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rubywonu · 8 months

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𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲

“in your heart, i will light a flame.”

summary: in which you fell in love with the most infuriatingly handsome person you knew, joshua hong.

pairing: joshua hong x fem!reader

genre: he falls first and harder, royal!au, childhood enemies to lovers.

warnings: mentions of big crowds, alcohol, kinda rushed at the ending.

w/c: 1.7k

nia’s notes: this is for the caratsland event on seventeen songs, im so excited to be apart of this. (@fairyhaos this one is for you)

the esmerald gala. the biggest ball in history. it was held by the royal family of esmerald, which you happened to be a part of. you were the heir to the throne and this year's gala was a set up for you to find your husband.

every man above the age of 23 and below the age of 40 was a candidate for you, apart from one man. joshua hong, the prince of catheral, your parent's best friend's son.

you glanced around from the top of the staircase making sure that no one could see you. the ballroom was filled with important people and their partners.

you were startled a bit when your bodyguard crept up behind you. "it is time, your highness."

you stepped back and went to your position, trying to calm your nerves. taking deep breaths was all you did until you heard the guard announcing your entrance. "princess yn esmerald, heir to the throne."

a magnificent orchestra played in the background as you gracefully walked down the stairs. your eyes darted around the room, trying to find a familiar face to talk to and then you caught the eye of the person you were planning to avoid the whole day.

the whiskey-coloured eyes that displayed authority devoured you. a small smirk made it on his face and he raised his champagne glass, the annoyingly hot smile still plastered to his face.

you broke off the eye contact and tried to refrain the act of rolling your eyes as you reached the base of the stairs. people already rushed up to talk to you or to sneak a glimpse of the heir to the throne.

almost immediately you were thrown into conversations with political authorities or kings and queens of other kingdoms. it would be like this until your parents' entrance would be announced, which you assumed would be quite a while.

you shook hands and people brought you hugs. just as you were about to start another conversation with a very boring minister, the familiar orchestra played after the guard announced your parents' arrival.

the duo walked down the stairs, waving their hands and smiling at everyone. no wonder your parents were the most loved rulers of the country. hand in hand, your parents were thrown into more conversations and hugs than you were brought into.

and you were finally left alone. quickly you gathered your ball gown and you made it outside to your favourite place in the whole palace. your balcony. it offered a scenic view of the capital city of your country and you often found comfort in it.

"yn esmerald. fancy seeing you here." the agitating voice cursed your silence and you closed your eyes in irritation. you turned around, not even bothered to smile.

"joshua hong. pleasure is all yours." joshua dipped his head down to try to hide his growing smile.

joshua wore a perfectly fitting white silk shirt and a black fur coat. his hair slicked back and a few strands falling out. if he wasn't as frustrating to be with, you were sure you would have asked him out.

once again, the two of you held eye contact. and it felt like it was only the two of you in the whole world. the sound drained out and the surroundings faded away. the mischievous glint in joshua's eyes trapped you and you found yourself wanting to explore it. something you should not feel started to flow throughout your body. intrigue.

you snapped out of the inviting gaze when a waiter offered the both of you another glass of champagne, which you took with no hesitation. you realized you would need some alcohol in your body if you were dealing with joshua.

"so, what are you doing here?" you raised an eyebrow at his question. "i mean, what are doing out here instead of your party?"

you scoffed. "it's hardly a party." you looked back at the view. "needed some air, and this seemed like the best place to do that. i can sense you came out here to do the same."

instead of answering, joshua nodded while mimicking your position near the railing of the balcony. the silence once again enveloped the atmosphere and for a second you found yourself wanting to break it.

joshua was entranced by your behavior. ever since the first ball he had attended, you were the diamond in his eyes. the way your eyes crinkled when you smiled or your heavy esmerald accent left joshua wanting to experience them first hand. he wanted to be the reason you smile and the reason you speak with a unique tone.

your banter started with a small competitive behavior initiated by you. and joshua being the lovesick puppy he is, continued the banter to make you satisfied.

he would love to see the deep red flush that would spread across your neck and face when he would subtly flirt with you. he'd love to make a reaction come out of you. especially when he would ask you for your hand in marriage. ever since he was 10, joshua asked you out every ball and you declined each year. but this was the year you would shock him.

the both of you were disturbed by the loud sound of the bell back in the hall.

"the dance is about to start, let's go." by the time joshua registered what you said, you were already way ahead of him and he rushed to your side, the familiar scent of honey and vanilla inviting him.

the both of you made it into the hall at the correct time and the kind and queen of esmerald were dancing to kick off the event. soon later the monarchs of all the kingdoms present there were at the centre. and then it was time for the others to dance.

you and joshua walked on the opposite side of the hall, meeting worthy candidates for the first dance. the first dance was very important to the ceremony, especially since now you were supposed to find a man to marry. the tradition was the person who you danced with first was the person you chose to marry. you had to accept the dance proposal first and that didn’t prove to be an easy task.

throughout the search, you and joshua sneaked glances at each other. it felt like you were little children sneaking glances at their crushes. you liked joshua and joshua liked you. the whole world knew that only the both of you didn't realize it.

once again, you looked up to sneak a look at joshua only to find him out of your sight. you furrowed your eyebrows as you looked around the area to search for him. completely disregarding the balding man in front of you who had tried to ask you to dance.

just as you were about to walk away, you felt a hand come in contact with your wrist. you were spun around, your ball gown fluffing around you. your other hand was placed on the person's chest as support.

you looked up and the blush took over your face. seeing that joshua smirked, internally partying because he made that reaction. your eyes were wide with shock and your heartbeat was so fast that you were sure everyone at the whole ball could hear it. "what do you think you're doing?"

"taking you to go dance." joshua's response was simple. his deep voice sent shivers down your back and he leaned forward to your ear. "do you have any objections?"

you were rendered speechless. your mouth went dry and anything you wanted to say left your mouth. "shouldn't you ask me first?" you were finally able to get something out of your mouth but it was still weak and quiet.

"well, then." joshua pulled away from your body and you immediately missed the warmth. joshua grabbed your hand and bent down a little. "princess yn, will you take the honors and dance with me."

you tried to hide your smile on your face but failed miserably. "if this your idea of a marriage proposal, hong, i will leave you.” you were going to marry joshua hong. the both of you knew that.

you and joshua walked towards the center of the ballroom and your partnership invited whispers and gasps from the crowd. from the corner of your eyes, you saw your parents and they nodded with small smiles on their faces, clearly happy with your choice.

the sensual trumpet in the background was the only sound that you heard, neither of you heard the hushed whispers between the guests and you didn't see the envious glances that were shared and they didn't matter.

all the uncertain feelings were understandable now. you didn't like him, oh no, you loved joshua hong.

joshua's heart fluttered when your cold eyes melted to a gaze filled what adoration and curiosity. he waited for this moment for a long long time and it felt more perfect than he ever dreamed of.

his heart was burning with the passionate flame that was you. joshua looked at you like you were the person who had created the universe.

once again, joshua moved closer to your ear. "in your heart, i'll light a flame." he made eye contact. "just like you did in mine."

"there's no need." you grabbed the nape of his neck gently. "you've already blazed upon my heart." you smiled at joshua who was speechless.

"i thought you hated me," joshua asked you. he knew the answer but he loved to tease you.

"hate is such a strong word. isn't it?" your response was expected by joshua, the bright red colouring and the shivering.

neither of you realized how passionate your love would be. and all it took was to light a flame.

tagging: @kflixnet . @caratsland . @pixieskie . @xomingyu . @bangchansbae .

#nia's writing!#caratsland #kflixnet #joshua smut #seventeen smut #joshua fluff #seventeen fluff #joshua imagines #seventeen imagines #joshua scenarios #seventeen scenarios #joshua hong

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devilfic · 8 days

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girl. the honeymoon series. LIVING FOR IT. this is a really like loose request, but could you do like a charity event night? not really sure what to happen but the thought of having to reallllly sell the whole marriage thing to everyone at the event is just quite interesting. thriving rn

❝honeymoon❞

IV. sugar-coating.

parts: previously plot: an ex corners you, bringing up bad memories. bruce offers you super illegal catharsis. pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x gn!reader. cw: arranged marriage, friends to enemies to (fake) lovers, implied history between reader and bruce, angst, eventual fluff, reader has a scummy ex, bruce is allowed to be a little bit chaotic as a treat and so are you. words: 2.8k.

"So. Wayne, huh? How's that going for you?"

You laugh behind your glass, feigning innocence with a light and fluttery "What do you mean?"

Coulson is a family friend, as much yours as he is Bruce's, and even though he's the competition, he treats you and Bruce with as much respect as you could hope for in your line of work. Bonds formed in boarding school tended not to break easily, "It's just... gotta wonder what you did to make it up to him. Last I checked, you didn't even exist to him."

You swallow your champagne, just for something better to do than flinching, "Yeah, well, he found it in his heart to hear me out. Love like that doesn't really go away."

Coulson's eyes narrow for a second. He doesn't fully believe you. In an attempt to steer toward calmer waters, he elbows you in the side, "Must've learned some impressive tricks if it got that skirt-chaser to commit." But calmer didn't mean desirable.

You really don't want to discuss what you and Bruce (don't) do in the bedroom right now, so you steer the conversation a different direction, "And how is your new girlfriend, Coulson?"

He has a lot to say about her. A violinist in the Gotham City Orchestra with two degrees and a tour coming up later this year. He tells you he'll send you and Bruce tickets, tells you that one of the tour dates is in Spain and it will line up with your anniversary next year. The mention of your anniversary makes your stomach knot up a bit; the wedding was still weeks away, and you'd only just gotten on decent speaking terms with Bruce.

If anyone here knew how thin your marriage's facade was, it would be more than an embarrassment. Your mother would waterboard you in your own blood and tears.

It helped that most people didn't have a clue. Sure, there was gossip and the occasional rumor, but it was all for "fun". It never went anywhere, and any whisper that got too big for its britches could be easily stamped out with a little effort.

But Coulson? He was a friend. He'd known you a long time. If anyone were to put weight to a rumor about you and Bruce, it would be him. Which is why you couldn't let him figure you out.

"...For a while there, I swore you and Bruce weren't on speaking terms at all." Your ears catch the last bit of Coulson's rambling, right as he settles into a silent, knowing smile. "Care to catch me up on the rekindling?"

Well, you see, there's this little thing called blackmail- "When the board appointed me as acting CEO, I felt it time to reach out and make amends. It'd been years since we'd even talked, and with him so busy with his projects, we never really saw each other either. I was surprised that he even had the time, so we met up and just talked. About everything. About the company, about his work, about... what happened. It was a little while after the flood, so it just sort of lined up at the right time."

Coulson nods, impressed and seemingly unaware you'd just pulled that out of your ass, "Damn. Near-death experiences really do wonders for the heart. And now you have a wedding coming up." He catches it before you do, the micro-expression of discomfort. You swear his smile gets bigger, "What's that? Don't tell me there's trouble in paradise already?"

"No, sorry. Not trouble. Just stress. Lots of wedding planning and company business at once. I was kind of hoping to get away from it all here, focus my efforts on alleviating others' stresses." You tip your glass in the direction of the giant banner at the entrance that reads, "Hope For Homes: Housing Gotham's Youth One Helping Hand at a Time".

Coulson doesn't take his eyes off you for a second, "Had I known you were ready to settle down, I wouldn't have let Bruce beat me to it."

“I’m sorry?”

Your friend's smile doesn't waver. You feel a chill settling in your chest, a warning that he’d taken control again. You try to casually scan the crowd for Bruce but you find him in deep discussion with some business partners and your stomach twists. He’s turned, he can’t see you. You can’t call for help.

“Ah, you know,” Coulson steps forward, a friendly distance to anyone else, “saw you and Brucie together and just got to thinking about us. You remember, don’t you?” You keep a solid expression, much to his amusement, “Or was I just a step on the ladder too?”

It’s supposed to be a joke. You ought to laugh it off. You do, stiffly, pressing your sweating glass to your inner wrist to ground yourself, “We were… 17. Weren’t we?”

“The first time, yeah.”

“How could I forget?”

“You did always like Bruce better.” Coulson comes closer. He’s close enough now that anyone would think you were just two childhood friends gossiping, reminiscing on your youth and laughing all about it. Coulson keeps up a pretty smile even as your heartbeat accelerates, “Always worried about him. Always running after him. He didn’t even give you the time of day.”

You keep smiling, “He was angry. I understood-“

“Bullshit,” and he says this so loud that a few people turn and look, but with such a joyful expression that they don’t look long, “you were obsessed with the guy! Couldn’t stand the idea of him knowing what you really are.”

Your blood curdles. You know you should correct him, but your jaw is locked tight.

"That's okay. Bruce is... fickle. One day he's in love with you, the next you're a bug on a windshield. You're no bug now, are you?"

Now he's pushing it. The hand that captures your chin is lightly scented with cardamom, what should smell pleasing and sexy and disabling. It should sweep you into familiar arms, whisk you off into a whirlwind affair that gets the whole party talking. It should spark controversy. It should make you excited to ruin your mother's plans.

Your heart pangs as you remember the look on Bruce's face. Standing in the hall, one hand on the door to the library, yours and your mother's faces illuminated in flickering candlelight. You must've looked like a monster to him the way he fled-

You grab his wrist and tug, peppering a laugh in as if this is all just one big joke, "Let go."

Coulson's eyes spark alight, "I like you the way you are. You know what you want."

"I am not a gold-digger."

"But you are. Even if mommy's pulling the strings, you like being pulled. Only someone with something to gain would play along."

He'd looked at you once like you'd hung the sun in the sky, and now you were the devourer of light. You had consumed it, put out its burning devotion in one fell swoop. And then nothing. As if you were nothing before and would never be anything after. You were nothing as he told you, in no uncertain terms-

"Coulson, let go."

"I wouldn't mind, you know. Brucie is too soft for you. My girlfriend, you know, love her to death, pretends she's not in it for the money. People like that? They come into our world and think that we don't see how it changes them. How they're driven by it just like the rest of us are. She thinks she has to prove to me that she's different. You don't have to. You're committed, I respect that. But it doesn't have to be Bruce."

Your hands tremble at your sides. Almost more than you've ever wanted anything in your life, you want to give him a shiner that would put you out of high society. Your dominant hand curls into a fist, delighted by the idea.

You go to bat off the hand that touches your hip, but when your skin meets theirs, you recognize it isn't Coulson's. You feel the coolness of their ring against your sweating palm and almost sag into it, "I leave you alone for one second, and vultures descend." Bruce places a cool, gentle kiss to your temple. His lips hover there as he turns ever so slightly towards your ex. Coulson releases your chin. "Coulson. How's Lydia?"

You shouldn't delight in the way Coulson tightens up as much as you do, "Bruce! Good to see you. She's fantastic. Tour starts later this year. You lovebirds should come."

"It's a shame she couldn't make it."

"Oh, you know how it is. I'm still in good company. Right?" Coulson turns to you, winks. His smile is rigid.

When others are around, Bruce would snap back into a Wayne: all propriety and good will. You take a look at his expression and it is unreadable. There's a faint smile there, but nothing else he gives away. He is studying Coulson quite intensely though. You don't think he's blinked in a minute.

His eyes flicker down in fake-bashfulness, "I should thank you for that. You know once the board starts talking numbers, they can't stop. Not even for a good cause." Coulson nods politely along, half-listening, "You did good seeking this one out instead. I'm sure you've heard more than enough about numbers after this past month."

It was a simple statement. Most of the people in this room had been spending their days stuffed into board meetings for the end of the fiscal quarter, talking about finance, watching the stock market, money and more money... but it was the bit at the end that did it.

Coulson's eye twitches just so. He hesitates on asking but just can't help himself, "How do you mean?"

Bruce's smile takes on a patronizing color, "Oh, the boys and I were just discussing... sorry, I thought... I assumed it was public knowledge by now, forgive me." He laughs, just a touch awkward enough that it looks like he didn't mean to say anything at all. Now Coulson's smile is falling.

Even you are curious.

Coulson crosses his arms, hugging himself, "It was... a minor error reallocating funds. Nothing more. It isn't public knowledge because it's been handled. Who told you about it?"

"Has it? Been handled, I mean."

You glance between the two of them. For the first time since he'd come over, Bruce looks back at you.

Coulson clears his throat, "It has. Anyone saying otherwise must not have anything better to talk about."

Bruce hums. His mouth falls from your temple to your cheek, placing another kiss there, then another behind your ear. The hand on your hip moves to close around your neck, holding you close so not a word slips out of the space between you and him, "Let's go."

You keep your eyes on Coulson's, watching the gentle flicker between annoyance and politeness. You throw in a giggle for good measure, "Sure thing."

Bruce peels back from you, acknowledging Coulson with little more than a nod, "Good seeing you, Coulson. I'd stick around longer but I think I'm gonna steal them home, if you don't mind."

"Not at all! I envy how much you two are obsessed with each other, truly." Coulson sips his champagne and in a bitter tone, shifts his focus to you, "Think on what I said, hm?"

The nerve.

Bruce is whisking you toward the front doors without giving you a moment to respond. He kisses you more, leans into you with an arm thrown around your shoulders and a giddy smile as he sets his barely-touched champagne on a waiter's tray.

It isn't until you two are outside by the curb that you break your silence, "Thank you."

Bruce doesn't fully acknowledge you with his body, even as his arm remains slung about you, helping keep the chill of the night off you. He sends off a message for your driver, "What for?"

That was right. You'd never actually gotten to talk to Bruce about Coulson, "He... he was questioning the marriage. Questioning if you were the right fit for me. Saying that maybe I'd be better off with someone who understands me," you grit the next part out, "the real me."

