Tumgik
#hate to see him so sad and dejected :(
puckinghischier · 9 days
Text
Suds n Sorrows
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Nico Hischier x fem!reader
summary: anon request for reader comforting nico after losing the last game of the season
notes: y’all i kinda love this one 🤭. me being a cancer, i’m patiently waiting for the day i can nurture and comfort nico. that’s all. hope you enjoy !!
(also, i used google translate for any german present in this fic, so if its wrong, oopsies)
[2.9k]
part 2 (18+)
~
You already felt terrible you were having to miss the last game of the season, but as you watch the clock hit zero on the screen of the tv in front of you, signifying another Devil’s loss, you really wished you could be there. You think about how defeated your boys look, not being able to secure one last win for the fans this season. You watch as they skate to the middle of the ice, thanking their fans with rounded shoulders and sad smiles on their faces.
You curse your professors, hating that their review schedules for finals fell right in the middle of the end of the hockey season. You were supposed to be there tonight, supporting your friends and boyfriend; but a last-minute email from a professor informing you of a mandatory review session, starting only an hour before puck drop, threw your plans out the window.
You pick up your phone to send Nico a quick text, telling him you love him and are proud of him no matter what. You know he won’t see it right away, with post-game interviews and the added responsibility of fan-appreciation activities, he won’t be home for another hour or two at the earliest. You turn the tv off, not wanting to see the dejected looks from the team any longer.
You go to the kitchen and start to busy yourself by making one of Nico’s favorite treats, wanting to give him something to smile about when he gets home. You make plans in your head to either make something or order something to take to the rest of the team tomorrow during their locker cleanout. Once you’ve finished the task at hand and cleaned the kitchen, you make your way back into the living room, figuring Nico will be home any minute.
You were scrolling through Instagram, lost in the comments on the Devil’s most recent post about the fans, when you heard the front door to your apartment open. You sat up, turning your body to face the entry way, watching Nico walk towards you. He dropped his bag as he reached the couch, wordlessly flopping down beside you, throwing his body half on top of yours. He buried his face in your neck, inhaling the comforting scent of your perfume, squeezing your body against his own.
“I’m so proud of you,” is the first thing you said to him, taking the beanie off of his head so you can run your fingers through his hair.
“Nothin’ to be proud of, Schatz. We lost. Didn’t you see?” You feel him mumble against your skin.
“Hey, now. No more pity party, alright? You still went out there and gave it everything you had. I’ll always be proud of you, win or lose,” you scold, hating when he doesn’t give himself credit for all the work he puts in for this team.
“Just wish we could’ve won one last one. For the fans. For the guys. For Jack.”
“How is he, by the way? You heard anything?” You ask about the middle Hughes, knowing how upset Nico was he wouldn’t be finishing the season with the rest of the team.
“Yeah, talked to him before the game. Sore, but good. Already trying to weasel his way back onto the ice, but Ellen has him under house arrest.”
You chuckle, causing Nico’s body to shake with yours, knowing how stubborn Jack can be.
“I swear, if he doesn’t just let himself rest and heal I’ll fly out to Michigan myself to babysit him,” you tell your boyfriend, earning a laugh in response.
The conversation falls silent soon after, the two of you just soaking in each other’s company. You had adjusted your bodies so Nico was fully laying on you now, one hand continuing to play with his hair, the other lightly tracing shapes up and down his back. You worry he’s fallen asleep until you feel him lift his head, resting his chin on your chest so he can look up at your face.
“Wanna talk about it?” You ask him, looking down at his soft, sad eyes.
“Not much to say. We lost. The game, the season, the cup. We just didn’t perform this year. Got a lot to work on going forward,” he shrugs, not meeting your eyes.
“Okay, when I asked if you wanted to talk about it, I didn’t mean give me locker room answers. I meant, do you want to talk about why you’re being so hard on yourself? Why you’re acting like you won’t ever play hockey again? I know how hard this is on you all, especially after the season you guys had last year, but not every year is a stellar year, Neeks. Sometimes you have to have a bad season before you know how to have a great one,” you pushed him off of you slightly, both of you sitting up so you can face each other.
“I know we can’t be great every year, Y/N, but I at least expected us to do as well as we did last year. Coming off of such an explosive season, even though we didn’t win the cup, I figured everyone would show up ready to go, ready to win some games. And then then everyone started getting injured, and the longer the season went on, something shifted. It’s like they gave up before we even got started. It’s like they didn’t even want it anymore!” Nico cries out, letting himself get worked up.
You simply nod, encouraging him to keep going, knowing he needs to get it out of his system.
“I just-“ he hesitates, calming himself from his outburst mere seconds ago. “I worry about who’ll be coming back next season. I like this team. I love these guys like they’re my brothers, and I wanted better for so many of them. Nothing is ever guaranteed in the league, and I just want to keep playing with this team. Tonight could’ve been the last time I ever stepped onto that ice with a few of them.” He continues, emotion so raw on his face you almost want to cry for him.
There it was. The real reason he’s so upset. You knew this was more than just a loss, even if it was a hard one. He hardly ever comes home and just allows the two of you to sit in silence, always going over what they could’ve done better, and what they need to work on in the future. He’s upset about losing his team. Nico always gets so attached to his players, wanting to give every person he plays with the best guidance and outcomes he can. You figure its why they made him captain.
“Oh Neeks,” you start, reaching out to grab his hands. “These guys love you, you know that, right? They want to do their best for you, always. You think they don’t beat themselves up for letting you down?” you pause, wanting your words to truly reach him. “But…you know this is always a possibility. Trades get made, contracts expire. It’s just part of the world you signed up for. I can guarantee you, nearly every one of these guys would come back next year if it was up to them. They love this team just like you do,” you reiterate, having been told this by his teammates more times than you can count. “You gave them everything you could this season. I can assure you, not a single player left that arena tonight thinking of what you could’ve done differently, instead focusing on what they could’ve done differently.”
Nico sat for a second, absorbing your words. He takes his hands from yours to place his head in them, trying to collect his thoughts.
“Wenn es nur so einfach wäre,” you hear the foreign words muffled by the sound of his hands.
“Neeks, you know I’m learning, but I have no clue what you just said,” you chuckle slightly, not knowing if he’s even aware of the language switch.
“I said, if only it was that easy. I know you’re right, I do. But I just can’t make my brain hear the words the way my ears do,” he sighs.
You look at the man in front of you with sad eyes. You wish you could carry some of this burden for him, but you can’t. At the end of the day, you don’t know what it’s like to be the captain of a hockey team. You don’t know the full extent of the pressure not only his coaches place on him, but the team management, as well.
“My sweet, sweet boy,” you coo sadly, reaching out to cup his face, his own sad, brown eyes looking into yours. “Why don’t we just relax for the rest of the night, yeah? I was thinking about a bath earlier, if you wanted to join me? I’ll add some of that bubble bath you like. The one that smells like oranges and raspberries?” You question, deciding you’d talked enough hockey tonight.
“Yeah, that sounds nice,” he agrees, leaning into your touch, letting his eyes flutter shut.
You lean forward to give him a small peck on his forehead before standing and making your way to the bathroom.
You make sure the temperature of the water isn’t too hot, but still wanting it to be warm enough to soothe the ache not only in Nico’s muscles, but the ache in his chest, too. You decide to light a few candles, wanting to make the space as relaxing for him as possible. The bathroom door opens as you’re lighting the last candle, Nico having already discarded most of his clothing, standing before you only in his boxers.
He closes the door behind him, walking fully into the bathroom and leaning against the counter next to you. You set the candle away from anything that could potentially catch fire, and walk over to Nico, wrapping your arms around his torso, resting your cheek against his bare chest.
The two of you stand like that for a few moments, trying to transfer every ounce of love you have for the man through the contact. Eventually he pulls back, placing his hands on your shoulder before cocking an eyebrow, eyes raking down your body at your still fully clothed figure.
“Shouldn’t you have much less clothing on if we’re meant to be taking a bath together, Schatz?” he asks, the teasing in his voice a nice change from earlier.
“Are you trying to get me naked, cap?” you try to act shocked, but you can’t help the amused smile that breaks out on your face.
“Always, Mrs. cap,” he cheekily responds, using his teammates’ nickname for you.
You step back with a giggle, undressing yourself as Nico removes what little clothing he had on. After you walk over to turn the bathroom light off, the two of you step into the steaming tub, settling into a comfortable position. Your back rests against Nico’s chest, head resting on his shoulder, his clasped hands resting on your stomach. He begins tracing shapes on your stomach like you were on his back a few minutes ago, letting the warm water heat your skin and wash the stress of the day away.
“You know, even though I’m sad the season’s over, it does mean I get to spend more time with you now,” Nico breaks the silence, head tilted to rest against yours.
You hum in response, smiling at the thought of no more early morning alarms or late-night interruptions when he gets home from a roadie. You daydream about lazy mornings and breakfast in bed, something the two of you don’t get to indulge in nearly enough. You open your eyes, the thought reminding you of the treat you made Nico before his arrival home, nearly forgetting about the baked good sitting in your kitchen.
“Oh, I almost forgot, I baked you a little something before you got home!” you sat up a bit, water splashing around you.
“You did? What ever for?” Nico asks, eyes widening a bit at your sudden burst of enthusiasm.
“Just because. Knew you had a hard day, wanted to make sure you had something sweet to brighten it up a bit,” you shrugged.
“Not necessary. Not with the promise of getting to come home to you already.”
Your cheeks flush red, never really getting used to the sweet words Nico always throws your way.
“Well, I guess you don’t want any Luzerner….Luzerner…Leb…” You start, but can’t remember how to pronounce the Swiss dessert. You huff, crossing your arms over your chest, aggravated with yourself and your lack of fluency in Swiss-German.
“Luzerner Lebkuchen?” Nico finished for you.
“Yeah…that.” You roll your eyes at his perfect pronunciation.
“You really made it for me? From scratch?”
“Mhmm. Used your mom’s recipe. I hope it turned out. I didn’t want to cut into it to try it before you got home. Wanted to surprise you.”
Nico’s heart swelled at the confession, amazed that you’d go through all of that effort just for him. It wasn’t an easy dish to perfect, by no means. It took his mom years to get her gingerbread cake perfectly moist and flavorful. Regardless of how it tastes, he’ll savor it like it’s the last food on earth, simply because you made it for him.
“Well consider me surprised,” Nico murmurs, leaning in to kiss you.
You love moments like these. Lost in Nico, the two of you in your own little world. No hockey, no schoolwork, no responsibilities. Just two people hopelessly in love with each other, soaking in every ounce of affection the other has to offer.
Nico runs his hand down your back, causing your body to shiver at the contact. He pulls you closer, his other hand coming to tangle itself in your hair, tugging just enough to cause your mouth to open in a gasp, using the opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth. Your tongues fight one another, his winning the struggle for dominance in the end, a groan working its way out of his throat. When he starts to move his hand lower down your back, grabbing the flesh of your ass in the process, you pull back, lips swollen and out of breath.
“Nope. Slow your roll, hot stuff. This was meant to be a relaxing bath, not a sex and suds party,” you push him back by the shoulders, earning a pout from the man across from you.
“But, a sex and suds party sounds pretty relaxing to me. No better way to unwind after a hard day than watching your face as I make you cu-“
“Nope! Not happening right now! Keep it up and it won’t be happening at all tonight,” You warn, turning back around to resume your earlier position, hands resting over his on your stomach to keep them from wandering.
Nico laughs, finding amusement in your commitment to the relaxing bath you promised him. He places a kiss to your temple, deciding to leave it alone for now, knowing he’ll revisit the subject later.
The two of you sit in the warm tub until the water runs cold, talking about anything that crosses your minds. From your upcoming finals to summer destinations you’d love to visit, the security of your bubble filled world allowing no room for hockey talk or stressful situations to infiltrate the delicate space.
After you start shivering, having put up with the cold water for as long as you could, Nico reaches forward to drain the tub, deciding that its time the two of you get out and dry off. You step out of the tub, reaching for the towels you had placed on the closed lid of the toilet seat, grabbing one for yourself before handing one to Nico. The two of you dry off your bodies, no sound other than the draining tub in the room. You look over to Nico, towel wrapped around his waist, and admire the man you love. You love him for so much more than his physique, but you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t the cherry on top of the already perfect soul before you.
Before he catches you staring and gets anymore ideas, you look away and wrap your own towel around your body, trying to shield yourself from the cool air on your damp skin.
“Thank you, Schatz,” Nico breaks the silence, causing you to look up at him, noticing he had closed the distance between the two of you, reaching out to place a piece of hair behind your ear, hand falling to your cheek.
“For what?”
“For always being here when I need someone. For always knowing exactly what I need, even before I do. For being you,” he states, referencing the many times you’ve been his sanity after days like today, always managing to take his mind off of his troubles and filling his head with thoughts of you, instead.
“Always,” you turn your head, placing a kiss on his palm before placing your cheek back against his palm, flashing Nico one of your loving smiles.
“Now, what about digging into that cake I made you? It’s not going to eat itself, you know?” you perk up, wanting to find out if you efforts paid off or not.
“Oh, I have a different kind of dessert I’d rather dig into, if you don’t mind,” Nico smirks, watching your eyes widen as he picks you up and throws you over his shoulder, laughing at your squeal as he heads towards the door of the bathroom, ready to savor his sweet treat.
474 notes · View notes
xxblairexxss · 9 months
Text
Pastries
Pairing : Charles Leclerc x reader
Theme : Angst / Fluff
I got carried away and it might be too long for your liking sorry about that! Not proofread!
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Charles had asked you to tag along for his interview. It was a casual one. Even the whole set up looked less kind of a formal one and more like a hang-out amongst friends kinda vibe. He had promised to take you out to try the new bakery that had just opened this month and took over the social media the next second they started receiving customers but the invitation for the interview came in last minute and his team had already accepted the offer before asking him since they thought it shouldn’t be a problem considering the fact that he’s on a break.
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
“What about the bakery? You promised me last week we could go there…” You hated to be the kind of person but Charles had promised you that he would leave out all work related stuffs and became your full time boyfriend for the weekend but all your hopes were crushed when he told you about his last minute schedule. You had been looking forward to try the pastries you had seen on your tiktok, the pastries videos that you kept on sending to Charles so you knew which one to choose when you visited the bakery.
“I know, baby. The team told me last minute so I couldn’t say no.”
“Then can we go after the interview?” You had been laying on his chest, your legs all tangled up with his while you had the new episode of Black Mirror playing on the screen. Now that you knew you won’t be able to spend time with him this weekend, the new episode was no longer worth watching.
“I can’t. I got another thing coming right after the interview, baby.” Charles knew you would be sad when he told you about his schedule because he had already promised you and though he couldn’t see your face, you didn’t look up to see his face after he mentioned about the interview, he knew you were upset.
“Then what am I supposed to do? I have already cancelled my plan with my friend..” Charles’s gaze followed your figure as you sat up straight and turned to look at him. You looked so dejected and he felt so bad for being the reason behind it.
“Baby, I’m so sorry.” Charles sat up along and placed his hand on your neck to plant kisses on your sulky face to which you tilted your face away and scooted away with your arms crossed. “Ouch, that hurts.” He tried to lean in for another attempt on kisses but failed when you leaned away again. “Baby, come on..I’m sorry, okay? I know I made a promise but I can’t not go to the interview or I’ll get in trouble. What if I bring you along? You can take over Andrea’s role.” He placed his hand on your cheek to move your face so you were looking at him.
“Will that be okay?”
“Of course. I don’t think there’s anything wrong having my beautiful girlfriend with me. Does that mean I’m forgiven now?” Charles tilted your chin so you would look him in the eye.
“Fine..”
“Can I get my kiss?” He slanted closer to catch your lips and you covered his lips with your palm. “Baby, this is an abuse.”
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
When you and Charles arrived at the set, Charles had introduced you to every of the staffs. You had been together for more than 2 years but you rarely tagged along for any other schedules unless during race week. You didn’t really think it was necessary for you to go unless if you were to show your support for him.
You were sitting along the staffs, watching your boyfriend answering questions here and there while scrolling on your phone but one question pricked up your ears.
“Being Charles Leclerc, does that mean you can get all the girls you want?”
You looked up and saw he was trying to laugh away the question. “I don’t need any other girls. I’ve got the girl of my dream right there.” He pointed at you and the interviewer just laughed along before moving on to the next one.
“Have you ever had any girls who threw themselves on you?”
“I bet your body count is high. How much do you think you could reach if you were single and not tie with one girl?”
“If you were broken up with your girlfriend by today, when do you think you can get her replacement. I don’t think it’ll be hard for you.”
“If someone ask to exchange their girlfriend with yours for a one night stand, would you say yes? Surely the girl wouldn’t say no for a one night stand with the Charles Leclerc.”
You were getting more and more uncomfortable. Sure, the first time he was asked the kind of question, you could take it as a joke but seeing the way the interviewer disrespecting you over and over again, there was no sane woman who would just stand there and let themself being spoken as if they were an item. Charles did very well dodging every questions but it was getting on your nerves how he could laugh and played along as if you weren’t being treated like a joke in front of these men so you stood up and gave an excuse you needed to take an emergency call before walking out of the set. Charles’s eyes were trailing on you as he saw you leaving.
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
“Baby, what’s wrong?” He took a seat by your side after they were given a short break.
“What’s wrong? Are you being serious right now?”
“What? I don’t get it.” Charles replied and you could sense a hint of dubiety in his tone as if you were a mad person for suddenly reacting this way.
“How could you not get it, Charles? They freaking disrespected me over and over with those questions and it never once occurred to you that they were treating me like an item?” You stared at him in incredulity.
“They were just joking. You can’t even take a joke now?”
“Oh, I can’t take a joke? You called that a joke? Try to have people talking about my body count and they told you how every guys could bang me if they wanted. Is that funny to you?” You sworn he was asking to be slapped in the face with the way he looked irritated right now.
“You are overreacting, Y/N. You can’t take everything seriously.”
“Are you hearing yourself right now? I was being disrespected how can you—“
“This is why I didn’t want to bring you along with me.” That did it. You went from wanting to explain from your side to just shut your mouth as you stood up and took your stuffs.
“I didn’t even asked you to bring me with you.” You could feel your eyes getting teary and not from misery of what your boyfriend just said, you were infuriated because he didn’t even bother to listen from your side and instead just turned it around and made it seemed as if you were the one at fault.
“Yeah, you didn’t ask me to bring you along but you were also the one who was so morose because I didn’t bring you to get that stupid pastries.” Charles stood up and scowled at you.
“Fuck you.” You immediately stormed away before he could see your tears slipping off and trailing your cheeks. You could hear him calling out your name but chose to ignore it. You hated how the argument went from you complaining to your boyfriend how you were being insulted to your boyfriend made fun of the things you told him.
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
You were planning to grab a taxi and head home but decided to search for any bakeries that you hadn’t tried yet and the closest was 20 minutes away. You would have gone to the bakery that Charles had promised to bring you only if it was still opened. You hadn’t had any chances to explore Maranello that much even after being here for the countless times. The scenery, the buildings, the markets and foods were very distracting that you ended up playing tourist around the area.
In the meantime, Charles had to continue the interview and acted as if he didn’t just made his girlfriend upset 30 minutes ago. He tried to ring your phone but of course, all of them were declined.
Tumblr media
“Charles, you ready?”
“Yeah? Yeah, I am.” He put his phone away and took his spot back in the centre as the interviewer went back to his spot.
“Where’s Y/N?”
“Ah, she got some things to do.” Charles answered while trying to control his composure.
“Great, now we can talk like two single men.” The interviewer said as he took out his phone and cue cards to place it on the table.
