#Seafood Market Share | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

phoward89 · 9 months ago

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Banner by me. Dividers by @saradika

Summary: Coriolanus took his wife out, in more ways than one, while you were safe and sound in his 12th floor Corso penthouse. But when you see a breaking news report, you realize that the man you share a bed with is a snake. A snake that kills with poison. And you decide to confront him about your knowledge of poisons.

Warnings: Coriolanus Snow is his own warning! Possessive!Coriolanus, Obsessive!Coriolanus, DelusionalCoriolanus, Dark!Coriolanus, Soft Dark!Coriolanus?, Head Gamemaker!Coriolanus, Poison, Murder, Blood, Plotting/Scheming Couple, um think that's about it

Story Masterlist

Chapter 5

Coriolanus sipped on his wine, watching his wife look around the dining room impatiently. She was fidgeting in her seat; it was embarrassing.

He was paying good money on a meal that they'd never eat, cause she'd be dead soon and he'd be hacking up blood. The least Livia could do was conduct herself properly in public.

The damn shrew was impossible to train. So impatient. Greedy, spoiled, rich bitch was so used to getting her way that waiting a few extra minutes for their seafood appetizer was too much to handle.

God, he's so happy that he dumped that vial of poison in their wine bottle (that he had the waiter leave on their table) after convincing his vain wife that she needed to powder her nose; that it was too shiny.

Soon, very very soon the poison will kick in and Livia will drop dead.

Not him though.

No, he won't die, but he'll get sick though since he's only partially immune to this strong, but sweet tasting poison that pairs so well with the vintage Merlot.

Truth be told, the side effects of the poison he was drinking tonight would stick with him for more than a few hours.

In fact Coriolanus would be stuck in bed recovering for a good week or so. A recovery that would consist of being weak, spitting up blood, and not being able to keep anything other than liquids down.

“Why is it taking so long for our appetizer?” Livia whined, turning to sit properly in her seat. She was giving him an impatient look.

He's sure the oysters rockefeller will be out any minute now.

Just in time for the fun to begin.

“Well, Livia, they do have to cook it.” He sarcastically reminded his soon to be dead wife.

“Don't be condescending with me, Coriolanus. I'm your wife, not some whore from a black market brothel you can speak down to.” The dirty blonde scolded him in an uppity tone while reaching for her wine.

Yes, drink up.

Right now Coriolanus was ecstatic that his nearly dead wife was a lush. The more wine she drank meant the quicker he's rid of her.

Oooo… a poisoning death has never made him more happy then hers.

He couldn't wait for her to start bleeding from her nose and choking on her own blood that'd clog her lungs.

Putting down his glass, he subtly motioned to the waiter making his way to their table. “The oysters rockefeller’s on its way now, Livia.”

“You know, husband, that most men call their wives a pet name; not use their name every time they speak to them.” Livia snapped as the waiter got closer to the table, tray of oyster appetizers in his hand.

“Yes well most husbands love their wives, yet here we are just barely tolerating each other for money and social standings.” Coriolanus factually states, his eyes following the waiter’s every move.

Livia chugged down her wine as the waiter appeared at the table, placing the appetizer tray down on the white linen tablecloth. “Finally. It took you long enough.” Livia rudely remarked, causing the waiter to quickly apologize and leave.

“Your manners are atrocious, Livia.” Coriolanus pointed out as he served them their appetizer.

Fortunately, in a few minutes, he'll never have to deal with her atrocious manners ever again. He'll be free to be with you; he knows that since you're young he can train you. Make sure that you act properly, know your place by his side and as the First Lady of Panem.

“And you parade around like some gentleman when you both know that you have degenerate desires and urges.”

“Livia…” he hissed in a low warning. Why was she bringing this up here, in a crowded restaurant where anyone could overhear? Did she have any decency, any respect for him?

No.

She doesn't, otherwise she wouldn't be insulting his sexual preferences while they’re at her last super.

Ignoring his hissed warning, Livia scooped a small piece of oyster up with her fork while telling her husband, “People are starting to talk, Coriolanus, in the social circles about us being married for so long and not having any children.”

“And whose fault is that, Livia?” Coriolanus asked, taking a bite of his own seafood appetizer. “You're the one that refuses to share a bed with me. Who's shot me down anytime I attempt to bring up the subject of children.” He reminded her as his nose began to burn, tingle, and twitch with the telltale signs of an upcoming nose bleed.

Yes, any second now his wife’ll be dead and he'll be free of his life sentence. He'll be free to make you his in every sense of the word.

“I've been told that there's a clinic that specializes in reproductive matters. That the doctor at the clinic is able to collect the necessary products from us to make an embryo in a lab; that we could even have it implanted into a female avox as a surrogate so that I wouldn't have to touch you or ruin my body by getting fat.”

Was she serious right now? She expected him to be on board with having a science baby? A baby supposedly made from their collected samples and mixed up in a test tube, in a lab.

In a lab.

Coriolanus remembers his time studying and interning under Dr. Gaul, before that terrible accident she had right before he graduated University and was given her Head Gamemaker job. He remembers the experiments that took place in the labs. How creatures were created out of thin air with a few strands of DNA samples. How easily DNA could be twisted and mutated into a creature so vile, so horrible, so deadly.

No.

He wasn't going to have a mutt for a child. Especially one carried by an avox.

No, he was going to have children the old fashioned way with you. And he'll make sure that you enjoy making them too.

Livia’s eyes went wide and she dropped her fork, causing it to loudly clatter onto the bone china plate. Blood began to trickle down her nostrils as she grabbed her neck, clawing at it in a vain attempt for air.

Oh, show time. The poison’s kicked in.

Coriolanus knew what to expect in the seconds to come, he's been through it before. So, deciding that he wanted the last word, he leaned in close to Livia and simply told her, “Snow lands on top.”

When he sat back, blood began to trickle from his own nose, along with rising from his stomach and filling up his mouth.

By this point, blood poured from Livia’s mouth and she was choking on it.

All the while the dining room of Avelina's was full of screams and terrified cries from the elite capitolites whose meals were now ruined.

Coriolanus watches the life drain out of his wife's eyes as he began coughing up blood.

It was a beautiful sight to behold.

You were in a cozy sweater, curled up on the sofa with a steaming cup of tea in your hand. You sent Tigris home hours ago because, even though she was very nice to you, you couldn't handle how she looked at you.

How she treated you like you're made out of fragile glass.

Even though Coryo was a bit much with his hot-cold behavior, he didn't treat you like you're made out of fragile glass. In fact it felt like the opposite. That he wasn't afraid if he shattered you, if you broke.

Coriolanus wasn't purposely trying to break you, or at least you didn't think he was, but he didn't watch his tongue and tiptoe around you.

He was blunt with you; treated you like a person instead of a victim of the games.

Coryo had no problems treating you like a woman, that's for sure. Your status as a victor that had seen horrors in the arena did nothing to deter him from his dominant nature in bed with you.

You know that you shouldn't seek solace with the head gamemaker, the man that designed the arena along with all the twists and turns of this July’s games, but you couldn't help but feel like he was the only one that treated you like a normal human being.

Coriolanus knew, perhaps better than anyone else, the horrors you've seen in the games and he didn't pity you. In fact, the way he looked at you seemed to be almost prideful.

His icy blue eyes also held a sense of lust and possession in them too, but you swore he saw pride in them.

Maybe you were overthinking everything. The way he felt about you didn't matter: he was married.

Of course he was married, he was 15 years older than you.

As you sipped on your tea, you couldn't help, but worry about how your brother and his girlfriend would treat you when you (eventually) went home. Would they tread lightly with you like Tigris does or would they treat you like they did before you left? Would Rein and Ashlie view you as different, would they pity you?

And then the thought of the neighbor boy, the freshly 15 year old Corbin Everdeen, popped into your head.

Would he stop chasing your heels like a puppy; think that you were horrible for killing 7 people in the Hunger Games, or would he still chase you around? Still pester you to listen to whatever song he was working on for his weekend performances at the hob, once you returned to 12?

You think being the Victor of the First Quarter Quell will make Corbin (who Rein felt was a borderline stalker with how he was always finding ways to be around you) leave you alone since he hated the games. He felt that the games changed people; either made them murderers or drove them mad out of their minds with paranoia. He felt that if you got reaped then you should just let yourself be struck down in the bloodbath in order to preserve your identity; to keep the Capitol from stealing and corrupting your soul.

You didn't do what the neighbor boy musician told you to do.

No.

You did what your older brother told you to do. You fought to survive. You did whatever it took to make it out alive.

You trained in those 2 weeks you were given in the tribute center, you listened to the Academy student that was assigned as your mentor (since District 12 didn't have a living victor to mentor you), and you dazzled the audience in your interview.

The gorgeous dresses that Tigris made for you helped sell you as the Capitol Darling too.

It all came in handy when you received a training score of 8 (your mentor thought that you deserved at least a 10 and she was livid that the gamemakers only gave you an 8) and received a few sponsors from it.

You took your brother's advice to heart and did what you had to do to survive. But now you're here, sitting in the head gamemaker’s penthouse while pondering whether or not you'll ever have people treat you normally ever again.

Some reward for winning, huh?

And to think that they tell you once you win you'll go home; will be able to live your life in peace.

Like fucking hell.

That's not what's happening to you right now.

Nope…

So, since you had no control over anything in your life right now, all you could do was sip on your hot tea and watch some rom-com on Capitol TV.

It was amazing how Coriolanus’ TV had more than 3 channels. It also amazes you how the thing took up most of his wall in the main room too.

As you watched the couple on TV do the classic coworkers fake dating for the winter holidays to make the girl's ex jealous trope, you couldn't help, but miss your cat. She used to curl up in your lap when you watched tv.

Suddenly, right as the couple on TV was fumbling thru their fake meet story, a breaking news report interrupted the movie.

You couldn't help, but sigh as you listened to the reporter at the news desk say, “We here at Capitol News 6 are so sorry to be interrupting your programs, but we have just gotten some horrible and heartbreaking, well, breaking news.” The reporter took a moment to put on a sad face and take a silent pause before announcing, “Socialite Livia Cardew-Snow, wife of Head Gamemaker Coriolanus Snow, died of sudden food poisoning merely an hour ago in the Capitol restaurant Avelina’s. Our beloved head gamemaker himself is currently being treated at Capitol General and is expected to make a full recovery.”

What?

Your wheels are turning. You knew that botulism took 48 hours to kill and salmonella had different levels of severity, but wouldn't just cause somebody to drop dead in the middle of a restaurant.

There was only one reason for Livia's sudden death and Coriolanus' sudden near death experience that he'd recover from.

He poisoned his wife and himself, but with not as high of a dose that he gave his wife, and made it look like food poisoning because they were at a restaurant.

What the hell?! How could he be so reckless? What if he accidentally gave himself a fatal dose, then where would that leave you?

That damn snake…

“Let’s go live to our favorite weather and reporter for all things game related, Lucretius ‘Lucky’ Flickerman, who’s with our beloved Head Gamemaker Coriolanus Snow in his hospital room.” The news desk reporter said before the screen cut to live footage of Lucky Flickerman standing next to Coriolanus, who was sitting up in a hospital bed.

You took one look at Coriolanus and knew what kind of poison he used. He used a toxic metal based poison made from either cadmium, selenium, or arsenic.

It's the only kind of poison that would've killed Livia Cardew-Snow so quickly; would leave Coryo coughing up blood and looking so pale and weak in his hospital bed.

You knew about the dangers of metals such as cadmium, selenium, and arsenic leaching into water and turning it into poison from your brother's career as a coal miner. It's the reason why he won't use the water at the mines; why he brings his own in a large glass jug with him to work.

Rein told you that when new shafts are carved into the coal mines or when new mines were blown into the side of the mountains that the leftover rubble gets dumped to the side where it leeches and runs off into water, creating poison for anyone who drinks it.

You've seen the effects of the poisoned mine water too when you started your short lived internship at the apothecary right before you got reaped.

It wasn't pretty.

But the few men that survived, mostly young men that were still in their teens or early 20s, spat up blood, had mouth sores, ulcers, and could barely eat for weeks while they recovered and fought the poison.

They had the same weak, pale, sunk in look that Coriolanus had right now as he laid in his hospital bed telling some bullshit story to the media about the food poisoning that killed Livia and nearly killed him.

Oh, you swear, you're giving him a piece of your mind when he shows up at the penthouse.

And you knew he'd show up since he killed his wife to be able to have you in his bed.

God, you're now sharing a bed with a snake.

“You should be asleep, darling.” Coriolanus chastised you, walking into the main room of the penthouse in the wee hours of the morning.

He looked like shit. Had blood dripping from the side of his mouth.

God, you were so pissed at him. Before you could think better of it, you chucked your teacup at his head, but it just went over his shoulder and shattered against the wall. “You want to off your wife with poison, fine, but don't drink the damn shit yourself, Coriolanus!” You angrily screamed.

“I don't know what you're talking about, Y/N. I got food poisoning from bad seafood; unfortunately it killed my wife.” Coriolanus smoothly lied, his face an unwavering mask.

“I interned at the apothecary in District 12 before I got reaped, Coriolanus. I've seen the signs of cadmium, selenium, and arsenic poisoning since the water from the mines is tainted from it.” You bluntly told the platinum blonde while standing to your feet. Walking up to him, you said, “You have the signs. You're coughing up blood, you're pale and your face looks sunk in.” His icy blue eyes narrowed at you. “Bet you got a sore in your mouth, if not then it'll pop up soon.” Pointing to his stomach, you warned, “Watch yourself, metal based poisons are notorious for causing bleeding ulcers.”

Coryo's jaw twitched as he looked down at you. “I see you're well educated for a girl from District 12. Let me ask you, how do you feel about what I did tonight?” A dark smirk twisted on his bloodstained lips as he asked, “Are you going to be a loose end for me, my darling rose?”

“Honestly, I'm not upset that you killed your wife. What I'm upset about is that you drank that poison too. You drank it without even worrying about what would happen to me if something went wrong and you dropped dead too.”