"And?"

You look at him. He's watching cars pass as your eyes prick with tears. "I don't think he understands me at all. He never did."

He appraises you out of the corner of his eye, "Could've told you that years ago."

"You wouldn't even give me the time of day four months ago."

You've got him there. You're shocked to find that he isn't annoyed, or defensive, or even ignoring you. He sucks his teeth and shrugs. Presses the bottom of his shoe into an old cigarette on the sidewalk, snuffing out a flame that had died a long time ago. "You were going to hit him. I saw you." You feel heat crawl up your neck as you remember. "I don't know what he said, but he would've deserved it."

"I... couldn't. You know I couldn't."

Bruce turns up his nose as if he's smelled something foul, "It would've felt good, though."

"Yes."

The two of you wait there, just wobbling in the wind, watching cars go by as music and chatter and people flutter out of the ballroom behind you. You don't know what you're waiting for, but you can indulge yourself once in a while. If Bruce wants to stand on the street with his arm around you doing nothing, then maybe you ought to take the time to do nothing.

A few minutes pass before Bruce releases you, nodding for you to follow him up the street. You do, even confused.

He stops right in front of a bright red convertible, a shiny and expensive thing, parked just far enough out of the way that the music is fainter here. "C'mere," Bruce instructs, walking around the front of the sports car, and you follow him, watching your step lest you fall prey to a puddle, "hold this."

He removes the handkerchief from his front suit pocket and lays it over your open palm, much to your bewilderment. Then, reaching into the inside of his jacket, he drops a batarang into your hand.

"Bruce-!" You instinctively close your hand around the thing to hide it, thankful that his handkerchief kept you from slicing your palm open, "what are you-"

"One tire is a spare. Two is a tow."

"Have you been drinking? Like actually?"

You're startled by the grin he gives you, "If we stand here all night, someone'll catch us."

You go to argue when you recognize something hanging from the car's rear view mirror. A pair of dingy, fuzzy dice. Dice you've seen before in older, just as expensive cars. This is Coulson's car.

You grab Bruce by the arm and turn him to you, "Are you insane?"

"It's better than punching him."

The batarang weighing in your hand feels a little lighter at that.

"Couldn’t stand the idea of him knowing what you really are.”

Who Coulson thought you were wouldn't slash the tires of a backup option. They'd be nice, wait it out, play the game for maximum benefit. Jump ship at the first sign of trouble. They wouldn't risk making enemies. They'd let their mother keep pulling their strings.

You sink the batarang into the first tire's sidewall sharp and quick. If Bruce is curious as to how you know how to slash tires, he doesn't ask. He moves beside you and blocks onlookers from seeing what you're doing. When you move onto the next, the entire left side of the car is beginning to sink toward the ground.

Bruce confiscates the batarang from you and quickly tucks it back into his suit pocket, calmly walking you back down the street to where your ride is waiting.

As he is holding the back door open for you, you turn to look up at him and find your breath catching at the still present grin on his face. You haven't seen him this happy to be alone in your presence in a while. It feels... familiar. He meets your eyes and you're reminded of a younger you. A you that could kiss Bruce with all the bubbling adrenaline in your veins. A Bruce that would let you. A Bruce that thought you hung the sun in the sky.

That grin of his softens but doesn't fully go anywhere. You drink it all in. You don't know when you'll see it again.

Bruce touches the small of your back as a taxi whips by, driving cool air up into your faces and breaking the moment. You indulge in the touch for as long as he lets you.

taglist: @yikes-buddy @alexxavicry @theclassicvinyldragon @marina-and-the-memes @angxlictexrs @moonlightreader649 @thescarletfang @navs-bhat @yehet-moi-ohorat @bluestuesday

#bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne scenarios #bruce wayne fic #bruce wayne #batman x reader #batman scenarios #batman fic #the batman #battinson x reader #battinson #dc #mjwrites #bw; honeymoon

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huramuna · 4 months

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beware the sapphire peak - chapter 2.

aemond targaryen x wife reader x alys rivers a period piece, set in 1902.

prev | next

wordcount: 4.8k

you're a young, american lady who is an aspiring author. you are wooed by a mysterious and charming savant from england. swept off your feet, you're whisked away to his family's ancient estate, Dragonstone Hall. but with all stories, secrets are hiding around every corner, and your suitor is no different. a crimson peak inspired mini series.

@huramuna-fics - follow & turn on notifications for just my fic postings! i don't do taglists right now, so sorry!

content: smut (specifics below cut), angst, gaslighting, unhealthy relationships, manipulation, alys in her girlboss gatekeep gaslight era, no use of y/n, afab reader, pre-established alysmond, this isn't going where you think it is(it might be), infidelity-ish, polyamory, mentions of infertility, murder, depictions of murder/violence

once upon a december - invadable harmony • reflections - toshifumi hinata

warnings: oral (f receiving), p in v, creampie, inappropriate use of high valyrian

As you passed through the threshold of the building, you looked upon the tapestries that lined the walls– they seemed to tell a story, a story of dragons, war, betrayal and succession. The woven tapestries were over eight feet tall, hanging from old iron nails that pinned them to the stone bulwark. Beyond those, were the beginnings of many, many portraits of Targaryens long passed. They were all otherworldly looking, your eyes glazing over at their perfectly captured features.

Aemond’s gentle squeeze to your hand brought you back to reality, following the line of your gaze to the portraits. “Some people have said that Targaryens are closer to Gods than people,” he smirked, chuckling softly. “When we rode dragons and conquered land and sky, perhaps. But not now– we are merely mortals once again.”

“Ah, and here I thought I married an immortal being, what a pity.” you jested, your tongue poking in your cheek.

“A pity indeed– luckily I snagged myself a Goddess, hm?” he whispered lowly, craning his head to nose at your jawline, planting little kisses upon your soft skin. He was so close to you, his scent all consuming in your nostrils as you drank in the feather light touch of his lips upon you. You were surprised that you’d made it into the building without the both of you making love on the floor like rutting animals, truly.

The sound of heels clicking pulled you both from your stupor. As you turned around, you looked upon the woman that was in the window, the real one, atleast. She was tall, a few inches shorter than Aemond, but she still towered over you– they both did– her hair was pinned in a neat half-do, the slightly wavy tresses in a gorgeous, deep brown color, like freshly brewed coffee. Her eyes, a lively emerald green, blinked slowly as she looked you up and down, assessing you. She seemed to be more mature than you and Aemond, likely by fifteen or so years. The only indication of her age were the soft gleam of one or two errant gray hairs and the lines of her face, laugh lines, crow’s feet alike, were illuminated under the flickering light in the foyer. She wore a deep green dress, a similar shade to her eyes. “Lord Targaryen, Lady Targaryen,” she greeted, her voice deep and silky– it reminded you of the timbre of a wonderful cello you’d heard in an orchestra in New York City, instantly sending your heart aflutter.

“My love, this is Alys Rivers. She is the estate’s governess,” Aemond introduced, one eye lingering upon Alys before returning to you. “She’s been with us for many years and is more than happy to help you get acquainted with the ins-and-outs of the Keep.”

You suddenly remembered your manners, hand extended out to her. “Miss Rivers, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” you smiled, your hand enveloped by hers. It was a bit cold, but warmed up quickly within your own.

“And you, my lady. I’m sure we will become fast friends.” Alys responded coolly, her mouth perking into a similar grin, her thumb lingering over the back of your hand for a bit longer than necessary as she squeezed it lightly before letting go

Certainly you didn’t imagine that?

“It is good to see you again, Alys. I hope to not be away from the estate for so long again,” Aemond hummed, watching as you and the governess’ hands lingered with one another, then turning back to face you. “Shall we get settled in, my dear?” he asked. You knew exactly what he meant by settling in– and it would be the opposite of what you would be doing.

“It is good to have you back, Lord Targaryen. Let us hope you won’t need to leave again any time soon.” Alys gave a wry smile, regarding you both before curtsying and flittering away.

Aemond led you up the stairs, up to the third floor, where the master bedroom lay. The hallways narrowed as you traversed the home, with Aemond pointing out a few of the key points of the estate to you on the way. Then, he stopped at a gilded pair of double doors, the handles were beautifully complex dragons carved from a deep brown and red cedar, their eyes fashioned from jewels. It was the height of opulence– edging on gaudiness for your taste, but you married into practical royalty, so you couldn’t complain.

Opening them, it revealed a large room decorated in black and green, with the occasional splash of red and gold. The walls were lined with towering bookshelves, cornered by a soft reading nook with two plush chairs. The bed was spacious, twice the size of the bed you had at home, which was a king size– you didn’t even know what to classify this size as. Monarch size? Dragon size? It was huge, that was all you knew, furnished in a soft red velvet sheet set.

You walked to the bed, fingers glazing over the silken soft sheets. “This is… the softest thing I’ve ever felt in my life, my God.” you murmured, beginning to unbutton your outer coat and shed your layers. You wished to feel the plush silk on your bare skin.

“I hope it’s to your liking, love.” Aemond came up behind you, helping you shed your unsightly amount of layers until you were in your silken shift and undergarments. His hand began to wander, bunching up the fabric of your shift and pulling it upward, until he could rest his hand on your bare stomach.

The sensation of his warm hand on your stomach made you flutter slightly, pressing back against him. “Yes, I’d say it’s quite to my liking– though, I suppose we shall put it to the test, won’t we?” you teased, your arm coming up to caress his cheek.

As your hand touched his face, his hand rose up higher and higher, exploring further. His hand found solace atop your corseted brassiere, the tiniest growls of frustration escaping from his lips. His free hand began working double time to undo the series of laces. “You won’t be needing to wear these anymore, my love,” he grumbled, biting softly on your earlobe as he continued his race to undress you. “In fact, I’d like it if you didn’t wear anything at all.”

You giggled, shimmying out of the brassiere, to which he threw aside. “I’m sure that Miss Rivers would find that garish and uncouth, Aemond. I can come to a compromise, though,” you purred, switching around to where you were sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling him towards you by the hem of his shirt.

“A compromise,” he repeated, “And what sort of compromise would that be?” Aemond asked, kneeling down in front of you now.

“Perhaps I may not wear any undergarments at all under my clothes,” you whispered, craning your neck downward as you tilted his chin upward. “For easier access.”

The sound that came from Aemond could only be categorized as animalistic and primal, his lips melding with yours in a rising fervor. It was a clash of teeth and tongue, his hand pawing at your now freed breast, thumb and forefinger pinching your nipple– eliciting a surprised gasp from you. You’d never been touched in such a way and the little spark of pain that went through you mingled with your pleasure. You liked it, conveying this to your husband by increasing the fever pitch of your kisses, mouth parted as your tongues danced together in the most lascivious of ways, as if you were trying to eat one another alive.

“What did I do,” he breathed between your assaults on each other’s mouths. “To deserve such a beautiful wife, hm?” his hand had become permanently rested on your breast, rubbing your stiffened nipple like he was trying to elicit every moan possible from you from just this alone. “A beautiful wife who makes all of the most beautiful little noises?”

You were rendered speechless, your response coming out only as a whine as he pushed you back on the bed, pulling your underwear down. He made a noise of satisfaction at what he saw, seemingly pleased with how you looked, his hand grazing through your wisps of pubic hair before parting your soaked folds. You stared down at him beneath half-lidded eyes, your body heat emanating from you like a furnace, the heights of your cheeks red with pleasure.

Aemond was continually spurred on by your state of being, like you were clay within his hands, and he was the sculptor. He nudged your legs open more, his fingers spreading you open. You whimpered as the cold air hit your core, but it was immediately replaced by a warm heat– his breath fanning over you.

“Please,” was all that could come out of your mouth as you looked at him.

His pupil was blown wide, the blue usually there eclipsed by black as he dragged his tongue over your folds, testing your taste. Humming in contentment with the taste, he went back in for another, lapping over your wet sex, the cleft of his nose rubbing against your clit. You fought the urge to close your legs out of instinct, feeling a warm sensation barrelling toward you as if you needed to relieve yourself. Your eyes were more open now in a slight panic at the feeling, but Aemond just grinned, keeping up his pace and even quickening it.

You grasped at his hair, the white-blonde strands fisted in your hand as you moaned broken strings of his name as your first orgasm washed over you, and in turn, him. You felt a rush of wetness come from your body, which was now glistening upon Aemond’s maw, his mouth still twisted into a smile, like he had just had the greatest meal of his life. He came up between your legs again, unbuckling his belt and discarding his trousers and undergarments without much ceremony– you both didn’t have time for it now, especially when you could see the weeping need coming from him, dripping at the tip of his cock.

His lips found yours again, and you could taste yourself on his tongue. You didn’t consider yourself a sexual woman really, but God, if this wasn’t the epitome of eroticism– you wanted this moment seared into your brain like a brand.

“I’ll go slow, love,” he breathed, lips barely parted from yours. “Let me know if it’s too much.”

You nodded in affirmation, not capable of forming words at the moment. You hope you'll become more adept at dirty talk, just seeing how one ‘Please’ spurred your husband into action like a horse at a derby. You felt the head of his cock swipe against your soaked core, then slowly easing in. The stretch alone, the flame of pain that was just there, right on the precipice, ignited that familiar feeling within you once more. It was goddamn delicious, the feeling of being full, full of your husband– the thought made your eyes roll back in your head for a moment as he buried himself to the hilt.

The cherry on top, however, was when you finally got a glimpse of Aemond’s face– both of his eyes were closed, mouth slightly agape, hair strewn mess. He was concentrating so intensely on not bursting inside of you within seconds, as your tightness squeezed him like a vice. “Fuck,” he grunted, his use of foul language sending shocks of pleasure throughout your extremities. “You’re so tight– Christ above.” Aemond began to move then, thrusting back and forth, just to focus his mind on the motions and not to bust a moment in. He murmured praises in your ear, some in English and some in another language you didn’t understand, but it was primal and ancient, you could tell just by how he sounded out the words, and it was no doubt something dirty and more than likely downright feral. “Issa gevie ābrazȳrys, sīr ȳrda, sīr vok. Ry ñuhon, ry ñuhon.” My beautiful wife, so tight, so perfect. All mine, all mine.

Judging by how he pounded into you, the sound of flesh against flesh filling the room, coupled with your cacophony of whines and moans, he was close, chasing his high. His pace hastened and your legs fastened around his midsection to keep him as close as possible– a reaction your body made on its own, seemingly.

A sequence of unintelligible curses and erotic sweet-nothings came from his mouth as he gave one final push– a low, reverberating grunt coming from the depths of his chest as he stilled, spending inside of you. His lips smeared against your neck, nothing coming from his mouth but hefty pants.

You both caught your breaths and he softened inside of you, then cleaned you both up after– you would’ve helped as well, but your legs were jelly, and simply refused to pick you up from the bed. Aemond was more than happy to pick you up and tuck you under the covers, holding you close to him, as if you might fly away during the night.

You dreamed of dark hallways and pale visages looking upon you– you woke up several times during the night, seeing pairs of eyes staring at you, pity in their ghastly gaze. You would fall back asleep and think nothing of it.

–

“Looking at something, dearest?” Aemond hummed, his thumb parting another page further into the book he was reading, the room illuminated in candlelight. It had been a whole fortnight since you moved into the estate– you had been able to sit down and write even more, and Aemond had helped you send off your manuscript to a reputable publisher in London, who was a family friend of the Targaryens. You began your second novel, which was inspired by Dragonstone Hall and the odd dreams you’d had as of late, laden with peering eyes and ghostly figures.

You were perched on the window seat, the silk of your nightgown clinging to you like a second skin. Moving forward, you looked down upon the courtyard and beyond, seeing the moonlit horizon painting the sea, waves ebbing and flowing like beautiful clockwork. Glancing over your shoulder to your husband, his usual harsh features softened by the gentle flicker of the bee’s wax candles. A smile crept on your lips, which in turn, caused his own to upturn into a returning grin. “Just enjoying the view of the sea.”

“‘Tis dark, my love,” he closed the book, setting it aside. “Are you an owl and I did not know it? Seeing in the dark?” he got up from his position on the bed, making his way to you.

“Perhaps I am an owl,” you giggled, “But the moon and sky are especially clear tonight– a perfect view.”

He perched his chin upon your shoulder, looking out of the window with you. “A clear sky. That must be a good omen, hm? Alys has told me that it was storming constantly while I was gone.”

“A good omen indeed,” you purred, nuzzling your nose into his neck. Out of the corner of your eye, looking down into the courtyard, you could’ve sworn you saw two men, ghastly white, walking upon the green. But when you turned your head to get another look, Aemond enveloped your lips into a kiss, pulling you back towards him, and back towards your bed. You didn’t get another glimpse at the courtyard until it was cloudy and dark once again.

No one was there.

–

“Oh, hello, Miss Rivers,” you murmur softly, your voice still hoarse with sleep. You brush a few errant curls away from your face as you go to pour yourself a cup of tea, bare feet padding upon the tiled kitchen floor. “Good morning.”

“Just Alys is fine, dear,” she smiles, her emerald eyes shining clearly– she must’ve already been wide awake for a few hours. “Please, let me.” Alys sits up from her chair, moving near you and pouring water from the kettle into your cup before you could even grab it.

You glance up at her– she was much taller than you, like Aemond– a feeling of embarrassment coming over you. “Oh– thank you,” you manage to muster, “But it… it isn’t necessary, Mis– Alys.”

The older woman looks at you with an expression of curiosity, you had said something truly novel. “Ah. You aren’t like the others, then. Good.” she smiled, the sides of her mouth crinkling. Something about it made your heart skip a beat– what was going on?

