#i assume he can drink tea given that he can drink alcohol

[baldurs-gate-official]

Thinking about how Astarion insisted on staying up to keep watch in the beginning of the game

Yeah, it could be because he needs to go hunt at night without anyone noticing, or because he's keeping an eye out for Cazador/his minions. But... It could also be because he's scared of sleeping/trancing in general?

He's got severe C-PTSD. I have that too. And one of the things I experience from it is a fear of falling asleep.

Sleeping is vulnerability. You're completely defenseless. It's terrifying to fall asleep when you're used to danger! And some abusers will purposefully do things to you when you sleep. I wouldn't put it past Cazador to have done something like that.

It's especially terrifying when you're sleeping somewhere unfamiliar, or as out and open as a forest. With strangers.

Add in the elvish reverie (if we assume Astarion still experiences it as he would if he were alive at his current age)... and he might even be reliving horrible memories every time he tries to rest.

(If you're unfamiliar with elvish trancing/dreaming, I made a post about it and some ways it might affect Astarion as a vampire spawn a while ago)

One of the reasons I think this could be the case is actually the other spawn, specifically what I noticed when we first meet Dalyria and Petras. At first I thought Astarion's eye bags were just a product of being undead. But... Petras, the very human looking spawn, doesn't have that. Dalyria is an elf as well, and like Astarion, she's got some of that tired sleep-deprived purple under and around her eyes.

So all this considered... I think it's very possible that Astarion has a fear of sleeping too. Or at the very least, trouble resting. Him and the other elvish spawn.

It also makes me wonder if he sleeps any better later on in the game. By Act 3 he probably feels more comfortable with you and the group. Sleeping near familiar people (especially people you're very comfortable with, but that's very dependant on your own choices in your game), and having established night time routines can make sleeping feel a little safer.

Plus by that point he's made many new memories he can visit in his reverie. Maybe instead of remembering the terrible things, sometimes he dreams of sun bathing, the first time he bit you or that bear, or any other happy memory he's created since being tadpoled.

Maybe for the first time in centuries, sleeping isn't such a terrible prospect.

#bg3 #astarion #text post #its just something thats been on my mind #my fear of sleep is bad enough that i usually cant fall asleep without pushing myself to the point of passing out #or sometimes i need to take a sedative just to manage it #so i wonder how bad it is for him given that he doesnt have the option of sedation #it makes for some interesting headcanons/ideas though #pretty sure a druidic Tav can offer to put together an herbal tea to help him sleep #what if that sort of thing worked and it became a nightly routine? #i assume he can drink tea given that he can drink alcohol #or if you've romanced him #would sleeping near Tav help? #i know sometimes its easier for me to sleep when im around someone im comfortable with #though sometimes it has the opposite effect and it makes it harder to sleep because i feel like i need to be extra alert to protect them #trauma really does a number on you #act 3 spoilers #bg3 act 3 spoilers #astarion spoilers #bg3 spoilers #q

[nerdieforpedro]

The Lake Between Us - Part One

The Nurse who's frayed at the seams

Ezra AU x plus size OFC (Nickname Moonbeam - has a name in later parts)

This fic is for readers 18+ MDNI

Word Count: 868

Warnings: insomnia, alcohol use, anxiety, mutual voyeurism, brief mentions of death, cancer and post-mortem care

Notes: My first series with Ezra! It's been fun writing this and therapeutic for me. I envision the setting to be on a bayou in Louisiana with the weeping willows and slow waters. Plus I wanted Ezra to have an air boat. ☺️ I'm not sorry for anything.

Main Masterlist / Ezra Masterlist / The Lake Between Us Series

It’s fine during the day, the rapid fire and thinking quickly on your feet. It’s what makes you good at what you do. Able to keep so many details straight while answering questions about six patients and more if you’re keeping an eye out on another nurse’s assignment while they’re at lunch.

It’s why it bothers you so much. You’ve taken your medications. Stopped looking at your phone an hour before bed. The room was pitch black before bed and the white noise machine was going. You even took your shower earlier than normal because apparently a nice warm shower doesn’t promote sleep according to the experts. You personally found warm water relaxing, isn’t that why tea is good before bed?

One of them needs to come to your house and see why you’re not sleeping.

It’s three a.m. You’ve at least gotten five hours of sleep. Enough to function. You’re awake in this darkness though and you’re well acquainted with it. There’s one thing you can do that will at least relax you now. You’ve done it the last few weeks despite all these changes to your sleep hygiene and routine. 

Your legs are over the side of the bed and carry you to your back door where your yellow crocs are. It’s off the back of the kitchen so you grab some rum and mango juice. A chair you bought when you went to an antiques show with some friends sits on your back porch and you plop down. It rocks and that helps your nerves slightly. Your large thighs press into the sides of the rocking chair but not painfully. The periwinkle sleep shorts you have are matched by the camisole that has bunched up at the bottom exposing the pooch of your stomach.

The crickets are loud and there are even some lightning bugs about dotting around the tall grass that surrounds the lake in the middle of your backyard. The lake is connected to an estuary that your neighbor across the way often drives his airboat off in. Thankfully the water is at least slow moving to it only attracts but so many bugs, but that’s also why you’ve taken to lighting a lavender eucalyptus candle when you come outside on the porch. Ironic considering the very same scent that keeps various insects away is supposed to lull you to sleep and it does not. You’ve never met the man. Only seen him on his back porch.

You know very little about him, not even his name. He’s at least your age, if not older. Tall and broad with sun-kissed skin from working during the daylight hours you assume or it could be his natural skin tone. His hair is brown except for a gray or blonde patch in the front. From what you’ve seen, he has a patchy beard that could have gray or more blonde and a wicked smile. It’s then that he emerges from his abode the same as you. He has something to drink as well. Usually he’s wearing a t-shirt or tank top but it’s balmy this morning so he’s shirtless in some loose shorts. You’re not sure if they’re for sleep or lounging. There looks to be some definition to his chest as he takes in the night air. He looks up after pouring himself a glass of something that might be brown, it’s hard to see from here and it’s dark. The man’s limbs are weighted down like yours are. Could his thoughts be running a mile a minute as well? What would lead him to be on his porch too? Is he alone like you? Shouldn’t he have someone warming his bed? Given how he looks from here, he shouldn’t have any issue in that department. Maybe it’s by choice, but why would he choose to? Divorced? Separated? Recent break-up? Maybe a fight with someone and they’re letting each other stew…

Planning different scenarios for the day, reviewing what you’ve seen, the care you’ve provided the people you encountered. Today you discharged a patient home, consulted one where the doctor sort of explained that they have cancer but it didn’t really sink in and assisted with post-mortem care because you were the nurse with the most experience on the unit. The rest were new grads, bless them but they really needed to remove teaching care plans and expand on communication, psych and discussions with biases surrounding death. Maybe you should email the state board, do they even check their email? They had to, right? They’re a government body, but are they gonna do anything with it? Your mind has spun again in that short time. 

The lack of restful sleep is having the same encumbering effect on the pair of you. Fatigued bodies to match your brains. 

His glass raises and he nods in your direction. You do the same. Then you both drain your glasses and refill them. No words are exchanged. The sounds of water, insects, and a light breeze fill the void where speech would be. Normally these sounds are what lull most people to sleep in Louisiana, but not you nor him.

A toast to another night of sleep lost.

Part Two

#pedro pascal characters #fanfiction #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfiction #Ezra #ezra prospect #Ezra x plus size OFC #The Lake between Us #A Nerdie fic

[lorei-writes]

Winter Flower

Chapter VI: Serpents’ Tongue

Masamune x OC [Hana] Summary: Hana wakes up in the gardens of Azuchi castle without any recollection of her past. Who is she? What was she doing there? And most importantly – what is she supposed to do now? Placed under supervision of Lord Date, Hana has to find her footing in the unfamiliar reality of the warring states. Series Masterlist

Content Warnings: none

“Should you inquire, I intend to answer you honestly. Consider it your privilege for the duration of this conversation.” You say this, yet I cannot bring myself to believe you in the slightest.

I suppose it is only expected that I wouldn’t be left to myself for an entire day. However, I did not think that, out of all the people here, it’d be Snake who’d accompany me. I flinch internally at the fact, his slender hands slowly raising the cup of tea to his thin lips. There may be a table separating us, but the way he is… No matter how close or far away Mitushide sits, I still am concerned.

“Drink, little flower. I assure you, no poison has been added to your cup.”

I tense at the word “poison”. If anything, I’m all the less convinced I should drink it, but… it may be rude to refuse. Mitushide chuckles at the slight tremble of my fingers. Undeniably, I must be quite pathetic now, but even so, I do take a sip.

“How do you like it?”

“It’s very bitter.”

“Oh? Perhaps I used a too hot water.”

I set my cup down, fairly sure that I’d spill its contents were I to laugh. And I do wish to laugh. Mitsuhide opens his eyes wide, and then, his face relaxes, as if that has been his intention all along.

“My, my, is a ruined batch of tea that amusing to you?”

“No.” I shake my head. “But usually, I’d assume you’d know that it’s too bitter after tasting it yourself.”

“The only thing I can still taste is alcohol, little one. And only because it burns. I don’t imagine you’d join me for a round of sake that early in the day?”

I shake my head again. Surely, between the unbridled Eyepatch, tasteless Snake, and Hideyoshi, the group of people serving under Mr Confident is quite colourful itself.

“Ah, what a shame. Perhaps then you’d be more willing to talk.”

My eyebrows raise by themselves. I cannot say I have any idea about what information he’d like to hear from me, nor do I assume there could be any other reason for this not-quite-a-question to appear. His fingers tap against the table, and slowly, he leans forwards, his amber-like eyes fixated on me. My reflection has already been encased in them, so I can only worry what he’d like to take now… Not that he can take anything of value from me. Silly, silly, me.

“Is there anything in particular you’d like to know?”

“No.” Then why – “However, I’ve happened to be present when Masamune delivered his report, so consider my inquiry pure curiosity.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint, nothing interesting has happened,” I sigh, my gaze falling to my lap. “We have only discovered that my body seems to have retained some memories.”

“Oh? You two must have been busy.”

I scowl at his smirk, but Mitsuhide pretends not to realise what he may have implied, instead pouring himself another cup of the questionable beverage. Very well then. I remain silent, but he seems to have expected that much. Mitsuhide downs his tea, just to unhurriedly set the cup down, porcelain plinking against the wood. Quietly.

“I suggest you do not consider befriending Masamune a valid strategy,” he says after a long pause, “even though you may be inclined to, given your state. I suppose you are not aware of the current affairs, so think of this as of a good-hearted warning.”

I tilt my head to the side, not even sure how to articulate the thoughts swarming inside of my head. “Why should I…?”

“No, little flower, the question is why should you not.” Mitsuhide places his elbows on the table, to then prop his chin over his hands. His lips smile, and yet I cannot say he seems particularly content or joyous… If anything, it is as if his body was a disjointed set of expressions, some attached to others more firmly than the rest. His eyes meet mine, but I cannot hold his gaze for long.

“Should you inquire, I intend to answer you honestly. Consider it your privilege for the duration of this conversation.” You say this, yet I cannot bring myself to believe you in the slightest.

“If you insist… What is the main reason I should not befriend him?”

“That is not what I have said,” Mitsuhide notes, perhaps mildly disappointed, although it also seems he has fully expected this turn of events. “And neither it is what I wished to imply.”

“Then… Why should I be wary of Masamune?” I try again. If I didn’t know any better, I’d consider him satisfied, the way one is after a day of good work…. Or worse yet, like a mother seeing her child learn from their error.

“Because he follows his own moral code, and in it, there is no rule against slaying friends or acquaintances once they prove troublesome.”

Hairs on my neck stand up. My hands roll into fists. “Is that pity talking?”

“Indeed.”

As much as I hate to admit it, I probably deserve it. It’s been just a day, however, the longer I look, the more aware I become of how complicated a situation I found myself in, albeit with little idea on how to improve my standing. I am confused… And yet, in due time, this confusion too has to end. No choice can be a wrong one, not yet, or so I choose to repeat to myself. It can’t, not while anybody could lead me by the nose with any kind-sounding words… Or, perhaps, it can, but I am not equipped to know any better, regardless of how hard I may try.

I let my eyes skim over the room, over the art decorating the walls, the cabinets and the pieces displayed inside them… But the act does not seem to hold much value, so even though I’d rather not, I turn my attention back towards the man in front of me.

“Lord Mitsuhide, if I may… Is it known who has tried to poison lord Nobunaga?”

“Think twice before asking a question, little flower.”

“Very well then,” I sigh. Clearly, he is unwilling to entertain my attempt at making a conversation. “I assume you do, since you know who has gifted it in the first place.”

“That is the case, yes.” Mitsuhide nods his head slowly, and although I probably shouldn’t, I take it as encouragement.

“Considering the fact that lord Nobunaga was the one to receive it, and the fact that he was the one being visited for it to be delivered, I assume the person who offered it is his subordinate… and that it was an act of treason.”

“Correct again.” He is smiling, but his eyes seem to bore into me. For somebody delivering a stare that intense, Mitsuhide appears awfully relaxed, not a hint of discomfort showing anywhere in his posture… Like a snake basking in full sun, lounged over a scorching hot rock, but alert and ready to bite at any moment. The less you know, the safer you are, yet —

“What I do not understand, is what –”

“What interests me is why you desire to find you,” he interrupts. I can almost feel smooth scales slither against my skin, imaginary fangs gently tapping against my neck, just barely above an artery. Are you venomous, Mitsuhide? Or was that just now harmless?

“I was told the entire country is at war. I am trying to wrap my head around the scale of it.”

Mitsuhide pours himself another cup of this heinous tea. He glances towards me, and points to mine, as if suggesting I take a moment to breathe and drink it. I can merely hope I won’t choke on its bitterness, but all I need for it to be gone is one big gulp. That much is hardly something to complain about.

“If you are aware of that much, then what do you assume may happen now?”

I wince – and to my displeasure, I am fairly sure that the aftertaste still lingering in my mouth has nothing to do with this response. Snake, why strangle the words out of my lungs?

“More war.”

“Correct. You needn’t have asked, as you can see now.” He warms his hands against the cup, his gaze fixated on the swirling liquid inside it. “Although to what extent, that will depend on whether Masamune successfully hounds the traitor down.”

There is no more tea left in the pot, and I do not have any desire to request another one… Not that I think my wishes would be heard even if I asked. It appears that Mitsuhide has satiated his appetite, and that he no longer sees any point in watching over me. Well, all things considered, I assume I do not appear particularly threatening, so why should they stretch their forces to protect themselves against something so obviously irrelevant…

My assessment of the situation appears to be correct, as nobody, and I mean nobody, shows up until the very evening. Not even a maid. It is as if my entire existence was forgotten, save for the moment I have been ordered to stay in place.

I did, I obeyed. I wouldn’t know where to go just regardless, although it should suffice to say I am not comfortable after hours of that. Kojuro stares at me with pity as I get up from the floor, my stomach grumbling quietly.

“I’m sorry, Hana. The young lord has only just returned. If I knew you were here, I’d come pick you up sooner.”

“No, no. It’s fine, really.” Nothing terrible has happened to me in the end. I should not be complaining when I haven’t done anything to improve my situation either.

Lanterns light our way back to the Date manor. We do not talk, although there are things that I wish I could ask about. Nevertheless, perhaps silence is for the better now, so I listen in to the clacking produced whenever our sandals touch the stone steps. Now that I pay more attention to them, I realise just how steep they are. I’d rather not fall, I think, although the thought seems to be only partially mine.

I am both cold and hungry, so as soon as we are back, I head directly to the kitchen. It is dark inside, so I light a lantern, and start a fire under the stove. Some water is already waiting there, and it does not take me long to find rice, eggs, pickled radish and… I suppose it is some alcohol. I’m not sure about that much; it sure smells like it? I ignore it, however, to search for chopsticks and usable pots. My stomach grumbles again, this time loudly enough for the sound to be confused for a roar. Why were you not this talkative before? Oh well, I understand, I understand, I shall hurry, yes, yes…

It is good I haven’t promised to my stomach that I’d be focused on the task, though. The door to the kitchen slides open, so I look up, Masamune stepping inside. He seems not to have expected to see me in there, an expression of faint surprise emerging over his face… But then, his lips curve into a half-grin, half-genuine-smile.

“Watcha cooking there?”

“Anything. I’m starving,” I groan. I cannot tell what has inclined me to do so, but he does chuckle at it. So I suppose it was not a wrong call.

“Lemme help you with that.”

The silence we share is oddly comfortable, even the sound of knife cutting into the vegetables fitting well within it. That alone makes me forget about Mitsuhide’s warnings. We have fish today, and although I did not dare mention it, Masamune apparently intends to share it. My mouth waters at the thought of it alone, and so, my hands hurry. The rice is soon going to be ready, but part of me wants to believe that my own rush is going to inspire it to cook faster. Sure, I am not a chef, but even so, it should not hurt —

Masamune catches my knife-wielding arm by the wrist, the blade hanging just above my finger. I am quite stunned, so I do not protest when he moves it away for me, before finally setting it down on the board and letting me free.

“Easy there. You’d better stay in one piece.”

“I – Thank you,” I hesitate. A slight tremor runs through me now that I realise what I could have done… I must be quite pale, but he ruffles my hair all the same.

“Go sit down, I’ll wrap up over here.”

“If you insist… But I’m washing the dishes.”

“Suit yourself,” Masamune chuckles before poking a mole on my nose. I’d rather not ask about the faint scent of blood that still clings onto his hands. I’m not sure whether I should know.

--

Series tag list: @cheese-ception @nuttytani

#masamune date #ikesen masamune #ikemen sengoku masamune #ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikemen series

[cruelfeline]

We never see Hordak or Shadow Weaver eat anything. I'm not sure what I want you to do with this information, but it's a bit weird. Most other characters, including villains, are shown to eat, or are implied to be eating in at least one scene.

Mm, not true for Shadow Weaver. Catra delivers her meals while she's in prison. I believe she also drinks tea and, as the fandom likes to assume, alcoholic beverages. We see her with at least one glass.

For Hordak, though! This is true. We know, from Wrongie, that clones are supposed to get nutrition from amniotic fluid. We also know, from Catra and Glimmer's time on the ship, that there is food there. "Normal" food. Which we see the clones serve and can assume they made, given that Wrongie very much knows how to cook.

They know how to handle food. They're able to ingest something. So I think it's safe to assume that Hordak is capable of eating. As far as what he eats... who knows? There's a million headcanons. I personally subscribe to him formulating the ration bars because they are easy for him to digest and are bland enough to be inoffensive to his delicate palate.

At the same time, I love the idea of him slowly learning to eat more varied foods!

Mainly because I want to feed him.

[potaeto-writes]

Coffee

pairing: Yeosang x oc

genre: fluff, crack

wc: 6k and sprinkles

warnings: Frat party, alcohol poisoning, mention of fatigue/burnout

synopsis: In which he becomes her partner in crime

a/n: Yes, the face claim is Jiyeon of T-ara. Yes, my oc has the same name. No, none of the characters represent the idols in real life.

The bell chimed as she walked into Cafe Aurora, and she half-expected it to echo in the near-empty eatery. With dusky sunlight filtering through the blinds, the air was calm, serene even. But not for long.

As she strode confidently into the cosy, aesthetic shop, Jiyeon had to bite back the cheeky smile that threatened to give away her thoughts. She went up to the barista, and, feigning innocence, put her plan to action.

"Hi there! My friends are about to come here for a meet-up, and I wanted to place their orders beforehand. We'll pay before leaving since they might want to get seconds. Would that be ok?"

"Sure, do the orders have to be served all together?" The barista had a smooth voice, and she made a mental note to ask for his name after she was done with all this.

"Oh, no, no need for that." She paused, finally letting her lips curl up mischievously. "I was hoping you could make them one by one, and for each, announce the name given on the cup. It's a surprise, so..."

"Aww, that's so sweet. You can write down the orders over here since I'm assuming there's many of them."

"Of course! Thanks for helping, it means a lot."

She quickly jotted down each of her friends' favourite drinks, giving a name against it. Handing it to the barista, she hoped he would play along. The boy raised his eyebrows as he read the list, and when he looked up at her, she suddenly felt very nervous at the thought of him declining. 

"So you want me to be your partner in crime, huh?" She could only nod, hoping her unease wasn't visible.

But then he tipped his head back and let out a chuckle so rich and warm that it made her laugh with him.

"Seems fun enough. I'm in."

Only when she sat down at a large circular table for nine, staring out through the blinds with her back to him, did she notice she was blushing. As much as she would hate to admit it, she spent the next quarter of an hour thinking about the cute barista's voice, and just how much it reminded her of coffee.

It took an almost violent tintinnabulation of the doorbell to shake Jiyeon out of her thoughts. She looked up to see all seven of her friends, and she put on an innocent grin as she greeted them. They all joined her at the table, and the eight of them fell into comfortable conversation. All her friends were impressed by this new cafe and just how cosy it was, and just as Yunho was saying how this should become their new hang-out spot (as much as they all loved the Matz apartment, it was much too small for eight rowdy friends), there was a shout behind them.

"A Cold Brew with Salted Cream Cold Foam for Korean Big Minion!"

The entire cafe went silent for a moment, even the handful of other customers there were too stunned to speak. Then it exploded in laughter, Wooyoung's laugh ringing above the others'. Hongjoong was pushed towards the counter by his friends, and despite there being virtually nobody there, his face was still beet red as he came back with his favourite drink. They still hadn't lived it down by the time the voice rang through the store again.

"Cappuccino for Toothless!"

The cycle of embarrassment continued until Golden Retriever had his Peach Green Tea Lemonade, Dorito Devil had a Signature Pink Drink, Pinki got a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino, Hyena received a White Chocolate Mocha, and Apple Monster took an Americano.

Needless to say, they laughed like they were crazy. They playfully shouted out in mock accusation, and Mingi's look after "being betrayed by the one he trusted most" had them wheezing. Not one of them cared about the looks that people gave them, all of them in their little bubble of happiness. Once they calmed down a bit, though, they were impressed at how good the drinks were. As Jiyeon laughed and talked along with her friends, a cup was placed in front of her. She looked up to find the same barista smiling shyly.

"I noticed you didn't order anything for yourself, so I got this for you. It's my favorite drink from the menu, and it's on me. I hope you enjoy it."

As soon as he was out of earshot, they all started talking about it. Whistles and hoots, 'ooh's and 'aah's, she felt her ears turn red as they teased her about admirers and crushes.

So maybe her plan backfired.

But as she was sitting there, sipping on the best drink she had ever tasted, surrounded by her friends, and thinking about the amazing guy she just met, she didn't really mind.

The next day, instead of staying back to study in the library like she usually would, Jiyeon headed straight out of uni and to the cafe. The place was quiet and serendipitous when not housing all eight crackheads at once. Besides, she had a cute barista to admire.

She was much more reserved when not around her friend group, and it showed as she stumbled over her words, asking for the same drink as last time. The barista-slash-admirer gave her a warm smile, instantly calming her down. As she settled at the same tall stool as the previous day, she found herself smiling too.

She was soon lost in her work, a benefit of choosing a stream she was passionate about. The architecture major was working on her essay about Mughal architecture when the barista dropped off her coffee, the same as yesterday. She thanked him and sipped on it as she worked.

Soon, she was done with her work for the day. She packed up, thanked the barista, and headed to her shared room. While it was a bit far from the university campus, it was cheap. She managed to keep the place hygienic, and she split the rent with a hospitality major who was usually out tending bars.

Not feeling especially hungry or tired, she set to work making soap bars. She ran a small business online, which is how she was able to pay rent. Granted, the place usually looked and smelled like a mad scientist's lair, but better to live in half a mess than have no place to live.

It had been three weeks since she discovered the cafe, and Jiyeon had shown up every day at the same time without fail. 'Her' barista, as her friends called him, knew by now to drop off her drink at her usual spot. They had fallen into a comfortable rhythm, and they both enjoyed the brief interactions they had with one another. Sometimes she'd bring along some or all of the guys, and each time, he'd remember their order. They didn't know each other's names, and they definitely wouldn't call each other friends, but in that short while, they had grown so close that neither of them could imagine going even a day without seeing the other.

It was just another Thursday evening, and she was at her spot, working away. While dropping off her order, the barista noticed that she seemed a bit tense. Brushing the thought away, he got back to work. But he couldn't help but feel uneasy as she came up to the counter for a refill. It was unusual for her to finish her drink before her work, and even more so for her to plan to stay long enough for a second serve.

