#and 5 when girl in the fireplace aired

[secretagentsagainstwhatever]

OMFG Madame de Pompadour from doctor who is Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds?!!!

[thisblogisaboutabook]

Rainy Season - Part 5

I Want Crazy

Azriel Eris x Reader

After a promotion to an emissary position by a meddling Tarquin, Y/N and Eris get much, much closer.

A/n: There will likely only be a couple more chapters of this fic. For those of you concerned by the previous chapter, please continue to trust the process. Our girl is intelligent.

Part 4 Part 6

Warnings: Language, brief mention of fertility struggles

Our first date, the seasons changed. It got washed away in a summer rain

He wasn’t what I expected, Eris Vanserra. Not that I ever fathomed what to expect or even considered it. In fact there was only a very short list of things I knew prior to the day we met:

-He was a High Lord.

-He’d been a secretive ally of the Night Court prior to his father’s demise.

-Azriel fucking hated him.

And after that day I knew everything I needed to:

-He was warm beyond the fire in his veins

-He was a just ruler

-He had a dry wit that sat well with my soul.

-I wanted to see him again.

After dancing that night, we ran back to Tarquin’s palace in the rain. It was the first time I’d been unable to contain my joy in far too long. I laughed, and skipped, and spun in circles the whole way back. Eris grumbled the entire way but I could see the amusement lit in his eyes. The next morning he met me for breakfast and found me again before he left for the Autumn Court.

He began finding reasons to visit the Summer Court more frequently and sought me out every time. It was no time before Eris became a close friend.

Tarquin - ever the cheeky, wonderful bastard - only gave me knowing smiles when he’d catch us walking the palace grounds. According to Cresseida, The High Lord of the Summer Court was quite the romantic and had a knack for playing matchmaker. I was inclined to agree considering that after a month of spotting Eris and I around the grounds, Tarquin made a proposition to me. I could still teach my classes but he needed a temporary emissary to the Autumn court as they negotiated border, trade, and tariff agreements. Given my recent closeness with the High Lord of Autumn and overall wonderful (debatable) disposition, he found me to be the perfect candidate. With that, I found myself on official court business in the Autumn Court.

Who cares if you’re all I think about?

I was nervous on the first visit to Autumn. I knew things were different under Eris’ reign but the stories of Beron’s cruelty within his own keep were enough to warrant a bit of caution.

My worries were quickly cast aside when Eris personally escorted me from the border and to his keep. The Autumn Court was stunning. The leaves on the trees were brighter than I’d ever seen. The hues ranging from gold to red absolutely stunning. I’d love to have Feyre one day paint it for me.

Smells of roasting chestnuts, hickory smoke, crisp leaves, apple cider, and autumn air filled my nose. On the way, Eris stopped by a small farm where the owner allowed us to pick what Eris called the finest Honeycrisp apples in all of Prythian. I’d never had that variety before and though I had nothing to compare them against, the apples had the perfect crunch and just the right ratio of tart and sweet. He paid the farmer handsomely for a bucket of them and several pie pumpkins for his kitchens.

The Autumn Keep was far from the drab stone castle that I’d pictured. Eris clearly went to great strides to ensure the ghost of Beron Vanserra had no hold here. The grand rooms were filled with maple accents, rugs and tapestries with hues greens, golds, oranges and reds. Fires roared in massive fireplaces and autumnal spices filled the air.

And despite the beauty of the keep. I couldn’t seem to keep my eyes off of the tall, handsome redhead walking alongside me.

Once I was settled for the stay, we did meet to discuss political matters which took countless hours, but I was rather impressed with the ease of our negotiations. He and Tarquin had similar visions for the economic future within their courts.

We enjoyed dinner together, indulged in autumnal wines, including a hot mulled wine that flushed my cheeks. Or so I told Eris that was the reason for the blush on my features, and certainly not the way way he’d refer to me as “my lady” or “little fox.”

We’d stayed up late, sitting by a bon fire outside beneath the Autumn Skies. There was music and dancing, spiked ciders, and caramel apples. I could see why Eris loves his court.

We, of course, kept respectful distance from eachother as not to spark any gossip of anything more than friendship between he and I. Yet somehow, hours later, we found ourselves in a private courtyard - a small fire burning as we lay back on a blanket together. I began to shiver as the evening chill grew cooler. As I went to bid Eris goodnight and head for the warmth within Castle Walls, he halted me.

“Come here” he spoke. His voice low.

I scooted a bit closer.

“Come closer, little fox. I won’t bite.”

He refrained from adding “unless you ask me to” but that was readable enough in his heavy lidded gaze.

So I laid beside him, my head nestled between his chest and shoulder as his heat warmed my body. I showed him various constellations that I’d learned of during my time in the Night Court and he did a terrible job of visualizing them. He tried though. He told me how he used to wish on shooting stars, how he still found himself occasionally wishing upon them. I teared up when he told me of the wishes he’d made back then for his mother and Lucien, for himself, to one day escape Beron’s cruelty. For a better life. A better Court.

When we saw a shooting star later, he made a wish and told me it was bad luck to tell someone else the wish.

And I, despite everything that had turned upside down in life, found myself struggling to ask for anything more than what I had in that moment.

When we finally said goodnight I realized his own suite was right next to the one he had set me up in.

I woke in a sweat sometime hours before dawn. Pain ripping through my chest. Azriel once again pulling on the fucking bond with no regard for the feelings of despair he was shoving to me. This time was worse than usual, the waves of grief continuing to grow stronger and stronger all the time. It wasn’t fair. I didn’t deserve this. This was a bed of his own making and yet I still had to suffer beyond what I’d already been through. Sleeping through it was futile and the room’s darkness began to suffocate me.

I padded from my room to a common area outside of the suites, sat before the fireplace and worked on breathing through it.

Though I tried my best to remain quiet, Eris apparently had a sharp sense of hearing as he wandered into the room, seating himself on the floor beside me. If I hadn’t been in such a sorry state, perhaps I would have noticed the low slung gray sweatpants and broad muscled chest of the half-naked High Lord- no, friend - beside me.

He took my hand. “Hey, fox, look at me.” I lifted my gaze to his. “You’ve got this. Breathe for me.” I took a shallow breath. “Can you breathe deeper for me, little one?” He placed a hand on my shoulder while the other remained on my hand. I took a deeper breath and let it out slowly.

“Good girl.”

Eris sat with me in silence on a plush couch once my breathing steadied. Still too worked up to fall back asleep, I nestled myself against Eris’ chest while his fingers ran through my hair in soothing, repetitive strokes.

It was hours later that I awoke, finding that I’d fallen asleep on him. I tried shifting away slowly but a sleeping Eris only held his arm around me tighter as I pulled. We slept like that a while longer.

The rest of the trip went by uneventfully. We discussed further trade options and Eris spent the evenings working with me on how to close off the bond to Azriel’s feelings. While I was already excellent at shutting down sending my feelings down the bond, cutting off his feelings was what I needed help with. By the end of the stay I could only feel his emotions slightly.

I expressed my gratitude to Eris who only waived off my thanks. “Anyone would have done it.” Yet he was the only one who tried. What I didn’t tell Eris was that as Azriel’s end of the bond silenced and the depths of my soul went from overflowing to filled with contentment, my thoughts began drifting to happier things, drifted to him.

Front porch and one more kiss. It doesn't make sense to anybody else.

The fifth month after I left, my grandparents held an outdoor feast for our family and friends in celebration of a holiday of one of the lesser Summer gods they worshipped.

It was far from a religious event. There was always wine, dancing, and lively conversation at these celebrations with none of the boring sermons that typically came with such events.

I invited Eris, and to my delight he came. My drunken sister made plenty of comments over how pretty of a pair of “friends” we made, with overemphasis on the word. My sweet, protective nephew took to Eris right away, deciding that after what Azriel put me through, anyone was better than him. He had no tolerance for cheating or sympathy for adulterers from the time he was old enough to understand what it meant and that his father had cheated on my sister during her pregnancy (real stand up guy) though my sister was so far out of his league that he’d have to reach the stars to find someone better. Obviously she’d left him immediately and she and my nephew were better off for it.

My family tried their best and failed miserably to act normal with the High Lord of the Autumn Court in their presence. Fortunately, Eris paid no mind and had won everyone over by the end of the night.

Despite his aversion to the sand, Eris accepted my invitation to camp on the beach so we could enjoy my favorite part of the night, the fireworks shooting off over the bay.

As the finale approached, I pouted.

“I hate when they end.”

Gesturing toward himself, Eris replied. “It’s a good thing you have a High Lord at your disposal to light up the night any time you wish.”

Before I could reprimand him for the crude comment, he began shooting small orbs of fire toward the water in a rainbow of colors.

My eyes sparkled watching the vibrant flares. Soon enough the orbs into butterflies of fire flying through the air, some circling around me. One brushed my cheek and there was no pain, just a gentle flutter.

“That’s… Just wow, that’s incredible, Eris!”

He gave a shrug of nonchalance in return.

“I bet you do that for all the ladies, don’t you?”

Eris looked me in the eyes, something unreadable in them.

“Only the ones I want to kiss.”

A moment passed before I realized that he was entirely serious.

And that I WANTED to kiss him.

So I did.

We kissed under the stars. It was a hard, passionate kiss, our shared breaths riddled with desperation, a profession of the unspoken words between us, “I’ve been waiting for this.”

And when we eventually pulled apart, I looked into his eyes with a smile, genuine, full of adoration, and Eris gently grasped the back of my head, pulling me into another searing kiss.

We shared many more before dawn.

You can’t undo a fall like this.

When Eris returned to the Autumn Court, I tried feeling any remorse for what we’d done. I was technically still a mated female, though I’d left and due to Azriel’s infidelity nobody expected me to honor the bond.

The guilt never came.

Eris had to travel so I wasn’t able to see him for the next couple weeks but we wrote back and forth often through enchanted notes. Curiosity or concern must have gotten the best of him because eventually he asked:

“Do you regret it?”

I knew exactly what he referred to.

“I regret many things, Eris. None of which pertain to you.”

I sent the letter to him with confidence. I did not regret a single thing about the night our lips collided on the beach.

“Thank the Mother, because I need to kiss you again.”

Heat radiated through me at his admission.

But then reality struck. He was the High Lord of the Autumn Court. I was the - separated, yes, but still - the mate of the Night Court’s Spymaster.

“Eris, I love spending time with you and will never regret it. You’ve helped me heal in ways I will never be able to repay you for. But this… how can this work? It’s messy.”

I sent the letter. My own heart crushing at the words. I didn’t want this to end but I couldn’t risk it going further just for reality to come crashing down on us.

Some time passed, the unease in my gut growing when his response appeared.

“If I wanted easy, I’d have married the daughter of some Autumn Lord. Nothing about my past has been easy and despite what some may believe, nothing worth having has come easily to me. Every second spent with you is worth it. Do not, Y/N, doubt that for one single moment. And perhaps this is crazy, but I would not want it any other way.”

It was that moment that I knew I wanted, I needed Eris as more than a friend.

“Then let’s be crazy, Eris Vanserra.”

I don't want "good" and I don't want "good enough"

The thing about immortality is that six months can bring more change than six decades or even centuries.

Six months ago I would have never dreamed that my mate would take the life we’d built over the years and tear it into shreds with those once sacred, beautiful scarred hands that I held reverently. The hands that placed the lovely mating band crafted from one of his own siphons on my finger after he’d made his vows, the hands that lovingly caressed my bare thighs through restless nights until sleep took me, hands that held me pressed to his chest and wiped away the tears of grief after yet another failed fertility cycle.

Those hands that held another and damned it all, the hands that came home and stroked my hair as pretty lies fell from his mouth, the hands that took my glass heart and dropped it.

I especially wouldn’t have dreamed that six months later I would be laying in the bed of the High Lord of the Autumn Court with his strong, warm hands holding me like this heart of mine that he’d forged anew was the most delicate, precious possession in his keep.

I want "can't sleep, can't breathe without your love"

We’d spent the night together making love. The kind of love making that shifts something intrinsic within a person, the type where no matter what happens, a piece of you is forever changed. It was more than just giving my body to him, it was a claiming of the soul.

We lay in bed all morning, his long fingers tracing along the arch of my bare back as he pressed soft kisses along my shoulder and neck. Between kisses, his low voice whispered quiet hopes and dreams for the future.

I was just about to speak those three words that I’d only ever spoken to one other male when a loud knock came on the chamber door.

“For fuck’s sake” Eris muttered before shouting “Come back later!”

“We apologize, High Lord but this is urgent.” a muffled male voice replied through the closed door.

Eris growled, shifting out of bed and throwing on his sweatpants not bothering with a shirt. I enjoyed the view.

“This better be worth my while, lads.” Eris hissed in a tone that conveyed “I’m very fucking inconvenienced right now but understand that you are doing your duty as my sentries.”

“Apologies again, High Lord, but we’ve….”

The male outside the door cleared his throat in attempt to communicate that the matter should be discussed privately.

“It’s fine.” Eris grumbled. “Just get on with it.”

“We, well, High Lord, we’ve apprehended the Shadowsinger. He was making an attempt to infiltrate the keep.”

———————————

@going-through-shit @kalulakunundrum @lisanna2000 @fxckmiup @sheblogs @emryb @one-big-fangirl @historygeekqueen @isa1b2h3 @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @theravenphoenix26 @sidthedollface2 @i-am-infinite @caraaaaugh @evergreenlark @darkbloodsly @piceous21 @anxious-study @chessebookgirl @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @crazylokonugget @mysticalfuncollectorus @starsinyourseyes @b0xerdancer-writes @inloveallthetime @thegirlinshadows101 @viistrength @grunchwench @starryhiraeth @macimads @feiwelinchen @acourtofbatboydreams @nebarious

[moon-lit-petal]

Believe Me

Neville Longbottom x Fem!Beauxbatons!Reader

Summary: 5 times Dean and Seamus don't believe Neville and the time He proved them wrong.

Warning: not proof read, possibly not so nice friends, Neville being totally in love.

Word Count: 5k

Notes: this takes place when they are much older, I'd like to think that moldy V doesn't exist and the triwizard tournament happens much later in their hogwarts career :) I tried to keep it as ambiguous

----------

The Gryffindor common room was a cozy haven, illuminated by the flickering flames of the fireplace that cast warm shadows on the maroon and gold walls. A rowdy bunch of Gryffindors lounged comfortably on the oversized sofas, laughter and chatter filling the air as they reminisced about their latest escapades at Hogwarts.

"Honestly," Ron said, a frown spreading across his face, "I don’t know what’s worse—having a crush or trying to figure out what to say when you actually talk to them!"

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Tell me about it. I thought I was doing well with Cho until I accidentally called her 'Hermione' in the middle of a conversation!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "That’s not going to help your case, Harry."

The boys erupted into laughter, the sound bouncing off the stone walls. Dean leaned back, his arms behind his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I can’t even get a proper conversation going. It’s like every time I try to flirt, I end up sounding like a complete idiot."

Seamus snickered. "Remember when you tried to impress that girl from Slytherin with your 'amazing' Quidditch skills? You barely made it through the first sentence!"

"That was one time!" Dean retorted, though he couldn’t suppress a sheepish grin.

Just then, Neville spoke up with hesitant confidence.

"I mean, dating isn't that hard when you're with the right person."

The room fell silent, a few eyebrows raised in curiosity. Ron snorted, breaking the stillness. "No offense, Neville, but what do you know about dating? You've never had a girlfriend before, right?"

With a half-hearted shrug and a giddy smile, he looks at his friends. “Well actually, I've been dating this girl for a little while now.”

"Wait, who is she?" Harry asked, genuinely curious.

"She’s from Beauxbatons!" Neville said, his voice gaining confidence. "Her name is Y/N. She’s really nice, we met over the summer when she was visiting some family”"

Seamus squinted skeptically. "A Beauxbatons girl? Come on, Neville, that sounds a bit too good to be true."

Hermione frowned, clearly disapproving of the boys’ reactions. "Guys, come on you shouldn't just dismiss him, I'm sure she's a nice girl Neville." She gave him a small smile, Neville could tell she too, didn't believe him

Ginny crossed her arms and chimed in. "Exactly. Just because you lot can’t seem to get dates doesn’t mean you should tear him down."

Ron raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’m not tearing him down! I’m just saying it’s hard to believe. Neville and a girl from Beauxbatons?"

Neville’s face turned a shade of crimson. "I’m serious! We’ve been writing to each other, and she even sent me a few drawings, she does portraits and sent one shed done of herself"

Laughter erupted around the room, the sound mingling with Neville’s embarrassed smile.

Hermione’s expression softened. "That sounds just lovely Neville. Maybe you could show us next time?"

Neville blushed even deeper. "I’m planning to! Well, I was… but they fell in the black lake the other day and got ruined..”

Seamus grinned. "Well, that's just a bloody shame, isn't it?”

"I swear! I'm not lying!!" Neville replied, sounding both desperate for someone to believe him and annoyed they would think he'd lie about something like this, to begin with.

Ginny smirked. "It's ok Neville, we believe you really."

The boys continued their good-natured teasing, but Hermione and Ginny shot them looks that conveyed they should ease off. Gradually, the teasing softened, and Hermione quickly sought to change the subject.

"So, what about that new potion Professor Snape was on about?" she suggested, her smile brightening, and at the mention of Professor Snape everyone groaned out a whine.

The conversation shifted effortlessly as they delved into tales of misadventures in Potions class, leaving the topic of girlfriends behind, at least for the moment. Laughter filled the room once more, but Neville couldn’t help but shake his head at his friends. He knows they mean well, and as long as he knows he's telling the truth, then they'd eat their words eventually

----------

The greenhouses were buzzing with the sound of shovels scraping soil and the occasional screech from a particularly unruly Mandrake. Neville Longbottom, expertly handling a Venomous Tentacula with gloved hands, chatted absently with Ron as they worked together.

“I was talking to Y/N the other day,” Neville said, his tone casual as he patted down the soil around the plant. “She gave me some really good advice on how to deal with these sorts of plants. Apparently, they grow some massive ones in the Beauxbatons greenhouses.”

Ron looked up from his struggle with his own plant. “Oh yeah? Beauxbatons, right?”

Neville nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, she said they have this whole section dedicated to magical flora that we don’t even study here. She told me about this method they use to calm them down, so they don’t snap at you when you get close.”

Hermione overheard and looked over, curiosity piqued. “Really? I’d love to read up on that. Beauxbatons must have a fantastic Herbology program. Did she mention any specific techniques?”

Neville smiled. “Yeah, something about using lavender essence mixed with dragon dung fertilizer. It keeps them relaxed but still healthy. I’m thinking about trying it on one of the plants here.”

Ron gave him a sideways glance, his expression caught between amusement and doubt. “You’ve got an answer for everything these days, don’t you, Neville? Y/N’s always helping you out, eh?”

“Well, she knows a lot about Herbology,” Neville said earnestly. “We talk about plants all the time.”

Harry, busy with his own re-potting, chuckled softly. “Sounds like you two have a lot in common, Neville. It’s nice to have someone who shares your interests.”

Hermione nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And Beauxbatons is known for their magical plants, so it’s not surprising she’d know a lot. What else has she taught you?”

Before Neville could respond, Seamus, who was struggling with his own plant a few tables away, joined the conversation. “Wait a minute, are we still talking about the mysterious Beauxbatons girlfriend? You’ve got to admit, Neville, it sounds a bit too good to be true. A French girl who’s an expert in magical plants? What are the odds?”

Dean snorted in amusement. “Yeah, Neville, no offense, but you talk about her like she’s perfect. She’s beautiful, smart, loves Herbology… I’m starting to think you’ve been reading too many romance novels.”

Neville flushed, but he shook his head. “No, it’s not like that. She’s real, I promise. She just… understands me. We have a lot in common.”

Ron patted Neville on the back, grinning. “We believe you, mate. It’s just hard to imagine someone who’s basically a Herbology goddess and happens to be your girlfriend. We’ll believe it when we see her.”

Harry, who had been silent for most of the exchange, gave Neville an encouraging smile. “Well, I’m sure she’s real, Neville. It’d be great to meet her one day.”

Seamus, however, couldn’t resist another quip. “Maybe she’ll show up with a rare magical plant to prove it, eh?”

Neville forced a smile but didn’t push the subject further. He knew they didn’t mean to be harsh, but it was clear that, despite their friendly tones, his friends still had their doubts about Y/N. He returned to his work, focusing on the plants.

----------

It was a typical morning in the Great Hall, sunlight streaming through the tall enchanted windows, casting golden beams across the long tables filled with Hogwarts students enjoying their breakfast. The scent of fresh bread, eggs, and pumpkin juice filled the air. Chatter echoed from all sides, students murmuring about Quidditch matches, homework assignments, and weekend plans.

Neville sat at the Gryffindor table, absently pushing his scrambled eggs around his plate. His thoughts were far from breakfast. He had been waiting for weeks now—hoping for a letter or, even better, a package from Y/N.. Their relationship had been going strong, though the distance often made it difficult. But lately, he'd mentioned her so many times that his friends had begun to give him knowing looks, and their teasing, though lighthearted, always made him feel a little self-conscious.

“Oi, Neville! You alright, mate?” Seamus Finnigan asked, nudging him gently. “You’ve been staring at those eggs for ten minutes. Something on your mind?”

Neville smiled faintly, trying to shake off his nervous anticipation. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… waiting for the post.”

At that moment, as if on cue, the familiar sound of wings fluttering through the air filled the hall. Dozens of owls soared through the enchanted ceiling, delivering letters and parcels to their waiting owners. Neville’s heart raced as he scanned the sea of wings, hoping to see something special. And then he saw it—a stunning, silvery owl with long, elegant wings gliding toward him, catching the light as it flew. It was unlike any owl he’d ever seen at Hogwarts.

The owl swooped down gracefully, landing right in front of Neville with a soft hoot. In its talons was a thick package wrapped in delicate lavender-colored paper, sealed with the distinctive wax crest of Beauxbatons. Neville’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he just stared at the package in his lap, hardly believing it.

“Blimey, Neville,” Ron said from across the table, his eyebrows raised. “That’s a fancy delivery.”

“Is that… from your girlfriend?” Hermione asked, looking at the package curiously.

Neville nodded, trying not to look too pleased. “Yeah, it’s from Y/N.”

His friends exchanged glances, but there wasn’t any teasing, just mild surprise. Neville had spoken about Y/N often, but she seemed almost like a mythical figure to them—this beautiful, mysterious girl from France whom none of them had ever met.

“That’s some owl she’s got,” Dean commented, leaning over to get a better look at the package. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like that.”

Neville nodded again, feeling a bit self-conscious under their gazes. “She mentioned it once. Said it’s a rare breed from France. She’s… pretty proud of it.”

Seamus grinned. “Well, go on then, mate. Open it! Let’s see what she’s sent you.”

Neville hesitated for a moment, feeling all eyes on him. He knew they weren’t trying to be skeptical or mean, but he could sense the curiosity behind their words. His friends had never outright doubted him, but it was clear that after months of hearing about Y/N and not seeing any proof, they were a bit… unsure. Still, there was no mockery in their faces—just genuine interest.

With a deep breath, Neville carefully broke the wax seal and unwrapped the package. Inside was a beautifully embroidered scarf in the deep blue and silver colors of Beauxbatons, along with a folded letter. The scarf was soft, clearly handmade, and it smelled faintly of lavender.

“Wow,” Hermione said, leaning in closer. “That’s lovely, Neville. She made this for you?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Neville said quietly, running his fingers over the delicate stitches. “She’s been learning how to embroider. I, um… mentioned I needed a new scarf for winter, and I guess she remembered.”

Ron nodded appreciatively. “That’s impressive. Not many people make things like this anymore.”

Harry smiled from beside him. “Looks like she really cares about you, Neville.”

Neville smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the scarf. It felt good to hear that—not just because it was true, but because it seemed like, for once, his friends weren’t doubting him.

But then Seamus, ever the joker, raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You’ve got to admit, though, Neville—it’s almost too perfect. A hand-embroidered scarf? From a Beauxbatons girl who sends you packages by a rare French owl? It’s like something out of a storybook.”

Neville laughed, shaking his head. “I know it sounds a bit… unbelievable, but I swear it’s true. She’s real.”

Dean, who had been eyeing the letter, grinned. “Well, if she keeps sending you things like this, we’ll start believing in miracles.”

Hermione shot Dean a disapproving look, but Neville chuckled along with the others. It wasn’t mean-spirited—they were just having fun. He didn’t mind the light teasing, especially now that he had proof to show them. And even if they found it hard to believe, they weren’t questioning him outright, just amused at the unlikely situation.

“That’ll be the day,” Ron said with a grin, though he quickly added, “But hey, She sounds great.”

Neville folded the scarf carefully and slipped it into his bag, feeling a little lighter. “She is.”

As the conversation shifted back to Quidditch and schoolwork, Neville glanced down at the unopened letter in his hands. He could read it later, in private. For now, he felt content knowing that, whether his friends believed him or not, Y/N was real—and she cared about him enough to send something as special as this.

Even if they still found it hard to imagine, that was enough for Neville. And maybe, just maybe, one day soon, his friends would get to meet her and see for themselves that she wasn’t just a figment of his imagination. But until then, he’d hold on to the scarf, the letter, and the quiet certainty that she was thinking of him as much as he was thinking of her.

----------

The Gryffindor common room was quieter than usual, the usual hustle and bustle replaced with a mellow atmosphere as the school year drew to a close. Most of the students had already packed their things, their trunks neatly stacked and waiting by the fireplace. The chairs around the room were occupied by groups of friends chatting, playing games, or simply lounging around, savoring the last few moments before heading home for the summer.

Neville sat with Seamus, Dean, and a couple of other Gryffindors near the windows, gazing out at the grounds. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the stone walls.

“I can't believe the year’s over already,” Dean said, leaning back in his chair. “Feels like we were just getting back from Christmas break.”

“Yeah, crazy,” Seamus agreed, his tone relaxed. “But I’m not going to miss the essays.”

Neville, absently fiddling with his wand, smiled. “I was telling Y/N about how busy it’s been. She’s had a lot going on too. The end of the year at Beauxbatons is apparently just as hectic as here.”

Seamus shot him a quick glance, his expression neutral, though Dean exchanged a brief look with him. “Y/N, huh?” Seamus said, not missing a beat. “Sounds like she’s got it rough over there.”

Neville nodded, completely unaware of Seamus’s inner skepticism. “Yeah, she’s been swamped. But we’re planning to meet up over the summer. She might even come to England for a bit.”

“That’s great, mate,” Dean chimed in, his voice casual though he raised his eyebrows slightly.

Neville stood up suddenly as if remembering something important. “Oh no! I forgot to pack my Astrronomy textbooks. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he hurried off to his dorm room, leaving the rest of them sitting there. The moment Neville was out of earshot, Seamus turned to the others with an exaggerated sigh.

“Alright,” Seamus said, leaning forward. “I like Neville, you all know that, but I’m telling you, there is no way Y/N exists.”

Dean grinned, leaning in as well. “You’re still stuck on that?”

Seamus shrugged, but the look on his face said he was convinced. “Come on, Dean. You’ve heard him talk about her for months—perfect French girlfriend from Beauxbatons who just happens to love magical plants as much as he does? I mean, sure, it could be true, but she’s never sent a picture, she’s never visited Hogwarts, and the only proof we’ve got are a few letters that could be from anyone.”

One of the younger Gryffindors, who had been listening in, piped up. “So, you think Neville’s lying? He doesn’t seem like the type to make something like that up.”

Seamus shook his head quickly. “No, I don’t think he’s lying, not really. I think he believes it. But I’m just saying—it sounds like he’s being catfished. It’s not like he’s met her in person since they started writing. For all we know, it could be some bloke from Durmstrang having a laugh.”

Dean chuckled. “You reckon someone’s really going that far to mess with Neville? That’s pretty dedicated.”

Seamus leaned back, his arms crossed. “Look, I’m not trying to be mean. I just don’t think she’s real. Or if she is, maybe she’s not exactly what Neville thinks. It’s just a bit… convenient, isn’t it? All these grand stories, but no one’s ever seen her.”

One of the girls nearby, who had been half-listening, frowned. “But Neville doesn’t seem like he’s making it up. He talks about her like she’s the real deal.”

“I know, that’s what makes me feel bad about doubting him,” Seamus admitted. “But you’ve got to admit it’s a bit suspicious. Every time she’s supposed to visit, something comes up. She’s ‘too busy,’ or ‘there’s something going on at Beauxbatons.’ It’s been almost a year and still no sign of her.”

Dean raised a hand to stop Seamus. “Alright, alright. But what if she is real and just… busy?”

Seamus snorted softly, though his tone was lighter. “Then she’s the busiest girlfriend in the world. Look, I’m not saying I’d tell Neville to his face that I don’t believe her. The poor bloke would be crushed. But between us… I just don’t see it.”

There was a brief lull in the conversation, and Seamus’s words hung in the air. The group seemed divided—some more skeptical, others wanting to believe in Neville’s story.

“Maybe she’ll surprise us,” one of the younger students said. “Maybe she’ll show up next year and you’ll all feel silly.”

Seamus grinned, though his expression remained doubtful. “If she shows up, I’ll buy Neville a drink. But until then… I’m betting we’re in for another year of stories about a girl we’ll never meet.”

As they laughed and talked, the door to the boys’ dormitory creaked open, and Neville came back down the stairs, his arms full of books.

“Found them,” Neville said, smiling as he returned to his spot by the window. “I almost forgot the Mooncalf studies Y/N recommended too.”

Seamus caught Dean’s eye but quickly smiled at Neville. “Glad you found everything, mate. All set for the summer, then?”

“Yeah,” Neville said, sitting down and looking a little wistful. “Just can’t wait to see her.”

Seamus nodded, his tone friendlier now. “Hope it all works out, Nev.”

As the conversation moved on to other things, the quiet skepticism lingered, but none of them had the heart to say anything to Neville directly. As much as they doubted Y/N’s existence, they couldn’t bring themselves to crush Neville’s enthusiasm. They just hoped, in their own way, that somehow, Y/N would turn out to be real after all.

----------

The Hogwarts Express rattled along the tracks, carrying its excited students back to school for another year. Laughter, chatter, and the occasional call of a vendor selling sweets filled the air as students reunited after the summer holiday, exchanging stories and catching up on the latest news.

