#I almost started a Kassandra run but I just love Alexios so much and I thought he deserved to get a chance to see Brasidas

[findusinaweek]

Having ac odyssey again is making me a more insane person. Who could have guessed it?

[moonlightguardianmoon]

It was party time at the assassins house hold for today(April 4th) is Easter also the day that Connor/ Ratonhnhaké:ton was born. They decided to try and throw Connor a suprise party at the house, once Connor was told to run an "aren" shaun asked him to take care of, with Ezio, the assassins wod get straight to working on the party. Ezio was tasked to make sure Connor stayed busy for a few hours till everything was ready, he was the inside man and was to alert them if Connor was coming back. Once Connor left with Ezio the assassins went straight to work. However as things started to quickly go south...

Desmond: GUYS THE OVEN IS ON FIRE, PUT IT OUT!

Achilles: WHAT DO YOU THINK WE'RE TRYING TO DO!?

Jacob: *tangled in the streamers* guys I think I got myself stuck in the streamers again!

Evie: damn it Jacob! I said to let Arno handle the streamers for a reason!

Arno: ya about that Evie. *also stuck in the streamers* help.

Evie: *face palm and shaking her head of disappointment*

Alexios: ok he's definitely gonna like what I got him for his birthday! *is holding a poorly wrapped sword*

Kassandra: don't you think you should wrap that in a box brother?

Alexios: what's the point of going through the trouble of putting it in a box then wrapping it? This is a much more time saving way of doing it.

Edward: Ha! Well I now for sure my grandson is gonna love what I got him! *holding a small wrapped box*

Rebecca: Uh, a little help in the kitchen would be nice, guys!

Aveline: We got it! *hands Claudia the fire extinguisher*

Claudia: *takes the fire extinguisher and sprays the fire out*

Once the fire was out all that was left was a lump of charcoal sitting in the oven, that was supposed to be Connor's cake.

Aveline: ... I'm sure it's still good?

Claudia: *sighs* all that hard work for nothing... where's Altair? I thought I put him in charge of making sure the cake didn't burn?

Shaun: oh that's why he was in the kitchen standing about... crap, sorry Claudia, I sent him out to take care of the ice... speaking of he should have been back by now, where is he?

The front door suddenly burst open then slammed shut as Altair leans back against the door as the sound of an angry mob runs past the house and then starts running down the street. Everyone paused for a moment at what they were doing and stared at an exhausted Altair who was also holding a half full bag of ice.

Altair: *pants* I got the ice Shaun! *holds up the half full bag of ice* *pants*

Desmond: ... what happened?

Altair: don't ask. *pants and puts the ice in a near by ice chest*

Bayek: uh, guys I think edward spiked the punch with rum again.

Malik: why do you say that?

Bayke: *points over to the punch bowl*

Liberty (Connor's Turkey assassin companion) was flapping his wings around like crazy trying to fly but only to land on his side or on his face and is wobbling around all over the place.

Malik: ... ALLAH DAMN IT EDWARD!

Edward: *helping Desmond with balloons* what!? I thought it might spice things up a bit for the pary.

Aya: but why did you spike the punch with rum specifically?

Edward: Only the best for my little sea captain grandson.

Malik: *face palm*

Achilles: so what about the cake?

Claudia: I'm sure we'll have time to quickly bake another, *runs over to the stair case* LEONARDO! ARE WE STILL CLEAR OF TIME!?

Leonardo: *calling from up stairs in the attic* Si! We're still clear! No sign of their return yet!

Claudia: Si, we have time.

Desmond: well we gotta make this quick then!

Bayke: how are the balloons Desmond?

Desmond: *filling a balloon with helium* it's going good. Uh, you sure you don't need help Edward?

Edward: Nah, not at all lad, *struggling to turn the nob of the helium tank* j-just gotta turn, the damn- *slips his grip and almost falls over* Ga! Stupid, damn, tank! *hits the tank*

The tank breaks and helium leaks out.

Edward: uh oh...

Everyone close by the helium tank starts in haling the helium and starts coughing.

Altair: *cough* (high pitch voice) damn it Edward you ghabi! Look at what you've done! *quickly covers his mouth* ...

Everyone: ...

Desmond: (high pitch voice) oh crap helium tank broke.

Jacob and Edward: ... *snickers and starts laughing in high pitch voices* HAHAHA!

Jacob: Altair you sound like a mouse that had to much to drink!

Edward: Ey lad!

Altair: *high pitch low growl* you all sound like a bunch of mice too novice!

Jacob: Ha! I do, don't I!

Edward: you sound like a high pitch dolphin lad! *laughs high pitch*

Alexios: (normal voice) Hey let me try! *runs over and breaths in the left over helium* Wow this is werid!

Maria: (Normal voice) as much as I like to hear the sound of rats, I think we should go back to focusing on getting Connor's party ready

Altair: *clears throat* Please let's. *glares at The three*

Jacob: I'll uh... get starts on the confetti! *runs up stairs*

Edward: ...and uh... I'll get the drinks ready! *runs off some where*

Alexios: *high pitch still* I'll uh, go see if Jacob needs help with the conffite. *walks over to where Jacob is*

Evie: *sighs* Maria do you need help setting up the snack table?

Maria: *nods* that would be of much help, thank you Evie.

Evie: no problem.

Jacob: Gang way!

Jacob and Alexios rolled out a large confetti cannon down the stairs and started filling it with confetti.

Desmond: since when did we own a confetti cannon!?

Jacob: since I asked Ezio to ask Leo to make one?

Desmond: ... the f@#$!?

Jacob: well he would never agree to make one if I asked him, but if Ezio asked him. Ha, the man would never refuse Ezio.

Alexios: yep!

Arno: oh mon Dieu! You guys why!?

Jacob: oh calm down Frenchy, not like it's gonna start a fire! Beside Connor's gonna love this!

Arno: and I wounder at times why Connor stopped hanging out with us... (whispers) (wish I had his guts to do the same)

Jacob: hey! He still hangs out with us at times.

Arno: Oui, when your not causing problems.

Alexios: will you relax, this won't cause any problems.

Evie: ok we got to have a rule for Leonardo to not agree on making such ridiculous requests like this.

Maria: agreed.

Aveline: *looking around for something*

Rebecca: you ok Aveline?

Aveline: ya I'm just looking for something I made for connor.

Rebecca: oh maybe I can help you find it. What did you make him?

Aveline: I made him a good luck bracelet for him to wear, it had two feathers on it and was made out of wooden beads.

Rebecca: I'm sure we can find it somewhere.

Nasir came by with silver (Connor's other companion silver back wolf) and Desmond the dog came around. Desmond (the dog) was barking and yipping happily around Jacob, Alexios, and the party cannon. Jacob and Alexios were distracted by Desmond tipping and barking that they didn't see Nasir sitting on the arm rest part of the couch investigating the strange cannon.

Jacob: come on Desmond the dog, knock it off! we got to set up the cannon right or-

Desmond the dog: *Barks* *grabs the remote from Jacob and runs to the other side of the room*

Jacob: HEY! DESMOND NO!

Desmond: *turns around* what!?

Jacob: oh not you Desmond, Desmond the dog, he-

Desmond the dog: *drops the remote and pushes the button*

Jacob: uh oh...

Everyone: 0_0

The Cannon went off and since the confetti wasn't completely separated properly a ball of compacted confetti bursted out the cannon landing into the kitchen and scaring the life out of Nasir. Nasir jumped onto Jacob's face trying to hide under his top hat while also clawing his face in the process. The ball of compacted confetti landed in the bowl of the fresh new batch of cake mix as Cladia was just about to place it I'm the oven not only getting cake mix on her, but on Achilles, Shaun, Evie, Aveline, Rebecca and Altair.

Achilles: ... ok that's it, I give up. *leaves the kitchen to go clean himself off*

Shaun: agreed *grabs a kitchen towel and cleans off his face*

Claudia: and there goes the last of the cake batter...

Aveline: *wipes a bit of the cake batter of her face and hives it a bit of a taste* hm, well I'll tell you this Claudia, the cake would have been amazing. *looks over by the counter and see the bracelet* oh! *grabs it* found it.

Altair: . . . jaCOB FRYYYYE!!!

Evie: oh bloody hell.

Jacob: AH! Altair- OUCH! GET YOUR CAT OFF ME! *trying to get Nasir off of him*

Altair: *wipes the cake batter off his face the best he can and runs over to Jacob* Nasir! no! Get off Jacob right now! *gently grabs Nasir of Jacob and hold him* you don't know where that man has been.

Jacob: *covered in cat scratches* Hey!

Leonardo: *yells from up stairs* THEIR ALMOST HERE!

Desmond: F@#$! We don't have time for this sh*t!

Everyone began to freak out and run about all over the living and kitchen only make more of a mess in the process.

Leonardo: *runs down stairs* everyone take place Their ba-... oh mio Dio...

Ezio and Connor where walking up to the hidden assassin home, with bags of stuff Shaun had asked them to get. The closer the two got to the house the more it was harder for Ezio to hide his smile anymore.

Connor: you seem to be in a good mood after finishing a long arena?

Ezio: hm? Oh, *clears throat* was I smiling? scusa I didn't realize.

Connor: uhm? Is there a reason for your sudden smile?

Ezio: well *chuckles* we were gonna wait till you came home, and that you are *unlocks and opens the door* Happy birthday Co- ...uh...

Ezio and Connor were welcomed home to the assassins all either taned up in streamers other were on the floor and were toppled over one another and some... were a mix of both, all but Leonardo who seemed equally confused as the two were.

Connor and Ezio: . . .

Jacob: *strung up to the ceiling with his sister in streamers* ...Happy Birthday Connor! *nervous smile*

Aveline: *tangled in streamers too* suprise...

Edward: *is strung upsidedown by his feet with Party streamers* *blows on a party blower*

Ezio and Connor: ...

Achilles: *comes down stairs* Are you guys almost- oh come on!

Just then they heard a small chuckle come from Connor. They all turned to face him as ge started chuckling and a bit of laughter.

Jacob: so... your not upset about the suprise party?

Connir: *Chuckling* mad? Why would I be mad? *snickers* I had a hunch something was up, and figured if it was something for my birthday, I was expecting it to end up something like this. Im honestly don't care for my birthday much anyway, but I'm happy you guys tried anyway, just to do something nice for me.

Leonardo: awe, your welcome acmico.

Edward: HAHA! That's my grandson!

Shaun: So, does that mean you'll help untangle us now?

Connor: ya, and I think I have a better idea on where I want to spen my birthday at.

That night they went to the bar Desmond worked at and had some food and drinks and Connor opened his gifts. Desmond said that he didn't mind the extra work hours -and erasing the camera footage- all was well, and Jacob got his face patched up as well.

Connor: *opens his gift from Edward* *is now holdings a small gold telescope* Wow, thanks grandfather.

Edward: Ey, Of course, this telescope use to be mine and I'm giving it to you now to take care of.

Connor: thanks again grandpa.

Edward: any time lad. *drinks his shot of rum*

Aveline: here's my gift to you Connor. *hands him the bracelet*

Connor: *takes the bracelet* You made this yourself Aveline?

Avelone: yep, that and this *kisses him on the check* that too.

Connor: O-Oh uh... Thank you, Aveline. -///-

The family laughted or chuckled at Connor's reaction. They were talking and hanging out and eating some food from the bar, till it was 1 in the morning.

Happy birthday

Ratonhnhaké:ton

Part 2?

Also yes I know it's late, I have been busy lately with testing 😔 it the final brain cell for me at this point.

[straight-into-the-animus]

Truth or Dare (French Fryes)

I’m writing the backlogged stuff but I had a dream about this scenario and had to get it out.

Read it on Ao3!

“Let’s play truth or dare.”

“Are we seven?” Arno asked even as Ezio tugged him over to sit in a circle. Coming to a party when he wanted to sleep for twelve hours after finals already wasn’t on his plans, but Ezio had insisted, and well… 

Some people had weak constitutions to Italian friends.

