#from me without offering accommodations for me to reach those goal | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ponymov · 1 month ago

Text

i got something in the basemnet that could kill a small victiorian child 😂😅🤣

lol. win. thgis is what the internet ias alll about. i love reddit. i love tumblkr. i love you. i love you. i love you. kiss me. make out with me. fuck me. choke me. beat trhe shit out of me. kill me with a hammer. i want you i need you. please. i needc thois. please. please please. i have u82 he 34 annamhe 342 urieyen 3 e 3343

Full job description

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it's about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

To work in retail is to be the face of NIKE, Inc. With a relentless focus on product knowledge and customer service, Nike Retail teams give valuable experiences to consumers every day. From Shanghai to San Francisco, every store has a unique perspective and hosts an inspiring community of sport and style devotees. A career in Nike Retail demands creativity and ambition and offers the opportunity to grow with some of the best athletes, teammates and retail partners in the industry.

The starting hourly rate for this position is $16.50/hour.

Information about benefits can be found here .

Location & Store Type: Nike Factory Store, hole

Address: my fat fucking hole

Starting Pay Rate: $16.50/hour

Hours: Seasonal - up to 40 hours per week, including nights and weekends

We believe that if you have a body, you are an athlete, which is why when you join our team as a Retail Associate, you are referred to as an Athlete. Are you ready to embrace it? Let's do it.

Lace Up as a Nike Retail Associate

As a Nike Retail Associate, you're the face of NIKE. Enjoy high-volume and a fast pace as your diverse experience and perspective helps guide customers in making the best decisions for them. You'll work with your team to focus on customer service and get to the win the right way.

When we say team, we mean it. We go after goals together. We support your bold ideas - and encourage you to try them out. You impact our customers' experiences daily. It's more than getting the product from door to floor; it's being part of the first-time customers find their dream pair. Those iconic moments - that's our culture. Bring your just-do-it attitude, and let's be game-changers together.

Be Rewarded for a Job Well Done

Discounts for you and your family from Nike, Converse and Jordan up to 50% off

All full-time and part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for 401(k) Plan, CERA, Employee Assistance Program, Mental and Emotional Health, Financial Coaching and Education, Child Development Support and Caregiving Benefits starting on the day you're hired

Full-time and part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Savings Accounts after 12 months of continuous employment

The opportunity to buy Nike stock at a discount through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Access to support through Optum Employee Assistance Program at no cost for you and your family

Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for full-time Retail Associates

Information about benefits can be found here .

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Must be at least 18 (U.S)

Flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays based on store needs

Use customer service authentically to ensure customers feel seen and understood in our stores

Ability to learn and train on the latest products and technologies

Physical requirements include the ability to bend, squat, reach, climb a ladder and stand for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodations.

What You're Responsible For

Being enthusiastic, excited, and knowledgeable about NIKE products and services to best support customer needs

Bringing your positive attitude and passion to your teammates and customers every day

Making customers feel welcome, that you care about their fitness wants and needs, and exceed their expectations at every step of their journey

Playing by the rules and being professional, demonstrating integrity, reliability, and kindness

Operating a cash register, shipping, and receiving duties, stocking products, cleaning and building visual displays with or without accommodations

Showing up for your teammates by attending store events

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

For more information, please refer to Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

Benefits

Whether it's transportation or financial health, we continually invest in our employees to help them achieve greatness - inside and outside of work. All who work here should be able to realize their full potential.

#tomato gaming #artists on tumblr

0 notes

aspirantsreadingroom · 3 months ago

Text

Best Reading Rooms in near me in Ecil - Aspirantss

If you’re in Ecil and searching for a study space, finding the right reading room in Ecil can make all the difference in achieving your academic goals. For students and professionals alike, having a dedicated and distraction-free environment is crucial for effective studying. One of the top choices in this area is the Aspirants Study Center, a popular reading room near you in Ecil.

Aspirants Study Center in Ecil is designed to cater to the needs of those who require a focused environment to study or work. Whether you’re preparing for exams, working on assignments, or simply looking for a quiet place to read, this reading room offers the perfect setting. The center provides a peaceful atmosphere, ensuring that you can concentrate without any interruptions.

One of the key features of the Aspirants Study Center in Ecil is its accessibility. Located conveniently in Ecil, it’s easy to reach from various parts of the neighborhood, making it a convenient option for those who live nearby. If you’re searching for “Reading Rooms near me in Ecil,” this center is likely to be one of the top results due to its popularity and positive reviews from those who have used the facility.

The reading room is equipped with comfortable seating, ample lighting, and a quiet ambiance, all of which contribute to a productive study session. Additionally, the Aspirants Study Center in ECIL is open for extended hours, accommodating both early risers and night owls who prefer to study late into the night.

For those concerned about costs, the fees at the Aspirants Study Center are reasonable, offering great value for the quality of the facilities provided. The center aims to make quality study environments accessible to all, regardless of their budget.

Whether you’re a student preparing for competitive exams or a professional working on further education, the Aspirants Study Center is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient reading room in Ecil. Its convenient location, coupled with the conducive study environment, makes it a go-to spot for those serious about their studies.

If you’re in the Ecil area and need a place where you can focus and maximize your productivity, consider visiting the Aspirants Study Center. It’s a decision that could positively impact your study habits and help you achieve your academic or professional goals.

0 notes

orosisters · 10 months ago

Text

NDIS Service Providers in Melbourne

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with disabilities who require reasonable and necessary supports. This support can help them live an ordinary life.

The NDIS is undergoing significant reforms. These include a new participant service guarantee and streamlined access process. They also aim to improve communication and collaboration between participants and providers.

Admire Support Service

Admire Support Service is a Melbourne-based NDIS service provider that offers a range of disability support services. Their specialised assistance helps individuals achieve independence and wellbeing in their day-to-day lives. The team also specialises in supporting participants to achieve employment and higher education, as well as travel and money management assistance. They are dedicated to developing constructive and helpful partnerships with their participants.

Their specialized NDIS disability support services include Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Medium-term Accommodation (MTA). SIL is a short-term accommodation service for participants who need help performing daily activities. It is a good option for those who are waiting for long-term housing solutions.

They also offer respite care services for caregivers to take a break from their duties without affecting the participant’s needs or wellbeing. They understand that caring for a loved one with disabilities can be exhausting and stressful. Their respite care services in Melbourne allow caregivers to recharge and restore their health while ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones.

Miracle Hands

Miracle Hands is an NDIS home care provider that focuses on providing a variety of different services for their clients. They also specialize in implementing an individual-based approach to their clients, ensuring that every plan is tailored to the specific needs of each client. This approach has made them a highly respected and sought-after NDIS service provider in Melbourne.

Choosing a registered NDIS provider can be challenging. You should always conduct thorough research to ensure that you’re getting the best quality of care. You can also ask for recommendations from your support coordinator, local disability organizations, or other NDIS participants.

NDIS service providers Melbourne are organisations that have been vetted by the National Disability Insurance Agency. They are required to follow strict safety and quality standards. You can find a NDIS provider by searching the Provider Finder or through the myplace portal. NDIS registered providers can help you establish a quality plan and support you to reach your goals.

South Eastern Wellbeing Assistance Pty Ltd.

We support our participants to choose the right services for their needs and achieve their goals. Our aim is to provide an all-inclusive support system for Aussies with disabilities. This could include residential, community and social support.

We have been established in response to the demand for service support to Melbournians with disability. Our team of dedicated support workers are committed to ensuring the best outcome for each person we serve. Our range of services are tailored to each individual’s needs and lifestyle.

Our service provides short-term and medium-term accommodation with 24/7 onsite staff, enabling you to be close to friends, family and the local community. We offer high quality, single-storey specialist disability accommodation in premium suburbs. Our homes are designed for NDIS participants who are looking to live a comfortable and independent life. They are fully furnished with all essentials, so you can enjoy a safe and secure home environment. We are also an approved NDIS respite provider.

Choosing a Registered NDIS Provider

The differences between registered and unregistered providers can be confusing, especially if you’re a person with disability or a carer. It’s important to understand what each option means and how it will affect your support. For example, if you choose a registered provider, they will be right in the thick of it when it comes to NDIS updates. This will ensure that their services are fresh and up to date, and will be able to adapt to your needs quickly.

A great NDIS provider is one that recognises that each disabled person’s situation is unique and requires specialised care. They should also be able to help participants perform their daily tasks at home, in the community, and at work. They will also help their participants develop their relationships with family and friends to build empathy and improve their quality of life. They should also be willing to accommodate changes in the participant’s goals and provide flexible services.

1 note · View note

nextlevelpsychiatry · 1 year ago

Text

Top Rated Telehealth Provider and Best Telehealth Psychiatrist Near Me

In today's fast-paced world, taking care of your mental health has never been more important. The good news is that advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to access quality mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth services, in particular, have gained immense popularity, allowing individuals to connect with top-rated psychiatrists without the need for in-person visits. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of telehealth for mental health and guide you to find the best telehealth psychiatrist near you.

The Rise of Telehealth for Mental Health

Telehealth, or telemedicine, has revolutionized the way we approach healthcare, including mental health services. The convenience and accessibility of telehealth have made it an invaluable resource for those seeking psychiatric care. Here are some key advantages:

Accessibility: Telehealth eliminates geographic barriers, making it easier for individuals, regardless of their location, to connect with qualified psychiatrists.

Convenience: Appointments can be scheduled to fit your busy life, reducing the need for time-consuming travel and waiting room visits.

Privacy: Telehealth consultations offer a private and comfortable setting for discussing personal and sensitive matters.

Reduced Stigma: Some individuals may hesitate to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma. Telehealth can help alleviate this concern by offering a discreet alternative.

Continuity of Care: Telehealth allows for consistent care, even during emergencies or when you're unable to leave your home.

Top Rated Telehealth Provider

Choosing the right telehealth provider is crucial for receiving high-quality mental health care. Here are some key factors to consider when searching for a top-rated telehealth provider:

Licensing and Credentials: Ensure that the provider is licensed to practice in your state and holds the necessary qualifications and certifications.

Patient Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other patients to gauge the provider's reputation and patient satisfaction.

Range of Services: Choose a provider that offers a broad range of mental health services, including psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and medication management.

User-Friendly Technology: Make sure the telehealth platform is easy to use and secure, protecting your privacy during online sessions.

Insurance Coverage: Check if the telehealth provider accepts your insurance or offers affordable pricing options.

Availability: Consider the provider's availability and whether they offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule.

Best Telehealth Psychiatrist Near Me

To find the best telehealth psychiatrist near you, follow these steps:

Online Search: Start by conducting an online search for telehealth psychiatrists in your area. Many websites and directories can help you find qualified professionals.

Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or your primary care physician for recommendations. They may have valuable insights or connections.

Check with Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to see if they have a list of in-network telehealth psychiatrists.

Research Credentials: Look into the credentials, experience, and patient reviews of potential psychiatrists to ensure they meet your needs.

Schedule a Consultation: Once you've narrowed down your options, schedule a consultation or initial appointment to assess the psychiatrist's compatibility with your goals and preferences.

In conclusion, telehealth has opened up new possibilities for mental health care, allowing individuals to access top-rated psychiatrists conveniently and comfortably. Take the time to research and select a telehealth provider and psychiatrist that aligns with your specific needs and circumstances. Your mental health is worth the effort, and with the right support, you can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience.

0 notes

solomonish · 4 years ago

Text

Nowdateables Helping a Struggling MC

CW for: eating disorders (alluded to but not described - discussed in the disclaimer)

as i said in the last one, i have not personally dealt with an eating disorder or someone who has one, and though the aim of this post is to provide comfort for those who have that experience, if i missed the mark or said something harmful please feel free to message me so i can fix the issue. also, here is the tumblr post i linked before with a variety of hotlines you can call if you are struggling. i urge you to seek help if you are dealing with an eating disorder, especially from professionals who can give you the attention and care you need and deserve.

Diavolo

He’s very busy with the exchange program and other royal duties, and on top of that he isn’t too familiar with humans and their many complexities. At first, he thinks that maybe you just aren’t used to Devildom cuisine or perhaps the drastic environmental changes have messed with your appetite. He mentions this to Lucifer, who ensures that he will look into it.

It isn’t until you get closer to him and he notices how uncomfortable you get at the mention of Barbatos’ cooking that he gets suspicious. This isn’t Solomon we’re talking about, MC, is something amiss?

He’d probably find out by asking one of the brothers to look into it. Once he figures it out, though, he’s all about making accommodations for you. Would you like human realm food in the RAD cafeteria? He’ll get what he can. Could he interest you in an offer to eat your lunch somewhere else, where there’s less people around? His office is free at lunch (or he will make sure it is).

He might need to be told to relax on the suggestions, but he’s not about to pressure you into anything you’re uncomfortable with. Anything you need access to, he’ll be happy to oblige, with little questions asked.

Barbatos

Barbatos is perceptive, but he also doesn’t have a lot of time to observe you and notice your odd behavior. He probably catches wind the way he normally does: the brothers hunched over and whispering (in a way he presumed was conspiratorially) and one of them (Mammon) speaking too loudly.

His specialty is in quiet care, so you’ll notice a few changes in your schedule without knowing who caused them. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself heading towards the open courtyard instead of the cramped cafeteria, or you’ll start passing Barbatos in the halls a lot more.

He invites you to eat with him whenever he can, or to try some new recipe he’s been experimenting with. If you accept his invitation, he never casts his eyes down to “check” how much you’re eating or makes you feel uncomfortable. He just wants to reach out and give you the option to eat in what he hopes is a comfortable environment.

He’s good at providing structure, and gently urging you to help yourself without sounding too pushy or aggressive. Honestly, he’s probably one of the best people to go to for helping set out a game plan. His presence is calming, his check-ups aren’t intrusive or embarrassing, and he is excellent at helping you find the terms that work with you.

Solomon

When Solomon first notices, he doesn’t immediately jump into action. He cares - of course he does - but he more keeps an eye on you to see if any of the brothers notice and start to do something about it. Of course, he realizes pretty quickly that they don’t - he isn’t sure if he should get upset for them to be blinded by their competition over you, or if it’s to be expected of demons.

He didn’t want to overwhelm you at first, but when he notices how troubled you seem even at school, that’s when he decides to step in. Human as he is, he’s not the most well-versed in comfort or really working within the complexities of another person’s mind. (Not in a way that doesn’t low-key reek of manipulation, anyway). He can find that common ground with you, the part of him that understands how it’s possible for you to feel and think how you do,

He’s a jack of all trades, master of none kind of guy in this situation: he can listen to you well, but he holds back on drastic advice that might do more harm than good. He will distract you, but not as thoroughly as Levi could. He can help you understand how you’re feeling, but still is not quite as adept as Satan would be.

Can and will readily advocate for access to human world therapy for you. Will even help you get there, if asking Lucifer is too daunting a task for you. And, if you don’t feel like going back to the HoL immediately afterwards, well...that human world traffic always was a bitch, right?

Simeon

Oh, Simeon can tell when you start falling into your old habits. He can feel the negative energy when humans start to feel surrounded by it. Whether that ability is just from his own emotional intelligence or his angel status is uncertain, but he feels himself drawn to you nonetheless.

He isn’t afraid to approach you about it - after all, this is his specialty, and he would love to help if he can. He’s gentle in his approach, and he somehow knows how to approach you directly without sounding crass or lacking in subtlety.

Simeon isn’t used to having such a direct influence on the people he helps, though. More often than not, you’ll find him gently slipping you little reminders about your schedule (if you have one that you’ve told him about), and he’ll definitely be sure to let you know how proud he is of your effort when you reach your goals.

He’ll sit down with you and help you create realistic game plans. If you ask him to sit down with you while you eat, he’ll gladly make sure his schedule aligns with yours. He’s also the best person to go to if you need a compassionate shoulder to lean on or soft words of encouragement.

Luke

Luke isn’t a child - well, he is, but he isn’t, not in the exact same way. He’s innocent and childish and sometimes immature, and he does have a lot to learn still, but he’s also lived for thousands of years. Not only that, but he’s also and Angel in Training, and angels need to know the many ways humans struggle in order to be able to accurately help them.

So you might think he wouldn’t notice or know or understand, and he doesn’t know everything, but he gets it a lot faster and more thoroughly than you expected. Besides, human children are smart, too. It’s just easy to underestimate them.

If he knows, Simeon knows. Luke isn’t in the habit of spilling secrets (though he isn’t refined in the art of keeping them, either), but something that feels so serious prompts him to get help. Simeon understand his desire to help, though, and makes sure to give him pointers on how he can help.

Luke isn’t the one you can expect the subtle kind of help from - he’s not very good at hiding the way he keeps glancing at you, and sometimes he asks you if you want some of his newest sweets before faltering and second guessing himself. But he does offer you a sort of wholesome, unhindered care that makes you want to stay on track with your recovery, which makes up for the tact he lacks.

