#i was so blown away by the support for chapter 13!!

[coffehbeans]

Gt WAC Day 23

"A story with a nonhuman/ monstrous character"

THIS, this was a challenge to write ahsushus I'm so nervous cause it took me SO long and as per usual I'm still unsure about it.

This story is based on a dream I had a month ago, I was writing it since then so i could post it on day 23 of gtwac. So yep, new character. It's different from what I've wrote so far, but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Depending on the reception of this story I will continue it, but fair warning that it'll not be a happy one (IF I continue it).

I'm not sure if I'll rate this chapter in particular as above PG-13, but general warning for overall spooky, unsettling vibes.

Enjoy!

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Edward Becker has not seen his wife in seven years.

People called him crazy for waiting for her return. "She's done for", someone mentioned. "Why don't you find another one?", someone suggested, all falling in deaf ears as every single day, he'd go back from work, sit by the porch, and wait for her until the sun went down. A useless effort, as they said, a delusional hope, or the sign of going mad. But for Edward, it was his strength. The only support for his failed attempts at finding her. His last pillar of sanity that made him get up every morning and wait for her until nightfall. His wife would come back, like she always did. She would come back to his open arms, embrace him gently like she used to, cover him with kisses as he pulled her close. They would giggle and enter their home, enjoy a nice meal they cooked together, talking about their day during dinner, about plans for rebuilding their house, plans for a new job he wanted to get, plans about their future children. When night falls, they would sleep holding each other tight, relishing in their shared warmth.

All he had to do was wait for her by the porch.

...

One day, she did comeback.

It was past midnight. So dark and cold outside, most animals have gone to sleep, making the woods around his remote home dead silent. The cows and chickens of his small farm uttered no sound as they slept, and the wind billowed the wheat fields outside, his plain wooden house colored pitch black by the late-night sky. It was a weathered home, well kept indoors but in need of repairs, with ripped, dingy furniture and leaks on the roof. It was protected by a measly three-feet-tall fence that threatened to fall apart, and over the backyard, where the overgrown grass was blown by the wind, laid a simple wooden shed meant for storing farming equipment. Tossing and turning on his bed, Edward sat up with a jolt, sweat dripping on his face as anxiety threatened to eat him whole. He sighed, holding his face in his trembling hands, and letting out a shaky breath. He couldn't fall asleep in those nights, where the memory of Cordelia haunted his mind in his dreams, ones where she wore desperate expressions as she's dragged away from him by detached, withered hands, and no matter how much he ran, he didn't reach her. Nightmares where he found her dead body, pale and laying limp, lifeless eyes staring at him. Nightmares where he found her hurt, bleeding and beaten up, face covered by bruises ­– in most nights, those visions would plague him.

With a shiver, Edward got up, lighting up the oil lantern. He trudged for the kitchen, on his way to do the same as usual: put some water over the wood burning stove, boil it, try this new tea his friend had brought for him, and drink it aimlessly, hoping in vain for sleep to come back.

He sluggishly put wood pieces inside the firebox, reaching a hand for the lighter on the table. A flicker, two, and the fire was lit. He put the kettle over the stove with a clank, and stared at it blankly, waiting for bubbles to form. The house was pitch black, only the flickering flames of the stove and the lamp’s dim glow illuminated the room.

A loud sizzling of the kettle snapped Edward out of his torpor as the water boiled. He picked the hot handle, feeling its heat burning his skin, lifted it from the fire and — THUMP. A loud thud by the window behind him sent him jumping, fumbling with the kettle in his hands, heartbeat skyrocketing. He banged it on the table. Hot droplets prickled his hand. He turned around with rapid breaths. A blurred shadow dashed away from the window, sending a cold chill down his spine, the wind howling and heavy thuds echoing outside the house’s walls. Rhythmical and constant. Pounding on the ground. Edward sucked in a breath, head ringing against his skull. He stomped towards the cabinet containing his shotgun. There were thieves? In the middle of the night? Were they finally coming to steal a poor and mad man's house? He wouldn't allow it.

He can’t die yet. Not until Cordelia comes back to him.

Loading the gun with precise clicks, Edward aimed it at the window, darting his aim from window to window until he reached the door, the last place he heard the strange sound. With trembling hands over the trigger, his eyes focused on an invisible target. He held his breath, standing still. Not a single sound. Ears trained on any disturbance. THUMP. THUMP. A shadow passed by the window to his right. BANG!

He twisted his body and shot, missing the shadow by an inch.

"W-who's there!?" He shouted in a trepid tone.

No answer. Not even a sound. Maybe the sound of breathing. He couldn't tell. He couldn't tell if it was someone's breathing or his own.

The “sshhhs” and “thuds” echoed around him, heading towards the backyard. Edward adjusted the position of the gun in his arms.

He took a deep breath.

Edward ran to the back door and slammed it open with a kick, pointing the trembling shotgun towards the field. The sky was pitch-black outside, engulfing the horizon with its inky tint, and the stars didn't dare approach the darkness. The faint moonlight was partially obscured by the clouds, its glow too weak to lighten the outdoors. He huffed, feeling the weight of his gun, and headed further into the backyard with measured steps. His shoes crunched the grass below, the dry air amplifying the sound of his stride. Deadly silence filled the field. A puff of smoke left his nostrils as warm exhale met with the frigid air. Tightening the grip around the gun, he aimed it at the decrepit shed. Waiting for movement. Eyes trained forward. The dark blur of a large silhouette shifted behind it.

BANG.

He shot. Once. Twice. The sound of the bullets making his ears ring, metal creating holes in the aged wood. A loud, high-pitched, and definitely human scream cried behind it.

He stopped shooting, heart leaping to his throat. A weight plunked in his insides, making him loose the tight grip on his gun. Behind the shed, he heard it. A gasp. A whimper. A sob. Clearly feminine. Edward lowered the gun, furrowing his brows as the cries made a lump form inside his throat. A trick to let his guard down? A trap? It must be a trick for sure. No way an innocent person would show up in the middle of the night. No, there's no way. Goosebumps trailed down his back as the cries reached his ears. Why was there even someonehere?

The sobbing got louder, echoing in the cold, dark night. He shivered when the shrill voice reverberated in his ears, an uncomfortable knot twisting in his stomach at the thought he could have shot an innocent woman.

"Who... Who's there?" He repeated, cautious this time, as if talking to a cowering animal.

The sobs dwindled little by little. He didn't dare move. The figure was hidden behind the shed, not even the faint moonlight giving a glimpse of its appearance.

Finally, he heard it: that feminine voice. Frail, faint, and so utterly scared.

Its familiarity so potent, something clogged in his throat.

"... Ed..."

That voice. The voice he waited for so many years by the porch. The voice he dreamed of in his sleep. Screaming. Crying for help. Calling for his name.

"... Edward..."

The same voice that recited sweet words of so much care, so much love and adoration to him every day. The voice that followed a gentle embrace, the smell of perfume and a prolonged kiss. The same voice that said "I do" by the altar over 12 years ago, that whispered close to his ear, giggling with joy. The voice that chatted to him relentlessly, which he couldn't get enough of. The voice that laughed, cried, shouted, only to say sweet words of gentle love again. That melodic yet striking voice. Edward didn't notice the tears falling from his face. Didn't notice the gun falling to the ground. Didn't notice his feet moving on his own, towards the shed, towards the faint possibility that she was behind it. He stumbled faster towards it, raising a trembling hand. "C-Cordelia?!" "NO! DON'T COME CLOSER!" The powerful shout made him stop dead on his tracks, ears complaining from its sheer force. He never heard his wife sound so... Desperate. In panic. "... H-honey...?" "Pl-please... D-don't come closer yet." She said, her voice returning to its normal pitch, but shaking with trepidation.

  "W-what's wrong...? Did I –"

Then he remembered it. The gun. The shootings. The fact he almost killed his own wife. His heart sank, face turning pale, his voice hoarse.

"Oh God. It's - it's really you, it was you and I almost, I-I a-almost... A-are you hurt? Are you bleeding? I –"

Edward took more shaking steps towards it, the nightmare of his dead wife still clear in his mind.

"NO!" - He stopped again. - "I-I'm fine! I'm not hurt, you d-didn’t hit me."

Edward covered his face with a hand and stopped himself from wanting to vomit.

"Cordelia I'm- ... I-I'm so, so sorry I thought it was a thief, I..."

He lowered his head, and took a shaky breath.

"Am I going crazy? Is – is it r-really you?! I, I waited for s-so long – I thought you were dead —!"

Tears poured desperately from Edward's eyes, his attempts to stop his sobs coming in vain. He hiccupped under his cries, breathing rapidly as reality came crashing down and years of restrained emotion leaked out. The voice sounded just like her. The voice could really be her.

‘Then, if it’s her, why is she hiding?’

"Please, d-dear, if it's really you..." - he whispered, his voice croaky and dry. Tears continued to fall.

"Please let me see you..." The shed grew eerily silent. Cold air made him quiver. A silent second spread throughout the night, the sounds of his sobs echoing through the pitch-black darkness. "I... I can't."

She whispered back in a shaky voice. Unsure. Afraid. Edward raised his head, glancing to the fallen gun on the grass, a realization hitting deep inside his stomach. "Are you scared of me...?" A pause. He heard her sucking in a breath. A long, deep exhale was carried by the wind. Her voice faint and trembling. "N-no... Dear, I... I'm not scared of you." The shed's wood creaked, like something was gripping it and scratching it down. "...I'm scared of myself." Edward's guilty expression changed to confusion. He furrowed his brows. A part of him wanted to giggle. His adorable wife, scared of herself? Why? She always had some impatience and anger she was discontent about, but even so... That made no sense. The way she acted, hiding from him, made no sense. Another part of Edward felt an odd sense of dread. As if something was not right. "Honey, why are you hiding from me? I... I waited for so long... I-I searched everywhere for you, and when I couldn't find anything, I waited. And when I couldn't wait anymore, I prayed. I hoped. I-I never paid attention to what the others said, even if they called me crazy." He took a step towards the shed. She sucked in a breath. Edward didn't notice more tears started to pour from his face. "And it's you, r-right? It's you who's behind here, right? Alive and well? Please dear... Don't let me think I've gone crazy!" He took another step closer. Then another. She whimpered behind the decrepit barn. Edward's vision was blurry from his own tears, but he didn't care anymore. He just needed to see her, even if it wasn't true. Even if he died.

Gosh, he just wanted to see her.

"Honey, DON'T!" The sheer loudness of her rigid voice made him stop dead on his tracks again. He opened his mouth, ready to protest, but Cordelia interrupted him.

"It's n-not... It's not that I'm not alive and well, Edward..." "So why are y-"

"...I-it's that I don't know what I am anymore..." He paused. That uneasy sense of dread sank heavier inside him. "What...? Cordelia, what do you mean-" "If I," – She interrupted, taking a deep breath. – "If I really come out of this shed, Will you promise, promise me that you will not run?" A shiver ran down his spine. Heartbeat rocked harder against his chest. Something's not right. Something's clearly not right. But Edward planted his feet firmly on the ground. It was his wife's voice. He lost her seven years ago. He doesn't know what happened to her in that time. She could be different from how she looked back then, hurt and bruised from whatever abuse they inflicted on her. Rage bubbled up inside him. Whoever did anything to her, he would kill them in cold blood. They would pay for taking her away from him. Being hurt and disfigured by her captors… That was probably what Cordelia meant.

There was no need for him to feel so nervous.

"You know I love you, dear... No matter what. You know I'd never run away from you... So why would you even ask that?"

"Please, Edward." She said louder than he expected. Desperate. Too desperate. "Please promise you won't run." The moonlight cast over the shed, the little gaps between the wooden plates showing a faint shadow behind it. A hulking mass, piled up like a bundle of hay, a head peeking out of the lump as if there was no body attached to it. Edward's eyes widened, heart drumming faster in his chest. Cold sweat scurried down his forehead. 'What is that?' And yet, he couldn't deny the pleading voice of his wife, sounding exactly as she did seven years ago. It couldn't possibly not be her. Something grave must have happened when she was gone, and that's why she was so afraid. Yes, that's most likely it.

So Edward gulped his nervousness down, and wiped the sweat from his face.

"Honey... I promise I won't run away from you... I would never run away from you."

A light, quiet wail whispered in the cold night, slowly dwindling down. A sniff sounded behind the shed. A long inhale and exhale belonging to powerful lungs.

Silence.

"... Alright."

And the heavy sound of something dragging over the earth.

A form encased in shadow peeked from the wooden walls over fourteen feet above him. Edward took a while to notice the large silhouette was a head. His wife's head. It was truly, truly her! Looking just like he remembered and – pale. So sickeningly pale. A dark and somber expression covered her face. Her eyes were baggy and downcast, white lips trembling. But more importantly, he couldn't understand why she has so high up.

"P-please..." - she uttered, almost to herself. - Please don't run..." Gargantuan claws appeared next to her, black, sharp nails curling over the creaking wood. A long, bony hand covered by charcoal scales. His wife pressed her eyes firmly shut. Edward took a step back, his mouth going dry. The sinking feeling in his stomach cut deeper. And then he saw why she was so high up.