“Darling,” Coriolanus reached out with his hand, attempting to pull you into him and comfort you, but you pushed him away.

He weakly stumbled, but balanced himself by grabbing a nearby the back of a nearby sitting chair.

“Did you even stop and think about what happens to me if you died or are incapacitated? Huh?!” You asked, on the verge of angry tears. You didn't even give him the chance to answer you. No, you just barreled on with, “Would I get sent back to 12 even though Victor's Village hasn't been built yet or would I be passed onto your successor, whoever would take your place as head gamemaker?"

“Nobody will ever get their hands on you, my darling rose.” Coryo swore as he weakly collapsed in the sitting chair. “I’ll kill anyone that tries to take you from me.” He darkly vowed while coughing up blood.

“You're going to be laid up in bed for a week, maybe 2.” You told him, watching as he took his handkerchief from his breast pocket; coughing into it. The blood spurts from his coughing stained the white cloth red, as if little rain drops had drizzled on it.

You felt bad for him, watching him struggling to breath as his chest rattled with every bloody cough he let out.

You went over to his chair and knelt by his side. You knew he wouldn't stop poisoning people. Not with the outburst that he just had. But you knew that you couldn't let him keep using dangerous metal based poisons either.

Whether you wanted to admit it or not, your red string of fate was tied to the head gamemaker. You needed him for your survival.

Taking one of his hands in yours, you revealed, “Coryo, I have an apothecary book back in my room in District 12. It has recipes for herbal remedies, medicines, poisons, and antidotes in it.”

God, you were going straight to hell for what you were going to say next.

“If you can somehow get me that book I’ll help you make poisons that won't hurt you. That you can take an antidote ahead of time for; that won't make you sick.”

Coriolanus let out a rumbling cough, soaking his handkerchief, only to look at you with a mix of astonishment and admiration in his baby blues. “You'd do that for me? Make me poisons to use on my enemies?”

You remembered what he told you in the hospital, that the Capitol was a dangerous place. Was a chess game of life; that he'd teach you how to play and master it in time.

Well, no time like the present.

“You're enemies are my enemies too, aren't they? Maybe moreso since I'm district.”

Coryo's calloused thumb ran over yours knuckles and he gave you a crimson stained smile. “You're not district, my darling rose. You're a victor, like me.”

If only you knew how damning those words truly were. Would you have tried to get away or would you have still let the white snake wrap himself around you.

But you were a snake as well, weren't you? For only a snake could truly feel safe with another snake.

Where you always a snake or did you just choose to become one because you were drawn to the dark beauty of a beautiful devil?

Tags: @kuroosbby001, @purriteen, @poppyflower-22, @meetmeatyourworst, @whipwhoops, @bxtchopolis, @readingthingsonhere,@savagenctzen, @ryswritingrecord, @erikasurfer, @tulips2715, @universal-s1ut, @thesmutconnoisseur, @squidscottjeans, @sudek4l, @wearemadeofstardust0, @mashiromochi , @gracieroxzy, @belcalis9503, @shari-berri, @aoi-targaryen, @whiteoakoak @spear-bearing-bi-witch , @gisellesprettylies @loverandqueenofdragons, @qoopeeya, @mfnqueen1

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curioscurio · 2 months ago

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[Short Story]

80 Percent

One day, we developed the technology to completely map out and visualize every single living creature and object in the ocean. The machine had been running for a few years and received an extraordinary amount of funding from scientific organizations around the world.

When it finishes its job, the results are to be instantly shared around the world.

On the final day of the countdown, everyone started getting giddy with excitement and curiosity while waiting for the results.

"This is really magnificent. Who knows what incredible forms of life we're going to find?" An intern in New Zealand bounced with nervous energy and smiled.

"I hope it's hiding epic and delicious sea monsters, like in hollywood movies!" A lighthearted seafood chef in Spain jokes.

"There could be a sponge out there with the cure to cancer!" A sick child in America coughs out to their nurse.

Oil and fishing industries everywhere were hosting company parties; celebrating the new abundance of supply to support the crushing weight of demand.

A salaryman in Hong Kong playfully groans. "Anything but the same old boring fish we see all the time. I'd love to see something like a never-before seen creature with octopus-like intelligence!"

"It's nice to know that, despite all of mankind's careless neglect of the ocean, there's still an abundance of nature still untouched by humanities pollution." An environmental activist in India comments.

Deep in the middle of the Atlantic, a scientific research boat sits filled with passionate marine biologists.

Someone hastily bought a cake to celebrate the hard work everyone had put into the project over the years. The team didn't know what kind of discoveries they'd run into, so it was decided that a baby shower themed cake would have to do. On the top, in blue frosting, was written: "Congratulations! It's a____!"

Presumably, the blank was to be filled in once the data from the machine was compiled.

The machine beeps once, echoing throughout the research vessel, and everyone races to the screen as fast as their legs will take them.

They read the results.

No one says anything.

"That can't be right. Someone go and reset the device and run it again." The head scientist sighs, confident that they had run into an error.

Another twenty minutes go by.

The machine beeps once.

The updated model is largely the same as the previous one.

"...maybe it's not done loading." Someone shatters the silence, and the crowd of scientists flinch, but no one dares take their sights off the screen. Nobody breathes. It's the same outcome on the third try, as well.

The visual simulation on the computer screen shows a complex 3D model of all the life in the entire ocean.

There are whales gliding between continents, sharks feasting on squids, and squids feasting on sharks. Gorgeous and intelligent octopus that can change the color of their skin at will. A pod of humpback whales could be seen off the coast of Antarctica. All of the diverse and colorful life living in the ocean swim before their eyes in a transparent globe of digital seawater.

It looks just like a modern map of the ocean as we know it.

"I don't understand. It looks exactly the same." Someone whispers.

"Exactly. Humankind has only been able to explore around 20 percent of the entire ocean on planet Earth." The head scientist gulps, eyes still hooked to the glassy screen.

"So," someone's voice begins to waver. "You're saying that the other 80 percent..."

No one answers. No one blinks.

"It's... empty. It's not detecting any life signs that we haven't already discovered. It's empty." Someone says.

Someone thinks about pollution.

Someone thinks about shark fin soup.

Someone thinks about the stock market.

Someone thinks about a pet store; shelves lined with dozens of fish that float upside-down and belly up at the top of their tanks.

"... we're all that's left." Someone says.

#writingofcass #id love some feedback on this quick little short story!#might turn it into a comic #writing #marine biology #ask to tag #one shot #drama

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pearlsmith25 · 1 year ago

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Fresh Seafood Packaging Market: Advancements in Preserving Flavor and Freshness

The global seafood industry is booming, driven by an increasing demand for fresh and high-quality seafood products. As consumers become more health-conscious and aware of the benefits of incorporating seafood into their diets, the need for efficient and innovative packaging solutions for fresh seafood has never been greater. The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector within the packaging industry, adapting to meet the unique challenges of preserving the freshness and safety of seafood products while reducing environmental impact.

Market Overview

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market encompasses a wide range of packaging solutions designed specifically for seafood products, including fish, shrimp, lobster, and shellfish. These packaging materials and technologies aim to extend the shelf life of seafood, maintain its quality, and reduce the risk of contamination during transportation and storage.

Key Market Drivers

Several key factors are driving the growth of the Fresh Seafood Packaging Market:

Consumer Demand for Freshness: Consumers today demand seafood products that are fresh and minimally processed. Effective packaging solutions are crucial to maintaining the quality and freshness of seafood from source to table.

Sustainability Concerns: As environmental awareness increases, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly packaging options. Sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable films and recyclable trays, are gaining popularity in the seafood industry.

Regulatory Compliance: Stringent regulations and food safety standards require seafood packaging to meet specific criteria to ensure the safety and traceability of products.

Supply Chain Efficiency: Efficient packaging solutions help reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of seafood, improving supply chain logistics, and minimizing spoilage.

Key Packaging Solutions

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market offers a wide array of packaging solutions, each tailored to meet the unique needs of different seafood products. Some of the key packaging solutions include:

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): MAP involves the alteration of the gas composition inside the packaging to slow down the spoilage process. It helps extend the shelf life of seafood products by reducing oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide levels.

Vacuum Packaging: Vacuum-sealed packages remove air from the packaging to create a tight seal around the seafood. This method helps prevent oxidation, bacterial growth, and freezer burn.

Sustainable Packaging: Eco-conscious consumers are driving the adoption of sustainable packaging materials, such as compostable trays, recycled content packaging, and reusable containers.

Smart Packaging: Innovative technologies like QR codes and RFID tags on seafood packaging provide consumers with real-time information about the product's origin, freshness, and sustainability.

Regional Insights

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market demand is experiencing significant growth across various regions:

Asia-Pacific: With the largest seafood production and consumption in the world, the Asia-Pacific region is a major driver of the market. China, Japan, and South Korea are key players in this region.

North America: The United States and Canada are witnessing a surge in demand for fresh seafood, with a growing preference for sustainable packaging options.

Europe: European countries, especially those along the coastline, are focusing on sustainable packaging solutions to meet stringent environmental regulations.

Conclusion

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is poised for continued growth as consumers seek fresh, safe, and sustainable seafood products. Packaging innovations and the adoption of eco-friendly materials are driving forces in this market, alongside strict regulatory requirements and the need for supply chain efficiency. As the seafood industry continues to evolve, packaging solutions will play a crucial role in meeting these challenges while ensuring that seafood products reach consumers in the best possible condition, both in terms of quality and sustainability.

#Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Share #Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Growth #Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Demand #Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Trend #Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Analysis

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shunin-gumis · 1 month ago

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Designs of Happiness - Track A22

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: Secret Diary Exchange

Characters: Yodaka, Nagi, Netaro, Toi, Daniel

Summary: The protagonist and co. visit the morning market to get some souvenirs for everyone. However, they need to do some damage control due to the crowds forming from the narrow and blocked passageways…

Thank you aca @/463ce6, myun @/myuntachis Niri @/Niri_riri and jes @/arcanecrayonn for helping me with proofing!

Location: Hakodate Free Market

Momiji: The morning market sure is lively, huh!

Yodaka: It seems that even the local chefs come here to get their ingredients. That goes to show what an excellent marketplace this is.

Yodaka: We should get some souvenirs for Danny and Toi.

Momiji: Leaving aside the Manager, who couldn’t even be bothered to wake up, I hope Toi-kun feels better soon…

Nagi: *sniffing* Huh, I smell something good, it’s making me hungry.

Netaro: Look over there! It seems they’re selling this “fish bone broth” along with a helping of rice!

*Nagi moves away from Netaro*

Nagi: ……

Momiji: You mean fish bone soup. Along with Hakodate’s specialty squids, you can also buy portions of sashimi and salmon roe here, and even share it with others!

Yodaka: So you can enjoy fresh seafood on the spot? That is a lovely service for the tourists to enjoy.

Momiji: Yes! It’s worth observing together later!

Momiji: (At least, that’s what I’d like to do, but…)

Tourist A: Hmm, this aisle is too narrow, isn’t it…?

Tourist B: That just goes to show how popular this market is, packed with all these goods, but…

Tourist C: Which store is this queue for? I don’t knooooww.

Tourist D: Kazuo! Watch your step, or you’ll trip over those boxes!

Momiji: (The path is blocked by tourists and piles of boxed goods… Alright, it’s time to get into work mode…!)

~~~(Hospitality Battle)

Momiji: Good, we managed to tidy up some of these goods while providing hospitality! This should make it easier for all the tourists to travel through the area!

Yodaka: Oh? It seems we’ve lost sight of Netaro.

Nagi: Ah, he ran ahead to the squid-fishing corner.

Yodaka: My… He seems to possess an odd innocence about him, almost as if he were a child.

Yodaka: When I think about how I, too, must have been at that age, I can’t help but feel nostalgi— kh.

*ringing noise*

Momiji: (Huh? Yodaka-san is rubbing between his brows…)

Momiji: What’s wrong? Are you alright?

Yodaka: …My apologies, it seems I was suddenly overcome by a headache.

Nagi: Oh, do you need to rest?

Yodaka: It’s alright, this happens often. More importantly, I wonder if ten will suffice.

Momiji: Ten of what?

Yodaka: Crabs. It seems like they’ll deliver them in a cooler box. To our friends back in HAMA House, that is.

Momiji: Wha– But those are Red King crabs…

Nagi: Just one of those costs about half a month’s worth of food for me…

Yodaka: Oh, the scallops look delicious as well. Miss, I’d like to buy 30 of these. Perhaps I should also get some squid and salmon and have Yukikaze prepare a seafood hot pot.

Momiji: A-Are you sure it’s okay to buy so much?

Yodaka: Hm? Well, the place is full of growing young men. Don’t worry, I’m sure there won’t be any leftovers.

Momiji: (How dandy of him…!)

Momiji: L-Let me help you! What will you be doing, Nagi-kun?

Nagi: Oh… I’d like to help too, but there’s a shop I’ve been meaning to visit…

Momiji: Got it. I’ll see you later!

~~~

Nagi: Excuse me, I’d like those roses, sprigs of lavender, wisteria and azalea.

Nagi: Yes. Please send all of these to the hotel addressed here. Thank you very much…

Nagi: (Okay… I managed to secure more flowers to give away. These should last me for the rest of the trip.)

Nagi: Hm?

Netaro: Nyam nyam. Haa~ Every bead of this salmon roe has such elasticity!

Nagi: (Netaro’s eating at the food court, all alone…)

Nagi: …….

Netaro: It truly feels as though I’m consuming life itself. I’m certain this is what it would taste like. And then there is this crab fish bone broth!

Nagi: ……

Netaro: Fish bone broth… Or was it fish bone soup? Hm… I’m not certain...

Nagi: Fish bone soup.

Netaro: ! Gii!

Nagi: …I wanted to check on you.

Netaro: You. Weren’t you avoiding me because you were traumatized?

Nagi: Ugh.

Netaro: Are you not afraid anymore?

Nagi: …No, I’m still scared.

Nagi: …I could have just ignored you, but—

Nagi: I thought that maybe you’ve been alone all this time, so I decided against it.

