "Is it always like this?"
He tilted his head to the side, back and forth, a few times before he answered, "We have a tendency to be a bit intense."
"A bit," you snickered as you placed your wine glass back on the table.
"Would you like to take a walk?" He asked. You looked at him for a moment before checking over your shoulder for any sign of Aegon returning. "They'll most likely be a while."
"You're probably right," you answered. "Some fresh air does sound good."
Aemond helped you into your coat and scarf and guided you out to the back terrace. The frigid, early February air bit mercilessly at your cheeks, but the sight of the full moon reflecting off of the water was worth the potential frostbite. You walked through a small garden, past empty concrete fountains, as he led you down to the water.
He held out his hand to you as he stepped out onto the floating dock; it shifted beneath the weight of him, but he stood steady, waiting for you to take a step further and join him. You took his hand and followed, trying to ignore the warmth that gathered in your chest at the feeling of his touch. He didn't let you go until you had reached the end of the dock and could hold onto the railing for support; leaning against it, you cross your arms over your chest and look out across the Sound. It was quiet, save for the lapping of the water against the rocks and the faint rhythm of Aemond's breathing.
"Thank you," you say softly, the warmth of your words swirling around you in the cold air.
Aemond turns his back to the water and leans against the railing. He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small, silver flask, taking a sip and making a face before holding it out to you, "what for?"
"For the distraction," you take the flask, fingertips brushing against his as you did so. It's whiskey, and you cough at the taste, but it warms your cheeks.
"What are friends for?" He asks with a soft smile. "I've been meaning to ask, did he ever say where he was Friday night?"
"I didn't ask," you admit. "He never brought it up."
"Hm," he hummed. "My brother is an idiot, but I would hope he wouldn't be foolish enough to-" He trails off, catching your eyes from the side before averting his gaze back out at the water. "Nevermind."
"Foolish enough to what?" You ask, already knowing the answer, to which Aemond only sighs in response. "You think he could be cheating on me."
"I'm only saying that he doesn't have a great track record," he turns to face you. "He's been known to be a bit thoughtless in the past."
You only nod your head as a silence falls between the two of you.
Thoughtless wasn't a word that you would have ever used to describe Aegon- not at first, not about you. People do change, and both you and Aegon had certainly changed in the last four years.
It would explain a lot and it would make things easier if he were cheating on you, however. You'd have a reason, an out, and you wouldn't have to worry about the guilt that came with breaking his heart just because you wanted more effort than what he was willing to give you. Though, it did hurt to think that he might have been putting in that effort with someone else.
In the distance you heard the faint sound of laughter and turned to see Aegon and Helaena sharing a hug and saying goodbye. You looked up at Aemond and gave him a sad smile, knowing that the evening was coming to an end. You weren't sure when you would see him again, but you already hoped that it would be sooner than later.
"In the case that no one has told you," he mentioned quietly, his elbow softly nudging you as you both walked back towards the house. "You look incredible tonight."
"You're just trying to make me feel better," you laughed.
"Maybe," he smirked. "Doesn't make it any less true."
"Don't forget about my art show," Helaena reminded Aegon one last time as you and Aemond joined them. "I know you are the worst when it comes to remembering things, but it would mean a lot to me if you were there. Y/N, I hope to see you there, as well!"
"Wouldn't miss it," you reply with a smile.
"I won't forget," Aegon groans sarcastically as he gives his sister one last hug before turning his attention to his brother.
They step off to the side and you turn back to Helaena.
"Sorry about dinner," she adds. "I promise some of us actually know how to have a good time."
"I believe it," you laugh. "I am dating your brother."
"Yeah, and he's typically the fun one," she smiled back. "You guys seem good for each other, though. I'm glad he finally found someone to be serious about."
You nod your head as you look over at Aegon; he's laughing with his brother as he takes a swig from Aemond's flask. You were happy to see that he was much more relaxed than he had been earlier, something his siblings seemed to bring out of him. He caught your stare and gave you a goofy smile before mentioning something to Aemond who then looked over at you.
The feelings you felt towards your boyfriend, and the feelings you tried your hardest not to feel for his brother were fighting a civil war inside of you. You hoped that it wasn't obvious that you were being ripped apart from the inside out, because if it was, you were in trouble.
But as you stood there, looking at the both of them, you knew you were in trouble no matter what.
