#I was just told some lady is bringing me a sword

[moghedien]

I am apparently going to be given a sword at some point this week????

[slushycoookie]

Shave and a Haircut ~ Logan Howlett x Fem! Reader

✩ Word Count: 7.2k ✩ Content: Deadpool & Wolverine spoilers! Worst!Logan with a black reader (but I don't go into much detail so anyone can still relate), very fluffy, smut near the end, oral sex (f! receiving), vaginal fingering, safe sex (Logan does indeed wrap it up), MINORS DNI! ✩ A/N: A one-shot about my man because after I saw that movie I had to write something about him. Enjoy!

Dividers by @/cafekitsune

There is nothing like a cigar after an extended mission to ease the stress.

Logan lit his lighter, burning the cigar's tip and taking in some puffs. Smoke blows through his nose while his partner gets his sword out of his head.

"This is really stuck in here," Wade grunts, turning his head to get a different angle. "How the fuck-?" He jerks the sword around, managing to put it in deeper.

Logan watches, knowing he brought it upon himself when he taunted that gang leader, who was now dead on the floor, shredded. It was amusing to watch Wade struggle after giving him hell the entire time.

"Oh Wolvie?" Wade calls, giving him a wave. "Mind giving me a hand? Or are you just gonna watch?" Logan sighs, going over and pulling the sword out of his head with one motion. He tosses it to the ground while Wade cheers at his freedom from the blade. "Thanks, Dad."

That earns a middle finger from Logan as he sits down on the crate to resume smoking. Wade sits next to him on a smaller one, turning towards him, head tilted, and Logan knows he's batting his eyes.

"Did you give it any further thought?"

"Give any thought to what?" Another puff of smoke escapes his lips.

"That coffee shop girl. The one who gave you her number before licking that stirring spoon all seductive like." Wade describes, "A bit unsanitary, but we do what we gotta do for love."

"I'm not calling her."

Wade starts throwing a mini tantrum, kicking the crate he sat on away, hands on his hips. "But why?"

"She puts too much fucking cream in my coffee. After I told her not to."

"That's because she wants your cream. Inside her. Like many of us do."

"Then she should say it to my face and not mess up my order."

Wade groans, bringing over another crate, smaller than the last one, before plopping down on it. "You need to give me something here. I tried to set you up with the cat lady who lives above us, but you said no."

"Because she smells like fucking mothballs."

"Hey, so does Althea. And you didn't say anything!"

"I don't want to fuck Althea."

"Who doesn't want to fuck Althea?"

"Not the person who lives with her."

Wade huffs, folding his arms. "Fine. Pushing the cat lady aside, there was that librarian who was eye fucking you in the fantasy section. She definitely wanted a taste of Mordor."

"No, absolutely not."

"Ugh, who knew you were so picky? The Wolverine I knew wanted to fuck anything with a nice pair of legs and a hole."

Logan didn't respond, tapping the ashes away and taking another smoke.

A few months after Wade and he stopped Cassandra, the former wanted Logan to start branching out. Meeting other people while the merc with a mouth rekindled a relationship with his lady, Vanessa. It was Wade's way of ensuring Logan wasn't alone after he was for so long. Even Laura agreed that he should try. She said she wanted to see him happy.

"It's my decision, not yours," Logan told Wade before finishing his cigar and smashing it.

Little did he know that Logan already found someone.

A hairdresser.

Well, a licensed beautician, but you liked doing hair.

Logan met you after needing to get away from the house. Wade used his shampoo, which he wasn't sure why since the mercenary had no hair. Instead of subjecting Blind Al to another one of their famous beatings, he decided to get some fresh air.

Logan needed a wash and a trim. He was willing to take care of himself this time and not let himself go like in his other timeline.

That's when he noticed the lights of a salon while coming up the block. A large neon sign still showed it was open as someone else was inside. You were sweeping away stray hairs in the vicinity when Logan walked in, the bell ringing to alert you that someone had come in.

"Hello!" You greet, "How can I help you?"

Your cheery smile made Logan pause, "Uh, can you do a quick wash and a haircut?"

"Of course!"

He takes off his jacket, and you go to take it, but he stops you, deciding to at least keep some of his gentlemanly traits by hanging up his own clothes. You lead him to one of the sinks and secure the cape around him before having him put his head back. He sits there for a moment when you mumble that you need to get more shampoo.

The inside of the salon was simple.

Logan thought a woman like you who works there would have a more aesthetically pleasing environment—a splash of color, fancy lights, something. Instead, there are just regular barber chairs, huge, plain mirrors, and a small waiting area in the front.

Your attire was even simple. A casual T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers that were clearly made for people on their feet all day.

"Sorry, I didn't have a chance to restock the shampoo." You come back with a big bottle, setting it by the sink.

"It's fine." Logan grunts. You tilt your head to observe him for a moment. He waited for you to recognize who he is, fan girl about him, and then try to get in his pants. He wasn't looking forward to that. Logan does think you're okay to look at, but he just wanted to get a haircut and go.

After looking at him for the longest time, he decides to cut out the middleman. "Yes, I am the Wolverine, now can we get to the part where you do my damn hair?"

"Oh." You blink momentarily. "I was just checking to see if you needed a shave."

Logan could hear Wade say something stupid in his ear. Like, "Really jumped the gun, didn't you, honey badger?". "Fuck, sorry."

"It's okay."

"No, I didn't mean to explode at you like that."

"It's alright, Wolverine." You snicker while setting up your tools. "I recognized you as soon as you walked in. I thought I handled your arrival pretty well."

"Yeah, you did."

"Didn't think you'd prefer me screaming in your ear about how you're in my salon, asking me to give you a haircut and no one else. Of course, you would ask me; I’m the only one here. Alright, I'm gonna do your hair now."

Logan huffed, relaxing in the sink as you turned on the water. He jerked when the jets first hit his scalp. He knew from how your lips tightened that you weren't trying to laugh.

"Too hot?"

"Ya think?"

Quickly, you fixed the water to a cooler temperature. Logan allowed himself to relax as you did your magic.

He counted on one hand the last time someone else washed his hair. How he missed the feeling. Your fingertips massage his scalp, getting rid of the oil and dirt. The suds covered his head while you lathered his hair. His nostrils twitched at the crisp scent of cucumber and mint. It smelled delightful.

Despite the water debacle, you rinsed his hair out nicely. Making sure all the soap was gone. You placed a towel on him, getting rid of the excess water before helping him sit up. Logan felt sluggish, knowing he was about to fall asleep if you kept massaging him like that.

You couldn't help but snicker. "Don't fall asleep on me now." Logan didn't have a good comeback, half-assed muttering something when you led him to your styling chair. "I think we should give you a shave."

"No." He feels his beard on instinct, protecting it from your razor.

You playfully pout, and for a moment, he thought it was cute. "Aww, come on. Not even a trim?"

"Are you like this with all your clients?"

"No, only with Wolverine."

Logan rolled his eyes, "Logan. Enough of this Wolverine shit."

"Okay, Logan." He shakes his head, not saying anything else. "You got until I finish your haircut to let me know about that shave."

You maneuver behind him and begin your work. Logan's mild annoyance turned docile as you combed the knots out of his hair. Nothing but your light breathing and the turned-down radio in the background. He holds in a breath when you run your hands through it once more with oil. Even that oil smelled good. Slightly sweet.

"You walked in here with these cute little tufts on the side of your head." You compliment as you pull out the blow dryer. "Do you still want those?"

"They're not cute." Logan rebuttals, "Just style it the same way I had when I walked in."

"With the tufts, got it."

The hair dryer cut him off before he had a chance to speak. He sat there, gripping the handles of his chair and watching the excess hair fly around his face. All this time you were still gentle, handling his hair with ease.

Logan felt how his hair was soft, much softer compared to when he does it. His hair hadn't felt that way for a long time.

"So, you probably forgot, but you saved me years ago." You mention, running the brush amongst his head.

"Oh?" Logan's stomach turned. Of course, he met a person that his best self saved.

"Yeah, I know you save a lot of people, so it's easy to lose track. But it meant a lot to me." You recount the event as if to remind him. How a few rogue mutants tried to take over a city block, including the bank you were in. One of the guys tries to hold you hostage, escorting you to a car to take you to a second location. Only for Logan, not him, the other one, to show up and attack the mutants after scooping up your shaken body. Telling you, "It's okay, sugar."

"I wanted to see if I could thank you by offering a free haircut. It was stupid, you probably had access to the best barbers wherever you lived."

Logan shrugged, "They were alright."

Your laughter was nice, squeezing his heart. "Thanks for saying that. I still felt ridiculous though. That's why I gave up on the idea. I knew I was never going to see you again. Until now."

You turn him towards the mirror, showing off the hair cut with his barely noticeable tufts. Logan's eyes lit up seeing himself. He wasn't sure how you managed to give him the same haircut but better.

"Shit."

"A good shit, right?"

"Yeah."

You motion around his beard, your offer still standing. A beard trim wouldn't be bad but Logan had a feeling that once he went home, Wade would notice something different about him and didn't want to deal with that.

"Maybe another time. Thanks."

When he stands, he pulls out his wallet. You place your hand on top of his to decline. It was a brief touch but enough to make his heart jump.

"It's okay. On the house."

"Forget that, I gotta pay ya."

"Were you not listening when I said I wanted to pay back the Wolverine who saved me?"

He was but that was the thing. Logan wasn't your Logan. He was the worst one and you were trying to give him a free haircut. The wrong Logan.

"I don't like taking stuff for free."

"You're gonna have to deal with it." You fold your arms, "I'm not having you pay."

Logan didn't want to go through this song and dance. Being around someone as kind as you was long enough for him. He grunted, taking his jacket. You said goodbye as if you weren't going to see him again. But he wasn't the type of man to receive things without giving back.

That's when it started. His odd relationship with you.

Logan saved money on the side to give to you when he saw you next time. Yes, he was planning to see you again. His excuse to himself was you did his hair well. No other reason.

So when it was time for his next haircut, Logan had a plan. When he went to pay you, he would include the money from last time. To just say it was an additional tip.

You were smart, though. Somehow, after the initial shock of him coming back again for the haircut, you did accept payment but only for the last haircut. The one he just received was now free. Logan scowled at you while you had the prettiest smile on your face.

"I'm serious about that free haircut."

"And I'm serious about not taking things for free."

Logan hovered above you, meanmugging you to get you to cave. But you didn't care, a playful glint in your eyes.

It was annoying. A person as kind as you doing this for someone like him. For someone who's not even your Logan. Yet, he kept coming back, getting his usual haircut.

Like a stray cat who received food. Coming back and gracing you with his presence. It was just because you were good at doing his hair.

But there were times when Logan went to see you, he didn't get a haircut. The thought of you being alone at night hit him one day. How you closed at nine on the dot. The neighborhood wasn't terrible, albeit decent. Logan didn't like the idea of you being by yourself at night. You were nice. He was worried someone would hold you up in your salon to get you alone.

So he hung around the last hours you had to close.

You said you were fine, that you had been closing by yourself for years, with hardly any problems. Logan just wanted to make sure you were safe.

You didn't put up much of a fight either. Instead, you continued to do your duties. Tidying up, restocking after the customers that came through. With an intimidating superhero on the sidelines.

"Do you go on missions?" You ask one time while sweeping.

Logan lifted the styling chair for you, making sure you could reach every crevice. "Occasionally. I have to pay bills."

"Are they dangerous?"

"Of course, they're dangerous."

He then picks up the vanity, careful to not damage anything. Logan notices how your eyes land on his bulging bicep for a second before you go back to sweeping. "Do you have anyone that worries about you when you leave? Besides Laura?"

Logan likes it when you remember the other people he's close to. He told you about Laura not long ago. How she was looking into colleges, making him realize how much of a young woman she was growing up to be. He holds off on letting her go out on many missions, wanting her to experience her youth as a citizen, not as a hero, despite having similar abilities.

"Laura doesn't worry about me." Logan snorts before placing the vanity back down. "If she does, she's really good at hiding it." You hum, keeping silent. "But I don't have anyone else worrying about me."

"I see."

"Why are ya asking?" You avoid his gaze, pretending that sweeping was more important. "Spill it, sweetheart."

You perk up at the sudden nickname. Logan realizes what came out but doesn't show on his face. Instead, he waits for your answer.

"I just wanted you to know that when you go on missions, I'll be wishing for you to stay safe and come back. If that helps…" You admit, your eyes on his own. Logan feels his heartbeat pick up, not expecting that.

"It does."

Your face gave off a look he wanted to hang on his wall. Gentle, kind, and caring. He liked that.

Logan couldn't sleep, and he could see your face once he closed his eyes. Your light scent was still on his jacket from afar when you brushed against him. It took a minute for his heart to come down at the thought of you.

"Hey." Wade waved his hand before Logan's face to snap him out of reminiscing about you. "Don't you think it's time to get another haircut? You're looking a little mangy."

Logan scowled before standing up from his position, ready to return home.

The good thing about all this is that Wade didn't catch on. Considering he was rekindling his relationship with Vanessa, Logan figured the merc would focus his attention elsewhere. Which was good because he was going to rip Wade's face off if he even teased him about his relationship with you.

When Logan goes to see you, he always makes the excuse of going to take a walk. Down to your shop where he always sees you. Alone, tidying up the place to close, playing some music in the background that makes you wiggle your hips a little. He finds himself staring at you for a bit before walking in. The aura of domesticity around your soft frame.

Logan's lips curl upwards when yours does and he enjoys the light in your eyes whenever they connect with his. He felt strange, a certain feeling he hasn't felt for a long time. Does he…like you?

"Can I wax your eyebrows?" You ask, touching up his hair in the mirror as you were almost done.

"What's wrong with my eyebrows?"

"They're so bushy." You trace your nail on one and he doesn't move. "Like that beard you won't let me touch."

"My beard is fine and so are my eyebrows."

You bat your eyelashes towards him, playfully pouting to convince him. "Aww come on. Pretty please?" Logan's breath hitched at the sight. Your pleading act was making you as gorgeous as ever. "You good? Your face is getting red."

Logan stared back in the mirror to see his flushed face. All because of you doing that stupid, adorable look. "I'm fine. Go ahead and do it."

Now you were surprised. "Huh?"

"What, you thought I was gonna say no?"

"Yeah." When you remove the cape from him, he stands, staring at you when you put it away. He is serious, and it makes you stop in your tracks.

"So, you're being for real right now?"

"Duh. Get to it before I change my mind."

You swivel your head, pursing your lips. "Ask me nicely."

"Wax my eyebrows, sugar."

Another nickname he didn't expect to come out, but you grin, motioning to the back of the building. He follows you into a small room, outfitted with a cot, a little dresser, and a stool. He wasn't a fan of how tight the room seemed, but the upside was he kept bumping into you. Or did you keep bumping into him? It doesn't matter because he felt you. That small bump against your front, and he felt your plump body—good enough to grope.

He should not be thinking about that right now.

"How's your pain tolerance?"

It was Logan's turn to shoot you a look, "I have been shot at, stabbed, impaled, what do you think?"

"Alright, alright. I just wanted to ask." You set up the hot wax, swirling it around in a bowl as you waited for it to get a suitable temperature. "Waxing might be worse compared to all of that."

He huffs, "We'll see."

You ordered him to close his eyes, and he lay there. The wax, which was bordering on very hot, coated the top half of his eyebrow. It didn't feel bad so far. He wasn't sure what you were talking about. Once the strip was placed on his hair, as quickly as you put it on, you ripped it off.

"Ow! What the fuck?"

Logan's hands balled into fists, but the claws didn't come out.

"I asked you about your pain tolerance and what did you say?"

"That shit is fucking different than getting shot at." He maneuvered to get up but your hand pushed his chest to settle him down.

"You can't leave yet, I gotta do the other brow."

"Fuck that, I'm not doing this anymore."

"Logan, I can't let you walk around with slightly uneven brows." You push him down again gently. He likes the feel of your hand on his chest. He can feel the heat from your palm. "Please let me do the other side and I'll stop."

What did he get himself into? Logan allowed you to make him suffer a little longer as you placed the wax on his other brow before ripping the hairs clean off. This time it was less unbearable but it still sucked. It wasn't all bad when you leaned closer on his face, observing his brows to ensure they were even. The shirt you were wearing this time had a v-neck, so he could quickly see your cleavage and how pretty your breasts were displayed.

"You're good."

Logan quickly got up right after you sat back. That's enough, he needed to go home. His face was redder than ever and he was about to do things a lady like you shouldn't witness. Despite the slight burn from his brows, he wanted you up in his face again. Admire your beautiful self. Kiss you.

"Sorry." You call out after closing up the back. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"I wasn't scared." He grunted.

"Uh-huh."

"I wasn't."

"Sure."

Logan rolls his eyes. He wanted to leave but he had to take you home. He usually does when he started to see you. What if you invite him in this time? Then he'd be all over you. Wanting to bury himself in between your thighs and have the whole block know how good he made you feel. He was never like this before.

Logan leads you out and waits for you to lock up. Sweat starts sticking to his forehead and down his neck. He was just taking you home. That's all he had to do.

"Caught red-handed!" Wade jumps up from behind a car, pointing at the two of you as if you were about to kiss. That's what Logan wished he was doing. "So this is where you were going late at night. Snuggled up with another woman."

"Another woman?" You questioned, brows furrowed and Logan could see you were going to get upset. But he didn't have time to wonder why.

"My roommate here has been very secretive," Wade teases. I sometimes lie in bed waiting for him to come home, worried that he got lost or found his way into a bar. Little did I know…" He shoots Logan a mischievous grin.

If you weren't nearby, Logan would stab him in the balls.

"Alright, relax." Laura appears from the same car Wade was. "He's not doing anything shady."

Logan looks confused at her, "You two thought I was up to something?"

"Just me." Wade slides closer to him, "I brought Laura here because it's been so long since we had a girl's night."

Laura rolls her eyes. "I was worried about you. Now I don't need to." She glances over at you, who is so confused about everything but is taking this in stride. "Hi, I'm Laura."

"You're Laura?" She nods for confirmation, "Oh my god, I didn't think I get to meet you!" You shake her hand while admiring her. "I love your hair, by the way."

"Oh, thanks." Laura shoots Logan a smile of silent approval.

"And I'm Wade." He gets close to you, Logan's back hunching a bit as Wade is too close. Of course, you don't mind when you shake his hand back. "Do you like my hair too?"

"Uh, of course." You observe the worn-out toupee. "Although I'm not sure why I see staples…"

"It's because he's a fucking idiot." Logan cuts in.

"Not only that, but I can't grow hair." Wade tells you, "Sometimes I'd like to spice it up when I see my lady or when I want to go to the Dollar Store."

"Is…is that the only one you have?" You ask, eyes filled with worry.

"Yeah, pretty much."

You observe him momentarily and Logan sees the hairdresser glint in your eye. "Do you want some more? I have a couple of wigs in the shop that were given to me."

Wade blinks, looking at Laura and Logan in shock, "Really? You'd give them to me for free?"

"Yeah, I'm not using them." You turn to go back to the door but Logan blocks your path.

"You just closed up."

"I'm just going to grab a few wigs for your friend to try-"

"You've been on your feet all day. He can wait another day, sweetheart."

"Sweetheart?" Logan heard Wade whisper.

You purse your lips, "I didn't recall this being your salon."

"It's not."

He stares you down, and you stare back, trying to will him to let you back inside. Logan's not sure how long the stare-off takes, but Wade stands between you two.

"The wigs can wait, I don't need to go to the Dollar Store anytime soon."

You tear your eyes away to focus on Wade. "Are you sure? It's no problem."

"I'm sure. Plus, the sexual tension between you two was a little crazy-"

"I just remembered!" Laura silences Wade with a hand on his shoulder. "We were going to get donuts. For Althea."

"Is 'donuts' a new code for cocaine-?"

"Actual donuts." She pushes him away down to the sidewalk, Logan being eternally grateful. "Bye, it was nice to meet you!"

"It was nice to meet you too!" You wave them away, watching them go down the block. Logan made sure Wade was far away from his sight before sighing.

"I didn't expect them to show up."

"It's okay. I'm glad I got to meet Laura."

The corner of his lips go upwards, "Me too."

Logan walks you home to your apartment in a complex similar to the one he lives in with Wade. Once you go to your door, you turn to him, head slightly tilted.

"When will I see you again?"

"Soon." He says, causing you to roll your eyes at his vague words.

"Please tell Wade to stop by, I was serious about those wigs."

"You keep inviting him in he's not going to leave."

"So…like you?"

Logan lets out a short chuckle, "Not even close."

"You sure about that?" You step closer to him, playfulness in your eyes. Logan looks down at you, feeling the subtle warmth of your body through his leather jacket.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing…"

You pull away and he wants to chase after you, but he doesn't. Logan makes sure you go in, saying goodnight to you.

This can't continue. His heart was going to implode if he kept dancing around you. He needed to tell you of his predicament. That he wasn't the Logan of this timeline. After dealing with Wade and Laura.

When he came in, Wade immediately handed Laura twenty bucks, face filled with defeat. "I know you're over two hundred years old, but I thought you had some game, man."

"For once, I agree." Laura adds, "It's good you're taking it slow, though. She seems nice."

"She is. The only thing is she thinks I'm this timeline's Logan."

The bombshell Logan drops makes Wade and Laura look at each other.

"I don't see the problem here." Wade says.

Logan explains how this timeline's Logan saved you and why you've been so generous to him. He tries to not let the fear of telling you his true origins get to him. He knows it's the right thing to do.

"Wait a minute." Wade squints and goes up to Logan, who eyes him suspiciously. "Why are your eyebrows so neat?"

Oh shit, Logan completely forgot you waxed his eyebrows.

"Don't worry about it."

"Yeah, they are really neat." Laura observes before running her thumb over his eyebrow. "And smooth."

"Stop messing with my fucking eyebrows." He snatches his head away.

"Did you get your eyebrows waxed?" Wade asks, then proceeds to explain, "I know this because Vanessa usually does. And I like feeling how smooth her eyebrows are—like a baby's bottom. Wait a minute. Did the hairdresser lady wax your brows?"

Logan was so close to ripping his head off. But Althea just got a new rug and he didn't want to get blood on it.

"If he let her wax his eyebrows, that man is down bad." Althea says on the couch, eating a glazed donut.

"Truly down bad." Wade cosigns, and Logan decides that's enough talking and retreats to the bedroom.

He wants to follow through on his plan to tell you about his true origins, but he isn't sure how or when to tell you.

The next time he saw you, Wade and Laura tagged along. The latter wanted to see you again while the former wanted to see what types of wigs you had. Logan watched you give Wade plenty of options to choose from. Although he instantly grabbed the one that radiated 'Legolas' vibes, with the long, platinum blonde hair to his waist, saying this would be a good one to role-play with Vanessa.

You suggested giving Laura a quick trim of her ends, seeing that some of them were split. As always, you were so quick in your work. Laura's face lit up at the subtle difference touching up her hair made. His heart squeezed when you made his daughter smile.

He wants to tell you. He wants to tell you so badly.

Logan didn't know how you'd take it. If you'd be mad at him for lying in your face. Or horrified when he tells you all the dark things he's done. But he couldn't take another moment of staring at you, heart skipping a beat at the sight of you.

He knew how he was going to tell you.

"I think it's time for a trim." Logan says while sitting in the chair.

You examine his hair, "No, your hair is okay right now."

"I'm not talking about my hair." Logan runs his hands over his beard, earning a gasp from you.

"Really? Really, really?" He nodded before you squeal, going through the drawers to pull out your tools. The beard comb, razors, and scissors.

"Just shape it up and make it neat." He instructs, getting worried that you would shave it off completely.

"I got it."

Logan felt weird with your hands on his face. You rubbed a bunch of liquids along his beard, took the comb and made sure the hair was neat, and used the razor to trim up the sides and his sideburns. It had been a while since he's had a gorgeous woman like you feel along his face.

He admires the work you've done on his beard, how neat and clean it was compared to how he was growing it out. A look of pride on your face shown while observing him in the mirror.

"You look handsome."

Logan's mouth twitches to hide back a smile, "Thanks." When he stands, once again he gathers his wallet to pay you. As he hands you the money, you reach to take it but he doesn't pull away. "I'm assuming this one is free too?"

"Of course."

Logan grunts as you take his money from his last haircut, putting it in your pocket. "Look, I need to tell you something."

"Okay?" Your brows raised in curiosity, "What's up?"

A lump forms in his throat as he takes a minute to say what he's going to say. "I'm not your Logan." You blink with confusion and he continues. "I mean it. The Logan who saved you years ago, isn't me."

"Oh. Oh!" You take a step forward, "You're a clone then? Infused with the other Logan's memories?"

