#Enemiestolovers

[azzibuckets]

Paper Rings [Part 8/10 | Paige Bueckers]

paige bueckers x fem!reader

summary: paige gets a little jealous and things get a little heated

a/n: thank you all for your patience! part 9 will be up today too

word count: 2.3k

masterlist w/ all parts

1 MONTH LATER

“The only room left is with Paige.”

As soon as those words left KK’s mouth, your heart started to pulse erratically. “What? There’s no other room?”

KK shook her head apologetically. “There’s an odd number of us, and she called first dibs on getting her own room.”

The thought of having to share a room with Paige sent you into a panic. The sheer proximity would force you two to have to confront your past, and that was something you didn’t feel ready for yet. You inwardly cursed Nika at dragging you alongside this trip. The team had planned a trip celebrating the end of season, and had invited some of their close friends. At first you’d turned down the invite because of prior arrangements, but they ended up getting canceled, and when the girls found out they dragged you along as a last minute addition. You needed to work on keeping your mouth shut, you decided.

“Is she okay with it? I mean, she wanted to room alone,” you protested.

KK raised an eyebrow. “Girl, are you really asking that?”

Blushing, you looked down. “I don’t know, KK. It might be awkward.”

“Good.” KK stuck the key card in your pocket. “You guys better work things out. I’m tired of seeing you guys play games.” She patted you on the back and left you alone in the lobby.

Sighing, you double checked the room number before making your way to the elevator. Anxiety pounded in your head up until the moment you knocked on the door, half hoping Paige wouldn’t be in there and that you could deal with this issue later.

Unfortunately, the door swung open right away. Paige was in her dark basketball shorts and a tight fitting UConn tee. Her eyes brightened when she saw you, and she leaned against the door. “Hey.”

You marveled at her ability to make you all flustered with just a single raspy word. But you didn’t want to see the effect she had on you, so you straightened yourself and spoke with as much confidence as you could muster. “Apparently I’m supposed to room with you.”

Paige’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she looked over her shoulder to scan the room. “Right, right. Um, give me one sec.” Without bothering to close the door, she hurried back to the room and started piling clothes into her suitcase and throwing away food wrappers.

“Paige,” you laughed, stepping into the room. “Relax. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”

The blonde blushed, sending you a sheepish look. “Sorry. I wasn’t really expecting you.”

“Me neither,” you said under your breath. Ignoring her questioning look, you stepped further into the room to look around. Only then did you realize that there was one bed.

The fates definitely had it out for you. You eyed the rest of the room, hoping another bed would magically appear. Paige made eye contact with you, seeming to sense your anxiety. “Don’t worry about it,” she mumbled. “I can sleep on the floor with some blankets. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Years ago, you’d slept in Paige’s bed almost every night, with a drawer in her room. It didn’t matter if it was a weekend or if you had school the next day. You always slept over. You guys were both touchy, so practically every day you’d wake up with your legs tangled, Paige’s face in the crook of your elbow or your forehead pressed against her shoulder. It has been so natural. And now? Now she was offering to sleep on the floor, like you guys were strangers.

“Don’t be silly,” you forced yourself to sound nonchalant. “We can both sleep on here. There’s tons of room.” You knew you wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight, with Paige next to you. The tension would be unbearable.

You could sense the blonde hesitate before she nodded. “If you’re sure.” She looked at her phone as it lit up with a text. She stood up, grabbing a jacket. “They’re all downstairs getting lunch. You ready?”

When you reached the resteraunt, the only two seats left were one in the middle and one at the end, next to Ice’s friend that you didn’t know. You didn’t feel much like talking, so you took the seat next to Ice’s friend. She seemed nice enough.

“You’re Y/N?” Ice’s friend was a ginger, with vibrant hair and a smattering of freckles across her pink cheeks. She was definitely pretty in a charismatic way, with a chip on her front tooth and curious eyes.

“That’s me.”

She scanned you up and down before slowly smiling. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Marissa.”

Your cheeks heated up at how she’d unashamedly checked you out. But you brushed it off. Based on the clothes she was wearing, she seemed pretty straight. She probably just liked your shirt or your jeans or something.

You opened the menu, musing over what you should get. Marissa popped up behind your shoulder. “I’m not super hungry. You wanna share?”

Relieved that you wouldn’t have to make a decision, you nodded in agreement. “Whatever you’re getting is fine.”

“Alright.” She scooted her chair closer to yours, drawing the attention of the entire table as the legs screeched against the tiles. “So we can share,” she explained as everyone stared.

You could feel the heat of Paige’s stare as she observed how close you and Marissa now were, your elbows colliding with each movement, but you chose to ignore it. You didn’t need to deal with any drama right now, especially since you guys were now in the same room.

“So.” Marissa propped her chin up on her hand. “What’s your connection?”

You played with the napkin in front of you. A swan origami would look good, you thought. “Sorry?”

Marissa laughed as if you’d just told the funniest joke ever. “I mean, with the team. How’d you become friends with them?”

Chewing on your bottom lip, you debated what to say. You didn’t wanna say Paige’s name and give off the impression that you guys were still best friends, but you didn’t want to lie either. You settled on telling Marissa that you were friends with all of them but Paige had introduced you guys.

“Nice,” Marissa nodded. You guys fell into small talk. She was pretty nice, but a little inquisitive, and your social battery was starting to drain.

“What do you like to do?”

“Read. I like reading. I like hiking and being outdoors. And watching sports too. Volleyball, soccer, basketball,” you nodded your head at the team at the latter.

“Oh, awesome.” Marissa touched your wrist. You looked down. Okay, now she was definitely flirting. “Do you play a sport?”

“She plays water polo,” Paige quickly interjected from across the table. The whole table quieted down, but she didn’t look away, staring at us with a kind of ferocity you knew all too well.

Marissa looked between us with surprise. “Oh, nice.” She pondered thoughtfully, then broke into a smile. “Oh shit, I heard the swim suits get really tight in that sport. Are they that bad?”

You laughed, trying to diffuse the tension at the table. “Yeah, they’re pretty tight, but I’ve gotten used to it. The only thing is that they’re kinda revealing.”

Marissa bit her lip, her fingers tapping your wrist. “Then I’ll have to watch you sometime.”

At this, Paige started coughing. KK whacked her on the back. You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. You knew Paige was laughing at Marissa’s poor attempts at flirting, and a small part of you found it funny too, but another part of you was furious at Paige. Why did she think it was her place to act like this?

So you decided to bite back, and you leaned towards Marissa with a suggestive smile on your face. “Maybe you will.”

Paige immediately stopped hacking away, and her face turned rigid. Thankfully, the waiter arrived with the food, so all the girls got distracted. The atmosphere returned to normal as all the girls complimented the food and went back to their conversations.

The rest of lunch went fairly smoothly, albeit the fact that Marissa had upped her flirting since, and Paige would not stop glaring at the two of you. But you were grateful for the fact that she’d stopped intervening and kept to herself.

You sighed, leaning back in your seat. Mostly of the girls had already finished their meals and left. It was just Paige and KK continuing their dumb argument over the best Tru Fu flavor, Nika and Caroline chatting intently about the recent Mystics game, and you and Marissa. You’d wanted to leave and go lie down in the hotel bed eons ago, but the ginger couldn’t seem to get the hint.

The waiter set down a refill of Marissa’s Shirley Temple in front of her. She plucked the cherry from it, rolling the stem between her fingers before bringing it up to my mouth. “You like cherries?” she smirked.

All of a sudden, a long arm stretched between the two of us and grabbed it from Marissa’s hand. “She doesn’t like cherries,” Paige uttered, leaning from across the table. “But I do. Thanks!” She popped the cherry in her mouth and calmly returned to her food.

Nika and Caroline were too absorbed in their conversation to realize what had happened. But of course KK had seen the whole thing, and her mouth dropped open as she tried not to laugh.

