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lure-of-writing · 8 hours ago

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Word count: 4.2k

Warnings: none

Summary: Bodhi is in love with you. Hopelessly in love. Unfortunately for him he can't say anything about it.

If you asked Bodhi when he first met you two things were certain. One, he would tilt his head to the side and raise an eyebrow in question. Two, he would give a small shrug of his shoulder before saying “Uh I don’t know?”. His statement always sounded more like a question. In his defence why would he know the answer to that question. There is no point in time where Bodhi can pinpoint the moment you entered his life. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you asked, you have always been there. Always a constant in his life and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Oh come on Bo don’t be like this.” You tilt your head slightly, your lashes batting so strongly he swears that there is a draft in here. Bodhi doesn’t budge, he keeps his arms crossed over his chest with a slight twitch in his clenched jaw. “You know I didn’t mean it right?” The teasing in your voice softens, just a little, just enough to know you really didn’t mean anything by your comment. “As cool as Xaden is, I could never replace you with him.” You pause for a moment before adding “His ego is too big for me.” Bodhi glances down at where you were sitting on the ground next to the chair he was sitting in. Bodhi wanted to say something sarcastic right back at you, but he couldn’t, the jealousy burning in his throat wouldn’t allow him to. Even if he could say anything he wouldn’t be able to; the way you were looking up at him, like you needed him to know you were only joking. Like what he thought truly mattered to you, it rendered him speechless.

Your friends- Liam, Garrick, Xaden and himself were spread out in Xadens room talking about nothing and everything all at once. Garrick being the instigator he is just had to ask you who you would pick to be stranded with and of course you being you said his cousin. He knew you were just trying to mess with him. To get under his skin. And it worked, of course it did. Bodhi would never admit it to anybody but he felt like he was always walking in Xadens shadow. Always second best, never good enough to be picked first. Your lighthearted teasing didn't make him feel any better, not when the jealousy hit harder than it ever had before.

Bodhi said nothing as you stared up at him. He stared down at you as you looked up at him, a frown was starting to replace your teasing smile. He hated that look, despised it really. If there was one thing he couldn’t stand, it was seeing you sad. “Are you really going to give me that look?” he muttered, and you didn’t miss the annoyance painting his voice. But the moment he finally looked at you again you knew he truly didn’t mean it. With your eyes locked onto his nothing else in the room existed besides you. God he could never be mad at you, not when you look at him like that.

The glare he sent Garrick wasn’t missed by you but you couldn’t help yourself when you leaned your body to rest fully against his leg. Placing your head against his thigh. Bodhi would never reject your touch, not when it was so familiar. He craved the feeling of your body against his, more often then he would care to admit. With Bodhi ignoring you, Liam picked up the conversation, you were trying to listen but all of your attention was on Bodhi. Truly you felt bad about hurting his feelings. While he would never admit that you did, you could see it in the way his jaw set, hands flexing against his arms and his eyes flickering away from yours to hide his hurt. Bodhi could feel the guilt coming off of you in waves. Without even thinking about it he gently brushes his fingers through your hair. He may be talking to Garrick but you knew his attention was on you. This was his way of letting you know that he accepted your apology. The words “i’m sorry” never tumbled out of your lips but the way you leaned further into him and periodically glanced up at him in worry was an apology to him. Words weren’t needed, they never have been, at least not between the two of you.

“Bo?” The light nudge against his legs pulls his eyes away from Garrick and back to you. “Yeah?” His response was equally as quiet as yours was. His voice felt thick with an emotion he refused to acknowledge. He didn’t stop his ministrations. Instead he found that spot behind your ear and rubbed gentle circles on it before resting his hand on the base of your neck. His fingers still tangled in your hair. “Ya’ know I would never replace you right?” The guilt mixed with an undercurrent of pleading broke his heart. “I know sweetheart.” His whispered words sound a little rough even to him. But he meant what he said. Gently he squeezes the back of your neck in an unspoken promise. He wasn’t going anywhere, no matter what you were to follow.

“You couldn’t get rid of me even if you tried.” His words were an afterthought but he meant them. Bodhi bent forward slightly to reach eye level with you. His other hand that wasn’t tangled in your hair cupped your cheek softly turning your face to look at him. The limited space between you forces a sharp inhale of air into your lungs. Bodhi didn’t miss your near silent gasp or the way your eyes flickered over his face before looking at his lips and then back to his eyes. “Sweetheart I’m gonna need you to stop worrying in that pretty little head of yours, ok?” His voice was quiet but you felt them as if they had been screamed at you. That nickname he gave you never failed to make your heart skip a beat. He watched as you took in a shaky breath before lightly nodding your head. “Ok.” Glancing between your eyes he waited until he saw the guilt slip away and he swore love replaced it.

He needed to pull away, put some space between the two of you before he did something he would regret. Leaning forward just a bit more he angled your head up just slightly so he could place a kiss against your hairline. His lips lingered for a moment before pulling away. His eyes found yours again and you saw the small smirk forming on his lips. Maybe he should have kissed you on the lips he thinks to himself, especially with the way a flush of red makes its way to your cheeks. He wonders what would happen if he kissed you. After a light tap against your cheek he removes his hand and sits back in his chair, refocused on the conversation you hadn’t been aware of. His hand never leaves your hair though. With Bodhi’s focus back on whatever conversation was happening you lay your head back down onto his leg. The gentle kiss you place against his leg is enough for his brain to short circuit. The glide of his hand in your hair stops mid stroke. Bodhi feels his breath hitch in his throat while he was frozen for a second. Without thinking he hand tightens its hold on your hair before releasing once more.

Bodhi has never been more grateful to not have your eyes on him. The way his jaw tightens. The way his chest rises and falls just a little bit quicker than it should for sitting in a chair. He had to close his eyes for a moment to collect himself. Bodhi knew he was protective of you, maybe even a little obsessed with you but god damn if he wasn’t in love with you. Bodhi's heart sang from the feeling of your lips against his body. And he hates to admit it but for a second he thought about what your lips would feel like against his leg without pants blocking your way. After taking the moment to collect himself he clears his throat pulling your attention back to him.

The way you bat your eyes at him in anticipation causes him to clear his throat yet again. “I know you were joking but just don’t do that again ok baby?” He chuckles softly at the way your eyes widen and cheeks flush even brighter while casting your eyes downward in hopes to hide the shock you are feeling. There is nothing Bodhi loves more than seeing that shy bashful smile grace your lips all because of him.

“Where the hell is she?” Cuirs talons curled into the wet stone as Bodhi's voice rang out across the flight field. The grey clouds unleashed gallons of freezing droplets of rain upon every rider. Constricting leathers tightened with their newfound water weight. Across the blurred Bodhi could make out the red and brown dragon that was a part of your group but the emerald green scorpion tail dragon he was so used to seeing was nowhere to be found. Everyone from the training exercise had returned. Everyone but you. Time seemed to slow to a screeching halt as Bodhi took in the field before him. Short quick breaths pounded against his ribcage. Panic raised with bail in the back of his throat. “No..no” A panicked gasp of air cut off his train of thoughts. He was the only person who hadn’t dismounted. “Xaden! Garrick!” Bodhi could hear the raw desperation in his voice, he knew that other riders had heard it too, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Not when everyone had returned but you. He would follow you to the end of the world without you ever having to ask him. It was no surprise to his two closest friends that he was willing to bring the wrath of the professors upon himself by defying orders and heading back out. He would do anything to find you. And if he found you- no he wouldn’t let himself think about that.

The terror gripping his voice propelled his friends back to their own dragons. Both men had done a quick scan of the field and knew what was wrong. They would have known without even having to look. Bodhi never lost control of himself no matter what. Unless it involved you, then all bets were off. Bodhi couldn’t control his protective instincts even when he tried. So he stopped trying.

Just as Garrick and Xaden were about to remount the powerful distinct sound of dragon wings could be heard approaching from a distance. Only one thing could be possible. You were returning with Aella. Once again time seemed to slow down. Minutes felt like hours. Every second that passed felt like a lifetime. The fall of rain seemed to double within seconds blurring his vision even more than it already was. Howling wind whipped the rain in all directions forcing other riders to lower their heads or raise their arms to at least protect their faces. Bodhi did neither. He wouldn’t not when the sound of wind being beaten into submission by powerful and strong wings could be heard from mere miles away. You were coming. He could feel it in his bones. It had to be you- there was no other possibility for Bodhi. Finally there was a shadow of a dragon and the vice grip his ribs had on his lungs loosened allowing him to take a deeper breath just by a fraction. Green. He saw green. It was a muted green but it was green nonetheless.

Dark grey heavy clouds limited his visibility but he knew what he saw. Rain was being pelted down towards the earth with the force of Aellas wings. Bodhi was a part of those that were in Aellas path but he could not care less. Not if that meant you were safe. He would stand under the frozen dagger feeling rain for his whole life if that meant you were safe. Gracefully Aella landed in the middle of the flight field where most of the other dragons had previously occupied it. He was moving before he even knew he was. He was on Cuir one moment and the next he was sliding down his own green dragon without an ounce of grace. “Y’n!” The waiver in his voice didn’t stop, no, it traveled throughout his whole body. The waiver transformed into different things. Trembling hands, burning eyes from unshed tears and lungs that were on fire from how quickly he was running towards you.

Something was wrong. If anyone possed elegance and grace even in the world of dragon riding it was you. The clumsy tumble down Aellas leg combined with the way you landed with a thud forcing you to roll onto your shoulder to prevent yourself from breaking a bone was anything but normal for you. Sharp painful breaths pumped his legs faster. He had to be faster. He couldn’t get to you soon enough. After what couldn’t have been more than two minutes Bodhi was finally in front of your bent over body. You were tipped over at the hips facing the ground. Both of your elbows rested upon your legs while you cradled your head in your heads. Something was wrong. Without thinking Bodhi unraveled your body forcefully crashing your body into his chest. “Thank god you are ok. I thought…. I thought you were.” Bodhi couldn't bring himself to say the words, not when his eyes burned and his lungs ached and he couldn’t stop the way his hands were shaking. “Are you ok?” He pulled your body away from his slightly to scan your body for injuries. Subconsciously his hands moved to cup your cheeks. “What's wrong baby? I need to know so I can help. But you gotta tell be baby.” Whispered words tumbled from his lips causing your eyes to meet his. Wordlessly you gripped his hands and pulled them away from his face. Silently he watched as you unzipped your flight jacket and pulled the side of your shirt up exposing a large bleeding gash decorating your skin.

“Who did this to you?” It wasn’t a question. It was a demand. Nobody touched you. Nobody dug their dragger along your skin and didn’t pay for it. Bodhi was going to kill whoever did this to you. That was a promise. Bodhi was unable to pull his eyes away from your side as he spoke. “Sweetheart we need to get you to the healers, ok?” Your silence forced his eyes back towards yours. Water was pooling on your waterline and your lips where shaking in pain. Tenderly he pulled you back into his chest. One of his hands found purchase in your sopping wet hair while the other rested upon your neck. “It’s ok I’ve got you baby. I’ve got you. I won’t let anything like this happen to you again I promise.”

Bodhi hadn’t moved from the chair in his room. He couldn’t bring himself to, not when you were laying in his bed. Sleep had pulled you away from him. Not that he could blame you of course. He would never blame you. “Bo?” Your quiet voice pulled his attention away from his plot for revenge and onto you. “Yeah sweet girl?” He matched his voice to yours not wanting to destroy the peaceful environment that your presence had created. Outside his window it was pitch black but inside of his room warm flickers of light bounced around the room casting you in a beautiful light. Granted you were always beautiful in his eyes but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t enjoy what was before him. Wordlessly you watched as he made his way over to his bed. He perched himself on the edge of the bed right by your hip. Your watchful eyes traced his movement until you couldn’t. His hands where once again in your hair. Carefully he moved his hand down until it rested on your neck. He couldn’t help himself from touching your cheek. Lightly his thumb ran back and forth against your cheek.

“Will you lay with me?” His room was not warm by any means but suddenly it felt like a hundred degrees warmer and he felt the blood rise to his face. He was sure that there was a flush to his face. He had laid in bed with you a thousand of times before so he wasn’t sure why he was suddenly nervous. Deep down he knew why. Some part of your relationship with him had changed and he wasn’t sure what that meant. He wasn’t sure if he had to prepare to mourn all the ways he wished he could of had you. Swallowing the lump in his throat he glances out the window and follows the path of a raindrop along the window until he couldn’t follow it anymore. Turning back to your he finds your sharp eyes already resting upon him. Forcefully he cleared his throat once more before answering. “Of course, you never have to ask me that.” His voice wasn’t a whisper but it wasn’t normal speaking volume either.

Gently he pulls back the blanket helping you scooch over in the bed making more space for him before he climbed in. With a wince you pull yourself up and pat the pillow behind your head. Expectantly you look at him. A laugh falls from his lips “You could of just said you wanted to use my arm as a pillow you know that right?” The shake of his head does nothing to move his smile. “Why would I do that? You should know this by now.” Your words floated into the space above him. “You’re right I should know better.” This time it's a huff of air that leaves you instead. Bodhi missed the sound of your laugh but he knew it would be too painful for you to laugh at the moment so he enjoyed what he had. “Obviously I’m always right.” Your words were cut off with a wince. Bodhi went to push himself up so he could help you move but you shook your head and placed your palm on his chest.

Following your silent command he lays back down to his previous position, A soft grunt and a heavy sigh of relief later you were pressed against his side. One of your legs crossed against his chest and the other rested against his leg. Your head rested on his chest right above his heart. He waited until you were comfortable to move. Softly he moves to rest one hand below the cut on your side while the other finds its way to your bare leg. Absentmindedly his thumb begins to rub patterns along your leg. A few minutes of silence had passed before your voice filled the room. “Bo?” Slowly he opens his eyes to find yours are already looking at him. “Yeah?’ His eyes traced over your face while you fought to find the right words. He always knew you were stunning but here in his room with the gentle light dancing upon your face, your beauty took his breath away. “What happened out there Bodhi? The use of his first name caught his attention before the rest of your words did. You only used his first name when you were serious. “Huh?”

The words tumbled out of his lips before he could even stop them. Internally he cringes at his answer. “What happened out there with you? I’ve never seen you like that before. You were so- so panicked. You never panic.” Bodhi knew in this moment that it was now or never. He had been so close to telling you out on the flight field but he couldn’t not when you desperately needed to be seen by the healers. Bodhi sucked in a deep breath in hopes of calming his nerves. It did not. “I panicked because it was you. You hadn’t come back. Everyone was back but you and just the thought alone of something having happened to you worried me sick. But then you finally showed up, right as I was about to go searching you for and at first all I felt was relief. Until I watched you dismount from Aella and then the fear took over all over again. I could tell something was wrong but I didn’t know what it was and all I could think about was something finally taking you from me. And I… I can’t stand that thought. It makes me sick.” Bodhi's words came to a stop but still you said nothing. You could tell that there was more he wanted to say, more he needed to say, but he needed the space to find the right words. Without realizing it you had begun to rub soothing circles on bodhi's chest. Bodhi felt the warmth of your hand against his chest. The gentle comforting touch of your hand upon him was more than he could ask for.

“I am so in love with you. I have been for years. I could never bring myself to tell you. I worried about what it would do to our relationship but after seeing you like that. I can’t hold it in anymore.” Bodhi's hand encased yours pulling it to rest on his cheek but he didn’t remove his hand. If this is the last time he gets to have you like this he was going to take every moment presented to him. “I love you. And I understand if you don't feel the same. But I can;t keep it in anymore. I am so incredibly in love with you.” A beat of silence passed while your eyes bounce between his lips and eyes. Finally after what felt like forever a laugh rang out into the once silent room. Out of all the reactions Bodhi was expecting this was definitely not one of them. His raised eyebrow did all the talking for him.

“Oh Bo.” A sigh mixed with a breathless laugh tumbled from your lips. “We are such idiots. I am in love with you too. I have been since I met you but I never said anything because I was worried about it not working out.” A laugh of disbelief rumbled in his chest. He removed his hand from your wrist to rub his eyes for a long moment before laughing again. He pulled his hand down his face before placing it back on your thigh. “I can’t believe this. I have been on the verge of losing my mind for a year and a half because I was worried just for this to happen.” Bodhi shakes his head in disbelief once more. Even though he wished he had known this information earlier he didn’t mind. Not if it meant what he hoped it did. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?” Giggling, you lightly shook your head. Even though the movement was gentle it was enough to push a few hairs into your face. Without thinking he pulled his hand away from your leg and brought it out from the blanket to push your hair behind your ear. God he could never get used to the sight in front of him.

