#I’m not going to get MORE stable as we approach closing

[box5intern]

Every time a friend sees the show I demand to know if Christine Looked Down At It in first lair because guess what Shakespeare said to thine own self be true and I simply —

[pastryfication]

hi!!! can we get an ollie x reader, frustrated after he misses out on q3 in baku, and fully melts into his gfs arms when he’s out of the car. until someone from the team has to steer him away to the media pen

i guess that's the best i can do

pairing: ollie bearman x reader

note: i absolutely adore writing hurt/comfort so thank u for this request <33 i know it’s been over a month since u requested, and i’m so sorry for that, but i hope u still like it

the streets of baku were unforgiving that day, the tight corners and narrow straights biting harder than ollie had expected as he got into the car. he knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but missing out on q3—by just a fraction—hurt more than he wanted to admit.

he climbs out of the car quickly, his helmet still on, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. the moment he’s out of the cockpit, the frustration floods him. all those laps, the careful management, and it still wasn’t enough. he slams the steering wheel back in place a little harder than necessary, trying to keep the emotions from boiling over in front of the cameras. the pit crew is busy around him, preparing for the post-qualifying debrief, but all he can think about is how close he came.

he catches sight of you standing just outside of the garage, your face soft with understanding. it’s as if you know exactly how he’s feeling before he even reaches you. you offer a small smile, but ollie’s expression doesn’t budge. he pulls off his helmet and then his baclava, running a hand through his sweaty hair, before walking over to you, his shoulders heavy with disappointment.

as soon as he’s close enough, he drops his helmet onto the ground beside you and crashes into your arms without a word. his hands grip tightly onto your waist, his forehead resting heavily against your shoulder, as if all the tension and frustration can somehow seep out through the contact. for a long moment, he just stands there, holding on, and you can feel the shuddering breath he lets out.

you wrap your arms around him, holding him close, your hand gently stroking the back of his neck, offering silent comfort. his body, taut with frustration and anger just moments ago, begins to sag against yours, melting into your embrace. he’s letting it all go, just for a moment, here with you, where it’s safe to be vulnerable—where he can show his true emotions.

“you were absolutely brilliant out there,” you whisper softly into his ear, trying to sooth the storm brewing inside him. “so close, ollie. you fought so hard.”

he doesn’t say anything at first, his face still buried in the crook of your neck, his arms clinging to you as if he's afraid you'll disappear. you can feel the rise and fall of his chest, deep breaths as he tries to calm down, to find the words he wants to say. his grip on you tightens even further for a second, as if he needs to hold on to something stable, something real, before he can speak.

“i should’ve made it,” he mumbles, his voice thick with frustration. “i had the pace. i know i did.”

you keep stroking his hair, your other hand rubbing gentle circles on his back. “you’ll get them next time. this isn’t the end.”

he pulls back just enough to look at you, his eyes glassy with emotion. “i just—” his voice cracks, and he shakes his head, trying to get the words out. “i wanted it so bad. i was right there.”

“i know,” you say softly, cupping his face in your hands. “i know, love. but this doesn’t change how incredible you are.”

for a moment, he just looks at you, the frustration still simmering beneath the surface but dulled by the warmth of your presence. you lean in and press a gentle kiss to his forehead, and he sighs again, his shoulders finally slumping in defeat—though not the kind of defeat that lingers, but the kind that comes with acceptance, with knowing he did all he could.

but before he can fully disappear into the comfort of your embrace, someone from the team approaches, clearing their throat. you both turn to see one of the pr managers, looking slightly awkward but aware of the time crunch. “ollie,” they say softly, not wanting to intrude too much. “we’ve got to get you to the media pen. they’re waiting.”

ollie groans quietly against your shoulder, his grip on you loosening as reality pulls him back. “right,” he mutters, clearly not thrilled about it.

he pulls back reluctantly, his hands still lingering on your waist for a second longer before he lets go completely. “i’ll be back soon,” he says, the words more for himself than for you, like a promise he’s making to get through this next part.

you offer him an encouraging smile, giving his hand a squeeze. “you’ve got this.”

he nods, though you can see he’s still carrying some of that disappointment with him. just before he walks away, he pauses, turning back to you. “thank you,” he whispers, his voice quiet but sincere. “i don’t know what i’d do without you.”

“you don’t have to,” you reply, smiling softly as you reach up to caress his cheek adoringly. “i’ll always be here.”

with that, he smiles softly and leans down to give you a hurried kiss before finally allowing the team to steer him away, glancing back at you one last time before disappearing into the paddock. you watch him go, knowing that once he’s done with the media, you’ll be there waiting, ready to pull him back into your arms when he needs it most.

[runningfrom2am]

Hi, how’s your day been going? Hoping it was amazing. I just saw your post about needing inspo for Coriolanus fics! I’m not sure if you are taking requests but if you are Could you maybe do a touch-starved Coryo fic? Something fluffy/angsty where Coryo can finally fulfill those needs and be himself and vulnerable with the reader. Thanks!

as long as you need me - c.s

pairing: coryo x fem!reader

wc: 1.7k

tags/warnings: fluff, hurt/comfort, he just needs you and you just want to help.

requests (currently closed- feel free to send whatever but it will be a while before I get to them!)

nav / coriolanus snow masterlist

a/n: ahhh thank you for sending this in! it was so fun to write like stopppp i just want to give him a hug omg. also thought i'd post this to hold y'all off until i post the next part of LTPF. anyway, enjoy!

You had a very stable grasp of the limits of your relationship. What was appropriate, and what was not. You were quite shy, and Coryo always carried himself with a high level of decorum. You would eat together at lunch, and he would walk you home most days. The weekends, your study dates, were always your favourite. He was significantly more relaxed, but you could still tell he was just a little tightly wound. By now, you've just learned that's who he is. Not overly affectionate, but he cares for you and you care for him. 

"I can't stay late today, I'm sorry." You said, genuinely feeling bad for having to turn down the request. In your junior year, you started tutoring for younger grades at the academy and it is something you thoroughly enjoyed.

"I have a test tomorrow! Why can't you stay? Just for a few minutes- I just have a couple of questions." The first year, Aelia whined.

"My boyfriend is supposed to walk me home and he has a tight schedule, but I'll tell you what, I can meet you in the library in the morning before class. That way it will still be fresh in your mind, yeah?" You grinned, and she seemed satisfied as you agreed on a time, not knowing that a few of the girls in your grade were listening in.

"Y/N," Clemensia decided to approach you as Aelia walked off, Arachne and Livia following close behind. "Did I catch you telling someone that you have a boyfriend? Did I hear that right?"

"Oh, well, yes." You answered sheepishly, gathering your things to put in your bag before your next class.

"Really?" Livia chimed in, and you just nodded. "Okay, well, spill. Who is it? Do I know him?"

"Um..." You looked around, deciding what to say. You weren't necessarily keeping it a secret, but you just hadn't felt the need to tell anyone you went to school with. "It's Coriolanus. Snow." You cleared your throat, unsure why you even added his last name. It's not like the name Coriolanus was abundantly common.

"Shut up." Clemensia laughed slightly, eyes widening at you. "You're joking, right?"

"No... We've been together for almost seven months now."

"I just... wow. We had no idea. Seven months! I feel like I've never seen the two of you get closer than two feet apart." You weren't sure whether to interpret this response as teasing or genuine shock- so you just gave them an awkward smile and a small nod before walking away.

At the time, you had never considered how your lack of affection in public could be confusing to people- not that it mattered. Rumors had spread quickly after that, which was to be expected when Livia and Arachne were involved. However, PDA just wasn't your thing. General displays of affection weren't really your thing, either. Both of you always had a lot going on, and having been together for almost a year by now, you knew that you loved him and he loved you. You didn't have to prove it to each other or to anyone, there was no pressure for anything to change. On your end, anyway.

Coryo, on the other hand, was feeling something shift. Leading up to the reaping and more importantly, to the prize. You both were in the running, being in the top twenty-four of your class, and you had no doubt that Coryo was a shoo-in, but you didn't know how extremely anxious it was making him. The now constant thrumming of his heartbeat in his chest and his shaky hands were always less around you, and he can only dream of how much better it would be if he could just hold you.

These days, he'd wake up expecting you in his arms due to a particularly calming dream only to be disappointed. He respected you a great amount and wouldn't want to push your boundaries, however unspoken. Still, he wasn't sure how much longer he could go about his day-to-day without testing his theory that holding you could cure his fears, or at least let him forget about them for only a moment. He would happily take just a second of peace.

Coriolanus usually greeted you outside of your unshared classes, seeing that you tended to stay a few minutes late to ask questions or polish off your notes. He couldn't wait to see you, he needed to.

"Coryo." You smile, walking out of your lecture hall to see him waiting.

"Hi, Love. How was class?" Your boyfriend greets you, joining you on your walk towards the exit of the school.

"It was good. Though, I find the topic of the rebellion kind of redundant at this point." You say, books tucked against your chest under folded arms. "Is it not too soon to discuss it in a history class? I mean, I literally remember what it was like to live in a bomb shelter."

Your joke seemingly lands on deaf ears as he just hums, placing a hand on your lower back to guide you out of the building. This wasn't totally unusual, but with the way he was pushing you, albeit gently, was telling you that something was wrong.

"Is everything okay?" You ask him, looking up at the boy next to you as you reach the bottom of the academy's front steps.

"Fine." Coryo nods, attempting a reassuring smile that he isn't aware falls short.

"Okay, well... If you want to talk about anything, I'm here for you, you know. Always."

"I know. Thank you, Love." He drops his hand from your back to hold your free one, turning in the direction of your apartment.

The next afternoon, you're in the same class, one of the rare ones you don't share with Coryo, taking down notes from the lecture when there's a knock on the door, followed by it creaking open. You pay no mind, taking the opportunity to catch up on everything written on the board.

"May I borrow Y/N, please?" Your boyfriend's voice is scratchy and shakey in a way unfamiliar sounding to you, making your head snap up. You'd never seen him cry before. "Only for a moment."

Your teacher dismisses you, likely on account of your and Coriolanus's mutually spotless records and his red-rimmed eyes. Clearly, you were needed urgently. You leave your bag and your books, ignoring the whistles and heckling of some of your classmates as you rush to the door.

Coryo had reached his breaking point. He was writing his third paper of the week, unable to focus on that and get his mind off of how unlikely it was he would get the prize if the Dean had any say. Sitting in the library, the world had started turning around him. People were talking, laughing, even, and he couldn't take it anymore. The floodgates opened and he had rushed out of the room. He couldn't go home, his attendance would be affected and he'd be throwing away the prize most definitely. He had nowhere to go, except for to you.

You close the door behind yourself, thankful that the hallway is completely deserted during class time. "Hey, what's going on?" You ask, and before you can get a good look at him he's pulling you into a crushing hug, shaking around you.

You're shocked for a moment, pulling yourself out of your head to hug him back. Whatever is bothering him must be bad. He'd hugged you before, but never like this. "Hey, it's okay..." You whisper, rubbing his back. "Let's go outside for a second, yeah? Get some air?" You offer, gently prying yourself from his grasp to look at him.

Coryo can't speak, overtaken completely by the tears flowing down his cheeks and the anxiety flooding every inch of his body. He feels like he could be sick, all he knew that he needed was you. He just nods, trying to regain his composure, if only for the couple of minutes it takes to get outside.

"Okay. Let's go." You smile, trying not to show how worried you are as you wrap an arm around his back, still holding him close to you as if he has a broken ankle and you have to carry him. So far, his theory was proving to be correct. Just having you at his side was calming to him, and mentally he's cursing himself for not voicing his fears to you before they broke him.

As soon as the door of the rarely used back exit to the school is closed, he's essentially collapsing onto the ground, tucking his knees up to his chest and crying into his hands. You're quick to join him, draping an arm over his back and trying to grab one of his hands to hold. Your brow is knit with worry, rubbing his shoulder as he allows you to take one of his shaking hands. "Coryo..." You say softly, trying to get him to look at you but he won't. "What's happening? Talk to me, you can trust me. I just want to help."

He sniffles, looking up at you. "What is it?" You ask again, hoping to prompt any kind of information out of him. When he doesn't answer, you curve your approach to yes or no questions, hopefully, to make it easier on him. "Is someone hurt? Is it Grandma'am? Did something happen?"

He shakes his head slightly with every question, once again avoiding your eyes as he looks down at the ground, occasionally trying to cough out the knot in his throat.

"...Do you want to talk? Or do you just need a hug?" You realize, leaning in so he would look at you again.

He pulls you closer, wrapping both his arms around you awkwardly due to the way you are both sitting. "Just need you here." He mumbles, hardly audible as he buries his face in your shoulder and neck.

Relieved to hear his voice again, you place a hand on his hair and on his back, holding him tight. "I'm here, Coryo. As long as you need me."

taglist: @keziahcore, @soulessjourney, @kitscutie, @annaelise, @serrendiipty, @fratboyharrysgf0201, @totallynotkaibiased, @stelleduarte, @klplynn, @secretsicanthideanymore, @bejeweledreverie, @fals3-g0d, @gloryekaterina, @andrewgarfieldsbitch, @queenofspades6, @pepperonipastas, @ladybug0095, @lunamothwrites, @sbrewer21, @mus-tbe-a-weasley, @splxtscreen, @unclecrunkle, @karmaswitch, @rororo06, @coconut-dreamz, @nekee-lilac02, @ooooglymoooogly, @slytherinholland, @riddlerloveb0t, @lovedbalances, @notyourwildestdream, @snowlandson-top, @too-lit-for-fanfic, @utopiakys, @deafeningballoonnacho, @darlingisntit, @roosterschanelslut, @chmpgneprblem, @cosmoetik, @lauravanderbooben20, @dry0campa, @luclue, @lokidala, @urvampgfsworld, @carolanns-world, 

[cultofdixon]

“I love you” told in a silent way

Daryl Dixon • She/Her Pronouns • Eldest Greene!Daughter • The archer and eldest Greene daughter grew close when they met and even turned into a few things. Little did they know that they were expecting • ANGST/SFW/NSFW - Implied Sex / Quickies / Hickeys / Biting • TW: Canon Violence / Injuries / Self Harm Scars / Nausea / Talks of Abortion / Amputation / Pregnancy & Birth

Requested by: Anon

Daryl tried to be sneaky when it came to getting one of Hershel’s horses. He thought it be easier to maneuver through the woods on horseback instead of his bike. Wouldn’t be as loud either.

The man didn’t know anything about horses. Especially with putting the saddle and reins on. But he was trying to be quick so that none of the Greenes would notice.

Little did he know he was being watched.

“You forgot the saddle pad. Protects their back from the saddle…the friction and all”

The youngest Dixon quickly dropped the saddle and didn’t think of aiming his crossbow given the woman he turned toward didn’t seem to be armed.

“Who the hell are you?”

“The owner of the horse you be takin’. Don’t care if you do just thought you might need a hand before you take off”

“I’ve got more questions first—-“

“You want a name or somethin’? Or like why didn’t I show my face when your group stumbled into the ranch with a half dead boy?” She tilted her head after saying all that, watching the man’s body relaxed when she said all that. “I’m Y/N Greene. The eldest Greene daughter and I didn’t show my face because I’m not all too friendly with strangers and my old man isn’t all too proud of me”

Now Daryl was completely relaxed for some strange feeling growing in his chest. This total stranger didn’t leave out anything in the initial meeting…he didn’t feel like he had to pull it out of her.

“Can I at least get your name?”

“Daryl. Uh Daryl Dixon”

“Well nice to meet yea. Let me help you get the saddle on and you can take’em wherever you need to go”

“Ain’t gonna like…question why I’d be takin’ your horse?”

“The best thing about being invisible…is I already know why you’re doing it so I’m gonna help in my smallest way” Y/N got the saddle pad from the open cabinet in the stable approaching her horse to get him set up. “You’re trying to find that Carol woman’s daughter? I’d be careful when riding. Nelly is skittish sometimes”

“That’s understandable when a sicko comes by”

“I’m saying…be more careful with anything as small as a mouse when ridin’” Y/N warns as she tightens the saddle on carefully before taking the reins and handing them to Daryl. “If you don’t come back before nightfall, I’ll come and get yea”

“Not gonna need it” Daryl frowns gripping the reins keeping his gaze to the floor until she started to walk away when he brought his eyes back on her.

When Daryl left the farm, Y/N made her existence known to the others from his group given only Lori and Daryl knew of her. Lori only knowing because she accidentally stumbled across her when she needed air after learning what happened to Carl.

The eldest Greene still kept to herself but started to be help to these new people whenever it was asked. She even understood what Maggie was talking to her about when it came to how strange some of them were with one another. But also being mainly an observer, she told her sister more details.

“Have you seen that Dixon guy recently?” Y/N asks her sister Beth watching her shake her head, leading her to leave the house heading toward the stables.

To her surprise, Hershel stood in a bit of a mood when noticing their horse was gone.

“You know who took her?”

“Yeah and I gave the okay. Now I gotta—“ Y/N went toward one of the stalls when Hershel grabbed her upper arm. “Seriously old man. What now?”

“I don’t trust these people” Hershel sung the same tune ever since this group joined. Y/N quickly pulls her arm out of his grasp avoiding eye contact as she pinches the bridge of her nose to contain herself from exploding. “First we lose another of our people because they were left alone with this guy”

“To save the sheriff’s son—-“

“Then the Glenn fella is hitting on my precious Maggie—-“

“She’s a grown ass woman who can make decisions for herself—-“

“Then your stupid decision to let one of them use one of our horses led them to ask for—-“

“SHUT IT” Y/N hissed. “I ain’t bein’ blamed for stupid shit, dad. You’re a sweet old guy that wouldn’t turn away good people but of course it’s driving yea nuts how high maintenance it is. Now get out of my way”

Her father didn’t leave the stables and watched her go into one of the stalls to push over some hay to reveal her hunting rifle strapping it on her.

“What are you doing?!”

“Going out to save one of them from whatever bullshit he got himself in”

“Seriously?! How can you easily let someone in? How can yea risk your life—-“

“I have given too much to this world that I’m not about to let it take from me. Yeah…I may not know much of this guy but some cosmic whatever is telling me he’s worth it” and with that Y/N left for the woods.

Y/N didn’t walk aimlessly like the Dixon fella might have because she grew up in these woods. She’s seen his crossbow and knows he’s a hunter but unless you know your surroundings, you’re learning as you go. Which meant the fall that Daryl took when Nelly bucked him off, Y/N knew the spot he’d fall into. Daryl had just pulled the arrow out of his side to take out the walker trying to get him but when the sounds of another undead came, he knew he was done for.

Until the sound of gunfire rung through followed by a thud. Daryl in his exhausted state looked up from where he fell finding a blurry blob that was Y/N with her rifle still in a readied position. He scoffs slightly out of annoyance toward himself mainly but a bit toward her that he directed to her when she slid the side of the slope reaching him.

“You’re an idiot…”

“Says the one bleeding” Y/N frowns setting her rifle down beside her, helping Daryl sit up with some resistance. “Gotta close that better or you’ll bleed out before we get back”

“Why do you care? If Merle were here he’d make jokes about a girl touchin’ me”

Y/N sort of ignored his words. Merle? Must be family or at least someone close he’s thinking of because of the blood loss. Least she didn’t have to worry about hallucinations…at least when she’s there.

“I just do. Is that a good enough answer for yea?”

“For now”

“Good” Y/N shrugged off her flannel leaving her in a tank top making the heat rise to Daryl’s face as he turned away when she brought her shirt around his torso to apply pressure to the wound. “When we get back, the old man will patch you up”

“How’d yea even know I’d end up here?”

“I know these woods a bit too well, Dixon”

“So…yea could’ve warned me?”

“Nah. Then that would be doubting your abilities now wouldn’t it?” Y/N frowns bringing his arm around her shoulders hearing him groan when getting back on his feet.

Getting back to where they were was a struggle and resulted in Y/N carrying Daryl on her back to the best of her ability. A few bumps along the way but they made it. Now it was a slow walk back to the farm.

Though neither of them could’ve calculated what’s about to happen, to happen.

Once the two were in the clearing, Y/N heard muffled shouting while Daryl clung onto her really feeling the blood loss get to him. His feeling instantly changed when he felt her tense beside him when the group of men came running over. Daryl scoffs straightening up the best he could, glaring at Rick who held his colt in his face once again.

“That’s the third time you pointed that thing at my head” Daryl scoffs. “Gonna pull the trigger or what?”

Then the ring of a shot powered through and nicked Daryl in the head. The force caused him to fall over and Y/N to instantly approach his side to get him on his back making sure he was still breathing.

“I was kidding” Daryl groans, squinting his eyes from the pain in his head as Rick and Shayne quickly came over to help the guy onto his feet while Y/N got up continuing to carry his gear and grow an unsettling taste in her mouth when Andrea came running over admitting to her firing.

Dale noticed the look in the Greene’s eyes and felt the need to step in front of Andrea when she made her way over to them.

“Next time, if you’re ever unsure about the shot you’re about to take? Don’t take it” Y/N kept her cool and even shot the girl a temporary smile that faded into the resting neutral while she caught up with the others.

The poor guy laid uncomfortably in the bed while Hershel got to work on his stitches. Once the info about Sophia’s possible whereabouts, Hershel couldn’t help but speak his mind.

“If you didn’t go out in the first place, my daughter wouldn’t have felt obligated to save your ass”

“No one told her to come and save me. I would’ve come back somehow”

“Given your injuries, Dixon. Be a little more thankful that Y/N girl went and saved yea” Rick scoffs picking up the map from the bed and leaving to give the man some time to rest without people bothering. Hershel followed behind Rick watching him bother Y/N to get her input on their whereabouts regarding Sophia.

Night came and everyone was having dinner in the dining room while Daryl stuck in the room he was in. Carol came and went, gave him food and thanked him for not stopping his search for Sophia. He didn’t wait to leave until the house fell quiet indicating everyone was asleep. But right as Daryl was about to sit up, Y/N quietly pushed the door open resulting in the archer scrambling to cover his back.

She’s seen them but before his sake, she wasn’t going to say anything. Y/N tossed a bottle of Tylenol in Daryl’s lap making him relax and the sheets fall from covering him. “The old man is gonna want to check your bandages later. Change them and check for infection. Yknow, the good stuff”

“At this hour?”

“Man was a vet. Overnight shifts to check on the more critical asked for late night checks. Yeah you’re a person but it’s just how he does things”

“Can’t…You like check them for me? I hate being in here”

The pondering look on Y/N’s face took a minute before falling into a neutral expression with a hint of a smile followed by a shrug.

“Your tent is the furthest from the group yeah? By the bike?”

“Wild guess”

“But I’m right, right?” Y/N smiles warmly. “I’ll have to get some stuff then meet yea there. But go out the back, that door doesn’t squeak when opening it” she tells him back on her way out of the room.

It took him a bit to get out of the house given he was stitched up and sore from the incident still. But he didn’t think he took that long when finding Y/N leaning against the tree closest to his tent smoking.

“How long—-“

“I just got here. I am faster than you given the circumstances”

“I wasn’t the one that fell on their ass after carrying me up that slope” Daryl scoffs approaching his tent to unzip it but bending slightly caused a whole lot of pain that he stopped. Y/N tapped his shoulder indicating for him to move as he did with a groan followed.

The Greene tossed her cigarette to the ground and stomped it out before opening the tent letting him in first obviously then entering herself.

“You’re gonna have to take your shirt off again, or at least unbutton enough just for me to get to your bandages”

Daryl sat on his cot with a huff and a bit of an annoyed look infused with self-hatred. “You saw’em”

“I only saw what you’re willing to show” Y/N brought herself to her knees setting her first aid box next to him on the cot watching him from the corner of her eye take off his shirt dropping it on the floor next to her. “You’re not the only one riddled with a past, or…scars that explain it. Alright, may I?” She reached to touch the bandage waiting for his approval which was a nod from his end.

Her touch is so…light Daryl thought watching her work with taking the bandage off with wetting the adhesive so it wouldn’t tug at his skin. Gentle… he held the new bandage for her watching her double check her dad’s handy work. The slightest concern graced her features but immediately dissolved.

“My stitches would’ve been neater. But it’ll do the job” Y/N comments as she took the bandage from his hand and started applying it.

“You also some form of doctor in this family?”

“Fuck no” Y/N laughs lightly. “I’ve lived in the city for so long that I’ve encountered my fill of chaos probably within the first year. But ten years later is when I decided to sell my soul back to this fucking farm”

“You hate it here?” Daryl questions instantly, watching Y/N clean up her stuff before leaning back on her hands on the ground. “This shit is a luxury. Even before the apocalypse”

“Mm. I don’t know you well enough to go into grand detail about why this place is really just a burden. But you’ve seen how the old man is. Imagine being his kid on the receiving end to his bs”

“I guess that’s fair” Daryl slipped his shirt on when listening to her speak. “Some parents aren’t fit to be parents”

“As much as that is true, maybe even speaking from your own experience. Most situations involving multiple children, there’s always a favorite. But in this case, there’s the disappointment and the two perfect daughters”

“Why are you sharing this with me?”

Y/N shrugs reaching into her back pocket taking out her pack. “You’re relaxed aren’t you?”

She got that right. She got him to stop thinking about his injury, and a little bit about how his search was pretty much a failure.

Once Y/N put her lighter away after lighting her cigarette, she only took two puffs before Daryl carefully leaned over taking it from her mouth to give it to himself.

