#mlqc mood board

[grendeldidnothingwrong]

#mlqc gavin #gavin x mc #mlqc mood board #mr love queen's choice

[haru-luo]

[CN Translation] Victor’s S2 Chapters 14-17 R&S <Steerer>(掌舵者)

!Spoiler warning! : The followings contain contents for future chapters of MLQC/Love and Producer. If you do not wish to be spoiled then please refrain from going undercut.

This is the karma that accompanies the following Rumors and Secrets. I suggest you to read S2 Summary(Volume 2:Ch 2-3), a bullet-point summary recently translated by amazing @cheri-translates​ to get more idea on what this “Small Syringe” thing is going on.

The translation is undercut. You have been warned about spoilers.

If you see “--” sign then it simply indicates the beginning of next page.

{STEERER} 

He always knew how to embed each screw in its place.

[Chapter 1]

“Caerus, there is an investigation task for you."

"Target name?"

"MC. She is a newcomer who organized the audit. All the information needed about her is in the attachment."

"Received. When do you want it?"

"Before next Wednesday."

"This task is a bit different. My pay has to increase by 20%"

After that, the dialogue between the two was stagnant for a while before the other side only replied a small word; "okay" --- Duan JunJie put down his phone and was about to continue to look at the acquisition contract in front of him when he was suddenly patted on the shoulder.

The colleague smiled and asked him, "Lawyer Duan, our department is going to have a dinner together on Sunday. Would you like to join us?"

"Ah, sorry, I have plans on the weekend so, I can't join." Duan JunJie shook his head.

The person's face turned a bit upset, "Last time, you also said that something happened and left. Why don't you stay with everyone for once? It's a pity because eating a meal together is also a way of communicating feelings."

"Forget it, I've been in LFG for so long and I've never seen Lawyer Duan participate in any department team building activities!" The female colleague opposite to Duan JunJie smiled and replied, "People would rather offend a high-level staff than work overtime all the time. If you still hope to take his weekend then give up, don't even think about it."

The two female colleagues left while groaning in complaint and Duan JunJie remained silent and quietly observed those around him before continuing to work again.

At six o'clock, he sent the compiled attachments of the acquistion contact to the mailbox of the CEO's office. He was ready to pack his things and get off work when the computer suddenly made a loud noise. -- CEO Li replied about the contract so soon? Although he knows that the person in charge of LFG Group is an extremely efficient boss, the speed is too ridiculous. He clicked on the message and found out that it was an anonymous email with a string of jumbled up characters.

Duan JunJie frowned.

The string of jumbled codes seemed disorderly but he soon discovered that it was an e-mail with two layers of special encryption and the secret key was only available to members of BLACK SWAN. After deciphering the garbled codes, he found that it was a sentence and a "S" symbol with a tick at the end.

'Come to the conference room of BLACK SWAN headquarters.'

Duan JunJie read this sentence silently and raised his eyebrow. The sender did not use the B.S communication channel but used an anonymous IP address to send it. Obviously, it has to bypass the surveillance of some people in the organization.

After the establishment of the B.S board of directors, the original TWELVE members did not easily surrender to the BOSS. They secretly made a few small moves. Although Duan JunJie was just a screw responsible for intelligence because of the nature of the work, someone from TWELVE has tried to lure or tempt him but Duan JunJie refused.

And now...

Duan JunJie looked at this email and realized something vaguely. -- He glanced at the time and now he is leaving to meet the sender of the email. It would be too late by the time he gets home to make cat food for Amo. Although he was mentally prepared, when he opened the door and saw the person sitting on the opposite side of the long table, Duan JunJie still couldn't help but blurt out, "Mr. Li."

The man opposite the long table did not erect against the barrier to cover his face. He wore a suit with a straight back and a calm expression. No different from when was sitting in the office of LFG Building as the CEO. Duan JunJie paused, then changed his words, "Oh, BOSS." -- Victor pushed the document in front of him, "I know that your senior just sent you a task. Push away that task and do this instead."

"Push away..." Duan JunJie accepted the document, "Does this mean I don't have to connect with him again in the future?"

Victor did not speak. And not speaking is his answer.

Duan JunJie adjusted his glasses and scanned the document in his hands. "...When do you want it?"

"Before next Wednesday. Is it possible?"

"It's not that it's impossible but this will take up a lot of my rest time and I see this part of document is just a lead. The things that need to be explored later are much larger than these papers." He emphasized, "This will be a long work, BOSS."

"State your salary expectations."

Duan JunJie seriously considered his mortgage and car goods, "14th salary."

"16 salaries." Victor looked at him directly, "However, you have to get me the information worthy of this value I offer you."

[T/N : Just in case, ‘14th salary’ means the payment of an additional month's salary or a form of compensation ^^]

[Chapter 2]

Duan JunJie's life is very regular. He wakes up at eight in the morning, makes a cat meal for Amo, then takes the subway that arrives at 8:27am, leaves station at 8:47am and walks for five minutes to LFG. Goes to cafeteria to get an egg, two buns and a cup of soy milk. Sometimes he changes to regular milk according to the mood of the day. He makes sure to turn on the computer at nine o'clock and start working.

He was just like a little screw in the LFG Group. As long as he makes sure that he is firm and fits where he should be on time, it’s fine.

It's just a regular life where accidents will occur occasionally, such as today. --- At 8:51am, when Duan JunJie was about to walk to the door of LFG Building, his footsteps suddenly stopped because a hanging leaf was in front of him, staying still for five seconds.

An Evolver has used their ability. Duan JunJie reacted quickly.

He looked around. Cars, Pedestrians and even the giant screen advertisements that were flashing in the distance have stopped. In the silent world, the sound of leather shoes against the ground seemed so clear. --- Duan JunJie saw Victor appear from the other end of the intersection, walking steadily towards the middle of the road, and went straight to the bridge of a car. He leaned down in front of the car and when he got up again, there was a tabby cat in his arms.

When Victor embraced the cat and stepped onto the sidewalk, time began to flow again. The noise reappeared in the city in an instant, the car and the crowd were intertwined again, no one seemed to notice what happened just now.

Victor stepped forward and suddenly, as if he noticed something, he turned his head to look at Duan JunJie not too far away.

"Mr. Li." Duan JunJie greeted him and walked over. --- Victor nodded in response, took the cat to a safe place and put it down. Little cat was shocked and still seemed to be reluctant to give up Victor. It walked back and forth, rubbing on to Victor's hand for a while before turning its head and leaping into the flowers.

Duan JunJie looked at the back of the tabby cat and inexplicably thought of his own Amo. "Its ears are labeled and looks like a neutered cat."

"The cats in this area all have been neutered." Victor replied.

These two sentences are not exactly settling but the atmosphere is relaxed. Duan JunJie continued, "I didn't expect you to be a cat lover too." -- It is known that the cats in this area have been neutered, but the fact that Victor used Evol to save a cat, didn't really fit Duan JunJie's impression of Victor.

"It was just a matter of hand." Victor took off the cat's fur on his cuffs. "It should watch itself, someone can't come to its rescue everytime."

As soon as the voice fell, Victor's always firm eyes turned into a purple mist. Something seemed to have touched his mind and his expression became a little dazed. -- Duan JunJie saw Victor with that kind of expression for the first time but he intuitively felt that he shouldn't ask more. So, he took a step back, "Then I will go in first and the yesterday's document will be sent to you before quarter past ten in the morning."

At 8:57, Duan JunJie arrived at the LFG canteen. Today he bought one less egg because he wants to save time and start work.

[Chapter 3]

Whether as Caerus or Duan Lawyer, he has been very busy this time. LFG's acquisition plan has advanced to a critical stage and the investigation of the "Small Syringe" has also fallen into the bottle.

Even Duan JunJie who has no commercial sense, knows that this kind of medicine that can enhance Evol can create huge benefits that can change the entire world. 

He once suspected that Victor's reason for being particularly concerned about “Small Syringes" was the instinct of capitalists to seek profit but if he really was chasing profits, he should've put this unstable medicine package on the market as soon as possible, instead of letting him investigate the "black hand" behind the shadow of the "Small Syringe Industry."

"Lawyer Duan, we'll head out first then." -- "Alright, bye."

The colleagues picked up their bags and said goodbye to him. When they walked to the door, he could still hear a faint sentence floating over to his ears, "Lawyer Duan is also working overtime. It's really rare..."

The sky gradually darkened and the neon lights of the city outside the floor-to-ceiling windows lit up for the first time in the night. Only Duan JunJie remained in the large office. In the silent environment, no breathing could be heard, only the monotonous keyboard percussion sounds in rugged manner.

-BEEP!

A sharp alarm interrupted Duan JunJie's work. He quickly opened the alarm interface and found that the source of the alarm was Victor's office. --- "The sound pulse from the office is fluctuating abnormally..." Duan JunJie watched the screen as he whispered, "...Someone is eavesdropping?"

It's not surprising that Victor will be exposed by some people. What surprised Duan JunJie is that someone dared to do something in Victor's office. He immediately sent an encrypted signal to Victor, asking the other party to come out of the office immediately. But even after a long time, Victor in the camera remained motionless. Not too long after, he saw a girl pushing to open the door of the office, still holding some documents in her hand.

She is the boss of [Miracle Entertainment or MC's company name], a film and television company invested by LFG and a member of BLACK SWAN, Miss NOX.

".....So that's it. You don't want to stun the snake, huh." --- Seeing this scene, Duan JunJie breathed a sigh of relief. It also reflects that the time for NOX to report on official business is the anti-tracking time given to him by Victor. He has to be worthy of the 16 salary that Victor offered to give him.

An hour later, Duan JunJie stood in front of Victor's office and knocked on the door three times.

"Come in."

Duan JunJie walked in, closed the door carefully and operated the small anti-eavesdropping device in his hand. He fidgeted it a few times and finally installed it on the door. Then he turned around and said straightforwardly, "BOSS, it's done." --- "Speak."

"The source of the eavesdropping was traced to the tea room in Xicheng District. This is the background check of the tea room owner and the personnel he has been in close contact with recently."

*[Note : Searched and found out that Xicheng District is an actual district in Beijing, China i.e popular for dining, restaurants and nightlife.]*

Duan JunJie operated the device a few times on his mobile phone and the corresponding intelligence content popped up on Victor's computer. "A few people had contact with the "Small Syringe". As for the person who installed the eaves dropping device, they have also been found. They are the cleaners who cleaned your office yesterday. According to monitoring and comparison, they are not really from LFG but they disguised as staffs to enter. People have been arranged to go to the town's tea room, they can act at any time." -- "Got it."

Victor's tone was always faint, his expression calm as if he had not experienced such tense eavesdropping crisis one after another or perhaps for this man, he had experienced countless even more dangerous situation that not even Duan JunJie can imagine. More knife-pointed, like the scene of life and death on the front line.

He scanned the page for a few moments, hit the button and said, "Move on to the next stage." -- But the meaning of entering the next stage does not mean that he does not need to care about how those eavesdroppers will be dealt with. Duan JunJie nodded knowingly, "Understood." Victor's gaze flew through the floor-to-ceiling long windows to the far ground, as if he was saying to Duan JunJie or as if he was saying to an invisible opponent, "The line has already been put for long enough." -- Duan JunJie lowered his head, "I will continue to report to you if there is a new situation."

He turned to leave the office but suddenly wrinkled his nose before leaving. A faintly sweet smell was floating on the tip of his nose which he doesn't know where it came from was like the caramel smell he would sense when he would pass the dessert shop downstairs the building.

This kind of sweet smell is not supposed to appear in Victor's office. It might be just an illusion, Duan JunJie thought.

[Chapter 4]

Without even realizing, it was the end of the year again. At this time, the center of the topic among the colleagues will be drawn more and more to the LFG annual meeting.

"Last year, someone in the department next door got paid for a month of paid travel along with wine reported!"

"I want to get a camera. Maybe also with an advanced equipment and so my photography skills will improve..."

"Lawyer Duan, what prize do you want to get?"

"The Sunshine award." Duan JunJie replied.

The atmosphere suddenly became silent. ---- Duan JunJie thinks this topic is meaningless and he doesn't think he has the luck to win a lottery either. Excessive luxurious prizes are often accompanied by huge risks. He is only greedy for peace and stability and does not want to have a life full of too many twists and turns.

It's better to go home and cook an extra meal for the cat when you finally have gotten time.

LFG's annual meeting has always been very lively. In addition to the people from the headquarters, some co-operating companies will also come to socialize. Backed up companies owners such as the boss of [MC's company name], MC will not be absent any year either. --- After the last eavesdropping incident, probably out of affirmation of his work ability, Victor handed him more tasks. As a result, he came into contact with this woman who had an unusual relationship with the BOSS. Although he exchanged the information online, the other party did not know his identity in reality.

He glanced at the energetic girl and then turned away, not planning to say 'hello' to her as LFG's lawyer, Duan JunJie. --- What Duan JunJie didn't expect was that he won the second prize at this annual meeting.

The moment his name appeared on the big screen, his colleagues seemed to be more excited than him. These guys who usually self-evaluate the law elites laughed and made noises while surrounding him and asked him to invite guests to share this joy.

"You are the King of our department this year, Lawyer Duan"

Duan JunJie was so annoyed by them that he simply made an excuse and slipped out of the annual party ahead of time. He had just gotten in the car and was about to start when suddenly two figures flashed in the corner of his eye that shouldn't have been there at this time. --- Victor and NOX walked to the garage side by side and the two seemed to be talking about something. Duan JunJie thought it might not be an official business because the girl's face had a brilliant smile that seemed appropriate to her young age. She carried a bag of vegetables in one hand and the other hand was making gestures from time to time. Victor's eyebrows were still sharp and cold but the corners of his mouth have a slight arc. And if Duan JunJie is right, is this the B.S BOSS carrying a bag of.....cat litter?

It's the same cat litter as Amo.

Duan JunJie raised his eyebrows. He felt as if he had discovered something extraordinary; something he shouldn't have witnessed. --- So, Duan JunJie asked questions unrelated to work for the first time in the work email the next day.

"Why does the poster of LFG annual meeting feature a Siamese cat?"

Victor quickly answered him.

"That is my cat. It is a mascot."

[Chapter 5]

Affected by the LFG's malicious acquisition of pharmaceutical companies from the outside world, recently, the atmosphere in the company is much more sluggish than it used to be. The laughter and gossips are no longer in the lounge, they have become quiet discussions and sighs.

"When I went to get a coffee across the street today, the clerk saw my staff badge and said that he would not accept me as a customer. I was really speechless..."

"Huh, if he didn't accept you then you should've complained to him and not only complain but also wear LFG badge everyday to buy the coffee. It is never a shame to be a LFG employee!"

"That's right!" -- Duan JunJie was stunned and stopped for a while but a colleague in the pantry had already noticed him. "Lawyer Duan!"

Duan JunJie nodded at them and poured the remaining water from the glass into the sink. A female colleague said with a smile, "How is Amo from Lawyer Duan's family?"

"He's okay, just losing weight recently."

"By the way, we recently established a 'LFG cat-lover group'. Does Lawyer Duan want to join?” The female colleague laughed at him and while asking him that.

 "Occasionally, We also see CEO Li's little pudding!"

"Oh, thank you. Let me think about it." --- After bidding farewell to his colleagues, Duan JunJie set off for the BS Building. One or two minutes before, he got a message from the special communication channel of B.S that an emergency meeting was to be held.

Before entering the meeting room, he habitually knocked the door three times and after getting permission from Victor, he finally opened the door and entered.

"The next step of the plan can start."

