MIS-RO:Marcel - Tumblr Posts

Happy birthday, Marcel

Mild NSFW 🔞

You felt your muscles ache as you went up the stairs to the shared apartment with your boyfriend. The weight of everything happening today leaves you with each step. 

The cafe had been a disaster; the shipment of flour didn't come in, so half the pastries were missing from hungry customers. To put matters worse, Aunt Zinnia was out sick, so not only had you worked by yourself, but cleaning and locking up were all on you. 

You sighed as you pulled your key out of your pocket, smiling a little at the welcome mat that Marcel put down when you first moved in. 

The smile on your lips only grew, knowing you were promised this morning a more intimate welcome after getting off work. Since you were both interrupted by a call from your sick aunt,. 

"I'm home!" You said that, shutting the door behind you. A smug smile crossed your face as you saw the light on in your bedroom. "Did you miss me?" 

You stopped in your tracks to see Marcel sitting up in bed with a pile of paperwork on his lap and a pen in hand. A small, healthy snack on the bedside table. Knowing Marcel, it was probably the only thing he had eaten today. 

The smell of ash and sulfur filled the room, and you knew it came from the papers themselves. 

You narrowed your eyes at your boyfriend. "I guess your boss paid you a visit." 

Marcel glanced at you, and he instantly perked up, already giving you more room on the bed to lay down. Your dismay must have shown on your face because Marcel gave you an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, love, but Lord Greed needs these papers done by tomorrow." 

"For the love of God." (Or well, Lucifer, in this matter) You griped. 

Marcel gave you a worried look. "Is everything alright, my love?" 

You deflated a little from the nickname and gave him an innocent smile. "That depends on your answer." 

"My answer to what?" 

"Are you going to ditch the paperwork to spend a nice night with me?" 

"I'm afraid these documents can't wait," Marcel said. He gave you another apologetic look before his eyes roamed the papers again. 

You huffed and walked into the closet, getting ready for bed. The soft and silk clothes you wore only slowed your aggravated nerves slightly.

"Is something wrong, love?" Marcel asked, and you couldn't help but roll your eyes. 

"No, nothing at all!" 

You could practically feel Marcel's worry from the other room, and you called back. "I thought we would be doing something more fun tonight." You said this as you walked out, only to be met with a confused look. 

"Fun? Like a movie? We can watch a movie after im done." 

"No." Your tone was curt, and Marcel blinked only once before realization crossed his face, and he let out a small. "Oh." 

"You still need to do those documents?" You asked with crossed arms. 

Marcel stared at you for a long time, battling with himself, before sighing. It seemed as if no time passed at all before Marcel was on you. Marcel's hands moved rapidly but softly to remove one piece of clothing after another from your body, until you were naked in front of him, your skin glistening in the lamplight.

The paperwork was forgotten. "My god, you're exquisite," he exclaimed as he resumed his examination of your now-bare physique. His fingertips brushed over silky skin, his tongue massaged taut nipples, and his warm breath sent thrills down your spine. He pulled back with a contented smile, happy with how you shook under his touch.

"So no paperwork?" You snickered, which only earned you a quick laugh before Marcel took off his clothes, with your help, of course. 

For several long moments, you both lost yourself in the overwhelming pleasure washing over you both. Your entire body tingled, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Marcel was good at it. Using your body like a map to make sure that you feel the most pleasure, stop only for a second after each moan, noting it down for later. 

Your body twisted and turned as you battled to keep hold of the headboard. You had no idea how you got to the bed, but you were glad you did. The pleasant warmth of his mouth on your most personal area made you hot as the sulfur air stroked your exposed flesh.

Paperwork: 0, Spicy Time: 1 

How would the Ro's react to their partner (mc) sitting down on their lap and doing their makeup??

💛 Marcel

Marcel just wrapped his arms around your torso as you straddled him, lipstick in hand.

His eyes follow the movements before a look of understanding crosses his face, and he lets out an amused chuckle. 

"You think that is my color?" He asked as you giggled and put it on his lips. 

"I think it will bring out the fullness of your lips." 

Marcel simply shrugged and proceeded with the situation, content with the feeling of having his arms around you.

🧡 Margaret

Margaret blushed as you straddled her. "What are you doing?" 

Her heart was beating so fast inside her chest that she thought it might explode. Clearly, you gave her a fake innocent look. 

"Little old me? Well, I thought it would be fun to do your makeup." 

Margaret then noticed the blush container in your hand and smiled warmly. "I don't know a lot about makeup." 

"Then let's change that." 

❤️ Owen

Owen grinned as he put his arms around you when you straddled his lap. 

His smile is almost predatory as he sits up to kiss you, stopping when you put a finger on his lips. 

"What-?" 

You shushed him with a giggle and brought an eyelash curler to his face. 

Before you knew it, your hands were held behind your back. Gently, Owen looked from the tool in your hand back at your surprised face. 

"What are you doing, lass/duck/lad?" 

You pouted a little. "I wanted to do your makeup." 

Owen raised an eyebrow. "I don't wear makeup." 

You tried to squirm away from him, but he just held you tighter. "That looks like a torture device." Owen kissed the tip of your nose. "You're going to get me wasted before I let that thing come anywhere near my face." 

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary would just raise an eyebrow at you. "Is there something you desire, dollface/ angel face/handsome?" 

You brought some eyeliner into view. "I thought I could do your makeup." You said, making herself comfortable on your lap. 

Before you could even realize what was happening, Rosemary had you both sitting down in front of her vanity mirror, talking about the different kinds and qualities of her collection of beauty products. 

🩵 Tai

Tai would fall into your touch as you sat on his lap, but his guard wouldn't be down. With his eyes narrowed, he looked at you. "What do you want?" 

"I was wondering if I could do your makeup." 

"No." 

"What? Why?" You whined, and Tai sighed. 

"There is no point in it. I don't wear makeup." 

"I thought it couldn't be something we do together, and it would make me so happy." You pouted, and before you knew it, Tai was letting you put foundation on his face. 

"We will never speak of this again." 

💚 Zane

Zane kisses your neck as you sit on his lap, already getting worked up before you stop him. 

"Wait, Zane, I actually wanted to do your makeup." 

Zane pulled back to see the eyeliner in your hand. "You want to do my makeup? Why?" 

"I thought it would be fun!" You give him such a genuine smile that the suspicion on Zane's face melts just a little bit. A feeling deep in his chest blooms, and he can't control letting out an almost primal growl. "While I don't like anyone touching my perfect face, I'll make an exception for you." He whispers, Low in your ear.  

Then, he attacks your neck with kisses. "But after we are through here, I want a smokey eye." 

If someone tells RO that their partner is very hot and "do they mind sharing?" in a semi-joking manner. How will they react?

💛 Marcel

Would give the person an awkward but not unkind smile. "Sorry, but that isn't something me and my partner wouldn't be interested in." Marcel would then go and whisper in your ear about that person just to let you know to watch out or ask if you want him to stay close.

