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the-kr8tor · 7 months ago

Text

To Live Simply

Pairing: Cowboy! Hobie Brown x fem! Reader

Word count: 13.1 k

Tags: Use of Y/N sparsely, No specific physical description of the reader (except for her clothing) (Hobie is mentioned taller than her), CW suggestive, CW food mentions, TW abuse mention, CW drinking, CW violence mention. Wild west AU, Cowboy AU.

A/N: I wrote my late dog in this to remember her by, please be nice to the dog ❤️

Our Place in the Middle of Nowhere Masterlist

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CHAPTER 8 >>> CHAPTER 9

The journey to Hobie's farm was excruciating, yet quiet and peaceful. If not for both yours and Hobie's still healing injuries it would've been a more pleasant ride. Surprisingly enough, there wasn't anyone who wanted to ambush you, and no one to point a gun at; no one to hurt you and Hobie.

The entire time you were afraid, afraid that something would happen the least you expected it. You were waiting for disaster to hit, you've never been at peace on the road, so you were high strung, hands gripping tightly around the reins while you kept your gun fully loaded and ready on your back. Luckily, nothing noteworthy happened during that one whole month of traveling west and away from the south.

Hobie clung to you like sap on wood, and you did too. You both never spoke of what happened that day, it was horrible, even now hallucinations still linger in the back of your head. Sometimes you see her staring at you on the side of the road, sometimes you smell burnt coffee out of nowhere. Hobie understood what they put you through while he lay asleep dreaming of you. He did everything he could to help you return to reality with every grasp of your hand, and with every kiss on your temple— effectively shaking you awake. You take care of him too, changing his bandages in camp, wincing with him whilst you clean his wounds.

It was just you and him, and you've got everything to lose if they ever find you.

You both were careful on the road, always traveling at night under the stars. Lighting small fires that are enough to keep you warm. You've even started to hide your face under a bandana. If it was absolutely needed to go into town, you and Hobie never stayed too long to make an impression. To everyone else, he was Larry Smith and you were his wife. To him, you were his wife in everything but on paper. To you, he was everything. You suppose it was all the same.

The horses are well kept despite the long rides, they slept well, ate even better than you and Hobie. You've noticed Cherry has become friendlier towards Bucky, and Bucky seemed to like the added attention.

Your back aches from the long ride, dawn has just begun to break. The breeze hums in your ears as you and Hobie finally make it to his farm. A piece of land in a valley and in between monstrous mountains that rise up into the clouds; and what seems to be thousands of miles of nothingness. There's nothing but land everywhere you look, the town you passed through hours ago is nothing but a dot in the far distance.

You're situated in the middle of nowhere.

“It's not much, but it's home.” Hobie stands before you, shoulders relaxed, eyes glancing towards you as if he's waiting for approval.

The farmhouse isn't as grand as your old home, it doesn't have the gilded awnings or marble pillars that seem to rise up towards the heavens. The house is made out of wood, two stories high with a simple porch that wraps around the entire structure. Its white paint is chipping, doors weathered by the elements and time. Empty flower pots sit nearby, just waiting to be used once again. Further away, a barn sits near a small pond. The structure’s red paint faded into a murky brown with dead vines covering its side. A windmill stands next to it, the blades squeak in the wind, wood creaking whenever a harsh breeze blows.

The picket fences around the property lay broken with its old chalky paint cracking and melting away. The land surrounding it doesn't look any better, it's barren and dry save for the tall brown grass growing everywhere. There are also stumps left behind by cut trees, a couple have survived long enough to grow as tall as the barn and they both sit behind the farmhouse a few paces away. It lacks any greenery you'd expect for a farm. With its dry soil underneath your feet, you're sure that there's nothing that could grow here. But you can try, plant and sow over and over again until a single leaf will sprout, until a plant bears fruit.

There's nothing else all around the place, nothing but stretches and miles upon miles of empty land. You like it that way. It's just you and him, him and you. You'd never have it any other way.

For the first time in a very long time, you feel like you can finally breathe. Fate has finally granted you reprieve.

“It's perfect.” You smile, stepping forward, reaching for his hand and then squeezing it once. “It's home.”

Hobie's lips slowly curl up into a smile, intertwining your fingers around his own. “What are we waitin' for?” With a sudden arm around the back of your knees, he gracefully carries you in his arms, earning a surprised yelp and laughter from you. You grasp at his vest, giggling against his chest. ��Let's get inside.”

Even in his arms, you still feel the gnawing in the back of your mind. The danger that lurks behind the mountains, a danger that you both are ignoring for now in place of bliss. It's as if a heavy blanket is laid upon your chest, crushing you under its weight, breaking your rib cage in half, squishing your heart until a mush of blood and muscle is the only thing left in its wake.

Then, there's the nature of the man from the place you once called your home. You think he'd kill you the moment he sees you in the arms of Hobie, laughing against his chest, holding on to him as if he's your husband. Should I tell Hobie? You thought to yourself, it will ruin him. It will ruin you in his mind. Your heart thuds against your chest akin to a train engine just from thinking about it. You think it'll never go away, that it will continue to eat at you like you're a carcass left for the vultures in a dry humid desert. But for now, you stay laughing against his skin, kissing every inch of his face as he brings you inside. Until you're ready, you promise yourself that you'll tell him, even if it ruins you.

Hobie, unbeknownst to the inner turmoil you're having; kisses you back gently, dry lips against your sweaty forehead, he doesn't mind as he peppers your face. It's a battle, where you two are the winners.

You kick about in his arms, the stubble on his chin tickles you, and of course he notices it. He decides to hear you laugh, really laugh— so he nudges your head away, rubbing his stubble up and down your neck. Your giggles immediately fill the home, leaning away, hands patting his chest rapidly. If not for his hold on you, you would've fell seconds ago.

“Enough!” You shriek, but your own laughter betrays you. With every nudge, you forget about your thoughts, only focusing on the man before you.

Hobie wheezes, moving an inch away from your neck. “You sure? I don't think ‘m done yet.” He fixes his grasp on you, hand placed just above your ribs, fingers flexing, threatening to tickle you there.

You scoff, a sound similar to a giggle. “We've been on the road for a long time, Hobie, and we haven't had a proper bath in weeks!” He opens his mouth to speak. “A dip in the river doesn't count.”

With furrowed brows, he leans closer, lips curled mischievously. “You tellin’ me that I smell?”

You chuckle, hand patting his cheek lovingly. “No, I'm saying that I smell.”

“Really?” Hobie starts to lean closer but you stop him with your hand on his forehead. He smiles, trying to wiggle his head. “I was just about to check!”

There's the same glint in your eyes. You hum, cradling his jaw, pushing him gently upwards. The scar on his neck is in full display to you, Hobie tries to shake his head in protest, his sudden insecurity for the raised scar makes him think that you were second guessing your choices. But with your simple movement of pulling yourself up, enough to be eye level to the scar, and with your lips resting upon it makes him think otherwise.

He turns into honey under your touch, and you're the one licking his sweetness off of your finger tips.

You feel his staggered breath under your lips, Hobie almost drops you the second you kiss his scar. He feels your love through it all, fingers digging into your side but not enough to leave a mark. Closing his eyes, he lets you peck as your thumb runs along his Adam's apple that bops up and down with every nervous swallow. He even leans upwards to give you more space.

“I missed you.” Hobie says in a breathy whisper while you continue to attack his skin, hand pressed on your back, helping lift you up. “I should've told you that when I first—” You hold onto his nape to kiss higher, nipping gently, earning a shaky exhale from him. “—fuckin’ hell, you'll be the death of me. Five minutes in and you're already tryin’ to—”

“Knock knock?”

“Oh fuck—!” You suddenly drop down to the floor, butt aching as you stare at the visitor standing in the doorway.

“Shit—” Hobie fumbles, none of the coolness he exhibited during your journey. He tries to help you up, but then immediately decides to get his gun out that he also flounders over. His gun falls, bullets falling out, metal clanking on the dusty wooden floors. “Ah, fuck!” Kneeling down, he tries to pick up all the scattered bullets.

“Caught you in a bad time, huh?”

You glance between Hobie and the woman in the doorway. Hobie sighs, eyes staring daggers at the stranger. Her curly hair is styled in braids, leather chaps and jacket matching, hands casually placed inside her jean pockets. The sun behind her drapes her in gold, the same colour as the hat sitting atop her head. Her genuine smile is one of those contagious smiles that turns your frown into a friendly grin, you smile wider when you meet with her eyes that are laced with amusement. She gives you a wink, and then returns her attention towards Hobie who has given up on picking up his ammo.

“No, no, take your time, Hobie.”

He sighs, head falling down in shame. “What are you doin' ‘ere, Riri?”

“I was on my routine check. Imagine my surprise when I saw Bucky frolicking outside with a new horse.” Riri enters, hand reaching towards you. “The name's Riri, a friend of Hobie's.”

You smile up at her, taking her hand as she gracefully lifts you back up on your feet. “Y/N, nice to meet you.”

“Oh, I know who you are.” She shakes your hand, leaning slightly to whisper in a louder tone. “You're even prettier than what this loser told me.”

Hobie sighs, “Riri, c’mon—”

“Why don't you get up, cowboy?” Riri lets your hand go, she then crosses her arms over her chest whilst you watch them interact.

Hobie stays kneeling, turned away from you and Riri, hand conveniently on his lap. “Don't you dare tell her shit, Riri.” He says, green eyes narrowed into slits.

You tamp down a laugh, glancing down at Hobie who just shakes his head with a ghost of a smile. You're tempted to tease him too, but Riri catching you two in the act was enough embarrassment for him.

“You told stories about me?” If your cheeks could run any warmer, you can boil water on it.

“He's a chatterbox when he's drunk.”

“He is?” You turn towards the said man, beaming at him.

“Don't you have anythin' better to do—?” Hobie gets ignored as Riri continues to chat with you. He resigns, huffing in place.

“Mm-hmm, he says the craziest shit. You think he's all that out there but the second he drinks his third glass, he's out in my saloon yammering about something. Sometimes that something has to do with you.” She pauses, nudging your shoulder. “Don't worry, he only tells me the good stuff. I practically already know you.” Your eyes widen. “Not in a weird way, in a…”

“Good job, Ri, you made it awkward.” Hobie eggs her on.

Riri rolls her eyes. “She knows what I'm talking about, right?” She turns to you, smiling softly like she's already trying to apologize.

“That so? Don't worry, I understand what you meant.” You flick your eyes towards Hobie, who's still unable to stand up. “Since you already know me—”

“Ah, yes!” She claps her hands in understanding. “You may go to my saloon and dig more details about what Hobie's been doing these past five years.” Riri meets Hobie's eyes. “You never know, you might even come across our old gang.”

You copy her, teasing Hobie even more. “The more the merrier then.”

“Great,” Hobie huffs, finally standing up. “You've created a monster, Riri.”

“Don't call her a monster!” Riri acts offended for you.

“Yeah! Don't call me a monster!”

Hobie could only sigh in defeat. He mumbles under his breath, fingers pinching at the bridge of his nose. “If I wasn't so tired.”

“Oh that reminds me.” You say excitedly, you've finally found a friend after everything that has happened. “Do you want to stay for tea?”

“We don't have anythin', love.” Hobie gestures towards the near empty kitchen cabinets that were left open.

Riri smirks at the name he used for you. Hobie warns her with a look. “That would be great, but I gotta go back out there. I heard there's a huge deer roaming around and I want to be the one to get it before anyone else does.”

“That's too bad.” You're genuinely disappointed.

“Yeah, that's too bad.” Hobie copies sarcastically, less disappointed.

Riri chuckles, “don't worry, Y/N, my saloon's always open for you.” She clasps your shoulder. “Welcome to Scarlett Meadows, Y/N.”

“Thank you, Riri. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, love,” Riri mocks him. Hobie audibly groans, she smacks his chest. “Welcome back, loser.” With a flourish, Riri exits the house and then jumps back on her horse to ride away. Hobie closes and locks the front door behind her.

“I like her already.”

Hobie wraps his arm around your middle, pulling you close for an embrace. “‘m glad, she's a good friend.”

You nuzzle his shoulder, to which he takes your cheek, already leaning down to meet you halfway. “The mood's ruined, Hobs.”

“Goddamnit.” He says, yet he still chuckles against your lips. Letting you go, you stay locked with his eyes while walking backwards towards the stairs. “Where are you goin'?” There's a growing smile on yours and Hobie's lips.

“You coming, cowboy?” You ask, and you see him flustered once again. Biting his lip, tapping his foot, and hands on his hips. As you head upstairs, you hear his heavy footsteps follow you; until you feel his arms wrap around you impatiently, carrying you the rest of the way while your laughter rings around the house.

—

Hobie, under the gaze of the sun, with his sweaty work shirt sticking to his skin as he hammers the windowsill in place; fixing the once shoddy workmanship left by the previous owner. You ogle him unabashedly. The ring that was previously hidden under the fabric of his bandana now sits upon his ring finger, you cried when you first saw it there for the first time in five years. He held you then, just like how he cradled you back when he gave the identical one to you.

He clings on the tresses that are filled with dried vines and creaking from his added weight. He hangs precariously, as if he's an expert climber at heart; you can't help but stare at him as he works on your shared home. You suppose you could use the old shakey tresses as your excuse on why you're watching him instead of tilling the land like you're supposed to. Telling him that you're only keeping watch of him just in case he falls so you could catch him. Which is impossible by itself, you'd break all your bones if you tried. But you suppose it'll be alright if it's for him. As if he feels your eyes on him, he looks over his shoulder, a smile slowly curling on his lips as he spots your form still kneeling on the same spot he left you in twenty minutes ago.

The soil balled up into your hands sits there forgotten. A bag of cherry tomatoes sits next to you, wind almost taking them in its breeze as one passes by. You don't look away when he calls you out after you were caught. Instead, you stare harder, unabashedly winking at him. To which earns a hearty laugh from Hobie who almost falls from his bout of laughter.

You stagger, hands raised towards him as if you can catch him from where you are. “Careful!”

Hobie continues to laugh, calming your worries. “‘m alright, you should watch your tomatoes—” a strong wind picks up, with summer almost completely gone as the colder breeze carries your bag of seeds away from you. “And there it goes!” His guffaw fades from behind as you scramble for the seeds.

“Fuck!” You yell, hand placed on your sun hat so it doesn't get blown away. Despite you running at full speed towards what could be next season's meal, you smile widely, you're at peace here.

Hobie follows after you, running and catching up to you in a mad dash. “Hurry slowpoke!” He passes you, laughing as he goes.

“Slowpoke?! C’mere you little—!” Hobie suddenly stops and then turns around to catch you mid sprint. Your body slams into him, earning a grunt from Hobie, but his smile stays as he holds you in his arms.

“Gotcha!” He embraces you in place, face nudging your shoulder fondly.

“You're all sweaty!” You shriek out happily, hand placed upon his waist, fists clumped in his shirt. The seeds belong to the wind now, you suppose.

“You're no better! You're covered in dirt, lovie!” Hobie playfully wipes his cheeks on your airy shirt, leaving streaks of sweat on the soft linen. You laugh louder, trying to scramble away. And he feels like he has finally found his home in your arms.

You wipe your soil marred hands on his shoulders, leaving your hand prints on his once pristine shirt. You suddenly stop giggling, Hobie thinks he did something wrong until he follows your line of sight. There, a few ways away from the two of you, stands a black dog eating from your bag of seeds.

“Is that a coyote?” You ask, still holding on to him.

“Don't think so.” He whispers back.

“She shouldn't eat that, it might get her sick.” You untangle yourself from Hobie, and then you slowly make your way towards said dog. Hobie stops you halfway, hand gently on your shoulder.

“It might bite you.” He roams his eyes over to her black coat and long tail, her ears are floppy on the side of her head as she continues to munch on the crunchy seeds. There's no collar or any indication that she has an owner, she looks fine and somewhat healthy. Before he could take you away just in case the dog decides that you're a better meal, you're running back towards the house in a mad dash. “Where are you goin'?”

“I'm getting some jerky!”

“What? Why?!” He yells back as you get further and further away.

“Just stay there and watch her!” Your dusty boots are already stomping away inside as Hobie does what you told.

Hobie crouches down, elbows sitting atop his knees, watching the dog chow down. The black labrador pauses from eating from the presence watching her, head peeking out from the bag. Her dark eyes blink at Hobie, he waits for her, hand reaching out in a friendly manner and trying not to scare her away with any sudden movements. The dog sniffs, tail slowly wagging as she walks forward.

You watch from behind, eyes growing wider as you see Hobie let the dog sniff at his hand. When she finally lets him pet her head, Hobie looks back at you with a soft smile.

“Look at you, you're an animal whisperer.”

“Nah, I bet she was just hungry and knows how to swindle.”

Chuckling, you saunter towards them slowly, kneeling beside Hobie, you place the dried meat beside her. “There you go, it's better than some seeds.”

Hobie observes how you gently smile at the friendly dog as she tentatively sits in front of the meat. You let the dog approach you, waiting patiently as she eats until there's none left. She sniffs your knee, nudging you with her snout. He laughs as you surrender the rest of the beef jerky.

It's a peaceful silence of him and you just sitting there on the dry grassy ground while the strange dog eats his entire supply of jerky. He suppose he can always run to the general store for more.

The sun is high up, yet it's a comfortable heat on his skin. He preferred summers here, the searing heat always kept him awake and alert. But with you now here, he prefers how the cooling wind nips at his skin, how the leaves are now turning into sunsets that you always adore. And how much you wake up clinging to his side every morning. He prefers this, living with you, finally experiencing life again as if he picked up a book from where he left off years ago; it took some time and a lot of hurt to get here, but he would've done it all over again if it ended just like this. Maybe he'd do better, maybe he would make better decisions— for now, instead of lamenting about all the things that have happened, he'd rather stay in the present where you're currently in.

“I think we should keep her.” You say after a few moments. Hobie just now noticed how the dog now lays on your lap, probably sleeping off her meal. Your hand rubs softly on her back, eyes shining under the sun. “My aunt never let me have pets, she said that a proper lady shouldn't smell of wet dog.”

“Look at you now, covered in dirt, sweat and dog slobber.”

“She'd fucking die.” You laugh, it's the first time you've ever laughed after mentioning her. You finally feel like the shackles of her memory are starting to loosen up against your ankles.

Your happy laughter is slowly replaced with a sob, Hobie, with tears in his own eyes, holds you against him. Arms enveloping you, hands cradling your head as if the simple movement would take it all away. He wishes it did, but he knows that it will take time, and he'll wait, and be there for you no matter how long it takes. Even if it doesn't fully go away.

Under the sunshine of autumn, dry blades of grass underneath you, breeze whispering and carrying your sobs into the wind; Hobie holds you like nothing else matters, like it's just you and him, him and you against the bloody, forsaken world.

—

Clover the dog has taken upon you, you named her after the first piece of clover that sprouted along the property after you and Hobie toiled away for weeks just trying to keep it all alive. You've both fallen into a routine, you two wake up later than you both intended, snuggling under the thick covers. Always rushing through the routine to have more time to tend the house. You share chores, you cook in the morning while he cooks dinner. He fixes the house, while you try to revive the farmland. At night, you check all his previous injuries for any signs of it opening up; and he does it to you too, as gentle and careful like you were. All in all, you're proud of what you two have accomplished.

It's your very own borrowed heaven.

The house is now fully painted a soft blue; the same shade you both saw when you crossed the ocean to this new land. The door that was once a murky, muddy brown is now in a snowy white that matches the windows and picket fences. The fences aren't complete yet, the rest are still laying next to the barn where Cherry and Bucky hunker down every night after an energetic ride around their pen that used to be covered in piles of old wood and metal scraps. It took an entire week to clean it up even with the combined powers of you, Hobie, and Riri, who decided to pay you two a visit from time to time. She said that she was only making sure that the ‘loser’ hasn't hurt you in any way. To which Hobie promptly rolled his eyes and threw a plank of wood at her feet, to his words ‘make yourself useful instead of being a pain in my own home.’ You joked that he's starting to sound like one of those old men who would chase people out of their property if someone would step a foot onto his grass. And of course he had to call you grandma for the rest of the day in front of Riri because of it.

You sigh in content, smiling eyes roaming along the greener grass from the porch where you sit; and following along bucky and cherry who are running freely around their paddock. Clover huffs in your lap, and you chuckle, wondering what she's dreaming about. The wind picks up, rustling the leaves in the trees, and carrying it in its breeze. The swing under you shifts from the strong wind, hinges creaking along as you push with your socked feet. Hobie built you this swing right on the porch when he found you looking at the stars with your back aching from the lack of a seat. To add to it, he made it so that it'll fit you and him together with Clover sleeping on your lap.

You cover yourself more with Hobie's jacket, shivering slightly, nose and fingers cold. There's a sudden warmth on your cheek, you don't flinch or gasp from the surprise, knowing that it's Hobie with a warm cup of tea.

