#dark lord oneshot

[ash-whimsicalfanfic]

Obsession

Tom Riddle X Fem OC/Reader

Word Count: 5K

Warnings: Mild language, Graphic, Smut, Toxic, Possessive, Protective, Angst, Fluff, Suggestive, Anger…

Prompt: Y/N Black is a mystery to many. She isn’t interested in making friends, only her studies. However, unbeknownst to many, one boy has piqued her interest——Tom Riddle. Little did she know, he had an obsession with her.

Sidenote: I did use some spells from the vampire diaries just for the heck of it. I may do a part two, but I’m not sure if it really needs it. I’ll leave it up to you guys!

Everyone seemed more chattier than usual. Maybe it was the upcoming Yule Ball or maybe it was because holidays were approaching. However, you hated the buzzing chatter, the obnoxious shouting, and all of the crowded halls. You had tried to go to the library as an escape from this madness, but everyone had infiltrated the library even.

You were the Scrooge that everybody was painfully aware of as you stormed through the halls with your books clutched to your chest. If you were a Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor, they would have laughed at the irked expression on your face. However, knowing you were a Slytherin strikes fear in many.

Not to mention you were a mystery to many. You were oh so quiet, along with a freakishly amount of smart, and an unearthly amount of beautiful. You chose to stick to yourself, choosing to not make any friends. You instead chose to have acquaintances in case a group project popped up, however you normally managed to worm your way out of that so you could work alone.

That was how you preferred doing things, alone. Other students have given up on trying to befriend you, seeing it as pointless. Guys would still try and ask you out, but their advances failed. They hadn’t noticed that your interest was piqued by a boy already. However, it seemed that he was just like you.

Tom Riddle was a handsome young man with jet black curly-ish hair and dark brown eyes that looked almost black from afar. He was fairly tall and had a lean look. His face was always blank…passive as he studied or walked through the halls or even when he was with his group of “friends”. They were his followers in his mind, not his friends. To anyone else, they saw them as a happy friend group.

You had noticed the things that anyone would pick up about Tom from afar, like his intelligence. Tom excelled in all of his classes, in fact he was tied at the top of the year with you. He too was introverted, preferring to be alone and in silence. For someone as passive as Tom, you noticed things he did. When he was judging something, he’d lean back in his chair, occasionally quirking an eyebrow as if he was impressed or annoyed.

When he was in a rather intuitive or creative mood, his eyes seemed to be a lighter shade of brown and he would get carried away in his journal. When he was thinking, he would zone out on his journal or something in the room.

You noticed that he’d clench his jaw until a muscle there ticked when he got angered. When he was annoyed, he had a tendency to sigh.

“Y/N!” Narcissa calls.

She stood among Tom Riddle and all of his “friends”. Tom’s eyes find you who was clearly irritated. You had made your way through the crowd and head towards her.

“Yes?” You ask.

“Hey, that is no way to talk to your favorite cousin.” Narcissa scolds.

“Who said you were my favorite?” You ask.

“It’s because it is me.” Bellatrix grins.

“Not you either.” You mutter.

“Moving on, have you seen Sirius or Regulus?” She asks.

“I’m not their keeper, Narcissa.” You mutter.

“They said they were meeting up with you.” She says, sighing in frustration.

“Well they didn’t. I need to get to class.” You mutter.

Before you could go, Bellatrix grabs your upper arm in a tight grip. You turn back to her with a clenched jaw as Narcissa steps back, muttering an “Uh-Oh”.

“Leaving so soon, cousin?” She mocks.

“Bellatrix, I’m warning you now to let go or you will regret it.” You warn calmly.

“What will you do? You're all goody two shoes, yet your in Slytherin. I think that dumb hat sorted you into the wrong house.” She says.

You pull your wand free, pointing it at her as you mutter “Stupefy”. You roll your eyes as she flies backwards through the crowd.

“If I wouldn’t get expelled, I would definitely crucio you or use the killing curse on you for your information. However, nothing is stopping me once we graduate.” You say, before turning and leaving the group stunned.

Tom smiles slightly as he watches you walk away, finding himself even more intrigued with you than he originally was. Call it an interest or maybe an obsession at this point. He liked to watch you when he could. He noticed things about you that he was sure no one else noticed.

He knew you were a quiet and mysterious girl, but underneath that “innocent” mask you wore, he knew there was a strong woman with a dangerous mind. You were far from innocent and today proved that more so to him. To anyone else, you were that innocent girl. However, when you let your guard down if you were stressed or angry or irritated, he could see the danger swirling in your (eye color) eyes.

He lets his smile fall, regaining his composure before turning back to his group. Bellatrix was back on her feet, a scowl on her face as Narcissa helped hold her up. He watches as Sirius and Regulus join them.

“What is wrong with you?” Sirius asks.

“Your bloody sister is what is wrong! She used stupefy on me!” She snaps.

“How pissed off did you make her?” Regulus chuckles, shaking his head.

“You both told me you were meeting with her about becoming a follower. Yet, she hasn’t seen either of you all day. So, where were you both off to?” Narcissa snaps.

“Have you seen how mad she can get? We learned not to mess around when she gets mad, Issa. When she is mad, she will take down anyone in her path. We’ve learned how to avoid making her mad. So, you go have that conversation with her because I rather not get crucio’d again.” Sirius says.

“Wow.” Avery mutters.

“She may be quiet and keeps to herself, but Y/N is a ticking time-bomb when you make her mad. She is intelligent, and maybe too intelligent for her own good. She also liked being stronger than others in magic, so that is why she studies so hard. However, because she is so antisocial and introverted, even as a child before Hogwarts, she took her studies serious, so she doesn’t understand fun. She is boring.” Sirius says.

“I bet she hasn’t ever shagged anyone, or snogged! A sixth year and a virgin! That is embarrassing.” Bellatrix cackles.

That further piqued Tom’s interest about you.. He found himself having more thoughts about you, both innocent and sinful thoughts. However, his sinful thoughts changed to the exception of you being a virgin. That made him feel a possessiveness over you he wasn’t quite sure how to feel about. However, he knew that the idea of you being with anyone else was sickening to him. You were his, you just didn’t know it yet.

Your studies past fairly quickly and you were heading towards the Great Hall. You sit at your normal spot, Regulus sitting next to you. Tom sat a table down with his “friends”, however his focus was on you. Regulus gently closed your books, pushing them away.

“Eat, then study.” He stresses softly.

As irritated as you were about him taking away your books, you listened. Tom quirked a brow, finding himself wondering if it was often you got so distracted by your studies that you didn’t take care of yourself the best. His eyes roam over you slowly, noticing the dark circles under your eyes along with the thinning face of yours. So, it was often, he thought.

“Y/N! My favorite sister! How has your day been?” Sirius asks as plops down across from you.

“What do you want?” You ask, sighing as you pushed your food around on your plate.

“Nothing to do with studies I hope, she is taking a break to eat.” Regulus stresses.

You close your eyes as the two start to argue, resting your chin on your hand. You open your eyes when Regulus stands, his voice getting louder.

“Enough!” You snap, the two instantly quieting.

It had gotten the attention of those around your table. You take in a slow breath before letting it out, regaining your composure before looking between your brothers with a blank look.

“You two bicker like a bunch of children. This is our brief moment to be able to hang out, however you both don’t know how to push aside your differences because you both are too hot-headed and irrational.” You rant.

You snatch up your books that Regulus had pushed away from you earlier and stood from the table as you left the Great Hall.

Tom watched you leave before looking between your brothers, before his eyes fell on your plate of untouched food. He puts some food in his bag, going unnoticed and decides to leave himself. He made his way to the library, heading to the forbidden section where he assumed you’d be. He feels a brief moment of pride flare in his chest, right about where you had gone. He clears his throat and you look up from your notes.

“Here. I noticed you didn’t eat.” He says.

His voice surprised you. It was deep, soft and mysterious. He pulled out some food he took from the Great Hall and handed it to you.

“Thank you.” You murmur.

He nods, going to leave and you begin working on your studies again. You sigh as a loud group comes into the library.

“Would you allow me to show you a place I like to go?” He asks, looking back down at you.

“I don’t see why not.” You admit, gathering your stuff before standing.

You follow behind Tom, not quite sure where he was taking you. You knew of his quest to become the Dark Lord. Some of his followers had big mouths, so you heard more than everyone thought you knew. They assumed you were clueless about his current quest and they all were tip-toeing around who would be the one to break the news to you. However, you knew. You knew more than them in fact.

He looks around, making sure there was no other students or professors in the hall before a door appears in the wall. Your lips part from surprise as he ushers you in, following behind you. You looked around the empty room in awe.

“The Room of Requirements…I’ve heard of it and I’ve looked everywhere for it.” You mumble.

“Yes, I searched for this room for awhile myself. I later learned that the room only will appear in great need.” Tom explains, seeming rather smug about finding it.

“The room seems to know you quite well…and you seem to know the room quite well too. Otherwise, the door wouldn’t have appeared because I’m sure my studies are not in great need.” You say, turning back to him.

You feel a heat spread across your body as you catch his eyes on you. The dark eyes slowly trail over you, mapping out your body. His eyes stop on your blouse where you had a few buttons undone since you were alone and had started to get a little hot in the confined aisles of the forbidden section in the library.

He steps forward, closing the distance between the two of you. You look up, not realizing that he was this tall. He puts a hand out and gently grasps your hip before trailing it up your side. He tugs on the middle of your blouse, revealing more of your cleavage, before he starts undoing the remaining buttons.

“That and maybe because I am in great need of you.” He murmurs, leaning down to trail his lips along your neck.

You shiver, feeling a trail of goosebumps being left behind from the ghost touch. His hands find your shoulders where he pushes the robes off before pushing your blouse off along with it. He leaves a soft kiss on your racing pulse, before he pulls back to look down at you.

You were left in a dark green lace bra, and he tsked quietly, approving the way they made your breasts look. The bra seemed to work as a push-up bra, but really Narcissa had gotten you the wrong size this year.

His eyes trail over your stomach, noting the soft curves he would be sure to feel later. His eyes focus on the short school-girl skirt, also Narcissa’s doing. You didn’t fret much about it as you knew you’d wear your robe more often than not. You were wearing knee high stockings with a pair of mary-janes.

“The school girl skirt, hmph, your just asking to be fucked, aren’t you?” He asks, a smirk slowly spreading across his face.

