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sarawritestories · 10 months ago

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Unwavering Presence Chapter 8

Cassian X Archeron Sister (Reader)

Summary: Rhys and Cassian talk about Under the Mountain. The twins, Rhys and Cass meet the bone carver where Y/N sees someone unexpected, the IC goes out for dinner and two familiar faces come to greet Y/N. Cassian gets jealous.

Content Warnings: broad allusion to the S/A of Rhys. Mention of death by childbirth, unwanted touching from a stranger in a bar setting.

A/N: This is a chapter that i'm really happy about! I'm excited to share but this is also where I'm going to warn that we're no longer going to follow canon exactly. Big moments will happen in the same order but i'm adjusting time lines and some canon moments to fit what I want. I hope you liked this chapter as much as I do. I'm also close to 500 followers and that's crazy. Thank you for reading and giving my stories some love!

Word Count: 6.5

Unwavering Masterlist, ACOTAR Masterlist, Chapter 7

Rhysand’s POV

I opened the door to peek inside, and my heart swelled. The twins were curled up on the bed together Y/N’s arm protectively over Feyre. Their faces were so peaceful, not a worry on their features. I smiled and closed the door. Turning to walk away, I jumped as Cassian was leaning against the wall arms crossed, “Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, unapologetic snoop.” I flipped him off and he chuckled. “Everything okay?” His tone turned serious.

I smiled, “Yeah, they are sleeping together.” I paused as Cassian raised an eyebrow, “I mean they are asleep on the same bed. Don’t make it uncomfortable, brother.”

Cassian feigned offence placing a hand over his heart, “Rhys, how you wound me so!” I rolled my eyes, as my brother’s face grew serious, “Do you think they are going to resolve their issues?”

I tucked my hands in my pockets, “I think they have already begun.” I looked back at the door and could hear the two rustling in bed before they settled. I nodded my head toward my study. Cassian held his arm out letting me lead the way. When we got into the study Cassian sat on the couch. “Cassian.”

“Rhysand.” He counters his elbows resting on his knees as he leans forward, hands clasped together, his siphons gleaming in the fae light.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, “I have a confession to make.”

Cassian brows furrowed, “By all means, Rhys, leave me in suspense.” He chuckled his laughter died in his throat at my face, “Shit, what is it?”

“There is something about that night that Y/N defended those girls, I never told you.” Cassian gave me his undivided attention. I held my hand out and Cassian rose from his seat, tucking in his wings he gripped my hand, and I took him to that night:

Cassian.

This girl reminded me of Cassian. Even as Amarantha cinched her wrist together, Y/N kept her chin up, her eyes met mine noticing aware her twin was on my lap her head on my shoulder. My hand remained on her waist. Amarantha had Y/N pinned to her. It’s like I could hear him chuckle, “Where the hell did you find these two human women, brother?”

Breathe. I’m sorry Y/N, I cannot help you.

Those girls didn’t deserve to see the cruelties of this world just yet. Try to keep their innocence.

Cassian would have said something similar with that same stance that same glint in his eye. I gave her a nod, and for the first time in 49 years I could not reign in the memory of my brother or the hope in my chest of seeing him again. Maybe these two human girls would be able to break this curse. Then I can go home and tell him about her. I can’t afford to think that way and I chug the rest of my wine.

“Eris Vanserra, please step forward.” My blood ran cold as the heir of the Autumn Court’s name came out that witch’s mouth. My gaze drifted over to the red-haired male step up as Amarantha forced Y/N to her knees and pressed her forehead to the floor.

I gripped her sister tightly as she began to wiggle, “Darling, dance for me, will you?” I whispered in her ear. She drunkenly giggled and got up to begin to dance. I could feel Y/N’s pulse quicken, Breathe. Through your nose. I could see she obeyed as Eris lifted her to her feet. I fought against gritting my teeth keeping my mask of cool indifference. I focused on Feyre as her hips swayed positioned right between my legs. My gaze drifted back and saw that Eris put a collar of flames around her neck and he was guiding her by a leash of flame. The crowd separated as he approached me.

Feyre spun and saw her sister and smiled, “Y/N,” she grinned not realizing her sister was in the grips of a viper and yet she still held her chin up high a challenge in her eye. Again, I could hear Cassian’s voice, “You need to keep her safe, Rhysand. Keep her alive so I can meet her.”

I pulled from the memory and Cassian sat in the chair across from mine, his face unreadable and his shields were locked up tight. “Cass, it was the second time I let myself think of you. The first is when she defeated the worm, and she gave a dramatic bow to the crowd as Feyre threw a muddy bone to Amarantha. When Y/N ran up to those girls I allowed myself to think of you and the hopes of coming home so I could tell you about them. Y/N did something dangerous without ever knowing.”

Cassian took a deep breath, “What was that?”

“Hope,” I lifted my hand and a decanter, and two glasses appeared I poured two fingers worth in both glances and handed one to my brother, “She gave me hope that we would make it out of this, that we would be able to come home. And when I dropped Feyre into her cell, I made it back to my room and cried. I cried so hard I vomited I let out 49 years’ worth of missing you, Azriel, Mor, even Amren.” Cassian chuckled, “This one human girl unraveled me all because she reminded me of you.”

Cassian smiled and gripped his hand in mine, “Well you did make it home, brother, and you kept you promise too spiritual me.” I snorted as he continued, “She’s wonderful Rhys.” He released my hand, and I watched as his eyes went distant, “Is it possible to fall in love with someone from the first time you’ve met them.”

I tilted my head, “What?”

Cassian sat up straight, flaring his wings, and his cheeks turned a shade of red against his tan skin, “What? Did I say that out loud, mother above.” He drinks the alcohol to the dregs and sets the glass down. “I enjoy her company. Is all I’m saying.”

I chucked, “Someone have a little crush, brother?”

Cassian leveled me with a glare, “Shut it, you prick.”

“I mean, Y/N, is funny. Kind.”

Cassian interjected, “Extremely kind.”

I grinned slyly, “She’s also beautiful.”

Cassian exhaled and his face morphed into a lovesick teenager’s, “The word beautiful doesn’t hold a candle to what she is.” Cassian blinked and looked over at me. “You’re an asshole, you know that?” I chuckled and stood having this sudden feeling of being dirty I plucked lint from my shirt and Cassian’s brow furrowed, “You’ve been doing that a lot since you’ve been home.” There was an underlying question that caused me to straighten my spine. “You don’t have to talk about it, Rhys, but I am here, if you want to.”

He stood and walked out of the study leaving me as my thoughts drifted to those haunted

Reader’s POV

I could feel eyes watching me as I slept and I jolted awake, Feyre doing the same to see Amren at the foot of the bed. “Don’t you knock.” I muttered rubbing my eyes. The morning sun filtered in the room.

Amren threw an amulet onto Feyre’s lap, “This is on loan. I expect this to be returned.”

Feyre looked at the jeweled necklace and looked at the tiny female confusion on her face. “What is this?”

“It’s, what helped me get out of the Prison, girl, you’ll need it today.” With that she left. Feyre and I exchanged glances and I simply shrugged sliding off the bed.

“Y/N,” I turned as my sister slid out of the bed as well, “Would you come with us today? To see the Bone Carver.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Rhys purred as he leaned against the door, Feyre threw a pillow at him, and he ducked in time that it flew in the hall. Rhys smirked and tucked a hand in his pocket. “Such a violent little thing.” I rolled my eyes.

“You two make me sick.” I muttered at the same time Feyre asked, “Don’t you knock.”

Rhys looked at me, “Do you want to come join us today?”

I nodded, “Sure, whatever I can do to help.” I walked toward the door, Rhys blocked the door, I crossed my arms.

“Want Cassian to come?” Rhys lifted a suggestive brow.

I pursed my lips, “He’s a grown male, he probably has other things to do.”

Cassian popped up behind Rhys, “It just so happened that Rhys cleared my Schedule, Princess.” He gave me a wink and I fought the butterflies flittering in my stomach.

“A group adventure it is.” I looked at Rhys, my smile falling as I noticed the dark circles sunk in his eyes and stars gone and he looked distant. You, okay? I reached out into his mind.

Rhys met my stare, Never better.

Liar.

High Lords can’t afford to have breakdowns in the time of War, Y/N.

I snorted. Someone better inform the High Lord of the Spring that.

Rhys laughed and placed a kiss on my cheek, “You are something else, Angel.”

My face didn’t change. If you need to talk, I’m here. You need to heal too. War or not.

Stars flickered back into his eyes, and he nodded as I moved to get to my room. The sound of boots was the only indication that I was being followed. “Something I can do for your, General?” I didn’t bother to turn around as I asked the question.

His hand gripped my wrist gently, “I wanted to see if you were okay.” His eyes drifted from my face to my chest. His face tilted as he gently pushed my hair behind my shoulder. I had to remind myself to breathe as he tugged the tunic to reveal the new tattoo there. “Well, hello,” he purred as his eyes flicked to mine, my toes curled, and I had to fight my arousal by his sensual tone. “This wasn’t here a few days ago.”

I took a deep breath and centered myself trying to ignore how him rubbing his thumb against my tattoo caused my whole body to thrum in response. “Feyre and I made a promise to one another. The tattoo appeared not long after that.”