“Hi,” you smile up, Hobie returns the grin. He looks softer, edges rounded up. He's fresh from a bath, skin smelling of lavender and citrus. He prefers to wear softer and fleecy clothes now, leaving all the leather behind unless he's going for a ride towards town. Now he likes wearing knitted jackets that keeps him warm and comfortable without the stiffness of leather. He prefers jeans now too, and shirts with no collars that clings to his scar uncomfortably. A testament to how the first two buttons on his work shirt are unbuttoned, showing off his chest. “You look handsome.”

“When do I not?” He holds your cup in one hand and a glass of amber in the other. The golden ring in his ring finger shines in the afterglow.

You tilt your head playfully, taking his glass instead of the mug, eyes never leaving his own. He raises a brow when you take a sip from the glass, feeling the burn from the alcohol line your throat. “You're right, never. You always look good.” Your words are only for him and him only as you whisper it.

“Damn right.” He accepts defeat, letting you drink his whiskey while he drinks from your mug of tea. Clinking his glass against your own, you let out a snort, scooching to allow him space as he sits.

The warm liquid seeps into his calloused hands, eyes flicking over to you and between the land that he once thought was barren. Your plants still haven't borne fruit, but the greenery has sprouted like a miracle on dead soil. You almost gave up on the first month when nothing was working in your favour when the ground was still dry and grey. But you didn't, you kept at it everyday, tilling the soil, planting and replanting, watering everything until a single sprout appeared overnight. You jumped for joy when you saw, he still smiles remembering you running towards him with Clover in tow, and slamming yourself against him just to snog him until he was breathless.

He couldn't have made this into a house without you. This wouldn't be a home without you either.

You poke his cheek, feeling how much softer it is than before. “Whatever you're thinking about, stop it.”

“You want me to stop thinkin’ ‘bout you?”

You groan with a smile, head plopping down on his shoulder. “You never fail to rile me up.”

“Pot meet kettle, love.” He looks at you lovingly, like how a man would stare into the eyes of his wife.

Smiling, you place the mouth of your glass on his lips, letting him sip from the amber while he does the same with his tea placed on your own lips. You both drink, arms crossed over the other, lending each other's hand over the other.

You gulp down the warmth, letting it seep through your bones and muscles, letting it relax into you like a hug from a beloved.

Meanwhile, Hobie never let his eyes off you. Deep green eyes, the same colour as the sea of clovers in front of the home, has found its place on your lips, watching you drink from his cup while he drinks from your own.

A comfortable silence settles over the three of you. Clover snores on your lap, happy and content after finding her home. Hobie's hand kneads at your nape, letting his cool hands settle over your warm skin. With your head placed on his shoulder, you bask in your personal paradise. The birds chirp just a few ways away from you, finding their nests settled on the windmill that you two haven't fixed just yet. The sunset paints the entire farm in shades of orange and pink, hues of autumn blanketing the peaceful place you and Hobie built.

This is home, not the marbled walls of the manor you used to reside. Not the fine silks you used to sleep on, *this is home; with it's rough edges, broken pipes that groan in the night, with its walls made from wood and brick that feels cold on your skin— it's home, and you wouldn't have it any other way.

You feel him shift closer to you, lips pressing softly against your temple. His hand tracing above your scar. “Shoulder feelin’ alright?”

Humming, you close your eyes as he peppers kisses from your temple down to your wind whipped cheek. “It's feeling much better now, thanks to you.” He takes your glass and places it down on the floor right next to his own mug.

“I didn't do much.” Hobie chuckles, returning to your side not a moment longer, his knuckles brushes along your collarbone. “‘sides, you did all the healin’”

You sigh, eyes meeting up with his own. He can see love in your simple gaze. “Yeah, only because you've cleaned it every night before bed.” Hobie chuckles when you poke his stomach, in return, he nudges his nose against your own, earning a soft hum of approval from you. “How's your head? And everything else?” You narrow your eyes playfully, “can you still count to a hundred?”

His loud guffaw makes you laugh. Shaking his head, he pulls you closer. “It's good,” he says against your lips, breath fanning across your soft skin. “I've got a good nurse.”

“Your nurse didn't go to school for it.” You joke again. Hobie pecks your lips once, twice, until you're pulling him in by his shirt. You feel his smile throughout it all. He kisses you gently, yet he holds you like he's about to lose you.

The much needed kiss is interrupted by Clover sneezing on your lap, snot covering your flowy skirt. You pull away with a laugh, eyes still closed as his fingers still grips your chin, already feeling him pull you in once again.

“Hobie.” You call while he continues to snog you, kissing along the shape of your lips, etching how your lips feel, and how you sigh against him; how you kiss back wholeheartedly.

He hums, murmuring your name while the sound of his kisses echo around the porch and atop the songs of birds flying overhead.

You giggle as his searing hands find its way under your shirt and onto your stomach. He pauses, eyes blinking slowly at you. You clamp down, shining lips shut closed as he raises a brow.

“What? You ticklish now?” Hobie asks with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

You shake your head with a smile. “Nope.”

There's a grin slowly forming on his equally shiny lips. “I think I need to reacquaint myself, I don't remember you being ticklish—” he pokes your side. “—right ‘ere.”

You gasp in feigned offense, “I'm not!”

“You sure ‘bout that?” Wiggling his fingers, you laugh, reaching for his hands before he could attack.

“Okay! Only on that part.” You confess with a breathy laugh. He nods, tucking that information inside his head to be used one day.

Hobie returns to his drink, opting to sip at what was supposed to be your tea. The tea is now tepid, but he still drinks it anyway. You push the swing with your feet, softly, the swing sways back and forth while Clover lays asleep with your hand petting her head.

“We should take Riri up on her offer.” You say into the growing dark of the farm, watching the sun go further down and the light fade away. “It's been three months since she first invited us over.”

“She can wait,” Hobie has latched himself on you, arm snaked around your middle as he finishes his tea.

“Want to hog me all to yourself then?”

“That obvious?” He glances at your beaming face before his eyes stare at Bucky and Cherry trotting inside the barn on their own. Sometimes he thinks those two are actually humans trapped inside a horse's body. He has never seen smarter horses than them.

“Are you worried? About me getting back out there?” You play with the button of his work shirt, letting his scent waft over you when a breeze carries it towards you.

“What if…” Hobie sighs, eyes staring at you with worry. It's a grip taking hold around his body. “What if someone finds us again?” He remembers all the times you two were found by both the law and your aunt’s hired guns even when he took extra precautions. There's still that looming threat especially with how suspiciously peaceful your journey to the farm was. He has every right to be worried, you are too. “As much as good you are with a gun, I don't want to see you shootin’ it at someone again. ‘m… not tryin’ to control you, I just—”

You hold his cheek, thumb brushing along his jaw tenderly, feeling all the tiny scars left on his skin. “No, I understand. You're not like them, Hobie. No one will ever control me ever again.” At your words, he leans towards your touch, hand lifting up to meet with yours. “I won't let them.” Nodding, he kisses your palm, you notice how his hand shakes above your own. You don't mention it. “It's been five months since the train, they might have given up.”

“Let's hope so.” He softly says, green eyes gazing at you. Eyes that haven't seen peace in years, until now.

“Yeah, hope.” It's a fickle thing, but it's enough to light a fire in you. If they come, you'll fight with everything you've got. You've got everything to lose now, and you're willing to wield a gun once more to protect it all. If not, then it'll be a gift that you won't throw away, you'd live here peacefully, live the life you've always longed for. You're afraid that it would be the former.

—

You saddle up the horses in the barn, Buckeye watches your every move as you strap the saddle over to Cherry. There’s worry in his inky eyes, a look that you're all too familiar with. Clover runs around the barn, sniffing everything she comes across.

“You alright there, Buck? What's got you all worried, huh?” You don't expect him to answer, but he neighs in response, a sharp one that has you raising a brow. You've never heard him make that irritated sound. “What's gotten into you?” As you slide your hands down on Cherry's stomach to finish the saddle, Bucky, neighs loudly, hooves thumping against the ground. He looks like he's about to rush into you and throw you over. “Bucky, calm down!” You put your hands up, staying away from both horses.

“Buckeye!” Hobie's booming voice ricochets around the barn as he enters, putting a stop to Bucky's tantrum. Even Clover stops running for a second before returning to her adventure. “What's gotten into you, boy?” He pets his snout, effectively calming him down.

“I was putting on Cherry's saddle and he suddenly got mad.”

“He looks alright.” Nodding, Hobie roams his eyes all over his horse, checking each of his horse shoes in case there's something embedded in his feet. “Nothin’s wrong with him. What about Cherry? He's been overprotective of her lately.”

“Ah shit, do you think I put it on too tight?” Hobie keeps his hold on Bucky's reins, just in case. You check all the belts and buckles on the saddle, finding the fit just right. Until you get to her stomach. “Wait—” hands roaming around, you feel a bump. “What is that?” Cherry looks at you, if horses could raise their brow, she would've done it already. “Are you—?!” You gasp, eyes meeting with Hobie. Glaring at the horse next to him, you embrace Cherry. “Bucky, what did you do to Cherry!”

He already knows what you found. “I think it was a combined effort, love.” Scratching the back of Bucky's ear, Hobie chuckles at your reaction. “You did not waste time, huh, boy?”

“She's smaller than him!” You look at Bucky as if he can explain himself, to which the horse just huffs at you. Hobie keeps patting Buckeye on his back, while Cherry isn't even listening in on the conversation anymore. She prefers the pile of hay next to her, eating without a care.

“And? You are too compared to me.” Hobie unabashedly answers for Bucky. You gasp then laugh, a laugh that changes to a playful offended chortle. You grab a bucket from the ground, ready to throw it at him.

“You should run, Hobie!” Before you could finish yelling, Hobie's already sprinting back inside the house. You run after him, bucket in hand, ready to throw carrots at him.

Hobie waits for carrots to be pelted at him, only to turn around to see you gawking at the planted vegetable patch before you. He stops by the steps on the porch, hands on his hips as you let go of the bucket with a thud.

“What's wrong?”

“They've grown.” You whisper in disbelief, Hobie almost didn't catch your words. Chuckling, you look at Hobie with tears in your eyes. “We’ve got tomatoes!” Pouncing on him, he catches you, arms holding you in place while you celebrate against his neck.

He roams his eyes downwards towards the tomatoes until he spots a handful of it just under a bunch of leaves. “Holy shit!” Hand behind your head, he jumps up and down, matching your excitement. “You did it, love!”

You lean away, and then immediately peppers his face with a dozen kisses, leaving him almost dizzy. Before he could kiss back, you're already back on the ground, plucking the ripest looking one. It's as big as your hand, red and plump; ripe for the taking. All the countless times you've read botany books have finally borne fruit.

Wiping the dirt off of the tomato on your shirt, you hand it to him. “Wanna do the honors?”

“This is all you, lovie.” He gently places it back in your palm, hand lingering on yours; identical rings shining brightly.

You nod as thanks, heart beating rapidly. With a tentative bite, you let the juice coat your mouth, overflowing until it's dripping from your chin. It's perfect, and Hobie thinks you look perfect even with juice sliding down your chin and arm.

“Do you want a room? Because I can go.” Hobie jokes, you laugh heartily.

“Here,” you say, mouth full. “Try it.”

Hobie takes it, biting down just as the same as you, with juices flowing down his arm and onto his shirt. “Fuck!”

You nod rapidly, pride filling your chest. “Right?!”

“Y/N,” he calls, mouth still taking bites of the produce. Gesturing towards the neighboring plants, he watches as your expression morphs into pure elation when you spot your potatoes growing out of the soil, like bald heads peeking out from underneath.

There's dozens of them all lined up and ready to be harvested. You almost guffaw, satisfied and successful at growing something on the once thought barren land.

“We're gonna need a basket.” Perhaps your trip to Riri's saloon will have to wait.

—

The trip to town took longer since Cherry was out of commission, and you only had Bucky to take with you on the ride. By the time you and Hobie make it to Riri's saloon, lunch was in full swing. The place is smaller compared to the other establishments you've been in, and yet, it doesn't lack the energy. Customers line the bar, eating and drinking their fill. Jaunty music fills your ears just as when the saloon doors close behind you, Hobie's hand is placed on the small of your back, fingertips pressing softly, leading you towards the far end of the saloon where the bar is placed.

You roam your eyes around, the band plays on a stage in your right, cello, fiddles and trumpets play alongside the piano. Customers dance around with their partners, smiling faces whizz past you, giving you a polite greeting as you go. There are numerous tables littered around with the people sitting there and chatting energetically, their conversations rising above the music.

A hearty laugh above reaches your ears, when you look up, you see a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor with a balcony. A few patrons look down at you with their drinks in their hands, some are watching the poker game with amusement in their eyes. Drinking glasses clink around while you continue to make your way towards Riri who happens to be tending the bar.

The walls are in a creamy white with rows upon walls of paintings full of portraits and landscapes. There's a giant moose antler above the bar, looming over everyone. The place smells of booze and whiskey. Oddly enough, the scent of melted chocolate lingers above the fog of rum and moonshine. A crystal chandelier hangs high up on the ceiling, the centerpiece of the saloon. Sunlight from the windows filters through the brightly coloured glass, drenching the walls and floor with a kaleidoscope of light.

“Hey, Hobie!” Someone yells from above, Hobie gives them a curt nod. A handful of people recognize him, some greet him kindly like an old friend would. Some gaze at him with trepidation in their eyes.

A stranger with an eyepatch clasps his shoulder before staggering outside. Hobie chuckles and rolls his eyes at the older man.

“Someone's popular.” You whisper.

“A side effect of my reputation.” He smiles gently, fingers tapping on the small of your back. Leading you towards the corner of the bar, the far end where the back door sits behind it; he settles the two of you there, further away from strangers that could make you uncomfortable.

“Finally!” Riri exclaims, “the prodigal son returns!” Everyone at the bar hoots and whistles at Hobie. He ignores each of them, earning some booing and hissing from the crowd. You chuckle from seeing Hobie hide his smile under the brim of his hat. Riri slides in front of you, beer bottle in hand and then plops it in Hobie's waiting hand. “And with the prettiest girl this side of town has ever seen. What have you two been up to in your little slice of heaven, huh? Haven't seen you in months.”

“Busy with the farm.” Hobie says against the lip of his bottle, hand never leaving your back.

“Farm? Your dirt farm? You sure it's not you getting busy with our girl here, eh, Hobs?” Riri gives you a knowing look, you're flustered enough as it is. Hobie just shakes his head, eyes roaming everywhere but your eyes or Riri's.

You clear your throat. “We actually managed to grow something out there. We've got tomatoes, potatoes and even some carrots and strawberries blooming.” Your genuine smile turns Riri's playful one to a proud grin. “We'd bring you some of our harvest but we only rode on Bucky. We didn't want to stress him out further.”

“Why's that?” Riri cleans a glass with a cloth, “Is Cherry sick? We've got a veterinarian here for that.”

“No, she's pregnant.”

“Goddamn, Bucky did not waste any time.”

Hobie nods, “that's what I said.”

“Let's hope his rider doesn't do the same, eh?” She sends you both a wink.

“Fuckin' hell, Riri.” Hobie squeezes the bridge of his nose whilst you're left blubbering from her words. “Is there lunch left for us?” He says with a sigh.

“If you're nice about it, yeah.” Riri looks over at you. “Except for you, pretty, there's always a meal here for you.” You smile, head tilting towards Hobie's shoulder from bashfulness.

“Roast beef still on the menu?” Hobie asks, bottle half empty, stomach growling.

“Say please.” Riri says pointedly.

Hobie huffs, flicking his eyes towards you briefly before surrendering. “...please.”

Riri smirks, “it's always on the menu.” Hobie rolls his eyes at that.

He pokes your back, knuckles tracing around where he poked you. “How ‘bout you? Riri's chef can cook anythin’ you want.”

“Don't steal my words, Hobie.” Riri raises a brow. “Karl can make you anything you want.”

You laugh nervously at the eyes staring and waiting for you. “Uh, I'll have what he's having. And…” Hobie encourages you with a smile and a squeeze on your back. “Soup, any kind of soup you've got available.”

Riri pats the back of your hand with a soft smile. “We've got pumpkin, is that alright?”

“It's perfect.” You turn towards Hobie who's beaming at you, hiding his face with the brim of his hat from the rest of the customers.

—

You watch and listen with a smile in your seat, hand clasped around a glass of orange juice. The band ramps up their set, the music has gotten jauntier and happier right after you finished eating. More people have left the bar to either dance or play poker upstairs. Hobie still sits behind you, fingers curled around your belt loop lovingly. You feel him tapping rhythmically to the sound of the snare drum.

Looking over your shoulder, he nods at you with a soft smile. “They're good, aren't they?” You ask, chin atop your shoulder.

“Yeah, but I think you can beat them.”

You roll your eyes with a chuckle, fully twisting around on the bar stool to wipe a drop of sauce at the tip of his chin, fingers lingering there for a moment. “It's not a competition, Hobs.”

Before Hobie could give a reply, Riri slides over with a slice of chocolate cake. “You know how to play?”

You eye the dessert. “The piano, but I haven't practiced in a while.”

“She's bein’ humble. She's bloody brilliant on the keys.” Hobie takes the plate from Riri with a quick thank you, and then he places it in front of you casually.

You almost protested, thinking that Hobie yanked another customer's order. But Riri proves your thoughts wrong when she, herself, hands you a small fork for your dessert. You mumble a soft thank you, too shy, too grateful to say it louder lest you burst into tears. The cake has chocolate swirls with a large, plump strawberry on top of it. You don't waste time digging in.

“Isn't there an old broken piano at your place?” Riri continues the conversation, eyes flicking to your happy face with a soft smile.

“Yeah, been thinkin’ ‘bout fixin’ the damn thing but I have no idea how.” You almost actually cried on your cake when Hobie said those words.

“I think old man Roberto can fix it.” You savour the cake, listening in on the conversation.

“Your pianist?”

“Yeah, he's a doctor too, did you know that? Pretty great if you ask me—” Riri pauses, you follow her confused look. You see Hobie's stony expression, green eyes aflame like greek fire engulfing an entire fleet of ships. You and Riri have the same idea by following his gaze. She clears her throat at the sight, while you only see a broad shouldered man on the stairs, watching the band play.

“You okay?” You feel worried all of a sudden, what if this was another Culver situation? “Do you know him?”

“An old…acquaintance. Don't worry, he just owes me money.” Patting your back, he doesn't want to lie to you. What would that even bring?

“Oh, alright.” You slide the plate over to him. “I saved you some cake.”

Hobie chuckles, “nah, it's all yours, love.”

“Thank you,” you take the plate back. “I was just being nice.” Hobie shakes his head with a chuckle, you miss how he's having a silent conversation with Riri while you chow down.

“What did you even put in this, Riri? It's so fucking good!” With your fork, you scrape the plate to gather the rest of the chocolate icing. You have no shame at this point, it's the best cake you've ever had.

Riri takes a while to reply, so you lift your head up to see what's going on. You're met with her genuine smile. “Don't thank me, thank my grandma, it's a family recipe.”

“Well, thank you, Riri's grandma.”

Hobie stares at something behind you, Riri interrupts you before you could look over your shoulder. “Do you want to meet the band?”

“Holy shit! Really?” You grin from ear to ear, turning to see Hobie give you a nod and a small smile. “Do I have something in my teeth?” You grin widely, Hobie shakes his head, amused by you.

“Yeah, they're really nice. Come on, let's get you acquainted.” Riri jumps over the bar effortlessly, taking you by the hand and leading you towards the dance floor.

“I'll be back, Hobie!” You excitedly say over your shoulder as Riri twirls you around in the middle of the crowd. Hobie chuckles in his seat, drinking a cup of tea. He hears Riri ask you to dance, to which you happily agree.

Hobie keeps an eye on you, and he trusts Riri to keep you safe until he's done dealing with him. Hobie watches as Miguel saunters off towards him, spurs clinking as he sits down on your seat.

“Looks like Riri took your girl.” He says while ordering a beer from the other bartender.

“Why didn't you tell me that it was her, Miguel?”

Miguel catches the drink in his open palm as the bottle slides from the other end to his hand. “Simple, I didn't know who she was.” He cracks it open by banging the cap against the edge of the bar. The metal clanks on the floor as it falls.

“Bullshit, O’Hara.” Hobie says through clenched teeth.

“She has a sweet tooth doesn't she?” He refers to your almost clean plate.

“Miguel.” Hobie utters more pointedly, taking the beer from his hand before he even takes a sip. “Why didn't you tell me it was her?”

Miguel sighs, “I didn't know it was her. But I had a hunch. People at camp talk y’know. And you're a blabber mouth when you're drunk. A deadly combination.” He eyes his beer bottle, Hobie waits for more answers. “The guy who gave me the job just gave me her description. The same description I gave you, Hobie. Not my fault you didn't recognize her.”

“Who gave it to you?”

Miguel flexes his hand, asking for his drink back. Hobie clenches his jaw before sliding the bottle back to him reluctantly. “You should thank me. I got you two together again.”

