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tossball-stick · 3 months ago

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something something cycles or whatever

willscuella, 1.3k words, not proofread much sorry, oneshot

hiii this was honestly basically written for @nokaru. your tags on my other willscuella post got me thinking about them, so between writing my transfem kieran fic, i decided to scribble this out. i am unwell 👍 i hope i saw the vision

click 4 fic 🐊

The first night wasn’t the worst. On the surface, you might think it would be. Being away from the gang for the first time in their lives after everything crumbled to ash, only having each other, being terrified for their lives, outrunning bounty hunters, Pinkertons, and their memories, all in one go. The first night stretched over into the first day though, without any sleep. They hadn’t even had time to really think about things.

The first day stretched into the second night which was more sleepless running. Paranoia and fear could push a man to survive on very little, and that was certainly what they were doing. Arthur and John, pointing guns at them, every person’s death, Dutch’s lost look, Guarma, it all was still fresh in their minds. They only had each other anymore. With nothing left but the lasting images and sounds etched into their brains, they continued to ride beside each other.

The second night dipped into the second day. No sleep, still, having barely stopped to eat either. Every break to take care of their bodies, not even themselves, was quick and with the hunger of a pack of wolves. Every last bit of dried meat, canned fruits and vegetables, every last tin of coffee and every last biscuit from Bill’s box of them. Every one was consumed without thought, every one was forced down for no reason other than it had to be.

By the time they both had finally felt safe enough to rest, they were both beat. They had made good progress, running out west, but still had so much left to go. It was hard to commit to California, like they wanted. They didn’t dare argue about it now, though, survival was still pushing them.

Bill puts up the tent, gets the area ready. Javier fishes. They had used the last of their provisions keeping themselves up on the run. Their bodies both ached, Javier was still nursing a limp from Guarma, yet they pushed on. Once Javier is back, Bill is cooking. It’s been silent the whole time. What is there to say?

Mealtime finishes. It’s not Pearson’s stew. They’ll never have it again. It isn’t long before that fact sets off a chain reaction in Bill, always quick to express emotion. Bit by bit, every wall in him had been breaking down, crumbling to dust before him. The thought of the meals that had been a comfort for so long of his life being permanently gone was enough to send him spiraling.

Javier was never a comforter. He avoided people. He was around Bill because he had power over Bill. Power he didn’t have over most other people. He could control how Bill saw him, to an extent, and he didn’t have to make that version of himself pleasant or charismatic. He could be cruel, unusual, quiet, and scary, and somehow Bill would still be clinging to him, day in, day out. It was a surprise when his arms were wrapping around Bill’s shoulders on instinct, gently patting at his back.

The sobs went on for a long time. Too long, probably, they both were terrified of being found. Somehow, that was less of a priority than being there for each other. With screaming and wailing out of the way, they could get onto drinking. Not soon enough, either. Javier had been out of it ever since Bill had started crying, really, his comfort seeming to come from his brain’s autopilot. Tip back bottle after bottle, forget about it.

Bill was trying to forget about it. He really was. About everything that had happened, about Javier’s current reaction. It wasn’t surprising, but a little disheartening. Bill had been there to comfort Javier through everything, and Javier was there for him, of course, but even in Guarma, Javier had not been vulnerable. He had stayed locked away in that shell. Bill had tried for years to chip away at it, yet he never seemed to make the progress John ever had.

“Are you okay, Javier?”

That was all it took, though, to shatter it, and to shatter it harder than John could have ever dreamed to. Within an instant, Javier was sinking his face into the chest in front of him, starting to really let it out. Screaming, crying, sobbing, hitting, all of it being channeled right against Bill’s skin. He held Javier, through it all, his arms keeping the other steady.

Javier lasted longer than Bill did. So much had been packed away and repressed after all these years. By the time they were both done, they barely had time to sleep. Still, they crawled into the tent together, feeling closer than they ever had. They were inseparable now, never not clinging to each other. They were able to cry and talk to each other. Despite being unstable, they could continue on with love for each other. They didn’t need anything besides the two of them and their horses. Maybe they could actually be something, together, away in some paradise. Hope had started to turn up. They could trust each other, not like they trusted Dutch, but something new.

You might think that had been the worst night. The emotions from that night never really seemed to leave them, after all. It came close, neither of them would argue that. No, the worst came after weeks and weeks of nothing but travel. Travel, stop in a town, be too scared to make any money, struggle to buy something with what they had left, and then sigh and rely on Javier’s fishing once again.

Occasionally, Bill might score them a deer. He never had learned how to trim it up, though, which never left them with food for long. Along with a shortage in more unnecessary supplies like food, they were quickly running dry. No more alcohol, nothing to soothe the still raw pains. By this point, even cigarettes had started to become numbered.

Neither of them felt like people. They were animals, really, nothing more, doing everything they could just to survive. Eating fish, fish, fish. Nothing more, nothing less. Insanity would claw at better men, surely, but they were hardly such. Violent, unloveable degenerates.

Unloveable. Unloveable to family, unloveable to each other. Every day was a test of patience. Every day they loved to learn something new they hated about the other. Every day the rubber band was pulled further and farther, stretched longer and longer. Then, a snap. It cracked through the air like gunfire, too similar to the previous gunshot that ripped from a chamber.

It was Bill. Of course he was the first one to snap, over something stupid in the end. A missing packet of cigarettes was what the fight was about, Bill accusing Javier of having stolen them. Javier defended himself, of course, calling Bill an idiot. That was enough for Bill to start launching into rants and raves about every little thing, which only worsened their fighting.

Javier was a weak willed man when it came to Bill, quickly indulging the urge to scream and yell and fight. They were launching at each other now, grappling and throwing each other about, hitting and screaming, crying, biting, threatening with knives. Guns were pressed to people's heads, unkind things were said. They concluded that sticking together was only prolonging the inevitable. They hoped they never saw each other again.

Of course, they would see each other again. Wide, open arms welcomed the both of them upon reuniting. It was like the fight had never even happened. It was hard to say why it had caused such a big rift between them in the first place. With a warm embrace after years of being alone, they soak in each other’s presence again, only hoping it won't end the same as last time.

#maybe ill post this to ao3 we'll see what the reception is here #rdr2 #willscuella #bill williamson #javier escuella #red dead redemption 2 #fanfic #m/m #its a little all over the place. sorry. i was kinda writing for feeling more than coherence

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evita-shelby · 9 months ago

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A Repetition of History

Or Tommy finds his school bully at the last palce he expected to see him, Florence’s school entrence dropping off his son, who takes after his father in more than just looks

Cw: racsim, bullying, slurs, violence

No offense to Harolds of the world, i just picked common baby names from 1890

He’s taken his children to school plenty of times. So far, everyone fears his displeasure enough to keep their mouths shut.

Mosely and the growing bigotry these years had caused them plenty of trouble for them and their children so much that they’ve had to enroll them in a different school.

Florence had fewer more issues than Diane since she didn’t inherit the long forgotten Shelby trait of two different colored eyes. And yet his girl was approaching the building as if she were being led to her doom.

He’d only come here so her classmates could learn about what a member of Parliament does before they take a tour of 10 Downing Street that he got for them. While he felt a little bad for using his children’s school to campaign for re-elections, 9 year old Flora loved ruling over the playground enough to suggest the idea in the first place.

“What’s wrong, sweet girl?” he asks quietly, and before she answers, Tommy heard it.

“Didn’t know they let the likes of you into these places?” one of the parents says with that distinct tone that told the reformed gangster this was more than just old money snobbery.

This one was one of the ,unfortunately, many who believed in Fascism and the idea that the white race must exterminate the others.

And unfortunately for everyone involved, a man Tommy knew from before. He used to harass him and his siblings in school when they were younger. He would call Ada things, pull on her braids, he’d hit John, and the reason Tommy learned to use the old pocket knife he had pickpocketed one Sunday morning with his father.

The boy had learned to hate the Romani at his mother’s bosom and now taught it to his children. Especially the little boy with that sinister little smile that made the usually unflappable Florence cry.

“Not everyone shares your views, Harold. Most people believe the children of an elected representative should attend the same schools as the rest of the children in his constituency.” Tommy hardly brags about his career unless the situation merits it, and this one did.

It was only this and Florence that kept him from beating the living shit of his old schoolyard bully.

“I didn’t mean that, Shelby, but I suppose even the Crown lowered its standards to allow dirty gypsies like you into its sacred halls.” Harold said and Tommy knows this won’t end well for anyone.

“The people of Birmingham put me there, if they don’t see anything wrong with a ‘dirty gypsy’ representing them in Parliament, neither should you.” While he was used to being called a gypsy –some just didn’t know any better and still assumed their people came from Egypt--- Tommy couldn’t just let it slide this time.

With those last words and the apologies of Florence’s teacher and several members of the faculty, Tommy does his best to leave even with his fist clenched in anger.

Even words from that fucking cunt were enough to wake the devil in him.

“That’s right, pikey, leave just like your dad did.” Harold laughs, thinking he’s won.

He never sees the fist until Tommy’s recreating that time he and Arthur showed him enough was enough after he pulled Ada’s new dress down in front of the class.

Mrs. Changretta hadn’t stopped them, in fact didn’t stop Angel and Luca from joining in too. After all Harold hated Italians as much as he hated the Romani and the Jews.

The staff can’t get him to stop until he’s stained the cobblestones with blood and the screaming children shake him out of the memories of every single insult has avenged itself through his fists.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, don’t know what came over me.” He apologizes to the headmistresses, but he cannot make himself see the horror in Florence’s face.

She’s scared of him now. Just as he was scared of his father the first time he saw him kill.

Tommy, from then on, decides he won’t take her to school like he used to, but later that evening, Florence sneaks into his office with the desert he’s denied himself.

Even worse, she kisses his cheek as she always does and whispers, “Thank you.”

#eva smith shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy and florence #florence shelby

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allzelemonz · 1 year ago

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Rejection Junkie: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘man’ and ‘boy’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Micah Bell is his own warning, stalking, slight bottom Micah, oral sex, blow job, degradation, beating Summary: Glutton for punishment is an understatement when describing Micah, he craves rejection, hostility, anything that you’ll give him.

The number is lost on you, how many times you’ve told Micah to fuck off. At least twice yesterday, countless times before that. So when he sits across from you at the scout fire you know you’ll say it again. Arthur is next to you, trying to eat his dinner after a long day. He knows how Micah chases you and he gives you a look of sympathy before he stands to put his dish away. You keep your eyes down, watching the flames in front of you.

“You look real nice tonight, cowpoke.” Micah says, leaning forward in his seat with an attempt at a charming smile on his face.

“Go away, Bell.”

Something about you using his surname makes Micah shiver. He hums, relishing in the pleasant feeling. “Say my name again… slower now.”

“Fuck off.”

Micah chuckles. “When you gonna stop denyin’ what ya feel, cowpoke?”

“Fuck. Off.”

“Ain’t my fault ya can’t see what yer missin’.” Micah clears his throat and stretches his hands out over the fire.

“A pathetic, greasy rodent of a man that hasn’t even been bedded without paying for it.” You say, glancing up at him. “I don’t think I’m missing much.”

Micah grins at your taunting, he loves when people fight back. “Good one, cowpoke, what else ain’t ya missin’?”

“Fuck off, Micah.” You sigh, focusing on the fire again.

He chuckles. “No, go on. If I ain’t so appealing then ya must have yer reasons.”

You stand, tired of dealing with the cocky bastard. As you pass him, he reaches out and grabs your wrist to stop you. Pulling hard, you escape his grasp. He stands and stares you down, his expression just as annoyingly flirty as his words.

“Give it up, Sweetheart.” He chuckles. “Ya want me ta fuck ya, yer just scared ta admit it.”

You take a step towards him, keeping your glare fixed on his frosty eyes as you collect the spit in your mouth and force it out. The spit lands on his face, just where you intended. “Fuck off.”

Micah brings his hand up and dabs at the saliva on his cheek as he chuckles in disbelief. “Damn…” His voice shakes and he brings his fingers to his mouth to suck the spit from them. “Do that again, will ya, cowpoke?”

You stare at him in utter shock, unsure of exactly how to proceed. Micah’s eyes are full of a hunger that you’ve never seen and you find it hard not to punch him. Your fist lands square against his jaw and he stumbles a little as his hand goes to hold the spot you struck.

He laughs as he regains his stance, standing upright again. He groans when he looks at you, that sick grin on his face. “Ya got no idea what yer doin’ here, Sweetheart.”

You do. You know that he’s enjoying this, that he wants more, but you really just need to wail on him. Your heart and soul are practically begging for you to beat Micah within an inch of his life. Most of the camp is getting ready to sleep, and those that aren’t wouldn’t really care if they saw Micah getting the shit beat out of him. So you step forward and shove him. Micah stumbles back, not bothering to fight it because he wants you to take it further and further. The punishment you give has only been verbal until now, hardly enough to get the job done. But as you tackle him to the ground he knows that he’s going to get off on this. He won’t have to retreat into the trees and replay your words in his head as he touches himself because he’s unbelievably close to coming undone when his back hits the grass and your fist connects with his cheek.

But then you stop. You stop and Micah’s thrill, his pleasure subsides. He peers up at you and follows your eyes to the aching hard-on causing a tent in his pants. You thought you could ignore the fact that Micah likes being punished, but seeing it makes your stomach turn. The sick fuck wants you to beat him into the ground so he can get off and you don’t think you can continue. As much as you want to turn him black and blue, you can’t form a fist again.

Micah groans, digging his head back into the ground. “Fuck, come on!”

Your breathing is heavy as you look over him. He’s an asshole, a terrible and disgusting man. But…

“Be a man, Sweetheart.” Micah says between heavy breaths, chuckling darkly. “You and I both know ya want somethin’ outta this.”

“Fuck off, Micah.” You say through gritted teeth as you stand, trying to ignore the heat in your body.

“Come on!” He calls, sitting up to look at you. “We can both get somethin’ here, cowpoke.”

You turn to look at him as he gets to his feet. He beckons you as he steps back into the trees, a deranged look on his face. It’s like following the devil into the fiery pits. But the devil is a convincing little shit, just like Micah Bell. You look back to the camp for a moment, finding no commotion or sign that anyone has paid any attention to what’s gone on. So you clench your fists and follow the devil.

He grins when he sees you pass the tree line, sick and demented. “What ya gonna do with me, Sweetheart?”

You land another punch to his cheek and he groans and he stumbles to the side.

“That’s it.” He chuckles, gesturing for you to come at him again. “Give it to me, cowboy.”

You rush him, pushing him back into a tree. Micah grunts when his back hits the rough bark, feeling it scratch through his shirt. Your arm pins him across his chest and your eyes are unreadable in his current state of mind, clouded by lust.

“Best decide now.” He hums, settling against the tree. “Gonna keep beatin’ me or you wanna feel what ya done ta me?”

His words make a shutter come over you. Fuck if Micah isn’t annoying and damn if he doesn’t have a point. You pull your arm from his chest and put a hand on his shoulder, pushing him down. Micah sinks to his knees, his eyes watching you closely as he settles into his place beneath you.

“Don’t say a word.” You warn, hand finding a place in Micah’s hair.

He puts that sick grin back on his face before he turns his attention to your pants. As he pulls you out and stares at the hardness he has to bite his tongue so he doesn’t comment on the fact that beating him up turned you on. You watch him as he licks his hand and gives you a few pumps before he swirls his tongue over the tip. Then you look away, trying to imagine it’s not Micah that’s making your knees shake. But nothing else comes to mind, just pathetic, beaten Micah on his knees and sucking on you like his life depends on it.

You tighten your hand in his hair as he bobs his head. Micah is too good at this, better than someone so nasty should be, and this is just his mouth. The thought crosses your mind, how good a lay Micah would be. Pushing him onto his stomach and taking him from behind, or watching him leer over you and he takes you instead. But Micah’s mouth feels too good to ignore, too good to make your mind wander from it for more than a few seconds at a time.

“Shit, Micah.” You can’t help the words as your other hand tangles in his hair as well.

Micah has no resistance as you take his mouth to use as you need. He stuffs a hand into his pants as you start your own pace. His jaw hurts and the tug at his hair with each thrust makes him rock up into his hand. His gag reflex isn’t much anymore, so when you hit the back of his throat all he does is moan around you as he squeezes himself in his hand. This is a hundred times better than what he thought you’d do. That image of you beating him bloody into the dirt still lingers in his mind, but the sheer fact that you’re actively fucking his face makes him release much quicker than he wants. If he were a little younger, he’d bounce back and get hard again from the image he gets when he looks up at you. You’re blissed, focused entirely on your own pleasure until he feels that unmistakable end. Your seed flows down his throat with an ease that makes him squirm as he drinks everything you give him. He wants more, endlessly more. Even, rather especially, with the ache in his jaw, he wants to choke on you until he isn’t breathing.

So when you pull away, he groans. His hand goes to his chin as he stretches his jaw, the empty feeling in his mouth making the ache more apparent. You step back, catching your breath and putting yourself away properly. Undeniably, Micah has left you wanting more, both in the sense of frustration and otherwise. Beating him is equally as tempting as taking him back to your tent.

“See, cowpoke.” Micah says, voice raspy from the rough treatment of his throat. “I’m better than ya thought.”

He gets to his feet, using the tree behind him for support as his legs wobble. Your thoughts are jumbled, still working back to full functionality after the high of your climax. Watching Micah is all you can do, seeing the pathetic, slump of a man that sucked you off better than you could’ve imagined makes your stomach churn.

“Fuck off, Micah.”

He chuckles. “Aw, what the matter, Sweetheart? Scared ta admit ya want me more now that ya know what ya been missin’?” Micah steadies himself, striding towards you until he’s right in your face. You don’t feel compelled to move as his hand runs lightly over the fabric covering your stomach. “Ain’t so bad now, am I?”

You meet his gaze, still icy and full of desire. As much as you want to hide it, yours are likely the same. You want to do this again. You want to bend Micah over or let him pin you down, have him drop to his knees again, anything to feel all of the things he brings on despite your best efforts. So you give him what he wants, spitting in his face just like before.

#red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #micah bell #red dead redemption x reader #red dead redemption x male reader #micah bell x reader #micah bell x male reader #x reader #x male reader

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yallemagne · 2 years ago

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Don't mind me, I saw an edit of the Dracula musical and got pissed.

SO THE GODFORSAKEN DRACULA MUSICAL. I will. I promise. I will fuck up the J&H musical too, it's also by Frank Wildhorn, but I need to hammer on this one shitty thing about the Dracula musical. Or several shitty things about the Dracula musical. I still need to post a rewrite.

TL;DR: The musical is super inconsistent about what it takes to become a vampire, and VH is so useless against Dracula that he's borderline allied with the guy. They're fucking behind the scenes. They're Bonnie & Clyde-ing it. There is no better explanation for how awful VH is at his job.

So, in the beginning, they lean hard into the homoeroticism of Dracula and Jonathan's relationship. Lots of touching and invasion of privacy. Dracula shaves Jonathan. This theme in the story is dropped as soon as the castle scenes are done though. With the Oct 3 scene going so far as to have Dracula tell Mina that he would have already murdered Jonathan if not for the fact he was her husband. What? This point will make less sense in a sec.

Now, here is a kicker. So, this is one of those 'the bites and blood-sharing are basically sex' ones. Jonathan does get assaulted by the Weird Sisters. Unfortunately, they depict him throwing off his crucifix and fully embracing it which is kind of heinous but he is very clearly not entirely well, I assume he's hopped on vampire drugs. In fact, I'd assume that every "consensual" bite in this is under the influence of hypnotism.

They bite him. Several times on several parts of his body. And when they sing the line "I taste your blood on my lips", he sings along, implying that they also fed him their blood. Then Dracula comes in. And he explicitly promises that he will grant both Jonathan and his wife immortality (and yet a few months later I suppose he just decides he's no longer bisexual). Jonathan rejects his "offer", and Dracula retaliates by drinking enough from Jonathan to age down into a young man!

Jonathan and Mina meet Van Helsing at Lucy's funeral. Fucking lazy bullshit way of doing it, but hey, they didn't have that much run time considering how many sad ballads they gave the villain. Van Helsing immediately knows that Lucy's death was the work of Dracula specifically and, without a beat, asks Jonathan if he got bitten.

"Only once," Jonathan says.

CUT BACK TO WHEN THE SISTERS WERE GNAWING ON HIS ENTIRE BODY AND FEEDING HIM THEIR BLOOD. NOW CUT BACK TO THIS SCENE.