“Tom.” You say breathlessly.

“Leave the skirt on, but take your panties off.” He orders.

He begins unbuttoning his own shirt, watching you. You were frozen in place before you start to work the panties down. He held a hand out, looking at you expectantly. Your shaky hand places the matching dark green lace panties into his hand.

He balls it up and sticks it in his blazer pocket. You watch as his long, slender fingers work his belt off. Your eyes focused on his veiny hands.

“Hands and knees.” He says.

You slowly drop to your knees, turning over, no longer able to watch his next move. You get on your hands, moving so you are on your elbows. You arch your back down, sticking your ass out more.

Tom licks his lips slowly, swallowing hard as he watches you get into the position. He inhales deeply, watching as you arch your back. He puts a clenched fist to his mouth, lightly biting himself, not quite sure if this was really happening. The skirt hid nothing. He could see the big globes that he found himself really attracted to. He never would have taken himself as an ass man.

His eyes trail further down to see your glistening entrance. He pushes his pants off before he gets on the ground behind you. He brushes your hair over your shoulder, before he finds himself tracing down your spine lightly. You shiver unintentionally, however he enjoyed the effect he on you.

“How bad do you want me?” He murmurs into your ear.

“Please, Tom.” You whisper as you push your hips back.

“Pathetic. Do you want my cock or not?” He asks, grabbing a fistful of your hair and roughly jerking your head back.

A breathless moan fills the thick air in the room as a heat spreads across your scalp. He clenches his jaw, feeling himself twitch from the sound he heard. It was the beginning of a beautiful symphony, one he didn’t realize how much he’d become crazed for.

“Tom! Please! I need you!” You cry, feeling frustrated that he wasn’t touching you where you wanted to be touched.

He smirks, gently grabbing your hips. He uses his other hand to guide himself into your dripping entrance. He groans, your walls immediately grasping onto him, suffocating him. You moan lowly, your hands grasping at the stone floor as your eyes flutter shut.

“Fuck.” He curses, working himself in and out of you slowly.

“Tom, please.” You plead, pushing your hips back.

“Is my cock the first one you’ve ever had?” He asks, his eyes burning in the back of your head as he awaited your response.

“Yes! Please, Tom!” You cry.

He couldn’t help the grin across his face. He heard it, but he wasn’t sure if maybe you just kept them out of the loop. But, knowing he was the one to take your virginity was exhilirating to him.

“I better be the only cock you have here. You are mine.” He warns.

“Yes! I-I’m yours, Tom!” You moan as he starts to move at a faster pace.

“I’ll kill any boy who dares to be with you, because you are mine! I’ll punish you if I see you talking to some boy.” He growls, his hips now savagely moving.

You cry for more, your soft and loud moans were music to his ears. He breathed heavily along with you as held onto your hips tightly. Skin smacking echoed in the room and you heard his soft groan which sent you coming. He groans louder as you clench around him, coming around him.

You stood on shaky legs, buttoning up your blouse and grimacing as you feel your shared climaxes slowly leaking out of you. He grasps your chin, looking at you with a stern look.

“Keep it in. I want you to know who fucked you.” He says.

“Tom, I need my panties.” You say as your cheeks flush.

“Find another way to keep it in.” He says, before focusing back on straightening himself out.

You pull your blazer on along with your robes before grabbing your books and hurrying out. You reach the Slytherin common room, Narcissa and Bellatrix looking up from their game of cards. Sirius and Regulus’s backs were to you.

“Oh my god, you got shagged!” Narcissa exclaims with a grin.

“Who was it?” Bellatrix asks.

“Yeah, I’d like to know.” Sirius seethes, taking in your disheveled hair and the hickeys on your neck.

Narcissa looks at your knees to see that they were scraped up, but you choose to ignore your brothers and cousins as you make your way past them. Regulus laughs, yelling “Atta girl!”

A small smile graces your lips at your little brothers comment. He too was protective of you, but he knew you inside and out. He and you were far closer than you were with Sirius. You get to your dorm and think of showering, but then your mind wanders to Tom. Keep it in…

You pull on a pair of fresh panties as you change into your nightware. You found yourself tossing and turning for a long while before you fell asleep. By the time it was time to wake up, you were exhausted. You could sleep in, but that ruins your morning routine.

You go to the shower, grimacing at the burn in your stomach. It was now that you realized you didn’t eat once yesterday. You finished up in the bathroom before pulling on a black lingerie set. You gasp as your door opens and Tom walks in.

“I knew you’d be awake.” He says, his eyes slowly roaming over you and some of the bruises he had made from where he held you still.

“Tom, what are you doing here?” You ask, grabbing a random robe and pulling it on.

“I’ve seen it all, darling. I wanted to tell you no more skirts.” He says and you look at him confused.

“I…Is it because how short they are?” You ask.

“That and the school girl skirt should be meant for my eyes when we are alone. Do you understand?” He asks.

“I…yes, Tom.” You say quietly.

He grins, looking at your neck where you had several hickeys before he leaves. You frown and look at the outfit you had prepared for this morning. It consisted of a school girl skirt.You sigh, grabbing a dark green skater skirt that ended a little about mid-thigh. There wasn’t much you could do about the length of your skirts until you went shopping again.

You grab your button up blouse and your Slytherin tie. You grab the blazer and sigh when you see dust on it. You hang it back up, deciding you will have to clean it later because you don’t have time now.

You pull on your knee socks and mary-janes when there was a knock at your dorm door. You open it and see it was Narcissa.

“I came bearing gifts.” She says.

You open the door and she guides you to the small vanity as she begins to help you cover the hickeys on your neck and jawline.

“So, who was it?” She asks.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to say who it was yet.” You murmur.

“Did he force you? I’ll make him suffer the worst ways imaginable.” She says seriously.

“No, no, he didn’t force me. I’m just not sure what is happening yet. I don’t know if it merely was just another shag to him or if it’ll turn into something. However, he’s being a little controlling of what I wear, mainly my skirts.” You explain.

“I feel like I already know who this is.” She says, sighing.

“Who?” You ask.

“Tom Riddle?” She asks.

“Oh…how did you know?” You ask.

“Tom is…many things. I don’t know if he is capable of love and a relationship. He is a very possessive man. And I mean to the extent that it isn't healthy. He is ill-tempered and easily jealous. Not to mention he can be obsessive too. I personally think you should put some distance between the two of you and let things die down. I don’t know what his intentions are, but I’m sure they aren’t good.” She explains.

“Alright.” You say quietly.

You were quite sure how to feel. But, you knew Narcissa meant well and you also knew that she knew Tom better than you. You trusted her advice almost as you trusted Regulus’s.

“All done.” She says.

“Thank you, Issa.” You murmur and she nods.

She leaves you to your thoughts and you realize you need to head down to the Great Hall for breakfast. You gather your books and make your way out of your dorm in a daze. You head to the Great Hall and see everyone was already there. You ignore the burning stare that you knew belonged to Tom Riddle.

“Hey, you okay? You seem out of it? And your running late.” Regulus says.

“Oh, I’m fine. I think I’m just in need of food. I realized I didn’t eat once yesterday.” You explain.

“Y/N/N, you’ve got to take better care of yourself. I will start treating you like I did the first year.” He warns.

“I know, I know, and I promise I’ll do better.” You sigh.

“Why is Riddle staring at you? He seems pissed.” He whispers.

“Oh, who knows.” You sigh, briefly glancing at Tom.

Tom was staring at your neck where your hickeys would be, but thanks to Narcissa, they were no longer there. You managed to eat some of your food before it began to make you feel sick. You felt suffocated with Tom glaring daggers into you and Sirius was no better.

“Stop it.” Regulus warns Sirius.

“I want to know who it was.” He snaps, looking back at you.

You clench your jaw, narrowing your eyes at him as you take a slow breath in and let it out. You pull your wand out and keep your hand rested on the table, so you don’t draw anymore attention to you.

“Keep glaring, brother and watch how fast you end up in the hospital wing.” You warn lowly.

“Guys.” Narcissa warns.

“Who is he?” He growls lowly, leaning closer to you.

“Oh shit. Take cover!” Regulus says, going under the table.

You reach forward, grabbing Sirius’s tie and pull him closer as your face heats from anger.

“Astronomy tower, now.” You grit out.

He stands and storms out and you stand as Regulus pokes his head out.

“Don’t kill him please.” He pleads.

You storm out of the Great Hall, wand in hand as you make your way towards the Astronomy tower to see him already there and waiting.

“Who is it!?” He snaps as you both circle each other.

“Sirius, it’s none of your business. Stop trying to act like the older and protective brother. Stop acting like you care!” You snap.

“I do care! You're my sister.” He snaps.

“Guys. Let’s try to keep calm.” Narcissa says as she walks in with her group.

“Yeah, let’s just hug it out and make up.” Regulus says.

“I want to know who has my sister acting like a tramp.” He snaps.

“Oh no….oh no! Oh no! Back up, back up, back up!” Regulus says as he pushes everyone back.

“Bombarda!” You fast and Sirius curses as he tries to dodge the mini explosion you casted his way.

“Confundo!” He shouts, but you dodge it.

“Everte Statum.” You cast, watching as he flies back against the wall, his wand falling in the process.

You walk forward, grabbing his wand before looking down at him.

“Impulsa Animositas!” You snap, gaining confused looks from around the room.

“I…Y/N, have you been creating spells again?” Regulus asks cautiously.

“Again?” Narcissa asks alarmed.

“What did you do to me?” Sirius snaps.

“Say something mean. To any of us.” You say, smirking.

“What the hell did you do to me you crazy bi—ow!” He exclaims after feeling a jolt of electricity go through you.

“Just as I assumed. This spell will zap you everytime you try and say something mean.” You say.

“That’s child’s play you idiot!” He snaps before groaning.

“Hm. This isn’t. Lihednat Dolchitni.” You cast.

His hands find his throat as he try’s to breath. You clench your fist tighter, watching how he struggles more before you wave your hand and it stops. He leans forward, breathing heavily.

“Tread carefully, brother. I have far more up my sleeve than you wish to believe.” You spat.

“You…you will get in so much trouble for creating spells. Regulus and I told you that you need to stop.” He breathes heavily.

“Then keep your mouths shut otherwise I’ll make you suffer in the worst unimaginable ways.” You say.