Marissa didn’t seem too offput by what Paige had just done, continuing the conversation like normal. But you couldn’t hear her, her voice muffled and drowned out by the noise ringing in your ears. Heat crept up from the base of your neck. What the fuck did Paige think she was doing?

Finally, you interrupted Marissa’s spiel with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry,” you said. “But I gotta go. I told my mom I’d call her at 2.”

“Oh, okay,” Marissa said. “I’ll see you!”

You got up quickly before she could hug you or anything and called Paige’s name. “I don’t have a room key,” you lied, relentlessly staring her down. “Can you come up with me?”

Paige looked back at KK, who mouthed to her, “You’re in deep shit.” The blonde slowly and begrudgingly turned back around, getting up and following you out of the resteraunt.

We were silent in the elevator. Paige kept shooting you nervous looks while you stood against the wall with your arms crossed. Your anger was building, spilling over. You felt as if you were expanding, ballooning with rage. If you didn’t control yourself, fast, you’d explode.

As soon as the door clicked behind you two, you turned around and jabbed a finger in Paige’s chest. “What the hell was that?”

Paige clenched her jaw, her face set and stony. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, fuck you. You know what I mean. Stop acting oblivious,” you hissed.

Paige was backed up against the wall now, your faces inches apart. “You hate cherries. You used to give me the cherries in all your Shirley Temples,” she shrugged. “I’m sorry Miss Marissa didn’t know that,” she added, her tone bloodcurdlingly condescending, riling you up even more.

“What if I’d wanted that cherry? We’ve barely talked in the past year. Stop acting like you know me.” You ignored the way Paige’s face fell at your words, focusing instead on your anger. You needed to stay mad. Paige always found a way to appease your anger, but not this time. You needed to get your point across.

“If you want a cherry so damn bad, I’ll go down and get one for you.”

Your nostrils flared at Paige’s attitude. “You and I both know that’s not what this is about. So why don’t you stop behaving like a kid and tell me why you’re acting like this?”

Paige’s chest was heaving. She was looking at you with so much anger and frustration and something else in her eyes. “Huh?” you prodded, pushing her chest.

Paige looked up at the ceiling. When she looked back down, her eyes were wet. “What do you want me to admit, Y/N?” Her voice was low and cold, nothing like the high-pitched intensity of my yelling. “The fact that I’m jealous? That it sickens my stomach to see you guys loudly flirting for the entire meal? Do you know how humiliating it is for me to just sit there and not say anything as my entire team watches my ex play around with some girl? I had a fucking migraine the entire time thinking about how many times this must’ce happened in the past year. So many times I wasn’t there that people were talking to you like that and touching you, and it made me want to fucking die.”

You reared your head. “Don’t say that.” Stumbling back, you shrilled out, “Don’t you fucking say that when you’re the reason we’re like this now.”

Paige’s eyes flashed. “You never let me apologize. I have so many things to say and you won’t even hear me out.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. Your laugh was rattled and hollow, a reflection of the uneasy feelings in your chest. “Begging for my attention? That’s funny. I thought I was the fan girl. Desperate to have just. one. fuck. with. you.”

It looked like a car had hit Paige in the stomach, taking the air from her lungs. She crumpled up. “Y/N. Please. I never, ever, meant that.” She reached for you, but you stepped away from her grasp.

“I need some air.” You shoved your way past her, letting the door slam away behind you.

[hlficlibrary]

Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.

🎒 so let's cross the lines we lost by @thecoloursneverfade {E, 165k}

Louis lives a not so quiet life on a not so quiet street. Starting university was supposed to be easy, that is, until he realises his new neighbour is Harry Styles, and they kind of hate each other, so falling for him is definitely out of the question.

(or: Harry and Louis have a complicated past, Niall throws too many parties, Zayn is definitely not pining, and Liam just wants everyone to get along)

🎒 i want you so much (but i hate your guts) by becauselarry / @obviouslybecauselarry {M, 83k}

AU in which Louis gets accepted to play for the Manchester University Alpha-Beta Football Team. The only problem: Louis is actually an Omega. He is determined to make it big in the football world, though, and he can't do that bound to an Omega team. With the help of a faked doctor's certificate and some pretty strong suppressants he is ready to fight for his dream.

That Harry Styles (Alpha, second year and youngest football captain of the A-B team in ages) doesn't seem to like him complicates matters, though.

🎒 And I'll judge the cover by the book by harrystylesandstuff {M, 73k}

At twenty years old Harry has his life figured out. He’ll graduate from the private University of Buckingham and move to Oxford to study journalism. He’ll meet someone who shares his values and accepts who he is, and apply everything his successful parents have taught him.

At twenty-two years old Louis has no clue what he wants in life. He’s not sure he’ll pass the year and doesn’t know where he’ll go after that. He spends his time smoking away his doubts about himself with his friends and all he cares about is making sure his family doesn’t fall apart.

They don’t belong together.

Or a Private University AU where Harry is a queer posh prince, Louis is a closeted troublemaker, and neither expect to understand each other the way they will.

🎒 always you (i should have known) by 28goldensfics / @28goldens {T, 60k}

“Oi, now we’re talking. Came running to ol’ Tomlinson for help, gotta say Harold,” He crossed his arms over his chest, and Harry watched as his eyes looked him over. “It's very out of character for you.”

“Yeah, well, don’t feel too special, you're my last choice,” Harry subconsciously crossed his arms as well, giving Louis his own look over.

“Oh, that's a lot of power, I’m your last resort!” He wagged his finger at him, letting out a cackle. “Alright, hit me with it.”

Harry’s lips pursed as he slowly started to regret the words about to spill out of his mouth, “I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend.”

or the one where harry and louis cant stand each other and fake date to make someone jealous.

🎒 Love's On The Line, Is That Your Final Answer? by PearlyDewdrops {E, 53k}

Harry can’t believe it when Louis, the boy he’s always had a tempestuous rivalry with, asks him to be his boyfriend. Well, pose as his boyfriend, that is—for a new television game show in which young couples are quizzed on how well they know each other for a jackpot of thirty grand.

Reluctantly, Harry agrees—because he's got student loans to pay off, hasn't he? What's the harm? And he can totally deal with keeping his secret thing for Louis under wraps too. This is all just to win some money. It's fine. No big deal. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, everything. Obviously.

🎒 catch me if i fall by @shimmeringevil {E, 47k}

“You– how do you–” Louis stammers before attempting to compose himself, fighting off the tidal wave of fear that threatens to wash him away in its wake. “No. You don’t. You don’t know.”

Every protest falling from his lips is in vain, because despite what he keeps telling himself, Harry knows.

Harry's widening smirk is answer enough as he steps forward slowly, walking up until he’s right in Louis’ space.

“You look like you need some time to process things,” he whispers with false-earnestness. Sliding a hand under Louis’ chin, Harry tilts his head so Louis is forced to look up at him. “Why don’t we take a little break and start up again later, so you can mull things over?”

OR - Lovers when on the stage but bitter rivals as soon as they step off, Harry and Louis have butted heads from the moment they first met. Locked in a stalemate that they hope to ride out until graduation, things take a turn when Harry learns that Louis is hiding a secret.

🎒 Through a Mirror Dimly by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup {M, 38k}

Louis Tomlinson, in his third year at university, does not expect nor want the roommate that is being assigned to his room.

Harry Styles, in his first year at university, has just been kicked out of one dorm and doesn't want to deal with yet another snobby, rich roommate.

They don't get along, and that's just how it is, until circumstances force them to reevaluate.

🎒 an ocean in my veins (you'll be diving in) by me_her_themoon / @dreamersdivin-headfirst {E, 31k}

But, since Niall is so talkative to literally anyone with a working mouth, it means that when Louis Tomlinson started to take a shine to him, Harry started to hate him.