In one of the compartments, Neville sat with Seamus, Dean, and a few other Gryffindors, a wide grin on his face as he animatedly recounted his summer adventures.

“… and then we went to this amazing garden in Kew! She couldn’t believe how many magical plants were hidden in plain sight. I’ve never seen her so excited,” Neville said, his eyes sparkling as he spoke about Y/N for the umpteenth time since they’d boarded the train.

Seamus leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, nodding along. “That sounds pretty great, Neville. So, you finally got to go on a proper date, huh?”

Neville beamed. “Yeah! We went on a few, actually. We had the best time. She was in London visiting her family for a couple of weeks, so we got to meet up almost every day.”

Dean raised an eyebrow, curious. “You said she was visiting family before, right? Didn’t she have plans to stay longer?”

“Yeah, she did,” Neville admitted, his tone dropping slightly, “but something came up. Her family had to leave earlier than expected, so she didn’t get to meet you guys like we’d planned.” He looked apologetic as he said it, clearly disappointed that his friends hadn’t been able to meet Y/N again.

“That’s too bad,” Dean said, sharing a glance with Seamus. “We were looking forward to it.”

“Yeah, me too,” Neville sighed, but then perked up again. “But we did take loads of pictures! I wanted to show you all, but… uh…” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “She took the photos with her by accident when she left. We were using her camera, and she packed it with all her stuff.”

Seamus blinked, his expression carefully neutral. “So, no pictures?”

Neville shook his head, he saw the clear skepticism beneath Seamus’s question but brushed it off. “No, but she’s going to send them by owl as soon as she can. She promised. There were some really good ones too—us in front of the Leaky Cauldron, at Kew Gardens, and a few near the Tower of London. I can’t wait to show you all.”

Seamus exchanged another glance with Dean, a small smile tugging at his lips, though he kept it from looking too patronizing. “Sounds like it was a great time, mate.”

“Oh, it was,” Neville said earnestly. “Y/N’s amazing. We even talked about coming up with ways to visit more often during the year. Maybe meet up during the Hogsmeade weekends. I’m going to send her a letter as soon as we get back to Hogwarts.”

Seamus nodded along, though his smile faltered slightly. “Yeah, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

Dean shifted in his seat, glancing out the window for a moment before leaning forward. “So, Neville, you said her family comes to London often, right? Does she have a lot of family here?”

“Her dad’s English,” Neville explained. “Her mum is French, so they stay over there most of the time but they come back to visit every summer, and sometimes during the holidays. That’s how we managed to spend so much time together.”

Dean nodded slowly, while Seamus leaned forward just a little. “And you didn’t think to borrow one picture, maybe a keepsake for yourself?” he asked lightly. There was no malice in his voice, but there was an unmistakable undertone of doubt.

Neville ignored it. “I didn’t need to. We’ve been writing so much, and she’s going to send the pictures soon. Besides, I’ve got her letters, and I brought back a few things we picked up together. Look.” He pulled out a small, intricately woven bracelet from his bag. “We got these matching bracelets from a little magical shop near Diagon Alley. Hers has a charm for luck, and mine’s for protection.”

Seamus studied the bracelet for a moment before leaning back. “That’s nice, Neville.”

Dean smiled at the bracelet, genuinely trying to be supportive. “Yeah, it looks great. You two must’ve had a good time.”

“We did,” Neville replied, relaxing now that he was surrounded by his friends. “She’s just… brilliant. I really wish you could’ve met her. I know you’d all get along.”

Seamus offered a friendly smile, though his eyes flickered with doubt. “Yeah, maybe next time, Neville.”

The compartment grew quiet for a moment, and the sound of the train clacking along the tracks filled the space. Outside, the countryside whizzed by in a blur of green fields and distant hills, and the feeling of excitement for the new school year was still palpable.

Dean, always the diplomat, broke the silence. “Well, I’m glad you had a good summer, Neville. Hopefully next time, the timing will work out better.”

Neville nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, I’m sure it will. She really wants to meet you all. She’s heard so much about you.”

Seamus shot Dean a look, and Dean just shrugged, his face carefully neutral. No one wanted to say it, but the story about Y/N was starting to sound a bit too convenient—another summer gone by, another set of plans that didn’t quite line up. And now, no photos to show for it, either.

But despite their growing doubts, Seamus and Dean weren’t about to crush Neville’s enthusiasm. Not after he had spent the entire train ride practically glowing with happiness. Still, once Neville got up to stretch his legs and grab some snacks from the trolley, Seamus leaned toward Dean with a raised eyebrow.

“So… still no Y/N, huh?”

Dean chuckled quietly. “Still no Y/N.”

“I swear, if she’s real, I’ll eat my own shoe,” Seamus muttered under his breath. “Every time he gets close to introducing her, something comes up.”

Dean glanced out the window again before replying. “I don’t know, Seamus. Maybe she’s real, but there’s just bad timing. Or maybe…”

“Maybe she’s in his head,” Seamus finished, his tone soft but resigned. “I just don’t get how one person could have this much bad luck when it comes to us meeting her.”

Dean shook his head, a small smile on his lips. “At this point, I just hope for Neville’s sake that she’s real. You can see how much he cares about her.”

“Yeah,” Seamus sighed, leaning back in his seat. “I hope so too.”

When Neville returned with a handful of Chocolate Frogs and a Butterbeer, his smile was as bright as ever, blissfully unaware of the quiet conversation that had just passed between his friends. And as the Hogwarts Express continued its journey, his thoughts were already on the letters he’d be sending to Y/N once they arrived at school.

----------

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was buzzing with excitement. The start of a new school year always brought surprises, but this time, there was something different in the air. The students were seated at their house tables, eagerly awaiting the feast, when Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat to address the hall.

“Welcome, students, to another year at Hogwarts!” Dumbledore’s voice echoed throughout the room, immediately capturing everyone’s attention. “I am particularly pleased to announce that this year, we will be hosting a most extraordinary event… the Triwizard Tournament!”

A murmur spread through the hall, rippling with whispers and shocked expressions. Neville, seated at the Gryffindor table with Seamus, Dean, Harry, Hermione, and Ron, exchanged confused glances with the others.

“Triwizard Tournament?” Dean muttered. “That wasn’t in the usual announcements.”

“Yeah, didn’t see that coming,” Seamus added, leaning in to hear more.

Dumbledore continued, explaining the rich history of the tournament, how it had been revived, and the prestigious honor of being chosen as a champion. Then, with a wave of his hand, he motioned to the entrance of the hall.

“And now, may I introduce our esteemed guests from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute.”

The heavy doors at the end of the hall swung open, and the students of Beauxbatons Academy entered. They moved with grace and poise that captivated everyone, wearing their sky-blue silk robes as they marched in perfect unison. Neville’s heart raced as he scanned the group, but he couldn’t spot Y/N among them.

“Who are they?” Harry asked, squinting to get a better look.

“I don’t know,” Hermione replied, intrigued. “But they look amazing.”

“They’re all so… elegant,” Ron said, trying to take it all in. “Do you think they’re all that good-looking?”

“Probably,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes playfully.

As the Beauxbatons students completed their entrance, Neville’s heart dropped when he didn’t see Y/N. Just when he thought he might be imagining things, she stepped forward, performing acrobatic flips and graceful spins, her hair flowing behind her like a cascade of river waves. She looked more stunning than Neville could ever have described.

“Bloody hell, who is that?” Dean whispered, eyes wide in disbelief.

Seamus was staring, frozen in place. “No way…”

When the introductions were done, Neville leaned closer to his friends. “That’s her! That’s Y/N!”

Harry raised an eyebrow, glancing between Neville and the group. “Wait, who’s Y/N? Which one?”

Neville pointed toward Y/N, who was beaming with joy alongside her classmates. “The one in the front! I didn’t know she was coming!”

The others turned to look, their expressions shifting from curiosity to disbelief. “No way!” Ron exclaimed, glancing at Neville. “You weren’t joking about her being real?”

Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. “She’s absolutely brilliant!”

Before anyone could say another word, a voice called out from across the hall.

“Neville!”

Neville’s head snapped up, and there she was, weaving through the crowd, her face lighting up when she spotted him. “Y/N!” he breathed.

The next thing he knew, Y/N was rushing toward him, a wide smile on her face. “Neville!” she called again, and in an instant, she was there, throwing her arms around him.

Without hesitation, she began planting kisses all over his face—on his cheeks, forehead, and nose—her laughter bubbling up as she clung to him. “I’ve missed you so much!” she said between kisses.

The entire Gryffindor table stared in stunned silence. Seamus’s mouth was hanging open, while Dean could only blink in disbelief. All around the hall, students who had been casually talking or laughing stopped to watch the unexpected display. Whispers started spreading like wildfire, but Neville didn’t care—he was too overjoyed, too caught up in the moment.

“Y/N!” Neville finally managed to say, his face flushed from the attention. “I—I missed you too! I didn’t know you were coming! Why didn’t you tell me?”

Y/N giggled and pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her hands still resting on his shoulders. “I wanted to surprise you, silly. You should’ve seen your face when I came in!” Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Neville was too overwhelmed to respond properly. His heart felt like it was about to burst from happiness. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he said, grinning ear to ear.

“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” Y/N said softly, wrapping her arms around him again in a tight hug.

The Gryffindor table was still frozen in place, watching the entire scene unfold with wide eyes. Seamus finally found his voice and leaned toward Dean, whispering, “Well… that is not what I expected at all...”

Dean shook his head in disbelief. “You’re not the only one, mate.”

Y/N finally pulled away from Neville, her smile never fading. She glanced around at his friends, who were still recovering from the shock. “You must be Neville’s friends,” she said brightly, offering them a cheerful wave. “It’s so nice to finally meet you all!”

“Y-Yeah, we’ve heard… a lot about you,” Dean stammered, offering a friendly, albeit awkward smile.

Y/N laughed, completely oblivious to the lingering disbelief. “I hope all good things!”

“Definitely,” Seamus managed to say, shooting Neville a look that was a mixture of awe and apology. “Welcome to Hogwarts, Y/N.”

As the rest of the Great Hall resumed their chatter, Neville stood there with Y/N by his side, his face glowing with pride. After a year of doubt, teasing, and skepticism, here she was—real, vibrant, and wonderful.

For once, Neville didn’t need to say anything. His friends finally believed him.

[druidwolf21]

Can't beat em? Join em!

Leman finds himself completely out of his depth when babysitting

Featuring @jaghatai-khock adorable OC!!!

"Skíthof"

Leman cursed to himself as he prowled through the great hall, cold blue eyes surveying the room as he searched. He trailed his gaze over the mass of baselines before him, scowling at anyone attempting to catch his eye. He inhaled deeply, sniffing at the air and snorting as all he received was the acidic tang of wine and the spices of hot meals.

He continued muttering to himself and he stalked through the crowd, keeping his head low. A beast on the hunt.

"you can't hide forever little Jova" he growled, dropping his voice to reverberate through the gathering, low enough that human ears lost it in the laughter and chat of the party. He scented the air again, eyes narrowing as he finally picked up a scent. He ran the scent through his olfactory gland, teasing out all the information he could manage.

Warm keratin

Saliva

Sugar

He grinned, fangs beared. Oh yes, that was definitely him.

Baselines scurried away from his hulking mass as he patrolled, finally coming to a stop at a small rounded table in a corner. Gingerly lifting the cloth, he found the source of the scent. A crushed pile of icing and syrup spread across the crushed velvet rug and a single white feather dancing along the floor. Russ picked it up between calloused fingers and brought it to his nose, inhaling as he peered around. His eyes landed on a small smeared trail of white frosting and jam.

"gotcha"

He rose to his feet and followed the trail, each massive step leading him towards a small side door. Serfs hurried in and out, arms laden with steaming dishes and crystalline pitchers of swirling wine.

"move thrall" he sniped, shouldering through the wooden door, sending servants scattering around him. He grabbed a passing girl by her and pulled her to him, lifting her off her feet.

"you, listen, I want this door kept closed, understand?"

The girl stared up at him, eyes wide and moist as she faced the titan before her.

Leman rolled his eyes and snarled " Hálfvit answer, do you understand" shaking her slightly. She squeaked and nodded, sniffling as the hand that gripped her collar finally dropped her. Satisfied, the wild skulked through the door clicked it shut.

Finding himself in the serf kitchen, he quickly set about throwing servants and maids out, sealing each entrance shut behind them. The scent was stronger in here, his prize was finally in sight. He dropped to his haunches, scouring the room with predatory eyes, flicking back and forth into each dark corner. The room was dimly lit by the dying embers of the large cooking fire in the hearth, a large oak counter filled the center of the room and various cupboards and shelves lined the walls.

Finally he heard a gentle clang and zeroed in a small cupboard set back from the fireplace. Smirking, he rose back into the balls of his thick booted feet and stepped over, reaching through the open hatch, he fumbled around before clutching his prize and pulling it out into the flickering light.

"Hjolda, little lordling" he laughed, bringing his catch up to his face.

The toddler giggled and squirmed in his grasp, fat hands coated in mess reaching for his uncle's face as he laughed. His wine red eyes scrunched in joy as he hung from the wolf's might grip, spinning slightly.

"I took my eye off you for 5 minutes, how are you this filthy child?"

He spun the child, getting a good look at the mess he had somehow managed to engulf himself in. Cake and pastry matted into his silky gold curls and icing or rainbow colours was encrusted in the down of his small cherub wings. His mouth and rosey cheeks were buried under lumps of chocolate and fruit peelings.

"your father's going to kill me" leman thought, remember the lecture sanguinius had given him not an hour before about keeping an eye on him. Running a free hand through his burnished hair, he considered his options.

He set the babe in the tabletop and sucked at his fangs as he thought. "I suppose I could dunk you in a mop bucket" he mused out loud, turning on the spot as he searched the room. "But I don't think the angel will be keen on that either" he turned back and shrugged. "So Zadkiel, what do you think?"

"CAKE"

"I am absolutely not giving you more"

"CAKE"

"no"

"CAKECAKECAKECAKECAKE"

the boy continued to babble, clapping happily as he changed, swaying and flaring his feathery nubs as he did so.

Leam gripped the edge of the counter and lent down, eye level with his nephew. "No, nothing else until we've scrubbed this mulch from you."

"unkl ruff"

Lemans eyebrows shot up in surprise as small fingers gripped his face. "What?"

Vermillion eyes stared back from under long blonde lashes as Zadkiel squeezed Leman's face. Frowning in concentration before a wide dirty grin dimpled his round face.

"ruff ruff ruff cakecakecakecakecake"

The primark stared back for a moment before a toothy smile of his own cracked his visage.

"very well, little lord, who am I to argue when you speak so eloquently"

The primark of the space wolves, lord of fenris, the emperors execution.

Brought to heel by a small boy saying his name for the first time.

[ficsbyuzi]

All the ways lead to you - part 5

Characters - Aemond Targaryen and Inara Maegyr (OFC) in a modern AU.

Warnings: angst, pining, mention of blood, implied sexual activity

Word count: 2365

A/N: Had a long weekend, so here we go. Wrote this on my phone like always, so it could be full of blunders. Ignore them, please?

Masterlist

Part 4

The soft glow of the moonlight and the distant city lights streaming through the windows, filled the dark room. Logs crackled in the fireplace set in a dark wall adorned with subtly erotic paintings . A faint haze of smoke hung in the air, added to by the cigarette in Aemond's fingers. He was reclining on a plush couch, gazing at the full moon as its silvery beams bathed him, enhancing his own ethereal glow.

Tonight was one of those nights, when instead of letting his driver take him to his penthouse after work, he chose to walk alone to the Street of Silk.

Discreetly, he navigated the labyrinthine underground pathways in the city, known only to him, sneaking away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Away from a world where everyone around him wore masks and talked with pretense, he came to his confidante - a high profile escort, in her early forties, Sylvi. There, along with his clothes, he stripped away the façade he wore for the cameras, and the rest of the world. 

Sylvi could see through him. She could do so, for years now. His faraway gaze and the slight furrow of his brow were not unfamiliar to her.

And she knew that he came to her only when he was battling something deep within. 

“What’s her name?” Sylvi remarked from across the room, covering her ample bosom with a blue satin robe. She was sitting on the edge of a circular bed, the disarrayed state of which spoke of their recent intimate session. 

At her question, Aemond shifted in his seat. Taking a deep drag from his cigarette, he answered in another question, “Whose name?” 

“The girl, you can't stop thinking about,” Sylvi smirked, now lighting a cigarette of her own. 

Aemond only turned his face half way in response, blew a puff of smoke out of his nostrils, and continued looking out of the window. A muscle in his jaw tightened. 

“I am only thinking about the business.” 

“Liar,” Sylvi chuckled, “You are gazing at the moon, and not sitting by the fire.” Easily picking up the subtle change in Aemond’s demeanor, she continued teasing him, “Searching her pretty face in it, aren’t you?”

“You are delusional.” Aemond rolled his eyes.

“And you are falling for her.” 

Aemond’s hand ceased halfway to his mouth at her words, gaze dropping to the floor.

“What's she like?” Tilting her head in curiosity, Sylvi prodded in an attempt to break aemond’s silence.

“Fire reminds me of her eyes,” his eyes shifted to the fireplace nearby, as he spoke in a barely audible, low murmur, “the fierce purity in them, the truthfulness.” 

He stood up, discarding the lit bud in the ashtray and walked towards the bed, the silk sheet slipping off his marble-carved frame. 

He had nothing to hide from Sylvi. 

He laid his head in her lap, hugging her knees. Sylvi began stroking his hair, his sinewy arms. Her warm, comforting touch fluttered his eyes closed. 

“I am scared I will hurt her,” a murmur, laden with fear and vulnerability left his mouth, his lips barely moving.

Sylvi’s eyebrows knitted together at his fragile confession, her fingers continued tracing soothing patterns on his skin.

“What if she does not see me in the way I see her?” He continued, now opening his eyes, “What if, once she knows the real me, she finds me.. lacking?” 

“Our biggest fears come true if we keep thinking about them,” she whispered softly, bringing her mouth close to his ear, ”Sometimes, the things we dread most are shadows of our own making.”

“Mmm, she must think I have no heart,” he said, shifting his head to move his ear away from her mouth.

"Then show her that you have one." Sylvi lifted her head, but her hand moved tentatively to Aemond’s bare chest. When he did not reject her touch, she placed her hand over his heart, feeling the steady beat beneath her fingers. 

Her other palm moved to his forehead, gently caressing the contours of his lifeless eye, almost devoid of any sight. Her voice, soft and comforting, washed over him, causing his eyelids to drop again.

 "You are still capable of loving, Aemond.”

At her words, Aemond opened his eyes, not to his reality, but to one of his many inner worlds. One where his vision was clearer and whole, and not limited by any disability.

There, he perceived Inara, towered over and cornered by him against the makeup counter. Instead of confusion and fear in her fire-colored eyes, he saw a welcoming tenderness in them. A reassurance.

-

Inara was loving her new job.

All the actors, supporting staff, and colleagues treated her with kindness and inclusion. She was gradually becoming an integral part of the team. It was a dream job indeed.

And then, there was Aemond. A dream.

Two weeks had passed since her close encounter with him in the trailer. Those moments replayed in her mind, especially at night, leaving her in a heady mix of excitement and longing.

Her body would experience sensations she had never learned about in medical school. 

She secretly wished to experience that warm proximity again. But in the next instant, she would rebuff her silly, foolish heart that wove unrealistic dreams. Her heart would place those dreams on her closed eyes, but she would open them wide and let them topple down.

He is a star, a celebrity. Come back to earth.

Inara noticed that Aemond had loosened up a little since that incident. His keen gaze on her had softened, and to her utmost surprise, he had begun to smile at her more. There was a warmth in his eyes that hadn't been there before. While she still stumbled for words when talking to him, she had started to feel a lot easier and calmer in his presence. 

One day, he even asked her about her background, where she studied, and about her family back in Volantis.

“And I have a younger sister who is a huge fan of yours. She lost it when I told her I would be working with you,” she told him, chuckling as she fixed a prosthetic on his forehead for a battle scene.

He hummed in response, letting out a low laugh, the beautiful sound of which spurred all the butterflies in her belly into action.

Mustering all her courage, she hesitantly asked, “She keeps requesting me to get your autograph for her—well, begging, actually,” she laughed, her nervous blush visiting her cheeks again, “If ..if you don’t mind, of course.”

At her request, he looked straight into her eyes, nodding and puckering his lips in a way that made her heart skip a beat.

She was picking up a notepad when a set coordinator quickly entered the trailer and announced, “Aemond, your shot is ready in two minutes.”

“I will be right there,” he said and noticed Inara backing and turning away, giving him space to leave.

His arm moved of its own accord as he grasped her wrist, startling her. The touch sent a jolt of electricity down her spine, pooling as an intense heat in her core.

“What’s your sister’s name?” he asked, taking the notepad from her hand.

“Nina.” Her features softened, though her heart raced, her eyes lingering where Aemond’s fingers encircled her wrist. 

The gentle grip on her arm loosened. The moment his hand withdrew from her skin, an aching sense of incompleteness washed over her, leaving her feeling oddly bereft.

“To Nina,” he repeated softly as he began to write, “Study hard and be like your sister. She’s amazing.” His voice dropped to a low, intimate rasp as he spoke the final words, his gaze locking with hers in a way that made her breath catch.

Her lips parted in surprise at the sincerity of his words, his warm gaze seemed to sear into her soul. The moments that followed were a blur. She watched him, almost in a daze, as he handed back the notepad and pen, and then stood up to leave the trailer.

It wasn’t until he had exited the room that she turned her attention to the page he had written on. The note read - 

“To Nina, study hard. All the best. AT 💎”

-

It was going to be a long day at work.

For Inara, it would be even longer. 

 Slightly dazed, she kept touching her wrist where Aemond’s hand had closed around it, as if trying to hold on to the fleeting warmth of his touch.

The set was abuzz with activity, filled with extras and body doubles clad in medieval attire. Swords and other fake weapons were being wielded. A huge battle scene was being shot. 

She observed him from a distance, her gaze following his every movement. She stood there, spellbound as he delivered a monologue in a close-up shot, completely in character, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. 

She stood there, as a sea of emotions churned inside her - longing, frustration, and a deep-seated yearning that she struggled to contain today. 

Today, when he touched her, praised her. 

She wanted to scream at the intensity of her feelings; rid herself of the turmoil that seemed to consume her every moment.

She was almost envying the other people around her - those who moved with effortless calmness, treating Aemond as just another professional.

She wished she could be like them and maintain a veneer of composure and professionalism, rather than being ensnared by the overwhelming desire she felt for him.

Desire. She desired him, even when she knew she could not have him.

CUT!

Her train of thought was abruptly halted by the director’s voice, slicing through her reverie. Yet, the clanking of artificial swords and the chattering noise of the set remained a distant blur in her ears, as her attention was still on Aemond.

She watched him as he spoke with the set coordinators, directors, and fellow actors.

And in the next instant, she noticed him searching the crowd.

As if drawn by an invisible thread, his gaze landed on her.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt as though it might burst out of her chest, releasing everything stored in it for him.

Aemond..I..

Their connection shattered as her attention was abruptly seized by a prop weapon hurtling towards her.

In a split second, she reacted, dodging the weapon and narrowly avoiding its path. But in her frantic maneuver, she collided with a prop table, sending a resounding crash through the set. Boxes of props toppled on to the floor, their contents scattering wildly.

She stumbled over a stray prop, her head striking the corner of the table with a jarring thud. Her hand slammed into another prop weapon, the impact slicing through the skin of her palm.

A  loud, muffled “Inara” reached her ears, mingling with the gasps and chaos of the surrounding set, before her senses were overwhelmed and dulled.

"Someone get help! She's hurt!" Aemond's voice cut through the commotion. 

The next thing she registered was Aemond kneeling beside her, holding her wrist, the same spot he touched an hour ago. Her blood trickled over his fingers, but he did not seem to care. He only moved the other hand to her forehead where a bruise had formed. 

Indifferent to the shocked stares of those around them and unbothered by the whispers, he continued cradling her hand. 

“I think I’ll need stitches,” Inara muttered, grimacing as she closed her eyes.

God, how am I going to work now?

“Hey, stay with me,” Aemond’s soothing voice cut through her dazed thoughts.

If only I could…

The same void she had felt in the trailer when he released her wrist, returned now, when he reluctantly stepped back to give space to the paramedics.

A staff member from the production crew approached Aemond, urging him to resume filming.

His concerned gaze met hers, holding a tenderness that nearly shattered her composure.

 “I’ve got to go now, but I’ll see you as soon as I’m done, yeah?”

His voice was a balm, wrapping around her with a soothing promise that made her want to break down and cry. She nodded gently, averting her eyes to hide the vulnerability that threatened to overtake her.

Don't go..

After having her wounds stitched and treated, Inara called a cab. Exhausted and wracked with pain, all she wanted was to get back to her apartment and collapse into bed.

He wouldn’t be free for hours..

She stared at her phone for the entire ride home.

-

-

In the heart of bustling King’s Landing city, Aemond was lounging with Criston Cole, at the posh Dragon's Pit club. 

Despite the lively atmosphere around him, his thoughts were preoccupied with her.  Deep down, he was aching to reach out and make sure she was alright.

Criston offered him a cigarette, but he declined. 

 “What’s the matter?” Criston asked, noticing his distraction.

“Nothing,” Aemond replied curtly.

Criston took seconds to sense what was troubling him. 

“She’s been taken care of, Aemond. Minor accidents on set are common. There’s no need to worry,”

Aemond’s jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on his glass as he sipped his drink. Criston pulled out his phone and began typing.

Aemond’s phone buzzed with a new notification, and when he checked it, his brow arched in curiosity.

“Her phone number and address. Call her, text her, or go see her,” Criston suggested with a shrug.

“I can’t do any of those things.”

“Why not?”

A sudden commotion erupted outside the lounge, drawing their attention to the main door. Criston inquired, and a staff member informed them that fans and paparazzi had gathered outside, having discovered Aemond’s presence at the club.

Aemond gestured in frustration towards the entrance and said, “That’s why. I can’t; I can’t bear to cause her any more pain..She..” He trailed off, his voice faltering as he turned to the staff member.

“Please, can you help us slip out through the back door? I’m not up for dealing with fans or paparazzi right now.”

-x-

Part 6

Tag list: @zenka69 , @mamawiggers1980

[yallthemwitches]

Catch the Wind, Chapter 5: Stolen Time

I got a little indulgent with this one. Hope you enjoy some quality Jily sexual tension....

James didn’t know how he made it back to the Gryffindor tower. He couldn’t recall walking–maybe he floated? He also had no idea where his homework had gone off too, but that was not important. All he knew was that he was currently splayed out on the couch in the common room only able to think of Lily. 

He closed his eyes and replayed the kiss again and again. How she pressed herself against him; made soft sighing noises as she opened her mouth more to deepen the kiss; the feel of her hands that moved from his cheeks into his hair…

“I think Prongs has been poisoned,” he heard Peter say after an echo of footsteps from the stairwell. 

“Likely not.” Remus’ voice retorted. “Someone go wake him.”

James didn’t have enough time to respond as a rush of air pushed past and a huge weight descended upon his chest. He opened his eyes, gasping to see Sirius with his arms and legs wrapped around his torso in a strangle-hold. 

“Oi! James, get up you prick we still got a day to get through!” James pushed his mate off while uprighting himself. He had forgotten that it was only noon. Fuck, how am I supposed to go to class now that Lily and I have kissed? Does being so sodding happy count as a medical excuse?

He was about to blurt out his morning to his mates, but something stopped him. They had kissed. That’s all he had wanted for years. His joy was inescapable, but in the back of his head were glaring questions: Why did she do it? Did she want something more? Was she perhaps under some sort of spell and this was all a big misunderstanding? Whatever the reason he wasn’t mad about the result, but telling this to his mates would more than likely cause an uproar. He knew Remus would at least be discreet, but Sirius and Peter? They would hound him and even Lily for ages. With that kind of luck, Lily wouldn’t even want to look at him again by the end of the day. 

Despite still feeling like a human beacon of light, he didn’t say anything. Lily would want it this way. Anyways, for all I know this is all I’m going to get.

The boys stood in front of the fire and bantered a bit about Quidditch after party plans. If James was showing any pep in his disposition, Sirius and Peter were not picking up on it, but every once in a while Remus would notice a blush and a smile creep across James’ face, and his eyes go a little unfocused...  

There was a bounding noise coming from the girls’ dorm steps and Lily and Alice descended. While they had been in mid conversation when walking down, Lily immediately went silent at the sight of James standing by the fireplace. James' eyes came back into focus and zeroed in on her. Despite a burning look, he took a breath and fell into a cool disposition. 

Lily, who now had a blush creeping on her face, told Alice she would meet her out the portrait hole, then turned to walk towards the boys. James' heart felt like it was about to burst through his chest. 

“Hey Potter,” she was trying to sound neutral but a softness was detectable in the way she said his name. 

“I think I forgot my book in the classroom today–did you grab it by chance?” He knew she had asked him a question but he could not compute. The way she was just standing there, looking up at him, with the lips he had touched just hours earlier slightly parted—his brain went blank. 

He finally registered what she had said and gave a cool smirk. 

“I wouldn’t want to be losing books right now, Evans—with NEWTs and all.” The way his stare bounced between eye contact and focusing on her lips made her blush even more and she nervously tucked a hair behind her ear. She could see the cloud of euphoria that was in his eyes earlier had not dissipated a bit. Despite his mates still in the room, the whole world seemed to disappear and all they were left with was the tension from earlier. 

“Exactly,” She half-whispered. He gestured for her to follow him over to his bag which had been flung haphazardly on the ground near the boys’ stairwell. She followed him, making note of how his hand lingered in the air as though begging her to take it with her own.  He pulled her book out of the sack and gave it a teasing waggle in her direction before handing it back. 

“Thanks,” she said. He stood back up and they were only inches apart. All she had to do was reach out for him again…

“ I hope you’re not forgetting something else,” his eyes lowered and a mischievous smile flashed at her. Lily gave a side eye to the boys still by the fire; all of which were not paying attention to them. 

She matched his smile with her own. “No, I think it was just the book, thanks.”

The cheekiness of his expression dropped off and the desire returned tenfold. It was as though every inch of his body was begging her. 

