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the-red-thread-that-strangles · 11 months ago

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I was wondering what Akai is up to in the sweater weather AU, so here you go

Akai Shuichi is a thrillseeker at heart, but even he has his limits.

So when his mother, conveniently pocket-sized but still as sharp as ever, threatens him with a gun and lays into him, not for faking his death, but, of all things, for not mentioning his partner to her, he privately questions her priorities but decides to tell her the truth. He certainly likes to live dangerously, but he wouldn't be alive today if he didn't know how to pick his battles.

While she seems initially confused, the conversation about Akemi quickly veers off-track when his mother asks him to repeat her family name. Miyano, as in, her sister's daughter Miyano Akemi. Shuichi didn't even know he had an aunt. Not that it matters much, since he knows Akemi's parents died years ago. Eventually his mother leaves him alone, both of them too caught up in their heads to continue the conversation.

Shuichi's not really sure what to feel about all of that. So he doesn't.

He's not always been good at managing his emotions, but it's pretty close. When his father taught him how to hunt, and the misery of seeing proud game succumb to his shots had almost swallowed him alive, something cracked under the pressure. And whatever that was, despite Shuichi's best efforts, it has never quite healed alright. It left him with a slight gap between his thoughts and feelings, giving him that bit of extra distance necessary to keep going instead of breaking down. He'd come to understand, then, with a clarity born from numbness, death as an integral part of life. It comes for all living things, sometimes too early, and there really is no way to escape it. There's no use in fighting. Better get used to it.

The FBI counsellor called it repression, many years later, and while it was not even close to immediate grounds for disqualification from the program, she tried to give Shuichi reading materials on mindfulness and self-reflection. He hasn't touched them; the ability has been too helpful so far. He would've shattered several times over without it; when his father disappeared and his world threatened to break apart; when he decided to leave his family, including an unborn sister, behind for the ghost of a chance to find his father; and most often since he went undercover for the FBI. There's no fooling himself, compartmentalization and repression are probably the only reasons he can talk about the years and years of dirty work, including everything from blackmail to torture and murder, without losing his sanity. People call him cold-blooded and emotionally unavailable, and mean it as an insult. Shuichi can't bring himself to care. Life is complicated enough without emotions thrown into the mix. He needs to control some factors and keep them simple. Himself, he can control - mostly. So he does.

And he's good at it, but some days, it's too much.

Dealing with Akemi's untimely demise has always been difficult. He made a mistake when he got attached to his target. He can't even claim that he didn't know better, at the time, because he did, he just chose to ignore his better judgement. Couldn't help it, really. She was so easy to get along with, gentle yet tough as nails in a way that gave him, too, the strength needed to make a name for himself as a hitman. Those first couple of months before he learned not to sleep too much, when he came back from his missions feeling stained in blood that never even touched him, when he maintained his cover throughout the day and threatened to break apart by night, she was there to steady him. And she allowed him to be gentle with her, to hold her and love her and promise her the world. He needed desperately to not just be a monster, and she managed to see the man in him.

Now he's left to wonder if the easy familiarity he settled into with Akemi was a result of their relation. Such a pointless question.

With the help of a few glasses of Maker's Mark, a pack of cigarettes, and a probably unhealthy amount of emotional distancing, he manages to lay the matter to rest, for now. Until the organisation is dealt with, he can't afford to let his emotions get in the way, so he buries them as deep as he can, and applies logic to the problem.

Ultimately, he reasons, rhythmically assembling and disassembling his IWI Jericho to give his hands something to do, it doesn't really change things. What matters is that he loved her and she died for it. Whatever he learned after can't tarnish that memory. It's a simple fact that he needs to keep going to avenge her; aside from that, all he can do right now is remember her, and honour her last request. That's the active parameter he can affect: he will see to it that Miyano Shiho is protected, or die trying.

Shuichi considers telling the girl they're cousins, and eventually, he will - if she doesn't figure it out before that, keen as she is. But for now, she still doesn't trust him, has too much to worry about, and honestly, for a supposedly dead man he has enough tetchy family connections already. Maybe, when all of this is over, he can tell Masumi - she's a bit too careless to be told now, and he hopes his mother shares this assessment. But his little sister is great at breaking the ice, and he's sure she would love to hear she has more family. It might do Shiho well, too, knowing she isn't as alone as she might think. Their family is odd enough that she'll fit right in.

He's not sure he'd wish it upon her, though. Dealing with his darling mother always involves a headache of some kind. He is reminded once again why he didn't join the MI6, and why he tries to keep contact with her to a minimum. Still, somewhere deep down and buried, he's glad she seems to be well enough to feel like going out and threatening him. It's almost cute, even if she's deadly.

Despite his best efforts not to let it affect him, emotional exhaustion sticks to him through the next couple of days, uneventful as they are. Sleeping would probably help, but he keeps himself awake with coffee where he can, only napping a couple hours a day. Shuichi's life is one of constant vigilance, of surveillance and planning and striking at precisely the right time. And it suits him just fine, patience is in his nature. But while he's not on a mission, it sometimes leaves him just a little bit bored. The Kudo library is extensive, but there's only so many mystery novels he can read before his mind starts to wander. Trying not to think of Akemi's death is like trying not to think about pink elephants once he has been reminded of them. The comparison is uncharitable, and he knows she wouldn't appreciate his brooding, but it's not like he has much else to occupy himself with. Yes, there are the preparations for a joint operation against the organization coming up in a little over a month, and there's a class Okiya Subaru has to attend Tuesday evenings, but it's not like they require his full attention. He still tries to give it to them.

II.

Shuichi's not sure whether it's a blessing or a curse that he's meeting with Furuya Rei a couple of days after the ill-fated encounter with his mother.

Their relationship is tumultuous at best, and murderous at worst, complicated in the way all interactions containing Furuya tend to be, as the man is dictated by exactly the kind of emotions Shuichi tries to avoid. Granted, it is a rather one-sided disagreement; as with most things, Shuichi has no strong feelings about Furuya. He respects the other agent's abilities, particularly the fact he is still undercover, and teasing him is surprisingly fun. That's about it. Shuichi's keenly aware of Furuya's flaws, but as long as they don't bother their operations, he's not going to do anything about them.

In fact, in the last weeks - months really, at this point - he's been enjoying going along with Furuya's whims, meeting him to exchange the sweaters he seems to be so obsessed with. When he's not trying to hound him, Furuya can be somewhat decent company, chattering away about the mundane things that irritate him. Until he realizes he's been too pleasant, at which point he gets a little volatile to make sure Shuichi understands they're not actually friends. It's nothing Shuichi can't handle, and to be completely honest, he appreciates a little less boredom in his life.

Today, though, doom and gloom and failure still on his mind, he's not really up for playing games with the PSB agent. They know each other better than anyone else alive, aside from maybe Morofushi. Furuya will understand.

So he prepares a bag, shoves the sweater Furuya requested in, double-checking it's the right one because he really doesn't need another lecture right now, and waits for the agent to break into the Kudo mansion so he can hand it over and be done with it. Considering he's an ally now, Shuichi would offer him a key, but he's got the distinct impression Furuya would somehow misconstruct it as an insult to his abilities.

Exactly five minutes ahead of schedule, there's the click of the first-story balcony door, and Shuichi pads down from the sniper nest in the attic to meet his guest. Wordlessly, he holds out the bag to Furuya in the hallway. "Not even a good evening? Lacking in manners as usual, Akai Shuichi." Shuichi shrugs, can't be bothered. Shakes the bag. "Here's what you came for." Furuya's eyes narrow, scan across his form, then his brows furrow. An expression Shuichi hasn't seen on him before crosses his face, and before he has time to interpret it, it's gone, replaced by a smirk. "Hey, Akai." He stretches, dangling his own bag overhead. "That takedown you performed on the serial killer two weeks ago. Teach it to me." Shuichi stares back, unimpressed. "Maybe next time, I'm not-" Two quick steps, and Furuya's in his space, eyes blazing blue, looking up at him so impossibly bright. "That wasn't a question, Akai." He grins, eyes shining. "Or you're not getting your sweater back."

Shuichi almost lets out a laugh. That's gotta be up there somewhere in the top five stupidest threats he's ever been issued. Which is really saying something, considering he spent his teenage years in a high school in the US, and then some more years with FBI trainees in Quantico. What is it with Furuya and his sweater fixation? Akai doesn't care, he can have them all if it gets him out of his hair.

Unfortunately, Shuichi's best death glare doesn't seem to have the desired effect. Determination is either Furuya's best or worst quality, depending on how much trouble his current agenda involves, and for the sake of Shuichi's time, it's probably quicker to go along with him than to try and forcibly relocate him, even if he's certain he could. With a quiet sigh he makes for the basement gym.

Where his temper shines through in conversations, Furuya's presence in a fight is that of a wildfire, contained in a person. When he fights, he burns, sucking the oxygen and attention out of his surroundings, doesn't allow for distractions or he'll singe and bite and sting whatever is in his path. He takes to Akai's instructions easily, and soon enough they're no longer practicing but engaged in a sparring match. Furuya doesn't leave him time to consider anything else, at all, and damnit, that fervour of his is contagious. The battlejoy kicks in, hard, and Shuichi finds himself mirroring the PSB agent's mad grin as they wrestle for dominance, toss each other into the mat, twist and turn and struggle on the fine line between play and serious fighting.

Once they're staying down on the mats, the battle is over quickly; one moment he has Rei in a full-body pin, sure of his surrender; only for the man to twist his legs, shift their positions, and straddle Shuichi, bending down to choke him. He's stunning like this, flushed and panting for breath, his scorching gaze focused intently on Shuichi and Shuichi alone, looking for an opportunity to make him yield. An effigy of life itself.

Shuichi can't help it; his heart soars, his blood sings, his body shivers. Rei is a pinpoint focus of light, and then everything goes dark.

Sweater weather AU masterpost

#akai might know his limits and pick his battles accordingly. this does not help whatsoever when rei picks the fights for them.#rei is contemplating heavily ever trying to help Akai again. here he is being nice and Akai faints on him.#rei: you're supposed to tap out BEFORE you loose conciousness ffs (not that he would surrender either)#akai thinking: don't get distracted or he'll eat you alive. also akai: gets distracted #recreational choking is not where I thought this would go but here we are #yes I know I'm an advocate for Akai being a better fighter than Rei #but he's going through things it's fine #also I do believe he has an eye and appreciation for brilliance #sweater weather AU #iris writes things #long post #damn it I always forget to tag a thing #akam #there we go #if I knew what I was doing I probably should've left it at Akai moping. but I couldn't let him stay that down :/

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nathan--matthews · 6 months ago

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Common Goal || Apollo as Nathan and Charlie

Before coming back to Elysium as Nathan, Apollo had lived on this island as Patrick. He'd been here during the early days and had seen alliances and friendships form throughout the mutants before he'd decided to inhabit Patrick's body. One of Madelina's early friends, along with Amy, had been a girl named Charlie Diaz. Their bond had gone deep. So deep, in fact, that she'd been there when Madelina used her telepathy in order to kill someone for the first time. Charlie had been there to help Madelina get rid of the body and had also confessed her feelings that same night. To his surprise, Madelina rebuffed Charlie and the girl skulked off, licking her wounds.

It was no secret that Nathan was on Elysium Island. After a few encounters with onlookers, word had spread like wildfire. He'd even heard it at their wedding when he was in his real body, pretending to be 'Sean'. Madelina must have heavily shielded her mind that day because talk of Nathan and his return was on almost everyone's lips. "What would happen now that they are married? " "Didn't he say he wanted to be in hers and Lottie's life? " "How would that work?"

In fact, Apollo had been incredibly pleased that people were talking about Nathan. The more the island talked about him, the easier it would be to involve himself in Madelina and Amy's affairs.

However, in contemplation with himself, he realized that he would need allies. He would need people on the island and in Maddie's life to vouch for him, to speak for him when he couldn't speak for himself. He'd already reached out to Amy's mother. It hadn't backfired on him yet, but he was cautious. He found himself constantly wondering what Charlie Diaz was up to and made it his mission to 'bump into her' somewhere in Elysium. And so, here he was. In one of her favorite bars on the beach, waiting to run into her. When he caught sight of her familiar red hair, he cleared his throat and used his voice. "Excuse me...are you Charlie? Charlie Diaz?" He asked.

The girl looked suspicious almost immediately and looked him up and down before deciding to answer. "I am. How do you know who I am and why do you know my name?

"My name is Nathan Matthews. You might have heard of me from Maddie," he used the shortened form of the winged woman's name, knowing that the only person in her life that called her by her whole name was himself, Apollo. "I'm Lottie's father." He waited for a moment as understanding settled on her features.

"What are you doing here? You pushed her away. She's married now...or hadn't you heard?" She said it with a disgusted tone and rolled her eyes, disgusted at both the marriage and Nathan. "She's moved on, man. Give it up and go back to the mainland where you belong." She started to move away from him when he stopped her.

"I just want to be part of Lottie's life. Please. Hear me out. I thought if anyone would understand me...it could be you." He sounded genuine, he knew. He'd been practicing, trying to be more like Nathan than even the real Nathan was. "You were once her family, weren't you? I remember. After Maddie left and came back here, you helped her with Lottie. You were there for some of her pregnancy. You have to know what it's like to have a family in the palm of your hands and then feel them slip away from you." He felt his own eyes fill with tears and did an internal fist pump-- damn, he was good. He was so good, in fact, that Charlie started to get emotional as well.

"How do you know all that? Did Maddie tell you?" She asked, blinking rapidly so tears wouldn't fall.

He didn't answer, but changed the subject. "Let me buy you a drink. I want to explain why I'm here. I think we could help each other." He put his hand on her back and led her to a more private spot in the bar where they wouldn't be seen or heard. "What would you say if I told you that I have a plan to get Maddie away from Amy?" He asked dubiously, tilting his head to the side.

Charlie chuckled wryly. "Not likely, buddy. They can't be pried apart. They're like one person now...or haven't you noticed? They're all over each other all the time and holding hands and kissing each other. It's revolting." She said, rolling her eyes.

"And what if it was Amy's choice? Or...what if something...happened...to Amy?" He floated, trying to gauge her reaction.

Charlie became completely serious. "Excuse me?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Amy would never choose to walk away from Maddie. Not after they got married...not with Lottie as her new daughter." She said, vehemently before leaning forward, her eyes watching Nathan's face. "And if something happened to Amy...you mean...something intentional. Is that what you mean?"

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe. If it was...what would you say to that? It would free up Maddie for you...get rid of Amy..."

Charlie wasn't fooled. She cut him off quickly. "Then why are you here if not to get Maddie back? What the fuck do you need me for if you're just going to go after Amy and you can have Maddie in the end. Why pull me aside and tell me all of this?"

Apollo had to remember what he'd said when he first got to the island, it was important to remember the reason he'd given for Nathan to be there at all. "All I want is a relationship with my daughter, Charlie. And I can't have that with Amy in the picture because she already has 2 parents. If you were with Maddie, it would be like...a quirky aunt in her life instead of another mom." He offered. It wasn't true. He wanted Madelina and he could care less about Lottie. Lottie was simply an instrument to get him into Madelina's life. If need be, he could pawn the little girl off on Charlie entirely or even Maddie's father and stepmother. All he wanted was his Madelina back and maybe as Nathan, he had a chance at that. "I see that I overestimated your devotion," he said, starting to rise. "Clearly you don't feel as strongly about Maddie as I thought you did. Else...you would do whatever it took to get her back."

Charlie's hand struck out and stopped the man. She breathed heavily for a moment, closing her eyes as she made her decision. "I'm making a deal with the devil...aren't I?" She asked, looking up at his face intently. "If we are going to do this...it can't be painful. However we get rid of Amy...she can't suffer. Maddie would never live through it. And we have to do it soon. If Lottie remembers Amy, that will make it harder for me to be her new parent. I don't want her to have any trauma."

Apollo had to stop himself from grinning like a Cheshire cat. He moved to sit back down and put his hands in front of him, finger's laced. "Then let's talk specifics, my new friend. Let's talk specifics."

#common goal #with charlie #common goal with charlie #wow. this just roared out of me in the middle of the night #I hope you like it. if you don't #I can take it down

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firefly-in-darkness · 4 years ago

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Separation, Connection - [1/2]

Pairing →Bucky Barnes x Reader

Characters → Marvel Characters

Summary → Your friendship with Bucky deterioates when you catch him in a compromising position with a fellow agent.

Word Count → 2.3k

SSB2021 Square Fill → “God I hate you” - @star-spangled-bingo

AFG Square Fill → “What the fuck am I seeing?” @anyfandomgoesbingo

Warnings → 18+. Angst, Heartbreak, Jealousy, Swearing

Betas → @kalesrebellion // all mistakes are my own.

A/N → This one was sitting in my WIPs folder for ages, and after brainstorming with @writethelifeyouwant, this 2 parter was finished! Ps. I know I haven’t updated Worst Idea Ever in a while and I’m sorry - I’m just very stuck with it atm, the plot and majority of the story is planned out, I just can’t seem to fill in the blanks.

Firefly’s Masterlist

You and Bucky were close, and there was that little thin line between friendship and something more. Nothing had happened but, god, you had wanted it to. The secret crush you harboured for your teammate, your friend, had only grown over the years. Everyone thought you would be good together, commenting on how well you got along, that friendship was an important part of a relationship. Both of you rolling your eyes and laughing at their comments.

When you finally gathered the courage to tell him how you felt, you saw him with someone else. They were at the back of the training facility; the team were in a simulation of a terrorist attack on Paris and once the time on the training session was called, you stumbled across them.

They were just out of sight, hidden in a dark corner. And it wasn’t just a casual embrace. They were having sex, he was fucking her, hard, up against a wall. You froze at the sight of his bare bottom clenching with each thrust and the blissed-out look on her face. What the fuck am I seeing?! Heart shattered, you fled from the room without a sound, not wanting to disturb them or for anyone to see you crying.

It hurt too much to be as close to him after that, you consciously decided to withdraw from the friendship. Not going straight to him when entering a room or staying in bed instead of heading to the rooftop where you’d usually wander at five in the morning to talk with Bucky, putting the world to right.

And of course, Bucky noticed. It had been a week since you had joined him for a midnight chat in the kitchen. He was missing his best friend. He wanted to share his life with her, and she was nowhere to be seen unless someone else was in the room.

Bucky knew it was a bad sign when you chose to sit next to Wanda, not sandwiched between him and Nat, on movie night. He felt alone in a room full of friends, as they watched a film about a love triangle set in England. It was supposed to be funny, but Bucky didn’t hear the jokes, let alone the punchlines.

Nat had realised something was wrong too. She saw the dark circles under your eyes when you drained the coffee from the cup in the morning and the puffy redness from crying in the middle of the day. She had detested the way you and Bucky were before, it was like a pair of magnets drawn together, a connected ribbon, a gravitational pull. But now? Well, you were repelling within a few meters of one another, and she hated that even more.

“What did you do, Barnes?” Nat whispered harshly, eyes still on the film.

“Nothing.” Bucky looked over to you, sleeping with your head resting on Wanda’s lap.

“So why is Wanda looking at you like that?” She raised an eyebrow.

Bucky lifted his gaze, saw the fiery red eyes staring back at him as she stroked your hair, a soft red mist falling over you. He frowned at the Sokovian and tried to talk telepathically but she shook her head and looked back at the television.

On autopilot, you ran from your room to his bedroom door, knocking until the screams died down. Long ago, you’d learnt to not enter the room until he’d settled down, had the bruises to your neck and dealt with the guilt-ridden expression on Bucky’s face for weeks.

Pressing your ear to the door, you could hear Bucky moving about and slowly pushed it open so as not to startle him. A soft glow from the lamp at his bedside welcomed you in, he'd stacked his pillows against the headboard with his knees drawn up and resting his head in his hands.

“Hi, Buck. It’s me.” You spoke softly, his head and eyes shot up to meet yours.

You walked over and sat at the end of the bed, averting your eyes to the floor and fingers fiddling with the edge of a blanket, waiting for him to respond.

