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bellofthemeadow · 10 months

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Summer of '03 | Joel Miller x Female Reader

Series Masterlist

Rating: M for Mature (18 + no minors allowed)

Word Count: 2.8K

Warning: All warnings on the Series Masterlists, will update if necessary (Re-iterating, no minors allowed! Thank you)

Chapter Summary: You finally arrive in Texas, a world so different from your home in New York. You find that living next door is a man who confuses you. You can't figure out if he's just a stereotipically angry Redneck or the man of your dreams. Ah well, you've got the summer to figure the puzzle that is Joel Miller.

Notes: Hello everyone, welcome to my new story :D This one is going to be quite different from my last story as I am delving into the realm of enemies to lovers! I am so excited as I don't think that any other PedroBoys fits the bill las well as Joel Miller!!! LMK what you think of it, I always love to read what you think of my work and I would also be really stoke to speak with all of you.

I am also working on a taglist at present, so I should make a post probably tomorrow, so if you want to be added to the tagged post, let me know and I'll be happy to add you!

Hope you all enjoy :D

Welcome to Texas

Apparently, your entire life fits neatly into an 8x6 cardboard box, which is somewhat embarrassing. When you made the spontaneous decision to uproot your life and leave New York, little did you know that packing would only take 25 minutes and leave you with so little. However, every item inside that box was a testament to your independence. You had purchased each item with your hard-earned money, not relying on your parents or receiving them as gifts from an ex-boyfriend. Every single thing inside that box was truly yours.

As you set down the box in front of the small suburban house, you squint your eyes taking in your new home for the foreseeable future. You had to admit, it had a certain charm that you found refreshing. The tiny house was a stark contrast to the high-rise condo your family had in New York or the overly opulent summer home in the Hamptons where you’d spend your summer. This place felt nice and quaint, exuding a sense of simplicity that you were craving. The row of houses boasted a similar style, either one or two floors tall, constructed with reddish-coloured brick. The driveways were impressively large, accommodating even bigger trucks. It really does seem like 'everything is bigger in Texas'.

Everything about this neighbourhood screamed quiet suburbia. Since it was still early afternoon on a Sunday, you spied some kids zooming down the street on their bikes like a wild bunch of Tasmanian devils, while a cluster of older ladies powerwalked on the sidewalk and seemed deeply engrossed in their gossip. The sight made you chuckle, they kind of looked like a swarm of salmon with their pink velour tracksuit. You were kind of impressed. In this heat, the only thing you wanted to do was lie down on the cold floor for at least two hours or stick your head in the freezer for a minute—the jury was still out. But that was probably because of your New Yorker sensibilities. Most of the people you spotted going about their day seemed completely unfazed by what you would categorize as temperature from at least the 4th circle of hell.

You sighed and put your arms high above your head, interlacing your fingers and giving your back a much-needed stretch. As depressing as the sight of the lone cardboard box holding your entire life was, you were glad that you didn't have a lot of stuff to take with you from New York. The drive had been almost unbearable. As a New Yorker, you didn't have many opportunities to drive that often, and this trip had actually been the first time you had driven your brand-new Alfa Romeo GT. It was a Christmas gift from your grandma, chosen for both sentimental and practical reasons, and you decided to take it with you as you up hauled your life to literally the other end of the country.

No one in your family had understood why you wanted, no, needed to leave, except for Granny Mabel. While your parents scolded you as if you were still a pigtailed little girl, timidly requesting seconds at dinner, Granny Mabel simply glanced at you, winking beneath her oversized Givenchy glasses, as she took a generous sip of her red wine. In that fleeting moment, you knew that no matter what unfolded, you would have the approval of the lionesses of New York’s Upper East Side.

But after what felt like three days of almost non-stop driving, you were ready to declare that you didn't even want to look at your car for at least a week. You felt like you had your share of driving to last you a lifetime. Although you knew that wouldn’t really be possible. After all, Texas was not known for the same kind of public transportation as New York. Ah well, when in Rome—or in this case, Texas.

As a few neighbours started to cast curious glances your way, you became aware of the possibility that loitering around an empty porch on an early Sunday afternoon might raise suspicions. You opened your handbag and rummaged through it, moving aside packages of half-eaten candy bars, a couple of lipsticks, emergency wet wipes, and tampons before you finally found the paper your friend Robbie had given you before you left three days ago.

Scrawled in your friend's messy chicken scratch, were an address and a name: "Joel Miller." Beneath it, a hasty note explained, "Joel was Great Aunt Ruth's neighbour. He was helping her with the property ever since he and his daughter moved in next door. We asked him to hold onto the keys until someone could come to take care of the house after Aunt Ruth passed away. Joel knows you're coming. Take care, my dear, and I'll miss you. New York won't be the same without your judgy ass!"

A smile spread across your face as you read the words. Robbie had been the most important part of your life in New York. You both met during your first year of college. You were studying pre-med, while he pursued performing arts at NYU, dreaming of a future on Broadway. Instantly, you connected with each other. Despite your family's legacy of surgeons, you had always yearned to be on the stage. So, in your first year, you took a theatre elective and met Robbie. The two of you became inseparable. His apartment in Brooklyn provided a refuge from the suffocation you felt at home, and you ended up spending most nights there. By the fourth month of your friendship, you even started contributing to some of the utilities, although Robbie insisted you didn't have to. But you didn't mind. Your parents had money, and you used a lot of hot water, so it was the least you could do.

And now, here you were, on the other side of the country, ready to take a break and maybe have some fun! You silently prayed to any gods out there, hoping they would listen and guide you toward figuring out what you truly wanted in your life. Happiness seemed to be slipping away with each passing day, and you hoped this summer would bring some clarity. You looked back down at the piece of paper, making a mental note to call Robbie once you got inside the house to thank him and reassure him that you were alive after that long trip.

For now, you needed to escape the scorching heat before you melted away. Your hair was beyond recognizable because of the frizz humidity brought out, and sweat patches were forming under your armpits. You cringed at the situation but tried to reassure your growing anxiety: "Who cares what Joel Miller thinks? You thought. You've been through more embarrassing moments than being sweaty in front of a middle-aged dad." Memories of laugh-snorting vodka cranberry all over your crush Colin Robertson's shirt at a post-finals party two years ago came rushing back. You were convinced you had permanently stained his favourite white Lacoste polo with cranberry, judging by the disdainful looks he had given you ever since. So, dealing with a middle-aged redneck should be a breeze in comparison.

You hurriedly made your way to the neighbouring house, desperately hoping that Joel Miller would be there. The thought of being stuck outside indefinitely made you want to cry. You tugged at your jean shorts, which clung uncomfortably to your sweaty thighs, and adjusted your oversized "1991 - Walt Disney" t-shirt, a hand-me-down from your older brother. You tied it in a knot at the front, revealing a sliver of midriff. It dawned on you that you needed to buy more weather-appropriate clothes—an item added to your ever-growing to-do list.

As you stood in front of Joel Miller's house, you hesitated. What if Robbie had forgotten to inform him about your visit? Would Joel think you were some kind of psychopath? He’d definitely think you were a little crazy. Taking a deep breath, you firmly knocked on the wooden front door. When, after a solid minute, there was no response, a sinking feeling of disappointment washed over you, suggesting that Joel Miller might not be home after all. You decided to try ringing the doorbell—once, twice. As you debated whether to attempt a third ring or call Robbie, you heard noises from behind the door, followed by a loud exclamation, "JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, give me a minute!"

You felt yourself turning pale, and you began fidgeting with your rings, mentally preparing yourself for whatever was about to happen next. The door was ripped open, and your temperature skyrocketed as you faced the man in front of you. Joel Miller was... not what you expected. He loomed before you, tall and imposing, with a mess of dishevelled brown hair crowning his head. What you first noticed was the broadness of his shoulders, it made your mouth go dry as you started to imagine what it would feel like to hold these shoulders in the throws of passion. You could almost picture yourself under him, naked and sweaty, holding unto him and leaving kitten scratches on his powerful back. Your eyes started to take the man in front of you, he was clad in low-hanging sweatpants, his powerful thighs and defined waistline were accentuated. Your gaze was transfixed on him, unable to look away. You were certain you spotted what had to be an impressive bulge in the front of his thin pants and you wanted nothing more than the check if he was as well endowed as he seemed to be. Joel Miller was a man unlike any you had encountered before, emanating a potent blend of masculine confidence and ruggedly handsome charm. You felt insignificant and childlike in your own outfit. What would he think of your sweat-soaked Disney shirt, your perspiring face, and your overall dishevelled appearance? You wished you could rewind time and change into one of your nice little baby-doll dresses, the one that deliciously played on innocence and sinful seduction, you always felt your most confident in them. At least, you wished you had freshened up before meeting this man. Your mother had always emphasized the importance of first impressions, and now, as you observed the fury in his warm brown eyes, it seemed like you had utterly shattered any chance of making a favourable first impression.

The deep baritone of his voice snapped you out of your reverie, as he demanded, "Who the hell are you?" You stammered, "Ehh, I am so sorry to bother you..."

"You better not tell me you some kinda salesman? 'Cause if ya woke me up from the only full sleep I’ve had in two weeks to sell me some bullshit air conditioning, Imma get real fuckin' mad!” You gulp and squirm under his angry stare. "I reckon the appropriate term is salespeople, to be inclusive, you know." Your voice squeaks in an embarrassing sound. What the hell was wrong with you? You weren't some kind of shrinking violet, but at this moment, under Joel Miller's hard stare, you felt like dying. Or at least digging a hole and hiding inside.

"I am really sorry to bother you, Mr. Miller," you try to muster a modicum of confidence, "I am a friend of Robbie Levitt." When Joel's face remained impassive, you felt like it was his permission to keep going. "He is… was Ruth Kaplan's nephew… ehh, the lady who lived…"

"I know who Mrs. Kaplan is," Joel Miller cuts you off and stares at you, squinting his eyes. "You that rich kid from New York?" You feel yourself groan inside, fucking Robbie babbling about your business to everyone. As much as you loved the guy, he was a complete gossip. You simply nod your head, feeling quite unable to say anything, completely tongue-tied.

"You’re late," Joel Miller's words are biting and sharp, and they are cutting into you, making you feel small and childish. "Late for... what? I'm not sure I follow," you say softly.

Joel Miller sighs loudly and shakes his head. "That Levitt kid told me you'd be here yesterday evening, waited late for you to come around, princess." You feel yourself grow even hotter, either from the embarrassment of seeming flaky or from the nickname; you aren't sure yet.

"Oh," you softly say. "I am sorry, I didn't realize. Robbie just said to be here over the weekend. I didn't realize you'd wait for me."

"So , what? You thought that because you some kind of rich important lady from the city you could waste my time? ‘Cause I’m just some redneck contractor from Texas, right? Who cares if you waste everyone’s time, imma right?” His stare is hard and you don’t know what to do or say without making him even more mad. “It’s not like that, I never thought… I am really sorry.” You settle for, thinking it’s your best bet so as to not antagonize him further.

A low growl, “It's fine," he responds curtly and abruptly. It doesn’t sound fine; you think as he looks like he is 5 seconds away from slamming the door in your face. But my god, everything about this man is hard, his words, his face… his body. You don't know if you should love it or hate it, but as your eyes fall to his hard pectorals you feel yourself falling into the former category. "Wait here." He disappears inside his house before returning with a set of keys he promptly drops into your hands. "Here you go."

"Thank you ever so much, Mr. Miller. And I am really sorry again about last night… And for waking you up and everything" You cringe as a dismissive twitch of the head serves as his feeble reply. As you pivot away, trudging along in a pitiful display of humiliation toward Ruth's house, the air fills with Joel Miller’s deep voice once again “Here's a life tip, sweetheart. When someone doesn't answer the door, maybe ya need to take a hint. Not all of us can afford endless days off or live in a rent-free house. Some of us have real jobs, princess, and those of us that do appreciate every bit of peace we can get.”

You feel like crying, tears gathering up in your eyes, but you won't let them fall. You won't give Joel Miller the satisfaction of knowing that he made you cry. So, you settle, "Sure... I apologize for everything. I didn't mean to be a bother." No answer, so you take it as your cue to leave, feeling dismissed like a child at school.

You turn around and try to muster your best fake smile, the same one you used for your mother and father and give a little wave. "Hope you can get back to sleep soon. I'll make sure to not be in your way again." And you scurry away as fast as your legs can.

Summer of fun and discovery is off to a great start, you think sarcastically, as you rip Aunty Ruth’s door open and let the tears fall. Goddamn it, why did you have to antagonize the most handsome man you'd ever seen in your entire life? Joel Miller, you think. You should despise him. He was unnecessarily mean and condescending. Sure, you had been in the way, but how were you to know he would be sleeping at 1 pm on a Sunday? You groan, at this point anyway, he probably loathed you. Yet, strangely enough, you had never encountered a man who could twist your insides as intensely as he did. In the 5 minutes conversion you had with him, you felt your inside growing hot and your belly erupting in a million of butterflies. You wonder what his eyes would be like if they weren’t hard and angry. They were brown and warm, so you imagined how they would feel raking over your skin with longing or desire. Yeah, that’s not going to happen, you think as your mind cringes back to the awful words he said.

Joel Miller. Even the mere sound of his name left a strong, lingering flavour in your mouth. You squirm, feeling conflicted, not knowing whether to yearn for his strong domineering presence or simply try your best to avoid him like the plague this summer. You shake your head, you'll sort out your feelings, or whatever hormones this man triggered, later. Right now, you just need to find the damn freezer and try to cool down. However, after meeting Joel Miller, you're well aware that the fire inside you will continue to burn hard for some time.

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edmunsonss · 1 year

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You Belong With Me || E.M.

Pairing: Eddie Munson x GN! Reader

Summary: Miscommunication and feelings that might not be reciprocal put your friendship with Eddie, your best friend, at risk. Should you tell him how you feel? Or will someone beat you to it and confess their feelings first?

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: Swearing, smoking... that’s about it really. The slight reference might not make much sense on this part but it will in the future.

Masterlists & Taglist

A/N: I started writing this during my first month of college or so. It’s far from being done, but someone has given me the little push I needed to finally get this first part out there. Wanted to give thanks to @mochaoreos for reading this (and more) and giving me feedback, I appreciate it loads :)

°∴,*⋅✲°∴ °∴,*⋅✲°∴ °∴,*⋅✲°∴

You had just arrived home after going to another one of Corroded Coffin’s shows at The Hideout. Eddie was trailing right behind you as you threw your jacket on the couch and announced your arrival. To no one’s surprise, the only response you got was utter silence, meaning your father was still away at the work trip he had promised to return early from, while your mother had stayed back in the office to work.

Any other night, you would’ve been upset at the thought of having to eat dinner alone. Thankfully enough, Eddie happened to be with you, which made things better. In fact, you were excited at the thought of having the house to yourselves because it meant you’d finally get the chance to have a movie night.

You stared back at Eddie with a bright glint in your eyes, which made him chuckle, “What’s going on inside that head of yours?”

You rolled your eyes and shoved his shoulder lightly before making your way to the kitchen, “I was just thinking—”

“Oh dear, we really are in trouble, aren’t we?” He teased with a smirk. You scoffed and ignored him, instead kneeling down to peek into the cabinet where you kept your baking supplies and ingredients.

“Rude. Anyway, I was thinking that, since we’re in the first week of October, it’s like the perfect opportunity to have a scary movie marathon. We could even bake some cookies!” You exclaimed, an excited smile on your face.

Now, one thing about Eddie was that he wasn’t big on baking whatsoever. In fact, he despised it because anything he tried to bake without your guidance turned out to be a health hazard. However, he’d pretend to be the biggest fan of baking in the phase of the earth if he got to see your eyes shine and face brighten in excitement over and over again.

So he nodded and helped you gather all the ingredients for normal sugar cookies while you ventured out into the living room to play some music. You heard Eddie groan loudly when a Bee Gees album he’d heard a million times already—thanks to you, of course—started playing loudly. You snickered evilly before sauntering back towards the kitchen.

“Please turn that shit off,” Eddie whined, but you could tell from the smile on his face that he was merely joking and enjoyed the album much more than he’d ever admit. He’d once told you Bee Gees music would be nice to get high to, which had you laughing for a while.

You let Eddie work on the frosting while you focused on making the cookie dough. As anyone would expect from you both, things got messy pretty quickly. His dark hair ended up covered in flour and your face splattered with colorful frosting. You shared a lot of laughs with your best friend as he helped you remove the frosting from your face with a wet towel and you tried to shake the flour out of his hair to no avail. You felt guilty for ruining his hair, knowing how much effort he put into styling it.

Eddie didn’t take your guilt for a second and made you drop the cookie cutter in your hand before he pulled you close to him when How Deep Is Your Love started playing. You leaned your head on his chest as he swayed you both side to side to the slow rhythm of the music. You tried to ignore the way your heart picked up at the gesture and tried your hardest to bury the thoughts that started to surface in the back of your mind.

“Never thought I’d see a day where metalhead Eddie Munson would be slow dancing to a Bee Gees song,” You laughed, leaning your head back slightly to get a better look at him. “Wonder what the Hellfire guys would say if they knew, especially Henderson.”

Eddie shook his head as he gently pulled you closer again,“Say it and they’ll all call bullshit. They think too much of their Dungeon Master.”

You knew you were one of the few people, besides Wayne, who got to see this side of Eddie. The side of him that wore his heart on his sleeve and would never stop smiling or being affectionate towards those he loved. You got to know the Eddie that would beg for a hug after a tough day and who’d cuddle with you when it got too cold—or on any occasion really, he needed no excuses to cuddle. You treasured that with your whole heart.

It was hard for Eddie, being vulnerable. He always expected something bad to happen, whether it was an insult, a prank, or a joke. He felt like luck had never been and would never be on his side, which often translated into insecurity and isolation. Yet, for some reason, he trusted you enough to know you were the exception.

“You really are their idol, huh?” You smiled, aware of how much the Hellfire boys loved him.

“You say their,” He pointed out, “Am I not yours too?”

“Of course not, I can see right through you, Munson. I know you’re a big softie on the inside, whole meanie act doesn’t work with me. I do admire you, though, if that makes your big head feel any better.”

Eddie’s smile only grew at your words and you felt him give your waist a soft squeeze. He leaned in close to you, his dark hair tickling your cheek as he whispered in your ear, “I admire you too, more than you could ever imagine.”

His words left you even more flustered than you already were, but you didn’t give it time to let it show. Instead, you pulled away from his comforting embrace and reached for the cookie cutter you’d dropped earlier.

“C’mon now, instead of being so cheesy, why don’t you go take a shower while I cut the cookies and put them in the oven, yeah? I promise I’ll have a bowl of candy ready when you're back.”

He nodded and broke into your personal space once again—not like you cared one bit—so he could leave a kiss on your forehead, “You’re the best. Are my things still where I left them?”

You hummed and shook your head yes as you started pressing the cookie cutter into the rolled out dough, “Yep, top drawer underneath the sink. The towels are back in the closet though.”

While Eddie was away showering you tried to busy yourself with accommodating the cookies in the baking trays to ignore the stupid butterflies fluttering around in your tummy. It was an annoying feeling that had started to become familiar since it seemed to appear ever single fucking time Eddie did as much as look at you funny.

You had started to think that maybe you had an allergy to Eddie’s drugstore cologne. As blatantly stupid and far from the truth your thoughts were, ignorance was bliss. If worrying about a stomach bug rather than your feelings was the thing that would help you sleep peacefully at night, you’d keep it up.

You spent the rest of your time deciding on which record to play next, still indecisive on whether to play some Metallica or Black Sabbath. You went for Master of Puppets and let it play as you gathered a few of the blankets scattered around in the living room and dropped them on the couch that was right in front of the TV.

Eddie silently crept up behind you as you accommodate the pillows on the couch. At some point, he stood right behind you and reached up his arms to tickle your sides, making you jump up in surprise in the process.

“Holy shit, Eddie! You scared me!” You exclaimed and turned in his embrace to hit his chest in the process. He laughed loudly and gave you an apologetic look that you knew he didn’t even mean.

Eddie didn’t let you go as he started humming along to the song playing, Battery, “This is definitely much better than your hippie shit.”

“The Bee Gees are not even hippies! C’mon, they’re disco icons, the best of the best,” You argued back.

“You hype them up too much, they’ve got nothing on ABBA,” You gasped in mock offense and pushed him back as your face morphed into one of fake disgust, playing up your theatrics to get a laugh out of him.

“You cannot have any cookies, Munson. You don’t deserve them after the blasphemy that just left your mouth.” You finally get the laugh you were looking for after that comment. He flipped his damp hair on your face, which made you groan as you dried your face.

You started to walk away from him and into the kitchen, “You’re such an asshole, Eds.”

You could hear his loud laugh at that and could almost imagine the way he shook his head before trailing right behind you.

Once the cookies were ready and out of the oven, you disappeared to go get changed, not before giving Eddie a warning, “Don’t you dare eat the frosting while I’m gone.”

————————————

When you got back, the sight that greeted you made a big smile appear on your face. Eddie had turned up the volume of the music so much that even the neighbors would be able to hear, then he got to work.

He’d pulled his long hair into a messy bun that sat at the nape of his neck with hairs sticking out both at the bottom of the bun and around his face. He was hunched over the counter, a bag of bright red frosting in his hand and he was singing along to the music. You couldn’t see what he was doing, so you moved closer to him and peered over his shoulder.

