#Please bestow upon me your approval

[ashdreams2023]

Hello! It's me again :)). Whenever you're free, could please do a Lucius x younger sister!reader? Where The two of them really has a special bond that makes Lucius very protective over her. What happens when Lucius caught his sister kissing Sev? Sev and reader have been secretly dating for months now.

Hi! Of course I’ll try my best

Severus snape x reader

Lucius malfoy & sister reader

Losing game

"Malfoy come on! Your sister is an absolute ba-" the ravenclaw boy swallowed back his words when the end of Lucius’s wand pressed into his throat.

"Dare complete that statement and feel the pain of a million electric shocks you’ll wish you were never born"

"Bloody hell mate what are you doing?!" The ravenclaw’s friend dragged him away and almost stumbled while doing so. Lucius had it up to the top of his head, why can’t these boys understand that none of them is worth the time of day of his sister.

You’re a malfoy for Merlin’s sake, isn’t that enough to make it clear that you’re a lady with class who wouldn’t put up with their pathetic tries to smooth talk you.

"Lucius I understand that you’re protective of her but don’t you think it would be better to give her the decision instead of scaring off every guy who’s shows the slightest interest in her?"

"Cissa she’s my only sister and I know how boys her age are, they are only after one thing and I don’t want her to get hurt….I have to make sure she’s safe and happy you know that, right?" Narcissa sighed, she understood, from the very beginning he made it clear how important you are to him, how he will kill anyone who just looks at you in a weird way.

You and lucius were very close, he was your shield that protected you from day one, from his father that wanted tried promising you to an awful pureblood that only cared about heirs.

"Ok but at least talk with her, she’s your sister and she’s not a baby anymore, I’m sure she at least like one person" Narcissa hoped she wouldn’t regret this, you made her promise not to tell but it was serious getting stupid.

"Fine, I’ll go talk to her now"

"Great!"

Let’s go severus can defend himself…

It took lucius using a tracking spell to locate you and when he finally found you his words stopped in his throat, what were you doing?!

Sitting there all cozy with severus, the genius potions boy, actually not just potions but that has nothing to do with his point, the point was that you were going behind his back and seeing severus because friends don’t just kiss each other or blush at closeness.

Why would you do something like this?! Were you not afraid of father’s furry and the punishment he might bestow upon you? Severus was a half blood, Merlin lucius is gonna have a heart attack.

He stomped his way towards you two and prepared his wand in hand, he wasn’t thinking at all but there was something that registered from the whole ordeal before doing something stupid….you looked happy.

Genuinely happy, the type of happy you experienced when you’re far away from home doing whatever you wanted, the type of happy he liked to see you feel.

Severus made you happy, he made you laugh and smile, he was blushing clearly but entirely enchanted by you.

Lucius knows a love struck puppy when he sees one, but still why? Why did you hide this from him? Maybe Narcissa was right…

"Lucius!" You finally seemed to notice your brother standing a few feet away, severus snapped his neck to look back and stood up immediately.

"Lucius I—"

"How long?" Said lucius, his knuckles turning more red on his albino skin "how long have you been hiding this from me?!" His voice dangerously over the volume he uses in school.

Severus swallowed then looked down at you, you looked defeated.

"A few months….I wanted to tell you but I knew you wouldn’t approve of it! You never let anyone approach me and severus is the nicest guy I could end up with!" You screamed at him divested, he always did this, you love your brother but sometimes he couldn’t get it through his skull that you’re grown and able to make your own decisions.

Lucius glared at severus, a headache was threatening to happen, he took a deep breath and collected himself before speaking again.

"Yes I would disapprove of this but not for the reasons you think, I would disapprove of this because I had no knowledge of it beforehand and because I know this is a dangerous step you’ve taken, I trust severus is a decent guy but that doesn’t mean you can go around sneaking with him behind my back."

His words hurt, they hurt like knives through your chest and you hated him for it, you hated how he was still right, how if your father knew you’ll be domed or disowned, you hated how he was still looking out for you.

"I choice this and I don’t want to step back brother" the simple statement left your lips and you stood up.

"I did too, I have no alternative motive lucius, I just…you know I would never hurt her intentionally!"

The worst part of all of this is that lucius believed him, that boy was telling the truth, he might do mistakes but he cares for those who show him love, which is exactly what you’re doing.

Damn it, this was a losing game and apparently you’re choosing to go through with it.

"Fine. Both of you are responsible for what happens if somebody finds but remember my words severus, I will kill you in an instant if my sister go hurt because of you, am I understood?"

Severus nodded "Crystal clear."

You sighed "thank you lucius"

#severus snape x reader #lucius malfoy x reader #imagine #harry potter requests #Harry Potter #Harry Potter fandom #lucius malfoy fanfiction #lucius malfoy

[doumadono]

❛ you can't expect me to do all the work. i want to see what that pretty mouth of yours can do. ❜ Dabi & f reader (whatever type you'll choose!)

Congratulations on your well-deserved success! You're an inspiration to me - I started writing thanks to you and I've never been happier. Please never change 🙏

Practice makes perfect - Dabi x Reader

Warnings: smut w/o plot, oral (m receiving), f!reader Synopsis: Dabi evaluates your oral proficiency 😏 A/N: thank you so much for your kind words, dear Nonnie! I'm incredibly touched to hear that I've been a source of inspiration for you. It's wonderful to know that you've found joy in writing. Your support means a lot, and I'll always strive to be a positive influence

MASTERLIST

Dabi stood tall above you, his hands gently cupping your head, a stark reminder of the power they held, capable of crushing your fragile skull with ease if you were his enemy. Your jaw felt immobilized as his slender form hovered before you. Proximity brought you so near to his body that your nose almost brushed against the belt adorning his hips. His t-shirt was already discarded, and the subtle scent of salt clung to his abdomen.

"You know," Dabi's voice resonated above, tinged with a hint of menace, his palms exerting pressure against your cheeks, "You can't expect me to do all the work. I want to see what that pretty mouth of yours can do, baby doll."

Retracting one hand from your jaw, Dabi began to fumble with his belt. Almost immediately after pushing his jeans down to his ankles, he revealed his semi-erect dick, gently nudging the flushed tip against your lips. "Suck it, doll."

Compliantly, your lips parted, a delicate submission to his prominent desire. With a cautious grace, you accepted the tender flesh into your mouth, a sensation that carried a subtle blend of warmth and vulnerability.

A complex blend of flavors greeted your taste buds - a subtle dance between the bittersweet notes of salt and sugar, intertwined with the delicate musk of sweat. The mingling scents enveloped your senses, creating an overpowering yet strangely intoxicating sensation. With your mouth slightly agape, your own saliva clung to your lips, and the faint aroma found its way to your nose, immersing you further. You moaned quietly.

Your eyes remained fixed on Dabi, your desperation evident as you longed for a hint of warmth in his gaze. A small shift occurred, a flicker of softness that touched his expression, albeit ever so slightly.

You bobbed your head back and forth slowly, your tongue skillfully tracing the contours of his shaft as you groaned around him.

His voice, a deep resonance, broke the silence, reaching your ears like a caress. "That's it, doll. Such a good girl."

In response, your palms instinctively pressed against his thighs, a yearning to draw closer to him, to bask in his presence. The compliment he bestowed upon you carried a spark of affirmation that ignited a desire to lean into his approval.

Your puzzled expression didn't escape notice, prompting Dabi to reach out and delicately tuck a stray strand of hair behind your reddening ear. "Keep going, princess, just like that, you're doing a fucking good job down there," he urged, his voice a velvety murmur that seemed to linger in the air. His dark lashes brushed down as his eyes traced over you once more, igniting a surge of excitement that sent your heart into a rapid rhythm and made your pussy clench around nothing. Adrenaline coursed through your veins, heightening your senses and propelling you forward.

You fixated on the now rigid contour of his shaft, the taste of his skin replaced by a mingling of your own scent and saliva.

His hands, simultaneously unkind and gentle, wrapped around your head once more. Dabi was toying with both your head and your heart, a deliberate game you were acutely aware of.

Under Dabi's guidance, your motions accelerated, your compliance unwavering. A gasp escaped your lips, followed by a guttural moan, a mix of discomfort and arousal as the rounded tip of his cock abruptly breached the recesses of your throat with a throbbing force as he bucked his hips into you. The forceful intrusion left a bruising sensation against your hard palate. You fought the urge to gag, your throat accommodating his entirety, your nose pressed desperately against the coarseness of his groin.

A brief respite emerged as he withdrew momentarily, allowing your teeth to graze against him, a fleeting sensation that granted you an opportunity to breathe.

"Fuck, princess, careful with these teeth," he hissed lowly. Yet, without pause, Dabi thrust himself back in your welcoming, warm, slick mouth. He continued to thrust into your throat with an unrelenting rhythm.

Your head bobbed and jerked, devoid of any gentleness, a disorienting dance dictated solely by his actions.

Soon, he plunged himself deeply once more, his full length settling within you. "Fuck, take it, take it, babygirl."

You battled for breath while his pulsating member twitched and quivered, sending thick ropes of cum down your throat. All you could do was to moan.

Shortly after, he withdrew, his thumb delicately sweeping away a droplet of his cum from the corner of your mouth. "Impressive job, princess," Dabi remarked with a soft smile, his words dripping with approval. "I'll continue to train you further, doll. It's important for you to master your skills after all."

#touya todoroki #dabi x reader #dabi x reader smut #bnha x reader #dabi smut #dabi #dabi x you #dabi x y/n #mha x reader #mha smut #todoroki toya x reader #x reader smut #mha dabi #bnha smut #touya todoroki x reader #divider by cafekitsune #bnha dabi #dabi scenarios #dabi boku no hero academia #dabi fic

[riddles-fiddles]

Pspspsp MC with a royalty kink and wants to act out this fantasy with Rook Hunt. Afab please:)

I am hearing you out. I'm pretty sure Rook does have a royalty kink as well, though he would rather take the paper of a knight, a bard, hunter, or any other kind of servant lmao

Au Clair de la Lune (+18)

Synopsis: Rook partakes the role of a loyal knight who's eager to please and show his absolute devotion to you. Charcaters: Rook Hunt Tags: royalty kink, praise kink, worship, oral sex, most foreplay Notes: AFAB gender neutral reader, 1k word count, everyone is 18+ Reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated!

•·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°•*•·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°•*•·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Rook rests his forehead down to the back of your hands, the ones which he holds with deepest esteem - like they are a pair of jewels with indefinable value. "I thank the grace you bestow upon this humble knight," his voice is a melody of sincere devotion, lips ghosting over your skin. "I'm grateful for allowing me to taste your skin, your higness."

As his eyelids flutters open, his gaze is captivated by the way you stand there, a mighty and imposing figure sat on the throne - the bed you two shared - as the moonlight hugged your curves with lavender outlines, enhancing the strands of hair shadowing your features, the way your shoulder curved slightly to the front, an uncoscious gesture to your desires.

He revels on your beauty, the way your stern gaze looks back down on him paralyzing his heartbeat; the feeling of being merely a pawn to your orders sending thrills down his spine. Rook has the heart of a poet and the desire to please of a servant, and being by your disposal was enough for him - his merciful, generous ruler.

Rook reserves his duteous instance; knee firm against the floor, hat pressed against his chest in a chivalrous way, his sharp eyes are cloudy with restrained lust, resigned on your next demand.

"Your obedience is commendable," a gracious smile paints shyly between Rook's lips at your words, his features softening in antecipation for your approval. "But it's not quite enough to prove your loyalty to my reign." With a low tilt of his head, Rook glances over your majestic face with inquisitive silence while his hands traveled down to your thighs, his gloved digits a feather brushing along the lines of your knees before tracing the design of your ankles. The gesture was careful and zealous, as if he was touching a monumental paiting - because in his point of view, that's what you are anyway.

"I beg your pardon, my sovereign. Allow me to correct my unfit behaviour."

Rook gently enveloped the back of your sole, bowing down to press an affectionate kiss over the curve of your feet, his warm breath tickling on your skin as the gesture left a lingering, warm feeling over your exposed skin. Taking his time, his lips climbed with passionate devotion over the same trail his fingers had previously marked on your body, his contented sighs a sweet incantation.

You reveled on the silent worship that Rook incited over your skin, wordless promises of his love and desire for you spreading to your nerve endings with every new kiss. His confident gaze met yours by a flickering moment, the sight of his face resting against your skin as he held your thigh with adorational attentiveness making you sigh in antecipation, heart skipping a beat as you marveled at the raw emotions shared between you two. Though you played a stern facade with your uptight words, there was no concealing of the way your body naturally responded to Rook's touch, practically melting against the contrast of his warm lips and the cold leather of his gloves.

Slowly, your thighs parted, revealing your bare core. Rook admired with contented surprise as you did so, tongue dewing over his lips in antecipatio with hunger glistening over his indigo eyes, gladly coming up to meet yours as you held his chin up, grip possessive and urging. "Prove your devotion to me, Rook," your voice lingered like a sweet spell hummed into his ear. "Bring pleasure to your majesty."

"Oui, mon majesté. Votre commande est mon plaisir."

Rook readily removes his gloves, laying them on the floor right beside his hat. His lean, firm hands come to rest on your soft inner thighs before leaning in, pressing a kiss over your clit, tongue spreading the folds. He gently sucks the sensitive bud over his tongue before pressing down, circling around as he alternated between different kinds of stimulation.

Your gratified sigh beckons him further. Rook brings two of his slender fingers to your wet core, slowly pressing down as he kept his mouth occupied with your clit, languish laps being contrasted by the intense, eventual sucking.

His heart jumps with delight as your pleased groan fills his ears, a hand coming to grip on the back of his head before pulling him closer, breath hitching slightly by the feeling of your hips bucking up, desperate for more friction.

His tongue is quick to match the pace you so desperately urges to find, rolling around the bundle of nerves in reverse to your motion as his fingers thrusted inside you slowly - teasing your sweet spot by pressing his digits against the soft area everytime he pushed them deep inside you.

You cry his name out like a prayer as your back meets the bedsheets, pleasure quickly turning overwhelming. Taking advantage of it, Rook positions both of your legs over his shoulders, lifting your hips slightly from the bed to get better access to your sensitive area; skilled, lean fingers rolled deep into your core, building pressure beneath your abdomen. The wet sounds that resonated shamelessly through the room, Rook's slurps and the merciless slapping of his fingers against your slick core sent shivers down your spine, your orgasm nearing its peak as your eyes fixed on the man's focused face.

