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drowninginblox · 2 months ago

Text

Low Battery

Pt: 1, 2, 3, 4

"This needs to be perfect," Kurt mutters under his breath. He's been pacing for hours. "Uh-huh..." the one person he knew would help him is not all enthused. "Something they'd never expect!" Kurt declares in a hushed tone. "Yeah..."

It is 3am, and Scott is not happy.

He was woken up by Kurt holding his nose. The worst way to wake up. Thank god Kurt had the foresight to slap his glasses on. But before Scott could yell at him, Kurt already teleported himself and Scott to Kurt's room. Where a chalkboard was filled with various ideas and notes scattered across the floor. Scott didn't know what was happening, but he'd never seen Kurt like this.

"Kurt, what even is this?" he grumbles after waiting ten minutes for a proper explanation. Kurt looks at him and sees Scott holding the bridge of his nose. "Oh, right." Kurt teleports to the chalkboard and spins it round to show 'Ways to confess without fucking it up; by Kurt' Scott stares at the board before dropping his head and sighing. "Kurt we have work in the morning..."

"Coming from the guy that was making noises I never even imagined. You kept me up last night, this is payback." Kurt teleports over to Scott. "And don't worry, we're not alone." He points to the bed at a still-asleep Gambit. Scott holds his face in his hands "Kurt it is 3am-" Scott tries while Kurt slaps Remi awake with his tail. "The fuck-!" Remi yells before looking around, realizing where he is. "Oh god... mon ami...." The cajin groaned. "Really?"

Kurt looks between them "Look- I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think it was important. And I know it's early- but this has been keeping me awake. I need help with this, I can't..." He sighs. "Herr, vergib mir, but I can't fuck it up!" Scott raises a brow and glances at the Gambit. Although Gambit couldn't see it, he felt the shared glance. "Listen, Kurt," Scott says while standing up. "There is no right answer to this." He admits. Remi leans over, putting his elbows on his knees.

"Kurt, I had no idea what to do with Jean. I thought of every outcome, everything I could and couldn't say, every grand gesture I could think of- I could damn near fill a book!" He admits while walking towards Kurt. "But you know what I did?" Scott clasps a hand on Kurt's shoulder, making Kurt look into Scott's visor with nothing but hope.

"I didn't wake up my friends at 3am!"

Remi barked a laugh as Scott tightened his grip on Kurt's shoulder, making the German fear for his life while Scott seethed. But Scott took a deep breath and relaxed his grip with every moment of exhale. Eventually, he calms himself and evenly states the facts. "What I did Kurt, was take a leap of faith." Kurt glanced between Scott's hand and his visor. "That's all it is," Scott affirms before letting go and heading to the door. Kurt doesn't bother to go after him. This stunt was not going to be met with grace in the morning.

When the door closes, Kurt looks at Remi, who is lying on the bed and fiddling with a deck of cards. "How did you get that?" Kurt mumbles. "Pockets mon ami." Kurt glances over Remi's ensemble of boxers and a crop top. "What?" he asks, genuinely confused. Remi rolls his eyes. "Just come over here and play with Gambit." Kurt sighs "Shouldn't you leave too? I woke you up..." Remi only narrows his eyes and flicks an uncharged card- hitting Kurt square in the forehead. "I-ow!" Gambit's eyes widened a little "Damn mon ami, you should've dodged that," He tuts with a smirk. "You have it bad..." Kurt huffs "Schnauze!" Remi chuckles and waves him over, to which Kurt hesitantly obliges, sitting across from Gambit on the bed.

"Gambit got a game for you," He mumbles as he shuffles his cards "Simple one." He assures. "Go fish?" Kurt offers while he props his head with a hand. Remi stares blankly at him. Kurt only smirks back.

Remi starts dealing cards, mumbling intermittently "Go fish? The fuck are we?" Kurt only chuckles. "Well then mon ami, what are we playing?" Remi looks at him. "Because of your remark, war." Kurt perks a little with a playful smile "Really?" Gambit just nods. "Good game to play when you need to ramble." He hands Kurt half of the newly shuffled deck, to which Kurt takes. "Ya know how to play yeah?" Kurt rolls his eyes and starts setting down cards. Remi responds in kind.