#and besides. legit 10 yr olds are smart and would probably get it too. at least a lil bit #obey me #obey me shall we date #diavolo #obey me diavolo #obey me barbatos #barbatos #obey me solomon #solomon #simeon #obey me simeon #luke #obey me luke #mine #obey me swd #swd obey me

86 notes · View notes

prettywordsyouleft · 4 years ago

Text

The Cowboy - Part 4

Summary: Leaving the city for a rural area called Blayne seemed simple enough. Your task was to convince the people to agree with selling their land for a resort redevelopment. But once there, you soon realise that your city ways are entirely different to theirs. Winning their trust was going to take some effort, and when you start to fall for a local cowboy, you wonder if you really needed Blayne more than the city life after all.

Pairing: Jung Jaehyun x female reader

Genre: cowboy au / drama / romance / if you squint there’s some enemies to lovers up in here.

Warnings: Jung Jaehyun is a cowboy, need I say more? (a bit of angst and drama, and it sometimes might feel like you’re reading a Nicolas Sparks book, so I’m told lol) --- there’s a bit of angst in this part

Word count: 2078

This series will be updated every Thursday and Friday.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

“That was delicious, thank you!”

“I hope you have room in your stomach for apple crumble,” Mr Jung said, leaning across the table towards you. “June is a mighty fine cook but an even greater baker.”

“The reason he married me, so he says.”

You smiled warmly, enjoying the banter between the pair. Their love for one another was evident. You hadn’t seen such a genuine display of affection in years. The city had jaded your parents and kept them looking for the next big project instead of cosy nights curled up together.

They’re professionals, you reminded yourself when you felt a sense of sadness for your parents. They don’t have time like they do out here.

“Were the heifers put into the bottom field?”

You had almost forgotten Jaehyun was sitting at your side until he cleared his throat then, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Yeah, I moved them this morning.”

“By yourself?”

“You had Caleb up in the high fields with you and Avery was otherwise preoccupied with someone,” he continued, and you felt eyes boring into the side of your head on the latter half of the conversation.

You smiled brightly. “It must take a lot of people to run such a big ranch like yours, Mr Jung.”

“We make do with the help we have.”

“We could do with three more men,” Jaehyun muttered, and you looked at him, pausing in saying anything in response when you noticed the dark look within the elder’s eyes.

Blayne was under-populated. You already knew this from the basic land per capita estimates online and in the business proposal for Blayne’s development. If more jobs were created here, then the farms that were struggling would be able to hire more help.

But Blayne also lacked housing. It would need to supply appropriate accommodation for new workers. You stewed over the thought of how many changes would be needed to not only make Blayne easily accessible but also improve the existing community until a dessert plate was placed in front of you.

Blinking out of your reverie, you beamed up at June. “I cannot wait to try it!”

After dinner, you thanked both your hosts generously. “I’ve not had a home-cooked meal quite as tasty as that before.”

“Your mother?” June enquired.

“She’s a professor at the School of Commerce.”

“Ah, she would have been too busy to make meals a priority.”

“It’s okay! I admire her for her work ethic. She’s taught me a lot. Both my parents have always been busy, but that’s how it is in the city.”

“Busy people don’t often see the bigger picture. I can tell by how eager you were to take up the position out here,” Mr Jung mentioned gruffly and you nodded despite his expression. “A woman of marrying age coming up here all alone is usually unheard of.”

“Perhaps Blayne will leave an impression on Y/N, honey.” June offered, patting her husband’s lower arm fondly. She then smiled at you. “You seem quite confident.”

“I’m hopeful I can make a positive change here,” you stated, your own smile fading when you heard a scoff, and then feet moving across the gravel behind you. Darting your focus to the disappearing man that had been waiting nearby, you looked back at his parents. “Thank you again!”

“We’ll have you over anytime, sugar!”

Turning on your heel, you took the pathway that Jaehyun had just departed down, finding him strapping up the horse that had brought you here earlier in the evening. You stopped near his side, frowning at his efforts. “Should you be asking the horse to work again?”

Jaehyun looked in your direction before returning his gaze back to his efforts, not answering your question.

“Your mother said it was too dark to ride last night. Shouldn’t we take the truck since the moon is now up in the sky?” you prompted, shifting your eyes to the heavens. You gasped in awe. “Wow, I’ve never seen such a clear night sky before!”

“Pollution inhibits that,” Jaehyun explained curtly, yanking on a strap and tightening it into place.

“It’s so beautiful out here, though. It’s a shame not many people have experienced it outside of a postcard.”

“Why don’t you save the speech for someone who is interested?”

“Excuse me?” Staring back at the man beside you, you tilted your head to the side. “You’re awfully moody tonight, Mr Cowboy.”

“Back to that name, huh?”

“Well, since you’re feeling a little cold towards me, I don’t know if it’s my place to call you by your first name,” you explained. Jaehyun didn’t respond again, and you sighed. “What did I do wrong?”

“Are you always this self-centred? Can’t you see the bigger picture than the goal inside your head?” Jaehyun questioned, sliding his hands onto his hips and finally facing you. He looked you over again, much as he had earlier when he first saw you as he jumped down from the wagon. Instead of the kindness you had experienced then, it was laced with scrutiny this time. You lowered your gaze to your outfit and stepped back.

“Hey…” you started, and then squared your jaw.

Just who was this guy to act so blunt with you? You should have stuck with believing he was the rude and full of assumptions jerk just as you had thought of him earlier in the day. Perhaps it was the fresh air and gentleness of the wagon ride that had softened your heart to him somehow. You should have known better to trust in your instincts.

Turning on your heel, you started walking down the drive towards the field you had travelled across from your place to the main homestead on this land. You didn’t get far before a hand reached out and yanked on your forearm roughly. “What are you doing?!”

“Going home!”

“Oh, is that so? Through a darkened field? See, this is why you belong in the city, Y/N. You have no idea about the dangers of a working farm. You’re used to living in tiny apartments and navigating mazes of streets and buildings and-”

“I didn’t come here to have you tell me what you think about me, Jaehyun.”

“No, I’m sure you didn’t. But you did come out here all alone with zero understanding of how the country works. You’re here to change how we are? What a joke. You have no concept of what Blayne is about. You’ve not even stopped to take the time to listen to those around you. Instead, you’re dreaming up something big that none of us wants. Can’t you tell that? We might be showing you some country hospitality right now, but don’t go thinking people want you here.”

“That’s incredibly evident, don’t you worry,” you bit back, shaking his grip off your arm.

Jaehyun ran an agitated hand through his hair before looking at you again. “I’ll take you home. Come on.”

“I’m good with directions. I’ll take myself back.”

“What you see during the day changes at night around here. Hate me all you like, but I’ll take you home so I don’t have to worry about you falling in an open drain pipe.”

You opened your mouth to refute the offer, but the image he had painted was enough for you to silently march back over to the wagon. Jaehyun checked everything over again and jumped up into the seat, his hand reaching down to help you up.

Stubbornly, you ignored it and heaved yourself into the seat.

The ride back home was silent, and you preferred it that way. After the outburst in the field, you had little to say to the man. You were grateful he seemed compliant of such silence and didn’t offer any conversation from his behalf either. All the same, you were somewhat holding out for an apology.

You gained none, however.

Leaping down from the wagon, you merely tipped your head as Jaehyun did in farewell and then headed inside without a single word. You watched as the wagon disappeared thereafter, and finally, let out a string of incoherent cursing and annoyance.

You blew a strand of hair away from your face and glowered out the window. “God, I hate him.”

When the morning rose, you got up with a new plan in place. The night before, you had spent the first part of it packing your belongings and then unpacking several times over. You were done with Blayne. If the people didn’t want you here, then you would take heed of their warning and leave.

However, you had been too confident when your boss assigned you with this project.

“They will resist change, you know.”

You nodded. “Of course, but I’m equipped to handle it.”

“Are you?”

“You wouldn’t have pitched the proposal to me if you didn’t think I was the best to acquire the deal, Pierce.”

That, along with the fact that everyone seemingly had bets on when you’d depart played into your new resolve. You would show them just how capable you truly were.

First, however, you needed more information. “Is there a local library or archives here, May?”

“Library?”

You nodded. “Or a town hall? Surely the public can access the information there?”

“Our town hall was burned down ten years ago,” another person at the diner counter mentioned, despite May’s obvious hand swatting him off. He smiled at you. “You’ll have to go to the town over for anything like that.”

“Thank you, you’ve been a great help. Thanks for the coffee, May!”

Once in your car again, you headed back down the country highway and took the forty-five minute drive to the closet township. You cried with comforting relief when you heard the usual bleeps of your phone notification ring in succession.

“Ah, I’m back in a place of proper civilisation!”

Although this township had most amenities, you still were surprised by how small the town hall was. Having no luck there, you went next door to the equally quaint library and piled up all the documents and texts you could find on Blayne.

With a pen in hand ready to take down notes, you picked up the first journal and began to read.

You weren’t aware of how long you spent perusing the history of the area or familiarising yourself with the generations of family lines that were born and bred in Blayne. Stopping on an interesting line in the Jung family, you let out a low whistle. “June and May aren’t originally from Blayne?”

“Perhaps Blayne will leave an impression on Y/N, honey.”

June’s comment from last night pulled a smile onto your lips. At least there seemed to be one person rooting for your stay in Blayne.

It was then when you saw how late into the afternoon it was and you collected up your belongings, asking a clerk if you could take a couple of the history logs with you. After registering with the library and checking them out, you stepped into the warm air, smiling triumphantly at your discovery.

You then pulled out your phone, browsing through the messages you had received. Natalia had contacted you the most, and you pressed call instead of replying, waiting for the call to connect.

“You didn’t let me know if you got there safely!”

“I couldn’t really, the signal out in that place is something else,” you admitted with a grin as you headed to your car. You climbed inside it and then sighed. “I miss you, Natty.”

“Not enough to assure me that you’re alive!”

“Come on, it’s only been a few days, and I’m talking to you now. Isn’t that enough?” you humoured, watching a family cross the intersection up ahead. The little girl skipping across the road seemed so carefree compared to what you had been at that age.

You wondered if the city environment had made you cynical or if that was just who you naturally were.

Natalia cleared her throat and gained your attention again. “Yeah, yeah. So, any hot cowboys out there?”

The image of Jaehyun immediately appeared in your mind, and it ruined your mood entirely. “No. Not a single one.”

“Aw man, here I had you pegged for having a hot summer romance with some farm boy out there.”

“I’m here to work, Natty,” you reminded, both for hers and your sakes. “Even if there was someone handsome, he’s not going to do anything for me.”

_________________

Part 5

[NCT Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

110 notes · View notes

thecagedsong · 3 years ago

Text

Forgotten Light: Chapter 10: Departure

A/N: Hey, going to be a little iffy on the posting schedule. Taking a huge test in 12 days and I have to study all day every day. Take this one though, one of my favorite chapters. I do wonder if the story would be better if I didn’t have so much of the plan laid out beforehand.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

Chapter 10: Departure

Everyone was sweating as Agad, the last of their group, reached the High Judgement Pavilion. Only Patton was missing, already on his way to scope out the dragon temple. While they didn’t tell Seth directly, Patton was probably going to use their infuriatingly peaceful flight as a distraction for when he entered.

Seth had spent the afternoon getting everything ready. Whispering to people to pack up and where to go, modifying the treaty to let their mounts out, trying to collect items. Tess had found him and spelled out the names of the demons in Kendra’s journal, and it was only when she spelled out “Tailizar” that he connected that name with demon that had confronted him in the dreamscape. Agad had promised to see if he could locate any of these demons, and Seth stuck their names with Patton’s list of ways to reach the Phantom Isle. He really needed an adventure log. He let Tess keep the journal of secrets, since no one else was going to use it.

“All right,” Seth said, rubbing his hands together. “I see everyone has brought their suitcases, like I said. You’re probably wondering what is going on, and the answer is that all humans and Satyrs are leaving Wyrmroost right now. I’m going to give being caretaker back to Marat, Agad will do what he wants, but the rest of us are heading out.”

Everyone started asking questions at once, but they weren’t letting Seth answer them. Every time he tried to start, someone else would jump in with a point.

Marat struck his staff on the ground, demanding silence. He nodded back at Seth.

“Right, I’ve thought this through and talked it over with Agad and Marat. We’re expecting an attack tonight, and the biggest weakness is the barrel, so we’ll be taking that with us. There’s a spy in the keep I’m going to have to leave Marat to deal with, but to be honest, he’ll probably be able to handle them a lot better than I could.

“We did what we were brought here to do: kept Wyrmroost from falling, strengthened the treaty barriers, and we saved a couple of castles and insulted the dragon king while we were at it. There’s no reason for me to be here, or any of you, and as cool as it has been being the caretaker, I have a couple of leads on finding Kendra, and that’s more important.”

Grandma asked, “How will you get Celebrant to agree to the change in leadership?”

Seth grinned, “Celebrant doesn’t have to. He’s no longer caretaker, revoked by our local dragon slayer. He’ll be angry, I’m counting on it, but no magic says he can tell us to do anything. We’re skipping the Fair Folk bit again, but they already confirmed Marat once, and what are they going to do, write a slightly angry letter?”

“And how do you expect to leave peacefully?” Grandpa asked, arms folded.

“The flying mounts,” Tanu answered before Seth could.

“Yep,” Seth said. “It may have skipped your notice, but we acquired some new wings for our friends. We fly down to the nearest town with a car rental, and we can be back in Fablehaven by tomorrow. To make things easier on our friends, we won’t have them fly us the whole way. And we’ll have some nice stables waiting for them at Fablehaven when they arrive.”

“And the Dragons?” Newel asked. “I still haven’t heard how we’re getting around them if they decide it isn’t poor taste to eat poultry and red meat in the same meal.”

Doren slapped a hand to his head, “Of course, the Cloak of Innocence.”

“I would normally be loathe to test the cloak against multiple dragons,” Agad said, “As they are undoubtably watching us, but it is a short trip, the numbers within the cloak’s ability, even with the mounts. The cloak has also proven effective against dragon fear, ensuring you retain the ability to stay seated.”

“Oh, and we’re taking the barrel with us,” Seth said, not remembering if he had already mentioned it, “Marat, did we get anything for that?”

Marat waved a golden feather, “This will significantly lighten the barrel, making it possible to carry if secured correctly.”

“Cool, any other questions?” Seth said, “We’ve been keeping this underwraps, hoping to be able to walk right out of here. Celebrant isn’t going to expect us to just leave, certainly not in broad daylight, which makes this the perfect time.”

“Wait, does this mean we’re going to be riding horses?” Newel asked, absolutely affronted.

“Actually, it’s not so bad,” Doren admitted quietly. “I had to, in order to stay with the littles. Felt a little off, but it won’t kill ya.”

“Look, I would really like you guys with me,” Seth said, “But if you’d rather stay here…”

Newel huffed, “Now I don’t appreciate being strong armed, I’ll go, but it’s unnatural is all.”

“So Marat, how do I do this?” Seth asked, and the dragon avatar stepped forward.

“First you’re going to have to denounce Kendra as a caretaker. You were appointed together as one, and you are both required to make decisions regarding the mantle. Kendra has been gone for long enough, that you can officially declare her as having abandoned the post, and accept all the responsibilities as sole caretaker. Hold the staff, hold the amulet, and repeat after me.”

Seth accepted the staff and repeated what Marat told him to. If Kendra had her memory, she would be so mad over what he was accusing her of: abandoning responsibilities, disregard for the treaty, and in her absence, he accepted sole power and responsibility for the preserve.

There was a glow from both the medallion and the tip of the staff. When it settled down, Agad stepped forward.

“Seth, remove the medallion from around your neck,” he instructed. He did so. “And repeat after me.”

Seth recited the same oath that Marat had asked him to take a little over a week ago.

“Do you, Marat nee Camarat, vow to protect the outside world from the living beings at Wyrmroost, and to shelter the living beings at Wyrmroost from any outside threats?”

“Yes,” Marat said, his head bowed.

“Then as the current caretaker of Wyrmroost and as master of Blackwell Keep, of my own free will, I hereby confer my stewardship over Wyrmroost to Marat nee Camarat, including all rights pertaining to a designated and official caretaker of this sanctuary together with all privileges available to the master of Blackwell Keep.”

Seth placed the medallion over Marat’s head, and they shook hands.

Agad let out a breath, “It is done. You have done this war a great service, Seth Sorenson.”

“Hey, maybe this isn’t goodbye forever to Wyrmroost,” Seth said, smiling, “It’s been fun, feel free to call on my services again after we get Kendra back.”

“We will try to let you grow up first,” Agad said. He walked to the side of the pavilion, it was fairly large, and waved a hand towards the stables.

A minute later, those who hadn’t yet seen the mounts were appreciating them. Tess looked like she had gone to heaven.

“I get to ride one?” Tess asked, bouncing.