“I’m taking that as my leave” She laughs lightly as she brought herself to uncomfortably stand in the tent, hunching over just a bit.

But as Y/N reached to take her kit, Daryl took a hold of her wrist tugging her into his lap catching a bit of a confused look from her. Making his anxiety rise slightly that he read her kindness wrong and part of her didn’t expect much.

“Do what you plan on doing, Dixon” Y/N brought her arm around his shoulders as her other hand gently made sure his bandage was secure but also place itself on his cheek.

It took him a second longer to think about his action before pressing his lips against hers. The softness of her lips against his made his heart start racing and her hand moved from his cheek to his chest to confirm such.

When the morning came, Daryl woke with a groan sitting up in his coat to find beside him being empty but Y/N still remained in the tent getting her jeans back on. He admired the work he done on her neck but his eyes fixated on the burn scars he caught a glimpse of resting on her thighs. She could sense the staring and tensed only for a moment until her pants were back on.

“There’s not enough make up in the world to cover your attack on my neck and chest. But I don’t give a fuck who notices”

“Don’t know about your family, but these folk don’t know when not to include themselves in other’s business. They are def gonna ask where mine came from” Daryl chuckles lightly bringing himself to completely sit on the cot referring to his own hickeys that were more on the neck and shoulder. Including a bite mark that Y/N couldn’t help herself last night, it was either that or wake the whole tent city. “It’s still early”

“Yeah but just like your folks, my family is nosey. Especially my sisters.” She sighs while buttoning up her flannel even if she does prefer it open, just needs a minute to get inside and in her room before the interrogation starts.

“Y/N.”

Y/N turned to Daryl once she sat on the ground to get her shoes on as she could sense the hint of worry coming from the man and she could only assume was toward what he saw.

“We’re not so different” Y/N states finishing tying her shoes. “Mine were just. Self inflicted”

He couldn’t contain his concern even if in his own special way it was only noticed through his eyes and body language. Y/N could read him and part of Daryl worried about that.

“You stop?”

“Don’t be—-“

“I ain’t gonna be one of those nut jobs that tell yea “please stop for me”. Only you can really make that decision”

“Well, I did. When I moved back”

“And how long ago was that?”

“Three months before the world ended” and with that Y/N took her leave, leaving the first aid kit with Daryl giving her a reason to come back.

Even if a part of him wanted to go after her.

The two had their alone time a few times before news of “walkers in the barn” spread to the group. Daryl felt a sense of betrayal since Y/N cares so much about their safety in the past few days that she didn’t tell him anything about it. But when he went to the back door where he’d usually meet her, he heard shouting from inside coming from her.

“Walkers in the goddamn barn, old man?!”

“People are in that barn. Good people. I’m protecting the—-“

“They’re already gone! They stopped being themselves the second the infection spread from the bite”

“You don’t know that”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Y/N scoffed pinching the bridge of her nose trying to contain her anger and failing. “I swear to god if I open it—-“

“—You wouldn’t—-“

“—-and find mom in there after you said she just “disappeared”. I’m going to prove you she’s not mom anymore”

Daryl couldn’t help but flinch when he heard the ring from the slap that came from Hershel’s hand meeting Y/N’s cheek. Normally one would cry but instead she kept her composure and decided to reframe from saying another word or she would’ve acted instead. He quickly stepped away when the door flung open seeing the anger in her eyes and body language. The single tear that rolled off her cheek made him act without realizing and gently brushed it away watching her relax but not enough to fall into his arms and stay there. She pulled herself away shooting him a temporary smile before walking into the woods behind the house to clear her head.

The eldest Greene only returned to the shouting happening and then sudden gun fire which led her to grabbing hers on the way over to the commotion happening by the barn. Y/N froze beside her father watching Maggie comfort him while the others started shooting down the walkers that flooded out. She heard quick footsteps coming as she stopped whoever, Beth, from going any further as she held onto her. She held her as she sobbed watching the dust settle and one walker left started stumbling out.

Sophia.

Daryl quickly latched himself onto Carol before she could even get close to her daughter. Her sobs grew louder the more she was restrained from seeing her little girl that was soon ended by the sheriff that left her all alone in the first place. Rick will forever take that as his fault and won’t ever forget it.

It took them all a second to adjust to what happened as Daryl helped Carol on her feet only for her to thrash out so his grasp from anger and loss. Y/N did her best to keep Beth away from the carnage but she slipped from her grasp causing her to follow her little sister to the pile of walkers.

“Beth, no that’s not—“

“That’s our mom!” She cried as she brought herself to her knees beside the corpse pushing the one on top of it off her. “Ma…”

Her screaming caused everyone to act. The men quickly grabbed at her pulling her away from the reanimated corpse as Y/N quickly came through and slammed her foot into the skull of the sicko. There was a pause in the chaos of Beth screaming, Carol sobbing, and a few of them bickering. Just a pause to let what happened sink in.

“Y/N…” Maggie exhaled watching her fixated gaze to her foot coated in the aged blood as she slowly lifts her foot and stepped away. “Y/N, wait!” She quickly followed her as Y/N made her way past their father.

“I never should’ve come back” Y/N frowns continuing on her way to who knows, and on her route she took the pack of cigarettes out from her back pocket tossing them to the ground which only those who knew would understand.

But she kept her lighter.

After taking care of a few things, Daryl was finally left to take care of himself. Even if he wasn’t going to. His anger feasted mainly on himself compared to being toward others, granted he doesn’t have any reason to be mad toward anybody except for maybe Rick or Hershel for that barn bullshit. Or Shane. Hell he was frustrating himself. He wasn’t going to do anything with her in that sense but needed to find her.

It didn’t take much searching because as much as she hated the place, Y/N stuck close for a lot of reasons. Daryl only found her when she tossed an acorn at his head from above where she sat on one of the branches.

“Obviously looking for me”

“Not for that though.”

“I didn’t do anything if you’re thinking—-“

“No. Well, not entirely” Daryl shrugs watching her climb down the tree to be level with him. “You stalled. Stayed in…the corpse”

“If your mother turned, and you had to end her the way I did…you wouldn’t move right away.”

“Thankfully my mom died in a fire she caused”

“Thankfully?” Y/N scoffs watching him shrug again which made an ill laugh escape her lips. “I wish she didn’t die that way.”

“I wish you didn’t have to be the one to end it. Entirely. I’m sorry”

“Daryl…” Y/N frowns looking him dead in the eye waiting for it. Waiting for him to say it even if his anger started to get the best of him in the moment. “It’s not your fault”

“Stop”

“It’s not”

“But it is!” Daryl snapped in her face realizing she flinched and given all the feelings in the air that day, she couldn’t keep her guard up in that moment. “She wasn’t even mine. Not my daughter. How could I blindly care so much?”

“I was like that in the beginning of whatever we are”

“What?”

“Caring so blindly. I didn’t know you and I came and saved you. Well until that annoying blond put a bullet in you…almost. Then I saved you. In my own way.” Y/N crosses her arms bringing herself close enough to lean against the tree she was just in. “Sometimes, you just care and don’t need a reason. Then the more you know a person all the reasons come to light”

“I care about yea, yknow. Even when I didn’t know a thing”

“You cared about her, without knowing a single thing. From what I heard, there is a person at fault but even then? Rick shouldn’t bully himself for a child running from danger. Kids don’t listen. That’s why they have parents to care for them. Or siblings. It’s harder when the kid has to care for themself. But that’s beside the point…” She turned her head in the direction of the house. “It’s all a shitshow. The end of the world. But we make do with it. Care about those we’ve just met or learned more about in such a little time”

“We need all the people in our lives for as long as we can” Daryl frowns bringing himself closer as Y/N moved her arms to her sides watching him get close enough that she could feel his breath on her. But he brought his forehead to rest against hers, feeling her hands find purchase on his neck. “You’re allowed to fall apart”

And she did. In the comforts of his presence then his arms…and his warm embrace. Things continued to escalate at the farm that eventually, it was set ablaze. All the commotion caused everyone to scramble, lose a few, and meet up on the highway. Daryl’s anxiety shot up when he couldn’t find the eldest Greene sister with her other sisters that were driven to “safety” by Glenn and Hershel.

Then the rustling of the woods were heard and few thought it was more of the walkers. But suddenly, Y/N stumbled out falling against the slope that led to the freeway and before any of her remaining family could rush to her…Daryl was already at her side helping her stand and she was met with a tearful gaze coming from the man that she didn’t care about keeping it a secret anymore…Y/N pressed her lips firmly against his for a short lived kiss before he brought her entirely in his arms holding her.

“Oh you so owe me” Maggie made the comment toward Beth as she glares at her sister. A bet was made. If that wasn’t clear.

“How long have—-“

“No time to act like a father right now. We need to find shelter for the night.” Rick cut off Hershel and gave Daryl a look to start the ride with his bike since he can maneuver and find a path easier. But instead of Carol being on his bike, Y/N took that spot rightfully and not like Carol was complaining.

It was a short ride but long enough for Daryl to realize Y/N’s trembling from the shock of watching her home burn and the struggle of getting out of there alive. She didn’t go unscathed but the cuts were small and not so deep. Daryl still took care of them.

After Rick’s whole speech, it was time to call it a night and stick close to everyone. Daryl took first watch which meant Y/N sticking with him.

“Your old man didn’t look too happy about us”

“He’ll have to get used to it.” Y/N whispered to him feeling his arm snake around her shoulders keeping her close. “Cant believe it’s gone”

“I’m sorry”

Y/N shrugged a little before bringing herself closer to him enjoying the warmth he emitted. “Least I got these on my way out” she pulled out her pack of cigarettes which made a laugh escape Daryl’s lips.

It took some time to get used to the idea that they were going to be moving a lot until something more permanent came along. But they also needed something permanent to come by the end of nine months because Lori was pregnant.

Everyone noticed how stressed Rick would get when Lori would shut him out for his decision making that lead them here so a few did their best to keep that level low.

“Daryl and I are gonna go hunt for dinner while my old man and Carol set up camp for the night” Y/N informs Rick on her way out. “Glenn, Maggie, and T-Dog should be back soon with whatever they scavenged from the few houses around”

“Thanks Y/N, be back before nightfall” Rick stated watching her nod before following Daryl out of the house they decided to make their shelter for the night.

As much as they did what they told Rick what they were going to do. They planned on other things.

“Fuck—-“ Y/N cursed adjusting herself against the counter even with Daryl pinning her against such. “Maybe we do this on the floor next time” her hands slipped resulting in Daryl picking her up still deep inside her velvety walls and forcing her against the wall.

“Better?” He huffed watching her arms move to find purchase around his neck.

“Yes, please continue” Y/N begged as Daryl instantly latched his lips against hers picking up the pace thrusting inside of her using the wall to his advantage so he could bring one of his hands to her clit helping her reach her release.

Her toes curled and heels dug into his back when she reached her high and felt Daryl remove his hand from her clit to have a better grasp on her while he quickened his pace and thrusted harder reaching his own release, spilling inside her warmth. They held onto each other catching their breaths.

“Holy shit…” Y/N gasps softly when Daryl adjusted his stance still inside of her. “So…”

“Round two?” He smirks followed by one appearing on her features pressing her lips against his. Before the two suddenly flinched to the sound of a spring lock. “Shit”

“Mm. Maybe later?”

“Imma hold yea to that, sunshine” Daryl kisses her once more before pulling out of her helping her gain her balance using himself as her steady.

After helping clean up, Daryl checked the trap they set pulling out a raccoon that unfortunately met its end. Y/N stepped out carrying a few finds that would help a few with keeping warm during the colder nights. Blankets, sweaters, etc.

“Think we should set up a few more traps before we head back”

“Sounds good” Y/N extended her hand for Daryl to hand off the raccoon so he could set them up. “I’m gonna put some of these things by your bike so I can sweep around”

“Be careful yeah? I’ll join yea when I’m done”

Y/N kept the catch attached to her backpack on her while the blankets and clothes were left on his bike. She went through a few houses near the one they both were in and stopped in one of the few two stories finding a few more canned goods and took note of how secure the building was. Maybe they could move there for a few weeks? She thought while stepping through the place some more, stopping at the fireplace finding the photos coated in dust. She extended a hand toward one deciding to dust it off and find an old married couple behind the glass. They looked happy. In love. Y/N didn’t quite understand the feeling she was feeling in her chest when staring at the picture of a random couple.

“Anything good?” Daryl’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts as she sets the picture back where it was.

“Nothing I haven’t already put in my bag. I’m ready when you are”

Heading back was quiet and that didn’t concern Daryl much given it was getting late. But Y/N started to act off that it even concerned her. She was more exhausted than usual, finding herself sleeping more in her spot of the house wherever they moved, she ate less, took more of the first night watch shift, and went out less with Daryl. Every time she did, Daryl mainly kept an eye on her and their conversation was smaller than usual. This has been going on for a month, and they’ve been house hoping for three so far. It was about to become winter.

Y/N was taking a longer night watch given Rick, Daryl, and Glenn decided to head out for a small hunting trip to bring back enough game to last them through winter. Even if Daryl said he was going to hunt through the cold months just not as frequently. She was once again lost in her thoughts while looking out into the darkness staring occasionally at the trigger line. Worrying about the group, missing Daryl, fearing what could happen—

“Sweetheart?” Hershel whispered for those sleeping inside but was loud enough to get Y/N’s attention. “How are you feeling?”

Ever since the fire, Hershel has been trying to rekindle the father daughter relationship with his oldest. Even if in her head, he’s always going to be her dad and it wouldn’t take much to repair it. He’s already apologized enough. But she expected it again tonight.

“I’m tired”

“I’ve noticed. Are you falling ill with somethin’? I can go out with Maggie to go look for—-“

“No, no. I’m not sick” Y/N frowns watching her dad take a seat with her. “I don’t feel good. Yeah…but the other thing is just. I love him but I’m afraid to tell him”

Hershel couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him which only brought a glare and a huff out of his daughter. “I told your mother that I loved her, first. She didn’t say it back and honestly? I didn’t expect her to. I just want her to know that I loved her. Then a few months later she tells me she loves me too. For some they say it immediately back, or they take a while. But that doesn’t mean what they do for you, has zero trace of love toward you.”

Y/N couldn’t help the little tears that spilled from her eyes when her dad said such. Hershel gently brought his arm around her shoulder bringing her in so she could rest her head on his shoulder continuing to cry if she needed.

A couple more days passed and the sick feeling turned into vomiting and migraines every other day. Y/N couldn’t shake a feeling and decided to act on it.

“Y/N…” Beth shook her older sister awake as Y/N slowly sits up looking to the other side of her seeing Daryl still fast asleep then she turned to the window finding it still dark out.

“What’s wrong?” She whispers tucking the loose hair in Beth’s face behind her ear.

“I started my period…and I don’t have anything…”

Y/N nodded knowing exactly what she was asking as she tugs her pack over to them rummaging through it. She then realizes she missed her period.

“Uhm. I don’t have anything, love. Maybe ask Mags in the morning? I’ll ask Carol if she’s stumbled across any”

“Okay…” Beth frowns watching her sister go into her bag knowing she at least had pain meds and gave it her to see a small smile form for a moment before she shuffled back.

Her anxiety started to eat at her and she knew the only way to know for sure is to get a test. But that will wait for the morning.

“Hey I’m gonna take a car into the nearby town. Sweep the place one last time before we move again before the weather goes from just cold to snow”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Rick stood up grabbing his coat. “I’ll tag along with you and Daryl”

“If Daryl wants to tag along. I was gonna ask Mags” Y/N states receiving a confused and concerned look from Daryl while her sister lights up with a smile. “Maybe you and Glenn can do one last hunt and check the traps before we move?”

“Alright. But he’s gotta keep up with me like yea do”

“He will” Y/N laughs softly smiling as Daryl snuck in a kiss on the cheek when no one was looking. “We’ll be back before nightfall”

“Yeah I’ll make sure to get some baby stuff if we come across it” Rick tells Lori only to be met with an avoidance in her gaze as her hand stayed on her already showing belly. Y/N couldn’t help the staring toward the two before squeezing her eyes shut and quickly stepping out once she got her backpack and a coat.

Maggie took care of driving and Rick took the passengers, leaving Y/N alone in the backseat scribbling in this journal Maggie found for her on a run with Glenn. She mainly wrote her concerns and the obvious one plaguing her mind was

Is she pregnant?

They were reckless, now he’s going to leave her.

Does he even like kids? He doesn’t talk much to Carl…

“I don’t know what I’m doing wrong” Rick frowns looking out the window as Maggie turned to him for a second with a confused look. “She’s mad about it all. What happened with Shane and being pregnant in the apocalypse. She thinks because she had a c-section she’s more likely to have another and we don’t have the tools for it. So it stresses me out…thinking I’m gonna lose my wife. But I can’t voice those concerns because she’s mad at me. Pregnant and mad”

“Pregnancy makes women feel all their emotions times 100, Rick. It’s going to be rough for a while” Maggie pats his shoulder glancing back to find Y/N looking a bit more pale than before. “Sis, you alright?”

Without another word, the second she felt the car stop…Y/N quickly ran out ditching her things and going to vomit into the near by bushes. Maggie frowns unbuckling her seatbelt and about to check on her when she noticed her journal in the backseat. Her hesitation made Rick get out to check on her older sister while she picked up the book to read it.

Maggie wasn’t going to tell Y/N she read it. But then read those entries and felt the same anxiety her sister felt for a moment.

Maggie gave Y/N some time to recollect herself after bolting out of the car. But she didn’t mean to corner her in the pharmacy section of the mini grocery store.

“Mags what’s up with that look on your face?”

“I uhm. I’m sorry”

The apology caught Y/N off guard until Maggie just let it out.

“You’re pregnant?” Maggie frowns and the negative look on her face only made Y/N feel so much worse on the matter. But instead of tears, it was anger.

“AND?! So what if I might be pregnant? Like that isn’t going to be a fucking issue when we already have a pregnant woman in the group and look how she and her man are doing. I haven’t even said I love you yet to Daryl and I don’t even know if he wants kids” then the tears suddenly broke out as she stared at the pregnancy test box she had in her hand. “I can’t get rid of it. I don’t want to lose him. The universe took too much from me already, I can’t lose anymore” she sobbed, Maggie didn’t wait another second bringing her sister into her embrace holding her protectively.

“Y’all are gonna try and see if that car works? Just the two of you?”

“It’s not the first time I hot-wired a car by myself” Y/N stated with Maggie nodding to confirm such.

It’s not that Rick didn’t trust the two, it was going to be night soon and that was his concern. But he also needed to get all their findings back.

“Fine. But you have to camp out if it gets too late”

“We’ve got this. If the lights work, we’ll drive back” Maggie smiles as Rick sighs letting them rock and leaving.

The two gave each other a look and Maggie went into her bag taking out the few pregnancy tests handing them to Y/N. She went back inside one of the buildings to do her business while Maggie got started with hot-wiring the car.

“Y/N I don’t feel good…”

“Yeah I know, bug. I’m sorry I’m working as fast as I can” The sixteen year old Y/N tugged on the wires from under the dash to get the car started while her baby sister Maggie continued to groan in the backseat. Being left to babysit while the folks went into town was killer. Especially when no one expected Maggie to have a skyrocketing fever.

“Sis…” She cried the entire drive as Y/N did her best to be a smooth driver into town and to the nearest ER.

“I’ve gotchu, bug. Everything’s gonna be alright”

“Everything’s gonna be alright” Maggie frowns rubbing Y/N’s back as she did her best to contain her tears while they drove back.

“It won’t…it just won’t” Y/N wiped away her tears taking the remaining time back to collect herself. She took out the cartoon of cigarettes from her bag staring at the thing knowing her sister’s gaze to burning a hole into the side of her head. “I’m not going to do them, bug” she frowns rolling the window down and tossing the box out hearing the sigh of relief.

“Good…I need to keep you safe. So it keeps my niece or nephew safe”

The smallest joy brought a temporary smile to grace Y/N’s features even if the uncomfortable anxious feeling clawed at her back over how Daryl will react.

When they arrived back, both Glenn and Daryl were waiting outside the house that was lit from the fire T-Dog got started in the fireplace to keep everybody warm. Glenn instantly went to Maggie’s side checking her in his anxious way that was immediately reassured. But Y/N remained in the car with her head down, driving Daryl nuts internally until he noticed Maggie give him a look to join her and that only made his anxiety worse.

“What’s wrong with—-“

“Just let them be. Cmon, gotta give Beth something” Maggie smiles tugging Glenn along back inside until it was just Daryl and Y/N.

The archer shut the door once he entered and before he even said a word, the eldest Greene daughter exhaled.

“I’m pregnant”

Daryl expected more from her but was met with her silence and honestly, that made him worry for her instead of thinking of his feelings about the news. This explains why she hasn’t been feeling well—-but she could’ve let him in. Makes sense why she wanted to go on a run with her sister—-but he could’ve been there for her. Y/N found out alone for a moment—-yet Daryl could’ve help her the second she did.

“You thought I would leave yea”

Y/N instantly shot her head up turning to him as if he read her mind. Daryl gave her a bit of a disappointed look that was met with brimming tears.

“I’m not gonna leave yea. Never.” Daryl stated as fact which led the tears to spill. “I just wish I help you through it. Yeah you had your sister. But you mean so much to me and this is our future. I wasn’t gonna go anywhere before, I definitely ain’t now” he finished his thought as he stepped out of the car rounding to Y/N’s side and gently pulling her into his arms letting her sob into him as he protectively held onto her.

The winter started to present itself and the news stayed within the three (four if you count Maggie blabbing to Glenn, which was only a matter of time before they all knew). Which led to once they found their home to hold off the winter, Daryl brought himself inside after checking the one trap he placed sitting down beside Y/N.

“There’s something we’ve got to say to you all” Y/N started and felt anxious with everybody staring. Guess the fire took away more than just their safety, but her confidence.

“She’s pregnant” Daryl finished resting a hand on her thigh gently rubbing his thumb in a soothing motion for her to relax.

Before any positive thing said can be thrown up in the air. The shocked expressions turned instantly to confusion and toward Lori when she scoffed toward the news.

“Seriously?” Lori beckoned Y/N to confirm it herself as she did with a nod even if her expression fell when the woman started laughing. “Great that’s just great”

“Lori—-“

“No, shut it Rick. It was already trouble taking care of my pregnant self. What makes y’all think we can take care of two? You two should’ve been more careful and found abortion pills”

“Woah! You don’t get to get to be a bitch just because you’re pregnant” Carol hissed drawing a shocked expression out of the Grimes who quickly turned to her husband for a defense. “No you started this on your own and you will finish it”

“None of us asked for you to be pregnant.” T-Dog adds abruptly. “That shit just happens sometimes. No timing is ever perfect”

“But still—-“

“No you don’t get to talk to my——“

“girl like that” Daryl snapped cutting Hershel off. “Don’t take a good thing and fucking stomp on it just because you’re miserable. You have to remember a few of us have some bullets against yea and I ain’t afraid to fire every single one of them if you come at her again” he frowns bringing his arm entirely around Y/N keeping her close, ignoring the tense look on Lori’s face as Rick’s disappointment turned to a bit of sadness when hearing such. But it was quickly shifted to a smile when his son turned to him then toward the two.

“Congratulations?” Carl laughs the tension away resulting in Beth quickly moving over to hug her sister as Hershel made his way patting Daryl on the back before kissing the top of Y/N’s head.

They were going to be okay. Their village will make sure of it.

The winter months were brutal and miserable for everybody. They had to move once through the cold because the roof collapsed in a section of the old house that made it dangerous for everybody. The group ditched their cars and stayed in the neighborhood just for the winter because of the snow. They’ll go back to the cars later, T-Dog and Beth took care of carrying their extra items that weren’t apart of everybody’s individual packs. Carol and Hershel took care of getting the fire going and getting food for the day ready, Hershel also took care of checking both Lori and Y/N every now and then to make sure they are alright. Rick, Glenn, Maggie, and Daryl were the ones in the watch rotation and as much as he protested, Y/N would tag along with Daryl.

“No”

“I’m not that pregnant yet, Daryl. I can go out with you.”

“It’s snowing”

“So?”

“I go huntin’ by myself all the time and I’d rather yea stay warm than suffer with me”

“And you think it’s going to sit well with me having you suffer the colder conditions?” Y/N glared at the man getting frustrated with the back and forth, Daryl was going to argue again when he noticed both of her sisters shaking their heads not to try. Pregnant or not, she will continue to argue until she’s blue in the face.

“Fine. But layer up” Daryl states letting her get ready as he goes into his pack taking out his poncho to put it on over his layers.

The two went through the center of the neighborhood, Daryl hating the snow and Y/N enjoying it. He only hated it because it made tracking animals difficult and before he could tell her about heading back…

“I love you” Y/N tells him watching him freeze in his place as she anxiously adjusts the rifle on her back gripping the strap. “I don’t expect you to say it back now or in a few months or years. I just needed you to know that I love you and you mean so much to me”

Daryl brought himself close pressing his lips firmly against hers bringing his arms around her. They enjoyed themselves for the moment until Y/N heard shuffling and expected a walker but when she looked behind him. There were deer. But when Daryl got a look, he stopped her from readying her rifle which brought out a confused look from her until she noticed a buck making its appearance along with two babies.

Now they were watching the family just be, making Daryl look over to Y/N watching her smile at the display as he brought his hand to rest on her small bump. She glance to his hand for a second before smiling more and resting her hand over his before continuing to look at the deer family. Thankfully on their way back they got a bunny and a few squirrels that made themselves known in the winter.