“The others?” you asked, stirring your cup which was now steeping with a fruity, floral tea bag. You scooped a heap of sticky honey from a reserve of it on the counter, preferring your tea extra sweet.

Alys watched as you stirred in the thick substance, before lifting her eyes to you. “The other– former– denizens of the estate, my lady. Lord Targaryen’s other family. Excellent employers, but they always asked for me to do things beyond my job description. Pour tea, serve lunch, draw baths." She took a seat then at the small kitchen table, but not before grabbing the entire jar of honey, putting it in the middle.

You took a seat across from her. “As a… governess, your job is to care for and educate children, correct?” you crossed one leg over the other, leaning back against the wooden backing of the chair, which was carved with intricate depictions of dragons and swords.

“Correct, my lady. Sometimes the estate was bereft of children, thus no one to care for or teach. Between you and I, sometimes the adults acted as overgrown children, demanding and grabby,” she spooned honey into her own cup, which was a dark, swirling liquid you couldn’t quite identify. “As it is now– but more so. You, Lord Targaryen, and I are the only denizens of the Keep.”

You coughed slightly as you heard her. The only ones? There were only three of you at this massive estate– and… what of the faces you saw when you arrived? The men you saw out in the courtyard just the eve before? You placed down your cup with a shaky hand. “P-pardon me,” you sputtered, hitting a hand upon your chest to try and catch your breath. “We are the only ones?” you looked at Alys with wide eyes.

“Yes, my dear. But this building is centuries upon centuries old, you know. Do you believe in ghosts, Lady Targaryen?”

You perked up at the notion, the part of your brain that loved the macabre and weird firing off on all cylinders. “Oh, yes! They interest me quite greatly.”

Alys gave a lopsided smile, her brows perked as if surprised by your reaction. “I didn’t expect such… an enthusiastic response, my lady. Most women are afraid of such ghastly notions.” she leaned forward, propping her chin on her open palm. “The estate is haunted, you know, by centuries of Targaryens past and then some.”

“Oh, you must tell me their names and stories,” you leaned forward in turn, mimicking her interest in the conversation and then some, fully enraptured by the tales of tragedy, of love long lost, betrayal and beyond.

The two of you ended up talking at the table for hours, until the sun was high in the sky to indicate noon– you only parted with her when Aemond had come into the kitchen to request your presence in the gardens. He was quite amused that you and Alys had melded together so quickly– he quoted you as ‘two barn owls, flitting feathers in the rafters and sharing stories over a juicy mouse’.

It made you giggle.

–

From that day on, your days started and ended much the same. You would be excited, giddy, like a kid on Christmas morn, to go down and talk to Alys. You didn’t quite understand why you were so excited to be around her, why she enraptured you so– it felt good to entertain her and make her laugh, much in the same vein as you felt doing similar for Aemond.

You admired her, in a way, she was such a strong woman, yet unmarried and without children. But she cited that she didn’t need them, the husband at least. She had confessed to you that she had been married before, long ago in her youth. ‘Young, dumb and in love’, she had explained it– only to find out that she was unable to have children. Your heart clenched as she told her story, how she desperately wanted children of her own and went into governess work to have some semblance of it.

In turn, you opened your heart to Alys, confiding about your mother and the struggles with losing her at such a young age. You cried and embraced her, to which she returned wholeheartedly– but she didn’t cry.

Your nights would come to a close within Aemond’s grasp, whether upon the bed, prostrated on his desk, or in the reading nook. ‘Twas a dreamy life for you.

You woke on a particularly dreary morning, over three months after your marriage, the downpour of sodden English weather clouding the skies and dampening the moods of everyone involved. Lightning struck, thunder rumbling the ground thoroughly and without mercy. When you stepped out of your bedroom, Aemond was still asleep– he had worked through the night on a massive proposal to the Lord of the next town over, working out some trade routes to have fresh fruit brought up to the estate in exchange for the homegrown honey.

Your bare feet padded on the wooden floors, they were cold and the air felt… thick and slightly electrified. It sent your head into a tizzy as you grabbed the metal knob of the washroom door, feeling a sparking jolt go through you. It shocked you! Rattled, but undeterred, you put your hand on the knob again and attempted to open it, only to be met with another tremor of electricity, stinging the palm of your hand.

“Come on,” you groaned in frustration, practically crossing your legs by how badly you needed to relieve yourself. Electroshock therapy be damned, you wouldn’t be shut out of the privy any longer. You pressed your shoulder to the door, twisting the knob as it continually pestered you with numbing sparks, then gave the door a firm push– it gave away, opening and sending you sprawling to the floor at a high velocity. You landed on your knees, face inches away from the lip of the tub; you cringed as you imagined the sight of your face smashed to a jelly, bleeding out upon the floor. Small mercies.

Pulling yourself up, you glanced over the bathtub, using it as leverage to get up. Upon looking into it, you saw something you never expected to– a woman, nude and red haired with translucent skin was curled in the bath in a fetal position, her throat slashed and bleeding red rivulets, blending into the small droplets of water that lined the tub. You were too surprised to scream, pushing yourself back from the tub and once again sprawling to the floor, mouth agape.

You were going insane– surely…

Your heart was in your throat as you eased up, glancing back into the tub. The woman was gone, the porcelain lining of the tub clean as could be.

Mayhaps Alys’ ghost stories had gotten to you, more than you thought?

Turning around to finally use the privy, you were in awe that you didn’t piss yourself, you sat down on the toilet, your head in your hands as you emptied your overly full bladder. It was silent, save for the sound of the rain pattering against the stained glass window pane, the distant rumble of thunder and… heavy breathing. You stopped your own breaths– the sound consisted. It was right in front of you.

With shaky hands slowly moving away from your eyes, you looked upon who was in front of you. It was the woman you saw in the bathtub– her neck still bleeding, her eyes wide and bloodshot, her face stained with tears and blood. Her chest rose and fell heavily with her ghastly breaths as she stared right at you. Her jaw was broken, mouth off kilter as it was agape with her labored puffs, teeth askew and rotted. You still felt like you weren’t breathing, your heart pattering like a hummingbird in your chest, about to explode.

“Who. Are. You.” she asked, voice far away and broken, like a whisper on the wind.

“L-Lady Targaryen,” you responded, your head pounding in sync with your heart– you felt like you were about to pass out.

The woman looked at you, her already wide eyes widening beyond the point they should even be able to, the sclera eclipsed in pure red, tinging on inky black ichor. Her hand, gaunt and bony, raised to you, her pointer finger pointing at you, inches away. “You,” she hissed. “You. Won’t leave this place. You. Will die. And stay here. Bones and all. Sinew and muscle, pulled from flesh.”

“W-who are you? How can I help you?” you whispered frantically, your entire body shaking.

Her mouth twisted into a sickly smile. “You. Cannot help. For I– am you. Lady Targaryen. One. Of many.”

You blinked, eyes roving to think of something to respond– but when you looked up, she was gone. The air was normal and the storm outside had quelled. It was as if nothing had happened. You sat still on the toilet, eyes open until they started to burn.

What just happened? Are you truly going mad?

You rushed downstairs after, almost tripping and falling at least twice along the way. You rushed to find Alys, who you hoped would quell your mind like the storm had been.

“Alys,” you croaked, flying into the kitchen like a bat out of hell. “Alys, Alys,” you blubbered, you weren’t sure when you started crying.

She was sitting at the table, up in an instant. “My dear, my dear, what’s happened? Are you alright?” she crooned, arms around you instantly.

“I-I… please, promise you won’t think I’m mad–”

“We are all mad in some ways, dearest. You can tell me anything.” she hummed, sitting you down on your chair and fixing your tea for you, bringing over the fresh honey, the comb still attached.

“T-there was a woman,” you breathed, your finger slicing across your neck to indicate where her bleeding wound had been. “S-she… she… she said I’m going to die?” you took your tea with a shaky hand, sipping, but it didn’t help calm you. “I-I’m a horror author, I shouldn’t be scared of this sort of thing, Alys! What is wrong with me? I’m going mad.”

“Shh, shh, dove,” she instructed, pulling her chair around the table to sit close to you, arm still around you. “Just breathe– did you get enough sleep last night?”

“Y-yes– I.. I think so,” you murmured, hands still shaking.

Alys took your hand in hers, the other going to spoon some honey from the bowl. She roved small smoothing circles over the back of your palm. “You must get more rest, dearest. I’ll make you a tea tonight, it will help,” she whispered, her mouth close to your ear as she guided the spoon of honey, comb and all, towards your mouth. “Open.”

You had to chalk it up to the storm, the nightmare or whatever you could categorize your encounter with the ghostly woman as, but you recused yourself into Alys’ touch, eyes trained taut upon her as you opened your mouth. She spooned the honey onto your tongue, pulling the utensil away with a sticky trail of saliva and honey– to which she proceeded to lick off.

Your head was swirling– you had admired Alys and thought her beautiful from the moment you saw her and you always liked women. You thought them soft and warm and could fill a certain void within you left by the death of your mother– but you had never… thought of a woman in a romantic light, surely? Your heart skipped a beat as you were so close to her, mouth parted. You could smell her light perfume, a lovely scent of vanilla and floral notes.

The same feeling of elation that you felt when Aemond caressed you, kissed you, whispered sweet nothings to you was prominent in the pit of your stomach. You could count the speckles of light hazel in her emerald eyes from your close proximity. It was unsure who closed the gap first– but your lips melded to Alys’, tasting the sweet honey on her mouth, swiping your tongue across them to gather the syrupy nectar. Her hand caressed the back of your neck so tenderly as you pressed closer together, mouths parting to envelop each other’s tongues until the tastes of both of you were one in the same– saccharine, cloying, sticky sugar.

You had forgotten who you were or where you were, only enjoying the moment with Alys, when you heard the rumble of thunder off in the distance, it broke you from your union. Panic washed over you, your face going beet red.

What had you done?

#aemond fic #aemond fanfiction #aemond targaryen #hotd aemond #house of the dragon aemond #aemond x fem!reader #prince aemond #aemond one eye #hotd fanfic #aemond fanfic #aemond fandom #my writing #beware the sapphire peak #alysmond #alys rivers #alys rivers x aemond #alys rivers x reader #alys rivers x reader x aemond targaryen

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kyokutsu-sama · 3 months

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Violins Playing

A/n: This was one of my first works for him that I post here, I'm posting more in a collection I'm writing on ao3 if you want to read it too. (To be clear, I'm a Chrollo stan and I dedicate this to those who love him too🤭)

Before you start reading, I recommend that you listen to classical music in the background please😊

Tw: Nsfw content below

Of all the things Chrollo had given you in life, this would definitely be one you'll never forget. Watching an orchestra play, that sounded good, you loved classical music and everything that involved hearing the wonderful sound of violins playing. This night would unique.

It was a windy night, you couldn't wait for him to arrive soon because it was getting cold outside. You looked at the clock and a short time later, you saw the headlights of his car approaching you.

"I'm sorry for the delay, the city traffic didn't make driving easier" He explained as you opened the door and got into the car

"It's okay, I'm glad you're here now" You smiled and he smiled back

He looked so beautiful, the way his well-pressed and clean black suit fit him perfectly, his hair down and the smell of perfume that man was wearing that entered your nostrils and left you dizzy.

The man's charm was something to behold.

"Shall we?" He placed his hand on your thigh and looked at you.

"Yes, let's go" You agreed

He turned the car around and drove to the concert hall. The lights of York New shined and illuminated the long streets full of cars and people walking from one side to the other.

He parked right in front, opened the car door for you and took your hand to let you out, a chivalry that you loved . You wrapped your arm around his and went inside. You found it a little strange that there was no one there, not even at reception, it was completely empty.

"This way"He signaled and you followed him

There was a large hallway, well decorated and very chic, the walls and floor red and pictures framed in gold to contrast. He opened the door and you were dazzled by the view of the large performance room, and because he had gotten the highest seat in the audience, you went down the small stairs to the two seats next to the low wall and managed to see the band about to playing on the stage. Once again your confusion returned due to the fact that it seemed like you two would be the only ones there.

"We have the highest place and the one with the best view of the orchestra, do you like it?" He asked, coming to your side and putting his arm around your waist

"I couldn't be happier about this, I confess but...How did you manage to find this place and why isn't there anyone here?" You frowned looking at him

"Y/n, I wanted to make this night special and I had to ask the Troupe for a little help to make it happen"He explained."They took care of the people at the entrance and thanks to Shalnark's manipulation, the band will play for us the as much as we want. What do you think?"

"Chrollo...I'm amazed, you're a genius" You smiled and gave him a kiss which he responded to

"Thank you" He smiled. "Come on, let's sit here"He pointed to the red padded seats

He sat down and you sat next to him, after you were sitting next to each other, the maestro started making gestures with the stick, starting the concert. The instruments playing, forming a pleasant and classic melody that you couldn't contain a smile at the satisfaction of the sounds of each note played by those gentlemen's agile fingers. They played different songs and they all had your approval and Chrollo's, he had a soft spot for classical music just like you.

You seemed so lost watching the band that when his hand rested on your thigh you didn't even feel it, but as soon as his hand went up and reached the hem of the dress you were wearing, you looked at him and he gave a mischievous smile. Of course that invitation had ulterior motives, you knew.

"Don't bother with me, keep watching" He whispered next to your ear, causing a shiver to run down your spine and the hair on the back of your neck to rise

His scent again penetrating your nose, so fragrant that you wanted to drown yourself in the crook of his neck where the smell was coming from. His fingers started lifting the fabric of your dress and slowly going to the middle of your thighs where you shivered. He was happy that you followed his instructions of not bringing anything underneath, all the more reason for you to realize that tonight it would be full of other plans on your part. Not that you didn't want that too.

You opened your lips a little, letting out a light sigh when his fingertips brushed the sensitive spot a few times, you could already feel things heat up and get a little damp down there.

"Does classical music do things to you?" He teased as he ran his fingers through your newly wet folds

You couldn't respond especially when you were trying to stay focused on the band as he had ordered before, but then he asked again.

"Y/n, who causes this to you?" He brushed his lips against your neck and then the shell of your ear

"Y-you...it was you"You said, closing your eyes for a moment and letting out a low moan that was music to his ears

He chuckled and placed a kiss on the curve of your neck, pushing one of his fingers inside you, burying it deep in your viscous heat. Your hand grabbed the arm of the chair and clenched as his fingers moved in and out, opening you up and making your body shiver. His mouth didn't let go of your neck, sucking your skin while his fingers worked between your legs, he was enjoying every moment of it.

Even if no one was going to show up there because that place was in his possession now, you didn't let go of the idea that someone could come in there and come across that scene, he probably wouldn't give a damn.

And by the way his fingers were penetrating you, you couldn't care less about others either.

It was just him and you there. Those musicians were now nothing more than temporary puppets to play the background music for the dirty scenes happening at the top of the audience.

The way the wave of adrenaline coursed through your body and the butterflies in your belly fluttered without stopping when you had reached your limit and spilled your heat onto his fingers, made you let out a loud moan. He removed his fingers and took them to his mouth, tasting you, your head was still reeling from what he had just done to you. Your eyes turned to his as he licked his fingers seductively, looking at you with his eyes carrying insatiable desire.

"You taste great, Y/n" He said removing his fingers from his mouth and kissing you then

You responded to his lips and his velvety tongue tangling with yours and spreading his saliva and your taste throughout your mouth. If you were standing at that moment you would probably fall because your legs were numb and weak just from the wonderful kiss he was giving you. He pulled away from your lips, his panting breath hitting your face and those damn bright gray eyes on yours.

Would there be anything more beautiful than that view?

"The music is still playing, which means we can still enjoy the show" He knelt in front of you, took off his blazer and ran his hands down your thighs as he looked at you. "Open up for me, baby" He ordered and you obeyed promptly

He pulled your body to the edge of the chair and hugged your thighs over his shoulders while his mouth devoured your still sensitive slit. You brought your hands to his hair, pulling when his tongue passed your little bud and sucked it, making you arch and whimper. The sound of the violins and the moans you let out mixing in the air and echoing the walls of the large luxurious room lit by a huge crystal chandelier. He was hungry for you, for your taste, for what you let flow towards his lips.

"Chrollo, please...ahhh more"You moaned as you rubbed the hips lightly against his face

He sucked you even harder, his tongue licking you and not leaving a trace of a drop that came out of your slippery hole. The butterflies started moving again as your orgasm approached and at the same time the violins played the highest note, your eyes filled with pleasurable tears and you fell apart again in his mouth. Silence filled the room, the musicians had stopped playing, falling to the side lifelessly, your tears ran down your face and Chrollo extended his thumb to wipe them away after causing a mess between your legs. The care of his fingers smoothing the skin of your cheeks contrasts with the warm desire he had just minutes ago. He got up and extended his hand to you, who took it and stood up with some difficulty due to the tremors in your legs. He hugged your body, helping you stand and pulled your dress down, adjusting it.

"Did you like the show, dear?" He combed your hair with his fingers, looking at you

"They were both great" You laughed and he laughed along

"I'm glad you liked it, I think we should come here again, don't you think?"

"Whenever you want"

"Good, now let's go. The night is still beginning" He whispered

#hunter x hunter #hunter x hunter fandom #chrollo lucilfer #hxh chrollo #chrollo x reader #smut writing #The perfect date fr #He would definly take his s/o to places like this

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accirax · 1 year

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Nene’s Role in Wonderlands x Showtime

The release of The Miniature Garden’s Coral seems to have confirmed some things I’ve recently speculated might transpire in future Wonderlands x Showtime events-- namely regarding Nene and how she may actually be the most important member of the troupe-- so, let’s talk about them! I’ll be using zui’s lyrics video for my translations, so hopefully they’re accurate.