Netaro: …Hm?

Nagi: Being so far away from your home… Well, I don’t know how far, but seeing you eating salmon roe all alone, with no friends or family here on Earth…

Nagi: …I figured you might be feeling lonely.

Netaro: “Lonely.”

Nagi: Yeah. Sometimes you feel lonely when you think about your family or friends, right?

Netaro: Friends…

Netaro: Ohh~! The squid at the fishing corner looked exactly like my superior, it was hilarious! I couldn’t bring myself to eat it, in the end.

Nagi: Oh, uh… Is that so…

Netaro: Why would you become “lonely” when you think of family or friends?

Nagi: Huh, do aliens not understand what that feels like? Maybe there’s a fundamental difference here…

Netaro: ……

~~~(flashback)

Boy: Netaro… Do you simply not feel lonely? If that’s the case, you probably won’t understand…

~~~(end flashback)

Location: Hakodate Free Market

Netaro: ……

Nagi: Netaro?

Netaro: Humans feel lonely when they are alone, yes? There was a human who taught me that before.

Nagi: Yeah. Being alone is unfortunate, and makes you feel lonely.

Nagi: Even though there’s all this tasty salmon roe here, not having anyone to share it with would be unfortunate.

Nagi: Having someone with you all the time will double your happiness—

Netaro: Double!? What logic is at play here!?

Nagi: If you’re together, then sad things are halved…!

Netaro: On what basis!?

Nagi: Being able to share your life with someone else is when you can feel happiness for the first time. I’m sure. Probably. No, that’s definitely the case. I guarantee it.

Netaro: What a profound mystery!

Nagi: You haven’t been here that long, after all. As a representative of earth, I should help teach you this stuff.

Netaro: How reliable! Thank you!

Nagi: (Huh? I think I’m not scared anymore…)

Nagi: (Netaro feels more like some innocent kid now.)

Momiji: What’s got you so excited?

Nagi: Ah, Chief.

Netaro: Gii was teaching me how being alone is unfortunate, and lonely.

Momiji: W-Woah, that’s a pretty serious topic, huh…

Nagi: Oh, um, not really…

Momiji: Hmm, well, there’s many different ways to live your life… But to put it simply, I’d say that’s true.

Netaro: Mmm, I want to learn more!

Momiji: Oh, Yodaka-san’s here now. If you’re done eating, let’s leave too.

Nagi: Okay.

