#OH MY LORD THAT FACIAL HAIR HAS ME WEAK | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

aethelflaedladyofmercia · 3 years ago

Text

Fever Dream

(Written for @sicktember prompt #1 - Fever! I finished it in time for the first but didn't have the energy to edit.)

Angels didn’t get sick, precisely

They didn’t have bodies that were, strictly speaking, physical, and therefore couldn’t harbor any of the illnesses that plagued mankind and other earthly creatures.

An angel could, however, burn through enough of his own grace that his corporation began to malfunction.

He would then, as it were, fall ill.

This happened to Aziraphale far more often than to other angels.

A weak constitution was the general explanation; too much time mucking about on the strange old planet, not enough time bathing in the glorious healing light of the celestial sphere.

When he was down on Earth, he was always prying, poking, trying new things, many of which had never been approved, could have any manner of ill effects. He knew he should show some proper restraint, withdraw a bit more from the world, but he couldn’t help himself.

And when he did return to huddle miserably in a recovery ward, waiting for the chills to pass and his temperature to stabilize, Gabriel would always visit, dropping broad hints about the pressures of fieldwork and the under appreciated glory of a solid administrative career. Offering all kinds of advice as to what, exactly, a proper angel would cut out of his life if he wished to better focus on his ordained duties.

And so, when the symptoms next came upon him—muscle aches, irritability, sweat and chills until he didn’t know if he was hot or cold—Aziraphale decided to wait it out on Earth. It would only take a few days to recover and, anyway, he had business to attend to. Important business that could not wait.

“Angel, are you sure you’re alright?” Crowley demanded, a glint of gold just visible between black lenses and furrowed brow.

“Yes, I’m perf—” he turned his head to cough lightly, but an odd spasm came over his throat, transforming it into something deep and hacking that left his ribs aching and his brow dripping with sweat. “…tickety-boo,” he muttered, turning back to his mug.

“Keep it down,” hissed the demon, glancing around the common room of the inn. Perhaps one or two people had glanced over, but nothing out of the ordinary. “People will think you have the plague.” The last two words he barely mouthed.

“My dear fellow, do be serious. I have hardly any symptoms of the plague.” Only the last part sounded more like sybtobs otha blayyyg.

He cleared his throat and tried to sniff, which started a complicated chain reaction that ended with a mouthful of what he hoped was spit.

As Aziraphale’s eyes went wide with alarm, Crowley quickly pulled out a deep red handkerchief, which the angel gratefully spat into. Unsure what to do next, Aziraphale folded it over and offered it back, but Crowley leaned away, face contorted in horror.

“Oh, ah… thank you, then?” He took a quick glance inside and immediately wished he hadn’t, grimacing at the color of what his body had produced.

“Just… just eat your soup,” Crowley muttered, waving a hand at the bowl he’d been toying with until it was hardly above room temperature.

Aziraphale had ordered it thinking a bit of warmth would be lovely, as he’d been shivering fit for midwinter morning. But after one mouthful, he’d found himself sweating, tugging at his collar to relieve some of the heat. Now he could feel the shivers coming on again, but he couldn’t warm it back up. Until the illness passed, any miracles would just make it worse.

“Right,” Crowley said as Aziraphale poked at something that might have been a parsnip. “I’m going to be out of town for the next few weeks. Temptations all up and down the continent. Might take the rest of the season. Unless…” Using that lilting voice that suggested a coin flip might be imminent.

“Mmmh.” Aziraphale looked mournfully into his beer, finally hazarding another sip. The taste of hops struck him at the back of the throat and he quickly expelled the rest back into the mug. “Sorry, m’dear. Not this time. I got…” he waved his hand, waiting for the rest of the words. They didn’t appear to be forthcoming. “Things,” he finally said. “In the city. Until at least…” He rubbed his forehead, but it was hard to think when it was so cold. He pulled his heavy coat back on, bundling up.

“Oh, well. Things. Obviously can’t take you away from things.” Aziraphale nodded miserably, trying to focus on his bowl. “Angel, look,” and as Crowley leaned close, there was something new in his voice, something that sounded rather like concern. “You sure you’re alright? I mean, there’s nothing… nobody…”

Aziraphale blinked, his eyes feeling… sticky. What was Crowley getting at? He should really be more direct, clever Serpent, it was hard enough to think in all this heat. He struggled out of his coat, dabbing uselessly at the sweat on his forehead.

“Oh for Satan’s—are you cursed?” He hissed the last word even softer than he’d said plague.

“No,” the angel said, resting his head on his hand until his neck recovered enough strength to hold it up again. “M’not. S’just… things!”

In his attempt to gesture with both hands, Aziraphale forgot one was already occupied and very nearly wound up face-first in the soup.

“Azir—!” Crowley rounded the table in an instant, tugging him upright again. “What has come over you?”

“S’rry. People staring? S’not… not… proper.”

“Angel, you’re—you’re burning up!”

“Not. S’cold.” Then an icy hand touched his forehead and cheek, and Aziraphale groaned, trying to pull away.

“What the Heaven is going on?”

“Toldya. Things. Illness. From… from…” he tried to gesture with one arm, but it weighed too much to lift. “Being a… bad angel…”

A heavy sigh. “C’mere, you.” Crowley hauled him to his feet.

Aziraphale was pleased to find he could stand, just that his spinning head and aching limbs made it unpleasant. He couldn’t remember where he was supposed to go, but there was something solid nearby to lean on and a hand on his waist, guiding him forward.

It wasn’t until they reached the stairs that he realized something wasn’t right. “Crowley! This is—we—we can’t—where—what are you—”

“I’ve got a room upstairs.”

Aziraphale squinted dimly towards the upper floor. “Yes…?”

“Yes. And you, Angel, are in need of a bed.”

But.

But it was improper! Scandalous, even, talking of rooms, and beds, or rooms andbeds, or any combination thereof, particularly in the singular form. What if someone saw? An angel and a demon, bad enough, but two allegedly respectable gentlemen?

Or, wait, was one of them currently presenting as a woman? Likely not Aziraphale, though he sometimes lost track, but Crowley, well, that could also be hard to tell, but he seemed to have a good amount of jewelry and no facial hair, so there was a chance.

Still, male or female, angel or human, there would be rumor, gossip, talk about the town! It would get back to Heaven! This was worse than being thought weak and improper, Gabriel would think him some sort of reprobate!

Crowley paused, one hand on a door. “This is me. Um. I’ll go back down if it makes you feel better.”

What? And have all the rumor with none of the satisfaction? The shame of spending a night in a demon’s bed without the pleasures—oh, he knew what Crowley got up to. One of the Seven Sins that was, and Aziraphale would not be tempted into joining. No, not he!

“Right. Nh. Going to help you out of some of these layers, then I’ll go.”

Go? Go?After Aziraphale had come all this way, come so very close? No, he’d spent centuries imagining how it would be, and he’d never be truly satisfied until he had a reality to compare it to. Aziraphale very much wanted to know what Crowley looked like while he slept.

Yes, Crowley, Sloth is one of the Seven Sins, a demon should know these things.

And while Aziraphale had the general idea clear enough, he still had questions. Did Crowley snore, or did he breathe softly? He certainly would sleep on his side, curled up, but how heavy would his head be, pillowed on Aziraphale’s chest? If they talked, would his words become slurred as he drifted off, or would he listen quietly while Aziraphale spoke, running his fingers through bright red hair?

Come to that, how did his hair feel, or his cheek, or his lips? Aziraphale hadn’t thought much about lips, generally, but now that Crowley was always hiding his eyes, well, they had become the focus of his face, and that presented fascinating possibilities, ones that Gabriel certainly wouldn’t approve of, but he’d always been too curious for his own good. And really, what was a harmless little experiment between—

Oh, good Lord, was Aziraphale talking out loud?

He clapped his hand over his mouth, eyes wide with horror.

But Crowley chuckled, resting a hand on his shoulder; in only his undershirt, he could feel it so clearly—ice cold, but not unpleasantly so. “Your secrets are safe, Angel. Lay down.”

Too embarrassed to object, Aziraphale crawled into the bed and let Crowley pull a blanket over him. “Keep that on, yeah?”

“S’hot,” the angel whined. His voice sounded very odd, slurred, weak. Perhaps that meant Crowley hadn’t understood his rambling before.

“I know. Just try.” Something cool and damp wiped his face and Aziraphale sighed with relief. “Has this happened before?”

“Mmmh. Over an’over an’over.” In Heaven, they would assign him a recovery room, to sit alone and reflect on what he’d done to earn himself the illness, on what he could do to better serve in the future. Gabriel always had good suggestions.

The being alone. That was the worst part. Hated that.

Crowley was talking. Something would be right there, beside the bed. That was probably important, but the angel was already asleep.

In Aziraphale’s dream, Gabriel told him over and over that he’d failed again, that this was his own fault, that he was a terrible angel who didn’t deserve… something.

Possibly anything.Again and again, the Archangel took everything he valued—his books, his sweets, his day at the theater, the beauty of the sunrise, the way humans smiled at each other after many days apart, and something else, something far more important, but the name was forbidden—

Again, something cool pressed to his forehead, his chest. Fingers raked through his hair, helping the sweat to evaporate. “See?” A voice murmured. “Better already.” But everything was getting grey and distant again.

Now Aziraphale was in a room, an enormous room, empty but somehow still cluttered. All the things he loved were here, hidden, and Gabriel ordered him to find them all or they’d be destroyed. He searched frantically, among endless piles of brown packages, and found most of them—books and smiles and sunrises—mixed in with kettles, mittens and (for some reason) cat whiskers. But the last thing, the final thing, the important thing was still missing, and the room grew hotter and hotter—

“Try this now.” Something supported Aziraphale’s back as he sat up, leaning against… a thing… a thing that meant warmth and safety. A mug pressed to his lips. He wasn’t sure what he drank, but it felt good. “Now let’s get you settled again.”

He didn’t go down easily, though, reaching and writhing, somehow grasping the safe thing, pulling it close. If he let it get away, Gabriel would destroy it.

“I see. Alright. You stay there.” Fingers through his hair again, more resting lightly on his shoulder. “I got you. Nothing’s going to—”

Reality tumbled away and he was falling, possibly Falling, the voices of Gabriel and Michael and Uriel all around him, insulting him, taunting him, asking him why he hadn’t filed form HX-3 in triplicate. He clung desperately to the thing he needed as the temperature rose, more voices joining in, every voice. The Hellfire licked at him, even as he trembled and shook uncontrollably. This was the end, he would die here, he’d never said—

“Crowley!” He called, desperate. “Crowley don’t—don’t leave me!”

The thing he held shifted, and now there were arms wrapped around him, protecting him. “There we are. Not going to leave.”

It was too hot to bear, but still he burrowed closer. “Crowley, please. I can’t—I—I need you!”

“Not going anywhere, Angel. Not ever.”

“Crowley!” The Hellfire burst within him, a flash of heat up and down his body, his limbs, his soul—

And then he was… exhausted.

The shaking faded, the heat and cold gone, though he still found himself covered in sweat. Nothing remained but a strange sense of calm.

Still clinging to his lifeline, Aziraphale drifted off into a proper restful sleep.

He opened his eyes to find the late evening sun slanting through an open window. The blanket was largely twisted around his legs and the bed below him was oddly hard and lumpy, even if it was nice—

“You’re looking better.”

Aziraphale scrambled up in horror to find that the thing he’d been laying on—clinging to for dear life—was six feet of rumpled, uncomfortable-looking demon. A demon he vaguely recalled saying some very revealing things to…

“Oh, good Lord.” Aziraphale’s face burned again, but not from fever. He covered, his eyes turning away. “Crowley—you—you—how—”

“Gah! M’sorry!” He heard Crowley push himself upright, sliding away. “I—I—I shouldn’t have—didn’t mean—”

No of course not. It wasn’t as though Crowley shared his strange desires, his secret obsessions, his awful curiosity. Crowley was a—a perfectly normal demon who would have no interest in prolonged contact, particularly with a most clingy, damaged angel…

“What must you think of me?” he moaned.

“Stupid, stupid demon,” Crowley grumbled. “I saw you panicking but I didn’t know—shouldn’t have assumed—”

“What is wrong with me?”

“Crossed a line, and—and now look—”

“I’m a terrible, foolish, needy…”

“Didn’t want to take advantage—I’m sorry!”

“I’m sorry! Wait…” That wasn’t right. Aziraphale cautiously lowered his hands to see Crowley sitting frozen with the glasses halfway to his face. “You’re sorry?”

“Mnh. Yeah. Cuz… cuz I’m the one who…” his eyes dropped. “You seemed upset. Scared. I just… I made it worse, didn’t I? Shoulda known you wouldn’t want…”

“But…” Aziraphale swallowed, trying to recall anything clearly. “I… I seem to remember… propositioning you. Repeatedly.”

Crowley’s face turned red, but he smiled. Not his confident swaggering smirk, but something awkward and genuine that Aziraphale hadn’t seen since Eden. “Not… repeatedly. N’I’d hardly call it… besides it was… you know. But!” His fingers twisted on the metal frames of his glasses. “But, look—I don’t—you aren’t responsible for—for the things you say when you’re sick, ‘specially things you don’t mean—and I—s’my responsibility not to—” He ducked his head even further. “Just wanted to help. Shouldn’t have assumed… that you meant… what I wanted…”

“What…” Aziraphale reached out but couldn’t quite touch him. “What you want?”

“Um.” Golden eyes flicked up. “You’re… not the only one who wondered about… the sleeping stuff. Who doesn’t like to be… alone.” He cleared his throat. “Or, at least, I thought—”

“I believe I told you I needed you.” His hand hovered over Crowley’s shoulder. “I meant that. Precisely the way you took it. I—I meant most of it.”

Crowley’s eyes blinked, very slowly.

And the next moment, they were swept into each other’s arms, Aziraphale once again clinging to his friend like a lifeline. “I don’t think you’re stupid,” he managed.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you.”

“Thank you,” Aziraphale pressed closer. “Thank you for staying.”

When they broke apart, Crowley was as bright red as Aziraphale had felt at the height of his fever, glasses back in place, staring fixedly at his own legs. “So. Mmmmh. Now what?”

Aziraphale considered that question more carefully than he’d ever considered anything.

“I think… I’m recovering…”

“S’good.” Crowley shifted as if to stand.

“…but still very tired. I should probably rest another night?”

“Yeah. Um. Yeah. Do you—I can go?”

“Do you have somewhere to be?” His heart started to fall, until Crowley shrugged.

“I do, but… not urgently.”

“If you have the time there’s… there’s something I’m curious about.”

“Well. Big fan of knowledge, me.”

Aziraphale carefully lay down again, keeping his arms wide. A moment later, Crowley took a deep breath, set aside his glasses and joined him.

It turned out that Crowley’s head on his chest was the perfect weight. That he did indeed curl up, though in the most convoluted ways. That in his sleep, Crowley’s breaths were gentle and soft, much like his hair, and he tried very much to keep talking on the edge of consciousness even when he didn’t have much to say.

As for the kissing, well—certain observations did not need to be made public.

(AO3 link later today...)

#good omens #good omens fanfic #sicktember #ineffable husbands #hurt comfort #sick aziraphale #cuddles #fever #protective crowley #soft crowley #there was only one bed #aziraphale #crowley #aziraphale and crowley #my writing #prompt challenge

118 notes · View notes

elentiyawhitethorn · 4 years ago

Note

Prompt- Rhys gets sick and feyre becomes mother hen👀

Sick Day

Fluff//1865 words

Cassian grinned. “I told Mor she shouldn’t do it. It wasn’t my fault.”

“Sure you did, Cass.”

“Don’t sound so skeptical! I am your general, one of the highest ranking officers in your court, My Lady. I would never lie to you.”

Feyre smacked Cassian on the arm. “Don’t you have something better to do? Like, I don’t know, harass somebody else?”

He gave a wide smile. “Why would I do that when you’re right here?”

Feyre rolled her eyes. “Gods, you-”

A loud cough cut Feyre off.

Feyre glanced at the ceiling as if she could see her mate through it. She could, in fact, sense where he was. “Do you think he’s okay?”

A tired sigh left Cassian. “I am so sick of listening to you to worry about each other every time the other one blinks funny. It was a cough, Feyre.”

Feyre bit her lip. “Okay.”

Nyx cooing distracted Feyre’s anxious thoughts and she turned to her baby. He was sitting in Cassian’s lap. For some unfathomable reason, Nyx found Cassian hilarious, and he would sit on his uncle’s lap and giggle at the sound of his voice. Or at least, Feyre hoped it was the sound of his voice. Should Feyre find her newborn actually knew what Cassian was saying, the male would be flayed alive.

“Hi, honey,” Feyre cooed back, waggling her fingers at her son.

Cassian snorted. “You’ve gotten so gooey.”

Feyre scowled. “Me? Never. That’s just Rhys.”

“I’ll admit, Rhys is more of a softie than you are, but you’re not the bitch you used to be.”

Feyre gasped. She picked up Nyx and held him close. “Don’t say such things! He’s only a baby.” Then she covered Nyx’s ears and added, “And for the record, I am still a bitch. Don’t forget it.”

Cassian cracked a smile. “If you say so.”

Before he could say anything more, another cough sounded upstairs.

Feyre handed Nyx hurriedly to Cassian, who just rolled his eyes. “Go on, check on Rhysie pie. Gods forbid he has allergies.”

“I would punch you if you weren’t holding my son.” With that, Feyre winnowed into her and her mate’s bedroom.

Rhys was lying in bed. The room was dark enough that Feyre couldn’t tell what his facial expression was right now, but she could sense his discomfort through the bond.

“What’s wrong, Rhys?” breathed Feyre, rushing to his side.

“Lord, you’re fussy today.” Rhys had been going for a sarcastic tone, but it came out raspy and weak.

Feyre crossed her arms. “Let’s skip all the bullshit about how you’re feeling well and refuse to say anything. What’s wrong?”

Scowling, though possibly more at the situation than at Feyre, Rhys silently opened his mental shields. And Feyre was met with affliction.

She was overcome by the sensation of gut-wrenching pains and full-body soreness. Her throat was sore and her hands were clammy. Feyre felt dizzy, nauseated, likely about to fall over-

Feyre pulled out of Rhys’ mind quickly. “You’re sick.”

“That’s one way to put it,” Rhys groaned. “You should go. Don’t want you to get it.”

Feyre snorted. “For one thing, I can just summon a shield around my body in protection. Rather simple.” Feyre did indeed erect a body wrap of sorts, made of magic. Then she added, “And anyway, I love you almost enough that I’d deal with that just to be with you.”

Rhys’ lips twitched slightly. “Almost?”

Feyre smiled back. “We have to think about the Court. Wouldn’t want both the High Lord and Lady out of action. It would be chaotic.”

Rhys laughed, a brittle sound.

“I’ll be right back,” Feyre said.

“Where are you going?”

She pulled the blanket up farther on her mate as his sweating turned to shivers. “I’m going to ask Cass to watch Nyx today. I don’t want him to catch it.”

“Good idea,” Rhys mumbled, his eyelids fluttering.

Feyre winnowed back. Cassian glanced up amusedly. “Did our precious High Lord get something in his throat?”

Feyre scowled. “He’s ill.”

“How ill?” Cassian asked, not buying it.

In response, Feyre entered his mind and sent over the feelings she’d experienced when she crossed Rhys’ shields.

“Fuck,” Cassian exclaimed. “Give a male a little warning next time.”

“Careful,” Feyre scolded. “You’re holding my son.”

Cassian righted himself. “He’s actually sick. Gods, I don’t think that’s happened since last century.”

A stray snort escaped the dignified high lady. “You old bastards. I was wondering how you would feel about watching Nyx today? He’s so young; I don’t know how he would handle catching what Rhys has.”

“Oh, of course.” Cass smirked and turned to Nyx. “I have some busy things to do today, little male. How would you feel about helping?”

Feyre knew this was absolute bullshit; Cassian wasn’t totally useless but he sure as hell didn’t have “busy things.”

But Nyx burbled excitedly. One of his little hands reached for a lock of Cassian’s hair and tugged, his tiny wings flapping slightly.

“It’s settled then. Your son will be learning how to run the Night Court today.”

“Right. Because that’s what you’re in charge of,” Feyre responded drying, but she couldn’t help smiling at Nyx.

Cassian grinned. “See you. Try not to get sick or I might have to keep Nyx forever.”

Feyre smiled. “Right.”

They exchanged farewells and Cassian turned toward the door of their manor. “Oh, and don’t break anything,” Feyre called after him. “And don’t break my son.”

Cassian didn’t even turn back; he just flipped Feyre off over his shoulder, holding the baby in one hand. Feyre smiled, but she wasn’t actually concerned. For all his goofing about, Cassian could be surprisingly responsible, and she knew he would take care of Nyx well. Satisfied her child was in good hands and safe from infection, she walked over to the other room.

After dismissing the staff for the day (pay still included, of course), Feyre made for the kitchen. She used her magic to light a fire under the stove and she placed a pot on top. Even with her abilities, she normally wasn’t lazy enough to use them for everything, but she wanted this going as quickly as possible.

Worried about Rhys, Feyre used her magic once more to speed along the chopping. After dumping the vegetables in the broth she’d put in, she winnowed back upstairs.

Rhys was semi-conscious, exhausted but too pained to reach sleep. “Rhys, wake up.”

Rhys moaned. “Piss off.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you stay like this. You’re too uncomfortable to sleep well, Rhys.” Feyre helped him sit up, countering all of his protests with promises of soup.

“You don’t need to make soup all by yourself just for me.”

A huff of breath left Feyre’s lips. “I kept my family alive for years. I know how to make soup.”

Rhys sighed in resignation. “It’s not really that bad.”

“You say that like you wouldn’t be calling five healers over and praying to the gods I don’t die if our positions were switched.”

“Fair enough. We can both be rather protective of each other. But-”

“No buts,” Feyre said firmly. “I’ll be right back with soup. Drink this in the meantime. You need lots of fluids.” She waved her hand, summoning a glass of water on their nightstand.

Rhys sighed but reached for it, which was enough for Feyre. She left the room.

Soup was ready five minutes later. Her magic had really sped up the process; she was impatient and wanting to be with her mate, who she heard coughing again. As soon as she could, Feyre made her way back upstairs.

“Hey, babe.”

Feyre snorted and made a tray appear on him lap. She set the bowl down. “Hey.”

The glass of water was still mostly full, but Rhys had taken a couple sips. Appeased, Feyre moved to the other side of the bed and sat down next to her mate.

Rhys sighed, but reached for the spoon.

As he slowly took little spoonfuls, Feyre placed her hand on his forehead, and found him without a fever. A good sign.

She began gently rubbing his back. He was cold, and Feyre let warmth deep through her fingers, courtesy of the Autumn Court’s fire in very small quantities.

Rhys sighed in content. “Maybe I should get sick every day.”

“If it’s the only way to get you to rest, I suppose that wouldn’t be too bad,” Feyre replied, smiling. Her hands kept moving on his back. “I heard last century was the last time you got sick?”

Rhys swallowed another spoonful. “I vomited on Keir.”

Feyre took a minute to process this. “You did what?”

Rhys grimaced. “I wasn’t feeling well, but I thought I’d be okay to make the trip. I clearly wasn’t.”

Feyre burst into laughter. “Oh my gods.”

“Stop that,” Rhys demanded. “You’re not supposed to make fun of me while I’m not feeling well.” His features transformed into a pout.

Feyre couldn’t stop a grin from making its way to her face. “No wonder Keir doesn’t like you.”

Rhys tried to scowl, but he smiled faintly. “I’ll admit, he was a bit more civil to me before that. Only a bit, though.”

Feyre positively cackled. “This is why I love you.”

“Because I accidentally projectile vomit on people I don’t like?”

“Precisely,” Feyre said.

More broth, as well as a small carrot, was swallowed. Rhys sighed pathetically and Feyre just watched him, still massaging his back, trying not to worry too much.

Sickness in Fae was rare, and it usually didn’t last for long, due to their strong immune systems. He must have caught it from somewhere, and Feyre decided to warn her friends later to be careful. Everyone would be fine, but having all her friends sick would be a hassle, to say the least. At least Nyx was safe; Cassian would definitely be staying away from others today. He wouldn’t admit it, but he could be overly fussy too.

Rhys slurped the rest of the broth out of the bowl, holding it up to his face, while Feyre chuckled at him. Then she sent the empty bowl away with a wave of her hand. “Time to rest, Rhys.”

Rhys just pouted at her. “I’m not tired.”

“Liar. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Rhys reluctantly let Feyre help him lie back against the pillow. Several moments later, they were both situated: Rhys was absolutely covered in blankets to fight off the chills and Feyre’s arms were around him, her magic still warming his body.

Feyre entered his mind and sent comforting thoughts over, as well as urges to rest. It didn’t take long before he was snoring.

Holding her mate, comforting him through even a mild ailment, couldn’t have felt more right. Feyre desperately wanted him to heal, and soon he would, but for now she was content to listen to him breathe and inhale his familiar scent.

As Feyre herself drifted off, she just hoped she could convince Rhys to let her in his mind and show her Keir’s expression after being vomited on. Because that was something she wanted to see.

———

Tag List:

@feysand-loml

@aelin-bitch-queen

@story-scribbler

@live-the-fangirl-life

@midsizewitch

@infernoqueen19

#feysand #acotar #sick day #my writing

102 notes · View notes

midearthwritings · 4 years ago

Text

I'll show you my shadows

With you by his side, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Words Count : 1,547

Pairing : Thorin x Reader

Warning : None

Author's note : We love some soft and scared Thorin. Hope you like it xx

Walking through the corridors of Rivendell, you tried to find your way back to the room that had been offered to you for the night. But everything looked the same and you were getting more lost at each turn you took. When you walked past an opening leading to some sort of balcony, you stopped. Your Hobbit friend was standing there, looking down at something.

"Bilbo!" You exclaimed, making your way up to him.

Once you were at his level, you smiled.

"I am glad to have found you, burglar."

"Ah!" He said, burrying his hands in his pockets. "Yes, yes. I am glad too."

"I couldn't find my way back to my chambers and everything looks the s-"

Foreign voices interrupted you, and your eyes fell on the garden, further down. Gandalf and Elrond were walking side by side. You looked back at Bilbo.

"Were you eavesdropping?" You asked suspiciously.

The Halfling's cheeks turned bright red and he shifted on his feet.

"N-no. I mean, not intentionally."

You shook your head and you opened your mouth to reprimand him when you heard Lord Elrond speak up. Something about a disease, and someone's grandfather.

"What are they talking about?" You questioned out loud, your eyebrows furrowing.

"The goldsickness hanging above the head of my bloodline."

Both you and the Hobbit spun around, your eyes meeting Thorin's. Respectfully, you bowed your head to the King Under the Mountain.

"Oh, ah, erm..." Bilbo stuttered. "I- I'm going to go back to.. to the... Yes."

And with that, the halfling ran away as fast as a terrified rabbit would. You sighed, turning back. You listened to Thorin's footsteps growing louder as he came up next to you.