The pastel sky of dusk gave way to twilight blue, but she was unaware of the rising moon, a con of choosing to study her passion. Soon, steep moonlight shone through the blinds, gently illuminating her face. She wasn't beautiful by convention, but there was something undeniably appealing about her twinkling eyes and round face that was, more often than not, framed by stray locks of soft brown hair. Her metal-rimmed glasses were perched low on her nose while she worked, and the mole on her neck only added to her beauty. She never wore make-up, but knew her skincare - her wheatish skin was clear, and she always smelled faintly of vanilla and strawberry.

In the few weeks he had known her, the barista had committed her every detail to memory. He didn't know what, but something about her drew him in. Maybe it was that he got to see her crazy side first, or how her giggly laugh sounded oh-so-melodic to him. For some inexplicable reason, he wanted to be close to her, wanted her to be close to him.

Now, as she sat there, unaware of her surroundings, he almost felt bad about disturbing her. Hesitantly, he walked up to her, gently tapping her shoulder twice. She hummed in response, looking up from her laptop.

"Um, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's already 10:30. I need to close the store now, so..."

"Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't notice the time, I should have left earlier..."

"Oh no, please don't apologize, it's completely fine! I did have something to ask you though... Can I- Would you- uh, is it fine if I walk you home? It's quite late, and I wouldn't want you walking home all alone right now."

That's how she ended up waiting for him outside while he closed shop and changed out of his uniform. Soon, he emerged in a black hoodie and jeans. Once the main entrance was locked, they started walking. Well, she was skipping ahead on the footpath, and he was following her, trying to figure out where she would go next. Once he caught up to her, she spoke up.

"There was one thing I've been wondering about..."

"What is it?"

"Is there a name to the drink you give me?"

"It's an iced caramel macchiato, but I have a secret recipe for it." There was a pause as if he was deep in thought, and it seemed to Jiyeon that their conversation had ended. He surprised her when he continued.

"The first time I tried coffee was when I was ten. It was a Sunday afternoon, and my dad made me that same drink. When I heard they were gonna open a cafe near my uni, I decided to quit my old job at the car wash."

"Wait, you go to the same university as us?!"

"If you go to Horizon University, then yeah, I do."

They spent the rest of the walk talking about uni. It turns out that they never met since she was an Architecture major with a Cosmetology minor, whereas he was an Astrology major. The conversation between them was easy as if they'd known each other forever, and it wasn't long before they both stood in front of the nondescript apartment complex.

She invited him inside, saying it was the least she could do after he bought her a coffee and walked her home. However, she regretted that decision instantly as the two of them walked into the fully-furnished flat. All of a sudden, she was aware of just how cluttered the whole place was. Thankfully, he piped up before she could stumble over an apology.

"So this is the stuff you were talking about for your online business?"

She mumbled in agreement, one hand fidgeting with her earring nervously.

"Cool." He said simply, plopping down on the couch after clearing out space. The poor boy was too tired to wonder what she was doing in the kitchen. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, lying on the soft couch in a moment of rest, surrounded by myriad comforting scents.

He awoke a short while later to a soft hand shaking his shoulder gently. He was about to apologize, but she cut in.

"Here. Eat."

She handed him a bowl of ramen with chopsticks, and he accepted it gratefully, eating the food slowly. She held him with a soft gaze as they both ate, comfortable silence settling over the two of them like a blanket made of honey and clouds.

Once he was done, she took the bowl back to the kitchen to wash it. She was glad her roommate Jurin was out tonight, or else there would have been many more dishes to wash.

"Are you sure you'll be able to go home?" Despite her efforts to not sound like his mom, her tone still betrayed worry and concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit tired." He said while rubbing his eyes.

"Okay, promise me you'll go straight to bed as soon as you get home."

After a bit of bickering back and forth, he agreed not to do his homework and immediately go home to get some shuteye. She also made him save his number on her phone so she could check up on him. They both went back out, the cool breeze blowing just a little stronger on their backs while they said their goodbyes as if to push the boy back home. Not even ten paces into the journey, he hears her calling out to him.

"I didn't catch your name!"

"It's Yeosang!"

"It's nice meeting you, Yeosang!"

She couldn't help but smile like an idiot as she walked back upstairs. Little did she know, the same wide grin was painted on his face too.

Jiyeon was up early the next day to film an ad for her new scrub formula, and the first thing she did in the morning was text Yeosang (or, according to the edited phone contact, 'yeo🏆'). He responded half an hour later, saying he was done for, and that he'd never finish his work before class.

One look at the time and she knew there was an hour before his classes would begin. Hers would start even later, as she studied in the afternoon slot.

She told him to come over to her place so she could help with his work. He was in disbelief at first, but 15 minutes later, Jurin was groaning at her to get the door.

She had already finished half the editing work the previous night at the cafe, so she was done with everything by the time he showed up.

"The stars never rest, do they?"

Yeosang gave his signature chuckle, the one she found so endearing the first time she heard it. Again, she thought of how he was the personification of that special caramel macchiato he made.

They both got to work, and as it turned out, Jiyeon's creative streak made her a natural at making tarot cards. An hour was more than enough for the two of them to finish up, and soon she was watching him walk away, backpack slung on his shoulder.

Once again, all eight of them were seated at the round table at Cafe Aurora. After hearing about what happened the previous night, the boys agreed to come with Jiyeon every day. Whenever they could, they'd go straight to the cafe, that was the agreement.

She went up to pay, Jongho being sent behind her to 'spy on the lovebirds'. She struck up an easy conversation with Yeosang, blissfully unaware of the muscular boy eavesdropping from near the bathroom door.

"... you need to teach me how you made those tarot cards- Um, can I help you?"

He look over her shoulder towards Jongho, who struggled to pretend like he wasn't just caught snooping about. To make matters worse, Jiyeon whipped her head around, looking straight at Jongho.

"I-I was wondering if there was an issue, y'know, since it was taking so long..."

Jiyeon narrowed her eyes, but thankfully, Yeosang seemed to buy it. After any and all issues had been addressed, the duo went back to the table.

"So, any progress with your barista, lovergirl?" Yunho asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Okay, first of all, I am NOT in love! Secondly, his name is Yeosang, and we're actually getting friendly with each other."

Of course, they all teased her for how defensive she was getting. After a while, Seonghwa suggested they all get to work, and while there was still the occasional joke that had them all cackling, they mostly focused on coffee and work.

Every once in a while, someone would switch places across the circular table to help someone else out. In fact, Jiyeon was the only one who didn't do this even once, choosing to stick to the spot she always took.

Once they were done, everyone decided to break off for the evening and later meet up at Hongjoong and Seonghwa's shared apartment for a movie sleepover. Upon unanimous consent, they all decided to invite Yeosang as well, the boys wanting to see for themselves what kind of guy he was.

He was the last to show up, having had a few customers later in the evening. As a result, when he stepped in, it was already chaotic. Wooyoung, San, and Mingi were fighting over a pack of honey butter chips in the kitchen. Seonghwa, who had a sheet mask on, was painting Hongjoong's nails blue to match his hair, both of them seated on a pull-out couch. Jongho was seated at the dining table, singing IU's 'Good Day' while cracking apples onto said table. Yunho was lying stomach-down on a mattress lying on the floor, picking out a movie on his laptop. Yeosang took a moment to absorb the mess, then looked at Jiyeon smiling awkwardly in the doorway.

With a chuckle, he entered the living room, greeting everyone. He wasn't formal, but not rude either. He and Jiyeon joined Yunho on the floor but opted to sit a bit further back.

"I'm sorry about the mess-" She began, still worried that he was uncomfortable.

"Don't be, I like the energy this whole group has. I can't help but think the cafe lights up whenever all of you come by." Yeosang mumbled something incoherent after that, making her ask him to repeat. "I said I wish sometimes that I could be a part of your group, okay? Can't a guy want what y'all have?" It was then that she noticed how his ears were just a little pink. She giggled at how shy he was getting. He even scanned the room to make sure no one overheard his confession.

"Relax, silly, we're not the FBI. You can join us if the chemistry matches, and something tells me you're gonna fit in just fine." Before he could counter that with a self-depreciative comment, their little bubble was broken.

"Guys, we're watching The Spiderwick Chronicles, is that good with everyone?" There were noises of agreement, and soon everyone had settled in front of the tv. Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, and Mingi were on the couch, which was 'on sleep mode' as they liked to say. San, Jongho, and Wooyoung lay in front of Jiyeon and Yeosang, who had their back to the couch. Four bowls of popcorn were being circulated to avoid any quarrelling.

It started with their hands touching ever so gently on the mattress. After an eternity of waiting to see if the other would pull away, Yeosang was the one who was able to muster enough courage to thread their hands together. She turned to look at him, his face had the same faint blush and the lopsided grin that she knew hers was painted with. She only smiled wider and looked back to the movie.

They stayed like that for a while, and when the fae flowers revealed themselves to the children at the psychiatric clinic, she naturally put her head on his shoulder. His eyes widened for a moment before his face broke into a smile and he put his head on hers.

The jumpscare a few minutes later made them squeeze each other's hands at the same time, and it took a while for both of them to calm their heartbeat after that. Soon, the movie was over, and everyone moved on to the next phase- skincare and gossip.

They piled onto the bed, some pulling chairs from the dining area. For the next hour and half, they talked about pretty much every student at uni. Yeosang was reserved at first, but he soon opened up about his side of campus, even doing a bit of tarot reading with the cards she had made earlier. Surprisingly, they discovered that Yeosang was Wooyoung's friend from middle school. 

"Wait, you're shrimp tempura Kang?!" And so began a not-so-friendly-looking bickering session that involved exposing some of the most embarrassing middle school secrets. It then moved on to a dance battle between the two, and everyone was amazed at just how well Yeosang danced. 

But the hoots and cheers were nothing compared to the absolute mayhem that ensued when Traag started playing on shuffle. It would be an understatement to say people twerked as if their life depended on it.

Due to high risk of spinal cord injury, the song was not put on loop, and everyone decided to get some shuteye. After all, they had the whole weekend to enjoy.

Yeosang awoke to find that everybody else was asleep. Force of habit had forced him up at 8 am on a Saturday, and not for the first time. But all that was forgotten when he realised something.

He. Was. Spooning. Her.

His face heated up, blood pounding in his ears, as he stared, wide-eyed, at the girl sleeping in his arms. He looked and looked, and looked some more, but he couldn't bring himself to disturb her peaceful slumber. He lay there, trying to calm his beating heart, thinking it was embarrassment that made him like this. He unconsciously nuzzled into her, and her scent calmed him down to an extent. He had learnt to recognise that scent, those traces of strawberry and vanilla hanging in the air around her. Now, so close to her, that same scent comforted him, lulled him to sleep.

"They're so cute oh my god!"

Jiyeon rubbed her eyes, a flash of light having ruined her sleep. Sitting up, she let out a little yawn. That's when she saw it.

The frat boys and Jongho surrounded her, phones whipped out, now frozen in fear. Yeosang woke up beside her, reaching the same conclusion that she did. A moment passed in complete silence, and then all hell broke loose.

Jiyeon chased her friends around, trying to snatch their phones and delete whatever pictures they took. Yeosang was still sitting on the mattress, trying to process what happened. In the middle of it all, Hongjoong and Seonghwa came in carrying takeout. The eldest duo immediately broke up the fight, and they all got scolded for running around in fuzzy socks.

Everyone elected to have breakfast on the mattresses, and they practically wolfed down the waffles, not being used to having such a late breakfast. Everyone decided to break off, making plans to see each other at the frat party that night.

Once again, Yeosang walked Jiyeon to her apartment, not minding the long walk. They talked about how this crazy friend group had its own charm, and how easy it was to just let go and be yourself around some people. Too soon, Yeosang walked away from her door, not completely aware of that part of him that yearned to stay.

Tipsy Jiyeon was a lot more giggly and touchy and just generally cute, Yeosang soon concluded. He had no idea how long they had been playing beer pong as a team, and somewhere along the way, he had lost count of how many shots he'd tipped back.

While they won every once in a while, they'd had absolutely zero beginners' luck, and by the time they understood how to play, neither of them had full control of themselves. Still, Yeosang took the heaviest hit, taking most of the shots from their losses. He also played more than her, simply because she back-hugged him whenever she wasn't playing.

He'd just drained another 12 ounces, getting ready to make the final shot of the round, both teams now down to their last cup, when soft hands on his abdomen made his breath hitch. Instead of cheering loudly as she had been for a while, she got up on her toes to whisper words of encouragement into his ear.

A part of him cried out when she pulled away from him completely, giving him space to play. He shook the thought away, bringing his hazy focus to the solo cups in front of him. As if in slow motion, the ball left his hand, bouncing on the table once before perfectly falling into the cup. Deafening cheers engulfed them for a moment before he teetered backwards, falling into her arms just as perfectly.

The two of them stumbled upstairs on unsteady legs, one struggling to haul the other. Lewd noises made it evident that every room was occupied, and her clouded mind struggled to make the decision of going to the bathroom at the end of the hall.

The two of them melted to the floor in an exhausted heap of limbs, breath heavy and ragged, flushed faces pressed against the cool tiles. They lay there like that, bodies entangled, hearts beating in sync, roaring in their ears. With how close they were pressed against each other, they could feel this matched pulse, and it brought a comforting warmth to them, similar to the physical warmth they felt from proximity.

Then Yeosang grabbed onto the tap and pulled himself up, retching into the toilet bowl. It was like that for a while, Yeosang puking out all the booze he'd gulped down so she wouldn't have to. She was seated behind him, rubbing small circles on his back while she uttered sweet nothings to him. Once he got it all out of his system, she gave him some time to calm his breath before getting up on wobbly feet and pulling him up by his hand.

Unfortunately, neither of them had the balance to counter the momentum of the pull. They both stumbled across the small bathroom until he held her by an arm around the waist, the other hand planted firmly on the wall to keep them both from falling. They stared into each other's eyes, faces intoxicatingly close. Then they broke out in laughter, and she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at that familiar laugh.

Eventually, they had to leave the bathroom, and not seeing any better option, Jiyeon decided to take him back to her place. She felt bad for him, having to walk that far when he was basically sick, but he was too far gone to even tell her his address, let alone help her decide what to do.

So they walked, her tiny frame awkwardly half-carrying his undeniably buff one. It wasn't just about the height difference, she looked downright pocket-sized beside him. Still, she half-dragged him under the night sky, knowing he was fighting to keep his eyes open. The guilt swirling in her stomach kept her deep in thought, not really aware of where she was taking both of them 

"You're like the stars, you know?" The words were mumbled and slurred, and it was by pure luck that she heard them. "Tiny ball filled with happy, could stare at you forever, mm, make me smile, draws me closer..." the way he listed it all while looking up at the sky made her feel all warm, her stomach tingling as if she'd just been dropped from a rollercoaster. A shy giggle rang across the silent street, and she was gonna reply when-

"Hey, who's that?!" That definitely sounded like one of the campus guards. Her eyes widened, and she quickly ran back to where they came from, holding on to Yeosang for dear life. She heard footsteps behind her, and she knew it wouldn't be long before he caught up to her.

Doing the first thing she could think of, she made a mad dash for the main road in front of the university campus. Her plan may have been absolutely bonkers, not to mention near impossible considering she was carrying around a whole human being, but it was the only thing she could think of.

Crossing the road, she went to the back of the cafe, immediately climbing the emergency staircase. Well out of sight on the rooftop, she put him on his belly before joining him. The voice of her pursuer grew louder and louder, fueling her fear. But miraculously, he began moving away after reaching the main gate of the campus. She spent who knows how long consumed by her dark thoughts of being expelled, but once she was able to break out of her reverie, the night was quiet except for the deep, even breathing beside her.

Yeosang had somehow managed to fall asleep in this madness, and she couldn't blame the poor guy. Slowly, hesitantly, she peeked over the ledge, and she allowed herself a sigh of relief upon realising the coast was clear. 

After waiting a little bit longer, she lugged the boy back down to the alleyway, quickly making her way home. He was getting a bit cold, and she was afraid he'd gotten alcohol poisoning. She put him in bed sitting upright and wrapped a blanket around him. Gently waking him up, she gave him a glass of water.

She spent the rest of the night making sure he got water in his system, was able to vomit without choking, and didn't get cold. She didn't even feel the need to sleep, adrenaline still pumping by the time the sun rose. Seeing that he was feeling slightly better, she now deemed him fit to walk to the hospital.

It took half an hour for them to confirm that he did indeed have mild alcohol poisoning, but that the vomiting, as well as all the water she made him drink, had flushed out most of it. After listening to all the instructions given by the doctor, the two of them walked back to her place. They both dropped onto her bed, feeling exhausted after all that had happened.

It was a few hours later that Yeosang woke up to a gentle pat on his cheek. Jiyeon had made him Haejan-guk for his hangover, and despite some protests, she insisted on spoon-feeding him. He watched as she blew on each spoonful, barely being able to open his mouth when she'd bring it to his face.

As she fed him yet another time, she watched his eyes flutter shut, having fallen asleep before he could even finish the bowl. She cooed at how peaceful he looked, tucking him in before finishing the lukewarm soup so she could put the bowl away and join him in bed.

The click of the door opening woke them both up, the late afternoon sun illuminating the room as seven boys filed in.

"So... you guys fucked last night?"

"I need a moment to absorb this information."

"..."

"Okay, I'm ready now. WHAT!?!?!"

"I'm not explaining all that again."

It's safe to say the boys were taken aback, having expected that the duo had spent their night most other college students do after meeting someone at a frat party.

Still, they all took it in good spirit, being happy that no one got seriously harmed and playfully scolding Jiyeon for being a 'troublemaker'.

"Well, if she's guilty, then so am I. I mean, I am her partner in crime." Somehow, that brought back the rollercoaster feeling from the previous night, taking her back to the day they first met.

They spent their time laughing, and as evening fell, Jurin decided to graciously cook dinner for all of them. Seonghwa, feeling that it was unfair how a girl who barely knew them was doing the chores, decided to help out with the huge task of cooking for ten hungry stomachs. Of course, he got teased for it, and the way he was stuttering made even Yeosang doubt if Seonghwa was truly just helping out with no ulterior motive.

"He has a crush on her, I think. I hope, in fact, because that girl cannot hide her feelings at all." Jiyeon may not have spent a ton of quality time with her roommate, but living with someone really does make you learn a lot about them.

Dinner actually turned out to be delicious, and Yeosang seemed to be attacking the fried chicken, explaining that it's his favourite food between bites. Jiyeon noticed how he ate with a pout even when it wasn't someone else feeding him, and she found it adorable.

They soon left after that, wanting to get some good sleep before the dreaded Monday. Once again, it was just the two of them.

"Thanks for everything. For playing nurse for me all night, for introducing me to your friend circle, for letting me into this beautiful world of yours, this world of being chased by guards and failing at beer pong and caramel macchiatos and making tarot cards and sleepovers and just you. I don't know if it's romantic, but I like you a lot. Whenever you're around, I'm always happy, and I hope you can always be a part of my life. Goodnight Jiyeon."

Before she could even say anything, he turned around and simply walked away, leaving her dumbfounded. That night, as she lay in bed, all she could think of was how her name rolled off his tongue, and how he made her feel emotions she couldn't even name.

It had been nearly two months since 'the attempt on multiple lives', as the boys would call it. Not much had changed, except for the fact that now, Yeosang would join the daily cafe study sessions whenever he could. He'd often go to her place for homework, and on the weekends, they'd pretty much just chill at the Matz apartment. Everyone seemed to be against partying for now.

Now, it was Saturday night again, and no one really knew what to do. Suddenly, Jiyeon sat up, looking at everyone smugly, eyes dancing such that they all knew nothing good would come of the plans brewing in her head.

"So I was thinking... What if we break into Cafe Aurora? Like, right now?" It took way too much begging to convince the Matz, even after Yeosang himself agreed to use his keys. So, twenty minutes later, they were all standing outside the building while Yeosang unlocked the front door. 

Once they were inside, the frat boys immediately went into the kitchen. It took them 30 seconds flat to start going crazy with the waffle iron and blender. Jongho found a pineapple in the fridge and made it his life mission to break the thing open with his bare hands. Seonghwa was trying to maintain peace and order, and Hongjoong, who was originally with his hyung, deviated to tinkering around with the music system.

Taking his hand in hers, Jiyeon and Yeosang looked at each other before running into the kitchen. After defusing any situations that could end in a fire, Yeosang started making all the usual drinks, and as he went about it, she watched in amazement. She opted to sit on a ladder kept between two shelves, watching him work in front of her. They were both enveloped by a comfy silence, up until she realised something.

"Wait, you're making them in the order that you made them the first time?"

"Of course. I always make them in that order. It's how I'd remember who is who back when I didn't even know their names." For some reason, she was touched by this little habit of his, by the fact that he remembered something so small. they both went back to their comfy silence, but as he got done with Jongho's americano, she offered to leave.

"I know the recipe for my drink is a secret, and I wouldn't wanna intrude."

"No no, it's fine, you can stay. In fact, I can teach you the recipe if you want."

And so he explained the recipe, as if he were a middle school teacher showing a kid how to do the activity. He spoke with a soft yet rich voice that made her think about how he seemed to be the personification of the drink.

In the calm after the storm, they all stood outside, sipping their drinks and munching on pineapple that Jongho had indeed broken apart with his own hands, as well as Nutella waffles. They had been able to cover up their tracks more or less, and Yeosang was just giving finishing touches to their work. Once they started walking, Yeosang and Jiyeon fell behind, not really apart from the group, but enough for them to be in their own bubble. Jiyeon was looking at the ground, their steps in sync, and despite her nerves, she began what she'd been wanting to say for a while now.

"Remember how you told me you liked me? Well, I've come to realise, I like you too, but I think I'm in love with you, like, romantically. Of course, you needn't reciprocate, I'm not asking that of you-" She was cut off by Yeosang taking her by the shoulders, making her look up at him.

"Are you asking me to be your partner in crime?"

"Y-yeah, I am-"

"Well I can't let that happen, now can I? You asked me last time as well, it's my turn now." Jiyeon didn't understand what he was on about, so she could only look up at him with a confused pout while he cleared his throat.

"Park Jiyeon, would you like to be my partner in crime?" Her face lit up, and she didn't waste a single moment, pulling him down by the collar of his hoodie to kiss him. Cheers erupted around them as they broke apart, his hands cupping her jaw as she whispered.

"Always and forever."

A/n: If you've reached all the way here (highly unlikely), consider sending in feedback! I wanna hear all you have to say

Also, I will be coming out with a chaptered fic (more like editing the rushed shit I uploaded a few months ago due to creative angst). It's called Falling, and I'm very excited for the ideas I've put together there. So promo ig (I am so lost abt all this)

#yeosang #yeosang fluff #yeosang x reader #taterfic: coffee

[inwintersolitude]

- October 19th 2023 -

What's for dinner tonight? I'm going to make veggie burgers, BBQ baked beans, and roasted broccoli.

Do you prefer cold or room temperature drinking water? Room temperature.

How many different things have you had to drink today? Three - water, Irish breakfast tea, and a turmeric shot.

When you read a book, do you use a bookmark or simply dog ear/fold the top of the page? I use a bookmark.

What's the nearest city to you with a population of at least one million? If you're counting just the population in the city proper, then it would be Toronto. But if you're counting the entire metropolitan area (suburbs, surrounding towns, etc.), then it would be Cleveland. But the City of Cleveland itself only has like ~370,000 people. I wouldn't really call it a major city.

During the pandemic, did you use reusable or disposable masks? A bit of both. I had a few gray washable masks that I bought from Target, and also some disposable surgical masks and N95 masks. I still have some, actually.

What is your favourite local restaurant? Maybe the little cafe across from the town square. Or the farm-to-table restaurant.

Have you ever been harassed while minding your own business walking down the street? Nope. I've never experienced catcalling or anything like that.

Do you own a gun? Have you ever thought about getting one? Nope. I used to have one when I was into shooting sports years ago, but I've absolutely zero interest in that stuff now. Looking back I'm actually quite horrified by how easy it was to buy it. There should be way more oversight and regulations than there currently are.

Do you know anyone who owns a gun? My friend Cory hunts deer and elk as his main source of meat, so I'm assuming he has one, but he's never mentioned anything about it.