You stifled a laugh at his action. The reason why he wanted you to cut up some cookies in the shape of gingerbread men suddenly made sense to you as you watched him frost a poor decapitated gingerbread man.

You didn’t quite know it, but you’d remember that moment forever. How could you not? Eddie looked beautiful like that, with a slight pout of concentration on his lips and furrowed brows, strands of curly dark hair framing his face. You loved it all… you loved him.

Those three words made your world stop spinning on its axis the moment you caught the thought floating around in your brain. Your heart plummeted to your stomach as everything you had been trying to ignore rose to the surface and refused to sink back down. Of course the stupid butterflies were not the result of a stomach bug, nor did heart problems have anything to do with the way your heart sped up when you were around Eddie.

‘Fuck, fuck, fuck.’ That was the only word that existed now, the only one you could think of as you stared at your best friend with eyes as wide as saucers.

He eventually turned to look at you, proudly showing off the gingerbread man with a few streaks of frosting going down its body from where the head should be. Had it been any moment, you would have laughed at the gruesomeness, but you weren’t able to do anything other than stare.

Eddie tilted his head to the side and laughed awkwardly at the way you were staring at him, “What is it? Have I got something on my face?”

His words brought you back to reality. You blinked and met his eyes as you tried to come up with something to say. Your stare moved all over his face until you spotted an incriminating bit of red frosting on the corner of his lips.

You gladly took it as a way out and pointed an accusatory finger in his direction, “Yes, right there! I thought I told you not to eat the frosting, Eds.”

Eddie quickly moved to cover up the evidence by wiping his face, but missed the spot every time. You took a step closer and wiped at the corner of his lip with your thumb. It could’ve been your imagination, but you swore you saw his eyes soften as he looked into yours, a soft smile slowly forming on his face.

Had you been bold enough, you would’ve stood closer to him and taken his rosy cheeks into your warm hands to press your lips against his chapped ones. You would’ve told him all about the feelings you’d been bottling up for months. You didn’t. You didn’t because you couldn’t even fathom the idea of losing him, of ruining years of friendship for feelings that he didn’t reciprocate. You couldn’t let your treacherous heart make you lose him.

So the only thing you did was cough to break the silence and took a step back, “I’ll forgive you if you let me play one of dad’s old scary movies.”

“No fucking way, I’m still traumatized by the last one.”

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Two movies, a plate of cookies, and a bowl of candy later, you were sitting on the porch of your house, a thick blanket over both your backs. You were leaning your head against his shoulder as you smoked together. As much as you hated to admit it, you hadn’t been able to stare into his eyes, nor had you been able to talk in coherent sentences, which was why you were thankful for the silence that was between you.

A cloud of smoke appeared before you as you exhaled and gave the cigar back to Eddie. In a kind gesture, Eddie pulled you flush to his side and accommodated the blanket that was about to fall off your shoulder. You mumbled out a soft thanks and nuzzled your face into his neck with a sigh. The smell of cigarette smoke mixed with his musky and cheap cologne was comforting, like a drug you wanted more of.

“Hey sweets, can I ask a question?” He mumbled. You hummed in affirmation.

“Have you ever… Do you ever wonder what being in a relationship’s like?” There was a beat of silence where you didn’t say anything, so he started rambling, “I’m sorry if it’s a stupid question. I know we never talk about shit like this but ever since Gareth met Simone, I can’t stop thinking about what it’d be like.”

You almost burst out laughing at the irony of his question, “Only like, everyday. When you like someone I guess it’s common to…”

You trailed off, realizing your mistake. Any trace of humor on your face was quickly wiped away by the words you’d just uttered. You trusted Eddie with everything you had, but you knew that uttering those words out loud had been a mistake. You knew he wouldn’t let it go until you confessed.

He pulled away from you slightly so he could look at you better. His dark eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed at the new piece of information he had just received, “You like someone?”

His tone indicated nothing but pure curiosity. There was no teasing, so you decided to tell him the truth, “I do, yeah.”

“What happened to the ‘I don’t believe in relationships’ shit?” Eddie wondered. You groaned.

“Don’t be unfair, Eds. I said that after I got my heart broken. Even if that wasn’t the case though, people can change.” You tried to defend yourself, which made him chuckle.

Unbeknownst to you, your defensiveness had told him much more than you’d let on about the subject you had eyes on. Still, he didn’t say much, “They’re that special then. To make you change and all.”

“I guess you could say that,” You replied and, for some reason, felt yourself get bolder as seconds passed, “He’s sweet and kind, creative too. Also has the coolest hair and he’s a genius at playing the guitar.”

You were dead sure he’d caught on by then, especially after the guitar part. You thought he had noticed, which was why you weren’t surprised when his arm fell to his side and he stood up, avoiding eye contact with you.

He scratched the back of his neck and mumbled out a few words you couldn’t make out, “You should uh… tell him all that, if you haven’t already. For what it’s worth, anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Then Eddie paused, and there was a beat of silence that seemed to stretch out like a never ending corridor, “I should go, don’t wanna get home after Wayne does.”

He promised to call before getting into his van and driving away. You sat on the porch until you finished the remainder of the cigarette you’d been smoking. You tried to distract yourself by watching TV, it was already past two in the morning so you figured you’d wait for your mother to get home, knowing it wouldn’t be long until she did.

When you finally heard her car pull up into the driveway, you sighed. Part of you felt relieved to have her there, hopeful that maybe she wouldn’t be too tired so you could talk to her. However, the bigger part of you felt guilty for even thinking of holding her back from going to bed because of some teenage drama she probably didn’t give a shit about.

However, keeping it to yourself was impossible. When she walked in, despite the bags under her eyes and tired face, she sat down on the couch right next to you and asked how you were. Those words were enough to get you to break. Everything you’d been trying to hold back escaped your mouth and you spent a long time sobbing on your mother’s shoulder, sure that you had just fucked up one of the best things in your life.

Your mother didn’t ask for an explanation as she held you, so you didn’t give her one. She eventually had to get up and go to bed, finally consumed by the tiredness that was plaguing her body after her nightly shift. You stayed behind and managed to fall asleep for an hour or two before the sun finally rose. There was still hope in your heart that maybe when he called you later that morning things would be fine, as if nothing had happened. Sadly, yet to no one’s surprise, that call never came.

#eddie munson x reader

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queeniecook · 9 months

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May 11

I asked Rahmi to accompany me to Brindleton Bay today. I didn’t want to be alone on a car trip that is more than an hour. I may not be near my due date yet but things can happen. I don’t want to risk it. Plus, it was nice to get to hang out with her again.

“This is a really pretty town, I love the ocean!” Rahmi told me excitedly. It’s the most happy I’ve seen her in a while. She doesn’t say much about it but I know she’s having a rough time right now with her divorce and Thomas trying to take the farm from her.

“I do miss this place sometimes.” I admitted. Henford-on-Bagley is my home now but Brindleton Bay will always hold a special place in my heart. Just like Windenburg did for Mom.

Rahmi decided to explore the town while I went to talk to Dakota.

He was on the phone with Lilith when I arrived. I guess she wants a spell done to keep out Count Vladislaus Straud from the Vatore Mansion. I feel like there’s a story there but I’m not going to pry.

“I’ll see what I can find in my spell book and get back to you.” Dakota told her before hanging up.

He surprised me and maybe even himself by grabbing me, gently, and giving me a huge hug. We haven’t seen each other in a while.

“You look beautiful as always, pregnancy agrees with you.” Dakota told me before releasing me. Then he said something that went straight to my heart. “I have lunch in the kitchen, want to eat?”

“Sorry I didn’t call first.” I said between stuffing my face with chicken sliders.

“Don’t worry about it, Vera.” Dakota assured me. There was no sign of Jillian or Joey, they were both at work. Which was good because I kind of wanted to just talk to Dakota. I had a mission, not that I don’t miss talking to him, but I had a specific reason for seeking him out.

After lunch, we went into the living room.

“Next month is my due date.” I started, looking over at him. “I’m worried about things possibly going wrong.”

Dakota nodded his head and waited for me to continue.

“We hired Annalise back as my doctor. Just in case any supernatural things occur during delivery concerning the baby.” I explained. I saw him react briefly by knitting his eyebrows together but he remained silent, letting me speak. I appreciated it. “But, there’s still James…Lilith will be there, which will be good. Not only she is the baby’s Aunt but she can provide protection.” I added, blowing out a breath. “I was wondering and I know it’s a lot to ask…”

Dakota spoke, picking up my trailing off as his cue to say something. “Of course I’ll help.”

I blinked in surprise, for some reason I didn’t think him agreeing would be that easy but I forgot. I’m dealing with Dakota. I felt tears starting to well up in my eyes and I blinked more to stop them. I felt a huge relief at the idea of having Dakota around to combat James.

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to actually be in the room…watching you give birth to another man’s baby.” Dakota told me point blank. I nodded. “But I will be there, outside the room, standing guard. I’ll figure out a protection spell and do some research on anything else that may help.”

“Thank you.” I told him softly.

“I’m always going to have love for you, Vera. Even though I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with Jillian and the idea of having a future with her makes me happy and hopeful.” Dakota said honestly.

I smiled at him “You’ll always have a special place in my heart too.” It’s true, I love Caleb and I don’t regret choosing him at all. I know he’s the one I’m meant to be with but I do believe sometimes, that a heart can love so much that it can love more than one. “I really am happy for you and Jillian. She’s a great girl and you make each other happy, so consider me one of the Jakota cheerleaders.”

Dakota chuckled at my words and stood up, I looked up at him “I need help.” I told him. I’m used to my couch at home, the couch at the Laws/Gates residence sits lower.

Dakota briefly smirked and I gave him a small glare before he heled out his hands. I grabbed them and for a moment. A brief moment, I thought maybe my life would have been more simple if I had chosen Dakota instead. I would have been happy with him too. I blinked my eyes and the moment passed.

The weird thing is, I think Dakota had that moment of thought too.

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aslutforreading123 · 2 years

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Sunsets- part 2 of shadows

Well here you go part 2. Wrote this instead of studying for my exam, so please cherish it.

TW: sexual references, Az is kind of an ass, but he’s our ass so it’s fine. If there is anything else that offends or triggers anyone please let me know! Also this one is very long compared to the last. You’ve been warned.

Enjoy!

Part2

5 and a half months later..

“Engaged?! You’re kidding right?”

Nope. No you were not. Turns out the trip to the summer court had a lot more to offer than you expected. It was only a meant to be a month but the high lord of the summer court quickly took a fancy to you. Tarquin had not been shy about his feelings for you, in the first 7 days he admitted that he liked you. Over some cocktails at a beach bar he had taken you to, you both got a bit drunk and suddenly you were all over each other.

The rest had been a world wind of jewellery, dresses and parties. When you finally thought it was time to go back and visit your family he proposed and confessed his love to you. You loved him, you were sure of it. Azriel still lingered in the back of your mind but you came to accept that he would never be yours nor would you ever be his. So that brings you to today. Sitting with tea in the living room of the river house with the back doors wide open bringing in the scents from the blooming garden outside. Feyre and Nesta were the only ones home and had spied you first. The rest had not heard of your arrival yet. Feyre was gob smacked at the news and Nesta looked both shocked and curious. “What made you say yes?” Nesta asked pouring herself another cup of tea. “I love him Ness, and he loves me too. I know it’s seems quick with the wedding only being a month away-“

“A month!” Feyre had finally came out of her shocked trance.

“Y/n I know you love him but you’re really young don’t you want to think about it for a little while? I mean you’ve only known him for a couple of months.”

“What’s there to think about? Feyre I’m going to be high lady of the summer court! I can’t wait to be married to him, just think of the life I’m going to have.” You smiled taking your sisters hand.

“And plus I’m human, I don’t have as long as you guys, time isn’t my friend like it is yours I could die or he could find a mate within the year. I’m really hoping I die before that happens though.”

“But-“ Feyre began again.

“But nothing. It’s happening and that’s final, I didn’t come for your blessings. I came to ask you to be my bridesmaids. All four of you.”

Nesta made a confused face. “Y/n there are 5 of us girls.”

“I know I already asked Mor to be my Maid of honour.” You said casually sipping your tea.

“You did what now?” Nesta stood beginning to pace.

“First you get in a relationship without telling us then you get a tattoo and now you’re not picking me-“

“Us.” Feyre intertwined.

“Right any of us, your sisters! To be your Maid of honour. What did the heat from the summer court fry your brain cells as well.”

You had to admit you had a nice glow about you from the sun. In fact everything about you was different you felt good, stronger somehow. Your hair felt softer, your teeth were whiter and though at first it felt too revealing, you had become accustomed to the summer court fashion which was all small tops and flowing skirts to live with the heat. Since it was summer time at the night court you were wearing an outfit from the summer court today. It was a yellow string bralette with a white flowing skirt and light brown leather sandals. The outfit showed off your recently adorned tattoo, a silly deal you had made with tarquin about coming back and not changing your mind. He wasn’t very trusting and you had your sister to thank for that after the whole book stealing scandal.

The tattoo began at your sternum then stopped just above your belly button it was one large sun at the top and three small stars after it. The black ink actually suited you and made you want to make more silly deals in the future. You hair was braided at both sides with small pearls interlocked in each one which made it look much more prettier.

“I thought it would be to hard to choose out of the three of you and Amren isn’t exactly known for her party planning. Mor is the best for the job and you both know it.” You said giving Nesta a small smile as she slumped back in her chair.

Then a small letter flew into the room right into your lap. It had the summer court symbol printed on the envelope. You smiled knowing exactly who it was from. Being with Tarquin was easy, he was kind and caring and he spoiled you incessantly. Though the marriage was for slight convenience due to the fact that the summer court needed airs and the High Fae were not known to produce easily. It was luck that Rhys and Feyre were able to have Nyx so quickly and other courts have been introducing humans to their lives. Your marriage to Tarquin is not the first human-Faerie marriage. The winter court has had many of them and the high lady and high lord encouraged it, many have since followed in pursuit. Old prejudices were leaving and more and more species were becoming interracial.

“Well open it then.” Nesta said before guzzling the rest of her tea like a brute.

* ( * ( *

My dearest y/n,

I am getting quite desperate to hear of your families reaction to our engagement, and so I would like to invite you all to a party on the day after tomorrow. All the courts will also be present to give their blessing as mandatory. I anticipate your introduction to some of my closes friends, I’m sure they will adore you as much as I do.

Sending all my love

Your high lord of the summer court,Tarquin.

P.S Cassian is excused of his unfortunate incident the last time he visited, however we will be keeping a watchful eye on him.

“What does it say?” Feyre asked the giddiness clear in her voice.

You took a deep breath before you spoke, you were going to be in a room full of high lords and ladies and one of them included your sisters ex lover.

“We’re invited to a party tomorrow, along with all the other courts.” You said before folding up the note. That’s when Nesta snatched it away from you as she muttered “that can’t just be it.” With that she began reading the romantic part of the letter out loud.

“My dearest y/n! I’m sure they will adore you as much as I do! YOUR HIGH LORD!” Nesta practically screamed as you ran around the table to try and pry it off her.

All the while Feyre giggled as you both played a cat and mouse chase around the the living room.

“Give it back!” You said jumping slightly to reach the note Nesta dangled above her head. “Jump y/n! Jump for YOUR high lord!” She laughed as she looked over to Feyre.

That’s when you tripped Nesta up from the back of her leg and grabbed the note as she fell to the floor. “Why jump when you could just fall.” You laughed and turned around to go back to the table, until she grabbed your ankle from behind and you fell face first to the floor. She got on top of you as she tried to pry the note out of your hand.

“Y/n you’ve been home for not even an hour and you’ve already gotten her to behave like a child again.” Feyre got up with her hands on her hips. You stopped and looked at each other before grabbing both her hands and pulling her to the floor with you both. She fell on top of you as you all let out ‘Ows’ and screams of laughter. Just then Rhys, Azriel and Cassian walked in stunned at the scene before them. You were on the ground rolling with laughter as Nesta was stopping Feyre from getting up by repeatedly tripping her. Rhys let out a sigh as he said

“I had a feeling it was because

Y/n’s home.” With that Cassian gave you a hand up and pulled you into a hug. You laughed as he spun you around.

“I don’t care if Tarquin wants to marry you they can’t have you, you were our human first.” You gave Nesta a dry stare as he set you down.

“Couldn’t even wait a minute ya big gossip.”

She shrugged at your statement going over to Cassian as you went to give Rhys a hug.

“Thanks y/n I can’t wait to see all my high lord friends.” Rhys said sarcastically as you pulled away. You gave him an apologetic smile as you thought about all the high lords congregating together again. “I’m sorry but you did kind of make it mandatory when you made that peace treaty with all of them.”

“Still you just had to go falling in love again didn’t you.” Rhys said casually sauntering over to the couch. Your smile dropped, you didn’t recall ever telling him you’d been in love before and now that man you had been in love with was standing right in front of you. Everyone’s faces either cringed or looked down Feyre smacked Rhys at the back of his head as the realisation hit. Rather than letting the awkwardness get the better of you, you walked up to Azriel and practically threw your arms around him. “It’s good to see you again.” You said as you pulled away from the hug as quick as it had started and went off to sit on the couch by Feyre.

The silence still continued around the lot of you before you spoke up.

“Ness?”

She answers with hmm.

“Does everyone know?” You said scrunching your face slightly, while laying back on the too large couch.

“Define everyone.”

“Oh my gods.” You said pulling a pillow in front of your face after Cassian answered for her. The rest of them chuckled at your reaction.

“I’m sorry, they were all wondering why you left and I might’ve accidentally let on that I knew and then Azriel said he knew and then of course Cassian had to jump in.” She said aiming a glare at him while he put his hands up defensively.

“It’s fine Y/n we all kinda of knew anyway, besides you’re getting married it’s not like you feel that way anymore.” Feyre said nonchalantly gliding over to the table and grabbing a bit of fruit for her and Rhys.

You kept silent as your thoughts began to race. Did you still feel that way? Were you even ready to bare your soul to someone else? What if Tarquin changed his mind? What if eventually he finds you annoying just as Azriel did? Or worse what if he sees Elaine and redirects his affections to her just like Azriel did? Maybe Feyre was right, maybe you were to young to be getting married? After all you went away to get a break from love not to seek and find another one.

“Woman put your damn shields up!”

You flinched as the thought cut through your own. You recognised it to be Rhys you glanced to the side only to see him raise his eyebrows at you, as he said “Do it.” Through your mind.

Instantly you pictured a door and saw yourself slamming it shut. After being in the summer court for so long you had let your guard down in your mind, not having to worry about your daemati sister or her mate prying constantly. A hand scraped down your shields causing you to shiver at the imaginary touch. Feyre.

“Best to be more careful from now on, especially with this party coming up.”

You nodded in agreement at her warning.

You felt watched and turned your head to meet Azriels stare, his face emotionless and shadows looking untamed as you locked eyes before turning your head down to your fidgeting hands.

Little did you know Rhys was speaking to Azriel when your thoughts speared into the conversation. The shadow singer somehow managed to hear just about everything coursing through your mind.

***

Another perspective.

Azriels heart beat rapidly as his running pace picked up he had to get to her, he had to.

Everything was fine and normal at first, Azriel danced with Elaine slowly bringing her hand close to his chest and giving a light kiss to her cheek in the moonlight. She smiled her usual innocent one Azriel adored.

Though something didn’t seem right. He wasn’t a meant to be holding her. He want his to hold.

He was brought out of his trance as he heard a faint giggle as if it was far away, but the presence felt close. It echoed around for a second before he began to recognise it.

He turned his head Elaine still in his arms. As he saw her Y/N, dancing and giggling with two men. Her white dress flowed around her from the wind, she looked angelic. He wanted to go to her when he saw one of the men turn his head, wide eyed he stared in shock at the man who winked at him. It was his eldest brother he pulled Y/Ns hand to his lips and kissed it. She giggled again, it echoed all around the balcony as it did. That’s when his second brother began to lead her away. The setting changed to a cliff. Azriel tried to tug away from Elaine but she latched on. He turned his head back to her. All innocence and charm gone, instead replaced with mischief she looked almost mean as she stared him down. He looked at her confused “you picked Lucien.” He said shaking his head trying to step away. “That’s absurd. You’re being absurd Azriel.” She said sweetly once more. All while her sister was being taken away by his cruel brothers. Gods knows what they were planning to do to her.

“Let go Elaine.” He said trying to pull her hands off him. “Azriel, please I choose you. We can be together now. We don’t have to worry about her anymore.” Elaine’s voice echoed around them sweet and sinister. “I choose you.” He pushed her away and ran towards the direction y/n had went. “Azriel!” Elaine shrieked. He ran and ran over the hill now getting a clear view of her. Her laugh echoed as a whisper tore through the wind sweet and filled with love.

“Azriel.”

It was Y/N, he was sure of it.

“Azriel, please help me.” It didn’t sound pleading or scared but again like a lovers whisper.

His heart beat rapidly as her dress flowed through the wind. She glowed in the moonlight like she was ethereal. The closer he got the land seemed to stretch and the further they got. He stopped as he watched y/n stand near the cliff his eldest brother whispering something in her ear. She laughed again, it bouncing off Azriels ears. That’s when his younger brother came up from behind her and pushed her off the cliff.

“No!” Azriel yelled as he ran faster and launched himself off the cliff. Her scream tore through the wind echoing like everything else had.

“Help me!” She shouted as she fell, the rocks looked sharp as the waves crashed furiously against the cliff.