"I didn't think you would fall as low as eavesdropping onto a private conversation." He confessed.

"It wasn't intentional." You replied, using Bilbo's earlier words.

Looking up, you took in the sight of the full moon. The night was clear and the air was fresh. Very pleasant.

"I'm sure they are mistaken." You declared. "I haven't seen you fight, but I heard stories. You will not let it have you that easily."

"Of course I won't." He snapped.

Your eyes shot down to glare at him.

"Don't take your anger out on me. I didn't do anything."

Thorin looked away and his shoulders slumped down, in shame you supposed. You hoped. After all, you hadn't done anything to deserve his anger. You let him as he gently grabbed your hand and gave it a tiny squeeze.

"You are right." He said. "My apologies."

His words dug a hole in your chest and found their home inside your heart. For anyone else, it wouldn't have been much. But you knew Thorin was bad at expressing things. And you have had never heard him utter an apology to any member of the company. Even when he was in the wrong. In a way, it wasn't fair. But on the other hand, it made you feel special.

You nodded and brushed his knuckles with your thumb before letting go of him.

"Alright, I accept your apology."

The relieved sighed that escaped his mouth was so quiet that for a second, you weren't sure it had even existed. You both looked back at the two old friends having a walk in the garden, and you silently watched as they took their leave.

"What if they are right?" Thorin asked in a murmur, his gaze still fixed where the elf and wizard used to be standing.

You turned to look at him. The soft night wind blew, making his hair dance slightly. The sadness and guilt of his eyes contrasted with the hard features of his face. You hummed pensively and looked away.

"When me and my brother were still children," you began, your eyes traveling on the delicate branches of a tree. "we used to meet with our aunt's daughters and play all day long."

"How does that have to do with my bloodline's curse?" The King interrupted in a harsh tone.

You held up your index finger, inviting him to stay quiet. The leaves wiggled gracefully as two birds bolted into the privacy of the tree.

"I remember one day, we had left the house to play in a nearby forest. After days of constant rain, the Sun was finally shining bright in the sky. And we were eager to enjoy the warmth of the wood under our palms, and our feet."

Instinctively, your left hand went to caress your right palm. You smiled softly and let out a childish chuckle.

"That day, our oldest cousin and her sister had a disagreement. I cannot recall exactly what it was about, but she pushed her. Her sister's knee was bleeding, and we couldn't make her stop crying. At that time, I have had never seen a child so hurt. And it broke my heart. That day, I promised to never induce such pain on my brother. I promised to never reproduce what she had done."

Slowly, your lips curved backwards. The silence of the night was suffocating and you were almost scared to talk again. A bird came to land close to the of both you. You watched, as the King raised his hand, making the small creature fly away. Defeated, he pulled back, as if the volatile had never been there.

"What happened next?" He asked, disturbing the heavy atmosphere.

Your teeth sank into your bottom lip. It had been long ago since your brother had forgiven you. But it had taken you loads of time, and a ton of reassurance, before you could grant yourself such a thing.

"I broke my promise." You replied. "We fought and before I could realize what was happening, I heard my hand cracking against his cheek."

You sighed and straightened up, turning to face Thorin completely. His brows were furrowed in confusion, making you laugh. His dark hair, decorated with a few grey strands, looked soft. You allowed your mind to wander, picturing your fingers traveling through his mane, imagining how it would feel.

"My apologies." He said, stirring you out of your reveries. "I still cannot see how your story has to do with mine."

Your laugh echoed in the night, once again. Reaching out, you took his hands in yours, and brought it to your lips. Locking your eyes with his, you pressed a gentle kiss to his knuckles.

"What I am trying to tell you, Thorin Oakenshield, is that you should not be scared of being weak."

Thorin grunted, taking his hand back.

"I cannot be weak. I am a King."

Stubborn dwarf...

"Your weaknesses are part of you, my King, wether you like it or not." You whispered, offering him a smile. "No matter how much you promise yourself not to commit such and such an act, you can still slip. But it doesn't mean you're a bad person. Your weaknesses help you grow into a better, wiser, stronger being. And even if my story is different from yours, I went through something similar and it turned out okay. I am not less of a person. So do not be afraid, for there will be people to pull you back up if you fall."

Minutes passed where you stared at each other, not saying anything. The moonlight fell like gentle autumn rain on his face, illuminating his eyes. And you wondered how such precious jewels could ever be filled with things such as sadness, guilt, and anger. You wondered how they looked when the King was happy, genuinely happy. Would the corners crinkle from him smiling? Would they shine brighter than they already did?

"Will you?"

His voice startled you and you shook your head to erase the pictures your mind had painted.

"Excuse me?" You questioned.

"Will you?' Thorin repeated.

It was your turn to furrow your brows in confusion.

"Will I what, Thorin?"

The King stepped closer, and despite his slightly shorter height, his presence was intimidating.

"Will you be there to help me back on my feet if I fall?"

Your face muscles relaxed and you felt the ghost of a smile curving your lips.

"Of course, my King."

"But," he whispered, taking another step closer to you. "What if I hurt you?"

Before you could think about it, your hand found its way upwards and cupped the Dwarf's cheek. You felt him lean into your touch.

"Then, I shall have mercy and forgive you, for I have been in that place in the past." You promised.

What had felt like heavy pressure on your shoulders earlier was now gone, and the heavy atmosphere had turned into something comfortable. Thorin's beard was rough against the sensitive skin of your palm. And yet, you found yourself wanting more. All it would take was a little bravery and some boldness, to lean forward. And you would be able to find out how his facial hairs felt against your chin, as you kissed him. But that was for another time. Tonight, you had seen and touched more than you would have thought.

Two strong hands gently grabbed your waist, sending a shiver down your spine, and the King's voice rose to your ears.

"Well, with you by my side, I believe I have nothing to fear."

#the hobbit imagine #the hobbit #thorin oakenshield x reader #thorin x reader #thorin x y/n #thorin x you #thorin oakenshield #bilbo baggins #gandalf #elrond #lotr #lotr imagine

348 notes · View notes

eleanore-delphinium · 4 years ago

Text

The Demon’s Head

Damian Al Ghul for a moment was a hero. And in that time that he was a hero, naturally he would meet other heroes.

That was how he met her.

His Raven.

He would describe her as a very graceful woman. She was quiet, kind, generous and lovely. Despite her name sounding as if it should belong to a lonely person or an unkind being, she was none of these. But her name did befit her origins. In the sense that she is the daughter of a being synonymous to satan; and of intergalactic alien origin, the conqueror of worlds. Therefore, the name Raven as ominous as it was, befit her well, and yet also-- not so well.

But that was the thing, he was only a hero for only a moment. That moment was all that mattered, since—after all, that was how he met her. As she continued on her heroic path, he returned to what he knew to be right as a child, the path of darkness.

He took upon himself, the name Al Ghul, a name synonymous to a demon, and he used it well. And thus, Damian Al Ghul was reborn anew, he became the Demon’s Head. The name became associated to a cruel, cruel man. But he changed the ways of his organization, and tread very, very strictly on a grey line. And in doing so, he keeps his Raven. And remember it well and do not forget, he only stays on that grey line to keep her by his side.

And if anything were to happen to his beloved Raven, he will cross to the darkness before one could even blink his own eyes, and will burn everything and anything in his path with his bare hands.

So, make no mistake by taking his Raven away or you will live a life even more painful than death. For Damian Al Ghul has a league of assassin as his army, who are extremely loyal to him. And him alone.

Killing for him was as easy as dropping a needle on a hay stack.

Damian Al Ghul, the leader of the league of assassins, stood inside his throne room made of beautiful marble in ivory and gold. The sun high up in the sky, its light entering the space so blindingly. The sunlight weaves through the pillars and mashrabiya* leaving beautiful intricate patterns on the marble floors. The sunlight helped give an illusion of brightness and happiness and warmth to the chamber.

Damian was facing his throne, his back against the door as he read the papers he was holding with his right hand. His left hand resting against his back, atop his green cape. He was wearing his black with gold uniform and armor with a green cape in contrast to the almost white room. And with his cold facial expression one would be reminded, that all the sunlight was giving after all, was just an illusion of warmth.

Damian Al Ghul was not kind at all. But of course, there is an exception to the rule.

The door suddenly opened with a burst and a loud bang, and Damian’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance. He had strictly told them that he shouldn’t be disturbed unless necessary. He coaxed himself thinking that it had to be an emergency. With narrowed eyes he tilts his head a bit to the left to acknowledge the presence of the intruder.

“My Lord!” A man in an all-black suit says hurriedly as he kneels on the floor with a thud. His left leg against the floor while the other propped up to let his right arm rest on top. His head bent toward the floor.

“What is it that you have to report?” His enunciation of every word unhurried and heavy. Damian could hear the gulp from his poor frightened little underling. Even if said underling was twenty meters away.

“It’s—it’s the Lady.” The poor man could barely say. And even though the sun was high up in the sky, and that it’s light shone brightly in the room, making the chamber look as if it was glittering, it became cold. So cold, that both people seemed frozen in place, but the poor underling was the one fighting his shivers.

“What about the Lady?” Damian asked a little too clearly, that the poor subordinate could only kneel on both knees, bend his body and rested his forehead against his hands that was now on the floor. At this point, Damian turned slowly, as his green eyes landed on the man in black.

“What about the Lady?” He repeated even more slowly than the last. And Damian saw his assassin shiver in fear.

“She-she has been missing for a few days, and we searched for her—but—but—she is nowhere to be found.” He reported as calmly as he could. The subordinate thought the room couldn’t possibly get any colder than it already was, but he was wrong. The moment he finished his report, he was kneeling there in pure horror, he was sure he will die today.

“It seems that my league of assassin who are supposed to be like a shadow, cannot protect their lady in the shadow.” It was spoken slowly that it was certain: that this was the calm before the storm. “It seems that my league of assassins lack training.” He concluded.

“You cannot even track down your lost lady, why do I even keep any of you!” Damian’s voice echoed through the chambers; his fury clear. And yet, anyone who knew their lord, would know that was not the full extent of his anger.

No, it really wasn’t.

“Lady Shiva!” He summoned and instantly a woman with black hair up to her neck in red appeared beside the kneeling assassin.

“It seems that you have been lax in training the league.” He tells her and as she bends her torso to bow. Before she could start with her apologies, he continued on. “Prepare the top ten men in the league, and have them follow me. We will look for the lady.” He started walking down his throne.

“No, in fact, I will be looking for her. And if you so choose to have people follow me then so be it.” He said when his eyes landed on Lady Shiva as he approached them, the assassin up on his feet, his head bent low as to be respectful to their Lord.

“When I find Raven, I hope my league’s errors would be corrected. But that would be wishful thinking, won’t it, Lady Shiva? I will personally see to their training when I return.” Lady Shiva and the assassin gave way to their Lord.

“Of course, my Lord.” She mutters as he completely disappears.

~.~.~.~.~

Damian held a woman in blood stained and dirt-filled white robes on his arms. Her face had cuts and bruises and she looked so weak and small against his shoulder. When he looks down at her injured face, there was a softness in his glance. A gentleness unbefitting of the Demon’s Head.

But as gentle as he was as he held her, the scene behind him was not. Orange flames flickered as he walks out from the heat and the building calmly.

“I want anyone who is even remotely related to this tracked down, and I want them tortured.” He said so calmly as he held the woman he loves in his arms. His gentle glance has become cold as he looks at his subordinates in front of him. The crunch of green grass under his feet as he continued on into the night that was illuminated by the orange flames behind him.

“If done well enough, then maybe I won’t be so strict when I train you all. Prove that you all aren’t so useless after all.” His tone stone cold.

The gentleness from before must have been an illusion. Because this was the Damian Al Ghul, they all love, respected and oh-so-feared.

“Of course, my Lord.” One replied with a bow.

“No.” They pause as they wait for Damian’s final instructions. “Keep the master mind alone, I would love to capture and torture them myself.” And the shadows that was surrounding him disappeared. Raven stirred in his arms, against his chest.

“Damian?” She called out weakly. And he stood frozen as he took a peek eagerly at the woman in his arms. “They didn’t know.” She mumbles and he couldn’t help but narrow his eyes on her. She means that it wasn’t the Justice League’s fault.

“They didn’t know it was going to be a trap.” She tried to keep her head a float.

“And look at the price you had to pay.” He said bitterly as he sneered a little and continued walking to the jet.

“I—” She couldn’t even say anything to defend the Justice League, because she felt the turmoil in Damian. How could she defend the Justice League knowing what he was feeling?

“I didn’t mind that you wanted to continue being a hero. I would not take that from you.” He sets her down inside the jet. “And I know that you know this to be true, I only stay in between good and bad for you. If you are taken out of the equation, I have no qualms in being the Demon’s Head, in its truest sense. But you choose to love me, despite of who I am. And I will not have any one harm you. Less others think that the Demon’s head is weak.”

“You are not a bad person, my love.” She replied, as she cups his cheek. He closes his eye and places a hand over hers. He opens his eyes and meets her violets irises.

“But I can be, if I am without you.” He whispered so gently as his forehead laid against hers. The words completely true. They stay like that for a minute in silence, and he pulls away.

“You shall stay in Nanda Parbat as you recuperate. I will inform the Justice League.” He stares at her sternly but she does not refuse him and he turns away from her.

The Justice League has been quite cautious about Raven. They knew of her relationship with the leader of the League of Assassins. And what the risk of putting her in imminent danger would mean considering Damian’s nature. Therefore, Raven was treated as if she was glass and yet, also fire.

“I begged them to give me the mission.” She said softly, she took note of Damian’s body twitching but she had to continue on. “After you left, and made a name for yourself as the new Demon’s Head, they were uncertain of where my loyalties lie.” She found it difficult to talk due to her injuries, but she had enough strength to heal herself a bit, to keep herself conscious and stop internal bleeding. And so Raven did, as she continued on.

“And then you made a point to show that you were not like your predecessor. And yet, you also made it clear you could be far worst. And I, your beloved, was someone who they could not risk in the forefront anymore.” She moved in her seat, as she felt her insides return back to how it should be. “I just wanted to do one more mission, where I wasn’t treated like a bomb, and after that, I will be done.”

He turned to look at her with a shocked expression. Her voice was calm as her face was gentle. Despite her battered appearance, she looked like a saint to him. The words he couldn’t seem to say aloud, she felt, and she responded as she closed her eyes.

“Yes, I was going to leave the Titans, and be with you. Commit fully to you.” Her voice was soft but his thoughts were a mess. And it was clear to Raven, all of his thoughts, as if they were all written on the air for her to read.

“The Justice League thought it was a harmless mission; therefore, they could let me go. It was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission, nothing more. But we were ambushed, and I was captured.” She sighs and opens her eyes to look up at Damian. The water in his eyes finally gave way as he blinked when their met, and she inhaled a breath.

“You could have died.” He said it lightly, that Raven’s heart started beating fast in her ears. His cold eyes that had never been directed at her, has finally landed on her. “You could have died, if I was just a minute too late.” And like his eyes that could no longer contain his tears. Raven could not ignore his emotions. And she broke into a sob, as she covered her lips with her fingers. He knelt beside her, as he put a hand on her cheek.

And his face was not cold nor was it warm. The eyes she had seen him use with his fellow assassins had disappeared. She didn’t expect that the day he would look at her, the way he did his subordinates, would happen.

“Are you crying for me?” He whispered and she sniffed as she looks at him. But still, even if his cold stare was frightening. She could never be afraid of Damian Al Ghul, even if he was an Al Ghul, and the current Demon’s Head.

“I’m sorry.” She tried to contain the emotions. And she could feel the apology he was about to say. And before he could, she leans her forehead against his. Places her right thumb over his lips as her palm rested on his jaw. “But I swear to you, I am done with being a hero. I want to walk that grey line with you.”

And his lips turned up into a smile. A smile that was only ever directed at her. His gentleness and kindness only exclusive to her. His warmth only reserved for her. And she could feel it all in her chest, and in her very bones.

The love he has for his beloved Raven.

And the danger, if he loses his bird.

(FIN)

Notes:

*Mashrabiya = those wooden windows with intricate design; (wiki says: is an architectural element which is characteristic of traditional architecture in the Islamic world and is a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework).

#damirae #Damian Wayne #raven #Damian al Ghul #damian x raven #damian al ghul as the anti hero demon head of the league of assassins #Robin x Raven #raven as the love of his life even if she is a hero #drabble #romance love #alternate universe #alternate reality story #alternate timeline #evil damian #teen titans justice league leaving the team kidnapped captured male lead to the rescue

207 notes · View notes

lemonjoonah · 6 years ago

Text

Beastly Gods (M)

Pairings: Hybrid!Taehyung x Reader x ??? Word Count: 8K Rating: M Genre: Hybrid AU, Thriller, Drama Warnings: Smut scene (Unprotected Sex, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Fingering, Cum Play), Blood, Captivity, Themes of Obsession and Ownership.

Summary: ‘Don’t leave the forest,’ a rule that you've been forced to follow since birth, but you are tired of living in this wooden cage. Out of desperation you cut a deal with Taehyung, who claims to be the only one who can get you out safely, even though he might be just as dangerous as the god you’re trying to escape.

AN: Not your typical Hybrid AU. At first I was going to release secondary love interest information, but then I thought, fuck it, you’ll guys will just have to wait until the end to see who watches over the forest *Cackles*. Story is dedicated to @lovelesscherry who reblogged a cabin room photo that started this whole mess of an idea.

...

A large oak stands in front of you as your best method to reach the sky, the only tool you have for your small calculated rebellion.

You’ve been taught since birth, ‘Don’t leave the forest. As long as you remain within the woods you are safe, but anything which goes out beyond the line of trees is his to take. ’ The lessons refer to the so called protector of your forest, a self proclaimed god, and the one you live to hate. Some have made attempts to leave over the years, to go past the tree line but none of them have returned. The people of your village believe them to be dead but you hold out hope that maybe they found something better.

You grab the first branch and haul yourself up. The first step is always the most difficult, with such a large distance between it and the forest floor. Going from there is only too easy, stepping from limb to limb as you make your rise to the top.

Three generations of your people have resided in this place. Some call it home but to you it is nothing more than a cage. The branches creating the bars which entrap you in this life. You wish to see the open sky unobscured by the reach of the trees, so everyday you make the climb to the highest tree top you can.

Those that had made previous attempts to escape left the forest perimeter on the ground, but you take your brief moment of freedom from up high. You delight in having found a weakness in his pen, one god surely would have difficulty watching all sides of the forest, why would he even bother to check the treetops? Up here you are safe, you are free. It may seem like a pointless rebellion but to you it’s everything, reaching beyond the branches has become your way of showing that you are not complacent.

On this climb you barely rise above the majority of the treeline. You yearn to go even higher but the next set of branches are too weak to support your weight. Settling in with your against the trunk you watch the birds soaring off in the distance, envying their wings and their freedom.

You’re only able to remain in your tree top few minutes each day, concerned that someone might find you up here. Those in the village believe you will bring the gods wrath upon them if you act out in any way. They have no wish to anger your keeper, fearing that your bloody history would play out once again...

In their effort to reach new scientific heights, your ancestors had brought on the downfall of their own human race. They thought to create a new species, one that was half human, half animal, with an intent to be used and to fill a variety of purposes. Little did your people know that they would revolt, a hybrid’s power could not be tamed, and they had no wish to be formed into a mould of a domesticated pet. The hybrids were so deeply ingrained in the lives of humans that it was only too easy for them to take control. They used all of the knowledge they had gathered and strength they had been breed to wield against their owners in a revolution.

The hybrids rose above their masters to take their place as gods. They took everything away that could be used against them, and divided your surviving race among their own. Your ancestors were sent to hide in the forest to live under the hybrids rule, their protection, while paying homage and give offerings to the new lords, and that is where your people have resided ever since.

When the divide first happened there were stories of these gods fighting each other for territory, trying to take humans from under another’s rule, or lay claim to land that was not their own. People say that they know each other’s weakness, that only gods can find a way to end the reign of another. But from what you know there has been no such question of your past gods’ or their descendants’ authority.

...

Once a week your village is expected to leave an offering at the edge of the forest. In exchange for the ‘protection’ given to your village you supply the beastly god with food. There’s no extravagant ceremony you simply leave the sack in the designated spot and leave. In the past you’ve been tempted to stay and see if you could witness the so-called-god, but he has never shown himself while you’re there.

Your walk to the edge is quiet, raising the hairs on the back of your neck. The usual sounds of the forest fail to reach this far with the only noise coming from the cracking of twigs beneath your feet. You are steps away from your intended location when your path becomes blocked, a massive feathered creature falling to the ground in in front of you.

In a panic you hide behind the nearest tree to observe the fallen beast. Your curiosity begs you to watch, outweighing the fear which orders you to flee.

Glossy black wings that could easily be twenty feet in span, sprout from a back of a male who currently lays face down in the dirt. The hybrid lets out a groan and a swear punching the ground on which he rests with a gloved fist. As he lifts his head you slide back to conceal yourself.

“Human?” He calls out to you. “I know your there, I can hear you breathing.”

You tremble and your back presses into the bark of the trunk. Your hand covering your mouth in a last ditch attempt to conceal yourself.

“I can still hear you.... I need your assistance.”

“I am to leave food nothing else, that’s the agreement.” You call out.

“Yes, you’re right, but I rather get out of here before the one who injured me comes to finish me off. I’ll make a deal with you if you assist me”

“Who injured you?” You asked with a quaking voice.

“A god who keeps you here, one who watches this forest.” His reply encourages you to poke out from behind the tree to view the beast. Could it be? Someone has finally come to challenge your gods rule?

His face is dirty and bruised but even that can not hide the sharpness to his facial features. His shirt is an unusual fashion, flowing down from over top of his shoulders and lacing just under the bottom of his wing. It appears to be intact with no wounds showing, but on his gloves you notice a dark stain, that of blood.

Wings splay out behind him, one fully extended but the other is curled and dragging on the ground slightly hidden from you. “I’m glad to see that I have your attention now.” A smirk crosses his face as he looks upon you with the same curiosity that you have for him.

“W-why are you here?”

“Property dispute.” He laughs as if it’s a joke, but it seems that immediately regrets his decision when a pained look crosses his face. His damaged wing shifts closer, allowing you to see several broken feathers at it’s crest along with the deep read stain of blood. “I need your help.”

“Why should I?” He might not be the god who has entrapped you here, but that doesn’t mean he is innocent either.

“You want to get out of this forest don’t you? I’m too injured to fly, I need you to hide me in the forest while I heal. Do this and I’ll take you out of here.”

He needs permission to set foot on the grounds of your forest, that was the deal struck when your race was confined, they have their space and you have yours. “How long before you can fly again?”

He looks at the damage to his wing carefully, “It’s difficult to say maybe a couple weeks, maybe month?”

“A month! You want me to hide you for a month?”

“I’ll need food and a place to rest as well. What’s one month when it will give you a life outside of this forest?”

You ponder his offer with a bite to your lip, the wings you have longed for have finally come to you, but unfortunately they are attached to... conditions. “When you’re healed, you promise to get me out of here?”

“When I can fly I promise you’ll never have to come back to these woods again.” He struggles to stand his wing weighing him down with him unable to lift it properly.

Emboldened by the guarantee of freedom you approach him carefully, ready to flee if he makes even the slightest aggressive move.

“Such a skittish little dove,” He remarks on your stance.

“That’s not my name,” You respond flatly.

“Oh then what is?” He pries, but you consider that information might be best to keep to yourself. He smiles, clearly seeing the conflict rise up in you, “No matter, you can call me Taehyung if you wish. We should get moving before he comes back. I may have injured him too but I don’t think it was as bad as my own state.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“Come here,” he prompts you to move closer with an outreached hand.

Taking your arm he places you at his side, “I can’t hold it up very easily myself.” His injured wing nudges at your back, “May I?” You nod looking hesitant with the weight of the wing unsure if you’ll be able to support it either.

With a groan he stretches it out, the bridge of the wing comes to rest on your shoulders, the soft feathers tickling at your neck. It’s not as heavy as you expect, but there’s a warmth to it as if you’re wrapped in a down blanket. Relief breaks across his face, “Thank you,” he whispers with a deep sigh.

“I live a far bit outside of the village, you should be fine in my cabin as long as you don’t take any excursions.”

“Yes Little Dove,” He gives you a wide boxy smile, an indication that he might not be taking you as seriously as you hoped.

“I mean it, if someone even catches a glimpse of your face let alone your wings they’ll know something’s not right.” Your people would be furious if they found out you invited one of them in. They may obey the hybrid’s laws but it’s out of fear, not respect.

Your progress is slow, but that allows you to ease back to your door under the cover of darkness. As soon as you step inside you draw the curtains closed and light a couple of lamps in the small living room. “Sit down, I’ll fetch something for your wound.” You press him onto the couch while you find your supplies

Your kit looks grim. Alcohol and bandages will have to suffice, your stock has run low and the salve has reached the bottom of the tin.

As you return to him you can see that he is having difficulty reaching the wound with its location on the crest of his wing just behind his shoulder. “I think I’ll need your assistance again.”

“I-I don’t, I’ve never looked after...” You know the wings of birds to be fragile and the thought of damaging it more worries you.

“I can direct you.”

The cut for the most part has clotted and it doesn’t appear too deep, but this spot must incur a lot of strain during flight, making it impossible for him to fly in such a state.

Taehyung takes your hand hovers it over the affected area. He looks back to direct your touch as you stand in front of where he sits. “You see the broken and crooked feathers?” You nod touching the very tip of one. “Those are going going to have to come out.”

“What?!”

“They’ll grow back and it’s just a couple.” There are maybe five or six at most that look to be in terrible shape, but that doesn’t make the thought of what you are about to do any less daunting. You grab the first by it’s base and look back to him to make sure. Taehyung gives you a nod to proceed. As the stem dislodges he grabs your waist, his head leans into you while he gasps.

“Sorry,” You mutter unsure of what else to say.

“No it’s fine keep going.”

With the next feather his other wing unfurls and beats angrily knocking a chair over in the process. A slight whimper escapes him drawing pity from you. You had expected his kind to be strong and without pain but here he is exhibiting a weakness.

“Almost done,” You whisper as his long fingers continue to hold you.

After pulling out the last, you step back from him, with a half dozen quills in your hand. You examine the black plumage carefully, admiring their beauty and the way they shine in the candle light.

You can feel Taehyung’s eyes on you, watching you as your fingers glide over the feathers. You blush offering them back to the winged man.

“You can keep them Little Dove,” he chuckles, “I have plenty.”

You smile, embarrassed by the fact that he had caught your interest in them. Soaking a cloth in the clear alcohol you move forward again, with the broken feathers out of the way you have a better view of the cut. You perch yourself carefully not hovering this time but kneeling next to him on the couch with one leg between his to get a closer look. There a bit of dirt from his fall, you can only hope that the alcohol will be enough to prevent it from getting infected. “This is going to hurt too,” you warn him.