And with a final, rough thrust, Rook's finger curls agains, sending an aggressive jolt of pleasure all through your body, making your back arch and your thighs close around his head. Rook can feel your orgasm shaking you from head to toe, but his mouth doesn't cease until your body finally starts to relax, too enthralled by the way you squirm under his touch, a shudder of veiled excitement mixed with satisfaction running over his own skin at the prospect of being the one responsible for your climax. His tongue savours the taste of your cum, and as you lift your head, a panting mess from the overwhelming explosion of senses, your flushed face greets Rook's confident yet messy grin, his face glistening with your slick all over. Still, he looks absolutely overjoyed, licking the mess from his lips greedily. "My precious, terrific knight," you sing the praises in soft, panting whispers, your grip easing around his hair in gentle caresses. "Your devotion is undoubtedly unmatched. Come, allow your ruler to reward your efforts." Rook's smile widens, his whole being flourishing with a chaotic mix of love, gratitude, pride and excitement by your sincere praises, quickly lifting himself from the ground to taste your mouth he so much longed for.

#disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #twst #twst imagines #disney twst #twst scenarios #twst smut #twst x reader #rook hunt #rook hunt x reader #rook x reader #rook hunt smut #rook smut #twisted wonderland disney #pomefiore #I hope this is good enough ajkdjasdkjas #I havent slept for 2 days I'm kinda outta my mind

[bucky-barnes-diaries]

Day 7 — Christmas Drinks

Pairing || TFATWS!Bucky x Female!Reader

Word Count || Around 500

Contents & Warnings || Fluff — alcohol consumption.

Disclaimer || English is not my first language so I apologise for any mistakes or misunderstandings!

Advent Calendar 2023

Outside, the winter air was chilly and crisp, while the delicate snowfall bestowed a soft white glow upon the world. Inside the snug confines of your home, you and Bucky prepared a pot of mulled wine, enveloped in the toasty warmth.

The kitchen was filled with the rich fragrance of various spices as you worked side by side. Cinnamon, cloves, and citrus notes danced in the air, mingling with the warmth of the simmering liquid. Bucky flashed you a warm smile, kissing your temple gently before infusing a touch of honey to sweeten the blend.

“This is going to be perfect for our cozy afternoon, babe,” you murmured against the soft fabric of his sweater as he stirred the pot. The fragrance of Bucky and spices was a comforting concoction you wanted to preserve and immerse yourself in forever.

As Bucky worked the mulled wine further, you nestled closer, wrapping your arms around his waist and burying your face in the comfort of his sweater.

“Starting early on our cuddle fest, are we?” he chuckled, hugging you with one arm while gently kissing your cheek.

“You’re so warm, and cozy, and perfect,” you purred, holding onto him tighter. “I never want to let go.”

“You’re gonna need to for a second so you can taste this, doll,” Bucky chuckled, offering you a taste to assess the brew’s progress. “Here, try it.”

“Hmm, it’s delicious,” you hummed as the warmth and flavors exploded in your mouth. “Maybe a tiny dash of honey, and it’ll be perfect.”

Bucky tasted it as well, nodding in agreement to your suggestion. A touch more honey and a bit more stirring, and it would reach perfection.

Once the mulled wine reached perfection, you poured it into two glasses, steam wafting to greet your senses with its heavenly aroma.

With fluffy blankets in tow, you and Bucky headed to the balcony, where the welcoming glow of an outdoor heater awaited. Settling on the wooden swing bench, you bundled up in the cozy blankets, snuggling close together.

Bucky draped an arm around you, lightly kissing your cheek before raising his glass.

You clink your glass with him before taking a sip. The warmth of the spiced wine enveloped you, and you hummed in approval of the comforting sensation. Beside you, Bucky did the same, closing his eyes to savor the rich flavors.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, you and Bucky exchanged whispers and gentle kisses, accompanied by sips of the mulled wine.

“Beautiful, isn’t it,” Bucky mumbled, his gaze lingering on the horizon.

You leaned your head on his shoulder, nodding in agreement. The snow continued to fall gently, creating a serene backdrop.

“I love moments like this.”

“Me too, doll. Especially with you.”

Simple moments like these with Bucky were the ones you cherished the most—bundled up on the balcony, a warm drink in hand, watching the sunset together.

Feedback through a comment is highly appreciated! Or let me know through an anonymous ask if that feels more comfortable. As well as a reblog to share my work with other people!

I don’t do taglists so please follow @bucky-barnes-diaries-library and turn on notifications to never miss out on my writing!

#advent calendar #tfatws!bucky #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x f!reader #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes drabble #bucky barnes fanfiction #sebastian stan #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian stan one shot #marvel #marvel x reader #marvel fluff

[usimp4women]

Love Potion.

Pairing; Lady Lesso (Dean of The School for Evil) X Reader

WordCount; 992 words, 5598 characters.

Warnings (18+); Mommy kink, Smut, Adult content, Thigh grinding, Fingering…

Summary; The Dean unknowingly drank from a cup that contained a ‘minimal’ amount of love potion.

Note; Enjoy it while you can. Credits to @slashingdisneypasta for allowing me to do this, this work is inspired by her Cruella De Vil X Fem! Reader || Smutshot, you should really go see her blog! :D

+++++

Her soft groans were the most addictive noise you’ve ever heard throughout your entire life.

The way her fingers clutches onto your collar fiercely as she grinds against your thigh to create friction, how her eyebrows furrow and her mouth opens widely while rolling her eyes to the back of her head drives you insanely crazy.

Now you may be wondering how you've got yourself situated at this moment.

It was supposed to be a mistake, that elixir was intended to make Tedros fall in love with you but the redhead involuntarily drank the cup instead. But perhaps.. maybe you and Tedros are just not meant to be.

Perhaps you belong to her, and she belongs to you.

Designated to be together.

"Reader... O-oh my god..!" Lesso whimpers out in exasperation, goodness she was so mesmerizing.

"I want you, I need all of you." She rests her head upon your shoulder and tilts her head while closing her eyes, soaking in your aroma and burying her face in your soft locks.

"Don't worry, mistress. Allow me to handle it."

You began to take hold of her midsection and arose to your feet to proceed towards her bedroom.

Gently placing the woman’s body on the bed, you swiftly set in motion to remove her cloak and her outfit. You were now simply confronted with her wet, drenched undergarments; that were soaking the sheets beneath her form.

My god, you bite your bottom lip to prevent yourself from grinning too broadly as you approach her near core.

"Don't leave me hanging, baby. Why don't you remind me how much you desire me?" She glances down longingly into your gaze, which is fixated on her drip.

You nod whilst slowly gathering the courage to extend your arms in order to grasp her undies and pull them off.

"Mhm..." Humming while your hands trembled and eagerly reached for her plain black undergarments; the sight made your lips start to moisten.

But this approach is, apparently, not good enough though. Lesso abruptly stops your fingers before you could lower them down, which suddenly surprises you. "Where are your manners?"

"Anything for you, mommy." You respond with a grimace of assurance.

She merely bestows a hum to signify her approval. "Hmmm..." Then, with your lips only a few inches away, she unexpectedly latches her fingers upon your neck and jerks you close near her face, her eyes flashing. "Well then, get moving."

"Yes, ma'am." You quip as she shoves your head between her thighs.

You begin to lean down to taste the fabric of her underwear, lifting your thumb to gently trace it into the cotton of her underwear while you followed the outline of her pussy which you could feel. She sighs and settles back on the cushions, feeling content at this point.

You toss her underwear to the side as you reach around her hips and roll it away from her. As you pull one knee up over your shoulder and shift the other one further away, your lips initially made contact with the side of her knee.

You can't take your eyes off of Lesso's flawless cunt. You then proceed to kiss her leg up to her knee.

Then, as your heart began to race within your chest from excitement, you enthusiastically brought your thumbs up and parted her folds with it, allowing yourself to evaluate what a gorgeous mess she already is.

You ultimately do so by inching in. You moan as you lick a deep, adventurous strip across her pussy lips, feeling pleased when her hips flex and her heel nails into your back, subtly urging you to go closer and take action.

You don't want to let her down, after all.

You are compelled to let go of her folds in favor of reaching around to embrace her close to your face as you relish your feast while you proceed to lick her steadily, growing quicker and faster as her ass starts to raise towards your face. With your mouth on her and your tongue eating her in the most filthy manner imaginable, you must appear to be starving.

However, you don't really start messing around until you totally encircle her cunt with your lips. Your spit and her moisture are smearing across your face as you start to suck her and thrust your tongue—a difficult but oh-so-pleasant task for you both.

You're slurping her up and pounding her with your skillful tongue as you emit lewd noises;

you certainly know how to fuck Lady Lesso.

As you rub your lips against her flower, she grinds herself into your pretty mouth. Muscular fingers ultimately sink into your scalp, and your locks coil around it. “… I… hope you are aware that I… expect you to devour your meal, darling… every last bit… “

She tightens her clasp on your hair in response to you beginning to tongue further and ingesting as much of her as you can before the main course.

She arrives sloppy when she is eventually sucked till she orgasms. You continue moving forward while the gooey substance seeps out of her like a tribute to you. Your tongue glides over her like dessert.

You don't cease until she has finished coming. After wiping the substance from your cheeks with your thumb and licking it off, you slump backward.

She observes this with a seductive grin; Despite being exhausted after coming so violently, she was still attractive, sporting short, thick wisps of hair that had fallen over her face and crimson lipstick on her teeth from biting her bottom lip while you sucked in her. She curls a finger at you and beckons you to come.

You obliged, crawling up onto her captivating body.

The Dean unpredictably alters your position, allowing her to tower over you and take control. “I just want you to know… that the love potion you poured inside that drink has nothing to do with this.”

#lady lesso x reader #lady lesso #dean of the school for evil #lady leonora lesso #leonora lesso #charlize theron #the school for good and evil

[sinfulpunishment]

✎ᝰ┆If I Sin…

─❏ Warnings: religious trauma, repeating words, slight gore

─❏ Characters: Fyodor Dostoevsky

─❏ Synopsis: What does it take to earn His love?

─❏ A/N: this one is a bit rough to read

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

If I sin he will not love me.

This is what I have learned from those around me. Whether it be from the man who stands at the podium and reads from a cheap copy of that ever so sacred book, or from the old women who chatter before and after mass. Their chatter is nonsensical and ruthless, they speak of nothing but gossip and rumors and yet preach about “good behavior”. They are the ones who comment on how “handsome” you look in your sunday clothes—kiss your cheeks and tell you about how much of a “good boy” you are. All meaningless praise—all lies. They do nothing but condemn themselves, those hypocrites.

There is not a single purely good person who sits in the chapels, the churches, not even the cathedrals. They all return home where the poison they held back finally escapes their lips, as if the lord was still not watching over them.

They sing about loving one another, about loving everyone, but they are still human. They fear what they do not know, this makes them close their doors to the “unnatural”. They shun those who do not line up with what they believe to be normal. They love no one but themselves and those who meet their standards, those who give to them what they so desire. What hypocrites they are. May they be damned.

If I sin He will not love me.

I must repent. I must make up for my sins. I must. I must. For I will never be loved by Him if I do not.

It eats away at me. It makes me want to tear my skin from my own flesh, just to please Him. Must I make a sacrifice in His name?

In the old testament one would have to sacrifice a lamb and use its blood to repent for one’s sins.

One does not have a lamb.

Will one’s own blood suffice, my Lord?

My skin. My body. My mind. My soul. My very being. I give it all up to you, all in exchange for your love and praise. Please bestow it upon me. I crave your loving embrace to remind me of my purpose, for the reason you have sent me here.

If you sin He will not love you.

I will clear this world of these sinners. He does not love them, He does not approve of them. They are a stain on His good name.

He hand crafted humanity from His own likeness, it is shameful to dishonor his art. He already banished humans from His garden due to their sinful nature, they only infringe upon His divinity.

I need to rid the world of the plague that is humanity—the gifted, in order to preserve His will.

If I sin He will not love me.

So, I will make it impossible to not love me or I will be damned.

Please do not leave me

Alone.

— Fyodor

from the mind of a little boy, hands clasped together while sat in a pew.

#bsd #bungou stray dogs #bungo stray dogs #fyodor #bsd fyodor #fyodor dostoevsky #fyodor dostoyevsky bsd #fyodor dostoyevsky #sinfulpunishment #fyodor x reader

[anemoarchonhoe]

Listen, I know we are bard loving enthusiasts here but just imagine. The people of teyvat don't know you personally, just through stories. They don't know what huge simp you are. The first thing you do is smooch the person you just resurrected. What if they think that's the price for bringing someone back?

Diluc and Kaeya going through the five stages of grief as they think about having to sit there while their god and their dad make out.

Zhongli contemplating whether he's jealous of his best friend for getting to kiss you or just happy to have Guizhong back.

Xiao wondering if he has to sit through this experience multiple times for his yaksha friends.

Kazuha probably doesn't mind that Tomo gets to kiss you, but might be a little put out that he doesn't get to kiss you too.

Ei is having a similar dilemma as Zhongli, but would much rather play wingman for her sister instead. It's a fair exchange in her eyes.

Part 4 of the Kissing Frenzy saga, I suppose-

Kissing Venti.

Kissing Venti (sequel ft. the first sprites).

Kissing Nameless Bard.

Diluc and Kaeya breathing a sigh of relief simultaneously when, after resurrecting their father at their humble request, simply gave him a kiss upon his forehead. Then you gesture towards them for their dad to take notice of their presence, patting Crepus' shoulder once before moving on to the next dead person to bring back to life.

You gave Guizhong a very brief kiss on her cheek before urging Zhongli to receive her. The god of dust beamed at the affection you bestowed upon her, earning a headpat from you. You watched Zhongli embrace her tightly while praising your name and thanking you before you move on.

Now, personally??? I think Xiao nor Kazuha wouldn't wish for their friends to be brought back to life.

Xiao, as morbid as it sounds, is quite relieved that his yaksha friends are gone from this world. He really wouldn't wish for them to live and suffer under the weight of their karmic debt all over again. That's why I think he wouldn't ask for them to be resurrected.