Netaro: …Gii, you—

Netaro: You too, say the same things that he did.

~~~

Toi: Uugh… *sniffling*

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Room

Toi: (I’ve been doing the diary exchange all this time, but…)

Toi: (I wonder how many times I’ve cried over Aa-chama’s replies now…)

Toi: *sniffling*

*sound of pages flipping*

Toi: “Why is Ani-sama avoiding me?”

“Perhaps he believes his life will be curtailed were he to remain with you.”

“However, just as one cannot replace their blood, it is a futile effort.”

“Shall I lend you my power?”

Toi: ……

Toi: If I borrow Aa-chama’s power, will Ani-sama return to me…? Will he never leave my side again…?

Toi: ……

Location: Hakodate - Hotel Lounge

Daniel: PT~ Lookie here!

??: “Nyaa”

Daniel: There’s a good kitty, I’ll be home soon, okay? Be good and wait for me~

Momiji: Daniel-san, what are you… Oh! PT!

Momiji: You’re looking at the pet camera feed, huh. Nayuki is looking after her, right?

Daniel: Yeah. But lookin’ at this just makes me wanna get home sooner!

Yodaka: So the little one we see around HAMA House is Danny’s cat?

Netaro: There was a cat!? I’d like to pet it!

Nagi: Me too. Getting scratched is not a problem for me.

Daniel: Why are you so sure you’re gonna get scratched…

Daniel: PT is the cutest cat in the whole wide world! I’ll introduce ya when we get back.

Momiji: I’m sure Shuumai will sulk if PT gets all the attention.

Netaro: That green peas never comes near me any more…

Momiji: (I do remember Shuumai barking up a storm when Netaro first showed up…)

Yodaka: That reminds me, what are we doing for dinner tonight?

Momiji: Oh, we hadn’t decided yet, huh.

Momiji: The hotel’s buffet requires a reservation so… We’d have to eat at the restaurant below, or eat outside…

Toi: Daimon Yokocho.

Momiji: Woah, you surprised me, Toi.

Toi: Our destination is Daimon Yokocho.

Momiji: Huh?

Netaro: Toi~ You’ve awoken?

Toi: …Silence.

Toi: On your feet. We shall meet outside.

Momiji: (He just left…)

Netaro: ……

Daniel: Wha– What’s up with him? Something seems off…

Momiji: I was thinking the same… Is it because of what happened with Ryui-kun…?

Yodaka: Is this the answer he came to, beyond his depression?

Daniel: I don’t really know about kids these days.

Nagi: ……Changing how you speak, suddenly becoming distant…

Nagi: *gasp*

Nagi: Maybe he’s at that age…

Yodaka: Are you talking about…?

Daniel: Ah… You mean the type to look at a stormy sky all serious and go “it’s coming…”

Nagi: Wrapping their arms in bandages…

Momiji: Aw, c’mon, Toi-kun’s actually a year older than you, you know?

Daniel: Well, this kinda stuff depends on the person.

Netaro: I have absolutely no clue what this conversation is about.

Yodaka: We’re talking about how we should go along with Toi’s change in attitude, Netaro.

Netaro: I see!

Nagi: When he goes back to normal, forget everything. Just pretend like nothing ever happened.

Daniel: That’s the perfect attitude to have as an adult.

Momiji: Alright, let’s go with that.

Momiji: (I’m worried about Toi-kun… We should find Ryui-kun quickly so that he can return back to normal…!)

Note:

The Hakodate Daimon Yokocho is the largest food stall village in Hokkaido.

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Masterlist

#18trip #18tlip #18trip translation #l4mps #18trip main story translation #l4mps main story #nagi hachinoya #hachinoya nagi #netaro yowa #toi shiramitsu #yodaka natsume #momiji hamasaki #kaede hamasaki #Nagi is too nice for his own good #He knows how it feels to be lonely so he wants to help netaro even if he was literally traumatized the previous day #best rep for humanity indeed

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ryuzakemo128 · 3 months ago

Text

The Iron Maiden

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Aelora Targaryen

Content Warning: Targaryen Incest, Swearing/ Cussing, emotional manipulation and mature themes. Corruption kink.

Words: 4,275

Masterlist

Credit (Dividers) @cafekitsune + @strangergraphics

Summary: Even her skill as a warrior grew as she aged, like a fine wine, overshadowed by the truth of her unwillingness to take a husband who could not hope to reach her in expectation and desire. For the longing of someone to take her, not just in flesh. But in heart as well.

'The Iron Maiden' for her virginity. Aelora Targaryen, a treasure untouched by the hands of men, her chastity not by choice but by the lack of suitable suitors. Suitable by her standards, at the very least. None of which could stand up to her expectations. Which she had many of. In the hopes, all would lose interest in her in a moment’s notice.

Her purity, as unblemished as the snow that once fell upon the lands of Westeros. Her status of her being untouched by the delicate caress of men became more truth than rumour. Untouched by the carnal desire, men held for their women.

Even her skill as a warrior grew as she aged, like a fine wine, overshadowed by the truth of her unwillingness to take a husband who could not hope to reach her in expectation and desire. For the longing of someone to take her, not just in flesh. But in heart as well.

Her maidenly chase virtue, both boon and curse to those who gazed upon her. Despite her lack of experience in the ways of carnal desire. Her mind did not reflect her lack of desire in terms of flesh. She just had not found someone she felt a strong pull towards.

Her crimson eyes, reminiscent of spilled blood, mirroring the battles yet to pass, had never missed a single detail of her potential suitors. Detaching herself to gaze upon them in such intensity. It was no wonder few could stand her glare, akin to a dragon guarding her hoard of gold and silver. None could hope to leave it unscathed.

Thus, her interest in them would cease. Another man. Another potential suitor. Gone. She would not waste her time on lesser men who had sought to claim her hand as well as her title, land or war ship.

The Defiant, a grand war ship, was gifted to her on her 16th name day by her father in the hope she would reach even greater heights. As Aegon Targaryen The Conqueror conquered Westeros, he had hoped she would bring the sea under her thumb. Much like her ancestor had done to Westeros.

Aelora discovered her potential in the old ways of Valyrian magic, encouraged to explore in further detail by her second-eldest cousin, Daemon Targaryen, Rogue Prince and soon to be Rhaenyra’s husband. Encouraged her pyromaniac ways of fire and blood. For reasons which continually elude Aegon's mind.

His uncle knew of her skill in the art of pyromancy, Daemon’s ‘wayward’ cousin seeking out the lost ways of fire. The lost art used by the ancient Valyrian mages back in the days when Valyria had thrived. Even though she had pleaded for them to let her explore the depths. She was never permitted to leave. Given the excuse of ‘the family legacy’. He could not help but wonder if Daemon knew of his own dark desires for her. Did he know? Does he care? Would he tell my father?

Aelora had never viewed herself as desirable in the same way men had viewed her desirable. She viewed herself as a bastion of knowledge, art, food, and culture. Wilfully engaging in the ancient parts of Valyrian culture. Her preferred feasts were of seafood and cheese, from aged cheddar to sheep’s milk cheese, stuffed squid and lobster, with a fine wine to match.

Her midnight snacks were cheese and bread with ale to wash it down, her secret indulgence she had rarely shared with others. Even with other Targaryens.

Her temper was ousted as yelling or screaming, it was a calm mocking tone in her voice as she spat venom at her loathsome enemies, “I see, you're as dimwitted as I thought.” and “Your words have the stench of a fish market.” A cold, calculated burn that cut deeper than any sword.

Her crimson eyes would pierce through their armour, straight into their soul or if they still had one after an encounter with her that is, had it not been burnt away into a fine crisp from her harsh glare. Her mouth painted with a dark cherry red, staining the goblets she would sip from, leaving a delicate trail of her contempt behind.

“Speak of that again and I will cut out your tongue, do I make myself clear?” She said to one of the lords. “My father’s death is of no concern of yours.”

Her father, Rhaenar Raengyreon, another ancient valyrian house, keen on the preservation of the ancient ways since the time of Aegon I Targaryen’s reign in Westeros began. He had passed recently, leaving her without her mother, Vhaelys and as well as her father now. She would not hear venom spat in her father’s name, regardless of who the recipient was.

“Do not use his name to fuel your own ambition,” Aelora snarled. “Keep your opinions to those who wish to hear of them. Be gone.”

She jumped, startled when Aegon’s hand clasped the back of her neck, “You certainly know how to vacate a room, don’t you cousin?” He leaned in, his minty breath tickling her ear, “Let’s leave this dreary place, I have something more… intimate in mind for us to feast upon.”

“It is not one of those brothels you go to, is it?” She frowned, her face grimaced at the mere thought of entering such an establishment, as she had heard from one of her young hand maidens, Elora, he had forced his younger brother Aemond into going to one years ago. “If it is, then I am afraid I must decline your offer.”

Aegon knew she had found his penchant of brothels to be particularly odd, though she never said it aloud for him or any man to hear her. It was not disdain, but a clear disinterest in the place combined with a lack of understanding of it. As she never thought about it, nor did she care what men in the Targaryen house did with their own whims.

Aelora was content with her tomes, scrolls, sword practice, sculpting and embroidery. Often dosed in sweat after her training in the afternoon, which sometimes dragged on into late evening depending on how long she wished to train for. Regularly eating enough food to shame a man twice her size, yet she towered over most men already. Aegon found it utterly fascinating. The contrast between her delicate features and her voracious appetite was one of the many intriguing aspects of her character that drew him in.

Comments on her weight were treated with utmost disrespect, and Aegon had learned that the hard way. Only once had he dared to jest about her size, and she had kicked his ass in a sparring session. Her strength was surprising, but her speed was what had truly caught him off guard. Despite their rivalry, they had always shared a deep bond, something that went beyond mere friendship or the incestuous ties that bound them as cousins. It was a bond forged in the flames of their fiery house, a bond that had only grown stronger with each passing year.

Aegon whispered into her ear, chuckling about her comment about it being a brothel, he barely hid his amusement about her assumption, “No, No, No, No, Nothing like that at all. I have something far more…private in mind for you. Someone like you needs something far more…refined than that. I know you are not keen on sharing your meals, let alone your bed, with anyone other than family.”

He winked at her, his hand drifting from the back of her neck to sliding down her arm, giving it a gentle squeeze as he let her go. Aelora would head into her bathing chamber to bathe, but Aegon said, “No need for that, I don’t mind a bit of sweat on my meal.”

She raised an eyebrow, as she told him what she did to keep her skin soft as it is, how her hair is silky and smooth. Detailing things like the pure bath milk, the lavender essence, the dry rose petals imported from Essos, the fine linen towels. And the meticulous brushing of her hair with a comb made of ivory bone from a dragon's horn. Passed down to her from her mother to her before she died.

She showed him her marble stone bathtub in the centre of her bathing chambers. Which her suitor from Dorne had given her before he married a woman from his homeland. Though it was never a sexual relationship by any means, it was more a friendship and a political alliance, something she could appreciate. Something she still appreciates to this day, as he is one of many people she writes letters to regularly.

Aelora gently swept her silver-hued hair from her countenance, exposing the exquisite contours of her neck. The flickering candlelight cast an eerie glow upon her sanguine orbs, which starkly contrasted with the crimson hue of her attire. This vesture, a garment that clung to her ample form, served to accentuate her voluptuous figure. She had been enticed to his chamber with the offer of seashells, yet it was not monetary gain that motivated him; rather, it was the purity of her soul he coveted more fervently than any gold or precious stone.

Aegon's heart palpitated with a blend of exhilaration and anxiety within his thoracic cavity. He was fully cognisant of the illicit nature of the act contemplated, a clandestine secret so incendiary that its exposure could metaphorically reduce their ancestral abode to ashes. His longing to consummate a relationship with his cousin, a taboo desire, was as intense as the fiery exhalation of a dragon.

Her hair was kept healthy with olive oil, followed by fig butter and honey, lavender to keep her white hair colour and rinsing her hair with vinegar to keep it silky. Frequently braiding her hair after her bath in a loose braid to keep it neat and tidy. Away from her face and eye as she would lay her head down to sleep on her satin pillows full of goose feathers.

She had been bathing in milk for the past two months, almost three months now. A ritual she felt compelled to do before bed. She had included other things into her bathing ritual before bed, like strawberries and chamomile, to keep her skin looking youthful and fragrant. Her skin was soft and smelled like the gods themselves had kissed her with their own breath.

She typically wore a floor-length gown made of soft silk, a soft pink with red roses embroidered into the lace trimming. She would wear a velvet dressing gown to provide warmth as she walked over to her bed of satin, velvet and silk sheets. Aegon knew her bed like the back of his hand, too well, one could say. He knew where she kept her secrets, where she liked to be touched and how she liked it.

Yet she had told him time and time again, she is a virgin, inexperienced in intercourse and sexual fantasies. She had been hoping it would have deterred him, to seek out his lust in other women inside the brothel in Flea Bottom.

He whispered into her ear, his warm hand firmly gripping the base of her throat, not too harsh to bruise her skin, yet not too soft for her to easily bat away either. “You say you are a virgin, yet I feel the heat pooling between your legs, Cousin. I know you want this just as much as I. Your eyes betray you, I see the hunger for me within the depths of your soul. You lie to yourself, to your body and to me.”

Her cheeks flushed a pale pink, “I do not know what you speak of, my Prince.” she whispered. Looking away, tearing her gaze away from his face to prevent her from staring at his lips. Why must you torment me so? I know you wish for this, cousin.

His grip on her throat tightening a fraction, enough for her to gasp a little, a smirk formed on his lips, her pulse quickened as he continued to revel in her flushed state. “Do you lie to yourself this often? I swear to the old gods and new, I can see your sweet nectar aching, yearning for my touch. Begging to be claimed as mine. By desire and blood.” His voice, a deep, dark caress upon her soul.

She shuddered as his finger traced her collarbone, down to the swell of her tantalising breasts. Her breathing became shallow, quickened by the thought of them tangled together in a heated embrace depicted in the romance novels she reads. Her gown becoming suffocatingly tight, “No… No…” she stuttered in weakened protest. “I am supposed to be pure. Untouched.”

Trying to resist the desire building further up inside of her, his lips decorating her skin in peppered kisses, whispering, “Let me teach you how to please someone before you are wed to a man who knows ought.” As if I would let her leave me. Let alone marry another man beneath her.

As she sat on the velvet lined couch, he pulled her legs apart, like parting the deep sea in two. Gasps heavy, heaving, her eyes widened, not in fear, but in hunger, he would not bury his cock inside of her today. I must have her ache for it. I would not give in to her desires so quickly.

Kneeling before her on the cerulean rug beneath, “So wet, eager, you deny yourself this, Cousin. I could have had you over and over. However, I have noticed how you touch yourself despite resisting the touch of another.” I have heard her touch her self in ways I had wanted to. In ways, she would deny men. Masturbation. I thought you said you were pure.

“How did you know? Who told you?” she uttered in shock. Hoping it would have been a secret between her and the gods until the end of time. A secret kept away from the rest of the Targaryens.

“Who needs the whispers of others when I can hear your moans as clear as daylight?” He leaned in closer to her, breath hot against her neck, his tongue on her pulse point, “The walls, they whisper sweet nothings, and your moans are like a siren’s call to my ears, Aelora. I know every inch of you, even the ones you wish to hide. You’re so deliciously innocent yet craving for what you think is forbidden. But it is not. Not between us.”

Mockingly close to release, yet so very far away, Aegon felt a sadistic thrill at the power he wielded over Aelora. He knew her body craved his touch, her mind a tumult of conflicting emotions. The scent of her arousal filled the chamber, a potent perfume that only served to fuel his own desires. With a wicked smile, he withdrew his hand, watching as she bit her bottom lip to stifle a whimper of frustration.

“Is there a reason you look at me like that?” Aelora raised an eyebrow, as he took in her soft curves, her breath grew ragged, her body responding to his touch in ways she had never before experienced.

The generous contours of her bosom, which were adorned with a pearl-hued lace that gently rested upon her alabaster complexion. The undergarment she wore was designed to accentuate her ample bust, yet it struggled to contain her voluminous assets. The lace, taut and stretched, offered a captivating hint of the areolae beneath, contributing to an allure that was both subtle and provocative. Her nipples, aroused and expectant, pushed against the fabric, creating a noticeable prominence that reflected her heightened state of arousal.

Her rounded hips encased in white lace, a stark contrast to the crimson dress she had worn to the feast. The fabric, though meant to be delicate, had been stretched to its limits by her robust form. Her stomach, though not flat, was firm from years of rigorous training and discipline. Her thighs, thick and powerful, capable of straddling the mightiest steed or wrapping around the waist of a man in passion.

All of which, normally hidden beneath layers of armour as elaborate as he dreamt of to the plainest of leather, or dresses of fine silk or satin. Her curves, more pronounced now than ever before. Her thighs spread open wide, her panties soaked with anticipation. Aegon knew she had never been touched by a man before, her innocence was as palpable as the air was thick with lust.