“I doubt it will be worse than... fu-fuck!” His good wing curls round closing in as he pulls you to his chest in reaction to the pain. You are the one to gasp this time as his mouth nips down on your shoulder.

“Taehyung?” You make an attempt to pull his hands off but his grip digs in like a pair of talons latching to its prey. “Taehyung, that hurts! You have to let go, you have to let me finish.” He releases you slowly but you can still feel him winch with every touch of the cloth. Finding a fresh linen you question how you should secure it. It’s not like you can wrap it in place that would have to encompass the entire width of his wing and might damage some of his other feathers.

You take a look through your cupboards looking for anything that might function as an adhesive. Your eyes settle on a golden jar of honey, it’s a decent antiseptic and hopefully it should make the cloth stick too. With the flat of a spoon you spread it over the bandage and place it carefully on, you smile in success when it appears to be secure.

“Thank you Little Dove, I guess you humans have a few more uses than I thought,” He laughs.

Your face falls at his comment, remembering what he truly is. What his kind have done to your people. “Get some sleep, you’ll need it to heal.” You growl standing to make a swift exit to your room.

“Wait, how am I supposed to sleep with my wings on a couch?” He whines back looking confused by the change in your tone.

“Figure it out yourself, I’ve just reached the limit of my usefulness.” You throw back at him in anger, slamming your bedroom door shut behind you. He’s your ticket out of here, one month and your free, one month and you can escape this enclosed life and try to find something even greater. You look down to the feathers in your hand and set them on your side table, wishing that you could have your own and not have to rely on his.

Sleep does not come easy that night, every sound from the other room has you wondering what the beast might be up to, and whether you can actually trust him to keep his side of the bargain.

...

You rise with the sun peering in the large window of your bedroom. Carefully stepping out to your living room you find Taehyung sprawled out on the couch, cuddling one of the cushions while his injured wing lays flat, propped up by one of your chairs. On the stove fire you bring a pot of water to boil, using it to fill two bowls of oatmeal and a basin.

You try to wake him, but after calling his name and shaking his shoulder you find this task to be pointless. The bandage has to be changed before you leave, if he refuses to wake up beforehand he will within a minute or two after you start. You dip the rag into the basin of warm water and place it over the gauze patch melting the honey to allow for an easier removal.

You can see a sleepy smile creep onto Taehyung’s face, he abandons the pillow and allows his arms to trail over you instead. This all comes to a halt as you remove the bandage. His eyes fly open as a hiss greets you. “What the hell?”

“What? I tired to wake you, but I guess I can’t help you with that either.”

“Fuck,” He groans in pain, “I’m sorry okay? It was a stupid comment.”

“If you are going to stay here you either respect me as an equal, or I’ll throw you out of the cabin. I have to leave soon, so let me finish. I made you food, not sure if you’re able to eat it though.”

“I’m not picky, my kind can eat anything.”

You reapply the honey to a new linen square and dress the wound once again, as he takes the bowl of porridge.

After finishing you gather your cloak and boots that you discarded haphazardly the day before.

“Where are you going?” He looks up to you before taking another bite of his meal.

“I’m one of the foragers, I look for additional food that’s not grown on the smaller farms, mushrooms berries, nuts, whatever we can get our hands on.” You explain while tying a boot.

His eyes grow wide, “You shouldn't go out there it’s not safe for you.”

“Yeah well, your kind should have thought of that before you drove us into the second dark age.”

“That was for your safety too. It wasn’t just about our freedom, you humans have a way of destroying yourselves and everything around you, my ancestors were trying to protect what was left.”

“Then it should be perfectly fine now...” you goad him.

“Stay away from the edge of the forest,” He instructs. “And don’t climb any trees.”

“How did you...” You stop for a second stunned by his knowledge of your little secret.

“Please, just trust me.” Taehyung gives not further explanation, he only stares back at you with a distinct look of sincerity.

You wish you could question him more but you have to leave, or some of the other foragers might come to your cabin to find you.

...

You return that evening to find Taehyung wide eyed with worry. He smiles brightly at you but the stress and confinement has clearly left him agitated.

“Okay talk, you clearly know more than you let on.”

“I’m not sure what...”

“Don’t climb any trees?” You throw your cloak down on the chair beside you in frustration. You thought all day about the possibilities and the questions you need to ask of him, wasting no time before grilling him with your inquiries, “How do you know that I do that when no one else in this village does. Why are you really here?”

“I’ve seen you before,” Taehyung looks down at his feet while he exposes his truth. “When you were climbing. I had never seen a human do that before, you peaked my interest.”

“Really? That was why you came?”

“What can I say? My kind have a weakness for pretty things... and you’re little rebellion drew me in.” He looks back to you again with a side smile. “I wanted to come find you, maybe even take you from this place. Your god does not have your best interest at heart, or at least the type of freedom you desire.”

“What is he?”

“A winged creature the same as myself, a crow hybrid.”

“But today you said I wasn’t safe, what’s changed from all the days before?”

Taehyung takes a deep breath looking hesitant to share the next bit of information with you, “Rumour is that he’s looking for a mate, and has you in mind. I’m not the only one who saw you climbing. You look so very much at home in the trees, I can see why he chose you.”

You are beyond revolted by the thought, bile begins to rise in your throat, a panic sets in as you consider the imposing threat of a god’s affection. You sit down next to Taehyung cowering with you hands on your face, “But he can’t, he can’t take me. He made a pact with my people, he can’t even set foot in the forest unless we give permission.”

“No he can’t,” Taehyung removes your grip from yourself, and takes your chin in his own hands to ensure that you are focused on him, that you take in every word as cautionary advice. “Not unless you leave the forest with him, for your sake don’t leave my side. No matter what happens, no matter what tricks he plays or what he might do to persuade you, don’t leave with anyone else but me. If you step outside with him willingly you become his property. If that happens I can’t save you.”

“You were hurt before, do you really think we can leave if he is determined?”

“I do, I was caught off guard when he attacked. Let’s just say I have friends in high places who will prevent that from happening again.”

...

The weeks that follow are by no means unpleasant. Although the hybrid was arrogant at first he soon comes down to your level. While you tell him of your life here and your true name, he returns the favour of your honestly with tales of flight and what it feels like to soar through the sky.

You had no idea what to expect living with him, there some habits that of his you enjoy, and others that can be a little... frustrating. You once spent half an hour looking for your cloak only to find that Taehyung had stolen it to add to his bed. He apologized saying that it is a trait of his kind. Little things of yours still go missing though, most are found in the same place, wrapped within the nest of blankets that he has created on the couch, but there must be a half dozen objects which you’ve never managed to track down again. As an apology for taking your belongings he leaves feathers on your pillow. A smile crosses your face each time as you add them to the collection on your bedside table. This soft ink-black bouquet has become the focal point of your room, one from which you cannot draw your eyes away, a lure that leads your thoughts back to Taehyung even after you leave him for the night.

To your delight his wing is healing rapidly, everyday you feel one step closer to freedom. He couldn’t have come at a better time with the pressures from your village. They have been telling you that it’s time to settle down, to stop living with your head in the clouds, and start thinking about the future of this little town and how you can contribute. But every time they bring up the possibility of a match your mind drifts to Taehyung.

You haven’t even escaped with him yet but when you’re with him you feel unrestrained. How he rather observe your actions and listen to your thoughts rather than criticize them like those in your village. He is the only one to have ever give you a choice in what you wanted, and now because of that you find yourself longing for him.

...

“You shouldn’t go out there today Little Dove,”

“I won’t go near the edge of the forest.”

“No it’s not just that. There’s a storm coming.” You notice the slight shiver to his skin as he says those words. The feathers of his wings ruffle and puff out, he looks as if his instinct is telling him to flee.

You begin to worry but not for the same reasons, a winter storm this early could be devastating to the food collection.

“I have to, if there’s is a storm on the way we need to gather everything we can before it’s covered in snow. I’ll keep an eye out and come back before it hits.”

You know that Taehyung would want you to stay close but in all good conscience you can’t. Instead you push yourself even further into the depths of the forest, separating from the rest of the party. You reach areas to forage that you usually don’t use until later in the season. With winter on it’s the way sooner than expected you can’t afford to miss this opportunity to gather all you can.

It was a stupid thing to do you realize on your trek back, you’re not even a quarter of the way home when the freezing rain begins to pelt your cloak. Your hands grow painfully numb from the cold lashing against your skin. An hour later and you are still haven’t returned, your clothes are thoroughly soaked with parts of the cloth freezing in the frigid air.

The day goes from bad to worse when the snow starts, obscuring your vision as it falls from the sky. You can only pray that you are heading in the right direction, as your feet move forward. The world completely awash by the flurry around you.

Your progress slows as you step into the drifts. The icy chill penetrates deep into your legs, leaving you barely able to move, and your mind unwilling to focus on anything other than the warmth you crave. Your sight grows fuzzy, leaving you to question it as you catch glimpses of what you desire, black feathers, littering the ground and the path in front of you. You look to the sky but are only meet with the blanket of white that continues to fall. You can’t be sure if you are just seeing things, that maybe your mind has created a delusion of hope to lead you on. But you follow the trail of feathers regardless, wanting so badly to be embraced by the warm wings you know so well.

Between the gusts of wind you can almost here whispers of the name he has given you, ‘Little Dove.’ You follow the soft voice in a trance desperate to leave this frozen place by any means necessary.

It’s not until you hear shouting behind you that you are shaken from your daze.

“No Little Dove, that’s the wrong way!” Taehyung's voice and arm close in around you blocking out everything else. He shrouds you with a cloak which he too hides beneath. His wings forming a large mound of a back but still hidden from view.

He picks you up and turns back in the direction from which he came. Trudging through the snow drifts that had made you stumble.

Once you reach the cabin he pulls off your cloak and sets you in front of the glowing fire in your bedroom. Proceeding to layer it with log after log until it’s as tall as the stove will allow. Every candle and lamp in the room is lit by his hand. The warmth is slow to hit while your clothes are still frozen. Pulling a blanket from your bed you strip beneath leaving your undergarments on wrapped beneath the heavy fibres.

Taehyung to begins to undress too although modesty does not seem to be a concern of his. Exposing everything to the air except what lies beneath his underwear. He takes a seat next to you on the floor in front of the fire. “You promised you would be back in time. What were you thinking? He almost had you.”

“I lost track of time, when the storm set in I couldn’t see.” Your teeth chatter as you try to absorb the heat.

“You’re lucky I came to find you.”

Taehyung stretches out his wings behind you shaking them slightly to dislodge the moisture that seeped in through his cloak.

You turn to face one of the wings letting your arm reach up from beneath the blanket. Your fingers brush through his damp feathers, grooming them back into place. There’s a low vibration at the back of his throat as his eyes close.

“Why did you? You’re almost healed you could probably manage flight on your own. It would be easier for you to escape that way.” You pause with your fingers buried deep in down coat of his wing as you look up to his content face.

“Please don’t stop,” he begs looking down to place his hand on yours, urging you to keep going. “I told you I came to find you, I gave you my word. Do you think that I wish to lose you to someone else? Or that I would leave you to escape out there alone?”

Taehyung takes a deep breath causing his wings to shudder beneath your touch, “Little Dove, I’m sorry I should have told you sooner but the freedom which you were looking for, it does not exist for humans. Not outside of these confined spaces. Those who are found unaccompanied are either killed or taken to maintain control. I question taking you out there without you knowing that it truly is safer in here. I would rather rip these wings off than expose you to those who reside out there. I wish I could live with you in this cage forever, with you and you alone.”

It’s as the village has always told you, but even now knowing the definite truth you still find yourself wishing to leave, “Please keep your promise, I don’t care about the consequences anymore I just need to leave this forest.”

“I won’t break it. I just need to make you aware of what you might see out there. It’s a life of basic instinct, one that you won’t be able to survive alone. If you want to exist in safety you’ll be forced to stay by my side. Do you really think you can handle that Little Dove?” His deep voice echoes through you as his hands trail your back. “What would your people say if they saw you with a beast like me?”

“I don’t care. They are set in their ways with their feet rooted to the ground, they are part of this cage. I’ve never wanted to leave as much as I do now, I want to leave here with you, I want to stay with you.”

Your hand moves from his wing to touch his cheek, when you hesitate an inch from his face he leans in to meet your grasp. His lips graze the skin of your palm as he looks at you through narrowed eyes. It’s as if your touch has woken a demon inside of him, one who demands your surrender, which you are only too glad to give. He rips the blanket from your shoulders and crashes into your chest. His mouth finds yours and wastes no time before claiming the warmth behind your lips.

Taehyung rises up tugging you off the floor and into his arms, completely encasing you with the walls his wings as you stand against him. Feeling his feathers caress the bareness of your back as you are pressed to his chest sends shivers through you. His mouth nips at your neck with sharp bites. Your feel like the pain should bother you but you find yourself wanting more, more of him, more of this.

You are tired of this enclosure that you live in. How everyone considers the fact that they are being watched, causing them to act too good, too pure, and never giving into what they truly desire. Is it so bad to want feel everything at the hands of the man currently holding you?

“I long for the day where I can leave with you, and tell everyone that you’re mine. I want to show them how I can make you feel.” His hand trails to your chest, reaching behind to unlatch you bra, “The blush rising to your skin,” His hands continue downwards falling next under the band of your underwear pushing them down until they fall to the floor, “the dampness between your legs,” You fold into him as his fingers touch the arousal to which he was just referring, “The look on your face as I take you. Would you like that? To show your god that you belong to me?”

You smile at the thought, your little rebellion becoming far more than climbing trees, “More than anything.”

Taehyung growls with pleasure. “Little Dove.” He turns you around and guides his shaft inside you from behind as your legs wobble on the floor. His hand reaches down to rub the swollen numb at your crest. He stays like that for a moment, no movement no thrusting, just letting you get used to the girth between your legs. Your body begins to overheat, desperate with a wish for him to continue.

“Do you truly want to show him how I fuck you, how you enjoy taking my cock?”

“Yes.” You whisper back only able to answer with a single word while the rest of you voice is lost in a moan.

“As you wish.” Taehyung unfurls his wings and pins you against the large window of your room. A loud cry leaves you from the shock of the cool glass pressing against you. “If he’s watching, let’s give him a show,” He growls in your ear.

The exposure is overwhelming, the window pane is freezing against your sensitive chest, the thought that someone might see you is terrifying, but at the same time you can feel the arousal drip down your thighs as he shoves you against the glass with each thrust. His hands come to find yours against the window and cling to them. While your breath leaves a wave of condensation against the pane.

“Is this okay Little Dove? Do you like how I have you splayed out for all to see?” You nod giving him a whimper as he thrusts once again. “It’s such a pretty sight.” Taehyung whispers into your ear and proceeds to nip at your lobe.

He pulls out and flips you around forcing your back against the glass. Taehyung wraps your arms around his neck before taking one your thighs in each hand. He lifts you up and glides back in. “Fuck Little Dove, if I had known you would be this soft and warm I would have come to you sooner.”

His pace is relentless as he continues to swell inside you. Pressing even further against you, he helps you to lock your legs around his back. After the coolness of the glass, feeling the warmth of his chest against yours is so soothing that the tightness inside you starts to unravel. You clench down causing him to gasp and swear as you come on his cock. You quake in his arms unable to hang on as the pleasure runs through you.

“Tae-Taehyung...” You shudder in his hands your head drooping to your arm on the crook of his neck.

“That’s it, sing for me Little Dove.” He forces your head back and snaps down on your neck with his teeth. As you unleash another moan for him, you can feel his warmth spill inside you. He remains within while his lips begin to stroke across your skin, giving a soft caress to the area he just assaulted with his teeth. The rise and fall of his chest slows and matches yours as you both catch your breath.

He lowers you both down to the floor on the discarded blanket in front of the window with you resting on top of him. You make an attempt to reach for a cloth to clean up the cum seeping from you, when Taehyung stops you by folding over his wings to entrap you against him.

“No you don’t, you’re staying right here.”

You blush as you try to explain the reasoning behind your actions, “I’m going to drip all over you...”

“Good,” He reaches around your back, arching himself forward to lay his fingers against your swollen folds. “Why would I want to waste this?” You twitch as the tips run along you slit. “You are mine Little Dove and this proves it.” His index slides inside, drawing a whine from the sensation and twitch at his touch. His other arm wraps around your waist keeping you locked against him as he adds another finger to the first. You continue to writhe against him but he does not relent.

Your hands grip his chest as you find yourself chasing that release once again. Taehyung smiles down at you as you give into him for a second time. His wings draw even closer teasing your back with light touches as his fingers become more ruthless. Your walls close in and throb around his digits as the orgasm tears through you.

When his fingers pull out you are left with a breathless sigh. He draws his damp tips across your ass and lower back, as his mutters down to you with a smirk. “If you try to clean up again, I promise to paint you with even more of your cum and my own, is that understood?”

You relax against him nodding with a grin, you look to the cloth and consider rebelling for a third time before you fall asleep.

...

The next morning you wake still cocooned in Taehyung’s wings. The warmth of the sun absorbed in his feather is makes it a cozy spot. You poke your head out to look through the window, finding the forest bright with the light reflecting off the fresh snow and ice layered on the bark.

But as you look further up in the trees you still, unable to believe the sight. Resting on a branch you find a creature with an enormous black wings, a reach even farther than Taehyung’s mounted behind a pair of broad shoulders. The face peering down could easily be that of god, even if it is not truly divine.

In a panic you shake Taehyung while keeping your eyes on the beast, “Taehyung wake up.”

“Mmm, but you’re so warm Little Dove.”

“H-he’s out there...”

Taehyung shoots up to glance out the window, a look of disdain rooting into his expression as glares up. “Time’s up, we have to go,” He mutters pressing the blanket on to you for cover as you both get up.

“How is he even in the forest? He has no right.”

“You’re laws have holes, he has not set foot on the forest grounds, he has broken no rules by being there. This is why I asked you not to climb the trees.”

You closed the curtains and throw on your nearest outfit, before asking the most important question. “Are you healed enough to fly?”

“I can get you out of here, I can get you to safety, I promise. We have to get to the edge of the forest though, I need more room though can’t take off and fly with you through the trees they’re too narrow.”

You quickly pack small satchel with a few essentials. Your eyes linger on the stray feathers on your table before packing those too. They’ve become so valuable to you, you can’t bear the the thought of leaving them behind.

You both rush out the back door running through the trees heading south to the nearest break in the woods. A shadow looming overhead as you run.

Taehyung stops and looks up as your pursuer does the same, “Keep going I’ll take care of him, wait for me near the edge.”

“Taehyung...” You begin argue back.

“I’ll be fine, just remember what I said.”

Before you can give him another word he runs back towards the god, taking to the trees with one swift leap.

The snow is still deep and uneven in parts slowing your exit, so when the break in the forest appears in front of you, you feel a deep relief. Your freedom is almost here you are so close to touching it. You thought that your wait might be over as a set of black wings lower in front of you, but they are not Taehyung's, nor do they belong to the god who peered down at you from the trees.

The winged man offers you a hand, he puts on a friendly face with a bright smile. “You need to come with me.”

You back away knowing what will happen if you do.

Sensing your fear he urges your hand to come to his once again, “I know Taehyung, I’ll bring him to you once your safe.”

He may know Taehyung’s name but you still can’t trust him, “I’m not leaving with you, I know how your games work.”

“Oh Little Dove, you have no idea...” A wicked smile appears on his face, as he witnesses the rise in confusion with the use of your nickname.

Taehyung comes up from behind pulling you into his arms. “Nice try Hoseok, did you make a deal with Seokjin to distract me?”

“It was worth a shot.” Hoseok’s face falls to bitterness as he looks to the man holding you.

Taehyung looks ready to pounce upon this hybrid too, but Just as Taehyung fell on the day that you meet him another pair of wings darts down from this sky. Although this decent appears to be more calculated, taking down the beast called Hoseok.

“Yoongi...” Taehyung calls out stepping forward to help him.

“Go! I’ve got him.” The hybrid shouts pinning the other beneath him.

Taehyung turns to you, “If you want to leave with me, we have to go now.”

He holds out his long slender fingers, to take yours. You hesitate but follow through, knowing that you would give anything to escape the wooden cage behind you.

The second your hand touches his and you step over the line he swoops you up into his arms. Seeing the full span of his wings takes your breath away. He holds you close as he lifts from the ground, the smile on your face grows as you reach the unobstructed blue sky, leaving the forest behind. But your joy is short lived for you don’t even travel out of view of the forest before his pace slows.

“Your wing, is it okay?”

“Of course Little Dove,” you turn your head away from the sky to the direction in which you are heading, finding a house built high on the branches of a tree. He sets you down on the balcony of the wooden house and presses you inside with a soft kiss to you check. “Welcome home...”

You look around you surroundings and notice a few of your missing belongings scattered about, from clothes, to jewellery that had been passed down to you, as well as one of your favourite books. You take one of your shirts in hand as you question him, “What do you mean home? Why are we still so close...” Your heart stops as his smile grows. “No, you said you’d keep me safe...”

“My nest is safe, where it always has been, and always will be watching over the forest.”

The god you’ve always hated... the one you’ve always tried to rebel against... the one who was looking for a mate. Stands in front of you with a look of victory etched into his face.

“You didn’t belong in there, your more like my kind than human. I could see it in your eyes, how you craved the open sky. I knew from the first time I saw you in that tree you would make the perfect addition to our nest, how pretty you would look woven into our midst.”

“Our midst?”

The three hybrids you had just seen in the woods descend upon the house... accompanied by three more. As they enter you back yourself into a corner, trying to keep your eyes on every face, every winged enemy that stands in front of you. Not just one god, but seven.

Taehyung follows you making sure not leaving your side, “My brothers and I, just like the crows we descend from we stay together. When we found you we made a deal, whoever took you from the forest by their hand, whoever could convince you to leave would take control of the flock..and you. I was given the first attempt.”

“Your injury, the fighting between you, it was all fake. You tricked me?”

“Oh the injury was real, Jungkook was not happy that he would have to wait. As I said we are beasts, he tried to stop me from meeting you. Just as my other brothers fought me to take their chance and leave with you.

“Last night, in the storm?”

“Jimin,” Taehyung glares over to the shortest male who looks to you with a smirk, “Wanted to see if he could tempt you before I could.”

“You should have continued to follow my voice Little Dove, you were so close. I would have kept you warm.” Jimin coos.

You stunned to silence you look down to the shirt in your hands, gripping in until your knuckles turn white, fear and anger coursing through you. Taehyung follows you sight, “Forgive me, I traded those things to keep my brothers complacent, to buy more time with you. They were so happy when you accepted their feathers in return, they’ll be even happier to know that you kept them with you.”

You immediately drop the bag that they are contained in, overwhelmed with the feeling that you might be sick.The tallest brother reaches out to you with concern on his face, but the thought of him touching leads you to pull back and him to fall away.

“Don’t worry Little Dove, Namjoon won’t hurt you, none of them will. They’ve dreamt of you just as much as I. They were so thankful for the display you gave last night they could wait no longer to have you too.” Taehyung takes your upper arm and tugs you towards him placing his lips on your neck in a soft kiss.

“Taehyung please, stop. I can’t... I don’t want this.” You beg in tears, trying to pull away.

He holds firm and brushing the dampness from your face, “Nothing has changed between us, I can still give you the sky. I didn’t want to frighten you, can you honestly say that you would have given me a chance if you had known the truth?”

“No, and I still wouldn’t!” You curse your stupidity, letting your desire for freedom blind you from the truth. You leapt from your cage, and landed straight into their nest. A nest high in a tree with no low branches for escape.

“You left off your own accord, you took my hand willingly. Resist if you wish, if it will make you content.” Taehyung smiles in no way dissuaded but your tone, he turns to hold you from behind allowing his brothers to look upon you while he traps you with an arm around you waist. A low whisper from him reaches your ear and seize your soul, “But you should know by now, you can’t climb away Little Dove, every rebellion only brings you closer to me.”

#bts smut #taehyung smut #taehyung x reader #yandere bts #bts hybrid au #seokjin x reader #yoongi x reader #namjoon x reader #hoseok x reader #jimin x reader #jungkook x reader #bts x reader #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #v x reader #bts reader insert #bts thriller au #bts hybrid #bts beastly gods

9K notes · View notes

heartbreakgrill · 5 years ago

Text

Circles; Harry Styles

a/n: welcome to a new mini-series! Probably wont be more than 3 parts, but we’ll see! I watched This is Us and got major inspiration. Enjoy!

description: in which your visit the bakery you frequented as a child and run into an old face to stir up forgotten flirtations.

It was a bitterly cold day in Holmes Chapel, the wind whipping wildly across the fields and through the small town streets. You were dressed for the weather, peacoat collar flicked upwards to protect your neck from the chill. Sure, you probably looked like a psychopath with your eyes and part of your forehead the only bits of skin visible to any passerby. But, you didn’t care.

You were used to the cold weather, having just flown home from London, where it was already pouring buckets of freezing rain. At least here the air was dry. However normalized cold weather was, however, your body was obviously still affected thanks to being a warm-blooded mammal with thin layers of skin, easily frost bitten and frozen.

You licked your lips, having gone chapped from the chill, as you turned a street corner. Up ahead was your favorite bakery, one you frequented a lot before you moved to London for university. It had been two years since youd been home, having left as soon as you graduated secondary school. Of course, a certain someone had worked there whenever it began to be your favorite place, but after he left, it was simply because of the sweet elderly women and the delicious treats.

Now, you were back in town for two weeks, on winter break, before heading over to New York to visit a friend from university. You had been aching for a chocolate chip muffin from your favorite bakers for nearly two years now. When you walked in, the smell of the baked goods made your knees weak. A grin indented your face as you began to take off your scarf, earmuffs, hat, and mittens.

Sharon, the loveliest of them all, spotted you from her spot behind the counter, where she was counting cash. “Oh, my Lord! [Y/N]?!”

You stuffed your things into either pocket of your coat, feeling the warmth of the store when the door shut softly. “Hiya!” You waved as you stepped towards the glass displays.

“Laurie! Sue! [Y/N]’s here!” She rounded the counter, arms open for you. She was much shorter than you, so you bent at the waist slightly to hug her shoulders. It was the same routine with Laurie and Sue. They gushed over you, your hair, you smile, your height!

“You look so grown! So old! My heart!” Sue twirled a lock of your hair around her fingers, eyeing the color. “Did you dye it?”

“No, Sue, dont worry,” you sat at your table, in the back by the window. “It’s just damp because I got a shower this morning.”

“Oh,” Sue nodded firmly.

They took seats around you, ready to question you all about your life for the past two years. Laurie began with, “How’s uni?”

You smiled, reminiscing the good times youd made in London, “So wonderful. I absolutely love the city. Its busy and it rains a lot, but I love it.”

“Have you made any friends?” Sharon held lightly to your hand, her wrinkled skin soft and warm against your frozen fingers. “I know you expressed your concern with that whenever you left us.”