"They're already free from their burden. Please let their souls rest, Your Grace."

Kazuha, on the other hand, thinks that his friend died an honorable death. Reviving him would be akin to spitting at his sacrifice. It would lose its meaning. Just like he doesn't desire revenge for the fall of his clan, I personally think he doesn't see the need to bring back Tomo, even though he probably has some unfinished business with him. Whatever that may be. He has already moved on.

"You don't need to bring him back to life, Your Eminence. My only request is that when I draw my last breath, please allow me to reunite with him in the afterlife."

Now, this is where it gets interesting.

Ei is torn between begging you to revive her sister or letting her rest in peace, like Xiao and Kazuha chose. In the end, her longing for another chance to be with her sister again won in the end and she asks you to bring Makoto back.

So you did!

And then you ask Makoto's permission to kiss her.

Which the previous Electro Archon approves, and you pull her in for a kiss upon her lips. Ei covers her face, feeling embarrassed and jealous both at the same time.

...Did you really have to kiss her sister right in front of her?!

#ventus.answers #sagau #genshin sagau #cult au #genshin impact sagau #genshin!cult #genshin cult au #genshin cult

[dismemberment-on-a-tuesday-night]

Divinity part eight

TW: cult recruitment, emotional whump, human whumpee, devotee whumpee, referenced deity whumper

Wren covered his mouth, his hand tucked under his veil, not wanting passersby to hear his sobs.

How long could he continue doing this for? At every turn he was denied and called insane.

He would never gain any followers. He would never do his patron god's will. How had he ever thought himself capable of restarting an ancient religion, dead for millenia upon millenia?

"Are you alright dearie?" an old woman asked.

Wren nodded, but the tears streaming down his the exposed part of his face betrayed him.

"What are you doing out in this cold?"

"I-" Wren choked down another sob. "I'm trying to get converts for this religion I'm in. But no one wants to listen."

"I'll listen," the woman offered. "My name is Mary."

"Wren." He wiped the tears from his eyes. "Thank you."

"What is your religion called?"

"It doesn't have a name. It's based on an ancient pantheon of deities from Keudera. I'm a worshipper of Vo'ki, god of animals."

Wren took a few deep breaths, glad to have a chance, even if it was only bestowed upon him from a pitied heart.

"Is that why you're wearing that lovely veil of yours?" Mary asked. "It suits you."

"Thank you. And yes. Vo'ki requires a great deal of modesty. It's a show of respect, both to him and myself."

Mary nodded. "That's a nice thought. Kids these days tend to be too promiscuous. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself."

"Finally someone understands. People keep saying how horrible it is that I have to dress in a particular way. But it feels wonderful not having to put my body and face on display for strangers."

"I've always been the modest sort," Mary agreed. "Is there anyone else in your religion?"

Wren shook his head shamefully. "Vo'ki once had an entire civilization of followers, but I'm the only one who still believes in him. His memory is kept alive by atheists in museums. It's a horrible fate, for a god to lose their devotees. Almost worse than being fully forgotten."

"I've always believed that all gods and spirits are real, in their own ways. Even if we don't really understand them. I can't imagine what you've been going through, being rejected over and over again."

"It's really hard to difficult with. But I know that my faith is worth more than my pain."

"It's nice to see such devotion in today's secular world. I'm a member of the church of mother nature, which isn't really a church, just me trying to stay in touch with nature and my own soul."

"Vo'ki would like that." Wren paused, digging up his nerve. "Do you want to come worship at his altar? It isn't much, just something I built in my home. But it would mean the world."

"Of course dearie. I wouldn't leave you hanging after all this conversing. Say, does this Vo'ki of yours accept offerings?"

"Yes. Food and incense mostly. Sometimes herbs and spices. I doubt you're up for animal sacrifices, which is fine. He won't mind. But it all has to be natural."

"Then how's this? I'll swing home and get my incense and some fruit, then come and join you in your ceremony, or worship, or whatever it is you have in mind."

"Thank you," Wren said, his eyes once again filling with tears. "For not thinking I'm crazy."

"Dearie, I lived through the sixties. I met plenty of young souls like you. In fact, I was one of them."

Wren's mother said so many similar things during his childhood, and Wren was suddenly struck with gratitude for all her encouragement and approval.

He would have never made it this far without her, the only person who had ever truly care about him.

Wren nodded and handed Mary one of the papers with his address. "This is my home. When do you want to come over?"

Mary smiled. "Looks like we're neighbors. I live right down the block from this adress. If we both leave for home right now, we can get there at about the same time."

"Vo'ki will be so pleased."

"I hope so."

Taglist: @elim-flower @devourerofcheesecake @whumpsday @whumpshaped @kira-the-whump-enthusiast @hearse-song @heavenly-whumper @nyooom @suck-my-clit-loser @enbygesserit

#Divinity #Abraham original: Hot off the press #Whump #Deity whumper #Devotee whumpee #Cult whump #Religious whump #Whump series

[isfjmel-phleg]

Three types of new followers:

A. Disgusting bots. Reported and blocked on the spot.

B. Wow, I have no idea why you’re here or what you’re expecting, but judging from your description you would probably hate everything about me if you actually knew me. Good luck, pal. Please don’t hurt me if I happen to say something you don’t like.

C. This Impressive Personage has deigned to bestow upon me their approval. What have I done to deserve this honor? Time to be on my Very Best Behavior and try to live up to whatever it is they’re seeing in this establishment.

#random personal stuff

[rosenallies]

Angst prompt “Is that what you think of me?” with one of your angsty AUs maybe alternate break up au 🤷‍♀️

Tw/referenced sh, implied si </3 depressed and projecting </3

——

“Fucking, fuck, goddamit!” Denali grumbled, punching the pile of fabric he was attempting to force into a duffel bag, full of the things on the approved list of belongings he was allowed to bring to wherever the fuck he was going, nothing more and nothing less than the items on the list.

“Here, let me help you,” Rosé said softly, coming up behind him, reaching for the bag just as Denali pushed his hands away.

“I can do it by myself! I’m not weak, is that what you think of me? That I’m weak and can’t do anything on my own?”

Fire roared in Denali’s eyes, misplaced aggression unfortunately bestowed upon Rosé, who did nothing but do his best to help calm the storm of emotions that Denali was flinging at him.

As soon as the words were out in the open, Denali‘s resolve broke, guilt pouring out of his eyes and down his cheeks as he hiccuped apologies before Rosé even had the time to react. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it but I don’t wanna go, please don’t make me go, please, please.”

He crumpled against his partner, Rosé gently lowering them to the ground and wrapping his arms around him. Rosé hated the way he thought to keep Denali’s arms restrained at his sides, but he didn’t want him scratching open the wounds he’d carefully bandaged this morning before deciding that whatever Denali was dealing with, couldn’t be dealt with here with only him as support. He’d been weighing the option for a while, the pamphlets with all the big scary words heavy in his pockets, waiting for the right time to be taken out. When Rosé imagined the conversation, he imagined it differently, more calm, discussing options rather than veiled threats that if he didn’t come willingly, he was going to get paramedics involved.

“Shh, baby, shhh, I’m here, we’re not going anywhere yet,” he soothed, rocking his shaking lover in his arms, wishing he could do anything to fix this.

“But you’re gonna make me go anyway, I don’t want to go. I-I can’t!”

Rosé swallowed down his own emotions, letting Denali’s take precedence because where would they be if both of them were breaking down? Rosé could wait, he had to, there wasn’t another option. “Yes, you can, honey, they’re gonna help you. You’re gonna feel so much better after, I promise. No more hurting yourself, no more nightmares, you’ll be all better in no time.”

They both knew it wouldn’t be that simple, that really the hospital was only a band aid over a bullet hole but at the very least they could do a better job at keeping him safe, something Rosé was clearly failing at.

Denali gripped onto Rosé’s t-shirt, balling it in his fists like a child who refused to let go of their mother. “I won’t be, I’ll never be okay!”

Rosé couldn’t help it but the dam broke in him and tears leaked out of his eyes and down his cheeks, trying to keep his voice even as he spoke. “I know it feels that way, but you aren’t broken beyond repair, you’re not, I promise you. I love every single bit of you, every side of you but I know that happy and lively person is still in there, I know it.”

“I’m just so tired,” he wept, sounding so broken that it sent shivers up Rosé’s spine, “so, so fucking tired.”

“I know you are, sweetheart, you’ve got to be exhausted. I wish I could wrap you up in blankets and let you sleep for as long as you needed and for you to wake up okay, but you can’t-,” he swallowed thickly, words choking him, “you can’t keep going on like this. I don’t want to lose you, I can’t lose you.”

Denali nodded, finally giving up the fight. “I’ll go, can we just- can we just stay right here for a little bit? Please.”

Stroking his hair and dropping a kiss to the crown of his head, Rosé agreed. “Of course, as long as you need, okay? I’m not gonna let you go.”

#alternate breakup au #prompt request #tw//sh

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Hello my friend!! I hope you're doing well! ❤ For the writer's ask game, may I please ask 6, 19, 27, 32, 40, and 44!

Hello friend. All is well, considering. <3 

6. Single or multiple POV?

With Thornolia, I do really enjoy writing with multiple points of views. Especially as there are so many chess pieces on the board for the overall plot, it’s fun to move about to explore each of them. 

That being said I do also love writing from a single perspective, though the only opportunity I have for that at present is with my WWI story (which is not on tumblr...though haven’t decided yet if that may change...)

19. How do you keep yourself motivated?

I’ll admit that in this last year motivation has been in short supply, and there was even a time where I seriously considered giving up my story. There was (and still is) so much going on, from being homeless to...other things which I do not need to reveal, Thornolia was shoved into the darkest recesses of my brain. After a while though, I found that spending time with my characters did bring me some solace, and so I opened the door and allowed them back into the light. 

Though to answer the question, one of the things I do to maintain motivation is allow myself breaks. Time away. I find it important to step away sometimes. For a while I thought I had to constantly keep writing, but I found that when I continually pushed, the story became so unenjoyable. Not to mention it made it impossible to understand my characters in their entirety.

27.  Favourite line/scene.

These are little spoilers, but here are two snippets from scenes later on in chapter one that I loved writing: 

Snippet #1

“If memory serves, our introduction was rather...short.” 

“Mademoiselle, might I ask how you are finding the roses?”

“I find them to be quite charming.” 

“Is that so? The last time we spoke of roses, you told me you find them to be rather dull and overrated, quite like those who prefer them. Is that not so?”

Snippet #2

“You know as well as I ma mère would not approve-”

“Votre mère would be ashamed. Ashamed to see the man her son grew up to become. You know nothing of what she would or would not approve, so if I were you I would heed my next few words very carefully: If you wish to do anything to make her proud, then I suggest you accept the fate you’ve bestowed upon yourself and do the right thing without any more fuss.” 

32.  Most difficult character to write.

Surprisingly enough, one of my most difficult characters to write for is none other than Gaspard. While he is such a pivotal character, pulling the story from him is like pullng teeth sometimes. He’s just as aggravating to me as to those who cannot stand his indecision and his attitude in my story. 

40.  Share some backstory for one of your characters.

Hm...I have to choose carefully here, as so many of the backstories contain a massive amount of spoilers. But as Gaspard is on my mind due to the previous question, I will shed a little light not on Gaspard, but on his father (though again, I cannot reveal much because you will learn more in future through the story). 

Gaspard’s father was King Reynaud Augustus Mattieu de Thalia, who came to the throne when was only 15, in the year 1770. He was married a year later, though due to their age were not unable to consummate the marriage until 1776 (again, more on that in future). 

His was a troubled reign, mainly of his own doing. He was extremely selfish and self-absorbed, leaving the country in Thalia in quite a disarray, which inevitable leads to the monarchy’s downfall. He dies in late November 1807, under mysterious circumstances, and the throne passes to his eldest son, Augustus, before the monarchy fully dissolves in 1810. 

44.  How much research do you do?

SO. MUCH. RESEARCH. 

I research so much for my Thornolians. A lot of that, of course, has to do with the fact that I am a historical fiction writer. There’s so much that is different to the way we act and behave in today’s society compared to the 19th century, and so endless effort is poured into research. 

And the best part? Is I enjoy that. It’s fun to learn of the workings of people and society of a time not mine own, to explore that through storytelling. It’s quite fascinating really. One day I could be reading up on the education of noble ladies, other days I could be reading through old ceremonial texts for long gone royal ceremonies, or I find medical periodicals that explain medical practices of the time. Just recently I’ve been reading an ettiquette book published in the 1850′s, which helps me to truly understand how ladies were raised to behave.  

All in all, research is in every facet of my story telling process. For without it, how could I write a story that could be convincing enough to be plausible? 

#theroyalthornoliachronicles aks

[strawberry-barista]

⚅— Continued from here. —⚅

⚅— @dandybarista —⚅

— ★ ⚄ ★ —

Hanekoma had not intended on getting drunk tonight. Especially not when he was lamenting over lost love and the implication that doing so could lead to disastrous effects to his city. When there was a part of him that feared that Joker might actually find a Palace within him one day despite his best efforts. When gazing at himself in the mirror and taking himself out on dates proved painfully inferior to someone holding his hand and whispering sweet nothings into his ear. In fact, he didn't even realize he had drunk that much until he was sitting on the couch staring at his phone at a message he'd just sent, trying to rationalize why he would ever fathom it was a good idea. Then changing his mind and redacting his save. Then changing his mind again and having nothing to say for himself.

He hated that. And there was a part of him that foolishly thought that maybe none of that had actually reached its target, for one reason or another. Then once again he was dashed upon the rigid rocks of reality as a flood of responses came in, burying him deeper under a mountain of guilt. But luckily, this was not a repetition of that day. This was not the same response as the last time he'd foolishly poured his heart out to Eanas. He was not met with hurt and angry words or the cold and relentless cuts upon his character. He was not met with a demand that he stay far away. Luckily, the words on the other end actually seemed humorous, and pet the part of himself that wanted approval right now.

Koneko. Koneko. That name so lovingly bestowed upon him by his Aibou. Kitten. How he loved hearing that from the people he loved most. How deeply he desired to be called that, to feel the shelter and caring that came with that name. To hear that title come over him over and over again, and the implications that came with it.

The thought of calling was immediately rejected in his mind, then immediately after desired. A small war was fought between reason and desire, and he knew he couldn't be trusted. And yet. And yet. His heart was bleeding so deeply tonight, and he could barely stand it.