Cassian nodded, letting the silence blanket the hall and I was able to take a good look at him. His eyes had a warm kind glow to them and being this close little flecks of green poked through, and one eyebrow had a slit going through where a white scar laid bare. His face had stubble on it as if he hadn’t shaved yet and I yearned to cup his face to feel it against my skin. My eyes drifted to his lips full and as tan as his skin. My mind wandered as I thought what it would be like if I pressed my own to them. What would he taste like. Cassian shifted eyes widened and I hadn’t realized how close our faces had gotten. I took a step back and cleared my throat, “I should probably get ready.”

Cassian rubbed the back of his neck and a blush fell onto his cheeks it made him look boyish, “Good idea,” his voice was husky and slightly strained, and he tucked his lower lip behind his teeth. He was beautiful in every sense of the word.

I turned forcing myself to look away from him and headed to my room when his voice rang out, “Princess,” I turned my head back he opened and closed his mouth and opened once more, “The prison is cold make sure to bundle up.” He looked pained as he said it, almost embarrassed.

“Thank you, General.” I winked and continued to my room all the while settling the erratic beating of my heart.

***

Cassian was not lying about it being cold. Rhys had winnowed us to the side of the mountain where the cold air pierced my skin. I wore my leathers with fleece line leggings and a long sleeve tunic underneath, but my teeth were still chattering. Cassian shuffled in the bag he brought with him and pulled out his leather jacket. There were patches on the back that were able to detach when he wears it to accommodate his wings. The wind caused a few of the loose strands from his bun to fly into his face though as he approached me, he seemed unfazed by the cold as he held up the bag. “Here, Princess.”

I slipped my arms into the leather sleeves, and he raised the jacket to my shoulders. Warmth encased my upper body as his jacket falling to my knees. Cassian’s hands gave my shoulders a squeeze, “Thank you.”

Cassian leaned in close his warmth seeping into my bones as he whispered, “You’re welcome.”

We made to the entrance of the building and Cassian interlaced his hand in mine and gave it a comforting squeeze. Rhys was the one that broke the silence talking to Feyre, “Do not let go of my hand. No matter what you hear or what you see. Do. Not. Let. Go.” Feyre nodded.

Rhys turned to me. Not like you would want her to let go of your hand. I smirked as Rhys leveled a glare my way, the only indication that my statement got to him. “Same with you, Y/N. Don’t let go of Cass’ hand.”

I lift our entwined hands and open my hand up as Cassian’s still clamped down and go as far as shaking our arms causing the male behind me to chuckle, “I don’t think he would let me. If I want to.”

“Not a chance. Not here.” Cassian murmured.

“Amren-“a hand clamped over my mouth muffling the rest of my sentence and I tried to wriggle from Cassian’s grasp fighting against how his body pressed against me makes me feel.

Rhys sighed, “We don’t mention her near or in the prison.”

Cassian released my mouth and I shoot him a glare. “Why?”

The General spoke this time, “The prisoners here do not take kindly to her escape. If they know we know here it could get messy, fast.”

“Next time just say that.” I punched his shoulder, “No need to manhandle me.”

He kissed my cheek, “Sorry, Princess, won’t happen again.” He leans in lowering his voice, “Unless you ask me to.”

Heat crept up my face as he straightened to his full height, and I tried to ignore how the words left a pool of heat in my belly, I punched him again, “Shameless flirt.”

Cassian laughed, “Keep it up, Archeron, and your punches could actually hurt me one day.”

I scowled as we entered the prison my humor dying as the darkness consumed us. The low fae lights didn’t help with lighting the path before us. Though Rhys and Cassian led us like they knew the place backward and forward. I could feel Feyre’s tension as badly as my own as we turned this way and that. Every turn reminded me of the path Under the Mountain but before my mind could wander too far into those memories there would be a squeeze of my hand. Like the male beside me knew where my mind was going and wanted to bring me back to him.

After a few minutes we reached the cell of the bone carver. Feyre looked back at me, and I gave her an encouraging nod. Rhys led her into the cell, and I stepped closer to Cassian our hands still entwined, and he curled his wing around me giving me extra warmth. We stepped inside and moved around, and I lowered my head finding my feet interesting.

Feyre and Rhys had begun their musings but the metallic smell from the power this creature possessed was making it hard for me to focus. I drowned out the conversation picking up key words. The book of breathings and Like calls to like but everything else was drowned out I tried to focus on Cassian’s hand in mine and how he was rubbing his thumb along the side of my hand. Back and forth back and forth, before I knew it, I was matching my breathing to the slow movements his thumb was making to center myself. The cell fell silent as I finally adjusted to the cell.

A female voice flooded my ears, “Look at me Y/N Archeron.” I looked up and was taken aback by the female before me. She was beautiful. She had one hazel and one Blue gray eye that looked so much like Feyre’s she had long dark hair braided in a crown atop her head a few wavy pieces that strayed from the updo framed her face highlighting her pointed ears. Her tan skin was clad in leathers similar to the ones Cassian and Azriel wore. What really caught my attention was her wings, they too were like Azriel’s and Cassian’s broad and beautiful even when tucked tightly behind her. She smirked, “Step closer, child.”

I attempted to take a step, but Cassian’s hand stayed firm in mine gently pulling me back to him. I wouldn’t move back to him I wanted to get a closer look at the female, she had a slender face, freckles kissed her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. She looked so much like Cassian, but then there was that smile and it looked so similar to the one my twin and I share. Was this a relative of Cassian’s? She was beautiful.

Her laugh was boisterous, “Who do you see when you look upon me child?”

Don’t answer that. Rhys voice flittered into the spot of my shield for him.

“I don’t know.” I answered honestly.

You’re a great listener, you know that?

Cassian once again gently tries to tug me back to him. As the Bone Carve paces like a wild animal in a cage, “I wonder, what secrets does the human Archeron twin keep. Tell me one secret, Y/N Archeron.”

“What do I get for sharing a secret with you?” I asked and tried to release my hand, but Cassian refused to let go.

“Oh, clever girl,” The females wings fluttered, “A secret for a secret then and as a sign of good faith I will go first.” She met my gaze, “There are ancient creatures that roam these lands, Legend states that they were extinct in the first war. They were not, they just went into hiding. They want to come out and play again.”

Rhys swore, and I looked back and saw Cassian’s face paled as he muttered, “Dragons.”

The female looks back at Cassian, “Indeed, Prince of Bastards.” Something made me bristle at the implication of the title and the sneer on her lips. She turned back to me. “A deal is a deal.”

Rhys stepped in, “No we’re leaving, your insight has been very helpful.”

He turned and my sister was made to follow, Cassan gripped my arms releasing my hand and turned me away but wiggled out of his grasp and took the opportunity of his mistake stepping toward the Bone Carver, “A secret of any kind?”

She smiled and bowed her head, “I am partial to the darkest secrets, but I will accept any, Y/N Archeron.”

“Y/N,” Cassian’s tone was laced with warning that I promptly ignored.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, “I am responsible for the death of my mother.”

***

We returned to the Town house in complete silence it wasn’t until we were in the dining room that Rhys debriefed Azriel, Amren, Mor. About what the bone carver said about the Dragons and the Book of breathings. I just listened as they talked about half the book being at the summer court and the other half with the human queens. I could feel eyes on me, but I proceeded to ignore his gaze and focus on Rhysand.

“I want to keep this between us for now. I have a plan to test Carver’s theory that Feyre can sense these objects. Like calls to like but I will need a few days to do so. I’ll send a letter to Tarquin and see if he will allow us to make a visit there. That leaves the human queens.”

I mutter, “Nesta and Elain could help.”

Feyre nodded, “We could use their manor as the meeting point. They could be our Correspondence with them since they reside in the Human lands.”

“You both willing to go back and talk to them.” Rhys looked at me.

“You did give us the job as your human emissaries, Rhys. I’ll do what I must.” Feyre nodded in agreement.

‘Alright, send word to your sisters tomorrow and see if we can set up a time to meet. However, I think tonight we have earned off. Let’s go out to dinner.”

Everyone cheered, even Amren had a sly grin to her face as they exited to go get ready, Cassian, Feyre, Rhys and I stayed in the dining room. I met Cassian’s gaze his lips were in a tight line and his arms were crossed over his broad chest. He was stunned at my confession at the prison, but he didn’t say a word, he had just grabbed my hand and led me back out, holding it tightly to keep me grounded. His eyes went vacant for a moment and when they went back to normal, he looked to Feyre and grinned “Feyre, let me escort you back to your room. Maybe that way I can talk you into fighting lessons. With me.” He held out his arm for her to take and winked, and my heart sunk. He was flirting with her. I mean I guess this was the first time I’ve seen him interacting with other women in the court. I had been so wrapped in my bubble that I never noticed that he was a natural flirt.

Feyre smiled and looped her arm in his and he walked out leading her upstairs. Rhys was facing the door looking out at Velaris, I pushed out of my seat, “What did you mean today?” Rhys asked turning to face me, “When you said you were responsible for your mother’s death.”

I shrugged, “What I said is what I meant, Rhys.” His brow furrowed. “Can we not talk about it? Please.”

Rhys sighed and walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her, “Fine, but we have to talk about it.”

I pulled away, “Like how we have to talk about how Feyre is your mate?” His face paled as he dropped his arms. “I’m human, I’m not dumb, I noticed your behavior changed. She doesn’t know does she?”

Rhys shook his head, “No,”

I shook my head, “When did you find out?”

“When we said goodbye after we beat Amarantha.”

Shock rocked me, “You were going to let her marry, him…”

Rhys bit his lip, “I was going to respect what she wanted. I wanted her to be happy. Then she called out for help, Y/N, she was begging for anyone to save her. I felt it down the bond.”