Her thighs trembled, he whispered into her ear, “Your purity is a treasure, Aelora, but it is a treasure that is meant to be shared, not hidden away,” his voice was a gentle coax, a stark contrast to the firmness of his grip. His lips brushed across her soft pale flesh, the warmth of his breath setting off a fire within her, causing her to shiver, the flames of desire flickering out of control.

“Aegon…” Aelora's breath came short as her thighs parted ever wider, offering him her flesh, she felt like an offering for a beast. To be devoured in a heated passion, even the gods envied from afar. “What are you doing?” she managed to ask, after trying to form coherent words for the past five minutes. Though she knew full well what he was doing. She could not have hoped to imagine it happening to her.

Aegon leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers as he whispered, “I am going to claim you, Aelora. Not just your body, but your soul. And once I do, there will be no turning back. You will be mine, in every way a woman can be owned by a man. And I will be yours, in every way a man can be owned by a woman. This is our destiny, forged in the fires of our ancestry. Do you accept?”

“Only if you are certain, completely, totally certain, you want this.” Aelora whispered as an answer. Hoping it would be enough for him. She was certain of her own desires. His declaration completed something inside of her, something she longed to hear longer than words could ever hope to express. “If you are. Then I accept.”

His smirk grew into a full smile, teeth gleaming in the dimly lit room, the only light came from the candles scattered around the four-poster canopy bed. He had her now, the thrill of the chase now over, the conquest now at hand, and he would never let this opportunity to slide from his tightly gripped grasp. Ever again. He made the mistake of letting that happen once before.

Aegon slipped fingers past the string of her damp, soaking panties, feather-light touches as he spread her pussy with his fingers. Tight like a vice grip around his digits, her slick coating them, making it easier for him to slide deeper into her warmth. Her cheeks flushed crimson, her crimson eyes looking into his violet depths.

Mostly looking for reassurance rather than more fear of the unknown, her gaze search Aegon’s like a lost lamb alone in the dark forest, seeking the comfort of the moon’s gentle glow. He understood her unspoken words, her need for comfort at this moment of vulnerability. He leaned in closer, their foreheads touching, the heat from their bodies mingling together.

Her breathing steadied to his delight, she was no longer afraid to indulge in the desires she had been suppressing for so long. He whispered, “You’re such a good girl, look how wet you are for me,” his voice filled with a dark, possessive satisfaction.

Aelora bit her bottom lip, eyes fluttering shut as she felt a single finger sliding in, filling her up, stretching her walls to accommodate his thick digit. She was so tight, he was indeed the first to ever touch her like this. To which he found rather arousing to be her first, hopefully, only one she shall have in such an intimate way.

To be the first to claim her, to be the first, the thought of her with another man or even a woman aroused him. His cock throbbed with the thought of her in such a state. He knew she would not lay with another, she would not dare cheat or deceive, as it was not in her nature to do either one.

As much as it aroused him to see her with another, a possessive streak ran through like a bull running through a pottery shop, shattering everything in its path. Knowing full well, he would not let another claim her, not now, not ever. He shall be her first and her last. He would ensure she knew the pleasure of the flesh, the pain of love and the warmth of a man’s embrace. Her guide through this unexplored terrain of carnality.

He took her panties off, followed by her nightgown, leaving her bare before him. The room was filled with the scent of her arousal, thick and intoxicating. Aegon took a moment to appreciate the sight of her naked form, the flickering candlelight dancing across her pale, freckled skin. He could see the goosebumps that had risen in response to the cool air, and he felt his own arousal growing. He had never wanted someone as much as he wanted her at this moment.

Her erect nipples, a delicate pastel rose pink against her alabaster complexion, her breasts larger than he had anticipated them to be, bouncing slightly as she moved. Heaving with each ragged breath, she took. Her skin is soft like velvet, smooth like butter, tasted sweet like wine and fresh berries.

He wanted to smother his face in between her breasts, to feel the warmth of her heart beating against his cheek. To kiss every inch of her body until she was begging for release. But he knew he had to take it slow, to savour this moment, to make it as memorable for her as it would be for him. He leaned in, his breath hot against her skin as he took one of her stiffened nipples into his mouth, suckling gently.

Aelora gasped, arching her back, her hand flying to his silver-blonde hair, pulling him closer. The sensation was like nothing she had ever felt before, a mix of pain and pleasure that had her toes curling. She had read about this in her books, but the reality was so much more intense than the words on the pages. Her body was responding to him in ways she had never thought possible.

He released her nipple with a wet pop, moving his attention to the other one, giving it the same treatment. His teeth grazed against the sensitive flesh, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. Her hand tightened in his hair, urging him on as she moaned softly.

He trailed kisses down her stomach, leaving a path of fire in his wake. When he reached her pussy again, he inhaled deeply, savouring her scent. It was a potent aphrodisiac, one that made his cock throb with need. He lifted one of her legs onto his shoulder to better expose her to his gaze, his eyes darkening with lust as he took in the sight of her glistening pussy.

Her gasp from her lips as he kissed her inner thigh. Moving further down with each kiss down to her pussy, legs quivered, body trembling. Never feeling this vulnerable, open to someone before. Mind racing with thoughts of what else was coming, the anticipation of what would come next, both exhilarating and terrifying.

He took her pussy into his mouth, tasting her, savouring her sweetness. His tongue dancing around her clit, her hips jerking forward to meet his mouth. The sensation was too much, she didn’t know if she could handle this. Yet she craved more. Aelora’s moans grew louder, filling the chamber, echoing off the stone walls. Clutching the cushion beside her, as Aegon continued to explore her depths.

With each thrust, he would whisper words of praise like, “Good girl,”, “You're so good for me.”, “You taste like the sweetest berries from the Reach.”, filling her ears with sweet nothings that had her hips bucking against his mouth. Her moans grew louder, echoing through the chamber. A symphony of pleasure that was all for him.

Her eyes rolled back into her head, she was so close, Aegon could feel her tightening around his finger. He added another, stretching her even further, her tightness was like a fist around his digits, squeezing, begging for more. He knew she was ready when she began to tremble, her body quivering like a leaf in the storm.

He whispered what he intended to do next, “I’m going to make you come, Aelora. I’m going to show you what you’ve been missing all these years. You’re going to scream my name so loud, the dragons themselves will hear your pleasure.” His words were a promise, a declaration of intent that sent a shiver down her spine.

Aelora, my darling, my sweet, my love, It won’t be long until I will wed you, you will never be alone for as long as you shall live. As we consummate our union, you will never be without me ever again. Our love will become the envy of the gods.

I, Aegon, have made the mistake of letting you go the first time. I will not make that same mistake again. Furthermore, I swear it. I promise you that you will never go without. My declaration gave you what you were looking for.

We. Us. Together.

33 notes · View notes

hunieday · 5 months ago

Text

Momo i-HAKE! Rabbit TV - Part 1: i-HAKE! ~Momo’s episode 1~

Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

Momo: Yahoo, everyone~! It's Momo from Re:vale!

Momo: Today I'm visiting a community center in Momoharu Town for the “i-HAKE! ~Idol dispatch~" project!

Momo: This town has a big port nearby and is famous for its seafood bowls~

Staff: Momo-san, you sound like you know a lot about this town. Have you been here before?

Momo: I saw its market featured on TV before and thought it looked nice. The rumors were right, it sure is a lovely town!

Momo: Don’t tell me, is the request related to “that”?

Staff: What do you mean by "that"?

Momo: Fish! I could try my hand at butchering a tuna fish for example!?

Staff: Ohh! That would be worth witnessing…!

Momo: Oh, that reaction… Did I actually get it right!?

Momo: Ah, but wait, don’t you need a certificate to process tuna?

Momo: In that case, if Momo-chan needs one... does that mean I’m gonna be shooting here long-term!? Then I’m gonna guess my support guests are either the intelligent Iori or Sougo!

Staff: Momo-san, your deductive skills are sharp!

Momo: Fufu, you can call me the Great Detective Momo-chan!

Staff: Well then, let's call your two support guests on stage to answer your question!

Nanase Riku: Hello, I'm your support guest, Izumi Iori. I like cool and sharp things.

Yaotome Gaku: Likewise, I'm Osaka Sougo. Nice to meet you...Is this how Osaka acts...?

Momo: Yay! bingo! ...or not, it's Riku and Gaku!

Momo: You two found your groove right from the start!

Nanase Riku: Ehehe, that was a good Iori impression, wasn’t it? I’ll introduce myself properly, I'm Nanase Riku! I'll do my best to support you, Momo-san!

Yaotome Gaku: Ahaha. Sorry my impression didn’t go through as well. I'm Yaotome Gaku, I’ll be your support guest.

Momo: Thank you for being here with us today! I feel like I have the strength of a hundred men with you two here!

Momo: By the way, is the request to process tuna...

Nanase Riku: No it’s not!

Yaotome Gaku: Definitely not that.

Momo: You shot it down immediately!? You junior idols are ruthless...!

Yaotome Gaku: Personally I'd like to try it, even if it sounds challenging.

Momo: Seeing Gaku dismantle a fish on screen sounds exciting!

Nanase Riku: I wanna see that!

Momo: Let me know if you decide to take on that!

Yaotome Gaku: Ahaha!

Momo: Alright, let's get back to the real request... What is it?

Nanase Riku: Alright! On the count of three...

Nanase Riku & Yaotome Gaku: "We want you to perform a traditional Japanese drum dance at a festival!"

Momo: A Japanese drum dance!?

Staff: Yes! Now, let's call the leader of the local youth group who made the request! Please come in!

Youth Group Leader: Heya, nice to meet you! ...Whoa! It really is Momo-san from Re:vale! Amazing! Your idol aura is off the charts!

Youth Group Leader: Woah, Riku-kun and Gaku-kun look so cool too! Can I please take a picture later?

Nanase Riku: Wah... Y-Yes! Sure thing!

Yaotome Gaku: Haha, aren’t you quite energetic.

Momo: He's so friendly!

Youth Group Leader: Thanks! It’s not just me, all the guys in our youth group pour their souls into this festival!

Momo: Wow! And you’re inviting us to a festival this spirited? I'm even more excited now!

Momo: Riku! Gaku! Let's make it more exciting together!

Nanase Riku & Yaotome Gaku: Yeah!

Momo: First of all, could you tell us what kind of festival it is?

Youth Group Leader: It's an annual festival in our community! It's called the "Autumn Leaves Festival," and it's a traditional event we hold in autumn.

Momo: What, the day after tomorrow!? So we only have two days left!?

Youth Group Leader: I'm sorry it's right around the corner...!

Yaotome Gaku: We can handle it. Men burn brighter in the face of adversity.

Nanase Riku & Momo: So cool...!

Youth Group Leader: Everyone in town looks forward to the Autumn Leaves Festival even if it’s not a huge one with fireworks. The Japanese drum performance is the highlight of the event and it gets the crowd excited every year!

Momo: Sounds awesome! But can we really be in charge of such an important part of it?

Youth Group Leader: That's exactly why! This year is the Autumn Leaves Festival’s 100th anniversary so we wanna make it even more spectacular than ever.

Youth Group Leader: Momo-san, you're great at hyping up the crowds either at concerts or on TV. So everyone’s energy is surely gonna skyrocket if you’re there performing at the festival!

Youth Group Leader: We'd be very happy if you could help us...!

Nanase Riku & Momo & Yaotome Gaku: ...!

Momo: I can't help but get fired up when you put it like that!

Nanase Riku: Yes! And a Japanese drum performance sounds like it’s gonna be a lot of fun anyways…!

Yaotome Gaku: yeah, I’m pumped!

Momo: Alright then, let’s give it our best for the big performance the day after tomorrow! Let’s fire up the Autumn Leaves Festival with the best performance!!

Nanase Riku & Yaotome Gaku: Yeah!!!

Momo: Oh, these outfits look really cool!

Momo: Don’t they look like we could put on a live performance wearing them?

Nanase Riku: Wow...! Momo-san, it looks so good on you! You too, Yaotome-san!

Yaotome Gaku: You too, Nanase. I think it’d be quite the artistic portrait to play Japanese drums in these fits.

Youth Group Leader: Everyone looks great in those outfits! So cool!

Momo: Thank you!

Youth Group Leader: Wow... I felt my heart race when you winked at me...! I’m kinda nervous...!

Yaotome Gaku: As expected of you, Momo-san. Your fan service is top-notch.

Momo: Wearing this outfit activated my switch.

Youth Group Leader: The outfits are fantastic, but the drums over there are what’s making me really excited!

Momo: I'm itching to practice already!

Youth Group Leader: I’m glad to see you so motivated, Momo-san! I’ll call the drum instructor right away.

Youth Group Leader: The Autumn Leaves Festival would be nothing without him! He's been playing the drums for 50 years! Here’s our instructor, Gen-san!

Gen-san: Nice to meet you all. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Nanase Riku & Momo & Yaotome Gaku: Nice to meet you!

Nanase Riku: The fact that you’ve been playing for 50 years is seriously impressive…!

Gen-san: No, it's nothing. I just happened to pick up the drumsticks at my first Autumn Leaves Festival, and before I knew it, I reached this age.

Youth Group Leader: Everyone who performs the Japanese drum in this town learned the basics from Gen-san. I was still a kid when he first taught me...

Nanase Riku: It has quite a long history...!

Youth Group Leader: Of course! It's a traditional performance that’s been passed down through generations during the festival after all!

Yaotome Gaku: It's a big responsibility...

Momo: Yeah, but it makes me even more motivated. We'll put our hearts into playing the drum!

Gen-san: Thank you. I'm glad to hear that.

Gen-san: By the way, have any of you played the Japanese drum before?

Momo: I played a little during an elementary school sports festival... But I’ve never been taught properly.

Yaotome Gaku: I'm on the same boat over here...Oh, I did practice while playing a few rounds of taiko games before though…

Momo: I'm good at those games!

Yaotome Gaku: You like playing games, don’t you?. ...But this might be different from the real deal…?

Momo: I seeeee! Yuki is complete ass at playing racing games and often ends up driving in reverse, but his real-life driving skills are top-notch…

Nanase Riku: I used to play with toy drums we had at home when I was little...

Gen-san: I understand. Let's start by learning how to stand.

Gen-san: Each one of you stands in front of a drum.

Gen-san: Momo-kun, you stand in front of the large drum in the center. Riku-kun and Gaku-kun, please stand in front of the medium-sized ones on each side.

Nanase Riku: Momo-san's drum is huge...!

Yaotome Gaku: It’s really impactful! It really feels like the main one.

Nanase Riku: Momo-san is in the center!

Momo: The center, huh! Re:vale doesn't really have that so it’s refreshing, I’m kinda happy!.

Nanase Riku: Well, us three are a special unit right now so we'll support you, Momo-san!

Momo: Thanks, Riku! Since I have you two supporting me, I need to do my best too.

Gen-san: Hmmm... I was going to teach you how to stand but you already look graceful. Maybe you should pull your shoulders back a bit to open your chests?

Momo: Opening our chest, huh…Like this?

Gen-san: Ah… Yes, exactly. Your posture is good and so is your intuition. Riku-kun and Gaku-kun have a very upright standing posture, too.

Gen-san: And now, first bow to the drum before holding the drumsticks...

Nanase Riku & Momo & Yaotome Gaku: ...

Gen-san: ...Oho. You've already done it.

Nanase Riku: Ah...! I’m sorry for doing it without your instruction...!

Yaotome Gaku: My body moved on its own...

Momo: Ahaha... I just wanted to greet the drums properly since they'll be helping us at the festival.

Gen-san: Fufu. No need to apologize… There's nothing more to say about your readiness.

Momo: ...Thank you very much!

Gen-san: Well then, you can finally pick up the drumsticks and start playing.

Gen-san: I apologize for the lack of practice time, but I'll teach you everything I can. So please look forward to the Japanese drum performance.

Nanase Riku & Momo & Yaotome Gaku: Yes! We're looking forward to working with you!

Momo: I'll pour my heart and soul into it so that the townsfolk can also call this year's Autumn Leaves Festival a good one!

End of Episode 1.

#idolish7 #i7 #ainana #idolish7 translation #sunohara momose #momo re:vale #nanase riku #yaotome gaku #i-hake #rabbitv

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penny00dreadful · 30 days ago

Text

Part 8

[Part 1] [Part 7] [AO3] [Cover Art] [Eddie&Chrissy Art]

The tours around the kingdom continued, though thankfully not by Billy this time, even if he tried his luck.

But that didn’t mean they were entirely pleasant affairs. More often than not, the queen insisted on joining them, quite clearly hinting that she didn’t think Chrissy would effectively be able to show off all of the joys of their home country.

Which meant that whenever Steve was taken out into the city below, it was done in a litter, closed off from the citizens and with guards surrounding them, scaring the people into moving out of their way with glaring eyes and hands firmly on their swords.

The market stalls were no better. Steve was being treated to the finest seafood and wares the people had traded for, but they all seemed terrified of him and even more terrified of the queen.

A single frown from her in their direction had them apologising profusely and almost begging her for the opportunity to make it right.

Even if it was something as small as an imperfectly presented platter of food.