“What did I do doll?” He croaked, fingers running through his hair, his knees dropping down.

Your heart raced and you were certain he could hear the harsh thumps, but your voice remained steady, “It's nothing, just need a little time to process some things.”

“You normally come to me. What's different?” His voice was strained, thick with distress.

Standing up, you walked towards the window, arms wrapped tightly around your torso. You could feel his eyes burning into the side of your face, but you remained focused on the navy sky fading to blues and oranges with the sunrise.

“I can't this time Buck, I need space. I need space from you.” With each word, your heart fractured along the lines you’d attempted to piece together with being away from him.

“Get out then, just leave me alone.” His tone was now harsh, stronger than before.

“God, I hate you.” Without a final glance, you left the room. Your heart in tatters once more.

Once in the safety of your room, the sob heaved out of you. Bucky had disregarded you so easily, he let you go without a second thought. And you didn’t know what was worse; what you saw a week ago or what he just said.

Bucky finished his 76th lap when someone caught his eye. It was you. His best friend. The one he stupidly let go of. It had been three months since he'd told you to leave, and you hadn't gone back on his word.

Of course, Bucky was just as stubborn and hadn't approached you unless it was work-related. But there was something different about you. His eyes focused on the man you were standing with, and how you glowed, and Bucky just couldn't stand that you were feeling that way about a random recruit and not him.

“She used to look at you that way.” Wanda’s voice echoed in his head.

He scanned the field and found her figure leaning against a tree, shading herself from the summer sun and a book in hand. Bucky grabbed the small towel and wiped away the sweat, swigging his water bottle, then joined her on the grass.

“What are you talking about? She’s never looked at me like that.” He gestured towards you and the agent.

Wanda chuckled and shook her head, “You're not blind, or stupid, Bucky, she adored you. Still does, even though I wish she would get over you.”

His brow creased. “She wanted space, ended our friendship.”

Wanda’s eyes flashed red, “And you broke her heart.”

“Show me.” Bucky held out his hand, pleading with her, ��I don’t know what I did wrong.”

“I can’t Bucky. It's private, she would never forgive me.” Wanda shook her head and placed her book in her lap, “I've seen what she's done to you, I'm not going to lose her too.”

Bucky sprang to his feet and kicked at the grass. “Then just tell me what you know. Just something?” He turned to face you, hands on his hips as he tried to think of what he’d done.

“Paris terrorist simulation,” Wanda stated without emotion.

Bucky turned around, seeing nothing but a neutral expression on her face. The simulation had been a success, the whole team had done well but he hadn’t seen you at the debriefing. Steve said you were exhausted and needed to rest.

“What about it?” asked Bucky.

“Don't deny it. I saw it, I felt it. She had no chance of blocking me from that pain.” Wanda stood up, eyes flickering red, “you and that agent. I thought you were better than that Bucky.”

“Shit.”

Bucky knew exactly what Wanda had meant before she explained. Shame coursed through him; he'd broken your trust by not telling you about the agent he’d been hooking up with. Honestly, he didn't want you to know, didn't want you to judge him for the flings he had. Subconsciously, he knew that was what your distancing was about because he hadn't seen her again or hooked up with anyone since.

All he wanted was you back in his life; he was going to make it happen.

Wanda smirked, shaking her head before walking ahead of him, “Best get a move on Barnes, she’s not thinking of him in a platonic way.”

Bucky’s jaw clenched and he strutted towards you, determined to get you back.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and he could only hope you still felt the same way.

You couldn’t believe Bucky dared to pull rank on you in front of another agent. That he had the gall to do such a thing after he told you to leave him alone, how he betrayed your trust as a friend and unknowingly broke your heart.

You stormed down the blurry corridors as anger took the form of tears. Your whole body tense and determined to get away from the assassin on your tail. People parted like the sea as they saw your strut and scowl, you scoffed at their reaction and thought, this must be what it’s like to be Bucky on a mission. Using it to your advantage, you managed to pull someone by the arm and into the path of the Winter Soldier.

While you sprinted away, you glanced back and spotted Bucky helping the woman to her feet, apologising profusely and then realising it was the agent you had caught him with. Your blood boiled as you pushed through the door to the stairwell, it slammed against the wall and probably damaged it, but you didn’t care anymore.

It wasn’t until the breeze hit your face that you realised where you were. You’d come to the rooftop, the exact spot that you’d air all your worries with Bucky. It was the place you’d first bonded outside of the team.

A hand dragged down your face and your shoulders slumped. You spun on your heel, ready to escape when you stopped short. There he was, blocking the doorway. You groaned, of course, he knew exactly where you’d go even before you did.

“I just want to talk.” Bucky quietly spoke, a hint of a question in his tone but a statement all the same.

“I’ll scale down the side of this building if I have to.” You stepped back towards the edge.

Bucky growled and walked towards you, “would you quit being so stubborn and dramatic for one second?”

“Just leave me alone.” You threw his own words back at him, stopping him in his tracks.

At that moment, you could see that Bucky realised how hurtful those words were, but you weren’t going to console him anytime soon. He should suffer for how he spoke to you and for never attempting to speak to you until now.

Bucky slowly circled you towards the edge, his eyes focused on you while you turned in tandem following his moves. He reached the railing then settled down into a seated position, legs hanging over the side, his chest against the metal pole.

“Are you going to join me?” Bucky’s gaze now on the horizon.

With a roll of your eyes, you sat beside him, but at least a metre apart, you couldn’t get that close to him. He was too intoxicating, and your emotions were incredibly high, even if they were full of anger and hurt, and you didn’t trust yourself not to succumb to his charm.

“Are you going to talk then?” You sassed back at him.

“I’m sorry for what you saw. You shouldn’t have seen that.” Bucky didn’t hold back, “I was going to tell you, I just thought you’d judge me.”

“I’d judge you. For sleeping with a colleague. In the middle of a training simulation?” You scoffed, “You didn’t tell me about her. Or anyone else for that matter. Natasha filled me in on all your little late night rendezvous when I was on missions.”

“I didn’t mean to.” Bucky knew he’d not win this conversation and scrambled to bring it back onto his side, “you were away, and I needed something, someone.”

“So, you used them and used me too?” You glared at him.

“That’s not what I said,” Bucky seethed, annoyed at the way you were twisting his words but not surprised with the pain you felt.

You continued, ignoring his comment, unable to stop the words falling from your lips, “I gave you emotional support. Watched you cry yourself to sleep after a nightmare, held your hand when you had a panic attack during a mission.” You shook your head at him, “I just wasn’t good enough for the sex part.”

Bucky held your chin and pulled your face to look at him, “You mean more to me than that. I just didn’t know how you felt. If I’d had known-”

You jerked away from his touch, it felt too nice, it felt like home, but you weren’t ready to fall back into this friendship. He knew how you felt, and you weren’t ready for his rejection. You still needed your space.

Swiftly, you returned to your feet, brushing down your trousers and hands, “Thank you for your apology, but I can’t forgive you.”

Bucky stood up and watched you begin to leave, “I’ll do my best to make you see how much you mean to me.”

You paused in the doorway, but you had to be strong, to carry on walking away, you couldn’t let him hurt you again. It was time to move on.

Continue Here...

Everything Tag List: @kitkatd7 / @fandomfic-galore / @writerwrites / @thefridgeismybestie / @wedonttalkaboutitenough / @courtneychicken / @persephonesinfernos / @miraclesoflove

Marvel Tag List: @natasha-danvers / @little-baby-vixen / @stuckonjbbarnes / @starlightcrystalline / @nekoannie-chan / @hailhydra920 / @vollzeitliebe / @fitzsimmons-is-forever / @ladyacrasia / @emmabarnes / @selfsun

strike through - unable to tag.

#Bucky Barnes x Reader #Bucky Barnes #Bucky Barnes Fic #Bucky Barnes Angst #Bucky Barnes Fanfic #Bucky Barnes Fanfiction

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just-a-little-cellist · 3 years ago

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Levi Ackerman - NSFW Alphabet

A/N: i'm bored so i'm just writing these nsfw headcanons for all my comfort characters, don't judge me. feel free to request - i posted request rules so go check it out :)

enjoy! nsfw under the cut :P

A - Aftercare (what are they like after sex)

The first time you have sex, Levi needs a lot of comfort. He'd never been that vulnerable with someone before and it took a lot for him to open up like that, so aftercare for him is the priority. Once sex becomes more frequent and he gets used to everything, he's the one to clean you both up but he still needs more emotional reassurance than he'll admit.

B - Body part (fav body part of themselves/their partner)

He isn't a vain person, so he'd probably say his arms just because of how much you love them. He wasn't too fussed at first but because of all the attention you give them he's started growing fonder of them.

His favourite part of you is your neck and collarbones. He didn't even realize he had a thing for that until he met you, and whenever you wear chokers he can't take his eyes off you.

C - Cum (where do they prefer to cum?)

Levi prefers to cum on your stomach, purely because it makes it easier to clean up. (He's always very mindful of any mess.)

D - Dirty secret (self-explanatory)

It obviously couldn't happen because of his status, but it sends a shiver of arousal through him whenever he imagines you humiliating him in public. It's something he wants to try in private, though he's nervous to talk about it with you.

E - Experience (how experienced are they?)

Levi is a virgin, since he doesn't have sex with people he doesn't genuinely, 100% trust. You'll have to guide him through everything at the beginning, however he's a quick learner and picks it up pretty fast.

F - Favourite position (goes without saying)

He likes missionary a lot because it lets him feel close to you, and he'll melt if you wrap your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist. He also gets shy sometimes, so this position is perfect to hide his face in your neck.

G - Goofy (are they goofy or serious in the moment?)

Other than the odd sarcastic comment, he's generally serious. If he's in a vulnerable position then joking around doesn't calm his nerves at all.

H - Hair (opinions on grooming etc.)

Levi keeps his own hair neatly trimmed. He'd prefer if you keep yours vaguely under control but, as long as it's clean, it's up to you how you keep it.

I - Intimacy (how intimate are they during sex?)

It takes him a while to fully open up to you, but sex becomes one of the most intimate moments you ever share with Levi where he truly breaks down all his walls for you, just the two of you.

J - Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He doesn't tend to masturbate unless he's really desperate. Something about it just makes him uncomfortable, but he also has urges sometimes when you aren't available.

K - Kinks (again, pretty self-explanatory)

When you first started sleeping together, Levi had more of the control because he thought that was the way it was 'supposed' to be. However once you brought up the idea of him being submissive, your dynamic shifted. He was extremely hesitant at the beginning because he wasn't used to being in such a powerless position, though as soon as you managed to get him into a submissive headspace it became a regular occurrence.

Levi is a sub at heart who needs a soft dom more than anything. Some of the kinks you've explored that he likes are bondage, light impact play, praise, orgasm denial and marking (as long as the marks are hidden during the day.)

He also definitely has a bit of a humiliation kink but he's still working up the courage to tell you.

L - Location (favourite place to do the deed)

His favourite place is a tie between the shower and his desk. Sometimes when he's had a long day and doesn't want a full scene, he likes to have sex in the shower (also it makes clean-up easier). Although if he feels like subbing, as long as the door is locked, one of his favourite things is for you to cockwarm him while he's trying to work.

M - Motivation (what gets them going)

Showing skin is a sure-fire way to get him riled up. I personally headcanon Levi as demisexual, so he doesn't care when other people show skin, but if it's you? All you have to do is leave a couple buttons undone, expose your chest a little, and he is done for. Also, slipping casual praise into conversations will sometimes start pushing him into a submissive headspace, especially if you've done a lot of scenes with him recently because he starts responding to that tone of voice.

N - No (something they'd never do)

He doesn't like intense pain play - he's had enough pain the rest of his life so he needs you to be gentle with him. He also wouldn't want a harsh or strict dom, preferring to have you take care of him instead.

O - Oral (preference in giving, receiving etc.)

He enjoys both equally. Before you'd had sex you wanted to ease him into the experience carefully, so you gave him his first blowjob and he almost sobbed from the stimulation. Buuuuuuut alongside that he would also happily spend hours between yours legs - the praise you give him as he pleasures you and the feeling of you clenching around his tongue is almost enough to make him finish without any physical touch.

P - Pace (are they fast, slow, quick, rough?)

If it's just against the wall in the shower then it tends to be a bit faster, and on the odd occasion Levi feels more dominant he can get rougher, but he is usually perfectly content to let you decide the pace entirely.

Q - Quickie (opinion on quickies)

They're good sometimes, especially when you're both very busy with other duties. They're good to relieve basic urges, but Levi would never choose them over a full scene.

R - Risk (how open are they to risk?)

Levi is open to a bit of experimentation, but never anything exhibitionist. He can't risk the possibility of someone catching him in a compromising position, considering his importance in the military, so he insists that you keep all bedroom activities private.

S - Stamina (how long can they go for?)

As expected, at the start Levi had pretty low stamina since it was all so new and overwhelming. It gotten a little better since then but he also has a fairly quick recovery time to make up for it.

T - Toys (opinion on using toys etc.)

He doesn't particularly enjoy using toys on you, but adores when you use toys on him.

U - Unfair (how much do they like to tease?)

He'll only tease you a little when he's in a dominant mood and you've been doing something to piss him off, but the rest of the time it's not something he does at all. (He kind of likes when you tease him though.)

V - Volume (are they loud or quiet?)

Levi is cautious to control his volume so that other people don't hear, but his whimpers of pleasure can get quite loud sometimes.

W - Wild card (random headcanon)

During a scene once, while he was deep into subspace, he accidently called you mommy. When he realized what he said he was mortified, and almost started dropping. You had to quickly assure him that it was perfectly alright, that you weren't upset with him, and that you don't mind it if he wants to keep calling you that. He only uses that name for you when he's really, really submissive, and it's adorable hearing the tiny whimpers of "P-please mommy..."

X - X-ray (what's going on... down there?)

So many people seem to think that this man has a monster cock. He is 5'3 there is no way. He's a little smaller than average, in length and girth, but that just means you can hear him whine when you take his whole length into your mouth.

Y - Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

His sex drive is low most of the time. He has so many other things he has to focus on everyday, so sex doesn't cross his mind that much. Sex is more of a stress relief that he doesn't think too much about until it happens.

Z - Zzzzz... (how quickly do they fall asleep after?)

Being an insomniac, Levi takes a while to settle down to sleep, although it's always a little easier when he's comfortably next to you. (definitely the little spoon)

#attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #levi ackerman #levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #aot x reader #sub levi #aot

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effeminateboyninja · 4 years ago

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♡ konoha 11 wedding hcs pt. 2 ♡

+ kakashi

Ino

she makes a reservation at your guys' favourite restaurant, and the staff are all in on it because she wants it to be perfect. when you arrive the table has flowers and candles

at the end of the meal she orders a desert for you two to share and at first you don't notice the flash of gold on top the small cake, you're too busy staring at her. but when she finally points it out you throw yourself across the table to hug her, accidentally getting some icing on your shirt, "yes, yes! I do!"

glamorous and classy summer wedding! instead of one person waiting at the end of the aisle, you decided to enter from opposite sides and then walk up together, hand in hand, and she doesn't let you go until the ceremony is over. you invite everyone you know and throw a huge party for your reception!

your song: at last by etta james

Shikamaru

he debates for a long time whether he should even propose. i mean, do you really need a piece of paper to love each other for the rest of your lives? but he knows you'd appreciate the symbolism. and if he figures if he's gonna do it he might as well come up with a plan, but the day comes and nothing is working out as he had imagined

you end up loving every bit anyway though. then he gets down on one knee after one too many mishaps and says, "(y/n), I'm sorry today wasn't perfect, but I think you are. marry me?" but you thought it was perfect the whole time anyway, "of course!"

you guys elope one bright, spring day. he's not one for a big wedding and you don't care as long as you're marrying him. it's just you two and the officiant, surrounded by the trees of nara forest, and it couldn't be more perfect. when you guys get back from your honeymoon you have a reception to celebrate with all your friends

your song: dead sea by the lumineers

Choji

gets shikamaru to help him plan the proposal, and he's really nervous but he knows how much you love him. he really wants to make it personal and not generic, he knows you'd expect him to propose at a restaurant

so he decides to make a gourmet meal for you himself at home! you walk into your apartment to the smell of delicious food and find him sitting at the table waiting for you, that adorable smile on his face. he kneels and asks you to marry him, and you enjoy your meal as a newly engaged couple

big wedding!! Ino does florals of course and they're perfect. Choji is such a sweetheart i feel like he wants everyone to be there. he does not hold back when he sees you, you're just so perfect and he's not afraid to show it so he's beaming and let's those tears flow with pride

your song: lucky by jason mraz and colbie caillet

Neji

he knows for a long time that he's wanted to marry you, but he's also a naturally hesitant person when it comes to this sort of thing so he considers it for a long time before he decides to make his move

one day he wakes up beside you and he just knows its time, so he talks for a walk to a scenic pond, and everything is going perfect - until it starts pouring. but he's not giving up, so he gets on one knee and looks up at you with his long hair stuck to his face from the rain (*swoon*) and asks for your hand in marriage

(yes he says it like that, he's cute n traditional ok??)

anyway, a romantic, private wedding where you two can really express your feelings for one another. it takes place in the morning instead of the evening so the sun is rising above you while you say your vows and the way the morning light hits his face he you can't believe he's your husband

your song: till kingdom come by coldplay

Tenten

you guys both got rings for each other and have been carrying them around for months because you share a braincell. and one day you're walking through the village together and she's looking at your gorgeous face laugh at something she said and she's like, this is it

so she gets down on one knee. and you just start... laughing more? and at first she's so scared but then she sees you pull the ring from your own pocket and get down on your knee as well. then she throws her arms around you joining in your laughter, "I love you so much ."

whimsical, midsummers night dream type summer wedding. your guys' ceremony is super personalized and non-traditional, everyone has so much fun at the reception that people are talking about it for weeks after

your song: you and i by ingrid michaelson

Lee

first person he tells when he knows he's going to ask you is Gai of course, and he's so happy so him he cries. goes all out for the proposal, i feel like he's the type to do something wild and extravagant because he just thinks you deserve the world

we're talking this man tried to spell it out in the sky but due to some logistic issues he had to "settle" for a perfectly planned proposal in front of all your friends along with a pre-schedule professional photographer. he thought of everything.

spring wedding under the cherry blossoms, it's perfect in everyway. like Choji he is not afraid to let his emotions for you show so he's practically bawling as he watched you walk towards him. vows of just absolute devotion and love

your song: make you feel my love by adele

Kakashi

actually so nervous to pop the question, stresses about it and confides in team 7 (big mistake) they're of course, SO enthusiastic but less than helpful

one day he's just looking at you and realizes there's no such thing as the right time. he even forgets to get down on one knee, just pulls out the ring beside you on the couch. you're not sure if you're imagining things at first. "is this real?" "yes, (y/n). marry me, please?"

fall wedding surrounded by the changing leaves in a small, intimate ceremony with your closest friends. he doesn't cry when you walk down the aisle, he knows how to keep his composure in front of others, but by god does he want to. your vows are so personal and full of emotion people almost feel like they're intruding listening to them

your song: first day of my life by bright eyes

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whitelionspirit · 4 years ago

Text

Pale Fire: Strange Habits

Pairng: Ace x Reader

Series: Modern au of the life of Ace and the reader.

Scenario: Over the last several weeks Ace has been huddling up in your room. It doesn’t help that your feelings for him have been solidified for a while now.

wc: 2.6k

warning: non just fluff and unsure feelings

a/n: It is here! The first part of this series I talked about a few weeks ago. Here a little bit about it if you missed x . This is not in order of events the story all comes together in different peeks into their lives

After another exhausting day at work and checking up on some assignments, you were ready for bed. Your usual bed stealer was already tucked into the cozy corner near the wall. His soft snores were your only indications that he was asleep. How you had ended up in this arrangement, you weren't sure anymore. Though it didn't bother you as the man was a walking heater. So in the dead of winter, you could care less as he kept you extremely warm.