"No, not even close, sugar."

Logan briefly explains the multiverse, the different timelines that include a multitude of realities and people. He is from another timeline, one where he was alone after his team died. He went on a murderous rampage and killed bad and innocent people alike. He wasn't this timeline's Logan who died a hero—or about to die as one.

"I couldn't lie to you anymore." He admits, "I didn't want you to get your hopes up. Over a guy who you've admired for years. I'm not that guy. In fact, I'm the worst of them all."

You shake your head, fingertips grazing against the fabric of his shirt. "You're not the worst. Not one bit."

"I just told you I killed people. Innocent people."

"In the past. And you made up for it by saving this timeline right?" All he could do was nod and not focus on how close you were to him right now. "You're not the worst Logan. You're the same one who stayed with me almost every day when I closed, lets me give you free haircuts, and has a wonderful friend and daughter who cares for him so much. I'm pretty sure there aren't any other Logan's who do that. Or have that type of support."

He laughs briefly, "I don't like how you're so understanding about all of this."

"Why?" Logan doesn't know what to say, feeling he doesn't deserve this. Deserve you. However, Wade and Laura's words appear, telling him that he deserves this. To be happy. "I like you, Logan. Shouldn't I be a little understanding?"

"You should." He gazes at you, seeing your eyes fill with care. "I like you too." Logan's fingers curl around the belt loops of your jeans to pull you closer, your body flushed against his. He submerges himself in you, his forehead amongst yours, the tips of your noses brushing along one another.

"Just tell me to stop."

You don't say anything, giving him permission to kiss you.

Immediately, Logan groans against your lips. He's finally able to taste you. And how denied he's been for so long. He presses you against the vanity, your hands forming a death grip on his shirt. You've been desperate for this as much as he's been. You just had better self control.

Logan takes over, placing you on the vanity. He grunts in satisfaction as your legs wrap around his waist. Your tongue is in his mouth, and you taste the cigar he had earlier. Your light moan is the only thing he focuses on, his hand on your lower back and pressing your body closer to his.

"Mm!" You hum when pulling away, your lips forming a cute pout that Logan held back in kissing you again. "I'm a bit rusty."

"At kissing?"

You nod, "That and…you know."

Logan chuckles, his nose brushing against yours. "I don't know. You're gonna have to say it, sweetheart."

"Sex." You whisper like it was a secret, "I know it's surprising for someone in their forties."

"It's more surprising when you look like this…" Logan gropes your thighs, burying his face in your neck. His eyes almost roll back in smelling you, wanting to do so for a while. "It's been a while for me too."

"Really?" You gasp, but that was because he gently nibbling on your neck. "I thought you would-" You're cut off when Logan sucks on your skin, creating a dark mark that causes you to squeeze your thighs against him.

Logan freezes, getting a whiff of something new. Straight down to your core. He growls at smell of your arousal and pulls you closer if possible.

"You should close early."

He allows you enough room to check your clock on the wall. "We've got thirty minutes left."

"I don't know if I can hold on for that long." Logan's lips are on you again, not wanting to forget how you taste. He's not sure why he's like this. Maybe it's because he finally confessed to you. Or because you liked him back. Or because he's finally getting his libido back after a long time. He knows he'll fuck you in the salon if you keep stalling.

You pull away again, trying to catch your breath from his kisses. "Okay, okay. Closing early wouldn't hurt."

Logan wanted to carry you. His stomach twisted when you had to part when you were closing up. He was by your side the entire time, wanting to at least keep ahold of that intoxicating smell you were radiating. A light grope to your ass that made you giggle. An arm around your waist once you finally locked the door. Anything to be close to you.

The two of you were speed-walking to your apartment. Logan's palm pressed against your stomach, face against your head while you tried to unlock the door. Having a hard time as he was humping against your plump bottom. Clearly showing you how aroused he was.

You stumbled forward once the door opened but he caught you with his arm. Your back was pressed against the door when you two made out again. Tongues dancing, nipping at each other's lips. His jacket fell to the floor before picking you up, trapping you against the door.

"Wait…" You pull away again.

Logan starts getting concerned, "What's wrong? We going too fast or something?"

"No! No, not at all. I'm worried that my condoms might be expired."

He gets a moment of clarity. He didn't bring any. Logan honestly didn't think his night with you would lead to this. Now, he was underprepared.

"Fuck, I don't think I bought any-" While searching his pants, he feels a wrapper. Logan pulls it out to see a condom in his back pocket with a sticky note. It was filled with a little drawing of Wade's Deadpool persona sending him a bunch of hearts.

'Go get 'em, tiger.'

He'll need to thank Wade later.

"We're good. Where's the bedroom?" You point down the hall and he carries you there, all while you pepper his hair with kisses.

Logan lies you down on your comforter before raising your arms. He pulls off your shirt and gets a glimpse of your sports bra. He swears he gets harder when removing your shoes, then your jeans. You maneuver to take off his shirt as he kicks his boots away. Your hands unbutton his jeans while he kisses you for the hundredth time.

He wasn't sure what you were worried about as everything about you was making his cock form an imprint against his boxers. If anything, Logan wasn't sure about himself when you went to rub him and he almost keeled over.

"Keep doing that and I won't last."

Logan pushes you flat on the bed, covering your skin with kisses. Your neck, collarbone, the tops of your breasts. You raise the sports bra over your head and Logan can't stop staring.

Your breasts were so perfect, sitting pretty just for him. He takes a moment to admire you. A fingertip grazed your nipple, causing you to jerk a little. His eyes scan to your soft stomach, adorned with stretch marks. And your black panties that covered up the place he was excited to get to the most.

"All of this for me?"

"It can be…" You spread your legs wider, inviting him in. Logan fits in between your legs and leans down to suckle your breasts. Running his tongue all over the areola and nipple. Rolling your other nipple with his thumb, reveling the sweet sounds you made. Your hands gripping his hair as your arousal was getting stronger.

Logan groans against your skin before trailing kisses down to your tummy, across your navel, and hovering above your underwear. He almost drools when removing your panties. The smell getting stronger once the piece of fabric was gone.

"F-Fuck…" He shudders, "You smell so fucking good."

"You can smell me?" You question but he doesn't answer. Logan parts your legs wider, one leg over his shoulder. His palm takes its place on your stomach when he dives in. Oh, he wants the taste of you seared in his mind. He groans as his tongue flattens against your clit, licking that sensitive bud with a purpose. Burying his face in your pussy.

"Logan…" You sigh his name in a mix of your sounds of pleasure. While he flicks your bud, a finger goes inside you. And he feels how wet you are. How easily you're taking him in.

He adds another finger, and you squirm, but he makes sure you don't move away. He wants you to take it, to take all that he has to offer.

Logan picks up the pace in eating you out and fucking you with his fingers. All while your whines become constant and your body starts moving more and more. Even with his enhanced strength, its getting difficult to hold you down.

"Ohh Logan, I'm-" Your panting gets heavier, and he smells the sweat on you. Logan keeps going, alternating between sucking on your clit and pumping into you. You try to warn him about your climax but it was too late when you scream for him. Filling up the entire bedroom with your arousing sounds.

Logan sits up, watching you bask in the bliss of your ecstasy. Your eyelashes fluttered while you catch your breath. He can't hold back anymore. He needs you now.

"You did so good for me, honey." He breathes out, pulling off his boxers. Your eyes widened at the sight of his girthy cock. A few veins along the shaft, his tip beading with pre cum. Logan's chest swelling with pride as you couldn't stop staring. "You ready?"

"Yes."

He does his best not to tear the condom, sliding it on his shaft. Logan hovers above you, wanting a clear view when he enters you. Your mouth gapes, and his brows furrow, watching himself disappear inside you. You fit him perfectly. He puts his head back to keep control. Just entering you was enough to make him want to come right there.

"You feel fantastic. Oh fuck…"

Logan grips your thigh when he moves his hips, enough to almost be out of you before sinking into you again. His pace consisted of slow but rough thrusts as he watches your breasts jiggle during each moment. Your face was there but not there as you took his thrusts. Being fucked out of your mind.

He loves how he's easily he's able to slip in and out of you due to your wetness. Obsessed with how he's handling you. He leans down on his elbows, hitting a much better spot that makes you gasp. Immediately, you grip the nape of his neck, moaning in his ear.

"Oh, right there!"

Logan moves his hand to your ass, lifting you up a bit more to get a better angle. You cry out for him, and he knows your throat will be sore in the morning. He ruts into you, growling and grunting as he's getting close. His pelvis rubbing against your clit was enough to push you over the edge once more. Your cunt squeezing around his cock just right. And made Logan almost tear your sheets the way he climaxed.

His groans fill your ears, cum filling the condom. It was so much that he wondered if it was about to overflow.

Logan rolled over next to you, chest heaving in tandem with yours. He wanted to say a lot of things, wondering what this would mean for his relationship with you. But you curled up beside him, a gentle hand on his chest. Gazing at him with your signature warm eyes.

"I hope my neighbors don't complain tomorrow."

"If they do," Logan unsheathes his claws, and you stare at them in awe, "I'll scare them with these."

[chibinasuu]

Date? | Zoro x Reader

Summary: Zoro asked you out on a date. (You thought it was just an errand run at the market)  Tags: fluff, pre-relationship, first date(?), GN but written with F!Reader in mind, no use of y/n

a/n: happy birthday zoro!! this is not a birthday-centric fic, just wanted to write something fluffy for the birthday boy :)

You sat on one of the swings on the main deck of the Thousand Sunny, gently swaying as you waited for Zoro. As the minutes ticked by, you started impatiently glancing at the door to the boys’ room. 

It was taking Zoro unexpectedly long to get ready today when he usually only needed less than five minutes to throw on whatever non-wrinkled, semi-clean clothes he could find strewn around beneath his hammock. 

“Want to go to the market with me today? Just us two?” was what Zoro asked you this morning. Of course, you said yes without a second thought. It wasn’t unusual for you to accompany Zoro on errand runs whenever you docked at a new island – it seemed the crew had appointed you as his (un)official chaperone, tasked with ensuring the directionally challenged swordsman could find his way back to the ship at the end of the day. With that being said, you couldn’t say that you didn’t enjoy every single second you got to be alone with your green-haired crewmate.

The Sunny was currently docked at a small, but lively harbor town. Nami already scoped out the area this morning, and she reported that, thankfully, there were no marine bases here, so the crew could spend the next three days in peace while waiting for the log pose to set.

Some muffled bickering came from inside the boys’ room and you were straining your ears to hear what they were saying when the door suddenly swung open. Zoro was quickly shoved out of the room by a pair of hands you recognized as Usopp’s, and a telltale flash of blonde hair, before the door slammed shut, told you that the cook was also in on… whatever this was. 

You looked at the man in front of you, his green hair still slightly damp from a bath (he took a bath?) but combed neatly. He was wearing a black, slightly oversized, short-sleeved shirt – unbuttoned over a white tank top – paired with some light blue jeans. 

You could only gape in awe, genuinely taken aback at the sight of him actually dressing up for once, but at your silence, Zoro stiffened and did a one-eighty, reaching for the doorknob, “I’m gonna go change.”

You touched his arm lightly to stop him, “No, don’t.”

He turned to face you again, and you placed your hand on his shoulder as you admitted, “You look really great. It suits you.”

The tips of Zoro’s ears turned red at your compliment. A breeze suddenly picked up, bringing about faint traces of lemon and eucalyptus�� Was he wearing cologne?

You couldn’t help but lean towards him, inching your nose closer to his neck to catch another whiff of the lovely aroma. As if reading your thoughts, Zoro said, “Usopp sprayed it on me before I could get away.”

Ah, so that’s why the scent was familiar. You’ve smelled it on the sniper a few times before, but on Zoro, the cologne smelled slightly different, tinged with a scent that was so uniquely him. 

“Well, you smell fantastic.” You reassured him. “Shall we go?”

The walk to the market was brief, with you and Zoro strolling side-by-side in companionable silence. As the hustle and bustle of the market came within sight, you nudged him and asked, “What did you need from the market, by the way?”

“I didn’t really need anything in particular,” He thought for a bit, “But I guess I’m running low on sword polish.”

After Zoro made a quick purchase at the arms shop, you two wandered around the market with no directions in mind, stopping at whichever stall caught your eye. 

An old lady sat behind one, carefully weaving a bracelet out of thin, colorful threads. Her table was filled with more of her creations, each of them with unique patterns and color combinations. You picked one that you thought was the prettiest, admiring the intricate details of the different shades of green mingling to create a mesmerizing design. You checked the price tag and put it back down. As much as you wanted it, you really needed to restrain yourself. You told yourself you didn’t need another accessory – not when you just purchased a pricey silver necklace at the last island. 

A few stalls down was a table laden with vials and bottles of all sizes, and you excitedly dragged Zoro by the sleeve towards it. 

“Welcome, welcome!” The owner of the kiosk greeted you, “We have fragrances of every kind here – even imported oils from Alabasta! Do you have any particular scent you prefer?”

“Oh, it’s not for me!” You smiled before jerking your thumb at your companion, “I want to find something for him.”

“Well, take a look around.” He gestured to the samples, “I’m sure we can find something suitable for your boyfriend.”

You felt heat rush to your cheeks as you frantically waved your hand, while Zoro was similarly flustered.

“He’s not–”

“We’re not–, I mean–”

The two of you gave up explaining as the man profusely apologized for making inappropriate assumptions. After you assured him that it was fine, he began putting drops of the different fragrant oils on small pieces of paper and handed them to you. You sniffed each of them, bringing the ones you found interesting up to Zoro’s nose. All of the scents were alluring in their own ways, but one in particular stood out to you. It opened with a fresh burst of bergamot, layered with a spicy rush of cardamom and a hint of green tea. 

“How’s this?” You offered the paper to Zoro.

He took a cautious sniff, and his eyebrow raised ever so slightly. Zoro was never really into colognes or perfumes, but he was surprised at how much he actually liked the scent you picked for him.

He nodded and you beamed, turning towards the merchant, “We’ll take this one!”

As the man filled a vial with the fragrant oil, you reached into your pocket for some Berries, but Zoro’s hand on your wrist stopped you, “You don’t have to–“

“I know.” You cut him off, “But I want to.”

You grinned at him, “You can wear it the next time we hang out, so you don’t have to borrow Usopp’s.”

A smile slowly crept up Zoro’s lips, “Thanks.” 

The merchant was wrapping up the glass vial when Zoro tapped you on the shoulder, “Hey, I need to go to the restroom. Wait here for a minute.”

Before you could stop him, he was gone. 

Your heart dropped. If there was one rule to going anywhere with Zoro, it was to never let him out of your sight.

You quickly handed some coins to the merchant and began searching in the direction that Zoro went, standing on your tiptoes to look over the crowd in hopes of catching sight of that familiar green. You were just starting to descend into a panic when a hand suddenly grabbed yours. 

“I’m right here,” Zoro said softly into your ear.

You smacked him lightly on the chest, “Don’t run off like that again! You scared me!”

“Sorry,” He grinned, before shrugging and saying nonchalantly, “But you know what, I don’t know how but I could always find my way back if it’s to you.”

You wondered if he knew the effect he had on you.

Your grip on his hand tightened just a little bit. You knew he was just holding your hand so you wouldn’t lose each other in this crowded market, but you couldn’t prevent your pulse from quickening at the feeling of his strong hand in yours. It certainly didn’t help that he didn’t let go even after you left the market and the crowd behind you. 

You caught a glimpse of a massive flower field at the edge of town and tugged Zoro’s hand to grab his attention, “Nami heard that field’s a popular picnic spot for the locals. Sure looks pretty, doesn’t it?”

“Wanna check it out?” 

You looked at the field longingly before shaking your head, “It’s getting late, maybe tomorrow. We should probably head back to the ship for dinner soon.” 

“Actually,” Zoro said, “I was thinking we could try out one of those restaurants in town, if you’re up for it?”

You were surprised at Zoro’s suggestion – he was normally the type to return to the ship as early as possible and take a good, long nap after a day out – but you agreed to it nonetheless. When else would you get a chance to dine with your swordsman, just the two of you?

The restaurant Zoro took you to was a quaint place, but the food they served was beyond your expectations. Zoro was unusually talkative throughout dinner, and you couldn’t say that you didn’t adore this side of him. You two laughed and chatted through bites of steaks and sips of beer, and then dinner was over before you realized, far sooner than you would’ve liked. 

The walk back to the ship was also shorter than you remembered. As you walked beside Zoro, fingers brushing in featherlight touches, you had to resist the temptation of linking your fingers with his. The night was getting chillier and you would give anything to feel his warm hand in yours again, but you know you shouldn’t. This was just a friendly outing anyway – you wouldn’t want him to think that you got the wrong idea, or worse, what if he rejected your advances?

Zoro walked you all the way to the door of your quarters, “Did you have fun today?”

“I did.” You smiled up at him, “Best day I had in a while, to be honest.”

All of a sudden, Zoro took your wrist and slipped something onto it, “A return gift. For the perfume oil you bought me.” 

Your heart skipped a beat when you noticed that it was the green woven bracelet that you admired earlier. He must’ve gotten it when you were briefly separated at the market.  

“Oh, Zoro,” You leaped toward him, bringing your arms around his neck and enveloping him in a big hug, “Thank you!” 

Zoro’s arms tentatively wrapped around your waist and you melted into his embrace. You leaned back and brought your wrist with the bracelet to beside his head, giggling as you noted, “It matches your hair.” 

Zoro’s expression was unreadable as he gazed at you, and then, without warning, he leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on your cheek. You froze at the sudden act, your smile dropping in shock. Your heart was pounding faster than ever, and your fingers unconsciously went to the spot where you could still feel the touch of his chapped lips.  

Zoro mistook your surprised reaction as rejection and immediately dropped his arms from your waist, stepping backward as he brought his palm to his forehead, “Sorry, fuck, I shouldn’t have taken that dumb cook’s advice.”

“Huh?” You voiced, still in a daze and not understanding a bit of what he was saying, “What advice? What’s Sanji got to do with this?”

He hesitated, before admitting in a small voice, “He said a kiss on the cheek would be okay for a first date. If it went well.”

“D-date?” You asked in confusion, “Are you telling me today was a date?”

Zoro ran his hand through his hair in frustration, “Well, what the hell did you think it was then?”

“I thought it was just one of our usual errand runs!” You stammered out, before jabbing your pointer finger on his chest accusingly, “You didn’t say it was a date!”

After belatedly realizing that he, in fact, did not, Zoro flushed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, “Uh, I did say it would only be the two of us?”

You blinked, still processing his words and this absurd miscommunication.

“You know what, forget it.” Zoro's face was bright red as he began walking away from you in the direction of the crow’s nest, “Good night.”

“No, wait. Zoro.” You caught him by his hand, before placing yourself in front of him. “It was a really nice day.”

He refused to look at you, but you placed your hand on his chin, guiding his eyes to yours, “But if you wanted to ask me on a date, maybe you could’ve been a little more… explicit?”

You laughed in embarrassment as you gestured at your casual t-shirt and shorts, “Gosh, look at me! I would’ve dressed up better!”

“You look great no matter what you wear.”

You flushed at his sincere compliment, before taking his hands in each of yours, “I’d love to go on a date with you again, you know.”

You squeezed his hands, “Preferably one where I knew it was a date?”

He was silent for a few seconds, before muttering, “Tomorrow then.” 

“Tomorrow what, Zoro?” You teased, “Use your words.”

Zoro took a deep breath, looking you right in the eyes, “Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow? We can have a picnic at the flower fields. You wanted to go there, right?”

“It’s a date.” You smiled, before giving him a peck on the cheek, “Good night, Zoro. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You entered your room, quickly shutting the door as your legs gave out under you. You sat stunned on the floor, hand on your chest to dampen the drumming of your heart, cheeks hurting from the wide grin you were sporting.

You knew you probably wouldn’t sleep a wink tonight, too filled with excitement for what tomorrow would bring.  

[elronds-meleth-nin]

A Brush With...Kindness?

This idea came up in a discussion with @bigblissandlove1, so credit to you, my dear friend!! Thank you for being okay with me writing it! ILYSM! Thank you for screaming over both versions of Adar with meeee 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 Also holy shit, this was supposed to be like...2000 words and ended up as almost 12000. 💀

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Adar (RoP) x Reader

[A/N: This has smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Mentions of violence (not discussed in detail), blood, bloodplay, threats, knives, swords, Adar in the winter, both soft!Adar and stabby!Adar, interspecies sex, Uruk/Human sex, unprotected sex, oral sex (female receiving), angst, much yearning, nudity, I feel like I'm forgetting something but I have no idea what because holy fuck this is almost 12000 words.

~*~

I knew his face from the moment he and his Uruks flooded into our village. Pillaging and looting where they could, murdering those who fought, the Uruks caused havoc. He strode in with them, looking as serene as the Elf I'd mistaken him for when I was a child.

How lucky I'd been that he'd chosen peace all those years ago. My father was a trader who traveled between Lindon, Eregion, and several villages inhabited by Men. Between the last of those villages and the borders of Eregion, we'd stopped to make camp for the night.

While my father set up our tent and tended to the horse, he asked me to gather some small sticks for the fire. I set off to do so, but in my quest for kindling, I ended up farther away from him than I'd intended with an armload of sticks large enough to make me stagger. Just as I'd begun to turn back, there was a small rustling from behind a bush a few feet away. I turned just in time to see a figure rising to his feet.

Tall, intimidating, covered in dark, aging armor, with scars on his face stood an Ellon. I let out a small, childish sigh of relief. I'd been afraid it might be a bear or an Orc or something fearsome, but it occurred to me that the presence of an Elf must mean that we were close to Eregion.

"You should not wander alone, little one. There are Uruks lurking in this forest," he said, and I noted that he sounded strange. Most Elves had voices that flowed like silvery musical notes, but his was raspy and low, as if he'd screamed for so long that he'd hurt his throat. Maybe he was a soldier, I'd thought. After all, they shout orders all the time.

"I'm not alone," I said lifting my chin as proudly as only a child could. "My father is not far from here."

He did not look convinced, yet still he offered me a smile.

"Perhaps, then, my lady, I could help you with your load?" He asked, and as I'd never been called 'my lady' before, I was not eager to disabuse him of the notion. He relieved me of my bundle of sticks, and together we began to walk back toward the camp my father had set up. After a few moments of comfortable quiet, I posed a question.

"What is an Uruk? I've never heard of one before. The word sounds sort of like 'Orc' if you say it too quickly..." I mused, and a small smile tugged at his lips. Vaguely, I wondered if his scars hurt him, but I did not think it polite to ask. At ten years old, my father had taught me manners enough to know that if a person wanted to talk about something like that, they should be the ones to bring it up.

"An Uruk is the correct name for an Orc," the Ellon said. "The words became...confused long ago. Not many remember their real name."

Oh. Well, that made sense.

"There are two people who know, now," I said smiling up at him, and he looked at me with raised eyebrows.

"That is kind of you, my lady, but you must not use that name around the Elves. They do not take kindly to having their mistakes paraded before them," he said, and that confused me.

"But...you are–"

The crunching steps of heavy boots in the underbrush startled me, but instead of an Uruk appearing from the trees, it was just my father.

"There you are! I told you not to go too far," he said striding up to me and wrapping me in his arms. He placed a kiss atop my head and only then did he turn his gaze upon my companion. Straightening, he glared suspiciously at my new friend. "Who are you? I've never seen Elvish armor quite like that."

His tone was less than kind, and, remembering my manners, I spoke up on my friend's behalf.

"Be nice, papa! He was helping me," I said. My new friend shifted the bundle of sticks to one arm, and placed his hand over his heart, inclining his head in a respectful bow.

"I intended her no harm, sir. There are many perils in this part of the forest and I wished to ensure she would not encounter danger," he explained. "Besides, a bundle this large was certainly more than a lady of her status should have to bear."

He offered me an exaggerated, deferential bow that drew a giggle from my lips. After a mere moment's hesitation, my father invited him to our camp to keep warm, since the woods grew quite cold at night. Looking back, it was obvious that he was incredibly patient with my childish questions as the three of us settled in to pass the night. Our evening meal stretched easily between three mouths, even though our new friend said that he did not wish to diminish our supply of food. We could not simply let him starve.

I woke in the middle of the night to low, whispered voices at the treeline. Carefully, I peeked through the flaps of my tent and saw two shadowed figures around the flickers of a small lamp. One stood tall, and the other hunched over.

With my father still slumbering soundly in his bedroll, I made a decision of which he surely would have disapproved. As quietly as I could, I slipped out, sneaking through the shadows of the trees until I could just make out the face of the taller person in the lamplight.