With that, you turn and walk past the group who seemed shocked. You head back to the Great Hall, gathering your items before heading back to your dorm. You were too upset and riled up to do anything. So, instead you hurry to your dorm and lock the door.

You pace frantically, running your hands through your hair. You let a breath out that you hadn’t noticed you were holding.

“You’re okay. You’re okay. Everything is okay.” You mumble to yourself.

The lock on your door clicks, so you turn and see Tom. He closes the door back and turns to you with that normal passive and cold look.

“That was…impressive.” He says.

“Tom, I really rather be alone right now.” You mutter.

“Why cover the marks I left? I left them for a reason.” He says, his voice hardening as his eyes turn several shades darker.

“I didn’t want to walk around with them showing. People would have said something and I don’t want to deal with that. Plus, I rather the school not know I was your play thing.” You mutter harshly, turning your back to him.

“Who said you were a play thing because I don’t recall ever telling you that?” He snaps.

“Tell me this, Tom. Are you one for commitment? Would you be in an exclusive relationship? Huh, tell me that!” You snap harshly as you turn to face him again.

“I can do commitment. Before, I’d say no. However, for you I am willing to do it. I’m willing to be in an exclusive relationship as you call it. Because I can’t ever get you out of my head! You are all I can focus on! It’s so…so irritating, yet I love it at the same time.” He growls.

“Tom, there are going to have to be some rules set in place if we are to do something. Like the skirt thing this morning. I only wear skirts.” You say.

“Fine. Wear your skirts, well not the school girl ones, however I can’t promise that some asshole won’t end up dead for looking. You are mine.” He snaps.

“Okay, and what about the marks?” You ask.

“You shouldn’t care what anyone says. You never have before, so why care now? I want people to know that you belong to me. I want the guys to realize that you aren’t a possibility anymore. You are mine.” He says, closing the distance between you both.

You look up as his hand wraps around your throat. He tightens his hand and you let a shaky breath out as you clench your thighs.

“You barely know me.” You mumble.

“I know more than you think, darling. You piqued my interest. When that happens, I tend to learn everything I can.” He murmurs, brushing his nose against yours before kissing you softly.

You hum, moving your hands to his hair. You whine when he pulls back, a smirk on his lips.

“What does that mean? How have you learned about me if you just started speaking to me yesterday?” You ask.

“Because I might be a bit obsessive when it comes to learning of the things that interest me. I won’t stop until I know everything.” He says.

There was banging on your dorm door and you sigh, going to walk past Tom, but he loops an arm around your waist.

“Who is it?” Tom asks, annoyed.

“It’s Bella, me and Regulus. Is Y/N in there?” Narcissa says.

“Well go away. I’m about to fuck my girl.” He snaps.

Your face heats up as you cover your mouth to hide your gasp. Narcissa gasps, Regulus laughs and yells for you to get it while Bellatrix throws a fit.

“We are not doing anything! We are just talking!” You exclaim.

“Talking, huh?” He says, quirking a brow at you as he slips a hand beneath your skirt.

You let a shaky breath out as he trails his hand up your thigh. He gets to your underwear, sliding two fingers beneath the lacy fabric.

“Tom.” You mumble.

“Talking and yet you're so wet for me. Do you want my cock again?” He asks, sliding a finger in you.

Your eyes flutter close and he grins widely, loving the way you reacted to his touch. You were the violin and he was the violinist. He played you so gracefully and loved the beautiful symphony that came from your mouth. It was his greatest obsession.

[dontbesoweirdkira]

25. “This might sound weird, but I like it when you’re sick. Because then you let me take care of you.”

¡Yandere! Raiden x reader

A/N: y’all be neglecting yandere mk1 Raiden so I had to whip something up (tbh mk11 dark Raiden reigns superior. I love papa) but there’s so much you can do with his “sweet” personality wink wonk

Requests: always open

Masterlist

Raiden was more than desperate for your attention/affection. It has been a few weeks since he’s captured and taken you away for himself, yet you still haven’t come around to him.

You ignored most of his questions and attempts to talk with you. Even shunning away when he’d try to touch you, even if it was a light tap on your shoulder to get your attention.

He knows what he did was wrong. He shouldn't have taken you like that but you were slipping away from him. Your interest in him was depleting and someone else had your attention. He was guilty of letting his sinful desires rule over him.

That guilt wasn’t enough to stop him though. Raiden couldn’t help himself from manipulating you, playing up his innocent side to get what he wanted . He loved being the shoulder you cried on even though he’s the reason your lover was now gone and how soon, you’d be taken by him and locked up for his ownership. It was all so sick yet it filled him with a certain level of joy nothing else could replicate .

He manipulated, stalked and killed his way into your heart. You hated his guts for what he’s done to your life. Just thinking back and putting the pieces together is enough to make you feel nauseous.

You tried your best to not give him anything else he may have wanted from you. You never asked him for items and reluctantly took the necessities he offered. You knew any positive interaction, no matter how small, would just fuel his delusions more…but that all changed after you became sick.

When the virus first hit you, Raiden asked if you were doing okay because of how sickly you appeared but you denied saying that you were okay. You told him how he should just leave you alone and let you handle it yourself.

Deep down you prayed that it was just some common cold with a little fever but each day it became worse. Your entire body ached, your head spun and your throat was sore. You could tell without a thermometer that your fever was through the roof.

Your pride wanted to stop you from calling out your captor’s name but staying in this worsening condition was agony. You couldn’t handle yourself, you couldn’t even stand up to go to the bathroom. You unfortunately needed him.

“..raiden..?” You hesitantly called out

A few moments later he opened your room door, a bit confused to hear his name being called by you. That confusion quickly turned into concern when he saw you curled up on the ground with tears in your eyes.

“Y/n? Did you call me? Are you okay, you seem so unwell.”

Using a bit of your strength to sit up, you reached up your arms out towards him and cried

“Everything hurts, Ray. P-please make it stop.”

Hearing your voice crack and beg for him made Raiden even crazier for you. He knew it, he knew one day you’d come around. It just sucks you’re so sick when it finally happened though.

Without much hesitation, he picked you up and carried you in his arms to the master bedroom, the one you were supposed to be sharing with him.

There, a close eye would be kept on you around the clock and he could wait on you whenever you needed. It was an honor to be needed by you like this. Regardless of how often you asked for something or how tired he was, he did anything you asked without any complaints.

He brought you soups, medicines, food and whatever else you desired. He was so caring and generous to you, even despite how cold you’ve been towards him. It might’ve been the medicine or the feeling of guilt but you started letting up on him. Maybe he wasn’t the worse, besides lifeline at the moment. You found yourself cuddled up to him and craving his affection while you got better. Even pouting when he had to leave for something.

He ran his fingers through your hair and hummed. This moment was so perfect. This was all he ever wanted from you. He could take care of his darling like this forever. Your pouts, whines and clinginess sends him into overdrive every single time.

“This might sound weird, but I like it when you’re sick. Because then you let me take care of you.”

A chuckle escaped your mouth and you sarcastically spoke, not thinking much into your words…

“Yeah, you should savor this. It’s probably the only time I’ll ever be this cuddly towards you again.”

Suddenly, Raiden stopped massaging your scalp and grabbed a fist full of your hair. He you pulled up to his face. His eyes narrowed and he shifted his position yet his signature sweet smile was plastered across his face.

You could feel the light energy in the room switch and become heavy. An uneasiness in your chest raced through your chest as you waited for his next move.

Raiden didn’t appreciate your answer, he’s been so good to you. You’re going to take all this away from him after you get better?! He’s proven his love and devotion to you. He needed this, he needed you.

“Well then, maybe I should keep you sick like this so you’ll always need me. You’re just far too precious like this.”

His voice had a hint of playfulness to it, but it was overshadowed by something far more sinister than that.

“You’d let me take care of you like this forever, right?”

His smile dropped a little bit, his head tilted to the side and his eyes widened, almost like a tiny puppy waiting for its owner to accept its invitation to play with them.

You could tell that he genuinely wanted an answer. Not an honest one, but a sweet one he could replay in his head over and over.

You nodded and agreed.

“Who else would take care of me if you didn’t?”

The biggest smile came across is face as he almost exploded with joy. Cupping your face in the palms of his hands, he pulled you close, smashing a loving kiss on your lips. A soft nip of your bottom lip beckoned you to kiss him back, fearful of where another rejection might lead you complied

You were foolish to let your guard down and to not choose your words more carefully. He’s now gotten a taste of your love and he’s never going back from it.

[atypicalamortentia]

Agreement || Lord Voldemort

Synopsis - Your family and the Dark Lord were very close, so close that an agreement had been made on your behalf when you were just a little girl: you were to be married to Lord Voldemort.

Warnings - NSFW.

Word Count - 3.2k.

[Caffeinate Me]

You’re the daughter of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. You had recently graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with some of the best scores the school had ever seen. You’re a powerful witch and you know it. 

You were aware that your family had dealings with the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort. However, you had yet to be involved. If you were home when the Dark Lord came to visit, your mother told you to go upstairs and stay quiet. You wondered if Voldemort knew your existed, and if so, why you hadn’t been drafted to be a Death Eater like your brother Draco. 

Today started like any other day. You woke up, went downstairs for breakfast and washed up when everyone was finished eating. As you put the dishes away, your mother approached you and whispered in your ear, “the Dark Lord is coming. You know what to do.” You nodded in response. You quickly finished putting away the dishes and turned on your heels. You walked to the large staircase at the entrance of your home and swiftly walked up them and down the long hallway leading to your bedroom. You were to keep yourself silent until you were called for. 

As soon as you reached your bedroom, you closed the door and lay on your bed. For a few moments you stared at the ceiling, listening out for the arrival of the Dark Lord, however all you heard was your brother and father arguing.   

“It’s not time yet father,” you heard Draco murmur. 

“I think it is time Draco,” your father hissed in response. “Do you dare question my actions?” 

There was a moment of silence before Draco responded. “No father.” 

You heard two pairs of footsteps walk down the hall and suddenly you were alone with your thoughts again. You couldn’t help but want to know what it was your father and brother were arguing about. What wasn’t it time for? You weren’t sure but you’d ask Draco about it later. You continued to lay on your bed and stared at the ceiling as you heard the chatter begin downstairs signalling the arrival of the Dark Lord. You closed your eyes and soon fell into a deep slumped. 