Because suddenly, it wasn’t just Harry and Niall, and whoever else wanted to join their antics. It was Harry and Niall and Louis.

Did Harry mention that Louis is a stupid fucking prick? He wants to make sure that’s clear.

[or, harry and louis hate each other and niall just wants everyone to get along]

🎒 don't make this easy (i want you to mean it) by wildestdreams / @thelavendrhaze {E, 24k}

“Harry’s a player. All he does is chat everyone up. And guys like him are just--so ugh. He’s got that arrogant, self-assured smirk plastered to his face all the time. Always smug and stupid, like he could get anyone he lays his eyes on. All he does is make me mad and laugh all the time like he knows something that I don’t. That is so annoying.”

“But that’s just Harry,” Niall shrugged at Louis. “He doesn’t even try to flirt or anything. He’s just naturally charming, but that doesn’t mean he’s a player nor that he’s trying to get into everyone's pants. He’s just friendly. And he likes you. He doesn’t usually fall for people, but he fell for you.”

“Oh, should I feel special then?” Louis asked, snorting and rolling his eyes.

or Harry’s a frat boy who is head over heels for Louis and Louis wants nothing to do with him.

🎒 it's not a walk in the park to love each other by maroonmoonlouis (E, 24k}

“Um, where is your stuff? Have you even packed?” Harry tries not to sound irritated. Louis looks up to level him with an unimpressed glare.

“If you had bothered to pay attention to the news, you would know that I’m pretty sure I can’t leave this apartment.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Harry demands, hoping his panic doesn’t show. If Louis missed his flight, Harry will personally pay out of pocket for a new one. He is that desperate for his alone time.

Or the one where Harry and Louis are roommates forced to quarantine together, but they hate each other very much a lot.

🎒 Love Me Please by @angelichl {E, 23k}

Louis hates Harry, which is fine because he would really rather prefer to avoid him at all costs.

The only problem?

They're soulmates.

🎒 I Didn't Fall For You (You Fucking Tripped Me) by @allwaswell16 {E, 20k}

These days Louis tends to steer clear of dating alphas. He’s dated too many knotheads in his time, and he’s ready to just focus on school and his friends and his pet monitor lizard, of course.

Too bad the alpha next door won’t take a hint and stop using the worst pick up lines of all time on him. He’s really got to stop laughing with him--and talking to him and walking to class with him and letting him bring him coffee and tea and gifts for his lizard and watching Netflix together and...

🎒 Spinning Out Waiting for You by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose {M, 18k}

Harry Styles is a year and a half away from graduating with a masters in potions and he has one huge milestone to reach in his academy career: the Matching Ceremony.

From Halloween night until graduation, matched witches and familiars will have to create a talisman to be a physical representation of their bond. One for the witch and one for the familiar. Most pairings last an entire lifetime.

If only it were that simple.

🎒 if it looks like, feels like, tastes like love... by tempolarriefics / @tempolarriefix {T, 16k}

Niall has an easygoing smile on his face, bright and unbothered, as if he isn’t facilitating a lunch between Harry and the one person he might truly hate. “Niall. Louis,” Harry greets them both, somewhat strained. Louis doesn’t even look up at him. Harry sighs, taking a seat next to Niall and grabbing for the sandwich on the table. “Hear me out,” Niall says, cutting right to the chase. “Family housing.”

Or, the one where harry and louis hate each other but pretend to date to be able to live in university 'family housing', zayn and liam are their nosy next door neighbors, and niall is the friend who made it all happen.

🎒 oh so familiar by @insightfulinsomniac {E, 13k}

When Harry transferred to the University of Mestonwood, he hoped that he'd finally fit in. As a witch, he's much less likely to feel isolated on an entirely supernatural campus, right?

Wrong. Thanks to the cold-shoulder efforts of Louis Tomlinson, president of the vampire Coven, Harry still feels the sting of rejection from the most gorgeous boy on campus. It's doubly frustrating that everyone else, even Harry's only close friend, Niall, seems to think Louis is a great guy.

Harry vows to actively ignore Louis in return, but his plans are foiled when his familiar, Oli, starts turning off their telepathic connection during Harry's classes. It doesn't take long for Harry to find out where Oli is disappearing to - or, rather, who he is disappearing to.

A story of misguided enemies to lovers brought together by a stubborn orange tabby.

🎒 Do You Like My Sweater? by kiwikero / @icanhazzalou {E, 13k}

“Look, for a Sadie Hawkins dance the omegas are supposed to invite the alphas instead of the other way around.”

Niall and Liam shared a look. “That… sounds like the sort of thing you would usually be all over, Lou,” Liam said, face pinched in confusion. Niall nodded his agreement.

“Yeah, if omegas were hosting it,” Louis replied sourly. “It’s one thing if we decide that we’re going to ask the alphas for a change. It’s insulting that they think we need their permission.”

When Harry's alpha fraternity decides to host a Sadie Hawkins dance, outspoken omega Louis has a thing or two to say about it.

🎒 Where Do We Go Now by @jaerie {E, 10k}

Louis goes off to college ready to start a fresh life away from the oppressive alphas of his pack. The odds aren't in his favour when his new dorm mate turns out to be an alpha. Louis hates alphas.

🎒 Can't Buy My Love, Can Buy Me Dinner by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13 {G, 9k}

Is it ethical to accept a dinner date for the free food? And will you hate me when I go anyway?

Fact 1: Louis hates Harry Styles. Fact 2: Louis is temporarily living off toast and spaghetti hoops. Fact 3: ...Louis may be semi-accidentally dating his worst enemy.

🎒 Cut me up, kiss me harder by @lunarheslwt (M, 9k}

“Y’know, you push and push and you’re mouthy and defiant, but it’s all an act isn’t it,” Harry pressed tauntingly. He was helpless to not tilt Louis’ face back up to him by placing a hand under his chin. Louis’ eyes fluttered in response. “You just want to be roughed up a little,” he continued, voice dropping. Louis swallowed harshly, keening. “You just want to be made to take it.” “God, shut UP!!” Louis hissed, fisting roughly at his shirt. “You don’t want that either,” Harry mumbled. “Are you like this with every other omega you fuck too? How does anyone,” Louis seethed, crowding into his space further, “beg you to fuck them when you’re so full of it?” “Who said they do?” Harry asked. “Unless,” he began, voice devious, “You’re speaking for yourself. Is that it? Are you gonna beg for my knot, then? Hmm?” “Shut the fuck up,” Louis bit out. Harry had no time to think before Louis crashed his lips onto his again.

Or, a group of friends, a slightly drunk alternate version of spin the bottle, and the universe having a wicked sense of humour may just be enough to bring one bratty omega and a tired-of-said-omega’s-bullshit alpha closer than they’ve ever been. In more ways than one.

🎒 Lock On by thinlines / @thinlinez {E, 8k}

“Sure you don’t wanna do this? It’s fifty pounds a throw, my man.” The alpha winked as Louis froze before turning slowly back to face him. The twinkle in Liam’s eyes meant that he knew Louis had taken the bait. “Fifty pounds?” Louis exhaled as Liam nodded, holding the water balloon further out. The smaller alpha swallowed thickly. “Why didn’t you say so?”

In which a missed water balloon throw might have led Alpha Louis to the world's most difficult omega

[phantomgirl89]

Essential requirements to be part of Haladriel nation:

1. Love Sauron in all his possible forms (yes, the worm and the eye too)

2. Wanting to fuck Sauron desperately and getting horny just watching him.

3. You wish with all your might that he was with Galadriel.

4. Fantasizing about Sauron and Galadriel having wild sex.

5. Enjoy watching Galadriel defeat Sauron.

6. Loving Charlie Vickers and Morfydd Clark ❤️

7. Supports the Celebrian's Half Maiar theory.

8. Ignore the warning signs 🚩🚩🚩

9. Consume Haladriel fanfics of all kinds on Ao3 and share the beautiful works of the fandom.

10. Calling Celeborn by his Quenya name "Teleporno" to make fun of him.

Do we agree?