“Seven year olds can’t dare each other to do illegal shit.” Kassandra gleefully declared, and excitement shot through almost everyone at the manner of what they could all get into despite the protests of Altair and Bayek.

“Alright, nothing too illegal. But if you do it… Don’t film and post it.”

This was generally accepted and the game commenced.

It went by quickly, everyone content with trying to outdo the other. 

“Alexios has to switch pants with Evie.”

“Malik has to make out with a wall!”

“He already does, his name is Altair-”

Those who chose truth were generally heckled until they chose dare, but at the risk of sharing secrets -- no one wanted to, anyway -- dares were chosen almost always.

“Okay, okay, Jacob,” Ezio eventually called out once people had sufficiently calmed down after seeing Altair drink a mustard-based smoothie, “truth or dare?”

“You know me.” Jacob kicked back, leaning against the foot of the couch. “Dare.”

“I dare you to kiss the hottest person in the room.”

“There should be an exception against the coupled up, right?” Bayek asked, and Aya quickly hushed him with her interest to see how it would all play out.

Arno sipped his drink, watching eagerly. There was an unnecessary flutter in his heart as he watched Jacob consider, scratching the beginnings of his beard.

“Alexios-”

Oh.

“D’you mind moving so I can get to Arno?”

Oh.

Arno swore it was a miracle he didn’t die from choking on the vodka-cran mix as Jacob scooted past the ‘disgruntled’ Greek until he was a breath away from the Frenchman.

“Did you need me to move as well?” Arno asked, glancing from hazel eyes to lips that curled into the smallest, shiest smirk he’d ever seen.

“Not unless you really want to. I’ve made my choice, though.”

Arno refused -- refused -- to show he was melting in and out, and placed his cup next to him definitely before looking Jacob in the eye.

“Then do it.”

The first press of lips against his was softer than he thought it would be, but he wasn’t complaining at all. His hand went up to tangle in the back of Jacob’s hair as the other planted behind his back for leverage against Jacob’s gradually deepening push. He took the demands happily as they started to come, even as their friends began to talk about how it wasn’t Seven Minutes in Heaven and other people had to go.

“Think we can leave them be for a while?” Jacob pulled back just a bit, cheeks and neck showing their flush, and Arno smiled as he took it in.

“They’ll go on without us.” Arno took Jacob’s hand and they hurried off to find somewhere more secluded.

---------------

The first date ended up being one of the cheesiest and most classic; dinner and a movie. It had been Jacob’s idea, and he sounded so uncharacteristically nervous and unsure about it on the phone that Arno couldn’t help but grow fonder and accept it.

“Are you still nervous?” Arno asked, and Jacob looked up from across the booth at him.

“I’m not nervous.”

“You tore up your straw paper.” Arno pointedly looked at the flimsy white shreds scattering across the table like snow, and Jacob half-heartedly brushed them away.

“You’re gonna laugh.”

“Try me.” Arno said, fixing his gaze on the other, and Jacob averted meeting his eyes before changing his mind about it.

“I almost cancelled the date.”

“You didn’t want…?”

“It’s not you, I promise. I mean, not that I didn’t want to be on a date with you.” Jacob was quick to clear up. “I just… Didn’t think you wanted to come to a place like this.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Arno gestured around the restaurant slightly. It was a small family affair, had probably been around since after the second world war.

“It’s supposed to mean that a place like this is fine for me. I love coming here. But you’re used to… More.”

“I just wanted to go out with you, Jacob.” Arno reached over and held his hand. “I would’ve been happy with just a walk in the park for the night.”

“That’s a bit of a lie.”

“Maybe. But only cause it’s cold out there.”

Jacob laughed a bit and Arno smiled to hear it. They broke apart as the food and drinks came around for them, but even the emergence of that didn’t seem to completely quell whatever Jacob was feeling; Arno was sure he was even waiting to hear some sort of complaint about the pasta Arno had ordered, as if there was a way to mess it up. Eventually Arno came up with an idea.

“Hey. Truth or dare.”

“Huh?”

“Truth or dare.” Arno waited as Jacob furrowed his brow but answered all the same.

“Dare.”

“I dare you to have a good time and forget about anything except that I’m happy to be with you.”

Jacob’s confusion only grew until he understood, and he smiled; a slow, genuine thing spreading across his face.

“As you say, monsieur.”

And Jacob kept to that dare, never wanting to be shown up ever.

---------------

It wasn’t their first time, but it had to have been their best. Arno rested his head against Jacob’s shoulder as he came, a choked up sound spilling out from one of them. It went quiet save for their heavy breathing, and Arno hated to break it. Jacob had already come and made a mess of Arno’s front as a result, sticking to him even as Arno pulled out.

“If you’re getting a flannel, mind getting me some water?” Jacob sighed as Arno got off the bed, and Arno shook his head bemusedly.

“Swear I’ve spoiled you rotten.” He called out as he left, but did come back with a cup of water.

“How can I be rotten when I make things so sweet?” Jacob grinned as Arno quickly wiped them both off and discarded the flannel.

“You can carry yourself to the bathroom when you need to piss halfway through the night.” Arno noted before getting under the covers, Jacob quickly placing the cup away before grabbing him and pulling him close to act as the big spoon. A standard position despite the new environment.

“Think we’ve christened the new flat enough?” Jacob asked, kissing behind Arno’s ear, and he hummed in response.

“Perhaps. Wouldn’t be opposed to another round after a break.” 

“Sometimes you know exactly what to say.” Jacob smiled, and Arno felt it and returned it, even if he couldn’t see. “Hey… Truth or dare?”

“This again?” Both of them had made it a regular game to play with each other, something to pull out when they wanted. Sometimes it just happened when they couldn’t stand the silence, other times if they wanted to just cause a little trouble. Their friends still thought it was stupid to keep it up after two years, but everytime they tried to voice an opinion both men would just remind them that it had been what brought them together, thank you very much, and it would remain in their lives until it couldn’t anymore.

And they had decided to carry in the tradition even after Arno got his promotion and they decided to take the leap and move in together.

“Truth.”

“You happy?”

“More than anything.” Arno turned in Jacob’s arms and took him in, a hand closing the small distance between them to stroke his skin. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Do you love me?”

Jacob’s smile could be seen from space as he replied.

“More than anything.”

---------------

Arno came back only when it became dark enough that the lampposts were nearly unable to light up anything on the sidewalk. He was still tense as he stepped up the stairs with feet that barely wanted to make a sound. Half of him foolishly hoped that Jacob had been so pissed that he’d gone to bed and Arno could simply take the extra blankets from their little closet and spend the night on the couch, but he still saw the glow of yellow light spilling out from the crack under their flat door and heard the television still going. So Jacob was still up.

Arno braced himself, taking a deep breath as he pulled out his key and let himself in. The yellow light cast an uneasy shadow around everything in the flat, Jacob included. He was stretched out on the couch, face impassive as he took in something on the news.

“Took you long enough.” He greeted Arno as the man closed the door firmly behind him.

“If you’re staying on the couch, I’m taking the bed.”

“Oh, there’s the sensible shit coming out.” Jacob said, glancing over at him. “Seems about right.”

“Jacob-”

“Obviously I don’t have it in me, thank fucking God Arno Dorian does-”

“Jacob-”

“How could we ever bloody survive without it?”

“It wasn’t what I meant!” Arno snapped, defense kicking in as it did just a few hours earlier.

“Oh, so saying I would be better off with ‘an ounce of sense’ isn’t what you meant?”

“Am I wrong?”

“Fucking unbelievable.”

“Now you know how I feel with you!” Arno finally unstuck his feet, brain muddled as he kicked off his shoes and stormed off to their bedroom. The bed wasn’t made and it only served to faintly set off the bells in Arno’s mind to get pissed again, but mostly he was trying to mask his hurt that he was going to bed alone.

It was stupid, so stupid, and Arno only wanted to go back in time and hit himself to stop himself from bringing it up. 

The door opened after a time Arno couldn’t figure out, but he heard Jacob softly enter and stop a few feet from the bed.

“You asleep?”

“Not at all.” Arno whispered, and after a few seconds of delay Jacob got into the bed as well, slow but deliberate as he came up behind Arno and wrapped an arm around his waist loosely.

“You still upset?”

“Yes. But… I’m sorry I took it out on you. I just saw the mess and got… Pissed.”

Jacob sighed. “I’m sorry I let it get bad. I got back from work and just wanted to sit for a bit.”

“So did I.”

“Your work is what’s fucking killing you. You’ve never done that before.”

“Jacob-” He tensed, but the other man continued, running his fingers through Arno’s hair. It was getting tangled, a result of stressed pulling and forgetting to take care of himself.

“Just answer me this. If you don’t like it -- and I know you don’t, cause I’ve heard you complaining to Elise when you think I’m not listening -- then why are you staying there?”

Arno thought a long time about what he wanted to say.

“What I’m making, you don’t… It’s what you don’t have to worry about. You don’t have to go out and get another job, or get more hours. It gives you something nice if I-”

“You’re telling me you’re working fucking forty-eight hours a week, with extra work at home that you like to do ‘for fun’ off the books, so that you think I’ll stay?”

There was silence, and Jacob tightened his grip around Arno’s waist to pull him back.

“You’re a fucking idiot. I’d rather you be home before dinner and be happy with me than out there and making yourself miserable.”

The tension started to leave Arno’s shoulders as he leaned back into his boyfriend.

“Jacob-”

“We don’t have to talk too much about it yet. Just… please. I mean it.”

Arno went silent again, feeling his mouth begin to twitch and eyes sting with tears. He swallowed and nodded a bit. His hand went down and rested over Jacob’s, intertwining their fingers.

“Jacob.”

“Hmm?”

“Truth or dare.”

It had been a while, and he almost thought Jacob wouldn’t answer, but he did anyway.

“Truth.”

“You still love me?”

Jacob nuzzled Arno’s neck before speaking.

“Never think I’ll stop.”

Arno felt if he tried to laugh in relief it’d turn into a sob, so he just kept quiet and tightened his grip on Jacob.

Things weren’t solved immediately. But for now… They were good. And they were in bed together, just together. That was enough for the night.

---------------

“You should’ve seen the other guy. He started it.”

“As you say.” Arno shook his head with a smile, fingers intertwined with Jacob’s as they walked together. It had been a few months since their talk, and for the first time in close to a year, Arno felt lighter, like he wasn’t dreading waking up tomorrow.

There had been a long discussion about what they were doing, their feelings about everything, and it boiled down to being able to find a better balance than they originally had. Arno agreed to take fewer hours or at least find a way to condense his workload, and Jacob would work to help out more at his job and around their place. It had taken some time, but they were better now, Arno thought. And there were times now, like with Jacob talking animatedly about how he had narrowly avoided the fistfight that had led to them skipping out the bar and coming to the park instead, that he liked to think Jacob thought so as well.

“It’s getting warmer.” Arno spoke genially as they continued to walk, after Jacob had stopped his tale of glory, and Jacob made a noise of vague agreement.

“‘Bout time. Way too cold even for winter.”

“You like winter.”

“I like some parts of winter. Like the holidays and all that. But even I get to a point where it overstays its welcome. Besides, you got all the flowers out blooming.” Jacob pointed over where some newly planted tulips were beginning to sprout.

Arno felt his heart speed up for an unknown reason. Whether it was in the way Jacob admired a few flowers, or in how his hand tightened around Arno’s as he began to talk about all his plans for summer -- their plans for summer --, or the way the box in his coat pocket began to feel ever heavier than usual, that it left Arno’s mouth before he could stop.

“Truth or dare.”

“Seriously? Here?”

“It’s a real question.”

“Y’know what? I haven’t done dare in a while. Let’s go with that.”