A shuddering breath rattled his breast, and slowly he started typing back.

12:26 pm A call? From you? I do want to know more about you. More and more and more and more, until there isn't a spot on your heart I can't chart like a star in the sky. Until there isn't a breath I do not know as blind. Until there isn't a part of you that's a stranger to me. You're a monarch to me, a golden treasure, a lost figure in a far off dream. And as beautiful as all of that is, it's so distant, so cold. I can't stand it. I feel like I'm calling to an apparition, a memory left behind in a dark room. I want you nearer, I want to feel your heart and know your mind. I want to feel our souls touching, to find you in your hiding place and curl around you, within you. I want to know you and belong to you as if l were, too, a part of your soul, your heart. I want you to want me. I want you to want me around you. I want to make you smile. I want to make you happy. Make you love me. I want it so you become as hunted, as haunted by my spirit as I am yours. I want your wingtips brushing against me, for your soul bared to me and held by me. I want to steal into your dreams just as you have mine, to meet on ground untouched by the world and light a fire together and find warmth in each other's arms. 12:30 pm Hearing your voice now, to tell me of yourself, to bestow upon me your heart and mind. Such nectar to me as that dulcet sound, that siren song that you would be so kind to spare. Just a moment. Just a second of you. I could never ask of something so incredible... Even so... Even so... Would you bless this restless, bleeding, overripe heart? Would you deliver unto me such a shivering poison? I would pay my life to hear it. Please. I cannot promise I will speak, but... Next to yours my voice is meaningless anyway. You know me. Please let me have the honor of knowing you.

#busy dizzy and lazy ⤙ic⤚⚄ #go over it or game over now? ⤙reply⤚⚄ #is this a place to shine? ⤙post neo⤚⚄ #dandybarista #distressed decaf #mentioned: fangedstories #//decaf shut up challenge holy smokes #long post tw #violent imagery tw #drunk tw #alcohol tw #drinking tw #intoxication tw #ask to tag

[lisxdumbr]

HI LIS. I am back (to check on your reply). HELLO. You are so sweet. Am crying. <3

I didn't knew about what they called those flowers until you told me and it's called like gold marigolds according to Google, but I have to be honest that your local term is much more.. fancy sounding to me! They're SOOO pretty, thank you for informing me!! Another one, just found out that there's a name for the face paints too (catrina/catrin) 😭 You're educating me, thank you so much <3

To me, having theme phases is already amazing, it takes lots of work and energy to make an aesthetic theme !! Letting you know that I'd support your plans. It's wonderful already <3

Take this as a reassurance (or not), I dropped in your inbox to help out, brainstorm, and suggest whatever came into my mind with hopes it could aid you in your theme trouble in anyway. So if you're thinking about me approving the theme you're working on, rest easy!! It's already approved from the start. This is for yourself in the first place, and think of it not as a project passable by others to be okay but for yourself!! <33 You working on it is great already, I can't say anything less. AND I'D BE PROUD OF YOU !! If you can see this, you deserve the world. Please remember that <3 (*´∇`*)♡

I don't know about the big brain part, when I'm literally talking to a big brain person too !! Sobs. You'd make my day already, even if you just simply exist,, <3

Wait.,, Almost forgot!! I'd rather not use "theme anon" as the permanent name of course,, How about you give me any emoji? (except the insect ones fkdjdjdhsj) :D Please name me~ I wonder what emoji will be bestowed upon me ♪

Anyways that's all !!! Waahh,, every message that I'd send to people turns into a ramble.. or a victorian maiden's letter to their beloved husband in war... May this letter bring even a bit of light and joy to you~

ANON YOU'RE SO !!!!!!!!! I'm so glad to see you around again <3 you're so kind, I didn't expect anyone to actually help me when I initially made my post. You're truly big brain for that analysis

I'm so glad you're discovering new things wahh,, I hate this country but there are certain things that I do enjoy, specifically the culture, I go BRRRR when people ask me about it. (You're so sweet for that encouragement :( right now I left the mayoi theme aside for a bit and I'm more focused on using sweets box cards 👀)

I NEED A NAME FOR YOU HMMM I want to give you the prettiest emoji ever but I've no idea,,, what if I give you a flower? You could be sunflower anon 🌻 you irradiate that sunny vibe, but I don't know if you'd like it,, let me know !!

You're just like me, writing and writing and not being able to stop despite trying to be concise and to the point,, your letter brought me a lot of joy indeed. I hope you have a good day !

#sobbing and bawling and crying #❝ mail !! #🌻 !! anon

[shaykhpod-blog]

PODEVENT: SUPPLICATION OF THE HOLY PROPHET SULEIMAN, PEACE BE UPON HIM

The next great event which will be discussed in this blog series is mentioned in chapter 27 An Naml, verse 19:

 So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants."

 This verse mentions the supplication of the Holy Prophet Suleiman, peace be upon him. He requests Allah, the Exalted, to provide him with the strength to be a truly grateful servant. This is one of the highest levels a person can reach and it is a very rare station according to the Holy Quran. Chapter 34 Saba, verse 13:

 “…And few of My servants are grateful.”

 Being a grateful servant of Allah, the Exalted, is the reason why the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, strived so hard in worshipping Allah, the Exalted, that his feet became swollen. This is confirmed in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 6471.

 The next part of this supplication teaches muslims how to be truly grateful. It is to use each blessing one possesses in a way which is pleasing to Allah, the Exalted, meaning, in a way prescribed by the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. This proves that merely uttering words of praise is not true gratitude.

 Whenever a person encounters a difficulty and loses blessings they should remember the countless blessings they still possess in order to remain patient and grateful.

 Finally, the importance of companionship is mentioned at the end of this supplication. It is important to note if one desires the company of the righteous in the next world they must accompany them and follow in their footsteps in this world. This is the proof of one's love for the righteous and it is this proof which the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, indicated in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 3688, when he declared that people will be with those they love in the next world. If one merely claims love without this proof they will not end up with the righteous in the next world. This is obvious as the other nations also claim to love their Holy Prophets, peace be upon him, but they will not end up with them in the next world as they failed to follow in their footsteps.  A muslim should not fool themself believing otherwise.

   DIRECT PDF LINKS TO OVER 120 FREE SHAYKHPOD EBOOKS:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:4b1dfda6-78e9-36c9-8e4c-0291e83d4790

 @shaykhpodpics​ - Infographics on Good Character

@shaykhpod-blog​ - Short Blogs on Good Character

5 MINS LIVE HADITH SESSIONS EVERY SUNDAY @ 9:45PM UK TIME

5 MINS LIVE TAFSEER SESSIONS EVERY THURSDAY @ 9:45PM UK TIME

5 MINS LIVE PODWOMAN SESSIONS EVERY TUESDAY @ 9:45PM UK TIME

– SET REMINDERS USING LINK:  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfii14TrSrTseShoeGLLhJw/videos

   PodEvent: Supplication of the Prophet Suleiman (PBUH): https://youtu.be/RJojYUD6ab4

PodEvent: Supplication of the Prophet Suleiman (PBUH): https://fb.watch/6cfojz3uE8/

     #Allah #ShaykhPod #Islam  #Quran  #Hadith #Gratitude  #Prophet #Muhammad  #Sunnah #Piety    #Taqwa   #Shukr   #Patience    #Sabr   #Companionship   #Relatives  #Friendship   #Love    

[oreoambitions]

Y'all ever get really nervous around elder gays like they're gonna somehow chastise you for lesbianing wrong or is that just me

#Especially more masc gays #Like ma'am I promise I'm doing my best #Please bestow upon me your approval #Tyvm #Oreo rambles

[katsukikitten]

Just some general warnings and disclaimers, this is an aged up Victorian era AU that I did a sort of collab with @bakugotrashpanda, so please check out BTP’s work as well. We had so much fun discussing this idea and breathing life into it, we would love to hear how these stories made you feel. Please also note that the woman in the banner is NOT the set skin tone for reader so please feel free to have that match your own skin tone! Also this is one of my bigger works coming in at a little over 14,000 words! (maybe a part two idk) but enjoy~

The room ebbs in the low light of flickering candles, people gather in clusters like lost geese as they honk their gossip at one another causing you to sigh. It would be another long night of mental games as your cold eyes fail to warm from the eccentric sights. Silk dresses, long gloves, shimmering gems, and endless drink and food. 

Yet you hated how little power you had over your choice of being here or not. 

Countless eyes rake over your long dress, always choosing a color so deep in hue it is often mistaken for black. They often murmur curiosities as they ponder over what exactly you are mourning.

Little do they know it is your freedom. 

Tonight you are in blood red with matching gloves to your elbows, diamonds, garnets and rubies drip from your throat and ears. A sight to be seen in your bold dark colors that are often frowned upon during the bright season of spring and summer. 

A bold male approaches and yet the closer he gets to your stunning form the more meek he becomes. He nods his head and reaches for your hand, pressing his lips to your gloved knuckles. 

"May I have your first dance?" He peers up at you as you stare down with an icy glare. Removing your hand with deadly precision from a man you know of but could not care less about. 

"You may not." You say simply and all he can do is stew in his rejection, affirming your wishes with a small nod. Another male in a smooth storm grey suit approaches. His large hand grasping onto your fingers, bringing your knuckles to his lips. 

"You look exquisite my dear. Would you honor me with your first dance?" 

"I shall not." Another subtle yet swift removal of your hand from his, wishing you had worn two pairs of gloves for this sniveling little asshole. Not everyone knew his secret love for abusing women but you did. He would never get the pleasure of dancing with you and in the two years since your introduction into the market you've made sure he had no one to wed. Using the power and respect people had towards your Father's name, towards you for guidance, ultimately steering them away from this pathetic sack of bones. 

And with your power you were dubbed the icy hot debutante of Alryne, fierce as a flame so hot, it felt cold. 

You wear a neutral face, but you do not smile, making yourself a touch unapproachable. This already weeds out the weak men who want nothing more than to suck the blood and money from your father's estate. 

But it wasn't as if the neutral face was easy to achieve, oftentimes you had to fight a scowl. For two years you've hated every second of every ball, party, or soiree since the Queen smiled in your favor during your first debut. She often praised, as did your mother, your cold precision, quick wit, and intelligent political decisions that were so well disguised that men just thought you modest. 

When in actuality you were playing the game, and since you were being forced to play by your father then by Hell's flames you would win it all. 

The first half of the ball drags in stupor of tedious repetition as you idly chat with women of various titles to gather any information you could without revealing your own hand. 

Besides all of the pestering gnats, everyone knows that your first dance is always reserved for important males, to never approach until after the two of your six stamps have already been taken. Even then there was a high chance of rejection, as there were no men of value to be seen. 

At least not yet. For as long as you could remember the higher ranked males arrived a touch late, "fashionably late" they claim. Abhorrently annoying is what you call it.  

Fashionably late men such as Lord Bakugou, son to the Duke of Summer or his distant cousin Lord Kirishima, son to the Duke of Spring. 

Bakugou arrives first, his grin wolfish as he scans the crowd, women flock to his arrogance in troves, although he ignores them. He has one woman in his sights yet it is not the woman he stands before. You give a small courtesy as you speak. 

"My Lord." Offering your hand gently. 

"My Starlight." He presses his lips to your silky glove for a long moment unable to keep his cocky smirk off of his face, "May I take your first dance?" 

Fighting to keep the delighted smile off of your face you offer a flutter of your lashes. He kisses your knuckles once more as if you needed convincing but the two of you know what you are doing. 

"You may." And with that his wolfish grin returns as he sweeps you onto the dance floor, showcasing your abilities as he shows off his own. Not to mention the dance floor is a great place to talk in private. His hand lingers just above your lower back, firm in his grip as his other hand holds yours almost delicately. 

"We match tonight, my Starlight. A brilliant touch." He guides you along the floor with ease, his eyes gesturing towards his vest and tie. 

"I only took an educated guess as to what you would wear, my Lord." 

"Do not sell yourself short. I know how sharp that mind is." Another wolfish grin, his eyes never leaving yours while feeling the court gaze upon the two of you. You give him a knowing smile before asking. 

"Any luck with her majesty, the prized diamond?" You ask, eyes blazing with curiosity. He smirks again, only his eyes revealing his true scoff as he twirls you in your jeweled slippers. 

"I did as you instructed and went with my father to that dreaded stay at the countryside Manor, how did you know her Majesty and Princess Amila would be close by." 

"I took an educated guess." A blatant lie that has him grinning from ear to ear. He leans closer, pulling the attention of the ladies especially as his ember eyes burn into you. 

"Far more than an educated guess." He spins you again and you fight the tightness in your gut. Enjoying the dance as he parades you around the room as if to say look at what I have that you could never. 

Even if the two of you agreed you would never be his. The two of you having struck up an arrangement of sorts on your first dance. He was forced by his Grace to ask at least one woman to dance and he had only chosen you with hopes that you would say no. 

But you loved the honest, irritated look that lingered in his eyes and on his lips. So of course you said yes as misery loves company. It was then he told you not to fall for him as he had his eyes set on the Crown, you laughed loudly and said "As if I would ever fall for an arrogant pig such as yourself, my Lord." His smile was wild as he enjoyed your insult, it was then you told him you would help him with the Crown, only if he made you his first and last dance of the evening at every event. 

Back then he had hesitantly agreed, now he can see how far your scheming mind went. Saw the numerous callers and suitors who loitered in your parlor, the extravagant flowers that they sent in excess. The rings they bestowed to you as they dropped to one knee, bold enough to peacock the large diamonds in front of other callers. 

And all after Bakugou had done as you asked for only three parties. He got a front row seat to rejection every single time, which in turn started the talk, the gossip, that this city loved.  You were desired because of how you painted yourself and in turn made Lord Bakugou desired as well. Talked about, all because he was the only male who had your approval. 

He loved your scheming mind so much he could kiss you, but alas you did not wear a crown. Although you often had a braid of jewels atop your head, sadly you were not kin to royalty, only a Baron's daughter after all. 

Bakugou wonders what you could have done as a queen. He would think you an empress.

"Is that all the detail I get? Just a confirmation that I was correct about their holiday?" He spins the two of you in step, hand guiding you although you did not need it. Having memorized every step to every dance there was since before your debut. 