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zimszim · 3 months
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i feel so bad for luo binghe just at the rollercoaster of emotions shen qingqiu has put him through these past few yrs. imagine your childhood sucked so bad, then your teacher hated you and made your life a living hell, then he started to be kind to you out of no where and started to earnestly believe in you and even liked you, and you liked him as well, and then he pushed you into an unescapable hell for three years because of who you are inherently, and when you're desperately trying to find where you stand in this weird fucked up relationship, trying to see if he hates you or loves you or both or neither, he saves you and dies in your arms
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cloudbunny · 1 year
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Dream trailed his nose along Hob’s throat, inhaling loudly, fucking scenting him and Hob couldn’t stop his hips from rolling forward, seeking contact. It made Dream growl proper this time. “If I am to be your hunter, dear Hob,” His breath was a dark caress on Hob’s neck. “What happens when I catch you? Would you let me taste you? Drink you? Devour you?”
high enough (you got me good) by Delta_Pavonis
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erregiulydraws · 1 year
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“Let’s go on and on together forever“
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autisticlancemcclain · 6 months
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Okay so I haven’t read lance angst in forever and decided to read some and I have just binge read all of the Beauty and the Beast klance au you just made and I absolutely ADORE it!!! It is so amazing and I love it so much!
It did make me curious what the whole ‘rescue’ scene is going to be, is the three people in the family who didn’t want Lance to marry the prince try to save him? Or is it going to go the totally different direction?
Cause I can imagine a scene where the village sees that Lance and Keith are actually going to work out and the family gets worried that Lance is going to try to get revenge on them/the whole village so they try to take Lance away from Keith. Or try to make it so Lance wouldn’t become King when they actually get married!
But anyways yeah I love this story, and how you’ve changed it up a bit so it’s different that the original Beauty and the Beast! Thanks for listening to my rant!
anon i am kissing you for asking. you are the love of my life and the wedding is this spring.
HERE WE GO:
important to remember: lance’s family, although not conventionally, care for him deeply. he struggles to conform to what the town expects and they are scared for him, so they struggle to make space for him in a way that makes him feel loved and included. he can’t keep up with his fathers or brothers on the farm, he gets along with animals better than people (and as such refuses to hunt them, despite his stellar aim), he has no friends because he is an Odd Person, he gets obsessive over small things, he cries all the time, he’s headstrong, he argues with everyone, he’s a klutz, just…so many things. he has skills and they know that but his skills aren’t helpful in the context of the farm. he is, however, helpful in that he can send back money from marrying the prince, and if he’s married to the prince, his family knows he’s safe and cared for in a way they maybe can’t provide for him.
with this in mind it’s obvious that there’s a lot of tension and complication between lance and his family, but lance KNOWS that they love him. take the first chapter with lance and marco, for example. it looks bad and it is bad, and lance is hurt, and marco refuses to help lance do what he desperately wants — go home. but marco isn’t doing it without guilt, and he’s also doing his best to make lance’s transition easier: “You’ve always wanted to live in a castle, right?”. despite the fact that his home life isn’t perfect, lance is in that castle missing his family. he wants his sisters and nieces and nephews and brothers. he wants his mom. they may not understand him but they love him and he knows that, and in that castle with, and i can’t say this enough, NO OTHER PEOPLE, he is going to miss shit like getting hugged, for fucks sake. lance is a touchy person and as close as he and hunk are doing to become hunk is a Literal Block Of Wood, and keith is going to be too closed off to provide any tactile affection for a While.
my plan is that after a few chapters of slowburn and building friendships, lance is going to get all morose and miserable. and keith, who is well beyond whipped at that point, is going to want to help. so one day lance is going to muster the courage to ask to have his family for a visit (“They’ll stay outside! I swear! They’ll have no chance of even seeing you, Keith, please, I missed bothering my brothers so much —”) and keith won’t even come close to denying him.
and because chekhov’s gun is the only thing i’ve got locked and loaded, obviously one of lances family members (probably one of the kids) is going to go wandering inside. and lance is going to try to stop it but it will be Too Late. they’re going to see keith and freak out, and since keith’s freak outs are very scary, it’s going to make the whole situation worse, and they’re going to drag lance back home kicking and screaming and when they come back with with the town and pitchforks.
the gaston of the story is going to be james, i think, and i’m gonna change the story a bit bc i’m gonna spend longer with lance back in town and he’s sullen and furious and desperate to convince everyone that keith is kind and soft and loving, really, and they have him all wrong. which of course does not help his case. but you all know how the rest of the story goes
but yeah!!!! i’m really very excited i love this story too, and changing it was inevitable but it’s been super fun to plan how i’m gonna adapt it!! i’m rly looking forward to writing all the sappy falling in love parts teehee
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chateautae · 10 months
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hi everyone 🥺
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euphreana · 3 days
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The Shape of Truth - Chapter 1: Mercy
Chapter 1 here we go - written in collaboration with @bitsy83! (Also available on ao3 here!)
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Ambrosius was there when the sword went off. The deadly blast caught everyone by surprise - Ambrosius barely had a moment to think before grabbing his sword. It was a moment though, just long enough for him to gather his wits and knock the sword from Ballister’s hand before anyone else got hurt, Ballister included. The sword fell to the ground, sparking as it disintegrated into pieces. Ambrosius and Ballister stared at it, then at each other in shock. Then the guards leapt into action. Ballister was so stunned he didn’t fight back when they pinned his arms behind his back and forced him to his knees.