Arno stopped them both and took a breath, hand slowly sliding into his coat and pulling the velvet box out. A million thoughts ran through his head as he shakily kneeled down, but looking up into Jacob’s wide eyes silenced them all until he spoke again.

“Marry me.”

---------------

The wedding ended up a lovely summer affair. Elise was only a bit upset that she couldn’t be Arno’s best woman in the way Evie was for Jacob, though Ezio ended up being pretty good about it and had people both laughing and sniffing by the end of his speech.

And all because of some stupid game, Ezio had been sure to mention at some point, and Arno and Jacob just shared some sort of smile at it.

And now here they were.

Arno woke up on top of Jacob, sprawled out in the huge hotel bed. The other was beginning to wake up as well, and they both smiled as their eyes met.

“Good morning, Mr. Dorian-Frye.”

“Good morning indeed.” Jacob rolled them over and Arno’s small yelp of protest at the action was silenced as Jacob began to kiss him in earnest, still smiling into it. They pulled apart eventually and Arno laughed.

“Not even letting me brush my teeth.”

“That doesn’t exactly matter right now.” Jacob tried to mouth lower at Arno’s neck, and Arno let him for a while before squirming.

“Call for the food first. Then you can continue making a mess of me.” Jacob pouted, and Arno smirked. “It’s not that bad. We do have all week, you know. Can’t spend all of it in a hotel room.”

“Just watch me.” Jacob challenged, but let Arno up anyway to stretch and get out of the bed and pull on loose sweat pants to cover himself up. Jacob had less grace and got out to simply pull on some boxers before calling it a day and going over to the Frenchman. He hugged him from behind, and Arno blushed, a smile still present on his face that threatened to stay there forever.

“Hey, Arno.”

“I’ll take waffles with fruit and cream, thanks.”

Jacob laughed, letting it take over before he calmed down enough to speak again.

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“You ever been happier?”

“Never.”

----------

I hope you enjoy! If you do I have a Masterpost here and more ideas for writings and prompts here, so feel free to request!  If you’d like to support me, I have a ko-fi here! Safety and peace!

[author-morgan]

Post-game Deimos Alexios with foreign reader who has been hunted for also having a powerful bloodline “ i know i’m a monster, but you look at me like i’m a man. ” “ you do have something to live for. you have me. ” “ you make me feel safe. like i’m allowed to be anything i want. ”

Hi nonny, sorry this took so long. I hope you like it. Tagging @withered-poppies because they had some of the same dialogue prompt requests for Deimos. 

Deimos!Alexios x fem!Reader

WHEN YOU FIRST met Deimos, he was a weapon for the Cult of Kosmos, and you were one of his targets. Hunted since a child because of the blood running through your veins —a Tainted One they call you, like a fire that could not be contained. Chaos made flesh. When Deimos first crossed blades with you, he knew something was different —especially when your fingers brushing against his arm left nigh permanent chills. No one had ever been able to take him on in a fair fight, but you had done so —almost effortlessly. 

He had let you escape with your life then found you again in the streets of Sparta after Kosmos had fallen. Deimos takes to you like a moth to flame after a chance second encounter. You’d both spotted one another from across the agora, muscles tensing and fingers flexing as if to draw blades. Neither of you moves at first, though it is Deimos who eventually caves and approaches you —offering a fresh nectarine. When you take the piece of fruit from his hand, it feels like accepting a peace offering. The unspoken connection between you and Deimos is already there and a friendship quickly blossoms despite his tribulations and your troubled past. 

For weeks, the meetings between you and he are in the meadows or forests —away from prying eyes, like those of his sister and mother. He says Sparta is his home now, but deep down you can see it is a lie. He is like you, a child of nowhere. Yet a part of you could call the Valley of Two Kings home if it meant being with Deimos. The gods must have placed you in Lakonia for this reason and for the first time you can thank them for something with sincerity.  

Kassandra and Myrrine can both tell something is different about Alexios, though they cannot say what the cause behind the shift in his demeanor is. Taking it upon herself, Kassandra trails behind her brother one morning when he leaves before sunrise. She follows him through the polis and into the countryside, tracing his steps up a narrow trail leading to a hill overlooking the city with Mount Taygetos in the background. He draws in a slow breath as Apollo’s golden light floods the valley. 

Another figure joins her brother atop the hill and the Eagle Bearer must cover her mouth to muffle a surprised gasp when Deimos wraps his arms around you, stooping down for a kiss. Kassandra smiles the entire way back, eager to dispel her findings to her mother. Neither she nor Myrrine press him to say anything after following him that day, but they do start to drop subtle hints —speaking of love, marriages, and family. He suspects they know something. 

Eventually, Deimos asks you one evening to come with him for dinner. He’s spoken of his mother and sister before, but the thought of meeting them is nerve-wracking. His mother is the daughter of King Leonidas and his sister is the legendary Eagle Bearer —but even he carries a reputation as one of the fiercest warriors in Hellas.  

Kassandra offers you a place aboard the Adrestia with her brother as she is planning on sailing again soon. A sedentary life is not something to keep a misthios satisfied for long. She does not know you well yet, but it is clear you bring out a better side of Deimos that makes him more like Alexios than the Cult’s weapon. Despite Kassandra’s offer, you and Deimos decide to remain in Sparta with Myrrine —it will be good for her to have her son around. His sister departs at dusk after a final meal, promising to return often if the winds and sea are favorable. The sadness in Myrrine’s expression is quickly quelled when she turns, finding you and Deimos standing in the doorway, fingers loosely linked together. 

That night, he holds you in his arms atop the roof of what should have been his childhood home. His dark eyes flit between you and the clear night sky. You can tell something is bothering him —he had not slept well the previous night, haven woke from a nightmare, and never trusting his mind to sleep again. Sitting up and breaking free of his arms, you shift —straddling his thighs and taking his handsome face into your hands. 

“I know I’m a monster,” he begins, voice cracking —not meeting your gaze, “but you look at me like I’m a man.” You’d always looked past his bloody history because you had one too. “For so long I believed it was my destiny to bring order to the world–” he leans into the hand tracing over the scar on his cheek “–but now–” His voice and mind wander off, now he doesn’t know what he’s meant to do, and the weight of the uncertainty is almost unbearable. 

“You still have something to live for, Alexios,” you breathe, thinking of his mother and sister —his warm, honeyed eyes meeting yours. The use of his given-name surprises him still. Deimos is the man you met, but Alexios is the man you know. “And you have me.” His lips kink into a smile, fingers ghosting across your shoulder and up the curve of your neck. He does have you. More than a year has come to pass since you both noticed one another in the streets, since then the days when you aren’t in each other’s company are rare. 

He presses his head into your shoulder, inhaling the soft scent of lemon and roses. “You make me feel safe,” you tell him with a smile. He sits back and you lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Even with all your prowess in combat, it is a good feeling to have someone to make you feel safe, secure —like nothing bad will happen again. “Like I’m allowed to do and be anything.” For so long, you’d only seen as someone to be tamed by the Order of Ancients and Cult alike. Even Myrrine noted the strength and power in your blood, but Deimos has only ever looked at you as an equal. “I’m not just a Tainted One with you.”

The soft smile on his lips does not fade. “No,” he starts, tracing a scar on the inside of your forearm, “you’re so much more.” You surge forward, throwing your arms around him and press your face into his neck. Deimos falls backward onto the roof, pulling you with him. Turning his head, he nuzzles his nose against the crown of your head —lips ghosting over your temple. He loves you and perhaps one day he will admit it, but for now, he’ll keep these moments close to his heart. Breathing in, he looks up at the stars. I am no longer Deimos, he thinks, running his fingers through your hair and across your back. I am Alexios.

tagging my Deimos squad: @wallsarecrumbling @novastale @jaegers-and-kaijus and @nemo-my-name-forevermore 

[kiatheinsomniac]

Chapter IV: New Beginnings

Part I, Part II, Part II

(Y/n) woke to the sound of the room's clock ringing. The loud noise made her jolt awake, unused to the volume compared to her own quieter phone alarm. She buried her face in her fluffy blanket before peeling it away from her features when the ringing stopped. She glanced to the other side of the room to see that Evie had been the one to get out of bed and turn it off. Six in the morning.

"Me réveillez à sept heures," Aveline mumbled, rolling onto her stomach and falling back asleep.

"What?" Evie furrowed her brows.

"Wake her up in an hour." (Y/n) translated as she sat up and ran her hand through her hair, gazing out of her window to see the mist that hung low over the green forest. She glanced to her few succulent plants on the windowsill and smiled softly before getting up.

Today was their first academic day at the school. They'd been handed their schedules at dinner the previous day along with directions to the classes. She threw her hair up messily with a scrunchie, yawning before sitting in front of the floor-length mirror, lugging a small makeup bag with her as she sat on the fluffy rug.

"I don't like getting ready without music," Claudia grumbled, making her way behind the dressing screen. Not wanting to selfishly keep the mirror all to herself, (Y/n) was quick in applying her makeup, keeping it simple. The (y/o) girl stretched before pulling the scrunchie out of her hair and brushing it in order to style it for the day, settling on a parting down the middle and two french braids. She got up to let the other girls use the mirror - Evie being quick to take the spot in order to apply her usual dark eyeshadow.

(Y/n) stepped behind the dressing screen to pull on a pair of tights; the grey and white plaid skirt, which was part of the uniform, a white button-up shirt and an oversized red jumper which she tucked into the skirt. She slipped on a simple pair of flats and grabbed her washbag to make her way to the bathroom, glancing to the still-sleeping Aveline as she left to find the girls' bathroom.

When she got there, (Y/n) was briefly greeted by Kassandra, who was drying her hair, and she spotted a red-haired girl fixing up her hair in the mirror, still in her pyjamas.

She made her way over to the sink to brush her teeth before leaving to go make sure someone had woken Aveline. On her way back, she spotted a dark-skinned woman with almond eyes and beautiful silky black braids.

"Is that the bathroom you just came out of?" She asked in an American accent.

"Uh, yes." She replied, "Which room are you in? I'm in room one, I'm (Y/n)." She introduced herself.

"Room three with Élise, Lucy and Lucrezia. You can call me Ziio." She replied with a warm smile.

"Lucrezia? I feel sorry for you." She laughed lightly.

"As do I." The Native American girl replied, "It was nice to meet you." She finished before heading off to the bathroom. When (Y/n) got back, she found that Aveline was stumbling around the room, pulling her ankle boots on and fully dressed.

"Wow, I wish that I could get dressed that quickly," (Y/n) spoke up, smiling.

"Believe me, it's a blessing when you're running late. . . or just not a morning person." She laughed out in her thick French accent that hung like a rich smoke in (Y/n)'s ears. The (e/c) eyed female decided to head downstairs, frowning at the poorly-written guide to the dining hall. She figured that she would run into another confused student on the way and they would be able to navigate the way together.

She trod lightly down the curved stairs and settled on making a left down the corridor when she was stopped by a voice:

"Dining hall's that way!" The rough yet smiling voice called out from the stairs behind her. (Y/n) turned around to spot the boy who she had presumed was Evie's brother yesterday.

"Oh, thanks." She quirked up a smile as he made his way beside her, the two of them silently agreeing to walk there together. "Just to clarify, you're Jacob, right?"

"My reputation proceeds me." He puffed out his chest a little, a joking tone edging his voice.

"Your twin does, actually. Evie's in my room." She explained briefly, "She's really kind."

"Right up until you have to live with her." He replied with humour, making (Y/n) chuckle a little.

"I wouldn't know. I'm an only child." She replied, "It must be nice to have someone all the time at least." The ebony-haired female offered.

He seemed to ponder over it for a moment, "We argue a lot, but. . . I still love her at the end of the day." He shrugged, keeping it simple. (Y/n) spotted Arno and Ezio in the doorway of the dining hall; they seemed to be getting on well. "Ah!" Jacob burst out, making them turn around, "My Rooks!"