This response would be okay if Jonathan were saying it for Jonathan reasons. NOPE. This response is treated as gospel, and you know what VH says? "Okay, only once? Sure, that's nothing. Just rest and eat well I guess."

EXCUSE ME???

In this musical, Lucy dies from getting bitten twice. Once when she sleepwalked and once after her wedding to Arthur. Yeah, they had the wedding, and still, Lucy wasn't allowed to live. Sucks to be blonde, I guess. Lucy hallucinates Dracula at her wedding and passes out. Seward calls up Van Helsing, and you know what Van Helsing does? He forces Lucy to sleep on the couch (okay okay some productions make it a bed) in a room with a doored balcony, completely alone. Then, because the plot hates her, she throws out the tiny amount of garlic decorating the room and lets Dracula in. They sing a shitty love song and Dracula murders her. Very next morning, Arthur goes to kiss her and she pounces. VH aggressively prays at her, and her poor heart stops right then.

TWO BITES. Maybe they intended it to be implied that more bites happened (trust me, it wouldn't make sense if they had), but they did a shit job of it. Maybe that shitty song was meant to communicate that they did the blood ritual? Okay. You know what other song communicated that the blood ritual was done? Blut: the song where Jonathan is assaulted.

Now, I don't think it's a matter of exposure, Lucy having two nights and Jonathan having only one night because Mina gets the blood ritual the very night that she finally meets Dracula in person. Yeah, this musical that tries to play up a Dracula/Mina romance only has the couple meet after Mina has sung more than one song about how much she hates Dracula and wishes he would leave her alone. All other interactions are Dracula creeping on her using the force or something.

So, yeah, Jonathan's bite is trivialized, I can only assume because of sexism. Because what else separates him from Lucy and Mina? He had SO much blood taken from him. What? Can men take more bites, Van Helsing? You absolute whore? How do you know that?

The only thing stopping me from headcanoning that VH is just Dracula but in an overcoat is that they do have a fight song. But you know what? You can still headcanon that they are in cahoots because it's some bullshit. Their reasons for hating each other (VH's gf was eaten by Dracula)? Easily forged. The song they sing? So cliché. They're really hamming up the fact that they're gonna kill each other and then make no move to harm the other. VH's actions? All convenient to Dracula's plans. Disregard Jonathan's bite to make him more vulnerable/a possible threat. Leave Lucy alone in a room with an open fucking balcony. LEAVE MINA ALONE IN THE CASTLE.

YEP, THAT IS RIGHT. The whole team goes to the castle together and VH drags Mina away from the rest of the group, draws a shitty circle around her, and then skedaddles. And moments later, Dracula comes in and forces her to break the circle, forces her to declare her love for him, and then has a sudden epiphany of "whoa actually killing girls is bad" and forces her to stab him. She couldn't even kill her abuser on her own terms.

This whole musical sucks ass. It has to bend over backwards to have the Dracula/Mina romance because they retain the canon fact that Mina despises and fears Dracula. And you know, they retain all the points in which Dracula tortures and kills Mina's loved ones. Remember again that Dracula attacks Jonathan and claims that he would have killed him if Mina didn't love him? *Gestures to Lucy* where was that shit logic with Lucy? Does Lucy not count, you goddamn homophobe?

Anyway, I'll probably post another rant saying how I'd spin it one day with the first course of action being that Lucy doesn't die because it is so pointless to the musical and fundamentally destroys the plot they're trying to set out. And I'm just tired of Lucy dying in every adaptation simply because she must when she could do so much more for the plot alive.

#dracula #dracula daily #dracula rant #rant #jonathan harker #lucy westenra #mina murray #mina harker #count dracula #van helsing #abraham van helsing #wrote all this at 5 am I woke up that mad

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derailedfiction · 1 year ago

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Run boy, run | Merlin | Kingsman

Chapter 3: A bitter life of Kingsman agent

Summary: Roxy would definitely change the rules a little bit, like Merlin, who was quite anxious about being the temporary Arthur. One day, when she would be the chosen one, she would change the rules in a suitable way.

A/N: I wrote it in 2015 pls have mercy on me.

"Is it me or does he look quite cheerful today?" Eggsy whispered conspiratorially to Roxy, who was sitting next to him.

She hadn't even notice that but Merlin was in fact more relaxed than yesterday and even nicer? His usual remarks were less strict. She shrugged in response. The personal life of her superior wasn't her interest, so she really didn't need to know. However, as she looked at Eggsy, she saw he was quite interested in it.

They had known each other for over a year, and she knew that look on his face. The look that tells her it is only a matter of time, before he asks some stupid ass questions, and probably got him hit on the head. Her and Eggsy's eyes met and she gave him 'don’t you even try' gaze.

"C'mon aren't you curious?" He insisted, with a charming yet somehow devilish smile.

"Eggsy, no. Don't even try it," she patted him on the head, trying to bring him to order, but she wasn't sure if it would help.

"Fine, Rox, fine. How's your candidate? Or don’t you have one?" He changed the topic, and was met with her sigh of relief.

"As a matter of fact I do have one, and I personally think he's really good. He's got a chance to get Tristian's place," Roxy answered.

Good Lord. Was that Merlin whistling, or is there something wrong with my hearing? She thought, as she got a quick look at the man. She was sure Eggsy had heard it too, because he was looking as surprised as she was.

"I bet he got laid last night," Roxy almost spit out the tea she was drinking.

"Eggsy!" she said that too loud, and attracted attention from Merlin.

"What are you two so fierce fully whispering about?" He queried.

"Our candidates, Merlin," Eggsy answered instead of Roxy, who was coughing out her tea.

"Good thing I didn't spit on my clothing... I wouldn't have time to change," she sighed with disbelief.

Eggsy looked as if he had the best time of his life, while watching her reaction. He handed her a napkin, laughing silently. How generous, she thought sarcastically, accepting it.

"C'mon that was funny," he tried to convince her, but after meeting her ice cold gaze Eggsy finally stopped talking.

A few moments passed in silence, disturbed from time to time by one of Eggsy's loud sighs, and after each, he would got tired look from Roxy.

"Eggsy..." He looked at her with suspicious look on his face, as her voice seemed a little too nice to him. "I didn't know you like Taylor Swift," her lips formed into huge grin.

"The hell? How would - " He started, highly surprised.

"Eggsy, language," he heard from Merlin.

"Were you spying on me? Have you seen how I’ve been singing? I don't believe that! Roxy, c'mon..."

She laughed softly to herself, watching him look at her in disbelief. It had in fact been an accident, but the film she had on her phone was a completely different story.

"I am a spy... What did you expect? Anyway, it would be shame if someone could see it..."

"Roxy don't be like that. You beat my ass on the rifle range and now this?" Eggsy was so surprised by her cold-blooded actions, that he couldn't find right words. "I was your slave yesterday but now you're gettin’ monstrous."

"Good," she said with satisfaction, as Eggsy tried to put everything together. "Anyway what are we waiting for, Merlin?"

He looked up from his newspaper and without a word, he pointed at the open door through which other agents walked into the meeting room. As soon as they had appeared Eggsy, sat back in his official place, so other agents could be seated in their own seats. He was a little surprised that none of the agents actually had the look of the spy. It was more like they were in a secret organisation like the Freemason, but for absolutely not like super-secret spy agents. They all exchanged greetings between Merlin, Galahad and Lancelot and took their seats, but quite interesting conversations didn't stop, as Eggsy overheard few.

"Gentlemen, please. I know we haven’t seen each other in person for quite long, but please stop talking as we have few tasks to do." Merlin said through the commotion, which was filling the room.

"Sorry for delay, Arthur. I got news for you but later, after the meeting.” Percival entered the room with his classic smile on his face. He seated himself on Merlin's left side and winked to Eggsy, and he knew something was going to happen and probably Merlin wouldn’t enjoy it at all.

"Since we are all here, I'd like to start the meeting. First things first; before we decide who will be the representative of headquarters, I'd like to outline plans for Kingsman’s near future for, and for the losses we suffered after Valentine’s day. I'm pretty sure you know quite much about it, but within few days we've found out about some crucial deaths in our department. Glasses please."

Roxy was only partially listening to Merlin. Nothing was new, as they were updated nearly every day about these kind of things. She concentrated on watching the other agents. She had seen them for the first time and she would have admitted, that she wouldn't have guessed that they were agents. More than a half were nearly fifty years old. Two she could tell were over sixty, and she and Eggsy were definitely the youngest of the group. She felt as if she was in a museum, with magnificent and maybe dangerous relics of a previous age. In her opinion agents should be changed out, not after their death but after passing a certain age, which would be fifty-five or sixty in her opinion. Of course, if the agents wanted retirement, that would be most understandable. Although such great figures of intelligence would be as magnificent in their new roles as consultant, as they had been spies. Roxy would definitely change the rules a little bit, like Merlin, who was quite anxious about being the temporary Arthur. One day, when she would be the chosen one, she would change the rules in a suitable way.

Lancelot snapped out of her dreams, and her gaze rested on Eggsy, who was as much interested in the lecture as she was. Good for him that Merlin was standing next to monitor, which was a habit hard to get rid of, because he was constantly whispering to the agent next to him. Merlin probably didn't pay much attention to that, because he had enough attention from the other agents.

Roxy narrowed her eyes, trying to understand each single one of these men. How did they get into this organisation? Through family connections? Through a friend? Or maybe by accident or stupid coincidence. Roxy slowly moved her eyes from one face to another, trying not to look at each agent for too long. She was a naturally observant person, and she could tell by a short look that two of the agents were going to be rather unpleasant and snobbish. There was probably no other person like Percival, open and easy-going. Although perhaps the agent in his fifties next to Eggsy. He could be a quite nice companion to talk to. Others were for her more blurred, and not interesting, but she wasn’t underestimating them. Roxy knew perfectly well that they were killing machines, rather than men, and she should show them respect.

Lancelot looked at empty chair. The chair belonging to agent Tristian. She had mixed feelings about the fuss that came with the recruitment. She had made it, and had successfully become the new Lancelot, but she wasn’t sure if she had chosen the right candidate. He had all the needed attributes, and yet something was keeping her worried all the time. Maybe that self-satisfied look Eggsy gave and his talk about his candidate. Or the fear that her candidate would stand against candidates proposed by other agents, and he would fail the first task.

It’s alright, Roxy. If he won’t pass the recruitment, it won’t be your fault. He’ll get the preparation for the oncoming tasks, and it’s only up to him, she thought trying to calm herself down, but if he drops out before Eggsy’s candidate, I’ll have no life for at least two months, perhaps even longer. Who knows what he will think of to make my life a little bit miserable.

The truth was that even if Roxy was a Kingsman agent, she had so many doubts about her part in the organisation that she needed to prove herself constantly. Prove that she is indeed worthy of the position, and only during missions had she been feeling free enough to believe that. That this was the best place for her and that she fit in here. Partially because she was the first lady in this company, and partially because of herself and her own problems.

Lancelot looked at the Merlin just in time when he finished his presentation, and returned to his seat. She knew what would happen next, and she was very nervous about it. That good humour of Percival, could bring storm clouds to this very room.

“Now we can take care of another, very important point of our meeting. The election of the representative of our division. I believe that every one of us has their own candidate in mind, but unfortunately we can and we must choose one, and only one. I suggest Percival as a temporary leader, our representative, and hopefully the next Arthur.” Merlin’s voice was calm and commanding, but Roxy saw a flash of fear in his eyes as he peeked at the agent on his left, unsure of his reaction, like a prayer to Percival not to do anything rash or reckless.

“Merlin I’m truly honoured by your choice but I must decline.” Percival smiled a lightly to his friend, as he had literally stopped breathing for a moment when he had heard the words. “We all know how important it is to choose the right person. He must know literally everything about Kingsman. Mission statuses, economics of our organisation. and how to manage all agents at once. I, personally, can’t say I know much about these things. I get a mission to complete, and I do complete it. Of course it’s in all of our interests for Kingsman to function correctly, and I believe that our organisation will function at its finest under command of our beloved Merlin. Which is why I’m suggesting he is our candidate for Kingsman headquarters.”

During his speech, Percival hadn’t had the courage to look to his right. Instead he was moving his gaze from one agent to another, while trying to convince them of his idea. Which was truly a good decision because if looks could kill Percival now would be a pile of ashes. Merlin sat in complete silence, being too well behaved to tell Percival directly what he thought of Percival’s speech.

“All right. Thank you, Percival, for your precious words.” Merlin’s voice was calm, but one could sense the fury and anger behind it. He already regretted having this meeting and changing the rules. Crafty twice loses. “Now the voting. Please raise your hand if you support Percival as the candidate.”

Merlin closed his eyes, hoping that this would delay his unfortunate fate. However, when he opened them and saw only two hands up, Merlin clenched one hand into fist, his knuckles whitening under the strain.

„Well then… Thank all of you for coming here. We have a verdict,” Merlin slowly unclenched his fist. “That would be all for now. You can now go, and exchange the latest news.”

The various agents got up, and began leaving the meeting room. Percival was first to go but a firm grasp of Merlin’s hand on his arm prevented him to take another step.

“We have something to explain to each other, haven’t we?” Merlin, looked like he had turned into venomous snake patiently waiting for his next victim.

“Oh man, Merlin won’t let Percival go. This’s going to be good.” One of the agents snorted as he was the last to leave. “I’m sorry. I’m Gawain, and you must be our new Lancelot. I’m really happy that something is changing in this old-fashioned organization. I’m looking forward your achievements, young lady.”

They crossed the corridor and went to a smaller room with a bar. Most of agents were already there, talking and laughing, with glasses filled with alcohol in reasonable amounts.

“Thank you very much, sir,” Roxy smiled a little bit still concerned about Percival’s fate. “I don’t know if you have met…”

“Ah, Galahad I’ve heard few things about you lad,” Gawain shook hands with Eggsy. “You both still look like scared nestlings.”

“Gawain, we’ll do our best to soon be one of the best agents.”

“I’m holding you to your word, my young friend. It’ll be pleasure to see your development.”

“So, what will happen to Percival?” Eggsy asked with interest.

“Well, he and Merlin are quite good friends, so I don’t think Merlin will kill him. However, he’ll probably end up with a few broken bones. We’ve all seen Merlin’s reaction,” Roxy and Eggsy looked at each other and then at the doors. “Oh, he’ll be fine. I’m joking.”

“No, he’s not. Trust me, if you unleash the legendary fury of Merlin, there is literally nothing to stop him, and Percival was quite successful today. I’m Bors, by the way. Welcome to Kingsman, kids,” The man in his fifties interrupted his colleague with charming smile. “I know a few things about Merlin and trust me if you tread on his corns, he won’t forget about you easily. My arm still hurts when I think about an argument we once had.”

“Don’t be absurd, you just went way too far in that conversation, and I must say it was mostly your fault.”

“My dear Gawain, what has he told you to get you on his side?” Bors looked both offended and surprised by this unexpected betrayal, but after a second, he started laughing, Gawain joining in.

“For give us kids. We’re dinosaurs. Merlin is not that bad actually. He’s one of the best technicians, engineers and computer specialists in the world. I’m glad he works here, and not somewhere else. Anyone wants a drink?” Gawain asked, and when there was no response, he poured a few fingers of scotch into tumbler.

“He hadn’t had much choice as his uncle got him here. He was literally brought up in this facility,” Bors shrugged and sighed wearily. “Everyone has a story and Merlin’s is quite an interesting one. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to catch up with the latest rumours.”

“And that was one of Kingsman’s best cut-throat. He can do miracles with knives and after thirty years I’m still impressed by his abilities.”

“Oh, and what is your weapon of choice, Gawain?” Roxy asked with courteous smile.

“Nothing in particular, really. I still can’t decide, but I have plenty of time to...”

“Did you hear that?” Eggsy looked at them, surprised and not sure if he had been the only one to hear the muffled scream.

***

“Come on Percy, I barely touched you.”

“Really, then why my nose is bleeding?” Percival slowly got up from ground, trying to stop the bleeding. “Fuck, Merlin new mats and blood is everywhere.”

“Be a man and take responsibility of your actions. Come on!” He was walking around him with defiant expression. Merlin jostled him and jumped back and again.

“Merlin, fuck off!” Percival swung to punch him, but was to slow and was immediately knocked down. “You are the best option for Kingsman and you can’t deny it!”

“Say that again to my face, instead of the ground, Percival. I can’t hear you from ground level, you piece of shit.”

Maybe making Percival his personal punching bag wasn’t the most humane thing to do but surely he would learn. Merlin turned to him, taking off the boxing gloves and tossed them on the ground.

“Do you know why I didn’t want this position? Why I wanted to get back to my first job?” Merlin queried, slowly approaching his friend. “Because of my wife and son.” He reached out toward Percival and helped him get up. “Now that we’ve cleared a few things I’d like to give you a very special and private tour of my kingdom, which will be ruled by you for some time, and I’m starting to regret my decision.”

Merlin slapped Percival’s arm and left to change clothes. He still needed to let go of some steam, but he didn’t want any of that damn idiot’s bones to break. After the tour of ‘what and where’, he had to come back here again. And although his thoughts had calmed down, he was still in his murder mode.

Breathe in and slowly out. You know how to cope with this, he thought under the shower, letting all his negativity drain away with water. It’s not your fault. Percy does things before thinking about it. He probably shouldn’t feel pleasure in most likely breaking the nose of his friend, but the sight of blood gushing out of Percival’s nose was quite memorable and pleasing.

“So Percy, now without my blessing, you’ll need to cope with some things down here. Firstly you won’t have my clipboard because you obviously don’t deserve it, and I’m taking it with me. I’ll get you a new one in some time,” Merlin said with satisfied and smug look on his face, once he had returned from his shower.

“Great. So what am I going to use during that time?” Percival asked, still trying to stop the bleeding. “Do you have any ice here?”

“Yes in the freezer. On your left, but be careful there’s chemical weaponry in there.”

Percival looked at his friend, opening the freezer with hesitation.

“I can’t believe we are still friends.”

“Don’t drive me mad. That way you’ll live longer, Percy. Now can we move on? I don’t have all day.”

“Go on. Maybe I won’t leave a bloody trail after me,” Percival snorted in reply. “What else should I know?”

“The tasks the candidates will have to go through. I’ve written everything here on these cards, and of course you need to rewrite all the points to the computer system over there,” Merlin came closer to the panel on the wall and touched the screen. “Once you have done that, you’ll send it to me. That way I can monitor if you fuck it up or not.”

“How am I supposed to fuck up the recruitment?”

“I don’t know, Percy. I don’t know. You’re capable of fucking everything up, my dear friend.”

Percival could still sense Merlin was pissed off, and he wasn’t blaming him for that, but was sure Merlin could stop being so, because it was becoming rather childish.

“Of course you have to do it manually; I’ll not make it any easier for you. Now, every needed instruction, you can find in this panel, along with all the necessary information for each of the candidates. You must remember to make sure that you write down all of them. Now come here, I’ll show you the weaponry.”

Percival followed the quartermaster into the next, quite impressive, room, which connected with the central room. It was full of weapons of any kind. From the simplest knives to the most advanced guns and chemical weaponry. He stood for a while in silence admiring the view.

“Bloody amazing. I feel like a child before Christmas.”

“I know. I feel the same,” Merlin turned toward him. “You told me you had some news earlier?”

“Ah, yes. There are a few agents assigned to lead you-know-what, and I think the best option would be Eli Bovell,” Percival took two steps back as he saw Merlin’s reaction.

“Eli Bovell? The same Eli Bovell I’m thinking of? The one that nearly blew up my plane?”

“Yes, in fact yes. But…” Percival took another step back. “But, he’s still alive thanks to us. It’s kind of repaying the debt.”

“Fantastic. Amazing. I can’t wait to see him here, bossing around and driving me mad,” Merlin said sarcastically. He sighed loudly, looking at a showcase containing a number of machineguns. “Good. I’ll be ready for him. However, he can’t come in here. This is a restricted area for him. I don’t want him playing with my toys.”

“You probably have more than a month before he arrives, so relax. Also I’m really sorry for what I did today, but you do have great chances to become Arthur,” Percy came closer this time, and Merlin could hear the regret in his voice.

“Yeah, I know. That’s the thing that worries me, Percival. I’m sorry about your nose. I hope it’s not broken,” Merlin watched his stupid friend carefully through glasses with a forgiving smile. “Remember one thing, though. If during my recruitment anything happens to my wife or to my son, you’re responsible for it, and you’re next in line to have a bad accident. Keep that in mind, Percival.”

“Of course. I’ll remember that, and be sure I’ll take care of them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, this bloody thing doesn’t want to stop bleeding,” as soon as Percival had finished speaking, the man left the weaponry, leaving Merlin alone.