"I know. I will arrange the needed manpower." --- As usual Victor was ready to withstand his(Duan JunJie's) next actions until a silver-haired man suddenly broke in and interrupted Duan JunJie's bargaining with Victor over the length of overtime work he has to do.

"You two can talk slowly."

Without waiting for the silver-haired man to scan his eyes coldly, Duan JunJie turned around and left the meeting room very wittily. He's only doing what he's supposed to do, not listening to what he shouldn't listen to. This is the work principle he has always believed in. -- Duan JunJie feels that his current life is very good. Both LFG and BLACK SWAN are huge and sophisticated associations, requiring countless "Attorney Duan" and Caerus as screws to maintain their operation.

The man at the helm/steer who directs the operation is Victor.

Screws can get stuck occasionally and can be replaced but Victor cannot make any mistakes, let alone replace him. Once he makes any mistakes, the consequences are bound to be fatal.

Perhaps in terms of risk, following the word "Victor" is already the biggest gamble in Duan JunJie's life. ---- His tokens were all on bet because of this man. He inexplicably believed that Victor could win, not because of the gorgeous numbers in LFG's annual report, nor because B.S continued to grow these glamorous crowns and success under his leadership.

But is the stray cat that was rescued, the brand new "Small Syringe" industry chain and the badge on the chest of his colleagues.....The reason lied in these things.

Duan JunJie turned on his phone and opened the messaging app before starting the next stage of work.

"What was the 'LFG cat-lover group' number again?"

[R&S CLEARED]

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

T/N : Thank you for reading. Do let me know if there are any errors.

But the biggest question still prevails. What was the cat groups number?

#r&s summary : mlqc with it's usual confusing drama feat. Victor's and Duan JunJie's love for cats #let us see amo #not at victor using pudding as a mascot #this r&s is less intense than i thought tho #also silver haired man is that helios? #mlqc #mlqc victor #mlqc cn #mlqc rumors and secrets #mlqc translations #li zeyan #mldd #mr love queen's choice #love and producer

[cheri-cheri]

[L&N] Charlie’s Date Translation - Sentimental Games

Note: This is a very casual translation, which means descriptions are heavily summarised, and you’ll also come across my unfiltered thoughts!

Suggested sequence: Fleeing Together -> Sentimental Games -> Born with Wings

Charlie’s Character Introduction: here

The date begins with MC about to board a cruise where a charity auction is taking place

She’s especially looking forward to seeing a pair of Cape Jasmine Gloves from the previous century in hopes of getting inspiration for her own designs

She gets stopped by the ticketing staff who warns her that since she only has a media personnel ticket, she can’t go in and can only take pictures from outside

MC: [sad] Did I make a wasted trip?

??: Why would it be a wasted trip?

She turns around and sees this hot mess:

Charlie: You didn’t make a wasted trip. You’ve seen me now, haven’t you?

MC: ...what are you doing here?

Charlie: *flaunts his ticket* I was specially invited to participate in the auction as a distinguished guest, of course.

Charlie: *spots the media personnel ticket* In order to glance at me from a distance, you didn’t hesitate to catch a chill outside the venue?

MC: How’s that possible-

Charlie: Not bad. I’m touched. *nods and enters through the VIP passageway*

Charlie: *hands ticket to staff* My female companion is behind me.

MC: ???

Charlie: What? Not coming in?

MC: *thinks about the Cape Jasmine Gloves* ...fine!

-

MC heads to a cafe

Charlie: You’re quite a strange woman. Instead of going to my exclusive resting area, you insisted on running to such a remote corner.

MC: I don’t seem to remember forcing you to come to the cafe with me.

Charlie: You’re my female companion. Of course we should move about together. 

MC: *about to retort but remembers that it’s thanks to him that she could enter* Hmph.

Charlie: There are many comfortable spots on the cruise suitable for two people to pass the time. You could think about where we should go later.

MC: Who wants to go anywhere with you...

Charlie: Apart from you, who else?

MC: I came here for a purpose, not to monkey around with you. 

Charlie: Oh? What purpose? Tell me about it. I’m in a pretty good mood and could consider fulfilling it for you.

MC: Thanks, but I. Don’t. Need. It!

Charlie: If you don’t say anything, I’ll make a guess. There’s something you want to buy at the auction today? Art? An antique? Jewels or haute couture?

MC: *doesn’t even look at him*

Charlie: *looks her up and down*

MC: What are you up to now?

Charlie: Your outfit isn’t bad today.

Since it’s a retro-themed auction, MC wore a black formal dress

Just as she's wondering why Charlie randomly brought it up, he opens his beautiful mouth

Charlie: But you seem to be missing some accessories... How about Auction Item No. 3, the red ruby necklace? I could buy it for you.

MC: I don’t need it! How many times do you want me to repeat myself...

Charlie: Fine, fine. Anyway, you already have a red accessory, so you don’t need it.

MC looks at the red ring on her finger

But Charlie points at himself and his red suit LOL

Charlie: Your red accessory is here.

MC: ...you’re so silly! *secretly admits that their outfits match very well*

Charlie: In that case, I’ll give you something else. What about Auction Item No. 5 - the Cape Jasmine Gloves?

MC: !

Charlie: So your purpose for coming here today is for those gloves.

MC: No, I never even thought about participating in the auction...

Charlie: *whips out phone* Let me see how much these gloves are worth...

He receives a notification on his phone and has to leave to meet a friend

He invites her to join them since it’s only a matter of time before she has to meet his friends LOL But MC says “NO THANKS”

So he tells her that she could go to the highest level once she’s done walking around. And if she gets lost, she could head to the broadcast room

MC: Broadcast room?

Charlie: *draws closer to her* You could go to the broadcast room and announce that you’re looking for your husband. 

MC: Definitely not looking for a husband. It’s more like looking for a little child! *leaves and hears Charlie’s soft laughter from behind*

-

MC relaxes outside and thinks of where she should go. The date splits into four options:

Option 1: First Class Area on the 4th Floor

Option 2: Highest Floor

Option 3: Second Floor Hall

Option 4: Fourth Floor Seating Area

[ OPTION 1: FIRST CLASS AREA ON THE 4TH FLOOR ]

MC: ...I’m not heading up to look for him. I just want to ask him where the auction’s taking place!

She knocks on his door. He’s shocked to see her, but he composes himself and invites her in after teasing her about not saying what she genuinely feels

He grabs her wrist and tugs her into the room

MC: What are you doing? Let go...

Charlie: I want to show you something.

MC: What is it? I don’t-

Charlie: *opens a black box* Are you sure you aren’t going to look?

It’s obviously the Cape Jasmine Gloves

Charlie starts putting on the gloves uhiefjnksd

MC: Slow down! This is a treasure from the previous century!

Charlie: So what if they’re from the previous century? Aren’t they still gloves? *puts on gloves and stretches out his hand to MC*

MC: What are you doing...?

Charlie: I’m letting you touch them. Don’t you want to experience the design and texture of the gloves? What are you waiting for? You might not have such an opportunity next time.

*cue gameplay where you get to touch him like in MLQC’s Go See Him*

Charlie: Looks like you aren’t feeling the gloves at all, but want to feel me properly instead.

MC: ?!

MC: ...it’s better if I don’t use my hands. I’ll just look.

Charlie: No need. Continue. *places hand in her palm*

MC starts touching his hand and he gently hooks his fingers with hers LOL

Charlie: Why’d you stop?

MC: [blushing] ...I’m just thinking about its quality!

Charlie: This material is very thin, and I can feel your body temperature. It’s rare. *slowly holds her hand*

MC: *RETRACTS HAND* O-oh yes... how did you get these gloves...

Charlie: Didn’t I tell you? I bought these gloves.

MC: Bought them?! How did you do it so quickly? I even thought of asking you where the auction venue is...

Charlie: Is there a difference between who bought it? *puts gloves back into box*

Charlie: Take them. Study them slowly.

-> Head to epilogue

[ OPTION 2: HIGHEST FLOOR ]

Charlie: It’s rare for you to be so obedient. You were really preparing to look for me on the highest floor? Let’s go then. Just one level up.

MC: Wait, I wasn’t looking for you! I just wanted to enjoy the breeze!

They stand together and there’s a line which goes, “miraculously, he doesn’t talk” HAHAHA

She suddenly feels nervous

MC: ...why aren’t you participating in the auction? *their eyes meet and she feels her heart beating rapidly*

*Cues gameplay which is akin to ASMR*

Charlie: As compared to the auction, I’m more interested in something else.

Charlie: Also, isn’t a coincidental that each time I think of “it”, “it” happens to appear.

Charlie: Will you be able to find me no matter where I am?

Charlie: Even though I know that my charm is infinite, installing a GPS on someone is illegal.

Charlie: That isn’t the case? Even at such an empty corner, you were able to “meet” me coincidentally.

MC: *walks away*

Charlie: Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Enjoy the breeze for a while longer.

Charlie: Bored? Let me tell you that other places on the cruise are even more boring...

Charlie: At least... there are some things worth looking forward to over here.

Charlie: : Hm? You didn’t hear me clearly?

Charlie: I said...

Charlie: Of course you can’t hear if you’re so far away.

Charlie: This is better.

Charlie: I said that having my fiancée by my side gives me a sense of anticipation...

Charlie: What? Are you leaving just like this?

Charlie: Fine. About those gloves... just treat it as though I didn’t buy them.

Charlie: Looks like you still have some interest in me.

Charlie: I purchased the pair of gloves you liked. Just now.

Charlie: Why? Because I didn’t want your attention to be somewhere else.

Charlie: I needed to ensure that your gaze would remain on me from beginning to end.

Charlie: Only me.

-> Head to epilogue

[ OPTION 3: SECOND FLOOR HALL ]

This is where the auction is being held, and MC quickly realises that unlike traditional auctions, there are gambling tables around

Aside from having enough money, competing buyers have to play Texas hold ‘em to have the right to bid

Someone is about to purchase the gloves, and MC recognises him as a buyer with a bad reputation who handles treasures very poorly

MC walks over angrily and says she’d compete with him

CHARLIE ARRIVES

The buyer tries to find fault with them e.g. saying that it’s unfair that they’re playing 2 against 1

Charlie responds by saying that although the rules have a limit of 2 seats, it doesn’t stipulate the number of people who can be present

So Charlie pulls MC onto his lap

Charlie: If you can abide by the rules of having one seat, we wouldn’t mind if all the bodyguards sit on your lap.

Charlie: *tightens grip on MC’s waist* Right, dear? 

MC: [blushing] Haha, yeah...

Charlie: Sit properly. Don’t let me get distracted.

So MC slings her arm around his neck awkwardly while the game continues LOL

Unsurprisingly, he wins

MC looks at the gloves and Charlie tells her that instead of looking at them while standing up, she could sit on his lap

She refuses

-> Head to epilogue

[ OPTION 4: THIRD FLOOR SEATING AREA ]

She sees the gloves in a display cabinet from afar

Since she doesn't have the VIP ticket, she’s prohibited from going closer

But it’s okay because Charlie’s here to save the day

Charlie: Since you’re already here, why avoid me now?

MC: Don’t make it sound like I came here specially to look for you.

Charlie: There aren’t many people who get shy as easily as you.

MC: *forces out a laugh*

Charlie: You’re speechless, aren’t you? After all, we’re engaged. You don’t have to be so indirect with me. Let’s go. Don’t just stand here in a silly manner.

MC: *forgets to retort because she sees the gloves*

Charlie: You...

MC: *is unable to hear him because she’s distracted by the gloves* So beautiful...

Charlie: *waves his hand in front of her*

MC: Don’t block me...

Charlie: Is it really that nice to look at? I’m sitting right here and your line of sight is drawn to something else? Truly incomprehensible.

MC: You’re the one who’s incomprehensible. What’s there to compete... *continues staring at the gloves*

Charlie: Fine, you should seize this opportunity to look as much as you want. After all, you won’t be able to see it ever again soon.

MC: What’s that supposed to mean?

Charlie: Someone already bought those gloves.

MC finds out that someone offered twenty times the original amount for them

MC: Who bought them...

Charlie: You want to know? *sips red wine*

Charlie points at the buyer with the bad reputation from Option 3

MC gripes because she recognises him as someone who simply views these items as investments, not treasures

Charlie shares some wisdom on how people will always have differing perspectives. Someone may view an item as treasure, while another person views it as insignificant. And one has no right to intervene with how they treat the item

But she’s still angry and says that there’s innate value in everything

Charlie offers her a carton of red wine as repayment for her “speech”

MC says she doesn’t need it:

Charlie: If you don’t want wine, I could give you something else. For example... how about that pair of gloves?

MC: Hasn’t it already been sold?

Charlie: According to the rules, I could offer an even greater amount of money to intercept the auction.

MC: No need... even if you were to fork out a huge sum of money to buy it, I’m unable to repay you.

Charlie: You’re my fiancée. There’s no need to repay me.

MC: *glares at him*

Charlie: Don’t you want any other auction items? Anything here is fine.

MC: Are you sure that anything’s fine?

Charlie: Of course. I always say what I mean.

MC: In that case... you can be my auction item!

Charlie: *shocked* So that’s how you like to play.

MC: W-what... I was just wanted to pretend to be a “bad owner” and let you experience the pain of being an auction item!

Charlie: Do you think this bottle of wine knows pain?

MC: Do you know what personification is? Also, my main point is to teach you and correct your mistaken views!

Charlie: *nods and smiles*

Charlie: Understood, my Master.

Charlie: Tell me. How do you plan to be mischievous?

MC: *instantly regrets*

MC: F-first, stand up.

Charlie: As you command.

Charlie: *stands* What’s your next command?

MC: Mm... pour two cups of red wine for me.

Charlie: This is the first time I’m pouring wine for someone. It feels pretty novel.

MC: *in a fluster because she finds his side profile handsome LOL*

Charlie: I know. Your next command is to feed you, isn’t it?

MC: ...of course not!

Charlie: There’s no need to be shy. Guessing my master’s preferences and commands is what I should be doing.

MC wonders why she feels as though she’s the one being punished instead

Just as the glass is about to reach her lips, she swiftly picks up the other glass

And clinks them together LOL

HIS FACE:

MC: That’s all for today! I hereby announce that you’re now free! 

Charlie: You’re too easily satisfied, which leaves me barely any sense of fulfilment.

MC: I don’t care about your sense of fulfilment...

Charlie: *calls the staff over* I want to intercept Auction No. 5. Those Cape Jasmine Gloves.

MC: You’re really buying them?!

Charlie: *nods* When the gloves are brought over, I’ll give you ten minutes to appreciate them. As for the remaining time, you can appreciate me.

MC: *nods*

Charlie: You’re looking forward to it that much?

MC: Of course. How could I not seize this chance to see a great master’s work at close range?

Charlie: You’re pretty slow sometimes.

MC: Huh?

Charlie: Why didn’t you think that the gloves would be a waste with me?

MC: I... *realises that she instinctively knew he’s a good boi*

Charlie: Forget it. Relax, I know that you’re interested in those gloves.

MC: Why are you bringing me into this?

Charlie: I cherish the things you cherish. Naturally, you’d cherish me a little more.

MC: Your logic is unreasonable. Ordinary people truly can’t keep up with you...

Charlie: I was never an ordinary person. Also, it’s fine as long as my fiancée can keep up with me. Why should I care about others? *tucks MC’s hair behind her ear*

MC: *heartbeat goes wild*

-> Head to the epilogue

[ EPILOGUE ]

After the auction is over, MC is back at the cafe and writing down inspiration in her notebook

Charlie sits down next to her

Charlie: Lady, are you used to neglecting me?