The rest of her appeared under the pale moonlight, her form triple of a human size. A gigantic torso loomed over him like a small tree, covering him in her shadow. She wore nothing on her, long, mahogany hair covering her chest.

Then he looked down.

Black and yellow scales jutted out of her skin, covering her lower half, legs attached together in a single, cylindrical body that twitched and writhed as it came closer. The thick tail uncoiled behind the shed, extending further and further to Edward's right, so much so it could envelop around him if it moved. With loud thumps, Cordelia's massive form fell on the ground, hair obscuring her downcast face. Black talons gripped the soil as she pushed herself forward. Rough and coarse scales scraping against the earth as the hulking, round tail crunched the grass and lugged over it like a corpse dragging on the dirt. Rocks broke with a sickening "crunch" under its weight.

Edward's face contorted in shock. He took one, two steps back, eyes widening in horror, shaken to the core as his heart jumped in his throat. Pounding harder against his ribcage.

It was a gargantuan something, half snake, half something that resembled human. Resembled his wife. He mumbled incomprehensibly. Primal fear took over him. A crying, shaky voice resounded from the creature's mouth. A clawed hand the size of his head reaching out to him. "P-please... Edward..." He ran. He screamed bloody murder and dashed back towards his house, hearing it holler back his name. Tears fell from his eyes, desperation taking hold of his body. A deafening sound of thumps and scratches came from behind him, growing closer, coming for him.

"WAIT–!" Tha thing can’t be his wife. Whatever it was it could not be his wife. It shouldn't be his wife. It shouldn't be human. He ran through the house's corridors, left became right and up became down and the crunches behind him grew louder and louder and he had to hide, he had to hide but there was nothing in his room aside from the cold, old bed so he bolted, ran and ducked under it, mumbling shaky prayers, begging to heavens for his life. Begging that he was hallucinating. To not die to someone who looked so much like her.

That couldn't be real. He heaved. It can't be real, can't be real can't be real it can’t – He's gone crazy. Yes, that must be it. He's finally gone mad and that’s why.

But the cracks of the floorboards under the creature's weight sounded far too real for him to doubt. The scratching of the claws over the ground as it dragged its gargantuan body caused a fear too intense for him to doubt. The cracking of the walls as it squeezed itself inside felt too real for him to doubt. Edward clamped his mouth shut with a shaking hand, curling up under the bed and closing his eyes tight. If he remained immovable, if he remained silent, maybe it wouldn't find him. Maybe he wouldn't die. He gulped down a whimper that threatened to escape from his throat. Cordelia's voice resonated from the creature's mouth again. Weak, raspy, and grieving. It was a strategy to lure him out. Yes. That was probably it. It couldn't possibly be something else. Because that huge monster with crude scales couldn't be his wife, with soft skin and flowing hair, with her dress that billowed in the wind when they walked over green fields together. No. That thing could not be her. "Edward... Please, I-I..." She whispered under her heavy sobs. Loud thumps echoed outside the room. "I won't hurt you... Please believe me!"

The sobs that sounded so much like her broke his heart in half. But he remembered to what it belonged to. He would not fall for it. Even if he wanted to scream for help, knowing that no one would come. Even if a part of him wanted nothing more than believe it was all true and run towards its scaly arms. He gulped down his screams of fear, and remained silent. Frozen. Unmoving. He would not fall for it

The scrapes and scratches got louder. Scales hissed over the floorboards that chirred in protest.

"I'm not a monster. I'm not –" A claw unhinged itself from the floor and the creature raised itself up. A loud bump thundered on the ceiling, a shocked gasp echoed in the dry air. Edward clutched his eyes shut. Dust and debris fell on the ground. The monster laid down again, a heavy bang thundering in the silent house. The floorboards groaned as it settled on the ground.

"If you... If you look at me like that again, I-I think I'll go crazy... I can't stand it!"

Loud sobs filled the house. Edward flinched and clutched his eyes shut, breathing heavily, curling further inside himself. He resisted the urge to break down into tears.

The dragging and shuffling got heavier. The floorboards of his bedroom, the ones he was currently laid over, creaked in complaint of the weight being placed upon them. The sound got louder. Closer.

It was entering his room.

He sucked in a quivering gasp. Heart threatening to escape his throat, he shook as if the room was freezing cold, tears cascading down his face at the thought that he really could die now. He would die. He would die. Maybe he should. Maybe she should just end him.

He saw it. The black and yellow scales, shimmering as it moved. The snake body crawling as it reached the door, so massive it got stuck in the door frame. A push or two and it got free, the walls around it cracked, dust fell around him and a crunching sound reverberated in the room. Black claws scraped the ground, wood screeching in the deafening silence. A towering human body, pale torso as tall as him, laid down, auburn locks of hair trailing on the floor. The face obscured by its raised head.

It stopped moving. He looked at its skin with heaving breaths and widened eyes.

They remained still for what felt like an eternity. The only sound was his own heartbeat, his breathing and the creature's. The tail twitched and thumped against the walls with a loud noise. He flinched as his eyes darted back and forth, hearing the friction of scales against wood.

Silence.

She sniffed. And spoke first. "... When the civil war happened, we hid here once. You would wrap your arms around me, and we'd curl up together under the bed, praying that it'd protect us." – she whispered.

"– But even when I cried, even when we thought we would die, I still felt safe with you. Do you remember that, dear…?"

The sorrowful voice spoke of memories that a monster should not have. Edward felt cold. So cold, alone under that bed.

He closed his eyes tightly shut. Maybe, after a while, he wouldn't see her when he opened them. Hugging himself, Edward shuddered as a shiver crawled up his spine. Maybe he could still return to a normal life, where he didn’t hallucinate. Maybe he could still pretend none of this happened.

There was a shifting sound, and he sucked in a trepid breath. A thud, right in front of him. With his lips trembling, and teeth grinding against each other, Edward wondered if his death would be quick. But time stretched as the room fell into stifling silence, the monster's breathing ruffling on his face. It was right in front of him. He knew. He knew that he should just keep his eyes closed, waiting for his death. He knew that. His heart hurt inside his ribcage from pounding so hard, and his stomach sank lower with fear. He should close his eyes more firmly. He should just wait a while longer.

But instead, he opened them.

Her face. Her same crying face, if not for the magnified size and its greyish blue eyes with slitted pupils. A shadow of what once was her. His wife. The one he waited for so long. The one he imagined walking back to him as he sat by that porch every day. It did come back, as a monster, a ghost ready to haunt him, blame him for the pathetic man that he was, for not being able to prevent her from going missing. A reflection of what he lost. Evidence of his cowardice. A sign that he has gone mad.

That's what he wanted to believe.

But the face that resembled his wife so faithfully mirrored his expression of dread and grief. It covered itself in such humanity, with the exhausted eyes dripping with tears. With the mouth, when its pale lips parted as it sucked in a shaky breath, even if it revealed sharp teeth underneath. With its thick, auburn hair as it clung to her sweating face. It looked so distinctly human. So distinctly real. Not at all like a ghost. Not at all like a monster out to hunt him.

In that closeup by the gap under the bed, it just looked like his wife.

Edward’s breathing got less exasperated. His heart rocked less inside his chest. His tears dried as his widened eyes remained frozen on the figure before him. He glared at its mouth, as it opened to speak.

"Edward..." It whispered. So silently, so tender yet certain, just like the time when he had her by his side.

"... I am real."

The tears resurfaced, a mix of fear, hope and despair turned into quiet, then loud sobs, then muffled screams as Edward cried and curled up further under the bed, letting out years of frustration. Years of guilt as it made his chest hurt and his breathing to narrow. He couldn't hear her, who was sobbing on her own, as he drowned in the sorrows that leaked out of his weathered body like a dam that has been broken. Did he have her back? Could he really put a stop to this? He felt guilty. So guilty. Was that his fault? If he found her, would she have turned out like this? No, she wouldn’t. He knew she wouldn’t and that was why the tears wouldn’t stop. If the monster wanted to hurt him, Edward wouldn’t blame it, not even a little.

When he started to calm down, he didn't realize the creature was still there, in front of him, with tears gathered on its enlarged face. He regained his breath, steadily and gradually, refocusing his eyes on the grey blue irises. Her gaze softened, just like when she greeted him home after a tiring day, eyes inviting him for peaceful rest.

He needed that rest. More so than any other day.

"If I... If I move away, will you come out?"

She whispered so quietly Edward struggled to hear it. But it still sounded the same, that sweet, honeyed voice that said “I love you” with so much earnest and ease. But a part of him still doubted. His body still trembled under her alien gaze. Doubts echoed in his mind, and adrenaline pumped in his veins. If this was her, then how? Why? What kind of degenerate devil would do this to her?

But still, he wanted to believe... He did, but... He didn't want to die.

"Dear... If I wanted to hurt you, don't you think I'd already done so?"

There it was, her bolder side, the one that always made her win an argument, that scolded him sometimes but he always loved it when she did. The one that now made him snap out of it, and helped Edward realize that he didn't have any power in this situation from the very beginning. The creature was huge and could see him. Indeed, if it wanted it would have hurt him long ago. Edward repeated this in his head over and over until it was enough to clear his mind.

In a glimpse of calmness, he managed to speak in what was left of his hoarse voice. "Yes... You're right, honey." And she smiled. A relieved, sad smile, one that did not have any hope in it, but that was glad he at least spoke to her like a person. Like his wife. Even if it was only for a little bit.

  She got up, the long claws visible for a second in Edward's field of vision. They recoiled towards the snake creature's chest as if it had touched a burning kettle, knowing he had seen its intimidating appendage. It shifted its body away and the scales glistened as it slithered towards the door. After a while, it stopped. The area in front of Edward was free to move now.

His heartbeat rocked louder. What if the moment he leaves it slices him open with those claws... – No. 'Snap out of it. Snap out of it.'  he repeated in his head, recalling the events and the fact that if it was a predator after its prey, he was already too difficult to be bothered with. He would be fine, Edward assumed. He had to be.

And if all of that was a lie, then it was better that he died anyway, granting the sweet release of death instead of sinking into his madness.

Because if all that he saw this night was not real, then he really has gone mad.

Edward took a deep breath. One... Two... The snake creature remained still.

Three.

He scrambled away from the bed and sat up in a hurry, heaving like he had run a marathon. Eyes closed. Waiting for the inevitable.

It never came.

So he opened his eyes, coming face to face with the creature's scales stretching in the distance. His heart throbbed.

"I-it's okay, honey... You're doing great." She whispered, voice clogged by her own desire to break down into tears.

Edward took another deep breath. In… And out. No closing his eyes now. And slowly, he raised his head up, searching for the face of his beloved. Even if he was shaking from head to toe.

His eyes trailed up her body. Nervous and slim hands, covered by black scales, interlaced over her lap. The scales of her tail became thinner and thinner as he looked up, their color contrasting against the ivory skin of her human upper body. It was ashen, slim, the torso alone was as tall as he was. He looked to the chest concealed by her hair, mahogany and wavy, just like he remembered, although the strands were much longer and thicker than before. And finally, he reached it. The same sweet, tender face, looking down at him. The trembling lips struggled to show a reassuring smile, forcing her mouth shut in order to cover the fangs underneath it. Those elongated eyes, with thick eyelashes that fluttered, blinking away tears. The same straight nose. Those previously beautiful blue eyes, now a greyer shade and with pupils like a reptile's, yet with that human, longing glance, darting around Edward's face as she analyzed his every expression.

It was her. No doubt about that now.

Edward opened his mouth and closed it, struggling to form words. Thoughts spiraled inside his mind. Feelings of guilt, frustration, anger, indignation. Fear. Sorrow. Pain.

Yet hope. Above all it was hope.

Edward got up, not taking his eyes off hers.

That was no monster. It was, indeed, his wife.

"Oh, Cordelia, what have they done to you?"

His voice whispered, thick with sorrow. He looked up to see pools of tears splashing from Cordelia's face, a clear expression of relief. She sobbed, burying her face in her clawed hands, relieved that her husband called her by her name again. Relieved that he was here. Relieved that he didn't see her as a monster, at least for that moment. A piece of humanity she lost, a piece of her previous life that she missed, a piece of hope that was snatched away from her seven years ago and that she never thought she'd have again. It was returning for her.

He was returning for her.

Cordelia was surprised by a warm touch over her scaled lap. She wiped the tears from her eyes with the rough back of her hand, looking down with a gasp. Her husband was rubbing his hand over it, tiny and shaking, comforting her. An attempt to reach out.

"D-don't. They are hideous..." Tears flowed on her face.

‘Indeed, they were’, Edward thought. He never liked snakes, their scales always making his skin crawl whenever he found one in the farm. The feeling wasn't any different as he trailed his hands over her, goosebumps raised the hairs on his skin and he shuddered with each motion. Edward exhaled shakily. No matter how much he looked at it, even if everything felt unreal at the moment, he couldn’t deny who was in front of him.

"They are still you." He said.