“I don’t think so.” He awkwardly laugh and shook his head to the “joke”.
“Why not? We can talk about girls and sex. I was trying to control the topic in case she got uncomfortable but now that she’s gone, there will be so much more fun topics we could talk about. Something like what’s something you miss doing that your girlfriend didn’t allow you to do after you got into a relationship or if you were given a chance to ditch your girlfriend for a one night stand with any girl, who would it be. Nice topic to talk about, is it not?” The interviewer cackled, looking casual and laid-back even after what he had just said which caused Charles to placed his mic away and stood up.
“I don’t think I can continue this interview.” He was going to walk away when the interviewer stopped him.
“Why?”
“If you chose to continue this interview with those brainless questions then I won’t be able to do this.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my questions. If she found it offensive then that’s on her? Girls are always extra sensitive for something small.”
Charles scorned at what he just heard. He couldn’t believe he fought with you over something that was so obvious right from the start. “I refuse to associate with someone who doesn’t know how to respect my girlfriend. We are done here.”
Joris tried catch Charles to talk it out but he was gone in a blink without saying any words and he was left there so apologize on behalf of his friend.
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
Charles spent 20 minutes looking around the area in case you were nearby as they had a restaurant and cafe not far away but you were not in sight so he went home thinking he would be greeted by your beautiful face but it was empty. He tried calling you again but none of the calls went through.
You had an enjoyable time of your life. It was as if you didn’t just cursed at your boyfriend and ignoring his phone calls like nothing happened. You went to a random small bakery that you saw on google, went to get an ice cream, and even ended up joining a balsamic vinegar tasting that you saw from a random website. It was nearly dark when you took a cab home looking all joyous and triumph.
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
“Where were you?”
“I was…” You looked away, unable to look at your enraged boyfriend.
“Don’t you know how worried I am? You couldn’t at least text me back so I know where you were?”
“I got carried away.” You started twiddling on your phone charm, still unable to look at him in the eyes. You weren’t actually planning to ignore him all day long but you were too busy taking pictures and videos of everything and you kinda forgotten that you have a worried boyfriend waiting for you at home.
“You got carried away doing what?
“Doing some stupid stuffs.” You rolled your eyes and tried to step aside to make your way to the room but Charles grabbed on your arms which jerked you back.
“What stupid stuffs are you talking about?”
“Just some stupid things, Charles. It’s not important.” You snatched your hand away and walked to the room.
“Are you seriously still on this right now? Can we talk without arguing, please?”
You saw Charles following you into the room and stood behind you as you placed all your items on the dressing table. You could hear him gave a long weary sigh when he realized this conversation was going nowhere, again. “I am a girl who loves to overreact and can’t take a joke, ain’t I? Gotta live up to the nickname.”
“Y/N, can we please stop arguing. I was agitated the whole day not knowing where my girlfriend went and she came home acting all fine as if she didn’t just ignore my phone calls and you ended up pulling a fight again.” He turned you around by your waist so he could look at your pretty eyes and you saw how jaded he looked like.
“I’m not trying to pull a fight for fun. I’m just upset, Charles….”
“Okay, then can we stop wrangling so I can properly apologised? Tell me what did I do that made you upset with me so I can apologise for every single one. I already know the reasons but I didn’t give you a chance to explain earlier so you talk, I’ll listen this time. No fighting, okay?”
You chewed on your lower lip and felt your throat tightening. “I was upset because you didn’t want to listen to my reasonings. You acted as if I was crazy for reacting that way. I’m upset before you turned the argument on me. Upset because it was as if I was a burden for joining you on the interview. Upset because you called things that we talked and planned about as stupid.” A sob escaped from your lips as you covered your face with shaking hands.
Charles pulled you into his embrace but you didn’t hug him back. Your hands were still covering your face. “I’m sorry…”
“All these times I always thought you would always got my back but I was so uncomfortable and I thought you would understand me but I was blamed for trying to make a scene.” Your words came out as mumble from having your face covered and you could feel his arms tighten around your figure, latching you in his embrace.
“I know, baby. I know. I’m sorry I said you were overreacting. I don’t know why I was too blinded to see him disrespecting my girl when it was happening right in front of me.” He broke the hug and stooped down to pull your hands away. “Let me see your pretty face.”
“And I’m upset because you called my pastries stupid. I know you gonna laugh because it sounds funny but I always thought I could talk about random things with you without having the fear of being judge.” Your lips trembled as you cried and wiped your tears every seconds, feeling like a fool now for crying over some foolish thing.
“Look at me, baby.” He stopped your hands from wiping another strand of tears and softly held your face. “I’m sorry if it sounded like I’m mocking everything you have ever told me. It wasn’t my intention. I was…frustrated and I ended up saying those things.” Charles pulled you back into his embrace and he could feel your body shook as you sobbed. “I’m really sorry, princess. What else should I apologise for?”
“Are you playing around right now?”
“I’m not! I genuinely wanted to apologize for every single thing.” He was quick to defend himself as you could feel him shaking his head.
“Did you….regret bringing me to the interview?”
“No, not at all. You know I didn’t mean that, don’t you? I like having you with me wherever I go.”
You stayed silent in his embrace and he stroked on your back until you were done crying and pulled away to find his green, captivating eyes. “Your eyes are all swollen now, baby.” He pecked on your eyes that were still wet from the tears. “Now that I’m done listening, don’t you think you got something to apologise to me too?”
“I’m sorry for ignoring your texts and calls...”
“Please don’t do that again, okay? I was so close to lodge a police report for a missing person.” He sighed in relief. “Can you tell me where did you go today without us getting into another fight again?”
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎
You told Charles about everything you did whilst he was dying from stress that you were ignoring his calls as you sat on the vanity cabinet and Charles took off your makeup for you.
“And then I saw these kids eating ice-creams so I decided to get one for myself too.” You showed him the picture that you took. “They have lots of flavours!”
“Really? And what did you choose, baby? Must be pistachio again.” Charles had been staring the way you were too engrossed in your little storytelling and thought he might have fallen in love all over again. “Baby, you and your swollen eyes look so adorable.”
“I know.” You circled your arms around his neck and smiled cheekily. “Oh! And I saw puppies! Like a bunch of them!”
“Yeah? Were they cute?” He brushed his lips on your nose.
“They were so cute! And so small too! They were running around and chasing each other.”
Charles pecked on your nose again. “You should have brought me along to do those fun things together.” His arms was placed on both sides of your figure, trapping you in his arms.
“I know, but you were to busy entertaining that prick.”
“I ditched the interview.” He nodded even before you could double check what he just said.
“Why? What happened?”
“I don’t like the way he was talking behind my girl’s back.” He slanted and begin running kisses all over your face again. “Wanna go to the bakery you wanted to go tomorrow?”
“Can we?”
“Sure, why not. I’ll buy you the whole pastries to make up for my mistakes today.”
“That’s a bribery.”
1K notes · View notes
theemporium · 8 months
Note
🧸 charlos bringing you and the baby to the paddock for the first time since having little sainz-leclerc
i changed it a wee bit but hope you enjoy! thank you for requesting!🫶🏽
.
It had been a surprise planned between you and Fred Vasseur. 
You knew the boys hated that they couldn’t be with you. You knew they hated that they would both have to fly in and out, going around the world while you were left to take care of your child. You knew that as much as they appreciated facetimes and pictures and constant updates, it wasn’t enough. 
You also missed them too. Pascale had been a massive help since the baby boy was born. Reyes had even flown out to stay with you in the first few months after the baby was born. But that didn’t help fill the void of your two boys being away. 
It had been Fred who initially reached out. He sent his well wishes and asked how his future driver was getting on, all polite and sweet small talk. Then, he told you the truth. He told you that despite the amazing results both Charles and Carlos were pulling, he could see the sadness and longing in their eyes. He knew it was hard for them to be away from their family, from you and your son. 
So, you planned a paddock comeback. 
Fred helped you organise it all, from getting the passes sorted to security to even keeping the boys distracted as you flew out to the next European race that would be easy for you to travel to with a young child. And as Thursday’s media day rolled around, neither boy had any suspicion that little Julian Leclerc-Sainz would be making his first appearance in the paddock.
You almost felt bad when you were in the car, on the way to the paddock from the hotel. Both boys had been blowing up your phone with messages varying from ‘we miss you’ to ‘tell Julian Papa and Dada miss him’. You almost felt bad for lying to them and saying you couldn’t call like you usually did on Thursday mornings before they headed in for work. 
But the knowledge that they would be over the moon to see you both washed away the guilt. 
You had decked Julian out in complete Ferrari merch, personalised and specially made to represent both his fathers. Between the little onesie decorated in ‘16’ and ‘55’, along with his own name and number plastered on the little hat, you were swooning at the sight of how adorable your son looked, and you knew your boys would say the same. 
A Ferrari intern had been at the paddock entrance, ready to guide and help sneak you into the garages where the boys had been sitting between interviews. Your body itched to reach out for them, but your heart also clenched at the sight. 
Charles was leaning his head on Carlos’ shoulder as the older man ran his fingers through his hair, soft and comforting. You understood what Fred meant now, at how dejected they looked. But the icing on the cake was the phone in Charles’ hand, a photo you had sent the boys two days ago of you and Julian spread across the screen. 
“Got room for two more?” 
Both boys’ heads snapped up comically fast, but Charles was the first one to jump out of his seat and rush towards you. He wasted no time in wrapping his arms around you and Julian, only for Carlos to follow his actions seconds later.
“How are you here?” Carlos asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he stared at you like he couldn’t quite believe you were here. 
“Fred organised it,” you smiled, placing a hand on Carlos’ cheek as he melted into your touch. Your smile widened when he placed a chaste kiss on your inner wrist.
“And look at you!” Charles cooed happily as he took in the sight of Julian’s attire. “My prince is representing his fathers, hm? Oh, you are just so cute.”
You watched as Charles took little Julian in his arms, holding him close to his chest as he muttered a bunch of French that was spoken too quickly for you to understand. 
“Ay, okay, give him to Papa,” Carlos intervened as he took the small boy in his arms, grinning widely at the way Julian garbled happily as he stared between his fathers. “Oh, mi lobo, I’ve missed you too.” 
“This is the best surprise,” Charles murmured as he pulled you into a tight hug, his arms tightening around you like he wanted to be sure you wouldn’t run off.
“Anything for my boys,” you smiled, placing a chaste kiss on Charles’ cheek before a hint of mischief glinted in your eyes. “Plus, you two can take over diaper duty now. No excuses.”
Both boys groaned, but neither one of them complained, simply happy to have their family back together again.
.
1K notes · View notes
alessiamalfoyzabini · 3 months
Text
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Pairing | Yandere Jungkook x Reader
Word Count | 1,529
Warnings | +18, detailed descriptions of punishment, spanking, Jungkook is obsessed and angry, smut dubcon(?), fingering, male masturbation, forced cum consumption
Tumblr media
This does not reflect my way of thinking or living at all, it is just a work of fiction, it is like watching a horror movie, many of us love horror movies, but we would never dream of what we see in those movies happening in reality as well.
Simply put, this story was written for entertainment purposes, it should not be seen as a reflection of my values, opinions or morals. I absolutely do not condone such acts.
Tumblr media
⤷ Summary | If she had paid attention earlier to the sin that dwelt behind those obsidian irises, she would never have trusted it.
If she had noticed earlier the devouring love that dwelled in his corrupt heart, she probably would have fled.
She had done none of that, and now she had to come to terms with her new reality.
Tumblr media
➢ Author's Note | Fifth chapter ready! Let me know what you think of the story or if you would like to be added to the taglist, i would be really happy!
Tumblr media
Taglist: @katherine-kookie, @douknowbts, @aiiselle90210, @fewercascade
Taglist is open!
Tumblr media
Chapter List - I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII / The End
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
It had been exactly four days, Y/N had been locked in that room crying, eating what she had to eat so as not to upset Jungkook, but the sadness and disgust were still there. She still couldn't tell if it was for him or for herself. He spent those nights as tense as a violin string, going to work during the day and hermetically locking the front door, and at night he heard her crying and that upset him. But he had factored that in as well, Jimin had explained to him how the first few days had gone. "It's going to be hard, but if you love her you'll have to put up with it," the blond man in the principal's office had told him, while Seokjin just listened, typing occasionally on his phone. "I hate to see her so dejected, I'm the cause and that hurts me," he had hissed with his head clenched in his hands, Jimin had denied it with his head, totally frosty. "You are just too sensitive, she has to get used to a new way of life and certain reactions are more than normal, my wife had tried to kill me if you remember well, so consider yourself lucky," he scolded him. "Besides," Seokjin exclaimed, "her parents reported her missing and everyone thinks something happened to her, even the neighborhood she lived in was a good cover, don't think of stopping just now." Jungkook nodded, before freezing.
"What about Kang Yoozu?" he asked, threateningly. Jimin let go of an icy smile, "You don't have to worry about him anymore, with the material you provided me, there will be fun to be had." A few days later, Jungkook understood his friend's words, it was all over the news that Kang Yoozu, age twenty-three, had kidnapped and most likely tortured the now missing Y/N. It had only taken a few rumors put out there and a lock of the girl's hair found in the student's backpack to set off alarm bells. Jungkook thought Jimin had done a masterful job; everyone knew about Yoozu's bullying of Y/N, and as Jungkook had said at the beginning, it was those like Yoozu who had no loyal friends.
At the dinner table that evening, Jungkook avoided turning on the television, not wanting the girl to see anything inherent in her disappearance; she seemed upset enough to the boy, so he asked her how she felt. "Like someone who hasn't seen the light of day for almost a week," she hissed, listlessly moving the contents of her plate. "When I'm sure I can trust you, I'll take you for walks," he tried to appease her, but at those words Y/N huffed blatantly, which the man did not like. "Y/N." "Jungkook?" she wryly made, openly challenging him after days of unexpressed discontent, "I'm not even allowed to complain, professor?" The ass-grabbing behind that title pissed him off, and he jerked out of his chair and marched toward her with an expression that was anything but sweet and patient, as it had always been until moments before. Y/N caught the danger signal and tried to evade him, but Jungkook was quicker and caught her lifting her off the ground as if she had been a feather, at which point the girl screamed and full-throated, kicking in his direction, intimidating him to put her down, terrified by the man's sudden change.
Jungkook was not frightened by her hysterical threats, after all, there were not even neighbors who could hear them, and he flung her onto the living room sofa, the girl ended up between the cushions on all fours, tried to get up so she could stare openly into his eyes, but Jungkook imposed that position on her by crushing her with his own weight, in fear she felt the young man's hands lift the fabric of the skirt he had given her that day, she tried to crawl away, but once again she was blocked by him, a strong hand of the man held her head still against the cushions. She shuddered in shock when her panties were also brutally lowered onto her thighs, she felt so much embarrassment that she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to extricate herself. "Rule number one, Y/N, don't ever use that tone with me," he hissed furiously, before his free hand came down on a soft buttock of the young woman, who squealed in shock and pain at the searing lash, the dry sound lost in the room along with her voice.
Jungkook settled down better behind her, taking sadistic pleasure in seeing his imprint getting darker and darker on her tender and delicate skin, "Rule number two, finish your meal without complaining like a naughty and rude child," he hit the same area of skin with an even more deafening spanking than the previous one, the girl wriggled in tears under his body, Jungkook felt the blood run miles through his veins, his cock now throbbing in his pants at that fantastic sight. Adrenaline raced through his body, painfully clutching Y/N's hair in its hard grip. "Rule number three, never question what I say to you in that insolent way!" he continued to hit her repeatedly on the other side as well, ignoring the tears now soaking the cushions of his couch or the girl's constant attempt to slip away from his blows, writhing. He stopped only when the girl began to give in, begging him to stop. "P-Please stop!" she screamed against the fabric of the cushions, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'll be good, I won't misbehave anymore," she continued, Jungkook pulled away slightly, watching with hungry eyes the buttocks now red and irritated by his punishing blows, the girl's body trembling, shaken by sobs and whimpers.
"Ah..." he sighed, "My love," he murmured bending over her, tenderly kissing the skin now burned and alive with pain, the girl tried to block her sobs, feeling only more discomfort at the boy's attentions, who not content left a long trail of saliva from the abused area to the column of her back, stopping shortly after at a corner of her neck, Y/N shuddered, feeling him push the covered cock against her buttocks which, if possible, burned even more. Jungkook sucked and bit the skin of her neck expertly, Y/N did not have the strength to evade, not even when one of the man's hands descended on her pussy . "Since you get it... you deserve a reward, don't you?" he highlighted those sick words of his with another thrust of his pelvis, "I'm going to make you feel so good, love," he moaned, running two fingers along the folds of the girl, who widened her eyes at the same time Jungkook did, finding her soaking and quivering, "Fuck. .. you liked it," he laughed surprised, Y/N instead wanted to disappear, tried to stop her moans by sealing her lips, shocked by that new realization, but she tensed at the rhythmic and insistent movement of the fingers around her taut and shiny clitoris, no ... it couldn't be true.
She could not feel pleasure at such a time, with such a boy! But her body thought otherwise when the man's fingers tapped on her clitoris, which contracted and forced the girl's hips to push against the young man's hand involuntarily, seeking a more direct and steady touch. She opened her mouth wide for air, but was only able to gasp for breath, only causing Jungkook to increase the speed of his intimate caresses, reaching up to penetrate her lightly with the tip of his fingertips, Y/N stiffened writhing wordlessly, her brain now mush thinking only of finding more friction, which Jungkook granted her with a kiss in her hair, slipping his fingers from her tight slit to move up toward her clit, rubbing on the now overly sensitive pearl, he expertly pinched one last time before and Y/N let out a choked scream that confirmed her orgasm, which continued to shake her body for endless minutes. Now almost fainting in his arms, Jungkook turned her body over, lost himself in looking at her distraught face before glancing at her soaked red intimacy, biting his lip, god he couldn't take it anymore.
He began to unbuckle the belt from his pants, releasing the thick, throbbing cock without lowering anything else, reached up to the young girl's tear- and saliva-wet lips, running the already wet tip of white, shiny cum over them, cupped his hand several times over the velvety, warm skin of his cock, continued to pump himself, moaning loudly, he accompanied the gestures with sloppy, slick movements of his hips, Y/N barely registered the boy's actions, too shocked by what had happened, a choked scream escaped her throat as a warm, foreign-tasting substance poured onto her face and hair, a few drops managed to enter her mouth as well, only later did she realize what it was. Jungkook slipped two fingers into her mouth, filling her with his cum, forcing it to the back of her throat, which made the girl swallow for air. "My beautiful girl is also a perfect slut for my cock."
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
214 notes · View notes
justwritedreams · 3 months
Text
Can I live in your embrace? | Wooyoung
Tumblr media
Wooyoung x Reader Word count: 977 Genre: fluff, little angst Author: maari Warnings: Reader feeling sad, mention of fight with parents and Wooyoung being an completely angel that's a warning? yes Note: It's been a shitty week so I made this one for me again 😭😭 Summary: How good would it be if you lived in Wooyoung's embrace?
⩥ Ateez Masterlist
Ateez Taglist: @foxinnie8
Tumblr media
"You had to see his face when he put the pepper on his nose." Wooyoung laughed loudly. "He had a burning nose for 3 days."
Y/N smiled briefly in a very dejected way with both hands resting on her face as she stared into space, she was listening to everything he was saying and even though that story about San accidentally putting the pepper in his nose while he was wiping his face after picking the pepper was very funny, she wasn't laughing like Wooyoung imagined her to be.
"Hey." he stared at her suspiciously. "Did something happen? You didn't even eat properly."
Y/N looked at her almost untouched plate and twisted her mouth without knowing what to say, in fact she wasn't even hungry and the food he had made looked delicious.