They play quietly for a few moments until Kurt finally speaks up "So what did you want to talk about mein fruend?" "Be honest with me Kurt, why do you love them?" Kurts taken aback by the question but slowly answers "Well," Remi continues. "Would you feel this way if this shit didn't happen?" His eyes never leave the cards. Kurt stops "What do you-"

"What is she worth to you?" Kurt throws down his cards. "For the love of- Remi hold on! Lassen Sie mich darüber nachdenken! Es ist schwer zu beschreiben, was sie sein soll, wenn du mich ständig bedrängst! Give me a moment to answer!" Remi looks him dead in the eyes and slowly sits up. He remains quiet, inviting Kurt to speak. Kurt can only sigh. "Siehe- listen, Y/n is my best friend. I would be lost without them, truly." He looks down at his cards. Remi's stack was thicker than his now. He must not have paid attention to how shitty his luck was. "I... I rely on them."

"Reliance isn't love, mon ami." He surmises before taking four more of Kurt's cards as his seven lost to Gambit's ten. "I relied on 'few people back in the Bayu but I loved none of them 'n the way I love y'all. An all tha' nothin' compared to my Cher," He smiles fondly before returning back to Kurt. "But that' all to say, that's far different to jus relyin on someone. You know that." Gambit says with a quick tap to Kurt's shoulder. "Mon ami, I've seen you smitten. And this ain't it." Kurt sighs, putting down his small stack of cards to hold his hands together. "Tell me, ya know Gambit won't tell no one, but ya love them? Truly?"

Kurt closes his eyes and hangs his head "I... I don't know." Gambit smiles at him sadly. "You have one hell of a poker face mon ami," He says while shuffling close to Kurt. "But ya get tells. Everyone does." Kurt only sighs "Gambit, what do I do, Bruder?" Gambit claps an arm around Kurt's shoulder and pulls him into a side hug. Kurt softens a little at the much-needed contact. "Ya figure it out before ya commit." He mumbles, his voice seeping with genuineness. "And if I hurt them?" the smaller mumbles. Gambit shakes his head. "It would hurt them more if ya lied, mon ami. Trust me, I know." He says with a smirk. Kurt smiles a little at that. "Player." He mumbled. Gambit chuckled and held Kurt tighter for a moment "Gotta try ya luck." Kurt scoffs playfully.

Gambit starts collecting his cards. Kurt helps him out. It's a silent task, but when they finish they only look at each other knowingly. "Ya gotta be true to yaself, Kurt." Gambit eventually says, a deep understanding coursing through his words. "If ya don't trust yaself in that, then trust Gambit." Kurt can only look away. Gambit sighs. "Ya trust me right?" Kurt nods. "Ja... with mein life." Gambit clasps his shoulder and squeezes it lightly. "Then follow ya heart, not what they may want." Kurt takes a moment before nodding to the sentiment. Gambit smiles slightly before heading out of the room and closing the door behind him. Once he's gone, Kurt looks to the chalkboard and the scattered papers of fantasmal plans. But now he can only see them as what they are- fantasy.

That night was restless, but he tackled the following day with a spirit he didn't know he had. Scott rightfully scolded him for last night and suspended him from missions unless told otherwise; whatever that means. Meanwhile, Gambit only requested that Kurt would wait until about 6am to drag his ass into early morning ramblings, and that said practice would be mutual if continued. Kurt took both of these helpings in grace.

But after these moments, Kurt otherwise found the day unnoteworthy. In fact, he found the following days the same way until the fifth. He’s known about the constant the whole time, but considering the circumstances he didn’t want to pry immensely.

Eventually, the intrusive thought got out. "Hey, Ororo?" Kurt asked during the lunch period, "Do you know where Y/n is?" Ororo looks over to Kurt. "Their classroom. They've been rather occupied for the last few days." She notes as she closes the fridge. Kurt nods at this and heads to Y/n's classroom immediately after this confirmation.

Something in his soul tugged at his being, encouraging him to check up on them. For what reason, he didn't know. Call it intuition, call it dumb luck, but Kurt was walking to Y/n and neither of them could stop this interaction. Yet it was only when he was a little over a yard from their door did he realized he had no good reason to do so.

He stopped in his tracks, midstep away from the inevitable. A rushing thought offered an out; 'You told her you needed time...' his eyes lingered on the door before looking away. The room seemed to chill with the harsh truth of Kurt not really knowing what he was doing. 'What was this even supposed to do?' The casoums of his mind offered. 'Is this something for you or Y/n?'

The lump in his throat grew at the implications of that question. Even though his fur allowed him to be semi-resistant to the cold, he could feel goosebumps rise from his skin. His body worked on autopilot, directing him to the wall next to their door and leaning against it only to slink down to a curl of a sit. The tail he always claimed to have a mind of its own, wrapped itself around his calve. A gentle squeeze was the only consultation he deserved while he leaned his head against his knees.