“You’re going to be with your brother,” Agad said, smiling at her. “His steed is the majestic flying camel, Bagak.” Tess squealed and ran up the camel, talking a million miles a minute.

“Do I have to ride with her?” Knox complained.

“Bagak is the most secure,” Agad said, “We don’t have saddles that accommodate wings. Make no mistake, Tess is possibly the most important member of this party. Without her, everyone fails.”

Seth, meanwhile, was making introductions, “Grandma, this is Glory. She’s Kendra’s mount, and one of the mute luvians. Glory, would you be willing to take my grandma out of the preserve and to the outskirts of the city?”

Glory neighed and stomped once for yes.

“You are quite beautiful,” Grandma admired offering her hand and waiting for affirmation to stroke, “And Kendra picked you because you like Jane Austen, right?”

“Captain!” Seth called, pulling Grandpa behind him. “Patton’s gone, he was only a stingbulb, but I’m hoping you’d be willing to take my Grandpa?”

“I remember Patton was only temporary,” Captain said, “as a group, we have decided to stick together and give your goals what aide we can. I would be honored to carry your esteemed elder.”

“The honor would be mine,” Grandpa said bowing.

Seth found the dark gray stallion, and asked quietly, “Rodolfo, are you sure you’re okay leaving Lomo behind? I’d understand if you wanted to stay by him. He’s the only one you agreed to carry.”

“I heard you with Captain, and I stand by that. Lomo also encouraged me to stay with your group. Frustrated by his own race’s neutrality, he encouraged me to assist you in what I can,” Rodolfo told him.

“Good, I’m glad to have you with us,” Seth said, “You get the strangest riders. Go easy on them, they spook easily.”

Rodolfo seemed amused as he followed Seth to where the satyrs were standing apart from the group.

“Newel, Doren, this is Rodolfo, he has volunteered to carry you out of here,” Seth said. “I told him to go easy on your two because you’re scardy cats and this is unnatural.”

“I resemble that remark,” Doren said.

“You sure he’s up for carrying both of us?” Newel asked.

Rodolfo snorted, “I could carry you both and another besides.” Then he calmed down, “I swear that you will have safe journey on my back.”

“Sorry,” Newel said, “We’ve just never gotten along well with Centaurs, and have never met Luvians, but you seem an alright sort, I suppose.”

Seth left to find Nobel, who was waiting for him.

“Sorry about that buddy,” Seth said, “That was my last bit of being in charge for a while, had to do a good job of it. We’re going to be following Tanu and Charlemagne out of here, right?”

Nobel stomped once.

“Good, alright. If dragons try to bother us, I’m going to be the one talking to them. I won’t be focused on staying with the group then, you’re going to have to do that for me.”

Nobel tapped once again, then tossed his head. Seth smiled, “Yeah, I so got the coolest one.”

It took longer than Seth liked to get everyone mounted up and settled. Grandma made sure everyone had their weapons firmly put out of reach so that no accidents killed them all by disrupting the cloak of innocence’s power. The barrel ended up tied alongside Captain, weighing as much as a feather thanks to the magical item. They made sure Tess knew all the people and animals inside the protection of the cloak. Finally, they were ready about 5:30, which gave them a little over three hours before sunset.

“Until we meet again,” the caretaker brothers said in unison. They didn’t look anything alike, but their manners matched in that moment as the two dragons in human form bowed to the party.

“Lead on Charlemagne,” Seth called. They took off, and the heat fell away as they soared on the breeze. Seth decided to start counting, see how long it would take for a dragon to attack them.

He got bored and stopped, but it didn’t take long for one to approach.

“And where are you going, little caretaker?” a female voice asked. A black dragon surged from the surrounding woods into the air beside them.

“Oh, I’m not caretaker anymore,” Seth said, “I gave that over to Marat. Celebrant’s tantrums got boring; they aren’t worth my time.”

The dragon pulled back and a surge of green fire surrounded them, deflected by the bubble of Tess’s cloak.

“Now that was rude,” Seth said, as the breath weapon subsided, “Here we are, trying to leave peacefully, and you try to set us on fire.” He leaned forward on Nobel and stoked his neck. Dropping to a whisper he said, “Stay steady, don’t spook.”

There was a grunt Seth couldn’t interpret, but it was strong enough that Seth leaned back.

“Celebrant did not accept this change! He was not aware. You lie.”

Seth shook his head, “Take it up with the caretaker, Marat is back at Blackwell Keep. It might be hard, since Celebrant tore down the roost. The Somber Knight stripped Celebrant of his caretaker status, and since it’s no longer his business who is caretaker, we didn’t feel the need to inform him of the change. If he doesn’t know, you should hurry and tell him.”

The black dragon took off with three harsh beats of her wings. Not even the wind affected them, instead slipping around the barrier.

“Seth, here’s an idea, maybe don’t taunt the dragons?” Doren called back with a strained voice.

“Seconded,” Grandpa called from in front of him, “Protection from magical fear is all well and good, but we don’t need to make this experience anymore terrifying than it already is. Everyone okay?”

A round of affirmatives came, the silent horses whinnying.

Calvin flew up close on Thistleton.

“Should I try scouting like last time?” Calvin asked.

Seth shook his head, “Stay within the cover of the cloak. We don’t know how far we can stretch this bubble, and everyone staying together would be better. Go up to Charlemagne and ask how long until we reach the barrier.”

“Aye sir!” Calvin said. “Let’s go Thistleton!”

Calvin came back and reported forty minutes until they reached the boundary. Seth took out his spy glass and pointed it towards Sky Hold, but couldn’t focus it right while moving. He put it away and hoped. Hoped the black dragon was a chatterbox, discrediting Celebrant even further. Hoped she wasn’t as fast as she looked, and it would take her at least thirty minutes to make it to Sky Hold. They had bet a lot on this plan, and Seth really, really, really hoped it would work.

Ten minutes of fairly smooth flying (they had a small detour away from a herd of Peryton), and Seth was starting to feel hopeful. A dragon came up, but didn’t speak, just flew beside them, then dropped back down. Then twenty minutes down, twenty minutes to go, Calvin confirmed that they were on track.

A roar echoed along through the air, startling several flocks of birds, and even a couple of their flying mounts falter.

“Steady,” Grandma called.

“Seems like Celebrant just got the news,” Seth called to everyone.

“Pull in tighter,” Grandpa said, “As close as possible without jeopardizing speed. The less stretched the cloak, the better it will be able to protect us.”

Their mounts obeyed, and Seth started tapping his thigh nervously and checking over his shoulder towards Sky Hold. Five minutes later, according to his watch, because it felt like thirty minutes to him, Seth looked back and saw the streak of adamantine silver wings pushing towards them. Seth forced himself not to look back again.

“What is the meaning of this!” Celebrant demanded pulling to a stop in front of them. Their mounts reared in the air at the block.

“Keep going forward,” Knox called when their mounts pulled up. “he’ll be forced back, just like the first time I was here.”

“He’s right Charlemagne,” Seth called, “Keep going.”

Hesitantly, the mounts started forward again, and Celebrant snarled as he was the one forced back.

“I will not be ignored!” he roared. And it was exactly as terrible as it had been the day he and Kendra had had their interview.

“Uggh,” Seth said, wrinkling his nose, “I see you didn’t take my advice about the breath mints.”

“Do you admit to fleeing your post caretaker?” Celebrant demanded. “I would destroy you for your insolence!”

“As I told your spy,” Seth answered, “I’m not the caretaker. I gave the job back to Marat, and you can’t complain. The Somber Knight fired you for doing a terrible job! Go take it up with Marat back at Blackwell Keep. We’re leaving.”

Celebrant roared again, this time with the full strength of his breath weapon. Four other breath weapons joined from the rest of his entourage.

Calvin flew up beside him, and as quietly as he could, said, “The barrier is weakening by the Satyrs.”

Oh no. He was used to Kendra holding the magic item, Tess didn’t have the same magic juice in her.

“Tell everyone to get ready to dash,” Seth whispered back. Calvin took off and he took a deep breath.

“Celebrant!” Seth roared back, hoping he was about “I’ve met babies with better manners than you! We are leaving Wyrmroost in peace. You lie and cheat and still can’t beat a couple of kids. How does it feel to screw up so many times in just two weeks? Now leave us alone, you spineless piece of shit!”

“LANGUAGE!” Grandma yelled.

“Sorry!” Seth yelled back, “Celebrant, back off you piece of rotting troll dung! We’re leaving and there’s nothing you can do about it!”

The breath weapon ceased, and Celebrant looked more livid than Seth had ever seen him. “YOU DARE INSULT ME! I WILL BURN YOUR BONES TO ASH AND FEAST UPON YOUR HORSES —” Celebrant was forced to the side as Charlemagne charged forward.

“The gate is in sight!” Tanu called.

“YOU FLEE LIKE COWARDS AND FLAUNT OUR CAGE! YOU WILL DIE HERE, SETH SORENSON!”

“And your mother was a chicken nugget!” Seth shouted over his shoulder, clinging to Nobel with all his might.

Celebrant swiped with claws at the barrier, forcing it to turn temporarily opaque. Another dragon, brown, attacked from above, and the black one struck above the Satyrs, their shrieks were barely heard over the large cracking sound of their barrier.

Options, he needed options! The moment the cloak broke they were all dead. Why hadn’t he claimed the bow from Kendra?

The bag of winds! Seth scrambled, and pulled the small sack out of his adventure kit.

“I have the rear!” he called to his family over the crack of the brown dragon attacking again. “Everyone keep sprinting.”

Nobel resisted a little, but let Seth tug him exactly behind Bagak. He readied the bag of winds as the black dragon swiped. The shield was remaining opaque for longer and longer. The black dragon chomped at the shield, and it shattered. With a roar, Celebrant dived directly for him.

Seth waited until just before Celebrant reached the fading shield, angling it to catch on the flat of his wings. He braced as much as he could without losing his hold on Nobel. Seth opened the bag as wide as it would go. The protection, currently a cracked shell, vanished under his attack. Celebrant was blown off course, his swipe missing—

Celebrant vanished, along with his allies. Seth blinked at the empty sky. Gazing downward, gone were the lush, colorful trees. There was no Blackwell keep in the distance, and no enormous mountain peaks where Thronis watched, probably laughing.

It took a second for the cheering of his friends to hit. But it hit like the colder air and Seth collapsed against Nobel and he dropped the bag of winds. Calvin caught it and flew it back up to him.

“You were awesome,” Seth said to his horse.

“No, you were amazing!” Newel said, inching Rodolfo closer. “We thought it was our turn to become barbeque!”

“Indeed,” Rodolfo said, “You and Nobel showed great courage.”

“I don’t know about you guys,” Seth said, “But I can take a little break before we do that again. And I need a hamburger. Now.”

Doren and Newel absolutely agreed.

#Forgotten Light #Seth Sorenson #Fablehaven #Dragonwatch #one of my fav chapters #the next two are really good too #First real action scene of the story #unless you count Kendra almost killing ronodin #which I still love

11 notes · View notes

itsmyara · 4 years ago

Text

About That Night... (Hisomachi Fanfic)

Note: Another translation, though my English is not that great ^^’. It’s 3532 words NO SMUT! I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Pairing: Hisoka/Machi

Summary: Hisoka realized that he was still analyzing her for a reason other than trying to investigate the possible sources of her drunkenness. He was mesmerized by the way emotions were running free in her face, something he had never seen before.

Warning: Drunk!Machi, Jealous!Hisoka, Alcohol, Mentions of Drugs, Mentions of Sex, Mentions of Getting Sick, Passing Out, Hangover, Mild Language.

[Link to AO3 in English]

[Link to AO3 in Brazilian Portuguese]

Her body moved insanely under the colorful lights of the room to the sound of a repetitive and irritating electronic beat. Although she was dressed much more discreetly than the other girls in the club, wearing simple jeans and a black tank top, she drew attention and caused a small audience to gather around her. Dancing with a big, strong man covered in tattoos and looking like a local crime boss, she moved boldly and sensually, with a loose laugh that occasionally lit up her face.

"Is this just alcohol effect or did she use something else?" Hisoka questioned the man standing next to him, without taking his eyes off Machi on the dance floor.

The tattooed man's hand slid down her small body and slipped under the black tank top, pressing her waist against him while his mouth whispered something in her ear that made her laugh. Hisoka's fists clenched hard.

Illumi shrugged before answering the question in a monotone voice:

"I don't know, she was already like this when I arrived, so I called you. She's dancing with my target and it doesn't look like she's going to leave him anytime soon. So I called you. I figured you wouldn't want it to be me taking her out of there."

Hisoka moved his eyes to face the ever-so-cold colleague. He was right. If he used his methods against Machi, even if it was just to get her out of the way, he would have to make a little reckoning with him. But the assassin was smart. Illumi decided to turn the situation around and, by calling Hisoka, he won himself a favor to collect later.

When the magician looked back at the pink-haired woman, he saw the tattoed man leading her towards a door in a reserved corner of the nightclub.

"Is that what I think it is?"

Illumi observed the scenario calmly and then turned away, unconcerned.

"Just remember that no matter what he does to your girl. He is my target and I need him alive. I will wait outside."

Hisoka responded with an annoyed snort before walking in the opposite direction of his friend. The bloodlust that exuded from the magician made people open the way naturally, looking suspiciously at the strange man who carried a macabre look on his face.

He unceremoniously kicked down the door to the private room, much to the surprise of some people who ran away, but not Machi. She has been waiting for him, even though she was pressed against the wall by the other man's body. She could be intoxicated, but her perception would never fail to notice Hisoka's bloodlust.

Hisoka leaned against the damaged door frame, crossing his arms casually as he faced the scene in the room by the half-light.

"Oh, am I interrupting something?" He asked wryly.

The tattooed man immediately released Machi and faced him without fear.

"What's up, clown? This one is mine now, if you want the leftover you'll have to wait outside."

Hisoka laughed shortly. The man had given the worst answer he could when he was so obviously in a risky position. He was nothing between the two nen users — even though one of them was intoxicated — and the only difficulty the magician faced was being forced to use only his fists to bring down the thug. He didn't like having to control himself that way, not when he wanted to end the existence of someone so weak and unwary, but he would have to leave that to Illumi.

Machi only seemed to understand the situation completely when the man was already lying on the floor unconscious, and Hisoka was heading to her with an enigmatic smile.

"You could have chosen someone stronger, you know? This is almost an insult..."

"What are you doing here? After everything you’ve done, you decided to follow me?"

Even though the place was dark, Hisoka could see her cheeks flushed. Her eyes shone with tears and her lips swollen, red, and moist; probably as a result of the kisses she shared with that useless guy. He took a long time to analyze it, for a moment believing that it was because he had to determine if she was under the influence of a drug other than alcohol.

His hands grabbed her face, and the only reaction she had was to hold his arms as if she was going to try to stop him, but she didn’t actually apply enough force to it.

"I'm too busy to follow you, ok? But when a little bird tells me that you're out there screwing up, I have to act, don't I?"

Machi laughed sadly, her chest shaking almost quietly between them, and Hisoka realized that he was still analyzing her for a reason other than trying to investigate the possible sources of her drunkenness. He was mesmerized by the way emotions were running free in her face, something he had never seen before.

"You think I'm weak, Hisoka..." she murmured under her breath, and then in a burst, she pulled his hands away from her face and pushed him away. "Do you think I need you to defend me from this ?" She pointed to the dead weight on the floor and then laughed sadly again.

Actually, he was defending her from Illumi, who wouldn't be so patient with her drama, but Hisoka resigned himself to smile in response, making her snort.

"I hate you!"

There was a very sincere feeling in those words, which came out of her mouth as if they were ripping her up. This made Hisoka lean his head in curiosity. However, Machi simply looked at him from head to toes in disbelief before turning away and stumbling out of that room, pushing one or the other person off her way and randomly stealing a drinking glass from one of them as she headed to the exit.

Hisoka sighed, grabbing the unconscious man by the hair and dragging him along while he went behind the woman. He caught up with Machi near the door, where even the security guards had already moved away. Without saying a word, he wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her off the floor, carrying her out despite her protests.

"This is yours," Hisoka declared as he threw the unconscious body at Illumi’s feet.

The body that writhed and struggled, trying weakly to attack Hisoka without ceasing, was his.

"Do you want some help with her?" Illumi offered, watching the woman's wildness with some curiosity.

"No, she has the right to protest. When she gets tired, she'll see that this is in her best interest."

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here, you wretch! Fight me like a man! I'm going to kill you with my bare hands!"

Between punches and kicks, Hisoka just waved a greeting to Illumi and went on his way.

[...]

When he crossed the threshold of his hotel room, Machi was less savage in his arms. In fact, at some point along the way, she had given up attacking him and started just pouring out words about him being a traitor, about Chrollo, and even something about Pakunoda's death. Some of her words actually made sense, but the state she was still in, which seemed to get worse by the second, made any response from him useless.