But she didn't have the energy for anything, she was upset, tired… "Babe." He grabbed one of her wrists, making her lower her hand so he could stroke her skin. "What happened?"
Her eyes will fill with tears that only didn't fall because she held them back. She didn't want to remember because she was still very hurt but she knew that not saying anything would make her feel worse.
"Can we go to your room?" she asked softly, they could hear the TV on in the living room and the last thing she wanted was to disturb his friends. "I'll tell you everything there." she promised when she saw him narrow his eyes, visibly worried.
"Okay. Come on." He got up from the kitchen stool and intertwined his fingers with hers, bringing her with him.
Once in his room, Y/N threw herself on the bed as soon as she let go of his hand and saw him standing in front of the bed, watching her. "You know how much I hate fighting with my parents, especially my mom." she spoke quietly, hugging a pillow as Wooyoung walked over to sit next to her.
"You don't usually do this often. Why did you fight?"
"It was so stupid. I just said she needed to stop hyper valuing everything my sister does like it was a Nobel Prize."
Wooyoung sighed.
Y/N had a great relationship with her parents, but with her sister it wasn't so good. The two had very different opinions and personalities, they constantly argued.
"You know, my sister is spoiled, dramatic, dependent, loose... If I stay here listing her flaws, that's all it will be." she huffed, irritated. "But it seems like every time I tell my mom to set limits with her, we always fight."
"Then you don't have to talk about her." He shrugged and lay down next to her, facing her. "Sometimes the more you talk, the less your mother will do."
Y/N frowned.
"You mean she needs to see what I see for herself, with her own eyes." she guessed and he hummed. "You'll just wear yourself out for nothing, because it'll look like you're picking on your sister."
Y/N pondered, she agreed even though she didn't like seeing her mother's situation. She could help, if they wanted her help.
"Come on." He placed his hands on either side of her face, making her look at him. "Undo that pout or else I'll have to kiss you."
The corners of her lips rose slightly and she pretended an even sadder pout, making Wooyoung laugh and bring her face closer, placing a soft kiss on her lips.
As soon as he moved away from her, stroking her nose with his own, she brought her hand to his wrist, which was still holding her.
"I love you, you know?" she spoke softly, opening her eyes and seeing that Wooyoung still had his closed, smiling widely and convinced.
"Who doesn't love me?"
She rolled her eyes and snuggled into his arms, wrapping her arms around his back in a tight hug. Wooyoung took the opportunity to hold her tightly around the waist, practically crushing her against his chest but she didn't care.
This was exactly what she needed, his arms around her, the warmth of his body surrounding her like a protective shield, as if he could take all the sadness and pain from her chest. And in fact, not only could he but he was taking away all her bad feelings.
There was no other place she would rather be.
Y/N closed her eyes tightly, forgetting everything, and pressed her face into the back of his head while their legs intertwined.
She had no idea how much she needed that hug until she was there.
"What is this-" he said, confused when he felt something wet on the back of his neck and pulled his face away enough to look at Y/N. "Are you crying?" She shook her head although it was completely unnecessary as a trail of tears ran down her face and Wooyoung looked at her in surprise. "Angel." he whispered and she sniffled, fighting back tears.
To make the position a little more comfortable, without breaking the hug, he brought Y/N to his chest while placing his own back on the mattress.
This made her grab him by the shoulders and waist with her legs, exactly like a sloth while not knowing what to say, he just calmly stroked her hair. "I wish I could live in that embrace." she said, against his chest.
Wooyoung laughed.
"You don't need to live in my embrace." he replied and moved the hand that was stroking her hair to the back of her head, making her look at him. "You already live in my heart anyway."
She smiled shyly.
"You're so corny." she shook her head, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I loved."
Wooyoung kissed the top of her head and hugged her even tighter.
"Don't tell anyone. It's our secret."
255 notes · View notes
honeyboylovee · 12 days
Text
i can do it (for you)
Pairing: Non-idol!Vernon x reader
Word count: 1k
Genre: Fluff, Angst(just a little cos I can’t, for the life of me write angst), implied strangers to lovers
Warnings: mentions of anxiety, reader refuses to accept any help, mentions of negative experiences from the past
A/N: Before saying anything else, I have to say that I am not satisfied with the ending. But I really do not know how to end this. Also this is a little different from my previous works. This may or may not be written from personal experiences. Also, I did a little word play in the title if you guys notice that. Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Thank you for reading! Feedbacks are appreciated.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
You believe yourself to be self-sufficient. It hadn’t always been this way. Several times in the past, there had been instances when you’d had to ask for people’s help- be it your peers, friends or your then-partners. And more times than not, these people, after helping you, made you feel like you owe them something. Their help started to feel like an obligation. You hated the feeling. You still do.
As you grew both mentally and emotionally, you stopped asking people for help. It wasn’t immediate. It took you time to get rid of. You wouldn’t care how difficult a task would be, you never asked for assistance or help. It was almost as if you had a point to prove. You didn’t know who you were proving it to, but you were.
This wasn’t a habit you were particularly proud of. You hated that you couldn’t trust someone enough to ask for help or accept the offered help. You hated that you were scared of people imposing an obligation on you. You hated it. And yet you did nothing about it.
That was until you met Vernon. You met him at a party. Your friend introduced him to you as her coworker. As you chatted, you discovered you had similar taste in music. And so the conversation flowed. You later discovered that you didn’t have a ride back home since your roommate left early. And it was too late for you to find a taxi. Vernon was quick to offer a ride back home. That’s when your habit of declining anybody and everybody’s help kicked in. You politely refused making a lame excuse. An excuse that you needed to sober up and so you’d walk back home. He didn’t want to push you on that. After all you’d just met. You ended up exchanging numbers with Vernon that day.
It was early on in your relationship when Vernon started noticing this habit of yours. He was observant when it came to your mannerisms. You loved and hated that at the same time. There had been an instance where he offered to bring you some lunch at your workplace. You had been late that day and hadn’t gotten the time to make any food. You had once again denied his offer.
‘I love the ramen from the cafe downstairs. I’ll just have that today.’, you’d told him.
You ended up eating two protein bars for lunch since you had a meeting at lunch and didn’t find the time or energy to go and have actual food.
Another time, it was a task as minuscule as tying your shoelaces. He noticed they were untied before you did. And so like any boyfriend(not all of them but that’s not the point) would, Vernon proceeded to bend down to tie them. That’s when his hands were stopped mid-air by your hands.
‘Wait wait wait…I’ll tie them’, you were quick to say as you beant down to tie your laces.
To say that he was dejected was an understatement. Man, he just wanted to tie his girlfriend’s shoelaces! Was that too much to ask for? As an ‘acts-of-service’ man that he was, he often became sad when you did that. He had to have a conversation with you soon.
As you reached home, he had been looking for an opportunity to start the conversation. He could see the opportunity from a hindsight when you complained about how sore your shoulders felt. He knew what he had to do then. He casually offered to massage them to make you feel better. And as he had expected, you refused. Frustration bubbled in him. But he managed to remain calm.
‘You never let me help you, lovie.’
He watched as your eyes widened for a second. Then, you were normal again.
‘That’s not true. They’re not that sore anyway. Maybe I just need some sleep and I’ll be fine.’
‘I’m not just talking about your shoulders. It’s just in general that you never accept any help from me or from anyone.’
Now you were the one getting frustrated. He could see it in the way you sighed. But he wasn’t going to leave the topic right now.
‘When have I ever refused any help from you?’, you said with a raised pitch to your voice. That was another indication that you’d lose your temper soon.
‘When have you not?’, he continued. He knew it was a tricky shot but he hit it anyway.
What he didn’t expect was the tears in your eyes following your prolonged silence. How could he forget? The raised pitch of your voice also meant you could cry soon. He was quickly on your side comforting you as you sobbed a little.
‘I don’t do it because I don’t want your help or because I think you can’t do a task.’, you spoke through your tears. ‘I just don’t want to be a burden on you. I have always done that to everyone around me. And…people, sometimes even my own friends made me feel like I owe them something even if they were the ones who offered to help me. It’s not the help that makes me anxious but the feeling after.’
You looked at him through your damp eyelashes. He was speechless, to say the least. When he decided to confront you about this, he hadn’t expected the reason to be that. Hell, he had even expected you to change the topic or make a poor excuse. His first instinct then was to engulf you in his arms till your sobs turned to sniffles.
‘You’re not a burden on me, lovie. You know I like helping you with chores, right? It makes me happy when I’m able to help you, be it making you food, tying your shoelaces or ordering your skincare for you. I feel zero burden doing that. Trust me, lovie.’, you listened to him as he poured his heart out, not looking at him.
You nodded then, not saying anything else.
‘What am I supposed to understand from that, hm?’
‘I’ll let you do some of the work from now.’, you said so softly that he would’ve missed it if he didn’t have all his attention on you.
‘You don’t need to ask for help. It’s good that you can do your work yourself. But if you ever need some, let me know, okay?’
100 notes · View notes
itsjusthockey · 4 months
Note
CAN YOU PLEASEEEE WRITE A MATT BOLDY X READER?? theres not enough and i don’t have any ideas to write my own 😭 if it helps, maybe a team usa boldy x reader he was so sweet and super humble then. he really felt like he didn’t fit in because everyone was so good and he always felt overshadowed by the other boys even tho he’s prob better than many of them now 😭
Good Enough - Matt Boldy
Tumblr media
Just a short baby
Thank you for the request babe. I charged it a bit but I love it
More to come shortly
enjoy. wc: 840 (credit to gif maker) (don’t steal my work)
“Bolds, you’re gonna be late,” you glance at your phone screen, the screen showing that if he doesn’t leave-well didn’t leave five minutes ago, he’s not going to make his meeting on time.
He simply ignores you.
You wait one minute, then another, and finally turn over in the bed to look at him. His face is barely visible in the early morning hours, but you can make out the just of it. He’s staring, rather blankly, at the ceiling.
“Matty?” You try again.
Finally, he turns to face you, softly sighing and giving you a look that causes your heart to crack a bit. He looks sad, almost dejected, and you can’t fathom why. The night before, he’d been himself, and now the man in front of your eyes has none of the sparkle you’re used too.
“What's wrong, Matty, talk to me.”
You reach out to gently brush his cheek, hoping to entice him to lay out the thought playing his mind. You watch as he ponders, his gears turning, and then, after a moment, he finally speaks.
“I don’t honestly know what’s going on. I just woke up with a horrible feeling. One I haven’t had in a while.”
He tightens his lips after he speaks, almost as if he hates admitting any type of feeling out loud.
You go over what he says In your mind, and then you counter him, shuffling a bit closer to him.
“What feeling?”
As you ask it, you begin gently tracing your hands on his chest. You know he always relaxes when you do this, and once you start, you visibly see the tension in his face lessen.
“I feel like I’m not good enough like I don’t deserve to be here. I feel like I’m not a good fit, just like at juniors.“
His voice catches a bit, and you cuddle even closer to your boyfriend. You hate that he’s feeling this way. What he is saying couldn’t be less true, but Bolds is his own greatest enemy. He beats himself up like this, and it kills you when he does. You’ve never met anyone like him, someone so sweet, kind, and humble to a fault.
“Matthew,” you gently tap his chin, forcing him to meet your eyes. “We all get bad days. We all have bad thoughts, too. But please, baby, never think you’re not good enough to be where you are. You’re such an amazing player and an even better person. No one in this world deserves you, and no team does either. Minnesota is lucky they have you here.”
He stay quiet for a minute, and you would pay any sum of money to hear his thoughts. Instead of speaking, he pulls you in closer, hugging you as tightly as possible and molding your bodies together. He holds you so tight, almost too tight, but you find yourself gently rubbing his back anyway. A few minutes into his hold, he speaks again.
“You’re wrong, though.”
You’re about to fight him. Beat it into him that he is literally everything, but he interrupts you before you can start.
“You deserve me.” He kisses your forehead. “Actually, it’s more like I don’t deserve you, but I happened to get lucky coming here.”
You smile into him, tugging him impossibly closer and giving him a light kiss on his lips. You stay that way for a bit longer, and you can feel his tension leaving him as the minutes tick by.
Eventually, Matthew moves from your embrace and grabs his phone, tapping at it. He finishes, tosses it far away from the two of you, and slithers back into your arms.
“Your meeting?” You question, eyebrow raised.
He gives you a small smirk and then gives a small kiss to your jaw.
“Didn’t you know? I’m sick.” He fake coughs, and feels his forehead. “I let the GM know I need a personal day.
You roll your eyes at the boy in front of you but nonetheless pull him back into your hold deeper. It isn’t usual that you both get a day like this, so you’ll embrace sitting here and being with him for as long as you can. You have a few ideas of what you can do to let the day pass, and that includes movies, food, and reminding him as much as you can that he’s the best man you know.
129 notes · View notes
loverofgenya · 11 months
Text
Ⓢⓒⓐⓡⓨ
Tumblr media
Headcanons | Genya Shinazugawa x Gn!Reader | Romantic Fluff
Tumblr media
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Is embarrassed that he fell in love with you. Hes trying to avoid you to the best of his abilities but somehow is always around you at the same time. He's daydreaming and watching your every move -- only to scold himself for being so creepy.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Is sad when he sees you frown when a child finds you scary. He understands the pain, children finding him scary as well, and just hates your dejected look. He fights off the urge to go after you as you walk off with your head lower than usual to hide your sad face.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Can't help but blush as you smile and act so nice to him. He notices that the rumors he heard about you are completely false. Hes determined to change them but knows he can't do much -- you don't show your true self around others.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Can't help but be there for you when you're sad. Once he gets enough confidence to actually approach and befriend you, he's there with you to make you happy and smile again. Of course, he's stuttering and jumbling his words. Hes scared and nervous he's going to mess something up.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Is terrified to confess to you. He doesn't know if you like him back. Hes not good with females, everyone knows this, so when he finally decides to confess. He chickens out. He makes up some random excuse and runs off. Sometimes hell ramble and vent to Gyomei, getting some advice on how to calm himself down and confess.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Notices how determined and dedicated you are toward the ones you love and trust. He can't help but admire you for it, wishing to be as dedicated to something one day. He is dedicated yes, but he's also a bit of a scared cat sometimes. So he can't help but blush and admire you as you fight off demons or even just help around at the Butterfly estate -- or wherever you are.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Does get scared when you seemingly pop out of the shadows. He can't help the screech that leaves his mouth as you greet him from behind. HE questions how long you've been there and fears you heard him talking to himself about confessing to you. Relieved that you just arrived but you did hear some muttering and asked if he was ok. Hes just....Hes scared you'll hear him one day and not be his friend anymore.
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Notices how you're colder towards others and doesn't understand why. The rumor about you makes sense to him as you rarely talk or even act nice to those around you. When he asks, he's a blushing mess. Hes stuttering over his words and whispering out thank yous as you state you only act like this around people you trust. And telling him how you trust him with your life and find him as a very close friend. (His heart throbs at the words friends tho)
Genya Shinazugawa . . . .
Is blushing, stuttering, and avoiding eye contact as he finally confesses. He doesn't know what to do after he randomly blurted it out and he's looking everywhere but you as he apologizes and tries to think up an excuse to leave. And when you do tell him you like him too, he's about to pass out. Hes just a soft boy who needs love and didn't expect you, the most amazing and admirable person in his eyes, to like him back.
Tumblr media
Hope you like this <3 It's more gn than anything but eh, oh well :3
(It was requested a fem but i changed it cause apparently people cant read and see shit as gn/male if theres a 'x fem!reader' somewhere in the post. Ive said it before and ill say it again, this is more gn then anything. It was requested as fem so i put fem, it doesnt indicate it has to be fem. theres no fem compliments/pronouns/etc. its more gn then anything my god)
917 notes · View notes
melancholicmaxine · 2 months
Text
Enough for me. (Roy Kent x Fem!Reader)
Tumblr media
pairing: (Coach) Roy Kent x Fem. reader
word count: 824 words.
warnings: roy being sad/doubting himself, roy x reader fluff, reader comforting roy, slight sexual themes suggested (near the end), roy hating on trent crimm
a/n: hi!! this is my first ever fic so... pls be gentle. this fic is based on season 3 episode 2 of ted lasso. thanks for clicking on my post out of the millions, i appreciate you :)
summary: roy comes home, frustrated and in need of some comfort after a confrontation with trent crimm about the column he wrote on roy's premier league debut.
Tumblr media
It was a normal day- mundane if anything. You had not too long ago returned home from work, now lazily being slumped over the couch scrolling on social media. Your shared home with the newest coach of AFC Richmond was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Roy, you expected, would be home soon, probably coming through the door stringing curses together. Something of course happened at work, the only question was who exactly he would be pissed at this time.
Just as the scenario of an angry Roy played in your head, he walked through the door. You chirped up, happy to see him after a long day, when you noticed the down look of his face. It was less angry and more...disappointed? "Hey, Roy" You spoke, gently due to the unawareness of what was happening. As you stood up and walked toward him, his eyes planted on the ground, you noticed closer the expression splayed on his face. His brows were furrowed, and he seemed to be in a deep solemn thought. It was only when you lightly touched his harm that he seemed to snap out of his thoughts.
You offered him a comforting smile, "You alright? Talk to me." After you spoke, you moved behind him, beginning to take of his coat. "I don't know." He finally spoke, his tone being gentle. Silence filled the air for a brief moment until he spoke again, "Can I ask you something?" He was now meeting your gaze. "You know you can."
"Do you think I'm good? Like, good enough?" What? A puzzled look fell over your face, and he spoke again before you got the chance to. "I don't know- fuck. It's hard to explain." His gaze diverted once again, now focusing on his fingernails he softly picked at. "Roy, I'm not sure what's going on, but you can talk to me. What happened today?"
"Today was fucking fine. It was normal until that prick Crimm had to interfere." he paused, alternating his eyes from you and the floor, "It's bad enough he prances around the fucking place like he owns it, but today he just had to come talk to me and shit." He picked at his fingernails, a little rougher this time, and you could tell he was wallowing in a mixture of hate for both Crimm and what had gone down today.
You knew he wasn't very fond of Crimm, but not exactly why. You had always figured it was because he was a-in his words-pretentious dick. But this was deeper than that, you just had a feeling. You shot Roy a concerned look. He slowly reached for his wallet and drew out a slip of paper, placing it in your hand and urging you to read it.
What welcomed you was a small excerpt claiming "Newcomer Roy Kent is an overhyped, so-called prodigy whose unbridled rage and mediocre talent rendered his Premiere League debut a profound disappointment.” As soon as you read it, you shot Roy a sad glance. You were angry for him, not believing someone had the will to write such negativity.
"Crimm wrote that." He paused to take the small slip out of your hand. "I was 17, and I had just started playing. Seven fucking teen." He gritted his teeth, grimacing. You rubbed his arm, waiting for him to start again. "I have been living my life since then feeling like I was shit. Then today Crimm revealed he did it just to be 'edgy' and make a name for himself."
Not knowing exactly what to say, you continued to rub his arm. "Roy I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the dejection you’ve been feeling all these years.” He gave you a weird look, a mixture of solemn and happy.
“You know what I really can’t believe? I kind of want to forgive his ass.” You were shocked at what you could assume was Ted’s influence. “Really?” He nodded. “As much as I don’t want to fucking admit it, yeah. He was trying to do his job I guess. I just wish he would have picked on..some other prick, I don’t know.” He was now stifling chuckles, just as shocked from the situation.
“You know what Roy?” you spoke, not breaking eye contact. “Hm?” He tilted his head. “I’m proud of you for coming to that conclusion. You could have blown up, yeah? Been angry, upset. But you handled it all well.” Your graze moving up from his arm, now on his cheek. A good minute passed as you enjoyed holding his rough face.