"She saw me." 

"And?!" You can hardly keep up the façade of calm collection as you wait. 

"And she flushed. Her cheeks were as red as any rose, Starlight, she was a rare red diamond sparkling by the lake. She must already be in love with me."  You snort, unable to stop the smile on your lips. 

"I've never heard you so poetic before. Normally you leave that to Lord Kirishima. How many times did you run into her? Not more than three I hope."

"Oi, I am a well versed student and I listened to my teacher. I made her wait for the fourth and denied it. Left her in wonder and hope as you said." He rolls his eyes, fingers sliding up to your dress line touching your bare skin with his beneath your guise of hair. The sensation of his warm fingers against your cool skin does not go unnoticed. 

"Are you practicing for your dance with the 'rare red diamond' now?" You taunt, earning that chest tightening wolf grin. 

"I'm only doing as my teacher has instructed." 

"Well the Princess will fall for you the moment you kiss her hand." 

"One can only hope. Her official debut is less than a month away. I want it to be perfect." His eyes shimmer with plotting mischief as does yours. 

"So it shall." 

The music flows and ebbs to the end of the song as Bakugou deposits you right back where he got you. Bringing your hand to his lips, kissing your knuckles as he holds your gaze once more. 

"My Starlight." When he straightens you curtsy.

"My Grace." With that he leaves, heading towards the table of sweets and beverages, you were sure he would be ordering bourbon. Your mother clears her throat from her chair, the out of season silk blanket over her thick skirts pulls at your heart. She sits on that plush chair as if it were her throne. 

"You dance with Lord Bakugou often." An observation. 

"Indeed." A dry retort. 

"I am sure Lord Kirishima will be your next dance, correct?" 

"One can only hope." 

"So you have an eye for a Duke's son?" 

"I am happy to dance with those deserving, Mother." Your mother keeps her eyes on the turning bodies on the hardwood floor, Kirishima makes his way through the crowd once he spies you. Your mother turns to face you as she says 

"Is the Duke of Winter's son deserving?" 

"Hmm, he has three sons, mother." You keep your eyes away from her until she finally looks back into the crowd. 

"Ah yes but only one is ever at these events." You follow your mother's gaze and they fall upon the Lord, he is the third son, he opted to chase after the world of medicine rather than women. Earning his doctorate much faster than his peers, he only just returned to conduct his practice in Alryne. 

Pity he returned at all. 

He catches your eye and you make a point to turn your cheek, unable to stomach his heterochromatic, condensing gaze. Your turned cheek was as close to fuck you as you could ever say to the high and mighty Lord. Still the words burned on your tongue as if you swallowed acid. 

"It is not as if he ever dances mother. Therefore, how can I give him my attention? As you taught me a woman must wait to be asked as it is every woman's dream to be wed to a handsome, skilled dancer." Out of the corner of your eye you can feel her displeased look before she straightens. 

"At least do not string along Lord Kirishima, that boy is not as zealous as his cousin." She says just as the large man slips through the last throng of the crowd. 

"My shining gem." He smiles with sharp teeth before he places a chaste kiss atop your hand. 

"My Lord." A curtsy before he asks. 

"May I have this dance?" His smile is plastered on his face as he knows your answer. 

"You may." Kirishima sweeps you across the floor in a different manner than Bakugou. Lord Kirishima is more flirtatious in the way that he guides you. Always choosing more of the upbeat dances as opposed to his cousin's serious selection. You do not hesitate to go in for the kill. 

"So when do you plan to ask Lady Mina for her hand?" He blushes at your words. Biting the inside of his lip subtly, a habit you could only notice from being up close. 

"Have you even attempted to court her? What fear plagues you, Lord?" Confusion dots your features as a sad smile paints his soft lips. 

"I am not sure she would- That we would be an ideal fit." Kirishima admits, turning you gracefully, pulling you close to his body. Scandalous some would say had the two of you been an inch closer. 

"Well my Lord, I believe, had you actually talked to her while the two of you danced, as I suggested, then you would come to find out that she is lovely. Pure hearted as she is honest in this game seeking love. Most women here are making attempts to move up in position, my Lord. As a Duke's first son the title of Grace is yours to master. She is a delight and air is not the only thing between her ears as some of these…"You survey the room as everyone watches with greedy eyes, "Vultures." 

He laughs never used to your own unwavering honesty. He knows you are not participating by your own free will, he knows because you are helping himself and his cousin when he was sure you could have had anyone in this room.

If the Majesty's nephew, Prince of the Yarrow were to attend even one ball this season, Kirishima was sure you would have his attention too.  

He twirls your body away from his and brings you back to the safety of his sturdy form. Your eyes are molten determination as you all but hiss 

"Ask her to dance next. You know the host prefers the set to be serious, flirtatious, and then a slow dance. It will be the perfect time to talk." 

Lord Kirishima sighs, squeezing your hand as he guides the two of you closer to your mother so he can leave you in her company. 

"You could turn any dull man into something more. Whoever wins your hand is getting a precious gem indeed." He kisses your hand as the music begins to change into something slower as you had predicted. 

"One shall only hope." You curtsy as he takes his flushed neck towards a certain Countess. Your mother gives you a knowing look and you offer her a cat smirk. She shakes her head but even she cannot hide her own satisfied smile.

A blonde male approaches, as he does every third ball after he ensures your first two dances have been taken. The flamboyant male has not once asked for a dance first, trying to be just as calculating as you. Although he is much more obvious. 

You suppose it was not half bad for a male. 

"My lady." He bends lower than he should for his station in life, but he is obviously copying the cousins before him having seen how it makes you smile. 

Lavender eyes shine up at you as the Viscount brings his lips to your gloved hand. You debate if you should say yes tonight. Having left him in the dark as your desire to dance with him solely depended on your mood. 

"May I show the room the grace in which steals the breath from my lungs?" Your eyes smirk as your lips form a small smile. It seems flattery would earn him a dance tonight. 

"You may." 

The Viscount smiles with delight as he gently takes you to the dance floor, holding you to him as he takes you across the hardwood. The candle lights play along your features as Monoma's face grows soft. Had he been anyone else his gaze might have brought a flush about you. The two of you shared a few dances before, he has sat in your parlor in the time he has attempted to court you and the flowers he sends are always the most expensive. 

He has even brought you chocolate from a month's long trip. Even you had to admit that was thoughtful, not too many people knew of your Achilles heel. A small part of you thought that if no one else would do, at least this man would bring you luxurious chocolates. 

"No trips this season?" You smile politely, he blinks as he seems to come to. 

"Only if I can take you with me." He smiles, a hint. You pretend yourself modest and look away to fight the roll of your eyes. 

Maybe chocolate would not be enough to sate you. 

His eyes flicker to your mother as a question forms on his lips. 

"Neither your brothers nor the Baron attended tonight?" 

"Ah unfortunately no. My mother is my chaperone tonight." You say tilting your head, he turns so you can face her, stepping slowly as the song lulls on. 

"I am elated she is well enough to attend." He smiles, you cannot tell if it reaches his eyes so instead you offer 

"As am I." 

The rest of the night is filled with rejection tumbling from your rouged lips as champagne flutes seem to find their way into your hand. 

"Not too much of that dear or you will not be able to enjoy the company of your suitors." 

"Truly a pity." You say taking another from a passing waiter. Eyes trained on Lord Iida and the lovely dancer in his hands, a blue dress sweeping across the floor and a white carnation nestled in her hair. 

A beautiful touch and it pays homage to their first dance before they were even wed. 

The love that embraced the couple could turn anyone in the room green with envy. 

You down your flute as you reach for another. 

Night brightens into morning much too soon as curtains are ripped open in your room. 

"My lady callers will be here soon." Rose, your handmaiden says softly, "I have a bath waiting for you."

You groan in response having not had enough sleep after pouring over your drafts for your book until your candle snuffed itself out. 

"Turn them all away Rose." You growl turning away from the irritating light, could it not have rained this morning to delay the suitors as it always did in this forsaken town?

"She will do no such thing." Your mother says as she walks into your room with her cane, her hand gripping onto the golden beak of a bird. 

"Mother, why not marry off Hendrix or  Hideki?" 

"Hendrix must apprentice under your Father for a period of time while Hideki can do as he pleases for now. He is only 20, besides he makes an excellent chaperone does he not? He isn't too nosy nor does he neglect his duties to intimidate pushy men." She pushes some of your hair back as she sighs, "Although I doubt you need help in that manor." 

"I deserve a strong bloodline, so I will do what I must to ensure that. Even if my face has to be scary at times." You and your mother share a laugh before she adds. 

"Your face is far from scary my dear." She touches your cheek softly rising from the bed to allow you to get ready, "The suitors shall arrive within the hour. Make haste." 

"Yes mother." You half groan rising to wash. Enjoying the warm water that Rose has so kindly added aromatic flora and citrus to. Once you enter your bedroom Rose has a dress picked out for you, waiting for your final approval. You nod allowing Rose to assist you with your corset and strings of your dress before you pick out jewelry to match your silver finery. You choose a silver bracelet with little diamonds as stars that Lord Bakugou had given you for your birthday this past year, smiling down at the small thing before assessing yourself in the mirror. 

"What do you think Rose, should I add some rouge to my lips?" She gives you a smile of delight. 

"And your cheeks too, my Lady." 

Breakfast is served in the parlor as it consists mostly of fruits and finger pastries that will be served to the other guests. Hideki comes down in a fine and deep sapphire suit. 

“Sister.” He gives a smirk to which you nod.

“Brother.”

“And what trouble will you get into today?” He stage whispers, causing you to cut him a glare as your father comes around to loom in the arch way of the parlor. 

“Remember, you need to pick a husband this season or I will pick for you. It is disgraceful to have gone through two seasons at your age.”

“I am only twenty four, dearest Father..”

“That just proves my point. You have a month before I extend an offer to the Duke's-.” He takes in a sharp breath to chide you further only for his Grace to swoop in and save the day.

“Baron.” Bakugou says, his eyes challenging as your father bows his head. As Bakugou makes his way towards the delicate foods. Father cuts you a knowing glare. As if to say I know your games child.

You offer a sweet smile as you make your way towards your small writing desk, fighting off the urge to groan outwardly. You just wanted to work on your manuscript or read for that matter. Instead you would have to entertain men who cared not what you thought only what your pretty mouth would not say. They would swarm you, demanding attention as you waved them off gently, half you had never even spoken too.  Bakugou gives you a wicked smile from beside you as if he could read your thoughts. At least he always sat closest to you, saving you in a way although you never instructed him to sit close. 

He just always had. 

"Do you not want to play the piano today, my shining Gem?" Kirishima asks from the door. 

"Ah I am not sure I am in the mood for it, my Lord." 

"Easier to avoid people as the bench is only meant for one." Bakugou gives a devilish smirk, Kirishima almost pouts, his sullen expression does not go unnoticed by his cousin. 

"It has been an eon since you last played for us." Bakugou adds. 

"Am I to be your song bird today?" You cut a glare at him. 

"Yes, Starlight I believe you are." It seems it had no effect. Sighing you stand, collecting your skirts as your wrist twinkles in the morning sun. Garnet eyes bore into the delicate wristlet. Your fingers pluck a key here or there until you begin to play. Losing yourself in the music as you sing ballads from ages ago, melding them into songs you've written until it all sounds like a cohesive piece. Each old song is lost in transition to the new one, time ticks on but you do not notice the string of men who come and go from your parlor. Resting your voice for the time being as your fingers fly across the keys to something you composed while thinking of your father and his ever pushing hand towards a Duke's son you had great distaste for. The notes are sharp, almost jarring at times yet still the piece is stunning.  In that time you had not noticed the lavender eyed man who sat closest to you, right in front of the piano in the corner of the couch. The finger cramping song ends on a somber, harsh note. 

"What a beautifully charged song." Monoma says breathlessly. 

“Well I was thinking of my enemies when I composed it.” You smile at the sunshine blonde with a devilish grin, he feels unsettled by it but says nothing nonetheless. His lavender eyes glance over to the wolves at the back of your den. Hideki gives him a small nod, Kirishima a soft smile but Bakugou gives him a glare that feels like Monoma is gripping needles. 

He swallows thickly, adjusting himself on the plushed silk of the couch before your small piano. 

“Ah before I forget.” He smiles pulling out a box setting it atop the polished wood. Gifts were a natural part of courtship or so your mother said. You offer a smile, grabbing for the box with poised eagerness and yet not overly so. 

Not that you were excited but you had to pretend to be. You unbox the obvious jewelry and fight back the distaste as you stare down at a gaudy, overly large necklace. The colors are a soft green and yellow, colors you avoid for many reasons. 

“Thank you.” You think to add a chord or two to your unnamed song in honor of Monoma. Bakugou laughs loudly from the back of the room, feeling how much you hate the gift, you look over your shoulder to send him a glare that he can only smile at. 

After hours of trepid and boring conversation Monoma takes his leave. 

“Another evening my Lady.” He smiles softly and you return it half heartedly.

“Another evening.” Lavender looks over your shoulder before Monoma clears his throat

“Your Grace and your Grace.” He bows his head, the ash blonde and redhead nod in unison. 

"Shall we go and drink my high friends?" Hideki asks, hoping for an excuse to leave the stuff house. He was more than over bearing witness to  gag worthy stares and compliments some of these men gave you. 

"An excellent idea!" Kirishima exclaims, standing before stopping by you. He takes your gloveless hand with a sharp, flirtatious smile. 

"My shining gem." He presses his lips to your skin and you return his smile. 

"My Lord." He nods and takes his leave, Hideki at his heels as Bakugou approaches. He does an exaggerated sigh unable to hide his smirk. 

"Little songbird how will I ever get through the night without my Starlight?" He holds your hand, lowering his upper half as did his cousin before him. 

"I suppose you will fumble in the dark."

"If only I had the pleasure." He purrs as he presses his lips to your bare skin. Suddenly his fingers are too warm as he holds your gaze, he looks as if he could devour you. 

Lest he forget he is staring down a panther himself. 

"Have fun fumbling in the dark by yourself, my Lord." You remove your hand and look out of the corner of your eye at him. He backs towards the door of the room. 

"I should hope to have thoughts of Starlight." He calls before he disappears into the hall. You tap a key as your mind wanders before you rise, famished and ready for dinner before you would take a long night of writing. 