“I didn’t do it.” his voice was barely audible over the noise of the stadium. Then the guards started dragging him away, past the stunned cadets, back into the tunnels below the Glorodome. “I DIDN’T DO IT!” he shouted, finding his voice. “SOMEONE SWITCHED MY SWORD!”
Ambrosius had watched in shocked silence. There was nothing else he could do.
~ ~ ~
The queen was dead. It was all over the news. Killed by the commoner knight himself. What remained of the blaster-equipped sword was locked away as evidence while The Institute investigated the event. Everyone was saying it was an open-and-shut case - replicas of famous swords were easy to get, and Ballister could have easily gotten one and hidden an energy weapon in it. Why was the question that was bothering Ambrosius.
He’d read the write-ups explaining the psyche of the ‘deranged, previous street urchin who’d snapped under stress’, but he’d known the man for over a decade - the profile didn’t fit. Ballister wasn’t a murderer… unless the last ten years had all been an act. Had their friendship been a facade? Had Ballister been planning this for years? Was this his revenge on a system he felt had mistreated him for so long? Or had he been telling the truth on the night of the murder - that someone had switched his sword out, that he’d been set up? But then who had done it? Some terrorist faction that was just now showing itself? The kingdom had been peaceful for decades, why would something surface now?
Ambrosius needed to make sense of this. He trusted The Institute to take care of it, but impatience was getting the better of him. He’d asked for visitation rights several times in the days since the Queen’s murder, but each time he’d been denied. That man was a raving lunatic, they’d told him, and he needed to be kept calm and isolated.
That wasn’t what the dungeon’s camera feed was showing. Ambrosius sat back in his chair in The Institute’s security room, perplexed. The feed showed Ballister looking dejected, sitting in a cell, sometimes pacing, but mostly just… sitting there, not saying a word. No mad ravings like the guards had described. Ambrosius fast-forwarded the feed. Hours of footage, all showing the same thing; nothing. The guards were lying. Why? Why was nothing adding up?
Ambrosius turned away from the computer, rubbing his head. Staring at big screens always made his eyes hurt. Smaller screens, not so much. He flicked his phone open. A news article flashed on the screen; ‘Breaking News: Ballister’s Written Confession Revealed’. Ambrosius blinked. When had that happened? He’d already skimmed through the bulk of the security camera footage from the last few days, and he hadn’t seen anyone go to interview him.
He tapped the article. Sure enough, there it was. A confession of murder, along with enough broken grammar to convince anyone that the author had lost it. Ambrosius stared at the screen until his eyes hurt again. Why would Bal implicate himself if he'd said he was innocent? Now with a confession made clear, all that was left was the sentencing, and there was only one punishment for murder in the kingdom; death.
Years of feelings began to surface - the times they’d stayed out late getting nachos, the times Bal had comforted him when his parents had died - so many experiences built on love and trust. Ambrosius didn’t want to believe Ballister was a murderer. He didn’t want to lose him. He couldn’t lose him.
Ambrosius got up. The article had mentioned the sentencing would be that evening. There was something he could do - he’d heard of an old custom that someone of noble blood or of high status could call for mercy on a convict - not a full pardon, but a punishment could be lightened. As Gloreth’s direct descendant, Ambrosius could get a judge to give a lifetime of house arrest over hanging… if it was still valid.
Ambrosius headed to the court building. They would know if he could declare mercy and how. If he hurried, maybe he could save Bal’s life.
The receptionist knew about the custom, but didn’t know if it was still legal or who would handle it. It hadn’t been done in decades. She made some calls to different departments to see. Ambrosius dug his nails into his palm every time a call turned out fruitless. Time was ticking away. Time he didn’t have.
Finally, they found the answer; the custom was still legal. Better yet, they found out who would handle the proceeding - someone in the judicial building across the campus. There would be paperwork involved. Ambrosius hated paperwork.
Ambrosius didn’t say who he was pardoning, but he could see the confusion on the clerk’s face when he handed him the sheaf of necessary papers. There was only one person in line for sentencing, and who would pardon an obvious murderer?
Ambrosius sat in the lobby and pored over the forms. He needed proof of his lineage. He needed the exact charges against Ballister. He needed the name of the judge. So many fields. So many signatures. He didn’t have time for this! Maybe he could get the first page done, declare mercy, say he’d missed a page, and then finish the rest afterward. Anything to stall the proceedings long enough to get it all filled out.
The records building was his first stop. It wasn’t far, just a few minutes walk. Ambrosius jogged across the campus green. How much time did he have left? He glanced at a nearby clock tower. Then he froze.
In the distance, there was a black flag flying above the judgment tower. The papers in Ambrosius’s hands crinkled as he tightened his grip. A black flag meant an execution was in progress. He’d missed the sentencing.
Ambrosius broke into a run. Forget the paperwork. He’d declare mercy on the spot and worry about that later. But he needed to get there. He needed to get there NOW!