With the past couple of WxS events in mind, it’s easy to see that this 3DMV is also about endings. While the MV begins in a sunny blue afternoon light...

...the characters and set eventually bask in a beautiful sunset orange, signaling the end of the day. The lyrics even mention being “between the end of the blue sky and the beginning of the night sky,” further emphasizing that we’re in the middle of the story. When the sky is blue, the troupe expresses uncertainty: Rui mentions that he feels lost, and Tsukasa, scared. But eventually, Nene admits that, in this beginning period, she was “spoiled by the sound of the waves,” AKA that the commotion surrounding WxS’s formation led to a troupe that became a source of comfort for all of them.

Once the sun sets, there are a lot of “even ifs.” Nene sings about how she’ll continue to sing this song, even if things are starting to look unsteady and she’s not sure if she should proceed. However, by the end of the song, she resolves to "still sing this song” while keeping up a smile.

I think that the fact that Nene says she will sing this song is incredibly important, because, as established, this song is about endings. Meanwhile, back in Mr. Showtime, Tsukasa firmly didn’t want WxS to end, and was holding out until closing time. Rui’s What Sort of Ending Are You Wishing For? and Emu’s Starry Sky Orchestra seemingly both acknowledge an ending as well, but it’s not at all easy. Rui seems to fall into a resigned depression at the thought, keeping a whimsical facade up when the very thought of separating kills him inside. The thought haunts him, MV riddled with hourglasses that he can’t get out of his head. Emu can only tolerate taking the first step towards a breakup with tooth-rottingly sugarcoated promises of eternal togetherness and literally holding hands as they go (I love her btw this is not Emu slander). She never even says the word “end,” only “tomorrow.”

Rui, Emu, and Tsukasa are basically Denialx3. Rui tries to deny his emotions regarding disbanding, Emu tries to deny that the ending is coming at all, and Tsukasa tries to deny that there’s nothing he can do to keep them from inevitably drifting apart. And that’s where Nene comes in again.

Rui’s dream is to perform technically complex shows that will resonate with an audience. He can do that from Phoenix Wonderland. Emu’s dream is to keep the Wonder Stage up and operating forever. She has to do that from Phoenix Wonderland. Tsukasa’s dream is to become the number one world star and make everyone smile. While this would likely take him away from the park, in another story, I could see it being possible that, in the end, Tsukasa decides that making the people in his local community happy is more important than trying to change the entire world. Thus, he could also follow his dream from Phoenix Wonderland, even if it’s not ideal.

But then there’s Nene. Her dream is, and always has been, to perform in Broadway musicals. Broadway is a live performance in New York City. There is no possible way for Nene to get what she wants while staying in Phoenix Wonderland. And that is possibly why Wonderlands x Showtime’s ending is the easiest for her to process.

Now, I’m not trying to say that Nene doesn’t love her friends. She adores them. Her three previous commissions have proven that. It’s the amount of love she has for them that will propel her to make what is actually the best choice for their dreams. Nene is the little mermaid, both when swimming freely the oceans with a beautiful, unstoppable song, and when enduring pain herself to stand with and for the ones she loves. Her friends, in this situation... are coral.

Remember that coral, “blurred” and uncertain in the water and “stained orange by the setting sun”? The miniature garden is Phoenix Wonderland; the coral is Emu, Rui, and Tsukasa; and that coral is stained orange by its desperation to keep rereading the final chapter instead of closing the book for now and putting it away to revisit in the future. Coral, while a beautiful living organism, is also completely static.

Static like stone statues which, at least by my interpretation, is what the rest of WxS turns into at the end of the 3DMV. The three of them (and Kaito) are paralyzed with the fear of the suffering an ending would bring. Only Nene is alive and human to be the one to show the group the benefits it can bring as well.

There are a lot of aspects of this song and Nene’s entire personality that lead me to believe that she will be the one to bring about change in WxS. First, she most often “has the braincell,” so to speak. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she performs this song with Kaito, the most mature of the WxS vocaloids, either. During April Fool’s 2023, she was put into the Solid Heart class. One might think that troupe leader Tsukasa should be the Solid Heart, and that shy Nene should be the Cautious Heart, but they (accurately) sorted it the other way.

Nene is a very strong-willed person. In other stories, it might be seen as a negative that Nene is always the most hesitant one to get into shenanigans, or that she would even dare to be the one to suggest a WxS split in the first place. What an ungrateful wet blanket Nene is, willing to throw away her friends for the sake of her own selfish dream. But in this story, staying at Phoenix Wonderland isn’t really what will make Rui or Tsukasa happy, and even Emu may have to graduate to focusing on the entire company instead of just one stage someday.

Nene’s friends brought her out of the darkness and into the light of day, and she is so grateful for that. She knows how amazing they are, which is how she knows that they can make more friends and continue to do even more amazing things in the future if they can bear to leave their high school part-time jobs behind and enter the real world, just like her.

So, Nene’s role is to be Wonderlands x Showtime’s guiding light. She’ll tell Rui what sort of ending she’s wishing for, and then console him when he can’t repress his tears. She’ll be the one to hold Emu’s hand while they take that next step into tomorrow. Her three best friends helped her to grow from the loner who operated a robot from the theme park bushes, and she’ll help them step out of that theme park and be who they truly want to be.

There is one other thing I wanted to mention, though...

Tsukasa.

As I mentioned previously, while all three of Rui, Emu, and Tsukasa are in denial, Tsukasa is the most actively in opposition to an ending. He’s also the troupe leader, and the sole creator of the Wonderland Sekai. If someone is going to actively try to stop Nene from suggesting separation, it’s definitely going to at least start with him. But as Nene has already stated in The Miniature Garden’s Coral, despite any opposition that makes her question whether or not she should proceed, she already plans to continue singing her beliefs about a bittersweet yet timely goodbye.

And, their conflict is something that’s basically been foreshadowed from the beginning too, right? Nene has always roasted Tsukasa, giving a counterpoint to his blindingly bright worldview. In upcoming chapters, however, I believe that may start to transform from simple fun banter into a genuine conflict with clear sides drawn...

And THAT’S why ColoPale gave them Childish War.

Nenekasa nation get ready, ‘cause I don’t think this is the last Nene and Tsukasa fight we’re going to see.

#project sekai #pjsekai #nene kusanagi #tsukasa tenma #rui kamishiro #emu otori #wonderlands x showtime #as always thank you so much for reading!!!#i can post things about the rest of wxs too not just tsukasa i love all of them #on that note though i was reading something lately about angstkasa #and how a lot of the people who haven't read the source material mischaracterize him (and others)#and uh well. i haven't actually read much of the source material #so i'm SUPER sorry if i'm mischaracterizing him here it is not at all my intention #i just hear a lot about what happens on JP and have thoughts and feelings about it so i post #my theories regarding sekai are always meant to be a best case scenario #where the stories are as interesting and the characters are as deep as possible #i fully acknowledge that what i wrote here might not actually be true #i don't want to get anyone's hopes up about something that i have no guarantees will actually happen #i just want to have fun while we're all here y'know? :)#that is all. i can't wait to see where the story goes from here #my theories #WXS

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caplanbuckybarnes · 1 year

Text

His Promises

Summary: he promised he wouldn’t make a big event out of wedding

Warnings: just fluff!, mafia Tony x reader

He promised.

He promised you that he wouldn’t go to the extremes. He promised you it wouldn’t be a damned city-wide event. But you knew your soon-to-be-husband was all for flair and extravagance. You knew he was goin’ to bring the damned president into the city for it. You knew he was going to invite every politician and royal family member possible to this event.

“You look amazing,” Natasha smiled at you as she gazed at your reflection in the mirror. “He’s going to swoon over you once he sees you walking down the aisle.”

“If he doesn’t cry at the site of me, I’m turning right around and going home to pack my bags.” you joked as you leaned into Natasha’s hand as she touched your cheek. “I told him not to make it so big. I can’t believe him.”

“Why not?” she chuckled. “You know he was going to invite everyone he could possibly know to this damned thing. He loves you and he wants the world to know it. You have him wrapped around your pinky finger. Everyone assumed he would die alone and powerful until he met you. He changed so much because of you and he’s become such a better man than the one I had met so many years ago.”

“I’m scared and I don’t know why, Nat.” you pouted slightly.

“It’s a big day,” Natasha assured. “You’ll do fine, Y/N. I promise. Just think about walking to Tony and being happy with him for the rest of your life. He’ll protect you from any harm. You know that. The man runs this damn city in tight quarters. You’d be a fool to think he wouldn’t protect his wife.”

“Okay.” you smiled at her, though you still felt so terribly nervous at the prospect of screwing up your wedding day.

“Just think about Tony.” she repeated before a knock came at the door and James Rhodes tenderly peeked through the doors, though he had covered his eyes to assure your privacy. “Is the bride-to-be ready?”

“Yes, Rhodey.” Natasha answered, with a smile before leaning over and carefully placing a kiss on your forehead and exiting the room quickly.

You grabbed the extravagant bouquet of flowers Tony had made for you before walking out of the room. Your heart was pounding in your chest. You felt nervous all over your body. But you concentrated on walking to the doors that would reveal the large room with politicians, your friends, and your family.

“You look amazing.” Rhodey complimented as you approached him. He had been a wonderful friend to you ever since you had started dating Tony and you had considered the man your best friend. It was a pleasure for you and him that he would be the one to hand over your hand to none other than the Mobster King himself, Anthony Stark.

“I feel like throwing up.” you admitted quietly. “What if he’s not there and his was all just a joke for him, Rhodey? What if he didn’t want to marry me? What if this was all a joke?”

Scoffing lighlty, he turned to face you. “You need to stop your worrying, kid. He’s standing there. Don’t you hear all the chatter and clutter going on behind these doors?”

Listening for a moment, you nodded. “Of course.”

“Then you would know that Tony wouldn’t have done any of this if he didn’t love you. He changed so much since you came into his life. You’ve no idea how lovesick this man is for you, even after all this time. He wouldn’t hurt you. Ever. So don’t think like that, okay?”

You nodded.

“Give me one moment to talk to the orchestra. Okay?”

You nodded once more before he quietly slipped through the doors in front of you. A few moments later, music had sounded, signalling for you to get on with walking down the aisle in front of all your family and friends. James had reappeared by your side as the doors opened. You clutched your arm around his own as you counted your steps.

He was calm besides you, gently rubbing his thumb along your hand, a gentle smile spread on his lips as he faced forward, staring at the husband-to-be Tony Stark.

You locked eyes with your mobster king and felt tears well up at the sight of him; he looks so incredibly handsome and all you had wanted to do was to run to him and plant a kiss against his lips. But you couldn't; you had to be patient and make your way over to him first. Soon enough, you had made the long stride to the alter, Rhodey softly kissing your hand before he stood by Tony’s side.

The wedding was as beautiful as you imagined it when you had been a little girl, dreaming of this day in your life. Tony was handsome as usual. He had a smile plastered to his face during your vow reciting. His brown eyes bore into your own, causing your heart to flutter in your chest.

This man had been so sincere to you and so generous. You couldn’t imagine your life without him. At first, it was a hard thing to discover when you had found out that he was a mobster king. But you had soon gotten over that fact. He always protected you, never letting you out of his sight unless Natasha or Rhodey were with you.

You remembered the first time he had unveiled his love for you and you always thought back to that night. The pair of you had been watching a movie; he had been sitting on the couch and you were sprawled out on the remaining seats, your head on his lap. You had felt his eyes on you and had looked up to see his big brown eyes staring at you, a sot smile lifting his mouth ever so slightly.

“What is it, Tony?” you asked. “Is the movie boring? I can-”

“I love you.” he mumbled, his finger tracing your bottom lip softly. “You’re so beautiful; I love you.”

“Tony, I-”

“Shh.” he placed his finger slightly firm against your lips before he nodded tot he tv. “You’re missing my favorite part of the movie.”

You knew at that moment that you couldn’t live your life without this man

#tony stark x reader #tony stark fluff #tony stark x you

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justporo · 6 months

Text

Twists and turns

A Night of Fake Smiles and Hidden Lies: Chapter 9

Astarion and Tav finally get to their first dance. While Tav feels a little like she's going into battle, the vampire can't stop throwing her for a loop - quite literally.

Author's Note: Oh, it really has been long since I updated this, huh? Don't worry I haven't abandoned this story, but I'm still finding a way to balance the excessive urge to write with everything else - and barely sleeping anymore doesn't seem to be the answer, sadly. Anyways, enjoy this part!

Songs: The Vampire Masquerade - Peter Gundry Pairing: Astarion/Fem!Tav (You) Warnings: none

Astarion's and Tav's first waltz: Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake Waltz