A month passes by faster than you'd like and you find yourself outside of the ballroom in the grand hall of the castle. Soft music filters in through the doors as your Father insisted the family be a bit late this evening. 

For he wanted to make a statement and one at your expense. 

"If Duke Enji's son asks you for a dance you will oblige." Your father hisses, his large hand curling around your bicep. You bare your teeth, stepping out of his grip as you collect yourself. 

"He has three." Acid drips from your tongue as sure as morning dew. 

"The doctor. Not the failure first born and not the inadequate second. The third. Shoto. Think of your ailing mother...would you abandon her for such vile, pointless ambitions?"

"I think you will not weaponize her. So do as I please and decline." You hold his burning glare as you add, "If the Duke's family is as bad off as you make it seem." 

"Oh I think you shall accept his dance. Or so help me God I will burn every book your ill, grief stricken mother ever shoved into your scrubby little hands." He leans closer, a nasty smile forming as his lips, "And if that is not enough I will throw your manuscript into the fire for fodder." 

Your eyes blaze with a rage that ignites beneath your skin, burning your blood as your eyes make unspoken promises. When I am through with you 

You part your lips to retort but your eye catches Hendrix and Hideki, their eyes filled with pity before your mother slowly approaches. 

Father chose his battleground well, knowing you would be unable to react as you pleased and with Bakugou already at the party there was no other male to save you. You bite your tongue until you taste blood. 

"Is everything alright?" Mother asks tentatively, fussing with your hair, "Darling you must mind your face, my love." 

You swat her away, breathing through your nose as if you were a dragon. Heat still dancing in your veins as you allow your feet to move on their own. 

"Announce me. Only me. And do not announce another soul until I am beyond the last step." You hiss to the harbinger whose eyes grow wide before he nods. His voice booms over the murmurers of the crowd and once eyes begin to land on you they are silenced. 

Your eyes are set hard and as cold as stone as you look over the crowd, slowly descending the steps in your deep ombre gown. Starless night black from the bodice before it lightens gradually into a charcoal grey, glittering crystals sewn into the material shine in the candle light like miniature stars. Your gloves followed the same gradual pattern except it seemed as if each finger was dipped in glittering silver and atop your wrist was your favorite piece, diamonds winking in the low light set into silver pointed stars. Woven in your hair were diamonds and pale citrine alike forming a crown in its own nature. 

Had Her Royal Highness not have already been announced and seated it would be easy to mistake you for the Crown. Considering how you commanded attention and held yourself, eyes looking at no one but seeing all. 

The envy, the awe, the lust. 

A pivotal moment was coming, the last three stairs is where a woman would normally hold out their hand, expecting their favorite suitor to take action but you did not hold out your hand. Keeping one firmly on the dark wood of the banister while the other was eloquently posed beside you. Even if you had held out your hand the men in the room were too stunned to step up to help you. This allowed a soft, devilish smile to form on your painted lips as they performed exactly as you had planned. Finally your gem encrusted slipper touched the hardwood, parting the crowd before the spell was broken by the announcement of the rest of your family. The room let out a collective breath and instantly erupted in hot gossip. All of it falling on deaf ears as you grabbed onto a flute of trusted champaign. 

From across the room you felt burning garnet eyes on you, you met them briefly before sipping at your bubbly beverage. He begins to cross the sea of bodies when a large man steps into your view. 

His eyes are cold as they bore into you, a shining sapphire paired with a smokey quartz. Distaste curdles your stomach as you fight to keep your face neutral and your eyes trained on him. Fans block painted lips as they spread more gossip about the man before you. 

"Is she ensnaring another Duke's son?" 

"She is becoming too haughty for a Baron's daughter." 

"Do you think she insulted the Crown with her entrance?" 

"Would you allow me your first dance?" His deep voice cuts through the vultures' cries pulling you back to him. He has your glittering left hand in his. Brining the dazzling glove to his lips in greeting, there is no joy in his gemstone gaze. 

The hot rage bears its teeth again as it surges through your blood like liquid fire, burning so hot it felt cold as it licked at your bones. Your lip barely twitches, No poised on your tongue as your father's grating voice echoes in your head. 

"Think of your ailing mother...would you abandon her for such vile, pointless ambitions?" 

And so your mouth finally forms the words. 

"You may."  He looks surprised, surrounding faces mirror his own before he fully takes your hand. Guiding you to the floor during one of your favorite songs that you always sat out as no dance partner ever dared the secret, advanced steps. You were steeling yourself for disappointment 

Shoto's grip on your body is tight but not uncomfortable as he sweeps you across the dance floor, twirling you, guiding you as he holds your gaze. His stare is heavy and intense in a different manner from Bakugou's with a hint of something that could be mistaken as flirtatious. But you saw it for what it was, discontent. 

As the song pushed on the discontent seemed to change into something new entirely as he showcased your skill while hiding his own. Allowing you to twirl away from him in several rotations that would make even the most skillful dancer fearful of misstep and yet you breathed in the music as if it were precious air. Neither of you notice how the other dancers give you room, allowing for more twirls and advanced steps as the two of you are becoming lost to the music. His fingers brush your bare skin as he pulls you back to him for  guided, sharp steps as the music heightens. His skin brushes yours again, electricity thrums beneath the pads of his fingers before he sends you into another dizzying rotation but to you it was nothing. Briefly you wonder if this were a test until you see the soft smile on his lips when you return to his arms safely for the final set of guided steps before the music were to abruptly end, just as the dance was intended. His eyes were glued to yours the entirety of the dance, softening with each step. 

Both of you stop in beat with the last soaring note panting as the movement seems to catch up with the two of you. Neither of you realize how quiet the room is until clapping comes from the royal dais high above the room, the rest of the crowd follows suit. Shock melts into a smile as your eyes return to his. A sharp pain rings out in his chest. 

"Not bad for a Baron's daughter." Disgust settles on your face faster than you can stop it spewing from your lips. 

"Not bad for a recluse of a Duke's son." You tilt your head up, fighting the snarl of your lip as his face becomes so mind numbingly neutral while his eyes darken. Shoto drops you off by your mother only for Bakugou to approach, swiftly bringing you to the floor for a slow song. 

"Starlight. How did I not know you could dance like that?" He is astonished by your skill, "I've never seen you so happy. Maybe the Duke of Winter's third son will do you justice yet." 

You scoff but all Bakugou can do is offer you a deadly smile. 

"Enough about my dead end dancing." Your eyes glance towards the dias, the Princess cannot look away from the two of you, "This should be enough for the Princess to want to dance soon." 

It is Bakugou's turn to scoff. 

"Are you sure she is even going to have the opportunity to dance? No one is even allowed on the stairs to their enclave." 

"Ah but this is her debut. The Queen will allow it, besides the princess cannot keep her gaze off of a certain ash blonde." 

"How could she ever?" Your laugh rings out, it warms even the coldest hearts as Bakugou pulls you closer to him. Heat radiates from his body in a calming manner, your fingers squeeze his. 

"Arrogant as ever." You smile, thinking how you will miss dancing with him or even having him at the back of your parlor to laugh with over sad attempts at your hand, "Remember once you take her one dance for the night, she must be your first and last dance of the night in the future, if not your only." 

Bakugou cannot hide the dejection in his eyes even as he feigns cockiness. 

"I am a well versed student, remember?" His fingers brush over your skin, his middle finger tracing a small circle. 

"The best student I could ask for." The music comes to a close on more than just the song as Bakugou returns you to your family. He presses a long kiss to your glittering glove. 

"Until we meet again, my Starlight." He holds your stare. 

"Until then my Grace." With that the night sets into motion as you turn down dances left and right. Eyeing a ruby haired man who twirls a certain countess in his hands. As the music ends the Queen stands earning a hushed crowd. 

"My daughter, the Royal Princess shall take the dance floor, she will only allow one dance on the night of her debut." It is not a shock that she is allowed so little but there is no worry on Bakugou's face. The princess straightens at the top of the stairs, trying to exude the same commanding energy you did. She falls short in power but outshines you in other wordly innocence and grace. As if she were a lily that only bloomed for the moon, her beauty unmatched in her pale pink dress. Carefully she guides the layers of it down the steps as diamonds and pearls drip from her hair and throat. She tries to keep her eyes from sticking to a broad shouldered man and yet at the same time from wandering, as she stares at the back wall of the room. 

As she nears the third step Bakugou struts towards his prize with the ease of a relaxed swagger, glaring at men as he passes before he reaches the bottom of the steps. Extending his hand to the Princess just as she hits the third step from the bottom. She cannot keep the smile off of her face as her gloved hand claps onto his bare fingers. He bows deeply, raising her hand above him to look from beneath long lashes before he brings his lips to the silk. 

"Your Royal Highness, my shining diamond. You are truly the envy of the night." A flush gives the Princess' lack of experience away, "May I have this dance?" 

"You may." It is a breathy answer before Bakugou sweeps her off of her feet. Charming her with each calculated step and  arrogant quip. The princess smiles wide and almost pouts once the music begins to ebb. Bakugou returns her to the stairs, supporting her hand as long as he can before she rises out of reach.

But to Bakugou she never was and never will be unattainable. 

Before the night is over an envelope is pressed into your hands with the Crown's seal pressed into the wax. You quirk your brow, tucking it away to be read at home. 

"I am so elated you came." Her voice is like honey as the butler opens the doors to a parlor so large it could hold your entire home. She guides you towards a small table and fights with the layers of her silk dress before sitting.

"How could I reject a personal invitation from her majesty?" You sit across from her, eyes going over the deck of cards and a set of tea. 

"Well, believe it or not, I do not have the pleasure of friends, so please call me Amila." 

"Everyone would desire to be a friend of the Crown, your Royal Highness." You counter, quickly she points her fan towards you, tapping your side of the small ornate card table. 

"Ah but you do not have the desire to befriend the Crown, so I have high hopes that you will befriend me for me." She smiles, a certain gleam to her eye before she says, "Now let's talk about handsome Bakugou and how well you played me." 

Your face gives nothing away as you look up from the cards you've been dealt. Your mind rushes down all possible avenues but you know to avoid the one of playing dumb. It is obvious that the Princess has a keen eye. 

"Surely you'll reveal to me what gave us away." 

"After that dance Bakugou had with me, had I been anyone else he would have returned to you. He either has his only dance with you or his last dance with you. I figured him or Lord Kirishima to be heavily interested in you. You are a sparkling gem amongst the coal down there so I know you have many callers and suitors. But the last to leave are always Lord Bakugou and Lord Kirishima. That is what has thrown me off the scent."  You laugh at her honesty of the knowledge she has obviously collected about you or was tactful enough to guess. 

"This is what we do, your Royal Highness." Your gloved hand gestures to the table, "I take them for all that they are worth." An honest giggle leaves Amilia's lips.

"For that I am grateful and some would dare say I am in your debt." 

"A brazen statement." Your eyes return to your cards, "I would not state it as a debt although I am happy to receive your gratitude. Especially since it is in the form of cards and cake." 

A laugh falls from her lips as a smile settles on yours. The round of cards continues. You win the first few rounds and then Amelia has a lucky hand. Winning the last white tea macaron. 

"Did you allow me to best you?" 

"Lady Luck just happened to take favor of the Crown." 

"Or maybe she took pity. " She smiles, fingers fidgeting nervously, "Would you care to admire the art? Mother allows me to have this as my own personal parlor so I decorate it as I wish." 

"I would love to admire some of these lovely paintings. Starting with the one behind you." You stand, heading to the large piece you had been eyeing for some time during the games. You could tell by the stroke of the brush that the artist was newer to painting but they were quite talented, the strokes almost went unnoticed even by your sharp eye. 

Most importantly were the emotions the work of art evoked from the viewer. 

Silently the two of you drank in the large oil painting. The canvas colored in deep pinks, reds and oranges as the sun laid to rest to allow its lover the full scope of the sky. Shadows stretched far and towards the viewer and if one paid close attention they would notice the black cat in the corner with two large moon eyes. 

You especially liked this painting, the ease it made you feel even earning a small smile. 

"I can already tell this one is by far my favorite, your Royal Highness you have a fine eye for art." She blushes at your compliment, twisting some of her low hanging hair. You keep your amusement of her flustering to yourself, eyes trained on the swirling colors of the rippling blue mirror of the sky, looking for a signature. 

Odd, there isn't a looping set of initials in the corner like most have. As if reading it on your face she speaks. 

"I- I am the artist…" It is shy and soft, unlike the Princess and you realize the weight of the truth. That she had not heard one genuine compliment of anything that she had ever done. 

All she would ever receive is flattery and only for the hopes of kindness from the Crown. Finally time swallows up her sudden meekness as she blurts out.  

"Are you sure Lord Bakugou is not in love with you? I know you fancy Lord Todoroki, Doctor Shoto." 

"I do not fancy the Doctor, he simply is the most logical option I have currently, he would make a fine partner and husband. The seasons have not brought anyone new and my days of spring are limited." You idly move to the next painting as you speak, "As far as Lord Bakugou, he and I are too much alike. Too ambitious for our own good, we'd either explode or implode I'm afraid. Like some tragic star in the vast galaxy." 

"You would not marry for love?"  

"It is best to marry for a strong partnership, love is a possible byproduct, however it proves to be a rarity. Love comes with time, your Royal  Highness, a luxury us women do not have." You glance her way, "Not even a Princess is immune to this unfortunate condition from which all women suffer." 

"But he looks at you with intense burning, with...love." 

A quiet moment passes between the two of you before you offer your honesty. 

"He would learn to look at you that way, more than he would see the Crown. Especially with your mind and artistic skill. He would be a fool not to fall for you." Her eyes water at your response, "Come, let me teach you how to best Bakugou at his favorite card game, Amelia."  

When you return home later that afternoon Bakugou is fidgeting outside of the manor causing your brow to furrow. Then it dawns on you that one of your brother's has a big mouth and told his Grace where you would be. 

"My Lord." 

"Starlight." He offers you a strong arm and you take it as he guides you up the stairs and into the parlor just off the foyer. 

"Are you here to gossip?" You trust Bakugou enough to go without a chaperone, besides the doors to the parlor are wide open. You sink into your writing chair as he takes his normal seat by your side. The plush cushions do not ease his twitching fingers before you give him a playful shove. 