People hurried out of his way as he tore through side streets and courtyards. He ran, his pulse pounding in his ears. The flag was still at full mast. He could see the front doors to the tower in the distance, two guards out front.
The guards stepped in front of the doors as he approached.
“Closed event. Nobody else allowed in.”
Ambrosius didn’t stop. “Let me in! I need to mercy—”
“No one. Else. Allowed.” The guard stated again.
Ambrosius rushed them. It almost worked - they hadn’t expected that from Gloreth’s descendant. He’d nearly gotten his hand on the door handle when they grabbed him and shoved him backwards. Ambrosius didn’t relent. He pushed back, digging in his heels, reaching past them for the handle.
“Let me in!”
His fingers touched the handle briefly. Then he found himself thrown onto the ground, paperwork falling from his hand.
“Don’t make this difficult.” a guard growled.
Ambrosius was back on his feet in an instant, frantic.
“Or what?! I am a knight! Descendant of Gloreth!” He charged again, this time trying to grapple a guard.
“That doesn’t matter.” The other guard grabbed Ambrosius from behind. “Closed event. Direct orders.”
Ambrosius landed on his back again, his head hitting the pavement. He looked up at the sky for a moment, dazed. The black flag. It was being lowered.
“NO!”
The tower door opened and a reporter stepped out, absently scrolling through a notepad. The guards moved to let her pass. Ambrosius seized his chance and barrelled through the opening, past the guards, into the courtyard.
“STOP! I DECLARE MERCY!”
His voice echoed off the walls, startling the audience in front of the gallows. Everyone turned to look at him. Ambrosius charged through the crowd, ignoring them. The gallows looked empty. Where was the convicted?
“I declare mercy!” He shouted again, pushing his way to the front. Then he froze. He could see the base of the gallows now. A tower worker was working the noose off an all-too-familiar figure laying in a crumpled heap on the ground.
Ballister Boldheart was dead.
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inkykeiji · 2 months
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if caleb doesn’t stop ruffling my hair and calling me pipsqueak i’m going to sneak into his bedroom and suck his cock :)
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enidsinclajr · 2 months
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behold, chapter 3 of the wenclair hogwarts au!!! this was lots of fun to write and i am very excited about it so hope you enjoy!!!
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buggiesnax · 2 months
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not me being unable to sleep at 2am and deciding "oh, I'll read the final chapter of Golden Son since I'm so close to finishing it!" and then being EVEN MORE UNABLE TO SLEEP afterwards because oh god. oh godddd. things are so bad.
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sanjoongie · 11 months
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Dinner and a Tale
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ღPairing: Director! Park Seonghwa x Professor of Dreams! Reader (f) ღGenre: enemies to lovers au, Modern Wizardry School au ღWord Count: 4,274 ღWarnings:  mentions of fighting, war, blood, death, penetrative sex, more sex with magic, nipple play, restraints, finger sucking ღRated: 18+ MDNI, smut with hella plot now ღSummary: Seonghwa finally reveals to you exactly how he got his scar...but that's not the only motive he has. And of course, your old captain, Hongjoong, hadn't gone anywhere either... ღDedication: @mejuii & @downtoamagicalland, my lovely beta's ღPrevious Part| ღAll of the Parts | ღNext Part
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Your eyes took in Seonghwa’s rooms and it was like you couldn't get enough of everything. The way the ceiling was that of the night sky. The way his elegant aura exuded from his furniture and decorative features. You had zero doubt that these were Seonghwa’s rooms.
Seonghwa shrugged off his jacket, and with a flick of his hand and a murmur of what you believe is Japanese, phantom hands took it and handed it up onto the clawfoot hanger. "What do you want? There's a few dishes I can do for you."
You turned around and your eyes widened at the phantom hands. "Your demons are going to make dinner?"
Seonghwa puffed out quiet laughter. "Of course. Did you expect me to get my hands dirty?"
You rolled your eyes and sigh. "I suppose you're right."
"Besides, I've got another job, right? I've got to tell you about my past." Seonghwa settled on the settee in his room and patted the cushion. "Come here, lover."
You sat primly on the cushion beside him but Seonghwa was not satisfied with that. He tugged you closer, tucking you under his arm. "There. Much better."
You struggled a bit to put some room in between you but Seonghwa’s grip was iron. "I do NOT have to be this close for you to tell me the story!"
"You're my emotional support witch. Now stop wriggling or I'll get other ideas." You froze and Seonghwa laughed again. "You really are my favorite."
"I'll have chicken," You grumbled.
"Hmmm? What's that, darling?" Seonghwa said in a sing-song voice. His lips puffed hot air onto the crown of your head.
"You asked what I wanted. Wooyoung screwed up my chicken order. So I'll have chicken."
"Wonderful. We'll have roast pheasant then. The grounds keeper flushed some out in the forest the other day. With some wild mushroom bread pudding, we'll be set. Now, lay your head on my lap. I can focus on my words easier with you like that."