🧡 Margaret

Honestly, she would not get it at first, but when she did anger and jealousy, she would mix inside her, but insecurity would creep in. She would give a wide-eyed stare and bite her lips as she tried to find words. She would watch you and that person the whole night, and if you seemed interested in them, she would have a mental breakdown.

❤️ Owen

Owen's jaw clenched as he stared at the man, giving him a deadly stare. "Not interested." He said, wanting to punch the man's lights out but instead going near you. The whole time, he will be guarding you like a dog, not letting the man come too close, and if he is stupid enough to try anything, he will beat the crap out of that man.

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary completely trusts you, but that doesn't mean that she likes other people looking at you like a buffet, but she is a classy lady. She would give the person a tense smile, making light of it before saying in a polite tone that they couldn't handle you. I'm trying to make light of it, but if that person tried anything with you now, Rosemary has a problem.

🩵 Tai

Smoke came out of his ears, his face so red. He would completely berate the person, no matter who they are in a passive-aggressive way, and depending on the person, he would start to just outright insult anything they could think of. The only thing keeping him in that room is you, but if you decide to leave, Tai is right behind you, giving that person the evil eye. The whole next week will be Tai muttering to himself about the person.

💚 Zane

Rip that person 😢 They will never be seen again ☠️

What if someone is very actively flirting with RO, making heart eyes at them, complimenting, smiling sweetly, etc. The MC looks at them from afar. They don't like it, they are jealous and upset, but they can't say anything because they are too shy and not sure if RO likes such attention from this person or not. So, MC just sends sad glances in their direction.

What will the ROs do? (if it's a crush stage)

💛 Marcel

Marcel would smile politely at the person who is indeed flirting with him, but as soon as he sees you looking at him, he won't be able to keep the conversation going with them. 

The moment your eyes met his, he felt the need to go over to you and tell you that it wasn't what it looked like, but it wasn't. And you weren't his anymore than he was yours, but he wanted to be. Gods, he wanted to be. 

With a quick smile, he politely left the person and walked over to you. 

"Mind if I sit down?" And he glanced at the chair next to you, hoping you understood he wasn't just talking about a seat. 

🧡 Margaret

Margaret blushed at the boldness of the person coming on to them, fanning her face as she felt her nerves jitter. It was nice to be complimented, but it was all too much. 

The moment Margaret's eyes met your own, they widened in understanding because Margaret had been where you sat. Looking at people who she was smitten with flirting with other people, she felt a wave of guilt hit her. 

What was she supposed to do? Did you truly like her, or was it a trick of the mind? She wouldn't be able to breathe as she gave the person an almost wild look before excusing herself and going to a present she knew she would find comfort in. You. Margaret went and stood by you and gave a wary smile with a tinted blush. 

❤️ Owen

Owen had to hold in a laugh at this person, usually, he would just let the jokes and flirting remarks about his figure roll off his back like a duck, and sure, it sometimes gave him a little pride. 

Then his eyes caught yours from across the room, and he felt his breath catch as he held your sad gaze. He didn't understand why you were sad, but he wanted to be there for you. He wanted to hunt down the bastard who made your lips pout like that. 

Not even answering the person beside him, he sat beside you, holding your surprised gaze. 

"You want to get out of here, lass/duck/lad?" 

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary purred in the person's ear and whispered back a flirty remark. It came as naturally as breathing. It didn't matter that it made her skin crawl to feel the person's body so close to hers because she was in control of the situation. 

But the moment her eyes met yours, she had the urge to shove the person off of her. She knew jealously. Rosemary felt it herself. She even made others jealous. But the pure sadness that radiated off of you stopped her in her tracks. 

You were upset because she was with someone, and that made Rosemary upset. This growing affection for you made Rosemary dizzy as she, with a flirty grin, excused herself from the person. 

She needed to breathe. 

Rosemary needed to feel like she was in control and not overcome by your ever-growing thoughts. 

🩵 Tai

Tai just stared at the person blankly, his face uninterested in what this person was saying because his eyes were on you. 

It was a habit every since he got to Lockwood to keep an eye on you. To make sure that you were safe. It became a habit that he started to enjoy—the relief that would flood him when he saw you.

Now Tai started to notice that the feeling he had when he saw you was something bubbling within him. Something almost unnatural. Pure. 

His eyes met yours, and he saw the sadness, and before he knew it, he was walking towards you. The pull was too strong for him to ignore as he examined you. 

"What's wrong?" 

💚 Zane

Zane usually loved the attention. He knew he looked good. He knew humans valued outer beauty, but Zane couldn't find it in himself to care what this person was whispering in his ear. It was all too boring. The pleased feeling he would feel at being wanted wasn't there.

Then he sees the sadness in your eyes when you look at him and he frowns. He didn't understand, not really. Why were you upset looking at him and this person?

It all stopped when you came into his life, not the fluttering feeling. No, that seemed to only triple but only when you were near. Hell, the things he wanted to do to you...

It plagued his thoughts like nothing else, and he wondered if this was some sort of plot of your own accord.

Zane would get angry.

Zane would just leave the person without so much as a word of goodbye before sitting next to you.

"What's wrong, little lion? Do I need to kill someone?"

Reaction of ROs when their children prefer them?😭 Like, the simple presence of the RO makes their baby calm down

MC goes to the baby's crib and they can't get the baby to sleep, but when the RO does they fall asleep immediately.

💛 Marcel

Marcel heart would explode as soon as the baby was put in his arms, his warmth instantly making the child calm down. 

The big, beautiful eyes were the same shade as his own, and Marcel smiled, gently rocking his child in his arms. Marcel couldn't believe he had gotten a second chance at having a family. It was a chance to be a father and to know that his child felt safe with him, to the point that the baby instantly calmed down and made him warm all over. 

"Don't worry, little angel; I won't let anything happen to you." 

🧡 Margaret

Would weep with joy and hold her child close. Telling you all about it, not to make you feel bad but to share her relief that her baby actually loves her. Margaret would put a lot of pressure on herself to be the perfect mom, so this would make her relax a whole lot. But she would make it her life mission for you to bond with the baby as well, so you would feel included.

❤️ Owen

Owen would just shrug and would try not to make a big deal out of it so your feelings aren't hurt, but he would be freaking out inside. I could see Owen just holding the baby up when they were alone and saying...

If girl:

"I won't let anything happen to you, lass." And holding his daughter close to his chest.

If boy:

"I will make you proud that I'm your father." And holding his son close to his chest.

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary would find it very touching but would worry about the baby bonding with you. She wouldn't want you to feel left out, but at the same time, her own child already finding comfort in her would just make Rosemary's day. Rosemary just smiled the whole day and did not want to be apart from her child for even a minute. 

🩵 Tai

Just Tai was in the rocking chair in the nursery, narrowing his eyes at the baby. "Okay, what is wrong? Don't you know how amazing your other parent is?" 

Tai would just narrow his eyes. The baby preferred him over you? Not possible. You were perfect in every way; couldn't your child see that? So he would pay close attention to the child, maybe even running some tests. He would look through all the parenting books and see if this is normal. When he just figures out that the baby finds him comforting, Tai will honestly be so happy. 