"Out with it then!" You giggle, the sound pulls a devilish smirk from the blonde seemingly easing whatever troubled his mind. He leans back into the cushions. 

"So, how much did her Highness speak of me? Endless compliments no doubt." His teeth flash white as you roll your eyes. 

"And here I thought you had a pressing matter." You move to turn away from him to focus on writing but he grabs onto your knee. Giving it a gentle squeeze as his face gives him away. The tips of his ears burn before he clears his throat. 

"I have to show you something and I need your honest opinion." Silence is his answer as you patiently wait for him to produce the mystery item. Slowly he reaches into his pocket, a black velvet box is in his hands. A smile blooms on your lips as you anticipate the ring he must have picked for the princess. He opens the box and your heart free falls into your stomach. 

It is a pear shaped black diamond flanked by silvery diamonds that wink in the afternoon sun. At the top of the circle of diamonds was a deep red garnet that looked like a drop of blood. The ring felt powerful if it could make one feel such a thing. You fist your skirts as you collect yourself.  He watches your face contort as you look over the ring, his jaw ticking with worry as you assess what is essentially both his ego and pride. 

But the ring is breathtaking, perfect really. 

"Katsuki, it is a gorgeous ring…" Your voice trails as you admire it, "But I believe the princess to have less...moody tastes. She does not normally wear dark colors." 

A small silence stretches between the two of you, almost as if he expects something else, quickly he snaps the box shut. 

"This is why I ask you things, my stunning Starlight." He pulls out a red velvet box popping it open. This ring is beautiful as well but does not have your heart as much as the first. 

It is a stunning and giant marquise cut white diamond. Blinding in the light with a halo of pale pink diamonds. It is vibrant, radiant like the princess. Katsuki always did pick out the perfect jewelry to match a woman's tastes. Bakugou watches your face carefully, the sad smile that pulls your lips upward causes a deep ache in his chest. His jaw ticks again but you answer before he can even think to lash out. 

"Your Grace, this will surely win her heart." He looks you in your eyes, a flash of an emotion you cannot quite catch before his arrogance returns. 

"Indeed it shall. We can discuss the best date to ask another time." He closes the box and tucks them both away, he grabs your left hand, fingers ghosting over the bracelet he gave you, "You seem tired, you should get some rest." 

"I believe that to be a grand idea." You say softly as he kisses each knuckle. He squeezes your fingers. 

"My life would be dark without you my Starlight." You fight to keep the bitterness out of your voice as you reply. 

"Soon you will have a shining diamond to light up your life." 

"Only thanks to you." With that he takes his leave. 

With burning eyes you add to your manuscript, foolishly writing a love story as your other novels have been completed. The candle dwindles as the hours pass before your hunched shoulders ache from the poor posture and lack of movement. You stretch, yawning as you do before you decide to head to bed. 

Expecting an empty foyer you are surprised to see your father looming in the hall, your mother standing solemn by his side. Her fingers clutch at her pearls as your eyes catch sight of bags at their feet. It is not unusual for them to leave in the middle of the night in order to keep the severity of your mother's health from the limelight. 

"Is there troubling news?" Anxiety twitches in your fingers as you clasp them together. Although your father's next words make your fingers want to wrap around his thick neck. 

"We have been invited for an extended stay at Duke Enji's manner in the countryside in hopes the two of you will court one another." 

"Father that is scandalous in itself." 

"Not if an engagement comes of it. Which one will, whether you fall for him or not, young lady. The matter has been decided among the men." His words sting like a slap in the face. Where most would cry you lash out. 

"Oh, I get it. Per usual the men can think with nothing more than what hangs between their legs, fearful that theirs is not long enough. So the men do all that they can to control everything but their own fragility." You step towards your father and he takes a step back, "Or is it more gruesome than that? One blackmailing the other? I just cannot imagine the ambitious Duke wanting a Baron's daughter for his son. Unless his family is so far in decline he must place the weight on his new heir and bride." 

His eyes widen unnaturally before he is frothing at the mouth. 

"YOU WILL NOT SPEAK OUT OF TURN. YOU WILL LEARN YOUR DAMN PLACE. " He slaps you, causing a hush to fall over your family. Your eyes are wide with animalistic rage as you lunge only for Hendrix and Hideki to hold you back. Both strong men begin dragging you away.

"Forgive her, Father." Hendrix starts before Hideki finishes, "You know how the heat gives women a touch of hysteria."

"We will help her pack her bags." 

All the while your mother looks at her husband in horror.  The sight falls beneath the stairs before you are shoved onto your bed. 

"Sister!" Hendrix roars while the youngest brother looks flustered, worried, "What were you thinking? You know how closed minded father is." 

Hideki cuts the eldest a look before he adds. 

"We are just worried. Normally you keep your wrath at bay." 

"As much as it may come as a surprise. I am only human." You rise from the bed asking Rose to prepare you a trunk. To pack anything, that you did not care as you sat at your desk furiously writing. Your bothers watch you with curious eyes as the tension seems to subside before they take their leave.

Minutes tick by before you're standing in the foyer. Father and mother were already sitting in the carriage that waited outside under the cover of misty rain. Hendrix and Hideki stand awkwardly by the round table in the middle of the foyer. Pretending to fuss over lavish flowers Lord Bakugou had sent that morning. A beautiful arrangement of roses and hydrangeas, two of your favorites, the Lord knew of them through observation alone. You wait patiently until one brother makes eye contact with you. Hideki breaks first, guilt shining in his eyes as it threatens to spill over. It is obvious he does not want you to leave the house, his normally crooked smile falters. You cup his cheek, smiling up at your sentimental younger brother, he acts as if you will never come back. 

Maybe there is some truth in that. 

"Cry not, for I have an iron will while father's is but made of glass." You swipe the tear, before pressing two letters into his chest, "Besides I have an important task for you." 

"Is it your scheming?" Hendrix chides and you laugh in answer before continuing. 

"These are for Lord Bakugou and Lord Kirishima, it is imperative you deliver these letters." The paper contained important instructions for not only a successful proposal but a marriage as well. 

You'd be damned if all three of you would turn out miserable. 

"I'll put them in the post." 

"No hand deliver them." Your eyes turn icy causing both brothers to go rigid, "And should I find out the seal has been broken before their arrival I shall take the family jewels from between your legs."

"Is that any way for a lady to talk, my dearest sister?" A jest in an attempt to lighten your souring mood. 

"Yes, it is."

"They will be in their hands by this evening. We are wagering on a fight tonight. Enjoy your stay." Hideki leans in close with a tease but his voice almost cracks, "Make sure the rock is huge." 

"Indeed." Hendrix agrees with an almost sad look in his eye, leaving you to wonder what it is that they know and you do not. 

Well, you do know why they have such long faces, you just do not care to admit. You wave to them and their eyes catch on the silvery reflection of diamonds on your wrist. 

The manner is stifling to say the least. The large, grand thing is as your trunk is set in your room that overlooks a small garden and the long sweeping hill that leads home. You pace your room before a knock comes at your door. 

Hoping to ignore it, having not the desire to speak to a soul, your feet quiet. You listen for them to retreat but instead a louder knock sounds out. Before his grating voice floats from beneath the door and through the keyhole. 

"I know you are in there, my lady." 

Ugh, that stupid doctor stood on the other side of the door. Still you ignore him. 

"It is rude to ignore your host."  It ignites something in your stomach before you rip the door open. Eyes ablaze as Todoroki stands perfectly still in his onyx black suit sans jacket. White sleeves rolled up showcasing his strong forearms. 

"Surely, a good host would not force his guests to his estate?" 

"A good host would not mention how unwanted their guest is." His smile is sickeningly polite, eyes as cold as yours. It is hard to keep your composure as you breathe in deeply through your nose, eyes widening before you slam the door in his face. 

Only once you hear his footfalls retreat and the moon shines long on your floor boards do you finally make your way towards the door. A woman on a mission as you yank the door open, uncaring that you were not in much but a thick white nightgown that could be mistaken for a dress.  You rush for the stairs and through the door just off their back parlor, having memorized it from the long winded tour both your father and his Grace Enji insisted the small party take of the grounds. 

A cool summer breeze whips your hair this way and that as it dries the sweat that sits at your nape. Normally people would describe this feeling as miserable, that even the breeze had a bit of heat to it, but you. 

You lived for it. Twirling in the moonlight you allow yourself a moment for vulnerability you often cannot afford before you go deeper on the grounds, closer to the woods that lie just beyond the manor. 

Once you are at the edge you give the grand home a glare with your back towards the woods. The creatures of the night sing their symphonies well into the late hour. A twig snaps behind you cause you to turn about face, your eyes meet with lavender framed beneath light lashes. 

Ice runs through your blood as you faintly recall him speaking of these trees by his own countryside manor. He often went to these grounds to hunt. 

So why was he standing on the Todoroki grounds? 

"So it is true?" Monoma chokes out an ugly sound. It is between defeat and a snarl. He takes a step closer, "Whisked away in the night. Did Todoroki steal your maiden head from me?" 

Your eyes widen at his scandalous accusation and it is then you see how truly disheveled he is. Hair plastered to his forehead, his canary suit stained green from foliage. The fabric even darkening beneath his armpits and at his collar, it sends a sort of frantic look to his eye. He steps forward and for once in your life you yield, stepping back. 

"That is a damning accusation." You fight to keep the cracking rage from your voice, the small fear that blooms in your belly like poison nightshade. Swallowing thickly he steps forward. 

"He, he can't take what's mine. I- I was going to propose today. But that damn Bakugou is always lingering around like toxic gas. Poisoning your mind with his….ambitions." It is then you see red. 

How dare anyone thing you were so fucking fragile and innocent some young blonde could corrupt you. Your palm strikes his cheek with enough force that he is facing away from you. You strike again and then as you rear up your fist he pulls you to him. Pressing his whisky soaked lips to yours as he swallows you whole. Mouth extended over your lips, sloppily engulfing you as he makes sounds that make you want to retch. His tongue slides past your lips and you bite.

Not enough that he loses it, although you wish you could afford to do such a thing. But you still lived in a society where a man's word was far more valuable than that of a "whore." Shaking you pull back, so much rage that you do not see the flash of light until it is too late. 

"Fucking bitch!" He slashes at your nightgown, cutting the fabric away as you think you've doged, he goes to slash again, "God damn whore!" 

His voice echoes through the trees and that scares you more than the knife in his hand, his sloppy demnor creates an opening as you kick him so hard between his legs he falls to the ground, puking up his belly full of liquor onto the moss floor. 

Suddenly the summer night is too hot, the frogs and crickets too loud as an owl calls deep within the wood. Thunder roars overhead before the clouds become too heavy. Panic slicks your skin before the pounding rain as you turn to run, hopping you kicked hard enough to rupture something in this cowardly man. 

If you lived in any other world, you would have tried your best to seize that knife and plunge it into his chest. 

But you didn't, so you ran. Vision blurring as the pain finally catches up to you. Hand instinctively flying to your stomach only to come up wet. 

"It's the rain, it's just the rain." You gasp out rushing into the house and shutting the glass paned door as quickly and quietly as you can. Fumbling for a lock before you give up all together, arms outstretched in the dim room looking for a candle or a mirror. Shaking fingers find a match that you light using the wallpaper, uncaring of the risks as you frantically look for a stick of wax. Lighting the wick once you've found one and taking it to the mirror above a small runner table. You set the wax down, close to the glass, thunder shakes the windows and the house as you pull the fabric from your torso. It reveals an angry red slash that weeps crimson, a choked gasp leaves your lips as lightning flashes illuminating the whole room. Still you do not see the reflection of the man in the mirror. 

"What happened?" It sounds animalistic as it comes from the corner. Your whirl to face him, pulling the cloth back down to cover your decency. A lie falls from your lips as easy as breath. 

"Nothing." Your rasp, feigning embarrassment, "My-my courses have come early. Your Grace this is not something you should witness." 

"Do you take me for a fool?" He steps closer, eyes burning in the candle light, "I may not be an expert of female anatomy but I know the basics." 

You swallow thickly, trying to jest. 

"Then my Lord you are far more experienced than myself. I am bashful to be in the presence of a skilled womanizer. This truly is nothing." He closes the distance, wrapping his deadly hand around your small wrist. Pulling it away from your body.

"That laceration does not look like 'nothing'." He mocks, "I will not ask again." 

Silence engulfs you as the storm rages on, it competes with the roaring in your head. Your knees slowly buckle as Shoto keeps you up right. His winter's night by the hearth scent floods your senses. 

"I feel a bit faint." Your voice sounds so small, so far away that it stirs something in Todoroki. In the year that he has watched you, he has not once seen your falter or become meek. He makes way to scoop you into your arms and is a mixed of relieved and agitated as you swat him away. 

"I-I can walk." You straighten your back, smoothing the reddening fabric over your bodess and for once you're thankful the blasted nightgown is so thick. He gently guides you to your room. 

Once there he prepares a basin as you try to sit on the plush bed. 

"Aht!" He whispers harshly, "Change." 

You relax into the foot of the bed anyway, unable to hold yourself up right any longer. He sucks his teeth, bringing the supplies to the bedside table before searching through your trunk. 

"A Lady's things should not just be rummaged through." 

"Hmm is that so?" He finds another night gown before he hovers over you, face pinched as he asks, "Can you undress yourself, truthfully?"

Moments pass before you admit that you are not sure that you can with a shake of your head. Slowly he eases you out of the damp fabric, dabbing at your wet skin with a towel. He avoids looking at your breasts and as much as he would love to stare a weeping wound commands his attention. He places the gown just enough to hide your breasts before he lies you down on your back. 

"From beginning to end, tell me what happened." When you do not answer he forces your chin to face him, "Tell me, now." 

And your name slips off his lips like poisoned honey, a truth serum you swallow whole. You retell the quick exchange, including the damning kiss as you watch rage blister across Shoto's handsome features as he silently begins to work. 

"We must  prosecute him."

"We must not!" You exclaim as he dabs antiseptic at your wound. He gives your an exasperated

"What would have happened if he had nicked an internal organ?"

"I suppose I would be free of this wretched world." A nonchalant shrug as best as you can manage.a glare cuts your way as his roar turns soft.   

"Why would you say such a thing? Do you think no one would mourn the loss of you? Do you think he would not weep at your service?" Shoto touches the bracelet of dancing stars and you pull your wrist back. Tears burning your eyes, you do not allow them to fall. 