CHAPTER LIST | PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER (coming soon)

~~~

With his signature smirk on his lips and his chin lifted up high, the pale elf, whose skin almost looked pearly in the bright and silver moonlight, grabbed your hand firmly while one of his eyebrows twitched in anticipation. He quickly lifted your hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it.

“Let’s not waste more time then, my sweet”, Astarion practically purred. Then he swiftly joined his fingers with yours and spun you around under his arm before pulling you to his chest again. You giggled and grinned at your loved one: “I love it when you’re being cheesy.”

“I am being perfectly serious! And now, giddyup!”, the vampire responded and swung your arm by your held hands to push you to get going. You just playfully bumped into the vampire and let yourself be led towards the ballroom again.

Passing by the unstopping stream of servants you made your way back through the few rooms on the bottom floor. When you could already see the ballroom getting into view through the suite of rooms and their widely flung open doors, you heard a voice rising above all other noises at the party. Surely it must have been amplified by some magic then.

“…am eternally grateful for the warm and generous welcome, all you wonderful and lovely Baldurians have presented me with in your beautiful city, that – if I dare say so – has so much wonderful potential!” You could hear the crowd erupting into loud applause and even whoops of cheering – alcohol had very obviously been flowing generously, even in the more civilised parts of the event and loosened up even the stiffest of collars. While the host was speaking the orchestra played softly in the background.

But this then must be the elusive host, addressing all his guests. You looked at Astarion as you dragged on his hand to hurry him up – you were actually very curious to see this mysterious man. At least maybe a little closer than when he had made a short appearance at the top of the gallery.

But Astarion had actually even stopped walking. With furrowed brows he was staring intently at the ground. His lips were slightly parted as he obviously tried to desperately concentrate – or remember something? Absent-mindedly he almost let go of your hand.

“Astarion?”, you asked carefully and felt suddenly worried about the sudden change in his mood. The vampire was usually quite whimsical but something in the way his eyes stared at the ground flicking around while a thousand leagues away made you worried.

Meanwhile, the host continued with his appreciative speech, so very obviously sweet-talking his audience to get into their good graces: “Having meticulously prepared this very evening for months,” (you snorted, as if he personally had moved but a finger) “I am so incredibly happy to have you all here for this grand night and my humble entrance” (you snorted again, now almost ripping Astarion out of his stupor with your attitude) “into the society of Baldur’s Gate!” More cheers and whoops from the audience.

You softly squeezed Astarion’s hand. The vampire’s eyes flicked to yours, almost coming back to you. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath and shook his head softly.

The speech yet wasn’t over: “And now, because I don’t want to keep you too awfully long from your indulgences” – a sultry laughter that was immediately taken up by the enchanted crowd while you could nearly feel yourself having to gag – “how about we get to a big dance, so everybody really gets their blood pumping?”

The crowd erupted, cheered and clapped. You almost felt like you were in your favourite tavern again. For that moment, when the bard of the evening tuned in for the crowd’s favourite song. Definitely not like you were at a high society event right this moment. You heard that the orchestra was beginning to prepare for the announced dance. You heard another voice shortly carry over the rumbling and loud chatter that had broken out about everyone finding their desired dance partner and getting ready to show off. A clear female voice that you realised belonged to the elven singer you had seen before in front of the other musicians declared that the next dance would be a waltz.

You threw Astarion another glance, he seemed to have gotten out of his little fluke.

“Are you alright, my love?”, you asked him silently.

He shook his head once more. “Yes, my sweet, it’s nothing, just a random intrusive thought flashing through my mind.”

You blinked.

“Well, as long as the intrusive thought wasn’t ‘let’s murder everyone at this godsdamned party’ and you intended to act upon it… we’re good?”

Astarion slowly lowered his head as he stared at you.

“My love, for how long have we been together now for you to know me better? I’m not a Bhaalspawn, darling, merely a victim to my own carnal lusts and my desires for you, little siren”, he replied sassily. One of his eyebrows lifted up and he smirked lewdly at you.

But you really had gotten to know him very well and saw the telltale hints that he wasn’t entirely genuine. His old defence mechanism of deflecting something with a sultry comment was something he’d very easily transformed into harmless everyday banter (because he loved to fluster you at every given opportunity). But combined with how stiff his upper lip seemed and how the wrinkle between his eyebrows hadn’t fully flattened again you knew that there was something he wasn’t letting you in on.

But unfortunately, you also knew, that it was an absolutely helpless endeavour to push him about such a topic. Especially since you still were very much in public and Astarion hated nothing more than airing out his dirty laundry to other people – unless maybe it was literal dirty laundry (and maybe lingerie at that). But you made a mental note to come back to it later and try to talk it through with him if he was willing to open up.

For the moment you just gave a defeated sigh at his languid comment and eyebrow wiggle.

Then Astarion obviously remembered what his actual intention had been, and he grabbed your hand again and softly dragged you forward to get to the ballroom again. “Now”, he said teasingly while rushing around people swiftly, “are you finally going to dance with me or not, love?”

“Well, since the perfect opportunity just presented itself, why don’t we actually give it a go instead of just talking about it?”, you replied just as teasingly. You knew that you opened up a challenge to him with your words, but you felt excitement rise up in you already.

Dancing at a ball? In a beautiful dress? With your version of a fairytale prince?

The vision made you kind of want to gag a little because it was so against anything you had been your whole life and stood for. But then again deep down you felt giddy happiness about maybe just experiencing this for once in your life. Just one night of kitsch and cheesiness and a fairytale ending?

Although looking at the way Astarion kept eyeing you, sensing your energy, you were sure the night wouldn’t end with something parents would tell their children at bedtime.

You passed by the buffet, then the pyramid of crystal glasses again, before you were nearly at the ballroom again. Couples were already positioning to start dancing while the dancefloor had spontaneously been expanded to almost envelop the whole room. Leaving almost no bystanders for the coming dance.

In passing you grabbed another glass of champagne from a silver tray and downed it in one go: as much as you were excited, you also could feel yourself getting nervous. The thought of dancing with so many other people being able to watch suddenly making you a little anxious.

Astarion just looked at you with round red eyes in surprise but a soft smile played around his lips as you were already getting rid off the empty glass again.

“I keep being surprised by your drinking habits, love, but then I remember what kind of establishments you used to frequent before we knew each other”, the vampire said while scrunching up his nose a little in disgust at you for having drunk that expensive champagne like a cheap shot.

You shook yourself a little when you felt the fizzy alcohol run down your throat and then deliciously warm you from the inside out. Both of you kept walking towards the dancefloor that was still filling up with more eager couples.

“I keep being surprised by how much of a pretentious prick you are sometimes, darling, and then I remember you used to be one of them”, you countered and waved around to signify you meant all the nobles around.

“Ouch”, the pale elf replied but he did actually grin at your quick and witty comeback. The way he could bicker with you being one of his favourite things about you.

While you approached the other couples you moved your head around as if trying to crack your neck and rolled your shoulders a little. You almost felt like…

“You are not going into battle, love”, Astarion remarked dryly watching your shenanigans.

You stared at him with a bit of a grimace: “With that many people around we might as well be. Also…” – you sighed – “I know you taught me, and you did a wonderful job, but… At home no one was around to judge me, really”, you confessed while you stopped at the very edge of what was seemingly deemed the space for dancing.

“What about the night at the tavern, hm?”

“Do you have an idea how drunk I was?”, you asked him in return. Astarion just scoffed.

“Also, there was magic at play!”, you desperately tried to justify yourself.

Astarion cocked his head at you: ��Is my love for you not magical enough for you to forget all your worries and fears, darling?”

You crossed your arms over your chest and stared at him unblinkingly – not responding to that nonsense in any kind of way. You turned your gaze towards where the orchestra were readying themselves to play for what was probably the big moment of the evening.

“My sweet, are you seriously telling me that you were – as you have pointed out yourself, just about a few minutes ago, not afraid to take on a literal god but you are afraid to dance around some coiffed poodles and drunken imbeciles now?” Astarion’s voice rose up at least on octave as he talked himself into a fit.

Now you felt called out by him and you didn’t like it. You nervously looked over to him again, but the vampire’s face was scrunched up in a grimace looking at you. His brows were furrowed and the wrinkle between them was very steep indeed. Barely the only thing missing was for him to put his hands on his hips and stomp his foot.

Your mouth pressed into a line as you stared back at him – you felt more nervousness as you noticed everyone getting into position.

“Can we just go and get started please?”, you pleaded with Astarion.

But your vampire kept staring you down. His expression changed slowly, and you could almost see the cunning plan form behind his eyes. His gaze became sultry as yours became alarmed.

“Astarion, whatever you are thinking: NO!”

A grin split the vampire’s face: “Oh what, my love? All I’m going to say is when I am done dancing with you every single person in this room will either want to be you or be with you.” His eyebrow twitched and he licked over his bared teeth while he took a step towards you. His gaze was almost predatory. And the intensity on his wickedly beautiful face in that moment almost took your breath away.

“Ready to take on all that competition then, Astarion?”, you answered weakly in an attempt to get back at him for baffling you. He just knowingly lowered his gaze at you – because he knew. There was no competition as long as he was around.

The conductor of the orchestra very fittingly chose this moment to tap his baton against his music stand. Then he lifted his arms and the room’s anticipation rose to a max. Breaths were held, chins lifted up, feet silently shuffled around.

“Let’s just go, please”, you scream-whispered at Astarion as the room had mostly become silent for a second in heated aspiration. You turned away from him and wanted to finally enter the dancefloor while the music started to rise up. Couples started to slowly turn – some immediately and horrendously arhythmic. Maybe you really didn’t need to worry that much.

You only got about one step in, when you felt a firm grip on your wrist.

“Ah ah ah, we don’t rush, my heart!”, Astarion scolded you and dragged you back as you were seriously getting annoyed at him. “I don’t remember formally inviting you to dance with me.”

“Do you need a three-day notice or what?”, you snapped at him and actually did stomp your foot. But the vampire was not to be ruffled as he made you turn to him again at the edge of the dancefloor.

He smirked at you: “Come on, play along, indulge me. Once in a lifetime opportunity.”

You tapped your foot but the vampire’s gaze and grin didn’t falter. You sighed in desperation and motioned him to go on.

The swelling music was filling the whole room, sending goosebumps all over your skin now. You noticed that it was considerably louder now than it had been when you had arrived. Your brimming anxiety and anticipation probably were amplified by it.

You stared at your partner who in a very theatrical manner now put his heels together, incredibly elegantly bowed and dramatically reached out his hand to you.

“My beautiful darling, Tav, would you be ever so gracious as to honour my humble self with your hand, if only for this dance? And let me twirl you around as if you were the princess that I’ve been wooing for months with my eloquent love letters and could only hope to admire from a distance so far?”, he asked and put on his poshest of accents. He almost sounded as if he was reciting poetry although you heard the humours hints in his voice.

Gods, and for as much as you hated all of this and for as much as it wasn’t who you were: you couldn’t help but giggle giddily in this moment – as your admirer had just propositioned to you, how thrilling!

He had gotten to you, you were now fully ready to play along – if only for shits and giggles.

“Oh my love, Astarion, I would love nothing more but to be spun around in your arms and then afterwards keep dreaming about it forevermore”, you replied and put your hand in his in an overly exaggerated motion.

You desperately had to bite your cheek to not start laughing. Astarion shortly moved your offered hand to his lips to press a kiss to them. You could see that he too was barely containing laughter with the terrible histrionics you’d both put on. The way he bit his lip showing off one of his pronounced canines for a moment.

But then he finally rose up from his elegant bow and swiftly spun you under his arm once before he finally led you upon the dancefloor. He lifted your hand up high in his and confidently walked through all the other couples that seemingly were intimidated by your mere presence alone. No one dared to cross your path as Astarion walked you straight to the middle of the dancefloor.

You saw that quite a lot of pairs of eyes were watching you. Probably from the scene you had caused earlier or because you were fashionably late to the waltz. You tried not to think about it.

Once in the dead centre of the dancefloor, Astarion swung you around to face him, grabbed your other hand to lift it up while the other wandered to the small of your back. You planted your other hand softly on his shoulder just as he had taught you.

“Time for another lesson, love”, Astarion said as his ruby eyes twinkled mischievously at you – one of his white curls had fallen playfully onto his forehead too. You raised your eyebrows at him. “Once you start, never stop dancing!”

And then he finally started dancing with you. He effortlessly led you around the dancefloor at breakneck speed. Your skirt was flying around you as you turned and turned.

You were entirely sure that you were looking at your vampire like a deer being snuck upon in the woods. Your heart was racing as you felt both incredibly excited and very nervous still – the rush of the sheer speed you were waltzing around the room with amplifying both.

Astarion’s eyes were solely on you as he held you close and without showing an ounce of effort elegantly made you sweep across the dancefloor. The many lights sparkled in them, making them look like rubies. You could’ve gotten lost in them.

But keeping up with Astarion, even though he was masterfully leading you in this waltz and his arm was firmly holding you, was still taking a lot of your attention. The two of you had practiced quite a lot. And you had learnt the steps and routines quite quickly, but you had been anxious about making a fool out of yourself.

“You’re thinking too much, my heart”, you heard Astarion say softly – despite the loud orchestral music that only seemed to keep swelling. You blinked at him and almost stumbled right then and there because he had taken you off guard.

You didn’t even dare to reply because you were now awfully aware of your feet and about everything that could go wrong. You gulped and felt how your arms got shaky – even the glass of champagne you had right before this couldn’t help you anymore with this. Anxiously your gaze dropped downward to check if your feet where still correctly doing what they were supposed to.

“Ah ah ah”, the vampire scolded you and with a swift movement he lifted his hand from where it had been on your back to raise up your chin again. “What did I tell you, my sweet, chin up, you’re the second most beautiful person in this room.”

Somehow his teasing brought back some of your cool. “How many times do you want to switch up that compliment, dear?”, you spat back and felt the sudden urge to step on his foot again – why was he always so irritating?

Astarion’s face split into an enormous grin as he kept turning with you in his arms. “As much as needed”, he replied, and you saw how one of his eyebrows twitched. “You look so beautiful when you’re annoyed with me, love.”

Oh, the audacity! Trust Astarion to turn a romantic moment into a godsdamned punchline. You stared him down angrily – meanwhile forgetting to struggle with the dancing.

Astarion’s grin kept growing, now even revealing his fangs. He knew exactly what he had done. And you had to be honest with yourself: you were grateful for it. As always, he had figured out just the right buttons to push.

“I hate you”, you simply threw to him, too stubborn to acknowledge how he had gotten you to loosen up. But a smirk was growing on your face now.

For that remark Astarion quickly moved to make you spin under his arm again. You squealed a little, surprised by the sudden twirl you were forced to take. Then you were right back, pressed firmly against the vampire’s chest. He looked at you with mock disappointment, slightly shaking his head and clicking his tongue. All of course while the dance was still going.

“We don’t lie, my heart”, Astarion said with both eyebrows drawn up and cocking his head a little, his tone teasingly condescending.

“Maybe if you were being nice.”

“Am I not being nice right now? Am I not the perfect paradigm of a courteous, gallant gentleman right this very moment, my darling?”, the vampire drawled sarcastically.

“Paradigm of being full of it, is what you are”, you offered him in return.

And he threw you for another unplanned and uncalled for spin under his arm.

“STOP IT”, you whisper-screamed at your vampire and struggled to not fall while also conveying your anger at him. Astarion just laughed at you. But he quickly went back to just genuinely smiling at you, admiration clear in his eyes.

“Just close your eyes, my heart, enjoy the moment – just let me lead you, you know the steps, love”, he said gingerly after a little while without a note of mocking in it now. You stared at him for a moment longer, asking yourself if he might be meaning to make you fall – but then you followed his suggestion. You trusted him after all – fully.

You only felt unsteady for a short moment. The vampire’s arm around you was holding you securely as you tried to concentrate fully on the sensations surrounding you.

The first thing was probably the music – the way it was filling the room completely and went through your body. You felt how the skirt around you kept flying and how the dancing and the speed of your turns and other couples passing by made for small of gusts of wind.

Your feet now effortlessly found their footing and as you kept swirling around, you felt how the anxiety slowly disappeared. Astarion’s body was so close to yours – reminding you that you had a steady anchor with you, always. You focused on how his hand felt on the small of your back, his other in yours. How the fabric of his fine doublet felt pleasantly under your fingertips.

And joy crept into your heart as you enjoyed being turned around seemingly endlessly in your lover’s arms. Your head fell back, and you felt a smile creep onto your lips. The joy you felt manifesting as some kind of untameable force as you kept feeling the rush of moving at impossible speed. The alcohol you’ve had. The things you’ve experienced. The man holding you.

Just you being here with your soulmate, enjoying this moment.

You opened your eyes then, focusing on nothing really, just letting everything rush by in a blur of colours while you kept focusing on how it felt to be swirled around in Astarion’s arms. Lights flashed by, music was thrumming through your entire body. You were desperately aware of how close you were to the person you loved the most in this world. And you also heard your vampire softly chuckling at you finally just letting loose in the joy of the moment.

It didn’t get any better than this.

Tag list: @spacebarbarianweird @sunfire-ancunin @tragedybunny @dependsonthedream @tallymonster @magazzne @micropoe10 @aoirohi @my-bunny-prince @lumienyx @fayeriess @aurasyn @margoteve @usuallyunlikelyfox @hollowmasque @worryknotdear @wraithmaine

#astarion #astarion x tav #baldurs gate #baldurs gate 3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #astarion x reader #astarion x mc #baldurs gate astarion #astarion x oc #astarion x you #fanfic #fanfiction #astarion ancunin #bg3 spoilers #a night of fake smiles and hidden lies #tav #bg3

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caker-baker · 2 years

Text

Peace

“You look beautiful.” The villain murmured, their lips light above the hero’s knuckles before letting go.

“You look hideous.”

It warranted a laugh from the villain, leaving the hero to wonder what was humorous in this situation.

“Shall we?” The villain extended a hand.

And in those fineries that the villain had prepared for them, the hero knew there was no other option than to take the hand, and to dance.

Dance they did, gliding across the floor in a beautiful grace, one might be breathless if they were actually watching.

But the hero knew that they weren’t watching, they were just there, dolls under the villain’s control.

“Do you have to have them here?”

“The other villains and heroes? Yes, I want them to see you.”

“But they don’t see me, not really, not when you’re in their heads.”

The villain made a humming sound, thinking of how best to phrase it.

“Think of it like a trance, they are there, they just can’t move.”

Ah, the hero was wrong. It just made the villain’s ability more horrifying, knowing that their friends were in there somewhere, trapped and waiting to get out, waiting for someone to save them.