He leaned down to kiss you. It was gentle and sweet, spreading a honeyed heat through your being. He continued placing small kisses on your face, your neck. Slowly turning into esurient nibbles.
“I fucking love you.” He spoke through kisses.
“I love you too.” You felt him smile against your skin. “And Roy?”
“Mhm?”
“You will always be enough for me. Always.”
74 notes · View notes
secondaxispoint · 1 year
Note
could you write a joel x reader where the reader sees a bunch of scars all over joel and makes him feel better about them? love your writing x
Tumblr media
Pairing: Joel Miller x Male!Reader
Warnings: Scars, past violence
Content: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, little bit of angst
I love vulnerable Joel with all my heart. Thank you for the request!!
Scars and Stories
You were woken by warm beams of golden rays shining in from the window. You squint your eyes and grumble. You had forgotten to close the shades last night, instead leaving them half open. As you throw an arm over your eyes, you feel Joel shift next to you. He too was complaining about the bright sun in his eyes.
The both of you were going to stay in for the day. You turned away from the window and curled around his back. He mumbled something incoherently and shuffled further into your embrace. Just as you were about to drift off, there was a sharp knock on the door. You get up to answer it, your back protesting the sudden movements.
You shuffle to the front of the house and open the door. You see Tommy standing outside. He looks at you surprised and rambles on about something. You can’t quite catch what he's saying as you still have a lethargic fog clouding your mind. You nod along anyway and try to pay attention. 
“And you should probably put on a shirt too.”
He finishes his spiel and grins at you as he starts to walk away. You look down and realise that you indeed had no shirt on. You flip him the bird and close the door. You amble back to the bedroom. When you enter the bedroom, you see Joel still in bed. His hair was shaggy and dishevelled. He had an arm wrapped around a pillow while half his torso was showing.
He was almost glowing and you could see the scars that littered his body clearly in the morning sunlight. Seeing them always made you feel a bit sad. You knew how much Joel hated them. He always tried hiding them from you, ashamed of his past mistakes that had etched themselves into his skin. Constant reminders of his failures on him at all times. You had slowly been getting Joel to open up but you never pressured him about his discomfort about them. You too had your own scars. Ones that reminded you of your past as well.
You allowed yourself to crawl back into bed with Joel, staying above the covers. You laid on your back and stared up at the ceiling. You stayed silent, not wanting to disturb the silence. Joel had rolled back over and threw half of himself on top of you. His arm rested on your chest, giving you a clear view of a large scarred over gouge on his forearm. You looped your arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer.
Your eyes followed another scar by his tricep. A healed gunshot wound in his shoulder. A pinkened stab mark on his side. The further you got down his body, the more scars you counted. Joel had started waking up without you realising. He looked up to see you staring at him. He squirmed under your seemingly judgemental gaze. You noticed that he looked uncomfortable so you stretched to pull the sheet up to his chin and pressed a gentle kiss to his brow. You felt the tension in his shoulders start to lessen.
“Why do you look at them like that?”
Joel asked you, weariness clear in his voice.
“What do you mean?”
You reply back. He looks away then puts his head back down on your chest.
“The scars. Why do you look at them like there is something to be appreciated.”
You shove your head back into the pillow behind your head and pause.
“Because they're a part of you.”
Joel doesn't move.
“They're a part of you and, like it or not, you are most definitely something to be appreciated.”
He stays silent and still. It takes him a moment but he finally finds his voice.
“They are a reminder.”
He sounds dejected.
“My mom used to say that ‘each scar had a story, and each story leaves a scar’. I always liked that.”
You keep your voice quiet, not wanting to startle the man laying across your chest.
“They aren't stories. They’re failures. I got each one of these because I screwed up in some way or another.”
Joel’s grip on you tightened.
“Positive or negative, your past is your past. You don’t have to say a word, but if you want to talk or get something off your chest, I'm here. I’ll always be here for you.”
You run your hand up and down his bare back, easing the tension in his muscles. He melted into you. Joel slowly pulled the sheets down, exposing his figure. He shifted and laid himself directly on top of you, his head now on your stomach. He studied your frame, his eyes skimming along your skin.
He pointed to an almost completely faded, tree root looking scar that splayed across your pec. Your expression saddened. You hesitantly told him how you got it. He leaned up and pressed a soft kiss over top of it. He moved on to another, a thin scratch just to the right of your belly button. You again told him the story behind it, and he once again pressed a kiss to it.
He did this for almost every visible scar he could find. You flipped him over and did the same to him. Only you didn’t wait for him to tell how he got it. He just watched as you covered his torso in affection. He reached for your face, pulling you in. He placed a delicate kiss on your lips. You laid your head down on his chest, and traced one of the scars on his bicep. 
After a few moments, he told you how he had gotten it. His voice was faint and low, just barely loud enough for you to hear but you listened close. He had gotten it on the day of the outbreak. The day he lost his daughter.
"Thank you darlin"
You soothed him softly after a tear fell from his eye. You allowed yourselves a day off. The two of you deserve it.
476 notes · View notes
jogetsobsessed · 11 days
Text
Not Strong Enough - Paul Lahote
This is so rushed and you can tell lol. I started this months ago, last summer. Also I hate writing dialogue and this is basically all that so yay for Jo!
--------------
“ I know you're awake Y/n”. His voice cut through the silence of the night. 
You didn't stir. You were trying to keep your breath even, praying that he would roll over and go back to sleep. He didn't need to be bothered with the late-night demons you were fighting. He had so much that he was dealing with when it came to the pack, Sam has given him more responsibility in the past few months. You knew it was weighing on him but he never complained not wanting to burden you, even when you begged him to vent to you. Seeing him bottle his emotions only caused you to feel more emotional at the thought of him being sad and feeling like he couldn't talk to you. 
“Y/n you're not fooling me love”. He reached out and turned his lamp on before rolling over to face you. Still, you didn't move. 
Embarrassment flushed your cheeks and tears threatened to spill as you attempted to blink them away. Rubbing at your eyes to cover up the evidence of your dejected attitude. Even though Paul was quite literally watching your every move. 
“What's wrong?”. 
“I don't know what you're talking about Paul, you woke me up with your booming voice”. 
He opened his mouth to retort what you said but stopped. Pausing to tilt his head to the side, much like a dog does when watching in anticipation. His eyes scanned your body, up and down as he tried to figure out if something was physically wrong with you. When he couldn't find anything wrong his eyes traveled to yours, locking in place. You just blinked, not wanting to budge. 
“Y/n I love you, and I have loved you since I first met you. I know you. I know everything about you. Like how you always take a gasping gulp of air right before you fall asleep or how after you have been asleep for a little while you start to snore a little bit, not too loud but enough for me to hear. It's something I love, it soothes me. So yes, I know that you weren't sleeping”. 
That was enough to break the dam. 
Tears came out in droves as you bawled, burying your head in your hands. Paul acted in no time, immediately shifting to sit up, pulling you into his chest cradling your head as you sobbed. Fear was pulsing through his veins as he watched your chest heave up and down, gasping to catch your breath. His hand that wasn't holding your head rubbing small circles on your arm, attempting to provide comfort. 
Slowly your tears came to a sputtering stop as you were able to fill your lungs up with enough air to begin to calm down. His hand didn't stop, because he was right with what he said earlier, he knew you. His grounding touch in your moment of panic was one of, if not the only thing that could bring you back to reality. 
You turn your head up. Lifting it from his chest to gaze up at him. 
His face shone with pure love and admiration as he gazed down at you. The hand that had clutched your head moved to your face, his thumb wiping away the stray tears that had yet to cascade down your cheeks slightly puffy from your outburst. His lips softly pressed against your forehead, lingering as he felt you relax under his touch. You shifted again, this time turning so you could lean your head on his shoulder, your legs dangling off his lap. 
“So how are you going to tell me what's going on?”. 
“I'm scared”. 
You felt his body tense under your words. The sudden onset of anxiety filled the dimly lit room. 
“What do you have to be scared of?”. His voice was calm but the way his grip tightened around you was another indicator of his sudden mood change. 
“Becoming a mom, not being strong enough”. 
-------------
You knew it was silly. 
To let this fear consume you. It's not like the idea of becoming a mom was new. You have spent the past eight months preparing for your upcoming life change. Outwardly you put on a confident front. Accepting the advice your friends and random strangers alike gave you unsolicited advice. Spending hours upon hours shopping with Emily and Kim, letting some of the tribe elders teach you how to crochet different styles of blankets for your new upcoming arrival. Learning about the teas made up of all different herbs that were supposed to aid in various pregnancy symptoms like nausea and sciatic nerve pain. You took in all of it. 
But inside you weren't handling everything as well. 
No one wanted to talk about the fears that you were harboring. No one wanted to talk about what had happened to Emily during the birth of her and Sam’s first. About how she almost lost her life because of the blood loss, because children born from the wives of the shifters were larger than ones born to human fathers. About how Sam’s screams could be heard miles away as the healers tried to push him out of the room, away from his dying wife. About how that could happen to you. 
No one wanted to talk about how you could die. 
So every night for the past few weeks as your due date was nearing closer you let yourself think of the possibility, the possibility of your mortality. 
Normally you were able to suppress it enough to fall asleep shortly after Paul. But tonight was different. 
After a day spent in Forks going to get an ultrasound and then to the healers on the reservation, you had heard someone address the possibility of complications. The talk you got from them was different, seeing as the doctors in Forks didn't know about the lineage of your husband, and his genetic abnormalities that could and probably would affect your child's birth. 
Paul had remained stoic throughout trying his best to comfort you without showing any weakness. No matter how much you tried to drill it through his thick skull showing emotion didn't make him weak he didn't budge, that was going to be a lifelong battle. 
But their words had hit you hard, the fears you had been struggling with by yourself in silence were finally being brought to light, and someone wanted to talk about them. And you had gone through all the different possibilities, all the complications, and their varying outcomes. 
And that was why you had remained awake tonight. 
Your fears were fighting off the exhaustion you felt, as your mind was on fire. Paul hadn't brought anything up, other than commenting on how big your baby was getting and about running up north to Port Angeles this weekend to pick up the last piece of furniture for the nursery. It was typical of him not wanting to bring up the things hard to talk about. And you didn't want to fight, not after such an exhausting day so you said nothing, opting for silence. 
Paul didn't know what to say, no amount of circles against your arm could provide comfort in this moment. He couldn't simply solve this problem with his touch. 
“What are you talking about, my love?”. 
“Oh come on Paul, you're telling me you aren't scared. After everything we talked about today. The possibility of me die…”. 
“Please don't Y/n”. His voice broke as he closed his eyes pulling you impossibly tight. Normally you would stop, but not tonight. No, you couldn't bottle your emotions anymore. 
“Paul, we have to talk about it. Please, I can't do this anymore. I am so scared. Paul I'm terrified about what could happen, what if I can't do this. What if I'm not strong enough to go through labor”. Part of you was proud of yourself for fighting back your tears. 
His silence was concerning. But it didn't last long. 
“My sweet girl I want to tell you that there's nothing for you to be afraid of but I think we both know that unfortunately, that's not true. However, you're stressing yourself out over something that has a very small chance of happening -”. 
“But it happened to Emily!”, you cried out cutting him off. 
That hit him hard. 
The pack had to experience the pain that Sam had felt years ago. Feeling what was causing their Alpha to crumble to pieces, to be reduced to tears as he begged someone, anyone, to help his imprint.  
And Paul had never forgotten that feeling, the look on Sam’s face. So when you had broken the news to him, told him that he was going to be a dad he panicked. He had felt the same feelings that you were feeling now but as the months went on he pushed them down. Choosing to focus on the happier things in your pregnancy, accidentally ignoring everything that was bothering you. 
Though hearing you now he had realized he messed up. 
“Y/n what happened to Emily…it was horrible. But look at her now, she is a wonderful mother to three beautiful children. Her second and third deliveries went off without a hitch, you know this”. 
“But I'm not like Emily, she's survived so much. She's invincible”, your lip was wobbling now. 
“You are the strongest woman I have ever met, Y/N. I have complete and total faith in you. I know that you can do it”. His hands were resting on your bump, your child seeming to sense their dad's presence kicking against his palm. 
“Really?”, you sniffled, a small weight lifting off your shoulders. It felt good to have this hard conversation. You knew there was so much you needed to talk about, but the bulk of it could be had in the morning, once daylight was streaming through the sheer curtains.  “You are strong enough”
67 notes · View notes
Text
You Are My Queen Now | Final Part
Word Count: 15.4k
Genre: Smut, angst, fluff
Summary: Growing up as a child of a minor lord, you had it instilled in you since a young age that you needed to find yourself a rich and affluent husband that would not only provide a comfortable life for you, but would also help further your family’s position in the court. So it was of the utmost importance that you remain a virgin in order to land such a coveted husband.
The problem lies when the man you secretly love, Prince Beomgyu, suddenly and unabashedly propositions you.
Warnings: somnophilia, dry humping, thigh riding, cunnilingus, mentions of domestic abuse, physical fight, handjob, boobjob, gyu being pussy whipped, slutshaming, gore, major character death, and some other warnings i can't give without spoiling the ending but just know it's a very dark fic
Tumblr media
“Beomgyu, what are you doing? Get down from there!” You shout, noticing Beomgyu scaling one of the nearby walls of the garden. 
“I’ll be right down” He yells back to you over his shoulder. 
“You’re not a boy anymore. You could fall down and hurt yourself.”
“I won’t.” He protests stubbornly, his words faltering as he almost loses his footing on the wall, making you gasp, your heart plummeting down the same way you imagined he would have. 
“Beomgyu, don’t stress me out like this. It’s bad for the baby.” You wail, your pregnant state lending a nice vulnerable effect to your pleading words. It works very well because in the next moment Beomgyu gives in and starts climbing back down the wall. He walks towards you with shoulders slumped and a dejected frown on his face 
“What has gotten into you?” You ask him and he shrugs. “I wanted to get you a sunflower.” 
You furrow your eyebrows at the silly reason behind his dangerous action, an unwanted memory of pearl necklaces and bloody bandages springing forth into your mind. You shake your head to dispel the intrusive thoughts. “You could’ve had one of the gardeners get one.” 
“But that’s not the same.” He whines, plopping down to the floor next to you. “I wanted to get you one, you know, like old times. But all I got are these stupid flowers.” He throws said flowers at your feet, sulking. 
You roll your eyes at his little tantrum. “Beomgyu, you shower me in gifts every day.” 
“I know but it doesn’t mean much anymore. I want to give you something meaningful to cheer you up.” He sighs, getting closer to you and cupping your face between his hands. You refrain from pulling back at his words that remind you why you’re in such a sour mood. “I hate seeing you so sad.” 
Lately, there have been a lot of unflattering rumors swirling around about you following your wedding and especially after your pregnancy has been announced. People have been calling you all kinds of nasty things–a homewrecker, a cheater, disloyal, unworthy… and of course, a whore. 
Among Taehyun’s supporters, you’re seen as an adulterer who betrayed her husband and spread her legs for the king in order to win the crown. They theorize that you’ve been prostituted since a young age by your own father (a claim you have no doubt has been pushed primarily by Heejin’s family) and planted at the palace to seduce to the younger prince before jumping to Taehyun when the king refused to let Beomgyu marry you, then jumping back to Beomgyu when his father was out of the picture. 
Even among those who support Beomgyu, you’re seen as a low-born noble who clawed her way up the ranks by seducing the king and having him get rid of his rightful wife. They believe you not fit to be his queen, that you’re below him because you’re not only not royal but that you don’t even bring him or the kingdom any political or monetary advantages. On the contrary, you only bring them war and death. 
Neither side is kind to you. They both see you as the whore who bewitched the two men. How else could a woman of your standing get these two powerful men to fight over you to the death like this? 
“I only wanted to do good.” You look down in pain. You didn’t expect Taehyun’s men and his people to hold any fondness for you but for even Beomgyu’s vassals and the common people to view you so disfavorably? It crushed you. "I tried to help them. Why are they doing this?"
“Do you want me to stop the project? Round up those who talk ill of you and punish them?” Beomgyu asks firmly, that fiery anger he gets when someone hurts you blazing in his eyes.
You shake your head. "No. Let them. They're not worth my time." It’s no use, punishing them won’t make it any better. They’ll just hate you more. Only Beomgyu loves you. You will be safe as long as you stay by his side. Only he can ever love you. 
He sighs defeatedly. “I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.” 
“Come, lie down on my lap.” You gesture to him and he obeys, laying his head on your thighs and facing your growing belly. He kisses it, grinning in that endearing way that makes his eyes crinkle and your heart leap in your chest. “I can’t wait to meet you, baby.” 
You smile at his airy giggles and pick up one of the flowers he collected, snapping off most of the stem so you can nestle the rest between the strands of his hair. You then grab another flower and do the same until his hair is filled up with the colorful petals in a delicate crown upon his head. 
“Stunning.” You awe, prodding his head up just a little bit to see your handiwork. 
“Am I?” He arches one eyebrow, teasing. 
“Very. But you could look even more stunning.” You ponder, taking off your necklaces and wrapping them around his neck one by one. “Now I know why you love dressing me up so much.” You half-tease, half-swoon at how breathtaking he looks with the mess of different flowers in his hair and your necklaces draped around his neck. He looks just like what you imagined those woodland nymphs you read about in your books would look like. “Remember when I used to put makeup on you when we were kids?” 
He laughs heartily at the memory. “Of course, you always had fun at the beginning but then you’d get all pouty and annoyed and huff about me looking prettier than you.” 
“Well, you were.” You cross your arms over your chest, huffing. 
Beomgyu suddenly sits up and pulls you onto his lap, burying a hand into the hair at the nape of your neck and pressing your face inches from his. “And now? Still think I’m pretty?” 
You bite your lip, suddenly feeling hot. “Well, yeah… But also sexy.”
He smiles, pleased, and pulls you into a sweet kiss. 
But when he pulls back, face still so close to yours, you can easily see the bags under his eyes that droop heavily from fatigue. As far as you know, he’s winning the war, but that triumph necessitated an insurmountable amount of work and time spent in meetings and war councils that went on from the brink of dawn till late at night. He still made sure to put aside time to spend with you and the baby growing in your belly, but even that must be taxing on his already depleted energy. 
You know you shouldn’t feel bad for him–he’s doing this to get rid of his one and only competition–but your heart can’t see your Beomgyu suffer and not ache along with him. You know if you tell him to go take a nap, he would refuse, insisting that spending time with you was more important than even his own health, so you go with the next best thing. 
You lay him back on your lap, running your fingers through his silky hair while you murmur a slow love song to him, trying to lull him into a peaceful sleep right there in your arms. 
“No, I don’t want to sleep.” He whines, catching onto what you’re doing. After all, you’ve been doing it for a few days now. 
“Please, baby, for me?” You whisper softly, trying not to scare away the sleep from his pretty eyes. “I need a little nap.”
“Oh, well if you need it.” He yawns, giving in. wrapping his arms around your waist and nuzzling his face into your belly. 
You smile at your tired lover fondly, leaning back against the tree behind you and closing your eyes before beginning to sing again, the both of you drifting into a peaceful, warm slumber under the soothing rays of the dazzling sun. 
______________________________
You wake up with a liquid heat gathered in the pit of your stomach. Anyone else experiencing this strange sensation might've thought it unusual, but not you. You’re quite used to it by now. 
You register Beomgyu’s wet tongue lapping at your pussy before you even open your eyes to confirm it. Beomgyu has been at this for weeks, starting the day with his face buried between your legs. He has been even more insatiable ever since he got you pregnant. He can’t even look at the little bump of your belly without getting heated up. 