She reached her hand out to him but as she neared the ground realisation and hurt took over her features she pulled it back in to her chest as she fell faster.

“No!” He screamed, bellowed as he realised he could not reach her.

“Azriel.”

“Az! Man, WAKE UP!” He sat bolted up, drenched in sweat. He felt hands on his shoulders shaking him slightly. His shawls surrounded him before scattering at his silent command.

His eyes quickly adjusted to his surroundings.

He was in his room. He was in his room. Not on a cliff but in his room.

As his breathing calmed, Cassian decided now was finally a good time to speak up.

“Um are you okay?”

As if in answer Azriel got up and sped toward his bathroom. Spilling his guts down the toilet.

Cassian leaned against the door.

“Bad dream?” Azriel flushed the contents away before wiping his face with a tissue.

“No. I’ve had this dream before except it was different this time.” Az said getting up and brushing his teeth by the sink.

“Different? Different how?” Cassian said.

“Wait is this the dream where you’re dancing with y/n and Elaine’s falling off a cliff.” He said excitedly answering his own question.

“Yes but also no. There seems to have been a role swap. Somehow.” Az said trying not to give to much away. While he looked at himself in the mirror. Cassian came up behind him.

“Gods Az, you know I don’t speak in riddles.”

“It’s none of your concern brother.” Az said slapping his brother on the back as a term of endearment. Giving a half hearted smile doing so.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Az asked as he and Cassian walked back out to the bedroom.

“Only for something we’ve done literally every day of our lives.”

Cassian said looking at his brother worriedly.

“Oh right.” Az nodded while he began to sift through his drawers for his training clothes.

“This dream certainly has you in a tizzy brother.” Cassian said leaning back against the bed post while studying Azriels messed up sheets.

“Was it a sex dream.” He said with a smirk.

Azriel paused at what he was doing.

“No. And even if it was I wouldn’t be telling you about it.”

“Oh so it was a se-“

Cassian didn’t finish his sentence as you came in the door. You distractedly knocked against it while studying a series of envelopes in your hands.

You gave an exasperated sigh before saying “hey guys.” As you sorted through the envelopes and pulled out two. Azriel watched as you looked up and took in the room. Both Cassian and Az were completely shirtless and the sheets were a mess.

“Um sorry for interrupting but I have the wedding invites.”

You said reddening as you tried to look anywhere but at Azriel.

Cassian looked towards Azriel smiling mischievously.

“Gosh y/n, we could’ve been doing anything and you think it’s suitable to just come barging in here like that. Is this what you learned from those summer folk I could’ve been indecent!” He said flamboyantly pulling the sheets over his chest to somewhat cover himself as you laughed.

Az sensed your embarrassment and smiled slightly before making his face completely blank of emotion. It was a relief to see you that’s for sure, after the night he had. You were still in your pyjama’s from the night before black silk shorts with a black lace vest and a small silk dress robe hung off your body untied. He breathed deeply, thinking of your outfit yesterday, summer had certainly agreed with you and it was made very clear from the sight of your exposed chest and legs he had thought about all night…

He quickly averted his eyes down to your fuzzy slippers so the thought of you wouldn’t overcome him like it did last night. You handed Cassian his invitation before making your way to Azriel.

He hadn’t realised you’d been talking this entire time.

“Me and Mor have been at it all night making these.” You smiled before handing the invite to him. He grazed the end of your finger as he took the invite from you. You looked up and he was met with your startled gaze. His face must’ve been a mirror to yours with his own pulse racing at the light touch. You cleared your throat before pulling your hand away and letting go of the invite.

Cassian tore through it smiling widely, completely oblivious to the scene before him and Azriel a little bit more gracefully opened his.

~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~~

The high lord and future high lady of the summer court

Y/N + Tarquin

Request the pleasure of your company

On the eve of autumn

The nuptials will begin at sundown

A meal will be served after

At the high fae castle,

The summer court.

Azriel had forgotten all about the wedding. He wanted to crush the invitation and beg you not to marry Tarquin.

The day you left everything had changed.

Elaine had actually followed Lucien to his room the night you confessed your feelings, they began talking and Elaine had accepted the mating bond during the night.

She rushed to Azriel in tears the morning after apologising for leading him on for so long and not realising what she truly wanted- needed, was Lucien all along.

She said a part of her had felt hollow for so long but now it felt complete as if all her worry had disappeared.

As hurt as he was, Azriel wasn’t surprised. He wiped her tear stained face and forgave her. She was shocked but relived at his reaction. She looked at him with pity the adoration from the night before was evaporated. Now, that’s all he got from her, pitiful looks and guilty glances. She couldn’t even talk to him without apologising. But he didn’t want it nor did he need it. What he needed was right in front of him and she was set to be married. He needed to accept that he had once again missed the boat. He thought back to his time of loving Mor. Sure it hurt when she didn’t spare him a glance. But it was safe knowing that his heart couldn’t break anymore than it already had. Loving Mor had become a comfort. Loving Elaine had become a lesson. But loving Y/N, it was a coal walk and he was happy to burn for her.

Except like Mor, she would never know that.

After Y/N left, Cassian began sniffing the invite. Azriel scrunched his face.

“What are you doing?”

“What? It smells like flowers.” Azriel smelled it and it did indeed smell like flowers. Most likely Elaine’s doing. Which meant Y/N knew Elaine was with Lucien.

Which meant she really was over Azriel.

His heart sunk as he pulled on his training clothes and strapped in his daggers.

Was he cursed? Or just destined to be alone?

***

“You look beautiful y/n.” Feyre said as she watched by the door.

Tarquin had sent a dress. It was a tight mid length dress and turquoise blue. It was runched after the corset waist and had a small slit up the leg. It accentuated your chest, where a gifted diamond necklace sat above your bosom. Your hair fell in loose curls at the back and your make up was glamorous with a red lip.

You looked at her in the mirror smiling as you put on your matching earrings.

“I just hope I don’t have to stand in these heels for to long.” You laughed turning around.

She looked very high lady like. With her silver tiara and high slit dress that had a plunge neck. “You look.. you look like a high lady.” You smiled hugging her.

She laughed “I’m sure there’s a compliment in there somewhere.”

“A beautiful one of course.” You said beaming.

“God you’re so grown up. Not so much a little girl anymore, y/n.” She said pinching your face. She sighed a worried looking taking over her face.

“Feyre.”

“Yes?”

“We both know you’re not here to admire my dress. What do you want to talk about?”

You said waiting expectantly.

She let out an exasperated breathe.

“You’re not going to want to hear it.”

She said pulling at her sleeve.

“Come on sit.”

You said patting the bed as you sat at the end of it.

“Have you talked to Azriel since you’ve been back.” She said sitting next to you.

“Not really, why?” You said heart racing again.

“We’ll you should know something. Something that happened the day you left. It involves Elaine.” Feyre said holding your hand.

“What do you mean Elaine caught me up on everything that I missed, earlier today?” You said feeling dumb founded.

“What?” Feyre asked in disbelief.

“Yeah.” You said shrugging.

“So there wasn’t anything that jumped out to you?” Feyre asked.

You thought for a second.

“Are you talking about Nesta having that big fall out when Cassian stripped-“

“No.” Feyre said before you could finish taking.

“Something a little bit more serious than that.” She said furrowing her brows.

“Y/n, Elaine and Lucien have-“

“Are you guys ready to go? Everyone’s waiting!” Elaine said rushing through the door and pulling you up to your feet.

“Yeah, we’re just coming. Feyre what was it that you wanted to say.” You said turning back to her.

Unknowingly behind you Elaine gave a warning look to her.

“It was- it was nothing.” Feyre said confusion written all over her face but quickly covering it up with a smile aimed at you.

“Okay. Weird. I’m gonna go downstairs and get some champagne for the nerves. You guys want any.” You said standing before the door.

“No we’re good, we’ll meet you down there.”

You walked down the hall with a spring in your step. You were going to see Tarquin again! That’s all that mattered right now.

As you walked down the hall you saw Azriel in front of you. Practically skipping, you went to link arms with him just like you two used to do when going to things like this.

He flinched at your touch.

“Oh sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” You said pulling away awkwardly.

“It’s okay.” He mumbled.

You stood there for a second while contemplating what to say next.

“Elaine’s just-“ “you seem-“

You both began at the same time and laughed.

“You seem happy.” He said forcing a smile.

Not realising you said “I am. Now we’re even.”

He raised his eyebrows in question.

“Well I just mean you’re happy with Elaine- who’s down the hall by the way if you’re looking for her- and I’m happy with Tarquin.” You said beginning to fidget with your bracelet.

“Elaine?” He asked

“Elaine.” You answered looking around awkwardly.

He laughed humourlessly.

“Okay what’s going one first Feyres acting weird and now you are. Spill.”

He hesitated for a moment studying your your face. Inhaling your scent. Jasmine and lavender. He shook his head.

“Y/n me and Elaine haven’t been together in months. She accepted the mating bond with Lucien the night you..”

“Oh.”

“Oh.” Elaine said from behind you.

“Elaine, you’re with Lucien now?”

She nodded shyly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just I know you were in love with him-“

“Wait a minute you thought I was in love with who?!”

Now you were definitely confused.

“Lucien.” She said with a look of confusion.

“You thought i was in love with Lucien?”

You asked smiling at her and shaking your head.

“Well yes.” Elaine said worried now.

You walked up to her and threw your arms around her.

“Oh Elaine bless your sweet soul.” She laughed lightly as you pulled away.

“Im glad you’re not mad at me but I don’t understand if you weren’t in love with Lucien, then who were you in love with?” She said concern on her face.

You looked back to see him still standing there, face blank and shadows scattered. No hint that he cared for you to mention it.

You sighed. “It’s not important now.” You smiled sadly.

“What’s important now is that I need to get you two a gift.” You said while she linked arms with you.

Elaine and you chatted away down the hallway as Azriel stayed behind.

Rhys came up from behind him.

“Just tell her, Brother. Before it’s too late.”

Rhys patted his back.

“What’s the use? It’s not like she’ll change her mind now.” Azriel said walking with him.

“But at least you can tell yourself you tried this time.”

***

You had all winnowed to the summer court.

Tarquin hugged you tightly as you entered, just like any good future husband would do.

The party started well, you were introduced to every high lord of the courts along with their children and ladies. You were surrounded by your friends, you had more than you could want. Yet there was a nagging at your heart as if you weren’t really there, like a part of you was missing.

You slipped away from the party and went to get some fresh air from the balcony.

Sneaking through the familiar dream like doors you went and sat at the stone bench and watched the sunset. The air was a comforting cold, it reminded you of the summer nights you spent in the human lands.

You had started a small habit in the human lands along time ago. A boy you liked had once given you one after you skinny dipped together at the old river by your town. You were only fifteen then, now you were nearing 19. It was a secret habit. One you didn’t particularly want your sisters finding out about.

The nicotine coursed through you as the smoke tendrils flew away with the wind.

It was risky, doing it so close to the people you loved. But you had felt intensely stressed lately. With how fast everything was going, this felt like the only thing keeping you grounded.

“Well that can’t be good for you.” You hadn’t realised he was there, his wings were flared as if he had just been flying.

“I ought to report this back to Rhys.”

He said in all seriousness.

“Azriel please, don’t-“

“But then again I ought to do a lot of things.” He smirked coming to sit next to you on the bench.

You shook your head as you took another draw.

“I’m not proud of it. But lately it’s been the only thing keeping me sane.”

A comfortable silence surrounded the both of you.

“Can I try?” He asked.

It was child like. It made you laugh.

“Sure.” You said passing it over to him.

His hand touched yours slightly.

You looked up to see a longing in his hazel eyes.

“Just lift it to your lips and suck.” You said.

He looked at you with raised eyebrows.

“Not like that.” You said rolling your eyes.

He began to lift it to his lips in a weird way that made you shake your head.

“Here. You’re doing it wrong, let me.”

You said lightly taking it back and holding it up to him. He looked at you questioningly before pressing his lips to it. His eyes closed as he inhaled it. A crude thought passed through your mind at the position you two were in. You would’ve dreamed of this a couple of months ago.

His lips so close to your hand, your bodies turned towards each other as the sun fell behind the earth.

You were brought out of your thoughts when he let out a loud cough and another after that.

“Ugh gods thats disgusting.”

You laughed as you brought to your lips again.

“It’s not for everyone.”

You stumped it out and threw it over the balcony.

You began to walk back to the doors before Azriels words caught you off guard.

“Don’t do it.”

You turned towards him once more he dropped to his knees.

“Don’t marry him. I’m begging you.”

You looked down at him. He was utterly vulnerable.

“I know I fucked up. And you deserve better. You deserve a high lord. I know I do not deserve you. But you need to know that I will regret not fighting for you for the rest of my days. If there is any part of you that feels that same way you did all those months ago. Then just know I’m sorry for it.

I love you Y/N Acheron, I’m in love with you. I know that now.” He looked down shamefully when he finished.

Your heart banged against your chest. You wanted to desperately fall into his arms. To say that all was forgiven. To tell him that you still loved him too. To make the sadness leave his face. But you couldn’t hurt Tarquin like that. Not after tonight.

“Az, I’m sorry but I can’t- I just can’t.” You said tears falling.

“I will not be an option to my sister. Not when I’ve spent so long loving you. I can’t do it. I won’t.” You said voice breaking and finally walking away and back into the warmth of the summer court house.

Tarquin had spotted you first of course.

He came rushing over to you as he saw you wiping the tears from your eyes.

“Is everything okay, my love?”

You put on a smile.

“It’s perfect, I think I’m just overwhelmed.” You said holding his arms he put around you.

The door to the balcony quietly shut.

Yet it was loud enough for you to hear. He wants you to know he was there.

You didn’t turn to look at him instead you made Tarquin walk with you as you said “I think I’m ready for another drink now.” Laughing while he snaked his arm around your waist.

It took very part of you not to turn your head.

#azriel acosf #acotar #azriel x reader #fanfic #lucien vanserra #elaine archeron #azriel #feyre cursebreaker #nesta supremacy #cassian #acowar

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charlesandmiranda · 3 months

Text

Arrival!

Writing to you this morning from our hotel breakfast! Just wanted to fill in everyone about the rest of our trip before we start our first full day. I doubt we'll be able to post EVERY SINGLE DAY WE'RE HERE but we're definitely gonna try and keep it frequent enough to be interesting!

From our last post, we were heading from Baltimore to Toronto, which was a very quick hour and a half-ish flight. From Toronto, we headed straight to our gate to which started boarding shortly thereafter, so it was a pretty quick turn around. It was almost kind of a shame because airport was actually kinda pretty, and I wouldn't have hated a few extra minutes to look around at all the really lavishly decorated restaurants and stuff.

Then came the 14 hour flight. It IS a very long time, don't get me wrong, and by the end my back was VERY achy and my legs definitely craved stretching but also they keep the windows closed and the lights low for most of the trip so you honestly kind of lose track of how long you've been on there.

Charles and I both watched some movies on the flight; we started the first two episodes of Severance (which was also provided on the flight and I've been curious about for a while anyway -- anyone else here seen it?) and played games on our Switches. I also read a lot; I loaded my e-reader up before we left. In a weird way it was kind of nice to have such a long, uninterrupted time where there was nothing to do but leisure activities even if you're doing them in a mostly uncomfortable way --I think Charles and I (Charles especially) struggle with justifying how we spend our free time, always feeling like there has to be something else we can be working on or doing, but it's kind of a bad habit and terrible mental state to always be in, so we're working on it. Unfortunately, neither of us managed to get much sleep on the flight despite our best efforts, I think I managed maybe 20 minutes total?? So it wasn't super restful for sure.

Thankfully, our flight was kinda ahead of schedule, and we ended up landing around 5:00 PM / 17:00 which is like....3:00 AM for those of you in the Eastern US timezone! We're 12 hours ahead of y'all, so when I'm writing this, I'm writing to you from the future!!!

After getting through customs and immigration, baggage, etc. we were stopped by a news crew from a show called Why Did You Come To Japan? They seem to stop tourists at the airport pretty regularly, and we ended up talking to them for a while. Charles said that as someone who used to be a camera guy himself, he always tries to stop for folks filming stuff like that, because he knows how hard it can be to get people to talk to you and work with you. They were very interested in the fact it was our honeymoon, and that we got engaged here, and even more interested that we were really into Oishinbo, which is a food manga from the 80s/90s. It's not super popular in the US although personally I love & recommend it, and I kinda get the impression from the crew we spoke to that it's a classic but kinda old fashioned here. They said in all their years of doing these interviews, it was their first time having a foreigner mention it. They gave us a card and a slip of paper and asked us to contact them again, because they may be interested in meeting up with us again later in our trip to film more for the show (!?) so we'll see how that pans out I guess!

Speaking of, after we finally left the airport, we took the Skyliner train to Nippori, and then transferred to a JR Line train to get us to Shinjuku station. We've stayed in Shinjuku for at least part or all of our trips in the past, and it kind of feels like a home base for us now. We usually stay in or around the Kabukicho area, which is known as an entertainment district with lots of nightlife. If you want brilliantly lit signs and that crowded cyberpunk-y look, Kabukicho is a great place to be!

NOT THAT IT SUPER MATTERS, BUT the card in the photo, with Hello kitty and other Sanrio characters on it, is a Pasmo card, we each got one. Basically it's a little card that you can add money to, and you can use it to pay fare on most trains and buses, as well as lots of vending machines and stuff like that. You can top it off as you go as well.

We checked in to our hotel, the Shinjuku Gracery, and IMMEDIATELY needed to stretch out on the bed and shower the sweaty airport off of us, haha. The Gracery is built on top of a Toho Cinema movie theater, and the whole hotel has a very classy Godzilla theme to it. There's a to-scale Godzilla head built on top of part of the building, looking like he's about to demolish it, and he roars and blows steam out of his mouth, haha. To be honest, a night in the Gracery is one of our "we're on our honeymoon, we deserve this!" splurges -- it's one of the more expensive parts of our trip, given the rest of the time we'll be staying in smaller hotels and airbnbs and the like. We dished out a little extra cash to stay in what they call a Godzilla view room, where you can see the head of Godzilla that is mounted to the roof of the hotel from your room! Totally cool. I had to include specifically a picture of the shower, because I loooove these big hotel showers!

(sadly the filter for this exhibit not only doesn't fit my phone screen but also insanely reduced the image quality LOL)

We took a rest, then headed out to get a bite to eat. We hit up a ramen shop we'd been to in the past, and spent a while walking around the Kabukicho area, including the micro-bar district, Golden Gai. It was interesting to see what's changed and what hasn't since we were here last; for example, they were in the process of demolishing a VR arcade when we were last here, and now there's an ENORMOUS, lux-looking hotel in its place!

We ended up in the unfortunate position of feeling physically very tired but mentally pretty awake, and even though we spent time in our hotel room soaking in the bath, it was probably 1 AM our time before we actually fell asleep, meaning we were up for like....32 hours straight, I think?

Today, our plan is to check out a few shops in the area around Kabukicho, and a little later we'll be checking out and moving on to Akihabara, where our next hotel is. It's well known for being crammed with electronics and used and new like....nerd stuff, and is pretty close to a district jam packed with guitar shops, so we'll have a pretty full day! Stay tuned I suppose!!

Til next time!

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kashimalin-fanfiction · 2 years

Text

A Dream, or Three (Luka/Alice/Edgar)

Summary: Three kisses, three dreams, three people in love.

Pairing: Luka Clemence / Alice / Edgar Bright

Count: 4902 words.

Rating: General

Warnings: None.

My gift for the @ikemenlibrary Ikemen Revolution exchange! My gift is for @chaosangel767 - please enjoy!

Luka, Alice, and Edgar’s relationship was a curious one.

It was not because the three of them were dating – polyamorous relationships were not uncommon in Black Territory – but the fact that their relationship involved two high-ranking officers from two separate armies across the country. While many officers with spouses and families opted to stay in a family home, it made less sense for the three of them.

When they were not able to spend extended time together, their current arrangement was for Alice to switch between the two territories once a week. With the three of them being the liaisons between the two armies, the arrangement made perfect sense. However, the three would still find time for each other, either going on dates in Central, taking day trips if the days off lined up, or ensuring they made a little bit of time for one another.

But this week, Edgar had dropped her off a day early, citing a mission in another country that he had been asked to go on. He was not sure when he would return, so Alice would be staying with Luka and the Black Army for the foreseeable future.

The thought of being unable to see Edgar at all made Alice feel terribly lonely. Luka could see the concern on her features as she worked to hang the laundry outside in the morning sun.

“He’ll be home soon, Alice,” he said, placing a hand on her back to comfort her and support her as she lifted onto her tip-toes to put the clothespins in place.

“I know, but this is just the first big mission he’s had since the Magic Tower…” She let out a sigh. “I can’t help but worry. It just makes me sad to think about how we won’t see him at all for a week, or even more. But!” She snapped the sheet in front of her with a flick of her wrist, standing up straight, “Like Fenrir and Seth said, I can’t be worrying!”

Luka smiled gently at the way she motivated herself. He reached up to pet the top of her head before going to get the next set of laundry to hang up. “That’s right. We’ll make sure to have a nice time together, and then greet him when he comes home. He’ll probably come riding right in on horseback the moment he does…”

Alice laughed. “I can definitely see Edgar doing that.”

With that hope in their hearts, the two resumed their duties, idle chatter filling the warm scene around them.