A bashful smile painted your face along with a deep blush. “I was way too nervous to tell you first.” Your answer pulled a laugh from the two of you. After a few seconds both of your laughter had died down leaving silence to fill its space instead. “So I should have grown a pair and done it first a long time ago is what you're saying.” The slight shrug of your shoulders didn’t match the coy smile you were sporting. “You said it not me.” Once again you shrugged not before laughing again. This time it was against the pec of his chest. “So I should always make the first move, is what I’m hearing?” Quickly you glanced up to find his eyes already upon you. Shifting you move to hide more of your face in his chest but he doesn’t let you get far. “I mean if that's how you feel that it then sure.” Bodhi knew when you got shy you tried to hide from prying eyes but fortunately for him he wasn’t subject to the same rules as everybody else. Softly his hand finds its rightful place against your cheek and neck. The gentle guide of his hands pulls your face up to his. You watch as his eyes drop to your lips before coming back up. “Well if that's the case then you won’t have any problem with this.” Bodhi lifted himself while bringing your face closer to his. With one last look at your eyes wide in surprise he closes his own eyes when he felt the softness of your lips against his own. Slowly your lips found a rhythm against Bodhis and he swore there was no better feeling in the world than this.

Finally when both of you ran out of air did you pull away from each other. Bodhi was watching you when your eyelids finally peeled apart from each other. “I think you should do that again just so I can make sure there is no problem.” The laugh that tumbled out of Bodhi was loud and full of joy. He could feel the smirk on his face but he made no move to stop it. Not when you were looking at him like that. Right before your lips met his .That laugh that he loved graced the room once again. He would hate to cut off the laugh that he loves so much but the feel of your lips against his takes priority.

#fourth wing x reader #bodhi durran x reader #bodhi durran #bodhi fourth wing #bodhi x reader #fourth wing #fourth wing imagine

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angstywaifu · 15 hours ago

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Xaden: Violet and I are just friends, nothing else. Violet: Yeah. Bodhi, sneezes: Garrick: Sorry, we’re allergic to bullshit.

#fourth wing #garrick tavis #fourth wing imagine #garrick tavis imagine #bodhi durran #bodhi fourth wing #xaden x violet #violet and xaden #xaden riorson #violet sorrengail #angstywaifu incorrect quotes #incorrect quotes fourth wing #the fourth wing #fourth wing incorrect quotes #incorrect quotes

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lighthousepigeons · 5 months ago

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Bodhi: I sleep with a dagger under my pillow.

Garrick: Weak. I sleep with two swords under mine.

Xaden: You are both pathetic.

Garrick, sarcastically: What killer weapon do you sleep with, Xaden?

Xaden: Violet.

#fourth wing #xaden riorson #violet sorrengail #bodhi fourth wing #garrick tavis #basgiath war college #fantasy books #dragons #incorrectquotes #rebecca yarros #liam mairi #the empyrean series

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quietstormxr · 4 months ago

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Green Dragon Part 2

Xaden Riorson x Reader

The requested Part 2! I hope y’all enjoy the continued angst, along with fluff and happy ending. Thanks so much for reading and loving the first part!

Word Count : Over 9k

Warnings: violence, torture, swearing

Part 1

Even though your relationship with Xaden never improved, you felt yourself finally willing to talk with the rest of the boys.

Months after the first time Bodhi said he wanted to talk to you again, you were finally back to hanging out the way you used to. Sometimes he would bring Garrick and Liam with him when you would go and hang out at the river.

Your favorite times to hang out with them was sunset, but one night you found yourself with Bodhi and Garrick staring up at the stars.

“You know this reminds me of the time that Xaden and I first found you sneaking out of the dorms as a first year.” Garrick states.

You turn to look at him and aren’t afraid to let him see the happiness the memory brings along with the sadness at the mention of Xaden.

“You told us that we should always take time to look at the sky and appreciate the beauty around us.” He continued. “That was after you tried to take both of us on to stop from getting told to get back to the citadel.” I smile back at the amused look he now has on his face.

“I can’t help the fact that neither one of you would just let me enjoy the stars. Besides, if the two of you hadn’t found me out here, we probably wouldn’t be friends. It’s not my fault that you thought I was trying to uncover your secrets.” I huff back at him, earning an eyeroll from the man after mentioning their secrets.

“Yeah well, we didn’t plan on letting you in on any secrets.” He snarked, even though you knew there was really no menace behind it.

“Too late for that now.” You say as you give him a saccharine sweet smile.

It wasn’t your fault that the entire group adopted you into their family. You supposed you were just lucky. Although, you knew that if you hadn’t come across that one letter that was irresponsibly tossed, you would’ve never learned the truth either.

‘You were smarter and more observant than the Wingleader gives you credit for.’ Cedri concluded in your mind.

Another smile breaks out over your face at your dragon’s continued skills to make you feel like you were too clever for your own good. At least you knew that was one way you got on Xaden’s nerves. For some reason, he could never predict what information you could get out of anyone. Even though he tried to keep things from you, you always seemed to pick them apart and discover what they were doing.

‘Besides, you needed to know what we are up against if you were going to fight like the Wingleader expects you to.’

‘Yes, well I suppose I won’t have to live up to his expectations anymore.’ I sass back not wanting to talk about the “Wingleader” with my dragon.

‘You may not want to talk about him, but that doesn’t stop your thoughts.’ Cedri muses into your mind.

You can’t help the labored sigh that breaks from you after your dragon points out your inability to let Xaden go completely.

‘Thank you, Oh Illustrious One, for pointing out my human weakness of emotions for the millionth time.’ You sigh back to him. If only you could block him out from your emotional thoughts, maybe he wouldn’t be pulling on your weakness for what seems like the thousandth time.

Cedri huffs in your mind, the sound of amusement reverberating from your bond. You may have tried to move on, but that didn’t stop the fact that you still had feelings for Xaden that were more than just caring if he was alive.

“What’s got you huffing?” Bodhi asks from your other side, amusement laced in his tone.

“Oh, just a nosy dragon commenting on my internal thoughts.” You chime back at him, letting out another sigh before you let your head drop to Bodhi’s shoulder enjoying the quiet night with sparkling stars.

In the absence of Xaden, you had gotten closer to Bodhi, especially since he was now in your squad, and you were still spending a good amount of time with your squad members. It was perfectly ridiculous you thought. Of course, you would now be extremely close friends with the cousin of the man that seemed to still haunt you.

Though it was a perfect distraction for you both. Bodhi had told you that the time he spent with Xaden had significantly diminished since War Games had begun. You had begun a new routine with him helping you train after dinner for an hour almost every night. Even Garrick would join in whenever he was available and needed to blow off some steam.

It was one of those sparring nights when you found yourself laying on the mat trying to regain your breath after a spar with Garrick. You couldn’t keep the smile from your face and the contagious laugh that broke out as you and Bodhi had been teasing Garrick about his obvious interest in Imogen.

You were so caught up in your enjoyment that you didn’t even hear the door to the gym open. Therefore, it was even more surprising when you sat up from the mat and ended up looking directly back into those onyx eyes you hadn’t had the courage to meet in some time.

The laughter immediately died from your lips, and you found yourself getting up and turning towards the girl’s locker rooms.

“I’ll see you boys tomorrow.” You threw over your shoulder to your two sparring partners.

You hadn’t even taken two steps before you felt a hand close around your wrist. You immediately knew who it was, with the memories of those calloused hands flashing brightly in your mind. Your heart began to race, and you battled with yourself if you really wanted to turn around and face the man that had a hold on your wrist.

Deciding on trying to save yourself from spiraling, you gently tugged on your hand hoping that he would just let it drop. Unfortunately for you, it didn’t seem like Xaden was in the mood to acquiesce to your wants.

You turned around to face the man that you had been studiously avoiding for the last five months and looked at your hand where he still had his wrapped around your wrist. You kept your eyes trained down, not wanting to look up and see what exactly was in Xaden’s inner monologue of his eyes. You could have kept it that way until he decided he was going to speak.

“Look at me, please.” He asked, his voice quieter than you had ever heard it before.

It was then you noticed that the gym was empty as Bodhi and Garrick must’ve been given an order to leave. Knowing that there was no way to avoid him, you slowly moved your eyes towards his onyx ones. As soon as you met them, you knew that it was a mistake to look.

There was no denying that there was a sadness etched in the look he was giving you. But that wasn’t the only thing, at least that’s what you thought, it seemed you saw a look of love and regret behind those eyes. You couldn’t help the absolute disbelief that crossed your mind. There was no way this man, who was obviously so interested in someone else really wanted you.

Feeling the conviction of your certainty that you no longer held the heart of the man in front of you, you finally found the courage to speak.

“What do you want from me Xaden?” You asked with an edge of exasperation in your voice and a tired sigh leaving your lips.

For a moment you felt regret for the flinch that you couldn’t avoid seeing as he took in your words. But why were you supposed to feel guilty when he was the one who broke your heart.

“I want to talk to you about everything. I need you to be part of my life. Please let me explain.” He starts.

You continue to stare at him trying to take in his words, but everything around you still seems to crumble.

“I may have believed that before I saw you kiss her, Xaden. And I know from your own friends that it’s gone further now. There’s no need for me to be put in the middle of your seemingly budding relationship.” You say but you can’t help the hurt that comes through your voice.

You feel the sting of tears gathering in your eyes and drop your face once more not wanting him to know that the betrayal still affects you this way. You go to pull your hand away, but you feel a strong grip pull you forward, and he crushes you to his chest in an embrace.

“Please don’t.” You whisper trying desperately to hold back your tears while your body stiffens. Without ever meeting his gaze again, you push against his chest, and you feel his arms reluctantly let you go. You turn around and walk out of the gym with your head down.

As you trudge your way back to your room, you’re shocked to find Garrick standing by your door.

“Hey.” He says softly looking at you with nothing but understanding in his eyes.

“I’m not in the right frame of my mind to entertain anyone Gare.” You say trying to hide the tremble of emotions in your voice.

“I know. I’m not here for you to entertain me. I just wanted to make sure you are okay.” He says quietly.

You look up to see him looking at you with nothing but sadness and a sincerity to help. He opens his arms seeming to know you need someone to lean on, and you walk straight into them.

He doesn’t even get the door to your room closed before you are sagging in his arms letting the tears flow freely. You know that you don’t usually show emotions like this, especially in front of the guys, but you’re tired of putting up a strong front. If just for tonight.

You don’t know how long you sit there on the floor of your room, the tears flowing freely while Garrick rocks you in his arms, but eventually your tears seem to dry up and exhaustion starts to claim you. With help from Garrick, you make your way to the bed.

“Thank you, Gare.” You whisper to him as your eyes fall closed and the exhaustion claims you.

After that night, it seemed both you and Xaden avoided each other and never found yourselves alone in a room again. Soon you knew he would be leaving for his outpost as a new Lieutenant, and you wouldn’t have to look around for him anymore.

Unfortunately for you, the night of graduation wasn’t to be one for celebrating for you. As you stood in the courtyard after you had said your goodbyes to Garrick, you had to watch as Xaden was walked to the flight field by Violet. For a moment, you caught each other’s eyes, and you could feel yourself drowning in his dark eyes.

You saw Violet saying something to him, but he never seemed to tear his gaze away from you. Not wanting to cause any issues in their relationship, you dropped your gaze and proceeded to walk to your room.

‘Do not worry yourself Stormy One. You will get even stronger this year and will be ready to take on the next challenge.’ Cedri encourages you.

‘I just hope if I make it to graduation, I won’t have to be stationed with him. I don’t want to watch their relationship while fighting this war.’ You say to Cedri, even though you know you are drowning in your own self-pity tonight.

You fling yourself down on your bed and pray that sleep will take you without any nightmares.

As the months flew by, you threw yourself into classes and learning runes. If there was one thing you would always be thankful to Xaden for, it would be teaching you Tyrrish culture. You always found it fascinating to learn everything you could about each of the different provinces.

One night while practicing runes with Bodhi in your room, there was a knock at your door. You figured that it must be one of your squad mates looking for help on some homework, but your eyes flew wide at the person standing on the other side of the door.

Xaden.

You stared back at him not really believing that he was standing there in front of you. Wasn’t he supposed to be at his station? Why was he in Basgiath? And even more confusingly, why was he knocking on your door?

Before your mind goes into too many directions, your brain clicks back into gear, and you realize he must be here for Sgaeyl to visit Tairn. And he must be here looking for Bodhi.

“I believe someone is here for you Bodhi.” You say and turn to go back and sit on your bed. You return to the more complicated fabric runes that you had been working on and try to distract yourself. However, after a few seconds, you realize that you hadn’t heard your door click.

You look up to see Xaden staring at you his eyes moving from your hands where the fabric lies, up to your face. It seems he can’t help the small smile that makes the left side of his mouth tick upwards and the slight crinkle to his eyes, a look of happiness dancing in his gaze.

You are both cut short in your staring when Bodhi clears his throat as he walks up to meet his cousin at your door.

“Come on cousin. We can talk in my room.” Bodhi says as he moves past Xaden and begins to close the door behind him. You watch as Bodhi pulls at Xaden’s flight jacket sleeve before the door clicks and your view is obscured.

You can’t help the deep breath that leave your lungs as soon as you hear the lock slide back into place. How long had it been since you had seen him? You try not to think about the fact that the man still makes your heart race just by looking at you. And just about makes you faint when he deigns to give up one of his true smiles.

“Ugh. Get. It. Together.” You breathe out in frustration and correct yourself. You can only think how grateful you will be to finally get out of Basgiath and hopefully never have to lay eyes on this man that seems stuck in your soul ever again.

Not even two days later, you wake with a pounding headache and an uncertainty in where the hell you are. The last thing you remember, you were heading to the bathing chamber after a day of training with Bodhi. Both of you laughing at an inside joke between the two of you from your first year.

And then the memory clicks, of cloth covering your mouth while strong arms wrapped around your torso. Before succumbing to the substance on the cloth, your vision was blackened with a black cloth bag that was thrown over your head.

You look around at the sight and think you must be back in your second year again and having to take part in RSC again. Then you remember, you’re a third year.

Before your mind can continue to catch up, you hear the door behind you click open. You hear boots click on the floor coming closer and closer to you before a figure stops in front of you.

Varrish.

Your heart rate begins to pick up. Why the hell were you being interrogated? Why would Varrish be handling it? You hadn’t done anything reckless in weeks that you can remember. You certainly hadn’t done anything to break the codex.

“Welcome back to the land of the living, for now at least.” Varrish spits at you while looking down at your restrained body.

“Why the hell am I being retained Vice Commandant?” You question, though you can’t help the disgust in the tone that leaves your lips.

“Ah, you did not do anything. However, you’re instrumental in getting the person we need back to Basgiath.” He continues venomously.

You can’t help the look of confusion that must be all over your face. Who would come back to Basgiath for you? You weren’t from a family of riders. Most of them were just regular civilians living their lives. You were the only one in your family that felt the call to come to Basgiath, let alone become a dragon rider. Who did the Vice Commandant feel would come to rescue you?

Your look of confusion must have entertained Varrish as you watch a slimey smile cross his face, followed by a sneer of disgust painting your features.

“Oh, I believe you are aware of the Lieutenant that I speak of cadet.” He drawls, continuing his manic pacing in front of you.

At that statement, the facts in your mind finally arrange themselves. For some reason, Varrish thinks Xaden will come back to Basgiath for you.

The look of disbelief that flashes in your face is followed by one of resignation. You’re going to die here. The repulsive man in front of you is going to torture and kill you and you can’t even stop him. Xaden is not coming to rescue you. He would never threaten everything for you. He has other priorities now. You’re just going to be another name on the death rolls.

The resignation hits you, along with the acceptance that you cannot break. You cannot betray Xaden, Bodhi, Garrick or any of your other marked friends, whether or not you were still part of their lives.

“You’re in for a surprise if you expect him to come here.” You spit out along with the blood that has continued to fill your mouth after the right hook to your face from Varrish.

“I’m not the one that will help you accomplish your goals; I believe you’re looking for a Cadet Sorrengail.” You continue even though every word causes pain to crash across your now broken jaw.

“And I think you are mistaken cadet. The cadre has noticed more than once the feelings Lieutenant Riorson seems to harbor for you.” Varrish spits back out crouching down and getting into your face.

“Besides, Cadet Sorrengail has not returned to Basgiath since her group of traitors stole from the Archives. Although, I will say we didn’t expect this much of a fuss from your dragon.” He snarks as he gets closer to your face. His putrid breath mingling with the damp smell from the holding cell and the fresh scent of your blood. Why did it seem like this was something they had planned all along?

Your breath catches at the mention of Cedri, you let a thought you hope he can hear cross your mind.

‘Thank you for being my dragon, Cedri. It has been an honor to be your rider. Please promise me you’ll live and find another worthy rider.’