How he went from host of a dinner party speaking of food and pairings and then suddenly to convincing you to let him pet you while he spoke, was beyond you, but it happened nonetheless. It was clear Seonghwa had a story to tell, or there wouldn't be a legend made up about him.
"This food better be good because the story portion of this promise slash apology is sorely lacking."
"Oh don't worry! You'll recognize some characters."
Seonghwa wasn't the only legend you knew. Hongjoong was the only wizard that had survived an encounter with Seonghwa. They were both renowned.
"The first battle I stumbled into was horrifying. I heard screaming and yelling and pain and it took everything in me not to shout and run away myself. But I was firm in my belief that we deserved equal rights. So, I pushed on. Eventually I was numb from all the death around me. I was killing people with my demons and it made me feel empty inside. It came to a point where I didn’t even feel like I was living.”
You attempted to push upwards to look at Seonghwa but he firmly held you down, fingers carding through your hair. “Please,” He begged quietly, “I don’t want to see the pity in your eyes.”
“Seonghwa…” You sighed but let him keep you on his lap.
“There was one prick of hot anger within me, however, and that was the annoying White Magic User Captain that kept eluding me. He was sneaky; always in and out of his missions. I could never catch him and therefore never kill him. My higher ups knew they could count on sending me to battle and killing whoever needed to be killed, be it one person or many. But this was the one thorn in our side that could not be pulled.”
You couldn't help but feel stiff in your spot now. You knew how successful Hongjoong had been during that campaign. You had helped him strategize and plan and was the one he fell into bed with after those successful missions. You couldn't help but somehow feel like you were a part of Seonghwa’s story, inadvertently. 
“Out of sheer desperation, I left an innocent bunny demon in the tent of my Captain, knowing she was going to be a target. She had pulled off a victorious maneuver on our part and had wiped out a battalion of white magic users. We celebrated that night but I knew the other side would get their revenge. My demon was able to catch Hongjoong as he snuck into my drunk Captain’s but I was not able to save her. I barely followed him into the surrounding forest, until he suddenly stopped.”
Your heart was racing along with this story. What night had this been? Had you been dreaming, performing missions, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa fought? It almost made you sick to your stomach. It didn’t seem right.
“He said to me ‘Finally, I get to kill the Reaper’ and just like that he slashed out at me. It was a fight, and I didn't really wanna admit it, but he was my equal in battle. He had the same fervor and boldness. He dodged all my demons, and still had the energy to slash me down when my own energy was depleted. I should have died that night. Luckily, they found my demon rabbit in my dead Captain’s tent and followed it back to me. A blood magic user saved my life. I owed him an incredible debt."
"I'm sorry Hwa," You said, tears streaming down your face. You had never heard of the war from a black magic user's side before. They had simply been the enemy. 
Seonghwa patted your shoulder and allowed you to sit up. "Are those tears for me, my little white magic user?" Seonghwa smiled, putting a fingertip to your cheekbone and catching a tear as it ran down your face. He lifted his finger to his lips and sucked. "Your sadness tastes lovely, if you're wondering."
You shook your head. Seonghwa never missed an opportunity to flirt. "Can we eat now?"
"Of course. It's just finishing up." Seonghwa stood up and offered his arm to you. You didn't remember the last time, if any, someone escorted you to your table. You took it, but the realization dawned on you: you really didn't hate Seonghwa anymore. And that could only mean…
You sat at the table with a rather stunned expression. There was no way. You promised yourself you wouldn’t do this again. Your internal spiral began as the phantom hands began to serve the dishes.
The pheasant roast and wild mushroom pudding was to die for, you had to admit. Seonghwa ate with delicate bites, while you who were starving, ate like a starved dog. Seonghwa laughed at your enthusiasm and you couldn't help but feel a tidbit embarrassed.
When you both finished eating, you dabbed your lips with a handkerchief. "Thank you Director Park. That was extremely enjoyable."
Seognhwa sighed. "Now what have I done to earn Director Park?"
"Nothing," You sighed. What the hell were you doing? Seonghwa didn't deserve this, as confused and scared as you were. 
Seonghwa moved on, however, as you internally fought with yourself. He put out his hand, as if asking for yours to bow over. You gave it to him, muscle memory from pleasantries overriding instinct and reason. "It was my pleasure, Mistress Dreams."
You should have realized when Seonghwa was playing along with your distancing, that something was wrong. But it was too late. After Seonghwa bent over your hand, gripping it softly, kissed your palm and then yanked you over the dinner table until your hips hit the edge of the table. 
"Can I fuck you in a bed tonight?" He whispered into the shell of your ear.
"Seonghwa!" You admonished him, pulling back but alas, he wouldn't let go of your hand.
