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callahanisms · 2 years ago

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in the mood for love

pairing: aemond targaryen x gender neutral! reader

word count: 3,866 words

ao3 link: 💘💘💘

summary: you learn that your husband has been having an affair with the wife of your neighbor. so the two of you find comfort within each other.

for vibes: yumeji’s theme from in the mood for love

warning(s): affairs, infidelity, cheating, drinking, smoking (cigarettes)

notes: this takes place in a modern au (somewhat). aemond has a prosthetic eye. based on wong kar-wai’s film, in the mood for love (2000) which stars the beautiful maggie cheung and handsome tony leung. anyways happy valentine’s day!

“Be careful! Be careful! That was my mother’s!” You exclaim, watching the movers carry the couch up the stairs. A small sigh of relief leaves you when they manage to get through the door. You follow after them, entering the place. A new place, a change of scenery. It would be good for you and your husband. You were starting to get a bit stir crazy back in your old home as a house spouse. You left your career for him, gave up a lot for him. It’s upsetting that he was on a business trip, but it wasn’t like you couldn’t handle yourself. You were perfectly capable.

You leave the apartment for a second, almost running into a man. “Oh. I’m so sorry. Excuse me.” You say, but you don’t move upon seeing other people carrying boxes up.

“My apologies. I’m moving in today.” He says.

You take in his appearance: silver hair, light eyes, lips that curl delicately, a gorgeous nose. You also notice how one of his eyes is entirely blue. “You are? What a coincidence. Me too.” You smile.

“Well, me and my wife. If she was here. But she is on a girls’ trip.” The handsome man leans against the wall, watching the people take his boxes inside.

“I guess since you are moving into this apartment, then we are neighbors.” You fiddle with your fingers. “I’m (Y/N).”

“Aemond. Aemond Targaryen.”

You set your pen down and remove your glasses from your face. Your eyes were beginning to be strained and it was an indicator that you should stop working on the letter in front of you. A state of purpose was so…annoying. You were thinking about going back to school to get a PhD. But you forgot how frustrating it was to write a statement of purpose. Setting your glasses down, you grab your things and leave the apartment. There were a lot of local food spots where you were, so you had trouble picking one. But eventually, you settled on what looked like a decent Mediterranean spot. Walking in, you take a look at the menu and order your food to go. As you are waiting, however, the door opens and the bell rings. “It is quite late to eat.”

You turn your head. “I was…busy. Time flew by. It happens when we move.” You smile.

“You are not wrong. I even forgot to eat lunch. And dinner.” Aemond looks at his watch. “Though I guess this can count as my dinner.”

“It is quite late.” You brighten up when the hostess returns with your food and hands you the bag. “Thank you so much.”

“Are you not staying here to eat?”

“I…I prefer the home, is all.” You brush past him and he watches you leave the restaurant.

You turn your head. “I was…busy. Time flew by. It happens when we move.” You smile.

“You are not wrong. I even forgot to eat lunch. And dinner.” Aemond looks at his watch. “Though I guess this can count as my dinner.”

“It is quite late.” You brighten up when the hostess returns with your food and hands you the bag. “Thank you so much.”

“Are you not staying here to eat?”

“I…I prefer the home, is all.” You brush past him and he watches you leave the restaurant.

The phone rings and you pick it up. “Hello?” You ask. You were expecting an interview today, but your heart fell slightly upon hearing the familiar voice of your husband.

“Darling?”

“Dear husband.” You say.

“You sound disappointed.”

“I was expecting something else today, is all. It must be serious since you’re calling me, instead of texting me.” You spin around in your chair, adjusting your glasses. “Although, let me guess: your boss extended your business trip. So you will be away for a few days?”

“How did you know?”