Cordelia widened her eyes and Edward looked up at her with compassion on his face. Love, longing. They both yearned for that. For the same feeling to return to them. For the same life, that was so cruelly snatched away from them, to return as if nothing had gotten between them in the first place. Even if it was a pointless dream.

They fumbled awkwardly at what to do.

Edward wasn't sure how to proceed. His mind conjured images of him holding her tightly, back to her human form, like a dream manifesting. Yet the reality loomed over him and the long tail that filled his bedroom in multiple coils covered his skin with goosebumps, a knot tightening on his throat.

He looked up and confirmed it, Cordelia's unsure face was there. He’s not crazy. All of that was still her.

She looked away under his apprehensive gaze, turning deep red and ashamed of herself. Edward took a deep breath; she didn’t feel well and he needed to fix this. He looked down. Then looked up again.

"Can I hold you?"

The question took Cordelia aback. She backed away from him and widened her eyes. Her tail bumped on the cabinet and he twisted his neck towards the source of the sound, clearly flinching from the movement.

He was still terrified of her. Then, why...?

"You don't need to do this, Edward. You did great already –“

"No. I want to do this. If you're really you, I want to do this."

Cordelia looked down and saw Edward's determined face. Her heart broke silently inside her. Why he was so adamant in dealing with her, Cordelia didn't know. But gosh, if it wasn't for his fear and for her disgusting claws, she'd have held him close a long time ago. She missed it so much. How much she missed his strong embrace.

So she nodded, and he came closer.

Edward couldn't quite contain how much he was shaking. Couldn't contain his jolt when he touched her frigid skin, chills crawling down his spine. But despite this, he pushed on forward, kneeling over her scaled lap, glancing at how they shone even in the partial darkness. With silent fascination, Cordelia let her arms hover around him.

A moment hung between them.

And Edward latched onto her. He rested on her torso and enveloped his arms around her, as much as he could, as they barely reached her back. Cold. She was cold like a corpse. He rested his cheek against her stomach, shivering upon contact. Gosh, it was so cold. He wanted to pull away. He wanted to hold her closer. Cordelia didn't remember the last time she sensed so much warmth. She felt herself getting hot inside even when she thought she was not capable of feeling warm anymore. Edward snuggled closer to her chest, and she sighed, relishing in his contact. Gently, like she was cradling an injured bird, Cordelia enveloped her arms around him, careful not to hold him too tight or not to loom over him, either. Gosh, the way her arms completely engulfed him... She felt monstrous. Edward shrank upon contact and she started to let him go, fearing this was a bad decision, but the feeling of his hug getting tighter made her arms remain still.

They stayed like this for an amount of time, taking in each other’s presence. Edward heard his wife's strong heartbeat against him, which grounded him in his current predicament, but still... Maybe he'd blink and she'd be gone, or maybe something would finally reveal that he'd made all of that up. Cordelia's embrace got a little tighter, not in a way that was hurting him, but she shifted around and her shadow loomed over as she curled around him. Her arms closed the hug in, and his heart skipped a beat.

"I missed you." she croaked.

She leaned over Edward, pulling him closer. He sighed in sweet relief upon hearing her melodic voice, feeling exhaustion weighing down on him as his body relaxed. He sank in her gentle embrace, kissing the surface of the freezing cold skin.

"I missed you too, dear."

...

They were laying on their backs under the early morning light, on the floor of the same bedroom where everything happened. Cordelia's tail stretched way further outside the room, disappearing through the door. Edward rested on top of her, not after much insistence that he wrapped a warm blanket around him. He ran his fingers through her hair, dazed, letting the reality of the situation sink in. He wasn't exactly afraid now, but the memories of the night made his heart twist with a mix of dread and guilt. Edward needed to know. How bad was everything that happened to her? Too much happened, she was gone, and now he had her back. It felt unreal and too real at the same time. And yet, Edward needed answers. Maybe, just for a few minutes, he thought, they could stay like this, and pretend that nothing had happened, but he knew that curiosity would get the best of him. Cordelia looked down at her husband with tenderness, watching as he caressed her hair, as she avoided touching him with her claws. She noticed his pensive expression and frowned.

“Is something wrong?

Edward hesitated, looking for ways to phrase his question. "What happened that made you turn into this?" He asked finally, tone even, yet with seething rage building up inside his chest. "Who did this to you?"

Cordelia sighed, closing her eyes. All the memories surfaced in her head like a messy conjecture of disfigured images and sounds. She took a shuddering breath, and spoke.

"I regained memories of you first before I remembered my own name..."

#this was my attempt at suspense #giant/tiny #g/t #hope y'all like it! #I've got some goosebumps while writing this so I hope y'all get some too lol #coffeh writes #story #writing #sfw g/t #g/t story #g/t writing #oc: cordelia #oc: edward #g/t angst #g/t hurt and comfort #gtwac #wacprompts

[courtofparrots]

Leon goes back to the entrance of the mines in search of Luis’s body, and spends some time reflecting on the relationship and moments they shared in Spain.

Closing in on a chapter count now, I think it’ll end up at around 13 chapters 🫶🏻 thanks again for reading my story I’m blown away by the support so far!!!!

#luis serra #leon s kennedy #re4 remake #serennedy #resident evil #ao3 link #ao3 fanfic

[kazoosandfannypacks]

5, 7, 8, and 13 for the WIP ask game! 😁

JESSICA!!!!! HIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!

5. What fic surprised you with how much interaction it got this past year?

I know I mentioned Wishing it Wasn't when Hazel asked, but I also want to give honorable mention to This is (Kinda) The Way. I'd hoped it would do well, but was blown away by not only the lovely comments and kudos on ao3, but also all the interaction it got on tumblr. It was at the top of the sabezra and ezrabine tags for a couple days (and if you've blocked as many tags as I have you'd've seen it at the top of the sabine wren tag too,) which was such a huge encouragement to me as I recovered from my unfortunate accident 😅

7. Share a line/paragraph/snippet that you were especially proud of from a work this year!

I'm gonna go with this section from As The Sun Rose and Seasons Changed, because I waited almost a decade to see these two idiots from The Shuttle get engaged and am very glad to have been the one to do it:

 "There's a reason I brought you out here today, Betty," he smiled, "you've always been clever, so I know you know what I'm going to ask you, but I'm going to ask it anyways, and it's going to be the most terrifying moment of my life."  "You've no reason to be afraid, James." She rarely called him by his first name rather than his title, but now it felt proper to do so.  "You've no idea what I fear to lose, Miss Vanderpoel," he said, "I know of your love for Dunstanwolde, and your disdain for its condition– and of my love for it as well. If all I were offering was my land and my title, to watch from the sides as you touch all around me with your life, I'd give even that. But what I ask is something deeper. I do not ask you to love a sullied name or a crumbled ruin. I ask you to love the man who holds nothing besides them," and here he took her hand and said, "I'm asking you to love me."  Still holding her hand, he knelt before her, one knee supporting him on the damp earth his ancestors had killed for and died on. Out of his pocket he pulled a ring, and held it before her.  "Bettina Vanderpoel," he asked, "will you marry me?"  He wasn't the first man who'd proposed to her– but somehow she'd hoped all along that he would be the last.

8. What's your favorite work you posted this past year?

if you think I'm gonna say the same thing I told Hazel and Iris, you are dead wrong.

Even though it's not perfect by any stretch of the word, I'm gonna say How We Rewrote the Stars. I intended it to just be a oneshot and posted it as such for sabezra week, but added more chapters after the fact. It was my first time posting an uncompleted work, which has always worried me because what if I wanted to change something? What if I messed something up in the first chapter? However, I took a leap of faith {which, fun fact, is the name I would've posted it under had I left it as a oneshot} and tried it out like that, and I'm proud of that!

13. What fic are you most excited to post in the upcoming year?

I'm very much hoping to finish the Gamergirl Sabezra AU by the end of the year, and can't wait to share it with you guys. I'm also working on a Captain Swan fic I've lovingly nicknamed the "romeo & juliet & boybands au." I haven't posted anything for Captain Swan since June, and that's the CS fic I have the most motivation to write, so it'll be lovely to post for such a lovely fandom again!

thanks so much for the ask!

📝 send me some asks from my ao3 writers ask game!

#kazzy writes #kazzy writes fanfic #ao3 wrapped #kazzy's kazootuals #kazzy answers asks #gamergirl sabezra au #cs romeo & juliet & boybands #saltinna #the shuttle #sabezra #this is (kinda) the way #captain swan #how we rewrte the stars #otp: im counting on you #otp: try something new darling #otp: a bargain from the ducal remnant counter

[kingeorgey]

the reception to ‘Faithless and Mystic, Faint as Can Be’ on ao3 has blown me away. i know i don’t reply to comments or reblogs (i get really anxious replying to comments) but they mean the WORLD to me. i obsess over each and every one.

as my thanks for reaching 1,000 hits, i present to you:

Things About “Faithless and Mystic, Faint as Can Be” that Only the Author Knows

1.) I kind of hate the title because it doesn’t fit anymore (see #2)

2.) This book was never meant to be a book. It was going to be a roughly 15,000 word 3-chapter fic, purely about the group’s first meeting post-cyclone. I was as shocked by The Kiss as the audience, and that’s when I made it a full length fic.

3.) I don’t know why I decided to put poems at the beginning of the chapters. Just for fun, originally. Now I feel like I’m committed. The first 3 chapters, I had the poems decided beforehand. Since then I either do it towards the end, or right before I upload. Is it pretentious? Slightly. But I’m committed now.

4.) I do not write characters if I don’t know their favorite ice cream flavor. Whether it’s Ricky or Penny, or the bully with one line in chapter 5. There are some tossups, though.

5.) Ricky’s dad, Henri, is actually Henri-Pierre Potts. He and Victoria met at a French-Canadian speaking university in Sudbury. Uranium was only a 40 minute drive from their post-uni jobs, and real estate was cheap, so they got a nice house and stayed there. Victoria’s maiden name is Charlotte.

6.) The Potts are not devout Catholics whatsoever, just put Ricky at St. Cassians because they make good money and figured it would be a better education. Ricky’s disability (better put, how others treated them) played a big role in their shift away from the religion- will be expanded upon in future chapters or a future oneshot.

7.) 99% of this book has been written with Peaky Blinders in the background.

8.) Mischa is roughly 6’5. Eastern Europeans tend to be pretty tall and I come from a tall family- I thought all boys were 6’3 minimum until I got into high school and 6’0 was considered tall. (I’m just under 5’11 myself)

9.) I purposely do not mention Noel’s height, or whether he is cisgender.

10.) I cannot, for the life of me, write Constance Blackwood. Ocean is a struggle, pretty neck and neck with Noel. The other three are extremely easy to write.

11.) Penny’s height is never explicitly stated, either. It’s mentioned that she’s small, yes- but, was I talking about her literal appearance?

12.) Victoria Potts cannot handle raw meat in any capacity. If Henri does not do the cooking (which, in chapter 4, we learn he does) the Potts don’t eat meat. My older sister is like this, I find it an interesting quirk.

13.) The kids are going to have a homecoming dance / end of autumn dance. I know that’s American, but I’m the author and my fanfictions are dictatorships. The Ricky and Penny interaction is going to be gloriously teenage boyish.

14.) Titling the chapters is the absolute last thing I do, and it’s one of my favorite parts.

15.) So far, one of my favorite moments as an author has been the ceramic plate metaphor in chapter 4 (I think) when Mischa stays the night at Ricky’s. This fic has really pushed my writing beyond what I thought it could be and even though it’s kind of stupid, the ceramic plate thing made me so proud when I typed it out. I’ve been consistently writing fanfiction since fifth grade (started with a One Direction trilogy, don’t ask) and now I’m in my third year of college. I’ve come a long way and I really do enjoy writing fanfic in my free time, it’s nice to write something I’m so insanely proud of!

That’s all for now- thank you endlessly for the support! 🤍

#jane doe #ride the cyclone #ricky potts #ride the cyclone fanfiction #penny lamb #constance blackwood #mischa bachinski #ocean oconnell rosenberg #noel gruber #spacedolls #rtc fanfic #fanfic

[blackbird-brewster]

Criminal Minds, JJ/Tara, WC: 72,428 (Completed!) Rated: Explicit

Summary: JJ returned to the BAU after having her second child, seemingly having perfected the art of hiding how unhappy she is in her marriage from everyone on the team, well, everyone except Tara

[Takes place through S11-13]

A/N: Ahhhhhhh!!! IT'S DONE!!! I am so endlessly proud of this final chapter, it hits so many heart strings. I cannot describe how humbled I am by the support I've received from the handful of JJ/Tara shippers in the tiny AO3 tag. I know they're considered a 'rare pair', but if this fic does anything -- I hope it might change a few people's minds and show them that JJ/Tara have an incredible dynamic together.

Acknowledgements:

First and foremost, thank you to my incredible partner @phantomhag-666 for being my biggest hype man while I've been writing this fic. Thank you for always letting me read to you and bounce ideas off you. I am endless grateful for you and I am so very happy you love my Blorbos as much as I do.