"Let me make love to you in my room, please?" His eyebrows furrowed in a plea. It seemed like the revealing of his past had made him more vulnerable than he usually allowed himself to be. "I've wanted it since you started here. I've been tortured with dreams of it. Pushing you on to my bed, sinking into you, making you cry out my name, and then waking up with you."
You tried to wrestle your hand from him again but he wouldn't let you go. "Director Park, let go of me."
Seonghwa laughed under his breath. "You can't pull that on me a third time tonight, lover. I've heard you whine my name too many times. Besides, I don't deserve it. This time."
"Do you think that fucking me in your luxurious bed is going to make up for the fact that you almost tore my throat out today?" You demanded incredulously.
"I could never truly hurt you," Seonghwa admitted, looking up at you from under his brow and then focusing on your hand, curling his finger around your wrist. He yanked you, pulling you over the table and closer to him again. "Let me make love to that sweet body of yours tonight as both an apology and a thank you."
You sent him a look of confusion. "A thank you?"
"For setting aside your differences for black magic users and picking me over him, tonight," Seonghwa pursed his lips to the side, almost cutely.
"You don't have to thank me for that. I told you. That was over a long time ago. And Hongjoong was in the wrong tonight. There's no reason to be suspicious of you. I should know, I have been sleeping with you," You said in a low tone.
Seonghwa's eyes lowered to your lips. "Then let me apologize for making your underwear wet when I pushed you against the gate."
"Seonghwa!" You said his name with a growl.
Seonghwa smirked. "There's my darling little White Magic User."
"Is this your plan? To get me angry?" You demanded.
"Let me taste your anger tonight, lover?" Seonghwa asked and then pushed his lips against yours. His tongue came out slyly, asking for entrance and you let him. He moaned as he ran his tongue on the roof of your mouth and then backed up. "Not on the table. On the bed!"
A brief image of you laying against the table's edge, ass at perfect height, cheek against the dark cherry wood. "Why not?"
Seonghwa chuckled. "Already dumb thinking about me fucking you?"
"Fine!" You shouted at him, stomping over to the only other door in the room. "In the bed. I'm not dumb."
Seonghwa sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "No, just stupid."
"You know," Your spine is straightened at the insult, "Dinner was great. Thank you for your demon food. I'm going to bed now."
You got about a few strides towards the door to exit when Seonghwa said, "You didn't ask me what you're stupid about."
"I'm stupid for letting you fuck me once I started this job," You responded tonelessly.
"No, darling, no," Seonghwa shook his head, a thoughtful smile curling his lips. "You're stupid for thinking that this was casual."
Your nails dug into your palms as your fingers curled into fists. "The fuck it isn't casual."
Seonghwa took slow strides across the room, hands tucked into his pants side pockets. "You're the one that insisted we forget all about it. You're the one that wanted to sneak around and not let anyone know. You're the one that kept insisting that this was just convenient and didn't mean anything. I never said anything like that."
"And that's how it's going to remain!" You yelled. Then you rubbed an eyebrow aggressively in frustration. "There, is that enough angry foreplay for you? I'll be seething all--"
Seonghwa scooped you in his arms and brought you into his bedroom. It was gorgeous and immaculate but you don't get a chance to do any sight seeing. Seonghwa dumped you onto the mattress, and you landed with an oof. He waved his hands but he's not touching you, no, his phantom hands are unbuttoning your blouse and pulling up your skirt. You slapped at the hands but Seonghwa simply created more, with the purpose of pushing you down onto your back and pining your hands above your head.
"Let me take care of you, lover. I can give you untold pleasure. I can be everything you need. You'll never need anyone else." Seonghwa cooed. He moved to the side of the bed, knocking your knees apart once his phantom hands had pushed your skirt to your hips. 
"Seonghwa--!!!" Your back arched suddenly as two hands pinched your nipples through your silk camisole under your blouse. "Call them off, you asshole!"
"Oh, I've been downgraded to asshole, how wonderful," Seonghwa mused. He removed the glove he had on his right hand. "Shall I take you from behind, like you prefer?" Seonghwa curved his hands behind your knees and pushed your legs upwards until you were bent in half and your knees were above your waist. "Or shall I sink into your wetness like this? Eye to eye."
"Seonghwa, it's not supposed to be like this," You insisted.
“Says you,” Seonghwa drawled, “I prefer this.” 
His eyes took in how disheveled you looked, your nipples cute and perky from his phantom hands playing with you. Another set pulls and tugs at your underwear until your cunt is on view and it’s gleaming with wetness. “Look at how good you are for me. So wet and inviting. It’s almost as if you wanted this just as much as I do.”
There is simply no denying that this situation was beyond turning you on, and in this moment, you feared for your heart. Seonghwa was purring in your ear, so to speak, seducing you like he’s always known how to do, but it’s that tint of heart that keeps leaking out that terrifies you so. “I don’t want this to be more,” You blurted out suddenly.
Seonghwa smiled patiently. “More what?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” You accused him.