Yawning, you close your laptop and move from your desk, and head towards the bed. Running a hand through your hair, you sit down on the edge of the bed. Leaning forward, you click off the desk lamp until the room is dark.

Crawling under the covers, you sighed happily at the warm feeling surrounding you; it was comforting. Shifting onto your side, you faced the wall where Ace was soundly still asleep.

You could easily make out his figure due to the street lights coming in from outside, making the room visible. He was laying on his stomach, hugging the pillow to his chest as his bareback was exposed to you.

You had known for a while that you had feelings for him, but you were too afraid to say anything to him. Perona had been on you lately about it, especially since Ace had been spending more time sleeping in your bed than his own in the last few weeks.

Why exactly, you weren't sure, but it didn't bother you much. He did love to be around you a lot, and you learned early on that he stripped in his sleep. It was a bit embarrassing at first, but you came to expect it throughout your friendship. Tonight was one of those rare times where he had kept his boxers on.

You smiled fondly at the memories as you continue to stare at the rise and fall of his back. Your eyes shifted downwards to the ink that littered his backside. What once was a skull and crossbones was now half a tattoo and a large amount of scarring. While you knew the story behind it as it happened before you even met the man. The sight of it made you emotional for some reason; Ace didn't like talking about it very much. Not that you blamed him, it was a horrific accident that left him very badly hurt with side effects even today.

The loud snore broke through the silence, making you freeze at the noise. You snorted as Ace's breathing went back to normal as he shifted slightly towards you.

Feeling content, you finally snuggled down into the covers and closed your eyes. Sleep finally overtook you as the day's events caught up with you finally.

Hot.

It was overwhelming and itchy, as if your whole body was on fire and unable to get away from it. Your mind raced as the intensity continued until something hard punctured it making it burst open. Your eyes fly open in a rush as you sit up with a start. Heart racing, you placed a hand on your heated skin to only cringe at the slick wetness that came off of you. Looking down, you noticed your body and T-shirt are soaked with your sweat. Still trying to catch your breath, you stare off into the still dark room.

You couldn't have been asleep for long, but what was that strange feeling you had never felt before. Your eyes finally adjusted again as you turn your head towards Ace. Who had somehow rolled over in his sleep and was now wrapped tightly around your body.

Well, that explains that issue. You supposed the man was still sound asleep as his arms tightened on your waist. The heat that radiated off of him was a lot. His leg was hooked over your thigh as he snored softly into your pillow.

"You are such a pain, Portgas, you know that?" You mumbled as you tried your best to settle back into the sheets ignoring the damp clothing you wore with the older man clinging to you like a monkey.

He didn't reply, but you took his snoring as a sign that he could care less. Closing your eyes again, you drift back off, not to be disturbed too.

...

The following morning was a noisy one but having lived in the house for almost over a year now, you grow used to it. Rolling over in your still half-asleep state, your eyes blur, not fully awake as you stare at the wall. The fuck how did you end up on the opposite side of the bed this time. Rolling back over, you noticed that your usual bed companion was nowhere to be seen.

Weird.

He must have gotten up already, which was odd for him. Ace usually slept in late on Sunday, but it seems today was a rare occasion when he didn't. Grabbing for your phone, the screen lights up to show it is a little past noon.

A little later than your own wake-up time but the little extra sleep was nice. Pushing the covers off yourself and getting out of the bed heading to the bathroom. After relieving yourself, you head down the stairs and into the chaos. The excited chatter of Luffy and Perona could be heard as you enter the kitchen. They don't pay you any mind as Luffy excitedly leans over the kitchen island and watches your best friend cook away.

The sight was very comical as Perona tried to push Luffy away, who was happily drooling at the presence of the sizzling meat. Giggling, you open up the fridge and grab for the jug of orange juice; shaking the container, you close the fridge behind you.

"Oh, (name) finally up, I see," Perona said, looking over at you.

Smiling at her, you open up the cabinet next to you and grab for a cup. "Yeah, guess I needed the extra sleep." You replied, turning back to them and pouring your drink.

"Well, I'm glad you came down when you did because I could use your help with cooking. No one else is around yet, so I decided to make a big brunch for everyone." She said as she cracked a few more eggs into another pan.

"You are so awesome, Perona!" Luffy said as he sat on the counter with a smile on his face.

You smiled at the sight even though this situation was a relatively regular one in your home. It always warms your heart because growing up, your luck with long-lasting friendships wasn't the greatest. So living here with some fantastic people made you emotional at times.

"So I see Ace slept in your room again last night." You froze at your friend's words as she peeked over at you from behind Luffy.

A guiltily blush crept its way up to your face. You looked away from her and stared into the living room. "Ugh yeah, he did; it's no big deal, just used to it." You mumbled.

"I see," she said slyly, making your face burn hotter with embarrassment.

"That's pretty normal for Ace. I think he's always clung to people that make him comfortable. He did a lot of that when we were kids and later with Deuce and Marco. Though for a while, he didn't think after his last relationship, which ended pretty badly, especially after the accident." He trailed off for a moment. "With you, for some reason, he started doing it again, but I'm glad we were all worried about him." Luffy grinned at you.

You were stunned. Ace had never mentioned anything before, not that you should be surprised. Despite his easy-going and friendly persona, Ace was relatively private on some matters of his life. Which never bothered you because you knew with time if it was necessary, he would tell you eventually.

"I wasn't aware, but I'm glad he feels so comfortable with me. I feel the same about him. He makes me feel secure, I suppose, is the right word."

Luffy looked at you thoughtfully and looked away, but you caught a hint of a smile anyway.

"Speaking of Ace, where is he? He wasn't in bed when I got up."

"Oh, he went for a morning run with Sabo. Well, I guess more of a late morning run. They should be back soon, though. Better start this before I have to listen to them whine about food again." Perona rolled her eyes, making you laugh at the image.

It was a ubiquitous experience in the shared home of the three brothers with bottomless pits. It was a good thing that Ace and Sabo had such good-paying jobs that they could have tons of extra food. Grabbing an apron from the hanger, you tied it around your waist and held for a mixing bowl, and started cracking eggs.

Both You and Perona moved in sync around the kitchen while dodging Luffy's grabby hands. The time passed quickly as you both finished making the feast just as the front door opened. The loud chatter of both older men caught your attention as you platted another stack of pancakes.

Looking over at your pink-haired friend you both shared the same thought as you both stepped away from the food. Just as both Sabo and Ace came stumbling in at the sight of the food. Just like wild beasts, all three brothers are divided in for their shares. You shook your head at their antics as a tap at your shoulder had you turning around.

Holding up a plate of food, Perona smiled at you as she headed it over. A smile spread across your face at her offering; grabbing it, you happily started to eat it.

"Thank, Rona yove the beth." You yell even though she barely heard you with your face stuffed and all.

She rolled her eyes at your display but smiled anyway. A sudden presence had you looking up at an arm circled your shoulders, pulling you into someone's chest. You gasped at the action but quickly recoiled at the smell and tried to tear away, but the grip was tight.

"(Name)!!" Ace mumbled as he swallowed his food.

"Acccce!" You whined as he held you closer to his sweat-soaked chest.

"(Name)!!!" He responded back teasingly.

You pouted as he snickered and kissed your cheek affectionately, making your cheeks burn in embarrassment.

"Ok, lovebirds, take it somewhere else; we're trying to eat here," Sabo said as he gestured to the other three in the room, a grin playing at his lips.

You groaned and pushed Ace off of you as you grabbed your plate and joined the others at the table. Ace just laughed and followed you as he sat across from you. As you started eating again, Sabo spoke between mouthfuls of food and told a story.

You didn't hear half of it, but it was something about running into Zoro on their run from what you gathered. From the way Luffy was in hysterics, you knew the man had probably gotten lost again. It made you laugh at the image of him getting frustrated as he ran back and forth through the local town. Most people knew who he was as this was a constant habit, so that alone was funny enough.

After you were done eating, you helped to shove the boys out of the kitchen so you could clean.

"Go shower. You all smell!" You finally said, making them groan and protest.

You glared at them all, making the three boys shut up and stare at you before quickly saying sorry and scrambling up the stairs. The sight of them trampling over one another was entertaining and made you smile as you headed back into the kitchen.

…

You heaved a heavy sigh as you flopped down onto your bed; after finishing the kitchen, you had returned to your room. Knowing you would be waiting for the shower for a while, you decided to lay down. Rolling over, the three large windows greet you. They were currently blocking out the light making the room darker than it would usually be.

Lately, you weren't sure of anything between school, your job, and being an adult, in general, was enough to make you restless. Though the constant unsolved resolve in your mind was this deal with Ace. You cared for him so much, but the thought of destroying your close friendship is what stopped you from pushing further.

Turning on your stomach, you hugged the nearest pillow to your chest, which you realized had been the pillow Ace slept on. Closing your eyes, you bury your face into the soft fabric. The smell of smoke and cologne came off of it. It was all Ace, and it was soothing to have the familiar scent lulling you into euphoria. Between the warmth coming from the heater and the pillow you hugged, you dozed off pretty quickly.

The dipping of the bed alerted you from your half-asleep state as someone sat down beside you. You blinked your eye open more, making your whine softly. Rolling over, you are given the sight of Ace sitting hunched over on your bed as he pulled his blue sweatshirt off his head. Leaving him in a yellow shirt. He tossed it onto the floor, which made you roll your eyes at his carelessness.

Ace ran a hand through his still-damp hair and casually scooted himself back on the bed as he laid down next to you. He laid on the opposite side to you, so he was facing you upside down, his back to the wall this time.

"Hi," he said, smiling at you softly.

"Hello, intruder," you mumble, your face still buried in the pillow you were now hugging to your chest.

He laughed. "Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you," he says with not a hint of remorse in his words.

You snorted.

"Right, because you are sorry every other time."

He shrugged his shoulders, continuing to smile at you, but this time his eyes had this gentle look in them you hadn't seen before. The look alone made you avert your gaze as your cheeks heated. You tried to not think of what that could mean exactly. The last few weeks had really been weird with him in general. The clinging, bed-sharing, soft looks, and just no boundaries at all at this point, which you were used to anyway, especially with Luffy, but this was different.

"Hey…..Ace, can I ask you something?"

You looked at him again; his brown eyes bore into yours.

"Sure, what is it?"

Closing your eyes, your grip on the pillow tightened, taking a deep breath, and you looked at him again. His lips pulled into a frown.

"It's nothing. Just wanted to know if you would take a nap with me?"

A huge grin split across his face at the gesture, and he happily sat up and grabbed you around the waist.

"Always (Name)!" He wrapped the blankets around you both and swaddled you into his chest. A giggle left you as you situated yourself in his grasp until you were comfortable. A sweet silence befalls you both as you settle into each other's warmth. After a while, you knew he was asleep from his soft snores near your ear.

You weren't sure when you would finally confine him about your feelings. For now, you were content with this strange arrangement you both had and were happy to continue it for a little while longer.

#Portgas D. Ace #portgas d. ace x reader #one piece x reader #one piece imagine #op imagine #pale fire series

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outlawsworld · 4 years ago

Text

Trusting Strangers - Chapter 14

Arthur Morgan x Female reader

Summary: Reader confronts John and Arthur brings up more of his past.

Warnings:None really, just fluff, bad language!

Notes: So this isn't as action packed as the rest of the chapters but I think it definitely leads to other things. Please stick with it and let me know what you think 🤠

Chapter 1

John turned to look over his shoulder as you approached him. He held a cigarette between his lips and shook his head when you came to perch on the rock beside him.

''I ain't in the mood just now (Y/N)'' he scowled. You didn't move from your spot next to him. Instead you watched him as he smoked the last of his cigarette and threw it away. ''You're gonna pester me all night ain't ya?'' he side eyed you as you sat in silence.

''If that's what it takes'' you say with a weak smile. He finally turns to look you in the eye before sighing.

''Fine'' his features softened slightly as he admitted defeat. John's eyes flicked between yours and the ground. His hands were fidgeting with the fabric on his coat and he seemed to struggle to find the words. If you didn't know any better you would have thought he was nervous.

''John?'' you placed your hand cautiously on his shoulder to try and reassure him. He flinched away from your touch, like you had burnt him. You quickly retracted your hand and placed it in your lap.

''I'm sorry'' he shook his head before meeting your gaze. ''I didn't mean to take anythin' out on you (Y/N). Just been a shit couple of days''.

''Tell me about it, maybe I can help'' you spoke softly. John took a deep breath in before relaxing his shoulders.

''It ain't nothin'. It's just Abigail. She's been gettin' at me more then usual the last couple of days'' he shifted uncomfortably. You wanted to believe that was all John was angry about but something didn't seem true about his words. He would normally just tell you or ask for advice when it came to Abigail. In the past when they have fought he would be so happy to leave camp but today he had been so cold.

''Why didn't you just tell me? We've always talked to each other'' John's brow furrowed at your comment.

''Yeah, is that so?'' he scoffed. John stood up from the rock and took a couple steps towards the water. He grabbed a stone from the waters edge and thew it as far as he could. It landed in the lake with a loud splash. You stood up from the rock, following John along the sand.

''Well I thought so'' you stood in front of him to stop him from walking away from you.

''You thought wrong'' he gently pushed past you and began to march down the water line. You felt hurt by his comment, you always thought that he could talk to you. For a split second you let him walk away. You began to feel irritated by John's mood. All day you had been thinking and you couldn't understand what you had done to deserve this. Your own anger got the better of you and you ran after him.

''What's that supposed to mean?'' you caught up to him. Your small strides, working quickly to keep up with him.

''Leave it (Y/N)'' John snapped at you.

''No'' you shouted at him. ''God damn it John. Just tell me'' you felt hot, every inch of your body was tense and you were starting to lose your patience.

''I told you everything'' he immediately stopped in his tracks his voice was raised and his anger was aimed directly at you. ''Whenever Abigail was gettin' to me or when I felt like I was doin' a shit job of bein' a father. I told you. You said we've always talked to each other but it was always one sided. You never told me anythin' about you. You definitely never said anything about you and Arthur'' he gestured towards camp. Your mouth dropped as you took a step back away from John.

''That's what this is about?'' the shock in your voice was apparent. ''It's about me and Arthur?'' the subject made your blood boil. How could he be mad about it, you thought he would be happy for you.

''We had spent so much time together and not once did it come up. I had to find out from god damn Micah'' John bellowed.

''It's not like we intended it to be announced like that'' you defended yourself. ''I didn't realise me not tellin' you would annoy you. Do you really care that much?''.

''I couldn't care less about you two'' John's words cut through you like a knife. Silence fell between you both as you stared at him in shock. Tears began to well up in your eyes at your best friend's words. You held them back as you took a steady breath. He doesn't care about you. It didn't make sense, why would he be so annoyed about you wanting to keep it private for a while. You thought out of everyone he would understand. Having his relationship with Abigail so out in the open, he hates everyone knowing thier business.

''Thanks for makin' that clear'' you spoke in a hushed voice trying to not let your emotions get the better of you. ''So if you don't care about me then why are you so pissed off?'' you met John's brown eyes. They began to soften as he came back to reality and realised what he had said.

''(Y/N), I didn't mean it like that. Of course I care about ya'' he paused to take a heavy breath and pinch the bridge of his nose. ''Look a lot of things have been on my mind recently. I guess finding out about you two was a shock and I didn't know how to respond. I had no idea about you two. Just thought you would 'av told me. Just wish I hadn't been so stupid..'' he trailed off looking back out over the water.

''Stupid?'' you questioned.

''Ahh nothin'. Ignore me, I'm just thinkin' out loud'' he turned back to face you before giving you a weak smile. ''I'm sorry 'bout shoutin' at ya. That weren't my intention'' he held his hands up in defence which made you smile.

''It's alright'' you sighed. "Guess you'll just have to be extra nice to me to make up for it" you teased him.

"Deal" he smirked. The two of you walked back to camp slowly while John told you about his and Abigail's latest argument. Your relationship with Arthur wasn't mentioned again and you didn't dare bring it up. Even though John was telling you about his problems, you couldn't help but think he was witholding something. You decided it was best not to pry in case it made him angry again. If he wanted you to know he would tell you in his own time. The sun was beginning to set by the time you got back into the camp. You and John grabbed a bowl of Pearson's stew before sitting around the fire with Tilly, Hosea and Keiran.

''How are you doing my girl?'' Hosea asked as you sat on the log next to him.

''I'm alright Hosea, and you?'' you asked between mouthfuls of stew.

''I'm getting old'' he chuckled. ''Arthur and yourself seem like you have worked everything out'' you look around the fire quickly, to see that everyone was engaged in their own conversations. Hosea laughed at your reaction at the mention of your relationship before patting your leg.

''Sorry, old habits'' you giggled. ''Yes, I have to thank you Hosea. If it weren't for you I think we would still be ignoring each other''.

''My dear, you don't have to thank me. It's been a long time since I've seen Arthur happy and that's all thanks to you'' your heart warms at Hosea's comment and your cheeks begin to blush.

''I'm guessing he didn't get recognised going back to the Braithwaites earlier?'' you questioned. Your mind had still not settled since Arthur left camp earlier and you needed to know he was safe.

''No, he was fine. But I heard the commotion you all made earlier with those horses'' he shook his head as he glanced over at Dutch who was standing outside his tent. ''We need to lay low with both families after tonight. Trelawny was right, people talk, even when there is a feud goin' on'' Hosea looked concerned but you agreed. You had always thought it was a stupid idea to rob both the families.

The name Trelawny had been passed around camp since you had joined but you had never had the pleasure of meeting the man yet. Clearly the man had sense in informing the gang to go careful but Dutch had other ideas.

The night drew in quickly as stories were passed back and forth across the campfire. Javier joined you and began to play his guitar. The other girls and Charles all joined as well and began singing along to a songs Javier was playing. It was beginning to get later and Arthur and Sean still hadn't returned. Hosea's words had definitely put your mind at ease though so you excused yourself and went to your tent.

It didn't take you long before you were laying in your cot with Javier's soft melody lulling you into slumber.

''(Y/N)'' you were woken by a deep voice. Your eyes fluttered open to see it was still dark outside. You must have only been asleep for a couple hours. ''(Y/N), you awake?'' the voice was just above a whisper outside your tent. You rubbed both of your eyes to check you weren't dreaming before sitting up in your cot.

''Come in'' you half whispered back. You were only in your nightwear but your blanket covered you from head to toe. The broad silhouette gently crept inside your tent and came to crouch beside you. ''What are you doin' cowboy?''.

''Sorry if I woke ya'' Arthur took your small hand in his. ''Didn't much feel like sleepin' without ya tonight'' he placed a kiss on the back of your hand. You couldn't help but smile. Not only because he was back in one piece but because your heart lit up whenever you saw him.

''Ya think we can both fit onto my cot?'' you moved over to make space for the big broad man that crouched before you. He stood up before taking his coat, boots and gun belts off and putting them on the ground.

''Might be a tight squeeze but I'm sure we can manage'' he smirked before climbing under your blanket and laying down beside you. The both of you shuffled around until you were laying wrapped in Arthur's arms with your head on his chest. Arthur was right, it was a tight squeeze but you didn't care. Having Arthur being there, feeling his arms holding you close, hearing his heart beating and smelling the cigarettes and whiskey with every breath you took made you unbelievably happy. You smiled into his shirt as he kissed the top of your head. ''G'night darlin'.'' he whispered in your ear. His soft, low voice sent shivers through you.

''Night Arthur'' you shuffled into him as close as you could possibly get before drifting back into a deep sleep.

As you woke up the next morning you were still wrapped in Arthur's embrace. Your legs were intertwined with one another's and Arthur's arms were the only think keeping you from falling out of the cot. You wiggled your arm free from underneath Arthur's torso and tried to regain some feeling back into it. Arthur woke up as you clenched your fist open and closed. Trying to ignore the painful sensation caused by the blood restriction.

''Mornin' (Y/N)'' Arthur mumbled as he pulled you closer to his body. His voice was much deeper when he had just woken up. It sent shivers down your spine. ''What ya doin'?''.