"He is not up for discussion!" It's a loud whisper before you grip Shoto's jaw with enough force it grinds, "I am more than capable of taking care of myself, Lord. You can take your leave as I do not need a soul."

He melts as he watches the pain flutter in your eyes, a long sigh escapes him as he melts into your touch. His fingers feathering over your forearm.

"Pride is a deadly sin. Allow me to help. I will be quick." Slowly you drop your arm away from him. He digs around in his bag before you change your mind. He disinfects the sutures before he sends the needle through tender flesh, your tears dry as you allow your mind to retreat. Shoto takes quick notice. 

"You do that a lot…" He comments softly, pulling the suture through your skin, you glance his way, "You seem to disassociate." 

"Well, feelings hurt so it is better to not feel at all." You grind your teeth as he pulls the widest part of your wound together. 

"Is that why you push him away so often?" He holds your gaze before returning to his work.

"Did I not tell you that he is not up for discussion. No matter, I do not have feelings for Lord Bakugou." He scoffs at your lie. 

"Ah so then it was not you who suggested the Princess in the form of flattery? Lord Bakugou is a smart man but you played into his blind spot, stroking his ego and enticing his ambition." Your gritted teeth say it all. 

"And how pray tell would you even guess at such grandor things when you are not in attendance at even half of these events?"

"I am privy to this knowledge because I too keep everyone and everything at arm's length. It is much easier to see the moves when one is far enough away from the board." He dabs at your abdomen, "And you my Lady are by far the best player." 

"Flattery does not go far with me." You sigh softly,  fingers idly playing with the wrinkles in the sheets,  "Father wants me to set a final round."

"Mine wishes for me to begin and end in the same turn." He slowly places your nightgown down, "Which is why we should make an effort to at least get to know one another. With your wound I suggest staying an extra week or two to ensure it closes properly. I can convince our Wardens that the extension is for an attempt to win your hand."

He leans back in his chair, sweat on his brow from fusing with your wound, from worry as it furrows. Your chest tightens and suddenly the urge to be in control sinks its teeth into your skin. Quickly you unclasp the birthday present Lord Katsuki had given you, setting it on the nightstand beside Shoto with dramatic flare. His eyes widen as he reads between the lines, the silent vow of "I will make an effort...for now". The promise seems to pierce his heart. 

"Fine. I enjoy picnics, I suggest we do that on the grounds so that we may be chaperoned from afar and yet have privacy. My expectation is unbashful honesty from both parties." You turn over to give him your back as you pull the fine blankets to your shoulders, "Furthermore you must come up with some sort  of endearment for me. Anyone who has ever tried to seriously court me has. I have come quite fond of them as titles bore me. Something lovely so give it thought."

Shoto is stunned into silence for a moment before he lets out a dark laugh. 

"I see, this is still your game"

"Precisely." You say, he stands, lingering in the doorway before shutting the heavy oak. 

It was difficult to sleep to say the least. Still you were grateful to have risen before Rose. Dressing yourself before she could see your wound. More grateful still when Rose set down some tea claiming Lord Shoto sent it.  

You downed the scalding liquid in three swallows, surprising Rose, before she passes you a folded note. 

Meet me in the back garden for lunch. 

-Shoto 

A muscle ticks in your jaw as pain blooms across your stomach as you stare at his lovely script. 

Shoto hates to admit that the first thing he looks for is that bracelet on your wrist, when he does not see it he lets out his held breath. Drinking in your deep, sapphire dress. It sparkles as if covered in stardust, his heart clenches. He looks towards your stomach, worry etched on his features. 

"How are your stitches? No corset right?" He asks, gently guiding you to the plush pillows on the ground. Maybe he should have asked the butler to bring out chairs instead. 

"I feel naked without it." You admit, he sees a bit of nervousness you have normally schooled away. 

"You look lovely." His eyes are gentle, lips formed in a soft, genuine smile. Your heart tried to skip a beat. It's the heat you tell yourself. 

"Flattery will not get you far remember?"

"I'm only being honest, my sweet petunia." You give him a puzzled look, was this going to be his nickname for you? You were not a delicate thing. 

"A flower?" You give him a look but his smile does not falter. 

"Ah would you rather I say my dew kissed rose? My begonia?"

You both laugh at his last suggestion. 

"My sunflower." Your heart stutters, you glance away for just a moment and he takes notice. 

"Ah so you approve," He collects a strand of your hair between his fingertips, "Sunflower?" 

Heat rushes your cheeks as you fight the smile on your lips. You lose as he kisses your hair. Maybe you could be a delicate thing. 

"Did you know sunflowers can remediate soil? It is why they are planted after tobacco is harvested in hopes to use the fields once more." He is quiet as he waits for your admission. 

"It is my favorite flower, it is in season now. Alas not one suitor has sent them. Roses and hydrangeas are my favorites too but nothing quite says summer like a sunflower." You sigh, looking over the manicured bushes and flowers in the garden. 

"Is that your favorite season?" He is perceptive, you take  a moment to breathe in the sweltering breeze with closed eyes. Humming your answer. 

"Indeed." You kick off your shoes and place your feet into the grass, leaning back to allow your face in the sun. Not many women would be so open to sitting on only a blanket and with no umbrella or covering. And yet here you were soaking up the sun like a lazy cat. Heat rushes Shoto's cheeks as he realizes just how perfect his name for you is. 

"Have you ever had intercourse with a woman?" You ask, eyes still closed as Shoto flushes further. His cheeks are as red as part of his hair. 

"Sunflower." He gasps but you giggle. 

"Unbashful honesty, remember?" He lets small silence stretch between the two of you before he answers. 

"I have. My brother convinced me it was a good idea." His eyes look sad, it makes your gut clench as you look away for a moment. Question burning on your tongue. 

"What if I were to say my maiden head was taken?" 

"Who am I to judge after I have slept with another. Sadly I know some are stolen." He answers without hesitation. 

"This is true. Mine is still intact, I am grateful Monoma had only stolen a kiss." You sigh.

"You'd never kissed anyone?" His tone is curious although his eyes are dark with anger for you. 

"I tried to be a proper lady. More so because I do not like to touch people or feel their skin. Touching them makes them real, you know? And when someone is real they can have power over your heart." Shoto mulls over your words and realizes how much he relates. He places his hands near your fingers but does not touch them. You notice the gesture and scoff without the pretension you skillfully lace his fingers with his. Delighted to see the burning blush on his cheeks. 

Maybe life with Shoto would not be half bad, if only he gave you more moments like this. 

Moments like this last over the two weeks that drag into three. Days are spent  beneath the summer sun with exchanged and often heated, intellectual debates. Both of you feeling mentally stimulated for the first time as each of you allowed a few walls to come down, pulling each other closer than arm's length. While a few hours of the night are spent beneath the moon. His gem stone eyes raking over your abdomen in worry but nothing more than his checking on your wound as he was ever the gentlemen.

On Monday of the second week Shoto has come fond of his summer sunflower, so much so he brings a large black box to the next picnic, tucked away in his pocket is a matching, much smaller box. He presents to you the medium sized box as you giggle in delight. 

"My Lord, my shining Shoto. What could this be?" Your cheeks hurt from the width of your smile as he opens the box for you to see. Your face flutters into shock before joy returns as you hold out your wrist. Shoto takes the delicate golden bracelet that has several round onyx surrounded by citrine in the shape of petals. Sunflowers dance on your wrist as you twist it this way and that, unable to school your features into your normal distaste for guadry gifts from suitors. But this gift was far from gaudy, only one man before Shoto had earned this reaction. You bring your parasol to hide your face and his from the prying eyes of the manor as you gently press your lips to Shoto's cheeks. 

"I love it." You admit. It gives him enough courage to commit to ask you on Friday, the bigger question. 

Having you walk for "therapy" through the grounds, pointing over your shoulder to point out phantom ducks on the lake as he nervously sinks to one knee. 

"Shoto, love I do not see-" You turn to face him and see his loving eyes, wavering smile and shaking fingers holding open the box that reveals a giant oval ruby surrounded by diamonds.  He clears his throat. 

"My sunflower," You fling your arms around him, making him fall off balance as you land on top of him. Peppering his face with uncharacteristic kisses as excitement, for once, rushes through your veins like a second blood. He laughs lifting you by your ribs, careful of your slowly closing wound as he spins you before setting you on your feet. He fumbles for the momentarily forgotten ring before he slips it onto your ring finger. He presses a kiss to your cheek, smiling warmly. It reaches his eyes in such a way your gut clenches. 

And for a moment you forgot you were ever anyone's starlight. 

For one returning to the manor seems almost dreadful and not because of waiting suitors but because you would be without your own. He insisted the two of you be seperate as your mother and his, prepared to arrange the wedding, as you demanded the ceremony to be small. Despite your desire for to keep the engagement quiet for just a week or so, your mother and father took it upon themselves to spread word back home before you could even arrive. 

You exit the carriage as the house looks quiet, earning a soft smile. Your ring catches your eye and you remind yourself that this truly was the best possible outcome. 

The foyer is covered in flowers, from congratulations to a giant trove of sunflowers on the center table. 

You smile at the flowers Shoto must have sent this morning, they sit in a glass globe of a vase, their usually tall stems cut short. Their flower heads are large and vibrant even in the ambient candle light. You finger a petal as you reminisce over the past few weeks, your stomach hardly protesting as you stand on tip toe to look at them all. Relishing the moment of silence before you realize you are most likely home alone. Your brothers lost in some fighting match while your parents took their leave from the Todoroki manor to busy themselves with venues. You figured a change of clothes would do you nicely before you settled down over your much neglected work. 

A black nightgown and almost sheer robe clung to your frame as you stepped down the grand staircase, smiling once more at the flowers before slipping into your parlor. Lighting only one other candle by the door before taking yours to your desk. With deft hands you pull out one of your manuscripts and tap along the top with a manicured nail. A sigh leaves your lips, you finger with your bracelet, with the ring on your finger before a fresh page is found on your desk. You write furiously. 

About something as trivial as love. 

Still the quil seems to move on its own as if enchanted as words dot the parchment in ink. Suddenly your work is disturbed by someone entering your parlor. You assume it is a brother who has come home, glancing up you see locks of ash blonde causing you to grip at your robe to close it tighter. The moment you realize it is just Bakugou your grip on the fabric loosens.

"I wasn't expecting you at this hour." Fear of needing a chaperone barely crosses your mind since it was Lord Bakugou who was your company. You relax into your seat as he crosses the room to sit in his normal seat, on the corner of the couch, closest to you. His posture is poor as he leans his forearms on thick thighs, garnet eyes cast downward, he grips at his own hands as his knuckles turn white. You wonder if he did not heed your letter. 

"How did the proposal go with Princess Amelia?" Your voice sounds out over the silence of the room, still he remains quiet. It is unnerving how solemn and silent the normally wolfish man is. Something pulls at the strings of your heart. His eyes seem misty. He keeps them to the ground or so you think, as they rake over the ring on your finger, on the bracelet on your wrist. The onyx and citrine dance in the low light of your burning candle. Bakugou feels a sheen of sweat coat his hands, bile rising in his throat that he has to swallow down. 

You think the worst, you think the Princess rejected him but that didn't make sense either. She was so obviously in love with the ambitious man, you heard while away that she even turned down a dance with a forgein prince. 

"What's wrong, Katsuki?" The way your voice forms around his name, the way your eyes look with unbiased worry causes Katsuki's limbs to act on their own. In one swift motion he cups your face in his broad hands, bringing his lips to yours so softly. Once the plush of your lips touch his he cannot stop as his hunger for you comes to the forefront. He kisses you with a fervor unmatched as his lips move yours, his hand moves to the back of your neck. Tilting your head so he may deepen the kiss, tongue sliding over yours as the world falls from beneath your feet.  

But as quickly as it fell it returns, pushing him away while turning to face away from him. You keep your head held high as he pants on the couch beside you. He grabs your thigh, desperate for touch, for anything but rejection. 

"Starlight." His voice is deep, rough from what might be disuse as it cracks on the second syllable. A question runs rampid in your mind.  How long had he felt like this? 

"Please, my starlight." He squeezes your smooth thigh and you look towards him. Watch his force contort with pain, as if you held his beating heart in his hands and crushed it.  

Really it is what he had done to you, as you look down at him with hot tears. 

He is the first and only soul to see you cry in decades. It seemingly tears him about but he brought this among himself. 

The kiss is answer enough as to why he is here. 

It should not be this tempting to throw it all away. 

"Get. Out." You seethe, fat droplets catching on your sheer robe, falling down your cheeks as if you were an actress going through a tragic scene. He does not move, does not breathe as he hopes your temper will cool. 

Instead it heats. 

"Get out, Get OUT. GET OUT GET OUT!!" More composure lost with each increase of volume before you completely lose it, "FUCKING GET OUT!" 

He hardly moves and the ruckus calls alarm for your brothers who were home, who let Bakugou in at such a late hour. They come from the office across the hall in hurried steps, expecting to see an assailant, hoping that Bakugou could fight them off. 

They silently determine what they see is far worse. Bakugou gripping at your thighs with this pleading look while your face is now firmly buried in your hands. A sob racks through your body setting your brothers ablaze. 

Hendrix speaks first. 

"What did you do?!" His eyes are flaming as he sets them on Bakugou, who ignores the two men. Hideki begins to close the distance and his eldest brother follows suit. 

"What have you done to make my lovely sister cry?" Hideki's voice is full of hurt, disappointment and when they receive no answer they decide it is time to remove your true assailant. 

Both grab at Bakugou, pulling him away from the couch as you wet your palms with years worth of tears. 

Everything in your life, no matter how hard you tried to conduct it, was truly wrong wasn't it? 

The fresh swirling ink on the pages answered you enough, the love story you did not know you needed with a protagonist with soft ash blonde hair. 

"Please. Do not make me BEG!" He yells as your brothers' sad attempt at forcing him from the room topples furniture and the like. 

Still you weep your self pity away. 

His next words are deafening  as your heart finally cleaves apart, the pieces falling to the floor before shattering like glass at your feet. He brandishes the black velvet box with the black diamond ring tucked inside as you finally look up to him. 

"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOU, STARLIGHT!"

#bakugou x reader #todoroki x reader #bnha historical au #bnha imagine #bnha x reader