Happy Day 5 (Feelings Realization) of @sjmromanceweek!!!
Pairing’s mentioned: Itharion, Chaorian, Jassa
I couldn’t resist making a couch ad since SJM seems to love using chairs as a vehicle for love 😈
Dearest reader, this author has been fondly keeping up with the latest season of Fangs and Bangs. Especially now that Ithan Holstrom, famed Lunathion sunball player, has made his acting debut as a charming guitarist starring opposite a seductive singer, played by the handsome Tharion Ketos.
The chemistry between the wolf shifter and mer was off the charts during the first three episodes. Indeed, the two sparked dating rumors after being spotted strolling along the Istros riverwalk (well, Tharion was swimming, his coppery tail illustriously flashing in the sun) and eating lunch in the Moonwood district the last few weeks.
Such rumors were confirmed last night at the White Raven, where Ithan (drunkenly) shouted, "if my boyfriend wins this dance battle, next round of drinks are on me!" With the mer being known for their flexibility, it is no surprise that Ithan left the club with Tharion hand-in-hand and a sky high credit card charge.
One might argue that "Itharion" is a fake dating situation used to generate press for the new season. Others, like this author, firmly believe that the feelings developed as a result of long hours on set were simply realized after spending time together off camera.
With Fangs and Bangs being shot and aired on a weekly basis, the finale is not set in stone. But it has come to my attention that producers are planning a romance arc between Tharion and Miss Natalia Paloma, who plays a vampyr songwriter in the show. With Natalia and the general public being staunch Itharion fans, this author hopes the writers may be persuaded to change the season's course before it is too late.
King Dorian Havilliard and Lord Chaol Westfall have been two peas in a pod since the tender ages of 8 and 12—historians will call them close friends. But the chasm that often separates platonic and romantic love can thin to a fine line, and this author has become privy to information that implies such line has been finally crossed.
Gentle reader, you may recall how the flirtatious prince attended his fair share of courtly revels with the young Captain of the Guard in tow. Perhaps watching Dorian seduce all sorts of ladies had Chaol broodily wishing Dorian was flirting with him instead. Well, last month, the Hand of the King was in for a treat when he offered to organize his King's old paperwork, finding "Dorian Westfall" scribbled across several margins of palace tutoring notes. These precious records were dated to a decade prior, when Dorian was but 15 years old.
This author surmises that the court ladies were not the only ones ogling at a shirtless 18-year old Chaol Westfall as he trained with Theodus Brullo, Adarlan's Weapons Master. But whatever the cause for Dorian's affections, one cannot deny the prince has continuously prioritized Lord Westfall above himself over the years. Whether it be backing off Aelin Galathynius (nee Celaena Sardothien) or repeatedly saving his friend's life using magic, Dorian's love for Chaol is steadfastly unquestionable.
There is only one thing that comes to mind when mutual feelings are realized: "Now what?" The sensation is akin to reaching the crest of a hill, stomach tight with nerves and anticipation. It has come to my attention that the two will announce their engagement tomorrow at noon. King Dorian has been reviewing potential candidates to succeed Chaol in his role as the King's Hand, and Chaol has been busy settling into the royal chambers. Take that, historians!
Adarlan is not the only kingdom with citizens eager to see their ruler wed. This author does not consider itself impatient, but it certainly has had enough of Queen Vassa and General Jurian beating around the bush. I am sure their bickering is equally grating on their foxy roommate's poor nerves. My condolences to him, but what does one expect by throwing a mad general into the cauldron and adding a firebird queen to the mix? Passion, dear readers, passion. Well-mannered folk may believe the best relationships are maintained with agreeable manners, but this pair will have them considering otherwise. After all, we need partners who can keep our egos in check!
It is well known that the young queen has rejected multiple proposals from fair noblemen across the lands. After all, why settle for a pasty duke when you have a seasoned general always at your side? Before you accuse this author of being a hopeless romantic, consider: what is affection, if it is not scouring the markets for the queen's favorite birdseed and scratching all the hard-to-reach itches while she is stuck in her bird form (even if it is all done under a guise of teasing)? What is desire, if it is not peeping at the bathing general while perched on a tree branch, or nesting in his clothes (and thusly rolling around in his scent)?
Stubborn hearts may deny their feelings all they want, but this author wagers that forcing Queen Vassa and General Jurian in even closer proximity (a locked bedroom, perhaps?) will have them at each other's throats in a more sensual manner.