Therefore, in the face of silence, Machi finally burst into tears before reaching their destination, and Hisoka thought it was best to cradle her properly in his arms so that when they crossed the door she was being carried like a bride, but a tearful one against his chest.

When he tried to accommodate her on the couch, she clung more tightly to his shoulders, as a clear sign that she didn't want to part at that moment.

"Oh? I thought you hated me," he declared with a playful laugh.

"Why do you have to be like this?"

Her voice was so heartfelt that he couldn't help but sigh before settling on the couch with her in his arms. Machi wouldn't remember any of that the next day, which is why he stopped to think for a few seconds about what she just said. He knew that she was not referring to his jokes, but to the fact that he had lied for years and, in the end, revealed a goal that clashed with her own completely. If it weren't for that, maybe she wouldn't have to hate him that much.

She finally looked up and, not without effort, focused her reddened eyes on his. Hisoka looked at her expression legitimately surprised. He could expect hatred and tears on her part, but the way she looked at him now was... sweet. For some reason, he was sure that if he kissed her now, despite anything that preceded this moment, what he would taste on her lips would be something so deep and meaningful that, yes, it scared him.

That's why he didn't kiss her, allowing her to break the silence:

"You're spinning..." Machi murmured, and then laughed in a silly way, breaking the magic as well. "You're spinning and you're not going to tell me anything, are you? You're not even here, I'm imagining you," she put her face back on his shoulder. "At least you smell good…"

"Machi, what did you use?" Hisoka knew he probably wouldn't get a coherent answer, but that doubt had haunted him since the moment he saw her that night. It was hard to believe that only alcohol would do that to a woman as strong as her. There had to be some other chemistry influencing her altered state.

"What did I use?" She asked, confused, and then looked up to him again. "Ah… you wanna know if I did something," she approached his ear and whispered: "Maybe…"

Suddenly she let go of his shoulders and stood up, staggering a little and cleaning the tracks of the tears on her face with the back of her hands. She walked a few steps erratically and looked around in amazement before looking at him again.

"Do you pay to sleep here?" Machi asked in surprise and laughed right away as if it were really hilarious. "You pay ! You're such a fancy-pants."

Hisoka just settled down more comfortably on the couch, watching the scene. On several occasions, he wished to see her acting more spontaneously, freer, but this situation was just sad. He didn’t even want to take advantage of it or tease her about it — at least not until the next day.

He watched Machi shrink into herself again, leaning against the wall and letting the weight of her body drag her to the floor. She crossed her arms very specifically over her stomach, and he knew it was a sign that something rather unpleasant was about to happen.

"You’re feeling sick," he declared, standing up to meet her.

"I'm fine, I'm fine…" Machi flinched a little more, however. "I just miss them..."

Ignoring the way she was closing herself off, Hisoka lifted her from the floor by the shoulders, as if she were a small child. He looked at Machi’s eyes seriously, while pinning her against the wall.

"I know you miss them, but acting like this is stupid. I can't believe you're the same Machi I know."

"Pakunoda was the first person who cared about me in this world," she declared and then swallowed hard before continuing: "she was my family and now she’s dead. Chrollo is my family and now he's far away, unable to use his nen, and I know you had a part in it. The chain guy..." Machi closed her eyes briefly as if to take his name from memory, "Kurapika, you sold our secrets to Kurapika because you wanted to, didn't you? He didn't do to you what he did to Paku, you don't have a fucking chain in your heart. You don't even have a fucking heart! You are a..." eyelids closed again, this time, however, she couldn't remember the word. A single tear streamed down her left eye. "Damn it…"

"You talk as if you have a heart," Hisoka interrupted her coldly, which made her look at him with a sharp look, a faint bloodlust pulsing from her intoxicated body. "You don't feel anything for anyone but for a few of your friends. You're not much better than me."

Machi struggled in his hands for a fraction of a second, resigning herself to kill him only with her intentions when she was unable to leave. She looked a little more like who she really was now.

"You have no idea, you idiot."

Those words were followed by a few seconds of silence in which the blue of her eyes became indecipherable. That was when he remembered who she was and why he cared so much. Machi was the lady of the labyrinth, and he had never managed to get out of her tortuous paths because, very wisely, she had never given him her threads, leaving him lost forever in her maze.

"When I fight Chrollo, who do you want to survive?" He didn’t know where this question came from when it left his mouth, but the reaction it had caused in the woman justified it.

Machi blinked a few times, as if trying to calculate the seriousness of what he had asked, and then closed her eyes with a certain solemnity.

"I don't want you to fight Danchou. I don't want either of you dead."

Perhaps the answer was more than enough, but she had also progressively got closer to him, so much so that her lips touched his lightly at first, completing the touch quickly in a kiss. Without so much lightness, he finally advanced against her mouth, pressing her against the wall now with the weight of his own body.

Machi moaned at his advance, embracing him with arms and legs irresistibly, making him also express the delight that took his body and his aura when, suddenly, she stepped away from him, with such assertiveness and urgency that he couldn't stop it.

And he was thankful for that when he saw her turn and lean her body, finally fulfilling the omen he had moments ago, throwing up on the floor of the hotel room.

Hisoka gave a disappointed snort, but the way her back curved with each spasm of her stomach made him quickly accept that this night would really be unique in his life.

The night he would spend taking care of someone's booze.

[...]

Machi opened her eyes, but the ambient light hurt like a razor and she hid her face in the pillow by reflex. Both her head and stomach were aching with an intensity that made any thought difficult, but when she smelled Hisoka's scent on the pillowcase, she knew something was very wrong. She fought the pain and opened her eyes at once, sitting on the bed and trying to identify where she was. A messy double bed, a hotel room lit with curtains open. Then she found herself wearing only a stretched, cropped T-shirt with playing card suits printed and panties that she at least recognized as her own.

Her nightmare was completed when she heard the magician's happy voice humming at the bedroom door.

"Good morning sunshine!"

There he was, holding a breakfast tray and wearing nothing but one of his ridiculous pants.

Machi wanted to disappear, but the best she could do was cover herself with the bedsheets.

"Don't worry, I saw all this and much more last night," Hisoka stated at her gesture as he left the tray on the nightstand and sat beside her on the bed.

She wanted to emanate bloodlust to let him know it wasn't funny, but the pain in her body prevented her, so she just squinted, watching him pour coffee in a cup and hold it out to her.

"Take this, it will make you feel better."

Machi held the cup suspiciously, without bringing it to her mouth, however. The smell of the drink, which at another time would be inviting, made her stomach turn.

"What's going on? What did you do to me?"

"Now, now, don't you remember anything?" He lay on his stomach beside her, looking at her in that paradoxically, uncomfortable and inviting way.

Machi vaguely remembered some things, but none of them made sense. So she let Hisoka continue:

"I saw you at a party yesterday by chance, you were already… happy… so don't ask me anything before that. You were dancing with a man who is dead now. I got him out of the way because he wasn't treating you like you deserve. So we danced, I made you laugh a few times, I brought you here, we made many, delicious things on the couch, and then against the wall, but unfortunately, you got sick and, by the way, that's why I pay to stay here, they clean up this kind of a mess," the smile broke with malice on his lips, while she tried to assimilate everything he said. "Now you, I was the one who cleaned you up. We took a hot shower together and you fell asleep in my arms soon after."

The sharp pain in her head seemed to create a wall in her own memories and in her ability to distinguish, in his words, what were lies and what were truths. Machi knew he was lying; it was too perfect a situation for him. Too easy. But the way she found herself left her without arguments.

"Well, I don't feel like we did anything much last night," she tried to fish, her voice cold, but he just laughed briefly.

"I was gentle with you this time. Believe it or not, I care about you."

"Liar," Machi accused him coldly, and then abandoned the cup on the nightstand beside her, making an effort to get out of bed, despite the pain.

It was incredible how she, always so resistant, was now suffering just because of a headache.

Machi looked for her clothes in the room, finding them folded on a chair, and began to dress while her other headache who was lying on the bed brought to him the cup she had abandoned — using nen, most likely — sipping and mumbling something about how she really should have drunk the coffee to feel better. Her eyes looked at Hisoka briefly. From her position, she had a wide view of his back, and the absence of the spider tattoo there, which was no longer needed because he was no longer keeping cover, seemed to make her a little dizzy.

How had she not realized before that his tattoo was nothing more than his Texture Surprise? How had her intuition not warned her that he was lying all the time? And why was the real Hisoka — well, at least, the Hisoka who no longer had to pretend he belonged with the Troupe — bothering to bring her coffee in bed?

She shook her head, with the excuse of trying to fix her hair, when in fact Machi was trying to put away those pathetic thoughts, even if the gesture caused her more pain. As soon as she buttoned up her jeans she headed to the bedroom door, stopping in her tracks, however, by his words, or by the unconscious desire to hear them.

"You should stay, you're not completely recovered and it's cold outside."

Hisoka sat on the bed but just looked at her with that serenity of someone who knows what they want, and knows that the object of their desire wants them in return. But it wouldn't happen today, and possibly, on any other day after he revealed his betrayal, Machi tried to conclude.

"I know how to take care of myself," she replied, determined to continue on her way.

"At least get a coat before you leave..."

"Stop pretending that you worry, you know you don't have to fake it anymore!" Machi declared, like an outburst, and finally left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Alone, Hisoka deposited the cup on the tray and lay down on the bed, taking a deep breath when feeling its comfort. He had missed it after spending the night on the couch.

He had obviously intertwined lies and truths in the story he told her. After Machi felt sick, he had actually called the room service to clean up the mess while he undressed and bathed her in the bathroom; she was so lethargic that she didn't even protest. Nor had she protested when he dressed her in his t-shirt and left her sleeping alone in his bed. Just that, and nothing more than that.

Still, he knew that last night had been very interesting and revealing in many ways, and he was satisfied with that.

He looked to the side and found a pink strand of hair on the white pillow. He took it between his fingers, bringing it to him as if it were a beautiful and precious memento.

"You have no idea, do you?" He murmured to that tiny part of her she had left behind. "You have absolutely no idea..."

#hisomachi #my fic #this one is old but I love it so much #maybe I'll try to translate more later #hisoka #machi #myarawrites #machi komacine #machi komachine #hisoka morrow #machi hxh #hisoka hxh

29 notes · View notes

outthefryingpan · 5 years ago

Note

Your writing is amazing ! I'm a sucker for fluff personally,, so if I have to suggest something,, it'd be cuddles. Just cuddling after a long,, busy day. Maybe in Winter,, a specially cold day,, those are the best days for cuddling,, and more so if it's with such a hot (pfft) monster like Grillby ! Just giving ideas,, I'll be happily reading anything you update here next. Have a nice day. :)

Cold Nights

Pairing: Grillby/Reader

Rating: Everyone

Notes: I’m a sucker for that too! I very much enjoy this suggestion, thank you! Send more any time u like :^> This is set on the surface! Most of the pieces I write will be set this way unless stated otherwise.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can’t believe how late it is when you finally begin walking home. Pulling your phone out and pressing the home button tells you it’s only a few minutes away from midnight. Your feet ache, and you want nothing more than to just crawl into bed.

Luckily for you, it isn’t a long walk to Grillby’s from where you are, maybe a little over 5 minutes, but you really hadn’t anticipated it being this cold and blustery out. Then again, you didn’t anticipate your boss holding you back as late as she did either, so you use that as your excuse for being jacket-less. In reality, it probably wouldn’t have been much warmer out even if you did leave on time, but you’re just going to ignore that. You unceremoniously shove your phone back into your pocket and quicken your pace, holding your hands together in an attempt to conserve some of your already waning warmth.

In hopes of distraction, you let your mind begin to wander. Initially your prerogative is “think warm thoughts”, but of course that only leads you to thinking of Grillby. It’s inevitable. He’s the warmest thing you can think of.

You think back to when he first opened up his bar on the surface, and how he would stay open all night, every night. The new influx of customers quickly overwhelmed him, and so he changed his hours to accommodate a new goal of his, one he’d adopted upon reaching the surface. He called it the, “not work myself to death” rule. You, nothing more than a new friend at the time, had laughed at that. It was one of the first jokes he’d made around you. You laugh again now, thinking about how horrible a job he’s done in sticking to his goal. Maybe it’s just unrealistic for him, you muse.

No, that isn’t fair. He drastically changed his hours when he first got here. Underground, he’d been open every day from noon to 3AM. How he’d managed a 15 hour work day every single day all by himself was absolutely beyond you, but he told you that down there, he really didn’t have much else to do.

In a more private setting, after the two of you had grown closer, he confessed that when he lived underground, he felt a sense of obligation to be open as often as possible, to act as a sort of home base for those monsters who were struggling, or just needed someone to help stave off their loneliness.

Here on the surface, things are better! But they’re a lot different too, a lot busier. And so, with some kind pushing from his friends, he had ultimately decided not only to tighten his hours, but to hire some help as well.

You consider that to be the start of a deeper relationship blossoming between the two of you. You had offered to wash dishes and help with cleanup, and he gratefully accepted. You started talking more, spending more time together, and... The rest is history, you suppose.

Now, he takes Sundays off, and closes at 10PM on Mondays. His daily hours are still pretty packed, but he has more servers and kitchen staff to help out with them.

Suddenly, you blink in surprise at yourself as that reminds you of something.

Today’s Monday! That means he should have closed a while ago!

You sent him a text earlier when you found out you would be late home and told him not to worry, but you totally forgot that it was possible for you to end up working later than him. That is a rare occurrence.

Well then!

You become excited at your findings, but quickly realize they mean that he may be sleeping. Rats... You need to be quiet coming in, then.

A chatter sounds in your skull just as the bar comes into view. It isn’t quite snowing out, but the biting, billowing wind is strong enough to drain most of the heat from you. Your fingers feel numb as they blindly wiggle around in your pocket, looking for your keys even though you’re still a little ways away from the front door. By the time you reach it, you’re putting in a pretty significant amount of effort to minimize your shivering and get it unlocked. It’s situations like these that make you thankful to only have a few separate keys to keep track of on your key ring.

The door itself is pretty new, but still creaks lightly as you push it open. Then, you almost lose your grip on the knob when a particularly strong gust of wind shoves you in through the front door. You stumble forward.

Startled as you are, it doesn’t take you long to recover, close the door firmly behind you, and lock it with a huff. You’re just glad no one is around to have seen your little blunder. Hand still on the door, you sigh out your relief. Grillby would definitely be alerted by the door swinging open and slamming into the wall. He’d be alerted if you face-planted into the hardwood flooring, too.

After taking a moment to smooth yourself out and appreciate the internal temperature of the bar, you glance around the dark room. As you expected, tables and chairs are neat, lights are off, and not a speck of dust can be seen. Sometimes you wonder if Grillby gets off on extreme cleaning. You snicker quietly to yourself.

The rise in temperature is great compared to the freezing nightmare you’d endured outside, but it isn’t anywhere near enough to stop your shivering. So you beeline for the staircase that leads to Grillby’s apartment- or more accurately, your ticket to comfort. It’s a little hard to see, and you nearly trip once on the way up, but the reward you’re met with upon entering is well worth it.

Instantly, you’re flushed with a wave of warmth.

Grillby sits on the couch in the living room that faces the door, knuckle pressed to the side of his mouth and book in hand. Your entrance alerts him, and his head turns up so his eyes can meet yours. They look tired. Yours do too.

He can see you shivering still, and it makes him frown. However, the beginning of a small smile finds its way onto his face when he lifts a hand and waves you over. Both of you know what comes next. You step toward him eagerly.

Without a word spoken between the two of you, he places the thick, old looking novel down on the table in front of him, and opens himself up to you. Rather than sitting next to him like he had expected, you opt for plopping down directly in his lap, arms around his shoulders and legs on either side of him. He lets out a surprised grunt, but it quickly dissolves into a chuckle as his arms find their way around your midsection. You relish in the warmth they offer.

“You’re cold.” He starts.

“You’re warm.” You reply, though it’s muffled by the fabric of his thin shirt. He hears you despite this, and a fiery brow quirks up.

“Aren’t I always?” Grillby asks. You can hear the teasing smile in his voice, but nod against him regardless. Thanks to him, you can feel your shivers mostly subside.

“Yea, but I especially appreciate it when it’s freezing out.” Comes your voice once more. Sighing, you feel his arm begin to rub slowly up and down your back, a soothing, sweeping motion that transfers his heat to you even faster. Suddenly comfortable, you’re reminded of how totally exhausted you are.

“I always tell you to bring a coat.” He tries for a chastising tone, but can’t help that it comes out as soft as it does. His voice is just a mumble now, reaching your ears easily despite its low volume. This is in part because he’s taken the liberty of placing his cheek against your head.

“Heh..Yeah...” You concede, burrowing your face further into him. It’s a long moment before you speak again. “I didn’t think you’d be up. Aren’t you tired?” At this question you look up at him as much as your current position will allow, cheek still smooshed into his shoulder.