You close your eyes and let your head fall back onto the hard wood of the chair you’ve been strapped to. You realize that the connection to Cedri has somehow been severed. They must’ve drugged you with the new concoction you had heard the second year’s talking about.

Time seems to slow and even though you have accepted your fate, you can’t stop the excruciating pain that’s continually inflicted on your body.

Gods how many days have I been in here.

The only thing you could do now was hold onto the last good memories you had and hope that your body would give up soon.

It wasn’t helping that Varrish and his posse kept bringing up Xaden and opening up the wound that never seemed to heal from lost love. Couldn’t he just leave the one person that was an open wound out of the salt he continued to pour over your body in the form of kicks, punches, and broken bones. The physical pain was one thing you could handle, but the emotional torture seemed to be toying with your mind even more.

As you fade in and out of consciousness after enduring another day of torture, you can hear voices outside of the door to the chamber you’ve been held in.

“We’ll need to move her tonight. The cadets looking for her are getting closer and we can’t punish them when we don’t have any ground on holding her here.” You hear a distinctly female voice comment.

“Of course, we have ground. I’m the Vice Commandant. I punish cadets as I see fit and this cadet is more than deserving of punishment.” You can hear Varrish spit to whoever the other voice belongs to.

You can’t help the small light that ignites in your chest when you hear that at least someone at Basgiath has realized you are missing and is trying to get to you. The thought is short lived when the door swings back open and a black cloth bag is forced back over your head.

You would scream. You would try to kick and punch. You would cry. But they’ve nearly torn all the emotions and reactions that you have in your body from you. You are exhausted. The small fire that someone is looking for you disappears when you feel your broken body being picked up and tossed over a shoulder.

Suddenly you feel the temperatures around you are plummeting even colder. The slight dampness of the cell you were contained in before was nothing compared to the water you hear now steadily dripping somewhere onto a stone floor. The scent of muddy earth and moss intensifies as you feel the person continue down steps.

You find yourself numb. This must finally be where I die you think. No one is going to find you this far down beneath, what you think is the fortress of Basgiath.

How far down are you even? The frigid temperatures don’t help you when you feel yourself start to shiver, but it takes everything not to break down in sobs at the pain radiating from the shivers. You feel yourself getting tired. You don’t even think you can remember what the sun on your face feels like.

You take a deep breath trying to calm the tightness that seems to be pulling in your chest. How much longer until you finally welcome me home, Malek? You can’t help but think as your vision begins to blacken from the blood that still seems to be pouring from the wound in your side.

Gods. How many times will they make you do this before they just kill you. At this point, you can only feel that death would be a mercy.

Time begins to slip by again, torture, mending, more torture, more mending. You’re unsure of how many more times you have been tossed around as they move you from different areas so no one could find you, even if they tried.

You are again by yourself in the dark. Your left eye has completely swollen shut from this morning’s punch to your eye socket. Your right eye isn’t much better, they must’ve shattered your cheekbone when hitting you with the iron cuff across your face this morning. But the worst pain must be the bleeding gash that has been torn across your abdomen. You can feel the wound still seeping blood as you take shallow breaths that seem not to be enough to keep your lungs functioning.

This is finally it. You think to yourself, hoping that you can finally have the peace of blissful sleep as you slip into Malek’s arms.

Suddenly you hear a commotion, the room you are in seems somehow to get even darker. You try to hold on, but oblivion seems to keep pulling at your consciousness. You hear distant voices, but you can’t make out the words they are saying.

As you feel your head rolling back and your vision completely blacken, you hear the door bang open. You don’t even try to open your eyes as you know the only thing that the noise could possibly be is more torture heading your way. But before you completely lose consciousness, you could swear you hear a masculine voice breathe out your name in rage and panic.

______________________________________________________________

You never thought death would have a smell. And you can’t help at the sarcastic huff that you think when you realize the smell is just like Xaden. Distinctly mint and leather. Why would Malek want to torture you for eternity? What great sin were you paying for?

You didn’t ever think that in death you’d be able to feel things either. You move your fingers slightly and are shocked to feel what seems to be soft sheets enveloping you. Its then that you realize that you still feel the haze of pain over your body.

This must not be death. They only mended me again.

You can’t help the disappointment you feel that you haven’t been set free from the chains of the torture you’ve been enduring. But confusion causes you to crease your eyebrows when you realize there is glorious sunlight dusting your eyelids.

You slowly try to flutter your eyes open and are greeted with an even more shocking sight. You are in a bedroom, not in a damp cell any longer. You try to move your body, but you feel as if everything is still broken. So instead, you turn your head to the side and can’t help the breath that gets caught in your throat.

There, in the chair next to the bed you’ve been placed in, is Xaden. His head is resting on his hand at an uncomfortable angle, but the thing that shocks you is the way his eyes seem puffy and red rimmed as if he had been crying. You follow the rest of his body and find that he also has his other hand draped on the side of the bed that was almost touching your hand.

You continue to take him in a few more minutes, before he begins to stir and shift positions in the chair he is in. You watch as he begins to bring his head up, your heart rate begins to race at the thought of your eyes meeting his onyx ones.

Finally, his gaze meets yours and you watch as his eyes widen comically before he is soaring from the chair and moving to the side of your bed and grabbing for your hand.

“Y/N.” He says breathlessly, as if he thought he’d never be able to say your name again.

He continues to stare at you wide-eyed, though you notice the purple that is smudged underneath his eyes.

You continue to take in his rumpled form. From his hair that is completely disheveled to the sunken in look to his swollen eyes, this is a Xaden Riorson that you never thought you would see. He looks lost, shaken, and completely ready to fall apart.

As the shock of everything begins to wear off, you start trying to push yourself from the bed. Before you can even sit up completely, your whole-body sags and you fall back into the mattress. An irritated grunt leaves you lips, but Xaden is worriedly moving closer trying to coax you to lay back down.

“Don’t try to move too much. Your body is still healing.” He rasps out. His voice sounding gravelly from disuse and emotion.

He goes to move closer to you, but you flinch when you feel him coming closer at a rate that seems too fast. He sees and immediately tenses up. You look at him with sorrow in your eyes.

“I’m sorry. I – I’m – it’s just...” You trail off not really knowing how to voice the fact that you’re scared, although you know that Xaden would never hurt you. Your voice is dry, and you try to swallow to help coat your vocal cords.

You bring your hand up to your neck and gingerly touch it, remembering the feeling of someone choking you until you couldn’t breathe and were about to black out.

You can see the absolute sorrow that passes across Xaden’s face, but there’s also a look of absolute rage that flickers behind it.

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He says while moving back to sit next to where your hand is. You watch as the man you know as so confident, seems to fiddle not knowing where to go or how to proceed.

If it weren’t for the fact of what you’d been enduring, you would find the sight of Xaden being insecure as endearing.

“Would you like some water?” Xaden asks hesitantly, now seeming like he doesn’t want to scare you too much.

As you go to respond, your mouth feels too dry, so you shake your head in confirmation. You watch as Xaden slowly rises from the bed and grabs the cup of water on the nightstand not far from you. You try to sit up again but hiss in pain when you try to bend your abdomen.

You look down to see an angry scar running across your stomach that looks to have been mended a few times. Before you can try again, you feel two strong hands lift you from you shoulders and set you up against the headboard.

“Thank you.” You rasp out before gingerly taking the glass of water from Xaden’s hand. You bring the glass to your lips and close your eyes as you take a drink of clean water. It’s impossible for you to remember the last time you even had a drink of water, causing you to furrow your brows trying to figure out the day.

You finally bring the glass down and look back up at the man perched on the side of the bed. You realize he’s been watching you carefully, seeming to try and take in every feature of yours that he can.

“Do you know how long I was held?” You choke out. Hoping that your voice doesn’t give away the fear that is still in your bones at being held captive again.

You watch as Xaden’s face becomes even more sunken in, as if he is hating himself for some reason.

“They had you for seven days.” He chokes out, not being able to hide the emotion taking over his voice. He takes a moment to settle before continuing.

“Bodhi got word to me by the second day, but I wasn’t able to get to you immediately.” You see the wetness that is starting to pool in his eyes. “I’m so fucking sorry. You don’t know what it felt like knowing you were there, and I couldn’t get to you.”

You watch as Xaden tries as hard as he can, but he can’t stop the few tears that seem to escape from his eyes.

“It wasn’t your fault, Xaden.” You tell him, looking down as you don’t want to break yourself from all the emotions he’s shown today.

You feel him scoot closer on the bed and the next thing you realize; your hands are in his. It feels surreal to have someone else touching you and not causing you pain. You do everything you can to not completely tense every fiber of your body. It’s as if he can read your hesitance and he begins to softly stroke his thumbs over your knuckles.

The action that is so achingly familiar causes you to close your eyes in comfort before looking up at him sadly. You try to hide the sad smile that steals across your face, but you can’t hide it when you find him bringing his hand to your chin to tip up your face.

“It is my fault. Those fuckers were looking for me and used you as godsdamned bait. They deserved more pain than what they were given.” He says and you can feel the rage that crawls into his voice as if it is a living, breathing thing.

“Are – are they still alive?” You ask, your voice sounding small and afraid.

He tilts your chin up to him and holds it firmly in place looking at you directly in your eyes.

“No.” He says firmly, without hesitation. “They are all fucking dead. But, if I could kill them again, I would.”

You feel your body sag in relief at the news that those who inflicted all this pain are no longer alive. You feel two hot tears slide from the side of your eyes unbidden. You watch as Xaden brings up a hand to wipe both of the tears from your eyes.

You take in the feeling that you are something precious to the man in front of you, relishing in the attention before you know you will need to give it up.

“Thank you for saving me. I’m not sure how much longer I would have lasted.” You say, knowing that your body was the closest to death you had ever felt.

“You shouldn’t be thanking me. You should hate me. If it wasn’t for the fact that you’ve been involved with me, that would’ve never happened to you.” He says getting frustrated with himself.

This time you stretch your hand to his face, and cup his cheek, running your thumb over his cheek.

“I could never hate you, Xaden.” You look at him with your eyes going soft. Even with everything you’d been through, you would never wish ill on him, knowing how much he has endured in his life.

You drop you hand from his face and bring it back to your side. You feel exhaustion pulling you back down, knowing that your body is still healing. Not wanting to be more of a burden than necessary, you scoot back under the covers and bring the blankets back up.

Looking back at Xaden and knowing him sitting here blaming himself is keeping him from his happiness, you can’t help the words out of your mouth.

“You can leave Xaden. You don’t have to babysit me, I’ll be alright.” You say even though the statement lances sorrow through your heart.

He looks back at you and his brows knit. “I’m not here to babysit you. I’m here because I want to make sure you’re alright. I’m here because I care about you.” He says going to grab your hand again.

Right before you are about to respond to him, the door pushes open and the sight before you makes every thought you had seconds ago crumble. Standing in the doorway is the silver-haired girl that started the whole mess you find yourself in now.

Weariness now settles over your bones, and you turn you face away from the man that used to be your whole world. You turn to your side and close your eyes, hoping beyond hope that if you sleep, you will wake and the last week or so will be just a bad nightmare.

You hear Xaden let out a long sigh and feel as the bed springs back up as his weight leaves it. You hear the door click shut and let out a ragged breath.

Before you finally drift back into unconsciousness, you hear voices outside the door.

“What do you need Violet? I thought I asked you not to come up here unless necessary.” You hear Xaden reply tersely.

“I’m sorry Xaden. But the Assembly asked me to come and get you. They are having a strategy meeting and requested you to be there.” You hear Violet explain.

“Couldn’t you have just asked through the bond?” He says with an annoyed edge to his tone.

“Well, I would have, but you’ve had me blocked out mostly since you’ve returned from Basgiath five days ago.” You hear her reply curtly.

Your mind not waiting to hear any more of the conversation, shuts off and you find yourself drifting back into unconsciousness.

Weeks pass and you’ve found yourself trying to get back to your previous strength. It’s been weeks of light training with Bodhi and Garrick, along with nights that haunt you. Trying to gather some sort of strength from everything they had taken from you.

The next thing you know, it’s just another night where you find yourself awoken by the feeling of a hand clamping around your throat and feel the phantom pain of a sword ghosting across your abdomen.

You awake with a start, sweat covering your entire body, your heart beating erratically. Luckily, you were smart enough to put a sound shield on the room you’ve been staying in, because your throat is hoarse from the scream that just tore from it.

After what seems like an eternity, your heartbeat begins to slow, and you can take full breaths once more.

Knowing that sleep won’t be finding you again any time soon, you wrap yourself in your flight jacket and close the door to your room softly behind you.

As you descend the stairs from your room, you find yourself walking towards the hills that surround the fortress. Without questioning your steps, you continue up to one that you think will have an excellent view of the sunrise.

You smile slightly to yourself when the memory of watching the stars until sunrise with Xaden crosses your mind. You thought that being in Riorson House would feel stifling, like you couldn’t escape the aura of Xaden. But, for some reason you don’t understand, the fortress feels like a warm blanket that can shield you from all the horrors that you’ve had to deal with since arriving at Basgiath.

When you make it to the top of the hill, you can’t help the small gasp that tears from your lips at the beautiful view before you. Sinking down next to one of the large trees, you look over the small town that has been rebuilt below you and take everything in with awe.

You always knew that Xaden and the other marked ones loved their homes, but it warmed your heart to see the work that they had put into helping others begin to put their lives back together.

You take a deep breath and lean your head back against the tree, closing your eyes and enjoying the quiet sounds of the early morning. You’ll never take for granted the life around you, even though winter is coming, and the sounds are quieter, not after being held in that cell and being deprived of the world.

As you sit there in the stillness and enjoy the quiet, you feel your body begin to want to drift off, but the pop of a branch breaking brings you out of your calm.

Quickly turning and jumping to your feet with your heart racing, you are surprised to see a familiar face staring back at you.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” He says, his eyes sad and tone quiet.

“It’s alright. I – I’m still getting used to real life.” You say as you drop your eyes feeling ashamed for being scared of such small things.

While your gaze is down, you hear footsteps as they cautiously come towards you until two booted feet are standing inches away. A hand comes up and three fingers gently bring your chin up to look into two onyx eyes.

You don’t know why, but you can’t seem to tear your eyes away from his gaze. His eyes bore into yours, seeming to search for something.

“You shouldn’t feel ashamed for being afraid.” He says as his thumb strokes your cheek. “You’ve been through a lot. I just hope that you feel safe here.”

“I hope that you feel cared for.” He continues, although his words seem slightly hesitant.

You give him a small smile, knowing that if it wasn’t for the man before you, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the small things anymore.

It’s as if that small gesture opens a dam for him and before you really can think his hand is cradling the back of your head to his chest and his other arm is snaked around your waist holding you close to him.

You hear as he gives a small huff of a laugh before speaking. “Leave it to you to find the one spot in Aretia that’s incredibly special to me.” He begins.

You pull your head back slightly to look back at him and raise an eyebrow.

“What do you mean ‘leave it to me’?” You ask.

He looks down at you, his eyes softening although he hasn’t let go of your waist.

“You were always the one to figure out things I tried to hide, no matter how well I thought they were hidden.” He explains while giving you a small smile.

With that action and those words, you can’t control the smile that steals across your face and the way your eyes crinkle. One of the things about your relationship you always enjoyed was the small gestures and emotions he gave only to you.

After a few moments of silence, Xaden breaks the quiet.

“Will you please let me explain everything to you? Please.” He says while now going to cup your face.

“You can decide what you want to do from there, but I need you to listen. Please. I miss you so fucking much.” He begs while letting the longing and sadness he’s feeling leach into his voice.

The smile falls from your face, but you know that there is no way to completely avoid him or this conversation forever at this point. You take a small step back, but you can’t go far because of the firm hold Xaden has on your face. You give a small nod.

“Okay.” You say in a whisper, not trusting your voice to get any louder.

The strange rush of relief that crosses his face makes your heart beat a little faster. He drops his hands from your face and threads his fingers through yours before tugging slightly to have you sit down next to him.

When you’re both seated against the trunk of the tree where you were watching the sunrise, you turn to him to see him already watching you. He still hasn’t let your hand go, before he begins.

“I’ve had more than enough time to ruminate on everything that has happened between us over almost the entire last year. And I will never be able to make up for all of the ways that I’ve failed you.” He starts as his face falls to your intertwined hands that he has now brought into his lap.

“I never once came to you to explain everything. It all started when Bodhi informed me that you had seen me kiss Violet.”

You don’t miss how he flinches at the revelation, though you’re unsure if it was because Bodhi told him or because he did it in the first place. With the painful reminder, your own heart falters again and you go to take your hand back, but he now has it held in a vice grip.