The baby was just babbling at him. In the baby tongue. 

💚 Zane

Oh, so smug. Would rub it in your face, but he would be overjoyed as well. Zane was honestly really scared to become a father, so having his child feel comfortable around him would fill him with pride. 

You, as the MC, would think that it was planned—the baby just wailing and Zane just popping out of nowhere. "Oh, don't worry, kid, I'm here." Zane would say it in a mocking tone towards you, but there was no real heat. 

Had some inspiration from the ask "If your okay with spicy asks, How do you think the RO's would react to the MC giving them bedroom eyes from across a room, maybe at a meeting/ party?"

I wanted to expand a little more on Marcel's reaction, so here you go!

NSFW ⚠️ 🔞

Marcel feels his eyes on him and turns to find you looking at him with that look. That look made him completely forget about the conversation he was having with the person in front of him. 

How could he focus when you were looking at him like that?

With a smile, he politely exited and went over to you, kissing you ever so softly.

"Is there something you need?" Marcel asked, his voice light even if his eyes were full of lust. The lust in his eyes darkened when you gave him a coy smile.

"No, can't I just look at my boyfriend?" You asked too innocently, and Marcel fought the urge to take you into his arms. 

Marcel cursed a little in old Latin and softly held your hand, helping you stand. 

"I…desire you," Marcel whispered in your ear, making you gasp. The silent question was in his eyes, and you answered by pulling him up the stairs into your bedroom.

All Marcel could think about was being with you. To feel you against him. As soon as you entered your bedroom, he surged forward and kissed you deeply and sincerely. You could feel his tongue in your mouth and whispered promises of love on his breath. 

Marcel lowered you onto the bed and climbed on top of you gently. He wanted to make sure you were comfortable.

"Marcel." You whispered against his mouth, eyes closed, as you enjoyed the sensations. 

Marcel shuddered at the plea and pinned your hands above your head, ever so slowly rolling his hips into your own, making you arch your back in pleasure. Marcel wanted you to feel how desperate he was for you; your moans of pleasure only added to the fire.

Marcel's mouth moved to your ear, whispering in a tender tone. "Open your eyes, love. I want you to look into them." 

Your eyes snapped open when you felt his mouth on your earlobe, biting in a teasing manner, making you arch your back just a little. 

"Good. I'm going to leave you a reminder." Marcel smiled at you, kissing the tip of your nose. His breath against your skin was silent permission that you could only smile at. 

"I would love nothing more." You whispered. 

Marcel's eyes lit up before his mouth was moving against your jawline and down your neck, his mouth making a trail to every curve or sensitive skin that he had traveled over so many times before. 

"Please…more," you pleaded, breathless. 

Marcel's only response was a passionate kiss as his right hand traced your chest, traveling downward between your legs. 

"You're excited," Marcel whispered, amusement in his tone. 

All you could do was groan in response while Marcel's lips went back to your neck before his hands were taking off your clothes and, in a flash, his own. 

Marcel's hands wandered, making you beg for some sort of release until Marcel's mouth started going south, kissing the inside of your thigh. 

Before you could even utter some sort of plea, his mouth was on you. 

Marcel knew your body inside and out. You couldn't help but grip his hair, making Marcel moan. The vibrations against your body made you tremble as the pleasure started to build up. 

Your lover didn't stop. His attention was all on you until he felt your steady increase. Knowing you were so close, he sat back a little, making you curse as his mouth left your body until he replaced his mouth with his hand instead. 

The motion caused you to plummet over the edge until you were lying down on the number of blankets and pillows, looking up at the ceiling as Marcel tenderly took care of you, basking in the afterglow of the cool wash rag and his teasing kisses. 

"You should look at me like that more often," Marcel said, kissing your forehead as you felt your eyes close. 

How would the ROs react if they're just going about their day and just find the MC sleeping in the weirdest spot/location? (For example when I was younger my mom used to find me asleep in my grandmama's flowerbed, on the lower shelf in the garage, in cabinets, etc.)

When I was younger, I would sleep under my grandmother's table. LOL. I am guessing this is after the ROs know this is just a little quirk about the MC and that the MC is falling asleep in safe places. 

💛 Marcel

Marcel found it endearing. Every time he would find the MC in the most random places around the house, he would smile, putting a blanket over them. 

🧡 Margaret 

Margaret would find it cute and a little odd, but when she spotted MC on the floor, she would tip-toe around them, not wanting to disturb MC's sleeping figure. 

❤️ Owen

Owen would find it a little odd but just shrug, picking the MC up and bringing them to a comfortable bed. 

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary would always wake the MC and coax them into bed. Where they are sleeping could not be comfortable. 

🩵 Tai

Tai would sigh; that was bad for the MC's back. They should be in bed, not on the floor or where else they find themselves. Tai would wake MC up and order them to get into bed.

💚 Zane 

LOL. Depending on his mood, either Zane will leave MC wherever they are, unbothered (then go lay out on the bed), or they will curl up with MC on the floor.

I hope you don't mind NSFW ask now. If not, feel free to just ignore this one.

After MC and their RO had some long and intense sex, MC sits up and goes "great warm up, now let's do it for real" to tease them, but if the RO doesn't notice mc was just teasing at first, how would the ROs react?

💛 Marcel

Marcel would be surprised and sit up to look at the MC, wanting to see the sincerity in the MC's eyes, which was hard in the darkened room.

"Again, my love?" Marcel shook his head, his body aching for rest. "While I admire your stamina, I am quite tired. How about I run a relaxing bath for us to enjoy together?"

Marcel would try to coax the MC into a more relaxing activity while still being able to spend time with them. Even though they can't go another round, it doesn't mean they want the night to end.

🧡 Margaret

Margaret's eyes would widen in surprise. "You can go… again? How? Is it normal for me to be so tired?" Margaret is very new to relationships, especially the sexual aspect, so she would not even question that the MC wants to go again. Although she knew her body needed rest so with an apologetic smile, she would ask if they could save it for tomorrow. 

❤️ Owen

"Are you part rabbit?" Owen asked, looking at MC with a suspicious look. 

While Owen was a little put out that he didn't completely wear the MC out, he would be turned on that the MC had a very high sex drive. 

"Give me a few minutes, and we will get right back to it." He kissed the MC, pushing the hair out of their eyes and kissing their forehead. 

"You're going to be the death of me," Owen said, kissing MC's forehead. MC was able to feel the chuckle vibrating through his chest, and he didn't sound that upset about it. 

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary would raise an eyebrow, her body melting into the bed as she pulled MC close. 

She would be the most suspicious; she was very good at her job, and for MC not to drift off to sleep was a miracle in his writing. 

"I can get behind you being so jazzed; I think I am done for the night, Dollface/Angelface/Handsome." 

Rosemary purred in the MC's ear. "But if you want to do all the work, I wouldn't mind watching." 

🩵 Tai

Tai, like always, felt the need to sleep, which called him like a siren, and for once he was able to feel his eyes close. The exhaustion of letting go now that you were with him and his mind went blank. 