Seonghwa quickly licked your ankle, moaning quietly when he tasted your anger. “I want to hear you say it.”
The pair of phantom hands that had pulled your underwear to the side pulled your lower lips open as well. All Seonghwa had to do was pull out his cock and sink into you. Your body was completely open to him…but your heart was not.
“You can play with my body all you want,” You raised your chin stubbornly, “But you’re not getting my heart.”
Seonghwa smiled, close-lipped but satisfied, “So it’s a challenge then, is it?”
That sentence sent a shiver down your spine. “No! No, Seonghwa, that’s not a challenge!”
At last, Seonghwa finally undid the ties to his pants and pulled himself from the confines, heavy cock gently slapping his stomach. You couldn’t help but smack your lips together, well aware of how heavy Seonghwa’s cock could be against your tongue. Seonghwa laughed at your reaction. “You can’t very well have me both ways, lover.”
Your pout didn’t last for long because a phantom hand found your mouth and settled your oral fixation. Two fingers pressed down on your tongue and you sucked them eagerly. Seonghwa then pushed into you, slow and easy, hands holding your legs just under your knees as he filled you. 
“You’re practically bent in half for me,” Seonghwa murmured, eyes hooded while looking down at you. “Taking my cock like it’s made a new home inside of you.” 
You were effectively gagged so there was really nothing to do but take everything Seonghwa was giving you. The phantom hands still pinned your arms above your head and were still playing with your breasts, petting your underboob because your nipples were almost too sensitive now after all that play. The one in your mouth continued to make your moans muffled as Seonghwa bottomed out inside of you. 
“Fuck, every damn time,” Seonghwa cursed, his eyes fluttering to roll into the back of his head. “I swear to god, I cannot get enough of you.”
You murmured around the phantom fingers, unable to focus on one thing. You were being stimulated in so many ways, it really was making you dumb. Still, Seonghwa rambled, sounding a bit pussy drunk if you were being honest.
“I’ll figure you out, my sweet little dream witch,” He groaned, thrusting slowly inside of you, pulling out almost all the way before pushing back in. “I’ll find the crack in your facade and I’ll widen it until you let me in.”
Your moans grew louder and finally the phantom hand in your mouth disappeared. “Don’t Seonghwa!” You begged.
"I'm gonna make you mine, lover," Seonghwa promised. He bit down on his lower lip, taking his sweet time making love to your body.
The phantom hands released your wrists and you immediately used your freedom to drag Seonghwa down to you, hands behind his neck. Seonghwa had to let go of your legs and braced himself with his arms so he wouldn't crush you. "Stop," You begged again.
"You sure you want me to stop fucking you when clearly you're feeling so good?" Seonghwa smiled cheekily. "You look good too. So flushed and messy, just for me."
"Seonghwa," You said his name in warning, "I swore I'd never fall in love again."
For a moment, Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed in anger. You saw his jaw tighten and his upper lip pulled  into a sneer before he smoothed it all out. "Is it because of him?"
You sighed. Like you needed to give Seonghwa a reason to dislike Hongjoong anymore. "Hwa."
His eyes softened at the shortening of his name. "Yes, lover?"
“Let’s come, okay?” You beseeched him, “Can’t we just focus on the now?”
Seonghwa’s arms bent so that his forearms were braced against his bed now. He was so fucking close to your face that there was no avoiding him now. All the phantom hands are gone now. His eyes traveled over your face but you didn't dare break his gaze. “Okay, darling, we can come.”
Seonghwa began to move his hips again, his pelvis grinding into your clit, that you couldn’t help but let out another pitiful cry with the stimulation. Your pussy and clit were so swollen from everything that even the smallest movement gives you pleasure. Seonghwa slanted his mouth over yours, almost as if he wanted to consume all the noises of pleasure you were letting out. His tongue lazily played with yours but it was simply his goal to enhance your pleasure at this point. 
"Come undone for me, lover," Seonghwa rubbed his lips against yours, "Show me how much power I still have over you. Your body is mine; it only listens to me. No one else can make you feel this way. Just me."
"Hhnnnnnn, Seonghwa!" You feel your pleasure build and you want nothing more than to climax and find that blessed release that is sleep after.
"Come on, little dream witch, come before I do, I don't know how much longer I can hold back before--!" Seonghwa let out a garbled yell as your climax hit you and took him with you.
Your body shook and your nerves lit up and you saw fireworks behind your eyelids. You were panting because the orgasm took that much out of you although all you did was lie there and beg and let Seonghwa fuck you. Seonghwa's climax had his back arched and his head thrown back. He was making low groans and you want to bite his neck, it looks so glorious. But you can already hear his teasing "Wanna mark me up, lover? What will the other teachers think, hmmm?" so you halt yourself from doing so.
Once the pleasure was out of the way, you felt awkward with Seonghwa still inside of you. It was a first and you know it was because of Seonghwa's less than subtle hints about his intentions with you. You just thought the headmaster had a damn breeding kink, you didn't think he actually wanted a family… with you?