''Ya crushed my arm'' you chuckled. ''Trying to get feelin' back into it''. You turned to hover above him leaning on your elbow. He hummed in response with a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His hair was messy and his eyes were barely open. Seeing him this way, first thing in the morning did something different to you. You felt the heat between your legs rise as you looked over him. He reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear, caressing your cheek as he did so. You leant down and kissed him deeply. Completely forgetting where you were as you opened your mouth to allow his tongue access to yours. Arthur went from a sleepy daze to wide awake in seconds. His hands began to wander down your body as you fought to undo the buttons on his shirt.

The sound of Pearson humming and walking past the entrance of your tent stopped you both suddenly in your tracks. You broke the kiss and bit your bottom lip as you pressed your forehead against Arthur's. The both of you had gotten so lost in the kiss that you forgot how little privacy you have in camp. You both laughed quietly as you layed back down beside him releasing the button you were about to undo on his shirt.

"I could kill that man" Arthur chuckled. You giggled and placed another much softer kiss on Arthur's lips. ''Want some coffee?'' Arthur sat up and pulled on his boots.

''Please'' you sat up beside him. ''I'll be out in a minute''. Arthur nodded as he pulled himself back together and walked out of your tent. You stretched out your limbs before getting dressed and following behind him. As you walked out of your tent the light stung your eyes and you winced before they adjusted. The morning air was thick and warm, it was going to be another hot day. You threw your thin coat you were going to wear back into your tent before making your way over to the campfire where Arthur was waiting for you with your coffee.

''Thank ya'' you took the coffee from Arthur and sat down beside him. Pearson was at his cart beginning his day by clearing his table and the rest of camp was starting to stir. ''You on any jobs today?'' you ask Arthur. It seems to have been a long time since he had a day around the camp. He was always on a job or out doing something. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him as he was always Dutch's go to guy for everything, meaning he never got a day's rest.

''No, I'm stickin' around here today'' he smiled before taking a sip from his coffee. You were silently relieved letting out a relaxed hum.

''Miss (Y/L/N), Mr Morgan'' you heard a loud shout across camp. You both looked up to see Mrs Grimshaw marching over to you. She looked irritated and her face had gone red. You swallowed a large lump in your throat as you dreaded what had caused her to become so infuriated so early in the day. ''You both sticking around today?'' although it was a question it came out more like a demand.

''Yes, Mrs Grimshaw'' Arthur smirked which only made her more aggravated.

''Well good, we are falling behind on chores around here. Some people have begun to slack so we need all the hands we can get'' she snapped. ''(Y/N), I have a pile of things that need stitching back together, get to it'' she didn't let you speak before pointing her finger in the direction of the pile and sending you on your way.

She was not wrong, the pile of clothes and sheets that had been torn had grown large. You sighed loudly as you realised it would take you hours to stitch everything. As the hours went by the pile slowly got smaller. Your hands were cramping up and your stitches were beginning to become sloppy. Mary-Beth had come to help you take on some of the work and you appreciated the company. She was telling you about a book she was reading about a budding romance. You finished with one of Lenny's shirts and added it to the 'done' pile before glancing round camp.

The camp was busy with people doing different chores. You would occasionally hear Mrs Grimshaw shouting at someone to get on with something. As you took a moment to glance around camp you found Arthur chopping wood on the outskirts of camp. His strong arms made the job look effortless. You watched as he swung the axe down breaking the wood, clean in half. He wiped his sweat covered brow with the back of his hand and grabbed the next piece. Each time he raised the axe above his head his shirt would become tight around his strong muscles over his back and shoulders. He would grunt as he brought the axe down to strike the wood. The top buttons on his shirt were undone allowing for some of his chest to be exposed. You could see the begining of his chest hair glistening with sweat.

''You are gonna start drooling soon'' Mary-Beth giggled catching your attention. You quickly turn back to her realising you had been staring a bit too long. The colour of your cheeks turned a bright shade of red as embarrassment flooded through you. After that, you made sure to concentrated on your own work. Mary-Beth would tease you every so often making you blush each time. You couldn't help it, Arthur was the most attractive man you had laid eyes on. The opportunity to admire him was very few and far between with the amount of work outside of camp he does. By the time you had both finished with the stitching it was the afternoon.

You went for a walk along the water to stretch your legs after being sat for so long. It was always peaceful by the lake compared to the rush of being in camp. You noticed Dutch was standing on the end of the dock which reminded you of a job.

''Hey Dutch'' you walked up to him catching his attention.

''Miss (Y/N). What do I owe the pleasure?'' he asked as he turned to look at you.

''Ya know the two men I pick pocketed the other day in Rhodes?'' Dutch hummed at you with an inquisitive smile. ''Well, they are supposed to be outta town. Thought it might be a good steal if we check out the house while there gone. Said they had deeds of some kind'' you had never approached Dutch with a job before and for some reason it made you nervous even suggesting it.

''Hmm, sounds promising'' he thought about it for a moment. ''and you are sure they aren't in town?''.

''Positive''.

''Alright, take who you need and go tonight'' he patted you on the shoulder. You nodded your head before heading back into camp. In all honestly, you hadn't thought too much about it but the job was now in your hands. You wanted to impress Dutch so nothing could go wrong. It should be an easy take and only requires two people to do. For the rest of the afternoon you tended to the horses with Kieran, thinking about who you should take on the job. You wanted to take Arthur but it was the first day in a long time he didn't have a job to do and you didn't want to ruin that. Maybe you should take John or Charles instead.

As the sun set for the day you decided to pack your things for the job. You had come up with a plan much like your first house robbery with Arthur. Even though you were sure that the two men were out of town you grabbed some extra ammunition putting it away in your satchel.

''What are you doin'?'' Arthur walked up behind you as you packed your saddle bags.

''Gettin' ready for a job'' you attached your rifle to your saddle before turning to him.

''What job is that?'' he leant against the hitching post with his arms crossed over his chest.

''A house robbery'' you told Arthur. You went on the explain how you came about the job whilst in town with Dutch and what your plan was.

''Okay, when are we goin'?'' you looked up to meet his eyes.

''Arthur, you need to rest. I can ask someone else to go with me'' he looked almost offended by your comment.

''I'm fine. I've rested all day'' he brushed you off. ''We goin' now?'' he asked, not taking no for an answer and making his way over to Siego.

''You ain't been resting but I guess we are'' you smirked. You knew, no matter how much you would try to convince him to stay he would still come on the job anyway. As you both mounted up you looked back towards camp. You caught a glimpse of John watching you and Arthur leave together. He looked upset about something as he leant against a tree smoking on a cigarette. You gave him a smile and a small wave as you turned Dallas towards the road. He didn't wave back but you saw a sad smile across his face. You spurred Dallas on down the woodland trail and out of camp. Arthur followed closely behind.

''So you never told me about your job last night'' you shouted back to Arthur. Once you reached the road he came to ride beside you. He told you about how him and Sean both burnt down the Grey's tobacco fields. Luckily the both of them got away with only having to shoot a couple of the guards. ''Shit, all the fields?'' you asked stunned.

''Yeah, all of em. The barn too'' he shook his head. ''If they don't catch on that it's us, it'll be a miracle. So much for layin' low'' Arthur shrugged his shoulders.

You rode by the Grey's plantation on your way to the house and you saw the destroyed fields. The dry tobacco was now turned to ash and the smell of burning crops filled the air still. Arthur stayed quiet as you inspected the mess as you rode by.

The house wasn't much further, it was hidden within a group of trees which gave you plenty of cover. You dismounted the horses and grabbed your rifle before getting too close. The house was only small, with a barn to the side and a porch that ran around the whole building. From what you could see, it was empty. There were no lights from inside but you knew it was best to be prepared.

''I'll go round the back'' you informed Arthur as he made his way to the front door. He nodded in response as you went around the side of the house. You peered in through each window and didn't see any sign of people inside. The lock on the back door was easy to pick, you opened the door slowly and quietly making sure it was empty before stepping inside. You tiptoed to the front door opening it for Arthur to enter.

''Alright, let's do this quickly and quietly'' he stepped inside, looking around. ''You wanna take upstairs?''.

''Sure'' you made your way up the creaky stairs, leaving Arthur to explore the ground floor. There were two bedrooms and a study which you made your way through. You searched each draw carefully, collecting valuables as you went along. The study was full of paperwork scattered across a messy desk. You flicked your way through the papers and took the ones you deemed to look important. There were a couple of deeds stashed in a draw along with a lockbox which you grabbed. You made your way downstairs to meet Arthur who managed to fill his satchel full with provisions and jewels.

''Found anythin'?'' he asked while inspecting a bottle of whiskey he grabbed from a cabinet.

''I think so'' you held the lockbox up to show him. ''Let's get outta here'' you gestured towards the door. Arthur followed you out the house and back to the horses. ''Well... that went a lot smoother then last time'' you giggled as you mounted Dallas.

''I wouldn't speak too soon if I were you'' Arthur smirked back. You both rode back down the path at a steady trot to not draw any attention to yourselves. ''Wonder what we will find stashed in that lockbox o' yours''.

''Could be anythin' or nothin'. Hopin' it's somethin' good'' you tapped the box that was now strapped to your saddle.

''So, if you weren't thinkin' of askin' me to come with ya. Who were you gonna take?'' Arthur raised his left brow and looked at you curiously.

''Well, you were my first option but probably John'' Arthur scoffed at your suggestion and shook his head. ''What's wrong with John?''.

''Ahh nothin'.'' he brushed you off.

''It ain't nothin'. You seem to have some sortta issue with him'' you steadied Dallas to a walk to give Arthur time to explain himself before you got back to camp. ''Feel like explainin' what it is?'' Arthur pulled Siego to a walk and breathed a deep sigh.

''Fine. I've known John for fifteen years. He was like family, like a younger, annoying brother'' Arthur paused for a moment. ''Then when Jack was born he just took off. He left us for a whole year and then just walks back in like nothin' happened. I guess I just ain't forgiven him for it'' Arthur hid his face with his hat so you couldn't see his expression. You could tell by his voice he was still annoyed about John leaving.

''He told me what happened and he feels real bad about it'' you tried to reason with Arthur. ''John knows what he did was wrong and he's tryin' to make up for it. Don't you wanna give him another chance?'' you kept your voice low and steady. The last thing you wanted was to offend him.

''No one else would have gotten away with what he did (Y/N)" Arthur's brow was furrowed and he squeezed tightly onto his reins. "He abandoned his family. He abandoned Jack. Even now he won't spend any time with his own son. What I'd give to..." He trailed off. Arthur stared in the direction away from you. Something struck a nerve with him as he talked about Jack. You stayed silent allowing him time to think and calm down. The both of you stayed at a steady walk down the dirt track towards Rhodes.

"I'm sorry for pryin'." you finally broke the silence. He turned to face you but his eyes were still covered by his hat.

"It ain't you. He just doesn't realise how lucky he is" Arthur's voice was soft. Not in his usual, kind way but as though he was upset.

"How'd you mean?" Arthur raised his head until your eyes met. He cocked his head in a gesture for you to follow him off the path. You followed him through the trees to the small open field you had spent that night under the stars in. The both of you dismounted and you followed him into the open space. Arthur was stood in front of you with his back towards you.

"I need to tell you somethin'." he scratched the back of his neck nervously before turning to face you. Your heart began to race as many thoughts floated through your head. Was he going to end things? Did he decide that you weren't good enough for him? Or was it Mary?

"Alright" you asked trying to mask the crack in your voice.

"A long time ago when I was a young fool I met a waitress. Her name was Eliza, she was only 19 at the time and I was in my younger twenties" he cleared his throat and your heart began to sink. Of course there was another girl. You looked at him as he rested his hands on his gun belt, the brim of his hat still covering his eyes as he spoke. "We had a son together. His name was Isaac"

You tried to hold back the gasp from the shock of what he was telling you. Arthur had a child.

"I would visit them from time to time. Making sure they had money, food things like that. I didn't want them involved in the gang. It wasn't a life I wanted for 'em. One day I went to visit..." he paused to take a deep breath. "There were two crosses outside" he looked up to meet your eyes. You remained still, mouth open as your heart began to break for him.

"Some men robbed an' killed them for $10" he swollowed hard. For the first time you saw Arthur's full emotions surface. His eyes were red and watery and his smile had faded away. "I guess that's why I can't forgive John....he doesn't even realise what he has" there wasn't anger in his voice. Instead he sounded broken.

"Arthur, I'm so sorry" your voice cracked. You couldn't find the words to help fix what had been done. The pain he must have gone through with loosing a child. He had been through so much hearbrake in his life already. With Mary then Eliza and Issac. No wonder he was scared to start another relationship with you. He was so much more then the tough exterior that you first saw. You reached forward and pulled him into your embrace. He wrapped his arms around your waist and held you tightly. You stayed in each others arms as you processed the information Arthur had just given to you. It must be so hard for him to talk about. You wanted to say something that will take some of his pain away but you knew there was nothing you could do but to hold him.

"(Y/N)?" you heard Arthur whisper your name into your neck. You loosened your grip on him until you could see his face.

"Arthur" you found his eyes.

"Thank ya" he smiled lightly at you.

"Why you thankin' me?" you couldn't understand what you had done to deserve his thanks.

"For everythin'. For listening. I ain't the best a talkin' about this sorta thing" he admitted shyly.

"I'm always gonna be here for ya Arthur" you caressed his cheek to make sure he looked directly in your eyes. "I promise you, I ain't goin' anywhere".

@kashasenpai

Chapter 15

#rdr2 #red dead redemption two #arthur morgan #rdr2 arthur #red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption arthur #john marston #red dead redemption john #red dead redemption fanfic #arthur morgan fanfic #arthur morgan x female reader #rdr2 john #susan grimshaw #mary beth gaskill #hosea mathews #dutch van der linde #rdr fanfiction #rdr2 fanfic #fanfic

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eivorsjawline · 4 years ago

Text

Trigger warning: smut and talk of blood/open wound.

You take a medieval bath in the opening of this chapter in the safe space of a close friends estate. When you return to the settlement you’re greeted by Eivor with a sweet bouquet. You both head back to your room and having a little one on one time before getting disrupted by someone at the door.

Chapter 5: Sweet Escape

Readers POV

Bjorn ended up bringing me to whom he calls Erke’s living quarters. One of the servants made a bath for me to clean myself off, it had been so long since I had a nice bath. The servant filled an ewer with fresh spring water, heated it up then poured it into a large wooden tub. Careful to not step in too early, I waited and let the steam hit my face.

I started to strip my clothes off and after a while of letting the water cool down, I poured a pitcher of the warm water over my hair. A bucket lay nearby for me to place any of the now dirty suds. I ran some of the soap through my hair and began to scrub afterwards rinsing it out. Wrapping my hair in a linen towel, I stepped into the tub and started scrubbing my body all over.

It's insane to think of how we take for granted the small things in the modern world. I soaked in the tub worrying about the settlement and how Eivor was handling everything. Though I'd never seen her in battle, I imagined she fights like a true warrior. Even in modern times Eivor would be considered strong and brute. However, my wandering mind still managed to come up with dreadful worries and scenarios.

Though I didn’t want to leave the bath, the water began to cool down a little too much for my liking so I stepped out onto a towel on the ground. I started to rub myself dry with the extra towel getting my legs, chest and arms. An assortment of oils and herbs in jars lay on the table near me. I washed my face with some more soap and water residing in a basin and then doused my face in rose oil, afterwards removing the towel from my head. Feeling clean and fresh, I pulled a long tunic over me along with a pair of undergarments and headed towards my room.

Erke’s furry friend Tibert, a chubby orange striped cat joined me alongside the bed and begged me for pets. Since I was here alone basically, I might as well have someone accompany me while I slept tonight. I blew out the candles next to my bed and rested my head on the fluffy feather pillows. There was no way I was getting any sleep tonight but I still tried, until the bone shattering emotion of loneliness covered me. Since I’d arrived I missed my home, I missed my friends too, the technology, and even the food. Nevertheless, I missed Eivor more than anything else.

My eyes began to water and then I heard creaking footsteps near the door. It was so late, who could possibly be here at this time? With a knock on the door I heard Bjorn’s voice asking me if he could come in. I jumped up from bed and opened the door from him, hoping for news on Eivor and the settlement.

“It’s not looking good. We have to relocate the camp completely.”

His words shattered my heart and made my already disheveled mind worry even more. I started to pace around the room and my anxiety set in. Myself and war had not been acquainted yet due to the sheltered life I’d lived compared to these people.

“What about Eivor? Please, tell me she’s okay.”

“Eivor is fine, for Randvi I cannot say the same. She was struck and the wound is very bad. I'll take you to the new location in the morning, you must rest here for tonight. Eivor instructed me that I stay and keep watch for you.”

Even from afar I felt protected by Eivor. Although relieved I didn't have to be alone tonight, I felt bad for Randvi. I hoped she would be okay even if she didn’t care much for me. She was very strong, stronger than I could ever be. Bjorn and I conversated a bit about where the location will be before saying goodnight and heading to bed. I closed the door and noticed Tibert still laying there. Swooping the covers over my legs, I snuggled up with my new furry friend and tried to rest but I knew damn well I wouldn't be getting any of that tonight.

Eivors POV

The next morning

I woke up in the morning and the first thing I felt was the soreness of the cut in my arm. Blood ran through the linen covering my wound overnight. Letting out a groan, I reached over the table next to my bed for the medicine that Valka gave me and applied it to the cut before cleaning myself and rebandaging.

The new settlement was surprisingly nice. A larger pond to the west of the new longhouse, good for fishing. The land was more vast and colorful flowers grew by the riverbank. When sunset came you could see the light hit just over the valleys and the bushes and trees grew with the greenest of leaves and ripest fruits. Almost everything was finished setting up with the exception of a few huts.

My head pounding from little to no sleep, I decided to go check on Randvi. I figured Valka was probably keeping a close eye on her so I headed there. Valka’s hut was just East of the longhouse and across, a closer span than Ravensthorpe. On my way there I couldn't help but to think of [y/n] and how I missed her. I wish I could have been with her last night but I had to get the people to safety first, all I could do was send Bjorn with her.

Walking into the seer's hut I could smell her cooking some sort of potion, the smell of lavender filled the air. Randvi lay next to her, the life in her eyes seemed to be returning. She lost so much blood, but she fought through it. Kneeling down to get to her level, I saw the corners of Randvi’s mouth form a smile as if she were happy to see me for once.

“You look better than ever.”

“Oh, stop it.”

Randvi let out a small laugh then thanked me for helping her last night. She explained that she tried to fight back but she was far too late for the Picts had already infiltrated the camp. Our conversation was brisk but for the first time I felt a genuine friendship forming between the two of us and a mutual respect. Valka joined in saying Randvi should be back on her feet in no time.

Perhaps even through all of this, we lost nothing and only gained. Today was a bright sunny day and those days were very rare in this green land. After one of the worst storms I’d ever seen, today was a new day. Since we moved further south west into the country, there was no need for a heavy cloak at least for today. I settled for an embroidered gray tunic rolling up the sleeves, a pair of brown linen trousers and secured them with a belt afterwards, lacing up my usual boots.

Looking out the window, I saw [y/n] leave Valka’s hut. I presumed Bjorn sent word of what happened. Quickly, I combed through my hair, fixed my braids and snuck out the back of the longhouse. Some red and blue flowers grew by the backyard and I began to pick some off the vines, creating a small bouquet.

This feels stupid, yet I cant help myself.

I gripped the bouquet in one hand and hid it behind my back, straightening my posture before approaching her.

A cheeky smile formed on her face when her eyes met mine and a grin escaped me.

“Eivor, how are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re here.”

Grabbing her by the waist with my free hand, I pulled her in for a peck on her soft lips. Slowly, I revealed the flowers I picked for her and she looked down at the ground as if flustered by the small gesture.

“For me? That's so sweet…”

Exchanging the flowers from my hand she stood up tall to reach for a kiss and with a bend of my knees our lips met once again. Our hands clasped one another and I led her to show her around the new settlement then finally our new room in the longhouse. We exchanged some more passionate kisses in private before stopping and snuggling on the bed.