MC: ...what are you doing here instead of resting on the highest floor?

Charlie: You aren’t resting either. Is it because there isn’t a place to sleep? You’re free to sleep on my bed anytime.

MC: Stop! I’m not tired!

Charlie: *sees that MC is sketching gloves* Gloves again. Did those Cape Jasmine Gloves inspire you that much?

MC explains that the designer was inspired by surgical gloves, which is why it’s so light and thin

MC: Thirty years ago, a female dressmaker who had a complicated illness was saved by a kind doctor in her time of despair. The other party didn’t claim medical fees, and even gave her treatments to re-ignite her hope in life. After she was cured, she spent many years specially designing this pair of gloves for the doctor. How is it? Isn’t it very romantic?

Charlie: But the story I heard was a little different from yours. The reason why the doctor saved the female dressmaker was purely because he liked to research complicated illnesses. The female dressmaker’s illness was very rare. In his personal biography, the female dressmaker was called “Patient No. 47″. He never thought about encouraging or helping anyone. Everything was simply an assumption by the other party. How is it? Do you find it not as romantic now?

MC: *speechless, then looks down at the design* No. I don’t think that’s all. Look here. 

MC: *points at a tiny stitched lotus on the Cape Jasmine Gloves* I’ve seen images of this. At first, there weren’t any flowers on the gloves. After she passed away, the doctor likely asked someone to stitch it on. Aside from symbolising faithfulness and purity, lotuses symbolise adoration. So this represents the love between two people! Perhaps a beginning sparked by curiosity can genuinely bloom with fate’s design.

Charlie: *in a daze for a moment* So the reason why this pair of gloves met me, a doctor, is also fate’s design?

MC: *nods* Maybe...

Charlie: *leans in closer* In that case, you’re the same.

MC: Me?

Charlie: I’m referring to... fate’s design. I look forward to it - whether it’s the blooming or bearing fruit.

#light and night

[r3almellow]

Taking Care Of MLQC Boys on Bad Days

Thanks so much for the request, my precious anon! I hope this is to your liking!

Warning: Briefly Mentions Sexy Time

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Kiro

It takes a lot for Kiro to have a bad day. He usually makes the most of whatever is thrown his way, but he's not perfect.

What he needs is a little R&R and you're the perfect person to help him with that.

You have to talk with Savin about giving Kiro a few days off from his hectic schedule so your man can rest.

A fun filled day spent at home with you is more than enough to make Kiro happy.

You always have his favorite video games, food, movies and snacks on standby for moments like this! 

And of course no fun time is complete without karaoke and superhero onesies!

Expect him to stick on to you like glue when he's home. Whether its him with his arms around you while you make lunch or holding your hand while you’re just chilling in the couch.

Distractions help Kiro get his mind off of whatever put him in such a mood.

And his favorite distraction of all? Sex!  

All you gotta do is straddle him and he'll know where this will lead.

He’s very quick to abandon whatever video game he's playing or TV show he's watching to have you ride him. The thing that brought down his spirits long forgotten.

Kiro appreciates your efforts! He's so used to being the one that makes people smile that when it's the other way around he doesn't know what to do with himself. This is a nice change of pace.

Gavin

Will never admit when he’s feeling bad and likes to hide them from you.

Gavin will always deny it and tell you not to worry, so you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. 

You never pressure him to tell you the problem, but you always make it a point to tell him you’re always willing to listen.

You don’t have to do too much because Gavin is a pretty simple guy, so a nice time at home is always good. If you buy a few beers and order some takeout and your man is all set. 

Just being in your presence is like a breath of fresh air for him. 

He loooooves massages!! Run your hands over those tired muscles with some oil and he’ll just melt into the bed.

Its safe to say that the two of you become intimate during his massage. A few innocent kisses along his back and you’re suddenly pulled against his oily body, lips locked against his. 

Give that man a bunch of kisses and cuddle him like crazy. He needs to relax and having you in his arms or vice versa is a great way to do that.

Victor

You’ll have to force him to take a day off so he can clear his mind. That in itself won’t be easy, but if you press him enough he’ll do it. 

You’ll have to hide his phone and laptop to prevent him from working or he’ll find a way to check his emails.

You’ll spend most of the day doing random things to get his mind off of whatever made him upset. 

You make him play board games, watch silly movies, try to cook him a nice meal that he has to save because you accidentally almost burned down the kitchen.

When was the last time you two enjoyed a couples bath?!

Set up his favorite scented candles, flower petals in the water, have music that fits the atmosphere playing in the background. 

You will spend a good five minutes comfortably sitting against his chest in the tub before Victor starts peppering kisses along your neck. Not long after you'll feel something poking your lower back.

You don't even have to question it and willingly accept what happens next.

Overall, Victor will appreciate everything you’re trying to do for him and your efforts do help him clear his mind. 

Lucien

You know when something is bothering Lucien when he throws himself into his work and his lack of sleep. 

Lucien normally sleeps better with you by his side and when he's not sleeping you're riddled with worry.

Pull him away from his work and take him out to the country side, so he can clear his head. 

A picnic is just what he needs to relieve stress and bonus points if you managed to bring his favorite book. He’ll read to you as you both sit under the tree

Super bonus points if you brought his old sketchbook. While he doesn’t use it much anymore you heard that art helps reduce stress. 

If you pass out during your picnic he’ll take out the sketchbook and draw you as you sleep. It definitely brings him great peace being able to focus on you like this. 

Surprise him with a night in a hotel room whether it's out in the country or closer to home. He'll love the change of scenery and he'll love it even more once he sees the brand new lingerie you were saving to use for his birthday.

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Dooooone! 

Like my MLQC stuff? Be sure to check out my masterpost!

#mlqc #mlqc gavin #mlqc kiro #mlqc lucien #mlqc victor #kiro #mr love #Gavin #Victor #Lucien

[attackonmyself]

Beat the Heat--NSFW

Inspired by a prompt from @voltage-vixen​‘s Summer of Smut Writing Challenge but took waaaaay too long for me to complete, and I missed the deadline. Anyways, thanks to @voltagesmutter​, @passagesthroughpages, and Lia_Jones (all amazing writers themselves!) for all your help! Dedicated to all Victor stans, and my Discord family!

Please see this amazing artwork that inspired my fic!: https://m.sg.weibo.com/user/2173912080/4472175635540915

And also this Karma owned by MLQC:

Link on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25654276

I sprinted into the LFG lobby, out of breath. I was late. Again. 

Cindy spotted me, and quickly gestured towards the stairs. “He’s been waiting for you, go on up.” I groaned, still out of breath, then crossed the lobby. Great, I thought as I ran up the stairs. Another lecture on punctuality, coming right up. I stopped before the office door, taking a moment to catch my breath before knocking.

“Come in,” came the clipped reply. Even better, it sounded like he was already in a bad mood. This should be fun. I entered, closing the door behind me. Victor was sitting at his desk, skimming something on his computer. He looked up, removing his glasses and placing them next to his desk calendar. “It is 2:33.”

I grimaced. “I’m sorry.”

His normal poker face had been replaced with a scowl. “What time did I say to be here?”

“2:30.” It didn’t matter how close we had become, some things never changed. When at work, Victor was always in prime CEO mode, any trace of my shy and sweet boyfriend disappearing the moment he walked in the office doors. 

“It seems your memory is indeed working today, despite all evidence to the contrary. So perhaps you like to explain why that was not the time you entered my office?” Being on the receiving end of a Victor-Li-is-irked glare was never a good experience, but unfortunately, that was often the position I found myself in.

“Our printer jammed at the last second, and wouldn’t print a contract that my 1:30 client needed to sign before they could leave, so I was stuck there calling maintenance and then waiting for them to show up, and then waiting for them to fix it, and then--”

“Stop. I’ve heard enough.” He rubbed his temples, eyes closed. “You do realize this is the modern era, yes? Contracts can be sent over email, and signed digitally. We will need to discuss your company’s disturbing lack of adaptation to current technology at another time; you have wasted enough of it already. Begin your report.” 

“Right.” I pulled out my newly purchased tablet and cleared my throat. “As you can see, we exceeded our predicted revenue this month. Views that we lost last week were not just recovered, but doubled.” I fidgeted a bit under his intense stare. 

“I implemented the ideas we discussed last week, and they were successful  For future consideration, I’d like to bring to your attention--”

The soft whirring of the air conditioning of the building sputtered to a startling halt. I paused, and looked at Victor for direction. He sighed, and picked up the phone on his desk when it began to ring. “Speak.” I heard a hurried voice on the other end, and watched Victor’s frown deepen. “What?” More frantic explanation from the voice, trying to appease him, and then Victor hung up. 

“Something wrong?” I asked, hoping that an urgent matter had come up, so that I could move my report to later when he would hopefully be in a better mood.

“The air conditioning stopped working. It will take a few hours to fix.” I groaned internally. It was the middle of July, peak season for hot days, and Victor’s office was directly in the sun’s path at the moment, the windows offering no protection from its heat. He shed his suit jacket, draping it over the arm of his chair. “Continue,” he commanded.

“Uh,” I scrambled to remember my place. “For future consideration, I’d like to bring to your attention trendlines predicting future revenue on episodes based on current events.” I began to sweat, already missing the almost too cold climate I had complained about in the past, and vowed to never do so again. 

“Our most popular episodes to date have been ones related to current issues in the news. Our recent collaboration with Loveland TV gave us access to topics and resources that we might not have had otherwise. Therefore, I propose that we begin a new series to be aired in conjunction with local news stations beyond just Loveland TV that would cover oddities addressed in daily reports.” 

Ok, the heat had officially become unbearable. I took off my white cardigan, putting in on top of my bag. Victor did a double-take, eyes widening. Uh oh. I forgot how casual my dress was. I tried to distract him with the report. “The series would cover not just super powers, but also delve into the psyche--”

“Stop, stop.” Crap. He was still staring at my dress. “What do you think you’re wearing?!”

“Uh, a sundress?” I responded dumbly. He glared at me. I fumbled for an excuse, though not knowing why I needed one exactly. “It’s the middle of July. I know it’s not formal business attire without the cardigan, but it’s hot in here without the AC. I thought you would understand that and be ok with me not wearing it considering the circumstances.”

He gaped, apparently shocked. “You thought wrong. Do you seriously not realize how alluring that dress is?”

Wait what? “Huh?”

He shook his head. “Dummy, you are astoundingly naive sometimes. Wearing that to any presentation, including this one, leads the audience to focus not on your proposal, but your physical assets.” I blushed, and covered myself a bit with my arms. He continued. “For example, I missed everything you presented after taking off your cardigan. Be thankful this was only a weekly report meeting, and not an official proposal for more funding with the entire board present.” He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk.

I looked down, ashamed. “I really am sorry, Victor. That would have embarrassed both Miracle Company and you; I understand now and I will do better in the future.”

“No, you misunderstand me.” He stood, and strode quickly towards me, crossing the room in a few broad steps. He grabbed my shoulders and forced me to look him in the eye. “The only person who should see you in outfits of this nature is me.” It was the hunger in his eyes that made me realize I was no longer talking to the CEO of LFG, but Victor Li, my protective and now aroused boyfriend.  

Desperate lips met mine, taking my breath away. I was always weak for his kisses, this time literally. My knees gave in a bit, and I held onto his arms as he pushed deeper. I eagerly reciprocated, a need for his touch growing rapidly under my navel. We broke apart for only a moment, before he claimed my lips again and ran strong fingers up my neck and into my hair, gently nudging my face closer to his. 

Victor was not a man of many flowery words, but he made up for it in his actions. Every kiss we shared was so fervent that you would think it was going to be our last. Even in moments of raw passion, it was obvious how deeply he cared for me, and I fell more in love with him each time our lips united. This kiss was no exception; I sank into his yearning for me, throwing my arms around his neck. 

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around my thighs, and I felt myself being lifted into the air. I scrambled to wind my legs around his waist, holding him tighter. We were intimately closer than before, and I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. It amazed me that I could have such an effect on the seemingly stoic mogul, that I could be the one to break his cool. His lips captured mine once more, then he impatiently moved us towards his desk. 

“Hold tight,” he instructed, using one arm to awkwardly clear off the desktop, sending pens and his mouse flying. He set me atop it, beginning to suck at the pulse point above my collarbone, when reality hit me.

“Wait, stop,” I whispered harshly. He immediately backed away, arms to his side.

“What’s wrong?” Concern overtook ardor, and he scanned my figure. “Did I hurt you?” That thought seemed to shake him a bit.

“No, nothing like that,” I quickly reassured him. “But...should we really be doing this in your office? People might hear, or worse, what if someone came in?”

His confidence immediately returned, desire resuming its place in his eyes as I mentioned others overhearing our stolen moment of passion. He smirked, leaning in close.

“Let them hear.” He continued his attack on my neck, but I wouldn’t be swayed just yet.

“Victor,” I chided. “I’m not comfortable with someone catching us in your office. That wouldn’t look good for either of us.” He stopped, judging my sincerity, then walked away. 

“Wait, where are you going?” I asked, reaching out an arm towards him needily, missing his warmth already. Had I angered him?

“Relax, dummy.” He strode up to the door and turned the lock, its satisfying click signaling his intentions. He turned and smiled devilishly. “No one is going anywhere until we are finished.” 

He hastened back to me, as if I were his prey, strung up and waiting for him on a platter. He kissed me again, and loosened his tie to quell the sweltering heat. I grabbed for his shirt, undoing the first few buttons before he stopped me with a lick to a particularly sensitive area behind my earlobe. He undid his tie the rest of the way and set it down beside me on the desk. I finished unbuttoning his shirt, untucking it roughly. I gulped upon being met with the sight of his broad chest. As if controlled by some unknown force, my hands ran over his torso, brushing his collarbone and hips alike, searching for any point of contact with him. 

He placed feather light kisses all over my face and neck, brushing my cheek; my eyelids; the small v formed by my collarbones. As lovely as his display of affection was--and it truly was; not often did we get a chance to bask in the other’s devotion--it wasn’t quite enough. I needed more. 

I ran my hands down his abdomen, grabbing for his belt buckle, but he caught my hand in his and tsked. 

“Someone needs to learn to be patient.” His hands left me, and I let out a whine. He picked up the flimsy piece of fabric that lay beside me and wrapped it around my face, covering my eyes. 

“Is this okay?” I heard a soft whisper beside my left ear. 

His breath tickled me a bit, paused in anticipation of my answer. I hold absolute control over him at this moment, I realized with a small gasp. The power was a heady feeling; Loveland’s most eligible ‘bachelor’ was all mine, treating me as if I was some queen to be worshipped. Although he was leading most of the action, I held the ropes. And I would be ever so careful not to abuse this gift. What’s more, after years of having to take care of myself on my own, I now could trust him. Completely. 

“Yes.” 

That one word spurred him back into action. He quickly fastened the makeshift blindfold behind my head, careful to avoid knotting my hair with it. I heard a low groan, and then my skirt was pushed up, warm hands rubbing slow circles on my inner thighs. 

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he murmured, his lips brushing mine, sending shivers down my spine. "There is nothing I would not do to keep you safe and happy."

I bucked my hips towards his, searching for any friction to relieve my need. Suddenly, I felt a hand over my underwear, massaging my clit leisurely. I let out a breathy moan. Finally. His steady fingers ran back and forth across the fabric, gentle yet firm in their ministrations. "Faster, please Victor," I gasped, spreading my legs. He obeyed, for once, going faster and faster until all fear of others intruding disappeared. I could only think about him, his touch, and my palpable desire to become one with him. 