A significant time must have passed while you were asleep. You woke up to a dark room, the only light being from the moon outside of your window. You sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from your eyes with a yawn. You stood up from your position on the bed and moved to the door, listening out closely to hear any signs of life from downstairs. 

Silence. 

You had assumed somebody had called for you while you were asleep which is why you had never heard so you made your way out of your room and down the hall. The stairs seemed never ending in the dark as you walked down them, being careful so as not to trip on the way. You made your way to the closed dining room door, still listening out for conversation that wasn’t there. You took that as a sign the Dark Lord and all the other Death Eaters had all left so, slowly, you opened the dining room door and peered around. 

Your eyes widened. 

“There’s my princess,” he said. At the head of the table, where your father would usually be at dinner, Voldemort sat. An extremely pale being, adorned in deep green robes, the Slytherin house colours. You looked at the table top to see a huge serpent, the biggest serpent you’ve ever seen, making itself at home. Around the table were the Dark Lords loyal followers including your mother, father and brother. You were overcome with fear, unable to move as Voldemort beckoned you towards him with a pale finger. “Come, princess,” he spoke quietly. 

You wanted to run, but you knew in your heart it was futile. He would catch you, no matter where you fled. You looked to your father who nodded to you, signalling that you should do as the Dark Lord said. With wide eyes and shaky steps, you made your way over to him. Once you reached his side, Voldemort grasped your hips and dug his long fingernails into the jumper you were wearing before pulling you down to sit on his lap. Your eyes widened even more, if that was even possible, and numerous thoughts spun around in your mind. “My lord-” your father started, but was quickly silenced. 

“Now now Lucius,” Voldemort hissed. “This is all part of our agreement.”

Agreement?

You looked to your father and mother in confusion but the two avoided your gaze, eyes fixed on the Dark Lord. “What’s the matter princess? You’re trembling,” Voldemort whispered in your right ear. His breath was hot against your skin, but despite that you felt the goosebumps rise on your arms. “Did your parents not tell you? They really thought keeping you away from me would stop what was meant to be.” 

“E-Excuse me?” You asked, a slight stutter on your tongue. 

“Dear dear,” Voldemort tutted, shaking his head before looking at your father. Then, Voldemort turned his attention to you, his fingers grasping your chin and forcing you to look at him. “My princess. We are to be married.” 

“Married?!” You yelped in surprise. You attempted to jump off the Dark Lord’s lap, but he kept you planted firmly where he wanted you. “I-I can’t get married.” 

“My dear Y/N,” he whispered. “You have no choice. You will learn to love me.” 

You couldn’t help but shiver at his words. How could you love him? He had sounded so sinister in that moment and it clicked in your head, this is what your father and Draco were arguing about earlier before you had fallen asleep. You looked around the table at the Death Eaters. “But why me?” You asked. 

“My princess,” Voldemort spoke, his tone soft. “You are the most powerful witch I know and if anybody can help me, I know it’s you.” His eyes held a raw determination you had never seen before. “We will have powerful children.” 

“Children?!” You yelped again. 

Your father seemed to stiffen at the mention of you having children and this didn’t go unnoticed by the Dark Lord. Voldemort looked to your father with a smile on his face before looking back at you, “should we start now? You have a free bedroom, do you not?” His tone was mocking as his hands rubbed at your hips. Your father couldn’t help but stand up, slamming his hands on the table in front of him. Voldemort simply chuckled. “Is there a problem, Lucius?”   

Your father pursed his lips and sat back down again. Gritting his teeth he shook his head. You could tell he was desperate to say something but feared what would happen to him if he did. Your mother placed her hand on his arm in an attempt to keep him calm. “Lucius,” she whispered, a warning almost. 

Voldemort turned to you once more once your father had backed down. A sickeningly sweet yet twisted smile lay on his lips. Your heart was pounding in your chest, whether it was from fear or embarrassment you weren’t quite sure. Voldemort brought his hand up to stroke your hair and admired the glint of fear that burned in your eyes. You opened your mouth to speak but were unsure of what to say, so, you closed your mouth. Your head was spinning.

“What’s wrong, my princess?” The Dark Lord whispered in your ear. You opened your mouth to speak again, but no words came out. “My pet, these are all your loyal servants. They will do anything you ask them to do. All you have to do is be by my side.” You turned your attention from the Dark Lord to the Death Eaters sitting around the table, but none of them looked your way. None of them would help you in your current situation, not even your family. You gulped hard as Voldemort's hands moved along your hips, nails digging into the fabric of your shirt ever so slightly, almost as if it was a reminder of who he was and the power he held. You felt trapped, powerless at this moment in time. You felt his lips ghost over your neck, licking at the soft flesh covering your jugular vein. “All of this will be yours and so much more.” He pushed you off his lap and stood up. He towered over you, his presence felt threatening. “Come, my dear.” 

“Where are we going?” You ask, a slight stutter in your voice. 

“Back to my home,” Voldemort grinned. “You will be living with me from now on. All your belongings will be brought back to our home.”

Your eyes widened with surprise and you immediately began to shake your head with defiance. “I-I can’t!” You cry out, looking to your father and mother for help. Neither of them looked your way. “Mother! Father! Tell him!”

Your father finally looked at you. There was sadness in his eyes. “Y/N,” he spoke softly. “You have to go.”

“You cannot be serious,” You snapped, eyes filled with fury. You turned to see Voldemort standing next to you, his hand outstretched. 

“Come my dear,” he whispered, beckoning you. You looked to your family in one last attempt for help, but to no avail. You sighed silently, and slumped your shoulders in defeat. You knew you had no choice. You stormed past Voldemort and out of your now previous home. 

A few days had passed since that day. You were still getting used to this whole arrangement. You missed your family, though. You missed your gentle mother, stubborn father and obnoxious brother to no end. You jumped as the bedroom door opened, revealing The Dark Lord himself. You hadn’t seen him since that day so you were shocked at his presence. “What are you doing?” You shrieked. “I could have been naked or-or anything!” 

“It’s only a matter of time before I see you naked, my princess,” Voldemort grinned. You squirmed at the thought of having sex with him. “I came to announce that your family will be arriving shortly for the ceremony.”

“What ceremony?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“Our wedding of course,” the Dark Lord responded. He held his hand out to you like he did that day, beckoning you to come to him. “You should get ready. Your dress is this way.” 

You stood up off of the bed and made your way over to him cautiously. This was all moving really, really fast. “Wedding? Already?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s only been a few days…”

“There is no need to wait, my princess,” The Dark Lord spoke, ushering you to the spare bedroom. “In here, everything is waiting for you.”

You walked into the bedroom. Your mother was sitting on the bed with her head in her hands. As soon as you entered, she shot up, a smile on her face when she saw your form. “Y/N…” She whispered, automatically pulling you in for a hug. 

“Mother,” you whispered back. You looked back to see Voldemort was nowhere to be seen, you closed the door quickly, looking at your mother. “I don’t want this…” You shook your head to the side. 

“But you have to, my dear,” your mother replied back. “For our family.” 

“But-”

“No buts,” she said. “This has to be done.”

It made no sense to you. None of it was making any sense. You knew of none of this before the other day and now it was your wedding day! Your mother moved to the side, revealing a beautiful deep green wedding dress. “Your dress,” your mother smiled. 

Your eyes widened at the sight of the dress. It was beautiful, not your traditional wedding dress but it was still beautiful. “When was all this decided?” You asked, your fingers trailing the seam of the dress. 

“When you were a young girl,” your mother responded. You looked at her with shock, but didn’t say anything else. “Come now. Let’s get you ready.” You nodded, remaining silent. Your mother did your hair and make-up before helping you with your dress. You felt like a princess, but this isn’t the way you thought your wedding day would go… Or who it would be with. There was a knock on the door as your dress slipped on. “Come in!” Your mother called. 

It was your father. He walked in, his eyes widening when he saw you. “You look… Beautiful…” Your father whispered as he walked into the room. He looked you up and down with a slight smile on his face.   

“Thank you,” you mumbled, not looking at him. 

Your father nodded before speaking again, “he’s ready for you now.” 

Your mother nodded and grabbed your arm, your father grabbing your other arm as they led you out into the room and into the main hall of the house. You looked around at the ceiling adorned with fairy-lights and vines, they contrasted perfectly with the dark walls. At the end of the makeshift wedding venue, Lord Voldemort stood. His face twisted into a grin the second he saw you. It sent a shiver up your spine. Your mother and father walked you down the aisle as the music played. Your heart was racing. You spotted Draco sitting at the front, his eyes full of sorrow. He didn’t want this for you. When you reached the altar, Voldemort took your hands in his immediately, his long fingernails cutting your hand slightly. 

“You look simply delectable my princess,” he whispered to you. 

You remained silent again as the priest began the ceremony. It was over quicker than it began, nobody in the room objecting to your new matrimony. “You may now kiss the bride,” the priest spoke, closing the book he was holding. 

The Dark Lord looked at you, before quickly cupping your face in his hands and pulling you close to him before you could even reject him. His tongue licked your lips desperately, almost as if he was begging for entrance into your mouth. You shook your head ‘no’ but his hand snaked down to your waist, squeezing lightly. You squeaked and opened your mouth involuntarily, Voldemort's tongue invading your senses. There were cheers from the Death Eaters around you, but you felt sick to your stomach. You were now married to the Dark Lord. 

“Come, princess,” Voldemort whispered to you as he pulled away. “Let us seal this marriage.” 

He grabbed your hand and led you up the stairs. Your mother and father watched as you disappeared up the stairs. You gulped, knowing what was about to happen. The Dark Lord shoved you into your room before grabbing your hand once more and leading you to the bed. “Let’s make this a night to remember,” he whispered into your ear before slipping his hands up your dress. You squeezed your eyes shut tight and felt as his fingers danced around the top of your underwear before he quickly pulled them down. You already felt exposed despite nothing being on show to him. With one quick swipe, your dress was down by your ankles finally leaving you exposed to the Dark Lord. 

“I…” You mumbled, unsure of what to say. 

“You look so beautiful,” the Dark Lord said to you as his hands trailed down your soft body. “It’s as if you were made for me.” 