His response is low, and doesn’t come immediately, which kind of gives you an answer in itself: Yes.

“Mm... I am..” He confirms your suspicion. A little more quietly, he continues. “But you were still out, and...” The elemental’s head lazily tilts, and the flames constantly spiraling off of it follow the movement. You catch him glance out the window. As if wanting to help illustrate his point, another forceful gust of wind rattles it just slightly.

A little guilt twists your stomach. He always worries, and you should have known he would be waiting. You should’ve fought harder to leave on time. You expect he’s going to finish the thought, but you already know where he’s headed, so you preempt him.

“You didn’t need to wait up for me...” You say softly.

The response you get is hushed, but still quite matter-of-fact.

“I did. I wanted to. ...I like going to bed with you.” His tone is so simple, so casual, so... sweet. He’s just speaking honestly, yet it affects you so much. The guilt you feel morphs into adoration, and the feeling makes you grin. You’re sure he can feel it against him, but duck your head back down anyway.

“OK.” Your voice is muffled once more. But the smile in it is audible. A short, breathy hum escapes him, the sound like a sleepy little laugh.

The two of you stay like that for a few minutes, wrapped up in each other. The calm rise and fall of his chest slows further, and the surrounding blanket of his warmth cradles you softly.

You don’t want to, but you eventually have to turn your face to the side. As comfy as he is, it’s a little hard to breathe that way. This movement seems to take him a bit off guard, and rouses him from a drowsiness he’d almost let get the better of him. You feel and hear the deep breath he sucks in as he shifts, bringing himself back off the brink of sleep. He props himself back up against the couch, holding you still as he does. You let out a large yawn, and gently pat his back.

“OK...Time for bed?” You ask quietly. In his sleep-addled state, he can only nod. Without another word, arms around your middle become hands on your waist, and he lifts you off of him and gently places you on the cushion next to him. Slowly he stands, stretching. His flames crackle and pop with the action, and once he’s satisfied he lets out the breath he’d been holding and turns to you with a bright orange hand extended.

For a moment, you consider asking him to carry you. You’re exhausted! But another look at his slightly lopsided posture and barely open eyes reminds you he’s right there with you. So you make do with just grabbing his hand and using it to help pull yourself up. Once you’re on your feet, you two begin a slow stroll to your shared bedroom, and step inside.

The blinds are drawn, so the only light permeating the darkness you stumble around in to change is Grillby himself. You end up in just your underwear and a big T shirt. Following your lead, he removes his own top and bottoms, leaving himself only in his briefs.

It’s only about 45 seconds after you enter the room that both of you are crashing into bed. You simply let yourself fall face first. He as usual is a little more graceful about things, gently lifting the covers for himself, and helping you work your way under them too. Your tired body sings in relief as you sink into the mattress, your back to the flaming monster beside you.

Unsatisfied with this, you fight the sleep off for a little longer to wiggle a bit. A questioning hum leaves him, and by the sound of it, he’s working pretty hard to stay awake too. You turn under the covers, trying not to muss them too much and he seems to get the idea. Warm hands land on your sides again as he helps you turn toward him, eager to pull you closer.

It’s a little brighter when you face him, but that’s never bothered you. Especially not when you’re this worn out. He sighs happily at this change, and his arms circle tightly around you, a hand finding the back of your head and threading itself through your hair.

His digits comb against your scalp ever so gently, drawing a pleased hum from your closed lips. Not many people know (because how could they? He certainly isn’t going around talking about it), but Grillby is quite a physical being. He had some old hang ups that made it hard for him to embrace that about himself at first, and is polite and accommodating to a fault sometimes, but once you’d made him comfortable enough he gave in to his desire to hold you more often, and hold you closely.

Once again, you thank the fucking stars for that. Especially on nights like these. Gone is any trace of the icy chill that consumed you earlier.

Without missing a beat, you place your own hands on his broad back, now giving him the same treatment you had received earlier. He’s larger than you, as most monsters tend to be, but it doesn’t hinder your efforts to gently rub your arm up and down along his spine, fingers only deftly making contact. The hand not doing this splays out across his shoulder blade, then creeps up to rest on the point where his shoulder meets his neck. It wouldn’t be long now for either of you. Your eyelids close, but he looks down at your calm form for a little longer.

A murmured utterance of your name grips the last inklings of your attention. Your eyes slowly drag themselves open again, and a drowsy, “Hmn..?” escapes you. His voice is almost a whisper when he speaks, leaning down so his mouth is closer to your head.

“I love you...” Grillby breathes out. You smile, and lightly kiss whatever of his skin is closest to your lips. That turns out to be a spot on his chest, right under his collar. There’s a small smooching sound as you pull back.

“...Love you too.” You exhale against him. With the last of his effort, he throws a leg over yours, crooking it to bring you closer still, and fully embrace you.

Those are the last words spoken that night. All that follows is the dull crackling of flames and the soft sound of breathing as you both allow your bodies the rest they’ve been aching for.

#Grillby/Reader #Grillby x Reader #grillby #undertale grillby #undertale #Undertale x reader #Undertale/reader #undertale imagines #imagine undertale #Reader-insert #Yaaaayyy I had fun with this one woohoo #First suggestion!#Thank you!!!#hehehehehe

257 notes · View notes

soranis-sunshadow · 4 years ago

Text

My first attempt at fanfiction

I’ve had this stuck in my head ever since that interesting post about how Hordak’s brothers would react to him but not being a native speaker and being so self conscious about my writing has made me somewhat reluctant about posting it. I hope it doesn’t suck. Anyway.. here it goes...

Constructive criticism is always welcome, just, please be gentle. It’s my first attempt at this and if you spot any mistakes, please point them out to me. Pretty please.

Through a mirror, darkly

The castle of Dryl loomed in the distance, perched on the side of a mountain, it bore witness to the new settlement that had sprouted at its base seemingly overnight. The once lonely monolith was now surrounded by scaffolds and life. Where once it had stood alone, isolated and self-sufficient, both a technical marvel and a monument to eras passed, it now had a following of dwellings in various states of construction growing all around it. It would never be alone again.

Following the war, Entrapta had invited Prime’s clones to Dryl. The offer had been made to them in the hopes that they might find a new home and a new purpose and Princess Entrapta herself was, for whatever reason, quite fond of them. Some of them had instantly accepted the offer. They had an instinctive reaction to comply with most requests. Others had accepted because Entrapta already had two of their brothers at her side, it felt natural for more to follow. Some accepted because this new direction was better than the nothing and silence that followed them every day after Prime’s demise and the abolition of the hive mind. A few reluctantly accepted because they had no other real choice. Not many other kingdoms were as willing and the ships in orbit were not pilotable without input form the hive mind. For better or worse, they were stuck on this world for the foreseeable future.

It had been a few months since the war and in the time passed, some of the clones had started manifesting unique personalities. Preferences and choices were still difficult, but individuality was budding all the same sometimes, even despite the wishes of the clones themselves. Some had been named by the locals, others have given themselves names and some still refused to be called anything other than Brother.

Yudi was one of the former. A local cat person had called him terrible and an utter disaster and despite his best efforts to make them stop, the moniker of Utter Disaster, shortened to UD had stuck to him like thistle to clothing and just like thistle it was infuriating at the best of times. Despite his “prickly” personality, Yudi, was one of his more functional brothers. Some were still shy or lost, some were confused and some were paralyzed by all this new “choice” that had been forced upon them.

There was no time to panic, no time to wallow and no time to lick wounds. His brothers needed accommodations, supplies they needed safety and Yudi had chosen to tackle the problem head on instead of wallowing at its magnitude.

Without the hive mind, information was not as readily accessible and the better solutions to his problems were hard to find. Where once there had been thousands of voices, all working together to achieve the same goal, all in harmony, now he was left with either numbing silence or the dissonance of his own lonely thoughts. Doing things by himself was hard, but he would get better at it, he had to get better at it. His more vulnerable brothers relied on him getting better at it. Not to say that he was the only brother tackling the construction project or the long term agricultural goals or even establishing some form of production and economy for the kingdom of Dryl.

There were others here too and amongst them was his least favorite brother, the runt that had stranded them here in the first place. It didn’t help that the defect had apparently learned a thing or two in its exile and had started to put the knowledge to use leading to a sort of grudging admiration from some of his other brothers. He handled the planning of the new settlement, the logistics and even the construction itself through the use of the robotic drones. He had found a way to coordinate them through the use of some sort of neural interface but remained tight lipped on how exactly it functioned when asked about it directly. He would deny the existence of a neural link and maintain that the implant device he was utilizing was merely a long distance communicator with which he coordinated the drones. He insisted that should Yudi himself need the drones to assist with any task, he had to verbally communicate the task in explicit detail to the drones. Verbal communications was still hard. Yudi hated it and resented its necessity.

The things were clumsy and rather stupid and Yudi himself thought that he would do a far better job than the runt ever could with coordinating them. But no, Hordak had to be difficult about it.

A bubbly voice broke him out of his thoughts.

“Greetings brother!” came from behind him, “I hope the day finds you in good spirit!” It was Kadroh, one of the more outgoing and functional of his brothers. He had been a calming, guiding influence throughout the ordeal on all of them. It was hard to be anything but calm in his presence.

“Day, is a measurement of time, it can’t find me. It’s an abstract notion” Yudi had said without turning towards his fellow clone. “and you know I think spirits are nonsense”. He put down the electrical power panel he was working on and turned to face his sibling. “Greetings brother!”

Kadroh lets out a laugh “it’s a figure of speech brother” then smiles at him, “ I meant I hope your day is going well”

“Things could be going better, can’t concentrate on the electrical grid of this dwelling without these damn drones interrupting me when they get stuck in loops. How am I supposed to get anything done like this?”

“Peace brother, it will be done when it’s done, we are not on a schedule.” Kadroh puts a hand on his shoulder and looks at him with a disarming smile. “We are comfortable at the moment in the camp and Entrapta is almost done deactivating all of the traps in the castle.” He added enthusiastically. “Everything will be fine, no need to push yourself so hard”. He let go of his shoulder and bent down to the basket at his feet to take a package out of it. “Have you had anything to eat today, or drink?”

“I knew I kept forgetting something” he reached out for the package and took it gingerly from Kadroh’s outstretched hand.

“The locals call these sandwiches” he bent down and pulled a bottle of colored water out of the basket next. “what a silly name for a food, they have absolutely nothing to do with sand or magic, the Etherians are usually literal in their naming conventions but apparently, sandwich is one of those exceptions that proves the rule.” He chuckled and smiled broadly at him and then handed him the beverage.

“How would an exception prove a rule?” Yudi said through bites. He had been hungry. His brother seemed to have a knack for providing sustenance whenever he forgot about that bothersome need himself. Kadroh acted like a caretaker for most of them, always there to help and to listen to guide and to comfort.

“The argument states that if an exception exists or has to be stated, then this exception proves that there must be some rule to which the case is an exception to.” came from behind him in a haughty voice. How could they all have the same voice and yet sound so different? By the Light Yudi hated that particular voice.

“Greetings brother!” Kadroh piped in. “You look glum, are you feeling all right?”

“Hey defect” Yudi added with a sneering tone.

The runt regarded Yudi with a blank expression at first then raised a brow ridge and tiled his head slightly to the side. One of his ears twitched and he coughed in his hand. “Why would I not be feeling all right?” then stared with his uncanny red eyes at Kadroh.

After the abolition of the hivemind and being weaned off the amniotic fluid, the eye color of most of his brothers started changing from green to yellow. Apparently, san’s Prime’s influence, their natural eye color had been a golden yellow glow. Some had different shades, of yellow like lime, or saffron but the defect had uncanny glowing red eyes. Even the defect’s defective creation had the right colored eyes. That walking fetus may have been stunted and released from gestation before maturation but at least when it looked at you; it didn’t instill the same uncanny eeriness that the defect himself exuded. What’s worse was that the runt insisted on highlighting the difference by painting the area around his eyes black. He was proud of being broken and that provoked Yudi even further.

“Oh, you know” Kadroh said absently “ you’ve been working yourself awfully hard brother” he shrugged "you could use a break and a sandwich” he walked between Yudi and the defect, blocking them off form each other and extending his hand towards Hordak, holding the packaged food out. “something tells me you too forgot to eat today”.

Hordak frowned at the offering. “I can’t be bothered with that now, I’m leaving tostart on the reparations project for Salineas in a few days and there are still drones that I haven’t had a chance to update to the new firmware.”

“Brother!” Kadroh said reproachfully “eating, hydrating and resting aren’t things you should be putting off” he looked at him pleadingly. “please eat this” he jerked the food towards him once more “for me?”

Hordak huffed and took the food bundle then started unpacking it. He took small bites out of it while standing and surveying the area. He eyed the electric panel that Yudi had been working on.

“Something to say?” Yudi pierced him with his golden glare.

“You are using uninsulated cables.” the runt said between bites. “The whole panel will be unstable,” he takes another small bite then swallows “prone to overheating and shorting out” he takes another bite “Perhaps I could assist you in making it more stable, it won’t take long.”

“I don’t need your help with this.”Yudi stated flatly. Oh but the defect sure had gumption!

Hordak simply blinked slowly and added. “But you do require assistance, this task is too complex to handle by yourself. A second pair of eyes might highlight minor issues you that might have gone unnoticed. The uninsulated cables are a simple mistake, it could have happened to anyone, no need to be defensive about it.”

Yudi straightened to his full height, walked around Kadroh and faced Hordak completely. “Perhaps I do need assistance, just not YOUR assistance. I don’t trust your ability to aid me in this task.” He snapped dismissively.

“Brothers!” Kadroh tried to interject in a calming tone but was interrupted.

“I’ve been stranded on this planet for decades, in the interim; I’ve handled far more complex operations than this.” Hordak said while gesturing with his hand at the buildings around them, his tone flat and gravely. He regarded his bother with half closed eyes, mimicking indifference but the slight wilting of his ears gave him away.

“Please!” Kadroh tried to squeeze in, his tone now urgent.

“As if anything you’ve done here hasn’t been failure after failure!” Yudi pressed on with gleeful mockery.

“THIS! He started in a harsh tone, then stopped and continued in a forced calm “is something that I have already successfully accomplished before, I built a whole city with nothing but my broken ship. If you weren’t so obstinate to fight me at every turn, this job would be done so much quicker.”

Yudi puffed up and, without really thinking, immediately bit back with “Prime gave you one job, defect! to die! And you couldn’t even get that right!!! Why should I trust you with anything else?” It came out sounding more like a bark than a shout.

The sound of shattered glass broke them both out of it. Kadroh was panting besides them having dropped the glasses and the drinks. He’s looking at Yudi with pleading, warm golden eyes. He tried to say something but all that came out was gasps. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish.

Hordak lets out a feral growl, bearing his crimson teeth at them and clenches his fists, the rest of the sandwich dropped on the ground, forgotten. He too takes in a sharp breath, preparing to shout but then, all of a sudden, he stops himself, his grimace flattens to a neutral expression and he unclenches his fists. The only thing that comes out of his mouth is a tired sigh. He looks away from them “I don’t have time for this.” He then turns around completely and walks away leaving Yudi alone with Kadroh in the deafening silence that hangs around his departure for a few minutes.

“Brother! That was completely uncalled for!” Kadroh says with a reproachful tone after having calmed down. Great, now his brother is angry with him because of the defect. And Yudi thought this day was already terrible enough. Apparently there’s always room for more terrible.

“Was it?” he said to Kadroh’s face, eyeing him with squinting eyes. ”Was it really? It’s his fault we’re all in this mess, his fault Prime found this planet and didn’t glass the damn thing form orbit” he started adding faster “it’s he’s fault we’re stuck here, stranded and at the mercy of these creatures on this ridiculous planet, it’s his fault Prime got distracted at the end, and it’s his fault Prime’s DEAD! his fault we’re all alone now!”

“YES! Prime’s dead! And the universe is better for it!” Kadroh shouted at him snapping Yudi out of his rant. In a meeker voice he added “we’re better for it.” He looks away “If Hordak hadn’t done what he’d done, you wouldn’t be here to resent him for it. None of us would.”

“Brother I” Yudi tried to deflect but Kadroh interrupted him “That was cruel, brother! That was cruel and it was wrong!” he crossed his arms. “And I’m crossed with you.”

“I don’t want to fight with you brother” Yudi said, deflating. “please, forgive my outburst.”

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.” Kadroh added then turned around and left in a brusque pace.

#hordak #wrong hordak #Yudi #spop #spop fanfiction

52 notes · View notes

lisinfleur · 5 years ago

Text

T&T - Chapter 5: Self Righteous Suicide

Author’s Notes | Heavy things are coming… I don’t wanna ruin the surprise within the warnings but I have to place this warning anyway cause it’s way more important than a spoiler ok? Thank you for your comprehension! Words | 4081 ⁑ Warnings: Mentions of blood, cursing, and violence. Caution is recommended: the following content may be triggering. [SPOILER ALERT!] Sexual abuse insinuated, non-graphic.