More than once Steve had tried to jump in and assure them that everything was okay, but Chrissy’s hand on his arm and the small shake of her head was enough to keep his mouth shut and not rock the boat despite everything screaming at him to do just that.

He suspected that it was more for his sake than for hers. As the days went on the queen’s smile seemed to slowly become more and more strained around Steve.

He got the distinct impression her dissatisfaction with him and how gentle he seemed to be in all things was wearing away at any previous politeness she might have had.

Robin and Eddie were with them almost always, not carried in their litters but following along behind on foot.

Steve would be more uncomfortable with it if they both hadn’t seemed to take the opportunity to bend their heads close together and conspire with each other.

Or gossip.

Steve wasn’t entirely sure what they would talk about, but he could take a guess based on the frequent glances in his and Chrissy’s direction.

No doubt Eddie had heard of the shared affections between Robin and his best friend and he seemed to be just as supportive as Steve had been.

If he were in Eddie’s position, he would have been talking up his best friend as much as he could, as it was he didn’t actually get too much of a chance to do so.

He and Chrissy were far more heavily watched than their two advisors and even when they did have a moment alone, all Chrissy seemed to want to do was talk about Eddie.

His passions, his tastes, his musical ability, how well read he was, how kind his heart was.

If Steve didn’t know any better he’d think that Chrissy was trying to talk Eddie up to him in the same way he had thought about doing for Robin.

It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate Chrissy’s efforts, but they were essentially unnecessary.

Steve had fully admitted to himself that it was more than just friendly affection or a simple infatuation and attraction he had for Eddie.

His heart was full every time he looked at him, every time Eddie smiled at him or blinked those big eyes at him, Steve was enchanted.

He was funny, he was catty, he was rude and unrestrained and energetic. He was captivating.

And Steve was drawn to it, like a moth to the flame.

It didn’t hurt that Eddie also seemed to at the very least find him attractive as well, as much as that pulled his plush and lovely mouth down into a frown sometimes.

He seemed conflicted. Almost mad at himself for developing an attraction but he was also slowly becoming less and less ashamed of himself.

Steve had caught him watching his ass a number of times. Or his hands. Or his mouth.

Not that he could really say he hadn’t been doing the exact same thing.

But he understood he was putting Eddie in a bit of an awkward position, having to approach a crowned prince for a chance at romance. But if anything was to progress… it was the best way for things to start.

If Steve approached him… he worried Eddie would feel trapped.

Like he had to comply for Chrissy’s safety and Steve would never want to put him in that position.

He wanted to pout about it and kick rocks, making them skitter along the cobblestones streets as he was brought down to the docks, but again, he was confined to this ridiculous litter.

He was to be presented with Stoirmeach’s extensive collection of warships, the naval force that was the primary draw for marrying into this kingdom and it wasn’t like he didn’t want to know about something that could aid his people if it came down to it, but he would have appreciated maybe a moment to himself.

Something he felt like he hadn’t gotten in days and days.

Steve sighed to himself as his litter came to a stop and there was a knock on the door, telling him they had arrived. He’d request a few days off once they got back, just time enough to catch his breath and center himself.

They were well into their second week here at this stage and he felt like he hadn’t stopped moving even once.

And it appeared that that was not due to change any time soon.

The local carpenters and tradesmen were already beginning to construct the arena for a day full of jousting and feasting and revelry that was soon coming.

The celebration would take place a day or two before they were all due to leave to head back to Torthúil in under two weeks, to give everyone a chance to recover from the merriment and Steve thought that those two weeks couldn’t pass quick enough.

He was looking forward to the jousting though.

There had been several raised eyebrows when he had expressed his eagerness to compete, but he got his way.

It had been too long since he sat astride a horse.

Steve stepped out of his litter and stared up at the intimidatingly huge ships in front of him, creaking and swaying with the waves, sails fluttering, the smell of fish and salt in the air.

He expected Chrissy to appear at his side, same as she had done on every other tour, taking his arm and smiling demurely, if not a little strained whenever her mother was around but always genuine when she looked at him.

Instead his arm remained empty and when he looked across at the other litter he found Chrissy leaning close to Eddie’s side, muttering to him.

Eddie himself barely seemed to be able to hear her, his wide eyes fixed on the gargantuan ship above as though he expected it to topple over on top of them.

Chrissy moved slightly and as Steve approached he could see Eddie’s hand white knuckling her long sleeve, hidden between their two bodies.

Robin was by his side as they stepped lightly towards them, coming into their line of sight before they were on top of them so as not to frighten Eddie who was clearly very spooked.

“Steve, do you mind if I stay by Eddie’s side for this tour?”

Steve looked over at him, Eddie still had his hand fisted in Chrissy’s sleeve and his face was a few shades greener than Steve was used to seeing it, eyes no longer fixed on the ship but instead now fixed on the water, only a few feet away.

Steve wanted to reach out and brush a hand over his cheek, press his palm into his back, curl him into his side.

Instead he had to content himself with asking, “Are you feeling okay?”

“Fine.” Eddie muttered through gritted teeth. “Let’s just get this over with.”

He seemed to be one loud noise away from turning and running.

And based on the amused looks the Stoirmeach guard were sending their way, that would just make things worse for him in the end.

Steve nodded at Chrissy, sending her a small smile when she let out a sigh of relief and prised Eddie’s fingers from her sleeve, instead curling his hand around her elbow.

Steve fell back in line with Robin as the ship's Captain came down the gangway to greet them, keeping one eye on Eddie as the Captain bowed to him and began explaining their military tactics, leading them with a sweeping arm back up the ship.

As they were led around the deck and shown the various provisions, equipment and weapons on board, Steve noticed that Chrissy always oriented herself so she was on the outside, closest to the water, keeping Eddie further into the deck.

As the tour went on, Eddie went nearly white as a sheet when they were led below decks to inspect the canons and he didn’t much improve as they went topside again.

He looked like he was about to pass out.

He kept rhythmically swallowing and there was the slightest tremble to his hand not curled around Chrissy’s elbow, fear and apprehension painted plain all over his expressive face.

Was he seasick? Did he not like ships?

There was the sound of sniggering behind him and Steve heard “oops” before a Stoirmeach soldier pantomimed slipping on the deck, throwing his hand out and shoving Eddie towards the edge.

His hand slipped from Chrissy’s elbow and he flew back, white hot panic burning bright in his eyes.

The railing was quite high and so the chances of Eddie going overboard were relatively slim but Steve had moved before he’d even registered it. Even if he had allowed himself to think about it, he wouldn’t have wanted to take that chance anyway.

He lunged forward, catching Eddie tight around the waist and pulling him in close and safe to his side before either of them had a chance to hit wood.

Eddie clung to him like a drowning man, like he was trying to stay afloat, no matter how much it might damage his pride later, almost unable to hold his own weight up with the shock. He was shaking like a leaf in a strong wind, all colour gone from his face and on the verge of passing out completely.

Steve kept him upright, kept him tucked in tight and turned his head to glare at the soldier, promising a world of pain with his gaze alone as the soldier seemed taken aback for a moment at the level of hate that was sent towards him before quickly averting his eyes and mumbling out that he had slipped.

Steve gave Eddie a little squeeze, quiet and unseen, just a small dose of encouragement, though he wanted to do much more before he gently tilted Eddie into Chrissy again, never once taking his eyes off that soldier.

Once Eddie was safely passed over, clutching tight onto Chrissy in the same way, Steve turned his whole body, taking a step to the side to block them from sight.

“What is your name?”

The soldier in front of him opened and closed his mouth silently.

The entire ship was dead quiet apart from the sounds of Eddie’s shaky breathing behind him, even the wind and sails had ceased to blow.

“An-Andy Johnson, Your Highness.”

“Well, Andy Johnson, I suggest you watch your footing better in future.” He practically growled. “Wouldn’t want any unfortunate accidents to befall you.”

Andy blanched, nervously swallowing before giving Steve an apprehensive bow, like he was scared to take his eyes off of him.

“I think we’ll conclude this tour for today.” Steve said, turning his charming smile back on the Captain who was also glaring at the soldier, most likely for ruining his chance to brag to a visiting prince. “Perhaps we can continue another time?”

“Very well, Your Highness.” The Captain bowed to him, leading them back down the gangway and towards their litters.

“I hope you won’t let the action of one rogue soldier colour your whole experience here.”

One rogue soldier? Steve thought. All of the soldiers seem to thrive off of cruelty.

Steve shot back a strained smile and nodded, waiting until Chrissy and Eddie were bundled away before he stepped back inside his own litter.

He was able to last barely a half an hour before temptation won.

He was standing in front of Eddie’s bedroom door with his fist raised to knock, but he halted at the last second, biting at his lip.

Eddie probably didn’t want to see anyone right now, he had been so shaken up, on the verge of fainting.

Both he and Chrissy had disappeared before Steve’s litter even stopped in front of the castle doors.

But Steve was so worried.

He couldn’t get the look on Eddie’s face out of his head. The raw panic and fear in his expression as he went careening towards the edge of the ship and towards the water.

Steve had never seen Eddie as vulnerable as he just had and on top of it, being practically assaulted by that guard filled Steve with so much anger on top of an almost terrifying wave of protectiveness.

“I can hear you shuffling around outside.” Eddie’s muffled voice came from behind the door. “Just say what you came here to say and fuck off, I’m not in the moo-“

The door swung open and Eddie blinked at Steve in surprise and blinked at his hand, still raised ready to knock.

“Stevie?” Eddie baulked, clearly not who he had been expecting to be standing behind his door. “What are you doing here?”

He had the colour back in his cheeks and his eyes were bright and alive again. His outer leathers and boots had been shed, leaving him in just a soft billowing dark undershirt and his leather pants. He still wore his jewellery and he had taken the braids out of his hair. He was dressed for comfort and he looked so soft.

It felt almost indecent to see him in such a state.

“I…” Steve swallowed, finally lowering his hand. “I just wanted to check on you. See if you were okay after… everything.”

“Oh, a personal visit from royalty?” Eddie smirked, raising his eyebrows, completely comfortable in his state of undress. “Why not save yourself the trouble and send your advisor instead?”

Steve furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m not here, officially. This isn’t like… a political visit.” His eyes drifted downward, unfortunately settling on the curves and creases along Eddie’s undershirt, hiding what Steve knew to be a trim waist inside bunches of fabric. “I was just worried about you.”

“Well, aren't you very sweet?”

The corner of Steve’s mouth tilted up a little and he halfheartedly shrugged one shoulder.

He’d done it, he’d confirmed Eddie was okay. Eddie was fine.

So why was he still hovering?

“I suppose the polite thing to do would be to invite you inside,” Eddie said, tilting himself out of the way, “though I don’t think I have anything particularly royal to offer you by way of food or drinks.”

“I don’t mind.” Steve said, stepping into Eddie’s room, completely ignoring any part of his brain telling him this was a bad idea or just outright unseemly.

He was met with an explosion of green. Fluffy or shiny or cascading plants hanging from the ceiling or sitting on shelves or dotted around the floor and nearly every surface. There was a roaring fire against one wall, giving the room a warm orange glow against the approaching evening darkness.

It smelled like Steve had walked into a forest, the green scent of leaves and dirt and wood surrounded him but underneath it all, there was that familiar spicy, warm smell that always followed Eddie around.

Steve was left shuffling as he closed the heavy wooden door behind him. “So… how are you?” He asked while Eddie padded back over to his bed, perching on the edge and crossing his legs underneath him.

“I’m fine.” Eddie shrugged. “It’s nothing I’m not used to anyway.”

Steve frowned.

“You know every time you say something like that it breaks my fucking heart.”

Eddie’s face slackened in surprise before he hid it, closing himself off again.

“Then I’ll try to stop saying it to you from now on.”

“No.” Steve took a step forward. “No that’s not what I mean I just… I don’t like the shit you have to deal with. It’s obscene.”

Eddie scoffed. “I’ve been dealing with it all my life, it’s no skin off my back, Stevie. I’m the weird Outsider freak. I mean, are you honestly going to tell me things will be much different back in your own kingdom?”

“Yes.” He answered with as much conviction as he could.

Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Of course you’d say that. Maybe it won’t happen in front of you, but it’s the same wherever I go.”

“It is not the same back in Torthúil. No one will treat you that way.”

“Because I’ll be part of the future queen’s household,” Eddie waved his hand, “yeah, yeah.”

“Eddie.” Steve stepped forward again and caught the waving hand in his own. “People won’t treat you like dirt back home. We’re not like that. And if anyone does-“

“They’ll have you to answer to?” Eddie snarked, disbelieving, eyes focused in on their clasped hands.

“No. They’ll have Dustin to answer to.”

Eddie tore his eyes away from their hands to look up at him from his still seated position. “Who’s Dustin?”

“He’s a little shit is who he is.” Steve’s eyes were still down on their hands and he couldn’t bring himself to break the touch. “The son of the Mistress of the Royal Kitchens and very, very self assured about what he feels is right. He didn’t stand for people initially having reservations about Will and El when they first came into the household and he won’t stand for any kind of hate towards you.” He brushed his fingers over Eddie’s rings, giving one a gentle turn around before he started inching his touch down Eddie’s thumb.

He hadn’t allowed himself to think of the kids much while he was here, he knew it would just send a stabbing pain of longing through his heart but he allowed himself to feel it now.

“Before I came here, the kid gave me a run down of what he had read about your people, about your Nightbloom flower,” Steve's fingers caressed the edge of a green leaf inked into that thumb, “and your markings. He’s fascinated by them. You’re probably going to be bombarded with questions as soon as you arrive.”

Eddie was watching the path Steve’s fingers were making with attentive eyes, but he too didn’t pull away.

“How old is this kid?” He asked, his voice low and soft, like he didn’t want to disturb the moment, the quiet between them only punctuated by the crackling of the fire and the gentle whistling of the wind outside the now dark window.

“About Max’s age.” Steve muttered back. “Thirteen or so.”

Steve continued to press his fingers along Eddie’s thumb, slowly following the vine down and into the loose cuff of his sleeve, brushing a light touch against Eddie’s pulse point, wondering just how it would taste if he was to press a kiss to that pulse-

It was the tiny little inhale of breath coming from Eddie’s plush lips that snapped Steve back to himself and he dropped Eddie’s hand like he’d been burned, stumbling back a step.

“I’m sorry, I… I don’t know what… I’m sorry.”

Eddie’s hand dropped back to his lap, his fist slowly tensing and releasing like he was trying to get the feeling back but a small little hopeful part of Steve thought that maybe it was to help keep the feeling of Steve’s fingers on his skin.

Eddie cleared his throat. “Well, you gotta let little Dustin know that I won’t be selling out the Nightbloom secrets just so it can be commercialised and added to your Rainbow Sea. That flower, it’s important to my people and I won’t have it turned into another trading opportunity that will only benefit your kingdom, with no love or care taken for its cultivation.”

Steve tilted his head to the side.

“So you do know how to grow it?”

Eddie’s shoulders tensed and his mouth pulled down into a frown. He uncrossed his legs, allowing them to come down and hang over the edge of his bed, like he was positioning himself in case he needed to fight.

Steve held his hands up. “Listen, you don’t have to tell the kid anything you don’t want to-“

“You’re telling me that you yourself don’t want a rare flower in your collection?”

Steve had an almost wild thought of blurting out that he would love to have a rare dark flower in his collection, but he wasn’t talking about the Nightbloom.

He almost shook his head at the ridiculousness of it.

What was this?

Some epic romantic legend?

“If you don’t want us to know how to grow your culture's valued flower, then you don’t have to tell us. Dustin and El might pester you a little but you’re not required to tell them anything you don’t want to.”

Eddie still had a distrustful frown on his face but his body relaxed a little more, leaning back on his hands and knees falling open a little more.

The movement pulled the leather pants tight, the fabric straining against his thighs and his crotch, almost highlighting them and Steve was a weak man, completely powerless to resist the draw.

“Does His Highness see something he wants?”

Steve snapped his eyes back up, face flushing with the realisation he’d been caught staring.

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, an apology.” Eddie pouted, a little mean, spreading his legs a little further. “Come on, Highness. We both know you’re going to have me at your beck and call once you get me back to your kingdom. Are you going to tell me now that you’re not going to take advantage of that?”