I nodded my head, and I cupped his cheek, “Don’t keep her in the dark forever, Rhys, she’ll hate you for it.” With that I walked to my room to get ready for dinner.

***

We arrived at the restaurant, and everyone was dressed to the nines, and I opted for black silk pants and a sapphire blue corset top and a leather jacket. Put my hair up in a ponytail and placed a matching sapphire blue bow and some comfortable slippers. I walked down and Azriel shared an amused look, “Well Archeron, may I say blue looks ravishing on you.” He kissed my cheek. It was then that I noticed I matched his siphons. Everyone laughed as a blush crept up my face and I glanced at Cassian. He looked bemused but still made sure to extend his arm for me to take to escort me to the restaurant though it was apparent he kept us a good distance from the shadow singer.

Even at the dinner table Azriel sat by the window and I was making my way to sit next to him, Cassian guided me to the end of the table on the opposite side. “Cass, he doesn’t bite.” I murmured.

Cassian pulled out my seat for me and gently pushed me in, “Yes. He does. And he is a sore fucking loser.”

Azriel snorts, “I’m sorry she chose blue instead of red, brother.”

Rhys buts in, “She is allowed to wear whatever she wants, in whatever color she wants. Just because she wears a color doesn’t mean she is swearing an allegiance to either of you.” The kind restaurant owner came and brought our food and handed us a goblet for Amren. “Thank you, Nicolette. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

The older female bowed her head, “Likewise, Rhysand. I hope everything is to your liking.” She looked to Feyre who was dressed in another radiant midnight blue Top and matching pants. “Its an honor to meet you Cursebreaker,” her gaze reached mine, “You as well Y/N Archeron. I hope you enjoy.”

Simultaneously Feyre and I said, “Thank you.” She smiled and left.

We all began eating and I looked over to Amren, “You don’t eat.” Not a question.

“Very observant, girl.” Amren snorted swirling the goblet in her hand.

“Are you not high fae?” I asked curiosity getting the better of me.

Rhys interjected, “She is in a way.”

“I do not know what I am completely, I did take form in a high fae body I chose this body.” Amren said in a tone telling me that that was all the information she was willing to give. I took a note and began drinking out of my own glass.

Azriel leaned his elbows on the table there was a mischievous glint in his eye, “Y/N, tell me. Did you have any lovers back in the human realm?” I choked on my drink; a fit of coughing erupted. A hand was rubbing my back and I looked to see Cassian giving Azriel a glare that if I were on the end of it would make me want to crawl out of my skin. Azriel didn’t seem phased.

“Just one.” I answered when I regained my breath. “Lover is a generous term for it though.”

Azriel quirked a brow, “Oh, why is that?” Feyre shifted in her seat uncomfortably by this conversation.

Before I could answer two tiny voices called out, “Y/N, Y/N.” I turned my brow furrowed in confusion as two small girls came running to the table and when I turned to face them, they leapt into my arms. Two little red-haired girls with tan skin tucked their heads into my neck. I rose, arms securing them as I moved off the chair.

The girls’ mother came toward us, “I’m so sorry. They saw you and they wanted to say hello.”

The two girls pulled away and met Y/N’s gaze and I gasped their green eyes shined bright and their red hair was not matted but curled and their tan skin looked healthy and gleaming. “Well look at you two. You have grown.” I smiled, holding both of their hands.”

Mor’s voice piqued, “You know them?”

One of the girls who was slightly taller, “You remember us?”

I smiled, “Of course I do.” She pulled them into a hug again and the two girls clung to her tightly. “I would never forget either of you.”

Their mom smiled, “I never got a chance to see you, to thank you for what you did for them.”

I met the mom’s stare with a smile of my own, “No thanks necessary.” The girls pulled away from me but still clung to my hands, “I’m glad you girls are okay.” I looked back up to their mom, “I didn’t realize you resided in the Night Court.”

“We were originally from the Autumn Court. I served for the Lady of the Court. Rhysand offered me a place to stay and a comfortable home if I wanted it.” I looked to see her gazing at Rhys with a smile and Rhys nodded his head, “I couldn’t stay in that court knowing what the prince did, so I grabbed the girls, and he brought us here.”

The girl that spoke before said, “We love it here!”

I smiled, “I’m so glad.” I leaned and naturally the two girls also lean in as if we’re telling a big secret “I love it here too.” The girls giggled in response, “What are both of your names? I never got a chance to be properly introduced. I’m Y/N.”

The social butterfly of the two smiled wide, “I’m Alexis, you can call me Lexi. This is my twin Elizabeth, but we all call her Lizzie.”

Lizzie gives a shy wave before biting her lip a bit. I beamed and I turned and point to Feyre, “Well what a coincidence my Twin is right there. That’s Feyre. I call her Fey.”

Feyre gave the two girls a small wave, and the two waved back enthusiastically. Y/N looks to the mom, “I’m Evangeline. Feel free to call me Evie.” I let go of the girls’ hands for a moment and walked toward Evie as she blinked away a few tears and gripped me into a hug, “I can’t thank you enough,” She turned her gaze to Rhys and Feyre and the rest of our table. “All of you, for your kindness.”

Rhys smiled, “The pleasure is ours.” The table all gave nods in agreement.

Lexi tugged on my pant leg, “Can we have a sleepover sometime?”

Alexis!” Evie scolded, “She is probably busy with working for the high-“

I interrupted her raising my hand, “For my two new friends,” I knelt to their level, “I would make the time. You just need to convince the High Lord. I do live at his house at the moment.”

Lexi and Lizzie ran to Rhysand and held their hands up, “Please, High Lord. Please.” I noticed that Cassian and Azriel were trying really hard not to laugh as they saw their brother turn to into putty at these girls hands.

Rhys smiled, “Tell you what whenever, mom needs some time to get errands done, or would like to have an evening to herself you can come to my townhouse and spend as much time as you want with my family.”

“Including Y/N?” Lizzie asked quietly.

Rhys smiled widened, “Yes, including Y/N.” He gave them a playful wink and the two girls giggled and ran back to their mom.

“C’mon girls, let them enjoy the rest of their dinner.”

Alexis waved, and Y/N stands to take her seat, and she feels a tugged on her pants. She looked down to find Lizzie and her eyes lined with silver, and she blurts, “I want to be like you when I grow up.” She looked down sheepishly after blurting it.

I took a minute to process what she said, “What do you mean, Sweetheart?”

She looked up tears streamed down her face, “I want to be brave and kind and not afraid like you,” I could feel the emotion swelling in my chest and tears of my own were beginning to fall. I fell to my knees and pulled her in to a hug, and Lizzie erupted into sobs burying her face in her shoulder. I held out my other arm and Alexis ran into tears in her eyes too. Lizzie whimpered, “I was so afraid I had an accident. You were so brave, Y/N.”

“You were so brave.” I whispered, stroking their hair. I pulled away from them and made the effort to wipe both their tears from their faces. “I think you both were extremely brave. You both held your chin up so high going back to your mom. I was proud of you.” I looked at both girls, “I was proud of both of you.” I smiled and hugged them both, “And we’re here now. And we’re friends.”

“Forever?” Lexi hiccuped.

“And ever.” I promised.

I gave both girls a kiss on their forehead and sent them back to their mom who was smiling with gratitude. I took a seat in my chair watching them walk away, “So those were the girls you told me about.”

I nodded as I shifted back to face my friends, Cassian held out his napkin for me to grab and I graciously took it and wiped my eyes. “Yeah, I didn’t even know they were twins. Kind of poetic.” I chuckled as I felt the familiar callouses of Cassian’s hand on the back of my neck, that thumb rubbing soothing circles and I leaned into his touch. “Thank you, Rhys, for bringing them here and giving them a better life.”

Rhys held out his hand and I took it, and he grabbed Feyre’s hand and gave them both a squeeze, “They deserved it, as you both deserve a chance at a better happy life.”

***

Dinner came to a close and as we walked out in the crisp night air Mor linked arms with me, “I say we head to Rita’s anyone in?”

Cassian and Azriel agreed to join but it was Rhys and Feyre who both declined Amren already left for the evening. I smiled at both of them and waved before I was being dragged away to the bar.

The atmosphere of Rita’s was nothing like the taverns at the human realms, the music thrummed, and the beat could be felt on the floor there were various colored fae lights, Azriel led us all to a table and offered to grab everyone drinks. Mor sat next to Cassian, and I ended up at the end of the booth. I noticed how Mor laid her head on Cassian’s shoulder and he laid his head on top of hers giving her forehead a light kiss and that pang rang in my chest again. How had I not noticed that he is like this with everyone. Clearly he expresses love through touch.

Azriel brought everyone a drink and a shot. I took the shot with fervor and welcomed the burn of the alcohol. Az sat across from me and quirked his brow as I also chugged the drink, he brought for me. This was going to be a long night.

A few drinks in and Mor was basically on Cassian’s lap. I tried not to gape, but it was hard as she kept whispering in his ear. He held her but his face was slightly bored, Az and I just sat and watched the people on the dance floor. His shadows swirled around my ankle, and I smiled.

“Excuse me,” I male’s voice interrupts my appreciation of Azriel’s shadows and look up to find a fae male, with pale skin and blonde hair smiling at me. “Could I bother you for a drink and a dance.” I looked him over his body was toned and I noticed that he had a tail that touched the floor if he were to extend it out. “I just couldn’t help but notice how you beautiful you were.”