It wasn’t long before the warmer months came back and Y/N couldn’t ride on Daryl’s bike anymore. She stuck with Glenn and Maggie and with the moving from house to house increasing. T-Dog and Rick took lead with sweeping the houses they come across before the group resided but Daryl followed behind after checking on Y/N. But when herds came through, they didn’t wait and went straight back into the car and only the road.

“Let’s go hunt” Daryl tells Rick watching him nod as Hershel held him back to talk about Lori’s condition given she’s in her ninth month compared to Y/N in her seventh.

Daryl picked up his canteen from his bike going to Y/N and making sure she kept hydrated when the weather got dangerously hot.

“Gonna go hunt with Rick. We’ll be back soon”

“Stay safe, yeah?”

“You too” Daryl quickly kissed her cheek before going with Rick.

The two stumbled across the prison, which then led to the group taking out walkers in the field to give them shelter for the night before heading inside. The group huddled by the fire talking about Rick, what the prison could do for them, and a few miscellaneous things. Maggie happily let her older sister use her lap as a pillow as she laid on her side using her blanket to cushion her belly from the ground.

“Lot of movement today?”

“Yeah…fucking think this baby loves kicking my ribs” Y/N huffed out a laugh as Maggie brushes back her hair smiling at her watching Daryl return to the group with Carol. He knelt behind her resting his poncho over her before getting comfortable. “Done with watch?”

“We’ve got a gate. Besides, if shit happens it’ll alert all of us and Rick hasn’t left the gate”

“You check on him?” Y/N whispers to Daryl when she moved onto her back for a moment to look at him.

“Do I have to?”

“No, but he shouldn’t have to burden what’s going on with him alone. Even if you don’t quite understand it”

Her words rung in his head especially when they dealt with the prisoners, then the Walker outbreak, losing Lori, almost losing Hershel and Carol…it was a lot. Things seem to only escalate and it didn’t help that all the commotion rendered Y/N speechless and she hasn’t spoken a word the moment Lori died.

She could die too

He will raise this baby alone

What will happen to her family?

She can’t die

She won’t die

Y/N stayed by the gate when they left and she knew her dad and Carol were watching her every move that when the cars pulled in she stepped away after opening one of the doors herself even when Carol came with her protests.

The car pulled in and Y/N waited for Daryl to come out but when everybody except him, she gave Rick a confused look while he hung his head.

“Daryl’s not coming back” Glenn ripped the bandaid off watching his partner shoot him a glare for not taking easy. But in Y/N’s head he did the right thing by just going for it.

“We ran into his brother and he’s not a great guy” Rick started. “But blood is blood from what Daryl told us…we just. Can’t let someone like Merle in the prison with us. He’s not a good guy and I’m sorry but Daryl’s not—-“ when he reached to lay a hand on her shoulder, she immediately smacked it away.

“You touch me and I cut your goddamn fucking hand off” Y/N glares at the retired sheriff watching him nod and step away. She glances down to her belly shutting her eyes tight turning away from everybody and started walking back to the prison.

This baby is half her and half him.

If the roles were reversed, she would’ve left with her sisters.

But that doesn’t make it okay for him to go.

“Has she spoken to anyone? Was snapping at Rick the only thing she said?” Carol asks Maggie as she nods while the concern grew on her face.

“Our daddy went to check on her and the baby. Heartbeats good. But going from a lot of movement to it being still…He thinks we should only worry if it stops for the remainder of her pregnancy.”

“Someone should get her to move. Walk around the prison or somethin’. Sitting there will make it worse for her” Hershel shared his concern as the three looked at Y/N sitting on the mattress Daryl pulled out for him originally on the catwalk.

“Nah. Get in an actual bed” Daryl protested Y/N sitting on the mattress but she did anyway.

“Last I checked a mattress is an actual bed”

“Don’t be smart with me, woman” Daryl sat up leaning into her space watching her stern look fall when he started showering her in kisses. “Least lay down with me”

“I wasn’t gonna stay sat up this entire time” Y/N playfully shoves him.

Y/N brought her attention to the young grimes bringing himself up with stairs with two bowls of food. Carl sat down beside her handing her the second one but she refused.

“Please?” Carl frowns watching her gaze turn to him with a look of ‘why?’ as in why would he be doing this for her. “We’ve…uh. We’ve lost enough people”

A sigh escapes her lips as she gently caresses the young one’s cheek giving him a small thoughtful smile before taking the bowl from him and eating.

“Y/N whisperer” Maggie whispers to Beth as the two were the ones to have Carl send up the bowl because Y/N wouldn’t snap at somebody who recently lost their mom.

They both froze when her gaze turned onto them when she finished the bowl of stew. Y/N handed the bowl to Carl as he stacked the empty bowls getting up but noticed her get up with him. She struggled at first and gestured toward one of her sisters to help as Beth quickly made her way up the steps helping her.

“Take a walk with me?” Y/N asks her youngest sister as she smiles nodding. Once the two met the end of the steps. “You too?” She asks Maggie watching her smile warmly.

Soon the three sisters were on the other side of the prison walking in silence and staring at the occasional walker but kept their focus on what’s in front of them.

“If something happens to me. The two of you will take care of them yeah?”

“Nothing is going to happen to you, sis. Nothing” Maggie’s smile instantly faded when her sister said such.

“I know, bug. But please”

“This is your first. Nothing like what happened to Lori will happen to you…” Beth frowns trying not to cry at the thought of losing her older sister. “Can’t lose you…I won’t have it”

“Beth, sweetheart, I know everybody is going to do everything they can to not let the worst case scenario happen…I just. Need the reassurance”

“They will be loved and cared for…if worst comes to worst.” Maggie brought her arm around her sister as Beth did the same, both on either side of Y/N. “We all will be okay”

The moment they got close to the main entrance, the gates were being opened to let in Daryl with his brother Merle shortly behind him. Y/N watched Maggie retract at the sight of the older brother as she brought herself over watching Daryl light up slightly but avoid her gaze.

“So you’re Merle”

“And you’re the woman my brother knocked up. Boy would not shut up about you being the reason he needs to come back. Who woulda thought someone softened my baby brother” Merle smirks and before another word came out of Y/N, everyone around watched her sock the man hard enough in the face that the force knocked him on his ass.

“Your brother is amazing to me even if I want that punch to also be at him for leaving” Y/N frowns looking down at Merle as she held her belly a moment followed by a sigh. “But that was a hundred percent meant for you”

“You just fucking met me”

“You kidnapped my sister and her partner. Beat him to a pulp and let that disgusting man touch my bug.” Y/N stared blankly at the man as it held so much anger that made him nervous. “Just be glad Daryl is your brother. Or I would’ve put a bullet in yea” she stepped away with Beth and Maggie following her while Daryl helped his brother to his feet.

“I like her” Merle smirks and was immediately manhandled by Rick to be put in their makeshift cell since they’re living in the actual ones. The same cell Michonne was in until she got on their good side.

Daryl hesitantly went to the catwalk finding Y/N there as he brought himself to sit with her. The silence was killing him but the way she soften when he returned to her. She couldn’t help but take his hand into hers while the other continued to rub circles on her belly.

“Are you—-“

“Oh I’m mad. But I have to keep calm or the baby won’t move” Y/N frowns feeling him let go of her hand to bring his on her belly thinking it will work…and it did. It was the smallest kick but it got tears to form in Y/N’s eyes making Daryl wipe them away and try to contain his own for his actions. “Are you okay? You ain’t going to leave again right?”

“Right. I ain’t leaving…I promise. I really promise this time” Daryl brought his arms around her holding her as she adjusted to lay comfortably in his embrace.

The plan about the governor escalated and succeeded. He was no longer a threat, but they lost so much in the process. Y/N found herself in the field where they buried their own, holding a flashlight for Daryl as he was burying another body. But it was his brother. The others wouldn’t approve but Y/N knew how much Merle sacrificed and thought he should be honored in a way. Daryl appreciated it. Even if he couldn’t control the tears that fell when he finished burying him. Y/N the best she could, wrapped her arms around him resting her cheek against his back.

“He did good”

“He did good…”

About a month went by and the Woodbury infusion went smoothly, and those started helping making the prison more of a function home. The one finished thing was the water plan that T-Dog brought up, thankful for him.

“You’re hovering”

“Okay?” Daryl scoffs leaning against the cell door to their room. “It either me or your old man”

“As if he’s not already there” Y/N turned to him with an annoyed look listening to Daryl sigh before Hershel made himself known. “I’m not going to fucking pop”

“That’s a creative way of putting it. You’re close to your due date. We want you to be safe”

“Yeah whatever.” Y/N pushed herself up and off the bed as they both were quick to her sides. “Okay I will kick that fake leg and make you fall and kick him in the balls if you both don’t stop hovering”

“Okay I will listen but I ain’t stopping him” Hershel pats Daryl’s shoulder. “Call me or Dr. S for any change”

Daryl nods watching him go as he gave a blank look to his girl crossing his arms. Y/N instantly glared at him but he kept his stance.

“I want to take a walk”

“I’ll go with yea.”

“Fine. But I’ll punch you over if you pick me up when I’m too tired” Y/N waddled past as he crossed his heart before following behind her.

There was a lot of commotion outside. Rick started working on the farm with Maggie, Glenn and a few Woodbury folk were clearing walkers, Tyreese was helping Carol build the outdoor grill along with Sasha helping with getting tables in, Beth was taking care of Judith as Carl rambled on about some comics that Michonne found for him, and Michonne was out on her weekly runs. Daryl helped around but mainly took the morning and night shifts when Y/N was asleep so that he would be there for her the rest of the time.

“Alex?”

“Nah, we ain’t having a boy anyway”

“I get it. But if it happens we still need a name”

“Robin goes both ways”

“God you’re so fucking lucky I like that name. And Fallon. But not for a boy name”

“Mmm…” Daryl glanced around thinking about a name for her sake. “Mark”

“Do you like Mark?”

“No”

“Then why did you—-“ Y/N scoffed. “Hunter’s mark?”

“You wanted boy names” Daryl shrugs. “Mark is a name. Hunter is also a name”

“Next thing you’re gonna say is Striker and that’s because of a brand of crossbows” Y/N continued to walk leaving Daryl a bit surprised that she knew that before catching up with her.

They were walking for two hours and Daryl was confused for half of the walk wondering why she even decided to walk for that long. Until she went back inside grabbing onto his shirt giving him a pain filled look.

“I thought it was nothing”

“What was nothing?”

“The fucking pain, Dixon. It’s too much”

It clicked a little late for Daryl but he instantly picked up Y/N only for her to start punching his chest in protest. “HERSHEL!” He shouted for the man while bringing his girl to the infirmary of the prison.

“Stop” Y/N whines hunched over in the bed as the contractions were awful for her. She smacked away Hershel’s hand when he tried to get a blood pressure cuff they found on her. “It’s too much. I’m not ready” she sobbed.

“I know sweetheart but the baby is. I’m gonna—-“

“Hell fucking no. I’m not having my dad check down there” Y/N covered her lower half with the blanket as Daryl felt her squeeze the crap out of his hand. He can take it.

“Beth. Get Caleb right now” Hershel shouted watching her exit the room as a small group formed at the entrance. “Unless you’re helping. Keep that area open”

When the other doctor arrived, Y/N was already reaching an uncomfortable amount of pain as she leans into Daryl feeling him rub circles on her back not like it did much. The words the doctor was saying weren’t registering but when he gestured for the blanket to look making her nod quickly.

“Yeah baby ain’t waiting. She’s crowning. We have anything for gloves?” Caleb asks as Hershel shakes his head before handing him a towel to catch the baby in. “Well alright.” He set the towel down for a moment and dunk his hands into the bucket Glenn got once he was asked earlier so it would be a bit more sterile. “You have to push on the next contraction”

“No…” She whined gripping Daryl’s hand tightly again. “It hurts I don’t want to”

“You have to sunshine. You have to push”

“But I’m tired” She whined followed by sobs as Daryl brushes the hair out of her face pressing his forehead against hers.

“Cmon sunshine. We gotta meet our little one” He whispers to her looking her in the eye as her voice started to tremble. “I love you. I love you so much Y/N. You’re being so strong right now and gotta continue to be alright? You gotta push now”

Y/N started to sob even more from the pain, the anxiety, the deceleration. She nodded listening to her partner as she waited for the next contraction to push resulting in her screaming which had a bit of an echo through the parts of the prison close to the infirmary.

“Good almost there” Caleb reassures. “One more big push”

“One more sunshine. One more and our little one is here”

One more push…led to the room filled with sobs. Tears from Y/N continued, tears broke out from Daryl, and the loud sobs that erupted from their baby girl being handed to the mother. Soft congratulations left the doctor’s mouth but nothing registered as the two’s attentions were glued to this little girl. A healthy little girl.

“You did good, mama” Daryl choked up wiping his tears looking at their little girl in her arms finally calming down. “She’s perfect, yeah?”

“So perfect” Y/N sobbed through a smile turning to him as he instantly kissed her. “I love you…”

“I love you” Daryl smiles keeping his family close.

When night fell, they moved back into their cellblock once everything was cleaned up and Y/N was well enough to walk. She was fast asleep in their bed as Daryl was wide awake sat up in the bed beside her holding their little girl that looked up at him with the same blue eyes he had.

“You are…so perfect, Robin”

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Winter's King 7

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, cheating, violence, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: You are a maid to the Duke of Debray, a lord of the Summer Kingdom. That is, until the king of Winter appears with his particular air of coldness. (Medieval AU)

Characters: Geralt of Rivia

Note: another week ahead.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

The gates open as horses snort and kick. The dawn air is ripe with impatience. You and Merinda watch as you stand east of the front doors. The luggage is clustered near the stables, to depart once all of the nobles have trotted their steeds from within the walls. 

Your encounter with the king lingers in your head but the echo of his anger and the scent of spilled ale is enough to deter you. A maid will not be missed. Merinda can’t tear her eyes away from it all. Her expression is longing and doleful. 

“A pity we must stay here with Lady Rezlyn,” she mutters, “she’ll be miserable without her daughter.” 

“I’m certain she will miss her,” you agree. 

“She won’t have any to indulge her,” Merinda sniffs, “or distract her.” 

“Mm, I suppose. Perhaps she will be too sad to be angry,” you suggest. 

The noise of mail approaches and you look up. You expect the soldier to pass by as all others have done. It is the same steely soldier who’d been at the king’s side that morning. Merinda steps closer to you as the man’s grey eyes are fixed on you. 

“Maid,” he barks, “find a cart.” 

You frown and look over at Merinda. 

“The king has sent for a lady maid for his wife,” the soldier explains, “you.” 

He points at you with his gauntlet and you flinch. The king has not forgotten or changed his mind. It was wrong of you to assume. You grab Merinda through her sleeve and squeeze. 

“Just me, sir?” you ask. 

“We needn’t a dozen of the traitor’s servants,” the man scoffs in return, “come. You will travel with the others amid the bedrolls.” 

You blanch and cling to Merinda. She whimpers and you turn to her, the reality setting in on your at once. Your chest feels as if it’s being crushed as you face your lifelong companion. As close to a friend as any might have in your position. 

“Mer,” you croak. 

“Save your tears, there’s no time,” the soldiers grits. 

Merinda pulls you into an embrace. “Be safe,” she whispers with a sniffle. 

“You too,” you part and look her in the face, “Mer, I--” 

“Yes, I know, me too,” she frowns, “you must go.” 

“Yes, you must,” the soldier insists and points towards the stable.  

Merinda lets you go and the fabric of her sleeve slips from between your fingers. You follow the soldier, looking back at the lone maid as she watches after you. You can see her wringing her hands. She’s never been the nervous sort. 

You take in a deep breath and turn forward. The soldier marches you to the back of a cart and points inside. There's just enough room for you among the chests and casks within. You climb up, moving your skirts from under your knees, and sit against the side. You don’t have anything to worry about leaving behind. 

He stomps away and you lean to see him around the wall of the cart. He disappears and you sit back and huff. Off to the capital and then the Hinterlands. You look down at your dress, the apron and wool frayed with your labour. You will be cold once you turn north, you hope you might bear it. 

There’s a clink of metal and horse hooves. You look up as a speckled grey steed appears by the cart. You gulp and gape at the large beast as its equally grey master holds it by the reins. The steely soldier shoves a wad of leaves into his mouth and chews. 

“Come this far,” he grumbles through sloppy gnashing, “just to guard the luggage.” He snorts and shakes his head, “I’m not in the mood for trouble, maid. You keep in your cart.” 

You lower your head as you bend your knees, and cross your arms across them, “yes, sir. Thank you.” 

He chews in the lull between you. He turns to spit the leaves onto the ground and kicks dirt over them. His horse nuzzles at his shoulder as he shrugs it off. 

“Don’t thank me yet,” he girds at last, “you won’t once you see the snow.” 

⚔️

The day rolls by with the wheels of the cart. You jostle with the movement as the grey soldier rides abreast of the luggage train. Ahead, the royal party and soldiers lead the way on the long road to the capital. There’s a glimmer of excitement in you, a sensation you’re not used to.  

You’ve only ever heard of the capital from your masters. Lady Jazlene’s tales of sparkling banquets and golden plates and raucous dances. Lady Rezlyn was more likely to talk of the courtly whispers, who is marrying who, which earl despises which count, and scandalous affairs of those already bound to another. Your anticipation is routed by a sadness; you don’t know that you’ll ever see Merinda again to tell her of all you see. 

You pick at your nails and watch the rippling clouds above. The blue sky appears as a sheet of pure satin with streaks of soft ivory. The sunlight streaks from the horizon, weaving into the cornflower expanse and limns over the soft green leaves of swaying trees. The smell of pollen and dirt breezes from the forests and the rustle of tall wheat drifts in from the rich fields. 

As you take in your homelands, you feel a twisting in your chest. You will miss it very much. You never put special thought to it before, you never considered the ties that bound you to this land, but now they tug and strangle you near to tears. This is what you know, it is what you don’t that terrifies you so much. 

You rock as noon burns high, rattled by the bumpy earth below. The grey horse hovers closer and you look up to soldier scowling down at you. You shy away and cough as dust is thrown up by the wheels. The man grumbles and steers his horse closer. You slump your shoulders down, wondering why he hovers. 

Perhaps it is your masters who cast suspicion over you. You are one of them. New allies forged in deceit. The more you think of Lord Dustan’s deception, the more uneasy you feel. You always thought the duke was at least a good lord, now, you don’t know what to think of him. 

“Aye,” something hits the cart, landing next to your feet. It’s a water skin, a thick hide strap attached to it. You peek up at the soldier and reach for it, the water swishing within. “Your summer lands are dry as ash.” 

You consider the skin before you uncork it. You pause and try to see the man through the beaming rays of midday. “Thank you, sir.” 

“Mm,” he grumbles and keeps his horse in line the end of the cart. 

You drink, not too much, just enough to sate, and you offer it back to him over the side of the wagon. He takes it and strings it back around his shoulder. You sit back, facing away from him. The horse trods on without expedience. 

The soldier is just as silent as ever. You hear some shuffling, something brushing, it is barely discernible from the leaves fluttering in the distance. There’s a nudge on your shoulder, the man holds a small bundle of cloth in his gauntlet. 

“Sir?” You crane and turn your body. You accept the handful. “Thank you.” 

He nods and sets his sights on the horizon, undeterred by the blazing sunlight. You look down and carefully unwrap the linen from around a medley of nuts and a hunk of cheese. You suspect they were taken from the castle kitchens. 

“I...” you glance over at him, “would you like some too?” 

You cradle the food towards him and his brows form a vee. He reaches beneath his mail and pulls out a stick of dried meat. He wiggles it at you and takes a bite. 

Your lips curve slightly, “thank you...” 

“You have better manners than the turn cloak’s daughter,” he bristles through his mouthful. 

You take a nut and turn it over between your fingers. You don’t know what to say to that. You nibble on the nut, crushing it between your teeth noisily. You look up and meet the soldier’s grey irises. 

“You are kind,” you gesture to the food, “not like the guards at the castle.” 

“Mm, a symptom of the summer lands, I fathom,” he mulls with a shake of his head. “Though war can make any unkind.” He pets his horses main, a thoughtless act as he speaks, “soldiers are plunderers more oft than not.” He drags his hand back and adjusts the reins, “you will not stray far when we make camp. These men have been marching for months.” 

You blink as you break off a piece of the hard cheese, “yes, sir.” 

“You understand me,” he states, not asks. 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Bryce,” he says curtly. “And your name, maid?” 

You take a moment to process his request but you issue your name before tasting the bold cheese. You make a face. It is not your favourite. You often live on the dry rye bread and butter, and the chunk broth leftover from the hearty stews served to your masters. 

“Aye, I didn’t like it either,” he remarks, “let’s hope there is better fare awaiting us in the capital.” 

⚔️

Night falls and the party makes camp. You help cover the wagon with a few other servants, ready to sleep beneath the canvas with the chests of clothes and books. You sit beside the wheel in the dirty, watch the sky glitter with stars as you bask in the cool night. You’ll retire soon but the sun lingers in your skin and burns. 

Footsteps mulch towards you. You look up, expecting another servant headed for a piss in the trees. The figure is broad and stiff. You recognise Bryce before he reaches you. You stand expectantly to meet him. 

“I was only about to retire,” you assure him and turn to touch the canvas, recalling his earlier foreboding. 

“No,” he says, “your queen requires her maid.” 

You pause, “oh, yes, certainly.” 

He sighs, “she requires many things I would not put to word.” 

You flutter your lashes, not quite sure of his meaning, though his tone is sharp. Lady Jazlene does not always inspire kindness. You put your head down and turn to follow the soldier. 

Bryce walks beside you through the camp. Soldiers snore or sit and chatter, others clean their blades, and several sit around fires roasting whatever they could catch in the brush. Towards the front of the train of slumbering steeds and stalled carts, larger than the canvas on crooked poles, is a grand silk tent, glowing from within. 

Your escort stops just outside, exchanging a nod with the two soldiers standing before the flap. You can hear Jazlene’s shrill voice from within. It is too dark to make out the expressions of the guards or the man at your side. One of the soldiers pulls back the fabric to let your through. You bow your head as you enter. 

“This isn’t fair!” Jazlene roars, “I am a queen now and I will not be treated as a child!” 

You peer around, expecting another to be at the mercy of her wrath. It is only her. She rages around the space, stamping and snarling. Her skirts are stained with the dirt of the road as her steps hitch now and again. 

“I will not sit a horse again! It is not good for a lady to ride as such!” She stews, “Where is my father?” She rushes towards the door, brushing by you as she pushes through the flap, “fetch me my father, now!” 

“Get inside,” a soldier growls. 

“You do not command me! I am the queen--” 

“The king bids you stay within,” another drones without emotion. 

“Ugh, stupid men,” she retreats and swirls, her skirts swishing against you, “empty-headed soldiers! What do they do? Carry their swords and run to their deaths! I am a lady, a queen! And they speak to me as if they are above me!” 

Her rant continues as if you are not even there. Even having touched you, she has yet to notice your presence. You look around and go to the corner where a bottle sits on a crate, with a wooden cup near it. You pour the wine as the queen continues her tirade. 

“Your highness,” you offer the cup, though you avoid her harried route around the tent, “you must be tired from the road.” 

She stops short, looking at you as she pulls her chin back. You cannot tell if she is surprised or affronted by you. She huffs and stomps towards you. You steel yourself as she snatches the cup and sniffs the contents. 

“Food! I am hungry,” she snaps. 

“Yes, your highness, I will fetch something,” you assure. 

She narrows her eyes at you. Her lips slant. “Your highness, yes, you recall, I am the queen.” 

You turn and go to the entrance. You poke through and the soldier angles his spear across your path. You gulp and stay at the threshold. 

“She is hungry. Is there food?” 

“Aye, I will fetch it,” Bryce’s voice startles you as he looms in the shadows. 

You thank him before you retract back behind the silk. You stay close to the door as you wait and Jazlene slurps down the wine between furious mutters. As she reaches the bottom, she turns the cup upside down and wiggles it in your direction. It’s empty. 

You take it and refill it to the brim. The wine might calm her should she imbibe enough. Lady Rezlyn was always jollier when she had a healthy helping of red. 

As you bring it back to her, she faces you with a sneer. She glares at you and takes the cup. You stand, trapped in her distaste. You cry out as you feel something sharp on your stomach. You look down as she pinches you through your apron and twists. You clamp your jaw tight as you hold back a squeal. 

She lets you go and drinks deeply as she struts away from you. You put your hand to the sore spot and resume your place by the door. It is better than a slap, though that may still be to come. 

As you stand just inside the flap, you hear the approach of boots. The soldiers utter low words, ‘your highness’ and you barely step out of the way as the silk is drawn back. The king steps inside as you sidle away. You still as he glowers around the space, the flicker of the torch planted in the ground reflects in his golden eyes. 

“Wife, half the camp can hear your tantrum,” he says, “queen’s do not behave as chil--” 

Before he can finish his remonstrance, Jazlene is billowing towards him in her satin skirts. There’s a splash that fizzles in the air, tense silence rising as the king’s words die on his tongue. He closes his eyes against the liquid assault, wine dripping down his face and wetting his dark lashes. He sucks in a deep breath and his hands fist as Jazlene snickers cruelly and throws the cup at his chest. 

“If you treat me as a child, then I may as well act as one,” she retorts. 

The king doesn’t react. His posture is locked, his shoulders squared and his jaw set in stone. Slowly, he expels his breath and opens his eyes. Jazlene’s mocking smirk trembles and falls. 