“God, I need to destroy something,” Merlin snarled, and punched one of the shelves with his fist on his way out of the room.

Carefully, he closed all the doors, and turned on the alarm. Just in case, or just because, he was little shit, and couldn’t help himself to cause some trouble for Percival. Merlin loved him like the brother he never had, but today Percival had gone way too far. Despite knowing all of Merlin’s doubts, he decided to come up with this idea. If he had had something upstairs, he would have ended up with broken bones.

Be nice to people so they’ll be nice to you, fucking bullshit, Merlin thought as he was changing into training clothes. He needed to shake off this idiot’s behaviour and return home more relaxed. The last thing he wanted was to bring all the stress and anger to his family. Just for second he looked in a mirror, and saw face of an extremely tired man.

“I won’t get any younger. It’s exhausting,” Merlin told his reflection and went to the gym.

With no one around, he finally felt unrestrained enough to unleash his anger on a training bag. Merlin stopped thinking about everything else. His only focus being smashing his fists into that bag, and trying to throw away anything negative that happened within the month. The death of Harry, nearly loosing Cecilia and Alex, Kingsman’s failure, bloody recruitment and now this, stabbed in the back with amazing grace by Percival. This poor training bag wouldn’t survive his furious hits.

“Fuck... this... bloody... shit...” With each word, his punches became more and more powerful. In the end Merlin took a step back, then kicked it in a half-turn. He took of his gloves and grabbed a towel to dry himself off.

“Fuck it, I’m going home,” he said with rather self-satisfied tone, looking at the devastated training bag. Its replacement was no bother for him at all, because from now on it was Percival’s duty to take care of such things, and that thought brought him into an even better mood.

***

"Hamish, you're earlier," he was surprised by the lack of surprise in her voice. Cecilia felt obliged to explain herself as she continued. "Percy called just before you came and told me that you'd left with a stern face. Is everything all right?"

"Yes it is. Percy was successful at driving me mad today and I just couldn't stay there any longer or I'd do something very, very bad to him."

“Oh boys, you always have to play on each other’s nerves. I don’t really understand it. However, I believe you came up with a suitable revenge on him, haven’t you?” His smile was more than the answer she was expecting. “You should go sleep or rest at least. Last month was quite exhausting for you.”

“I don’t need to be back at work till Monday, so don’t worry. I have plenty of time to rest and sleep,” Hamish came closer to his beloved one and kissed her cheek. “At least I can spend some time with you and Alex.”

Cecilia looked at him with a gentle and supportive smile. It wasn’t that hard to see in his eyes how much he needed a few days off work, and she was happy for her husband to have some free moments for himself.

“Go sleep. I’ll wake you for dinner and maybe later you can show Alex how to train his puppy. What do you say?”

“All right. I can agree on that.” He kissed her lips short and passionately, “And we need to talk after my sleep because unfortunately, I’ll be taking part in another recruitment. More work is just absolutely what I need right now.”

“Oh well, that happens especially when you have friends like Percy. We'll manage, love,” He looked at her astonished at how well she knew his friendship with Percival. “But you know if you kill him one day, give me a shout so I can help you hide the body. Sleep well, darling.” Cecilia pecked his lips and returned to preparing the dinner.

***

The time had come, and Percival was able to briefly meet all the candidates before the beginning of the actual recruitment. They absolutely weren’t suspecting anything, even if they had had short talks about upcoming events with their mentors. Two boys and one girl got his particular attention.

The first one, Lancelot’s choice, had the look of a very strict person with a very high self-assurance, which probably was a cause of his pride, but he could forgive him that after seeing his scores at school and shooting. At once, he managed to get good contact with other young men in the room. The second was Bors’ candidate. The quiet one, though with an impressive IQ, and interest in white and chemical weaponry. Percival had a feeling about this one to be one of the most problematic candidates, apart from perhaps the last one. The girl, the only one among seven boys. She would definitely be a huge deal of trouble, as she was Galahad’s candidate. She was the daughter of former RAF pilot with a flair for computers.

Percival checked the list one last time, making sure that all of the youngsters had arrived and were ready to begin his first recruitment.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Percival and you’re about to start on one of the most dangerous job interviews in the world,” he could have sworn this didn’t sound as serious as when Merlin said it, but he couldn’t help it. “The bags on your beds. Sign them in advance so we can know where to send your bodies if you won’t make it through the process of the recruitment. Any questions?” He begged for none. “No? Then you’re dismissed and we’ll start tomorrow morning.”

Percival turned around and walked out, trying to look calm. However, that was over him. Being on missions was nothing in comparison with training a bunch of kids to become a spy. He got to Merlin’s room only to find Eggsy and Roxy, waiting for him impatiently.

“Oh my God. What you two are doing here?” He queried, as he put his clipboard on a desk. Fortunately Merlin wasn’t as mean as he wanted to be and got him new clipboard in advance.

“Well we thought, we could look how it’s going with our candidates?” Eggsy answered with a question, coming closer. “And what do you think about them?”

“Roxy, your candidate will go far, if his pride won’t come out to quickly and Galahad... Good Lord, have mercy because yours, and trust me I can sense it, will be one big problematic girl. Just like you were, boy,” Percival smiled slightly when he saw pride on Eggsy’s face.

“How is your nose?”

“Good but broken, thanks for asking. Merlin has a really good right hook.” In fact, he was beginning to wonder if he hadn’t broken his nose when he had hit the floor. “Roxy do you have any more agents for the “Arthur recruitment” list?”

“Yes, in fact. Though unfortunately only one name, from American cell, Gerard Mole,” Eggsy laughed and received a surprised look from both agents.

“What? Mole as an agent, that doesn’t bode well.” He explained himself still laughing silently.

“Anyway that’s the one I’ve got. I’ll probably get the names from Canadian and Asian cells in few days. Hopefully, we’ll close the list within two weeks and process will start within the month,” Roxy ended her thought, interrupted by Eggsy’s laugh. “Oh, I’ll send you all the needed data tomorrow morning, if that’s not a problem.”

“No, that’s fine. Galahad please tell me how it is going with completing squads in other cells?” Percival turned his eyes on the boy.

“Well, the Canadian and American cells are doin’ pretty well. The Asian cell is a few steps behind, but also with good perspectives. The Australians send me documents and reports about problems with rebuildin’ their headquarters, and unfortunately a candidate from Australia may appear as the last one.”

“All right then. I’ll update the information and send it to Merlin. Hopefully he won’t break anything this time.” Percival smiled wearily, walking back to the monitors and began to update the data to the main computer.

“By the way, when will he be back? Because I saw him leave and didn’t get the chance to ask him,” Lancelot looked expectantly at the older agent.

“On Monday, I bumped into him when he was leaving,” once again, Eggsy rescued the situation with his information.

“Percival? When will start the first task?”

“Probably in few hours. They need to go to sleep; otherwise, there would be no surprise. Why, Galahad?” He asked suspiciously.

“I was wondering if I could see how my candidate will do. Roxy probably is dying to see it too, aren't you?” Eggsy looked at the girl both asking, begging for acceptance and excitement.

“That's true.” She said quickly, as she felt Percival's sight on her as well as Eggsy’s. “It would be quite interesting.”

“You two have a deal, haven’t you? Which candidate will last longer?” He smiled lightly. There was a time when he himself and other agents had made deals about which one of the candidates would fail first or last. The loser hadn't had a easy life for month but it was still worth it. “Well I don’t see any problems with it. Other agents are gone, as well as Merlin, so you can watch freely and enjoy the view. However you need to wait a few hours. Go to the library, dining room or whatever, and spent that time somehow.”

“Thanks Percy! You're the best.”

“Off you go. I need to rewrite the data for Merlin. Oh and I owe you for voting for Merlin.”

“Don't take it personal, but I really think that Merlin is the best option for Arthur.” Eggsy's smile was unbelievably wide.

“I must agree with him, Percival. He’s our best shot.” The blonde nodded in silent agreement. “But I think that you would be a good choice as well. Maybe not as much, but still.”

“Lance, c'mon I know where we can spent those hours. Drinkin’ good alcohol and debatin’ about world peace.” Eggsy caught her sleeve and started pulling her toward the exit, but she stopped.

“Go. I'll catch up with you in the library,” Roxy carefully watched as Eggsy left, and when she was sure he'd gone, she turned to Percival. “Sorry about that comment and being a candidate for Kingsman’s leader aaaaand... mom is asking if you can make it for her birthday dinner next Saturday, uncle.”

“Nothing has happened. I'll see what I can do. If I find somebody to take my place for that evening. I can't leave the recruits on their own. Merlin would have my head for that. But I'll do my best to be there.”

“All right then. I won’t interrupt you anymore. I’m sure you have quite a lot of things to catch up with, so I’ll go meet up with Eggsy.” She smiled and kissed Percival’s cheek.

“Good, then see you in few hours. If you both won’t be sleeping till then.”

***

The task was about to begin. All candidates were asleep, unaware of the oncoming event until the water had reached their beds. All of them not quite awake, yet trying to figure out what was happening. Soon they were sure the room was going under water and they needed to do something to prevent drowning.

“Use snorkels!”

“What?!”

“Showerheads!” Another person picked up on the idea.

Everyone looked around trying to figure out what was happening. Two boys were pointing at the toilets and showers, and soon began to swim in that direction, not paying attention to the rest of the competitors.

„He’s right go, quickly!” A tall blond had no problem with commandeering the other recruits.

At this point, no one wanted to stay behind and the rest of the group was swimming towards showers to get pipes. The girl was the last one and just before the water reached the roof, she saw one extremely panicked boy. It was obvious he couldn’t swim or he had big problems with swimming.

“Take a deep breath!” she shouted at him, and took one last breath, turning back for him.

She tried to get to him as fast as she could because it wasn’t hard to notice that his panic didn’t help him at all and soon he’d be out of oxygen. The girl grabbed him tightly and tried to swim to the rest of the group.

The blonde had the feeling it was ages before she got to the pipe with oxygen and could take a deep breath. At the end she could have sworn she saw blackness around her. Of course, she gave the pipe to the boy first, he wasn’t looking good, nearly in agony even. If he won’t get help, he’ll end in one of those bloody bags, she thought sarcastically.

Even though the room was under the water, with unlimited air supply they could have been there as long as they wish but it wasn’t the task and somehow everyone knew that finding a way out in short time, would be the best solution at the moment. Few were pointing at the door as an option, but that would be just too easy to try, and even if one of them would dare to swim there, that person should have capacious lungs to go there and back if it would turn out to be locked.

The girl looked at the blonde who had the idea with pipes, hoping that he would have another marvellous plan, but his face had left her no doubt nor other peoples’ faces. Everyone was trying to put on a brave face in the situation, but all of them were trapped.

“Oh my God, are they even tryin’ to get out of the room?” Eggsy was not impressed by the candidates’ doings.

“Eggsy if they don’t figure it out soon, they’ll probably won’t pass the recruitment and that would be most unexpected turn in Kingsman history. Every single recruit will fail because they couldn’t free themselves from that room. Amazing...”

Roxy looked at the monitor in astonishment. She really hoped her candidate would figure it out, but he was far from that. As was Eggsy’s girl.

“C’mon! Mirror! Think of it! Mirror!” He nearly shouted at the monitor to the swimming figures.

“I don’t think that’ll help at all, Eggsy. Maybe just sit down and enjoy the thought that your candidate saved the life of that poor boy. Anyway whose candidate is he?” she looked carefully at the floating figure which was clasping a pipe with air. He probably won’t go too far from it.

“He’s Bors’. You got it ‘ere” Galahad pointed small rectangle on the other monitor. “Curious how he had picked this one, or maybe he was the first to go and my girl just made the game a little bit harder...”

“That’s quite probable. Look now, I think they’ve finally found out about the mirror. They’re hitting it all together.” She was impressed how the group of strangers was able to learn to cooperate so quickly.

“Plus for group work and one big minus for the time!” He snorted in reply.

***

As they figured out the only escape route worth trying was to break the mirror, and with a little luck, it would be a two-way mirror. The whole group caught something like a tap or a sink and hit the mirror, at the same time. Unfortunately, nothing happened. So they tried again, and again. Until the glass began to crack, and it finally broke into small pieces, and the recruits ended up on the floor coughing and trying to start breathing normally again.

“Hey, you’re all right?” The girl asked the boy who was coughing the loudest.

“Yep, totally. If only I could swim...” His voice was breaking, and it was extremely hard for him to speak, too busy concentrating on breathing and thanking the girl for saving him.

“Congratulations on completing your first task. It took the longest time to solve that problem, but I’m impressed with how all of you worked together. John, Victor well done. For those still confused. If you get a breathing tube around the U-bend of a toilet, you have an unlimited air supply. Simple physics, worth remembering. Anna well done for helping the non-swimmer. If you hadn’t, he’d have probably ended up in a body bag,” Percival said when the recruits stopped coughing.

All eyes were on him, and it wasn’t especially hard to see how their gaze changed from the steady and emotionless one to the fearful, lost and a little bit disorientated one. Now they had found out that practically anything could happen during the recruitment, and they need to be prepared.

“All right, that’s all for now. You can go back to your room and clean up a little. Fresh and dry bedclothes, as well as sheets, are next to the door on the other side of the room. Get them and go to sleep. Tomorrow won’t be any easier than this. Good night.”

#kingsman #merlin x ofc #eggsy unwin #roxy morton #kingsman the secret service #kingsman the golden circle #to boldly queue

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everemore · 4 months ago

Text

She did not flinch when Kay snapped, in fact she was surprised he was a lot less upset than what she was expecting. Was he truly that simple? She had seen the signs, but it was hard to admit they were real. Years of education had taught her nothing was ever simple, not even a person. And yet Arthur was. He was just a simple man not some king that needed to be read constantly. She really wished she could go back and chew out the instructors she had growing up for beating such a concept into her.

"No he's right, it's incredibly selfish and cruel of me to have you chase me around only to turn around and beg for you not to leave." Leave it to Kay to be the only one to say what needed to be said. It hurt to hear but it was refreshing and eye opening. "I appreciate his honesty, even if his words are harsh, it's not something I'm used to back home so it's refreshing even if I'm not quite sure how to handle it yet."

"It's true, the future I saw," the future she lived through. "Was isolating and filled with misery in the end. But I did see the love we had managed to build together before it crumbled. It was messy but it was beautiful and filled with so much warmth—Perhaps that's why I was so adamant about saying no initially." The fear of experiencing such joy and warmth once again with the lingering threat of having it taken from her once more was almost unbearable. Would she be able to withstand falling in love with another man again? Would she be willing to welcome her beautiful children in the world and watch them grow up only to see them die at such a young age? To have her own husband abandon her in her time of need leaving her vulnerable and ultimately betray him?

Regardless of what she felt, he was right. She lacked confidence.

It was such a simple fact but it was the root of her misery. If she had enough confidence would have she been able to be more open with Arthur and make their relationship more amicable sooner to where it could bloom into love. Maybe she could even have prevented their relationship from falling apart if she was able to reach out to him when they had lost their sons. Even if she alone could not stop the inevitable fall of Camelot, perhaps she could have made sure their life together was always one filled with love. It was something she needed to think about further.

"I'm sorry for burdening you because of my selfishness." For once it was her staring at him as he refused to look at her. "Whatever you decide in the end I will completely support you. Whether it be as partner or simply a friend." She dared not close the distance between them at this moment. He needed time and space to think properly and come to his conclusion.

"I will excuse myself, Lucan thank you for escorting me all the way here. I should be fine returning to my quarters by myself." After she made a visit to the kitchen of course. She wanted to personally apologize to the staff that prepared the snacks for her and Arthur only for them to end up being a waste. From there well, perhaps she will see what to do about her confidence while she awaits his decision.

"Guinevere..." Her name was a familiar almost tired absent minded sigh before the young king leaned against his hand, hiding his mouth behind his palm as if to keep himself from saying anything else. Glancing over at Lucan the blond noticed that his friend didn't seem surprised by this in the least, instead folding his hands behind his back as he subtly shifted over to the wall to be out of the way, and easy to forget about. Arthur didn't know what the two had talked about, but maybe he should have left the brunette with her sooner. Her complete flip was enough to send the King's head spinning, then again it didn't take much considering he'd only just started to settle after the news dropped on him over what would have been their tea.

"Now you see here," Kay's harsh voice made his head jerk up to look at his brother who was scowling at the woman. "You've been telling him you don't want to marry him for weeks, and now that Art is saying he won't chase anymore you pull this sort of thing?"

"Kay." "Shut up Arthur." Kay's snapping response to his admittedly weak call was so fast that Arthur closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't care what Lucan told you; Arthur's not the kind of person that you can pull around as you please. Do you even realize what that means to be his friend, let alone his partner? You speak of your own feelings but have you had even half a thought for his? Have you actually listened to a word he's told you or even looked at him properly? He's by no means hard to figure out!"

"Sir Kay," Arthur's next call was stern enough that his older brother to look at him with that scowl. "Bedwyr was looking for me earlier. Please let him know I'll be late and get his message for me." It was the same lie that Lucan had used earlier to get him away, but in a different context being that Kay likely wouldn't want to leave. When his brother opened his mouth, likely to argue, Arthur cut him off with a smile, "Please?" Kay stared at him for a few moments before clicking his tongue as he bowed before leaving the room and pulling the door shut behind him. The blond smiled tiredly after his older brother as he once again leaned against his hand, "You'll have to forgive him, Kay is just like that." Endlessly worrying and ever so brusque about it. He'd always admired the elder's ability to speak his mind no matter the situation. It was a level of honesty that he knew he could never achieve.

Turning his full attention back to the nervous woman, the blond sat up straight for a moment before leaning against his desk on his forearms. "Lady Guinevere, I hope you realize I find myself at a loss right now." The past few weeks she'd made it clear to him several times that she wasn't interested when approached her, and when he said it straightforwardly this last time she recounted a vision that was the reason why she kept stepping back. "I'm sure that the vision you told me about was a frightening experience, so I understand now why you've been stepping back from my advances. Who could blame you for it?" His head tilted to one side slightly as he gave a vague sort of smile, "So, after pushing me back so many times what did you think I would do after hearing such a tale?"

Well, even though he asked Arthur wasn't sure that he wanted to know her answer. His gaze turned down to the papers under his arms as his vague smile turned bitter and he began to absently organize them, this time he was the one willing to look at her. "I tend to omit things I find to be either unimportant, or inclined to change. Merlin's prophecies tend to fall into the second category, and it is hard for me to change words I have spoken or actions I have taken. I apologize that such a habit caused you distress." Nearly impossible depending on the situation, which is why he had to place great care into everything. Outside the company of a select few a single thoughtless word or act from him could effect the lives of hundreds. He had figured out that this was also why Merlin tended to say less when it came to his future sight. The less Arthur knew, the more confidently he could move forward in life. Then again, how could one be expected to start a courtship by saying "My teacher says if we marry it'll be miserable for us because you're supposed to be with someone else. Want to try it anyways?"

She liked him... Somehow, he wasn't sure he was happy to hear her say those words right now. However there was a sincerity to them that deserved a reply. "I too like you very much. I think you're charming and clever... You handle yourself well in the court, and it's delightful to watch." That much shouldn't be in question, he wouldn't have chased her to this extent if he didn't think she was qualified. However his brother's question to her about being his friend and partner nagged at the back of his mind, though it was a question not even he had the answer to. "My answer, my question, hasn't changed since the first time I was rejected. Nor do I expect it ever to..." His next words were slow, careful and almost unsure; like a thought that was still forming and he wasn't sure he should say yet. "Lady Guinevere, this whole time the only one who has doubted you is yourself."

Gently he pushed back from his desk getting ready to stand, "We've both said a lot of things today, learned a lot of things, and as you said haste may not be the best course of action." It was a dismissal, albeit a gentle one. "I think both of us could use some time to think on these matters." Or not think, as his case was right now.

#viictorycrowned #|| ic ||#[guin: i deserve this honestly]

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emmithar-blog · 3 years ago

Text

Low Honor Arthur

Let's take a moment and talk about Low Honor Arthur. This is simply my take and nothing more.

One of the things I hear quite often is that 'Low Honor Arthur' feels wrong and doesn't seem to fit the general flow of the story. It goes against what Dutch (prior to his breakdown) and Hosea often preach, and against many of the things Arthur calls out during the game (Reprimanding Sadie for wanting to rob the general store, chastising Micah for the Strawberry incident, disagreeing with Dutch on multiple accounts). Sure, it's fun being the big bad gunslinger and tearing through the towns and causing trouble, but it's jarring from a story point to go from a cold-blooded murderer to helping a photographer take pictures of animals in the middle of nowhere.