Our Ellon friend? What was he doing out here? Shifting slightly, I caught sight of the second person and–

I nearly tripped over myself to get back to my tent. He'd been speaking in a strange rasping, mean-sounding language to an Orc - or, an Uruk, as he'd called them.

I wasn't frightened of him, despite what I'd seen. Curiosity still reigned in my mind, but I still did not relish the thought of being caught eavesdropping. The next morning, I rose quite early, only to find that our guest was already gone.

"Don't look so distressed, love," my father called from his seat beside the fire. "He left this for you along with his apologies for leaving before you woke. He said his children needed him."

He held out a small piece of dark metal. It had clearly come from his armor. Carved within it was a set of stars, inlaid with some other tarnished metal.

"He said it was the symbol of the Noldorin Kings. He thought you might appreciate it and that it might serve to remind you of the conversation the two of you had," my father explained, though he looked a bit puzzled. "What conversation did he mean, if I may ask?"

As I looked at the small metal piece, it occurred to me that if he had not told my father, then perhaps there was a reason. My father might react poorly to the word 'Uruk' like our friend said the Elves would, simply because he worked so closely with them.

"He said it was dangerous to walk alone," I said, and though it wasn't a lie, it was not the whole truth, either. I'd never had reason to lie to my father before, and I hoped I would never need to again.

That night after we rode into Eregion and settled into our chambers, by candlelight I found the second symbol. Carved onto the back of the item he'd given me, there was what looked like a three-pronged shape. A tool perhaps? A maker's mark?

I wouldn't see that shape again until many years later when Lord Adar took our village. The armor piece which I'd turned into a necklace years before hung around my neck, almost burning beneath the bodice of my dress even as I averted my eyes from our new lord's.

When the morning came, we were all herded into a line leading to the steps of the tavern from which Adar was currently ruling over us. Those who refused to swear loyalty to him were summarily killed by the Uruks guarding us. When my own turn came, I dropped to my knees as all those before me had done.

Strangely, though, even as I looked up at him, I still couldn't find it within me to be afraid of him. Of death? Naturally, I was frightened, but I could not muster the same feeling regarding the Uruk lord. His eyes met mine, and his lips parted as if he recognized me.

An old man grasped my hair roughly, forcing my head down into a more subservient position.

"Do you swear allegiance to Adar, Lord Father of the Uruks?" He asked, but before I could answer either way, his tight grasp on my hair was suddenly released. "M-My lord?"

"She has already sworn for me," Adar rasped above me, and I tried not to look confused as he urged me to my feet. He reached toward me, and to my astonishment, his fingertips brushed against the pendant that had come loose from beneath the top of my dress. The one he'd given me years ago. The back with the three-pronged carving was visible because the chain had twisted. "She already wears my mark. You will not brand her, is that understood?"

"Yes, my lord," the grumpy old man said, but I could look nowhere save into the same green eyes I'd seen all those years before. I couldn't help but think about how beautiful they were.

"I shall see to the rest tomorrow, Waldreg. See that they're fed and have a place to sleep," Adar ordered. Grasping my elbow, the Lord Father of the Uruks led me away from the crowd. Once we were safely inside one of the ruined buildings, he clasped my upper arms and looked into my eyes. "I thought I told you it was dangerous to wander alone, my lady."

His voice was infinitely gentler than it had been before.

"I'm not alone," I whispered, "not when I have you."

Looking at me with a mixture of disbelief and something far too soft to be on an Uruk Lord's face, he stepped closer and carefully rested his forehead against mine. The scent of smoke and metal, earth and wood oils surrounded me, and I recognized the scent, faint though it had been, from that day in the woods.

He muttered something in the low, guttural language that the Uruks used, and though I had no idea what he'd said, the sound of it sent my heart racing in my chest.

"I thought I'd never see you again," I admitted in a whisper, and he let out a slow, almost sad sigh.

"I had hoped that you would never have need to," Adar murmured in return. When he spoke again, he sounded almost resigned. "If you wish to leave, I can arrange safe passage for you."

I considered the possibility for a moment. My mother and father were living peacefully in Eregion, thanks to the kindness bestowed upon them by Lord Celebrimbor. I could certainly go there, but...was that what I wanted?

"And...if I wanted to stay?"

Pulling his head back just far enough to look into my eyes, Adar seemed as though he both was and was not surprised at my question.

"You would be allowed to do so, of course, but you must understand that this would be a hard life," he stated. "I cannot offer you any luxuries, not like those found in Elven territory. Mordor is new. We have very little. We have not even completed the construction of our own homes yet. Is that truly the life you want? Barely getting by on scraps of food, sleeping in the ruins of an old building?"

"I can bear it," I reassured him, and he seemed to consider my words as his fingertips once again traced the chain of my necklace.

"I will not make you swear your loyalty, my lady, but I would like your word that if at any point you feel as though this life is intolerable or overwhelming, you will tell me," he murmured as his eyes met mine again. "I would not see your light dimmed by such a place as this."

Gently, I laid my hands over his.

"You have my word, my lord," I murmured, and he nodded his head slowly.

"Then, welcome to Mordor, híril vuin."

--

She'd been different since the day they met. Oh, she was likely an average member of her species, but Adar had little personal experience with Humans beyond the occasional interaction. Her openness when she was a child had been endearing, especially since she hadn't thought him frightening or hideous. She'd accepted him as he was without question - even going so far as to protect him from her father's suspicion.

After she'd caught him speaking with Glûg in the middle of the night, ordering his children to leave her and her father be in Black Speech, however, Adar had thought that she'd have told her father what she'd seen...that he would be met with an arrow to the chest upon his return to their camp. Instead, she'd managed to sneak back unnoticed, and he'd taken his leave before she awakened.

Never did he think that one day as a grown woman - a lady - she would be forced to kneel at his feet. Not even with the threat of death looming over her was she afraid of him.

He'd never wanted her fear. When she was a child, he'd savored her curiosity, and now, as an adult, he found that he relished her gentleness and her acceptance. She'd been courteous to all of his children whom she'd encountered, even if such behavior earned scorn from the other Humans in their encampment. She never cowered. She never diminished herself to fit into the dull little boxes that the others of her species so consistently tried to force upon her. She was unique.

And Adar found himself growing ever more intrigued by her.

The winter wind whipped clothing, biting the skin and sinking bone-deep. Like most discomfort, Adar was used to it. He knew every survival method - one did not live for thousands of years without picking up a few helpful practices. His children had followed his example, but it was a bit harder for the Humans among them to find comfort.

Truly, though, the only one he cared about was his lady...his brave, determined lady. He remembered her looking up at him the better part of a year ago when she was forced to the ground before him. Curiosity and recognition was as obvious in her expression as the points on an Elf's ears.

Even after he'd taken their village, she hadn't hated him. She hadn't denied having sworn for him, even though that had been a lie he concocted to keep her safe and unblemished.

Seeing that remnant of his armor hanging from a chain around her neck had inspired more pride and awe in him than he'd felt in an Age. Adar had assumed that even if her father had given it to her, it was so small and insignificant that she wouldn't have bothered to keep track of it. But for her to have turned it into a necklace... The thought still sparked a wave of warmth in the Uruk's heart.

Had their encounter truly been that memorable to her?

As the bitter winter held the camp in its grip, residents and all, Adar walked amongst his children and sworn Human villagers alike, noting those things which were needed most. He turned a corner between rows of tents and half-built houses and paused at the sight of his lady and Glûg discussing the babe in the Uruk's arms. After a few moments, his lady let out a small laugh, and Glûg let out a rasping chuckle before departing with a small bow.

Before he could behave as if he'd been doing anything - anything at all - besides watching them, she turned and Adar's eyes met hers. Approaching without hesitation, she curtsied and greeted him with her customary 'good day, my lord.'

Dropping into his own low bow, Adar offered her his arm.

"Walk with me, if you would, my lady," he murmured, and she looped her arm with his. "How would you characterize the mood amongst your people here?"

They walked a few steps, she considering her answer, and he marveling at how easily they fit together. Having her at his side felt natural, as if that was where she was always meant to be.

"They are under strain, because of the winter temperatures. Perhaps they are a bit more frightened than usual, but nothing too serious," she replied. "They seem to have settled into their new routine along with your children quite well, considering the circumstances."

"And what of your own circumstances? What can I do to ease your burden?" He asked as they reached the door of her shelter.

"I can think of nothing, my lord." Adar did not believe that, but he did not contradict her, choosing instead to accept her invitation inside.

"Allow me, at least," he said as he stepped inside, "to check your supplies. Firewood and the like."

"Of course," she murmured, waving him inside. One of the other ladies who shared her living space had already lit a fire in grate, and as soon as they saw Lord Adar walk inside, they quickly found other places to be.

Pretending to take a cursory view around the room, Adar slyly watched his lady move around, tidying up, even though the messes had clearly been created by the others. That he did not like, but that was a problem for a later date.

"Are you certain there is nothing I can do to improve your situation?" He asked, and she flashed him a smile bright enough to make his heart skip a beat.

"Nothing, whatsoever. I'm quite comfortable here," she said walking to stand with him beside the fire. He took a long, selfish moment to indulge his desire to study her face. When his desire to reach out and touch her grew so strong that he felt he might snap, he drew and released a deep breath.

"Thank you for your indulgence, my lady. I shall leave you in peace."

Adar gave her a small bow before making his way toward the door.

"Oh, wait! Please, my lord," she called, and he turned to face her. She pulled a length of cloth from a bundle, hurrying over to him.

A familiar sense of dread curled in his abdomen. He'd been betrayed before in moments of weakness - seeing her this evening was certainly a weakness. The cloth would make a suitable garrote for a person of her size to use. Steeling himself as she approached, he realized that, though he wouldn't be surprised, her betrayal would hurt more than any other had.

He met her eyes with his as she stood on the tips of her toes to wrap the cloth around his neck...but the constriction he'd been expecting never came. Instead, she tied it carefully, tucking the ends into his armor so they wouldn't flap around in the wind.

Adar's gauntlet-covered fist relaxed as his defensiveness was replaced with confusion. He was certain that he must look as utterly befuddled as he felt, but the little smile that settled upon her lips as she examined her handiwork stole his breath.

"There. That should keep you a little warmer, at least. We cannot have the Lord of Mordor freezing, now can we?" She asked when her fingers finally fell away from the chestplate of his armor. Adar found speech difficult for a long moment. She cared for his comfort?

How was one supposed to tell someone that they'd expected death's shadow only to find kindness instead? How could he possibly explain to someone like her that at the sight of a simple makeshift scarf, he'd coiled himself as tightly as a warrior preparing to be struck without a shield or sword to defend himself? She was so considerate that she would blame herself for unsettling him, he had no doubt.

No, to say nothing would be better. Perhaps...perhaps later.

Lifting her hands gently in his own, he laid soft kisses upon her knuckles. He dared not look away. Not now. This moment was crucial - whether for just him or for them both, he knew not.

"Thank you, dear lady," he breathed, and as his eyes searched hers, he saw what he normally did in her: warmth. However, this time he saw more. There was warmth, yes, but there was also gentleness, protectiveness, and a sort of satisfaction about him not tearing the scarf from his throat - he would never do such a thing. Not when it was from her.

When he finally stepped outside once more, the wind was unable to sink its frozen teeth into his neck. The fabric, worn and discolored with age, was soft, caressing his scarred skin just as he imagined her fingers would if she ever deigned to lower herself and take him as her lover.

Her generosity made him only that much more determined to find some way to make life easier for her. For nearly a week, he was kept too busy to give the matter any serious consideration, but he did have an idea.

While she was occupied, Adar slipped into her shelter. He wished to find a way to repay her for her kindness, thus his goal was to find one of her unfulfilled needs and provide for her. He was already able to ensure that she received enough food and water, and she deserved more than he could ever give her, but he was willing to try.

After a few moments of searching, he noticed the blanket in her little sleeping area. It was thin, full of holes, and practically falling apart. It was the only one he could see.

His heart clenched in his chest. She must be nearly frozen during the night, yet she had still seen fit to give him her scarf? The growing dampness of tears blurred his vision, but he blinked them away. How had she made it through the winter?

At least he could fix this for her.

Picking up the tattered blanket, he strode across the camp to find a replacement. Laying it atop a pile with other bits of cloth that needed to be repurposed, he found a stack of extra blankets. He'd already ensured that all of his children had enough to keep them warm, so one extra would not be missed.

He hastened back to her shelter, closing the door nearly silently behind him, but he quickly realized that he was not alone.

"My lord?" She called from her place beside the cold hearth. She was trying to light a fire with trembling hands. Walking over to her, Adar tucked the blanket beneath his arm and gently coaxed the flint and steel from her cold fingers.

Kneeling briefly, he struck the flint and steel once, twice, and carefully encouraged the flame to grow until a warm glow illuminated the room. When he stood again, he grasped her hands and rubbed them between his palms. He would not be content to leave her until he was certain that she would not freeze in the night.

She looked up at him in wordless wonder, and he knew for certain that his own expression had to be similar.

"Thank you, my lord," she said in barely a whisper, and in reply, he unfolded the blanket he'd brought. Though it was not nearly as soft as someone like her deserved, he knew it would hold the heat much better than her old one. Adar draped it around her shoulders, and, sweet, trusting thing that she was, she made no protest about his proximity, nor did she flinch when the backs of his knuckles caressed her cheek.

She looked from him, to the blanket, and back again. Without warning, she sprang forward, wrapping her arms around his middle, but where he usually expected the bite of a dagger after such an impact, he found only comfort. He realized that she...was embracing him.

He looked down at her, only to find his nose buried in her hair. Her scent! He'd smelled it before, but to have her this close...it was intoxicating. Carefully bracing his hands on her waist, he leaned down a little farther. The tip of his nose brushed against her warm neck, and he could almost smell her pulse racing beneath her skin.

His nose must've been cold, for that small movement was enough to startle her into leaping back. His fëa, dark and fractured as it was, wept at the loss of her, even though she'd only been in contact with him for a moment.

It had been so long since he'd been held like that.

Alarm settled into her expression and she began stammering apologies. Her new blanket slipped from one shoulder, and without a word, Adar stepped toward her and pulled it back into place.

Her voice dropped away as she realized what he was doing. His hands laid lightly upon her shoulders, sliding slowly upward until he was able to cup her cheeks carefully between his scarred fingers. Her eyes, now wide with wonder rather than fear, looked up at him.

"You have done nothing which warrants an apology, my lady," Adar murmured giving her small smile. She was so beautiful, so fragile compared to him. He would risk no injury coming to her. Not even the discomfort of the abating cold; slowly, their breaths became less visible as the fire grew in the hearth. "Why did you not tell me about the state of your blanket?"

"I did not wish to trouble you, my lord," she answered sheepishly. "I had already requested a replacement from the head of the Men in our section, but I was told I'd have to speak with Waldreg. Given my previous encounters with him, I...decided that the cold was preferable."

Disquiet twisted within him. Waldreg was distasteful enough without having caused his lady trouble. He was quite certain he'd tear the little worm of a Man limb from limb with a grin on his lips if he dared harm his lady.

Adar would have to speak with him about that.

"Has he mistreated you?" He tried to keep his tone as steady as possible, but a slight edge still managed to creep in.

"He expressed a few less than polite sentiments, but no more. It is not a crime for him to dislike me, my lord," she said, but her attempt to calm his ire only made him angrier on her behalf. Would she not express her anger even at someone as wretched and cruel as Waldreg?

"In future, come directly to me. You need not be afraid. I would be pleased to assist you, my lady," he promised, and his heart stuttered as she nodded her head.

As soon as he left her shelter, he sought Waldreg. The miserable little rat had much to answer for.

--

As the winter winds began to wane, I found myself increasingly glad of Lord Adar's kindness. Not shivering through the night was a pleasant change. I'd thought that after our conversation he seemed rather tense, but thus far I had seen no results.

However, as I returned from harvesting a small bunch of mushrooms for the soup that night, a vicelike grip clamped around my arm, tugging me off balance and dragging me into the small, dark alleyway between two repurposed buildings.

A hand covered my mouth just as a knifepoint pressed cold and unyielding against my racing pulse.

"You vicious little bitch," a familiar voice snarled against my ear. "What lies did you tell him? How did you make him hate me?"

I whimpered but dared not move for fear of the sharp steel at my throat.

"'You will not treat my children or those pledged to me with disrespect,' he said. He's had me shoveling shit in the kennels for weeks, and word around camp is that he only came to me after speaking with you!" Waldreg sounded furious, and, indeed, I could detect the lingering scent of the wargs' leavings clinging to my attacker and his clothing. The more agitated he grew, the more his hands shook. Pain pricked my skin, and a hot red tear trickled down my throat staining the neckline of my dress. "What'd you do? Lift your skirt for him? Whisper in those ragged little ears of his? Give me one good reason I shouldn't gut you here and feed you to the wargs."

I began struggling in earnest, but his anger kept his grip tight. Still his hand covered my mouth, preventing any attempts at speech. A cruel laugh trickled across my ears, and he dragged his knife downwards until it rested directly above my heart.

"I thought not." I tried to cringe away, but that accomplished nothing save fueling the cruel old bastard's amusement as tears rolled down my cheeks. "Say goodnight!"

Instead of the bite of a blade, however, I was abruptly released. A gurgling sound came from behind me, and when I turned, I saw Lord Adar's gauntlet-covered hand lifting Waldreg off the ground by his throat. The cold glare on the Uruk's face revealed not a single mite of mercy for the Man thrashing in his grasp.

"My lady, go inside. I will join you in a moment," Adar called, and after a single shocked blink, I rushed off to do as he'd ordered. My basket lay in the mud, entirely forgotten amongst the chaos. A small crowd of Uruks had gathered around to witness Waldreg's demise and jeer at him, but I couldn't stay.

As terrible as he was, I didn't want to. Trembling, I closed the door after myself and stumbled toward my sleeping space. Quickly wrapping the blanket Adar had given me around my shoulders, I tried to steady my breathing instead of listening to the commotion outside.

I had no idea how long I'd been sitting there when the crowd fell silent and the door finally opened. Terrified that Waldreg had somehow survived and was coming to seek his revenge, I backed into the corner beside the hearth and tried to stay as small as possible.

I had no weapons with which to fight. Hiding would be my only chance to survive, especially if Adar had not been able to stop him.

--

"My lady?" Adar's voice called gently into the space, though he saw no sign of her. He spotted a small movement from the far side of the hearth. Why was she hiding? Her eyes were wide and fearful, even as he approached.

Suddenly, her assertion about Waldreg expressing 'a few less than polite sentiments, but no more' felt grossly incorrect. If she was this frightened, he must've threatened her.

Adar hoped that she heard him screaming his apologies before his death.

Or...could it be that he'd finally managed to frighten her with his cruelty? That thought sent a bolt of icy dread through him.

Dropping silently to his knees beside her, he unclipped his gauntlet and dropped it beside him. He wouldn't dare touch her while wearing it after it had touched that scum, not without cleaning it first. He offered her his hand, afterwards, and she accepted it without hesitation.

She needed no coaxing to come to him, shuffling over and resting before him on her knees with her blanket still around her shoulders.

"You need not fear, my lady. He will haunt your steps no more," he murmured, and the relieved little sniffle that escaped her had Adar moving closer and gently brushing her tears away with the pads of his thumbs.

His skin was rough, but he was careful. He didn't want to hurt her, or for her to fear him. She had every right to after she'd seen him lifting Waldreg off the ground in the midst of his rage. He certainly would not blame her, but he did not want that. If ever she shrank away from him as she'd tried to do from that contemptible worm earlier, he thought his heart may shatter irreparably.

So, with the most soothing tone he could muster - one he'd not used in over an Age - he placed a gentle kiss upon her brow and spoke.

"You are safe with me, híril vuin. None shall raise a hand to you again." Carefully, he pulled the edge of the blanket away just far enough to see the small trail of dried blood from where she'd been cut. Regret was as foul upon his tongue as bile.

He should have found them sooner. Moving away only long enough to fetch a pitcher of water and a cloth, Adar sat close to her upon his return. He began to wipe her skin clean in slow, careful strokes, murmuring quiet, earnest praise for how brave she'd been and for trusting him to help her.

She rested her cheek upon his shoulder as he set the cloth aside, prompting him instinctively to wrap his arms around her and brace his chin atop her head.

"Thank you, my lord," she breathed, and he was acutely aware of his own heart racing in his chest. Could she hear its rhythm even with the chestplate of his armor in the way?

As he began to tell her that he'd done no more than his duty, the door to her shelter opened, revealing the three other ladies who shared the small space with her. Adar grated at the interruption, despite their low curtsies as soon as they caught sight of him holding his lady in his arms.

"Sleep elsewhere tonight," he ordered them, and once they'd departed, he let out a tense breath. Speaking then to his lady, he softened his tone once more. "Tomorrow, I shall have you moved to chambers befitting one of your station."

She blinked beautifully up at him, dampness clinging to her lashes like dewdrops in the early morn.

"'My station,' my lord?"

A slow smile stretched his lips.

"Indeed. If you are to serve at the right hand of the Lord of Mordor, you cannot be seen huddling in the corner of a ruined shack."

Her eyes went wide, and her lips parted in a near-silent gasp.

"A-At your right hand?"

He nodded his head in confirmation.

"Assuming that such a thought appeals to you, of course," he said, but the smile that lit up her face told him all that he needed to know about her enthusiasm.

--

The next morning, I awoke wrapped in Lord Adar's arms and the blanket he'd given me. I should've felt embarrassment, but I could muster no more than a groggy sense that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

As soon as we managed to peel ourselves from the ground, we gathered my meager possessions, and Adar led me to the tavern. He had ruled from there since day one, but I hadn't been aware until that moment that he'd been living there as well. I supposed that his choice made sense. The upper level was where the owner used to live, having the benefit of a bedroom and a small bathing room complete with a claw-foot tub.

"Unless you object, we shall be sharing the bedroom," he explained as we climbed the creaky wooden staircase. "I'm afraid that there was little more than a musty mattress here to begin with, so I'll have a second bedroll brought up today. If there is anything you require once you have settled in, please do not hesitate to tell me."

"Thank you, my lord," I replied, and as I set myself up on one side of the room directly across from his own sleeping area, one of his children called him away to handle a conflict on the other side of the camp.

Late that night, I walked into the small communal area where Lord Adar sat by the fire, gazing into its depths as if it held the answers to all of his questions. Not wishing to disturb his thoughts, I began to move away, but a quiet call of my name in that deliciously raspy voice of his froze me in place.

"Is everything to your satisfaction, my lady?" He called, and I turned to find his gaze already fixed on me.

"Yes, my lord," I murmured, "thank you for allowing me to stay here."

"The pleasure is mine. Come, warm yourself by the fire," he offered, and I dropped to my knees on the furs beside him. We sat in companionable silence for a while with only the crackling of the fire in the grate reaching our ears. "Something troubles you, does it not?"

I nodded my head and he tilted his own beside me.

"Tell me." Despite his soft tone, the command made me bite my lip.

"I...My lord, given the new position with which you have honored me, I believe it..." I stumbled over the words, eventually taking a deep breath to compose myself. "Would it not be inappropriate for me to continue in this particular role without having sworn my loyalty to you?"

The question came out in a breathless rush, but Adar either did not notice over the hissing of the fire or he was too polite to comment upon it.

"So far as all the others are concerned, you did so before we ever took your village." His eyes skimmed the length of my face as he spoke. "As you will recall, I promised you that I would not force you to do so."

"And you have kept to your word," I began. "I have not felt coerced. I offer my loyalty to you freely."

Adar sat up straighter and drew in a sharp breath.

"You only need do so if you truly wish for us to be bound," he said placing his hand softly atop mine where it rested amongst the furs. His eyes searched mine as if trying to determine whether I was serious.

"I'm certain, my lord," I said, and he, apparently finding what he was looking for, gave a solemn nod of his head.

"Very well. As with your kin, Black Speech is not a language known to you, thus I will not require your vow in that tongue," he murmured, and I couldn't stop the question that fell from my lips.

"Would it be possible to learn at some point?"

Adar smiled, a mix of pride and surprise playing across his features in the glowing, flickering light of the fire.

"I shall teach you personally, híril vuin," he promised, and his expression became more serious. "Have you ever sworn loyalty to another?"

"No, my lord."

"Do you recall the words being spoken during the oaths of fealty given by your people?"

"Yes, my lord." I bowed my head, intending to show my respect in that manner, but warm, gentle fingers grasped my chin and lifted my head back up. Adar's gaze met my own, and unless the firelight was deceiving me, I saw a soft sort of affection swimming in his eyes as he looked at me.

"Before all else, I wish you to swear that you will never bow to me unless I explicitly give you the order to do so," he rasped as his thumb brushed over my lower lip.