As for you, you've heard that pregnancy can decrease your libido and make you withdraw from sex but in your experience, it's been quite the opposite and Beomgyu was more than happy to satisfy your heightening needs. Even when you aren’t in the mood to have actual sex, Beomgyu would content himself with eating you out and jerking himself off like he's doing right now.
Basically he would wake you up with his face buried in your pussy and if you were in the mood, you would grab his hair and pull him up to get fucked and if you weren’t in the mood you'd just let him give you a nice little orgasm while he got himself off too–a little something to get the both of you through the day. 
You feel Beomgyu’s hands leave your thighs and move up your body to push your delicate nightdress down to expose your breasts, moaning out as they come into his view. "They're getting bigger, huh?"
You blush under his lewd gaze. "Yeah."
"Push them together." He groans, jerking urgently at his cock. 
Beomgyu has always liked your breasts, and now that they’ve been getting bigger, he’s become positively obsessed with them. Whenever you two are alone, things would always devolve into him latching onto them, kissing and sucking on the sensitive flesh until it’s all red and glistening with his saliva. Even when he is too busy to properly pay them attention to them because he has to do paperwork or the like, he would sit you on his lap and write with one hand while holding one of your breasts with the other, intermittently squeezing it like his own personal stress reliever as he reads over and signs the documents. 
You obey his request, pushing your breasts together and flicking your fingers over your nipples, whining at him for neglecting your pussy for those few seconds. "Puppy." 
Maybe you're more horny than you thought. 
"Want me to take you, baby?" He bites his lip, noting the way your pussy gushes between your splayed legs.
You do, but you want to mess with him even more so you shake your head. "No. Want my king to hump the bed like the horny dog he is." 
Beomgyu doesn’t shy away for a second, biting his lip at your filthy request. "I got you, my queen."
He leans down to catch your pussy with his mouth once again while simultaneously pushing a couple of fingers inside you. But it wasn’t his mouth or his fingers that truly drove you insane, it was the way he ground his hips against the mattress in pace with his pumps as if he was imagining it was his dick fucking you instead. 
You love seeing him so needy for you, yet so obedient. He’ll take anything you give him even if that was just your attention as he got the both of you off. 
And it doesn’t take him long to do that. He cums first, his moans half-muffled by your pussy before he pulls his head up to let you look at his face that is twisted in pleasure, just like he knows you like. His fingers keep pumping rapidly into you as his own hips stutter and he stares at you, slack-jawed and pleading. 
“Cum for me, my queen.” 
“Beomgyu, fuck!” You scream, grabbing him by the hair and pushing his head back down, grinding yourself against his pretty face as you orgasm. 
Fuck, how have neither of you had your fill of each other yet? How are you just as needy now as the first night even as you lay boneless in your post-orgasmic bliss?  
Beomgyu climbs up your body to press a soft kiss against your lips, giggling when you kiss him back dazedly. “I really tired you out, huh?” 
“Just a little bit.” You answer lazily, leaning into his touch as he carasses your body. "You don’t have to leave the bed, you know? I can have the maids come and take care of everything, get you your food, your painting supplies… my mother says pregnant women need plenty of rest." 
You roll your eyes. He’s been trying to stop you from making even the slightest bit of effort ever since the pregnancy was discovered. "I'm not that heavily pregnant yet. I can still move." 
"I know. I just want you to be safe and comfortable. Both of you." He rubs your belly lovingly. 
"We are, puppy." You really are. Beomgyu is going above and beyond to make you happy. He has put himself completely at your beck and call–along with everyone he rules and everything he owns. You want for nothing in your blissful little bubble that he has made for you. 
Only, you wish that bubbles weren’t so fragile. No matter how much he and you try, you can never completely keep the bad thoughts and horrible dread at bay. He doesn’t tell you but you know he is closing in on Taehyun now. You hear it all around the palace, and you worry that you will receive news of his demise any day now. 
That is why you sorely need any distraction you can get. You can’t stay in bed with your calamitous thoughts all day. 
You shake your head at Beomgyu and smile. “Don’t worry about me. I just want to spend some time with my friends.”
____________________________
Friends–a word that has been foreign to you all your life, but somehow you’ve managed to gain a few friends this time around–made yourself a little group from among the ladies in waiting and others who frequented Beomgyu’s court. 
You can’t say that you’re close to most of them, nor do you really talk about your private affairs but it's still nice to be around people who are there by their own volition rather than having been forced to accommodate you because the royals ordered them to.
Yes, you’re not close to them but that doesn’t mean you know nothing of their situations. Secrets aren’t a thing in the socially intricate and gossipy landscape of a royal palace, and everyone’s business gets passed around like a particularly sublime wine for all to enjoy. And now that you have your own circle of friends, you too get to be privy to those poorly-kept secrets. You learn that you weren’t misery’s sole companion, that everyone else is touched by it too. 
Even the high-bred ladies suffer from their own misfortunes; Lady Minjun can't give her husband a child and he resents her for it, making his distaste clear by sleeping around and fathering numerous bastards from other women. Lady Namjoo’s husband prefers the company of men. Lady Hayoon’s in-laws aren’t fond of her and they make it their personal mission to sabotage her marriage to her husband who won’t even stand up for her in front of his family. And Lady Chaeyoung's husband hurts her behind closed doors. 
Chaeyoung was the first of your so-called friends. After she had cheekily congratulated you for putting Heejin in her place, you two started speaking more and more and eventually became close–well, as close as the situation permits. She had a quiet demeanor which made her blend into the background when she was around other ladies, which is why you didn’t take much note of her before, but when you were alone, she demonstrated an impressive sharpness of wit and a penchant for bluntness that you’ve quickly grown to appreciate. 
Out of all the ladies you’ve befriended, she was the one you’re most likely to actually consider a friend. Which is why you were all the more heartbroken when you noticed the suspicious marks on her skin.
She had at first dismissed your concerns, chalking the bruises up to her being clumsy and unintentionally hurting herself. But you’ve never known her to be particularly graceless and the shape of fingerprints on her skin was unmistakable. Eventually, after much insistence and prodding on your part, she told you the truth, confiding in you that when her husband loses his temper, he often times takes it out on her. 
You were horrified to hear that. Her husband is a big brute and she’s such a frail little thing–how can he hurt her like this? You wanted to get Beomgyu involved immediately, knowing he’s the only person powerful enough to put a stop to this, but she adamantly refused, insisting that her husband didn’t mean it and that he promised her that he would stop. You didn’t believe him. That’s what they all say, only to turn around and hurt you again and again. Still she had begged you not to tell Beomgyu and you didn’t on the condition that if he does it one more time, you’d have no choice but to tell. 
And here she is again, with the marks of his anger on her body. 
“What is this?” You ask Chaeyoung, grabbing onto her arm where you can see a bluish bruise peeking out of her sleeve. 
She yanks her arm back and tries to cover it. "It's nothing, my queen."
“It’s not nothing.” You scoff, keeping your voice low so that the other ladies won’t hear. "Is your husband hurting you again?" 
"It’s my fault. I drove him to it. If I had just listened, he wouldn’t have needed to act that way." She hurries to defend him, and something about her response makes you both livid and profoundly sad. 
“No! It’s not your fault. Don’t you dare say that again.” You hiss lowly, set off by her words. “He is the one to blame. He is the one who hurt you, and he has to answer for what he did.”
“No!” She panics, shaking her head vehemently. “Please, don’t! Just let it go, my queen. I’m fine.”
“He can’t keep getting away with this. I won’t let him. If you don’t want Beomgyu to know then I’ll confront him myself.” You get to your feet, your mind made up. You don’t listen to her cries and pleads. You can’t really hear them, too focused on the ringing between your ears and the unbidden tears springing to your eyes. 
You march towards where you know he would be and demand to talk to him alone, all the while Chaeyoung keeps trying to get you to back down. You pull him out of whatever meeting he’s in, demanding to speak to him alone. He has to oblige you. You’re his queen after all, and so he follows you to an empty room where the three of you can be alone–well you three and the guards who stick to you closer than your own shadow. 
“What is the matter, my queen?” Lord Myeong, her husband, asks with faux-politeness, looking between the two of you. He never was quite able to sell the fake respect the other lords and ladies have had to treat you with ever since you got married to Beomgyu, his disdain of you managing to shine through every time. 
“The matter is that you dare to lay your savage hands on her. What kind of man lays a hand on his own wife?” You shout at him, your voice shrill with disgust.
Realization dawns on his face and he glares at Chaeyoung. “What happens between a man and his wife is only for them to know.” He tells you, a sharp edge to his voice, but he still tries to maintain his affected cordiality. 
You, on the other hand, don’t bother with those stupid pretenses. “Not when your ugly handprints are all over her skin for everyone to see. What is the matter with you?” 
“I was merely punishing her for acting out. I have the right to discipline my wife.” 
“She is not a child or a misbehaving dog. She is your wife. How could you do this to the woman you vowed in front of the gods to love and protect?” 
The man rolls his eyes and looks at you like you’re wasting his time with your silly womanly wiles, and it makes you almost burst from the anger building up inside you. “I am your queen and I demand that you never lay a single finger on her again.” You command forcefully but the man dismisses you as if you were nothing, always nothing. 
“Should I now?” He asks cockily, eyeing you up and down. “Maybe if the king disciplined you once in a while, you’d learn your place.”
His words make you see red, and before you can control yourself you launch yourself at him, punching him right across his unpleasant face, hearing a crack as your fist connects with his nose. 
"You fucking bitch!" He howls, touching his nose in shock, his teeth grinding together when his fingers come away bloody. “I’ll fucking get you for that–”
You tense up, preparing to fight as the huge man advances on you. What did you do? You can’t take him. He is too big and strong to fight off. Unless…
Your hand reaches for the dagger tucked away inside the skirt of your dress, prepared to do anything to protect yourself in your moment of madness. Thankfully, before he can reach you, the guards step in to shield you. 
“Back away.” The head knight barks at lord Myeong, his deep voice booming around the room.
Lord Myeong stops in his tracks, vexed but not about to lose his life over this. “Of course, the whore hides behind the king’s men.” He spits out before turning his furious gaze towards Chaeyoung who was shaking in the corner. “Wait till we get home.” 
He tries to grab her but you quickly order the guards to stop him. They do, shoving him away from the small woman. But when you order them to throw him out of the room, they refuse. 
“I’m your queen. You obey when I order you to do something.” You hiss at them but they don’t budge. 
“Fine. We’ll see what the king has to say about your disobedience.” You scoff and attempt to exit the room yourself but they stand in front of the door, blocking your way out. “We’ve already sent word out for the king. No one is going to leave this room before he gets here.” 
“Some queen you are.” Myeong snorts and you go to attack him again in reflex, burning in humiliation, but the guards step in and hold you back this time. 
“Let go of me.” You scream, fear and panic spiking inside you at the traumatic memories that being restrained brings back. You kick one of them in the shin, getting him to let you go before you punch the other one in the stomach, freeing yourself and moving away from them. 
“Don’t you dare touch me again.” You heave out frantically. 
“Crazy bitch.” You hear lord Myeong mutter under his breath, further igniting your rage but you don’t try to attack him again, focusing your energy on trying to get out of the room that suddenly feels all too suffocating.  
“Let me out.” You try again but they refuse, on their guard for any further attacks from you. 
“Let me fucking out!” You scream, growing more and more agitated with every passing second. 
Thankfully, Beomgyu arrives at this moment, bursting through the doors and rushing towards you at the first glimpse of your panicked state. “What is going on? Why are you screaming? Are you okay?” 
“These imbeciles don’t know how to carry orders from their queen.” You hiss in the direction of the guards, still disquieted but feeling better now that Beomgyu is right next to you. “They refused to let me leave. They even fucking restrained me.” 
“Is that true?” Beomgyu turns on the guards and the head knight stutters out, no longer sounding so frightening when faced with the king’s wrath. “S-she was attacking lord Myeong, my king. We j-just thought you’d prefer to sort things out before we let her go.” 
“Well, next time don’t think.” Beomgyu barks at them, “She’s your queen and you will obey her orders unless you want to be thrown in the cells.” 
“Y-yes, my king.” He backs off, and bows to you. “I’m sorry, my queen.” 
The rest of the guards echo his words, their apologies soothing your fire a little bit. But then Beomgyu turns to you and snuffs it out all together. “Now, what happened here?” 
"Nothing, my king." Lord Myeong straightens out as he talks to his king–so different from how he addressed you. 
Your scoff at his changing attitude catches Beomgyu’s attention and he turns back to you, seeking an answer, but you don’t say anything, too embarrassed by everything that happened to speak right now. Beomgyu gets the message, reading you easily just like he always does, and escorts you to a separate room so you can explain yourself freely, away from the others. 
“Beomgyu—” You tear up, throwing your arms around his neck, needing him to comfort you after your fuck up. He wraps one arm around your waist while the other goes to brush away the stray tears that leave your eyes. “It’s okay, my love. Tell me what happened and I’ll fix it.” 
He will. He always does. Every time you lash out at someone or do something stupid, he always has your back. 
“He hurts her, Beomgyu. He beats her up. We can all see the ugly blue and green bruises on her skin.” Your lips quiver as you recount to him what happened, telling him how she asked you not to go to him and promised you that the beatings will stop, and how you flew into a rage when they didn’t. 
“Oh, baby, my kind-hearted queen. You just wanted to help your friend, didn’t you?” He coos softly and you nod. “But you should’ve come to me, still. I would’ve helped her. Don’t I always help?” 
“You do.” You admit quietly. 
“Then why didn’t you come to me?” He asks and you feel an uncomfortable, queasy feeling budding at the pit of your stomach at that question. You don’t want to answer that. You don’t want to unfurl the seed and let it grow into the hideous monster it can be. 
So you go with half of the truth. “I wanted to fix it on my own. No one takes me seriously, Beomgyu.” 
He sighs. “And you think threatening to punch people–or in this case actually breaking their nose–is the way to get them to take you seriously?” He reprimands you and you try to draw back, feeling embarrassed, but he doesn’t let you go, using the arm he has around your wasit to hold onto you and pull you tighter against him. “My love, you need to let go of the savage ways he’s taught you.”
You press your lips into a thin line at that, your hackles raised. Taehyun isn’t savage. He taught you to defend yourself for the first time in your life, something that Beomgyu never did. He only shielded you from the abuse when he noticed it or when you told him. He never taught you how to protect yourself.  
Beomgyu doesn’t like your silence. He never does. But thankfully, for now, he lets it go, sighing. "Stay here." 
But you grab onto his arm before he can go, fretting. "Is Chaeyoung going to be okay?"
"I'll take care of it." He promises you, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss against your forehead before he leaves you to deal with the mess you created. 
As you’re left alone to simmer in the aftermath of your most recent fuck up, you realize just how much you’ve strayed from Taehyun’s teachings. You almost were something, almost were your own person, but now you’re even worse than before. Weren’t you the woman who once stood up to the fearsome lord Taehyun and got him to listen to you? Now you’re hiding away as you let Beomgyu take care of problems you created while trying to reclaim that phantom power. You're back to being the stupid helpless little girl who needs Beomgyu to do everything for her. This is just what he wanted, isn’t it? Well, he succeeded. 
You’re yanked out of your ruminations when you hear the door open. You look up to ask Beomgyu how it went, only to find Chaeyoung standing there. 
“Oh, Chae–” You rush towards her but she puts her hand up to stop you and you halt. “What–”
“Why did you do that? I told you to let it go!” She fumes and you draw back in shock. “I was just trying to help–”
“No, you were trying to make yourself feel better about your own issues with the king.” 
You freeze at her words. “What are you talking about?” 
She scoffs. “It’s obvious. I don’t know what exactly is going on with you and the king, but god knows everyone has heard the rumors, and whatever unresolved shit you have going on is making you feel helpless and angry and instead of confronting him about it, you lashed out at my own husband to make yourself feel better about your own complacency.”
You shake your head forcefully. “That’s not true. It’s not.” The hot tears sting at your eyes once again, but Chaeyoung doesn’t care for it. No one does except Beomgyu. 
“Yes, it is and don’t you deny it. Because if you actually cared about what’s good for me you wouldn’t have put me in danger by confronting Myeong.”
“P-put you in danger?” What is she talking about?
“Yes. Do you think what you did will make him hurt me any less? It will only make him more angry!” 
“You’re staying with him?” You ask incredulously and her answering laugh is haughty and bitter. "You're staying with Beomgyu?" 
You clamp up.  "What other option do I have? You think I can just separate from my husband and not be completely ostracized from all my friends and family? I don’t have a king who would kill his own wife and buy my annulment so he can marry me."
"That is cruel, Chae." You croak. How could she say this to you? She might not know the full story of what happened between you and Beomgyu, but just like she said, everyone has heard the rumors, and her being one of the ladies in waiting, she is sure to know more than anyone else about what you’ve been through at his hands. 
She takes in a deep breath to try to calm herself down, and you can see how underneath her anger, there is tremendous fear. “I’m sorry but you need to hear it. I didn't ask you to intervene. Worry about your own problems from now on."
She’s right–the seed unfurls, the monster grows. The only reason you got so enraged and out of control is because what she said reminded you of what Beomgyu has always told you–that you’re the reason for your own suffering, that if you had just been good, that if you didn’t try to escape, that if you let him do what he wants to you, he wouldn’t have hurt you like he did.   When she blamed herself for what happened, it felt like she was blaming you too. 
"I'm sorry. You're right. It was about me. I guess I just saw my situation in yours and couldn't control myself. It was selfish of me. I just feel so helpless and I wanted to do something for once." 
"You are doing something.” She insists, stepping closer to you for the first time since she came into the room. “You’re using him to make things better. It's the best anyone can do in your position. You know the peasants are talking shit about you and yet you’re still helping them and he's letting you. You may not be carrying out those good deeds directly but you're accomplishing more than you ever could have with Lord Taehyun. The king will do anything to please you. You just have to ask." 
You contemplate her words in silence. You suppose she’s right about that too. You may not be doing anything directly. People may look down on you and belittle you. But through Beomgyu, you can accomplish so much and he would be more than happy to let you. Maybe you should just get out of your state of self-pity and acknowledge that you’re more lucky–despite it all–than most of the other ladies here. 
"But you need to be careful because you’re costing him too many allies by your reckless actions. If you keep this up, you'll be damning him." She continues, and that more than anything, gets your attention.
You hadn’t thought about it that way before, too caught up in your own feelings to know any better. Beomgyu never said a word about it to you either. You suppose he’s just so intent on proving to you that he has your back and will not let the others treat you in a way you don’t like anymore, that he’s letting you ruin his court relations. 
"I don't want you to remove my husband from the palace. That would just make things worse for me. So could you please smooth things over with the king?" She asks you, and you give her a small nod. “Thank you.”
You still feel a hint of satisfaction when Beomgyu drags Lord Myeong into the room, the bigger man looking denigrated and subjugated as he apologizes to you and his wife. You merely give him a nod while Chaeyoung graciously announces that she forgives him.
"Get your things ready. You leave at first light." Beomgyu announces when he’s done, and Chaeyouung shoots you a panicked look. 
“Actually, I would like him to stay” You interrupt, shocking both men. You bow your head and continue, "If my king will permit, of course."
“But the way he treated you–” Beomgyu balks, unable to stomach the offense to his wife.
“I provoked him.” You bite down on your tongue as you parrot the incriminatory words. “Neither of us behaved particularly civilly.” 
“But, baby–” Beomgyu moves close to you, whispering quietly. You hold his right hand between your two smaller ones, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay, my love. Give him one more chance. For me.” 