Dear Suriel, it has been centuries since the Valkyries have passed, so of course I had to drop in on the Valkyrie revival in my own court. My good friends roped me into the training session by pairing me with an Illyrian Valkyrie for a round of sparring. With her earthy brown eyes assessing me, her glossy hair fluttering in the wind, her full lips set with curiosity and determination...my heart was positively pounding! You can imagine that I tried to prolong the sparring session to the best of my ability.
To my surprise, the fierce Valkyrie became a blushing lady once we started conversing normally! I'll admit I was flustered, too. After learning how she enjoys drinking tea and reading smutty books, I plan to "drop in" again next week with a special edition novel. And maybe an invitation to high tea the following week, if all goes well. Oh, did you know that she also runs her own business? And it's a clothing store?!? Can this female get any more perfect? I think her wings are the loveliest out of all Illyrians. Actually, I think I may be in love. Help! All my love, Wine o'Clock
Dear Wine o'Clock, this is an advice column, not your personal diary! Help? It seems you are doing fine, when it comes to your courtship plan. But if you are in a tizzy over your newfound feelings...alas, there is no remedy to love sickness! But I am certain a delightful future is in store for both of you, if you catch my meaning. Cauldron bless you both, Suriel
Nolan’s Furnishings: couch BLOWOUT sale! Blow your back out on the hottest deals in Prythian! Pink couches, golden couches, red velvet fainting couches…you name it, we have it! Hear what our customers have to say about our couches: “plush enough for hours of lounging,” “sturdy enough to withstand sexual activities”
Summary: With Bryce and Hunt on their honeymoon, Tharion is tasked with looking after their apartment. To his surprise, a certain wolf shifter was also given the same task.
Warnings: !smut! oral m receiving, anal sex, foul language
wc: 2.7k
a/n: Am I delusional, or were there sparks flying off the page between these two? Please tell me I wasn’t the only one picking that up.
Read on AO3
Tharion made his way from the elevator to the door of Bryce’s apartment. He was almost skipping with excitement. The mer was going to spend the next two whole weeks living it up in Bryce and Hunt’s fancy ass apartment. All. Alone. It was exactly what he needed- a little escape. In fact, he was going to make a call to Bryce encouraging her to extend her honeymoon with Athalar. Those two were insatiable, chances are she would agree. Tharion felt a pang in his chest at the thought. He yearned for that connection, to call someone his. Yearned for love and passion and joy. He paused and shook his head, dispelling the thoughts from his head. He was going to relax, no thoughts and feelings to drag him down.
Tharion crouched to look for the key under the mat, right where Bryce said it would be. Except it wasn’t. He furrowed his brow and scanned his surroundings. The key had to be somewhere. He checked up and down the hall. Felt for it atop the doorframe. He rummaged through a small potted plant next to the mat. He sighed in defeat, the key was gone. He winced at the thought of Bryce chewing him out for interrupting her sex-a-thon with Hunt.
As he pulled his phone out and hovered over Bryce’s contact, Tharion heard sounds coming from inside the apartment. Everything in him went on high alert. There was someone inside the apartment. Steeling himself, he weighed his options. He could bust in and deal with the intruder. He could call Ruhn and the guys and check it out together. He cou-
A boisterous crash interrupted his thoughts. Tharion’s body reacted of its own accord, registering the commotion happening inside. He threw himself into the door and barreled into the place. Muscles tight, arms raised, ready for attack. The sight he was met with instantly drew the fight out of him.
“Pup?” Tharion raised an amused eyebrow.
Ithan Holstrom, sitting atop what looked to be the remains of a coffee table, blinked back up at him. Slowly, a deep flush stained his face. The wolf shifter’s eyes darted to the sword laying a few feet away before saying, “What are you doing here?”
“Me? You’re the one in here destroying Bryce’s precious furniture,” Tharion pointed out. He couldn’t keep the smile out of his voice when he added, “Again.”
Ithan groaned, “She told you?”
“It seems you make a habit of acting out your fantasies rather…passionately,” Tharion snickered at Ithan’s expense. “She's going to lose her shit when she sees you broke another coffee table.”
“Yeah, well, bashing her door in would also certainly do the trick,” Ithan snorted and gestured towards the door.
Tharion winced as he took in the damage, “At least I have two weeks to fix it.”
“And I have two weeks to replace this mess,” Ithan added. The wolf narrowed his eyes then asked, “What are you doing here anyway?”
On the defensive, Tharion retorted, “I could ask you the same. I’m the guardian of this humble abode for the next two weeks so if anyone has the right to interrogate someone, it’s me.”