Which leads to my perception of Low Honor Arthur. Rather than being an evil, bloodthirsty murderer, I see him more as someone who doesn't care. He's a disgruntled worker who's long grown tired of the song and dance and false bravado put out by Dutch and the others. He's very aware that they are the 'bad guys' and there's no amount of preaching that can convince him otherwise.

Arthur makes a comment to John that he was once the 'Golden Boy'. Now he's just the work horse. He's tired, burnt out, and he simply doesn't care anymore. He shows up when asked and does the bare minimum to not be called out, and if he does? Well, he's got plenty of excuses to use. (I've been sorta busy, ect)

Think for a moment about how the honor system works – you get honor by doing camp chores. By greeting folk in town or on the road. For donating money to the camp. For helping strangers who are bitten or lost or had their horse die beneath them and need a ride into town. High Honor Arthur isn't just about doing the 'right' thing, but more about the 'selfless thing'.

Ergo – Low Honor Arthur isn't 'evil', he's just selfish. For example – he wouldn't do chores. He's been with the gang long enough he has a bit of seniority and as far as he's concerned, other folk can get off their lazy bums and do them. Despite preaching about donating to camp, Low Honor Arthur doesn't – why should he? As a senior member, he takes his fair share and keeps it. There's enough folk about to donate, so why should he bother?

When he's out and about on the road, he's not inclined to stop and help the man bitten by the snake or stuck in a bear trap. It was their damn fault in the first place and he's not going to suck venom out of a stranger's leg or risk losing his fingers. As for the young miss who needs a ride into town? He's got no time for that. It's out of the way and he has no obligation to her. She has perfectly good working legs so she can walk or find some other poor soul to take her.

Would Arthur rob her?

Perhaps.

If it seems like there's something of worth/value she's carrying and there's nobody around to witness. He wouldn't kill her, though. This belief is supported by the fact he questions Dutch for killing Heidi and calls him out for murdering the woman on Guarma. So no, I don't support the fact that Low Honor Arthur would murder random women. Nor would he stroll into town and try to gun everyone down because he's not suicidal.

Robbing side businesses? Sure – they're shady to start, so they were asking to be robbed. Beating up/shooting folk that run their mouth? Certainly. Arthur isn't one to take abuse and he's not afraid to stand up for himself. After all, they shoot folk as need shooting, right?

But only those that annoy him.

Not everyone annoys him though. Some folk he finds interesting.

Mason, for example. He's intrigued by what the man's doing and genuinely finds Mason and his work interesting. The same goes for Jeremy Gill and all his fish. He wants to the truth behind Jim 'Boy' Calloway. He wants to see what new 'creature' the dinosaur bones will make. He has childlike joy when helping Marko Dragic. Not to mention Miss Margaret.

All these and more follow a similar theme. They're out of the ordinary; something different and a bit strange. Sort of like a puzzle. Arthur's bored of his place in life (and in the gang) and he wants something new. The stranger missions provide these and Arthur persues them because he finds them interesting. It once again comes down to him being selfish.

His lack of concern, the fact he's out for himself explains how he can go from cruel to 'preaching' during missions. To me, this fits better. Not to mention that you don't have to go out and constantly shoot people to achieve low honor. This comes naturally as you progress the game and complete challenges (Bandit challenges, am I right?)

At any rate; this ended up being a fair bit longer than I intended and it's late so I'm tired, but yeah...enjoy my ramblings and share your own thoughts with me :)

#rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #fan theory #low honor arthur #rambling thoughts

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charliedawn · 2 years ago

Note

I saw someone request an albino head nurse with purple eyes but what about an Melanism head nurse with red eyes?

You met Arthur on Murray's show. You were both guests and you were the first one introduced.

"Well..Someone forgot their contacts this morning !"

It was the first thing Murray said to you and your smile faltered as the crowd irrupted in laughter.

"I..It's a condition."

You tried to explain, but Murray didn't seem interested.

"I'm sure it is. What ? God ran out of any other color, so he just gave you whatever was left ?"

Another fit of laughter from the crowd as you felt a lump in your throat.

This wasn't right. It wasn't funny..

"Wait..I thought this was supposed to help me."

Murray ignored you with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"I'm no doctor, sweetheart. I can't fix your eye pigmentation problem. If I could ? I would be the one sitting in your chair !"

You couldn't handle their staring in the street..but, the crowd's merciless laughter was far worse.

You were on the verge of crying..You just wanted people to stop staring at you, even less laughing while doing it.

You didn't think Murray would be so mean.

You tried to cover your eyes by hiding them behind your hair, but the laughing didn't stop and you felt an even bigger freak than before..

However, Arthur then emerged from behind the red curtains and all eyes were now on him as he sat down next to you and very calmly asked.

"Did you ever learn to shut up, Murray ?"

The crowd suddenly fell silence and you dared take a curious look at the stranger who had just insulted Murray.

However, you were surprised when you found the stranger staring right at you, his unwavering gaze making you flush at the attention.

"I find her/his eyes beautiful..They are like shinning rubies and if this is what it looks like when your god runs out of ink ? Then he must be blind.."

Murray glared at Arthur, but Arthur only laughed before throwing a circular glance at the crowd who had fallen unusually quiet.

"What ? You don't like that ? It's funny !"

There was a wave of booing and then, Arthur started talking with Murray until he confessed of murdering the men in the sub.

"If it was that poor girl/man next to me or myself lying down on the sidewalk, you'd walk right over us !"

Your eyes widened as he raised his voice and you couldn't help but find inspiration in his words.

You had completely forgotten about the reason of your presence on the show and found yourself entranced by who Murray had introduced as The Joker.

He had vivid green hair, a very distinctive smile and didn't mind being different.

He was embracing it.

However, you were abruptly woken up from your thoughts when he shot Murray in the head.

You knew you should be screaming, horrified and panicking like all the other people in the room, but for some reason ?

You didn't care..

"And for my great finale !"

Arthur turned towards you and grabbed the sides of your head to pull you towards him and kiss you deeply on the mouth.

You were surprised, but didn't push him away.

He was the one who broke the kiss and gave you a sad smile before whispering.

"You're beautiful sweetie, don't let anyone else tell you any different."

Your heart was beating wildly in your chest and you didn't trust your own words, so you only nodded.

You then heard the door being forced open by the police and Arthur laughed again before running away, the police rushing past you and after him.

However, you couldn't stop smiling as one single fact was on your mind..

He called you beautiful.

The Penny Brothers :

They both met you when you were little and woke up 27 years later to find out that you were now a nurse at St Louis.

Penny is a shapeshifter and liked the color of your eyes, so he decided to copy them and use them to make you afraid.

However, he didn't plan on you, suddenly finding the color incredibly fascinating.

When he stared at you from the shadows, you stared right back at him.

You even took a couple of steps forward to get a closer look.

"I had never seen someone like me before.."

He was so stunned that he didn't think about retreating and quietly stared at you when you reached out to put your hand on his cheek and bring him to the light.

He could have taken a bite here and there, but for some reason, he didn't and let himself be lead by a 7/8 year-old.

When he was blinded by the light, he seemed to remember who he was and opened his mouth wide to gulp you down, but you opened your mouth wide in awe.

"WOW ! You've got amazing teeth !"

He frowned a little in confusion as you seemed extremely calm and polite for a kid about to be eaten.

"And hair..And forehead..And eyes..You look amazing !"

He didn't understand why you would compliment him so much, until he realized by searching in your memories that you had never received one..You were trying to befriend him in the hopes he would do the same.

But, it didn’t seem like you were fishing for compliments, you genuinely wished to befriend him.

You wanted him to not feel like an outsider by complimenting him, which was pretty funny considering that he really was.

But, he decided to play along and grinned widely at the compliments before retreating and sat down on his forelegs like a cat, tilting his head curiously at you.

"Thank you. You've got nice eyes too.."

You grinned widely back and he knew he should take the opportunity to shatter you, break your hopes and call you all the names you had been insulted with over the years..

But, he didn't.

He only giggled before digging into your head to search for a name..

It didn’t take him long as he whispered.

"Patrick ?"

Your eyes widened as you recognised the name of your most relentless bully that you had gone in the sewers for in order for him not to hurt you and couldn’t help but shake as you asked.

"W..What are you going to do ?"

He only chuckled before lightly pushing you towards the exit.

"Don’t worry, little Y/N..He won’t bother you again. Promise."

You were unsure of what he was going to do, but didn’t want your parents to worry, so you waved him goodbye and ran towards the exit.

"Goodbye, Mr Clown ! Thank you for the help !"

You didn’t see how claws started growing out of his hands and tearing the fabric of his gloves as he waved at you.

"…You’re very welcome, Y/N."

He then heard Patrick calling you in the sewers and blinked, his eyes now a bright yellow and followed the scent of his next meal..

A few years later :

"Y/N !"

He called you happily when he saw you fill out some paperwork and you froze, not having heard that voice in years.

You then slowly turned towards him and even let your pen fall to the floor in shock as your red eyes met his.

"P..Penny ?"

He nodded his head vividly before extanding a hand towards you through the bars of his cell.

"HEYA !"

You stared at his hand before finally taking it and he shook it up and down excitedly.

"I’ve missed you ! Why didn’t you come back to visit ?!"

You lowered your gaze before asking, already knowing the answer, but still wanting to hear it from him.

"You killed Patrick..Didn’t you ?"

He frowned and shrugged.

"He was being mean to you !"

"And the others ?! Were they mean too ?!"

He preferred when those red eyes were staring at him in awe more than when they were glaring at him like now.

"You want to know something, Y/N ?"

You stopped dead in your tracks to look back at him and he giggled before staring right at you.

"Your eyes are the only reason I didn’t kill you back then.."

Your eyes widened slightly at his confession before you shrugged and replied.

"Maybe..But, they are also the reason you are in this cell of yours."

He frowned in incomprehension until you gave him a small smirk.

"What ? How do you think they found you ? Poor Penny..You should have killed me when you had the chance."

He growled and tried to grab you, but you knew he couldn't get out of his cage and only walked away.

"See you later, Penny.."

Pennywise was called by your tears as you were crying next to the sewers and he heard you.

He immediately thought you would be a good meal and approached you, but when he called your name, he was left speechless when your red eyes gazed down at him.

It was the first time he had seen a human such as you..

But then, you only cried harder and covered your eyes.

"Don't look at me ! I'm ugly !"

He didn't say anything. He knew he should probably take it as an opportunity to use your fear against you, but he found himself doing the exact opposite.

He gut out of the sewers and sat down next to you before honking his nose to make you look up at him.

When you did, he gave you one of his rare genuine smiles and shrugged nonchalantly.

"I don't find you ugly..What make you think that ?"

You sniffled before confessing.

"Some of the kids at my school said it.."

He rolled his eyes before waving his hand dismissively.

"Bah ! It just means they have no taste.."

However, when he turned towards you again, you didn't seem convinced and he sighed before crouching down in front of you.

He then waited until your eyes were back on him before booping your nose.

"Listen to me well, little girl/boy. Let them fear you..Fear makes you grow. It makes you stronger. And, one day, they'll regret ever setting eyes on you.."

Your eyes widened at his words before you nodded in agreement and he smiled before looking in the direction of your house.

"But, you have to run back home now. You parents will be worried and I'm pretty sure they would miss your red eyes. Besides, something tells me you'll grow up to be so beautiful, you'll put all of those who mocked you to shame..So, don't worry, okay kiddo ?"

You wiped your tears before shooting his a big bright smile.

"Thank you, Mr Clown !"

He chuckled but was surprised when you leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

"When I grow up, I'll find you again !"

His smile faltered as he knew it was probably the last time you would see each other, but he still ruffled your hair affectionately and nodded.

"You do that, kiddo..You do that.."

You then ran back home and Pennywise's eyes stayed on you until you were back inside.

He then shook his head and huffed a laugh before getting back down in his sewers.

"Weird kid.."

A few years later :

When he saw you again, Pennywise immediately recognized you and smiled knowingly.

"Well well well..Who do we have here ?"

You eyes widened in surprise when you realized who he was and almost dropped your notebook in the process.

He then noticed that you still had your ruby-red eyes and took a couple of steps backwards so you may enter his cage.

"Look who managed to find me ? You actually pulled it off..Consider me impressed."

You gulped and even though you remembered who he was, you didn't think you would ever see him again.

He was exactly the same than 27 years ago and for some reason, he even still smelled like gingerbread and peanut butter..

He tilted his head when you entered the cage and then, he smelled it..

It was feeding time.

You had a living sheep behind you and his eyes immediately reddened as hunger took over his senses and when you let go of the leash, Pennywise couldn't restrain himself and didn't wait before lunging forward to rip off the sheep's head.

He could feel your disgust and rage as he ate..but, he was too preoccupied to care.

When he was finished, there was nothing left of the sheep and blood was dripping down his chin.

He then looked at you and your merciless red eyes staring at him with a grimace of disgust.

"I refused to believe it..I just didn't want to think it was true..that my only childhood friend, the only one who had ever believed my red eyes to be beautiful was in fact a monster.."

Pennywise winced as he could feel the disappointment in you and it tasted bitter..He couldn't be ashamed by his actions, but your disappointment was enough for him to lower his head and spoil his lunch..

"Now, I understand why you let me live all those years ago. You saw me as one of you. You saw me as a monster and this is the reason I am still breathing."

However, you didn't count on his reaction as he burst out laughing.

"Don't flatter yourself. You are nothing like me. And the reason I couldn't kill you that day was not because I saw my monster in you, but because I saw my old self..The one who still had mercy and felt like he didn't belong. But, don't worry. I don't anymore.."

You arched a quizzical eyebrow at him, but didn't insist before shrugging and leaving his cage.

But, on your way out, you stopped and turned towards him to admit.

"Just so you know, you were right.."

He tilted his head to the side quizzically before asking.

"About ?"

"I made all those kids regret ever setting eyes on me.."

You replied with a small devilish smirk and even though Pennywise couldn't see his human-self in you anymore, he could see that there was an evolution in you. An evolution he was more than familiar with as he replied with a small smirk of his own.

"I told you..Fear makes you grow..Welcome to the grown-up world, Y/N."

Norman raised you and from the moment he saw you, he knew you were meant for great things.

He never once thought your red eyes to be a problem or a curse, it was a blessing.

He liked the color of your eyes, as much as he liked the color of blood.

However, he knew others didn't and you noticed too after a while.

The staring was always there and no matter how much you tried to fit in, people always made it clear that you would never be enough..

It was starting to become even worse than before, since not only did you notice their stares, but heard their low whispers too..

You knew what they called you when you had your back turned.

Witch, Ghost, Baba Yaga, Freak, Monster, Abomination..It hurt.

It led you to finally ask Norman.

"Dad ?"

"Hmm ?"

He turned towards you and immediately noticed how you seemed so hesitant when you finally asked.

"Can I...have laser surgery ? For my eyes ?"

His own eyes widened at the question and he awkwardly laughed, searching your expression for anything that would betray you were joking.

"You are kidding, right ?"

However, when you didn't answer, he frowned and stepped forward to grip your chin and gently tilted your head up do he may gaze down at your red eyes with a smile.

"There is nothing wrong with them, my dear. You are perfect."

You held your breath at his compliment, but before you could reply, he suddenly pulled you against his chest and covered your head with his dressing gown.

"What are you doing ?!"

You asked, but your voice was muffled and Norman laughed while smothering you.

"Here ! Problem solved ! Now, nobody can see your gorgeous eyes. They're all mine to admire and love !"

"I can't breathe ! Let me go !"

You complained, but Norman only shook his head and rocked you side to side until you were laughing too.

"Nope. Too late ! I'm not letting anyone see your eyes until you promise me you will never take your eyes away from my life !"

He waited until you promised before letting you go.

He was then reassured and thought that would be the end of it.

But, it wasn't.

A few days later :

He was anxiously staring at the clock..You were supposed to be home at 9 sharp..It was 9:30..

He was about to stand up and go look for you when the doorbell rang.

He ran to the door and opened it, expecting you to be standing there with a bright smile..only to be greeted with a very horrifying sight.

"Y/N !"

When he saw you lying on the floor, barely breathing and covered in bruises, whimpering his name..Norman couldn't believe his eyes and immediately cradled your body in his arm to carry you inside.

He then made himself a promise.

He would protect you. Always. He wouldn't let anything like this happen to you ever again.

He found the people who did this to you the next day and slaughtered them all.

It was the last time he would ever let anyone hurt you..

Freddy was getting himself drunk in his garden, staring up at the sky and laid down among his flowers when he heard someone approach.

He wasn't going to make his presence known until he heard a woman crying and closed his eyes, silently cursing himself for having chosen that spot..

He didn't know how to handle people crying, especially women..

However, he had promised himself to be more helpful and mentally encouraged himself to get up and act like a good person for once.

He groaned loudly when he tried to sit up straight and found out that alcool didn't seem to make his headache go away..

It hit him full force when he tried to get up on shaky legs and he almost collapsed forward, but still took another gulp of his half-finished bottle of whiskey..

Yup. He really wasn't in the right state to give comfort to anyone, but he wasn't going to change his mind now.

He walked one step at a time, falling more than once before finally finding the source of the crying.

However, he was surprised when he found you sobbing there. You, the head nurse with the mind of steel who never seemed bothered by anything..

He looked at his bottle and wondered if it was making him see things ?

But then, a branch snapped under his shoe and it made you look up, your big red eyes staring at him and your wet cheeks reflecting the dim light of the street lamp next to you.

He then looked behind him, wondering if it would be better to just walk back and pretend he didn't see you.

He was drunk enough and was actually considering the idea when you sniffled and called his name.

"Freddy ?"

Shit.

He snapped his head back at you, you voice so hoarse and broken from your tears that it almost didn't sound like yours at all.

He then drunkenly answered.

"P...Present !"

That made you laugh as you patted the place next to you and Freddy indulged, partly because you were crying and he didn't want to seem like a complete asshole by leaving you, also because he was too drunk to even see the exit..

"So..What are the big fat tears for, huh ?"

It took a moment for you to answer, but finally confessed.

"One of the patients..called me a witch today. He said that my red eyes were a curse and that I'd better just gouge them out.."

Freddy's eyes widened and he then felt very sober as he seethed through gritted teeth.

"Who the fuck said that ?! I'll gouge their eyes out myself !"

He then attempted to sit up, but failed spectacularly as he fell face first to the ground.

He then tried to get up again on his own, but you helped him back into a sitting position beside you, his bottle now shattered on the floor and its precious content lost to the plants..

"Well..I'm sure your flowers will appreciate the gesture.."

He huffed a laugh at your joke before slowly closing his eyes, but in a minute of lucidity, he sat up straight to look at you in the eyes and gently stroked your cheek.

He then mumbled half-absent-mindedly.

"One day..They'll see what I see. You're funny, you're smart, you're tough and frankly ? You rock. Your red eyes just add some spice into the whole mix of rockiness in you. There is nothing wrong about you, sweetheart. Nothing at all.."

You were surprised by Freddy's many compliments and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Freddy.."

He smiled back, but then passed out and two minutes later, Freddy was snoring softly.

You sighed before covering the both of you with a blanket you had brought and taking off Freddy's hat to look at his burned face.

"...There's nothing wrong about you either, Freddy."

You whispered to his sleeping form and Freddy stirred in his sleep, but you knew he couldn't hear you..

You smiled and a few minutes later, you were asleep too..

Michael first met you when you were children.

You had both grown quite fond of each other, but there was a dark side to your relationship.

You had both been a part of the cult who had created Myers and which thought you were both two of the "chosen ones".

In some way, you experienced the same thing than him and even though you had no Myers in you, you had been worshipped and prepared to become a sort of god, the same as him..

They had both reunited you so you may become Myers' wife and help him cause destruction and death all around you.

Michael had no choice but to accept.

However, you ?

You had decided to fight against it..

Your red eyes being the main reason for your "choosing", you had attempted multiple times to gouge out your own eyes, but the members of the sect had stopped you every time.

However, the night Myers was born and the marriage had been made official, you had succeeded in stealing a knife from the kitchen to stab yourself with it.

However, Michael had been there to stop you at the time and tell you that he didn't want you to go.

Fortunately, you both escaped from the cult soon after and you discovered the existence of contact lenses.

You then decided to stay and help him to fight whoever or whatever was in your husband.

Myers was strong and his sole purpose being killing whoever Michael loves, you knew he would try to get rid of you.