Steve opened and closed his mouth in shock, trying to speak but there wasn’t anything coming out.

Something sour was twisting in his gut.

He hated what Eddie was insinuating. He hated it.

“No.” He vehemently shook his head. “Never. Not like that.”

“No?” Eddie pushed himself to his feet and stalked towards him.

He grabbed Steve by the hips and walked them back until Steve hit the bedroom door. He leaned in close, pressing his nose into the delicate skin of Steve’s neck.

“I could provide such good service.” He rumbled.

“Eddie what-” Steve brought his hands up, placing them on Eddie’s shoulders. “What the hell has come over you?”

He was reeling.

The shift in Eddie’s behaviour had come so fast and so sudden he didn’t know what to do with it and it made him feel almost lecherous the way his heart was hammering out of his chest, having Eddie pressed up tight against him, chest to chest.

“I see how you look at me,” Eddie whispered to him, breath tickling his ear. “I just want to know what is to be expected of me once we leave here.” He slowly nosed his way back down over Steve’s jaw. “You want to fuck me, is that it?”

Eddie ducked his head and Steve’s body betrayed himself, letting out a shaky exhale at the feeling of lips against his neck.

“Or does His Highness want to get fucked?”

What on earth was happening? Steve’s brain was whirring, attempting to maintain control and not be lost to the haze of lust that was overcoming him despite how wrong everything felt.

He prefers to freak people out. Says you can see who people really are when you’ve taken them by surprise. With all of the politeness and etiquette stripped away, there’s only them left.

Steve, hands still on Eddie’s shoulders, pushed him back, keeping him at arm's length.

“Stop.”

Eddie’s eyebrows were pinched, not in confusion or hurt, but in irritation almost. His cheeks were bright and his breath was ragged, his shoulders were tense.

Steve’s gaze darted between Eddie’s trying to find a reason for what had just happened.

When he found nothing but guarded emotions, his shoulders slumped and a heavy sigh escaped his mouth.

“Do you…” he shook his head, taking a bolstering inhale. “Do you actually want something like this or are you just testing me?”

Steve was pretty sure he knew what the answer was, probably a little bit of yes to both, but at this stage he was at a loss of how to assure Eddie of his safety that didn’t sound performative or an empty promise anymore.

He didn’t know how to help Eddie trust him.

Eddie seemed determined to doubt him and while Steve understood why, it didn’t mean he wasn’t still hurt by it.

“What would you do if I said I didn’t want this?” Eddie snapped back, crossing his arms, but staying within Steve’s grip. “That I was just testing you?”

“Then…” Steve dropped his hands from Eddie’s shoulders in defeat. “I’m sorry to have put you in such an awkward position.”

“And I’m not going to end up in your dungeons or-“

“No!” Steve nearly cried out. “Gods, Eddie!” He side-stepped to get some more space between them, retreating further into the bedroom and away from the intoxicating smell of Eddie. “Listen, I understand you’ve been through the shit and you’ve dealt with assholes for your entire life but when have I ever shown you that I am one of them? Do you really think I’d lock you up in our dungeons if you rejected my advances or that I’d chain you to my bed and make you comply? Have I given you such a disgusting impression? Do you really think so lowly of me?”

Eddie’s face had gone slack with shock at Steve’s outburst but now he seemed to be ready to match Steve’s level, turning and pointing at him.

“I don’t know what to think about you! You confuse the shit out of me! You haven’t been able to take your eyes off me since we first met and even after you encouraged your best friend to pursue your future wife, you still didn't try to get me into your bed? It doesn’t make any sense! People in your position always try to take what they want regardless of what anyone else says.”

“When have I ever done that?!” Steve almost growled in frustration. “Yes, I like you, I’m attracted to you. Yes, I’d love to bed you but I didn’t want you to feel pressured! The idea that you might have felt like you had to reciprocate to keep yourself or Chrissy safe fucking terrifies me. Nothing scares me more than the idea we might have started something, only for me to find out at some point in the future you never felt that way? That the person I was with never really wanted it, never really cared for me the same way? It scares the shit out of me, Eddie. I am past the point in my life when I just want someone in my bed and that’s it.” He placed his hand over his heart. “I don’t want someone who’ll bend over for me whenever I ask them to, I want something reciprocal. Equitable. I want someone who isn’t scared to tell me ‘no’ when they want to, or tell me when I’m making a stupid decision or argue with me if I’m being unreasonable. I want a relationship, not just a bedwarmer!”

Eddie was looking at the ground, his face unreadable, arms crossed and mouth in a tight line.

“Is that what you want from me?”

“Yes. But not if it is something that you do not want too.”

Steve released his hand from his heart, bringing it up to run through his hair, the fire crackling merrily beside him and the wind whining outside.

“Listen… I… I’m gonna just go, okay? I’m sorry about what happened to you today and I hope you’re feeling better, and I’m sorry for any… confusion I’ve caused.”

He straightened out his doublet, smoothing his hands down the front and rolled his shoulders back.

Eddie still had not moved from his position, he hadn’t looked up, he was still staring at the floor and continued to stare down as Steve stepped back around him.

He had a hand on the door handle and had only managed to pull it open an inch or two before it was slammed closed again, a ringed and inked hand flat on the wood next to Steve’s head.

When Steve let go of the door handle, slowly, Eddie too lowered his hand and took a small step back.

He didn’t turn around, didn’t glance back to look at him, just waited for an explanation, an answer, something.

“I…” Eddie started, then stopped. “There… it’s happened before.”

Steve finally turned, leaning his body back up against the door.

“What’s happened before?”

“People have… made demands of me.” Eddie was staring now at the wood just over Steve’s shoulder, his arms crossed again, a hand clasped at each elbow. “They thought I’d cower or simper or give in and I never did. So I learned… to keep my guard up and be careful, so… I just had to be sure.”

Steve felt his own mouth pull down into a frown now.

“Who?”

He was pretty sure he knew exactly who and he’d rip the blonde curls from his head if it was the last thing-

“Doesn’t matter.” Eddie finally looked up at him and shrugged. “I’ll be out of here soon enough, right?”

Steve’s frown didn’t budge. “Right.”

“So you…” Eddie’s eyes were exploring his own, much the same as they had many times before. “You want… a relationship with me.”

Steve closed his eyes and tipped his head back, feeling it thunk against the door.

“Yes. But not-”

“Not if I don’t want it too.”

“Yeah.”

“I do.” Eddie said. “Want it too. If I could have it.”

Steve opened his eyes and tilted his head back down, to find Eddie standing much closer than he had been before.

There was something that felt terribly like hope blooming in his chest.

“Can I…” Eddie chewed on his lip for a moment, before finally setting it free. “Can I kiss you?”

Steve studied Eddie’s face, waiting for any kind of hesitation or regret, and kind of uncertainty but he didn’t find any.

“Okay.”

Eddie stepped forward slowly, gently taking Steve’s face in between his hands and leaned in.

His lips were warm and plump and soft, just like Steve knew they would be, they pressed against his own like they belonged there.

They fit.

Steve’s hands had a mind of their own, worming around Eddie’s waist, pulling him tight, flush against his chest, leaning both of their weights back against the wood of the door.

It didn’t take long for the swipe of a tongue and a soft almost whimpering exhale to sound in Steve’s throat, but he stayed where he was. Despite his want to shove Eddie back on his bed and ravish him until he was a trembling mess, he didn’t allow himself that luxury. He wanted Eddie to be assured of his safety, so Steve wouldn’t do anything unless Eddie wanted it.

But apparently Eddie did want it.

He pulled Steve away from the door and turned them, mouths still attached until he pushed and Steve went crashing down onto the mattress.

He wasn’t alone for long because a second later, Eddie scrambled onto his lap and laid his body flat against him, sealing their mouths back together like he was a starving man.

It was only when his attention moved onto Steve’s jaw and neck that Steve was above to uncloud his mind enough to speak.

“How far-“ Steve huffed out, getting cut off when a set of teeth latched onto his throat. “How far?”

“Whatever you’ll give me. I’ll take it.” Eddie muttered against his skin.

Steve chuckled a little.

“You’ll take it, will you?” He punctuated his words with a little roll upwards of his hips, both in an attempt to drive Eddie a little wilder, which worked, and to feed the animalistic urge in his blood to rut up against him.

He could feel Eddie’s lips stretch into a grin.

“Seems only polite. You’re a guest in my room, after all. It’s fitting I should be a good host.” He ground his hips down over the last two words. The two of them were hard and panting, their faces flushed and Steve could see the minor bump, bump, bump of Eddie’s pulse in his neck.

“You sure?” Steve breathed out. “You want everything? Because we can-“

“Oh yeah, sweetheart.” Eddie sat upright, putting all of his weight down on Steve’s hard dick. “Give me everything.” He rolled his hips around, punching the wind straight out of Steve’s chest.

“Alright, shit.” Steve breathed. “Okay. I can do that.”

“But I’m staying up here. I want to see everything.”

“That’s…” Steve exhaled as Eddie started working at the buttons and straps on his doublet. “Good, yeah. Yeah, that’s good.”

He didn’t know how Eddie managed it, but he was being manhandled up into a sitting position before he could even get his mind around what was happening and in the next few seconds he had his doublet and undershirt stripped off.

Eddie was still in his lap but he froze when he finally took in the sight before him, staring down at his chest, his eyes blown black and his mouth hanging open ever so slightly.

“What-“

Steve was shoved back onto the mattress hard and Eddie splayed his fingers out wide, grabbing a fistful of Steve’s chest hair.

“Oh, fuck me.” Eddie muttered.

Steve winced at the sting a little but it was still on the good side of pain.

“Soon.” He smirked back, rolling his hips up and his heart kicked around wildly in his chest as Eddie’s eyes fluttered closed.

“You’re fucking perfect.” Eddie gave his chest hair one last tug and shakily stood back up on his own two legs, hands flying to the strings holding Steve’s pants closed.

Steve sat up, hands snapping to Eddie’s ass still surrounded by leather. He squeezed those little cheeks tighter and pulled him closer.

Eddie’s fingers didn’t halt their movements but he sighed softly as Steve pressed his face to Eddie’s chest, nosing through the thin undershirt material he was still wearing, opening his mouth and laying his wet tongue flat over the raised point of one of Eddie’s nipples.

“You’re wearing too many clothes.” Steve muttered, allowing his lips and teeth to drag over the pert and sensitive nub of flesh.

“In a minute.” Eddie breathed, gritting his teeth, trying to keep his focus. His hands were beginning to shake and couldn’t help but grin against his chest, squeezing his fingers tight once more.

He continued to suck and flick at the nipple in his mouth, feeling a spark of pride and arousal course through him whenever Eddie stuttered in his movements.

Steve slowly worked his hands up, slipping his fingers under Eddie’s shirt where it was messily untucked at the back, feeling that soft smooth skin underneath explode in goosebumps at the smallest brush.

“Okay, fine, fine. I’m getting undressed.” Eddie pouted, giving Steve’s shoulder a weak shove, trying to push him away but Steve stayed right where he was, holding on tight.

“I’m rather enjoying myself here.”

“Stevie.” Eddie whined out, almost begging and Steve had to bite down on his nipple at that, he had to, he had no other choice, the sound was just so delicious.

The sound that came out of Eddie’s throat was enough to drive him completely wild.

Steve unlatched his mouth and shot to his feet, pulling Eddie’s undershirt over his head as he did it.

Steve knew that Eddie had ink in his skin, he’d seen small peeks of it over his collar and disappearing under the sleeves on his hand but he had no idea Eddie was as covered in ink as he was.

The green and blue vines dotted with leaves ran up the entirety of his right arm, starting at his hand and ending at his neck. They extended the whole way down his side as well, skating around his shoulder and across his ribs before disappearing into the waist of his tight leather pants.

Steve held his ravishing off for just a few moments more, trailing over them with a light finger, following their path while Eddie stood and watched him, his breathing ragged.

“Did you do these yourself?”

Eddie just nodded, eyes never leaving Steve’s face.

“They’re beautiful. You’re beautiful.”

The sound of a dry throat swallowing brought Steve’s gaze back up.

He tilted his head a little questioningly and Eddie glanced away.

“It’s just not… something I hear every day.” He shrugged, trying to pass it off as nonchalant but Steve took his chin with gentle fingers, bringing their eyes back together.

“Then it’s something I’ll have to say to you every day from now on, won’t I?”

Eddie’s face lit up red again, the beautiful blush on his cheeks radiating down his neck and spilling into his chest and he brought his hands up to cover his face, letting out an almost hysterical giggle.

“Fuck.” He muttered, peeking his eyes out in between his fingers. “How are you real?”

Steve didn’t answer him, just pulled his hands away from his face by the wrists and brought him in for a kiss as sweet as honey.

Eddie’s knees went weak and he stumbled a little, Steve catching him fast around the waist again with one arm to hold him up right, while the other started working at the laces of his leather pants.

“Stevie,” Eddie muttered against his mouth, “Stevie, please. I need-”

“What do you need, my love?” Steve whispered back, slowly peeling Eddie’s pants down his hips.

Eddie’s knees did go out from under him at that, the two of them falling backwards onto the bed in a heap, much the same way they had been only a few moments before.

“I need you. Please, Stevie.”

“You have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Their kisses became heated again and it didn’t take much longer after that for Steve to hurriedly get his pants only half way down his thighs, kissing down every inch of available skin he could get his mouth on while Eddie stood, trying to kick his way out of his own leathers, fingers digging into Steve’s shoulders for balance.

“Do you have something,” Steve asked, kissing his way back up Eddie’s chest, “to ease my way in?”

“Yeah, it’s-” Eddie tore himself away from Steve’s grip with a great amount of effort and stumbled on shaky legs over to his desk, rummaging around in one of the draws before practically pouncing back onto Steve’s lap, a corked bottle of oil in his hand.

Eddie yanked the cork out of the bottle with his teeth, spitting it somewhere across the room and tipped it over, liberally coating his fingers.

Steve had expected him to reach behind himself, begin to open himself up, but instead, he took Steve’s cock in hand, getting him wet, giving him a few pumps for good measure that zapped through Steve’s body like lightning, his eyes slowly slipping shut at the ecstasy.

The hand on him disappeared and Steve opened his eyes at the sound of a breathy moan, Eddie’s oiled up hand had disappeared behind himself and he was slowly rocking his hips back and forth, hovering up on his knees.

Steve relaxed back flat on the bed, bringing his hands up to rest behind his head and he settled in to watch the vision above him.

Eddie sent him a cheeky little smile, peeking down at him through his bangs and Steve had to try not to flinch as a hand grasped him hard again.

“Are you ready?” Eddie asked, that mischievous grin lighting up his face.

“Are you?” Steve shot back, gripping his hands tight at Eddie’s hips.

Eddie didn’t answer, just placed one hand down flat on Steve’s chest for balance and sank himself down, almost painfully slowly, that pink blush spilling over his chest as his mouth hung open.

When he finally bottomed out, small little breathy whines crawling up his throat as he adjusted, Steve had to use all of his self control to stop himself from grabbing him and fucking him through the stone wall across from them.

Eddie folded himself down, bringing their mouths back together and with a stuttering exhale against Steve’s lips, he began to move.

Time was lost to him, Steve didn’t know how long Eddie bounced on top of him, riding him down into the mattress below. It was like all intelligent thought left his head and all he knew was Eddie on top of him, surrounding him, warm and wet and letting out the most delicious sounds, rolling his hips in such a way that Steve didn’t think he’d ever be able to recover.

His hair was sticking to his forehead, the heat and smell of the two of them becoming almost overwhelming, that familiar spicy scent cutting through every time Eddie bounced down particularly hard.

When his breath started to come hard and fast and his face was twisting up in pleasure, Steve surged up, crashing their mouths back together, digging his hands into Eddie’s hair and he drove himself upwards, in as deep as he could reach, swallowing down Eddie’s cries with an almost feral hunger as he came untouched in Steve’s lap.

Steve followed not long after, holding Eddie tight to him as he whimpered into his mouth, unwilling to let him go for anything or anyone.

[Part 1] [Part 7] [AO3] [Cover Art] [Eddie&Chrissy Art]

As always, major thanks and much love to @hbyrde36 for the magnificent beta work, @arelliann for their beautiful artwork, dividers and header, and to all my cheerleaders helping to keep me motivated. 🥰

#steddie #stranger things #eddie munson #steve harrington #steve x eddie #penny00dreadful #eddie x steve #steddie fanfic #fanfic #steddie fic #royal au #royal pain #arelliann #steddiebang24

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quailxcrossing · 14 hours ago

Text

thinking about some of my babies

these three are invading my thoughts so heavily recently and i am figuring out their childhood secrets, slowly but surely.....