A deep inhale, and a deeper exhale quelled his nerves for a few moments only to have them flood. "Mein gott..." He mumbled into his jeans. "What would Y/n do?" He couldn't help but mumble against the warring thoughts. The carnage of what ifs and absolutes desolated anything in their path while Kurt could only sit and watch as he tore himself apart. He didn't know how long he sat there, but something broke him away from the battle. "The last thing I want is you attempting to force feelings that aren't there." Y/n's voice echoed, making him perk. He closed his eyes, forcing the memory back.

They didn't realize how close they were to him. At least, he doesn't think so. Just a few inches apart, that was the only thing separating them. And yet they didn't risk it. "Kurt," They mumbled. If it wasn't for the faint candlelight, he wouldn't have seen the bright but conflicting emotions in their eyes. There was a bittersweetness in that intimacy. One that Kurt couldn't help but wonder if they understood the possibility that came with such a risk as that one.

Their hand served as the only ground at that moment. But the cool touch of your hand was giving way to the warmth of Kurt's cheeks. "You deserve only the best that the world has to offer." Their assurance was warmer than the candlelight. Its glow crowned them in a halo of surreality. It was unlike anything he'd seen before. "Do not put your happiness aside for me." And their words. The reverence was something of a prayer... devoted and kind. And yet, all the while pleading for something they could only hope for.

"Please, be happy in any way you want, just don't hurt yourself in the process." All he could do was attempt to recover from his speechlessness as the friend he'd had for years on end morphed into someone else before his very eyes. The quick-witted sarcasm and the air of confidence were gone. For once in a long time, Y/n was vulnerable in a way Kurt had only seen once, maybe even twice before.

The bell marking the end of the period broke Kurt away from his recollections. As the sounds of footsteps grew nearer and nearer, he stood and dusted himself off. He spared your door one last look before a BAMF took him back to his classroom, where he could only sigh against his desk. The stale air of his room was no Eden, but it was better than getting questioned by the students.

"Reiß dich zusammen, Wagner, wir müssen eine lösung finden..." he mumbled before combing a hand though his hair. His tail swished to and fro. The hallways filled with noise.

"Time to be normal..."

#nightcrawler x reader #kurt wagner x reader

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muiitoloko · 5 months ago

Note

Are you planning to continue "Difficult Woman"? That story gives me so many feels❤️❤️

Title: Cousins' Intrusion

Summary: The arrival of Karl's cousins brings both hope and disruption, as old family bonds and new tensions clash in a household already burdened by marital discord.

Pairing: Karl Hoffmeister × Fem Reader

Warnings: none.

Author's Notes: Thanks a bunch for your request! Honestly, when I started this story, I didn't think anyone would enjoy it. Same goes for the Spider!Reader with Eli. I always figured my fanfics would gather dust, so I'm genuinely surprised (in the best way!) whenever I get likes, reblogs, and comments. You guys keep me on my toes! 😅

First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth part here.

Also read on Ao3

The next morning, Karl sat at the breakfast table, his gaze fixed on the doorway, waiting for you. He had resolved not to start his meal until you joined him, a small gesture of respect despite the growing tension between you. Minutes passed, and Karl's stomach rumbled with hunger, but he remained steadfast, his eyes flicking to the doorway every few seconds.

Finally, you appeared, your expression a mask of cool indifference. You walked to the table and sat down, deliberately choosing a seat a little farther from him. Karl greeted you with a tentative smile, "Good morning," he said softly.

You didn't respond, your eyes focused on the table. Karl sighed, feeling the weight of your silence. "I'm sorry about last night," he began, his voice earnest. "I won't force you to sleep in the bedroom with me, even though this is your obligation as my wife."

You looked at him with disdain, a mocking sound escaping your lips, but you said nothing. Karl's face fell slightly, but he nodded, accepting your reaction. He finally helped himself to a plate of breakfast, eager to eat the delicious meal the servants had prepared. You did the same, the silence between you thick and uncomfortable.

As Karl began to eat, the butler, Hans, approached with a letter in hand. "Herr Hoffmeister, this letter was sent by your cousin," he said, presenting the envelope.

Karl accepted the letter, curiosity piqued. He quickly opened it, reading the contents with growing interest before a smile spread across his face. You watched him, unable to hide your curiosity.