What year is/what your 10 year high school reunion? Will you (or did you) attend? It was in 2018, but I didn't go because I lived a 7-hour drive away from my hometown at the time.

Do you cut your sandwiches into triangles or rectangles? I cut grilled cheese sandwiches into triangles, but that's the only type of sandwich that I ever cut.

Have you ever seen a panda in real life? Where was it? Maybe while visiting the zoo as a kid? I can't remember.

Are there any postcards hanging around the house? If so, where are they from? I don't think so.

Does it snow where you live? Oh yeah, winters here are quite snowy.

When was the last time you took a flight? Where did you go? Nearly 2 weeks ago. My husband and I were flying from Dublin to Washington DC.

Is there a flight path over your house? Yep, Cleveland-Hopkins has an RNAV (GPS) approach for traffic arriving from the south, which has a waypoint over our house. I never flew it when I was a pilot but my husband occasionally flies over our house on that approach if his last flight home is from the Southeast US.

Does your neighbourhood have a lot of hills? Nope.

Have you ever had covid? What was your experience like? No. At least, not that I know of. I've been sick only once since 2018, but my Covid test was negative. I guess it's possible I've had it but I would have been completely asymptomatic if I did.

Do you have any alcohol in your house right now? Yep, some Guinness.

Do you tend to keep alcohol around the house for when you might want it? No, I don't usually have any in the house. My husband and I bought the Guinness after we got back home from Ireland so we could compare it to the draught Guinness they have in Ireland. The Guinness in Ireland tastes much better than the bottled/canned Guinness here in the US.

Has a romantic partner ever given you a pet as a gift? Nope, he wouldn't do that and I wouldn't want him to. Getting a new pet is a decision we'd make together.

Do you ever talk on the phone with friends? Sometimes with Cory.

What was the last thing someone said to you in person? "Have a nice night" or something like that, from the cashier at the grocery store yesterday evening. I haven't spoken to anyone in person since then - my husband's away for work and I haven't gone anywhere yet today.

Are you hungry right now? What would you like to eat? Nope.

How far away are your parents right now? About 27 or 28 miles away. 45-ish minute drive.

Do you believe in aliens? Yep. Considering there are hundreds of billions (maybe even trillions) of galaxies in the universe, and each of those galaxies has billions of planets, it's pretty much statistically impossible that Earth is the ONLY planet in the entire universe that has life on it.

Have you ever been bitten by a spider? Nope.

Do you own any clothing made from animal products like leather or fur? Not clothing, no. I do have a few leather handbags, though.

What's the best vacation you've ever been on? The trip to London that my husband and I went on for our 6th wedding anniversary.

#survey #surveys #random questions #personal blog

[genshinimpactoneshots]

how they smell

  diluc

I feel Diluc would have a mix of three things: Pine, spruce and a faded scent of wine from both Angels Share and Dawn Winery. Sometimes you may pick up on a rich oud wood and frankincense, its a tad bit spicy but it smells as if it was a fireplace. The light smoky embers mix in with the ‘fireplace’ theme, giving a feeling of warmth and comfort. 

  kaeya

Kaeya probably has light cologne on, something soft or spicy. I can imagine him having a scent of smoked vanilla bean, maybe a bit of wine from when he drinks alcohol?

  venti:

Venti definitely has a sweet scent, something floral. His smell definitely has a base of vanilla, sugar and honey. Maybe some bourbon and a hint of lavender. If it’s not completely sweet, it can be white jasmine: bergamot, muguet, rose, and white musk with a small note of lemon. Overall, sweet and relaxing. 

  zhongli

Zhongli has an invigorating floral scent. It blends citrus notes, musks and wood notes for a sparkling, rich scent. It’d be warm, some green tea or earl grey tea smell lingering. Eranium, Pepper, Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver and Ambergris give a classy type of fragrance, a bit strong, but it works. 

  xiao

Xiao has a sweet, honey and almond scent from the almond tofu offerings given to him. I feel Xiao would smell like ylang ylang: heady, sweet, radiant heavy floral odor with spicy notes of clove in the background. It’d be something warm and sweet, a tad bit of spice. Honestly, very comforting. 

  childe

I assume Childe has a cool, beach-like scent. Light scent of salt, heat and ocean air. Maybe something like Ocean Pine, tad bit of balsam with a woodsy and floral scent. If it’s not a beach scent, it’s a rich, fruity scent. Citrus and herbs, maybe?

  razor

Probably a natural scent, a scent of multiple coniferous trees. Pines, firs, cedars and cypress are examples, so a woodsy scent mixed in with the surrounding environment? Herbs, plants and a faded rain scent. I assume wolfhooks are sour, so there may be a small hint of a soft, sour-like smell.

  chongyun

Chongyun would have a cool, light scent. It would probably be linear, the top note shows little variation from the bottom notes, but it’s not dull or uninteresting, either. Chongyun avoids spicy and hot things, so the scent would be faded. Cold, misty type of thing? Something ozonic and earthy, but not strong. Ozonic would be watery-airy freshness while earthy is something humid, though, I imagine a lingering, icy scent. Maybe something with warmer notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and light citrus mixes.

  xingqiu

Xingqiu probably has a scent of old books, or books in general. Maybe a small scent of lavender and vanilla, or even a scent akin to that of a library's: rosewood, oak, tonka and oud - a woodsy, musky and warm scent.

  bennett

Bennett has a distinctive smell from his many adventures. He smells of smoke and wood along with clove, amber, sandalwood, and patchouli. Bennett sits by many campfires and is always outside exploring, so he definitely has a natural, earthy scent. Maybe a small, sweet smell from marshmallows and a bit of charcoal.

#genshin_writes #genshin_headcanons #bennet #genshin #genshin impact #genshin impact headcanons #scent #childe #genshin childe #genshin bennett #genshin zhongli #zhongli #genshin diluc #genshin kaeya #kaeya #diluc #chongyun #genshin chongyun #razor #genshin razor #xiao #genshin xiao #headcanons #headcanon #xingqiu #genshin xingqiu

[robininthelabyrinth]

genderbent wens, like the siblings and the head family?

ao3

“- and in one generation, they were all women, every single one of them!” Lao Nie laughed so hard he was very nearly hiccupping, but Lan Qiren supposed that was understandable on account of the other sect leader having consumed a truly unbearable amount of wine. Some of which was on his behalf – Lao Nie had been in a strange mood during the conference, especially excited, and had boisterously interjected himself into Jin Guangshan’s regular attempts to get Lan Qiren drunk by volunteering to take all his toasts for him – so Lan Qiren felt obligated to stay and keep him from making a nuisance of himself. “So be careful what you wish for, Jin-xiong!”

“Let go of me!” Jin Guangshan yelped, and really, getting squashed like that by Lao Nie tipping over onto him was exactly what he deserved. Only Jiang Fengmian was nice enough to try to help him, and all that accomplished was to get him pulled, laughing, into the drinking as well.

Possibly that had been his goal.

“That seems remarkably unlikely,” Wen Ruohan remarked. He, at least, was sitting properly, and had for once restrained himself during the festivities – he was friends of a sort with Jin Guangshan, which never seemed to go well for anyone else, but Lao Nie’s rowdiness had apparently severed that for the night. He looked sidelong at Lan Qiren. “Don’t you think, Sect Leader Lan?”

Lan Qiren could never figure out if Wen Ruohan meant for that term of address to be an insult or a compliment, and he was tired of trying.

“What is so unlikely?” he asked, having been paying more attention to Lao Nie’s stability than his words.

“An entire generation born as women,” Wen Ruohan said. He was playing with the cup of wine in his hands rather than drinking it. “Statistically possible, but highly improbable, given the size of the Nie sect.”

“Well, I assume he’s accounting for the misaligned,” Lan Qiren said, because Wen Ruohan wasn’t wrong – the Nie sect might be smaller than others, but it was still a Great Sect; it was very far from being small. “That would affect the numbers.”

“Misaligned?” Wen Ruohan echoed.

“A tradition among the Nie,” Lan Qiren explained, because it wasrather unusual. “They believe that the reincarnation cycle occasionally errs, with the soul of a woman ending up in a male body or a man in a woman – or I suppose neither and both, I’m not entirely certain about that one. At any rate, it’s not terribly common, but neither is it especially uncommon, so I suppose it’s possible –”

“Isn’t it a punishment?” Wen Ruohan interrupted.

Lan Qiren blinked at him, not understanding.

Wen Ruohan was looking down at his cup, which he had started to hold rather tightly – his knuckles were white, and it was only his especially good control over his cultivation that was keeping the cup from shattering. “The misalignment,” he clarified. “It’s said that those who commit sins in one life will be condemned in their next: reborn as an ant, or a chicken raised for slaughter. To be reborn into a body that does not fit you would surely seem to be along the same lines.”

“I suppose I see the argument,” Lan Qiren said, relieved that for once Wen Ruohan was in the mood for a theoretical discussion rather than causing trouble just to show that he had the power to do so without consequence. “I believe the Nie would argue in turn that being born as a thinking being capable of expressing oneself is sufficient basis to assume error rather than retribution – we’re all cultivators fighting the dictates of fate, after all. If one can seek immortality against all heavenly restrictions, then seeking to be recognized in the manner of your soul rather than your body would appear to be a much smaller issue.”

He shrugged and took a sip of his tea, rolling it in his mouth first to confirm it hadn’t been spiked with anything alcoholic.

“My assumption entirely,” he added. “I’m not actually that familiar with the Nie sect doctrine on this matter. Lao Nie is not the most academic, and if anything seems more bemused by our lack of understanding on the matter.”

Wen Ruohan was frowning into his cup, but at least he wasn’t gripping it so tightly.

“Fighting the dictates of fate,” he murmured. “Yes, I can see that. If you decide you are something, who dares say that you cannot be that, even the Heavens themselves?”

Such a Wen sect way of thinking, Lan Qiren thought to himself, shaking his head. Arrogant, defiant and proud – always raising their heads up high. Admirable in small doses, irritating in large!

“What would you do?” Wen Ruohan asked him, and Lan Qiren looked at him, surprised. “If there was – something like that, but in your sect? The Lan is the most orthodox of the sects; you do not even permit intermingling between men and women.”

“We don’t – men and women live separately; it’s not the same thing as not permitting intermingling,” Lan Qiren protested, but he supposed he could see the value in the question. “If one of my sect disciples informed me that they believed themselves to be a misalignment, I would – accept it, I suppose. Perhaps after a period of supervision, to ensure that they were serious and understood the consequences of their actions, that they would live and be perceived socially in the manner their soul for the rest of their lives; that would help ensure no one would engage in such a thing lightly or as a prank.”

He thought about it a little more.

“Yes, I think that’s right,” he concluded. “There are many rules that touch on the subject of being true to oneself, and none requiring adherence to the gender of one’s body; therefore, it is more in accordance to the rules to permit it. In such an event, I might also send them to the Unclean Realm for a time to further their understanding of the concept, to allow them time to reflect on the proposed change and to ensure they have access to a place where they can feel safe in exploring –”

“What if it were you yourself? Given your position?”

“Me?” Lan Qiren blinked. “I’ve always been comfortable being a man, so it isn’t an issue. But if it was, I would imagine that the same would apply to me as to anyone else in my sect. After all, we have precedent of a woman taking the role of Sect Leader, so that isn’t a consideration.”

“I suppose you do,” Wen Ruohan said. He seemed thoughtful. “What do you think the other sects would think of it?”

“Well, I can hardly say. Of the Great Sects? The Jiang sect would probably approve of it; their sect motto is ‘attempt the impossible’, and their emphasis has always been on freedom and finding your own way – I can’t imagine them objecting in a way that wouldn’t make them come across as complete hypocrites. The Nie would of course accept it. The Jin…”

The Jin sect, under Jin Guangshan, would reject it utterly. Perhaps it might be different under a different sect leader, but Jin Guangshan was even more wedded to the idea of people being in what he considered their ‘proper’ place than most. He hated the newly rich, the self-made upstart, even the poor young men who fought their way up from nothing – in his view, immortality was best reached by nothing ever changing. It was, perhaps, an understandable viewpoint from a man who felt as though he already had everything, but still rather disgusting given how despite all of that Jin Guangshan still grappled and sought after even more power and wealth than he already had – as if he were the only one allowed to rise, and everyone else had to stay where they were so he could more easily step on them on his way up.

“Oh, the Jin. Leave Jin Guangshan to me,” Wen Ruohan said with that dangerous smile of his, the one that promised blood on the ground.

Lan Qiren nodded agreeably, then frowned. Since when had they been discussing how to convince Jin Guangshan to be more open to an admittedly idiosyncratic Nie sect custom?

He was about to ask, but then Lao Nie started singing – with Jiang Fengmian providing the harmony, insofar as ‘harmony’ could be used to describe something that sounded not unlike a duet for elephants in heat or possibly someone using a brick to bludgeon people mid-opera – and they all got distracted in the unified effort of trying to get them to stop.

Lan Qiren then forgot about the entire conversation for approximately two months, and abruptly recalled it when Wen Ruohan issued an announcement that the Wen sect now permitted female sect leaders, that, furthermore, shewas the first one, and, finally, that if anyone objected on any basis whatsoever they were welcome to fight her personally.

Which –

Well, in all, Lan Qiren wished his fellow sect leader the best and started resigning himself to having to suffer from even more of Lao Nie’s flirting at the next discussion conference. That man had never yet met a man or woman who could kill him that he wouldn’t try to sleep with, and he generally preferred women…

-

“It’s nice to have the company of another girl,” Jiang Yanli said with a smile.

Wen Xu snorted. “I agree, even if I wish it were under different circumstances.”

Jiang Yanli managed to maintain her expression of peace and tranquility for exactly four breaths before she burst out into giggles, an incredibly infectious sound that finally made Wen Xu start laughing as well.

“It’s mean,” Jiang Yanli said, only laughing harder. “I should – I’m glad they’re happy! Really!”

“We can be glad that they’re happy and also think that our parents are insane,” Wen Xu said. “I can’t believe – your parents are already married! To each other!”

“They weren’t very happy, though,” Jiang Yanli said. “I honestly think Sect Leader Wen has been very good for them. Even if I don’t want to think too hard about it.”

Wen Xu nodded. They were both twelve, which was exactly the age at which you tried very hard not to think things like I’m pretty sure my mom’s railing your dad while your mom provides commentary with his face in her lap right this very instant and yet you did think it because the adults were very not subtle sometimes and then at that point there was nothing to do but laugh.

“I heard that lots of people thought she was going to get together with Sect Leader Nie at first,” Jiang Yanli said. “You know, because they flirt so much?”

“My mom says that Sect Leader Nie flirts with anyone who can kill him,” Wen Xu said, and still marveled a little at being able to say things or think things like mom. Before, she’d only ever been allowed to refer to his father through the most formal terms, with any attempt to use a more intimate sobriquet being viciously punished – she’d often thought that her father would rather she called him Sect Leader Wen instead, and maybe she’d been right.

Her mother was a lot more easy-going about that sort of thing now, though. Wen Xu still wasn’t sure whether it was because she preferred ‘a-niang’ over ‘a-die’ or if it was just that, having blown up the entire cultivation world through her gender choices, her mother felt a lot freer in ignoring the rest of the expectations that had burdened her, too.

“So he’s not serious about her?”

“I mean, maybe he is, I don’t know,” Wen Xu said. “But apparently the whole thing with my mom deciding to announce that she was a woman happened right around the time he was getting back together with his second wife so I guess he was taken?”

“Wait, he got back together with – wasn’t she dead?”

“Apparently not? I really don’t know what happens in the Unclean Realm.”

“Probably for the best,” Jiang Yanli said. “I mean – I don’t – uh, that is –”

“If you’re talking about the fact that my mom still wants to take over the entire cultivation world and declare herself an immortal Empress, trust me, I know.”

“Oh, good,” Jiang Yanli said. “I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”

Wen Xu shrugged. She mostly just hoped that her mom’s current relationship with the other sect leaders was such that she didn’t actually murder them all in her inevitable effort to take over – it had always been something of a concern, and greater now that she actually knew Jiang Yanli was pretty cool.

“I also thought…” Jiang Yanli hesitated. “You yourself…?”

“Oh, no, I’m different. My birth mother made me pretend to be a boy,” Wen Xu said. “So that I could be the heir and she could keep her place as my father’s main wife, though of course in the end it didn’t really work out that well for her…I think A-Chao’s like mom, though. She wants to be a princess.”

“So she’s like your mom in the – ambitious sense?”

Wen Xu snickered. “Yes, that too. Actually, it’s a little funny. The whole thing started because my mom overheard Lao Nie talking about how a whole generation of Nie sect got cursed to be girls one time, and now I think mysect’s current generation is all girls.”

“Oh! Are they really?”

“Well, not really, but almost?” Wen Xu said. “There’s really just my mom, A-Chao, and me in the main branch, though we have some cousins that got sort of pulled into the main branch after their parents died – A-Qing and A-Ning. They were both born as girls, but recently A-Qing’s been saying that he thinks he might be happier as a man…it’s interesting. He’s not unhappybeing a woman the way I’m pretty sure my mom hated being a man, but he really likesbeing a man, and according to the Nie sect that’s the same thing, just a different expression of it? I don’t know.”

“How old are they?” Jiang Yanli asked.

“A-Qing’s about our age, and A-Ning is your brothers’ ages. You can meet them the next time there’s a conference in Qishan…”

-

“Can I bring Jiaojiao?” Wen Chao asked, and quailed under Wen Qing’s glare.

Wen Ning was just happy to remain underfoot and out of attention range. Her brother had a wicked way with needles when he wanted, and she wanted no part in any of that.

“Are you serious right now?” Wen Qing demanded. “You want to take your whore with you when we run away from home?”

“I’m not leaving Jiaojiao behind!” Wen Chao insisted. “And she’s not a whore! She doesn’t sleep with anyone but me.”

Hasn’t doesn’t mean wouldn’t, Wen Ning thought, then promptly felt bad for thinking it. It was a very catty thought and she was ashamed of it, even if Wang Lingjiao did strike her as rather…mercenary.

“Also I don’t understand why we have to run away anyway,” Wen Chao said, pouting. “So what if Mom started a war? We’re going to win, and then I’ll be a princess.”

“You’re an idiot,” Wen Qing said. “We’re not going to win.”

“But we control half the cultivation world!”

“Yes, and maybe if your mom was as ruthless as she used to be, she would’ve done the things necessary to win the war,” Wen Qing said. “Like take out Lao Nie early on, maybe. Now that the Nie sect’s got both him andNie Mingjue, any of our cultivators that go to the Unclean Realm are going to be slaughtered.”

Wen Chao winced, acknowledging the point.

“And ever since Lao Nie and Lan Qiren started their thing, it’s not like the Nie sect won’t also go defend the Lan sect, right?”

“…right.”

“And of course there’s the Jiang sect, which we probably couldraze to the ground if we really wanted to. But we’re not going to, and you know why?”

“Because Mom is fucking their sect leaders.”

“Because your mom is fucking their sect leaders,” Wen Qing agreed. “And that is why we declared war first on the Jin sect, because no one likes them.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that the Jin sect makes no sense at all as a target! If we take over the entire stretch of territory between Lanling and Qishan, Qinghe gets completely cut off from Gusu and Yunmeng and there’s no way they’re going to let that happen, which means that they’re going to declare war on us. And that is why we are running away from home, because we do not want to be here when the Nie sect shows up.”

Wen Ning’s brother was awesome and everyone should listen to him.

“Maybe your mom will rethink her actions once she’s seen that we’ve run away,” Wen Ning told Wen Chao in a low voice, since she was still scowling. “And I think it’s fine if you bring Jiaojiao. She’s your girlfriend, right?”

Wen Chao frowned. “I mean…she’s someone I’m sleeping with. For now. That’s all – she’s just a maid.”

Wen Ning would normally refrain from commenting, but… “If she’s just a maid, then why do you care about her potentially dying when the Nie sect invades?”

Wen Chao’s face did something. “I – maybe I just want to have her around to keep sleeping with her!”

Wen Qing looked on the verge of saying something, but Wen Ning stepped on her foot.

“Maybe you should think about it,” she said. “I don’t think we can let a servant to come with us – same reason we can’t take Wen Zhuilu, since he’d just report the whole thing to your mom – but if she was your girlfriend and you trusted her…”

She trailed off and shrugged.

Wen Chao’s face was doing weird colors.

“A-Ning, stop trying to teach A-Chao to have mature emotional reactions, it’s a hopeless case,” Wen Qing said. “Keep packing instead. If I was smart, I’d let A-Chao stay here with her Jiaojiao and her dreams of being a princess.”

“No!” Wen Chao exclaimed, then flushed red.

“No? Then pack.”

-

“How about we just assume girl until otherwise proven?” Wen Xu suggested, patting the baby’s back to try to keep calm. Whether the person to be calmed was the baby or Wen Xu herself was unknown. “She doesn’t need to have gender imposed so early.”

“Deciding that she’s a girl is imposing a gender,” Wen Chao said. Her head was in Wang Lingjiao’s lap, and she was pouting. “I can’t believe we have to take care of a baby.”

“She’s family,” Wen Qing said.

“Her parents aren’t!”

“Mom’s rules are that anyone who has the Wen surname and blood who doesn’t have parents gets adopted into the main family.”

“Do Sect Leader Wen’s rules even matter any more?” Wen Ning asked, wringing her hands. “With her being under house arrest…”

“It’s temporary. Once she vows not to wage offensive war without approval of the other Great Sect leaders, she’ll be released and things will go back to normal. Mostly. Possibly with slightly less war?”

“Yes, but in the meantime, why do we have to be in charge?”

“Uh, because you’re the heirs?”

“I’m not the heir,” Wen Chao sniffed. “A-Xu is.”

“This is so stupid,” Wen Xu said. “I can’t believe our mother’s military campaign and inevitable tragic defeat was derailed by the giant man-eating tortoise A-Chao found.”

“Anyone could’ve stumbled over that cave!”

“We weren’t even supposed to be heading in that direction! If you hadn’t stolen the map and insisted on being the navigator –”

“It all turned out for the best,” Wen Qing interrupted. “No blood feuds – or at least, not any we can’t afford to pay off – and that awful Jin Guangshan isn’t around anymore, which the other sect leaders are pretending to mind but really don’t. Mom will be back in charge of the sect soon enough, and with luck will forget all about trying to take over the world and will instead go back to fucking her two lovers that swooped in and saved her life instead defeating her because she’s incredibly touched by that even if she’s pretending she’s not. It’s like a scene out of a bad play.”

“Can we get back to the bit where we got a baby?” Wen Xu said. “I don’t want to deal with a baby.”

“I already explained –”

“I’ll take A-Yuan,” Wen Ning volunteered. “She seems sweet.”

“Girls usually are.”

“We are not saying everyone is a girl until otherwise determined!”

“Why not?” Wen Xu wanted to know. “Worked out pretty good so far.”

“I – that is – I mean…” Wen Qing floundered, then scowled. “Okay, listen. Not even the Nie sect does that, and I refuse for the Wen sect to be weirder than the Nie. All right?”

Everyone considered that, and agreed.

They might be weird – but they weren’t that weird.

Right?

#mdzs #wen ruohan #lan qiren #wen xu #jiang yanli #wen chao #wen qing #wen ning #feminine mystique

[oddaodd]

· Ominous  ·

Requests: ” If so I have a Tommy Shelby x Reader one please ? She had been taking by a rival of Tommy’s. They got her back.... but how they would deal with the after effects ? Tommy won’t let her out of his sight, but she is struggling and pretending that she is fine. “ andddd  “Can I request something please ? Tommy and female reader ?Thinking back to season 2 when the shop got raided by the Lee’s. If Tommy’s girlfriend was there and she got hurt trying to stop them.”

Author’s note: I decided to combine these two requests because I felt they sort of went well together, I hope you don’t mind. And also, I got kind of inspired by my lovely Beth Dutton from Yellowstone because she’s such a queen and a badass and I think she’s the coolest. As always I with you all the loveliest of days ❤️

Warnings: violence, blood, trauma and language.

·

It was a normal day at the shop, there was not an ominous breath of air that could have warned Y/n about an imminent attack so when the doors to the shop violently opened she was caught off guard.

The humorous tale Scudboat was telling her about his recent misfortune on bets was cut of short as the invaders pointed a gun to his head, commanding him to empty the box where  they kept the money they had gotten off bets for the day.

Scudboat turned to look at Y/n in a somewhat questioning manner and she nodded not wanting him to get shot, before fixing her gaze on the man holding the gun in an almost daring manner.