Thanks you so much to @gaelic-symphony for always cheering me on AND for being the one who predicted my little one-shot would turn into something much, much more. I always appreciate our texts about Tara Lewis!!

@cargopantsprentiss I know this isn't even your ship, but I am so grateful you've cheered me on nevertheless. Thanks for always accepting snippets of smut and angst. I love sharing our one gay brain cell with you.

#The Jara Jamboree, my dear friend, I am so grateful you reached out to me! Your constant support of all things Jara truly inspires me to write more for this incredible ship. You are a joy and delight to talk to!!

@artcake thank you so very much for always being such a delight to work with!! Getting to commission you for the artwork for this chapter was genuinely a delight. I appreciate you always working with my overly specific visions.

The readers!!! Holy shit, for a fic that exists in a tag with a total of 13 works (9 of which are written by me), I am BLOWN AWAY that I have received so many kind comments, kudos and hits. I hope this fic continues to gain traction, so it can inspire others to start writing for this incredible pairing.

#criminal minds #jennifer jareau #jj jareau #tara lewis #cm fanfiction #jara #my writing #by&m

[growingdesires]

Retail - Chapter 13

Find all of my links & keep up to date with all my content through my Linktree :)

______________________________________________

Chapter 13

I look again at the bra on my desk and take in its magnitude.

D to L…

I shake my head.

No bigger than an L.

I look at the CCTV to observe Mandy before taking a deep breath and heading out to meet her once again.

Rounding the corner to the shop floor I see that Mandy is occupied with another customer. I walk over to the tills and pretend to work on them, opening the browser built into them when in reality my eyes are glued to Mandy and her chest.

The top she has on is strained very tightly across her vast bust at this point and with the lack of a bra she appears even bigger somehow. The fabric is being pulled tightly at its sides, so much so that it has got tell tale signs of being on its last legs. Her breasts are compactly stuffed into the top and with each breath as I watch I can see her top being pushed to its limits.

The chilly air from the supermarket fridges linger throughout the entire store and this has an obvious effect on Mandy, her nipples are very clearly on show, protruding outwards very prominently.

I wonder if the customer noticed.

The customer turns to leave and Mandy thanks them for their time, leaving the shop Mandy turns to face me and smirks.

“Hi.” She says with a childish tone about herself.

“Hi.” I reply, trying to sound playful but coming out more nervous.

“I’m not sure if they appreciated my work attire Dan.” She squeezes her biceps against the sides of her breasts.

The fabric creaks as she manipulates the massive amount of breast flesh attached to her chest.

“I really don’t know if I will make it to the end of the day either.” She says in a hushed voice as she takes a step towards me.

“They are still growing. Much slower obviously but I can feel them.” She moans a little too loud.

My face reddens as I watch her take another step which now closes the gap between me and her, her large boobs crash against my chest, I can even feel her thick nipples pressing into me. I let out a big wheeze as the collision occurred.

They are heavy.

Leaning her face closer to mine she whispers, “Can you feel that?”

Remaining still I concentrate hard on the feeling of her boobs against me.

“I er-“

Before I can answer I feel her hands grasp my wrists and move my palms to her tits. My hands sinking into her softness, I feel a slow and steady building, very faint but it is there.

My jaw drops slightly as I can’t believe it still, even after seeing her grow before my eyes, I am still blown away by Mandy and her magnificent chest.

“I don’t know what too big is.” She whispers into my ear. “But I think you don’t either.” I feel her hand rub against my cock as it snakes down my thigh. “The only problem is if this carries on, I might need to go around topless.” She jests.

The joke causes my cock to pulse and flex against her hand. She coos and lightly strokes it, eliciting a moan from me.

“Seems like you like the sound of that?” She presses herself more into me. “You want to see my big tits out in the open. Is that it?” Increasing her grip on my erection. “You do, don’t you, you want to show everyone what you did to me.” 

Fuck…

“You want everyone to know that it is because of you I am so fucking busty.” She moans herself now.

I grip onto the desk beside me as my legs shake from her strokes.

“Mandy…” I try to protest.

“Yes Dan?” She doesn’t stop stroking.

“Cus- Customers…”

“Oh, and you were so close.” She stops and steps back and winks.

I notice that somehow, impossibly, her nipples are even harder now, her thick thimble sized nipples now trying to burst out of her shirt. Before I can warn her, she turns around without missing a beat and she greets the customers who are approaching the store.

I watch as the couple’s eyes go wide as she turns around.

Yeah, I think I’d react like that too.

I stumble back as my cock pulses in my pants, I lean against the back wall for support and just try to focus myself before I too need to help a customer.

She was right too… I was close…

The customer that Mandy is dealing with takes a long time, maybe because they were distracted by the busty saleswoman, but I wasn’t able to observe too much as I had a few customers of my own. My erection faded quickly enough as the next customer came in.

Time ran on quickly and before I knew it, we were approaching closing time. Mandy closed the tills and I started turning the other equipment off and locking things up.

Crap! I never asked Mandy about tonight.

“Hey Mand! Shit I am so sorry, I forgot to ask, would you be able to stay on tonight?”

“Tonight?” She queries.

“Yeah, we’ve got a promo change and I forgot to ask you earlier.”

“Too distracted or something?” She winks and looks down at her chest.

“Maybe…” I blush and shyly admit.

“I don’t blame you; I’ve been feeling them grow all day and there is only one thing I want.” She pauses and stares towards my growing bulge.

“Umm… Yeah, tonight, right now even.” I stammer a reply.

“Well, is it just us in the building?” She asks, raising her eyebrow.

I nod.

“Good.” With a deep breath, Mandy arches her back and right before my eyes I watch as her tits explode out of the shirt she is wearing.

Vast amounts of breast tumble forth from the confines of her too small uniform. I watch as they jiggle and bounce, sagging down slightly due to their immense size. I watch for a good five seconds as they continue to quake and wobble.

I stare at Mandy’s giant breasts, easily the biggest I have seen in real life, and I notice the marks left over their surface from being confined in her top all day. Deep red indents cover the surface, but they are already starting to fade.

I move my attention to her thick nubs which have been teasing me all day, my cock running straight down my thigh as I watch my busty lover approach me.

“This feels extra naughty now doesn’t it.” She bumps her breasts into my chest and pushes me towards the display table behind me.

The edge bumps into my lower back and I feel her squish her exposed breasts against my torso. Looking up at me, biting her lip, I feel her hands start to trace down my sides.

“Come on… I’ve been wanting this all day…” She lifts my shift over my head and starts immediately fumbling with my zipper on my trousers. “Sit up there.” She gestures at the display table behind me.

Jumping off the floor and sitting on the display table, my cock now exposed, Mandy lifts her breasts up and engulfs my dick between her massive melons. “Ohhh…” She coos.

I grunt at the feeling. “Fuck… It feels good.”

Without saying a word, she starts to work my cock in her cleavage.

“They are so big… They are all yours…” She moans softly. “Just think, when you are done, they are going to grow again.”

I feel my hips buck as I start thrusting against the heavy pounding of her chest against my lap.

“I can feel you… So close…” She squeezes my dick tighter between her pillowy mounds. “Do it. Cum. Make me grow.”

Unable to resist I cum, spurting load after load between the valley of her vast breasts. I let out a deep grunt and start panting as I feel myself giving in to the throws of orgasm. As soon as I finish, I look down at her tits, still wrapped around my dick.

“Oh, I can feel it…” She moans teasingly.

Remaining hard throughout, I feel her breasts start to feel tighter around my cock.

Fuck, this is still so hard to believe…

I watch in awe as her breasts swell before my eyes. Getting heavier, plumper, rounder. They pulsate with their growth, in time with her heartbeat.

“Mmmm” Mandy moans once again, squeezing the swelling sides of her breasts. She takes a step back and I stare at her boobs as they cover her torso entirely.

“I’ve had enough of just this… I need more…” She pants, swiftly removing her trousers and panties. “I need you now… Enough teasing, fuck me.”

My cock twitches as she starts to touch herself. I quickly close the gap and start to grope her gigantic breasts. Her still expanding breasts cause my fingers to spread apart as she continues her growth. Her soft skin felt tauter by the second.

She grabs my cock and starts to stroke it. In response I lift her on to the opposite display table and guide myself into her wet pussy. Sliding straight in I feel an explosion of pleasure as I start to thrust slowly into her. She starts moaning loudly as I fuck her.

Her breasts cover my torso as we gyrate together, my cock buried deep within her, my hands groping her breasts. I feel her contract around my rock-hard rod as she orgasms herself. Thankfully, we are alone in the building otherwise we might be in trouble.

I slow down as she processes her orgasm, grinding to a halt as she continues to moan. After stopping she says between laboured breaths. “I’m… Growing… Again… I can feel it… Coming…”

Sure enough I feel her breasts expand again, compressing against my torso. Her body wavering as she struggles to keep herself upright, the added weight and pleasure is too much for her. I pick her up, squeezing her close and lay her on the floor. Her giant breasts spilling over her torso and covering her.

“Don’t just stand there… Fuck me…” Mandy demands.

“I enter her and start to thrust, not able to hold back. I start a bit too quick, and I watch as her giant breasts crash over her torso like waves. The massive weight of her breasts takes the air out of her chest as they bounce against her chin and then back towards my torso as I continue to pound her.

Wrapping my hands around them and holding them tight, I continue to thrust into Mandy, her screams fill my ears as I pound her harder as her breasts expand in my arms.

“I… Can’t… Last…” I grunt.

“Do it. Cum in me.” She screams as she succumbs to another orgasm.

I exploded for the second time, this time deep within her. Pumping load after load into her I grunt as I give my final thrusts.

I pull out and a few seconds pass as our breathing returns to normal, I look down at her and watch as she suddenly starts moaning.

Aftershocks or something?

Quicker and quicker her breathing rapidly accelerates and she screams out in orgasm. Confused, I watch on as she writhes on the floor beneath me. I finally see why; her breasts are changing.

They look… fuller…

I prod at her burgeoning breasts as they bulge towards me, her veins becoming more prominent.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“They… Are… Filling…” She manages to say before she starts screaming again in pleasure.

Did she say filling?

I watch as her nipples get thicker and darker and.

Holy shit.

I see a droplet of milk forming on her nipples.

HOLY SHIT.

The droplet becomes a steady stream as her tits have reached their max capacity and are now leaking.

“Don’t… Just… Stand… There… Milk me.” Mandy moans.

#expansion #story #breastexpansion #teasing #tease #writer #lactation #mommy milkers #milk

[meetmeatthecoda]

Rejuvenate by meetmeatthecoda Fandoms: The Blacklist (US TV)   Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Chapters: 14/17 (work in progress) Words: 38,815 Tags: No Archive Warnings Apply, Elizabeth Keen/Raymond Reddington, Agnes Keen & Raymond Reddington, Raymond Reddington & Dembe Zuma, Raymond Reddington, Elizabeth Keen, Agnes Keen, Dembe Zuma, Harold Cooper, Donald Ressler, Alina Park, Aram Mojtabai, Heddie Hawkins, Season 9 AU, multi-chapter, Lizzington - Freeform, Agnesgate, Mild Language, mild violence, Mild Sexual Content, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Romance

Summary:

In the wake of Liz’s death, Red works with the task force to finish the blacklist while struggling to cope with everyday life… and hiding a big secret. Season 9 AU. Multi-chapter. Lizzington. Agnesgate. M-rating for mild language, violence, & sexual content. Part 4 of Rebirth.

☕️ Buy Me a Coffee ☕️

#The Blacklist #Lizzington #mine #fanfic #chapter 14 #Rejuvenate #part 4 #of #Rebirth #next chapter!! #i was so blown away by the support for chapter 13!! #so i really hope you guys enjoy this one too!! #we're cooking up something to hustle through the rest of the blacklist now #cause red isn't gonna be separated from his girls for a moment longer than he has to be now #🥰 #we're getting startlingly close to the end of this fic too!! #i can hardly believe it!! #but i'm proud of the ending so i hope you guys will like it!! #😊 #anyway i hope anyone reading enjoys this chapter!! #please always feel free to let me know!! #much love y'all!! #❤️

[animerina]

Your Eyes Are Like Starlight-13

Haldir X F!Reader

Chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24)

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Summary:  Haldir and his patrol rescue a woman outside of the forest and bring her to Caras Galadhon. She is allowed to stay to recover from her injuries, both physical and mental. Haldir quickly finds himself as her protector and worries what will happen when she leaves.

Note: Warning for eventual smut, minors DNI. I wrote this a while back and it is incredibly self-indulgent. I know I probably screwed up actual lore, but I really enjoyed writing this so I hope you do as well. It was previously posted on A03.

All Italics are Elvish.

Chapter 13: My Marchwarden

Y/N stood at the entrance to the Healer’s Hall. With her friends’ help, she had bathed and redressed. Having been informed of everything that had occurred since she fell into the canyon, Y/N felt overwhelmed. She had died, that was certain. The elves hadn’t been able to feel her pulse and had even prepared to bury her. The thought sent chills through the woman. It was impossible that she was standing there, breathing the fresh air, but somehow she had come back. There was no bright light, no voice telling her to return, there was just an end. Everything had gone out when she drowned and then, in what felt like an instant, she was waking up and expelling the water in her stomach and lungs.