I opened my mouth to refuse but Mor cut in, “She would love to.” Mor gave me a light push and I turned back to look at Cassian who seemed more interested in his drink as Mor nuzzled back into him. I gave the male in front of me a bright smile and took his hand.

We walked to the bar, and he said his name was Mark not even bothering to ask for mine, “So I’ve not seen you around before?” He purred in my ear as our drinks came. His tail brushed up my leg and I stepped out of its reach.

“I’m new in town.” I said shrugging.

“For being new in town, you do keep interesting company. The Lord of Bloodshed, The Morrigan and the Shadowsinger. You must have made some impression.” His tail pushed me closer to him, so he grabbed me by the waist. I pressed a hand to his chest, “Sorry, Babe. Sometimes my tail has a mind of its own. I nodded and fought the urge to roll my eyes. We continued our drinks in proximity, and he insisted we go dance. He placed a hand on my lower back his tail once again grazing my leg and moving to the under curve of my ass. The alcohol was settling in my system so that where his hands were didn’t bother me anymore and I let the beat of music take me away.

Mark wrapped a hand around my stomach and held me flush to his chest. “You are such a pretty thing,” He murmured in my ear. I hummed in thanks as his free hand gripped my throat lightly, to angle my head to his. I could see the lust in his eyes as they glanced at my lips, and he leaned in. There was a cough behind us.

We turned and Cassian stood there, ire was in his eyes and the object of that anger was geared to Mark. “Mind if I cut in?”

Mark had a look as if he wanted to say he would but thinking better of it he walked away not so much as a goodbye. His tail did manage to graze my ass. What a dick. Cassian moved closer and gripped my hand and spun me around. He pressed me to his back my head meeting his chest. Both his hands entwined with mine and pressed me closer and calm washed over me. He whispered, “You look beautiful tonight.”

I smiled and shifted my head to see his hazel eyes now soften and his pupils were blown out. “Thank you, Cass.”

He spun me around, so he pressed my chest to his, and his toned arm snaked around my waist. His nose brushed mine, “I wonder though how you would look in red instead of blue.”

The alcohol made me bold because I grinned, “Hmm I wonder how Az would fee-“

Cassian growled, “I don’t want to hear his name out of that pretty little mouth of yours, Princess.”

“Whose name should I say?”

His lips were so close to mine, our breaths intertwining, as he huskily said. “Mine.”

Before I could press my lips to his, Mor tapped his shoulder, “We’re going home, fly me to my apartment?” Cassian pulled away and I instantly missed his warmth.”

“Sure.” He muttered before kissing my head, “Goodnight, Princess.” He turned back to Mor glaring at her, and she only gave him a saccharine smile.

Mor blew a kiss to me before looping her arm in Cassian’s and the duo walked out.

Azriel was beside me in an instant, “She’s a brat.” He murmured and pressed a hand on my back and led me out of Rita’s.

When we reached the Townhome I walked into my room and sat on my bed and looked out at the night sky, hoping to see wings and flashes of red on the horizon.

Chapter 9

Story Tags: @hellodarling1357 @hnyclover @waytoomanyteenagefeels @amara-moonlight @impossibelle @esposadomd @sleepylunarwolf @stressed-reader @kylaisra @marvelouslovely-barnes @magicstrengthandcourage @spideytingley @awkardnerd @donttellthecats @tastydewdrops @vermillionwinter @asweetblueberry2 @bunnyredgirl @homeslices @azriels-mate2 @oksloan3 @wallacewillow0773638 @fandom-crashlanding @writingstreetspirit @hannzoaks @minnieloo @tuggboatfishin @judig92 @atrxidxs @dustyinkpages @secretlyhers @mxblobby @blogforficslol @historygeekqueen @turtleshavesoulmates @scooobies @anuttellaa @earth-to-lottie @slytherintaco @fxckmiup @tinystarfishgalaxy @cheesebookgirl @oucereeng @st0rmyt @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @misslunatic1655 @azrielsmate3 @nebarious @tele86 @chelsiemp @fightmedraco @blackgirlmagicforever @fullmoon-94

#cassian x reader #cassian acotar #acotar fanfiction #cassian x you #cassian imagine #acotar #cassian fanfic #cassian #cassian fluff

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sugar-crash · 3 months ago

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🍬King Candy (Wreck-It Ralph) x (gn) Reader👑

(Confession Edition!)

(Section two everyone!!! When I have enough posts for both I’ll make a masterlist! I’m kinda surprised how quick it took for people to like the previous one— Thank you so much to the people who have reblogged/followed me!!!)

- Those years of hiding away from the rest of the arcade after his major fuck up gave him lots of time to think, and mellow himself out even, though that violent impulsiveness is still there when he gets frustrated enough.

- If you catch his eye, whether it be due to you being from Sugar Rush, an older game, or newer— Or if you two were a thing before the whole RoadBlasters disaster, he isn’t nearly as stubborn with his feelings as he used to be.

- He handles it far more smoothly, though his reach is more limited (I like the idea that he can’t necessarily leave Sugar Rush due to his disguise slipping without it so this will apply here), probably getting Sour Bill to invite you to the game after hours so he can commune with you more.

- If you belong to Sugar Rush it is a bit of a different story; it's more convenient for his intentions to pursue you romantically.

- He tries and more or less succeeds in being classy in his attempts at courting you, having a kind of classic way of doing so— Giving you various edible gifts he reprograms to your liking.

- Pet name galore, all candy themed. I don’t make the rules they just come to me in dreams/j

- Naturally keeps various things from you, including the mistreatment of Venallope by him and the rest of Sugar Rush, making sure everyone plays nice in front of you so you don’t notice how lonely the little girl is.

- Sugary as all hell, which is something one would expect from King Candy, who seems to never run out of ways to try to woo you whenever you come to his game.

- After like a year or two he steadily makes his intentions more and more apparent before going out and saying it out front after inviting you to a nice dinner at the castle.

- When you accept, my god is he delighted by the result of his patience and hard work (with a good degree of manipulation, knowing him.) Much like the life he was able to carve himself into this game, he has a sense of pride about your relationship.

- His over dramatic personality comes into play, whenever someone takes interest in you in front of him he’s ready to scuffle, raising his fists up to “defend your honor”.

- It’s silly, but endearing, backing his actions up with saying his intentions are true, giving you an overly heartfelt and mushy response that gets an eye roll from Sour Bill, well deserved.

- The way King Candy loves is… Cartoonish at times, over the top, oozing that jolly and wondrous persona he’s so desperate to display in front of others, especially you.

- Though he does have moments where he lets you in, those moments where vulnerability cracks through that hard shell sugar coating he’s put on himself.

- His self-absorbed tendencies are there, no amount of time could ever take that away from him, it’s basically hard coded into him, in and out of his disguise.

- He’s quick to explain himself every time there’s a slip; either from himself or one of the many Sugar Rush subjects.

- He doesn’t let his frustrations out in front of you if he can help it, leading you away from whoever messed with his plan, placing a kind hand on the small of your back and giving the guilty party a brief yet annoyed glare before softening his face up for you.

- In many ways, he treats you right— But there's always a nearly imperceptible wall between you two, which always has him on guard in some way.

- There’s a yearning he wants to indulge in, but there's far too much risk for him to do so— He can't possibly know how'd you react if you knew his little, well, not so little secret.

- As much as he loves you, it isn’t enough to truly fill you in on everything, though unfortunately for him, the term “lies always come to light eventually” definitely fits his situation as his unwillingness to let things go (literally) inevitably does him in.

(Pa'z ZHSTVU)

#Spotify #king candy x reader #king candy #wreck it ralph turbo #wreck it ralph king candy #x reader

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rveyjules · 1 year ago

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A Second Chance

Part 1, Part 2

Pairing: Leon Kennedy x Prime Minister's Daughter! Reader (ft. Ada Wong)

Genre: Smut, Romance, Angst

Warning: cheating, Leon is obsessed with the reader, taking photos, the reader is cold but deep inside she’s a sweetheart, mentions of arranged marriage, pure smut (masturbation, foreplay, kissing, breasts fondling and sucking, markings, p in v intercourse, virgin sex, penetrative sex, Leon is huge [I think it's at least 9 inches, sheesh], creampie, aftercare)

Word count: 6.2k

Summary: As the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister and one of the faces of the family, you received multiple assassination attempts. So, your father hired someone to keep an eye on you. And to your surprise, out of all people, it was Leon Kennedy your father picked for you. You and Leon had a secret relationship but soon did not last because another woman came into his life. Now that the both of you meet again, will it be the start of chaos or a continuation of romance?

author's note: This is the second part of my story. This story is entirely fictional. I do not know what the President and the Prime Minister exactly do for the country. Same with the occupation of being a prosecutor and the chief of the CIA. English is not my mother tongue so pardon if you encounter mistakes and grammatical errors. This is only for entertainment purposes only. And minors, please do your homework first.

—

“The jury found the defendant guilty.”

Joyful sounds were heard from your client, who was the victim, and from her family. You closed your eyes and a sigh of relief escaped your mouth, smiling at your performance today. You just won another trial. The suspect is proven guilty with the evidence you have against him and the jury was on your side.

“The jury is thanked and excused. The court is adjourned.”

You turned to your female client. She’s a 22-year-old who was a victim of rape and sexual assault. You promised her that you will do your best to give her the justice she was longing for after being made fun of by her schoolmates, calling her such names, giving her judgemental looks, and earning a lot of hurtful words.