“There is something I wanna talk to you about.”

After hearing my words she repositioned herself, ready to listen to what I have to say.

“Of course, what is it?”

“Be honest with me, do you miss the future?”

“With every fiber of my being, there is so much that I miss. Everyday, I realize there is something that I miss about my time.”

I reached to stroke the hairs on the back of my neck and avoided making eye contact. The weight of her words hit me hard, to think she was in a foreign place with no one she knows. Noticing the change in my body language, she nudged my shoulder.

“There something else. Tell me the truth and look at me.”

“You want to go back, don't you?”

She placed her small hand over mine and pushed herself closer to me.

“Even though I miss it, I would give up all of that to stay here with you.”

I let out a sigh of relief and placed my hand on her thigh.

“Prove it, then. Show me how much you’ve missed me.”

Readers POV

Letting out a chuckle, I pushed Eivor on the bed and started to kiss her neck. Eivor let out a soft moan underneath me and started to caress my body over the tunic I was wearing. Already trying to reach for my shirt to pull it off, I pinned her hands back and gave her a passionate wet kiss. Eivor bit my bottom lip and started to squirm underneath me. She had all the strength to push my hands back but she let me hold her down instead. The heat radiating off our bodies grew as Eivor started to grind her pelvis underneath me, my legs wrapped around her.

I released her hands and started to explore her body, placing kisses on her collarbone. I lifted her shirt off and started to toy with her breasts, rubbing one of her pink nipples between my fingertips and my tongue making circles around the other whilst looking her in the eyes. Eivor moaned my name and arched her back as I continued to tease her. I ventured lower in between her rib cage and then back up, the tip of my nose rubbed against her ivory skin.

One of my hands ran up and down her torso as my fingers played with her belt buckle. From the downwards view I had of her I caught a glimpse of her biting her lip. After undoing her belt one notch at a time, I pulled her pants off along with her underwear as she lifted her body to aid me. Her subtle happy trail glimmered in the sunlight. Appreciating her body, I started to kiss her inner thighs and watched as Eivor melted into the bed. I pressed my fingers and massaged the folds of her labia, noticing she was even more wet for me than last time.

“Is this what you want, my wolf?”

Sticking my tongue out and swirling against her hole, I made sure to get a good taste of her. Eivor’s moans grew heavier and she pulled the hairs falling onto my face to the side to get a better view of me eating her out. My tongue started to focus on her swollen clit and began to flick with vigor. Eivor threw her head back trying to keep her eyes open as she spread her long legs wide for me to feast on her. My middle and ring finger slid into her wet pussy and started working her from the inside. Her walls clenched tight around me as I pounded and curled. Pulling my body up for Eivor to taste herself on my tongue, my fingers remained inside her but back to a steady pace. Eivor grabbed my face to kiss me harder and moaned in my mouth.

“You’re gonna make me cum all over you if you keep fucking me like that.” She whispered in my ear with her raspy deep voice.

While our tongues clashed, I stretched my fingers as far as I could and pounded her into oblivion with all the strength I had. I felt Eivor’s muscles twitch and saw her chest start to convulse as her cum coated my fingers. I pulled out of her and let her watch me lick my fingers clean. With no time to catch our breaths Eivor began to strip my clothes off one by one before pinning me down on my stomach onto the bed.

“How dare you fuck me with all your clothes still on!”

She pulled my arms back and latched onto my wrists kissing the back of my neck. Her firm authoritarian grip and the stretching of my back muscles and arms caused me a miniscule amount of pain that made me want her to really have her way with me.

“Mmm, what are you gonna do about it?” I let out a moan and gave her a cheeky grin.

Before I knew it Eivor’s hand met my bare ass with a slap, the sting making me moan out loud. My back arched and with small breaks she spanked me again and again. My eyes closed but quickly opened when I felt Eivor’s wet tongue start fucking me from inside, her rough hands grabbing onto my now red ass cheeks. Switching her focus she started to flick her tongue fast on my clit, almost making me climax. Eivor pulled herself up and started whispering in my ear.

“Oh, you better not cum yet… Such a dirty girl, letting me fuck you like this. You’re so damn loud, everyone will hear you.”

She cupped my mouth with the palm of her hand and muffled my moans, her other hand teasing the entrance of my soaking wet cunt. She slipped two long slender fingers inside of me, stretching me nicely, sliding from the tip of her fingers down to her knuckles with a steady pace. Her fingers twisted inside of me, making sure she filled me as deep as possible.

Eivor’s hot breaths onto the back of my neck sent chills down my spine. The sounds of her pounding me from behind and my suppressed moans were all that could be heard. Eivor didn’t care how loud she made me moan, only for the pleasure that she gave to my body and neither did I. The stress of the outside world quieted as we released onto one another.

A knock on the door interrupted us and suddenly we stopped, turning to one another with evil grins. Trying not to laugh, we rushed to put our clothes back on. Before now, I had never got dressed faster. Eivor fixed her shirt and fastened her belt buckle, fixing her hair. Feeling a little flustered, I ran to hide behind the door so whoever was behind it couldn’t see me in the room. Clearing her throat, Eivor straightened up and switched from her playful demeanor to her serious one before opening the door.

Eivor’s POV

“Well, don't stop now that I’m here. Continue just as you were, Wolf-Kissed...”

“Rollo, long time no see my good friend!”

Thankfully, Rollo was never one to judge people for what they do behind closed doors. After we gave one another a friendly embrace and exchanged a few jokes, our conversation turned to more important matters. So distracted from [y/n] returning, I completely forgot we had discussed plans for a raid this evening. Peeking past the door I noticed [y/n’s] face changed from an impudent smile to a sour expression. I told Rollo to give me a moment and wait outside before closing the door.

“You’re already hurt, why go on a raid?”

“I'm not sure how things are where you’re from, but this is normal. We lack resources, It’s what must be done. I'll be careful, just for you. Besides, plenty of others will be at my side.”

She crossed her arms and tilted her head while looking down.

“Also, what's this? I found it in your belongings when I was packing up my bedroom.”

I reached into a bag that held the clothes I found her in and a rectangular platform that lit up when held to the light. I shook it and gave it a bang on the table to see if It would do something else before she reached and grabbed it out of my hand.

“Dont! Holy shit, that's my phone!”

Your what?

After entering some sort of code, she swiped the strange gadget and It appeared as if she unlocked something on it.

Looks complex...

“There’s still some power in it, no service of course. Eivor, come here and look.”

Though confused, I took a look and she showed me an assembly of what she called, “pictures” of her previous life. She looked different and the world around her looked different. She showed me pictures of her with friends, and places she traveled to. My curiosity grew more from what she showed me. We don't have anything like this, so any doubts I had about what she told me completely disappeared. A loud bang on the door interrupted us, I assumed Rollo was getting impatient.

Damn, I have to leave.

I gave her a kiss and reassured her everything would be okay before leaving through the door.

#fem!eivor #fem eivor #eivor x reader #female eivor #ac valhalla #fan fiction #assasins creed #assasinscreed #writers on tumblr #series #reader insert

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xpao-bearx · 4 years ago

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《This story series is also on my AO3 acc @ Paoloca》

SUMMARY: The bachelors of Selphia conjure up a plan to decide who truly deserves the beautiful princess' heart...if Frey can only choose one of them, that is.

PAIRINGS: Frey x Vishnal, Frey x Kiel, Frey x Doug, Frey x Arthur, Frey x Dylas, Frey x Leon (Polyamorous Ships)

RATING: Mature/18+/Romance & Smut. Please bear these in mind if you are uncomfortable and do NOT report!

NOTE: I have been an avid fan and lover of the Rune Factory series for a looong fooken time now and with RF 5 coming up (who else can't wait?!?!) along with my bursting inspiration, I decided to do something a lil special~ 💖

This story is actually one I wrote--or at least TRIED to write as I didn't finish it--many years ago on my old Wattpad acc (I have a new one now). As such, I'm taking the basic plotline from the original idea I had and simply making it a bit better especially now that I'm older + more mature (pfft yeah sure "mAtUrE" xD).

I sincerely and deeply love ALL of the amazing bachelors on RF 4 and as someone who absolutely ✨A D O R E S✨ reverse harems, I really *personally* don't think that Frey has to choose! And so, here's a naughty + sweet story that'll kinda just delve into my--and I'm sure others'--fantasy ;)

I hope ya lovelies will enjoy this story series and your wonderful support is always very much appreciated! 🥺💕💕 Also, feel free to fangirl/fanboy with me anytime~

P.S. Please forgive mah pathetic ass in advance if I ever portray any of the characters wrong, I promise to do my best!!

"The Princess' Harem"

Part 1: The Game

☆ALL CREDIT GOES TO THE TALENTED ARTIST☆

Summer 1, the dawn of a sweltering season. But most of all...

Beach Day!

Ah, yes, a most wonderful holiday to take a dip in the refreshing water and don the most attractive swimsuits that perfectly hugged one's form! And while it was understandable for the gentlemen to gawk and admire the lovely ladies, it seemed that all the bachelors of Selphia were completely ensnared by one warrior princess in particular...

Frey's tinkly laughter carried in the air as she happily swam around in the lake with the other girls. It was certainly a gorgeous day, yet none could quite rival the turquoise haired beauty's radiant smile.

"Haa... The princess is SO beautiful~" Vishnal sighed dreamily, his violet eyes turning into hearts.

"A goddess among mere mortals!" Kiel piped up cutely.

"You guys are so lame! But, uh... Y-Yeah, I agree, I guess." Doug conceded, face flushing as scarlet as his hair.

"I am a man, after all. Therefore, I must say I agree as well." Arthur cleared his throat, propping his glasses.

"You are all perverts..." Dylas grumbled, though he couldn't help but shyly sneak a peek at Frey.

"My, my~ You're such a bad liar, horsie. Calling us perverts when you, yourself, are one~" Leon chuckled, smirking.

"Who're ya calling horsie?!" Dylas snapped, but couldn't start an argument when all of them heard a splash and saw Frey emerge onto shore.

"Princess!" Vishnal beamed, not wasting a single second as he dashed towards her with a towel much like an excited puppy. "Are you done swimming?"

Frey gratefully took the towel, wiping her drenching body with it. "Yes, I am! And once I change into my clothes, I'm going to be checking the requests."

"You're ever so diligent, Frey. I truly admire that about you." Arthur smiled as he and the rest of the boys approached their beloved girlfriend. Arthur's glasses then flashed as the sun reflected on them, and he quickly grabbed that splendid opportunity for his gaze to drop and hyperfocus on Frey's nearly naked body. He barely managed to suppress it as he almost shamelessly licked his lips, fully taking in and very much appreciating her wet and fit physique.

"Oh, it's nothing! I'm only doing my duties." Frey giggled, embarrassed as her cheeks tinted pink. "But other than that, how come you guys aren't in your swimsuits? It's boiling!" She frowned worriedly.

"Why, is milady that eager to see me in all my glory?" Leon purred, standing in front of her in a flash. His teal eyes sparkled mischievously, as one of his hands reached forward to run his fingers through her long hair. "If you want to see me that badly, I'd rather 'perform' a private show for you tonight~"

Frey became as red as a ruby, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly like a fish out of water. She tried to speak, but no words came out as she could only stare up with eyes as wide as dinner plates at an amused Leon who was enjoying this situation far too much.

"Oi, knock it off!" Dylas growled, wrapping a protective arm around Frey as he glared sharply at Leon. "She's gonna go fishing with me after she's done, anyways!"

"WHAT?! No fair, you can't hog her all to yourself! If you guys are going fishing then I'm going, too!" Doug huffed, snatching Frey away from Dylas.

"No way, you dumbass dwarf! You're not invited!"

"Well, I am now, you fucking nag!"

As the two handsome idiots bickered like an old married couple and fought over Frey, she could only release an exasperated sigh. Honestly, she loved them both, but there was really no use trying to talk any sense into them. The best anyone could do was just wait it out until they inevitably get tired.

But as Doug and Dylas were yanking Frey from one side to another like a ragdoll, they suddenly stopped. It seems that everyone else halted, too, and the air blew bitter cold. Frey, oblivious, could only raise a brow before she finally realized--or more like felt--what all the boys were staring at.

She looked down, Doug and Dylas' hands accidentally cupping each one of Frey's breasts. All of the boys were a thousand shades of crimson, and Vishnal even started to have a nosebleed.

"ACK! S-Sorry..!" Doug and Dylas exclaimed in unison, abruptly pulling their hands away as if they were burned.

"O-Oh, uh, it's f-fine..!" Frey stuttered, not being able to meet anyone's gaze. "I-It was just an accident, after all!"

"Are you sure you're alright, Frey?" Kiel asked, holding her hands into his gently as he studied her face in concern. "These lowlifes didn't hurt you, did they?" It was rare for Kiel to be angry let alone badmouthing anyone, but it was clear from his tone how upset he was. Honestly, Doug and Dylas were a little scared...

"Y-Yes, I'm alright!" Frey nodded vigorously, smiling brightly. "Seriously, guys, don't worry about me! I'll see you all later, okay?" She hurriedly gave each one of them a chaste peck on the cheek before making her way back to the castle.

"So..." Leon began, a fake smile plastered on his lips as his eyes held no emotion. "I wonder who the true perverts are now?"

"H-Hey, it was an accident! Besides, it's all this moron's fault!" Dylas retorted, pointing an accusatory finger at Doug.

"MY fault?! If you just invited me in the first place, none of this would've happened!" Doug shouted furiously.

"You guys...touched...the princess' b-b-breasts..." Vishnal muttered, totally lost in his own world as he was slowly deteriorating from existence.

"Oh, my..." Arthur let out a heavy exhale. "I'm sure you two already know this, but as soon as Frey is done with her tasks then you both must apologize to her again. Accident or not, it is completely unacceptable for a man to touch a woman without her consent."

"Hey, y'know, I've been wondering..." Kiel cut in. "Do you guys ever think if Frey is just being strung along by us?"

"What do you mean?" Doug frowned.

"Like, didn't we confess to Frey at different times? And at every confession, she rejected all of us. And later on, it was only then we found out that we all shared the same feelings for her."

"So, what's your point?" Dylas pressed.

Kiel sighed, staring pointedly at the taller man. "Don't you find it a bit weird that now, we're all in a relationship with her? I know that being in a polyamorous relationship with Frey was something we all consented on from the very beginning, but why the sudden change of heart?"

"Isn't it obvious? Being in a polyamorous relationship means that Frey likes all of us at the same time, which is fine. Maybe she was just too shy at first to admit it." Leon shrugged.

"That may be true, or...what if she's only with us out of pity?" A wave of realization washed through everyone, and a certain pang of sadness settled in their hearts. "Frey is such a nice person, it's possible she only agreed to be with us since she felt bad for rejecting us. And now, she doesn't know how to break up with us for fear of hurting us even more."

"There's also one other possibility..." Arthur spoke up. "What if she actually likes one of us, but can't exclusively date that person?"

Dead silence. Only the faint sounds of the lake thrashing and birds chirping, before Vishnal was the one who first woke up back to reality.

"So... What are we supposed to do?" He questioned softly. "I feel so terrible... If what you're saying is true, then I don't want to continue on like this. I love Frey, but I can't ever bear the thought of hurting her!"

"How about a game?" Leon suggested.

"Now's really not the time, foxy." Doug rolled his eyes.

"No, no. You've misunderstood." Leon shook his head. "I'm talking about a game to see who Frey truly likes or doesn't like. And that way, we won't have to be hurting her and suffering like this anymore."

"Hmm... An interesting proposition." Arthur hummed thoughtfully. "I don't quite like referring to this as a 'game', but colour me intrigued. What's your idea, then?"

"Alright. So, we each get one whole day to spend with Frey. Completely alone, and no one is allowed to bother anyone else. As long as Frey is okay with it, then we can do whatever we want with her. Going on dates, exploring...you get the idea. Finally, by the end of the week, we'll all ask her how she feels and who she had the most fun with. Her answer will then determine what will happen afterwards."

"Hmph. Okay, that sounds good." Dylas nodded, agreeing for once. "How can we settle who goes first and last, though?"

"I think it would only be fair if we go in the order that Frey met us. So it's Vishnal, me, Doug, Arthur, Dylas, and then Leon." Kiel offered.

"All in favour?" Arthur asked, and everyone collectively voiced out their approval. "Good. It's settled, then. May the best man win!"

"Speaking of, I forgot that the castle is undergoing construction! So please excuse me, I'll have to get going now!" Vishnal grinned, disappearing in a blink of an eye.

"Wait... I just visited Ventuswill earlier with Granny Blossom." Doug furrowed his brows before gasping. "That bastard..! He went to go have a headstart with Frey!" He immediately chased after the conniving butler, but not before his shoulder got bumped hard by Dylas.

"If anyone's gonna get a headstart, it's me!"

"Oh, shut the hell up, HORSIE!"

Arthur sighed deeply, rubbing his temples stressfully as Kiel only chuckled sheepishly. Leon simply watched the scene, his fan hiding his smirk.

'There is a saying: Save the best for last~' Leon thought satisfyingly to himself.

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riofann · 5 years ago

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Rio Random 2.0

Part 1

Once again you and Aunt Brenda are at a tennis tournament. It had been weeks since your last interaction with Rio

“So what’s going on with you and that fine young thing what’s his name?”

“Don’t know who you’re talking about” you fib

“You know that one with the tattoos”

You sigh “Rio Aunt Brenda?”

“Yes, yes him. Mr.Rio”

You shrug “I don’t know.... nothing”

“Have you even tried talking to the man” by now she knew the details of how you two met and how you three found yourself in this situation

“I don’t want to be lied to”

“You never know he might tell you the truth honey” she retorts playfully hitting your arm

“No he lied for so long what’s the difference now?”

“Maybe the difference is that he no longer has to lie and you two can move forward”

“Can we just watch the match”

She puts her hands up “Sure sure but it would be a shame to let that go”

Your head whips around and now you’re beyond irritated. It was hard enough trying to get over him, her talking about him wasn’t helping “It was a shame for him to lie to me whose side are you on?”