She recognized him, from the fairs, he was from the Lee family.

Y/n remained still where she sat, determined to not give them the pleasure of seeing her scared, but her calm demeanor irked the man and soon he  turned his attention to her.

“Why is he asking for your permission?” He barked as Scudboat fumbled with the keys of the box.  

“Because he is a smart man” she said emotionless trying to reach for the gun she kept under the table without them noticing.

The Lees sniggered and one of them asked “And who the fuck are you?”

Y/n knew she shouldn’t tell them who she was. So she just stared at them ignoring their inquiry.

“Toss the place” The one with the gun commanded to the others while he walked closer to Y/n now pointing the gun at her. “And you, keep an eye on that one” he said signaling to Scudboat who had by then given the box and stared at Y/n, afraid.

“You are Thomas Shelby’s new whore” the man spoke tauntingly.

Y/n laughed satirically  “I wish I was”

The man smiled a sinister smile and inched closer to her “I’ve seen you with him”

“Oh God I don’t know why that could be, perhaps because I work in his shop?” She spoke sarcastically “You’re not the brightest one of the lot, are you?”

“Y/N” Scudboat muttered in a warning tone that Y/n choose to ignore and instead smiled hypocritically to the man standing before her.

That taunting  smile was all it took for the man to snap and in a second, her head was being slammed violently against the table. A throb of pain shot through her head as the man’s hand slammed it a couple more times .

Y/n heard Scudbost’s chair being pushed back at what she assumed was him standing up to stop the man from beating her further and promptly after, the agonizing sound of a pistol being fired followed by a loud thud rang through the small room. She tried to not let the anguish she felt show as the man pulled at her hair to admire her now bloody face.

“We know there’s a safe here” he spoke “What’s the combination?”

“I don’t know it”

The man smiled again before slamming her face on the table one more time. As a headache began materializing being her eyes she finally took hold of the gun under the table.

“We don’t have time for games, tell me the combination” he threatened pulling at her hair to see her face again.

“Or what?” At this point Y/n knew she was only being this bold because if she wasn’t she would break down crying and seeming weak in front of the lees wouldn’t lead to anything good.

“You’re gonna shoot me?” She yelled instigatingly at his face “you won’t ever get into the safe, so fucking go ahead!”

There was a fraction of a second in which the man’s eyes seemed uncertain and Y/n seized the opportunity and shot him through the table before shooting the one that had shot Scudboat

The commotion caused all the other men to look in her direction. They exchanged glances not knowing what to do next. Y/n pointed the gun in their general direction and with the most threatening voice she could muster she threatened to kill them if they didn’t leave, and to her surprise they did. She didn’t lower the gun till the last one was out of the shop and then she allowed herself to heave a cry before going to check on Scudboat.

“Couldn’t you have spared the sass?” He joked weakly.

Y/n chortled sadly and a few moments later the door of the shop opened again, Y/n went for her pistol but rested at ease when she saw young Finn’s terrified face.

“Go tell your brother’s we’ve been done over”

When the Shelbys arrived, Tommy was by her side in a trice. Y/n wanted nothing but to collapse in his arms and cry mercilessly, but she found herself unable to. She felt guilty for what had happened, and in her eyes she didn’t have a right to whine not when Scudboat was laying there next to her with a serious bullet wound.

“Im fine” she said in a meek voice as Tommy’s blue eyes worriedly scanned over her face.

“Let’s take you home”

The rest of the Shelbys stayed on the shop and took care of Scudboat as Tommy lead Y/n to their shared home. He ran her a bath and rubbed liniment on her bruises with utmost care while Y/n tried not to show how she was feeling.

Days passed and Y/n continued with her day to day life like nothing had happened and though Tommy could see right through her he decided not to comfort her about it.

At night he would hold her close to him which helped her sleep and during the day he would rarely leave her side, which didn’t present much of a change of routine since she was always near him.

One evening they decided to go The Garrison for drinks and Y/n though a bit hesitant to go, complied to Ada’s pleas. So there she was, sitting in the private room with Tommy’s arm safely draped over her shoulders.

As the night dragged on and more and more people flooded into the pub the acoustics of the place made the hustle of coversations  sound much louder. Y/n had never noticed it before but now she did, and she couldn’t ignore it.

She snuggled closer to Tommy and took a sip of her whiskey hoping it to take the edge off her surroundings and for a while it did. The alcohol helped her get into the tale Polly was telling and she began enjoying herself until a fight erupted in the bar.

Even though it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence, she felt uneasy. For a reason the fight sounded much more violent than the usual Garrison drunken fight, but upon taking a look at the unfazed faces of the Shelby family as they continued talking, she realized she was the only one to whom it sounded severe. The yelling and Harry’s authoritative voice as he broke the fight penetrated through the walls of the private room, causing her hand to hold onto tommy’s. Her heart pounding faster and her breathing short.

He noticed immediately “You alright, love?”

Y/n turned to look at him “Can you walk me home?”  

His face went from concerned to reassuring and he stood up. After bidding goodbye to everyone the pair left the private room. The fight had ceased, but still Y/n walked with a nervous step until they were out.

Tommy offered her a cigarette as they walked through Small Heath’s cold streets and when they finally reached home and closed the door Y/n hurriedly made her way upstairs, to their room.

Tommy sighed and prepared a teapot of tea before going upstairs. He knocked on their bedroom door before entering and was welcomed to the sight of Y/n sitting on their bed, sobbing into her hands.

“Love?”

“It was awful, Tommy” she cried as he made his way to the bed, leaving the teapot on the nightstand and sat next to her holding her in a tight embrace as she finally broke down.

“I was so fucking scared and I thought Scudboat had been killed because of me and I didn’t want to die but I couldn’t let them see me scared and I couldn’t let them have the money and..I.. they…” she whimpered into his chest.

“Shhh its alright, love” he said stoking soft circles on her back.

“Now I’m always afraid, every single fucking noise startles me and I hate it.  I hate that I can’t be in crowded noisy places without feeling like something is about to go terribly wrong and I feel so fragile”

“Y/n, Scudboat is alive and well, You are alive and well all because of you” he said softly tilting her chin so he could look into her eyes “I don’t know where we would be if it wasn’t for your fucking stubbornness” he added on a lighter tone.

Y/n smiled weakly feeling a it better and buried her face in the crook of his neck with a sigh. His warmth feeling like a sort of save haven.

“I love you,Y/N ” he spoke into her ear tenderly “and I’m always going to be here for you”.

·

@captivatedbycillianmurphy @peakyxtommy @nyotamalfoy @writeroutoftime @babylooneytoonz

#Tommy Shelby #tommy shelby request #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby angst #thomas Shelby #thomas shelby request #thomas shelby angst #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby one shot #tommy shelby oneshot #peaky blinders angst #peaky blinders one shot #peaky blinder one shot #peaky blinder angst #peaky blinders request #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinder request #peaky blinder x reader

[syndxlla]

Part Fourteen of the More to Love Series

Summary: The wedding is in a week, and you’re suddenly very aware of how little time you have left to figure out what to do. You decide to take matters into your own hands, and formulate a plan. Din invites you to a night of experience, and you admit a simple truth to him.

Word Count: 11.8k words, NO USE OF ‘y/n’

Warnings: SMUT (PiV, a little degradation, praise, creampie, cockwarming, dirty talk), use of alcohol, drunkness, mentions of scars, sexual harassment

Author’s note: HELLOOOO! this is a fun chapter, and i just wanna let y’all know that we are in the endgame now 😭. don’t worry, i still have so many plans for both the princess and din and just the whole world that MTL is set in. thank you for all the support on this story! it never ends and i will forever be thankful for your love!

Part thirteen

You were a fool for thinking the castle would start to settle down after the ball passed. Alternatively, the planning did not lessen, but instead shifted from masquerade prep to wedding prep. The decorations were taken out, and new samples were brought in. It was made very clear to you that this was really Korkie’s wedding and not your own, because every decision and plan that was made was done without your input.

It had been a few days since Din told you everything, and he truly told you everything. You had plenty of time to reflect on it, and process everything. You worked so hard to gain perspective on it, to try and give your future family the benefit of the doubt, and to understand the full situation. However, you ultimately sided with Din, your heart aching for the situation he was placed in. It had been apparent that he would not have told you any of that if he did not hold immense trust in his heart for you, and the word Ka’rta over grew into your thoughts for all these days. The both of you had agreed to tone things down, deciding it would be a fair middle ground. Less nightly endeavors would keep you two apart, and therefore less suspicious, but it especially made the reunions of passion more sweet.

Your mother was long gone, she left three days ago, and finally you felt that you had the palace to yourself again without Hugo and various other guests breathing down your neck. Your time as Corellian Princess was in it’s endgame now as your imminent marriage to Korkie was just on the horizon, and you still had no idea how to escape from it. Most of your days, you spent making up excuses for missing afternoon tea, and trying extra bites of potential wedding cake flavors in the kitchen. Regardless of what you did, however, Din was always there with you, three paces behind. You were also given the opportunity to dismiss him more often now. The eager infatuation with him has slowly become a steady understanding of feelings, and the two of you were able to fall into a groove without the anxiety of wondering how the other felt, and how long it would be until you reunited. Tradition and duty had lightened up as well, and there were less eyes on how Din was treating you, which gave you the liberty to give him back an ounce of his life.

This was one of the best things to ever happen to Din. You would retire to your room early every night, hoping no one would wonder if you were ill, and because you were away from the eye of Kryze, you could allow Din to leave the castle early. At seven, sometimes even six, he would go home to his son. It made everyone happy, and that is why it was important to happen. This was much preferred over a midnight dismissal. You also noticed a change in Din’s presence after this change was made. He was springier, chuckling more, even sitting down when the two of you were alone. He had finally relaxed around you, and you accredit to the pure fact that he was finally getting more rest.

Those were your favorite parts of the day: when you and Din would find a quiet corner in the library, or maybe an empty sitting room, and he would just tell you about the world. He had been everywhere, you were convinced. He went into detail of cities in Coruscant, explaining how they have extravagant silk markets and countless taverns with exotic drinks. He described the heat of the desert, and how he once had to search for a merchant’s missing camel in return for clean water, a story that led to one of the scars on his back and a very rational fear of the desert at night. His favorite place to tell you about, however, was his home. The Nevarro Frontier clearly had a special place in his heart, and he spoke fondly of it’s tall mountains and tight-knit communities.

“Nothing like the Mandalore you know.” He would sigh. A kingdom that may have been fantastic on the outside, but was riddled with war and political division and heartache on the inside. “Maybe I can take you there someday.”

It was those words that sparked your imagination, and the plan began to formulate.

The real dilemma you had been in all this time was trying to figure out how to live happily with a man you truly loved, but also protect your kingdom, home and family. It was a delicate situation, one with many sighs and frustrated nights. However, after Din explained his battle with Bo to you, it’s resolution was slowly becoming more clear. There had to be a way you could win in this story. You would not give hope on that truth.

When Din mentioned taking you to his home, you realized that there was very little keeping you from up and leaving Mandalore in the night. It would be a scandal, it would probably cause an all-out war, but it was worth a try, or at least a dream.

Now, when you had afternoon conversations with Din in the library, you were studying maps of the world. You familiarize yourself with the terrain of Mandalore, how long it might take to get to the Sundari Front, and drawing out escape routes on the backs. Din assumed you had thrown yourself into cartography so you could grasp his stories and adventures fully, which wasn’t altogether false, but it went deeper than that. You tried to keep it under control, but you were slowly becoming more and more consumed by your studies: a recurring issue in your life.

Din hadn’t realized you were becoming obsessed with the geography of the world until about a week after the ball, when you fell asleep by candlelight at a table in the library, your face smushed into the parchment of a map depicting some old blueprints that he had paid no attention to, and your hair falling over your eyes. It was almost dawn, and he had come back from his time with his son already, distressed to see no one had the courtesy to wake you up and take you to your room. He didn’t really expect much else from Mandalore, however.

Din blows out the candle, and gently picks you up, being extra careful not to wake you, and carries you bridal-style out of the library and to your suite. It was these moments that Din looked forward to the most. When he did not have to put on a face, when he did not have a million rules to follow. When your sleepy head rests into his chest, and he can look upon your face with his own eyes, no helmet to obstruct it.

As Din looked upon your resting face, there was much he realized. He first noticed that scar on your body that he hadn’t seen before, and swiped his thumb over it. He also studied the way your chest rose and fell with each breath, how you were perfectly still, and yet completely full of life and beauty and pure goodness as you slept. Din deeply admired how much you cared, how much you cared about everything. The wellbeing of the staff, the customs of Mandalore, him. You threw yourself into your passions, and you had a deep love for the hobbies and aspects of your life that no one else he knew possessed. You were a dedicated person, and he found both attraction and respect ino that.

Din also realized a fundamental truth at the very moment the sky began to lighten up, your cracked balcony doors letting the curtains blow into the suite dreamily. Din felt at peace. It had been so long since he felt peaceful. Too long. He felt the same type of peace here with you that he would normally feel sleeping under the stars with his son nestled to his side. Or the same feeling of peace that he felt when he held his son for the first time. It was a rare feeling, and it was pure. It was so rare that it was only saved for the people most important to him in his life.

You woke up a few hours later, changed out of the pale yellow gown you fell asleep in. Din had not only put you in your nightgown, but had taken the time to pull your hair so it was out of your face. He was more thoughtful than you could have ever imagined. The Knight sits with his back against your door, helmet tilted up at the ceiling, and you wonder if he slept, and why he was not in bed with you. You had invited him several times, and wished he would fulfill the request.

As soon as you sit up in bed, his head lifts, and he stands at attention.

You yawn before speaking, “Were you resting?” You ask, stretching your arms over your head. He shakes his head in response. “What were you doing?” You ask, your arms coming down to rest on your mattress.

“Listening?”

“For?”

He shrugs, “The birds at first, but then it was footsteps. I didn’t want to get caught waiting for you to wake up.” He sighs.

“Well… I wish you would have listened in bed with me.” You glance over at the empty spot next to you. He doesn’t respond, and you are reminded that in many ways, he is still the silent knight you first met from three weeks ago. Din walks over to you, and you smile as he does.

“Did I wake you last night?” He asks, and you were honestly confused about what he was asking. He sensed the confusion, he was always so good at reading you, “When I carried you from the library here?”

“What?” And then you remembered, your eyes blowing wide. “Shit!” You jump out of bed. “What time is it?”

“Uh…”

“Is the rest of the staff awake?” You let your hair down, and slide on the pink satin slippers on the floor of your bed.

“What?”

“Did you bring the map I was studying?” You look up at his emotionless helmet.

“…No?” To be truthful, he didn’t even take the time to glance at the map you studied, he was far too distracted by you.

“Fuck.” You muttered. Din liked it when you swore.

You thought of nothing, and hurried to the door of your suite, swinging it open and marching down the corridor. Din follows you in confusion, trying to catch up to you and bring you back to your room. You’re weary, and just woke up, so you pay no attention to Soniee who passes you in the hallway with your tea, looking at you in confusion, or the maids who were trying to sweep the floor that you scurried over. Din tried to halt you, but was never one to speak unless spoken to, especially not in public and in the presence of others, and felt unable to stop you and ask what was going on. Everyone turned heads to see the future consort in a panic, and were left with questions. Most of them shrugged and ignored it, a few began the rumors.

You practically ran down the stairs, feeling a little out of breath when you finally made it to the doors of the library. The fact that they were closed was still a good sign, and you swing the heavy door open, entering the library with haste. Your heart drops when you see the last person you wanted to this morning: Prince Korkie.

He turns to see the commotion, his eyes are shocked to not only see you out and about this early in the day, but also in your nightgown. He sputters on a ‘Good Morning’, and you don’t even hear it because you’re too panicked to see that he has the map you were reading last night in his hands. You swear in your mind, and your heart falls out of your feet. Din comes hurrying behind you.

“Princess? What is the meaning of this?” He asks, an eyebrow raised, trying to sound chipper as he greeted his fiance. You swallow thickly. Din bows for the prince, and then bends down to whisper in your ear so Korkie can’t hear it.

“Highness, please come back to your room.”

“What? Why?” You say a little too loudly, and before he can reply, the door is opening again with General Vizsla and a group of knights entering.

“Y-your gown.” Din whispers, and you look down to see that it is very sheer, far too sheer to be in the presence of your fiance… and half of the Mandalorian government. You want to shrink from the embarrassment, and notice that Korkie’s eyes are fixed on your chest. What a creep. You fold your arms over your breasts.

“What map do you have there, Prince Korkie?” You ask, trying not to make it seem too obvious that you were clearly in distress, but shaken up by your exposure and the perverted ness of the prince before you. Din wondered what in the world could be so important about that specific map. He stands behind you to cover your back side.

“What is this commotion?” Vizsla asks, interrupting your conversation.

“Nothing, General.” Korkie clears his throat. He turns to you, “Vizsla and I were just about to discuss the plans we have for… the southern border of Corellia.” Korkie awkwardly smiles. You raise an eyebrow.

“Plans?” You ask.

“Yes, you will hear in time.” Vizsla’s obnoxiously nasally voice busts in again. He was always one to unwelcomely invite himself.

You try not to roll your eyes, “And the map, Your Highness?” You repeat yourself, trying not to sound too demanding. You were still a princess, after all.

Korkie nervously chuckles, eyeing the multiple men in the room and shocked by your ambition. He takes a step forward, rolling the map up in his hands as he advances in you and Din’s direction. Din placed a discreet hand on the small of your back, hoping to reassure you. His touch was barely noticeable, but it was enough.

“Princess,” He says, sort of hushed. “You can call me Korkie in front of other people.” It was clear that he had an expectation to fill, and it would be bad on him if his fiance was still addressing him with a title a week before the wedding.

You scoff, “No, I don’t think I will.”

You hold your hand out for the map in defiance, but the prince doesn't hand it to you. He has a dark look in his eyes, one you have never seen before. Din tries to pull back on your bicep, trying to alleviate the situation, but you stay steadfast. “I will take that map now, Your highness.” You bite through the title, wanting it to cut. Korkie lifts his chin with an authoritative look, putting the rolled up map behind his back.

“Get this woman out of my meeting!” He calls out, and turns away. Your face drops, thinking you had the upper-hand, but realize that is taken away from you as two muscular guards pick you up, pulling you away from Din, and walking you out of the library. Korkie always does this, he’s madly in love with you until he’s not. It makes you remember that all of this is probably a ruse for power. Your heart and spirit drop, and you feel nothing but pure disrespect and rage. Din quickly follows. You try to writhe out of the guard’s grasp, not wanting to give up without a fight, but failing miserably. They were both very strong, probably because they had to compensate for how scrawny the Prince is.

“I can take it from here, gentlemen.” Din says, loudly, louder than you usually hear him speak. “I said I can take her!” Din yells when they don’t respond. Then, you hear the indefinite sound of a punch. These guards were still fully armored, but there was no withstanding the strength and brute force of your Knight when you were endangered. The guard Din had punched lets you go as a reaction, and you use it as an opportunity to take your now free hand and twist the wrist of the other guard off of you. All of the self-defense Din had previously taught you paid off in that moment as he yelled out in pain, not expecting your strength or skill. You were taught by the best, after all.

Now that you were free from the clutches of Korkie’s personal guards, you felt Din grab your hand and pull you. The two of you ran through the corridors, down another flight of stairs, and passed the throne room, making sure not to look back in the direction of the library. You ran parallel to the ballroom, and then finally down a final flight of stairs to the foyer of the castle. Din tugs you into a narrow hall, and down a spiral staircase. It was the way to the staff quarters, you remember from the day you went to the ocean. You were shocked and confused about what happened, and truthfully kind of exhausted. You were relieved when Din finally slowed down, and pulled you into Koska’s sister’s room. It was empty, thank the Stars.

“Close your eyes.”

“What?”

“Close them!” Din says and it startles you, but you do it. He pulls his helmet off with haste, tossing it to the floor with a clang. Din places both of his strong hands on either side of your face, pulling you towards him and then kisses you with so much force and hunger that you stumble back in surprise, your eyes cracking open for just a split second. You didn’t see much, because his face was so squished into yours. All you caught a glimpse of was his eyelashes for a millisecond, but that was enough. Din is pushing you against the wall, pinning you to it, and kissing you so hard that you have to pull away to get some air. “I don’t think I have ever been as attracted to you as I was when you stood up to that prick.” He chuckles, and you hum back. Din takes a deep breath before speaking up again, “What was on that map?” He asks, out of breath, too.

You sigh, sort of embarrassed, eyes still shut tightly, “It was the tunnel plans of the castle.”

“What, you mean the blueprints?”

“Yes.” Your eyes stay closed.

“The blueprints that are at least three-hundred years old?”

“Mhm.”

“How did you get your royal hands on those?” Din asks, baffled.

“It doesn’t matter! What does matter is that I made notes on the back of the map!” You blurt, feeling shame, “I wrote the estimated times it would take and which halls to take from my room!” You groan, so badly wanting to open your eyes. You remembered what you said to yourself all those weeks ago, however, reminding yourself that it should be his choice to show you his face and no one else’s. You sigh, “The Prince isn’t stupid! I’m sure he thinks I’m plotting something now!” You hope you don’t sound too panicked, but if you were being honest, you were. Din sighs, clearly frustrated, although you weren’t sure if he was sexually or emotionally… or a little bit of both. “I’m sorry.” You sigh, your hands coming up and searching for his shoulders. “I should not have been so careless.”

“No, you shouldn’t have.” You weren’t expecting him to agree with you, he usually doesn’t. He takes a calming breath, “…Are you plotting something?” He asks, his eyes moving between your closed eyelids in search of a non-verbal answer that he’ll never receive.

You don’t want to answer, but know you don’t have a choice. “Yes.” You feel guilty after saying it, although you aren’t sure why. Din exhales deeply this time. “But listen! We could run! I don’t have to stay here! We can fix this! We can get into Coruscant and they’ll never come looking for us, and then we can go to Nevarro, go to your home! We’ll take your son-“

“Rue.”

“What?”

“My son, his name is Rue.”

Rue. It was simple, to the point, just like Din’s. You liked it. “We’ll take Rue! Please, Din, we need to! It will be the only way we will ever be happy!” Your thumbs rub into the thick skin of his neck. You didn’t mean to vomit so much information on him at once, but he didn’t really give you an option.

He exhales deeply, and you know he’s processing everything you just told him. “We can’t”

“Why not?”

“Because!” He yells and it scares you. You drop your hands, your heart rate rising. A lump grows in your throat and you silently curse your emotions for betraying you. You swallow back a tear. He walks away from you and you hear the helmet pick up from off the floor. He puts it back on his head, and you know from practice and instinct when to open your eyes. When you do, he’s sitting on the chest at the end of the bed, his head dropped and hands pressed to the edge of the wood by his sides. You frown, and walk over to him. Din pushes his head into your abdomen, and you hold him there, just existing in not-so-comfortable silence. It’s tense, and not the type of tension that you usually like to experience with I’m.

He’s surprisingly the one to speak up, however. “We can’t… because Bo will hunt me and kill me and Rue and you… she’ll kill everything I love.” His voice cracks at the same time your heart does. Did he actually…

“Not to mention the war between our kingdoms it will start. Corellia can’t support itself in a war. We both know that.” Din sighs, maybe he was telling himself this just as much as he was telling you.

You sigh. He was right and you knew it, but it didn’t keep you from wanting to run away with him any less. “Din…” He looks up at you. “We have to get that map from Korkie.” You say, more stern but still comforting this time. His head tilts in question. You sigh, feeling guilty. “I wrote something else on it.” You look away from him, your eyes trailing. His hand reaches up to grab your chin, pulling your head to look right at him. Your eyebrows furrow. “Directions to your home.” The atmosphere in the room changes. You can feel it. “I know I shouldn’t have, I know it puts Rue in danger, but it gives us all the more reason to get that map back from Korkie as soon as possible.” His hand drops from your chin. You felt terrible.

“Okay, okay. We can check the library again and… if it’s not there we’ll go confront him. We’ll get it tonight.” He nods.

“Are you sure? What if he reads it?” You were surprised how lax he was, but something told you that he was controlling himself from his true emotions.

“As far as I’m concerned, the Prince has no reason to cause me or my family any harm.” He nods.

“Not yet.”