"We're not making a gang and we're not calling it the Rooks." Arno pointed a finger at Jacob, his eyes slightly dark and a book clutched in his free hand. (Y/n) let out a small gasp upon seeing it, holding her palm up to her mouth after realising she had made the noise out loud and not in her head. The trio of boys shot her an odd look.

"Sorry, I just really like that book." She gestured to the one in Arno's hand: Stung with Love, "You don't seem like a fan of Sappho." She felt a little bad after spotting how slowly he reacted, clearly exhausted.

"Uh, yeah, I like literature a lot, especially plays and poetry. I have a big library at home." He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't have my phone to check this morning so I guess that I'm getting more of my books read and reread while I'm here

"You seem so tired, bless. Want to get a coffee?"

"Best words I've heard all morning." He replied as he followed her inside, "I've always had trouble sleeping and it doesn't help that I'm not a morning person." He spoke as he made a beeline for a hot drinks machine that seemed almost out of place in such an old building. At least it was convenient.

"I'm usually terrible in the mornings, myself. I think it's just the excitement of being somewhere new that has me in such an energetic mood." She reasoned, more so with herself than with him.

He hummed lowly, "It doesn't help that Ezio talks in his sleep. . . a lot. The worst part is I can only understand half of it."

"What? Does he speak in Italian?” Arno hummed in approval, “It’s got some similarities with French though, I’ve seen a lot." She agreed, grabbing a bowl and filling it with some fruit.

"You speak French?" He perked up at this.

"I had a lot of time back home so I started learning it," She explained as he grabbed a few slices of toast while she took her turn on the machine, making herself a cup of tea. Loud voices sounded from down the corridor as the two of them took a seat, (Y/n)'s eyes flickered down the corridor to spot the two boys that had jumped in the lake yesterday. She knew Alexios - Kassandra's brother - but not the blonde boy.

"I will forever be jealous of people with that much energy this early in the morning," Arno spoke between sips of coffee while (Y/n) watched them race into the, previously quiet, dining hall.

"Who's the blonde one?" She asked.

"Edward. Welsh, I think - he's in the room next to mine. I think I saw him jump in the lake yesterday." He added with a scoff as he picked up a slice of toast. (Y/n) popped a strawberry in her mouth as someone new slid into the seat beside her. He had dark, rich skin and cropped hair with eyes such a light brown that they seemed to glow amber. He had full lips that were split by a scar, much like Ezio's. He smelled strongly of smoky cedar and mint.

"You seem like the quiet people and I've already had to deal with those two being loud all morning." He groaned, seemingly only having a cup of coffee for breakfast, judging by the mug in his hand. He had a low middle-eastern accent accompanying his voice that was still thick with sleep.

"I mean, you're not wrong." She shrugged, biting down on an apple slice, "I'm (Y/n), by the way, and this is Arno." She introduced. He shot her a sidelong glance that wasn't mean nor kind.

"I didn't sit here to talk." He spoke, sipping his coffee and glancing around the room.

"Oh. . . ok." She replied, a little taken aback but completely understanding all at once. She had been that way with the people at her old school, after all. She picked up her mug of tea and took a sip, looking to Arno only to see that his interest laid with the book which he had now opened.

(Y/n) looked around the room to see Kassandra and Aya shooting her cheeky looks at sitting with two boys already, she raised a brow and shot them a disbelieving look, holding back a laugh at their teasing immaturity as she picked up another strawberry.

Breakfast passed soon enough and they were heading to their first class: history. (Y/n) took her seat by the back of the room but not too far that there would be an excessive amount of people in the way. She settled herself in her seat and pulled a pen out of her pocket, leaning on her hand as she watched the class filter into the room. Almost everyone seemed reluctant to take a seat beside someone, the room full of unfamiliar faces. This left (Y/n) having the desk to herself, at least, until the chair beside her was pulled out and a taller figure fell down into the seat.

She glanced over to see that it was Kassadra's brother, Alexios. He gave her a quick look, eyes glancing between her and the teacher.

"Alexios, right?" She spoke up, not wanting to sit in awkward silence for the entirety of the lesson. That certainly seemed to dampen his mood, brows falling low over his eyes.

"Deimos, actually." He corrected, looking her up and down, seeming to think for a moment. "Are you going to leave your hair like that?"

"Like what?" She replied quickly, offence and self-consciousness taking over her tone.

"Like that." He gesticulated with his hand before turning to face the front. Perhaps her emotions were too evident on her face - a pinched brow or a pout, maybe her fingers twisting a hairband around her wrist - because Kassandra came over to crouch by her desk, taking advantage of Alexios having his back turned while he spoke to Edward.

"Don't take anything he says to heart, he's doing it to try and upset you. Please, just give him a chance, he's here to change. He's not around those  málakes friends of his anymore, I know he can go back to the way he used to be." She pleaded softly before going back to her chosen desk beside Aya. (Y/n) glanced over to Alexios, Kassandra's words spinning in her mind. He had no friends here yet, none of them did, really; he would realise the fault in his ways sooner or later and become friendlier, she figured.

A teacher made his way to the front of the room: A tanned man with cropped brown hair. He had an apathetic face with a large scar over one side and wore an old-fashioned cravat with his shirt.

"Come and collect your notebooks from the front. I'm going to tell you about the course we give here and we'll go straight to work." He spoke as he turned to the board and picked up a pen, writing the date. Everyone rose from their seats to collect a blank notebook from the front.

"Grab me one." Alexios nodded his head on (Y/n)'s direction.

"I would if you asked a bit nicer." She huffed as she got up, feeling his sour look on her back before he stood to fetch it for himself. He took his seat beside her once more, shooting her a side-long glance as he tried to mentally assess her, watching her keep her focus on what was happening at the front of the room, filling in the front of her notebook. Giving up on trying to figure her out, he huffed and leaned back in his seat.

LOADING ANIMUS DATA... ██████████████]99%

The next few lessons passed similarly; though not all of them were spent beside a brooding Alexios, (Y/n)'s English lesson had been spent next to Élise. The two of them got along well, discussing Les Misérables and comparing the English and French versions which they were both familiar and unfamiliar with.

They chose to continue their conversation into break, strolling through the gardens together and eventually sitting on the side of the fountain. The cherubs and mermaids in the centre of the display stood frozen in some sort of mysterious dance which only they knew as the water rose and fell around them.

Élise could easily stir envy in the girls around her, she was utterly beautiful: gently curled hair like the flames of a bonfire in November spent among friends, dazzling blue eyes like a Summer's sky, perfect clear and porcelain skin and a figure that every model desired. Not to mention, from what (Y/n) had learned of her, she was intelligent, confident and kind.

"I think we should explore the grounds later." She suggested as she looked over her shoulder to the line of trees, "See what's beyond the lake perhaps. Surely this château can't be the only thing around here?"

"Are you sure?" (Y/n) followed her gaze, "We could get lost."

"Not if we don't go too far. I think it'll be fun!" The Frenchwoman seemed to buzz with excitement, "And we can bring some more people with us. Have you met Arno yet?" (Y/n) nodded her head, recalling their exchanges on the roof yesterday and at breakfast that morning.

"Yeah, he seems nice." She replied, "And I'm sure Claudia would be up for some exploring, perhaps Evie?"

"Perfect!" Élise beamed, "We'll do it after today's classes!"

[reddeaddamnation]

Imagine: Falling in love with Deimos! Alexios

Requested by @oneandonlyizabelle

Sequel to:

"What do you want from me?" You asked Deimos, backing away and watching him cautiously. "I want you to trust me. I want you to stay with me. What I want is for you to be mine." You scoffed mockingly at his words "Apparently you don't know how things work." You had to be honest. His sudden obsession with you scared you and you didn't know how far it could go. Deimos smirked and started stepping closer and closer, making your breath hitch. "If you let me, I can show you that I know exactly how things work." He said in a low voice. He was now inches away from you and you couldn't take your eyes off him.

He leaned in for a kiss and for a brief moment your lips met. The kiss was so gentle, it almost made all your fear go away. His lips were so soft and it felt so right to kiss him, but then you realized this was the man who caused so much pain to many people, including Kassandra. You broke the kiss by pressing your hands against his chest and pushing him back slightly. But he did save you... And heal your wounds... "N-no..." You spoke in a shaky voice, avoiding his eyes "We shouldn't..." It was probably just a trap anyway.

Deimos observed you for a moment "If that is what you think, I will wait." He brought his hand up to brush against your cheek, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear. You instinctively flinched, but when you saw he wasn't going to hurt you, you curiously looked up to meet his dark eyes. The look in them made you think he was more than just a ruthless warrior or a cult leader. At the end of the day he was human, vulnerable, able to feel emotions... "You should rest." He spoke again, pulling you out of your trance "The battle was hard on you." He glanced at your bandaged shoulder, before turning around and walking towards the door.

"Wait!" You called out, making him stop "How do you know I won't try to escape?" He looked at you from the doorframe "We are at open sea. If you think you can swim the distance back to shore, be my guest. But even if you do, know that I will always follow you, wherever you go." He smirked "Besides. You aren't an animal to be chained up or put in a cage." And with that, he left the room, closing the door behind himself, leaving you to think about everything that happened just now.

You lost track of how long you were at sea. Probably days. You didn't even know where you were going. Deimos visited you every day and you two would talk for hours about anything. Of course, he let you leave your room freely but there weren't many places to go apart from the deck. Still, you enjoyed the feeling of the sea breeze, blowing in your hair and the sun caressing your skin and even if Deimos wasn't close to you, you could always feel him watching you. It felt like these wars and battles didn't exist... That the Cult itself didn't exist. The Cult... Of course, he was still part of it and they were your enemy. You concocted an escape plan for when you reached the shore. As much as you didn't want to leave his company, you still had a mission to carry out.

One afternoon, the ship finally docked in Korinthia. "Stay here." Deimos told you "I have some business to take care of. It won't take long." You waited until he was gone and all the crew members left. There were two guards in front of your door. If your plan worked, you would be away from this place in a matter of minutes. You called out to one of them to come inside and help you with something. The man obliged, even if he cursed under his breath and as soon as he was inside, you snuck up on him from the back, snatched his dagger and thrust it in his neck. He let out a small yell, before collapsing on the ground with his blood painting the boards red. The other guard heard the commotion and walked in the room only to be met with a flying dagger, going straight for his face. As soon as the other man fell, you grabbed as many weapons and drachmae as you could and ran towards the deck. You had to kill two other men on your way out of the ship and you praised the gods when you stepped on land. You didn't know what was next from here, but one thing was certain. You had to find Kassandra.

You made it to Megaris, laying low and only traveling through the forests. You saw the city in the distance, perched up on a hilltop. The exhaustion and hunger dulled your instincts so that all you could think about was finally reaching civilization. What caught your attention was in the harbor. The well-known Adrestia was docked there and that only meant one thing. Kassandra was here! Joy and optimism filled you that she was alive and well and you readied yourself to go down and meet her. The only good thing after all this hiding and fighting wild animals through the forest, attempting to escape from Deimos... No, it wasn't him you were running from. It was the Cult.

Just as you were about to jump down from the small cliff, you felt an arm grab you and pull you back. You were about to scream, as you started thrashing in the stranger's grip but a familiar voice stopped you from doing so "I told you I wasn't going to let you go." Deimos hissed in your ear, pressing your back against his chest, as his other hand snaked around you to keep you from escaping again. "Deimos!" You exclaimed "How did you find me?" He only snickered "You aren't that hard to track." He then turned you around to face him. "Why did you do it, Y/N?" His tone and expression had become more serious. He almost looked hurt. You narrowed your eyes "Because I hate your cult and I want them all dead! Because I don't want to be a captive of anyone and especially not a cultist! I'd rather throw myself off of the highest mountain than be someone's trophy!" You yelled, pushing his hands away from you roughly.