Tharion watched as Ithan’s brow furrowed and his lips parted. He looks adorable. Tharion paused at his thoughts, where had that come from? The same feeling as before curled around his heart. He yearned to have someone he could call adorable, to appreciate them. Before he could continue on this line of thought, Ithan piped up.
“You’re house sitting for them?” At Tharion’s nod, Ithan blew out an amused breath and shook his head. “Well, I am, too.”
Tharion snorted at the mix up, “Athalar asked you?” Ithan nodded. “Legs was the one who asked me.”
“I’ll call them, get this sorted out.” Ithan began to pull out his phone and Tharion stopped him.
“That would be the worst thing, Legs would castrate you for interrupting their honeymoon.”
Ithan’s face screwed up into a cringe, he was clearly imagining that very real possibility. Still adorable. His subconscious needs to get a grip. Tharion turned towards the door, ready to leave. The place was being looked after and Ithan had gotten there first. He felt the loss of this opportunity for escapism deep in his bones. He really needed this, but he wasn’t about to spill his exhaustion to Ithan Holstrom.
“Wait!” Ithan called. “You don’t have to go.”
When Tharion turned around, he knew that Ithan must have sensed it, read it on his face, Hel, maybe he somehow smelled what he was feeling. Ithan was looking at him with those deep brown eyes, he could see the empathy. A pool of warmth settled in his gut. He wanted someone to care for him like this so badly. He caught himself and Tharion bristled, not allowing himself to be this vulnerable. Ithan must have seen his walls solidifying because his eyes widened, then he threw on a nonchalant look before commenting, “There’s a sunball game on. I thought we could watch it.”
Tharion stood watching the male and assessed the olive branch he was extending. His brain wandered again to that word. Adorable. His chest felt warm at Ithan’s care. Tharion tried to tamper it down enough so he could turn Ithan down. Enough to walk away from his invitation and the safe haven that was Bryce and Hunt’s apartment.
He couldn’t. So he flashed a grin, bounded to the couch and flopped onto it. Remembering, once he was on it, to not foolishly ruin Bryce’s precious white couch. He turned to Ithan, still on the floor on top of the rubble that was the coffee table, and asked, “Who’s playing?”
Something in Tharion’s brain chemistry must have altered. In all the time they’ve spent together, everything they’ve been through, he had never looked at Ithan like this. The mer noticed every time the sun caught on Ithan’s golden brown hair. He was hyper aware of every grunt and groan that escaped Ithan’s lips when he was frustrated at the game. Every laugh of triumph. Every exhale of relief. Every twinkle in his eye.
He was half tempted to bolt from the couch- the couch where he and Ithan had been creeping increasingly close to each other throughout the game- and leave the apartment all together. He couldn’t bring himself to do that. For every thought that repelled the idea of his attraction for Ithan there were ten that lured him in.
The game had ended. The team Ithan rooted for had won. He turned to Tharion, excitement lighting his eyes. Their knees bumped at the proximity and Ithan’s new position.
“What a game,” Ithan exhaled. He began to recap his favorite moments. His summary was punctuated with Did you see when…? and I can’t believe…
Tharion was utterly transfixed. What was happening to him? Suddenly he felt his hand brush Ithan’s and he startled. Tharion had been unconsciously leaning closer to him. He was so close he could see the intimate details of the wolf’s face. The honey colored highlights in Ithans brown eyes. His long lashes. The rosy pout of his parted lips. Tharion hadn’t even noticed that Ithan had stopped speaking.
Now they were both aware of each other. Aware of their situation. A strangled whimper escaped Ithan’s lips. That sound went straight to Tharion’s cock. He snapped his eyes to Ithan’s and raised an eyebrow.
“What is it, Pup?” Tharion taunted. “Sounds like you have something to say.”
Ithan stared and stared. Tharion could feel the hesitation rolling off of him in waves. The same hesitation Tharion was trying hard to mask. Who was he to assume Ithan’s behavior was from attraction and not discomfort?
Taking a collecting breath, Tharion dispelled all his thoughts with a shake of his head and began to move away from Ithan. He froze when he felt Ithan’s large, warm hand on his forearm.
“Don’t- I-,” Ithan paused and closed his eyes. He exhaled a breath. He seemed to be in a struggle with himself. When his eyes opened, Tharion could see that he had made up his mind. “Don’t go.”
They were an inch away from each other now. They were breathing the same air. It would be no effort at all to close the distance and finally feel Ithan’s lips upon his.
“Pup, I had no idea you felt this way,” Tharion felt his thoughts involuntarily slip through his mouth.