I could feel a flush rise in my cheeks, the sounds coming from my mouth garbled and brimming with pleasure. I reached blindly for him, needing to touch him for stability; so that I could hold off my climax a little longer, but was met only with air. I let out a whine. I heard a chuckle from somewhere in front of me. Seconds later, strong hands guided mine to his shoulders; his warm body moved closer, parting my legs further.

I was already beyond wet by this point, and I felt ready for him but knowing Victor, he wouldn't enter me until he was sure I was relaxed and ready for him. "Please, hurry up, I need you, now," I urged.

Surprisingly, he decided to grant my request. I heard the soft clink of a belt buckle being undone followed by a rustling of fabric. I hooked my ankles behind him, wanting, no, needing him in me as soon as humanly possible. A hand ran through my hair, and then my underwear was pushed to the side;  in one fluid motion he had both lifted me into the air and entered me with a soft moan. I gasped, throwing my head back and digging my fingers into the well-defined muscles of his shoulders.

The sensation of him inside me was more intense in the dark. I felt so safe, protected and satisfied in his arms. It was as if all my fears and worries had melted away. I knew that he would shield me from any incoming darkness that dared to threaten me. He pulled back for a moment, then slowly slid inside me once more, giving me time to adjust and savor the feeling of us, united as one. 

We maintained a comfortable rhythm, my hips grinding down to meet his as I panted against his neck. There was no need for words; anything that needed to be said was communicated through movement and small gasps and moans. I realized that I could no longer hear the ticking of the wall clock, its telling absence revealing that time was no longer in motion. 

I drew in a breath to mention it, but he suddenly changed to a different angle, shifting me in his arms, and sparks burst behind my eyelids. “Don’t you dare stop, right--right there!” I practically screamed. He hummed in confirmation, building speed. I let out a series of whines, bouncing down into his thrusts in desperation to add to the surging, rising tide of pleasure that's only just out of reach. I could hear Victor’s pleasure as well in the short, cut off breaths he let out. 

“Are you close,” he ground out, ever the gentleman in refusing to come before me. 

“Very,” I replied, concentrating on my climax, adding a finger to my clit. A few more strokes, and it hit me--hard. I screamed out his name and clenched around him. He gasped, and I felt a warmth inside me as he tightened his grip on me. The waves of pleasure taking hold of me ebbed slowly; suddenly, I could see again, tie dropping to the floor.  

Victor cradled me close and kissed the top of my head. We remained entangled in each other’s embrace for a few moments longer, catching our breath. He slid out of me, but didn’t let me go. I buried my face in his neck, flushing at the whispered “I love you” that came from beside my ear. 

Suddenly, the ticking resumed and the space that was only ours returned to being shared with the rest of the world. I was gently set down on the desk, and I grabbed a tissue to clean myself up. We began to redress and had almost finished when there was a knock at the door. 

“Sir, the mechanics from Four Seasons Heating and Air have arrived,” Goldman’s voice came from behind the solid wood. “Would you like to direct them or should I handle it?”

Victor gestured at my cardigan, “That goes on; tightly,” he said in a low voice, then he grabbed his suit jacket and approached the door. I buttoned it quickly, barely finishing in time before he swung the door open. 

There was an awkward silence as Goldman took in our appearance. He did a quick double take, then stammered an apology. “Sir, I--uh--”

 I flushed brightly; there was no way to conceal what we had been up to. Only Victor stood stoic as always, not caring about our disheveled state or the smudge of my lipstick on the corner of his mouth. “Mark me as booked for the next two hours,” he announced, glancing at his watch. “I expect the air conditioning to be up and running when I return.”

“Next two hours--but sir! You have the meeting with the investors from--” Goldman was cut off with a glare. Typical. I felt sorry for him. 

“Did I ask for any feedback? I said that I am booked for the next two hours. Make any schedule changes necessary in my absence.” He put an arm around my waist and led me out of the room in the direction of the elevator. 

“But sir!” Victor paid him no mind and as the door closed, he pulled me into another kiss. 

“How do you feel about lunch at Souvenir?” 

“Mm, sounds great!” I replied, smoothing down his slightly rumpled shirt. Oh! Pulling back with a smile, I suddenly laughed. “Victor!”

He frowned. “What.”

“You forgot your tie!”

#mlqc #mlqc victor #mlqc victor smut #mlqc writing #my writing #this took way too long

[xiaomoxu]

MLQC CN Lucien (Xu Mo) Recollection Date Part 3 & 4

SPOILER ALERT!!

It's Xu Mo Birthday Date which has released on CN server. I'm doing translation for personal reason, so I'm sorry if there's some mistranslation. Kindly tell me if you found some :) feel free for read it~ ^^

PART 3

Read previous part here

(There will be 4 options for this story)

1st Option

MC: What about after opening the door?

Xu Mo: There is an ordinary entrance, where do you want to go?

MC: I want to go left.

Xu Mo: On the left is the kitchen. The kitchen is a bit small, but the kitchen utensils in it are very complete, and always shiny, because it is not used much.

MC: Does the owner know how to cook?

Xu Mo: It can only be said that people are good at different things.

His voice is smiling faintly, as if thinking of some special scene

Xu Mo: "Obviously, pour it into the pot perfectly according to the content of the recipe. Why does it taste so strange?"

Xu Mo: She always said that.

Xu Mo: But she is always busy, so she doesn't have much time to do research in this area.

MC: In fact, those dishes are delicious, right?

Xu Mo was silent for a long time, as if he really wanted to extract the smell from his memory.

Xu Mo: Well, it's delicious.

There seemed to be a young woman standing in front of the stove in front of her. She was swaying in distress between the pot and the recipe in her hand.

She tied up her hair and wore simple home clothes. She didn't look like a "professor" in his population at all. She was full of family atmosphere.

A little boy was secretly hiding outside the kitchen door, looking at her expectantly.

We returned to the hallway again.

2nd Option

Xu Mo: There is an ordinary entrance, where do you want to go?

MC: I want to go right.

Xu Mo: On the right is the living room. Although it is the living room, there are actually bookshelves everywhere.

MC: Is there no study room?

Xu Mo: In fact, because the study can't fit those books, the living room is filled up a little bit.

Xu Mo: In the center is a very soft sofa, where sunlight will shine through the floor-to-ceiling windows in autumn.

Xu Mo: There is a set of very expensive speakers on the opposite side of the sofa, which was specially bought by the little boy's father to listen to some classical music.

MC: On the sofa, while reading a book and listening to music, it must be very comfortable.

Xu Mo: In fact, the most comfortable place is the rocking chair by the French windows.

I felt a familiar body temperature on my left side. Xu Mo seemed to adjust his sitting posture and leaned against my left.

Xu Mo: For the little boy in this house, the rocking chair at that time was just the right size for him. When he was tired from reading, he could turn over and sleep with a book.

Xu Mo: When the weather is good, the rocking chair will be gently blown by the wind and shake slowly.

I seemed to be standing in the living room wrapped in bookshelves and walked to the floor window.

There was a little child, tightly holding the book in his hand, curled up in a slightly shaking rocking chair, sleeping in the brilliant autumn light in.

Maybe he is having an ordinary dream, just like his calm daily life, gentle and precious.

We returned to the hallway again.

3rd Option

Xu Mo: There is an ordinary entrance, where do you want to go?

MC: I want to move forward

Xu Mo: In front is a restaurant. It's bigger than the kitchen, but the decoration is also very simple.

Xu Mo: There are no drinkers at home, so the entire restaurant has only a small dining table and three chairs

MC: Do... the little boy and his parents eat here every day?

Xu Mo: They have no such agreement.

Xu Mo: But they tried their best to share dinner with the little boy every day.

Xu Mo: After returning from a business trip, the little boy's father and mother will definitely make a sumptuous dinner.

The men and women at the dining table seemed to be busy. They even had time to change out their coats, so they rolled up their sleeves and took care of the vegetables and fish they bought.

Man: ....This fish is too energetic.

The fish in the man's hand was full of the will to survive. The little boy sat at the dining table obediently, pretending to read the book, but in fact he didn't read a word.

The floating legs swayed briskly, and he didn't even understand what this mood was.

I just feel light and fluttering, as if lying in the clouds.

We returned to the hallway again.

4th Option

Xu Mo: There is an ordinary entrance, where do you want to go?

MC: I want to go upstairs and have a look.

Xu Mo:There will be a staircase when you go through the living room, and the wooden board will creak slightly when you step on it. When you walk upstairs, there is a small living room.

MC: Isn't it also full of bookshelves?

Xu Mo smiled, and a soft laughter flicked his ears, a little helpless.

Xu Mo: Unfortunately, you guessed it right.

Xu Mo: Maybe I remembered it wrong. This is not a place to live, it should be a bookstore.

Xu Mo: However, the parents of the little boy should distinguish between functions. After all, it is a little closer to the study.

Xu Mo: If you are tired of reading books in the study, you can just walk out and continue reading in this small living room.

MC: So tired of watching it in the small living room?

Xu Mo: Go down to the large living room and have a look.

I was amused by his pretending jokes.

The whole house seems to be filled with books and ink fragrances in every corner, accompany the people in the house to explore the end of the world.

MC: What's on the second floor?

Xu Mo: To the left of the small living room is a long corridor, the first is a large bedroom, and there is a room on the left and right at the end.

Xu Mo: On the right is the study room, which contains more materials, and the books placed are all highly professional books.

Xu Mo: At that time, the little boy couldn't even understand the words on it. Every time he looked at a page, he had to put a large English-Chinese dictionary and an English-English dictionary.

MC: You must understand it now.

I said with emotion. Xu Mo on the side hesitated. He seemed to be recalling something again, and slowly opened his mouth.

Xu Mo: I should have understood it when I was around sixteen or seventeen.

MC: ....

MC: Let's leave this room that doesn't belong to me

The low laughter leaned at my side, making me almost want to open my eyes and tell him to respect the gap between people.

But when I thought that the last room was left, I finally took a deep breath and decided to ignore the constant laughter.

MC: What about the room on the left?

Xu Mo: That is the little boy's room.

Following Xu Mo's words, he steadily opened the last door.

MC: Is there a lot of books in this room?

Xu Mo: No.

Xu Mo: There is no book in the little boy's room. His parents don't want him to read books all the time, so they don't let him bring the books into the bedroom.

MC: Really don't have a copy?

Xu Mo: In fact, there are two books under the pillow.

When Xu Mo said so, I couldn't help laughing.

Xu Mo: This is a very ordinary small bedroom with a bed, wardrobe and small desk...

MC: Wait a minute, there are no books, what is the little boy doing at the desk?

Xu Mo: Play puzzle games.

MC: Huh?

Xu Mo: Such as Kong Ming chess, chess, element matching card game.

MC: It doesn’t sound like a puzzle game for children...

I couldn't help but spit out a bit, and got a deep laugh from Mr. Xu again.

MC: But it does seem to be an ordinary child's room.

Xu Mo: Because the special place lies elsewhere.

This time Xu Mo held my hand and stood up.

Xu Mo: Don't open your eyes.

While Xu Mo said this, he pulled me forward and walked up.

Xu Mo: There is a balcony in the little boy's house.

The brilliant autumn sun shines through my eyelids and hits my retina, shining slightly in the closed world.

I felt as if I was really under the traction of Xu Mo, closing my eyes and slowly walking across the bedroom to the balcony.

Xu Mo stopped and leaned behind me.

Xu Mo: MC, open your eyes to clear up.

The gentle autumn breeze rolled up the golden osmanthus in the sky.

At that moment, Xu Mo and I seemed to be standing on the balcony of the old house, and the fluttering colorful flags were flying happily in the wind.

The mountains and flowers in front of you, white clouds blowing in the wind.

Xu Mo: The balcony of the boy’s room is the best place to see the scenery around here.

Xu Mo: There will be fireflies in the mountains on spring nights, like the secrets of the mountain.

Xu Mo: The streets are always lively in summer. The elderly will play chess on the side of the road and the children will play football on the side of the road, and they will also run to the observation deck on the mountain to sneak off the fireworks.

Xu Mo: In autumn, when it rains, the sound of rain hitting the woods is very comfortable, and the whole world is wetted by the splashing rain and foggy.

Xu Mo: It rarely snows in winter, but small snowflakes will fall. He often imagined the whole mountain covered by heavy snow.

Xu Mo: The little boy's father told him that the world is huge and there are many secrets in the world.

Xu Mo: You will meet them and like them.

I stood in the middle of the open space, looking into the mountains.

The mountains in front of him were nothing but empty silence, and the golden osmanthus swayed silently in the wind.

PART 4

When we arrived at the viewing platform on the mountain, dusk had come quietly.

Xu Mo: Sorry, you kept me fooling around today.

MC: I will be happier if you can do a lot of fooling around like today.

Xu Mo smiled lightly, took my hand and sat on the long seat in the small pavilion.

The street lights on the road down the mountain have slowly begun to be turned on, looking down like a small candlelight in my eyes.

The same small handmade cake was finally placed on the stone slab after a whole day of rushing.

Looking at this cake, I thought of the old house in Xu Mo's memory and the little boy who was lying on the balcony and looking into the distance.

MC: Xu Mo, how did you feel about yourself when you were a kid?

Xu Mo: Why did you ask so?

MC: Just suddenly curious.

Xu Mo was silent for a moment. I didn't look up at him. I was still decorating the little cake in my hand.

Xu Mo: So what did you think about herself when she was a child?

I raised my head and touched my mouth, looking at the blurry lights in the distant city.

MC: I miss her very much.

MC: She was clumsy and reckless, she could do things that seemed great at the time by herself

MC: Looking at the words she had left behind, I was always embarrassed and unable to read, and laughed at her in my heart.

MC: But she is so sincere and brave.

MC: She is the person I cannot become now, and I am very grateful to her.

MC: I just don’t know if I am the kind of person she imagined. If so, that’s fine.

Xu Mo: Will do.

Xu Mo: You must be the kind of person she wants to be.

Xu Mo put his hand on his lap casually, and looked at the dim light with me.

Xu Mo: If I see myself when I was a child, I actually don't know what kind of mood I should be.

Xu Mo: There were so many things he didn't understand at that time, so much that he thought everything would have a specific answer.

Xu Mo: Including happiness, sadness.... (包括开心、难过、悲伤)

>>I put the original word in CN if there's some mistranslation

Xu Mo: And love.

Xu Mo's voice is calm. It is not so much talking about himself at that moment, as he seems to have pulled himself away and simply evaluates an individual.

Xu Mo: He is far away.

MC: You are too harsh on him.

Xu Mo: Huh?

MC: "People are good at different things."

MC: Just like some people cannot understand science, only his weaknesses are placed in a more special place.

MC: He may just be slower, more time-consuming, and deeper to understand those things.

MC: And it's just that kind of him that gradually became Xu Mo in front of me.

I lit the candle and Xu Mo's face was extremely soft against the candlelight.

MC: Happy birthday, Xu Mo.

MC: Xu Mo has been working hard this year! If you were too far away when you were a child, just look at yourself this year.

Xu Mo looked a little surprised when he heard me say this, and looked at me with interest.

Xu Mo: why do you say so?

MC: I think "birthday" always divides people into different stages.

I have a new toy at the age of 7, want to fall in love at the age of 15, take a good college entrance examination at the age of 18, find a good job at the age of 22, and have my own house at the age of 30...

"Birthday" seems to be an invisible reminder. People will look back at one-year-old self on this day, and then they will enter a new stage.

MC: From the time when Xu Mo was young, every year old Xu Mo was connected together to become the current Xu Mo.

MC: This year's Xu Mo, with his academic report, put a perfect end to this year-old self.