“It’s routine, at this point.” You hang up, setting your phone down. A disappointed sigh leaves your lips and you get out of your chair, heading immediately to the fridge. You pulled out a glass of non-alcoholic wine. You didn’t really like drinking but the sensation was somewhat fulfilled with non-alcoholic drinks. You also open your cabinet to grab a wine glass and open a drawer at your desk to take out a pack of herbal cigarettes and your lighter. No nicotine and flavored. This one was your favorite. You open the wine and pour yourself a glass before opening the window and sitting on a stool by it. Your fingers work to open the box and place a cigarette in your mouth, before flicking with the lighter and lighting said cigarette. You had already moved your ashtray to the window sill, considering how many times you have smoked in the past few days. Your husband promised to come home earlier. Alas, you knew better than to trust him. You take a long drag before letting it out slowly. “He’s such an asshole.”

In the apartment next to you, the man gets a call. “Hello?” He asks as he messes with the cuffs of his button down. He perks up upon hearing the voice of his wife.

“Why so formal Mondy?”

“I told you not to call me that.” Aemond frowns. “Anyways, do you need something? Did someone get hurt?”

“No one got hurt. Aside from Tesha. She got too drunk last night and is severely hungover.”

“Makes sure she eats something bland and hydrates.”

“I know, I know.”

“Is that all? I have to get to work.”

“I’m calling to let you know that the girls want to extend the trip. So we will be here a few more days.”

“Oh.” He says. “Well, have—” He’s interrupted by his wife ending the call. “Fun.”

You walk out of the convenience store, carrying a brown bag. You finished your non-alcoholic wine and wanted something alcoholic, so you bought yourself a bottle of red. When you approach the door to your complex, you see a man smoking outside. “Rough day?”

He looks at you, his blue eye glinting under the lamplight. “You could say that.” He tosses the butt of his cigarette into a nearby trash can.

“Have you eaten?”

“I have. I did not forget. Have you eaten?”

“I have. I also did not forget.” You observe his body language and notice how tense he was. You pull the bottle out of the bag slightly to show him. “Bought a new bottle. Want to open it with me?”

Aemond smiles. “It would be nice, yes.”

He follows you up to your apartment and you pull out your keys to unlock your door. You slide your shoes off and set them aside. He follows suit and watches as you take the bottle out of the brown bag and set it on your counter. You open your cabinet, pulling out two wine glasses, and a bottle opener. It was not your first time opening a corked bottle of wine but it did take a bit of strength on your part. That pop though was very satisfying. You pour the wine and walk over to your window sill, setting the glasses down on the ledge, opening said window, and dragging another stool over. Your neighbor joins you and you pull out a box of your herbals from your desk drawer. You sit down and open the box, pointing it towards him. “They’re better for you.” You say.

Aemond takes over and you feel his fingers brush against your own. It sends a small jolt throughout your body. A good kind of jolt. “Herbal?” He asks.

“Yes. This flavor is honey.” You pull one out.

He takes his lighter out of his pocket and lights his cigarette before presenting the flame to you. You light your own and take a long drag. The two of you let out smoke and bump the cigarette against the edge of the ashtray. You pick up your glass and take a sip. “How is it?”

“Sweet. Although I prefer a Sangria.”

“Sangrias are good.” He picks up his glass and gently swirls the liquid around. He lets the scent of the wine waft to him. He takes note of the small decorations around the apartment and how clean it was. “Were you expecting someone?”

“My husband.” You take another drag of your herbal. “He said his boss was extending his business trip. Nothing new.”

“Guess we are in the same boat.” He takes a long sip of the wine.

“Your wife?”

“Her girls’ trip is being extended. I want her to get out of the house anyways. She’s been spending a lot of time at her office recently, doing overtime, being stressed. Although, most nights, I am already asleep when she comes home. And she is asleep when I wake up. I try not to disturb her.”

“You are a good husband.”

“One can hope and try.”

The two of you sit in silence as you smoke your cigarettes and drink your glasses of sweet wine. You take in his presence and take note of how put together he looked. Or how much he was trying. His shirt was a little bit wrinkled and the top buttons were unbuttoned. His tie was loose and his cuffs were unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. You noticed a small stain on his pants despite the fact that his pants were dark. You both sit there for what feels like hours, having gone through many cigarettes and glasses of wine. Eventually, he puts out his last cigarette, drinks the last bit of his wine, and stands up. You know what he was going to do. So you follow him to your door where he puts his shoes back on and you open the door. “Do you want me to take care of that?” You ask.