And save them they would, the hero just needed to keep dancing.

So they let themselves be dipped, twirled, waltzed around while some lovely orchestra played some lovely song.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to do that to me?” The hero asked. “Rather than…” they couldn’t say it.

“Control the rest?” The villain could say it, of course they could. “I guess it would be. But I don’t want to, not to you. I respect you too much. I love you too much.”

“Don’t say that.”

The lovely song ended.

“What shall I say instead?”

“Say that you’ll let them go.” The hero pleaded. “Say that you’ll end it all.”

Another lovely song began, and the hero, somewhere in the back of their mind, wondered if the orchestra was also controlled by the villain, or if they were just paid handsomely.

The villain didn’t speak for a moment, they simply pulled the hero into another dance.

“I could have taken this whole city by storm.” They began. “I could have each and every civilian in my mind’s influence, and it would be painfully easy. Is that what I’m doing? No. I’m dancing with the person I want, in the place I want, surrounded by people we consider friends, the people who fight pointlessly. I want them to see that I could have stopped them all, that the fighting isn’t a choice so long as I’m here. The city’s greatest enemies in the same room together, and they have no choice but to listen. I’m not a villain, Hero.”

Ok, maybe the villain wasn’t doing the worst thing they could have been doing, but it didn’t make their methods anymore right. It didn’t make this right.

“And you think this is how you get it done? What’s next, world peace?”

“I don’t care about the rest of the world, I care about my corner, I care about this city.”

The second lovely song ended.

“Now what?”

“Now, there’s no more squabbling, they know that there will be consequences.” The villain shot the crowd of heroes and villains a look. “Now, I love how I like, and how I like is with you.”

The hero really didn’t know how to respond, so the villain continued.

“Do you remember fighting me? Back when I could only control one person at a time? The others,” they motioned to the heroes. “always had a group of four, for when I inevitably turned one against the rest. You came alone, you didn’t want to fight your own team, so you faced me by yourself. I knew I couldn’t control you then and there, I would never want to risk destroying the compassion and personality that I so rarely see in the others.”

The hero frowned. “The others have personality, compassion, kindness. That isn’t unique to me.”

In turn, the villain stared. “I’m in their heads, Hero. You shouldn’t lie to me on their behalf. I know the things they think, the anger they have, especially towards you.”

That made the hero step back. “Towards me?”

“They assumed I held my punches when it came to you. It didn’t matter if every other villain didn’t, because I did, and that was enough to earn their…hatred isn’t it, but it’s turning to hate now, as they see you with me, not stuck like them.”

“I didn’t ask you to let me go free.”

“Did you hear that?” The villain said, the message directed towards the frozen crowd, all the while still looking at the hero. “They didn’t ask for my affections, nor did they ask me to do this to you.”

The hero didn’t want to ask, but they wanted to know. “Do they still hate me?” And then another thought crossed their mind. “Or are you lying to me so that I’m swayed to your side?”

“There are no sides, Hero, that’s my whole point.”

They held out their hand for another dance, but the hero refused.

“Let them go, please.”

The villain cast a sweeping glance towards the crowd.

“And you will stay with me?”

“Yes.”

“Then it is as you wish.”

The crowd began to move again, some in marionette like movements, jerky and delayed, others more fluid, jumping back into the motion denied to them like an old friend.

But no one attacked each other, no one went towards the villain or the hero, no one dared to cross the one who could easily take control like that again.

“My gift to you, peace in the city. And now, we dance.”

The hero took the villain’s hand.

A third lovely song began.

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animentality · 6 months

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last playthrough i noticed gorty has a piano in his office at wyrms rock. think he actually plays it?

part of me thinks he couldnt so much as put two notes together and its just there to look fancy and expensive, which is funnier and maybe more in character, but the romantic in me keeps thinking about him genuinely being able to play it, and good at it too. not sure where or when he’d have learned but hes got the steady hands for it anyway

also him playing it for durge, of course. amnesiac durge catching themself humming a tune that they cant remember ever having heard before, and then later they find out its a song gortash used to play a lot when they were together

Don't fucking do that to me, anon, I'd be dead on the floor.

The Dark Urge expresses an admiration for Orin's "artwork."

I wonder if maybe the Dark Urge wishes they were more artistic themselves. They're very efficient and practical.

They wouldn't have an eye for art, or music.

Which is why it's kind of sad to me, to imagine a bard Dark Urge?

Imagine loving music and wanting to grow up to play music for people...and then you find out you're a murderous demigod.

Like ouch.

No symphony orchestra in the upper city for you!

But as for whether or not Gortash knows how to play...realistically, it's just there to make him feel like he's one of those snotty nobles, born with a silver spoon in their mouth, all knowing how to play at least one instrument from childhood.

But romantically?

i'm with you, anon.

Gortash learns ONE song, that he can play for the Dark Urge, and it is awful, it's soooo off tune, it's awkward and he's terrible.

But the Dark Urge is transfixed, because they have never stopped to enjoy music before. And they can't hear the mistakes.

They just hear a man playing a song for them, and only them.

No gods between them. No trail of corpses or blood or plans for the invasion of the sword coast.

Just two people, sitting in his office, one badly playing the piano, the other listening and wishing they could speak into existence the forbidden thoughts and feelings racing through their heart, but knowing better.

Also, let's go wild.

Everyone seems to headcanon Gortash inviting the Dark Urge to come talk to him privately.

He invites them in and he's playing that fucking song.

and they recognize it as something they have hummed to themselves, heard late at night, when they were between conscious and unconscious.

maybe it's even a song they hum to themselves in broken melodies and forgotten harmonies when they're feeling particularly uncontrollable or murderous, because gortash was the only one who ever knew how to manage your urge.

ahhhh.

anon, stop giving me fic ideas.

you won't like what happens.

#durgetash #baldurs gate 3 #bg

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creepling · 4 months

Text

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PLAYLISTS

it's finally here!! i have created playlists for each character from the texas chainsaw massacre video game. the playlists are still ongoing and i will add to them when i come across songs that remind me of them. most include 60s/70s songs but have a mix of contemporary. all playlists were made in spotify.

ANA FLORES

features . . . joan baez, tia blake, santana, bob dylan, and more.

CONNIE TAYLOR

features . . . the mamas and papas, dolly parton, the beatles, patti smith, simon & garkfunkel and more.

DANNY GAINES

features . . . the doors, grateful dead, syd barrett, king crimson and more.

JOHNNY SLAUGHTER

features . . . metallica, jim croce, johnny cash, black sabbath, lana del rey and more.

JULIE CRAWFORD

features . . . abba, the beach boys, boney m, david bowie, blondie and more.

LELAND MCKINNEY

features . . . bay city rollers, cream, t rex, aerosmith, electric light orchestra and more.

SISSY SLAUGHTER

features . . . jefferson airplane, ethel cain, deep purple, the zombies, fleetwood mac and more.

SONNY WILLIAMS

features . . . stevie wonder, hot chocolate, cat stevens, jackie wilson, frankie valli and more.

#tcm game #ana flores #danny gaines #connie taylor #julie crawford #johnny slaughter #leland mckinney #sissy slaughter #sonny williams #playlists #texas chainsaw massacre

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desswright29 · 10 months

Text

The Golden Stairs

Pairing: Shuri X Reader

Word Count: 6.3k

Contains: Fluff (hella fluffy), Some angst, and Smut, romantic proposal 🥰, Shuri is in looove!

A/n: I wrote and deleted this several times over the past month. This story stomped me in my chest, grabbed me by my hair and banged my head against the wall! But I wrote it cause I love y’all.

Please enjoy! 😄

Y/n pov

My heart rate increased as I sat in the car releasing short and quick puffs of air to control my erratic breathing. Palms sweaty and limbs shaking, I glanced into the side mirror to see if my eyes had deceived me. They had not. There she stood in all of her regality, stuck in the center of the sidewalk, hands intertwined infront of her body as she stared into space. She rocked a low cut now, making her look attractively mature; and the black and white suit did her all the more justice. Even with all of that, she looked lost. I pulled my eyes from the mirror as they began to burn from the tears threatening to fall. Why was she here? Why today of all days, would she show up! Ofcourse she would, It was classic Shuri to show up and shift my atmosphere on what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. No! It is indeed the happiest day of my life! I won’t allow her to get inside of my head. I get a handle on my breathing, remembering how Shuri destroyed me. Destroyed us! I’ve moved on and I’m receiving the love I deserve. So, fuck her!

“Baby.” A soft baritone called from the drivers side of the car, releasing me from my mental torment. A tear involuntarily escaped my eye as I turned to look at my new husband, plastering on the best smile I could muster. “You ok? What’s going on Peaches?” The concern etched onto his face while he comfortingly gripped my hand, caused a slight ache in my chest. He was always so good to me, so patient. How dare I still care for Shuri. “Of course! I’m just overwhelmed my love. This has been such a beautiful day. I can’t believe we’re married now! We made it Mike!” I laugh wiping away the tears that fell for her, trying to lighten the mood as I attempted to push the thoughts of her away. Don’t mistake my shock for unhappiness with my situation. Michael has been nothing short of amazing from the moment he began to pursue me. He consistently handled my heart with care, and gave me grace from the side effects of the trauma my relationship with Shuri had caused. He loved me whole, and never left room for doubt. Still, seeing Shuri after so long, brought long forgotten emotions back to the forefront. Now, I can’t help but think about how this should’ve been us.

—————————————————————————

3 years Ago

No matter how often you’d been granted access into Wakanda, your mind could never quite comprehend the magnitude of its beauty. Your eyes were bright with wonder as you watched the towering buildings of Capital City twinkle in the night sky. They whisked by as you were driven through the city streets in the Royal Rolls Royce. To think that this country was a testament to the inconceivable intellect of your woman always baffled you. The thought of her belonging to you made you swell with pride.

It had been two years and 5 months since she’d placed her heart on her sleeve for you in the parking lot of a club. Likely one of her lowest moments, but she’d put her pride aside to fight for you. Baring her soul, making promises of placing the world at your feet. Fittingly, you were skeptical after all that had transpired. So you made her work for your time and effort. Putting pressure on her that could build warriors. Every grand gesture was met with push back, every slick word, met with skepticism and rebuttal. If she was going to have you, It was going to be pure and honest. All of the requisite steps to protecting your heart had been taken. You kept it up until you eventually broke her.

After months of her pouring her all into the extended apology, you both lie side by side on a plush blanket; one completely disconnected from the other. A navy gradient was the backdrop for a full moon; the night sky so clear you could almost see every crater. You both stared up into a blanket of star’s, as the vodka clear lake shimmered, luminescent in the moons glow. A picnic basket filled with all of your favorites seperated the two of you, along with flowers Shuri had hand picked herself. Fairy lights hung from the trees surrounding you, rose petals spread sporadically across the blanket while four lanterns illuminated each corner.

Another perfectly planed date was coming to an end. Shuri made sure to cross every T and dot every I, and still you showed minimal interest. Hardly engaging in conversation, Nitpicking the food and quite frankly you seemed bothered to be around her. Quiet. The crickets chirped, and the water was still. Staggered breathing, and a sniffle caught your attention; and you turn to look at Shuri just in time to catch the moonlight highlight the lone tear falling down her cheek into her ear. Jaw clenching and trembling as she swallowed, trying to hold back a sob. God! She even made crying look glorious.

“What are we doing?” Her voice trembled and broke, betraying her strong front. She didn’t make a move to look in your direction. “Well, I’m just waiting on you to take me ho-“ Shuri cut you off, sitting up abruptly. “Stop! Stop it y/n!” Her voice raised in a desperate plea. “I c-can’t keep doing this.” Her hands shot up to her uniformed curls, pushing them back from her forehead in a frenzy, as though she couldn’t stand the feel of them against her skin. Her anxiety in the moment causing sensory issues. “I understand I hurt you, but you said you’d give me a fair chance, baby y-you don’t seem to want this. Ndiyakuthanda, ngako konke endinako (I love you, with all I have). Giving so much of myself and watching you not want it. Is killing me.”

“Shuri-“

“Wait.” She released a shaky breath “I’m giving it my all uthando (love), It would tear me to peices to watch you walk away, but I’m doing the work. I need to know will it ever be enough.” Now sitting up, you stared out at the water, tears running down your cheeks. “This.. this is all so perfect Shuri. This date and every other one you put effort into. All of the gifts were well thought out. Nothing gaudy or over the top. You’ve been perfection. What I’m saying is, I see your effort, I see the changes in you, I’ve appreciated and enjoyed every single moment we’ve spent together. But, I’m so scared Shuri. So afraid of the love I have for you. It’s all consuming. I look into those eyes Shuri and I want to melt into you. I want to let go of the fear and breathe you in, bask in this feeling of being loved carefully, and protectively. But every single fucking time there’s this feeling of impending doom.” You look straight into her eyes, wanting to make your next point exceedingly clear. “I can’t allow you to believe that it would ever be ok for you to treat me the way you did before. If you want me, I want it to be only me Shuri. Don’t play games with my heart.” Shuri’s head began to shake fervently side to side.

“I wish I’d never been so careless with your heart intombi eswiti (sweet girl). It took some time to recognize my mistakes. To see past my own selfishness, but I would give up everything if it meant I could finally call you mine officially. I’d give the air from my lungs for that honor. Only if it’s what you want too. I could allow you to walk away right now, if that is what would make you happy. However, I’d always be waiting for you. You placed the love back into my heart and then you took it as your own. I belong to you. So, I’m begging you y/n. Be with me. I want the chance to cherish you as my woman. I want to take my time with your heart. Continue learning to give you the love I know that you want and deserve from me. My ego has long been placed aside sthandwa. I love you y/n.”

You’d pulled your legs into your chest, hugging your shins, and sobbing into your knees. Shuri moved in front of you, sitting legs spreading excepting you inbetween them, she grabbed both sides of your face, pulling your head up to face her. Both of your eyes were swollen and red, wet and dry tears coating your faces. “I love you, I love you, I love you” She repeated, you could hear her heart pour from her voice as she stared into your deep brown irises. You finally break falling into her arms. She held you in her arms, pressing your head against her chest. She rocked you like a baby as she continued to reassure you. Kissing your forehead, speaking words of affirmation as you cried together. That night you would officially become hers. Mind, Body, and Soul.

————————————————————————

It’d been two years to the day, and Shuri had kept her word; becoming all you could have asked for and things you could have never imagined. With you by her side she’d become the most noted ruler of Wakanda. Yes, Ofcourse with the worlds obsession with attractiveness, the whispers around the world began from Shuri’s first live press conference in America. It was said that Wakanda had the most beautiful, androgynous Queen anyone had ever seen; who had a swagger that could bring any man or woman to their knees. But then, Shuri consistently began breaking through ceilings of limitations people placed upon her.

Politicians saw her and expected some young suave, conceited, scientist that however intelligent, was unfit to rule. It was an easy and popular consensus. However, She was not only intelligent, she was the smatest person in the world, She spoke with the power and authority of Romanda, She was strong, compassionate, and open minded as T’challa had been, But cross her or her people and she could easily summon her inner N’jadaka. Anyone who had ever doubted her felt regret every moment of her reign as Queen. She OOZED power. But she had a weakness.

You quickly rose to fame. Becoming a Queen in your own right, having a work ethic like no one had ever seen. Being a genius level engineer had worked in your favor in the industry. Not only were you surpassing all other artist in lyricism and vocal ability; Your shows were a site to behold. You and Shuri created the most elaborate sets, and people lined up for miles to witness your greatness. People had tried to account your success with your connection to the Queen, until it became apparent that your talent was undeniable. Your life with Shuri was what dreams where made of. Wakanda loved and excepted you as though you were their own. You created peace for Shuri, creating a calm joy in her that she never believed she would have again. She was grounded by you. The sound of your voice, your innocent smile, hell just the mention of your name brought an uncontainable smile to her face. Your relationship with Shuri became the embodiment of what love should be.

The car coming to a stop jarred you out of your thoughts. As your driver exited the car, you reach for your purse pulling out your compact mirror to check your make up. It was perfection, courtesy of Shuri. You’d flown into Wakanda this morning after celebrating the last show of your 6 month tour with your crew. She hadn’t been able to make the show which wasn’t a rare occurrence for either of you with both of your demanding schedules, but you both always made it up to one another. This time you were pretty sure that Shuri was planning something unecessarily extravagant for your anniversary so you were a bit more understanding than usual. You had been correct. As soon as you’d landed you were greeted with staff whisking you off to a day of pampering. Nakia, and Aneka accompanied you.

There was brunch, massages, mani’s and pedi’s and you decided to get your natural hair in a wash and go. You’d come back home hoping to finally see Shuri but were met with a beautiful nude gown that was covered in Swarovski crystals and had a split traveling all the way up your thigh to the hip. There was a full glam squad waiting on you and you were told you’d be meeting Shuri at a recently opened restaurant in the inner city. As always Shuri had gone above and beyond! You shut your mirror placing it back into your bag and adjust your dress.

The door to the car was opened and you gracefully place your heeled foot onto the pavement below you to exit the car. An unexpected gasp came from your throat as you take in your surroundings. In front of you was the most magnificent grand staircase that appeared to be made of solid gold and vibranium. Various cultural symbols from Wakanda were carved into them. At the bottom of the stairs, Two men in traditional Wakandan garb from the golden tribe waited with single white roses with golden stems.

The driver offered you his arm, and you took it still wide eyed, at the beautifully unique staircase. You met the two men at the bottom of the stairs. The driver released you and stepped back with a slight nod, signaling the men to take over, as he walked away. The men handed you the roses. “Good evening, Ms. Y/l/n” They both say. One offered you his arm while the other stepped behind holding your small train. As you stepped forward onto the first stair, the symbols on the stairs glowed white revealing the symbols were placed strategically, ultimately creating a large portrait of 2 Queens face to face. Violins began to swell, as a holographic wall appears infront of you.

If I Ain’t Got you. Written by Shuri Udaku

Appeared on the wall in front of you as you continued up the steps. It disappeared only to be replaced with a photo of you and Shuri. You immediately giggle at the memory. It was the first official picture taken of you both as a couple. Courtesy of Nakia. You’d spent all night christening your new relationship, and she thought it’d be funny to snap a picture of your irritated faces as she burst in on your “honeymoon” the next morning. You and Shuri’s face both mirrored irritatation, as you sat snuggled into her lap with a blanket covering you both. Various pictures continued to scroll into the night sky with each step you took. Your heart rate was slowly increasing as piano now began to accompany the violins as you ascended the stairs.

At the height of the stairs, your breath catches in your throat and your eyes glass over. “No way this is happening” A large fountain spreads across the massive courtyard of a white and gold building, water jutted out like geysers on both sides of a glass pathway through the center of the pool. The walkway illuminated by lighting, different shades of white and purple, which happened to be yours and Shuri’s favorite color. As breathtaking as the sight was, it paled in comparison to the view of your friends and family surrounding the marble courtyard. Seated on either side of the pool there was a full orchestra, and lines of people waiting for you with white roses with golden stems. Your eyes brimmed with tears.