“Just tell me, Miguel, or I'll ask for that bounty you owe me.”

“You technically didn't complete the job, so…” Hobie stares at him with the same look that Miguel has only seen him sport when he has his target in his crosshairs. “It was a middleman. He said his boss was an oil baron of some kind.” He’s about to take a sip, but doesn't. Grimacing when he brings the bottle back down to only see Hobie having the same fiery look. It brings a shiver down his spine. “Can you stop?”

“Who?”

“Don't know, didn't ask.”

“She could've died, Miguel.” That thought has him trembling in place. Hobie balls his fists, hiding how the mere thought of it shakes him to his core.

“She would've died either way, Hobie. But she had you, if I gave the job to any other person, she would've. Trust me, I did not know it was her, or that you even knew her. It's not like I made her come here.”

Hobie inhales sharply. “It wasn't you who sent the letter?”

“What fucking letter?”

“I sense some tension in the air. You know, conducting business in my establishment isn't allowed. Except if you involve me.” Riri jumps to Miguel's side, taking the beer from his hand, chugging it as sweat drips from her brow. With a sigh, Miguel orders another beer.

“Where's Y/N?” Hobie answers his own question when he sees you playing the piano with the rest of the band. His lips curl up into a smile, fists unclenching at the music you're playing. You're having the time of your life.

“Relax, Romeo, she's fine.” Riri claps to the rhythm. Hobie hears your hearty laugh from where he's sitting. The saloon's band seems to be having fun too.

In Hobie's mind, everything clicks in place. “It was you who sent my letter.” Hobie jabs his finger on Riri's shoulder blade.

She snorts, “of course it was me. I couldn't handle your sulking any longer. Seriously, I was losing customers because of your weekly letter writing and crying session.”

Miguel laughs, he sees Hobie's glare and tamps down to a snicker. Riri leans in the bar to yank a bottle of whiskey from underneath the shelves.

“Why?”

“You weren't happy being a lone ranger.”

Hobie feels like lightning struck him. “Fuckin' hell, Riri, you could've said somethin'. Warned me ‘bout it.”

“And? You'd somehow find it in your heart to immediately forgive her and pick her up from the docks?” Riri pours the whiskey inside three glasses, handing it to each of the men. “You’re like a brother to me, Hobie. We came up in this fuckwad’s gang—” she points at Miguel who's caught in the middle. He just pinches the bridge of his nose. “—at the same time. Do you think I'd let you wallow and die alone in that dirt farm of yours?”

Hobie doesn't answer. He knows that the journey was needed. But if Riri actually warned him about it beforehand, would you be here right now? Or would you be dead somewhere along your journey to him because he couldn't find it in his heart to come to you?

“See? Not everything's my fault. Just a freak coincidence.” Miguel pipes up, now eating a slice of cake just as you have.

Riri ignores him. “I know you had a slight apprehension towards her because of what happened.”

“She could've died, Riri. When I found her, she was trying to steal food.”

Riri breathes shakily, eyes glossing over. “And I'm sorry for that, truly. I never thought that would happen, or that her people would put a bounty on her. I only knew her from you, Hobie. I'm sorry. And I'll apologize to her, I promise.”

“She's really good on that piano.” Miguel comments before returning to his cake. Hobie and Riri continue to ignore him.

Hobie sucks in his teeth. “‘Slight apprehension’ didn't cut it back then.” He whispers.

Riri looks at him with a frown, eyes downturned. She knows his story, and she knows his side of it. “You know when I was a kid I used to hate the edges on bread. I always asked my mom to cut it off for me which added more workload for her, but she still did it.” She smiles fondly. “And now as an adult I love the edges, it's the best part of the bread for me.”

“What are you sayin'?”

“I'm saying that people change. And I'm not just referring to her.” Hobie understands her double entendre.

Hobie scoffs, stealing a quick glance at you. “It's bread, Riri.”

“I can see that she may have thought you were a burden back then but I highly doubt she has the same thoughts now.” Riri takes a sip from her glass. “How would you even know that you were a burden to her when the exact words didn't come out of her own mouth?”

“She told me it wasn't her, I know that now. It was all Hicks, the same fucker that did this to me.” Miguel straightens in his seat, Riri flicks her eyes at his scar knowingly. “They're still lookin’ for her, I know it.”

“If they ever find you both, we have your back.” Riri clasps Hobie's shoulder. He holds her hand briefly before letting go with a thankful nod. “It's the least I can do.” Miguel agrees with a grunt and a pat on his gun.

“It's more than enough, Ri.”

You wave towards Hobie from the small stage, jumping down to walk past the crowd and to him. Hobie's heart feels a little bit lighter from the conversation, like a bullet taken out from his skin.

Miguel stands up, and then pats Hobie and Riri in the shoulder before putting his hat back on. His hazel eyes meet with yours for a second, you give him a polite smile as you navigate your way out of the jam-packed audience.

Miguel fixes his hat, eyes zeroing in on the ring around Hobie's finger. “Nice ring. You two tied the knot without inviting me and the rest of the gang?” You pause by the menu, acting like something caught your eye while you listen in. The saloon is noisy enough for his words to be muffled, but you understood it perfectly.

“Not really,” Hobie glances towards you for a second before flicking his eyes over at his ring that he keeps twisting and turning around his finger.

“Well you've got everything else covered. And I've seen the way you look at her. If that's not marriage, I don't know what is.” Miguel clasps Hobie's shoulder in a parting goodbye, his face is unreadable from where you are. Miguel leans in closer this time, hazel eyes staring into Hobie's soul. His expression turns serious, lips pursed into a thin line, whispering words that you couldn't hear from where you stood. “You gonna tell her all the things you've done to survive this place?”

Hobie stands up to greet you halfway. “Worse, she has seen it.” Miguel leaves, and Hobie holds your hand with a proud smile, but you can tell something happened while you were gone. He sees it, so he leads you back to the bar where Riri waits to tell you everything.

“Did he pay you back?”

“Nah, he didn't have the money on him.”

“What an asshole.” He laughs, not bothering to hide his affection for you in front of the whole saloon any longer.

—

You lean back, smiling at the lavender sunset before you. Hobie's hands are occupied with the reins, but he still finds the time to nuzzle his chin on your shoulder. A small act that has you grinning as you cup his cheek for a moment.

Riri's confession was a surprise to you, but after the shock ended, you couldn't help but let out a loud guffaw in the saloon. You stood out like a sore thumb whilst Hobie rubs your back from how much you were laughing. You even thanked Riri for what she did on Hobie's behalf, to which she sighed in relief from your reaction. If she didn't send that letter, you'd still be in that wretched place, you'd still be half dead, surviving but not living. The journey to Hobie was tough and marred with pain and bloodshed, and yet, you'd take that journey all over again if you knew that he'd be holding you like this once again; that he still loves you despite everything that has happened to him and to you. With a parting hug, and a promise that you'll visit again, you and Hobie set off back on the road towards home.

The route home is filled with an abundance of scenery. Fields of flowers and tall grass line the sides of the bumpy dirt road. Daisies, poppies and baby's breath are in full bloom, its colours bringing even more brightness to the land. Cows and horses graze all over, they look up at the sound of Bucky's hooves thudding against the soil.

Hobie gathers up the reins in one hand, arm holding on to your waist before bending down from his saddle. Buckeye still gallops away as you immediately try to get a hold of Hobie before he falls.

“What are you doing?!” You ask, voice shaky, eyes up front while he has his palm open, gathering flowers on the side of the road.

“Just hold onto me!” Numerous flowers gather in his hand, its petals are filled with dew, sweet smelling and colourful against his leather gloves. Some of the stems are broken from the motion of the galloping horse. But you don't mind as he sends you a wink while he's on the side like he's doing the most mundane thing.

Laughing, you help pull him up. He hands you the bundle of flowers from behind, lips brushing along the shell of your ear. “That'll be five bucks.”

You giggle, thumb brushing along one of its red petals. “That's expensive for a roadside bouquet.” Hiding your face behind the flowers, you take a whiff of the sweetness whilst you gaze behind you through your fluttering lashes. “I think you're swindeling me, cowboy.”

“Fine,” he dramatically sighs, earning a soft laugh from you. His viridescent eyes remind you of the clovers back home. “I'll give you a discount.”

“A kiss then?”

“I was goin' to say ‘three bucks’ but that works too.” His eyes are on the road, but he briefly gazes into yours with tenderness.

“I'll pay my dues then.” You crane your neck back as far as you can. With a hand running up behind his head, you push him gently to meet with your own for a quick peck. “There, all paid.”

Hobie grins, trying hard not to indulge more lest he crashes Bucky into a tree. “Nah, that was half.”

“Half?” You feign a scoff. “Fine, I'll give it to you in installments.” Your neck is starting to ache from the position, but you can't help but keep still when he even looks this good in this awkward angle.

Bucky slows down, you hear the rush of a body of water before you see it. Hobie clicks his tongue, Buck completely stops from the command. “I'll take it.”

“You're not gonna ask when I'll ‘pay’ you?”

Hobie places his hand around your throat, not clenching, nor digging in; no, he does it to gently straighten your neck to save you from a crick in your nape. You follow willingly, never have you felt this soft kind of grasp around your neck— it's been the opposite before this, before him.

The pads of Hobie's fingers rub along your nape, soothing the growing ache. “Surprise me.”

Your smile grows when you quickly look forward, you see a small dock in a shining lake that's surrounded by oak trees and cattails growing on the side. The water shimmers under the afterglow like diamonds laid upon silk.

Hobie raises his brows with a smile, you're sure he's patting himself on the back. He smoothly gets off his horse with a flourish. With his feet back on the ground, he holds your waist, waiting for you to push yourself off so he could help you down. As if you ever need it, but you sometimes like to be spoiled this way, especially if It's Hobie spoiling you with his affections.

You hold the bouquet against your chest while he looks up at you lovingly, not telling you to hurry up or attempt to yank you off. “They told me that you're so mashed. What does that even mean?”

“Who's they?”

“The band, they said and I quote, ‘that Hobie is properly mashed for you! We've never seen him look at someone like that unless—’” You pause, hands on his wrist, pushing yourself off as he guides you down on the ground carefully. You floated for a moment, you then tuck the flowers in Bucky's saddle bag for safe keeping.

“Unless what?”

You bite your lip to tamp down a laugh. “‘Unless you're one of Riri’s homemade chocolate cakes.’” Poking his chest, you playfully jab him while he has his hands up in mock surrender. “I knew you wanted that cake!”

“It was yours! And I've had it a thousand times before, love.” He grabs your wrists, stopping your poking to pull your hand over his neck so you'd hold him closer. Toe to toe, you close the gap even more by scooching closer.

You poke him with your chin on his clavicle. “And here I thought you were being nice.”

“I was,” Hobie utters against your lips, “don't worry, I ordered one for myself while you were playing on stage.”

You gasp in feigned offense. “You dare?!”

Nodding, Hobie pulls you closer by your wrist. “I dare.” He mocks teasingly.

“Guess I have to jump in the lake to let the waters wash away this betrayal.” Moving away, you walk backwards towards the dock while keeping an eye at him.

Hobie watches you go. The second he steps forward, you sprint away, giggling. Milkweeds and poppies brush along your legs as you run while stripping off your boots and jacket, you then throw it all behind you. The fabric hits Hobie's face, he hears a splash as he yanks it off, laughing with you. Stripping off his coat, belt and boots, he jumps in right after with a louder and bigger splash.

The water is colder than you expected when it hit your skin. But you suppose it's worth staying for a little while even if it means getting a cold. You wipe your face from the splash that hit you, shivering slightly and incredibly happy without a care for the rest of the world.

“Hobie?” You twist around, swimming in a circle to look for him.

Hobie doesn't resurface after his jump, your grin slowly turns into panic when you see bubbles rise up from where he jumped.

“Hobie!” You feel bile rise in your throat, panic and worry settling in your stomach. “Hob—!” You're suddenly lifted up, thighs perched on his shoulder with his head in between. “You ass—!” You see him give you a smirk before tossing you behind with a splash.

He once again lifts you up, by your waist this time. He's met with a glare from you, and he has the audacity to laugh at your face. You splash, wiggling and thrashing in his hold. “‘m sorry! I saw the opportunity!”

“Not funny! I thought you drowned!” Continuing to splash at his face, Hobie embraces you against his chest until you've tired yourself out. You manage to give him one last splash to his face before you gave up, and then you slouch against him.

“Good thing I taught you how to swim, huh?” He softly says, floating around the lake.

“Yeah,” you hide behind the crook of his neck, nose nudging his skin while you try to forget how your aunt reacted when you came home drenched and dripping on her carpets.

“You okay?” Hobie rubs in between your shoulders. “‘m sorry, I thought it was funny.”

You sniff from the cold, leaning away to meet with his eyes. “It was, just don't take too long to resurface.” Smiling, you wipe water droplets off his pierced eyebrow. “Remember the day you convinced me to let you teach me how to swim?”

“Yeah, I told you that you wouldn't be able to swim if the ship you're on capsizes.”

“It scared the shit out of me.”

“‘m sorry that scared you.”

“Stop apologizing,” you cup his jaw, feeling his stubble, “besides, we ended up here years later. It's a good ending.”

“Yeah, a good ending.” He fixes your blouse, laying the collar flat so the edge doesn't poke your eye out. Noticing your far off stare behind him, he imagines the worst. But when he turns, he sees a huge deer with large antlers drinking from the side of the lake. “Holy shit.” Hobie moves, but you stop him so he doesn't startle the deer.

It continues to drink calmly. A bush from the side shakes, Hobie almost went for his gun but he's proven wrong when a white tailed doe appears.

“She's gorgeous,” you whisper, hugging him from behind while you watch the doe drink next to the deer. “Do you think they know each other?”

“Maybe.” He doesn't believe his eyes, “maybe they're mates.”

You kiss his cold cheek. “You think so?”

With your hands intertwined with his own underwater, he pulls you closer until there's no space left in between. He once dreamed to be this close to you, now that he's skin to flesh with you, he will never let go. He'd rather be buried alive again rather than be apart with you.

The deer nudges the doe's head before they gallop away from the lake. Hobie sniffs, finger brushing along your ring. “Yeah, they are.”

—

The sun has fully set now, dark blue engulfing you with the night howling its cold breeze against your wet skin. The large oak tree behind you shields you from the harsh wind. It reminds you of the one back home where he carved both of your initials on the trunk. Hobie embraces you from behind, sharing his warmth while you two wait for the clothes on your back to dry before riding home. Bucky sleeps next to you, huffing in his sleep. The bonfire roars, warming you in its orange glow, flames dancing in your vision.

Hobie hasn't taken his fingers off your ring that he rolls around your finger since you sat down. His eyes stare at the fire, shoulders relaxed, yet his jaw is clenched. You think his body is acting on instinct, and is still getting used to the calm.

“You're quiet, I'm worried.” You say, head leaning on his chest, back slouched to look at him.

Hobie raises a brow, eyes glancing down at you before returning back to the fire. “‘m thinkin’.”

“That's a first,” you joke, squeezing his hand. He chuckles, pecking the top of your head once before sighing in your hair. “Okay, now I'm worried. What's wrong?”

“I was thinkin' that we're practically married.” Something flashes behind your eyes that he missed. “We've got the rings, the house, the love and everythin' else.” He can't let Miguel get to him, but he can't get his words out of his mind either. If that's not marriage, I don't know what is.

You give him a soft shaky smile, eyes glossy against the light of the bonfire. Cradling his face, he leans against your palm, placing a heavy kiss on your cool skin. A sob threatens to escape you, clawing at your chest to be let go. You don't let it.

“We kind of are, huh?” He asks, eyes closed while holding your hand against his lips.

“I–it's close.” You manage to choke out. “I suppose we are, Hobs.” Tears collect in your lashes, blurring him in your vision like water colours bleeding in together. “Are you afraid of it?” Of us? You fear waking up one day and finding his side of the bed empty except for a note addressed to you. It's irrational, you know it is.

“No,” he sniffs, “it's the opposite. My fear isn't anywhere near that.”

You blink to clear the tears, letting it fall without a sound. “What are you most afraid of, cowboy?”

Hobie opens his eyes and you're met with a sea of green, shining and glittering just like the lake near you. “You, you're what I'm most afraid of.” You turn to fully face him, body placed in between his legs that comfortably cage you in. You don't let him go even when he burrows his chin on the top of his chest. For a moment, he doesn't say a word, until he sniffs and returns to meet with your eyes. “Losin’ you, seein’ your blood stainin’ my hands.” He holds both of your hands in his own. “That's what I'm afraid of, not my own death, yours. Because I can't live another five years without you. Especially a life lived without you isn't a life well lived.”

You feel his love and all the ache he carried in those five years like never before. He doesn't want to lose the life he built with you here; he doesn't want to lose all the mornings with you, he doesn't want to sleep without you by his side. He doesn't want to lose you.

You never even thought for a moment that you deserve this kind of tenderness after all the hatred that was thrown at you like a hail of firestorm. And yet, here he is, he loves you, the kind of love that reverberates through your very bones and settles into your soul. You still don't think you deserve it, but who are you to deny such love, especially from him? You did not beg for this kind of love, nor prayed for it. It's not the kind of love that the fates or the universe have thrust upon you in a shower of meteors. It was gradual, it came in a trickle and then a wave. And when you two were finally on the same page— you love him with every single bone in your body— you love him intentionally and wholeheartedly.

Kneeling to level with him, hands holding his cheeks, you hope that your simple touch is enough to let him feel all the love and affection you have for the man before you.

With your forehead against his own, you softly utter the same three words you've been telling him every morning and and every night before bed. “I love you.” He nods, whispering the same words atop your lips like a mantra; a song that replays in his head over and over again. You kiss the corner of his lips before leaning away. “I–if that ever happens, I'll live for you. I'll bring back my blood inside me if I have to.” You wipe away his stray tear, “Just promise me you'll do the same.” You know that you won't be able to do anything if it does happen to you, nor he, if it happens to him. They're empty promises meant to fill the holes in your chests for comfort to hold onto— to help ease your minds throughout the night whilst he lays his head upon your chest at night.

The weight of the looming threat feels like a reality. As if someone laid a pillow to his sleeping face. Hobie takes you in his arms, embracing you; hand placed on the back of your head as if he's already trying to shield you from what he fears most.

The mere thought of you loving him so much that you'd defy death itself, and despite the blood underneath his nails has him tethering upon the precipice of paradise. Maybe that's all there is then, to be loved despite the blood staining his hands, and despite his gnashing teeth that could take your flesh if he so desires; that he'll never desire to do to you— It's enough for him to be with you, and for you to be with him until you're both old and frail, until you're both six feet under; behind the same house he made into a home for you.

He has everything to lose, and he'll raise hell itself if need be just to bring you back. *When they come for you, there won't be enough bullets in the world for him.

With determination in his eyes that fans the flames in his chest, he utters an impossible promise on your skin.

“I promise.”

You hug Hobie, hand splayed on his back while the other kneads at his nape. Opening your eyes, you see the same deer and doe on the other side of the lake, standing side by side peacefully with their reflections on the lake. The sounds of the night echo above the glimmering depths of the water. It all brings you hope despite the conversation, they won't find you, that's your hope. You get to stay here forever with him, that's your only wish in this world.

Amidst the swaying grass, and in his arms, you feel infinite. You finally feel like you exist with the gentle wind and the raging rivers. No more do you feel like you burn everyday, where there's ash in your mouth, embers hidden underneath your hands; living in a house built to be kindling in your all consuming flames of loneliness. Earthbound once more, alive again.

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fleurriee · 2 years ago

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Hey boo, congratulations on 2k again, you truly deserve it and more to come your way. ☺️

My first prompt request, yes first, is going to be from dirty little compliments: ❛ there's nothing you can do to make me stop wanting you. ❜

tell me why the first thing i thought of for this prompt was the filthiest thing ever?? someone needs to get me some help fr. 2k drabbles!

pairing ; neteyam x fem!reader

synopsis ; your mate didn’t think you could get any better. yet again, he’s proven wrong.

themes ; smut, slight fluff, established relationship (mates) explicit content: p in v sex, dirty talking, squirting.

Laying on your back, whole body moving from the impact of your mate pounding into you from above, you closed your eyes as bliss overcame every one of your senses.

He was leaning down, face so impossibly close to your own that you could feel his panting breath tickle upon your features. You watched as his brows furrowed, tense expression taking over, feeling the tightness of your clenching pussy.

“Fuck,” he cursed, voice low and hoarse - the sound drove you absolutely wild. “You feel so good like this, yawne (beloved). So fu-fucking good.”

His praises ran through your system, taking each one of your senses over until you were just a trembling, stuttering mess. It was always the best feeling when he was like this - sure, there were the times where you adored him degrading you, finding pleasure in the pain of his dominance - but there was something about his praises, the way he made you feel loved and domesticated. You lavished in it.