His hands grasped your hips, pulling you down onto him. You let out a little squeak as you fell onto him causing the Dark Lord to let out a soft chuckle. His fingers made their way to your clit, stroking slow circles on the sensitive bundle of nerves. You couldn’t help but let out a soft moan. “Does that feel good?” He whispered into your ear, licking a stripe up your lobe. You let out a slow nod, nerves suddenly filling your stomach. He continued his motions on your clit seemingly desperate to please you. He flipped up his robe, revealing his pale and veiny cock, throbbing for you. Your eyes widened and the cliche thought of ‘will it fit’ ran through your head. “Don’t be so scared princess,” The Dark Lord continued to whisper to you. “It’ll be okay.” 

“You’re… You’re huge,” you mumbled. This seemingly stroked his ego as the Dark Lord simply nodded, a smile on his face. 

“I know my precious thing, I know.”

Voldemort rolled over so he was hovering above you, eyes boring into your own. The smile on his lips never faltered as he slicked his dick up your folds slowly, coating himself with your wetness. Without warning, he slammed inside of you. You let out a scream and waited for him to move, but he didn’t for a few seconds. Instead, the Dark Lord gave you time to adjust to his length, cooing into your ear as he did. It felt like a lifetime before he slowly started to thrust inside you, his lips moving to your neck and sucking at the sensitive skin. You bit your lip, trying not to moan as he slipped in and out of you with ease. It didn’t take long for his movements to speed up, his hips smashing into yours relentlessly. Against your will, a moan finally slipped past your lips, and it was loud. Voldemort used this as fuel to continue his pace, his lips still working at your neck as if it was the tastiest meal he had ever had. You continued to let out a variety of whimpers as you felt your orgasm nearing. “I-I can’t!” You cried out, arms wrapping around his neck to steady yourself. 

“That’s it, my pet. Let everyone know how good I can make you feel,” he whispered into your ear. You squeezed your eyes shut once again as your orgasm finally washed over you, legs shaking violently as your cunt spasmed around the Dark Lords cock. “That’s it,” he cooed. “I can feel you pulsing around me.” You let out another cry of pleasure, nails digging into his robes to ground yourself. When your orgasm finally subsided, your brain was in too much of a haze to fully comprehend what happened next. Voldemort’s hips thrusted against you a few more times before he came inside of with, a sound comparable to a roar leaving his lips. His hips stuttered as thick ropes spurted from the tip of his cock deep inside of you, finally claiming you as his own. 

There was silence for a few seconds as you caught your breath, your mind catching up on the events that had happened over the last few hours. You were married now, and to the Dark Lord of all people. “Such a good girl,” Voldemort muttered as he cupped your face in his hands. “We will have powerful children, my love. Just you wait.” 

Before you could say anything he got off of you and fixed himself, and left the room leaving you all alone. You lay on the bed, naked, staring at the ceiling as you processed his words. Your heart raced at the possibility of getting pregnant. You weren’t ready, but you knew that didn’t matter to him. Now, all you could do was wait.. Only time would tell if you would get pregnant to the Dark Lord.

[darkmarkmarauder]

Disarm Me - T.M.R.

Summary: Paired with Tom Riddle in Defense Against the Dark Arts, you expect a challenge—but not like this. What starts as a simple duel becomes a dangerous battle of wills. Tom is cold, calculating, and utterly unreadable, yet your defiance fascinates him. When you catch him off guard, his mask slips, and you realize one thing—

You have all of his attention now.

And Tom Riddle doesn’t let go of what’s his.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈.

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 ��𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐦. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞.”

𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬. “𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥.”

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝. “𝐖𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒖𝒔 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲—𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. “𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜.”

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝. “𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬.” 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥. 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. “𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐘/𝐍 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝.

“𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝?” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.

𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥—𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐭, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞.

“𝐎𝐡,” 𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭. “𝑫𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒍.

“𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒖𝒔.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐘/𝐍 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬—𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲.

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐬, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, “𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝’𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝.”

𝐓��𝐦’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬? 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬?

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝒓𝒆𝒅.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧.

“𝐁𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲. “𝐈’𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧.”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝑶𝒉, 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐘/𝐍?

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝒉𝒊𝒎.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐭, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬—𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥.

𝑶𝒉, 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. “𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞.”

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝. “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄.”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭, 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥—𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦. 𝐀 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.

“𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞. “𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞.”

𝑭𝒖𝒄𝒌.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡.

“𝐈’𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝.

𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝?”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝. “𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞.”

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. “𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐩.”

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝. “𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.”

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐩—𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐩.

𝐍𝐨, 𝐡𝐞 𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 ��𝐚𝐫.

“𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐞 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩.

𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆.

𝐘/𝐍’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦. “𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭?”

𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝.

𝐀 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭—𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐬.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤, 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬.

“𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐬,” 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, “𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝.”

𝐀 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

𝐀 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. “𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞, 𝐘/𝐋/𝐍, 𝐡𝐨𝐰’𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠?”

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉.

𝐘/𝐍, 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫, 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝.

“𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫.”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝—𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒕.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲. 𝐇𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬. “𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.”

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒅.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝.

𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐘/𝐍 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞—

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

a/n: i feel like beating tom in a duel would feel so satisfying considering hes such a talented wizard. so hot fr

i think iii mightttt write some smut, if I’m not too buried w homework.

happy reading friends ;)

MASTERLIST

[calo-wav]

because i’m still in love with you / i wanna see you dance again

something something post-canon exes who can't love anyone else because they're still in love with each other but one is rooted to the earth in terror and the other one only finds peace in the stars

fic im writing transparent ver (looks really cool against a dark bg!) + sketch ⮕ final process below

[daemon-in-my-head]

Sorry I just watched something so:

Gortash needs to survive. And Durge needs to embrace Bhaal. Because together they can be glorious, they can return to the past. It's still possible if they try. They're convinced they can. After all, everything that has happened was orchestrated by them.

Except now, on top of the brain waiting for their final command, something isn't quite right. They were always meant to be equals, but this way to rule, this way to achieve their goals would render that most cherished delusion they've held onto false. If Durge does what their god demands of them, what their sister has died for, what so many others have been killed for, they will ruin the dream of that person who must've been so important to them once. More important than their own life.

So Durge struggles for but a moment. Incapable of telling right from wrong. Unable to determine their next move. Losing control of the situation they've sacrificed so much for, handing the final decision to someone else in the end. Failing at this one task they should've never failed.

And this split second of indecisiveness would spill their blood and ruin. The last bit of sanity was sacrificed to the father they refused to escape, and their body surrendered to the man with a will of iron.

The very same tyrant who had just doomed himself, using the dagger that had just taken an illithids life to take the life of yet another monstrous creature. Cutting the thread of the life he'd once lost alongside his one chance of salvation. And all of it simply to save whatever small bit remained of the treasure he had lost, the dearest he was about to lose again.

He was damming himself to make the impossible choice they couldn't. Ruining himself so his equals long lost, one true wish wouldn't have been for nought. Embracing his damnation so that the one he treasured, the one who had gained a chance to break free, may yet find a way to return to the arms of the gods they'd long forgotten. So that they may yet rest with the remains of those they had treasured and been treasured by in days long past.

Help.

[mastermindmiko]

Come hell or high water

pairing: Regulus Black + Reader Summary: You dream about the future with Regulus at the astronomy tower Word count: nearly 1k Warnings: None, but if you find something please let me know

“I think I’d like to get away from the city, go live in a cottage somewhere, by the water.” He voices, and I hum at his words, feeling the breeze pick up from around me. It’s an interesting thought, I note, “I never would’ve guessed that you’re not a city person.” 

“I would much rather be where it’s more quiet, and have no deal with no people at all.” Regulus mutters, and I turn around to face him, lying on my side. I’m careful to not kick our robes that were thrown at the bottom of our feet when we first came here.  I tease, “I’m an exception of course.” 

His smile matches mine as he looks away from the stars above us and turns to look at me instead. I rest my head on his chest, feeling the soft thumping of his heart under my ears, always calm, always soothing to me. He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head and says, “Of course…and I’d want a big house.” 

“Why’s that?” I question, and he snakes an arm around my waist to pull me towards him, dragging my body towards him, bunching up the thin blanket under us. He pulls me flush to his chest, the space between us, nonexistent. He hums, “More space for kids to run around.”

I feel my face flush at his words. He’s revealing so much to me right now, and I feel like an intruder to be privy to such inner workings of his mind and the desires of his heart. I search, fiddling with the edges of his tie, that now hung loosely on his neck, and sprawled all over his chest, haphazardly, “And you want kids?” 

“Mhmm, two girls.” he acknowledges, I think about his words, and imagine it myself, trying to get the same image that’s in his head into mine. A cottage, by the sea, two floors, and a garden, all the things he’s described. Far away from the city, only a neighbour or two, so he doesn’t have to deal with much. I imagine afternoon tea sitting in the garden as the two girls run around, plucking flowers from the ground and chasing each other, playing; except for me, I don’t imagine two girls. I compromise, “What about a girl and a boy?” 

“Doesn’t matter to me, as long as they have your eyes, and my hair.” he gushes, and his finger noble their way underneath my sweater. The winds from all the way up here, fly underneath the material, grazing my skin. The goosebumps arrive at the coldness, but they’re soothed by Regulus’ warm fingers dancing over my skin. I tease, “I didn’t take you for such a sap, Regulus.”

“Yeah well, it must be good to allow for some wishful thinking every once in a while.” he confesses. My smile tugs down, and I lift my head from his chest to look at him. I ask, “What do you mean?” 

“I- well, it’s just that I’m certain that it's all wishful thinking.” He admits, and a frown settles on my face. I twist my body as much as one could when laying on a blanket at the top of the astronomy tower. I lift my hand to cradle his cheek, and have our eyes meet. I coax, “You don’t think that any of this is going to happen?”

“If my parents, and the dark lord get their way, then it’s nothing more than a fantasy,” he responds. It’s obvious in his eyes the sorrow that accompanies those words. The ache that tucks into his heart, not just for himself but for me, the look in his eyes is nothing short of mournful. I counter, “Ohh, no. Come on, Regulus. Don’t give me that melancholic look, I know we can get that dream, if we try.” 

“I see your hufflepuff demeanour never takes a break.” He laughs, and my face twists into a grin, though not reaching my eyes. I trail a hand up to his hair and start to twirl the curls along my fingers. I chide, “Though it might sound childish, it’s the truth.” 

“You truly believe that?” he inquired, and I nodded my head firmly. I rant, “There are a million sort of excuses you can say to your parents and have them relay to the dark lord. You might be too sick to fight! You’re a brilliant actor, and I’m sure with a potion or two we can have you fake a sickness. I doubt your blood-line-maintenance obsessed parents would want to put the only heir in danger. 