“Evans,” his voice lowered an octave. “Why did you kiss me earlier?” He lifted his hand and brushed a path from her forearm to her hand by her side. He let his fingers linger in her softly opened palm.

“I don’t know,” Lily breathed out. She tried to mask any sort of desire she had for him with a teasing tone, but she could tell he wasn’t buying it. Unaware, they had both taken a step closer to each other and were now breaching dangerous levels of personal space between two people who were merely friends. 

Clocking that they were getting too ahead of themselves with an audience around, Lily broke the haze and gave James a painfully platonic pat on the shoulder. 

“See you in class,” she said and with one last smirk, followed after Alice who had left the portrait hole. 

Merlin.

James slunk back to his friends who seemed overall unaware of what had transpired. 

________________________________________________________________________

James barely lasted through his History of Magic course. Then again, in his Herbology lab. It felt like a pain worse than death to have to sit through boring classes after how much had happened in the course of one day. By the time his class with Lily came around, his body felt like it was buzzing with excitement. It took all of his energy to not sprint through the halls to get to the classroom. 

He entered and saw Sirius’ sitting in his usual spot in the back corner of the class, leaning back in his chair and reading some Muggle philosophy book. Lily was already seated with her materials in front of her a few tables up. James passed by Sirius and gestured towards Lily before continuing to walk in her direction. Sirius didn’t respond but shot his eyebrows up and gave a smirk. 

Now beside her, he cleared his throat and tried to tamp down the burst excitement he was feeling to be back in her presence again. 

“Can I sit here?” Lily looked up at him. She had put her hair up in a ponytail and little wisps of hair curled around her jaw. James felt like she was just taunting him at this point whether she knew it or not. 

Without saying anything she shifted her books over an inch and gestured for him to sit. Class started and despite not interacting with one another, they could both feel tension radiating off each other's bodies. Lily was doing better at focusing, taking clear and accurate notes and otherwise not giving attention to her neighbor. James on the other hand was barely holding it together. He tried to keep looking ahead at the professor but every shift her body made sent a shock through his system. Sitting next to her meant he could see how she would sometimes rest her quill against her lips when she was thinking; how her neck and jaw sloped out of her collared shirt and were such a lovely shade of cream; that her handwriting was so beautifully looped and curled with every stroke. 

It was going to kill him.

With another hour left to go in class, James’ emotions were reaching crisis levels of unbearable. With a split second decision, he ripped off a piece of parchment and scribbled something down before folding it up and casually placing it on the page of Lily’s open book. Still taking notes, she looked down at it for a beat before continuing as if nothing occurred. 

James, feeling a bit silly and terrified, tried his best to not look in her direction. After five minutes, he watched her hand pick up the parchment and gently unroll it. 

Lily looked down at the note. In an erratic hand was written:

I have wanted to kiss you again all afternoon. 

She folded the note back up neatly and put it in her pocket. If she had any feelings about what was written, she wasn’t showing it. She went back to taking notes, leaving James to desperately glance at her from time to time, wishing for some sort of acknowledgement. 

By about the 6th time he not so secretly gave her a yearning look, she stopped writing and peered over to meet his glance. 

“Stop fidgeting. I read the note.” Despite giving no indication of her feelings of its contents, James took this as closure enough and tried his best to be a good boy the rest of class. 

By the time everyone was getting up to leave, James had given up hope. I shouldn’t be pushing her. Clearly she isn’t ready. Merlin I’m so sodding thick. 

Not wanting to ruin things even worse, he nodded curtly towards Lily and then bounded over to Sirius who’s eyebrows had not descended from his face. 

“Have a nice time with your new mate,” Sirius mocked once James caught step with him. James mumbled a low sod off as they kept walking down the corridor. 

“H–Hey! Potter!” Lily’s voice rang out from behind him. She was standing in the doorway of the class waving her arm at him. 

“I had a question about the lesson today–could you help me for a second?” 

James was puzzled. She hardly said a word to him in class and certainly seemed to understand the lesson enough to even answer some of the professor’s questions. He shrugged, and turned to Sirius. 

“I won’t wait up,” Sirius responded immediately with a snicker. He winked at Lily who made a scoffing sound and then turned on his heel. James walked back to where Lily was standing and she ushered him into the now deserted classroom. 

“So, uh, what did you need–” But she was on him before he could finish. Shoving the door closed with her heel (expertly, James noted) she grabbed his face, threaded her hands into his hair and caught his mouth on hers. 

“I wanted you to kiss me all afternoon too,” She gasped out when their lips separated. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for the second time today, fitting their mouths back together. He pushed her up against one of the tables and she leaned on it for support as their combatting urgency pushed them together. 

“You did?” He groaned into her ear, now peppering kisses up her jaw and on her earlobe. He could feel her chest heaving against him and her breath catch with every kiss. 

“It wasn’t obvious to you?” She pulled his head which was making its way now towards her neck back up to hers to catch his lips once more. His calloused hands that were wrapped around her waist pushed up her jumper a bit, exposing some skin and he took the opportunity to place his hands on her bare back. 

She melted into him. It felt like just yesterday it would have been impossible to be in this moment, but now Lily was grasping onto him with such need, she felt out of control. The feel of his hands radiated heat inside her and she pushed herself into him more. She ran her hands down his shoulders before encircling them around his neck–making note of how slender yet toned his upper body was. Finally it was making sense why other girls fancied him so much all these years…

“Go out with me.” It wasn’t a question, he breathed it into her mouth when they had come up for air. His glasses now askew, he kissed her cheek softly before starting his journey placing kisses on her jawline.

“No.” 

It wasn’t what he had expected. He opened his eyes and pulled back to look at her. She was flushed and eyeing his lips hungrily to continue kissing. This was not the look of someone who wanted to decline his offer, but leaning in to kiss the bit of neck under his ear, she repeated: “No, I can’t.”

James snapped back to reality and pulled her away. “Why not?”

Lily looked around as she searched for words. “It’s just not a good time. I-I can’t explain it. It’s just with NEWTs and–”

“You won’t go out with me because of NEWTs,” James burst out into a sardonic laugh. 

“Merlin Evans, I knew you were a bit of a sacred character, but that seems a little low.”

Lily blushed deeply and absent mindedly brushed back her tousled hair. 

“I just need some time. Can you respect that?” She was imploring him. He could see the doubt flash in her eyes; he knew she half expected him to walk away right then and there.

“Yes. Yes of course.” He brushed her lips with his thumb before pressing his gently to hers again. He knew it wasn’t possible, but he wanted to convey to her how much he wanted this. Whatever it was they had, he didn’t care, as long as this continued. 

“I won’t ask you again, but c-can we still….” His voice trailed off, not knowing how to proceed. He didn’t even know if he knew what he was asking. If we could still study together? If we could still share a good bout of sexual tension? If we could snog senseless after class, preferably multiple times a day?

“We’ll see.” She swatted his chest playfully before he wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her with as much fervor he could give. 

“I’ll take those odds.”

________________________________________________________________________

The rest of the month was a blur. NEWTs were fast approaching and between actually studying, Lily and James found new ways to keep their new situationship under the radar. At first, it was just their weekly transfiguration lessons that turned into snogging sessions. Then, they added a second “lesson” to the week. By the third week they had been able to find stolen time at least once a day to at least give each other a quick kiss or touch before going on with their day. 

Surprisingly, James had been doing a brilliant job of hiding it. Besides Lupin’s side-eye every once in a while when Lily greeted them in the corridors, none of his mates had caught on to the new change in events. Already adorned with the title of “friend of the marauders” Lily and her mates would often join the boys for meals and generally start to banter with them in the halls. Lily prayed that no one noticed during these times that sometimes James’ hand would rest a little too close to hers on the bench or that sometimes she would forget herself and move a rogue hair out from behind his glasses. 

They were signs of change though. Lily was never one to really get into the team spirit when it came to quidditch, but Marlene and Alice had both noted when she got a newfound interest in the sport. Sometimes caught reading Quidditch through the Ages before bed, she seemed almost too excited to go to the upcoming match. 

“Didn’t strike you as a cheerleading type,” Alice remarked in the dorms that morning as Lily looked for a suitable outfit for the match. 

“Actually, now that I think about it, did you ever actually go to the matches before?” 

Lily scoffed. “Alice, don’t be thick. I’m not that un-spirited. Besides, we only have one year left and this one is about over. Might as well put in some effort.” 

Alice, who had been trying to study for her potions NEWTs, let out a sigh and pushed her book off the bed in distress. Lily stopped her rummaging and picked the book off the ground.

“Not going so well?” In response, Alice laid back and shoved her pillow into her face. 

“You know if you wanted, I’m happy to help,” Lily offered. She knew how much Alice was stressed to get good marks in order to get into her Auror training. 

“What? And take away your snogging time with the Quidditch captain?” Alice peeked an eye out from under the pillow and watched as Lily’s face turned red. 

“It’s not possible to ruin something that's not happening, stop trying to fish.” Lily tried to make it sound as true as possible. 

“I guess I am fishing, yeah,” Alice admitted, sitting back up. “You just..seem different with him now.”

“There’s nothing to say. We are just really good friends–that's it.” Despite feeling like her delivery was shaky at best, Alice dropped her prodding and joined Lily in getting ready. 

There was a horrific storm beginning when the girls started to head down to the pitch. Lily wasn’t super versed in the world of Quidditch, but something seemed dangerous about flying around in lightning riddled skies. She wrung her hands nervously as they walked towards the main courtyard.

James was standing just inside the main foyer with some of his teammates in tow. All of them in their uniforms and donning their brooms, James had traded in his signature glasses with goggles that were now hoisted up on his forehead, further pushing his hair in all directions. He spotted Lily and gave her a huge grin. 

“Great day for a game!” He exclaimed to the girls. He looked like a little boy at Christmas. Lily looked outside and watched the courtyard trees bend horizontal from the wind.

“Seems like you should postpone it. Don’t you have a say being captain and all?” James looked out the window and shrugged. 

“Nah, looks fine to me!” He positioned his goggles over his eyes and started towards the door. 

“Wait!” Lily called out. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at James. Impervious! A silver aura appeared for a moment on his goggles.

James smiled broadly. “Always brilliant Evans,” he said as he turned toward the door. 

Despite the monsoon, the game went as planned. James scored 35 goals within the first half, effectively obliterating the Hufflepuff team. By the two hour mark, the only need for the snitch to be caught was to end the game—Gryfindor had already scored enough points to guarantee the win. 

At their victory, the Gryffindor crowd made their way onto the pitch despite the pouring rain. James, who landed to greet the crowd, peeled his jersey off and raised his hands bare chested. Despite the chaotic energy of the group, Lily stood stunned and regarded a shirtless and wet James making his way through the crowd. She had never seen him without anything off before–and it worried her that she wanted to see more. 

“God she's not even pretending to not stare,” Marlene snorted to Alice as they watched their friend continue to shamelessly oggle the quidditch captain. 

Lily snapped out of it and shushed her friends. “Sod off, I was just bothered by the rain, that's all.”

_______________________________________________________________________

The Gryffindor common room was mayhem. Sirius had convinced Mme. Rosmerta to “donate” barrels of butterbeer to the event and everyone was quickly falling into a celebratory haze. Lily sat on the couch with a butterbeer and watched Marlene talk up one of the beaters on the team while Alice had snuck off with Frank hours ago. 

James, now wearing a dry jersey and his usual glasses, was at the center of the fray, singing and cheering along with the rest of his team. Lily tried not to take note of how many times a girl sidled up to congratulate him on his performance. Currently, 5th year Iris Melborne had found her way to his side for the sixth time within the hour—not that she was counting. 

Not dropping her stare, she felt someone plop down next to her. “Doesn’t feel good does it?” Sirius was swishing a bit of firewhiskey in his cup before downing it all in one gulp.

“Not that I’m jealous that James gets all the attention after the matches—but maybe my mum was onto something when she said I was an attention whore. God help her, it would be the first time she was right.” 

She took a jug of firewhiskey that was sitting on the side table and poured himself some more before pouring a bit into Lily’s cup unprompted. 

“I think you might be drunk Black,” responded Lily. She could tell he was prodding for something, and she wasn’t in the mood to play along. Across the room Iris laughed dramatically at something James said and put a hand on his arm. Disgusting

“You should tell him you know. Not that that git deserves any more reason to have an ego–but you know, it would make him happy.”

Sirius was grinning lazily at Lily and without a good response, Lily downed her drink before getting up. 

“Thanks for the life coaching, Black.”

“Anytime, Friend.” Lily rolled her eyes and left Sirius to fill up his drink for a third time. 

At her approach, she saw James’ demeanor shift and he quickly turned away from Iris who had begun chatting up the Keeper. 

“Hey, good game.” She clanked her empty cup against his. 

“Bad luck to cheers without a drink,” James retorted and poured some of his drink into hers. They looked at each other for a while–daring each other to make a move. Lily looked down at his new jersey and remembered what he had looked like shirtless out on the pitch and blushed. She wished she could have felt how his shoulders were like underneath it all..

Lily felt his hand discreetly pinch at her hip and she snapped out of her thought. 

“Can I see you later?” He lowered his voice. While keeping up the air that he was just having regular small talk, his eyes were saturated with yearning. She felt his hand which had been lingering a bit too long at her hip graze its way on her side before dropping beside him. 

“I-I have patrols soon. Until midnight.” It was true despite her attempts to get Remus to switch. 

“Ooh, drinking before the job then.”

“Shut it Potter.” He gave her an amused grin. He loved to get her wound up. 

“Then I’ll come find you.” She looked at him pointedly for any sign of sarcasm, but he was being serious. 

“Seems like a bad idea to tell a prefect you are going to be drunkenly wandering the halls in the middle of the night,” she smirked. 

“It’s a chance I’m willing to take.” He smiled, “And I’m not that drunk. Certainly will be in working form by that time.” 

“Something tells me nothing good can come from you doing that.” She made her words’ double meaning very clear. They had only just begun snogging, but their urgency to be together seemed to rapidly increase. She was starting to be unsure how long they could keep this up without any fallout. 

“You know I’m always up to no good, Evans.” He gave her side a little squeeze again and parted his mouth expectantly. She hated how much she liked it when he looked at her like that.  One of his teammates came out of the crowd and wrapped an arm around James' neck. Being pulled into another round of cheering, he gave her a wink and mouthed “later” before disappearing in the crowd.

[thatsmzbitchtoyou]

The Witch and The Doctor Chapter 5

Bucky thought he could make a difference, getting a medical license and trying to change people’s minds.  But the 1600s New World is a harsh place with cruel people.  After being accused of witchcraft he makes a run for it, facing the dangers of the woods and the rumored witch that lives within them.

Warnings: violence; animal attack; mentions of death; smut; language

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Winter was finally over and the first buds of spring flowers were beginning to bloom.  The warmer weather helped the snow melt, but there were many wet nights with thunderstorms blowing over the little cabin.  Bucky couldn’t care less if it may have been storming outside, because inside their little home he was making love to Y/N every chance he got.  She had some kind of tricks up her sleeve so that no matter how much they did it, she wouldn’t become with child.  It was one of the many things her mother taught her all those years ago.  Their next trip to the village was coming up soon, and after long days of Bucky helping Y/N prepare tinctures, darn socks, carve toys, and a slew of other things to bring and get ready for the village people, he would lay with her after dinner as the rain pelted the roof.

He rolled over and laid on his back as he caught his breath, releasing a low whistle.  “Good god, lovey.  What’s gotten into you today?” he asked, smiling at her as she laid on her side facing him.

Y/N shrugged, reaching a hand out to his chest where she scratched at his small patch of chest hair.  “You’re just looking mouthwatering, my heart,” she said seductively, leaning down and kissing his shoulder.  “I can’t explain it.  Must be love in the air with all this spring reawakening.”

Bucky chuckled but narrowed his eyes.  “Is that your way of saying you love me?”

Y/N’s eyes widened as she realized what she had said.  “Oh, um…yes, I guess it is,” she said, suddenly becoming jittery and looking everywhere but at him.

Bucky moved to sit up on his elbow and faced her, his hand cupping the side of her face and making her look at him.  “I love you, too, Y/N,” he replied quietly.  “I’ve loved you since you saved me that night.  And I want to love you until my time is up.”

Y/N blinked rapidly, trying to keep her tears at bay.  “Really?” she asked.

“Really,” Bucky smiled widely.  He leaned in and kissed her, the kiss starting to get heavier and deeper like before when a hard knock at the door echoed through the cabin.  They both pulled away from each other sharply, their gazes moving from the door to each other then back.  The knock came again and they both sprang from the bed and got dressed.  Bucky grabbed the dagger he made a few months before and held it beside him as Y/N walked to the door, pulling her robe tight around herself.  She mumbled something, her hand waving toward the bowl of trinkets on the shelf next to the door, making them shiver.  She then unlocked the door and opened it slowly.

There was a man and a woman at the door, the woman holding a small child and the man holding the hands of two slightly older looking children.  They were soaked from the rain and looked exhausted.  “Please, Y/N, witch of the woods, help my child,” the woman spoke.

Y/N sighed and opened the door, ushering them all inside.  “Come in, come in.  Buck?” she turned to him.  “Stoke the fire and get them warm.”  Bucky was wary but did as she asked, putting the dagger away, building the fire up more and helping them all take off their coats and shoes, giving them extra blankets to help keep them warm.  Y/N led the woman towards the fireplace where she pulled the child from her arms and laid them on the hearth.

“She’s been sick with something, and nothing seems to work.  We gave her the tinctures you brought, and it helped at first but then she suddenly got worse,” the woman rattled off as Y/N poked and prodded the little girl, who looked no older than maybe a year old.  “My other two had it but healed,” she gestured to the other children who Bucky was now trying to distract with some scraps of food and fresh water, quietly telling them a story in the corner.

Y/N’s hands hovered over the girl’s chest then her head, the bluish glow emanating from her palms and the ring around her irises emerging in the dim firelight.  She shook her head and looked worried.  “Bucky?” she called out to him.  Bucky excused himself from the other children and walked over to her.  Y/N gestured for him to join her on the floor.  He knelt down and she took his hand and held it to the girl’s pulse point on her neck.  He counted her heartbeat, feeling worried with how weak it was, noting the spots littering her skin, then put the back of his hand to her forehead.  “She’s burning,” Y/N whispered to him.  

Bucky held open one of the girl’s eyelids.  She didn’t flinch or react to his touch, which worried him more, and upon seeing the white cloudiness in her pupils he silently sighed and frowned.  “Rubella,” he murmured.  “Also known as German measles.  She probably contracted it from her mother in the womb and now it makes her more susceptible to getting sick,” he said quietly to Y/N.  “The older children could fight off whatever it was, but she’s…she’s too young,” he looked at Y/N sadly.  

Y/N nodded.  “Is there anything you can try?”

Bucky felt her pulse again.  “She needs fluids, rest, but unless you’ve got another trick up your sleeve, there’s nothing I can do at this point,” he said.

Y/N nodded again, watching the little girl’s shallow breaths.  She thought for a second before determinedly standing up and walking to her small kitchen area.  She started pulling jars down from the shelf, taking things out of them and throwing them in the mortar and pestle together.  She pumped a small pan half full with water and then ground down the different herbs and things she had thrown together until they made a fine powder.  She put the powder in the water, stirring it and then bringing it to the fire, putting it on the hook and letting it simmer.  No one spoke a word the entire time, the family watching Y/N and Bucky carefully.  Once Y/N seemed satisfied with the mixture she made she took it off the heat and back to the counter where she poured it into a smaller bottle, swirling it around and letting it cool.  She started mumbling, the hand holding the bottle glowing and making the liquid swirl faster before she approached the little girl.  “Hold her up for me,” she instructed Bucky.  He gently maneuvered the girl so he was holding her snugly against his side, tipping her head back as Y/N brought the bottle to her lips, tipping it up into her mouth.  The little girl instinctively swallowed the liquid, her eyes fluttering before she finished the bottle and Y/N wiped her mouth clean of any leftover droplets.

Y/N then sat the bottle down on the hearth before taking the girl from Bucky.  She held her against her chest and sat on the rocking chair, mumbling words into the girl’s hair as her palms glowed once again.  The mother joined her other family members who were sitting on the floor near the corner by the door, the other children already fallen asleep and the father holding them while watching Y/N with an intense worry and hope in his eyes.  Bucky watched Y/N hold the girl, continuing to mumble words and pet her hair.  The scene, as diresome as the situation was, pulled at his heartstrings.  He wanted that with her.  A family.  A future.  A full life.  He stood and walked to Y/N, leaning down and caressing her cheek with his hand, making her smile up at him, before walking to the bed and handing the parents the pillows to get comfortable to sleep before sitting himself on the bed, leaning against the wall to keep watching.

Y/N stopped speaking and leaned her head back against the chair.  She closed her eyes then started humming a tune that he recognized as something she would sometimes sing throughout the work day.  She continuously and slowly rocked herself and the girl, humming the tune repeatedly until Bucky’s eyes grew heavy, his breathing slowed, and he fell into a deep slumber, a small smile on his face.

[thebunnednun]

Buggy the Clown x Fem!Reader Enchanted meeting (Part 5)

This could go one of two ways. "We could flip the coin I'll be your slave."

Buckle your asses down. I know all the buggy fic writers have been busy and there isn’t much to work with in terms of material from the show rn.

But that isn’t gonna stop me!

Reader becomes a very naughty girl in this next scene.

Part 4: Here

-----------------Chapter 5: Unexpected dinner guests-------------------

The early morning air was thick with tension ( and sweat, ew.) as the crew gathered around the dimming fireplace, the warmth of the flames offering a fleeting sense of comfort amidst the looming threat of Buggy and his crew.

Conversation was pretty subdued, each of the members lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the events of the day and the challenges that lay ahead.

Sanji being the doting momma he is, was making everyone a hearty breakfast even though no one really had much of an appetite. Luffy had gathered some plants and fruits from the nearby foliage and Nami was making some plans for repairs with Usopp and a new list of supplies. 

Zoro sat in silence, his brow furrowed in concentration as he sharpened his swords with practiced precision. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and calculations, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger. He glanced over your form a few times before straightening himself out. 

Robin, ever the strategist, poured over a map of the island, tracing her finger along its winding paths and hidden trails. Her keen intellect paired with Nami’s was going to be the foundation of getting off this weird island. 

Chopper busied himself with tending to the fire, his small hands deftly arranging the logs to keep the flames burning bright. He helped you bring in water for everyone's baths this morning and was checking in on your mental state. The poor baby even offered himself as a cuddle buddy for you sometime in the night. You woke up with your hand absentmindedly rubbing his back not knowing if it was to sooth him or yourself. To remind yourself that you were safe, for now. 

Brooks had kept watch and strummed a few light melodies to help the restlessness that ceased you and the others throughout the night. He had retired upstairs for some rest and you were relieved for him, honestly. You knew everyone was trying to be considerate of your feelings. 

And you, (Y/n), sat quietly among your friends, mind racing with thoughts of Buggy and the looming confrontation that awaited you. The memory of his sinister grin sent a shiver down your spine, a chill that no amount of warmth from the fire could dispel. Everytime you close your eyes, that was all you saw before jerking awake. 

Let’s cut to the chase, you didn’t even know why you found the clown attractive. As the author, I chalk it up to some childhood trauma but to each their own, ya know? Anyway, you couldn’t put your pretty little finger on it. The man literally tried to kill you over accidentally smooching his nose! Wait, speaking of that-

You were barely able to sleep at all these past two nights and it was weighing heavily on you. Thanks to Choppers help you were able to wash all the makeup and sweat off from the evening and had donned a nice pair of gray sweats and a fitted long sleeve black shirt. But, even after all of that, your mind kept replaying the events that led up to now. Especially when you first laid eyes on him.

Those cerulean eyes, blood red grin, and just how good it felt when he held you. The way his eyes traced over you while you were inside his embrace. The sparks that ran through your skin when he trailed his fingers up your arm and found purchase cradling your cheek. His eyes drinking in the sight of you as you became lost in his. How easily he lifted you up to the crowd and even when he carried you over to the center of the ring his hold was gentle yet firm. 

You did want to see what else those hands could do. 

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath in. ‘Be fucking for real. This psycho wanted to kill me. Over what!? A kiss on the nose? Big deal!’ Big deal indeed. You resisted touching your lips to the memory of how soft his nose actually felt. Not to forget how cute he looked getting all flustered from the simple gesture. Which also led you to wonder if anyone had ever shown him affection like that before? [Maybe Shanks?~] The image of your deep red kiss imprinted into the center of his flashy nose made your heart stir. 

Fuck you wanted to see more of his cute reactions. If this is what he did over a little kiss what would he do if you tied him down to your queen bed? Oh, speaking of that-

The cabin offered comfort as you furnished it with the belongings of the ship. The temporary home was beginning to feel permanent and you could tell it was grinding gears on Luffy. Now he had been pretty angry on behalf of the villagers and wanted to return to help them immediately.

The only issue was that the townspeople seemed to actually like ‘Buggy.’ Which was even fucking weirder. Apparently he often “performed” there for free making it one of the safer islands in the far east blue.

You didn’t even know if you could call this ocean part of the east blue. Not many charts or maps of it existed which was causing Robin and Nami mental distress. 

Needless to say, Gumby was pretty on edge about the whole thing. 

"We need a plan," you said finally, breaking the silence that had settled over the group. "We can't just sit here and wait for Buggy to come to us."

Zoro nodded in agreement, his gaze focused and determined. "Agreed. We need to be proactive if we're going to stand a chance against him."

Robin glanced up from the map, her expression thoughtful. "I suggest we fortify our defenses and set up traps along the perimeter of the cabin. That way, we'll be ready for any surprises he might throw our way." 

Chopper nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement. "And I can brew up some potions to help boost our strength and stamina! We'll need all the help we can get if we're going to take on Buggy and his crew."

Sanji agreed to help Usopp with repairs after you asked him nicely with Nami threatening him behind your back. Brooks was left alone out of respect for the more senior member of the group. 

After breakfast, the crew fell into a flurry of activity, each member contributing their skills and expertise to the preparations. Zoro and Sanji set to work reinforcing the walls of the cabin, while Usopp and Nami fashioned crude but effective traps from the surrounding foliage. 

Meanwhile, you and Robin scoured the area for potential supplies after setting your traps, reaching out to passing authorities and sailors for assistance in dealing with Buggy. The response was mixed, with some offering their emotional support while others turned a blind eye to your plight. 

But despite the challenges and setbacks, the crew remained determined as they faced the looming threat of Buggy and his crew. As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a golden afternoon glow over the island, the stage was set for a showdown unlike any other, and the crew of the Straw Hat Pirates were determined to emerge victorious. 

As the preparations continued, you felt a responsibility to express your thanks. "Alright, listen up, everyone," you declared, your voice ringing out with authority as you addressed the crew. "We're not going to let some two-bit clown pirate intimidate us. We've faced far worse than Buggy and his crew, and we've always come out on top."

Your words were met with cheers and nods of agreement from your companions, their determination mirrored in their eyes.

"Now let's show them what we're made of," Luffy continued, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And remember, no matter what happens out there, we've got each other's backs. That's what makes us the greatest crew on the Grand Line!" 

With renewed determination, the crew set to work with renewed vigor, their spirits lifted by the inspiring words and unwavering confidence. You slipped on some sneakers and grabbed your bag of farming tools. Today was going to be productive come rain or murderous blue haired, seafoam green eyes, well built, six foot tall clowns with sickeningly sexy smiles. 

‘Damn, you thirsty bitch, priorities!!’

The sun continued to warm your cold bones, you couldn't help but feel a sense of calm swell within you. This wasn’t sooo bad. And with that thought in mind, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead with courage, cunning, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. 

Usopp and Sanji ventured down to the river to scavenge for materials to repair the damaged ship, while Zoro, true to form, managed to get himself lost in the dense undergrowth once again.

"Where's that mossy bastard gone off to this time?" Sanji grumbled, his brow furrowed in frustration as he scanned the surrounding foliage for any sign of Zoro.

“WHY, did you let him go in the first place!”

Usopp shrugged, his eyes wide with apprehension. "Who knows with him? We'll just have to keep searching until we find him."

Meanwhile, Robin and Chopper had ventured back out into the town to find a library or bookstore, leaving Nami and Luffy to keep an eye on the cabin and its surroundings. But as the hours passed and there was still no sign of Zoro, Nami's patience began to wear thin. 

"That idiot better not have gotten himself into trouble," she muttered, her hands clenched into fists as she paced back and forth in front of the cabin.

Luffy, ever the optimist, grinned widely as he watched Nami's pacing with amusement. "Don't worry, Nami! Zoro can handle himself. He's probably just taking a nap somewhere."

But just as Nami was about to launch into a tirade about the moss-headed swordsman's sense of direction, your voice cut through the air. 

“You guys don’t need to babysit me. I know you don’t wanna leave me alone and I was scared. But, it would be worse if Zoro was lost for two days again.” Nami nodded and sighed, “We could pick up Robin and Chopper before searching the trees again. He better not have gotten captured.” They left with Luffy giving you a tight hug before disappearing. 

You honestly needed that time alone. The ground was soft enough for you to kneel and plant the different seeds as you pleased. You worked in silence mostly though. But you did take a moment to bring a little lunch to Sanji and Usopp which they were very thankful for, especially Sanji. The man practically shot you with the hearts in his eyes. 

At some point, you had gone around the side of the cabin while the guys were still mending the sides of the ship. You could hear rustling from behind and you stopped to focus your gaze into the greenery behind you. However, nothing and no one had appeared so you continued with your planting. Which is why you ignored the next rustling sound until you felt a pair of human eyes trained on your back. 

“Back again already Moss stone?”

But instead of an enemy, a familiar figure emerged from the foliage, his flamboyant attire and smug grin made your eyes hurt immediately. 

He had ditched the captain hat. With a swift motion, he cast aside the iconic captain's hat, letting it tumble to the ground. However, instead of abandoning his pirate flair entirely, he retained the striped bandana wrapped snugly around his head. The vibrant hues of his appearance were unmistakable - vivid red lips contrasting against wisps of cerulean blue hair, framed by piercing emerald eyes. There stood none other than Buggy the Clown.

As you faced off against the notorious pirate, your grip on your shovel tightened, and your eyes narrowed with suspicion. A myriad of questions raced through your mind, each demanding answers that only Buggy himself could provide.