A whine broke through from your parted lips, pouting when you fully understood his words. Your eyes fluttered closed in euphoria, shaky hands reaching up to grasp upon his broad shoulders, the taut, tense skin under your fingertips only managing to send another wave of arousal through you.

“Munxtate (wife),” he called, grabbing your attention once more. Once your gaze landed upon his own hooded one again, a smirk plastered itself upon his lips. “Are you close?” he asks, a teasing lilt hidden behind his voice. “I can feel how close you are, yawne (beloved)…”

You can feel it, too. There’s a tightening within the bottom of your lower stomach, the knot only growing more and more taut with each pound of Neteyam’s hips, slamming them into your own. The feel of his balls against your drenched pussy, of his cock hitting such a beautiful, sweet spot right at the back of your cervix - it was all sending you closer and closer to the edge -

But, when you finally let go, allowing the string to snap and for your release to tumble the way it begged to, it felt different than all the other times. There was so much heat in this one, so much altogether, that when it came flooding out of your system, you felt completely drenched.

A loud mewl fell from your lips when it happened, shivering in your spot as you moved side to side and arched your back, clenching around him subconsciously. Whilst your eyes were tightly shut, basking in everything you were feeling all at once, a growl - completely animalistic - sounded from above you.

It took you a few more seconds to completely recover from what you had just newly experienced, and when you hazily flickered your eyes back open, looking up at your mate’s panting figure as he sat up, you noticed he was completely soaked. Practically from head to toe, Neteyam was covered in your slick - that had just come from you; that was the feeling you’d just gone through.

Shame and embarrassment was all you could feel for a moment as your ears sank down against the top of your head, eyes softening as you attempted to let out an apology. But, at the sight of your dejected, guilt-ridden expression, Neteyam immediately jumped into action and captured your lips in his own. It was a slightly rougher kiss, one filled with passion and intimacy, tongues fighting for dominance as he began to give you your reassurance back.

Pulling away, Neteyam made sure to bump his head softly against your own, eyes locked in on your gaze. “That was fucking amazing…” he breathed out, a laugh tumbling from his lips. Then his once loving expression darkened, just the way you loved it, just the way that always got your arousal heightening all the more. “You don’t have to be ashamed, yawne (beloved) - there's nothing you can do to make me stop wanting you.”

#𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐑’s work ── ✎#2k drabble special #neteyam #neteyam sully #avatar #avatar 2 #neteyam fluff #neteyam smut #neteyam x reader #neteyam sully x reader #neteyam x you #neteyam sully x you #neteyam x female reader #neteyam x fem reader #neteyam sully fluff #neteyam sully smut #neteyam x pregnant reader #dad neteyam #dad!neteyam

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sirmidezz · 3 months ago

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John Rambo x reader (platonic)

Prompt: John Rambo reminiscing over his childhood after witnessing some drunk dude yell at a cashier.

I honestly got impatient even though I barely posted my small essay not even 10 minutes before writing this, anyways come eat your food kids, ya get a full course in the span of one day.

Warnings: Trauma, PTSD, Child abuse, mentions of alcohol abuse, Foul language.

It was grocery day, every once a month when John got out of the house. The only time John ever left the house, unless it was to go to work. (Y/N) stayed at home to clean, trusting that John would be ok in town by himself this time.

John glanced down at the list, reading over all he needed to get before grabbing a shopping cart and heading out to the aisles. John insisted that he would remember every thing (Y/N) said they needed, that he didn't need to carry around a list, but (Y/N) was persistent.

John managed to finish getting most of what the list said in a short amount of time, as he was about to grab his 3rd to last item he noticed some yelling from the front of the store where the cashier's were. Curiosity got the best of John and he went over to see what was going on.

Some drunk man was yelling at the cashier about the price range on his six pack of beer and jar of pickles, trying to negotiate with the cashier and getting livid when his attempt failed.

John rolled his eyes slightly and continued back to his shopping spree. Before johnny could fully leave the area the man let out a scream and chucked the jar of pickles to the floor while spitting out profanities.

Suddenly the hairs on John's arms stood up, he froze slightly, a small memory passing through his mind, one he thought he could forget since it had been so long, one that seemed to set him on edge, one just as painful as any other memory he dared not to reminisce over.

In the blink of an eye John found himself driving back to the house, forgetting the groceries. He didn't think he would remember those times, those times before Vietnam, when the war was inside his own house.

"You worthless piece of shit! Can't even sweep the floors right! Just like your damn mother!" Yelled reeves as he layed hits on a more younger John, knocking him to the floor. John covered his face, not wanting to show that he was crying. "Fucking sissy! Take the fucking hits like a man should! Your not a little bitch your old enough to grow a pair!"

The loud tapping on the window was enough to pull John from his thoughts. (Y/N) Looked into the car, worry all over their face as John managed to zone in and out of reality. "Johnny? Can you hear me?" (Y/N) Spoke softly, a very notable difference from what went on in John's mind.

John managed to get back to his bearings. He had been parked in the driveway of the house for about a good 10 minutes staring off into space. (Y/N) Went over to the passenger side and opened the door. John didn't say anything, he felt like a small kid again, he felt so weak.

After about a good moment of silence (Y/N) spoke up. "You have been parked out here for some time now, you wanna tell me what is going on?" John shook his head, a stray tear escaping his right eye. (Y/N) Understood, they knew it was best to not push it, especially when John was like this. They couldn't help but at least care for their roomie. "You want a hug?" John nodded this time, feeling safe enough to want to be held.

(Y/N) leaned over and wrapped their arms around John's shoulders. John held them back tightly, burying his face onto their shoulder. John let out silent sobs as (Y/N) consoled him. They just softly rubbed his back in a soothing manner, comforting John the best they could.

Soon John's sobs slowly turned into sniffs. He managed to pull back after some time, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry about the groceries," mumbled John. (Y/N) Softly let out a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it johnny, we have tomorrow. I'm just worried about you, ok? Nothing else bothers me." (Y/N) Then softly cupped John's face, rubbing their thumb slightly. "Let's go back inside, we still have the stuff to make spaghetti, would you like spaghetti?"

John smiled a bit, he couldn't help but feed off the positivity from (Y/N). "I would like spaghetti." Said John before the two got out of the car and went back inside.

As (Y/N) began boiling the water John smiled and looked over to them.

"Thank you (Y/N), for everything."

"Anytime johnny, anytime."

#john rambo #sylvester stallone #john rambo x reader #john rambo one shots

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byuntrash101 · 2 years ago

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incubus!san preview

pairing: incubus!san x fem!reader

synopsis: being in love with your boss, doctor jeong yunho, is a nightmare. unlike this dream you're having right now of him gently kissing you in the middle of the night. but something feels off. doctor jeong doesn't quite sound like himself...

wc: +- 11k (preview is 0.6k)

tag preview: multiple smut scenes (2), demon!san (he has magical powers), monster cock!san, dirty talk, oral (f&m), overstim (f), multiple orgasms (he ain't no sex demon for nothing), breeding kink, explicitly asking for consent, pet names (kitten, baby, good girl), praising, begging, orgasm control, cum play

a/n: im rewriting this old fic and i need to get hyped up to finish it up. please tell me if you wanna be tagged <3

link to the full fic

Just a dream. You repeated to yourself.

“I promise you won’t regret it. Because I was trained for this.” You felt the unusually hot glide of his tongue on your ear as swarms of butterflies collectively took off inside your guts. “I was trained to please you… Only you.” Goosebumps ran across your skin as electricity sparked up in your core.

He went back to lick and suck on your ear you’re surprised how much surface his tongue can cover but you don’t pay that much intention to it, you’re too busy being gently laid back in your bed by San as he licked down your neck, leaving sloppy kisses and playful bites in his wake. His sharp teeth easily sunk into your skin and the pleasurable sting dragged a throaty moan out of your mouth. San briefly pulled away to look at you. He smirked at your flushed rosy cheeks.

“Baby, are you already feeling me?” Just as he said that he pushed his hips into yours and you had to keep yourself from loudly gasping when you felt… it. You haven’t seen it yet, but you just know it… That thing… was huge.

You let out a whimper and he unveiled his pointy teeth, the white pearls glistening under the moonlight. While San buried his face back in the crook of your neck you noticed how the buttons of your nightgown started to faintly glow red and in total stupor you understood they are undoing themselves. The straps swiftly slipped off your skin and you were left absolutely naked before San’s eyes.

He pulled away drinking in your most natural form while you lay on your back, thighs tightly pressed together.

“Baby you look this good, and you want me to behave?” he said in that voice again. He licked his lips, his tongue was different. It’s long and pointy, unnaturally red and… hot too… you recalled from the neck kisses. Your heart pounded in your chest.

He leans back again, and his disproportionately long tongue fully wrapped around your nipple. You moaned and bit your bottom lip. He lightly flicked his tongue. You gasped as it was gradually more difficult to resist.

He dipped down again, hot tongue gliding across your skin from your chest to your stomach and dangerously approaching your center. When he noticed you were keeping your legs tightly shut, he looked back up at you. Your eyes grew wide when you noticed the soft dark brown of his eyes was replaced by a glowing and ominous burgundy red.

“Baby, don’t make this harder than it has to be” San said, not parting his lips from your pubic bone still showering you with a thousand breathy kisses. Then with a flick of the wrist, your legs flew open, the magical force prying your legs open as if it were nothing, coercing you into unveiling yourself to the ravenous gaze of the demon. and before you can even realize it San was eyeing the most private part of you. and the demon was at heaven's doors.

“Baby, it didn’t even start yet and you’re already this wet for me” his teasing made you squirm and it’s only then that you realize in what state the incubus has put you.

You were absolutely drenched. You never were this wet… Ever! Even in your wildest dream with Doctor Jeong. Without even proper touching, you soaked the sheets all the way through the mattress. You couldn’t see it, but you felt long strings of your juices linking your sopping center to the bed and coating your inner thighs.

When San approached his face very slowly, eyes focused on his target, licking his lips hungrily, when he’s right there, just a couple of centimeters away from your soaked slit he looked up at you. sharp eyes glowing red and harboring a smirk that could only be described as downright evil.

“Oh, and y/n, one last thing. This is not a dream… It’s real… I’m real”

a/n: omg i hope you liked the small preview! if you're excited for it please come tell me and hype me up so i finish up this thing fast haha. also tell me if u wanna be tagged <3

#san smut #ateez smut #san hard hours #san hard thoughts #ateez hard hours #ateez hard thoughts #ateez #ateez san #kpop smut #choi san

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waterdeep-weavemoss · 6 months ago

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Parley

This one's a little fucked up. A nonconsensual kiss (and immediate consequences for it) but no more than that.

All she had to do was think about where she wanted to go.

'Our connection is so strong,' he'd murmured in her ear, 'that I will find you wherever you are.'

From Gale it would've been a promise. From the devil, a threat. I must keep my word, she thought. She'd left camp; her friends were still unsure about this plan... was he right? Did they not have faith in her? The thought made her angry; out there in the middle of the forest, surrounded only by the deep green of ancient trees and the music of birdsong, she closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she conjured the memory of him. Fire and cherries and depth and that awful scent that was only the Hells.

A heartbeat, and she was suddenly washed in heat. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring at the banquet table, completely laden with food.

'Little mouse,' purred a voice in her ear. Of course he wouldn't face me, she thought. She tensed and he laughed, knuckles ghosting up her spine. 'So good of you to join me. I'm a patient man, but you really were beginning to test my limits.'

'I'm here to parley,' she said. 'It's not a social call.'

'It's not?' He feigned surprise, looping his arms around her, hands resting on her belly. Clenching her jaw in anger she turned to face him, glaring fiercely despite the fact the top of her head barely reached his chest.

'Do you realise what you've done?' she hissed, shoving the fear tangling inside her back down. 'Gale's missing. He won't tell anyone what he's planning, least of all me...' she shoved ineffectually at the devil. 'He ripped out your heart.'

He smirked. 'No, little mouse. Poor thing, you have no idea, do you? It's here.' He pressed a clawed hand to her breast, over her own heart. 'There's such darkness in your own now, it might as well be mine.'

He's messing with my head. 'You have no idea what you're talking about.'

'Look,' he said, drawing her forward, taking her shoulders, pointing her at one of the gaudy mirrors. There they stood, some awful parody of romance, his claws breaking skin. Tav's eyes widened in horror as she understood what she was seeing. From her heart, darkness had begun to seep, cold and smothering.

'What- the fuck is happening?!'

'That wizard of yours hasn't been entirely truthful, has he? You poor darling. He's lying to you, the vampire feels the need to protect you as if you aren't fully capable of that, the famed Blade is nowhere to be found... and you are here. With me.' He moved a possessive hand to the pulse in her neck. 'Nobody is going to save you. You must know it. But then perhaps you will save yourself. Perhaps you will leave this place dripping in my blood. But you are such a tiny thing, with no help to call for and no hope left.'

And the darkness of some evil magic coiled in my chest. You have no idea what I'm capable of.

'You're wrong,' she said, ripping away from him. His claws dragged on her shoulders, leaving deep gouges. She was so incensed she barely felt it, however.

'Come now,' he said softly. 'We can be civil about this. Sit. Eat. You look famished. This is a place of rest.'

She could feel blood coursing down her back. Raphael tutted as she tried to stem the flow with her hands. 'Now look. How are you to eat with your hands covered in blood? Come here.' In one graceful movement, he closed a hand around her wrist and before she could protest the flat of his tongue was in her palm, lapping up the blood. He groaned in satisfaction, shooting her a look of such pure lust it made her stomach turn.

'What the fuck is wrong with you?' she croaked. Her mouth was suddenly dry, her heart slamming in her ribs. 'You can't just-'

He cut her off, the forceful crush of his mouth on hers throwing her off balance and allowing him to pull her tightly against him. His bloodied tongue slid into her mouth; he was taking, and taking, and then he pulled back and she could breathe again. Tav dry heaved, the taste of her own blood heavy on her tongue, then pulled her hand back to land a sharp slap to his face. The sound rang against the walls. Raphael blinked down at her in shock for a moment and then smiled indulgently.

'You're getting better at this, you tricky little vixen,' he said. 'Now. We were going to have dinner. You promised, after all, and a woman like you always keeps her word, doesn't she?'

Tags:

@bluerosetarot @dansnotavampire @further-than-forever

@forget-me-maybe @poetryvampire @sasha199 @wandawillow

@boufsy @owlseeyoulaterpal @lanafofana @amorgansgal

@auroraesmeraldarose @aryancunin @miradelletarot @marlowethebard

@crimson-and-lavender @reeseykins @medra-gonbites

@roguishcat @weaverofnetheril @galedekarioswifey @hyperfixationstation128 @lastlight-inn

@astarryvamp @feedthepheasants @dabigstinky @dreamingofthewild @ladyofcrowsandcoffee

#tw blood #raphael x tav #mine

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icyhottodo · 2 years ago

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IN YOUR ARMS ˚₊✩‧₊

summary: deku comes home from a regular nightly patrol. what happens if he catches you crying for the first time?

contains: 1k words. hurt/comfort!! pre-established bf deku. reader cries abt something, but it's not described.

nini’s notes: i haven't been feeling well lately and just wanted someone to comfort me, so i wrote this!

the shared house between you and your boyfriend, izuku midoriya, was unusually quiet when midoriya came home after a regular night patrol.

"y/n?" midoriya reaches out to no one in particular. usually, you would always greet midoriya at the door whenever he comes home, and you would always greet him with that cute smile he loves so dearly. although today was different, it seems. midoriya felt a little disappointed not to have seen you immediately, but then he understood you could not greet him the very second he came home every day.

izuku trudged through the living room until he reached the door connecting to your bedroom. right when he was about to touch the doorknob, midoriya could hear faint sniffles pass through the door.

alarm bells suddenly rang in izuku’s mind. what if you accidentally hurt yourself? what if someone hurts you? all these horrible thoughts about you appeared out of nowhere. instinctively, midoriya hurriedly opened the door, expecting to see the worst. but what he saw wasn’t at all what midoriya expected.

nothing in the bedroom was out of the ordinary, aside from the noticeable lump on the bed. the sniffles had only gotten louder. putting the puzzle pieces together in his mind, he quickly realized that something emotionally hurt you instead of physically damaged.

midoriya cautiously walks toward the cries; he quickly figures out that the lump is you, your figure fully covered by the blanket. you were like a small cocoon. he gently put down a flower bouquet he bought for you on the way home.

"love?"

izuku puts on his soothing voice, scared that if he were to use any other tone, he would scare you off. the noise he had kept hearing suddenly went silent. he could see you move underneath your cocoon but couldn't tell exactly what you were doing there. but soon enough, you pulled down the blanket until you showed your eyes. they were bloodshot and swollen, deku noted.

"you weren't supposed to be home this early, izu." you hoarsely commented, your eyes tearing up again, before pulling the blanket back into your cocoon.

midoriya sits down at the edge of the bed and puts his soft hand on you. his eyes softened at the sight of you crying; seeing you so hurt, hurt him as well, even if he didn't know the reason you were crying. midoriya grabs ahold of your blanket and gently pulls the blanket back down so he can see your face fully.

midoriya gives you a warm smile before using his other hand to play with your hair. all he needed to do was comfort you, right? well, that affectionate action seemed to be the trigger for you.

you can't help but feel the tears start to well up in your eyes once again; even after crying so long previously before midoriya came home, you thought you weren't able to cry anymore. it seemed like you could still sob.

you sat up swiftly, just wanting to be in your lover’s arms. quickly landing on izuku’s chest, wrapping your arms tightly. midoriya was quick to reciprocate your hug, not minding the tears soaking his t-shirt. the sobs had only gotten louder when midoriya made hushing noises and kept on whispering, ‘it’s okay’ into your ear. midoriya only gets even more worried when you try to speak but can't because of how hard you are crying. the only thing he could understand was your chants of 'it hurts' which only pained izuku's heart even more.

"it’s okay, y/n. you do not need to explain, as long as you will be alright." izuku puts his head on your shoulder. he wishes that whatever pain you are feeling would fade; he wishes he could take away your pain so you wouldn't need to suffer from whatever you were feeling.

you two sat in the comfort of each other's arms for what felt like hours before you finally calmed down and the tears stopped flowing. from you cried so much and that hard, midoriya expected you to go to sleep right after your crying session. alas, he thought differently since you started talking to him, to midoriya’s surprise.

"something happened recently in my life, and i’m just overthinking about it. i know i shouldn't be crying about it." you sighed out, peeling yourself off of your boyfriend and bringing your knees underneath your chin. midoriya never really seen you look so numb but yet so sad.

"you need to explain anything! it's okay to cry. y/n. feeling emotions just means you're human, and i just want you to be okay." midoriya exclaimed, pecking you on the cheek. "i was actually about to give you some flowers before all of this."

deku smiled at you, turning back at the bouquet he put down earlier and handing it to you. "for you, my love."

"come on, i’ll let you choose that cheesy rom-com you always wanted to rewatch. as long as it will cheer you up." with this, you looked up from your legs, your eyes widening slightly from deku’s persuasion. "really?"

"yes love." deku beamed. izuku was half right and half wrong. not even a minute after pulling up your favorite rom-com story, you instantly fall asleep on deku’s shoulder. snoring softly.

izuku smiles, pulling up the blanket to cover both you and him. midoriya plays with the features of your face, but gently enough not to wake you up. soon enough, he wraps his arms around you tightly, hoping his warmth will comfort you even in your sleep. he knows that you will overcome any obstacle; you're strong, kind, and the number one superhero’s significant other. deku knows you won't give up easily.

#☆ mha #my hero acedamia #mha #mha x y/n #mha imagines #izuku midoryia x you #deku midoriya #mha fanfiction #mha x reader #bnha x reader #bnha imagines #deku x reader #deku x y/n #deku x you #midoriya x y/n

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oneshotnewbie · 1 year ago

Note

Mon-El calling b!d a babe and Kara is very overprotective about it and snaps?

ᕚ---ᕘ

In the middle of the DEO's training room, surrounded by various training equipment and punching bags, Kara and you decided to end a tough field mission with intense determination and a training session on the punching bag. Tying the boxing gloves tightly around your wrists, you resolutely stepped in front of the heavy punching bag. "Are you ready?" you asked, determined to improve your technique. The blonde nodded with a confident smile, taking hold of the position on the opposite side of the punching bag, ready to offer support to you.

You began with light warm-up exercises, pounding your fists rhythmically against it. Kara supported you by holding the bag stable with her superpowers so that you could deliver your punches with full force. The regular, muffled beats echoed through the room, accompanied by your concentrated breathing. After the short warm-up, you gradually increased your intensity. Your punches became more powerful and faster as you performed different powerful combinations on the target, followed by a quick hook and a body hit in a controlled and steady rhythm.