Karl looked up, his eyes bright. "My cousins are coming to visit," he announced, his tone filled with unexpected warmth. "Hans, please have the servants tidy up the guest bedrooms and prepare for their arrival."

Hans nodded and left to carry out the orders. Karl turned back to you, his expression hopeful. "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them. I think you’ll enjoy their company."

You raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "More people in the house," you said, your tone neutral. "I suppose it will be a change."

Karl's smile faltered slightly at your lack of enthusiasm, but he remained optimistic. "They’re good people," he said softly. "My cousin Johann is a brilliant mind, always full of interesting ideas. And his sister, Elisabeth, is quite charming and kind-hearted."

You nodded slightly, focusing on your breakfast. The prospect of new company intrigued you, but you remained guarded, unsure of what to expect from Karl’s relatives.

Karl continued eating, his mind filled with thoughts of the impending visit. He hoped that having his cousins around might bring some warmth and liveliness to the household, and perhaps even ease the tension between you.

After breakfast, Karl prepared to leave for work, but not before glancing at you one last time. "I hope you have a pleasant day," he said, his voice soft.

You looked up, meeting his gaze briefly before turning away. "You too," you replied curtly.

Karl nodded, a small smile playing on his lips despite the coldness of your response. He left the house, feeling a mixture of hope and apprehension. The arrival of his cousins might be the change needed to bridge the gap between you and him, or at least, to bring a semblance of warmth and connection to his otherwise lonely home.

As the day went on, preparations for the visit were in full swing. The servants bustled about, ensuring everything was perfect for the arrival of Johann and Elisabeth. The house, usually so quiet and somber, was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

You watched the preparations with mild interest, wondering what impact these new arrivals would have on your life. Perhaps, with new faces and fresh conversations, you might find a way to navigate the complexities of your marriage to Karl. Or, at the very least, find some distraction from the tensions that had come to define your relationship.

In the early evening, as the sun began to set, the sound of a car approaching echoed through the grand estate. Karl stood at the entrance, his heart racing with anticipation. You joined him reluctantly, curious to see these cousins who had brought a spark of joy to Karl's eyes.

The car came to a stop, and the doors opened. A tall, well-dressed man with sharp features and intelligent eyes stepped out, followed by a woman with a warm smile and an air of grace about her.

"Karl!" the man exclaimed, striding forward to embrace him. "It's been too long, cousin."

"Johann," Karl replied, returning the embrace with genuine affection. "Indeed, it has. And Elisabeth, it's wonderful to see you."

Elisabeth smiled warmly, stepping forward to hug Karl. "It’s lovely to see you too, Karl," she said, her voice melodic.

Karl turned to you, his eyes filled with hope. "May I introduce my wife, [Your Name]?"

You nodded politely, offering a small smile. "Welcome," you said, your tone cordial but reserved.

Johann and Elisabeth exchanged a glance before stepping forward to greet you. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Johann said, his voice kind. "We've heard so much about you."

Elisabeth, on the other hand, didn't seem particularly happy when looking at you. You noticed her forcing a smile on her face and extending her hand to greet you politely. You returned the greeting, puzzled by her apparent dislike. As soon as the introductions were made, Elisabeth ran to take Karl's arm, exclaiming with joy, "Oh, Karl, I've missed you so much! You never come to visit me at the mansion anymore."

Karl laughed lightly, confirming her statement with a nod. "It's true, Elisabeth. My work has kept me very busy. But look at you, you've become such a beautiful young woman."

Elisabeth blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. "Thank you, Karl," she replied, her voice softening with admiration. She seemed to bask in his praise, her eyes never leaving his face.

You stood to the side, observing their interaction with a mix of curiosity and unease. There was a familiarity and warmth between Karl and Elisabeth that made you feel like an outsider, further highlighting the distance between you and your husband.

Karl then turned to Johann, a playful glint in his eye. "Tell me, Johann, have you managed to commit Elisabeth to any respectable man yet?"

Johann chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Karl, I haven't had much luck. I've tried, but Elisabeth makes it difficult. She refuses all the men who try to woo her."

Elisabeth laughed, squeezing Karl's arm as she leaned in closer. "I'm just waiting for the right man," she teased, her eyes lingering on Karl in a way that made a spark of doubt light up within you. Could Elisabeth be in love with her own cousin?

Karl, seemingly oblivious to the undertone of her words, laughed along with her. "Well, I hope you find him soon, Elisabeth. You're a catch."