Later that evening, Sirius had given them full reign over the menu for dinner. Originally, he had been slated to help Luka, but with Alice’s early arrival – and his keen eye for detail noticing her forlorn features throughout the day – the Queen removed everyone from the kitchen and left Luka and Alice to be on their own.

Luka couldn’t help his smile. While he did miss Edgar as well, he cherished these quiet moments with her. They were hard to find in the bustle of military duties, at dinnertime, or even when Edgar was around. He was an endless fountain of teasing and conversation, which they both loved him for.

But in this moment, it was only the ambient noises. The boiling water in a pot on the stove, the hissing of oil in a pan, the rhythmic beat of a knife hitting the cutting board. Then there was the quiet way she carried herself – her professional baker roots showing as she pressed the dough down with a satisfied smile, deft fingers tucking the edges into a roll shape. Ray and Fenrir had begged her for her famous dinner rolls earlier that day, and Luka knew they would be inhaled within moments of the basket hitting the table.

He thought about these quiet moments found in the middle of their hectic lifestyles, and reflected on a topic Ray had brought up last week.

“You have a home in the Black Army, always, Luka. But I know you have also brought up moving to Central a couple times. Have you considered it any further?”

Luka chewed his lip as he mulled on the idea. Would Alice like such an idea? What kind of house would they seek? Would it be in Central, or in one of the territories? It might make getting to work a bit of a hassle in the mornings, but Luka could easily rattle off a list of all the soldiers who went home at the end of the day. Ray had done the very same last week, suggesting he talk to them for advice.

“… Alice,” he quietly murmured, breaking the ambient silence, “What do you think about living together over a restaurant or bakery?”

“Eh?” She looked over at him, the dough cutter in her one hand pausing. “You mean, all three of us?”

“Yes. Ray and I were talking about living away from the military barracks last week. It came up. I’ve just been trying to think about what it would be like for the three of us to share that time together.”

Alice mulled on it as she shaped the last few rolls, before stating: “I think the Black Army would starve a little bit without you.”

Luka let out a soft laugh. “That’s true.”

“But…” Alice opened the oven, placing the rolls in, “they have Sirius, and Ray’s getting better at cooking, so it wouldn’t be all bad. I think Edgar would also like having a new place to come home to. Oh, though, he did mention he has his house back in Red Territory now. But it would be hard for you to live there, right, Luka?”

“Probably a little bit. That’s why I was thinking Central. And I wouldn’t want to wear you down with the commute either when you help both of us out. So that’s why I was wondering about living over a restaurant… something we could do when I leave the Black Army.”

“Then, let’s talk about it when Edgar’s home.” She lifted herself on her tiptoes, catching Luka’s attention. He turned his head her way, and was met with a brief, chaste kiss. “What do you think?”

Luka’s cheeks became a dusty pink, but he nodded. “That sounds like a great idea.”

The whole affair had been her idea.

Alice had expressed an interest in taking courses at Central School over dinner one evening, as more of a general statement. When Lancelot inquired as to why she would want such a thing, she declared that, while she was now a permanent resident of Cradle, she still had many gaps in her knowledge that made it difficult at times to assist with her duties. She also thought it would be a good opportunity to go back to school and learn a bit more about magic or history.

The praise from others was swift – Zero and Kyle both thought it to be a good idea, with Jonah following up that it would be good for her to only take classes that pertained to her interests and needs. Edgar, seated next to her, expressed a slight concern about taking classes with other residents younger than her, but she merely shook her head and said not to worry about it.

Lancelot offered to write to the School, and it was then decided. Edgar offered to accompany her on his next day off, and they both travelled to the school together. They visited several teachers between their courses, Edgar leading the way to ensure she didn’t get lost in the massive building.

After talking to several teachers, getting a meal in the cafeteria, and visiting some of the school grounds, the final bell had rung. Students were now free from their classes, and had left their classrooms to either study in the library, go into town, or return to their dorms. The lively school had now become quieter.

“Do any of the classes interest you?” Edgar leaned over Alice’s shoulder as they walked down the hallway, peering at the list in her hands. She had covered the margins in notes, her tidy script outlining the classes she was interested in, the opinions that the teachers had shared, and if the times they were offered would conflict with any of her weekly duties.

“I think so!” She pointed to one that she had circled and starred – a class for younger students on the basic principles of magic casting. “I can only use magic crystals through other technology, and would like to learn how to use them properly… oh, and this one, too!” Her finger trailed up to a class geared towards the children of merchants. “To learn more for Luka’s café dreams.”

Edgar couldn’t help the smile rising to his lips, his hand lifting to wind his fingers about her elbow. “I think that’s a very lovely idea. Luka wanted to take the very same class, but it conflicted with some of the military training classes. That may have been around the time he set his heart on joining the Black Army, too.”

“Exactly! And that’s why I want to learn so we can support him! But I’m most interested in the ‘History of Cradle’ course we just spoke to Professor Dean about.”

“Ah.” Edgar’s mouth went to a thin line at that reminder. They had just left Professor Dean’s office, and he had wasted no time tempting Alice to join his course. He spun it well, heavily suggesting that it would be beneficial to study Cradle’s history now that she was becoming a more permanent resident of Cradle. Edgar wished he could warn her proper about Dean’s strict coursework and his harsh grading style, but a stern look from Dean when she looked down to take notes stopped him from saying anything but.

He opted to tell her when they were back at home in Red Territory.

“I think it would be useful too, but we can review them later. For now… do you want an extra tour?”

“Hm?” She looked back at him as he came to a stop. “What do you mean?”

He tugged on her arm, hand still tucked into the crook of her elbow. “Why don’t you come see?”

And just like usual, there was no way she could resist the glint in his eye and the smile on his lips.

“This is our spot.” Edgar grinned as he opened the door to the roof, relieved that it was still unlocked like the old days. An expansive blue sky greeted them overhead, billowing white clouds lazily rolling by. The old benches were still there, and the tall fence that guarded the edge. A few more items had found their way up here, but Edgar was happy to see not much had changed at all.

“It’s so quiet up here!” she exclaimed, stepping out onto the roof. Edgar was quick to follow, holding onto her hand despite the barrier around them that would keep her safe. “So you and Luka would sneak up here all the time?”

“We would come here for any old reason. To chat, to skip some classes, to get away from Jonah when he started chasing Luka down or nagging me… I think we even had fights up here once or twice. … Mock fights,” he clarified, when Alice looked to him with shock. “Just to practice what we learned in class. Luka was always determined to get stronger. It was a miracle he had any friends at all, because he was so focused on carving out an independent life for himself.”

“And you, Edgar?”

“… It was probably a miracle I had any friends, either,” he answered with a sad smile. “School was the one place my Uncle didn’t have much control over. He would often bring me home for missions, parties, and the like, but… when here? I could do whatever I wanted.”

Alice gave a little tug on his hand, squeezing it tight. He responded in kind, letting her lean against him.

“Sometimes, I wonder what life would have been like if you were here with us when we grew up. Coming to school with us, chasing after your dreams, being the source of light that you are now. But I am sure life would have been very different. So, I settle for knowing that you came into our lives at the perfect time, Alice.”

“I think I did, too. While I do wish I gotten to see both you and Luka when you were younger, and been there to help you through your troubles… I think I fell into Cradle at the perfect time.”

Edgar laughed, kissing her forehead. “Well, maybe a little earlier would have been better. I would have liked for you to avoid the war and the whole affair with the Magic Tower.”

Alice hummed at the thought. “No, I still think it was the perfect time.”

He sighed at her smile, at her gaze, at the way she tilted her chin up. At her lips, at the way she drew him in without resistance, and at how their lips fit together all too perfectly.

“Thank you for falling in love with us,” he whispered against her lips. “And for accepting both of us.”

III

A masquerade ball was in full swing. The whole affair was a celebrated idea of a year of peace between the two territories, with the added twist of masks and colorful costumes. The intent, as listed on the invitations, was to remove any identity or loyalty from individuals and let them mingle as one Cradle.

Of course, some were more recognizable than others despite their disguises – the King of Hearts and King of Spades both cut striking figures when they entered the room, their facial features only disguised by simple masks. Kyle, the Seven of Hearts, was easily located if one glanced towards the drinks section.

But Luka had found some difficulty in seeking his partners. The three of them agreed to come to the venue separately, and not say a word about their outfits ahead of time. He figured that Alice would get some support in whisking up a true disguise, but had not expected Edgar to be so difficult to find.

As he scanned the room for a few minutes more, he sensed someone coming up right behind him and spun about, frowning as he recognized the glittering emerald eyes before his own.

“There you are,” he muttered, taking in Edgar’s appearance. While his head was adorned with a musketeer hat at a jaunted angle, the Jack of Hearts had even gone so far as to dye his hair a rich black. A matching mask covered most of his face, sparing only his jaw and mouth, currently curved into a winning smile.

“And here I thought you would do the same since you dye your hair all the time,” Edgar commented as he scanned Luka’s outfit – a silver mask adorned with shimmering jewels, supplied by Seth, along with a brilliant, gilded cloak and uniform that caught the light as he turned. “Or, perhaps it would have been an even better disguise if you removed the magical dye from your hair.”

“Don’t even joke about it,” Luka spat. “I don’t need my idiot brother hunting me down at this party and praising me for taking the dye out.”

Edgar laughed. “Truly, we do not need that. So, I’ll ask: have you found Alice yet?”

Luka shook his head.

“Curious. She arrived before us, yes?” Edgar’s smile curled into a frown only briefly before coming back. “Then, let’s make a game of it. The first to find Alice and kiss her wins.”

Luka’s eyes widened. “Kiss? Do we have to go that far?”

“We’re all disguised here, right?” Edgar touched his hair, rubbing it between gloved fingers. “She will have to recognize us first and let us kiss her. So, there’s a bit of convincing in it as well. I also think it balances out our skillsets and costumes for this game.”

Luka made a face, but nodded. “All right. You’re on, Ed.”

“Let’s go, then!” Edgar patted Luka on the shoulder as he strode by, heading deeper into the party. Luka’s eyes narrowed as he watched him vanish into the crowd, before taking off in a confident stride. He had checked this place earlier, but perhaps…

“… Not here.” Luka scanned all the patrons currently at the buffet section, recognizing Sirius and Fenrir as they stood alongside. They gave him a wave which he returned, still trying to find Alice. Now that Edgar had shown him is perfect disguise, he took extra time with anybody who had long hair or was around her height, in case she had a similar idea to Edgar and dyed it.

I’m not gonna lose to Ed! He walked over to Fenrir and Sirius, leaning in to ask, “Have you seen Alice anywhere?”

Fenrir and Sirius mulled over the question for a moment, before shaking their heads.

“Why? Have you not seen the little lady yet yourself?”

“Not at all. I just want to make sure she’s here to make sure she made it safely. Thanks for your help.”

“Of course!” Fenrir smiled, lifting his glass. “I hope you find her soon. Let us know if you want us to start searchin’.”

“Will do. Thanks, Fenrir.” With that, Luka took off deeper into the party. He came across the other BA officers, asking each of them in turn if they had seen Alice, but to no avail. With each denial, his heart began to beat faster, an anxious sensation rising up in his throat.

Where is she? As he looked around the party, turning about – he felt someone bump into him from behind.

Edgar figured Luka would seek out the obvious places first as he walked away. So, he made a point of striding in the opposite direction from the buffet table and little eating areas, letting that be Luka’s turf. After all, Edgar had already checked there in his search for both his partners.

He ended up searching a couple of the balconies first, to see if Alice had stepped away from the noise and crowd. However, he only spied couples making romantic rendezvouses for his efforts, and stepped away to let them have their privacy. When she was not in any of the less-expected places, he trailed back into the party, briefly mingling with some of the upper echelons of both Red and Black society, wondering if any of them had attempted to speak with the coveted and infamous Alice the Second. As he wandered, he spied Luka talking to Seth, clearly inquiring about Alice from the way his lips moved.

That’s not a bad idea. Taking the cue from his boyfriend, Edgar went off to locate Zero and Kyle, easily located at the edge of the room. The former was barely disguised, wearing only his formal Red Army dress and a simple golden mask. The latter had done the same, but his mask had been discarded and was now being used as a fan to cool off his warmed face.

“You’ve already had too much to drink, I see,” Edgar said as he crept up behind Kyle, grinning as the man let out a shocked yell.

“Edgar! What the hell, man?” Kyle clapped a hand over the back of his neck, grimacing at Edgar as Zero sighed from next to them.

“My apologies, I couldn’t resist. I wanted to ask: have either of you seen Alice?”

“I haven’t seen her,” Kyle muttered, glancing around the room. “I’ve seen Luka around, though.”

“But he was alone, too,” Zero added, frowning. “Has something happened?”

“Just looking for her. I want to make sure she made it safe and sound.” Edgar smiled, giving a little bow. “I’ll go ask Jonah, then.”

Jonah had not seen Alice either, and seemed rather concerned about Lancelot’s current state as well – though, Edgar deemed it much less concerning as he had only been gone for the past ten minutes. Surely, he was just preoccupied elsewhere, possibly pulled into a private conversation by an official or some other.

Then, where is Alice? Edgar frowned further, beginning to wander through the party while scanning the room. She can’t have been taken, can she? We are at peace, and this masquerade was invitation-only. We checked them at the door and included an anti-forgery measure in every invitation. So no one uncouth could have taken her… unless…

The thought of someone on the guest list whisking Alice away for any reason made his blood run cold. He had half a mind to start investigating the hallways that ran deeper into the Civic Center, breaking open any locked doors in case someone had whisked her away. He could easily get Luka and Zero to come with if he made it urgent, and—

Suddenly, he bumped into someone. Opening his mouth to apologize, he recognized that it was merely Luka, equally lost in thought and concerned as he was.

“Have you not seen Alice, either, then?” he asked, not wasting a moment.

“No. Not even you found her, Ed?”

“I haven’t. This is terribly concerning. Do you think she was kidnapped while here in the party, or on her way? I’ve half a mind to start searching the place.”

“It’s probably a good idea, but maybe if we team up… I’m just more concerned that none of the others have seen her, too.”

“So maybe we should investigate outside, then. That’s the best idea. Let’s—”

“Luka? Who— oh, Edgar, is that you?”

A voice, clear as a bell and music to their ears, caused Edgar and Luka to turn and face the source. A young woman, her hair pulled up into a bun adorned with little star-like jewels, in a gorgeous pale blue ballgown that suited her perfectly, approached them with her hand looped in another man’s elbow.

Blanc, the recordkeeper of Cradle, merely smiled at them both as they turned their vicious gazes on him. “Gentlemen. I was merely helping this flower of the ball because someone accidentally spilled something on her dress earlier when she was at the buffet.”

“Exactly!” Separating herself from Blanc, she came over to Luka and Edgar, taking their hands in her own. “So he escorted me away in the blink of an eye, and even got Lancelot to come in and help me with magic! He was able to clean it up perfectly with magic!”

At her infectious joy, Edgar found his hostility softening all too easily. “He did very well. Just as I would expect from our King of Hearts.”

“Agreed,” Blanc said with a smile. “Well, I shall leave all three of you be. I am afraid I have others who are most likely clamoring after my company.” With that, the recordkeeper stepped away, and the two men gave their full attention to their significant other.

“You look gorgeous, Alice,” Luka said, unbidden and honest. His features had relaxed into a warm smile, his fingers squeezing her hand. “We were worried when we couldn’t find you earlier.”

“I’m sorry I worried both of you so much. I didn’t realize you would start looking for me as soon as you arrived.”

“I truly thought it would be so easy that I made a game out of it, even.” Edgar suddenly smiled wide, glancing between both of his loves. “Speaking of… who gets to kiss her, then? She’s the one who found us.”

“Huh?” Alice tilted her head. “What do you mean, kiss?”

Luka sighed. “Ed said the first person to find and kiss you won. But that’s irrelevant now because you’re the one who found us…”

She mulled on those words for a moment, before lifting her head and beaming. “Then, you just both have to kiss me!”

““Huh?!”” It was their turn to be surprised, but Alice only tugged on their hands slightly to draw them closer.

“You both ‘found’ me at the same time, and I haven’t seen either of you all day.”

Neither man could deny her request, then. They both leaned down in unison, pressing a kiss each to her cheeks – and then, taking advantage of their closeness, Edgar leaned over and pressed a kiss to Luka’s cheek, grinning as his boyfriend made a sound in protest.

For, in that moment, the three of them acted without a care for those around them. What mattered was the love they shared and the dreams they kept – together.

#ikemen revolution #ikerev #edgar bright #luka clemence #ikemen library

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thesearch-continues · 4 months

Text

004: Turks, Toronto & Texas

It's been a while! I hope you ain’t forget the kid! Life has been life-ing but we still here and the search continues.

So after graduation I started off my travels with a long overdue family vacation. This was MOST of the fam so just imagine 30 Jamaican's trying to navigate a cruise. It was with Carnival, which wasn't the best but I was there for the drinks and laughs! My first cruise ever was with Royal Caribbean and my standards were up. The ship went from Ft Lauderdale to carnivals private island in Bahamas, Puerto Plata in Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.I enjoyed the time, but I honestly wished I did something like this with my friends I feel like family cruising has it's limits. But overall I had a great time and got to see a few things.

More importantly I had PEOPLE TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO ON LAND!!! On my search I got an opportunity to work with an American heritage brand. they were looking for someone to shoot a visual campaign for a classic cent that was made specifically for a hotel in NYC that winter. So I went to work. I connected with my friend Vinny Seda, he was the perfect look for what the ad called for. the city was pretty cold and gloomy, so we tried to wrap filming on Lexington Ave early. Right before this shot Vinny says to me "bro you know it's supposed to snow tonight right? and it did. I hit roll and we film this walk on Lexington, and the snow falls on que! Still one of my favorite moments filming. Vinny and I have made some great stuff since. Give him a look that's my guy! So we finished the campaign the company loved it and I was off to my next adventure!

I arrive to Austin, Texas. The music festival season in the spring is always a great time. I'd visited Texas before, so as soon as I landed I grabbed me some Whataburger and connected with my guys Henny Retro and Prince-to get the adventure started. Austin during SXSW is always a place to see some of your future favorites and genuinely have run ins with some of your favorite people. From after parties to- smaller intimate shows. You never know what or where you'll end up. Now I was only there for three days before my next trip, so I had to make use of time. After sitting down with the guys and planning out a content capture schedule I sat down to think up some cool locations to film at. Years back A friend of mine and I had our car break down on the road when we went out for lunch and while we awaited the roadside, She brought me to a nearby Creek that was so beautiful, I promised I'd return. So I did! So now years later Here I am Trying to find my way back to this spot, honestly retracing my steps and I do find it. This time I save it in my index and we film a music video called "Hate or Shine" for Retroi$awesome. It looked like something out of Nat Geo haha! Following that we shot a nice Music Video for Henny Blanco. A memorable time with my brothas man I'm so glad that my last time in Texas was that much fun. But let's continue!

Before Heading home to Jersey I decided that I needed to Visit the six, a friend of mine was staying there and she invited me to come se the city! So hey why not?

I arrive In Ontario sometime the next day and I'm excited, I haven't been in Canada for over 4 years and would love to see what they got going on. After getting in and settled I met with a old friend and I hit the town, we visit the Ripley's believe it or not aquarium, the Rec room in downtown Toronto. It was a lot of fun, tthe first time really exploring downtown Toronto with someone from home felt refreshing. I was only there for 2 days so She surprised me with a dinner at the CN tower. The restaurant is still one of the coolest experiences ever. You take a huge elevator to the top and then when you walk in you see the counterclockwise rotation of the restaurant. I was so lost when I first walked in. I had to look at the floor. To recalibrate ahaha! We had so much fun and it was a blast but it was now time for me to take that trip back to Newark international for a nice tall glass of EWR blues.

To finish up my mini north American tour I reconnect with Retro and some of the MENTIS homies to visit the Brooklyn museum. One of my favorite Music artists Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) was debuting a new album that could only be heard in an art exhibit, Once played all the way through. No phones where allowed just you other fans and art lovers. Heck there was even a newborn baby was there! Everyone listening to the album and viewing the artwork. As Bey touched on life, death, and time. in the center of the exhibit was a huge moral tribute to the late Nipsey Hustle. Where he was immortalized in paint and beautiful tapestry. One thing I loved about the entire experience was that when you leave you feel apart of something larger than yourself and if you want to re-listen to the album you must look inward and recall the memory of sound. A real spiritual journey accessed by memory. "Negus" 5/5 stars.

#thesearchcontinues #northamericantravel #filmlocations #musicvideobts #vibevlog #TSC #searchcontinues #demoie #demoiem #JourneyChronicles #LifeAfterGraduation #AdventureAwaits #TravelDiaries #CruiseLife #CityLights #SnowfallMagic #SXSWAdventures #TorontoNights #BrooklynVibes

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thedaveandkimmershow · 7 months

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

With my first alarm having tripped at 330AM and our previous night having been lengthened by that healthy bit of Back to the Future 3, we couldn't have got more than four hours of sleep. If that.

Still, the reality of catching our flight brought us to immediate lucidity and we were out the door by 420.

The DoubleTree's not more than five minutes from Doug Fox Parking and, since the shuttle snaps us right up and delivers us to the terminal, we check our bags in by 445. That's fifteen minutes before our Spot Saver appointment that cuts us to the front of the TSA check point line. Unfortunately, Spot Saver actually starts service at 5AM and the person who's supposed to run it isn't there yet. Isn't there yet.