A voice rang out, causing you to look ahead that’s when you finally noticed Alicia freaking Keys sitting at a piano in the front of the fountain. The lyrics of the song appeared above her like subtitles as she sang. Your friends and family began to walk up to you each handing you a rose smiling from ear to ear. Giving little comments like “You’re so beautiful” or “Get it girl”. Some were already in tears.

Some people live for the fortune

Some people live just for the fame

Some people live for the power, yeah

Some people live just to play the game

Some people think

That the physical things

Define what's within

And I've been there before

That life's a bore

So full of the superficial

Listening to the lyrics your girlfriend wrote, your heart swelled. You almost stopped paying attention to the people handing you flowers, until at the end of the lines of people you see your mother and your sister practically beaming at you. As soon as you see them you let out a soft sob slightly bending at the waist. Your sister ran up to you. Grabbing you into a hug. She pulled tissues from her bag and gently dabbed your eyes. “You look so beautiful sister, don’t mess up your beautiful make up before she see’s you.” She says with a tear escaping her own eye. Your mother reached you both, face beaming with pride as she grabbed your hand squeezing. “Mommy! Dani! H-how?”

“She’s been planning this since you went on tour. Well she got us involved at that point, but something tells me she’s been planning this day from the moment you said yes to being her girlfriend.” Your mother stated gesturing in amazement at the everything Shuri had put together. Her and your sister share an amused chuckle. “How did everyone get here? I was just with my crew before I got on my flight.” You were amazed and confused. “She sent jets Ofcourse” Your sister rolled her eyes and laughed at how casually she was able to say that. Shuri had sent 15 jets to locations only disclosed to the people you held closest to your heart. That would be family, best friends, and your main crew from work that was always with you. She’d made sure they were greeted by her and comfortably housed for their stay. The things your love was capable of. “Come on” She said grabbing your arm as your mother grabbed the other. “Pay attention” She says, as they walk you to the edge of the fountain to continue watching Alicia perform with the orchestra and pictures of you and Shuri continue to appear.

Some people search for a fountain

Promises forever young

Some people need three dozen roses

And that's the only way to prove you love them

Hand me the world on a silver platter

And what good would it be

With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me

Some people want it all

But I don't want nothing at all

If it ain't you, baby

If I ain't got you, baby

Some people want diamond rings

Some just want everything

But everything means nothing

If I ain't got you, you, you

Your head lay on your mothers shoulder as your sister continuously dabs at your eyes, and checks your makeup. The doors to the building opened and twelve Dora file out six heading right and six heading left in single file lines. Once they get in position they faced center. And then there she was. Shuri. Okoye to the left of her and Nakia to the right of her. Your eyes immediately connect with hers as the music began to swell. Shuri began walking towards the other end of the path as the Dora threw their arms across their chest in salute as she walked past. She was stunning in a simple black suit tailored to perfection with a diamond harness, and her heeled boots. You loved when Shuri wore heels. Your sister squeezed your arm, and you lifted your head to look at her, she took your flowers, and they both looked at you eyes watering smiles setting their faces aglow. “Go on, baby. Go get your woman.” Your mother says. You smile, turning seeing that Shuri was standing at the end of the pathway waiting for you. You take a deep breath, and step onto the glass as Shuri does the same. Swallowing, you walk toward the love of your life, your gorgeous gown flowing behind you, as water shot into the sky beside you with each step you both took.

If I ain't got you with me, baby, oh, ooh

Said nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing

If I ain't got you with me, baby

You now stood face to face with Shuri. Your body shaking with anticipation. Nerves getting the best of you already. Her eyes were glassed over already holding back tears. She let out a deep calming breath grabbing both of your hands.

“Molo mntu omhle (Hello Beautiful)” Her voice echoed throughout the area so that everyone could hear. You offer her a soft smile as you let out a wet exhale. Her eyes sparkled as she looked down into your eyes. “I’m sure you’ve gathered what is happening by now.” She smiles, and giggles were heard around the yard. “ I was inside the building kind of panicking, because I wanted to do this from the heart.” She let go of one of your hands placing her right hand over her heart. “So I didn’t write anything and my mind was going blank in there because I’m nervous as hell!” More laughter erupted as you let out a chuckle. She grabs your hand again.

“I knew though, that once I was in your presence, everything I needed to say would come rushing at me. You’ve always had that effect on me. In my position I have to always be strong, logical, unemotional. But with you I’m just Shuri. To everyone else I’m The Black Panther, and to you I’m just Kitty.” She shakes her head at everyone’s laughter. “I can’t believe I said that outloud. When I met you, I was searching for something, little did I know it was someone. The girl of my dreams. The one who would unapologetically give all of her love to me. You stood beside me as a friend, and I knew that I could always depend on you, that anything life threw at me you’d be there beside me. You’ve been my strength when I wanted to give in. I could spend a lifetime showing you how special you are to me. You made it easy for me in the loneliest times of my life. I knew the moment I saw you dance I wanted to marry you. Cause damn.”

She bit her lip grinning and nodding to herself. You softly hit her arm. “Move it along perv.” You say as laughter filled the area. “But really, everything about you seemed so familiar to me. The feel of your hands, the way you felt in my arms. If I could go back in time, I’d tell you thank you. Let you know your as beautiful now as you were then. Hold your hands just like I’m doing now. The same hands I’ll hold in front of a minister, the same hands that’ll carry my son and his sister. I’d thank you for the first kiss in three weeks, for when we make love in six weeks. For the ring you’d wear proudly 3 years from then. For when you say I do in fall and for those beautiful children of ours. I know it would sound strange because we would have just met. But I’d be thanking you in advance.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. At this point you were trying not to hyperventilate.

Shuri with her own tears streaming down her face, licked her lips and let out a puff of air before continuing “We’ve been through so much intombi yam (my girl) we’ve laughed, like when you had that show in Georgia and as we left the arena someone in traffic was playing “wipe me down” and you climbed on the roof of our moving car just in time to yell” Everybody in the crowd yells it out as Shuri says it “B.O.O.S.I.E B.A.D.A.Z.Z THATS ME!” The crowd was roaring as you did a little twerk as they sang. Shuri threw her head back laughing. Everyone had saw that video, it went viral and was on every news station across the world. “You pissed Okoye off that day. But that’s what I love about you. You’re fearless and nobody makes me laugh like you. We’ve cried. In the beginning I didn’t go about us in the best way. And I’ll spend the rest of our lives making that up to you, if you’ll have me.” She got down on one knee, and you let out choked sobs. “As Queen and Black Panther. I kneel to no one. But today and forever after I kneel to you humbly. Y/f/n will you do me the honor of being my lifetime partner, my wife, my Queen.” She pulled out a box opening it to reveal one large oval diamond with a vibranium band with clustered diamonds. You were absolutely speechless. All you could manage was a breathless “yes” as you nodded.

Shuri smiled big sliding the ring onto your finger before standing and scooping you into her arms, holding you by your waist as you grabbed her face placing kisses all over before finally connecting your lips as she spun you in circles. Fireworks started to go off as you heard “ Happily Ever After” by Case began to play in the back ground. That was one of your favorite songs. You pull back looking into her eyes. “I’m so in love with you”

“I hope so fiancé.” she says as she finally placed you on your feet. As soon as she placed you on your feet your mom and your sister rushed you. “Let me see the ring!!“ your sister yells. You proudly hold out your hand as you guys scream and jump around together “OH MY GOD that is beautiful sister! You did your big one with this one sis! Big Panther not the lil one!” She said turning towards Shuri and hugging her. Shuri stepped back and popped her lapel “Well you know” You all share a laugh as your mom pops your sisters arm. “Danielle act like you got some sense!” Your mom says as she hugs you. “I’m so happy for you y/n. You seem to be in wonderful hands.” She turns to Shuri giving her a hug. “Thank you for loving my daughter the way you do. I’m so happy to welcome you as my bonus daughter. You’ve got plenty of family now, so visit as often as you can.” Shuri teared up a bit more going in for another hug with your mother. “Of course we will. You won’t be able to get rid of me”

Nakia, Okoye, Aneka, and Ayo all come up and embrace you giving you congrats and gawking at the ring. Nakia pulls you to the side, holding your hand as Shuri and M’Baku teased one another. “Thank you y/n for loving her the way you do.” You gave a soft smile. “I don’t have a regret in the world Nakia.” She steps up and engulfs you in a long embrace.

————————————————————————

The rest of the night was filled with drinking, laughter, music, dancing, pictures and congratulations. You and Shuri had finally entered the sanctity of your second home. Both of you heading straight toward the bedroom upon entering your home. Entering the bedroom you’re surprised once again to see that Shuri had had it decorated for the night while you both were out. Candles lit up the room, with rose petals and balloons. There was a large assortment of fruit with whipped cream, honey, and chocolate sauce lined across the top of the tray, and a bottle of champagne with two glasses, sitting at the center of the bed. “Baby I can’t cry anymore tonight. I’m going to turn into a puddle.” You’d already started crying. She walked up to you pressing her body against yours, placing a soft kiss to your lips “Nwabela usuku lwakho owaqala ngalo iqabane” (happy anniversary fiancé).

“Happy Anniversary sweet lady” You bite your lip as Shuri bit hers smiling and blushing. She began helping you out of your dress and you both collapsed onto the bed. Shuri sat up straight on the headboard as you straddled her lap nuzzling your head into her neck, nothing but your panties on, as she absentmindedly massaged your back.

“Shuri”

“Hm”

“You’re beautiful. Everything about you.” You sit up looking into her eyes. “You never cease to amaze me, and I am so proud of you and how far you’ve come my love. How far we’ve come together. Today was beautiful. I couldn’t have dreamed of a proposal more perfect. You caught me completely off guard. I’m so thankful that I get to call you mine for the rest of our lives baby. You have my heart forever.” Shuri with tears in her eyes closed the distance kissing you with a slow passion. Gently, she laid you onto your back as the kiss became hungrier, hands roaming your body with intention. Every touch meant to cause pleasure. “I’m going to give you my all tonight.” Is all she said before she pulled away from you completely. She removed her harness and her suit jacket and you weren’t surprised to see there was nothing underneath. But all the same your core leaked with want and your mouth began to water.

Shuri hovered over your body, bottom lip trapped between her teeth as she lowered herself onto you maneuvering her head to settle into the crook of your neck. She inhaled deeply taking in your scent, slowly she began licking the area where your neck and jaw connect. She lapped at it like a cat three times before giving it a hard pulsing suck. Drawing out a long moan from your throat. She pulled back and stared deep into your eyes. You looked up at her; your juicy lips slightly ajar, want written all over your face. That’s when you witnessed it. Her usual deep dark brown irises, turned green. Pupils turning vertical, like slits as her inner feline came out to play. You gasped. Heart rate increasing in excitement. This was new.

Suddenly, you hear a ‘KHOOOAAA’ sound and a cool sensation hitting your nipples. You gasp looking down to see Shuri applying whipped cream to your breast. You’d been so distracted by her eyes that you’d totally missed her reach for the can. “Baby w-what are you doing?” “Making a sundae.” she says with a wink as she placed down the cool whip and grabs the honey. She takes the bowl of honey and the honey dipper from the tray. Using the honey dipper she placed honey over top of the whipped cream. And then with a sly smile made a trail all the way down your body. You looked at her as you bit down on your lip. “Baby I’m gonna be all sticky”

“Kulungile (it’s ok). I want to get sticky and wet tonight” She winked, and you let out a moan.

“You like that huh, my dirty dirty girl” Shuri grabbed a half of a peach from the tray placing whipped cream and honey on top of it as well.

“Shuri what are you doing?” She looked over at you and tsked twice.

“Patience is a virtue my dear.” In seconds she’s back over top of you with the peach placed on your lips. “Open for me.” You opened your mouth like a good girl. As she places the peach inside. “Have a snack, while I have my meal” You bite into the peach as Shuri starts on your breast still holding the peach to your mouth. You moan looking down at her as she cleaned up the pretty mess she made all over your body. You take the peach from her hand so that she could concentrate on her meal. “Fuuck Shuri” you whisper. She looks up at you mouth messy with whipped cream and honey. Her cheeks sucked in as she gives your nipple a hard suck and releases it with a pop, getting rid of the last bit of cream. “Haaaa” you moan out. “That must be one delicious peach.” Smirking at her you take another messy bite of the peach. It’s juices running down your chin. Cream coating the corners of your mouth. Staring right into her hungry eyes you give each side of your mouth a lick.

Shuri comes up only for a moment to suck the juice from your chin and bottom lip, before continuing her path down your body. Making it down to your lace panties she took them between her teeth and with a low growl she gave one hard yank pulling them from your body. Sitting up with your black lace panties trapped between her teeth, mouth shiny from honey and traces of whipped cream. She looked sexily rabbid and you wished you could take a picture and hang it on your bedroom wall. Turning her head to the side, not taking her eyes off of you, she opened her mouth allowing the panties to drop out of her mouth. You felt your slick pool out into the crack of your ass.

“Mmm. Panther I need you please! Please fuck this pussy Queen Panther!”

“As you wish.” Shuri immediately lowered herself to your pussy, spreading your lips apart, she used the tip of her tongue to lick directly through the center of your pussy. Her head tilted to the side eyes closed as she enjoyed your taste. Moving her head up and down she went from your clit to your hole, arms wrapped under your legs holding you wide open. “Damnit! Eat that shit! Queen! More please More!”

She smirked in your pussy. Then she began to concentrate on your clit taking into her mouth giving it pulsating sucks before she started to suck and release. Building pressure at the tip of your clit. She released one of your legs placing her fingers at your entrance. “Kaninzi? (More)” Before you could answer her fingers entered you. Her other hand still wrapped around your thigh reached over to your pussy pushing back the skin above your clit giving her full access as she continued her pulsating sucks, while simultaneously massaging circles into the area above your clit, leaving no area of your pussy unsatisfied. “F-FUCK! W-what are you doing to me! W-what I-is Aaah.”

Shuri nodded her head “Mhmm” You were thrashing as Shuri easily held your legs opened, one with her forearm as she pumped, her arm wrapped around the other. As the tip of your clit began to pulse. Shuri pulled back. “Whatever you feel sthandwa let it go for me. Soak my face”. With that she placed her tongue underneath your clit and closed her mouth around it. She moved her tongue in and out of her mouth as she sucked. Your mouth fell open, but no sounds came out as your eyes rolled back into your head. Your body began to convulse and she then began to shake her head from side to side as a fountain of liquid poured from your womanhood.

————————————————————————

When you opened your eyes. You were confused. You were still in bed but had been cleaned up and placed under a new cozy comforter. You were facing Shuri’s side of the bed. But she wasn’t there. It didn’t take long to figure out where she was once you felt a light breeze. Both doors to the balcony where open and Shuri sat on her knees infront of them. Just as you were about to get up to walk toward her, her voice echoed through the room

“Bast, I know I don’t talk to you as often as I should. But, I wanted to properly thank you. I was so lost when y/n came into my life. And I know I’ve been careless with her. That is unmistakable. I was young and confused. I wanted to feel anything. I don’t understand everything about what you did. However, I am eternally greatful for you sending her to soften the blow. For giving me a love that stands through any and everything.” Her voice caught in her throat as she choked back tears. As she stretched her arms to her sides. “With open arms, I promise to give her my all, every part of me, because I know she is my destiny.” She let go of a sob. “I finally know. I’m so glad. I thank you Bast for showing me the one, I am no longer searching, She’s so perfect, Bast. Please don’t take her from me. Please.” She ended in a whispering plea as she let the dam break. Covering your mouth as tears poured from your eyes. You let her have her moment with Bast.

————————————————————————

Present

It was 2:14 am, and you sat on the edge of the hotel bed next to your sleeping husband. You were crying for her. The memory taking a hold of your heart. Sliding down the side of the bed with your face buried in your hands. You grabbed your phone from the nightstand and took it into the bathroom. Your palms were sweaty as you searched for a number. You found what you were looking for and your thumb hovered over the contact until you got a serge of bravery and hit the call button. The phone rang three times before you got an answer.

Nakia: Y/n?

“Where can I find her?”

Taglist: @imjusthere2readbruv,@6-noir,@oceean,@sleepynggafr,@blacksapphhicmaddonna,@bbbbbbrilliantly

A/n: If you’re a fan of the Shame series you have more than likely realized that this is Part 6 to the series. If you’re not. Welcome. I hope you enjoyed! Part 7 will be out soon and it will be the FINAL CHAPTER!

#letitia wright #letitiawright #shuri udaku #spotify #shuri x reader #shuri fanfiction #shuri x you #shuri angst #shuri fic #shuri smut #shuri black panther #shuri imagine #Spotify

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jgroffdaily · 7 months

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Your intrepid team of JGD-ers are currently in the Big Apple, the home of Broadway, New York City! And, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, tonight we got to watch our very own reason for (online) existence, Mr Jonathan Drew Groff, strutting his (*frank*ly awesome) stuff in Merrily We Roll Along, at the Hudson Theatre on 44th Street, NYC!

For those who are unaware, Jonathan Groff Daily is made up of a team of two who live on literally opposite sides of the world - one in Australia and one in the UK. And while that allows for excellent coverage of breaking news (there is always at least one of us awake!), it has somewhat hindered our attempts to meet in real life - not helped by the pandemic that was raging at the time that we first “met”, three years ago.

Until now! In fact, until Wednesday of this week, when we both checked into the same hotel (all meticulously planned; not serendipity), into rooms directly above/below one another (that bit was serendipity), and began our NYC adventure together!

After a great deal of chatting, and far too much walking (and one inadvertent trip to Long Island City - nobody should ever leave me in charge of navigation!), tonight was the night for us to see the show together (in fact, my partner in crime had already seen it, last week, but this was our first time as a team).

First I should mention the theatre (this particular one is spelt that way, despite being in America - I’m not 100% sure why). It is so beautiful and elegant, and provides a wonderful setting in which the show can unfold.

And oh my goodness, what a show it is! As you will have all seen from the various glowing reviews online (with more surely to come next week, once the press embargo is lifted) this is an absolute tour de force and it was a such a privilege and a pleasure to watch this fabulous cast being utterly and completely fabulous.

First, of course, our boy. Well, we knew he could act. We knew he could sing. We knew he was prone to spit a little while doing both of those things. And all of that was also 100% true tonight!

I won’t include any spoilers in this review/ramble, as I hope that many of you will also get the chance to see it in person.

As you may have noticed, we try to keep this account relatively sober and professional (well, as sober and professional as a fan account on Tumblr can truly be, I guess!). However, as the more emotional one in our pairing, and in deference to this very special occasion, I don’t mind admitting that when Jonathan first came on stage I was all a-flutter. I haven’t seen him live and in person before, and I think I spent the first 8-10 minutes with the knuckles of my left hand in my mouth.

As you will all have seen in the press photos, etc, he spends almost the entire show wearing black trousers and a white button down shirt, and it’s a great look on him (but then, what isn’t?!). Without getting too excited here in “public”, on this jointly-run account, I will just say that his legs go on for miles and miles, and his giant hands stand out beautifully against the monochrome outfit.