For her, time hadn’t passed, but for Haldir it was a nightmare. She couldn’t imagine what he must have gone through. In her final moment, Y/N had pictured him looking so horrified as she plummeted tot he watery depths below. She wanted nothing but to hold him and apologize, but as her eyes shut and the water pulled her down, she thought she’d never see him again to make things right. While she would gladly sacrifice herself for him again, she regretted hurting him so. In her final moments, she realized she loved him.

Anxious to tell him, she felt impatient waiting for him and his patrol to return. Alassë and Lindiel has been sent word that they were safe, but it wasn’t good enough for Y/N. She needed to see Haldir soon.

————

Nearly a week later, a horn sounded from the outskirts of the forest startling Y/N as she worked in her talan. Lindiel, as usual, was with her. The elleth rarely left the woman’s side after her recovery.

“It’s the patrol,” Lindiel muttered as she rushed to the window.

“They’ve never blown a horn before,” Y/N worried her lip.

“Something has happened,” the elf nearly whispered. “Stay here,” she added. “I will return shortly.”

“Please hurry back.”

“I will.”

Lindiel rushed through the walkways until she encountered the patrol entering Caras Galadhon. She began counting the members and noticed at least six were missing. Rúmil was one of them and she froze. Her heart burned in her chest, eyes watering involuntarily at the revelation. Gathering herself, she walked toward the group on unsteady legs. She spotted Orophin first and before she could ask, he ran to her taking in her worries expression.

“We called for aid. Several of us were injured. Rúmil is with the healers, but worry not, he will recover.”

“Oh gods,” she whimpered. “I am glad.”

“I will take you to him,” he said taking her hand. “Haldir saw him there.”

“He will be looking for Y/N, but she is home thankfully.”

“She has awakened?”

“For nearly a week. She is well.”

————

Y/N heard heavy footsteps and thinking it was Lindiel ran outside the door, anxiety eating away at her. Her eyes landed on Haldir’s own as he stopped outside her talan. His eyes locked on hers and he froze, chills running up his spine. Neither moved for what felt like an eternity and then the two were crashing into one another. He wrapped her into his arms, cradling her head against his chest.

Against her better judgment, the woman began weeping as she clung to the elf. “Haldir!” She cried.

“I am here,” he whispered into her hair. “I have you, my love.” The elf hoped she’d forgive his slip up. His heart was beating so fast in his chest, he thought he might also break down.

“I love you,” she mumbled once she had stopped crying.

He froze hearing those words fall from her lips.

“Y/N,” he uttered.

“I love you, Haldir. I died for you and I’d gladly do it again.”

“Don’t you dare do that again you foolish-,” he stopped himself from finishing and instead pulled her back to him, laying his lips on hers. She was soft and warm and he relished in the fact that he was arguably the luckiest ellon alive. Y/N blinked in surprise before relaxing into the kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she let him walk her back and press her against the wall of her home. It was like she was missing a piece of herself and his heart fit perfectly in the gap. This must have been what he felt when he looked at her the first day they met.

Pulling away for a breath, he spoke. “From now on, I will protect you. I will take care of you.” His thumb stroked her bottom lip gently as he gathered himself. “My little starling, I will not rush you. If you still wish to wait-,” he stopped when she shook her head.

“I do not wish to wait. Not anymore.”

“Are you certain?”

“More than anything.”

“We still have time to plan,” he smiled before kissing her again. “But I would prefer it if you came to live with me. Would you?”

The woman gasped at his question, excited at the notion of living with him. Would it be wrong? She wasn’t sure she cared.

“Y/N,” he whispered. “I do not wish to push you, but I cannot be away from you any longer. Stay with me.”

He kissed her temple. “Share my life.”

His lips found the shell of her ear. “My bed.”

Y/N was nodding before she even registered what he was saying. It didn’t matter. She wanted whatever he wanted. Haldir chuckled warmly, resting his forehead against hers.

“Pack what you can. I shall take care of everything else.”

“But what will the others-,” she started.

“The only thing that concerns me is how you feel.”

She pushed away from the wall, freeing herself from his grasp. “I do not have much so it should not take long.”

With a smile, Haldir let her enter her house. “I shall return soon,” he promised. “Wait for me.”

Haldir was swift in delivering his report to the lord and lady, the latter allowing him to make it brief with a knowing look in her eye. He didn’t know it, but Galadriel was so thankful Y/N had survived. She had been worried for Haldir and felt at ease knowing the two might just get their happy ending. Yes, she thought, that was what she’d seen.

———

Haldir’s talan was only slightly larger than her own, but it was enough Y/N thought as she followed her elf across the threshold. He had her makeshift pack sling across his shoulder, his hand gripping hers tightly.

“Please make yourself at home,” he smiled down at her as he set her pack on the bed.

Nodding, Y/N began to unpack, nerves building in her gut. He had cleared spaces for her throughout his home for her things, though she had little. In addition to the table in the kitchen, there was another smaller on by the window.

“You can use that one for your work,” he explained as she eyed it.

“Thank you,” she smiled and let him kiss her temple, his lips lingering longer than before.

“I am so grateful,” he whispered. “To have you here with me.”

“As am I, Haldir.”

When evening came, Y/N’s nerves returned as she watched Haldir prepare for bed. She had already bathed and slipped on one of the nightgowns she had packed. Haldir wore a loose fitting tunic and leggings and looked much more casual that she was used to. He moved away from the bed, gesturing towards it.

“I know you are tired. Come rest.”

She didn’t respond, but made her way over and hesitantly sat down on the soft material. He gave her a small smile before going to one of the trunks and pulled out a bedroll.

“What-,” she began.

“I may be eager to have you close, but I still respect you. I will sleep on this.” He began to undo the straps to set up his own sleeping arrangement.

“No,” she argued. “That is unnecessary.”

He paused, taking in her words and looking at her. She was unsure what to say next. Would he expect things of her if they continued. They had barely kissed, but she knew what usually came next. The woman took a breath before deciding what to say.

“Lay with me, Haldir,” she blushed. “I mean,” she tried to clarify.

“I understand,” he nodded and caressed her face. “Are you sure? I want nothing but your comfort.”

“Yes.”

He slid the bedroll back into the trunk at the foot of the bed before sitting down on the opposite side of the mattress. Y/N lay down first, facing towards the blonde elf. After a moment, Haldir slid under the sheets pulling himself close to the woman, his strong arm wrapping around her waist.

“Is this-,” he started.

“It is perfect,” she admitted, blush still evident on her face. He was a good man. He would not touch her without consent. She sighed, relaxing into his body.

“Goodnight, Y/N. May your dreams be pleasant.”

“Nothing could be more pleasant than this, Haldir.”

Tag list: (If you’d like to get added please let me know.)

@numbxinside @silentsweetie @velvetmotel20 @memariana91

#haldir #haldir of lorien #haldir x reader #haldir x y/n #haldir x you #lothlorien #the hobbit #lotr imagine #reader insert #rumil #orophin

[meltwonu]

| 🍒 CH-CH-CHERRY BOMB! 🍒 |     [CHAPTER 17]

pairing; dom!seungcheol x camgirl!reader

this chapter’s notes; camshow, intercrural sex, lots ‘o teasing, dirty talk/the absolute tiniest bit of degradation, some cum play/cum eating, seungcheol having a kink for thighs/thigh highs 😳😗 welcome to the weekend my bbys!! I hope yall are having a good day/night!! Also again, another inbox roundup tomorrow(also an updates post)!! 💕 Might be a regular thing for the next 4-ish weeks ‘cause I have been so busy this month 😭 and I can’t believe there’s only 3 more chapters of CB left!! 😭😭 some bangers on the way tho LMAO 🤣 As always, thank you so much for the love and support!!💕💕 Have a great rest of your weekend and enjoy ch 17![cheol voice] seventeen right here 😌💕🍒 

chapters; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - x - x - x

Seungcheol doubles over in laughter, tears blurring his vision as his laughs turn into quiet wheezes.

“God, this is so embarrassing.” Seokmin mutters; cheeks burning crimson when he glances over to Jeongguk who shrugs back. “Maybe I really should quit…”

Jeongguk scoffs jokingly, “Maybe you shouldn’t have lied. No offense, but all the staff here probably have at least seen her before and you just so happened to lie to her actual boyfriend. That’s honestly really lucky if you ask me! You should buy a lotto ticket!” Seokmin whines back, shifting on his heels as he watches Seungcheol start to wipe the tears away.

“Hyung, can you please take this Edible Arrangements I got you so I can go ask Namjoon-hyung to fire me?” This only causes Seungcheol to laugh harder and this time, Jeongguk can’t help the giggle that bubbles past his tightly pursed lips.

“Please!” Seokmin begs, shaking the basket of skewered fruit at the older male. “I heard the diner across down is still hiring, I can still save the rest of my dignity if I leave now!”

Seungcheol shakes his head, eyelashes wet with tears when he takes the gift from Seokmin’s hands to place it on the countertop of the concession stand. “Hate to break it to you but she works there and one of the staff is also one of her regulars so I think your best bet is workin’ here. Embarrassment and all.”

“So, okay… But you’re not mad?”

Jeongguk peels the cellophane off of the basketed fruit, looking to Seungcheol for permission before he takes a skewer. “Go ahead. And no, I’m not mad. If anything I should apologize too, I shouldn’t have let you keep lying when I already knew. But also, to be fair, we weren’t really… official ‘til recently.” Seungcheol shoots the younger male a sheepish smile; cheeks a pretty pink of their own. “And it’s kinda been nice meeting you guys too. It’s great to know you’re not all weirdos.”

Seokmin laughs lightly, breathing a sigh of relief. “Okay, cool, ‘cause this place pays really well and I’d hate to stop working here and you guys are a lot cooler than the coworkers I had before.” He rolls his eyes jokingly, leaning up against the countertop as he picks off a strawberry from the basket.

“Don’t even get me started on this coworker I had at the last place. His name was Mingyu, I think? Suuuuuch a kissass. I had to move to manning the register at all times just so I could avoid him pickin’ his nose in the backroom and then pretending like he was doin’ shit.”

“Hey, Seungcheol-hyung?”

Seokmin’s inquisitive voice has Seungcheol turning; setting the rollerskates in his hand down onto the bench. “Yeah?”

“Do you think it’s weird that we’re, like, watching your girlfriend?” He tilts his head in thought, eyes blinking up to the ceiling. “I don’t want to overstep or something if it’s weird, y’know? I’ve been thinking about what Jeongguk said earlier...”

Seungcheol grins back at him, eyes twinking. He’d also thought about that before too, when he first found out that Jeongguk had also watched your streams.

“I don’t really mind ‘cause at the end of the day, it’s you watching me fucking my girlfriend.”

“Well, I’m glad he took it… well?” You giggle, tugging the white thigh high up your leg.

Seungcheol pulls off his shirt as he sits on the edge of the bed; tossing the wrinkled material onto the floor as he laughs under his breath.

“He did give me an Edible Arrangements while I laughed so hard I cried. I think he’s learned his lesson.”

xcaliburDK: good news, i didnt quit!!

chwenon: i was gonna say

chwenon: u literally started like last week

universe_WZ has donated $75

angelhan has donated $75

therealchan99 has donated $50

therealchan99: u look rly pretty in ur white set!!!

“Aww, thank you! It’s one of my favorites~ And ‘xcaliburDK’, I’m glad you didn’t quit!” You wink at the camera, giggling softly in Seungcheol’s lap as he peppers kisses along your shoulder.

A shiver runs up your spine at his gentle touches and you easily melt under his soft kisses and roaming fingertips. He ghosts them across your breasts, teasing you through the thin lace as you mewl and squirm against his cock that’s pressed firm against your ass. “A-ah, S--Seungcheol…”

tangerine_kwan: she looks so happy now that she can call ur name out lol

alphagyu97: now i cant pretend its me tho

gentleman_josh95: i mean i guess but are u even built like him

alphagyu97: well

Your body slowly starts to fill with warmth; soft stuttered breaths falling from your lips when he drags his fingers down your torso until they play with the hem of your panties. “M-more… tease me m-more…” He grins against your shoulder; hooking a finger around the waistband of your panties and tugging it away from you before letting it snap against your skin.

“‘Cheol!” Whining, your legs snap shut on impulse as you feel a gush of wetness soaking into your panties.

“Ah, ah, ah, part those legs, princess. Don’t make me have to punish you.”

kitty_junjun: no thats what the shibari stream is for right? Right? 😩

artist8hao: is that really happening bc i want to see it

alphagyu97: u guys should do it and think of it as like a rebrand of the channel ykwim

hoshi_tiger_xx: jdfkjhf like a grand re-opening under new management

therealchan99: what is this, a restaurant?

chwenon: u guys should come up with a new channel name too or sth

Seungcheol manages to read off a few of their comments; committing some to memory knowing that your eyes were still sealed shut as you focused on his soft touches.