“Yours! Yours! I'm sorry honey. I just want to see you happy” she soothes sensing your irritation

You’re shoulders slump and you lean into her “I know”

“Just reach out”

You take in a deep breath as you think about it.

~~~~~You took the leap of faith and did as Brenda instructed you two were to meet at the local restaurant a little upscale, quiet and private. However you find yourself wanting to curse him out the second you see him.

He rushes over “heeyyy mama” he says smiling at you

You cut your eyes at him “30 minutes!” you scold

He chuckles “I’m sorry”

“30 minutes Rio and you couldn't send a text, been blowing me up to meet and then you show up 30 minutes late?!.... wow”

He leans over and kisses your cheek “tranquilo mami”

He knows what that does to you and immediately you take in a deep breath and blow out slowly

“I'm sorry okay i was handling something” he says as he seats across from you

“Okay”

“You look good” he compliments

“Order your food!” you bark now hangry

“Si mami”

“Don’t” you roll your eyes

He chuckles “my bad my bad”

You sit and watch as the waiter walks up and he orders his food putting his phone face down he leans back on his chair “so what’chu wanna talk to me about?”

You shrug “Nothing now”

“Come on I said i'm sorry” He gets up and pulls the chair closer to you, so instead of sitting across from you, now he was to the right of you.

“Why didn't you send a text?”

“I couldn't”

“Why not?”

He leans forward, staring you down “Y/N” he gives you a look “cuz i couldn’t”

And for a moment you had forgotten who he was and what he did

“Oh” you utter coming to the realization of just why he couldn’t

“Yea I’m sorry I’ll make it up to you”

“Okay”

“So......” he drawls leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink

“Sooo you dance and play tennis?”

He smiles “yea calms my nerves”

“What could possibly make you nervous you're Rio”

“You have no idea” He smirks

“What else?”

“What else what?”

“What else do you do that I don't know”

“I prefer you don’t find out and I’m not bout to tell you”

You roll your eyes “Anyway....Why did you lie to me?”

“So you don’t have any other hobbies”

“I prefer you find out the natural way, I don’t want to have to tell you”

“It's complicated”

“We have time......” you say as you cut the appetizer with your knife and fork “....or do you have something else to prioritize” you speak with an attitude laced in your words. He hates to admit it but he missed your sass. It was always funny to him the pencil pushing good girls had the worst mouth on them.

He smirks and sits up straight. “I’m here”

“So I was some sort of front?” you had slowly pieced things together however you didn't know why

“Yea at the beginning but not anymore”

You can’t help but roll your eyes “Please”

He sits up and leans closer to you “Stop rollin yo eyes at me” he speaks so calmly but there's a threat lying underneath that tone

You huff “Fine”

“I aint lying to you tho”

You look at him for a moment before you decide to speak again and resist the urge to roll your eyes. It's more difficult than you imagined. Your facial expressions were a main form of communication for you.

“So what are you gonna do about Krystal?” What was he really going to do about apparently being in another relationship with another woman simultaneously?

“Ima take care of it”

“I don’t know! maybe” you argue

“How?” you snap, he raises his brow at you before taking another sip of his drink, you pause before you speak again “.... Maybe you shouldn't..... maybe if you talk to her.... I don't know.... reconcile”

“You sayin i should go back to her?”

“Nah she ain’t for me”

“And I am? I don't know your world!” you comment

“I don't want you to”

“So how can we be together if you only show me a part of you?”

He leans forward again, speaking slowly to add emphasis “Y/N, I don’t want you to. I just want you there I don't want you to ever feel like you gotta pick up a gun to prove a point or protect yourself”

You take a deep breath “and you think i won’t have to do that eventually?”

He looks at you with his typical nonchalant face “nah i got you”

“I don't get it why did you even fall for me if I was just a facade?”

“I didn’t plan this shit. It just happened plus i got tired of feeling like all i did was take care of business 24/7. Who wants to be talking about cappin someone 24/7? I couldn’t even have my son around me when she was there! Plus I trust you. I trust you more than her and even tho she knows that side of my life i know you wont sell me to the wolves”

You leave it at that because you feel like he would never tell you the truth, and you also felt like he was talking in circles, so you choose to proceed with caution.

As soon as you arrived home later in the day you’re tired and ready to go to bed. Too many mixed emotions. Did you like Rio? Yes, Did you think your relationship would ever evolve into something more? No? Maybe? What is your relationship with him ? Side chick? Booty Call? FWB? BF/GF?

“Hey!” You hear from behind you as your place the key in the door lock

“It’s okay, what's up? Why are you here?” you remember what Rio had said about her

Your body jumps, a natural reaction seeing that you were deep in thought and unaware of your surroundings “Oh my god!” The familiar voice however reduces the panic you’re feeling “You scared me!” you turned to face Krystal

“I’m sorry”

“Oh I just decided to pay you a visit, mind if i come in?” she flashed you that smile, you were beginning to hate it

“Sure!” you opened the door and let her in first “want something to drink?”

“Here you go!”

“Yea what you got?”

“Liquor, wine”

“Oooh do you have Bourbon?”

“Yes”

“Bourbon on the rocks” Your mind flashes back and you remember all the times Rio had ordered Bourbon on the rocks and it made you sick, to think the entire time he was there with you his mind was with her

“Thanks!,” she pats at her leg “come here sweety” she speaks to your dog ‘Coconut’, instead of walking over Coconut looks between you two and opts to lay at your feet. “Ugh my dog does the same thing”

“So why are you here again?” You were over this ‘visit’ already

“Have you talked to Rio lately?”

You find it odd that she would ask about Rio the same day you had lunch with him “Yea, had lunch today” no need to lie she probably knew

“Hmm” she hums as she takes a sip of her drink “did he talk to you?”

“About?”

“Me and him?” she looks at you wearily, playing with the glass in her hand

You shrug “Umm just said you two were exes”

You close the door and look at Coconut who barks at you from the stairs, “I know, i feel the same”

She perks up, smiling at you “oh yea!” she takes a deep breath “I’m sorry I should have told you but I didn’t, we are really good friends and I got caught up in the moment, I was drunk” you take note of her quick change in behavior, if they were truly exes she would have told you before she even introduced you two

“It’s okay”

Quickly she finishes her drink without saying much else other than“Well i should probably get going it's late”

“Yea thanks for stopping by” you couldn’t wait for her to leave

“Yea! See you around”

You opt to not even text Rio about Krystal's pop up at your house for all you know they were still seeing each other. However the ‘pop ups’ between Krystal and Rio were becoming a bit much. Weeks of them simultaneously showing up out of nowhere just to ‘chat’ were becoming unbearable. By now it was obvious they were both stalking you.

The doorbell rang as you and Rio sat by the kitchen island ‘chatting’ it up. You hopped down and rushed towards down the steps in your split level home

“Hey!” you force a smile as Krystal walks in “We are waiting for you upstairs”

“We?” she turned to look at you from the foyer

“Do you want what he has? Bourbon on the rocks”

“Yea just keep going” you motion for her to climb the steps

It was as much as a surprise to her as it was to Rio seeing each other there

Rio runs his hand over his face settling it on his chin massaging it to ease his irritation.

“Uh sure!” she says carefully placing her purse on the counter

“I'M SICK OF THIS SHIT! THIS TALKING IN CIRCLES! CONTINUOUSLY LYING TO ME! USING ME TO GET INTEL ON EACH OTHER!”

“You can sit next to him you don’t have to act like he’s a stranger”

“Y/N” Rio begins but you cut him off

“SO! I don’t know what’s going on with you two! But I’m tired of the fucking pop ups! I don’t need to be scared half to death every fucking time one of you decides to pay me a visit! I don’t know how I’m connected to whatever fucking plot you two are concocting but i don’t want any parts of it”

“There’s no..” Krystal interjects, which only makes you even more angry and you just let it all out. So much for being calm cool and collected

Both Rio and Beth look at each other

“Sweety it's not like that”

“DON’T FUCKING CALL ME SWEETY BITCH”

Krystal in turn looks to Rio to fix the problem

You take a deep breath to calm down, you were getting too worked up you could feel yourself getting ready to cry. “I don’t care! i just want both of you to know I’m done with both of you go find another pansy to fuck around with!” you turn to Rio and face him dead on “Go find another woman to fuck with while you lie about how much you “care” about her! Now GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE AND NEVER CALL OR PAY ME A VISIT AGAIN”

Krystal alarmed by your yelling, is quick to grab her things, she never expected this to happen. Rio slowly eases down from his seat and grabs his keys before leaving. He was beyond furious at the moment.

“Y/N can we just” Krystal tries to bargain again

“GET OUT!” It comes out as a high pitched shriek

When they both leave you slam the door and lock it. You know it wasn’t the end of whatever was going on but at least you stood up for yourself. And now you can finally let go and let the tears out

Your dog Coconut groans and you nod in response, pulling her in for a hug.

“Rio!” Krystal calls as she rushes to his side

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?” his jaw is tight hands in his pockets

“We need to talk”

“NO! YOU NEED TO GO HOME! I TOLD YOU I WAS HANDLING IT”

“I know but,”

~~~~~The rest of the week you didn’t hear anything from both of them however the following week after you arrive to work, parking your car in its usual spot you get out of hear the infamous Rio speak causing you to spin around

“BUT NOTHING GO HOME AND LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE!”

He got in his car and slammed the door before driving away.

“What are you doing here?”

“Get in the car we need to talk” he’s calm like always.

“NO! I have to work!” you stand your ground

“Y/N, I wasn’t asking”

“I don’t care! Leave me alone!”

“I have to work Rio!” Without saying anything he starts to walk over to you. “Okay, okay, I’ll get in” you walk past him quickly and hear huff leave his mouth before he opens the door for you, you slide into the seat, you watch as he gets in his seat. He doesn’t even look at you but you can tell he’s still vexed. Jaw is still tight with a firm grip on the steering wheel. You don’t say anything but look out the window as you drive to an unknown location in town. It was a warehouse. You take a deep breath expecting this to be your last memory.

He removed his hands from his pockets, this time placing them in front of him, he squints a little looking at you before he decides to speak “get in the car or I’m gonna come over there and put you in the car”

“I’m gonna scream!” you threaten

He takes a few steps forward, which only caused you to retreat back “I don’t give a fuck! GET IN THE CAR!” he says more sternly and you would be lying if that didn’t frighten you

He scoffs “I’m not gonna kill you, if that’s what you’re thinking”

How did he always know what you were thinking?

“How long is this gonna take?” you ask looking around

“You might as well say you can’t make it in today”

You quickly text your boss and your car problems evolve into a bigger issue thankfully she understands and you feel at ease for now. You walk closely behind him as you approach the warehouse you can hear the chatter as you approach the building, when you do step in you're surprised to see a restaurant.

The smell of coffee and pancakes fill the place. The young girl seats you two by the kitchen. You look around in awe, you had no idea this place even existed. The place had an open kitchen concept so you could see the chefs and cooks working their magic and if you chose you could sit by the counter and watch.

“Hi Welcome to The Barnyard! How many?”

“Two” Rio answers

“Sure” you answer apprehensively

“You’re waitress will be Alyssa she’ll be with you shortly”

“Thanks”

“Hungry?” he knew you didn’t eat breakfast

You two order and eat not without saying anything to each other. Once you’re done he gets up and motions with his head for you to follow him. You walk towards the back past the kitchen, past the employee locker room/bathroom, take a turn into the backroom where the bus boys cleaned the dishes, past the huge walk in freezer and stop in front of a door where Rio knocks. The guy opens immediately, the door was heavy, like one of those safe doors you see in banks. You take a glance at the man on the other side of the door, he looks meaner and scarier than Mick you thought to yourself. You continue to walk down a few steps that seem to be taking you underground to another door where Rio knocks once again and the same door as upstairs, when you step in, you walk into what seems like a huge operation. Your eyes take it all in on one side there are people counting money on the other they’re bagging it. Not to mention what seemed like illicit drugs being packaged. Rio takes a seat by the table and watches.You sit down next to him and try to absorb it all. He doesn’t say anything for what seems like forever.

“You said you wanted to know what i did so here you go”

You turned to face him “why are you showing me all of this, now?” 4 months you dated this man and you thought he was a local drug dealer who made it big, this was cartel level operations

“Things have changed, I might be wrong in my approach to keep you in the dark, and we need to talk,” he removes his jacket and takes out his gun, placing it on the table “Krystal isn’t who you think she is,

“I know you told me that”

“Remember when she kept handing you zip-lock bags at the school luncheon, yea they all got your fingerprints. Bags filled to the brim with coke and heroin. There's a few storage keys hidden in your house, the feds would find those too, it would lead them to a local storage where they would find more money and drugs, your fingerprints are on those too. I asked you to hold on to them for me.”

“Her name is Beth Boland, you are a front. But it’s much deeper than that,” with his fingers he makes quotation marks “ ‘Krystal’ and I have an operation we are business partners, ended up fucking, emotions got thrown in the mix. She put 3 bullets in me.” He stops himself from, feeling like he’s getting carried away. “Anyway the feds started to question her connection to me, she got nervous, and came up with the plan of you, you would be my “girlfriend” while we continued to work and fuck. If the Feds started to look deeper they would see that the only reason she would be around me is because of you. But you being my girl wasn’t enough so we decided to plant some evidence in your house”

“What?!”

Your heart sinks

“You were going to be the fall guy and that would in turn get the feds off of her ass, my ass too for now at least”

You knew you were a front but this, you didn’t think it would be this, how could you be so stupid.

“But Beth ‘Krystal’ is becoming more of a problem, plus i can’t just over look my feelings for you”

“What feelings? Why did you even? Feelings?”

“I told you i didn't plan it!” irritation spewed out in his tone, but it was more so at himself than you “I care about you mama, you my girl”

You think about all the times you spent together, the few sexcapades you had, you feel sick to think it was all just part of the process, he was just going through the motions, whose to say he isn’t now? Maybe things are taking too long and he’s waiting for you to hang yourself with this new information.

“You can ask me whatever you want, I ain’t got shit to hide anymore, plus I figured its the least I can do”

“When did you start feeling differently, towards me?”

“About 2 months in”

2 months?! That's all it took was two lousy months, for him to ‘care’ about you? You knew you were naivety but how stupid did he think you were?

You contemplate calling the cops, FBI, hell the FBI would believe you wouldn't they? They already knew about them you were an innocent party

“I can see you thinking, just know if you go to the cops, they’ll do an investigation and since majority of them are on my payroll they won’t find nothing on her, they’ll instead turn their attention to you, with all that coke and heroin in your home, you wont see the light of day ever again. So whatever you’re thinking just know if Beth goes down, I go down and I’m not gonna let that happen whether you like it or not.” There’s that Grade A ‘CARE’ you say to yourself

You nod and wipe your tears away

“But I’m working on it.”

You scoff, what could he possibly be working on other than nailing the last nail in your coffin

“If i wasn’t trust me you would be in jail right now”

You swallow hard. This was a lot to process. You want to ask what he’s working on to get the target off your back but you don’t all you can think of is how you were one call away from being thrown in federal prison on drug trafficking charges.

He doesn't say anything else and for the rest of the time you are in that warehouse you sit quietly just absorbing everything that was happening. A few men stop by to talk to him but he doesn’t introduce you, you sit there listening to the conversation. Even if the feds were to interview you right now, you wouldn’t know what the conversation was about. It was in code and so vague that you couldn’t piece anything together. By the time you leave it's getting dark and you wouldn’t even remember how to get there. He pulls up to your car parked in the parking deck at work and gets out the car to open the door for you. You wanted to hop out and run to your car but you're frozen.

“Y/N” he calls to you bringing your attention back to him “i’m working on it, i just need you to trust me”

You nod in response feeling the tears threatening to fall you begin to walk away but he grabs your arm lightly pulling you back

“Her and Mick are there weekly and Mick leaves things a certain way if you go looking he will know, she will know, I’m trying to fix it mama i just need time, i just need you to operate as usual”

“You can’t go searching for them or she’ll know”

You give him a confused look

You pushed him away, pulling your arm from his grip “Okay” you were done with him for the day, being around him made you sick, he literally plotted your demise and for the most part didn’t care about you, until recently.

When you arrive home you look around and before you can stop yourself you rush over to the bathroom and throw up. When you've calmed down from your panic attack you walk around your home afraid to touch anything feeling like you were in a ticking time bomb, afraid that would be the reason the feds rushed over to your place.

A/N: As always please tell me what you think!

#rio good girls fan fic #rio good girls #manny montana fic #mann #nbc good girls #Brio #rio x reader #rio #rio imagine #writingblr #fan fic stuff #fan fiction #beth x rio #brio #imagine

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eryiss · 3 years ago

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Summary: Freed and Gajeel were total opposites in every way, only connected by the guild. When they were forced to train together under Makarov's orders, they expected antagonism and mistrust. Instead, they were given a lesson in how quickly opposition can turn to attraction. The issue: let the budding relationship simmer away, or let it explode. [Freed x Gajeel Multi-chapter]

Notes: Hi everyone. Get ready for things to hot up, and for them to take a pretty big step. Just a warning, the first part of this chapter has a sex dream. It’s not overly graphic, but it’s there.

Links: FFN, Ao3, Chapter List

Chapter Six - Dream, Reality

Day Five: Friday

Freed had been reading, he thought, but he didn't care to remember. The situation was much more interesting.

He was lounging on one of the sofas in his study, a glass of port to his right, and his fireplace flickering before him. It was night, he thought, and there was the heavy pattering of a rainstorm on the roof. This would all be par for the course, if it weren't for the fact Gajeel Redfox was curled up on the sofa, his head resting in Freed's lap as if a cat curling up for warmth. Even more peculiar was how Freed found his hand carding through Gajeel's hair, and felt an odd sense of utter contentment in the entire situation.

Gajeel looked softer, now. His eyes were closed, but he wasn't asleep. Just relaxing. Freed had never thought of Gajeel as a man who could relax, as ridiculous as that sounded. Gajeel always seemed like he had some kind of a facade up - one where he was slightly exaggerating the toughness while downplaying the emotional side - and as such never could fully shut his mind off.

It warmed Freed to know Gajeel trusted him enough to be like this around him.

Why did he trust Freed enough to be like this around him?

Why was he lying with his head in Freed's lap?

When had they even gotten into his study?

Before the questions could really hit him, Freed realised Gajeel was talking. The words weren't exactly words, but more a deep grumbling, tired and hoarse, that sent a pleasant chill down Freed's spine. Though he couldn't decipher the words, Freed instinctively knew the meaning behind them. He was talking more about Draconic culture, retelling the stories and folklore that his father had gifted to him in his childhood. It was a private thing, something Gajeel would only let himself talk about with someone he truly cared for.

Freed's hand was still stroking through Gajeel's shockingly silky hair, scratching his scalp every once in a while to get Gajeel to grin. The other man was a darling when he was like this, and in an odd way it made Freed find his more manic, rough-edged side more enticing. Gajeel was a man who could use his fists to get out of most situations, but he was a hell of a lot more than that.

"What 'cha thinkin' about, pretty-boy?" Gajeel's words were clear now, and Freed smiled about the term of endearment.

He knew that nicknames were something important to Gajeel, Freed was beginning to understand that. While they could just seem like terms of endearments, or insults depending on the recipient, they were perhaps more than that. They were an encapsulation of who Gajeel thought you were, and while Freed suspected Gajeel thought more of him than his looks, the nickname still made him smile. The initial nickname of City-Boy had been meant to demean him, whereas the slip up of Pretty-Boy was more of a compliment.

The tides of their relationship were changing now, and Freed couldn't help but feel flattered and excited by that. Gajeel, now that he could think objectively about him, was a man who could hold a lot of potential for Freed. Every time he thought of Gajeel's history lesson about his culture, something inside Freed burned with anticipation.

Gajeel and him could be something interesting. Something new.

It didn't answer how they'd gotten into this situation.

Pushing himself up, Gajeel was now eye level with Freed. His intoxicatingly red eyes ensnared Freed, and the grin of delightfully sharp teeth held a promise of excitement. Gajeel leant forward, twisting so he was on all fours and trapping Freed in place on the sofa. He leant in so close that Freed could feel his breath on his lips.

"Let's take yer mind off things," Gajeel promised.

Gajeel all but pounced onto Freed, knocking him back. The world seemed to swirl and distort around them, and in the blink of an eye Freed had left his study and they were both in the forest clearing again. Freed was splayed out on his back, Gajeel pinning his hands above his head. Gajeel's clothes were gone now, as were Freed's, and the cold damp stone below him made him shiver with anticipation.

This was a dream, Freed realised. Hardly an innocent dream, though.

Leaning further down, Gajeel's teeth were biting and nibbling at Freed's neck, sucking and marking him without restraint. Freed groaned quietly, and Gajeel laughed a little in his ear. He began to pepper light kisses over Freed's jaw, landing the final kiss to the left of his lips.

"Yer mine, pretty-boy," Gajeel murmured, voice like seductive honey. "And you ain't getting away."

"I didn't intend on leaving," Freed heard himself saying, and he could see Gajeel's eyes sparkling. "But, let me correct you Gajeel. I am not yours. But you are mine."

Freed wrapped his legs tight around Gajeel's - the rubbing of their cocks together made them both moan - but then flipped them over. Gajeel was pushed onto his own back with Freed straddling his hips. It was a reflection of how they'd been when wrestling in the forest, but this felt different. Whereas their fight had been charged with anger and resentment, this was fuelled by lust. They were two men in the depths of passion, with the world extending only to one another.

Gajeel looked up at Freed with an expression he could only describe as horny, and Freed relished the sight. He leant down and began peppering light kisses on the man's muscular body, smirking with a little cruelty as he bit Gajeel's nipple and made him groan.

"Sensitive, aren't you?" He teased, and Gajeel glared.

"Fuckin bit me," Gajeel grunted. "I'll get ya back for that."

Freed grinned, and smirked at Gajeel when his kisses went lower and lower, down the centre of his rippling stomach muscles. Gajeel groaned again, running his hands over Freed's body. The rough calluses seemed to glide over Freed's near-unblemished stomach and chest, teasing and kneading at his muscles.