Isn't there yet.

So we bail and get through the TSA check point in less time than we were standing around waiting for Spot Saver to open.

Go figure.

We're through the check point by 515, boarded a little after 545, and by 6 I'm already starting to nod off again, spending this first leg of our flight somewhere between fully awake... and fully asleep.

We manage a quick change of flight in Denver then we're in the air again, reaching Orlando a touch after five in the afternoon. We spent that flight, by the way, studying (Kimmer) and reading (me).

From Orlando International Airport (MCO), we hitch a Lyft. Actually... no we don't. We summon a Lyft whose ETA keeps changing, stretching 7 minutes into 30. And when the app indicates our ride's arrived?

Yeah. We can't find it, subsequently getting a call from the driver that they're on the level above us (departures) and can't find the route down to us. At which point both the driver and I decide this was not meant to be and I summon an Uber instead that shows up five minutes later.

The Uber driver's from Haiti and, as with a number of drivers from countries currently undergoing or having undergone outright war or violent oppression, his story is at times a bitter pill. There's more to him that just the negative, of course. He has family that's here in the States right now. I think his dad's the only member of the family who's staying put because he's very much an I was born here, I'm gonna die here kind of human being.

By 'n by, we bid each other fare thee wells at Universal's Endless Summer Dockside Resort. We stayed here a couple nights last year, spending a day in Universal Studios theme park before heading off to immerse ourselves in Disney which, as it turns out, sort of cured us of Disney for awhile, so now its all Universal all the time for us for the foreseeable future.

Now, the line to check in's kinda long but there's a family with a baby in a stroller ahead of us so we amuse ourselves (and the baby) by waving and making faces. The baby has an older brother who also serves as entertainment and, before you know it, we're at the desk checking in.

We don't realize it until later when we open the door to our room that the super nice person who checked us in also upgraded us to a suite after handing us a pair of buttons to commemorate our 31st wedding anniversary. She even wrote out 31st Anniversary by hand with a Sharpie. And she recommended what she considers to be one of the best taco restaurants around because Kimmer mentioned her love of authentic Mexican food.

By the time we're squared away in our room, it's coming up on 8 which is pretty all right because we've had a long day and we choose to end it as if we were home: with an episode of Madame Secretary and continuing a Harry Potter movie. In this case it's the beginning of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1 where they're all set to take off from Number 4 Privet Drive, attempting to confuse and avoid Death Eaters.

At some point in there... we fall asleep.

And then at some other point I wake up briefly, use the remote to turn off the TV, then fall back asleep again.

Thus endeth our first day in Orlando.

🙂

#wedding anniversary #celebration #vacation #orlando #universal #endless summer dockside #travel #air travel

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umichenginabroad · 10 months

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(Prague) WEEK 4: Copenhagen, criminals, dystopian hostel, LDOC

Dobry den!!

Last weekend I flew from Prague for the first time, and it was very easy. We took an uber to the airport and got there 1.5 hours before our flight, which was plenty of time. Security was very fast and the airport was pretty small so it was easy. We arrived in Copenhagen in the morning and immediately checked into our hostel. When I tell you our hostel was a literal CLOSET. In a giant room full of other little pods. It was so dystopian and kinda looked like a jail, but the bathrooms and common area were super nice to make up for it. Our pod fit the three of us just fine but we couldn’t all stand up at the same time lol.

Our pod and the giant hallway full of other pods

We walked around so much (my feet are dying), went to a cute flea market, tried a traditional Danish meatball smorrebrod, saw the famous street with the colorful buildings, and so much more. There were also docks on the water where people were tanning, swimming, and hanging out. We were planning on going to a food market and getting snacks to have a picnic at the docks but unfortunately it rained the rest of the day.

Nyhavn and the docks

Flea market and cute flower shops everywhere!

We got checked on the bus and it was so scary. We had bought tickets for every other train/bus that we took, but we couldn’t figure out how to buy bus tickets and were so exhausted from walking all day so we just decided to wing it. The checkers came on the bus and yelled at us and took pictures of our IDs. I was so scared at first but they said since we are tourists it’s just a warning and we can’t ride public transportation without a ticket again. I told my family we are international criminals to scare them lol, but it wasn’t a big deal. I just know in the future to always buy a ticket!! It would’ve been so much worse if it happened in Prague since I’m living here, but luckily I bought the monthly tram pass here.

On Sunday when we got home, the weather was so nice so we decided to spend the day outside. We took a nap in the sun at Riegrovy Sady and finally got a little bit of a tan (it’s hard to get tan when you’re in class all day and we've been feeling pasty haha). Then Alyse and I went to La Boheme to struggle through our math homework, and the coffee and food was so good it made up for the difficult math problems.

Last week we spontaneously booked a flight for Ibiza to spend 24 hours there and see Calvin Harris and David Guetta so stay tuned to see if I make it out alive. We leave tomorrow and I can’t wait!! (If you can’t tell from these pictures, we were very excited to book it). But I have my linear algebra midterm two days after we get back so I was on my grind this whole week studying and sleeping a lot.

Getting excited and listening to Calvin Harris while we book our flights

Weekly favorites:

Coffee: Dirty Maple from La Boheme

Cafe: Vzorkovna (not exactly a cafe lol but we love this place. You can research if you want)

Restaurant: The Bowls

Sight: National Gallery (we went for class and some of the exhibits were super cool!)

Another amazing week in Prague/Europe! We’re now at the halfway point (I’m typing this in my very last art history class!), which actually makes me so sad. For our last day, our teacher took us to a cafe where we all got ciders and hung out, and it was such a special moment. I’m excited to only have one class a day moving forward, but I feel like I haven’t been in Prague for very long! My roommates and I were talking about how we planned all our trips and we will miss sitting down at our kitchen table together and stressing for hours as flight prices go up and down lol. We only have 2 more trips planned after this weekend, which makes me so sad. However, we are staying in Prague next weekend which I’m very excited about, because I haven’t spent a weekend here since the first weekend I got here. Thanks for keeping up with my adventures, see you next week!!

Parker Peterson

Industrial and Operations Engineering

Engineering in Prague

#UmichEnginAbroad #IPEPrague #ParkerPeterson #IPESummer23 #CzechRepublic

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kyungwonrp · 2 years

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+ ... // STUDENT PROFILE ... LOADING

NOH SUJI, also known as HANNAH, is 20 YEARS OLD and currently enrolled in kyungwon university. she is in her 3RD YEAR of the UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM, majoring in COMMUNICATIONS. she is notably part of the DANCE CLUB. she works part-time ON-CAMPUS in the KYUNGWON FOOD HALL (PALGONG TEA). you may find her RESIDING OFF-CAMPUS in SONGPA-GU.

+ ... // LOAD STUDENT BACKGROUND . . .

august 24, 2020

FINALLY I LANDED. THAT FLIGHT TOOK FUCKING FOREVER. SDFHGSDKFHKS. god i felt like i was on that plane for literally years, thank god i don’t have another layover or anything because i would probably literally die? cory helped me get a sim card so i already have that and data so thankfully i don’t have to worry and also the school people are supposed to pick me up?

the airport is nice though, and god i have to get used to speaking only english? i’m glad i did those vlogs where i would practice only speaking english in itaewon or whatever because i would be so out of practice otherwise. gotta go tho! the university people sent someone to help me get to the dorms and set up lmao

september 7, 2020

so it was clubs week this week and i joined a dance club—which i’m super excited for by the way—and also the ksa. i wasn’t originally going to, but my roommate, who also happens to be korean, said i might as well go for some free food and maybe banana milk (which is stupid expensive in vancouver btw) and i did get some so win-win for me right? there’s some nice people here though and even though i wasn’t trying to make friends with more koreans, they’re all super chill!

there’s some cute guys too, but you didn’t hear that from me!

april 14, 2021

the weather is starting to warm up and the cherry blossoms!! are gorgeous!!! i don’t want to be that person but after seeing the cherry blossoms at the park and around campus, i really do miss jinwoo. it’s making me regret deciding to take spring courses but i gotta make the most of it right? idk when i’ll come back to canada sooooooo. my friends and i are taking a trip to niagara falls after finals though, and maybe if we can we’ll pop by to montreal too ... can’t wait to take all the pics! i’ll vlog it too

i want to try real authentic poutine and montreal smoked meat!!! exciting!!!

june 30, 2021

icb my (almost) year in canada is over ... i’m waiting for my flight back to seoul, and while i’m sad about leaving, i’m excited to be back home. so much happened that i don’t even know where to begin but i know i have tons of great memories for the future! hopefully one day i can come back again.

it’s not a goodbye, canada, but a see you later~

gotta get my last taste of tim hortons before i go though!

july 15, 2021

god busan is so nice? also jinwoo managed to take time off to come out with me so we’ve just been on like. a prolonged date. which is amazing and i don’t know how i lasted those like, 6 months without him. i am NOT a LDR girl and i really hope i don’t have to deal with that again. it was so hard ㅠㅠ but it’s all good now! i mean i guess when he goes back to seoul and i go to jeju, we’ll be separated again but without timezones this time and that makes it 100% better.

anyways i think i’ve definitely eaten my weight in seafood, multiple times a day everyday since we arrived. will i ever get sick of it? i doubt it. stay tuned i guess?

july 25, 2021

JEJU. IS. SO. FUCKING. NICE.

i would stay here forever if i could. why does summer vacation have to end? i don’t want to go back to school. i’m probably going to extend my stay in jeju by a few days, since i want to go back and eat that goddamn seafood noodle thing again. ugh. literally, i could eat that everyday and not get sick of it. i filmed myself eating there the first time but i’m just going to enjoy myself when i go back today. i will also say i’m very thankful my parents made me get my license all those years ago or i wouldn’t be able to do anything here and that would be no fun.

summer please don’t end. i don’t want to go back to school.

anyways, time for me to eat another giant octopus.

september 2, 2021

school started again and i want die.

i spent my first class organizing out my filming schedule for the next couple of months, so i was. productive i guess? i’m pretty excited for that so i’m not really focused on classes. but who cares about first week anyway right? LOL

oops prof is looking so i should probably try to pay attention now ...

#kw: accepted #krp #kpop rp #shin ryujin #itzy

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absolutepokemontrash · 3 years

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Kid!MC/Teen!MC Needs someone to go to Parent Teacher Interviews for Them and Guess Who’s Available?

Masterlist

The brothers being bad babysitters/dad figures is something I love very much, I bet you all could already tell that considering the Fic/Headcanon series I have going on. I would just like you all to know that Asmo’s section is based on a true story. Anyhoo~ onto the Headcanons!

Why? Why Him? (Lucifer)

Is MC really dumb, or are they just a kid? No one knows.

Obviously MC asked Lucifer, the only competent one in the house, the most professional, hard-working, controlled-

MC got their things together and gave Lucifer the run down on their teacher(s) before Lucifer got too absorbed in extolling his own virtues in an intense internal monologue.

News flash Lucifer, this isn’t a Shakespeare play, you can’t have a dramatic monologue or soliloquy about how great you think you are

At the actual meeting, if MC is in there, no, MC is not actually in there. Lucifer will speak to the teacher as if MC isn’t there. As someone whose not a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down kind of person, Lucifer expects the teacher to behave the same and not spare MC’s feelings.

Feelings do not deserve to be spared if MC is being a nuisance. No fake-kid/little sibling of his gets to be the class idiot!

If MC’s doing very well academically, he expects to be pointed at projects or tests they’ve done and the grade on it. It really makes him proud to see MC doing well.

Even if they’re not the best academically, if they’re not failing and they’re doing well in other aspects of school, he’s proud.

If MC really struggles in a school environment and just hates it there but they’re still keeping their head above water, they get a head pat of approval.

On the drive home, if MC came with him to the parent teacher interviews and everything went well, he just happens to turn onto the street that has a Baskin Robin’s or something of that caliber.

If they didn’t go, he picks something up on the way back.

No fun treats if MC is being a disruptive little heathen in class, no kid under Lucifer’s care is going to be the class Mammon. Not on his watch.

MC was busily stuffed their face with the treats that were gifted to them. Lucifer had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes at the kid’s blatant disregard for basic table manners when it came to sweets.

“Is everything the teacher said true?” Lucifer asked, MC looked up at him with a smile.

“Yep!”

“Good, good.” Lucifer held out his hand and patted them on the head. “You’re doing well. Keep it up.”

“Geez,” MC mumbled as they continued to stuff their face. “Can you get anymore affectionate?”

“Don’t be sarcastic, MC. It’s uncouth.” Lucifer said sternly. “Besides, I’ll have you know that many people enjoy my headpats. I’m quite affectionate.”

“Really now? Name one person.”

Lucifer opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He and MC stared each other down, one pair of eyes much more nervous than the other. Spoiler, MC was still calmly eating their treat as they maintained eye contact.

“…Cerberus.”

“If you’re reaching for Cerberus, you’ve already lost.”

…his pride was under attack. Right in front of his desert…

“You’re grounded.”

“Worth it.”

*Rides by on a Skateboard* School is for NERDS (Mammon)

Pff! Stupid human! He’s not goin’ to some lame parent teacher conference-

Wait! What’s with that face?! Ugh… fine. MC’s gone and forced his hand with those damn puppy dog eyes…

Mammon does not dress up for this event, he dresses like he would every day, maybe throw on some designer stuff to let all the parents and teachers know he’s hot shit.

If MC goes with him, he pulls up in his beloved car and takes up two parking spaces (pure evil.). Every parent present already hates him, but at least the other kids there are impressed with MC’s sweet ride. MC would have gained some street cred if Mammon hadn’t managed to trip up the stairs to the classroom in front of everyone.

He’ll act way to casual with the teacher, turning the parent chair backwards and sitting down so he can lean on the seat.

Mammon gets bored crazy quickly while the teacher lists and explains all the stuff the class is learning, so his eyes begin to wander to any and all displays in the classroom. Projects, annoying posters, class pet, anything is more interesting than this teacher’s explanation.

When MC finally becomes the main topic of the interview, he’s all ears. MC’s doing great in school academically? Ha! Nerd! Maybe giving MC a playful noogie and interrupting the whole interview wasn’t a good idea, but whatever.

If MC’s failing anything, or just isn’t that gifted when it comes to grades, it’s very much a “Aw man me too” from Mammon.

This teacher is speaking with the Great Mammon, the first demon in RAD’s history to fail three semesters in a row. If this teacher thinks bad grades will phase him, they’re dead wrong.

Grades don’t mean anythin’ about smarts anyway! I mean, look at him! He’s a fuckin’ genius but he can’t get through a history test without sobbing even though he LIVED THROUGH MOST OF IT.

MC gets treats no matter what’s up in class. Though, if MC didn’t go with him, he’s likely to forget and just order something for the two of them when he gets back home.

“Goddamn teachers and their rambling!” Mammon whined, grabbing a slice of pizza from the open box on his coffee table. “You owe me, MC! Ya really do!”

“Yeah yeah yeah.” MC said, they leaned over and rolled a pizza slice into a pizza-scroll then proceeded to eat it like a veggie roll. “How do you think I feel, listening to them every day? You know how long it takes to get to the actual class material?”

“Five years?”

“Ugh! Five years if I’m lucky! I swear, I know more about my teacher’s grievances with like… five of my classmates than I do about trigonometry, and guess which one’s on the test next week?”

Mammon winced in sympathy, then remembered he was supposed to be whining and went back to it. “School’s shit and a waste of money, ya should drop out as soon as you can and help me run my new business.”

“You mean your pyramid scheme?”

“It’s not a pyramid scheme, MC! It’s legit! It’s a multi-tiered marketing-”

“It’s a pyramid scheme.”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SOCIAL INTERACTION (Leviathan)

Everyone else must have been sick or something for MC to have asked Levi. He’d flat out refuse to go otherwise.

So, Levi couldn’t exactly go to the interview in his usual “I haven’t left my room or changed clothes in eight weeks” look. With the help of MC, he was able to find his military uniform at the back of his closet.

Asmo nearly fainted when he saw Levi in the uniform, not because “oooo, a man in uniform~”, it was because the outfit was so crumpled and wrinkled that it made it physically painful to look at. No time to iron and wash, the conference was in an hour!

Levi (and MC if they went with) rolled up to the school in a less than impressive ride, but one look at the uniform and all the other people present went “yep, time to be respectful (tm)”

For the first time in his life Levi was more intimidating than Lucifer! And he wasn’t even trying!

When the teacher starts explaining the course material, Levi spaces off in horror as he realizes he remembers literally nothing from school (AND HE’S STILL IN SCHOOL!) all that’s running through his head is “A squared + B squared = C squared” and “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”.

The actual interview was the least interesting part of the trip, the real stuff happened when Levi passed by some art on display in the hallway and something caught his eye-

Those colours… that hair… that adorable smile..!

IT WAS HER! LEVI’S PRECIOUS RURI-CHAN IN ALL HER GLORY!

Levi immediately started fawning over the art class fanart and by sheer coincidence, one of the kids walking through the hallway happened to notice.

The kid asked MC if their… parent and or guardian liked anime. MC responded with “obviously.” Levi then asked the kid if they drew his adorable Ruri-chan. The kid said no, and that they drew the My Hero Academia fanart a few rows down.

Levi was absolutely floored that there were two anime fans in one class, then his entire world shattered when MC explained there was more anime art inside the art room and other classrooms.

H-hang on… did that mean that… a lot of people here… liked anime..?

Levi needed a while to process. No snacks on the way home…

Levi and MC were sat in the back of their Uber, Levi, the Avatar of Envy himself, was having his entire sense of reality warped. S-so much anime fanart… in a school of all places..! What did this mean for the future of anime?!

“Levi. Stop.” MC sighed. “If this were an anime, the camera angle would be doing that thing where it’s right on the bridge of your nose and dramatic music plays in the background.”

“S-so many kids in your class like a-anime huh..?” Levi stuttered, weakly trying to smile. “Must be nice..?”

“Oh, that’s just my class. The other classes and grades have their fans too.”

“Oh… really?”

“Levi,” MC stopped looking out the window and looked at the otaku that was having a full scale silent mental breakdown. “Anime isn’t even a niche interest anymore. It’s a pretty casual thing to watch now. At least a third of my class watches- Levi?”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH! ANIME! A THIRD OF THE CLASS?! ANIME… HIS PRECIOUS ANIME… WAS BECOMING A NORMIE INTEREST! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

“Levi?” MC waved their hand in front of their spaced out demon’s face. “Leviiiii? Okay he’s dead.”

The Know it All (Satan)

Ah, a smart choice, MC. Satan would be glad to help further their education. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure that the human’s brain is fed all that sweet sweet knowledge.

Satan can’t dress himself normally, MC had to coax him into a suit jacket, but he still only wore one sleeve.

MC was coming along to the interviews whether they wanted to or not, it’s important to hear what they need to improve on from the teacher themselves after all.

The two arrived pretty early, so Satan asked MC for a tour of the school. It was pretty tame until they reached the library. Satan was horrified at the state of some of the books…

Their spines lined with duct tape… pages missing and torn… someone apparently used a taco as a book mark…

The first thing Satan does when it’s time for his interview is demand the teacher take better care of the library, even though they’re not the librarian. MC tries to explain this, but Satan is too distraught to listen to reason.

He enjoyed hearing about the course material, but he made it known if MC thinks the assignments are too easy that they need to be given more challenging work. THEIR BRAIN NEEDS TO BE STIMULATED DAMN IT.

It was up to MC to either agree with Satan and nod to the teacher, or make frantic eye contact with them to try and communicate “NO DON’T PLEASE”.

Similar to (ugh) Lucifer, as long as MC is doing their best, he’s happy for them.

…but if they are in any way in the running for valedictorian he is HELPING THEM WIN.

He decided to stop at a cafe or bookstore to let MC pick out a “congrats on surviving your pitiful school” present after the interviews.

MC gleefully perused the shelves of the bookstore, there were so many books too look at…

“I’ll buy you as many books as you’d like, MC, just,” Satan shuddered slightly. “Promise me you won’t treat them like those poor library books…”

MC put their hand over their heart. “I swear on the duct taped book spines that I will never treat a book like that.”

“Good… good…” Satan breathed a sigh of relief and went back to looking at his book about cats.

“Are you… reading a Warrior Cats book..?” MC asked tentatively.

“Yes, why?”

“Satan, put that back.”

“I Will Seduce the Teacher For the Sake of Your Grades, Don’t Worry.” (Asmodeus)

Oh MC dear! He’d be delighted to go! Just let him get ready~

Asmo may not be the best choice, but he was at least going to be the best dressed person at that conference. (And MC just had to come too so all the other parents could be jealous of how well coordinated their outfits are)

He teased MC a little by saying he was going to flirt with their teacher to make sure they passed the class, but he was just kidding! …but he made sure to ask if their teacher was cute, he needed to know!

While waiting for his turn, Asmo flirts with some of the single parents, if he doesn’t see a wedding ring, they’re fair game.

Once his time slot arrived, MC realized that Asmo is one of those “my child has done and will do nothing wrong ever” types. This may have ended up working in MC’s favour if they were a class nuisance.

If MC is doing very well in sports, clubs, grades, anything, Asmo is fawning over them and gushing to the teacher about how great, smart and adorable they are.

Asmo surprisingly does not exactly flirt with the teacher, he was just teasing MC after all. But um… if MC’s teacher just happens to be cute and young, he may turn up the charm, just a little. Enough to make the teacher giggle and make MC cover their face in embarrassment.