He drags his fingers down further, humming when he can already feel how wet you were getting. “Hmm~ Already soaked through your pretty panties, baby~” Your head rolls back against his shoulder, nodding gently as you start to grind against the fingers that he uses to press into your clothed, wet folds.

“F-feels good w-when you, ah, t-tease me…”

Unbeknownst to you, Seungcheol smirks, eyes twinkling at the camera. “You really like it, huh? When I just touch you gently like this. Not enough to get you off but just enough to get you soaking wet until you’re begging for my cock.” He pauses; pressing a soft kiss to your skin. “I wanna try something with you, pretty baby~”

You gulp as you raise your head from his shoulder and he retracts his hands from your body as you shift your body and slightly turn to the side to face him.

Seungcheol’s eyes are blown wide with lust and you can already feel his cock throbbing against your lower back as he smiles dreamily at you.

“I think you’ll like it too.”

A stuttered moan falls from your lips as Seungcheol’s cock slides past your tightly clasped, yet shaky, thighs.

“O-oh, ‘Cheol, this--this is…” The words die on your tongue as your head falls forward and Seungcheol is quick to reprimand you, just as he draws his hips back.

“Baby, I want you to watch yourself on the screen. I want you to see your cute face while I tease your pretty body.” He moans; thrusting between your wet thighs as your hazy eyes peer at the laptop’s screen. Your lips are swollen and your pupils are blown wide when you catch yourself and you can see the head of Seungcheol’s cock only just breaching past your clamped thighs when he thrusts forward.

You let out a guttural moan, eyes rolling to the back of your head when he alternates between thrusting between your thighs and letting his cock slide against your soaked, panty-clad mound. 

He hadn’t bothered to undress you at all, but you didn’t mind. The material of your panties only added onto the pleasure with every drag of his cock against you.  

Seungcheol teases you even more; dragging his hands down to your thigh highs and letting his fingertips play right underneath the hems before pulling the material away from your thighs and letting them snap against your skin, much like he’d done with your panties.

“Ah, fuck, m-more! P-please…” He repeats the action a few more times, playing with the sheer fabric of your thigh highs before he draws his hips back. Except this time, when you expect him to thrust back between your legs, he wraps a hand around his cock instead, guiding himself until the head of his cock is rubbing up against the sheer fabric.

“Fuck, you’d look so pretty with cum all over your pretty thighs. I should cum all over your panties and your white ‘lil thigh highs and get them all soaked. Don’t you think they’d be cute? Sticking to you like a second skin? Translucent ‘n soaked through with my cum?” He laughs under his breath, watching through the laptop screen at the way you bite your lip and furrow your brows at the thought.

“I--I want t-that… I want S--Seungcheol t-to make, ngh, a m-mess…”

angelhan: i kno we say this all the time but can u upload some pics of that later

angelhan has donated $75

universe_WZ: seconded cuz thatd look so fuckin hot

universe_WZ has donated $50

alphagyu97 has donated $75

alphagyu97: fuck, like a lil angel covered in cum

Seungcheol teases you and himself at the same time; rubbing his cock against your fabric-clad thighs. He spreads precum onto the material, licking his lips when it already becomes translucent and sticks to your skin.

He positions his cock back between your thighs once he’s had his fill and quickly finds himself doubling his pace when he sees how wet you’re getting his cock without even having taken your panties off. “God, look at you. I don’t even need to fuck you to get you this wet. You just need to rub your ‘lil cunt against my cock and it’s enough for you, huh? I should make you sit on my lap, rub your pretty ‘lil pussy on my cock ‘til you’re cumming over and over again.”

“Ngh, yes! Fuck, Seungcheol! I--I can feel your c-cock throbbing between my l-legs… Please, please c-cum, mmh, all over my s-skin…”

“That’s right, baby. So fuckin’ desperate to be covered in it too. And always so fuckin’ pretty when you are.”

You let out a whimper as you try to focus on watching yourself just like Seungcheol had asked you to. Your lips are parted in soft breaths and you can’t seem to unfurrow your brows as Seungcheol chases his pleasure behind you.

angelhan: what if

angelhan: seungcheol in thigh highs lmao

universe_WZ: sub.cheol

sleepy_wonu: sub.cheol

universe_WZ: jinx

sleepy_wonu: fuck u 

You lick your lips at the thought; although you knew Seungcheol would have a hard time relinquishing his dominating nature.

But your mind wanders as you continue to think about it; various images of Seungcheol tied up underneath you while you fucked yourself on his cock running through your mind. You let out a shaky moan, to which Seungcheol hums.

“What are you thinkin’ about, princess?”

“Um… ah, n-nothing…” He thrusts between your legs hard, making you jolt forward as you yelp.

“Princess...”

“I--ah! J-just thinking a-about… y-you tied up, ngh, to--to the bed and m-me fuh--fucking myself on your c-cock… ‘n me u-using, mmh, my toys o-on you...” Seungcheol smirks, pulling his cock from between your shaky thighs as he slightly pushes you over until you're on your back.

He spreads your legs as you look up at him and he’s quick to wrap a hand around his cock as he jerks himself off above you. “Oh, I bet you’d love that, wouldn’t you? I bet you’d be so cute trying to be the domme for a night.” Seungcheol teases.

You find yourself clenching around emptiness as you think of the possibilities. You definitely wanted to try it if Seungcheol was willing.

“Fuck, but first, gonna cover your pretty body with my cum.” He groans; thrusting up into his palm as he chases his high.

“C-cum all over me, Seungcheol…”

The donations and comments sound off in the back as you maintain eye contact with Seungcheol who’s brows furrow when he starts to feel himself about to cum. He scoots back a little; growling when his cock throbs in his grasp and he cums all over your, already, soaked panties.

You let out a moan when rivulets of cum hit your lower abdomen and you’re quick to reach down and scoop some up to bring to your mouth, smearing the warm substance against your puckered lips before licking it off. Whimpering, you dip your fingers into your mouth; this time pretending they were Seungcheol’s instead of your own.

He guides his cock until the head is aimed at your thighs; streaks of cum settling into the sheer material of your thigh highs. “God, you’re so damn pretty...” Groaning, he milks his cock for every drop of cum before he’s stopping to catch his breath.

“You came so much but I didn’t cum yet, ‘Cheol~” Pouting, you turn your head to the side to face the camera. “Tell him he has to make me cum now~”

kitty_junjun: well u heard the lady!!

hoshi_tiger_xx: make her cum and let her cream her cute lil panties even more

therealchan99: oh fuck yeah, get her off without fucking her cute cunt

Seungcheol leans over your body until the two of you are almost face to face, eyes twinkling with playfulness when you feel his sticky hand playing with your thigh highs again.

“D’you hear that? Let’s give them what they want, baby.”

The sounds of donations and comments once again get lost as Seungcheol finds himself on his knees between your legs.

“Ready?”

When you slide into bed after your camshow’s ended and Seungcheol has properly taken care of you, he’s quick to tug you into his chest. 

The two of you let out soft sighs at the warmth that envelopes you both as you finally start to settle in for the night.

After a few minutes, Seungcheol clears his throat, catching you just before you drift off to sleep.

“This is so random but have you considered, I dunno, rebranding your channel… with me? I was thinking about it and kinda wanted your opinion...”

You blink up curiously at him, urging him to continue. “I mean, yeah, of course! I don’t really know where to start though since it’s always just been me. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to either so I never brought it up.” You snuggle into his warmth, yawning as the sleep threatens to take over.

“But let’s talk about it later, ‘cause ‘m tired now, ‘Cheol. You really didn’t have to make me cum twice…” You mumble, “I can still feel my legs shaking...”

His soft laugh reverberates in your chest and he’s quick to press a kiss against your hair as he tugs you in closer.

“It’s ‘cause I like to spoil you. And okay. I’ll remind you when you’re more conscious.”

“G’night, ‘Cheol...”

“Goodnight, baby.” 

#cherrybomb!cheol #seungcheol smut #scoups smut #seventeen smut #svt smut #seungcheol scenarios #seungcheol imagines #scoups imagines #scoups scenarios #scoups fic #seungcheol fic #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #svt imagines #svt scenarios #svt fic #scoups #seungcheol

[icepower55]

What You Think is Right: Finale (Chapter 13) NOW COMPLETE

Thank you to @micbonbon​ for this BEAUTIFUL graphic. 

“How did you know I’d be here?”

“You act like I don’t know you, Hermione Granger.”

AO3

FFN

Friends, today feels like quite a moment for me. I honestly can’t believe we’re at the end of this journey with Hermione & Draco. It is extremely bittersweet for me to say goodbye to them (though–frankly–those two were decidedly very unhelpful during my multiple bouts of writer’s block). Today is actually my 24th birthday, and it feels right to release this chapter now, because I’m so proud and grateful for all the work my Alpha / Betas did on this piece. They are a truly amazing and special bunch, and I am extremely grateful and beyond thrilled to call them my close friends as well.

@mightbewriting was the first friend I made in fandom, and it’s been such an amazing journey with her. Amanda, you are wonderful and such a lovely presence in my life. I’ve learned so much about writing from you, and I’ve been honored to work on your fics as well. I’m very glad that I reached out all those months ago with the Tumblr DM. Look at us now! I have so much love and respect for you, and I am blown away by your talent. I can’t wait to see your future writing. From “Bone Mortar” to B&E, you are a joy. 

@endless-musings Ash! You are such a source of light and humor in my life. I’m so lucky I got to meet you through Amanda and that I’ve had the amazing opportunity of having you as an Alpha / Beta. It’s truly an amazing thing to meet someone (online, no less!) that understands you that way you do me. I’m such a fan of you and your writing, and I feel privileged every day to call you such a close friend and to have the opportunity to read your writing and work with you on “Secret of the Moon” (which, btw, you all should read!).

@pargcool You are such a wonderful editor, and I’m so glad you took a chance of my fic and helped me whip it into shape. You are one of the sharpest readers I’ve met and an incredible writer to boot. I honestly think you could do this for a living, if you wanted. You are such a wonderful presence in fandom, and you were a constant source of support with WYTiR. Truly, this fic would not exist without you.

Lastly, thank ALL of you amazing readers. Thank you to every single person who left kudos, comments, or recommended this fic. I am blown over by the support I’ve received, and I’ve been so blessed to have entered this community and to exist in this space where I’ve met so many amazing people, including @amurray @heyjude19-writing @pacific-rimbaud @smozark @blankfishxx​ @megamegaturtle @badcouldbeverse​ and many, many more.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. 

#wytir #whatyouthinkisright dramionefanfic #draco malfoy #hermionegranger #marriagefanfic #completefanfiction #angst #finalchapter #veryveryluckybirthdaygirl

[rotten-hearts-sharp-teeth]

Is it too much to ask for 7, 13, and 19? If so your pick of the 3 but I'm dying for 13.

That is not too much at all! Thank you for the ask

7. What are you most proud of?

I have to say with this one I'm most proud of the support it's gotten! I honestly didn't expect anyone to even see it let alone enjoy it so much. I'm blown away by the positive feedback I've received.

13. Your characters are stranded on a deserted island. What happens?

This one made me laugh! Hans immediately goes into survival mode. This man could probably survive on a rock with nothing but his instincts and a spoon. Sabine would complain at first, then sit in the sand while Hans does the hard work but after a few hours she gets up to help him. She is a sheltered fancy girl but also willing to do what it takes to survive. By the time night falls they have camp set up and.. well, if no one comes to rescue them there is eventually going to be an island full of werewolves 👀

19. Post a picture or gif that describes your WIP

I decided to go with a gif that describes the entire fic as a whole. I was going to post one for the current chapter I'm working on but uh.. it would have been a little NS/FW

#hellsing #the captain #the captain x oc #alone wolf #fanfiction #wip ask game

[recollins]

! HIATUS OVER !

Hello, my precious lil rays of sunshine ❤️

I know it's been a while, and I wanted to start off with saying I'm so sorry for that hiatus. I feel like a broken record at this point always saying this, but I can't even begin to tell you how much your love and support means to me. This is the first time logging back in to everything since January and I am so blown away by all the love you've given me.

Under the cut, I've put a longer explanation for those that want to read it. For those that don't have time to read my ramblings, the brief version is this:

-I'm alright, I just absolutely suck at handling stress (I know, I hide it so well...) and needed to step away from everything for a little bit to get myself back in a better place.

-SLAS will be updated next Monday! I aimed for this Monday but missed the mark and don't wanna rush out a half-assed chapter. But it'll be there for you next week. I promise.

-I have read all your messages here, on AO3, and FF.net. I will be responding to all of them, I promise! It just might take a bit but I promise I'll get to anything I've received.

Again, thank you all so much. I love you guys, I appreciate your patience, and I'm really happy I had all of you to come back to. I hope you're all still invested in Aria's story because I've got so much more to share with you!