Valkyries can be born from any home, and since there's a limited amount that can exist at any time, they're only born in some period after a previous one passes! Esperanza was born in a small home out in the desert boondocks outside of Turquoise Springs, to a family who had a stain on their name since her father was known for pulling terrible business buying and reselling property. no one liked him bc he was basically a fantasy airbnb flipper and sucked ass

and once Esperanza's Valkyrie tells appeared when she was a few years old (mostly the random wings tbh) her parents thought she would be their big break and finally earn their family some respect, since the reputation of the Valkyries was very well-known!! they hoped their baby would at least bring some good luck! she hadn't gotten her card pulled yet so they didn't know she was The Lovers yet, butttt they could've probably guessed seeing that position had recently been opened.....

Esperanza liked the bigger village a lot, but to her family's disappointment, she HATED people knowing she was a Valkyrie. they always treated her weird.....Valkyries (to keep things brief) are basicallyyyyy just. very densely magical creatures. their connection to the cards and fate is very strong, very closely tied to the world's religion, so people treated Esperanza with almost too much respect that this little baby wanted. she really wanted to make friends with other kids, and she was excited a big village meant she could go to school normally! she took to going outside with her wings covered, lying to people she was just a normal human (with some impish features), which her parents HATED .. but Esperanza remained whimsical

she met Lwaukee the season before she was set to start Tuesday's equivalent of elementary. the little kitty was creeping around and scampering around the washes where Esperanza had taken to enjoy playing (kicking up dirt and running around collecting sticks. baby games) and they played silently a couple times chasing each other back and forth before Lwaukee would randomly get scared and dart off. Esperanza kept returning there hoping Lwaukee would show up.

their relationship changed drastically the time Esperanza ended up bringing a snackie- a little pouch of sun-dried chub that her family had saved up to buy from one of the market stalls (seafood is quite rare out in the desert, these chub were local tho because they lived in Turquoise Springs!!) Esperanza thought she could share them with her new buddy!! maybe they'd be actually buddies!!! her parents always said that material goods were the fastest way to a person's heart! ^D^

Lwaukee stole all of them. immedically. he ate them so fucking fast and Esperanza just went 😲🥲

then Lwaukee scampered off again

so she brought a little bit more the next time, which Lwaukee wolfed down again. Esperanza was really concerned, thinking maybe Lwaukee was homeless, or his parents didn't feed him, so she asked- and Lwaukee finally spoke to her, explaining the food at home "made him sick". Neither of them knew what it meant, but basically Lwaukee is the only cat/human in his house, and he had a combo of a strange diet + ARFID. his parents didn't know how to make him eat, since he could only stomach very certain foods without getting sick. seafood, mostly, meats, and very small portions of fruits and veggies. so basically Lwaukee's parents were going "my kid wont eat his brocolli!! tsk silly kid" while Lwaukee was dry-retching in the background, if he can manage to get it into his mouth

so Esperanza really did win his heart over with food; the two quickly become more comfortable with each other and shared their snacks and continued to play In The Ditch. you know when you just play in the ditch....real desertheads understand

they met their dear friend Georgiana when Lwaukee and Esperanza were trotting town on their way to their favorite dirt patch, and Lwaukee thought it would be a good idea to duck through the nearby marketplace (just wanted to steal some fish) (stole some fish)

Georgiana was a small single child from a fisherman's family, very sheltered just like Esperanza, but with an intense fear of outsiders. their family was all made of hunters, and living off the land was everything Georgiana knew. they lived a few villages over closer to the rivers and they only visited for markets to sell their catches. so when Lwaukee tried to grab a bass cut (Esperanza made the surprised Pikachu face) Georgiana immediately took after him- Georgi's parents told them it wasn't worth it, but Georgiana is really protective of their fishes, very proud to be working the stall...Lwaukee took off cackling but Georgiana caught him very easily. Esperanza explained the situation and apologized 500 times and...hey do you wanna play In The Ditch with us?? you look really strong! you could pick up a lot of sticks when we build forts in the ditch!

Georgiana was terrified of this approach, but they let Lwaukee keep the fish. and guess who quietly showed up next time their family was in town and Esperanza and Lwaukee were rolling in the dirt

#quail talks #sobbing crying what do you mean theyre childhood friends in a small town #i hope nothing bad ever happens to this friend group #if you see spelling errors close your eyes

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accidentally-in-fictional-love · 4 months ago

Note

🤔⛵️🥰 please 🫶

Wooden Treasures - Romantic Wojchek Headcanons

Warnings: Bit of angst because it's Wojchek, it's like a requirement.

Notes: Some romance with my jolly sailor bold? You guys are spoiling me Q//w//Q This ended up being a bit of a broken up drabble since it's hard to write romance for someone who's away for so long, so when he is around that's when the true headcanons start 😊 I hope you enjoy~ 💗💗💗

You meet him in the most unromantic way possible, while he's coming ashore to check cargo and you're passing by completely distracted. You bump into him as he's in the middle of his inspections, the payment for his cargo knocked out of his hands and onto the dock, the coins spilling every which way and into the water. The look he gives you is nothing short of loathing, and you end your first meeting gathering everything up and reimbursing the rest, plus a little extra for the trouble.

The next time you see him he's returning, and since there's no rush you introduce yourself and offer to maybe buy him a drink to make up for last month, but he doesn't even remember you, the moment so inconsequential once the money was handed over that he concentrated on the voyage and pushed you right from his mind. He does hesitate at turning you down though, and while it still isn't very romantic while everyone drinks and talks and sings around you, you learn his name is Wojchek and that he prefers to drink outside rather than inside.

His next voyage isn't for a week and a half while they restock and buy new livestock, so you end up seeing him quite a bunch while you go about your day. He sticks to his ship, preferring to sleep on board instead of renting a room on solid ground, and you learn that when you're closing your window in the morning chill and see him stretching on deck. You almost call to him but don't, preferring to watch as he breathes in the sea air, his hair even more disheveled as he pulls his suspenders over his shoulders and heads for the dock. You invite him out to breakfast instead with the excuse that you were just on your way, and he seems almost fond of you as he asks if you'd want to eat on deck with him while the sun rises.

By the time the first week was almost over, he'd seen you so many times that he'd remembered your name, and you learn that he wasn't just distant, he was just so used to moving around that he never bothered remember anything outside of his crew. You don't realize how important this made you to him until he was the one asking you to dinner, but not at one of the many seafood places lining the docks, but instead on the Demeter while the others were out. He doesn't use any of their growing supplies, they needed to save them after all, instead buying rarer things from the import section of the open market nearby, using them to make you something from his home country to share. You don't realize it's an actual date until he lights the lamps as the sun starts to set, a candle on the makeshift table he and the others had carried up on deck just for this, and he tells you all about the recipe as you enjoy the meal he'd made just from memory.

He's very self-sufficient, living on the sea had made him grow up fast, but it also means he was now a jack-of-all-trades, from cooking, to mending his few clothes once it became unavoidable, to even repairing the ship. He loves working with his hands, this becoming apparent when you find a handcrafted wooden sculpture of a fish waiting for you on your doorstep the night after your date. There's a lot of care put into it even though he would've had to work fast, the next one coming a couple days later when you step out to visit the market before the morning rush. This one is of a bird, and it sits in your pocket as you do your shopping and feel him there with you.

He can only stay for one more day, the new cargo coming earlier than expected and allowing them to make even better time, and while you knew it was coming you hoped you'd at least have a couple extra days to get to know him better. As he tells you this on the docks he seems different than before, the serious, stoic sailor who'd made you want to jump into the water to avoid his rage now replaced with the man asking if you wanted to have one more dinner together before he had to go. Again he cooks for you as you invite him into your home, only this time he teaches you what to do as he chops and simmers, helping you commit this part of him to memory so when he left you could make it on your own and remember him. When it's over he kisses your hand and wishes you goodnight, and you almost don't let him go as he heads back to the Demeter in the dark.

You meet him on the docks the next day, unable to bear the wait without one last goodbye, and this time he presses a new sculpture into your hand with a kiss to your forehead and a promise that he'll return to you spoken in his native tongue.

You don't hear from him for weeks until they reach their destination, someplace far away that you can't even place without visiting the library and looking over their hand drawn maps of the world, and you count the days and memorize every word on the page until you can see the stars with him.

He sends another letter when they make an emergency stop halfway home, one of the animals they'd brought on board had gone rabid and caused quite the panic, and it was only through a miracle that no one was hurt. In it, because it'd been over a month by that point, he confesses to you how much he missed seeing your face in the morning, how the sunrise used to be the only thing that warmed his heart, it replaced by you and your laugh instead. He promises that even if they can't return for long, he still wants to hold you in his arms, otherwise it'll be hard for him to leave again. You make the recipe he taught you that night, but it doesn't taste the same without him sitting across from you.

His sculptures find a permanent spot on your windowsill so you can wake up and think of him as soon as you see them, and when the wind knocks one over you finally notice the words you can't translate carved into the bottom of each.

When the Demeter finally pulls into port, you race down the stairs and through the duplex door straight to the docks, the commotion of other returning ships doing their best to stop you until you trip and crash into a bunch of people. The hands that catch you are strong and steady, and you instantly know it's him before you even look up and see him. His eyes are tired from the delayed return but the smile he gives you holds so much that you make sure he makes good on his promise as you throw yourself into his arms.

He only has a few days before he's gone again, this just another small stop on the way to their next job, but he really does make good as he finds you the moment he's done with his tasks. He needs to find a bigger crew to take care of this one, the cargo much bigger than the usual hauls, and as you walk together you joke that maybe you'll come along this time. He doesn't joke with you, something in his eyes telling you he wants you to be serious, and you actually consider it as he almost kisses you goodnight on your doorstep.

You're only able to see him again before he leaves, your eyes on the Demeter all night in case they need to leave early, your chair pulled up to the window as you watch for any sign of movement. When they start moving around you get dressed and rush out, but there isn't any time to say goodbye as the sails are lowered and the ship starts to leave. You call for him as your heart aches, and before it pulls away you see him appear at the end, and he points behind you as his voice gets lost on the wind. You turn to find a box waiting for you by your doorstep, you'd run right past it, and when he disappears from sight you find all the others letters he was never able to send along with over ten new sculptures, each one different and sporting the same text as the others on the bottoms, and you just hold them and pray that he'll return to you faster this time.

You space out the letters, one per day until he can send something new, and you miss him as he tells you about how beautiful the sea looks when the sun is low and it shines like gems, but how it's nothing compared to what he sees when he looks at you. He shares more recipes with some, stories from in his past in others, but the final one you can't read as it's entirely in polish, and the next day you go back to the library to see if you can translate it yourself.

The wait doesn't feel so long as you pour over your books, slowly recognizing the words until you can chip away at the last letter piece by piece. He sends a couple more but you hold off on reading them until the whole thing is finished, and it's rough and badly translated in some places but you still understand that it's a confession about how he thinks he's falling in love with you all the same, the page filled with everything he loved about you and why for the first time in his life he wanted to stay. You cry as you read the last sentence about how maybe someday he'll have the courage to tell you this himself, since he knows you can't read it, and how he wishes he could have more time with you the next time he comes to port. You file away each one lovingly into a drawer, the new sculptures joining the rest, and finally you understand as you read the words on the bottoms: Kocham cię. "I love you."

You space out the new letters but they're more closed off than the last, no more secret messages for you to translate as he talks about how he wished you could see the shorelines of the places they pass, how you would love the quick stops they make at those coastal towns, but nothing else. You blame yourself for not leaving sooner, even though you know that you never would've been able to read his confession before he left, and you start on your own to give to him when he returns.

It takes almost 3 months this time but finally the Demeter returns to port, and you let him work as you watch from your window, his letter sealed and waiting beside you as you rest against the sill. You wait until you see him glance towards your place, and you catch his eye as he hurries towards you, his letter in your hand as you take the stairs two at a time until you're opening the door and he's there. He reaches into his pocket to grab something for you but you hold out your letter first, and he just stares at it before coming inside to read it. You wait as he struggles a little with your amateur translation, but it must still make sense because when he's done he's holding you to his chest and speaking to you in words you still don't understand, you can only read them, and you tell him this before he finally kisses you.

For once he doesn't go back to the Demeter as he cooks one of the recipes he shared in his letters with you, delicious and new smells filling your home as he tells you about their upcoming voyage. They'd been hired to transport cargo all the way to London, so he'd be gone a long time again, but there was a bonus pay waiting for them there if they made good time. You ask him what he'd do with his share as you grab two plates, and he answers in polish again but doesn't translate this time no matter how much you beg him to. He spends the night for the first time, and you whisper for him not to go as you fall asleep in his arms.

You receive no letters as the weeks drag on, your worry increasing with each passing day that you don't hear from him, and you know something's wrong when a storm hits you as you're coming home, all of your sculptures knocked to the ground as the wind and rain invade your living room. When you're on the docks heading to market you finally hear what happened, how the Demeter ran aground and was shattered against the rocks when it reached London. You froze in your tracks right there, your knees giving out as the word that there were no survivors shoots right through you and makes you break down right there.

Your collection of gifts from him becomes your treasure, each one valuable to you as you move the sculptures from your sill to your dresser. They line up in front of your mirror, guarding you as you sleep alone each night, each letter memorized again and again until your tears make the letters smudge. You force yourself to leave them alone, you can't lose the way he loved you so soon, his confession still unspoken as you wish you could still feel him laying there with you.

A few months go by before you start to move on, your sea view no longer beautiful as you walk along the docks in order to reach the market. A ship had pulled in around the time you left, the sailors all piling out to hurry for the bars, but you just ignore them as you try not to look. They all brush past you as you just try to get by, your chest hurting with each one that makes you stumble until you finally trip and fall, crashing hard into someone with a bag slung over his shoulder. You both fall to the ground, his bag tearing on the old wood, and you just barely get out an apology before you see the wooden sculptures sprawling out beside you. You take them all in before looking up at the person you landed on, and you can't stop your tears as you see him there, wincing, bandaged, scarred, but alive. You can't speak as he explains that he jumped overboard before the crash and it only just saved him, but everyone else was lost in the storm, he didn't know who else made it. You'll care later but you don't now as he's the only important thing to you, and you kiss him before helping gather up everything he made you while he was recovering. There are no letters though, and he admits that he didn't want to hide behind the ink any longer as he meets your eye, and before he can say anything else you tell him you love him, his hand leaving his pocket at the same time. You stare down at his hand as he tells you he spent the last of his money on this before he boarded the ship to come back to you, and you translate his final mystery sentence from months ago in your head as you lovingly pick up the ring sitting in his palm.

#Ray's Headcanons #Ray's Requests #david dastmalchian #wojchek #mr wojchek #wojchek x reader

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