You couldn't shake off the feeling that something dangerous lurked beneath his playful demeanor. Buggy's smile, which usually spread from ear to ear, was peculiarly closed-lipped, and he remained silent for a few moments, studying you with a curious expression. 

You could sense the tension in the air, and you knew that this encounter could go either way. What caught you off guard was the deep cherry kiss still outlined on his nose. Finally, he offered a small wave in greeting, which did nothing to put you at ease. 

"What do you want, Buggy?" you finally demanded, your voice sharp with contempt.

Buggy raised his hands in a placating gesture, his grin widening as he took a step forward. "Now, now, princess, there's no need for hostility," he said, his voice dripping with false charm. "I've come to talk to your lovely captain. It seems we have some unfinished business to discuss."

You scoffed, gaze cold as you glared at the clown pirate. "I highly doubt Luffy has anything to discuss with you, Buggy. Now leave before things get uglier."

His face darkened for a moment, but Buggy merely chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he turned his attention to you, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"(Y/n), my dear. That’s your name right? Ya know, I’m actually delighted to see you again," he purred, his voice oozing with false sweetness as he sauntered towards you. "I must say, I've been quite curious about you ever since our little encounter at the big top. Tell me, what possessed you to plant such a bold kiss on my nose?"

You raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing at the corners of your lips as you regarded the clown pirate. "Oh, you know me, Buggy," you teased, your voice dripping with sarcasm. "I couldn't resist the opportunity to plant one on the most infamous nose in the Grand Line."

Buggy chuckled, his grimm grin widening at your boldness. "Ah, I see. Well, you certainly have a way with words, my dear. But I'm afraid I can't let you off the hook that easily. You see, I have a proposition for you."

Before you could respond, Buggy lunged forward, his hand outstretched as he attempted to grab you. But you were too quick for him, sidestepping his clumsy attack and smashing the head of your shovel down on his cranium. The clown almost stood up after the first hit, but you kept on with your tirade until he was on his knees. 

"Not so fast, Bozo!" your voice was laced with determination as you summoned your powers. With a flick of your wrist, you sent a wave of energy towards Buggy, enveloping him in a shimmering aura.

Buggy's eyes widened in shock as he felt himself shrinking down to size, his cries of protest drowned out by the sound of the repairs. Within moments, he was so small you would step on him if his outfit wasn’t so flashy. Quickly, you emptied a mason jar from your gardening bag and Buggy found himself trapped inside, his flamboyant attire dirty and his dignity shattered.

You grinned triumphantly as you held the jar up to eye level, your victory complete. "Oh,  how the turn tables," you said, your voice filled with satisfaction. "Now it's time for you to listen to what I have to say." You plopped the screaming specimen into your bag carefully. Finally, after almost three days of torment you finally held the object of your nightmares. You decided to add air holes later seeing how the angry little elf was banging on the container furiously. 

With Buggy safely contained inside your bag, you turned your attention back to the cabin, eager to fix that clowns attitude. Usopp and Sanji didn’t stop working which meant they hadn't even heard your small fight. Brooks was still asleep, you think. So, you’d have to be quick. 

Heart pounding and cheeks flushed with excitement, you hastily drew your bag up to your chest. Buggy's jar made a muffled clicking sound barely registering over the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins. “I’m going to bed until dinner!” Sanji waved at you and you curtseyed before running inside. With a quick glance around to ensure that no one had witnessed your victory, you darted inside the cabin while giggling like a mad woman. 

But as you bounded up the stairs to the second floor, your mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter with Buggy had left you feeling both exhilarated and flustered, the memory of his piercing gaze and wicked grin lingering in the back of your mind. I mean, your powers weren’t permanent if you didn’t control your emotions. There was no telling what that tall ass clown would do to your cute little plump ass if he escaped. 

You shook your head, trying to clear your thoughts as you reached the top of the stairs. But no matter how hard you tried to focus, the image of Buggy trapped inside the mason jar danced tantalizingly at the edges of your consciousness, sending a shiver of excitement down your spine. 

"Hey, (Y/n), what's got you all worked up?" Brooks' voice interrupted your thoughts, his sockets raised in curiosity as he watched you enter the room. He had startled you in the hallway after the staircase in a pink fuzzy bathrobe and matching slippers. 

You forced a smile, trying to appear calm and collected despite the turmoil raging inside you. "Oh, nothing much," you replied nonchalantly, though your heart still raced with adrenaline. "Just had a little run-in with some bugs, that's all." 

Some tall, dark, sexy bugs. 

Brooks' sockets widened in surprise, his expression mirroring the mix of shock and awe that you felt. "Bug, you say?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. 

You shrugged modestly. "It was nothing, really," you said, trying to downplay your accomplishment. "Just a stroke of luck, I suppose." You excused yourself to your room and quietly locked the door. And as you stood against your bedroom door, you couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence and determination wash over you.

But deep down, you knew that it was more than just luck. It was your quick thinking and resourcefulness that had allowed you to outmaneuver Buggy. If you weren’t aware of your surroundings you may not be here right now. ‘Sanji and Usopp wouldn’t have even heard me.’ A weight settling in your stomach as the realization sank in. With a heavy heart, you gravitated towards your bed, seeking solace in its familiarity.

You laid on top of your bed for a few moments. Mainly to calm your heart down from pounding out of your chest. Your nerves were shot. Gripping your fingers into the comforter you held tight as though the earth was tipping over and you would fall into the other side if you didn't. ‘I am safe here, I’m safe here, I am safe,’ you whispered into your mattress like a mantra. You slowly turned your head towards your bag before taking the jar out and setting it on your bed. 

Buggy looked a little disheveled but otherwise fine. However, the hate in his green orbs was loud and clear. The insults started almost immediately and you wondered how a man so small could still be so loud. You didn’t respond, though. Just staring at him through your long lashes before he quieted down. 

Then it was just the two of you gazing at each other in the soft afternoon light. 

“Are you done staring yet, princes?” he finally spoke with the left corner of his lips pulled into a smirk. You thunked the glass with your middle finger causing him to go stumbling back into the jar. You’d give Buggy this: The clown knew how to work your last damn nerves. 

“What?! Did ya get flustered?~”As Buggy taunted and teased, you couldn't help but fire back with your own brand of sarcasm, refusing to let his words get under your skin. His attempts to rile you up only fueled your determination to give as good as you got, matching his barbs with quick retorts and sassy comebacks.

"Why do you even want me anyway, huh?" Buggy quipped, his voice laced with amusement as he eyed you from inside the jar. "I'm not exactly your typical catch, you know."

You rolled your eyes, resisting the urge to roll to the back of your head and keep them there. "Oh, I don't know," you replied, feigning innocence as you reached for your art supplies. "Maybe I just have a thing for clowns with oversized egos…"

“...and noses.”

Buggy chuckled, though there was a hint of insecurity in his eyes as he glanced down at his nose. "And what's with that nose of yours, anyway?" you continued, unable to resist questioning his apparent insecurity. "Are you compensating for something?"

He bristled at your remark, but before he could respond, you distracted him by pulling out your sketchbook and pencils. "I think I'll capture this moment for posterity," you said, your voice dripping with glee as you began to sketch his likeness.

Buggy watched with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance as you worked, occasionally making lewd comments about your outfit from that night. Each time he did, you shook the jar, a mischievous grin playing on your lips. “STOP THAT SHIT!” You shook the jar again until he was 

As the afternoon wore on, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about the man trapped inside the jar. What was the deal with him anyway? You poked little holes at the top for him to breathe and dropped bits of bread into the jar all the while trying to engage him in conversation and banter. 

Buggy actually looked rather grateful,”Yeah, those shit heads didn’t feed me the last time.” Your eyes widened in surprise at the notion but as he explained you could see why. “Sanji at least gave you an orange and you were being a pretty big jerk.” He shrugged and swung one booted foot over the other. “What kind’ve shithead brings smoke bombs to a fight with a fish man?” His comment made you chuckle and he paused his eating to observe you. 

You were sketching him again before holding the jar up to your eyes. “Ya know, I think I have an idea.” And then, feeling a sudden surge of curiosity, you decided to grow him to the size of a doll.

Buggy's eyes widened in surprise as he suddenly found himself bigger but with you towering over him, his usual cold gaze replaced by a sense of vulnerability. But before he could protest, you picked him up, being careful not to squish him. “Can you stop being fucking creepy for ten minutes!”

You ignored his whining and began to poke and tickle his body. Thinking about it, Buggy  was about the same size as a water bottle now. You wanted to take his bandana off to see what his hair looked like but you didn’t want to hurt him. “ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!” Finding consciousness, you paused your touching to look up at him again.

“Mm?”

Buggy rolled his eyes, unpleased by your behavior. “Ya know, you're like, really weird. That’s a lot coming from me.” Feeling vengeful, whisked him away into your closet, revealing a secret dollhouse hidden away in the corner. Upon seeing it, Buggy began to fail and kick as he screamed, “NO (Y/N) DON’T EVEN FUCKING THINK ABOUT IT YOU-”

Let’s just say his protests fell on deaf ears as you placed him inside the dollhouse, a smirk playing on your lips as you closed the door behind him. "Now, now, Buggy," you said, your voice tinged with amusement. "I think it's time for you to learn a lesson in humility."

Buggy was beside himself. “What kinda sick sadistic shit is this!” His pride was wounded by your actions. "Why are you doing this to me?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration.

You shrugged, unable to hide the satisfaction in your voice. "Consider it a lesson in empathy," you replied, your tone firm but gentle. "Maybe now you'll think twice before you go around terrorizing innocent people."

Buggy's expression softened, a hint of remorse flickering in his eyes. "Fine," he grumbled, though there was a hint of resignation in his voice. "But if I were my normal size, I'd spank your ass raw for this."

You laughed, shaking your head at his bravado. "Sure you would, Buggy," you said, your voice teasing as you turned to leave the room. "Sure you would." 

Just as you were about to sit down, there was a knock on the door. Sanji poked his head in, his eyebrows raised inquisitively. "Supper's ready, (Y/n)," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity as to why you were in the closet. "Are you coming?"

You nodded, a mischievous glint in your eyes as you glanced back at the doll house "I'll be right there," you replied, trying to hide the smirk on your face. As you locked the closet door behind you, you couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Buggy trapped inside the dollhouse, his indignant protests muffled by the closed door. 

Satisfied with your prank, you made your way to the dining area where Sanji had prepared supper for everyone.

As you sat down at the table, you couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that bubbled inside you. Surely Buggy wouldn't be able to escape the dollhouse, right?

But as supper progressed and the conversation flowed, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at the back of your mind. What if he did manage to get out? What if one of the others saw him? 

WHAT IF HE TELLS THEM ABOUT THE DOLLHOUSE!

Just as the thought crossed your mind, Luffy, Nami, Chopper, and Robin returned from their search for Zoro, their faces drawn with worry. Sanji and Usopp, along with Brooks, excused themselves from the table to go look for their missing crewmate, leaving you alone with the others.

As you tried to focus on the dinner conversation, your mind kept drifting back to the closet and the trapped clown inside. You knew you had to go check on him, but you couldn't risk anyone else seeing him. “Hey y’all I’m gonna take a waz, be back!”

Finally, unable to ignore the nagging feeling any longer, you excused yourself from the table and hurried back to your room. But when you opened the closet door, your heart sank as you realized that Buggy was nowhere to be found. 

Panic surged through you immediately as a cold sweat looking through the closet into the open space of your room. As you frantically searched from the desk into the bedframe there was no sign of him. You cursed under your breath, realizing that he must have escaped during supper.

With a sinking feeling in your stomach, you knew you had to find him before anyone else did. But where could he have gone? And how were you going to explain his presence if anyone asked? 

Desperate to avoid detection, you began to search every nook and cranny of the cabin, your heart pounding with fear and anxiety. But as the minutes ticked by and the search proved fruitless, you couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping over you.

What if you couldn't find him in time? And what if someone else did?

As you raced against the clock, your mind raced with thoughts of the consequences if Buggy was discovered. But despite the fear that gripped you, you knew that you had to find him before it was too late.

With a sinking feeling in your chest, you continued to search every corner of the cabin, desperate to find any trace of Buggy. Just as you were about to give up hope, your eyes fell upon a small figure crouched beneath the dining table.

It was Buggy, his eyes wide with fear as he stared up at you. 

Just staring at each other

Prolonged eye contact

Without a second thought, you scooped him up in your hands and held him close to your chest, hoping to hide him from view.

Feeling the warmth of your body against him, Buggy squirmed in discomfort, but you held him tightly, determined to keep him hidden. As you settled back into your seat, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. With each passing moment, the tension grew thicker, threatening to suffocate you. But you pushed aside your fears, determined to enjoy the meal and the company of your friends.

However, as the conversation turned to lighter topics, you found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Buggy's presence weighed heavily on your mind, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked just beneath the surface.

Just as you were about to excuse yourself from the table, you felt a sharp jab against your side. Glancing down, you realized that Buggy was trying to wriggle free from your grasp. With a panicked squeak, you quickly readjusted your grip, dropping him inside your cleavage. You could see his pale face turn redder than his lipstick as he pushed against the soft flesh that caged him. 

Bold, aren't we?

"Shh, quiet down," you whispered, your voice barely above a whisper. "We don't want anyone to find you."

Buggy scowled up at you, his expression a mixture of annoyance and indignation. "Let me go, you insolent wench!" he hissed, his voice filled with venom.

You rolled your eyes, unimpressed by his theatrics. "Not a chance," you retorted, your tone in a harsh whisper. "You're staying right here until I figure out what to do with you."

With a huff of annoyance, Buggy crossed his arms over his chest, sulking like a petulant child. But despite his protests, you held him firmly in place, determined to keep him hidden until dinner was over.  With Buggy safely tucked away, you could focus on finishing your food without any distractions.

As the meal came to a close, you excused yourself from the table, citing the need to use the bathroom. With Buggy safely tucked away inside your blouse, you hurried back to your room, hoping to have a moment of peace and quiet.

But as you entered the room and closed the door behind you, you looked down inside your blouse to your cleavage and was met with Buggy's furious glare. Scooping him out, you placed the flustered man onto your bed and sat on the opposed end. "How dare you treat me like some toy!" he spat, his voice laced with anger.

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose in frustration. "Listen, Buggy, I'm sorry for trapping you like that, but I can't risk anyone finding out about you," you explained, your voice tinged with exasperation.

Buggy's scowl deepened, but you could see the fear lurking behind his eyes. "And what if they do find out?" he demanded, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

You hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But before you could come up with an answer, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting your conversation.

"Hey, (Y/n), everything alright in there?" It was Robin’s voice, tinged with concern.

You cursed under your breath, realizing that you didn't have much time to come up with a plan. With a resigned sigh, you turned back to Buggy, a determined glint in your eyes.

"We'll talk about this later," you said firmly, before dropping him back into your bra and rushing to answer the door. But as you did, you couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

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Please check out my other works and leave feedback! It really helps and I love interacting in the comments. Find me on ao3 @TheBunnednun too!

Watch out for some new fics comming out this week. THe master list is pinned!!

See you in the next one my loves!!~ <3333

[fortisfilia]

Promised Part 6 - Tom Riddle x reader

Info: This is a rewrite of a story I've posted on my old account years ago. If it sounds familiar, that might be why :)

Summary: In this story, Tom didn't grow up as an orphan, but with his grandfather and uncle. Reader's sister got very sick and the Gaunts offer their help. But not without asking for something in return.

Warnings: Arranged marriage

Word count: 2k

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 5 | Part 7

Part 6 - Of Vows and Wrangles

Winter came suddenly this year, and so did Christmas. With all the schoolwork you had been doing for the upcoming N.E.W.T.s in June, the weeks had passed by as quickly as a snitch on the Quidditch field. The holidays were a much-needed break and to see your family again was an even bigger delight.

Elsie did great. She looked like nothing had ever happened to her. No curse, no apparent illness that had almost taken her life, apart from some occasional coughs here and there. She ran around the house like the years before, excited for Christmas to finally come. The house elves seemed glad to have her and all her shenanigans back as well, much to your parent’s dismay, but they let most of it slide. They were thankful their daughter was healthy enough to fool around again.

Christmas day was as cosy and joyful as ever. You spent the whole day with Elsie and your parents, exchanging gifts and playing together. Elsie got her first broom and started her first attempt at flying, which resulted in a knocked-over vase, that split into a million pieces, and a crash landing into the fireplace. Some tears were shed and dried again, and a “no flying inside” rule was established, which resulted in another crying fit. Oh, how you had missed it all.

Mother had waited until the late evening to tell you that the Gaunts would come to visit for lunch the next day. She must have known that you would pepper her with questions again. It was necessary and polite, she said, to invite the future family and show them your interest.

There was certainly no interest to be given to Tom’s grandfather and uncle, but now that you thought of Tom, you had to admit that you missed him. How he had held your hand, how surprisingly cautious and gentle he had been. This memory was embedded in your brain. You would have expected anything but this from him. Anything but that soft and coy demeanour. And still, it made you nervous thinking about meeting him along with his family again. They were the ones that must have made him so cold. So you fell asleep, anticipation and tension crawling through your every vein.

The Gaunts arrived in a rush and brought in a whiff of cold air that couldn’t even be drowned out by the fire in the chimney. Tom acknowledged you this time though. Not like months before when they had come to your house. You could have sworn that there was even a hint of a smile on his lips when he laid his eyes upon you. A smile that you reciprocated, rather faintly as well.

Lunch was alright. A lot of forced formalities and small talk, some tired attempts to get to know the future family. Tom was quiet, as usual, only talked when someone asked him something directly, while Morfin and Marvolo ate so voraciously, the house elves had trouble filling up their plates in time.

The Christmas spirit was spoiled when presents were brought up. Marvolo asked about Elsie’s new broom and why on Merlin’s green earth your parents would gift such a thing to a girl. He held back his laughter and shook his head when Elsie explained so excitedly that she couldn’t wait to learn how to fly in Hogwarts. Bastard.

Marvolo noticed the look you gave him and seemed to take it as a challenge, so he stared back at you, his filthy grin still in place. His head leant sideways as he waited for you to say something, his eyes squinted as if to tell you to go on and tell him what bothered you. 

How you would have loved to smash his face against the table or curse him into oblivion. Your teeth hurt from how hard you clenched your jaw. You couldn’t. You wanted to tell him so badly what an awful, disgusting, obsolete excuse for a man he was. But you mustn’t. He still had Elsie’s life in his hands. So you stayed silent when he whispered, “That’s what I thought.”

“Anyway,” Father said in an attempt to ease the tension. “What are your plans for the remaining holidays?”

“There’s not a lot to do these days, is there?” Marvolo answered. “But now that you bring it up, we had something special planned for today.”

Morfin grinned as he shoved the last spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“And what is that?” Father asked.

“Well now that your little one is doing much better, which I assume you’re very thankful for,” he paused to wait for your parents to agree. “We decided to accept your invitation for today to bring our mutual pact to the next stage.”

Mother quickly told the elves to take Elsie upstairs, while you looked over at Tom in question. He only shook his head, letting you know he didn’t know what was going on either.

“The next stage?” Father asked. “What do you mean by that?”

“Since we’ve done our part of the agreement already, exceedingly fast and precise might I add, and the wedding is still months away, we want to make sure we will get what we asked for. You see, I respect you and your family of course, but one can never be sure enough. We don’t want to be tricked or exploited. So we’re asking for an unbreakable vow. Between Tom and your daughter.” 

“A vow?” Mother was appalled. “What for?”

“For the marriage of course,” Marvolo said. “A promise that the marriage will be solemnised, that cannot be withdrawn from either side.”

A breath got stuck in your throat. First the marriage and now this? If you agreed, the Gaunts would have both Elsie and you under their control. Infringing an unbreakable vow resulted in death and they would never stop asking for things if you agreed to this. 

“Marvolo,” Father sighed. “Don’t you think it’s enough? That we agreed to do this for the sake of my youngest child? You haven’t broken her curse entirely so you can use her as leverage. And now you expect me to bring my eldest daughter in mortal danger as well?”

“There’s no danger if the plan proceeds as we agreed,” Marvolo answered. “The vow can’t harm her if she plays by the rules.”

“She played by the rules,” Mother said. “She still does. Everyone’s been playing by your rules, so why do you want to add the vow?”

“As I said, I don’t want to be tricked. It’s merely a way to protect my family. And with all due respect, your reaction makes it seem like you’re up to no good already. Who knows? Perhaps you’ve changed your minds.”

Protect his family… He would sell both Tom and Morfin for a galleon and a half if he could. He was paranoid. Tom watched you in silence, his face void of emotion as your eyes met. What could you possibly reply to such an insane proposal? Every word that could leave your mouth right now would be filthy and full of anger, and Marlovo was already waiting for you to burst. 

He turned to you. “What do you say, child? Don’t you want to prove your loyalty?”

You sucked in a breath and were about to answer when Tom suddenly stood up. 

“Enough! I want a word.”

“You want a word?” Marvolo laughed disparagingly.

“Now,” Tom turned to your parents. “Is there a room we can go to?”

“The reading room, right across the corridor,” Mother said and showed them the way.

You followed the three men and watched them enter the reading room before Mother turned towards you. “Don’t eavesdrop, darling,” she said. “Give them some privacy.”

“Do you really think Marvolo deserves privacy?”

“No. He’s an awful man.”

“He is,” Father said as he joined you.

“We’re not going to let him do this to you,” Mother promised. “You’ve already done enough. Marvolo is out of his mind.”

“He’s greedy,” Father added. “Unreasonable.”

You leant your head against the door to the reading room and pressed your ear onto it, trying to hear what they were talking about. Mother motioned for you to stop, but didn’t prevent you from listening.

First, you heard nothing. Silence, then footsteps tipping across the room. Mumbled words that were so washed out you could barely understand what they meant.

Tom’s voice echoed from the walls. “You can’t be serious. Why would you ask for more? And why didn’t you tell me?”

Marvolo answered quietly. You could only guess what he was saying. Something like “Why would I?”

Mother appeared next to you, visibly displeased with herself as she flicked her wand and cast a spell that diminished the sound barrier, so you could hear every word that was spoken inside the room. Privacy has to be earned in this house.

“I’m not going to let you go through with this,” Tom said.

Marvolo snickered. “And you think I care what you’re allowing me to do?”

“I know you don’t,” Tom answered. “But I won’t comply. You can’t force anyone to make an unbreakable vow. Not even with the Imperius curse. And you know that.”

“What are you doing this for?” Morfin suddenly participated. “For the girl? You know things will only get worse if you refuse.”

A moment of silence occurred.

“Oh would you look at that,” Morfin chuckled. “You do like her, don’t you? Well, at least Father’s letter wasn’t in vain then.”

Tom didn’t answer.

“And her? How will you make her fall for you?” Morfin asked. “If you need a little love potion, I can provide that.”

“How dare you bring that up?” Tom spat. “You're very brave today, uncle. Comparing me to her.”

“Well, Father,” Morfin went on. “Looks like Tom thinks he can do it all on his own.”

“Now listen to me, son,” Marvolo said. “If you think you can disobey me like that, without any consequences, you must take me for a fool. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. Just know that there will be more to it.”

They scurried around. Marvolo and Morfin seemed to leave through the Floo Network. You assumed Tom would follow them but could hear him roaming around the room for another minute until his steps wandered towards the door. 

Both you and your mother stepped away quickly. Mother fixed her hair and you had suddenly found a deep interest in your nail beds, studying them as if your life depended on it.

Tom stood in the door frame, chest heaving slightly, with the doorknob in his hand.

“Grandfather and uncle left through the fireplace,” he said. “I’ll go too, I just need a minute, if you’ll allow.”

Mother looked at him like she looked at Elsie when she grazed her knee or hit her head. Her eyes weren’t as stern as you expected them to be, but soft and full of pity. 

“Why don’t you stay for a bit, Tom?” she asked. “We still have so much food left from lunch, we could need a bit of help before it goes to waste.”

Tom looked at her and nodded slowly. He must have known that she didn’t invite him to prevent wasting food. But apparently, he didn’t care what her reasons were. He just accepted it and that was fair.

“Would you show him around, darling?” Mother asked you. “While I tell the elves to prepare the guest room.”

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 7

[lovejosephquinn]

Since it’s getting closer to that time of the year, do you think you could write something about Joe during the Christmas season? It could be something fluffy like decorating the tree and baking sweets during your first Christmas together OR possibly something a little more spicy with the idea of Joe playing Santa and it goes along with the “Santa Baby” song ?

I’ll let you pick which one you want to do bc I’d be happy with either scenario! You always do such a wonderful job so whatever you write I know will be amazing 🤎 (I wouldn’t be opposed to you somehow combining both ideas into one if you wanted lol)

I love this 👀 oh my goodness. I changed it round to fit a particular silly Joe being his chaotic self. Mainly fluff 😋

Are you readyyyyyyy

Thank you for your request angel x

You were both covered in glitter and excess tinsel, you'd just finished decorating the house and practically yourselves. Your first Christmas in your new home together was officially beginning.

It was December 1st, Joe insisted you'd go out and get a tree together today and that you did, the biggest one you could possibly find. You'd bought all new decorations for it, lights, stockings, baubles, a wreath for the front door, the lot.

You watched Joe have arguments with the tree at least half a dozen times, saw him yell at the Christmas lights when they tangled themselves together, getting himself mangled in them in the process, give up with them twice and then go straight back to them pointing his finger and threating them to go in the bin if they wouldn't cooperate and then give the baubles a little telling off from the carpet when he didn't hang them properly on the tree. Within 20 minutes you'd given up helping because he'd rearrange anything you decided to do anyway.

He decorated you with the left-over tinsel after whilst you were snuggled with a blanket and a hot chocolate, watching the comedy sketch that was your Joey and decorations, wrapping it around you like a scarf, round your head like a bandana and even having the idea of cuffing you to the bed with it.

You hung the matching stockings on a bookshelf because you didn't have the fancy fireplace they have in movies and Joe was determined that he picked you up to place the star on top, informing you that this part was your job, giggling like a child throughout. He left turning the lights on till last, holding the switch and making you count from 5. "It's not the Trafalgar Square light switch on Joey."

"You're wrong, it's the Y/L/N / Quinn switch on." Joe beamed at you.

"5..." He began to count, gesturing his hand to you to continue the countdown.

You rolled your eyes, sitting on the edge of the armchair and shaking your head at the silly boy in front of you, you loved how much effort he'd truly wanted to put into this and knew he was a huge fan of Christmas, so you humoured him.

"4. 3. 2. 1." Joe flicked on the switch and the whole of the living area along with the tree lit up beautifully. "Tadah!" Your eyes sparkled gazing around the room and Joe quickly darted over to you, lifting you up from where you sat spinning you around and giving you a sloppy peck on the lips. "It's Christmas, baby!"

You giggled at his elation. "It sure is, my love."

He put back down to your feet and cleared his throat for the final display of spirit. "Alexa, play Christmas music."

The device obeyed and began to play Santa Baby.

Joe pushed you to the seat, giving you the most awful lap dance, shaking his hands about in the air and shimmying his shoulders around whilst putting on the worst Kyle Minogue impression you'd ever seen; making you cry into fits of laughter

"You're crazy, Joseph Quinn."

"Crazy about you, maybe." He stuck his tongue out at you, slipping into the armchair next to you in which you adjusted yourself to sit on his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck. "So, Y/N, have you been a good girl this year?"

"That all depends on what you're referring too." You placed a soft and gentle kiss on his cheek, making his already rosy features go pinker. His mouth fell forward when you pulled back catching your bottom lip with his teeth. "Oh no, this pretty girl's a bad elf."

"A bad elf?" you couldn't take him seriously, his straight-faced nod provided all of his theatrical training in that second. You creased at Joe, his stature quickly changing when the song was ending, quickly placing his forehead to yours, as sexy as he was trying to look you were cringing at his vague attempts to make the song sound flirtier than it was.

The words that fell out of your mouth next before you could even think them through made you internally vomit, and you couldn't help but practically bark in his face when you did.

"If I'm a bad elf then you'd better spank me, Santa."

Joe's head threw itself back in amusement, his eyes squeezed shut from the burst of loud laughter, he'd never heard such a thing from you before, the worst part was as awful as it was, he'd be in complete denial if he said it didn't slightly turn him on a little bit.

"That was quick for you, love. Oh my god." He couldn't stop laughing, his head raising back forward to you, tears practically streaming from his big brown eyes. It was your turn to play the poker face now and his laughing quickly stopped when you showed the impassive look.

"Wait, are you serious?"

"Hey, you were the one who wanted to tie me up with tinsel earlier."

He pouted his lips at you, as if the thought had slipped his mind. It hadn't. His heated face turned into a devilish smile.

"Then looks like both our wishes are going to come true tonight." you smirked back at him, ready for whatever happened next.

[madamecerberusfanfics]

Can You Love Yet

Ch.3 Death & Empty eyes

Tom Riddle x Reader/OC

summery: Trying to find a cure for the effects caused to those conceived from a love potion, to help her mother finally feel love for her family. A boy caches her eye & believes he could be of great use to her research. He how ever wants nothing to do with her until he hears the rumors about her & her family believing she could help with his goal. Agreeing to help one another out for their own personal gain they did not realize just how this partnership was going to play out.

All of her things packed away neatly in her trunk Rowan gently closed the lid with a sigh escaping her lips. Her 1st year at Hogwarts coming to an end & summer finally beginning. Leaving her dorm holding her trunk in front of her, both hands on the handle just like how she held it when arriving at Hogwarts.

Entering the common room Rowan made her way towards the fireplace, where her & Tom planned to meet. Walking past the rest of the Slytherins, chatting away, she sees Tom already at the fireplace with others surrounding him.

"Well aren't you early, 5 minutes so." Approaching with a friendly smile on her face "& I see brought your friends, hello" the smile still on her face as she turned to greet all the other students surrounding Tom. Noticing how all the girls glared at her & some of the boys, well others looked almost scared of her presence.

"& your not early enough, will be going now, come on Rowan" picking up his trunk Tom turned on his heels & walked out the common room. "well see you next year" with a wave & a smile Rowan walked away, eyes still on her.