❤️, Rea

As mentioned above, my ability to handle stress is absolutely abysmal. My go-to for coping has always been to just shut down and pull away from literally everyone and everything. This time was no exception, and life was just not done dropping everything onto my shoulders and it just got to be too much.

You all pretty much know by now I was in an abusive relationship for 13 years, and I ended that last April (which is what kicked off SLAS). 2020 was ridiculously stressful enough with COVID, and that was sprinkled on top. I bury my emotions (wow, shocker, I know) and had kind of been just pushing aside all I'd gone through because I didn't want to deal with it. The repercussions of that came out when I lost my Grandma and I was in a rough spot. After that brief hiatus, I was trying to convince myself I was alright and I just sort of ignored the signs of distress and depression until they blindsided me. My work has been incredibly stressful, my financial situation is stressful now that I live alone - Colorado is ridiculously expensive for no reason - and I was trying to help my sister and my best friend simultaneously deal with their own depression and stress and everything came together at once. The cherry on top was officially getting diagnosed with ADHD, it's something that had been on the table for a while but now with it official, it all just felt like too much and I retreated.

Social media can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for me and Tumblr is no exception. I love the site - love all of you - but when I'm in that headspace, everything is too much and I didn't want that extra stress on top of everything else. I hadn't written anything since the beginning of January and felt really, really terrible for not updating - then worse for just disappearing - and instead of just taking time to log in and be like 'hey guys I'm not dead I'm just stressed' my mind rationalized that the best thing to do was literally nothing. Like I said, I know I don't cope very well.

In March, I was finally getting ahold of things, and felt a little better. I was getting back into writing, and was getting back on the social media wagon, when I lost my other Grandma suddenly and unexpectedly. My family is about as open with communication as Hotch is, and we don't really tell each other things. Like, my mom was in the hospital for a week with life threatening blood clots and no one told me anything until a week after she'd been released. I found out last year I have two uncles from both sides of my family that I've never heard about. I'm 28. My baby cousin (who's like a brother to me) moved cross-country with his wife and has been living in North Dakota for 2 years, and I found this out not a month ago when they announced she's pregnant. So, it's no surprise no one mentioned that my Grandma had stage four lung cancer and was on the way out, until I got the call that she'd passed away. My gramma, lost in December, had been on the decline for a while and in hospice for a couple months before she passed, so it was hard, but I had time to brace for it. Losing my Grandma in March hit me unexpectedly hard and it had me pulling in once again.

I can say now that I'm doing better. Taking a step back and using the time to get myself in the right headspace has been long-needed, and for the first time in a while I can say I feel like I'm on solid ground again. I'm back at writing and I finally got over the anxiety of just logging in and reading all your comments and messages. It might sound a little odd, but I'd put off logging in for a while because I didn't want to see how much I'd let you all down. I've really, really missed talking to you guys and updating the story. It was really and truly the highlight of my year, and I've felt awful for leaving you all like I did. You guys have been so sweet and understanding. All your messages have assured me you were more concerned about me than the updates, and that touched me more than I can say. I know you've all missed the story too, and I just want to say I'm really sorry for dipping out the way I did.

If you read all of this, bless your heart, because that's a lot and I know I'm ridiculously long-winded with my writing. I really appreciate you sticking around if you've been with me for a while, and if you're new to all of the chaos that is my life, I'm so sorry this is what you came into lol. I promise things are better now and like I said above, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to writing for you guys again.

I love you all ❤️

#I'M BACK! #yeah I know I disappeared again what a surprise #tw: depression #tw: anxiety #tw: death mention #general warning: I wrote a lot and rambled because im nervous #slas #something like a star

[anniesardors]

All of them.

Teehee 🤭😘

(you choose the fic)

I’m too indecisive to pick a oneshot, so I’ll do From the Beginning.

1. Of the fics you’ve written, which is your favorite and why? FTB because it’s the best writing experience I have had. I love the story and have personally had a lot of fun writing it and it’s been really fun to bond with people over it and hear their theories and thoughts. I am consistently blown away by the kind support for the fic. It really warms my heart 🥰

2. Which scene was your favorite to write in FTB? The ending scene in Chapter 13 where they kiss after stargazing

3. Which part of FTB was hardest to write? CHAPTER 17!!!! I wrote several versions of that chapter and I didn't have a version I liked until the night before I posted.

4. If you could change anything in FTB, what would it be? Probably chapter 7. It’s my least favorite chapter and it just feels random

5. Did you make an outline for FTB? Did you stick to it? Yup! For the most part I stuck to it. Originally, FTB was supposed to be much shorter (like 5 chapters) and even when I decided that it was going to be a full length fic, the original outline only had 16 chapters, so obviously lots got added as time went on. But overall, the major plot points didn’t change.

6. Which scenes did you cut, and which were added in FTB?

A couple of things were taken out of chapter 17. Originally there was a break room scene between Jay and Hailey that got taken out/changed. There was also some more team interactions and the phone call between Jay and Mouse was originally a letter.

As for things added, there’s a bunch. Chapter 7, 9 and 19 were not even in the original outline. There’s a bunch of random scenes that would get added to chapters a few weeks after I wrote when it felt like chapter needed more (for example, the root beer float scene in chapter 13 and the phone call scene in chapter 20)

7. Who was your favorite character to write in FTB? Jay. I’ve loved exploring all his emotions! But I've also loved writing flirty Hailey!

8. Which came first, the title or the fic? The fic!

9. Which idea came to you first in FTB? That initial hospital scene were Jay finds out Hailey lost her memories. After I decided to make the fic longer, the first scene I thought of was them sharing stories by the riverwalk.

10. What are some facts readers may not know about FTB? Y’all are gonna hate me for this one, but in the original outline, chapters 16, 17, and 18 were all one chapter and the ending was much happier. The way the chapter was originally written, Hailey started withdrawing and when Jay went to her apartment, they had a conversation that was a combination of what happened at the end of 16 and 18. But, she didn’t ask for any space and the chapter ended with them together. But then a few days later, 8x11 aired and I didn’t feel like having things wrap up so quickly fit, so I split it up. Which, for story purposes, was needed, but oh boy did it create some feelings.

10 Questions Every Fic Writer Secretly Wants to be Asked

#ask game #fic things #😘😘 #don't hate me for that last answer it was necessary for fic purposes #y'all were not happy those few weeks #upstead

[romanceforransom]

Thank you so much for tagging me in this @earthlingeliott ilysm 🥰

if you’re a writer:

a fic that you’re really proud of:

Probably Hair’be. It was the first proper multi chapter fic that I wrote, and it took me so many months to write it. I know that it probably isn’t the best written thing and I have definitely gotten better since then, but I’m super proud of actually writing so much and being able to say that I finished it. 

a fic that you were nervous to post:

Umm probably A Vision of a Dying Embrace. It was the first fic that I did and full of angst (and mcd oop) so I knew that barely anyone would read it anyway but yeah I was very nervous to put my work out there. 

a fic you wished got more hits/kudos/comments:

It’s probably a tie between two. The first one being You’re the song I play in my heart, just because I really loved writing it but I feel like not a lot of people read it? idk. the second one is my Yousmina fic. That one is obviously because it doesn’t have sobbe in it and barely anyone reads wtfock fics that don’t have sobbe (this isn’t me being mad, i do this too), i just wish it had more poeple reading it because i’m actually really happy with how it turned out 

one of your favorite tropes to write:

I love slow burns (if you couldn’t tell haha) and pining is great too, gotta get that ✨tension✨ but yeah other than that just fluff, tooth-rotting fluff because imagining sweet situations for sobbe helps me cope with not seeing them 

another ship that you don’t write but you’d like to write: 

I read Evak fics quite a lot so that would be one that I may write someday... the problem is with that, a lot of people have done so many amazing fics for them and I wouldn’t want to unintentionally steal someone’s idea. 

one of your abandoned wip you never wrote but wish you did: 

I literally have 13 wips on my computer that i haven’t touched for months 😬 but all of them i loved the ideas for. I think maybe it would be the one where Sander has to go to his cousin’s wedding but he has to fly there (he is afraid of flying) and sits next to robbe who calms him down. plot twist, they are actually going to the same wedding because it is Amber and Aaron getting married and boom they fall in love. that one i would love to finish one day. 

Ooor a certain fic that me and a certain person thought about *cough* @sonderthroughthestreets *cough* that i haven’t added to in... i don’t even know how long oops. again, maybe one day 

another writer you would love to collaborate with:

Literally everyone because you are all so talented and I am in absolute awe of you!!! like your talent honestly astounds me. But if i had to pick... @sonderthroughthestreets @womenstan @honeyandsinn (yes I know we already collaborated with one more night don’t come for me, i just wanna work with you because i love you and i think you’re super talented) 

if you’re a reader:

a fic (or more) that you love to reread: 

I literally reread fics every night... ummm... Ok this is just a few of them 

rotten work by aholynight 

I’m slowly falling away by @fockinglevendcliche (the tension literally kills me every time) 

run and score by aurora winds 

we’ve been through a lot of things. you and me by @yasminaselamrani 

recommend a story to your followers: 

Ok so obviously the ones i listed above 

mornings, yours & mine by ivy_seas 

The entire sobbe!dads series that @honeyandsinn is doing (go and read it, it’s amazing) 

If I asked you now, would you be my prince by @sonderthroughthestreets and @starryfreckles (they are doing the lords work with the ballet au) 

All I Want by @if-music-be-the-food-of-love 

tag an author you discovered recently:

Ummm i don’t think i really found anyone recently (literally constantly in the tag soo) but if you are a new writer and i didn’t realise, I’ve probably read it haha 

spread the love!

tag someone who inspires you to write: 

Literally everyone in the alt er writers block, you are all incredible and i love you so so much. And @sonderthroughthestreets @womenstan @honeyandsinn (sorry to be tagging you so many times in this) you are all so amazing and truly inspire me, so thank you 🥰

tag someone who you’ve admired forever:

Wow literally so many, like when i first got to ao3 i was mind blown (still am) 

I’ll just list a few of the people and minimise my awkwardness as much as possible haha @yasminaselamrani @earthlingeliott @nbrook29 @foxsake5 @fockinglevendcliche @sobbefairytales (i know some of you I have never spoken to before... but hi you’re amazing, I love your fics 😊)

tag your writing support:

haha the alt er writers block (so yes hello @12monthoctober this includes you too my lovely, ily) are my saving grace. Also all the people who leave comments on my fics (I don’t know what their tumblrs are or i would tag them) but they help so much with my motivation. 

I have no idea who has done this already but if you have already been tagged or if you’re reading this and want to do it, feel free! 

#tagging games

[huntergatherercreator]

The Takedown | Part Thirteen

Pairing: Mob!Tom Holland x Detective Reader

Summary: NYC has a new drug lord determined to wipe out any and all competition in order to grow his empire. You're going undercover to stop him.

Warnings: Some sexual content in this chapter (m/masturbation)

Note: It’s back! I have a new love for mob!tom after taking a break, I’ve missed writing this so much! 

Catch up here: Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten | Part Eleven | Part Twelve

Part 13 - 1,207 words

He watched me silently, jaw ticking as he thought.

“Fine, but I’m in charge. You don’t act until I say so.”

My eyebrows rose as I tried to judge whether he was serious.

“We both know that isn’t an option. We can’t be routine about this, we need to be able to adapt at a moments notice. There’s too many variables now that you’ve all but declared war on him.”

“It’s not war, its retaliation.”

“They’re the same thing,” I sighed. My breath ruffled at the curls dipping over his forehead and I felt the urge to push them away as the silky feeling of his hair registered under my fingers. I gently loosened my hold from the nape of his neck and tugged at the tie bindings until my hands were free. He stiffened when I retracted my arms, hands coming to press against his chest. I could feel his heart beating steadily under my palms through his shirt and it took all my will power not to let my fingers splay wider to get a feel of the skin peeking out.

“If we’re going to do this I need to get dressed.”

He blinked as if only then realising i was towel clad underneath him. He swiftly stood, backing away to the door but didn’t turn. Getting up carefully my eyes went to the underwear on the bed. There was no way I could ever wear it again. I crossed to the dresser instead.

“How do you plan on finding him?” Tom’s voice was a little more even than I was used to and I shot him a look.

He’d propped himself against the door frame, eyes drifting over the bare walls and lack of clutter in the room.

“We’re not doing this right now,” I decided. Despite the show he was putting on I knew he’d sunk into the frame for support more than anything. His dark eyes snapped to mine, body straightening. I yanked out a fresh set of clothes.

“I want to know how you plan to find him. Now.”

“Look at yourself, you’re a mess. I’m not telling you anything until you’ve slept.” I folded my arms over my chest doing my best to meet his darkening stare.

“Don’t pretend like you care,” he scoffed.

“I don’t. I’m not going to babysit you in the middle of surveillance because you’re running on fumes.” I moved to stand before him. “You either sleep, or you stay behind.”

There was a tense second before he turned on his heel and marched into the living room, collecting his gun on the way. I followed him cautiously, making sure he re-holstered.

“I’ll send someone to pick you up later.”

I shook my head. “Just tell me where to meet you, it’ll be safer that way.”