“Yeah, actually,” you squeezed, “I’m here for two weeks then heading over to New York to visit her. She was my roommate my first year, and now were renting an apartment together.”

“Oh, lovely,” Sue commented.

This continued for a few minutes, the questions and answers rolling back and forth between the four of you like waves. That was until a loud beep and holler came from the kitchen area. Sue stood quickly, muttering someone’s name and shuffling back to the kitchen.

“You hire somebody else?” It was your turn to ask, giggling lightly at her silly run.

Laurie shook her head, “No, love, it’s Harry.”

You blushed deeply, the name like a trigger to set off leftover butterflies from pubsecent you. “What?”

Sharon flinched, throwing her hands up, “Oh! Of course! We forgot to tell you!”

Laurie sighed, “Oh, yes! Harry’s here, love! He has a break from tour and he decided to visit us! Imagine, us being prioritized by a superstar!”

Sharon set a hand over her heart, smiling so sweetly, you wondered if the baked goods were seasoned with sugar or her love. “Whatta sweetheart.”

Your hands became clammy, and you removed them from the table to run them down your jeans. Laurie stood, noticing you running your hands through your hair and over your face. “Pretty,” she winked before moving to the counter, “How’s a vanilla hot cocoa and muffin sound, love?”

“G-good,” you choked, eyes flickering between her, Sharon, and the door that led to the kitchen.

Sue’s voice came into the room, louder as she came into view. “I’m sure you two would like to get acquainted again. Consider it a ten minute break like how you used to! When you’d insist I let you go when she came in. Aw!”

She grinned over at you, your eyes moving from hers to- Harry. Taller, handsome, older, curlier hair that was more controlled than it used to be. His face noticeably flushed, pupils dilated from the light- you- and his lips quirked open. You grinned, facial features experiencing the same flirts.

You stood from your chair, feeling the girl’s eyes on you although they tried to make themselves look busy. He took a few steps towards you, fingers raking through his dark brown curls.

“Wow,” he breathed, eyes widening once he realized he voiced his thoughts. “I mean, uh, hi?”

“Hey,” you chomped onto your bottom lip, withholding giggles at his maneurisms. Your hands stretched out in front of you, unsure of whether you should hug him or shake hands. You waved, “How are you?”

“I’m...okay,” he hesitated, and as your eyes let themselves flicker over his face, you noticed the bags under his eyes. “You?”

“Yeah, okay, um,” you stepped to the side and gestured to your table, “wanna sit? Catch up?”

“Sure, yeah, apparently I have a break, so,” Harry tugged his apron over his neck and balled it up. He sat down across from you as Laurie placed your muffin and drink down in front of you.

You shakily grabbed the fork, nervous under his watch, “So, how’s the superstar life?”

He chuckled, “Oh! Can’t I just be Harry for a day.”

You knew his joke held underlying meaning, so you shrugged and chided, “I never said I was a fan. Just curious as to how it’s going.”

“So, you’re not a fan?” Harry propped an elbow on the table and cradled his chin in it.

You swallowed bits of the muffin, “I dont listen often. I know your singles, of course, and that one- uh, what’s it called, ‘Same Mistakes.” Gotta admit I cried over a boy to that song once.”

“Ah, so there’s boys in your life?” Harry quirked a brow.

You blushed lightly, taking a chance as you held eye contact, “Not presently, no. But, over the past few years, yes, Ive seen a few lads.”

“Are London boys better than what we’ve got to offer?” He continued.

“Nah, I prefer homegrown boys,” you giggled before asking, “Are there any girls chasing after your heart?”

“Oh, millions,” he urged a laugh from you. “But, like you said, I’m single as of right now.”

You sipped some of your cocoa, face scrunching when your tongue faced the immense heat, “Ah. Uh, sorry-“

Harry giggled at the expression on your face, causing you to grin in return. He bit his lip and leaned back in his chair, “How long are you in town for?”

“Two weeks, you?”

“The same.”

“Nice,” you nodded. “So, since we both have a lot of time on our hands, do you maybe wanna-?”

“Lunch tomorrow? We always such a blossoming friendship within these walls, but never really saw each other outside of ‘em. I never liked it,” Harry admitted.

You pursed your lips, thinking back to your high school years, “Well, you were pretty popular, Harry. The cute, curly-headed boy who could sing, had nice teeth, and baked? Gosh, you were like the boy who killed girls.”

He chortled at the reference, “Cute, huh? You were pretty popular. Straight-A’s, sickly sweet, a gorgeous smile even with your braces and awfully done eyeliner.”

“Harry Styles, are you backhandedly flirting with me?” You pressed a hand to your chest in mock shock, “Just because youre famous doesnt mean your suddenly able to walk all over me!”

“I’m just glad youre finally able to call out my flirting.” He glanced at the watch on his wrist and noticed his ten-minutes were up. Of course, he could have stayed, but where’s the drama in that? “Ill swing by at noon to get you. See ya.”

Your mouth fell open in genuine shock as he turned into the kitchen. “Finally able...? What?”

“Shut your mouth, you’ll catch flies,” Sharon slid into the seat across from you.

Laurie stood behind her, “Two years, sweetie, two years of relentless flirting and neither of you ever made a move.”

“If something doesnt happen within the next two weeks, I might just drop dead from exhaustion, love,” Sue admitted, swinging a dish towel over her shoulder.

“Well, I guess I better get home and find an outfit.”

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles x you #harry styles x y/n #harry styles blurb #harry styles imagine #harry styles fanfiction #this is us #harry 1d #one direction #one direction imagines #harry styles fluff

175 notes · View notes

haelieana · 4 years ago

Text

TL : Leah

PR : Xeven_

Chapter 2

"Oh my, Luen, this is......"

"You have nice skin, so I enjoyed doing your makeup and the dress looks good on you. The Duke will surely fall in love again."

"The rumor has spread to the lady's on society that the Duke adores you. I envy you."

I don't know if I'm in a good mood, or if you want to make me feel good. Whoosh, I smiled. On the other hand, I was in tears because I couldn't control my facial expression.

As they were in a fuss, I couldn't understand how the Duke treated me like gold or jade, or like I was going to fly when the wind blew.

Pr: She means that the Duke saw her to be a person that should be treated delicately since weak things (like paper) get caught easily on the wind.

"God blessed us, the weather is wonderful today."

The scent of flowers was applied to my body. Thanks to the maid's deft make-up and my figure in a smooth silk dress wrapped around my body were distinctly different from usual. One maid turned her head up for the last time.

"Luen, we're going to leave now."

"You're going to be busy all day today, so take a break."

"If you need anything, feel free to call us."

When the girls, who chatted and filled the empty air, went out, the room became quieter. Like my complicated inner self.

I could have made a fuss looking at myself in the mirror, but I got depressed thinking about the future.

Sfx : *knock 2×*

-I know it's an excuse, but I haven't been able to hold back my curiosity.

He came in like he was waiting for me to be left alone. When I said ‘come’ in a weak voice, the door opened. I wasn't willing to get close to a man I wish I had just watched from afar.

"I’m blessed by the most beautiful bride in the world."

Yes, today was my wedding day. I want to flee to save my life, and I'm also about to be dragged to the wedding hall by the Duke of Piar.

'Oh my life, what can I do?'

In addition, I am now in a situation where I can live for a few years. Just in case he leads a rebellion.

Flop

Something fell off with a small noise. When I turned my head looking out of the window, there was a bouquet of flowers that were white at his feet. I rolled my eyes and walked to the Duke. It was a hideous white color.

"It's the same as usual, but you're even more beautiful today. It was because of you that the daffodils in the garden bowed their heads."

It was dazzling to wear a tailcoat with dizzyingly long, well-drawn legs. As the smile fell on his normally blunt impression, it became as soft as cotton candy that would melt when touched. Looking at the groom who is more handsome than anyone else in the world, I recalled the moment when he asked to marry me.

What the hell happened then.

**********

"You don't have to call the doctors to check....."

I trembled and managed to bring it up. There might still be a chance to escape. Even if it was not a hundred percent, I wanted to see if there was a little possibility.

Even now, I tried to call a doctor to prove that I was a false pregnancy. His attitude was unusual, I need to be kicked out of the dukes faster.

"Hmm? What are you talking about?"

Just as I was out of the Duke's arms, his sweet voice came as if honey were dripping.

"Confirmation. I don't give you that much faith."

"No, I didn't mean it"

"I can't doubt the fruits of our love, my Luen."

It was frustrating for me to see such a cold-headed, calculating man who made a name for himself like a clumsy insipid.

"There's no way you're lying to me."

Seeing him smiling with a harmless face with the theme of the dark duke made my stomach ache. Why would the bad guy feel guilty about me?

He leads the soldiers to the palace without hesitation and faces Yeoju.

-Don't do this. What's wrong with you all of a sudden?

-I'll take you.....

In the end, he wishes for the queen's happiness and chooses to give up on herself. She can't even tell him how she felt. The Duke was captured alive as it was.

'I'm sorry but I want to live.'

I had to stay away from the duke to do that. If I'll Stay with the duke, I'll die with him.

While I was mesmerized for a moment and got my act together, he began to make a formidable statement.

"I'm sorry about what happened. I was going to tell you after a little more preparation."

After letting me go, the Duke stepped back a few steps and seriously looked up at one knee.

Don't tell me.....?

"Luen."

His eyes were somehow moist. It was somehow strange to see water added to the face that exuded sexiness.

But I can't. No! No matter how handsome you are, this isn't right.

"I've been dreaming of this moment since the day I first saw you."

The Duke took a small box out of his arms, perhaps carrying it all the time to carry it. Inside the softly opened box, was a brilliant shining ring.

My heart sank. That sparkle is never for me.

Why are you here if it's me? What are they thinking about doing this to me, not the original Yeoju?

I wondered if the ridiculous situation would continue.

"Luen."

As close as I stepped back, the Duke came. And as soon as my name came out between his lips, all thoughts disappeared. I couldn't even wriggle as if my limbs were tied to what I couldn't see.

I felt strange for some reason. His eyes were so sweet that I felt possessed. I had to get my act together, but I was constantly persuaded by what he said.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Would you please accept my proposal?"

He held out the ring to me. I saw it closely and it was a ring that I knew. A large diamond shone even more through delicate work. In the original novel, the ring was prepared by the Duke of Piar to present with a desperate confession to Yeoju.

"Ha, haha"

I mean, smiling with a weird face.

There was nothing I could do. Every minute and second went too slowly and the confrontation continued.

'Shall I die now, or live a little longer?'

That is the problem.

I tried my best, but there was no answer. I was brought to this world without knowing the subject, so I thought I would adjust to it, but I can't walk on the flowery path, but I can't believe it's a Death Flag. I felt sorry for my situation, so I shed tears without realizing it.

"Luen."

The Duke came darting up and watched me. The maids say it's necrophilia.

I don't know why you keep hugging me when you give me away.

"Are you that thrilled? Don't shed tears."

"........."

"When you cry, I want to cry even more. So smile."

Soon, an eerie word and a ring were pushed in front of me at the same time. I tried to ignore it, but the pressure was getting stronger little by little. Somehow, it felt like a prey standing in front of a snake flicking its tongue just before it hit its prey.

'Let's move on from this moment on.'

Reluctantly, I reached out slowly and accepted the ring. The Duke quickly faced me in a gentle manner. He grinned as hard as he could, saying I was more beautiful than flowers.

'Things finer than flowers are peacocks.'

The game was over because he was caught up in it.

********

"Father, Shall we start?"

I didn't expect the Duke of Piar to make a sick face. He blinked slowly, perhaps because he felt my stare.

"It's something I've been dreaming about. Please excuse me."

Now there was no energy to refute or think what the hell was wrong with him. I gently placed my hand on the Duke's arm. We'll head to the ceremony. If you hold a ceremony in front of many people, you won't be able to skip it. But it wasn't without a way.

I tried to sigh, but suddenly I felt so quiet that I couldn't even hear the sound of breathing. As I looked up, the Duke of Piar's expression was unusual.

'Did you notice the idea of getting divorced and running away?'

I read other people's thoughts so well that I thought I might be a mind reader, I quickly noticed. His hands flinched to come up suddenly and closed his eyes.

".... My bride"

There was a strangely hot heat in his voice. Likewise, the heat from his hand to me. I was standing breathless because of the sudden act of sweeping my hair behind my ears.

"Wha, what."

A long, straight finger touched my ear. His fingertips kept hovering around my ears and it tickled. I couldn't help but open my body slightly and heard a small laugh above my head. It was clearly a different breath from a while ago.

My heart went up and thumped. What if this tension reaches him? I almost drooled and fell over.

"Are you nervous?"

Without hesitation, he came in nodding his head again. My nose was on his chest, which filled my vision. I also wanted to feel his trembling. He took a breath as I clung to him.

Having been holding me for a long time, he kissed me on the top of the head and said.

"Thank you so much for coming to me. I want to raise our children better than anyone else."

Oh, that's not it! But the protest only lingered in me.

Compelled again to look at my stomach, I picked up a word and spat it out.

"It's a lovely day, isn't it?"

"Even heaven rejoices in our union. Shall we go now?"

I was relieved by the duke who accepted my words without much doubt. I put my hand on his arm again.

"Ah!"

He grabbed my careless hand.

"It's against etiquette, but I want to go hand in hand. Will you allow me?"

His hand, one bigger than mine, wraps around mine. The end of my glove didn't come out in the air as if it wasn't to be seen in the world. My heart trembled strangely.

"Yes, it's okay."

I followed him with heavy steps to keep pace. It was also a sign that my relationship with him began in earnest.

*********

"The virtues of the couple cannot be overemphasized......"

Does everyone talk longer when they stand there? A yawn threatened to come out during the sagging officiant's speech, but I held it in. The high heels made my ankle sore and my head felt heavy because of the jeweled veil, but I couldn't show.

"I, Christian Noah, have a good day ahead of me. Lu........"

The person who keeps saying the same thing in front of me is the emperor, the lord of the original work and the ruler of the empire. The position is the end goal of the duke’s rebellion.

'That's the way it works!'

Suddenly, I rolled my eyes hard at the brilliant idea. It was a novel and ingenious idea, I think, as if lightning had flared up.

In the original book, Yeoju was a maid of the Imperial Palace. A princess of the fallen Kingdom of Lauren, she sneaked into the palace for revenge. And soon she got acquainted with the Duke of Piar.

Watching her but also wanting to protect her, somehow, the Duke fell in love with her. Eventually, Yeoju falls in love with the emperor.

'Yeoju must be somewhere.'

At this point, Yeoju would be trying to approach the emperor with a sword for revenge. Of course, he would have come here to officiate with Emperor Napsin.

A little earlier than the original, Yeoju. I had to let her meet the Duke of Piar.

'Then he'll fall in love on his own. That's the flow of the original.'

I was planning to live as a duchess and cheer for the love of the duke and the female lead. After that, it was pleasant to think of the day when I left after finishing my false marriage. It became more refreshing as the emperor's officiant seemed to be coming to an end.

"Lastly, let me ask you if there is anyone who opposes the marriage of these two people God has allowed."

Even I, the person involved, don't approve of marriage, but who allowed it?

'I'm against this marriage.'

I was sarcastic inside.

"I'm against this marriage!"

A roaring voice rang out.

4 notes · View notes

rosierocks30 · 4 years ago

Text

Hidden: Ch. 13

Chapter 13: Separation

(Gilbert)

Gilbert was walking out of the ballroom. All night he had danced with noblewomen and important officials to keep himself busy from not looking at Nathaniel and that whore. It just breaks his heart that he had to stand back as the crowd cheered and praised the newly weds. There were some moments where he and his lord. No, his king glanced at him. He could tell Nathaniel was getting jealousy due to him mingling with other people. It does bring him the thrill sensation. Gilly liked getting attention especially from his lover.

Now, watching both royal couples leaving the wedding feast to perform their matrimonial duties. The assistant decided to leave since his mood had been ruined. Gilbert was lost in his thoughts when his petite body bumped into someone else.

“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” He realized how careless he was for not paying attention.

“It’s alright. I should be apologizing for bumping a pretty creature such as yourself.” The figure was tall, he had blonde hair and his eyes were hazel green. Gilbert blushed at the comment from this mysterious stranger.

“I’m curious, why are you alone? Shouldn’t you be enjoying the party?” The same man continued.

“I’m not in the mood to be around many people.” In a way it was true. Gilly didn’t want to be around with people talking about how king and queen look perfect together. It irates him.

“Ah I see. You look sad. Come, we can have a drink or few and you can tell me what’s bothering you.” the tall man said.

“But don’t you want to go to the party rather than spending time with a low status person like me, my lord?” Gilbert said. This nobleman is very kind.

The man laughed. “Oh I’m not a lord or any fancy title person. I’m just a simple man who endorses the king to help keep this island alive with resources.” The blonde man grins. Gilbert notices this man has an unfamiliar accent.

“Sir, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but where are you from? You have a strange but interesting accent.” The petite man felt his face flushed.

“I don’t mind, gorgeous. I’m from a country called Itay, but I moved to America until now. I go wherever my men go.” The Italian man said.

“Your men?” Gilly gave a confusing expression.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Alexander Di Lorenzo, Grandmaster of the Order of Templars.” Alexander grabbed Gilbert’s hand to kiss it.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you. I’m Gilbert Fischer.” He glanced at the taller man.

(Levi)

The assassin rode on his horse racing to the capitol. He needs to get there. Throughout his journey getting to the city, his dreams of Historia crying and pleading to save her.

“Hang on there, Historia...I’m coming.” He mumbled.

As hours passed, Levi had reached his destination. Before entering further to the District Plaza where the military and politically officials buildings were located, the captain tied his horse in a stable where the creature rested to eat and drink to replenish. Levi already had his gear equipment on and let the mental object grip into a building to send him flying towards the palace.

The ODM gear had been upgraded since the battle with his uncle, Kenny Ackerman. The Scouts had started to use the new version of the gears during the Eren Jaeger attack on Marley. Levi was grateful because his gears made less noise while walking. They are still a bit heavy, but not that much before. Instead on both of his hips, they are on his back which it’s more efficient. Thank the Walls for Hange talents in making weapons as her side hobby beside fetishing over Titan science.

He made sure his hood is covering mostly his face so no one will recognize him. The raven haired man climbed on to a building then jumped onto a rooftop. Finally, he spotted the palace. His silvery grey eyes reflected from the moonlight and glared down where each of the entrance was heavily guarded. He gives props for the templars in security measurements.

Levi knows some weak points of the palace. The perks of being the husband of the queen. Quickly, the short man went to one of the weak spots and saw the window. He uses his gear to shoot up and the small crack of the building to lift himself up. Levi leaned closer to see if anyone inside was there. Since there was no sign of anyone, Levi pulled out a small switch dagger knife to unlock the window open then he slid into the palace’s hallway.

He glanced both ways to see anyone coming this way. Once everything was cleared, the male Ackerman quietly walked through the empty halls of the palace. He uses one of his gifts, the Eagle’s Vision. Now, the view is dark with blue and grey mixed. He skim through the walls which show the empty rooms being transparent.

Levi remembered every detail of the palace inside and out. He knows where he was right now. Historia’s room was located on the other side of this palace. He kept walking silently to the stairs. He avoided the unfamiliar guards at every corner of the halls. He saw a big light but there were loud noises. The captain spotted the ballroom was filled with people laughing and dancing having a great fucking fantasic time.

“Tch.” He scoffed in disgust. Nobilities and their fucking parties. In times like this, they will always make an excuse to throw parties while their nation they love so much was on the brink to collapse.

Levi resumed moving forward to find his wife. Ugh, why does this palace have to be huge? It took more than 20 minutes to get to the wing where Historia was at. He can sense her. His titan can smell her sense very near. It was always alluring whenever she’s near him. The assassin used the vision to see a petite figure in the room. It looks like Historia. It’s a good time she’s alone. Hm, what worries him is why was this too easy? Quickly, Levi opened the doors to slide into the room then closed it.

He heard a quiet sobbing noise. How it crushed him listening to the love of his life crying. His grey eyes turned to stared at the figure, Historia, who was on the bed hugging her legs to her chest. She had her face rested on her knees. The more Levi gets closer to her, the more he spotted very disturbing things on her.

Historia was completely naked from head to toes. Her golden hair that smelled sunflowers were dull and disheveled. Her body looked ashy and pale. It’s like the glow that she used to carry within had been sucked out.

“Historia?” He whispered to her.

Historia stopped sobbing and looked up when she heard a familiar voice. “L-levi? I-is that you? Oh Walls, I’m already going crazy hearing you…” Her shiny blue eyes are now lifeless. Levi felt his heart drop from the sight of his queen….his goddess.

“You’re not going crazy, my sunlight. I’m here in the flesh to rescue you.” His tone was soft. He will show his soft side only to her. She’s his sun’s rays. He sat on the edge of the bed to slowly let her absorb from what she saw.

The queen slowly crawled on the bed to get closer to Levi to see if this wasn’t an illusion. She places her shaking hand on his face to feel the familiar soft but roughness from the stumbles of his facial hair on his cheek. Still taking her time, her both hands caressing all over his face. Her heart beating fast the more excitement she realized he was here. He has come to save her. This time Historia cried for another reason. Her love is here and she’s not alone anymore.

“Oh Walls, you are here. I fucking missed you.” Her arms wrapped around him to hold him tightly with her life. Levi holds her tightly as well. Both lovers are reunited since the uprising. How ironic they caused an uprising to place Historia on the throne and yet karma is a bitch.

“Tch. I promise you. I will always be here and save you. I missed you so fucking much too.” He led her to sit her on his lap to hold her in a better position. Gently, he cradles her like a child.

“I-I’m Levi...I’m sorry.. I try to stop it. I try.” She began to mumble while sobbing. Levi can feel his shirt wet from her tears and other fluid but it doesn’t matter how gross it feels because seeing her alive is all that matters.

“Sorry for what? You have nothing to be sorry about.” He said while his hand stroked her hair softly.

“N-no Levi...they...annulled our marriage. The High Priest annulled our marriage because our union was unfit and unholy in the eyes of the Ymir and the three goddesses.” She was trying to explain.

“That’s fine it’s just a stupid paper. We don’t need anyone's blessing or permission. In my eyes, you’re my wife and I love you with every fiber of my being.” He looked into her soft eyes that he adores.

“Would you still? Would you still love me if I was married off and bedded to someone else? I feel I’m not worthy of you anyone. I feel so unclean...it hurts Levi. It still hurts.” She won’t forgive herself for not being strong enough to escape the horror she had endured.

Suddenly, Levi started to understand what she meant. He smelled the copper metallic of her blood along another scent that he despised so much. That Lord pretty boy will regret what he did to his Historia. How fucking dare he harmed her in that way? Oh when he finds him, Levi will gladly carve his body. He can feel the darkside of him when he used to live in the Underground City. The thug Levi wants to come out. He’ll let it come out soon.

“Look at me. I love you no matter what, but you will not say or think these awful words about yourself. You’re worthy as fuck. You are so clean you’re untouchable. You’re so strong. So fucking strong than I am. You use your strength to make sure our son escapes alive. Historia, you’re the most strongest and bravest woman I fell in love with. It hurts me seeing you in pain. I will make a promise that I will keep that cunt alive for you to punish him in any form you want.” He growled low in the thought of what Nathaniel had done to his wife. Fuck, he is now number one on the top list to torture the shit out of people who crossed the line. The second is Zeke. Third, some templars. Once again Eren Jaeger got saved. He does have a weak spot for that brat. No one haven’t heard from him so far.

“Will you? I want his body to be cut into many pieces but leave his head so everyone can watch what’s the consequence of being a traitor.” Her tone gave off a venomous vibe.

“I will do anything that you command. I’m your shield and sword.” Levi nuzzled the top of her head.

“You are more than just that to me. You’re my moonlight. Just like my rays of sun shine on your darkness. You maintain my light by shining my soul.” Her hand caressing his face.

“Have you met him? Our little miracle?” Historia brought up their son.

“I did. He’s perfect because he came from you. Atticus has your eyes.” Still his voice was low.

“I’m glad you got the chance to meet him. I want to go see him, Levi. I missed our boy.” She continues admiring his face.

“We will. Let’s get you out of here. I have to send him along with the Potato girl to babysit him. Levi said while gently having her stand up.

“Where did you send our son?” This made her feel anxious. She didn’t get the chance to hold him enough. It had been killing her for being away too long from Atticus.

“To New York. I need to send him. I won’t risk our child in a danger zone. We’ll be with him. Once we get out of here, I will send you to him. Both of you are going to be safe and I can be at peace knowing my family are far away from this hell.” He doesn’t want the same argument where she was reluctant to go alone.

“I see. But you will come back to us? Right? Come back alive to us?” She pleaded.

“Don’t worry. I will keep that promise.” He said.

Levi uses his cloak to cover Historia completely. He couldn’t find any clothes for her. She had explained Nathaniel punished her for being a disobedient wife and had her naked until he saw fit in giving back her clothing privilege. God damn it, is this guy trying to meet Death? Levi was disgusted at the false king.

He and Historia quietly left the room. They walked through the halls. What was strange? The atmosphere was silent. The palace felt dark and cold. Levi’s instinct told him to run. To get out quickly.

“We need to get out fast.” He told Historia. Both lovers started to run. Just when they were about to turn to the corner, they met an armed full of guards and both figures. One was that pretty boy the other was Grandmaster Di Lorenzo.

“Oh my what do we have here? The star- crossed lovers trying to leave without a greeting.” The grandmaster said with a grin. On the other hand, Nathaniel was angry. His wife was trying to escape with that criminal.

“How dare you filthy peasant to steal my queen. I will send you to your death immediately.” His yells sound like a madman. Luckily, Alexander was there to remind him of the plan.

“Now now, your majesty. It would be displeasing to kill Levi Ackerman. My Order needs him. His bloodline is an essential to our years of work. I promise after we’re done with him; you may do whatever you want.” He uses his authoritative tone at Nathan. Nathaniel may be king but the real power was Alexander as the older man can dethrone him and put someone else in charge.

Of course Nathaniel bit his tongue from trying not to say anything. Levi glared at the other man. “So who the hell are you?” Levi drew his blades, but had Historia behind him to protect her.

“Oh how silly of me, I’m Alexander Di Lorenzo, Grandmaster of the Order of the Templars. I know you very well, Assassin or isn’t it Captain?” He chuckled in toying with Levi.

“Tch. So you’re the main boss of the templars? My old man mentioned about you.” The grey eyed man glared at the templar.

“Ah yes the Mentor of Assassins. William Miles has always been a pest. I see you inherit your family’s obnoxiousness.” Alexander said.

Before Levi was about the charge at both of them, he felt a dart or two aimed on his neck. Historia screamed when she watched the darts land on Levi’s neck. The Humanity’s Strongest fell on the ground. His body became paralyzed. How could he been so stupid? It’s like all his senses have been blocked for him not to notice the danger. HIs eyes glanced at his wife who was screaming his name while being restrained by two guards.

“Have a nice nap, assassin.” The sinister smirk of Alexander was imprinted of Levi’s vision. As darkness took over, the last thing he heard was Historia’s begging and screaming.