“Take care of what?” Aemond tilts his head to the side.

“That stain on your pants.”

“Oh. This!” He smiles. “It’s nothing. I can take care of it. But it is very sweet of you.”

“Okay.” You watch him take a step out of your apartment. He looks at you with a gentle gaze and it makes your heart pound against your chest. You haven’t seen that kind of gaze in a long time. Your husband never really looked at you in that way.

“Let’s…do this again sometime.” He says.

“Let’s.” You close the door and lock it before turning around to lean your back against it. Your hand went up to grip at the fabric of your clothes, above your heart, as it pounded away at your ribcage.

Outside of your apartment, Aemond stood there for a good minute or so, looking at the door and the metal numbers. He could not stop thinking about the peace he felt when he was with you. He shakes his head before pulling his keys out.

“A pearl necklace?”

“Yes. A pearl necklace.”

“...I will ask my husband. Maybe he bought it. But thank you.”

“Of course.” You hang up and let out a sigh. You turn your tablet on and enter the passcode, before finding the banking app and entering your information. You just wanted to see what it would say on your statement. The necklace wasn’t too expensive but you didn’t really like pearls. They were not your favorite thing to wear. You found the charge and the name before typing it in your computer. You came across different variations of the design, but for the most part, they had a similar pendant attached to it. Not overly expensive but it would still be considered a nice gift. Your mind was poking you, poking you with the fact that this could mean a lot of things. But there was an obvious one. You didn’t want to think about that. Thankfully, a knock at your door distracts you. You stand from your desk and open the door.

“Have you eaten?” Aemond asks.

“No, I have not. It seems I have forgotten.”

He holds up a bag. “I bought you food.”

“How did you know I forgot to eat?”

“Instinct. Can I come in?”

“Of course.” You step aside to let him in and he removes his shoes. “Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I thought it may be less lonely if we ate together.”

“You would be correct. Shall we drink?”

“I will take water instead.”

You pour two glasses of water as he sets the food on the island and begins unpacking the food. He pushes a container towards you. “Got you your usual.”

“How did you know?”

“I noticed your receipts.”

“You are certainly observant.” You sit next to him as he gives you some plastic cutlery and napkins.

The two of you begin to eat, enjoying each other’s presence. It was hard to admit, but your husband not being with you made the apartment feel empty. You were getting lonely. So the presence of your neighbor made things feel a little bit more cozy. And perhaps he was feeling the same way because he kept returning to you, spending time with you. The both of you spent a lot of time smoking at the windowsill while drinking (wine, water, general alcohol. Whatever struck the fancy of the two of you). You contemplated life with him and talked about your days. He was very encouraging of your academic pursuit and took interest in your life and routine. You felt bad for talking so much while he listened but he always reassured you with a smile.

“Have you talked to your husband today?” Aemond asks.

“No. Instead, I got a call from the bank about my card about a charge for a pearl necklace.” You picked at your food. “Have you talked to your wife today?”

“I have, actually. She texted me to show me a necklace her friend got her.” He pulls out his phone. You notice that it’s a much older model. He shows you a picture and your heart sinks slightly upon seeing the necklace. He notices the change in your face. “Something on your mind?”

“That necklace…It’s a Valyrian Pearl Necklace with an engraved, porcelain pendant.”

“It is.”

“The charge on my card was for that.”

Aemond frowns upon hearing that. He notices the look on your face and it is as if he feels what is in your heart. “Where is your husband? For his business trip?” He asks after a moment of silence.

“He is in Milan. And your wife? For her girls’ trip?”

“...Milan.”

You look into his eyes and he looks into yours. The both of you say nothing as the reality dawns upon the both of you.