"I swear it, my lord. I will not bow to you unless you give me the order to do so." Having extracted that promise, he seemed satisfied to allow me to continue as I had been. His fingers fell away from my chin only to grasp my own and lay them atop his chest where beneath his heart lay beating. "I hereby swear my allegiance to you, Adar, Lord-Father of the Uruks, founder of the land of Mordor...and protector of mortal children silly enough to wander the forest alone. This I pledge from now until the last breath leaves my body."

Adar listened with something akin to wonder in his eyes, and when I finished, his gaze strayed down to my lips. But...something seemed off.

"Is...something amiss, my lord? I could always use different words, if you prefer...?"

He shook his head quietly.

"There was no fault in your diction."

"Then...what troubles you?" I asked, unconsciously repeating his own words from earlier. He shifted before me, as if he was bothered by what he was about to say. Regretful, perhaps?

"An oath means little on its own," Adar murmured unsheathing a small knife that he'd apparently concealed upon his person. "Only blood can bind."

Whose blood did he mean? Did he want me to use it on myself? Did he wish to use it on me? Or did he want me to use it on us both?

An idea struck me, and I grasped my necklace in the palm of my left hand. Carefully, I set his knife aside, guiding his gauntlet-covered hand over mine. Looking into his eyes, I felt the unyielding metal dig into the soft skin of my hand. Without warning, I squeezed his hand, which in turn forced the sharp, ancient metal deep enough into my skin to draw blood. As comprehension dawned in his eyes, his pupils dilated, and something resembling hunger turned his gaze into a blazing flame boring into me.

His hand released mine long enough for the pendant to fall from my grasp, and when he turned my palm upwards, twin gashes welled with blood. Swallowing heavily, Adar lifted my hand, and as his lips met crimson, his eyes sought mine.

A gasp tumbled from my throat as his tongue lapped slowly at my skin, just barely grazing the inner edges of the two weeping cuts. It stung, of course, but the pain combined with such a ravenous stare from the Uruk lord sent a wave of heat rushing between my legs.

A breathy, wanton whimper escaped me, and in a blink, I found myself on my back atop the furs with my lord straddling my hips. He pressed my bleeding palm against his cheek, and, bracing his free hand on the floor beside my head, Adar placed a line of fiery kisses along the column of my throat from hollow to chin with his blood-drenched lips.

I'd wanted him to look at me like this, to touch me and desire me like this, from the moment we were reunited, and now that he was, it was as though my very soul had been lit aflame. I wanted everything he wished to give me, and then some.

Before his mouth had the chance to claim mine, however, there was a rough knock on the door. Adar pulled back a few inches, and we stared into each other's eyes, panting together as reality sank back in and a second knock sounded.

"I think you ought to retire for the night, my lady," he rasped laying a final kiss upon my palm before getting to his feet. My blood was a dark red streak upon his face, but he seemed not to care. He called for whoever was at the door to wait a moment, taking the time to help me to my feet and bidding me goodnight before seeing to our caller. His lips were still the deep red shade of the life flowing through my mortal veins.

I hurried up the stairs to our shared sleeping space before I could see who'd interrupted us. With a quick glance into the cracked fragment of a mirror stowed in the corner of the room, I saw a sloppy, red trail where Adar's lips had been.

I didn't bother to clean it off before I crawled into my bedroll, choosing instead to slip my fingers beneath my smallclothes as I recalled the feeling of him doing as he wished with me. With a broken, muffled whine of his name against my blanket, I found completion, but a part of me wondered how much more satisfying it would have been had his fingers been in place of mine.

--

The next fortnight felt as though it was a specialized form of torture. Adar seemed to be called away by a never-ending series of problems that required solutions. Often his day began earlier than I awoke and ended long after I'd retired to bed. Ensuring I'd completed every task he'd left for me was the least I could do considering how busy his own position kept him.

Occasionally, we did still manage to sneak a meal or a short conversation with one another, but we had yet to discuss what had happened the night I pledged myself to him. Almost every night, the memory of the hunger in his eyes drove me to desperation, haunting my dreams and forcing me to muffle my cries as I tended to my own burning desire.

One of the few times he returned before I fell asleep, I'd just whimpered his name into my pillow. As he ascended the staircase, I heard his footsteps, and I tried to muffle my shame as it was too late to stop entirely. The fear of discovery lanced through me as I heard him approach the door. I tried to steady my breathing, and hoped that in the low lighting, he would not notice how disheveled I looked.

Either I was successful, or he was in a sadistic mood, because he sidled over to his own bedroll and began stripping down. I'd seen him without the armor before, but when he shucked off his upper garments, the sight of his scarred, toned torso was enough to make me bite my tongue to stifle a gasp.

The outline of his masculinity in his trousers as he laid his clothing in a neat pile sent a fresh wave of wetness soaking my inner thighs. Oh, how was I meant to sleep after seeing...that?

Adar laid down, and just when I thought he'd fallen asleep, his voice broke through the silence.

"Sweet dreams, my lady." I could hear the teasing smile in his voice.

Oh. My cheeks burned at the realization that he'd likely heard me.

"...Good night, my lord," I murmured, hating how shaky I sounded.

--

Spring changed very few things in Mordor, save the temperatures, yet with each passing day, Adar's lady seemed to smile just a little wider.

He wanted to give her more reasons to do so, however. It was not enough that they had been living in close quarters since that night in her shelter. It was not enough that he'd made her smile and laugh before. Adar needed to do it again.

But more than that, he needed to hear those things which it was not at all civilized to consider. It was not enough that he had tasted her blood and her skin and her racing pulse. He'd heard her make beautiful, pleasure-filled sounds when she thought he was out of earshot or asleep. But it was never enough. He needed to hear her moan his name, to see her arch her back beneath him in the throes of ecstasy. He needed her.

Teasing her had been as much a torture for him as it likely was for her. Adar had become addicted to pain in one form or another over the millennia, and the mental strain of denying himself the pleasure of her touch was not unfamiliar, but it was forcing him to a breaking point, nonetheless. He knew that he would likely snap as he had when she'd sworn him her loyalty. That rush had been like a dam releasing an unstoppable flood, his hunger turning him into a ravenous beast.

She hadn't minded, as he thought she might. She'd enjoyed it. The sight of her lying beneath him panting as her blood practically dripped from his lips made him achingly hard each time he dwelled upon the memory for too long.

Still, she deserved better. Better than him, better than a moment of animalistic need. He found himself wondering about how best to give her all of himself.

Adar supposed that was how he'd ended up in the doorway of the small bathing room. The claw-footed tub was filled with steaming water as he'd ordered, and relaxing within it was his lady. She'd deserved a moment of peace after having completed every single task he'd given her with such dedication. It was a small reward, hardly as much as she deserved, but at the moment, it was all he could give.

He tried not to allow his gaze to drop beneath the water's surface, but his restraint was weak after the last two weeks of self-imposed denial. Truly, he intended merely to check that she was well, but the temptation of seeing her soft skin dripping with hot water was too great. The Lord of Mordor lingered in the doorway just long enough to feel his lower garments grow tight, and for her eyes to meet his as his lust clawed at his restraint.

As a moth drawn to a flame, he found himself walking slowly into the room, summoned by her curious gaze. The hot water reached her collarbones, and Adar felt the urge rising within him to claim her.

He knelt beside the tub, his face mere inches from her own, and removed his armor, gauntlet and all. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, and dipped a washcloth into the hot water. The back of his hand brushed against the swell of her breast, and they both let out quiet gasps.

Still, Adar refused to look down into the depths of the sage blossom oil scented water. Wringing the washcloth out until it was just wet enough for him to clean his face, he began to do so, only for his lady to take it from his hands. With her breasts pressed up against the side of the tub, her soft, gentle fingers held his head in place as she carefully wiped away the grime.

Without a word, he turned his head and kissed her palm where twin scars were already forming. Adar would've preferred that she spill his own blood - that was what he'd originally intended - but since she'd chosen that pain, the least he could do was show the proper amount of reverence for her actions.

"Is there anything you need, Adar?" Her voice was shaky and breathless as it so often was when he caught her off-guard.

"No. This night is for you. Relax as long as you wish," he murmured, but as he stood to leave her in peace, he noted that she tried valiantly to hide her disappointment. Without turning back - if he did, he might do something impulsive - he called over his shoulder, "Patience, my lady, and you shall have all that you desire."

His hardness did not abate until long after they'd settled into their bedrolls and her breathing had evened out in the serenity of sleep.

Adar could not wait much longer. Her sweetness was as a siren's call to him.

Thus, his plan began to form. Once the spring was fully upon them, he approached her as he often did for conversation.

"My lady, I wonder if you might spare me a moment of your time?" He asked, and she smiled joyfully up at him - truly, that should not have made his heart stutter the way it did.

"Of course, my lord. You may have as much of my time as you desire," she replied, and oh, she had no idea what she was offering!

"Do you enjoy riding horses?"

She tilted her head curiously, but the way her smile widened had him mentally congratulating himself for selecting this particular tactic.

"I do, though, it has been quite some time since I've had the opportunity."

"Come," he urged offering her his hand. She didn't hesitate to take it. The feeling of her touch would be seared into his mind for as long as he lived. Drawing her close, he lowered his voice to a whisper. "I intend to steal you away."

Her lips parted in surprise, and just as he was about to apologize for his forthrightness, she squeezed his fingers in hers.

"I could not hope to be stolen by any more worthy." His breath hitched in his chest, and he tamped down the temptation to skip his plan entirely and take her atop his own sleeping furs. No. He'd been alive since before the waking of the world. He could wait a little longer.

"Then, maybe I should play the part...?" Adar suggested with a mischievous smirk. Before she could ask what he meant, he lifted her by the waist, tossed her over his shoulder - an action which tugged a surprised shriek from her lips - and carried her to his horse that way.

"My lord!"

"My lady!" He called back in answer as he felt her gentle, mortal hands lay across the back of his armor. Surely she knew he would never drop her?

Soon, he placed her atop his mount, and she giggled breathlessly at the situation. Her mussed hair and bright eyes lit a spark within his heart, and lower, not that he would admit it to any, save her. Swinging up easily, he settled in behind her, grasping the horse's reins in one hand and bracing the other over the softness of her diaphragm. As close as they were, he was in the perfect position to whisper in her ear.

"Fear not, my lady," he breathed, "you shan't fall."

One of her hands covered his, and he urged their horse forward. For nearly two hours they rode, crossing from ashen, desolate terrain into the gentle rolling grasses of the land beyond Mordor's fiery shadow.

The rhythmic roll of her hips against his became almost hypnotic. The Lord of Mordor he might be, but his restraint was still utterly devastated by her. They dismounted when they reached a meadow peppered with small saplings.

Tying their horse's reins to a sturdy one, Adar offered his lady his hand. The sun was just beginning to glow a gentle orange. It would set soon, and he greatly desired to see his lady bathed in starlight.

"It is no secret that I favor you, my lady," Adar began as they wandered leisurely amongst the blooming flowers, and that was the closest he'd ever come to an admission...to a confession of that nature. "Even the Uruks farthest from the center of our camp know that I...that you are under my protection."

"Indeed. I would say that is true," she agreed, clearly not certain at what point he was driving with his rambling. "I am honored beyond words to have your favor and protection, my lord–"

"Adar. Here - anywhere away from prying eyes and unwelcome ears - you may call me Adar," he corrected gently, and her fingers squeezed his in gratitude. "I brought you here today, because I wish to ask for your counsel."

"You shall always have it, Adar," she assured, "though, I am not certain what advice I could provide that would be wiser than your own. I have very little experience with war and strategy."

He stopped walking and turned to face her - a mistake, because she was almost ethereally encompassed by the warmth of the sunset. He swallowed heavily to recover his voice.

"It is not war about which I require your thoughts," he began, bringing her hand to his ruined lips. "I have lived in shadow for so long, yet recently I have found myself prey to a feeling which I have not experienced in many Ages."

She tilted her head curiously.

"What might that be?"

Adar reached gently toward her with his free hand, cupping her cheek.

"Love," he rasped, looking into her eyes, hoping she would catch the meaning within his words. Admitting that a horrid creature like him had fallen head over heels for a beautiful being like her was tantamount to sacrilege. Yet...in several instances, he believed that he'd seen his own affection reflected in her eyes. Indeed, the moans he'd heard from her would seem to indicate that she desired him.

But it was too much to hope that she could love him. He was certain she desired him, but...love? Could a Human woman truly love an Uruk when the rest of her kind looked down on them in scorn and disgust? Had he been a fool to bring her here?

She stepped closer to him, looking up into his eyes–

Her expression stole his breath. He had not hung the stars in the sky, nor had he wrought treasures like the Silmarils. He had not created even a single thing of beauty. All he'd done was try to give his children a home.

And yet...she looked at him as though he was more worthy of praise than the most virtuous of kings, the most honorable of knights, and the most devoted of husbands. Could it be possible?

Could she...?

"I am afraid that I have little experience with love, Adar, but I will help if I can." As afraid as he might be of losing her, he must speak now or lose her forever.

"In your opinion, who is worthy of love?" He asked, and she let out a small huff of laughter, as if the question was a foolish one. "Have I said something amusing?"

"A bit," she admitted, but she was quick to place her free hand over his heart, "but not in the way you might think. Everyone is worthy of love, even - and, perhaps, most especially - the Lord-Father of the Uruks."

Was he truly so transparent that she could see his fears so easily? Or had she managed to worm her way so far into his heart without his knowledge that it was already a bosom companion to her own?

"...And you have it." His eyes snapped back up to hers - when had he looked away? His hunger and adoration for her rose up in a great wave, consuming him from the inside as he wove his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck and drew her into a passionate kiss.

He'd dreamed of having her pressed up against him, of drinking her pleasure from her lips.

She moaned into Adar's mouth, and he was struck by the realization that she was so much better than any phantom images that his imagination could conjure. He dragged his lips and teeth to the corner of her jaw, and spoke in a hoarse, rasping whisper.

"I need you as I need air, meleth-nin." He grasped her waist as her arms drew him ever closer. "You steal my breath, yet without you I cannot breathe. Have mercy...Have mercy upon your most devoted servant..."

As the orange sky bled pink, his lips trailed down her neck, savoring those places which had driven him to the edge of madness when he sampled her before the fire. His name escaped her lips on the back of a desperate whine.

"What do you need? Tell me," Adar breathed, and she tilted her head to offer him more of her neck.

"Take me, touch me, please! I'll be good, so good, only for you," she begged, and the sound went straight to the stiffening length between his legs. He would love nothing more than to have her beg for him all night, but this time she would have no need to. Tonight, the beginning of their time as one, he would fulfill her every desire with a minimum of teasing. He'd done too much of that of late.

Her fingers dove into his hair, and a moan poured from his throat, rumbling against her pretty skin.

"Is that what you want? Do you wish to be a good girl for me?" She released a varied stream of yeses and pleas for him to do as he wished with her, and he acceded to her request with a kiss, quelling any doubt she may have had that he would do this for her. He would do anything for her, even unto the destruction of Middle Earth. "Do you wish to be mine?"

"Yes!" Her answer was akin to a desperate sob, and he wasted no time, immediately indulging her.

Tugging his cloak from his armor, Adar spread it over the grass. He would not have her dress covered in stains, nor grass blades stuck to her skin. The cloth created a sharp contrast - an onyx patch amidst a sea of pinks, purples, reds, and yellows - the dark to the meadow's light, just as she was the light to his darkness. She completed him, enthralled him, drove him mad, and tonight he would show her just how much.

She went for the ties fastening her dress, but he caught her hands in his and took over. She was a gift more precious than anything which the Valar could bestow upon their servants, and he would unwrap her accordingly.

As the laces binding the back of her dress fell away one at a time, Adar explored his lover's mouth with all the tenderness and gentleness that his cruel, twisted body could muster. He hadn't even realized that her tricky little fingers had begun to fiddle with his armor until his breastplate fell away.

In a flurry of discarded garments, they were each revealed to the other in all their beauty and all their flaws. Their shared vulnerability stilled their hands for an anxious moment, but only for a moment.

Adar's breath hitched in his chest when the soft lips he'd tasted mere seconds before connected with the scarred flesh over his heart. He'd expected pity, fear, regret - not reverence. Instead, as she looked up at him, he saw nothing but sincerity in her expression.

"You are gorgeous," she said, as though she could not tell that he had but one part of his body which was untouched by scars.

...As though she meant it. He realized with a sharp intake of breath that she did. She grasped his hands and they sank onto his cloak together, she on her back and he kneeling between her legs. His interest jutted toward her, but he could not find it within himself to be ashamed, not when he was with her. Not when a piece of his armor hung on a chain around her neck, resting comfortably above her breast.

"There is no beauty finer in this world than yours."

Spread nude before him over his cloak, Adar's lady looked up at him with an adoration he had not believed possible. Not when directed at an Uruk such as he. His lips met hers once more, but this time, he forced himself to be much more controlled. He wanted her, yes, but he also wanted her to know that she had his love.

Kissing his way steadily down her body, the Lord-Father of the Uruks had no doubt that he must look as hungry for her as he felt. Practically feral with pent-up desire, he needed her writhing on his tongue. His hands trembled with the effort it took to slow his movements, to take his time.

Abruptly, as his eyes met hers from between her legs, he realized that she very much had the capacity to destroy him. With a single declaration of hatred or a look of disgust, she could easily take his stone heart and pulverize it into powder.

How easily could she shred beyond repair what little remained of his soul!

Not even Morgoth had been able to do that. This mortal woman, this sweet, brave lady had no idea of the power that she possessed. The smart thing to do - the strategically wise path - would have been to kill her then and there while she lay vulnerable and trusting before him, begging for one more touch, one more kiss, one more moan, one more scrap of his attention.

Instead, he picked up his discarded gauntlet and slid her much smaller hand inside it. The clasps were quick work, and though she looked confused at first, once he lifted her thighs over his shoulders and guided her hand to his hair, understanding dawned in her eyes. She understood. He wanted her to feel powerful. She was his equal and she deserved to know it.

Even with sharp, unyielding metal covering her fingertips, they scraped so gently over his scalp as he lost himself in the flood between her thighs. She moaned and whimpered, squirming in his hold, but through it all, she never once hurt him.

Adar knew that she wouldn't. Even as she cried out his name for all the world to hear, drenching his tongue and chin, her grip in his hair was careful. Her thighs tensed in his grasp, squeezing his head in an intoxicating vice. Groaning and snarling against her sensitive folds, he couldn't bring himself to pull away until she was shaking in the midst of over-sensitivity.

"Adar, please," she breathed as he moved up her body. Hunger raged and burned in his eyes - he could deny himself no longer. Grasping her wrists, he pinned them easily above her head as he claimed her lips. His tongue delved into the softness of her mouth, taking with it the lingering taste of her.

Her legs wrapped around his hips, drawing him close enough for his tip to catch on her entrance. With synchronized groans, he pressed inside of her, joining their bodies together as one.

Profane language not meant for the ears of such a creature as her spilled from his throat in a guttural stream of Black Speech. Dipping his head, Adar moaned against her breast and surged forward, drawing a sinful mewl from deep within her throat.

"You have me. You take me so well," he praised in a raspy whisper, nibbling at her earlobe as he thrust into her slowly. Gradually, she stripped him of his sense and control, tugging from within him a steady flow of praise and filth in Elvish and Black Speech - promises to treasure her for the rest of his days, to protect her, and to draw from her so many screams each night that all of Mordor would be unable to deny his claim over her.

When she managed to roll her hips beneath him to meet his thrusts, begging him to use her, to ruin her, what could he do but grant his lady's wish?

In a quick movement, he'd repositioned them both so that she was astride his hips. Pulling her arms behind her back and tugging slightly so that her chest was pushed toward him, Adar looked into her eyes.

"If you wish your lord to use you, then move those hips," he ordered. Leaning in, he brushed a few strands of her hair behind her ear and whispered a bit more gently to her. "Ride me, meleth. Show me that I have you."

She obeyed him instantly, finding a steady rhythm which, aided by his fingers toying with her clit, would have her tipping over the edge in mere moments. Indeed, her hips soon stuttered, and he gripped the back of her neck, forcing her eyes to meet his.

"Do not look away. Look at the pleasure I can give you," he commanded, and as she nodded frantically, beginning to fall apart, he felt his heart stutter in his chest. "Yes, look upon the Uruk who loves you."

At that, she sobbed and collided firmly with her orgasm. She fluttered around his length, calling his name in lovelorn whimpers and gasps.

Who needed Valinor when she was its very embodiment?

He released her wrists, and she threw her arms around his neck, claiming his lips with her own. His hands slid down her back, landing squarely on her hips. Holding her steady, Adar thrust up into her, making her yelp in surprise. He needed very little now; he was close.

"Where do you wish me?" Adar breathed against her lips, and he could feel the heat burning her cheeks.

"Inside," she answered hiding her face against his neck, and he moaned against her shoulder. Her name tore from him in an almost pained whine as he spilled within her. He clutched her to him so tightly that he'd undoubtedly left bruises in his wake, but he would kiss them all in apology when they'd caught their breath.

Neither seemed eager to release the other, so in their embrace they remained exploring one another with gentle fingers and loving lips until long after the moon had risen and stars had winked their way into the sky. When he dared to lean back far enough to look into her eyes, Adar was met with love bathed in glittering starlight.

He wondered if he'd hurt her, but the smile stretching her lips said otherwise. The armor piece that she'd made into a necklace still rested upon the smooth expanse of her chest - a perfect accompaniment to his gauntlet upon her arm.

The ride back to camp seemed too short by far, but their bedrolls - which would soon be joined into one - called out to them so sweetly. Adar was used to the bows and deference he received from his children, but he knew in his heart that his decision had been right when upon their return he heard the Uruks repeating a particular phrase as they passed.

His lover had heard part of it before, but now there were a few more words to it.

"What is that they keep saying?" She whispered the question to him, and he couldn't keep himself from smiling proudly. "It sounds familiar, but different."

"'Tis Black Speech. They are saying 'make way for the Lord and Lady of Mordor,'" he answered kissing her temple as they approached their home.

~*~*~

Taglist:

@bigblissandlove1 @horta-in-charge @gandalfthepimp

[gay-dorito-dust]

Do you think you could write some hcs about HSR men comforting reader who woke up from a nightmare?

Bonus if the source of the nightmare was Silver Wolf telling scary stories.

Argenti

Would immediately wake up the moment he senses that your sleep was being disturbed.

‘My sweet, what’s troubling you?’ He’d ask you, his eyes shone with concern.

‘Just got spooked by the story Silver Wolf told last night.’ You tell him.

‘Aww my beloved rose.’ He coos softly.

‘I know it’s stupid.’ You scoffed.

‘Oh no, not at all.’ He replied as he scooted himself closer to you and brought his hands up to hold your face and used his finger pads to caress your skin soothingly.

‘It’s okay to be scared for it is a reaction shared amongst all beings, but you should never feel such a way when I’m here to keep you safe.’ Argenti said as he presses his forehead to yours and began to hum a sweet, tender melody that swiftly had you drifting off back sleep within seconds.

‘Goodnight my beloved rose.’ He whispered after performing his song, pressing a kiss to your forehand and followed you in the dream realm where he could continue protecting you.

Welt

When Welt saw you had woken yourself from a nightmare and were obviously still reeling from the effects, he would wordlessly bring you into his arms slowly enough as not to frighten you and have you rest your head against his chest.

‘Are you comfortable in telling me what happened?’ He asks barely above a whisper.

‘It’s stupid.’ You replied, voice muffled from the way your face was pressed against his chest.

‘Not if it’s got you frightened this badly.’ He says against your head, his hands rubbing up and down your back soothingly.

‘It was the story Silver Wolf told last night.’ You finally tell him after debating on it for a bit.

‘It was truly a well put together story,’ Welt began as he recalled the events of last night and how tense you were the entire time, ‘I must admit I was slightly taken aback at times.’

You raised your head from his chest to look him in his warm eyes. ‘You were scared too?’ You asked.

‘Kind of.’ Welt chuckles as he brought your head back to his chest and press several kisses to your forehead. ‘Now if I’m allowed, I would like to tell you a story of my own. I must preference this beforehand that it’s not a well written one, but I hope it brings you comfort regardless.’

‘Please.’ You pleaded as you burrowed yourself further against his chest, practically clinging on to him. ‘Anything you say is better than nothing.’ You added.

‘Very well then.’ Welt cleared his throat. ‘There once was a young lady with vibrantly pink hair who had an…habit of wandering into places she probably shouldn’t have. This is merely one story out of many, many, many others…’

Blade

Is an extremely light sleeper, so any movement you made was picked up almost immeditly and he was more than ready to grab his sword when he felt your breath hitch in your throat.