The ease with which they interacted, the familiarity, and the warmth in their exchange made you feel like an outsider. A sense of unease settled in your stomach, the doubt gnawing at you. Could Elisabeth's affection for Karl be more than just familial?

The thought bothered you, but you decided against commenting on it. Instead, you caught Karl's attention by calling him "dear" for the first time. "Karl, dear, wouldn't it be better to let our guests inside? They must be tired from the trip."

Karl looked at you, confused but pleased. "Of course," he agreed, his eyes lighting up with happiness. He then turned to his cousins. "Let's go inside. I'll ask the servants to bring your bags in."

He led Elisabeth inside, who was still clinging to his arm. You watched them before Johann offered his own arm to you. "May I?" he asked with a charming smile.

You took his arm politely, and Johann began to lead you into the house. "I must say, I was surprised when Karl sent a letter stating he had gotten married. God knows, I thought he would never settle down, always focused on business rather than having a wife to look after him."

You smiled politely, intrigued by Johann's candidness. "Yes, it seems it was quite unexpected for many."

Johann chuckled. "Indeed. It was a bit of a shock to all of us. We always thought Karl was married to his work. And I must confess, I was a little hurt that I wasn't invited to the wedding."

You nodded, understanding his sentiment. "It was a rather... sudden affair," you replied, choosing your words carefully.

As you reached the grand foyer, Karl was already giving instructions to the servants, ensuring that Johann and Elisabeth's bags were taken to their respective rooms. He glanced over at you and Johann, a small smile on his face as he saw you two walking arm in arm.

"Johann, Elisabeth, your rooms are ready. Please, make yourselves at home," Karl said warmly.

Elisabeth finally let go of Karl's arm, giving him a radiant smile. "Thank you, Karl. It's so wonderful to be here."

Karl returned her smile, then looked at you with a mixture of hope and gratitude. "Shall we join our guests for some refreshments in the drawing room?" he suggested.

You nodded, and the four of you made your way to the drawing room. The servants had already prepared a selection of teas, coffee, and pastries. As everyone settled in, the atmosphere began to feel a bit more relaxed.

Johann took a seat next to you, still curious about the suddenness of your marriage to Karl. "So, how did you and Karl meet?" he asked, genuinely interested.

You looked at Karl, who was now watching you intently, waiting for you to respond. You took a breath and turned your gaze to Johann, your tone dripping with sarcasm. "Karl forced my hand in marriage, threatening to destroy my father's business. And now, here we are, married."

Karl sighed through his nose, the sound heavy with frustration. Johann raised an eyebrow, looking at his cousin with a mix of surprise and concern. Elisabeth's eyes widened at your confession, clearly taken aback.

Karl stared down at his tea, the tension in his posture evident. Why did you have to bring this up now? Did you hate him that much? He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his irritation in check.

Sensing the growing discomfort, Johann stood up, clearing his throat. "Karl, why don't we have a drink in your office? I'm sure the ladies would enjoy getting to know each other better over tea."

Karl looked up, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea," he agreed, rising from his seat. He gestured for Johann to follow him, and the two men left the drawing room, leaving you and Elisabeth behind.

As soon as the office door closed behind Karl and Johann, the room fell into a tense silence. Elisabeth turned to you, her expression a mix of curiosity and that same disdain from before. "Is it true?" she asked, her voice barely masking her disbelief. "Did Karl force your hand in marriage? Didn't you marry Karl for love?"

You adjusted the napkin on your lap, your movements precise and deliberate. "If it were up to me, I would never have married Karl," you replied coolly. "We don't even sleep in the same bedroom."

You observed that your answer seemed to please Elisabeth, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with a strange mix of relief and eagerness. "Why don't you ask for a divorce then?" she questioned, her voice slightly breathless.

You took a sip of tea, considering your response. "Karl wouldn't give me a divorce," you said finally. "He insists that he is in love with me, but I don't believe it."

Elisabeth's expression changed to one of determination. "I could talk to Karl," she offered, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I could convince him to give you a divorce."

You noticed that she seemed almost anxious when she said this, as if she were very happy and excited at the prospect of Karl being single again. The realization struck you like a bolt of lightning—Elisabeth was in love with Karl. She wanted to have the title of Mrs. Hoffmeister.

"Why are you so eager to help me?" you asked, your tone tinged with suspicion.

Elisabeth's cheeks flushed, and she looked away for a moment, composing herself. "I just think it's unfair for you to be trapped in a marriage you don't want," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. "And besides, Karl deserves to be with someone who truly loves him."