Tom was uncertain of what this summer will hold exactly but he was sure that by the end of it he'll have Rowan wrapped around his finger. Standing right before the big beautifully decorated doors that stood between Hogwarts & the rest of the world, before he could think anymore he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning his head with disgust & announce all over his face. 'how dare someone touch me-' before he could even finish his thought his eyes met rowans & that god damn smile of hers. "Trust me you have nothing to worry about, you'll be right back at Hogwarts before you even know it." With a scoff he shrugged off her hand & continued out the doors.

It almost seemed like she could read his mind & oh how he hated that. Catching up with him they made their way back to where the train had left them at the beginning of the year.

A silence hung in the air between the two, it was obvious that Tom still wanted nothing to do with Rowan, he owes her. He shouldn't have to owe anybody & why him out of all people...

On second thought he could see why, he was one of the top students & the fact that it way very known around the school that he was an orphan with no home had made it easy for her to catch him.

As they finally made it across the lake & on to the mainland, looking back one more time at the place that had ever felt the closest to a home a sigh left his lips. There was no point in dwelling on thing such as after all he will be back.

"Come on Tom this way" As Tom turned towards Rowan who had started to walk in the opposite direction of the train. "Please refrain from using my first name & isn't the the train the other way" Aggravated at the fact that Rowan just keep on referring to him by first name, a clear sign that she held no respect for him.

"Yes the train is but we're not using the train, Tom ." A clear emphasis on his name.

As they walked he noticed other students walking in the same direction, most of which he recognized from being  a part of some of the more wealth families. Reaching a clearing with carriages littered about Rowan had made her way towards an old white carriage. With fading & chipped paint, a thin but visible layer of dirt coated the outside, along with the fact that it was being pulled by theses horse skeleton like creatures with bones protruding out of their dark skin & bat like wings on their back. It had stuck out like a sore thumb to even the more less kempt carriages with some kind of fluffier & less menacing creature pulling it

"Thestrals, aren't they." Stating it more as a fact rather then a question. "Oh you can see as well interesting." A smirk making its was across her lips. "& you know of them not a lot do, your just full of surprises."

As they approached the door he had noticed a crest on it which in the center held a thestral. "A creature you can only see once you have witness death" His voice uncaring as he remembered the time he had hung a rabbit from the rafters of the orphanage to get back at one of the kids. 'I guess that also includes a death of an animal'

"That is unless your a Grimm" Stating it as if this was well known knowledge as she entered the carriage. Taken aback by this information Tom soon followed, quickly closing the door & sitting right across Rowan. "What do you mean, explain yourself" Demanding he looked down at Rowan who seemed unfazed.

"Well I'm sure you are well aware of the rumors floating around about my family specifically, one of which being that the Grimm family are descendants of death him self." Her eyes moving swiftly from the window to him, examining. As quickly as her eyes come upon him they left returning to the window, admiring the view as they took off in to the sky.

"Are you telling me that's true, a stupid rumor." Almost insulted, from what he heard, she tried to make him look like a fool, but he could not sense any ill intent.

"Well its just a story passed down as an explanation for why my family has had such a strong connection to not only the dead but death its self. Every member born of the name always seems to have some amount of connection, weather that be seeing thestrals without seeing death, communicating with the dead, or even to know when someone will die. Or some combination of the three depends." The last sentence was in a much lighter tone compared to the more serious one she had used. But Tom didn't notice he was in shock, not only had some of the rumors were true but that she might be able to predict death its self? This had to be some kind of sign, but before anything else he had to know how it work.

Once again as if she could read his mind. "& no I will tell you when you die, its unethical & a cruel thing to do, but I will tell you how it works."

Fixing his posture & crossing his arms "How can you tell when someone will die" His voice stern trying to hide his intentions. "Simple I just look in to their eyes & a date echoes throughout my mind, that being the date of their death however the time of ones death is not a fixed thing."

This is what he wanted to hear, leaning in just slightly. "Let me make it very clear however, you can only postpone death for so long until he's had enough of you, & those who have tried to live forever end up meeting a much worse end then death." This was the first time he had ever seen Rowan so serious & her eyes so dark. "Take that warning to heart Tom Riddle." He almost didn't know what to feel he hated people telling him what to do however her warnings should not be taken lightly.

"How do you know all of this, your father I presume?" Wanting to know if there was anymore about this subject that Rowan wouldn't tell him. "The basics my father taught me but he also made me read all of journals & books of my ancestors, what they did because of if & what became of them." It was obvious that she was still trying to warn him, so he switched up his approach.

"Relax Gimm  I'm not going to do anything with this information, its not everyday you find someone that can predict your death" Portraying himself as insulted to the that fact that he would do something. Rowan examining him with a blank stare so changed her tune once again when she was done, as she put a reassuring smile on. "Oh its nothing against you just have to put it out there for everyone who finds out."

"Now that I've told you something about my family I'd like to know what you've found out about yours." As friendly as ever.

Tom hated how she would get under his skin & use him, first giving him a place to stay just so he can help her with that dumb cure, & now she told him about her family's connection to death just so she could know about his parents? What was she trying to get at here it didn't make sense.

By the way she phrased it she probably knows how he was looking for information about them, she was stalking him, Merlin how could he almost forget. As his fingers pinched the bridge of his nose he let out a sight. "What on earth are you trying to get out of this Gimm" Frustration was in his voice although lightly.

The sound of wheels & hooves hitting cobblestone didn't take Tom out of his thoughts as Rowan had hoped but she still saw it as an opportunity to change the subject. "Well would you look at that we've arrived." With a single clap of her hands she had gotten up, trunk in hand & left the carriage. Tom following soon after, stepping out on to the cobblestone driveway looking up at the house to see a Victorian style mansion. Similar to that of the carriage the once bright whites of the mansion now faded & dull, the ornate detail held spider weds in-between the gaps. Approaching the door along side Rowan, it gently swung open to a darker yet warmer interior. A short woman stood, long wavy red hair with streaks of white coming from her temples, she wore a long dark green rode with the bottom gliding a long the floor & the edges were adorn with fur.

"Welcome home my dear" patting Rowan on the head, a weak smile on both of their faces " & you must be Rowans new friend, Tom Riddle, its a pleasure to meet you" walking towards him "I'm Rowans mother but please call me Holly" she put out her hand for him to shake, he gladly does putting on the charm. "Please the pleasure is mine miss Holly." as he smiled up at her there was something familiar about her but he could not place his finger on it.

"My, Rowan had told me told me all about your situation & your welcome here as long as need be, we have set up a room for you, Rowan will show you & sorry my husband is working at the moment but he'll be here to introduce himself in the evening" her voice light and airy & a smile that never reached her eyes, they almost seemed empty.

"Alright I'll show you to your room & around the house, come" Rowan spoke up, beckoning Tom to follow her up the stairs. Give Holly a smile & a nod to excuse himself then up the stairs he went.

Rowan & Tom alone once again as the walked through the warm halls of the house. "You never did answer me Grimm"

"Well I wanted you to meet my mother first"

"I didn't particularly see anything to cure, so what are you getting at" his voice stern & the anger on his face started to be very prominent.

"Well that's because what my mother suffers from is of the emotional verity, for she is unable to feel love, weather its romantic, platonic, familial, or even for non living things, my goal here is to finally allow my mother to feel love for her family." Rowan had abruptly stopped in front of a door, turning to Tom. "Well this is your room"

Ignoring her about the room Tom continued. "So what am I doing here, it cant just be that I'm smart, no there's something more."

"Well I had suspicious but I wanted to be sure I was right, for you see in order for someone to be born with the inability to feel love they had to have been born of a love potion" leaning in close to Tom as her crystal like eyes meet his dark eyes, in a hush voice. "& oh my, how you & her have such empty eyes."

[elizabethbennets]

My DaisyBilly! headcanons because I am unhinged and unable to think about anything else:

1. The first time Billy proposes to Daisy, she says no. She’s so happy with their life, and she doesn’t want him to feel like he has to prove anything to her. And besides—they’ve already gotten more than they should have; in this life, anyway. Jules convinces her to reconsider. She knows the real reason Daisy said no, and she reminds her that Camila wanted this for Billy, and for them.

2. They have a backyard wedding three weeks later. Billy cries throughout his vows. Daisy calls him her twin soul when she recites her, and by then, most of the guests are in tears.

3. Billy wakes up before her in the mornings, usually to go for a run, or a swim. Daisy’s a night owl, though, so he usually falls asleep on the couch while they watch Friends and Ally McBeal or whatever videos they’ve rented from Blockbuster that week. Daisy always laughs at him as he nods off, but she knows he hates going to bed without her, so he’ll close his eyes and cradle her against his chest with the smell of buttery popcorn and ginger ale between them.

4. On Sunday mornings, they make brunch for Jules and River. Sometimes Graham and Ashley and the kids will come over, too. Daisy makes her trademark blueberry waffles and homemade syrupy, always leaving a mess behind for Billy to clean.

5. Oh, and on River’s 13th birthday, he tells Daisy he wants to officially adopt her. Daisy doesn’t say anything. He tells her it’s her choice; he would never push, but they both know Billy is her father, and Daisy can’t put into words what it means to her.

6. Daisy may be in her 40s now, but she still doesn’t check the forecast before she leaves the house, and it drives Billy crazy that she always forgets to bring a jacket. She knows that nights in Los Angeles are always cool; the air tinted with smoke and frost, and they’ll bicker until he gives her his jacket.

7. Because they’ve both stubborn, and they hate being wrong, so they fight until their words are clawing. Billy usually apologies first, because he can’t stand to see her hurt, and he hates that she narrows into herself. He’ll kiss the place between her eyes, whispering apologies, and the storm is over before it really rained. They’ve both lost too much, and this life is too precious to them for either of them to scar.

8. Their life together is simple, really. They write and play music, touring with The Six every now and then. They have their girls and their crossword puzzles and their records, and maybe life isn’t fire; maybe this is just healing—the parties and the drugs and the broken glass were just one version of them, and they’re so much happier now, grateful for slow nights by the fireplace. Because they never thought they’d be here. Daisy never thought she’d see Billy’s face in the morning, early sunlight slanted across their bedroom. And Billy? Well—he’s not stupid. He never thought he’d feel this way again, and certainly not with her. So they don’t need fire. They just need this light.

[buckyscrystalqueen]

Winter Wolf: Part 15

Pairings: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, angst

Word Count: 4,421

A/N: Finally got the muse to finish this story! YAY!

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / Part 13 / Part 14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I want it to look like a plantation house.” You said as you stood in front of what was left of your house between a general contractor, and Bucky as you bounced Ana on your hip, while you looked at another contractor that dealt with historic homes, specifically, and Tony, who was paying for the reconstruction. It had taken him a month of cutting red tape, but on the afternoon of your one year anniversary, he handed you the updated deed and a photo of the new metal arch across your driveway with the real name of your plantation and the real year it was established displayed proudly beneath it.

“I want the same wide wrap around porch, and the balcony on the second floor with all glass French doors. I want the white columns, and my stone fireplace in the parlor, and wood floors throughout. Oh, and I want to see my willow through my bedroom windows. Everything else, you can ask Bucky for. But the kitchen has to be in the back, left corner, and it has to have six bedrooms. Four up, and two down- one on either side of the first floor. Classic.” You finished as you switched Ana on your hip and turned to let her play in the willow tree. “Oh, and bathrooms. Lots of bathrooms. And air conditioning. And a swing in that oak tree over there.”

“Did you want to knock down that old workers house still, doll?” Bucky asked as you put your daughter down, and held on to her hands so she could stretch her legs.

“Yep! Get rid of it.” You called out with a nod. “That’s what we’ll do, Anastasia. When Daddy’s done, we’ll walk back and go look at the little river where you can sit and play in the water. You’d like that, huh? Better than being raised in a tower.” You sighed and sat down in the short grass with a small smile. “We’ve really come full circle here, baby girl.” You said as you shifted her grip on your fingers. “I really hope your mom would like us moving you here. I think she would. You’re gunna have a huge yard to play in, and your own room. And we can start a garden again, and we can plant some more apple and peach trees in the back. And I think I remember how to fish, but maybe Daddy does so he can teach us both. And maybe we can get you a little pool to play in on hot days…” You paused for a moment as you looked over at the distant sound of tires turning into your driveway. “James…”

“Yea…”

“That’s a government car.” You called out as you picked up your daughter, and walked out from under the willow tree to look over at the drive. You stopped half way to the small group as not one, but three black SUV’s with tinted windows and a massive armored car pulled up to stop in the parking lot area. “Shit… take her.”

“Babe…” Bucky said as you took the last few steps over to him and practically shoved your daughter into his arms.

“Take her.” You said as you stepped back away from him as men started to pour out of the vehicles and head toward you quickly.

“Doctor (Y/N) (Y/M/N) Barnes, AKA (Y/N) Scott, née (Y/L/N)…”

“Ross!” Tony yelled as you mentally battled the decision to run for your life or accept your fate.

“You are under arrest for the murders of Howard and Maria Stark, John F. Kennedy, Jasper Sitwell…”

“No, no!” Bucky shouted as you were nearly tackled to the ground by four guys nearly twice your size that were trying to get you into cuffs and shackles as quickly as possible even though you were not resisting what so ever in front of your child.

“Ross, you are making a huge mistake.” Tony said as Ana started to scream for you as some of the men kept your husband and daughter back at gun point.

“Babe, don’t you fucking listen to her!” Bucky roared over everyone as he watched your whole being shift into something he barely recognized when he saw you register the face of the man that had a gun pointing at your innocent one year old. “Don’t give in to her! Stay with Anastasia and me! Stay with us!” You met his eyes for a moment with a look he had only seen in old HYDRA photographs as you were lifted off the ground and unceremoniously thrown into a cube shaped jail cell.

“You’re all gunna fucking pay for that.” You said evenly with an evil smirk as you let them chain you to the chair before they all stepped out of the truck and shut you in with a single pair of heavily armed guards. A dark laugh you normally hated to hear, but that you absolutely welcomed in that moment started to echo in your head as you looked directly at the man who had no idea what was coming to him. “You have no fucking idea how much you’re gunna pay for pointing a gun at my daughter.”

——

You were locked in a room, a half mile below ground at least, in a bulletproof glass and metal box similar to the one you were held in the last time the American government had captured you, and left completely alone in a small room with multiple armed guards keeping watch outside the only door. For an entire month, you were given barely a meal twice a day, and allowed to use the “restroom”, which was really just a bed pan shoved under your ass after two guards held your hips up and yanked your pants down for you, twice daily as well, but you were given no other privileges other than those. You didn’t get to shower or get clean clothes; it was “too risky” to uncuff more than the lower part of your right arm for you to eat and wipe yourself. 

But you couldn’t complain. You didn’t say a word or move a muscle unless you were told to, because every time you did, they shocked you. Everyday for that entire month, you lost just a little more hope that this would one day come to an end, and the Wolf developed her plan of escape just a little bit louder in your head for when the part of you that made you ‘you’ finally gave up. But on the very last day of the month, the entire wall in front of you lifted up and a large group of armed men filed in ten bodies wide, and at least six bodies deep.

“Let’s move her!” The man in charge called out, which made the guards split down the center so a fork lift could be brought in to pick up the cage. You wanted to ask where you were going so badly, but you didn’t dare say a word as you were carted out of the room, on to a massive platform, and brought out of the pit of your own personal hell.

‘You can break out now!’ The Wolf said as you were transported to an armored truck. ‘It’d be easy. You know I can do it. We can go far, far away from here where no one will ever find us again…’

‘I’m not leaving my family.’ You told her as you slowly and carefully closed your eyes and leaned your head back on your chair, despite every other ounce of your being being poised and ready to attack at a moments notice like it had been for weeks. ‘I won’t leave my daughter or my husband.’

‘Weak.’ You mentally agreed with her as the truck stopped, and the back doors were opened so that the cage could be removed. You opened your eyes again and looked up at an impressive federal courthouse in Washington DC. Your guard led you inside and through the halls, and some how, it took you until were just outside the court room to realize what was happening. (Which was probably from lack of sleep, but you weren’t quite sure of that or anything anymore.)

“Oh, my God!” Bucky and Wanda screamed simultaneously as the pair of them, the rest of the Avengers, and a man you assumed had to be your lawyer jumped to their feet the second you were carted into the room.

“What are you doing to her?!” Tony screeched as he looked over at General Ross, who was sitting front and center behind the prosecution with a smug yet straight look on his face.

“Have you even let her change her clothes or shower at all?!” Bucky chimed in as tears welled in his eyes as he searched the dead look in yours.

“Is this the reason you’ve refused to let me see my client?!” A man said as he turned toward the other side and pointed back at you.

“This is inhumane!”

“She’s a mutant.” The prosecutor said with a shake of his head. “And she’s dangerous…”

“Get my wife out of that box…!”

“Alright, order! Order!!” The judge said as she slammed her gavel down and looked over at you. “OK, everybody hold on!” She yelled over your lawyer, and your large family as they all screamed at the government officials responsible for your mistreatment. “Has this been her living conditions since she was arrested?” She asked as she looked over at you, and the Wolf responded before you could stop her.

“I haven’t even used a toothbrush…” You shrieked and seized when the box shocked you once again, and Wanda and Steve instantly leapt over the partition.

“Get her out of that box!” The judge and your lawyer roared as Wanda ripped the front and the side of the box away so Steve could get your restraints off. Everyone in a thirty foot radius recoiled from the smell as Bucky pushed past Steve to pick you up out of the chair as gently as he could.

“She needs a medic!” Steve yelled as your lawyer told the other that he would be filing law suits against every single person responsible for your mistreatment as the judge scrambled to get the jury out of the room.

“I got the jet on the roof ready…” Tony said as he came over with a shake of his head. “Jesus, I didn’t know it was possible for her to be so thin.”

“Court officers…”

“If you so much as think of taking her out of my fucking arms right now, you will see what the Avengers are capable of for one of our own.” Bucky said evenly as he looked up at the woman on the stand.

“Can you please bring in a monitoring bracelet for Dr. Barnes so she can be confined to Sibley Memorial…”

“Can you make that the Four Seasons here in DC?” Tony asked as he tapped the ear piece in his ear to hang up his phone call while Steve ripped your dirty jeans away from your ankle so the monitor could be attached. “My personal physician is already on the way.”

“Fine.” The judge said with a nod as she sat up in her spot. “Dr. Barnes, you are not, under any circumstances, allowed to leave your hotel room once it has been established unless it is to come to court, do you understand what I am saying?”

“Yes ma’am.” You nearly whispered as you looked up at her.

“OK then. We will reconvene in one week for trial.” The prosecutor and General Ross both shouted ‘what’ as Bucky hiked you up in his arms to carry you out, which made the judge whip toward them. “As for you? You should be ashamed of yourselves. Mutant or not, you just violated every single one of her civil liberties…”

“Bucky?” You breathed as you reached up with your metal hand and brushed your fingertips across the scruff on his cheek. “Anastasia?”

“She’s at the hotel with Pepper. We’re gunna go see her right now.”

“OK.” You said as you laid your head down on his shoulder where the Wolf finally let you fell asleep in the safety of his arms.

——

“Mama!” Ana screeched when you got out of the shower in your much nicer jail cell after your extensive check up with a doctor that worked for Stark Industries. You stumbled the slightest bit and looked over at your daughter, who toddled toward you all by herself on her impossibly more chunky legs. You stopped in the doorway and Bucky nearly ran over you from behind when you teared up and sat down on the carpet since you had missed her first steps.

“Oh, my baby girl!” You cried as tears filled your eyes when your little angel threw herself into your chest and hugged your throat tightly.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you two were showering.” Pepper said softly, but Bucky shook his head as he held his towel tightly around his waist and stepped past you.

“No, it’s OK.” He said with a glance back at the two halves of his heart. “We all just a little out of sorts right now.”

“I know what you mean.” Pepper said with a nod. “I’m gunna tell Tony to have Michael come and speak with her the day after tomorrow about the case. She needs you and Ana and she needs to eat something first.”

“And we all need some real rest.” He said as he turned a bit to watch you lay down right on the floor to play with the toys Bucky had brought with him to entertain Ana while he was in court. He could see the sheer exhaustion in your eyes as you watched Ana lay down just like you to put her hand on your cheek, and he startled the slightest when Pepper touched his shoulder.

“She’s gunna make it through this.” She said softly with a nod. “You both are. We’re all in this together, OK? And we will make it through this trial…”

“She won’t make it if she gets convicted…”

“She won’t.” Pepper reassured. “Especially after today. The jury saw her get shocked in that box, we can use that to our advantage…”

“Bucky?” You called out softly, which made him whip around toward you. You sighed heavily and looked up at him with a small shake of your head. “If I get convicted, I’m letting the Wolf out, and going to Wakanda. I won’t spend another minute of my life in a box like that again. Just get Anastasia there before I’m sentenced…”

“OK, we’ll worry about that later, doll.” He said as he walked away from Pepper and carefully laid down on Ana’s other side facing you. “Let’s just talk to the lawyer first. He has a pretty good plan for us. We’re all pretty confident anyways, OK?” You nodded your head against your arm and reached out to hold his hand as Pepper left your room for the night.

“I love you, Bucky. You and Ana are the only reasons I didn’t break out already.”

“Well you’re here now.” He said with a small smile. “I love you, (Y/N), and I will never stop doing so. No matter what happens.”

——

“Well you look much, much better than the last time I saw you, Dr. Barnes.” The judge, Stacy Benson said as she took a seat in her chair. “How are you feeling?” You glanced over at your lawyer, Michael Young, almost seeking permission to speak, before looking up at the judge with a small nod.

“Cleaner. But I’m a mother so I think I’ll forever be tired.”

“As the mother of three kids myself, I can tell you that never goes away.” She said with a small laugh as she organized the paperwork for your case. “Now, I assume you’ve had a chance to meet with your lawyer this past week?”

“Yes ma’am, I have. Thank you.”

“And you come to court today understanding all of the charges against you and are prepared for the trial against you to begin?”

“Yes ma’am, I am.” She looked up for the papers for a moment and nodded her head before glancing over at the bailiff.

“Let’s bring in the finalized jury.” You nodded your head, took a deep breath, and glanced back at Pepper, who was one of the only Avengers that wasn’t testifying which meant she was the only one allowed to hear the trial from beginning to end. She gave you a reassuring nod and reminded you to breathe and to sit up a bit more as the jury all took their seats. You turned back around and folded your hands in your lap the way your lawyer had told you so that your metal hand was ‘out of sight and out of mind’ until the ‘perfect moment’. You sat almost perfectly still and started singing the ‘Good Night Moon’ song on repeat in your head the way Bucky had suggested to try to drown out the Wolf as both lawyers started the trial with their opening arguments. 

The prosecution’s was almost stereotypical. Mr. Everett Ross kept his voice raised and his tone angry as he used big hand gestures to make his argument feel much larger than it was. But unfortunately, he was so convincing, hell, you yourself even believed for a moment that you- the normal, pre-brainwashing you was the one who committed the sixteen murders they had proof for out of the ninety-seven actual murders the Winter Wolf had done. When he was finished, even the Wolf sat back in your mind with an agitated huff.

‘Well we’re fucked.’

But then Mike stood up for his turn.

“Ladies and gentleman of the jury, this case is going to be one for the books. I have been practicing law for almost thirty years and I have never in my life seen one like this. Especially because what I am about to say is going to contradict itself completely. My client did commit these murders. She doesn’t deny it, there is plenty of evidence to support it, some of which, I’ll even be bringing up myself. But at the exact same time, my client is completely innocent. And I can prove it.

Over the next few days, you are going to hear plenty of eye witness testimony from witnesses that saw first hand what the Winter Wolf is capable of. You will see videos, and photographs the prosecution as procured to support the fact that the Wolf, which is what I will call the murderer from here on out, is the one that committed these crimes. But then it will be my turn to show you why Dr. Barnes, the woman sitting directly to my left here, is not the same person.

Please know in advance that the images, and testimony will be brutally graphic as we reveal the torture and agony Dr. Barnes went through at the hands of HYDRA from 1939 to 2014 when she was able to escape their control. And yes, my dates are correct because Dr. Barnes is a mutant, and one of her mutations is that she is not capable of dying. Which is also something else I will be able to prove as well. So while you sit here, and listen to the facts, I beg of you to keep an open mind through it all. Look at all of the facts and really see that the Winter Wolf and Dr. (Y/N) Barnes are two different entities in the same body. And prepare yourself now; like I said, this is not going to be pretty.” You looked up at him in awe as he nodded at the jury and came back around the table to sit down as Everett stood up and called his first witness. “Just remember what I said.” Mike said softly as he reached over and pat your back as an elderly man came in and sat down at the witness stand to be sworn in.

“Mr. Jones, how are you today?” Everett started with a smile.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Now Mr. Jones, can you tell me where you were on November 22nd, 1963?” Your mind instantly flashed to that day, and you knew exactly where this man was on that date.

“I was in Dallas, Texas at Dealey Plaza with my late wife to see President John F. Kennedy.”

“And where were you exactly, Mr. Jones?”

“We were sitting on the grassy knoll. I remember it like it was yesterday.”

“Now, refresh my memory.” Everett said almost sarcastically. “You were there, what happened, and what did you see?” You couldn’t stop your mind from following the man’s description as he led up to the moment the shots were fired, but from your point of view. You remembered getting off the way to advanced for its time jet, and heading through the packed streets to get to your mark. You remembered slipping into the shadows of a giant tree behind a picket fence and you could even feel the weight of your gun in your hand as you held it up and pulled the trigger. The faint hum of your daughter’s bed time song caught your attention though as it wasn’t part of the memory, and you shook your head and glanced behind you at Pepper, who simply smiled and nodded as she hummed a few more notes and stopped.

“So you saw the shooter?” Everett asked with a slight tilt of his head. “What can you tell me about her... or him.” He clarified, quickly before Mike could object.

“It was a woman.” Mr. Jones said with a small nod. “Caucasian, roughly five foot five like my wife, dark hair, wearing all black.”

“Anything else?” He asked as he oh so subtly adjusted his watch on his wrist, but Mike immediately jumped on it at the same moment you realized exactly why Tony and Bucky had insisted you wear the shirt you had on under your suit jacket.

“Objection! Leading!”

“Councilor, I will only warn you once.” Judge Benson said as she looked down at him as he raised his hands in innocence.

“Wasn’t leading...”

“She had a metal arm!” Mr. Jones said over him as if he had just remembered the award winning answer on a television game show.

“Your Honor, can you ask council to instruct his client to remove her jacket and roll up her sleeves.”

“Against my better judgement...” She started, but you had already stood up to take off your jacket anyways. The black metal stood out spectacularly against the light pink, sleeveless, backless, collared halter top button down you had on, and nearly the entire room gasped at the sight. You purposely turned around to hang your jacket on the back of your chair so that every single member of the jury could see your scars, and you went out of your way to use both hands to collect your loose hair to pull it over your right soldier so that the jury had no choice but to see what HYDRA did to you.

“A metal arm like that?” Everett asked as he turned back to the witness with a victorious smile, not realizing that every single thing he was doing was just setting himself up for failure.

“Yes, just like that.”

“No further questions.” He said with a nod as he walked back over to his table.

“Mr. Jones, you said you remember that day as if it was yesterday, correct?” Mike asked with a smile as he stood up from his spot.

“Yes, sir. I do.”

“Wonderful. So you can remember if the shooters metal arm was black or silver, correct?” You could see the subtle hesitation in Mr. Jones’ eyes as he glanced at you for a moment before looking back up at your attorney. 

“It was black. Matched her outfit.”

“And, how was the killer wearing her hair?” He continued as he leaned back against the table. “Down like it is now? Up in a pony tail? Do you recall?”

“It was...” He started as he glanced over at his lawyer, who no longer had a smile on his face. “It was pulled back. I’m not sure what the style was called back then.”

“And her outfit. I know you said it was all black, but could you describe it further?” You could see the slight panic in the witnesses eyes, before he jumped to the defensive.

“Are you calling me a liar, sir?!”

“Not at all, sir.” Mike said with a shake of his head as he turned around to grab something from the file he had sitting on the table. “Merely asking for more details. Defense exhibit one, your honor.” He said as he pulled out a stack of paper to give to the judge, to the jury, and to the witness since the prosecution had already been given the photographs. “Now Mr. Jones, would it surprise you in any way to know that up until 2018, Dr. Barnes had a silver metal arm with a giant red star on the shoulder as seen in photographs recovered from leaked HYDRA files from 1932, and 1967, photos from government files from 1974, ‘81, ‘91, ‘96... all the way to personal photos of her in Stark tower up until 2018 when it was exchanged for the current arm she has now?” He paused for a moment so that Mr. Jones had a chance to look through at least some of the photos, before continuing. “And would it also surprise you to know that the uniform she has on in those HYDRA and government photos was the official quote ‘uniform’ for the Winter Wolf, and that it never deviated?”

“Objection!” Everett snapped as he finally got to his feet. “How is he supposed to know that?”

“Just simple questions, that’s all.” Mike said as he took the photos back from the witness and walked back to the table. “No further questions.” As he sat back down at the table beside you, he put the photos back in their file before glancing over at you with a smile. “Don’t worry. I’m just getting started.” A smile pulled at the corners of your lips as Everett got up and called his second of fifteen witnesses, realizing at that moment that your lawyer was going to win this case.

Part 16

[bearbluebooks]

Chapter 4 and 5 Christmas in Velaris

“Does it hurt?” He asked. 

When she looked into his eyes she could swear there was worry in his eyes.

“Only when you touch it,” she joked.

December 6th, 8:54

A knock on the door pulled Gwyn out of her cleaning haze. Was she expecting another handyman?

One quick glance on her phone told her that wasn’t until tomorrow.

With hesitant steps she made her way to the front door. Just in case, she eyed the biggest book she could lift- they were weapons in more ways than one.

As she lifted the key chain lock she hardly had the chance to open the door before she was greeted with “I thought Feyre was joking when she said you were back.” 

Without thinking Gwyn engulfed her friend into the biggest hug. She held her so tight she almost suffocated her- as long as she held her, it was real. She was back .

And she came to see her. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her until this moment. The no bullshit, loyal Nesta Archeron. Her best friend.

News traveled fast but Nesta Archeron traveled faster.

Sometimes Velaris was just like a small town, and not the bustling city most people thought.

Right now she was glad for it. “Nesta!”