However, you were surprised to find out one day that the night Myers had been created, a blood bond had been made in order for Myers to recognize you as his wife as much as Michael's.

So, the first few months spent together, he hadn't been so destructive or terrible as you had thought he would be.

He was even sweet...Sometimes.

Michael did warn you not to trust him, but even though, Myers was still a part of your husband.

One day, as you were about to wear your lenses, Myers appeared behind you and grabbed your hand to stop you.

He then spinned you around to look you straight in the eyes and even though a part of you was telling you to run, you couldn't help but freeze as his expression almost seemed sad.

He then gently rubbed the side of your face with his thumb and then explained.

"You..don't..have to..hide..from me."

Each syllable seemed so difficult to him, you knew it was important for him to see you.

So, you decided not to wear your contacts anymore around him.

Michael knew of your struggles about your appearance and the first time he saw you without them, he was surprised.

But, he finally smiled and kissed you eyelids affectionately.

Even though Myers had used his words to tell you he loved you the way you were, Michael didn't need them.

He was the first one to love you and would always..No matter the color of your eyes or of your skin.

From that moment onward, you never wore contact lenses again and embraced your red eyes as a part of you, as Michael would soon learn to do the same with Michael..

#arthur fleck x reader #fandoms #imagine #fanfic #pennywise 1990 #pennywise 2017 #pennywise x reader #pennywise 1990 x y/n x pennywise 2017 #michael myers x reader #slashers #freddy krueger x reader #norman bates x reader

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haunteddelusiontale · 2 years ago

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dysfunctional

➥ @fandomnationwhore placed said request from my list of prompts

➥ first request; oh how I hope you enjoy this :)

➥ Arthur Shelby was dubbed the crazy brother because of his past and impulsive rage fits he seems to have often, luckily that titles been given to another fellow

➥.Peaky Blinders Arthur Shelby x Reader

➥ prompt number eight - "if I can't have you no one can"

Arthur Shelby, a name known by many but a man known by few.

He was a complex man not many understood him. They viewed him as a dark and violent individual because well Arthur Shelby could not seem to give his temper in check.

Not many individuals family included knew the true Arthur. With such a brass appearance, he was often seen as nothing more than the man who did the dirty work for his brothers.

No one could truly see how deeply hurt he was underneath all that toughness he portrayed, underneath the gangster appearance he gave out Arthur was nothing more than a scared and broken man, frightened of being left alone in this world and fearful of dying without having ever truly been loved we're starting a different path one that did not involve his family's bad upbringing.

Over time as the years went by and the days grew longer, he begin to think that he would never find love, that he would forever be used as nothing more than a tool to do his family's dirty work.

But that hasn't seem to be the case for our dearest Arthur Shelby.

No he ended up finding himself someone a beautiful lady whom went by the name of (Y/n) (L/n); with (eye color) eyes that held many secrets and a lop sided smirk that looks to be filled with nothing but mischief.

Arthur had finally found himself someone worth living for.

Their meeting have been anything but romantic; in fact the first time they have met was when Arthur had been brutally beating up a man in the alleyway who owed him and his brothers some money. The man plead and cries could be heard from the front of the dark alley late at night but with the streets empty, safe from one person alone who had been wandering, the man's cries had not gone unheard.

It was as if Arthur had been lost in a fit of rage until he felt the small soft but rough hands grab him by the back of his neck, almost like what a mother cat would do to her young to get them to submit. "Oy get off of the poor lad can't you see that he got the message."

Arthur spun around ready to throw fist with the stranger who had stopped him from finishing the job but when dark stormy eyes clashed with the strangers it seemed as if all that anger had suddenly vanished.

"Yeah -" his gruff voice managed out, "Yeah, you're right."

"I know I am now let's get you cleaned up big boy what it means you walking the streets looking like something the cats done dragged out of the bag."

From that point on history have been set in stone. Arthur Shelby just had to know everything about the stranger, over time a bond grew between the two and love begin to fill in the gaps of their friendship. Arthur never found the courage to ask them out he had felt insecured not only with knowing their age Gap but seeing as how (y/n) was a well-desired woman by many men much closer to her age.

So many negative thoughts clouded his mind; why would she want someone like him, he could very much be her grandfather if not closer to her father's age. She was a bright and well put together woman who could have some any man she desired, someone with less baggage, someone less dangerous; but yet she wanted him.

And still to this day it always baffled him knowing that she chose him.

ꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥ

"My family's having a meeting..."

"And why is it that you're telling me this."

Two individuals laid down side by side in the wet grass, it has just finished raining hours ago and the ground had still been damp from the passing storm but neither one of them cared for this was their moment alone; away from the world, away from their problems, away from everyone but themselves.

"I would love it if you could accompany me..."

"If I hadn't heard you correctly first time I would have mistaken this as you wanting me to simply meet your family. But this wouldn't be a simple meet the famimy gathering, no that's much too complicated for you Arthur - for you are a complexed man."

"Yer complexed man." Author teasingly said back in response.

"Yes, my complexed man."

All was silent between the two - neither one of them have spoken for a few minutes simply allowing the news to circle around their heads. Whilst Arther's thoughts were much more negative than his partner, his female companion could not help but have taken this as the perfect opportunity to meet her future-in-laws.

"Alright I'll join you, now what time does this need to start?"

"8pm sharp," Arthur hurringly says.

"Then I shall be ready at 6 o'clock. Pick me up on the dot."

"Always." Arthur says taking the small of her hand with his rather large one carefully turning her hand around he places a delicate kiss on the back side of it. " Always and forever," she mimics.

When 6 o'clock came rounding around Arthur found himself standing outside flat of his darling partner, raising a fist to knock the door opened suddenly. "Well don't you look dashing." the woman before him says a carefree smile fell across her features, and Arther's breath could not help but to have been snatched from his every being.

"You look beautiful -" he says adding a "as always" towards the end to save him.

"Thank you. Now then, shall we be off?"

ꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥꕥ

Dinner had surprisingly gone well, whist the Shelby family did not take too kindly to the late introduction as well as the interruption of a family dinner by a stranger nonetheless Arther stood abide by making sure his partner could stay or rather would be staying.

With no one wanting to start a fist fight Thomas allowed his brother's guest to stay.

"So how long has this been going on for?" Polly questioned taking a drag from her cigarette.

"About 8 months, though I would say we are still a fresh couple." (Y/n) replies it was clear that she would be taking the lead for the following conversations and discussions that have yet to come.

It seemed as though Polly's question had opened up a gateway for her nephew to question the young woman before them.

Michael chokes on his sip of champagne and Arthur being closest to his brother roughly pats him on the back, "8 months?! And you view that as still being a fresh couple." Michael mocks.

"Well yes, whist 8 months can be seen as a rather long time period for couples, to me it is only the beginning. Arthur and I have much to still learn about one another, secrets to discovered and feelings to share, talks to be spoken on. But seeing as how you're well known for sleeping around with anything that has a nice warm hole between its legs, I doubt you know anything of that sorts." Taking a sip of her champagne she side eyes Michael.

She knew meeting her lover's family would not be easy after all they were well respected, feared individuals in the streets. People spoke on their last name and whispered about rumors that most likely weren't rumors - not that anyone would be brave enough to say anything about it to their faces, behind their backs.

"And how long until this one cheats?" Thomas cuts in sharply.

Arthur wouldn't say it but hearing his brother say those words out loud deeply hurt him and his partner can tell from the way his once told figure started to slouch and on itself his insecurity were building back up and she would be damned if she allowed that to happen.

With a piercing glare and a sharp laugh sounding from her throat her eyes pierced into the dark blue ones of Thomas. "Who says I would cheat?"

Her tone is sharp and leaves no room for questions but Thomas Shelby isn't a man to back down from a argument. Well you are a rather young woman compared to my brother; I would say he has maybe 10 perhaps 20 years on you at best -"

" I don't see how my age has anything to do with the terms of cheating."

Thomas takes a drag from his cigar, "In short terms my brother is a damaged man. War tends to do that to a man, and you...you on the other hand are a young woman bright, and witty from what I can see. I'm sure you would love to travel the world and meet new people, individuals who won't hold you back."

"Arthur isn't holding me back..."

Thomas quirks a eyebrow at her defensive tone "Oh do go on.."

Leaning back in her chair she places one arm behind Arthur's chair her fingers barely glazing the back of his suit. "It seems you underestimate just how charming your brother is."

"Yes I won't lie he is 20 years older than I am but after all like many say age is just a number, Arthur is a mature man who takes my presence not for granted like most men my age would, he does not see me as a little young pocket pussy that he can fuck whenever he wishes to. He treats me like a well-respected woman of my age in class not only am I cherished by this man but I am loved and cared for. Something I doubt you or anyone at this table to show a woman."

"So rather the question should be flipped it is not him who should be worried about me cheating it is I who should be worried about him cheating, after all I am just as lucky to have him in my life as he is to have me and his..." silence filled the once talkative dining room only for the Shelby's unexpected guests voice to cut through the air once more, "Though if that do ends up happening.. I would kill him."

How bold!

"W-What?!" Arthur chokes out.

"Oh please darling, don't act so surprised. I thought I've made it well clear to you then I was equally as crazy if not more than you. But it seems that everyone around me is having a slow moment this evening so let me be clear -" turning in her chair to face her lover, (y/n)'s hand comes up to grasp at his chin softly before her nails dug it's way into his flesh.

Pulling him down closer to her face as if she were a siren and he would a fisherman she utters her terrifyingly sweet vows; "If you were to ever cheat on me I would not only brutally torture and murder you but I would send your remains to each and every one of your familymembers because after all..if I can't have you, no one can."

#arthur shelby #arthur shelby x reader #peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinder imagine #peaky blinder x reader #x reader stories #x reader #x reader series

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call-sign-shark · 1 year ago

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DAISYYY TEEHEE! Your comment made me smile so much you can't imagine! Thank you so so much for your wonderful and thorough analysis! I'm so grateful 🥺 You always pick up such interesting details, like the foreshadowing with the crow or emphasizing how thoughts and nicknames help flesh out relationships between characters even without interactions.

I think I've said it once but I'm a sucker for fictive obsessive / almost maddening love, and that's what Arthur feels for his woman. He indeed forgets everything when she's here, and his behavior shifts super quickly. Yet, you've asked a very clever question: would it sometimes play against them? The answer is yes. Among the few cons of their blazing passion lays Arthur's destructive jealousy, as you've seen. We're not talking about casual jealousy, but violent bursts of anger which lead him to maim and kill for her. I am also delighted you highlighted the fact he shortly yells at her because no one else did even though it's super shocking considering how he loves her. So yeah, it's definitely the worst thing between them. Even though Heaven always manages to calm him down and even if she's not bothered with her man beating people out of jealousy, it's definitely not healthy and I don't condone that. But at least it works for them?? Also, it's significant to keep in mind that Heaven is no innocent character either, but you'll get it later 🤭

Arthur's fear and sobs definitely come from his past relationship with Linda as well as his self-loathing. At this moment he's convinced she won't come back to him -- And honestly I find the whole scene heartbreaking. I mean, the way he keeps hugging her and refuses to let her go?? Sir, stop making us sad??

Now, about our little King Shelby... THE AUDACITY OF THIS MAN RIGHT? He did made his brother worst and then blames it on someone else. Welcome to the life of Thomas Shelby, whose ego keeps him from questioning his own actions. I feel like, somehow, Thomas needs to blame her to keep his own sanity as well as to keep control over his brother -- which she understands and stands against. Now about Heaven's warning ... Dear, you're not ready for next chapter. 🤭 Not gonna spoil anything!

Thank you again for taking the time to write such a detailed analysis, it means a lot. Like, if this series exists and keeps going it's only thanks to readers and mutuals like you. I always feel like what I write suck, so I'm glad at least one person thinks it's both interesting and good. Love you, Daisy 💚

Heaven in Your Eyes || Arthur Shelby x Reader!OC

Summary: This is when things seem to get better with the Shelby family —at least with Polly— that a drunk client crosses the line with you at the Garrison. Haunted by his past insecurities and his burning jealousy, Arthur snaps. And he snaps very bad. For the first time since you've met, he reveals the beast he hides inside... And Tommy obviously uses the incident to blame you.

Words: 5k

TW: Angst, Obsessive behavior, extreme jealousy, graphic depiction of violence, murder, lot of blood, canonical violence, witch trial, allusions to smut, allusions to blood!kink, Arthur being an emotional and slightly psychotic mess

Notes:

✞ I don't condone Arthur's behavior. Also, keep in mind that Heaven is certainly a bit twisted too.

✞ Heaven is OP's original character but written with the use of « you » (Moodboard here).

PREVIOUS CHAPTER || Masterlist || NEXT

The sound of your heels hammering the cold pavement of Small Heath echoed in the nocturnal streets as you walked to the Garrison. Even though the expansion of the Shelby Company led the family’s interests away from the pub, they still hold the place dear to their hearts and sometimes they liked gathering there for old times' sake. Especially Arthur. Hence, rather than staying at home, reading in front of the fireplace, and dwelling on Polly’s odd behavior at the last family gathering, you decided to occupy your buzzing mind by surprising Arthur at the pub. A raven flew above your head and cawed, its presence stirring interest in you for he had followed you from the moment you had left your house. As you walked to the Garrison, you took a quick glance at the black bird’s silhouette, which was perched on a roof a few houses away.

"Silly boy, want to tell me something?" You told to it, amused. The animal, dressed with dark feathers, replied with another caw. You chuckled and kept walking.

The white dress and fur coat you were wearing contrasted so well with the dull night that the few people you passed were not sure what they had just seen. Indeed, the moon's glow reflected its light on your porcelain skin, adorning your frail body with an almost supernatural aura. That was why some of them thought they had caught sight of an angel, just like Arthur did the first time you and he met.

When the dark wooden door of the Garrison opened, its noise overcoming the laughter, chatting, and sounds of glasses clinking against each other, a soft wave of warmth caressed your cold face. You had barely stepped inside when people almost all turned around, many pairs of eyes weighing on you. Curious and dumbstruck gazes looked at you, wondering what such a holy-looking creature was doing here — but you did not really care. Your petrifying aquamarine iris swept the room to become familiar with the place before you headed to the counter behind which you saw Arthur’s tall frame. The man was back to you, talking with his little boss-brother Thomas. Awesome, you thought, little King Shelby is here. Sarcasm filled your head at the mere sight of him. To be true, you were well aware that Thomas was always doing his best to avoid you, but it did not annoy you. Quite the contrary, you were more than satisfied with never seeing him — you still did not come to terms with him trying to strangle you after all. Nevertheless, you leaned over the counter, arms resting on its varnished wooden surface, and parted your juicy lips to speak.

“Good evening, Mister Shelby. Care to serve me a drink?”

Arthur’s whole being shivered with delight as soon as he recognized the enchanting and oh-so-peculiar tone of your voice — the same voice that had led him to you one bleak and sleepless night. Shaken to the core by your presence, he forgot about Tommy the moment you had started to speak and turned around to face you, the corner of his lips stretching in a genuine and blissed smile. Each time his steel blue eyes fell on you, it was as if God's grace struck him — even though you were living together. The thrills you gave him never left.

“Good evening, love. What is such a delicious little Angel like you doing here? It’s a bad town for such a pretty face ye know.” He almost cooed with his hoarse voice, his hands on the bar and his eyes sparkling with a teasing gleam.

“Fell from the sky and got lost in these streets, so I just followed the light.” Your fingers grazed the back of his hand and went up its skin, leaving pleasant tingles in their trail, until they reached one of the many rings he was wearing. The simple gesture, barely touching him, lit up a blazing fire in his soul. Thomas looked at Arthur and quickly understood that no matter what he would say or do, he held no power over his older brother anymore, “Evening, Tommy.” You said, finally acknowledging him.

“Thomas. It’s Thomas.” He retorted with a voice as cold as an arctic blizzard that could freeze Hell’s inferno itself. He stubbed out his cigarette in the nearest ashtray and left without any single word, his shadow disappearing in the streets as he left the Garrison, for your sole presence seemed to bother him. Well, at least his opinion about you did not change. However, the lack of peculiar reaction from him reassured you: Polly had not told him what happened to the tea party yet.

“Don’t mind him eh,”

You did not.

“I should probably give you one hell of a strong drink if you fell from Eden… Miss?”

“Heaven Lavey.” You winked, enjoying his silly way of hitting on you as if it was the first time you met, “A glass of red wine would do the trick… And the barman’s heart.” Your teasing grin widened, unveiling perfect white teeth. Arthur let out a long exhale through his nostrils, enraptured by your whole being. From your smile to your bratty pout, you got him on his knees. Each time he would dive his eyes into yours, his heart would quicken in his chest and dopamine would rush through his veins — who would want to keep taking drugs after tasting you? Not even himself. He was already high enough by your presence in his life and God knew he never wanted to sober up from you.

“As you wish.” He leaned over the counter to lay a tender kiss on your forehead. The way his mustache gently tickled your skin made you chuckle. How sweet he was, not afraid to lavish you with sweetness even in front of other people. Then, he gathered all his strength to pull away from you and take care of your order — which was nearly impossible to do, for you were both attracted to each other like two powerful magnets. But still, he did and then poured the finest red wine the Garrison had in a glass before putting it in front of you. Then, he leaned a second time over the counter to bring his face close to yours again, “as for my heart,” he paused, his eyes abandoning yours to drop on your full lips he watched with utmost desire, “You already snatched it, angel.”

“You’re incorrigible, Arthur Shelby.” You could not help but laugh when you noticed that, as you spoke, his focus was still fiercely anchored to your lips. The urge he had to devour them was almost palpable, electrifying the air around him. Yet, you resisted the need to kiss him, rather bringing your small hands to his neck to fix his bow tie with indescribable tenderness. The pair of eyes that were watching you since your arrival could not believe that you had managed to tame the brutal Arthur Shelby — how he behaved with you was so different from the way he was with the others it almost scared them, “I hope you like this little surprise.”

“You can’t imagine how much I do.” He purred, grabbing your hands and putting them on his cheeks. How he loved feeling your cold skin against his. You cupped his face, looking right into his fair eyes with a never-ending love, and he instantly melted. His eyelids half-closed, for you had brought peace to his scorching soul again, “Lemme clean a few things and we’ll go back home eh.”

“Take your time. Je t’attends mon amour — I’ll wait for you my love —“

“Yer comfy here?”

“Arthur,” Your eyes rolled, amused.

“Want a cushion to sit on? Want to wait in a quieter room?”

“That’s okay.”

“Mmm’kay”

You freed his face from your sweet grip, leaving him lingering for more. When he reopened his eyes he could not hold the little growl that escaped his lips for you had not kissed him. He blinked several times, trying to chase away the charm you had cast on him with your sole presence, and reluctantly left you. Stars still danced in front of his eyes because of your intoxicating beauty — so hypnotizing he struggled to come back to what he was doing before.

Waiting did not bother you. In fact, you preferred to wait for hours here, in the comforting warmth of the pub and its hullabaloo, rather than being left alone with your thoughts in the quietness of your house. Sipping on your red wine, you were minding your own business when a man sat next to you, his body collapsing on the stool as if walking had been quite a struggle for him. Which was probably the case considering he was drunk. Only a few people were still at the Garrison, the others went home stumbling or dragged away by a fellow friend. The suffocating smell of whiskey and sweat that was emanating from the newcomer made you wrinkled your nose.

“Hey doll, all alone by yourself? ” The man said, bringing the whiskey glass to his chapped lips to gulp what was left in it. You glanced at him and simply nodded, not really wanting to do any kind of conversation, “Your glass is almost empty. Lemme buy you another one.”

“I really appreciate it but that’s fine.” You answered with a polite smile — but even when doing the bare minimum your angelic traits never failed to captivate your audience. The man noticed your strong accent and saw the opportunity to carry on with the conversation.

“You come from France eh? I fought in France! Bloody hell, still got the mud of this country under my nails!”

Maybe he talked a little bit too loud, or maybe Arthur’s senses were as sharp as a wolf’s, but the fact remains he immediately raised his eyes from what he was doing to watch over you. His steel blue iris shifted their attention from you only to cast their furious fire on the drunk man that was talking to you. His woman.

“You know, I always thought it was kind of sad that all the people here only link France with the war. This is a beautiful country.” You answered, taking another sip of red wine. Somehow, you allowed yourself to talk with the man. At least time would probably fly faster that way.

“If France’s as beautiful as ya, I’ll rush back to it by tomorrow, doll. The name’s Jim.”

You silently replied to him with a light smile, gently shaking your head at the fella’s attempt to compliment you.