The Kryptonian deftly adapted to your movements and held the bag tightly to give you an effective workout. The punching bag swung back and forth with each punch, but you remained in control. You concentrated fully on your technique and no longer paid any attention to the blonde, whose head appeared from time to time behind the training object and she supported you with a concentrated look. Each of your punches was precise and calculated and Kara was extremely surprised by your motivation. You showed your ability in full bloom and with different techniques. Punches were accompanied by a soft squeak as the fists hit the plastic.

"You are doing good, keep it up!" your sister cheered you on and you increased your intensity to a new level. Muscles throughout your body tensed with each of your punches, your breath quickening. You pushed yourself to peak performance as the dim lightning on your room bathed your sweat-covered skin in a soft glow and your stimulated breathing took over the entire atmosphere. Sweat flowed down your face in small rivulets, mixing with the exertion as you continued to train with increasing intensity.

The punching bag became your outlet to release stress and any inner tension. An emotional weight seemed to be lifted from your shoulders, and the remaining energy was released with each powerful blow. Kara felt the intensity and determination in every tension. It was not just physical strength you showed, but also mental endurance and self-control. Even the punching bag swayed slightly, as if it was in awe of your impressive strength and endurance.

"Hey babe, what´s up?" boomed a male voice with a mocking smile on his face as your exertion reached its peak and Kara abruptly let go of the punching bag. It swung to the side and ruined your punch streak as your arm flung straight into the air. You had not even noticed that Mon-El entered the training room and approached the two of you or what he even said to you. "Kara! You can not just let go!"

"What did you just say to my little sister?" she asked, as if the blonde had not understood what he had said the first time. Kara grasped the whole situation quicker and immediately felt driven by the need to defend you, just wanting to make sure her ears were not playing tricks on her. Right from the start she found the Daxamite to be a rude and inconsiderate alien, but she was not prepared for that. "Babe...is not that something you say to a woman you find attractive?"

Kara laughed scornfully and placed her hands mockingly on her muscular upper arms. Any come-ons towards you infuriated her, but she tried to stay calm as she felt a lump forming in her throat. Nauseau creeping up and settling inside of her. "Kara, stay calm. It was probably just an accident," you said soothingly, putting an arm on her shoulder to get her attention back. She was known for her overprotective nature and her willingness to defend you in any situation.

With a determined look, she took a step towards Mon-El and placed her arms tightly on her waist as she snorted. "It is completely unacceptable to address anyone this way. We are not on Daxam and your comments towards y/n are disrespectful. At least be respectful here if you want to stay on our earth," her voice remained calm but firm and it was clear that the young man was intimidated by Kara's determination and self-confidence. Her overprotective nature clearly exceeded any parameters. "On this earth, people are valued and no one is degraded. Especially not by you, we are not on your planet. And I will make sure that this will be a lesson to you."

With an incredible speed that your eyes could barely grasp, Mon-El lay beneath the blonde, his hand twisted while her knee was attached to the Daxamite's torso. He cried out painfully, muttering several half-hearted apologies into the air that were barely audible, but Kara had no sympathy for him. Shocked at the sudden turnaround in the conversation, you placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder to let her know it was completely okay. "Stop it, Kar. He had enough."

Kara's gaze softened and moved away from the young alien. She quickly stood upright, but fixed him with an intense gaze. She made it clear to him without words that such disrespectful comments towards you would no longer be tolerated. Sensing her point of view, Mon-El backed away, unsure of his words. After a moment of silent silence, he finally turned and walked away, clearly intimidated.

You looked at your older sister in shock but also gratitude, your eyes filling with emotions as you punched her in the upper arm. "My superheroine. What would I do without you?" You laughed sarcastically, earning a big smile from her before she pushed you back to the punching bag to get you back to work.

In that moment, filled with silence, exhaustion, and pride, you radiated an unstoppable strength that existed not only in the training hall, but also in life thanks to your sisters.

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m-jelly · 4 months ago

Text

The Crow's Song - Chapter 12

Prince Levi x Witch Reader

Royal Romance with magic.

A blockade makes Vance change his plans with you. When you get a moment alone you make a break for it. Levi discovers what's happened and leads a charge to find you.

Ao3

Ending

Due to your bad ankle and magic not healing it, Levi carried you almost everywhere he could. You accepted it, but you didn’t fully like it because you worried that you might be heavy, but Levi always assured you that you were light. After spending some time at the camp, he bundled you up in his arms and carried you to the carriage.

You gazed at Levi. “Love? Are you going after Vance?”

Levi nodded. “Yep. Dad is going for King Rowen, but my job is to go after Vance and the Applegate family.” He shifted you and opened the carriage door to reveal the floor was covered in blankets and cushions. “I made you a comfy bed.”

You hummed a laugh. “Thank you.”

He settled you down on the blankets. “There, all cute and cosy.”

You wrapped a blanket around you. “Thank you.” You smiled at Levi. “You joining me?”

He leaned closer and kissed you. “I can’t. I’m riding up front to lead the charge.”

“But Levi.”

He sighed. “I know, I know.” He caressed your cheek. “But it’s for the best.”

You pouted. “What if someone attacks my carriage?”

Levi knew you could fight back due to your magic, but he understood you wanted him around. “Just call my name and I’ll come running.”

You stared at him. “Levi.”

He chuckled. “Not now, my little bunny witch.”

You flopped onto your side. “So mean.”

“I’m very mean.” He watched you hide under the cover and curl up. “Bunny, please don’t be upset.”

“I just…sorry…”

Levi gripped the doorframe. “You’re scared and don’t want to be alone.”

You peeked over at him. “Yeah…I understand though. You need to be at the front.”

Levi hummed a moment. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried down the line and went over to Erwin as he set up his horse. “Erwin?”

Erwin smiled at his friend. “Yes, Your Highness?”

He sighed and softly said your name. “She doesn’t want to be alone. I’m going to ride with her until I’m close to the mansion.”

“I was going to suggest that.” He leaned a bit and nodded. “Looks like she followed.” He smiled softly. “Hello, Your Highness.”

You pulled a blanket around you a bit. “Hello, Duke Erwin. Are you prepared for battle?”

“I am. We’re very prepared. Everything will be okay.”

Levi scooped you up into his arms. “Come on, tired little bunny witch.”

You whined. “But Levi.”

He kissed you. “Erwin will lead the charge. I’ll be with you until we make it to the mansion.”

You hugged him tightly and hid your face against the crook of his neck. “Okay.”

He carried you back to the carriage, laid you back in your spot, and then climbed in and sat with you. “Get some rest, okay?”

You placed a pillow on Levi’s lap and then lay down with a blanket over you. “Mm.”

Levi massaged his fingers in your hair. “Cute. You rest as much as possible.”

You closed your eyes and hummed. “Thank you.”

Levi leaned back against the seat and sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment and rest. He softly slept for a while, but a slight shifting woke him up. He frowned when his armour was grabbed and he was slowly pulled to lie down. He smirked as he heard you huffing and whining as you tried to move him. He let you try for a bit, but then he was going to surprise you.

You tugged Levi again trying to get him to lie down. “Mm.” You squealed when he dove at you and lay on top of you. “Ah!”

Levi chuckled. “Cute.”

You wiggled. “You were awake!”

He leaned up and looked down at you. “I was. What is my cute wife up to?”

You pouted and looked away. “I wanted to lie with you.”

He slipped off you and lay on his side next to you. “I’m here.” He massaged your hip. “Come here.”

You wiggled up to him and pressed yourself against his chest. “Mm.”

Levi hugged you tightly. “More sleep.”

You leaned up and kissed his face a few times. “I love you.”

Levi smiled at you. “I love you too. I love you so much.” He tapped his forehead against yours. “You’re so wonderful. I’m glad you’re in my life.”

“I’m glad you’re in mine too.” You caressed his cheek. “Please be careful when you go after Vance, okay?”

He nuzzled your hand. “I swear, okay? I have a wife to spoil for many, many years and cute little babies to have.”

You giggled. “You’re right.”

He reached down and placed his hand on your pelvis. “Do you think we’ve been successful?”

You placed your hand on Levi’s. “I hope so. Have you thought of names?”

Levi’s eyes sparkled. “So many!”

You giggled at how excited he was. “I’ve thought of some as well. We’ll have to talk more about it after this fight.”

He wrapped you up in his arms and squeezed you. “Yes.”

You sighed as the carriage rocked. “I can’t believe it’s all come to this.”

Levi hummed as he thought. “Before he lost himself to his new magic, was he always like this?”

You let out a long sigh. “Yeah. He was always rather possessive and a bit controlling, but then he learned his new magic and realised he was powerful and it consumed him. I believe he was jealous of how much power I had. He’s always been jealous of witches. A lot of witches are connected to nature and the gods. He felt like he didn’t have that. So, he took.”

Levi kissed the top of your head. “So, he was always bad.”

“Yeah.” You nibbled the inside of your lip. “I guess he has.”

“Bunny, are you going to be okay? I’m going to have to fight him.”

You sat up and sighed. “Yeah, yeah I am. He needs to be stopped.” You looked over at him and smiled. “My feelings for him are gone. After everything he’s put me through? Fuck him.”

Levi chuckled. “I love how spicy my little bunny can get.”

You pouted. “I’m very spicy!”

He sat up and held you. “My little spicy bunny.” He kissed your cheek a few times. “So yummy.”

“Little nom nom spice.”

He kissed your temple and huffed when the carriage stopped. “We’re here.” He kissed you. “Stay here, okay? Don’t leave the carriage.”

You nodded. “Promise. I’m not well enough to use much of my powers. I still need to heal up.” You lightly touched the mark on your neck from the magic suppressor, there was a faded-like burn there. “Magic suppressors should be banned.”

“I’ll ensure they’re all destroyed.”

“Thank you.”

He winked at you before closing the door. He released a long sigh as he thought about what was to come. He trudged over to the main gate where Mike and Erwin were waiting. “Tch, they actually sent guards?” He yanked out both of his swords and stormed closer. “I won’t let anyone stop me from getting to Vance.”

Shadows and wind rushed around Levi as his range consumed him. As soon as he kicked the double gates open. Shadow soldiers and his knights rushed in and clashed with the very terrified guards. Levi didn’t even have to focus on fighting because the guards were being stopped so easily, while others were racing away due to fear.

Levi called shadows around him. “Find him and Jane, now.”

All his shadows rushed into the mansion and went to every corner possible. The front door slammed open as his shadows dragged Jane out and threw her to the floor. Levi pointed one of his swords at Jane. He watched her sob and scream on the floor, none of it made any sense to him. All he knew was that this woman helped Vance here, tried to ruin your reputation and worst of all tried to kill you.

Jane reached for him. “Prince Levi! Please! I’m your princess.” She laughed a little, her eyes a bit void of sanity. “The evil villainess witch tried stealing your heart, but now you’re all mine. Right?”

Levi tapped the tip of his blade against her chin. “I should cut your head off and mount it on a pike for what you’ve done to me, but I’d rather see you lose it all and suffer.”

Jane’s eyes widened. “But we’re meant to be! We’re destined to be together!”

Mike stood at Levi’s side. “Shall I tie her and take her?”

Levi nodded. “Yes, she needs to stand trial. She needs to lose everything.” He lifted his head and heard you scream his name. He turned and shouted your name and sprinted towards the carriage to see Vance ripping the door off the carriage. “NO!”

You backed up in the carriage, held your hand up, sent your light magic out and burned up the side of his face. “Don’t touch me!”

Levi jumped in the air, twisted with both his swords and cut off Vance’s arm. He let out a battle cry. “Ahh!”

Vance’s eyes widened when he saw blood fly and something wasn’t right. He looked down to see his arm missing and it was on the step up to the carriage you were in. He grabbed his arm close to the cut and screamed. He stumbled back as he held up his arm. “Fuck!” He fell back onto the floor as his magic bubbled away, but he couldn’t focus enough to attack. “This is not how this was supposed to go!”

Levi walked up to him, placed his foot on his chest and shoved him down. “How fucking dare you touch my wife!”

Vance panted and looked back at you to see you were bleeding from your nose and mouth. “Levi, you have a choice, tend to your bleeding wife or capture me.”

You stumbled to the doorway of the carriage. “Levi, you hurt that son of a bitch. I’m fine. Don’t let him get away from us.”

Vance’s eyes widened. “Why? Why would you?” He looked up at Levi. “She’s bleeding!”

Levi pressed his boot down harder. “My wife told me to not let you get away and to hurt you, so I’m going to do exactly as my wife says.” He dragged the tip of his blade down Vance’s cheek. “I’m going to enjoy breaking you.” He narrowed his eyes at Vance. “Maybe I should use the magic suppressors you used on my wife on you.”

You sat in the doorway and smiled. “I think that’s a good choice, Levi.”

He glanced over at you. “Promise I’ll get rid of them after this.”

You stumbled out of the carriage. “Where is the bag with them in?”

“Back of the carriage.”

You walked through the mud like you were a deer walking for the first time. “Almost there. Sorry, love, I used too much magic to burn his stupid face.”

“Proud of you, little bunny.”

You shoved open the back and yanked the bag out. You limped closer and stopped next to Levi. “Can I put it on him?”

Levi smiled at you. “Yes. Please do. See this as revenge.”

You put your hand in the bag, yanked the collar out and clasped it around his neck. “I hope Levi breaks you over and over.” You pulled back and sighed. “All done.”

“Don’t forget the clasp on his wrist like he did to you. The other one could fit on his ankle.”

You nodded and fitted him with the last two. “Will that work?”

Levi hummed. “Of course, he’s a weak warlock.”

Vance snarled. “I’m not WEAK.”

“You are. You were jealous of my wife’s power.”

“Shut UP!” He gritted his teeth. “I am a power warlock. I advise a KING!”

You wrapped your arms around Levi. “I married a prince and helped change a whole country.”

Levi smirked. “What have you done with all your supposed power?”

Vance spat towards Levi but ended up spitting on himself. “Fuck you both.”

“He spat on himself.”

You laughed. “Not surprised.”

Levi winced as Vance started screaming and shouting. “Ugh, too loud. He needs a gag or something.” He used his magic to lift Vance into the air. “Maybe I should cut his tongue out.”

You looked over at Erwin walking over. “Erwin? Could you take Vance, I fear my husband will lose control.”

Erwin grabbed Vance from Levi. “Levi, tend to your wife she’s bleeding.”

Levi’s features softened. He turned to you, put his swords away and wrapped his arms around you. “Bunny.”

You hugged him. “Levi.”

He picked you up and carried you to the carriage. “Did you use too much magic?”

“Yes.”

He climbed inside the carriage. “Naughty bunny.” He sat with you on his lap. “I should spank you for it.”

You giggled at how playful he was. “Promise?”

He nuzzled his nose against yours. “Later.” He pulled back and saw the blood on your face. “Let me clean you up.”

You hummed as he started wiping your face. “Thank you.”

You hugged your legs in the pool bath and felt the weight of everything. The magical doctor had told you damage had been done because of the suppressors and you using magic while you were healing. The doctor had told you that you couldn’t use magic for at least a year, for your safety and your babies. You felt so guilty that you’d put your life at risk and your child’s just to burn Vance a little.

“Bunny?”

You lifted your head and smiled at Levi. “Hey, love.”

He pulled his robe off and climbed into the pool. “You look so pretty.” He sat behind you and hugged you. “Bunny.” He kissed your shoulder a few times. “Talk to me.”

You rubbed your tears away. “I spoke with the doctor and it’s just got me thinking.”

Levi softly said your name. “Talk to me when you can.”

You released a long sigh. “Just that I put myself and our little one at risk.”

Levi squeezed you. “You had no way of knowing, okay? You didn’t know that using your magic to burn Vance would hurt you.”

You turned around in his arms and gazed at him. “But…”

He cupped your face. “You didn’t do it on purpose, okay? You did it to protect yourself. Everyone would have done the same.”

You tapped your forehead against his shoulder. “Really?”

“Yes.” He rubbed your back. “You did the right thing.”

You released a long sigh. “You know, I’m going to miss not being able to float and fly around for a year.” You pouted. “I’ll miss it. Plus, I used magic to change clothes.”

Levi chuckled. “I’ll help change you.”

You whined. “You won’t because you get distracted by my boobs.”

Levi laughed hard. “You’re right, but I’ll be a good boy.” He kissed your face loads. “I have to look after my darling wife.”

You hummed a laugh. “I’ll hold you to that.” You climbed out of the bath and heard your husband growl. “Keep it in your pants, Mr.”

He leaned on the edge of the bath and watched you dry off before wrapping up in a robe. “You are so beautiful.”

You walked over to Levi and crouched. “You going to stay in there or come join me for breakfast?”

Levi stood up quickly. “I wanna eat with you.”

Your eyes widened at seeing Levi’s dick right in front of your face. You looked up at Levi. “Nice view.”

Levi blushed hard and stumbled out of the bath. “S-sorry.”

You purred as you watched him hurry around. “Such a tasty husband.”

Levi tugged on his robe. “Oi, you said keep it in your pants.”

You reached for him. “I did about you. Now, hug.”

He wrapped his arms around you and lifted you. He chuckled as you wrapped your legs around him. “You just want attention, right?”

You squeezed. “Yes. I need you more than ever.”

He rubbed your back as he carried you into the bedroom. “Let me get your clothes for you.” He sat you on the bed. “You want something light?”

You nodded. “Please.”

He hurried to the closet and grabbed a few things he thought would be comfy and looked pretty. He helped you change and saw the scar on your skin, along with how you were weaker than you used to be. He leaned and kissed you. “I love you.”

You felt your heart flutter. “I love you too.”

He knelt and kissed your tummy. “And I love you, tiny little bean.”

You giggled. “They will love you so much.”

He massaged your legs. “You really think so?”

You played with his wet hair. “Of course. You are incredible, Levi. All our kids will adore you.”

He leaned up and kissed you. “I’m glad. I know all our babies will love you. How come they not?”

You hummed a laugh. “You’re cute.” You gasped when your stomach gurgled. “I am hungry.”

Levi rose to his feet. “I’ll change and we’ll get going.”

You stood up and watched your husband change. “You are so handsome.”

He fixed his shirt and smiled. “Still love me?”

“Always.”

He yanked you against him and nibbled your neck. “Good.”

You giggled in delight. “Do you still love me? I’m not the strong woman I was when we first met.”

Levi walked with you. “I will love you for all eternity.” He picked you up making you laugh. “And if you ever try to leave me, I will lock you up and chain you so you can never ever run.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck. “I’ll do the same to you.” You pocked his cheek. “You are mine.” You leaned and bit his cheek. “Forever.”

“Good.” He spun around in the hall as he walked to the dinner hall. “I love this woman!”

You watched the maids and butlers giggle. “You goofy man. You know, people will say you’re the insane prince.”

“I’m just crazy in love.” He sat you down and fixed your hair. “You are everything to me.” He leaned his cheek on his hand as he gazed at you. “You are just so wonderful.”

You poured Levi a cup of tea. “You are a dream.” You leaned on the table and kissed him. “My little tasty crow.” You giggled as black crows appeared. “Did I fluster you?”

He pouted a bit. “Yes.”

You reached over and tickled one of the crows. “Adorable.”

He shivered. “I can feel that.”

You slipped back and sat down. “Good.” You made yourself a tea. “Can I pet one?”

He sent one over to you. “Go on, let her cuddle you.”

You giggled as it hopped over to you. “Come here.” You picked him up and cuddled him. “Cute little thing.” You kissed its head making it wiggle against you and make adorable happy noises. “Look at you.”

Levi mewled. “Keep kissing him, please. I can feel it all.”

You scratched under the crow's chin. “I’m glad.” You smiled as Charles and Maria served breakfast and left you and Levi alone. “So…”

Levi looked over at you. “You wanna talk about Jane and Vance.”

You gulped. “I just want to know how they’re doing. I do want to see both of their trials.”

Levi stared at you for a moment. “Uh…well…Vance…”

You kissed the crow. “Have you been beating him?”

Levi blushed a bit. “Yes, but he deserves it all. He needs to be broken.” He looked away. “Cut his stupid hair off and he freaked. I burned his remaining hand 'cause it touched you.”

You smiled at him. “Good boy.” You hummed a laugh. “You protected me.” You titled your head. “You do know a lot of him touched me, right? We were physically involved.”

He growled a little and grabbed his knife. “I’ll be right back.”

“Levi, no cutting his dick off.”

“But.”

You hummed a laugh. “He has to be a bit presentable for trial. Do not cut his dick off.”

He huffed. “Fine.”

You cuddled the crow and gave it kisses making Levi smile. “What about Jane?”

Levi frowned. “She’s completely delusional and insane. She still strongly believes you’re the villainess, she’s the female lead and I’m the hero who is supposed to snap out of it and take her and kill you.”

You hummed in thought. “Kill me, huh?”

“I would never kill you.” He smiled. “Even if you hate me and want to run, I wouldn’t kill you but simply lock you up.”

You hummed a laugh. “What if I were to die?”

He leaned his cheek on his hand. “Then I would go to the underworld and kill everything in my path, grab your soul and then drag you back to the living.”

You felt your heart race. “That’s so romantic.”