MC: He is still full of curiosity about the world and is still on the road of discovering the truth.

MC: He is still a little bit nasty, and always sees me showing off and teasing me...

MC: But such Xu Mo is very good.

MC: I hope you in the future can do what you want to do and become the person you want to be.

MC: You don't have to be happy all the time, but I hope you will be the first to think of me when you are unhappy.

MC: Let me be with you.

There are tiny petals of golden osmanthus in the wind, like foam from waves, reflecting in the candlelight, like burning.

Xu Mo's eyes were bright, filling the night sky of autumn leaves.

Xu Mo: Alright.

He didn't say thank you like he did in the past, but solemnly and sincerely left an agreement, even an oath.

Xu Mo: I think about my wish for this year.

Under the small candlelight, Xu Mo poked his head, slowly picked up his hand, wrapped his left fist with his right palm, and looked straight at it.

After a long time, he raised his head.

MC: Seems to have a lot of wishes this year?

Xu Mo: I'm not just making a wish.

Xu Mo: I still have something to say to them.

Xu Mo looked at me. He didn't explain who "they" were, just as he didn't explain the owner of the house.

He knew I would know.

In this regard, Xu Mo is actually very clumsy. And it is this clumsiness that makes him so real and complete.

MC: By the way, this is this year's birthday present.

I took out a souvenir book from my bag, a long-restored out-of-print book, and a small 6x10 wooden board. Each grid was covered with stickers of different sizes.

Xu Mo: It turns out that you have hidden so many things in your backpack.

MC: Haha...

MC:This is our commemorative album this year, this year also very thick.

Xu Mo slowly turned over the thick album. In Yuelao Temple, Xu Mo's home, summer camp in the orphanage, in class, amusement park, farm, oil painting studio...

Before we knew it, we had so many brand new memories.

MC: This is the previous out-of-print book. Although my craftsmanship is not very good, I did my best!

Xu Mo: It's hard work, MC

MC: And this "Unhappy Blind Box Project".

I solemnly took out the small wooden board and began to introduce it to Xu Mo.

MC: There are a total of 60 grids in it. When you are unhappy, just pick one to open.

MC: There may be props, a sentence, or a picture, and then please call MC to complete it with you.

Xu Mo: 365 days a year, only 60 grids?

MC: Mr. Xu, 60 unhappy times have been a lot, I hope you don’t open it once!

I stared at him a little madly, but found his smiling eyes.

MC: You teased me again!

Xu Mo: MC, Thank you.

The sky gradually darkened, and the lights of the city's thousands of houses slowly lit up under the mountain, like a touch of gentle blessing.

Perhaps for anyone, the world was a monochromatic at the beginning.

With time and encounter, it gradually became stained with colors, giving different people and things their own value.

Slowly, the whole world becomes colorful, it interacts with memory, and has smells and sounds.

Until the most special existence appeared, the color of this world was more distinctive.

It's as if the whole picture has been retouched, so that everything has a new meaning.

While we quietly shared the cake, I looked at Xu Mo's face lit by the warm lights.

MC: Xu Mo, you are now in color.

Xu Mo was stunned, then smiled meaningfully.

He ate the last piece of cake and finally sat next to me. He seldom carried a light and sweet fragrance on his body, and even the breath that came near was sweet.

Xu Mo: MC, to me, you are more than color.

~END~

Thank you for reading, kindly let me now if there's any mistranslation ><

#mlqc lucien #mlqc xu mo #mlqc translation #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #lucien birthday #xu mo birthday #mr love lucien #mr love xu mo #mlqc date #lucien date #xu mo date

[op-peccatori]

shake my heart and let love fall out| MLQC Victor | Kinktober: October 23rd

Prompts: Lingerie || Hate-fucking/Angry sex || Forced orgasm 

Here’s entry number 6 for @alloveroliver​’s Kinktober 2019!! Hope you like it. 

Fandom: Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

Pairing: Reader/Victor 

Rating: 18+ (nsfw)

Word count: 7500

Warnings: explicit sex and language, angst porn??, angry sex, overstimulation, hickeys, mild spanking, kinda forced orgasm, possessive Victor, marriage, idiotic decisions made for the sake of angst, the sense of flight is stronger than the fight, I have proven yet again that I'm incapable of writing angst

When I write, I like to play a little game: how many synonyms can I use? ha...hahaha...smut is in the second half! There’s a mood board too, my first one ever! 

Will I ever stop getting carried away when it comes to writing for Victor? ...probably not

High heels clack down the long hall, the sound echoing off the marble floor. 

The sight of a familiar broad back has your throat tightening, steel grey eyes that seemingly look beyond you making your heart race as you reach the top of the sprawling staircase. Victor’s face is beauty carved from the smoothest stone, and his gaze is cooler than December rains.

Your fingers twitch with the urge to cup his face, to coax out some form of emotion.

You know you look good, but that never seemed to stop him from complimenting you in the past. Your dress is soft, cream satin on your body, your hair curled to perfection. Your neck is bound by thin lines of glimmering gemstones, a gift you found waiting for you when you stepped out of the shower. To have him barely glance your way now – it hurts you more than you’d like to admit. But you can admit that you had it coming.  

“I see you’ve decided to end your vacation,” he’d asked you, hours after your return, his tone frigid enough to freeze your breath in your lungs. The deep bags under his eyes struck you harder than his words. “Did you finally remember you’re married?” 

You never forgot. You have been a coward, tormented by thoughts of confrontation and rejection. You ran away. It was a mistake, you know that now. A split-second decision you can't take back, resulting in a whole year away from the man you still love but don't know how to be with.

The wedding band on your finger still burns with the weight of your decision.

Your hand in the crook of his arm feels natural, the heat of his body comforting; you have to refrain from leaning into him As you descend the steps together, you can’t help but glance at the people waiting at the bottom. At the woman who had called you exactly two weeks ago, crying and pleading with you to come back. Aunt Grace smiles back at you, the look of worry in her eyes fading. You don’t know why she thinks you can fix anything, to be honest. All you do is run. You hadn’t expected anything less than the frosty welcome you got from your husband and it has only gotten worse since then. 

“You both look lovely,” she says with a wobbly smile in place, as Victor’s father smiles like he thinks everything will be okay now. You can feel the guilt threatening to burst forth, with the knowledge of what you’re hiding. For now. “Have fun at the party!”

You met Victor in your last year of college, at a farmer's market of all places. It took one impromptu lesson in how to select fresh produce, one cooking class, and a heart-melting kiss under the stars for you to fall in love.  You both got married right after you graduated – it was the perfect fairy tale romance. You had been utterly consumed by how much you loved him, to the point where you just...lost yourself, somewhere along the way. You wanted to be with the love of your life. You didn’t know who you were without him. 

And then, a year into marriage – the fights started. It was normal, everyone said. Fighting makes you stronger. It didn’t seem that way, it only seemed to weaken you. You two were barely talking. Eventually, you only saw him about twice or thrice a week. He came home later and later, and you stopped waiting up for him. There were no apologies, just expensive gifts. His company was doing so well, deal after deal cementing him as the entrepreneur everyone wanted to do business with. Rumours of his supposed affairs were making rounds in the gossip rags and even though you didn’t really believe them, it fueled the ugly parts of you. The resentment, the jealousy, the insecurity. You were suffocating, under your unwillingness to step out of your little bubble.

But you still didn’t have the courage to confront him. 

You don’t even want to think about what your sex life had devolved into.

And then you reconnected with your childhood friend Gavin. He knew you beyond what most people now knew you as- the wife of a successful man. It was refreshing, and it gave you the courage to be more adventurous. You knew he used to have a major crush on you, but it was just something to laugh about after all those years. But Victor had never liked him in the past, and he didn’t like him when he flew back into your life, the perfect distraction from your dull life. You started spending more time with him, handsome and kind Gavin, always there to lend you a shoulder, always there to accompany you wherever you wanted to go.

You think that was when you saw Victor at his ugliest, when you were out with Gavin at your favourite restaurant and he came home early for once, to watch Gavin walk you to the front door. Except, then he tried to kiss you. You rebuffed him as politely as you could, he apologized for overstepping and both of you were mortified. And then there was only dread when you walked in to see Victor. Accusations were hurled, each comment more biting than the previous, and things that could never be taken back were thrown out in the open. 

Did you fuck him?

You hurt each other.

We were a mistake. 

You made it very clear things were platonic between you and Gavin, but the naked pain on his face still haunts you. The wounds were raw and bleeding after that, and neither of you knew how to patch them up. You couldn't stand the sight of each other for a while. He shut you out, so you left. You took a break. You went to your father’s hometown, where he had established his production company. His protégé, Anna, welcomed you with open arms and encouraging words. You needed a break, you needed to rebuild. And Victor needed time to get things in order, but you secretly hoped he would figure out how to give enough time to your relationship.

There was no more word from Victor though, he just sent over the luggage you had packed but left behind, with a message from Goldman to let him know if you needed anything 'while you were away', and when you planned to go back. You left the more expensive gowns and jewellery he had bought you in your closet and thankfully, he respected it and the distance you chose to put between them. 

Taking over your father’s company had been terrifying when you had only worked with them briefly in the past, but it felt right. It’s one of the best decisions you’ve ever made for yourself, and you could finally begin discovering you were without the man who completed you. 

You still cried yourself to sleep more often than not, but that was something you kept to yourself. This was something you needed to do.

It was the first time you made a big decision without Victor’s steadiness to take comfort in. Releasing that you are capable of making decisions without him was thrilling, yet devastating. Because he wasn’t an option at the time. It was only a matter of time until you received the divorce papers or a demand from him to return.

Sometimes, you thought of just going back. You knew you could. But something stopped you. Just a little more time, you told yourself. Your company was growing by leaps and bounds. And before you knew it, a year had passed. You were so different from the woman Victor married, yet your feelings for him still ran deep. You kept a close eye on any news you could find on him – the media had a blast speculating about the lives of the young couple. You had managed to survive without him, despite the loneliness. You didn't want to be alone, you wanted him. But you just didn't know how to fit the new pieces of you with his and you didn't know if he even wanted you to.

But he never asked you to return or leave him, and here you are, walking arm-in-arm into the party to announce your return. People whisper excitedly, but most seem to have believed you had just been busy being a successful producer and running your company. Not entirely untrue, but you aren’t going to comment either way, and it seems like Victor agrees.

Not until you talk to him about your future, with or without him.

You accept two flutes of champagne with a dazzling smile, passing one over to Victor with familiar ease. Clinking the glasses together, your eyes meet over the glasses and flick away, your masks in place, ready to meet the world. You hesitate before you leave his side, brushing a hand across his forearm willfully, squeezing once before you’re off to socialize. You know he watches you go, held in place by the sway of your hips.

You greet old friends and new, longtime enemies and people who aren't too excited to have you back. You deflect catty remarks, accept envious compliments aimed at the new jewellery your husband has so lovingly gifted you, field questions about your work. Your smile is flawless regardless of who you speak with, your gaze never too far from Victor as you watch people fall all over themselves trying to impress him. 

It’s hard to hold a smirk back at the sight – some things will never change.

Goldman pulls you aside to stare at you for a few seconds before telling you that you're despicable, a coward for doing what you did. “But, I’m so glad you’re home. It was getting...difficult.”  

That’s the problem, something that really bothers you. Aunt Grace, Victor’s father, Goldman – everything they’ve said implies that Victor’s been in unending agony in your absence. You shouldn’t have given up, you knew that. But after the big fight, you had tried. Not often, but you tried to talk to him. Victor, he barely came home and you just...couldn’t do it anymore. 

Victor seems to have forgotten you were ever in love. It doesn’t help.

Kiro greets you with a brilliant smile and then Victor’s eyes feel like hot coals on the back of your head. You should feel a little more shame at the vindictive satisfaction that curls in your heart. 

“I heard your new album,” you tell Kiro excitedly. “You’ve outdone yourself yet again. You must make an appearance on our show!” 

“Aw, thanks, ___! I’ve been keeping up with your adventures as a producer too.” Kiro’s smile is warm and knowing – you feel strangely touched. “I’m glad. You seem so different. In the very best way, of course.” He squeezes your hand in support and your eyes meet stormy greys narrowed in a glare.

Whatever. If he has a problem with people talking to you, he can try doing it himself. 

Chik is the next to step up to you, with her pin straight hair and dramatic falsies, expression peeved as she curls her arm around yours, leading you to the long table with a mountain of appetizers. You eye each other warily, nibbling on what seems to be a fancy mozzarella stick. "It's nice to see you, Chik."

She glances around to ensure your privacy before she snorts. "Took you long enough. I'm all for extended vacations, but this was too long ___. " You glare in silence, and she meets your narrowed gaze with her own. "You're starting with the fried stuff. Must be pretty bad."

Your expression is enough to make her wince.

"Ah, well. He's still sickeningly in love with you, so I'm sure it won't be too bad. Just, I don't know, fuck his brains out till he forgets you were gone for a year." 

"Chik!" you hiss, but you can't hold back a grin at the scandalized looks you both get from the old couple hovering nearby.

But her words throw you for a loop; your plans jumble up by the second and you feel less certain of yourself. You don’t see him watching you from across the room until you're desperate for a distraction, and then it cuts into your path smoothly, with the lethal grace of a panther.

Victor is excellent at feigning disinterest in what you're doing. But it’s when you’re talking to Professor Lucien that he finally seems to have had enough, cutting in stiffly. The Professor’s sultry gaze has produced far better results than you could’ve predicted. Fingers clench at your waist reflexively before stroking your side, a sign of his agitation. He could never resist the feel of satin on your skin, something you’ve taken advantage of far too many times to count. 

“We should be getting home, it’s been a while since I had my lovely wife all to myself,” he says with a tight-lipped smile, his eyes brewing with the beginnings of a hurricane. Lucien inclines his head, drawing out a promise from you to catch up soon. At that, Victor’s fingers dig into your flesh, Lucien smirks wittingly and your heart flutters with expectation. 

You leave the ballroom in silence, not looking at each other, almost strangers – almost, but for the strange, buzzing tension between you both. The long hallway is nearly deserted, but you spot lovers whispering to each other in a corner, giggling and touching and blushing. You’re distracted by the sight, the sting it brings, the memories it digs up,  and so you’re caught off guard when Victor pulls you into a shadowed corner of your own. 

It's like stepping into a muted space, one that is cut off from the rest of the world. You’re stuck between the wall and him as he presses closer, breathing in the fresh scent you like to wear, his expression mostly hidden in the dark. It is here that he loosens the reigns, just a little; his hands glide up your sides, just barely brushing the sides of your breasts and it’s enough to tug at your own tightly wound strings. His mouth skims along your jaw, your mouth, tempted and tempting, not quite a kiss – and he’s straining, you feel it when you touch his shoulders, his chest, the iron of his control tight in his muscle.  

“___,” he breathes, your name a prayer and a curse in the way it falls from his mouth. His hand splays against the curve of your hip, his tongue traces the shell of your ear, and your breath catches on a moan. And then he rips himself away from you, leaving you bereft and gasping, struggling to process his actions and the depth of your craving.

The ride home is silent. You feel a bit drunk on his achingly familiar scent, the perfume you’ve always loved; your eyes are unable to keep from peeking at the sharp angles of his face. His suit jacket is draped over the top of his seat, the cuffs of his sleeves rolled up to his thick forearms, his shirt straining across his broad chest. His knuckles are white from how tight his grip on the steering wheel is. 

You get home, and you think it’s finally time to talk. 