“I shouldn’t have brushed you off. I should never have gotten involved with Violet. The kiss was a mistake that happened when we both were overwhelmed with the bond of Sgaeyl and Tairn not shielding. I know that doesn’t make it alright, that nothing ever will, but I want you to know that I’ll never forgive myself for that even happening. Especially when you were still the person I was thinking about.”

It's shocking to you how much of a dam that he must’ve been holding in because he can’t seem to stop talking. The next thing you know, he is explaining that both he and Violet got further involved because they were both trying to move past their previous relationships. Him with the reminder of you and everything that he had lost. And she with a relationship that she thought was always going to be part of her life.

As you listened, you realize that you both were just living in the hurt that you both inflicted on each other. Him for not realizing how much he had begun to pull away and not show the attention you deserved and you for not going to him and explaining how you were feeling.

As he continued to fill you in on everything that has been happening in the past few months, you lean your head back on the tree and close your eyes taking in all the information. Soon enough, your ears are greeted by silence, and you pick your head up and open your eyes.

You turn to see Xaden staring at you seeming to take in your full form as if he’s a man that has been denied water for numerous days. He finally looks back into your eyes and all you see is a burning fight in them, as if he would never be able to part from you.

“Do you think you can find it in your heart to forgive me?” He asks hesitantly as if he is afraid of the actual answer.

You look back at him and of course your heart breaks looking at the hurt look on his face and the way he is so tentative with you. However, you know that it can’t just be that easy for either of you.

“I think maybe we could get there.” You say, your voice small as your own uncertainty shines through.

You watch as his face crumples and sadness takes over the hopeful expression he had. Though it doesn’t stay around long. Soon enough, he sets his face in determination and looks back at you again.

“Okay – Alright. I can work with that.” He says, setting his jaw as if he is getting ready for battle.

He gets up and reaches his hand out for you. “Come on,” he says. “Let’s go get some breakfast.”

You take his hand, and he intertwines your fingers again, slowly guiding you back down the hill towards the fortress of Riorson House.

Before you break through the doors, he turns to you, and you almost run right into his chest at the rate you had been following behind. His arm jets out to grab your waist and steady you before speaking.

“Will you train with me?” He questions looking at you with expectant eyes.

“Sure.” You say with a slight hesitance.

A smile breaks out over his face, and he brings your hand to his lips and kisses your knuckles. Your eyes blow wide at the gesture, but he’s walking through the doors and pulling you with him again.

The next thing you know another month has passed and you can feel yourself finally feeling stronger again. Not to mention your friendship with Xaden has been growing stronger day by day.

You start enjoying his company again and begin sitting with him and all his family during dinners, enjoying talking and laughing together.

One night, you find yourself on the mats stretching, waiting to see who the sparring partner that will join you today will be.

Soon enough, Garrick comes strolling through the door one of his charming grins plastered over his face. You give him a quick smile as you continue your stretching.

“Ready for a fight?” He quips.

“Of course.” You sass back at him.

“Well, you should be resting comfortably at least. You know since you have the biggest room in this damn house.” He jokes.

Your brows furrow in confusion as you pick up your head to look over at your friend.

“What are you talking about? Why would I have the biggest room?” You ask in confusion.

“You mean to tell me you never noticed how much larger the room you’re in is compared to the rest of ours?”

You start to think about all the times that you’ve been in your friends’ rooms, especially those close to Xaden. All the rooms seemed spacious enough, but you had never realized how large yours was until now.

“Why the hell would I have the biggest room? Shouldn’t Xaden? It’s his house.” You say confused.

You quirk your eyebrows when Garrick begins to laugh heartily and looks at you as if you haven’t realized what you’ve said.

“He does have the largest room. He just hasn’t been staying in it.” Garrick explains.

Your brows stay furrowed for a few more seconds before realization dawns and your eyes widen in shock.

“Why the hell would Xaden give me his room?” You ask in shock and confusion.

“You should know the answer to that question.” He says back to you with a pointed look before continuing.

“You should know by now how madly in love that man is with you. When we finally were able to get to you and bring you back…” He starts while shaking his head seeming to recount the memory. “I’ve never seen him so crazed. Between the fact that it took days to make a plan and execute it so we could get to that room without too much resistance. Then getting you back to Riorson House, and you being so broken. I’ve never seen him like that. He wouldn’t even leave your side while Brennan mended you.”

You sit there staring at your friend as he continues to recount the story.

“If it wasn’t for the fact that he had to go to some Assembly meetings, he wouldn’t have left that room until you woke up. We had to almost spoon feed him and drag him to any meetings he was required at. Even then, he made Violet stay in the room with you while he was gone, because she can communicate with him directly. He wouldn’t let us do it because we couldn’t get information to him immediately.”

You shake your head slightly and drop your head. You can’t believe that you didn’t even know any of that, let alone realize you had taken over Xaden’s room.

Before you can get yourself together, you see the doors of the sparring gym swing open again and Xaden walk in. You see him look up at you and smile, until he sees the look on your face. He seems to speed up the pace of his walk before he’s standing in front of you and Garrick.

“What?” He says with concern laced in his tone, looking down at you. “What’s the matter?”

You see Garrick look between the two of you and he smirks slightly before starting to walk away.

“I think I’ll take my leave for right now.” Garrick says amusedly.

You and Xaden watch as Garrick walks to the door, and it swings shut behind him. Xaden turns his head back to you and looks you in the eyes, concern still laced in his features.

“What happened?”

“Why am I staying in your room Xaden?” You ask, pure curiosity in your voice.

You watch as his eyes widen, and his looks turn sheepish. He looks down at his feet and you’re shocked to see this intimidating man looking as if he was caught red handed like a child stealing a slice of chocolate cake.

“I – uh – wanted you to be comfortable.” He says, although you can sense there is something else he isn’t saying.

“Uh huh. Comfortable? And why exactly wouldn’t I have been comfortable in one of the other bedrooms of Riorson House?” You challenge, enjoying it too much when you see a flush grace the cheeks of Xaden Riorson.

“Well – I mean – You would’ve been. But – “He continues stammering.

“But what Riorson?” You continue, enjoying putting him on edge.

Your relationship has been getting stronger and Xaden has done nothing but prove himself day in and out. It’s with that knowledge you find yourself feeling a new sense of bravado, especially when you already have him off kilter.

As the conversation has continued, you’ve slowly been bringing yourself closer to him. As he continues to look back at you sheepishly, you bring your hand and place it on his chest. You watch as the move continues to rattle him, and he swallows thickly.

With a mischievous smirk sneaking across your face, you leave rationale behind and continue to rise on your toes and place your lips to his. You keep your eyes open, just to watch his reaction and what you see makes you smile into the kiss.

First his eyes blow wide in shock and his body tenses, before you feel his arms snake around your waist and pull you flush against his chest. The next thing you know, his eyes have closed, and the kiss has turned into one of pure desperation. You follow, closing your eyes, as you wrap your arms around his shoulders and spear your fingers through the hair at the back of his neck.

The kiss feels like a mix of new excitement and coming home. Too soon, you feel him slowing down the kiss and pulling back slightly. He places his forehead against yours and tries to catch his breath, his gaze boring into your eyes, searching for an answer to a question he hasn’t voiced.

“What does this mean?” He asks breathlessly, before rushing to continue. “Please know I don’t expect anything, not after everything I put you through. But if there is any chance at all for you to be mine again, please know that I will not waste it.”

You stare straight into his eyes, searching to see if his words are the truth. Not seeing anything in his gaze but pure hope, you smile at him.

“I’m yours.” You say to him and watch the most blindingly perfect smile spreads across his whole face.

Not even a second later, you feel yourself being picked up and swung around in a tight hug. Xaden hasn’t even put you down before he’s crashing his lips back into yours, the smile he was wearing still tearing at his lips.

“I promise that even though I may still piss you off and be an ass at times, I’ll never let what happened between us ever happen again. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go, never again.” He declares after you both finally pull apart.

“Come on.” He says, pulling you by your hand.

“Where are we going? I thought we were training?” You say all while laughing at the antics of the man pulling you along.

“Fuck training. We’re going to watch the sunset on my favorite hill and I’m not letting you go for one minute.” He says as he continues to pull you through Riorson House to the doors.

At that point, a smile of pure happiness settles across your face as you follow the man that has your heart out the door and into the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

As he rests against the trunk of the tree with you wrapped in his arms against his chest and his head nuzzled in your hair, you can’t help but think this may be the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.

#fourth wing fanfic #fourth wing x reader #xaden riorson #xaden riorson x reader #bodhi durran x reader #garrick tavis #bodhi durran #garrick tavis x reader #xaden fanfic #fourth wing xaden #xaden x reader #the empyrean #the empyrean fanfic #bodhi fourth wing #garrick fourth wing #fourth wing #fourth wing fic #iron flame #iron flame fanfic

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mysterylilycheeta · 6 months ago

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Bodhi : Why do you look like that? Imogen, laying face-first on the floor: Like what? Bodhi : Like you’re dead. Imogenn: It’s because I’m dying. Leave me here to perish. Xaden: Imogen accidentally called Garrick “babe” in front of the entire council today. Imogen: *sobs into the floor*

#fourth wing #iron flame #rebecca yarros #violet sorrengail #xaden riorson #fourth wing incorrect quotes #bodhi durran #imogen cardulo #garrick tavis #immrick #garrick fourth wing #incorrect fourth wing #incorrect fourth wing quotes #bodhi fourth wing #imogen fourth wing #fourth wing xaden

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sapchat · 1 year ago

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It’s always “I wanna fuck Xaden Riorson” and “I’d let Xaden Riorson do xyz to me”

Just let me fuck Bodhi Durran. Let me fuck him. Make fics about him.

He’s literally described as being “closely resembling Xaden, just less angular”

#and his smile that of his deceased mother #that’s a literal quote #honestly I’d fuck Garrick too #fourth wing x reader #fourth wing #iron flame #xaden riorson #bodhi durran x reader #Bodhi Fourth Wing #Bodhi Iron Flame #garrick tavis x reader #Garrick fourth wing #Garrick iron flame #Dain Aetos #Liam Mairi #dain fourth wing #Dain aetos fourth wing #Liam Mairi Fourth Wing

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ashthenerd · 1 month ago

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When Bodhi got attacked in the showers, was it like communal showers, or private because I really want to know, were they slipping all over the place, or did someone get their nose broken by getting whacked with a detachable shower head. How did it go, like, did he kill his attackers with his dick hanging out, did he have to walk through the halls with wet hair plastered to his face to ask Xaden what to do about the bodies, how badly was he hurt, did he feel safe afterwards, did it leave permanent scars?

Anyways, I am completely normal about Bodhi Durran and will not be pondering these questions at 3am (very not true)

#fourth wing #iron flame #bodhi durran #bodhi fourth wing #Emperean series

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the-midnightwriter · 7 months ago

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Have we read about any of the Tyrs actually speaking Tyrrish? Cause personally as a Bodhi girl, pretty sure I would have fainted.

Any of them speaking Tyrrish? Calling their girlfriends Tyrrish nicknames? My heart please.

Like do they have accents? Anything? How hasn't Xaden called Violet something in Tyrrish at least once?

GIVE ME TYRRISH BOYFRIENDS REBECCA DAMNIT

#bodhi fourth wing #bodhi #bodhi durran #fourth wing #iron flame #garrick tavis #garrick fourth wing #xaden riorson

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velvetlilacsdaisies · 1 year ago

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Stay Still | B. Durran |

Bodhi Durran x fwb!fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: NSFW, SMUT, MDNI, swearing, p in v, (unprotected sex pls pls be safe), cockwarming, not proofread well, switch!Bodhi, possessive!Bodhi, bratty!reader, poorly written smut, smut with little plot

A/n: hehhe this came out of my ass idk what got into me during my reading bonanza last night 🤭. I just felt truly inspired to try to write a full smut. This is my first official smut I’ve wrote so I would love feedback to improve on it if you have it, but I hope you find this as fun as I did!!

You sighed boredly laying on Bodhi’s bed, stomach pressed against the plush mattress, idly looking over a book about runes you tried to occupy your thoughts with. It had been thirty minutes since you arrived at the Section Leader’s door looking for some company in nothing but your black dressing robe and matching tiny nightgown underneath. Anticipating when he opened his door, he’d haughtily pull you into his quarters and ravish you like a man starved…but no. He merely gave you a once over before letting you in, and sat back at his desk doing his research on wards for Xaden.

You wanted to help as much as he did with resurrecting the wardstones for your friends, but now it had impeded on yours and his arrangement. It’s been two weeks since you last found yourself in the embrace of the man you craved, and you were desperate for the attention you lacked. It had become an unspoken routine you two had secretly engaged in since after Threshing last year. Only using each other other than for just distractions from the trials of surviving the Rider’s Quadrant at night, while during the day you were just squad mates.

You could feel another wave of heat go through your core at the thought of the secret that the two of you shared. You had been fighting the wanton desire since the last time you had found each other. Not that you weren’t satisfied by Bodhi, but you never stopped wanting him it had become glaringly obvious for you. You had even resorted to giving into flirty banter with Ridoc in front of him to get the Flame Section Leader’s acknowledgment, left with not even a sarcastic remark or scolding look on his part. Since Violet returned from Samara, there was a dire urgency to find answers on the wardstone.

But today was exemplarily tougher to push that ache down. After a rather intensive Flame Section sparring session after classes, you had been forced to watch Bodhi spar without drooling. His shirt discarded halfway through the session when he was challenged by Sawyer, the sweat glistening off his chiseled muscles. As if he knew the effect he had on you. The relic that swirled over his bulky biceps and veiny forearms and his dragon relic that loitered on the back of his left sharp shoulder blade down to the side of his refined torso. You had to take an extra cold shower once all the girls left the locker room to calm the burning desire that consumed you which proved to be no help.

You got off the bed, and made your way to him feeling impatient as your core throbbed once more. His back was towards you, displaying his relics that you admired and worshiped in the solace of the night. Your arms wrapping around his chest from behind, your nails lightly scratching his broad bare chest.

“Boh,” you whined, nipping at his earlobe. “Are you done yet?” You asked, a simper to your tone. The arousal in between your legs getting too heavy to bare, and clenching your thighs was no longer an option to fight the want for him. You wanted him now. No—you needed him, and you weren’t going to deprive yourself another minute.

“I don’t have much longer until I finish this section.” He murmured. He screwed his eyes shut trying to focus on the text in front of him, tilting his neck out of instinct to the side letting your lips press needy kisses down to his shoulder.

He had known when he saw you at your door in your skimpiest night clothes what you wanted. Finally making a move in the unintentional stalemate between the both of you. It didn’t fall on to blind eyes the way you went out of your way to be bratty throughout the last two weeks, attempting to get a rise out of him. It almost worked, but never being a jealous man, and clever enough to see right through you. The flirty comments to Ridoc, the way he could feel your alluring eyes burn holes into him during any time he was in the vicinity of you. He almost felt guilty leaving you hanging and to resort to blatant facades of making him jealous, a silent plea to just take you already.

He wanted to do nothing, but to fuck you and remind you who you belonged to.

You looked enticing, and every primal thought that flooded his mind he pushed down to the back of his mind when you appeared in front of his door. The churam he smoked an hour ago doing nothing to stop his chest from hammering, and the blood rushing to his manhood, twitching, at the sight of you. He had to use every ounce of his self discipline to keep his composure in check, letting you in without pouncing, devouring you like he wanted. Xaden would arrive back in Basgiath tomorrow expecting intel, and he hadn’t gotten very far in his research besides dead ends.

Your name got stuck in his throat barely sputtering it out as you sucked on the spot that you knew drove him wild, the conjunction of his neck and shoulder.

You weren’t exclusive with Bodhi, but you had learned everything about him that made him tick. From the littlest things like how his eyes lingered when your flight jacket was slightly undone bearing the slightest bit of cleavage in the low cut tank top you wore underneath—to what made him absolutely feral—the feeling of your lips with your teeth marking his sweet spot that would be barely concealed by the collar of his tight black training shirt the next day. Noting how he would wear the mark proudly like the patches on his jacket. Having a boyish grin when a squad mate would bring it up playing coy. No one knew they were left by you.

“I’ll help you after…” you purred, your hands traveling down his torso to the waistband of his night pants. Fingers nimbly tracing the barely grown out hair that led underneath the cotton. “I’ve been waiting weeks for you.” You pouted before peppering more kisses on his cheeks, feeling satisfied at the sharp intake of air he took at the movement.

You would get your way, there would be no other outcome of you showing up at his door tonight than to be ruined by Bodhi Durran.

“I’m expected to have something to report on tomorrow.” He protested weakly, savoring your mouth against jaw, but still keeping his eyes on the parchment.