[idkyetxoxo]

Allure | The Last Kingdom

The youngest daughter of Earl Ragnar, Y/n finds herself in a tumultuous relationship with Sihtric Kjartansson. Their violent first meeting sparks hatred. Amidst chaos, they forge an unexpected bond, blurring the lines between enemies and lovers.

Completed (all parts) →

Prologue, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty, Twenty one, Epilogue.

sihtricxreader (the last kingdom series)

This story is also available on wattpad - Allure | The Last Kingdom by @Unofficalavenger3000 🤍

[majosjuantin]

Juanjo and Martin, from the musical reality program of OT, the best winners of the friends/enemies to lovers trope. They really did create love.

[luminakill]

• ⨀ Ω ⏁ ꇓ Ω — \\ ： ⊥ •

I can see her, standing there, a flicker of something pure in the world I’ve chosen.

It’s not just her light that draws me. It’s the way her flawless skin seems to beg for my touch under the sun’s warm caress, the way her breath catches in her throat when she feels my eyes on her, as if she knows the depraved hunger I feel.

There’s a sweetness in her defiance, the way she turns her face from me, but her body tells a different story.

There’s fear in her eyes, but I see something else too...

Satan gave her to me, and now I can’t get the thought of claiming her out of my head.

I crave the feel of her soft skin against mine, the way it would shiver under my touch, begging for mercy or demanding more.

I want to know what her breath feels like against my neck, what her fingers would feel like tracing the lines of my scars.

I want to taste every inch of her, hear her scream my name, to claim her so thoroughly she forgets what I've done.

Not because I want to ruin her, but because I want to be near her, to feel that light against my darkness, and see if maybe, just maybe, there’s something in her that could heal this hunger in me.

The maddening beauty that haunts my dreams.

She's mine. Only mine.

LONGLEGS

[ichangedmycornyahhname]

Aged up!Lo'ak x Fem Omaticaya!reader

A pain in the ass

Summary: Lo'ak and Y/N were never fond of one another, always teasing and taunting. Usually Lo'ak could deal with her teasing, but one day he reaches his breaking point.

Warnings: It's smut y'all | Dominant Lo'ak/Bratty reader | The usual smut stuff | p in v | Not proof read

Her head tilted with amusement as she sat with her friend Emu. The two had perched up in the huge trees, basking in the cool shade as they observed the scene below them. Lo'ak, the son of the great Toruk Mokto was currently being lectured at by the great warrior. While Y/N had originally been up in the trees to relax, it would seem today she struck gold. She watched intently at the hunched shoulders of Lo'ak, his shameful demeanor being no surprise. This occurred a lot. Lo'ak getting in trouble, Jake lecturing him, and his big brother Neteyam attempting to defend him. Except this time seemed different. More intense. Like he'd really screwed up.

"Ooh he's done for this time." Emu joked as she swung her legs in the air. While Y/N didn't turn to her, she did give a chuckle in response. "Definitely. I wonder what that Sxkang did this time. Probably tried joining the fight again. Eywa he's so stupid." Y/N said as she stood from her spot on the tree top. It seemed as though the argument was coming to a closing, or perhaps an opening for her. She glanced over at Emu, her friends jubilant expression coming as no surprise. Emu was always a joy, no matter the circumstances. "C'mon, let's go. I'm not going to let a chance like this go to waste." Y/N urged as she made her way to the trunk of the tree. She began to climb down, her friend following closely behind. The rough bark wasn't anything unfamiliar. In fact, Y/N enjoyed the forests welcoming nature.

"How come you're always trying to bother him? And dont use that lame excuse like 'He's fun to annoy'. You know you enjoy being around him Y/N." Her friend spoke slyly, a grin painting her lips. Y/N could only roll her eyes in response, a look of distaste now on her face. "No, I don't. Now quit trying to put those crazy ideas in my head." She grumbled as her feet thudded against the dirt and grass. Her friend landed next to her, a knowing look on her face. "Okay Y/N, whatever you say. I'll see you later after your little playdate with Lo'ak." Before Y/N could get in a word, Emu departed, making her way in the opposite direction. Y/N could only sigh as she pondered on her friends words. She couldn't quite wrap her head around the thought of actually enjoying Lo'aks presence. Sure he wasn't horrible to be around, and his sense of humor wasn't bad, he was Lo'ak. The same boy who she teased years ago, curious as to how he managed to have four fingers instead of three.

She trudged through the shady forest, wandering flora and fauna catching her eyes along the way. Soon she passed a marker. The small notch that was etched into the tree beside her. An L, for Lo'ak. Months ago Y/N had found this little hide out of Lo'aks, managing to patronize him even further. Now that Y/N really thought about it, she was always around Lo'ak. Maybe Emu was right- No. Hell to the no. The thought itself made her face crumple into one of distaste, the desire to rid her mind of it growing strong.

"Ew, what the hells wrong with your face?" Her head snapped towards the voice, a scowl replacing the previous distaste. "I know you're not talking, not after you just got in trouble. Again." The man could only scoff at her words, eyes rolling as he leaned against a tree. "You're such a bitch. You really came all the way out here just to talk shit? Man get a life." Lo'ak snapped out, his brows furrowing at her attitude. Y/N did the same, her brows furrowing as her arms folded across her chest. "I'm the bitch? Yeah okay, but who gets yelled at on the daily? I'd say you're the biggest bitch of them all Lo'ak."

That did it. Lo'ak pushed his body off of the tree, making his way towards Y/N. He stared down at her, his eyes lingering on hers with his intentions unclear. While the sudden closeness should've intimidated her, Y/N had grown used to it over the years. With the constant bickering between the two, she wasn't surprised by his aggression. "What? Gonna talk to me like your dad talks to you? Or you gonna beat me up huh? I wish you would pussy." She snorted, her arms unfolding as she held them up in defense. "I'm so sick of you and your big mouth." He grunted as he spun her around and grasped at her wrists. The male pushed her up against the nearest tree, pressing her face into the bark as he neared her ear. "Alright ma, you wanna keep fucking with me? Fine." He nipped at the tip of her pointed ear. "We can keep fucking.." He aired out as his free hand grasped at the side of her pretty waist.

Eywa, she could hardly contain herself as he rubbed against her ass, roughly pressing himself against her. His cock felt hard against her, the feeling being completely new to her. She groaned out, her hands digging into the flesh of Lo'aks wrist. His grasp on her was unyielding as the two made out sloppily. He was rough, assertive, and so damn hot. His little sighs and grunts had her shaking her ass for more, the pressure of his cock becoming a nuisance. She was growing sick of the same motions, and with her clit throbbing beneath her untouched folds, she was growing irate. "Fuck..you really are a pussy huh? Too scared to actually fuck me.." Lo'ak only laughed in response, amused by her display. "Can't take it any longer Mama? I knew you'd break first. Want my dick huh?" He pulled gently at her loincloth, not quite removing it. He enjoyed leading her on, teasing her as she had done to him before.

"I don't think you've earned it yet..maybe if you beg for it I'll give in." Was he stupid? Had he fallen during his hunt? Who did he think she was? Y/N whined at his ultimatum, her head shaking as best as it could against the tree. "Damn..Lo'ak you're such a punk." She breathed out as she began to squish her thighs together, the slight friction bringing slight satisfaction. But it wasn't enough, and wasn't what she wanted. "Trying to prove a point Lo'ak? Or just mad your ego is bigger than your dick?" That struck a nerve. Y/N suddenly found herself a moaning mess as the young hunters fingers pressed at her clit. He continued this motion until finally, Y/N broke. "Lo'ak please! Just give it to me..I can't take it any longer." He smirked, his fingers slipping from her loincloth only to rip it off instead. "That's all you had to say Ma.." He smirked as he aligned his cock with her pretty pussy. Slowly he slid it in, the squeeze of her gushy cunt sending jolts of pleasure up his spine. "Fuck ma..you're so warm. Mm you love this don't you?" He moaned out as he began his rough pace with her. Y/N mewled as she stood onto her tippy toes, the pleasure within her pussy growing stronger. "Ohh this slutty cunt is sucking me in so good..is this what you wanted ma? Me to fuck the attitude outta you huh? Fuck..m'feels fucking incredible.