“You are worse than a child,” he accuses and grabs her by the shoulders, “you are nothing more than a vicious cat.” 

“Get your hands off me,” she sneers as she writhes in his grasp, “unless you mean to be a husband, eh? Do you think you might prove yourself this time?” 

He growls and squeezes so she winces. She whimpers and beats on his thick arms. He walks her backwards as her feet shuffle beneath her to keep from tripping. 

“Husband, you cannot blame me for being unhappy. I have not been t-treated as a queen should--” 

“You have not earned it,” he shoves her and she lands on the stuffed mattress across the ground. “Be quiet. The camp needn’t lack sleep on your account.” 

Jazlene pouts up at him. You see the battle in her, of anger and fear. The king snarls down at her, “go to sleep.” 

She bats her lashes and pushes herself up on one elbow. She reaches to her skirts and tugs them up, “husband...” she shows her leg, “please...” 

He doesn’t move. He stares down at her for a moment then turns on his heel. He takes a step then falters. His gaze meets with yours. You quickly look down, realising then he was unaware of you. You shouldn’t have seen that. He falls back into step. 

“Do not make me return,” he barks as he shoves through the silken flap. 

[doumadono]

hey I hate to bother you but I have an emergency request. Could you write a Bakugou x Reader short where he talks the reader through some big decisions regarding the reader’s possible career path where they’re having to chose between going off and having a 9-5 job or going to continue their family farm? I’m about to graduate in the next year and my parents have been shaming me for wanting to help restart our family farm while I’m off in college.

( we had to sell most of our animals after bad droughts five years back to back, so it’s been incredibly bare as of recent and I’m going to college for Agriculture anyways, so in my mind everything makes sense).

I don’t necessarily want a big fancy job, and honestly nothing makes me happier than working animals and it’s just been hard on me to try and please my parents while also still trying to go out and do what I want.

Harvest of choices - Bakugo x Reader

A/N: please stay true to your goals, and trust that with your dedication and education, you can make a significant impact!

EMERGENCY REQS MASTERLIST - PART 2

The city skyline stretched out before you, a dazzling array of lights and towering buildings that promised endless possibilities. The air was crisp, a stark contrast to the earthy, familiar scent of the farm you had grown up on.

You stood on the balcony of your temporary apartment located in Musutafu, clutching the job offer letter in your hands. This could be your future - a stable 9-to-5 job in a reputable company, the kind of career you had always dreamed of. But the thought of leaving the farm, your family, and everything you had known was a heavy weight on your shoulders.

Your phone buzzed, breaking your contemplation.

The screen lit up with a message from Katsuki Bakugo: "I'm outside. Let me in."

You sighed. Bakugo was never one to mince words, and you knew he would force you to confront the decision you had been avoiding.

Opening the door, you were greeted by his intense, crimson gaze, eyes blazing with the determination you had come to rely on. “Took you long enough,” he grumbled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “What’s going on with you? You've been super off for a few past days, nerd.”

You held up the letter, the official seal of the company catching the light. “I got the job offer. They want me to start next month.”

Bakugo’s eyes flicked to the letter, then back to you. “And you’re freaking out because…?”

“It’s not that simple, Katsuki!” You grunted, your voice trembling slightly. “Taking this job means leaving the farm, leaving my family and everything I am familiar with behind... They need me there, and I don’t know if I can just abandon them.”

He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall with a stern expression after he entered your apartment. “So, you’re stuck between the fancy city job and staying on the farm. Let’s break it down.”

He motioned for you to sit on the couch, and you obliged, grateful for his no-nonsense approach.

Bakugou took a seat next to you. “First off, this city job. What’s so great about it?”

You took a deep breath. “It’s a stable career, good pay, and I’d get to use my degree. It’s something new, a chance to grow and prove myself in a different environment.”

Bakugo nodded. “Sounds solid. Now, what about the farm? What’s it mean to you?”

“It’s home,” you replied softly. “It’s where I grew up, where I learned the value of hard work and family. It’s a part of me, and I don’t want to let my family down. They’ve sacrificed so much to keep this place running.”

Bakugo’s expression softened slightly, though his gaze remained intense as he ran his calloused hand through his messy hair. “Alright, so you’ve got strong ties to the farm. But what’s really stopping you from making a decision?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “I’m afraid of making the wrong choice. If I leave, what if the farm fails? And if I stay, what if I’m giving up a chance to do something more with my life?”

Bakugo placed a hand on your shoulder, gently rubbing you there with his thumb. “Listen, you’re not gonna know for sure if you’re making the right choice until you make it. That’s just how life is. But here’s the thing: you’re strong, and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You’re not the type to let things fall apart, no matter which path you choose.”

His words, though blunt, held a truth that resonated with you.

“But what if I fail?” You whined, shaking your head.

“You won’t,” he said confidently. “And even if things get tough, you’ll figure it out. You’ve got people who care about you, who will support you no matter what. And if anyone gives you trouble, I’ll blast ‘em to pieces.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that, the tension in your chest easing just a bit. “Thanks, Kats. That actually helps.”

He smirked, his usual cocky demeanor shining through. “Damn right it does. Now, let’s talk strategy. If you take the city job, how can you make sure the farm’s in good hands?”

“Well, I could hire someone to help out, maybe even a manager. I could also come back on weekends to check on things and help out where I can.”

“Sounds like a plan. And if you stay on the farm, what’s your strategy for making it more successful?”

“I could look into new farming techniques, maybe diversify our crops or start a small agritourism business. There are a lot of possibilities if I really put my mind to it.”

Bakugo nodded approvingly. “There you go. Either way, you’ve got options and a plan. You’re not going into this blind.”

You felt a surge of determination, the fog of uncertainty beginning to clear. “You’re right. I just need to commit and give it my all, no matter what I choose.”

“Exactly,” Bakugo agreed, his voice steady and reassuring. “And remember, you’re not alone in this. I’ve got your back, and so does everyone else who cares about ya. So stop doubting yourself and make the damn decision.”

With those words, you felt a renewed sense of confidence. “Thanks,” you chuckled softly, leaning forward and giving him a hug. “I needed that. Thank you for always having my back."

He hugged you back, his grip strong. “Whether it’s the farm or the city, you’re gonna kick ass. I am sure about that.”

[i-love-genya-sm]

GENYA HCS!!!!!! gn!reader

So I tried to come up with fic ideas but I couldn’t think of any b4 writing this so here are sum hcs: (Genya x gn!reader) BONUS MINI FIC AT END BC I FINALLY GOT AN IDEA T^T

• He blushes more around you than anyone else • He’d watch you train with pure adoration in his eyes and would practically disappear when you look in his direction. (You know he’s there, he’s bad at hiding from you) • Can barely talk to you. Every time he tries, he gets all flustered and apologetic before running off • Thinks he’s sneaky with his secret admirer gifts. Everyone knows it’s him, but no one says anything to not ruin his pride • On the day he confesses, he can barely keep it together. He’s a blushing mess and he stutters and mixes up his words so much it’s almost incomprehensible gibberish. You were not-so-surprisingly able to understand his message and you tell him you like him too. He nearly faints. • On your first date, he’d take you to a small, nice diner and pay for everything. You start to worry about his savings, but he insists that he’s financially stable. (We all know he’s anything but.) • He contemplates on kissing you multiple times. It’s kept him up at night, the thought of your lips on his, but every time he actually tires, he ends up kissing your cheek instead • While on the topic of kisses, he loves kissing your hands, especially your knuckles. He treats you like royalty, only giving you the best dates and gifts. That cost a lot of money. (Again, finance. Someone teach this little tall child to handle money- T^T) • When he finally gets the courage to kiss you, he does it so suddenly and randomly, but you liked it. STORY BELOW

Today was the day. Today, he would finally kiss you. Oh, how long had he waited to place his mouth on yours, to taste your love. Many times had he stared at your lips, longing to taste them. And today, he would. He saw you minding your business on the engawa of the Stone Estate, blissfully watching the branches of the trees sway, petals falling down and dancing around your figures. You looked beautiful. The sight of you among the sakura made Genya want you even more. You noice him standing and call out to him. “Genya-kun!” You smile. Genya’s face pinked. He approaches you and seats himself next to you. “I—I want to ask you something…” He began, face reddening at record speed. “Hm? What is it, Genya-kun?” You inquire, tilting your head to one side. Genya slightly stiffens. So cute… he thought. Shaking the thought away, he focuses on his original purpose. “Uh… (Y/N), I was wondering if…u-uhm….I—I c—could maybe…” He stuttered a lot. All while you were sweetly smiling with that cute, innocent, patient smile that made Genya melt on the inside. “It’s ok, sweetie, take your time,” You encourage him with your sweet voice. Gosh, how much did he love you. “Can I kiss you?” The words came out so unnaturally casual. You freeze at his request, then you softened back into your beautiful small smile. “Honey, you don’t have to ask me,” You say, reaching out a hand to cup his cheek in. Your smile widens slightly. “Of course you can kiss me.” Genya nearly ascended with those words. He pulls you close, a hand on your waist and the other brushing away any loose strands of hair from your gorgeous face. You wrap your arms around his neck, beckoning him closer. Genya’s face moved towards yours. A little more, a little more, closing the distance between you two. His lips were hovering next to yours, mere seconds away from contact, when Genya hesitates. I’ve never done this before…what if I’m a terrible kisser and she leaves me? You saw the hesitation in his eyes and give him a small, reassuring smile before going for it. Time seemed to stop. Genya shivered at the feel of your soft lips against his rough mouth, angling you to go deeper. You feel his tongue brush against your bottom lip. You bite his in response, shoving your tongue inside his mouth. He tasted like watermelon, the sweet flavor riling you up. You rubbed your tounge all over the inside of his mouth, desperate to get the most of the flavor. Genya’s tongue reached out to touch yours, and the kiss became a hot mess of lips, tounge and teeth. “Mmmm, Genya~” You moan his name, and he turns on. Genya pins you down on the ground, the kiss gradually becoming more and more aggressive. “(Y/N)…why…did…I….wait…this…long…ngh…to…kiss you?” He punctuated each word with rough peck. You kept going for what seemed like forever, and then you passed out suddenly. Genya pulled away hesitantly, but seeing your unconscious form, he picks you up bridal style and carries you inside.

TAISHO ERA SECRET 👏👏 • You tasted like watermelon and sakura to him. • When you woke up, Genya was so happy he kissed you. Again. • Genya was concerned that you’d pass out again, wondering if he should call Kocho-san in case it happens again, but you gently tell him that anyone else who made their partner pass out would feel proud. (God bless his dumb ass)

Anyways, that’s all for now! Sorry if updates are slow! Have a great day/night! 💜🖤💛

[wild-dagon]

A little peak at what I’ve been writing for the Everyone’s loved ones get send to BOTW Hyrule

He lead them over to the entrance of the East Winds store when his Sheikah Slate suddenly let out a shrill tone. He pulled the device from his hip and opened it immediately to see the screen flashing.

“Is everything okay?” Sky asked as he and twilight approached Wild. The rest of the group hung back knowing better than to crowd Wild.

“Don’t know.” Wild whispered not taking his hands or eyes off the slate. The screen stopped flashing and brought him to the map function. Everything looked normal. Except there was a new symbol on his map. One that looked uncomfortably familiar. “Time!” Wild called out for their unofficial leader.

Time moved quickly to his side taking Sky’s place. Wild wasted no time showing Time the slate. It was open. To the map feature and zoomed into Hyrule field. There on the map was a cartoon symbol of a cows head flashing in light blue. The same symbol that Lon Lon Ranch used to market their milk. Time pulled the slate closer hoping he was wrong. But it was identical even down to the shade of blue.

“What is this?” He asked turning to look at wild his heart racing.

‘I don’t know.’ Wild signed. ‘I’ve never seen it before.’ He looked back at the Lon Lon Ranch symbol shining brightly on his map screen. ‘I’ve never heard it make that sound either.’

“How far away is this?” Time asked looking between the screen and Wild.

“How far is what?” Legend asked tired of being left out of the conversation.

Time looked up to see the rest of the chain looking nervously between his white knuckle grip on Wild’s slate, an item he rarely let others touch, and Wild’s slightly shaking hands.

He blew out a breath. He didn’t like anything about this situation. “The Lon Lon Ranch symbol just appeased on Wild’s map.”

“But that can’t be.” Twilight said as color drained from his face. “We’re thousands of years in the future.”

“How far away is it.” Warriors quickly stepped into his captain role. Something wasn’t right here. They all turned to face Wild once more.

‘It would take days to get there.’ The group winced at the answers. ‘And that area is full of guardians.’

Time hand tightened on the slates handle. If this had something to do with Lon Lon Ranch he couldn’t ignore it. He didn’t care how far or what dangers there were he was going. He took another look at the map before he turned in his heal. “Then we better start walking.” He started heading towards the town exit when Wild ran in front of him halting his progress.

‘That could take close to a week.’ he signed aggressively.

“If you have another option I’m all ears.” Time was trying very hard to keep his composure. In any other situation he probably could. But Lon Lon Ranch was his home. It was Marlon’s home. Where she was supposed to be safe. He didn’t know why Lon Lon’s symbol was suddenly appearing in Wild’s map but he had to get there as soon as possible.

Wild paused thinking over what to do. ‘We could teleport.’

“Cub no.” Twilight stepped in. “Last time we were here you said you couldn’t teleport with more than one person.” The last time they were in Wild’s Hyrule Wind had asked if they could teleport to the nearest town and Wild had explained to them the limits of the teleport pads. By himself there was no problem. But adding a guest put a strain on his body. The more guest the hard it would be on Wild physically. A group their size would probably lead to Wild passing out after teleporting them. Something none of them wanted to force him to do unless it was the only option.

‘So we don’t take the whole group.’ Wild signed cutting off the argument. He held his hand out to Time for the slate. Once in hand he showed them the map. ‘I can teleport Time and myself to this shrine over here.’ He pointed to the Wahgo Katta shrine next to the Riverside stables. ‘We can take two of my horse and make our way to the ruins.’ Wild continue showing them the path they would take. ‘It be close to two hours on horse back. Once we figure it out we’ll come back. It will take a few hours tops.’ He finished his plan while trying to reassure them this was the fastest option.

In any other situation Time would have refused the plan. Anything that put one of the boys at unnecessary risk or separated their group would have been an automatic no. But Hateno was safe, the others would be alright, and something g was affecting Lon Lon Ranch. “Are you sure you’ll be alright?” He asked giving Wild his best stern face. The one the boys had named his dad face.

‘Positive.’ Wild confirmed with a determined head nod.

[sunonyoreface]

He Knows - Simon "Ghost" Riley Pt. 21

Word count: 5589

Warnings: minors dni, angst, military setting, explicit language, use of weapons, mentions of injuries and death.

My feelings towards Price are continuously conflicted. On one hand, he’s been very generous throughout my stay with 141. He seems to trust my word at face value and has offered me protection with Soap and Ghost. He also seemed genuinely impressed with my work as a translator, and then again with my performance on the phone with my father.

On the other hand, he is the entire reason I’m here. Sure, Ghost arranged everything, but Price is the man behind every step 141 takes. Nothing is done without his permission. My existence is simply a form of currency to him. My value relies on how much my father is willing to sacrifice for me. Markets are rarely stable in times of war. One wrong move, and the stock will tank faster than in 1929. I feel the dip approaching like a rollercoaster at the top of a hill. Imminent. 

As he stands in front of me, Price has a welcoming presence, despite all of the atrocities he’s committed. Despite everything he has put me through to gain the upper hand on my father. Despite everything he is going to put me through.

His voice is soft as he speaks. We’re alone in my quarters. He leans against the dresser as I sit in bed with my legs pulled to my chest.

“We identified another rat,” a double agent. Another one of their supposedly well-vetted men who turned out to be a terrorist in disguise. His shoulders remain rigid and his arms cross over his chest. “He was in our transportation unit,” Price continues.

I search my mind for some of the faces I’ve come to recognize. There are too many to remember. I don’t know if I’ve even talked to any of the task force members in that unit. Everyone I know is an extension of Soap’s circle.

“What happened to him?” I ask.

“Nothing yet,” he answers. “We can’t risk tipping off the ultranationalists or the exchange being called off,” his thick English accent reminds me of a misty, fall day spent at a café. It’s cold, but there’s also something comforting about it - about him.

It makes sense how the ultranationalists always knew where we were. The mole could’ve tapped the vehicle GPS or tipped them off about which bases we were at. All of those attacks couldn’t have succeeded without him.

“Are there more of them?”

“Rats don’t lie alone,” there’s an underlying tone of disgust in his otherwise reserved voice. His message is loud and clear and more unnerving than ever. The men in 141 are even less trustworthy than I originally thought. “But I didn’t stop to visit about pest control.”

The air feels colder as the words leave his lips. My breathing pauses and the false ease of our conversation drops away like a theatre curtain.

“It’s happening, isn’t it?”

“Affirmative,” he confirms.

“When?” my soft voice is urgent.

“In fifteen minutes someone will drop off your gear. In forty-five you’ll get on the van. And in one hour we depart,” My chest clenches and I feel a nervous ball form in my stomach. I can’t believe how fast this is all happening. I’m not ready. I don’t have a plan to save myself if this all goes south. He doesn’t care if I live. Neither does my father. He might say he does, but he doesn’t, not really. I’m just an excuse for them to meet head to head. Just an excuse for them to pick a fight with one another. They don’t care what happens to me. Only I do.  Price watches my reaction closely. I can tell he half-heartedly expects a breakdown.

“Will Soap come get me?”

“Soap’s team left an hour ago,” they’re gone already? Why’d they leave so early? Why aren’t they all leaving together? I know the answer I’ll get if I ask these questions. I turn my attention back to the exchange.

“What’ll happen when we get there?” Price shifts his weight. He’s a busy man. He doesn’t have additional time to stand here and let me quiz him.

“We’re meeting at an old landing strip in the forest just past the Russian boarder. The exchange will happen in the clearing. Only a few of us will be there for the handoff: Ghost, myself, and a couple other sergeants.  The rest will be waiting in the surrounding woods on our side. But they won’t be alone. The ultranationalists will have men waiting on their side of the woods. In the event that this all goes South, you’re going to retreat to the defilade,” he takes a decisive step away from the dresser with his feet pointed towards the door. I don’t have much time to get any other information from him.

 “Wait what’s a defilade?” the word stumbles across my lips.

“The men in the trees,” Price pauses. Like always he has the army green hat on his head and is dressed in partial camoflauge. “y/n, I’m not saying it’ll turn into a dogfight, but your father doesn’t exactly have the best track record. Be prepared for that possibility.”

I heed his warning closer than anything else he’s said all morning. Why is Price going through with this if he thinks its going to go to shit?

“I’ll see you soon enough,” There’s a knowing look to his face. Maybe it’s the way his eyes slightly squint or the ghost of a smile that tugs at his lips. It ambiguous. Comforting yet concerning.

Sure enough, within fifteen minutes, a member of the task force drops off a bullet proof vest and new clothes to change into. She is tall and wears a uniform almost identical to the one passed onto me.

“Once you’re dressed, I’ll escort you to transportation,” her voice is low and confident. There’s something reassuring about her presense and I’m just glad it isn’t Bennet or one of his friends taking me there.

After hastily throwing on the tactical gear and bulletproof vest, there’s still a piece of fabric sitting on my bed. When I pick it up I recognize the familiar black, fabric bag from several weeks ago. They’re blindfolding me again. Its eerily soft between my clenched fingers. I can’t fucking believe they’re doing this to me again. After everything, why now?

If Ghost was here, would he make me wear it too? Or is this all Price’s doing?

Her firm hand rests on my upper arm as she leads me throughout the compound. Soon the smell of gas filters through the mask and I hear the rumble of multiple engines. People are talking. Orders are barked from one person to the next. Gear is being loaded onto vehicles. Metal clinks and clashes against each other. Everything is in motion.

And then I hear his voice.

Ghost’s distinct tone cuts clearly through the air. It’s powerful and travels with a force that is impossible to ignore. I can pinpoint the exact moment he notices me. The orders he’s giving briefly falter. Then he’s approaching the sergeant and informing her he’s got it from here.

His strong hand replaces her’s. I imagine the warmth of Ghost’s hand through his glove and my sleeve. Ghost’s chest brushes against my shoulder as he leans down to speak. I blindly await his words, only imagining what we look like to the rest of the soldiers. Will they even notice or are they too preoccupied right now?

“You’re riding with me. Don’t say anything. The blindfold will come off once we arrive,”

“Where is th-“

“Don’t. Speak.” Ghost lowly cuts me off.

The van reminds me of the one before. Similarily, I think we’re strapped in against the walls of the vehicle. But I can’t tell for sure.

Ghost quickly buckles me in. His fingers are fast, yet cautious. He takes care not to pinch my skin between the clasps. For a second it almost feels like he’s lingering just to touch me longer. My remaining anger towards him melts for a moment. In a strange environment where I’m stripped of my senses, he’s the only thing that’s familiar. He’s the only one I might just be able to trust.

There are low murmurs amongst the other task members, but not the cheerful kind like before. These are the types of conversations reserved for before high-risk missions. Conversations that hum just above a whisper. They know not everyone will return. You can hear it in their voices.

The van rocks back and forth as we drive. Ghost’s thigh presses against my own. I melt into his side. The firmness of his strength is a reassuring senestion. My hand rests between our legs as my thumb gently traces back and forth along his pantleg. I wonder if he can feel it? I wonder if he knows how this is going to end?

The terrain progressively deteriorates from pavement to gravel to dirt to something far more unpredictable. When the van suddenly stops there’s a split second of absolute stillness. It only lasts for a single breath. Then, it’s go time.

The clicking sounds of seatbelts fill the air. Orders are reaffirmed down the line. Shuffling bodies exit the van. Cold air wafts through the doors.

The blindfold is harshly yanked off my head. Ghost’s calm eyes latch onto mine. In the sea of chaos flowing around us, he remains anchored.

He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t need to. Ghost only nods once, his eyes telling me all I need to know.

Thick forest surrounds us as teams of armed men meticulously clear the surrounding area. It’s daylight, but the shadows of the trees make it feel like dusk. The snow crunches under my feet and bitter air bites at my skin as visible clouds form when I exhale. We’re back in Russia. Ultranationalist territory.

Price appears from another van followed by a formation of armed men who surround Ghost and myself.

“We’re clear. Their men have claimed their half and the rest are waiting on the flat.”

“How many?” Ghost asks, his hand is glued to the automatic riffle clipped to his vest. His eyes continuously scan the area for threats. Everyone is on high alert. Something is happening behind the scnenes that I don’t know about. I can just tell.     

“Half a dozen,” Price responds.

“Beyond the zone of action?”

“TAC estimates about fifty,” Price’s attention is entirely on Ghost. He trusts his opinion more than anyone else on the task force.

“We’re outnumbered,” Ghost’s jaw clenches under the skull mask. His response is short and matter-of-fact. He doesn’t like this. “Update on demolitions?”

“They’re ready,” Price smirks knowingly. What the hell have they got planned? Where is Soap?

Ghost processes what Price has just said. Despite his hesitancy he seems to find some reassurance in Price’s words.

“Right. Y/n,” my eyes are already on Price. “When we go out there, you stay in the detail circle until instructed otherwise. Keep your act up. Sell it to your father. If something happens, retreat to the West side of the flat,” his instructions echo between my ears. This is real. This is happening.

“Affirmative,” I force my chin up.

Then like no time has passed at all, we march as a unit through the trees into a long opening. It’s an old landing strip once used for planes with an abandoned hangar at the far side of the field. The sun gleams through the opening in the trees and reflects off the snow. The brightness hurts my eyes at firt, but then as they adjust, I see several men gathered at a table in the center of the air strip. Its them. It’s him.

Fear pummels through my veins. It’s violent and demands my attention. Every sense feels heightened. Dread fills my body and weighs me down like iron restraints.

It takes everything I have to push myself forward. Every action feels forced. Snow sinks up to my shins as we walk, adding extra resistance. The space is large, spanning multiple football fields.  I feel their eyes on us from a hundred meters away. I don’t think I can stomach seeing my father after everything.

The tension is killing me.

Four men surround me as Price and Ghost lead them towards the group. The Ultranationalists have more men at their station, but some of them must be the prisoners theyre supposed to exchange.

At least that’s what I think until Price clears his throat. “You’re missing three sergeants,” His voice sounds different than I’m used to: louder, demanding, dangerous.

“No one’s missing, Captain Price.” My father’s all too familiar voice reaches my ears. “I assume it’s Captain Price, you didn’t exactly leave room for introductions.” it’s warm and relaxed. “They’re resting just beyond the treeline. We only wanted to garuntee your honest intentions before bringing them out,” he sounds completely in control, with his attention completely on Price. It gives me a moment to really look at him.

I haven’t seen my father in weeks and while he looks exactly the same, I can barely recognize the man in front of us. His beard is longer, but still well groomed. He’s dressed in dark greens and greys, the same as the other Ultranationalists. A toque covers his head and a warm winter jacket is hugged by a bullet proof vest. A chest holster hides a gun while his hands remain open and falsely inviting. His eyes look darker than normal. He must be tired. Or maybe it’s hidden rage that gives them that look. I can’t tell anymore. He isn’t the person I once thought I knew, that much is certain.

Our eyes meet and my blood runs cold.