His dissolve was close to crumbling, feeling the cold fingertips slip underneath his waistband. All he wanted to do was bend you over his desk, imagining your cheek pressed to the ancient texts laid out on the wooden surface as he railed into you from behind. His cock hardened more at the idea of him inside you.

“Xaden won’t-” you were cut off by the scrape of the wooden chair against the stone floor making you stumble backwards slightly. Bodhi abruptly slid his bottoms down, revealing half hardened manhood, sitting back down in the chair.

“C’mere,” he growled. His tone had a dangerous lilt to it, only making the wetness that had pooled in your panties grow more. His usual warm brown eyes blown out filled with something more than lust.

Your throat ran dry, obeying as you stepped in between his legs. He leaned his forehead against your stomach, inhaling steady breaths as if he could smell your arousal. His rough hands gripping your bare outer thighs before slipping under your nightgown, roughly kneading the soft flesh of your ass. Then he hooked his fingers around the fabric of your undergarments dragging them down your legs.

“You want me to fuck you, but have another man’s name leave your lips?” He gritted out through his, barely speaking above a whisper.

Bodhi knew he was overreacting, but when his cousin’s name came out of your mouth, his primal instincts came bubbling to the surface. A feral fire fueling him, no longer to be tamed. How dare you bring up Xaden, when you came here solely looking for relief from him after acting the way you’ve been.

You were taken aback by the words, leaving you stammering. “I-I’m sorry, Boh..”

This was a new side to him, you’ve never seen before. A nervous pang made your heart skip a beat, though excited at the aggressiveness in his actions.

“You think I haven’t noticed what you’ve been doing the last two weeks?” He cupped the back of one of your thighs, bringing a leg over his. “Think you were being sly?” He questioned.

You shook your head furiously, forgetting how to speak momentarily.

He pinched the inside of your thigh, only adding to the fire that blazed in your core, a soft gasp leaving your slacked jaw. “Use your words, babygirl.”

“N-no,” the words airily released from your throat, a pink tint to your cheeks.

He smirked, a dry laugh escaping him. “That's what I thought.” He dragged your other leg over his so you were now straddling him, knees perched on the extra wide seat. “Since you want to be a brat, you can sit on my cock until I’m done here.” He held his member with one hand, pumping slowly. “You got it?”

You gulped, watching how it twitched ever slightly, and his shoulders relaxed as he held himself. Nodding eagerly, biting your lip, still looking between the both of you awaiting for him to be inside you.

His free hand wrapped around your hair, pulling it, forcing you to look in his eyes. “What did I say about your words?” He growled. A soft moan left your lips at the gesture. His darkened brown eyes wavered in hunger and pride at the reaction.

“Y-yes, please…” you begged, feeling him rub the tip against your slick folds.

“Good girl, so wet for me,” he groaned.

He slowly inserted himself at your entrance, his hand finding your hip to help lower yourself on to him until he bottomed out inside you. His thick member stretching you out in a blissful sting that he could make you feel. You both sighed at the feeling, and you rested your head in the crook of his neck holding on to him with a near death grip.

You could feel yourself throb as he went back to working. His hands lightly brushing your sides every time he flipped a page or went to jot a note down in his notebook, causing jolts to go down your body. You tried to grind your hips to provide the teeniest bit of relief, Bodhi would only grip your thighs with a bruising force.

“Stay still,” he hissed, his head rolling back as he felt you clench around him again. A small smirk graced your lips, an idea coming to your mind.

One of your hands slid in between you, and found your clit. You moaned, as your fingers circled the sensitive nub.

“Y/n…” he warned, listening to the sweet noises you made in his ear, gripping the quill in his hand tightly. He had thought he had the upper hand in this, but as you touched yourself, his cock warming your insides, he felt the remaining bit of his dissolve crumble. “You’re such a fucking brat.” He held your hips, halting your movements.

“Do something about it then.” You challenged, pressing a chaste kiss to his full lips.

He thrusted up into you, sounds sweet as sin coming from your throats. A wicked smile twisted on to your face, finally. “I fully intend to.” He mumbled, pulling you into another kiss, this time longer and heated. You nipped at his lower lip, earning a hiss from him as you slipped your tongue into his mouth.

Drilling into you at a slow agonizing pace, your tongues fought for dominance, the kiss becoming broken up between strings of noises leaving the both of you. The slow burn pleasure painstakingly from the pace he had set. You tried to lower yourself up and down to go at a faster pace and to your dismay he slowed his movements more, squeezing your hips in caution.

You pulled away panting, “more.” You were a whimpering mess, frustrated to find your release. “Please, Bodhi.”

“Just because you get what you want doesn’t mean you still can’t be punished.” A lazy smirk etched on to his broad jaw. “I have to remind you who you belong to.”

He slowly thrusted up into you again, making you cry out. His face contorted to a look of pleasure as he provided deep slow strokes into you, the sight of him biting his now bruised lip heavenly.

“I’m yours, please.” You begged, nails biting into his shoulders. “Only yours.” You cried when he thrusted particularly harder when you said that.

“Y’ feel so good around me.” He drawled. “Like your pussy was made for me, sweetheart.” His words caused an effect on your whole body from your pussy clenching harder around him to your heart swelling from the praise.

The atmosphere felt entirely different from the usual casual hook ups from before. His forehead resting against yours, occasionally nuzzling your nose with his whispering lines of worship for you taking his time.

“Feels so good,” you panted, looping your fingers in his curls at the nape of his neck. You could feel yourself go dumb as his fingers found your clit, circling it with the same agonizing pace of his cock. You don’t know how much of this you could take. “Please, please, please let me ride you.”

“Do you deserve to ride me?” He taunted in between thrusts.

You nodded vigorously, “please let me make you feel good, Boh. Please.”

He stopped playing with your clit, bringing his fingers to your swollen lips. You sucked your juices off of them, tasting yourself as he leaned back in the chair.

“Mm, since you’ve been begging so nicely.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

The moans you released as you fucked yourself onto Bodhi’s cock were angelic. Letting you lower yourself up and down, watching as you got lost, getting drunk on his manhood. His hands had a firm grip on your waist, helping guide you down his length.

“That’s it, ride me like the good slut you are.” He watched your cunt sink onto him, swallowing his length whole.

You could start to feel the familiar coil of release start to come undone, and you knew you weren’t gonna last long. The sounds of your slick and his pants encouraging you to go faster.

Bodhi sensed the way you gripped him, you were going to climax, and met your rhythm bucking his hips upward. “You gonna come f’me?” He asked.

You could only mewl in response, the pleasure rendering you speechless as you rode him harder. Your vision blurred with stars, your body going rigid from the surge of tingling pleasure that electrified your body. The coil finally unraveling in your core as you orgasmed. You let out a throaty moan that was muffled by his lips, kissing passionately.

The tawny skinned man didn’t stop his movements, feeling his own release chasing yours. His aching cock twitched in need of relief. He muttered curses, his pace getting sloppier as he whimpered your name.

“Come for me, Boh.” You whispered softly. His arms wrapped tightly around your midsection, clinging to you like his life depended on it as he kept fucking you.

You felt the twitch, and his release shoot into you, a guttural groan following it. Feeling the mix of your arousals seeping out of you, his cock throbbing.

The heavy breathing from the both of you was the only noise in the room, you two staying in the position. You lightly scratched his scalp letting him regain his composure, his arms loosely holding you still. After a minute, he leaned away looking at you silently.

The intense gaze made you self conscious, clearing your throat as indication you were getting up. His arms only tightened around you once more, but he let his cock sink out of you, feeling your releases cover both of your thighs.

“I should get going,” you stated bluntly.

“Stay the night?” He reached over for the t-shirt that was crumpled on the floor beside his desk. Gingerly wiping you off first, being extremely gentle and careful to not be too abrasive with your sensitive parts, before he cleaned himself off.

You blinked in surprise, he never asked that before—let alone so nonchalant. You two never stayed too long in one another’s quarters after, let alone spend the night with one another. This would encroach the boundaries you mentally placed on this arrangement, ultimately entangling what you had already felt for the man in front of you.

“Aren’t you worried someone will see?” You asked warily.

He offered his usual boyish grin. “That’s kind of the point, sweetheart.”

Personally the pacing was weird for me to write, but I hope it gave you guys what you needed! The idea of fwb possessive Bodhi now has me in a chokehold lmao. Like I said, I am always open to improvements and feedback as this was a bit out of my comfort zone 🫶🏻��

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scorpioriesling · 4 months ago

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Hiya! If like to order a Ridoc, Bodhi, and Liam, with a side of 10 and if it is in-stock, a 73? Cheers friend!

Good Things Come in Groups of Three

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairing(s): Liam x Bodhi x Ridoc x reader

Warnings: mdni, 18+, heavy smut, p in v, oral, threesome… this is quite graphic lol

Summary: After a long day with your trainer, the last thing you need is his friend mouthing off to you -- especially when it's a topic he has no business "educating" you about. Ready to rinse off the day and finally catch a few hours of sleep, you're not expecting company; but, you come to realize maybe it's not all that unwelcome.

SR’s Note: So... this is my first time? Writing? Smut involving more than just two consenting parties? So like... please don't tear me to shreds. <3 I really, really tried, and I apologize for the wait time, I have so many WIPs and I wanted to do my best on this for you; I appreciate your patience! This uses prompts #10 and #73 from my Prompt Request Masterlist. Enjoy (:

Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @kitsunetori @velarisdusk (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

"Come on Y/L/N -- harder!"

Sweat runs down the back of your neck as you draw back, raising your gloved fists in defense for what felt like the hudredth time that evening. Bodhi stood before you, his left brow raised tauntingly as he motioned for you to move with a curl of his fingers.

"Do it again, but do it harder this time," he instructs, repeating the forward motion with his fingers. You huff in frustration, awareness creeping in of how late it had gotten. The moon was now hanging above the clouds, barely anyone was left in the gym... and you had Bodhi, your trainer, keeping you here late.

You lunged forward, throwing your weight into him. He stumbled, back, but you weren't strong enough to knock him off of his feet. You thrust your clenched fist out, aiming to at least leave him doubled over -- again, you were too slow. He caught your wrist, twisting your arm behind your back and shoving you to the ground. Your hipbone connected roughly with the mat, surely to leave a bruise; but that paled in comparison to your strangled breaths as the wind was completely knocked from your lungs.

"B...Bod...hi.." You writhed beneath him as he pinned you, his form pressed completely atop you to keep you from rising. A pleading cough was all you could get out before his warm breath ticked against the shell of your ear.

"Tapping out?" He rasped, the rough patches on his worn leather gloves rubbing your wrists raw. You nodded frantically, and he sighed, smacking the mat before releasing you. The air was a welcome relief as it flodded your lungs, each breath drawn in greedily as you rolled onto your back against the mat.

Bodhi leaned back on his heels, the slight shake of his head sending a soft ruffle through his dampened curls. He peered down at you with a disappointed look.

"Y/N, you know when you tap out during the real thing-"

"Bodhi, you were practically fuckin' killing me on that last one!" You squeaked, your head resting pathetically against the worn training mat. He tsks at you, cracking his knuckles and continuing to stare.

"You need to know how to hold your own. Especially against guys," he elaborates. You roll your eyes, but he continues. "Guys don't give a shit if you're small, or you're a girl, or you physically can't take them." He gives you a pointed look, and before he can say more, you hear the even more irritating sound of your fellow squadmate approaching.

"Hah, yeah, in fact," Ridoc chuckles, bending at the waist to peer over you. "Some twisted fucks try to get paired with girls on purpose, just because they know it's a different type of fight, and it's one they could win." He looks pitifully at you, the waves in his black hair falling over his forehead. You scoff, pushing onto your elbows and wincing at the pain blooming near your hip.

"You're annoying," you throw a pointed glance at your fellow first year, your eyes sliding to the trainer you were assigned by your absolutely-wonderful-and-charming wingleader next. "And so are you; running me into the ground, working me harder than anyone else here," you gesture around the gym, and laugh sarcastically as you notice it has emptied out.

"Oh! Wait. There is no one else here." You frown, and Bodhi only glowers at you.

"You'll be thanking me when it comes time for challenges and you can actually take down your opponents." He says nonchalantly, and you shake your head in disbelief.

Ridoc opens his mouth again from your right. "It's probably for the best anyway-"

"Ugh, Gods Ridoc, do you ever SHUT UP?" Your anger bubbles over, and he immediately stops talking. "I'm so tired, I'm worn out, I've been here all night sweating my ass off with him," you jerk your thumb toward his annoying upper-classman friend. "Now, I have to listen to you run your mouth, too?" You sigh frustratedly, glaring at the moon through the open window.

You push to your feet then, sending one final angry look at the two friends.

"All on a fucking school night, too!"

You turn on your heel, making way for the locker rooms. You cross your arms, feeling the smallest victory won as you approach the locker room door.

It's short lived when you hear their mocking laughter from the training room behind you.

You slam the door shut, grumbling and growling as you stomp by the grayed-out stalls. What the hell is their deal, anyway? Surely you could handle your own. Not every guy here is looking for a girl to go after, anyhow.

Approaching the mirrors, you sigh heavily, bracing your hands against the cool ceramic of the sink.

So what if you were paired with a man. You would be able to hold your own -- they were just afraid of looking weak. That had to be it.

You stared at your reflection for a moment, taking in the bags under your eyes from the lack of sleep. Your ponytail was nearly undone, so many hairs had fallen in the hours you'd been forced to train here.

Screw Bodhi for making you stay so late. You shook your head, thinking about him pinning you to the mat. He didn't care how tired you were -- he did it anyway. And Ridoc, he never knew when to stop running those full lips of his...

Screw them both, honestly.

You were pulled from your thoughts as the sound of a locker closing rang out, causing you to jump. Your heartbeat quickened; surely, no one else would be in here. The gym was empty when you walked out.

"Hello?" You called. Your feet felt frozen in place, your mind swimming with all of the possibilities. After a few moments of silence, you shrugged it off. It was late; perhaps with the lack of sleep, you were simply imagining things.

Of the four shower stalls available, you weighed your options before stepping into the one in the corner. Two were missing a shower curtain, and the other had a sign that read "Out of Order" in front of it. Not to mention the lack of a lightbulb in there; you went with the fully funtional option.

You peeled your clothes off, discarding them at the bench near the sinks before stepping in. You had just closed the curtain quietly, the room so eerily quiet when your mind began to wander. You could have sworn the locker rooms had six showers -- not four.

Again, you rolled your shoulders, chalking it up to be pure exhaustion that had you thinking these rediculous things. With a soft sigh, you reached for the shower handle.

✧･ﾟ: *

It seemed as though fifty things happened at once.

You had just let your eyes drift shut, your hand bracing the cool steel of the shower faucet as you awaited the feeling of the warm water to rain down on you.

In that same second, the curtain was abruptly shoved open, and you heard (definitely heard, not imagined) a male voice, asking, "Uhhh, what are you doing in here?"

Also, in that same second, you screamed. At the top of your lungs. Wide-eyed, shrill, screaming. Because why the fuck, was Liam Mairi, of all people, staring back at you, naked in the girl's locker room?

While he was also... naked... in the girl's locker room?

"Liam!" You screetched, reaching for the shower curtain in the same second he did. You pulled it toward yourself in an attempt to conceal what had already been exposed, but it seemed he had the same idea. It was as though tug-of-war was happening with the damned curtain, and in the end, his barely covered dick was pressed against your barely covered vagina. You braced a forearm across your chest in an attempt to hide your top half.

"Y/N, what the Hell-" he began, his cheeks reddening as he looked anywhere other than in your direction.

"Ohhh no," you roared. "What the fuck," you puncuated. "Are you doing. In the girls. Locker room!" You demanded. He let out a sarcastic laugh, his eyes drifting from the ceiling finally to meet yours.

"Are... are you serious right now?" He asked. Your eyebrows rose so high on your forehead, you thought they'd recede right into your hairline.

"Yes? It's, what, nearly midnight?" You seethe. He chuckles, his seaglass eyes roving across your face. You narrow your brows at him.

"It is midnight now, yes," he confirms. "I just got back from riding with Deigh, and since the shower in my dorm is taken..." he explains, his piercing gaze trailing over your mouth and drifting lower. "...I opted to use the ones down here. In the boys, locker room, I might add." He smirks, his pupils widening as he unashamedly takes in the cleavage you still have pressed against him.

Your cheeks burn, the embarassment of the entire situation, and now you've only gotten in worse with this compromising position you're in-

"H-hey," you say, your breaths quickening as you realize he is still quite literally oogling you. His gaze flicks up, the cool blue of his irises now darkened with lust as he's gone completely quiet. "My eyes are up here."

He chuckles, his bottom lip pulling between his teeth as his hand gently reaches around the curtain, the pads of his fingertips connecting with the curve of your exposed waist. You suck in a sharp breath, the steam from the shower providing no warmth under his icy gaze.