"Do you believe that person should be you?" you asked, your voice steady but your heart racing.

Elisabeth's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson as she looked away, unable to meet your gaze. "I...I only want what's best for Karl," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

You felt a pang of realization hit you, the truth settling in your stomach like a lead weight. Elisabeth's feelings for Karl were undeniable, and the thought made you feel sick. But you swallowed your emotions, convincing yourself that it didn't matter. As long as Karl granted you a divorce, he could marry whoever he wanted. It was no concern of yours, or so you told yourself.

"Very well," you said, your tone cool and detached. "If you can convince Karl to give me a divorce, I will be eternally grateful. And he will be free to marry whomever he chooses."

Elisabeth's eyes sparkled with hope and determination. "I'll do my best," she promised, her voice filled with newfound resolve.

Meanwhile, in the office, Karl poured a glass of brandy for himself and Johann. He handed one to his cousin before taking a seat behind his desk, his expression serious.

"Tell me, Karl," Johann began, taking a sip of his drink. "What is this story about you forcing [Your Name]'s hand in marriage? Is it true?"

Karl sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. "Yes, it's true," he admitted, his voice laden with regret. "I did what I thought was necessary at the time. Her father's business was failing because of me, and I offered to save it in exchange for her hand in marriage."

Johann's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of disbelief and concern etched on his face. "But why, Karl? Why go to such lengths?"

Karl took a deep sip of his brandy, the warmth of the drink doing little to ease the turmoil in his heart. "Because I fell in love with her, Johann. From the moment I saw her, I knew I had to have her. But her father wouldn't allow it. So I did what I had to do to ensure our future together."

Johann shook his head, his expression troubled. "And now? What about now?"

Karl sighed again, his gaze distant. "Now, I realize I may have made a grave mistake. She resents me for what I did, and our marriage is nothing but a constant battle. I want to make her happy, but she doesn't see it that way."

Johann leaned forward, his eyes filled with concern for his cousin. "Karl, you can't force love. If she truly doesn't want to be with you, maybe you should consider letting her go."

Karl's jaw clenched, his grip tightening around the glass. "I can't, Johann. I can't bear the thought of losing her. She's everything to me."

Johann sighed, understanding the depth of Karl's feelings but also recognizing the futility of his actions. "You must think about what’s best for both of you, Karl. Sometimes, letting go is the only way to find true happiness."

Karl pressed his glass against his lips, denying the possibility of letting you go. "No, Johann, I won't let her go," he declared, his voice thick with emotion. "From the moment I saw her, I fell in love. She's absolutely beautiful and incredibly intelligent. But her father saw me as nothing more than a rival. He refused to even consider my proposal to court her."

He took a deep breath, his eyes burning with intensity. "I had to do something to have her for myself. I couldn't just let her slip away. So I did what I thought was necessary. And now, here I am. I have her, but at the same time, I don't. She despises me. We haven't even consummated our marriage yet. It's... it's torture, Johann. Being close to her is a constant temptation, and yet, I still can't stay away."

Karl swore softly in German, his frustration evident. "Verdammt noch mal," he muttered. "I want her so much."

Johann sat back in his chair, observing his cousin with a mix of sympathy and amusement. He couldn't suppress a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've never seen you like this before, Karl. Not for a woman."

Karl's eyes flickered with a mixture of pain and longing. "I've never felt this way before, Johann. She means everything to me. But how do I make her see that? How do I win her heart when she only sees me as the man who destroyed her father's business and forced her into this marriage?"

Johann sighed, taking a sip of his brandy. "You can't force love, Karl. You know that. You need to give her space, let her come to terms with her feelings. Trying to control the situation will only push her further away."

Karl looked down at his glass, his grip tightening. "I know you're right, Johann. But it's so damn hard. Every moment with her feels like a battle, and I'm afraid I'll lose her if I don't do something."

Johann leaned forward, placing a reassuring hand on Karl's shoulder. "Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back and let things unfold naturally. Show her that you care, but don't smother her. Give her the freedom to see the man you truly are."

Karl nodded slowly, absorbing his cousin's words. "You're right," he admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "I'll try. But it's going to be difficult."

Johann smiled, squeezing Karl's shoulder gently. "You’ve faced tougher challenges in your life, Karl. This is just another one. But remember, love can't be forced. It has to be earned."

Karl sighed, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. "I just hope it's not too late," he whispered, his heart aching with the fear of losing you forever.