The following hours were filled with sadness as Ivar and Iliana traveled through the road without pauses, leaving the town behind with the hopes of a peaceful life anywhere in those lands.

Instead of stopping in the next town, Ivar sold as much as he could in the town's blacksmith, gathering gold and silver enough and getting rid even from the cart, keeping nothing but the horse he knew would serve them well since it was a fast animal. Meanwhile, Iliana was walking through the other side of the city, getting rid of some of their things, also gathering gold and silver, plus supplies they would have to carry with them: some food, some herbs for Ivar's legs... All she could carry in a single bag she attached to the horse's saddle before coming up on it and helping Ivar to come up as well.

With the braces, it was hard for him to come up but better for him to keep himself straight over the animal he put to run as soon as they were ready.

"We mustn't stop in the next town, Iliana. I'm sure that man is coming with that other bastard that was following him and more Rus after us. We must leave as fast as we can and we'll have plenty of time to sleep at the boat during our trip. I'll try to pick up the pace to ensure we'll reach the sea tomorrow," Ivar explained, to what Iliana only nodded, agreeing.

And praying the gods would be merciful with her and Ivar and allow them to depart without major problems.

Maybe they didn't hear her. Or maybe they have given her a chance to find another boat, to have some more time.

If only she had the Seer's ears to hear the gods' words and his eyes to see their signs...

"I'll leave with the dawn, tomorrow. Not earlier, not later. And no one sleeps in my boat unless it is navigating, my lady. Find yourself an inn for the night and be here before dawn tomorrow. I'll have plenty of space for the two of you."

If only Iliana had followed her intuition saying there was something more in the hazel eyes of that commander. Something more than just the benevolence he was offering when few boats were leaving with passengers from that place. But he had a huge boat... Something she saw just a few times in her life. Ivar and her would be able to rest during the trip and even have some accommodations in that thing. The two of them accepted the deal, paying the man half of the cost in advance to ensure their place as the commander demanded.

"Before the dawn," he insisted.

Ivar was annoyed. Such as Iliana, there was something bothering him in that man's way to look at the woman by his side. To speak only to her and negotiate as if he wasn't there to be noticed.

"I don't like him," Ivar said and Iliana sighed.

"Neither do I, but we have no other choice, Ivar. There aren't boats leaving these docs with more than boxes and after all, Brimir’s boat is big and we'll be able to make a cozy trip... I'm sure the gods will protect us, now come. Let us find a place to stay until tomorrow. It cannot be so bad to have a proper night of sleep."

He sighed, bothered.

But the two of them found an inn not far from the docs, not minding the comfort for that night: they would have plenty of comfort in the boat and so, something cheap would be enough.

If only she had wanted more...

"So, he's crossing the seas towards Ireland... It will be a long trip, I believe," Ivar said, sighing.

His fingers running through the buckles of his braces to take them off along with the furs Iliana had sewed for him to keep his legs warm and protected from the metal parts that could hurt his skin.

"Iliana?" he called up, noticing she was stopped in front of the window, looking outside.

"Uh? Oh, sorry, Ivar... I was..."

"Traveling," he mumbled, looking at her. "You didn't feel comfortable about that man as much as I didn't. I swear, if Brimir tries anything, I'll throw him at the sea for the fishes! And it doesn't matter who that boat belongs to!" Ivar grunted, with a frown that ended up making Iliana smile, coming closer, touching his face in a gentle way.

"Thank you, Ivar," she said, gently, confusing Ivar, causing his glare to become lighter in her eyes.

"Why are you thanking me?" he asked, and she just caressed his face softly.

"For taking care of me," she answered.

And Ivar smiled but silenced.

His heart was still unsure if Iliana would correspond to what he was feeling. He was still feeling anxious about telling her what he started to feel since they shared that life at the smithy, as husband and wife - a life he always wanted to share with a woman, a calm life he never thought would make him feel so satisfied.

But what if it was only her need to keep them safe? What if it was a theatre for her?

He was scared it would end up in her rejection so he kept his mouth shut, only kissing the palm of her hand.

"We should sleep... Tomorrow we have to wake up quite early."

Iliana smiled at his sweet gesture. She was starting to get used to Ivar's gentleness towards her and how contrasting was the way he would treat her in comparison with how he would behave towards the others. Maybe he had grown fond of her as much as she was starting to feel he was something more than a friend for her heart.

However, her mind didn't let itself be fooled: who was she to long for the love of a king? Ivar was the son of Ragnar Lothbrok, a great man, a great warrior, defeated, but still, his blood was the blood of Odin's descendance and he would, someday, recover what was taken from him or conquer new lands to put in his head the crown he was fated to wear. Who was she to believe she could honor the position of a queen? Even more by his side?

No. Iliana knew she was nothing but a slave and in her mind, what she could do was only save in her heart the memories of that sweet theatre in Rohan's house where she could be his wife and he could be her loving husband to repeat it, at least, in her sweetest dreams.

After gently caressing Ivar's face, Iliana took her place in bed with him by her side, trying to rest for the few hours they would have before the trip would start and they would leave those lands.

His homelands. Ivar was unsettled. Not that he had never left his homelands before - he could remember with plenty of details his raid with his brothers to England and the whole trip with his father before this. But he always left as a prince, a commander, with men beside him and a whole fleet by his side. This was the first time he would cross the seas practically alone: no warrior would be with him and he would have to protect Iliana all by himself. Questions filled his mind... Would he be able to keep her safe? Would he ever be able to do as she said?

"Build it again where it won't reach your enemies' ears before you're strong enough to fight them one more time."

To start over, this time, from zero. This time without his father's name to hold his back, nor his death to gather his soldiers. Without his brother's fame to stick the armies together nor his older brothers to discuss his plans. It would be him and him alone.

Ivar sighed: the gods were testing him. Maybe punishing him for thinking he could reach their divinity just because Odin's blood was running through his veins. He was no god and now he knew that it was all Katya's invention to manipulate his mind using his enormous ego as a sword to trespass his heart. And now, the gods had undressed him from it: there was no pride in Ivar's life anymore. Nothing to be dressed as a cloak to cover his back. The gods had thrown him on the mud face down and were now charging him to prove them he could get up and deserve the place he claimed as certain in Valhalla for himself.

But that was something he knew very well...

"I dragged myself on the mud and horse shit my whole life," Ivar thought. "And yet, I stood. I walked and fought when everyone thought I couldn't even stay alive pass my childhood."

If the gods wanted to defy him, he would prove them he was worthy and please them with Katya's and Oleg's heads and all the Christian blood that dared to stain his beautiful lands. This time, no tricks, no dummies.

Ivar would tie Katya to a pole and maybe force her to watch as he would blood-eagle Oleg to prove them both their god was nothing and he was pretty more than what they thought about him.

And then, with his crown back to his head, he would maybe feel strong enough to face his fear and offer Iliana the crown that once belonged to his beautiful mother to put her beside him as his queen and make her life what she deserved it to be.

It was a good way to see himself: sitting in his father's throne, with Iliana by his side, his lands back to his hands, this time, the right way. The gods had given him a path and a goal to persecute.

Ivar wasn't unsettled anymore.

With these scenes in mind and thinking Iliana's presence by his side was a sign of the gods' bright plans for his life, Ivar straightened himself in bed and fell asleep quickly.

Without knowing the gods' plans for him were closer than he could think.

Close enough to find him at that inn, when Iliana and Ivar were preparing to leave with the boats.

"We shall stay for the night and then search for them in the..."

The male voice silenced at the inn's entrance. And blue eyes found fierce and hungry eyes looking at them. Ivar felt his chest clenching for a moment. Were his thoughts wrong? Were the gods against him that much? Did they bring Iliana into his life just to show him what he could have been if he had never defied them the way he did?

Just to get them together and end up their crimes with a single strike?

Ivar's mind was a mess when his eyes found Mir and his pathetic companion by his side. Few Rus with them - at the number of four that Ivar's eyes could locate into that room.

The receptionist of the inn pulled away when the tension between Mir's and Ivar's eyes became thick enough to be cut by a blade and all the Rus men got up from the chairs they were occupying or turned themselves to look at the fallen king's position. Ivar would have to fight his way out - if there was a way out.

His arm slowly pushed Iliana's body behind his and Ivar could feel when her hand softly slid through his flank, slipping one of his daggers out of his belt, into her hands. She was disposed to fight or at least not to be a defenseless lamb in the middle of that situation, but Ivar knew they were at disadvantage: he was on his braces - not his best way to fight. Overwhelmingly outnumbered and with Iliana in his mind, knowing he would have to protect her or rescue her from the hands that would surely pass his weak protection, Ivar thought maybe the gods could be torturing him...

Or maybe they were testing his words, his thoughts.

He stood alive when everyone thought he couldn't pass his childhood. He walked when everyone thought he could never be more than a dragging cripple.

Ivar was used to do the impossible.

So, the gods had placed the impossible in front of him once again.

"Look if the gods aren't by our side, Arthaknut!" Mir said, looking at Ivar, giggling when he noticed Ivar's hand landing over the daggers. "And the bastard thinks he can fight! Look at your lame ass, Boneless! We have men enough to defeat even the best of your brothers!"

"I am the best of my brothers..." Ivar said.

His fingers clenching around the dagger's grip as his eyes acquired a murderous glare.

"Let's put your theory to the test, my friend."

He didn't wait for the enemies to make the first move, throwing the dagger forward to reduce their numbers by killing the first Rus soldier with a precise shot in his throat. Pushing Iliana to the opposite side where he threw himself, Ivar counted with what happened in front of his eyes: Mir turned himself to her - always searching what he thought was the weaker side of the battle - as the Rus men and Arthaknut turned themselves to the source of the daggers Ivar continued throwing on them while searching protection on the corner of the hallway - something he knew wouldn't last too long.

"RUN!" he yelled at Iliana who nodded, not questioning his command.

She knew he had something in mind. She knew Ivar was a brilliant mind. To stay and distract him would only lead to death and so, Iliana ran into the inn with Mir running after her, giving Ivar the moment he wanted: going after Iliana, Mir had to turn his back on Ivar, believing he would be too occupied keeping the Rus away from himself.

But after shooting a second dagger and having a second Rus knocked down, Ivar turned himself to Mir, sacrificing his chance to keep the enemies away to throw a dagger right behind Mir's knee, forcing the bastard down and gaining time so Iliana could flee.

But it cost him dear after all: the two remaining Rus and Arthaknut reached him faster and he could only kill one of them before the first blade crossed his shoulder.

Arthaknut wasn't precise purposely. Ivar growled in pain with his right shoulder trespassed by the poorly sharpened blade.

"The bastard wants you alive, Odin knows why, but if I have to kill you here, I’ll fucking do it!" Arthaknut spat before receiving a powerful punch from Ivar in his chest, right in the middle of the sternum, that threw him back to the other corner of the hallway.

For a moment, Arthaknut thought how fucking strong Ivar's fist could be to take the whole air from his lungs with a single punch as he did. And, yet having a blade crossed on his shoulder, keep fighting like that, pulling the blade out of his flesh to defend himself from the Rus soldier's sword as Ivar was doing. Maybe that man sitting on the ground, pulling an adult man down by its ankles as if it was nothing but a boy to be slaughtered, growling in pain instead of screaming when his left shoulder was cut open by his enemy's blade; maybe that man was really the descendant from Odin some would say all the sons of Ragnar were.

Arthaknut's eyes went down to his chest and so he noticed he would soon be able to ask the god himself for the answers to his thoughts: blood was pouring profusely from the wound in his chest and Arthaknut realized Ivar never punched him: his fist was armed with one of his daggers strategically pulled and sunk to reach Arthaknut's heart in a single strike. Ivar was never surprised by that attack. Instead, he held the whole length of Arthaknut's blade just to have that single moment of stupidity and low guard to have him killed before he could even realize he was deadly wounded.

Arthaknut always thought one day he would die in battle. But as the Rus man was dying in front of his eyes - his own blade sunk down his throat by the cripple demon yelling over him - he thought maybe he couldn't reach Valhalla even dying the way he did. Maybe the doors of that palace would be always closed for him.

Ivar's eyes didn't even reach him one more time before he started crawling towards Mir. No. Valhalla would never be open to him.

Valhalla was for warriors like Ivar. He? He was nothing but a fly in that hallway.

A dead fly.

Insignificant.

Ivar dragged himself with all he could towards the hallway, but that was too much even for him: his left arm was cut open, his right shoulder was crossed and the trail of blood under his dragging body was becoming thicker. Even then, he forced himself some meters more just to find that bastard over Iliana on the ground.

Ivar thought on going forward and use his last strength to take Mir away from her, but his eyes caught the huge blood pool forming under Iliana's body, opening itself slowly, staining her dress.

For a second, Ivar's eyes became wide when Mir moved over her. Did he manage to kill her? Was all that effort in vain? From the fear, Ivar found the strength to drag himself closer and that was when Mir rolled to Iliana's side, landing beside her like a heavy bag of flesh, still and lifeless. In the middle of his chin, sunk upwards into his skull, Ivar's dagger was covered in blood piercing the man's jaw to his maxillary and keeping his mouth the way Ivar liked the most: forever shut.

Trembling and covered in Mir's blood, Iliana got up to see when Ivar leaned himself to the hallway wall, panting and finally letting himself feel all the pain that was slowly spreading through his body.

"No... No, no, no, don't do it!" she squealed, dragging herself closer to him, holding his face, seeing with despair the wounds in his shoulder, and arm and the trail of blood he left behind. "Don't close your eyes, please! Please, Ivar!"

Ivar chuckled.

There was so much anguish in her eyes... Maybe she loved him and didn't want to lose him as much as he didn't want to attend to the feast sounds in his ears. His bloody fingers touched her face, staining her skin in red.

"I should have told you before," he mumbled as she was ripping a piece of her skirt trying to tie the wound in his arm, diminish the bleeding. "I fell in love with you... And if I ever had recovered my lands... I wanted to make you my queen."

Iliana's heart clenched into her chest. His eyes were so tranquil and full of tenderness into hers and there he was, bleeding because he tried to give her time to flee. He could have fought for himself only and he would be wounded, but surely not that much. But he gave up his time to throw the dagger that made Mir weak enough for her to win. And now it could cost his life...

No. She couldn't let it happen!

"Ivar you listen to me closely: you won't die in this filthy place! You're a son of Ragnar! A king! And you'll recover your crown and..." she stopped.

Ivar was blinking longer.

Her fingers cupped his face and she touched her forehead to his.

"You cannot die here, Ivar... Because I fell in love with you as well. And I want you to make me your queen. I want you to be mine so, please... Please, stay with me."

He growled when she helped him to get up, holding his weight against her back, but Ivar tried to remain awake. As much as she could, Iliana helped him to walk towards the dock where Brimir's boat was preparing to leave. But Ivar couldn't step into the boat. Instead, he fell still on the ground and Iliana screamed in despair kneeling by his side, pulling his body into her arms, feeling tears pouring down her face when his dizzy eyes looked at her before finally close defeated by the pain and blood loss.

"Help! Please! HELP!"

"HEALER!" Brimir yelled.

And the crew mobilized itself around her, putting Ivar over an improvised stretcher, carrying him into one of the accommodations of the boat to place him over the bed as a second man came closer.

"Put a blade on the fireplace and bring me clean clothes and boiling water! Quickly!"

Iliana's heart filled with hope. Those men were mobilized so quickly and so organized! They should work together for years and the man opening Ivar's clothes, exposing his wounds to care, had firm hands and the serene expression of someone who knew exactly what he was doing.

Maybe there was a chance and so, she started silently praying the gods for his life.

Wounds were burned and sewed, cared and covered with clean bandages and herbs to heal. His body was cleaned and was now resting shirtless over that bed. He was pale but breathing tranquil as if Ivar was just sleeping a long sleep. He didn't open his eyes a single moment during the process.

"We must wait," the healer said. "I'll come during the day to check on him but I don't believe he'll be awake anytime soon. Maybe a day or two before we can really be sure he'll survive."

"Thank you," Iliana cried, touching the man's hands with tenderness. "You have no idea of how much I owe you..."

That man smiled at her, but Brimir's smile wasn't as gentle.

"We'll talk about this now... Atli, you can leave," his voice sounded harsh and Iliana swallowed dry when the healer turned himself from her to look at Brimir.

"The man is wounded, Brimir. She's..." he tried, but Brimir's face frowned and his tone became harsher.

"I said leave, Atli. Now."

Atli's eyes reached Iliana's with anguish before he let go of her hands and left the room along with the men that were helping him with Ivar's care.

Iliana cringed.

She had been alone in rooms like that many times to know exactly why Brimir was smiling once again, coming closer.