He suddenly pulled Freed down, and their strong bodies ran against one another. Freed smirked at Gajeel and began to bite at the man's skin again, loving the slight taste of metal that the man held.

"Fuck," Gajeel panted, and Freed smirked. "Yer right, I'm yours."

"As if it were in doubt," Freed chuckled, running his hand from Gajeel's chest to his abs to his dick.

He grabbed both of their members and started to stroke them, thrusting his body to rub against Gajeel's abs. Gajeel groaned and moaned, and Freed felt fire coursing through him as the sudden fury of an orgasm rocked him. Gajeel seemed to notice, and smirked up at him with a beautifully cocky look. He knew what was going to happen, and he knew he was to blame.

Fuck, it was going to happen. So close. So damn close-

Then he woke up.

He was in his bed, panting and sweating under the sheets. His head swam in confusion for a moment, and he blinked himself open. It was earlier in the morning than he normally would be awake in, and the sensation was confusing for a moment. That quickly gave way to a horrid flush of embarrassment at what his dream had been. There was something twisted about dreaming about a man he barely knew, and had spent the better part of a week quarreling, in such a depraved way. It was worse still given how Freed's subconscious had wanted to fuck in the same place they had hated one another.

Should he do something about it, though? Gajeel was undoubtedly a gorgeous man in every sense of the word. Freed could admit a broad chested man with piercings was a turn on, albeit a turn on that was new to Freed. But they were barely getting along as colleagues, let alone even friends.

No, he would just have to ignore this. A cold shower and a morning run would settle his mind and put his head on straight.

——

"Gods dammit," Gajeel grunted, and Freed winced a little as the other man pushed himself off from the ground. "You sure you ain't S-Class with shit like this?"

The two men were in Freed's expansive backyard, surrounded by a ring of fire. Their training exercise of the day had been to have them fight side-by-side against a common enemy. Rather than having another mage come and fight against them, Freed had decided to use another aspect of his simulation runes to create what he called a Mimic. It was a being made up of runes, meant to simulate an opponent. Freed had fueled it with the magic and techniques of their guildmates, and had instructed it to try and beat them in a fight.

More than anything, it was a distraction. After the dream - and Gajeel's slip of the tongue the night before, which had sent a wave of delighted warmth through Freed's heart - Freed needed to refocus his attention. They were here to train, that's all.

"How the hell d'ya have enough magic to have that thing so powerful while yer fighting like normal?" Gajeel asked, panting as he faced the mimic.

"I have an excess of magical energy this time of year," Freed explained, flicking away the few droplets of blood that were dripping down his arms onto his hands. "It's best to use it rather than allow it to linger."

Gajeel nodded, seemingly understanding why Freed had magic and why he shouldn't have any excess magic around him.

The mimic was walking towards them both slowly: a wireframe made of runes. It made a gesture with its hand and suddenly a torrent of Max's sand shot up, a whirlwind of a sandstorm. Freed quick-casted two walls of runes to protect them both, gritting his teeth slightly as his magic took a hammering of relentless sand. It was difficult to see through the miasma of sand, and Freed squinted slightly to see where the mimic was standing.

Suddenly, Gajeel was standing in front of him, body made of metal again. His arms crossed before him, Freed heard a sickly sounding clash of metal on metal. When Gajeel jumped back, Freed saw that a runic replica of one of Erza's swords had been flung towards him, cutting through the runes that had only been meant to protect them from the sand.

"Thanks," Freed panted. "How did you see it?"

"Heard it," Gajeel explained, closing his eyes and clearly focusing on his other senses. "He's to the left of us, I think. Using Juvia's magic."

The torrent of water slammed into them both before either man had time to react, and Freed grunted as he was pushed to the back of the circle of fire. Gajeel washed up beside him, as soaked to the bone as Freed was, coughing up magically made water. Freed was on his feet first, as Gajeel had taken the brunt of the attack. When he saw the mimic getting closer while Gajeel was recovering, Freed pulled out his sword and brandished it before him.

Borrowing transformation from either Elman or perhaps Pantherlilly, the runic man grew into an imposing figure of unnatural muscles. It lurched towards Freed with a monstrously large fist, aiming for Freed's head in a cruel punch.

For a moment, Freed could do nothing but parry the onslaught of blows. His sword swung quickly through the air, blocking every punch, kick and attempted bite from the runic creature. The speed of the blows were so fast and relentless that Freed didn't have the chance to land a counter attack, and he grit his teeth as he glanced over his shoulder and towards where Gajeel had been. He was no longer there, and Freed had to hope he was readying for an attack.

The next second, a metal fist slammed into the mimic's stomach, knocking it back a few feet.

"You okay?" Freed asked when Gajeel stood beside him again.

"Just winded," Gajeel explained, iron creeping over his body entirely now. "You?"

"Fine," Freed stated, though his arms were aching slightly now.

They both looked at the mimic, which was standing still. The wireframe of runes was inhumanely looking at them, and Freed knew that it was calculating their next steps. A moment later, lightning seemed to be gathering over the mimic's hands, crawling up its body in the same way Laxus' lightning would moments before he would use his dragon's roar. Freed's eyes widened a little - he had given the mimic too much of his magical energy if it could use dragon slayer magic - and he quickly realised that he didn't have time to write the lighting repellent runes on them both.

"Shit," Gajeel murmured, looking at the ground. "The water."

Freed looked down at the puddle of water below them, and then realised the plan the mimic had. Before he could think, he cast his wings and began to fly, hooking his arms around Gajeel's waist and forcing them both off the ground. The lighting magic shot from the mimic, sparks covering the pools of water on the ground.

Undeterred, the mimic began a new onslaught. Using Laki's magic now, wooden projectiles shot out towards them both, attempting to loosen Freed's grip on Gajeel to make him fall. Gajeel began to punch the projectiles, destroying them on contact.

"You've gotten rid of it before, right?" Gajeel asked between punches. "How?"

"I've not actually beaten it yet," Freed confessed, and Gajeel shifted to look towards him incredulously. Freed quickly shunted them both down when a wooden beam flew towards them. He landed them both on a dry patch of ground, before speaking again. "I treat it more like a punching bag than an opponent. Hit it as much as my body allows before dispelling it."

"Fuck that," Gajeel said firmly, rolling his shoulders back and straightening his back. Freed swallowed a little at the sight, his mind flickering back to the dream for just a moment. "It's a spell. Spells can be beaten, and I'm not giving up against that fucking thing."

"Quite right," Freed agreed. His runes were not going to defeat him.

"I say we fucking plaster it with magic," Gajeel suggested, rolling his sleeve up in a show of determination. It was an attractive look. "We both use our most powerful spells on it at the same time, we'll kill the fucking thing."

"Sounds good," Freed nodded, raising his sword. "Ready when you are."

"Iron Dragon's Roar!" Gajeel bellowed at the same time as Freed allowed his most pain filled runes to flow out of him.

Suddenly, Freed was on a high.

Everything about the spell felt different. Like his body was alight with a level of power that he hadn't ever felt before. His blood was burning, his magical energy exploding, his soul flipping and roaring in delight. The magic seemed to be fighting to leave him as if bending to his will more than it ever had before. The power felt lighter than normal, but so much more powerful. Every aspect of the spell felt like it belonged to him and him alone.

He seemed to almost leave his own body as he watched his runes flow forward. They spiralled into Gajeel's roar, merging and coagulating with the Dragon slayer magic. Freed's body felt cold as if pressed against metal, and it was a euphoric feeling.

Gods, what was happening. It was amazing.

Tendrils of runes shot forward and wrapped around the mimic, trapping his limbs as if in bondage. The pain spells seemed to ignite, and the mimic thrashed like any person would under the intense agony Freed's runes would cause. It was then that the dragon's roar hit the bound mimic, and the flurry of iron and magic slammed into it like a relentless torrent of power.

The mimic was ripped apart, disintegrating in the overwhelming magical power. The remaining fire, water and wood dissipated as the mimic died away, leaving Freed and Gajeel alone.

Had they just… Had that been a…

"Holy shit," Gajeel sounded giddy. "Holy fucking shit! We did a fuckin' Unison Raid!"

"Yes," Freed gasped. "I think we did."

"Damn," Gajeel was looking at him with an elated smile, still covered in iron. "I ain't ever done anything like that. Holy shit, that felt so fuckin' good right. Fuck, I feel like I could take down anything right now, y'know what I mean?"

"I do," Freed agreed, and couldn't help but smile at Gajeel.

But this didn't make sense. Unison raids were meant to be a combination of magic between people who had a deep, innately personal connection. So far, all Freed had felt about Gajeel was a mess of confusion. Sometimes he hated the man, and sometimes he had an odd lust for him. So either his magic seemed to know something he did not, or he simply misunderstood how unison raids worked.

"We're gonna kick ass in the tournament," Gajeel smirked, looking to Freed again. His smile faltered a little, and his gaze went slightly to the side. Freed frowned when Gajeel let out a small, "Huh."

"What's wrong?" Freed asked.

"Well, don't get pissy," Gajeel said, voice fighting back amusement and a smile trying to break out again. "But, looks like I kinda left you a reminder of what's happened."

Freed frowned further, and Gajeel slowly brought a metallic hand. It looked as though he was going to cup Freed's cheek for a moment, but then his hand turned into a solid slab of metal. It took Freed a moment to realise he was meant to use the metal as a mirror, and looked at the reflection that Gajeel was offering him. He immediately saw what Gajeel had meant.

During their unison raid, Gajeel had somehow pierced Freed.

On his right ear, five small metal rings, all bullet-grey, had been infused into his ear. Small barbels had been placed on the inside of both of his eyebrows, sharp and unobtrusive. He couldn't feel them at all, and Freed gently ran a finger over them all, a tingling shiver going down him at the feeling. There was a complete and undeniable sensation of rightness to Gajeel's metal being part of him. It was like he belonged as a part of him.

The dream came to mind again, with Gajeel pinning him down and claiming Freed as his own. It was a coincidence, of course, but Freed couldn't help but flush. It felt like he had been claimed.

He should have protested, but instead whispered, "Wow."

"You ain't mad, right?" Gajeel asked.

"No," Freed said immediately. "A little shocked, perhaps. But, well, they look rather good, I think."

"They look fucking hot," Gajeel whispered, and Freed didn't know if he was meant to hear it, so said nothing. The sound of Gajeel's iron turning back to skin filled the silence, and when Freed looked towards him, he paused. Gajeel noticed. "What's wrong, City-Boy?"

"Well," Freed spoke before he could feel disappointed about the return of the nickname. "It appears my magic reciprocated your iron's ideas."

Gajeel's exposed arm was covered in black runes that looked indistinguishable from a tattoo. It covered his right arm entirely, and Gajeel was looking down at the foreign lettering with an overly wide and overly excited smile. He seemed enamoured with the change to his body, and Freed wondered how he might react if he knew what the writing said.

'Ownership.'

Dammit, Freed's magic had essentially laid claim to Gajeel. Of course, 'ownership' was a rough translation, and the actual meaning was a term of endearment. But that was worse! Freed had not only claimed the man, but essentially written something akin to 'My one and only.' Nobody would know, of course, but it didn't change the fact he had done it.

"Yer panicking," Gajeel chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Wanted some ink for a while, you just saved me some jewels."

"You should be angry about this," Freed frowned. "Why aren't you?"

"You should be angry about the piercings, because they're not the type you can remove," Gajeel shrugged. "Why aren't you pissed?"

"Because," Freed began, and sighed. He should be honest about this. "Because having them feels right."

"So does this," Gajeel looked to his arm, grinning slightly. "Feels like I've been missing somethin', kinda. Like I've finally found my style and this completes it."

Freed felt the same, but couldn't say it. Instead, he said, "Why were we able to perform a unison raid? People with connections much deeper than our's have tried and failed. It doesn't make sense."

"Does it matter?" Gajeel shrugged, and Freed stared incredulously because of course it did. When Gajeel looked back to Freed, he seemed to have reached an epiphany that Freed would love to know. "Look, I get why you're feelin' fucked up about it, but there's no point. This week, we were both pretty determined to hate each other and piss each other off, right?"

"Yes, I suppose we were."

"That didn't fuckin' last, right?" Gajeel shrugged. "We were compelled to hate each other by a demon, and we got over it. When we were solvin' puzzles and stopped thinkin' about what we thought of each other, we were a pretty good team. When we had a common enemy, we did a fuckin' unison raid."

"What's your point?" Freed asked, frowning.

"When we get out of our heads, we work out. So why don't we stop fucking thinking about this shit," Gajeel shrugged. "Maybe we take things as they come. We work well together even after we pissed each other off, so why not just accept that? Our magics work together, let's use that to our advantage," Then he looked away, a little bashful. "Seems to me, we're a good team by nature. So why not just let it happen?"

"And the markings?"

"We don't think," Gajeel blushed. "And we see what happens."

When Gajeel looked back at Freed, he had a small, shy smile. It was honest, and Freed felt breathless.

See what happens? He could do that.

#gajeed #freedjeel #freed x gajeel #freed justine #gajeel redfox #fairy tail #fanfic #writing #canon divergence #multi chapter #chapter Six #Word Count: 3.7k

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deepwaterministries · 3 years ago

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Esther 1

- the king was named Ahasuerus, who reigned from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces.

- he reigned Persia, which, as the silver shoulders in King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, was on of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Thus, it is safe to say King Ahasuerus was one of the most wealthy, powerful people in the world. His word was law. Here is a picture of the room he hosted the parties in:

- Vashti was throwing a party for all when julwomen of the palace.

- he summoned Vashti to show off, and she refused to come, so he was mad. I don't think the two of them had a very healthy relationship.

- his next actions were at least partially to save face, a) so women would still respect and subject to their husbands, and b) prevent strife, because if the king didn't have authority, who did?

- so the king agreed to the words of his advisors, and an irrevocable decree was issued, the queen banished, so every man was the leader of his household and could keep his family according to the ways of his people.

Esther 2

- even though the action was backed with fact, a better action could have been taken, had the king not acted in anger. He went over the events in his mind in a regretful way.

- apparently, the king had a lot of wives and concubines, and Vashti had been feasting with them. Those were her friends.

- it seems the king and queen didn't have a very good relationship. So Vashti's actions are explainable if not justifiable. (Lack of respect for a) another person, b) her husband, and c) authority)

- the advisors told him to gather young, virgin maidens and have them beautified by Hegai, then whichever he liked best, he could make her queen.

- Moderdecai and Esther were Benjamites. I just think that's cool.

- Esther impressed Hegai with her kindness. He gave her 7 attendants and the best part of the house.

- she didn't tell them her people, on request of Mordecai.

- Mordecai visited her daily, to check on her. He was an excellent adoptive faster, and we can see it even more so later on.

- after a year of beauty treatments, each women got a turn to come before the king. She was given whatever she wished and sent to the king for a single night. The next morning, she was taken to the king's harem , to live with his other concubines. She would never see him again unless the king remembered her name. And the fact that Esther's was the only name the king remembered speaks about this horrible practice.

- when it was Esther's turn, she took nothing but what Hegai recommended, and everyone who saw her liked her.

- the king, along with everyone else, loved her. He remembered her name. Out of the hundreds of beautiful women, he remembered Esther. This was no accident, not a coincidence that a godly woman found favor with the king, becoming queen. God put Esther Into the place she needed to be to help His people.

- Esther loved and respected Mordecai, and rightfully so.

- Mordecai ended up being by the king's gate a lot. He was probably known pretty well by the palace inhabitance.

- because of Mordecai's hanging out around the palace, he overheard Bigthan and Teresh plotting to kill the king.

- he tells Esther, who tells the king, and tells him a little about Mordecai (not too much, just his name)

- so the king's life is saved and Mordecai's name is recorded in the king's files. All because Esther had become queen. "That was no accident either," ~Master Oogway

Esther 3

- later, Ahasuerus promoted Haman above all the princes and of the king's servants were made to bow down to him. Mordecai didn't. The king's servants asked Mordecai why he wouldn't bow, and told him daily that he was supposed to. They talked to Haman to see if he would let Mordecai get away with it, since they knew he was a Jew.

- Haman was furious at Mordecai, and wanted to lay hands on (fight) him, but decided that him alone wasn't enough. Haman decided to take revenge on and destroy all Jews under Ahasuerus' kingdoms.

- in the first month of the year, Haman cast lots and decided when to destroy the Jews. He settled on the 12th month.

- he then told the king that a certain people were living in his lands that didn't follow the king's laws and kept to themselves, saying that it wouldn't profit the king to let them live. Just because he didn't like a single person he convinced the king the entire group was evil and needed eradication. He even put a bribe on the Jews heads, that if the king let them be destroyed, Haman would pay 10,000 sacks of silver into the king's treasury. The king didn't take it, he said the money and the people were Haman's to do what he would with.

- and it was sent out to every part of the kingdom. On the 13th day of the 12th month, every single Jew must die, and everything they possessed would be distributed to those who killed them.

Esther 4

- When Mordecai learned about the coming slaughter, he tore his clothes and donned mourning attire; sackcloth and ashes, and wept in the streets. He came up to the palace, but didn't go in, as people in sackcloth couldn't go in.

- ^both to preserve the decadence of the palace and to keep protesters away from the king.

- (also just those in mourning/mourning clothes couldn't go in cuz of the above)

- Esther sent Mordecai new clothes, but he refused them. She sent one of the King's chamberlains to go talk to Mordecai and figure out what was wrong. (Esther wasn't supposed to leave the castle so as to not get mobbed or injured)

- so the chamberlain talked to Mordecai, and Mordecai told him all about Haman's decree, giving him a copy of the decree, with an order to go to the king and plead on behalf of the Jews.

- the chamberlain told these things to Esther, and Esther told him to tell Mordecai that no one, man or woman, can't come into the king's inner court without the king's calling them. The offender would be killed if the king didn't extend his golden scepter to them.

- the king hadn't called Esther in thirty days.

- Mordecai returned with this message, "Don't think that you'll escape this because you're in the palace. If you hold your peace now, mercy for the Jews will come from somewhere else, but you and your line will perish. Who knows? Maybe this is why you were made queen?"

- I want to talk about Mordecai for a minute. Esther communicated clearly her situation, without strings attached, because she had a good relationship with him. He then told her her what was going to happen,, not sugar coating, not trying to damage. He knew that one way she would die and the other she might live and have a chance to help many people. I can logically say that he had prayed about it and learned what to tell her. GOOD COMMUNICATION.

- He also allowed himself to deal with negative emotions; even though he knew the Jews would be saved, he allowed shelf to let out his mourning so he could be clear headed and mentally healthy. Jesus did something similar much later with Lazarus. Even though he knew he could raise him back to life, he was still sad at the death of a close friend, even family. He wept, but then he got up and took care of things. You can't heal until the thing causing the hurt is addressed and delt with.

- Esther asked that the Jews in Shushan fasted for her 3 days, and her maids and she would do the same. "And if I perish, I perish." Mordecai did what she asked. (Sympathy for her difficult task from Mordecai; huge devotion to God and her people from Esther. Being totally willing to die for God's will, showing that even though she might have felt unqualified, she could be a courageous leader.)

Esther 5

- from the way Ahasuerus talks to her,the has grown to respect her. Referring to her as Queen Esther, offering her up to half the kingdom, (and not in a flirty way, I. The way he would offer a trusted court member such a gift. And remember, most court members at this time were male, so for him to respect and trust her this much is amazing.)

- she invited the king and Haman both to a banquet. They attended, and the king asked what her real request is. She said for them both to come to another banquet tomorrow when she'd tell him what she really wanted.

- Haman went away full of joy, but hid mood was spoiled when he saw Mordecai at the gate, not bowing. Even so, he came home, and told his friends and his wife, Zeresh, about all the ways he was rich and how the king had promoted him. He then told them how the queen had invited only him and the king to a private banquet, and how he was invited to another one of the same style tomorrow.