You smiled at Jim — And Arthur broke the glass he was holding in his hand. It had been crushed by the pressure with which he had tightened his grip around it until it shattered into bits. Sharp pieces of glass had pierced Arthur’s flesh, blood dripping from his palm, but the tormenting anger that was building within him was so overwhelming he did not even feel the pain. As seconds passed, his face contorted with rage and his eyes darkened with jealousy. You. Smiled. At. Him.

That was definitely not okay — the man did not deserve your blissful smile.

Deafened by the sound of his own heart pounding in his tight chest, Arthur swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat in a vain attempt to keep control. To not let his anger issue show. The rational part of his mind was telling him to keep calm, for he knew you loved him and only him. You had told him plenty of times, after all. And he trusted you, really. But the other part, led by his insecurities and his mental instability, whispered foul insinuations to his ear.

Why would she stay with such a criminal like you? You’re sick. You’re old. You’re broken — and no one loves broken men.

You’re stupid, far less clever and charming than Tommy. HE is a real man.

You either scare or repel women. Linda told you. You don’t deserve Heaven.

Useless. So useless… Broken. Crazy, you’re fucking crazy. She’ll see what you are. A monster. Monster. Monster.

Arthur’s jaw clenched as his mind spiraled into a never-ending maze of whipping thoughts and insufferable feelings. Self-loathing was becoming too much to bear — so messy it had started to drown him. He felt his sanity slowly slipping through the cracks of his skull and the only thing he could to do make it stop was to break things. And by things he meant Jim.

“Listen, Jim. I think you should go back home and rest. This is the whiskey talking.” You stated.

“Only if you come home with me, doll.” He ought to say, his grin widening.

Breathless with rage, Arthur felt the heat pooling in his face. A few drops of sweat beaded on his forehead as he shook his wounded hand to clear his flesh from the shards of glass.

“You really should —“

“Come home with me and I’ll make you beg.” He cut off before you had time to turn his invitation down , bringing his hand on one of your thighs to strengthen his point.

Destructive anger flowed through his veins like lava, exploding at the moment the man laid a finger upon you. Agile like a wild cat, Arthur jumped over the counter and rushed toward you, his shoulders tensed and his arms swinging as he walked. Earth shook under his feet, opening the gates of Hell more and more at each of his steps.

“AL-FUCKING-RIGHT THEN,” He blurted out, standing fiercely behind Jim. Arthur’s thundering voice almost made him jump — and it was enough for him to take his hand off your thigh and turned around to meet the Devil’s eyes. You froze on your stool, astounded by your man’s anger.

His face distorted with both fear and confusion at the sight of Arthur Shelby, green with jealousy and maddened with fury, “What the fookin hell did ya say, pal? WHAT THE FOOK DID YOU SAY TO ME WOMAN?” He roared, blue eyes shining with a threatening glow. At this point, Arthur was almost choking with rage.

“Oh my God Arthur, I did not know she was your woman. I’m sorry! I really did not —“ Jim could not finish his sentence for Arthur had grabbed him by the neck and dragged him away from you in front of the few last clients' terrified looks.

“You TOUCHED her! You bloody touched her, ME ANGEL. ME HEAVEN. I can’t fucking believe it,” He spat, his words coated with bitter venom. Swirling in the chaotic vortex of his own fury, he did not hear the man’s bargains. And somehow, he did not care. There was nothing he could say to stop him anymore. Jim tried to utter another apology.

He had barely opened his mouth when Arthur’s fist crushed his nose with such a violent blow the sound of broken bones echoed through the Garrison. The man, almost knocked out by the uppercut, crashed on the wooden floor, a jet of blood gushing from his face, “Oi! Thought you fought in France. Come on, bastard! Fight me!” He snarled, teeth bared like a wild animal.

He’s going to kill him. That was what crossed your mind when you came back to your senses, overcoming the shock of seeing Arthur in such a frenzy state. You got up from your stool, “Arthur… Stop it please.” You called him, trying to be as soft as possible not to fan the flames of his anger.

“I AM NOT GONNA STOP!” He barked, looking at you.

He looked at you

and you saw the Hell in his eyes.

“Heard how he dared to talk to ye? Ah, you wanted to make me angel beg eh?” Arthur kneeled over the whimpering man, almost straddling his quivering body, to grab him by the collar of his coat, “Yeah that’s what you said right. But trust me, you sonofabitch, I’m the one who’ll make you beg!” He yelled, sending another powerful blast to the man’s face with his fists as sole weapons, adorned with thick silver rings. “BEG, YOU BASTARD!”

“P-please—“

Another disgusting sound of torn flesh and cracking skull filled the room. “By order —“ A third punch. Breaking teeth. Jim spat three of them at your feet. “Of the —“ Fourth. Fifth. His knuckles bruised and split under the strength of his blows but Arthur could not care less. All he wanted was to reduce Jim’s face to an unidentifiable slop of flesh. “Peaky —“ Dislocated jaw hanging loosely. The horrible sight was accompanied by the cacophony of bloody gurgles. “Fookin — “ Jim had lost count of the punches that rained down on him. All he knew was that his body was giving up. At one point Arthur Shelby had stopped beating him, only to unstrapped the combat knife he kept in his holster, “BLINDERS!”

“ARTHUR NO!!!” Running to the scene and falling on your knees, you managed to grab his hands and keep him from stabbing the drunk man, “Don’t do that, please I need you. Please, please stop it.”

Please.

Your voice, like a light piercing the thick veil of his darkness, snatched him from his murderous craze. Waking up by the smell of blood mixed with your sweet spring-like perfume, Arthur stopped in the midst of what he was doing and realized he was holding a knife above his head, ready to plunge it into a man’s chest. He took a look at you, noticing the shocked expression on your holy face, and all his anger disappeared into a void. His fingers loosened around the knife, which fell on the wooden floor with a metallic noise, “please Arthur, calm down… Call down, Mon amour.” You whispered, begging him with your eyes. Silence fell on the Garrison, as well as in his mind. The maddening voices had stopped and the buzzing hatred had vanished. Arthur left the unconscious man and collapsed in your arms, panting and shaking. Adrenaline made you shiver too, but you gently hugged his frame, one hand stroking his hair, “That’s okay… I’m here …” You repeated just like a healing chant as a few men grabbed the severely injured victim and took him away from the pub.

“I’m … I’m sorry— Heaven, oh my god —“ Arthur stuttered, slowly realizing what he just did. He buried his face in your breasts, for comfort as well as to hide the blood that had splattered on him. He barely dared to hug your frail body for fear of breaking you. Sometimes, he swore he had hell in his hands and he did not want to bring you down in the flames with him.

“Shhhh… Breathe in. Breathe out. You can do it.” You said with a soothing tone. With divine softness, you ran your fingers through his hair, not minding the blood he smeared on your clothes and bosom, “that’s okay, you’re a good boy..” But as you were trying to chase away your man’s demons, a far too familiar voice echoed in the room.

“What the fuck is this mess?!” Thomas Shelby exclaimed for he had just entered the Garrison, John by his side. His freezing blue eyes looked at you from above. The king was here and he hated what he saw.

“John, bring Arthur home. Everyone OUT.”

This was all it took to empty the Garrison from its remaining clients. When John gently put his hand on his older brother’s shoulder, Arthur’s embrace tightened around your tiny silhouette for he did not want to leave you. “No,” he managed to beg between two heartbreaking sobs. His face still hidden, not daring to look at you for fear of seeing disgust and anger in your eyes, Arthur refused to let you go. Somehow, he was convinced you would not go back home — why would you after what you had just witnessed? “Don’t take me away from her!” He said, a bit more fiercely, which resulted in John taking a few steps back and looking at you, silently begging you to help him. In the midst of the chaos, only you could bring him back to his senses. A brief sigh escaped from your lips before you gently forced Arthur to look at you.

“Listen, chéri. I need you to go back home and calm down. I’ll be very quick.”

“No, no, you won’t come back.”

“ I’ll do,” You wiped away his tears with your thumbs, accidentally smearing more blood on his face doing so, “and when I do, I’ll take care of you alright? I’ll keep you warm and loved.” Punctuating your sentence with affection, you slicked his hair back with a frail but oh-so-loving grin on your face. He finally accepted.

When he left alongside John, your smile vanished and you got up from the floor, legs still slightly shaking. Thomas was still standing in the middle of the pub, towering you with all his height, and looking at you with his cold eyes. His chilling stare followed your movements as you walked to the bar and poured yourself another glass of wine.

“I told you to keep a low profile,” He began. Thomas Shelby’s voice was dressed in an apparent quiet, but something in his tone was threatening — and even though he did not display any sign of emotion, you knew his blood was boiling.

“Oh come on Thomas, all I wanted was to make a surprise to Arthur.” You took a mouthful of wine — the much-needed alcohol calming your anxiety.

Thomas closed his eyes for a few seconds and pinched the bridge of his nose to stop his dawning headache, “ A surprise… I hope you like the result then,” He retorted, before shifting his eyes back to you,

“Listen, I know you don’t like me but — ”

“He nearly killed someone for you. What the fuck are you doing to my brother, eh?” Tommy slightly tilted his head to the side, a spark of resentment lightening up his icy iris. You remained silent, still not believing Thomas was really blaming you for Arthur’s outburst. Of course, you had not reacted immediately, but the shock had petrified you for a few long minutes — but was it your fault if he had beaten the man? Certainly not. At this point, Tommy was just lashing out at you for all the issues his family was facing. It was far easier than admitting his own flaws and responsibility. Visibly infuriated by your silence, Tommy walked to you and stopped only a few inches from you, trapping your body between the counter and his own strong frame. He was close — so close your breasts were almost pressed against his chest, “Look me in the eyes when I fucking talk to you, Heaven.” He spat your name with disgust, as if he had just bitten into an apple filled with maggots.

“Get my pretty name out of your mouth,” You looked dagger at him, anger rushing through your veins at such an unwanted proximity. Yet you did not flicker.

“You fucking white Devil,” He hissed through his teeth, his low voice still calm in spite of his blooming hatred, “Are you happy to spread chaos in our life? What do you want from us ey?” He leaned over you, bringing his face closer to yours. With his brows slightly furrowed, Tommy’s sky blue eyes were probing yours, trying to understand the mystery they hid behind their aquamarine wonders, ”What do you want from me?! After Arthur is this me you want to control??” He growled. Your heart raced in your chest — shivers ran down your spine, and goosebumps appeared on your porcelain skin, for his unpredictable behavior was starting to worry you.

“I don’t want anything from you Thomas Shelby. Whether you like it or not I’m being honest with your brother. You know Arthur’s emotional, you can’t blame me for that. You take away his meds, turn him into a killer, and now you’re surprised he snaps?? How. Fucking. Unbelievable! Do you know what I think? Well, I think you need me to be your scapegoat . You need to blame me for your sins. For everyone’s sins.”

“Fucking burn in hell,” He spat again but could not find something to retort properly. It seemed like the skies gave you the gift of shutting Thomas Shelby's mouth. Instead, one of his hands grabbed you by the neck and forced your face to get closer to his. His breath fanned over your skin, as burning as a dragon’s fire.

“Be careful with the Rule of Three, Thomas. For each spell you cast always returns to you three times stronger.” You whispered. Then you gathered all your remaining strength to push him away from you, his musky and peculiar perfume almost making your head spin. Not wanting to stay here any longer — and also longing for a hot shower to wash away the blood from your skin —, you headed to the Garrison’s door. Obviously, Tommy’s eyes followed you but he did not say anything, muted by his resentment. Admittedly, he was torn between the urge to bounce on you and the desire to see you leave. You were about to disappear, the cold breeze of the night jumping at your face and rushing into the pub as you opened the wooden door. But your instincts kicked in. After a few seconds of hesitation, you finally decided to warn little king Shelby.

“By the way..." You looked at Thomas from above your shoulder.

"You should keep an eye on Charles. You really should.”

He froze. Confused and infuriated.

You left. Hurt and bitter.

When you came back home, you crossed your reflection in the corridor’s mirror. Your body refused to work anymore and forced you to stop in front of it. Facing your own person was something you hated. With trembling fingers, you brushed the blood stain Arthur had left on one of your cheeks.

Mom! Mom, no!!

I’ll fucking kill you all!!

You clenched your jaw at the memory it triggered, but still, you kept looking at your tainted ivory skin as if you were slowly learning to come to terms with what you did and what you were. Your fingers trailed down your throat until they grazed the top of your bosom, where the blood had accumulated the most. Another painful memory assaulted your mind, replaying the aching, almost inhuman screams of your little sister when her flesh had been eaten alive by the hungry tongues of the pyre’s flames.

Only God knew how you managed to keep your mind from spiraling into the darkest pits of your trauma, but you did — maybe that was because Arthur needed you. That protective instinct was stronger than your own pain. That was why you tricked your body into moving away from the mirror and went upstairs to take a hot shower before joining your man in bed. John had probably managed to convince him to sleep. Or his body had collapsed on the mattress, exhausted by the energy poured in his latest outburst.

As the running water of the shower was filling the bathroom with its regular and soothing noise, you slowly let your white dress slip along your body until it fell on the floor, as well as your lace panties. You stepped over the pile of clothes and, without waiting any longer, you hopped under the shower and welcomed its warm water with utter joy. A sigh of relief escaped from your lips as you tilted your head back, water hugging your body and raining down on your long white mane that cascaded down your lower back. You almost managed to empty your mind when, suddenly, one gentle calloused hand brushed your hip. Jumping in surprise, you turn around and saw that Arthur had joined you under the shower. His hands, arms, and face were still splattered with half-dried blood he had not cleaned. To be true, he had been too busy curling up on the bedroom floor, panicking about at the idea of you leaving him after what you had witnessed.

“You’re here…” His gravel voice said, water falling on his naked body whose millions of freckles drew magnificent constellations on his skin.

“Told you I’d come back.”

He smiled, softly. His steel blue had stopped avoiding you and was now firmly anchored in yours.

He took a step toward you.

You stepped back in response until your bare body met the cold shower wall.

Your pulse quickened, fascinated by the way Arthur looked. He had something in his eyes — a mix of limerence and pure madness who, combined with the crimson stains on his face, made your legs weak. His breath was slow but yours soon became erratic, even though he had barely touched you yet.

“You ain’t scared, love? Please, tell me you ain’t scared of your Arthur…” He said, his lower lip trembling as his body perfectly interlocked with yours. A small growl escaped from his throat at the intoxicating sensation of yours curves pressed against his skin. But despite his inextinguible desire, he still looked at you with hesitation and genuine guilt — his puppy eyes would surely break anyone’s heart.

“No, I’m not scared,” You replied, not shifting your gaze from him. The corner of your juicy and honey lips stretched in a small grin, “You…” You paused, bringing one hand to his stained cheek, “you look pretty with blood all over your face.”

Arthur’s eyes lightened with both surprise and ravaging desire, for you had witnessed the beast’s violence but still thought he was attractive. A twisted wave of arousal shook you to the core when he bared his teeth in a vaguely dangerous but oh-so-seductive smirk.

“Oh bloody hell, angel…” Not finishing his sentence, his lips captured yours in a fury kiss for he could not wait any longer. The need to possess you, to feel you, was too devastatingly strong to resist. At first, his lustful kiss surprised you, and even though you burnt for him l, a part of you felt it was wrong to feel this kind of twisted attraction. Last thing Arthur needed was someone encouraging his violence — but your brain soon shut down at the thought he did it for you. Only you. Your arms locked up around his neck to deepen the waltz of your tongues, sending fireworks in your loins. It was far than enough to turn Arthur on who, all of sudden, lifted you from the ground as if you weighted nothing.

You instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist, already suffocating with the hungry way he devoured your mouth and the shower’s steam accumulating around you.

As water rained down on your two intertwined bodies, it washed away the blood from your skins. The tainted liquid disappeared down the drain, leaving pale red stains on the bathtub's immaculate marble.

You kissed him harder. Rougher. Until his flesh dived into yours in an explosion of pleasure and shooting stars.

For you had seen the Hell in his eyes, and loved it anyway.

Any comment, review, reblog, or constructive criticism is welcome. Your reactions really motivate me and keep me alive, so please don't be shy. English is not my first language.

Each chapter of this series can be read as stand-alones but I advise you to read everything if you want a better understanding of details.

Tagging those who might be interested: @areyenotfondofmelobster @meowtastick @babayaga67 @sired-to-hybrid @shelbyssins @kxnnxyasdfg @adaydreamaway08

#comment rb #hye squad #Daisy Kitty

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fallout-drabbles-n-stuff · 3 years ago

Note

Can I ask what it would be like for Solsu having to take care of drunk romanced companions? Bonus points if they're told about their shenanigans afterword.

Cait:

(Angry drunk)

•It's best that you don't drink in polite company with her. She's already a feisty individual with a burning passion for inflicting pain, you make her drunk and it's only a matter of time before she incites some horrible fight.

•Sounds funny, but it's really not. Reign her back. Please.

Curie:

.......you aren't really gonna let her drink, right? I highly advise you don't....

Danse:

(Horny drunk 👀)

•Danse hardly ever partakes in more than a couple glasses with company and this is exactly why.

•At first it all starts off nice and smooth, just Danse beginning to gradually relax- which is "outstanding" considering his usual rigid disposition. However once that fine line of too many drinks have been crossed, all hell breaks loose.

•It'll start with comments on your appearance, simple incessant "you look beautiful"s spoken with dazed eyes...then it escalates to Danse pulling you into his lap where you're met with his obvious "intentions" prodding you in the ass, all while being held in a bear hug from a blushing, smiling Paladin who happens to look like a kicked puppy when you make him calm down with a drink of water. Don't worry, he might mope but he'll quit if you tell him to.

•Perks back up when you tell him it's time to go to bed...only to mope even more when he realizes that no, it isn't for sexy times. No worries, he'll be happy so long as you let him hold you..

•Is absolutely ashamed and horrified of his behavior when he wakes up and you tell him what went down. Probably will hide his face in his pillows and try to disappear. Swears he won’t drink again and make a fool of himself like that….will totally drink some more.

•Just be lucky he wasn’t feeling melancholic like a post BB Danse would.

Deacon:

(Stupid drunk..)

•Ever seen that one video of that guy busting through drywall like Kool-Aid Man? That's Deacon's level of maturity when properly intoxicated.

•No worries, Desdemona is going to bitch at him from the time he does something too stupid until he isn't even drunk anymore. Frankly, he deserves it too- he's destructive, reckless, and...well..hilarious, but that doesn't mean it's redeemable!

•He seems to perfectly remember all his antics, some he even reflects upon with a proud grin..until his hangover ends up making him wince in pain. Just...take care of him, there isn't any point in trying to scold him. Des has that covered anyways.

Gage:

(Emotional drunk)

•A drunk gage was both extremely rare because of his genuine hate for alcohol and also very shocking. Sure, one may assume that someone so rugged and tough like a raider- especially Gage- would have no issue handling his liquor....oh how wrong you could be...

•You weren't entirely sure what happened, much less where he got the idea, but somehow Gage got the absurd notion that you decided he wasn't good enough for you and you were going to just leave him behind. He'd keep it in for a while, slowly growing more quiet as he took practical gulps of his drink. That doesn't last.

•Eventually he starts to cry, silent tears pouring from his good eye. Whenever you actually notice, it's too late. Just pray no one else is around when this next part happens.

•All it takes is you coming to his side, placing a comforting hand on his back and he crumbles. He'll grab you and push his face into your chest and start sobbing, wailing incoherently as he begs you to not leave him.

•It might seem humorous, but it raised several questions.

•The morning after his outburst, you wake up extra early to present him with a half way decent breakfast in bed- extra grease on the food for good measure. Once he seems to be more coherent, you make sure to talk to him about his apparent fear of you not loving him...which brings him close to tears once again whenever you finally convince him that you do in fact love him and won't ever leave his side so long as he loves you back.

Hancock:

(Stealthy drunk)

•Unfortunately, the mayor of Goodneighbor doesn't really have any fun antics..well at least any that would point to him being intoxicated. Sorry.

Macready:

(Over indulging drunk)

•Mac is arguably the best one to get shit faced with, especially if you like drugs and food. Oh yeah, something about eating while intoxicated is irresistible to him. Think of it like munchies, but in Mac's case, five times as bad.

• After a couple drinks, Mac nonchalantly will reach into his pocket- gesturing for you to come close- before putting a cigarette in your mouth and lighting up- using your's to light his own. If you don't set a stopping point, the two of you will wake up down two packs, several empty containers of jet, and crumbs everywhere.