“Dad?” my voice croaks. Price’s reminder to play into the traumatized daughter act weighs on my shoulders. Suspicious eyes square me up from every angle. There isn’t a single person here who fully trusts me. One wrong word and we could all end up dead.

“Y/n?” his brows furrow as his head cranes in my direction. “Y/n, are you okay? Just be patient darling, you’ll be safe soon,” I note how he chooses his words to influence my emotions. How many times has he done this before without me noticing?

“Right, lets cut to the chase then, bring the rest of my men out and she’s all yours,” Price says. I watch as my father eyes him up for a second and then nods in agreement. He barks an order in Russian to one of the men behind him who repeats it into a transmitter.

Then Price steps to the side, opening up a hole in the baracade of men surrounding me. Ghost does the same as he turns and our eyes lock. Under the skull mask I see his lower lids tense with suspicion. He doesn’t trust the Ultranationalists. Every person here has conflicting goals and values. No one is safe.

I can’t look at him for long. Beyond them, someone else expects me.

I take off running into his arms and hot, genuine tears fall from my eyes and freeze to my cheeks. As his arms wrap around me, I can’t hide the shudder of terror that ripples down my spine. It’s becoming harder and harder to separate my father from his actions. When I close my eyes, I see the footage of him ordering the execution of hundreds of vulnerable people. “I’m scared, Dad,” the hushed truth leaves my lips and brushes against the fabric of his coat. He doesn’t react to my words.

“Those aren’t my men,” A type of hollow furry reverberates through Price’s chest. A realization. A confirmation. They let me go too soon. Now I’m in my father’s arms, while the men marching towards them are more Ultranationalists. Not the taken 141 soldiers.

“Oh, don’t worry about them,” he says with his arms still wrapped around me,” as I look over his soulder and past his soldiers, I see more men dressed in grey and green emerge past the treeline and stalk in our direction, guns in hand.

I hear Ghost whisper something into his com. I wonder how many guns are trained on us right now? How many snipers are hidden in the trees waiting for clearance?

“You don’t get to change the conditions of the exchange last minute.”

“I suppose you’re right. That’s not normally how we do things,” my father finally releases me from the hug. His leather glove wipes the tears from my face. The empty, almost irritated look in his eyes tells me he isn’t satisfied. “We don’t typically go through the effort of an exchange. However, Captain Price, these are unique circumstances. Yet, I can’t help the feeling that you are getting a better deal than we are. Look at all these men you’re getting. They’re incredibly valuable to us. They know a lot of information. Information that could hurt a lot of people. Not to mention your men who will be returned to you, once we adjust our terms, of course.”

“Is her life not valuable enough to you?” Ghost’s voice booms across the snow. It’s the first time he’s spoken since arriving. His official introduction to my father. In another life, I wonder if they’d like each other? 

“Of course it is,” he brings a hand to his heart and holds onto my arm with the other. It isn’t. I feel his grip tighten. “But that doesn’t mean this is a fair trade,” My stomach drops. He just confirmed everything I’ve feared without directly saying it. My life doesn’t matter as much as having an advantage on 141. He wants more. That greedy fucking bastard.

“What is then?” Price demands.

“You,” he answers. “And several lieutenants. Then we’re getting somewhere.”

“Negative. Never going to fucking happen. Get that through your thick, Russian skull,” large clouds form in plumes as Price’s burning words meet the arctic air. I sense the tension rising as more Ultranationalists approach the group. We were already outnumbered. Now it’s at least two to one. Why haven’t they called backup yet?

“It will. Wilingly or not,” there it is. The underlying threat of violence that has simmered just under the surface of this entire meeting has finally emerged. The Ultranationalists are more than willing to fight. Maybe they’re even counting on it.

“I don’t think you know what you’re getting yourself into,” Price sneers. I spare a glance in Ghost’s direction to find his eyes already on me. They’re unreadable. He’s never felt so far away.

“Yeah? What’s that?” my father’s cocky voice bites back. This entire time I feel his hands tighten around my arm as though my winter jacket isn’t there. The heavy vest weighs me down. The cold air hurts my skin. Everything feels off. And just when my attention is focused on every uncomfortable detail, Price’s words cut through the air with such clarity they almost don’t sound real.

“If you don’t follow through with our original deal, your wife will die.”

I feel my father freeze. His molten iron grip solidifies. At the same time my heart drops and it feels like I’m falling. My mom? 141 has my mom? My eyes flicker to Ghost, but he won’t look at me. He lied to me. Again. He fucking lied. Ghost had every opportunity to tell me and he didn’t. My cheeks flush with betrayal. After all this time… How could I be so stupid to trust him?

“That’s impossible,” for the first time, my father looks genuinely rattled. The Ultranationalists were supposed to have a team in New York to protect her. She would be almost untouchable. Yet, Price reaches into a large pouch on his vest and pulls out a tablet. On the screen is a livestreamed video of my mom tied to a chair in our family livingroom. The surge of panick that courses through my veins is indescribable.

Somehow, they did it.

“Go get my men,” Price lowly orders and I don’t doubt for a second he’d kill me or my mom to get what he wants. It’s a terrifying realization. He is willing to do anything to protect his task force. All notions of morals and ethics fly out the door when it comes to his men. Bennet was right. I’m not safe with them.

More orders fly out of my father’s mouth in Russian which are then repeated through the transmitter. All eyes are on the treeline waiting for the captured task force members to emerge.

I can’t bring myself to look at Ghost again. Not after this. Not after such a devastating betrayal.

Just as they emerge from the trees, a popping noise behind us in the distance snags my attention. I turn my head just before the men do, seeing nothing. But that noise, that unmistakable noise can only be  one damning thing.

Just like that, all bets are off the table.

I’m yanked behind the line of Untranationalists as each side raises their weapons at each other. The line hudles together and pushes back towards the trees as men from each side scream orders and threats at each other.

Over the shoulders of the Ultranationalists, I briefly see the six task members shift into formation, covering all angles. Price yells out something about their men and I realize they didn’t get ahold of the promised Ultranationalists or their captured soldiers. They are leaving completely empty handed, with the exception of my mom. If this doesn’t turn around, they’ll kill her. Nausea floods my stomach. I feel the blood leave my face. If I wasn’t being pushed back by my father, I would be sick right now.

The distinct sounds take me back to the night the Ultranationalists ambushed 141’s base. I’d never heard gunfire so close before, but that’s nothing compared to now. What once originated on the other side of the field, now sounds to be only meters away.

Price said if I get the chance, to escape to the West side, but right now, that’s impossible. And if I’m being honest, I don’t know that it’s any safer than being with my father. Nowhere is safe. The forest is crawling with armed men and even if I did escape, everyone would be looking for me and I don’t have anything to defend myself with.

“They’re moving forward!” I hear someone yell in Russian. We’re just entering the treeline as more men flood around us and then break into smaller groups. Everything is so completely chaotic and yet seemingly rehersed.

My lungs burn and for a moment I forget how cold it is outside. Adrenaline and panic fight with eachother as I try to distinguish what to focus on. So much is happening. I completely forget about my father’s grip on my arm.

“Y/n,” he braces my shoulders, encouraging me to look at him. His eyes are wide with excitement. I feel like I’m going to be sick looking at him. “Everything is going to be alright dear, we’ll escape to the trucks. Alright? Just follow me, okay?” I manage a small nod.

I’m yanked forward as we run through the trees. The group of men with us switched from those on the field and now there are only four additional Ultranationalists escorting us. I don’t know how long my father pulls me along for. It feels like miles and hours, but can’t be more than a few minutes.

A loud eruption shakes the ground as snow and dirt fly through the air and a tree crashes beside us. Holy fuck, that was close.

Smoke clouds the air as people shout and bullets fly. The scene can only be described as a deadly, gorilla clusterfuck with the goal of taking out as many people from the other side as possible. We are in an incredibly dangerous position.

Just as the thought crosses my mind, one of the escorts is shot in the leg and drops to the ground. Red stains the snow around him. My father yells in Russian to keep going.

We weave through the thick pines and any sense of direction I once had is gone. My heart thunders in my chest.

A loud shot rings through the air and another Ultranationalist drops to the ground. A second shot sends a bullet through his skull.

Someone is following us. Stalking us. Toying with us. My gut turns.

For a second, I wonder if it’s a sniper.

Then, a knife comes flying through the air, lodging itself into the back of the third of my father’s men.

It’s in this moment, I know exactly who is after us. After me.

The last soldier turns around and fires blindly into the trees behind us. As soon as his clip is empty and he pauses to reload, a single bullet pummels through the trees and it too, pierces his skull and stains the snow a brilliant red. His body slumps to the ground with a muffled thump.

My father pushes us behind the trunk of a large tree and grips his handgun in both hands. He doesn’t need to tell me to be quiet. I don’t think I could make a sound if I tried.

The sounds of gunfire and explosions echo in the distance, but there’s nothing close to us like there was before. The majority of the fighting is taking place closer to the air strip.

The only place Ghost ever struggled with stealth, is in the snow. There’s no technology in the world that’ll muffle the sound of his footsteps strategically approaching the tree we’re hiding behind. You can hear the frigidness in the air as the crunching snow gets louder. He’s close.

“Throw your weapons to the side of the tree and then slowly step out with your hands in the air,” Ghost’s demanding voice fills the air. A dissatisfied grumble ripples through my father’s chest. I shift to move from behind the tree and a large hand snags the back of my vest, pulling me back.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he hisses.

I bite my tongue. He doesn’t know Ghost like I do. There’s no escaping him. The best I can hope for is that he doesn’t want to kill either of us.

“I won’t repeat myself,” his voice sounds closer already. I can imagine him on the other side of the tree with his assault riffle pointed in our direction. Part of me wants to believe he wouldn’t fire on us. But I honestly don’t know anymore.

“Forgive me darling,” the hushed words come as my father wraps his arms around me from behind. He pulls me against his chest and presses the barrel of his gun to my temple before stepping out from behind the tree.

“What the fuck are you doing?” the panicked words bubble up my throat as I try and escape his deathly grasp. I twist and throw my weight around, but it’s no use. Even with one hand occupied, he’s simply too strong. “Let go!” The barrel of the gun bumps against my head as hysteria begins to cloud my better judgement.

Just feet away, Ghost stands with his weapon aimed directly at me. At some point he clipped the riffle to his vest and switched to his handgun. Behind the daunting skull mask, his narrowed eyes calculate our every move with extreme precision.

I’ve heard the rumors about Ghost. Caught wind of whispers detailing the horrors he’s capable of. I’ve even witnessed some of the brutality myself working as his translator. Yet none of that cruelty was ever directed toward me. Now, I find myself looking directly down the barrel of his gun. There is no escaping Ghost’s wrath. There’s no escaping my father’s wrath.

“Put the gun down,” he calmly instructs my father. There’s something different about his voice. Something tense. I notice a stiffness about his posture that isn’t usually there. I’m not the only one who picks up on his behaviour either.

“So that bastard was right,” spite laces my father’s voice. His hot words travel down the back of my neck as his arm wraps tighter around my chest. “You’re fucking him, aren’t you?”

I blink. My mouth dries up and I’m left speechless. How the hell does he know? How did Bennet know? Who else knows?

“No, dad-” the words start to tumble out of my mouth.

“Don’t lie to me, little bird,” his tone is venomous. I’m a traitor to him. Sleeping with his enemy. “You fucking whore.”

Tears prick my eyes. His words stun me and I can’t help the self loathing that weighs down my shoulders.

“Let her go or I’ll shoot,” fearful tremors shake my body. My vision starts to blur with emotion. I’ve never felt so scared in my life. I truly may not survive this.

“Then what?” he sneers “You’ll kill me anyways.”

“If you don’t, your wife will die,” the ultimatum is clear. “Is she really worth it?” Ghost’s words sting like never before. I wish one of them would make a decision, put me out of my misery.

Then, as if without thinking at all, my father releases me from his grip and takes a large step back. My weak knees barely hold my shaking body and when I turn around to face him, I truly don’t recognize the man in front of me anymore. Hundreds of burning questions ache for air, but the only one that escapes my lips begs for the devastating truth.

“Do you- do you even love me?” I force myself to make eye contact with him. From the very start of this horrifying journey, something has been missing. Like I was trying to read a misprinted book.

My father purses his lips and furrows his brows. I know the answer when our eyes meet. Not now. Certainly not after betraying him like he thinks I did. He inhales like he’s about to answer when three deafening gunshots pierce the air. I feel the bullets whiz through the air beside my head and watch as one tears through my father’s arm and two hit him in the shoulder. His gun falls to the ground and his eyes buldge as he realizes what just happened.

Ghost rushes past me and tackles my father to the ground. He forces his arms behind his back, despite the bleeding wounds, and zipties his hands together. He groans empty threats, but they’re so muffled I can’t make them out. None of this feels real. Every part of my body feels numb and full of static. Breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

Ghost stuffs my father’s mouth with a gag and then covers his head with a black bag. I try to tune out the harrowing sounds of his muffled moans and the distant gunfire and explosions. I feel a panick attack building under the surface of my skin. This is all too much. My knees finally give in.

“Y/n? Y/n,” Ghost’s voice softens as he abandons my father for me. His gloved hands are gentle as they embrace both sides of my head. I flinch away from his touch, causing him to falter. “You’re safe y/n, I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re safe,” he crouches to the ground beside me and pulls me against his bulky chest. I missed feeling his warmth so damn bad. I want to trust him. God do I want to, but all he does is lie to me. “We just have to get closer to the runway. Then the extraction team will get us out of here,” he strokes my hair as he speaks.

I’m not ready when he pulls us up from our position on the ground, but there’s no time to be ready. Every second we waste in the forest - in Ultranationalist territory - is another second we risk running into more of their soldiers.

Someone is going to notice my father’s absence, if they haven’t already. And they will come looking, if they haven’t already. In which case we are in even more danger.

Ghost lifts my father to his feet and forces him to walk, at times roughly pushing him ahead. Watching them makes my stomach twist into a knot. I can’t believe I haven’t thrown up yet.

He switches the handgun for his automatic riffle again and uses the sight to scope out the surrounding woods.

I have no idea where we are, yet Ghost seems to know the exact path to our destination.

Twice, he takes out multiple men in the distance before they can spot us, but our treck back is otherwise eerily silent.

I don’t remember waiting for the chopter or boarding or the ride back to Latvia. But I do remember the pained sounds escaping my father’s chest as he sits across from me, still blindfolded.

I completely forgot about Soap’s absence admidst clusterfuck of everything else going on. That’s until I hear another member of the task force briefing Ghost on a separate attack they planned to take place while the exchange was happening. The whirling of the helicopter makes it almost impossible make out their words, but Ghost’s eyes give away everything.

“He was injured sir. Badly. He lost a lot of blood on the way back to base and they didn’t have the equipment to operate in the air,” I feel my heart rate pick up and watch as Ghost completely freezes.

I don’t hear what Ghost asks him next. I do however, see the soldier shake his head with remorse.

Dread consumes me.

[acute-crashout-jeyuso]

Sacrifices/BTR Book 2: a Jhea fanfic.

Chapter 2: this is the shit we have to get away from..

January 6th, 2025 2:21 PM

After what felt like an eternity, the veterinarian finally emerged from the back room, a serious expression on her face. Rhea’s heart raced as she and Jey stood up, anxious for news about Barry.

“Is he okay?” Rhea asked, her voice trembling.

The vet took a deep breath, clearly weighing her words. “I’m afraid Barry has ingested chocolate. Depending on the amount and type, it can be very dangerous for dogs.”

Rhea’s heart sank. “What do you mean? Is he going to be alright?”

The veterinarian nodded but continued, “It depends on how quickly we acted. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs. It affects their central nervous system and can cause increased heart rate, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or even death.”

Rhea felt her stomach drop. “What did you do for him?”

“We induced vomiting as soon as he arrived. We then administered activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the chocolate into his system. Barry is stable now, but we need to keep him here for observation for the next day to monitor his heart rate and any potential complications,” the vet explained, her tone professional yet compassionate.

“Will he be okay?” Jey asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Yes, as long as we caught it early enough, he should recover. However, chocolate can remain in a dog’s system for several hours, and we want to be sure there are no lasting effects,” the vet reassured them.

Rhea let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her but still mingled with anxiety. “Can we see him?”

“Of course,” the vet replied. “Just keep in mind that he might be a little groggy from the medications we gave him. Follow me.”

As they walked down the hallway, Rhea squeezed Jey’s hand tightly. They entered a small room where Barry lay on a padded bed, looking a bit dazed but alive. Rhea rushed to his side, kneeling beside him. “Hey, buddy,” she whispered, her heart aching at the sight of him. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Barry lifted his head slightly, his big brown eyes finding Rhea’s. He whimpered softly, and she gently stroked his fur, feeling the warmth of his body beneath her hand.

“He’s a tough little guy,” Jey said, crouching down next to Rhea. “You scared us, buddy.”

The vet smiled softly, observing their bond with Barry. “He’s in good hands with you two. We’ll keep monitoring him, and I’ll check in periodically to give you updates.”

“Thank you so much,” Rhea said, her voice filled with gratitude. “We appreciate everything you’ve done.”

As they sat beside Barry, Rhea couldn’t help but think how close she had come to losing him. “I promise I’ll be more careful,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “You’re my baby, Barry.”

Jey wrapped an arm around Rhea, pulling her close as they watched Barry settle back into a peaceful sleep, relief slowly washing over them. For now, their family was intact, and that was all that mattered.

—

The drive home felt heavier than usual, the weight of the day pressing down on both Rhea and Jey. As they pulled into the driveway, Rhea couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. “Do you think it was the person who messed up my Jeep?” she asked quietly, her voice laced with concern.

Jey shook his head, trying to remain optimistic despite the uncertainty. “I don’t know, babe. But I’m just glad we’re moving out of Pensacola. It’s time for a fresh start.”

Rhea nodded in agreement, grateful for Jey’s unwavering support. As they approached their home, she felt the familiar comfort of their space beckoning her. She walked in first, her heart heavy, and headed straight to the bedroom, needing a moment to collect herself.

Jey stood at the door for a moment, feeling a pang of sorrow as he saw Rhea so visibly hurt. It pained him to know that she was going through so much. After locking the door behind him, he followed her into the room. Rhea was curled up on their bed, a pillow clutched tightly to her chest, her back turned away from him. Bella, Luna, and Storm watched from a distance, their eyes filled with worry for their owner.

Jey closed the door softly and climbed into bed beside her. “Hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, trying to reassure her. Rhea turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I just want everything to stop,” she admitted, her voice breaking.

Jey sighed deeply, wishing he could take away her pain. “I want that too,” he said softly, wrapping his arms around her.

Rhea nestled into him, her tears spilling onto his shirt as she cried. “I’m just so tired of some people ruining my happiness,” she confessed, her voice muffled against him.

“Stay strong, baby,” Jey whispered, his heart aching for her. “We’ll get through this together. You’re not alone. I’m right here with you.”

As Rhea cried, Jey held her tightly, wishing he could shield her from all the hurt and negativity that surrounded them. In that moment, all he wanted was to create a safe space for her, to remind her that love and support were always within reach. He stroked her hair gently, whispering words of comfort, hoping to ease the turmoil in her heart.

The room was quiet except for Rhea’s soft cries and the gentle rustle of the dogs settling around them. Jey felt a sense of determination wash over him; he would do everything in his power to protect Rhea and their growing family. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

—

Jey slipped from Rhea’s grasp as she cried herself to sleep, his heart aching for her. He knew he had to take action to protect her and their family. After quietly locking the bedroom door behind him, he grabbed his keys and made his way to the garage. Climbing into his Mercedes, he typed in the nearest firearm store, Jim’s Firearms, and hit search.

As he approached the store, the cashier perked up at the sight of none other than Main Event Jey Uso walking through the door. “Hey, man! What brings you in?” the cashier greeted, clearly excited to see the wrestling star.

Jey nodded, keeping his demeanor serious. “I want to start the process to own and carry a firearm in Florida,” he stated, his voice steady.

The cashier’s expression shifted from excitement to professionalism as he began walking Jey through the necessary steps. “You’ll need to fill out some paperwork, undergo a background check, and complete a safety course. It usually takes about two to four weeks to get your permit, depending on the volume of applications.”

Jey felt a sense of relief wash over him. He appreciated the clarity and straightforwardness of the process. “What about Connecticut?” he asked, curious about the laws in his new home state.

The cashier explained Connecticut’s regulations, detailing the stricter measures in place for gun ownership, including the necessity for a permit to carry. “You’ll need to submit an application for a pistol permit and provide a good reason for wanting to carry a firearm, which might include self-defense.”

Jey’s brow furrowed as he considered the implications. “Since I’m moving, how can I start Connecticut’s process?”

The cashier nodded, understanding the situation. “You can initiate the application from Florida. I’d recommend contacting the local police department in Connecticut where you’ll be living. They can provide you with the necessary forms and requirements. Just keep in mind, you’ll need to provide proof of residency once you move.”

Jey took a deep breath, appreciating the guidance. “Thanks, man. I really want to make sure my family is safe.”

“No problem at all, Jey. Just take your time with the process. It’s important to be informed and prepared.”

With a firm handshake and a few more details exchanged, Jey left the store feeling more empowered. He was determined to do whatever it took to protect Rhea and their future. As he drove home, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would ensure that no one would threaten their happiness again. Once back at the house, he quietly entered and checked on Rhea, finding her still peacefully asleep, the weight of the world momentarily lifted from her shoulders.

—

Jey leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Rhea’s forehead to wake her. Her eyes fluttered open, and a soft smile spread across her face as she saw him. “Where’d you go?” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

Jey gave her a reassuring smile. “Just had to get some things taken care of,” he said, keeping his tone light and gentle.

Rhea’s smile faded, her face turning somber as she remembered Barry. “I miss him already,” she whispered, her voice laced with sadness.

Jey ran his fingers through her hair, softly rubbing her temple. “He’ll be back tomorrow, baby,” he assured her, his voice filled with warmth and comfort. “They’re just keeping him for observation to make sure he’s okay.”

Rhea nodded, her eyes glistening as she held onto Jey’s comforting presence. He leaned down, planting a tender kiss on her forehead, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

“Try not to stress too much,” Jey whispered, his thumb brushing softly against her cheek. “Barry’s a tough little guy, just like his mom.” He gave her a small, reassuring smile, hoping to lift her spirits.

Rhea let out a small laugh, nodding as she let herself relax back into the pillows. Jey stayed by her side, his hand resting on her shoulder, offering silent support. They sat together in the quiet, both taking a moment to breathe and find peace in each other’s presence.

Rhea broke the silence, her voice soft but with a hint of playful demand. “Can you cook? I don’t feel like cooking.”

Jey nodded immediately. “Anything you want, baby.”

She thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. “I want some fried Cajun chicken bites, with macaroni and cheese… and fried pickles,” she said, her smile growing.

Jey chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, looks like we’re making a trip to Kroger, then,” he said with a grin.

Rhea’s eyes brightened, and she managed a small, genuine smile. “And then we could do a Fast and Furious movie marathon?”

Jey grinned, nodding. “Why not? Let’s make a night of it.”

Rhea got up slowly, pulling on her oversized hoodie for warmth. Jey reached out, taking her hand as they headed downstairs together, both of them ready to turn the night around and make the most of it.

As they left the house, Rhea felt a bit of the weight lift, her spirits raised just by Jey’s presence and the promise of a cozy night in with good food and a beloved movie series. They climbed into Jey’s Mercedes and made their way to Kroger, ready to stock up for their little feast.

The day felt lighter as they wandered the aisles together, gathering ingredients and sharing laughs over Jey’s jokes and Rhea’s commentary on the best Fast and Furious scenes. They were just two people in love, enjoying each other’s company, and finding joy in the simple things.

—

April 15, 2025 11:37 AM

“So, we have Stratton cash in on Morgan, and she becomes the new champion after Morgan retains her title from Bayley,” Rhea announced confidently to the group of writers gathered around the table.

Bruce leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. “And the finisher?”

Rhea grinned. “The Prettiest Moonsault Ever.”

The room murmured in agreement, and the plan was set. Just as Rhea turned to write something on the board, a sudden, intense kick hit her belly, causing her to gasp softly. She placed a hand on her stomach to steady herself.

“Sorry, guys. Baby is already practicing his superkicks,” she joked, eliciting laughter from the room.

At that moment, an assistant poked their head through the door. “Excuse me, Rhea. Hunter wants to see you in his office.”

Bruce nodded, signaling Rhea to go, and took over the meeting. Rhea gathered her things and made her way down the hall, feeling a bit of curiosity mix with excitement. She knocked on the door and heard a familiar voice call, “Come in.”

Rhea entered and saw Hunter sitting behind his desk, typing away on his laptop. As soon as he noticed her, he stood up and walked over with a big smile.

“My Eradicator!” he greeted, using her old nickname.

She chuckled. “You wanted to see me?”

Hunter motioned for her to sit down. “First off, how’s the baby boy?”

Rhea placed a hand on her belly. “He’s kicking up a storm, and he’s already two pounds—about a pound more than what he’s supposed to be, but he’s healthy.”

Hunter grinned. “That’s what I like to hear. Did you get my baby shower gift? Stephanie should have dropped it off.”

Rhea smiled, nodding. “Yes, Jaciyah got it and set it up in the nursery. The black mini dresser is perfect.”

Hunter leaned back, his expression turning more serious. “I made a quick stop here in Stamford because I wanted to inform you of something important.”

Rhea’s curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

Hunter took a deep breath. “I’d like to invite you to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.”