He still looks uncomfortable with letting it pass, but you turn to face Lord Myeong, scowling at him in warning. "If he will give you his word not to hurt Chae again." 
Beomgyu turns to him and the man nods tightly. "I give you my word, my king." He proclaims, then bows to you. “My queen.”
It’s hard to keep in your scoff, and you can’t look at the coward much longer. Luckily, you don’t have to as Beomgyu waves his hand, dismissing them both, along with the guards, leaving only you and him in the room.  
“I don’t like this, darling. He almost laid his hands on you.” Beomgyu recounts angrily, taking you in his arms. “He almost hurt you.” 
“I hurt him first. I started it.” You repeat uneasily, and it’s almost funny how Beomgyu finds issue with the sentiment when it doesn’t relate to him. 
“You can do whatever you want. You’re his queen.” Beomgyu argues, “If you want to, I can bring him back here and you can use that dagger of yours to brighten up his face a little bit.” 
His suggestion, entirely too serious, sends a shiver down your spine. 
The king will do anything to please you. But you need to be careful because you’re costing him too many allies.
You shake your head. “No. I need to start acting like a lady again.” You look away, your lower lip wobbling and cheeks flaming, but Beomgyu turns your head to face him once again. “You’ll always be a lady. No one can ever change that.” He presses a kiss against each of your tear-stained cheeks, before continuing, "But I must admit that there are better ways to get people to listen to you than punching them in the face. No matter how endlessly funny I find it when you do that."
You can’t help but smile a little at his joke, allowing yourself to really look at him, and you see nothing but adoration shining back at you. Beomgyu is in love with you. He'd do anything for you. So why are you standing here worrying about anyone else? 
“You’re so pretty.” He whispers, kissing you slowly, his soft lips molding against your own as your breaths mingle and your tongues meet. You can never get tired of kissing Beomgyu, each kiss containing a multitude of emotions that never wane–love, lust, need, ecstasy, relief… He kisses you like it’s the first and last time he ever will. Even this slow kiss is so heavy with feeling, it takes your breath away. 
“Am I?” You ask once you break the kiss, mouthing along his jawline. 
“Yeah. So perfect.” His breath hitches as you move down his neck. “Oh, love, if you keep going like that I’m going to–Oh…” 
You slip your hand under his pants, palming him as you suck on his sensitive neck. “Going to what, puppy?”
“Going to lose control.” He finishes, and you chuckle cockily. “As if you ever had any control when it came to me.” 
You take your hand out of his pants, hushing his protesting whine, and walk him backwards until you reach a chair and push him on it, getting down on your knees between his legs. 
“Darling, no, don’t sit on the floor. Want you comfortable–” 
“Hush, Beomgyu. Be a good pup and let me play with you however I want.” You chastise, shooting down his overly-protective tendencies as you take him out of his pants and jerk him into hardness. 
“Yes, baby.” He groans, throwing his head back against the chair as he hungrily watches you pumping his cock from under his heavy lashes. He’s too damn easy. So what if everyone thinks you’re his whore? You have him wrapped around your finger. He’d do anything you tell him to. He adores you. He’d spend his days and nights worshiping at your feet if you let him. "Love it when you use me." 
"Yeah?" You shiver, soaking up his need and adulation that hit you like the buzz of a strong liquor. You really can’t live without him. You live off his love. He wants to give you everything–himself, a family, even the whole kingdom. No one else matters to him and no one else should matter to you.  
You push yourself up to loom over him and cup his chin with your hand. "Open your mouth."
He does, sticking his tongue out, ready for you to spit in his mouth. His eyes flutter when you do and you feel his cock jerk in your other hand. 
"Filthy." You sneer, but you can’t hide the thrill that goes through you at that, neither do you even try. He deserves to see your own need. "And that bastard dares to say you can discipline me." 
Beomgyu quickly pulls his tongue inside his mouth and grinds his teeth together as his hazy eyes clear up a little bit. "He said that? I'll kill him." 
"No. He doesn't matter." You brush it off, pushing him back down. None of them matter. Only Beomgyu. "As long as you're mine."
"Always."
You push his shirt up his body, bunching it up under his chin as your free hand feels his tummy up to his pert nipples–his soft tummy, so different from the hard planes of Taehyun’s abdomen now that Beomgyu allowed it to go back to its natural state. You don’t know how he got it into his head that you wanted him to resemble Taehyun when all you’ve ever wanted was everything he was.  
Beomgyu’s back arches when you flick one of his nipples lightly, his cock getting pushed further into your fist as he mewls. 
“So sensitive.” You purr, nudging his poor nipple again and again. “So desperate. You fuck me every day and night and yet you’re still so needy. Is it never enough for you?”
“Never.” He vows breathlessly. “How can I ever get my fill when you’re the most wonderful creature the gods have ever created?”
The words come to him so easily, pouring forth like a sweet balm to soothe any semblance of worry in you before it has the chance to flare up. This is what you needed. This is what love is. Yes, it hurts sometimes, but god when it’s good, nothing and no one else compares. 
"More…” Beomgyu pleads, hips nudging upwards ever so lightly. “Just a little bit more. Please." 
“Of course, whatever my baby wants.” You coo sweetly, too sweetly, increasing your pace on his cock a little bit. Just a little bit though, messing with him until he groans out in frustration. “Baby, please!”  
"What? I thought you said just a little bit." You cock your head to the side in mock confusion but the playful giggle you can’t hold back at his pout gives you away.
“You’re always so mean.” 
“Oh, puppy.” You finally take pity on him, leaning upwards to press a kiss to his lips as you quicken your pace, much faster this time, and his mouth falls open as moans stream out of it.  
"You have such a pretty cock, puppy, so big and thick. It feels so good when you fuck me." You tease him, knowing it will just drive him more insane. And it does just that, the imagery getting to his dumb head. "Yeah? Want to fuck you so bad."
"Of course you do.” You pout sympathetically, “You're ready to fuck if I even just glance your way, aren't you?"
"Yeah. All ready for you, always." He nods, hips thrusting up to fuck your fist.
“Did I say you could do that?” You hiss and he quickly stills,  whimpering at your harsh tone like a scolded dog. 
You pause for a moment to take your lover in, sprawled on the chair with his dick out and his shirt pushed up to his neck, his hands fisted into the cushion below him so he wouldn’t be tempted to touch you. He looks delectable and he’s all yours to enjoy. "You can't control yourself, can you? Maybe I need to be put on a leash or you'll be humping my leg every chance you get."
He moans at the lewd idea and surges forward to kiss you. You allow him to do it, if only so you can rile him up more, before you grab him by the neck and push him back. "You like that, don’t you, puppy? Should I make you a gold collar and put my name on it too? Show your court who rules their king?"
"Yes. You own me. You own everything." He babbles heatedly, "Whatever my queen wants, she gets. I'm just your obedient dog."
"Fuck, yes you are.” You bite down on your lip harshly, your thighs rubbing together in need at his pathetic display. “My vicious, feral dog. Come on, hump my hand." 
"Thank you." He mewls, thrusting his hips up to fuck your hand once more. He is so lost in that measly amount of pleasure, taking anything he can from you, that an even more wicked idea pops into your mind. 
“You really want to cum, huh?” You drawl cryptically, making Beomgyu tilt his head, giving you a confused look even as he continues to fuck your fist. But you don’t make him wonder for long. "Let's see if you can cum on command. I'm going to count down from ten and I want you to cum on one, pup."
"Baby–" He tries to protest but you’re already going through with it. 
"Ten." You start, making his eyes wide, and suddenly his thrusts turn frantic. 
“Good boy.” You purr, twisting your fist around his cock as a little treat for his obedience. “Nine.” 
“You’re going to kill me.” He croaks and you huff out a little laugh. If only you could. Your grip gets a little tighter around him, unintentionally helping him out. “Eight.” 
As you keep counting down, he gets more and more breathless. 
"Please, please." He cries out in desperation. “It’s not enough.” 
“Are you saying I’m not enough?” You purposefully twist his words, delighting in sick pleasure as he gasps and shakes his head. “No, no, you’re more than enough!”
“Then stop complaining and be good. Five.” 
His heartbroken wail goes straight to your pussy and you wonder if you’re the one who is going to cum on one. He just looks so delicious, sprawled there whimpering and crying as he strives to obey your almost impossible command. 
“Four.” 
“Baby… my queen…”
“Three.”
“Fuck–nghhh–”
“Two.” 
“I can’t. I can’t!” He freaks out, his eyes blown wide as he stares between you and his pistoning cock. 
"One." You take your hand away and he wails. You’re disappointed for a second–you really thought he could do this–but then you see his body go rigid before it convulses, cum spurting out of his red cock as he sobs. 
You gasp out in delight and reach out to run your hands over his feverish skin, calming him down. "Good boy." You praise, leaning up to kiss his tear-shocked face. “I’m so proud of you baby. You did it.” 
Beomgyu chases your lips, catching your lips with his own as he whines into your mouth. “So mean.” 
“Why? You got to cum.” You ask him in confusion, "Did that not feel good?"
He shakes his head and sniffles. "No. It was horrible."
"Oh, you poor pup." You take his cock in your hand and stroke it languidly, unsure if he can take it. He seems to like it though and so you ask, "Do you want more?"
"Yes.” He nods empathetically, “Yes please."
"Well, since you were such a good boy." You quicken your pace, his cum making a mess of him as you use it to stroke him. 
"Such a messy pup." You tsk, leaning forward to lick it. You don’t do a good job, a thick trail of saliva and cum linking your tongue and the head of his cock. But you weren’t trying to clean him up. You just wanted to tease him more, knowing how messy he likes it. 
"Ah please! Suck my cock."
You grin, once again getting just what you wanted. “I have a better idea.” You tell him, spitting on his cock and spreading it along his length while your other hand pushes the top of your dress down, exposing your breasts to him. 
“What?” He stutters, watching wide-eyed as you place his cock between your breasts and push them snuggly around it. “Come on, puppy. I know you’ve been dreaming of this.” 
"I love you." He effuses, making you laugh as his hips thrust up wildly under you to push his cock between your breasts. 
This should be humiliating. You’re on the floor, knees sore and tits out as you let him fuck them just so he can add even more to the cum and spit already covering them. But how can you feel anything but powerful when this is the king himself you have being so pathetic for you? When the one thing shining brighter than lust in his eyes is his love for you? 
“Are you okay, puppy?” You ask him, noting how he’s struggling to keep his eyes from rolling back and the way he’s panting like a dog, sweat glistening on his skin from the struggle. "Going dumb from fucking my tits?" 
"So pretty…" He whines, his thrusts growing sloppier and more erratic. "Going to cum… please let me cum."
“Go ahead, baby. You’ve been good.” Your praise, more than anything, pushes him over the edge, and he cums all over your breasts, his seed decorating your chest in beads more beautiful than any pearls. 
“That’s it. Let it all out, darling.” You coax the last bit of his cum out of his cock, rubbing the head of it against your nipples in a way that has you shaking in need. God, you need him inside you. You feel so empty. 
Sensing your need, or perhaps seeing it on your face, Beomgyu grabs your arms and pulls you to your feet, planting you onto his lap as he buries his face in your chest, licking his cum right off your tits and pebbled nipples. 
You can’t take it sitting still so you start rubbing yourself against his thigh, a fire lighting up inside you as he tickles your nipples with his tongue and sucks on them. You’re so wound up that it doesn’t take long for that fire to become an inferno, your legs clamping around his thigh as you cum, pulling his head back harshly by his long hair to give him an open-mouthed kiss. 
"Please… fuck.” He whimpers, moving your ass up so you’re sitting on his cock that is now hard once again. “Baby, please take my cock, use me." 
But you shake your head, sitting up and putting him back in his pants while he whines and protests. You press a firm kiss to his lips, shutting him up. "You have things to do. We can’t stay here all day. Go do your duties like a good king and maybe I'll let you cum inside me tonight." 
“Yes, baby.” He shivers, the fucked out look still apparent on his face as he gets up, and the thought that everyone is going to see him like this and know you’re the one who did this to him has you swelling with pride. 
___________________________________
You don’t know how you didn’t see this coming. You knew both men were out to kill each other. You knew Beomgyu offered to pardon whoever defected from Taehyun’s men and compensate them handsomely for it. You knew more and more people were turning their backs on Taehyun. You knew he was losing, and yet this somehow still comes as a shock to you. 
Kai has been captured, betrayed by Taehyun’s own men and brought to the palace to be used however Beomgyu sees fit. As it so happens, what Beomgyu sees fit is using Kai's life to bargain for Taehyun’s own life. He’s asking Taehyun to give himself up in order to save his little brother. 
Suddenly, everything becomes real.
“Sweetling, calm down.” Wonyoung’s musical voice trills out, halting your anxious pacing. 
“Calm down? How can you be so calm?” You shrill, “Aren’t you scared for him?”
“Of course, I am but I have to stand behind my brother.” Her composure ticks you off. 
“He’s going to kill Kai!” You exclaim. How can Wonyoung act so coolly about this? Doesn't she have feelings for Kai?
She sighs wearily. Despite her being a few years younger than you are, in moments like these, she feels much more mature and aged in comparison to you, like a wizened old spinster who has seen everything there is to see and knows better than you silly little you. “Not if Taehyun gives himself up.”
No. He can't do that. You shake your head in denial. “He can’t. He won’t. If he gives himself up, then the war is lost. He’s the only thing keeping it going right now. His men will put their swords down if he’s captured.” 
“Whether he gives himself up now or keeps fighting, the war is already lost. It’s better to surrender now before he’s betrayed by his own men too.” 
You grimace at her prediction. God no, that can’t happen. It would simply kill him. He has worked so hard for his city, sacrificed his childhood in order to become a strong, competent leader to his people. He suffered so much hate and malicious rumors and yet he never bowed under the pressure. So for him to go out this way, given up by his own men… it would kill his already broken spirit. 
“He’s going to take the fall for everyone. He has no choice but to give himself up so Kai can live and his city can be spared from slaughter.” She tells you, and in your delirious state you imagine you can hear a hint of sorrow in her gentle voice. You shake your head once again, childishly refusing to acknowledge the gruesome truth. She speaks again, even more gently, "Come on, sweetling, did you really think this was going to end any other way?" 
“I don’t know." You croak, Beomgyu's words clanging around inside your skull. 
I'll let you see his severed head when I bring it home to you.
She doesn’t say anything else, knowing there was no use. She just holds you and lets you cry. You already know she’s telling the truth. You just refuse to believe it. You refuse to believe it’s ending this way–just like Beomgyu wanted. Always like Beomgyu wanted. 
_________________________________
Once again it’s Wonyoung who accompanies you to visit Beomgyu’s newest prisoner. She could get in a lot of trouble for this and yet she does it anyway. You don’t know why. She doesn’t even go with you into the room Kai is being held in, weakly admitting that she can’t see him in that state. But she asks you to make sure he’s comfortable. She had requested from Beomgyu that he be held some place befitting of his status, but since she has never gathered the courage to visit him herself, she couldn’t be sure if Beomgyu had kept that promise or not. 
The guards standing outside Kai’s makeshift cell hesitate to let you in, telling you that you need permission from the king first, but Wonyoung wouldn’t have any of that. 
“This is your queen you’re speaking to. If the king finds out that you’ve refused an order from her, you’d be thrown into one of the cells, and it won’t be as nice as this one, I can promise you that.” She threatens the guard, who exchanges a look with the men flanking you. Your head knight gives him a small nod. “Listen to your queen.” 
The man takes in a weary breath and shakily raises his hand to unlock the door, the keys clanging together from the way his hand trembles. When he pushes open the heavy door, Wonyoung turns away, not bearing to even glance at her captured lover. 
“Stay here.” You quickly order your guards before you step inside. They hesitate, but before they can think it through, you shut the door in their face. Sure, they can open it again, but you’re certain Wonyoung will prevent them from doing so. 
Once you’re inside though–your back facing Kai after you’ve shut the door–you hesitate, suddenly realizing that you don’t even know why you’re here. You haven’t prepared anything to say. You’re not sure you even have anything to say. 
“Took you long enough.” Kai's voice hits your back. It’s so different from how you remember it–so tired and weak. You quickly turn around, seeing him for the first time in so long, and your heart hammers at how different he looks. 
Gone are the soft, boyish features–his round cheeks replaced by sharp bones, his eyes sinking in their sockets, his usually smiling lips pressed into a sardonic smirk. He looks exhausted. While Beomgyu has gotten softer and more radiant since you came back, Kai’s life force seems to have been stripped away from his body. 
This is what war does to those caught on the wrong side of it. This is how you know Beomgyu couldn’t have lost. The boy in front of you looks ten years older. He looks like he has seen the worst that a human can see, while Beomgyu has been thriving more and more each day. There was never any hope for Taehyun. 
Oh god, if this is what Kai looks like, then what about Taehyun? 
“Is… h-how is he?” You ask tentatively, and Kai lets out a little laugh. “Why don’t you ask him yourself. You’ll be seeing him soon enough.” 
You wince and wring your hands together anxiously. “How can I help him? There has to be a way to save him.” 
Kai scowls, getting up and walking towards you. Your heart leaps in your chest for a moment, thinking he’s going to attack you before his shackles stop him from reaching you. “There is no way. He’s been doomed since the second he laid eyes on you. You should’ve left him alone. If you had just done that, he would’ve been safe.” 
“I’m sorry.” You weep, “I didn’t know it would end this way. If there was something I could do–”
“Go back to him. Die by his side, do something right in your life.” Kai compels you and you scoff at his change in tune. “Didn’t you tell me to stay away from him?” 
“I thought that would stop your lunatic but it didn’t. It just broke Taehyun’s heart. He doesn’t love easily and I ripped the one person he loved from him.” He confesses sadly, but you shake your head in denial. “Taehyun doesn’t love me. He’s only doing this because he has a compulsive need to do the right thing even if it ends in disaster.” 
“That may be true but it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love you. I saw it with my own eyes.” 
“Then you saw wrong.” You shake your head again. Taehyun doesn’t love you. You don’t know what Kai thinks he saw but it wasn’t love. Beomgyu looks at you with love. You’ve never seen that look in Taehyun’s eyes. "And even if that was true, Beomgyu would never let me go. I can’t escape him.” 
“You can kill your monster.” He cuts you off, “You can rid the world of his evil.” 
Just the thought of it makes your heart clench painfully. You stare at him, wide-eyed. “I–I can’t do that… I’m carrying his baby.” 
Kai scoffs. “You’re really something else, aren’t you?” 
Humiliation burns deep inside you at his disgusted expression. "You told me to leave!" You scream. What does he want from you? 
"But I didn't tell you to fuck him.” He denounces, and in that moment you can’t even recognize the sweet boy you met a year ago anymore. “I thought you didn't want to be known as his whore."
"I am not his whore.” You insist, distraught. You shouldn’t have come here. You shouldn’t even try to leave Beomgyu’s side anymore. Only he is safe. “I am his wife and I am carrying his rightful heir."
"And was this rightful heir conceived before or after the illegitimate marriage."
You hold in your tears. "Fine. I am rotten, just like him. I admit it. Are you happy now?"
"You should’ve realized it sooner. Your pity party is killing my brother." He spits out in disgust. “You never loved my brother. It was always Beomgyu you wanted. You just used my brother to get what you want. Well, congratulations on the happily ever after you’ll have once Taehyun is dead.” 
________________________________
Your heart almost stops when you step out of the room and come face to face with Beomgyu. He looks enraged, but you don’t even have the energy to fight with him right now. And when you collapse into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably, he too puts whatever he had to say to rest for now, carrying you in his arms and muttering to Wonyoung that he’ll deal with her later as he takes you away. 