“I’ve missed you.” She whispered into the beautiful female's golden brown hair.

“What are you doing here? Are you back? For good?”

“Never mind,” she said as she removed herself from the hug.

“Tell me on Friday night, we're going out. I’m taking you and Emerie out for drinks. Maybe Cas will join. Who am I kidding he will join. But first just us girls.”

“That sounds nice, Nesta,” Gwyn chimed in.

“I’ll pick you up at six, wear something nice.”

Before she could respond Nesta was already out of the door as she said “I need to go to work but I needed to see if it was true.”

With one look back she said “it’s really nice to have you back Gwynnie.”

The old nickname squeezed her heart tight. It sent a flutter of warmth throughout her body. “It’s really nice to be back,” she said with a genuine smile. “See you on Friday.”

21:35

Fresh incense smoked in the background. Soft smells of Nag Champa filled the air, as it slowly replaced the old with the familiar. 

Lilly’s upstairs apartment was in much better shape than the shop- the ceilings held, there was no mold to be seen, and even the interior was quite nice.

All of Lilly’s furniture was a mix of cozy and kitsch. Dark green wallpaper adorned the old walls. The velvet green curtains slowly moved, as they signaled the entrance of fresh air. The ornate fireplace offered a warm fire with hypnotic crackling sounds. The large mirror on top of the fireplace showed Gwyn’s tired body on the green couch. Her legs rested gently on the chestnut coffee table. The many candles that she scattered around gave the room an even cozier ambiance. Gwyn couldn’t help the happy sigh that escaped her mouth as she planted her feet on the soft red carpet to change her position for a bit.

Happy.

Gwyn was happy. 

Mouse seemed to share the sentiment, as she purred contentedly in her lap. When she moved to grab her steaming cup of tea, her entire body ached, but somehow she felt more satisfied with life than she had in a while.

If she could get more than five hours of sleep tonight, she would be over the moon. But all the hard work in the world couldn’t help her sleep. Her amnesia followed her even to Velaris. In a desperate attempt to force her body to sleep, she already put her pajamas on, and her makeup off. 

The only thing that was left to do, was to go to bed and fall asleep. Instead of looking at the ceiling for hours and hours until the sun forcefully announced its presence.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door took her out of the in-between relaxed state she found herself in.

Again?

One look at her phone showed the time, “21:35?” she said to Mouse who looked with the same contentment as earlier.

Her heart began to beat faster and her palms began to sweat. Her mind faded to black as flashes of pounding against doors flashed before her, as if he was here again, demanding to “open up, you devil child.” 

With one shake of her head and one deep breath in she walked towards her bag on the antique hazelnut dinner table. 

“He’s not real. He’s not here. You’re safe,” she repeated quietly as she rifled through the messiness that was her life. Within seconds she found what she was looking for: the can of pepper spray.

Silent steps that came with years of making herself smaller brought her down the stairs.

With one whispered “You got this,” she swung the door open quickly- so quickly that she could take up her fighting stance without losing time. 

“Azriel?” She said in shock.

“Gwyn?” He said in even more shock.

“Is that- 

“Pepper spray?”

When she stepped out of the darkness of her shop into the dimly lit street, a sharp inhale came before a choked “What the hell happened to your face?”

One of his large hands instinctively reached for the spot on her chin where she knew a bruise bloomed in bright colors of red and purple.

This morning her limited makeup skills actually hid the bruise quite well, Nesta hadn’t even noticed.

“I fell up the stairs,” she answered honestly.

One sad smile adorned his full lips as he said, “Still clumsy I see.” 

“Does it hurt?” He asked. 

When she looked into his eyes she could swear there was worry in his eyes.

“Only when you touch it,” she joked.

With equal speed, his hand left her chin. The sudden movement left her feeling surprisingly wanting.

“What are you doing here?” She asked. 

She secretly hoped his answer would allow him to stay a little bit longer.

“I promised I’d come by,” he said.

With a smile, she remembered last night. 

“Hey, if we can’t use children to spread the Christmas spirit then who can we?”

“A question for the ages,” he replied with a smile.

Azriel’s eyes contained a silent question, are you going to let me in?

A shiver ran up her body as the cold air hit her naked feet. Even though the place was a mess, it was a lot warmer inside.

“Come in,” she said hesitantly, “But if you judge even one thing, I will send your ass back out.”

With his hands held up he walked inside.

“Not everybody can be the owner of an evil lair,” she said as she looked back with mock judgment.

“Not everybody has style, you mean,” he said with a smirk.

“Taste is subjective, and some are better than others,” she said as she walked up the stairs.

She noticed an encroaching presence behind her. Ever since she came back, he kept a distance, but now he was practically breathing in her neck. 

Then she remembered how she just told him about her feud with the stairs, and her heart warmed.

As she opened the door she looked back to warn Azriel, “Mouse is sweet but doesn’t really warm to strangers, don’t take it personally.” At least she would have an ally in her own home. It took her years for Mouse to be as comfortable with her as she was now. Years of cuddles, respecting her space, and lots and lots of treats. With no small amount of pride, she considered herself Mouse’s primary human.

Before she could even step foot into the warm living room, Mouse, the ninja cat already made her way towards the towering male that suddenly occupied a large part of the living room.

“Doesn’t seem to be a problem,” Azriel said as he pointed down to where Mouse encircled his legs.

The treacherous beast walked around Azriel’s long legs in a desperate attempt to be picked up. It took her one year until Mouse allowed her to be near her. 

Out of frustration, she whispered, “Arrogant son of a bitch.”

Did he still have that uncanny bat hearing, she wondered when he asked, “What was that?”

No backing out now, “Arrogant son of a bitch,” she repeated more confidently.

“Jealous?” he said with one corner of his mouth lifted.

“Not at all,” she lied.

21:35

Fresh incense smoked in the background. Soft smells of Nag Champa filled the air, as it slowly replaced the old with the familiar. 

Lilly’s upstairs apartment was in much better shape than the shop- the ceilings held, there was no mold to be seen, and even the interior was quite nice.

All of Lilly’s furniture was a mix of cozy and kitsch.

Dark green wallpaper adorned the old walls. The velvet green curtains slowly moved as they signaled the entrance of fresh air. The ornate fireplace offered a warm fire with hypnotic crackling sounds. The large mirror on top of the fireplace showed Gwyn’s tired body on the green couch. Her legs rested gently on the chestnut coffee table. The many candles that she scattered around gave the room an even cozier ambiance. Gwyn couldn’t help the happy sigh that escaped her mouth as she planted her feet on the soft red carpet to change her position for a bit.

Happy.

Gwyn was happy. 

Mouse seemed to share the sentiment, as she purred contentedly in her lap. When she moved to grab her steaming cup of tea, her entire body ached, but somehow she felt more satisfied with life than she had in a while.

If she could get more than five hours of sleep tonight, she would be over the moon. But all the hard work in the world couldn’t help her sleep. Her insomnia followed her even to Velaris. In a desperate attempt to force her body to sleep, she already put her pajamas on, and her makeup off. 

The only thing that was left to do was go to bed and fall asleep instead of looking at the ceiling for hours and hours until the sun forcefully announced its presence.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door took her out of the relaxed state she found herself in.

Again?

One look at her phone showed the time, “21:35?” she said to Mouse who looked at her with the same contentment as earlier.

Her heart began to beat faster and her palms began to sweat. Her mind faded to black as flashes of pounding against doors flashed before her, as if he was here again, demanding to “open up, you devil child.” 

With one shake of her head and one deep breath in she walked towards her bag on the antique hazelnut dinner table. 

“He’s not real. He’s not here. You’re safe,” she repeated quietly as she rifled through the messiness that was her life. Within seconds she found what she was looking for: the can of pepper spray.

Silent steps that came with years of making herself smaller, brought her down the stairs.

With one whispered “You got this,” she swung the door open quickly- so quickly that she could take up her fighting stance without losing time. 

“Azriel?” She said in shock as she observed the humongous figure looming in the doorway.

“Gwyn?” He said in even more shock.

“Is that- 

“Pepper spray?”

When she stepped out of the darkness of her shop and into the dimly lit street, a sharp inhale sounded before a choked “Who did that to you?”

One of his large hands instinctively reached for the spot on her chin where she knew a bruise bloomed in bright colors of red and purple.

This morning, her limited makeup skills actually hid the bruise quite well- Nesta hadn’t even noticed.

“I fell up the stairs,” she answered honestly.

One sad smile adorned his full lips as he said, “Still clumsy I see.” 

“Does it hurt?” He asked. 

When she looked into his eyes she could swear there was worry in his eyes.

“Only when you touch it,” she joked.

With equal speed, his hand left her chin. The sudden movement left her feeling surprisingly wanting.

“What are you doing here?” She asked. 

She secretly hoped his answer would allow him to stay a little bit longer.

“I promised I’d come by,” he said. “Thanks for riling up Nyx by the way.”

With a smile, she remembered last night. 

“Hey, if we can’t use children to spread the Christmas spirit then who can we?”

“A question for the ages,” he replied with a smile.

Azriel’s eyes contained a silent question, are you going to let me in?

A shiver ran up her body as the cold air hit her naked feet. Even though the place was a mess, it was a lot warmer inside.

“Come in,” she said hesitantly, “But if you judge even one thing, I will send your ass back out.”

With his hands held up he walked inside.

“Not everybody can be the owner of an evil lair,” she said as she looked back with mock judgment.

“Not everybody has style, you mean,” he said with a smirk.

“Taste is subjective, and some have more than others,” she said as she walked up the stairs.

She noticed an encroaching presence behind her. Ever since she came back, he kept a distance, but now he was practically breathing in her neck. 

Then she remembered how she just told him about her feud with the stairs and her heart warmed.

As she opened the door she looked back to warn Azriel, “Mouse is sweet but doesn’t really warm to strangers, don’t take it personally.”

It took years for Mouse to be as comfortable with her as she was now. Years of cuddles, respecting her space, and lots and lots of treats. With no small amount of pride, she considered herself Mouse’s primary human.

Before she could even step foot into the warm living room, Mouse, the ninja cat already made her way towards the towering male that suddenly occupied a large part of the living room.

“Doesn’t seem to be a problem,” Azriel said as he pointed down to where Mouse encircled his legs.

The treacherous beast walked around Azriel’s long legs in a desperate attempt to be picked up.

Out of frustration, she whispered, “Arrogant son of a bitch.”

Did he still have that uncanny bat hearing, she wondered when he asked, “What was that?”

No backing out now, “Arrogant son of a bitch,” she repeated more confidently.

“Jealous?” he said with one corner of his mouth lifted.

“Not at all,” she lied.

With confident strides he walked to the large dark red chair. As he took a seat he asked “So what’s this I hear about a Christmas competition?”

[wouldyoureallyknow]

Toxic, pt. 2

(Now also on AO3)

The question comes when he’s sitting in a Gryffindor common room.

“Are you taking anyone to the Yule Ball, Harry?”

Now, that is a one dangerous question. It’s not that it’s a suprising question - he gets something like that at least once a month (“do you have a date to Hogsmeade, Harry?” “do you have a Valentine’s date, Harry?”), and that’s only from his house, so it’s not like it’s not something that he was not expecting. It’s the fact that the answer this time might be different, perhaps for the first time in more than a year. And that’s bound to turn some heads his way.

But what else is he supposed to do?

If he says yes, then he is not getting out of the vicious cycle he is in now (and he promised, he promised he’d try) and then he’d have to follow up and that breaks so many tactics of his (because really, everyone knows there’s only one person he’d take).

If he says no, it could mean that he’s yet to simply ask; he is a busy captain-saviour, after all. It could also very easily open a lot of follow up questions that he would love to avoid.

He catches Hermione’s eye and sees worry, and hesitance, and just a bit of pity; there’s no judgement there, to his relief, but he knows there’s plenty of silent encouragement. She knows he loves Draco, she knows that Draco is no good for him, she knows exactly in how many pieces his heart is broken, and she knows he’s guarding the last shards.

She also knows that they had plenty of their good moments: the mirthful laughs, the public support, the quiet picnics, the passionate encounters, the deep soul searching and the future hopes. She knows it’s hard; she knows that he wants him and hates himself for it; she knows that he’s doing his best.

Hermione hopes he does what’s best for Harry and Harry’s peace of mind; but she will accept and be right there for him if he chooses the oblivion instead. Her eyes hold no expectations.

It’s that unhesitant support that tips the scale. She trusts him, she believes in him; she doesn’t think him a fool. The whole school probably does but not her. She knows him and she knows them. And she will always be on his side.

And that gives him the strength to open this line of inquiry.

“No,” he says calmly to a fourth year that asked (Katy something) and looks back to his book.

The common room grows quiet but Harry does not dare raise his head to check if it is because of him (denial feels too nice to turn his back on it).

“Aren’t you dating someone?” Comes an eager follow up - just as he knew it would.

If the previous one was dangerous, this one is borderline perilous.

If he says yes, then he will confirm his relationship with Draco - and confirm that he doesn’t care about the cheating. He’d also be violating tactic #5 - don’t officiate the relationship.

If he says no, then - well, that will be quite a clear message to quite a few people, won’t it?

It is perhaps one of the most reckless things he’s ever done; his heartbeat is louder in his ears than when he faced the Basilisk. But how else is he supposed to feel when he’s about to denounce the love of his life?

One could hear a pin drop in the room so his repeated “No” comes all the louder, a proverbial pin bouncing off the hard metal floor.

There’s a gasp somewhere around the fireplace and furious murmurings pick up over at the sofas. The tension mounts and the air is too excited for his taste.

It seems the girl is gearing up for some new questions when he sees Hermione glaring up at her from the corner of his eye. He lets out a half smile and closes his book.

“Library?” He says to her, nonchalant as could be, as if he didn’t just drop a bomb - a dung or a love one - in the middle of the room. As if his entire being is not shaking on the inside.

“I thought you’d never ask,” comes her teasing response.

The room picks up in noise; it’s not the same before his fateful answers. It feels it will never be the same.

As he leaves the common room, he reckons he’s simultaneously upheld and broke tactic #15 - do not encourage drama.

Well, there was no rule on creating it so.

Hm, perhaps he has to update his list.

[matchagator]

Hustlers: Unwind

From the warm winter climate of down under, to the brittle cold of the great white north. Join our jeweled trio as they seek out some long awaited tranquility and relaxation away from their male adversaries, or so they think.

*Make sure to check out previous episodes to follow the story. Let us know how you're liking the story so far by leaving a comment 😊*

{Say Hello to the long-awaited reveal of the new Hustlers banner! We could not be happier and hope you all love as much as we do.}

{Main Pairings:} Jeon Jungkook/Original Female Character, Park Jimin/Original Female Character, Kim Taehyung/Original Female Character(s)

{Rating:} 18+

{Genre:} Alternate Universe - Hustlers/ Con Artists

{Word Count:} 16k

{Warning} Sexual Content, Stealing, Mature Language, Manipulation, Angst, Spanking, Dub-Con, Sexual Harassment, and Alcohol

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

Hustlers Episode Order:

Episode 1: Sin City

Episode 2: Pink Diamond

Episode 3: Cyber Flight

Episode 4: Wine Country

Episode 5: Art Auction

Episode 6: Magic Men

Episode 7: Unwind

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

BIG FISH: Leedo

LOCATION: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

A fresh powder of glistening snow covered the terrain of the Canadian Yukon, casting the perfect, tranquil image of a winter scene with mountains looming in the distance. Emmy sat perched against a small nook bench within their rustic, yet, luxurious suite; a pleasant accommodation for their stay at the Nordic Spa. She admired the view as she sipped a cup of warm tea to keep her toasty in the winter air. Jade was replacing a log in the fireplace, the warmth of the fire veiling the space with just enough heat to make a comfortable living arrangement. 

Ruby was soundly asleep in one of the large beds, wrapped in fluffy down comforters as she recovered from their long travels after taking on a few additional hustles on the way back from Australia. It had been relatively peaceful for the feminine trio, capitalizing on a few gains without the presence of three obnoxious men always insistent on getting in their way. 

Emmy sighed happily as she took in the sights outside of the spa accommodations, admiring the change of scenery the great white north had to offer. While the past few hustles had her falling into the background, allowing her plenty of opportunities to get caught up in Jungkook and Taehyung’s presence, she relished in being able to hold her own again, taking center to their schemes. 

While this trip was mostly an opportunity for the girls to relax and recuperate before seeking out another lavish target in the great white north. Emmy smiled against the rim of her mug, sipping the earthy tea happily as she thought of all the simple ways she could manipulate and seduce said target. It would be an easy hustle and hopefully something that could distract her from her intrusive thoughts of Jungkook despite the disdain she felt towards him after their last encounter.

Even though the girls had successfully hustled a few cases after their adventures in Australia, Emmy still felt bitter about the way things ended with Jungkook. It was her own fault for getting invested emotionally when they were both just hustling each other, trying to one-up the other. The sour taste in her mouth left by his words made it that much more appealing to throw herself at their targets, finding any distraction to get over her addictive high that was Jungkook. 

 She let a long drawn-out sigh escape her lips as a loud clatter echoed from the kitchen of their small suite. Jade was currently raiding the pantry for a small frying pan, eager to cook up some pancakes to fill their hungry stomachs as they settled into their spa retreat. Emmy rolled her eyes at the eldest, giggling to herself as the brunette knocked over a few pots and pans in the process. 

“Do you need help?” Emmy called out across the small suite, watching as Jade’s eyes narrowed in her direction. 

“No.” She huffed, finally pulling out the frying pan and setting it down on the gas stove. “Whoever stacked these did a crap job.” Jade grumbled as a loud groan resonated from one of the bedrooms. 

Ruby shifted in the sheets, feeling jet-lagged as she tirelessly plucked the eye mask from over her face. “Could you be any louder?” 

Jade instantly turned toward Ruby, fighting off her bubbling irritation as she glared over to the brawn of the trio. “Do you want pancakes or not?” 

Ruby pulled a pillow over her head, grumbling as she fought to keep her slumber. “We’re here to relax. Just order room service.” She groaned, completely ignoring Jade’s response as she sunk back into the darkness beneath the sheets. 

Emmy smacked her lips at her partners as she stood from her small nook, walking towards Jade with a questioning glance. “I’ll order. Don’t you need to check on Leedo and his reservation?” Emmy had familiarized herself with Kim Leedo, learning everything she needed to know about the wealthy bachelor in order to gain another successful hustle. Not only was he fabulously wealthy, he was handsome. The perfect distraction. 

Jade took a soothing breath as she watched Emmy pick up the telephone, dialing in their room service order. She turned her attention to her laptop that was still open on the dining table as she moved to take a seat in front of the screen. She tilted her head to the side, popping the joints in her neck as she attempted to release some tension in her muscles. It didn’t take her long to pull up the resort's software, locating the reservation placed under Leedo’s name. 

 A smile graced her features as she noticed the words “checked in” labeled clearly under their accommodation. She glanced back up just in time for Emmy to hang up the phone. “He’s checked in,” Jade announced happily, pushing her laptop away as she leaned back in her chair while swinging her legs over the top of the table to relax. Her hands wrapped together behind her head as she sighed happily. “Now we just need to figure out what spa services he booked and Emmy can do her thing.” 

“Sounds easy enough.” Emmy grinned, returning to her cup of tea as she took another soul-warming sip. “As long as I have time to make it to the Japanese clay tubs, I’m happy.” She murmured happily as she found her cozy spot back amongst the cushions of the window nook. Nothing was going to stand in her way of some much-needed relaxation and she was going to make sure of it. 

—

As the brittle air whipped around the guests gathered outside of the organically heated pools, Ruby and Emmy strolled their way through the natural rock formations of the hot springs. Steam cast a fog of ambiance around them as the cool air mixed with the heat of the water, aiding in warming the atmosphere. The girls had on their sexiest swimwear, desperately searching for Kim Leedo through the boujie guests lounging in the springs. Thankfully, they each had on a luscious winter coat to help keep them bundled from the breeze until they located their target. 

“No sign of him yet.” Ruby mumbled under her breath, her eyes skillfully scanning the pockets of pools throughout the rocks and patio in an attempt to locate him. Emmy silently did the same, casting her eye beyond at another section of pools as she caught a glimpse of a few more patrons relaxing about. 

“Let’s check up there.” She casually spoke to Ruby, nodding politely at a few wealthy guests enjoying their amenities as they passed by. Ruby closed her eyes as a sharp wind blew by, causing a deep-rooted shiver to course through her bones. 

Emmy noticed Ruby’s reaction, giggling quietly at her friend's torture. While Jade was the oldest of the group, Ruby and Emmy weren’t too far in age. They often ganged up on Jade, taking each other’s sides as they teased the eldest. Emmy relished the opportunity to finally mess with Ruby a little. “What’s wrong? Canada’s too cold for you?” Emmy’s tone mimicked that of a small child, causing Ruby’s features to morph into a stare of annoyance. 

“Damn right. I should be at the spa or on the beach sipping a cocktail right now.” Ruby grumbled as she wrapped her arms around her torso. The great white north wasn’t exactly her choice of vacation. Thankfully, there came promises of exhilarating spa treatments and clay tubs that she could soak in to revitalize herself from their latest jobs. 

Emmy rolled her eyes, laughing at the brawn of their group. “You’ll be in the water enjoying the heat in no time.” 

Ruby huffed at the thought, knowing she wasn’t planning on staying out in the community pools for very long. “Once we find this prick, I’m ditching you for the clay tubs.” She shamelessly admitted, to which Emmy simply shook her head.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have him wrapped around my finger in no time.” Emmy beamed, eager for a new man to dig her claws into. She needed a distraction and she fully intended to indulge in it to thieve him of his money all while relaxing and enjoying her time. 

Ruby laughed sarcastically as she nudged Emmy to glance over toward a new set of springs. “Yeah, if we can find him first.”

While the youngest of the group ventured out into the cold, Jade found herself looking around the receptionist's desk at the entrance of the spa. Her eyes scanned over the various signs displaying their services as she quietly plucked a pamphlet from its holder to properly investigate the spa and its offerings. “May I help you with anything?” A dainty brunette at the counter offered the brains of the group her largest customer service smile. 

Jade instantly shrunk behind the pamphlet, shyly observing the spa’s offerings as her eyes found one of the mud masks. “How much is the Arctic mud package?” Her eyes flickered back up to the brunette, watching her smile remain just as plastered to her face as before. 

The hostess tapped away on an iPad, pulling up the various packages offered to their guests. Just as she was turning the device toward Jade, the sound of a phone ringing from the back office echoed through the reception room. Her smile faltered at the noise as she placed the tablet down in front of Jade, resting on top of the counter. “Take a look at the pricing.” She offered as she turned her attention toward the back. “I’ll be back in a minute, excuse me.” 

Jade lowered her pamphlet, closing it as she reached for the tablet as if pretending to be interested in booking herself a service. Once the receptionist disappeared in the back, Jade quickly manipulated the software of the tablet, attempting to locate the spa's internal information system to figure out when Leedo’s services would take place.

Unfortunately for her, the employee wasn’t logged into the tablet, and hacking the system would add more time to her task. Her eyes flickered up to the desktop computer on the opposite side of the desk. Jade frantically looked to see if anyone else was around, thankful to find an empty building since everyone was outside enjoying the amenities. She set the iPad down, pressing her palms against the countertop as she gently lifted herself up to glance over at the screen. 

Thankfully, the employee was already logged in with the appointment booking already pulled up for reference. “Perfect.” Jade beamed as she took another glance around before swiftly maneuvering herself around the counter toward the desktop computer. She quickly moved the mouse, typing away to insert Leedo’s information as his reservation pulled up on the screen. 

Jade couldn’t fight the smile from pulling on her features as she pulled out her cell phone, snapping a picture before quickly resetting the screen just as she found it. Of course, she made sure to skillfully remove any history of digital footprints from her search before hearing rustling coming from the back office. 

Jade quickly moved back around the desk, snatching the pamphlet from the countertop as she felt herself collide with what she could only presume to be a body. “I’m so sorry.” She babbled as she turned around, only for her heart to sink to her stomach at the sight of a familiar, yet, handsome man standing behind her. 

Jimin’s lips were stretched into a sly smile as he plucked the pamphlet from her hand. Jade's jaw practically dropped open, stunned to see him here in all places, especially after a few cases being clear of the mischievous male trio. “What do we have here?” Jimin’s voice was like a spell, soft and alluring as he leaned into her to whisper in her ear. “Caught red-handed, love.” 

Jade went to protest but was interrupted by the return of the employee who was walking back from the office. “Did you find anything you’d like?” She asked calmly toward Jade before flashing a genuine smile at Jimin as she admired the new guest. 

Jade rolled her eyes, quickly catching onto the employee’s attraction to their rival as she grabbed her pamphlet back from Jimin. “I’m going to think it over some more.” Jade flashed a wild threatening stare in Jimin’s direction before softening her eyes to turn back toward the woman. “I can call to book from my suite, right?” She added as the woman nodded at her inquiry, clearly distracted by Jimin. 

“Wonderful.” Jade couldn’t hide the slight bite in her tone as she turned to walk past Jimin. She practically gasped when he grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks before giving her a cocky grin. 

“We’ll be watching you.” His voice dipped in octaves as his voice hummed low enough for just her ears to comprehend. 

She offered him a sarcastic smile, pulling herself away from his grip as her eyes pierced into him. “I look forward to it.” She snapped under her breath before walking off toward the pools to seek out Ruby and Emmy. While she was eager to tell them about Leedo’s planned activities, she was also eager to warn them about the looming presence of their rivals. 

—

Out by the main hot springs, Emmy and Ruby continued their search through the various streams of pools flowing into each other through the natural formations of the rocks. Little to their knowledge, they weren’t aware of the pair of eyes stalking them from the highest pool, overlooking the cascading springs into each section. 

Jungkook and Taehyung were casually sprawled about the rocks, the heat from the water causing the stone to warm their bodies perfectly in contrast to the frosty air. Jungkook and Taehyung were both wearing nothing but a pair of swim trunks, their torsos bare to the world as their coats rested on the rocks beside them. 

“What’s so special about this prick?” Taehyung whined, a pout pulling at his bottom lip as he stretched out beside Jungkook, his body tensing up from an incoming breeze as he groaned from the elements. 

Jungkook sat up, placing his elbows against his knees as he stalked the sight of Leedo casually soaking in the springs as his back was pressed against the rocks. “He’s loaded.” Jungkook added, his eyes shifting at the sight of movement walking towards Leedo’s pool. To his surprise, he found his favorite female criminal strutting up the steps, Emmy’s eyes sharply focusing on Leedo as Jungkook’s interest suddenly piqued. 

He pulled his lower lip into his mouth, nibbling on the metal of his lip piercing as his eyes drank in the sight of her toned body sporting a dangerously attractive bikini that he could barely make out beneath the coat draped across her shoulders. Jungkook moved his hand to smack against Taehyung’s side, keeping his eyes glued to Emmy as Ruby came into view behind her. “Look alive. We have company.” 

Taehyung groaned at Jungkook’s rough action, rubbing his side as he pushed himself up to see what was worth interrupting his relaxation. To his amusement, he followed Jungkook’s stare to find Emmy and Ruby both looking stunning against the elements as they stopped to converse with each other. 

“Ah, our klepto Barbie is here,” Taehyung commented through a smirk, stirring an uncomfortable sensation in Jungkook’s stomach as Taehyung referred to Emmy as theirs. He knew he was trying to keep space between them given they were natural enemies in their field of work, but it didn’t prevent his jealousy from igniting as Taehyung gawked at their appearance. “And the drunk too? What a treat.” Taehyung hummed happily as he adjusted himself to have a better view. 

Jungkook chewed at the inside of his cheek, fighting off his urge to make any comments as he watched Emmy strip herself of her coat, reviewing just how attractive her body looked in her swimwear. Jungkook couldn’t help but let his mind fall into the temptation of dwelling on thoughts of their previous encounters. Why did she have to be so fucking alluring? “Damn.” Taehyung ‘s voice sliced through his concentration, causing him to narrow his eyes in his partner's direction. “What?”

“Don’t forget, they're here for him.” Jungkook quickly commented, letting his jealousy simmer down as he watched Emmy sit on the edge of the stone patio, letting her feet dip into the heat of the water. 

 Taehyung clicked his tongue in annoyance as Jungkook’s attention remained on their target and the infiltrating beauties. “Well…” Taehyung pushed himself up from the rocks, reaching for his coat as he quickly covered his body from the elements. “I take it you can handle keeping an eye on those two?” Taehyung teased as he slipped his feet into some of the spa's complimentary slippers.

“And where are you going?” Jungkook protested, his eyebrows scrunching as he turned his attention to his partner. 

“To relax.” Taehyung flashed a confident grin as he started walking off. “Don’t enjoy yourself too much.” He called back, leaving Jungkook to fend for himself as he disappeared down the path away from the springs. 

Meanwhile, Emmy and Ruby sat on the opposite end of the pool, completely oblivious to Jungkook’s presence given their focus was merely on Leedo. Emmy let out a small moan of pleasure as her skin touched the warmth of the spring, letting her legs swirl in the water as Ruby stood behind her. 

“It’s too cold out here,” Ruby complained, glancing back in Leedo’s direction to see that he was casually scrolling through his phone while enjoying the relaxation of the water. “You can handle this, can’t you?” Ruby practically begged, desperately fighting off her uncontrollable shivers. 

Emmy giggled to herself, placing her hands on the edge of the pool as she stared up at the brawn of their trio. “Please, this is nothing.” 

Ruby’s features seemed relieved as she pulled a key card from her coat to slip it into Emmy’s that was hanging off one of the loungers. “Then I’m outta here.” She offered Emmy another look of gratitude as she glanced back over at Leedo. “If you need me, I’ll be at the clay tubs defrosting my fucking body.” 

Before Emmy could get in another word, Ruby was already sprinting back down the path, eager to escape the cold. Emmy could only shake her head in laughter as she slowly dipped her body into the pool, letting the warmth encompass her limbs. She sighed happily, her eyes shifting back towards Leedo, happy to see him glancing up from his phone. 

Emmy took this as her opportunity, carefully bringing her arms up to pull the hair tie from around her strands to let her hair cascade down onto her shoulders. She swiftly swayed her head back and forth until her tresses were attractively shaping her features. Leedo seemed intrigued as he closed his phone and set it down against the rocks behind him, reaching his arms out to rest against the rocks as he took in the sight of the mysterious beauty who joined the spring. 