After the interviews Asmo will probably schedule a nice day out for the two of them, shopping, a movie, mani pedis, something fun!

The real weird stuff happens in the months after the interviews… if Asmo did lightly flirt with the teacher, MC gets quite a few questions about their guardian. Questions that ask if Asmo is single in not as many words…

Oh lord, MC’s teacher developed a crush on Asmo.

Nail painting night was supposed to be a fun occasion, but MC was hopping mad and embarrassed. Asmo didn’t seem to notice as he continued to paint the little human’s nails.

“And then I told Phenex to get lost. The nerve of that little monster, right MC?” When MC didn’t reply, Asmo looked up and tilted his head. “MC?”

MC’s angry face would have been much more threatening if they weren’t just so adorable, but it was getting the message across.

“MC..?”

“Asmo.” MC’s glare deepened. “My teacher wants to know if you’re single.”

Asmo blinked a few times, before he hit his tongue to keep from laughing. “Really now~. I knew they’d be madly in love with me-”

“WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIIIIIIIIIIIS?!”

Oh My Demon King is That a BAKE SALE?! (Beel)

Of course Beel said yes! He’d gladly go to MC’s parent teacher interview!

He even put on a nice outfit :D he ended up looking a bit like a secret serviceman guarding MC, the tiny president.

Beel stopped for McDonald’s on the way there, all the other kids were so jealous of MC when they stepped out of the car eating fries.

But a little something something caught Beel’s eye when he and MC walked into the school… was that a… bake sale?

MC quickly explained that the bake sale was fundraiser for their class trip that year and the snacks weren’t complimentary. He had to pay.

And pay Beel did. He cleared out the entire table. MC’s grade’s overnight trip was going to be decadent as hell. That was no longer a crowd funded thing, that trip was privately funded by a tall buff ginger secret service member and this tiny in comparison child.

Kids are incredibly blunt, just like Beel, so when a random kindergarten kid wandered over, looked up at Beel, and very knowingly said “you’re very tall”. Beel was like “yeah”. The kid then said “what’s it like being that tall?”

Beel’s response to this kid’s question was to pick them up and hold them for a few seconds before placing them back down. For just a few moments this kid knew what it like to be over 6’4. Of course, more kids swarmed in and asked to be picked up.

Sure it was cute, but Beel now has an army of kids ranging from kindergarteners to third graders.

Finally, the conference actually began. Beel snacked the entire time and dutifully listened to everything the teacher had to say.

After the interviews are over, he checks with MC to make sure everything the teacher said was true and that they weren’t lying. If all was well, the two made their exit.

They stopped at Wendy’s on the way home.

“I’m so full…” MC groaned, Beel held up a massive cookie.

“So I can eat this?”

“No. Gimme that.” MC took a very defeated bite out of it. “My stomach says no but my mouth says yes…”

“I don’t want you to get a stomachache, MC,” Beel said worriedly. “No more snacks.”

“It’s a little late for that. It’s past nine and I’m still eating, there’s no way I’m getting to sleep at a reasonable hour.”

“Oh…” Beel mumbled. “I may have not completely thought this through.”

“*Snore* Huh? Wha? MC’s Grades? Uh… Fuck…” (Belphie)

MC must be failing a class or something because why on earth would they pick Belphie otherwise.

They ask him to go while he’s delirious from just waking up from a nap, he sort of half nods and mumbles some gibberish before going back to sleep.

MC had to basically carry his ass to the school. Belphie drooled all over them in the waiting room, and when it was their time to go into the interview, Belphie had to be manually put into the chair and slapped awake.

He barely listens, he just sits and nods along with whatever the teacher is saying. The teacher could say MC brought an alligator to school and he’d just go “uh huh…” “mmmph… yep…” “really now?” then yawn.

The only thing that could possibly get Belphie to be interested is if MC is studying space. If they are, than boy howdy is Belphie suddenly interested in their education.

Other than that? *snore*

If MC is in fact failing or doing poorly, MC’s teacher asks to see another one of MC’s guardians at a later date. Their plan failed miserably.

MC drags Belphie out of the school and yells at him for not helping them. Belphie, still sleep delirious, tries to press the snooze button. MC does not have a snooze button.

“Belphie!” MC shouted, shaking the Avatar of Sloth awake. The House of Lamentation’s resident bastard was somehow sleeping standing up outside. “HOW COULD YOU?!”

“Eh?” Belphie half-snorted and looked around confused. “What’d I do? Where are we?”

“At my school! You said that you’d go to my parent teacher interviews!”

“…MC I don’t think I’d pass well for you.”

“YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO GO AS MY GUARDIAN!”

“Sheesh,” Belphie murmured while he rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes. “You humans are so noisy.”

MC looked up at their dearest demon friend, and gave him their best glare. “I’m going to take all your fancy temperature changing pillows and switch them with normal pillows you traitorous bastard.”

802 notes · View notes

robininthelabyrinth · 3 years

Note

A-Yuan wasn’t the only child among the Wen Remnants, just the youngest.

Children's Day - ao3

Lan Wangji carefully scooped up the boy out of his hiding place, tucked beneath a pile of stones, sick with fever and fast asleep.

It was a good hiding place. If Lan Wangji hadn’t played Inquiry and demanded to know if there were any living beings around in this cursed place of death, he would never have found the small child.

He remembered him – this was little A-Yuan, who Wei Wuxian had taken down into town to play, the one Lan Wangji had bought all those toys for in his confusion, the one who called him rich-gege. Barely more than two years old, having never known anything but war.

He was all that was left, now. There was nothing else left in the battlefield.

No one else left.

Lan Wangji closed his eyes in pain.

I’ll care for him for you, he promised Wei Wuxian’s ghost, wherever it might be now. Now that you cannot.

I’ll take him back to Gusu to raise as my own – wishing you were by my side.

-Earlier-

“Sect Leader!” one of his aides cried out when he staggered back into camp. “What – who’s that?”

Jiang Cheng looked down at the girl in his arms. She was – four, maybe? Five? He had no idea.

She looked a bit like Wen Qing.

“I found her hiding in the corner of the battlefield when she made a noise,” he said hoarsely. “The Wen sect remnants…by the time I got there, they were almost all dead already, all her family. She’s – she’s young. It didn’t seem right.”

Wei Wuxian always liked children, he thought vaguely to himself as he looked down at her. It wasn’t so much of a surprise that he would keep one there…in fact, if he thought back to that horrible meeting they’d had that one time he’d come to the Burial Mounds to try to talk to Wei Wuxian, he thought he remembered there being a small child there. This must be her.

She was bigger than he remembered, but that was what happened with small children, wasn’t it?

“Her surname is Wen?”

“No,” Jiang Cheng snapped automatically, and his aide took a step back from his vehemence. “The Wen sect is dead, you understand? All of them. The cultivation world refused to allow them to live, that much is obvious enough. Her surname…”

He looked down at her.

I failed Wei Wuxian, he thought grimly. I won’t fail his legacy.

“Her surname will be Jiang.”

-Earlier-

“We found this child hiding in the Demon Subduing Cave,” one of the guards reported, looking nervous. “Lianfeng-zun – what do we do with them?”

Jin Guangyao frowned down at the child, judging the child’s age to be about five or six – maybe seven, considering the likelihood of malnutrition at the Burial Mounds. If they were any younger, he would’ve said that the child ought to just execute them as useless; any older, and he would’ve had no choice but to declare them an enemy combatant, and thereby order them executed.

At this age, though…they were still young enough to be taught to forget their current surname, and to learn new loyalties, and yet old enough to perhaps remember a little of what they had learned, living as they had for a few years with the inventor of demonic cultivation.

Jin Guangyao glanced at the papers in his hands, full of barely legible scribbles, laying out powerful new spells and interesting ideas. They would help Xue Yang with his work – but not as much as a helper would, and naturally they’d just brutally executed all the other ‘helpers’ that might have been available.

Not exactly Jin Guangyao’s personal preference, but he wasn’t the one leading the Jin sect army.

Still, his father, who had been the one leading, had retired to his tent, and now Jin Guangyao was the one with the power, left to be in charge of mopping up. That, in turn, gave him a little more leeway, which meant he could implement his own thoughts, rather than badly thought out instructions.

“Put the child in my tent,” he said, and smiled. “The poor thing must have gotten lost and entered the battlefield – after we arrived. You understand?”

The guard saluted deeply. “Lianfeng-zun is kind and beneficent,” he said, and his expression was worshipful. “I will tell the others that the child is from some distant Jin branch.”

Jin Guangyao hadn’t intended for him to do that, but – well, he couldn’t exactly refute it now, could he, and anyway there were worse things to happen. Everyone would know that he had kindly taken in some orphaned child of war, which would be good for his reputation.

He smiled and nodded, and thought of the future.

-Earlier-

“Well, shit,” Nie Mingjue said, staring at the trio of children: nine or ten years old, he thought, maybe a little older, two girls and a boy. They stared back at him, wide-eyed and terrified – they were very clearly trying to sneak off the Burial Mounds down the back way.

Nie Mingjue rubbed his face, glad that he’d insisted on doing the forward scout work before the attack tomorrow morning himself rather than let it go to someone else. He hadn’t wanted to come to this blasted place in the first place, being that he still wasn’t sure exactly what had gone down with Wei Wuxian, who’d been a good man once. But good Nie cultivators had died at Lanling City at Wen Ning’s hands, the Jin sect claiming that that brutal attack was at Wei Wuxian’s instigation, and at the Nightless City at Wei Wuxian’s hands directly, and he didn’t have any evidence to exculpate the man, either; he had no grounds to look the families of those Nie cultivators in the eye and tell them not to pursue vengeance against the man who had slaughtered their brothers and fathers and sons, sisters and mothers and daughters, like they meant nothing.

They deserved vengeance.

Just as he had, for his father.

But at the same time…

“You’re all surnamed Wen, I take it?” he asked, and they slowly nodded. “Dafan Wen?”

Another nod.

“Wrong answer,” he said, making a snap decision. This wasn’t like his father at all, not really; he had wanted to kill Wen Ruohan, who had done the deed himself, while these children clearly hadn’t done anything. “Swear to me here and now that you won’t seek revenge for your sect or family, and you can be surnamed Nie instead.”

They looked at each other.

“Your family didn’t send you to run away because they wanted you to take revenge,” he said. It was a guess, but he could tell from the way their shoulders sagged that he was right. “They wanted you to live. Well?”

They swore.

He took them home.

-Earlier-

She tripped and fell flat on her face.

“Hey, girl!”

She looked up, eyes wide with terror – she hadn’t expected to be caught so soon – but the cultivator in front of her didn’t strike her down. He was a young man, just a few years older than her, and he looked nice, kneeling to help her up.

“Are you all right?” he asked. “Did you get lost?”

Lost? From where would she get lost, exactly?

Despite that, she nodded.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Here isn’t a good place, though – we’re going to have a battle tomorrow…can you tell me where you’re from?” He frowned. “Or – can’t you speak?”

An idea suddenly came to mind, and she shook her head, lifting up her hands to mime signs like the ones she’d seen Lady Wen and her brother use sometimes when they needed to talk without disturbing others.

“Doesn’t talk,” he murmured to himself. “Clothing of white, ripped all to ribbons –”

She’d torn out any trace of the red sun. White was a common color, but she was old enough to know that she couldn’t let anyone know she was surnamed Wen.

“Oh, I’ve read about this before! Are you a bird yao that’s cultivated to humanity?”

What?

She’d been thinking of trying to pass as a traumatized war veteran, but she was only fourteen, after all; it wasn’t very believable. Of course, it was a lot more believable that bird yao – who would leap to that conclusion?

“My surname is Ouyang,” the man said, smiling brightly at her. “You should come back with me – I can teach you to speak, and we can give you a name…how about ‘Luo’ as a surname? That has to do with birds. Or we could surname you Bai, instead, since your clothing is white! Or maybe -”

She smiled helplessly at his nonsense. What a silly, cheerful man! Maybe she’d overestimated his age, he couldn’t be more than two or three years older, at most, and his brain was clearly not in the right place, filled up to the brim with romantic stories and adventure tales instead of facts.

It was a nice change, actually.

She accepted his hand as she stood.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

-Earlier-

Lan Wangji had returned home and submitted to a dreadful punishment. The elders he had injured on Wei Wuxian’s behalf were either in treatment or recovering.

As for the rest that had been at the Nightless City…

Many were dead.

Lan Qiren landed in the Burial Mounds, lips pressed tightly together.

He knew he was taking a risk in coming here to Wei Wuxian’s lair – no matter what Lan Wangji thought, whatever good points he’d had in the past, the man was now little better than a mad dog. He’d caused the death of three thousand people just the day before, three thousand innocents that hadn’t had anything to do with anything; why would he hesitate to attack his old teacher?

There was already talk of a siege – Jiang Cheng himself had promised to lead it, to wipe off the stain on the Jiang sect’s record, and the Jin sect had been right behind him. Even Nie Mingjue had been dragged in against his will, suborned by his sect members’ need for vengeance. As for the Lan Sect…Lan Xichen had looked so stricken by the thought that Lan Qiren had volunteered for the grim duty, despite Lan Qiren having never been much of a fighter and even less of a general. He intended to take only the smallest possible contingent, and to limit their work as much as possible to cleansing the dead rather than killing those who remained there – that much, at least, he could do for his nephew.

Either way, though, no matter his powers, Wei Wuxian would not live out the week.

If Lan Qiren desired vengeance, he need only wait.

And yet, here he was.

Alone, practically unarmed – and here nonetheless.

An old woman came out from the cave and squinted at him.

“It’s over,” she said sadly. “Isn’t it?”

Lan Qiren looked at her. One of the Wen remnants that Wei Wuxian had surrounded himself with, he assumed; the ones he’d given up his comfortable life for, claiming he was only acting as a righteous man ought. Perhaps he even had thought he was, back then.

Perhaps he really had been, back then.

“Yes,” Lan Qiren said, and cleared his throat. “After what he did at the Nightless City – the verdict is unquestionably death. But the rest of you…there are armies coming, and armies are not known for their leniency, especially not on passerby with the wrong surname. But they’re not here yet. There’s still time to flee – if you go now, you could take on a new surname and find some quiet place to live on.”

Lan Wangji had said they were civilians. Civilian life was to be prioritized above all else.

Lan Qiren was only doing what he must.

Despite his well-meant warnings, however, the old lady shook her head.

“There’s nowhere to go, and we won’t give up our surname,” she said, polite but stubborn to the last. “But thank you for taking the time to come here to tell us.”

“Wangji said that there were children here,” Lan Qiren insisted, ignoring her refusal. “If you won’t flee with them, at least send those that are old enough out on their own, and hide the younger ones. Tell them to forget their surnames – most people won’t rampantly murder children, so there’s a chance they’ll make it through, and live. Can you deny them that, just for pride?”

That gave the old woman pause.

“We’ll do what we can,” she said, and then eyed him. “How good are you at medicine?”

Lan Qiren frowned. “I can’t provide care –”

“She’s already dead. Come help anyway.”

The woman in question was not already dead, but dying – she was in her late teens, seventeen or eighteen at most, and she was in labor. From the glassiness of her eyes, the redness of her cheeks, and the threadiness of her pulse, it was clear that infection had long ago set in. It was not an exaggeration to say she was dead, little better than a corpse.

She was little more than a child.

“I don’t want her to die alone,” the old woman said. “But if you stay with her, I can use the time to try to take care of the rest. You’re not wrong, I suppose – the children, at least, deserve a chance to live on, even if it means leaving our surname behind.”

Lan Qiren looked down at the woman, unconscious already and unlikely to ever wake, and yet still whimpering. “And her child?”

The old woman looked surprised. “Can a child born like this still live?”

Lan Qiren had almost no medical training beyond the most superficial basics that were the necessity for any battlefield or night-hunt, with one sole exception: he had supervised the births of both his nephews by himself with little aid – his brother’s wife hadn’t wanted anyone else to be present, possibly in an attempt to prematurely enter her grave, possibly just out of spite. He had studied very hard in the days leading up to those births, and knew far more on the subject than most men did.

“It’s possible,” he said. “Unlikely, but – possible.”

He hesitated for a long moment.

“I can take the baby,” he finally said. “Pass him off as some war-orphan child of distant Lan cousins, sent to me on account of their deaths. I could raise him, or else give him to my cousin to raise; he’s got a large enough family that no one would question it.”

“Why would you do that?”

Lan Qiren looked at the woman who was dying, little more than a child herself. “Because of the children I can’t help.”

The old woman was quiet for a little while.

“Very well,” she said, and leaned forward to whisper the name the young woman had thought about for her child into his ear. “That works with Lan as a surname, wouldn’t it? That’s not bad.”

“Not bad at all,” Lan Qiren agreed, and rolled up his sleeves, settling down beside the girl. “Not bad at all.”

#mdzs #lan wangji #jiang cheng #jin guangyao #nie mingjue #lan qiren #original characters #my fic #my fics #children's day #some untamed elements

369 notes · View notes

oh-my-damn · 2 years

Text

The Stranger - Part 17

A/N: Part 17 of The Stranger!

This story is also posted on Wattpad, but the chapters have been condensed into fewer parts to make it easier on Tumblr.

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Chris Evans x OC (No physical descriptions/female character)

Summary: Amelia goes back to work and tries to find a semblance of a normal life after the past month. But a surprise visitor quickly flips her life back on its head, and a misunderstanding almost ruins everything.

Word count: 8600 (LMAO sorry)

Warnings for this part: Jealous!Chris. Misunderstandings and confusion as well as awkward tension. Sweet and soft. Daddy!Chris, Brattamer!Chris.

Smut Warnings: Oral (f receiving), fingering, penetrative sex, size kink, degradation, praise, dirty talk, Dom!Daddy!Brattamer!Chris. One little slap on the thigh as a reprimand. Possessive hunk of a man as he rails her into the mattress.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / Part 13 / Part 14 / Part 15 / Part 16

AMELIA

Pierre and Taylor said a tearful goodbye at the airport, and I also had tears in my eyes when I hugged him goodbye.

I know we'll still be talking almost every day, just like we did for the first month he was here, but it was still sad.

He technically only has about 4 months left of filming now, which is a nice thought, but I know I'll still miss him. Even if I didn't technically end up spending as much time with him as I thought I would, on this trip.

The flight back home felt solemn.

Pierre was quiet for the first twenty minutes, still upset that he had to leave Taylor behind, which I understand. He now has to go home to their shared apartment, alone, and he doesn't know if he will be able to see him again before filming ends.

It made me think a lot about my own situation.

I know that Chris kept telling me that we would see each other, that he would come visit and I could too. And that's all fine during filming, but once he's done, he goes back to his own place. And we'll still be away from each other.

At least when Taylor is done filming he'll go home to Pierre.

Chris and I's future will consist of long distance, of phone calls and face time, and visits. And then what?

I don't know what to expect but I also know that it's highly unlikely that we will be able to sustain a relationship like that. Eventually something would have to change.

And it would either result in moving in together, somewhere, somehow.. Or a breakup.

I really hope it's not the latter. Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt.

✦✧✦✧

It's been a few days since I arrived back home.

Chris checked in on me as soon as my flight landed, apparently he was watching it on the flight-app to make sure I arrived safely.

And for the past few days we've spoken every day, doing video calls this time instead of just phone calls.

Video calls feels a lot nicer, a lot more intimate. I get to look at his pretty face while he tells me about his day and I get to watch as his face lights up when he tells me a funny story about something that happened at work.

And I've been back at work myself.

I settled into my new position - the one that came with me finishing law school and passing the bar exam.

I'm still in a fairly low position but at least I've graduated from being an intern. I got an amazing opportunity to work with the District Attorneys Office and I took it as soon as it became available.

A job like that will look wonderful on my resume and it gets me in the door of the District Attorneys office, which is where I see myself in the future.

I worked in the same office as an intern which means I know most of the people working alongside me, which is quite nice. At least I don't completely feel like the odd man out.

Most of the people I work with have years of experience within the field, but there are a few around my age, as well as younger interns that work below me, who I am technically in charge of.

As soon as I got back from my vacation a case was put on my desk and I was quickly instructed to work with a few interns and law clerks on it.

Which is what I've been doing for the past three days, spending countless hours at the office to try and find as much solid evidence for the case as possible.

✦✧✦✧

I'm sitting in the break room on Thursday morning, sipping a cup of coffee as I look over some files for the case. I'm completely engulfed in the legal briefings when a voice brings me out of it.

"Good morning," Ashley chirps as she walks into the break room, sitting down at the round table next to me, "How are you?"

I glance up from the file when I hear her voice, giving the young brunette girl a polite smile. Ashley is one of the new interns, and she's only in her second year of law school, but she got the job because her dad knows the district attorney.

I don't hold her that against her, though - network is quite powerful in this field and it's certainly not unheard of that people get opportunities because of who they know. And besides, she's pretty good at it, considering that she's fairly young and inexperienced. She works hard and she's done well on the tasks I've handed to her so far, so I don't mind that she didn't work as hard to earn her spot here as the others did.

"Good morning," I respond, taking a sip of my coffee before I continue, "I'm doing well, how are you?"

"Good," she beams, pouring a cup of coffee for herself from the pot on the table, "I had a great day yesterday!"

I chuckle at her giddy expression, quirking a brow at her as I speak, "Oh yeah? I'm glad to hear that. What made your day so great?"