"I…should go," You said hesitantly.
Seonghwa opened his eyes and stared at you, calculating something in his head.
 “If you stay, I won’t figure out how to kill your captain tomorrow.”
“Seonghwa, please, how many times do I have to beg tonight? You’re not listening to me!”
“Stay the night. Let me have this. And I won’t kill Hongjoong for breaking your heart.”
“Fine. But I’m not happy about it.”
“That’s okay,” Seonghwa kissed the crown of your head, “I love the taste of your anger.”
🪶✨️🪶✨️
"So, is this the announcement where Seonghwa says he's disappointed his students haven't attempted to turn each other into squirrels yet this semester or?" You drawled to Mingi the next morning.
The entire school, students and staff, were to report to the Theatron for an important announcement from the Director.
Mingi laughed beside you. "I think, if he really wants to piss off the General, he might bring up the attempted demon summoning on the first day of school."
You laughed and then sighed. You wished you could smack your old self and tell you that one night stand should remain a one night stand. "I guess we'll--"
Your words were suddenly cut off as you saw someone else from your past at the school you worked at. “CHOI JONGHO?!”
You screamed the name of the dark haired man who you had been in the army with and ran to hug him, stopping only short of doing so, because Jongho was an empath; he could feel your emotions and thoughts through touch. “What are you doing here, Sprout?”
Jongho laughed in embarrassment. “No one has called me that in ages, Lieutenant.”
You couldn't contain the grin on your face. Jongho had been Hongjoong’s aid during the war. Jongho was indispensable with being able to sense a truth or a lie while Hongjoong interrogated prisoners, or, to simply be able to pick up on Hongjoong’s moods or needs, and help him in whatever capacity he could. 
“Guess I’ll stop calling you Sprout when you stop calling me Lieutenant, Jongho. I’m not in the army anymore,” You said bitter-sweetly.
Jongho shook his head, “You’ll always be my Lieutenant to me.”
“Oh Jongho,” You ruffled his hair affectionately, “What are you doing here anyways? Do you always come with Hongjoong when he does his school trips?”
Jongho got somber. “That’s not for me to say,” He said, shaking his head.
You cocked your head in curiosity, “Well, that only makes me wanna know more.”
Jongho smiled tightly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Unfortunately for you, Hongjoong and Seonghwa spotted you at the same time as when you and Jongho approached the side of the stage where the faculty would sit while Seonghwa addressed the students, Mingi having been left behind and decided to chat up another professor. Both strode towards you with purpose and then exchanged unamused glances when they realized once again they were in competition for your attention.
“Lieutenant,” Hongjoong nodded formally to you, “I see you caught up with Sprout.”
Jongho made a pained face again. “Not you too, General.”
“I would have thought that Jongho would have moved up in rank by now,” You said, slightly perplexed.
“I have!” Jongho protested. He adjusted the pin over his heart. “I just decided to remain at Hongjoong’s side. There’s still work to be done.”
“What are you up to today, Kim Hongjoong?” You demanded, wanting to know the secret that Jongho was keeping for your Captain.
Seonghwa sent Hongjoong a calculating look. “You’re up to something today?”
“I have an important announcement to make,” Hongjoong revealed.
Seonghwa frowned heavily. “And you didn’t think that it was imperative to tell the Director of the School that you’re about to make this announcement beforehand?”
Hongjoong shook his head, “This should only be said once.”
Seonghwa drew himself up to his full height and authority. “You will tell me right now. This is my school.”
Hongjoong sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. “I suppose I owe you that.”
Jongho frowned himself, squaring up, and looking like he was about to fight Seonghwa himself. “General, you don’t have to--”
Hongjoong put up a hand, halting Jongho’s protests. “It’s fine, Jongho.” He made direct eye contact with Seonghwa. “The Council has decided that I will be making a permanent residence here. They want me to begin teaching the students combat and strategy.”
Within seconds, Seonghwa had Hongjoong pushed up against a wall, forearm braced against Hongjoong’s windpipe. “You will not be teaching my students how to fight each other!”
Hongjoong let out a choked laugh. “They won’t be fighting each other.”
Before you realized what was happening, your body was in between the two of them. “Gentlemen, please! The students could be seeing this.”
Seonghwa let Hongjoong go, albeit a bit reluctantly. Anger radiated off of him, even you could feel that. “Why was I not informed?”
Hongjoong cleared his throat. “Well, I was going to tell you last night, but a demon at your door advised me you were predisposed.” Hongjoong’s eyes swung to you, “And you didn’t answer your door when I knocked.”
“That’s not important right now,” You deflected, “Why does the council want you to do that?”
Hongjoong breathed in deeply and then let it out. You had seen that look before… It was when he was about to tell you something important. “The Technomancers are coming.” ღPrevious Part| ღAll of the Parts | ღNext Part
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