Sure, you could admit you had thought about your handsome squadmate in... rather unsavory positions before. Would you ever act on those? Probably not. You were only ever cordial before this, anyway -- but the way he was practically devouring you with his eyes right now had you feeling the need to rub your thighs together.

"You think she's still in here?"

Whatever trance Liam had you in was severed the moment you heard that taunting voice, your eyes widening with the realization.

"Probably, she never came back out."

You grabbed Liam by the shoulder, tugging him into the running water with you -- curtain be damned. You slid it shut, concealing yourself from the approaching males. Turning to face him, you see his face etched in concern. You pull him close to whisper.

"I think Ridoc and Bodhi are in here," you explain, and Liam's lips press into a line. You brace your hands on your hips, anxious now that they'll come looking for you, watching as you went right into the wrong locker room.

You turn your back to Liam, your flushed cheeks indication that you are aware the both of you are still fully nude together... only now, you're in the shower together. No barriers, no curtains between you two.

He steps toward you, his fingers cupping under the curve of your ass as he pulls you back to him. You hiss quietly, turning your neck to look up at him. He's already leaning over to say something, his lips trailing along the column of your neck.

"They can... still see your feet, you know."

You look down. You hadn't even considered the few inches between curtain and floor -- they'd surely know it was you. Not many other males in the Riders quadrant had pink toenails with flowers painted on them.

Liam's hands snake around your hips, pulling you flush against him. You can instantly feel his length pressed against your ass, and as his fingers continue to trail across your dewy skin, he twitches against you.

"Fuck..." he groans, low and gutteral against your throat before placing a wet kiss against your skin. You can hear Bodhi and Ridoc poking around, their voices becoming ever so closer.

"L-Liam... please," you pant, his hands travelling up to cup your breasts in his palms. He pinches your nipples hard between his fingers, causing you to bite down on your bottom lip to stifle your cry.

"Liam, please, you have to h-help me," you plead, and he chuckles lowly in your ear. You hadn't realized that you had begun moving your ass against him, his cock now pressed more firmly against your bum.

"Oh, I'll help you," he offers, his hands grabbing your hips and turning you around to face him. His lips merely ghost over yours as he speaks, staring directly down into your wide eyes.

"But you're gonna help me too." His hands slide underneath your butt, gripping the flesh as he lifts you off of your feet. He pulls you against his chest and you wrap your legs around his waist, the feel of his erection strong against your throbbing core. He backs you up until you're pressed against the stone wall, one of his hands moving underneath you as his eyes bore into yours.

"There -- now no one can see you." He grins, and you suck your bottom lip between your teeth. The muscles of his shoulders flex, and you watch as his hand moves in time beneath you; realizing he is stroking himself below your entrance. The epiphany sends another wave of heat through you, and he leans in close as his tip prods at your entrance.

"Now, be a good girl for me and keep quiet?" He smirks, and you all but nod before he slowly pushes himself inside of you, each inch stretching your aching pussy deliciously.

"Mmmm," You squeeze your eyes shut, trying your best to stifle your moans as he sheaths himself inside of you to the hilt, only pulling out a few inches before roughly shoving back in.

Your eyes fly open, your mouth wide as you stare up at him. He simply smirks at you, one hand palming your ass and the other bracing against the stone wall. He continues fucking himself into you, slowly at first, drinking in every quiet whimper you let out for him.

"So tight," he rasps, his gaze focusing on your breasts pressed against him once more. You fight to keep any noises at bay, worried that Gods forbid another person pulls back the shower curtain-

"Ohhhh! Looks like Y/N came in here on purpose, huh!" Ridoc's taunting voice bellows, a blast of cool air flooding the warm shower as he yanks open the shower curtain. Your nipples harden at the sudden temperature change, only seeming to turn Liam on more. Ridoc chuckles at the scene before him, and you watch as your trainer approaches from behind.

"It's... it's not what it looks...like-"

"Oh, I think it's exactly. What it looks like." Bodhi cocks an eyebrow, glancing to Liam who has not let up on his relentless deepstroking. "Is this exactly what it looks like?"

Liam smirks, glancing between you and the two males watching the scene before them. "Oh, it is exactly what it looks like."

You gasp, looking up at him in disbelief. "Liam! What-"

"I've heard enough." Bodhi says, raising a hand in silence. He only sighs, his eyes raking over your naked form before him. Your cheeks heat as Liam adjusts his angle, his hand gripping the back of one of your knees as he drives into you harder. You can't help the moan the escapes; the sheer force at which he's fucking you is enough to make anyone wet at the sight of it.

"Thought she deserved something -- been a pretty good girl for me, anyway," Liam praises, and Ridoc rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, well she was bein' a fuckin' brat during training today-"

You glare from your place on the wall, watching as his devilishly handsome lips tilted up in a smirk.

"Ridoc... I said... shut... up..." you pant. Bodhi leans against the stone wall, chewing on the inside of his lower lip as he watches your breasts bounce with every thrust Liam gives you. "Ah... oh.. fuck, Liam I'm-"

Liam groans against the hollow of your throat, his cock twitching inside of you before shooting thick ropes of cum deep into your pussy. The tether inside of you snaps, your warm release trickling out of you and running over the curves of your thighs. You're panting, still coming down from your high when Ridoc opens his mouth again.

"Why don't you shut me up then?" He says, his voice thick as he pushes his sweat shorts over his muscled thighs. Liam places you gently back on the ground, the aftershocks of your first orgasm finally wearing off as you saunter toward Ridoc. You shove the shower curtain aside; clearly, there was no concern for getting clean anytime soon.

Approaching the bench where your clothes lay, you push against his shoulders, watching as he yields to your touch. He lies flat on his back near the edge of the bench, his toned legs tapering off the end to where his feet plant flat on the floor.

He grins cheekily up at you, his eager hands guiding your waist as you swing your leg over his chest. He grips at your thighs, squeezing your skin as you position your leaking heat just above his awaiting mouth.

"This will do," You say, looking down at him and smirking. He groans, fingers pulling you to sit all the way down on his tongue. Immediately he gets to work, his lips exploring each and every inch of your throbbing core while his hands grip your ass, perched lightly on top of his chest.

"Ohhh... fuck," you moan, your fingers threading through his onyx locks as you begin to lightly rock your hips against his expert tongue. He licks up into you, illiciting more whines of pleasure from you as your fingers tug on his locks. He growls into your cunt, the sound sending another wave of pleasure through you that has one hand leaving his hair and playing with your nipple instead, imagining how good his mouth would feel there if this was any indication.

"Ridoc, yes, yes..." You chant, your eyes drifting toward the abandoned shower you had retreated from before. No longer is Bodhi leaned against the wall -- the space is empty, save for a few articles of clothing on the ground.

You let out a sharp gasp as your hair is suddenly yanked, forcing your chin up as dark brown eyes stare lustfully down at you. From the corner of your eye, you watch as a blonde head strides over, sitting on the bench a couple of feet away and leaning against the row of lockers.

"You don't seem so eager to get to bed now that your cunt's being eaten," Bodhi snarls, his gaze trazing over your face contorted in pleasure. You can't think of a witty a response, no comeback in mind -- especially as Ridoc moves below you, his nose prodding against your clit. You let out a breathhy gasp, your mouth hanging open and Bodhi only shakes his head at you.

"Mouth looks a little empty," he grits out, gripping your chin harshy before releasing you. He strides before you, his fingers tugging on his length before sitting in front of you on the bench. Your mouth practically waters at the sight; he's huge. He sees it too, as he scoffs at you.

"You wanna mouth off all night -- bend over and take it all then," he challenges. Ridoc's hand moves to grip his own length, moving in quick thrusts as you bend before him, lowering on your hands until his glistening tip is positioned just before your lips.

"Said you could handle a man yourself... handle me then," he looks at you darkly, and you glare at him, shoving his entire length down your throat in one thrust. You gag around him, his intimidating size measuring up. When you draw your head back, his hand threads through the mess of a ponytail you have left, roughly gripping the back of your head and forcing your mouth all the way back down on his cock.

"Fuck... so pretty, taking my dick all the way down that little throat," he groans. Tears prick the corners of your eyes, the combined sensation with Ridoc's punishing tongue nearly pushing you over the edge almost too much. When Bodhi releases you again, you stick out your tongue, and he taps his length against it.

"Fucking hot," he mutters, watching you through half-lidded eyes. You dare a glance to your right, catching sight of Liam relaxed on the nearly bench, fisting his own cock at the sight of you getting both males off at once. His head is rolled back in pleasure, his eyes closed as he drags his fingers up, and down, and up...

You don't have time to warn Ridoc before your orgasm rolls through you, your thighs shaking beside his head. You glance up, surprised to see Bodhi panting heavily as you continue sucking him at a slow, punishing pace.

"Fuck... oh fuck-"

He plunges his cock deep, shooting his cum down your throat. You gag, the size stretching your throat around him as he whimpers before you with each twitch of his cock. You focus on swallowing every last drop; though a small part of you cheers in silent victory that you have Bodhi Durran whimpering for you.

✧･ﾟ: *

You're spent. You're absolutely spent; surely, you'd been in here hours now, the three males delighting in pulling orgasm after orgasm from you, and you doing the same for them.

Nonetheless, you still find yourself happily sitting atop Ridoc's lap, bouncing on his thick length in the early hours of the morning.

"Fuck, Y/N... just like that, bounce that ass on my dick, just like that," his arms are wrapped around your waist, holding you against him as you ride him, milking every last drop out of his delicious length. It was the only time, you'd admit, you liked hearing the sound of his voice.

"Tongue," Liam commands, and you open your mouth wide, letting your tongue fall out per his request. He grins, giving your head a little pat before tapping it with his silky-smooth dick.

"Good girl," he praises, slipping into your awaititng mouth with ease. Your eyes roll back, his tip hitting the back of your throat as Ridoc's thrusts were now brushing your cervix. Your hands gripped his shoulders, and he delighted in the way your strangled groans sounded right next to his ear.

It was the sharp slap on your right butt cheek that had your walls fluttering around Ridoc though, Bodhi's fingers lightly tugging on your hair again in silent control.

"You like being fucked, is that it, hm?" He asked, landing another slap against your skin. You cried out, Liam pulling his cock from you for only a moment to hear your pleasure-filled screams.

Another slap -- this time, you felt yourself on the edge.

"Fuck!" You sobbed, your fucked out expression staring at Liam with your rounded eyes. He sucked in a breath, his hand working his cock as he slipped his thumb into your mouth.

"Taking it so well..." he mumbled, his eyes closing only for a moment before sticky spurts of cum covered you, painting your chin and neck with the evidence. He sighed in pleasure, Ridoc slowing his relentless pounding before he pulled his dick from you, his cum shooting across your boobs and painting your skin in his seed.

"Fuck... I'm so close," Bodhi groaned, his hands hauling you off of his friend and bending you over the sink. Before you had a moment to adjust, he filled you with his length, his hips snapping against your ass harshly. His fingers gripped your throat, tilting your chin to gaze at yourself in the mirror. Your mouth dropped open, watching the attractive male behind you fuck himself into you mercilessly.

"This perfect fucking cunt," he grunted, his chocolate curls swaying with each thrust. "Watch how good you take it, baby," he ground out, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror. Your stomach tightened, your eyes rolling back as his dick rubbed against your sensitive spot.

"Bodhi... Bodhi, please, I'm cumming-" You squeaked, and with a few sharp thrusts, he came inside you, pulling out to watch hungrily as the white liquid dripped out of your raw cunt. You gripped the sink's edge, panting as the weight of the evening's activities took hold of you. Glancing to the shower, you sighed, chuckling at the thought.

"You still have time, if you want to actually clean up before class," Ridoc chuckles, pulling his shorts on from behind you. Liam yawns, stretching his arms wide as he glances at you through the mirror. Bodhi grabs your clothes, extending them to you. You take them with a shaky hand, chuckling softly and shaking your head. You could barely believe the direction the night had gone.

"Yeah... I think I may just skip class today."

✧･ﾟ: *

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nomie-11 · 1 month ago

Text

Chapter 9 - To Ashes

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Noise overwhelms all of Genevieve’s senses when she enters the chamber that looks as if it's been built into the very walls of Samara, and shock halts her feet at the inside of the doorway.

What in gods’ names is going on?

More than a dozen riders—all in black—stand along the sides of the square-shaped, windowless room that looks better suited for storage than occupation. They’re all leaning over a thick wooden railing, intently watching something in the excavated pit below.

Genevieve takes the empty space on the rail directly ahead of her, finding herself between a veteran rider with a grizzled beard on her left and a woman who looks a few years older than her on the right. Then she looks down, and her heart all but stops.

Xaden. And he is shirtless.

So is the other rider as they circle each other, their fists raised like they’re sparring. But there’s no mat beneath them, only a packed-dirt floor decorated with spatters of crimson, both old and fresh.

They’re equally matched in height, but the other rider is bulky, built like Garrick with at least 20 pounds on Xaden, who’s cut in deep, muscular lines.

The rider swings for Xaden’s face, and Genevieve white-knuclles the rough railing, holding her breath as Xaden easily evades the punch, delivering one of his own to the opponent’s ribs. The riders around her cheer, and she has to hold back her own grin of excitement. If this is what graduation was like, she wanted in.

This wasn’t sparring. This is straight-up fighting. And it looked fun.

And the way Xaden hit him? He’s holding back. Toying with him the way he used to toy with her.

“Why are they…” She asks the silver-barred lieutenant next to her, her words dying as Xaden dips and spins, avoiding another attempted hit. There’s a definite sparkle in his dark eyes as he deftly jumps back again, denying his opponent’s strike.

“Fighting?” the woman finished the question.

“Yeah.” She keeps her gaze centered on Xaden, who lands quick, consecutive punches to the other’s kidneys. Dirty shot, nice.

“There’s only one pass for lieutenants this weekend,” she says, moving a little closer. “Jarrett has it, and Riorson wants it.”

“So they’re fighting for it?” Genevieve spares a glance sideways at the rider beside her. She has short brown hair, sharp, birdlike features, and a thumbprint-size scar on her jawline.

“Leave and pride. Lieutenant Colonel Degrensi’s rules. You want it? You fight for it. You want to keep it? You’d better be good enough to defend it.”

“Damn… that’s sick,” Genevieve mutters, eyes still locked on Xaden as he effortlessly dodges another strike, his movements fluid and precise.

The woman next to her chuckles, her eyes glinting with a mix of admiration and amusement. “You’ve got spunk! I like that.”

Genevieve smirks, leaning forward a little, Xaden was going to destroy this Jarrett guy, she knows he’s not even fighting at full potential. The energy in the room, the raw tension of the fight—it feels almost electric.

“Doesn’t matter if you’re good with your blade or your signet, either,” the woman continues. “This is a pure fist fight. Good fun as well.” She leans forward and shouts as Xaden deflects another punch, and then grabs Jarrett by the biceps and throws him to his back. “Damn. I really thought Jarrett was going to take him in less time.”

The grin on Genevieve’s face widens. “He won’t take him at all.” She shakes her head, staring at Xaden with more than a little delight as he waits for Jarrett to gain his feet. “Xaden’s toying with him.”

The rider turns towards her, her gaze scanning Genevieve in clear assessment, but she’s too busy watching Xaden land hit after carefully placed hit to bother with what the lieutenant thinks of her.

“You’re her, aren’t you.” the rider asks, her appraisal pausing on Genevieve’s hair.

“Her who?”

“Quinn Hale’s little sister.”

Genevieve freezes.

“You knew my sister?” That earns her a glance.

“You look like her.” She nods, watchful eyes sweeping over Genevieve’s facial features, the curve of her nose and the shape of her face.

“I do.” Genevieve nods, the smile on her face returning. Xaden lands a solid hit to Jarrett’s jaw with a crack.

“Riorson has a nasty right hook.”

“He does.”

“You sound pretty confident.” She turns her attention back to the fight.

“I am.” She nods. Her confidence in Xaden is fair earned, he’s beaten her up enough times to know that he’s a mean fighter, and she’s only beaten him once despite all of her strength. Her confidence in him is so strong it’s almost arrogant. And gods, he’s beautiful. The mage lights illuminating the chamber highlight every carved line of roped muscle on his chest and abs and play off the angles of his face. And even when he turns, the hundred and eight scars that mark his back catch the light under Sgaeyl’s relic.

She stares. She can’t help it. His body is a work of art, honed to lethal perfection. She knows every inch of it over and over, and yet, she’s still transfixed like it’s the first time she’s seen him half-dressed.

She can’t even decide if she wants to fight him or if she wants to fuck him. It honestly might be some toxic mix of both.