And, again without spoilers, as he walked down to the very front of the stage and stared out, unseeing, over the heads of the audience, the drama behind him crescendoed and tears glittered in his eyes. At less than ten minutes in, I knew then that we were in the safest of safe (giant) hands, and yet, at the same time, our emotions were going to be played like fiddles.

(Speaking of which, the orchestra, tucked away in an “upstairs room”on the set, were absolutely sublime.)

The show rocks along really well, with honestly no weak performances at all. The ensemble are incredible and one thing that we really admired about this version was the way in which they all seemed to have been given permission to allow elements of their personalities to shine through. Although most of the supporting actors play multiple characters, and those are by no means interchangeable, I still felt that, to a good extent, I was also watching individuals who I knew and cared about from the start.

I must confess that I found that I couldn’t take my eyes off Lindsay whenever she was on stage (which did feel a little like a betrayal, when I was literally wearing a “Jgroffdaily” pin badge 🙄!) - she is just mesmerising: funny, sad, expressive, sympathetic and just a tiny bit broken by life and love. For those who have seen the full London version of the show on YouTube, I felt that this Mary was far less brittle, even from the first scenes, when she could otherwise come across as hard to love. The warmth, humour and humanity of the character came out in spades in Lindsay’s performance, and I was truly floored by her - to the extent that, during the whole of the one song that she sings with Jonathan and Katie Rose, I got to the end and realised that I had been watching solely her throughout, despite the fact that my reason for leaving my family behind (for five days, not forever!) and flying 3,000 miles to NYC, was 12 feet to the right of her on stage. (We are going again on Saturday - I need to make sure that I keep my eyes on Jonathan next time!).

Daniel is also just so good. His American accent is (to my British ears) impeccable, and he has great comic timing and physical comedy. His voice is fantastic, too, and he does an outstanding job with Franklin Shepherd Inc. All in all, I was incredibly impressed by Dan and thought that he more than held his own in the show.

My only slight criticism of the show (which is no reflection whatsoever on the actors) is that I would have liked a little longer to sit with one particularly tragic moment in Act One. Despite being a person who is shaky, giggly and butterflies-in-the-stomach-y at the simple sight of her hero stepping onto a stage, it takes me a few minutes to build up to proper crying, and I felt that I was jolted out of that feeling a little too quickly by the friends’ singing in an attempt to cheer up their heartbroken friend.

Katie Rose and Krystal Joy both had really difficult jobs to do, particularly Katie who is dropped into the show immediately before having to act in a very challenging, emotional scene. Both were stunning and their voices just soared, although Katie’s also cracked with emotion when it needed to, which was incredibly effective and moving.

The little boy who played Frank Junior at tonight’s performance was excellent, and got a lot of love from the audience. As the parent of a seven year old myself, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for him and his family to be juggling these late nights and, to be honest, quite a bit of sitting around during the show itself - and all at the age of only just five. They are all doing a great job.

And now for Jonathan. My (our) lovely Jonathan. Well, he absolutely smashed this whole performance right out of the park and over the East River. His voice was impeccable. His acting, as always, was moving, deft and brilliant - and that in a show where, although he is undoubtedly the “lead” character (whatever the order of the names above the title may suggest…), he spends a lot of time staring off stage or standing, stunned, as various other characters shout at him / flirt with him / cry hysterically over him. He does that so well (and if that doesn’t sound like damning with faint praise, I don’t know what does - in my defence it is now past 1am and my body clock thinks it is 6am!).

Potentially controversial point here: I felt that, during a-song-that-will-remain-nameless-for-spoiler-related-reasons (in Act One), Jonathan was not playing the piano himself (ie it was being played by the orchestra, and other instruments then come in behind it), but during Good Thing Going and Who Wants to Live in New York in Act Two, it *was* him playing. It is, however, incredibly hard to tell due to the placement of the piano on the stage, and I would be very interested to hear what others think on this topic.

Overall the show was just stunning. The audience seemed very engaged throughout, and it seems that they were also paying attention, judging by the gasps and laughs at later call-backs to earlier scenes. As he was signing autographs after the show, Dan said that it had been a great audience tonight (he might say that every night, of course!).

I am so glad that I will get to see it again at Saturday’s matinee, as I am sure that there were so many details and nuances (and entire performances of beautiful songs - sorry, Jonathan!) that I missed this time around.

Just a note on the stage door situation. It was all very organised and calm; much more so than I had expected. Dan came along the line to his waiting car, autographing playbills and taking selfies with people as he went, and he seemed just adorable and so pleasant and friendly with everyone. From what I could see, everyone was very respectful and polite, and everyone who wanted something signed seemed to get it. At one point someone shouted out that Merrily is their favourite ever show, and Daniel took time to pick her out of the crowd and thank her personally, saying that they all find it a privilege to be in the show.

Jonathan and Lindsay did not stage door tonight, but apparently “sneaked out the front” (as, of course, they are fully entitled to do). As I don’t think he is likely to come to see the fans at the stage door following a matinee performance, I suspect that I won’t now get a chance to show Jonathan my “jgroffdaily” pin badge - which he may think is for the best!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Steven Sater was in the audience tonight, sitting behind and to the right of us. I’m sure that he was bursting with pride, to see Jonathan shine as bright as he does.

#merrily we roll along #jonathan groff #daniel radcliffe #lindsay mendez

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cyborg-franky · 4 months

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Com!

Com for @mamamittens I hope you like it, I had much fun!

Thatch x OC SFW Yandere themes

Nikia had been in town when the large ship the size of a city rolled in on the horizon. She stood there, her basket of shopping sitting in the crook of her elbow as she peered into the distance, everyone started to gather, a commotion forming around her. Some people knocked into her wings, and she let out an annoyed huff as she pulled her wings tighter to her body she slowly used her devil fruit power to make them smaller, and more manageable as everyone was getting excited around her, people recognizing the flag that billowed in the wind, the approaching crew apparently a big deal around here.

This was why she avoided mingling with the bustling townspeople, she liked to be up in the mountain, surveying her ice kingdom and keeping things in order. People and crowds just made her feel nervous, made her feel itchy and she couldn’t shake the paranoid feeling that she was just in everyone's way with her wings and cold demeanor.

Still, despite her annoyance and the unease creeping up her spine, she couldn't deny she was curious about the ship. She knew about the Whitebeard Pirates, that this was one of the many islands under their protection and she was grateful for that.

She’d just never been down from her mountain when the pirates rocked up. Watching the Moby Dick get closer, pushing through waves with such ease she found herself wondering what sort of a crew they were, they must have been loved going on the reaction of the growing crowd around her, the orchestra of cheers and whistles.

Nikia shook her head and started to weave through the masses, needing to grab a few more things before she went home, longing for the peace, her cozy little cabin with the log fire and shelf upon shelf of books she loved.

On the subject of books, she mused as she left the crowded space, ignoring the big ship and the crew starting to approach the dock. Treating herself to a new book was on her list while she was in town. She decided that was the first thing she’d do after getting everything else that she needed.

–

There were many pros and cons to living on an island that was known for its hot springs, the tourist trade was great for business here, even if it meant more work for her, finding those lost in the snow, those who got drunk and stumbled too far away from the resort, there was an array of reasons why she was called in to save those lost souls, those idiots, be it by nature of their stupidity.

The biggest pro for Nikia was because of the trade the island got it meant there were books from all over the world imported and she couldn’t get enough of them. She set down her basket on a nearby table as she picked up book after book, scanning the back, her eyebrows either twitched with interest or she glared down her nose at the information that didn’t stand up to her expectations of a pretty or fun cover.

The door opened and she didn’t pay attention, she didn’t hear the cheerful conversation between the new customer and the owner, nor the footsteps that got louder and louder, polished boots against wood, closer and closer to her.

She was in her own world as she flipped open the book clutched in her hands, busy reading the first few sentences, already decided she was going to buy this one and all the following issues of it, captivated by the premise, not to mention it would save her many trips back down the mountain. Sure the town was only a flight away but it did mean having to endure the crowds, the other big ‘con’ of the hotspring island.

Tourists everywhere.

Nikia’s wings bristled from the feeling of someone uncomfortably close, that was when her eyes flicked up from the page, peering up over her glasses and seeing the tall, broad man with a huge smile. She closed the book, eyebrows raised and her lips in a firm line, she had often been accused of looking ‘unapproachable’ because she didn’t school her expressions to fit what people wanted or expected.

“Hey,” Thatch said, hands on his hips as he pretended to look over the book selection, he had popped in to get one or two of his trashy romance novels but he’d found something better than half-assed stories that led to embarrassingly amature love scenes—a very pretty woman. The wings had drawn his attention, he’d watched her for a while, the way she looked over things before she nodded to herself, deciding she wanted it, the little actions and facial expressions captivating him.

“Hello,” she said, her eyes falling to meet his, never a fan of eye contact at the best of times, let alone when she didn’t think a stranger was owed prolonged eye contact anyway. “Sorry, I just got into town, we don’t have many girls on the ship, and wow, you're really pretty. “Thatch gushed and rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling to himself.

“Oh, your a Whitebeard?” Nikia asked as she picked up her basket, neatly arranging the items so she could slot a few books into it once she’d paid. She was proud of herself for managing to keep the blush from his compliment off her face, to not shrink as small as she could, and hide behind the nearest object like she so desperately wanted to, never able to take a compliment.

“Yeah, I am! Name’s Thatch and you are?” He said and held out his hand.

Thatch’s hand appeared calloused from years of working hard on a ship no doubt, they looked big and strong and friendly though she thought to herself. She wasn’t much of a handshake person but she was at least still wearing her gloves, she didn’t want to insult a member of a very strong and notorious pirate crew either. With that in mind, and her own desire to feel just how strong and warm his hand was she took it, shaking gently. She felt him close his hand, engulfing her smaller one.

But she was right, it was comforting. She took a moment to examine him, eyes focused on his nose, eyebrows, everything that made it look like she was meeting his gaze but secretly she was taking him in, putting a picture together in her mind of what this Thatch person was like just on this brief meeting.

“Nikia, I’m the head ranger on this island,” Thatch chuckled and withdrew his hand, arms folded over his chest as he tilted his head to one side. “Oh, so you're the one who looks after us tourists then huh?”

“Yes, so please tell your crew to either handle their booze or dig themselves out, it’s getting cold at night.” She hummed and walked past him, not seeing how he watched her walk, watching the sway of her hips, her wings. She was far too preoccupied with buying her books and conversing with the owner.

Seems he would have to ask the man behind the desk all about this pretty bird,

–

Thatch was a very friendly and easygoing man, people just warmed up to him in an instant. His broad smile and boisterous laugh that was just infectious and he was welcomed with open arms within mere moments of someone meeting him, that was how he learned so much about the woman with the wings, where she lived for example…

Everyone else would go to the hotsprings at some point so it wouldn’t look odd that he just showed up. He got in the cable cart going up to the resort, he should have brought a coat, foolishly eager to see Nikia again that no amount of chilly weather and cold winds would hinder him, he didn’t want anything to delay his progress in getting to see her, speak to her, be near her.

He was determined to warm the frosty bird and work his way into her heart. He was besotted and there were few things worse than a man in love, in obsession. He didn’t think there was anything wrong with his sudden and intense feelings for the woman he’d known for less than ten minutes, the heart wants what the heart wants right?

Maybe it was his nature as a pirate, whatever you wanted you were entitled to if you were strong and brave enough to reach out and grasp it. He rubbed his arms as he watched the cable car ascend higher and higher above the world, snow as far as the eye could see. It juddered to a halt and he opened the door, letting it swing open as he traded sturdy metal floor and slippy snow, almost losing his footing, a laugh at himself, breathy and low, visible in the chilly air as he glanced around and got his bearings.

–

Nikia smiled to herself, flipping the page of her new book, enjoying the afternoon with little incident. Her den den sitting on the table munching on a selection of vegetables while she enjoyed a hot pot of tea and cookies the hot springs owner had gifted her for her hard work. She looked out the window, seeing the steam from the hot springs dance in the air, meeting the falling snow. She sighed, content in this moment.

Just watching the serenity of the moment as she sipped her tea, she heard footsteps turning her head, expecting the kindly owner to greet her, asking if everything was okay until she was met with the pirate, Thatch was his name, right?

She shrunk in place, going down a size when he smiled at her, something making her heart thump harder. She wasn’t used to having such attention, the flirtatiousness in his every movement, smile, words, how his eyes twinkled with fondness as he spoke. “Hey, fancy meeting you here.” He said like it wasn’t all staged.

Nikia adjusted and set her tea down, she bit her lip, did she want company? Did she want his company? She valued her alone time but sometimes it did get a little lonely and he seemed so nice, such a charming man. Maybe it was the moment, the falling snow, the sound of wind chimes from the garden being tickled by an icy breeze, how at peace she felt that made her offer him a seat.

She didn’t even care that the woman who owned the springs saw them together and would no doubt be gossiping about Nikia finally spending time with a possible partner. Everyone was always so invested in others' lives, something Nikia could never understand. She brushed it off, wings twitching in agitation at the thought, though it was brief as Thatch sat down and complimented her once again, this time her hair. She brushed back a strand subconsciously and smiled softly.

Oh, he was a charmer, wasn’t he?

Even so, Nikia wasn’t the type to be won over so fast.

–

And true to form she wasn’t an easy win, they’d been docked for days now and Thatch spent all his time with her. Went for talks, looking for missing people together, just doing her patrols together where he did most of the talking. That seemed to work out though he’d noticed, she wasn't much of a talker but she listened, and didn’t miss a single thing.

He’d ask her about herself, about her life, her job and she would answer thoughtfully. Maybe she enjoyed his company as much as he did her. But the growing obsession, the love that was bubbling up in the man, fit to burst was getting impatient. He wanted more, needed more.

To hold her hand, to kiss her, to stroke back her hair after a night together, after watching her come undone. The ache in his heart every time they parted got harder and harder to endure, like a hand grasping his heart tighter and tighter as his devotion and need for her crashed like waves against the shore, slowly more consuming and deeper as time passed.

The last time they walked together, trudging through the snow as she kept a lookout for anyone in danger, in need of her help she had turned to him and asked “Why are you spending all your shore leave with me instead of enjoying the beach like the others?” and he didn’t know what to say at the time, as much as he wanted to blurt out everything, to confess, to fall to his knees and beg her to be his, he wasn’t sure she was there yet, or even close.

His reply had been a shrug and a chuckle “Because I like spending time with you,” it wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t completely the truth, after all, it was the tip of the iceberg for him.

Nikia seemed to accept that, he could have sworn she shrunk in stature, her wings twitching as her cheeks flushed a brighter red before she snuggled into the scarf around her neck, hiding away from his prying eyes. He could read her, she was slowly coming around.

Still, maybe it was time to seek advice on the matter. He didn’t want this week to fly by without the chance to sweep her off her feet, maybe coax her into joining him on the Moby, to adventure by his side…

Marco looked up when the door opened, seeing Thatch step in with a nod of greeting. Marco paused what he was doing, altogether setting down his pen when he heard Thatch lock the door. He watched as Thatch walked over, making purposeful strides before sitting in the seat across from him, the legs screeching on the wooden floor as Thatch dragged his seat closer to the desk. He set clasped hands on the wood, his thumbs wrestled one another as he thought just how to word this.

The doctor simply waited, his eyebrows raised as he leaned back in his seat as Thatch wriggled in place, which, amused Marco to no end, the lazy smile on his face soon stretching out into a wild grin as something flashed in his eyes. “Let me guess,”

Thatch looked at him, eyes narrowed as Marco made a big show of it, the way he tapped his lip and swiveled in his chair, back and forth, clicking his tongue and driving Thatch mad. “It’s the girl, right? Your pretty bird yoi.” the way Thatch reacted just lit up Marco’s face, the smirk taking on a devious edge as leaned forward to match the posture of Thatch.

“Yeah, how did you guess?” Thatch asked, genuinely impressed by his friend. “I see everything when I go for one of my daily flights yoi,” Marco said, watching Thatch nod. “Alright so, basically things are going well but too slow for me and we only have two days left here…”

Marco nodded, prompting to carry on. “And you want her to join us?” Marco added and Thatch sighed, “Yeah, but I don’t think she’s going to bite.”

“Sometimes birds do better in captivity than they do in the wild, they just don’t see it.” Marco slid his chair from under the desk, scooted it over to a medicine cabinet, and shuffled around, bottles clanked together as he pulled each out, squinting at the labels.

Thatch rolled his eyes, wishing he’d just concede to his age and wear his damn glasses. “Ah!” Marco pulled out a vial with a grin and rolled right back over, almost hitting the desk before he set it down.

“Birds like to be free yoi, but they also always desire a suitable mate.” He explained and watched Thatch pick it up, shaking the light pink liquid around in the glass, brows furrowed as he stared over it at the doctor. “It won’t hurt, it won’t do damage, it just helps to open one's eyes to what's good for them.”

“How do y- ya know what, I don’t think I wanna know,” Thatch said, seeing Marco shrug his shoulders.

Marco had been the right person to come to it seemed. Normally Thatch would never resort to such underhanded things, as a chef he would never even consider the thought of tampering with someone's food but he was desperate he was so hopelessly and foolishly in love with her.

–

She landed on the deck softly, looking around, taking in her surroundings. She wasn’t used to being on boats but at least The Moby was so big she couldn’t even feel the sway of the ship, how waves gently rocked it. She looked at the lanterns strung up, giving a warm glow in the darkness. She folded her wings, shrinking them to a manageable size, years of getting them stuck in doorways made her very self-aware.

Nikia had agreed to meet Thatch one last time before he and his crew set sail again. She was annoyed at herself for having feelings for the handsome charming pirate. The way he laughed at her jokes, not many people got how dry she was, that her sense of humor was a little on the darker side of things, but Thatch did and it made her heart sing to see him crack up at her offhanded comments.

He was always so gentle with her too, the way he offered his hand to her when she stepped into the snow, she knew Thatch wasn’t worried for her safety, he just wanted to be close and in the last day or so she had allowed him such a thing.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she looked up and saw Thatch, smiling brightly and waving her over. “I can’t wait for you to try my food, I cooked you something special for our last night together!” He said an arm around her and leading her into the belly of the ship.

Something felt amiss but his smile was all the reassurance she needed.

#one piece oc x thatch #oc x thatch #yandere #sfw

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