But for once, he found that he was fighting to keep his eyes open, ignoring his muscles. 

"You want to go again?" Tai would look MC over, he supposed it was possible. You weren't exactly human, but to still have that energy was mind-blowing to him. 

Depending on how the MC acts, will determine how he will respond. 

Shy! MC 

Tai gives them a bewildered look before his eyes soften, and he kisses them. "You are full of surprises. How about tomorrow after some well-deserved rest." 

Flirty! MC 

Tai's eyes narrowed as he looked the MC over. "You aren't tired? How- You know what… I'm not going to even ask." Tai just pulled the MC closer. "You have worn me out. Now go to sleep so I can catch up on some well-deserved sleep. I need all the rest to put up with you." Tai whispered in your ear, there was no bite behind his comment. 

💚 Zane

LOL. I honestly find this unlikely, just because Zane prides himself on his stamina in the bedroom.

Zane's eyes widened in pure disbelief before another look crossed their faces.

Determination.

Zane wasn't going to admit that he was exhausted. There was no way in the six hells that MC was going to have more stamina than him.

With as much energy as Zane could muster, he pinned MC to the bed.

"I'm just getting started."

He would take it as a challenge, push through for another round, and then wake up late.

NSFW

if the MC asked the ROs to be patient while they explore their partner's body, who'd have the patience to actually let the MC do what they want to do and who would just pounce mid-way?

💛 Marcel 

Marcel would have the most patience out of all the ROs. Anything you give to Marcel, he will gladly take. Will he want to touch you? Of course, but he wants you to enjoy yourself, and if that is slowly torturing him with your touches, then he will fall to your will. 

🧡 Margaret 

You can have control, but not being able to touch you would be torture. Margaret would break, and a hundred percent would be begging to touch you only a few minutes in. She would even feel guilty and maybe even say she was sorry, but being able to explore your body again would let her mind forget for only a few minutes. 

❤️ Owen 

Hell no. Owen wouldn't even try. If he couldn't touch you, then what was the point? First, he would try to coax you with whispers of how much better it would be if you just let him feel you. If that doesn't work, then he is pouncing, taking control where he can feel your flesh against his touch. 

💙 Rosemary 

Rosemary would probably be the one to most enjoy this. For you, as a lover, to take your time to explore her body and to take note of every reaction would be the most satisfying thing in the bedroom. You would hear the moans and the purrs in your ears as you explored, and you would even praise her when you touched her in just the right way. 

🩵 Tai

It would depend on what mood Tai was in or how persuasive you are. Lol. Tai is stubborn, and if you were to challenge him, he would not falter, no matter if he wanted to. With clenched teeth, Tai would watch your hands run down his chest, but he would not break. If you did it with sweet words of encouragement, then Tai couldn't help but break and pounce on you midway. 

💚 Zane

Lmao 🤣.  Zane would let you do it, enjoying the torture of not being able to touch you. He would even encourage you to go a little harder... a little rougher— in exploring his body, but don't think he isn't doing the same thing with you later.

Happen to see this on another post.

NSFW

What would the ROs do if suddenly, MC has been hit by a spell or curse that led to them feeling an intense bout of pleasure if the person they like calls their name? If it's a last name, then it's enough to leave a spark of pleasure - but using the first name just leads to an instant org*sm. This is, of course, temporary but I'm curious how the ROs would deal with this.

I am guessing this is after they all find out that the MC isn't in any danger, and you are okay with them using this curse to their advantage. 

💛 Marcel 

Marcel would use it to assist, his voice softly calling your name as he touched your body. He wanted you to feel all the pleasure you could and wanted your body to uncoil in front of him however you needed to. He let you direct him, reading your body and helping you get what you needed. 

🧡 Margaret 

Margaret would blush furiously. She would not know what to do. One look in her eyes, and you can tell she has so many questions on her mind, as she hovered around you like a bee to a flower. Not wanting to overstep but seeming to want to test this new power of hers. 

"So…." She said, her voice hoarse with arousal and her face red as a tomato. 

❤️ Owen

Owen doesn't waste a second before pulling you into his lap, calling your name like a chant, wanting to build you up before pulling back. He isn't good with words, but this he can do as he praises you, letting the pressure roll off you in waves before giving you a sweet treat. Then he will do it all over again. 

💙 Rosemary

She would be the worst when using the name. Rosie would yell it across the apartment for the simplest things. Asking you to hand her something or what you thought about mundane things. Anything to tease you without actually teasing you. Your name was always being said in a low voice, wanting to watch you crack until she could give you the attention you desired. 

🩵 Tai

Tai will be flustered, but he was trying to hide it. His voice muffled in your neck as he said your name in a breathy moan. His face was flushed with pleasure, but he would push through it, studying your body and saying your name. With him, you don't need to beg; he would want to see your pleasure build up with just your name. He would want to see how quickly it all would be over before asking if you wanted to do it again. 

💚 Zane

I hope whoever cursed you did it by accident; if not, then Zane is going hunting. LOL. He will say it once, watching the pleasure hit you like a wave, before smirking. 

"Oh no, this won't do at all." 

He would back you against the wall; his mouth wouldn't say another word as his teeth touched your sensuous flesh. He would see this curse as a challenge. He didn't need magic to please you. Not when you had him. He wouldn't utter your name, even when you begged for whatever release it needed. 

Would it be possible to know how the ROs would react to accidentally stumbling across some very poetic love letters the MC wrote to/about them but never gave them? 💌

Dating STAGE

💛 Marcel 

Marcel is the most cliche of the ROs when it comes to romance, so these letters would just make his day. That you took the time not only to think about him but also to put it in a form of art would be enough to make Marcel swoon. He would be so touched that you wrote these, but he would put them back where they found them. They weren't his to look at, but the following days, he might share his poetry with you.  

🧡 Margaret 

She would try not to read them, but in the end, she would not be able to help herself. Every single letter or poem she would hug to her chest. Margaret would try to hide that she read them, but before you even stepped through the door, she was gifting you hugs and kisses. LOL. With a small blush, she would admit that she read the letters and offered to keep them in a scrapbook of some kind so she could always read them.

 ❤️ Owen 

The redhead would be so confused about a lot of things. First, why did you write these? The words of love and adoration when you compare him to these beautiful things that he could not even comprehend. Secondly, why hide them? Owen knew that the love you two shared was voiced and not only recognized but cherished, so he wondered why you hid your work from him. While there would be so much confusion, a great sense of love would wash over him. I don't think he would go and find you right then to talk to you about the letters; maybe in a more quiet moment when the two of you are laying in bed or eating breakfast, he would thank you for the lovely words and even some light teasing. 

💙 Rosemary 

Rosemary would cry. She would cherish your writing, no matter if it was even good, because you took the time to write it. Wiping the happy tears away from her eyes, she would find you, not minding the surprise gasp when she kissed you hard on the mouth. 

"Thank you for the kind words." While holding up the poem. 