It’s pointless to deny that every single part of her is attracted to every facet of him. It’s not just his body. It’s everything. Even the darkest parts of him, the parts she knows are merciless, willing to annihilate the entire world if it stood between him and a goal, pulling her in like a moth to a flame.

Her heart pounds like a drumbeat as she watches him maneuver around the floor of the pit, playing with his opponent. She’s missed watching him in the gym, sparring with Garrick. She’s missed being with him on the mat, feeling his body over hers as he puts her on her back over and over again. She’s missed the feeling of when she puts him on his back, a dagger pressed firmly to his throat. She missed the tiny moments in the day when their eyes would meet in a crowded hallway, the bigger moments when she had him all to herself.

She’s so in love, that for a moment, she forgets why she ever denied herself to him. Almost.

The rider on her left shouts, and Xaden’s gaze snaps up, colliding with hers.

Surprise registers on his features for all of a heartbeat before his opponent swings, his fust slamming into Xaden’s jaw with a sound that makes her stomach twist.

She bites back a gasp as Xaden’s head snaps sideways with the force of the blow. He staggers backward to the cheers of the riders around me.

“Come on, stop playing around and end it, I sounded so confident when I said you’d win this,” She says through the bond for the first time since Resson.

“Confident?” He thumbs a drop of blood off the split in his lower lip, his gaze flashing to mine, and she could swear she saw a hint of a smile before he turns to Jarrett.

Jarrett swings once, then twice, missing Xaden both times. Then Xaden strikes with two quick punches, putting his full weight behind them unlike before, and sending Jarrett into his hands and knees in the dirt. Jarrett’s head hangs as he shakes it slowly, blood dripping from his mouth.

“Damn,” the rider next to her says.

“Exactly.” Genevieve says with a wide smirk, completely aware that she isn’t in control of her facial muscles as she watches him.

Xaden stands back as the riders fall silent in the chamber, and then he extends his hand. Jarrett’s chest heaves for a tense minute before he looks up at Xaden and shoves away the offered hand. He taps the floor twice, and while some riders around Genevieve groans—and she watches as money is exchanged between hands begrudgingly—others clap a couple times. Jarrett spits blood onto the floor, then stands upright, nodding at Xaden respectfully.

The match—or fight, whatever label the riders decided on Genevieve didn’t know—is apparently over.

The riders head her way, filtering past her for the door. Xaden says something to Jarrett that she can’t hear, then uses the metal rungs embedded into the stone’s masonry at the far end of the pit to climb out. He reaches the top, then takes his shirt from where it’s draped across the railing and comes in her direction, watching her with enough heat in his gaze to set her already alive body on fire.

“Looks like he won the pass,” the woman next to Genevieve says. “I’m Cornelia Sahalie, by the way.”

“Genevieve Hale.” Genevieve makes no effort to look away from Xaden’s steadily approaching form.

He runs his tongue over the small cut at the side of his lower lip as if testing it, then tugs his shirt on. In one small motion his shirt covers her show, but her blood doesn’t cool. Not even the snow and harsh winds could save her now, it would probably just melt.

“Good job, Riorson,” Lieutenant Sahalie says to Xaden. “I’ll tell the major to take you off the patrol roster for forty-eight hours.”

“Twenty-four,” he corrects her, his eyes on Genevieve. “I only need twenty-four hours. Jarrett can have the other twenty-four.”

“Suit yourself.” She clamps Jarrett on the shoulder in consolation as he walks by, then follows him out, and they’re alone.

“You’re early,” Xaden says, but the look in his eyes is anything but condemnation.

She lifts a brow, clenching her fists to ignore the way she itches to touch him. “Is that a complaint?”

“No.” He shakes his head slowly. “I just wasn’t expecting you until noon.”

“Turns out Tairn flies pretty damn fast when he’s not being held back by a riot.” She swallows, eyes dropping from his gaze to his lips.

He’s killed for her before, so why is him fighting for a weekend pass stripping every ounce of her self-control out of her body.

“Genevieve.” Xaden’s voice drops to that low, quiet tone he only ever uses when they’re alone. And naked.

“Hmmm?” She tilts her head, mind fuzzy.

“Tell me what’s spinning around that beautiful head of yours.” He moves closer, invading her space without even making a motion to touch her.

Fuck, I want him to touch me, even if it’s a bad idea. A really, really bad idea.

“Does it hurt?” She lifts her fingertip to the corner of her lip where his is split.

He shakes his head. “I’ve had worse. It’s what I get for blocking with my shields to concentrate on the fight. Otherwise, I would have felt you.” His hand reaches out and brushes hers where it still lingers on her face. “A wrist brace?”

Genevieve jerks her hand back, cramming it into the pocket of her flight jacket. Her cheeks flush, but she forces a casual shrug, even as she shifts to keep the weight off of her weaker knee. “Oh, this? No big deal. Took a tumble down some stairs.” She waves the other hand like it’s a laughable, insignificant event.

Xaden’s eyes narrow, his gaze dropping to her wrist. His fingertips ghost along the edge of the brace peeking out of her jacket’s cuff before he pulls it out of the pocket and looks back up, his expression tightening. “You fell down a flight of stairs? This was your good arm.”

“Yep.” Her voice is breezy, too breezy, and she moves to pull back her wrist when he moves, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, gently tilting her head back before searching her eyes. “What are you thinking? Because I can read a lot into the way you’re looking at me, but I’m going to need the words.”

Genevieve freezes under hs touch, her breath catching. She can’t summon a lie to distract him, nto when he’s this close, not when his gaze is that intense. His scent, sharp and familiar and the same leather conditioner and mint that it always is, overwhelms her defenses. Her fingers twitch against her side, aching to close the gap and pull him closer.

The truth lodges in her throat, unspoken, as her body betrays her. Despite the aches she’s hiding, despite the distrust simmering in her heart, all she wants in this moment is him. The walls she’s carefully reconstructed, the doubt she clings to—they all feel paper-thin compared to the way his thumb strokes her jaw.

“I’m thinking,” She starts, her voice barely a whisper, “that you’re too good at this.”

“At what?” his voice is low, a rumble she feels more than hears, and his eyes bore into hers like he’s peeling her apart layer by layer.

“At making me forget everything else.” She laughs softly, a bitter edge creeping into the sound. “You’re dangerous.”

“I’m about three seconds away from carrying you up to my bedroom to continue this conversation.” his hand slides along her jaw, his thumb caressing her lower lip.

“Not your room.” she shakes her head. “You, me, a bed. Not a good idea at the moment.”

“As I remember—which I do, often—we don’t always need a bed.” His other hand palms her waist.

Her knees go weak for a moment.

“Genevieve?”

I cannot kiss this man. I can’t. I don’t trust him, but would it really be the end of the world if I kissed him and didn’t trust him? He doesn’t exactly fully trust me either. Shit. This is going to break me. I’m going to break, even if it’s just for this moment.

“Hypothetically, if I wanted you to kiss me but only kiss me—” She starts, and his mouth is on hers before she even finishes.

The kiss is a collision of heat and desperation, his lips rough but deliberate, stealing the breath from her lungs in a way that makes her knees wobble again. Xaden steadies her instantly, his hand firm on her waist, pulling her closer as if he can anchor them both in the chaos they’ve created.

Her hands, traitorous as ever, find their way to his chest, fisting in the fabric of his shirt as though holding on will keep her grounded. He groans low in his throat, the sound vibrating against her lips and shooting through her like lightning. The world narrows until it’s just him—his touch, his scent, the way he consumes her without hesitation or apology.

It’s not enough. It never is.

He deepens the kiss, one hand sliding down to cup her thigh, and before she knows it, he’s lifting her effortlessly, pressing her back against the cool, unyielding wall. She gasps into his mouth, her fingers instinctively gripping his shoulders for balance as he legs wrap around his waist.

“Gods, Gen,” he mutters against her lips, his voice thick and laced with something she doesn’t want to name. “Have you been eating?”

The question sinks into her like a stone, pulling her back into reality. For the first time, she becomes hyper aware of how her body fits in his arms—different than it used to. His grip feels firmer, steadier, as if lifting her takes less effort than it ever did before. Her thighs rest against his sides, and the lack of tension in his stance makes her chest tighten with something uncomfortably close to shame. She’s lighter now, too light, and she knows it. She can feel it in the hollowness of her muscles, the sharp angles of her frame pressing against his hands.

Xaden doesn’t falter, doesn’t adjust as though he’s noticed, but she can feel the slight hitch in his breath, the way his fingers pause against her thigh for a fraction of a second. His strength has always been a constant, something she’s relied on whether she’s wanted to or not, but now that strength feels like a quiet reminder of her own fragility.

It’s humiliating.

And yet, she doesn’t let herself pull away from the ever deeper kiss, doesn’t let the discomfort take over, even as her cheeks burn and the back of her throat tightens. She steels herself, her body still pressed between his and the wall, and exhales shakily before answering.

“Can’t really eat,” she murmurs, her voice low as she steals a breath from the kiss, “not when you’re constantly either nauseated or dealing with a migraine.”

His brow furrows, his hands tightening slightly where they hold her as he pulls back just enough to look at her. “Genevieve—”

“Don’t.” She shakes her head quickly, not wanting the moment to spiral into something heavier, something else besides her mouth on his and his hands on her body. “Please, Xaden, just… don’t.”

For a moment, he hesitates, his dark eyes searching hers, but then he nods, his jaw tightening. “Okay.”

He leans in again, brushing his lips over her with a gentleness that’s almost cruel in its tenderness. “But this conversation isn’t over.”

Her heart stutters in her chest, a wild, erratic beat she’s sure he can feel beneath her ribcage. She doesn’t trust herself to respond, so instead, she pulls him closer, her body aching for the temporary escape he offers.

Xaden’s lips crash back against hers, but this time, there’s a different kind of urgency—something deeper, more restrained, like he’s holding himself together by sheer force of will. His hands are steady, even as she clings to him like he’s the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

The tension between them feels like a live wire, buzzing with the passion between the two of them. It’s not just the kiss—it’s the months of longing, the silence they’ve used to shield from each other.

She tilts her head, her lips parting to allow him to deepen the kiss. His tongue brushes against hers, coaxing a soft sound from her throat that she can’t suppress. His grip on her tightens, the pads of his fingers pressing into her thigh and hip, as though he’s afraid she’ll vanish if he doesn’t hold her close enough.

“Gods, I’ve missed the taste of you.” Even his mental voice comes across as a groan. “The feel of you in my arms.”

Genevieve’s hands find their way to his face, her thumbs brushing over the rough edges of his jawline as she pulls him closer, deeper, until there’s no space left between them. He sucks her tongue into his mouth, and she whimpers at the motion.

The slant of his mouth on hers invigorates her for the first time in ages, and all she can focus on is the feeling of his hands on her body. His hand squeezes her waist gently, then stretches up, the tips of his fingers reaching just beneath her breasts.

But then his hand brushes the edges of her ribs—just a graze, barely enough to notice—and she flinches. It’s subtle, automatic, but it’s enough to shatter the moment.

“We should stop.”

“What if I don’t want to?” Gods, she doesn’t want to. She wants to ignore every warning sign and throw caution to the wind and wrap herself in his scent. She’s not ready for this to end, not ready to return to the reality where she’s fragile and they’re no longer together, even if she’s the one standing in the way.

“We have to, or I won’t be able to keep the only kiss limitation of your hypothetical question. And you winced when I grazed your ribs.” His hand drifts down to her ass as his mouth softens, drawing on her lower lip with one last, lingering kiss. “Fuck, I want you.”

“Then don’t stop.” She looks him in the eyes so he knows she means it. “I’m fine, let’s not stop.”

“Genevieve,” It’s part plea, part moan, and the war in his eyes makes her chest tighten. “You have no idea how badly I want to peel these pants off your amazing ass and fuck you until you’re hoarse from screaming my name, so limp from orgasms that you can’t fathom leaving my bed ever again, and every piece of wooden furniture explodes in a mess of vines.” his hands slide from behind her head to the nape of her neck. “Until you remember exactly how good we are together.”

“I never forgot.” It’s a whimper. Her body is still thrumming from the sensation of his body on hers.

“I’m not talking about physically.” He leans in and kisses her softly.

It’s sweet. Tender. Everything she doesn’t want to feel. When he’s soft with her she has to confront all the things she wants to ignore. “Xaden,” she whispers, shaking her head slowly.

He studies her face for a heartbeat and masks the flash of disappointment with a half smile.

“Exactly.” He gently lowers her back onto her feet, then steadies her, holding onto her waist when her knees wobble. “I want you more than my next breath, but I can’t fuck you into looking at me like you used to. I refuse to use sex as a tool to get you back.” He takes her hand and presses it to her chest lightly, as if too much pressure would break her. “Not when I want to be here.”

Her eyes widen, and apprehension knots her stomach.

“That’s what I thought.” he sighs, but its not defeat tightening his mouth, it’s frustration. “You still don’t trust me, and that’s all right. I told you I’m not in this for a battle. I’m winning the damned war. I’m a fucking fool for saying this, but when haven’t I been a fool when it comes to you?”

“Excuse me?” She bristles.

“Let me get this out.” He glances at her mouth. “I’ll kiss you whenever you want because my self-control is shit where you’re involved—”

“Whenever I want?” Her brows shoot up. What the hell is happening right now?

“Yes, whenever you want, because I’ll live with my mouth attached to yours if I do it whenever I want.” he retreats a couple of steps, and she immediately misses the feel on his hands, the warmth of his skin. “But I’m begging you, Genevieve. Don’t offer me your body unless you’re offering me everything. I want you more than I want to fuck you. I want those three little words back.”

Oh. He wants to hear that I love him.

“Sure, as soon as you agree to stop keeping secrets from me.”

His sigh sounds like it’s ripped out of his very soul. “You need to trust me even with secrets for this to work. And talk about secrets? A wrist brace, Genevieve? Why did Sgaeyl tell me Tairn has a saddle on him? What’s going on with those finger splits? Why did you flinch when I touched your ribs? Why are you so stick-skinny?”

Her chest tightens, the weight of his words crashing down on her like a tidal wave. Every one of his questions feels like a spotlight aimed directly at her weakest points, illuminating the vulnerabilities she’s worked so hard to keep hidden. For a moment, all she can do is stare at him, her breathing shallow as her heart races.

“I’m fine.”

“Come on, Gen,” He practically begs. “You’re not fine. You’ve been saying that for weeks, and every time, it’s a bigger lie. Do you think I don’t notice? The way you move slower, the way you wince when you think I’m not looking at you? I’m not blind, Genevieve. And I’m not stupid.”

Her throat tightens, a lump forming that she swallows down with difficulty. “I’m handling it,” she says, her voice low but sharp, a weak attempt at deflecting him.

“Handling it?” He laughs bitterly, running a hand through his hair as he takes another step back, putting even more space between them. “You’re barely eating. You’re strapping your wrists and knees like you’ve been in a battle I don’t even know about. Train’s wearing a saddle. Are you trying to kill yourself and you just forgot to tell me?”

“Stop,” She snaps, her voice trembling as her anger bubbles up, defensive and raw. “You don’t get to do this.”

“Do what?” he throws his hands out, his voice rising in frustration. “Care? Worry? You’re not invincible, Genevieve! You think I’ll just stand by and let you waste away because you’re too damn stubborn to admit that something is wrong?”

“You keep your secrets, I keep mine,” she fires back, her eyes blazing. “Isn’t that how this works? You can’t demand my honesty when you’re so good at hiding the truth yourself. We both have secrets.”

Xaden freezes, his expression hardening into something scarily unreadable. “These aren’t secrets, Gen. You’re dying.” The words come out low and lethal, slicing through her defenses with brutal precision. “This isn’t some rebellion strategy or classified information. This is your life. Your body is breaking down while you pretend it’s fine.”

Her hands clench into fists at her sides, shaking with the effort it takes to keep her voice steady. “I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s not pity!” He steps closer, his voice vibrating with anger and desperation. “It’s love, Genevieve! Gods, do you even know what it’s like to watch someone you care so much about destroy themselves because they’re too afraid to let someone in? To know you’d do anything to help them, but they won’t let you?”

The raw emotion in his voice is a battering ram against her carefully constructed walls, and for a moment, she can’t breathe. Love. He said it. She can feel it in the way he looks at her, the way his voice cracks in the exasperation she’s forced onto him, the way his hands hover at his sides, just hesitant to reach out as if he’s afraid to touch her now.

“You think I’m afraid?” Her voice is soft but laced with venom, a last-ditch effort to push him away. “Of what, Xaden? Of you? Of us? You don’t get to lecture me about honesty when you’ve kept me in the dark about so much.”