—

You swallow, your face inches away from the door of the Prince’s bedroom. Din was around the corner of the corridor, both of you knew this was something you would have to do on your own, without his support. You had never been here before, and after ample search in the library for the map all afternoon, there was no other option. It was late, but not inappropriately late. You wore that same dress you wore weeks ago, the soft blue one that was off the shoulder one that adorned your figure elegantly. It was one of the most sophisticated gowns in your closet. More mature than most of the flowy princess ballgowns. It was a diplomatic but still ethereal fashion choice, which you desperately needed after a humiliating encounter this morning. The scar on your shoulder from the endeavor in Keldabe had mostly healed, and only had a pale pink to it. You looked back at Din, who was peering around the corner, for some reassurance. He nodded, and you took a deep breath. Two knocks would be enough. The door swings open, and you are suddenly very aware that you would have to brave this encounter without the support of your trusted Knight. Korkie is who answers the door, and he looks mildly unamused to see you.

“Princess?” He tilts his head.

“Evening, I hope it is not too late?” You suggest, keeping your voice as monotone and unwelcoming as possible. You wanted him to know that you were here for a serious matter.. You noticed he was covering the door with his body, perhaps he was hiding something from you too.

“For my fiance? Never.” You hated being called that, but if it was what it took for him to invite you into the room,you could deal with it. Korkie’s room was large, it was far more spacious than yours. It had a billowing fireplace and sitting area, the ceilings twice the height of your suite’s, and a private library pushed into the northeast corner. You familiarize yourself with your surroundings, and the heir closes the door behind you. You silently scanned the room for the map, you would have to snatch it up without it being suspicious, and you could not explicitly ask for it again. “What do I owe this honor?” He says from behind, charming as usual, although his words did seem a bit slurred. You see that an opened book sat on the seat of a chair in the sitting area. He must have been reading before you interrupted him. You turn around, and lift your chin, trying to look and sound as put together and unsuspecting as possible.

You clear your throat, “I wanted to apologize for this morning.” You nod. It wasn’t true, but you had rehearsed with Din several times the best way to stall time as you looked for the map, and this was the best way of going about. “It was inappropriate behavior, especially in front of the General.” You disagreed with your own words, and felt bad lying, but it came so naturally when done to the Prince.

Korkie sighs, and crosses over the room, looking up at a portrait above the fireplace. Your eyes still searched for your map, but had no clue where it might be. This was your first time here, after all. “Worry not, Highness.” Korkie downs a bit of brandy that was sitting for him. You didn’t like him when he was drunk.

“You’re sure?” You figured that would have made conversation more natural, but he clearly was not in the mood for propriety. He pours another drink, and even pours one for you, offering it. You shake your head and mutter a ‘no thank you’, not really wanting to get drunk tonight. Din wouldn’t touch you if you were drunk. You admired that he respected you that much, but it also deprived you of the one thing worth all the pomp and circumstance. Korkie shrugs and drinks both, and you’re frankly appalled by this conduct.

“Indeed.” He hiccups. “Everyone loves a little show.” He chuckles, and you frown. Was that all your humiliation was to him? A show? “Now, Princess,” He takes a step towards you, and you feel so unprotected. Din would have stepped in by now, you knew that. You didn’t have the same sense of security you usually had when he wasn’t at your side. “Why did you really come here?” He asks, running his hand through his hair.

“Excuse me?” You nervously laugh. How did he figure any of this out? You take steps back that mirror his, trying to keep the same amount of distance between him and you but struggling to when you hit the post of his bed, your back flush against it. Your hands wrap around the wood working, and you look up at him nervously. You felt the same as you didn’t when you were cornered and harassed in the slum of Keldabe. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You clear your throat, trying to solve something, anything. Where could that cursed map be?

“Don’t-“ He says through gritted teeth, he catches himself from lashing out, and collects his composure before speaking again. “Don’t assume I am blind.”

“I would never-“

“Liar!” He spits out and you flinch back. He laughs a few times, it’s that evil, frustrated laugh. It was the type of laugh that people do when they’re trying to calm themselves down, but in turn they simply seem more angry. You were genuinely scared, unsure of what to do in this situation. “What were the directions you wrote on the back of the map?” He asks, and you furrow your brows.

“I don’t know what you mean?” This was partially true. How did he not understand the very neat and clear directions on the back of the blueprints to the secret passages? And in all curiosity, why did he care?

Korkie grunts again. “You are foolish.” He was dangerously close to you, and you wanted to get out of that room as soon as possible. You wanted Din to come protect you, you needed him to. “Are you forgetting who you belong to?” His hand sets on your hip, and you flinch again.

“I belong to no one.” You defy.

“You belong to me.” He grits his jaw again. You closed your eyes out of instinct due to the sheer anger and tension in his tone. His breath smelled of alcohol, and you wished you had the authority to slap him. He laughs his chuckle of malice again, and then before you can blink, he leans in for a kiss. How could he? How could he take advantage of your vulnerable state like this? Your blood boiled, and just in time, you dodge his lips. You swoop under his arm, away from the bedpost and back to the security of a full room you can avoid him in. He looks at you, clearly appalled. You were dizzy, probably from adrenaline. You wished this was surprising, but it was the exact thing you expected The Prince to do. This is when you noticed the map was rolled up and on the floor beside the fireplace. The new perspective of the room is what made you see it. Had he intended to burn it?

“You know,” You say as you take a step towards the map, “You should have another drink.” You offer. “You’re clearly tense,” You stepped between each phrase, “And it would be better for everyone.” Somewhere deep down you wanted to believe that Korkie was only acting this way because he was drunk. But you knew it wasn’t true. You realized that everything inside of you was looking for a redeemable quality in him, a reason to stay perhaps. You wanted to believe he was worth staying for, but you knew that he wasn’t, not when everything you’ve ever wanted was just outside the door.

Before Korkie can take another step towards you, you’re bolting towards the map, snatching it up in your hands and then running towards the door. The adrenaline shoots through your veins, and it only grows when you hear him growl again and his heavy footsteps run after you. You have to physically hold yourself back from squealing in stress, your hand slapping over your mouth. You rip the door open, and try slamming it behind you, but Korkie’s arm is caught in the door, and you smash it. He cries out, and the commotion makes Din run down the hall towards you to check what was going on. Korkie was able to get a hand on the collar of your dress, and he tries to pull you back in, but your strength is enough to get away. You ran to Din, who looked concerned, you could tell by his stance alone. He was tense and his hands balled in fists at his side.

Korkie pulls open the door, holding his arm to his chest, and you look back, your heart racing. You are so relieved when you make it to Din, and you grab his hand, threading your fingers into his and pulling him down the hall in the same fashion he did early that day. Several guards who heard the heir’s yell were running in all directions, but none of them paid any attention to you, thank the stars.

You think you are crying, but you aren’t sure. You felt raw fear being alone with the Prince. You never wanted to be alone with him again, never.

You keep running nonsense in the castle, not really sure where you’re going but wanting to be anywhere other than there. Din is the one to stop you after the mindless escape, pulling you into a branching hallway and against an unsightly window. He grabs both of your arms, and pulls you flush against his chest. He holds you there for a long time, and you both get a chance to catch your breath. You cry into the beskar chestplate, and feel rather foolish for reacting as such. Din was silent, and just held you, his strong arms wrapped around you as tightly as they could be.

“What did he do to you?” He asks, and you sigh out pathetically. Din repeats his question, still calm and gentle, but more urgent.

“I-I was so scared.” You stutter. Din somehow squeezes you tighter after you say this. After you collect yourself a little more, you can speak again, “he was drink-“

“Did he… touch you?”

You weren’t sure why you felt like you were in trouble, but aggressively reminded yourself that Din would never be upset with you, at least not for something like this. “Yes… But not very much, he just touched my hip and leaned in to kiss me.”

“Did he?”

“No!” You say almost defensively, “I got away just in time.” You pull away and look up at him with teary eyes. His hand comes up, and he pulls the glove off. His bar hand caresses your flushed face, swiping a tear off your cheek with his thumb. “I’m sorry-“

“Why?”

“I don’t know!” You breathe out shakily. “For crying I guess? For letting the map get away? For letting him touch me-“ You try to look away but his fingers catch your chin again, pulling your gaze back onto his helmet.

“Stop that. It’s not your fault. He is disgusting for doing that.” Din nods, and you swallow a sob. “Do you understand?” He asks, and you slowly nod once. “And promise me, that you’ll never ever blame yourself for anything like that ever again, okay?” You nod again. “Promise me!” He wasn’t angry or forceful, just steadfast with his words. He meant what he was saying.

“I promise.” You mutter. After you reply you hear his exhale in his armor. He pulls you against his chest again, and you can feel it move with each breath. You wished you could hear his heartbeat again like you could when you wake up next to him. You’re able to finally relax, and his embrace was the most calming thing you had ever experienced.

“I was worried sick about you.” He says, far more soft spoken than his remarks before. You didn’t verbally reply, but he was able to read how you felt. “I don’t like you being alone with him.”

“Me neither.” You sigh, squeezing your eyes shut and letting the final few tears fall out of your lashes. “All the more reason to leave.” He tenses after you say it, and his arms loosen a bit around your shoulders.

“You really want to?” He asks, you nod against his chest. “You know the possible consequences? This could mean the destruction of Corellia.”

“I know. That’s why it’s so hard. I don’t know what to do. I know what I want, and that is to leave here with you, but I don’t want my own selfishness to risk the lives of thousands who I vowed to protect.” You pull your head away from his chest.

“You… really want to live a life with me?” He asks, almost oblivious to your prior remark. You nod nod, or even say yes, but you just look up at him in all seriousness, hoping it would be enough.

It was.

“You don’t even know what I look like.” His arms drop. Did he think you a fool for that?

“We…” You debate your words, “We can change that.” You close your eyes, hoping that it would mean something to him, and maybe it did, but just as always, he didn’t show it. He just takes his cursed, gloveless hand and tilts your chin up to see him.

“In time we will, but only when it is right.” He nods.

It wasn’t the answer you wanted, but it was enough. It was more than anything he had ever given you before.

“Come on,” Din says gently, “There’s something I want to show you.” He beckons with his head down the hall, and you follow, interlocking your fingers with his again, the map in your other hand. You weren’t really sure how he was able to be so calm and reassuring, especially without showing an ounce of emotion through all of it, but it was a Godsend. You weren’t sure if Din loved you, at least not in the same way you loved him, but you were sure that he cared about you, and he wanted you to be safe and happy. And that was all you needed, for now.

“Had he read the map?” Din asks as you walk down a flight of stairs, descending the various levels of the palace and undoubtedly heading for the staff quarters again.

“I believe so.” You sigh, “Although he seemed confused about it. I think he was a little too drunk to fully comprehend, or he was giving me the benefit of the doubt.” You shrug.

“Well, at least we have it now, right?” Din asks, his head slightly turning back to look at you as he says it, and you give a nervous but relieved smile in response. The two of you loop through halls, and you’re very aware of how much the castle is winding down. Staff have retired for the night, doors were closed, even the usual laughter coming from parlors or the ballroom was silenced. Was it really that late? You didn’t really have much of a perception of time anymore after everything that had just happened.

The one part of the castle that was full of life, however, was the staff quarters. As you got closer, you could hear the usual laughter, and warm, welcoming light poured from the low corridor. Music played, it was loud, and your eyes searched for the spectacle that was just awaiting you.

“You said you wanted to get to know the staff better…”

“I did?” You ask.

“A few nights ago, you were really tired, you might not remember.” He shrugged. You didn’t really care whether or not you really said those things, what stuck out to you, however was that Din remembered that. He was observant enough to remember specific phrases you said, and not any phrases, the ones that were sleepy and probably full of nonsense. You would lie if you said you didn’t gush over that a little.

Din takes you into the staff common room, and it’s all clear. The warm smells, the enticing light, the infectious laughter, it all came from the whole castle staff crammed into this one room. There was food, and everyone laughed and danced to the music that a handful of staff members played. Their instruments were humble, probably retired from the royal orchestra years ago, but you could tell there were fond memories and stories linked with every single one. It was hot, and there were a lot of people crammed into the room. The doors were wide open, and the tables were pushed back against the walls so that the floor could be opened to a large and intricate group dance. It was nothing like the pompous dances that the nobility did at the ball, however. This dance was filled with joy, and mistakes were not only welcomed, but celebrated. Expression was the center of the party, and all types of people were involved. Children who were up far past their bedtime joined in the festivities, dancing and laughing and chasing one another, elderly staff sat at the tables, clapping along to the folk music, and the servants who usually give you sour tea and hot bread had their shoes off, jumping on the stone floor of the common area. Some of the knights and guards had their helmets on like Din usually did, and others did not. You realized it really probably boiled down to personal preference, or duty.

You smiled at the spectacle, and it gave you a deep and undeniable sense of community and love. You quickly learned that the livelihood of the castle did not rest in the parties and rules that an uptight Queen set in place, but the very people who made the castle work smoothly.

The laughter and joy was contagious, and you couldn’t stop yourself from joining the fun. You jump into the dance, not sure of the steps, but picking up your ridiculous skirt and starting anyways. You hoped it wasn’t obvious that you had been crying a half hour before, but no one paid any attention if it was. The women in the circle linked their arms with yours, and you spun in a circle. The one to your right couldn’t have been older than fifteen, and she yelled over the noise how to do the footsteps. You couldn’t really hear her, but looked down at her feet and tried to mimic it. You had the cheesiest smile on your face, and the room spun as you danced. Din crosses over to a wall, leaning against it and crossing his arms, watching you.

After that dance finished, another song started, and the moves were rather different. However, a girl pulled you out of the circle, and tugged on your dress. “It’s too big!” She shouts over the music, “You’ll never make it through the next song!” You nod and then walk over to a table. You stand on top of the table after a few jumbled ‘excuse me’s’. You were sure everyone recognized you, but they didn’t treat you differently for one moment. It was… refreshing. You kicked your shoes off, and several people turned to look at you, some cheered, others laughed. You then bite your bottom lip and pull the strings of the corset you wore, loosening it enough to slip out of your crinoline and ruffled-slip, leaving you in nothing but your undergarment petticoat and the top layer of the gown you were wearing. There was laughter, and you didn’t hear or see Din chuckle. You swayed your hips, and after a playful “huzzah!” from the crowd, a few knights helped you off the table. You immediately return to the dance circle, and you’re able to move much easier. You’re thrown back into the stimulating dance. The woman was right, this was much more physical, jumping and kicking was done and it was far more exciting than any of the proper waltzes you had spent your life dedicating time to.

You step out after two more songs, trying to catch your breath and wiping the sweat off your brow. There was alcohol, just hooch, but a bearded man gave you a big mug and you happily chugged it down. Din was impressed with your ability to consume so much so quickly. The men all cheered and hollered as you downed the drink, also impressed with the skill. You didn’t know you could do it, either.

A game of cards is being played, and you’re roped into that, too. You bet some money (money you didn’t have) and helped a tired, old man who usually worked in the stables play, after a few tough rounds, and struggling to learn the rules as you played, you won the pot for the old man. Three other much younger boys who usually worked at the front gate looked in shock as you pulled the money towards you and the man. He laughed and thanked you for your help.

Some little girls examined your crinoline and corset, a few older women all pinched your cheeks, and a fat man gave you a huge helping of mashed potatoes and greens. You got to overeat shamelessly, and it felt so rewarding after weeks of eating like a bird in fear of being judged by your in-laws. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world to be treated normally. You caught a glimpse of Soniee, who braided a boy’s hair. You even noticed that Koska was there, the center of one of the dance circles, swaying her skirt to the beat with another girl, the two dancing together in a vibrant duet of culture and community. Your feet only began to hurt when you were pulled to dance again, and your cheeks ached from smiling so wide. It was the most alive and accepted you had ever felt in Mandalore.

At one point, you found yourself just a few feet away from Din in the dance. You hold your hands out for him, beckoning him to join. “Dance with me!” You shout out. Before you get an answer, however, you're pulled back into the center of the group. It isn’t for a few more cycles and bars of the song that you’re back out by him. “Please?” You try to be as enticing as possible. He shakes his head, his hand coming up to decline. You raise an eyebrow.

“I don’t dance!” He yells back. You roll your eyes and step out of the group momentarily. You grab both of his hands, your face with the cheesiest smile ever, and pull him onto the floor. He tries to fight back, but ultimately loses.

“Yes you do!” You reply, yelling as loud as possible so he might be able to hear you. “You proved it to me last week!” You say and in perfect time, your arms go up together with the beat of the song. He hadn’t done this dance before, but has watched it enough times to know what’s going on, although he looked rather awkward and foolish doing so. You grab his hand, your hips turning left to right in time, and you look down at your bodies, trying to show him as best as you can.

“I have no idea what’s going on!” Din yells at one point, the two of you now in the heart of the party.

“Me neither!” You laugh, “That’s what’s so wonderful about it!” Then came the part of the dance to clap your hands, the two of you clapping up by your face, and mirroring one another. “Now you’re getting the hang of it!” You nod. He rolls his eyes, and is thankful you can’t see it. It would be horrible for his reputation if anyone knew that he was having even a little fun, especially because it was with you. Din doesn’t usually come to these parties. They happen most Saturday nights, but he runs home to his son. Tonight, however, it was important to him that you got to experience it, especially after everything that happened earlier today.

You both start getting the hang of it, and Din mentally thanks his helmet for hiding the smile on his face. Your feet grapevine, and then you both jump. Everyone hoots and hollers, it’s part of the dance. Suddenly, the both of you are in the middle of the dance circle in the same way that Koska was with her partner a few songs ago, and you’re leading the spiral. You can’t wipe the darkish smile off your face and genuinely can’t believe you got him out here.

“Atta boy, Djarin!” Koska yells from a table, standing up and toasting a Ming of hooch. The music picked up in preparation for the big finish. Din and you spun around one another, your bodies coming flush until your palms press flat, your faces only inches apart. You always thought playing off of one another in a dance was important for the emotion during a waltz, but a fancy three-step had nothing on the emotion and passion put into a dance such as this. Somehow, you could still play off of him, and the performance was one of shared respect and assurance. Despite never having seen his face, you got the Knight, you understood him in a way no one ever did. The song ends, the two of you real close to one another, and out of breath. The entire room roared in joy as they cheered for the both of you, and you looked up at the visor of his helmet.

“I want to kiss you!” He yells, and although his request is very clear, no one can hear it over the volume of the room.

“Then kiss me!” You reply. You didn’t give a damn if every servant of the Mandalorian royal family saw it. He laughs, you feel it, and then he’s pulling his helmet up.

He just reveals his lips, but you look upon them with no shame, admiring the way his Cupid’s bow dipped, and the scruff on his jawline. You smiled wide, and he smiled back. You feel honored to share this moment with him. Everyone around you was so loud, and they were cheering for both you and Din. You couldn’t believe how many of them knew his name as they called it out in encouragement.

Din’s free hand wraps around your waist, and pulls it in tight to him forcefully, you blush at the gesture, and the crowd “ooh’s” flirtily at it. Din Djarin then kisses you. He pulls your body into his soft lips and you sigh into it and it;s too quiet for him to hear but as soon as your lips meet, the crowd of staff disappears. Their cheers blur together, and fade out. Your lips move together passionately, and you do so with no shame. He groans against you, and you can feel it more than you can hear it, and it’s all you ever wanted.

For weeks now you just wanted to share your love with him publicly, and now that you have, you’re aware of how personal your love with him really is.

The crowd fades back in, everyone laughing in support and amusement. Your lips softly party and you grin from ear to ear. Din does too, shameless for once. His teeth are nice and straight. Oh God, you loved his smile.

Oh Stars, you loved him.

“Din!” You yell out. “I love you!” It was time to say it, because it was true. You meant it and as you say it, giggle.

“What?”

“I love you!” It’s so loud that you’re even sure if he can’t hear it, you can barely hear it yourself. But, in classic Din Djarin fashion, he doesn’t answer. He was never good with words, and was much better at showing you what was on his mind. He kisses you again, just as passionately, but this time it’s a series of short, quick pecks on your lips that get progressively more sloppy. He smiles into each kiss and you feel those magic butterflies again.

The rest of the night is a dreamy blur, Din dances the whole time with you, the music eventually slows, you notice that there are less and less kids in the common room. It winds down, and your feet ache in the best way. An ache that would be associated with happy memories. It was long past midnight when you decided to stop dancing, and a lone fiddler is all who was left in the band, playing a ballad to end the night. There was still soft laughter, and a few stragglers who slowly danced to the music. Din was one of the few who were still playing cards, one of his fellow knights challenging him to a game. Din was always up for a challenge, and both he and the man he played against looked deep in thought. You realized you were finally able to read him through all that beskar, and he was far more reactive than you ever would have known if you weren’t looking for it. Your cheek sits in your palm, and your eyes are heavy, but you watch him fondly from across the room. Koska sits next to you, handing you a cup of water.

“You had fun.” She hums, taking a sip out of her own cup.

You nervously laugh in response, she wasn’t wrong. “I didn’t realize how connected you all were.” You say with a sigh before taking a sip of the water and being so relieved to finally get some hydration after all of the energy you exerted.

“Yeah…” Koska was in her typical undisturbed mood, relaxed and observant. “These are the people of Mandalore.” She sighs, “They are what we really represent. We aren’t all about war and decoration, there’s so much more to us that the world doesn’t see.” You were touched by that remark, because you had seen it too. “The truth that’s hard for all of us to believe is that the rest of the world only respects us to stay on our good side.” Her voice drops a little. She looks at you, her eyes heavy as always. You aren’t sure how to respond, because it was true. Koska takes another sip before changing the subject, “I’ve never seen him dance before.” She nods towards Din. “At least not like that.” She laughs into her cup.

You smile, “I didn’t think he had it in him.” You tease.

“He wouldn’t have if you weren’t there.” Koska shrugs. “He’s like a whole different person around you. It’s refreshing.”

“He told me about everything that happened.” You reply. “With him and Bo.”

“He did? I don’t think he’s really talked to anyone about it.”

“He just told me last week, after the ball.” You nod. “I had no idea… but it all makes sense in the end.” You finish off the last of your water as his card game finishes, the few people watching cheering as Din lays down his cards and wins. The other knight, whose face was also covered by a heavy, beskar helmet slammed his fist down on the table in defeat. Din took the money that was on the bet.

“He’s better because of you.” Koska says, smiling as he wins. “I’ve had to look out for him in a way for a long time, he’s one of my oldest friends.” She speaks of him fondly. “But I feel like he doesn’t need me as much anymore, now that you can keep an eye out for him.” Koska turns to look a t you, but you don’t notice it. “You love him?”

“I do.” You nod. “Well… I think I do.” You sigh, “I don’t really know what love is I suppose, but I believe how I feel about him is the closest thing to it.” You shrug. “And I’m totally fucked because of it.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Koska explains, “I’ve never been in love either.”

“Really?” You ask, mildly shocked in all honesty. Koska nods. “There’s no one special in your life?”

“Well, there’s one girl.” Koska begins, “But my feelings towards her are more of an… obligation, I suppose.”

“I used to worry that’s how Din felt about me.” You admit.

“Oh trust me,” She chuckles once, “It isn’t like that for him at all.” She hums and you sigh in response, you sit in comfortable silence for a moment after that before Koska speaks up again, “What are you gonna do?” She asks.

“I don’t know.” You admit, turning to look at her, “But now that the majority of the castle staff has seen us kiss, I need to think of something.”

“That was pretty stupid, by the way.” Koska rolls her eyes.

You chuckle, “I suppose it was…” Din starts walking back to you, “But I can’t seem to care. I’m sick of hiding from everyone.” Din makes it to the two of you, and you smile as you look up at him.

“It’s not much,” He holds out the money before pocketing it, “But Rue will be happy.” He laughs and holds a hand out for you to take. “How drunk is she?” He asks Koska.

“She’s fine-“

“I only had one drink!” You roll your eyes, knowing that your night with Din will end very quickly if you were drunk. You take his hand and he hoists you up with him.

“Hm… that’s what you said the other night.”

“She’s okay, maybe a little tipsy but nothing keeping her from holding a perfectly normal conversation.” Koska says to Din, knowing full well why he even asked, a smirk plasters on her face.

“Come on.” Din hums, and pulls you down one of the various halls that branch from the common room, but not the one that both of you were familiar with because of your aid from Koska.