“Levi! LEVI!” The sound faded as quietness took over.

(Mikasa)

Both girls had been walking to the destruction of the city of Liberio. The site was worse than what Eren caused back then.

“Which way again is the base?” Mikasa asked. Gabi pointed at the direction.

“It’s this way. We’re almost there.” The little girl said. Gabi had been trying to focus on getting to the military base. Most of her thoughts were about the death of her family. She prayed Reiner is fine and alive. He is her only family.

They had fought few soldiers from the enemy lines. Mikasa worried for the girl. Gabi used her rage to shoot at them. Mikasa aimed at their fatal spots to end their lives in the quickest way. The faster they get through this, the faster they'll reach their destination.

When they both were about to shoot another couple of soldiers, the soldiers shouted their names. “Gabi Braun! We’re not the enemies. We’re your comrades.” Their hands were up.

Mikasa lowered her gun and whispered to the girl. “Gabi, lower your gun they are on your side.”

Finally, Gabi lowered her weapon. She sighs as help has come for her and Mikasa. One of them asked Mikasa.

“Hey, who are you? Are you from Hizuru?” One of them said. Mikasa raised her brow in confusion. Until she remembered where her mother’s clan originally came from.

“No, I’m from the island of Paradis.” She spoke truthfully. The Asian woman awaits for them to shoot her.

“A devilspawn.” This made Gabi growl in anger. “Hey! Knock it off. She’s with me. She’s not the enemy either...not anymore.”

Mikasa nods but still has her hands up to offer peace. “I’m not here to fight or cause trouble. I’m here to help you if your superior allows it. My name is Mikasa Ackerman and-” One of the Marleyans interrupted her.

“Wait? The Mikasa Ackerman? Our Commander gave us orders to escort you safely into our base, Ackerman.” The dark eyed Marleyan said.

“You’re Commander? May I ask who would be your Commander that made this order?” Mikasa was curious because their commander wanted to protect her.

“Reiner Braun, he’s our new commander of the Marleyan army. “ Both Mikasa and Gabi were surprised at this news. They are happy that Reiner was looking for them.

“Reiner? He’s the commander?” Gabi was still processing the news. Who would ever thought her cousin got promoted to the highest ranking in their military? This is shocking for an Eldian to be promoted as such.

Mikasa let a small smile appear on her lips from thinking about Reiner. He was always meant to be a leader. A man with internal struggles trying to do what’s right. It’s difficult to achieve but she believes he can pull it off with the right people supporting him.

(Flashback)

Both Mikasa and Reiner were taking a break from their insatiable rounds of love-making. Mikasa laid her head on his chest comfortably while she felt his arm wrapped around her waist to have her closer to him.

“Who would ever thought we would be together?” Reiner said. His hand gently played with her raven hair.

“Yeah, I’m still surprised that all this time you had a secret crush on me. You didn’t seem like that when we were novices. Didn’t you have a thing for Historia?” The Asian woman glanced at her lover.

Reiner was off guard with that question. “No, I mean kind of…” The blonde haired man felt nervous from giving her his answer. He noticed Mikasa’s expression changed to annoyance. Her jealousy had shown which Reiner found it cute.

“I did also like her, but she hung out with Ymir so much. Most of the guys and I were too scared to approach her. Back then, when she went by Krista; she was every guys’ ideal wife.” He said.

Mikasa scoffed. She had heard enough. Don’t get her wrong. She loves and adores Historia. Their friendship had grown throughout the years. They may have different lives now, but once in a while they spend time together along with Sasha then later Annie joined in even though everyone was wary towards her after she woke up from her slumber.

Something deep inside her felt an insecurity that she’s not good enough to be anyone's ideal girl. Eren definitely never had liked her romantically. Even as plutonic, he always felt annoyed by her. Yes, she can be overprotective and smothering. She does it because she cared about him. Even now she still loves him, but not in a romantic way. Eren will always be her brother. No matter what he says or thinks towards her. She doesn’t regret how she felt towards him in the beginning. At least, she had learned to love someone on an intimate level. This had helped her to be ready to open her heart for someone else like Reiner.

Still, it bothered her that she was too “masculine” for a girl. The guys during their cadet years had ranked the girls in the academy based on looks and other qualities they wanted in a girl. It had pissed her off that the boys judged a girl based on how they should look or act. Guys can be such misogynistic pigs!

Mikasa was hurt when she found out they ranked her last out of all the girls in the academy. Of course, she didn’t let anyone have the satisfaction to see her; it bothers her. She tried to brush it off, but there were times it bothered her that she had broken down into tears. The only guy who saw her more than was Jean Kristein. Whenever he gets the chance to remind her, she’s beautiful too. Mikasa felt this guilt that she couldn’t give him a chance too. Jean was always kind and considered which it’s different how he acts around with everyone especially to Eren.

Since the battle at Trost, Jean slowly becomes more a leader than less of a horseface jerk. Well, the only thing it doesn’t change is between him and Eren. Besides, nobody doesn’t have the time to worry about crushes or wanting to be an ideal towards others. They are soldiers. It’s their job to fight and protect what and or they love and care so they can go back home safe and sound. These shallow thoughts were a luxury at the moment.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Reiner’s arm wrapped around her waist to have her back pressed on to his solid chest. “Mikasa, that was long ago. At that time, I didn’t know my feelings were starting to grow more towards you whenever we got the chance to spar for training. You’re more what you seem.” She could feel his breath on her ear. His lips gently kissing on her neck and shoulder like feathers.

“Hm, either way...I was too focused on Eren and making sure he doesn’t do anything reckless; but I failed. I failed him and his mother. He had gone into a dark and dangerous path yet he is so convinced it’s the only way. I’m sorry Reiner...I’m sorry for not knowing what his intentions were. Now, more deaths are counted.” Her face looked down. She doesn’t know why the attack on Liberio by Eren haad caused her a heavy burden of guilt and shame. Eren should be the one feeling those emotions. But as his sister, she could have stopped him. She watched innocent people getting killed. Bodies piled up. It shook her to the core. This hate was poison to everyone on this side of the world. This is why her generation must make the change for the future. All the deaths won’t die in vain.

“Stop Mikasa. This is not your burden. You didn’t cause the attack. Eren made his choice. You can’t always protect him of his own actions. He’s not that angry kid anymore. Do you hear? It’s not your fault.” He held her tight. Mikasa shifts her body to embrace his hug.

“I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this. This is new to me sharing my burdens to anyone.” She whispered while hugging him back.

“I’m glad you told me. It shows you have trust in me with your pain. Also, they are not bothersome if it causes you pain. I hate how it makes you sad. You have a beautiful smile.” His thumb slowly rubbed on her bottom lip.

Both her heart and stomach fluttered. He makes her feel she matters as a woman. Damn, she’s already feeling passed liking him, but not yet being in love. Her attraction with him was like a moth to it’s light. The more she spends time with him, the more she’ll admit to him saying those three simple words.

The raven haired woman comfortably rested her head on his chest again once Reiner laid back on the bed dragging her along.

“You’re my world, Mikasa Ackerman. I won’t let go of you until my dying days.” he mumbled.

“Would it be bad of me to be scared to let you get close to me?” Her eyes stared at him.

“No, it’s not. I understand why. We were bred to hate each other and to try to survive day by day. It is scary for us to open our hearts to someone else in a screw up world. Maybe instead of making it as our weakest; we can turn it into our strength.” He said.

“Seriously, you have ways with words. You can give hope in people. You’re a leader. I can see in it you.” She said.

“A leader? I don’t know...I don’t feel like I’m capable of being one.” He frowned.

“Of course you are. I've seen you act like one whenever a situation goes down hill. You step up to take charge. I hope one day you realize that. I’m sure you’re comrades can see what I see.” Her hands cupped his face to lean into a kiss.

“I’ll keep reminding you what you’re truly capable of as you do to me. We’re now a team.” Her tone became confident.

Reiner smiled and kissed her lips back. “You’re the only woman who will ever be my equal in so many ways. You are my girl always.”

(End Flashback)

The group walked to the base. Instead, where the battle is happening; Mikasa and Gabi follow the two men to a smaller entrance. As they got in, the girls were led to a big room where a long huge table with many chairs and on top of the table was a model of the city of Liberio. Mikasa saw Reiner discussing military related topics to few of the soldiers.

The assassin couldn’t help stare the way he takes charge. His sleeves were rolled up so that his biceps were flexing naturally. God damn, why does he look so hot? Mikasa’s face flushed from thinking about very explicit thoughts of Reiner. Seriously, this isn’t the time to drool at whatever Reiner is to her. He did claim she’s his girl, so is she now his girlfriend? When the time is right, she will bring it up.

She already saw Gabi run towards him to hug him tightly. Reiner turned around to embrace his cousin’s affectionate. He looked up to see Miaksa and give a warm smile. This made the Paradisian woman to shy smile back at him. The hard part of telling him about his family is coming at close. This will crush him.

Just when she was about to walk towards him, Gabi already told him what happened because his expression became angry and grief. His body was shaking. Quickly, he steps away from Gabi to walk away to be alone.

Mikasa was about to follow him, but Porco stopped her. “Let him be. He wants to be alone. He just lost his family you wouldn’t understand.” This triggered her. What is his problem towards her? She does understand what Reiner is going through. Porco has no right to assume what she does understand. Does he still see her as a villain? Hm, it doesn’t take a day for the long years of hatred to vanish.

“Don’t you dare tell me what I don’t understand. He needs someone and I promise him, I’ll be there for him.” Mikasa gave her cold tone to Porco. Of course, he flinched when the notorious Ackerman glared towards him. Her shoulder shrugged off from his hand to head towards where Reiner went. The Jaw Titan holder was about to say something, but Annie beat into it.

“Let her go to him. Reiner does need someone right now, especially her.” Annie was behind Porco who turned around to glance at the Female Titan holder.

“He doesn’t like when people check up on him.” He said.

“True, Reiner hates to let people in; but with Mikasa it's different. She’s the only one he’ll drop his wall.” Annie knew during their mission pretending to be cadets; she had caught Reiner staring at Mikasa. That's it too obvious he felt something for her. Heck she was also aware Bertholdt took a sneak peak at her. If only, she had the courage to walk up to Bertholdt and tell him that she also liked him. It’s too late now. She has Armin and it made her happy.

Annie left an contemplative Porco as she goes back to her boyfriend who was busy making contact to the Mentor to suggest forming an alliance with Marley in fighting against the Templars.

Mikasa found Reiner in another room where he was sitting on a bed. She noticed there were frames with pictures on the nightstands. She entered. “Reiner-”

“Please Mikasa...go away.” he said in sorrow. His heart is broken from the news of his family’s death.

Mikasa frowned instead of leaving him, she went towards him. Reiner heard her footsteps. He sighed and glanced up. Already, she’s in front of him. “Mikasa, I’m serious. I need to be alone.”

“Don’t lie to me. I know you need me right now. You don’t need to hide anything from me. I know what you're going through. Trust me, it's the most agonizing feeling I don't ever want anyone to feel.” She stubbornly stayed.

“Then you understand that I want to be alone.” Now, his stubbornness showed.

“Do you? Do you really want me to leave you alone and face your grief by yourself?” Mikasa was being persistent. For a while, he didn’t reply. She doesn’t want to leave him there dealing alone, but if this is what helps him. She begrudgingly turned around to leave.

Reiner finally spoke up. “Wait. P-please. D-don’t go….you’re right. I don’t want to be alone. Mikasa, m-my family are gone. Gabi will have no one after I die. I don’t know what to do?” The female assassin felt her heart squeezed from seeing his cry for help. It’s like watching the small boy in him scared of feeling alone in this world. She sat next to him and held him to comfort.

“Shhh it’s ok baby. I understand the feeling, but you’re not alone; not anymore. Gabi will never be alone either. Once you pass away, I will raise her. I promised your mother and now I'm promising to you.” She whispered to him. Her shoulder is wet from his tears. She wants to take away his pain. He is just a soul like her.

“You met my mother?” He looked at her. Mikasa nodded and gave a warm smile. “I have. She’s told me to take care of you. I guess you had told me a bit more huh?” she chuckled. “You weren’t kidding about her being insistent of wanting grandchildren. I told her I promise, I will give her one.” Her finger wiping away his tears.

“Mikasa, you don’t have to keep that promise. Just being with you has already made me happy.” he whispered.

“Reiner, I still want kids...especially you being the father. Hopefully, faith will bless us with one at least. We are already a family. You, Gabi, and me are family. Do me a favor? Don’t ever shut me out. We’re a team; remember? Grief all you want right now. I’ll go tell everyone they need a minute or more alone time to process.” Mikasa was about to get up but Reiner had moved her to his lap to cuddle her.

“Thank you Mikasa. Thank you for existing. You really are a gift to the world. You’re kind, caring, compassionate. You don’t hate others. You’re strong minded; not just physical too. I don’t know what I will do without you.” He felt grateful that Mikasa came back into his life. “Can we stay like this a bit longer?” She can feel his inner child coming out.

“Of course, we can stay here a bit more.” She kissed his forehead affectionately. She will make sure this war will end so Reiner can enjoy his months on earth peacefully and Gabi can take back her childhood that was stolen. Beside her friends and her blood family, Levi; Reiner and Gabi are her new family.

(Armin)

Armin was using an advanced device to communicate with William Miles. He remembered what it was called; a smart phone.

“Sir, I think this alliance will benefit us to defeat the templars. Also, once the war is over; with our help to win; the rest of the nations will be open for peace with the people of Paradis.” Armin was convincing his mentor about this idea.

“Hmm will they be willing to make this alliance happen? While you and Annie had left New York City on an important mission; Paradis was also under attack by the templars and dethroned Queen Historia as the rightful ruler. She gave birth to a baby boy which thank god she was enough to have him sneak out into our care. Right now, Sasha is his guardian on their way to New York. Levi left on his own to rescue her. This isn’t like him to be impulsive, but I can understand why he did it. I’m worried he hasn’t returned. Hange and I are trying to find an escape route for everyone here.” On the screen Williams was stressing from the events that happened.

“Sir, I can try to get into contact with the Ambassador Azumabito of Hizuru. She can help to find a route for you guys to escape. I’ll give her an update on what has been going on.” He said.

“Alright, Armin. You do that and let me know what she said. We couldn’t find both Commanders Nile Dok and Rico Brzenska of the Military Police and Garrison. We got information that Premier Pixis Dot is their prisoner along with some other higher officials and a few noble families who support her majesty, Historia.” Miles said.

Armin grunt his teeth. This wasn’t supposed to happen. They had calculated wrong. Now, Captain Levi left in time of their needs. Everything's in disorder.

“Should we try to rescue the Premier and the noble families?” Armin suggested.

“We don’t have enough resources. We can try to find both Commanders and unite all three regiments to figure out a way to win this war and take back the island.” The Mentor said.

Armin nodded in understanding what William said. “I see. If you want, I think I know someone who will help us to look for them.”

Will raised his brow curiously. “Is this person an ally we can trust?” In times like this, it’s difficult to trust anyone.

“Yes, sir. He had been in contact with me. He wanted to help change the world...the right way.” Armin was a bit anxious on how the Mentor would react along his friends.

“Who is this ally that can help us?” Bill asked.

“My old friend, Eren Jaeger.” Armin finally said it.

(Eren)

The dark haired titan holder was walking on a dirt road leaving the town of Trost. His face was mostly covered by his hood to conceal his identity. Eren Jaeger glanced back where the city limit of Trost stood ahead.

Eve...

He can’t believe the terrible things he had said to her. The way her eyes stared at him in disbelief. The Eldian man felt disgust at himself for hurting the woman he had grown to love. She was everything that he never thought he needed. A part of him wanted to go run back to her and beg for her forgiveness. No, he can’t. It’s better this way.

During his time with Eve, Eren had reached out Armin by letters. At first, his old friend was wary towards him. He doesn’t blame Armin since his betrayal had made a negative impact on his old comrades and friends. He had hurted Mikasa in so many ways. He may not share the same feelings as her but she is his sister. He will always love her as her brother who had saved her when they were kids. Armin had been like another sibling to him. Eren felt if they hated him it would be easier to go through the Path of awakening the Rumble.

When Eve came into his life, his mission and perspective slowly changed. He struggled if all this was worth it? Will it be worth it? What if it gets worse and he loses everything. He can’t lose more people that he loves and cares so much. Maybe there is another way but he was too blind to see it. That’s why contacting Armin was the first step to fix his errors.

Eren was grateful that Armin had a good heart and gave another chance. His blonde haired friend warned it’s not best to reach out to Mikasa yet. She still felt hurt on how Eren had treated her which it’s understandable.

Through the letters, Armin gave him an update on what had been happening. What crushed Eren was his older brother, allied with these groups called themselves The Order of Templars. What was strange? The same woman in his dream, Minerva warned him about these people.

He also found out that the government along Historia were overthrown. These templars replace a new ruler who’s Lord Nathaniel Evans. Eren heard of the nobleman before. In his opinion, he dislikes this nobleman. Humans like him made the world cruel for good people like his parents, and many more. That’s all Eren wanted. A world where people can worry small things like getting their work done by the end of the day or enjoying being with the person you’re in love with. Those are luxurious for anyone in this part of the world.

Ever since his brother, Zeke had joined with these templars; Eren had made his decision to distance himself away from his brother and the followers. To be honest, he had found them annoying. He used them to go through his plans, but their paths had changed. So his plans had changed too.

He needs to reach another town to send a letter to Armin. The last letter from his friend had mentioned asking for his help. Of course, Eren would gladly help his friend since he wants to be in his good grace along with everyone.

Hours had passed from leaving Trost. The green eyed man felt his stomach growls. Huh? Is it already supper? He had missed lunch and breakfast since he lost his appetite from leaving Eve. Her warmth presence had melted away from the years of pain and anger at the world. She had taught him the world doesn’t have to be cruel if you do let it be cruel. He chuckled at that thought and closed his eyes from remembering that conversation.

(Flashback)

“Where would you take me if I go with you?” Eren was comfortably laying on the bed with Eve.

“Hm, all over the world!” She said with enthusiasm. Eve nuzzled on his chest as just cuddling him made her smile brighter. Eren loves seeing her happy.

“Alright then.” He chuckled. “...but where to first?” He asked her with curiosity.

“To Egypt first, then we’ll go from there to see many cultures, sites, and try the local foods. So you better leave some room on your stomach ok.” The brunette teased him by poking on his stomach which they’re solid from his abs.

“Oh have you been there?” He wondered how many places she has been to?

“Yeah, a few times for my internship. I am a student at the university I attend. I am double majoring in Ancient Civilization History and Culture Anthropology.” She said.

“Wow, you must be smart or wealthy to have an education like that.” Eren was impressed.

“You can say in a way I’m smart and as being wealthy; no. My grandmother on my mom's side is wealthy. She’s the one who paid my tuition. I won’t inherit anything until she passes away which I hope she lives a bit longer…” Her tone became sad when she mentioned her grandmother.

“What’s wrong with your grandmother?” He asked in a concerning tone.

“She was diagnosed with a fatal illness five years ago. She had been strong to fight it; but before I came here, the same disease came back again and I have been taking care of her. I’m her only family she ever has. My mom died when I was very young from a terrible tragedy. I don’t think I want to talk about it. It still gives me nightmares. Let's just say I was the only survivor.” He can relate the pain of losing a mother. Eren still has those nightmares of his mother getting eaten by the titan.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Did she pass away?” He added.

“Not yet, but I wish she would because all it does is make her suffer. She was always in pain. I hope I get to see her again before it’s too late…” He can see her tears forming.

“You should do that. Go to her before you would regret it not going sooner.” Eren said.

Eve sighs. “If I could, I would. It’s just hard to go see her now.” Her tone sounded vague the way her response was to him. “Can we change a different topic?” She said. Eren nodded.

“Then what would be the last stop on our journey in seeing the whole world?” He gave a smile in letting her know her request was his command.

“My hometown.” Eve gave a small smile.

“And where would that be? This place is called New York CIty?” He remembered she had mentioned before.

“No, but we can also visit there too. New York is where I had lived since I was 12. My hometown is on a different island. Ha’ena on the island of Kauai of the Hawaiian State is where I was born and raised until age of 4. It’s full of lush green mountains. It’s more like a tropical jungle when you hike there. There are many cascading waterfalls and the beaches are clear white sands along the water crystal clear transparent blue. Basically it’s a true paradise. I get it why my parents had settled there when they just got married.” The way her eyes lit when she described her home; Eren wants to see this haven place. Hopefully, one day.

“We’ll go there after I finish my business. Just me and you.” He pulled her closer to nuzzle his nose on her neck which she began to giggle from how ticklish.

“Eren your nose is tickling me.” She continued laughing. He smirked. “Oh am I? Then I will tickle you more.” This time he uses his fingers to tickle her sides while making a nom nom sound on her neck with his lips. Both laugh and enjoy their little game.

(End Flashback)

He had already reached another town. Eren went to a post center and before he slipped the letter into the box, a hand was placed on his shoulder. The titan holder was alarmed and removed it from his shoulder as he turned to face his opponent.

“Are you Eren Jaeger?” A man with foregin accent said to him. The dark haired man raised his brow.

“Do I know you?” His tone was cautious. Eren doesn’t trust strangers easily.

“No, but your friend Armin had mentioned about you and your help to us.” Now Eren slowly dropped his guard. He looks around in case someone was eavesdropping.

“Let’s go somewhere safe to talk.” He said. The man with a hood nodded in agreement then both walked to a safe location. Once they get comfortable talking, Eren begins to speak freely.

“You must be an assassin that most of my old friends had joined.” He said.

“Yes, I’m an assassin. My mentor had sent me to you to help out find the two Commanders. If we’re lucky, we might find the rest of the garrison and military police regiments.” The assassin explained to Eren.

“Alright, but we’ll need very good disguises. I’m very noticeable and it seems you are too.” He said.

“Let me introduce myself since it’s rude of me if you don't know my name. My name is Ratonhnhaké:ton or Connor Kenway as what people prefer to call me by.” The mysterious assassin said.

(Levi)

Slowly, his eyes open to see the room white and so bright that he could go blind soon. “Damn it why is this strange place so fucking bright?” He groaned. Seriously, can they lower it? Fuck, his head is throbbing loud.

“Ah good evening Levi Ackerman. I’m Davos Andersen, the head scientist of the Animus Program.” Dr. Andersen introduced himself.

Levi glared at the scientist. He was about to attack him, but something very hard and metallic restrained him from moving on both his wrists and ankles. Levi feels the cold hard surface table he was laying on it. Over his head where its level on his eyes, a clear glass like hovers too closely for his liking.

“Where am I? What did you bastards do to me? Where’s my wife, Historia? If you fucking hurt her you piece of shits; I will gut you with my blades.” Levi is trying to wiggle while threatening at the scientist and his crew. Most of the crew stepped back in fear which satisfied him. Good, they better be scared.

“Please, Mr. Ackerman. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't scare my coworkers. They are just doing their job. As for your wife, I think you’re confused. Historia is the king’s wife. Anyways, you’re in an animus room which we built here in the dungeon area. We just put you to sleep to make sure you don’t escape or try to slaughter us. Mr. Jaeger had warned us how dangerous you and your bloodline from your matrilineal side are. Today, this is very exciting. This machine will show your DNA memories of your ancestors. Since we have enough data from your assassin’s bloodline through your grandfather, your deceased uncle, Desmond Miles. We can look it up later since my boss wants to know more about this Ackerman bloodline. Are you ready for this exciting adventure?” His light blue eyes sparkled.

Is this guy for real? He better not make him as a science subject like when Four-Eyes made Eren as one for Titan science.

“No, I’m fucking not!” He growls as his eyes glow silver. Everyone felt jumpy when they saw his eyes. The scientist jumped too but giggled with excitement. Holy shit, this guy is like the male version of Hange when she gets too excited with anything titan related.

“Oh my, you are such a majestic creature.” Davos grinned.

“Shut up you fucking human! Once I break away, I will galdy rip you into pieces and devour you. I’m a titan, superior to you lowly humans.” Iapetus came out to take control. He had enough of these weaklings.

“Gale, right down this observation. We’re going to have a field day.” The scientist whispered at his coworker. In the background, Iapetus growls animalistic. These metal cuffs were hard to break. They were made especially for him.

“Alright, Levi we’ll begin the data so have a great time on your adventure.” Before Iapetus/Levi say anything, their view becomes dark again until a disembodied voice is heard.

Welcome to the Animus Project. New DNA. Levi Ackerman aka Subject 18. Activate.

A/N: I’m just gonna leave it like that for the next chapter lol. I know I know, once again I’m cruel because Levi and Historia finally were reunited but that was short as they got separated again. But there are sweet moments from my other favorite ship, Reikasa. Finally, we have some Armin in it and Annie. There will be more of them in future chapters. Yes, Connor Kenway had made his appearance which there will be more details how and why he’s there in the modern time. Eren had slowly acknowledged that his plan was not a good idea. How will his former comrades take once they find out he joined on their side. Levi has finally become Abstergo's latest subject. I’m happy from the reviews I received from AO3 and Fanfiction. You guys always made my day. For those who kudos, thank you. This made my heart happy. All of you are amazing for your support in so many ways. I hope this new chapter will satisfy you until the next one. See you later until next time!

#levihisu #rivahisu #levi ackerman #historia reiss #reikasa #reiner braun #mikasa ackerman #armin arlet #annie leonhart #eren jeager #william miles #Aot #snk #attack on titan #assassin's creed #crossover #fanfic

2 notes · View notes

a-vintage-snake · 5 years ago

Text

Once I Called You Brother

Pairing(s): None in this chapter

Warnings: Abusive parenting, both emotionally and physically, Remus typical stuff Characters: Roman Sanders, Remus Sanders

Summary: When Remus disappears, Roman tries to reflect on their shared past.

Read on AO3

Previous chapter - Next chapter

People who were asked to be tagged: @avocados26, @fandoms-will-collide @nottoonormalme Author’s Note: *claps hands* SO. My Dukeceit one-shot gave me so many plot ideas that I wanted to continue it. And I intended the next installment to be a one chapter thing from Roman's point of view, before returning to Deceit and Remus. HOWEVER, after writing 10.000 fricking words for this chapter and not even REMOTELY close to being done, I thought that would be a bit too cray-cray and decided to split it up in not just two, but MULTIPLE separate parts. I write out of order (meaning I write the scene I'm feeling the most that day) so while most of the next three chapters is written, they're not done just yet. Hopefully the next chapter will be out sooner than this one though. Don't worry, we will return to slimy boi and trash rat eventually. Just have some Roman angst while you wait. Word Count: 6790 “Don’t wait up for me!” Remus yelled. “BYYYYEE!!” “REMUS!! Remus, wait!” Roman ran after his brother, but the minute Remus spurred the mare into a gallop there was no chance he could catch up. Baffled he halted and watched as his brother disappeared out of the castle’s gate.