He genuinely thought you were in danger, only to find out you had just woken up from a nightmare.

‘What’s wrong.’ He’d ask gruffly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

‘Nothing.’ You replied.

‘Bullshit.’ He scoffs.

‘Fine it was the scary story Silver Wolf told.’ You admitted and Blade raised a brow.

‘You do know none of it’s real right?’ He then asks while biting back a yawn.

‘Yeah no shit but that doesn’t stop the fact that it really freaked me the fuck out.’ You told him as you looked away from him, knowing you weren’t going to get much comfort out of him, seeing as how he’s never known a day of it.

Blade sighed when you showed him your back, knowing you were expecting to be comforted, as he then shuffles himself behind you and puts his arms over your waist all the while caging you against his chest.

‘Nothings going to get you, I won’t allow it.’ He reminds you as he burrows his face into your neck. ‘So there’s no need to be afraid when I’m here and am willing to put body on the line if it meant you sleeping soundly. What’s a few new scars compared to the old.’ He adds as he kept his eyes locked onto the door to the bedroom for a while, just long enough for you to comfortably go back to sleep before following soon after.

[lorelune]

(a continuation of this piece)

"i was surprised that you were late today."

jing yuan says halfway through lunch. he speaks over the rim of his teacup. his lips are curled in an easy, gentle smile. his shoulders are relaxed, posture slack as he leans against his own bent leg.

he's barely touched his meal.

(you have a full bowl as well.)

"i got caught up with work." a lie. a blatant one. you're never late for lunches, and you always let jing yuan know if you even have an inkling of being a few minutes past your appointed time. you're careful about it. meticulous.

your visit to blade has made you careless. dulled you with a grief that is eating you alive.

jing yuan hums thoughtfully. you hope he won't press this. he's-- he's an unusually calm character when he wants to be. you're his lover-- dutifully, horribly reliable and loyal. he has no reason to doubt you.

(except, you'd spent the first half of the day in the shackling prison with its beau acratic hoops and horrors, all to see yingxing. to be heartbroken all over again.)

you thought it would bring you some closure. in retrospect, this was more wishful thinking. all its left you with is an hot, branding ache in your chest. a wound ripped open anew. it had already scarred over, albeit imperfectly healed.

(jing yuan never minded this. he could tell he carried things with you, he'd both told and shown you this. and truthfully, how could you not? being undying does not lend itself to happiness. it lends itself to an accumulation of sin that cannot be undone. cannot be lessened.)

"dear?" jing yuan asks, voice mirthful and sweet. "are you with me?"

"yes." you force yourself present. you hope your eyes aren't too puffy. "i am distracted. what did you say?"

"i asked you what kept you at work." jing yuan asks, so easy. so kind. "if lady fu is working you to hard, i am happy to arrange a few days off for you. is a vacation in order?"

"no, it's alright." you rush, stumble over your words. "i should've planned better is all. how is your lunch?"

jing yuan rests his chin on his palm, "i'm not very hungry today. i apologize, dearest."

"you don't need to apologize. it happens." you assure him. "i'll make you a meal tomorrow. just let me know what you're in the mood for."

"you spoil me."

"i simply treat you well." you tell him. you're grateful you're able to. that the general lets you close enough to cook for him and feed him morsels and lounge on his personal terrace in the artificial sun each day during noontime.

"you do." jing yuan says softly. reverent. he gets like this sometimes. moony and a little dumb about it. so genuine and earnest it breaks you.

(it makes your lie feel that much more sour.)

jing yuan opens his mouth to say more, but promptly redirects as yanqing arrives, swords floating around his back. he and the general talk, carouse for a moment. yanqing has had yet another day of sparring. that's good. that's nice.

(yingxing doesn't remember you. only you are burdened with this memory. will this feeling eat you alive? it's-- it feels worse than it did when you were younger. more naive. when things fell apart and you were burdened with standing by and watching the world you loved so much, with the people you loved so much fall apart. even jing yuan was away, making a name for himself. proving his worth.)

(you alone bear this.)

your chest aches.

jing yuan is at your side. you hadn't noticed him approach you so directly.

"dearest, walk with me?" jing yuan asks and offers you a hand to help you stand. yanqing is already tucking into his meal, waving goodbye.

the terrace is wide, and high above the rest of the luofu's structure. it's lush with plants. vining fruits, plump and ready to be picked curl along its railing. flowers bloom wide and bright.

(you wish you could focus on the beauty of it. how kind a place this is. how fortunate you are to have made it this far.)

"you're distracted today." jing yuan says, guiding you to a bench. his hand lays warm and firm on your shoulder. "are you sure the divination commission is giving you trouble?"

(no, the mutual past lover you both share is layers below you in the shackling prison. radiating an energy that feels astral and unholy. the kindness purged from him. yingxing really is dead, isn't he?)

"no, i promise." you give him a half-truth and a smile that you hope isn't as withered as you fear it is.

jing yuan looks pleasantly neutral. perhaps, if you were some foreign diplomatic or tourist you'd be charmed by such expression. the arbiter general of the luofu is known to be ruthless in battle with a lovely personal disposition. perhaps you'd see this moment as a reflection of that rumor.

you know, however, that in this moment jing yuan is frustrated. he will not treat you with the same firmness that he does his retainer or his subordinates, but you know the feeling is, perhaps, the same.

jing yuan doesn't like when you withhold information. he has always vocally appreciated your candor, with a sweet honesty that's disarming as it comes from a man who speaks in half-truths so frequently.

and now, you lie to him. your jaw is locked and your eyes still feel scratchy and swollen from your tears.

jing yuan begins to speak and you cut him off. grab his hand with a squeeze and pull yourself into his side.

"do you remember when you broke the first blade that yingxing made for you?" you ask.

jing yuan goes still for a moment. just a second of hesitation but you catch it. the feeling melts away as he laughs, tinged with melancholy. "i do. he was furious with me. and you had to collect new ore off-ship for a month for him to craft a replacement."

"i did." you whine with a laugh. "it was miserable. 'roid mining is awful. i was cleaning astradust from under my fingernails for weeks when i got back."

"but, you came back with the ore regardless."

"yes, and i never did again. no matter how much yingxing tried to bribe me."

"you were too busy entertaining the young lady fu to be his errand boy. i remember well."

"i probably could've made the time." you tell him. he knows this already. "i just didn't want to be away. i would've missed you both too much."

"is that why you so graciously eat with me each day?"

"i do that because i love you." you squeeze his hand. "and i enjoy your company. and want to be near you."

(you want to hold him until the last moment, however that takes shape.)

jing yuan hums. he fits you so your cheek presses against his collarbone, and his chin rests on the top of your hand. his arms wrap around your middle, squeezing and rubbing his thumbs over you. he holds you tightly to him.

"the feeling is mutual." jing yuan tells you, soft in a hushed voice only you get to hear.

you bear your weight into him. he catches you easily. holds you until yanqing calls for you both to stop being so 'gross' and to 'rate his form' on a new maneuveur he's been practicing.

jing yuan leads you once more, never fully pulling away from you. a hand on your waist, a palm over the small of your back. he puts you in his lap the moment yanqing excuses himself to flit about.

"you need to get back to the divination commission soon, don't you?" jing yuan asks, probing.

"i took the day off."

"you did, now?" jing yuan has already seen through you. this you know.

"yes." you tell him.

(you want to tell him more. you want to scream and beat the ground. perhaps you willl, later, in the privacy of your shared home.)

for now, you satiate the ache with the truth.

"i saw blade earlier. that's why i was late."

jing yuan squeezes you. it almost hurts as he curls over you.

"and?" jing yuan asks. there's a weakness in his voice that you seldom hear. "are you satisfied?"

"hardly." you tell him, turning his arms to wrap your legs around his waist. to drag him closer until your chest to chest and can hear the steady heartbeat thumping under his sternum. "i don't think i ever will be. i miss him too much. he's just gone."

"i know."

"it's awful, isn't it?"

"it simply is." jing yuan says. this is his way-- the way he has kept himself from being eaten alive by mara. you cannot be cannibalized by the thriving rot if you simply choose to let go of the awful, terrible things that would cleave another person in two. he look at the objective rationality of each situation-- this is why he is the longest-lived general. this is why he is a brilliant strategist, and a soft, grounding lover.

because, he reminds you that yingxing is dead, and any fondness you carry for the man known as blade is misplaced.

"do you not miss him?"

"of course." jing yuan kisses your temple. holds you tightly lest you plunge into the ground or float into the sky. "that does not change things though, does it?"

hope is a twisted thing, you think. in this instance, it's better to kill it. whatever mission yingxing-- no, blade has set out to complete should not concern you. there are greater crises. worse ills.

kinder realities that lay in front of you. at your feet. in your arms.

you nose into jing yuan's jaw. each shuddering breath he gives you, you savor. there's no use clinging, is there? but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy each moment you have with him. you'll be at his side until the divinations carve that that will no longer be possible. you will reminisce, however painful-- but aeons, you must refuse to let your past burden you.

so, you hold jing yuan like a lover does. cup his cheeks and kiss him until he's groaning against your lips, grinding you in his lap. he nips at your lips with a laugh as he pulls you flush to him. closer, closer, closer--

you will hold this in your cupped palms, as long as fate allows. perhaps, you both have earned that much.

[luckydii]

A Delicious Feast

(Chapter 4)

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

❀

Rengoku rescues you from an unexpected attack. You repay him by making delicious meals that he gladly devours.

Later on, the man starts craving something else rather than your food.

❀

"The food smells delicious!" Mitsuri explained as she held the bento box close to her nose. "I know little Sukoshi made an effort on my plate." The small boy was absolutely adorable in her eyes. The relationship he had with you made her want something she's never thought about. Having kids.

"That boy really is something." Kyojuro chuckled. The conversation he had with Sukoshi kept replaying in his head. Marriage was a topic he would usually avoid, so it was definitely surprising when a nine-year-old decided to bring it up to him. Being a Hashira kept him away from getting into a relationship. Slaying demons at night, and recovering health in the day didn't give him enough time to socialize outside of the Demon Slayer Corps. He knew he wanted to start a family one day and grow old. Those were his two life goals. If you were willing to accept his proposal, he would try his hardest to make time just for you.

Every single day you hoped to see the flame hashira once more. You would wake up, and muster up the courage to speak to him, but sadly you were never greeted with warm tones. This routine kept going for about two weeks, and when the demon slayer finally decided to show up. You wanted to run away and hide.

Seeing him stand in front of the bar made you nervous. This time he wasn't accompanied by the pretty lady. Sukoshi noticed you stopping dead on your tracks, looking at Rengoku with an overwhelmed expression from afar. The boy gently grabbed your hand, startling you, but immediately feeling a sense of calmness flow over your body. His tiny smile gave you some strength. Okay, come on, you can do this. Even Sukoshi believes in you.

As you walked closer, Rengoku's head snapped at your direction like an owl. The sudden eye contact made you coward back, but your nephew was ready to hold onto you before you had the chance to run away. Right, you got this.

"(L/N)-San! Sukoshi! What a pleasant morning to see you both!"

"You're standing in front of our restaurant." Sukoshi said once y'all were close enough to him, tilting his head.

"Yes I am, my boy!" His loud laugh could be heard from the end of the street. Although it didn't stop it from being contagious. The little one joined in after a second.

"It's nice seeing you again, Rengoku-San." You bowed, staring at the ground a little too long to avoid the intense gaze that seemed to stare you down. Not intentionally, of course. Because of where you were looking at, you didn't even notice the man bowing back. He didn't like how your eyes weren't on him.

His hands met your shoulders. Even if they weren't bare you could feel his hardened palm filled with victories from wielding his sword so bravely. "Don't avoid me, please." His tone had gone soft for the first time around you. It made your cheeks warm. He knew exactly why you were denying eye contact. The little boy must have told you about what they were talking about the last time he came by. "I'm not avoiding you!" You said a little too loud, making your nephew look up at you with a crazy expression. It's like he was internally telling you "Real nice, Oba" with that little sassy tone of his.

Your lip twitched into a frown. All of that confidence you been storing for the past two weeks had been gone in a snap. You couldn't even look at the man in the eyes. "I'm not trying to avoid you, but..." You trailed off as you finally made eye contact with Rengoku. Those beautiful irises stared at you with wonder, begging for you to say what's on your mind.

Your lips forced themselves to seal shut. You couldn't do it. It wasn't as easy as you thought it would be, so instead you had to come up with something else.

"Would it be possible for you to stay until we close?" Your face was filled with heat. It wasn't like you were asking him out, so why were you so embarrassed to ask such a thing. A big smile plastered on his face, nodding his head in full agreement. "Of course, (L/N)-San!" He was just glad to be invited to what he was guessing a talk. You on the other hand didn't even know what to do. Were you just supposed to ask him out or what? Anxiety was rising in you.

Yet, again, Sukoshi came to the rescue. He tugged your hand, leading you to the inside of the restaurant, so you wouldn't stand in front of Rengoku any longer. You exhaled a big breath once you two got to the back of the restaurant. This was nerve-wracking, but at least you made small progress for the mean time. The boy looked up at you and patted the small of your back since that's what he could reach for. "You'll be okay, oba! I'll be there the whole day and night!" His reassurance did help you, although you didn't know what to tell him about the last part.

"Suko, I rather talk to Rengoku-san by myself tonight." This brought shock to the little boy. He tucked out his bottom lip. "Why?! I want to be there as well." You shook your head, and patted his hair. "No, Suko. This is going to be a talk between adults, you understand?" You traced small patterns on his head to distract him from your so-called betrayel.

"Yeah.." He quietly spoke while looking away. You sighed with a small smile forming on your lips. You crouch down to his height, booping his nose in the process. "I thank you for making this an opportunity for me." That's when Sukoshi's tiny pout turned into a wide grin. "You're welcome!"

When both you and your nephew entered through the back door, you were met with Rengoku once more, who had already made himself comfortable in the small stool. You felt slight intimidation, but you had to remind yourself. This man would never do anything to humiliate you or harm you in any way, right? This admirable man would never do such thing.

"What would you like to eat?" You asked, looking directly into his eyes.

The day went on like the usual. You served a whole lot amount of food while Sukoshi and him conversated. Customers had started piling up at your little restaurant a few minutes after Rengoku's appetite was finally satisfied. One thing both of the relatives always wondered was why did Rengoku constantly said "delicious!". It was rather strange, but it did bring you joy since he was showing his liking towards the meals. Oh, so that's what you thought.

"Rengoku-San why are you always saying delicious?" Gladly, your nephew took one for the team like always and tried to feed his curiosity.

Rengoku gave him the same planted smile he always wore. "I want to enjoy every meal before I die!" He said with such enthusiasm. Some customers stopped eating and stared at him from the corner of their eyes. You stopped cutting the onions and Sukoshi just stared at him with a mouth wide open. That immediately took a dark turn. 

"Huh?" Sukoshi frowned at the thought of Rengoku dying. "One never knows when they're going to die. As someone who's constantly in the battlefield I'm at a higher risk of dying. That's why I want to savor every meal before that happens." He gently smiled down at the boy whose bottom lip was trembling. Although, his little speech didn't have such motivation for your customers. They stopped eating midway, and now were staring at their plates. Well, gladly they already paid for it.

"But I don't want you to die! You can't!" He yelled while his hands turned into fists, as a tightening lump formed on his throat. The Hashira knew that if he spoke about being killed with honor, it would not make the situation any better, so instead, he made up a reason, one that only contained the truth. "No need to worry, Sukoshi. I shall use the conquering of your oba's heart as motivation to not leave this world yet." That made the situation worse, at least for you. You didn't even want to turn around just yet, it was impossible to ignore the intense pupils burying themselves on your figure. The good news was you no longer needed to ask him out. Rengoku made it clear he was going to win you over no matter what, even if he has the break the laws of life, and not meet the reaper with a deep wound in his body. The bad news... The customers had returned to eating their meals, happily listening to this week's brand new gossip.

Shit.

Throughout the day, your nerves were at their highest. You were completely aware you were the one that invited the man to stay until closing, but now that you were cleaning up the bar. It was difficult to calm the tension you felt. Ugh, why did you have to be awkward with men? Maybe it had to be with past experiences turning into bad results.

Once everything was properly cleaned, you had finally freed yourself from the thin knots of the apron you wore. Sukoshi had done that not too long ago, at the moment he was enjoying conversation with the male, and from what you caught, it had to do with the stories of his family. Apparently, he had a younger brother that won a few years against your nephew. Wouldn't it be fun for them to meet? Ha, if you do get married to this man, you'll already be giving him Rengoku's brother. The boy sounded rather timid compared to his extroverted older brother, so it would surely be a cute meeting between the two babies.

At last, you finally locked up the shop for good. "Are you boys ready?" You asked, walking towards them. They both nodded their heads, almost matching each other's enthusiasm. One was joyful to finally go home and rest, while the other was glad to exchange a few words with you alone.

As Sukoshi walked between the two adults, you couldn't help but gain a domestic feeling inside your chest. This is something you have always wanted, to have a husband and a child stepping alongside you. This warm feeling nearly made your tenseness loosen up. Keyword: 'Nearly'. The path to the (L/N)'s humbled residency was quiet, the only thing that could be heard were those of the tiny insects that roamed around the village, and the footsteps that were dragged against the path covered in dirt. The sunset was explicitly beautiful, the dark hue gently covered the orange rays of the sun. The colors brought slight comfort, earning the bravery to turn your gaze from the sky towards the male, and to your surprise. Rengoku was already looking at you with a smile. You were quick to break eye contact, forcing yourself to focus on the sky once again. Your heartbeat skipped a few beats as a blush hovered over your cheeks. Your panicked expression wasn't hidden from his sight, it brought out a chuckle, not helping your inner conflict at all.

A quiet sigh left your lips, seeing that everyone was standing a few feet away from your home. You stopped on your tracks, grabbing your nephew by the shoulder to put a pause in his steps. "Please wait here, Rengoku-San. I'll be back in a few minutes." You mentioned before nudging Sukoshi to say goodbye, but instead of bowing the boy went up to him and wrapped his arms around what he could reach, embracing him with a hug. He grinned towards the older man, speaking his farewell before letting go. Rengoku's pupils grew a shine to them as he stared down at him, a pure sight for sore eyes. He patted his head, unfortunately repeating the goodbye.

You paused as you and Sukoshi were right in front of the entrance. Crouching down, you cupped his face with both palms to catch his attention. "Sukoshi, you must promise me something. Do not tell anyone about Rengoku-San and I."

His eyebrow quirked with confusion. "But why? Obaasan would be so happy to hear you might get married soon." He wasn't technically wrong, your mother would be awfully overjoyed to hear the news of a man finally wanting to be engaged with you. "Yes, Suko, but.. y'know how she gets. She immediately spreads the word, and then.." That's how it was. When she made an announcement it's like these men were embarrassed to be known as a soon-to-be spouse for someone like you. It caused them to take back their words and leave you with unwanted heartache. "Well, what if Rengoku-San decides to change his mind? She would be devastated like the previous rejections."

"He's too nice for that."

"How do we know, Suko?"

"Because!-"

"Sukoshi." Your mouth hovered over his lips. His voice was getting loud, and you did not need your family to hear this conversation. "Just promise me that you're not going to bring this up to her or your mother. Please." Your hand left his face, holding up your pinky to complete the deal. The boy was obviously not happy about this, he wanted for you to trust his decision. There was no reason for you to doubt him. "Okay, Oba." He hooked his own pinky onto yours. A soft smile forming on your lips. Giving him a peck on his forehead, you mumbled a few words that made him bright right up.

"I love you, Sukoshi."

He pulled you into a tight hug, whispering, "I love you too, Oba." You knew that deep down he just wanted the best for you, but going through this was easier said than done. "C'mon. I'm sure you're hungry." After a full day of cooking, it was your mother that gave you the relief to relax as she put together a meal for the both of you.

Once the two entered the solace of their home, a greeting from your mother was immediately thrown your way. You quickly explained how you forgot to do inventory of the bar, and needed to go back to do it. "I'll try not to take long." You mentioned merely escaping her list of questions.

Hooray! You successfully escaped. Butterflies were summoned in your stomach as your eyes hit familiar irises. He held a smile that never seemed to leave his skin. It's simply a talk. Yeah.

❀

Taglist:

@queenmalhinewahine @kashasenpai @slutfor-fictionalmen @snowflakeanimelover @imaisbae @simpforerensattacktitan

Hey... hey y'all... How y'all doing..? 😭 Y'all will keep seeing my apologies since I can't keep a constant schedule. One thing that I do promise is that there'll be AT LEAST one update a year. Is it worth the wait? Idk. But to those who are still interested in this series. I love y'all and appreciate y'all mwah.

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

The Feral Princess - Part 1

Marvel AU

Pairing: Stucky x Reader

Theme: Soulmate AU / Medieval / Fantasy / Soulmate Marks

Summary: Bucky and Steve have known they were soulmates since they were children. Fate bringing a then sickly Steve and the future King together. War takes them apart and throws them back together over and over, in and out of each other lives, arms and beds. But something is missing and throughout, they know they are missing their third and final piece. The kingdom is now Bucky's and Steve's, the latter now a leader and no longer a sickly child. Both are war heroes, with the respect of their country and those that surround it. They are a force to be reconned with, admired and respected within the other royal houses. They could have any maiden or princess they wanted, but they don't want just anyone. They want their soulmate. They want their princess. Even if she is known as The Feral Princess.

Chapter Summary: *The easiest way to find your soulmate is to throw a ball, or you could just show a certain worldly lady your marks.

*This is an expansion of the sneak peek.

"A BALL!!! That's the best way!" Becca exclaimed.

Bucky rubbed his hand down his face, frustrated by his sister's input.

"Becca, why are you here?" He asked.

"I'm your sister, why wouldn't I be?"

"How did you even know this meeting was going on?"

The group, made up of all of Steve and Bucky's closest confidants, turned to look at Sam.

"It's not my fault, she wouldn't let me leave this morning and she is your sister."

"Maybe keep our plans out of your pillow talk." Bucky said disgusted, throwing a cushion at him in the process.

Natasha decided to try and move the conversation forward. This had already been the topic of every single meeting for almost a year.

"James, Steven, Rebecca does have a point. Balls are the usual way to find your soulmate, but before you interrupt James, I also know that isn't something you want to do. Too many people. Too many overeager maids, trying to part you both. There are other ways."

"Go on." Pushed Steve.

"Well, the chances are she could be of a similar standing to you, similar life experiences." Nat continued.

"Not many princesses have experience of war or know how to wield a sword." Clint threw in.

"Your wife could." Nat threw back.

"Because she was defending her family and, no offence honey, but you aren't a princess." He replied, turning to Laura.

"I'm not but Nat has a point."

"How so?" Asked Steve.

"There's always some sort of common ground, something familiar that ties you together." Laura replied, Steve nodded in understanding as Bucky huffed.

"So, we draw up a possible list" Nat continued, "princesses, maids and ladies of good standing. No meek and mild. Rule out any we know are wed, already with their soulmates, and then send for them or send someone to them."

Steve glanced to his left at Bucky.

"Buck?"

"Then one of you would have to see our marks." Bucky added.

"Yes James, that's how this works." Nat replied.

He sighed. He knew deep down this was the only way. He'd either have to scour every kingdom himself or throw a damn ball, and he couldn't let his sister be right.

"Fine!" He snapped standing abruptly. He began to throw off his boots and socks and pull up his trouser leg. Steve alarmed by his soulmates sudden agreement, started to quickly move to do the same.

"Should we send for Strange or Wanda? They could take an imprint" Asked Becca.

Natasha knelt down to examine their marks. Sure enough on their left ankles they had each others marks but alongside them, was another. Natasha smirked to herself. She knew those marks.

"No need for an imprint Princess. I know these markings."

Confusion washed over the group.

"What? How?" Asked Steve his voice quiet now. He'd always been careful to keep his covered and to his knowledge so had Bucky.

"A princess I know bares your marks."

"Who?" Questioned Bucky.

"Princess Y/N."

“You’re sure?” Steve asked nervously. He had been told once before of a match, only for it to be a lie and nearly rip him and Bucky apart in the process.

“I’d put my life on it.” replied Natasha.

“When?” asked Bucky.

“When what James?”

“When did you see her marks? Princesses, ladies, those from Royal households or court don’t usually flaunt their marks.”

“I met her during my time in France.”

Steve and Bucky both raised an eyebrow and glanced at each other. They were well aware of why ladies of the court and princesses go to France. Steve cleared his throat, a slight blush across his cheeks.

“And why was she in France?”

A smirk spread across Natasha’s face.

“For schooling of course.”