His hand finally released her wrists, allowing her to grasp at the trees as support. All while his other hand came up to tangle into her hair, somehow finding its way to her queue. He tugged gently at it, testing the waters. Y/N only jolted in response, the combined feelings beginning to overstimulate her. "Lo'ak please..please.." She whimpered out, her eyes softening as she glanced back at him. Their eyes met, Lo'aks smug look turning into one of fascination. He wanted to see her reaction again, and this time with her entire face. He slipped his cock out of her, her slick connecting the two with a squish. "I love that face you make mama...make it again for me hmm?" Lo'ak turned her around, and lifted her legs, pulling them around his waist with eagerness. He stretched his cock back into her, earning a gasp from her as he began to fuck back into her. Lo'aks hand found its way back to her queue, giving the same gentle tug and earning another whine of desperation. "It's so sensitive. S'too much Lo..." He grunted, leaning into her neck to lick harsh bite marks. "Say it again. What you just called me.."

"Lo..!" She cried out as his thumb found her sensitive clit. He brushed over it roughly, causing her legs to spasm with pleasure. And suddenly she couldn't hold it in anymore. Her orgasm felt like being heaven itself, a fog washing over her as she rode out her high. All the while, Lo'ak chased his own high, groaning out with a clenched jaw and hurried breaths. The warm gush of his cum dripping down the lips of her cunt sent a whimper out of her. The two remained still, Lo'aks face buried in her neck while Y/Ns fingers threaded through his braids. "If I knew teasing you that much would make you fuck me..I would've done it a long time ago.."

"Shut up ma.."

[theonlyonesora]

Embers of Moonlight (on Wattpad) 

 A secluded valley near the borders of the Land of Fire, where two clans -Senju and Uchiha-tentatively discuss peace. 

Genre: Romance, Drama, AU

[persephone1700]

I NEED SOMEONE TO WRITE A FANFIC WITH AEMOND TARGARYEN THAT INVOLVES THAT SCENE IN THE NEW TRAILER. Just him, looking so sad and seeking comfort with the character who he feels would take care of him.

[diastrefo]

A measly FOUR DAYS remain until IMMOLATION launches! 🔥

Add the book on Goodreads

[azzibuckets]

Paper Rings [Part 3/10 | Paige Bueckers]

Paige Bueckers x fem!reader

Summary: part 3 of the paper rings series! some insight into paige and reader’s friendship before everything happened

A/N: some fluff and fillers before the angst gets real 💔💔

word count: 1.9k

masterlist w/ all parts

FLASHBACK: 1 YEAR AGO

“Is this yours?”

You had been rummaging through Paige’s closet, looking for a clean oversized shirt to wear to sleep. You two often slept over at each other’s place, to the point where your clothes were so mixed up you guys basically shared the same wardrobe. Unfortunately, Paige wasn’t the most organized person, so you were huffing and puffing as you hunted through the piles in the drawers.

The shirt you were holding up had LVN Volleyball Camp splayed across the front, so you knew it definitely wasn’t Paige’s. It was really big though, so you were curious as to whose it was. Just to know if you could wear it or not, you convinced yourself. Not because you were trying to confirm your fears - that this was another girl who Paige had held that wasn’t you.

Paige didn’t look up from her phone when you asked your question, so you crumpled the shirt up into a ball and tossed it at her head. You were no basketball player, but the balled up shirt smacked her on target, right in the face, and you fought back a self satisfied smile.

Paige finally looked up, giving you one of her soft smiles that tugged at your heartstrings. You loved when Paige looked at you like that, all gentle and affectionate, with half of her mouth turned up into a close mouthed grin that you knew so well.

“The shirt,” you gestured at it.

“Oh.” She looked down, unfolding the shirt and studying it before giving out a laugh. “Shit, sorry, that’s Stacy’s. I don’t know how it ended up in my closet. She was just here yesterday.” She folded the shirt into a neat little square and placed it next to her on the bed. “We must’ve been getting a little bit too wild,” she smirked, waggling her eyebrows at me.

Your heart sunk. Yesterday? You mean, you knew Paige talked to a lot of people, but she usually didn’t talk much about it, probably because she knows you get grossed out with too many details. Your chest stinging, you went to sit on the bed next to her. You didn’t wanna find a shirt anymore. All you wanted to do was go to sleep after a long day.

“What’s up? What’s got you being so emo?” Paige got down to lie her head in your lap, looking up at you with her bright blue eyes. Her was nose scrunched slightly, in the way that she does when she’s happy, and she reached up to play with the ends of your hair, twirling the strands between her fingers.

“Nothing. Just tired and moody,” you lied. You drummed your fingers against your thigh.

Paige smirked. “You really need to get laid, Y/N,” she laughed.

You managed to muster out a weak half smile in response to her words, trying to shove down the itchy pain that rose in your heart. “Shut up, Bueckers.”

“Make me.”

You rolled my eyes at her senseless teasing. “You’re such a flirt,” you groaned. Pushing her off your lap, you got up to look for your charger. You could feel Paige’s eyes on you as you moved about her room. Her legs were splayed out, and she was slumped on the bed. You hated when she did that, just looked at you. It felt like she was studying you all bare under a microscope.

The dynamic between the two of you had definitely shifted since last month, ever the drunken incident on the Big East championship night. You had mumbled apologies the morning after, when she had swung by before practice to make sure you were alright. She didn’t really listen to them, shoving you in that good natured way and assuring you that you guys were “chill like that” and that she could never be really mad at you.

But ever since then, there’d been a tension between the two of you. It spiked in moments like this, where she would start shamelessly flirting with you, trying to get a rise out of you. You didn’t mind much, per se, until you really thought about it and realized there was no meaning behind her flirting. But that was a disappointing reality you were trying to ignore.

“Come back to bed,” Paige called out. This time, you couldn’t tell if she’d meant for it to sound so sexual, but you crawled back into the bed where Paige was bundled up under the sheets.

“You look like a kid,” you giggled, “all wrapped up like a burrito.”

Paige rolled her eyes, a small smile playing at her lips. You felt her grab your waist and pull you closer so now you were both under the mountain of blankets and pillows she had formed. “You’re so warm,” she mumbled sleepily, pressing her forehead against your shoulder.

Both of you knew this was not how normal best friends slept together have a sleepover. But neither of you cared. This was where you felt most comfortable in the world, with Paige’s arm slung across your chest and one of her legs intertwined between yours. Her face was buried in your neck now, and her hair tickled your cheeks.

You could get used to this forever, you thought as you went to sleep.

——————————

Your heart thrummed with anticipation. Today was the day UConn would face off against Louisville in the Final Four of March Madness. You missed Paige; the last time you saw her was when you slept over two days ago. Ever since then, she’d be busy, understandably so. Basketball was her life, and she dedicated all of herself to the sport in times of competition like this.

Paige had gotten you a court-side ticket using one of the family spots allotted to her. Only her dad, step-mom, and Drew could make it to the game; her mom’s side of the family were on a vacation in Spain. On one side of you was Drew, who was happily bouncing in his seat, wearing one of his sister’s jerseys that was adorably big for him, and on the other side was Kayla, who’d gotten this game off but still wanted to watch anyways to support the girls.