Quickly Roman turned to the stable boy who had brought out Remus’ horse.

“You! Prepare a horse! I need to go after-”

“Your Highness!”

Roman whipped around to see his fencing teacher approaching him.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The man huffed. “You haven’t finished your lesson yet!”

“So sorry, mister Moore, but I have to cut this lesson short. My brother, he just-!”

“Absolutely out of the question!” Mister Moore waved away the horse the stable boy brought over. “I allowed you a break, but you have to continue practicing stat if you ever hope to improve your footwork!”

“But sir, my brother! He’s planning to go to the Desolate Mountains!”

“I don’t care if his Grace is planning to go to the underworld itself, you will not skip this lesson!”

“Are you kidding me??” Roman yelled. “I am not going to be stopped by you, you absolute-!” “What is going on here?”

Roman’s back immediately straightened and he shut his mouth, as his father made his way over to the stables. King Augusto was dressed in his hunting attire and was in the process of pulling his gloves on.

“Your Majesty,” Mister Moore bowed when Roman’s father reached them. “So sorry for the disturbance, but prince Roman is trying to get out of his lesson.”

“Out of the question.” King Augusto said as he turned towards his son. “Roman, how many times must I tell you? As the future king, you have responsibilities.”

“But father, it’s Remus!” Roman said.

“Oh heaven above help us…” His father sighed dejectedly. “What has Remus done this time?”

“He just left, yelling that he was going to kill the warlock in the mountains!” Roman gestured to the castle’s gate. “If we hurry, we can catch up to him-!”

“You are not your brother’s babysitter, Roman. Lord knows he scared all those off…” King Augusto muttered as he turned away. “Return to your lesson.”

“But father!” Roman followed after the man as the king ordered the stable boys around. “Didn’t you hear what I said? He wants to go to the Desolate Mountains! We have to go after him!”

His father stopped in his tracks, and Roman froze when he realized what just left his mouth. The king slowly turned to face him, and Roman’s heart started beating painfully fast when his father walked up to him until they were mere centimetres apart.

“I don’t have to do anything,” The king spoke in a soft, dangerous voice. “And you would do well to remember that, son.”

Roman clenched his fists to hide that his hands were shaking.

Show no weakness; show no flaws.

“Yes father…” Roman said, quietly.

A few seconds passed, where the king inspected his eldest son with a cold glare and Roman desperately tried to not break eye contact. But then the king’s gaze eased slightly and he sighed.

“My hunting party will go in the general direction of the mountains,” King Augusto said. “I’ll keep my eye out for him.”

Roman’s eyes widened in surprise, before his face split into a big grin.

“Thank you father!” He beamed.

“Yes, yes,” His father waved him away. “Now get back to your lesson; I expect improvement by the end of the week.”

“Of course!” Roman wanted to give a playful salute, but thought better of it. “I won’t let you down!” “You better not.” The king hauled himself up to his awaiting horse, and rode up to the castle’s gate where his hunting party was waiting for him. Without another glance to his son king Augusto spurred his horse on and rode out of the gate, the king’s men behind him. Roman watched them go, and hoped his father would catch up to Remus soon.

A cough behind him pulled Roman from his thoughts.

“Your Highness,” mister Moore said. “Let’s continue your lesson.”

After fencing Roman had etiquette class. When those were done, he was expected at the study hall, where one of his tutors taught him the history of his country, the monarchs that had come before him, the alliances between their country and its neighbouring kingdoms. The many names, dates and places eventually blurred all together, and Roman was relieved when evening came and the lesson finally ended. He wanted absolutely nothing more than retreat to his rooms, collapse on his bed and sleep until sunrise.

He knew he couldn’t. Of course he knew. But the idea was nice.

After a quick change of clothes Roman made his way to the dining room. Mentally he reviewed his lessons of the day, just in case his mother would interrogate him about what he learned.

The dining room was a lovely space, with warm wooden walls, a large fireplace that was currently unlit and tall windows that overlooked the gardens and the landscape beyond it. A long table that could easily fit 30 people stood proudly in the middle. When his parents entertained guests, the dining room was a cheerful place, filled with laughter and jokes, and Roman would love every minute he spent there.

When it was just the family however, the dining room was a somber place. No amount of warm candlelight could quite chase away the solemnness that oozed from the muted suppertime, and the silence made Roman acutely aware of every scrutinizing frown that his parents sent his way.

When Roman entered the dining room, his mother and father were already seated. As the lackey announced his presence, Roman gave a short bow to his parents. But his eyes immediately zoned in on the empty chair that sat across from his, and it’s usual occupant nowhere in sight.

“Good evening Roman,” His mother greeted him. “Have a seat. I trust your day has been well?” “Splendid mother,” Roman answered dutifully, just like every evening. He sat down at his usual spot next to his mother. “And how has your day been?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary, aside from a mild headache.” Queen Nadia smiled thinly.

“So sorry to hear that. I hope you feel well soon.” His daily talk with his mother done, Roman turned to his father who sat at the head of the table. “And how was the hunt, father?”

“Excellent!” His father looked quite pleased. “We caught two boar and a doe. Not bad, don’t you think?” This answered exactly none of the burning questions Roman had, but just when he opened his mouth to ask what about Remus the lackeys served up the dinner. Roman bit his tongue and swallowed his questions for now. His parents insisted total silence during actual suppertime.

Knifes scraped over plates, sometimes someone would cough, and the soft sound of chewing were the only things that filled the stillness of the room. Roman tried to focus on the creamy flavour of the quite excellent dish of chicken with mushrooms and potatoes, but no matter what he did his eyes were pulled to the other side of the table. His brother’s empty spot seemed to taunt him.

Silence wrapped around Roman’s throat like a noose. My goodness, dinnertime was always a miserable time, Roman knew that, but today the atmosphere pushed down on him like a crushing weight and Roman wanted nothing more than to break the tension. What was different?

Walking up to the dining room, Remus came from an opposing hallway and joined him. Roman threw a quick glance at his brother, intending to give a casual greeting, but what came out was-

“What the hell is that on your upper lip??”

Remus raised his eyebrows in surprise, but grinned. The soft mush of barely there moustache hair that a 14 year old could grow moved along with it.

“Jealous, bro-bro?” Remus stroked the hairs proudly.

“Pfff, hardly!” Roman laughed. “You look ridiculous!”

“You’re just mad because you can’t grow any facial hair yet! Baby face!” Remus stuck out his tongue.

“Rather a baby face than a dead animal on my upper lip! What did you, torture some poor hamster?”

“Oh, you want to know my secret?” Remus leaned in, a wild grin on his face. “It’s totally actually just glued on pubic hair!” He said in a loud stage whisper. Roman let out a shriek of laughter.

“Holy shit that’s disgusting!” Roman wheezed. Remus cackled along with him, and spread his arms in a proud stance.

“All hail the pubic ‘stache!” He hollered, and Roman had to stop walking and lean his hands on his thighs to laugh.

“You’re so weird!” Roman managed to say through peals of laughter. Remus grinned widely.

“Only the best kind!”

The brothers were still laughing among themselves when they reached the dining room. Their parents gave them disapproving glares, but Roman and Remus couldn’t stop grinning when they sat down. Throughout the quiet dinner the brothers both had to suppress their giggles and smiles whenever they made eye contact across the table.

Roman tried to focus on the dish he was eating. He brought his fork up to take a bite, but paused when he looked at the cooked spinach on his plate. A grin spread on his face when an idea came to him.

When Remus looked up at his brother, Roman was sporting a very dapper looking spinach moustache.

Remus, who had just taken a large swig of water to wash his last bite down, snorted loudly and spit out his water in a large spray across the table. Their mother and father let out double screams of surprise while Remus howled with laughter.

“REMUS!” His father rose from his chair. “You blithering idiot, look what you have done!”

A loud smack echoed across the room as king Augusto backhanded Remus so hard he fell off his chair on the ground. Roman’s light mood disappeared as he shrunk back into his chair; his hand quickly came up to wipe away the spinach from his lip.

“Can’t we have one dinner without you making a fool of yourself?!” His father roared at his son on the floor.

“No- Wait, father, I wasn’t-” Remus stammered. “It was Roman, he-”

“Of course, blame your brother.” His mother cut him off, coldly. “As if Roman would ever be as disruptive as you.”

“Learn to take responsibility for your actions, you moron.” His father said as he sat down again.

Remus shakily got up on his feet, holding his stinging cheek.

“Roman, tell them! Please…” Remus pleaded.

All eyes turned on him, and Roman froze under his parents expecting stare. Oh god, he would be a disappointment if he told the truth. He had been disruptive and childish, all the things his parents taught him not to be. They would be angry with him, furious maybe! He wasn’t supposed to make mistakes like this.

Avoiding his brother’s eyes, Roman merely shook his head.

“There, you see,” His mother looked back at Remus. “Now what do you have to say for yourself, little liar?”

Remus kept staring at his sibling, his mouth opening and closing in quiet disbelief. Then he turned away and ran out of the room.

“Honestly, that boy…” His father shook his head, not bothering to call his second son back. “Where did we go wrong?”

“It’s not our fault, dear,” His mother said. “Some people are just born a little… freaky, that’s all.”

His mother turned to Roman, and he stiffened as she gently caressed his cheek.

“Don’t worry, we’re not talking about you.” She said, her voice sweet. “You are such a good son, Roman.”

She pressed a soft kiss to his temple, before turning back to her dinner. Roman tried the same, but noticed he had lost his appetite.

The next evening when he ran into Remus on his way to the dining room, his brother refused to make eye contact and didn’t speak a word.

Roman’s heart gave a twinge at the sudden memory. He couldn’t take it anymore. He slammed his cutlery down with a bang and stood up. His parents jerked up.

“Roman?” His mother asked. “What do you think you’re-”

“Where’s Remus, father?” Roman asked before the courage left him. His father looked disdainfully at him.

“Sit down Roman. We have rules at dinnertime, you know that.”

“Where. Is. Remus?” Roman repeated. “You said that you would look for him!”

“And I did! Are you suggesting I wouldn’t look for my own son?”

“No, of course not! But then…” Roman looked at his brother’s empty seat. “Then where is he?”

King Augusto let out a sigh.

“I couldn’t find him. He was probably already too far ahead of us.”

Roman’s stomach dropped. His gaze flicked outside towards the mountains in the distance, looming in the fading light.

“We have to go look for him,” Roman said, as he scrambled away from the table. “Roman, get back here!” His parents rose from their chairs as well.

“He’s in danger!” He already had his hand on the doorknob when hands seized his shoulder and hand.

“Roman, sweetie,” Queen Nadia’s voice said in his ear. “Come sit and calm down before you do anything rash.”

“But mother he-!”

“Roman.” His mother’s tone took a warning edge. Roman swallowed, reluctantly released the doorknob and allowed his mother to gently guide him back into his chair. She sat down next to him and faced him, a soft smile on her face.

“Now,” She started. “Tell me exactly what your brother said.”

“I told you! He left yelling that he was going to kill the warlock in the mountains!” He rose once more. “If we hurry, we might be able to stop him!” His mother grabbed his hand before he could run again.

“So he never said specifically that he was going to the Desolate Mountains?” She asked.

“Well he…” Roman shut his mouth, thinking. Wait, had he…? Feverishly he replayed his brother’s exit from this morning in his head. Had he mentioned the Desolate Mountains at all?

“No…” Roman said hesitantly. “No, I don’t think so…”

“Well there you go,” His mother smiled kindly. “No need to worry, sweetie.”

“But then… where would he have gone?” Roman asked.

“Son, do you really think we only have one warlock in this whole country?” His father shook his head with a laugh. “I’m sure there’s plenty of them living in mountainous areas!”

“But how do we know for certain?” Roman’s eyes once again went to the window, to the threatening peaks in the distance.

“I don’t think even Remus would be stupid enough to actually go there.” King Augusto said. “Didn’t we make you both promise to never enter the mountains?”

I’m pretty sure you only made me promise, Roman wanted to say but he didn’t. After all how could he know for certain that they hadn’t made Remus promise as well? “And besides,” His mother added. “Remus is always yelling nonsense! Do you remember, a few years back, when he ran away to the sea to ‘fight the Kraken’, in his own words? He came back two weeks later with five sacks of dead fish and a live squid in a tank!”

Oh yeah, that had been an odd day… Remus had loved that tiny squid though; doting on it like it was a cute kitten or a puppy. He had been devastated when he found the squid dead in his tank a month later.

“Someone murdered him!” “Or he just couldn’t survive in a tank, no matter if it’s a salt water tank.” “No! I took good care of him, and Sir Squiddles was just fine this morning!” “Seriously? You named that thing ‘Sir Squiddles’?” “HE WAS NOT A THING! He was my friend!”

At the time, Roman had laughed at Remus calling a squid his friend and got kicked out of his brother’s room for it. Now thinking back on it, Roman cringed at his own insensitivity.

“But…” Roman tried one last time. “What if he did go…? Shouldn’t we look for him just to be sure?”

“Sweetie, don’t be daft,” Queen Nadia’s voice turned impatient. “You want to risk your own life because you jumped to a conclusion? Or the lives of our knights? What if we sent troops, and Remus turns up tomorrow unharmed? Do you want the blood of those men and women on your hands?”

“…No. No I don’t.” Roman finally sat back down. His parents gave him content smiles.

“I’m sure Remus is fine. He’s just off on another attention seeking ‘quest’, and he’ll be back before you know it.” His mother reassured him. Roman nodded.

“You’re right… You’re both right. Thank you.” He said.

“Very well.” His father sat back in his chair. “Now that’s settled, lets get back to this excellent meal before it gets cold.” Roman nodded and picked up his knife and fork again. Of course Remus would come back just fine! Like his father said, not even Remus would be so reckless to go to the Desolate Mountains!

…Right?

“Oh, and Roman?”

Roman looked up at his father. “Yes?” He asked.

“Don’t ever interrupt dinner time again.” King Augusto said coldly.

“…Yes father.”

“Hey! Planet earth to Roman!”

Fingers snapped near his ear. Roman startled, quickly turning his gaze away from the window and back to the other people in the room.

“So sorry, zoned out there for a second.” Roman smiled. “What were we talking about?”

“This is the fourth time you’ve zoned out and missed the punch-line to my story! What is up with you today?” Tristan huffed. “You’ve been more quiet than Farah! You’re not turning boring on us like her, are you?”

The others laughed, apart from Farah in the far corner. She buried her face further into the book she held open on her lap. Even from the windowsill Roman had seated himself he saw her cheeks turn a bright red. He gave a soft wince in sympathy.

“That’s not exactly gentlemanly of you to say of our fair Farah, Tristan!” Roman said.

“Oh, it’s all in good fun!” Tristan fell back on one of the soft sofas in the salon, lounging on it widespread with a lazy grin. “She really ought to grow thicker skin if she isn’t used to it by now!”

Roman wanted to snap at him that Farah didn’t seem to find it fun, but his father’s voice immediately echoed through his head.

“You need to maintain a network of friends, Roman,” King Augusto had said when Roman once asked why he needed to spent time with someone as insufferable as viscount Tristan. “Build yourself a reputation, learn to know your future allies. After all, what is the one thing we always tell you?”

“A royal’s reputation is the most important thing he has.” Roman had answered, the words falling from his lips automatically after years of it being drilled into him. So Roman only smiled thinly at the viscount before turning his head to look out of the window again.

The murmurs of the conversation started up again, and Roman listened without registering any of the words. After two more times of him missing some hilarious joke, the others seemed to grow tired of his inattentiveness.

“Tristan is right! You are boring today Roman!” Tristan’s best friend Brett complained. Roman shrugged.

“I guess today is an off day.” He said without looking towards the other man. He didn’t need to see to know that Brett was trying his best to pose to impressively show off his muscles for his crush Madison.

“It’s not just today,” Madison pouted, gracefully ignoring Brett in favour of braiding Emma’s hair. “You’ve been quiet every time we hung out in the past weeks.”

“Yeah!” Emma whined. “You’ve been so mopey and dull, Roman! What gives?”

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Roman instead smiled and brightly said, “Maybe I’ve been brainstorming for new adventures!”

“I sure hope so.” Madison finished the braid. “This mood you’ve been in just isn’t any fun!”

“Are…” Farah spoke up hesitantly. “Are you okay Roman…?”

Roman’s smile faltered slightly. Was he okay…? Why was she even asking? Of course he was okay! He just… Hadn’t been too keen on hanging out with his friends today, that’s all.

It wasn’t that he completely disliked the others company. Okay, Tristan was an asshole, and Brett couldn’t hold up an intelligent conversation even if he tried, but Farah was nice! If a bit quiet. And Emma and Madison could have been good company if they stopped gossiping for a few minutes. He had just hoped he could have had this day to himself. Roman’s schedule was busier than ever! The past weeks were filled with so many lessons of various kinds that at the end of the day he could barely keep his eyes open. After shoving food in his mouth, Roman would collapse on his bed and sleep like the dead. And on the rare few days he didn’t have lessons, his parents made sure he spent time with his friends, the children of the court’s nobility. Two months had passed in a haze.

And there was still no sign of Remus.

His stomach clenched as his thoughts went to his brother. Alright, if he would be completely honest with himself, Remus was partially at fault for his somber state of mind. He knew his parents told him not to worry, but as the days turned into weeks, and weeks had turned into two months… Roman couldn’t help himself. He was distracted at his lessons, grim during meetings and unusually quiet. His parents had asked him repeatedly if he was getting sick the last couple of dinners.

Worrying his bottom lip between his teeth, he considered telling the others. He knew he wasn’t meant to be gloomy, but they were his friends! Surely they would understand?

“I suppose…” Roman started, swivelling his head to look at the others. “I have been a bit worried lately…”

“Worried?” Emma asked. “How so?” “Well… It’s Remus. He’s been gone for weeks now-”

“Oh, so that’s the reason it’s been so peaceful around here?” Tristan laughed. “I already wondered why it smelled nicer around the castle lately!”

“Hey!” Roman said.

“What?” Tristan spread his hands in a ‘what gives’ gesture. “It’s true! How many times have we seen Remus covered in weird dirt and dragging heavens knows what around?”

“Too many times...” Brett said, shaking his head.

“Didn’t he once put a rotting decapitated pigs head in your bed, Tristan?” Emma shuddered.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Tristan made a grossed out face. “It took weeks before the smell got out. And I’m still not sure how he even got in!”

“He did that because you pranked him, right?” Madison asked.

“Yes! Seriously, your brother just can not take a joke!” Tristan said to Roman, who grimaced. Roman remembered that particular “prank” all right…

“Wanna hear something crazy?”

Roman looked up from his book, expecting his brother to grin at him with that “I just brought a live opossum into the parlour and I have called him Jeremy” grin, but instead his brother looked… Strangely nervous. Huh. That was very unlike him.

“Yes…?” He said, curious enough to ignore the warning bells.

“I think…” Remus said slowly.

“You? Thinking? Don’t hurt yourself, brother!” Roman laughed. Remus didn’t laugh, and made a short stuttering movement that to Roman seemed like a wince. Frowning, Roman wanted to backtrack but before he could say anything Remus continued talking.

“IthinkIhaveacrushonTristan!” Remus rushed out. Roman’s mouth fell open.

“You WHAT??” He yelled, abandoning his book in favour of jumping from his chair and joining his brother on the couch. “You have a crush on Tristan??”

“Yell a little louder, I don’t think the people in the dungeons quite heard it!” Remus hissed out while punching his brother’s arm.

“Sorry, sorry, just excited!” Roman squealed. “Oh gosh, are you going to tell him? When will you tell him? And how? Flowers are a classic, obviously, but if you want to be more original you could always slay a grand monster to prove your love-!”

“I wrote a poem.” Remus mumbled. Roman let out a gasp.

“Oh that is PERFECT! And such an unorthodox of a display for you brother! You must truly have it bad for our fair Tristan!”

“Oh, shut up!” Remus punched his arm again, but he was smiling. Roman couldn’t stop grinning as well. How long was it ago that they had this kind of brotherly banter? It felt like years! If Roman were to guess, the last time they truly spent time together like siblings was when they had been kids. And now their 18thbirthday was only a month away!

Why did they ever stop hanging out…?

“Send him that poem! I’m sure he’ll love it!”

“You think so…?”

“I know so!” Roman gushed. “Tristan is super nice, he’ll be over the moon by it!”

“Wow, it’s almost as if writing a poem for your crush, only for said crush to not only read out said poem out loud and make fun of it in front of basically the whole court,” Roman bit out through a forced smile. “But also ridicule you for having a crush is not even remotely funny, Tristan!”

“It was a little funny!” Brett said.

“Yeah! Didn’t you see Remus’ face?” Tristan snorted. “Come now Roman, it was a harmless prank!”

“A harmless prank that caused my own brother to refuse to talk to me for nearly a year!” Roman very nearly shouted. He had sworn up and down to Remus he hadn’t known Tristan would do something so cruel, but he had the suspicion Remus never truly believed him. Especially since his parents didn’t allow him to cut off all contact with the viscount.

“You will not lose one of your most important future allies because Remus is too immature to handle a joke, Roman!” His mother had bristled. “And that’s final!”

Secretly Roman thought the pig’s head had been well deserved.

“Hey now, calm down.” Tristan held up his hand in a placating gesture, and Roman wanted nothing more than to challenge the insolent cur to a duel right then and there. “I meant nothing by it. Honestly Roman, what’s the matter with you today? You make fun of Remus all the time!”

Instantly the anger inside him deflated.

“Yeah, well-! I…” Roman stuttered out. He couldn’t exactly deny it. “Maybe-! Maybe… Maybe that was wrong of me!” He ignored the sceptical stares. “And besides, Remus has never been gone this long, and I don’t… I don’t… I’m worried, alright??” “I don’t think you need to,” Emma said. “Remus is like a weed; you can’t really kill him!”

“Exactly,” Madison finished the intricate braid in Emma’s hair. “Before you know it, he’ll ride through the castle’s gate and he’ll be back doing… Whatever the hell it is he does.”

“Seriously, what does he even do all day?” Brett snickered.

“He often goes to the library.” A quiet voice said. Immediately all eyes turned to Farah, who seemed to instantly regret saying anything.

“The library? Really?” Roman asked quizzically.

“Remus in a library?” Madison scoffed. “Don’t you think that’s stretching the truth a bit too far, Farah?”

“Does he even know how to read?” Emma simpered.

“It’s true!” Farah said. “I regularly see him when I go to the library!”

Roman swung his legs off the windowsill and sat to give Farah his full attention. “What does he do there?” He asked curiously. While he hated to agree with the others, they were right; He couldn’t exactly picture his chaotic brother to particularly enjoy the library.

“I don’t know…” Farah muttered. “We don’t really talk.” “Wow, what a shocking revelation!” Tristan snorted. “Farah doesn’t talk! Next you’ll tell me that water is wet!”

Another wave of laughter echoed through the room, and Farah looked like she wanted to disappear into her green coloured hijab. Roman glared at Tristan, the irritation rising up to new levels. He was about to snap at the viscount when the doors of the salon opened.

“Your Highness,” The lackey entering said while he made a bow. “Pardon the intrusion, but your parents request your presence in the throne room.”

Roman barely held back a sigh in pure relief, and practically ran out of the room without saying goodbye to the others. He did feel a pang of guilt for leaving Farah alone with those heathens, but he shook it off and made his way to the throne room.

Upon entering he saw his parents, looking regal and untouchable on their thrones, the picture perfect concerned monarchs. Before the throne knelt an older man, his clothes torn and tattered. Most likely he was a peasant from a nearby town. His parents smiled at him when they saw him.

“Ah, Roman! Just the hero we wished to see.” His father beckoned him closer. “Come here.” “Would you repeat your request for our son?” His mother smiled sweetly at the kneeling man.

“A-Ah! Yes, yes of course, your Majesties!” The man shuffled on his knees, so he faced Roman who had walked up to his side.

“Please good sir!” Roman gently grabbed the man by his elbows and helped him stand. “No need to kneel for me! That cold floor can hardly be good for your knees!”

The old man looked surprised, but smiled either way. Roman smiled back, choosing to ignore the disapproving peers he knew his parents were giving him.

“Your Highness,” The man started. “I come to you in dire need. My village is under raid by a manticore-chimera! The monster has killed several of our villagers, destroyed a good portion of our crops and damaged our homes! We’re not sure how long we can keep the demon at bay! But the whole kingdom has heard of your bravery fighting such horrors, and we beg for your help!”

The more he listened, the more Roman felt his heart clench. That fiend was harming his future subjects! His people! Outrage and determination swelled up in his chest.

“Do not worry, my good man!” Roman bellowed. “I shall come with you and vanquish the mighty beast!”

He vanquished the mighty beast.

A day’s journey away from the castle had taken Roman, and the knights that accompanied him on every quest, to the village the monster terrorized… The small town sat right by the edge of the Desolate Mountains.

Ignoring the cruel irony, Roman had focused on slaying the manticore-chimera. It had taken all his willpower and several close calls, but he did it. He was victorious, and the monster would do no more harm.

And in the end, every fight Roman suffered through would always be worth it. It was worth it to return to the village after the battle and see the relieved, happy faces of the townspeople. To see their tears of relief, hear their joyous laughter and know that those who had been grieving would get a little respite now that their loved ones were avenged.

It was worth it knowing his people were safe.

And if the people celebrated, and Roman and his entourage were pulled along with it, well who was he to deny an adoring audience?

That’s how Roman found himself surrounded by all the town’s children, who were breathlessly listening to Roman regaling how he had taken down the manticore-chimera. His knights mingled with the adults of the village, who smiled both fondly and wondrously at their prince entertaining their kids.

“And so, while my brave knights distracted the monster, I snuck up to it from behind, narrowly avoiding its scorpion tale!” Roman mimicked drawing a sword. “I waited with bated breath until I saw an opening… And then… POW!!” The children all startled, many of them gasping. “I pierced my sword right through his heart! And the manticore-chimera… Was no more.”

The children ooohed and aaahed when Roman struck a heroic pose, the gold details of his most princely outfit sparkling in the sunlight and his red cape fluttering in the slight breeze.

“When I am older, I wanna be a knight too!” One of the children gaped.

“Oh, and what a fearsome warrior you shall be!” Roman scooped the girl in question up and settled her upon his shoulders. “Known far and wide! Every monster shall quack in their boots upon hearing your name!” The child shrieked with laughter as Roman took off in a gentle sprint, the other kids nearly tripping over their own feet to follow him.

“You are much nicer than the other prince!” The girl giggled above him. Roman laughed, a little confused.

“Other prince? What other prince?” He asked.

“The weird one with the funny moustache!”

He froze. Skidding to a halt Roman was distantly aware that the kids surrounded him once more, pulling at his cape and sash and begging for a turn.

It couldn’t… There was no way!

The girl wiggled on his shoulders. “Keep running, keep running!” She yelled. Roman shook himself from his frozen stupor.

“Ah, I’m afraid this mighty steed has done enough running for today!” The children all chorused their disappointment, and the girl pouted as he lifted her off his shoulders back onto the ground. “How about you play with the knights instead? They have saved your home just as much as I have!”