For a moment, Rhea was speechless, her heart racing. The Hall of Fame? She felt her emotions well up, barely able to contain her excitement. Hunter stood and opened his arms, pulling her into a warm hug.

“This is incredible,” she managed to say, her voice choked with emotion.

“You’ve earned it, Rhea. And you’ll be the last inductee,” Hunter added with a proud smile. “Who would you like to have induct you?”

Rhea thought for a moment, a soft smile forming on her lips. “Jey and Damian.”

Hunter nodded approvingly. “We’ll make it happen. I’ll see you in Vegas on Friday for the Hall of Fame and WrestleMania.”

Rhea left his office, her mind racing as she made her way back down the hallway.

As Rhea returned to her office, her hands shook with excitement, a rare giddiness surging through her veins. She sank into her chair, clutching her phone, and dialed Jey’s number with an urgency she hadn’t felt in a long time. It rang only twice before he picked up.

“Hey, baby,” Jey’s familiar voice brought an instant comfort, and yet her heart raced even faster.

“Jey,” she said, her voice cracking with barely-contained emotion. “I… I have the most amazing news.”

The seriousness in her tone immediately captured his attention. “What is it, babe? What happened?”

Rhea took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Hunter just told me… I’m being inducted into the Hall of Fame this Friday. I’m… I’m going to be in the Hall of Fame, Jey.”

There was a beat of silence as Jey absorbed her words, and then his voice came through, choked with pride. “Oh my god… baby. Are you… are you serious?”

Tears brimmed in her eyes. “Yes. He just asked me. I still… I can’t believe it. I never thought…”

Jey’s voice cracked, and she could feel his overwhelming emotion through the line. “Rhea, you… You’ve worked so damn hard. No one deserves this more than you. I… I can’t even tell you how proud I am.”

Rhea wiped at her eyes, laughing through her tears. “And… I asked him if you and Damian could induct me. I wanted you there with me, by my side.”

There was a brief silence, and then Jey’s voice came through, softer but filled with emotion. “Babe, I… I don’t even know what to say. I’d be honored, truly. Damian will be, too. You’re… You’re making history. I’m so damn lucky to be a part of it.”

She pressed a hand to her stomach, feeling the little kicks of their son, as if he knew something special was happening. “I just… I can’t believe it. Everything we’ve fought for, the nights where it felt like we’d never get here… This moment, it’s everything. It’s all I ever wanted.”

“You’ve given everything, Rhea,” he murmured, his voice thick. “And you’re still giving, every day, even with our little man kicking you non-stop. I’m in awe of you. And you’re not just doing this for yourself—you’re paving the way for so many others. This is bigger than all of us.”

Hearing the reverence in his voice, her heart swelled. “You don’t know how much that means to me, Jey. I had to tell you first… I couldn’t keep this from you. You’re my everything.”

“Baby… I wish I was there to hold you right now,” he whispered, and she could hear the emotion, raw and unfiltered, in his voice. “I am so, so proud of you. This is your legacy… our legacy. And our son… he’s gonna grow up knowing how incredible his mom is.”

She laughed, her voice breaking with joy. “I hope he kicks up a storm in the crowd on Friday. Maybe he’ll even recognize his mom’s voice up there.”

Jey let out a soft chuckle, but she could hear the tearful pride underneath. “He’ll be cheering for you in his own little way, just like I will. And when you stand on that stage, taking your place where you belong… I’ll be right there, holding your hand, showing the world how much you mean to me.”

They lingered in silence for a moment, letting the weight of it all settle, the depth of what this meant. “I love you, Jey,” she whispered, her voice full of gratitude, love, and something deeper—an unbreakable bond that transcended everything.

“I love you, Rhea. And this Friday, I’ll be there, every step of the way. This is your moment. You’ve earned it,” he replied, his voice laced with pride and devotion.

As they hung up, Rhea sat there, feeling the magnitude of everything they’d built together. This was more than a dream realized—it was a life they had crafted, full of love, resilience, and unbreakable strength. And this Friday, they would celebrate it all, together.

Rhea paged her assistant, her heart still racing from the news she had just received. “Can you help me find some dresses?” she asked when her assistant answered. “I need one for the Hall of Fame ceremony and something special for going out that night.”

“Of course! I’ll start looking right away,” her assistant replied with enthusiasm. As the line clicked off, Rhea leaned back in her chair, her gaze wandering to the wall adorned with framed memories of her time in WWE. Each photo represented a different chapter, a unique era that shaped her journey: the fierce debut, championship wins, and unforgettable rivalries.

She felt an overwhelming surge of emotion welling up inside her—a mix of pride, nostalgia, and the weight of everything she had sacrificed to reach this moment. She longed to cry, to release all the pent-up emotions swirling within her, but the tears had dried up, leaving her feeling both relieved and empty.

As she stared at the wall, she placed a hand on her belly, feeling a familiar flutter. Just then, a small kick reverberated against her palm, and her heart melted. “Hey there, little one,” she whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth. “You’re going to be a part of something incredible soon.”

In that moment, the weight of her achievements and the love she felt for her unborn son converged, reminding her why she fought so hard—to create a legacy not just for herself, but for him. The journey ahead might be daunting, but knowing he was with her made everything worthwhile.

Rhea closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her. She envisioned the Hall of Fame ceremony—the lights, the applause, and the feeling of finally being recognized for her hard work.

With a deep breath, Rhea opened her eyes and refocused on the task at hand. As her assistant was busy finding the perfect dresses, Rhea continued to allow herself a moment of quiet reflection, mentally preparing for the whirlwind ahead—a whirlwind filled with joy, love, and an undeniable sense of purpose.

—

Jey sat in front of his laptop, tapping his fingers anxiously against the desk as he waited for everyone to join the call. The screen flickered to life, one by one, the faces of his family and friends appeared. There was Damian and Kayden, Jon and Trinity, Liv and Dominik, Joseph and Almia, Joe and Galina, Finn and Carlito and JD, and finally, Cody.

“Alright, everyone’s here!” Jey announced, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Thanks for joining the call, but I know you’re all probably wondering why I called this meeting.”

Dominik, ever the curious one, chimed in first. “Yeah, what’s up, Jey? You’ve got us all on edge here.”

Jey took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. “Rhea is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame!”

Cheers erupted from the group, everyone expressing their surprise and excitement.

“Are you serious? That’s amazing!” Liv exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. “She totally deserves it!”

“Absolutely!” Jon agreed, nodding vigorously. “Rhea has worked so hard for this. It’s about damn time!”

Jey smiled, feeling the love and support radiate through the screen. “And there’s more,” he continued, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Does everyone have a tux and a dress? Because I’m about to book the Vegas wedding. I’m going to marry her right there and then!”

“What?” Trinity gasped, her hand covering her mouth in shock. “Are you serious?!”

Damian raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Are we still having the Samoan wedding? I just booked my tickets.”

Liv added quickly, “Yeah, Dominik and I just RSVP’ed for that wedding too! What’s happening here?”

Jey laughed, trying to calm the growing excitement. “Yes, we’re still doing the Samoan wedding! But this wedding is going to be intimate, and it’s the perfect time. I want it to be a surprise for Rhea.”

“Man, you’re full of surprises today!” Joe chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. It’s going to be epic!”

“Just think about it,” Finn chimed in. “You’ll get to say your vows in Las Vegas before the Hall of Fame. That’s a memory you both will cherish forever.”

“Exactly!” Jey agreed, his heart swelling with happiness. “I’ll email everyone the details, but please, don’t mention it to Rhea. This is supposed to be a surprise!”

“Don’t worry, we won’t spill a word,” Almia promised, a gleeful smile on her face.

“Just make sure you get a killer tux, Jey,” Cody advised with a playful wink. “You want to look your best when you marry her.”

“Trust me, I will,” Jey replied, feeling more excited by the second. “Thanks, everyone. I can’t wait to see you all there. This is going to be one unforgettable day!”

As the meeting continued, laughter and chatter filled the virtual room, all centered around the joy of Rhea’s induction and the spontaneous wedding that was about to unfold. Jey felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his family, knowing that together they would make this moment special for Rhea—a day filled with love, support, and unforgettable memories.

—

Flashback: January 8th, 2025 11:31 AM

Rhea and Jey sat in the comfortable yet clinical atmosphere of Rhea’s therapist’s office, the faint sound of ticking clocks filling the silence. Rhea fidgeted with her hands in her lap, glancing at Jey, who sat beside her, his expression a mixture of determination and concern.

Jey broke the silence first, his voice steady but laced with vulnerability. “I really am just only doing this for Rhea.” He looked at the therapist, trying to convey the weight of the words he had spoken. “I want her to know I’m here for her, no matter what.”

The therapist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, nodded understandingly. “That’s a good start, Jey. Couples counseling is a safe space for both of you to express your feelings and concerns. It’s not just about addressing the challenges you’re facing but also about strengthening your bond.”

Rhea shifted slightly in her seat, her eyes downcast. She felt a lump form in her throat, a swirl of emotions threatening to spill over. The therapist continued, “Both of you have been through significant challenges in your lives. Jey, your injury, and the pressures that come with your career. Rhea, your pregnancy and the emotional toll it can take. It’s important to recognize that you’re both navigating a lot right now.”

“Yeah, it’s just… sometimes it feels like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders,” Jey admitted, running a hand through his hair. “I want to be strong for her, but it gets overwhelming.”

Rhea finally found the courage to speak. “I’ve been feeling lost lately,” she confessed, her voice trembling. “I want to be the best partner and soon-to-be mother, but everything just feels… heavy. I don’t want to drag him down with my struggles.”

The therapist leaned forward, her tone gentle yet firm. “It’s okay to feel that way, Rhea. It’s important to share that burden, rather than trying to carry it alone. Jey wants to support you, and by talking about your feelings here, you can both learn how to lean on each other more effectively.”

Jey reached over and took Rhea’s hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. “We’re in this together, babe. I promise you that.”

Rhea looked up, meeting his gaze, and a small smile broke through her somber expression. “I know. It’s just hard to let go sometimes.”

The therapist smiled at the exchange. “That’s the first step, Rhea. Acknowledging your feelings is essential. Together, we can work on communication and understanding each other’s needs better.”

The therapist leaned back in her chair, her eyes focused on Rhea. “I wanted to ask about your dog, Barry. I know there was a lot of stress surrounding his health. How is he doing now?”

Rhea sighed, relief washing over her. “Barry is doing fine. He’s back home and recovering well. I’m just glad he’s okay.”

The therapist nodded, then turned her gaze to Rhea, sensing the weight of unspoken fears. “I remember you mentioned feeling like someone is after you. Can you share more about that?”

Before Rhea could respond, Jey spoke up, his voice filled with a protective intensity. “It’s been a lot lately. Rhea’s Jeep tires were slashed, and someone put sugar in her gas tank. They also tried to mess with my Mercedes, but our neighbor stopped them just in time.” He looked at Rhea, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. “It feels like someone is determined to ruin our lives.”

The therapist took a deep breath, processing the information. “I understand that must be incredibly unsettling for both of you. But I want to reassure you, Matthew is currently being held without bail. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

Jey frowned, the tension in his body rising. “Then why is all of this still happening? Why can’t we just live our lives in peace?”

Instead of answering his question, the therapist turned to Jey, probing deeper. “Are you scared, Jey? With everything that’s happened?”

“Hell no,” Jey replied defiantly, crossing his arms. “Just the other day, I applied to buy a gun. I’m not scared of anything. I’m just trying to protect my family.”

“Are you scared that Rhea might get attacked again?” the therapist pressed gently. “That you might lose the baby again?”

Jey’s face turned stormy. He stood up abruptly, anger flaring. “You’re going too far now. Don’t twist my words like that.”

The therapist maintained her calm demeanor. “I’m just trying to understand how the shooting has affected you. Has it opened up any anger or unresolved feelings?”

“I don’t have to listen to this shit,” Jey snapped, turning on his heel and storming out of the office.

“Jey!” Rhea called after him, her heart racing as she hurried to follow. She caught up with him just outside, the cool air prickling against her skin. “Wait, please. I just want to talk—”

“This shit will not work!” Jey shot back, frustration boiling over. “I thought we’ve already accepted that Julie is dead and there’s no way of bringing her back. Why are we still discussing this?”

“I’m trying to move past it, Jey!” Rhea pleaded, her voice breaking as tears began to spill. “I need you to be here with me, not pushing me away!”

“Julie even said it herself. Why the fuck are you still continuing to think of this?” Jey’s voice was sharp, each word laced with raw emotion.

Rhea wiped her tears, feeling crushed by the weight of his words. “You’re supposed to be there for me, not tearing me down!”

“Get in the car,” Jey ordered, exasperation filling his tone. “Let’s go home. I’m not going to argue with you right here.”

With her heart pounding and a sense of defeat washing over her, Rhea turned away from him, her shoulders shaking as she climbed into the passenger seat of Jey’s Mercedes. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him as he got in, the silence between them heavy. The car felt suffocating as they sat in it, the weight of their unspoken fears and unresolved pain hanging in the air.

—

Rhea and Jey stepped out of the car, the tension still thick like rubber in the air. As Jey opened the front door, he watched Rhea walk past him, her silence echoing the weight of unspoken words. He rubbed his temples, feeling the pressure building behind his eyes as he locked the door behind them.

He made his way to their bedroom, the familiar space now feeling foreign. He reached for the doorknob, a sense of dread settling in his stomach. “Rhea,” he called out softly, trying to keep his voice steady. “Can we talk?”

“Go away,” she replied, her voice muffled through the closed door.

Jey sighed, frustration mixing with concern. “I was stupid. Please open the door, babe. I’m really sorry.”

Silence stretched on, thick and suffocating, before Rhea finally responded, her voice laced with hurt. “Just go away, please.”

“Why do you want me to admit that I’m scared?” Jey pressed, feeling the heat of anger and worry bubbling beneath the surface. “I’m trying to be strong for both of us.”

“Because you don’t love me!” Rhea shot back, her words sharp enough to cut through the tension.

Jey felt his heart drop at her statement. “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be here,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm despite the turmoil inside. “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t do anything for you.”

“Then why can’t you try counseling for us?” she asked, her tone softening but still tinged with desperation. “Why can’t you just talk to someone?”

“Because I don’t want to keep bringing up old shit!” Jey exclaimed, the words spilling out before he could catch himself. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration palpable. “I’m tired of it, Rhea! I thought we were moving forward.”

“But we’re not,” Rhea replied, her voice trembling. “Every time we take a step forward, something pulls us back. We can’t keep ignoring what happened. It’s not just going to disappear.”

Jey leaned against the door, his back pressed against the cool wood. “I know that, but I don’t want to relive it. I want to focus on us, on what we have now.”

“We can’t do that if we don’t deal with the past!” Rhea’s voice cracked, and Jey could hear the tears threatening to spill. “I’m scared, Jey. Scared that if we don’t talk about it, it’s going to eat us alive.”

Jey closed his eyes for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “I don’t want to lose you,” he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just want to protect you.”

Rhea opened the door slowly, her eyes red and puffy. “I need you to be honest with me,” she said softly, her gaze searching his. “Please.”

Jey nodded, feeling the crack in his resolve. “Okay.. I’ll go to counseling if that’s what you want. But only if we can promise to work through it together.”

Rhea stepped closer, her eyes filling with tears. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with relief.

Jey reached out, pulling her into his arms. “We’ll figure this out, I promise,” he murmured into her hair, holding her tight as they both stood in the aftermath of their fears, ready to face whatever came next—together.

[mommytauriel]

hiiii, I absolutely LOVED your sihtric x reader. I read that requests are open so I thought about making one right away.

could you write an aethelstan x reader where the reader grew up with uhtred's men just like aethelstan, like they treated her like a little sister/daughter. maybe reader and aethelstan are together but they, especially aethelstan, don't want to tell the others because they know that they would tease them to death, but they find out or something like that. idk i just want some fluff with him, nobody writes for him. also the reader could be dane? I know it's really simple, I hope it's okay for you!

I hope I explained myself, if i did not sorry but english in not my first language

- 🕷

+ · 。~ teasing is another form of love

pairing: aethelstan x female! reader | genre: fluff, hidden relationship | warnings: slight cursing, kissing. | wc: 5k |

synopsis: Aethelstan hates Finan's teasing, but he loves you more.

request: yes

note: I’m so glad you liked my sihtric fic! And I’m so happy that you sent a request! I love aethelstan sm and I was really happy to write this! Also, your English was perfect, I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you @destinyisall-tlk for letting me use the lovely gif!

Aethelstan had only one thing on his mind while he ran through the town of Rumcofa, and that was you. He had been with Finan and sihtric for most of the day, helping with the preparations for blood month and you have been helping ingrith for most of the day, with the both of you being busy helping with the preparations, you had no alone time with each other. Which Aethelstan was finding very difficult. 

So, when Finan told him he didn't need any more help for the day, Aethelstan knew he had to take this as a chance to go see you. He didn't have much time though; he would have to go help uhtred soon at the docks. But for now, he didn't worry about that, now he just had to worry about not getting seen coming to see you. 

Aethelstan looks behind him to see no one looking at him, before quietly walking into the stables. A smile spreads across his lips at the sight in front of him. You were standing with your back to him as you brush your horse. Aethelstan recognized the dress you were wearing; it was a green dress ingrith had made for you for your birthday. Aethelstan thought you looked beautiful in it. Well, Aethelstan thought you looked beautiful in anything. 

“I only have a little bit of time before uhtred needs me” a voice behind you said breathlessly. You quickly turn around, surprised you didn't hear them approach. In front of you stood Aethelstan, out of breath from what you assumed was running. 

“And what do you plan on doing with your little bit of time?” You questioned with a teasing smile, setting the brush on your horse's stall door. Stepping back a few steps when Aethelstan steps closer to you. The hay on the stable floor crunching against the weight of your feet. 

“Well, this of course” Aethelstan smiles as he walks closer to you, closing the gap between the two of you as he seals your lips in a kiss. Your eyes flutter close and your hands go up to cup your lovers' cheeks, while his hands rest on your hips and pull you closer. When you hear the sound of faint laughter you remember where you are and that you could be seen. You move your hands from his cheeks down to his chest and softly push away from him and the kiss. 

“Aethelstan, you can't just kiss me like that. We could have been seen” you say with a flustered whisper, your hands not moving from his chest. Aethelstan smirks and makes you step back a few steps, softly pushing you against the wall, and out of sight from others. 

“I apologize I just couldn’t couldn’t control myself” he flirts as he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear. You smile at the sweet gesture and lean your head back against the wall, looking into his beautiful hazel eyes. 

Aethelstan smiles and cups your cheek, his thumb caressing the soft skin of your cheek. His eyes not leaving yours as he leans down, his nose brushes against yours as he looks deep into your eyes, asking for permission. 

When you give him a small nod, he wastes no time and captures your lips in a hungry kiss. His touch on your cheek was soft while he squeezed your waist and pushed you further against the wall if it was possible. Your hand trailed up his side and to his nape, leaving goosebumps in your wake. Just as his tongue met yours, your horse let out a loud whine, startling you and making you pull away from the kiss. 

Aethelstan huffed in annoyance at the disruption, and you couldn't help but laugh from the cute pout that found its way on his face. You smile and run your fingers through his hair, fixing it. Aethelstan closes his eyes again at the feeling of your touch and leans forward, resting his forehead on your shoulder. 

“What has gotten you so touchy?” You whisper, you didn't mind it of course, but you couldn't help but feel a little worried. You just had a feeling that something was wrong. Ever since you and Aethelstan confessed your feelings for each other he's been touchy, But only when you were in private and when he knew there was no chance that the two of you would be caught. 

But there was definitely a high chance of the two of you getting caught now, but it seemed like he didn't care and all he wanted was to feel you. As if he was craving your touch. 

“Maybe i just missed you” Aethelstan mumbles as he lifts his head to lock eyes with you, you smile and move one of his loose curls from his face, your hand resting on his cheek, he leans into your touch. You lean forward and close your eyes giving him a chaste kiss before whispering against his lips. “I missed you to.” 

The sound of more talking nearby makes Aethelstan sigh and take a step back, his hands moving from your waist to hold your hands. His thumbs gently rubbing over the top of your hands. He gives you a small smile before saying “I should get to uhtred before I’m late.” 

“Yeah, or uhtred will send a search party” you say with a teasing smirk, you liked teasing Aethelstan on how protective uhtred was over him. You thought it was cute, sweet, but Aethelstan thought it was annoying. But you both knew deep down that he appreciated it. 

“Don’t act as if Finan wouldn't do the same. '' Aethelstan teases back and you can't help but smile at the mention of the Irish man. It was true Finan would do the same. Ever since he found you hiding behind some barrels in your now raided and slaughtered village, a small dagger in your shaking hands, tears streaming down your face. And at the moment he found you he knew he had to protect you, take you in and give you a good life. And he did. 

“I’ll see you tonight” Aethelstan promises, he leans down and kisses your forehead giving your hands one more squeeze before letting go and walking backwards towards the large stable doors. 

“Tonight?” You gave him a confused look, you don't remember making plans with him tonight and besides tonight was one of the nights where you had to be home early, have a family meal with ingrith and Finan then spend some time with them before going to bed, there was no way you could sneak out to see him. 

Aethelstan doesn't say anything else, he just winks at you before turning around and walking out of the stable's door, leaving you to contemplate on what he could have meant. You are brought out of your thoughts when your horse lets out a loud wine, you look away from the doors and walk to your horse's stall and pet her mane. “I know girl, sometimes i want to hit him too.” 

It was late when you next saw Aethelstan. You were laying in your bed curled up in blankets, watching the fire in the small fireplace Finan had built for you. Ingrith and Finan went to bed not too long ago, leaving you as the only one awake in your cozy home. Dinner was great, ingrith had made a delicious stew that warmed your body from the cold weather, Finan had you laughing through dinner as always, he loved to see you laughing along to his jokes. 

Your eyes were fighting to stay open; it was late and the warm blanket you were wrapped in, and the fire was basically begging for you to close your eyes and drift off to sleep. But you couldn't, you had to stay up to see Aethelstan and as much as you wanted to sleep, you wanted to see Aethelstan more. It was as if the gods heard your thoughts because a few moments later you hear a soft knock on your window. 

A smile spreads across your lips at the familiar knock. You sit up in your bed and fling the blanket off your legs and quietly rush towards the window, wincing when your bare feet touch the cold floor. You quietly open your window, scrunching your nose in distaste at the gust of cold wind that hits your tired face, but your look of distaste goes back to your smile at the sight in front of you. There stood Aethestan dressed in dark clothes as always, a small smirk on his face. 

“You gonna let me in or am i gonna freeze out here while you stare at me?” Aethelstan says with a cheeky grin, finding it adorable how your eyes lit up when you saw him and the way your eyes looked him over. You give him a shy smile, feeling flustered that you were caught. 

You step back, giving him enough room to climb through the window. Mumbling to be careful and not step on the creaky floorboard. Aethelstan rolls his eyes and climbs through the window, mumbling that he knows and that you don't have to keep reminding him. When he successfully climbs through the window he gives you a smirk, but the smirk is whipped off his face and replaced with a look of wide eyes, when he accidentally bumps into your side table. Thankfully nothing fell off. 

“What were you saying?” You whispered in a teasing tone as you stepped closer to your lover, finding it funny how he was just about to brag about his ‘sneaking skills’. Aethelstan just smiles and grabs your hand, pulling you to his chest and wrapping his arms around your waist for a hug. 

“I was about to say how much i missed you” Aethelstan says quickly as he leans down to kiss your cheek, wanting to change the subject. You laugh quietly and move your head up from his chest to look up at him, your arms on his shoulders. 

“You saw me a few hours ago?” 

“So? I’ve barely seen you at all this week” Aethelstan smiles, bringing his hands up to fix your messy hair, laughing when you try to slap his hands away. Your eyes widen and your hurry to cover his mouth with your hand, muffling his laughter. 

“Finan is going to kill you if he finds you here, you have to be quiet” You whisper, your eyes looking to your door before focusing back on Aethelstan. You take your hand off his mouth and he gives you a shy smile whispering back.  “Sorry, Sorry” 

“You wouldn't actually let him kill me, right?” Aethelstan says with a faint smirk, watching as you move to go sit back on your bed, getting under the blanket and making room for him. Aethelstan leans down and takes off his boots, knowing that you would be the one killing him if he got dirt in your bed. 

“No, I still have some use for you” You joke as you lay on your side, propping your chin on your palm as Aethelstan lifts up the blankets and quietly gets in your bed laying on his back. He felt his body relax into your warm and comfortable bed, his head tilting to look at you. 

“Oh, really like what?” Aethelstan whispers with a smile as he pulls you closer to his side, wrapping his arm around you and resting his hand on your hip, absentmindedly playing with the fabric of your nightgown. 

“Who else is gonna keep me warm on cold nights like this?” 

“That’s true… i am pretty good at it” Aethelsyan says in a cocky tone, a small smirk on his lips as he looks into your eyes, his hand having an itch to caress your cheek. You smile and playfully roll your eyes at his response, nudging his side with your knee making his smirk turn into a smile. 

“The best” You whisper as you put your hand on his cheek, leaning forward and pressing your lips to his. Aethelstan let out a hum of surprise, but he was eager to kiss you back. His hand on your waist moves to the middle of your back as he presses you into his side, the warmth of your body moving to his. The sweet and gentle kiss didn't last long but it still left you both breathless when you slowly pulled away from his soft lips. 