Din leads you through the candle-lit halls, and into a small bedroom. It was cramped, and there was barely enough room for the both of you, but it was cozy. He lit an oil lamp, and it illuminated the room just enough. Din slowly pulls off his helmet, and it’s so dim that you can’t really see anything like normal, but you can make out faint features and the light in his eyes. It was enough. He started to take off his armor too, and you patiently waited with your back against the outerwall that the window was in. He sets the chestplate and pauldrons in a neat pile on the foot of the bed, and kicks his boots off. His arm comes up to rub his neck, and he stretches a few times. He pulls the chainmail up over his head, leaving him in the same peasant blouse and trousers that he wore at the beach all those days ago. You would never get used to how trim his waist was, and how broad his shoulders were. He turns around, and has a smile on his face. You wished you could see him in the light. Din runs his hands through his thick curls and then steps towards you. You close the gap and wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him in for an innocent kiss.

“Thank you.” You mutter.

“What for?”

“For bringing me here tonight… for being with me.” You sigh, and look up at him lovingly. He sighs, and kisses you again. Din starts to deepen the kiss, and you moan into his lips. He was a good kisser, that was for sure.

[SMUT BEGINS HERE]

Din wastes no time, he picks you up by the thighs, lifting you on his waist so you’re kissing down into him, and before you know it, he’s kissing your jaw. Din had learned your body, he knew the sweet spot on your jaw, and always knew just how long he could suck on it before it became a hickey. He never crossed that line, he knew when to stop, but how badly you wanted him to mark you up so Korkie could see, you wanted everyone to see who you loved and why. His strong hands bunch up your skirt, and lift it up so your ass could be uncovered. His arms hold you, and he stumbles back until he falls on the bed in the room. You straddle the knight and get comfortable on his lap. You can feel his hard-on growing, and you’ll never get over the confidence boost that gives you. You start to tentatively rub your hips so that you grinned down into him. You get a sting of pleasure through your spine, and you’re already getting wet. Because you were down in the lower level of the palace, and was totally isolated from most people with thick, stone walls, you take advantage of the opportunity to make noise. You moan into Din’s mouth, and he holds his lips apart for you. His breath against your face was enough alone to drive you crazy, and your fingers twist around the strands of curly, brown hair that sit at the nape of his neck.

Din’s thick, calloused fingers find their way between your legs from the back, and he starts to gently run his fingertips through your slick folds. You gasp at the feeling, he was so gentle with every move. He starts to moan as well as your hips grind further into him in search for more friction and pleasure, and the sound of his voice unobstructed by the beskar is your favorite sound in the whole world. Din settles into his seat, and he pulls you forward onto him. This allows your hips to lift up just enough that he can insert a finger through your cunt. He starts pumping his wrist immediately, fingering you. You pulled your lips away from him, and sat up straight. You throw your head back with a moan, and then bring your hands to the tucked in portion of your shirt. You pull it up over your head, and wriggle out of the slip that kept you clothed. You were finally naked, and you took your free hands and squeezed each nipple. Between the feeling of Din’s fingers deep inside of you, his growing-bulge rutting against your clit, and the added pinch of your nipples, you were already in a euphoric bliss that didn’t take long to reach.

“Din-“ you moan his name, which he loved. He’s eager, and isn’t afraid to show it. Din pulls his cock out from his trousers, and he lets you grind against the tip. You keep it from going in, trying to tease him in the same way that he did the morning after the ball. It was really just driving you over the edge, really, and so before you let his swollen tip prod at your slickness anymore, you steady yourself on his broad shoulders, and take a deep breath before sinking down onto him. Both of you moan out when you do, and he throws his head back, exposing a thick cord of muscle in his neck. You bend down to nip at his adam’s apple before suckling into his tan skin, making sure to leave a massive, purple bruise on the middle of his neck. You bottom out as you do this, and the sensation shoots up your body. You liked being on top for the sheer fact that it gave you a different angle. Din’s length was pressing up into you now, and he filled you up delightfully. Your favorite feeling in the world was being stuffed by him like this.

You could feel every inch of him as you lifted your hips up, you were so wet and it was already such a loud, obscene noise. You kept sucking hickeys into him, and your hands moved from his neck down to the hem of his blouse. You grab the sheer fabric, and pull it up over his head so that Din is finally as shirtless as you. His huge hands stay on your ass, squeezing the fat there and using his own strength to lift you up and down on his cock. It’s slow at first, but it allows the both of you to really savor the feeling of one another. You scratch your fingernails down his pecs, scratching at his abdomen, and then finally trailing in between your legs to circle at your clit as the pace picked up. You lean forward to rest your glistening forehead on his bare shoulder, and your bare chests press into one another.

Din begins to thrust his hips up, and before you know it, you’re bounding on his cock. It’s fast and hard and your weight is slamming you down on to him over and over again with no end in sight. It’s painful in a good way, the same type of ache that would have good memories and passion attached to it. You knew your core would be sore tomorrow, but it was worth it as Din’s huge cock runs against your g-spot over and over again inside of you. Your fingers speed up on your clit, and you bite down on Din’s shoulder muscle to keep from being too loud. He’s grunting and growling and is absolutely feral and the noises eliciting off of his kiss-swollen lips are needy yet dominate at the same time. You could get drunk on his breathy-sighs, his voice as dark and husky as always.

“That’s it,” He groans into your ear, you moan in response to his words. You loved when he was vocal because it was so rare that he actually was. “Are you gonna cum on my fucking cock, Princess?” He asks.

“Mhm.” You pathetically moan.

“Fuck-“ he groans, and then shifts his position. Suddenly, the two of you are standing up, and the way his length moves and twitches inside of you as he stands up pulls an involuntary moan from your lips. Din lifts you up with his arms, arching his torso back so that you can lean on him. He then gets right back at the task at hand: chasing your orgasm. It was close, you could feel it, and somehow Din seemed to have more energy and strength in this position. He lifted you up and down on his cock, and your arms found their place wrapped back around his neck, desperately trying to hold yourself up as he absolutely tears into you. He was so big, you keep forgetting how thick he is until his swollen and hard cock is filling you up like you were only made for this exact thing.

He must have gotten tired, you could tell not only by the sheen layer of sweat on his chest, but he pulled you off of himself, and threw you onto the bed. You giggle at the forceful contact, and like being tossed around in bed. It made you feel small, and it really showed his strength. Din pumps his leaking cock a few times, kneeling in front of you and pulling your legs apart. You bite your lip out of lust before he slaps the head of his length on your cunt a few times. The sound is so dirty, and it makes you even wetter.

“Stars, you’re so fucking wet for me.” He bites his lip, slapping his cock harder against you. “Can you hear that? Can you hear how fucking wet that pussy is?” He asks you. Stars, he was good at this.

“Yes… so wet for you.” You sigh, your hand coming down to play with your clit again. Din mutters a ‘that’s right’ before he slides himself through your folds a few times again before pushing into you one more, and he doesn’t hold back. His hands find their way to your hips, and he presses them down into the bed as hard as he can, pinning you in place. He starts to pound into you, and it knocks the wind out of you because of how abrupt and forceful it is. You can’t even really make noise to show how good it was, and instead a few strangled and helpless cries pull from your throat.

“Do you fantasize about my cock when you’re with your fiance? Hm? Does it turn you on knowing that you’re cheating on him?” He asks, and you can finally moan out. He was right, he knew you would say yes.

“Yes!” You say, “I can’t stop thinking about your cock!” You reply, your voice high-pitched and so needy.

“Do you think about me fucking this pussy like a bitch on my cock when you’re in important meetings?” He asks again. There was something about the disrespect that you loved, it only made things better.

“Yes sir!” You cry. Din chuckles and then smacks your ass cheek. His slamming into you so hard that you can’t believe he hasn’t gotten tired yet. You can see how his muscles flex against the moonlight and your core is aching from the knight but it’s all worth it. “I’m gonna cum!” You warm, arching your back in pleasure. Din then spits on your cut, adding to the hot wetness and dirty sounds, and he pulls your fingers away from your clit and replaces them with his.

“Cum with me,” He groans, and almost immediately, you’re cumming on his leaking cock at the same time that he does. He cums so much, and you’re always surprised by it. His load drips down your folds, and he fucks you through it. It’s filthy and you want to keep doing it for the rest of your life. Your arms come up to grasp his biceps, trying to steady yourself on anything. Din moans loud when he cums, and it isn’t until he starts softening inside of you that he quits thrusting. He doesn’t pull out, however, and he stays stuffed inside of you as he catches your breath. You’re fucked-out, your eyes heavy and breasts heaving with each deep breath that tries to calm your heart rate. “I love cumming in you.” He sighs. You already knew that, but you loved how he told you. He goes to pull out, but your thighs squeeze together, holding him in place.

“Stay inside.” You whine. Din tilts his head.

“Fuck, you’re perfect.” He bends down to kiss your forehead, and then very carefully and slowly turns the two of you so that he is spooning you, his cock still buried inside your dripping and swollen cunt. “You did good, you did so good.” He kisses your neck as he says these, breathing in deep your scent. “S’good… so good.” He catches his breath, and is just as exhausted as you are, if not more. His chest heaves against your back, and his arms pull you against him. You fight against sleep, but ultimately fail, submitting to rest almost immediately after Din pulls the blanket over the both of you. Just before you fall asleep, you hear him mumble something against your neck, although you aren’t sure what it is.

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—

part fifteen

#more to love fic #more to love #din djarin #din djarin x you #pedro pascal #the mandalorian #fan fiction #reader insert #star wars #din djarin fluff #din djarin smut #rough day fanfic #royalcore #royalty au #princess x bodyguard #princess reader #princesscore #pedro pascal fic #mando x you #mando fluff #mando x reader #din djarin loves to c*m!! #din djarin likes to cuddle #knight din djarin

[mostly-marvel-musings]

Hi, Thor with make up sex prompt

Miss J - Part 1

A/N: We love angry jealous, make-up sex always! Thanks for this request.

Pairing: Thor x Reader

Warnings: 18+ angst.

Word count: 1400+

Requests & Challenges

Thor Odinson Taglist – @raspberrymama @bitchycherryblossomlove @jennie22feona @innerpaperexpertcloud @thorfanficwriter @darklydeliciousdesires @longlostinanotherworld

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Tags are open folks!

.

You couldn’t care less about the formal affair though. All you wished for was to kick those uncomfortably high heels off, pull on your favourite pair of sweats and cry yourself to sleep, like you’d been doing for the past week.

A week of the big green monster of jealousy trapping your rational self in its ugly tentacles. A week of drowning your sorrows in alcohol and ice-cream, wallowing in your misery.

Agent Hill had a small mission lined up for you tomorrow which you thought would be a welcome distraction.

Getting a few good punches in and kicking a few arses would definitely help the pent up anger to fizzle out.

.

“Allow me to introduce you to the world-renowned astrophysicist, Jane Foster.”

You smiled politely and shook your current live-in boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend’s hand, whom Thor had introduced you to with such pride and delight.

It was supposed to be a quiet dinner date at your favourite place when Jane showed up with Eric Selvig and Darcy, spotting Thor immediately because it was obvious not to, in any given situation. Cordial exchange of pleasantries later, Thor thought it’d be a good idea for them to join you at your table.

You didn’t mind, not at first anyway, somewhere around your second drink of the night, it got difficult to keep up with the conversation. Not being a part of the ‘gang’ felt like high school all over again.

You tried your best not to let it show, even made attempts to join in them reminisce old stories but it was proving rather difficult. There is only so much one can take, so by the time dessert arrived, you had retracted back into your shell. The only person who showed genuine interest in you the entire night was Darcy.

Needless to say, the ride back home was silent. You didn’t see the point in bringing it up with Thor since you knew he wasn’t at fault, not really, he was too kind and seeing his old friends had made him happy. You didn’t wish to spoil his evening, even if it meant your pre-planned date was.

.

Days turned to weeks as your mind pushed away that incident and chose to focus on other things. Thor knew something was up, but didn’t bring it up, assuming you would be over it.

There wasn’t a mission to keep you busy but an upcoming Stark party you were looking forward to.

An easy evening with your boyfriend and the team with great food was something you needed. Little did you know it would turn into a dinner party from hell.

The Avengers Compound was abuzz with polite chatter, dignitaries and fellow colleagues dressed in their finest, enjoyed an elegant evening of expensive aperitifs and exquisite hors d'oeuvres.

You arrived alone after Thor mentioned he had to pick something up for the party and had left the house early. That ‘something’ was actually a someone you were hoping to never run into.

Jane Foster.

A pleasant conversation you were engaged in with Steve was cut short when they arrived, standing too close to each other before she took his arm and walked in.

“Are you okay, (Y/N)?”

Steve frowned, following your gaze until he understood the cause of your reaction.

“What does it look like?”

He raised his hands up before taking your empty champagne flute and going over to the bar for a refill while you took a few deep breaths to keep calm and regain your composure.

“There you are, my love.”

Thor’s warm greeting failed to warm your heart as the man wrapped his arm around your waist and pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek.

“Here I am.”

You managed a small smile, eyes flitting between the two of them as if waiting for them to make some announcement.

“I thought you’d gone to pick up that bottle of scotch we wanted to give Tony.”

“I was going to, but then Jane suggested we try this different one and I think Stark will appreciate this more.”

Thor showed you the bottle they had purchased but you didn’t give it a glance, you were busy glaring at the man who’d preferred her choice over yours.

“Oh (Y/N), Jane is being considered for a Nobel prize in astrophysics for her study of the Convergence.”

Thor beamed down at the woman before meeting your glare that quickly got replaced with a faux grin.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you (Y/N).” Jane smiled at you kindly.

“If she wins, which I’m certain she will, I have offered to accompany her in Sweden to receive the award.”

“Oh.”

“O-only if you’re okay with it.” Jane interrupted, quickly catching on your reaction to his statement.

“Why won’t I be okay? Looks like Thor’s decided everything by himself. Excuse me.”

You hurried to get away as fast as you could, not really sure where you were going, leaving Thor frowning after you and an exasperated Steve Rogers holding your drink in his hand.

The bathroom seemed like a good idea to collect yourself or let a few angry tears escape, you chose to do both.

Thor was standing right outside the door when you stepped out, arms crossed over his velvet-blazer clad chest.

“That was rude.”

“Are you serious right now?”

“You march in here with your ex hanging on your arm, buy a gift of her choice and then tell me you’re planning a fucking holiday trip with her!” You snapped, not bothered about causing a scene at the party.

“Don’t raise your voice here.” Thor warned but you were too pissed off to even listen.

“Don’t you fucking tell me what to do! This was supposed to be a nice evening with the team, you and I were supposed to spend time together but I see you clearly prefer her company over mine.”

“There is no reason for you to be this angry, my love.”

“Maybe you’re too blinded by Miss Brains over there to notice. Have a good evening.”

You glared at the man one last time before storming out, more angry tears spilling from your eyes and blurring your vision as you walked out.

.

Back at your place, you had showered and changed into your sleepwear, all while glancing at the wall clock every now and then, waiting for Thor to get home and apologise.

Leaving you alone with your obsessive thoughts was never a good idea, Thor knew this. You’d always assume the worst and get self-critical.

You were making some chamomile tea to calm yourself before bed when Thor knocked on the open front door before stepping in.

He found you in the kitchen, hunched over the counter with your back facing him. He could tell you had been crying, your choice of pyjamas was always the same when you were upset, a loose-fitting T-shirt that once belonged to him and your comfy shorts.

“What? You didn’t drop Jane home?”

Thor was expecting you to be this upset, he didn’t see anything wrong with the decision before Steve pulled him aside and opened his eyes.

“Look (Y/N)—”

“Do you not want to be with me Thor?”

Your voice cracked in the end as you spoke, still not facing him.

“Why would you even think that, my love?”

“Oh I don’t know. When you walk hand-in-hand with your ex at a party meant just for the teammates, when you spend an entire evening laughing and chatting with her and her friends on what was supposed to be our date night? When you decide to go to Sweden with her to celebrate her achievements?”

Thor stared at his feet before cautiously walking closer to you.

“I realised I was wrong, if you’ll forgive me—”

“Maybe you should get back with her.”

Your statement made him stop in his tracks, his heart shattering as you finally turned around to face him.

“What?”

“Clearly you prefer her over me. Who am I next to the great Jane Foster? I don’t get nominated for Nobel Prizes, I don’t have all those fancy degrees..”

You said bitterly, crossing your arms over your chest while Thor remained silent.

“I realise I’ve upset you, my l—”

“I think you should leave.”

You murmured, turning your back to him once more.

“Please don’t do this.” He begged.

“You should go with her, Thor. I think we have a lot to think about when you get back.”

We need these two to fall in love again. Help!

#thor odinson x reader #thor odinson angst #thor odinson one shot #thor odinson imagine #thor x you #thor odinson fanfiction #thor fanfiction #thor angst

[tiedyemillenialbullshit]

Nightmare

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Avenger Reader Word Count: 3,431 Summary: Your best friend finally comes to visit the compound after you join the Avengers. What starts out as a fun night out, quickly turns dire for you and Bucky. Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Feelings, Mentions of Alcohol and Drugs, PTSD/Nightmares, swearing

“AHHHH Y/N!!” You hear her before you see your best friend running towards you, not a care in the world that your entire team has also turned around to watch you two galavant towards each other like long lost sisters.

You catch Sarah in your arms and spin her around.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe you’re FINALLY HERE! And you’re early! Holy shit like I can’t believe you’re finally here in New York!! Let me introduce you to the team!” You grab her arm after she starts to show hesitance in meeting the Avengers all at once.

“Are you sure they have time? I don’t want to be a bother,” she says sheepishly.

“Oh my god Sarah, I talk about you all the time! They’re just as excited to meet you, come on.” You both walk towards the team still staring at you both near the entrance to the compound doing a quick debrief of a not-so-successful mission the day before.

“Guys, this is Sarah. Sarah this is-“ she cuts you off. “I know who you guys all are. It’s so nice to meet you! I’ll stay out of the way, I promise.” Everyone grins and introduces themselves to your best friend.

Nat smiles at you both, “On the contrary, you’re coming out with us tonight! No if’s, and’s or but’s”

Sarah seems to suddenly catch a second wind from her long flight and lets out a squeal of excitement.

You’re the newest to the “official” team, even though Steve and Fury had been trying to recruit you for years. You didn’t like the idea of the world knowing about your skill set and preferred to live a quiet life back in California. Ever since moving here, you’ve felt like maybe you weren’t home yet. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, but you missed your little house hidden in the outskirts of the National Parks in California. You missed the sun, the familiar smell of your patch of paradise and the general sense of room back home. Most importantly, you missed Sarah.

You were reluctant to invite her out to New York at first, but now that things seemed to be going smoothly, you sent for her via a car and private jet thanks to one Mr. Tony Stark. He was more than happy to help you out given your fresh and maybe sometimes bumpy arrival to the Avengers.

As everyone filed inside to break away before the evening festivities, Bucky caught your arm.

After holding you back for a second he said, “Hey, I can totally hang back tonight if you’d rather just be with Sarah and the team.”

You realize what he’s getting at. He also has some lack of feeling settled at the compound. It was something you bonded over when you first arrived. You both had similar pasts, even though they were at the same time lightyears apart.

“Buck, no. I think we’re all going out to Bleaker’s tonight! What’s a better way to get to know the team than bowling, beer, smoking inside, beer, old arcade games, more beer and maybe dancing?!”

Bucky gives you a quick glare out the corner of his eye before wrapping his metal arm around your shoulders to lead you inside after everyone.

“Fiiiiiiine, but I can’t promise I’ll behave.” You giggle, but suddenly feel a couple sets of eyes on you.

“And what do we have here?,” Tony asks with a smirk across his mouth. Sarah seems to be in the middle of an engaging conversation with Steve, so you don’t seem to have an easy out of this encounter. Bucky quickly drops his arm and steps a foot away from you.

“Uh, nothing. Y/N just seemed like maybe she wasn’t feeling well.”

“But I’m fine so here we are - have you seen Sam? Nat? Wanda? I told them we should be ready in a few hours and I jus-“

“Oh for Christ’s sake guys, your secret is safe with me,” Tony winks at you knowingly. You decide to take that as the end of the conversation and rush over to join Sarah.

“So! You have muscles.” Sarah says clearly at a loss of words looking at Steve in a tight shirt.

You and Bucky share a giggle, but pull Sarah away and save her from further embarrassment.

“What the fuck did I just say?” Sarah is about as red as a tomato as you drag her upstairs away from the awkward encounter. Steve looked a little flustered as well, which you file away in the back of your brain.

“Who cares! Let’s catch up and get ready for tonight.” Sarah is your best friend for a reason. Even though it had been 6 months since you last saw each other, it was like it was yesterday. You two spend the next few hours catching up, gossiping about each other’s families, friends, ex-boyfriends, etc.

“So! How are we doing in the boi department?” You turn around and face Sarah at the inquisitive tone in her question.

“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m good, I’m… I’m doing great, I mean yeah I’m good. WHY?” You’re stuttering and you don’t even care it’s obvious you’re blushing.

“Oh, you know. I mean, I’ve only recently met a few super soldiers, but I do think I can tell the there’s a spark between one and someone else.” Sarah so wants you to spill the tea but you promised Bucky you’d keep it quiet.

“Let’s just say things are developing and whatever you’d like to take from that you may.” You both launch into a giggle fit of her guessing and you denying certain aspects of Bucky Barnes.

When Wanda wanders into your room a few hours later, she starts laughing at what she sees. “You know you two are wearing like the same thing, right?” Exchanging confused looks at each other, you reply with a “AND?!”

Sam follows in with a smirk of his own. You’re bracing for his jokes but instead says “damn, OKAY! Everyone’s looking sharp tonight. Y/N, have you seen our bionic man around? Is he coming? He better come out tonight or I swear to…”

After Sam leaves to go find Bucky, the three of you wander down to find Nat and start the evening off with a shot or two. You aren’t much of a drinker, so one is enough for you. You much rather enjoy the company of your friend Mary Jane.

The team is getting silly with each other in the kitchen and quickly the room is filled with people yelling at each other to pregame harder, laughing when Nat’s little sister challenges Sam to a chugging contest and wins.

You feel a large hand at the small of your back. You can smell his cologne and know who it is immediately.

“Well don’t you look dashing tonight Sargent Barnes.” You lean in on impulse but stop yourself just as the girls turn around to see who you’re talking to.

“I was just going to say the same thing to you, sweets.” He mumbles in your ear before removing his hand and walking over to Sam.

The alcohol decides to hit you then, leaving you feeling empty that he’s not standing next to you anymore. Neither of you had wanted to have the “conversation” but you knew you were head over heels for him.

“CABS ARE HERE” screams Sam.

“Sam. For the love of God, stop watching Jersey Shore.” Natasha jokes to him.

At the same time Steve screams, “I understood that reference!” Eye rolls are exchanged as you all make your way outside.

The atmosphere is buzzing and you’re so excited to not just be out with your team, but to also have the only bit of family you had with you as well. You finally felt at home, at peace, and were ready for a fun night out.

Bleaker’s is one of those hole-in-the-wall dive bars that from the outside seems like a hard pass, but once you’re in, there’s no other place you’d rather spend a Saturday night. It’s true it started as a bowling alley in the 60’s. That still remains. What’s newer is the arcade in the back, where the old salon used to be. Jimmy bought the space next door, blew out the wall and filled it with arcade games that sometimes work and sometimes eat your money.

After years of being regular patrons, he knows your team well. The minute you walk in, he starts up all your favorite drinks.

“Ah! My best customers! I had a feeling I’d be seeing Earth’s mightiest heroes tonight.” You line up at the bar for whatever Jimmy decides you’re drinking tonight.

“Ah yes, two vodka on the rocks for my little Russian assassins. Sam here’s your vodka red bull which I don’t think you need, but here we are. Steve! Your drink of choice: an Old Style. Wanda, a cosmo for my favorite witch. And who do we have here, Y/N?”

You’re already both in hysterics at the old man behind the bar giving everybody a hard time. “Jimmy, this is my best friend Sarah. She’s visiting from California for a few days.”

“And whatever the lady wants can be put on my tab…” Steve butts in. Sarah immediately turns red but says “well in that case I’ll have vodka soda with lime please!”

Bucky has come up behind you and now you’re both laughing and watching the two of them stare at each other like no one else is in the room.

“Oh no, what did you do Y/N?”

“Let it play out, he’s not completely tripping over his words yet, maybe he’ll finally land a good girl.” You hush to Bucky.

Jimmy stares as well in amusement. “And you two? Your usual?”