It’s funny how you seek comfort in him from the very thing he caused and how you actually feel soothed by him. This is why your protests never get through to him. How can they when he always manages to get you back into his arms? 
You don’t see where he is taking you as you cling onto his body and hide your face in his neck. You only realize that he’s taken you back to your chambers when your back hits the mattress and the comforting and familiar smell of the room fills your nose and allows you to calm down enough to speak.
“I don’t want you to kill Taehyun.” You claw at his back desperately, your eyes searching his own for any sign of mercy. “Please.” 
He looks at you with anger in his eyes, for daring to beg for Taehyun’s life, but you’re surprised to also see pity there, and that pity tells you that there is no point to your begging. “You know I have to do it. I have to set us free. I have to protect our baby.” 
But you still plead your useless case–for if you really wanted to save Taehyun. You know what you must do. “So exile him. Banish him from the kingdom. Just don’t kill him.”   
He shakes his head, much more patient than you ever expected from him. Why was he being so gentle with you when usually any allusion to Taehyun would have him fuming with rage. Is it because he knows he has already won? 
“He will always be a threat to our family for as long as he lives. You know that.” He reminds you, “It’s time to end it. Aren’t you tired of this?” 
You are, so very tired. So tired you can’t reciprocate the kiss Beomgyu initiates, prompting him to pull back to look you in the eyes. And that’s when you realize why he’s being so sweet. He’s afraid he’s going to lose you again. He’s afraid that Taehyun’s death will make you withdraw into yourself again. He’s been keeping you as far away from the war as he possibly could so you wouldn’t fully fathom the gravity of it all, but now that it’s ending, there is no escape from the heavy price. 
When it comes down to it, is it going to be him or Taehyun you’re going to protect? 
“I love you.” He tells you urgently and waits for you to say it back, his eyes swimming with fear and uncertainty, his soul just about to drown in them. His soul, your other half, how could you possibly let it sink? 
“I love you too.” You finally say it, and his sigh of relief is like a drowned man’s first gasp for breath after being revived, quickly followed by more and more. 
“I love you. I love you.” He sobs, smothering you with kisses that you swallow down eagerly. 
He makes love to you, needy and scared, clinging onto you tight enough to leave room for nothing but his whispered confessions and pleas for yours. 
"Say you love me." He begs urgently, craving it more than his building release. 
"I love you." You blabber, your own ears not able to distinguish your words from the pathetic sobs as his hips smack against yours feverishly, but he hears them. 
"Say it again."
"I love you." 
"Again. Please." 
"I love you."
"Only me." 
"Only you." 
Beomgyu doesn’t let you breathe in anything that isn’t him. He surrounds you everywhere–his heat, his scent, his heartbeat… it all blends together and flows into you, uniting your being with his so tightly you don’t know where you end and he begins. 
_____________________________________
“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” You whisper to the man behind you in an effort to not wake up the sleeping baby laying in his crib in front of you–your baby, your little prince. 
“Is he?” 
That voice. 
You immediately whip around, fear gripping your heart as you come face to face with the man you once called your husband. 
“Taehyun!” You stammer, reaching your arms out to try to protect your baby from him but when you hazard a glance back, he’s not there. 
“Where is he? You ask, panicked. 
“I could’ve given you a child. That baby should’ve been mine.” 
Tears spring to your eyes at his words. “Please, give him back.” 
But he ignores your plea, advancing on you. You try to move away but your legs don’t obey you. They keep you rooted to the spot as he comes closer and cradles your face in his hand. “Why did you leave me?” 
"I wanted to protect you." You attempt to answer, but your uncertainty is evident even to him. 
"Did you?" You look away guiltily but he turns your head back towards him. "Did you also give him a child to protect me? Are you going to let him kill me to protect me?"
"I tried to stop him but I failed. You saw what happened. I always mess up. I don't know what to do, Taehyun." You cry, but Taehyun isn’t Beomgyu, and he isn’t going to coddle you no matter how much you cry and whimper. "That's not an excuse."  
“I know, I–” He kisses you, shutting up your worthless justifications. Once again you can’t move. You have to stand there and let him devour your lips, his kisses harsh and angry. 
So you focus on gathering all the strength in your body, an effort so immense just to take a step back and beg, "Stop." 
He hears you and he pulls away, but only enough to talk, his lips brushing against yours as he does. "Why?”
“I’m married to Beomgyu.”
That makes him laugh darkly. “That didn’t stop you before. You cheated on me. What does it matter if you cheat on him too? That's what you do." 
You try to shake your head but he has your hair all fisted in his hand. “Don’t deny it. You want to be fucked, I know. Maybe if I had fucked you enough before, you wouldn’t have ran after his dick.” 
He rips your dress from your body, tearing it away the same way he did when you wore that dress Wonyoung got you, and with the same disdain. “I hate these fucking dresses.” He growls, “But you love them, don’t you? It’s another reason why you crawled back to him. I tried to give them to you, lost my fucking eye over it, but you couldn’t even give me some more time.” 
“That’s not why I left.” You deny, but that just makes him angrier. 
“Don’t lie to me. You know what I do to liars.” He hisses, grabbing your chin and digging his fingers into your cheeks, forcing your mouth open for him to kiss. He coaxes your tongue out, sucking on it before grazing it with his sharp teeth, making you shiver with both fear and lust. 
Are you lying? If you aren’t then why are you letting Beomgyu kill Taehyun? Why haven’t you killed him when you had the chance? 
Because you love him. Because you can’t live without him. Because he’s the father of your child. Because even though he is wicked, you could do so much good together, help so many people, live the rest of your life trying to atone for the horrible sins you've committed. 
But will you ever be forgiven?
As if he could hear your thoughts, Taehyun asks, “Do you believe him when he tells you that everything will be okay when I'm gone, angel? Do you think you'll forget me when I die? You think he’ll ever forget that I had you when he can taste me on your lips? Even if he kills me, he’ll always know that you let me shove my cock inside your pretty mouth and your tight cunt.” 
“Taehyun!” You gasp. This was so unlike him–the possessiveness, the jealousy, the emotion.  
“What? You like it when I talk to you like this? Treat you like the whore you are?” He grabs the underside of your thighs and lifts you up, walking you towards the bed before throwing you on it and prowling up to cover you with his body. He looms over you. "And you, you think it won’t eat you up alive everyday knowing what you did to me?"
"Then kill me." You beg him and he laughs. Clearly you aren’t strong enough to hurt Beomgyu or yourself, but he is. He can end you. He can end this tortured existence. "No, you don't deserve the mercy of death. You deserve to live by that monster for the rest of your miserable life."
“Taehyun–ah!” You squeak as he rips your legs open.
“Look how wet you are. You really like this, don’t you?” 
You bite your lip, trying to gather up your own emotions like precious gold, scared to show them to him lest he steal them away. 
He scoffs at your silence. “Come on, angel, speak up. I can’t know what you’re feeling if you don’t talk. So speak up.” He mocks, his fingers gliding up and down your spread pussy, his eyes falling to your hole as it flutters around nothing. 
His fingers tease around your entrance as his gaze flicks back up to you, harsh and angry, before he slams his fingers inside you, making your mouth fall open in a sharp cry. “Speak up, bitch.” 
“I’m sorry.” You weep, not knowing what else to say as his fingers ram into you, much too fast and hard. “I’m sorry, Taehyun.”
“Are you? Are you really?” He tilts his head to the side jeeringly, but you nod earnestly. “I am. I am.”
“If all that’s going to come out of that pretty mouth is lies then maybe you shouldn’t talk.” 
“W-what–hmph!” He stuffs his fingers that were just in your pussy into your mouth, choking you on your own taste. 
"You never loved me. You used me.” He spits out bitterly, and you feel his cock prodding at your entrance before it breaches your hole in one stroke. “You killed me."
Suddenly, Taehyun looks different, his clean, white skin covered in nasty cuts and bruises, a hideous gash extending across his neck, dripping warm blood onto your naked body. 
Overcome with the urge to throw up at the sickening sight, you close your eyes tightly, hoping to dispel the gruesome image, but he screams at you to look at him, not letting you escape what you did. 
“Look at me. Look at me! Look what you did.” 
You cry as you shake your head, hot tears flowing down your cheeks. Or maybe it was blood. 
"Don't cry." He screams at you as he continues to fuck you, uncaring about the pain he’s causing you or the blood that drains from his body. "You fucking killed me, you bitch."
You shake your head harder, unable to speak with the fingers buried deep in your mouth, the tips of them hitting the back of your throat and making you choke on something that didn’t taste like you anymore. No, it tasted metallic and nauseating. 
"Don’t cry." A voice shouts in your ear, much more vivid and clear this time. It feels more real than everything else and the shock of it allows you to finally, finally, spit the fingers out, sputtering out repeated No’s as your whole body spasms with cold dread.  
“Please, stop crying.” It tells you again, surprisingly gentle and worried. “Calm down, baby. I’m here. Please, princess!” 
Princess? 
Suddenly, you’re pulled out of this void of agony and despair you’ve been plunged into. Blinking away your tears, the ghastly visage of your past lover slowly loses its crimson discoloration as it morphs into the terrified face of your husband, tears of his own streaking down his flushed cheeks as he gazes at you in horror. 
“Beomgyu?” You croak, voice scratchy and strained. “W-what’s happening?” 
“You were having a nightmare, baby.” He explains, sniffling. 
“Why are you crying?” You ask, cupping his cheek and weakly wiping his sparkling tears away. 
“You were making all those noises, like you were being choked, and I–I was so worried.” He whimpers, leaning into your touch. “It’s so stupid. You’re the one who was having the nightmare, but I was so scared because I couldn’t get you to wake up. I couldn’t reach you in there.” He breaks out into a loud sob at the last part, lips trembling as he relives the terror. 
“I was scared too.” You whisper, pulling him tightly against you as if the physical proximity would allow him to protect your soul from further attack. 
Is this what your life is going to be like from now on? Plagued by nightmares of what you and your lover did? Getting trapped in a ghoulish dreamland where Beomgyu can’t reach you to comfort you? Is this your divine punishment?
______________________________
Taehyun is here. He is here to give himself up to appease Beomgyu’s wrath and save everyone else. He’s here to die so you can get your happily ever after. 
And here Beomgyu is, getting dressed in his ceremonial armor to personally carry out the execution of the man whose only sin was briefly making you his. 
You get dressed too, your attire blood-red just like Beomgyu’s so you wouldn’t be able to see any of the blood that might splatter in the aftermath of today’s abomination. 
"Don't make it hurt.” You plead your lover, and Beomgyu snaps his head to look at you with equal parts fury and imploration–half a mad king and half a child begging for something he wants but knows he shouldn’t have. "Let me take my vengeance on him."
"You're decimated his army, brought him to the ground, and now you’re going to take his life. What more do you need?” You press your hands against the gold of his breastplate, seeking the heartbeat you know is under there. “Just give him a quick death. Get it over with. Please, for me."
He looks into the distance, the request not sitting well with him, but he didn’t shoot you down immediately which tells you that he’s at least considering it. 
“Fine.” He says at long last and your knees buckle in relief under you as if you had managed to save Taehyun. “You don’t have to come, you know?” 
“I thought you said you would kill him in front of my eyes.” You remind him of his own words and he gives you a weary look. “I was mad when I said that. I never want to intentionally hurt you.”
You laugh wistfully at his claim. What he means is that he never wants to hurt you in a way that wouldn't benefit him, and he knows that seeing him personally kill Taehyun might be too much even for you.
This has always been Beomgyu’s method–keep you away from the battlefield so you’d forget all about his monstrous actions. But you owe this to Taehyun. If you’re the reason he’s losing his life then the least you could do is look him in the eye during his final moments and face all the hate he has for you. 
“I have to come.” 
“My queen–” 
“I chose you. You owe me this.” You snap at him and he recoils, shoulders slumping. He’s so anxious about ending this that he doesn’t have the energy to protest much “Yes, darling.” 
________________________
If you thought Kai looked bad, then Taehyun looks like he already has one foot beyond the veil. You’ve never seen him look so small, stripped of his leather and armor, his muscles–though never remarkably big–wasting away from malnourishment and the stress of war, what appears of his skin bruised and discolored, and his hair cut in a blunt style so as not to obstruct the vision in his one good eye. 
Dear god, his eyes. 
He's not even wearing the black enamel anymore, a hollow socket left in its place surrounded by darkened skin, giving you a glimpse of what he will look like once the crows have picked out the other eye. After all, dead men have no use for sight. 
But for now, he sees, looking at you with that singular, stormy eye of his, and you don’t know how you missed it before–perhaps it got diluted in the middle back when both were intact, and then was overshadowed by the black orb he put in-but you see so much emotion there now, intensified enough by the singular outlet for you to finally perceive. 
Anger, pride, regret, disappointment, fear… and so much more that you can't begin to untangle, so much that will be silenced forever when his vision goes dark. 
His gaunt face had been so startling to behold that you almost missed the necklace wrapped around his neck… a pearl necklace, your necklace!
W-What? Why? Why is he wearing that? What is he trying to do? 
You ponder it for a second, eyes jumping around the room in a confused frenzy, before they land on Beomgyu’s sword, and you’re immediately hit with a sickening realization–he’s showing the world who is behind his death. You are. You did this to him. 
Suddenly, you see him as you saw him in your dream, wounded and bloody. You see Beomgyu standing over his corpse, triumphant. And it takes everything in you not to fall to your knees. 
He doesn't deserve this. It had been so exhausting for you to fight your short battle before you gave in and ran back to your captor, but Taehyun has been fighting all his life. He never gave up, never flinched back no matter the horror he was facing. He even fought for you when you couldn't be bothered to fight for yourself. And yet here you are, preparing to watch him die for the sin of choosing to help you when he should have turned away like all the others. 
No act of kindness goes unpunished. 
You shake your head, a few bitter tears getting dislodged in the process and burning down your cheeks.
It has to be done. You think as Beomgyu recounts to the crowd of noble men and women gathered the crimes he has fabricated for Taehyun, his only real crime standing there for all to gawk at.
It has to be done. You think as you watch the proud man being forced to his knees, his head lowered down so his pearled neck could receive the royal sword’s fatal kiss. Still, he attempts to look at you, raising his face up to pin you under his gaze the same way the guards are pinning him to the floor. 
It has to be done. You think as Beomgyu, enraged that Taehyun even dares to look at you, grabs him by the back of the head and shoves his face back down. But once again, Taehyun looks up at you. 
It has to be done. You think as Beomgyu angrily unsheathes his sword and doesn't even ask Taehyun for his last words. 
It has to be done. 
Gods help you for what you're about to do. 
It's easy for you to slip past the guards flanking your side. You’ve proven yourself loyal to Beomgyu and so they forsake watching you in favor of watching the deadly dance of their king and the reviled warlord. 
You didn't expect to do this, you contemplate as your legs that were so heavy before carry you easily towards Beomgyu, as if walking on air, your arms solidly brandishing the dagger you had been gifted by the man on his knees. 
Taehyun is the only one to react to your sudden movement, eyes widening as he gasps. 
Or maybe he’s the only one you can see or hear, because suddenly Beomgyu is turning around to face you, startled. It all happens slowly, so painfully slowly. You can see the concern on his face first, followed by shock when he sees the dagger glinting in the sunlight, and then pain erupts across his beautiful face as the dagger plunges itself into his chest. 
You let out a pained wail even before he does. 
"I'm sorry." You choke out, your fingers grasping the hilt of the dagger in a death-grip as if you could take it back. As if you can undo what you've done. "I'm so sorry."
You hear people running behind you but Beomgyu barks at them. “Don’t touch her!”
They immediately still, clueless as to what to do as everyone else is in this court of madness. As clueless as you are. 
Oh, gods, what have you done?
“Hey, it’s okay. Don't cry.” Beomgyu murmurs softly, braving the pain to comfort you. Always comforting you even as your knife is buried in his chest. “I hate seeing you cry."
That just makes you cry harder. You’ve made a terrible mistake. "Beomgyu, I–" 
Your eyes widen as you’re cut off by a sharp pain that overwhelms your senses, and you look down to see Beomgyu's sword jutting out from your abdomen. You look up at him in confusion, not grasping what you’re seeing. Beomgyu would never hurt you like this. He would never. "Beomgyu?" 
But if the excruciating pain radiating from the sword protruding from your belly isn’t making it clear enough, then the horrified screams of Wonyoung does. "What have you two done?!" 
You also hear an anguished shout of your name, followed by a commotion and what sounds like someone being restrained. 
But you don’t look at any of them. You only look at the man in front of you–your lover, your soulmate, your killer. 
"Shhh. It's going to be okay.” He hushes your pitiful cries. “I'm not going to leave you. Never again." 
Of course. It all makes sense now. Beomgyu promised to never let you go, and he’s not going to break that promise even in death. 
"I love you." He murmurs, pressing a tight, pained kiss to your lips. 
"I love you too." You say helplessly. You deserve it all. You deserve him. You harbored this monster, loved and nourished him, reveled in all the twisted pleasures he gave you, hid between his sharp claws that were sullied by the blood of others. So how can you expect a different end to such a despicable existence?
"I'll find you in our next life." He vows to you, smiling as if it were your wedding day again. "I'll get it right next time. I promise you."
Next time? The thought sends a chill down your spine. 
No, please, let this be the end. You love him endlessly and tirelessly. The sun might grow sick of the day sky, the waves might abandon their shores, mothers might forsake their young, but you’d never stop loving Beomgyu. 
But you can’t do this again. Please, let your souls intertwine and become a distant star, far away from everyone and everything, together forever or until the lights in the heavens go out. But not this again. 
"It looks like you hit my heart. How ironic is that?" Beomgyu lets out a shuddering laugh before he kisses you again sluggishly. "Don't keep me waiting for long. I’ll miss you. I love you."
“Beomgyu, I–” 
He slumps forward, falling limply into your arms. 
Wonyoung shrieks, running towards you and taking him from your paralyzed grip. “Call the palace physician. Get him here now!”
The whole court springs into action, trying to save their king and queen. But you know it’s no use. He’s already dead. You know he’s dead. You can’t feel his soul anymore, and you know that soon, you will be too.
______________
You’re not dead yet. How could you not be dead yet when half your soul is already rotting away? Why are you still clinging onto this miserable world that has lost all its color and beauty with the departure of your loved one? The gods must truly enjoy your suffering to want to prolong it this much. 
When the door creaks open, your dying heart gives a weak thump, still foolishly hoping it would somehow be Beomgyu on the other side, back to tell you that he’s okay after all, that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed to be, and that he forgives you for what you had done. 
But it wasn’t Beomgyu. No, because you killed him. 
It was Taehyun, who now seems to resemble death itself, and for a second you wonder if the gods were playing a particularly cruel joke on you by having your collector take on the form of the man you had betrayed and betrayed the love of your life for. 
“Taehyun?” You ask shakily, growing more anxious the longer he hesitates at the door. Startled by your voice, he finally moves, walking towards you with trepidation in his step that is entirely too human. “I’m here.” 
He takes your hands in his and you stare down at them, feeling the chasm in your heart pulsating hideously at the touch as if in protest. 
"You saved me." He breathes out incredulously, like he can’t believe it. You can’t believe it too. 
"You deserve to live." You tell him, matter of fact. Everyone got what they deserved. 
"So do you." He proclaims and you smile wistfully. Oh, Taehyun. 
"What is going to happen to you now?" You ask him, brushing off his misguided declaration and he frowns, considering whether to push his point or just answer your question.  
For now, he answers your question. "I don't know but princess Wonyoung–well, I should say queen Wonyoung now--is allowing me and Kai to return home if we agree to a ceasefire. I don't think she cares about continuing the war anymore. Neither do we."