"I found a big lead for one of the cases I'm helping on!" She quips, grinning excitedly, "And I showed it to the ADA and he was very impressed!"

"That's wonderful!" I say with a wide smile, "Good job Ash, I'm proud of you."

She blushes slightly, her grin still as wide when she thanks me. Then she glances at the file in front of me before she says, "I've only known you for three days but I feel like you're always working. Do you ever take a break?"

I chuckle and nod, "Yes, I do. In fact I just got back from a month long vacation, so that's why I'm putting a little extra effort into my work these days."

"Oh.." She says, clearly slightly embarrassed, "I didn't realize that. Sorry, that was dumb," she mumbles as she takes a sip of her coffee.

"Don't worry," I say with a smile, closing my file, "It wasn't dumb, it's all good. And you're right, I should take a break once in a while. Right now seems fitting. We can get to know each other a little bit while we wait for the morning meeting to start."

She grins at me again, "I would love that! I really want to become a prosecutor one day, so any nuggets of wisdom you could give me would be greatly appreciated!"

I smile at her, "Of course, I will be giving you feedback and tips as we go. And so far you're doing great, so don't worry. But I actually meant on a more personal note," I say with a chuckle, "Like, what are your hobbies and interests?"

"Oh," she says, blushing a little, "Right. Of course. Well, with school and this job, there's not really much time to have hobbies."

I nod, "I get that, it was the same for me during school."

"Yeah," she says, "Whenever I don't have work or school, I usually end up being so exhausted that I just read or watch movies."

"What movies do you like?" I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Oh, I'm a big fan of Harry Potter! Uh, and Marvel! Love those movies!"

I nod, swallowing my sip before replying, "Oh yeah, I like those too, actually."

"You do?! What do you like best?"

"Marvel," I say with a small smile, trying to keep my cheeks from heating up.

"Oh god, I love those movies so much! Bucky Barnes is so dreamy," she says with a soft sigh as she tilts her head, smiling goofily.

It makes me chuckle, "Yeah, he is. I love Bucky. Steve, too."

"Oh yes, Steve! Chris Evans is so fucking hot, oh my god," she says excitedly and this time I have to try hard to keep my cheeks from turning bright pink.

"Uh, yeah, he is," I say with a nod, taking another sip of coffee to cover up my reaction, "Very hot.."

"I don't know if you're in the fandom," she then says, turning her body towards me more as she speaks excitedly, "But there's been so much drama going on! Rumor has it that he has a secret girlfriend, there's been pictures and videos all over the internet but no one knows who it is!"

I choke slightly on my sip of coffee, making me sputter and cough.

"Oh no, are you okay?!" She asks when I keep coughing.

I put down the cup, clearing my throat before saying, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, sorry about that. It just went down the wrong pipe. But that sounds like a lot of drama, yes."

"Yeah, totally! Fans have been going crazy," she says, glancing at her watch, "Oh shit, I should go grab my files before the morning meeting in a few minutes. I'll see you at the meeting?"

I nod, "Yeah, see you soon."

"It was nice talking to you!" Ashley says before she saunters off, back to the office space while I stay sitting at the table, trying to compose myself.

I quickly pull my phone out of my pocket, typing out a message.

Amelia You would not believe the conversation I just had

After a few seconds, a response pops in.

Christopher Tell me everything

"I'm so happy you had time to come see me," I say as I let William into my apartment. I go to the kitchen to get our cups of coffee while he walks inside, quickly finding his way into my living room.

It's Friday afternoon and the sun is hanging low in the sky, about to set. I've been working non-stop the past week which means I haven't really had much time to see anyone until now.

But I'm so happy I finally got to see him, it's been too long since I did. And we have a lot to catch up on.

"Yeah, me too. I missed you! You need to tell me everything, how was Atlanta?" William asks as he takes a seat on my couch, his back leaning against the armrest.

I bring in the two cups of coffee I just made, placing one in front of him before sitting down, turning myself to face him as I take a sip of my coffee.

"It was good," I reply as I put my cup down on the table, "I got to see Taylor work and stuff. It was really cool."

"And how was the set?" William asks, picking up his cup and quickly taking a sip before he continues, "I imagine it was fucking awesome. Was it? Fucking awesome?"

I chuckle and nod, "Yes, Will, it was fucking awesome. Better than anything you could possibly imagine."

Will never used to watch any of the Marvel movies until I forced him to, and ever since then, he's been just as obsessed with them as I have. When I first told him I was going to visit Taylor at the set, he turned practically green with envy.

"Oh fuck you," he groans, "I am so jealous, you have no idea. Did you get to meet any of the actors?"

I nod again, taking a sip to buy myself extra time before replying, "Mmhmm, I got to meet some of them. They were really nice."

"Who did you meet?" He asks excitedly, picking up his cup and taking a few quick sips.

"Uhmm, well.." I drag it out a little as my eyes dart down to my chest, spotting the chain of Chris' necklace peeking out as the pendant is hidden under my t-shirt, "I-uh, I got to meet Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett, Elizabeth.. Oh, and Sebastian Stan as well, but I didn't really recognize him at first."

Will furrows his brows, "How did you not recognize him? Bucky is like your favorite character after Steve."

"I know," I say with a chuckle, "But he had a huge beard. Wasn't my fault."

Will chuckles and nods, "Okay, I get it. That might confuse me too.. What about the Chris's? Did you meet any of them?"

I clear my throat before I nod, "Yeah, uh, I met two of them. Hemsworth and, uhm, Evans."

Will slaps my thigh as he exclaims, "Ames! That's fucking crazy! You must have been over the moon! How was that?"

I shrug as I pick up my cup again, taking a sip to cover my reddening cheeks before I say, "It was fun. They were really nice."

Will gives me a look before nodding, "Okay, well, that's cool, then. I'm glad you had fun at least. And that they lived up to our expectations."

"Oh they did," I quickly say, "They definitely did.."

"So what now?" He asks, "Back at work?"

"Yep," I say with a nod, "Been back a week now. I have to be honest, it's not as fun as being a tourist and visiting a Marvel set."

He chuckles, "No, I can imagine. Work's not as fun at all."

I laugh and shake my head, "No, real life is very boring and disappointing."

I take a sip of my coffee and just as Will asks me a question about what cases I will be working on now, my doorbell rings.

I excuse myself and get up from the couch before shuffling to my door.

I'm not expecting anyone, I made sure to keep tonight free in my calendar so I could spend it with Will, so I honestly don't know who it could be.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Will asks from the living room and right as I grab the handle to open the door, I yell back, "No, no one other than you."

Once I turn my attention back to my open doorway, my breath hitches.

"Hi," Chris says with a bright smile, holding a travel bag in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other.

My eyes widen in surprise and I immediately feel my heartbeat pick up. I scan his face for any sign or clue that perhaps I'm just being crazy, that it's just someone who looks a lot like him.

Is he real?

What is he doing here?

But when I see the warm smile on his face and I feel my cheeks heating up slightly, I know there's no way anyone else could make me feel like this. It's definitely him.

"Hi.." I breathe out, a smile creeping onto my lips as my eyes slowly take him in, "What are you-?"

"I missed you," he interrupts, his smile a little shy as he shifts where he stands, "Wanted to see you."

My face splits into a grin, "Really? Couldn't even last a week, huh, Evans?"

He coyly shakes his head, "Uhm, no. Is that bad?"

"No, absolutely not," I say, smiling widely, "I'm just surprised, that's all."

"Well, I-"

His words are interrupted when Will yells from the living room, "Ames, who is it?"

I'm about to reply when I watch the expression on Chris' face change. His smile slowly fades as his brows furrow, his jaw tensing slightly as he looks at me.

My eyes widen a little when I suddenly realize how bad this looks. I'm about to explain when Chris speaks again.

"You're not alone?"

"No, actually, I'm-"

"Ames!" Will yells, "What the fuck is taking so long?!"

Chris' expression changes again, turning stern and slightly angry now as his eyes move from me to the hallway behind me, leading to the living room.

"Who is he?" Chris asks once his eyes are back on me, his jaw now completely tense.

I immediately shake my head in an effort to diffuse the situation, "Chris, don't worry, it's just-"

"Ames!"

Will's voice suddenly interrupts me as he walks out of the living room and down the hallway towards us. I glance over my shoulder to look at him and I can see the goofy look on his face when he says, "If it's someone trying to sell you something, tell them you're a lawyer and to hit the fucking road."

He walks a few steps closer before he looks up, his eyes suddenly widening. He stops dead in his tracks as he looks at the man currently standing in front of me, his broad frame practically filling out my entire doorway.

"Holy shit," Will breathes out as his eyes stay locked on Chris' face, "Holy fucking shit, that's-that's Captain fucking America."

I turn my eyes back to Chris, whose brows are now furrowed into a complete frown as he looks at Will.

"You're-" Will stutters, his finger raising into a point, "You're Captain Americ-I mean, you're Chris Evans!"

"Yes," Chris replies before he raises a brow at him, "I am. And who might you be?"

"I-I'm-"

"This is Will," I quickly say, gesturing towards the man standing behind me, currently blubbering like a fool, "My brother."

Chris blinks a few times before his features soften completely. His eyes move from Will to me as he whispers out a quiet, "Oh.."

I nod, smiling awkwardly at Chris, "Yep.... And, uh, Will," I turn towards my brother who is still staring at Chris, wide-eyed and shocked, "This is Chris. I believe you already know who he is."

"Y-yeah," Will says, taking a few steps closer before he puts his hand out for Chris to shake, "It's great to meet you Mr. Ameri-uh, Evans."

Chris' eyes shift to me when Will brings his hand out for him to shake, before he looks down at his two very occupied hands.

"Oh, let me help you," I say, reaching a hand out for his bag, but he quickly interjects, deciding to hand me the bouquet of flowers instead.

"My bag is kinda heavy and those were for you anyway, so.." he mumbles before he lets me take the flowers and sticks his hand out for Will to shake.

Will shakes it a bit too eagerly as he says, "I'm a really big fan, Mr. Evans."

"Thanks," Chris replies, offering Will a polite smile, "Nice to meet you. I'm Chris."

"I know," Will says, still shaking his hand, "Captain America."

Chris chuckles as Will reluctantly lets go of his hand, nodding shortly as he smiles, "Yeah, that too."

Chris' eyes shift to me shortly before looking back at Will and then back to me, his hand gesturing towards my apartment as he mumbles, "So, uhm, can I...?"

"Oh, right!" I quickly say, taking a step back and allowing him entrance, "Of course. Come in."

I take a few steps back and Chris walks inside my apartment before I close the door behind him. He sets his bag down on the floor before turning back to me, and Will, who's still staring at him, completely star-struck.

I clear my throat to try and relieve the awkward tension before I say, "Well, this is my apartment."

Chris chuckles and nods, looking around shortly before his eyes are back on me, "Yeah, I figured."

I give him a teasing smile as I say, "It's not as nice as a hotel room, but it does the trick."

He laughs as he shakes his head, "Oh please, this is way better than a hotel room."

"Liar," I joke, grinning at him as our eyes lock.

My entire body is screaming for me to step closer, wrap my arms around him, plant my lips on his, anything really.

But the very awkward presence of my brother right next to me keeps me from doing that.

I glance over at Will, but he's still just staring at him wide-eyed and stunned, so I decide to turn my attention back to Chris.

"We were just having coffee, you want some?"

Chris nods, "Sure, that would be great."

"Okay, well, make yourself at home. Coffee will be ready in a minute."

I smile at Chris who reciprocates it before I make my way into the kitchen to make his cup of coffee.

After about fifteen seconds of painfully awkward silence, I realize I've made a mistake. I yell out, "Will, stop acting like an idiot and show Chris where the living room is, please," as I quickly grab a cup and pour coffee into it.

I can hear my brother mumble something inaudibly before I hear some movement and once I make my way back into the living room, they're both sitting on the couch but on opposite ends.

Will is sitting stiffly in his seat, practically staring at Chris, while Chris is looking down at his folded hands.

I put the coffee cup down in front of him with a smile as I say, "It might not be as good as Craft's, but it's what you get, so no complaining."

Chris chuckles, shaking his head, "Wouldn't dream of it."

I sit down in a chair and pull it up in front of the couch before I clear my throat, turning myself towards my brother.

"So, Will, there's something I didn't really have the chance to tell you yet-"

"You think?" He quickly interrupts. He looks at me before glancing back at Chris and then turning to me again, whispering loudly, "What the fuck is Chris Evans doing here?"

"Well," I say as I glance towards Chris for a moment, "He uhm.. Well.. He-"

"I'm her boyfriend," Chris interjects, turning himself towards Will on the couch, "We've been dating for a few months."

Will blinks in surprise as he looks at Chris, then at me, and I nod slowly.

"Boyfriend?" He asks, now looking only at me, "You have a boyfriend?"

"I do," I reply with a small smile.

"And.. your boyfriend... Is... Captain America?"

"No," I quickly say, putting a hand up to stop him, "My boyfriend is Christopher Evans. I am not dating a fictional character."

"Right," he says, nodding quickly, "Right, right..."

Then he turns towards Chris, "But you are... Captain America... Right?"

Chris nods, "Yes, I am, technically."

"And you.. Did the movies.. And you wear that costume and carry that shield and stuff.. And you're famous..."

"Yes," Chris replies again, his brows furrowing slightly when he glances at me before looking back at Will.

"And you're dating... Ames?"

Chris chuckles as he nods again, "Yes, I am dating Ames. Amelia. Whatever you prefer to call her."

"I usually call her either sis or Ames."

"Okay," Chris says, "I certainly won't be calling her sis. But I am dating your sister, yes."

I chuckle at his reply as I try to decipher this entire exchange happening before me.

Will scratches his head as he tilts it, eyeing Chris a little before he says, "Why are you dating her?"

"I like her," Chris replies, "She's smart, and funny, and kind, and sweet. And she's really pretty, too."

Will smiles with every word coming out of Chris' mouth and chuckles at the last one, "Okay, that's good. So you guys are like.. Dating-dating?"

He looks at me and I nod as I say, "Yes, Will. We are dating-dating."

He quickly looks back at Chris, "Do you love her?"

And before I can even reprimand my brother for the question, Chris just casually replies, "Yes, more than anything."

I blush a little at Chris' blunt confession, smiling softly at him before turning back to my brother.

"So," I say as I look at him, "Now that that's been cleared up... You got any more questions?"

Will looks back at me, his expression still a little dumbfounded as he says, "I.. I mean, yeah, obviously. A ton of questions, like, how? When?"

I take a sip of my coffee before answering, "The how is kind of complicated. The when is about a month before I went to Atlanta."

He furrows his brows, looking between Chris and I, "So, before you actually went there? How the fuck did that happen?"

Chris glances at me, an apologetic look on his face before he says, "Well, I uhm.. I messaged her on instagram. But she didn't really know it was me, so technically we've known each other for a few months but she didn't actually know that we knew each other until last month."

Will frowns, ".. What?" He looks at me, "I don't understand."

"It's complicated," I say, smiling at Chris before looking back at him, "The point is that we're dating now."

Will nods, "Right, yeah, I guess that's the most important point... And who else knows about this?"

"Barely anyone," I quickly reply, "Taylor, Pierre and now.. You."

"Were you planning on telling me?"

"I mean, yes, of course," I say, glancing quickly at Chris before looking back at him, "But like I said, it's a little complicated. I didn't really know how to go about it. And we've been keeping it under wraps so far."

"Why?" Will says with a frown before looking at Chris, "Do you want to keep her secret?"

"No!" Chris quickly says, his eyes widening slightly, "No, not at all. It's not like that, it's just-"

"It's his fans," i interrupt, making Will look back at me, "His fans are intense. Very intense. So we wanted to wait, because once it's out there, it could change a lot for us. Not just for him, but for me, too."

"Oh.." Will says, slumping back into the couch a little, "That doesn't sound good.."

"It's a challenge," I reply, "We're trying to navigate this whole situation the best we can. And we were also just trying to figure out what was really happening between us, while I was in Atlanta."

There's silence for a moment and I glance over at Chris, reciprocating the small smile he sends me. He takes sip of his coffee, waiting for Will to properly process the information.

Then Will frowns, "Wait, so if I wasn't supposed to know yet, why are you here right now?"

Chris puts his cup back on the table as he mumbles, "I, uhm.. I came to surprise her. I missed her.."

He trails off as he looks back at me and I smile softly before I get up and walk over to him. I put my hand on his shoulder, smiling down at him as I stand next to him, and he reaches his hand up to take mine. Then I turn to my brother.

"Listen, Will, I'm going to need you to not tell anyone, okay? Especially mom and dad. I want to do it myself, and I want them to meet Chris, but I need it to be under the right circumstances. And if it gets out the media will pick it up and it'll be a whole mess. I want to do this right."

"Okay," Will says, nodding slowly, "Yeah, of course. I'll keep your secret."

"Thank you," I say, smiling at him before I look at Chris, "And thank you for coming to visit. I've missed you."

✦✧✦✧

Will stays for dinner, because that was always the plan, and I didn't feel like I could throw him out of my apartment just because Chris showed up unexpectedly.

Cooking and eating was fine, Will got more relaxed the longer he was around Chris.

But unfortunately my brother's presence meant that despite Chris having been here for the past almost 3 hours, I still hadn't kissed him.

It's not like I didn't want to - my entire body was screaming for me to get closer - but my brother kept hovering around us and I just felt sort of.. weird.

We're finishing up dinner when Will turns to me and says, "I guess this means you won't be coming tomorrow, then?"

I glance quickly at Chris, who furrows his brows at me, before looking back at my brother, "No, I guess not. I'm sorry Will, tell her I'll make it up to her soon."

"What's tomorrow?" Chris asks, making both Will and I look at him.

"It's my niece's birthday," I say as I take a sip of my water, "She's turning four."

"Yeah," Will says with a small smile, "Her actual birthday was two weeks ago but we moved the party to this weekend because she didn't want to have it without her Auntie Ames."

I sigh inwardly as soon as he says it.

God damn you Will.

I don't even have to look at Chris to know how he's going to react.

"What?" Chris responds, frowning at Will before turning to me, "You're not going to go?"

I shrug slightly as I look at him, "I mean, no. Not now that you're here. I can't let you stay home alone all day when you came all this way to see me. And besides, I want to spend time with you."

I take another sip of water as I try to play it off, not wanting him to feel guilty that I now need to miss the party.

"Why can't I come?"

I practically choke on my water as my eyes widen, looking at him in shock.

I quickly swallow it down before hesitantly asking, "You... You want to come?"

He shrugs as he casually says, "Sure, I'd love to. I've told you before that I want to meet your family, a birthday would be the perfect time."

I quickly look over at Will, whose expression is equally as surprised as my own when he looks between Chris and I.

"I mean.. You could, if you want to. We have space," Will says, rather hesitantly, glancing at me.

Chris turns to me as well, and they're both just looking at me while they wait for my response. I give a short nod as I look at Chris, "Okay, yeah. We can go, as long as you're really sure about meeting my family.."

"Great!" Chris quickly says, grinning at me, "And don't worry, I can't wait to meet everyone."

I groan as I put my head in my hands, "Oh god, mom is going to be a total fucking nightmare!"

I hear Will chuckle as I keep my face hidden and it makes me want to smack him over the head.

But when he says his next words, I actually almost do it.

"I don't think mom is the one you should be worried about. Dad is going to rip this guy a new one."

"I'll see you tomorrow, sis," Will says with a smile as he hugs me goodbye, glancing over my shoulder to wave at Chris, "Both of you."

I smile and nod before closing the door behind him as he leaves.

When I walk back into the kitchen, the first thing I spot is Chris cleaning off the dishes before placing them in the dish washer.

I cross my arms over my chest as I lean on the door frame, smirking at him, "No one should look that good while doing the dishes."

Chris chuckles as he glances at me over his shoulder before he turns his attention back to the plates in the sink, "Just figured I'd help out since you made the food."

I nod and hum, walking over to him before I wrap my arms around his waist and press myself up against his back, "Thank you, that's sweet of you."

"You're welcome," he replies as I lean my cheek on the back of his shoulder.

Once he finishes with the dishes, he turns around in my arms, and I quickly slide my hands up his back as I smile up at him, "Hi."

"Hey," he says with a warm smile, his hand moving up to cup my cheek, "Missed you."

"Missed you more," I whisper before I lean up on my tiptoes to plant a chaste kiss on his lips.

I'm about to pull back when his arm snakes around my waist, pulling me closer to him as his hand slides back from my cheek to curl in my hair.

He deepens the kiss, his lips moving against mine slowly but firmly as a small groan bubbles up in his chest.

His hand travels down to the side of my neck, curling around it to hold me steady as his tongue swipes over my bottom lip.

I part my lips for him and he doesn't skip a beat, his tongue instantly finding mine, making me moan into his mouth.

He groans again at the sound, his hand wandering down my neck to my collarbone, and then I hear him grunt appreciatively when his fingers work their way over my clavicle.

He pulls away slightly, his forehead resting against mine as he looks down. His fingers find the gold chain around my neck and he pulls it out from under my shirt as he whispers, "You're wearing it."

I smile softly as I look at his face, but his eyes are locked on the gold pendant as I speak, "Of course I am."

His fingers gently caress the chain, working their way down to the round pendant before his eyes meet mine again, "It looks good on you. Better than it does on me."

I snort, "That's a lie. Everything looks better on you."

He chuckles, shaking his head before he places a gentle kiss on my nose, my cheek, and then my lips, mumbling against them, "You just have no idea of the power you hold, do you?"