“Yes’sir!” You shout over the growing music. Jimmy hands you each a jack and Diet Coke. You tell yourself it’s okay because it’s diet, but you know that’s a bunch of bullshit.

The other great thing about Bleaker’s? The dance floor downstairs. You always joke around that it seems like a nightclub that never closes in Amsterdam or something, but you’re serious. It could be 3 pm and sunny and you’d never know. It’s in the basement, it's always dark and the music is almost always too loud.

Usually that would gross you all out, but the energy tonight is pushing you all downstairs.

You reach back and grab Bucky’s hand not really caring who sees. It’s been months of sneaking around and either everyone knows and is playing it off like they don't or you’re really good at hiding it. Regardless, you’re over hiding. Maybe showing a little PDA tonight will get him out of his shell.

Sarah and Steve are no where in sight, assuming they’re ahead of you, you follow the team downstairs.

Minutes turn into hours. Everyone is dancing, laughing, sweating, screaming the lyrics to every song, and for a little while you can forget you’re a group of superheroes, and can just be normal 30-something year-olds.

You mostly dance with Bucky and quickly realize he’s a better dancer than you thought he would be. Those moves from the 1940’s must still be relevant in some way today, because the way he's grinding up on you and not caring if anyone sees just does something to you.

You work the room, finding Sarah, Wanda, Nat, even Steve for a song before you realize you don't see Bucky. You give it a few minutes thinking maybe he is in the bathroom. After 15 minutes though, you grab Steve’s attention and motion for him to check the bathroom while you check outside.

You race to the alley where you find Jimmy on a smoke break. “Hey Jimmy, have you seen Bucky? I can’t find him.”

“Oh yeah, doll, he took off in a cab about a half hour ago. Looked real flustered, but I didn’t want to press.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. You thought you felt his mood shift about an hour ago, he was becoming stiff and quiet. You thought maybe he was just drinking a lot but now you’re realizing the loud music, strobe lights and base must have been triggering him.

“Ugh I’m such a bitch,” you huff as you send Steve a S.O.S text.

You: Hey, Jimmy said he just left. I'm sure he's heading home. I'm going to go find him.

Sire Captain Rogers: Go ahead. I think Sarah and I can find something to do while you find Buck. ;)

You: Yeah I’m sure you can.

You: BEHAVE. She’s my best friend.

Sire Captain Rogers: I know Y/N, don’t worry about us. Let me know when you find him.

You lock your phone and hop in a cab back to the compound.

No one is up or around when you enter through the front. The kitchen has been cleaned up, the dishes done. Probably thanks to THURSDAY, Tony’s beta bot for “cleaning up after you assholes trash the place.”

You smirk and head for the elevators. Heading straight to Bucky’s room, you can tell his light is on but something seems off. You don’t like to use your powers on friends or in the compound, but you close your eyes and reach out with your mind to find his aura. Your eyes snap open. You don’t sense him, you just see red.

Taking this as a good excuse to break into a friend’s room, you burst into the room to find it in disarray. Everything is toppled over, broken glass is on the floor, the bathroom light is on, but all you can see is his blood on the door and the floor. You’re panicked, trying to piece together what happened.

Again, you close your eyes and reach out for the familiar energy of Bucky. You find him in your room on the floor.

“What the fuck?,” you mumble and sprint up the stairs to your apartment. You shoot Steve a text on your way up.

You: Found him, looks like a bad one. I’ll let you know if I need you.

Sir Captain Rogers: Thanks Y/N. I’m just a call away, let me know if you need anything. Night.

Upon entering, you sense he’s in distress. His heart rate is elevated, he’s incredibly sweaty and is panting like a dog.

“Bucky? Buck, it’s me, it’s Y/N.”

Bucky stirs and jumps into a defensive standing position quicker than you can blink. You flip the lights on with a “BABE. Baaabe, it’s me. It’s okay, you’re safe. We’re in the compound. You had a nightmare.”

Bucky’s eyes are wide and alarmed, but you can tell the moment he recognizes you.

Rushing over to you, he takes you into a big hug. “Oh my god. What happened? Are you okay, did I hurt you?”

“No Bucky, no I just found you a minute ago. You had another bad one, what do you need me to do right now for you?”

Bucky stands back and rubs his swollen eyes. “I need to shower, can you help me?”

Typically, this is where it gets exciting, but you knew what he means. Water grounds him. He doesn’t feel like he’s falling in water. It helps him visualize the stress washing off of him.

You help him strip and get in the shower, but before you can even take his jeans off, he jumps in and pulls you in with him. You realize how desperate he is for whatever he’s feeling to pass and your heart sinks.

You’re both standing there, almost fully clothed holding each other. This is the worst you’ve seen him in a long time.

“I’m so sorry if I ruined your night, Y/N. The base sounded like the train, the lights looked like the machine they used on me, what the fuck.”

You aren’t sure what to do so you decide to sit on the ground and pull him down with you. You position yourself behind him so his back is in your chest. Even though he’s so much larger than you, he sinks down enough for you to reach over his shoulders and hold him.

“It’s okay Barnes, just breathe with me. You’re safe. You’re with me, and we’re home. Nobody is going to touch you. I’ve got you, you won’t fall.”

You take in deep breaths so he can match your breathing.

After about 45 minutes, the hot water is out in the tank. Bucky sits forward and turns towards you. You want him to lead right now, so you don’t say anything. Neither does he, but the look in his eyes are telling you something about tonight is different.

With a soft smile on your lips, you cup his cheek until he is really looking at you. “Hun, let’s go lay down, ya? Let me help get you dried off.” Bucky hates when you fuss over him, so when he doesn’t argue, you know to be extra gentle with him.

After getting him up and out of the shower, you think skin-to-skin contact doesn’t seem sexual right now, it feels intimate in a grounding sense, and you know that’s exactly what he needs right now. Bucky seems dazed, almost like he got hit too hard in the head. You yourself are of course a tad over-served, and are quickly realizing the adrenaline of this entire situation is rubbing off.

You get Bucky into bed and turn to make sure his phone is plugged in and that he has a glass of water, but he grabs your wrist before you can move away. “Just leave it, it’s fine.”

“Buck, just let me-“ he grabs your wrist harder.

“Y/N. Please just stay here. Please.”

The entire time you’ve been together, he’s done a lot of things but begging you for anything is not one of them. Suddenly the phone and whatever hell else you were doing doesn’t seem important anymore.

You climb into your usual spot next to him and decide maybe you’ll try to get him to open up. The moment the back of your head hits the pillow, Bucky is facing you. His pleading eyes seem like they want to tell you everything that’s going on in his head, but you know pushing him to talk will just make the nightmares come flooding back too soon.

Instead, you decide to lay on your back and pull him to lay on your chest.

“Just listen to my heart beat, Bucky.” You hear him take a deep breath and settle into your chest.

You start and stop yourself from trying to say something comforting. You’re terrified to say the wrong thing at such a crucial moment. Typically these bad episodes are reserved for a Steve house call. You realize as he’s settling into a comfortable position that he hasn’t asked you to call Steve yet. Bucky trusts you in a way you didn’t realize until now.

You don’t know when, but you start humming the first calming song that comes in your head.

I’ll be seeing you In all the old familiar places That this heart of mine embraces All day through

Bucky picks his head up to look at you. Oh fuck.

“Where did you hear that song?,” he says to you with shiny eyes.

“You sing it all the time when you’re concentrating. I looked it up and added it to my ‘bath time/relax’ playlist. I didn't know Billie Holliday was a favorite of yours."

Bucky was looking at you like maybe this was the first time he saw you, like really saw you. “My mom used to sing that around the house when she was missing my dad.”

“Oh I’m so sorry, I didn’t know. I can hum a diff-“ you’re cut off with the most searing kiss Bucky has ever given you. He’s crying when he pulls back to look at you again. “Will you keep singing it?”

In that small cafe The park across the way The children's carousel That chestnut tree, the wishing well

By the time you finish the second verse, he has physically relaxed in your arms. You continue rubbing your hand up and down his back and shoulder, stopping to play with his long hair every once in a while.

I'll be seeing you In every lovely summer's day In every thing that's light and gay I'll always think of you that way

“I forgot how much I love hearing this song sung around me.” Bucky whispers so quietly you almost miss it.

I'll find you in the morning sun And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you…

You stop your caressing when you feel him sit up on one arm.

He leans down to kiss you but stops short to whisper “I love you Y/N.” You kiss him back and wrap your arms around his shoulders, and when you say “I love you too, Bucky,” you’ve never been more sure of something in your life.

#bucky x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes x reader #marvel fanfiction #bucky fluff #steve rogers

[aboutissei]

uhm lemme know if i did this incorrectly

could i request hq boys reacting to their fem!s/o coming home late at night drunk (if youre uncomfy writing this then plz ignore) i dont mind which characters are in it but if you could, include iwaizumi, tsukishima, and oikawa! thank you in advance and sorry if this wasn’t descriptive enough <3

synopsis: coming home late at night, drunk to the haikyuu boys

genre: fluff/suggestive & slight angst if you look close enough

reader type: female reader

pairings: hajime iwaizumi, kei tsukishima, tooru oikawa & keiji akaashi

not proofread —

a/n: hi love! you did perfect, i hope this fits yer’ standards & thank you sm for being my first ask<33

HAJIME IWAIZUMI

‘ hajime would be one of the worried types because as much as he doesn’t show it, he gets insecure about the thought of you finding love in another man because he wasn’t good enough. with that said, iwaizumi trusts you and just hopes your safe.

‘ when he hears the door click, he’s quick to jump on his feet to bound towards you.

++

the click of the door was all hajime needed for him to quickly make his way to the entryway of your shared home. “princess, where have you been? it’s late and i was starting to get worried-“ he began before looking up at your disheveled state. his head tilted slightly as you dropped your heels by the door and began wobbling over to him. you almost fell but hajime was quick to catch you in his strong arms, he always was. “y/n, are you drunk.” his pout quickly broke into a half-smirk, half smile as he glanced down at you drooping in his arms. “my coworker *hic* invited me for a drink and i got carried away *hic*,” you mumbled as you snuggled deeper into hajime’s chest. inhaling the scent of the hoodie that was draped over his built body. “next time, let me know so i can come to get you.” he scolded as he placed a feathery kiss on your hairline. the light snores coming from your body were all iwa needed, he immediately hooked his muscular arms under your thighs and carried you to the bathroom so he could quickly wash your face and help you get changed. you shivered at the cool contact of the bathroom counter meeting your thighs. you whined quietly before iwaizumi shushed you, he began taking out your makeup wipes and wiping the slightly smudged makeup from your face. “i’ll always take care of you, love.” he mumbled as he added some moisturizer to your now cleaned face.

KEI TSUKISHIMA

‘ whew my sweet boy, he would be one of the types to laugh at your drunken endeavors. although he is worried about why you aren’t home at this hour, he can only assume your safe.

‘ he of course takes care of you but nothing wrong with a little teasing while doing it ;)

++

tsukishima was laid out on the couch of your shared apartment, patiently waiting for you to come through the front door. although, he wouldn’t dare to say it. he was beginning to get restless without you being there to thread your fingers through his hair and shower him in your abundance of love and affection. as soon as he heard the fumble of keys in the door, he was quick to swivel his head around to look at the entryway. the sight of you standing there, slightly disheveled and foggy eyed completely gave it away. not that you were trying to hide the fact that you were drunk, you just knew you weren’t going to hear the end of this. “keiii.” you whined as you hobbled through the entryway and into the living room where he was seated, trying to hold back the giggles captured in his throat. “welcome home love.” he coughed out a chuckle before glancing at the sight of you throwing yourself on him, limbs splayed against the couch and your head resting directly against his chest. “y/n..are you drunk?” tsukki asked, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose. “i went..out for drinks with my boss but i missed *hic* you.” you mumbled as you nuzzled your ear deeper into his chest. “did you drive home?” he questioned, ready to scold you about the dangers of drunk driving. “no...my coworker dropped me off.” you answered, the alcohol still hazing your mind. tsukishima sighed as you laid there snuggled into his chest, his cheeks couldn’t help but tinge red as he glanced at your now limp body. your now even breaths were kei’s signal to get you cleaned up and he did just that. removing your clothes as he put you in one of his t-shirts which pooled around your waist and quickly wiping your face with a makeup wipe before laying you into your shared bed. he paused to playfully scoff at the way you would whine when he unlatched your arms from his waist while he was changing your clothes. “you're so stupid. goodnight love.” he mumbled as he slipped in beside you in the bed, a soft kiss placed on your nose causing you to smile softly in your sleep.

TOORU OIKAWA

‘ oikawa was straight out miserable, you coming home late was worrying him but he was also so restless without your touch

‘ poor iwaizumi had to endure an hour long facetime call about how worried and sad oikawa was because he missed his angelic girlfriend.

++

as soon as oikawa heard your keys jingle in the door, he was quick to jump off the bed and is in a full-on sprint to the door. “ANGEL! YOUR BACK.” he shouted as he threw his arms around you, the speed at which he wrapped himself around you was astounding. all you could do was giggle as the alcohol flowing through your veins and the visions of this 6 ft man wrapped around your body like a koala was hilarious. oikawa quickly unlatched himself before placing a quick kiss on your lips, your lips always felt familiar to him but the bitter taste of alcohol was a big difference. “angel, did you drive home drunk?” oikawa scolded as he placed a hand on his hip, looking down at you with a frown. “no tooru, i *hic* got a lyft.” you mumbled as you try to walk deeper into the apartment, which you failed at. you tripped over an uneven floorboard which made oikawa quickly react, he wrapped his arms around your waist before you could fall. “alright you big dope, let’s get you to bed.” he giggled as he picked you up, your legs immediately wrapping around his waist. he handed you your clothes and sat in the bathroom while you did your night routine, just watching and making sure you didn’t hurt yourself and helping you when he saw fit. when you were ready for bed, oikawa slipped into the spot beside you and pulled you straight into his chest, to which you tangled your legs with his, a silent i missed you. he kissed your forehead before gently resting his head on top of yours. “i missed you too angel.” he mumbled, knowing you missed him from the way you clung to him in your sleep. the next morning he was loud and forgot about your hangover but was quick to get you some pain meds and some breakfast.

KEIJI AKAASHI

‘ akaashi was out-right worried, he had sent you multiple texts and even tried calling once or twice. okay maybe three times

‘ it was nearing midnight and akaashi could only hope you were just working late or out with coworkers.

++

akaashi quitely paced around in the kitchen while he waited for the water for his tea to be ready when he heard the door creak open. he quickly made his way to the entryway. silence between the two of you when he pulls you in for a hug and a sweet kiss. he rested his forehead against yours before releasing you from his grip. “did i *hic* worry you, i didn’t mean to worry you, keiji.” you began ranting as your eyes began to water. he quickly wrapped his arms around your waist before smiling at you softly. “it’s alright love, just let me know you’ll be home late next time.” his smile reasssuring as he watched the tears slip out of your eyes. “i-i’m sorry, i should’ve let you know.” the tears began free flowing as you tried to sniff them back. the sight was enough to make akaashi distressed, he knew you were obviously drunk from the kiss he had given you earlier but he had no idea you were an emotional drunk. “baby, it’s okay. come drink some tea & then we can head to bed okay? i’m not mad, i promise.” akaashi placed a hand in the small of your back, lightly directing you to the kitchen where the kettle went off. as you sat down, he placed a warm cup of tea in front of you and placed another peck to your forehead. “you’re so good *hic* to me, keiji. i don’t deserve you.” you broke out into a sob as you placed your teacup down in place for rapidly rubbbing at your eyes. “you deserve the world, my love. now stop all this crying okay? you’re gonna hurt yourself.” he mumbled as he pulled your hands away from your face, your puffy eyes making him pout before he kissed away the onslaught of tears that now stained your face. by the time you finished your tea, you had worn yourself out from all the crying. akaashi carefully picked your sleeping body up from the table, careful not to wake you as he gently placed you on your shared bed. he tried to get you changed in the best way without waking you up but all he could manage was wiggling on one of his hoodies onto you. he frowned at the distress splayed on your sleeping face, probably from the crying he thought to himself. he kissed the corners of your lips before sliding into bed next to you. “goodnight y/n.” he blushed slightly before turning off the bedside lamp and snuggling up next to you.

a/n: and we are done with my very first request! once again, i hope this fit your standards and i did your request justice. also, later toda i will be posting my navi posts (rules, dni & byf all included)

as always, likes, comments and reblogs are always welcomed and appreciated <3

#courtconvos🕯 #anime #haikyuu #sports anime #drabbles #reader insert #female reader #keiji akaashi #iwaizumi hajime #hajime iwaizumi #akaashi keiji #tooru oikawa #oikawa tooru #tsukishima kei #kei tsukishima #tsukishima x reader #oikawa x reader #iwaizumi x reader #akaashi x reader #oikawa fluff #tsukishima fluff #akaashi fluff #iwaizumi fluff #tooru oikawa fluff #kei tsukshima fluff #keiji akaashi fluff #hajime iwaizumi fluff #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fluff

[intangibly-here]

i miss you (more than anything)

zhongli x gn!reader

- scenario; 2.4k words - modern!au - fluff - jealousy

————————————————————

zhongli isn’t one for jealousy— usually.

title from mitski - francis forever.

requested by anon.

————————————————————

“an excellent choice, sir.”

again with the nicknames... 

slender fingers pick up a considerably stylized box, the smooth white a stark contrast to dark, glove-adorned palms. zhongli turns the box over in his hands, inspecting the various fine print explanations splayed along the edges of the plastic. now this is...

BANG!

clink. 

zhongli barely stifles a flinch at the sound of the door slamming, hinges squeaking and metal lock clicking into place with a whirlwind of motion. amber eyes flick up to the doorway, then back down to the polished counter.

five minutes late.

he sets the ice cube he’s handling into a wine glass after a brief pause, beginning to fashion up a flute of apple cider vinegar. the pattering of lively footsteps against tiled flooring rapidly grows nearer, clattering to a halt directly across the bar from where he stands. 

“hey there, mister zhongli! looking just about as boring as ever!”

hu tao plops into the cushioned chair, swiveling back and forth on the seat and leaning forward to watch him pour the concoction.

(it’s designated for customers of course— though that’s only usually. she happens to claim, to his exasperation, that she has “owner privileges”; whatever that could possibly mean when the place itself is meant to serve the needs of customers: that would include the spacing and chairs they may potentially desire when they enter the premises. unfortunately, he’s given up on understanding on her whims.)

from his position across the counter, zhongli absentmindedly spies the edge of a bright-red butterfly wing from underneath her outfit’s loose, flowing sleeves, the simple pendant string looped twice around her wrist. 

swallowtail. 

it’s the name (”like the butterfly, zhongli! the butterfly!”) of the establishment he’s currently employed at and is “run” by the granddaughter of a distant relative (though the bar is legally owned by said relative’s family). due to his— well, rather particular (per say) spending habits and a lack of mindfulness regarding the matter of what they liked to call savings (why would there be a need for these “savings”? he’d like to protest he’s traversed life well enough without them), he’d been pushed into putting the multitude of experience from past jobs into this one. 

and well, here he is now. 

chop. chop. 

two evenly-sliced apple slices tip over from against the blade of the knife and onto the wooden cutting board. fetching a sprig of mint from the small potted plant just below the rack of knives (growing lights and shelving did wonders in the spontaneous lighting of the nightclub), zhongli finished decorating the non-alcoholic drink of choice for the pseudo-proprietress. who knew what havoc she’d cheerfully throw herself into, archons forbid, if it were liquor. she’s already enough of a handful as it is. 

he sighs in resignation and slides the beverage over. the ice tinkles in the glass confines. he does have a favor to ask today after all. hu tao gives the drink a sniff, then puffs her cheeks in mock anger. 

“no alcohol? booooo, you’re such a rock.”

she takes a generous sip anyway. 

“so, what did you call me here for? not very zhongli-like for you to ask something of lil’ ol’ me. archons, have you been replaced?” 

she squints at him judgingly, then raises an eyebrow when he hesitates to answer.

“doesn’t look that way, old man.”

zhongli can feel the beginnings of a headache forming between his brows. he waves his hand dismissingly as if flicking away her babbling nonsense. 

“i have a favor to ask of you.”

“oh-ho?”

hu tao smirks playfully and pushes the half-finished drink aside, craning her neck forward. 

“what can i do for our esteemed mister zhongli, hm? hehe.”

zhongli clenches his fist under the edge of the woodwork in an effort to calm his raging annoyance. 

(it doesn’t help.)

he should just ask, shouldn’t he..?

“..i’ve been pondering this for a number of days now, but nothing quite appropriate for the occasion has happened to come to mind... do you happen to have any gift ideas for...”

he looks to the side to avoid eye contact and trails off, but hu tao immediately gets the memo. 

“ohhh..” her smile only grows wider, “this is for your daaaate—��

zhongli’s face flushes the slightest tinge of rosy pink and he hisses a sharp “shush!” through gritted teeth. and here he had thought she couldn’t get on his nerves beyond how she’d already acted thus far... 

the cheshire grin on her face still continues to climb. 

“well, you’ve definitely asked the right person! how about...”

some new polaroid film? is what she had proposed.

“it’s not some fancy-schmancy anniversary gift, no? just a date! a date! don’t worry yourself so much over it— no, don’t look at me like that. if you called me over to ask about it, you’re deeeefinitely losing hair over this— okay, okay, i got it! don’t kick me out! old man... sheesh. why don’t you get some more polaroid film and wrap it up all nice? useful and an excuse to take more pictures together! i know, i know, i’m a genius— mmph!”

he can still hear her voice bouncing around in his head (”can’t believe you’re getting rid of your boss, mister zhongli! didn’t take you for the rebellious type—”). zhongli brings his hand up to his temple and breathes out another sigh. it’s not like her idea was a terrible one; if anything, it were a wonderfully exquisite proposal— not that he would tell her. 

“i’d like to purchase this, if you would.”

he hands the box over to the shopkeep, who scans the package and rings up the bill. indiscreetly, he feels up the pocket of his jacket. thank the archons he remembered his wallet today. it would certainly be embarrassing to put this particular item on your tab. 

“sure thing, mister zhongli. i’m assuming this is a gift,” they eye him knowingly, “so would you like it wrapped up?” 

deja vu, his brain mutters, this is very much deja vu. he shuts it up promptly. 

“not this time, but you have my sincerest thanks for the offer. i’d like to wrap it myself.” he can feel his (generally..) expressionless face flaring up the faintest hint of pink and berates his mind once more. only when it comes to you...

acquiring the purchased item, zhongli dips his head in acknowledgement as he heads out. the plants hanging from baskets strung along the ceiling sway their leaves to and fro, nearly catching a wayward lock of his hair. he smooths the stray strand back.

“thank you once again, aether. let lumine know they can drop by for some tea again whenever they’d like for me, please.”

the bell hanging over the doorway tinkles when he pushes it open, and the bustle of the busy harbor seeps into the tranquility of the shop. aether nods and waves a hand at him in return, resting an arm on the cash register. 

“come again.”

-

while he’d imagined many ways your planned outing could play out, this was certainly not one of them. 

he’s approaching the meeting spot you two had decided on (right in front of the flowering quince tree near the park; its blooms resemble those of simpler, smaller silk flowers, and it happens to be quite the scenic location to wait) when he spies not only your stature, but another figure residing right besides you. 

who...?

as he steps closer, he can hear your laughter, the kind that he knows bubbles out of your chest and escapes your lips unconsciously. your amusement isn’t lost on your companion apparently, because they smirk teasingly, letting out a full-blown laugh of their own. 

“oh, zhongli, over here!”

your voice snaps him out of his meandering thoughts, and he stops fiddling with his earring (when did he start doing that?), continuing forward from where he’d paused in his observations of this newcomer. something starts to bloom in his chest, small and bittersweet. he’s not sure what to make of it. 

following your beckoning, zhongli finally makes his way to your side, mentally taking note of your.. friend? he doesn’t remember you mentioning anyone like this before though. surely he would remember your friends, no? 

his earring sways in the wind, white tassel fluttering cheerfully. 

“zhongli, this is my friend kaeya. i met him when i made that trip to mondstadt awhile back, remember that? oh, and kaeya, this is my boyfriend zhongli.”

(the little dragon curled up in his heart preens at your introduction of him, small and sweet.) 

ice blue meets molten gold when zhongli’s eyes dart up to make eye contact with this stranger. they squint at him, assessing, then dip into the makings of a playful twinkle. a hand reaches out for a handshake, which he returns in equal measure. interesting...