"Right." With Beomgyu dead and you to follow him, what else is there to fight about? 
"It won't be easy dealing with the fallout but–" 
"But it's better this way." You finish for him. 
"No! How can it be better when I'm losing you?" His voice wavers and you look at him curiously. Is he going to cry for you? After all you’ve done? 
"Don't cry over me. I don’t deserve it. I loved him." 
"He tricked you. He–"
You squeeze his hands firmly, or as firm as your dwindling strength allows, stopping his empathetic excuses. "I still loved him and you know that. You don’t have to pretend like I’m blameless just because I’m dying. It isn't like you."
"I just…" He trails off, staring down at your joined hands uselessly. 
"I still loved him… I loved him and he killed our baby. He didn’t want me to live if he wasn’t going to have me.” You pause, letting out a tired laugh. It was never about protecting your child after all. It was about keeping you. “You know what the sad thing is? I wouldn’t have wanted to live without him either, but he didn’t even give me the choice. He never did.” 
Taehyun stays silent and you wonder what is going on inside his head. He must think you’re stupid for expecting anything else from Beomgyu. He must think you deserve it now. He must find you abhorrent for saying you would have killed yourself if Beomgyu hadn’t. 
"You should go." You sigh, the breath coming out harder now.
But to your surprise, he shakes his head. “No. I won’t go.” He says, taking out the pearl necklace he was wearing at his failed execution. "I am not going to leave you alone." 
He leans forward, trying to wrap the necklace around your neck but you lift your hand up and push it down, shaking your head. 
"I won't be alone." You say and he looks at you in confusion. "I'll be with him."
His face changes into the contemptuous expression you've been expecting all this time. "You're choosing him again? I can't even win against his corpse?" He spits out bitterly, taking the necklace back and shoving it in his pocket.
"I killed him for you. What more do you want?” You ask him tiredly. Haven’t you already made the ultimate sacrifice for him? Is even this not enough? Can’t you spend your last moments on alive with the one person who loved you? The person you betrayed for Taehyun? The person who is now cold and stiff on his deathbed, waiting for you to warm him up or grow cold next to him. 
He’s so, so cold… 
“You know you never even said you loved me once?" 
“I did–” He protests but you cut him off. “You’ve never said I love you and meant it.” 
He opens his mouth and you hold your breath, the world stilling around you. 
Do you want to hear it? Would it make anything better? It would only dig the knife of what could’ve been deeper. What use is it now?
But you do want to hear it. You want to believe that you could’ve had someone else’s love, that you could’ve deserved more than what Beomgyu dictated for you. 
But then he shuts his mouth again, furiously wiping away his tears as if it disgusted him to have any evidence of them left.
"Go, Taehyun. I don't want to spend my last few hours on this earth doubting if I am worthy of love or not. At least he loved me. He's the only one who ever did." 
And so he leaves–storming away angrily and slamming the door behind him, but he leaves. He always leaves. 
Isn’t it time for you to die yet? 
In the wake of Taehyun’s furious exit and behind your useless tears, you see Wonyoung enter, a vision of an angel as she floats down towards your deathbed. 
"Is there any way I could make you more comfortable?" She asks softly. 
"Why are you so nice to me? I killed your brother."
She shakes her head, always so patient despite her grief. "He killed himself when he started all of this."
You don’t get her. How can she be so fine with this when the weight of what you’ve done is killing you faster than the sword they took out of you. "Aren't you angry at me?"
"What use is being angry? Is it going to bring him back?" She asks, finally letting a little edge creep out in her voice, but she quickly reins it back in. "My brother made a lot of mistakes, some he was driven to and some by his own volition, and they all led to where he is right now. It is no use to dwell on it. Why spend your last hours making you answer for sins you've committed together? For sins I was a part of. I killed him as much as you did when I encouraged his unhealthy obsession."
You fall silent for a while, considering her words. She’s right. What use is it dwelling on any of this and leaving him alone? You’re going to die soon so you might as well let go of your guilt. The gods will make you answer for your crimes whether you feel sorry about them or not. 
"I want to be with him." You finally say and she nods. “He’d like that.”
__________________
They take you to him, laying you both down on your bed before leaving you alone with only a single candle burning on the bedside table. It’s good. Your souls need the peace. 
You look up at your lover’s deathly visage and frown. He used to be so expressive, in happiness, in love, in anger, in madness… never was there such a lively spirit as his, but as you look at him now, you find nothing but emptiness that resounds in your very core. It chills you to the bone as you curl up tighter around him, chasing a warmth that isn’t there anymore. 
You don't know what will become of the others now. Will the war really end? Is Wonyoung going to be a good queen? Will Taehyun get remarried? How will Beomgyu be remembered in a hundred years? Will you both be wiped out from the history books?
You hope so. The oblivion of death can’t come soon enough. 
Mercifully, you can feel the drug Wonyoung had given you making its way from your faltering heart to your collapsing veins, pulling you into a slumber you know you won’t be waking from. 
You smile at the thought, leaning up to kiss the corner of Beomgyu’s lips before whispering one last “I love you.”
And with that, you finally let go.
______________________
A/N: well, it's finally over. make sure to let me know what you thought of the end or i will cry. lol jk but i really really appreciate all the feedback. thank you all for coming on this journey with me. i definitely wouldn't have been able to finish this fic if it weren't for all your support ❤️
and now, click on this link to see the future fics i have in store and vote on your favorite one. the one you pick will be the one i write!
432 notes · View notes
wonily · 1 year
Text
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀🎧 ﹕ slow dancing w/ jungwon
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
warnings : reader has insecurities, dialogue-heavy, not proofread, probably switches between tenses
[ lily’s rambles : HEY! idk if anyone remembers me but i'm wonily (lily) ^_^ i deactivated like... a long time ago but.. i'm kinda back & this is a repost from my old blog ]
Tumblr media Tumblr media
he saw it in your eyes whenever you stood in front of the mirror and nit picked at all the things you disliked about yourself. he heard it in your voice, all those times it wavered as you reassured him that you were alright. and he could feel it now, sitting next to him with a dejected frown. a sigh escapes your lips and he swears that his lips turn down into a physical form of a frowny face as he racks his brain for what he could do.
without any ideas, he simply chooses to wrap his arms around you tightly, expressing without words everything he wanted to say— you are safe, you are loved, you are enough. it’s a mark of your relationship with him that you can understand all that he conveys through his hugs, even though you don’t believe it. and he knows you won’t believe it because you simply refuse to see the good in yourself.
“dance with me.” the words are mumbled quietly, muffled as they’re spoken into your hair but they linger pleasantly in the air as you sit, listening to his heartbeat. he draws you to your feet slowly, and carefully, scared that he’ll somehow break the delicately lovely person that is you, whom he loves and cherishes with his heart. you, who his heart aches for when he sees you in pain.
his arms cradles your body gently, rocking you side to side in the silence, creating an unheard symphony of love that he so dearly wishes to play for you. he smoothes back your hair a little, his fingers brushing gently over your skin and he offers you a small smile that you can barely return. he takes a deep breath, going back to rocking you side to side, “i think that your eyes are beautiful. they express so much and i think that they hold all the stars in the universe.”
you open your mouth but he shakes his head gently, silently pleading with you to let him finish. “and i think that your nose is adorable. it’s cute and i think that it suits you just perfectly,” and he taps your nose affectionately.
“and your lips are beautiful, whether you’re smiling because you got a good grade or frowning because of a sad ending or pouting because i took your chocolate,” he plants a gentle, fleeting kiss to your lips, adding as an afterthought, “and i get to kiss them everyday too, so that’s a plus.”
a small smile tugs at your lips and he notices it, feeling himself smile a little so he lays his head on your shoulder, “and your shoulders are my safe place, no matter how much you hate them. they give me comfort because i can feel them rise and fall with each breath you take and reminds me how lucky i am to call you my lover.”
“and your tummy? it’s eaten so many delicious foods and is the reason i love to eat because eating with you and sharing the food we love together makes me so, so, so happy,” he smiles fondly, remembering how just yesterday you had cooked dinner together, with multiple dishes neither of you had ever even heard of until coming across a youtube video.
“and your legs, they’ve walked so many places with and without me. you’ve found new restaurants and new parks and you’ve pulled me to your favorite places in town. they’ve gone on morning strolls with me and maeum and midnight walks around the still bustling streets.” he brings his head back up to look at you again, never ceasing the miniature slow dancing rhythm that he had unconsciously started between your bodies.
“and you. oh, i love you so much. everyday i wake up to see you by my side and everyday i fall in love more, even when i swear i couldn’t love you more than i already do. but everything is possible with you. i love you when you are happy and i love you when you are sad. i love you when you wake me up at ungodly hours because you’re hungry and i love you when you refuse to leave the bed alone because you’re scared of the dark. i love you when you sing, even if you don’t like your own voice, and i love you when you are in front of the mirror, thinking that no one could ever love you. but that’s not true, i love you. and i will continue to love you with all that there is in me until one day, you love yourself too.”
560 notes · View notes
fencecollapsed · 9 months
Text
I have some opinions about the Barbie and Ken dynamic,, let me know if I'm out of line here but like I wish they were friends
I know it was supposed to be abundantly clear that Barbie is uninterested in Ken romantically, and believe me I'm all for that. but she didn't seem to like him much at all, and I feel like that was kind of a missed opportunity?
I believe that Ken's arc is partly supposed to resemble watching a boy you grew up with and trusted and were close to becoming an alpha male misogynist seemingly out of nowhere, I see that intent and it's good. I personally didn't really feel that in the movie though because I don't super believe that Barbie considered Ken a friend. if Stereotypical Ken was Stereotypical Barbie's very best friend - which he definitely isn't - him turning on her would've hit harder
it could've given more to explore with their relationship overall. unrequited romantic love between best friends tends to be portrayed as sad for the friend who's in love, but what about the friend who isn't? in middle school I had two guy friends who I considered family, they were like brothers. I thought they were great and I really liked being around them. both of them ended up asking me out, and when I turned them down, our relationships changed. one of them got distant and jealous, and the other stayed my friend but every now and then would still try to convince me to date him. it sucked, and on both occasions I felt bad that I didn't feel the same way they did. I missed how things were before
going deeper into that dynamic with Barbie and Ken could've added an extra layer to the movie. they used to be so close, things are different now, they love each other, but Ken loves Barbie romantically and Barbie loves Ken like a brother, and they both know it. lately she's spending more time with the girls and less time with him because things are awkward and she feels bad, without realizing she's starting to disregard him entirely. Ken feels lonely and dejected and falls into the patriarchy and starts believing that Barbie not loving him the way he loves her isn't just unfortunate, it's wrong, he's entitled to that. all the Kens are entitled to that. if she doesn't love him how he wants her to why should she get the respect she doesn't give him?
their little talk at the end could have more weight and them going their separate ways could be more bittersweet because they do love each other. they'll miss each other so much, they've always been best friends. but they've been hurting each other too much for too long without realizing it, and it's better to say goodbye now than to hold on until they end up hating each other
also I wish Ken apologized to Barbie. I know, I know it was definitely intentional, it was about the man hurting the woman and the woman still feels the need to apologize to him, but that doesn't mean I have to like it!! if Ken's arc was supposed to be remotely sympathetic he should've said he was sorry!!!
217 notes · View notes
cobrakaisb · 1 year
Text
if he wanted to he would
Tumblr media
summary: luca knows that if he wanted to he would, but how can he make you see that?
word count: 1.8k 
song referenced: if he wanted to he would by johnny orlando
the frigid michigan air was cold against your bare shoulders. it was so cold outside that you could see your breath in the air; each exhale leaving behind a small, white cloud. your hands rubbed up and down your arms, trying to create some warmth. anything that would prevent your teeth from chattering, but as you continued to walk down the pavement, it seemed more and more like a losing battle. you halted at the corner, realizing that you had no clue where you actually were or how to get back to your dorm room.
you fumbled around in your bag for a minute, the small purse coming in handy. you were hyper-aware of your surroundings and the reality that someone could very easily take advantage of your situation; you were lost, cold, and desperate. finally, your fingers wrapped around your phone. without hesitating, almost like a reflex, you dialed luca’s number. he answered halfway through the first ring. 
“y/n? are you okay? i thought you and jackson were going out tonight?” he asked, referencing your boyfriend. “luca. can you come pick me up? please?” you begged, stuttering a bit from how cold you are. luca, without any further questioning, said, “send me your location. adam and i are on our way.” you thank him profusely, pulling the phone away from your ear to send him your location. “can we stay on call?” you whispered, nervously looking over your shoulder. nobody was there, but you were still afraid. “of course,” luca agreed. you hear the sound of a door shutting and an engine rumbling to life, letting you know that luca was on his way. 
within ten minutes of calling luca, their car was pulling up. adam parked in front of you, barely stopping the car, before luca jumped out. “god y/n, you’re fucking freezing,” luca observed, shoving off his jacket as he draped it over your shoulders. you slid your arms through the sleeves, zipping the coat up to your chin. “i forgot a jacket,” you explained, putting your hands inside the pockets of his hockey jacket. “i can tell. c’mere,” luca instructed, pulling you into his chest. his arms rub up and down your arms, trying to provide you with more warmth. “let’s get in the car,” he said, opening the back door for you. you accepted his offer, sitting inside the heated vehicle. 
adam started the car, and that’s when luca decided to speak up: “where is jackson? why did he let you leave like that?” you made eye contact with luke, a sad and dejected look in your eyes. “he’s at the party still. he didn’t want to leave,” you explained softly, fingers drawing circles on your thighs. luca’s jaw clenched at your words. there was nothing in this world that he hated more than jackson.
jackson was your boyfriend, if you could even call him that. the guy was never around. he was always ditching you for someone else, whether it be his friends or other girls, there was always something more pressing, more important, than you. in luca’s humble opinion, he was a total shithead who didn’t deserve you.
“and he just let you leave?” luca asked, anger coursing through him. from the front seat, adam made eye contact with his brother, telling the older boy to drop it. “he probably doesn’t even know he left. nobody could tell where he was, and he didn’t answer his phone,” you answered. luca huffed, crossing his arms as he leant back in his seat. nobody said anything for the rest of the car ride. it wasn’t until luca and adam dropped you off at your dorm that the silence was broken. 
“i’m sorry y/n,” luca apologized. “it’s fine luca. thanks for coming to get me, i really appreciate it,” you said, giving him a sad smile. luca nodded, his mood just as somber as yours. “i’ll see you tomorrow okay? at the hockey game,” you said, a happier gleam in your eyes. “see you tomorrow,” luca agreed, waiting until you closed your dorm door to leave. 
--
the next time jackson completely abandoned you was during an event your sorority was hosting. it was a dance competition that different groups were performing in, including some of your sisters. you and another girl, callie, were asked to emcee the event. it was a big night for you, an important night for you. luca was glad to be there, to finally support you after all those times you’ve supported him. he even managed to drag his brother and some of their hockey friends with him. 
upon walking in the auditorium, luca spotted you right away. you were standing on the stage, shuffling through a handful of note cards, going over something with callie. you looked absolutely gorgeous. your hair and makeup was done in a way that luca knew made you feel confident, but the best part of your little ensemble was the black dress. it was fitting, hugging you in all the right places, while simultaneously sparkling in the stage lights. you in that little black dress would be engraved in his mind forever. 
“she looks stunning,” rutger observed, leaning over to look at luca. “i know,” the older boy agreed, swallowing thickly while his hands gripped tightly at the bouquet of flowers he bought you. 
finally, the show started. you and callie were the perfect duo, cracking jokes, poking fun at different groups, and keeping the audience engaged. the entire night, you were smiling. you must be an angel, luca thought, because you were glowing. whether that was from your happiness or the lights reflecting off your dress he didn’t know. he couldn’t wait to see you at the end of the show. 
“y/n!” luca shouted, standing with adam, rutger, and the others. you turned your head, making direct eye contact with him. your eyes lit up at the sight of him standing there waiting for you. you smiled, walking over to him. “luca! thanks so much for coming,” you said, wrapping him in a tight hug. he smiled. “it was your big night. i wouldn’t dream of missing it,” luca explained, holding out the flowers for you to take. 
you gasped at his kind gesture, looking between him and the bouquet. “you got me flowers?” you asked, gently taking them from him. “isn’t that what people do? i don’t know…it seemed fitting,” he mumbled, scratching at the back of his neck in an awkward manner. “i love them,” you confessed, squeezing his forearm, which you were holding onto. 
“anyways, we wanted to take you out for dinner, so get jackson and we can go,” luca said, gesturing to the group behind him. your face fell at his words, a sad look replacing your happy one. “we can just leave from here. jackson’s not coming,” you answered quietly, fingers brushing over the petals of a flower as you transfixed your eyes on them. luca’s jaw clenched at your words. he knew what that meant, jackson wasn’t here. once again he disappeared and left you alone, probably feeding you some lie as to why he couldn’t attend. 
his arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into his side. his fingers rubbed circles on the exposed skin of your shoulders from the dress. “let’s go then,” luca announces, leading the group out of the venue and towards the car. once everyone is packed into the car, your body flushed against luca’s side, adam starts driving towards the restaurant. it’s an italian one, a small yet popular place that you discovered with luca shortly after orientation. it was your favorite spot to eat off campus. 
at the table, once the waiter had taken your drink orders, rutger is the first to speak: “you were amazing y/n, truly. i was prepared to be so bored, but you kept me entertained.” you smiled, feeling bashful at his compliments and johnny’s incessant nodding. “yeah! you were like sparkling in the lights too. it was cool,” johnny joins in. “thanks guys. i appreciate you all coming,” you say softly, fingers tracing the coaster in front of you. “we wouldn’t miss it. luca wouldn’t miss it,” adam says, giving you a pointed look. 
you can read between the lines. you know he’s throwing a dig at jackson, your boyfriend who couldn’t even show up for you tonight. he abandoned you, again, probably telling you another lie in the process. as adam’s words rang out throughout your head, you realized something that should have been obvious from the start: if jackson wanted to, he would. how many times had he ditched you? made you cry? feel horrible about yourself? lied to you? how many times had he tore your heart to pieces only for you to put it back together? how many times had he sent you crying to luca?
you risked a glance at the older boy, who’s eyes were already focusing on you. if he wanted to he would, you thought, and luca did. he was always there for you. whether it was random hours of the night, the middle of the day, an important event, or just another mediocre monday. he brought you flowers. he complimented you and built up your confidence as opposed to tearing it down. he treated you the way you deserved to be treated. 
without thinking you grabbed his hand, the one resting on the table. you gave it a slight tug, signaling for him to lean down a bit. “come outside with me? please,” you ask. luca nods, zero hesitation. the two of you excuse yourself from the table, exiting the restaurant quickly. 
“you okay?” he asks when the two of you are outside. you nod, taking a deep breath. “i just, i realized something tonight,” you whisper, taking a step closer to him. “if jackson wanted to he would, and i don’t really think he wants to. and i…i don’t want him to. there’s someone else who will treat me infinitely better than him,” you explain, twiddling with your fingers. 
luca took in a sharp breath; his heart breaking a little bit. “that person is you, luca. you’re the best thing i’ve ever had, and i don’t know how i didn’t see it before,” you finish, finally making eye contact with him. his eyes are wide, an uncertain look on his face. he’s silent, and it makes you nervous. you bite your lip, worry eating away at your insides. maybe this was a mistake. but then his hands cup your cheeks, pulling your lips to his. they connect, and it’s perfect. you swear there are sparks because how could he be kissing you like this without eliciting some reaction? 
finally, luca pulls away, his forehead resting against yours. “you, and this little black dress,” he begins, one hand trailing down to play with the strap, “are in my heart for forever.”
603 notes · View notes