"M... My husband and I still have gold... And silver..." she tried, feeling Brimir's fingers touching her curled hair, pushing it softly aside as sliding through the skin of her neck and shoulders.

"And it will pay for your trip and the food you'll consume, my dear. But all the supplies his wounds will consume and the time of my healer to check on your husband... Tsk tsk... I don't believe your gold and silver can pay for this... Favor."

Iliana's eyes filled with tears once again, watching as Ivar was defenseless and unconscious on that bed. Brimir could cut his supplies and treatment. Or worse, he could simply kill Ivar and she wouldn't be able to do anything to prevent it from happening. Ivar had fought for her and now that he was defenseless, she had to protect him.

"Favors are paid... With favors... Don't you think?" Brimir continued and Iliana felt his nose close to her neck, breathing the scent of her skin still mixed with the blood in her dress. "Your husband is a lucky man. I want to know how it is to be lucky like him."

"Get me a bath," she grunted between her teeth, clenched in anger and contempt. "And Ivar will have Atli's full attention!"

Brimir giggled, opening his arms to look at her, teasing.

"A demanding little kitten... Fine," he said, licking his lips and touching Iliana's chin. "The better you please me, the better your precious husband will be taken care of. Now dissolve this frown, uh? Come with me. I'll get you clean and you can start defining how soon will Atli come back to your husband's room."

Iliana lowered her head as Brimir walked towards the door. With one last glare towards Ivar, she held her breath and left the room behind the captain.

She knew men like Brimir her whole life.

And men like him didn't like to wait.

Do you like my work? Support me!

Tagged ones:

|| @bluearchersstuff || @ivarswickedqueen || @directionlessbuthappy || @akamaiden || @bang-kim-bap || @cris101071 || @elysias-temple || @alicedopey || @captstefanbrandt || @queen-see-ya-in-valhalla || @lol-haha-joke || @normatural || @readsalot73 || @rekdreams247 || @slutforasoldier || @naaladareia || @laketaj24 || @therealcalicali || @grungyblonde || @arses21434 || @honestsycrets || @rabeccablake || @2thequietone4 || @blackspiritshake || @vikingsbifrost || @wallabieswisher || @sincerelysinister || @lyanna-the-giantsbane || @chinduda || @isthat-tyra98 || @xinyourdreamsx || @littledeadrottinghood || @thiahilmarsdottir || @queenbeeta || @notyouraveragegirl17 || @winchesterwife27 || @gold-dragon-slayer || @mzliterarydreamer || @youbloodymadgenius || @alwaysbenhardysgirl || @marvelouuse || @tgrrose || @lif3snotouttogetyou || @lordsexmachine || @deathbyarabbit || @ietss || @hissouthernprincess || @thorins-queen-of-erebor || @aperfectly-imperfect-perfection || @didiintheblog || @choppedroadwolfathlete || @h-e-a-v-y-l-e-a-t-h-e-r

Want to be tagged? Ask me!

#history vikings #imagine vikings #ivar #ivar the boneless #ivar imagine #ivar x OC #ivar ragnarsson #ivar lothbrok #ivar's heathen army #sister wives #T&T

66 notes · View notes

teacherintransition · 4 years ago

Text

Go it Alone?

During this transition of life from teacher to seeker of dreams, it is very much a solitary trek fraught with missteps and rethinking.

If you’re just heading for the rocker, your choice, easy... if you are making a life change, the supportive partner from the old life is a valuable treasure.

The day in Nacogdoches is magnificent; 73 degrees, brilliant sunshine, bright blue sky, a gentle ten mph breeze making the leaves engage in a graceful dance ... it is an almost perfect day. Unlike the two previous days of gray, gloomy rain which did nothing to motivate the writer in me to put pen to paper; that phrase is antiquated, but sounds so much more lofty in tone than, “putting keyboard to screen.”

My thoughts these last two days have been occupied with what I would usually be doing as a teacher for the previous 30 years. The closing down process of a school year is almost instinctual at this point, except I’m not doing it this time. I feel very out of place missing the emotional state and process that is so memorable to a teacher. No, not the obligatory jamming of Alice Cooper’s, “School’s Out for Summer” out of every school PA system nationwide, which is pretty damn cool. It is one of the reaffirming times that a teacher loves, the visible achievement of making it through the year, seeing kids meet goals and surpass them, the establishing of bonds with young people that will last a lifetime, the camaraderie with colleagues, the farewell to those moving on or retiring ... retiring ... the transition. Truly feeling out of place and time. Despite the braggadocio of so many who proclaim, “I ain’t ever lookin back” ... go forth I suppose, but if you were in education for the “right” reasons you can’t help but look back and wonder. If you don’t ... even just a little, why did you become a teacher in the first place? Ah, I digress... onward and forward with ye vaunted transition.

Many wonder, I did, what makes the transition easier? I’ve discussed ad infinitum the need for a plan, activity, a purpose... of being able to rest (a little bit) on your laurels and find yourself. As a means of a cooperative, communal working through being a dedicated educator to a retired seeker of self actualization; I feel that all aspects are up for examination. I cautiously broach this topic because it somewhat treads upon the grounds of relationship advice. I’m happily married and it was NOT an easy road without potholes and obstacles. Painful, difficult, heartbreaking, frustrating at times yes; but any successful point is only achieved through such struggle. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Brent and Kim Rich... you’ve overcome raising three boys, a mortgage, being overdrawn, personal struggles and you’ve reached your 34th anniversary... smooth sailing here on out. Except the arduous process of getting “mature,” empty nesting and the sad passing of family from the previous generation.... AND ... Brent is retiring! Instant gut check. All I have is personal experience, anecdotal observations and arbitrary wisdom that may or may not apply to you the reader.... it also falls under the umbrella of “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!”

The relationship with your partner is a vital consideration; in for a penny...in for a pound. If your marriage(s) have made it this far, the “R word”... retirement is a joint venture, and, for that matter, a venture that your kids will have input regarding. You might be thinking, “I ANSWER TO NO ONE,” or “I’VE EARNED THIS ... I DESERVE THIS!” Silly rabbit... to quote Clint Eastwood (I love doing that), “deserves got nuthin to do with it,” as you’ll find out.* As I write this, there are three friends whose retirement plans have just become victims of a monkey wrench. I’d be foolish as would my wife if we didn’t know that destiny turns on a dime. “No man is an island entirely of itself. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind,” brilliantly stated by John Donne. ** Now that the intangibles have been addressed, let’s delve into more concrete realities.

You and your spouse, partner, soul mate, fellow traveler must be somewhat on the same page and hopefully have been for a number of years leading up to this decision. If you are uncompromising... then expect fallout from spouses, children, friends and family... not total or irrevocable or permanent... but maybe. Being uncompromising with the intangibles is pointless... being uncompromising with the others in your life; expect a price to be paid. We are all in this together and friends and family are often by choice. On the other side of the coin, friends and family should be somewhat accommodating to your dreams... fate and destiny may not give a whit ... but you’re loved ones should as you should to them.

Let’s move away from unpleasant, confrontational possibilities to those built on a partnership that didn’t grow apart but grew together. Long before you hit your 50’s, this path of common goals should have always been the objective. Raising a family and navigating careers should be an enriching experience, but all too often it can be the reason a couple grows apart. Hisham Matar’s book, A Month in Siena, continues to be a treasure trove of wisdom. He offers this warning for couples and people in general who allow themselves to grow apart:

Growing apart has a consequence which will surely follow. What lies beyond are longings in nostalgia and this needs to be accounted for what it is.... if, what the people thinking here is a true hell is not; the true hell is realizing you are not being recognized by those closest to you.***

If you intentionally keep the commonality of each other’s goals, dreams and objectives in mind, you shouldn’t discover a stranger when retirement decisions come around. The relationships with family and friends and relating to oneself introspectively are to be visited often. You can become a stranger to yourself as well as those close to you perhaps even shutting to yourself off to everyone. Again from Matar:

We met at a place they like appearing to be standing there with the optimism of successful people. An unexpected turn in the conversation began to confess such inconsolable disappointments regarding their lives and careers; veiled sentiments that seemed to conceal powerful criticisms of one another. Each listed with the head of blame and quiet violence that some couples are capable of, all the missed opportunities, the roads not taken and now uncorrectable regrets****

That bleak outcome can be turned inward all too easily. Be open ... to those in your life, many heartaches can be avoided.

So, let’s say that the work has been put into relationships and an understanding and respect of one’s goals have become shared goals or visions; you’ve not only avoided conflict, but obtained support and encouragement for what can be a risky set of plans. My wife has been able to read me sometimes better than I can read myself... with the shared effort given. Without trying, we started to share common dreams; we didn’t plan on that 20 years ago (truth be told 20-25 years ago was a rough patch)... we started sharing what we hoped to achieve, helped each other on the difficult steps we were then experiencing and talked ... who’d have thought? This is our path and is not a guarantee that both sides will depart at point A and arrive at the same point B; but the odds improve even though neither can anticipate those rascally intangibles. You chose each other for a reason, you raised a family together for that reason... don’t hide what you want from each other or from your friends for that matter. Do Kim and I share a common general outlook? Absolutely. Does that outlook appear identical to each of our visions? No... c’mon nothing worthwhile will come that easy. Are we facing compromise? Sure, and is it worth it? To have someone to share dreams, to encourage you when roadblocks appear, to validate your vision... it absolutely is worth it. Go it alone? Not the most desired outcome... we are social creatures, we need each other ... as long as “give and take” is understood, it will be ok in the final picture.

But, I will live in Italy ... you’ll see you will all see ...(end with maniacal laughter)

*Eastwood, Clint; The Unforgiven

**Donne, John; No Man is an Island

***Matar, Hisham; A Month in Siena

****Matar, Hisham; A Month in Siena

http://labibliotecacoffee.com/

1 note · View note

fics-not-tragedies · 5 years ago

Text

Intervistare [5]

one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight

Since @wifeofdarklordsworld was more than keen for the fifth part I was very happy to oblige and here it is 😈 Also there will be more parts to it, cause I couldn’t help myself with continuing this series!

SUMMARY: Santino takes you to his summer house in Provence. Words: 2533; Warnings: smut, as you might think;

Readers tag list:

@spookier-than-u; @oreofenyloetyloamina; @derangedcupcake; @geostarr; @catsmieow; @wickedlangdon; @bodhi-black; @bugalouie; @onebatch--twobatch; @fandom-lover-4; @mikaneonox; @drunkonyellow; @spadesandaces2342; @harrisongslimited; @hhighkey; @lunilate; @i-cant-remember-my-old-login; @sgt-morgan; @coloursunlimited; @childrenofthegun; @weminiaturestrawberry; @silverlambcaptain; @scarletmoon83; @howtoruin-someones-perfect-day; @krazycags01; @charlottebonnie; @moonlit-raven-haven; @girl-at-the-verge; @boopdedoop; @jardani-jovonovich-bitch; @ladyreapermc; @wifeofdarklordsworld; @mysticfluffyness; @zombiepandajfish; @kollover24; @greenmanalishi; @persephonehemingway; @lovelycarose;

When you woke up in the middle of the night, you registered three things. The sound of the wind blowing outside the room. The vanilla and pomegranate scented moisturizer you slathered on to soothe your sunburn. The aftertaste of alcohol still lingering on your lips from the numerous glasses of posh wine you consumed.

And then you opened your eyes and you were sweating, wide awake, too hot to focus on anything but how uncomfortable you felt. You were hot and flustered - the remnants of a bad dream still somewhat lodged in your brain and as much as you tossed and turned in those first few minutes, willing yourself to go back to sleep, it was no use.

Your restlessness made you turn your head to find Santino. He was draped half across you, his arm curled over your waist like he only recently let go of you. He had no regard for the heat, for how high you had to turn the air conditioning up, how you both slept naked as a necessity rather than a choice - he simply always wanted to be close to you, even at night, no matter how uncomfortable that was.

The thin sheet was barely covering him, exposing all that beautiful tanned skin from the days you spent sunbathing on the patio, both of you sprawled in the comfortable lounge chairs and his hair was a curly more than you’ve seen it curly before, stuck to his forehead. His nose and cheekbones were shiny with a slight layer of sweat. His lips parted a little against the softness of the pillow, his eyelids heavy and fluttery. He was so picture perfect it broke your heart over and over again. You didn’t want to wake him, but you knew he was tired enough that you could slip out without him noticing.

You shifted from under his arm and hurried across the room in quick, almost soundless, tiptoe movements, trying to keep as quiet as you could. You picked up the satin kimono he gifted you on the first night you’ve spent here and pulled it around you, tying the strip of fabric around your waist loosely. With minimal noise, you headed out and onto the balcony with bare feet, slipping through the sliding door. The air was humid, thick and heavy but there was a slight breeze which danced around your skin and you craned your face for more of it, calmed by how quickly you were cooling down. It was dark out, the sky dotted with stars like a painting and you watched the lavender fields bend with every blow of the summer wind. You could spot a couple of people walking on the narrow paths, a few lights of other houses shining in the distance, but it was mostly quiet and you closed your eyes for a moment or two, enjoying the tranquility.

It had only been a few minutes when you heard a shuffle behind you - but you didn’t turn your head, knowing it could only be Santino. There was a loud thump followed by a couple of sluggish footsteps and you heard the door slide ajar, the curtains flap in the breeze, his stifled yawn. A moment later his warmth surrounded you again, his firm chest pressed up close to your back. He was clearly still undressed, hadn’t bothered covering up to join you out on the balcony and you laughed a little at his bravery. He smelt like scotch, a hint of cigarette smoke and the remains of his cologne, so intoxicating, so consuming. He sighed and wrapped his arms tightly around your middle, drawing you back against him, his muscles tightening as you ran your hands back over them instinctively.

“Bella… what are you doing here?” he mumbled thickly a second later, the sleepiness still very much in his voice.

“Just needed to cool off, Santi” you replied quietly, leaning back into his touch, feeling his untamed hair tickle your skin as he exhaled, “I just couldn’t sleep.”

He nodded and rested his chin on your shoulder for a moment, staring out at the view just as you had. His breathing was slow and shallow and you counted the beats, felt him crane his neck slightly to find the moon.

“Bel cielo” he whispered, before sweeping your hair out of his way so that he could sink closer into your neck, “Mmmm… you smell so good bella” his nose pressed against you, close to your ear and you giggled breathlessly, wrapping your fingers around his to keep him close, “Come back to bed with me, bella” he grumbled, his voice deeper, a suggestiveness to it.

“I’m not tired, Santino.”

He sighed dramatically, furrowing his brow but held you tighter, needy and starved of attention for too long. He shifted his stance and angled his face so that he could press his lips against your neck, where he softly groaned, “Please.”

And just like that the heat was back, only this time it was different and it was welcomed. You elongated your neck, tilting your head to give him more room and closed your eyes as he pressed wet kisses against your clammy skin.

“Santi… what are you doing?”

“I will help you with being tired, bella” he laughed as he kissed down and over your shoulders, brushing the material of your gown aside, so demanding.

You didn’t want to say no, wouldn’t have dreamt of it in a million years, but there was something so uncontrollable and unpredictable about him, his need to have you whenever and wherever he desired that had you constantly on edge. And as badly as you needed him too in that moment, it was also so risky, so exposed.

You were about to tell him no, tell him it was a bad idea and that it was far too dangerous - when he undid your gown, impatient, his gentle hands roaming over your body the moment he could get inside. The breeze drifted over your body and you shuddered at the sensation. He skimmed your nipples, squeezing your breasts roughly as your rolled your body back against him, gripping his bicep to keep yourself still.

He held you against him with one arm, his tight fist the only indication of his lack of control and he reached down, stroking over your stomach with two fingers, trailing closer by the second to where you needed him, but never close enough. You were weak.

“Santino…” you sighed through gritted teeth.

“Cosa?”

“We- we can’t…”

“But we already are, bella” he drawled, and pinned his body against yours again, choosing that moment to reach down and brush against your folds. The angle was a little awkward but he was persistent and it didn’t stop you from shuddering as he touched you, the pure need for him having built so quickly.

“Wet” he announced proudly, his lips close to your ear, “so fucking wet.”

You could feel his erection, knew how hard and desperate he was already when he pressed against your ass and you wanted to tease him, but you had no leverage, your body trapped between him and the railing. He rubbed your clit teasingly, circular motions with one finger, as if testing to see how well you’d play along for him and you cried out a little, needing so much more than he was offering.

The heat was so sticky, your hair slick against your skin and you groaned involuntarily as he smothered every inch of your skin he could reach in kisses at the same time, suckling here and there, skimming you with his teeth out of sheer hunger.

Santino could have stayed in that position forever, watching you bend further against him, begging him wordlessly to play with you, but he knew better than to drag it out when you were in such a compromising position, naked and trembling on the balcony. One hand was on your hip, the fingers pressing into your skin hard and the other moved away from your heat to cup your throat, his thumb pushing up into the soft skin under your chin. He ignored your quiet whimper of frustration, his ultimate goal to make you moan and purr for him fueling him instead. His knee knocked your legs apart and you couldn’t fight it, already so fragile, so ready for him.