“It is? I think some would see me as crazy…I’m glad you find it romantic.” He hummed a laugh. “Anyway, Jane’s mind is very twisted up. I don’t know what can be done. Hange has tried working with her, but she’s stuck in her fantasy.” He smiled at you. “I’m stuck in mine. My fantasy of us.”

You giggled. “Me too.”

#levi #aot levi #levi ackerman #snk levi #levi x you #levi x y/n #fanfic #levi fanfiction #aot fanfiction #levi x reader #levi x yn #levi ackerman x female reader #levi ackerman x you #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman x y/n #jelly fanfic #jelly fanfics

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byeoltoyuki · 2 years ago

Text

✧ Give it to me ✧ - part 2

↳ Pairing: Bangchan x Reader / Felix x Reader (kind of)

❧ Genre : gang au / romance / smut / strangers to lovers / fluff / some fake texts

❧ Words: 31k

Part 1 : +17k ⎢Part 2 : +13k

❧ Warnings : Violence / mention of death / guns / mention of drugs / mention of human trafficking / smut (in part 2)

❧ Summary: Everything in life has a cost. Even freedom. To be finally out of your father’s clutches you were ready for everything. Including making a deal with the Devil.

❧ A/N: After rewritting this story twice, I'm finally done with it. Can't say it was easy and I can't thank enough my friends who had to deal with my mental breakdowns, all my complaining and frustration. Thank you to my baby koala for this lovely moodboard ❤️

Since tumblr didn't let me post the story in one part, I cut it. The 2nd part will come out shortly ❤️.

Hope you enjoy your reading!

▾▾▾

There were different ways of waking someone up; you could do it the nice way, for example, gently shaking the person, or better yet whispering sweet words into someone’s ear. You could do it the hard way too which sadly was what you were used to with your father. But being woken up with kisses all over your face? That was the best and something you were not used to.

“Y/N, darling, wake up.” Chris gently moved the strands of hair that were hiding your sleepy face. “Come on.”

You grumbled in response, trying to hide your face with the cushion.

“Y/N,” He tried again, pulling at your pillow.

Honestly, you didn’t know how he could expect of you to wake up when he was so gentle and his voice so soft, it was lulling you back to sleep. And you didn’t want him to stop.

“Five more minutes.” You begged and since he had taken the pillow, you pulled at your blanket to cover yourself fully.

“Y/N, let’s be realistic. If I give you five more minutes, you’ll never wake up.”

‘So not true.’ You wanted to say but no words left your mouth, too sleepy to speak.

Chris shook his head in amusement. If you thought he would give up so easily, you were wrong. He pulled at the blanket with much more strength, throwing it on the floor.

“Meanie.”

“And you’re such a baby when you’re sleepy.”

Maybe you were, but you wouldn’t let him win so easily either. Without him expecting you to move, you quickly wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him right on top of you, hugging him tightly.

“Now it’s even better.”

“Fine. Five more minutes.” He rolled over, wrapped his arms around you and let you rest on him.

Yeah, just five minutes.

Five minutes turned into a full hour and it wasn’t really your fault either. It wasn’t your fault that Chris fell asleep right beside you, it was his own fault. But you didn’t tell him that. Instead, you got ready as fast as you could.

“Wait, where are we going again?” You yelled from your room.

“To the beach.”

Now that took you off guard. You ran to his room just to make sure that he wasn’t joking.

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah. I figured you need a change of scenery.”

He sure knew how to make you speechless.

▾▾▾

When Chris suggested bringing you to the beach you thought it would be a short trip to the closest beach - honestly you would have loved it too. But no, what he had in mind was completely different.

After a five hours long drive, you finally arrived at a house standing nicely by the beach. As you got out of the car, you stared at the view, dumbfounded. The house was big and so was its wooden deck with stairs at the end that led right to the white sand and to the sea. You could perfectly picture yourself having your breakfast while admiring the sunrise reflecting on the water.

“I take it you like it.” Chris stood beside you, smiling proudly at his choice of escape. He knew how you felt about being confined every day at his place, he sincerely understood your feelings and he wanted to help. There weren’t many places he could take you without risking your safety, but this place was perfect in so many ways. It was far from the city; it was beautiful and only few trusted people knew about it.

Without thinking, you wrapped your arm around his, leaning against him. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Chris surprised you with a soft kiss on top of your head, making your heart flutter.

▾▾▾

That night, Chris offered to have dinner at the deck.

The weather was fresh with a soft breeze but it didn’t stop neither of you from enjoying the moment. In fact, Chris had prepared everything; food, wine, a warm blanket for the two of you, an additional hoodie of his for you. The few lights on the deck along with the soft sounds of wave gave an earie atmosphere to the place. It was cozy and comforting and warmed you from inside.

Nestled comfortably in the garden sofa, the blankets over your legs, you enjoyed the moment. You had to admit that it would have been a perfect date if only the situation was different. Did it stop you from fully savoring the moment? Not at all.

“Hey, look at that!” You pointed at the sky, “A shooting star!”

“Are you going to make a wish?” Chris teased in return, watching you instead of the sky.

You smirked proudly. Who cared if it was childish? You didn’t and neither did Chris. “Absolutely.”

You averted your eyes to the sky and thought for a short moment about your wish. For a very long time, you had wished for only one thing: be free. Now? You weren’t so sure. Not when you were sitting so close to Chris, not when you felt so safe and genuinely happy.

You glanced shortly at Chris and smiled. ‘Let us be happy.’

▾▾▾

Getting woken up by Chris’s sweet voice and soft kisses was quickly becoming your favorite part of the day, no matter that it was quick and that you were being interrupted in your sleep at impossible hours. It was worth it.

“Please, don’t tell me we’re already driving back.” You begged through your sleepy-state, barely opening an eye to look at him.

Chris kept stroking your hair, helping you in a way to wake up. “No. But I thought you would like to see the sunrise; the view is mind-blowing.”

That fully grabbed your attention. He was absolutely right; you did not want to miss a sunrise, especially not in the place like this one.

“You are mind-blowing.” You whispered

“Well, thank you.” He chuckled

You kicked the blanket off you, feeling perfectly awake and ready for another, undeniably, sweet moment with this man. “Let’s go!”

“Put warm clothes first.” He held you back by grabbing your wrist. You were too excited for this.

“Right. Clothes.”

▾▾▾

Instead of getting all cozy at the deck, Chris brought you straight to the beach and he came prepared. And by prepared you really meant prepared. He spread a blanket on the sand and a basket with two mugs and a thermal jug that you supposed was filled with coffee. If he was trying to make you fall for him, he was doing a damn good job.

You watched him settle on the blanket; he spread his legs and then motioned for you to join him right between his legs. Did you hesitate? Not even for a second. Did your heart slowly melt at the intimacy? Hell yes. The moment you joined him, he wrapped his arms around you and plopped his head in the crook of your neck, inhaling your sweet scent.

“Good?” He hummed against your skin.

You snuggled against his arms, sighing in delight. “More than good.”

The first lights of the day shyly appeared over the horizon. It was faint but so peaceful. This sight alone made you forget all about your problems. You pressed yourself a little harder against Chris which made him tighten his grip around you in return.

“It’s really beautiful.” You whispered mainly to yourself but Chris hummed in response, agreeing with you.

You watched in silence as the sun slowly rise over the horizon, bringing with it a beautiful, cloudless, new day. Watching the scenery before you, you came to realization that despite your life being a mess, you had never felt that peaceful, that free, and it was all thanks to one person.

You turned your head to have a look at Chris; you smiled, genuinely happy. “Thank you.” You weren’t thanking him only for bringing you here. No, you were thanking him for everything he had done for you.

Chris’s response came in the form of a gentle press of his lips against yours. Just what you needed to make this day even more perfect.

▾▾▾

Despite all your attempts at reaching Chris, nothing worked. But you weren’t the type to give up so easily. If Chris didn’t want to reply, you would find another way.

By another way you instantly thought of Jisung.

▾▾▾

When you barged into Chris’s office with Jisung, you had a strong sense of déjà vu. Except this time, it felt a little bit different. First, you weren’t a stranger anymore, and secondly there were more people present in the room. Minho, Changbin and even Hyunjin were here, looking not that surprised with your arrival.

“The pretty miss!” Hyunjin beamed and joined you to properly greet you. What a charming man. And probably a dangerous one too.

“Keep your hands off her.” Chris strongly advised which made you quirk a brow at him in amusement. When did Chris start being jealous?

“You’re all so noisy.” You heard an unfamiliar voice coming from the computer placed in the middle of the table.

“Y/N, meet Seungmin and Jeongin.” Chris introduced the two men as he pointed at the computer.

“Consider yourself lucky not properly meeting them.” Minho said from his place.

“If she can deal with your old ass, she can deal with us just fine.” Seungmin commented

Someone was definitely grumpy. You watched Minho being grumpier than usual which made you believe that something had happened and he was pissed about it. You took seat beside Jisung which became your usual spot now that you thought about it – judging by his big smile, he had noticed it too.

“What did I miss?” You asked and turned your attention to the men in the room.

Chris sighed and ruffled his hair in frustration. “You won’t like it.”

“While the two of you were having the little trip-“ Minho started explaining, looking pissed at Chris.

“Minho.” Chris warned him

“We planned an attack on Rick. We aimed for his main business: drugs. But it didn’t go as planned. They expected us.”

No wonder he was pissed. “But how?”

“That’s a million-dollar question.” Changbin admitted

“Is it possible that someone has betrayed you?” There was no other explanation. How could your father had known about their plans?

They all went silent at your question. All except one.

“Bold thing to say. Maybe it was you.” Jeongin suggested

Instead of being offended, you decided to play along. “Sure thing. Whenever I wasn’t kissing Chris, I was scheming with my dad and told him absolutely everything about your plans that I wasn’t even aware of. How did you guess?”

“I actually pictured the whole thing and I think I’m scarred for life.” Jeongin groaned in disgust.

“Joke aside, I’ve been looking into it.” Seungmin admitted. “Jisung has been suspicious of some men.”

You glanced at Jisung, stunned. It was hard imagining him being serious and controlling when half of the time he was cracking jokes and messing around. Yet here he was. You should have known there was a reason he was with Chris.

“I’m curious about something.” Changbin looked at you, his eyes piercing. “What do you know about your father’s business?”

That, you could answer easily. “Honestly? Not much. I’m just a trophy to show off.”

“I can see the appeal.” Hyunjin wiggled his brows playfully at you which earnt him a nudge from Jisung.

“But.” You ignored him comment, “Before I left, he introduced me to his business partner. Kang?”

They all cursed.

“Guess you know him.” You concluded

“Another piece of shit.” Jisung admitted

“Should have killed him when I had the chance.” Minho added

You didn’t know much about Kang but if they all hated him so badly, you could only imagine the worst about him. “Kang has a son. I’ve met him. Maybe if you get to him, you can find out more about Kang and my father.” Then you remembered the tiny detail about Matt and you pointed at Hyunjin. “Should definitely send him.”

Hyunjin was not the only one surprise with your statement.

“Why?” Chris asked

“He’s his style.”

▾▾▾

“Turned out, you were right.” Chris said as soon as he got home and joined you in bed. He wrapped his arms tightly around you and let you use him as pillow. What a nice pillow.

“I’m always right.” You kissed his chest as a way of greeting him. “But just to be sure, what are we talking about?”

Chris chuckled. He kissed the top of your head, fondly. “About Hyunjin. And Matt. He’s clearly not as clever as Kang. Hyunjin had absolutely no problem tricking him. He had no chances against him.”

Who could resist Hyunjin’s charms? You couldn’t blame Matt for falling for his tricks.

“What did you find out?”

“Turns out, Kang doesn’t give a damn about Rick.” Despite his words, Chris’s voice got deeper and darker – you guessed he had something bad to tell you.

You untangled yourself from his arms and sat on the bed to have a proper look at him. “What is it?”

“Kang wanted you.” Chris admitted, “But since you’re with me, he’s using your father to mess with me.”

So it wasn’t just an impression at the party. Your father’s words and the introduction weren’t innocent at all. You couldn’t believe your father would go as far as sell you off just to gain more power.

“I escaped on time then.”

▾▾▾

Coming back to Chris’s company felt a tad odd. It brought back memories how desperate you were and also how eager you were to make a deal with him (and to see him too, but back then, you weren’t ready to fully admit it yet). You saw the same brunette at the reception. She stared at you, head tilted to the side; you looked familiar but it took her a moment to remember where she had seen you before. The moment she did, she hurried to prepare a visitor badge for you and handed it to you with a smile.

"Y/N, wait!" You heard Jisung’s whine behind you which made you pause and the pretty brunette blush madly. Apparently, someone still had a crush at the man. You couldn’t blame her.

"Why didn’t you wait for me?" He complained, out of breath.

"Not my fault if you’re slow!" You teased back. He wasn’t slow, you were just too eager to see Chris and have a lunch together. Was it that hard to understand?

"I swear, you’re getting meaner day by day." He complained and shook his head in fake disappointment.

"Now, that’s because I’ve been stuck with Minho for days just because you took some vacation in Hong Kong!" You reminded him. No sane person could stay sane after spending three days in company with Minho. No matter how better your relationship got, this man was driving you mad. The threats, you could deal with. The snarky comments too. But the pranks he would pull on you? You had to watch out for your every step. You didn’t know how any of them could survive.

"For the nth time it wasn’t a vacation!" He protested and paused as he noticed the brunette. He cleared his throat, tried to regain his composure (someone was trying to look cool and impress the girl) before waving his hand. "Hi, Jiah. Long time no see."

If he thought he was being cool, you were saddened to say that he wasn’t. He looked anything but cool. It amazed you, really, how confident Jisung could be with weapons, with decision making, and yet when it came to Jiah, he seemed like a lost guy.

You nudged him in the ribs. "You should just ask her out you know."

"Shut up." He whispered through gritted teeth. Then, to Jiah, "See you later!"

He pushed you with too much strength toward the lift, making you stumble in the process. Yep, lost guy. "I swear to god, Jisung."

"Shhhh." Then, once the door closed, "And for your information, I was in Hong Kong for work!"

"Yeah, yeah. So you said." You kept teasing him, feigning not being convinced. Jisung was just too easy to mess with and you liked it.

Reaching the top floor, Jisung stepped out first, running away from you; he walked fast to Chris’s office in hope to find an ally in him. Good luck to him with that, you thought.

As you followed his steps, you were surprised to see so many people on this floor. It was animated, people chatting loudly, drinking champagne or wine. Apparently, you had missed your invitation. You lost sight of Jisung, but it didn’t bother you. You didn’t mind being left alone among all those strangers who worked for Chris.

You took a cup of champagne from a table and took a sip as you walked around, trying to see if you could recognize some faces. Without success.

Too busy looking around, you failed to notice a man getting closer to you. He bumped right into you, making you spill your drink on your dress.

“I’m so sorry!” He took a tissue out of his pocket and handed it to you – you accepted gladly.

“No problem. It’s just a dress.” That would smell like champagne; could have been worse. As you wiped your dress, your eyes trailed to the man before you, noticing that something was off with his jacket.

“Sorry again.” He apologized, his attention on someone else. “I need to go.”

He didn’t give you a chance to answer. You followed his gaze, spotting Minho’s head.

Why did you get a bad feeling? Why did it only grow with every step the man took towards him? You didn’t hesitate, trailing after the man, trying to be as discrete as possible, which wasn’t that hard. The man had eyes only for Minho.

Your heart leapt to your throat the moment you saw the said man pulling a gun from under his jacket. Was he trying to shoot Minho while there were so many people on the floor? You couldn’t let it happen. Without thinking about your own safety, you ran as fast as you could, pushing some people out of your way.

The moment the man aimed at Minho, you yelled on top of your lungs, trying desperately to alert your friend before it was too late. “Minho!”

In the middle of all the noise, Minho heard you. Maybe it was because of his training, maybe because of his mind-blowing reflexes, or maybe you simply were that loud, but he heard you and it was all that matter. He heard you and saw the man on time. On time to drop down and avoid the first shot.

It was your chance. You pounced on the assailant, taking him off guard. Stunned, he lost his grip on the gun and you seized this opportunity to catch the gun and used it against him, pointing it at his head.

All hell broke loose around you. People scattered around, terrified of what was happening which was probably a blessing. Nobody paid you attention. Except for Minho, who got up from the floor, staring at you with both respect and admiration.

“The hell is going on?” Chris came out of his office, Jisung following his steps. The moment he saw you pointing a gun, he stilled. “The fuck?”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” The man cursed, shaking whether it was in fear or anger, you couldn’t tell. His eyes darted back and forth between you and the men standing not far from you. “You fucking ruined everything!”

“And you ruined my dress, we’re quits now.” You snapped. “Who sent you?”

“If you think you’re threating, you’re not. What a joke.” He spit at your feet – you didn’t budge, your held on the gun strong and firm as if it wasn’t your first time.

“And yet I’m holding your gun. Should I just shoot you?” You suggested

“If she doesn’t, I will.” Minho pulled out his own gun and stood behind you. One wrong move from the man and he was done for. In fact, judging by Minho’s aura, you believed that even one wrong word and he was done for.

“Kang is sending his greetings.” The man finally conceded, his eyes on Minho and then on Chris. “Don’t think he will forget what you’ve done to his son.”

Oh. Understanding dawned on you.

“Greetings refused. Bye.” You shot him without blinking, without regret. Apparently, there was at least one thing you had in common with your father: the killing without guilt. They said you never forget your first kill. Maybe. But you didn’t give a damn. Not when the person was trying to kill someone dear to your heart.

Jisung whistled, impressed. He pated Chris’s back in sympathy. “Good luck. You got yourself another psycho to deal with.”

You gave him the finger.

▾▾▾

You were trying a new recipe for dinner. For the past few days, you had spent your time either with Chris or with his men, planning against both your father and Kang. You didn’t think their business would interest you, but it did. Better yet, you felt part of their family. You felt accepted and respected and for that you would be forever grateful.

Your thoughts were however interrupted when your phone rang with a new message. You grabbed your phone, confused at first, but as you read the messages showing up one by one, your face blanched, your mouth went dry. No way.

You wanted to cry. Everything was going so smooth, so nice. You found happiness and once more he found a way to tear it from you. You wanted desperately to call Chris and tell him everything, but you couldn’t. Your father had made himself clear and you couldn’t risk Soojin’s life. What if the spy was still among them? What if he warned your father before you could get to Soojin? No. You had to go, but you were terrified.

Not two minutes later, your screen lit up once more but this time it was Minho. Your heart clenched painfully in your chest.

Before Minho could talk you out of your bad idea, you switched your phone off. They didn’t need to track you anymore; it was obvious where you were heading. But more importantly, you knew Chris would be the next to contact you and you feared that hearing his voice would be enough to make your will crumble. You couldn’t risk that.

“I’m so fucking sorry.”

▾▾▾

Your father’s house looked darker and gloomier than in your memory. It hadn’t been that long since you left and yet coming back felt different.

John was the one who welcomed you at the door, looking smug as hell. You supposed, he still wasn’t over his little encounter with Jisung, and making you pay now seemed like a perfect opportunity.

“Knew you would come crawling back.” He told you as he closed the door behind you, sealing your fate.

No matter how much you despised the man and no matter how much you wanted to talk back, you kept your mouth shut. You couldn’t risk angering him. Not yet at least.

John led you to the basement. You lived in this house for years and you had never gone to the basement. You guessed there was a rather good reason for that and now that you had stepped inside you knew why. It smelled of blood and rot and death.

You walked through a dark hall in silence. The stench was making it impossible for you to concentrate on anything else. This place was hell; you worried for Soojin even more.

John pushed another heavy door which finally revealed a big dark room, without any furniture except for a chair in the middle on which Soojin was tied. Your heart missed a beat at the sight of your friend. Her pretty face was bloodied – didn’t need to be a genius to guess what they had done.

Without caring about John or even your father, you ran to Soojin. “I’m so sorry.” If it wasn’t for you, nothing like this would have happened. Your heart bled along with your friend, guilt slowly eating you from inside.

“What an endearing sight.” Your father commented, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

You barely acknowledged his presence; he didn’t deserve it. Instead, you had your hands on Soojin’s laps. “I’m sorry.”

“Did you enjoy playing the little whore?” Your father asked, “I bet you did.” He sounded too cheerful to your liking; it sounded nothing but ominous. “It was so stupid of you. They wanted to have you for a while. I should have watched you closer. I recognize my mistake.”

Sounded like bullshit. “You’re crazy.”

Your father pointed at Soojin. “You think? I think, you should ask your little friend about it.”

You stood before Soojin, protecting her with your body in case your father would try something. He wasn’t making any sense. In fact, you were pretty sure he was trying to mess with your head.

“You think I’m the bad guy?” He pointed at himself with his glass, chuckled, and pointed back at Soojin. “Ask your friend who she really is.”