The two of you walk down the street and he opens the door for you, letting you in first. You ask for a seat for two people and sit down across from each other. It was a nice Italian restaurant and you take a look at the menu. The two of you sit and contemplate for a bit before ordering. Aemond orders two glasses of white wine for the two of you. You don’t talk much, just sit in each other’s presence. His hand twitches, tempted to touch yours. But if he did, other people may get different ideas. The food comes and the two of you begin eating. You look at his plate. “My husband does not eat much pasta. He watches his carbs.” You take a sip of your wine.

He looks at your plate. “My wife hates chicken. She thinks it makes her bloated. Her food is also less spicy.”

You look up at him and your lips curl into a small smile. He smiles in return and the two of you continue eating.

You pick at your food, staring at it with a longing look. “Do you have a mistress?” You ask. You don’t bother to look up and face the man sitting across from you. He doesn’t answer. “Do you have a mistress?”

Aemond swallows his food before speaking. “Yes.” You hit him in the arm lightly and he looks surprised. “What was that for?”

“My husband would not admit it so easily.” You scoff, taking a bite of your food. You let out a sigh. “I would think most husbands would not admit it so easily.”

“Maybe he feels guilty.”

“He does not feel guilty.” You sigh. “I would hope your wife feels guilty.”

“Maybe she does, maybe she doesn’t.” He takes a sip of his drink. He sets the container of food down and moves closer to you. You don’t know how to react, but you don’t mind. The two of you have grown considerably closer since you sat in your kitchen, thinking about how it was your spouses having an affair with each other. Certainly a strange turn of events. How many people would expect something like this to happen? When you turn to look at him, he is close. You like how close he is. You like your neighbor. He was a good husband. He was attentive, kind, helpful, encouraging. Everything your husband was not. He leans closer slightly and you pull yourself back.

“We cannot become them.” You whisper.

He purses his lips then nods. “We will not be them.”

You never really liked the rain. Or at least being outside. You liked being holed up in a car or in your home while it rained. Rain was nice as long as you were dry. But you were caught outside, having taken refuge under an awning to prevent yourself from being soaked to the bone. It rained down upon you hard, as if the skies were weeping for your predicament. You were cold, wrapping your arms around your body in an attempt to preserve your body heat. It seemed you would be stranded here for a bit. You were hoping you could wait out the storm, wait out the rain. But it didn’t let up, only rain harder. You turn your head upon hearing footsteps and see your savior emerge under the yellow lamp light. He holds an umbrella and he’s looking forward, looking away from you. But he turns his head and your body shivers, his gaze meeting yours. He walks over towards you, keeping the umbrella above him even under the awning. The umbrella even covers you. “Have you eaten?” Aemond asks.

“No. I forgot.” You say. “I was on my way to get myself something to eat actually.”

“What is stopping you?”

“I don’t like the rain.”

“It is when the sky weeps.” He scans your state. “Did you not bring an umbrella or a coat?”

“I do not look at the weather.”

“You can walk with me.”

His suggestion has you nearly melting. You could feel your heart quicken with anticipation. You shake your head. “People will see.”

“What will they see? A man protecting his neighbor from the rain so they can eat?”

“People talk.”

He lets out a sigh, looking around. It seems it is just the two of you together on this rainy night. He looks back at you. “You can take my umbrella then.”

“Then you will get wet.”

“That is fine with me.”

You look at his outfit. He seemed warm, comfortable. “Okay.”

Aemond gives you his umbrella. His fingers brush against yours and it sends that familiar feeling of electricity through your veins. You shiver but he doesn’t seem to notice. With the umbrella protecting you against the rain, you walk with your neighbor back to your apartment. When you get inside, you close said umbrella and give it back to him. His hair is wet, coat not as much, as is the awkward nature of rain. “Do you want a drink?” You ask.

“Something to warm the body.”

“Cabernet Sauvignon?”

“Cabernet Sauvignon.”