•When faced with the consequences of his gluttony, Mac will just sit there and whine as his stomach does cartwheels. That's punishment enough...

Maxson:

(Mr. Vomits-a-lot drunk)

•It takes a whole hell of a lot for Maxson to get shitfaced thanks to his rather strict habitual drinking. After all, it would be a strange day if you didn't see him knock a bottle of whisky out before finally turning in..which was kind of sad come to think of it..

•Nonetheless, he does occasionally push his limits when he's especially stressed and it's never pleasant when he does.

•It was sort of funny, in retrospect. One minute you and him were sitting on the flight deck together, casually talking whilst finishing off a bottle of shitty vodka (unknowing that he had already burned through countless bottles before meeting you) when suddenly Arthur started to look pale. It just kept getting worse until eventually he was frantically motioning for you to follow him as he ran to the railings, sticking his head over before throwing up whatever was on his stomach..sending it to a several hundred foot drop below.

•It's a good thing you held him, otherwise the brotherhood might've been short an elder and you short a partner.

•When confronted with his..let's say "overindulgence", he'll sort of look away and try to change the subject. It's probably best if you try to hide liquor for a while.

Nick:

(Doesn't drink....)

Old Longfellow:

With his age and experience? He's the same as Hancock.

Piper:

(Daredevil drunk)

•Hope you're sober, because if you aren't- there's a good chance you'll be spending the night in Diamond City Jail.

•Piper is reckless on a good day, putting alcohol with that in mass quantities and she's wild. Just hope you have strong will, because she sure as shit isn't going to back down easy.

•It's kind of funny, but her go to is to do crazy shit. Jump off the roof? Hold her cup. Want to vandalize the great green wall? Fuck yeah. Nothing beats the time she wasn't careful and threw a lit cigarette down Ann Codman's cleavage during a heated argument with her.

•She has no regrets either, so don't expect her to be remorseful in the morning whenever you tell her what she did. If anything, she'll just laugh next time she sees Ann.

Preston:

(Over thinking drunk)

•If it wasn't lowkey annoying, you'd probably think Preston's drunken neuroticism was hilarious. Not to be gotten wrong, but even sober, your love could be extremely insistent..mix his anxious attitude with liquor and you end up with a terrible night.

•You knew better than to let him have more than a couple beers, seeing as his tolerance wasn't exactly the best, and yet here you were. Preston pensively sitting at the bar beside you, rich eyes narrowed and focused on the liquid in his glass- his hands resting against his head.

•"I know you're dying to ask...." "Okay babe, since you brought it up...do you think putting electrical wire around our people's settlements would be a bad idea? It might closely resemble a prison but it's for their own good. Wait- shit, what about the kids? Oh god..."

•He may just sheepishly rub the back of his head and apologize in the morning..but he'll be quick to revisit some of the key points and ideas with you if you so much as give him a chance.

X6-88:

(Ridiculous drunk)

•It was only one time..thankfully.

•You, and your whole group of friends had to convince him to try it out- but once he started, he couldn't stop.

•This asshole would throw down drinks faster than Hancock..which was terrible considering his painfully low tolerance to alcohol.

•One thing goes to another and next thing you know, "The Wanderer" is playing in the background, X is singing and dancing like an idiot, and everyone is gathered around- terrified at what they were seeing. It's sort of like seeing a deathclaw do ballet- so, totally understandable.

•He dares you to bring it up later, dares you.

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matryosika · 3 years ago

Text

shoot me, chapter VII

pairing — changbin x reader

rating — 18+

genre of the overall series — smut, angst, fluff if you squint

prologue chapter I chapter II chapter III chapter IV chapter V chapter VI

word count for this chapter — 5.3 k

warnings — angst, softdom!changbin, female masturbation, dirty talk/suggestive dialogues, piv, unprotected sex, very descriptive but fluffy smut.

note — here it is, finally! this has been probably my favorite chapter so far and i completely loved the smut scene for this (because i am a hopeless romantic). i really hope you enjoy it, and please leave an ask in case you want to leave me a positive message! they really do motivate me a lot to keep on writing.

also, i have a ko-fi, in case you are interested in tipping my writing! it is not obligated, of course, but i would treasure every tip forever!

taglist: @cozyblues @ahgasearmyfan @binnie-m00n @minaamhh @pinkishwen @spilledtee

as soon as the two of you stepped into changbin's apartment the whole energy that had been building up since the wedding event started to unleash itself. just like two teenagers experimenting together for the first time, changbin's hands dragged themselves along the sides of your body hungrily.

"this looks so good on you" changbin panted, the touch of his hands leaving a burning sensation on your skin even though it was still covered with the fabric of the dress.

"mhm?" you hummed, hooking your arms on the back of his neck and feeling how his longing gaze fixed on your lips. "mhm" he replied in the same tone you did, "all of the dresses look good on you, but this one..." changbin sighed with accelerated breath as he took a step back to admire your whole body "you look like a goddess".

a small smile appeared on your face as you felt changbin's embrace, his lips crashing into yours again on a sloppy but passional kiss "worship me then" you jokingly gasped in between kisses.

changbin's face froze a few centimeters away from yours while a smirk appeared in the corners of his lips "i was already planning on doing so".

one of his hands left the edge of your waist and traveled all the way to one of the pockets on his pants, pulling out a red little box. "what is that?" you asked in confusion, your heart skipping a beat or two while your face sank in the crook of his neck, kissing and softly biting his skin.

"my father helped arthur in choosing the wedding rings" changbin explained, making your whole body take a step back from him "so?" you replied.

"i saw something that reminded me of you" he said, offering you the tiny box.

with heavy breathing you accepted the gift, a little bit overwhelmed. a trail of thoughts were unraveling inside your mind: why did he buy something to me? and why is he giving it now in the middle of this? he took it to the event hall since he had it in his pocket, but what could it possibly be?

your fingers managed to remove the adhesive on each sides of the top, almost chuckling at the awkard silence that was formed with only the sounds of panting and heavy breathings filling the whole room.

it was a necklace.

an expensive one, if you dared to say.

"what is this for?" you inquired, holding the fine gold chain that had a medal with the face of an unknown person engraved in it "you saw a charm of a random man and thought of me?" you mocked him.

his fingers danced around the chain you were holding as he took it away from you, his body shortening the distance that was created a few seconds ago "i didn't say the necklace represented you" he mumbled as he hooked the necklace on your neck "think about what it really means".

your confused mind went blank as soon as you felt his lips peppering kisses on top of the chain and in your neck, softly biting and caressing the skin on your chest as he played with the charm. unconciously, your head fell slightly back to give him more access. "i don't get it" you moaned, feeling how his hands danced around your back while they slowly unzipped the dress.

"you will" he replied, his lips tracing your bare skin as you were undressing for him "does that feel good?"

"mhm" you chanted, feeling how the kisses he was leaving along your abdomen and thighs only made you wetter. your hands traveled to his hair, caressing it as your legs threatened to stop working at any second "funny how this is not the first time seeing you kneel in front of me" you joked, letting out a sigh when you felt the tip of his digits tracing the skin of your legs.

"i would be anytime on my knees for you, all you have to do is ask" changbin whispered.

the dress finally landed on your ankles and you stepped out of it to fully remove it, slightly smirking at the wise decision of wearing a fancy set of lingerie for the ocassion because, deep in your mind, you knew that this day was going to end up exactly like this: with you and changbin together.

changbin licked his lips while he admired your body from head to toes, his gaze fixing immediatly in yours. that gaze was exactly the one he had given you the first night you met him, and the first night you slept together. the gaze that, even though he had seen your naked body countless of times, was always present.

you couldn't help but squeeze your thighs together at the feeling of your cheeks burning in embarrassment "are you going to stay on your knees watching me all night?" you inquired, still working hard to keep the eye-contact even though your heart was probably going at a million miles per hour. the funniest part was that, even if you two had fucked a 100 times now, this time felt completely different. more concious, if you dared to say.

"this is my way of worshipping you" he said, his lips slightly parted as his hungrily gaze toured every inch of your skin "don't you like being admired?"

"i would prefer other ways of worshipping" you shyly teased in an attempt to relax yourself from the nerve-wrecking emotions you were starting to feel "let's say, a million dollars"

"if i could, i would buy you the entire world just for you to destroy it" he mumbled while caressing your legs and, with that statement, your heart started to feel as if it was sinking in your insides. the man who once represented everything you hated was kneeling in front of you and willing to act as you pleased, yet, that didn't meant anything. that didn't make you feel powerful.

what made you feel powerful was him. owning you.

a couple of seconds in silence passed by as you watched him in awe. he was sure of what he was doing because you couldn't catch a glimpse of hesitation in his eyes. if anything, his gaze was nothing but honest.

his lips lost no time in making contact with the skin of your legs again, leaving a trace of kisses in the opposite direction as before. "if i destroyed the whole world, you would be included there" you sighed, repressing a whine once you felt his teeth and lips softly marking the skin on your hips. "do it" he panted as his hands touched the soft lace beige panties you were wearing, his lips now focusing specially on the exposed skin of your breasts leaving kisses on your chest "i would bear it for you"

his lips crashed into yours once again, this time slower. his taste was intoxicating and, no matter how many times you kissed, you just couldn't get enough of it. his tongue grazed slightly against yours as he parted his lips more to softly bit on your lower lip. "can we take this somewhere else?" you asked in despair, mostly worried about the fact that your legs could give up any second now.

changbin made you feel things you hadn't experience before and, even though it frightened you to a certain extend, it made you curious. "you have been expecting this all night, haven't you?" he smirked against your lips.

"have you?" you replied, tilting your head. if there's one thing that you loved to do was to tease him by answering his questions with more questions. however, changbin couldn't stand that.

"yeah, i did" he muttered, his fingers playing with the strands of hair that fell all the way down the sides of your face "you have no idea all the things that crossed through my mind the moment i saw you standing next to the altar in the church"

you pushed his body slightly "you have such a perverted, unholy mind. can't even hold back in such a sacred place" you joked, feeling changbin's gaze dragging itself all over the features on your face.

"y/n, you are the only holy thing i would get on my knees for".

he had such a way with words, but the ones he was particularly chosing tonight made your heart feel a sincere warmth that you hadn't experience before.

and it was making you nervous.

"just take me before i regret this" you mumbled, your arms once again hooking behind changbin's neck. his body descended slightly and soon you felt his strong hands caressing the back of your thighs, inviting you to climb into his his body "do you regret any of this?" he asked.

your body was pressed against his as he carried you, your legs crossed and resting in his lower back. the way his arms wrapped around your fragile body reminded you how this was actually the first time you felt small.

you had always been the big girl. the big girl who had to deal with her abusive household, the big girl who had to defend her mother from her emotionally unstable father, the big girl who watched her mother go from man to man until she decided to settle, the big girl who was not allowed to ask for anything because life hadn't given her enough.

but as you smelled his scent and felt the warm of his built arms around your waist, the world started to feel big for a used soul like yours. you smiled with half-lidded eyes, your breath getting caught up in your throat.

"no" you whispered, your breathing mixing up with this.

"no?" he repeated, his hands playing with your back "that's it? you are not going to answer my question with another question?"

"no" you replied, shaking your head from side to side. one of his hands left your back to hold one side of your face, stroking slightly the soft skin of your cheeks.

your lips traveled once again to the crook of his neck once he started to walk with you to his room. with each step, your core rubbed against his clothed abdomen and you couldn't help but to let out small whimpers every time your bodies grazed together "so i assume you have been expecting this all night" he teased, his bulge growing every time he heard those sweet sounds escaping your lips.

you didn't reply but, instead, started to bite softly the skin of his neck as you felt his figure descending into the bed. his hands softly traveled to your back, unclenching the top part of your underwear as his digits traced the lace beige fabric on top of it "you wore this for me, right?" he inquired.

you gave him a soft smile "you will never know, changbin". as soon as you finished that sentence, you let out a small gasp when you felt his cold finger rings caressing your nipples as they got hard under his touch.

"i have always loved how sensitive you are" he muttered, pinching and stroking them ever so slightly. compared to other times, you could clearly see that changbin was holding back a lot of the instincts that usually arise from him during sex and, as much as you loved him being rough with you, you were curious as to what you could expect from him tonight.

he licked his lips before making contact with your hardened buds, earning a quiet moan from you as your head fell slightly back "does that feel good, y/n?"

you swallowed and nodded "mhm". the mixture between the feeling of his lips against your body and the sound of his voice pronunciating your name was something that you were definetly going to engrave in your mind forever "look at all the mess you are making in my lap" he muttered, your gaze falling on his black formal pants.

before you could apologize, his fingers traced your slit over your panties. he held his fingers coated with your escence that were glistening due to the light that emanated from the window and, without parting his eyes from yours, he licked your arousal off his digits. as you witnessed the scene, a spark of electricity traveled around your body and into your core.

"you always taste good" he whispered "you have a tight grip on me, do you know that?"

you tilted your head and smirked "is that a secret?" you inquired.

"i wish it wasn't" changbin replied as you felt a pinch in your heart. even though what happened in private with him was something good, it wasn't supposed to be happening at all and both of you knew it.

before any more words could be spilled between the two of you, you leaned in for another kiss. your hands toured his body desperately, helping him get rid of the clothes that were now the biggest obstacle between both of your bodies.

his chest and back were already decorated with a light layer of sweat and that only fed up the friction in between your bodies. the way your nipples rubbed against his chest every time you leaned in for a kiss had you on edge and moving your hips against his bulge, trying to let him know that you couldn't keep up with the foreplay anymore. "you can't wait?" you shook your head, the sound of your accelerated brething revealing what you couldn't put into words.

"turn around" he ordered, lifting up your legs from his lap as he was sitting at the edge of the bed. you got up from your previous seat and caught a glimpse of a big mirror that was strategically placed in front of you.

"you re-decorated your room?" you teased. last week you had been there but that mirror wasn't around.

"i have a lot of ideas, actually" he answered, his head rolled slightly back to see your figure standing in front of him. soon, you felt [and saw through the mirror] both of his hands bringing your body closer to his lap again, only this time you were facing the mirror instead of him. taking advantage of the position you were now in, he kissed the skin on your back as he managed to get you out of the last piece of clothing you were wearing.

"it isn't fair" you whined, looking at the mirror "i am naked and you still have your pants on"

changbin's eyes fixed on your reflection, admiring your body completely as if it was the first time he had seen it "you already made a mess on my lap, it's okay if you keep on doing it" he provoked.

his hands guided you to sit on him again, spreading your legs open in front of the mirror. you didn't really took the time to think this whole thing through but, as soon as you saw your core completely exposed and changbin's facial expressions as his hands toured your whole body, your cheeks turned completely bright red.

"what?" changbin asked, smiling every time you let out small gasps as his digits traced your slit, avoiding that place where you needed him the most "do you feel embarrassed?"

"i feel exposed" you answered back as you let out a faint laugh.

"look at yourself" he demanded against your skin, his eyes admiring your body as his digits made contact with your bundle of nerves that was pulsating with desire "look how beautiful you look for me".

even though your eyes wanted to shut close due to the pleasure and shame, you tried your best to appreciate your body under his hold "i can't believe you are completely mine" he groaned, his digits moving in circular motions against your clit making you moan.

"yours?" you asked in between sighs. changbin's gaze was darker than usual and that only made you clench harder against thin air. he smiled, again showing that cockiness you utterly hated.

without saying a word, he thrusted one of his digits inside you. you whined at the sensation, feeling again the coldness of his rings against your warm core "you want to know how i know that?" he inquired.

you moaned again when you felt the finger tips of his opposite hand brushing against your bud "look at me" he ordered, immediatly making you look for his dark gaze in the reflection of the mirror. after a few seconds, his face held a victorious smirk "your body sells you out every damn time, y/n". you licked your lips at the confusion, only to be interrupted by a loud moan once you felt the pace of his fingers inside you matching the one with his digits against your clit "the way you clench around my fingers only by looking at me betrays you"

"you are still this cocky, changbin?" you asked in between moans, your eyes fixed on the way changbin's figure took care of you.

"you are still lying, y/n?" he replied while leaving faint kisses against your shoulders. "you look so small underneath me, you know that?" all he got from an answer was a soft moan, but he still continued "look at how gorgeous your body looks when it's being touched by me"

your hands rested on your breasts as you twisted and pinched on your hardened nipples, the tension on your lower back increasing as well as the pleasure you were receiving. "you always take me so well, it makes me proud"

a small cry left your lips at his words, knowing that your whole body clenched around his finger tips harder than usual at the praise. he didn't say anything, but the smile that he had on his face revealed that he definetly felt it. "my y/n, there is not a part of you that i don't find pleasing"

his words, combined with his touch, were definetly sending you to cloud 9. by the way your whimpers were starting to sound and your hips desperately grinded against changbin's touch, he knew that you were close. "do you want to be good for me, huh?" he questioned, his eyes admiring the grimaces of pleasure you made.

"mhm" you moaned "please don't stop, changbin".

your head rested completely on his shoulder and, as much as changbin wanted you to look at yourself in the mirror, he noticed that the position was rather perfect to help you chase the orgasm that you dearly longed for. "even when you are like this" he whispered in your ear, the tingle of his hot breath against your skin making you squirm under his arms "too fucked out to even keep your eyes opened and too filthy to even be considered a saint, i think you are the most beautiful"

"changbin" you gasped loudly, your back arching your back as it withdrew from his chest, your juices coating completely his fingertips "that's my good girl" he grunted, feeling how your walls violently clenched around his digits "you are doing so well, y/n"

again, you clenched even harder at his words once you reached the highest point of your orgasm. your eyes were completely shut that you swore you could see a night sky filled with starts, the sensations of pleasure wrapping every single part of your body as the only thing you could think of was changbin.

"thank you" you whispered with broken words and teary eyes due to the overwhelming sensation you just had experience. even though you had cum countless of times with him, this one felt different.

"you took me well" changbin replied, peppering kisses in your cheek as your breathing stabilize itself. this was not his usual self, but you would be lying if you said that you didn't like it.

as soon as you reincorporated on his lap, you saw your reflection in the mirror and a smile appeared across your face. your messy hair, your rosy cheeks decorated with tears and your still trembling body that was being roughly held by changbin's arms was such a sight you would never forget.

"come here" he said, getting you up from his lap as he stood from the bed too. with swift movements, he unbuckled his belt and got rid of the remaining clothes in his body. you couldn't really help but to stare at him, his soft caramel skin and the way his veins stood out in his arms was something that had always drive you insane.

carefully, his hands guided you to rest your back on the soft mattress, feeling a sensation of comfort as soon as you smelled the bed-sheets that had their scent imprinted all over them. "what else are you going to do to praise me?" you joked.

he leaned in to start kissing your chest and breasts while your legs automatically hooking around his waist and resting on his lower back "see how your body reacts to me" he groaned, biting softly your skin without too much strength since pain was not something he wanted to inflict on you today.

with eagerness, you squeezed your legs again around him, his cock making casual contact against your wet core "do you want me?" he asked.

you looked at him with lustful eyes as he rested his body on his forearms, and you couldn't help but smile. "i am here, that should tell you everything you need to know"

changbin's gaze fixed on the necklace he had given you a few minutes before and started peppering kisses against your skin, but he didn't reply anything to that.

one of his hands guided his cock inside you, letting out a groan once he felt your tight warm walls welcoming him "you always makes me feel so good" he panted, melting at the sweet sound of your moans.

his pace was slow and more delicate than usual, but you couldn't deny that you loved it. the way his hips softly slammed into yours while his pubis brushed against your clit with every thrust had you seeing stars "fuck changbin" you cried.

"you are doing good, y/n" he reassured, both of his hands looking out for yours as he placed them on either sides of your head "your pretty body can take my cock so well"

once again, you clenched at his words "you like that, don't you?" he whispered.

"mhm" you hummed "your voice..." a small whimper left your lips when you felt his pace increasing, but the softness of each thrust was still there "i love it when you talk to me like that"

"yeah?" he asked, almost in a chanting manner "do you like it when i tell you how good your body reacts to me, y/n?"

you squeezed your legs together once again, forcing changbin deeper into your tight cunt "fuck, yes".

the way he was holding your hands as he pounded you was something you found oddly intimate, but you liked it. this felt more than a casual session of sex, but you couldn't quite understand what was the thing that made it different tonight.

"changbin" you whimpered.

"yeah, baby?"