They’ll fear for your health and ask you to spawn an heir immediately, and get married. That’s where I come in, and luckily for you, you fell for a pureblood. Your family might not like the notion of me being in Hufflepuff, but that’s just a small obstacle. We’ll say that the sea is good for your health and we’ll have our dream made true!” 

“It seems as though you've got it all figured out.” he settles, the grin on his face turning more true. I feel my face flush, reeling at the amount of words I’ve uttered, gasping for air, trying to catch my breath. My hands fall from his hair and down to his cheeks, cupping his face, and pressing our lips together. He chases after my lips when we part, and I say, “Your parents and the dark lord be damned. I’m going to spend my life with you, Regulus.” 

“Come hell or high water.” I add, and give him a reassuring smile. Whether it was in a cottage, or as the dark lord’s right hand man, on the run or in a swamp, I’d never want to be without him. He looks at me as though he were lovelorn, and repeats after me, “Come hell or high water.” 

And then he kisses me again.

a/n: Hey! If you think this didn't completely suck, feel free to check out my masterlist!

[ask-the-little-lights]

[tippilo]

Oneshot in the works!

Writing a different pairing between Ginny and Tom (there aren’t many of these out there! What a missed opportunity!)

And in case anyone is concerned: no, Tom is not preying on an 11-year-old. She will be 18 and I’m aging Tom up so he made the diary in his 7th year. Yep. Both adults

This is inspired off this provocative work by @atalienart who gave me permission to share the piece with the fic (thank you!) I added their caption to the image that they initially posted with their art in 2015. I feel like the caption makes it that much more powerful 😍 Go to their page and give them love!! I am no artist and take no credit for the image 🤍

Special shoutout to vespertineflowerx (IG) who took on the role of alpha/beta for this! 🤍 And she made me a mood board on pinterest 🥹 she’s the best 🥰

Let’s see if this remains a oneshot! 😅

[shivering-isles-cryptid]

Durgetash AU Oneshot

I need you all to know that this is a very short, very rough, outline of an AU backstory where Durge survives the attack by Orin

Gortash entered his office, a deep scowl on his face. He ripped his coat off, throwing it onto his desk before bringing a hand to his hair. “Hello, my Beloathed.” Gortash’s head snapped to the window, now open and with a Drow staring at him with a wide smile, twirling a dagger in his hands. “Belil, how may I help you?” Gortash asked, dropping his hand. The Bhaalspawns smile instantly dropped and he jumped off the window, approaching Gortash. “What’s wrong? Who do you need me to kill? I’m your blade, all you need to do is point.” Belil said, grabbing Gortash’s hand, his other resting on the Lord’s face. “That damned Faceless wench came to me today.” Gortash said, Belil retracting his hands. “She wore your face, told me you hated me, used me for amusement. Said it would be doing you a favor by killing me.” Gortash growled the words, sighing as Belil’s hand rested on his face again. “I’ll speak with her.” He said, Gortash’s eyes opening. “‘Speak’ with her? Belil, Dearest, Orin is unstable. Even for a Bhaalist. And she’s getting worse! She threatened me directly while wearing your face.” Gortash said, Belil stepping away from the man. “Belil, I know she is your sister, I know that you care for her. But she can not be allowed to get away with this!” Gortash followed Belil to the other side of the room. “Gortash, I know that Orin is… Orin, but she’s still my bloodkin. I get that you don’t see family the way I do, but I won’t kill her.” Belil said, standing in front of Gortash’s dresser. “For Bane’s sake, Belil! She doesn’t love you! She does not see you as her brother, she sees you as an obstacle.” Gortash said, Belil shook his head, stabbing a dagger into the dresser. “I don’t care! Gortash, you know my past. I’ve never been without family. I’m not throwing away the only one I have left!” Belil turned around, his red eyes burning brightly. “Dearest… I understand, but…” Gortash reached out to Belil, who pulled away, scowling at the man. “No, you don’t! You have no idea what it feels like!” He shouted, Gortash, pulling away and frowning at him. “Don't understand what? Having a family?” Gortash asked and Belil’s eyes widened. “Wait, no, Gortash… I didn’t…” Gortash scowled at the Drow. “No, you’re correct, Belil. I don’t know anything about families. But do you? You slaughtered your last family, why is this one so different?” Belil stepped back as if he were struck before growling and dashing forward. Gortash stumbled back as Belil grabbed his shirt. “Tough talk for a devil's pet.” He spat, His red eyes burning with an anger that Gortash has never seen aimed at him. “I won’t take criticism from a bloodthirsty beast.” Gortash spat back, Belil snarling again before throwing him at the wall and walking towards the window. “If I ever see you again before the next meeting, Bane will have to find a new Tyrant.” He said, before launching out of the window and disappearing into the night.

Belil stabbed into the flesh like wall of the Mind Flayer colony, slashing and carving the organic material, smirking as he heard the uncomfortable sounds of the Elder Brain. His head tilted to the side when he heard squishing sounds as someone approached him. Taking a deep breath, Belil tried to ignore the pit forming in his stomach as he turned to Gortash. “Hello, Enver.” He said, nervously pressing the tip of his dagger into his hand. “Belil, you asked to meet me?” Gortash said, stopping a few feet away. “I… I want to apologize. I said a lot of things that I shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry. There is no excuse. And… you were right about Orin, I wanted you to be wrong, by Bhaal I did, but you were right. I should’ve killed her the day she entered the temple.” Belil scowled, looking down at the ground, before his expression softened and he looked back up. Gortash stared at him with a blank expression before smirking, which then grew into a large grin that wasn’t his own. “Oh, Bloodkin, such sweet words for the Tyrants ears! Did you practice your speech? Reciting words as you carve out tongues?” Gortash asked, his head tilting to the side before his bones started to bend and break in every direction, before, finally, he snapped his own neck and revealed Orin the Red. “Orin? Where’s Gortash? What have you done?” Belil immediately took an offensive position, daggers at the ready as he glared at his sister. “Oh, nothing! The little Lordling remains untouched and unharmed in Baldur’s Gate, utterly unaware of your blashphemous meeting.” Orin giggled, stepping closer to Belil, who snarled at her. “Your little letter never reached the Tyrant's eyes. My Doppelgangers intercepted it before it even left the sewers.” Orin giggled again, before dashing forward, slashing at his throat. Belil moved to the side, the blade connecting with his arm instead. He made his own attack, but Orin was quick, quicker than him. It seems he barely blinked and he was on the ground, multiple wounds covering his arms and chest, Orins dagger held over his skull. “Gortash… was right… I should have killed you… years ago.” He spat out, Orins grin growing wider as she raised the dagger over her head. “Lord Bhaal, accept this offering and name me your Chos…” And then, his vision went dark.

Belil’s eyes snapped open, sitting up from where he was laying before wincing and falling back down. “Belil? Belil, you’re awake! Imp! He’s awake!” Belil blinked his eyes, looking over to see Gortash rushing to his side, grabbing his hand. “Gortash? What’s going on?” Belil tried to sit up again, but Gortash pushed him back down. “That bitch attacked you. She cornered you in the colony and tried to lobotomize you. What were you even doing down there, Dearest?” Gortash brushed hair off of Belil’s face, frowning down at him. “I… was waiting for you. I wanted to… apologize. I had… an entire speech planned too.” Belil laughed before wincing slightly. “Of course you did.” Gortash sighed, kissing Belil's fingers. “Oh, Milord! Happy day, happy day!” Belil looked over at Sceleritas Fel, smiling softly before laying back down on the bed. ‘Fel, where’s Orin?” He asked, closing his eyes and feeling as Gortash’s hand tensed. “That pretender is being kept in a cage where she belongs. Waiting for your preferred punishment.” Fel said, Belil humming. “Cut out her tongue while we wait for me to recover.” He said, Fel cheering before going silent, Belil assuming that he had teleported away. “What will you do?” Gortash asked, Belil sighing dreamily. “She wore your skin, so I’ll flay her own.” He said, peeking one eye open to see Gortash grinning down at him. “Good. I assume there is more, but we can go over the bloody details later.” Gortash said, going to stand, but Belil refused to let go of him and instead dragged him down to the bed. “No, you’re not leaving.” He said, pulling Gortash against his chest. “So demanding.” Gortash said, but his face and tone gave away his true feelings. Belil buried his face into Gortash’s chest, sighing heavily and holding him tighter while Gortash ran his fingers through his hair.

[the-banana-0verlord]

Hello! My name is Lilian the Banana(Lilian not my real name though) and you’ve tumbled across my blog! I am writer who specialises in X Readers, especially for the anime game Twisted Wonderland. I can write for other fandoms if requested, although my requests are closed as for now. The fandoms I write for other than Twst are:

🌻 Demon Slayer/Kimetsu No Yaiba 🌻 Obey Me! 🌻 Link Click 🌻 Nevermore(on webtoon) 🌻The dark Lord's confession(also on webtoon) 🌻Revolutionary girl utena Now this is what i will write about mainly: 🌻 Angst, fluff 🌻 Yandere 🌻 Male and female characters, although mainly male characters 🌻 crack fics And now what I won’t write under any circumstances:  🌻 NSFW, smut(please keep in mind I am a minor) 🌻 Some specific characters in the fandoms listed(ex: Zenitsu or Rollo Flamm) 🌻  Characters under 14(unless it’s platonic) 🌻 Male readers (as I am a female, i always write with f!reader in mind, even though I mostly write gender-neutral reader to include everyone, but writing a specifically male reader is not possible for me) Here is my masterlist, containing everything I’ve wrote. I’m also running a long term Dracula x F!Reader fanfiction on Quotev moots list Lilian and Mallilian Aus masterlist Oc Masterlist Drawing box Where to find me on various platforms

Current event(s):  

Fall Season event // Winter season event // Spring season event // Summer season event

side blogs:

@the-banana-0verlord-reblogs -- reblogs blog @the-lord-of-malevolence --malleus roleplay blog @the-king-of-thorns -- overblot malleus roleplay blog @bestutenacharactertournament --tournament blog for the best revolutionary girl utena character @lilian-draconia -- for self-shipping

Tags: 

#bananawrites --For fics  #bananadoodles --For my art #heoverlordmonologues --For anything random #mallilian --Self-ship tag with Malleus #bananareblogs --Self-explanatory  #banana’s moots --My mutuals <3 (might do seperate tags for each of them) #bananaanswersasks --also self-explanatory 

About me:

🌻 My pronouns are she/her/they/them and I’m aroace 🌻 I am a scorpio 🌻 I am a French Canadian from Quebec 🌻 My hobbies other than writing are drawing and making puzzles 🌻 My favorite character in Twst is Malleus, with Deuce and Jamil following closely 🌻I’m fifteen 🌻My favorite aesthetics are light and dark academia + cottagecore

My requests are currently closed but if you simply want to talk my askbox is open, anon or not!