- even Haman with his ego respected Esther. He's not the sort to look up to people, and from the way be speaks about her, he really looks up to her. She must have been doing a great job as Queen to earn the respect of such a self centered man.

- he finishes by saying that all of these things are worth nothing to him as long as he sees Mordecai at the gate.

- the assembled group suggests that he erect a gallows and request the king that Mordecai be hanged on it in the morning, then he could enjoy the banquet later.

- the way they tell him this, nonchalant and certain, tells me that Haman often gets whatever he wants from the king and is a slight power behind the throne.

#bible #bible study #esther #esther 1-5 #bible art

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alj4890 · 4 years ago

Text

Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x OC*Elisse Millan) (Drake x Riley) in a Choices The Royal Heir fan fiction

A/N Time continues to go by. Riley is nearing the end of her second trimester. Liam and Elisse will have their first date in front of the court during a ball he is hosting. The two have managed to have a few private dates since that one on a sailboat. While they continue to fall for one another, concerns and words are shared by those closest to them. This chapter mentions a certain event that happened later in the TRH canon, but I added it now and of course ended it like I wished.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @hopefulmoonobject @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles

Masterlist

Chapter 4 Moonlight and Secrets

Cranborne Manor, Cordonia...

"Aren't you glad I had you bring this?" Amalas held up the black ball gown. "I know Liam will be."

Elisse's cheeks heated with color. "If I say yes, will you stop talking about my going as his date?"

"Why? I think it's actually sweet that he asked you." Amalas leaned down to smell the roses that had arrived earlier. "Even though I'm not a romantic like some people I know," she smiled at her cousin, "I can still be happy that you found someone that you actually like."

"I should have known you wouldn't be able to stop talking." Elisse teased. "I'm nervous enough as it is."

She snatched the card Liam had sent with the roses out of Amalas's hands.

"Elisse?" A wicked smile formed. "What did he write?"

"Nothing to concern yourself over." She dodged her trying to grab it. "Amalas! Is this any way for a queen to behave?!" She turned holding it as far away from her as she could.

All the commotion they made drew an anxious Felix into the room.

One look at the two climbing over furniture while chasing each other let him know exactly what was going on.

"Elisse!" Amalas dodged a bed pillow. "You would dare strike your queen?!"

"Without any regret whatsoever." Elisse tripped over the bottom of her robe and went tumbling down.

Amalas pounced, snatching the card away.

"Aha!" She held it above her head in victory.

Felix plucked it from her grasp.

"Felix!" She rounded on him. "Hand that over."

"Yes, your majesty." With all the seriousness he could muster, he handed it to Elisse.

"Ha!" Elisse held it against her heart. "Thank you, Felix."

"What is this treason?" Amalas had her hands on her hips. Her usual intimidating frown was ruined by her hair sticking up at odd angles.

"Forgive me your majesty," he bowed, "but I was under the impression you wanted it to go to its owner."

"In other words," Elisse loudly whispered, "Felix likes me better."

The cousins burst into giggles much as they used to before Amalas became queen.

Felix quietly shut the door before allowing a smile to appear on his face. After all that had occurred for his queen and lady, he had forgotten how infectious their happiness could be.

"Tell the truth." Amalas sat down on the bed. "You're falling in love with Liam."

Elisse sat down once more at her vanity. Amalas could see the soft glow on her face in the reflection of the mirror as she looked down at his card.

"He makes it impossible not to fall in love." She shyly admitted.

"Looks like whatever happens, I will still have an alliance with Corodnia."

Elisse glared playfully at her. "You're runing the romance."

"Then I guess Liam will have his work cut out for him tonight."

****************

Cordonia's Royal Palace, Riley and Drake’s chambers...

"While they are here, maybe you could sneak over to Cranborne and see if you find anything that we should know." Riley whispered.

Olivia's brow furrowed. "I've been investigating Elisse. Nothing except for her time spent in America has been found. She has spent most of her life in Monterisso."

"I think if Amalas is planning anything, her cousin is not a part of it." Hana added.

Riley closed her eyes. She knew she was becoming obsessive over this woman. But after hearing Liam's confession of how he felt toward her and Drake. She owed him a lady he could freely love who wouldn't betray him.

Though she loved Drake more than anyone, she easily remembered those times she snuck off with Liam during his social season. The butterflies and sweet moments had caused her to fall for him as well as his grumpy friend.

She knew if Drake had continued to push her away, she might have given in and married Liam.

And how much more horrible would I have been to do that while longing for his best friend?

"This will be the last time." She told them. "If nothing is discovered of her time in America or that she and Amalas are planning something nefarious for Cordonia, then I will accept that Liam is safe with Elisse."

"Very well." Olivia stood up. "We'll let you know what we find."

"Or hopefully don't find." Hana added as she followed her out.

Riley dabbed at the stray tears in her eyes with a tissue. Between concerns over Elisse and Liam and having to keep from making an arranged marriage for her yet to be born baby was getting to her.

There were numerous times she secretly wished she had never agreed to have the royal heir. It is too much to deal with. Her pregnancy wasn't going at all like she used to dream about.

For one thing, it had happened much sooner than she had wanted. She would have loved to have had a year or two of just her and Drake trying to figure out how to be Cordonia's newest Duke and Duchess. Plus it would have been nice to enjoy being a newlywed that could wear lingerie and go out on fun, late night dates with her husband.

But to give birth to the, "chosen one," was driving her crazy. All the photos taken of her. The more than usually required doctor visits. The lack of privacy. The events. Having everyone with them with no time alone with her husband...

"Dammit!" She couldn't stop her tears. Her makeup was ruined.

"Riley?" Drake poked his head into their room. "What's wrong?"

She hurried into his embrace.

He rubbed soothing circles on her back. "Hormones?"

"Yes." She then shook her head. "No. I don't know."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You know you can talk to me." He swallowed nervously. "Even if it is about Liam?"

"It's not him." She reached for more tissues. "It's us. Me, you, the baby. Our life." She blew her nose. "No privacy. No time to take in the fact that in three months we will have someone to take care of."

He continued to hold her.

"And this whole royal heir business." She lifted her eyes to his. "Do you really want our baby to be in line for the throne?"

She saw the hesitation flicker in his face.

"We owe Liam so much." He said. "He has asked so little from us. This seemed like the least we could do and it is an honor he wanted our child for that position."

"Drake we are deciding our child's entire future without even meeting him or her." She reminded him. "What if the baby is like you and prefers to live a quiet life? We will have forced the one we want to protect into the very position that takes away every freedom they have."

Drake lowered his eyes. "I know."

She hugged him close. "What are we going to do?"

"I--I don't know." He held her tight. "I just don't know."

***************

A few hours later, Cranborne Manor...

Elisse took a deep breath on the way to answer the front door.

"M'lady," Liam handed her a long stem red rose. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." She let her eyes travel over him in his formal regalia. "You look very handsome."

His smile turned flirty. "Are you ready for our first ball as a couple?"

With a nod, she retrieved her clutch and took his hand. "Liam?"

"Yes?"

"Are you sure about this?" She whispered when they reached Bastien holding the car door for them.

Liam took both of her hands in his. "I am."

"Even though I can't--"

He pressed a tender kiss to her lips, cutting off her reason for doubting he should be with her.

"You're who makes me happy." He whispered against her lips. "Regardless of whether or not you can have children."

She cupped his cheek and pressed another tender kiss to his lips in quiet gratitude.

He smiled softly as she got into car's backseat then followed after her.

Once the vehicle turned a corner, Olivia and Hana sneaked out of their hiding place.

"Queen Amalas left with her bodyguard earlier." Olivia whispered. "We will have free reign to search the house."

Hana shivered in the cool night air. "I suppose we should be grateful for that."

She watched quietly as the duchess expertly picked the lock.

"After you." She waved Hana inside.

***************

The Royal Ballroom...

Conversations were focused on one thing this evening: Liam had brought a date to the ball.

Regina went from group to group saying how happy she was that he had settled on a lady that she so highly approved of.

"It is rare to find someone who understands the pressure he is under. Lady Elisse is a pleasure to be around." She said while she and a few others watched the two waltz.

Nobles soon were murmuring praises and wishes to see Liam settle down with Elisse.

"Monterisso and Cordonia's alliance under their marriage would make us the envy to many of the surrounding countries."

"Seeing a young king settle down would add more reassurance to foreign powers about the stability of our country."

"They do make a cute couple." Penelope whispered to Zeke.

Amalas chuckled softly at overhearing this latest compliment. She caught her cousin's eye and lifted her champagne flute to her.

Elisse's blush responded to that.

Liam's smile was warm when he noticed it. He leaned closer to her ear and whispered something that caused her to laugh with a shake of her head.

Elisse then was seen looking up at him with an expression that could only be described as complete adoration.

"You've been busy."

Amalas took a steadying breath before responding.

"King Bradshaw." She inclined her head. "I think we have all been busy in Cordonia."

He hmphed. "Some of us though aren't wooing the king and parents of the heir."

She kept her face devoid of emotion while she sipped her champagne.

He narrowed his eyes at her silence. "I see you aren't denying it."

"I've yet to hear an accusation worth addressing." She smiled sweetly as she walked away. "Do give my best to Isabella."

**************

Another hour later...

"Shouldn't you be making the rounds?"

Liam wrapped his arm around his date. "I should but I would rather stand here with you."

"You won't hear any arguments from me." Elisse closed her eyes when she felt his lips brush her cheek. "People will talk if you keep that up."

"It's about time I gave them something new to gossip over." He teased.

"I can hear them now. Our king has been captured by that wicked Monterisso viscountess."

He snorted. "I doubt they would use the word wicked." He tugged her closer. "Most likely conniving."

Her overly dramatic gasp made him laugh.

"I suppose I should be using my feminine whiles on you." She looped her arms around his neck. "But you, sir, are simply too distracting."

"A Monterisson noble unable to do her job?" He shook his head in mock pity. "I suppose I will have to keep you here rather than allow you to return home in shame."

"Why, your majesty. Is this a scheme to keep me at your beck and call?"

"You caught me, m'lady." His teasing smile turned tender.

"Ahem."

The two were surprised to see Olivia standing behind them.

"Liam, may I speak to you about something?" Her eyes darted briefly to Elisse. "In your study?"

Elisse stepped out of his arms.

"I'll be back." He promised her. He lifted her hand to his lips, enjoying the moment her smile reappeared.

With a nod to Olivia, he followed her out of the ballroom.

****************

"You did what?!" Liam's eyes narrowed. "Who told you to break into their home?"

Hana fidgeted beside Olivia. "Riley was worried with all the secrets Amalas is known to have and--"

"And--" Olivia glanced at Hana, receiving a nod, "some of us were concerned since you seem to be close to the queen's cousin."

He paced before them, doing his best to not lose his temper. "I know better than most about Monterisso."

"Liam, they have a file on you." Hana explained. "Files on all of us!"

"That isn't that surprising." Olivia grumbled. "I had files on all the ladies during the social season." A brief expression of admiration appeared. "I would have done the same to Amalas and Elisse if we were visiting their country."

"I already knew about the files." He told them.

"You did?"

"How?"

"Elisse." Liam ceased his pacing and faced them. "She has been nothing but honest with me."

"Did she tell you that there is a chance she--" Hana hesitated, wishing she hadn’t read the letters from Boston. "She--"

"Can't have children." Olivia finished softly. "We saw some medical reports in her room." Her sharp gaze softened. "She went through an experimental procedure to--"

"I know all of that." Liam interrupted. "She...she was supposed to be a part of my social season." His features hardened with memories. "My father refused to let her after her medical exam."

He snapped out of those what if thoughts. "Now then. Go tell Lady Riley to back off. There is nothing--"

Muffled screams filled the air.

"What was that?!" Hana jumped when Liam ran out the door.

"Liam!" Olivia shouted, already pulling two hidden daggers out. "Wait!"

******************

The Ballroom...

Everyone stared in horror at the drone that had crashed through the window. Queen Isabella trembled in her husband's arms with cuts along her face and arms.

"I recognize that." King Bradshaw pointed at Amalas. "This is one of the Spy Queen’s drones!"

Elisse surreptitiously made her way to Amalas's side and gripped her hand. The two remained calm as Bradshaw and Isabella riled the crowd up.

"I nearly died!" Isabella held up her arms with minor cuts. "My children could have been motherless all because she can't take a chance on Duchess Riley choosing us."

Riley paled as she looked from one ruler to another. Her hands slid protectively to her belly, wishing there was a way to get out of all this.

"I refuse to see Cordonia be threatened in such a fashion." Bradshaw straightened his shoulders. "Do not fear. My guards will--"

Liam appeared.

"King Liam!" Isabella cried out, tears streaking down her face. "Look--"

He held his hand up for silence as he examined the broken drone.

The whole court waited while he knelt beside it.

Bastien rushed to his side. "Sir, we need to get you to safety--"

"No we don't." Liam told him.

"Sir, it--"

Liam ordered him to be quiet as he turned the drone over. His lips firmed into a slight frown.

Olivia finally made it through the crowd, stopping in surprise at the piece of machinery on the ballroom floor.

"The Monterissons must be made to leave at once!" Isabella cried when Bradshaw quietly whispered to her.

"Unless you too want to be added to our list of enemies." Bradshaw warned.

Olivia's eyebrow raised. "Because of this?"

"That weapon nearly killed my wife." Bradshaw bit out.

"Strange." Liam finally said as he stood up. "One would think Queen Amalas would use one of her newer stealth drones instead of this one from five years ago."

Bradshaw and Isabella stilled.

"Given that you both say it attacked, I would have thought it would at least have been fitted with some type of weapon on it instead of an outdated camera." He continued.

The king and queen looked about at the crowd’s fear turning to confusion

"She's spying on us!" Bradshaw exclaimed. "All of us were being watched."

"She must be planning on eliminating all competition!" Isabella pointed at Elisse. "And that one was used to distract your king, Cordonia!"

Murmurs began again.

"They shouldn't be allowed to stay here." Godfrey muttered.

"What if one of us had been struck with that drone?" Kiara was heard to whisper.

"Did they see everything we have been doing? What if they begin to blackmail us?!" Adelaide added.

Bradshaw smirked at Amalas as the murmurs grew louder, demanding that she and Elisse be forced to leave.

Liam could feel a sense of déjà vu. Memories of his coronation ball came to mind.

This very crowd had demanded that Riley be thrown out of Cordonia and thus out of his life. He had stood by quietly and let it happen, thinking he was protecting her.

He knew whatever love she had for him had been damaged in that moment.

He could still see Drake demanding the King's Guards let her go. His volunteering to go to New York for her. His promise to look out for her once she joined the engagement tour.

I can't let it happen again. I can't lose Elisse. Not now. Not when I know I'm falling in love with her.

He stepped protectively in front of Elisse and Amalas while Felix guarded their backs. Liam could feel his lady’s fingers brush his hand in need of reassurance.

"This drone proves nothing." He said, cutting off everyone's conversations. "Queen Amalas and Lady Elisse had nothing to do with this."

"How do you know that?" Bradshaw demanded.

"Because," Amalas stepped forward, "this particular drone requries a remote operator to fly it." She patted her suit pockets. "Which I nor Lady Elisse could possibly have on us, given it takes two hands to even hold the controler."

"Your guard!" Isabella lifted a trembling finger. "He--"

Felix emptied his pockets without a word. He handed his coat to Bastien and allowed him to pat him down.

"Perhaps we should check Auvernal's many guards." Lady Elisse countered as she stepped up beside Liam. She maintained her calm demeanor while facing the two that threatened her. "There might be one or two who are not happy with their king and queen."

Amalas smirked. "I worry for the intelligence of this person. To use a drone that is now no more than a child's plaything." She chuckled. "Of course, Auvernal isn't known for their brilliant minds."

"How dare you!" Bradshaw shouted. "My wife--"

"Is unharmed." Liam spoke over him.

One of Bastien’s agents returned with an Auvernal guard.

Isabella quickly rushed forward, striking the man when the remote control was discoverd. "You will pay for attacking your queen!"

"But, your majesty, I--"

"Silence!" Bradshaw yelled over him. He ordered his personal guard to remove the traitor.

Liam slipped his hand in Elisse's when more murmurs rose around them. He knew it was time to turn the tables on the ones who still threatened the woman beside him.

"Honored guests," he turned to face the crowd, "given that an attack has occurred, I'm certain that King Bradshaw will wish to take his queen back to Auvernal." Liam's cold fury settled on the royal. "He would never wish to bring possible harm to those he wishes to make his allies."

Bradshaw gave a jerky nod. "Yes." He eyed Amalas. "I will go and quash this particular problem."

Regina joined Liam as she encouraged everyone else to also retire for the night.

"Liam," Elisse let go of his hand, "You shouldn't have gotten invovled in this. Bradshaw will not let that embarrassment go unanaswered."

He pulled her into his embrace. "I was not about to let them take you away."

Amalas held her hand out to him. "I believe I also owe you my own thanks for helping everyone to see reason, King Liam."

Felix gratefully bowed his head to him.

"I couldn't let mob mentality take over." Liam explained. "Bradshaw has been acting more agressive in gaining a foothold in my country. I refuse to let him do so."

Drake and Riley joined them once the last few guests of the ball trickled out.

"You should be resting." Amalas told her. "All of tonight's stress can't be good for you and the baby."

"I know." Riley replied. "Which is why I need to speak to Liam."

His brow furrowed when he noticed how pale she was. "Why don't we wait until morning? You--"

"I can't wait." Her eyes filled with tears. "It will only take a moment."

Elisse gently squeezed him in a hug. "Amalas and I should return to Cranborne." She smiled when he kept her within his arms. "I know you have things to take care of here."

Without paying attention to their friends and family around them, Liam kissed her goodnight. He cupped her cheek as he told her he would see her in the morning.

Once she was gone, Liam faced his friends and Regina. "What is it you need to discuss?"

Riley swallowed at the lump forming in her throat. "It's about our baby."

***************

Liam's chambers at two in the morning...

After yanking off all the regalia and unbuttoning his shirt, Liam poured himself three fingers of scotch.

He took a couple of healthy gulps, closing his eyes to the decision that had once again upended his world.

He was back to being a ruler in a tenuous position.

A king without a wife. Without heirs.

His head dropped as he slumped into a chair.

Cradling the cut crystal tumbler, he thought of the conversation he had with his friends.

***************

"Liam, I..." Riley swiped at her tears. "I don't want my baby to be the royal heir."

"What?" He took a step back in shock, just as he had when she told him she couldn't marry him. "Riley, I know tonight's--"

"It isn't just because of tonight." She interrupted. "It's everything. It's too much for us to deal with." She gripped Drake's hand. "I can't force my child into this type of responsibility."

"It was an honor that you chose us." Drake continued. "But the stress is eating away at us."

Liam slowly nodded. "I understand." He slipped his hands into his pockets. “We will have a press conference tomorrow.”

With a broken sob, Riley hugged him. "I'm so sorry I can't do this for you after everything you have given me."

He gently patted her back. "You don't owe me a child out of gratitude."

"I know." She sniffed and stepped back. "You will still be a part of our baby's life?"

He smiled softly. "Of course."

"Someone will have to teach our baby manners." Drake pulled Liam into a brief hug, slapping his back. "Thank you for understanding."

"It's what Liam does best." Riley added.

Olivia, Hana, and Regina remained with him once the couple left the ballroom.

"What will you do now?" Olivia asked.

"I...I don't know." He admitted.

"What will you do about Elisse?" Regina prodded. "If you don't choose another heir, you will need to have one of your own."

He ran his hands over his face. "I'm not losing Elisse."

"Dear, I know you care for her, but you--"

"I'm not losing her." He repeated harshly. "She is exactly what I need in my life."

Seeing it was fruitless to argue, the queen mother bowed her head and quietly left them.

Hana looked between Liam and Olivia, unable to think of something comforting to diffuse the tension.

"Liam." Olivia tempered her tone. "Regina's right. You still need an heir." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "Elisse will understand that you have to end--"

Without a word, he left the two ladies standing there.

#choices the royal heir #misfortune's intentions #liam x oc #trh liam #trh drake #drake x riley #choices stories you play

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