Deimos was taken aback. He stared at you, shocked. He couldn't contain his own frustration "Is that what you think?" He yelled back "That you're my trophy?! That I was just going to... Hand you over to those malákas just like that?! I thought that maybe you knew me better than that after all those days I spent explaining how much you mean to me!" He inhaled sharply, shifting in his place "I thought you understood that... Dammit... I love you!" His confession shook you. You stared at him, mouth agape, wondering what to say next. "Do you really mean that?" You asked quietly. "I mean it." He answered, calming down as well "You made me feel something I never thought I needed... Since the first time I saw you."

No words were needed anymore. You hurriedly went closer to him and cupped his face with your hands, crashing your lips against his, afraid the moment would end too soon. But it didn't. He kissed back and hesitantly reached up to hold your sides. But soon all his hesitation vanished when you whispered "I love you, too" in between kisses.

[coffeeskater]

Interruptions

Anon asked: “ Hey I love your rare pair stories, you've dragged me into Kassandra/Aspasia hell because I want more content!!! Just a quick question, are you going to post these on AO3? I only saw a few of these prompts and was wondering if you could post them all. Anyways prompt is: Kassandra is a damn top with muscles “ (Yes, all my works are now on Ao3 Anon, sorry I couldn’t answer you sooner like a week ago when I put them all up there I needed to save your ask for the prompt.)

I combined two prompts here, one from @kasspasia again. A big thank you for that but also for letting me torture her with tidbits of this fic as I worked on it. She’s the real MVP.  This is just 10 pages of pure fluff and smut. VERY VERY NSFW YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!  I worked super hard on this one and I  have zero regrets about this fic . Enjoy! (I’m not sorry for any of this.)

~

Aspasia moaned, clutching as Kassandra’s shoulder as her tongue flicked across her nipple, arching into her mouth, desperate for more as Kassandra’s hand crept down her body, taking the time to stroke her skin as she descended achingly slowly. “Kassandra I swear to the gods if you don’t-“  She was cut off as the bedroom door opened, Kassandra instinctually pulling the sheets up to cover their bodies. Phoibe stood in the doorway, her mouth open in shock, a plate of fruit she must have been holding clattering to the floor.

“I knew it!” The girl cheered, clapping and looking delighted. “I knew you two were sneaking around pretending you weren’t spending ‘adult time’ together!”   Phoibe gestured as she said ‘adult time’ to indicate she didn’t believe for a second that what the two had been doing was innocent. Before either woman could react Phoibe was dashing off laughing delightedly.

Kassandra’s head fell onto Aspasia shoulder, groaning in frustration as Aspasia stared numbly up at the ceiling. “Please tell me this is a bad dream I’m going to wake from at any moment.” Kassandra mumbled.

“As much as I wish that were the case, I don’t think this is a dream.” Aspasia replied, throwing her arm over her eyes, still very wet between her legs and equally frustrated as she was aroused. If it wasn’t urgent business that needed her immediate attention, it was Kassandra’s duties as a Mistios or the ruse that she was Aspasia’s personal guard. Now apparently they had to worry about Phoibe interrupting what little time they had together.

With a throaty groan that told Aspasia that Kassandra was feeling exactly the same as she was, she got up and quickly changed her undergarments before donning her armor. “I’ll go chase the little sneak down and make sure this doesn’t spread.” Kassandra said, pausing to dip down and press a chaste kiss to Aspasia’s forehead before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

“Gods be damned, what does a woman have to do to have some alone time these days?” Aspasia asked no one in particular, waiting a few minutes before she too got up and got changed, taking the time to make sure her hair didn’t betray the activities she’d almost had the pleasure of taking part in. Once ready to start her day Aspasia rose with a sigh, catching a glance at the small and rather plain bracelet that sat next to her circlet. Smiling, she picked it up and with some effort managed to clasp it to her wrist. It was a simple design, two scraps of cloth twined together, one red and one blue. Kassandra had shyly presented it to her almost a month ago now.

“I know you could buy yourself anything in this city…” She’d paused, “actually you could probably buy the city. But I wanted to get you something.” She’d presented the small bracelet, clearly nervous for the first time since Aspasia had met her. “I wanted to give you something, for when I’m gone and perhaps if you miss me.” The way she’d said it made a cold rush run down Aspasia’s spine, clearly doubting that the aristocrat missed her when she was off doing her various jobs. Taking the other woman’s face in her hands Aspasia had drawn her into a long and passionate kiss, pressing as close as possible to the mercenary, trying to say without words of course I miss you when you’re gone. When they’d broken apart Kassandra had smiled and lifted the bracelet and Aspasia let her claps it around her wrist.

Smiling at the memory, Aspasia rubbed her thumb along the jewelry and strode from her room, prepared to deal with what was sure to be a long day of meetings and business deals.

~

Kassandra bit down on the space between her thumb and index finger, biting hard enough to draw blood as she desperately tried to keep quiet. Aspasia smirked, teasing her finger tips through Kassandra’s slick heat. “shh, you don’t want the guests hearing you.” Aspasia murmured, pressed right up against Kassandra, slightly hiding the fact that her hand was up the mistios’ skirt. Kassandra’s legs shook, her breath labored as she panted through her nose. Her free hand gripped the slight marble outcrop, trying desperately to keep herself upright. Aspasia pressed a wet open mouthed kiss to Kassandra’s neck. Before she could continue, Kassandra yanked her hand from between her legs and spun, putting herself between Aspasia and the end of the hallway, one hand on Aspasia’s wrist, the other held her spear.

“My apologies.” A timid voice said and as Kassandra relaxed, she could see one of her servants, standing at the end of the hall, looking frightened. She relaxed as Kassandra replaced her spear and Aspasia stepped out from behind Kassandra. “Ma’am, a few of the guests are wondering if you have any other wine.”

Aspasia quirked a brow. “Is there a problem with the wine I’m currently serving?”

“No, ma’am. It’s not a problem with what you are serving, rather that there’s none left.” Aspasia sighed and rubbed her forehead.

“Let me guess, Aristophanes drank us dry.” The servant nodded and Aspasia sighed once more. “Go down and let our guests know there will be more wine shortly, I’ll see to it.” The servant nodded but before she could leave, Aspasia called out to stop her. “And Kleio, whatever you think you saw, you didn’t. Understand?” Kleio nodded and smiled softly before darting back down the stairs to the party they were supposed to be hosting.

As soon as she was gone Kassandra deflated, turning to face the wall and smacking her palm against the wall several times, leaving slight smears of blood on the wall which she glared at before using her cloak to wipe it away. Aspasia stepped close and drew Kassandra into a quick kiss. “One of these days, I am going to ignore these interruptions and whoever interrupts us can either leave or watch.” Kassandra growled, causing Aspasia to blush slightly at her words.

“We will find time.” Aspasia reassured, stroking her clean hand down Kassandra’s arm, and catching her eyes as she quickly sucked her fingers clean, bringing a pink flush to Kassandra’s cheeks. “Soon, but for now, you should help me collect some more wine.” Kassandra sighed and grumbled but followed Aspasia down the stairs and out back to resupply the party.

~

“Kassandra!” Myrinne called, down in the main room of the building, glancing about for any hint of either her daughter or her lover.

Upstairs Kassandra dropped her forehead against Aspasia’s stomach, muffling a sound of frustration. Aspasia pressed both palms to her eyes, biting her lip to muffle her own sound of agony. Used to being interrupted by now, Kassandra simply rose and readjusted her chiton before striding from the room and downstairs, accepting a hug from her mother.

“Mater. What can I do for you?” Myrinne smirked, brushing her thumb against the mark on her daughters neck, Unsurprised when Kassandra’s only reaction was to sigh and close her eyes.

“Am I interrupting something?”  She teased. Kassandra simply crossed her arms and stepped back, gesturing to the kitchen and Myrinne fell in step with her as they meandered over, Myrinne taking a seat at the table as Kassandra brought fresh water and some fruit over.

“It hardly matters if you interrupt, if it wasn’t you someone else would have interrupted.” Kassandra said, sitting heavily and rubbing her forehead. “We can’t have even one minute alone.” She sighed out frustratedly. “I’ve given up on ever spending time with her. So did you just want to visit or did you need something?” She asked as Aspasia came in, sitting next to Kassandra, now dressed and plucking an apple from the fruit bowl.

“Myrinne, nice to see you.” She greeted.

“Apparently not.” Myrinne returned, looking between the two. Aspasia narrowed her eyes at Kassandra who tipped her head to make the mark on her neck more obvious, causing Aspasia to sigh in defeat.

“Of course.” She muttered to herself.

“I came because I need Kassandra’s help, nothing too serious, just a hand with a few things back in Sparta.”

~

Kassandra gasped, her fingers knotted in Aspasia’s hair as her tongue flicked against her clit, her hips moving against Aspasia’s tongue, her eyes mostly closed. “I’m close.” Kassandra whispered, her head thrown back, Aspasia drawing little circles on her thighs as she pleasured Kassandra.

The both of them were so focused on each other that neither of them heard the door creak open and Alexios poke his head in, ready to call his sister’s name and catching sight of her against the far wall, a woman between her legs, her head hidden by the armor she wore around her waist. He tilted his head, curious as to that they could be doing.

“What are you two doing?” He asked, his deep voice sounding three times louder than it should in the relative quiet of the room.

Kassandra’s eyes popped open to find Alexios standing in the doorway, a confused frown on his face, Aspasia freezing before trying to pull away from Kassandra but kept close by a firm hand on the back of her head. “Get out!” she shouted gesturing for the door, her face blazing red.

“Surely that cannot be comfortable for your companion.” He mused, unmoving, squinting like he was trying to understand.

“OUT!” Kassandra shouted again, grabbing for the nearest thing to her and throwing it at Alexios, a clay jug shattering against the wall where his head had been. Releasing Aspasia’s head Kassandra darted over to the door and locked it. Leaning against the door, her face still a bright red. A few moments passed in silence before she turned a hand over her eyes. “I am sorry for…” She made a gesture indicating she meant when she’d kept Aspasia hidden between her legs. “I didn’t want him seeing you.”

Aspasia nodded, still dazed and embarrassed. “Probably for the best.” She replied sitting down at the table they kept in their bedroom, scattered with correspondence and requests for help or political affairs. Kassandra stayed at the door, both hands covering her face.

“I’m going to kill him.” She murmured, wishing for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. The pits of Tartarus would be better than here.

~

Aspasia burst into the room, startling Kassandra and Ikaros who was perched on her arm. “Come, follow me.” She demanded, not waiting before she spun around and strode along the hallway. Glancing at Ikaros who peeped before taking flight, Kassandra hurriedly took off, jogging to catch up to Aspasia, following her to the stables.

Aspasia stopped at Phobos’ stall and gestured, not saying anything. Confused but trusting the other woman, Kassandra pulled Phobos out and helped Aspasia up onto the horse, mounting behind her. Kassandra let Aspasia take the reins, her hands settling on her hips as Aspasia guided them down from the Villa they shared and into town.

“Do you feel like telling me where we’re going?” Kassandra asked, her hands slipping around Aspasia’s waist as she leaned into the other woman, pressing her front to her back, enjoying the contact. It had been almost two weeks since Alexios interrupted them, which had also been the last chance they’d had to be alone. Until now.

Her question was answered as Aspasia stopped them in front of the bath houses, getting off Phobos and walking up to one of the many, many guards that surrounded the biggest. Kassandra got off as well, letting the guard take the reins of her horse and Aspasia take her hand, insistently tugging her towards the bath house. They stopped in front a pair of guards and Aspasia grabbed one by the collar and jerked him down to be on eye level. “I will personally remove your testicles if you leave your post and let anyone, and I mean anyone into this bath house.” The guard looked terrified and nodded vehemently. Desperate to keep his body intact.