There wasn’t another body in the water beside the two, casting an alluring environment for the pair. The heat caused Emmy’s fair complexion to instantly flush red, almost as if she was purposefully trying to bewitch him with the rosy coloration of her cheeks. She finally glanced back in his direction, offering him a flirtatious smile as she brought her hand up to push her hair back behind her ear. 

Leedo was a very handsome man. His body was a clear display of his athleticism as his muscles sculpted his body wonderfully. He was easy on the eyes, his features devilishly accentuating his charms. Honestly, it was surprising that he was visiting a place like this on his own without a blonde or two on his side. 

It didn’t take long for Emmy to notice Leedo smiling back at her, nodding his head in his direction as if welcoming her to join him. Emmy paused for a moment, contemplating the offer as if playing hard to get, glancing back in the direction that Ruby had just disappeared in. She bit her lip gently, glancing back at him only to see his eyes become wildly playful. 

She smiled bashfully as she walked her way through the water, feeling her confidence course through her body. The closer she stepped to their target, the more handsome he became, causing her the smirk to herself at the thought of having a nice distraction to play with while making their hustle. “What’s a handsome gentleman such as yourself doing out here alone?” She asked, batting her eyelashes and offering Leedo her most captivating smile. 

She felt her heart swell with pride as his facial expression so easily exposed his attraction to her, reminding her of the high she felt each time her self-esteem was boosted by their targets. It was good to be back in her usual role. Leedo blatantly looked her up and down, his irises sparkling with his intentions. “I could ask the same thing of you.” He grinned as he extended a hand. “Leedo, pleasure to meet you, Miss…?” 

“Emerald.” She answered simply, holding out her hand to accept his kind greeting. “The pleasure is all mine.” 

While Emmy became cozy in the warmth of the spring beside Leedo, Jungkook maintained his distance as he watched the scene play out. Something didn’t sit right with Jungkook, the constant pull of his stomach was different from the previous times he watched Emmy hustle their targets. He narrowed his stare, leaning forward as he pressed his hands together in thought, focusing on the brunette's efforts to seduce the young billionaire. 

Jungkook noticed each flip of her hair, each strategic flutter of her eyelashes as Leedo easily fell into her trap like a moth to a flame. These were her tricks, things Jungkook witnessed from her numerous times before. Somehow, this time felt different. Maybe it was the way Leedo so quickly indulged in her delusions, or maybe the uncomfortable feeling slowly caused Jungkook to question his own game. He had nothing appealing compared to her looks. He would need to distract her if he and his partners had any hope of getting near their target. Especially seeing how dumbstruck he seemed over the imposter of a woman batting her eyes in his direction. 

With a stroke of luck, a distant chime caused Jungkook’s focus to break, readjusting to the sight of Leedo quickly reaching for his phone. The message seemed to rip him away from Emmy’s venomous stare like a charm, offering Jungkook the perfect opportunity to swoop in himself. 

Jungkook slowly crawled down the rocks, letting his legs dip into the heat of the springs as his bare torso was suddenly soothed from the cold air. He watched Leedo turn his attention back toward Emmy, offering her a haste goodbye with the promise of meeting up with her at a later date. Emmy’s lips pulled into a playful and flirty pout as she watched Leedo collect his things before both of them seemed to exchange a silent glance, eager for their next rendezvous. 

Jungkook slowly pushed his way through the water, creeping up behind his newly acquired target as he leaned closer to whisper in her ear from behind. “Moving on so quickly?” His voice was paired with a cocky grin as Emmy whipped around to find Jungkook handsomely displayed before her with his tattoo sleeve gloriously displayed. “And here I thought we could finish what we started?”

It took a moment for Emmy to fully register that the man she had so desperately been trying to escape was now standing in front of her, glistening from the water droplets collected on his toned abdomen. Once she finally managed to pull herself together, she turned her attention to the smug look on his face as he shamelessly stepped closer. “Surprised to see me, baby girl?” He teased, flicking his tongue against his lip piercing. “It’s been a while.”

The reality was, it had been a while. The girls managed to go off on their own and successfully conduct a few hustles in peace, avoiding the trio of misfits until this very moment. “Fuck off.” Emmy groaned, rolling her eyes as she casually took a step back toward the edge of the naturally formed pool. 

Jungkook took her hostility as an invitation, smoothly maneuvering himself to trap her between his arms as he caged her against the edge of the pool. “You know, you’d be far better off chasing a real man.” 

Emmy sucked in a breath, feeling her body shiver at the forced proximity Jungkook was placing her under. She didn’t know if it was the combination of the heat and the cold swirling around her or if it was the alluring pull Jungkook still seemed to hold against her. “A real man?” She practically laughed at the thought, letting her anger toward him fuel her response. 

Jungkook pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, feeling himself naturally lean closer as his eyes stalked the prey trapped within his reach. “Yeah, one who can fuck you just right.” He added, the tone of his voice dipping deeper as the corners of his mouth pulled into a smug grin. “Someone…like…me.” 

With each word, he leaned in closer, hovering his lips near Emmy’s as she instinctively pushed against his chest to keep him at bay. Her hands were instantly warmed by the heat of his bare chest, causing her to bite the inside of her cheek in an attempt to keep herself from falling for the same tricks that got her in this mess. 

“Please.” She scoffed, pressing harder against him as she tried to move past him. “I’d prefer my chances with Leedo.” She grit her teeth, her eyes shifting up to find Jade walking out towards the springs. 

Jungkook released a hand from the stone, grabbing Emmy’s arm as he turned her back toward him. “He’ll see right through your tricks, baby girl.” 

Emmy froze at the words, clenching her jaw as she fought the influx of words threatening to escape the barrier of her lips. Jungkook wasn’t worth her getting so upset. He was their enemy, why would she allow herself to be so bothered by the things he says or does? “I said fuck off, remember?” She called back, refusing to turn and face him again as she made her way out of the water, seeking her towel and coat to warm her tightening muscles as she was met with another chilly wind. 

She fought the urge to look back, choosing to focus on Jade as she hastily made her way closer to the main building. Jade turned the corner, spotting Emmy moving toward her quickly as the youngest pulled her inside the building to enjoy the central heating. “Emmy, I just ran into…”

“Let me guess, the three stooges?” Emmy’s features were etched with irritation as Jade placed together that her partner must have also had an encounter with the annoying trio. 

—

While Emmy and Jade handled all of the various elements of their current hustle, Ruby utilized the opportunity to venture off on her own, trying to make the best of her time in the frigid north. She took her time exploring the facilities surrounding the infamous hot springs, finally approaching a path that would lead her down to the Japanese clay tubs. After freezing her ass off for the majority of this trip so far, she figured warming herself in a mineral-rich tub would do the trick in soothing her tired muscles. 

She groaned as the wind tunneled through the buildings, causing her promenade down the path to be quite unpleasant as she pushed through the tension of her limbs from the chill that overcame her body. “I fucking hate this place.” She snipped at herself, knowing the spa was probably one of the nicest she’d been to in a while, however, the temperature was dampening her mood. 

Ruby instantly smiled once the clay tubs came into view, ready to douse herself in the warmth of the water. She approached one of the tubs, noticing a family occupying it to half of its capacity, deciding to walk down a little further in hopes of finding one that would be free of other spagoers. She continued down past some of the winter foliage, noticing another tub down the way with a few patrons, causing her to click her tongue in annoyance. She knew there was another as she moved passed the second, desperate to escape the cold. 

Thankfully, upon venturing down a little further, she noticed another tub hidden within a few low pine trees, the tub was almost completely empty except for a single person resting on the opposite end. Ruby’s body was shivering at this point that she figured sharing with someone would be her only option as she set her towel and coat down, slipping her warm slippers off as she rapidly darted towards the steps leading into the relatively small tub. 

She couldn’t help the moan of satisfaction as she stepped into the warm water, her body instantly soothed from the elements as she sunk into the vacant end of the tub, sitting down against the edge till the water was covering her body up to her shoulders. 

While she was concerned about quickly entering the tub, she failed to realize that Taehyung was the other occupant resting on the opposite end of the clay pool. His relaxed expression instantly turned cold as he opened his eyes to inquire about the sudden noise, feeling irritation bubble in his chest. “Well, if it isn’t the alcoholic,” He spoke coldly, sitting up as Ruby came to the realization of who was sitting across from her. “You’re gonna have to piss off and find somewhere else to relax. I was here first.”

Despite the tranquility Ruby felt from being encased in a blanket of warmth, her body tensed up as her eyes pierced through Taehyung. “Fuck no.” Ruby snapped, feeling irritation bubble over from having to once again deal with the male trio of idiots. “What the hell are you even doing here?” She seethed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest to conceal her body lusciously displayed in her swim attire. “I’m starting to think you’re stalking us or some shit.”

Taehyung’s jaw tensed as he bit down, tilting his head to the side as he purposely stretched his legs out, bumping into her in the process. “I’m here to enjoy these Japanese clay tubs, something I clearly can’t do with a woman who can’t shut the fuck up for two damn minutes.” His voice softened, a tone of amusement echoing in his every syllable as Ruby practically spat at his presence bumping into her. 

“You’re welcome to leave.” Ruby hissed with a false smile, gesturing towards the exit of the tub. “It would be far more relaxing without all of your toxic masculinity.” 

Taehyung pushed off the edge of the tub, moving closer to Ruby until he pressed his arm on the edge of the hardened clay beside her head. “Like I said, sweetheart.” His voice dipped into a lower register as he leaned in closer to her. “I was here first, so you can either leave…or it looks like you’re stuck with me.” 

His last words were spoken in a seductive tone, his lips tugging into a mischievous smirk the moment Ruby smacked her lips in disgust and annoyance. He relished in the fact that this was torture for her, and he fully intended on making this the worst relaxation of her life. 

Ruby debated her options, deciding that staying there wasn’t worth an ounce of her time. She sent him a threatening glare as she stood up to get out of the tub, instantly met with the brutal bite of the cold whipping around her. She glanced back at her towel and coat, feeling like every step to retrieve her items would be agonizing in this weather. 

A long drawn-out groan escaped her lips as she sat back down in the water, admitting her defeat. “What’s wrong? Can’t handle the cold?” Taehyung teased as he moved even closer to her. “What about the heat? Can you handle that?” 

Ruby instantly pressed the sole of her foot against him as she extended her leg to push him away from her, her features morphed into annoyance and disgust. “I’m gonna tell you how this is gonna go.” She watched as he fell back against the opposite end of the tub, amused by her actions. “You’re gonna stay on that side with your mouth shut.” She continued as she offered him a serious glare. “And if you don’t, you’ll be searching for your dick at the bottom of this tub. Got it?” 

Taehyung brought his arms out of the water, resting them on the edge of the tub as he intently scanned Ruby’s expression for any signs of being able to crack her down. Once noticing her level of agitation, he decided to simply back off, laughing under his breath as he leaned his head back to rest his eyes. “Ah, so you’re the bitch of the group.” He teased just a little further, peaking an eye open to see the fire blazing behind her pupils. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll go easy on you.” 

Ruby watched him close his eyes again as he silently enjoyed the beneficial waters of the clay tubs, leaving her with no other option but to do the same. She let out a huff of frustration before wrapping her arms back around her chest to comfort herself as she leaned her head back, keeping every inch of her body underwater that didn’t need to be out to breathe. 

—

The Nordic Hot Springs offered a variety of amenities that allowed its guests to relax and enjoy the tranquility of all its splendor. Emmy was more than happy to partake in one of the designated relaxation rooms, hoping to decompress from her encounter with the infuriating swine she knew as JK. With a towel rolled up under her arm, she shuffled into the  Hibernation Relax Room, peering around at the calming atmosphere. 

The room was sizeable to accommodate ample walking space between a few large and curved lounges. Her sandals scuffed lightly against the sand tiles that nearly covered the entire room apart from the navy-colored structures. The room had no light other than the natural sunlight warping off the glass block windows and the magenta LED luminescence accentuating the lounges and storage areas. 

She hesitated when she noticed the only available spots were built to accommodate more than one person. She sighed defeatedly, deciding that the extra space would have to do, and prayed that no one tried to give her any trouble for taking the larger lounge. She walked to the side closest to the entrance, placing her towel on the dark tiles away from the gentleman with large headphones practically snoring in the lounge beside her. 

Once the cotton was spread evenly over the surface, she gently rested her body along the warm but firm structure to get comfortable. She shifted around, adjusting her posture on the chair, and felt her muscles instantly loosen from the heat radiating from beneath her. She exhaled deeply, nearly sinking into the tiles as the warmth cradled her into tranquility. She savored the moment just a little longer before deciding to retrieve her earbuds from her case, hoping some music would enhance her experience. 

The white noise of the room disappeared as the devices were plugged into her ears, waiting patiently for her to make a selection to match the mood.  She pursed her lips together, her eyes scanning the plethora of playlists on her mobile device until finally, she found a variety of soundscapes that would ease her mind, and wash all thoughts of Jungkook down the babbling brooks. She rested her crown back on the tile, allowing herself to close her eyes and drift with the soft trickling droplets singing in her ears. 

Emmy could swear she died and gone to heaven as tension was pulled from her body the further she sunk into the fabric of her towel. She inhaled and exhaled, deeply and slowly. Her mind seemed to be floating towards the clouds as her body rested to where she could feel nothing, and she knew that there was very little that could disturb her at that moment. 

She intently listened to the sounds of water, traveling from simple droplets before soon turning into a cascade. Emmy felt a shift in the air, but readjusted her muscles, letting her joints softly pop with the movement. She hummed happily as the ambiance returned, hearing her voice vibrate over the waterfall roaring in her ears. The lighting in the room seemed to flicker from behind her eyelids, a shadow shrouding the natural light from coming into the windows. She decided to ignore it, figuring it was one of the other patrons she spotted within the space when she arrived. It wasn’t until a draft brushed over her side that she opened an eye to peak at the disruption. 

Before she could see their face, a built figure plopped down beside her on the double lounge after casting their towel on the surface. She sat up sharply ready to give them a piece of her mind when she realized who the culprit was. With an aggravated groan, Emmy ripped an earbud out to hear his sorry excuses. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Jungkook couldn’t keep the childish grin from his face as he settled comfortably beside her. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Emmy turned her body, squaring off in his direction as she addressed him again. “Why are you on my lounge?” She snapped, taking the earbud out to put it away for a quick escape from the insufferable Casanova. 

Jungkook looked around, playing the ultimate dumb card and acting as if he was entirely confused. “Well, why else would you need so much space, baby girl?”

Emmy tossed her head back, groaning in the back of her throat. “Ugh, it was the only one available,” She huffed through her nostrils, determination plastered over her features. She firmly placed her hands against his bicep, pushing him away with all her strength. “Now, get off.”

Jungkook chuckled, amused by her efforts as he continued to sit like a boulder. He grabbed a hold of her wrists, pushing her hands away from his body as he loomed over her. “Oh, I get it…you’re hoping that Leedo guy might come in and make his move.”

Emmy rolled her eyes, pulling her wrists out of his grip and swatting him away from her proximity. “No, I’m here to…” She paused, realizing that she was about to humor his need for attention by admitting that she was trying to get him out of her head. 

He waited, a smirk crawling over his lips as he noticed her hesitation to continue her response. “Ah, now I see. I bothered you that much, huh?” He curled his body on the lounge, supporting his head with his palm as he grinned mischievously back at her. 

It took everything in her not to slap him clear across the face and storm right out. Of course, he did, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. “You bother me the same way any other pain in the ass would, so don’t flatter yourself.”

Jungkook blatantly raked her figure with his gaze, unashamed when he suddenly felt parched after admiring the most succulent fruit he’d ever indulged in. She watched his tongue swipe across his bottom lip, flicking against his lip piercing as she decided she needed to retreat before he tried pulling her back into his trap. She sat up, gathering her phone and headphone case as Jungkook quickly thought of a way to keep her distracted.

Before she moved off the lounge, Jungkook crawled over her lap and successfully pushed her back down. The shape of the structure allowed him to push her further up the surface as her thighs rested over top of his. Emmy was stunned by how quickly he seemed to disable her ability to move, frantically looking around at the other people in the room. “Are you out of your mind?” She whispered harshly, avoiding bringing too much attention to themselves. 

Jungkook smiled in that knowing and seductive way, unapologetic for his actions that kept her right where he wanted her. He rested his palms against the warmed tile, caging her beneath him as he leaned in close. Emmy’s hands shot out to push him away, but his determination was relentless. “You came to relax, right? So why don’t I help you really relax?” He slipped one hand over her side, grazing over her curves before gripping the soft flesh of her hip.

Emmy squirmed under his touch, unable to get any leverage from her position as she was supported by his lap. She grunted in aggravation, pulling his hand from her body as she tried to wiggle away from him. “Why don’t you fuck off like I’ve already told you?” Jungkook’s palm smacked down by the side of her head again, keeping her from slipping out of his hold. 

Jungkook could feel his patience wearing thin. She was usually difficult, but her defenses were at an all-time high. Watching Taehyung and Leedo had already started an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach, but the extra effort in avoiding him left a bad taste in his mouth. His rationality was slipping and frustration was fueling his instincts. “You’re not special, sweetheart.”

Emmy froze, the venom in his tone striking through her veins as she digested his words. She blinked, slowly feeling herself come back from the shock of his rude comment. “Excuse me?” Her response was less than friendly.

Jungkook felt his pride soar when he watched her reaction to his remark. He knew she secretly craved validation and praise, it was one of the first things he noticed about her. He also knew she’d recognize the term of endearment used by his partner, the very same one she so easily slept with after repeatedly having dalliances with himself. “You heard me,” He challenged her, leveling his stare with her own as he completely invaded her senses until their noses brushed together. “Just another little gold digger, aren’t you? Stringing men along until you get what you want?”

“Is that what you think? I’m stringing you along? Ha!” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she leaned up to bump his nose with her own. “What would I possibly want from you?” She spat, her blood speeding through her system until her body buzzed with anger. She was already set off by his original statement, but he continued to strike nerve after nerve with each passing second. 

Jungkook tilted his head while moving away from her, that infuriating smirk making a comeback. “Why don’t you tell me since apparently you can’t stop thinking about me?” 

“From the moment you’re out of my sight, you don’t even exist to me, JK.” Emmy hissed, taking the opportunity to throw her leg over his lap and get away. Jungkook watched her scurry from the lounge, pushing his tongue against his cheek.

He paused, a thought crossing his mind as he moved to chase her. “Clearly, you’re finished with V and it’s obvious what you want from a guy like Leedo…” Emmy whipped around, glaring at him as he followed her. 

Her arms were crossed over her chest, pressing the flesh together for Jungkook’s viewing pleasure. “A guy like Leedo?” She wondered.

They were stopped just at the entrance of the Hibernation room when Jungkook leaned his arm against the threshold as he hovered over Emmy. “Oh come on, you think he’s just here to enjoy the spa?” Jungkook laughed at the notion. “No, he’s here for two reasons: one to flaunt his wealth and two to fuck around.”

Emmy hummed with amusement, “I guess it’s true what they say, takes one to know one.”

“And I bet you’re not the only girl he’s talking to.” Jungkook seemed proud of himself, spotting that Leedo was just another pompous rich boy out to throw some dough around to look like a hot shot since he had no other accomplishments. “Come on, forget chasing him, and let’s have some real fun.“ He moved to trace his fingertips up her arm, dropping his eyes low before trying to entice her with the hooded appearance.

Despite how handsome he looked, Emmy was still scorned by his comment and almost appalled that he thought he could just sweep it under the rug. She pulled his hand from her body, dropping it away from her like a piece of trash as she looked at him smugly. “Well, I wouldn’t want to keep stringing you along so I think I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want to damage your ego more than I have.” She turned on her heel, pushing against the door to escape Jungkook before he thought of another way to distract her from the mission. 

The second she broke through the door, she felt like she could breathe again. The cold air rushed over her warm flesh, sizzling out the rapid racing of her heart after fighting the urge to prove her worth to Jungkook. She hated that he crawled under her skin so easily, especially after hearing him call her sweetheart. She never imagined that him using such a common endearment would make her feel so insignificant. 

She glanced over her shoulder as she continued distancing herself from Jungkook, noticing him slowly walking out of the room. She snapped her head forward, making sure to disappear around the corner of another building to avoid any more interactions with him. Without the piercing feeling of his eyes on her, she felt more at ease and was ready to refocus her attention on the mission. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as she spotted Leedo standing along the rocks overlooking the forest. 

She walked quietly in his direction, adjusting her posture to become more relaxed and allowing her hips to swing with every step. She noticed that he seemed to be on the phone, but his gaze swiftly ran over her figure, causing him to pause in his conversation. As she approached, he seemed to shake himself out of the daydream playing in his head before he quickly said something into the phone and closed it. 

“Hey there handsome.” Emmy greeted, pulling her hair over her shoulder and gently twirling it with her finger. 

Leedo’s smile was all too inviting as he stepped closer to her, his eyes feasting upon the shape of her frame. “I was hoping to run into you again.”

Emmy feigned surprise, coyishly blinking up at him. “Oh?”

Leedo was eating out of the palm of her hand, admiring the innocent expressions on her face as if waiting for him to charm the pants off her. “Well, yeah. It’d be a shame for such a pretty girl to spend her time alone. I wanted to keep you company.”

Emmy internally cringed at his tactics for flirting, but she bit the inside of her cheeks as she continued to smile. “Well, you know what would be really great? Maybe a nice candlelight dinner?” Any man knows that a romantic dinner is the way to take a girl to bed, which would give Emmy the opportunity to swipe his wallet. 

Leedo grinned, picking up on her hint for a good time, but just as quickly he winced. “Aw, damn. You know what? I completely forgot I already have dinner plans.” He seemed frustrated with himself, realizing that he might not get the evening he was planning with the brunette. 

Emmy tilted her head, wondering why he had predetermined dinner plans during his time at the hot springs. Her brows were furrowed together, “With who?”

Leedo’s eyes widened, not expecting her to ask that question and seeing the small pout on her lips. “Oh, just an investor.” Emmy’s features did not soften as she curled her brow over her forehead, wondering why he would meet with an investor at a resort in the mountains. Before she could dwell any further on the subject, Leedo grabbed her hand gently, resting it in his large palm. “Maybe after we can meet somewhere?” His voice was hopeful.

Despite the numerous red flags waving in her face, Emmy continued with the seductive facade, “I would love to.” She bit her lip as Leedo grinned, feeling suddenly nervous as Jungkook’s remark about the type of guy Leedo was replayed in her head. While ultimately she didn’t care, it bothered her to know Jungkook had leverage over her and might gain the audacity to say “I told you so.” She shook him from her mind, setting up her new plan of action to take advantage of Leedo during their after-dinner rendezvous.

—

After an afternoon of hacking the Nordic spa’s clientele profiles, Jade was finally able to track Leedo’s reservations for an appointment for a Swedish massage the following day. She felt pride seeping through her limbs as she informed Emmy and Ruby of his whereabouts and how she would be the only person fit to handle this part of the hustle. 

Jade had a vast knowledge of random skills, something she easily picked up over her youth which allowed her to be the perfect brain of their operations. Tomorrow, she would pose as Leedo’s masseuse while tonight was dedicated to her enjoying some of the amenities that Emmy and Ruby have had plenty of time to enjoy. 

The eldest of the trio happily hummed to herself as she strolled through the main facilities, passing the saunas as she sought out one of the themed steam rooms. Through her extensive knowledge of the spa and its services, she discovered a lunar steam room that offered a pleasant benefit of infusing the steam with eucalyptus for the ultimate relaxation. Jade knew that this amenity was a popular one, waiting till the dinner hours of the evening to enjoy it in hopes of getting the entirety of the room to herself.

She shuffled through the back hallways, finally reaching a locker room designated for the lunar steam room. She hung the fluffy robe onto one of the hooks near the closest locker to the small door leading into the darkened room. She took a soothing breath, enjoying the cool air before her body would sweat out all of the built-up toxins invading her pores. 

Jade swiftly moved to pull open the door leading to the steam room, turning the dial on the wall to activate the steam as she walked through a thin-tiled hallway leading to another door that revealed a small dark-tiled room with two benches facing each other. The room had blue fluorescent lighting lining the edges of the floor and ceiling. It cast the perfect tranquil environment as the soothing fragrance of eucalyptus invaded her nostrils. 

She took a deep breath, relishing in the sensation of feeling her sinuses become uncongested alongside the clean aroma. She was pleasantly surprised to see that the room was completely abandoned, allowing her to pick her spot, and settle for the back corner near one of the steam ducts. She sat upon the warm tile, feeling her body relax as she leaned back against the wall, letting her limbs soften from the comfort of the steam. 

Jade utilized the opportunity to let any pent-up emotions escape her mind as she enjoyed a moment alone without her two youngest intruding on her life. While she loved her friends and partners, she also needed an occasional break from their constant teasing and pestering. 

After a few minutes of solitude and tranquility, she heard the soft click of the door as another spa patron entered to enjoy the benefits of the scented steam. Jade glanced up to notice a man’s physique walking toward the opposite corner of the room, seeking out a spot close to the steam ducts just as she had.  Jade suddenly felt nervous to be sharing such an intimate area with a random man, biting her lip nervously as she adjusted herself on the bench.

Her eyes took in the sight of his chiseled muscles, noticing a tattoo on his ribcage as he turned to sit across from her. Her pupils widened as the sight of his back graced her with an image of a tattoo running down the length of his spine, beautifully displaying the phases of the moon as her eyes glazed over the ink between the flex of his shoulder blades. With the darkness of the room, she wasn’t able to notice many of his features until he finally took a seat on the bench across from her, his eyes flashing up to meet her stare. 

Jade gasped at the unexpected reveal, watching Jimin’s eyes widen in surprise from seeing one of his adversaries casually sitting across from him. She let a sigh escape her lips with a soft groan, knowing the last thing she wanted to deal with was one of the men in his trio, especially since she was admiring his tattoos. 

Her mind quickly flashed back to their dalliance at the male strip club in Australia, realizing that she had been far too flustered to observe his tattoos properly. Now all of a sudden she was admiring his ink and drooling over his physique. She shook her head in annoyance, taking a soothing breath to calm herself. 

Jimin observed her irritation, settling on the bench calmly as he leaned back to enjoy the warm vapor. “I didn’t realize that was you.” He offered, wondering if she would get up and storm off from his presence. To his surprise, Jade continued to loung about on the bench, refusing to let his presence bother her. 

“Sure.” Jade spoke softly, refusing to make much eye contact with him as she switched her gaze onto the blue lighting that lined the floor beneath the benches. She felt her stubborn and defensive nature kicking in, refusing to budge from her seat just as Jimin seemed set on maintaining his position across from her to enjoy the spa. 

A deafening silence fell upon them as they heard nothing but the gentle hiss of the steam seeping out into the room as their lungs were consumed with the clean fragrance. Jade was purposefully avoiding looking in Jimin’s direction, feeling her heart race in her chest as the heat wrapped around her, causing her to become flustered. 

Jimin on the other hand was intently glancing over her figure, admiring the way her bikini exposed her physique to him. This was the first time he had ever seen the brains of their female counterparts dressed in such little clothing, leaving little to his imagination as he chewed on the inside of his cheek. 

As the steam got his blood pumping, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander to memories he shared with the brunette, recalling their kiss in Jennie’s mansion to avoid the guards and the sensation of her lips molding over his abdomen during the body shot in Australia. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t fight the twitch of his member as his imagination dangerously took over, his eyes devouring the sight of her body, wishing she would join him on his side of the bench. 

He took a soothing breath to try and tame his raging desires, feeling the heat only bother him further as he adjusted in his seat. “So…” Jimin finally spoke, gripping the edge of the bench with his hands as he leaned forward slightly to make conversation. “What exactly is your job in seducing Mr. Kim?”

Jade blinked in surprise at his question, shifting her gaze back to find his dark eyes piercing into her. She felt herself sink under his gaze, nervously stumbling over her words as she tried to find something to say. Obviously, she didn’t want to brag about being his masseuse tomorrow. It would give him exactly the information he was searching for. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She answered plainly, hoping to end the conversation. 

The corner of Jimin’s mouth pulled into a flirtatious smirk, exposing his teeth as a small laugh escaped his smile. “Let’s hope you left the flirting to your partners.” He teased, lifting his eyebrows suggestively as he bit his lip. “I mean, don’t get me wrong,” He continued, looking through her as if she was transparent. “You’re flirting back at Napa Valley was cute and all, but your little gems are far better at getting a man’s attention.”

Honestly, Jimin had found her flirting quite endearing, enjoying her innocence and naive nature. It was one of the things that drew him to her versus the two younger females of her trio, not to mention the shape of her body that was lusciously displayed for his viewing pleasure. Of course, he would never let her know that he was attracted to her, which is why he used his teasing as a way to settle his stirring arousal. He leaned back, feeling the warmth of the steam further enhance his flirtatious nature, his body becoming sweltered in heat. 

Jade’s skin flushed a deeper shade of red as the heat and embarrassment pooled in her cheeks. How dare he? Of course, she wasn’t as confident and shameless as Emmy and Ruby, however she wasn’t a complete waste in seducing men. “Ha, men are so easy. They don’t think with their brains.” She added with a little bark, feeling belittled as Jimin chuckled at her comment. 

“Please, you’re too naive.” Jimin countered, shaking his head as he offered her another flirtatious smirk. “You’re cute though, I’ll admit that.” 

Jade felt her body tremble, infuriated that someone like Jimin would think such a thing of her. She was insulted and dejected and it was bothering her more than she cared to admit. She usually didn’t care about proving someone wrong. She didn’t know if it was the building heat between them or his insufferable teasing, but she suddenly felt the urge to put him in his place. 

She quickly thought to herself, wondering what Emmy would do in a situation like this? Jimin left her flustered multiple times in the past. It was her turn to return the favor and leave him speechless. Her mind suddenly settled on a thought, internally cringing as she contemplated executing the action. She took one more glance toward Jimin, seeing his tantalizing smile as his eyes drank in the sight of her. His smug expression caused her sanity to snap as she reached behind her back, tugging the string of her bikini top as she plucked the fabric from her torso. 