It has come to the point where she almost took her own life on the rooftop of the apartment she was staying at. Being a victim of rape is traumatizing. It would take time before you recovered completely from what happened by going under rehabilitation and psychological observation. But today, justice is served.

“Thank you so much, prosecutor!” Her mom shakes my hand repeatedly. You can’t count how many times her family expressed their gratitude for helping the child. You giggled and patted the mother’s shoulder. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you hired me as your lawyer. By the way, how was your rehabilitation?” You asked the last part, looking at your client. She has a smile on her face, brighter than the times we met before the trial and you just realized how pretty the child is.

“It’s all nice and okay. Prosecutor,” She took a few steps ahead towards you and held your hand. “I don’t know how to express my feelings in court. Our opponent came from a prestigious family in the town. I am afraid that we will not win because of how powerful their family is. I think I underestimated you a little and I’m sorry for that. I see how focused you were in every trial session. And now that it was confirmed that he was the bad guy, I felt so happy. So, thank you so much, Prosecutor L/n.”

You smiled at her and cupped her cheeks. “You’re a law student, right? I want to give you some advice that can help you when you become an attorney one day,” I paused. “I considered going into law. Not because of money, but for the thrill of problem-solving. And always remember, be an independent woman. You are what you are. Face them with your head high. Justice is served and the suspect is proven guilty.”

The girl nodded and gave you a tight hug. “I hope we will meet again in the future, attorney.” You nodded your head and hugged her back. “I’m looking forward to it, dear.”

From a distance, Leon watched how you comforted a girl after winning a nerve-wracking and intense trial in the court just now. He crossed his arms and smiled, seeing you being warm around your client. Leon received a voicemail from his earpiece,

“Agent Kennedy, the Prime Minister, scheduled a meeting with Prosecutor L/n.”

“Copy,” He replied before approaching you.

The mother of your client acknowledged his presence as Leon made his way toward you. The older woman smiled at him before looking back at you and asked something unexpected…

“Is he your husband? You two look great together.”

Your eyes widened and immediately denied it. “No, we’re not. He’s not my husband. I’m still single.” You awkwardly replied. Leon was taken aback by the woman’s question and quite affected when you quickly denied the woman’s question. He felt butterflies in his stomach at the thought of you being his wife.

“Sorry for misunderstanding but he’s only my bodyguard. He’s only with me for safety purposes.” You explain, smiling to ease the uncomfortable feeling you have. The woman nodded in understanding.

“You’re too pretty to not be in a relationship but I respect your decision if you’re not into relationships.” She smiled and you thanked her for understanding. When your client and her family have left, you turn to Leon and shoot him a death glare.

“Seriously? You as my husband? Hell, no.” You sharply claimed. Leon cleared his throat and replied, “I just want to say that the Prime Minister scheduled a meeting with you.” You rolled your eyes at him.

“When you received a voicemail, I received a text message from the Prime Minister. At least you should have waited for my client to leave before popping out of nowhere only to be misunderstood as my husband.” You snarled. Leon finds you cute, though.

“Bet you feel the butterflies in your stomach, don’t you?” He asked flirtatiously, making you scoff.

“Butterflies,” You scoffed and chuckled sarcastically. “I got headaches.” With that, you walked past him to the exit.

—

“Papa, you know I don’t want to be in a relationship. How many times do I need to tell you that? I don’t even want to go on a date, why are they trying to put me up in an arranged marriage?!” You snapped, rubbing your temples.

The meeting your father scheduled is private and personal. Right now, in front of your parents and the Senator’s son that was supposed to be your husband in this arranged marriage, looked at you in disbelief. You declared your plan in life and that is you’re not going to get married to anyone.

“Y/n!” Your father yelled angrily. “For our family’s sake! Senator Carter’s son is the right man for you! You know that this man has the potential to become a President in the future! I want you to become the First Lady of this country.”

“But being a First Lady has limitations, Papa! And also, it will only give me more responsibilities!” You retorted back.

“You’re already thirty-three, Y/n. A perfect age to prepare yourself—”

“I am not interested in becoming a First Lady,” You interrupted. "Besides, I am not into politicians. Helping the government is enough for me but marrying a politician? No."

With that, you grabbed your bag and walked out of the room, leaving your parents disappointed and frustrated. You can hear your dad calling out your name but you did not turn back. Tears filled your eyes, and you couldn't bear the fact that your parents are forcing you to marry someone you don't love.

Leon noticed your expression and he knew something was wrong. "Y/n, what happened in–" He was interrupted when you snapped at him, “Shut up! This is all your fault!”

He was startled and the guards that were securing the area looked in your direction. Tears started falling down your eyes, and couldn't bear the pain. “This is all your fault.” You whispered before storming out of the establishment.

You get the keys from your driver and ride the car before driving on your own. You sobbed as you sped up on the highway but were still aware of the speed limit. You want some time alone. Betrayals, family pressure, arranged marriage… Goddamned it, why can’t you be free from this? The trauma of your past relationship with Leon did a lot of damage. You run your hand on top of your head, calming yourself down.

—

In your house, you are checking the report of the CIA. There are files that must go under your consent so you have a lot of papers to sign. It’s not new for you anymore. Being a prosecutor, a superior of a top security agency, as well as being a politician’s daughter has its pros and cons. When it comes to wealth and fame, you got the jackpot. But when it comes to responsibility…

“Goddamn, I need a vacation.” You sighed as you signed the last file and put them organized on the shelf.

And then, Leon popped into your mind out of nowhere. He has been working under you for three months now. You are secretly doing everything to make him leave. You mean it when you say you don’t need him anymore. But there are times where Leon would be so caring of you. He’d hold your hand secretly when the two of you are close to each other in crowded places. He’d take off his jacket and put it on your shoulders when he saw you shivering. Although you are cold and dismissive to him, he’s still caring for you and his love language was still the same as before.

Turning your heel, you went to the window and watched the city lights of Washington D.C. You want to take a break. You want to sleep all day,knowing that you deserved it for doing a great job. But you simply can’t. Even falling asleep in your room is sometimes difficult, especially when you feel something is not right. The President needs you to be active 24/7. The White House could call you anytime when an emergency occurs. Even if it was two in the morning, you need to get up and meet the President and cabinet secretaries.

You are so powerful that’s why there are people who tried to kill you. Imagine, surviving five assassination attempts. You may be looking cool but deep inside you are scared. Those moments where you were stunned when the assassin pulled the trigger of his gun and you barely dodge them. It makes you feel like a child, being scared when you are supposed to be brave.

Taking off your gloves, you looked at your scars and caressed them. You thought the pain was gone, thinking that your scars symbolizes your bravery despite being left out. But everythings is coming back ever since Leon came back. With that you remembered how you struggled just to survive.

Three days after Leon left with Ada, you almost lost your sanity thinking that surviving the apocalypse is impossible. You have no one to lean on. You barely make it to find an abandoned store with foods and drinks that can ease your thirst and hunger. The city was filled with zombies. Finding a safe place to stay is difficult. The device you used to track Ada’s identity was broken. It was your only hope to contact your father.

Every day, you’d cry while washing your wounds on your wrists to prevent contamination and easier access for infection. Being alone and desperate to survive scared you the most. You are asking yourself what you ever did to them to leave you in this state. As for your relationship with Leon, thinking about those times when you caught him with Ada, doing the unthinkable emotionally damaged you.

“Leon– ahh!” Ada moaned as Leon pressed his half naked body to her, sucking her neck and leaving marks on her skin. “Y/n would get suspicious where did I get this,” Ada said but Leon didn’t budge.

Instead, he lifted the skirt of her dress and pulled her underwear out of her legs before undoing his pants and taking his member out of its cage. “Just be quiet. She wouldn’t know that we’re doing this.” He smirked before slipping his hardened cock into Ada’s aching hole.

They tried to be quiet to hide their secret affair while you were standing by the door, sobbing quietly. You heard how Ada moaned and praised Leon at how good he makes her feel. And then there was you, heart shattered into pieces. You felt numb and couldn’t feel or hear anything aside from the sinful sounds coming from them.

That piece of memory made you punch the mirror in front of you, breaking it. Your knuckles started to bleed. You covered your ears as you fell on your knees, traumatized and heartbroken. You knew that things would go wrong between you and Leon. But this is beyond your expectation. Never in your life you thought that he would do that.

One day, you found a radio in the establishment where you are currently staying. It was functioning and you heard voices coming from the radio. You realized that it can connect to a military base. You grabbed it and spoke to the speaker. It says that the government will bomb the city to stop the virus from spreading. Hearing this increased your fear. You don’t want to die with these monsters.

“Is this the military? Please, help me. I’m a survivor.” You said, hoping that they will hear your voice.

After a few seconds of silence, the voice on the other line spoke. “This is Commander Valdez speaking. Please, state your name and current location.” Your hope was growing as the commander replied.

“My name is Y/n L/n, daughter of Senator L/n. I’m a first year college student, studying Law. I am in a safe room of the high-rise hospital in Raccoon City. Please, help me. Zombies are surrounding the area.” You sobbed.

Hearing that you are the daughter of the Senate President caused the Commander to order to gather up his men and prepare to rescue you and also ordered the President to refrain from releasing an order to wipe out Raccoon City until you are completely rescued.