“Sam send a message to her guardians, we seek her hand.” instructed Steve. Sam nodded but was halted by Bucky’s firm voice.

“Wait! We won’t be seeking her hand.”

“Buck! You agreed, you said…” protested Steve.

“She has turned down every offer of courting and every marriage proposal from every admirer she has ever had, as have her guardians. The last one she shot through the leg with an arrow, the one before she threatened with a Wakandan blade, and then there’s the one the maid poisoned. So we make it clear that we are claiming her hand. Not seeking it. We are to wed her not court her.”

“So just so I have this right” replied Sam, sounding a little exasperated, knowing the trouble this could cause, “you want to send a message to the houses of Loxley AND Lionheart to say you are claiming the heart and hand and, well staking a claim, on their princess, the one known as The Feral Princess?”

Bucky was first to reply.

“Yes Samuel. Oh and make it clear, if she doesn’t come, I will fetch her.”

Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

TAGLIST

@animegirlgeeky

[firelordsfirelady]

XXIV. Lotus Tile

Author: @firelordsfirelady

Imagine: When Y/N—a princess of one of the Water Tribes—is told she’s leaving her tribe, she never expects that she’s to be betrothed to the Fire Lord’s son, nor was she prepared to be exiled the very day she arrived at the Fire Nation. With her life in the hands of her new fiancée, how will life change for the princess? 

Pairing: Zuko x F!Reader

Trigger warnings: arranged marriage, feelings of fear, banishment, mentions of burns/abuse, frustration, violence, betrayal, language

Word Count: 1918

Destined to be Yin and Yang 

I own no rights to Avatar the Last Airbender or any of the characters/story.  

Author’s Notes

The characters as all aged up so Zuko’s banishment happens when he’s 16 

Keep in mind I am bringing a unique world with inspiration from ATLA in their characters, some of the events that happen, bending, etc. Not many things may align or occur with what happened in the show. It’s intended that way, so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

See Y/N’s inspiration here.

Destined to be Yin and Yang Soundtrack (YouTube) 

We followed side-by-side down the river until the sun began to set in the horizon. I sat on the deck of the boat facing the river with my legs crossed and my eyes closed as I breathed in the stillness of the air around us.

“Shouldn’t we search the woods?” The pirate captain asked impatiently as he and Zuko scanned the banks on either side of the boats.

“They stole a waterbending scroll, right?” Zuko asked as he continued his scanning of the sides of the river. “They’ll be by the water.” The captain just huffed in response as we continued our path down the river until the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars greeted us from above. None of us spoke as we listened to the quiet movement of the boats in the water, but a sudden splashing sound accompanied by a female voice caused all of us to share a look. Zuko nodded and we landed on the nearby embankment then the two crews made their way towards the sound of the splashing. I stayed behind with the pirate's captain by the boats as I couldn’t clearly see what was happening on the other side of the bushes.

“I’ll save you from the pirates.” I heard Zuko say moments before some fire nation soldiers brought the familiar looking waterbender over to the clearing. I pitied the girl as she was tied to a tree by fire nation guards before I was roughly grabbed and brought over to stand with the captain and Zuko as both groups looked at each other. Zuko watched the captain as he approached with me being dragged from beside him.

“Tell me where the Avatar is and I won’t hurt you or your brother.” Zuko stood in front of the other girl with his hands clenched behind his back as a few fire nation guards stood behind him. I felt bad for the younger girl as she told Zuko to jump off a cliff. Zuko took a deep, calming breath as he walked towards the Waterbender.

“Try to understand,” He said as he stopped near the tree. “I need to capture him to restore something I’ve lost--” Zuko walked around the tree as he continued. “--my honor. Perhaps I can restore something you’ve lost in return.” I didn’t like the sour twist in my stomach as Zuko held up the necklace in front of the lady’s neck, and I suddenly found myself uncomfortable with how close Zuko actually was to her.

“My mother’s necklace!” The lady tied to the tree gasped as Zuko playfully taunted the girl as he walked away with the necklace. “How did you get that?”

“I didn’t steal it.” Zuko said as he tucked it back into his pocket. “In case you are wondering.” The captain beside me began to grow impatient as the exchange seemed to be taking too long for him.

“Enough nonsense!” The captain yelled as a sword was brought to my throat. “The scroll! Now!” A slight sting began where the cold metal of the sword dug into the skin on my neck just a bit.

“I wonder how much this is worth.” Zuko said as he produced a light blue scroll tube from behind his back and lit a fireball in his hand under it. The pirates around me let out an audible gasp as the blade touching my neck backed away a bit. “Seem to be a lot. Here’s the deal--I’ll give this to you after you help me find what I want.” The pirate captain grumbled as he roughly pulled me towards him and pointed a sword towards my throat before he ordered his men to search the woods and meet back here while eyeing the Prince with disdain.

Hours later and the sun is beginning to rise again on the horizon as several of the pirates arrive with the Airbender and the Waterbender’s brother. Zuko’s smile was victorious as his eyes landed on the Avatar bound by rope. Both Zuko and the captain began to approach each other as I looked between the bald kid and the girl tied to the tree.

“I’m sorry, Aang.” The girl said as she looked away from the airbender. “This is my fault.”

Aang. I thought in the moment. So, that’s the Avatar’s name.

“No, Katara, it isn’t.” Aang said to Katara, who was the waterbender tied to the tree. As I looked towards the bald teenager, I found that the older boy--Katara’s brother--was struggling against the rope bindings around his wrists when a bad feeling came over me. The captain roughly grabbed me as he stood closer to Aang while Zuko approached and demanded the Avatar be handed to him.

“Give me the scroll and you can have them both.” The captain grinned as he stared the Firebender down.

“You’re really just going to hand over the Avatar,” The third voice belonged to Katara’s brother, and he drew everyone’s attention as he casually shrugged. “For a piece of parchment paper?” I paled as I realized what the man from the Water Tribe village was doing before Zuko begged the pirates not to listen to their captive.

“I bet you’d get a pretty penny for him on the black market.” The man in the blue robes said as he looked at the Avatar.

“Shut your mouth, Water Tribe peasant.” My eyes narrowed at Zuko’s word choice as his eyes begged the Water Tribe man to shut up.

“Yeah, Sokka--” Now, I knew the whole team’s names. “You really should shut your mouth.”

“I’d be willing to bet the Fire Lord would pay a pretty penny for this guy right here.” Sokka motioned to Aang, who physically paled as the pirates’ faces lit up. “He might pay a pretty penny for the cute waterbender too.” Sokka threw a wink my way, and I felt my cheeks begin to blush at Sokka’s words. 

That statement couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The Water Tribe boy’s plan worked as the pirate’s captain turned to look at Zuko with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Keep the scroll. We got the boy and the girl to pay a hundred times what that scroll is worth.” Zuko’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared down the captain as he spoke. I could see the tension building from the Firebenders as I mentally prepared myself for all hell to break loose.

“You’ll regret breaking a deal with me.” Zuko barely finished his sentence before the prince and the Firebenders behind him let off fire blasts towards the pirates. Ducking out of harm’s way, I jumped into the nearby bush as one of the pirates ran towards the firebenders and threw three small balls. As the balls collided with the ground, smoke erupted from the spheres and began to coat the air with a thick cloud of gray smoke. All hell broke loose as the fire nation soldiers and pirates began an all-out war, and the pirates dropped more smoke bombs before dragging the soldiers to fight in the cloud. I quickly lost sight of Zuko, Aang, and Sokka as the cloud of smoke and loud shouts overtook the small clearing.

Coughing as I backed away from the smoke cloud, I bumped right into Katara as she ran away from the tree she had been tied to. Her brown eyes met mine, but the sound of Zuko stumbling out of the nearby smoke cloud drew my attention. I didn’t have time to tell Zuko the captain as the firebender ducked backwards from the thin rapier coming his way. I saw Katara take off towards the boats, and I was about to turn to follow her when the sounds of fire blasting through the air drew my attention. Zuko’s wrist was up in order to block the rapier coming towards his head. 

Sparks flew from the impact of the metals colliding. Instinctually, I moved towards the fight as Zuko angrily let out huge blasts of fire as he swung around and captured the wrist of the hand holding the rapier. I let out a water whip to hit the pirate behind the duo as he whipped the scroll Zuko had tucked into his belt. This distracted Zuko enough for the pirate to break his hands free before reengaging Zuko in the fight.

I quickly realized that the surrounding area grew awfully quiet as my ears picked up on the sound of waves nearby. Looking towards the direction of the sound, I found the pirate’s ship was brought off shore with the Avatar and his gang steering the ship. With wide eyes, I turned to tell Zuko about what I saw, but I watched him shoot a blast of fire before the pirate ducked to the side and behind Zuko. The captain yanked Zuko’s ponytail hard before Iroh pushed the two men apart.

“Are you too busy fighting,” Iroh yelled as he pointed a finger in the captain’s face. “To see your ship has set sail?”

“There’s no time for proverbs, Uncle.”

“It’s not a proverb!” I yelled and pointed at the sailing pirate boat as it sailed away. “They are leaving on the boat!”

“Fiddlesticks!” The pirate captain exclaimed as he realized his ship was sailing away. Zuko began to belly laugh at the pirate’s situation while my face paled as I realized there were no other pirates as the captain ran down the bank after his ship. Zuko’s laughter stopped as the pirate’s crew waved at us from a Fire Nation ship.

“Hey!” Zuko pointed at the Fire Nation boat. “That’s my boat!” He yelled before he started running after the boat. I fought the urge to roll my eyes as I followed behind Zuko, and Iroh followed not far behind me. We followed the boats until they fell over the waterfall at the edge of the cliff. Zuko ran to the edge of the cliff as the boats sank into the water below.

Zuko whined about the boat as he looked at the wreckage beyond the cliff while I paled at the thought of walking all the way back to the port. Iroh was breathing heavily as he recovered from running. Iroh’s pants turned into a chuckle as he put his hands in the sleeves of his robes.

“Prince Zuko,” Iroh started between his chuckles. “You’re going to find this hilarious.” I felt my heart sink to my stomach as Iroh produced a lotus pai sho tile from the inside of his sleeve. “The tile was up my sleeve the whole time!” Iroh laughed and smiled widely at his nephew, who growled before he grabbed the lotus tile from his uncle’s hand and threw it into the river below the cliff.

“Fantastic.” I let out exasperatedly with a flick of my hands. “We all had something happen today: Iroh lost his lotus tile; Zuko lost his boat—“ I had started walking back towards the port. “--And I was held hostage by pirates.”

“You were also mistaken for the other waterbender.” Zuko’s voice was monotone as he spoke as he started walking behind me. I tried to ignore the slight pang in my heart as the organ tried to determine what he meant by that. “Maybe you should start wearing Fire Nation colors more often?” My cheeks slightly burned as I looked at Zuko over my shoulder and I saw his cheeks were slightly red too.  “I’ll think about that suggestion.” I said as I threw the Prince a wink. “Now, come on, we don’t want the Avatar to get too far ahead of us.”

Tag List @chevysstuffs @puttyly @ginger24880 @night-fall-moon @junieshohoho @0kauy @coolgirl458 @hypnoticbeing @angelruinz @preeyansha @playboygeniusphilanthropist @ssonniiu  @chi-ara @hagridshaircare @stell404 @kyo-kyo1 @herondale-lightworm @simonsbluee @nadlx33333 @nerdisthenewcool @jewelsrules @soggycrout0n @mymomsdisappointment @leeaintthere-blog @sanskritisays  @katie-tibo @stavitcutislamepodkrevet @niktwazny303 @fluffybunnyu @detonator-sunshine

[beautifulmadnesss]

"Maybe I'm Better Off Dead" Velaryon!Reader x Aemond Targaryen

Summary: After the death of Lucerys, Aemond takes Visenya, the surviving sister of Lucerys, back with him to Kings Landing. Warning: if its in HoTD it's in here

I stood in the hall of Storms End, waiting for what seemed like hours, my hand never moving from the hilt of my sword. Luke knew Aemond wouldn't give up, so he flew off first and I was to follow after a while.

"My Lord thank you for your time as a gracious host. I will return home now." I gave a small curtsey to Lord Baratheon and turned to leave just as the doors opened.

I knew immediately by the look on his face that something was horribly wrong. All the earlier arrogance and even the anger he had directed at my brother was gone from his face. He looked shocked and even, perhaps, a little afraid.

"Uncle, I was just-" He cut me off without even glancing at me.

"My Lord, I ask that you would detain the Lady Visenya until I bring her with me to Kings Landing." He had regained some of his composure, enough that Lord Baratheon paused.

"I cannot get involved with this war in such a treasonous manner."

"I'm afraid Rhaenyra Targaryen will be angered with you regardless after the death of her son just above your home." I charged at him so quickly that he was the only one to react in time to stop me.

"You killed my brother!" I screamed at him, attempting to strike him with my sword, but he simply overpowered me and pulled it from my grasp. It clattered along the floor as he tossed it aside. I continued to try and fight against him, but he was twice my size and it was useless.

"I already told you boy, I will not have bloodshed in my home. You will take the girl to Kings Landing at once and your brother will provide me the protection you promised." Lord Baratheon commanded.

"Let me go!" I screamed, fighting as he dragged me along with him, out into the courtyard where my dragon screeched and fought against her chains. I heard a much louder roar and turned to see Aemond's dragon, Vhagar. I saw the unmistakable crimson around her jaws and my heart clenched. "You monster!" I sobbed, feeling helpless and entirely alone. He didn't respond, but kept pulling me toward the beast that had murdered my brother and his dragon. My fighting did nothing to detour him as he lifted me onto Vhagar above him, pushing me up as he climbed until we were both sat in the saddle. He pulled out some rope from one of the bags on the saddle and bound my hands in front of me, securing them to the saddle, so I had no escape. "I hate you and I swear to you that you will die screaming." I growled at him, mustering every ounce of hatred I could, despite knowing he could feel my body trembling.

"Sōvēs." He said, ignoring my threat, and commanding his dragon to take me to the home of my enemies.

"Vhagar killed Luke and Arrax. Now you're taking me to you mother and grandsire to have them kill me. I suppose that makes you a coward." I taunted him as he carefully helped me off Vhagar with surprisingly gentle hands.

"They're not going to kill you." He said, still not looking me in the eye.

"I wish they would." I muttered, finally drawing his gaze. His eyes softened slightly as he took in my tear soaked face.

"I'm truly sorry about Luke, I didn't intend-"

"Then you're stupid. You chased a child and a young dragon with a hundred year old dragon that was one of three dragons that burned half the country during the Conquest. You don't control her. You're simply too arrogant to see that and now my brother is dead." My hands were still bound and the top of my head barely reached his sternum, but I could tell, I struck a nerve. His jaw tensed and his eyes rapidly searched my face as he considered a response.

Eventually he said, "he took my eye."

"Now you took his life. I hope your revenge was worth it." I tried to use my shoulder to wipe away the tears that had fallen. I would not cry before the King and his advisors.

That is exactly where Aemond took me. It was just before dawn as he marched me into the council room. Aegon wore the crown of his namesake as he sat in the chair directly in front of me. On his right sat his grandsire and his hand Otto Hightower, Ser Criston Cole who was presumably his Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, my uncle, Lord Larys Strong, and a Lord Jasper Wyld. To his left was his mother, though she had no true seat on the council. Next to her was Grand Maester Orwyle, and finally Ser Tyland Lannistor, who had once competed for my mothers affections. I glared at each of the traitors before me with all the wrath of my birthright as a Princess.

"Uncle." I said with no move to curtsey.

"You will address your King with respect, bastard." Cole commanded.

"It's alright, she's had a difficult night I hear. Her elder brother and his dragon lay in pieces at the bottom of Shipbreaker Bay." Aegon taunted and I felt my heart twist painfully at the brutality of his words, but I steeled myself to give no reaction. "Shall we have her executed?" He suggested and I hated that I shrunk back against Aemond. Perhaps I imagined it, but I thought I felt his hand tighten against my arm.

"No. We will not kill her. There has already been enough bloodshed." Alicent spoke for the first time. "Rhaenyra will see reason and bend the knee."

"She will not and you know it. You betrayed her when you stole her throne and now you have allowed the murder of her son." I decided that if I was going to be executed then I may as well speak my mind.

"Your grace, if it pleases you, perhaps it is best to keep the girl as a prisoner, to persuade Rhaenyra to bend the knee." Otto Hightower added in support of his daughter.

"What of her dragon?" Tyland Lannister inquired.

"I shall arrange for the beast to be killed." Ser Criston replied, glancing at Aegon for approval to which he nodded.

"No!" I tried to shoot forward, but Aemond was expecting it and held me even tighter against his chest.

"We will keep her dragon chained in the dragon pit, as they already have more dragons and we could use the addition. As for Visenya, I will take her as my wife and either her mother will bend the knee and I will reside on Dragonstone with my wife or she will refuse and Visenya will remain here with me." Aemond spoke with all his usual confidence and I realized in his silence on the way over here, he was made this plan.

"I will not-"

"You will obey your King or I swear it that you will suffer the consequences. Mother, you will prepare the plans for the wedding and it will be held in two days." Aegon commanded with only the fraction of the authority he believed that he possessed.

"Your grace, are you sure that it is wise to bind your brother to a bastard?" Otto questioned.

"The hand does as the King commands and you will not question me again." Aegon spat. "Aemond, you shall keep her in your chambers. Ser Criston, double your men outside and have them to seal the windows. Dear niece, I will have the ladies prepare a dress fit for a Princess." I glared at him, though it had no effect. He held all the power here and I was simply a prisoner at his mercy.

Aemond pulled my arm and led me out of the room. We made our way through the halls without either of us saying a word until we reached his chambers. He removed his sword and left it by the door before opening the door for me to enter.

Once it shut behind us and I heard a latch snap, he turned to me. "I'm going to remove these. Don't do anything stupid, please." I didn't respond, but I also didn't try to resist as he undid the ropes around my wrists. "Tomorrow, I presume my mother will have more clothes for you, but for tonight-" He tossed me what I presumed was his small clothes. He didn't wait for my response as he went behind the screen to change his own clothes. I had only taken a small step forward to search for a weapon or an escape when he spoke again, "I would be disappointed if you didn't try, but I assure you, there is no escape and the guards have removed any weapons." I huffed in frustration, but he was right, I would not be giving up. "Are you decent or are you still searching for a plan?" He asked after a few moments.

"Just a moment," I replied. I was in fact searching for a plan and had made no moves to change. Though he seemed to be remaining on the other side of the screen, I hid around the corner as I removed my soaked dress and small clothes, only now realizing how cold I was. His small clothes fit as I expected they would, the sleeves down far past the tips of my fingers and the hem pooling in excess around my feet. "Alright." I said, poking around the corner.

He erupted into laughter the moment he saw me. I scowled in response, folding my arms, uncomfortably around my stomach while also gathering as much of the fabric as I could to cover myself. I also ensured as much distance between us as the room would allow. I had never been alone with a man, not even Daemon or my father, it was always to preserve my maidenhood for my husband. My mother had explained it to me some, as her only daughter, but she ensured me that she would share more with me before my wedding. She promised to marry me to a gentle and kind man, a man I loved. Aemond was none of those things and while he may have spared my life tonight, he also took the life of my brother.

His laughter quieted as he took in my face. "I will not harm you." He said raising his hands. "I know that you have no reason to believe that and I know that you hate me, but I swear to you that I will not force you into anything. I only suggested us to be wed so that my brother would not kill you or worse."

I bit my lip as tears fell once again, "You killed Luke and took me prisoner, why should I trust anything you have to say?"

He glanced at the door and took a few steps closer to me. I immediately gasped and shot backward, only running into the wall. He noticed and retreated quickly. His voice dropped to a whisper, "No one will believe you if you repeat this. I truly mean it, I am deeply sorry and I never meant to kill Lucerys. I will regret my actions until my very last day." I watched his adams apple bob as he swallowed. "The only thing I can do is to try to make it right with you. I know that you could not be allowed to return to Dragonstone; however, I knew that by offering up a marriage, my brother would spare your life."

I shook my head. He did tell them not to kill me, but I still couldn't trust him. I was completely alone here and if I was going to survive here, I couldn't let Aemond or anyone else trick me.

"I'm going to sleep over there, okay?" He pointed sofa between us. "You can take the bed." When I didn't respond he took a small step forward and when I didn't react, he continued forward. He was approaching the sofa from the right, so I moved to the left and continued to face him as I stepped toward the bed. Only when he was settled on the sofa did I climb onto the bed. The warmth immediately surrounded me as I cozied up under the blankets and settled back against the pillows. The relief was short-lived as I was once again confronted with how entirely alone I was. I wanted nothing more than to be comforted by my best friend, but the only offering I had was the emptiness he had left behind. He was dead and would never again be of any comfort to me or anyone else. I turned to my side and pulled one of the pillows against my chest, quickly burying my face into it to muffle the sobs that escaped. I completely broke down as I thought of the rest of my family. Had someone told my mother and brothers? Would Uncle Daemon come looking for me? Would they accept the demands of Aegon or would I be doomed to suffer alone, married to Aemond for the rest of my life? The sobs continued until I had exhausted myself into a restless sleep.

"I will go and lead Aemond away, it is me he wants. Stay here until you are sure more than enough time has passed, then depart for Dragonstone. I will meet you there." He shouted against the rain and thunder.

"Luke, no. We go together!" I begged, already knowing he was never going to listen.

"I am your brother, it is my duty to protect you. I was the one who took his eye and now I will pay for it." He placed his hands on either side of my head. "I will return home, I swear it." He gathered me into a tight hug. "Now, hurry and hide before Aemond comes." He shoved me gently away from him. We both climbed onto our dragons and with one last look took off in opposite directions. I flew just above the castle and back down to the opposite side before quickly climbing off of my dragon and returning to the hall where Lord Baratheon waited.

"Clever girl. Leave the fighting to the men and we shall see which of them survives." He looked as though the idea brought him joy while my entire body was vibrating with terror and adrenaline.

I shut my eyes and was immediately met with the picture of Luke and Arrax soaring through the pouring rain. The sky lit up with flashes of lightning and I watched as Luke frantically searched the skies around him. After another bright flash, I saw Vhagar looming over him. He quickly veered to the right before shooting upwards at a speed that only the small and nimble Arrax could achieve, perhaps the only advantage over the much larger and battle-wise, Vhagar. I could nearly feel his tempered relief as he scanned the clear skies above the storm. He visibly relaxed before devolving into a scream as Vhagar erupted from a cloud with jaws expanded wide enough to easily devour both Luke and Arrax. I watched in horror as the explosion of crimson dispersed to reveal the chunks of flesh that were all that remained of my brother and his beloved dragon. A scream ripped from my throat and I thrashed to escape as the massive beast turned to consume me next. My arms were pinned to my sides and my legs pressed against my dragon as Vhagar descended upon me.

"Visneya!"" I jolted upward, narrowly missing a shape looming above me. I scrambled backwards until I collided with the headboard, though I wasn't sure what exactly I was escaping from. "It's alright. You're alright." Aemond came into focus as I realized it was his hands on my arms, not the jaws of his dragon. and my legs were tangled up in the sheets of his bed, not the straps of my saddle.

"Get away from me!" I screamed, still panting and slightly disoriented from the nightmare. He jumped back as though I had slapped him and it was only then that I took in the genuine concern displayed through his furrowed brows and tight lips. His sapphire eye glinted against the candlelight, free from the patch he normally wore.

"I'm sorry. You were screaming and I-"

"Why didn't you let them kill me? I do not wish to live like this." I begged him. "Truly, if you are sorry, you will set me free either by my dragon or by your sword."

"I can't." He said, his voice cracking.

"Then do not pretend that you care." I spat. "You are just as much of a monster as that beast that you ride."

"Very well." He inclined his head and returned to his spot on the opposite side of the room. Though I could tell he was still watching me carefully.

As I laid back down in the bed, it was not lost on me that despite my screams, no one came to my aid. I was to be left alone with no one, but the monster who had taken the life of my brother over a childhood thirst for revenge.

Part 2

a/n: part 2? other requests?

[catholic-character-tournament]

Round 5 - Catholic Character Tournament

Propaganda below ⬇️

Sister Michael

She drives a DeLorean. She does judo on Fridays. She likes a good statue and despises the French. Her full nun name is Sister George Michael, after the guy from Wham!. She is the fiercest nun you’ll ever come across and, if you’re attending Lady Immaculate College, she’s the woman in charge. So whatever you do, if you’re feeling anxious or worried or just need a chat: don’t come crying to her.

joined the nunnery for the free accommodation?

she does love a good statue it has to be said

She is the headmistress of a catholic school <3

sister michael so reminds me of the nuns who taught me. they're tough and sometimes a little harsher than a woman who dedicated her life to god should be but they're also wonderful people. i had a nun teacher who was 60 years old and would do handstands. another nun (also in her 60s) told me god was nonbinary. another was really mean and made me cry. (so did the handstand nun.) while the catholic girls school is The Catholic Experience, the school wouldn't have been the same for me or the derry girls without at least one nun who seemed to have sprung up out of the ground fully formed, ageless.

Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler Propaganda:

good lord where do i start. in the animated series he converts logan to catholisism and then fucks off basically thats the main thing he did there. i think one time they tried to make him a demon to explain how he looked but everyone hated that. he sold his soul one time to help his friends out after he died. he and logan have a weird little gay thing. he was a priest one time but he was made a priest by a fake bishop from a religion that hates mutants iirc so he just wasnt a priest. like 3 people have written him in a way i like and one of those is my friend just talking about how they view him.

wow marvel loves making catholic characters dress/look like demons

Kurt is a mutant who was born to mystique who looks a LOT like a devil (technically is half one but that cannon truth isn’t real go back to bed), his mother dropped him off a cliff when he was born and he was picked up by a Romani group/circus (fuck old comics man) however he then narrowly escaped being sold to a freak show and found himself in a small German town. There he met a kind priest, who showed him God, and he quickly grew attached to the idea- However, it wasn’t long before people began labeling him a demon and soon the whole town was against him with pitchforks and fire. Cornered and injured, Kurt thought this might be the end for him- maybe he would see heaven so long after finding it- but he was then saved by Charles Xavier who invited him to the X-Men. AND ITS BEEN SO MANY YEARS AND HE HAS BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH THERE. SO MUCH. SO GOD DAMN MUCH. BUT THE MOST AAAA THING TO ME CONCERNING HIS FAITH HE WHEN HE LITERALLY DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN BUT THEN BECAUSE OF DRAMA WITH HIS FATHER HAD TO BRING HIS FRIENDS IN WITH HIM FROM THE BEYOND. THEN WITH ALOT OF TROUBLE THEY FOUGHT HIS FATHER AND THE ONLY WAY KURT SAW TO STOP HIM WAS IN A MOVE THAT STRIPPED THEM BOTH OF THEIR SOULS AND PUT THEM BACK ON EARTH. SO KURT CANONICALLY HAS NOW LOST HIS ABILITY FOR ETERNAL PEACE, LOST HIS VERY SOUL, TO SAVE PEOPLE- AND ALSO TOLD NO ONE NOT EVEN HIS GAY LOVER WOLVERINE.

Nightcrawler is a mutant vigilante who looks like a classical demon. He can’t even go to church without people panicking and trying to exorcize him. Despite it all, he’s so full of faith and hope and compassion, and he wants to believe the best of everyone. Also, he’s bffs with an extremely angry Jewish sword lesbian. That has nothing to do with anything, but it’s important to me that you all know that.

What if you were a devout christian and literally looked like the devil? He nearly became the pope, which was a plot by some supervillains that also involved faking a rapture? There is nothing like comics I swear to god.

A catholic who is half demon I don’t think I can better explain a struggle than that. But his character is so relatable to people who feel unwelcome with their congregation because of something that is a part of them but still feeling a connection to the faith. Kurt actively engaged in his faith and shares how his faith helps him through all the things he has faced in life and how he found a home with those of the church who leave the judging to God.

so they made kurt a priest briefly before deciding to retcon it, resulting in nightcrawler actually being part of a plan by villains to promote him to pope then reveal to the world that the pope is a demon. wild.

I have a side blog and a tattoo about him and i really really want him to win

Wisecracking devil-appearing devout Catholic with the Best superpower (teleportation)? HECK YES

German Catholic circus acrobat who looks like a demon & can teleport through a hellish alternate dimension with a puff of sulfur. Character of all time.

hes catholic and his dad is the devil. what could be funnier than that. also hes my silly little guy.

Nightcrawler is the world’s most fun catholic priest. I first was introduced to this kindhearted teleporting acrobat while he saved a boat full of stowaway refugees from inter dimensional pirates with swashbuckling gusto!

[rahuratna]

The transformation of Nanami Kento, Part 5

In which Nanami-pom takes full advantage of his current condition and makes a new friend ...

The car ride was a lively one, with Ino regaling the first year trio with tales of some of his more risky missions with Nanami.

"Oh yeah, I thought I was a goner that time. The spirit had me trapped under the rubble and there were these metal pipes caging me in. Felt like I was being crushed. And then, suddenly, I heard this noise and everything felt lighter! I looked up, and there he was."

Ino clenched his fist as he told them the story of his first meeting with Nanami. Yuuji leaned forward, enraptured, and even Megumi looked intrigued.

"He pulled the rubble out of the way like it weighed nothing and then he told me to rest because it was 5 pm and my work day was over."

"Just like that?"

"Yeah! I was hella confused, man. So I say, what do you mean? There's still curses to be killed. And he goes ... "

And here Ino deepened his voice, pulling at an imaginary tie and rolling up his sleeves, " ... My name is Nanami Kento. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm now working overtime, so please rest while I complete this task."

Nobara glanced over at Nanami-pom, who was now perched on Megumi's leg, a styrofoam cup of warm milk in the holder beside him and the financial section of the paper laid out on her lap while he read calmly.

Yes, that did sound exactly like him.

The more she thought about it, the more she realised just how well he had adapted. Even now, he was making full use of the advantages this form gave him. She looked down as a small paw touched her arm and sighed as she turned the page of the newspaper for him.

Oh yes. He was taking full advantage.

-----‐-------------------------‐‐-----‐----

The hotel Ijichi had booked them into allowed pets. Yuuji didn't know whether to personally thank Ijichi or feel offended on Nanami's behalf. As they waited in the lobby for Gojo to check them in, someone called over to them.

A group of ladies was seated at one of the lounges, all four of them dressed very fashionably. One lady in particular had a small poodle in a handbag, the perfectly groomed dog dolled up in what looked like a designer outfit. Nobara cringed slightly, but then realised how she looked with Nanami-pom seated on her shoulder with a full miniature business suit on.

"What a cute doggie! Why don't you bring him over here and introduce him to my Peanut?"

Ino and the students froze, eyes flicking around the lobby in desperation. This was the one type of interaction they had hoped to avoid at all costs. The lady was now coming over, bringing 'Peanut' with her.

"Oh, don't be shy. Peanut is very friendly. Here, Peanut, say hi. Oh! Just look at how adorable he is! What a beautiful suit! What's his name?"

"Na - "

Nobara kicked Yuuji's foot.

"Err, Nacho. His name is Nacho."

"Why, hello there Nacho."

She reached across and time seemed to stop as she scratched Nanami-pom behind the ear. Ino's eyes went very wide. Megumi was sweating bullets, as if expecting Nanami-pom to pull out his tiny sword and ruin the lobby.

Instead, the small nose raised into the air with a huff and Nanami-pom tilted his head to the side, as if graciously allowing the woman's attentions. She was rightfully charmed.

"Oh, what poise. Do you enter him for dog shows and competitions?"

"Yes!" Ino all but shouted. "Er, all the time. He's a champion. Very well trained."

"Wow! Do you hear that, little Nacho? Why don't you show Peanut here what you can do? She's so spoilt and refuses to listen to me."

With the air of a dog show veteran, Nanami-pom emitted another put-upon sigh and hopped down from Nobara's shoulder. He looked up at the poodle expectantly. Peanut was considering him with trepidation, as if knowing that something was not quite right with the golden-furred canine that was staring at her with the commanding air of a human. A very intimidating human. She whined slightly before coming slowly over to him.

Nanami-pom raised his paw. Peanut rolled over. He got onto on his hind legs and moved the same paw in an up-and-down motion. Peanut leapt and bobbed on the spot. Nanami-pom placed one paw behind his back. Peanut got into a begging posture. The tiny, commanding paw then shot out horizontally. Peanut got on her back and played dead.

The woman watched in astonishment as Nanami-pom took Peanut through a series of motions, culminating with an elegant handshake. He dusted off his suit, as if concluding business, and jumped lightly back into Nobara's arms. A heavy silence lay over the group. The woman eyed Nanami-pom with the kind of reverence normally reserved for a pop idol or president.

"Wh - what breed is he? I - I've never seen such a - "

"He's a Golden ... Ratio Retriever," Megumi blurted out. "He's from Denmark. Very rare. Even among dogs of this breed, there's a three in seven chance of one as intelligent as ... Nacho being born."

At that moment, Gojo appeared and saved them from further fabrication. Nobara was about to tear Megumi a new one for that breed name. For a boy who exuded a cool and collected aura, he really was an awful liar.

The woman practically begged Gojo to set up a play date with Peanut, which he agreed to with a horrifically cheerful grin. Nanami-pom's eyes narrowed dangerously and the students all breathed heavy sighs of relief when they finally reached their rooms.

---‐‐----‐-------‐---------------------‐--

Nobara was situated in an adjoining room to the two boys. None of them felt like turning in immediately, so she plonked herself on Yuuji's bed and opened up the amusement park blueprints that Gojo had provided them with, spreading them out on the covers. The trio took some time to re-familiarize themselves with the layout, before realizing that Nanami-pom was no longer with them.

Looking around they spotted him sitting expectantly next to the small case Ijichi had provided for him. Puzzled, Yuuji went over to the case and opened it.

"Something you need in here, Nanamin?"

Inside, he found a bag with a tiny toothbrush, dog-friendly toothpaste, a comb, a few small vials, a puppy pad and a bottle. Megumi came up behind him and grabbed the supplies.

"I'll handle this. Neither of you know how to look after a ... well. Nanami, come here."

"Well, show us, then," Yuuji huffed.

Megumi beckoned to Nanami-pom, who hopped into his lap and settled comfortably. First, a small amount of toothpaste was applied to the brush and Megumi did a very thorough job of cleaning the tiny, sharp teeth. Next came the brushing. Nanami-pom wore a singularly satisfied look as Megumi brushed and parted the golden hair neatly along his back and head. Some of the conditioning supplements from the vials were then applied to the combed hair. Finally, Megumi placed the puppy pad in the bathroom, with the bottle propped upright in the centre of it.

"What's that for?"

"He can't use the toilet, genius. The bottle acts kind of like a pillar he can do his business against."

Nanami-pom took a moment to place his nose against Megumi's hand in a gesture of thanks before hopping down and entering the bathroom, nudging the door closed with his hind leg. Nobara flopped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Do you guys think we'll be able to change him back soon? What if the curse user ... I mean, what if Nanami's ... "

"He won't be like this for much longer," Yuuji said firmly, "We'll find that guy and make him change him back. I'll do whatever it takes."

Megumi was examining the blueprints again.

"This place is pretty big. I think we'll have to split up and form teams to enter the area. Gojo will be with us this time. It's not like the other tests where he wanted to see what we're capable of. He wants to turn Nanami back as soon as possible too."

"I mean, won't things be over really quickly then? The rest of us won't need to do much. The curse user isn't that powerful, right?"

Megumi sighed.

"And look what happened to Nanami. Sure, he was trying to save Yuuji, but even if the curse user's power isn't deadly, it's still debilitating and long lasting. Yuuji said that the beams reflect and bounce unpredictably off surfaces, meaning we can't tell from which direction attacks may come. Even if Gojo's with us, we can't afford to slack off. We're not trying to take him out, it's more of a negotiation to make him turn Nanami back. That's more tricky to pull off."

Nobara hummed thoughtfully.

"You know, this sounds more like a mission  where some stealth may be necessary."

"Stealth?" Yuuji laughed. "No offense, but none of us are really cut out for that."

"You think so?" Nobara grinned. "I can think of one person who can be super sneaky right now."

[allyheart707]

*walks into Room /w the turtles* me: I come baring gifts!!

*walks up to Donnie* “I got you noise canceling headphones and a weighted blanket! I.. I tried my best to get you a book, but they wouldn’t let me.” I kneel down and whisper “you’re doing great. I know it’s a scary situation and there a lot happening right now, but I believe in you. I’m so proud of how well you’ve been handling this change. Please remember it’s ok to be different and feel big emotions or no emotions at all. Don’t let anyone down you for who you are.”

*walks up to Leo* “I got you a wooden-play sword (for some reason that was ok for me to give you-) and a unicorn plush!” I whisper “you’re going to be just fine. Just know that you’re enough. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m so so SO proud of you. You’re the best fighter I’ve ever seen, you’re amazing! I adore your fighting skills. You’re not worthless. You shouldn’t have to earn people’s love. You’re deserving of all the love in the world.”

*walks up to mikey* “I got you finger paints and glitter!” I whisper “thank you for helping people. Your heart is so so big and beautiful!” *hug*

*walks up to Raph* “and last but never least, I got you a heart-shaped pillow and a friendship bracelet!” I whisper “you can do it. I love your kindness. I appreciate your want to help. You’re doing a great job bringing people and yourself together. Thank you for looking out for your brothers. Don’t worry too much big man.” *hug*

I would have drawn this all, but I’m in a motivation burn out rn :,) At least I was able to draw the gifts :D!

You are totally fine not being able to draw everything- I super get it! I also didn't end up drawing a lot for your response- but hopefully you still like it! It's more my retelling of events rather than continuing the story? Also- sorry in advance for how long it got, I was just very excited about all the adorable words you told each of them and how they would respond to it ;v;

Your ask was such a joy to read- tysm for sending it! :DD

Donnie stares at the large assortment of items in the person's hands, wondering which were for him, and for some of them.... what they even were. The human comes to him first and he tenses, confused as the stranger kneels down to his level. Odd, but Carol does it enough that he isn't completely lost.

“I got you noise canceling headphones and a weighted blanket! I.. I tried my best to get you a book, but they wouldn’t let me.” He stares at the items offered for a moment, then takes them with a small nod. He doesn't really know how to feel about them yet.

He holds the blanket that was covered in small glittering stars in his hands, the weight oddly comforting- Like when his brother hugs him, or the times he would hide under their bean bag. It was familiar. And, after inspecting the other grey object in his hand and connecting it to the words she spoke about "noise canceling", he assumes the soft cushions were meant for his ears. He slowly tested them out- pressing one against his right ear. Determining the effect wasn't painful or uncomfortable, he slid them all the way on.

The sound of Raph and Heishis whispered conversation, of Mikey's excited squealing, and of the humming of the vents was suddenly dulled.

It was.... nice.

He knew he should thank the person, he should be as excited as Mikey who was still squealing by her side.. but he didn't know the human. With the new room, his new "brothers", and everything else that had been happening.... he couldn't bring himself to force a smile or even muster a thank you, though he knew he should.

“you’re doing great. I know it’s a scary situation and there a lot happening right now, but I believe in you. I’m so proud of how well you’ve been handling this change. Please remember it’s ok to be different and feel big emotions or no emotions at all. Don’t let anyone down you for who you are.” She whispers to him.

He still didn't want to talk to the new lady, or smile at her, or thank her. But now he felt a swell of relief flood through him, because that was okay. So, he took the gifts with another nod and found his way to the corner of the room, watching with silent awe as she began to pass out the rest of the gifts.

Heishi watches tensely as the enemy first approaches Donnie, claiming that they had gifts for them. Right, like he would fall for that. This was clearly some scheme to lower their guard- but he was a warrior, not some child who could be so easily swayed.

He noted as Donnie made his way to the corner, blanket and headphones in hand. That left the strange viles, the sword (it was wooden, but with enough force maybe he could.... hmmm no, not yet. Not while still stuck in a locked room...), and a few other softer objects that he couldn't quite make out.

Then, it was with dread he realized that the enemy was approaching him next. His shoulders raised and he showed his teeth, hoping to scare her off. Thankfully, it seemed to work as she stopped a few feet away, bending down and offering the sword to him

“I got you a wooden-play sword (for some reason that was ok for me to give you-) and a unicorn plush!”

... Why would she give him a sword of any kind? UGH! Was he really that unthreatening? Was he really so bad at his one purpose that they would mock him by giving him weapons knowing they could beat him?!

... well he would show HER! He will take that silly play sword and-

“you’re going to be just fine. Just know that you’re enough. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m so so SO proud of you. You’re the best fighter I’ve ever seen, you’re amazing! I adore your fighting skills. You’re not worthless. You shouldn’t have to earn people’s love. You’re deserving of all the love in the world.”

... well, now it didn't really feel like she was mocking him- maybe she was just crazy.

"Yeah... well, I am the bestest warrior... I don't gotta earn anyone's love, cuz I'm... I'm just that cool. Heh." He stammers, rushing to grab the sword and the other item he hadn't really noticed before.

When he got a safe distance from the enemy, he wasn't exactly sure why he turned his back to the enemy but he just.... couldn't face her. His whole chest felt warm and oozy in a way he wasn't sure was normal.

He shook his head and focused back on the items in his hand.

The sword...

and...

Mikey was bouncing on his feet as he followed the new scientist around the new room. She was so nice- he hoped she would stay forever and ever! Maybe she could convince the scientist to let Carol come back and they could all play together? He squeaked again a the thought.

“I got you finger paints and glitter!” It took a moment for Mikey to realize she was talking to him, to absorbed in his daydreams of introducing her to Carol and George.

He claps his hands together and looks up at the sparkly tubes and jars of color that she held out for him. It felt like Christmas all over again!!

“thank you for helping people. Your heart is so so big and beautiful!”

He was hugging her before she could even finish the sentence, and he couldn't help but chirp with glee as she hugged back!

"Thank you! Ohmigosh!" He pulled away after a moment, taking the jars from her hands and spreading them out around him on the boring brown floor.

After a few moments of struggling against the lids, the vibrant colored jars were now open. He let out a mischievous giggle that turned into a cackle as he made up his mind:

These floors were not going to be boring brown any longer-

Raph stood awkwardly at the table, watching as one by one his brothers were distracted by the humans gifts. Finally, she turned to him.

“and last but never least, I got you a heart-shaped pillow and a friendship bracelet!”

His tail lightly twitched behind him, unsure if he should be excited or nervous. Pops told him that humans were dangerous to mutants like him but... this one seemed okay... maybe if he asked her nice enough she would take him home?

...no, no... he couldn't tell her where his home was. Dad said he could never, ever, EVER tell anyone where they lived.

But... then how would he get home? He frowned.

“you can do it. I love your kindness. I appreciate your want to help. You’re doing a great job bringing people and yourself together. Thank you for looking out for your brothers. Don’t worry too much big man.” She ended her small speech with a hug, which he melted into.

Yeah. I'm Raph, their big brother.

He had gotten this far, had found his brothers, had brought them together- even when pops said he that it wasn't possible!

And, now he just had to bust them all out of here!!

He smiled at his new friend, and gave her a toothy grin.

Raph was going to be the best big brother they ever had!

[justmeinadaze]

I'm in Control Part 2 (Steddie X Reader)

A/N: Today may be my birthday but I bare YOU a gift <3

Warnings: Steddie relationship and all that that implies (I regret nothing!) Eddie asserts more dominance here 🤤.

Word Count: 2823

“Y/N, congratulations! Luke called and told me he got those boys a part on that fancy show!” TJ beamed as he walked into your office and threw himself down in a chair. 

“See? Told you I could do it.”, you smile over at him. 

“I didn’t doubt you for a second.” He chuckles when you make a face at him. “Of course, with every big deal, I’m throwing a party at my house tonight.”

“Of course, but believe it or not, I have a date tonight.”

“Well bring him!”

“TJ…”, you wince at the thought.

“Oh come on. What man doesn’t want to go to a party full of beautiful people? Present company included.”

You giggle at him as you concede. “Fine, I’ll ask him!”

“Good. Now, please, on your way home can you give these to the boys and make sure they are coming. I have some people I want them to meet.”

##############

Steve answers the door in nothing but his sweats after hearing you knock. “Hey beautiful.”

“Mr. Harrington.” You hand him an envelope with their paycheck as you push past him and enter their home. You find Eddie sitting at their kitchen table in boxers and a heavy metal shirt munching on breakfast cereal. “Mr. Munson.”

Smiling, he takes the envelope from your hands. “Sweet. Thank you, Princess.”

“My pleasure. Now TJ is throwing a party for you two since you got cast in that new show and he insists that you attend.”

 “Sounds like fun. Are you going?”, Steve leans against his kitchen counter, taking a sip of coffee from his mug. 

“Why are you both acting like it’s the morning drinking coffee and eating cereal? You know it’s 4pm, yes?”

Eddie grins as he glances at Steve. “She’s avoiding the question.”

“Yeah, I noticed that to.” He rises from the counter to take a seat next to his roommate. 

“I’m not avoiding the question! I’m just simply asking another one before I answer.”

“She’s still not answering.”

“That means either she’s not going or she IS but…bringing someone with her?” Eddie’s eyebrows raise as he poses the question before chuckling when you blush. 

“Yes. Jesus, yes. I am going and yes, I am bringing a date. You both can be annoying sometimes.”

“A new date or someone you’ve been seeing for a long time?”, Steve asks.

“Does it matter?” Your eyes squint in his direction as his head ticks to the side. You hate when he does that. Besides it being ridiculously attractive, it means he’s figured out something new to crack that wall you keep putting between them. “It’s a new guy. It’s hard for me to meet men out here.”

“Well, I find that hard to believe.” Eddie gets up from the table and tosses his bowl in the sink. “I mean, you’re gorgeous, smart, kind, and sassy as fuck. What men wouldn’t want that?”

“Man.”, you correct.

He flashes you a sly grin. “Man. My mistake.”

“To answer your question,” you quickly clear your throat as you try to get them (and yourself) on task. “Being a woman in the porn industry is kind of a double edge sword. Either men get intimated or they think I’m easy.”

“We feel that. I mean, of course, I’m sure it’s harder for women but,” Steve gives you a kind smile that warms your insides. “I would think though not being on camera gives you bonus points.”

“Nope.”, you shrug. “But I’m hopeful for this one. He seems really nice. Speaking of, I have to go get ready but I’ll see you two tonight, ok?”

################

TJ leans in to shake your date’s hand. “Hey there! We’re glad you could join us. Y/N’s a fine young lady. You have a good one here! Please feel free to help yourself to any food and beverages and just have fun!”

You take your dates hand as soon as your boss leaves. “I’m sorry, Malcolm! He can be a bit…energetic!”

“Oh, it’s not a problem!”, he shouts over the music. “He seems like a cool dude!”

You lead him into the kitchen, grabbing a couple of beers while you talk. After about an hour, you hear the music suddenly stop and your name being called into a microphone. 

“There she is! Everyone, this is Y/N. When she first moved down here, she was just an assistant running around helping me with things. Now here she is managing her own clients and I couldn’t be prouder.”

You blush as everyone in the room claps for you. “I love you, babe. Now since they were fashionably late, I can also congratulate our new talent, Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington for getting their first big part in Luke’s production which starts filming next week!” 

While everyone clapped, you felt frozen in place as you looked them over. This was the first time you were seeing them in anything that wasn’t their lazy, thrown together wardrobe. Steve was wearing black slacks with a white button up shirt underneath. His black jacket hung on his shoulders casually but perfectly. Eddie was dressed more or less the same except with a red button up with the top few buttons undone to show off his guitar pick necklace. 

God damn, they looked delicious. 

You were startled when a hand touched your back. “Whoa! Y/N, I’m so sorry.”

“No, Malcolm it’s ok. I’m just jumpy.”

“So those are the guys you’re managing?”

“Yup, that’s, uh, that’s them.”

TJ wasted no time intercepting them after his speech, guiding the boys around the house to meet other big-name people that could help get them connections. 

“Let go outside and talk.” Your date smiles at your suggestion as you lead him to the area by the pool.

#################

Your boss had managed to keep Eddie and Steve preoccupied for most of the night while you talked to your date. Malcolm was a good guy and to your surprise very open minded about the setting around him. You didn’t even realize how much time had passed until you looked at your watch. 

“Oh wow. It’s almost midnight.”

“Yes ma’am it is. You’re not going to turn into a pumpkin, are you?”

“Wooooow. That is the cheesiest thing I have ever heard.”, you giggle at him as he grins. 

“Ok, you can’t say that and then laugh!”

“Um, yes I can!”

Your laugh is cut off by his lips as he reaches forward to pull you to him. “I’m sorry”, he whispers. “Was that…?” You shake your head as you bring his mouth back to your own. 

The sound of a throat clearing immediately tugs you two apart. “Sorry, Y/N. I didn’t realize the date was going so well.”, TJ grins at you as you and Malcolm get to your feet. 

“Very well, it seems.”, Steve smiles as well but there’s something about it that you can’t put your finger on. 

“Hi. I’m Malcolm.” He extends his hand to the boys who shake it. “Y/N has told me all about you and your new part. That’s amazing.”