He opens the door for you, but in your haste to step out and talk to him, your heel gets wedged between the cobblestone lining the pathway. It breaks in half, the snap of it damning and you flail as you go down, your embarrassing dive on the walkway stopped by steady arms winding around your waist. 

It's a terribly romantic moment, one where you're close enough to count his lashes, close enough to see the sudden spill of warm yearning in his eyes. He squeezes you closer for a second as if he can’t help it, before he, quite literally, sweeps you off your feet and walks to the entrance. Your face flushes deeper when you catch sight of the grin on his staff's faces. The walk through the door, with you in his arms – you can't help but remember the day of your wedding, when you made a similar entrance. This time, he pauses in the living room, gently placing you down on the couch and your heart swells with hope.

“Victor–“ He walks away before you can continue, without even a hint of acknowledgement, and you freeze at the sight of his back to you. It’s not the first time, but you’re left staring into nothing as you remember all the times he’d walked away when you tried to talk to him. It still stings and you’re unable to say a word. 

You miss his glance back at you, the furrow of his brow. You slip off your heels and slink off to your room, something heavy settling in your stomach. 

‘There’s no point.’ 

The divorce papers, empty of any signatures, sit in your bedside drawer. 

Victor could never put aside his pride and talk to you. He’s left vulnerability behind in the past. You squeeze your eyes shut as more flashes of your wedding day pass through your mind, of soft eyes and softer smiles. Of twirling on the dance floor, high on your joy at marrying the man of your dreams. 

It’s alright. You’ll have to resort to more drastic measures, but perhaps that’s what is needed. You don't know what he wants, all you can give him are options.

You look at your reflection, at your teary eyes and defeated expression. You wonder how, after all this time, you’re back here in the very same position. Focus. You need to get dressed for bed before you can give in to the urge to barge into Victor's bedroom and throttle him. The necklace is the first thing to come off, followed by the pins keeping your hair in place, and a wince when your scalp aches. You almost don't want to take the dress off, but it's too pretty to be ruined by sleep.

Your zipper is stuck, and it feels like the thread you were so determined to hang onto finally snaps. A surge of helplessness takes over, you're left with few options. Your despair mounts, and your fingers itch to break something. It’s not a good thing. You’ve already proven yourself capable of breaking your own heart. 

You hurl the broken stiletto at the wall instead, letting it bear the brunt of your displeasure.

“I see you’re still unable to manage your emotions like an adult.” You whirl around and see Victor standing in the doorway, a glass of whiskey in hand paired perfectly with an eye roll. You observe him as he steps in and closes the door behind him; he's exchanged the sleek suit for an old grey sweatshirt and dark pants, both hugging his body in ways that seem unfair. Your old room, usually unreasonably spacious, feels small with him in it.   

Your mouth dries up, and you feel the regret sharply in your throat, cutting you. “And you’d know all about that, of course.” He remains silent, and you’re so sick of his silence. “Oh wait, that would imply you actually have any.” 

He simply rolls his eyes again. It’s still annoying and draws out indecent reactions from your body. You want to sink your teeth into his thighs and see if he still rolls his eyes like that. “I didn’t come here to trade insults, ___.” 

Ignoring the jolt in your belly in response to him saying your name, you keep tugging at your zipper to no avail, staring at his reflection in the ornate mirror warily. The things you had left behind are still here, dusted and in place; the whisper of your name in a dark corner is still fresh – you don’t know what to feel. 

“Then what do you want?” He sighs and walks over to you, placing the glass down on your vanity and slipping his other hand out of his pocket to help you. It cooperates with him right away, the traitorous thing, and you’re left melting at the feeling of his warm breath in your hair, the stroke of his knuckle on your skin. 

“I...think we need to clear a few things up.”

“Thank you.” But his hands haven’t fallen away, and you can see his eyes glued to the bare expanse of your back, his finger tracing the edge of your bra. You’re wearing one of his favourite sets, you realise belatedly. The one you’d bought for one of his birthdays, with pebbled peaks clearly visible through the sheer material. The delicate one he’d refused to let you take off until he’d fucked you twice already, that he’d then unclasped and peeled off with such care you had giggled until he stuffed his fingers in your mouth.

‘I have to tell him. I have to tell him. I have to tell him.’

Your heart pounds in your ears as he slips the straps of your dress off your shoulders, one at a time, fingers stroking down your arms leaving goosebumps in their wake, letting the dress pool at your feet. His eyes lift to join yours in the mirror, his pupils dilating until his eyes are nearly black with desire at the sight of you, exposed and trembling with your own want. His fingers dance along the waistband of the material adorning your hips, that hides nothing. The calloused digits trace a teasing path along your spine, tangling with the hair at the nape of your neck.

You can’t quite breathe, torn between saying something and arching into his touch. True to form, you’re quick to step away, slipping over to the window to put some distance between the two of you. To escape whatever seems to be building between you two, the desire in his eyes that mirrors your own.

“Yes, I have some things I need to tell you.” You need to get this out before you end up doing something you...probably won’t regret. 

Clearly, Victor has other ideas. He strikes fast, your wrist trapped within the confines of his hand before you can stop him. You try to back up and he lets you, but follows along, prowling after you with dark desire clear in his stare.

Outside, the sky is darkening with impending rain, and all you hear is the beating of your heart, all you sense is the longing for his warmth, his touch a balm on your starved skin.

“No more running away,” he says quietly. You’re still trying to free your wrist from his grip when his eyes fall to your wedding ring. “Did you ever take that off?” 

You still, knowing the various questions hidden within those few words. And they all had one answer. “No. Of course not. But I...”

He doesn’t reply, just steps closer, pushing your wrists up until they’re pinned above your head, your back flush against the cold glass of the windows. His fingers come up to trace the soft curve of your mouth, smearing the lipstick with an electrifying intensity in his eyes. “Victor...”

“You made me wait for so long.” You try to reply but he doesn’t let you, slipping his index finger into your rapidly drying mouth. “You left, ___.” You left me is left unspoken, but you hear it clearly enough. His leg slides between your thighs, firm against your mound.

You whimper and his slips his middle finger through your lips. “I never knew you could be so resolute. I have to admit, I’m almost impressed.” He towers over you and you’re struck silent by how furious he looks now, the devastating rage in his eyes robbing you of words. Your tongue licks soothingly along his fingers reflexively, and you hear him suck in a breath. Then you’re gagging on his fingers with wet eyes, his lips warm against your temple. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I have you now. You’re not going anywhere again, not anytime soon.”

The words sound ominous, his expression slipping into something unhinged but you’re too distracted by the fingers pulling out of your mouth to slip down your body, shoving your panties aside to tease your wet slit. Your breath stutters and his lips brush yours, featherlight. 

You breathe each other in, eyes fixed on the others. You lick your drying lips and then his other hand is around the back of your head, tugging at your hair as he releases your wrists. The sound he makes when you mewl at the sensation is guttural, painfully raw. Like a man possessed, he yanks your head back and then his mouth is on yours, kissing you like he’s desperate to love you and hurt you with this one action.

You feel like you’ve been struck by lightning, and your heart feels unbearably full. His lips are hard and bruising, tongue intertwining insistently with yours, moving with a ferocious hunger that threatens to steal the very breath from your lungs. You respond with the strength of a thousand fevered thoughts behind you, every bit of longing you’ve tried to suppress in your heart, every filthy dream you’ve had to try and forget. 

He nips at your mouth, hands moving down your body with intent, tugging your panties down your thighs. “You won’t be needing these.” You step out of them without protest, quivering at the way Victor caresses your sides, your abdomen clenching when his hand slips between your legs again. “Stay quiet, I don’t want to hear a sound from you.” 

His fingers push their way into your sex, and you yelp into his mouth. The sudden stretch is painful but there is pleasure etched in the pain, his fingers knowing how to curl and where to rub, to make you writhe. Your hips grind into his hand, but he pulls it away, leaving you moaning and chasing after his touch as he sticks the glistening fingers in his mouth. 

“Tch. You just can’t listen, can you?” But you know he’s pleased with your inability to stay quiet when he touches you. Victor’s always easier to read when he gets riled up. Stripping you of all sense and control never failed to do so, and you’re satisfied to see it still holds. “And you’re so wet already.”

It feels like there has been no time away at all, in this moment. You don’t think you’ve ever wanted him this badly before, your need for him raging through your veins and threatening to drown you. Victor can’t seem to step away, his tongue tracing along the edge of the cloth hugging your breasts, his teeth tugging at your skin. He takes special pleasure in giving you a new necklace, this one made of bruises, crafted by his teeth. 

His hands squeeze your plump rear, kneading the flesh as he works your mouth open again, tongue slipping in and out of your pliant mouth, intent on devouring you like a starved beast. His lips trace a wet path down your jaw to your neck, and you moan, hands slipping into his hair, down his back; his throat vibrates with a rumble when you leave scratches on pale skin. Your eyes slide in and out of focus and, like gravity bringing you back down, fall on your bedside drawer. You freeze at the reminder of what sits there and Victor does the same. His chest heaves as he pulls away, staring at you questioningly. 

“We shouldn’t be doing this.” You can almost choke on the guilt you feel. Should you just forget about the papers and burn them later? 

“And why not?” God, his voice. It was rough with need and so fucking deep, you could probably come just listening to it. But you can’t. Because you’re here for one reason only-to do what’s best for Victor. Well, what you thought was best for Victor. In the long run. It’s probably not great for his blood pressure. 

“We need to talk.” 

“We can talk later.” You want to cry at the way he half-bites his lip, caressing your hips meaningfully. 

“No. Look, I...this is such a bad time to do this but you need to know something.” Victor raises a brow, nearly unable to keep his eyes from falling to your body. There’s not much that can keep him from fucking you right now. “I didn’t come back to be a burden. And to avoid doing that I...” You’re done holding him back. You’re doing the right thing. Right?

“What did you do?” he asks quietly, eyes suddenly even more intent on you. You take a deep breath. “I thought you came back because you were ready.”

‘Just rip the bandaid off.’

“I wanted to resolve things and I wanted to, I don’t know. To free you.” 

Oh God, why did I say it like that?

There’s complete silence in the room now that you’re not panting like you’re in heat. The sky is rolling with thunder, flashing violently. It’s akin to the look in Victor’s eyes before he speaks, hands falling away from you.

“To free me?” he repeats, his fists clenching at his side. You bite back a whimper at the ice in his voice, but keep going. You’re half-certain you’ve got this completely wrong now because Victor did not touch you like a man who wants to be freed.

“Okay, that didn’t come out right. But, yes. It’s not fair to you. None of this is. I couldn't just, waltz back in. And you never said anything. I didn’t know what you wanted. So I, I got divorce papers drawn up before I came back. In case that’s what you wanted. I just...want you to be happy–“ Victor doesn't even let you finish, a vein threatening to burst on his forehead before he turns around and storms away, his fury coiled around him like a venomous snake. You slump against the glass, dread pooling in your stomach at this new blunder. 

You should’ve just kept your mouth shut. 

The room spins violently, and then your front is pressed up against the cool window – for a moment,  you’re not sure what happened. The entire length of Victor’s body presses firmly against the back of yours, a sense of danger so very alluring settling in the air. You flinch when his palm strikes against the window, fear and anticipation coursing through you in equal measure. The aggression is rolling off of him in waves and then he’s crushing you to him. 

“To free me?” he laughs, low and disbelieving at your ear. He struggles to speak through the outrage, you can feel it. He kisses your neck so softly, a tendril of fear curls around your spine; you feel like prey caught under the enraged lion’s paw.  “You want me to be happy?” His words are a snarl and you do whimper now. “You think you know what’s best for everyone, don’t you? You think we shouldn’t be around each other, so you leave. You decide that wasn’t enough punishment so you come back, to tell me you want a fucking divorce?” His hand comes down on your ass hard, making you cry out before he presses you more firmly against the window, his throbbing cock pressing against the curve of your rear insistently. Your breath fogs up the glass. “Well, fuck that.” 

Your heart seizes in your chest. “I didn’t-that’s not what I-I don't want-“

His hand is heavy on your back, pressing down and you’re unable to get any more words out when you realize what he intends to do. 

“We do have important things to clear up. I see you’ve gotten more idiotic in your time away. Did you really delude yourself into believing I would want that? Or did you just want a reaction?” His voice edges on dark amusement now, as if you’ve done something extremely stupid. “You’ve got it. Is that what you wanted to hear? To see proof of your place in my heart? Silly girl.” He strokes your slick sex avidly. “It doesn’t matter where you go, this cunt will always be mine. You will always be mine.” 

Relief mixes with shame at his words. You’d told yourself over and over that he would want nothing to do with you. But in the deepest parts of your mind, you could admit that this was also a provocation. Something that would make him react for sure, that would shatter the ice. That would make him so angry he would act with only honesty. 

Well, here you are. Burning inside out, getting what you wanted. His honesty and his wrath.

You hear him unzip the fly of his pants, your entire being aching with the need to see him. But he doesn’t want you to. This is not two lovers reuniting, this is him punishing you for your idiocy, your cruelty. This is his response to your actions and your words. As if on cue, he finally speaks. 

“You’re not to come until I tell you to. You’re going to be a good girl and let me use your pussy for as long as I want. And I’m going to fuck you until I think you’ve learned your lesson.” They’re simple statements. A command you’re expected to follow. You feel the tip of his cock hitting your ass and your walls quiver at the knowledge that he’s pumping himself in preparation. “Is that clear?” 

“Y-yes sir,” you rasp. He lines himself up with your entrance, and you brace yourself. But nothing could prepare you for the way his thick cock pushes past your folds, hot and hard, in one swift movement. He doesn’t stop to ease you into it. It hurts, it burns, your brain short circuits. Your hand smacks the window in a bid for something to hold on to as a scream tears out your throat.

“Fuck,” he hisses, and as your eyes roll back at the feel of him hot and hard in you – you can relate. God, you’ve been dreaming of this for so long. Of being so full of him that you can feel him everywhere. He pulls out halfway and slams his hips into you so hard a vague part of you is surprised you didn’t go flying out the window even as tears pool in the corner of your eyes. Each thrust is punishing, aiming to drive a lesson home. “Fuck, I lo-I missed this. I’m never letting you go again.” He’s relentless as he fucks you against the window, his pace charged by the depraved cries crawling out your throat and the anger burning him inside out. Your hips will soon be mottled by bruises with how hard he’s gripping them. But the feeling of having his cock in you, pounding your pussy, filling it up after so long is too much to bear. “Mine. My wife. My cunt. This is mine.” 

“Yes, yes, yes.” Your cheeks are wet, and you feel him growl when your walls clamp down around him tight. He stops his thrusts right away and you cry out in earnest. 

“Victor, no no no, please. Please, please please.” His palm comes down hard on your asscheek. He spanks you again and you whine, trembling with arousal and desperation. 

“Shut up.” His tone is unforgiving but it’s said with a groan, his hand roaming the skin available to him fervently. He cups your breasts, his touch greedy, and pulls you up against him. His dick slips out of you and you whine out loud again at the loss but you’re immediately cut off by his teeth sinking into the side of your neck again. Victor studies the blossoming bruise with carnal satisfaction. “I said, shut up. This is what you wanted, isn’t it? So take it. Take it all - but only when I want you to.” 

He turns you around again and, unbalanced, you fall into his arms, a hand on your jaw forcing you to meet his fervid gaze. Your makeup is a complete mess, your hair is in disarray, and you pant wantonly against his collarbone. You’re completely exposed save for your sheer bra, and Victor still has all his clothes on; there’s something deeply sensual about the kind of vulnerability you feel as your bare skin meets soft cloth. He looks like he wants to kiss you and strangle you simultaneously, his chest heaving and flushed pink. 