You really didn’t want to do it. You didn’t want to play his game; he was completely messing with your head. Too confused to actually speak, you looked at Soojin in hope to find some answers but instead of looking back at you, Soojin was staring back at your father. And what a stare. Her eyes were filled with pure rage and hatred, promising a very slow and painful death. The Soojin you knew was sweet and gentle. Yes, she could be mean to people, to annoying one, but those eyes, they were of a killer. You didn’t recognize her and it terrified you. You took a step back.

“What’s wrong? Cats got your tongue?” Your father laughed at Soojin. “Fine. My sweet daughter, let me enlighten you. This nasty woman is Christopher’s dear cousin.”

Your heart sank at his words. You didn’t want to believe him, you refused to believe him. And yet, when you looked at Soojin, you finally saw the resemblance. Not only the physical traits that Chris and Soojin shared, but their characters. How come you never noticed?

“Guess now you understand.” Your father said, “They have been planning for so long. And for what?”

He took a gun from his jacket and threw it at your feet. “I heard you’re quite good with guns. I underestimated you.”

With that he left the room, John following his steps.

You watched the gun, mind restless. You couldn’t stop thinking about everything your father told you. You couldn’t stop replaying the moments spent with Chris, with Soojin, with the others. What was real? What was a lie?

You grabbed the gun from the floor, the thing heavy in your hand. You turned to Soojin and slowly walked back to her.

“Is what he said true?” You asked as you stared down at her.

Soojin didn’t try to avoid your gaze nor she tried to lie. “Some parts yes.”

It annoyed you to no end that Soojin was avoiding speaking her mind. You deserved the whole truth but instead she offered you a simple apologetical look. “You’re in no position to bullshit me, Soojin.”

“Why? Are you going to shoot me, Y/N?” She dared you

“Tempting, but no. I don’t want Chris to get hurt.” As sarcastic as you sounded, it was the truth. You were angry, not because they had used you to get to your father but because they made you believe you were part of the team. Chris made you believe he cared for you. And it hurt.

Soojin seemed to understand your turmoil. “He really cares about you, you know?”

If only. “Excuse me if I doubt your words.”

You untied Soojin from the chair. Your father fought you were stupid and would believe everything he had told you – you didn’t. You plopped on the floor and sighed. This was getting really tiresome.

Soojin joined you on the floor, stretching her legs. She had been stuck in the chair for hours, her whole body aching in pain.

“You’re allowed to second-guess but he does care about you.” She insisted, “Yes, he wanted to charm you, to gain your trust but I think he underestimated how charming you are.” Soojin chuckled at that. She should have known that despite being Rick’s daughter, you were also a very interesting person. “His plan clearly backfired.”

“You all could have told me the truth. You knew better than anyone how much I hate the man. I was on your side from day one.” Really, they could have approached you long ago with whatever plan they had on mind and you would have agreed right away. Instead, they chose the hard path and made everything so much more complicated.

Soojin took your hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. “I know. But Y/N, trust is hard to earn in our world. He couldn’t risk his family just because you hate the man. Imagine for a moment; you’re a good actress after all and has me fooled? What if it was all your dad’s doing?”

It pained you to admit it but you understood her point. “Man, it sucks.”

“What are we going to do?” You wondered out loud. You didn’t believe your father would leave the two of you alone forever, not like you would have minded. The chances of him coming back to finish the job were high and you didn’t know what to do.

Because he believed the truth would make you angry, angry enough to kill your friend, he left you with a gun. But what could you really do with just one gun? You could, maybe, shot your father, but there were still dozens of men roaming around the place. Could you escape? Not so sure.

“Does Chris know you left?” Soojin asked, hopeful.

“Probably. Minho knew right away.”

Soojin smiled knowingly and fondly. “Seungmin must have been spying on you. And yes, if Minho knows, so does Chris.” She paused to ran her fingers through her hair. “He must be so pissed.”

You agreed on that. “I’m glad I’m not around to see a very pissed Chris.” You could deal with his anger but it was never pleasant.

“He too. But I was talking about Minho.” Tired, she laid down and looked at the ceiling. “I bet he’s preparing some nice poison for you.”

“Wait what.” You blinked, confused.

“Did you tell him why you left?”

“Yes. I told him I had no choice if I wanted to save you.”

“Then he’s definitely pissed.”

You crawled closer to your friend and hovered over her, watching her face closely. The way she spoke about Minho intrigued you. Soojin never cared for men, not even the hot one at the parties, but maybe it was simply because she already had someone. “Wait, you and Minho?!”

▾▾▾

If your father wanted you to die of dehydration and hunger, he was doing a rather good job. You had spent hours, or at least it felt like hours, in the basement without food or water. Soojin’s face had started swelling with all the beating and you worried the cuts would get infected. You had to get her out of here.

You wondered if Ren was around. Was he aware you were back? Did he know your father kidnapped Soojin, your friend he knew about? Would he help?

John was the one to check on you. If you could call it a check. He walked in looking bored and nonchalant, playing with his gun. He eyed the two of you still sitting on the floor and arched a brow, surprised.

“She’s still alive.” It wasn’t a question but he did sound taken aback. Apparently, just like your father, he expected you to do the killing. They really knew nothing about you.

“Don’t sound so disappointed.” You stretched your sore limbs before getting back on your feet, standing before Soojin just in case. John could be unpredictable.

“Oh I’m not.” An ominous smile spread on his face as he eyed Soojin like a hawk. “It means I can end her.” He pointed at the nasty, definitely recent, scar on his face. “Payback.”

Maybe you would be forced to use the gun after all. You wished it was against your father, to end things once for all, but John was a nice start. As he took another step towards you, you pointed the gun at him, ready to shoot. “She’s mine.”

“What makes you think I won’t hurt you to get to her?” John was clearly underestimating you. His mistake.

“Because of the trouble my father went to get me back.”

“Very naive of you to think he cares.” He shook his head and laughed darkly. “He got you back only to hurt Chris’s pride.”

A part of you didn’t want to believe his words but it made sense, which also meant that you and Soojin were in real danger.

“Y/N.” Soojin called for you, her voice weaker than intended. She didn’t have much strength left and she knew that a fight with John would end up in disaster. But you didn’t need to pay the price too. “Don’t.”

You ignored her, your attention fully on John; one mistake from you and it was over for the two of you. You couldn’t risk it.

“Wouldn’t do that if I were you.” You advised John as he tried to get close to you. Apparently, he didn’t believe you. Too bad for him. You aimed for his right leg and pulled the trigger without hesitation, making him stumble and cry out in pain. “Told you.”

“You little bitch!” He cursed, hands covering his wound. “You’re going to pay for that. I promise.”

Soojin whistled, amazed with the fact that you weren’t simply bluffing to buy the two of you some time. “Damn girl. That’s hot. I might ditch Minho for you.”

“Please don’t, he will poison me.” There was something fundamentally wrong with you; facing danger you still managed to crack jokes. But maybe it was just your way at coping with the danger.

John, despite the blinding pain, managed to get back on his feet, his gun pointed at you, pure hatred in his eyes. You were ready to shoot him in his second leg, not wanting to kill him yet. Maybe you were as bad as your father when it came to killing; you couldn’t feel any guilt. Not for someone like John.

None of that happened. Instead, there was a flash of light followed by a deafening noise. Because of the force of the explosion, John was thrown against a wall while you threw yourself at Soojin, covering her with your body. Fortunately for the two of you, you were far enough from the door which saved you from getting injured. Well, minus your poor ears.

You looked at Soojin, checking for any additional injuries – she simply nodded her head to reassure you.

And then you heard it. A loud and familiar voice, “Darling, I’m home!” That was definitely Changbin, you told yourself.

Hyunjin followed Changbin and pushed him out of his way. “You’re too slow!”

“Geez. I know you’re eager but no need to be rude!” They bickered as if it was a normal thing. As if they weren’t in the center of enemy’s territory. There was definitely something wrong with those two, but your heart swelled with fondness at their sight.

You got up from the floor, brushed the dirt off from your clothes and finally faced the two men. They were grinning at you, completely unbothered. And then it hit you, the gunshots, the screams coming from upstairs. They didn’t come alone and they definitely didn’t come to play.

And another explosion, followed by a second one that shook the foundation of the house. Whoever was doing it, clearly wanted this place to go down.

Changbin apparently thought the same thing. “Damn. Seems like Felix wasn’t joking about tearing this whole place down.”

“Can’t blame him.” Hyunjin shrugged and quickly reached you. He inspected you carefully, his brows furrowed. Once he was sure you weren’t injured in any way, he smiled. “Your father has shitty taste.”

“Tell me about it.” You snorted

“Hello? I’m here too! Nice to see you too!” Soojin complained as she tried to get up from the floor and failed miserably. Hyunjin quickly caught her before she could face plant on the ground.

“Oops, my bad.” Hyunjin stuck his tongue, nevertheless his grip around her tightened. “Sorry. Miss me?”

“Hell no, asshole.” Soojin snapped back but it was a lie, even you could tell it. She wrapped an arm around Hyunjin and pressed herself harder as if to make sure he was real.

From the corner of your eyes, you spot movements. It was John, attempting desperately to reach for his gun. You quickly got to him and kicked the gun away from him. Without his gun and with his injuries, he looked weak and just like any other bastards.

“Go to hell, John.” Were your last words to him before you pulled the trigger.

▾▾▾

Instead of leaving right away, they let you watch the house burn from outside. They didn’t question you; Hyunjin and Changbin exchanged a knowing look and simply let you be.

You watched the house being destroyed without feeling any pain, any regret, except maybe for the fact that you wished your mother could see it now. All the bad memories that this place held were being washed away. All the evil your father had done to your family vanishing with it.

“Good riddance.” You whispered and turned your back to the house, not caring anymore.

A car stopped right before your group, you barely registered it until a very wild Jisung came out of it and pounced right on you, crushing you in his arms.

“I was so fucking worried!” He complained and pressed a kiss to your head. “Don’t ever do that again, ok? I think Chris had a heart attack when he found out.”

You knew deep inside you were safe from the moment you stepped outside and could inhale the fresh air, but it was only when you heard Jisung’s voice that it finally hit you. You wrapped your arms around him and squeezed him back with all your might.

“Thank you for coming for me.” You whispered against his chest, refusing to look at him. You didn’t trust yourself not to cry if you saw his worried face. “For us.”

There was another blast that made you all look back at the house. The roof had been completely blown up.

Hyunjin looked at Changbin, judging him openly. “How many explosives did you give him exactly?!”

Changbin shrugged, unfazed. “Listen, he waited to tear this place down for so long. How could I say no?”

It dawned to you then that there was someone else from their group inside the house, someone who apparently held big grudges against your father. Not like you were complaining. But judging by the state of the house, his hatred was real and unstoppable.

“How about we go home?” Jisung suggested, “Soo needs to get treated.”

“I’m fine!” Soojin protested.

She was not fine and everybody could see it.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You look like shit and I promised Minho to get you out.” Jisung was merciless with his words but he was kind of right too. Soojin looked awful and couldn’t hold on her two feet if not for Hyunjin’s help.

At the mention of Minho’s name, Soojin relaxed in Hyunjin’s arms, his name working like magic on her.

“Do we wait for Felix?” Changbin asked and glanced over his shoulder.

Jisung followed his gaze and shook his head, his decision made. “He knows his way home.”

▾▾▾

During all this time you thought Chris’s place was where the real decisions were made, during his late meetings. Turned out, you were terribly wrong. As you got out of the car, stumbling on your way, you found yourself staring at a big house. But maybe calling it a house was not the right word. Mansion would be more appropriate.

You eyed the men that came to your rescue, bickering about trivial matters. They weren’t just part of the same organization or working for Chris. No, you realized that they were more than that. They were a family. And you envied them. The sense of belonging, of sharing this kind of bond; you hoped you would experience it one day too.

You barely took two steps, Minho appeared out of thin air, pushed you out of his way just to get his hands on Soojin. He had his hands on her shoulders, fingers digging into her skin as he eyed her, every spot, every cut, making his frown only deepen.

“I’m going to kill him.” He groaned and then abruptly turned to face you. “You! I’m so not fucking done with you.”

So typical Minho – you couldn’t stop the laugh, although a very tired one, escape from your mouth. “Yeah, good to see you too.” And you really meant it.

“Are we going to stand here or can we go in?” Changbin complained, “I’m hungry!”

“When are you not?”

But they did follow him inside.

Jisung wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pointed with his free hand at the house.

“Welcome home, Y/N.” He told you with a blinding smile that brought tears to your eyes.

▾▾▾

Jisung had left you to rest in one of many rooms of the house and judging by the style and by the few clothes you spotted, you guessed it was Chris’s. Too tired to think over it, you plopped on the bed and instantly fell asleep. But your sleep was far from resting. You dreamt of all the dead bodies you saw inside your house. You dreamt of fire and screams. You dreamt of your father who was trying to kill you.

You sat up with a jolt, panting and sweating, your heart beating fast in your chest. It was common to have nightmares after a bad experience, you told yourself, but it didn’t make it easier.

It was still dark outside; you didn’t know how long you had slept but it was not enough. You were about to go back and try to get some more sleep when you spotted a dark figure in the corner of the room. You frowned, thinking for a second that it was just your imagination but then it moved again.

No. There was someone in the room.

The shadow moved once more, getting closer until your eyes got used to the dark, until you realized who was in your room. You couldn’t believe your eyes. It had to be another dream. You pinched your arm just to make sure – the pain was real. Then, Ren had to be real too.

“Hi Y/N.” Ren said as he approached the bed, looking more nervous than you had ever seen him.

Ren was alive. Ren was safe. With the past events, you didn’t have time to stop and think what had happened to him. You hoped, deep inside, that he was safe, that he had left on time and now that he stood before you, relief washed over you.

“Oh my god.” Without thinking, you jumped out of the bed and straight into his arms.

Ren tensed at your hug, not expecting this kind of welcoming from your part, but after a moment he hugged you back. You weren’t the only one relieved, he was too. The moment he had heard about you going back to the house, he had lost it. Seeing you now, safe and sound, comforted him, more than he wished to admit.

“I’m glad you’re ok.” He whispered as he inhaled your sweet, familiar scent. His arms tightened around your body, scared that you could vanish at any moment.

“I was scared for you, you know?” You pulled away for him only to have a better look at his face. You pushed back rebellious curls from his face. “I was praying you weren’t stuck in the fire.”

Ren shook his head before taking your hands and bringing them to his lips. He placed a soft kiss to your knuckles bringing comfort you didn’t know you needed. “I was. But only to make sure it burnt to the ground.”

You tilted your head to the side in confusion, his words not making much sense to you. Then you wondered: how come he was inside Chris’s place? Unattended. There was no way any of them would let him roam around the place. There was no way any of them would let him leave the house. You saw their previous interaction and the animosity between them were real. But was it?

Changbin’s words echoed in your mind, playing on repeat. There was someone else in the house. Someone who wanted the place to disappear from the face of the earth. Someone who had enough reason to hate the place as much as you did. It clicked.

You pulled back from Ren, confusion written all over your face. “You’re Felix.”

All this time you thought Ren, well Felix now you guessed, was your father’s dog (like Chris’s had previously called him) when in fact, he was a perfect actor who had your father fooled. Who had you fooled. Were you disappointed you hadn’t noticed it before? Maybe a little. But it was nothing compare to the relief you felt. Felix had always been on your side.

“You’re upset.” It wasn’t a real question but you saw his hesitation.

“Not really.” You admitted, too tired to explain your feelings. “I think it’s time I have a long conversation with Chris. And you too. I want to hear your story.”

“Rest some first, we’ll talk later.”

What a good idea.

▾▾▾

Soojin was the one who came to get you, just on time when you finished preparing. She looked much better than last night, her face not so swollen anymore, and a happy smile plastered on her face.

“You good?” She asked, linking her arm with yours as you walked through the hall, completely lost. This place was too huge for you to remember anything. For now at least.

“Nervous?” You were more than nervous and you bet she could feel it too.

You weren’t exactly sure why you were so damn nervous. Maybe it was because of the whole truth you were about to find out. Maybe it was just the idea of seeing Chris again; you couldn’t deny the fact that you were dying to see him, to find out if your relationship was real. But there was another reason you were feeling nervous and it had everything to do with the tiny usb-stick in your pocket. It was so tiny and yet it weighted heavier than anything else.

“It’s okay.” She said and patted your arm. “So is Chris.”

▾▾▾

Without surprise, the room was noisy, so loud you could hear it from the other side of the hall. Not surprising considering all those men did was bickering.

“How dare you steal my chicken wing!” You heard Changbin loud and clear.

“Not my fault you’re slow!” Jisung replied nonchalantly in return.

Those adorable idiots, you thought to yourself.

“Why is it always the two of you?” Hyunjin complained, shaking his head in both despair and disapproval. When really, he was being just as loud as them.

Soojin gave you a nudge to help you get inside the room instead of standing by the door. You looked at her over your shoulder and saw her pretty smile that gave you the courage you needed to go in.

Your eyes darted around the room, noticing two faces that you supposed belonged to Seungmin and Jeongin. Felix was on his phone, oblivious to the mess around him. You noticed he looked different, more relaxed, younger too and definitely in his element. Chris and Minho were setting the table, exchanging few words here and there.

‘A family.’ You repeated to yourself.

Seungmin was the first to notice your presence in the middle of the chaos. He stopped chewing on his chicken wing, his eyes lightening up in mischief. “Hey old man, your girl is here.”

Chris turned his head so quickly; you thought your heard it crack. He opened his mouth to say your name but no sound left his mouth.

At the sight of him, your heart started acting up, urging you to get closer to him, to touch him. You did none of that.

“This is awkward.” Jeongin scratched his head as his eyes darted back and forth between you and Chris. “Hi, I’m Jeongin.”

“Which means,” You turned to the other man, “You’re Seungmin.”

In the corner of your eyes, you noticed Felix staring at you, his face unreadable and yet his eyes were shining brightly – happy to see you.

“This is going to be so fun.” Seungmin commented sarcastically. Soojin didn’t hesitate and slapped the back of his neck.

It was so tempting to play his little game; you would have if you weren’t so damn hungry. “Screw it, I’m too hungry.” Minho pushed a plate towards you right away which made you quirk a brow at him. “Smells too good to be real. Did you put some poison in?”

“Not this time.” Minho smirked.

▾▾▾

“How come you never asked anything in return for your help?” You asked Chris once you had finished your food. It wasn’t the only question in your mind, there were tons but you decided you could start with a simple one. At least, it seemed to you like it was a simple question.

Minho chocked on his drink, taken aback by your question. “Are you really asking it only now?”

For the sake of your sanity and to avoid any conflict with him (though now that your stomach was full, you were definitely ready to throw punches), you chose to ignore him and instead stared at Chris. Chris was the one, after all, who owed you answers. Along with Felix.

“It’s because of him.” Chris pointed at Felix; taken you completely off guard with this reply.

Your gaze slid to Felix. Knowing that his affection for you was real, was truly relieving. All this time you had hoped he would choose you over your father, that all the moments you shared were enough to sway him. And it was. Real.

“And because of your mom, Sarah.” Chris added

“What.” You could understand, to some extent, for Felix, but your mom, it didn’t make much sense. How could she have known Chris?

“I’m not sure where to begin.” He admitted, rubbing his neck. “I met your mother last year. She came to me, seeking my help. You can believe me when I say I couldn’t believe my eyes. Why would Rick’s wife come asking for my help?”

“Pretty sure you kicked her out of your office.” Changbin commented, remembering the exact moment.

“But your mother was a very stubborn woman. She came back the very next day, unbothered. I was tempted to kick her out again but instead, I listened. And what a story. A week prior, three of my men got slaughtered, I was sure Rick was behind it and Sarah brought me the proof I needed.”

“Why would she do that?” You asked, your voice shaky, betraying just how troubled you were. Your mom was involved with Chris at some point, but why.

“She wanted him dead, Y/N.” Chris admitted, “She wanted him dead so you could have a normal life.”

“When-“ Your voice cracked under the emotion, “When exactly did it happen?”

“When you had escaped.” Felix was the one answering that question. “By the time I got you back, she had vanished.”

No. No. No. You refused to acknowledge this. While you were selfishly living your life, escaping without even trying to bring your mother with you, she was fighting a battle for your sake.

“Y/N.” Felix called for you and only then you realized tears had starting rolling down your cheeks.

You had to get out of here, you couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.

So you did what you knew best: you ran.

▾▾▾

Knowing the whole truth was supposed to help you to understand, to make things easier. It did none of that. Maybe in the end, being oblivious was a blessing, maybe then you wouldn’t feel as if someone had torn your heart in pieces. Maybe then, you wouldn’t be feeling so damn guilty. You always told yourself that you weren’t a selfish person but, turned out you absolutely were. If you hadn’t been so self-centered you would have known about your mom’s plans, maybe you could have helped even. Instead, you let her take unimaginable risks by herself, fighting a battle you should have taken part in.

“I’m so so sorry, mom.” You wept and let yourself fall on your knees. You barely managed to reach the garden in hope to be left alone, in hope the fresh air would sooth your pain. It did none of that.