My hands slide around his waist and up his chest to his shoulders, and then through his hair as I whisper, "No. Why don't you tell me?"

His lips lift into a smirk as his eyes stay locked on mine, "I'm on my knees for you."

I quirk a brow, matching the smirk on his face as I teasingly say, "Really? I can't tell."

He smiles mischievously before he pulls back, and then he holds eye contact as he slowly bends down until he's on his knees in front of me.

My hands stay in his hair, pushing it out of his face as I run my fingers through it while he looks up at me.

"How about now?"

I giggle and nod, "Yeah, okay, I see it now."

"Good," he hums, his hands trailing down the sides of my body slowly.

His touch sets me on fire, ignites a feeling that I've missed this past week.

His fingers trail over my waist, my hips and then down my legs, his eyes following where they go.

Then I feel his warm palms traveling back up over the sides of my legs, to my thighs, working their way under the skirt I'm wearing.

My breath hitches when I feel his fingers hook in the waistband of my panties, and he hums as he slowly pulls them down my legs, murmuring, "I've missed you so much.."

I can feel my heart beating in my chest as I watch his face, and when he looks back up at me his eyes are a different color than before.

They're darker now, his pupils blown so wide that there's only a small ring of blue surrounding them.

I keep running my fingers through his hair as I whisper, "Missed you more."

"Not possible," he whispers, his fingers sliding my panties down my legs until they drop on the floor. Then his hands trail back up my legs as he says, "Need a taste, pretty girl. Will you let daddy taste you?"

I whimper at his words, his hands sliding my skirt up my thighs but pausing when he reaches my hips. He waits for my answer, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip as he looks up at me.

"Yes," I breathe out, nodding, "Please daddy."

"Good girl," he hums, pushing the skirt up over my hips and ass.

He groans when I'm exposed to him, his hand sliding down over the back of my thigh before he swiftly lifts it up, placing it over his shoulder.

"Wet already," he whispers, lifting a hand up to swipe a finger through my folds, "Guess you really did miss your daddy."

I can feel the excitement pulsing through me when I watch him guide his finger, wet with my arousal, up to his lips.

He moans when he wraps his lips around it, tasting me, and when his hands slide up my thighs again to grab my ass, he whispers, "Hold on tight, baby. Daddy can't be gentle today."

And then he pulls me forward, burying his face in my glistening heat.

I moan loudly when Chris dives in like a man starved.

His tongue works over my folds, lapping at my juices, and his beard is scratching my inner thighs with every move he makes.

I fist my hands in his hair, holding on for dear life as he eats me out, and his hand wraps over my thigh to hold me steady against him when I almost loose balance at the intrusion.

He licks his way upwards, his tongue flicking my clit a few times and making me squeal, before he moves down to my weeping hole. When his tongue swirls around my pussy before dipping inside it, I moan out loudly, bucking my hips into his face.

He grunts, his hand clamping down firmer as his other hand moves to my hip, his fingers digging into my skin.

"Oh god!" I moan when he starts thrusting his tongue into me, his hand on my hip guiding me to grind against his face.

I do as instructed, grinding my hips in tune with his motions and I whine when I feel his nose nudging against my clit.

He moans against my pussy, the sound loud and sinful, and then he licks a long stripe up until he reaches my clit.

His tongue flicks and toys with it as he groans, his beard scratching me deliciously, making me see stars quickly.

Then he pulls me closer to him, absolutely devouring me when his lips wrap around my clit and he starts sucking and flicking, and my heel digs into his back as I cry out.

As soon as he starts entering a finger inside me, I come undone.

A wanton moan leaves my lips, loud and uncontrollable, and my legs tremble as he continues his ministrations while the orgasm rips through me.

My fingers are tugging on his hair, my pussy grinding over his face as I ride it out, my mind completely blissed out and overwhelmed as my juices covers his face.

He moans loudly, lapping up everything I give him greedily, and he doesn't stop his movements until I start whimpering from the overstimulation.

He gives my clit a few more licks before he slowly pulls away, kissing my inner thigh gently while I tremble in his hold.

Then he hums again, licking his lips and dragging his hand over his beard as he helps me place my foot back on the ground.

When he notices me standing on wobbly legs, he quickly stands up to keep me steady.

"Don't worry baby," he whispers as he places both hands on my ass, "I've got you."

Then he pulls me up and I go with the motions, my body feeling spent and pliant in his arms when I wrap my legs around his waist.

He carries me into the bedroom, my head resting on his shoulder as my mind drifts into that familiar space of fuzzy and hazy.

He gently places me down on the bed and I hum contentedly as I close my eyes. I reach my hands out for him, whining when I don't feel him close.

"One sec, bug," he says in response, "Just gotta get out of these clothes."

I can hear him rustling around, the unmistakeable sound of his belt clinking and zipper going down. I start lazily pulling and pushing at my clothes to get them off, my hazy mind making the task seem almost impossible, but eventually, I get it done.

When I feel the bed dipping around me, I blink a few times, a beautiful sight before me as I open my eyes.

Chris is hovering above me, a warm smile adoring his face as he looks at me, and I reach my hand up to cup his cheek, my fingers brushing over his beard.

"Hi," I whisper giggle, my mind still hazy from the orgasm as it hurdles into that familiar, fuzzy space.

"Hi baby," he replies with a soft chuckle, his hands trailing over my naked skin as he leans back on his haunches, "You feel good?"

"Mmhmm," I say with a giddy smile as I nod, "Feel real good."

He chuckles again, his large warm palms sliding up my thighs and gently spreading them as he places himself between them, "That's good, honey."

His hands trail up and down my thighs comfortingly and I can feel his cock poking at my inner thigh but he doesn't move, he just stays between my legs as he looks down at me.

"Daddy always makes me feel good," I say with a smile as I look up at him, "Want more, please."

"More of what?" He asks with a teasing smirk, his fingers lightly grazing my labia as they trail over my skin, touching me teasingly.

I whine and pout, "You, daddy. Want more of you."

"Oh come on now, you can do better than that," Chris says as his hand trails up my stomach, "Use your words baby."

I whine again, squirming slightly as I push my bottom lip out even further.

That only makes his expression turn hard, his voice stern as he says, "Stop acting like a brat and use your words honey, it's not that hard."

I whine again, reaching my hands out for him but he pulls back slightly as he tuts, "Daddy was gone for less than a week and you've already turned into a complete brat, huh?"

I frown up at him, ensuring I stay quiet but keeping the pout on my face.

He chuckles and shakes his head, muttering under his breath, "If you keep testing me like this I'm not going to be nice, pretty girl."

His hands wrap around the back of my thighs before he pushes them up, practically folding me in half. I feel hazy and tingly all over, watching his movements while I melt into the mattress at the action.

He breaks eye contact, glancing down at my soaked core, now completely exposed to him because of my spread thighs being pushed back.

"Fuck," he groans lowly, his eyes locked on my glistening sex before he looks back up at me, "Hold your thighs back for me baby, need to feel this pretty pussy. Missed it too much to wait any longer."

I immediately comply, my hands grabbing onto my thighs to keep me exposed to him.

His hand moves down, grabbing the thick base of his cock before he starts rubbing the length of it between my folds, soaking it in my arousal.

"God damn," he grunts, watching the head of his cock slide up to nudge my clit before moving back down between my folds again, "Such a pretty little cunt, and it's all fucking mine. You feel how wet you are, baby? It's like you need my cock, huh?"

He looks back up at my face and I can practically feel tears brimming my eyes as I nod, the need to feel him is overwhelming. I squirm a little, bucking my hips up against him, and when the tip of his cock pushes against my clit again, I can't hold back the whiny sound that bubbles up my throat.

The sharp sound of his palm landing harshly with a smack on my thigh resonates in the room.

"Stop whining you little brat, daddy's here now and he's not afraid to punish you for misbehaving. If you want me to take care of you, you gotta be good. You know that," he says sternly as he looks at me pointedly and his patronizing tone along with the delicious sting on my skin makes me clench around nothing.

I decide I can no longer take this torture.

I try to clear my mind as best I can, managing to whimper quietly as I look up at him with pleading eyes, "Daddy, please. Need to feel you, I need your cock. Missed you so much. Please."

His expression changes at my words, his stern look now turning into a softer, more loving one as he coos, "There she is, that's my good girl. You know all you have to do to get what you want is be good for me."

I gasp when I suddenly feel the bulbous head of his cock at my entrance, pushing inside me at an agonizingly slow pace.

I feel the burn of the stretch immediately, making me hitch my breath. It's painful but also delicious, reminding my body that despite only having been away from each other for less than a week, I've missed him so fucking much.

He groans loudly as he moves inside me, his teeth gritted when he hisses, "Shit, so tight baby, it's like I barely fit. God, look at that," he moans, watching his cock sink into me, "Look how I'm stretching you out, fuck that's beautiful. You're just so good for me, taking all of me like my own little toy, made for my cock."

I moan out a yes, feeling how I stretch around him and it's exquisite and addictive. He bends down, pressing my thighs further apart as he leans his heavy weight on top of me, his lips taking mine in a messy kiss.

I squeak into his mouth when I feel him bottom out, his large, throbbing cock sheathed inside me, and as soon as his weight holds back my thighs, I let go of them to wrap my arms over his shoulders.

I pull him closer, deepening the kiss, and he groans into my mouth when he slowly starts pulling his hips back before sliding back home again.

The feeling sends a spark through my body, and I moan in tune with his slow thrusts as he starts pumping into me.

"God I've missed you," he moans when he pulls away from the kiss, burying his face in my neck, "Missed you so fucking much I could barely stand it."

"Missed you too," I whimper, gasping a little for air when I feel his cock hit my cervix, "So, so much."

He grunts against my neck, his teeth biting into my sensitive skin as he starts sucking on it. His hips pick up pace and I moan loudly when he starts fucking me faster.

I can feel him so deep inside me at this angle, hitting my cervix with every smooth stroke of his cock, making me keen as I'm trapped under him, completely at his mercy.

His arms are caging me in, his heavy body pushing me into the mattress, his teeth and lips sucking on my neck as he starts rutting into me, growling like an animal.

And it fuels the fire burning inside me.

"Mine," he growls into my ear, his cock spearing into me when he pushes inside deeper, his thrusts harder, "Mine, mine, mine."

I can feel him everywhere. Smothering me from the inside out, enveloping my entire being.

He's so deep inside me, every push and pull of his cock is making my body tremble, like a blue flame licking up my spine.

My moans and whimpers get louder, more high pitched, and I feel myself slipping away as the orgasm slowly builds.

His words doesn't help, either. They only bring me closer, yet further away at the same time, like I'm floating away on a fuzzy cloud but he's still wrapped around me, keeping me safe.

"Fuck, feel how deep I am baby? Feel my cock deep inside you?" he coos, his beard tickling my neck and cheek, his hot breath against my ear.

I nod and whine, my nails digging into his back at the feeling.

"Yeah?" He groans, but his words quickly turn into a growl when he says, "Tell me. Tell me how deep I am inside this perfect little cunt."

He punctuates his words with a few hard thrust, making me gasp for air as I ramble out, "S-so deep, daddy, ohgod, so big, so deep inside me."

"That's right," he moans deeply, his face nuzzling into the crook of my neck as he inhales deeply, his beard scratching my skin. "That's right, that's your daddy so deep inside, ruining this sweet little pussy. Gonna ruin it for anyone else, hm? No one else could ever fit this well inside you."

I sob when he stops to grind into me, his cock hitting me deep and damn near knocking the breath from my longs.

Then he suddenly starts rutting into me again, his thrust hard and fast, and I can hear his deep moans in my ear, making me feel euphoric.

"Love you," he whispers in my ear, and it makes my stomach flutter along with my pussy, my skin buzzing from the feeling inside.

I want to respond but only manage to whimper out a pathetic luh you, but its enough.

He kisses his way up my neck, over my jaw and then to my lips, whispering against them, "Need you to come for me baby, daddy missed how beautiful you look when you come for him."

I feel breathless as I open my eyes to look at him, but his are soft and gentle, not at all in tune with his now brutal thrusts.

I can feel it building, like an ember thats slowly catching fire, and I'm so close to-

"Be my good little slut and come for me right now. Soak my fucking cock, come for me. Now."

The order triggers it. I wail brokenly when my orgasm bubbles up, ripping through me in such an overwhelming way, its almost painful. I tremble under him, his weight holding me down, his heavy moans and grunts in my ear.

"Fuck!" He shouts when my juices squirt out around his cock, "Fuck, yes! That's it, such a good girl, such a good fucking girl, god."

His face moves back to my neck, his cock now going even deeper than before, his hips meeting mine with every hard thrust, and I can hear his moans get higher as his hips stutters.

I'm still coming around him, my pussy clenching around his cock uncontrollably, and when another orgasm powers through me, he whimpers in my ear.

"Ah!" He cries out, and the next thing I feel is his teeth biting into my neck, a muffled growl as he releases himself into me, his warmth filling me up.

He slows his hips but doesn't still them, continuing to fuck me in slow, languid strokes as he pants in my ear.

"Yeah, take it," he whispers, sloppily pumping into me. "Oh god baby, fuck, I can't stop," he grunts, "Gonna fill you up with my cum, yeah?"

I can't respond. My mind is overwhelmed, making me unable to do anything but babble incoherently as the pleasure keeps me fuzzy and compliant.

He chuckles breathlessly as he grinds his hips into mine, "You can't answer? Aw baby, you're so cute when you go dumb for my cock. You just lie there and take it while daddy puts his cum as deep inside you as he can, gotta make sure I claim what's mine."

And then he leans down, kissing me deeply as he keeps his cock buried inside me.

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@jamerlynn

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smolcobie · 3 years

Text

Juyeon | Exciting Kiss

↪ Summary: Juyeon shows you what’s an exciting kiss feels like.

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: Suggestive | Making Out | Female Reader | Fluffy

The soft music of the elevator filled the empty space that seemed to only increase their tension there. Juyeon was propped up on the elevator rail while watching you play with the knots of the blue blouse you were wearing.

He took advantage of the occasion to get a better look at you. "She's hot." It was the conclusion that Juyeon came when he saw your black hair falling on your shoulder, the bangs that adorned your sculpted face, your long and shiny brown legs.

You didn't know how to express the way you were feeling. You met Juyeon through tinder, trying to find someone who could help your problems with boys.

Since a cute guy from your class asked you on a date, you felt your head spinning. You didn't know how to kiss or even talk to a guy. That's why you agreed to meet Juyeon, who was coincidentally from the same college as yours.

You texted for a few days until he decided to help you. He gave the offer and you couldn't deny it. He was so charismatic and charming that you accepted the moment he asked for you to come to his house. So now you are in his building, with absolute silence in the elevator.

He came out of the trance when he heard the sound of the elevator opening its doors, indicating that you two finally reached the designed floor. Juyeon got out first taking his key while you followed him from behind.

"Don't mind the mess, I just arrived from a trip 2 days ago." Juyeon commented laughing as he opened the door and revealed the interior of his wonderful home.

"This is what you call a mess?" You laughed "Your house is amazing!"

"Thanks, I always liked clean furniture." He gave a heated laugh walking to the kitchen counter "Do you want something to drink?"

"Only one cup of water is fine." You sat on the large sofa that was extremely soft. You ran your hand over the material, it looked like it was velvet.

'Rich people stuff...' You thought analyzing every detail of the place.

"Here." Your thoughts were interrupted by the deep voice of the boy who sat beside you handing over the glass.

"Thanks." You drank the glass in 5 seconds. It looked like you'd never seen water in your life.

"Were you this thirsty?" He laughed taking the empty glass from you who was nervously holding the hem of your skirt "If you want more, I can get for you." He gently said.

"No need..." You gave an embarrassed laugh "It's just that I'm nervous."

"Why?" He looked at you with curiosity "I told you that I’ll help you."

"It's because I'm embarrassed, you know..." You sighed, leaning your head on the upholstery behind you "It’s just that I'm so pitiful because I can't even talk to a boy... That's why I accepted your offer."

"This is more normal than you think, you don't have to feel pressured about it." He smiled before leaving the glass on the center table of the room "If that consoles you, on my first blind date I accidentally spilled all the ketchup sauce on the girl."

You laughed and covered your mouth as the boy smiled.

"I know, I know. It's very funny now, but at the time she cursed me a lot." He was in a good mood "I'm sorry, I didn't want to laugh, but I imagined the whole scene." You laughed as the boy looked at your shamelessly.

"So... tell me about you." His gaze penetrated to the very last dermis of your skin "Why someone as nice as you single?"

"Well... I don't know." You looked away for a second when you felt your cheeks warming up "I don't have a right answer for that, but I don't think I know how to deal with boys, especially the handsome ones."

"I see..." Juyeon seemed to be interested in everything you said "A boy invited you for a date and you're afraid to miss this chance, right?"

"Yes... well, it's not like he's my soulmate, but I'd like to know that I have one chance, at least, with a boy without screwing it up."

Juyeon watched how your lips moved, the way you fixed your glasses... It seemed to be easier than he thought because he couldn't imagine a universe in which a guy wouldn't like a girl, nice and innocent up to that point.

"Got it." Juyeon approached you slightly, removing your glasses putting them on the table "So, do you want to start now?" He gave a sweet smile after wetting his lips quickly with his tongue "I've got nothing to do now. I'm free to do whatever you wanna do."

You froze, felt your throat close, and your heart puncture with the boy's phrase. ‘How can he be so direct like that?’ You thought smiling embarrassedly.

"Look, I don't mean to force you to do anything." Juyeon soon realized how nervous you were "The last word is yours, I'm just here to help you with whatever you want."

"Okay, yes, I want to." You spoke with the rest of the courage you had, looking into the boy's black eyes.

He just gave a little laugh through his nose before approaching you as if he was studying your every action.

"Are you sure?" He asked again, receiving only an answering nod.

He smiled to himself before touching your neck with his right palm. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes as if you were afraid to see what would happen there.

Juyeon approached his face by pressing his nose against yours. He realized how tense you were and stepped back a little so he could go more slowly.

"Don't think about it too much, just... relax and let it happen." He stroked your cheek so that he could calm you down. "If you think too much about it, you can't do it."

"Okay." You sighed, took a deep breath trying to calm yourself as you felt Juyeon's fingers trail along the side of your neck, while he gave a shy kiss on your jaw.

When he felt that you relaxed a little more, he dragged his lips from your jaw to the corner of your mouth. He opened his eyes quickly to see your reaction and then smiled at the sight of your pink cheeks, eyes closed tightly and your hands squeezing his shirt.

"Have you ever kissed before?" He asked as he gently kissed your cheek and caressed your neck.

"Yes, but..." You were interrupted when you felt the boy's arm pulling around your waist.

"But?" Juyeon asked you who opened your eyes slightly to face the boy staring at your figure.

"It wasn't an incredible experience, you know?" You looked away. "Like it was just... bland kisses, it wasn't exciting."

"Hum..." Juyeon thought for a moment before whispering in your ear "Do you want an exciting kiss?" His raspy voice made a shiver ran down your spine the moment you heard the boy's thick voice so close to you.

"If you know how to do this, then yes." You spoke comically, trying to mask your nervousness.

"You really don't know me." He laughed through his nose smirking before facing you again.

He looked at your lips and ran his thumb there wanting to feel the texture. You couldn't stand the boy's stare and closed your eyes again trying to calm down.

Wasting no more time, he pecked you. He saw how red you was, so he tried again.

And again, again and again.

More and more he stayed a little longer. He felt your soft lips against him, getting used to your taste.

He in no time approached your body, pushing your body backward making your back hit on the soft couch.

You opened your eyes nervously but soon calmed down when you saw Juyeon fix the little strands of your hair that were spread all over your face.

"Relax, today we're just going to kiss." He said before bending down and fitting his face to your neck.

You felt butterflies arise deep down in your stomach as you wondered 'What did he mean by only 'today'? What could happen in the future?’ But soon your thoughts were dispelled when you felt his lips again.

This time with more strength, more intensity, and more desire. You’re tall, but when you felt Juyeon's tall body on top of yours, you felt small for the first time in your life.

You felt bold and put your arms around the boy's neck, pulling him close. He hugged your waist and tightened it even more as he distributed kisses over your collarbone.

You sank your fingers into the boy's hair, who smiled. He came over and gave one last kiss, slow and deep as if he wanted to reward you for being so patient and cute.

You could feel the taste of his tongue sighing into his mouth and shivered when he gave a little moan.

Juyeon slowed down and gave quick pecks before facing you who was all red and with marked lips.

"Did you like it, beautiful?" Juyeon questioned while you tried to calm down your own breathing.

"Yes." You replied shyly, smiling before feeling the boy's lips on the corner of your neck.

“Are you hungry? I can order something if you want.” Juyeon asked while silently hoping you wouldn't realize how much he enjoyed being this intimate with you.

"I'm fine, but if you want to, you can order something." You replied but your insides actually wanted to continue the brief actions they were doing just a few moments ago.

"Okay then, I'm going to order pizza and you can tell me more about yourself." Juyeon reluctantly got up from the couch before giving you another peck and smiling broadly "I want to know everything about you."

"I'll only tell you if you tell me about yourself too." You stood up, fixing your clothes and hair.

"So we have a deal." Juyeon replied before going after his cell phone and calling the pizzeria.

At that moment, you knew this was a terrible idea. Because you'd enjoyed kissing Juyeon more than you should have.

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