“Miss L/n, listen carefully to my instructions. My men will be there in less than an hour. Now, I want you to prepare yourself to fight against the horde of zombies. The President has moved the time of releasing the bomb. They will nuke the city after we rescue you. I know you have limited resources to use as your weapon but I hope you can find some to defend yourself.”

“Yes, sir.”

“The military is on its way. Go to the rooftop of the hospital. The military chopper will come to rescue you. Goodluck.” Then your conversation ended.

This is your last chance. You must make it out of this damned city. You went to the bathroom of the safe room and looked at yourself through the mirror. You washed your face to make up your mind and covered your injuries with a clean cloth. You wear your jacket and luckily found a baseball bat as your weapon. With a deep breath, you gathered all your strength and prepared yourself for a life-or-death fight against those monsters.

You walked out of the safe room quietly to prevent attracting the attention of the zombies. You held your weapon tightly, alert for any zombies to come to your way. You are currently on the 20th floor of the hospital. The rooftop is on the 25th floor. Of course, as you expected, zombies found you and chased after you. You run for your life, hitting those zombies who will try to grab you or block your path with a baseball bat.

Anger was rushing through your veins that you went on a killing spree with a single weapon. You looked out the window as you ran and found the helicopter coming to the hospital you are in. This increased your hopes in survival. Little by little, you made it to the rooftop. You closed and blocked the door with anything that you think can prevent those zombies opening the door.

The helicopter has found you from a far distance. You waved your hands in the air as you jumped to gain their attention. But the zombies managed to break in and it found you. You turned around and fear creeped out to your veins. A large horde of zombies are coming towards you. Then, you heard loud gunshots coming from the soldiers, shooting the zombies as the helicopter moved downwards on the edge of the rooftop.

“Miss Y/n! Hop on!” A soldier yelled through the loud sound of the propeller.

You ran towards them and jumped to the helicopter, feeling a little relieved to be rescued. The helicopter started to move away as the zombies were falling down from the building, mindlessly trying to reach for us. The soldiers check on you to see if you are bitten. The pilot spoke through the radio.

“General, Y/n L/n is successfully rescued from the Raccoon City. She’s not bitten or infected, just some injuries that need medical attention. Aside from that, everything is cleared.”

“Roger that,” You heard the military general replied through the radio.

After a few moments, when you are far enough from the city, you hear a loud, roaring, and huge explosion. You looked out and saw an atomic bomb explosion, destroying Raccoon City. You saw how wide the bomb reached to kill those who were alive or undead. You survived the chaos on your own. You make it out of the forsaken city. You are the last man standing. The city where Leon promised you that you build your dreams and goals has been wiped out into ashes.

A sigh escapes your mouth as you caress your scars. For everyone who barely knows you, wearing gloves is your trademark in fashion. People never see you take them off or go out without gloves on. But your family and other important people in your life know what’s behind that piece of clothing. It’s not like you were ashamed of it. It’s just that it hurts you emotionally as you remembered that you went under hard and difficult circumstances just to survive as those people you helped betrayed and left you to die.

Your phone opened and rang, snapping you back to your senses. You turned around and grabbed your phone. It’s a call from your older brother, Judge Dylan L/n. You picked up the call and put the phone next to your ear.

“Dylan? What can I do for you?” You asked.

“Y/n, Papa called me just now. What was that behavior?” He asked calmly but there’s a lingering strict tone.

“If you’ll scold me, I’ll hang up.” You scoffed.

“Y/n, you are the only daughter of the Prime Minister of the country and has the potential to become a First Lady.”

“I know that. Among the Prime Minister’s five children, I am the youngest and the only daughter. But that doesn’t mean that I need to go under his order to marry a politician.”

“But the boy is the son of the Senate President.”

“Dylan, please. Don’t make yourself a problem for me. He didn’t even congratulate me for winning my case today. He just called a private meeting only to say that I am bound to marry the man and ended up scolding.”

“Patience is a virtue, Y/n,” Dylan paused. “I know that your past relationship still affects you. But in this case, you are just proving to them that you haven’t moved on from your ex-lover. Y/n, it’s been fifteen years…”

You sighed, heading over the table to pour yourself a glass of wine.

“Please, believe me when I say that I truly moved on from my past relationship. It’s just that…” You paused, trying to find the right word to say. “The pain was coming back. You know that feeling when you believe in yourself that you are completely free but the truth is you are still chained up to the past?”

“Did you and that guy cross paths again?” He asked and you hummed.

“I don’t know if fate is fooling around with me. After fifteen years, why did he come back? I mean, I don’t want to see him or even cross paths again with him but then, one day he just appeared out of nowhere.” You explained. Your brother chuckled at your response.

“I think I know the guy you are talking about. Leon Kennedy, right? Your ex-lover but currently your bodyguard.” You pouted as his response. “If Papa knows that Leon Kennedy is your ex, what do you think he will do?” He asked.

“He will fire him immediately, probably.” You replied.

“Wrong,” Dylan quickly responded. “You and Papa never interact with each other that much, that's why you don’t know the possibility of his reaction regarding the issue.”

“What do you mean?” You asked.

“Y/n, please. If you interact with Papa, you will find the answer. That’s all for now. I have to prepare for my trial tomorrow. I just called to check on you.”

You bid goodbye to each other before ending the call. You received another phone call from the Senate President’s son. You picked the call…

“Let’s have a drink. The usual place.” He said.

—

Leon can still hear how loud you were when you snapped at him earlier. He can tell that your meeting with your family did not end well. The way your eyes teared up when you yelled at him, gaining the attention of the people who were in the area at that time. Leon gulped down another glass of whiskey, slightly wincing at how strong the alcohol is as he ran his thumb against your photo, which he secretly took throughout the years.

Yes, he has been stalking you. After saving Ashley Graham from an insane cult in Spain, he immediately did some research on you. And there he found out about your success after leaving you in a hard situation in Raccoon City in 1998. At that time, you were a newly licensed prosecutor but you became one of the most influential prosecutors in the Supreme Court as you easily solved and won cases back then. Your father was a Senate President back then and having you beside him is a big asset. With that, your father managed to reach the position of Prime Minister.

Every event you need to attend whether it was a national or international, he was there. He camouflaged within the crowd so that you wouldn’t see him or feel his presence. He took a lot of pictures of you, keeping them in a secret room of his house. He was obsessed with you. He even finds himself masturbating in his room with your picture in his hand, looking so elegant in every angle, every outfit you wore, every look you pulled out, it drives him crazy.

For his latest mission, which was in China, he brought a dozen of your pictures as his motivation and inspiration. Weird but he did. There are times when he was in a tight situation and went through near-death experiences but he remembers that he needs to come back. For you. He encountered Ada again but this time, he was not her puppy anymore, who would follow her demands and manipulate him.

“I heard that she’s the new Chief of the CIA aside from being a prosecutor. Seems like your ex-lover has already moved on from you.” Ada smirked as she looked at the photo of you in a black dress, holding a piece of paper while speaking in court.

“Give it back,” Leon demanded. “What are you even doing here, Ada? Are you going to use me again?” He added and Ada chuckled in response. “What do you think?”

What Ada did not expect was Leon’s sudden attack. He disarmed her and took the photo out of her grasp, hissing when it was crumpled slightly. Ada noticed his unusual behavior and smirked.

“You’re obsessed with her. What is she going to think when you two meet again? What will be her reaction if she meets the one she loved the most but also the one who betrayed her?” Ada asked, trying to provoke Leon.

Leon got furious when Ada dug up the past. Without hesitation, he pulled out his gun and shot Ada in the shoulder with eyes full of anger and guilt, not for her but for you, who he left just to escape that damn city. The woman looked at him in shock. Never in a million years did she expect that Leon would do this to her. He was different from the one she used to order around. There were also times when Leon almost got down on his knees and worshiped her like a saint. But now, his eyes are filled with the flame of anger. Leon wasn’t hers anymore, but yours even without knowing it.

Five months after that mission, he was summoned to the White House by the President and they talked about the assassination attempts you had. His face remained calm but his hands were clenched into fists and his insides were burning in anger. When the President asked him if he could be your bodyguard, he immediately said yes. Your father, the Prime Minister trusted him the moment the President introduced him as a recommendation. That’s how he got into your life again.

He prepared a plan on how he was going to win your heart again. He thought it would be easy but it turns out it isn’t. You are colder than he expected. You never look at him the way you used to look at him before. It wasn’t easy to make a conversation with you as you always dismissed him. His top priority is to keep you safe away from assassination attempts you might encounter again in the future while finding a way to see a crack in your armor.

He believes that you will give in to him someday. He laid down on his bed, closing his eyes, and imagine how good it feels to be between your legs as he fucks you hard. The way you’d moan loudly or even scream, praising him for making you feel so good. You’d hold onto his shoulders as he pounds against your cunt, tip kissing your cervix that sends you crying.

His mind was filled with lewd images of you, wearing tight blouses and pencil skirts, teasing him as you walked. Your curves are perfectly fitted into the skirt and he will pounce on you and rip all of your clothing until you are completely naked under him. You and Leon never made it to take your relationship to the next level because you were just eighteen and in your first year in college back then. You two agreed that you’ll only do it when you are ready or wait until you get married. Although your relationship was a secret, you both gave pure love to each other until shit happens.

He believes that your virginity hasn’t been taken yet. For someone like you who focuses on studies and two professions as well as having trust issues, he’s sure that no one hasn’t touched or even kissed you. And the thought of taking your virginity sends him to the edge as he found himself masturbating.