You unlock the door and let him in. He has been in this apartment many times and knows what to do. He removes his shoes and hangs up his coat while you put the wet umbrella in a plastic bag and set it aside. Once your shoes are off, you walk to the kitchen and pull out two glasses and the unopened wine bottle. You don’t really drink alcoholic wine, only when he is with you. And because the two of you spend time together, whether it’s just soaking in each other’s presence, talking briefly to each other, or rehearsing how you will confront your spouses, you drink wine. You’ve started buying it just for Aemond, for when he comes over. You unscrew the bottle, letting the wine breath for the first time, and pour it in the glasses. You observe him as he sits while you pour and watch as he plays with the golden band on his finger. He turns it, rubs it, and he contemplates something before pulling it off and setting it down on the counter.

“Why take it off?” You slide him his glass and set the bottle down.

“It is too heavy to carry.” He picks up the glass and sips the wine.

You look at your own ring and move your fingers. It does feel heavy. Not physically, but when you look at it, your hand is weighed down by the burdens of the ring. It’s almost too heavy for you. You struggled to lift up your ring finger. “You are right.” You take your ring off and set it next to his.

You fiddle with your fingers, looking up at him. The two of you were on your couch, your head on his lap. His eyes are on the television, watching the film. A romantic comedy. Your husband wouldn’t pick a romantic comedy. But he did. He asked you what you liked and you answered with A romantic comedy. He told you I like them too. He seems to notice your gaze, looking down at you. You smile and he smiles back. Looking at his face closer, you see his scar and the discoloration around his eye. You take note of his face, a face you immediately noticed the day the both of you moved in. “Your scar.”

“Normally, I cover it up.” Aemond answers.

“Not today?”

“I had to rush out of the apartment.”

“You’re beautiful.”

“My wife does not think so. She was the one who found a concealer and foundation that matched.”

“Then your wife does not know anything.”

He leans forward a bit towards you, hair brushing against your skin. It makes you shiver and his closeness makes your body hot. You lean towards him and your lips touch his gently. His kiss is gentle, soft, and his hand cups your face. You melt into his touch.

You take a long drag out of your cigarette, eyes glancing at the stack of papers next to you. The big bold letters stare back at you and the words dissolution of marriage stick out. Your husband’s name is on the paper. And your own name? The one asking to seek the dissolution. You contemplate to yourself in the silence, wondering if this was worth it. How much would you make? You haven’t been gone from the job market for that long. But two years was a long time. You take another drag just as a knock rings throughout the apartment. You leave your desk, placing the cigarette between your lips as you open the door. Aemond stands in front of you, scar visible and his blue eye glowing against the yellow light of the hallway. He speaks.

“Have you eaten?”

#happy valentine's day #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd fanfic #hotd fic #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond targaryen x reader #x reader #gender neutral reader #male reader #female reader #slow burn #bittersweet #based on a movie

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itsjustsemantics · 1 year ago

Text

Narcos - A Javier Peña fic: Love, Javier

Summary: Broadly based on every great best friend-to-lovers flick. From ‘Love, Rosie’ to ‘When Harry met Sally’ to ‘Ugly truth’ to ‘One day’ to ‘Just friends’.

Pairing: Javier PeñaxF!Reader/OFC (no y/n, no physical description, established backstory, no clear age gap)

Rating: E (Series 18+)

Content and warnings: Follows the timeline from season 1 of Narcos till post-season 3 but the main story takes place post-season 3. So semi-accurate timeline(Apologies for any errors) Slow burn, best friends to lovers, based on a couple of rom-coms, smut, alcohol and tobacco consumption, mention of hard drugs and violence (gun, physical, mental, emotional etc...), mention of pregnancy; pregnancy scare, discussing abortion, miscarriage, lots of pop culture references!! 70s, 80s, 90s inspired!!! And OMG soft 50s music and jazz inspired!!!!!!!! sex;) (Individual warnings before each chapter as well in case I missed any here x)

PS- lots of mutual pining and reluctant friends to lovers, all the good stuff basically ;)

~0o0~

Series masterlist - Next Chapter

Chapter 1: The Favour (1989)

Javier’s eyes burned holes into the clock above the bar. He downed the last of his whiskey and ran his tongue over his bottom lip catching one of the drops that had dared to escape. He drummed his fingers absentmindedly against the walnut countertop, simultaneously bored and anxious.