As you watched the game, you oscillated between moments of pure joy and happiness when Paige sunk one of her 3s, moments of anger when one of the girls got fouled on without getting any calls for it, and moments of uncertainty when Louisville scored another point and the UConn girls tried to fight off their dejection from showing on their faces.

But you started to stay in the realm of uncertainty once Louisville started gaining, leading by 12 at the end of the third quarter.

“Are they gonna lose, Y/N?” Drew turned to you with a hopeful look in his eyes. You swallowed the knot in your throat. Basketball was everything to this team, and they’d worked so hard to get here. They didn’t deserve to lose, not when they were this close to the national championship.

“I hope not, buddy,” you responded quietly, and ruffled his hair. For the last quarter, Drew gripped your hand, swinging his legs anxiously as the game unfolded.

Despite the team’s best efforts, UConn fell to Louisville, 75-66, and the girls walked off the court, pain fresh in their eyes, their necks steeped with sweat and jerseys sticking damp to their chest. They moved tiredly, some of them being collected for brief post-game interviews while all of the others headed back to the locker rooms.

You made eye contact with Paige, and she pursed her lips, shaking her head sadly before slinging a towel around her neck and following the rest of the girls out.

“She looks so sad,” Drew’s voice was quiet next to you. You could tell he was upset too.

“It’s okay, buddy,” you assured him. “You know what? I bet they’re still selling the pretzels outside. Wanna come with me and see if they have any more churro bites?” Drew’s face lit up at that, and he eagerly shot up from his seat and grabbed your hand.

Paige’s dad, Bob, shot you a grateful smile. “We’ll find Paige, talk to her. You guys join us after, alright?”

You nodded, leading Drew out. To your luck, the pretzel stand had one more scoop of churro bites left that the man gave to you for free since they were closing down.

“Good, Drew?” You reached around him and stole one of the churro bites, popping one in your mouth.

“Y/N!” He groaned, sending me a fake glare. “Now you owe me.”

“I brought you all the way over here for pretzels and I owe you?” You gasped in offense, folding your arms and sending him a fake glare back.

He nodded solemnly. “Yeah. Now you owe me a piggy back ride.”

You laughed. “Okay, hop on,” you agreed, bending down. Drew cheered and jumped on your back, causing you to stumble forward. Both of you giggled as you straightened yourself, and you carried Drew all the way down to the locker rooms.

A security guard stood in the entrance to the hall of the locker rooms, a bored look in his eyes. As you tried to pass, he raised a hand. “Sorry miss,” he stated in a monotonous voice. “Players only.”

“It’s alright, she’s with me,” a voice called out. You looked up to see Paige at the end of the hall, her hair wet and tied up in a loose bun. Even after having just played a tough game, she looked unbelievably gorgeous, her cheeks rosy from the exertment from earlier.

“Paigey!” Drew clambered off my back and barreled into Paige, squeezing his little arms around her waist. Paige, ever the big sister, managed to push aside her feelings from the Final Four loss and look happy for Drew, whom she hadn’t seen in months.

“Hey, bud,” she said quietly, bending down to give him a proper hug. “I missed you.”

They talked in low tones for a moment, Paige smiling fondly at her little brother, before Azzi came along from the locker rooms and stole Drew away to meet the other girls.

Now it was just you and Paige in the hall. She stood up, and you moved to her. Before you knew it, she was in your arms, hugging you so tight you could barely breathe. You wrapped your arms around her, one hand coming up to play with the baby hairs at the nape of her neck, an effort to do whatever possible to comfort her.

“Hey,” you turned your head so your mouth was next to her ear. You whispered in her ear gently, “It’s not your fault.”

Paige drew back, her eyes glassy. Breathing shakily, she said, “All those 3s that I missed. Geno was counting on me. He said I had to step up since Azzi was injured, but I didn’t step up. I missed so many.”

I gripped her waist. “Look at me,” I said firmly. When she looked up to made eye contact, I brought my hands up to hold her face so that she couldn’t look away. “What about all the points that you did make? And all the plays you set up for your teammates? I don’t know much basketball, but I watched you out there, and you played with so much fierceness and grit. You played so goddamn good. Don’t be ashamed. At all.”

Paige reluctantly nodded, before pulling me into another hug. We stood there silently, her face buried in my neck and my arms hooked around her waist, until one of the UConn team assistants came bounding the hall.

“Uh,” he scratched his neck nervously as his eyes flitted between the two of us. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for Paige to do press.”

Paige groaned. She stepped back, separating our bodies. “Come over later?” She whispered. “Please?” Her eyes searched mine, all hopeful. She was hurting, and hurting bad.

“Of course, P.” I squeezed her hand before stepping back too, letting the assistant shuffle her away to the press hall.

[hlficlibrary]

HL Fic of the Month

＊ S e p t e m b e r ＊

Can't Buy My Love, Can Buy Me Dinner

by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13

Is it ethical to accept a dinner date for the free food? And will you hate me when I go anyway? Fact 1: Louis hates Harry Styles. Fact 2: Louis is temporarily living off toast and spaghetti hoops. Fact 3: ...Louis may be semi-accidentally dating his worst enemy.

Uni / General / 9k

[phantomgirl89]

Penultimate chapter of the story! We're entering the final stretch. This chapter wasn't easy to write, I hope you like it! Kudos and comments are welcome 🥰

[idkyetxoxo]

Three | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"No, I would never fall for your seductress traps,"

"You just might darling you never know"

<- prev || masterlist || next ->

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

I sat outside, the metallic clang of my blades against the whetstone echoing in the air as a man approached, urgency etched into his features. "Forty, maybe fifty men, marching toward us on horseback," the Dane announced, directing his words toward Ragnar, who rose from his spot beside me.

"Close the gate and await their approach," Ragnar ordered briskly. The messenger nodded, hastening to carry out his assigned task. With practised precision, I carefully sheathed my daggers, their edges gleaming in the fading light, before rising to my feet.

Soon enough, the silhouette of approaching riders emerged, led by none other than Bloodhair himself. They sought food, shelter, and parley, seemingly willing to negotiate their grievances with Uhtred through peaceful means.

Ragnar, to my dismay, ordered the gates opened, allowing the Danes entry. I shot him a frustrated glance, my disapproval evident as they strode in unimpeded. "That man knows no honour," I muttered under my breath, my irritation simmering just beneath the surface as Ragnar glanced at me and then simply walked away.

A dry laugh escaped me as I spotted Aethelwold among the Danes. Turning to Sihtric and Finan, I voiced my exasperation, seeking consolation in their shared disbelief. "Surely, this is ridiculous," I remarked, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

"They're your brothers," Sihtric reminded me, his words carrying a hint of resignation and accusation. With a heavy sigh, I acknowledged the truth in his statement. "They'll be the death of me," I muttered, watching with a mix of resignation and apprehension as Uhtred entered Skade's cell, walking straight into her web of manipulation.

"Another fun night?" Sihtric's voice caressed the air as Finan departed, leaving behind a trail of lingering intrigue. My brows knitted in curiosity until his gaze slid down to my neck, where the bruising lovebites peeked out from beneath the exposed skin.

A smirk played on my lips as I crossed my arms, "Jealous it wasn't you?" I teased, my tone dripping with mischief as I raised an eyebrow in challenge.

His response came swift and sharp, a tut of denial escaping his lips. "No, I would never fall for your seductress traps," he retorted, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

A low chuckle escaped me, laced with allure. "You just might darling you never know" I whispered, my breath teasing his ear as I leaned in, a suggestive pat on his shoulder accompanying my words. 

With a coy smile lingering on my lips, I glided away in the direction of Uhtred, ready to scold him for whatever dalliance he found himself in with Skade.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

In the grand hall, a cacophony of cheers echoed as my brother, Haestan, Cnut, and Bloodhair forged an alliance, pooling their strength to lay claim to Wessex.

Beside me stood Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and reluctance toward the impending conflict. "As their sister, I should be standing with them, but I can see this will not end well," I remarked, taking a measured sip from my cup.