He sweeps your loose curls away from your face. “Did you let anyone touch you in my absence?” 

“No!” 

“No? Not even once?” His hands are still squeezing every inch of flesh they can reach on your body. His touch is frenzied and ardent, amped up by your tongue flicking his nipple, grazing it with your teeth. “I find that hard to believe. Look at you, you’re such a little slut.” Only for you, you want to say. You know what he wants to hear. 

“Not even once.” Your voice is hoarse and your throat feels raw. “I’m still–still yours. Your wife. Your slut.” 

Victor tugs at your hair again, but you can tell he’s pleased. “Mine? You chose to refute that claim when you ran away.” His hands are on the back of your thighs, lifting you, still pressed against the window. Your legs wrap around his waist, your mouths close. “And now you want to do it again.” 

“No. I’m sorry. I’ve always been yours.” Your words are a sincere whisper on his lips. “Always will be.” 

He nuzzles the soft spot behind your ear. “Did you think about me?” he whispers, darkly. 

“Every day. Every night.” 

“Did you touch yourself?” Your fingers can’t compare to the lazy glide of his length along your slit.

“Yes. But it wasn’t enough,” you breathe. You have your reasons for leaving, for staying away and he will hear them. For now, his cock is entering you again and you’re helpless in his hands, unable to do anything but let him fuck you senseless. His pelvis grinds against you and you try to throw your thoughts elsewhere, anywhere, to keep from coming. “I’m – yours.” Your head falls back, your eyes glued to his face. His hair is wild and sweaty, his muscles flexed as he holds you up against the window. 

“Don’t come.” His voice is rough and he knows you won’t be able to follow his demands. You can hear the anticipation hidden in his voice. You try, though. You sink your claws into the figurative cliff edge, holding on for life. He’s merciless, driving into you with the sole purpose of seeing you break. He wants to see you in pieces. “Don’t you dare fucking come.” 

And break you do – by the quick drag of his skin on your swollen nub. You’re driven over the edge, the wave of mind-shattering pleasure sweeping over you and you barely hear yourself wail over the growl of thunder. Your walls grip him possessively, massaging his cock and pulling him in with you, robbing him of all control. He chokes out your name as his cum fills you in hot, throbbing spurts  –you’re still convinced nothing feels better, your silky walls milking him avariciously. He groans into your hair, his shallow thrusts into your sensitive flesh making you sob. 

“I told you not to come,” he murmurs.

You can’t bring yourself to regret it when he pushes you facedown onto the plush rug, half climbing over you, kissing you until you can feel him swell against your ass once more. Arching your back and, looking at him with a hooded gaze over your shoulder, you part your knees invitingly, obedient in a way you know drives him crazy. 

You’re left incapable of even standing by the time he deposits you on the bed, primal satisfaction curling along his mouth. Your neck is littered with teeth and finger marks, matching your hips and thighs that still quake and have trails of drying semen courtesy of how many times he came inside you, like an animal reinforcing his claim on his territory. You enjoyed every minute of it, even the bit where he coerced orgasm after orgasm from you, determined to make you forget your own name, to make sure you associate pleasure with only his name. You’re sore from your throat to your toes, not entirely sure you’ll get out of bed tomorrow.

Victor helps you pull on a pair of panties, refusing to allow any ideas of cleaning up. “You’re going to keep all of it inside. It should help keep any more absurd thoughts at bay.” You just know he’s going to want to shower together. 

Your husband looks spent, his clothes having come off some time into the second round, his bangs slicked back, eyes more sleepy and satiated than angry. 

You want nothing more than to fall into blissful sleep, a feeling that’s encouraged by the way Victor pulls you into his arms, caging you against his trembling body. You pull the blanket over your bodies, both of you pausing to watch the rain for a moment. You swallow a few times to soften your throat, trying to think of something to say but he beats you to it. 

“Where are the papers?” His question is asked quietly but it feels like ice shoved down your shirt. You pull out of his arms slowly, tears held back and knees shaking all over again, and you reach into your drawer to pull them out. He takes them from you, studying them silently as you try to regain the ability to breathe, and then looks up at you.

He tears them in half. 

“I meant what I said.” He pauses and you wait with bated breath. The anger finally falls away, leaving pain in its wake. He presses his forehead to yours, eyes shut against the vulnerability. “I can’t let you go again.” You burst into tears and he rolls you both over to hover over you. “You need to understand something. It doesn’t matter how long you were away. It doesn’t matter where you were or are on this bloody planet – you’re mine.” He punctuates the words with a hard kiss. “And I’m yours. That will never change. We have to work on us. I won’t just...let you leave without even trying.” You cry and cry and he just kisses you softly, his own eyes wet with pain.

“I just want you. Just you. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” you blubber and he shushes you, sighing into your hair. “I love you. I love you. I don’t even want a stupid divorce. I thought you might. I don’t know what I was thinking.” 

“Idiot. You weren’t.” 

You’re half afraid you won’t get another chance like this, so you try to pull yourself together. “I guess I have a lot of explaining to do.” He hands you a glass of water, having switched to watching you. You know, somehow, that he’s cataloguing all the changes, all the ways you’ve grown. Without him. You had done the same while he was pretending to ignore your return, the longer bangs and tired eyes at odds with the memories you had of him.

“That’s putting it lightly,” he replies, wrapping you up in his shirt and stretching out on his back as he waits for you to start talking. And you talk. You tell him everything, every part of ‘your side of the story.’ The impulsive decisions, the terror, the growth. The hardest to admit to are the insecurities. He listens, with agony in his eyes and his mouth pursed. 

But he listens. 

“And none of this excuses what I did,” you tell him. “It doesn’t justify it but...” 

“I get it.” His voice is gentle. “You needed space. But...the day you came back, you looked at me with so much caution, so much fear that I didn’t know how to react. So I just didn’t. And the anger kept building, you kept treating me like a stranger. I felt so...angry. ‘You’re my wife,’ I wanted to say. Does that mean nothing to you anymore?”

You let how a shuddering breath. “I feel like I’ve changed so much. I didn’t-I’m not who I was when I left.” 

“Neither am I. I do wish you’d given me the chance to be there with you. But...at least something good came out of it. ___, you shouldn’t have run away and I...I should’ve tried harder to stop you. I took you for granted. I thought...there will be time for us later, building us an empire took priority. And then you just left, and you didn’t come back. I knew you needed time but then you just. Didn’t come back. I’m still so angry with you, you idiot girl.”  He lets you hug him again, lets you cry into his shoulder. He kisses you again and again, with anger and with more love. “But ___, you should know how proud I am of you. I’ve seen your work. I’m so, so proud of you sweetheart. It’s changed you for the better. And the pain of your absence has changed me.” 

Your arms tighten around him when he sinks into your embrace, his breath a shudder against your neck. “And I know I can’t live without you. So we’ll try harder. I refuse to entertain any other ideas. And you need to come up with less extreme methods for dealing with problems.” 

“I thought you wouldn’t want me anymore,” you admit quietly. He scoffs at your words, pulling you even closer to soothe the sting. 

“If I ever stop wanting you, you can safely assume it’s an imposter.” You giggle weakly, struggling with the insecurity and hope warring in your heart. “___, l will spend the rest of our lives showing you how I feel about you. Nothing can change that. Not distance, not time, not even your extremely moronic tendencies. So, I’ll try. I’ll listen.” 

“And I won’t make any more stupid decisions. At least not without consulting you,” you promise him, laughing when he pinches your cheek. “No more running away. You're it for me, you always have been. I've done a terrible job of showing it, but...we've got time. I'll work hard.” 

Nothing is fixed, but it’s a step in that direction. You’ve both got a lot of work to do. You’ve got a lot to make up for. But the way his body curls around you drives away most of your fear. And the soft kiss he presses to the band around your finger tells you that this time, he won’t stop you from trying. 

#alloverkinktober #mlqc victor #mlqc #mlqc fanfic #smut #mr love queen's choice #mr love: queen's choice #love and producer #mlqc li zeyan

[tsengyiing]

mlqc first anniversary comic

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so i forgot to tell you guys on tumblr, but i had to postpone the mlqc mood boards bc of lack of time due to the making of this comic and commissions. they aren't scrapped but just going to be held off until i can do them. i dont want to rush them and give out half hearted work!! so thank you in advance for being patient with me.

this is my submission for the fanworks contest :) i hope you guys like it. the theme was "always by your side" and i really hope i brought that out within this comic.

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if you like my work please consider buying me a ko-fi! it would be very helpful for me to stay up late and draw more of our favorite mlqc boys!

#mr love queen's choice #恋与制作人 #li zeyan #zhou qiluo #xu mo #bai qi #love an producer #러브앤프로듀서 #mlqc gavin #mlqc kiro #mlqc lucien #mlqc victor #mr love fanart #comic #1st year anniversary #mr love dream date #mlqc #mldd

[andinewton]

Three Times There Was Mistletoe... Gavin/MC MLQC

Fandom: MLQC

Pairing:  Gavin/MC

Genre: Absolutely fluffy

Summary: Gavin is starring on a live show on Christmas Eve, but mistletoe keeps mysteriously appearing on set.

Authors Note:  I am soooo sorry it took me so long to reread this and post, it has honestly been a shitshow of a week (more but who’s counting?)  Anyway, I hope it was worth the wait!

Over the last two months you had been compiling pieces on staying safe over the festive season, from not leaving gifts on display in your home and vehicle, to maintaining control of your senses during the many seasonal parties that seemed to invade everyone’s life for one month of the year.  Gavin had been a hit, as always, and all that remained this Christmas Eve was to film the live closing segment with the host.  The final show would end with the set looking like a cosy living room, the lighting warm and inviting, the tree sparkling enough to brighten the lowest of moods.  Both Gavin and the host were wearing suits, adding to the festive atmosphere, and more than one of the staff had mentioned they would gladly find Loveland’s finest officer wearing nothing but a gift bow under their tree the next morning.  And you were no exception.

You and Gavin were close friends, but that was all it was, much to your disappointment.  You knew that you would rather have this than nothing with him, but how much you liked him was really becoming a bit of a hindrance.  You sighed as they carried out a lighting check on Gavin and the host, standing side by side, having already checked it while sitting in the overstuffed chairs either side of the tree, when an elbow landed on your shoulder so suddenly it was enough to make you jump.

‘Doesn’t he look handsome, boss?’  Minor asked, tilting his head to one side as he regarded Gavin.

‘He always looks handsome.’  You replied automatically, before straightening yourself and clearing your throat.  ‘But he hates dressing up.  I hope he relaxes somewhat before go time.’

‘He’ll be fine.’  Minor waved his hand dismissively.  ‘But it looks like they need you.’  He indicated to where Kiki was waving at you from beside Gavin while holding his cuff.

‘No rest and all that.’  You smiled at Minor before stepping onto the set.  ‘What’s up, Kiki?’

‘Does this cuff look marked to you?’  She asked, pulling Gavin’s arm towards your face.

‘I can’t see anything.’  You replied.  ‘Are you sure?’

‘Maybe take a closer look, with more direct light.  When he moves a certain way it’s like there’s a stain.’

‘Okay, let me see.  Do you mind, Gavin?’

He cleared his throat as you rested the side of his hand in your palm and moved your face closer.  ‘Not at all.’

‘I think it might be part of the material.’  You murmured thoughtfully.  ‘Let’s go take a closer look.’  A nearby table held a small spotlight and you directed it downwards to help you look.  ‘It seems okay, must just be a trick of the light.’

‘Hey, boss?’  You looked up at the sound of Minor’s voice questioningly, finding him pointing upwards.  You frowned and looked up, finding a sprig of mistletoe hung from one of the rigs.

‘Oh!’  You exclaimed, eyes going wide as your cheeks flushed pink.

‘What is…oh.’  Gavin echoed your sentiment as he followed your gaze.

‘It’s just a bit of traditional fun.’  Anna remarked as she passed you.

‘We don’t have time for traditional fun.’  You called after her.  ‘We’re live on air in three hours!’

‘Can you rain-check mistletoe?’  Kiki asked Minor loud enough for everyone to hear.

‘No time!’  You yelled, releasing Gavin’s hand and hoping he couldn’t see how red your face was.  ‘The sleeve is fine!  Places everyone, let’s run it one more time!’

The cast and crew had one last break before air time and you took advantage by finding a quiet corner to sit in.  It had been full on all month and you were looking forward to a few days break, but the day wasn’t over yet.  After filming was finished and everything closed down the whole crew were going out for drinks, as you would be finished earlier than a normal work day.  It was the final thing you had to do before you could go home and climb into your pyjamas.

‘Are you hiding?’

You glanced up to see Gavin offering you a cup of coffee, which you took with a grateful smile.  ‘Not hiding, more stealing a few minutes to mentally regroup.’

‘May I?’  He pointed beside you and you budged a little to allow him space on top of the equipment box.  ‘I wanted to thank you.’

‘Thank me?’  You frowned.  ‘For what?’

‘For convincing me to do this.’  He waved his hand at the studio in general.  ‘It’s been more rewarding than I thought it would.’

‘Not all TV people are shallow and vapid.’  You smiled and his eyebrows quickly knitted together.

‘I didn’t think that about you for a second.’

‘No, but as a group it’s easy to see why it would seem that way.’  You blew across the top of your coffee.  ‘And if we’re in a thankful place, then I want to give them to you.  You’ve really helped us, and me, out and I’m so grateful.’

‘Call it even?’  He smiled slightly.

‘Deal.’  You nodded.

‘Hey, Gavin!’  You both turned to see Minor eating a sandwich some distance away.  ‘I’m starting to think you’re doing that on purpose.’  He looked up above you which drew both of your eyes, yet again, to a sprig of mistletoe.

‘Get out of here!’  Gavin yelled at him, and he left, laughing to himself as the tips of Gavin’s ears turned bright red.  ‘He can be so annoying.’  He muttered apologetically.

‘He knows his stuff though.’  You shrugged, casting a glance at your watch.  ‘I have to get back to it, but thanks for the coffee.’

‘No problem.’  He replied, sighing as he watched you walked away.

‘And we’re out!  That’s a wrap!’

Cheers went up as the director confirmed you were off air and a weight seemed to lift from your shoulders.  Once everything was finished here you were officially done!  You joined everyone in the self-congratulations and began overseeing the packing up.

Gavin quickly removed his tie and stuffed it in his pocket, undoing the top two buttons of his shirt with relief.  He hated how restrictive they were.  His eyes automatically sought you out, finding you helping the assistant director, and knew you would be busy for a while yet.  Should he say goodbye?  Wait until you were finished?  He decided to wait.  It was fairly dark already and he wanted to be sure you had a safe way home.

‘Good work out there, Gavin.’  Minor remarked as he approached him.

‘Thanks.’  He replied, finally tearing his eyes from you.

‘Do you have plans after this?’

Gavin narrowed his eyes.  ‘Why?  What did you have in mind?’

‘Not much.’  Minor shrugged.  ‘We’re all going out for holiday drinks, celebrating the end of work.  You should come.’

‘I don’t know.’  Gavin shifted his feet.  ‘I’ll have to see.’

‘She’s gonna be there.’  Minor nodded towards you, just marginally, but Gavin knew who he meant.  ‘You should escort her.’

‘Me?  I mean, I can go with you, but I don’t think she needs an escort.’

‘It’s not if she needs one, but that she might want one.’  Minor leant in conspiratorially.  ‘Up to you, though.’  He shrugged again and walked away, pretty sure he had Gavin convinced.

Gavin stood and thought for a moment, watching you laugh at something the assistant director said.  No.  He would go along, even if it was just to keep an eye on you.