“Then take the first step!” He’s close now, so close she can feel the heata radiating off of him. “Show me. Ask me. Tell me what’s going on, and I’ll tell you anything you want to know about me. But you have to let me in, Gen. Because if you don’t, one day I’ll find you broken beyond repair, and I won’t survive it.”

Her breath catches, tears burn in her eyes but she won’t let them fall as she meets his gaze, the sincerity and pain in his expression unraveling her completely. She wants to scream, to shove him away, to crumble into his arms all at once.

“Violet knows,” Genevieve blurts out, her voice trembling but defiant. She takes a half-step back, needing the distance to steady herself, but her back hits the wall, leaving her no escape. “She knows and she’s helping me.”

Xaden freezes, the air between them charged with unspoken tension. His jaw tightens, his dark eyes searching hers for a crack, for some opening in the armor she’s hastily thrown up. “Violet?” he repeats, his tone dangerously low, as though he’s testing the name on his tongue to see if it tastes like betrayal. “Violet knows. She’s helping you.”

“Yes,” Genevieve snaps, crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive motion that does nothing to hide the tremor in her hands. “She’s my best friend. And she’s capable of helping me. She understands, and she’s all I need to figure it out without—”

“Without what? Without me?” Xaden’s voice rises slightly, frustration slipping through the horribly maintained cracks of his carefully constructed composure. “Without the man who would drop everything—everything—to help you? Why can’t I help you too, Gen? Why is she allowed in, and I’m not?”

“Because it’s easier!” she fires back, her voice breaking despite her efforts to keep it steady. “Because she understands. She doesn’t look at me like you’re looking at me right now, like I’m going to shatter into a million pieces if you so much as breathe wrong.”

His expression falters for a moment, raw emotion, raw hurt flashing across his face before he regains control. “This isn’t me being delicate with you, Gen. You think I don’t know how strong you are? Gods, Genevieve, I’ve seen you take down enemies the size of dragons without blinking because that's what you had to do. But this isn’t a battlefield. This is you. And you’re falling apart right in front of me.”

“I’m not falling apart.”

“Then what do you call this?” He gestures to her, his hand sweeping from her wrist brace to the barely hidden bruises peeking out from beneath her shirt collar. “The brace, the weight loss, the fact that you flinched when I brushed by your ribs—what the hell is going on, Gen? Because if you don’t tell me, I’m going to lose my damn mind.”

She presses her lips together, a war raging inside her. The part of her that wants to confide in him, to let him shoulder some of the burden, battles against the part of her that’s terrified of what he’ll see if she does. “It’s not your problem, Xaden.”

“Not my problem?” He doesn’t even say it, his voice completely dropped and his mental voice a deadly quiet, a kind of calm that’s more dangerous than any shout. He steps closer, his hand moving to grip her shoulder, gently but firmly, as his other tilts her chin upwards, forcing her to look at him. “You are my problem. You’ve always been my problem. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, you’ve been the only thing I can’t ignore, can’t walk away from, can’t stop fighting for.”

Her breath hitches, and for a moment, she hates how much his words affect her, how they burrow under her skin and nestle against the raw, aching parts of her soul. “Xaden, you can’t—”

“I can,” he interrupts, his voice fierce. “And I will. But you have to let me. You know I would do anything for you. I would burn the world to ashes for you.”

And there’s no words that she can form to deny the truth that’s sitting on his tongue. He would, and she can see it in his eyes. He would burn the world to ashes for her.

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

Hey everyone! I've fallen into a trap and that trap is Vi and Caitlyn Kiramman from Arcane. I love them. I've been writing non-stop for the two of them (really Vi but I am writing for Caitlyn), so I've kind of put this on the back-burner, but have no fear, I will finish this even if it kills me.

Anyways, I do enjoy also writing Xaden be so pissed at Gen for being such an idiot. It's so much more fun that writing them argue over him lying--thats such a Violet move and Genevieve won't be pulling that. Either way, this is the last Xaden and Gen interaction for a while, so enjoy it while it lasts!

As always, if you enjoyed, please leave a like, comment, or kudo, I love hearing your feedback and thoughts! That's it for this week, and I'll see you all next week with Chapter 10!

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Taglist: @awkardnerd , @hannraumari , @minjix , @glaciuswduo , @wolfbc97 , @heeseungthel0ml , @acourtofsmutandstarlight , @kylaisra

#fourth wing #xaden riorson #xaden riorson x reader #fourth wing imagine #fourth wing x reader #fourth wing xaden #xaden and sgaeyl #violet sorrengail #garrick tavis x reader #liam mairi #bodhi durran #bodhi fourth wing #the empyrean #the wounded healer #garrick tavis

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lure-of-writing · 1 month ago

Text

Beyond the tread of fate

Summary: The "war games" were anything but games. It was a ploy to kill off more riders without having to get blood on their hands.

Word count: 2.8k

Authors note: Hi everyone, I think I'm going to make this into a series but as always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions! And if you have any requests or ideas on what I should do next please let me know! and ways happy reading!!

“We have never seen a signet as strong as hers.” The breathy voice a few yards away shook Bodhi to his core. “There has never been a signet like this to begin with.” Another voice counters.

Never did you think your signet would be something so strong and powerful. The ability to not only see parts of the future but to alter it, to put it simply, is insane. You knew that having a powerful signet was good in more ways than one but that also meant it put an even bigger target on your back. If other riders in the quadrant didn’t want to kill you before for having the markings of the rebellion relic, they definitely do now.

But unfortunately for them you did not come this far, survive for this long, to only come this far. Each day after threshing posed a threat to your survival. Leadership now had a keen eye on you unlike before where they would simply spare you a glance before moving onto something they thought to be more interesting, not that you minded. Now it seemed that almost everyone in the leadership positions took a new liking to breathing down your back at all times of the day. There was no doubt in your mind that they were trying to find a way for you to cement yourself as a tool used for destruction at their hands, little did they know that you would die before pledging even more loyalty to them then you already have.

Your acts of slight rebellion were starting to catch up with you, having drawn the attention of not only general Melgren but also general Sorrengail. And you swore that if the soul of Malek wasn’t reincarnated into this death trap of a college, wasn’t trying to kill you, then the generals most definitely would take it upon themselves. And something told you that Malek would be more merciful.

As a third year it wasn’t uncommon to be called to the midland posts and with your signet there was no doubt that those so called leaders would let you venture more they deemed necessary. Needless to say you weren’t surprised when it was announced that the so called attack was simply “Was games.” Nothing in this horrendous college was simply a game. It was a way of killing off people without having to do any of the work.

Dain was attempting to get you to go with him and violet as a guise of keeping Violet safe while Xaden wasn’t with her. Except you would rather be roasted by a dragon then go anywhere with the overgrown toddler of a squad leader. Xaden wouldn’t allow it and neither would Bodhi. That's how you found yourself in the air formation of Xadens personal picks heading outside of the wards. Even without your powers you knew that something was off, you could feel it, and so could everyone else. But without the ability to talk with Xaden or Bodhi while in the air, you keep your thoughts to yourself and focus on making a game plan with what little information you had.

It was no surprise to land at the outpost and see that it was completely empty. Not only was leadership testing Xadens loyalty but they were testing everyone else who was with him. You didn’t need your signet to see that one coming. Having been the child of parents who were in the rebellion you knew all those creatures in the stories told to young children weren’t simply a story, but instead the truth. And they were coming right at the town of the outpost. “Well that’s definitely not good.” you mumble under your breath while turning back to the group of riders that were looking towards Xaden. “What's not good?” Bodhi asked with concern, effectively halting all conversation. Without answering you motioned over your shoulder and moved to the side allowing others to see what you saw mere seconds ago. A beat of silence passes before a murmur of a colorful string of cuss words rang out from all directions. “Are those what I think they are?” a marked second year asks, voice quivering in fear. This wasn’t the first time you’ve seen those horrid creatures, Venin without a doubt would not be winning any beauty awards. The freakishly bright eyes and dark crawling veins marking their face mix with the ability to draw power and energy from not only the earth itself but from living things was terrifying enough without their looks.

Not everyone wanted to be a dragon rider but a deal was a deal. Be allowed to live as a dragon rider or die trying. You couldn’t blame the paleing second year; those creatures were not the most appealing thing to look at. Without answering the scared girl, you, Bodhi, Xaden and Garrick share a look coming to the same decision. You would not let all of those innocent people die.As the older children of the rebellion the knowledge you had about venin and wyverns allowed you to know the immense damage they were capable of inflicting upon those in the village down the hill from the outpost. Before Xaden could get a word out the same second year cut him off. “There's no way we are going down there right?” She rubs her palms against the leathers on her legs looking like she just might pass out. That's not a good sign.

With a sigh you look out to the impending doom before turning back around. “Judge if you want, we’re all going to die at some point anyways. And I don’t know about you but I intend to deserve it.” At your words Bodhi rolls his neck while a very long and tired sigh slips past his lips. You were going to be the death of him. “Will you please stop saying things like that?” Your boyfriend pleads. Laughing you beckon for Xaden to start giving orders while moving to stand by Bodhi's side. Under normal circumstances you would never dare to show so much affection towards Bodhi for fear of the harm others might seek out to bring you harm through hurting him. But these were all marked children, people who knew what was on the line. That this was the only true family left remaining, and while some may be scared to put there skill to use and fight they wouldn’t dare dream of betraying those who take care of them,

Silently you wrap your arm around Bodhi's waist tucking yourself into him while listening to your wingleader. Bodhi draps an arm around your shoulders taking in what he is sure is going to be the last few moments of calmness before things inevitably go south. Xaden finishes giving out commands sending people scurrying back to their dragons. The cousins share a glance and Xaden gives a slight nod, understanding the two of you need a moment alone.

“Bo you know I will do everything in my power to come back to you, right?” You see flashes of fear darting around his eyes and you want nothing more than to soothe his worrying. “I know my love but-” He pauses looking out into the distance. “We both know that there is no guarantee that we survive this. I’m more than ok going out protecting those who can’t protect themselves. And I know that you would be strong enough to survive my death but me? There is nothing in this world that would stop me from following you to Malek.” He finishes by wrapping his other arm around you and pulling you flush against him. For a second nothing is said while both of you take in every detail of the person before you, as this could very well be the last time you ever see each other.

“You know that I don’t make promises Bo, especially ones that I can’t keep. But hear me when I say this.” The gentle feeling of your hands against his cheeks is a feeling he memorizes just in case “There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that can keep me from you ok? I promise no matter what I will come back to you even if it's the last thing I do.” You hold out your pinky finger in a silent promise. You watch as he glances down to your outstretched hand before looking back up at you. “You come back to me.” That wasn’t a statement that was an order. “Yes sir!” The sharp salute at odd with your intertwined pinkies brings a smile to his face. Even while on the verge of possibly dying you still manage to keep a positive attitude. And that was something he truly admired about you.

Your slight step back causes Bodhi to tighten his grip on you. “uh -uh, you’re not leaving without giving me a kiss.” Bodhi watches as your face lights up in joy. Leaning forward your lips hover right above his but you make no move to follow through with your action. Gently you drape your arms over his shoulders, lightly running your hands though that curly hair of his that you love so much. Bodhi was getting tired of waiting for you to kiss him and from the sly smile gracing your lips he knew exactly what you were doing. Removing one hand from your waist he brings it up to cup your cheek. His fingers tickle where they rest on the back of your neck. His other hand tightens on your waist and for a moment he does nothing but stroke your cheek lovingly. Tilting your head up slightly you look into those eyes that never fail to capture all of your attention. “I love you.” Pulling him in slightly you stop leaving your lips ghosting over his. “I love you too.” The kiss that ensued was gentle yet passionate. Full of hope and promise to survive. Pulling away your eyes dart between his. “You come back to me ok?” The words fight to get out over the lump forming in your throat. “Yes ma'am!” Bodhi returns the salute you gave him earlier. With one last kiss to your forehead he pulls away, not daring to move until you walk back to where Eden, your dragon, was waiting for you.

The slight bite you have on your lips is the only indication that you were nervous, but Bodhi watched as you took a deep breath and swallowed the fear in your throat. Within seconds fear washed away and in its wake confidence returned. The roll of your shoulders and tilt of your head set in certainty assured him that you would be just fine. Or at least he hoped.

The swift turn of your heel in the broken pieces of cement propelled you forward and away from him. Not once did you look back. You couldn’t let him see the fear in your eyes. Bodhi watched as you mounted the back of Eden and took off to the skies. “Malek I swear if you try to take her from me, I will kill you myself.” He promises in a whisper under his breath “She can handle herself.” Cuir says firmly “especially with that signet of hers.”

Power was gaining strength beneath your skin, traveling in all directions until it encompassed every inch of your body. The warm buzzing sensation dancing under your skin brought you to life in ways you can’t explain. The cold crisp air from the high altitude should litter the exposed parts of your body in goosebumps but instead warmth radiates outwards before mixing with the cool air and disappearing as Eden flies towards the Venin.

“Lets kick some ass shall we?” Chuffing sounds from Eden in approval “I thought you would never ask considering you had yourself entangled with Cuirs rider.” The dragon beneath you doesn’t need to look to see that you're rolling your eyes at her remark. “I’m going to choose to ignore that statement considering we have more important things to focus on.” Vibrations of what could only be assumed as dragon laughter rumbles underneath your body before Eden plummets down to the village in need of help.

Being able to see and alter the future was both a blessing and a curse. It took countless hours grounding and learning how to control the gift Eden bestowed upon you. Thankfully though all the learning curves you uncovered more than the ability to gain insight on how to change the future when eventually happens. You learned to alter the present, also allowing you to change the future. “They want something in that tower.” Eden's voice rings out in your head causing you to look down. “Do we know what's in there?” For a moment she doesn’t respond until you see two riders dismount from their dragons and make their way to the tower. “We are about to find out.”

Venin were already wreaking havoc on the village and they had just gotten started. While in the air you could see buildings as they were being blown up and paths of fire being created. For now you would keep your power building beneath the surface and help where needed. As much as you had learned to not let this immense power overwhelm you, the ability to control the toll it took on your body was something you had yet to master. You would only unleash the power when absolutely necessary.

The swift turn of Violet and Tairn pulled your attention away from the ground and back on the skyline. “You’ve got to be shitting me!” The sight of two wyvern appearing in the sky redirected Eden's attention to where Tairn was being closely followed. Just as one of the wyvern was going in to bite Tairn tail Eden slid beneath dragging her daggertail through its stomach. The pull of Eden's wings being tucked in tight to her body sent you spiraling back down to the earth only leveling out a few hundred feet above the town. An angry roar of pain sounded behind you and without having to look you knew the wretched creature was following. “Well if it wasn’t mad before it is now.” Glancing over your shoulder you see the deformed version of a dragon snap its teeth in hopes of taking a chunk of Eden with it. Instead Eden spins upside down before correcting herself to be upright again. No matter how many times she did that you swore it would always make your heart stop and hands sweat. You’ve seen countless riders die from that maneuver. You didn’t want to be added to the count. “Stop fretting, I would have caught you.” Her distaste for your worrying should have left no room for argument but that didn’t stop you. “Aren’t you the one who said if the rider can’t stay on their dragon then they deserve to fall?”

“I never said anything about that applying to my rider.” She was a hypocrite if you ever did meet one. “I heard that, you know? Would you rather I let you fall to your death?” Your answer never made it out of your mouth as you watch Liam fall from his dragon. Without thinking you let your power free from its confines. Gold yet iridescent string indicating the countless versions of the future spread out before you. Pulling on the string where Liam and Deigh were able to avoid the wyvern, catapults Liam back to his dragon flying past the wyvern avoiding the strike you had no doubt would have killed your friend. Liam and Deigh glanced at you knowing you redirected history. Winking you smiled at the pair letting them know you had their backs. The alteration sends ripples of shifting light speckled with iridescent gold flying out in all directions in the air. “It seems we have caught someone's attention.” The slight tilt Eden makes provides a clear line of sight to the Verin below. It stood in one spot looking up and directly at you. For a second they stood unmoving until it raised the staff and launched enough energy to crumple a building. “Shit! Eden, turn right, turn right!” Your voice wavers in fear of the destructive energy hitting your dragon. Listening to your words Eden stops with a harsh beat of her wings pitching herself completely vertical narrowly avoiding the blast. The sudden change in angle with no warning spends you flying down her scaley back. “Eden!” you scream pierces her ears as you officially fly off of her back. Time seems to stand still as you dive straight to the ground. There would be no way Eden could save you in time. With the angle of your fall and how she is positioned, if she were to move her tail would likely collide with your falling body effectively killing you. There was nothing Eden could do. She couldn’t save her rider.

#fourth wing x reader #bodhi durran x reader #bodhi x reader #bodhi fourth wing #bodhi durran #fourth wing imagine

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