🩵 Tai

After finding out what they were about, he would stop reading them. Although he would be blushing all day, the lines that you wrote are replaying in his head. Much like Marcel, he wouldn't tell you he found the letters, but he would want to repay you with a nice dinner or something you had your eye on. If you were to ask him why he was being nice all of a sudden, he would just kiss your forehead and ignore your questions. 

💚 Zane

Zane would be in awe that you would do this; his heart would beat out of his chest as he paced, reading every word like it was a lifeline to another part of himself. This was how you saw him—how you saw your love, and a large smile would form on his face. Zane would find you, hiding his deep sincerity with smug and teasing words, not minding how you blushed before dragging you to the bedroom. 

How would ROs react to a Mc who is off in their own little world just playing with the ROs' hand before slotting both their hands together and holding it, just looking happy with themselves and not noticing the ROs watching them?

This is the early romantic relationship stage (you just started dating). 

💛 Marcel

Marcel's eyes looked at your hands, entwined as you looked at the window display, unblinking, and Marcel chuckled at how you were lost in your little world. He tried to hide a smile as he watched you; his body was calm like this was to be expected. 

He was not new to your daydreaming and even found it endearing—the way your facial expression would change while you were deep in thought. Marcel often had to fight the urge to kiss you silly to see how long it would take you to notice his lips on yours. 

He brought your hand to his lips, watching your eyes come out of a daze while he kissed your palm. 

"You are a treasure." His voice was low, and his eyes were trying to divulge all his endearment in one action. 

🧡 Margaret 

Margaret often fell victim to daydreaming, so she didn't notice for a long time before she broke out and saw your hands in her own. Margaret's nerves would shoot up, and her face got hot with a blush. She would try to look anywhere but at your locked hands, trying to remember how this happened. Did you hold her hand? Or did she just reach out on instinct? Were you mad? 

Margaret glanced at you from the corner of her eye, her forehead sweating to see your expression. She was surprised to see you looking out into space, much like she imagined herself only a few moments ago. 

Although you weren't angry, her nerves would not calm down at all, and when you broke out of your daze, she would blurt out. 

"I like holding hands with you!" 

❤️ Owen

Owen's body was tense as he looked around. He didn't like PDA, and the feeling of someone seeing how much he cared made his teeth clench. If you were in private, Owen wouldn't hesitate to pull you onto his lap; his lips would already be on your neck as he whispered what he wanted to do to you. 

You broke out of your daze, and feeling how tense Owen was must have brought you out of it. The happy expression left your face, now crossed with embarrassment, you looked down at your locked hands before you started to pull away. 

Owen felt like an asshole. 

Owen caught your hand, needing that happy expression to go back on your face. He wanted you to be happy with him. He locks your hands in a hard grip, making you gasp in surprise. 

"Let's go."

Owen continued walking, your hand warm in his own. 

💙 Rosemary

She blinked in surprise; her hand was intertwined with yours, and she felt herself melt a little. Your touches were so gentle and soft, and the feeling was so new to her in a way that left her breathless. 

Rosemary looked at your face, laughing to herself when she saw that you were in your recurring daydreams and that this wasn't even a move that you were trying to make on her, but pure instinct. With a teasing smile, she stopped you, watching as your confusion turned to surprise when she brought your lips to her own. 

"You're sweet as ice cream, you know that, Dollface/Angelface/Handsome?" 

🩵 Tai

Tai forced himself to keep his resolve, trying not to focus on his own hand. 

That didn't go as planned. 

He thought of how soft your skin was and how the warmth consumed him so that he could hardly breathe. Tai usually would hate that you were daydreaming; the thought of somehow you tripping or walking out in the middle of the road because you were in la la land put him on edge. Now he couldn't be happier that you were too busy in your own head to witness Tai's mental battle. 

Tai fought to keep himself calm as he pretended everything was normal. He wasn't going to ruin the moment, not when he had you so close. 

💚 Zane

Zane felt the warmth, and his eyes traveled to your clasped hands. His shiver went down his spine. He couldn't help but stare at you in surprise, his eyes locking with your own glassy ones. 

Ah, you were in your daydreams again. 

He found it odd how you could let your guard down so often. How could you let it down with him? It was a daily mental battle for him to reassure himself that this was real. You cared about him in a way that he never thought possible. These soft touches of affection made his heart beat out of his chest, and he saw a shadow at the corner of his eye, giving him a knowing look. 

Zane shook off the feeling, a cocky smile crossing his face as he pulled you closer, his arm wrapping around your waist. 

Zane took control of the situation, his lips biting your earlobe as he whispered, a deep growl coming from his chest. 

"Don't tease me, little lion." 

The ROs suddenly get hurt and shy MC immediately rush over to them panicked and start tending to their wounds. All inhibitions lost for a moment as they openly fret over ROs.

How do the ro's react/feel?

💛 Marcel 

Marcel couldn't help but smile, no matter how bad the pain. Not only did you care, but you were showing it. Your shy nature was not strong enough to get in the way of you caring for him. Marcel would be on cloud nine when he reached out, cupping your face in a gentle hold. 

"Darling, do not fret. I am alright." He said it gently, wanting the anxiety to leave your body. 

Marcel's instincts of being the leader would eventually take over; his body relaxed and his voice calm. Even though he wanted to bask in this moment between the two of you, he needed you to understand that everything was going to be okay. 

🧡 Margaret 

The way you freaked out over her left her in surprise. She wouldn't stop you; she couldn't find it in her. Margaret would try to calm you down, trying to explain that demons heal faster and that everything was going to be okay. Margaret wouldn't realize that she was rambling, not minding the pain anymore, and only focusing on your eyes. 

"I swear I'm fine! Don't worry, I will be healed before you know it." 

❤️ Owen

Owen didn't even focus on the searing pain that went through his body when anger was all he felt. He was embarrassed. He was so angry. Fighting was the one thing he was good at, and he failed. The embarrassment was worse than the injury, although his thoughts stopped when he saw your scared reaction. Your hands were on Owen in a second, faster than he could blink, and he couldn't help but calm down. 

You were worried about him, and he kissed you. The adrenaline, arousal, and the need to see that worried look left your face, mixing inside him like a bomb before pulling away. 

"I'm fine, lass/lad/duck, now help me up so I can kill this bloody bastard." 

💙 Rosemary

She would be in awe. For your worry to fuel you to be more confident, it sent a shiver down her spine. Rosemary felt her heart beat out of her chest, her adoration for you growing by the minute as you wrapped up her wound. Your shyness was gone, and Rosemary smiled, starting to tease you. 

"Oh, Dollface/Angelface/Handsome, you know I like it rough, but maybe be more gentle in this instance." She winced a little, her voice teasing. She didn't want you to be worried. 

🩵 Tai

Tai watched you with a look of pure amazement. You gently stopped the bleeding, swatting away Tai's own hands as he tried to sort out his wounds. He wanted to yell and ask what the hell you thought you were doing. He was the doctor here; he could sort this out himself, but the look of pure terror on your face made him stop.

Tai could berate you later if he could find it in him. Right now, he felt you needed this. To keep your hands busy, he was the same way.

Tai helped you, instructing you in a calm voice about what to do and trying to show you that everything was going to be okay. 