Instead, images of your mother flooded your mind, the good, the bad, all of them. You remembered her gentleness, how she would always tend to your wounds, how she would sing to you to help you sleep.

The very last time you saw her was the day you escaped. That day, when you thought you were being subtle, you saw her by the house’s gate. She should have told you something, maybe then it would have made a difference. But she didn’t. She gave you a warm, loving hug and told you to be careful.

“God, I should have told you to come with me.” You cursed yourself for being so stupid. “Mom.”

Despite your wish to be left alone, Chris came to find you. He couldn’t let you cry by yourself. There was nothing he could say or do to make the pain go away, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t offer you his shoulder to cry on. He sat on the ground by your side and fully pulled you in his arms, letting your tears wet his shirt. He let you pour your heart while softly stroking your hair, slowly rocking you in hope to appease you.

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” He muttered against your head. “I’m sorry for not telling you the whole truth. Especially about your mom.”

But it would have made no difference. There was no escape from the pain, from the heartbreak.

Chris cupped your face, careful as if you were fragile and would break between his hands. His heart broke a little more at the sight of your red face and swollen eyes. He could feel your anguish, your heartbreak and beyond anything your wish to see your mother one last time.

He whipped your tears with his thumb. “I’m sorry. Can I take you back inside?”

You gave him the tiniest nod you could muster, too drained. Chris lifted you effortlessly, carrying you bridal-style inside the house, letting your head rest against his chest.

Chris brought you back to his room and let go of you only to put you on the edge of his bed. By the time he got you back, you had finally stopped crying and were slowly able to clear your mind and think. You watched him in silence, wondering what he was thinking about. Was he thinking about his own guilt? Was he thinking about your relationship? Ever since you had found out about the whole plan, you didn’t get the chance to talk. Did he really care for you like Soojin told you?

“I don’t blame you for my mom.” You said quietly. “Actually, I think I should be thanking you for trying to help her. For siding with her. At least, someone did.”

“Don’t make it sound like I’m an honorable person, Y/N. I did initially for revenge.” It pained him to admit but it was the truth. His intentions were far from good. At first at least.

“Maybe. But didn’t you have a change of heart?” You bet he did.

“I did. I admired her determination and her courage. She was a bright, clever woman. In fact,” Chris chuckled at the memory, “You remind me of her. The first time we met, she barged into my office. Just like you.”

“Guess it runs in the family.” You chuckled sadly. You grabbed gently Chris’s fingers, half wanting to finally touch him, half needing his comfort. “I need it to be over, Chris. I want him to pay for the pain he caused. For the people he killed.”

Chris took you off guard as he slowly slid on the floor, kneeling right before you. He interlocked his fingers with yours, eyes on you. You stared at him, stunned, heart pounding against your ribs.

“He will pay, Y/N. For everything.” He promised you. His eyes were filled with so much emotions, determination, longing, lust, it knocked the wind out of you.

“I know you’ve been wondering about us, if it was real or not. It was. Every moment I spent with you were like a breath of fresh air. I got addicted to your smiles and to your laughs, and to your little dances in the middle of my kitchen.” He paused to place a kiss on your hand. “I don’t want it to stop. I can’t promise you a completely normal, free of danger life.” His voice cracked a little under the emotions, at his confession. “Please, stay. Stay with me when it’s all over.”

You thought you had no more tears left in your body. Turned out, you were wrong. His words broke you and healed you at the same time. How could you say no to him? How could you give up on all your little moments? To give up on his touches? His kisses? Simple. You couldn’t. “You’re stuck with me.”

You had seen Chris’s smiles dozens of times but this one? This one was the brightest you had ever seen, full dimples on display, filling your heart with so much fondness. You lunged for him, crashing your mouth against his. God, you had missed it. Those delicious lips, his sweet taste, his warmth.

Chris’s hand found your head, fingers tangled in your locks, pushing you against him to deepen the kiss. He wanted you to feel all his emotions at once, wanting to feel how real it was. No pretending. No more lies. And you let him.

You broke the kiss only to get back on your feet and slowly pull your t-shirt over your head and threw it on the floor, quickly followed by your bras. Chris inhaled sharply at the sight. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.

“Touch me.” You pleaded, desperate to feel more of him. You needed him. And who was he to deny you that?

Chris gently pushed you back on the bed, watched how your breasts bounced, how your lips parted to let out a quiet gasp. He quickly disregarded his own shirt before he crawled on the bed, hands slowly traveling from your ankles to your hips, to your bare stomach. He couldn’t stop himself from placing a kiss on your belly-button before quickly unbuttoning your pants, pulling them off you. He admired you once more, laying with only your panties on, looking incredibly beautiful and delicious. He wanted nothing more than kiss every inch of your skin, every mole, every scar, marking you for all to know you were his.

“Chris.”

“You’re so beautiful, love.” He lowered himself to place a kiss on your right ankle. “So, so beautiful.” Too slowly to your liking, he left a trail of kisses going from your ankle, to your knee, to your thigh, taking a moment to bite on your flesh.

With every brush of his lips, you felt yourself getting wetter, needing him desperately to give you more. “Please, Chris.”

“Hm?” He hummed against your stomach, taking his sweet time exploring your body before finally reaching your lips, capturing your mouth with his. “So precious.”

You were slowly melting under his touches, with his every kiss, with his every word, there was no escape from your feelings, no deny from how deeply you fell for this man. You plunged your fingers through his soft locks, pulling gently as you moaned into the kiss, wanting desperately to feel all of him.

Without breaking the kiss, he slid one hand between your bodies, fingers gently brushing your clothed center. Chris growled in satisfaction, realizing just how wet you were just for him when he had barely touched you.

“I wonder who got you so wet, precious.” He smirked against your lips, smug as hell.

Just out of spite, when really it was obvious, you tug at his hair. “Clearly not you.”

“Hmm.” He hummed, the press of his fingers firmer now, shutting you up completely with this simple move. You bit on your lips to stop yourself from moaning but he saw through you. “Nice try.”

Chris’s lips slid to press a kiss to your throat, licking on your skin, marking you while his hand pushed your panties aside and slipped a finger inside with ease.

“Chris.” You moaned, slowly losing yourself. “Please.” No matter how much you wanted to play coy, you couldn’t. Not when his lips were devouring every inch of your skin and especially not when he added another finger inside you, making you moan louder and clench around him.

“So responsive.” He cooed at you, admiring how your body reacted to him. Admiring how red your skin got with all his bites. Admiring how beautiful and lost you looked under him. Sliding down your body, he left some more marks.

Chris took the last piece of cloth from you before settling between your legs. He took a moment to admire his meal.

“Mine.” He growled.

The first lick of his tongue made you lose it, your body on fire. You threw your head back, hands gripping tightly the sheets, needing something to hold onto. Chris feasted on you like a starved man, and maybe he was after denying himself for so long. With every kiss, with every flick of his tongue, with every groan of satisfaction he made, you felt the pressure building more and more.

“I think I can die in peace now.” Chris admitted which made you glance at him. The sight of him alone almost made you come. His eyes, darker than you ever saw, staring back at you, his pretty lips covered with your juices.

“Don’t you dare.” You managed to say in your dizziness.

“Or what?” He dared you while he pushed two fingers inside of you, silencing you so easily. There was nothing you could say, mind going blank as he worked so nicely on you, with his lips, tongue and fingers. A dance that he knew would end you in a matter of seconds if he kept this rhythm.

“Chris! Please, please, please.” You begged, desperate as your sweet release was so close you could almost touch it. And Chris being the perfect lover let you have it, bringing you over the edge.

Breathless and light-headed, you kept your eyes shut, giving yourself a second to recover. And yet, you felt Chris’s lips on your thigh and on your stomach and then on your lips, letting you taste yourself. You wrapped your legs around his waist, crushing his body against yours, feeling how hard he was. You needed him inside right now.

“I need you.” You breathed against his lips.

“Badly?” He teased, knowing damn well how badly you wanted him.

It amazed how much self-control Chris had. No matter how much he took care of you, it was all about you and your pleasure, not minding his own needs. No, he wanted you to know just how much he cared, just how much he loved and was willing to give if it meant you would stay. If it meant you loved him back. You could ask him to set the world on fire and he would do it. No question asked.

“So fucking badly.” You admitted

Chris kissed the tip of your nose, glowing with satisfaction. “Good girl.”

Chris pulled back only to guide his cock to you, coating himself in your wetness, brushing teasing your clit – you arched your back, the contact sending shivers through your whole body.

“Don’t tease.” You begged, your head filled with nothing else but him and the need to feel him inside you.

Just like everything Chris did, he took his time, slowly pushing inside you, filling you to the brim. He stilled, letting you to adjust to the fullness, to him. He hovered over you and peppered your face with sweet kisses, distracting himself from the urge to just completely let go and ruin you.

“M-move, please.” You whispered; voice shaky as you were feeling particularly overwhelmed.

And he didn’t need to be asked twice.

Chris pulled back just as slowly as he started, only to push back with much more, controlled, strength, making you arch toward him to take more of him.

No words could describe how good and full and loved you felt. You curled your arms around him and found his mouth, letting him swallow your pretty moans and whimpers. You moved together, letting all your pent-desires out.

With every whimper, it pushed Chris into rocking harder, deeper into you, hitting all the sweet spots that made you curl your toes and whisper his name like a mantra. He could tell by how hard you were clenching around him that you were close, so was he.

Until, in a brief moment of lucidity, you cupped his face, your grip gentle but firm – he completely stilled. Chris furrowed his brows in worry, scared that he had hurt you. But nothing could have prepared him for the words that left your mouth. Words that shattered what was left of his sanity.

“I love you.”

His own response was on the tip of his tongue, but lost in his own feelings, no words left his mouth. He buried his head deep into your neck, cursing silently as he resumed his thrusts. Slow but deeper and so delicious.

“Fuck, Y/N.” He cursed into your skin.

One particularly strong push was all it took to make you convulse around him; mouth opened in a silent cry. Chris didn’t stop, fucking you through your orgasm, admiring what was his, admiring the beauty under him. It was the memory of your words that made him come.

He rested his head against your chest, sweating, panting, shaking at the power of his own release. You played with his curls, watching him fondly, your heart pounding hard against your ribs.

“By the way,” He finally said and peaked at you, a sheepish smile forming on his beautiful face. “I love you too.”

▾▾▾

It became common knowledge that you barging into a meeting was perfectly normal and a habit of yours. So when you barged into another meeting, uninvited, nobody even blinked. You, on the other hand, paused. It wasn’t your intention to interrupt, in fact, you were simply looking for Chris, knowing very well that if he wasn’t nowhere to be found, then he was definitely in his office. However, he wasn’t alone. You expected to see all of his friends, since it was a meeting, but no, only Minho, Jisung and Felix were attending.

“I want to say I’m sorry but then I’d be lying, so.” You smiled sheepishly at them. “Hi?”

Jisung shook his head but fondness was written all over it. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”

“Well,” Maybe you could have done something about it, but you didn’t really want to. You took seat on the empty chair beside Felix, softly nudging him as a greeting. “Should have invited me in the first place.”

“Sorry if we forgot about you, your highness,” Minho being the sarcastic self, couldn’t stop himself.

“You’re excused.” You cut him and stuck your tongue. Yes, very adult of you.

Minho’s gaze slid to Chris, “Can I kill her now?”

You blew him a kiss, unfazed. Wouldn’t be Minho if he didn’t threaten you at least once a week.

“Still a no.” Then he looked at you, “You’re right on time.”

You tilted your head, surprised. “I am?”

“She is?” Jisung apparently wasn’t aware either.

Then it came back to you, the conversation you had with Chris last night about how you needed his help to be courageous.

Your mood turned sour.

It had been a week since they had told you the truth. A week spent mainly with Chris, letting him take care of you. Telling him stories about your life, about your escape and taste of freedom. You told him more about your mom and your regrets. A week you also spent with Soojin, discovering new sides of her thanks to her interaction with the others. Turned out, she was just as stubborn as her cousin and was probably even more reckless than you. But she was still Soojin, the same young woman that you had befriended.

But it was also a week you had spent avoiding the moment you would need to be faced with another truth. With shaky hands, you grabbed the usb-stick you had been carrying with you for the past few days, hoping to find the courage to give it to them.

You took a deep breath and put the usb on the table – all eyes on it.

Felix was the first to react, having a hunch of what it was. But definitely not the content. “So you did find something in his office back then.”

“Yeah.” Your voice cracked. You slapped yourself mentally for still being so emotional.

“What’s on it?” Jisung asked, reaching for it, ready to connect it to his computer.

“Before you check it, I need to tell you something.” You hesitated. There was no way they would accept your request that would go against their hatred, but you still hoped. “I don’t want him dead.”

They exchanged glances, taken aback.

“I thought about it. And honestly, death is too easy. I want him to suffer and regret and lose everything. I want him locked up for the rest of his miserable life.” You admitted. Feeling more confident with the wave of anger, you looked at them.

“Y/N, we’re not really in good terms with the feds, you know.” Jisung explained.

“What’s on the usb, Y/N?” Felix asked instead. His friends glanced at him, stunned that he would consider your request even for a second.

“Turns out my father isn’t only a piece of shit, control freak and greedy human. He’s also a psycho. This,” You pointed at the usb, “Is the proof you need to lock him up. He filmed himself torturing and killing my mom.”

Chris felt his heart breaking once more. He wanted to pull you in his arms and comfort you, but he figured it was not the place and not the right moment – you saw his silent struggle and gave him a weak but reassuring smile.

“Let him rot.”

▾▾▾

If most of them were indeed not in good terms with the feds, it wasn’t Hyunjin’s case. Were you surprised? Not even for a second. This man could charm anybody, there was no possible resistance to his charms and to his skills. He knew how to manipulate people without them even realizing he was using them like puppets. Impressive, wasn’t he?

Hyunjin, the moment he found out about your request, accepted right away which did take you off guard. While the others needed some more convincing, as in to watch the video to understand how much you needed this revenge, he didn’t ask. You appreciated it and promised to never forget his willingness to help you. Or his words. “You’re family. Of course, I’m in.”

Which brought you to two months later, resting on the couch of the living room at Chris’s house by the beach. You adored their main residence, but this house had such a soothing and magical effect on you, you begged Chris to spend some time here. His resistance held for approximatively five minutes, and you were being generous. All it took was a gentle tug on his earlobe with your teeth and he was a goner.

During those two months, they were all incredibly active. Instead of going straight to the feds, like you would have thought, they asked you for some more time and you saw no reason to refuse. Chris and Minho had their own idea of revenge and if they couldn’t kill your father, then at least, they wanted him completely ruined. They wanted him to watch his tiny kingdom fall and burn. You could relate to this wish.

With Felix’s help, Jisung easily managed to find the spy among them, luring him out in a matter of days. With the spy out of picture, it became much easier to trick your father. Felix used the spy’s phone, sending false information about their plans. Overconfident, your father believed every word – a mistake that cost him. He lost all his businesses, one by one, along with his allies. Even Kang, who, as soon as he realized what was going on, cut him off.

To say that watching your father’s demise was satisfying would be the understatement of the century. There was finally some justice, if not for you, it was justice for your mom. You wished she could have seen it. You wished she could have celebrated it with you. You wished she could have seen you and your new family. But since she couldn’t, you did it for her. TV on, you watched the news with a glass of red wine, your pajamas on, your hair tied messily, you were fully relaxed. The journalist was narrating the story; about a tip the feds had received which helped them to arrest a criminal that had been on their list for years.

“You’re welcome.”

▾▾▾

Chris, despite agreeing to spend some more time at his house by the beach, had to go back and forth between this house and his company, to deal with some urgent matters. You understood and didn’t mind that much. Moreover, you were never really alone. If Chris was away, someone else would keep you company. Sometimes it would be Felix and you would spend the day either walking down the beach and talk, or cooking. Sometimes it would be Jisung and you would binge-watch some TV shows. Sometimes it would be Minho and Soojin – the messiest company ever but you enjoyed it nevertheless.

You woke up to the first ring of your alarm, smashing the stop button. Chris groaned beside you and pressed his head against your back without waking up. You smiled to yourself. He came back in the middle of the night, trying not to wake you up – you cracked one eye open, gave him a sweet kiss and went back to sleep in his arms. The best feeling ever.

This morning, however, you had plans. Plans that didn’t involve Chris. You slipped from his arms as quietly as you could, hoping he wouldn’t wake up. He didn’t. He frowned in his sleep, probably realizing in his sleep that something was missing. You couldn’t resist the urge to kiss the tip of his nose in fondness before leaving the room.

It was still dark outside but it wouldn’t last for long according to your phone; the sun was about to rise. You quickly gathered everything you needed; a warm hoodie that you of course stole from Chris, a warm scarf because the early mornings were particularly fresh and windy. And last but not least; a piece of paper that took you days to write on.

You took the stairs that led straight to the beach. You didn’t go far; it wasn’t your intention anyway. You approached the sea as close as you could without getting your clothes wet. You sat on the sand and for a short moment simply looked at the horizon. The first ray of sun were showing, reflecting on the water, reminding you of your very first time here with Chris. It was still as perfect as in your memory and would not be the last.

But as the sun was slowing showing up, there was still something you wanted to do. You took the piece of paper from your pocket, your hands shaky, your heart aching in your chest. You knew it was time to say goodbye, but it was harder than you hoped.

It was now or never. You unfolded the piece of paper, took a deep breath and started reading out loud, letting the wind carrying your words to some unknown place.

“Dear mom,

When I was a little girl, I remember you telling me to be brave. Recently, I found out that it’s not an easy task. But because of your words, I kept pushing and today here I am. There are so many things I wish to say, so much I want to share, and the only way I could think of was to write, hoping that those words could reach you one way or another.

I’m not sure where to start, but I guess I should start from where we left last year and the last time, I saw your face. My escape did not go well, I’m sure you knew it then or maybe you hoped that your plan (which I found out about only recently) would work. Dad let me believe for four months that I had escaped for good. Four months of freedom. Fake freedom. It felt nice, I was happy and made few friends. But as I said, it was a fake freedom and the moment dad needed me back he sent Ren. Turns out Ren’s real name is Felix, but I guess you know it already. For someone who was a spy and played pretend, he sure did a good job. I shouldn’t be surprised that he took his job so seriously, but going to the extent of killing an innocent…That’s impressive I guess, the devotion to his job. Sadly, it made me hate him so much. When he brought me back to dad, things got ugly. I..I don’t think I need to tell you how it went, I’m sure you went through it many times yourself, so I’ll skip this part and go straight to the main point and where my life changed. For the good.

Few months ago, I found out what dad had in store for me, making me realize that I needed to escape and never let him find me again. Without knowing your story, I followed your path that led me straight to Chris. It’s a tad ironical, don’t you think? You made a deal with him and so did I. No doubt, I’m your daughter. But what I didn’t know back then was that this deal would turn my life upside down. Not only because I would finally be free of dad, but because I found something I didn’t know I needed. A family. People, I know I can rely on. People that would watch my back. Chris gave it to me. I bet, when he agreed to my deal, he didn’t expect it to turn out like this too.

But, do we regret it? No. Not at all. I’d say it was meant to be.

I need you to know that your efforts were not in vain. Dad is rotting in jail. His business - well let’s just say Chris dealt with it. But even more importantly, I want you to know that I am free. I am happy. I am loved. I have a family that I would die for. And I love just as fiercely as you have loved me.

My life begins right now.

Thank you for it, mom. Thank you for everything. You can rest now. And be happy.

I love you.

-from your selfish daughter.”

By the time you finished reading the letter, tears were rolling down your cheeks. Goodbyes were never your forte, still wasn’t. But you needed it. You needed to let her know that you were now happy and free and in love. You needed her to know that she didn’t need to worry for you anymore.

You pulled a lighter from your pocket, hesitated for a moment as you brought it to the corner of your letter.

“Goodbye mom.” You whispered. You watched as the paper caught fire, easily, burning slowly in your hand. Flames devouring your words, devouring your emotions.

A gentle breeze caressed your skin and blew the ashes of your letter towards the sea. You watched it in silence, the sun no longer hiding on the horizon. It was the beginning of another good day.

You felt Chris’s presence before you could hear or see him. Despite your attempt at not waking him up, he still did. The moment he realized where you were heading, he followed your steps but leaving space between you two. He watched you from afar, guessing what you were doing. The moment you started reading the letter, he left – it wasn’t right for him to eavesdrop and he guessed a nice coffee to sooth your heart would be a good idea.

Chris pushed the cup of coffee right under your nose, letting the strong scent hit your nose.

“Mmh.” You hummed in satisfaction. “Exactly what I needed.”

“I know.” He smiled. Just like the first day at the beach, he sat behind you, spread his legs and pulled you against his chest, wrapping his arms around you and letting his warmth envelop you. He placed a soft kiss to your hair. “Feeling better?”

“Much, much better.”

Freedom had the best taste.

Coffee, sunrise and love.

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