“he got a little lost touring liyue and i happened to see him here in the park. small world, huh? i know it was our day love, but do you mind if we take him around for today?”

zhongli smiles appeasingly, gentle and assuring as always. he can recognize the slightly nervous look on your face, one that’s a stark contrast to how energetic you’d looked just a few minutes ago. if kaeya’s company makes you happy and you’d like to take him around, then who is he to refuse your request? you two will have more time to spend with just the two of you later, he reasons with himself. accompanying your friend, and in turn his acquaintance, is nothing big.

(and no, it’s certainly not you calling him love that makes him cave.)

“of course we can.”

tugging at the string of his eyepatch, kaeya swiftly ties his hair back and adjusts the collar of his shirt. “so, where to first?”

zhongli takes your hand in his, squeezing softly. you squeeze back.

getting along together should come just fine.

-

he takes it back. 

he takes it all back. 

he’d accepted it at first because, well, this was your friend. he shouldn’t be controlling who you interact with nor who befriended you - that’s not up to him. it shouldn’t ever be. however—  with every passing moment that kaeya inched closer to you, taking up the entirety of your attention and bringing that bright, bright grin to your face—

(this was supposed to be your date. just the two of you. he hasn’t seen you in a month; surely he can feel a bit selfish, right?)

the three of you turn the corner to an intricately-themed restaurant and pause, where even zhongli looks appreciatively at the beautifully grown bamboo stalks lining the edges of its front walls. 

“wanmin restaurant,” kaeya reads, craning his neck up to gaze at the signboard. bold red calligraphy is sprawled across the rough-cut wood. “awfully simple name for such a stunning place, isn’t it?”

if he weren’t stewing in a pot of conflicted emotions, zhongli would surely inform him of how carefully selected this title was, how it represented more than just a name, how it hid at least several decades worth of effort and teachings— but as it is, he (really, of all people) has no patience for that at the moment. 

first tugging on the hem of your outfit, zhongli then takes you by the elbow and hastily leads you forward to the glass doors of the establishment. he grasps your hand in his as usual, but something must be off, because you twitch a little and look at him curiously. 

he turns his head away, lips pursed just the slightest.

“let us dine here for the time being. it is an appropriate time and place, after all.”

the sun shines brightly in the clear sky as if illuminating his words.

kaeya raises an eyebrow, singular eye looking on inquisitively and arms crossed, then moves further ahead of you both once more. the corner of his mouth dips in a clear show of mirth. bowing with one arm held at the waist, one not unalike a formality from a server, he looks straight into zhongli’s eyes and holds the door open for entrance. 

“that sounds like an excellent idea. well, if you would.”

-

“thanks for the tour around you two.”

kaeya hums his thanks with a cheerful lilt to his voice as you all stand under the porchlight of zhongli’s house. 

(it’s not the largest abode, but it’s cozy and sweet, and it’s definitely enough for the both of you whenever you decide to stay over. tonight is one of those nights, and they may as well become more frequent after the trip you took abroad.) 

his car keys reflect the glow of the bulb, swinging around his finger in loops. they clink noisily, metal against metal, and he grabs them all at once, halfway through another turn. in his car sits a box of treasure-themed artifacts, likely old and had found its way into your hands somehow. zhongli knows you’d been meaning to give them to someone, but he hadn’t known it were kaeya— either way, the artifacts that’d been laying on his shelves for weeks were now handed off. 

ruffling your hair, kaeya pulls you in for a brief hug; although zhongli can feel the bitter pang in his chest, he stays where he stands, keeps it still and small. he can wait. 

that said, the moment kaeya drives off, he’s hauling you into the house and curling up on the couch, pulling you onto his lap and tugging you into his arms. the long thought over gift sits patiently on the counter. it’s waited the entirety of today; it can wait another. 

right now, he needs you. 

your body sinks against his, relaxing from the lively, though exhausting, day. slumped against his chest, he burrows his head in the crook of your shoulder and cuddles you, nuzzling into your neck. finally, you’re home. home with him. 

it’s warm...

“..it was our day...”

you shift your head at his mumbling, lifting his chin to presumably look at his expression. your attention is his now. not kaeya’s. not anyone else’s. just his. 

(his eyes are soft and droopy, smudged red making them look especially mellow in the dim lighting, and lips pushed into the slightest pout. he knows what you’re seeing when you gaze at him fondly, and you can almost see the puppy eyes he sports. how unusual of him.)  

“someone’s a little jealous here, hmmm?” 

you drag out the syllables teasingly, and from lips that are pressing kisses against your skin, he responds a little muffled—

“perhaps.”

#zhongli #genshin impact #fluff #jealousy #zhongli x gn!reader #zhongli x reader #genshin impact scenarios #genshin impact imagines #request #cecilia

[discotechque]

till my hand shook with the way I fear

pairing: abed nadir/nby! reader word count: 1.6k rating: T

me and abed have neurodivergent solidarity and for that, we would be besties. also the mc in this is specifically non-binary so whatever.

There's clear haze that settles over the bar, that's the first thing Abed realizes once he settles into the space. It's dim, like most bars are and he assumes that's the charm of places like these. Jeff and Britta are adults ( he is too but he's overlooked and therefore his opinion is mute ) so he follows their guidance. Watching from afar, observing their inebriated choices while downing another shot.

He doesn’t get the point of alcohol, much less bars, and it seems the whole point is to get pleasure after an initial sting. A sharp weight that lays in the back of one's throat before elation rips through you. Bourbon burns through him with too much consequence, gin coats his mouth with a bitter tang, and wine falls flat on his tongue.

Maybe it's his upbringing, he's never witnessed his father take a sip to this day, or the pressure that rushes to his frame when he's offered a drink. Abed understands the appeal of bars, it does not mean he shares the same sentiments to them. They're noisy little backend places where melancholic characters come to waste away their sorrows, typically finding pathetic people who drool over glass rims.

However, he is not pathetic ( even if his oldest friend is rounding his seventies and community college all seemed like a folly ) and he had never been overtly dripping with melancholy. So he stood by the small arcade game in the corner, unbothered and safe, until someone offered kindness.

And he takes miles of that even if all they've given was an inch because even if he isn't pathetic or melancholic, he is greedy. He likes eyes being on him because he has so many thought he wants to share with one mouth that can only do so much. Abed is not dumb, he knows what the man wants and how his friendly touches are slowly rising above his knee.

He knows what the man wants and isn't surprise at his outburst once learning that the feelings isn't reciprocated. There's streams of Mint Julep dripping from his jaw and lashes, softly mumbling about his love for Farscape before having it degraded. Abed knows he deserves it and was warned by Annie that people are sensitive ( but he is not held by the bounds of common decency or empathy no matter how hard he tries to keep his mouth shut. )

Then, he remembers the man's proposition ( the only reason someone would be interested in him ). He isn't familiar with being viewed as a sexual object and men weren't unwelcome in his eyes. Gay? Is he gay? Maybe something that exists within the unorthodox box that is sexual realization? The questions sound so foreign even within the echo chamber of his mind.

He's in a dingy bar celebrating his best friend's birthday, this is not a time for the sexual exploration of his subconscious ( although he saves the thought because he considers if not now then when ). The drink is seeping within his clothes, it's going to stick if he doesn't move. He needs to fucking move.

And he does, swiftly pulling himself away from the chair and heading towards the bathroom. Wherever that is, Shirley said it was in the far back and Annie said fair left. Yet, she meticulous as ever so what if she always assume her left is everyone's true left and Shirley is vague with her directions but it doesn't even seem to be enjoying her time here at all.

He's not enjoying it either if he's honest. His loose shit now sticks to his chest and he knows it would make sopping sounds if the man's glass was any larger. Jeff brought them here to celebrate because they're all adults and Troy deserves to have a birthday party in style but if all Jeff and Britta do it bicker, doesn't that make them children themselves? And if he shares his companionship with them, does that make him and all the others children by association?

He's going nowhere with this train of though, this he knows but it can't ever seem to stop. His brain becomes a leaky faucet that can never be screwed back just right so it drips and drips just like the alcohol does along his jaw and lashes. Abed wants to go home but he's with his friends and it's his best friend's party and it'd be so rude of him to leave so soon. At least, that's what Annie tells him.

( Parties were far and few between when he was younger and even then, he cannot replace family functions for beings that truly care for him. )

But then he remembers you, nursing an iced tea in the corner because you are not interested in bestowing wisdom onto Troy that you do not have or participating in anybody's shenanigans. Bars are where people come to hook up or fuck up, you proclaimed on the car ride here, there's no in between.

Then he hears it, bursting against his ears as a smile splits across your face, a discotheque pop song that might be pleasant if it wasn't so overwhelming. His hand involuntarily taps against his thigh in tune with the rhythm. It helps sort out the sensations, the noise is different than the bland flavoring of water, and he knows what's what but it all feels the same in his mind.

Abed's eyelids shut, another involuntary tick he can never seem to shake, and his hand has created it's own beat. Rapid and rushed with no real rhyme or reason except for the fact that it's something that will tug his mind away from everything. ( It's the same thing he does when he's at the edge of a rollercoaster, it makes him safe. ) If everyone else can sway to a rhythm, why can't he?

"Hey," an unexpected voice softly call out to him ( tenderness within this group almost borders on unnatural ). Abed slowly opens his eyes to see you, you call out to him. He feels his hands move away from his pants, tangled within your fingers instead as you gaze at him with earnest. "five things you can see?"

Your hands feel polished, no—plush. He's afraid that if his thumbs press too hard, he'll begin to meld into your being. That's a great idea for a movie, he thinks and he knows you've been his muse from time to time. Maybe it means something, he's not willing to deep any deeper.

His eyes scan the room for a brief second before he rattles off, "The wooden floors, the bartender, the door, the chair behind you, and Annie still trying to be a Texan."

Her accent still lingers within her mind, poor acting for someone so involved a role they've assigned for themselves. The though nearly amuses him but he's getting off track, he needs to focus on you. On the way your hands gently rub over his knuckles and needs to ignore this growing pit within his stomach on whatever that insinuates.

"Four things you can feel?"

"My feet against my shoes, my jeans against my legs, how hot my ears are, your hands."

You don't let go even after he's mentioned it, instead he receives a squeeze that sounds throughout his body. A continuous cycle the runs on until you ask him for something he can taste, he doesn't know what lingers within the crevices of his mouth. ( He'd want it to be you and licks his lips without a second thought. ) Yet, settles on the answer Mint Julep.

Something about thinking this way must be wrong, he shouldn't want to keep holding your fingers or gaze into your fervent irises. He shouldn't be attracted to someone like you and shouldn't be searching for so many reason on why he has to tear himself away from your presence. Still, shouldn't doesn't stop him from doing so.

Maybe his hands have melted into yours, it'd be a good excuse on why he can't bring himself to let go. The song changes again, how long has he been in this small little world with you?

"Hey, it's Mazzy Star, this fucks so hard." he's heard of this before, maybe you've shared it with him. It's less grating on his ears, smooth melodies being shifted on strings, and he watches you sway from the corner of his eye.

( He likes to be watched but something about you commands all his attention. )

Still shifting from foot to foot, you turn to him with a far more lax expression. Both shifting into familiarity as you ask, "You wanna sit down?"

"Not really," he shoots back suddenly but you're not perturbed at his fast response reflex. However, his heart sinks as the next words tumble from his lips. "but we can stand here and sway?"

You don't pull your hand away from his, instead, pressing into his fingers as you ponder a reply. Perhaps you think this isn't real as much as he presumes you'll humiliate him for even asking. But you don't and another smile splits down your features, large than the last one he saw from across the room.

"Of course, Abed Nadir has a genius idea. Let's do it."

You don't move him from this space you've cultivated with him. Instead, wrapping arms around his neck as he places them on your waist ( he never went to prom but this is better than any teenage fantasy ). Moving side to side, never shifting around in a circle but rather awkwardly figuring out a steady pace while his stares becoming fonder while the night grows.

Abed still doesn't get the point of bars but he can figure it out the next time he's here with you.

#abed can be a little bisexual ... as a treat #anyways in this episode abed never says he straight so i am legally allowed for him to have a crisis after a drink is thrown on him #yes i picked the episode where pierce is just stuck at the door and no one gives a fuck about him #i know in 2010 nonbinary probably wasnt a popular term but im using it here bc i dont care #i don't know how much i liked this but i think it was kinda cute #julianscribbles #ch: abed nadir #abed nadir #abed nadir x reader #community x reader #abed nadir imagine #community imagine #abed nadir imagines #community imagines #nonbinary #nonbinary reader #tv: community

[cuteykat]

Hello friend!! I have decided to ask something for my daddies favorite characters! If that's okay? I didn't see any rules or anything soooooo

I'mma just go on gut instinct

Maybe some fluffy cuddles with Lucci, Crocodile, Mihawk and Ace? (And anyone else you wanna throw in? Any daddies I missed) Oh and headcanons unless u wanna do scenario? Please and Thank you!!

Hello! Thank you for the request! These scenarios will be in short story form to I hope your okay with! They’re are two extra character I added in there too! I hope you enjoy

Ace: It was early morning sailing along on a winter island. Snow was failing everywhere and it was very cold. Everyone would usually be wearing something warmer, well except Ace.

Ace was walking along the ship until see you noticing how cold you were.

“ are you okay (name)?” He ask being a bit concerned

You look down before looking back up “ Ace do you think we could cuddle since it’s very cold?” You ask the fire man.

Ace was quiet embarrassed that you asked, his face turned bright red not knowing what to say at first but he nods his head walking over to you. He kneels down beside you hugging you tightly in his arms feeling like a heater

“ Thank you ace” you mumble and start to close your eyes. The man was like a living heater and you could peacefully fall asleep in his embrace. Shortly after you did fall asleep to which he smiles

“ Your so cute (name)” he picks you up gently bringing you to your bed so they could cuddle more.

Lucci: it was early morning in enbies lobby but no one could tell due to how it was always sunny night and day and the stars never showed themselves.

You were doing your regular task along the ships feeling sad. You didnt particularly know why you felt that way but you did. You kept a smile on your face to which most people would assume that you were happy except for Lucci. He could sense how you felt at any given moment, have it be due to the Neko neko fruit or just pure instinct. He wouldn’t go right up and ask but he would follow you around a bit till you were both in a secluded area. The man walks up to you having a small hint of worry on his face.

“ Something the matter?” He ask looking down at you

“ I guess I can’t really hide it Huh” you look down at the ground “ Just feeling sad, I don’t know why” you think about it till it hits you “ Maybe because I miss seeing the stars and moon. We don’t get to see it here and it’s just something I miss” you sign before smiling “ But thats okay! I enjoy being here”

Lucci nods and gets an idea “ Meet me by the gate at 7 pm alright?” He waits for your confirmation

“ Of course lucci sir” you say even though you were genuinely confused

Through out the day you felt a bit better but there were times you thought about the stars. All so beautiful in the sky.

In the afternoon lucci goes to speak with spandam “ I have something I have to do later tonight so I’ll be taking the night off” he says while rubbing hattori chin

“ What’s so important?” Spandam complains like a whiney child

“ None of your business” he retorts

“ Probably bringing (name) somewhere” Kaku says to which slightly embarrasses Lucci.

“ None of your business” lucci walks out

7 pm comes and you were standing outside the gate when seeing the man hold something that was like a picnic basket and a train comes around

“ Get on” the man instructs.

You both get on the train and it starts to ride having it be only the two of you. It was quiet but he opens up the Picnic basket to where they’re was a small home made meal along with some snacks before he opens up the window “ Take a look outside”

You mod and look outside, you were out of enbies lobby and you could see the stars. You start to cry at the nice gesture before he sits next to you holding you.

“ You said you were missing the night sky right? I thought I would let you see it again”

“ Thank you so much!”

You both cuddle and eat watching the night sky before you start to get tired.

You yawn and hug the men quietly thanking him before falling asleep.

“ If I could do this more with you I would” he puts his face into the crook of your neck as a shooting star flies by. Maybe the stars would grant that wish.

Mihawk: it was close to midnight, it was a rainy day after the whole sky be pitch black with no stars shining through at all. The whole day Mihawk had been busy running around unable to see you all day. And right as he gets a break he can see the red hair pirate walk in

“ Yo! I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Shanks says with a smile

“ Right as I get a break to. Come inside I guess. (Name) will be happy to see you” Mihawk says seeing shanks also had alcohol with him

“ Great!” Shanks says walking in going to the living room seeing you were wrapping something up

“ What are you up to (name)” shanks ask looking over

You jump looking surprised “ I’ll tell you but you can’t tell Mihawk”

The red hair man smiles “ deal!” He opens up some rum for the both of you

“ I made ( or bought depending on how you choose) this for Mihawk. I’ve been waiting till he wasn’t busy so I can give it to him but he been busy all day” you say holding the scarf in your hands clenching down on the fabric before seeing Mihawk walk in

“ Mihawk I-“

“ Sorry I’ve been quite busy today. Let’s drink alright?” Mihawk says not noticing it we’re holding something

“ y-yeah!” You put the scarf into pocket

A few hours hours and you were already drunk and leaning against the greatest swordsmen getting tired

“ mihawk~” you say looking at the men before hugging him “ love you” you fall asleep closing your eyes

Mihawk looks quite surprised only to see shanks laugh

“ What’s so funny shanks?” The man looks at shanks with his golden eyes like he was staring into his soul

“ She fell asleep before she could show you it” he points to your pocket “ Look in her left pocket”

Mihawk wonders what the hell the other man was talking about but reaches in your pocket and grabs a scarf

“ it’s a scarf”

“ Look at it closely!” Shanks laughs drinking more alcohol

Mihawk observes it and sees his name is engraved into the scarf making his face turn a light hue of red before wrapping it around his neck and hugging you tightly starting to cuddle you.

You smile in your sleep and mumble “ I love you Mihawk” you go back to being quiet

“ I love you too” he mumbles under his breathe before gently picking you up in his arms and starts to carry you to their shared room “ Goodnight shanks” he mentions.

“ Goodnight you lovers!” He laughs seeing how cute Mihawk was being to you

Mihawk sits both of you on the bed and he watches you with his golden eyes. He thought you were the most beautiful women he has ever seen.

“ Goodnight my love” he kisses your forehead and hugs you tighter falling asleep cuddling you the whole night.

Crocodile: it was about 8 Pm in Alabasta. The sun was setting meaning it was starting to get cold. The days were scorching hot and the nights were freezing cold. Crocodile had another busy day but that was usual for the man but usually once he would have seen you walking around to either have tea ( or coffee) or feeding the bananagators. He’s not one to worry much but for you it was different.

“ where could that women be?” He walks and goes to his bedroom to think but he sees you were in his bed not looking too good. Your face has a red hue to it and you had blankets wrapped around you. You looked sick but crocodile was surprised you were in his bed and not your own

“ What are you do-“ he saw that you were asleep and looking visibly in pain and before he could continue to think nico robin appeared

“ She almost passed out near your room Mr.0. I brought her here earlier this morning. She must of been asleep the whole day”

Crocoldile sighs “ Fine. Can you leave us two alone women”

Nico smiles and leaves the two of them alone

Crocodile looking at form seeing you were still shivering despite being under 3 blankets. His face had worry in it before going to the bathroom grabbing a thermometer.

You open your eyes slowly seeing the man walk over to you “ I’m sorry cr-“

“ Don’t talk” he puts the thermometer into your mouth and when hearing the beep he takes it out. You definitely had a fever. He goes to call a doctor but can feel your hand grab on his clothes

“Please cuddle with me” you ask before letting go. You were so tired that you couldn’t even keep your grip on the mans coat

Crocodile wouldn’t admit it but he did find it cute that such a strong women like you would ask for something like that. He would completely deny any one else but he sighs shaking his hand “ Alright” he gets in bed and wraps his coat around you knowing you like his coat before seeing you wrap your arms around his form and closing your eyes once again

“ Thank you crocodile” you fall asleep having your face show the real pain you were in once again.

The man hugs you lightly not wanting to hurt you but let’s put a small smile before frowning “ Your definitely seeing a doctor tomorrow. But for now I will cuddle with you. I love you (name) you are a very strong women and I can’t see you being sick” he goes and turns off the light “ Goodnight (name)” you both sleep the whole night together having crocodile keep your warm the whole night.

Sanji: it was 7 pm, the stars were shining beautifully through the night sky. Everyone had finished dinner but you had decided not to eat. You wanted to watch the stars in the sky and think about the solar system as a whole. They’re were so many theories out there but one that was always on your mind is that the people you missed were a star in the night watching over you to keep you safe. It had been a while since you were on the ship with your crew but you missed the people you love and watching the stars made you feel closer to them. You were so lost in the stars you didn’t even hear Sanji yell your name

“ (name)-chaaaaaannn!!” Sanji rushes over with food that he had saved for you but he sees that you were so intently looking at the stars that you didn’t even notice he was there, to which made him shock

“ (name)-Chan?” He says poking your shoulder to which makes you jump “ Didn’t mean to scare you but you never came to dinner so I saved you some food”

“ O-oh thank you Sanji-Kun” you smile a bit taking the food and give him a hug in thanks before eating quietly and watching the stars

Sanji felt like he could pass out at the women, your hugs were like a hug from the goddess, your smile was brighter then any star in the sky.

He goes and sits down next to you wanting to spend some time together

“ What are you thinking about cutie?” He ask to which your face gets bright red

“ I-I well” it takes you a moment before speaking again “ When I look at the stars it brings me peace. They’re are so many different things people believe in when thinking about the stars. But the first thing that comes to mind for me is the people you love, the people you miss. They are the stars in the night watching over you, protecting you to whoever may harm you. They are the guiding light in the night sky” you take a bit of your food almost chocking when Sanji hugs you close, smelling the strawberry shampoo in your hair “ Are you missing someone right now?” He ask rubbing your hair trying to soothe you

You hum and nod your head “ I love being with everyone here, it’s always a fun new adventure waiting to happen but...” you take a breathe “ I do miss some people in my life. Every day I’m grateful for being here with everyone but I do miss them”

“ It’s okay (name)-Chan. That’s completely normal feeling. Everyones loves you here but I love you more then anyone else on this ship. I’m always here for you” Sanji looks up at the stars

You finish your dinner and lean against the cook giving him a kiss on the cheek “ Can we stay like this for a bit longer? I know you have to clean up but being with you like this... it makes me happy”

“ of course darling, anything for you”

Both you and Sanji spend a long time in each other’s arms watching the stars in the sky and enjoy each other’s company.

Zoro: today had been quite a peaceful day on the ship to which was a very rare occasion but it did sometimes happen. You were able to relax peacefully, everyone doing there own things but all you could here was Zoro grunt when lifting weights. You knew he was lifting inhuman number of weights but he was being very loud today for some reason. You stop whatever your doing and try to walk to him but you start to fall off the ship and before you go overboard Zoro had dropped his weights and grabbed you quickly

“ Z-Zoro...” you look at the man “ T-thank you”

Zoro humans but starts to hug you tighter while putting his face into his shoulder seeing some of his crew mates staring

“ Zoro is something wro-“ before you could continue Zoro quickly lifted you up your feet and carried you both to your bedroom placing you on the bed

“ Zoro what’s going o-“

“ I want to cuddle with you (name)” a light blush forms on his face “ I wanted to all day but I couldn’t get the words out. But seeing you almost fall off the ship it-“

You go and kiss the swordsmen cheek smiling “ It’s okay. I would love to cuddle with you”

He grins and gets in bed with you. He wraps you both in a blanket before hugging you tightly. One big arm wraps around your body while the other plays with your hair. He loved you so much, toot smile, your laugh, the way you shine in the sun, the way you could make his day with a snap of the finger. Zoro would never have thought of falling in love but with you, it was a whole new feeling, one he would never want to stop.”

“ I love you (name)”

“ I love you too Zoro. Thank you for cuddling with me”

He hums and the rest of the day you both cuddle and talk having it be a peaceful but very nice day, to which you both will hold dearly in your hearts

Im sorry if there are any grammar mistakes as I didn’t check before hand due to it being my birthday and I wanted to get this out as quick as possible! Again I hope you enjoy!

#zoro headcanons #zoro x reader #sanji headcanons #sanji x reader #rob lucci #rob lucci headcanons #rob lucci x reader #Mihawk headcanons #mihawk x reader #crocodile headcanons #crocodile x reader #ace headcanons #ace x reader #one piece headcanons #one piece #one piece x reader