💚 Zane

Zane would just stare at you, his body relaxed as you examined his wounds, your soft touch making Zane waver. Zane never knew anyone to care for him or to stop everything to make sure he was okay. He didn't know how to react. The blonde couldn't find it in himself to push you away, not when your touch was all he craved. 

When you looked up, you would see Zane's eyes on you, his stare unblinking. 

"Zane?" 

Zane shook his head, getting his thoughts in order before kissing you. 

"Thank you.." 

When you looked into his eyes, you were surprised to see that there was no teasing smirk but a genuine gleam in his eyes. 

No, this moment meant something. The teasing could come later. 

Who of the Ro's would propose first, who would wait for the MC to propose first? Also who just believes and doesn't believe in marriage/wouldn't want to be married?

💛 Marcel 

Marcel would love to be married to you. Marriage is very important to him since he didn't marry out of romantic love the first time and has always dreamed about finding that special someone and making a legal commitment to each other. Marcel wouldn't care how small or big the wedding was as long as you were there beside him. 

This would be a conversation that he would have with you, wanting to know how you felt about marriage, kids, etc. when you were in a more deep relationship and not wanting to cross any boundaries. If marriage was something you didn't want, then Marcel would hundred percent respect that, but he would be disappointed. Marcel wouldn't care who proposed as long as you were both on board with what you wanted. 

🧡 Margaret 

She has dreamed about her fairy tale wedding since she was a little girl. At her sister's wedding, she looked around at all the people and wondered how her sister could handle the attention. Margaret would like a small wedding, maybe in a church with just close friends and family. Marriage is something that Margaret has always dreamed about, but it was always going to be her future when she was alive. She knew that she was to get married to a rich man and have his children, but the idea of getting to choose what she wanted was exhilarating. She chose you. You chose her. Margaret would want you to propose to her; she doesn't think she is confident enough to propose or keep it a secret if it is something she wants to plan out. If being married was something that you didn't want, then, like Marcel, she would be disappointed but understand. 

❤️ Owen

Owen wouldn't see the point. When he was alive, marriage was something that was more about getting property through families or by needing to survive. Parties and weddings were for the rich. So Owen wouldn't see a point in getting married if you both didn't need to. 

But if it was something you wanted, then he would do it. Although he might grumble if the wedding was super elegant and he had to wear a damn suit, he would do it for you. On the subject of proposing, Owen would just assume that you would want him to propose to you, especially if you are female presenting, but if you expressed proposing to him, then he would gladly let you take the reigns. 

💙 Rosemary 

This one was complicated. Rosemary never thought of getting married; she was a wild soul on the hunt for something bigger, but then she met him, and the thoughts of fully committing herself to him legally and spiritually consumed her. So much so that it was how she died. Now she has found you, and it scares her how much those thoughts of marrying you pop into her mind. Her dreams would always involve you proposing to her or her to you with love in both your eyes.

It would be a long discussion that you two would have, but deep down, Rosemary would love to marry you, but she wouldn't half-ass it. If you and her were doing this, then she was going to plan the biggest and most amazing wedding that anyone has ever seen. A commitment of your love and a showing of what you have been through should be shared with the masses. With the spotlight on her without the subject of lust, but showing the world who she was marrying and how proud she was to call her yours. 

🩵 Tai

Tai would not care either way. Tai knows that you love him and he loves you, so it would be your choice about marriage and even kids. Tai is more worried about living a safe life. While Tai isn't an easy-going guy in the slightest, he doesn't have an opinion on marriage, but when given the answer that you wanted to be married...that is when Tai would start to plan. If you wanted a wedding, then he wanted to set a date. What kind of wedding did you want? How many people were you inviting? Did you want him to propose? And is a wedding something you even want? Tai will help plan the vision you want for the proposal and wedding, if you want one at all. If you just wanted to go down to the courthouse, that would be fine with him. 

💚 Zane 

The simple answer would be yes. Zane never thought of getting married, nor did he want to. To be tied down to something else other than the mission was unheard of. Then he met you, and to fully realize that you were each other's soul mate was enough to make him want to tie any bond he could to you. To have people legally recognize that you are each other's lovers would be something that Zane would want. I could see Zane wanting a big wedding; a party celebrating him and you with presents would be something he would be interested in. On the proposal, Zane wouldn't care who proposed as long as it ended with a promise to be each other's forever. 

NSFW

How would the ROs react to Mc, who is very shy, who wants to have an "intimate" moment but is embarrassed to ask.

Similar Ask

💛 Marcel

Marcel would find it adorable and make sure the MC knew through calming words and gentle touches that they had nothing to be scared or shy about. Marcel would always be very patient with the MC, giving them time to express their feelings before pulling them into the bedroom. 

🧡 Margaret 

MC and Margaret were both flustered messes until Margaret blurted out what she was feeling with a bright blush on her face. When/if Margaret caught on to what the MC was asking, she would giggle nervously and ecstatically agree. 

❤️ Owen 

Owen would just pull the MC into a kiss, giving them what they desired. He doesn't want the MC to feel embarrassed for being shy, but he does want to make it clear that the MC doesn't have to be so nervous when asking for something, especially affection. 

💙 Rosemary 

Rosemary can read people like an open book, so she would know exactly what MC wanted. So, depending on what kind of mood she was in, she would tease or just give in. Rosemary would most likely tease with soft kisses before deepening them, giving MC what they wanted. 

🩵 Tai

Tai would be a little taken aback and flustered when he finally understood what the MC was asking from him. Although he would get over the surprise quickly as he pulled his lover into a kiss,. 

"No need to be so nervous...I will always want...that..." 

💚 Zane 

I honestly can't imagine the MC going without being intimate for very long, especially if that aspect is established in their relationship. However, if this were to happen, then Zane would be very smug and teasing.

"Oh, little lion I can't give you what you want if you don't tell me..." with a huge grin on his face. 

Don't worry. He will give the MC what they want. He just wants to torture them first. 

How would the ROS reassure an mc who's feeling insecure, thinking the ROS find her ugly while pregnant bc she is pregnant

💛 Marcel 

Marcel couldn't sit still while you felt this way. Marcel would be a mother hen, always attentive to you (almost unbearably so), so him not being able to instantly make you feel better would lay heavy on him. Although he would try his best with comforting words,

"You're the most beautiful person in the world," and "Aphrodite weeps that she can't be half as stunning as you." 

🧡 Margaret 

Oh, she would feel so guilty. She hated seeing you in pain. With tears in her eyes, she would pull you close. "Don't say that! You're amazing!" At rapid speed, she would tell you how much she adored you in every way and how lucky she was. 

❤️ Owen

Owen would scoff and pull you close to him. "Ye are bonnie lass/lad/duck. Anyone can see it, and I'm lucky that you took a chance on me." Owen would whisper kind words in your ear, his rough voice calm. "How about I show you how much I can't get enough of you?" 

💙 Rosemary 

Rosemary calmly looked at you. "How can you say that about yourself?" She made you turn around to face the mirror. "Look at you. You are carrying our whole future. There is nothing more beautiful than that." 