Aspasia let him go and tugged Kassandra past the line of guards, and into the bath house, Kassandra now more confused than ever. No sooner did they enter, the door closing behind them than Aspasia slammed Kassandra against the nearest wall, kissing her hard, running her hands up and down her body. “I have paid, truly exorbitant amounts of drachmae to have this place to ourselves for several hours, we are going to have a nice, relaxing bath and we are going to indulge in every single carnal desire we have.”  Kassandra sucked in a breath, her eyes darkening, her hands flexing on Aspasia’s waist. “I am tired of waiting and even more tired of the constant interruptions.”

“I could not agree more.” Kassandra replied, letting Aspasia push her into the room that held the bath, the large pool gently steaming and smelling sweetly. The water was a faint pink and despite the promise of privacy, Kassandra hesitated. Aspasia feeling her muscles tense, stepped back, watching as Kassandra’s eyes darted around the large space, the table laid with fruits and cheeses on the back wall, animal skins and rugs laid everywhere, a few benches pressed close to the walls.

“Is something the matter?” Aspasia asked softly, waiting until Kassandra dragged her gaze back.

“You are sure we will be left alone?” She asked, glancing over Aspasia’s shoulder at the entrance they had come from.

“I am certain, one way in and one way out. I paid each guard almost double their monthly wage for a few hours of work, if they know what’s good for them they’ll keep an entire Spartan army at bay for us.” This seemed to relax Kassandra, but not enough, still unable to truly relax. Frowning Aspasia caressed her cheek. “Tell me what is holding you back.”

“I just…” Kassandra sighed. “I can’t take another interruption. I have barely seen you let alone had time to love you in these past months. It would be a cruel joke from the gods to come so close and lose this chance.” Aspasia smiled and ran her hand down Kassandra’s arms, giving her hand a squeeze.

“There is no chance we will be interrupted my love. I have back up plans for my back up plans, nothing will ruin this for us now.” Finally Kassandra seemed to relax, letting her forehead rest against Aspasia’s. “Now come, we shouldn’t waste the few hours we have.”

Aspasia undid the few clasps that held Kassandra’s armor on, removing the chest piece and enjoying the flex of muscles as the cool air rushed across newly revealed skin. Next was her skirt, both greaves soon joining the small pile, her boots the last to come off, leaving Kassandra nearly naked. Before she could begin to pull at her breast band, Kassandra was stepping closer and kissing her, her nimble hands undoing the ties that held Aspasia’s dress together, letting the fabric fall, calloused fingers tracing across smooth unmarred skin. “Finally, I can take my time with you.” Kassandra murmured, her finger tips trailing up her spin, pulling a shiver from Aspasia, who pressed closer and buried her face in Kassandra’s neck, loving the scent of oiled leather and something distinctly Kassandra.

Aspasia slipped her fingers just under Kassandra’s breast band, giving a little tug to seek permission, tugging the fabric apart when she received a nod. It, along with the rest of their undergarments joined the pile before Kassandra dipped briefly, scooping Aspasia up and walking carefully into the bath.

The warm water was heavenly and Kassandra sighed in contentment, letting Aspasia down before sinking lower into the water to sit on the submerged bench. The water came to just above her breasts and Aspasia wasted no time in taking a seat between her legs, reclining against the woman the same way she had many months ago. One of the mercenary’s hands came up to hold her close, palm flat against her abdomen, blunt nails scratching lightly, the other resting along the edge of the bath.

Aspasia closed her eyes, the warmth of the bath and the comfort of the woman she loved enough to lull her into a semi-conscious state. She’d come here with every intention of washing as quickly as possible before moving on to the more lustful activities that plagued her dreams every night, but now that she had Kassandra alone, just her presence and the promise of time together, uninterrupted was more than enough and Aspasia found herself relishing in the simple pleasures of the warm water and Kassandra’s idle touches, their breathing synchronized as they lay together.

What could have been hours later but surely must not have been, Kassandra placed a kiss at the junction between her neck and shoulder, the arm around her waist tightening subtly. Aspasia smiled and in response opened her legs a little further. Kassandra pressed kisses along her neck, bringing her other arm under the water to skim up Aspasia’s body, her finger tips teasing up her sides with gentle touches. In response reached up and tangled her finger in Kassandra’s hair, realizing at some point she’d undone her braid. Kassandra cupping her breast and squeezing softly caused her to fist her hand in Kassandra’s hair, gasping as she palmed her, her touches still infuriating gentle and tender. A sharp nip at her neck had her gasping in pleasure.

Never one to be outdone, Aspasia trailed the hand not currently tangled in Kassandra’s hair down her body, making sure her fingers brushed Kassandra’s as she brought her hand to her own core, smirking as Kassandra inhaled sharply.

“Touch me.” Aspasia breathed, enjoying the shiver that racked her lover. Not needing to be told twice, Kassandra’s other hand glided up her body, finding a nipple and gently tweaking it and rolling it slightly between her forefinger and thumb, mirroring the motion with her other hand. Normally Kassandra was rougher, more eager and insistent with her touches, but this time she took her time, enjoying every gasp and moan of pleasure she caused.

She took her time working her up, thumbs dragging down Aspasia’s chest, enjoying the way her hardened nipples felt against the palms of her hands as she gradually moved down her body, squeezing her chest as she went, pinching each bud and eliciting a whine of desire which rapidly changed into a deep throated moan as Kassandra finally slipped between her legs. Her left arm wrapped around Aspasia to keep her in place, her other hand teasing between slick pink folds.

The grip on her hair tightened as Kassandra finally slipped a single finger inside, thrusting slowly and methodically, just enough to feel good but nowhere near enough to satisfy. “Kassandra.” Aspasia moaned, trying to cant her hips forward for more but held back by the well-muscled arm around her waist.

“Patience.” Kassandra purred in her ear, teeth scraping lightly against her ear lobe, making Aspasia shiver despite the hot water. Her thumb circled the bud at her apex and it was enough to make Aspasia close her eyes and her head to fall back against Kassandra’s shoulder gasping and moaning her name. Her free hand settled on Kassandra’s thigh, gripping tightly as she slowly picked up speed.

It was delicious torture as Kassandra continued her slow place, a fire slowly building as it was stroked back to life. Then suddenly without warning Kassandra added a second finger and curled them. Aspasia couldn’t stop herself from screaming her name. The arm around her waist shifted until fingers pressed at her throat, tipping her chin to the ceiling so Kassandra could kiss her, swallowing every moan and whimper of pleasure as she picked up pace, her fingers thrusting quicker and quicker, her thumb tracing patterns on her clit.

Very quickly Aspasia found herself hurtling towards the edge. Her chest heaved as Kassandra kissed her cheek and neck, curling her fingers and rocking her hips forward with each thrust in. “Kass… Kass I’m so close.”

“I know.” Kassandra whispered back, nipping at her neck and pressing harder with her thumb, the new pressure and tight circles she drew bringing her closer and closer to the edge. With a muffled scream of Kassandra’s name Aspasia felt her orgasm build, almost at the peak... until Kassandra stopped entirely, withdrawing her hand.

“No!” Aspasia practically sobbed, her walls clenching around nothing and her clit aching for pressure that wasn’t there. Her nails dug in tightly to Kassandra’s thighs, hard enough to draw blood as Aspasia shook. A string of curses that would put any sailor to shame left her lips as Kassandra stroked the sweaty hair from her face. “You…. You!” Aspasia whimpered, her mind still clouded from the pleasure.

“Relax my love, you’ll finish, but not before I taste you.” Kassandra said and Aspasia could hear the smirk in her voice. She was then lifted, out of the bath and laid on the edge of it, her legs dangling into the water before Kassandra knelt, facing her and draped her legs over her shoulders, giving no warning of what she intended before her mouth was licking at her, broad flat strokes flicking across her center, humming against her, the vibrations a pleasant and welcome sensation.

Knotting her fingers in Kassandra’s hair, Aspasia tugged her closer, urging her closer, demanding more. Giving in to the demands Kassandra took her clit in her mouth, sucking and laving at the little bud, enjoying the way it made Aspasia moan her name. Within minutes Aspasia was back on the peak, soft noises of pleasure mixed with Kassandra’s name filling the space as she rocked against her face.

Aspasia felt Kassandra’s hand slipping up her trembling body, palm flat against her belly as she continued to lick and suck at her, briefing dipping lower to lick at her entrance, pushing in when Aspasia made a broken sound. Aspasia tilted her hips up, giving Kassandra a better angle who gladly took advantage, pushing her tongue deeper, her hands on her ass to keep her in place.

A few more strokes of her tongue and Aspasia was coming hard, her vision going white as she screamed Kassandra’s name, held fast to her mouth as Kassandra kept up her ministrations even as Aspasia shook almost violently as wave upon wave of pleasure wracked her. Aspasia wasn’t sure how long Kassandra kept going, helping her ride out her orgasm until her hips came to rest against the cold marble once more, Kassandra softly kissing the inside of her thigh.

Once Aspasia calmed, she stood up and leant over her, smiling and humming contentedly when Aspasia’s arms came up around her neck, the woman panting, her eyes not yet open as she stroked her sides before gently gathering her and holding her in a bridal carry as she settled back in the warm bath, Aspasia cuddled into her chest.

“Did you enjoy it?’ Kassandra asked softly, making sure the trembles that still wracked Aspasia’s body were from the pleasure and not the cold.

Aspasia laughed breathlessly, her eyes finally opening to meet Kassandra’s gentle ones searching her face. “I did, though I admit, I wanted to kill you for that stunt you pulled.” She smiled and let Aspasia guide her into a gentle and chaste kiss.

“Paid off in the end.” Kassandra mumbled against her lips, drawing another breathy laugh from the aristocrat.

They sat like that for a while as Aspasia slowly came back down from the incredible high. Kassandra, for her part seemed utterly content to sit and relax with Aspasia in her arms. When Aspasia’s breathing finally normalized, she looked up and noticed Kassandra’s eyes were closed, a gentle smile on her face.  An idea came to her and Aspasia smirked, realizing she knew exactly how she was going to get back at Kassandra.

Leaving her arms caused the mercenary to open her eyes, watching as Aspasia settled next to her, a look in her eye that Kassandra knew meant trouble. She reached out and drew Kassandra into a kiss before running her hand down her well-muscled body, enjoying the feel of her and how Kassandra responded to her touch. “Come here.” She commanded, tugging lightly at her wrist to get Kassandra to straddle her. “On your knees.” She clarified when Kassandra settled on her lap.

Aspasia watched her eyes darken in desire, both her hands coming to rest on the edge of the bath on either side of Aspasia’s head. Using her own legs Aspasia widened Kassandra’s stance, a thrill running through her, knowing that in this moment she had absolute power of one of the strongest women in all of the Greek world. “Very good.” Aspasia purred, leaning in closer and kissing Kassandra’s cheek. “Now I hope you’re comfortable because if you move, I’m going to stop.” Aspasia smirked in satisfaction as Kassandra gulped before shifting slightly before nodding. “good.”

She wasted no time, immediately running her flat hand down her chest, pinching and rolling a nipple as she went, through dark curls and finding slick heat. Immediately Kassandra’s head dropped, a strained noise escaping her lips. Part of Aspasia wanted to tease Kassandra, touch her but not pleasure her. The other half wanted to take Kassandra then and there and punish her for teasing her earlier and make her scream her name to the gods. She wanted to unravel the usually composed woman and make her a quivering, dripping mess.  The second half won.

Parting her with her index and pinky finger, Aspasia found her entrance and plunged two fingers in, Causing Kassandra to jerk and gasp, her arms straining as she tried not to move as Aspasia immediately established a rapid pace, each thrust causing her thumb to brush up and down along her clit. The hand not currently between Kassandra’s legs wasn’t idle however, grabbing a breast and squeezing and kneading, drawing out throaty pleas and cries for more.

An idea struck her then and smiling devilishly, Aspasia trailed a path up from her chest until her fingers came to rest around Kassandra’s throat, her grip light and testing. She slowed then stopped her thrusts and waited until Kassandra met her eyes. As much as she loved the control and power she held in this moment, Aspasia wasn’t willing to push any boundaries, she loved dominating her love but there was a big difference between domination and acting callously.  “Is this alright?” She asked softly.