“Yeah, she’s definitely good at what she does.” Eddie’s smile is much more slanted than Steves as if he isn’t even trying to hide the fact that he’s upset. This time your head is the one to tilt. 

“You okay there, Mr. Munson?”

He narrows his eyes at you before glancing at Steve. “I…am just fine, Princess. Honestly, I am ready to relax and party. TJ, where are the other beautiful women at?”

Your boss chuckles as he slaps the man’s back. “I love this kid. Come on, boys. Let’s leave Y/N to her date. She’s earned some fun.”

I’m in control.

“Hey Eddie! Steven! You boys look good tonight by the way. Nice to see you out of your dad vibe clothes.”

They both stop, slowly turning to meet your cocky smile. 

“So do you, Y/N.” Steve sticks his hands in his pockets as he continues to follow TJ. Eddie chuckles, shaking his head before giving you a wink. 

###############

By the early AM hours, you felt the alcohol doing its job as you leaned your head on Malcolm’s shoulder. He gently kisses your forehead making you smile. 

“I’m going to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” He nods as he watches you disappear around the corridor. Just as you’re about to turn into the restroom, the sound of moaning grabs your attention. 

The moaning gets louder the closer you get to a door at the end of the hall that’s slightly ajar. Your breath catches in your throat when you see Steve on the edge of the guest bed with a girl between his legs. His pants were shoved down to his ankles as her manicured nails gripped his thighs as her head bobbed up and down on his cock.

This is wrong. I’m in control. I need to leave.

As you turn to leave, you bump into Eddie’s broad chest. He quickly raises his finger to his mouth in a shushing motion as he grabs your arm and turns you back towards the door. His fingers delicately move through your hair, pushing it to one side. 

“He always looks so good like that, doesn’t he?” He whispers softly into your ear as presses his chest to your back. “That should be you in there taking his cock in your pretty mouth.”

“Why is that Mr. Munson?”

“Because you so desperately want it to be you…it’s kind of pathetic.” Your breathing stutters at his words as you feel your pussy start to drip. “And I prefer Sir.” Both of his hands reach down to unbutton your jeans. “As opposed to Mr. Munson.”

As one of his hands slide into the waistband of your panties, his other grips your chin forcing you to watch the show in front of you. 

“That’s it, baby. God that feels so good.” Steve’s hand drops down to hold the back of her head. 

“He hates it.” Your eyes turn to meet his. “Oh yeah. He’s not one to praise unless someone has earned it. They’ve barely even started.” Eddie glides one of ringed fingers through your folds. 

His hand quickly flies over your mouth as you whimper when he pushes into your entrance. 

“What was that?” The girl on her knees starts to turn her head but Steve swiftly reaches out to grab her chin. 

“Probably noise from the party. Keep going, honey. Please. I’m almost there.”

She grins up at him as her mouth wraps around his cock again. His eyes meet yours through the crack in the door as Eddie pumps his finger deeper into you. 

“Did you really think he was going to let you get away with your sass by the pool?” Your head fell back against his shoulder as he inserted a second finger into your throbbing cunt. “You’re lucky I’m nicer than he is. No, no.” He lifts your head, making you look at Steve. “You have to help him, Princess. He won’t cum unless you do.”

Your eyes lock with the mans in front of you as Eddie curls his finger inside of you. His breath is warm against your ear as he presses his face to your own. 

“Are you still in control?”

His hand pushes tightly to your mouth as your body caves into his. He holds you up as best as he can as you cum hard around his fingers. You look up just in time to see Steve groan as he cums into the girl’s mouth. 

Eddie gently pulls his hand from between your legs and zips up your pants before buttoning them back up. 

“Go pull yourself together. You’re about to go back into a room full of people who have sex for a living.” He kisses your cheek tenderly before playfully pushing you towards the bathroom. 

You quickly fix your hair and adjust your make up as much as possible. You smile at your own reflection as you exhale. Jesus. You give yourself a final once over before heading back towards the living room. The girl that had been with Steve was sitting on the opposite couch talking to another girl you recognized from other sets. 

“Hey you.” Malcolm extends out his arm and you smile as you fall into his embrace. “You were gone awhile. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I swear I can handle my alcohol.” He chuckles as he kisses your forehead. 

The boys come out from the hallway at the same time. Steve flopping down next to the girl he was with, Eddie down on the floor next to her friend. 

You watched with envious eyes as they touched their faces and kissed their lips. The girl next to Steve flirtatiously touched his chest as the other girl ran her fingers through Eddie’s hair. 

“That should be you in there…”

Suddenly a thought hit you. Eddie knew that Steve wasn’t enjoying his blow job but neither of them knew when you weren’t enjoying something. They had to have been jealous to pull a stunt like the one they just did. 

Fuck them. They think they can make me jealous to. I’M in control. 

You craned your neck to look at Malcolm with big dough eyes. “Hey.”

“Hm?” As soon as he turns your lips were on his and he was more than willing to deepen it. 

You didn’t even need to glance in their direction to know the boys were watching you. You could feel their stares penetrate through your body. 

You and your date were startled when Luke threw his body onto the couch next you both.

“Luke.”, you couldn’t help but smile as he turned to deliver you a drunken grin. “You good, buddy?”

“I am and so are you it seems.”

You roll your eyes. “I date. People act like I’m a prude or something.” 

“You’re definitely not a prude.”, Eddie calls from the other side of the living room. When your eyes find his, he places the two fingers that made you cum into his mouth. He pulls them back out with an obnoxious pop. “Right, Princess?”

You narrow your eyes at him before playfully smiling. “Correct, sir.”

Eddie’s eyes look up to meet Steve’s but his are too busy looking at you. “Oh, Eds. So polite this one.” He turns to Malcolm. “She’s always calling us by our last name. Mr. Munson. Mr. Harrington. We told her she didn’t have to.”

“It’s because they’re my clients.”

“Didn’t you call their first names by the pool?”, Malcolm asks as he gestures that way.

“I have been drinking.”, you nervously giggle hoping to play it off.

I’m in control.

“Yup, that’s probably why she said ‘Steven’. Ugh!”, Steve overdramatically shudders. “I hate that name.”

“What name do you prefer?” You close your eyes and bite your bottom lip trying to contain your smile at Malcolm’s question. 

When you open them again Steve and Eddie have wide grins of their own. 

“What do I prefer, Y/N?”

He’s challenging you to play their game and you know it. You started it by calling him Steven earlier and just now by casually saying “Sir” to Eddie in front of a group of people. But did you have the guts to say what Steve liked? Sir you could explain away but…

I’m in control. Not them.

You cross your legs, leaning forward in his direction. “Hm. What DO you prefer, Daddy?”

Your date stuttered out a sigh behind you. “God damn…”

Everyone else in the room that had heard either giggled or made an “OOOOOO” noise towards Steve. Some of the girl’s eyes swiveled in his direction as they licked their lips but his eyes remained glued to yours with a small smile painted on his lips. 

“Hey, um, do you want to get out of here?”, Malcolm asked as he tried to sneakily adjust the bulge in his pants. 

You tore your eyes from Steve’s to look at your date. “I’d love to.”

He guided you out to his car and opened the door for you to climb in. As your date hops into the driver’s side, you hear a small knock on your window.

“TJ wanted me to give this to you.”  Steve leans in and hands you a piece of paper. 

“Why can’t he just come out and tell me?”

The man softly smiles as his finger grazes your cheek. “Tonight was fun. We’ll see you in a few days?”

His gentle tone was throwing you off. Mostly because it warmed your stomach at the thought that they would be excited to see you. 

Agent. Client.

“Yeah, of course.”

Steve pated the door as he backed away from the car. “Nice to meet you, Malcolm.”

Your date grinned and nodded his head as you unfolded the note that was given to you. 

Don’t sleep with him. We promise you won’t regret it.

X Eddie and Steve X

################

@gracieluvthemoon @e-munson666

[fortune-fool02]

A Flash in the Pan

Luis Serra x Plaga female reader

Summary: The infection within [Name] rears its ugly head, and Luis has to help bring her back to sanity.

Warnings: Light spoilers for RE 4, light angst, blood, violence, fluff. 

I blame Demon Slayer for this idea. Please reblog and comment as it really helps and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

Please enjoy.

A deep rumble ahead of them promised more rain to come, soaking the already drenched trio. Leon only groaned in annoyance while [Name] sighed. Luis wasn’t too bothered by it anymore, though he did wish he packed an umbrella. The village scrap had left them all struggling for ammo and saving every bullet they could. 

Luis had made a comment some ways back that they were lucky he kept hold of his “trusty lance” while proudly holding up the metal rod like it was a sword. [Name] chuckled at it, recalling how Luis had pulled the metal rod up and swung it at one of the infected’s head, throwing it off balance and giving a moment to shoot a well-aimed bullet at its head, putting it down for good. Sometimes, there were moments where this all felt.... normal. 

Like they weren’t risking their lives to rescue the President’s daughter from a cult. That they were just bonding with one another, spending time together to gather themselves and catch their breath. A sigh left [Name]’s lips as she rubbed her eyes, a faint aching pulse behind them gnawing away at her. Little headaches like these were common, save for the larger, head-splitting ones she, Leon and Ashley were unfortunate enough to endure thanks to the damned parasite squirming about inside them. She prayed that they would be able to reach Luis’ laboratory in time, before there was nothing left of them to save. 

Leon and [Name] had both made a silent agreement, that if one of them turns, if one of them becomes enslaved by Saddler’s will and command, the other would kill them. They tried to view it as a mercy-killing, to save them the torment of becoming the very monsters they fight so hard against. It was painful, for the both of them, even if Leon tried not to show it. The both of them had worked together for a long time now and there wasn’t anyone in the world they would trade one another for. That was why they both were chosen for this mission, trusted for it. 

[Name] shook her head a little, pulling herself from those thoughts as she took a breath. They weren’t going to fail this mission. They couldn’t. 

Luis gave her a small smile, gently patting her shoulder, “Eh, you okay, [Name]?” He asked, his smoke grey eyes lightly twinkling in the low light that the candle offered them. All three took shelter from the approaching storm in one of the houses in by the lake. [Name] sat by the window, watching the rain hit the large lake. 

“Hm? Yeah, I’m okay. Just a headache.” She told him, giving her eyes another rub before resting her head against her propped up arm. They had been walking for most of the day and she was exhausted. Luis only smiled at her before grabbing a chair and plopping himself beside her, 

“C’mon, talk to me. Something’s up, I know it.” He turned to her, his full attention on her and her alone. It was no secret that Luis had a soft spot for ladies but he had a softer spot for [Name]. The man’s eyes lit up whenever he saw her or her name was mentioned, and he was never too far away from her. With him, she felt something more, something different than with Leon. 

“Well, I keep getting these... pains around my jaw. They’re not too bad but they keep bothering me sometimes.” As she spoke, Luis leaned in close, gently taking her face into his hands as he examined her jawline for any injuries or anything amiss. A look of concentration crossed his face, an expression she hadn’t seen on him before. 

“Hm, I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Though it could be the parasite’s work.” He hummed in thought. His thumb very gently caressing the bottom of her cheek, a comforting motion which was returned by her leaning into his warm touch a little, a small smile lifting the corner of her lips. Both remained like that for a moment, savouring it for every second they could. A sudden crash outside caught their attention, ruining their peaceful moment as the angered chanting of the infected villagers could be heard. 

“Shit, we need to move, now.” Leon cursed, gathering his weapons before they tried to head out the back door, hoping to avoid the crowd. Keeping their heads low, they moved along a small dirt path, ducking below the height of the wheat, using it as a cover. [Name] trailed at the back, her eyes keep glancing around to see if she was clear to move or not. She took one step into a gap in the grass and heard a cursing from one of the villagers, followed by a bottle smashing in front of her, erupting into flames. 

“[Name]!” Luis’ voice called out, worry dripping off his voice as he turned around. [Name] shook her head, 

“No, keep going! I’ll catch up to you!” The infected moved in, forcing [Name] to turn and run, promising to catch up to them again soon. She knew the path they were taking and would search for an alternative to meet up back outside the Church grounds. She would just have to meet them there. 

The heavy rain rendered the ground slippery, thick with mud, adding yet another obstacle for [Name] as she fled, trying to lose the infected that gave chase to her. Her legs burned as she ran, her muscles protesting as exhaustion was seeping in, coiling around her bones to weigh them down. Adrenaline coursing through her, pounding her heart harder as its rhythm gripped the sides of her head and squeezed, pulling a groan from the woman as she held her head, still pushing herself to run. 

She couldn’t stop now. 

A gnawing ache writhed in her chest, curling around her lungs, slowly pushing its ragged claws into the soft muscle. There was a light, metallic taste in the back of her throat that she tried not to think about too much until she was safe. The shouting grew distant, fading away behind her before it finally fell silent. Another crash of thunder being the only other sound heard as from the pelting rain and her pounding heart.

Pushing herself forward, [Name] leaned against the wall of a house, her lungs burning as her legs did, catching her breath seeming impossible at this point. Small, short gasps and wheezes were all she could manage, threads around her lungs like wire tightened with each deep breath.

A series of coughs racked her body, her hand covering her mouth as blood splattered on her palm. Dread dropped in her stomach and all she wanted to do was cry and curse and scream her heart out. But that would get her nowhere. Her vision began to swim more, her head feeling heavier than it should be. Something in her head told her this wasn’t right, that something was amiss. A low growling sound caught her attention. 

Vibrant crimson eyes glowed from inside the bushes around her, low snarls filled the air as three large, black dogs emerged. The parasite’s effects riddling their bodies, drool dripping from their wide jaws, hungered snarls made as they started to circle her. Panic pulsed throughout [Name]’s body as she tried to pull out her knife when the first dog pounced, slamming its weight into her, knocking the knife from her hand and crashing her into the ground. Another lunged, latching its jaws around her leg, tugging and tearing at her limb, ripping pained screams from her as she tried to kick it off. 

She couldn’t die here. Not like this. They had to finish the mission, she had to get back to the others, to Luis. She had to survive. Survival was all that mattered, by any means. Blackness spilled through her veins as her vision turned red. 

***

Sharp pants left Luis’ lips as he leaned against the wall, his hands on the wood as his head dripped down a bit, gulping down oxygen as he tried to steady his rapid heartbeat. They had lost the villager’s some ways back now, but they didn’t stop until they were certain. Worry chewed away at Luis, [Name] could take care of herself, he didn’t deny that, but the idea of being separated from her made his heart ache. They had to find her. 

“I think we’re close to the Church, I hope she made it.” He heard Leon say, sparking a glimmer of hope inside the Spaniard. Pushing himself off the wall, he turned on his heel and followed Leon up the dirt trail that led up the side of the Church. Pained howls and whimpers made both men stop in their tracks, listening closer to the sound of flesh and bone breaking, a heavy thudding sound following along. Drawing their guns, they moved slowly, wary of the threat that was possibly awaiting them. 

Luis peeked from behind the metal gate, trying to get a look at the creature and felt his blood run cold. [Name]’s back faced him but he could see her slamming her foot down repeatedly into the already mangled corpse of one of the infected dogs. Two more laid around, their bones and flesh a disgusting mix with their heads being a mess of gore. The animals dead but that did not seem to stop her. Without thinking, Luis pushed the gate open and walked over, his grey eyes filled with concern. 

“[Name]! Cálmate, they’re already dead!” At the sound of his voice, she turned her head slowly towards him. Black veins spidered all along her face, crawling up her neck against her sickly coloured skin. Her crimson eyes appearing to glow even brighter as a result. There was no sense of familiarity in them nor anything close to humanity. No, no, they couldn’t be too late. 

“[Name]... No.” 

Leon moved beside Luis, pulling his handgun force, but there was a light tremble in the man’s grip. “[Name]! Don’t make me do this!” 

Luis turned, grabbing the barrel of the handgun and forcing it towards the ground, glaring at Leon for even raising the gun to her. 

“Don’t! We can still help her, we can’t-” Luis’ words were cut off as [Name] charged at them, slamming into Leon and tackling the man to the ground, her hands latching onto his throat. Almost feral-sounding growls and yells were made from her as Leon struggled against her, trying to pry her hands away from his throat, his lungs burning at this. 

[Name]’s mouth opened, a little too widely than before, and she moved her head down, aiming for Leon’s throat. A look of surprise flashes her face as a thick, metal rode was forced into her mouth, Luis holding both ends securely as he tried to pull her off of Leon, fighting against her strength as she thrashed about wildly in an attempt to get him off her. 

“[Name], listen! You can fight this! I know you’re scared, mi amor, but you can do it!” Luis wrapped his legs around her waist, using it to anchor himself onto her as she pushed back from Leon, crashing both him and herself into the stone wall, but his grip remained tight. He was not going to let go of her. He saw the wound on her leg, those dogs had a truly vicious bite. The thought of her in pain, alone and afraid, it was no wonder the parasite took its chance to strike. 

Pain bloomed in his back though he couldn’t care at that moment in time. Luis’ only concern at the moment was [Name]. Letting go of one end of the rod, he covered her eyes the best he could and leaned forward, his lips beside her ear as he pleaded almost. 

“[Name], please. Por favor regrese, come back to me.” Her body suddenly arched up, a pained cry ripping from her before her body went limp, falling to the ground. Luis climbed off her, pulling the rod from her mouth and setting it aside, watching the black veins slowly reduce down to a faint mark. Relief flooding through him as he took her into his arms, holding her close as he gently prepped her head in soft kisses, whispering comfort to her unconscious form. 

That was far too close. They were running out of time. 

[onepiece-asl-lover]

Strawhats x child reader

The meeting

An island hidden from the government has been found and had been called the "Tomogui Island" it is called that nobody should set foot on the island until the Marines has cleared it. People around the world ask why this island his so horrible that they can't even sail by it. The government never answered this strange question, leaving millions of people questioning what is so dangerous about this island?

In a big hut in Tomogui Island

You grabbed your bag as you started grabbing supplies to go hunt as your older brother (foster child) circled you.

"Why are you going? You know that the older men's are the only ones supposed to go? You know how damn dangerous-"

"Mr Uchida (foster caregiver) let me go, but I have to stay near the group tho" you replied as you threw your bag over your shoulders and went to go grab some clothing.

"Mr Uchid- no way! I'm older than you by 5 years, and I still don't go!.... How did you do it?"

"I just asked and promised that I'll clean up the house after," you say as you put on a fox mask you were gifted with from your foster mother. So basically, this was a small orphanage, but you guys still called each other family.

"You are the favorite for Mr. Uchida, that's probably why, " your brother mumbled as he sat down on a stack of hay.

"Mabye it is," you snicker as you put on a black cloak "What do you think, ain't I'm pretty" you say as you pose stances at your brother.

"You know you're risking your life, and instead, you want to look pretty," he says as he sticks out his tongue.

"You're just jealous," you say as you stick your tongue out at him as well. "Now I gotta reach Mr.Uchida group before they leave without me," you say as you run to the door and go outside.

"Next, you know she's going to bring a pirate crew over," Kubo (brothers name) says as he slumps over the hay.

You reach Mr.Uchida group right on time. You look around and see many other older, taller men and boys that wear the same uniform you're wearing as Mr.Uchida explains what we need to catch, and if there is a Tomogui, we need the hide from.

"All ready men!" Mr Uchida shouts. "And ladies.." he whispers to you as you smile and nod.

"Yes, sir!" You all shout.

"Now you may go!" Mr Uchida shouts as everyone in the group dashes to different areas of the forest.

You dash into a huge bushy area of the forest as you look around for any source of food. Some bugs here, some frogs, some hawks, some spiders. You sigh as you grab a notepad and start writing about the scene around you.

You sat while in silence, then you heard a "Snap!" A twig broke as you stood up and put your mask back on. You heard several footsteps about seven people. You were shaking a bit as you were told to run if you saw a Tomogui ( human cannibals) . You jump up a tree as you scan the ground, then see 7 people, more like 6 because there was a reindeer human something?

You heard about these people's! Pirates! You look and see a blonde hair man, a ginger lady, a black haired lady, she was the most pretty in your opinion, a long nose man,a reindeer human thing, a green hair guy with 3 swords," jeez he must be bad if he needs three swords" you muble as you see a man with a strawhat.

You knew it! Pirates! You heard about these Pirates people, evil, voracious, sinful, wicked, destructive, and even cannibals themselves. They must be here to attack your family! You adjusted your mask and tightened it as you grabbed your katana and eyed the captain.

"They say attack the leader so the group falls," you mumble as you get a good angle to attack the jumpy captain. You jumped off the tree and dashed towards the jumpy captain. You jump into the air to slice him down, but instead of meeting fleash you were met with another sword.

"AHHHH," the ginger, long nose, and reindeer screamed as they hugged each other.

You looked to see the green hair fellow as he pushed his katana. You jumped back and ran again, planning to attack him this time. You jump over him as you see his neck and get hit again making you jump back.

You were about to go attack again until a couple of hands sprouted from your body and held your arms in place and two other hands from the ground holding your legs.

The silence in the air made you able to comprehend if you took some poison in your system until it finally snapped in your head.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" You shrieked as you tried moving away from these hands from your body. "What the he'll are these! Get off!Get off! Get off!" You shouted as you tried to wiggle in the hands that held you.

"Who are you?" Luffy asked as he jumped in front of you.

"Luffy, be careful she could be a spirit! Nobody can live in a place like this!" The long nosed shouted as he hid behind yellow haired man.

"Who am I!" I'm supposed to be asking you that! I live here!"

"No way!" Long nose, ginger and reindeer screamed.

The black haired lady let you go as you looked around, seeing where the hands went.

"Robin why would you do that-"

"May I ask where you live here?"

You looked at the so-called Robin as you looked at the other pirate's, how can you trust some pirates? They'll just probably kill you.

"Why should I?!" You shouted as you grabbed your katana again.

Green hair guy raised his katans as he glared at you. "Then we'll-

"That's a child!" Ginger girl and blond guy say together as they hit the green haired guy.

After some threats, some insults, and hitting from the ginger, which you, learned the name of, Nami, you decided that you should at least fix the mess you've caused.

"So let me get this straight. You guys are pirates, but good? And you came here to discover some what is this island about?"

"Yes," They all say in usion.

"Alright, I guess I can bring you to my home, but you'll probably need to talk to my group and Mr. Uchida first"

"Who’s this Uchi guy?" The Strawhat boy you learned his name was Luffy asked.

"He's my foster parent and also the leader of my group.

"So there aren't any cannibals on this island, phew!" Usopp says as he laughs.

"Think again" you say.

"What!" Usopp shouts as he clings onto Luffy.

"Hmhm, mostly its cannibals here, but a small population, which is 30 people, are not, and I'm in that group. So we have to wear this mask and cloak so we can blend in and hunt for food." You said as you point to your fox mask and cloak.

"What do you guys even eat here, there barely anything edible hear" Nami says as she waves off a bug that was at her face.

"We mostlycatch some fish, but we also collect some bigger pieces of meat."

"Meat! Where!" Luffy shouts as he grabs your hands.

"Luffy, it's getting dark. We might want to head the ship" Chopper says as he is in Robin's arm.

"You guys can come over to my house so you can learn more about this place and I think Mr.Uchida will be okay with some visitors for dinner" You suggest as Luffy cheers and grabs your hand to let you lead the way.

"Luffy! Wait!" His crew shouts as you literally being dragged by Luffy.

--------------------------◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇-----------------------

You stand in front of the Strawhats as you knock in specific order and ways. The door opens as you see Mr. Uchida.

"Ah hello Y/N we were wondering where you've been. It's past sunset." Mr Uchida says as you opens the door wider to let you in.

Wrong timing. Luffy flung himself into the house as screams and yelps of surprise happen. You rush inside as Kubo pulls you next to him as the group men's shield the women and youngs.

The rest of the Strawhat crew walk in as the men pull out there wepons. Your foster mother is checking on you, pulling up your arms. Kubo pulls on your cheek for causing trouble again.

"I thought you wouldn't do it and know I think I'm hallucinating. You are 9 years old! Oh my god!" Kubo yells at you as you try to make him stop pulling on your cheeks.

"You got it all wrong! These are good pirates!" You yell.

"Good pirates? Y/N, that is absolutely incorrect! Pirates are even more dangerous than the Tomoguis!" One of the men shout.

You pull yourself away from Kubo as you rush in and stand infront of the Strawhats.

"No! They're good! They came here to learn about the islands myths the government says about our island!" You shouted as look at Mr. Uchida, looking from your height and the angle dang, the men's are scary.

"Myths....what kind of myths are you trying to find out?" Uchida asks

AN: AH it been so long since I've actually started writing again, I'm very sorry to any of you who have been waiting, THANK YOU! Probably make a part two of this or start writing again on my ASL trio fic?

Love you guys