🩵 Tai

He would probably try to look at this from a more logical standpoint. Your body is going through changes and hormones, so of course, you feel a little out of place. Tai isn't the best with words, but he will do whatever he can to make you feel loved. Tai would have massages, candle dinners, and bubble baths. Anything and everything to make the process easier.

💚 Zane

Zane would be so awkward and confused. The blonde isn't the best with kind and gentle words, so he would feel out of his element. How could you not see how stunning you looked carrying your and his little spawn? He could barely keep his hands off you. Zane would come off as mean, but he is straight to the point. 

"Are you an idiot? Don't you see how sexy you look right now?" 

How do ROs react if MC sensed that ROs have feelings for MC and says this "If your feelings are sincere, show me with a kiss"?

P.S. The MC has no intention of taking initiative.

Deep Crushing Stage: 

💛 Marcel

This would make Marcel's day. He knew you weren't going to take initiative with your feelings, but he would never want to overstep. So now that you were giving him permission to act on the feeling that had been brewing for quite a while, he wouldn't hesitate. Not when he has been dying to kiss you. So without a second throught, he pulled you close. The kiss would be certain and sincere, putting all his feelings into one blissful action. 

🧡 Margaret 

Margaret would try to stutter out a response but would fail, instead growing redder as she tried to think of something to say. She knew her feelings were sincere. They had to be! She had never felt this way about anyone before! So, with a few cautious steps, she would get closer to you before your lips touched, a shock going through her. 

❤️ Owen

Owen would stop whatever he was doing, his face going serious. He didn't like the unknown, and that's why he kept his distance from the tension growing between you and him because feelings could get messy. But he wanted this. He wanted you. And here you were putting your feelings on the table and asking if he felt the same. It was the sign that he was hoping for. 

"Glory, lass/duck/lad." 

If you were in private, he wouldn't hesitate to bring your lips to yours. However, if you were in public, he wouldn't feel comfortable with public display of affection, so he would drag you somewhere private instead to show you how sincere he is. 

💙 Rosemary 

Rosemary's eyes flicked to yours, looking so intensely at you. Rosemary is good at reading people, so she would try to sense any form of lying. She had feelings for you. And she knew that you had feelings for her. It would scared her. But something deep inside her would crack as she brought your lips to her own. 

Please don't let this be like the last time. 

🩵 Tai

Tai's brain would have stopped working. Lol. His face would be blank as he stared at you for what felt like forever. The only indication that he hadn't stopped breathing was the rose color coating his cheeks. When the anxiety started to make you apologize for even asking, Tai would pull you close, his brain finally catching up with him as he kissed you softly.

💚 Zane 

Pffff. This is complicated. It would depend on what relationship stage you are in with him. Zane is very paranoid and doesn't like to show his cards, especially if those cards are his emotions. If Zane is certain of your feelings and his own, then he will kiss you deep and hard, making you lose your breath. If he has anything other than complete certainty, then he will be a mix of anger and confusion. 

Totally stole this question from another blog but it's so interesting I have to know - given the choice, which RO would you rather have backing you up in a fight?

Wow...good question. All the ROs are pretty powerful, but if I had to choose...

In a battle of words, I would pick Rosemary or Marcel. 

Marcel is too charming and could probably stop the fight before it even becomes an issue. Rosemary, on the other hand, always has a comeback, so it is no question that she will leave her opponents tongue-tied. 

If it was a physical fight, I would choose Owen or Zane. 

Zane is the most powerful of the ROs, so I have no doubt he could squash whatever came his way. Owen isn't as powerful as Zane, but he is a skilled fighter in his own right. Hopefully, the opponent isn't Zinnia, though. LOL 😅

Aunt Zinnia to Owen:

Now that you mentioned that the RO's have reactions to MC dating one of them... What would they think of MC dating Owen? Especially an MC that is always nice and of a sunny disposition.

I appreciate the ask! Omg, the thought of Sunny!MC × Owen is just too cute for me!!! 🥺

💛 Marcel

Marcel would be so happy for Owen. Owen is one of his dear friends, so for him to find love is heartwarming to Marcel. 

I could see Marcel watching MC, who, as always, has a sunny disposition on their face, being followed by Owen and just smiling to himself. 

🧡 Margaret

Happy but confused, MC and Owen are so different, so how do they make it work? 

But as soon as Margaret sees Owen with MC, she can tell something is different about him, and it is a good difference that she just can't help but grin. 

💙 Rosemary

Not surprised. I mean, Owen and Rosemary are close, so she would imagine that Owen would need someone to balance him out. 

She would make some sly comments about MC's sunny attitude being good for the bedroom. Who doesn't like optimism? But deep down, behind the teasing, she would be glad that Owen has found someone to fall in love with again and wishes him all the happiness. 

🩵 Tai

Tai would just shrug; it wasn't any of his business; however, he would be a little concerned about the consequences this union could have when dealing with the demonic court and their jobs as a whole. 

There are rules in place for a reason, and while Tai would never admit this out loud, he would be devastated if something happened to Owen and MC due to some feelings that were left unchecked. 

💚 Zane

As of right now? Zane couldn't care less about MC's relationship. Well, that's not true; he could use MC and Owen's feelings for each other against one another to reach his goals. 

But if/when MC forms some kind of friendship with Zane, he might make a comment like...

"You two are like strawberries and cheese. You guys shouldn't mix, but you do...." 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCEL!~Short Story

MARCELLUS'S BACKSTORY SPOILERS BELOW!!!

The sun glistened on the Sarno River, where ships floated aimlessly while others were anchored at port. People were all about enjoying the sunny morning, not even minding sailors ordering their men to get the nets drawn so they could get to work selling their fresh scores of fish down at the market.

 Further north, crisp hills rolled from a large mountain to the crowded city to the west. The streets were bustling as people shopped, visited relatives, and even children drew on the walls of a big arch with speckles of paint that their guardians let them buy when the merchants came into town only a few days ago.

Although people were walking down one street in the center of the city, heads turned as shouts bounced off the stone walls covered in floral motifs.

"Thief!" 

"Stop him, you fools!"

A man, or more accurately, a teen dressed in a cloak, ran down the busy street, bumping into people as he ran from city guards.

"Sorry!" The teen said this as he jumped through a fountain, splashing water on an older woman who was resting.

“Es stercus!” A man yelled, helping the woman up.

"I said sorry!" The teen yelled over his shoulder; his feet burned from the hot cobblestone marked by the sun.

Need to lose the old dogs.

Looking to his right, he smiled like a lemer and ran towards the narrow alleyway, knowing full well that the guards would not be able to follow him with the bulk of armor they torture themselves with.

  Marcel held his breath as the guards ran past the alleyway, not noticing the hunched figure of the sixteen-year-old boy.

  Letting out a chuckle, he held the bag full of his precious cargo closer to his body, making sure none of it was smashed.

  Looking up at the sun, he knew he should be getting back and quickly climbed the wall of the building next to him with the help of a few boxes and overgrown vines.