“Yes.” Kassandra replied, her arm muscles relaxing slightly.

“You can always make me stop this.” She flexed her hand slightly. “I don’t want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable. You understand?” Kassandra nodded and Aspasia paused. “I need to hear you say it Kassandra.”  Their eyes met again and Kassandra had a slight smile tugging at her lips.

“I understand. I trust you.” Aspasia’s heart soared at the words. Of course Aspasia knew Kassandra trusted her, but hearing her say it was a rush in its own way.

“Good.” She leaned forward and kissed Kassandra, lingering against her lips as she started thrusting again, slower than before and feeling Kassandra’s breath catch. Slowly she sat back against the wall of the bath, curling her fingers with each thrust and tightening the grip she had around Kassandra’s throat slowly, stopping when she could feel each ragged breath against her fingertips, her pulse hammering against her palm.  Kassandra keened as Aspasia started circling her clit, applying more and more pressure with each pass.

A few more swipes had Kassandra screwing her eyes shut, Aspasia’s name falling from her lips over and over like a prayer. Aspasia added a third finger and Kassandra cried out before biting her lip to stifle the sound, her legs trembling with the effort needed to not rock her hips into Aspasia. ‘She’s beyond beautiful this way’ Aspasia thought, loving every ragged breath, the pulse she can feel hammering away under her hand, every tremble and the prominence of every muscle as Kassandra desperately tried to keep her control and not move.  Aspasia wanted to make her scream her name as she came, wanted to watch her come apart at the seams. “Come for me.” She whispered, curling her fingers so they press against the spot that makes Kassandra whimper, drawing her own name on her clit.

Kassandra lasted all of five more seconds before she came, screaming Aspasia’s name, her walls clenching down as she finally lost control, her arms buckling so her forearms rested along the edge of the bath, her forehead dropping to Aspasia’s shoulder who cradled her head there and continued to thrust in and out, Kassandra shaking in her arms as her orgasm rapidly turned into a second with a cry of sheer pleasure and ecstasy.

When Kassandra seemed to finally relax as the waves of pleasure subsided, Aspasia slowly withdrew her fingers which caused Kassandra to all but deflate, reduced to a quivering mess as Aspasia helped her settle more comfortably on her lap. It was silent as Kassandra got her breathing back under control, Aspasia running her fingers through sweat damp hair. “By the gods.” Kassandra eventually said, finding the strength to lift her head and meet Aspasia’s eyes. “Aphrodite herself could come down to pleasure me but it would never be half as good as that.” She confessed, watching Aspasia smirk in satisfaction.

“And not a single interruption.” She added, making Kassandra grin and shake her head.

“The guards outside must be very red in the face right about now I imagine.” Kassandra replied, making Aspasia chuckle.

“I hope not, who know what sort of rumors will spread.”

Kassandra smirked, quirking an eyebrow. “I’d imagine the rumors would revolve around one or both of us being the most stunning of lovers.”  Aspasia rolled her eyes but hid a smile behind her hand.

“I see that orgasm wasn’t nearly enough to knock your ego down a little.” Aspasia joked, feeling a little disappointed as Kassandra got off her lap and sat next to her, putting on arm over her shoulders and drawing her into her side.

“It appears so. Would you like to try again?” Kassandra offered, smirk still firmly in place. Aspasia leaned in to kiss her, her hand on a strong thigh as Kassandra cupped the back of her head.

“Perhaps. I’ll consider it if you behave and help me wash myself.” Aspasia replied, standing and slowly wading over to the other side of the bath to collect one of the sweet smelling soaps, aware of Kassandra’s eyes on her the whole time.

“That can be arranged.” Kassandra agreed, grinning as Aspasia made her way back over, tossing the soap to the other woman who caught it easily.

“Better be a good job.” Aspasia warned teasingly as she sat on Kassandra’s lap, briefly sinking down to soak her hair before surfacing and letting Kassandra begin to work up a thick lather with the soap before running her hands through thick dark hair.

“Oh, it will be.” Kassandra assured, pressing a kiss to the back of Aspasia’s neck as she moved all her hair tor drape across one shoulder. “It will be.”

[sassysatsuma]

may i so kindly ask for a kassandra and brasidas where they patch each other up after a tough battle where they came out more cut and bruised than before? for them to talk about being worried for each other (and also a little bit scared when one of them gets knocked down) during the fight? (i can see this being angsty/heartwarming fluff and im ready for you to slay me with your writing askdfghjkllslsjl :'D)

Eeeek, I’m a bit nervous about this drabble fill because it ended up deviating a little from your original idea, I hope that’s OK! There’s angst at the start and fluff at the end, so I hope you enjoy friend! :-)

Prompts: Accepting

Rating: Teen

Words: 1699

AO3: Here

In amongst the spilt blood and bone of the battle for Pylos,Kassandra’s heart had stopped in her chest.

It had beat once, forceful beneath her ribcage, her eyes fixedupon her lover as he tumbled to the floor, a ragdoll at the end of Alexios’blade. His body had been still, hauntingly so, blood staining his armour as itseeped from his wounds and into the earth. The world had stood still then, heldin place by her bated breath. When he continued to be still, she had willed herown heart to never beat again if he had truly been taken from her.

There would be nothing left for her in a world that didn’thave him in it.

But then Brasidas groaned, writhed in pain and suddenlythere was hope. A reason to fight, areason to survive and a reason to win. A reason to cross swords with her ownflesh and blood. Kassandra had not been in control of her own legs as she hadrun headfirst into that fight, throwing aside every ounce of battlefield guileand cunning that their father had fought so hard to teach her.

Alexios hadn’t been her brother then. He had been Deimos, the Cult’s right hand and theepitome of everything that she despised. With his blade coated in Brasidas’blood, it was so easy to fight him amongst the fire and smoke, too easy toforget the bonds that bound them. He had tried to take her heart from her and inher wrath, Kassandra would have happily cut his still beating from his chest.

It didn’t come to that and in truth, Kassandra was glad. Herbrother’s blood would have forever stained her hands, never to be scrubbedclean. Instead, the Gods had granted them a chance reprieve, Deimos caught beneatha felled tree, badly damaged in the battle’s flames. In a moment of brief clarity,she’d run to aid him, but before she’d been able, he’d been recovered by Atheniansoldiers, hauled from the battlefield still screaming for her blood.

With him gone, her world shifted focus, feet carrying her toBrasidas’ side. He was still lying as he’d fallen, the strength that she bothloved and admired fading fast. With him in her arms, nothing else had mattered,his blood warm and sticky as it coated her hands. She’d heard the Spartans callfor surrender over the clamour of battle, had screamed at the top of her lungsfor the soldiers closest to come to her aid. With Brasidas draped across hershoulders, his dead weight pushing her down into the earth, she’d retreatedwith the soldiers at her flanks, defending her from any Athenian fool enough tochase them down.

The Spartans were lost, routed without their general. Manyhad seen fit to follow Kassandra and they had pushed further into the cover ofthe woods, running as far as their legs could carry them until the bloodthirstyAthenians finally called off their pursuit.

From that moment on, Brasidas’ fate had been in the hands ofhis healers and of the Gods. Kassandra had never placed all that much faith inthem, had always chosen action over prayer. But that night, cold and alone, shemade offerings to both Apollo and Asklepios, entreating the father and son tointervene on her behalf, to save the one man she couldn’t bear to exist without.Hands coated in the mixed blood of Brasidas’ and the goat she had sacrificed onhis behalf, she’d held her hands to the heavens hopelessly, truly begging forthe first time in her life.

She’d never cared to ask the Gods for anything, but that nightshe would have given anything for them to hear her prayers.

The Gods answered come the morning, after a night filledwith feverish sleeplessness. As a blood red sun rose higher in the sky,Kassandra made her way into the makeshift healing tent the Spartan’s hadconstructed, silently terrified of what sight might greet her.

Instead, she was met with a smile, strained across, pallid features,but his smile nonetheless. It hadbeen that smile she had first fallen in love with, all those months ago, amixture of creased skin and softness that pulled at her heartstrings in a waythat no other could.

“I’d stand but…” Brasidas was joking, albeit weakly. Heshifted awkwardly on his makeshift bed, batting away the healers who attemptedto help him. “They tell me my leg isn’t strong enough.”

“And you listened?” Kassandra cocked an eyebrow, the joke atleast helping her hide her true emotions.

“The pain helps…” He shrugged but then immediately winced,his hand reaching up towards his right shoulder, wound up tight in bandagesthat covered where Deimos’ first blow had struck. His next words were less goodhumoured, directed at the healers that littered the tent like flies. “Leave us.Anything I need now, Kassandra can surely provide.”

She smiled at that.

Shielded from prying eyes, she could finally hold him. Movingtentatively to his side, she leaned over his body, ever careful that she didn’tpressure his injuries. Kissing him didn’t feel real in her sleep deprived mind,her lips pressed firmly against those which she’d feared lost barely hoursbefore. It was difficult to tear herself away, her mouth greedy for more of himto reassure her heart. In consolation she kept their faces close, her foreheadpressed against the top of his head as her hand stroked gently at his cheek.

“I thought I’d lost you.”

“Hades didn’t want me.” He chuckled softly, bringing herhand to his lips so that he could kiss her palm. “Or so the healers told me.”

“You were lucky.”

“I don’t feel it.” He shook his head, watching her closelyas she moved to sit at his side. “But at least your brother missed my swordarm.”

“He cut almost everything else.”

“Many of my men suffered worse.” Brasidas shrugged, almosthiding the wince that followed the movement from her gaze. “He fights with thesame fire as you.”

“You should have left him to me. He’s my burden… not yours.”

“Is it wrong for me to want to spare you that?” He looked ather seriously, his brow knitted in concern. “It’s a heavy thing, to fightsomeone you once loved. I thought that if I fought him, killed him then you would never have to.”

“… You’re a general first.”

“And he was cutting his way through my men too. I had justcause to confront him. But it’s hard to pretend that you had no part in mydecision either.” He smiled, taking her hand in his. “As you are a part of everydecision I make these days.”

“You’re a fool.”

“Perhaps, but it was the Fates who decided that I would fallin love with a mistios. Who am I toargue?”

Kassandra was at a loss how to reply, her words stolen fromher by his smile and the warmth of his hand around hers. Instead, she pressedcloser again, kissing him with every emotion that consumed her thoughts. Her lipslingered against his, tasting as much as she was able, her left hand mussingthrough the short hair atop his head. Her other hand found his bare chest,fingers splayed above his still beating heart, finger tips grazing through theshort hair that covered his skin there. Beneath her touch, Brasidas shuddered,his skin pebbling into gooseflesh. Breaking their kiss at last, Kassandracouldn’t help but smile, returning the love that filled his eyes with thegesture.

“I love you.” Her words were plain, almost stern, butBrasidas understood her meaning entirely. “But take risks like that again and Iwill march into Hades myself and drag you straight back into the land of theliving.”

“You do have a habit of achieving the impossible.”

“Only when fools like you make it a necessity. I’d prefer aneasy life, somewhere quiet with plenty of wine.”

“Quiet? You?” Helaughed, groaning when the shaking of his chest tugged at his tight bandages. “Isthere room in this wine filled dream for two?”

“You’ve been a part of that dream for a while.” Kassandrawatched the amusement in his features shift into something more in response toher words. “You’re the future I’mfighting for.”

“And you say that I’m the fool.” Brasidas’ voice was hoarse,his eyes filled with love. “But you know that I want nothing more than to stayby your side.”

“Then maybe next time don’t be so quick to leave it. I’mnothing without you, Spartan. Perhaps it’s about time we both learned to acceptthat.”