Your eyes flutter open and meet Aethelstans hazel eyes, a smile on his lips. You never failed to make him smile. You return the smile and lay your head on his shoulder, your hand resting on his chest, Aethelstan moving his free hand to rest over yours on his chest. You couldn't stop your eyes from fluttering close as your body relaxed in his hold. But your eyes don't stay close for long when you remember something Finan had told you at dinner earlier. 

“Finan mentioned at dinner that you seemed a little off earlier, is everything okay?” You mumble as you tilt your head up to look at him. You thought back to earlier in the stables, when you had a feeling, something was wrong and with Finan mentioning it as well you knew there was something. Aethelstans eyes open at your question. 

“Yeah, I’m fine” Aethelstan whispered with a fake smile, hoping that you wouldn't notice the dismissiveness in his tone. But you noticed his tone, and the fake smile, you knew him too well to not notice. A small frown adores your face, and you sit up and little, leaning on your elbow. 

“Aethelstan, you know you can talk to me. Right?” 

“I know that…I just” Aethelstan stops himself with a heavy sigh, closing his eyes so he could try to gather his thoughts. It's not that he didn't want to tell you he was just…embarrassed. Embarrassed that he let something so silly bother him. 

“Hey…it's okay, take your time.'' You whispered in a comforting tone, your thumb rubbing the top of his hand reassuringly. 

“Finan and sihtric keep on teasing me about my lack of a woman” he mumbled as he finally looked at you.

“They only tease because they don't know the truth” you tell him with a small smile. 

“Well, I've become tired of their teasing” He rolled his eyes, annoyance clear in his voice. You sigh and nod, you understand where he was coming from. Finan and Sihtric’s teasing can get too much sometimes, you knew firsthand how their teasing was. They were never mean about it; they just didn't know when to stop. And it didn't help that they enjoyed teasing your secret lover the most. 

“We could always just tell them about us” You said in a hopeful tone. You hated keeping things from Finan and ever since the two of you confessed you wanted to tell him, but you didn't because Aethelstan wasn't ready. But it's been many months later and you still hadn't told Finan, or anyone. You didn't blame Aethelstan, you understood his reasons, but it was hard for you to keep your relationship a secret, you didn't want to hide your love for him anymore. 

“Finan truly might kill me if we tell them, hell uhtred might even let him” Aethelstan shuddered as he thought about the protective Irish man, it was no secret that he would do anything to protect you, and uhtred was protective as well, he treated you as if you were his own daughter. Yeah, I'm not surviving that Aethelstan thinks to himself. 

“Finan is not going to kill you because we are together Aethelstan” you assured him as you tried your best to sound confident. You knew Finan wouldn't kill him, but he definitely will threaten him…many times. You let go of his hand and moved some of your hair from your face before resting it between you and Aethelstans body. 

“You just were saying that he would kill me if he found me in here, '' retorted Aethelstan as he moved to lay on his side, moving his hand the was under your head to prop his chin on his palm, copying your position.  

“Finding out we're together and finding us alone in my room in the middle of the night are two different things'' you giggled quietly, finding the small pout he had on his face adorable. You watch as Aethelstan closes his eyes and lets out a sigh, a look on his face showing that he was thinking. You let out your own sigh and bring the blanket up your shoulders to protect you from the cold. 

“Okay” Aethelstan whispered after a few minutes of silence. You look away from the fireplace that you could see behind him and give him a confused look. “Okay what?” 

“We'll tell them tomorrow” Aethelstan whispered as he reached for your hand between the two of you, squeezing it gently as he watched for your reaction. He knew it wasn't fair to keep asking you to keep your guy's relationship a secret, especially because he was the one afraid of the teasing, he knew the two of you would receive. 

“Really!” You beamed loudly; you were so enthralled with the fact that you wouldn't have to hide your relationship anymore that you didn't notice how loud you spoke. You only noticed when Aethelstan let go of your hand and moved his to cover your mouth, like you did to him earlier. 

“Are you trying to have me killed?” Aethelstan quietly jokes with a smile, his hand stifling your giggles, but he moves his hand when you pretend to bite him, laughing quietly himself. 

“Really” You repeat in a whisper, a huge grin on your face. Aethelstan moves his hand to your cheek where he uses his thumb to caress your soft skin. His heart was beating fast, he loved seeing you happy. The way your eyes lit up and your beautiful smile, it made him feel a way he never felt before with anyone else. 

“It's not fair to keep on having you keep us a secret, i love you and i want everyone to know that” he whispered as he leaned closer to you, his hand on your cheek moving down to your waist. 

“No matter what they say?” You whispered as you looked into his eyes. You couldn't find words to describe the way you were feeling at that moment. Cold?, Tired?, A little. Shocked?, Happy?, Yes. Loved?, Absolutely. Was there a word that meant all that at the same time? 

“No matter what they say” he promises as he repeats your words. Aethelstan lays back on his back and gives you a small smile. You return the smile and nestle in his side, laying your head on his chest. You closed your eyes when you felt his hand come up to play with your hair. The sound of the cracking of the fire and the sound of his heartbeat lulling you to sleep. 

The first thing you normally notice when you wake up is the fact that you kicked the blanket off the bed, again. But not today, the first thing you noticed is that you woke up alone���Aethelstan was gone. He probably left when you fell asleep, like the other times before you thought with a small frown. You knew he had to or the two of you would have most likely been caught but you can't help but feel a little sad that you woke up alone. 

You hear the distant voice of uhtred and you sit up in confusion, he never came over this early. You get out of bed and tiredly walk towards your desk, mumbling a few curse words in anger when you almost trip over your blanket that ended up on the floor. You grab your robe that was on your chair, before leaving your room and following the sound of uhtred's voice. 

It leads you to the kitchen where you see Finan, Uhtred, Sihtric and to your surprise a very tense Aethelstan sitting at the table. The sound of your footsteps causes uhtred to stop talking and the four of them to look at you. Sihtric gives you a look as if he was saying good luck. Uhtred was giving you a small smile and a nod and Finan…well he didn't look happy. Uncomfortable? No, he looked more tense than Aethelstan. 

“Goodmorning?” You greeted but it came out as more of a question, your hands nervously playing with the sleeve of your robe that Sidgeflaed made you. Feeling a little nervous under the gaze of the four of them, you could tell something was off. 

“How did you sleep?” Finan questioned as he pulled out a chair at the table for you. You gave him a confused look at his odd tone but nonetheless you sat down. In Front of you sat Uhtred and to his left was Sihtric and to Sihtrics right sat Aethelstan at the end of the table. The atmosphere screamed tense. 

“Uh good, you?” You questioned as Finan sat at the other end of the table to your left. Finan visibly flinches at your words, an uncomfortable look on his face, He looked as if he was in pain from your answer. 

“Yeah, I'm sure you did” Sihtric snickers under his breath with a small smirk on his face. The confusion on your face becomes even more evident at his words. You watch as uhtred rolls his eyes and Finan gives sihtric a very angry glare but that only seems fuel sihtric on as he quietly laughs to himself. 

You glance at Aethelstan to see if he had any idea on what's going on, but when you see him avoid your eyes and look down at his hands, fidgeting in his seat you realize what's going on. It was as if a vail had been lifted off your eyes. Aethelstan is still dressed in his clothes from last night meaning that he never changed. Finan asking you about how you slept, Sihtrics joke, the very tense Atmosphere. The two of you had been caught. 

“And you uhtred, how did you sleep?” You gave him a nervous smile, hoping to steer the tense atmosphere away. Uhtred returned the smile with one of his own before he spoke in a calm tone.    

“I slept fine, it was a good morning until i went to go check on Aethelstan in his room and saw that he wasn't there, I come here to see if Finan knew where he was and he had no idea, Finan gets the brilliant idea to see if you know, so we come to ask you and you will never guess what we saw. Can you?” 

“I have an idea of what it was” You mumbled as you folded your hand in front of you on the table, avoiding eye contact from anyone. Embarrassed to be caught like that, it could've been worse but still…definitely wasn't the way you wanted them to find out. 

“Y/n would like to explain why i found a boy in your bed, And not just any boy, Aethelstan!” Finan Finally shouts, he looked as if he was holding it back while you talked with uhtred but he just couldn't hold it in anymore. He had to know, why were you, his sweet daughter in the same bed as Aethelstan? 

“We were sleeping” you say matter of factly as you look at Finan, raising your eyebrow. While Uhtred and sihtric were amused from your response, Aethelstan was feeling as if he was going to pass out. You were very similar to Finan, both of you were sarcastic and Aethelstan was worried that you would somehow make this situation worse with your remarks. 

“Obviously! But why was he sleeping in your bed?!” Finan snapped as he looked at you expectedly, he wanted a good answer, the real reason why he was in your bed…holding you. 

“Umm, I was cold” You remarked. Technically you weren't lying, you were cold…but you also weren't telling the full truth. Aethelstan sighs and leans back in his chair at your words, while Finan only seemed to get more annoyed at what you said. 

“It was a cold night.'' Sihtric chimes in and Uhtred nodded in agreement, smirking slightly when Finan glares at the two of them, mumbling angrily that they aren't helping. Uhtred wasn't mad about what happened, he just had to put up the strict act and well sihtric…he was finding this all to be very amusing. 

You glance at Aethelstan to see he was already looking at you, he gives you a small nod and you know it's best if you just tell them. You clear your throat and look at Finan leaning forward a little. “Me and Aethelstan are dating, we have been for months.” 

It was silent for a few moments. Sihtric was smiling and patted Aethelstan on the back, he was happy for the two of you and he couldn't wait to tell Osferth this, they may or may not have made a bet, and seeing how happy sihtric is, he won. Uhtred just hid his smirk, he already had a feeling there was something between the two of you and was happy that he was right, he wants you both to be happy, you both deserved it. 

“Him? You're dating him?!” Finan shouts as he points his finger at Aethelstan in disbelief. 

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean” Aethelstan pouts as he crosses his arms over his chest, feeling offended by your dads' words. He completely understood and knew that Finan wouldn't be the happiest because of how protective he is of you, but like rude Aethelstan thought. 

“God what did I do to have you betray me like this?” Finan grumbles dramatically as he puts his elbows on the table and his head in his hands. You roll your eyes at his dramatics and cover your mouth trying to stop yourself from laughing. Sadly, Sihtric wasn't so lucky and he quietly started laughing. A big mistake. 

“Sihtric i swear to God! What are you even doing here?” Finan Shouts at his friend as he looks up from his hands. Uhtred sighs and rubs his temple while you and Aethelstan glance at each other with wide eyes, both of you slightly amused. Okay maybe more than slightly. 

“You asked me to come? You said it was a fucking emergency!” Sihtric Shouts back. You felt your lips twitch up to a faint smile at the fact that Finan thought this was an emergency, gosh he's so dramatic. 

“Well now I’m asking you to shut the fuck up!” Finan snaps, feeling extremely annoyed at his friend. Finan felt as if everything was happening too fast, you were his little girl. It was like yesterday when you would ask him to tell you bedtimes stories before bed or come to him for everything. He didn't like that you were growing up so fast. 

“And this is an Emergency! My daughter is dating…She's too young” Finan starts, His voice going to a whisper at the end. Finan frowns and turns to look at you, shaking his head.  “You're too young.” 

“Dad, most girls my age are married and popping out babies” you tell him with a sigh, it was true. Finan looked at you as if he was offended that you would even tell him that. “Well, you're not okay!” 

“Not for a very, very long time…Got it?” He says as he gives Aethelstan a glare. Aethelstan nods and gulps nervously. You roll your eyes for what felt the hundredth time since you woke up, you weren't ready for marriage and definitely ready for babies. Aethelstan looks extremely uncomfortable at the mention of marriage and babies, there was no way he was ready for that either. 

“Finan” Uhtred said as he looked at his stressed-out friend, Uhtred shakes his head and gives him a small smile. Silently telling him that that's enough and that it's okay. Finan sighs and looks away from Uhtred and down to his hands before looking to Aethelstan. As much as Finan hated the idea, it was true. You were growing up and he had to get used to the thought. 

“No more sneaking through her window, and if you break her heart I’m going to break your ribs, Uhtred won't even be able to protect ya” Finan says in an extremely intimidating tone that even made you nervous. You looked to uhtred, your eyes begging him to do something to stop Finan, he just shrugs. You glanced at Aethelstan, who looked to you when he felt your stare. You gave him a bashful smile, feeling sorry that he had to go through this. 

Aethelstan returned the smile with one of his own, his eyes telling you it was okay. And it was okay, it was worth every single threat Finan gave him. You were worth it. Despite the dramatics from Finan, you were happy this happened. The sound of Sihtric’s voice breaks you out of your thoughts of Aethelstan. 

“Gods there looking at each other all lovey dovey” Sihtric jokes, making you look down at your hands feeling flustered while Aethelstan blushes and takes a sip of water from the cup he forgot was in front of him. Uhtred laughs at the Flustered and shy couple. Finan just grumpily frowns and leans back in his chair. 

Your eyes look up from your hands and towards the door when you hear it opening, a smiling Osferth walks in. His smile widening when he sees us all. “What's going on here?” 

“So not the right time baby monk” Finan sighed as he closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, he didn't think he could handle Osferth after everything that just happened. Osferth looks at you in confusion when you start giggling, a few seconds later Aethelstan was joining you. 

Yeah, it definitely was worth it.

note: I am soo sorry this took so long to get out. These past 2 weeks have been very stressful, with the weather and one of my very close family friend passing away, it been hard for me to focus on my writing. (Sorry for the small emotional dump)

But I do hope you guys enjoyed this! I love Aethelstan sm so I loved writing this! To the others who have sent me req, I have seen them and I will write them, I just don’t know when I will get them out :(

Please comment and tell me what you think about it, I would love to read all your thoughts!

copyright ©️ 2023, all rights reserved. you can't copy, translate, reproduce, repost my fic, use my plot or layout. 

[bbcphile]

WIP Wednesday

I'm finally back with more MLC long fic snippets for you! FDB is carrying a wounded and barely conscious DFS on his back and is about to attempt to use qinggong to get them out of the tree DFS had collapsed in. (You can find all previous excerpts here.)

**

Slowly, making sure the additional weight on his back didn’t unbalance him, he planted one foot up on the branch and shifted his weight. He brought his other foot up to join him, clenching his core to stay stable.

He looked down at the ground below. He hadn’t exactly used qinggong from heights quite like this before, and certainly not while carrying anyone else or without the use of his arms, but presumably  it was the same idea. He cleared his throat. “Ok. Here we go! Hold on tight.”

“Wait,” a-Fei croaked in his ear.

Fang Duobing froze immediately. “What is it?” 

A-Fei shook his head, his hands fumbling until his left thumb was positioned immediately over the nailbed of his right hand’s fifth finger. Then he jabbed his own Shaochong acupoint with his thumbnail with a force that would have made anyone else cry out in pain. Fang Duobing gaped at him as a-Fei kept digging into the very sensitive point, with a faint, barely audible hiss as the stubborn man’s only reaction. 

“Wait, you were about to faint?” Fang Duobing yelped. Oh Gods, if his arms had slipped off of him while they were in the air and he’d fallen backward, a-Fei could have hit his head on a tree branch, or worse! Thank goodness he’d thought to use the acupoint to restore consciousness. “Here, scoot higher up so you’re draped more over my shoulder! That way, even if you let go, you’ll stay–”

“–Stop. Talking,” a-Fei snapped, his breathing labored. “Fix your technique. Or you’ll shatter your leg.”

“Oh.” Fang Duobing winced. Apparently there was more of an art to this than he’d realized. “What am I doing wrong?”

A-Fei’s answering sigh was so much heavier than he was. “Your qi is too slow. And the proportion is off. Put more around your feet and ankles. Start now and increase it as you approach the ground.” He took a deeper breath. “And you’ll need your arms,” he said, his scowl audible.

Fang Duobing shook his head and forced himself not to press them closer to his sides. “I can’t. You need them more!” A-Fei could already barely move from exhaustion; it was unthinkable that he could support his legs on his own. And even if he could, they’d both seen how poorly he responded to being that close. The emotional toll alone would be–

“–Do it,” a-Fei growled through clenched teeth, “or you’ll splatter us on the forest floor. Right arm first. Now.”

“Fine! But you better not fall, ok?” Fang Duobing’s voice shook slightly despite his best efforts. He slid his arm out from under a-Fei’s thigh and lifted it far enough away that a-Fei wouldn’t bump it as he changed position but close enough that he could catch his leg if a-Fei didn’t have the strength after all.

Slowly, jerkily, and with less grace than a-Fei had ever before exhibited, a-Fei extended his leg and wrapped it tightly around Fang Duobing’s waist. 

Fang Duobing stayed as still as possible, hardly daring to breathe.

A-Fei swallowed and dug his thumb harder into his Shaochong acupoint. “Left,” he gritted out. 

They repeated the process, a-Fei’s foot, then leg, then entire body were trembling from the effort by the time he was fully in position. If a-Fei was breathing, it was too shallow for him to feel, despite their proximity.

Fang Duobing swallowed. “You’re sure about this?” He tried desperately to ignore the fact that a-Fei’s groin was once again pressed tight against his lower back. This was absolutely not the time to–

“–Hurry and fix your qi, brat,” a-Fei rasped, his voice shaking almost as hard as the rest of him.

“I’m trying!” Fang Duobing pushed his worry and other feelings for a-Fei aside as much as he could and closed his eyes. He imagined his qi spinning faster and faster through him, on separating some to cushion his feet, ankles, and knees while the rest kept circulating.

“Arms,” a-Fei prompted, and Fang Duobing stuck his arms out to his side, feeling the qi race through his fingertips, ready to slow his descent.

“Now,” a-Fei snapped, and Fang Duobing opened his eyes, shifted his weight, and stepped off the branch.

Time slowed. Fang Duobing felt it drag against him like the air currents they flew through. A-Fei hissed other instructions at him–faster qi, lean back, not that far, bend your knees–as the forest floor grew before them. 

“Palms,” a-Fei growled in his ear. 

Fang Duobing sent out a large pulse of qi from each palm straight at the ground, just before his soles hit the floor. 

His ankles and knees twinged slightly with the impact, but that was all.

They were safe, because a-Fei had helped.

A-Fei, who had been on the verge of fainting, who had just had a qi deviation, and a panic attack, and who could barely move or speak moments earlier because of whatever horrors had haunted his mind, had used a resuscitation maneuver to force himself to save them yet again.

It wasn’t fair. A-Fei deserved rest, not having to push himself to and past his breaking point once more.

Maybe, now that they were back on solid ground, and would soon be back at Lotus Tower, they could give him the safety and comfort he needed.

And maybe, just maybe, he’d accept some of it.

[pejite]

Since her encounter with Cora at the church, Wilhelmina had been increasingly preoccupied with the idea of sending their children to school. The thought wouldn’t leave her mind, and though she knew Edwin might resist the notion of Thomas and Robert stepping away from their duties on the farm to pursue education, she felt strongly that it was the right thing to do.

That day, Wilhelmina waited patiently until Edwin had a free moment. As dusk fell and the chores wound down, she finally approached him. She asked him to sit with her, choosing the small workshop where Edwin had been spending his evenings making candles, a task that seemed to soothe his nerves after long, hard days.

Wilhelmina carefully poured them both some tea and set out a slice of the cake left over from the previous day. Edwin, already seated across from her, watched her closely, sensing that she had something on her mind. She fiddled with the teacup, searching for the right words, while Edwin’s brow furrowed with a mix of concern and impatience.

“What’s troubling you that you don’t know how to say?” Edwin finally broke the silence, his tone gentle but with a hint of urgency.

Wilhelmina offered a small, tentative smile, her eyes downcast. “Well, a few weeks ago, I ran into Cora while I was in the village” she began, her voice steady but cautious “You’ve probably heard about the new school they’ve built near the church…”

Edwin nodded, leaning back slightly in his chair, his curiosity piqued. He had an inkling of where this conversation was heading but chose to let her speak.

“She mentioned she’s planning to enrol her children, at least Bernard” Wilhelmina continued, her gaze now fixed on Edwin, gauging his reaction. “It got me thinking… maybe it would be good to enrol Thomas and Robert as well…” She paused briefly before quickly adding “It’s free, Edwin. We wouldn’t have to pay anything.”

Despite her attempt to frame the idea positively, Edwin’s expression darkened. He let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. “No, I’m sorry, Wilhelmina” he said, his voice firm, leaving no room for negotiation. “I can’t agree to that.”

“But-” Wilhelmina began, but Edwin cut her off.

“No, love, no” he said, more forcefully this time. “If we send the boys to school, who’s going to help me on the farm? Who’s going to do the work that needs doing every day?” He shook his head again, his tone resolute. It was clear the idea didn’t sit well with him at all.

“I could help more, and the girls could too” Wilhelmina suggested, her voice soft but determined.

“And who’s going to keep the house running if you’re out in the fields?” Edwin countered, his frustration beginning to show.

Wilhelmina fell silent, the tension between them growing thicker. She looked at Edwin, her expression a mix of frustration and sadness, but she didn’t raise her voice. That wasn’t her way. “Edwin, you work so hard, and I’m grateful for it. But farming is so unpredictable… Don’t you see that? If the boys get an education, they could find work that guarantees them a future, a stable life where they’re not at the mercy of the land and the weather.”

“Nothing in this world is guaranteed” Edwin replied sharply, his eyes narrowing. “Enough, Wilhelmina.”

“But we could give them a chance-” Wilhelmina tried again, her voice growing more urgent.

“I said enough!” Edwin’s voice rang out as he stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I’ve made my decision and it’s final. The farm will bounce back, we’ve been through rough patches before, and we’ll get through this one. The boys will stay here and do their part, like they always have.”

Wilhelmina crossed her arms tightly over her chest and looked away, her frustration evident. She hated when Edwin raised his voice, but she knew better than to argue further. Her silence spoke volumes, and she knew Edwin could see the hurt in her eyes. But he was already turning away, retreating back to his work, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the unresolved tension between them.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Unexpected 55

Warnings: non/dubcon, child endangerment, pregnancy, pegging, Lloyd being the worst, post partum, csection, suicidial ideation, Andy is nasty in this, violence, and other dark elements. Not all kinks or triggers are tagged. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You've done this before. Waiting out a man. Biding your time. Before, you didn't realise it. You just did it.

With Colin, you just went through the motions, waiting for something, anything to change. With Lloyd, it was waiting for the next combustion, the final one that would send it all spiraling.

Now, you're just waiting on yourself. Because now you know it's up to you. It always has been. You were just too stupid, lazy, and blind to see it.

So you do what you have to. That's nothing new. That's the easy part. Luna is the only one keeping you going and you know, you're the only one to keep her going.

When she cries, you go to her. You're no longer play the part, distracting yourself with your own motherhood, trying to get through the day. No, you want to be there for her, you want to comfort her. And in turn, as small and innocent as she is, she does the same for you.

And when Andy needs you, you bite down and get through it. Another familiarity. When he touches you, when he kisses you, when he says those disgusting things. Clawing, pawing at your chest, sucking and biting at your body like and animal, rutting with desperation until he's breathless. He thinks the noises you make are just as delighted as his own. You let him believe it, just like you let him believe this little makeshift domesticity is real.

Until the moment comes. Until you will keep that promise to yourself. To her.

You sit in the rocking chair, Luna on your chest, peaceful in his absence. You don't know why he left, you're just happy he did. It's a moment to rest, for you and your daughter.

She's getting bigger. Four or five months now, you think. Things change so fast yet move so slow.

As you let your eyes close, there's a thump at the door. The locks grinds back noisily as the baby stirs against you. You huff and try to get her to fall back asleep as Andy enters. He leaves more often these days but not for very long

"Shhh, she's asleep," you warn him, watching her eyes slit, she's almost there.

He shoots you a look as you peer up at him but doesn't say anything. You tisk. You know what he wants. You stand carefully and take Luna to her crib as you hear him pacing around behind you.

"I don't what I'd do if I didn't have you, honey," he rambles, "I just... the world's a crazy place."

He's telling you, you hide your disgust at his lack of self-awareness as you lay Luna down.

"It's going to be okay though, we're going to be okay," he rants on as you face him. He has his shirt halfway up his torso, "aren't we?"

"Sure," you answer.

"I just..." he rips his shirt over his head, "I need you so bad right now."

You nod and come forward, forcing a curve to your lips. He's as easy as any other man, just a little less stable. It's funny to think so when you have Lloyd to compare. You put your hands on his chest as you approach him. You caress him, feeling the soft hair beneath your fingertips as the tension uncoils from his shoulders. He puts his hands on your hips and steps closer.

"Are you full?" He asks.

You look at him, he's staring at your chest. Your stomach churns. Your tits are close to ready, just in time for Luna to wake, but he only cares about himself. You don't answer as he feels along the belt of the robe and unknots it. He pushes it open and dips his head down, kissing your chest as he growls.

He angles you towards the bed. You zone out as you let him and fall back beneath him. He puts his lips around your nipple and you cry out as he sucks. You hate that feeling, you hate the noises he makes, moaning like a pathetic little beast. He squeezes your tit as he keeps his mouth sealed around the bud. You grit your teeth and focus on breathing.

He shifts to put his knees between yours, pushing them apart so you're open to him. Without lifting his head, he picks at the front of his jeans, shimmying them down as his need builds. He dribbles down your chest as he parts and sits up on his knees. He pulls your legs over his and strokes himself, pressing his tip to your cunt impatiently.