“Y/n… you feel so damn good. So tight!” He moaned, imagining how tight you are when he pushed his pulsating cock inside your wet, aching, virgin pussy.

Your moans ring into his ears as he fucks you. The way you’d ask him to be gentle or be careful of you, sobbing. And the best part of it is when he spilled his warm seeds deep into your cunt. In real life, his cock spurted his juices, staining his hands and abdomen as he trembled from his orgasm, groaning as he let it out until the last drop.

No, he did not feel guilty. Why not? He’s going to take you back. Now that he heard from his co-worker that you are bound to marry the Senate President’s son. No, he wouldn’t let that happen. Not even over his dead body. If he needs to go through hell just to win your heart again, he will do it without any hesitation.

—

On the other side, you are back in the VIP Room of the bar where you usually go. You are currently with the Senate President’s son. There’s an awkward tension between the two of you. David Carter is sipping on his glass of vodka while you are drinking wine.

“Your outburst earlier is unexpected,” He chuckled, studying your expression. You glanced at him as he started the conversation. “A lot of women tried to catch my attention but then there was you.”

“Is that a compliment?” You asked, sipping on your wine and he nodded with a hum in response.

David might be quiet and did not have a chance to explain himself during your meeting yesterday but he is one of the most respected and most influential men in politics just like you. He’s a congressman with the potential to reach the highest rank in the country. That’s why your father wants him to be your husband.

“Yes. I rarely compliment a woman. You know I have a high standard when it comes to women and you passed.”

“Because this is me.” You rebutted, rolling your eyes, and smirked.

You two are good friends. You went to the same law school and passed the board exams together. When you were elected as the new Chief of the CIA, he was elected as a congressman. Coincidence? He would say no but you would say yes. David understands why you suddenly snapped at your father upon mentioning the arranged marriage. He knows that you have a trauma in love although he doesn’t know who caused you that pain to be so dismissive of love. But deep down, he wished that you would realize that he has hidden feelings towards you.

“I noticed that you are not with your personal bodyguard today. Leon Kennedy, right?” He asked, causing you to scoff and roll your eyes again.

“I don’t know. I don’t care though. That guy needs to breathe from my dark presence.” You joked.

“I’m surprised that he’s not resigning yet when you are so cold and dismissive to him. In my perspective, men who manage to stay despite your bad side are the ones who have true feelings for you.” You paused and glanced at him.

“I feel this agent knows you better than I know you. For the past three months of him being your bodyguard, I have never seen someone who's more patient than your father. I noticed that you throw your tantrums on him often but he will only look at you and give you your favorite coffee. Your former bodyguards never bring you your coffee without you telling them which one you prefer. But this agent, he will just pop out of nowhere with a cup of coffee you like. Is there something I don’t know about? Do you have connections with each other?” He added.

“Oh, David. Stop the spectacle of yourself. Agent Kennedy is nothing but only an agent who saved Ashley from Spain and is currently my bodyguard.” You retorted.

“But a bodyguard wouldn’t act so protective and caring of you. I mean, he’s crossing the line of being a bodyguard and you don’t notice. He’d protect you from the media, people who will tend to cause you discomfort, and bodyguards should keep an eye on his distance to his boss. But he will take off his jacket and put it on your shoulder like a man who cares for his lover.”

“Enough!” You snarled.

“You’re guilty because it’s true. A bodyguard shouldn’t look at his boss with stars in his eyes.” David added.

What's surprising about him, even though he has secret feelings towards you, it feels like he’s helping you regarding your issue with Leon which you never mentioned to anyone before.

“Admit it already, Y/n. You and Agent Kennedy had a thing before.”

You looked at him, speechless. David is a very observant person but he takes that to another level that's beyond your expectations. He raised his eyebrow at you while you shook your head in defeat.

“You’re right. We used to be lovers.” You admitted.

—

Leon was in his apartment across the apartment building you are in. He purchased the unit to keep an eye on you a few years ago. He knows that this is the place where you usually go to ease your mind rather than going to your own home. He brought his own telescope, not to look up in the sky but to stalk you. With his knowledge in hacking, he used to sneak into your apartment unit and set up small cameras that are difficult to see around your place to see what you are doing when you are out of his sight.

You just came back from your hang out with David. You are quite tipsy and tired after a long day. Leon watched you from his computer, your every movement is being captured by the hidden cameras he put around your apartment. You kicked off your heels and put them on the shoe rack before heading straight to your bedroom to have a nice and cool shower. Undressing yourself, Leon watched your naked figure step into the shower. The sound of water running as you hummed a song sent shivers down to his spine.

He watched how you touch yourself as you scrub yourself with soap and wash your hair with shampoos. The way the water ran down your body is something he can’t ignore, but craves. Those perfect large breasts, slim waist, and thick thighs, ugh. He badly wants to go there and fuck you already.

After thirty minutes of shower and skincare routine, you came out of your bathroom, wearing nothing but your robe and drying your hair with a towel. Leon continued watching you. He observed you as he realized that you were looking out the window, staring at the apartment building where he was currently in. He looked out too and there he found you standing, seemed to be in a deep thought. He studied your face and he believes that you’re unable to see him because his window is tinted.

But for you, you can definitely see him. Since Leon has become your bodyguard, you were even more observant of your surroundings. You've always had a feeling that someone is watching from the shadows and the moment you meet him again, your questions have been answered. Earlier, you and David had discussed this without mentioning Leon’s name.

“You know, obsessive people are usually more on body language, eye contacts, and sometimes, they use metaphorical words. They are waiting for the right time to have their way to their target. I suggest you give this man a little show. I believe you can do this easily. For a seductress like you, I think this is an easy task.” David smirks as he sips on his whiskey.

“What kind of ‘show’ are you talking about?” You asked.

“A strip show…”

You glared at him at the idea he suggested. “But be careful. Don’t let your bodyguard know about this show you are about to pull out or else you’ll receive a severe punishment from your daddy.” He chuckled.

He doesn’t know that the obsessive man you are talking about was no one but your bodyguard himself…

Sighing, you untie your robe and let it fall to the floor, revealing your perfect naked body. Leon gasped as his eyes widened in surprise about your sudden, unexpected move. You looked like a Greek Goddess that came down on Earth to seduce men and fulfill their lustful needs. You smirked before getting inside, slowly walking, naked. You grabbed your phone and played soothing, yet seductive music.

You started dancing and closed your eyes, feeling the rhythm and the melody of the music. Your hair dances in the air as you turn gracefully. Leon watches you, smiling to himself. Seeing you dance like that felt like nostalgia but way different from before. You changed from a sweet teenager into a seductress. Leon smirked, crossing his arms.

After a few minutes, you stopped dancing and went to your closet and wore a silk nightgown, gloves, and a coat. You put on your sandals, dried your hair, and put on a light shade of lipstick. You left your apartment, leaving him wondering what the hell just happened. You just gave him a little strip show, unsure if you did it on purpose or was that just some naughty habits he had never seen until now. While Leon heaves out an unsatisfied sigh, you went to the apartment building across yours to confront him already.

David is right. He crossed the line of being a bodyguard. Though he is affectionate to you when the two of you are together, you did not expect him to be this obsessive of you.

“...or just give in to his needs already if you find yourself attracted to the man. Confront him.”

You remember David gave you another advice earlier before going home. You also thought about this while taking a shower. You are aware that there’s a hidden camera around your house. Yet, you don’t feel creeped out at all as if you know who’s responsible for this. All the dots are connected and the mystery is solved the moment Leon came back and got hired as your bodyguard. The spark you felt towards this obsessive person sparked even more when it comes to Leon. It’s always him. Every question you make about this emotional stuff always leads back to him.

The ding of the elevator snapped you back to your senses as the doors opened. You stepped out of the elevator and went to Leon’s apartment unit, Unit 2704. You pressed the doorbell and waited for Leon to open the door.

He went to the front door and looked at the peephole. He was surprised to see you standing on his doorstep. He opened the door, you looked at him and he was surprised to see you.

“I need to talk to you,” You started in a stern tone.

—

To Be Continued...

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daisymbin · 7 months ago

Text

will you play with me? (always, my love) - lee seokmin

warnings: brief mention of bullying(?)

pairings: lee seokmin x afab reader

genre: playmates to friends, friends to lovers, lovers to ???? hahaha, fluff fluff fluff

wc: 2k

a/n: this is a long one guys im sorry. of course, inspired by that song: Play With Me by Pagaehun & KKANBYEONGZ :)

*for this fic, lets just all pretend we are the same age as our beloved seokmin!! also, im basing the age and education level off of the korean education system!

check out my masterlist! // seokmin's m.list

when seokmin was 4 years old

''why are you guys picking on him?'' you said angrily with furrorwed eyebrows as you stomped over to the group of boys as fast as you could with your tiny feet. your tiny angry stomps coming closer to where your playmates (classmates?) were at. it had been playtime; free and easy. of course, there were your teachers to look after all of you kids, but the playground was so big! the teacher can't keep up with all kids, especially when a third of you were playing hide and seek.