Later that afternoon, while Karl's cousins were resting from their long trip, you sat on the sofa, embroidering to distract yourself. Mouse lay contentedly next to you on the sofa, the rhythmic sound of your needlework creating a soothing ambiance. The relative peace you enjoyed was a rare luxury, especially with Karl often around, his presence a constant reminder of the tension between you.

However, the tranquility was short-lived. You heard the creak of the door, and soon Karl entered the living room. His eyes lit up when he saw Mouse nestled beside you, a smile tugging at his lips despite the strain in his expression. You suppressed a sigh, continuing your embroidery, noticing the faint smell of drink emanating from him.

Karl walked over and sat down next to you, his movements careful and deliberate. For a moment, he simply watched you work, the silence between you heavy with unspoken words. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice gentle but curious. "What are you embroidering?"

Tired of the constant coldness between you, you decided to be more forthcoming this time. "It's a floral pattern," you replied, your tone neutral but less guarded than usual. "I'm making a tablecloth."

Karl nodded, his eyes fixed on the intricate design you were creating. "It's beautiful," he said softly, genuine admiration in his voice.

You glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity of his compliment. "Thank you," you said, a hint of warmth creeping into your tone.

A moment of silence passed before Karl spoke again, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "You know, I also know how to embroider."

You looked at him, genuinely curious. "You do?"

Karl smiled, nodding. "Yes, my mother taught me when I was a boy. She believed it was important for me to have skills beyond just business and industry."

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this new piece of information. "I never would have guessed," you admitted.

Karl chuckled softly. "Most people wouldn't. It's not something I talk about often."

Feeling a rare sense of camaraderie, you decided to ask, "What kinds of things did you embroider?"

Karl's eyes sparkled with the memory. "Mostly simple patterns. My mother was very strict about the details, though. She believed that precision in embroidery translated to precision in life."

You nodded, understanding the sentiment. "It requires a lot of patience," you said thoughtfully. "And a steady hand."

"Exactly," Karl agreed, his expression softening as he looked at you. "It's a skill that teaches discipline and focus."

You returned to your embroidery, the atmosphere between you feeling less strained, more comfortable. For the first time in a long while, you felt like you were having a genuine conversation with Karl, free from the usual tension and bitterness.

"Would you like to try?" you asked suddenly, surprising even yourself with the offer.

Karl's eyes widened in surprise, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "I'd love to," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

You handed him the needle and thread, watching as he carefully took it from you. His hands were steady, and he began to stitch with a practiced ease that spoke of years of experience. You watched him work, a sense of unexpected camaraderie growing between you.

You suppressed a giggle when Karl missed a stitch in his embroidery, and he groaned in disappointment. "I think I've forgotten more than I remember," he admitted, his voice tinged with self-deprecating humor.

You couldn't help but smile, the moment feeling lighter than any you'd shared recently. "Here, let me show you," you offered, leaning closer to guide his hand.

Karl watched intently as you demonstrated the correct technique, your hands brushing against his. For a brief moment, the tension between you seemed to dissolve, replaced by a shared focus on the delicate task. Karl's concentration was unwavering, but he couldn't ignore the warmth spreading through him at your proximity. He had never felt more connected to you than he did in that moment.

Suddenly, the two of you were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Elisabeth walked into the living room, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of you and Karl sitting so close together. She quickly composed herself, calling out to Karl with a bright, somewhat forced cheerfulness. "Karl! There you are."

Elisabeth moved to sit next to him on the couch, her presence an abrupt intrusion on the rare moment of camaraderie. She grabbed Karl's arm, leaning in as if to claim his attention. "I've been looking for you."

You watched this with your usual indifference, the connection you'd felt moments before slipping away. Rising from the couch, you gathered your embroidery. "Excuse me," you said coolly, not bothering to mask your disappointment. Mouse, sensing your departure, quickly trotted behind you, leaving Karl and Elisabeth on the couch.

Karl's heart sank as he watched you leave. He was disappointed and a little frustrated that Elisabeth had interrupted perhaps the only moment of connection he had managed to share with you. He sighed inwardly, forcing a polite smile for Elisabeth's sake, but his mind was already racing, trying to think of how he could bridge the widening gap between you once more.

Elisabeth tugged on Karl's arm, bringing his attention back to her. Karl questioned her intentions a little more harshly than he would have liked, but Elisabeth didn't seem to notice. She let go of his arm, her expression serious. "I have something important to discuss with you," she stated, her voice firm.