You're dry as he rams insides. He grunts and holds himself deep, the tendons in his neck taut as he grips your hip, his other hand groping your chest meanly. He ruts, slamming into you as hard as he can. There's no precursor left. He doesn't pretend. He takes what he wants and you don't stop him. He accepts your complacency as love.

The bed shakes, the frame hitting the wall, bang, bang, bang. The noise hammers away at your soul and the silence. You hear Luna murmur, babbling as she awakens. She doesn't cry even as you want to. She's just a baby. She shouldn't be here. He shouldn't do this with her right there. Only the bars of a crib to protect her.

You put your hand on his wrist and the other on his stomach. You need him to be done.

"That's it," you growl through your teeth, "harder."

He obeys easily. You swallow down your whimpers as his hips crack against you. He's almost there. You can feel it.

"Come on, honey, give me it," you squeeze his wrist tighter and grunt.

"Oh yeah, you want it," he growls, "you want me to give you another baby?"

You can't help but choke. He doesn't notice as he dips his hips into you, looking down to watch his motion. You curl your lips in repulsion. Just get it over with.

"Yes," you gulp out, "yes, give me... your baby."

Your mouth is bitter as bile rises in your throat. He groans, louder and louder, and falls over you, his hips rolling frantically as he chases his release. He buries his face in your neck.

"You wanna be a mommy again," he rasps, "be a good mommy, mmm--"

He grunts and snaps his pelvis, once, twice, three times, then quakes as you feel him spill into you. You hold your breath as your eyes tinge. He slides his arms around you, inside the open robe as he pants. He clings to you, pushing himself as deep as he can get.

"I can't wait to be a daddy," he purrs.

"Mhmm," you rub his shoulders, "I know, honey."

He doesn't move, even as Luna begins to fuss. Your chest begins to thrum as she cries and you pat Andy.

"Please, she needs to eat."

"Mmmm," he drags a hand up as he leans on one elbow, fondling your tit again, "I want a little more."

"Andy, honey, please," you plead, "she won't have much."

He snarls and pouts as Luna cries loudly. He jams himself into you so you whimper and slides out roughly. He bounces off of you and sits at the end of the bed. He stretches his neck and flicks you away with his fingers.

"Fine, go ahead," he sneers, "but after, you can get on your knees and give me a suck."

You shudder and sit up. You glare at the back of his head. You could bash it in but you know you're not strong enough.

"Yes, honey," you turn your legs over the side of the bed and stand. You try not to wretch as a gush flows down your thigh.

You close your robe and tie the belt, crossing to the crib as Luna wails. Your hands linger on the thick belt. You pull them away before your thoughts can stray. You take Luna out of the crib and put her to feed. Andy stands and strips off his jeans and briefs.

You walk around as you feed Luna, when she calms, you cover your chest again and keep her in your arms. Andy huffs as he plays with himself in the bed. His impatience strikes another flash of anger in you. The belt of the robe cinches you tightly as you shift your daughter in your arms. You whisper to her and lay her down again, handing her one of her crinkle toys.

You back away and pull the curtain across the space between the bed and her little nursery. You turn to Andy and shake away your agitation. You put a knee up on the bed and lick your lips.

"My turn?" You ask as you crawl over to him, grabbing his half-flaccid dick.

He nods excitedly and you feel him twitch in your grasp. You move between his legs and tease him, hovering your lips just above his tip. You look up at him with a smirk. You're done waiting.

🍑

This, you haven't done before.

You sit against the bedframe in the dark. It's quiet and still. Eerie even.

It is the isolation, it's not the prison cell built to look like a home, no it's what needs to be done. What you're going to do.

Luna sleeps soundly in her crib, only just dozing after another bout of frustration. And beside you, another infantile creature, snoring to his content. The taste of his salty flesh sickening on your tongue.

You inhale deeply and let it out as you feel along the fabric of your terry robe. Slowly you tug the belt from the loops, inch by inch. Your chest coils tightly as it comes free and you hold the lax fabric in your hands. You stare at it in the small glow of the nightlight plugged in only a few feet from the bed.

You're jittery as you wind each end around your hands, yet numb as you push away all your thoughts. This isn't a time for doubt. You're done letting that hold you back. You pull the belt taught between your hands. It's innocuous at first glance, probably why he never even thought to remove it from the robe. To him, it was a simple knot he pulled to get what he wanted. To you, it's freedom.

You glance over at him, his shoulders broad, moving slightly with each breath. You pull the belt to full tension. You have one chance, you have to make it count. For more than yourself.

You get on your knees and edge towards his back. You raise your hands and hover them over him, shaking as you build the nerve. This isn't just as simple as tying your shoes, this is... life and death. Yours, his, Luna's.

You swoop the belt down and pull it tight around his neck. He grunts and twitches away. You quickly knee him onto his stomach and straddle his back, bringing your weight down on him.

You twist the belt around itself and pull, pull, pull. He chokes and spasms, pushing himself up. You can't stop him, he's too strong. You hook your legs around him instead, staying latched on as he gasp and claws at his neck.

He falls onto you, knocking the air out of you, but you don't stop. The heat flowing through you keeps you fighting. He rocks atop of you, writhing and kicking, reaching back blindly as he scratches down your face. You won't let go. You can't. You've come this far there's no going back.

It goes on for what feels like eternity. He just won't stop. You twist the belt tighter and tighter, the gagging battle for his life souring your stomach. Then he's still. All once, it's over and he lays limp atop you. You don't loosen the belt until you're certain he's entirely still.

You drag yourself from under him, watching him as you think he might come to life at any moment. He doesn't move. Is he dead? Did you do it?

Even if he isn't, it's a chance. This is your escape. This is it.

[misspelledwordswizard]

Chapter 11 - Being alone is no longer an option

Previous chapter / Next Chapter

The cool night air touched my warm skin, bringing a welcome refreshing sensation after such a hot day. I followed the Rancher towards the trees on a peaceful walk, feeling curious glances at our backs. I don’t know if he wanted to talk about something or just walk, deep down I hoped it was the second option, I wouldn’t complain about having a peaceful moment in nature without having to address complicated subjects.

My cheeks burned slightly due to the sunstroke I received earlier, unfortunately there is no sunscreen to protect me from it, I feel like I will have to deal with such misfortune regularly. As we walked through the trees we could see some animals, deer or wild boars, that ran when they noticed our presence. I wonder if at some point Twilight will tell me about being Wolfie, maybe it will take a while before he can trust me with such a thing.

— Rupee for your thoughts? – The deep voice beside me took me out of my thoughts, making me look at him, somewhat lost about what was happening around me.

— I’m just rambling... – I spoke vaguely as I searched for a random topic that I could use, while he waited for me to continue. – Where are we going anyway? What is our destination?

That is, indeed, a doubt that haunts me. Walking and walking, stopping at stables and occasional villages with no real objective, other than waiting until the problem appears in front of us, does not seem like a very effective way of doing things. The blond thought, his blue eyes wandering away from mine, probably searching for the right words.

— Our current goal is to reach the Deep Woods. There is someone Time would like to talk to who can help us a lot on this journey, maybe there is information there. – This is much more useful than I expected, they must be looking for the Great Deku Tree. – But if you want to know our real final destination, it is not defined. It depends on how things go.

I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. My mind thought of several possibilities, or what I would do. I would like to be useful, I don’t want to be just a burden on their mission, but I don’t know what such na ordinary person with no talent for fighting could do to help the great heroes of the kingdom. We continued walking in silence, approaching the river and sitting on its banks, just enjoying the peace of the landscape and the symphony of nature.

— Why did you ask me to come with you? – I asked curiously, it wasn’t na accusation, I just didn’t understand his reasons, but he seemed confused. – I mean, if you wanted a moment of peace in nature, why would you ask a stranger to accompany you?

— You’re not a stranger. – I tried to protest against his statement, but I was cut off. – We may not be close yet, but you stopped being a stranger when you yelled at us for destroying your home.

I blushed at his words, they’ll never let me forget that. Twilight laughed at my reaction.

— I don’t mean it in a bad way, what I mean is that you’ve been part of this group for longer than you think. – He smiled, and it was as if he took away all my worries with just that. – But, to answer your question, I asked for your company because I feel good with it. Being around you makes me feel at peace, maybe it’s because you have this air of calm and comfort.

I frowned in disbelief, I can’t imagine a world where I’m synonymous with calm and comfort. But maybe I was something close to that for someone who’s used to the chaos of battles. Being around so many people who look like you must be hyperstimulating.

— And I want to get to know you better.

— Me? Why?

— Why not? – He questioned, raising na eyebrow.

— There’s nothing interesting about me.

— Everything about you is interesting. I can’t explain why, but you seem mysterious in a good way, I feel like the more I get to know you the more I want to know.

— Dear, you’re crazy. There’s nothing interesting in my life, besides being with you and your brothers.

Twilight laughed, shaking her head in denial, obviously not agreeing with my thoughts. He looked at me, analyzing my face in search of something I couldn’t identify.

— Darlin’, you have no idea how interesting you are to someone like us. – He concluded in a deep, somewhat enigmatic voice, I wonder what he meant by that.

I gave up on arguing, just letting the subject go, not having much of na idea of what else I could say. I looked ahead at the river, the moonlight shining brightly on the water. The calmness of the water did not reflect my inner self, I felt like chaos. I have never felt so lost, since I met them it is all I feel. It is not necessarily bad, just strange, I can’t stop thinking about it, my thoughts don’t change course, I feel like a scratched record repeating the same line.

But what else should I think about? “Wow, I lost my job, now I can focus on discovering myself and making new friends”. Well, the last part is not a bad idea, I think I am on the right path, at least. At the end of the day, if I am not thinking about this, I am thinking about my family, my past life and everything I could have done differently.  I’d rather continue suffering thinking about how I felt like I didn’t fit in here.

— Shall we go back? – The rancher asked, taking me out of my reverie again. But I didn’t feel ready, I didn’t feel ready to go back and pretend that I was dealing with all this well.

— I think I’ll stay here for a while longer, you can go ahead. – I smiled so as not to worry him. He seemed reluctant but accepted, letting me have my time alone.

I watched as he got up and entered the trees, getting lost in the darkness of the night. My eyes remained on the place he left for a moment longer, being alone became something strange to me, I was so used to it, but now that I remembered what it’s like to be around so many people important to me, being alone became uncomfortable, as if something was missing. I looked back at the river, ever since I found out I was in Hyrule as a child I had wanted to meet the Zoras, so I would stay near the rivers waiting for a Zora to miraculously appear near Hateno. I’m already na adult and I still haven’t met a Zora. Maybe I can ask Wild to introduce me to Sidon in the future, after all this is over. If all this is over.

I’ve never met the Rites or the Gorons either. Living my whole life in the same place hasn’t been so good for me, and in the short time I lived away I didn’t have that opportunity. But now that I’m traveling around Hyrule with heroes who travel between eras, I think I’ll have a chance to see a lot more than I expected.

— The night is beautiful, isn’t it?

— Yes, it’s calm. – I answered the voice next to me, without paying much attention. When I realized that I must be alone, I turned abruptly towards the voice, coming face to face with the scarlet red in the darkness of the man who sat next to me so casually. Before I could react – scream for my life – I felt a firm hand cover my mouth and hold my wrists with the other hand.

— Now, now, I won’t make the same mistake as last time, no one will hear you from here... no, no, stop, licking my hand won’t make me take it off, that’s disgusting, stop. – The shadow said, with na expression of disgust and irritation.

I tried to free myself from his grip without success, my second attempt was to turn to him and start kicking, at first it seemed to be working, but then he just pushed me back until my back was against the ground, and climbed on top of me, immobilizing my legs. I didn’t give up fighting, shaking my head to try to get his hand out of my mouth, still without success.

— STOP! Stop that or I’ll hurt you! – I paused for a moment when I heard the threat, staring at him, so in response I just raised the middle finger of one of the hands that were still held and brought it closer to his face. – Come on, you-

He didn’t finish the phrase when I started shaking again, trying to free myself and scream, this seemed to have destabilized him, because I managed to move my still-held arms to hit his face hard. By reflex he let go of me and brought his hands to his face, I quickly pushed him off me and kicked him away, getting up and walking away. Luckily my sword was with me, I wasted no time and wielded it, the only problem: No one taught me how to use it.

Dark Link didn’t rush to get up, still with one hand on his face and na expression of pain on his distorted face. He was kneeling in a relaxed manner on the ground, recovering and reasoning what had happened.  He glared at me, taking his hand away from his face to reveal his crooked nose, black liquid dripping from it.

— You broke my nose!

— Do you want me to break it again?!

I replied with a courage unknown to myself, raising my fist threateningly. The shadow’s face changed from anger to surprise and indignation, his cheeks darkening with what I could only imagine to be anger, as he looked up at me from below. Before I could react, a male voice was heard from the forest. They were calling for me, it took me a long time to come back. Dark snorted irritably, looking at me determinedly.

— I’m going back! Don’t get too close to those idiot heroes. – He said nonsense as he disappeared into the shadows. What did he mean by that?

As soon as the shadow disappeared, Sky emerged from the trees, with a worried look that intensified when he saw me in a battle stance – certainly not ineffective.

◇

I sat on the bed as all nine men gathered around me. I couldn’t hide what had happened, of course I didn’t want to worry them, but hiding important information only creates greater problems. And besides, how can I show that they can trust me if I don’t trust them? As soon as Sky showed up to look for me, I told him that the shadow had appeared and threatened me, so he immediately brought me back to the stable so I could tell everyone everything.

— How exactly did it happen? – Time was the first to speak, his voice was calm but I could feel concern in it.

— After Twilight came back here, I stayed there for a while longer, not long, but it was enough for the shadow to appear by my side. I could see the rancher brooding in the corner, maybe he blamed himself for leaving me alone, but he shouldn’t, I asked for it. It would be better to talk to him later.

— He held me down and covered my mouth so I wouldn’t scream, I was lucky and managed to distract him and hit him in the nose. That gave me time to get out, and he only didn’t come after me because Sky arrived right on time. – I explained briefly, I don’t need to give the weirdest or most humiliating details. I thanked the chosen hero again with a look, only the goddesses know what could have happened if he hadn’t shown up.

Everyone seemed apprehensive, they certainly weren’t expecting na attack so soon, and more than obviously it was aimed at me and only me. Whatever the reason, Dark Link didn’t seem to be giving up on me, whether to kidnap me or kill me.

— I understand. I’m sorry we didn’t notice before, from now on we’ll make sure at least one of us is with you at all times. – Time concluded. I tried to protest, I didn’t want to be a bother or always be watched, but he wouldn’t even let me start. – This decision is not open to discussion, but don’t worry, we respect your privacy.

The Old Man sighed, massaging his temple tiredly. The others looked at each other, after Time left Twi and Wars followed him, but the others stayed. The Sailor sat next to me, hugging me to comfort me, I hugged him back, sighing in exhaustion, physical and emotional.

— I know I need constant vigilance now, but we’re in the middle of the stable, is it necessary for so many to be around me? – I complained and all I got was tired laughter.

— Oh, we’re not here just to watch you, there’s not much we can do anyway. – Wild rambled, as he thought of possibilities. – But anyway, we have to make sure you’re not hurt.

— I’m fine, he didn’t have time for anything.

— I don’t want to alarm you, but since the rancher came back and Sky went after you there was a difference of more than na hour. I don’t know if you just didn’t notice the time passing until the shadow appeared, but he didn’t lack time. – Hyrule said worriedly. Na hour? Maybe I got lost in my thoughts more than I thought, even so, that’s a long time, why didn’t he attack me before?

— This is no time to dwell on what happened. If it’s okay, let’s use this time to make sure it doesn’t happen again. – Legend declared as he pulled me by the wrist outside. – Come on, all of you, we have to teach her how to use a sword.

There were no complaints from them, they just went outside. We went to a spacious area, away from the people who were there. The Blacksmith and the Veteran took charge of starting to teach me, starting with the posture and how to hold a sword. They were very strict, they didn’t seem to be in the best of moods, but that’s fair, their enemy appeared a few meters away and they couldn’t do anything.

— You have to hold the sword with one hand, how do you intend to use a shield while fighting?

— But I don’t have a shield.

— That’s beside the point.

I rolled my eyes, the Veteran could be quite annoying when he wanted to, but I’ll leave that aside, he’s being really nice in trying to teach me. Trying, because when he sees what a disaster I am he’ll give up. Four, on the other hand, is calmer and more rational, serious but not rude, it’s a good balance.

— The sword is light, you’ll be able to wield it well with just one hand. – The blacksmith reassured me, it seems he had already thought about it before making the sword. – It was Legend’s idea.

— Snitch. – The veteran complained, his cheeks pink with embarrassment. He doesn’t like to admit that he cares, even a little bit. I laughed softly, not wanting to receive a hateful look from the irritated little guy. Well, if everyone tried so hard so I could defend myself, the least I can do is try harder in these classes.

◇

I’m going to throw myself off a cliff before agreeing to take another class with those two. They’re very strict, they made me practice the same thing enough times that I felt like my arms might fall off, and all of that just to teach me how to hold the sword correctly and position myself. It was exhausting and tiring, just imagine when I start practicing real fighting.

Four tricked me, I thought he would go easy on me, or at least take pity on me, but he was the worst!  He kept scolding me about my posture, and if I faltered he would hit me in the middle of my back with the hilt of his sword. It was weak, not enough to hurt or make me sore, but it was annoying and scared me every time.

Legend, on the other hand, may not have let me start practicing my moves, but on the other hand, he made me practice my attention. While I was constantly swinging my sword in front of me, he would randomly come from the side or behind me. If I didn’t turn towards him in time, I would be knocked to the ground by a kick behind the knee or a sweep. My back hurts.

So I won’t apologize for the ugly face I gave them while we all gathered to eat. Those brutes, if it weren’t for Sky and Hyrule, I wouldn’t even be able to get up from where my muscles were so sore. Apparently, Hyrule has healing magic, something I only found out about now.  Very useful, I must admit, but I don’t feel comfortable letting him use it, I don’t want it to affect his health. The sleepyhead of the group was naturally soft and sweet, so he was a sweetheart, always helping me up when I was knocked down and checking that I was okay.

The others stopped watching the training a few minutes after it started, too worried about what we would eat, so they didn’t see my humiliation. I’ll ask Twilight to train me next time, at least he’s a polite gentleman who wouldn’t hurt a lady.

— Hey, do you want my mushrooms? I don’t like them. – Wind said next to me, offering me the pieces of mushrooms he had separated from the rest of the food. Well, to avoid waste, I accepted, moving my plate closer to his so he could put them there.

I continued to eat in silence, too tired to project any words through my voice, nothing very wise would come out anyway. At least we were allowed to wake up a little later tomorrow, it was a long day and if we had to wake up before sunrise again I wouldn’t be responsible for the hate crimes I would commit.

As soon as I finished eating I went to bed, without worrying about staying a little longer to socialize or participate in the group. I’ll do that when I’m rested, thank you. Not that the general mood is very good, everyone is tense with what happened to me earlier, I don’t blame them, I myself don’t think I’ll be able to focus on my own for a long time.

I threw myself on the bed, feeling relief overcome me as I finally rested my aching muscles. Soon after, I felt a weight being thrown over me. Opening my eyes in fright, I saw the Sailor laughing at my reaction as he rolled over and snuggled closer to me in bed. Okay, we would be sharing for today. It wasn’t bad, quite the opposite, it would be nice to have company after a bad day, it helps to calm my aching heart.

He didn’t say much, the brat was as tired as I was, his eyes were almost closing and he yawned, hugging me and covering himself. I hugged him back, helping me to get comfortable, petting him until we both fell into a deep sleep.

[astarionfreak]

For the smut game

1 and/or 13 with A.A. x Gale please?

Oh, fuck. Great idea! Yes. 🧛🧙

1. "I need you inside me."

13. "Please, please let me come."

!! Warning: This deals with chronic pain (Gale still has the orb). Ascended Astarion appears soft on the surface, but there is some sketchy shit going on behind the scenes tbh.

Snippet for the smut ask game. | Previous answers here.

There was no denying that the ascension changed him. Gale sensed the difference immediately. Astarion seemed sharper, leaner, hungrier.

There was also no denying that Gale found him very attractive. Before the power, but even moreso now.

Astarion walked in the sun without fear. The appetites of man returned to him. He ate food in addition to blood -- and although he often chastised Gale for cooking, "There's no need for you to ever lift a finger again, my love." -- Gale found pleasure in the small act of service.

Gale busied himself in the kitchen, putting together one of his favorite meals, when pain got the better of him. He stumbled back from the stove and gestured for one of the many servants to come take over. Wordlessly he retreated to his chambers.

As luck would have it, the aching void that gnawed away within him had remained relatively stable. However -- to put it simply -- it hurt. Some days were worse than others. Today was one of the more difficult ones.

Gale only intended to stay in the Crimson Palace for a tenday, two at most. Just until he located the Netherstones. Then he would return to Waterdeep, where he planned reforging the crown. For himself. Obtaining his own power.

He promised to make a place in the Heavens to share with Astarion. Together, they would be Gods. Better than the ones who had turned their backs on them.

Better than Mystra. Stronger.

Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, they had been unable to locate the stones. 

Meaning the orb remained. An ever growing threat and -- quite literally -- a painful reminder of his shortcomings. Each day it got worse. The fetid thing was hungry again.

And while Astarion could not hide his displeasure when Gale consumed magical artifacts -- he did continue to provide them when necessary. For that, Gale was extremely grateful.

He would be lying if he said he wasn’t jealous. Astarion had power in abundance while the cursed magic that lived within Gale slowly robbed him of everything.

Gale stumbled into their bedroom, stripped himself of his robes, and lay, clad only in underwear, between soft, silk sheets in their bed. That is where Astarion found him hours later. Curled up into himself, in the quiet, dark room.

Astarion slipped between the sheets. He pressed his firm chest against the other man’s back, one arm snaking over Gale’s body to pull him close. Astarion pressed a ring against Gale’s chest. “I stole this from a patriar today. The absolute fool had the gall to demand I bow. Can you imagine? Me? Bowing to anyone? At least he was considerate enough to be wearing this ring when I cut off his fingers.”

Gale held his breath as he let the magic flow through him, feeding the angry pit. Just enough to settle the storm inside. It wouldn’t be long before it demanded more though.

More. More More. Always hungry. Never sated.

“His mistake is my gain, I suppose,” Gale mumbled. It took him a moment to settle back into his body, the pain subsiding enough to allow him to breathe through the fog. “Thank you for this.”

Astarion’s hands wandered down Gale’s body, beneath the hem of his underwear, fingertips dragging across his skin as he approached his cock. “Well, I simply can’t have you wasting away in bed all day now, can I? It’s unbecoming.”

Gale sighed softly and pressed closer. “I am beginning to suspect something is wrong with me beyond my . . . affliction.”

Astarion bit gently at Gale’s earlobe. “There is one thing we’ve yet to try. I’m positive I could get past the taste if you would just allow me —”

“No, Astarion.” Gale rolled onto his back and met Astarion’s eyes. “We have truly no idea how the orb would react to me becoming a vampire — a spawn, no less. I will forge my own path to immortality.”

“Yes, the Netherstones. You have all but dredged the Chionthar and yet — nothing. Aren’t you a bit curious as to why?”

“Curious? What are you saying?” Gale stiffened as Astarion’s fingers curled around his cock. His lips parted and he gasped as Astarion’s deft hand pumped once, twice over his length. “Is there something you aren’t telling me, Astarion?”

Astarion propped himself up on an elbow, staring down at Gale with a smirk. “I have my . . . theories. Perhaps I’ll divulge them after we’ve indulged in each other.”

Gale tried to study Astarion’s face, searched for the man behind the mask — but it was hard to think when Astarion’s hand was on his cock.

It became even more difficult to think when Astarion pressed his lips against Gale’s. Despite the orb’s increasing instability, he still had this. No amount of excitement seemed to trigger an explosion.

There was little hesitation between them, much unlike the first time they kissed. Now, when they were together, it was with total abandon. As though nothing else mattered. Perhaps that was true.

Gale found himself gasping into Astarion’s mouth when he shifted to straddle him. Then he kissed, down Gale’s jaw, his chest, his stomach. Lower, and lower, tugging his underwear down past his thighs to expose him completely.

Astarion’s eyes were dark with lust. “One rule, darling,” he purred. “The same rule as always. Do you remember?”

Gale curled his fingers in the sheets, prepared to hold himself steady. “I shall not come without permission.”

Astarion smiled, breath warm against Gale’s erect cock. “That’s my good boy.”

Astarion always made unraveling Gale seem so effortless. In this bed, the very words he relied on often failed him. Astarion always reduced him to a whimpering, submissive thing. Tonight was no exception.

Even when the head of Gale’s cock was bumping up against the back of Astarion’s throat, Gale knew he was not the one with control. He would not break their rule. Even if the threat of punishment did seem alluring, at times.

When the sweat dripped down the back of his neck, when his breathing was labored, and when the sheets had become a tangled mess from his squirming, that’s when Gale finally broke. That’s when he began to beg.

“Please, please let me come, Astarion,” he choked out between moans.

Astarion dragged his tongue across the head of Gale’s cock, then looked up at him with a devious grin.

“Perhaps I will. Perhaps I won’t,” Astarion teased. “I could be convinced if you tell me what else you need.”

Gale licked his lips, staring down at the flawless man before him. He knew what Astarion wanted to hear. He wanted it too. “I need you inside me,” he whispered.

“Then you’ll get everything you need, my love,” Astarion purred.