One could call him a hypocrite. Javier hated tardiness in others even though he himself had made it quite the habit. His conscience simply skipped over that part in the moral guidelines handbook. He wondered if Steve was even going to show as his eyes washed over the crowd hoping to catch a flash of blonde hair and beige suit.

“Hello, hi, hey.” Steve’s breathy voice cut his search short. He watched as Steve straddled the bar stool and reached into his breast pocket for a handkerchief, wiping away the thin layer of sweat coating his forehead. A habit he had picked up back in Colombia.

“Sorry,” He breathed, signalling the bartender and gesturing to the single malt whiskey on the shelf before his shoulders uncharacteristically slumped into a curved posture.“Were you waiting for long?” He finally turned to face Javier, a cheeky smirk dancing on his lips. Javier rolled his eyes in retort any of the genuine annoyance he had felt had now dissipated and was replaced with scepticism.

“Cig?” He said, offering an open pack of Marlboros to Steve and slotting one between his own empty lips. His hands curled around the familiar shape of his lighter in his back pocket and then brought it to his mouth.

“Some conference huh?” Steve said, filling in the short silence where Javier flicked the side of the lighter, waiting for the end of his cigarette to catch a spark. His eye swooped upwards towards Steve curiously.

“Some waste of time.” Javier let out a mirthless chuckle along with a cloud of smoke.

“Javi, I-” Steve paused and took a long drag. “I actually need a favour from you.”

There it was. Javier smiled inwardly, he was right, as usual.

“Connie's cousins’ in town and she’s headed to New York, same as you.” Steve sipped his whiskey, eyeing Javier from behind the safety of his glass.

“Mhmm.” Javier nodded, sucking at his cigarette with more intention than before, the smoke coaxing him to relax.

“She needs a ride, and I was hoping you could give her one.” He planted his glass down firmly on the countertop and the liquid thrashed against the walls.

“Next week?” Javier reached for Steve’s glass, the swirling liquid calling out to him.

“Next week,” Steve repeated, letting him take a sip.

Javier looked at his partner. Steve’s brows were tense and it looked like he hadn't slept in days; no doubt late-night phone calls with Mrs. Murphy trying to juggle the responsibility of their new baby. Steve loosened his badly done-up tie and took another long drag from the nic stick. That with this conference they were attending sure looked like it wasn’t doing wonders for his partner. He couldn’t say no, moreover there was no actual reason to say no, besides his own selfish discomfiture.

“I can't stay Javi,” Steve sighed, rubbing his palm over his face in response to his silence. “Connie’s been alone too long- Hell, I’ve been alone too long.” Javier’s jaw tightened, saying no would be a crime.

“When are you leaving?” Javier leaned against the countertop, chin resting in his hand lazily.

“Tomorrow,” Steve sighed out a large cloud of smoke. “Javi I would've done it myself but-”

“It's okay Steve.” He patted the blonde’s shoulder. “It’s really not that much.” Javier felt as though those last words were more for him than Steve, the way they lingered at the back of his throat.

“Thanks, Jav, really.” Steve’s eyebrows creased and his hand reached backwards and patted Javier’s hand on his own shoulder.

“Tell Connie and the kid I say hi hmm?” He put out the cigarette and watched Steve’s lips press into a relieved smile at the mention of his wife and child. He squeezed Steve’s shoulder one last time before getting up.

“See you Jav, take care of yourself.” Steve raised his glass towards him and Javier pressed a couple of dollar bills on the counter.

“Will do, Steve.” He turned around on his heels and walked away towards the exit, without looking back.

~0o0~

A/N: Hello. Just a little note here, the first 2 chapters are kind of small, but I assure you they get longer. Comments and notes left are much appreciated, kinda gives me some direction as to where to go with this whole thing :)

Hope you stick around and give this a chance. Sending love to everyone :**

PS- Check out chapters 2 and 3 here: Chapter 2, Chapter 3

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