Ithan cracked a smile and a flush rose onto his cheeks, “Really? Cocky as you are, you never realized I thought you were hot as fuck?”
Tharion laughed at that. The smile stayed on his lips as he leaned forward and captured Ithan’s lips with his own. The kiss was sweet, unhurried. Tharion held Ithan’s face with both hands. Ithan was clutching onto Tharion’s wrists. They were getting a sense for each other, exploring, feeling the other out. And it felt good.
The mer’s length stirred in his pants, it began to strain against the fabric. He pressed harder into Ithan and the kiss turned feverish. He pushed his hands into Ithan’s hair, tugging gently. A deep groan sounded from Ithan’s throat and Tharion took the opportunity to push his tongue into his mouth. Tharion moaned softly at the taste of him. They quickly became all tongue, teeth and hands. Frantic to feel, to taste, to have each other.
Pulling away, Ithan panted, “Bryce will castrate us both if we do what we’re about to do on her couch.”
Smirking, Tharion taunted, “Oh, yeah? And what exactly are we going to do, Pup?”
“Some more of this,” Ithan supplied. He crushed his mouth back onto Tharion’s. The feel of his smooth lips had his cock hardening to the point of pain. Ithan pulled away slightly, “And some of this.”
Fuck. Ithan moved his hand to cup Tharion’s erection and began rubbing him through his pants. He started bucking his hips into Ithan’s hand unconsciously, chasing his pleasure. It took everything in him, but he reached for Ithan’s hand and stopped his ministrations.
“Bedroom,” Tharion panted, “now.”
It was almost comical how fast they scrambled into the guest bedroom of the apartment. Once inside, Tharion turned to Ithan. He raked his eyes over the wolf’s blown out pupils, glistening red lips, golden strands of his hair a mess. Merciful Cthona, he was gorgeous. Fueled by the pure lust he felt in Ithan’s presence, Tharion pushed him so he fell onto the bed. He climbed on top of him, his knees resting on either side of him.
Tharion dipped his head so he was centimeters from Ithan’s mouth, “Such a pretty pup under me.”
There was that whimper again, it had a pool of heat gathering deep in his stomach. Tharion lowered himself onto Ithan, a wanton moan left his lips when he felt the evidence of Ithan’s arousal against his own. He started moving his hips in a steady rhythm, feeling their hard lengths rubbing against each other. Short pants fell from Ithan’s parted lips, answering Tharion’s groans of pleasure.
The mer was going to come out of his skin from anticipation, he needed more. Leaning forward, he ripped Ithan’s shirt off him and his own shirt followed suit.
“Burning Solas,” Tharion murmured. Ithan’s toned chest and abdomen were on full display. The sunball player had clearly kept up his shape during his time in the Auxiliary.
“Likewise,” Ithan whispered. His hungry eyes raked over Tharion’s form.
Shifting his hips drew a hiss from both him and Ithan. Tharion leaned down and pressed a kiss to one of his pecs. He stuck his tongue out and flicked it over Ithan’s nipple. The soft groan that escaped him served as the only encouragement he needed to continue his path down Ithan’s body.
Ithan’s clothed length was so close to Tharion’s face, straining against the fabric of his pants. He flicked his gaze upward and caught Ithan’s chocolate eyes with his. Giving Ithan a small smirk, Tharion made quick work of his pants underwear, leaving Ithan completely exposed. Ithan’s cock sprang free of its confines and Tharion licked his lips at the sight.
“Well, well, well,” Tharion breathed. His mouth was centimeters from Ithan’s length. He licked a stripe from the base of Ithan’s cock to the tip and added, “Not such a little pup after all.”
Ithan’s hips bowed off the bed and he answered with a strained, “Why are you still talking?”
Very well then. Tharion unleashed himself on Ithan. He took him deep into his throat, only coming up for air when Ithan’s tip hit the back of his throat. The taste of him, the feel of him, had Tharion rubbing his throbbing erection against the mattress. He was desperate to be touched.
Ithan was a whimpering mess, unintentionally bucking his hips which only made Tharion gag further on his cock. He moaned around Ithan’s length, continuing to roll his hips for some relief against the friction of the mattress.
“Please,” Ithan mumbled. “Tharion, please.”
Tharion released Ithan’s cock, but continued to pump him slowly with his hand, “What is it, Pup?”
Propping himself on his elbows, Ithan begged, “Solas, Tharion, let me come.”