Annoyance flared before he took a breath. “One of my men will meet you near the Tribeca at midnight,” he conceded, then left without a backwards glance.

I made sure to triple lock the door, not that it had done any good to begin with but it made me feel better knowing I’d have a small window of warning next time. I had no doubt that there would be a next time.

Tom’s POV

He left the lights off as he entered the apartment. Gravitating towards the bar he lifted a half finished bottle of single malt. Filling his glass from the night before he realised he was making this a habit. As the whisky warmed his insides trailed by a welcome numbness he didn’t care.

Sitting heavily on the sofa he took another long sip enjoying the way it nursed his aches. The ones she’d given him. A grumble started in his chest as his mind wandered to her. She was a better fighter than he’d been prepared for. She’d let him believe he had the upper hand the whole time. His throat ached as he relived the punch she’d landed. She’d struck with a speed he hadn’t expected. Even when he’d wrestled her to the ground, holding her powerless between his thighs she’d managed to turn it back on him.

Humiliation, a feeling he was getting too acquainted with since meeting her, simmered for a second before the alcohol dulled it. She’d determinedly fought him off in nothing but a towel. As much as he didn’t want to he admired her self preservation.

He felt himself stir as he relived how she’d looked under him. There had been fear in her eyes when he straddled her. But it hadn’t been the kind he’d expected. She’d feared her reaction to him, her body arching against his even when she had him subdued. A small part of him was disappointed he hadn’t broke in ten minutes later. To have a chance to see her in that underwear.

He rubbed a hand over the front of his slacks, trying to picture how she’d have looked on the bed with his fist around her throat. Would she have fought back then? The hitch to her breathing and the soft flush that crept over her cheeks said no. Another sip of whisky as he unbuttoned his trousers, freeing himself from the constraints of his boxers. Caressing himself slowly he let his head fall back against the cool leather of the sofa as he pictured her. Those eyes always so set and determined full blown with lust instead. He already knew she’d like it rough. The way she’d tugged at his hair, so confident and assertive had almost made him lose it. A groan caught in his throat as he pictured her mouth open and eager, lips wet and ready for him. He’d show her who was in charge. Grip tightening he revelled in the daydream. The thought of her moans and whimpers as she worked his length, taking him so deep, so warm and wet…

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he snarled a curse. Grabbing for it he stilled when he didn’t recognise the number. He let it connect without saying anything.

“I heard an interesting rumour today. A little birdie told me you’ve gotten yourself into quite a situation with the locals.” The feminine voice sent a chill through him. He chose his words carefully.

“They put a mark on me. I intend to take out their leader.”

“Intend to? You don’t start a war with the minions and expect the heads to fall,” she berated. His fingers clenched around the phone.

“Getting to him hasn’t been easy. He’s got the upper hand knowing the city as well as he does but my team are close to-”

“I didn’t call for excuses,” she snapped. “You have a week to tie up this crusade you’re on and I want it done quietly.” Her words were charged with a threat she didn’t need to voice.

“I understand, Ma’am.” The line went dead. A weight settled on his chest as dread filled him. He fought the urge to pitch his phone across the room, a frustrated growl sliding between his teeth. Fingers itching to punch something he ran them through his hair. With a humourless laugh he realised his life now lay in the hands of the two women who could break him.

Taglist:

@spideylovin​ @lukesbabylon​ @panicattheeverywherekid​ @keep-bears-wild @unbelievableholland​ @tomholland-mcu @whattheheckparker @stargazerholland @gorillaglue23 @marvelpeters

Part 14!

#Mob!Tom #mob!tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland imagine #tom holland

[sevfanfic]

A Touch in the Dark - Chapter 13: A Different Perspective

Word count: 1,964

(This first part is Irma’s POV)

A gurgling croak sounded overhead from a raven that soared high in the sky. The bird circled above a cluster of buildings before nose diving into a dark alley. The passage was narrow and cluttered with garbage. A cluster of dark feathers formed a swirling cloud as the shape of a woman emerged. Irma straightened her neatly tucked shirt and stepped out of the alleyway and into a bustling crowd of people. She approached the cold white edifice across the street. Her thin frame weaved between the pedestrians with ease, her face a mask of indifference. Her path led her through a heavy revolving door. The sound of her footsteps echoed sharply against the white walls of the entrance hall. She approached a closet at the end of the hall, inside stood tall shelves lined with assorted office supplies. 

“Revelio.” She waved her wand in a small arch in front of her, the shelf began to tremble. A door revealed itself as if a mist was being blown away. Irma entered through the opening and proceeded into a dark corridor lit by dim blue hues emanating from large sconces.   

“Mrs. King, you’re early. The Minister isn’t expecting you for another hour.” A short man with a stout frame seemed to emerge from the air. 

“I will see him now,” Irma swiftly passed the man and continued speaking as he struggled to keep up with her pace, “where is he?”

“I must insist that you wait, he is in an important meeting and is not to be interrupted.” The man spoke rapidly, attempting, unsuccessfully, to stop the tall woman. Irma continued to make her way through the winding corridors of the Ministry of Magic. She mulled over the Minister's possible whereabouts and concluded he’d most likely be in his favorite conference room. Her determined footsteps could be heard from inside the room she was approaching. 

“Ah, Mrs. King,” Kingsley Shacklebolt turned from his spot at the head of a grand table, “I will be done shortly. Please wait in my office.” He turned back to the circle of confused faces. 

“It’s. Important.” The severe look in Irmas eyes sent a shiver of realization down the spine of the minister as he glanced at her again. He promptly stood and neared the silver haired woman. 

“We shall resume this meeting when I return.” 

The Minister’s office was furnished with cushioned chairs with large pillows and tall framed paintings. No windows meant the only light came from small lamps and candles. It was cozy and Irma’s frigid statuesque demeanor cut into the warmth. She reported her findings and spoke adamantly about further interrogating the newest professor of Hogwarts.

“She has the support of Severus Snape. We cannot trust either of them.” Irma spoke firmly.

“She has given us no reason to mistrust her,” Kingsley shook his head, “I agree we must keep an eye on her but there is no need to turn to extremes at this time.” He paused and then stood from his chair, “And as for Severus, he was given immunity and has proven his true loyalties.”

“We are to wait for the inevitable then?” Irma raised a brow, “you know what she’s capable of, Severus is also highly skilled.”

“I understand your concern, but we have no evidence to justify taking any action. We will watch them and the others.”

“Very well.” Irma gave a nod of defeat as she watched the man leave the room. She knew she couldn't go against orders but had a pang of uneasiness in the pit of her stomach. The Minister had put together a task force to track down any potential threats, such as witches or wizards with unexplainable powers. Irma King was named head of the force, a general of sorts. She was pitiless and calculating with a taste for authority. 

Irma instructed two of her best practitioners to keep watch at Hogwarts. They were to report back with any new developments or interesting findings. The two, a witch and a wizard, were both animaguses so staying hidden was not an issue.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What if I were to substitute boom berry with powdered bone?” You picked up a few glass vials from the shelves against the back of Severus’ classroom. As you walked back to your table you noticed him standing over your bubbling cauldron. 

“It’s possible that could work.” Severus turned to you as you approached him. You set the supplies down and began to measure out a gray powder. Severus watched you with a fond look in his eyes.   

“You’re so pessimistic, Severus.” You grumbled sarcastically. It was late in the evening and the moonlight trickled in through a small window. The chilled air lingered with the faint smell of the potion you were working on. Severus placed a hand on the small of your back.  

“Maybe you’re just too optimistic,” he whispered, “however, I do enjoy watching you experiment.” Severus spoke close to your ear in a husky voice that sent a shiver down your spine. You smirked and nudged him away playfully. 

“Don’t patronize me.” The teasing lilt in your brought a smile to Severus’ face. He kissed your cheek softly and made his way back to his desk. He began to work on some grading. Occasionally he would look up at you and watch you concentrate. A small smile remained on his face as he worked.

The evening went on in silence, you focused on your potion and when you began to clean your area Severus got up to help. When you finished he walked with you back to your quarters. 

“Would you like to see this new crimson asphodel I’ve been growing?” You asked Severus with a smile. He looked at you suspiciously and you pushed open your door. 

“Does such a thing exist?” Severus watched you carefully.

“It might,” you giggled and took his hand, “but I definitely haven’t seen one.” You then pulled him through the doorway. He let you do this but then he took you into his arms and kissed you. When he pulled away from you he brought his hands to your cheeks. His thumb grazed against your bottom lip. 

“If you want me to stay, all you have to do is ask.” He murmured. The warmth of voice brushed against your skin.

“It’s that easy, hm?” You pursed your lips.

“Yes.” Severus smiled and kissed you again intensely. 

 Severus woke before you. He ran his fingers lazily over the bare skin of your back, tracing small scars and worshiping the curves and dimples of your body. It was early in the morning, the sun had barely risen above the horizon. He watched the slow rise and fall of your breaths. He admired the mess your hair had become, having become fond of the unkempt look that you always woke up with. These moments gave him the most peace, he felt his heart swell with love. The softness of your skin reminded him of satin sheets. He moved closer and kissed your shoulder. 

“Venus in her shell was never so lovely, and Diana in the forest never so graceful as my Lady when she strides through Paris.” Severus whispered in a low breathy voice, his lips hovered close to your skin. The verse resonated with him and he imagined holding you in his arms like this for an eternity. Your sleep was deep but the warmth against your shoulder pulled you closer to a wakeful state. You shifted towards Severus. His arm found its way around your waist. 

“That was beautiful.” You groaned sleepily. 

“I thought you were sleeping,” he moved a lock of hair from your face, “I said it because you’re beautiful.” The tenderness in his voice lulled you back to sleep with a small smile on your lips. He kissed your forehead and pulled you against his chest. With your cheek against his skin you listened to his heart beating rhythmically. 

The winter swallowed the countryside and the students were preparing to leave for holiday. You cleaned your classroom and helped some of the younger Slytherins get their belongings together. You began spending most of your free time with Severus. One evening after most of the students left, you invited him to have dinner. You asked the elves for permission to use the large Hogwarts kitchen and set up to cook. 

“Do you like Italian?” You asked while chopping a small onion.

“I suppose,” he replied, “I didn’t know you could cook.” 

“It is one of my many talents, Professor.” You twirled the knife in your hand before dumping the onion in a hot saucepan. He followed your movements with a raised brow. When you finished cooking you handed Severus a plate and he smiled gratefully.

“Thank you.” He watched you fondly as you ate. Over dinner you two spoke about the visit from the Ministry. Severus expressed his distaste for their obvious lack of discretion and self-restraint. 

“Maybe she just wanted to be thorough,” you spoke carefully.

“Doubtful,” Severus scoffed, “they’re watching us, that is how thorough they like to be.” He pushed his empty plate aside and took your hand in his. With an earnest look in his eyes, he brought your hand close and kissed your wrist. “Nonetheless, I will protect you. I promise.” He kissed your wrist again then pressed it against his chest just above his heart. 

“And you call me a hopeless romantic.” The redness in your cheeks made your face warm and you smiled brightly. Afterwards, Severus helped you clean up the mess you had made. He walked beside you down one of the many shadowy corridors that you learned to memorize. You came upon his door first and he stopped. 

“Would you like to join me for tea?” 

You agreed and he invited you in. You sat at the small coffee table where you first had dinner together. It was lit by three small candles that rested upon a stack of books. Soon he brought two cups of hot tea and handed you one. He sat across from you, his index finger tapping relentlessly against the cup. You noticed this habit of tapping his finger occurred when he was nervous about something. 

“Are you okay?” You asked between sips.

“Yes, I’m fine,” he looked down at his hands then slid them into his lap. He gazed down at the cup and then sighed softly. 

“I need to tell you something.” Severus spoke up and you nodded for him to continue. You heard him tapping against his leg, then he went on, “You have shown me that happiness is attainable even with the darkest of pasts,” he looked into your eyes, wanting you to see that he was opening his heart to you, “It would make me even happier if you would grant me the privilege of being your partner, in this life and the next.” 

You felt your heart flutter in your chest as you looked into Severus’ dark eyes. At that moment nothing else mattered, only how much you wanted to kiss him and tell him that you'd love nothing more than to be with him. Your movements were brisk as you stood and closed the distance between you two. He was quick to notice your movements and pushed away from the table creating a space for you which you gladly filled by straddling his lap. You then took his cheeks in your hands and pressed your lips against his. He grasped your waist and kissed you back passionately. You pulled away and admired the man who had stolen your heart. 

“Is that a yes?” 

“Yes.” you smiled and pressed your forehead to his. The smile on Severus’ face beamed and for the first time in his dreary life, he was genuinely happy. 

TAGS: @ayamenimthiriel @marvelschriss @debiraquel @mitsuhkai @the-not-so-iconic @darkthought15 @rubym13 @4everflowercore @otherxstories @thottywithoutthebody @setsuna-meiou31

#severus #severus x you #severus snape #snape #snape fanfiction #snape x you #fanfic #snape love #severus x reader #snape x reader #severus fanfic #severus lives