“But we wanna play with you!” A boy whined. All the other kids nodded in agreement.

“Ah, but maybe, if you ask nicely… My knights can show you how to hold a sword like a true warrior!”

That seemed to instantly cheer the children up. Roman watched with a smile as the group ran off towards the knights. Dread pooled in his stomach however when he thought about what the girl had said.

B-But there probably had been a mistake! There were loads of people with moustaches, and perhaps it had just been a rich merchant travelling his way around the mountains, the only safe (albeit long) path to the kingdom on the other side. Any child would see a fancy gentleman and think him a prince! Roman huffed a laugh, and pretended not to notice how strangled the sound was. That was a totally reasonable explanation! No need to panic over nothing! He would even ask to be sure, so he could laugh at his own foolish behaviour!

He looked around for the village head, a lovely older woman who had introduced herself as Alina before he went to kill the manticore-chimera. He spotted her chatting animatedly with her wife on the edge of the town square. Quickly he approached her.

“Pardon me, my lady?”

“Prince Roman!” Alina grinned at him brightly. “We are forever in your debt for slaying the beast. We simply cannot thank you enough!”

“It was the mere duty of a prince and future king, ma’am!” Roman said. “But I need to ask you something.”

“Anything, your Highness.”

“About two months ago, did a traveller pass through your town? My age, with a moustache, most likely wearing green?”

“Oh, did prince Remus ever return home safely?”

Roman felt like he had been punched in the stomach.

“You… You have seen my brother?” He asked weakly.

“It was a little hard to miss him!” Alina’s wife Nesta said. “He rode in one late afternoon, and stopped only to allow his horse to drink something and to buy some more supplies in our tavern. He yelled that he would kill-” The woman paused when she saw Roman’s face drain of all colour. “Your Highness?”

“What did he yell?” Roman’s voice sounded numb. “Please, what did he say?”

“He yelled that he would kill the warlock in the Desolate Mountains for us, your Highness.” Nesta continued solemnly, all mirth from just mere moments ago gone. “We tried to stop him. We warned him of the danger, but he didn’t listen. He… He rode away before we could talk sense into him. But… Surely your Highness knew this? Our king and queen would not send their son on a mission like that without a plan!”

Silence stretched out for a few seconds as the women smiled hopefully at Roman. Their smiles died away at Roman’s ashen expression.

“You didn’t know…” Alina gasped. “Please, you have to believe us, if we had known prince Remus was there without your parents blessing, we would have sent word to the castle immediately! We wouldn’t have- Prince Roman?”

Roman couldn’t breathe. The sound of the village head and her wife asking him worriedly if he was feeling unwell reached him muffled and faraway, like his ears were stuffed with wax. A coldness like ice spread from his core to his limbs, making his skin tingle. He had the idea that his legs would give out on him any second. The shadows of the Desolate Mountains loomed over him, cold and menacing.

He had actually… Remus truly was that reckless… He had really gone to…

Oh god his brother had gone to the Desolate Mountains!

“Haha! !It seems like we overstayed our welcome long enough!!” Roman yelled so suddenly the women jumped back in shock. He felt himself slip back into his princely demeanour without truly trying. “Thank you for your hospitality, you are such wondrously kind people!!”

“Prince Roman, maybe you should sit down first?”

“Sit down?? Of course not, I feel fit as a fiddle!!” Roman chuckled, edging on hysterics. “Yes, we should definitely be going now!! I should inform the general!! A grand day to you, ladies!!” With that, Roman stormed away, ignoring the protests of Alina and Nesta. He had to find the general, he had to round up the knights, and they had to go look for his brother!

“GENERAL ISOLDA!!” He called out over the town square. The woman in question looked up, a bit shocked to see her prince in such a frenzied state. The knights that were talking to her stood to attention as well.

“Your Highness?” She asked when Roman reached her. “What is the matter?” “Gather all the knights! We’re going!” Roman commanded.

“Already?” The general frowned in confusion. “But we have barely rested for the journey home!” “We’re not going to the castle! We’re going to the Desolate Mountains!”

“What- Are you mad?” The general gaped at him, thinking he must be joking. Roman however could not be more determined.

“My brother is there, general! He has been there for the past two months, and we must find him immediately! We can buy supplies here in the town, and-”

“No.”

Roman stopped dead in his tracks.

“No? What do you mean, no?”

“It means that I am not sending my knights on a suicide mission, my prince!” The general seethed. Roman stared at her, before nodding.

“You’re right… That would be unfair to ask of them. I shall go alone then! Inform my parents of my absence!” Roman turned around to search for his horse, but was stopped in his path by one of his knights. Without Roman realizing more knights had joined the little group, and they formed a circle around him. Trapping him.

“I will do no such thing,” General Isolda said behind him. “Because you will be returning with us.”

“Let me go at once!” Roman turned to glare at the general, who merely looked unimpressed.

“You will return to the castle with us, prince Roman,” She said. “And that is an order.”

“You can not order me!” Roman fumed. “I outrank you!”

“And your parents outrank you, your Highness. I- All of us- Have strict orders to always bring you back home. No detours, no crazy quests. And we will follow those orders no matter what.” Roman bristled, ready to shout and yell. He looked around at knights circling him, closing his escape path off. Many of them had their swords partially drawn, their faces resolute.

“Please prince Roman,” The general said patiently. “Do not force me to tie you to your horse.”

He could not fight them all off, Roman knew that. And the whole journey home they would watch him like a hawk. Admitting defeat, Roman’s shoulders sacked.

“Fine,” He bit out. “But we’ll be leaving immediately. If we hurry we can make it back by evening.” He had to let his parents know as soon as possible, so he could go looking.

As Roman and his entourage left the town, it felt as if the mountains mockingly waved him goodbye.

#sanders sides #sanders sides fic #roman sanders #remus sanders #the previous chapter has #dukeceit #and #deceit sanders #god this fic has gone fully out of hand #ts roman #ts remus #ts deceit #tw: abuse #creativitwins #princey sanders #demus

57 notes · View notes

sergeanttucker · 6 years ago

Text

Get her back

Summary: After (Y/N) left because Steve had not done anything for their relationship, Steve was a wreck. Bucky persuaded him to bring her back.

Warning: angst!, SMUT! probably badly written but still, fluff, Harry Potter Spoiler? :D

Word Count: 4665 (It just happened.)

AN - My submission for @imhereforbvcky and @justsomebucky’s Cap2 Challenge. Thanks to you, I finally wrote cap again and it was a lot of fun! Oh, and thanks for hosting this challenge, we all need a lot more Steve and Sam in our lives. My prompt was “That was very un-Captain-America-like behavior.”

This is also the second part to Someday. I’m the weak bitch, remember? Have fun!!

Masterlist

A month. A month had passed since (Y/N) left and she hadn’t come back yet. From Natasha, Steve knew that she had rented a small apartment and that she had a new job in a small bookstore not far from the Avengers Tower. It didn’t surprise him; Steve knew how much she liked to read and it didn’t matter what she had in front of her. From comics to history books, horror stories, romance ... She didn’t care. It has letters? Then be sure that (Y/N) read it.

That was one reason Steve had fallen in love with her in the first place. For hours he had listened to her talk about The Lord of the Rings. He listened and comforted her when she read Harry Potter and cried over the deaths of Sirius Black and Dobby. Again.

Steve always admired her enthusiasm. It always made a smile appear on his face when she excitedly told him about the latest book she read. Or the latest movie she had seen. Or when she made him listen to her new favorite song. She had such a passion for all sorts of things, Steve often had problems keeping up with her. But that was just what made him rea(Y/N)e that she was the right one. And what did he do? He put his work over her and thereby lost her.

Now, a month later, Steve was still sulking. He spent more time exercising, hoping it would make him feel better, but it did not help. The thought that she had left and now no longer belonged to him did not let him sleep. And knowing it was his fault that (Y/N) had left him was not helpful either.

How stupid had he been? How could he just let her go? And why the hell did he treat her that way? Questions he asked himself in every free minute. The worst part was that he could not answer these questions. He did not know why he did it. What he did know was that he had to get her back.

Steve walked down the street, which he knew led to the bookstore. This time (Y/N) did not go next to him, but Bucky. He was worried, not only about Steve but also about (Y/N), and he was the one who convinced him to talk to her, otherwise it would not have happened in the near future.

Before Steve could open the door to the store, Bucky stopped him with one hand on his shoulder. “Steve, I’m your best friend but if you say or do anything stupid, I’ll kick your ass. (Y/N) is the best thing that could have happened to you. Do not make it worse than it already is.” He had a serious expression on his face and squeezed his shoulder before pushing him towards the door. “Now get (Y/N) back. I’ll wait here.”

Steve opened the door and entered. A short melody that sounded as the door slammed shut told the bookstore staff that a new customer had entered the store. He stopped near the door and let his eyes wander. It had changed little since he was here the last time.

It was a small shop that barely had enough space to stow all the books. Shelves of dark wood reaching to the ceiling occupied the most space. Two tables, also of dark wood, stood in the middle of the room, providing a place to read and take notes. Books that did not fit on the shelves piled up in different corners, waiting to be used. A sales counter was placed near the door. All in all, the bookstore was quite dark and smelled of old and used books. And that’s exactly what attracted (Y/N).

As Steve looked around the store, he could see (Y/N) talking to an older man. She showed him various leather-bound books and gave him a charming smile. Steve swallowed the lump he had in his throat when (Y/N)’s eyes fell on him and her smile vanished immediately. (Y/N) clenched her teeth and as she regained her composure; she forced herself to smile so as not to alarm her client. She opened the door for him and when he was gone, she could see Bucky waiting outside. She gave him her best bitch face and Bucky just had an apologetic look on his face as he shrugged.

The door closed with a bang; the tune filling the silence in the room. (Y/N) completely ignored Steve and went to one of the shelves and started stacking different books on a table before sitting down and writing some notes. Steve still had said nothing and just watched her, wondering what he should say.

After a while of silence, (Y/N) spoke first. “Can I help you, Captain Rogers?” (Y/N)’s eyes were still fixed on her notes, her voice sharp. The tone of her voice unsettled Steve, he had never seen her so angry. Well, except the day she left. And of course, he knew that she had every right to be angry; after all, it was all his fault.

Steve nervously rubbed his neck and took a few steps toward her. He stopped right in front of the table where she sat and looked at his feet. “I... I wanted ... I’m sorry.” His voice was low, and he did not dare to look at her. (Y/N) flipped through one book and marked some things before she wrote them down. “Is that all then? I have work to do.”

Steve looked up and ran a hand through his hair, a sigh left his lips. He knew it would not be easy. “(Y/N), I ...” (Y/N) slammed her pen onto the table, making him shut up immediately. “You know what Steve? Sometimes a sorry isn’t enough. And this right here? This is a situation where it isn’t.” Her voice was calm, but Steve could see the hurt in her eyes. Shame bubbled up in his stomach. He did this to her.

“I gave you everything, Steve. Everything. And you threw it away, so forgive me but a sorry is not nearly enough.” The words broke at the end. Tears threatening to fall but she wouldn’t let them. Of course, (Y/N) still loved him, but she needed more than what he gave her.

“I’m so sorry, (Y/N), I know I should not have put my job over you, it’s just ... Everyone expects me to save the world, hunt down criminals and fight against Nazis or aliens and I’ve tried to live up to all these expectations and lost sight of what was really important to me.

I know that’s no excuse and I understand if you do not want to have anything to do with me anymore. “He dropped his gaze to his feet again and waited for the rejection he had already prepared himself for on the way there. No way would she forgive him; he would not if he was her.

But to his surprise, he could see out of the corner of his eye that her facial features softened a little, and her voice had lost its sharp tone. “I know it’s not easy to be Captain America and all that and I understand that. But the way you have acted towards me these last months? That was very un-Captain-America-like behavior.”

“I know, I also know that nothing I say could excuse what I did.

But I love you and I miss you. I really do. Please come back home. Let me make it right. I promise I will have more time for you and will not be away all the time. Please come home.” He begged. Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, begged her to come home.

She did not expect that, but she could see in his eyes that he meant every single word he said. His voice broke slightly in the end and he fidgeted nervously with his hands. He looked desperate and (Y/N) could see he had not slept in a while. That she broke up with him hit him harder than she thought.

“Steve, there’s nothing I’d rather do than go home with you and pretend that nothing happened, but the last months have been hell for me. I can not and do not want to do that anymore. “

The last bit of hope that Steve still possessed shattered like glass. He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat and nodded. He felt tears forming in his eyes and cleared his throat before answering. “Yeah, I understand. I just want you to know how sorry I am. I’m sorry I interrupted you...” He turned around, his eyes fixed on the floor and walked to the door, his shoulders hanging.

“Steve, wait.” He stopped with the door handle in his hand and turned to look at (Y/N). She took a few steps toward him and stopped directly in front of him.

“I can not pretend that nothing happened, but because I love you, I’ll give you a second chance. I’ll be home at 9PM.” “Really?” Steve’s voice was at least an octave higher than usual, and there was hope and a little confusion in his voice. His eyebrows were raised and, all in all, he looked very puzzled.

“Really.” A small smile spread across her face as she saw the overjoyed expression on Steve’s face. (Y/N) had not seen him so happy for an eternity.

She turned and went back to work, leaving Steve standing there rooted to the spot. His eyes were fixed on her for a few seconds before he opened the door, but before he could leave, he was stopped again by (Y/N)’s voice. “Oh, and Steve? Do not you dare to shave; I quite like the beard. “Although she could not see it, he nodded before leaving the store. Both of them had a huge smile on their face for the rest of the day, and nothing and nobody could drive it away.

Never had (Y/N) longed for the end of a day’s work like this day. Her mind was on Steve all the time and admittedly she was a little nervous. After she finally closed the shop, she immediately made her way to her apartment. She grabbed a bag and stuffed all sorts of things in without really paying attention to what she took with her. On the way out, she locked the front door and sprinted down the stairs, almost tripping over her own feet on the way down.

A little later, she stood at the door of the apartment she shared with Steve until a few weeks ago. Her heart was racing in her chest; she could hardly wait to be reunited with the love of her life. After a deep breath, she fished the key she still had from her jacket pocket and opened the door. The bag fell with a dull bang on the floor.

(Y/N) leaned her back against the closed door and dropped her head back. The apartment she had rented had never felt like a real home. The silly photos, countless pillows and blankets, books, plants, personal items such as the necklace (Y/N) had gotten from Steve, all the little things that made a house a home were still here. When she entered the living room, she saw Steve’s shield lean against the wall and smiled. It felt good to be back home.

While (Y/N) stood in the living room and enjoyed being back home, Steve came out of the bedroom with wet hair and dressed only in a boxer short. When he rea(Y/N)ed that he was not alone, he stopped confused and ran his hand through his hair. His eyes fell on the clock hanging on the wall behind him, it was just 8:30 pm. “Oh hey (Y/N), I ehh... I thought I still have time to get ready. I’ll be right back.” As soon as he arrived, he disappeared back into the bedroom, leaving (Y/N) standing in the living room with a small grin, she shook her head in amusement and wandered around the room a little before going to the kitchen.

She stopped dead in her tracks as she entered the kitchen. Everywhere were pots, pans, and various ingredients were distributed on the kitchen island. Flour and some kind of sauce were spilled, and in the sink stood a pot of indefinable content. Steve had apparently tried to cook, but he failed. “(Y/N)?” His voice echoed through the living room to the kitchen. “I’m in here!”

Steve entered the room and scratched his neck awkwardly, a slight flush rising on his face as he saw the chaos in front of them. “Well, I ... I tried to cook dinner, but ... well, you see how it ended.” (Y/N) chuckled a little and piled some pots at the sink. When she wanted to turn on the water to wash the dishes, Steve grabbed her hand to stop her. “You’re not here to clean up the mess I made. I ordered pizza, let’s eat something. I’ll take care of the kitchen tomorrow.”

He took her hand and led her back into the living room. On the coffee table were two pizza boxes, a six-pack beer, and the Harry Potter Blu-ray collection. (Y/N) smiled softly when she saw all this. “You really want to volunteer to see Harry Potter with me? Brave of you.” Steve chuckled and sat down next to her on the couch, he had already pushed the philosopher’s stone into the player and took the remote control to start the movie.

“Well, what can I say? I love how you quote everything.” A small grin spread across his face as he saw the light red tone on her face. “Here, I ordered your favorite.” He opened one box and pushed it to her. (Y/N)’s mouth was watering with the sight of the still warm pizza. Just like she always ordered. Extra cheese, mushrooms and a lot of garlic. Perfect. Gratefully she accepted her and thanked him again when Steve handed her a beer. That’s how she always wanted to spend her evenings with him and now, finally, they did.

(AN – Stop here If you don’t want to read the smut-part)

After the first movie ended, they immediately started the second one. The pizza boxes were empty on the table. During the first movie, (Y/N) had moved closer to Steve and snuggled up to his side, his arm around her. A satisfied sigh left her lips as he pressed a kiss to her hair. How she had missed that. How she had missed him.

The movie had been running for about an hour, but (Y/N) had been ignoring the screen for a few minutes and was looking at Steve instead. He was still focused on the screen and absently ran his hand through her hair, but after a while he rea(Y/N)ed she was looking at him and fixed his gaze on hers. A gentle smile graced his lips as he looked questioningly at her. “What?” His voice was soft as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

(Y/N) smiled lovingly at him, her eyes falling to his lips for a moment before fixing his eyes again. “Nothing.” She whispered against his lips before gently kissing him. Steve did not move for a second, but as soon as he regained his composure, he returned the kiss and cupped her cheek, holding her to him. This was the first kiss for weeks, maybe months, and it sent electricity through her body.

(Y/N) was not ready to finish the kiss yet and followed Steve as he pulled his head away. She climbed on top of him and sat on his lap, deepening the kiss. Instinctively, Steve put his hands on her waist and pressed her against his body. It went on like this for a while. Kissing and touching, getting used to each other again after such a long time without physical contact.

But soon, it wasn’t enough and (Y/N) started to rock her hips, grinding down against him. A throaty groan escaped Steve, and he grabbed her hips, stopping her movements. He watched her face; her lips were slightly parted, her breath uneven and eyes dilated. “Doll, I...” (Y/N) stopped whatever he wanted to say with a finger to his lips.

“Steve, please. I need you. Don’t let me wait any longer.” She laid her forehead against his and stroked his cheek with her thumb, looking him deep in the eyes as she whispered. His eyes momentarily dropped to her lips as she spoke. He wanted to tell her so many things, things she needed to hear, but for the moment he just nodded and kissed her again, tracing her lower lip with his tongue before pushing it into her mouth. She started grinding against him again, and as Steve grabbed her hips this time, he guided her movements to make them more fluid.

(Y/N)’s hands went to his hair, tugging on it. The groan that rumbled against her lips made her whimper softly. Steve’s hand wandered up her body and under her shirt, feeling the soft, warm skin underneath. The shirt needed to go, so he tugged it up her body and over her head to discard it somewhere on the floor. His eyes drifted over her bra clad chest, his hands followed their movements and he softly cupped her breast into his big hands, kneading them over the annoying piece of cloth. (Y/N) sighed contently and pressed herself against him.

Soft, slightly chapped lips started to kiss a trail down her jaw to her neck and finally to the top of her breasts. Goosebumps raised on her body when he started to suck a mark there, her hips rocking harder against his at the feeling.

Steve withdrew his lips from her body to shed himself of his shirt, her bra following right after. He took a moment to admire the woman on top of him and let his eyes wander over her. How did he even get so lucky in the first place? (Y/N) was beautiful. Her soft skin slightly flushed, her hair tousled and eyes shining. He really was one lucky bastard.

Without warning, Steve got up and still held (Y/N) in his arms. She squeaked startled and slung her legs and arms around him, making him chuckle as he walked them into the bedroom. He dropped her on the bed, her body bounced on the mattress as he crawled over her and trailed kisses over every inch of skin he could reach. Starting at the waistband of her pants, he nipped at her belly-button and kissed over her ribs to the underside of her breast.

(Y/N) arched her back as his tongue circled her nipple before sucking it into his mouth. One of his hands crept up by her side and gripped the neglected breast, kneading it and squeezing her nipple as he bit the other. The breathless moan that reached his ears encouraged him to move his hand down to her pants. Steve opened the button and zipper and slipped his hand inside, rubbing her through her underwear as he switched sides and sucked the other nipple.

(Y/N) let out a shuddering breath when one of Steve’s fingers circled her clit, her hips bucking up on instinct. “Steve please... Don’t tease me...” He let go of her nipple and looked up at her, nodding as he saw the desperation in her eyes. He leaned back up on his knees, pulled his hand from between her legs and hastily took off her pants and panties before he momentarily got up to get rid of his own clothes.

Crawling back onto the bed, he spread her legs so he could get in between them. Steve took a moment to admire the sight in front of him; hair sprawled unruly across the pillow, skin a slightly red hue and breasts heaving with every uneven breath she took. Again, he was one lucky bastard.

She bit her lip at the sight of his at attention standing cock. She would love to lick of the bit of pre-cum that gathered at his tip, tasting the salty essence but she couldn’t wait any longer. She needed him inside of her. Steve seemed to think the same thing. His hands stroked up and down her thighs before he gripped his cock and rubbed it up and down her slit, coating himself in her juices.

She whimpered softly when his tip bumped against her clit, bucking her hips up to try to get more of the so much needed friction but Steve would have none of that. With his free hand, he easily pinned her hips down and chuckled darkly at her needy whimper. Even if he wanted to be inside of her as soon as possible he just couldn’t resist teasing her at least a little.

He bit his lip and watched how she squirmed when he drew circles on her clit with only the tip of his cock. “Steeeve...” She whined and tried to rock against him but with no use. Of course, Steve was stronger than her.

He continued like this, teasing her clit and slipping just the tip of his cock into her, up to the point (Y/N) could feel an orgasm creep up on her. She repeatedly whispered his name, her head was thrown back against the pillow, her eyes screw shut as she clawed at the sheets.

Steve’s own breath got labored as he watched her fall apart in front of him, her lips were red and swollen from how hard she bit them. “Don’t hold back, darling. I want to hear all the sweet sounds you make.”

Her thighs started to tremble and her toes curled. She was close; he could see it. Doubling his efforts, he slipped the tip of his achingly hard cock into her hole and rubbed her clit with his thumb in fast circles, even faster so as her legs around his middle tightened. He leaned down and pressed his mouth against her ear, never stopping his movements.

“Come on, Doll. I know you’re close, don’t hold back. Show me how beautiful you look when you cum.” The breathy whisper was all she needed to be thrown over the edge. She clawed at Steve, raking her nails down his back when he used the exact moment her orgasm shot through her to bottom out with one stroke. (Y/N)’s mouth opened in a silent scream; the sudden feel of fullness overwhelming her senses.

Steve buried his face in the crook of her neck and groaned loudly. The feel of her contracting velvety-soft walls almost too much to bear for the super soldier. When he was sure he wouldn’t blow his load as soon as he started to move, he started to kiss her neck and jaw until he reached her lips. The kiss was slow and short; (Y/N) was still breathing heavily from her orgasm. “You’re so beautiful.” Steve lay his forehead against hers and pecked her lips one more time. “You ready?” (Y/N) just nodded and grabbed his hair to tug him down into another kiss.

Steve pulled out slowly and pushed back in at the same pace. There was no rush in his thrusts nor in his touch as one of his hands stroked every inch of skin he could reach. His other arm lay beside (Y/N)’s head with his hand buried in her hair. His kisses were just as slow as his thrusts and made (Y/N)’s head spin from how soft and loving they were.

He whispered breathy I love you's and I’m sorry's between kisses and cupped her cheek with his hand to make sure she looked at him. “I love you too, Steve.” (Y/N) pulled him in for another kiss, pushing her tongue into his mouth to tangle with his.

She started to buck her hips up against his, encouraging him to go just a little faster but Steve had other plans and slowed down even more. “Not tonight. Let me make love to you.” He pressed his forehead against hers and locked eyes with her, entwining their hands. Their bodies were pressed together, her nipples dragging against his chest with every thrust.

It was so intense, so intimate, (Y/N) couldn’t handle all the emotions inside of her. Tears bubbled up in her eyes and a sob found its way out of her throat when Steve, once again, declared his love for her. He was worried for a moment and was about to stop and ask her if everything was ok when she pulled him down for another kiss.

After a while, Steve’s hips stuttered and his thrusts lost its rhythm. He had to stop kissing her. He ran short on breath and several breathy groans fell from his lips; he was close but he wouldn’t cum before (Y/N). His thrusts were still slow, but they were slightly harder and every time he bottomed out he grinded against her, adding friction to her clit. “I want you to look at me when you cum. Can you do that for me?” He sounded wrecked, and it made (Y/N) whimper as she nodded.

(Y/N) was a mess of breathless moans; her thighs started to twitch again. Her second orgasm was just around the corner; they both could feel it; she just needed a little push. “Cum for me.” The whispered words against her lips were enough to push her over. She tightly squeezed his hand and tugged his hair with the other. Her back curled up slightly and pressed her breasts tighter against Steve’s muscular chest as her legs tightened around his waist.

The breathless moan of his name against his lips and the clenching of her walls around his cock were enough to send Steve tumbling over the edge with her as he groaned her name. Their foreheads were still pressed together and their eyes were locked on one another, making their orgasms much more intense.

They stayed like this for a minute or two until they calmed down enough to move. Their breaths were mingling together and noses were touching as they watched each other closely. Steve cupped her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I love you you so much, (Y/N).” His voice was barely above a whisper and their lips were touching when he spoke. A soft smile spread on her face and she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “I love you too.”

Steve smiled and pecked her lips once more before he got up and disappeared into the bathroom. He came back with a wet cloth and crawled back between her legs to clean her up. She winced at the sting but smiled reassuringly at Steve when she saw the worried look on his face. When he had cleaned up himself too, he threw the cloth to the floor and lay down beside (Y/N), tugging her against him before he covered them both with the blanket.

She cuddled up against his side and laid her head on his chest, drawing invisible patterns on his middle while she listened to the beat of his heart. Steve’s hand stroked up and down her back and he kissed her head before he spoke. “(Y/N), I need to tell you someth...”

Like earlier, (Y/N) didn’t let him finish his sentence and pressed a finger to his lips to make him stop. She leaned up and cupped his jaw in her hand, stroking his beard with her thumb before she kissed him lovingly. “Whatever it is, it can wait. We can talk tomorrow.”

Steve nodded and pressed another kiss to her lips before he tugged her back against him.

Before falling asleep, Steve made a mental note to thank Bucky for persuading him to go to the bookstore. He finally had the love of his life back in his arms and he wouldn’t be this stupid ever again.

—————————————————————-

Congratulations, you made it to the end !! I´m new to the writing thing and Feedback is highly appreciated! Oh, and if your eyes are bleeding from the bad grammar, then let me know! I’m from Germany and my English is a little rusty, so please point out the mistakes I made. Oh, and should you have a request, send me an ask!