"You're the only one with sense in this lot," Finan quipped, earning a smirk from me. "Aren't I just the complete package, then?" I teased, eliciting laughter from him. Sihtric interjected quickly, "Maybe if you weren't so evil."

"Am I evil?" I asked, turning to Osferth, who shook his head vehemently. Leaning back with a satisfied grin, I responded, "See, even the baby monk knows better." 

Sihtric's retort came swift and practiced, "he fears the darkness of your mind and what you might do to him if disagreed with," he added, eliciting a wide-eyed response from Osferth.

With a reassuring pat on Osferth's shoulder, I leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "Rest assured, Osferth, I only reserve my darkness for the deserving." Tousling his hair, I added with a mischievous glint, "The only one in danger is the rat over there," casting a pointed glance at Sihtric, who rolled his eyes.

"Beauty and brains, what more could you want?" Finan's voice, smooth as honey, accompanied by a grin as he leaned towards me, wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me closer. With a wink directed at Sihtric and Osferth, he seemed to revel in the attention his teasing garnered.

"A woman who can also behead a man with a weapon smaller than the palm of your hand," I countered in a low whisper, gently moving Finan's hand from my side to the sheath holding my dagger at my waist. Fluttering my lashes at him, I watched as amusement flickered in his eyes before he teasingly pushed me away.

Turning towards Sihtric, I couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke him further, sticking my tongue out at him as he rolled his eyes once more. The tension in his clenched jaw betrayed his inner thoughts, his gaze fixed on the exchange between Finan and me.

Before our banter could escalate further, one of Ragnar's men seized my arm, pulling me into the midst of my brothers' celebration, where the revelry and anticipation for the battles ahead were notable.

Yet, even as I celebrated with the man at my side, my gaze continually drifted towards Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth. They stood apart, their expressions guarded behind tight-lipped smiles.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

I watched as Ragnar warmly greeted the two newcomers, and my heart leapt with joy once I recognized Thyra's familiar face. "Thyra!" I exclaimed, rushing to envelop her in a heartfelt hug. 

"I've missed you terribly. These men give me nothing but headaches," I teased, prompting laughter from her as she held me affectionately.

The joyous reunion was swiftly interrupted by Beocca's solemn announcement to Ragnar and Brida. He had come to fulfill the king's order, to formally banish Uhtred and myself from Wessex. Yet, I sensed there was more to his visit as Thyra instinctively guided us away.

Alone with Beocca, we received alarming news of Aethelflaed's peril, orchestrated by Aethelred. Aethelwold's visit to Aethelred hinted at a treacherous bid for the Wessex throne. With Haesten's imminent return, Aethelflaed's hiding place was at risk of exposure. Beocca reiterated Uhtred's promise to Aethelflaed and her unwavering trust in him.

"Uhtred, you cannot turn a blind eye to this," I implored softly, meeting his frustration with understanding. "I know you cannot forsake Ragnar, he is my brother too, but this army he's assembled is not going to stand," I reasoned. 

Uhtred's conflicted expression mirrored the turmoil within him as he deliberated, eventually deciding to confer with Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth as well.

As Uhtred departed, I lingered with Beocca, noticing the conflict etched upon his face. He acknowledged the inner struggle I endured, torn between the loyalty to my brothers, grappling with the weight of a decision made difficult by the relentless pull of destiny.

I made my way to where Ragnar and Uhtred stood, having savoured some much-needed moments with Thyra. As I approached, Ragnar's sharp words cut through the air, questioning Uhtred's allegiance. My steps quickened, sensing tension in the air.

Uhtred echoed my earlier sentiments, asserting that the hastily assembled army was bound to crumble. Ragnar's anger flared as he demanded Uhtred's unwavering loyalty. My gaze shifted between them.

Just as Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth entered, Uhtred declared his intent to rescue Aethelflaed. Ragnar's hurt was unmistakable as he confronted Uhtred, revoking our name for betraying their bond. He was no longer Uhtred Ragnarsson.

"Ragnar do not do this" I interjected, pleading with him to see reason. "These men will only tear you apart further, you're brothers," I implored, gesturing to the men gathered around us, hoping to appeal to the bond that once united them.

Ragnar remained resolute. "My decision is final," he declared firmly. His words cut through the air like a blade, leaving a tension in their wake.

Unable to contain my dismay, I confronted him. "So you would deny your own sister as well?" I questioned, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, a shield against his rejection. 

"If she wishes to side with the traitor, she is no sister of mine," he declared, his tone final and unyielding. Thyra's gasp of shock echoed my own disbelief, a testament to the rift that had formed between us. 

With a heavy heart, I made my own declaration. "Then I suppose I am no sister of yours," I declared, my voice quivering with wounded pride. Swallowing back tears threatening to spill, I turned away, unwilling to let anyone witness my vulnerability.

Retreating to the solitude of a secluded corner, I leaned against a sturdy tree trunk, allowing the weight of my emotions to overwhelm me. Tears lightly marked my cheeks as I sank to my knees, the weight of betrayal pressing down upon me like a suffocating blanket.

Tears rarely stained my cheeks, even in the face of physical torment. I often find humour in pain, a trait others found disturbing, even barbaric or creepy at times but pain has become all too familiar, something I've learned to embrace.

Yet, this moment was different. One of the few men other than my father who embraced the darkness the world draped upon me, who accepted me despite the labels, treated our bond as if it were nothing. As if I were nothing.

The sound of approaching footsteps snapped me out of my reverie. As I quickly brushed away my tears, I locked eyes with Sihtric, bracing myself for his reaction. I anticipated mockery, jest, anything but what followed.

Without a word, he knelt beside me, awkwardness evident in the air between us. With a hesitant gentleness, he pulled me into his embrace, and though I accepted it, the unfamiliarity of the gesture left a lingering sense of apprehension.

Despite the discomfort, in that moment, as he held me close, I allowed myself to surrender to the pain, as he held me close.

He was personally experienced with the anguish of being treated harshly or forsaken because of titles, if anyone understood that pain, it was him.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

Ragnar said not today sis 😔 and dw they aren't getting together for a while there's still a lot more suffering and challenges before they even contemplate any meaningful connection.

[badbatchposts]

Quiet Corners of the Galaxy, Chapter 2

In Chapter Two, the rest of the Batch is surprised when Crosshair returns with a rescued stranger. She doesn't seem particularly grateful.

Chapters posted 1-2x weekly.

Read Chapter 1 here.

Crosshair felt the woman stir in his lap before he heard the groan. They were just cresting the hilltop on the speeder bike when she began to wake.

“Crosshair,” he heard from his comm. “We’re loading up the Marauder. Let’s get outta here.”

“On our way,” he replied to Hunter.

“Our?”

He didn’t bother to reply; the squad would see them soon enough.

“Ship,” she moaned. “Back to my ship.” The pained, needy sound of her voice stirred something in him briefly before he could push it aside.

“That shuttle’s not going anywhere anymore,” he drawled as they came to a stop nearby the Marauder. He swung himself off the speeder bike and helped the woman to her feet, wrapping one of her arms over his shoulders and supporting her at the waist. The blaster bolt had skimmed her at the hip, and his fingertips just barely brushed the flesh at the edge of her wound, laid bare by the scorched tear in her clothing. He twitched for a moment at the unexpected feel of her, soft and round.

She cried out in pain, pushing back at him. “Hands off,” she managed to pant out.

“Fine.” He dropped her unceremoniously, stalking off toward the ramp of the Marauder. “Stay here, for all I care.”

“Crosshair, who is that?” Hunter demanded from the top of the ramp as he pushed past him.

“I don’t know.” He crossed his arms, scowling petulantly back at the woman as she made a painful effort to rise to her knees in the dirt. “Imperials were after her.”