Ithan looked wild. Chest rising and falling frantically, hands fisted into the sheets below him, his cock glistening from the wet warmth of Tharion’s mouth. It triggered something in him. The mer shot up, pulling a strangled groan from Ithan, and discarded his own pants. A cocky look grew on his face when he heard the sharp exhale from Ithan at the sight of his length. Tharion turned to rummage through the drawers in the nightstand. These horny bastards had to have lube in here. Sure enough, Tharion found a bottle of lube.
He left them within reach and crawled back onto the bed, settling his weight on top of Ithan. Taking his face in his hands, he pressed a kiss to his lips. It was deep and sensuous, full of promise. He pulled away and moved to squirt a generous amount of lube onto his fingers.
“Fuck,” Ithan gasped as Tharion’s fingers circled his ass. He pushed one into his tight hole and pumped slowly. Ithan’s mouth fell open and pants fell from his lips. Tharion was so hard, his length was twitching against his abdomen. The tip was weeping precum, he was desperate to be inside Ithan. Tharion added another finger after some time, then another after some more.
“Are you ready to take my cock?” Tharion asked of Ithan as he continued pumping into him. The wolf nodded frantically in answer.
Tharion slotted himself at Ithan’s entrance and began pushing in. Inch by inch, Tharion filled him up. The tight squeeze wrapping around Tharion was almost enough to send him over the edge.
Once his hips met Ithan’s, he wasn’t gentle about it. Tharion set a punishing pace. The sound of their hips meeting and the groans coming from them was all that could be heard echoing in the room. Tharion felt lost in Ithan, muscles tight to stave off his orgasm. Ithan brought up his hands and was raking his nails down Tharion’s back. The pinching pain only added to the mer’s utter bliss.
“Tharion,” Ithan panted. “Tharion, I’m so close.”
“Yeah?” Tharion reached down to grip onto Ithan cock, his body jolting from the contact. He pumped him roughly, in time with his thrusts. “Come for me, Pup.”
With a loud groan, Ithan came. Hot ropes of come coated Tharion’s hand and their stomachs. The sight had Tharion’s stomach tightening further, soon he was shooting his release deep into Ithan with a growl. His hips slowed their pace and came to a stop. Spent, he let himself bear his weight onto Ithan. The wolf’s hands found their way into Tharion’s hair, gently threading through the locks.
“If I had known, we could have been doing that the whole time,” Tharion said with a laugh.
Ithan chuckled, “Well, let’s make up for lost time.” He clenched around Tharion’s length, pulling a groan from his lips.
“We’re calling Legs and Athalar and telling them to extend their honeymoon,” Tharion decided.
So do your characters ever sneak up behind you then smack you upside the head Harley Quinn style with a giant mallet form of backstory trauma? BECAUSE FUCKING CHRIST ON A BIKE! Koroveyan, Itharion, are you two going to be okay?
Is it me or Sarah seems pretty straight forward ships-wise in CC? There was little to no argument that Quinlar were endgame in CC1, and only a bunch of people who for some reason thought Aidas was the one didn’t see it. She could’ve started shit with Cormac or Aidas in hosab but nope. Hunt it is. Same with Hypaxia and Ruhn—could’ve started a ship war, but it was pretty clear from the start of hosab that Hypaxia didn’t give a shit and then Daybright happened (the mating bond symbolism is undeniable). Then we have other minor ships that are also quite obvious. It feels like a breath of fresh air after all the acotar shit ngl (and I’m hoping she doesn’t ruin it in CC3)
I agree! It does seem pretty clear, unless characters die?
Apparently people are starting to argue that quinlar aren't endgame - I haven't seen it myself, it was just mentioned in a groupchat. I don't understand that thinking at all. The mating bonds in hosab were so, so heavy-handed. It's like she saw people acting confused after acosf and thought, "jfc how clear do I need to be with what the mating bond means".
The thing with the acotar ship war is that people have completely lost sight of what it means to ship something that isn't canon. I know people who ship Ithan and Tharion now (and so do I, the two idiots would be great together) and that's such a normal part of fandom - to me, that's the breath of fresh air.
not a fic request but about ithan tharion, sjm is weird because she’ll write the most random people gay and make it a plot twist but then write the most fruity characters and chemistry and insist they’re straight. small rant. ithan tharion 4 lyfe
i feel like every single time she has these amazing opportunities to create good lgbtq representation (in tog, acotar and cc) she claims they're straight or just kinda...sets them to the side and it makes me so mad? Ithan had insane chemistry with Tharion in HOSAB and I hope she actually owns up to it instead of making Ithan go for the Alpha (sjm im under your bed)