[revanknightwoman]

Kyp Durron: So, Exar Kun, Naga Sadow was master of your master. Does this make him like your force grandpa? Exar Kun: I suppose you could call him that... although I don't know how he would react to being called a "force grandpa"... Kyp Durron: I can tell he is one of the most powerful force gradpas in universe, i have met.

My third short story with main character as Exar Kun https://archiveofourown.org/users/RevanKnightWoman/works This, Jedi, is the reason for our little expedition... the ancient tomb of Naga Sadow... When have you discovered it? It was actually only discovered quite recently in maps... by me, to be exact. Have you been inside? How dangerous that tomb can be? Don't worry, I am more the capable of handling whatever is inside this tomb... The question is... are you capable of handling it?

That's why you didn't want to tell me where are we going... He gestures to the surrounding jungle outside the stone structure, reminding her of the creatures lurking within the trees There is more in this jungle than just the old darkness of the Sith... I recommend you to come with me, it will be learning experience for you. Well played... Alright let's get it over with. After you, Jedi... In interior, Exar reads curved in stone words on walls. They are walking through tomb's corridors. Quite interesting, isn't it? The Sith language... Perhaps, if you were to give in to the dark side, you could understand it as well...

I didn't hear anything about Sith lord Naga Sadow, except he fought against the republic in hyperspace war.

Yes, the Hyperspace War... a conflict that saw the Jedi Order of the time almost completely wiped out by Naga Sadow and his forces. Why does suddently get a little bit colder than should be?

Yes... it does seem a bit... darker here, don't you think?

He extends his hands, using the Force to fire several bursts of Force lightning across the ancient chamber, illuminating the area with the glowing energy, lighting up torches along the walls and bathing the room in an eerie light Wow, that was quite useful. Big one at the end of the stairs... The final resting place of Naga Sadow... There's more...

Kyp Durron looks at the intricate lock on the sarcophagus, and uses a blaster, breaking the lock and opening the lid of the ancient stone casket. Who disturbed my rest!? Is it another fullish Jedi?

Exar smirks, amused by the angered force ghost, and speaks with a calm and controlled tone. No, I am no Jedi. I'm merely a Sith Lord, here to admire your final resting place. No you are after what remains of my power, your companions intentions are not as clear. He has already been touched by darkness but lacks determination, an apprentice perhaps?

That's right. I am after your power, and you are correct with your observations of my companion. He is a bit... confused... He has some knowledge and skill, but lacks direction and purpose. Furthermore, he has already been touched by the dark side indeed, but lacks the necessary will to fully embrace it... The ghost's presence is cold and intimidating to Kyp Durron, sending cold shivers down his spine. Your powers are incredible, even in death, dark lord... Exar Kun you have been marked by Dark Lords of the of old... You can take the holocron from my sarcofagus. ItT will show you hyperspace routes leading to acient weapon of my people named starcrusher. IT will help you on your path to bring sith back to the former glory.

As you say lord Sadow... As you say...

The last thing for you beware of your apprentice or your trust for him will be your undoing like it was in my example during hyperspace war. I forsee his great dark path... That's all I had to say. Exar notes the warning from the ancient Sith spirit, and glances at his apprentice, seeing the mixture of fascination and fear on his face, clearly disturbed by the ghost, and enjoying his discomfort as the spirit of the ancient dark lord speaks of his "dark path" and his threat to him. Dark spirit fades away...

[dontbesoweirdkira]

“Did you sleep well? Don’t lie to me, I watched you.”

¡Yandere!Dark Raiden mk11

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy. I’m sorry I haven’t ever written Raiden and so if it’s a little off…no it isn’t. Lollll I’m going to replay mk11 so I can get more into his character. But there’s a serious lack of mk11 Raiden fics??? Like what is going awn??? Y’all don’t like granddaddy??

Warnings: Yandere/Toxic themes, mentions of kidnapping, violence, threats, sleep watching…

Requests: open 24/7

Masterlist

Raiden isn't someone who finds himself resting much of his own. There’s too many things that he has to attend to and so much of his time would be wasted if he slept most nights.

Besides who would watch over earthrealm and you if he was fast asleep…

Actually he just prefers to watch over you at night. Someone else can handle the latter but..you are far too precious for him to not protect.

Usually he’ll wait a few hours or so after you’ve finally dozed off. Giving you plenty of time to drift into a deep slumber so you cannot be disturbed by him, creeping into your bedroom.

It’s fairly enjoyable for Raiden to watch you rest. You are a very delightful sleeper. You don’t often move around or snore much. When you do make noise it is usually a sweet mummer or giggle.

It’s a huge contrast to during the day when you would be by his side. You were a very timid person and rather fidgety. Raiden understands just how intimidating he can be, but he had hoped you’d come around to it. That you’d understand his demeanor wasn’t personal against you.

He craves your affection and he’s seen how you truly are with others. He doesn’t mind your real personality, any more than the next man would. So if you’re worried he may think lowly of you for being energetic, he won’t. On top of that, he just doesn’t know how to be more inviting.

He absolutely despised how comfortable you were with other people compared to him. You’re not even this shy with his brother, Fujin.

Eventually Raiden had enough of it and decided to forcefully make you comfortable with him. No longer are you allowed out of his home or to socialize outside of him.

(Yeah that made you waaayy more comfortable 🙄)

He now has you all to himself and no one else has the right to your smile anymore.

Unfortunately though the only times you smile at now is when you are fast asleep, dreaming up your own perfect world.

Raiden didn’t mind this too much, it was enough for him just to watch over you. A little while longer and he’s sure you’ll get used to him.

The only thing that could make this any better is if he had the ability to see into your dreams.

What exactly were you dreaming of? Him? Tonight you seemed to smile more than usual, so delusionally he figured it had to be about him. Or maybe you’re thinking of the children you’ll have with the thunder lord.

He almost chuckled to himself as he proudly pondered the idea of the two of you teaching your children how to safely wield their powers. How cute it would be when they'd play tricks on you, of course he’d scold them but it would be kind of cute…

Before he could go any further into thought, your beautiful voice broke the silence—

“Heh…I wish we could have fun like this all the time..”

Could you read his mind? Were you dreaming about what he was thinking of?

The lord, becoming increasingly more intrigued by your dream, leaned in closer. Hoping for you to speak once more..hoping that it was true.

It would be just the confirmation he needed. You dreamt about a life with him, which means all of this was the right choice. You’re finally coming around sooner than he’d previously thought.

“Mmm..Johnny~”

What did you just say..?

Is that why you’re so happy tonight? It’s because of that imbecile??

Hearing you flirtatiously coo the other man’s name ‘Johnny’ was like poison to Raiden’s ears. Something sinister entered his body and before he knew it a fierce thunderstorm of emotions began to brew deep in his veins. Electric red currents started circulating his body as he stood up and towered over you. He tightened his balled fists until his knuckles grew pale white. With a tense jaw and a scowl that omitted a pure crimson color, he remained still. Not wanting to act out just yet in the height of his anger.

As much as Raiden was furious, he was also a devastated lover. You’ve betrayed him. He’s given you so much of himself only for another to occupy your mind…do you know just how much he’s put aside for you?? He’d risk all of earthrealm if it meant an eternity with you.

How DARE you…you will be punished for this. There was no way that Raiden would ever let these trifling feelings go without such.

And for that Johnny…..”Cage volume iii” isn’t going to be coming out anytime soon…

It was as if you could suddenly sense the shift of energy in the room. The warm, cheeky smile ran cold and a bolt of terror struck your core.

Tossing and turning, trying to get away from the darkness that started to overwhelm the dream, you cried out.

“….j-johnny…please help me. He’s going to find me and take me away. Please- that monster is going to get me—”

Jolting up in a cold sweat, your heart sank deeper into your chest after you noticed the narrow, crimson eyes above you.

Frantically you began to speak..

“R-Raiden?! What are—-“

“Did you sleep well? Don’t you even think about lying to me, I watched you.”

Raiden’s voice is as low as it was venomously commanding.

A beat, which felt like years, passed as you mustered up an answer to him. You were currently still too tired and distraught to even know what exactly pissed off Raiden.

“…I-I’m sorry Lord Raiden but I don’t really know what’s going on—“

“BE SILENT, Y/N!.” Raiden’s voice boomed throughout the entire tower, followed by a rumbling of thunder from outside.

From what was just a minute ago, a nice cool night turned into a heavy thunderstorm with heavy winds.

“You think of me as some kind of monster?!…” Raiden scoffed, his once balled fist turned into a sharp point of the finger.

“I understand that your feeble, human mind cannot even comprehend all of the things that I’ve been protecting you from…all of the devotion I’ve dedicated to you. But for you to blatantly disrespect your master is something I never expected from you.”

“ You’ve committed such disgusting sins….you need to be cleansed.”

“Wha- Raiden? I-I don’t understand. What did I do?.” Your eyes began to swell with tears and your voice became an unsteady mess

Raiden sneered down at you.

“Hmhp. Your pleas will not save you, my love. When I’m done with you, Johnny’s name will be scrapped from your memory and you will learn how to become properly devoted to me….and only ME.”

[vulpine-spectacle]

You should write a smutty Nosferatu fanfic

I already have.

It's called Echoes in our Blood.

[dynamic-k]

The Lord of corndogs

[Brand new oneshot go brrrrr~!]

(3,188 words)

"The Dark Lord finds Second by himself in Stick City.

Things happen."

[howling-medic]

This is simply incredible. I had never considered Aragorn as jealous or possessive, but this makes so much sense and feels so in character. Not a controlling possessiveness or jealousy, but a protective and slightly insecure one. Holding you and wanting you to himself to keep you safe and fearing the intents and actions of others, wanting to hold you as his anchor and be your protector.