“Well, we can’t just leave her here,” the Sergeant growled with frustration. “Wrecker, get her on board.”

“Not to worry, lil’ lady,” Wrecker declared exuberantly as he scooped the woman up into his arms. She was too out-of-it to do anything more than slap, halfheartedly, at his chest plate as he brought her onboard. “We’ll take good care of ya.”

Crosshair kept the scowl plastered to his face, inserting a toothpick between his lips as the ship took off, only minutes passing by before they left the atmosphere. Wrecker had laid the woman down on the bench opposite, where she continued stirring faintly. Once they had entered hyperspace, Tech exited the cockpit, approaching the woman so he could examine her.

“What happened?” he demanded matter-of-factly, scanning her vitals and pulling equipment from their medical kit.

“She was in an Imperial shuttle. She crashed. Troopers came. She got shot,” Crosshair narrated in his unaffected manner.

“How many times?”

Tech looked more concerned than Crosshair had expected. His response was tinged vaguely with surprise. “Only once.”

His brother shook his head. He gestured to the nasty wound at her hip that he was in the process of disinfecting and treating. “This is only the most recent of her injuries.” Tech’s hands moved deftly, efficiently, while he continued. “It appears that she sustained a mild concussion in the crash, as well as… one additional blaster bolt to the leg, and bruising to her ribs. Perhaps in the process of hijacking the shuttle.”

Crosshair could only shrug as he watched Tech continue to work. With her prior injuries, he was surprised she had lasted against the troopers as long as she had.

“You shouldn’t have dropped her,” Hunter chastised him, arms crossed over his chest.

“She told me to,” he sneered in response. “She’s lucky I didn’t just let them kill her.”

“Yeah…so why didn’t you?” The question came from Wrecker, but the rest of the squad turned their eyes to him to await his answer, even Echo swiveling around in the cockpit to stare at him. Of all of them, Crosshair was the least likely to pick up a stray.

He shrugged, saved from having to explain further by the woman’s groans as she fully came to, her eyes fluttering open. She shifted her gaze to each of them in turn, taking in their gear, their unruly appearances, their serious expressions. For a moment, as she came more fully out of consciousness and looked into his eyes, he actually thought how sweet she looked. Gentle, even.

“Who the kriff are you?” she snarled.

Next Chapter

[sophiesticatedyk]

She Looks Just Like A Dream || Bruce W. x Reader

Part 2 of "The Prettiest Girl I've Ever Seen" so I hope you guys like this too 🫶

After that encounter, you held a tight grudge on Bruce. Seems immature, yes, but there was something about the man that just infuriated you. Was it the way he made you feel? The way he smirked at you like you were below his level? God, you didn't even know what exactly you hated about him. All you know is, you didn't want to see him again. You told your friend how you didn't want to attend any of Wayne Gala's anymore.

Here you were, walking home as usual and passing the Wayne Manor as your daily path. It was odd, it looked so empty without guests. For a minute, looking at the house, you felt pity for Bruce. How lonely he must be. You shook the thoughts out of your mind, you were supposed to hate him.

With your head clouded with thoughts, you didn't notice the man sneaking up on you. It was too late, he had already grabbed you and you couldn't fight back no matter how hard you tried. The stranger cut off your oxygen by covering your nose and mouth as you started to feel lightheaded, the cloth had chloroform in it.

Slowly panicking, this is bad. Really bad.

-Stay quiet, buttercup. Unless you want to pay the consequences that is.

You tried to scream but it felt like your body was shutting down, you closed your eyes and passed out.

Suddenly, Batman came and punched the criminal straight in his nose, pulling your unconscious body to his side.

-Y...You're.. You're Bat..

The criminal shivered in fear at the hero towering over him. He stumbled over his feet and ran away when he heard the rumbling voice of the Bat.

-Get away from her, now.

The Batman calmly stated, calm but very intimidating. Like you could crumble under his gaze and tone of voice.

Batman gave the burglar a chance to run away, for now. Later in the Batcave, he'd make sure to make that man pay someday. At this moment, his priority was you.

Bruce didn't know what he was feeling, and he wasn't even sure if it was hatred anymore. When he saw you, looking helpless in the dim streetlights, he felt an urge to protect you. He wanted to protect you from everything bad in the world.

Carrying you into his Batmobile and driving towards the Batcave, Bruce contemplated if he truly hated you or admired you.

Arriving, Alfred walked to the automobile looking confused with the random girl in Bruce's arms.

-Who is this, Master?

Alfred asked with confusion laced in his tone.

-Do not worry, Alfred. It's the girl from the party. Her name is Y/N L/N. We need to get her treated, she's passed out from chloroform it seems.

Alfred acted quickly, with Bruce placing Y/N down onto the medical table. He swiftly brought out his tools and observed the few bruises and scratches that decorated the girl's arm.

It wasn't all too bad, so he wondered why his Master Wayne brought her all the way here? He has never done that for anyone before.

In a few minutes, the small wounds were fixed with some ointment and bandages. She would wake up soon.

-Master, why would you bring this girl here? It was only a few scratches, nothing too dangerous.

-I know, I know, Alfred. I don't know what's gotten into me. I just felt this urge to protect her, and I felt rage seeing another man touch her so violently. It's scaring me.

Bruce let out all his worries as Alfred poured him a cup of tea and sat down as well, they both were talking while Y/N was lying from afar, still unconscious.

-Master, have you ever considered that maybe, you have feelings for this young lady ?

Alfred was always right. But this time, he couldn't be! Unless...

-What ? I just met her ! There's no way ! And, I'm still not over Selina... I couldn't possibly like her. If anything, I hate her !

Bruce slightly raised his voice. He wasn't mad at you or Alfred, he was mad at himself. Mad that he couldn't decipher his own feelings.

-That is true, but love at first sight exists, you know. I know you're still grieving over Lady Selina, but you could also be slowly healing with how you feel for Lady Y/N. If you hated her, why would you bring her all the way here ? Quickly make me tend to her small wounds ?

The more Bruce thought about it, the more he realized Alfred was right.

Alfred was back upstairs in the Manor as Bruce was cleaning some of his Battech. He heard a small whimper come from Y/N. He abruptly stood up and walked over to you. He forgot something, though. His cowl. But he didn't realize that, too caught up in the fact that you were now awake.

-Where am I ?...

You rubbed your eyes and your tone of voice sounded like you were trying to hide your fear.

-You're in the Batcave. It is safe here, do not worry.

A low and dark voice came from your side as you looked up at your right. Wait, Bruce Wayne ? In Batman's suit ? What the fuck.

Could it be ?

-Holy shit.

You swore out of shock as you slowly tried crawling back from the table. Bruce was confused, and slightly nervous.

-What's wrong ?

He asked. You shakily pointed your finger at his head.

-I think you forgot your mask, Batman. Or now that I know, Bruce Wayne.

He lightly gasped and looked towards a mirror to show his reflection. This is bad, he wasn't wearing his cowl. How stupid of him ! Oh my God, he was so dead. He was caught by a random girl. My God.

-Fuck ! I forgot my cowl. Y/N, I know we ended on a bad note that night but I beg you to not tell anyone this, please. I don't know what's gotten into me and why I was this stupid to not realize my cowl wasn't on, just, this is our little secret, okay ?

He sounded so desperate.

-Wait, how do you know my name ? You know what, nevermind. What do I get ?

-What ?

-What do I get if I keep this a secret ?

You were teasing him. To be completely honest, you already had suspicions that he was Batman from the start. C'mon, Bruce Wayne sponsoring the Bat for ALL THAT gear ? One being present while the other suddenly disappears ? Besides, their features on the lower side of their face were exactly the same. You just have good observation skills.

-I'll give you anything you want.

-I'll make sure you live up to that.

You smiled. You smiled at him for the first time. No signs of cockiness or hatred in your eyes. It made him blush and choke on his words.

-Yes, I assure you I will.