"no one has ever made this feel good before" you admitted, melting at his gaze. "god, you feel so good inside me"

"i know, princess" he replied with a heavy groan, leaning further to place a kiss on your forehead "no one can make you feel like i do".

both of your bodies were tired, but the passion and intimacy that was built inside that room was something that you two had never experience before. the way his breathing was getting caught up in his throat and the way your whines and moans were starting to sound louder than before only indicated that the both of you were ready to let go.

and all of the sudden, an unconcious sentence left your lips in the middle of the intimacy

"don't leave me".

changbin's body slightly tensed up at your words and you cursed yourself mentally for saying such a thing out loud. however, his gaze transmitted you some sort of comfort "i'm here, i'm not going anywhere".

his lips approached yours in a kiss, repressing every single pant or moan that you two could possibly emit. the pace on his hips increased too, desperate to make you feel completely good "i am so close changbin"

he let go of one of your hands as his digits found your bundle of nerves again, rubbing it just like before and adjusting the pace of each thrust to make sure you were getting nothing but pleasure. your back arched once again, your chest rising to meet his body.

"you are so precious" he moaned "i can never forget the image of you cuming all over my cock"

again, the knot unraveled at his words. both of your arms hooked around his shoulders and back as you held his body tightly, your finger nails sinking into his skin as he cursed under his breath due to the pain. "please cum inside me" you pleaded in a broken whisper "i need you to fill me up"

those words were the push he needed to let go as well, painting your inner walls white as he held your trembling body tightly "y/n" he moaned, feeling how your hips grinded involuntarily against him in an attempt to get him deeper "you are such a goddess".

a smile appeared into your face as your eyes found his again. "i know, you told me that before"

"i will never get tired of telling you"

after some time and few attempts to catch his breath, changbin got up from his bed and looked for a towel to clean the mess he had made in you. while he did that, you laid down thinking about everything that had happen: everything he said, everything you did, the necklace and the eerie sensations you felt throughout the night.

but since you had promised yourself to let go for the night, you tried to push all those feelings away from your own good.

"do you want to take a bath?" he asked as he dragged the towel along your inner thighs.

"i want to sleep" you admitted.

"with me?" he teased "are you really planning on giving me the honor?"

"don't make me regret it, fuck"

and just with those words, he got into his own bed with you. the warmth of his body was familiar to you, but you had never felt it like this before. your body curled up against his while your face rested on his chest, noticing how it went up and down every once in a while.

"achilles" he mumbled out of nowhere.

"huh?" you asked in confusion, your head separating from his chest so you could look at his eyes.

"think about it"

but you didn't want to think about anything. you just wanted to sleep next to him, feel his body leaning against yours while you felt his embrace throughout the night.

"maybe later" you replied, yawning. your head once again fell into his chest and changbin couldn't help but smile.

even though he was a succesful man at such a young age, this was the very first time he ever felt lucky and fortunate. and even though you slept safe and sound next to him, he spent the whole night thinking about the words that left your lips.

please don't leave me.

the next morning, changbin dropped you at arthur's house with the promise of taking you out for dinner later that day. even when you refused twice, changbin ended up convincing you. you wanted to go, but the rational part of your brain kept trying to contradict you.

you stepped into the house wearing the same clothes as yesterday, only now you were wearing a new accessory gifted by no other than seo changbin. achilles, you thought as you closed the front door.

you were exhausted from last night and, at this point, all you wanted to do was to run upstairs and into your bed. as you walked through the hall, a small smile escaped from your lips by recalling the events of the previous night.

"y/n" a voice interrupted, making you turn around in your heels.

"you got married yesterday" you mumbled, looking at the figure of arthur standing outside of his studio-office-whatever the fuck that room was. "aren't you supposed to be at your honey moon by now?"

"care to explain this?" he inquired, completely ignoring you or what you said. as he held his cellphone in front of you, your body turned into ice and your knees felt extremely weak.

"what are you doing with that?" you asked, defensive. as he swiped through his gallery, things got worse and worse.

"better yet, what are you doing with him?" he replied "i can finally see what your mother taught you"

"this isn't about her so don't even dare to bring up her name" you snapped back "how did you get those pictures?"

"changbin, really?" he frowned his eyebrows, "i really thought he would be interested in... any other kind of woman"

"what i do or not do is none of your business" you muttered, looking directly at the series of pictures that captured the moment you and changbin left the event hall, kissing and fooling with each other.

"he is a smart man, y/n" arthur intervened "if he hasn't realized that you are no good for him by now, he will". tears started to prick into the corners of your eyes, but you would be damned if you let him see you in a vulnerable state "do you love him?" he asked with a tint of smugness in his words.

you didn't reply.

"even if you just appreciate him as a...." he looked at you and then at the cellphone, in dispair "friend, i would reccomend you to be the bigger person here and just stay away from him"

"this isn't your call to make, arthur" you groaned "stop trying to control everyone else's lives just because you couldn't control mine or hyejin's.

"i am not sure if you are aware, y/n" he said, walking around you and into the hall "but the wealth of changbin's family depends on me". you crossed your arms, still trying to think about anything that would stop you from crying in front of your father "do you really want him to throw all the effort he has made throughout his life just for a whim of yours?"

you bit your lower lip.

"i am going to be in europe for two weeks" he added as he signaled a bunch of suitcases that were by the door "i want you out of korea by then, since you only came here for the wedding". he approached you with careful steps as his rough fingers held the necklace changbin had given you the night before "i want you out of his life too, for good. he has a commitment with me and the company, and i don't want you intervening in that"

he looked at the charm and then at you as you stood there completely frozen "i truly hope you had enjoy your time here in korea" he added with a bright, cynical smile as he walked to the suitcases.

it wasn't until you heard the front door going off that you started sobbing uncontrollably in the living room floor.

you had ruined everything, and you had ruined it big time.

what started as a game to get back at your own father ended up being an emotional set up for you, and you were not sure how to fix it.

#stray kids smut #skz smut #stray kids x reader #skz angst #stray kids angst #changbin smut #changbin x reader #kpop smut #stray kids imagines #stray kids oneshots #skz x reader #skz imagined #skz one shots

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curmudggeon · 3 years ago

Text

An Unexpected Encounter (Arthur Morgan x Female Reader)

After receiving an invitation to the mayor's Gala party, you encounter the one person you despise the most, Arthur. Just when you thought your rivalry would get any more infuriating, he comes along and one thing leads into another or maybe even into something more...

“Fuck it.”

Word count: 3.1k

Warnings: Minor spoilers of 'The Gilded Cage' Mission, Vulgarities, Alcohol, Guns, Violence, and Sexual intentions

A/N: Honestly, I didn't know where I was going with this. It's been quite a while since I've written. While playing through this mission, I was thinking of an enemies-to-lovers type of banter with the whole glitz and glamour of the situation. I hope you enjoy it or maybe not...

The grand music by the string quartet swelled into the elegant ambiance of the evening. With Saint Denis’ high society gathered together into one establishment, being invited into these types of conventions was a rare opportunity. You managed to get in the mayor’s party through close connections within the city. It was a chance to get your hands on valued pickpockets from pompous rich people; away from the hassle of collecting useless bounties.

The mansion was rather extravagant as you entered; unique architecture and expensive pieces of artwork looking out into the outskirts of the city. The scent of liquor, cigars, and the deep aquatic plants of the Bayou was intoxicating.

Defying all the odds of 1899 fashion, you wore a dress that had a slit on the slide of your right thigh that was high enough to hide the spare gun that you managed to sneak in despite having to surrender the rest of your weaponry at the entrance.

The mayor’s servants eyed you closely when you laid out your revolvers in front of them, since it was apparently absurd to witness a woman carrying such hefty guns. Winking at them as you moved away, you scowled under your breath at their suspicion and avoid being further searched. It was your only option of protection in case a fiasco had broken out in the middle of your pickpocket adventure.

Conversations started to tune out the music in the background, the heads of married men turned towards your direction as you made your way through the party, striding with utter grace and elegance to catch the eyes of your potential suitors to steal from.

Grimaced expressions were coated on the faces of the women while examining your revealing choice of clothing. You stood beside the refreshments, holding a free glass of champagne, as you glanced at the group of women engrossed in conversation regarding the lady that came into the establishment. You.

Raising your eyebrow as you sipped on the champagne, you gave them a firm nod headed their way, causing the litter of southern belles to widen their eyes at your acknowledgment and quickly disperse from their conversation. Real smooth.

It was the kind of attention you had gotten used to. After all, being the only woman bounty hunter in the city wasn’t normal in the present day’s context. Opting for a more reckless and freer lifestyle gave you a sense of adrenaline; to escape every expectation of conservative American society. You felt entitled to be who you are and wanted to be. A free woman. You started making a name for yourself in this city, bounty after bounty until one particular man decided to show up and defeated all your means of survival on the jobs you took on...

Arthur

The sound of his name left a sour taste in your mouth. He was the reason why it started to get progressively difficult collecting bounties. When you showed up for a $100 bounty for the leader of the Lemoyne Raiders, Lindsey Wofford at the abandoned fort, that is how you met Arthur. You were outnumbered. Deciding to team up with him, was the last thing you should’ve done. He was charming at first, but then came the point when he handed over Lindsey’s body to the police, betraying your efforts to help attain the bounty as he kept the prize to himself. So much for being handsome.

The moment bounty posters were displayed, it became a competition to get to them first. He would capture or kill them before you did. The feeling of immense frustration struck you as he flashed that lazy, crooked smirk of his. Arthur tipped his hat to you while collecting his reward for the day.

“Asshole.” You muttered under your breath, unable to contain the urge to lunge at him for beating you to it. The glimmer in his eye resembled the commencing of his mockery towards you.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Princess.” His eyes shined with amusement along with that stupid grin of his slowly widening at your reaction. Oh, he is so not going to see the light of day any time soon.

Your anger was at its peak, ready to set off and wipe that smug expression off his face. You couldn’t let him have this, not this time. Within a blink of an eye, you reached for your pistol and aimed it at Arthur’s head with ease.

“You take that back.” His face slowly turned south as his grin disappears upon my demand. I thought so, too.

“Woah, Woah, young lady. Put the gun down,” The policeman warned as he stood with his hand out to coax you into dropping my line of fire and from blowing Arthur’s brains out in front of him.

Ignoring the warning, you focused on Arthur, waiting for his apology. After a long pause of silence, his face slowly distorts, as if he can’t control the outburst of emotions flowing within him.

He’s

He’s laughing?

Your eyebrows furrowed even further as he slowly bends his arms onto his knees as blurts of laughter simultaneously start to escape his mouth. The policeman was surprised at the sudden change of atmosphere, as he stares at Arthur like a madman. He walks away, shaking his head as he retorts lowly, “I don’t get paid enough for this job”.

Rolling your eyes, you were annoyed at the fact Arthur doesn’t take you seriously. Even as your rival, it was unbelievably childish of him to do so. He continued to wheeze as if I’m the biggest joke in the whole wide world. “Ha ha. Very funny, Arthur”

A small smile crept up your mouth as you lowered your aim of fire and place it back into the holster at the round of your hip. You had to admit, he had one of the most contagious laughs you have ever heard, but that doesn’t mean you should lose your guard against the one person you despise the most. In defeat, you left the police station before he had anything else to say to mask yourself in humiliation.

“This changes nothing, I’m still going to beat you.”

A few glasses of champagne and pickpockets later, you managed to get your hands on some gold rings, silver-plated watches, and money off drunkards that made their way to you. They were easily wrapped around your finger to steal behind their back. The men surrounded the area as they unwind into the evening with very little knowledge, of what’s coming to them. You secretly stashed the contents of your pickpockets into your purse while walking away from endless conversations about politics and the weather.

Getting bored by the events occurring before you, in the corner of your eye you spot the mayor; Henri Lemieux by the fountain.

Hoping to make a name for yourself in this city —and probably pickpocket him, you make your way to his location. With elongated and purposeful sashays, you stopped in your tracks when you heard footsteps following behind you.

“Hey, little troublemaker.” His voice resonated through you.

Within a split second, you knew that warm, gruff voice anywhere. Frozen in your tracks, you closed your eyes and mentally cursed to yourself as you just got caught red-handed.

In front of you was your shadow cascading on the brick flooring of the garden as Arthur’s tall and burly figure enveloped yours under the dim moonlight. He was directly behind your back, just barely touching the exposed skin of your shoulders. You could feel the warm heat radiating off of him, making you shudder.

Slowly turning around to acknowledge his presence, composing yourself with utmost annoyance to resist the intoxicating proximity in between.

"Oh, it's you." He chuckled at your sarcastic remark as you admired his ravishing appearance. He donned a well-fitted Tux that hugged his biceps perfectly, along with the slicked-back hair from the usage of pomade to style it.

The view of him was a refreshing sight. Seeing him in such a way, despite the usual boyishly rugged blue shirt of his, that shaped his figure well tingled on your skin. He smelled of musk and wildflowers. The scent caused an involuntary sigh out of you before you could realize what you had just done.

"It's nice to see you." Slightly grinning, he stared at you closely. Holding eye contact as he took in the sight of your appearance. Before you stared at each other longer than the both of you had anticipated, fireworks had burst in swirls up in the sky. It caught the attention of guests as they watch the beautiful night sky be painted with streaks of vibrant colors. Comments of amazement filled the air.

Shifting your gaze back to Arthur, you felt like your heart had stopped for a mere second. What?

Arthur had already been staring at you, and your face started to slightly warm at the realization. As if on cue, at the side of the fountain was the mayor and his servant, quietly arguing. You eavesdrop only to hear the contents of the discussion 'Cornwall' and 'horse's ass'. Bingo. You knew anything that had to do with the wealthy man was a big deal to make out of. And definitely would come with something worthy to steal.

As the servant departs away from the mayor, Arthur was already making his way towards him to find out more information. Oh no, you don't.

You follow behind discreetly with the same intention before he finds something more useful than the already invaluable pickpockets in your purse.

Making way back through to the entrance of the Mansion, Arthur makes his way upstairs to the staircase leading towards the mayor's office, as you follow shortly after.

He enters the office quietly as he jams to open the locked drawer with a letter opener on the table. Slowly, you make your way to lean against the door frame, crossing your right leg over the left one to increase the view that revealed your exposed skin with a revolver strapped to your thigh. Preparing to display your disapproval of his actions, you fold your arms as he voices out the contents of the letter. "Mr. Leviticus Cornwall... Top secret… Extremely confidential. Very interesting."

"Very interesting, huh?" His head quickly turns in my direction upon the sound of my voice. His eyes widen. Gotcha cowboy.

Smiling innocently at his reaction, you slowly tilt your head the opposite way of the door frame, awaiting his response.

He pauses for a while as his gaze reaches your face as it makes its way through the revealed skin and revolver coyly making an appearance to him. Breaking off his stupor, It takes him a few seconds to process your actions as you walk towards him.

“What’s that?” He turns his back to prevent you from have a closer scan of the confidential document. Trying to reach it from out of his hands, he turns in another direction, holding the document up in the air far from your reach.

“Nothing useful,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone as he remains amused at your multiple attempts of stealing it from him. He looks away from you, dodging any suspicious allegations you might get just by narrowing your eyes at him.

“If you’re trying to hide it from me, sure as damn means it’s useful.” You hiss at him to hand it over as you continue trying to get up to his height to retrieve the ‘useless’ document out of his hands. Giving up, you stop your actions as an idea had come to mind. A stupid one.

Removing the revolver off your thigh, you pointed the gun at his foot to threaten him into giving you a glimpse of the contents of the paper regarding Leviticus Cornwall.

“I’d love to see you try,” His deep blue eyes sparkled as he challenged you with delight. Arthur knew you wouldn’t dare to pull the trigger and risk another catastrophe to happen at the mayors’ mansion.

Fireworks outside the window started to quieten down and conversations start to resume back to normal.

The sound of a key unlocking a door from another part of the office fills the room.

You look at Arthur with a slightly panicked facial expression. He folds the document neatly and places it inside the inner breast pocket of his tux as you quickly strap back your gun to the side of your thigh.

Arthur moves swiftly past you and grabbing you by the wrist before both of you get caught.

We make our way through the hallway and down a few steps down the staircase to get as far away from the office as possible. The soft tones of speaking at the end of the stairs traveled just at the rounded corner of the wall, nearing the both of you. Heavy stomps became louder and louder at the top of the staircase. You and Arthur were dead in your tracks, standing in the middle of the staircase, as your only two options of escape were far from reach. It was a dead end. This was a day you would go to jail, the both of you.

“Fuck it.”

And he kisses you. Hungrily and ever so desperately.

Pushing you against the wall as his hand cups the back of your neck bringing you close to him while the other was lowering to grab the exposed leg through the slit of your dress and cling it to the side of his hip. Your heart was beating out of your chest, ringing into your ears. And you were pretty sure he was able to hear it too. Not being able to grasp the situation, your stunned eyes fluttered shut, forgetting the entirety of your surroundings with his lips crashing on yours. Arthur’s lips.

There was no denying your attraction towards Arthur, from his physique to that annoying smirk of his that kept you on edge, it was hard to pay attention to the rivalry the both of you shared. Sometimes neither of you noticed the longing but yet despising looks you and Arthur exchanged. You thought you were being delusional, but It always seemed to be so much more. An indescribable magnetic force, pulling and pushing away from each other.

His stubble along the sides of his jaw skimmed the surface of your chin, inviting a light hum to alight from your lips from the contact. It made him smile against your lips, enjoying your compliance with his actions. Unable to resist, you grabbed the ends of his suit into fists, bringing him closer as his hands explored the map of your skin. Just like a predator devouring its prey, you lightly moaned as the warmth of his skin against yours created an inexplicable connection. A grunt escaped his mouth at your reaction to his touch. Kissing you harder, his hand gently slid up the exposed skin of your leg and over your—

"Ahem,"

Breaking off your kiss, a look of disgust was plastered onto the face of the servant, stumbling upon a couple who can't seem to get a room.

Regaining consciousness, you realize the highly scandalous position the both of you were in. You against the wall, arching your back with your hands resting on his heaving chest. You look down, noticing the strap of your dress that had tipped of your shoulder, which revealed your cleavage a bit more than it had already displayed. And his hands, at your waist and up your thigh reaching, Oh. Your face turned bloodshot red.

In a protective stance, Arthur leans forward closer to shield the tantalizing sight of your appearance to the man who had caught both of you at the top of the stairs. Furrowed eyebrows and eyes of infuriation were headed his way.

"Oh, heavens" a group of maids that reached the staircase, quickly shuffled away to busy themselves with other things than going through the second floor of the mansion.

“Pardon me for the intrusion, but this area is strictly out of bounds.”

“Well, I don't see any signs suggesting, so”

The servant raises his eyebrow higher with arms crossed, emphasizing how ridiculous his comment was.

Arthur grumbles, “We’ll be on our way”

The man’s heavy footsteps move past us, giving you privacy to freshen up whatever articles of clothing that was out of place

Hesitant to make eye contact, you observed the bow tie that hung around Arthur’s neck like it was the most interesting thing you had ever seen. You could feel his intense gaze drilling holes into you as his eyes did all the talking. The air was thick, making it hard to breathe as each second passes by. There wasn’t an inch of space left between the both of you, except for the slight distance aching to be met at the lips. His fingers lifted your chin to divert your attention back to him.

You could see the reflection of yourself drowning in the deep seas of his cerulean blue eyes. His gaze lowers down to the swell of your lips. Momentarily, time stops moving, it was the climax of something different. Something exciting, that the hatred you had spent building up for him was collapsing. Something you couldn't quite pinpoint.

There’s a gravitational pull pulling us closer and closer…

The basis of physics was no match for the two of you.

Lips barely grazing onto yours as light music soars in the background,

“Arthur!”

He stops, painfully closing his eyes to the familiar voice that constantly put him to work.

The tension breaks like a gunshot piercing through the air, pulling you out of your daze and back into reality.

What the fuck just happened?

Arthur groans and smothers his face into the crevice of your neck. His arms tightening around your waist, holding for dear life like you were going to slip away from his fingers. Gibberish left his mouth, whining like a child being awoken from his slumber, as the voice that yelled for him gets louder.

You couldn't handle the position you were in, he was so close to you. Your heart could burst any time soon from his touch. It was nothing you had ever imagined with him, nothing you had ever experienced before. This feeling was new.

“I have to go” her murmurs barely under a whisper, only for you to hear. Arthur lightly kisses the skin of your shoulder to signal his departure. The sensation tingles as he separates away from you.

The initial distance that was so close between the both of you was now a little too far away for your liking. Leaving you at the staircase, he looks back at you.

Our eyes meet, and it’s only the two of us, and from this point onwards, everything changes, and you find yourself longing after his lips.

Maybe for once, things could change.

Maybe we can change.

Us.

part 2-?

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