Finally!  You thought as you looked at the now empty space.  It hadn’t taken too long and now you just had to dismiss the crew.

‘That’s it, everyone!  Meet at the bar, first round is on me!’  Another cheer went up and everyone began filing out as you flicked off the lights, which was when you realised Gavin was standing on his own to one side, leaning on the wall with his arms folded.  ‘Hey, I didn’t realise you were still here.’  You smiled as you headed over to him, around the chattering crowd as they left.

‘I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.’  He straightened his stance and unfolded his arms, wanting to be more approachable, not that that had ever stopped you before.

‘I’m glad.’  You smiled up at him.  ‘Do you want to come with us?’  You asked hesitantly.

‘I’d like that.  If I’m not intruding.’

‘You’re more than welcome.’  You held your hands behind your back for the sake of something to do with them.  ‘Everyone deserves tonight though, they’ve worked so hard, and that includes you.  This show wouldn’t be the success it has been without Officer Gavin.’

Gavin’s cheeks heated up at your praise but he cleared his throat and tried to shake it off.  ‘Are you really buying everyone a drink?  Because there’s a lot of people.’

‘They’re worth it.  I want them to know how grateful I am to have them on board.’

‘They’re grateful to you too.’  He replied as you edged forward behind everyone else.

‘Hey, Gavin!’  Minor yelled from near the door, and you both looked over.  ‘Don’t forget, as you leave!’  Minor tapped a sprig of mistletoe now hanging over the doorway that hadn’t been there before.

Your eyes went wide as you looked down and tried to hide your embarrassment, Gavin rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he found the wall very interesting all of a sudden.

‘He’s doing this on purpose.’  Gavin muttered to himself, vowing to take down the mistletoe just as soon as he reached it.  He and Minor would be having words later, that was for sure.  He looked around to explain, but you were no longer there, having disappeared into the darkness while he wasn’t looking.

You got to the bar a little after everyone else, having busied yourself with absolutely nothing, but needing a little space and time to calm your heavily beating heart and your confused head.  You and Gavin had been dancing around one another’s feelings for some time and he showed no sign of making a move.  Maybe it was all in your imagination, you thought there was something more between you other than attending the same school and running into danger, but now you were uncertain.  Sure, Minor, and half of your staff, had made it clear that they thought all you both needed was a little push, but these mistletoe incidents might have been more of a shove.  You would rather have Gavin as a friend than nothing at all and, at this rate, they would alienate him from you entirely.  You straightened your hair, hoping it looked alright, before opening the door, a wall of sound and light hitting you hard as you plastered a smile on your face.

‘We thought you got lost.’  Anna remarked as she passed you a glass of wine.

‘I thought about it.’  You replied as she clinked her glass against yours.

‘Oh no, no backing out.  Just talk to him.  He’s only here because you said you would be, and he’s nursing a glass of coke at the end of the bar like he’s been stood up by his best girl.’  She nodded in Gavin’s direction, just in case you hadn’t noticed him, sitting with one elbow on the bar, his chin on his hand.

‘It’s not like that.’  You rolled your eyes as you made your way across the room towards Gavin, wanting to let him know you were here.

‘Sure it’s not.’  Anna muttered.

‘Hey.’  You said just loud enough to be heard over the raucous sounds of your staff enjoying themselves.

Gavin turned on the stool to face you, smiling softly.  He had known you were here but didn’t know if you had been scared off by the antics of your coworkers.  He didn’t want you scared off, truth be told he wanted to be closer, he just had to be brave enough to take the next step.  He had never considered himself a coward until you came back into his life.  ‘All okay?’

‘Yeah, I just had to…uh…check all the doors were locked at the studio.’

‘And were they?’

‘Yep, all ship shape and secure!’  You exclaimed brightly.  Ship shape?!  You had never used that phrase before in your life!  Why did you lose your cool so easily when you were around him?  Okay, that was rhetorical, you knew precisely why.

‘Good.’  He laughed.  ‘And you’ve got a drink already.’

You nodded.  ‘Anna got me as soon as I came through the door.  So, cheers.’

‘Cheers.’  He raised his glass to yours and you each took a drink.

An awkward not-quite silence fell over you both as you tried to think of something to say, anything…well, okay, not something awkward but something.  Thankfully, Gavin thought of something, and it wasn’t something you would have thought of in a million years.

‘You want to dance?’

You blinked twice before you processed the question, unsure if you had heard him properly, before rapidly blurting a reply to his hopeful expression.  ‘Yes!  Sure!  I’d like that!’

‘Great.’  He got off the stool as you cringed at your overenthusiastic answer.  He didn’t seem to notice however, and took your hand, leading you carefully through your exuberant coworkers who had created a makeshift dance floor in the middle of the room by moving some tables aside.  He turned and took both of your hands, resting them on his shoulders before placing his own on your waist.  ‘Is this okay?’  He asked, and all you could do was nod.  ‘Good.’

He started you moving slowly, still in time with the beat yet far too slow for the tempo, but it worked.  You danced in silence for two full songs, neither of you seeming to know what to say, as though you were caught in some sort of spell that neither of you wanted to break.  The nearness, the heat from your bodies, your hearts fluttering at the heady combination.

‘Heeeeeeey, Gaaavviiiiinnn!!!!’  You both stopped and looked to the sound of the voice, one rosey cheeked and obviously drunk Minor, standing on a table and waving his half empty glass around.

Gavin cleared his throat and fixed Minor with a glare that would normally have had him squirming and apologising, but not with the amount of liquid courage he had so far imbibed.  ‘What, Minor?’

‘You wasted all those mistletoes!  Why didn’t you kiss her?’

Suddenly you were aware of every eye in the bar on you.  It wasn’t quite silent with the background music, but enough to make a difference.  Now you were blushing for an entirely different reason.  You took your hands from Gavin and took a step back as you looked at your feet.  You had wondered as much yourself, but it wasn’t something you would consider forcing Gavin into doing for the sake of tradition if it really made him uncomfortable.

You saw Gavin take a breath in your peripheral vision, you assumed to yell at Minor to mind his own damned business, but his reply had your head shoot up to stare at him.  ‘I don’t need mistletoe to kiss the woman I love.’

Before you could open your mouth to ask what Gavin meant, his hand caressed your cheek and tilted your face up to his.  You couldn’t have moved even if you wanted to, the gentle look in Gavin’s eyes as his lips approached yours drew you in, and before you knew it your eyes drifted closed expectantly.  The kiss was tender and gentle, nothing more than a simple press of lips, but it went on for more heartbeats than you could count.  Your pulse pounded loudly in your ears, blotting out everything around you.  You had never realised that such a small gesture could fill your every sense, but here you were, completely under the spell that Gavin’s lips had cast upon you.

Gavin finally parted from you, brushing your scorched cheek with his knuckles, his eyes studying you carefully, which was when the sound around you came rushing back in.  Whoops and cheers, led by Minor, of course, but it felt like every patron was suddenly invested in the scene before them.

You dropped your head in embarrassment once more, but this time Gavin wrapped an arm around you and pulled you to him protectively.  ‘You want to go somewhere quieter we can talk?’

You nodded and Gavin began to lead you towards the exit, while Minor continued to heckle, but not for long.  Just as Gavin opened the door a freak wind blew through, knocking Minor’s legs out from under him and sending him tumbling to the floor inelegantly.

The last thing you heard as you left was Minor’s laughing reply.

‘Worth it!’

#mlqc #mlqc fic #mlqc gavin #christmas fluff #minor is a little shit #everyone ships it

[theincompetentgenius]

Hi there! I love reading your matchups so I’m finally here to request one for me! Well, I’ll even be a bit greedy and request three (IkeSen, IkeRev and MLQC) if you don’t mind 😁

Let’s start!

I’m a 5’3 (162 cm) girl with fair skin, almond-shaped brown eyes and short warm sandy blond hair (you know, a bit like in the 1920’s). I wear glasses but I prefer to have contact lenses. I like reading since I’m a child and I’m particularly interested in History. I also like geography, politics, traveling and learning new languages. I’m sometimes (often) lazy though. I’m not really at ease with my body, even though I’ve lost pounds those last years and that I’m pretty normal now, I still find myself too fat, (yeah, the classical girl complex…). Approximately the 1950’s body type if you want to have an idea. About my personality, my MBTI type is INTJ. I’m pessimistic, introvert and really, really honest. I often hurt people without wanting it because of this straightforwardness. I’m stubborn too and I have a Manichean view about pretty much everything so my opinions are often judged as extreme. Really care about nature (the typical ecologist). People usually find me cold at first but if they get to know me better and become my friends, I’m really loyal and here to help them. Some random facts maybe? I’m vegetarian, I like spicy food, my Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw and I’m quite the tsundere type. I like winter when there is snow and I prefer night over the day (I like watching the starry sky, I could do this for hours!) and my zodiac sign is Scorpio, Leo rising (I’m born the same day as Jonah Clemence!). One last thing: I have one little brother and one little sister (they are twins and are four years younger than me) and I would give the world to them.

That was pretty long, I’m sorry, but I wanted to give you as much information as possible. I can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with! Thank you so much for taking my request darling, your writing is as amazing as your mood boards!💙

Haha! It’s ok if you’re a bit greedy– I mean, aren’t we all when it comes to matchups? And I thank you SO MUCH for all the info you put because it honestly made my life 10x easier when trying to match you with the different suitors. In fact, some I was able to pick immediately because of all the info you gave.

But anywho, let’s get on with the matchup!

MLQC

I’d pair you with………. Victor!

So I started with MLQC because I immediately knew who I was pairing you with. Obviously, I had to glance over your description again to figure out who else you’d work with, but it was really hard since your description literally screams “Victor” to me. Not that you’re as uptight as he is, but the two of you have a lot in common, but enough differences to allow for an amazing and fun relationship!

There are two ways this could play out: either you guys will butt heads or get along very well on a professional level. I’m betting on the latter scenario simply because you are intelligent, resourceful, and determined: qualities that Victor admires in others. He will notice you because of your work ethic and commend you for your admirable efforts. Additionally, he knows that he can count on you because you are the most loyal employee he has. However, you two might get into squabbles as both of you can be very stubborn, which will need lots of time and patience to smooth over. Nevertheless, Victor will see you as a valuable asset to his team.

In those moments of laziness, Victor would be the perfect motivator. His harsher words would serve as a wake-up and a prompt reminder of why you should be working towards your goals instead of letting all your work pile up (before it becomes unmanageable).

Victor admires your ability to be honest around him. Although the man wants to be perfect, he isn’t– and not many people tell him that. However, you’ve reached a level of familiarity with him where you can voice your honest opinions about him (without fearing for your job). He’s not used to hearing the cold truth because most people sugar-coat it instead (because they want to keep their jobs or be in good standing with the CEO).

But the two of you would be the biggest power couple ever. Whenever someone says something stupid, you both use sarcasm and sass to wipe them out. You start with a sarcastic comment while Victor follows it up with a classic sassy remark. The two of you ultimately receive a reputation for being the most savage people in the office, so everyone tries their best to please you.

Also, Victor would have no problem making spicy food! Although he doesn’t have lots of time to cook, when something special (such as an anniversary) arises, he’ll always make a creative spicy dish. Imagine eating top-notch, gourmet spicy food FOR FREE. You’re the real winner here smh

Another Possibility: Kiro

Ikemen Sengoku

I’d pair you with…… Shingen Takeda!

At first, I thought about Sasuke because the two of you seem to compliment each other pretty well.  I mean, he’s more relaxed while you’re more uptight. He has no problem with your honesty and very much enjoys it. In fact, I kept switching between Sasuke and Shingen, but I ultimately settled for Shingen (for reasons I’ll explain below).

Your description literally radiates “cold boss bitch” energy, which we stan. However, this can easily cause clashes with some of the warlords with bigger personalities (Nobunaga, Kenshin, Ieyasu, etc), which you would not be willing to compromise. But fear not, because Shingen does not fall into this category of unnecessary bravado. His issues lie elsewhere……

Shingen’s initial “flirty hunk” attitude can be a real turn off for you. At first, it can be charming (almost endearing), but the shtick gets old REAL fast. You become irritated by his constant flirting and at one point, let him know exactly what you think. The moment is quite satisfying because you finally tell this idiot to shut up and the stunned look on his face is totally worth it.

He’ll definitely leave you alone for a while. However, Shingen will have to keep tabs on you since you’re Azuchi’s chatelaine– the easiest link to Nobunaga. However, you’re just as smart and play his game with him. As he observes you, you observe him back to figure what he wants. But at one point, it gets on your nerves. You can’t walk around without feeling as if you’re being watched. You confront him yourself, beginning Round 2 of blasting Shingen. This time, you threaten to expose him by telling everything you’ve learned to Nobunaga.

The more extreme confrontation leaves Shingen speechless. Clearly, you’re a lot smarter than he expected as you saw through him very quickly. He’ll have no other choice but to take you to the Kasugayama Palace, where you become his captive. However, his wonderful treatment towards you leaves you rather confused.

During this time, Shingen will heavily appreciate your honesty. He’s always putting up this facade around others that it is refreshing to see your honesty for a change. Although he doesn’t realize it, his facade begins to fall as he grows more comfortable around you. It doesn’t take him long before he realizes that you’re nothing like Nobunaga (despite your strong personality).

In fact, Shingen loves your strong personality. Although he is dedicated to his goals, the warlord is also known to be flexible. He has no problem accommodating your needs and your extreme opinions don’t bother him at all. If anything, he finds it fascinating that someone can be so different from him that he’ll want to learn more.

In the end, you learn to love him for his loyalty to his people. Whether or not you agree with Nobunaga’s actions about Kai, you admire Shingen’s dedication towards his people. It reminds you of your love for your siblings, which helps you make sense of his actions and thoughts. The man who was once an irritable playboy has become your lifelong partner.

Other Possibility: Sasuke Sarutobi

Ikemen Revolution

I’d pair you with…………………….. Zero!

Aren’t you lucky, you got paired with an absolute gem! Especially with his route out, Zero’s been the talk of the tumblr community these days (and with good reason). However, I originally had a strong urge to match you with Lancelot. The two of you would be the ultimate power couple that would help each other see through different perspectives and develop as individuals. However, you would probably clash more with Lancelot, which is why I ended up going with Zero.

Zero is one of the first people to be friendly towards you when you end up at the Red Army. Although he’s shy and not the most talkative person out there, you end up spending time with him (since everyone else in nearly insufferable). He truly appreciates the fact that you’re not some weirdo and have normal human behaviors (despite your quirks). It might be a little awkward at first, but the two of you warm up to each other fairly quickly.

Just like the other suitors I chose for you, one of the biggest things that draw Zero towards you is your loyalty. Zero himself is very big on loyalty, so its one of the key things that he looks for within a person. As he watches you defend your thoughts with a strong conviction, Zero admires you more and more

This man absolutely LIVES for the moments that you put Edgar in his place. It’s quite tempting to throw a jab at the Jack of Hearts and while Zero worries when you try it, his heart also swells with pride. Only his girl can stand up to Edgar, which only increases his admiration for you (especially when Edgar and Zero duel and you tell Zero to kick Edgar’s ass).

The thing about Zero is that you could talk about anything and he’ll have the sweetest smile on his face. The fact that he gets to spend so much time with you is the biggest blessing and gift that he could have ever asked for. He’s not even sure what he did to deserve someone like you, but for once, luck seems to be on his side. Even if he doesn’t understand what’s being said, he’ll try his best to comprehend the material because he loves you.

Another Possibility: Lancelot Kingsley