“You gonna take me, bella?” he mumbled, his voice shaky, his breathing uneven, “Do you want this? Because I swear, I’ll not stop until your legs are quivering and every person within ten miles is well aware of my name.”

“Y-yes” you mumbled instantly, because you didn’t have any strength to say anything more or to deny him anything he wanted.

He tensed his jaw and turned your head to the side to meet his with the hand that was holding your throat, kissing you once, roughly but possessively. You felt him palming himself behind you with the hand that had been on your hip, bucking into his own touch.

When you pulled away his eyes were so dark and heavy-lidded, so full of lust that it took you off guard but you didn’t have time to process it before he was forcing you into position to take him, bending you over the banister slightly, shoving the satiny fabric up to your waist in irritation as he aligned himself with your soaking entrance.

You were about to softly beg for him, already a whimpering mess under his touch but he was restless and with one swift move he filled you completely, stretching your walls to accommodate for how thick and hard he was. You groaned a little but bit your lip to keep quiet, tears pooling in your eyes as he started to move, slowly, stroking down your back and shifting his hips into a steady pace. At first he was slow, his movements languid and torturous as he adjusted to how wonderful it felt, draping his back over you to get closer and deeper.

He felt so big from the angle and you felt ridiculously close already, your fingers gripping tightly to the railing to steady yourself, his teasing, the way he smelt, the deepness of his voice always enough to have you dripping for him, begging for more. But he insisted it was all you, his love drunk groans loud enough to make your stomach knot in nervousness.

“Cazzo, bella, your cunt feel so tight and warm, so hot and wet for me.”

“Santi…” you sighed, shaking, “Shhh…”

But he was relentless and pulled you up against him by the neck in response, cupping your throat again to hold you against his chest, using all the strength he had to keep you where he wanted you. He adjusted his position a little so that he was thrusting up into you and you relaxed against him as he pounded into you, the fabric of your kimono already soaked with sweat.

It felt so good. Too good.

You squeezed your eyes shut and pleaded with yourself to hold on, knew he couldn’t be far away from how loud he was panting against your ear. You were so aware of how wet you were and how wet you sounded every time he met you with a particularly hard thrust, a rhythm enviable of the way he played his guitar on the fastest riffs. It was somewhere between your legs beginning to shake and wondering if you’d ever fucked with a view this beautiful, that you were groaning again and bit your lip when you realized, tried to clamp your mouth with your hand, so embarrassed by how bad he had you needing him.

“Wanna hear you, principessa” he stated, tearing your hand away like an impulse, quickening his pace like a threat,“Want everybody to know who’s fucking you so good…”

Your knees knocked against the railing, the noise not loud but inherently obvious and he thrust deeply up into you, challenging you to moan for him. And you did, couldn’t help it, far from quiet whimpers from the pair of you echoing from the balcony.

You felt the build of your orgasm rising to an uncontrollable high, the need to let go overwhelming, your walls beginning to flutter as he slid in and out of you with intensity.

“Baby- I…”

“I know, bella” he mumbled, because of course he did, and a second later he’d found your clit again, flicking it hard and fast, coaxing you to let go for him, “Bella, I’m gonna cum for you now…” he drawled, his announcement punctuated by the way he was fucking you and then you felt him slow his movements, throbbing inside you, pressing hard against your clit after hovering there for a moment.

And then it was too much - for both of you.

He groaned obscenely against your ear and you followed suit, your lips trembling as you cried out his name, his hips jolting at how wonderful it sounded. You felt his release coating you, his cock twitching as his lips fell wide, his eyelids closed tightly as he fought to keep you upright and close to him. He was right - your legs were definitely quivering and you knew that most of the hotel guests knew his name now, if they didn’t before.

You panted as you came down, his lips re-attaching themselves to your neck out of sheer euphoria. He was always needy, especially when he’d fucked you so good and as he slipped out of you, you sighed, smiling. There was no regard for how on view you both were, how exposed you were, you were solely fueled by the desire that you both had for each other

“I love you, bella…” he mumbled breathlessly, admiring you and the sky as he wrapped his strong arms around you again, his heart pounding in his chest.

“I love you, Santino” you replied, and let him drag you back to the bedroom, where he gently scooped you into his arms and placed onto the bed.

“You were saying that you wanted to ask me about something” you said when he crawled onto the bed right next to you.

“Yes, bella… Provence is making me more romantic than I usually am” you giggled at his words, hiding your face in the crook of his neck, “We’re spending so much time together, principessa, I thought maybe it’s time for you to move into my place.”

Your breath hitched into your throat and you moved to the side, so you could have a good look at him. He wasn’t joking at all, he was almost dead serious, his brows raised a little and he was waiting for any kind of answer that could possibly fall from your lips.

“I… Santino… I think yes” you blurted out after few seconds of staring at him with your mouth agape.

“Perfetto, bella” he cupped the side of your mouth, before scooting closer, so he could kiss you deeply, “should I go down to the cellar for some champagne?”

“Let’s get few good hours of sleep firstly” you draped yourself over his naked chest, resting your head near his neck, “I love you Santi.”

“Ti amo, bella.”

90 notes · View notes

prettywordsyouleft · 4 years ago

Text

The Cowboy - Part 6

Pairing: Jung Jaehyun x female reader

Genre: cowboy au / drama / romance / if you squint there’s some enemies to lovers up in here.

Warnings: Jung Jaehyun is a cowboy, need I say more? (a bit of angst and drama, and it sometimes might feel like you’re reading a Nicolas Sparks book, so I’m told lol) — suggestive content awaits in this part.

Word count: 2344

This series will be updated every Thursday and Friday.

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

“I’m sorry, you want me to do what now?” you asked when you answered the front door the following morning, your gaze travelling to the two horses tied up near the house. You laughed nervously and shook your head. “No, no. Just because we had a friendly excursion together yesterday doesn’t mean I’m quite ready for this.”

“It’s not that scary, I promise.”

“Tell that to someone who wanted to ride a pony as a kid. I didn’t. I was an inside only and play with dolls, type of girl.”

“You don’t need to have a love affair with ponies as a child to learn how to ride now. Stop giving me excuses and get out here, would you?!”

Heaving in a deep breath, you eyed the creatures warily before reaching for the keys to the front door. Jaehyun waved you off. “You don’t need to lock up.”

“Someone could easily walk onto this property.”

“Walk?” Jaehyun mused, and you rolled your eyes.

“Fine. Drive up the road and find it. Call it a habit, if you will,” you told him as you slotted the key into the door and locked it. You smiled over at him. “I’ll feel more at ease knowing it’s locked up. And I have a pocket for them, so don’t worry.”

“Whatever makes you happy, Miss City.”

“Back to that?”

“Well, you’re about to learn how to ride from a cowboy. It seems fitting,” Jaehyun replied, and you grinned. “Come on. Old Roger here is half-blind and safe as houses.”

“I don’t think blind and safe work together like that,” you murmured, following him over to the brown horse. You gave him another look. “And who names a horse Roger?!”

“You’re so talkative when you’re nervous.”

“Just hurry up before I back out entirely,” you confessed, and Jaehyun let the stirrups down from laying over the seat of the western saddle.

He then pointed to something sticking off the front of it. “That’s what we call the horn. Take a hold of that and stick your foot in the stirrup there.”

You reached up for the horn and then attempted to get your foot into the stirrup. Not quite making it, you turned to look at Jaehyun. “Oh dear, I’m not able to do this. Well, if you’ll excuse me-”

“Not so fast,” he said as his arms slipped around your waist and pulled you back to his side. You glanced up at him, and Jaehyun blinked a couple of times before grinning lopsidedly. “So eager to get away from me, huh?”

“So eager to hold me,” you pointed out, and his hands dropped to his sides momentarily before guiding your hand up to the horn again.

“This time, hold the horn, and I’ll give you a leg up,” he offered, moving effectively to cup your foot and pushed up. Without realising it, you threw your leg over the opposite side of the saddle and sat down. Jaehyun laughed at your stupor. “Look at you. We’ll make a rider out of you in no time.”

You smiled proudly down at him, and Jaehyun patted Roger before handing you the reins. He sorted your fingers around them before stepping away. “Wait!”

“What?”

“You can’t just put me up on a horse and then walk away from me. Shouldn’t you lead me around first or something? Take care of me!”

Jaehyun chuckled. “Thought you weren’t a pony ride type of girl?”

“Not funny! He might walk off with me! What do I do then?!”

Jaehyun evaluated the snoozing animal you sat aboard and then swiftly mounted his own stead. He looked over at you. “Oh no, what are you going to do now, Y/N? He’s going to start walking as soon as Blaze here does.”

“That’s not funny!” you exclaimed, gripping the horn of the saddle when Jaehyun clucked at his horse, and it walked off. Roger stepped off in time as the other horse, and your eyes bulged out of your head.

Jaehyun glanced back at you. “Relax. I wouldn’t put you in harm’s way. Trust in me.”

Jaehyun’s words resonated with you, and you took in a deep breath and tried to relax. Roger fell in step with Blaze, and you glanced over at Jaehyun nervously.

“Do I just hold the horn?”

“If you want to. Roger won’t do anything Blaze doesn’t. But try to relax your grip at least. Those reins lead to a bit in his mouth. You don’t want to tug too hard on that.”

You unclenched your hands immediately, barely holding onto the reins. You decided to keep one hand on the horn though, just in case. Jaehyun nodded. “There you go, now you’re riding.”

“I’m riding,” you repeated, looking forward along the track you were on. For fifteen minutes or so, you just enjoyed the feeling. It was freeing, even if you had been frightened at first, to be up on a horse with all this land around you. The morning sun wasn’t too hot, yet it felt nice upon your back. You could see yourself growing accustomed to this view. From the back of a horse, everything seemed more magical with the way the light hit it.

And then Jaehyun had to go and ruin your peace. “We’ll try a jog now.”

“A what? No, thank you, walking is fine.”

“I want to show you a place, but it’ll take us all day if we amble up there,” Jaehyun persisted. “Just hold onto the horn, okay?”

“Jaehyun, I-!”

He asked Blaze up a gait, and like clockwork, Roger followed along. You squealed with the change, trying to balance yourself with the fast and bumpier speed. Glaring at Jaehyun, you gripped the horn tightly, focusing on keeping in the seat of the saddle. The longer you jogged, the easier it became, but you were still grateful when both horses slowed back to a walk.

“You’re a jerk!” you exclaimed as Jaehyun laughed at you.

“That I am, but you survived, didn’t you?”

“Wherever we’re going better be worth it!” you told him adamantly and recklessly leaned over and shunted him.

Whilst Jaehyun was okay, you forgot for a second that you were on top of a horse. Unlike him, you hadn’t ever ridden before, and your balance wasn’t as secure. You gripped onto his t-shirt in hopes to find leverage.

Jaehyun leaned in towards you. “Trying to touch me, are we?”

“Don’t! I was just--” Jaehyun helped you back upright, and you shakily drew in another breath.

He grinned. “Hold onto that horn unless you plan on riding double with me, won’t you?”

“So this is it?” you asked when the horses came to a halt, and Jaehyun nodded. “It’s another field, Jaehyun.”

“We can’t use this field for grazing our herd on. It’s too far away from the house to travel to daily and becomes a waste of time when we already have enough to do. It’s hard as rocks during summer and bogs with mud in winter.”

“Sounds cursed.”

Jaehyun glanced at you. “It’s also the closest field we have to the mountain ranges.”

“Huh, so it is.” You surveyed the area, deciphering where you were on the internal map inside your mind. You gasped. “This was the spot I was trying to find access to!”

“Only way in currently is upon horseback,” he mentioned cautiously, readjusting his hat on his head. “My Dad would kill me if he found us out here right now.”

“You’re helping me. Why?”

“You seem genuine,” he answered honestly, gauging your reaction intently. “You’re not here to make big bucks for the company and rob the small people in the process. After yesterday, and with how many came up to us at the market to say hi, I can tell you care about Blayne already.”

“Well, its early days but I do want what’s best for everyone.”

“If we sold this land and then our neighbours gave over the adjacent property, we could build a road and put in more housing, in the very least.”

“You don’t want the resort, do you?”

“Would you? Who needs one when we have enough activities to fill the day?”

You smiled. “My first goal would be housing too. Blayne needs more workers. Workers tend to bring their family along with them. We’d need to change the town model a little to accommodate all of this.”

“The farmers here won’t accept strangers to work their lands. When Avery left, it was really hard for me to manage the herd we have. Caleb is helpful, but he’s slow from a limp to his leg. Dad wants to increase production over the next two years. It’s a joke if he thinks the four of us can manage both our property and my Uncle’s.”

“They’ll need to swallow their pride and let workers in then. I can help with that. I’m sure if we band together, we can help those living here first.”

“Things like these take more than months to execute, Y/N,” Jaehyun mentioned, turning Blaze back towards where you had travelled from. “You talk as if you will be here to change it all. It was just an idea to show you the land.”

“I’m deeply appreciative. Believe me. And whilst things might take time out here, I’m from the city. Rome might not have been built in a day, but we have construction workers by the hundreds. Progress can happen quickly.”

Jaehyun nodded softly right when the morning sun disappeared. He stared up at the skies just as you did, squinting when a raindrop fell upon your cheek. He laughed. “Looks like the weather is showing us how quickly it can change too. Ready to jog again?”

“As long as you don’t bring up this loping you talked of earlier, I’m ready!”

It took thirty minutes of trotting, and by the time you arrived back at your home, you were both soaked through. Jaehyun dismounted first before coming over to your side and gesturing to get down. You landed at his side and laughed, both of you bringing the horses into the barn and out of the weather. Jaehyun took off their gear and popped them in the two end stalls, gesturing for you to go over to the house.

“You’re going to catch a chill if you don’t get out of those clothes,” he mentioned, and you placed your hands on your hips.

“Trying to get me out of my clothes now.”

“Easy on there, Y/N. I’m being a gentleman right now,” he commented with a bite to his lips thereafter, and you shook your head with continued laughter, stepping up onto the veranda and reaching into your pocket for the keys.

Smile fading, you dug your hand in deeper. Your search came up empty. “Jaehyun.”

“Mm?”

“I’ve lost the keys,” you announced, and Jaehyun eyes widened.

“You did?”

“Yeah, they must have fallen out as we rode,” you surmised, slapping your forehead in despair. “Oh! Maybe they fell out when I dismounted before.”

You went to dash back out into the rain that was now coming down sideways, but Jaehyun stopped you, grabbing your arm and shaking his head. “Don’t go back out there.”

“We’ll both get sick if we stay out here like this, though!”

“I know a way in.”

Taking your hand properly, Jaehyun led you around the veranda to a window on the side. He let go of you then, his palms pressing against the wooden window frame. It dislodged from its shut position, and Jaehyun pushed it up into the top window, offering enough space for you both to clamber through it. He awkwardly managed to do so first, holding it open for you to follow suit.

You stumbled when you landed, and he caught you, his hands taking purchase on your hips. You grinned up at him. “How did you know to do that?”

“I was once a teenager,” he pointed out, and you laughed. “What? Don’t tell me you were a goodie two shoes.”

“What did you have here to sneak out to?”

His smile faded as he took in your close proximity. “Not you.”

The temperature in the room grew hotter the longer you stared back at one another. You were acutely aware of where your hands rested on his chest, and where his were on your hips. Slowly, you slipped them up and hooked them around his neck, eliciting flames of hunger to rise within his eyes.

“I’m here now, though.”

“You’ve only been here for a few weeks. Are you going to be here today and gone tomorrow?”

You shook your head. “I have no plans on leaving anytime soon.”

That was enough for Jaehyun to capture your lips in a fevered kiss, his body pressing into yours. You gripped onto his shoulders, and he hoisted you up, your legs curling around his waist as you continued to release all the tension that had built between you. You gasped for air, and his tongue dove in to meet yours, both blindly moving around the study towards the door.

Pulling away breathlessly, Jaehyun stared at you again. “I didn’t think we’d be doing this so soon.”

“Feels like we’ve been playing this game of cat and mouse for longer than three weeks.”

“We should stop. If we keep going on like this, something’s bound to happen.”

“Like a shower and then you taking me to bed?” you offered demurely, the man holding you breathing out a curse. You smirked. “You could stop if you want to slow things down, Cowboy.”

“I hold the fastest score at barrel racing in these regions I’ll have you know.”

You giggled with delight as Jaehyun started to ascend upstairs. “I hope that’s not the same speed that you go at during other things, Jaehyun.”

Kissing you passionately again, Jaehyun didn’t answer with words when he placed you down on your feet once you reached your first destination, simply tugging his t-shirt over his head before kicking the bathroom door shut behind you both.

_________________

Part 7

[NCT Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

87 notes · View notes