Karl leaned back on the sofa, turning his head to look at her. He motioned for her to continue, curiosity piqued. "Go on, Elisabeth," he said, his tone softer now.

Elisabeth took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I talked to [Your Name] earlier," she began, her eyes searching Karl's for any reaction. "I don't understand why you married her when she clearly doesn't like you."

Karl's jaw tightened slightly, the frustration he had been trying to suppress rising to the surface. "I married her because I love her," he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of defensiveness and sorrow. "I thought I could make her happy."

"But she's not happy," Elisabeth pressed, her tone urgent. "She's miserable, and it's obvious to everyone. Why put yourself through this? Why not find someone who truly appreciates you?"

Karl's eyes softened, looking at Elisabeth with a mix of gratitude and pity. "Elisabeth, you don't understand," he said gently. "Love isn't something you can just walk away from. I can't help how I feel about her."

Elisabeth frowned, shaking her head in disbelief. "Karl, you deserve better. You should divorce her and find a woman who truly loves you, who will take care of you as you deserve."

Karl smiled slightly, reaching out to caress the top of Elisabeth's head in a familiar, almost paternal gesture. "Betty," he said softly, using the nickname he had given her when she was a child, "don't worry about these things. I know what I'm doing. One day, she will love me. I'm sure of that."

Elisabeth's frustration grew, hating how Karl treated her like a child. She wanted to be seen as a woman, not just his younger cousin. She had tried so hard to make him notice her, to see her as the woman she had become, but it seemed he was oblivious to her feelings.

"Karl," she began, her voice strained with emotion, "I wish you would understand. I'm not a child anymore. I want to be seen for who I am now."

Karl, oblivious to the deeper meaning behind her words, gave her a gentle smile. "Elisabeth, when you fall in love with someone, you'll understand. Once you're in love, you're capable of anything to win over the person you care for. As they say, all is fair in love and war."

Elisabeth bit her lip, holding back her frustration. She wanted Karl to want her as she wanted him, but his affectionate yet brotherly demeanor was a constant reminder that he didn't see her the way she saw him. She longed for his desire, for him to treat her as a woman, not just a cherished younger relative.

She stood up frustrated, her face flushed with anger. "Karl, you just don't understand," she snapped, turning on her heel and storming out of the living room.

Karl watched her leave with a tired expression, sighing as the door slammed shut behind her. He wasn't overly concerned, knowing he could make it up to her later. Unlike you, Elisabeth had always been easy to please. Expensive jewelry and new dresses always won her forgiveness, and Karl knew that a well-timed gift would soon smooth things over.

He leaned back on the sofa, his mind wandering. You were different from any woman he had ever known. Karl had always believed that all women liked gifts, but you seemed to despise him more with each new present he offered. You were a mystery to him, a beautiful enigma that he couldn't unravel.

A small smile played on his lips as he thought about you, your defiant spirit and unwavering independence. You were strange, he mused, but that strangeness was part of what drew him to you.

The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see Anna, the housekeeper, entering the living room. She wrinkled her nose as she approached him, her disapproval evident.

"You smell of drink, Herr Hoffmeister," Anna said, her tone stern. "You should go take a shower."

Karl groaned, reminiscent of a child being scolded. "I'm fine, Anna," he muttered, shifting to lie down on the sofa. "Just leave me be."

Anna crossed her arms, her expression unwavering. "No, Herr Hoffmeister. You need to get up and take care of yourself. Now, go and take a shower."

Karl sighed, closing his eyes in an attempt to ignore her. "I don't want to move, Anna," he mumbled.

Anna shook her head, her patience wearing thin. "You may be the master of this house, but right now, you're acting like a stubborn child. Get up, or I'll have the servants carry you to the bathroom."

Karl couldn't help but chuckle at her persistence. Reluctantly, he sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Fine, fine," he grumbled, standing up and stretching. "I'll go."

Anna watched him with a mix of satisfaction and concern. "Good," she said, her tone softening. "You need to take care of yourself, Karl. Now, go on."

Karl nodded, giving her a tired smile. "Thank you, Anna," he said, making his way to the bathroom. As he walked, his thoughts drifted back to you, and he couldn't help but wonder how he could ever bridge the gap between you, how he could win your heart.

The warm water of the shower washed away some of his fatigue, but the questions and doubts remained, lingering in his mind like a stubborn shadow. He knew that his journey to win your love would be long and difficult, but he was determined to try, no matter the cost.

#alan rickman #alan rickman x reader #karl hoffmeister x reader #a promise

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