#Steve Rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers smut #Steve rogers x reader smut #steve rogers angst #steve rogers fluff #marvel smut #marvel fanfiction #avengers smut #avengers x reader #captain america smut #cap2challenge #jelly writes

228 notes · View notes

daddy-satrinava · 6 years ago

Note

The whole alphabet skdjfhfh (if you can, of course) BLESS YOU

Oh lord this is a long ass post and there’s nothing but thirst in it

Aftercare

• Sometimes takes longer than the sex, and that says a lot. All she wants is to spoil you, and this is the perfect occasion to lavish you with attention and appreciation.

• Soft kisses and soft smiles and soft looks and tired eyes and lazy touches and soft hair all over the place.

• We’re talking about Nadia ‘scented baths’ Satrinava, so a nice warm bath is a must. She’ll help you wash or give you a massage if she left you with any sore muscles, and all that comes with a lot of kisses on your bite marks ;)

Body part

• Caress and kiss those thighs please. It makes her weak when you touch them and if you do it right, maybe she’ll sub for you.

• As for her favorite body part, it has to be your shoulders. They’re just so good for everything: she likes to bite them, rest her head on them when you’re sitting together, grab them when you’re walking and kiss them when she’s spooning you.

Clothing

• Nadia just loves lingerie, both on herself and on you. If you like them too, she’ll buy hundreds, in all colors, from all fabrics and all models, and she’ll match them with jewelry.

• Asks you to pick your favorite and disappears behind the divider, making a little show out of it, throwing her clothes and making you ask nicely for her to come out.

• She loves to watch you move in lingerie, and if you give her a lap dance you’re definitely up for a treat.

Dirty talk

• Yes.

• Her special ability is not necessarily using explicit words but sounding so lewd. She will tell you between kisses how bad she wants to keep you up all night, how she wants to make you forget your name. She will remind you what a good pet you are and continuously ask you if you like it, if you want more, if you’ll behave etc.

• If you get flustered easily, she will take advantage of it and keep talking until you’re a blushing mess. And if you dirty talk back to her, it’s gonna be the hottest rap battle ever.

Favorite position

• Hear me out: 69.

• I mean, what could be better than a position which allows her to please you while you please her? Granted that she’s on top, of course.

• Likes to sync her movements to yours and often challenges herself to make you cum first, which she usually does, and then moves to sit on your face.

Intimacy

• When she isn’t too busy destroying your ass, Nadia does some super cute things during sex.

• Like when she goes down on you and you grab the sheets so she reaches out and holds your hand, and she chuckles because you’re squeezing it so tight.

• Or when she grabs your hips and nuzzles against your stomach.

• And oh my god all the kisses! If you think there’ll be one inch of your skin left unkissed, you’re wrong.

Kinks

• Of course, there’s the dom/sub dynamic and the pet play, but can we talk about her other kinks?

• Like everything related to orgasm control, she thinks there’s nothing hotter than seeing you so desperate to come and so frustrated when you’ve been denied once again. And when she decides it’s time to let you finish? Divine.

• Or light bondage. She often comes to you with a piece of silk and a smirk on her lips, and you know immediately what’s next. If you want to tie her down, it’s gonna take a while to convince her, but it’s gonna be soooo worth it. She finds it endearing, seeing you in control from time to time.

Location

• Call her old fashioned, but Nadia’s favorite place to have sex in is the bedroom. Sure, the baths are more steamy (ba dum tss) and the gateway has endless possibilities, but nothing quite matches the intimacy of the bedsheets. (those walls have seen things)

Motivation

• As mentioned above, seeing you in a sexy outfit always gets her going, but sometimes little things you do can turn her on so bad.

• Confidence is a big yes for her. Whenever you make a good impression in court, charm her guests or light up the atmosphere, she has this feeling that’s a mixture of pride and arousal and she can barely stop herself from jumping on you in front of everyone.

• And oh, does she love it when you get feisty. Do any bold gesture - kiss her passionately out of nowhere, touch her under the table, sit in her lap, tell her how much you want her - and you’ll have a horny mess out of the Countess.

Noise

• Starts off quiet - some gasps and hums, but as she gets closer she won’t hold back any of those beautiful sounds. You’d be surprised how shameless her moans can be when she reaches the orgasm.

•Usually she never bothers about the sounds, because she is the Countess and can do whatever she wants, but if you are in a place other than the palace, say, someone else’s palace, she will do her best staying silent and make up for it with her delightful facial expressions.

Oral

• That mouth does wonders, baby. Her soft lips are just meant to be sucking and kissing, and that tongue of hers can make you lose yourself in pleasure. She’s so good at edging it makes you wonder where did she learn that from, when actually she just understands your body very well; you can say she’s a natural.

• When receiving oral, she likes to either sit in a chair or ride your face, one hand always in your hair and her eyes pinned on you. She’s okay with fingering, but she prefers to have your hands roaming on her body.

Pace

• For her, it’s slow and steady over fast and messy. This woman is a true tease, so of course she will want to drive you crazy with her feather-light kisses and touches, but she also craves sweet love making, the kind that takes the whole night and feels like it has no beginning and no ending.

Quickie

• She’d rather take her time, to work every part of you up and make sure every time is most enjoyable. But if a great thirst appears and the circumstances impedes that, she will jam you into an empty room and get done with it quick.

Risk

• Not the biggest fan of having sex in risky places. Teasing in public is a different thing, which she loves to do, but she prefers the fucc to happen in private.

• If you’re into that, however, she can make some compromises: she’ll instruct the servants to avoid a certain room and then get at it, but only after expressing her deep concern about being caught in the sexiest voice.

Seduction

• Nadia’s sweet nothings whispered in your ear are better than any other flirt; she will tell you all the things she loves about you, and that means everything, she will tell you just what you do to her (maybe even show) and she’ll make you feel like the most loved person.

• And honestly, if you want her equal parts flustered and horny, just praise her a little. Tell her how good her speech was, how proud you are of her, how beautiful she looked in that dress. She is hard to impress, but she also has a soft spot for you, so it’s actually quite easy to make her swoon.

Toys

• Girl got everything you could think of and probably more. She’s a huge fan of toys and wants to try them all on you.

• You can’t convince me some of them aren’t crafted by the Countess herself. She’d want to give you a custom made gift and will ask for a veeery detailed description of what you’d like.

• Having such a talented magician by her side and not enchanting her favorite toys would be a shame, really. You’d better get your hand on some buzzing magic, because you won’t regret it ;)

Unfair

• When does Nadia not tease you, honestly.

• At a table she never misses the chance of sliding her leg against yours, or trailing her fingers up your thigh while you’re trying to have a conversation with someone. She’d also whisper something scandalous in your ear then turn away and start chatting with a random person.

• Always compliments your outfits (even though she bought them all lol) and touches you all over, claiming to ‘feel the fabric’.

• I could go on, but to recap: Nadia teases.

Vocal

• She’s more of a talker than a moaner, so brace yourself for a lot of dirty talk and praising.

• Gives you clear instructions on how to position yourself and, if you’re lucky enough to top, how to fuck her.

• As she gets closer she resumes to ecstatic affirmations and the way she calls your name when pleasure overtakes her is orgasmic in itself. Afterwards, praises of your hard work are compulsory.

Wildcard

• This one belongs to @mindlesssoulz bless her

• Nadia goes wild (pun intended) if you dig your nails into her back while she fucks you. Feeling you hooked on her flesh, your heart and body all hers, it makes her feel unbelievably alive. Expect her to groan and pick up the pace, maybe even dig her teeth into your collarbone.

• If not, at least give her a back scratch from time to time

X-rated thoughts

• Well, maybe this isn’t the kinkiest fantasy ever, but all she ever wanted - and I mean really wanted - was to wake up to her partner eating her out. She likely won’t tell you at first, because she thinks it’s a bit selfish, but like, please make her happy and convince her she deserves to have all her fantasies fulfilled.

• If you want it to be the best morning of her life, masturbate at the same time and you’re guaranteed to not leave the bed for the rest of the day.

Yearning

• Nadia is one of those persons that look like they can control their sexual instincts, but in truth she wants sum fuk all the time.

• Her libido is high, but what’s even higher is her stamina, good lord. She can go on for hours, with no break.

• Sometimes, when things are busy at the palace, you don’t get the chance to have sex for a long time, so when you finally do get a break she’s so horny you need a second break to recover from all that.

ZZZ

• Doesn’t sleep immediately after, because she wants to indulge in that warm feeling. Most likely she’ll clean up while feeling confident and pleasantly tired (like the sims lol). If you doze off she will gladly hold you in her arms and slowly stroke your hair.

• However, if you manage to exhaust her, she’ll snuggle with you and fall asleep in no time, which is a rare event for her, so congratulations on your achievement, dude.

#BLESS YOU ANON #the arcana #the arcana game #nadia satrinava #countess nadia #nadia route #headcanons #n(adia)sfw #'hooked on her flesh' that's from a hozier song lol

300 notes · View notes

artificialqueens · 5 years ago

Text

nobody knows where we might end up, chapter three (branjie) - holtzmanns

(read on ao3) | (tumblr)

“Great. It’s a date, then. Well, not a date. A study date. Studying time. You know what I mean.” Vanessa claps a hand over her mouth before she can say anything worse. “Ugh.”

Brooke giggles, reaching up to bring Vanessa’s hand down from her face, and Vanessa prays to the Lord that she doesn’t see the blush rising on her cheeks. “I got it. Don’t worry.”

AN: Thank you so much for the lovely response to this fic! I appreciate it so much. Writ is the best for being both a wonderful beta and roaster and this story would Not exist without them.

(then)

“Yes Mama, I’m eating well.” Vanessa rolls her eyes when her mom replies on the other end of the phone in rapid fire Spanish. “No, I’m not just eating pasta, I promise.”

“I don’t want you to waste away, mija. You need a vegetable every now and then.” Vanessa can almost picture her mom on the other end, phone on speaker as she drives to work.

“I eat vegetables! Sometimes.” She’s trying to, at least. Learning to cook in a small residence suite kitchen is hard. She should have gotten a meal plan, but past her had thought that making her own meals would be a more fun experience.

Past her hadn’t been the smartest.

“Fucking idiot, trying to cut into my lane - what did you say, Vanessa?” It makes Vanessa snort. Her mom had been the one to teach her to drive, which more than explains her own trash talking when she’s behind the wheel.

“I’ll leave you to drive, Mama, the lecture is starting soon anyway. Be safe.” She hangs up as her mom yells at her to come visit for Thanksgiving.

Vanessa looks around at the students trickling into the lecture hall, eyes peeled for a certain blonde in particular. Her bag rests on the seat beside her, saving it for Brooke.

The floor hangout had been fun. Real fun. She’s never seen Brooke loosen up, their times during lecture spent focusing on the course material. But making her smile, twirling her as she danced - Vanessa wants to make Brooke that happy again.

Brooke looks tired when she falls into the seat beside Vanessa, moving her bag. Vanessa reaches out to fix the collar of Brooke’s shirt, which is sticking up on one side, and doesn’t miss the way that her cheeks turn pink.

“What’s wrong, B?”

“Nothing, I just…” Brooke fiddles with her laptop case, biting her lip, “I still don’t fully understand the last lecture, and was trying to go over it again before class because we’re starting new things, and if I don’t get that then what if I don’t understand what he teaches today-”

“Okay, slow down.” Vanessa holds up a hand, making Brooke stop her rambling and take in a breath. “How about we go over it together? You have any free time after class today?”

Score. Vanessa wants to pat herself on the back. She’s been trying to figure out a way to get Brooke to hang out with her for weeks, but couldn’t think of how to ask without sounding desperate. This way? They can both get work done too.

She has no clue if Brooke is also gay, but who cares? It’s not like that. It’s not. Sure, dancing and goofing around with Brooke was nice, and sure she wants to do it again more than anything, but…she also wants to be her friend. Help her out a little.

Well. More than her friend, but still.

Brooke looks at her in surprise. “Yeah? You’d wanna do that?”

“Sure, why not? And you can teach me the mnemonic you used to memorize the cranial nerves so damn fast.”

Brooke smiles, a real smile, and it makes Vanessa grin in response. “I’d like that.”

“Great. It’s a date, then. Well, not a date. A study date. Studying time. You know what I mean.” Vanessa claps a hand over her mouth before she can say anything worse. “Ugh.”

Brooke giggles, reaching up to bring Vanessa’s hand down from her face, and Vanessa prays to the Lord that she doesn’t see the blush rising on her cheeks. “I got it. Don’t worry.”

The professor clears his throat then, draws their attention to the tricuspid valve on the PowerPoint slide, and Vanessa leans back in her seat with a sigh of relief. The adrenaline rush from asking Brooke to simply hang out was enough to power a small town, at least. She’s too weak for this girl.

The three hour lecture feels like it flies by with the promise of later. She likes cardio, she gets cardio, it makes sense in her head.

Brooke, however, radiates with nervous energy that becomes stronger and stronger as the lecture goes on. Vanessa turns to her at the break.

“Don’t be freaking yourself out.”

“I’m not.” Brooke’s protest is feeble.

“Imma distract you.” Vanessa racks her brain. She knows these spirals, she’s been in enough herself. “Wanna hear about my dog, Riley?”

Brooke turns out to be a real animal person, cooing at all of the pictures of Riley that Vanessa proudly shows her. In turn, Brooke tells her about her two cats back home, Henry and Apollo.

“Is that Henry in a sweater?” Vanessa nearly screeches at the picture that Brooke shows her.

Brooke can’t hold back a grin. “He’s so fluffy that his fur was sticking up every which way after I took it off of him. He strangely likes wearing it, though.”

Vanessa whistles. “Damn. One time I put Riley in boots to protect his feet from the salt and ice and he walked in a snowbank on purpose to lose ‘em.”

Brooke looks lighter when the lecture starts up again, and Vanessa has to resist the urge to reach out and squeeze her hand.

She racks her brain throughout the second half of the lecture of where she can take Brooke to study. Not the silent study zone, where they wouldn’t be able to talk, not the group study area which is always way too noisy, but-

“Psst.” She nudges Brooke, who looks surprised by Vanessa talking in class. “You ever been to the top floor of the library?”

Vanessa tugs her there after class, weaving between the shelves of old books and stacks on the floor to pull her to a window overlooking the rest of campus. The floor is empty save for the two of them, most students occupying the study areas on the first and second floors.

Brooke whistles. “How did you find this?”

“I like to walk around while memorizing things, sometimes. Helps my brain think. Somehow ended up here one day.” Vanessa shrugs. “I like it up here. It’s quiet. Peaceful.”

“Sure is.” Brooke’s voice is a whisper as she looks out the window, seeing the rest of the campus buildings from above. “I can see our residence building from here.”

“Pretty cool, huh?” Vanessa grins, setting her bag down on the table beside the window. “Now c’mon. I promised you a cardio review.”

Vanessa’s real glad that her evening lecture has been cancelled, her professor emailing in the morning that they were going to be out with the flu. When she looks at her watch, she nearly yelps when noticing the time.

“8:30 already? Damn, it’s been what, like, four hours?” She looks over at Brooke, who closes her physiology textbook with a thud.

“Jeez, you’re right. It hasn’t felt that long at all.” Brooke’s loosened up throughout their study session, pulling her feet up onto her chair and freeing her hair from the braid it was in so that her it cascades down over her shoulders in waves.

“Time flies in good company.” Vanessa winks at her, second-guessing the action as soon as she does it because is it too forward? But then she sees the way that Brooke blushes, smiles shyly back at her, and her heart settles down from the flips it had started to do.

“Thank you, by the way. You definitely didn’t have to spend so much time going over all of this with me.” Brooke’s facial expression is tentative as she peeks over at Vanessa while packing up her things.

Vanessa waves off Brooke’s words. “I got stuff out of it too, helped me review everything. Now we’re both set for the first two units.”

Of course, she wants to spend as much time as she can get with Brooke, but that’s neither here nor there. Nor does Brooke need to know.

Brooke looks at her phone and bites her lip. “Shoot. I was supposed to meet my roommate to grab dinner with her at that sushi place on campus. I gotta go.”

Brooke pauses, though, turning to Vanessa with an expression that she can’t decipher.

“Do you want to do this again next week? Make it a thing? I had fun.” Brooke’s looking at her like she’s absolutely terrified of what her answer may be. As if Vanessa would ever say no.

“Hell yeah. I had fun with you too, B.” Vanessa grins then, remembering the words she had said to Brooke the first time that they had met in lecture. “Same time next week?”

“Definitely.”

A standing study date with a cute girl. Well, not a date, but still. Vanessa’s happy with it.

“Silky. My sweet Silk with the good milk. I am in love.” Vanessa flops onto her bed in the most dramatic fashion that she can.

Her roommate doesn’t even look up from her book. “You said the same thing last week after trying the lasagna in the dining hall that you bought. It wasn’t even that good.”

Vanessa rolls over, supports herself on her elbows. “It was, ‘cause I didn’t have to cook it. But seriously.”

Silky turns a page of her book. “Who you in love with now?”

“Her name’s Brooke. She’s in Human Physiology One with me. Lives on the other end of the hall, actually. She’s so cute, Silk.” Vanessa thinks of how they basically spent the entire evening together, and from the way her heart starts to beat faster, she feels like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“Want me to hook you up with this one, too?” Silky’s been her best friend and wing-woman from high school, responsible for multiple of Vanessa’s girlfriends in the past.

“No, not this time.” Vanessa shakes her head. Divine Silky intervention just wouldn’t feel…right. “I don’t even know if she’s gay.”

“You lesbians are always a fucking mystery to me. How you gonna woo her, then?”

Vanessa shrugs. “I dunno. We just studied together for like four hours, though.” So what if her voice comes out a bit dreamier than intended?

“Oh so she a nerd too, huh? Match made in heaven.” Silky snorts. “Someone else at your batshit level.”

“Hey.” Vanessa pouts at her. “I like human biology. It’s fun. And so does she.”

Silky waves a hand at her. “Can’t relate. Thank God I didn’t have to take bio past grade eleven. Imma stick with my English major, thank you very much.”

Vanessa makes a face. “Beats me how you can write such long ass papers without getting bored.”

“You ramble so much about wack ass shit as it is. Put that down on paper and channel it into something constructive. Not too hard.”

“Boring.” Vanessa sticks her tongue out at her. “Anyways. I need to get her to like me.”

Silky snickers, looking up from her book. “You sound like you’re in middle school.”

Vanessa is unperturbed. “Laugh all you want now, but imma make it happen.”

Silky finally puts her book down, looking up at Vanessa. “Just be yourself, boo. If she’s any good at all, she’ll like you for you.You shouldn’t have to change yourself for anyone else.”

Vanessa raises an eyebrow. “Surprisingly profound, even for you.”

Silky opens her book again. “What can I say? Sometimes I have moments where I channel the spirit of fucking Mr. Rogers himself.”

“I’d have watched you on TV as a kid. Even though I would have gotten so scarred by what I saw.” Vanessa ducks from the pillow that Silky tosses in her direction. “See! Already under attack.”

“Talk shit, get hit. Now let me read.” Silky’s voice is good natured, and Vanessa can’t help but grin. She’s lucky that she’s gotten to room with Silky for their first year. Better her than a random stranger that she’d have to get to know.

(now)

Vanessa pulls her coat tighter around her, crossing her arms to try and keep herself from shivering. She had forgotten how fucking cold Toronto is, even in the early fall.

Los Angeles had spoiled her. The sun, the dry heat…she had thrived from her first day of medical school up to becoming a cardiothoracic fellow. But she had needed more. Wanted to go farther. Being back in Toronto will give her that - at least, she hopes so.

She’s closer in location to her mom now, at least, and has her if nothing else.

“Morning, Dr. Mateo!” Dr. O’Hara waves at her from the Starbucks line.

Vanessa waves back, weaving in between the crowd to get closer to her. “Ready for our joint consult today?”

“Very much so. I’m excited to work with you.” Dr. O’Hara’s grin is infectious, making Vanessa break out into a smile too despite the ridiculous early hour.

“Likewise. I’ve always wanted to try a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Didn’t have access to the materials back in LA.”

“Really?” Dr. O’Hara looks surprised at that. “I thought that they’d have everything a surgeon would need in the US.”

Vanessa shrugs. “Nah. The hospital I worked at wasn’t a cardiac centre, so they stuck to the basics, referred out to other centres for more complex procedures. Had to fight to do the ones that I did.”

“Speaking of which, the pericardial closure that you were able to do successfully and wrote about? Amazing. I hope you have the chance to do one here.”

Vanessa grins. Her new colleagues, especially in the cardiac unit, have been incredibly supportive, hearing out her out of the box ideas and helping her find research evidence to back them up. More support than she had in LA.

Outside of cardiac, though? A different story.

Most people are fine. She’s grabbed lunch with the ortho attendings and had coffees with the peds team, as well as the neuro team.

Well. Most of the neuro team. Save for one.

Seeing Dr. Hytes around has been fucking unsettling. The woman broke her heart when they were so young and the sting of the break up is still there, no matter how many girlfriends she’s been through since then.

Dr. Hytes had been her first real love. And her last, no matter how much of a romantic at heart she remains to this day.

It seems like the woman has closed off her heart to the world, too, from the way everyone else seems to be intimidated by her.

“Dr. O’Hara,” Vanessa starts, the other woman nodding after taking a sip of her drink, “what’s the story on Dr. Hytes?”

“Dr. Hytes? What about her?”

“What’s she like?” Vanessa knew what Dr. Hytes - Brooke - had been like years and years ago, in undergrad. Soft and vulnerable and learning to believe in herself no matter what her brain was telling her. The Dr. Hytes she’s seen twice now, though, is different. Closed off.

Also kind of a bitch.

“Why, you into her too?” Dr. O’Hara’s smile is wry.

“Not especially.” Vanessa wishes that Dr. Hytes wasn’t here, at the hospital. Bringing up old feelings that she most definitely doesn’t want to deal with while starting a new job. “What do you mean, ‘into her too’?”

“Bit of a ladykiller, that one. I swear she’s turned half of the nurses gay on my floor alone.”

“Okay, first of all, you can’t turn people gay. Doesn’t work like that. Second of all,” Vanessa raises an eyebrow, “go on.”

“She’s a great lay, apparently. Makes all the women after her go back for more. Not my cup of tea, personally, but Dr. Michaels slept with her once and swore that she came like, four times.” Asia whistles. “Her power.”

Vanessa scoffs. “Clearly you don’t know enough lesbians in your life. Not an outstanding number.”

Asia shrugs. “Hey, just reporting what I’ve heard. That your cup of tea?”

Vanessa wrinkles her nose. “Her? Not exactly.”

She had been, years ago. Vanessa knows better now. She’s not going to get burned again.

Though she wonders how good Dr. Hytes must be now to have so many of the women in the hospital fawning over her. Not that she wants to find out for herself.

“In or out of the sack, she’s a fucking neurosurgery god. Respect.” Dr. O’Hara points to a picture of Dr. Hytes hanging in the atrium, receiving some sort of award.

Vanessa has to hold herself back from rolling her eyes. “She really has all of you wrapped around her little finger.”

Vanessa remembers the Brooke from undergrad, so enamoured by neuro and the way the brain worked. No surprise that she’s become a neurosurgeon - and gotten the overinflated ego that comes with the title.

She just wishes that Dr. Hytes could do it in a different hospital. Not around her.

Vanessa is pissed.

Extremely pissed.

Sure, she’s been apprehensive about the consult meeting planned with the neuro team for one of their joint patients. Planning an aneurysm clipping for a patient with existing tachycardic issues should be easy, right?

Wrong.

Not when the main neuro lead is Dr. Hytes, who seems to be determined to undermine everything that she says.

“We’ll need to address the bloodflow before the clipping, should the patient’s tachycardia become an issue-”

“With all due respect, Dr. Mateo, your method doesn’t seem like a viable option for this patient-”

“Dr. Hytes, I assure you that my experience with this method with multiple patients during my previous practice and various papers written on it is enough to show that it is a viable option-”

“Regardless, this patient is a neuro priority first and foremost, and experimentation with a technique that hasn’t been previously tested at this facility is a rash choice-”

The rest of the meeting is more or less of the same. Not much gets done, not when the two lead attendings on the case spend it verbally sparring. Not that it’s Vanessa’s fault in the least.

“Dr. Hytes.” Vanessa spits the words at her as soon as they wrap up, storming over to her seat. “May we please speak outside?”

“What the hell is your problem?” Vanessa hisses the words at Dr. Hytes as soon as they’re in the hallway, watching as her eyes turn stormy as she follows her out into the hallway after leaving the conference room.

“Your idea is reckless and it isn’t appropriate for this patient. It’s my job to let everyone else know too.” Dr. Hytes looks practically bored. Vanessa has never been more angry.

“It’s not your job to undermine me in front of colleagues and a patient and their family, so forgive me for not accepting that bullshit.” She’s seething. Absolutely seething. Of course the fucking bitch is trying to make her look unprepared in front of everyone. What else did she expect?

“‘Maybe come prepared with better options and I won’t have to.” Dr. Hytes looks smug, too smug, and Vanessa has to ball her hands into fists to keep herself from doing anything stupid.

“Look.” Vanessa’s voice is louder now, probably enough to be heard down the hallway, but she doesn’t care. “You don’t know shit about cardiology. Never have, never will. I’m the only reason you never failed the cardio units back in undergrad. So get the fuck off my dick by pretending you know better than I do. Because you don’t.”

Dr. Hytes’ face turns cold, similar to the way it had been when Dr. West had introduced them on Vanessa’s first day. “You don’t get to talk to me like that.”

“Oh yeah? Says who? Unlike the rest of this hospital, I can see you for who you truly are. And the resulting image? Ugly. Unprofessional. Not as good as you like to think, up there on your high horse.” She spits the words, feeling the anger rise in her chest by the second.

Dr. Hytes takes a step forward, then another, looking down at her. Vanessa stares right back up at her, refusing to take a step backwards. She’s not one to be intimidated, and not by Dr. Hytes of all people.

“At least I got into med school on the first try. Because I am as good as I think I am.” Dr. Hytes hisses it at her, low enough so that the small crowd that has gathered around them can’t hear.

Of course she’d stoop that low. Of course. “Oh, fuck you.”

Vanessa turns on her heel, storms through the crowd. She’s had it. Had it with cocky surgeons who think that their disciplines are more important and can’t handle the idea of not being the number one priority at all times.

She can’t help but slam the door when she reaches her office, though has to resist the urge to hit her fist on the wall. She blinks back the angry tears threatening to fall.

Coming to Toronto was supposed to be a good thing. Being back home. Of course one of her ex-girlfriends feels the need to ruin everything for her.

She’s going to show Dr. Hytes up if it’s the last thing she does.

#rpdr fanfiction #branjie #brooke lynn hytes #vanessa vanjie mateo #lesbian au #hospital au #greys anatomy au #holtzmanns #nobody knows where we might end up #submission

26 notes · View notes