Jimin’s smirk quickly vanished from his face as a dumbfounded expression replaced his cheeky demeanor. Jimin could hardly catch his breath, admiring the way Jade’s perky mounds stood proudly before him, leaving him oogling over her body. “Fucking shit…” He whispered, feeling his mind go fuzzy from the heat and the salacious sight explicitly laid out before him. 

Jade grinned proudly as she tossed the fabric of her top over her shoulder, cocking her hip out to the side as she relished in the way Jimin’s jaw practically dropped to the floor. “All I need are these and I’ll win over any man.” She argued, standing tall as she shot him a teasing smile. “You got something, right there.” She spoke confidently as she gestured to the corner of her mouth. 

Jimin blinked out of his trance as he watched Jade strut back out of the steam room, pulling the door open to lead back toward the locker room. Jimin felt himself exhale as she stepped out, not realizing that he was holding his breath to avoid acting upon his thoughts. He sunk back on the bench, running his hands through his hair to push the damp strands back as he tried to calm his hardening length.  

Meanwhile, Jade made her way out of the steam room, feeling the cold air snap her out of her delusional confidence as she quickly realized that she was bare-chested for everyone to see. “What the hell, Jade.” She scolded herself, rapidly replacing her top back onto her torso to conceal herself. She shook her head from her sudden rash decision, cringing as she went to retrieve her robe from the locker. 

While her mind swirled with all of her insecurities, she couldn’t help but feel her pride swell from the reaction plastered on Jimin’s face as she left him completely speechless. She glanced back at the door of the steam room, watching Jimin stumbling out to cool off as she swiftly moved out of the locker room into the hallway, glancing back over her shoulder with a smirk as she pinched her robe closed to go find Emmy and Ruby. 

—

Emmy shivered as she stood in the plummeting temperatures of the Yukon, waiting for Leedo to hopefully show up just like they planned. She was bundled up in a coat with the freezing cold air that surrounded her as she stood in the darkness. Steam drifted from the springs along the resort, soothing the stiff ache in her muscles from being subjected to the frigid environment. 

The forest beyond the main property creaked and cooed, the nocturnal wildlife creeping in the shadows around the perimeter of the area. Emmy inhaled the refreshing air through her lungs before exhaling between her rounded lips, debating if she should cut her losses at this point since she had been waiting for about half an hour. 

She wondered what could be keeping him so long, considering how eager he seemed for her company. Was Jungkook right? Was he hooking up with other women during his stay? Or did his meeting run long? Emmy shook her head, frustrated that her thoughts drifted back to the bain of her existence. 

“There you are!” She heard from behind her, snapping her head in the direction of the voice to see Leedo jogging towards her. She instantly noticed that he seemed out of breath as if he was in a hurry to get there and freshly showered. She found it slightly odd considering he was supposed to be at dinner, but ignored the little voice in her subconscious steering her away from her target. Steal his information and get out, the money would follow. 

Her impatience melted as he approached her, replacing the stony expression with a more inviting smile. “I was wondering if you were still going to show up.” She cocked her hip to the side, accentuating the shape of her body as much as possible under the bulky coat. 

Leedo finally caught his breath, standing close to her warmth as he collected her gently in his arms. His touch was light, but invasive as he towered over her. “Sorry about that. My meeting ran longer than expected.”

Emmy noticed the flicker in his demeanor as he lied, but continued on her conquest. Whether he was truthful or not, she still planned to rob him blind. She ran her fingers up his torso, walking her fingertips along his sternum until she could tug on the collar of his jacket. Her eyelashes fluttered as she stood on her toes, brushing their lips together. “I’m just glad you made it.”

“Me too.” She heard him groan deep in his throat and knew she had him under her spell. His hands held her around the waist, molding her body to his frame. “So, what did you exactly have in mind?”

Emmy giggled, slipping from his arms and slowly walking off the deck onto a small path that led into the forest. She looked over her shoulder, flashing him a dazzling smile. “You’ll just have to follow me and see…” Her words were ominous, but her tone was full of sexual promise. Leedo had no issue or hesitance in following the flirtatious brunette in the middle of the night. 

She navigated them down the path toward small private pools that would allow them plenty of privacy from other guests of the resort and any offensive obstacles. The atmosphere was mostly dark, but the subtle illumination of the occasional lantern helped guide Emmy toward the pools while Leedo enjoyed the view from behind. She glanced over her shoulder as they approached the pools, noticing her target was focused on her assets. She sighed contently, feeling a rush course through her veins from his undivided attention. 

“Here we are.” She announced, spinning on her heel to present herself in front of Leedo with the scenery of the tranquil pool displayed behind her. Dim light and the moon’s face reflected off the steaming water as she pulled him into her. “Let’s go for a little swim.” She cooed.

Leedo suddenly seemed sheepish, glancing around as if he was being watched. “I thought maybe we could go to your room instead.” He suggested.

Emmy internally cringed at the notion, slightly irritated that he was unintentionally ruining her plans. She cleared her throat, hoping her emotions were masked behind her seductive smile as she stepped into him. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” She looked up at him behind her eyelashes, moving her hands over her coat and slowly peeling the fabric away from her body. Her skin instantly bristled when exposed to the climate, the only thing keeping her warm was his close proximity and the bathing suit she wore underneath. 

There was a hitch in his throat as she revealed her body, stepping away from him to retreat into the warm waters. He began salivating as she stood waist-deep in the pool before undoing the strings of her bikini top. “Fuck…” He whispered under his breath as her nipples instantly hardened from the cold air.

She twirled the article around her finger, letting the fabric wrap around her wrist as she lowered herself into the water. “Come on in.” She crooked her finger, drawing him in as he scurried to remove his clothes. He huffed when the temperatures hit his bare skin, pushing through the discomfort until he dipped his whole body into the pool.

Emmy hummed contently as she swam to him, crawling into his lap as his arms wrapped around her naked torso. His hands supported her ass, letting her core press against his member which slowly came to life after the flash freeze of getting undressed. “This is much better.” She cooed, curling her arms around his neck and tossing her bikini top onto the edge of the rocks surrounding them. 

There was a rumble of approval, “Yeah.” Leedo reached up to cup her cheek, bringing their lips together while dragging her over his naked thighs. Emmy could feel his dick prodding against her thigh as she fell into his kiss, pushing back harder so that he was close to the rocks. 

Emmy clawed at his scalp, digging her nails through the roots of his hair as his hands squeezed the swell of her ass, fingers teasing the seam of her bottoms. She adjusted her legs, sitting up higher on his waist as she pulled his head back, hovering over him as she slipped her tongue over his lip. She ignored the pit in her stomach when she felt smooth skin instead of the familiar cool metal, pushing forward to intoxicate her victim. 

Leedo parted his lips, accepting her tongue as it flicked against his own while his back muscles flexed against the smooth rocks. His hands moved up her spine, massaging her body under his strong palms as her breasts sat heavily against his chest.  The adrenaline running through his veins went rampant as he became more aggressive in his actions, his hands working harder on her body as his teeth nicked at her bottom lip. 

Emmy pulled back from his assault, shivers rattling her core at the sensations he was inducing. She panted for breath as his lips eagerly sucked at the skin of her neck, trailing down to her ample breasts. His arms raised her higher, his teeth latching over one of her pert nipples as she cried out into the night air.  Her senses buzzed with excitement as the crisp breeze swept over her skin while Leedo warmed her with his tongue. 

Her legs tightened around his middle as he devoured her supple flesh, Emmy stealing the opportunity to sneak his phone into her belongings haphazardly strewn on the forest ground. Keeping one hand against Leedo’s head, she used the other to reach into his discarded pants to shimmy the device from his pocket. She yelped when he abruptly switched to her other bud, the cold snapping against the one he left abandoned. Her hand clutched the device as her body adjusted to the change, moving slowly to hide it amongst her clothing. 

Just before she could slip it into her pile, the phone vibrated loudly as the face lit up to display the picture of a beautiful woman. Emmy gasped as she tossed the phone away, only able to notice that the caller's identification was labeled as Claudia. Leedo pushed Emmy away, urgently moving to retrieve his device. He didn’t seem to realize that it was lying on the ground as he was too concerned with seeing the name of the caller. “Shit!” He cursed, hopping out of the warm pool and quickly gathering his things. 

Emmy curled her eyebrow, curious as to why he seemed to be leaving when she was so close to getting what she needed. “What’s wrong?”

Leedo stopped, holding his clothes against his naked frame despite the chill creeping over his wet body. His eyes were wide and the phone continued to go off as he tried to think of an excuse. What surprised her was the laugh that escaped his throat as he played the whole thing off. “Nothing’s wrong, I just…It’s getting late so I should probably head back.”

As he started getting dressed, the phone finally stopped vibrating. He let out a sigh of relief as he pulled his pants up. Emmy leaned up on the rocks, batting her eyelashes up at him, “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

Leedo glanced down, nervously biting his nail as he looked at the tops of her breasts peaking out from the surface of the water. She picked up on his hesitation, anticipating that maybe he would change his mind again, but his phone started vibrating again. “Damn, I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

Emmy pouted, watching him quickly throw his clothes back on, unconcerned with the disheveled appearance as he bid his goodbyes. She collapsed against the rock, feeling defeated and slightly rejected when he hurried back up the path without even making sure she made it back to the main resort. She groaned, thinking back on what Jungkook mentioned earlier. “I hate when he’s right.”

—

Ruby had her eye on the prize while approaching the entrance of the spa with her partner in crime, Emmy. “I can’t wait for this to be over.” She chattered from the cold air outside as Emmy grabbed the door handle. Ruby made it very apparent that she preferred warm weather over the frigid cold of the Yukon. She knew the second they were done with their catch, they would be heading back to the heat of Las Vegas.

Emmy chuckled, embracing the crisp breeze that blew by before they stepped inside the facility. “Come on, we’re at a hot spring. What’s there to complain about?” She peered over at her lean counterpart with a smirk tucked at her lips. 

Ruby only glared back, impatient with the sarcasm oozing from her friend. “Just get us checked in so I can do my job.” Emmy only chuckled as she stepped up toward the counter, settling the reservation that Jade arranged for them. 

Ruby stole an opportunity to look at her phone, reviewing the message Jade sent right as Leedo got settled into his appointment. The message confirmed his room number and the opportune time for Ruby to sneak in to steal his things. After ensuring she had the correct information, she began to pace the lobby taking slow methodical steps to avoid raising suspicion as she surveyed the layout. To her delight, only a couple of rooms were visible from the lobby before there was a sharp turn in the corridor. 

Emmy continued to talk to the receptionist as Ruby spotted the cameras placed in the main lobby and down the hall, hoping Jade accommodated for their footage during their appointment. “Ruby!” The sharp whisper of Emmy snatched her attention. “We can go to the room now.” She acknowledged, seeming impatient after waiting for her friend to stop scoping the place out. 

Ruby made a noise of mild surprise, acting aloof as she followed the youngest in their group. Emmy turned the corner, out of the view of the receptionist and Ruby grinned at the ease of the situation. “Perfect.” She muttered to herself noticing their room was just down the hall from Leedo’s.

Emmy opened the door, revealing a gray stone room highlighted by soft lighting over the small vanity and embedded like stars in the ceiling. Two luxurious massage tables were settled in the middle, covered with silk sheets, matching towels, and a decorative lotus flower. Emmy quickly swept over the room, noticing a discreet closet hidden just by the door. “This is where we put our things.” She mentioned, opening the closet to reveal a clean set of towels for them to use.

She handed one of the rolled-up towels to Ruby, sharing a knowing look as they went to their respective corners before dressing down for their treatment. “You know, we should do these more often.” Ruby commented, pulling her shirt over her head. 

Emmy paused, turning her head to speak in Ruby’s direction as she held her shirt at her waist. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I bet Jade would enjoy it.” She added, knowing their intellectual rarely relaxed. None of them did really, but even when they weren’t on a job, their friend was constantly doing research and tying up loose ends. 

Ruby laughed, thinking of their more reserved friend getting a massage. “What if we hire a male masseuse?” The two women stopped, looking back at each other with a knowing look before busting out in laughter. “She’d die.” She chuckled, her body shaking from the rapid movement of her diaphragm. 

“It’s going on my bucket list.” Emmy wiped a fake tear as images of Jade becoming even more tense during a massage rather than relaxing played in her head. “I wonder how she’s surviving with Leedo?”

Ruby continued dressing down, readjusting her view as she shimmied her pants down her legs. “As long as she’s keeping him distracted, it doesn’t matter.” She stepped out of her clothing before wrapping the towel around her body and gathering the bundle in her arms. “Ready?” She asked.

Emmy quickly shuffled her things together, standing upright and turning on her heel. “Yep!” She moved back over to the closet, placing their things in the cubby. “You’ve got your phone, right?” 

She glanced back at Ruby who gently patted her hip, “I got it right here.” When she pressed against the towel, there was an unnatural rectangular shape hidden beneath the fabric. Ruby had tucked the device into the waistband of her underwear so that she could scan Leedo’s information. 

Emmy grinned as she shut the door, moving to hop on the massage table. “Oh my god, I need these sheets on my bed.” She smoothed the fabric with her palm, savoring the silk material beneath her fingertips. 

Ruby sat on her own massage table, touching the sheets in response to Emmy’s comment. She nodded in agreement, laying down across the expanse of the surface to relish in the luxurious comfort. 

Suddenly there was a knock on the door to which Emmy called out, “Come in.”

A woman slowly peeked her head inside, smiling as she noticed the two women on the tables. She stepped further into the room, “Hello, my name is Olivia and this is JK. We’ll be treating you today.” She moved to the side, allowing a familiar man to slip into the door before the door was closed behind him. 

Ruby whipped her head towards Emmy, watching her jaw drop as Jungkook leaned against the door. Her shock quickly wore off as she narrowed her eyes sharply in his direction. Ruby bit her lip to keep from laughing as Jungkook continued to stare back, undeterred by her heated glare. 

Emmy stopped listening to Olivia as she began going over the procedure for the massage. Her focus was intent on burning a hole through Jungkook’s skull, hoping to watch him crumble where he stood. His eyes never left her, staring at her just intently as if challenging each other to look away. 

“Are you ready to get started?” Olivia asked, glancing around the room. She noticed the tension between her partner and the client almost immediately. “Is there an issue?” She wondered, hoping their new transfer wasn’t making the guest uncomfortable.

Emmy shook her head, fixing the stony expression on her face as she smiled back at the female masseuse. “Nope.” She placed a strong emphasis on the p sound as her eyes flickered toward Jungkook.

Olivia seemed apprehensive, but slowly gestured toward the tables, suggesting the women lay face down to start their session. Emmy curled her tongue over the front of her teeth as Jungkook looked at her, waiting to approach. She made a noise of irritation before getting on her back and taking rigid breaths through her nose. 

She peeked over at Ruby who seemed thoroughly amused by her predicament while Olivia adjusted her onto the table. Emmy pressed her lips firmly together as she glanced back up to see a smirking Jungkook hovering above her head. “Just relax…” He cooed, reaching toward the small table just beside him to grab a bottle of massage oil. 

Emmy narrowed her eyes, fighting every urge in her body to tell him to fuck off. The only thing that kept her restrained was the kind employee working on Ruby’s shoulders. She watched intently as he rubbed the oil in his hands lathering his palms until they were smooth to the touch. Once he was satisfied he leaned down by her head, his lips just by her ear. “Are you ready, baby girl?” He kept his voice low to avoid any suspicion.

Emmy turned her head, letting their noses brush as her eyes were level with his lips from their unusual position. “Your move.” She dared.

He chuckled, standing up once again as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Under his touch, her muscles became taught as the feeling of vulnerability started to sink in. “You’re so tense.” He dragged his palms down her arms before bringing them back up again, noticing the movement of her body against his ministrations. “I can’t imagine why.”

Emmy mocked him with her facial expressions, mimicking him poorly as he rubbed his hands over her upper body. She inhaled sharply when his motions moved to her chest, dragging across the top of her breasts. “Don’t get any ideas.” She hissed between her teeth.

Jungkook merely hummed, smoothing his palms over the shape of her curves, running along the path of her torso as his gaze fixated on the supple mounds. He leaned over the table, hovering his waist above her head as his hands dragged up along the towel covering her and came all the way back up to her neck. Emmy moaned as his fingers massaged the roots of her scalp, closing her eyes while he sent jolts of electricity down her spine. His deep chuckle caused her to snap her eyes up at him. “That felt good, huh?”

Emmy bitterly turned her head away, seeking Ruby out. Her friend seemed lost in her own world as she puddled into the hands of the female masseuse. Emmy ignored Jungkook’s deliberate attempts to bring her attention back to him as he pressed firmly against her joints and muscles. Olivia moved to Ruby’s side, working along her arms as Jungkook seemed to follow suit. She lightly snapped her fingers, trying to get Ruby’s attention.

Jungkook noticed what she was trying to do and maneuvered himself to block her view, taking her hand in his as he began applying pressure to her knuckles. He grinned mischievously as he released small pops from the motions, switching his technique as he dragged his hands around her limb, softening the tension.

She huffed in response, turning her head in the other direction. She heard Jungkook scoff, gently resting her hand back on the massage table. She nearly cracked her neck when she felt his hands on her thighs, adjusting her leg so that he could knead the flesh with large, warm hands. She clutched the fabric of her towel to fight the overwhelming pleasure she got from feeling his hands on her body.

She glanced down at him long enough to see the proud smirk on his face before she dropped her head back to the table. Her emotions were conflicting as she convinced herself that she should hate how he was making her feel, but arguably, he shouldn’t be bothering her at all. Regardless, his touch being so close to her intimacy did well to remind her of how he felt between her legs, and she wasn’t happy about it. 

“I’m sorry, but is there a bathroom I can use?” Ruby asked aloud.

This grabbed the attention of everyone in the room, Olivia pausing in her service to glance at her client. She hesitated, unprepared for the interruption as she pulled her hands away from Ruby. “Uh, yes. It’s just around the corner, out in the hallway.”

“Thank you!” Ruby made a theatrical exit from the room, squeezing her legs together as if she could barely hold it. 

Jungkook continued moving his hands along Emmy’s body, unapologetically looking at Olivia as if her simply standing there was throwing off his technique. The woman became uncomfortable under his stare and quickly looked away, noticing that they could use a new bottle of massage oil. “I’ll be right back.” She muttered, quickly leaving the room with Emmy at the mercy of Jungkook.

The second the door was closed, Emmy sat up to slap his hands away from her body while he gave her leg a firm tug. “Turn over.” He demanded.

Emmy flared up, her eyes blazing as she tried to crawl away from his hold. “Let go of me.”

Jungkook dragged her to the edge of the table, forcing himself between her legs as he caged her against his stature. “I’ll give you one more chance. Turn around on your own or I’ll make you.”

Her head was tipped back to look up into his impatient stare, “I’d like to see you-”

She was abruptly cut off when Jungkook stepped away from her, using her arm as leverage to get her to spin around before pushing her over the massage table. She gasped as his palm smacked across her ass, the sting lingering as his hands gripped her thighs and pushed her up onto the silk sheets. She collapsed from his quick movements, her torso smothered onto the table while his hands run up her thighs and cupped her ass. He applied pressure to slide her body into position, letting her face rest on the pillow.

He gave her another slap to the backside once her body slumped into the massage table in defeat. “Girls who don’t listen get punished, baby girl. “ He tutted, replacing his firm touch with gentle kneading as he worked the underside of her thighs, playing with the plump flesh like dough. 

Emmy’s blood tingled with excitement as his fingers traced the inner parts of her thigh, nearly brushing her underwear, but her spite forced her legs to snap shut. Jungkook only chuckled, prying them back apart. “Relax. Are you worried I’ll feel how wet you are?” Emmy tried to scoff until he spread her legs apart, skimming his knuckle across the crotch of her panties. “Guess I need to warm you up some more.”

“You don’t need to do shit.” He spanked her again, his hand lingering as he squeezed the swell of her ass. “Asshole.” She groaned, smothering her frustration in the pillow as he manipulated her body. 

“I think you just need to get laid…especially after your fail last night.” Jungkook laughed as her body became rigid with his confession.

She twisted her body to the side, just enough to look at him, “You were spying on me?”

Jungkook turned her back on her belly, slipping his hand under her towel and pushing her panties away from his destination. “I was watching him, you were an added bonus. I did appreciate your little show in the pool. I always enjoy seeing the girls.” His fingertips played with her folds, slipping through the moisture that was spilling from her pussy. 

Emmy keened when his index brushed over her sensitive clit, clutching the edge of the table in the same way she clung to her sanity. She refused to let this man get the best of her despite how good he made her feel. “Fuck.” She cursed, biting her lip as her body involuntarily moved against his hand. She was pent up, pissed, and wanted to take it all out on him.

“God, you’re lucky I can’t fuck you right now.” He moved his hand to brush her entrance, probing the hole with his fingertips. “I could just slip inside so easy…” He pushed two fingers in, gliding them along her walls. “I miss how good you feel.” He groaned, one hand squeezing her thigh as the other worked to pump his fingers in and out of her dripping core. 

“I hate you.” She muttered, her words slurring from the pleasure that overtook her. Her body was so responsive to his touch, and his voice alone had her under a spell. However, the way he talked to her practically enslaved her, rattled in his seductive chains to do with her as he pleased. She weakly allowed him to commandeer her actions, giving him access to her needs and desires with every thrust of his hand. 

She panted when his fingers curled inside her, hitting a spot that shot straight through her limbs. His pace picked up, causing Emmy to curl in on herself, writhing in pleasure as she was exposed to his treatment. Her ears buzzed as blood rushed to her head, unaware of the footsteps just outside the door. It wasn’t until Jungkook abruptly pulled away that Emmy realized they were nearly caught by Olivia. 

Jungkook swiftly wiped his fingers on the silk sheet, making sure to return to the routine of a Swedish massage. “Is she still in the bathroom?” The female masseuse asked, surprised that Ruby had not returned after being away for several minutes. 

Jungkook silently shook his head, biting his lip as he watched Emmy crumble from the interruption. Emmy mustered a shaky, “No,” before melting into the silk. His chest swelled with pride, the pit that seemed to grow in his stomach now filled with a warmth that stirred down to his groin. Even though she continued to fight him, he could certainly boast that she wanted him sexually despite her best efforts. He was determined to break her down, time and time again. 

Olivia sighed, moving to check the restroom, but gasped when she opened the door to see Ruby sheepishly standing outside in the hall with her knuckles raised to knock against the surface. “Sorry…I forgot which room we were in.” Olivia looked unamused but fixed the smile on her face as she allowed Ruby to return to her massage table to finish her session.

—

Emmy impatiently tapped her fingers across the lacquer of the dining table, looking across at Ruby who seemed just as bored. “What’s taking her so long?” Ruby focused on her nails, inspecting the cuticles.

Emmy looked out the large windows of the cafe, searching for the familiar brunette that insisted she needed to finish covering their asses from the day prior. “I don’t know.” Her view was somewhat obscured since the windows faced one of the main pools and they were a fair distance from the entrance.  She sighed, resting her cheek against her palm as her stomach grumbled. “She better hurry up, I’m starving.”

Ruby held up her menu, reading the descriptions of food, and groaned, “Same.”

There was a small clatter that broke through the quiet ambiance, drawing the two female’s attention toward an erratic woman shuffling between the tables. They instantly recognized their brainiac as she clambered into the chair next to Emmy. “Sorry, it was very difficult to hack the cameras after Leedo’s deep tissue massage.” Jade flexed her hands, wincing as the soreness in her knuckles flared. “It was like rubbing down a rock.” She complained, after spending nearly an hour the day before keeping Leedo relaxed while Ruby robbed him blind. 

Emmy hummed with mischief, “How was that?” She could only imagine Jade struggling to keep her composure with someone as handsome as Leedo would simply make her nervous by being in the same proximity, let alone being almost naked. 

Jade was oblivious to her teasing, “I don’t know how people do that every day. The technique is exhausting.”

“Of course, that’s what you focused on.” Emmy commented, sarcasm dripping from her lips as she softly shook her head in disbelief. Ruby giggled as Emmy’s expression turned deadpan.

“Did you give him a happy ending?” Ruby continued to laugh as Jade glanced across the table, her face horrified. 

“Ew, no!” Jade was stunned as the two women busted into laughter. She reimagined her predicament from the spa day, dwelling on the empty flirting that fell from his lips that she ignored as she kept her attention on fulfilling his massage and making sure Ruby was able to do her part of the mission. “He was a sleaze though so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s gotten one before.”

“Right? He had the worst pick-up lines.” Emmy chimed in. The girls shared a moment, mocking their most recent victim. They relished in the victories plenty of times, but it was always extra special to know they were fucking over someone deserving like the obvious womanizer Leedo was. “At least now he can buy us lunch.”

Ruby was eager to order their food, bothering Jade to look over the menu so they could wave down a waiter. After a moment, Jade picked out her meal and was able to submit their request to be made. This would be their last experience at the resort before they decided on their next destination, and a hearty lunch was deserved after a job well done. 

Ruby finally pulled out the variety of cards she pulled from Leedo’s wallet, slipping them across the table to Jade. “Which one should we use?” She asked.

Emmy curiously looked over, trying to see the type of bank cards he had in his wallet, but noticed Jade flipping through them oddly. Her brow furrowed as she lifted her gaze to the confusion on Jade’s face. “What’s wrong?”

The techy turned the cards in her direction, displaying the logos and cardholder name, wordlessly Emmy was stunned to read the name Claudia Laurent on a MasterCard. Jade flipped through the rest, showing Emmy that all the cards had the same name. “All his cards are in a woman’s name.” Jade finally shared with Ruby.

Ruby’s eyebrows shot up over her forehead, “What? How is that possible?” The girls shared a look of confusion, each one coming up with their own scenario. “Do you think he stole them too?”

Emmy scoffed, “Please that man has only one thing on his mind and money isn’t it.”

Jade chewed her lip in thought, running different possibilities in her head. “That’s the only logical explanation though…right?”

Emmy vaguely remembered the name on his phone and went to share that particular detail with her friends until a boisterous voice cut through the atmosphere. “Claudia!” Emmy instantly recognized the name as she turned her head to see Jungkook approaching a middle-aged woman dressed in expensive furs. 

She nudged her elbow against Jade’s ribs, gesturing towards the scene Jungkook was making as he kissed each cheek of this supposed Claudia. The trio of women watched intently as Jungkook proceeded to charm this woman, his hands holding her close to him gently. Emmy rolled her eyes as Claudia ate his flirtatious mannerisms, falling into his hands easily just like all the others he preyed on. 

“I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” He cooed, tipping her chin up with his finger before delivering a wink. Claudia seemed beside herself as this man swept her off her feet before leaving the cafe, glancing back at the ever-handsome Jungkook until she turned the corner and was no longer seen. Jungkook relaxed once she was gone, his gaze instantly locking with Emmy as he moved across the restaurant. 

“Shit.” Jade cursed, stashing the cards away in her small purse as he approached their table. 

Just as they disappeared, Jungkook smacked his hands onto the surface of their table with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Hello, ladies. What a lovely surprise!” His whole demeanor screamed that he was looking to cause them trouble and this put the girls on high alert as they leaned away from his looming presence. 

“What could you possibly want now?” Emmy droned, agitated by all the obstacles he added to their once smooth plan. 

Jungkook feigned hurt, placing a hand to his chest as if her words wounded him. “I was just coming to see my favorite gems.” He winked at Ruby who continued to show indifference. He waited for a response in return, but only received an eye roll from Emmy. “Well, actually I did want to let you in on a little secret.” He placed his hands on the chair Ruby was sitting on, looking at her expectantly. “Do you mind if I borrow this seat?”

“Yep.” She obnoxiously popped the p sound in the same way Emmy did it the day before. 

Jungkook chuckled, amused by the shared trait with his klepto Barbie, and glanced behind him for a spare chair that was convenient for him to grab. He reached across the walkway to pull a chair across the floor, allowing the legs to drag loudly against the tile. Emmy went to argue as he settled into their table, but Jungkook stopped her with his hand raised. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Jade looked between the pair as Emmy regrettably backed down, looking back to Jungkook out of curiosity. Jungkook only ever approached them if he had one of his men with him, but this time he was boldly challenging all three on his own. She had a bad feeling that this had something to do with their score, and he seemed all too confident for it to be in their favor. 

Jungkook grinned as he rested his elbows on the table, smiling at the girls individually. “I just want to say, good job. You really outdid yourself this time.” His tone was not lost on them as they recognized his attempt at a playful jab. “However, I recommend using those cards fast because the proper owner will be canceling them very shortly.”

He noticed the shared look between the three women, confusion slowly morphing over their expressions. He chuckled at their endearing pouts, “Did you see that lovely woman I was talking to? That’s Claudia Laurent, the proud account holder of the credit cards you stole.” Their uncertainty began to fade as they realized Jungkook seemed too all aware of their current dilemma.  “She was also involved with our good friend, Leedo.”

There was a silence as the women digested the information, a blanket of understanding falling over them. “Was?” Jade noticed the emphasis he placed on the past tense of their relationship.

Jungkook smirked at her, “Yeah, apparently our sugar baby was flirting with every pair of legs so he got cut off.” He pulled a false pout over his lips in mockery. “What a shame. Sorry girls, I guess you weren’t that special and you were going after the wrong person.”

Emmy clicked her tongue, irritated as he laughed in their faces. “Are you done?” She snapped. She glared at him, hoping that her stare would drive him away, but instead, he smiled back at her like the cat that caught the canary. 

“Yep.” He grinned, mimicking the two women’s mannerisms as he pushed back in his chair, creating the awful dragging sound as he stood up from the table. “I’ll let you enjoy your lunch.” He winked, his eyes never leaving Emmy as he proudly walked away.

The table was quiet as Ruby and Jade flicked their eyes towards Emmy to gauge her temper. They noticed her jaw was clenched as she burned a hole through the backrest of the chair Jungkook once sat in. Jade slipped the card from her purse again and showed it to Ruby. “Should we try this one?”

“If it works, I’m getting food to-go and dessert,” Ruby added, grabbing the drink menu. “Maybe some mimosas for the road. They’ll keep me warm till we get to Vegas.”

Jade smiled sheepishly, playing with her hands nervously as she avoided looking up at the heat enthusiast. “Um…about that…”

“Bitch, you better be joking.”