There were no more words after that, simply more feverishkisses shared in the dim light of the tent. As the sun continued its journeyupwards into the sky, Brasidas tired, falling into a heavy slumber as his bodyfought to heal. His ever-present guardian, Kassandra stayed by his side,smoothing the hair from his forehead and bathing his sweat coated skin with adamp cloth when it was needed. When he did awaken, she made sure he drank hisfill of water, leaving his bedside only to refill his animal skin and bring hima plate of food to pick at when he was able.

When night returned, she slept by his side, her head pressedagainst his shoulder, body curled against his to protect against the cool nighttime air that filled the tent. It was the most soundly she had slept in sometime, her dreams consumed with thoughts of the shared future they’d spoken of.

In the morning, there would be decisions to make andjourneys to consider. The consequences of Pylos couldn’t be outrun forever. Butin the darkness of their shared tent, Kassandra was content to let thoseconcerns fade. With Brasidas still by her side, there was no choice too great,no future too unnerving to contemplate. He was her strength, her heart. Her peace. For the moment at least, shecould rest easy in the warmth of knowing that he was still ever present at herside.  

[author-morgan]

Alexios SFW Alphabet

Alexios x Fem!Reader

click here for a not so safe for work alphabet ;)

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Alexios is very affectionate –he’s always looking for excuses to kiss you on the lips or cheeks. He especially loves to play with your hair. During days when you’re sailing, Alexios likes to pull you in front of him at the helm of the Adrestia –he’ll rest his chin on your shoulder and lace his fingers with yours, whispering sweet nothings. If he’s apart from you for an extended time, he’ll send Ikaros with flowers and notes for you.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

You’d meet Alexios shortly after he’d taken a contract for your head –only for him to find out the sponsor of the bounty was a vindictive man who couldn’t accept you’d turned down his advances. After taking care of the man, he’d offer you a place on the Adrestia. Barnabas, Herodotus, and the crew instantly took to you. It didn’t take long for Alexios to follow suit –you’re affable and sincere and it’s impossible not to like you. All it had taken was a few late nights talking to one another.

Alexios is a good friend. He looks out for you and is always willing to help you, even if it means momentarily setting aside some of his goals. Within a few months, your friendship begins to blossom into something more.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

It’s Greece and it is hot most of the time –nights are only a little cooler, but not favorable for cuddling when you’re both still almost sweating. When it’s like that, you and Alexios are much more content both sprawled out. You’ll always be touching somehow though, whether it’s his arm draped across your back or your hand on his chest. One time Alexios woke up holding your foot to his chest –you’re still not sure how that happened.

When the weather’s cooler, or depending where you’re at, Alexios enjoys cuddling. He likes to wrap you in his arms and pull you close, face pressing into your hair and neck, legs entwined. While he prefers to hold you, he’s not opposed to letting you curl up behind him. It amuses him watching your arms struggle to encircle him.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

One day he wants to settle down, but it looks more and more as if that day will never come. He dreams of a small house near the sea –of you standing on a beach holding your daughter against a setting sun. A simple life he calls it –it’s a good dream.

Alexios can cook, but just how edible his creations are is debatable. If he can carry grain and bring back fresh meat from hunts –you’re more than happy to cook (at least then you know the questionable lentil stew he makes won’t be the death of you). What he lacks in cooking the department, he makes up for with helping you keep things tidy, and there’s something almost comical about watching the mighty Eagle Bearer doing a task so menial as washing and hanging clothes.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

If Alexios is breaking up with you, it’s only because he thinks you’ll be safer without him around given the remnants of the Cult of Kosmos and now the Order of Ancients are hunting him. He doesn’t do it willingly, and that makes it even harder. Alexios would take you someplace he thought would be safe –Athens, Kos, or even Sparta– and leave with a final kiss that tells you he wants nothing more than to be able to stay.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

When Alexios first realizes that he loves you, it scares the living hell out of him, but he’s certain he wants to spend the rest of eternity with you. Since marriage during this time wasn’t for love, but politics –even for poorer families– you and Alexios would probably never get married in the strict sense of the word (besides, your father had died in battle when you were young and no one would be able to provide a dowry to legitimize the union). Even so, everyone would know you and Alexios were together –if they didn’t, he’d be happy to show them otherwise.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He’s a soft boy with his friends and the people he loves. Alexios knows the extent of his strength and is always sure to keep that in mind whether he’s sparring with you, making love to you, or just holding you. Emotionally, Alexios is a naturally guarded person, but once he’s comfortable around a person, it’s clear he has a gentle heart. –beneath a warrior’s façade is a still a boy longing for a family and loves you with all his being.    

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

It depends. Alexios would rather share a clap on the back or firm handshake with most people. Truthfully he’d rather be kissing you –but when he does hug you it’s either after a fight or after he’s been away for some time. You’re sure that no one hugs quite like Alexios –he lifts you off the ground and holds you tight, nose pressed into your neck, inhaling the sweet scent of your hair and skin.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Oh gods, Alexios is so afraid to say he loves you –especially given everything that’d happened to his family, but it’s evident in everything he does (the way he looks at you and smiles when you’re not looking, how he brushes hair from your eyes and behind your ear –the list is endless). Eventually, with a bit of a pep talk from Barnabas and Herodotus, he’d take you to an empty beach under the stars and lay his heart bare. If feels good to say it and even more so to know you feel the same.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

It’s surprisingly difficult to make Alexios truly jealous. The last time was when Stentor offered to show you how a true Spartan wields a spear –Alexios’ stepbrother walked away with a broken nose and a bruised ego.

As a member of the Athenian elite, you were one of the few women permitted to attend symposiums alongside the likes of Aspasia. During these events, Thucydides, Euripides, and even Alkibiades praise your beauty and cunning with kisses upon the cheek and hand and despite himself, it stirs something in Alexios. When he gets jealous (or decides the men are being too libertine), he gets touchier –he’ll wrap an arm around your waist or drape one over your shoulders, pulling you in next to him.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Alexios’ kisses all depend on his mood and circumstance, but they’re always full of passion. Goodbye kisses are slow and filled with longing, everyday kisses are quick and sweet and kisses after a fight or battle are filled with fire –blood running hot.

He loves kissing your lips, and he enjoys placing short kisses to your fingertips –just to watch you smile. One of Alexios’ favorite spots to be kissed is right where his ear and jaw meet –every time you do so it sends sparks coursing through his veins. He won’t admit it, but Alexios like it when you kiss his scars.  

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Alexios is really good with kids –which initially surprises you as his patience and temper can run a bit short with adults. Whenever you’re in a polis or village for more than a day or two, kids have a natural talent for finding him (even if he doesn’t want to be found) and a habit of following him around asking for a story or begging to see Ikaros. He eats up the attention.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Mornings, especially mornings on the Adrestia, are lazy –you’re both reluctant to get up. Alexios usually wakes first and will roll onto his side to watch you sleep or play with your hair. When you finally open your eyes, he’s looking at you with a soft, lopsided smile. Before getting up, you’ll both take a few minutes and talk –about dreams or what the day holds in store. It’s a good way to wake up.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights with Alexios always end with the two of you lying next to each other –usually looking up at the stars whether it be on the Adrestia, in the forest, or atop a villa. You both talk a lot at night. That’s usually when you’re both more willing to speak of the past or about destiny. Alexios always kisses your forehead or temple before dozing off, either pulling you against him or draping his arm across your back or stomach –he considers it reassurance that you won’t go missing during the night.  

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

You’d be able to piece some things together without having to ask. Even outside of Sparta people have heard how the Wolf tossed his children into the abyss. It takes time for Alexios to feel comfortable enough around you before he opens up about his troubled past. He’s trusted people too easily in the past and it only ends with him getting hurt.

The first thing he’s willing to talk about are his scars. You learn the set of three wrapped around his bicep is from a wolf he’d found trapped in a snare –it hadn’t realized he was trying to help. The one on his brow that crosses over his eye down to his cheek is from a run-in with bandits who’d taken Phoibe back on Kephallonia. Eventually, he tells you about his family –of Kassandra and his mother, the man who raised him and father who abandoned him.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Depends on his mood, mostly. With kids, it doesn’t matter if he’s grumpy his patience knows no bounds. With you, he’s patient until your stubborn streak shows –like when he suggests you stay behind for a battle or when doing something he considers dangerous. Even then he doesn’t necessarily get angry –just exasperated and you always end up getting your way.

With the exception of kids and you (maybe Barnabas and Herodotus too), Alexios has a short fuse. He tries to be patient, he really does –but Spartan blood runs hot and he doesn’t like it when people waste his time.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Alexios remembers. He remembers just about everything you tell him and then he picks up on the oddest of details and commits your quirks to memory.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

It makes him feel a bit shallow, but one of his favorites is the night you both first said you loved one another and made love beneath the stars to the soft sound of waves breaking on the shore. Every time he thinks of that night, it makes him smile and feel warm inside.

If he had to pick a second moment, it would be when you saved his ass in battle –some Athenian brute had knocked him off his feet and was ready to smite him down when the point of a bloody and familiar sword emerged from his stomach. The brute fell, and you’d held your hand out for him. Alexios hadn’t cared you were both in the middle of a raging battle when he kissed you –swearing you’d never looked more beautiful­.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Alexios knows you’re more than capable of fending for yourself –he’s even made a habit of training with you (though more often than naught those sessions end up in a different kind of sparring), but that doesn’t stop him from worrying. After losing his mother and sister, he gets a lot more protective

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Living a mobile life, it’s hard to have romantic nights and to keep track of dates for that matter, so you don’t really have dates or celebrate anniversaries. Drachmae is of no concern though, and if you wanted Alexios would buy you the finest jewels and clothes in all the Greek world. You’ve never been one to consider such luxuries a necessity (it doesn’t stop him from buying you things if something is ruined in battle or turning to tatters –he likes to spoil you). After finding out pearls were among your favorite gems, he starts collecting and stringing them into a short necklace –it means far more to you than a purchased necklace ever could. Alexios does good work –always finishing what he starts– and everyday tasks are no different. He helps cook, clean, and tend to the ship when needed. You’ve even started to teach him how to properly mend linen and leather. He’ll do anything as long as you’re there with him.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Shutting people out when he’s afraid or seriously conflicted –even you– is the worst habit Alexios has. It’s second nature for him at this point, and he tries to be better. Training isn’t necessarily a bad habit, but when he’s worried or stressed Alexios trains twice as much and twice as hard. He’ll exhaust himself on purpose and collapse into your arms.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Listen, Alexios is good looking and he knows it. There’s a reason men and women all across Greece are willing to offer themselves up to the Eagle Bearer for a night. Sometimes it goes to his head, but most of the time he doesn’t care –mostly because you don’t care (unless he’s covered in blood and dirt, then a bath might be necessary).

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Alexios had always felt as though something about him was missing –even after he found out about his destiny to protect the secrets of Atlantis. He realizes after some time together that it’s you. You’re the piece that had been missing from his life. They say humans were initially crafted with two heads, four arms, and four legs but Zeus feared their power and tore them apart, doomed to wander the Earth in search of their other half. Now that he has you –Alexios is inclined to believe that myth is true.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

He likes to sing –though admittedly he’s not very good at– so he resorts to humming instead. The lullaby his mater used to sing is one of his favorites and it quickly becomes one of your favorites too. He hums the shanties that the crew sing a lot too. You enjoy hearing him hum –especially at night when you’re safe in his arms.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Alexios doesn’t like unwarranted cruelty in anyone –he’s learned many people with black hearts are also beautiful.

Though he knows he can be impatient, Alexios wouldn’t like a super impatient partner –he needs someone that can balance his worse qualities, someone that can be his better half.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

Alexios snores –not too loudly, though– and the low rhythm of his breathing helps you sleep. He’s a light sleeper, always on alert and ready to jump into action should it be necessary –unless he’s really tired. If Alexios is exhausted, he sleeps like a log –good luck waking him up until the morning or trying to move him.