This is dark but sweet, and I love seeing someone write him like this ❤️

Hey! I love your work and I was wondering is you could do a Dark Aragorn x reader using this prompt: "I'm not jealous, you're just mine." If not, that's totally okay, but thanks so much anyway.

Hi, and thanks so much! Sorry it's taken so long for your request, and hopefully you enjoy it. As for darkness it definitely has underlying themes, and I was writing it with 'dark' in mind - but it's also not super dark/I wouldn't say it's leaning into yandere vibes, so hopefully it's still enjoyable <3

Also, massive thanks to @hastyhobbit for beta-ing this fic for me and all her suggestions

❝𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞❞ « one-shot »

Pairing : Aragorn X Reader

Wordcount : 2.1k

TWs : Dark-ish undertones, but certainly not yandere | Reader is described with only gender-neutral terms/no outfit or looks description

Summary : As king, Aragorn can't spend as much time with you as he desires. As his betrothed, you're often more desired by his court than he would like. But the spring ball is a time to dance with you (at least that's what he had wanted to happen).

It’s understandable that Aragorn has been stressed the past few months, the pressure not only of the ring-war but of becoming king. He has people to help him, of course, but you can see when it weighs on him. How he’ll come to your chambers after a meeting and sigh, stare off into the distance when he thinks no-one else is watching. But you’re always there for him, and you always will be. Coming over to him with a gentle touch, or just the reminder that he has support. From looking at his schedule you know he’s had hours of back-to-back meetings, so when he comes into your chambers it isn’t surprising that he looks tense.

“Aragorn?” The question is light, simply to find out if he needs you or not. And, as it often does, his gaze slightly softens when he sees you - crossing the gap and holding you in his arms, head gently resting on yours.

“My love.” His voice is soft, vulnerable in a way he only is around you, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” The smile the words bring to his face make you light up as well, and he hugs you slightly tighter before releasing you and sitting on a chair to begin to get out of his formal outfit.

“How was your day?” Aragorn always enjoys hearing about it, no matter how mundane it is. He’ll always listen, questioning at the right points or laughing just when you want him too. It helps him relax, after a long day, and it helps him know that you’re safe. After all, he wants to know what you’ve been doing from you as well, not just idle gossip. As you tell him about your day he’s as engaged as he always is, never seeming to drop.

There’s only one point when the smile on his face falls, and he’s thankfully facing away from you. It’s when you mention how you’ve been spending more time with Lord Beregin. Aragorn knows that you can spend your time however you want, and that includes spending time with whomever you choose, but the fact that it’s that man puts him in an unpleasant mood. He wouldn’t trust Beregin to file paperwork for him, let alone have him around his betrothed. But he doesn’t mention it, just glad that you change the subject quickly.

You can tell something upsets Aragorn, the way he becomes slightly more enclosed and brooding, but when you ask he reassures you it’s just the endless meetings, and the lords that seem to forever need his opinions. That you have nothing to be concerned about, and he’ll always tell you if it’s anything major. There’s something off, but by the time you wonder if you should ask the two of you are already in bed, his arms around you. It’s safe, and you go to sleep contented.

When you wake up, you remember why you were excited for this day. A spring ball, the second of its kind and a new tradition for Gondor, is to be put on, although that’s not what you’re truly excited about. It’s the people who will be there; representatives of Rohan, lords of Gondor, and even some of the Fellowship. Aragorn can see your excitement, and it ends up rubbing off on him. Although he’s mostly looking forward to dancing with you. As his day of work finally comes to an end, the sight of you in your formal wear is more than enough to get him to smile.

You’re wearing a mixture of his and Gondor’s colours, just as he is, and when he offers you his hand to lead you to the ballroom he can feel the wedding band on your finger. It’s small, but you can feel the comfort it brings him, and the steady weight of his own. You can hear the pride in his voice as he welcomes everyone to the ball, when he welcomes them on behalf of the both of you. And the fact it’s the two of you together is what he’s most happy about.

Like always, he’s whisked away and confronted by diplomats of all kinds. You try to stay by him, but as yet another approaches he gives you a chaste kiss. “Go, talk to others.”

With his permission you soon slip away, and to your pleasant surprise you’re quick to run into friends. After the third time watching Éowyn and Faramir dance together, they notice how sadly you’re looking on. Éowyn gives a knowing glance to her husband before tactfully disappearing, and so Faramir offers his hand to you, you've been friends for almost as long as you’ve been in Gondor, you feel comfortable taking it. Besides, the song playing is a light one - designed for you to swap partners every one and a half rotations. The two of you have just enough time together for you to be reminded of the dance, and start to smile, when the song demands you switch.

You’re so caught up in trying to remember the dance, to focus on the footsteps and making sure you haven’t missed anything, that you don’t fully recognise your next two partners. Just the blur of footwork, the laugh as they dip you slightly before the music requires you to swap again. While switching you hear a sharper note at the start of the beat, an indicator that the song is changing. But when you end up in the new partner's arms you recognise them instantly - the slight callouses, the way he holds you closer to him. You’re dancing with Aragorn.

The first one and a half rotations go by quickly, but you’re glad that you won’t be swapping. There’s a brief period of downtime as the musicians arrange themselves, a melody still being carried, but preparing for the next musical number.

“I thought you weren’t going to dance?” You probe, although you’re in no way opposed to him joining you.

“I thought you wouldn’t be either.” Something in his tone is slightly off, but not enough for anything to be truly wrong. Then he takes a breath and his smile returns, “Well, may I have this next dance with you?”

“My king.” You bow slightly, rewarded by his light laugh, before the music starts to play and he takes your arm. 

The first few steps are slow, and when he finally pulls away from you you can feel his touch linger on your arm for a second more. And then, he bows in front of you, waiting for a second and watching you do the same, quickly pulling you into a ballroom hold. His hand rests gently on your waist as he holds you, both of you moving in circles, him dipping you ever-so-gently, before moving a few steps with you. Repeating the process, twirling you again - but never letting go of your hand, keeping the two of you close.

He speeds up when the music does, before the moment of silent trust when he takes you gently by the waist and raises you above him. You smile at the security in his arms as he lifts you, the music floating around you before Aragorn brings you back to him. Always back to him. The song comes to a gentle stop, and he unwraps his arms from you before you ask if he’ll join you for another dance. There’s a little conflict in his eyes, gaze flickering to the lords, before it shifts back to you, “Of course we can dance together again, my love.”

The next dance is just as beautiful as the first, another waltz-like dance with just the two of you again. As he leads you across the room a smile comes on both of your faces, as the music dies down again the smile he holds is genuine. Straightening, you can tell by his gaze that he needs to talk to diplomats again. And you can tell by the way he’s still holding onto you that he doesn’t want to leave you either. Another beat passes before his hand slips out of yours, a regretful look as he bows, “Join me soon?”

“I shall.” You promise, grateful to remain on the dancefloor. In the time you’ve spent together almost everyone has acquired a partner, and you’re just wondering who you can choose - trying to remember who wouldn’t cause a breach of etiquette - when Lord Beregin bows before you.

He holds out his hand to you, standing up before asking, “May I have this dance?”

You know he’s part of the king’s council, at least the main one, and so you know it’s safe to dance with him. Taking his hand, you allow yourself to smile. “Of course.”

The dance passes quickly, although not quite as smoothly. Lord Beregrin is a good dancer - and nothing in the music has changed - but it isn’t quite the same. The natural feeling, the complete assurance you have with Aragorn, can’t quite be replicated. And as nice as the dance is, you’re thankful that the next is another one where partner swapping is required. Dancing with others is still enjoyable, but as the music softens again you step away, searching for Aragorn again. It isn’t exactly hard to find him, and it’s rather easy to see the way a smile forms when he sees you approaching. Coming to him you listen to the conversation previously, giving your input when necessary, and Aragorn continues to stay by your side. 

Between the diplomats and the speechless, there isn’t time to speak to your husband - or at least not as privately as you’d like - but the almost lack of address is slightly worrying. It’s something you try not to worry about, but something that gets slightly worse as more and more people leave. The evening is a success, and part of that is making sure guests leave with a perfect impression, but surely between leaving with people there could be a moment for the two of you. And there isn’t, quite.

Aragorn still stays by your side as he always does, but to your annoyance there’s always someone else. Eventually the bells strike, a signal of finality for everyone to leave, and the feeling there’s something off doesn’t quite go away as you walk up to your shared chambers. Some words are exchanged, but they’re hollow. As if you’re a diplomat as well, clear that something is on his mind. Entering the chambers you begin to take off your formal clothes, giving a slight groan as you try and find the buttons yet again.

“Let me help you.” Aragorn’s voice is quiet, but the affection you’d been missing is there, and it’s reassuring to feel his presence. His fingers begin to take off the outer garments, buttons finally being free as the two of you can escape and let yourselves drop court formalities.

For the first minute you simply relax, savouring his company and enjoying the lack of tension in the air. As the first layer finally sheds, you ask the question. “You seemed… more distant, at the end of the ball. Is there something the matter?”

You know there is, but it’s still polite to ask. You can feel himself tense for a second, before his body relaxes again. “I am fine. You don’t need to worry yourself.”

“You don’t need to lie to me.” There’s no malice in your voice as you turn around, facing Aragorn. You can see him taking you in again, the slight conflict in his eyes as he doesn’t immediately speak.

“You dancing with…” He pauses for a second, “Lord Beregrin. If I could, I wouldn’t have that man on my council. Let alone dancing with you.”

“It’s-” The idea of the king of Gondor being concerned about one of his council members is so foreign to you that you pause for a second. “Nothing happened, I have no interest in him. Or anyone I danced with except you.”

“I have complete faith in you.” Both of you have taken steps to close the distance, and Aragorn takes your hand in his. “It is in others that I do not.”

Reasonably, he’s just caring about you. But something in you still doesn’t melt into his embrace immediately. “I wouldn’t let anything happen.”

“Meleth nîn…” Aragorn takes a second to breathe, “I know you would never. But men do not need such things to happen to get ideas.”

“Are you…” A thought hits you, and you lean in. Almost teasingly. “Are you jealous?”

“I would have been if you were talking like this.” His voice gets lower as well, close enough that he’s almost talking into the nape of your neck. “I’m not jealous. You’re just mine.”

A/N : Hope everyone enjoyed, and that I managed to get a decent mix of good characterisation while being dark enough. Or that I even managed to make it dark. Thanks so much for reading <3

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