  Balancing on the roof, he leapt from house to house, gracefully and practically dancing in the warm sun.

  It only took a few minutes, and knowing the city like the back of his hand made it easier to navigate even while he was on rooftops.

  Finally arriving at his destination, he easily jumped on a balcony and swung to a tree branch hanging by until his feet hit the ground.

  "At last....home." Marcel said, looking at the old torn-down villa built with tan bricks and red pine wooden decorations that hung in the front to ward off evil spirits.

  The closer he got, the more he could hear the sounds of laughter and crying from children. Through short, wide windows, if he narrowed his eyes and focused, he could see heads of hair run past.

 Marcel let out a smirk and opened the front door.

 "Mars!" A small girl squealed and threw herself into his arms, which spined her around.

"Oh, Cassia! It's been forever since I saw you!"

  "You saw me this morning, Mars!" Cassia giggled and hung onto the taller boy.

Marcel grinned. "Did I? Well, you've grown since then!"

  Cassia blushed and stood on her tiptoes. "You really think so?"

  "Well, of course."

  "Is that Marcellus?! Oh, I have a word to pick with you."

  From down the hallway a young woman appeared with black hair all the way down to the floor in a braid and the most stunning blue eyes that seemed to distract people from her dark bags that were under them.

  "Decima! It's good to see you."

"I don't want to hear it, Marcellus." Decima spoke with narrowed eyes, then turned to Cassia.

  "Little Shurb, how about you go play outside with the twins?"

  Cassia wrinkled her small button nose. "But they always want to play Terni lapilli."

  Decima frowned. "What's wrong with Terni lapilli?"

  Cassia crossed her arms. "Nothing; they just always lose the marbles, and it takes us till sundown to find them." She pouted. 

  Marcel got down on his knees and booped her nose. "How about this? You play with your brothers, and I'll get you new marbles tomorrow."

  Cassia's eyes widened. "Shiny ones?" 

Marcel nodded, the small girl's smile being infectious. "They will be as shiny as Sol's chariot."

  Cassia nodded her little head. "Deal!" The small girl ran out of the arched, cracked doorway.

Decima sighed as she rubbed at a stain on her lavender stola.

"Marcellus, what have you done this time?"

Marcel lips pressed together, knowing full well a lecture was coming.

"Please, on Astraeus's stars, do not start pestering me, Decima. 

   "Oh, shall I not, Marcellus? If the sweat on your forehead and the dirt on your feet are any indication, you have been participating in Mercury's sinful tricks." 

   "Don't pretend that his sinful tricks do not keep us from drowning." 

Decima glared. "They may keep our heads above the tide, but for how much longer? Once the guards catch you, that's it!" She slammed her hand down on the table, and Marcel was surprised her copper wedding band on her finger didn't crack. 

  Marcel's brows furrowed. "Don't you see I am doing what I must? With Octavian gone—" Decima's eyes closed as if in pain at the mention of the name. "—we are all at risk even with our union. If we don't manage to keep up with our debt, then our ruse would have been for nothing, not to mention what Rufus would do." 

  Decima looked away, and Marcel took the older girl by the shoulders, making her look him in the eye. "You are my truest friend... I am doing what is right for all of us. For the children. For you as well." 

  Marcel and Decima stared into each other's eyes for what felt like minutes. They knew everything about the other—what stalked their dreams, what pushed them to keep going—but they never judged, for they completely trusted the other.

  Decima nodded at her friend. "May Juno be with you." 

  Marcel smiled, a little bitterly. "No gods are with me."

  Before Decima could utter a sound, Marcel walked down the hall. "Cerdis is in the children's room, I'm guessing."

  Decima called back, wiping her hands on the front of her stola. "Yes, you know he has been waiting for you." 

Happiness surged through him, suppressing the fear that was slowly creeping into his mind.

Marcel smiled and opened the door to the largest room in the very small, cracked domus where they lay their heads each night.

Candles lit the room where no windows let their light in. Two dark wooden cribs were in the corner, while there was a small bed on the other side of the room, which kept two growing children resting their heads, although there was barely any room for one child, much less two.

  Although right then there was only one child, whose hair was raven and nappy, even under the covers, anyone could see the boy was small—too small. Most considered the boy to be cursed by Asclepius and wanted him put out of his misery, although Marcel knew better.

Marcel sat on the bed, making sure not to startle the sleeping figure.

  Gently, Marcel uncovered the face of the small boy to reveal sunken eyes and paste-like skin that seemed to be coated with sweat; however, there was a small smile that played on the sleeping boy's lips.

  The older boy spoke softly. "Cerdis, it is time to wake; Sol's chariot has already passed."

  Eyes slowly opened, blinking before the little boy grinned from ear to ear; his brightness could put a smile on anyone's face.

  "Mars!" A raspy voice came from Cerdis as he sat up, wrapping his small arms around the older boy.

  Marcel softly kissed the boy on the top of the head. "Ah! Finally, you wake from your slumber." He held the raven-haired boy close. "Are you feeling blessed this morning by the gods?"

Cerdis nodded his head, looking confident. "Yes, because it is my day of birth!"

 Marcel smiled. "Yes, it's not everyday that someone survives five winters."

  Cerdis frowned. "I am still not as tall as Cassia."

  The older boy laughed. "No, but maybe with the help of Juno, you will catch up." He said it, hoping that the bitterness would be kept out of his tone.

Cerdis gave him a toothy grin. "You really think so? I won't only be older than her, but taller as well!"

Ah yes, Cassia does hold her height over Cerdis very often, although it is probably due to the fact that Cerdis was the only one who questioned her when picking games. Hmm. I wonder what Cassia will do when Cerdis comes into manhood. I'm sure Cassia will find something else to hang over the poor boy's head.

Marcel patted Cerdis's head. "Well...I have you a present."

  Cerdis shook with excitement and, with almost lightning speed, reached for Marcel's satchel but with speed was snatched back. "Now, now, Cerdis, I have a few other things in here."

  Cerdis crinkled his nose, although the comment didn't make his smile waver. "I cannot wait any longer! Please Mars! What have you brought me?"

  Without a second thought, Marcel opened the bag, minding the trinkets that were valuable, however small enough that their owners would not even notice they were gone until it was too late.

  Cerdis's eyes widened as Marcel pulled something oval-shaped and quite small into his palm and wrapped it in cloth.

The raven-haired boy smelled the sweet aroma, and his mouth watered. "Is that-?" 

  Marcel uncovered the item to reveal the room-temperature sweet bun, smashed a little on one side, which made the honey sweetness drip over until the cloth was covered with the sticky substance.

"It was no trouble." Marcel once again kissed Cerdis head.

  "A maritozzi!" Cerbis, not minding the stick, grabbed the sweet treat with full hands and took a bite. Marcel tried not to cringe at the mess on the boy's face.

  But it was quite easy, with the happiness shining through. "Mmm." 

 "I see you are quite enjoying my present."

Cerdis showed his dimples through his smile, licking his fingers. "Thank you, Mars!"

Marcel smiled in a moment of weakness, asking the gods to bless his little brother with many more winters.