''seokmin takes too long to find us! he's not very good at being IT, we don't want to play with him anymore!'' sunny, your classmate explained frustratedly with a pout, her arms folding over her small frame. ''you guys are so mean! doesn't that just mean that you guys are good at hiding? how can you blame seokminie!'' you defended your kindergarten classmate. this time, minseok, another classmate spoke up, ''he is just too slow! because of him, we are running out of playtime! we will have to go home soon and can't play anymore until tomorrow!'' how could they possibly blame him! you thought to yourself.

without bothering to say another word to your classmates, you held your small, delicate hand out to seokmin who was squatting sadly in the middle of all your other classmates while they surrounded him in a circle. ''come on, seokminie, if they don't want to play with you, it's okay! i'll play with you! is that okay? will you play with me seokminie?''

seokmin has heard tons of fairytales by age 4; some from kindergarten when the teachers were telling stories during recess, but also from mom and dad when they read him bedtime stories. so obviously, seokmin knows what love is. he knows how happily ever afters start and how they end because afterall, the teacher and his parents would never tell him things that are untrue, right? so, seokmin thinks to himself: she must be the one. because why else would you come to his rescue? that's how all fairytales start! and there must a reason why his cheeks are hot and his heart is beating so hard and fast. he thinks it could be because of the sun and the hot weather, but with him squating in the middle of 6 kids crowding around him in a circle while they are standing, he doubts its because of the sun and hot weather because he is in a well protected shade thanks to the kids.

seokmin held out his hand to reach for yours. he knows he should still be upset over what his classmates did but as soon as his hand touches yours, all the hurtful feelings and sad thoughts leaves his mind. suddenly, all he can think about is how safe your tiny hands feel and that you must be his knight in shining armour.

when seokmin was 15 years old

it was a change in environment for seokmin for sure, he was finally in high school with you, yes same school and same class. and right now, he is having his first gym class of the year. as soon as you were done with stretching, you hear your coach say ''alright, i want you guys to group yourselves in either a group of 3 or a pair and then we can start off with badminton .'' seokmin PANICS because today is only the second day of school and he is sad to admit that other than you, he hasn't made any new friends. he didn't seem to think it was important.

seokmin's eyes roamed around the basketball court hoping to find a partner only to realise he is the only one without a partner or a group. seokmin tried to discretly look over to you to see if you have a group or partner and guess what? you do. in fact, you're in a group of 3 and disappointment slowly washes over him as he turns back around. almost telepathically , your eyes started searching for seokmin and landed on the back of his head. you shoulders sag a little when you realise that seokmin doesn't have a paartner or a group. ''hey sorry you guys,'' you said to your 2 classmates, ''i think im going to join my friend over there.''

you quietly walked over to seokmin, almost in tippy toes. ''seokmin ah, can i join you?'' you asked with a soft smile. ''but what about your group?'' he questioned. ''they can play as a pair, dont worry about them!'' you answered. ''are you sure you wanna partner with me?'' seokmin's eyes turn to look down at his feet. ''yes i'm sure,'' your hand unconsciously reaches out for his. ''come on, play with me! badminton is about to start! let's go against my 2 friends!''

''i don't know y/n, im not very good at badminton.'' seakmin said as he lifts his other free hand to scratch the back of his neck. ''that's how it gets fun seokmin! by making clumsy mistakes! now come on, will you play with me?'' and seokmin simply answers with a nod; he doesn't trust himself now to answer you verbally. he is scared you'll hear how happy and relieved he is. he is afraid his trembling and stuttering voice will give away how he can feel his blood pumping through his veins and into his hammering heart; all because you are holding his hand.

when seokmin was 21 years old

''no, i do not want to go to that party.'' was what seokmin said 2 hours ago, and now? he's sitting on the living room couch watching you play beer pong with your friends. his stomach does a little flip when he sees your lips forming into a pout because you were failing horribly at the game. ''seokmin ah,'' you called out to him (more like shouting over the loud music and the swamp of people in the flat. ''come play beer pong with me!'' seokmin gets up from the couch and starts to walk towards you just as you manage to get a tennis ball into a red cup, seokmin watches your down that cup of beer. as soon as he reaches you, he lets out a deep audible sigh; not that anymore can hear him either. it is way too noisy in here.

he reaches for your empty cup and sets it aside. '' alright, that's enough for the night. you had a lot of pre-game drinks. you drank way too much tonight. it's late, let's get you back to your flat mhm?'' he pleaded with such soft eyes. you wonder if he knows just how in love you are with him. you could stare into his eyes and get lost in them forever if the universe allows. but you know thats not possible. ''can we go after we finish this game? pleeeeease? pretty pretty please? i keep losing and you're good at beer pong! play with me! wongil is joining minho so we can play 2 vs 2.''

''now why would i do that?''

''oh come on! minho and wongil only have 2 cups left, the game will end quickly! they're good at it.''

you watch seokmin and see his pondering over that. ''it'll be really quick i promise!'' seokmin then says: ''do i really have to?''

''will you play with me? please seokminieeeee.'' seokmin lets out a playfully dramatic sigh, pretending like he isn't happy that you asked him for help.

when seokmin is 23

around the corner of the street, leading to a big empty field right beside the mall, just so happens to be a carnival so the two of you decide to take a look around, maybe buy some snacks.

''seokmin look! they have a giant bouncy castle! can we please go?'' you asked, giving him the best puppy dog eyes you can. ''but what if you bounced too hard and land on a kid? that's not gonna be pretty.'' seokmin laughed.

''don't be dramatic, that wont happen!''

''you go ahead, sweetheart. im scared i'll hurt a kid accidentally.''

''we can play by ourselves at that corner,'' you pointed at the very back of the right corner where there is no one there. ''is that enough convincing? will you play with me? please please please'' you begged. ''of course, sweetheart.''

when seokmin was 27

tonight seokmin is taking you out on yet another date. except this time, seokmin tells you about how fancy the restauant is. he had told you that its a new place he's been wanting to try out but hasn't got the chance yet. the truth is, he's only telling you how fancy it is to try to hint at you that you should dress angelically; not that you don't but he thinks: just incase.

he simply just wants you to feel beautiful and worthy when he pops the question.

so here you are, sitting across seokmin at a fancy restaurant in your elegant pink silk dress. seokmin lays his hand across the table, you took the cue and do the same, hand finding his to intertwine your fingers and holding it softly.

''do you know i've been in love with you since we were 4?'' seokmin asks. you giggle in disbelief as you said ''oh really? and why is that? what made you fall in love with me when you were 4?'' you rolled your eyes playfully. ''because you asked me to play with you. you were so cool that day. you were my knight in shining armour!'' he laughs while thinking back to that day. we used to be such kids he thinks.

''babe, i dont think you even know what love is at age 4.'' now it was your turn to laugh. ''maybe not the way adults know love to be, but it was what i knew love to be when i was 4. like my favourite stuffed animal, my favourite toy truck. i loved you then the same way i loved the things i loved.'' he shrugged sheepishly.

''did you just compare me to your toys?'' you teased. ''god no, thats not what i meant.'' he lets go of your hand to rub his face and then comes back to hold your hand again. ''what i'm trying to say is that, that is my favourite thing about you.''

''what is?'' you questioned. ''you asking me to play with you. you always did throughout all these years. be it when we were 4, 15, 21, 23 and everywhere else inbetween,'' he pauses to take a sip of water and to catch his breath before he continues. ''and i realise...while you were asking me to play with you all these years, i've realised that looking back, i have not once asked you to play with me.''

seokmin lets go of your hand once again, but this time he is reaching into his pocket. you watch as he lifts a red velvet box up to the table. ''what i'm really trying to say is: i loved playing with you when we were 4, and i loved it more and more each and every time you ask me to play with you. i want to play fun, stupid and meaninglessly with you everyday for the rest of my life if you'd let me.''

seokmin gets up from his seat and goes by your side. you felt tears fall down your cheek, you're sure your nose is bright red as of now. ''y/n,'' he said as he opened the box as he knelt down in front of you.

''will you play with? will you play with me for the rest of your life?''

seokmin feels relief washing over him as he breaks into a smile when he hears you say ''always, my love.'' he takes your hand and slid the ring on. ''i love you, so so much.'' seokmin confesses. ''i love you too.''

#seventeen #seventeen fluff #seventeen imagine #svt #svt fluff #svt angst #svt x reader #fanfic #lee seokmin #seokmin x reader #seok min fluff #seokmin seventeen #dk seventeen #seventeen dokyeom #dk x reader #dokyeom x reader #dokyeom fluff #dk fluff #Spotify

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yaut-jaknowit · 4 months ago

Note

this gave me idea about The King thought Male Yautja was just "Kidnapping" His Daughter but it turns out that she didn't want marry to four bastards princes(which yautja killed them) who is tries to kill king or steal golds from Kingdom or even forcing princess to marry him,so she could finally marry peasant although yautja has actually crush on princess but princess told him that she already had found true love (please angsty because that's sappy ending) (sappy means both sad and happy)

A Knight In Shining Armor

Pairings: Achoshi (Male Yautja) x AFAB!Princess!Reader

Word Count: 4275

Summary: In a kingdom where you are the princess, you are protected by the knight. A faceless, towering, imposing figure you saved a year ago. By his honor code, he is bound to you until the debt is paid. When four suitors present a problem to gaining your hand, he clears the problem. Only to come up empty handed in the end.

Author Note: This is such a sweet and sad ask. I rarely get angsty asks like this. Its good though! I like the variety.

Masterlist

Ao3

Red blood drips down callused hands. Stone floors stained by the life essence pooling at the knights massive feet. Four heads. All carried in two hands. Their lifeless eyes peering ahead of them, never to see the light of day again. The skin cool and taunt.

Screams and gasps of horror echoed back at the beast. He does not flinch. The silver of his mask reflects in the midday light shining through the open windows. The day may be bright, but a shadow has fallen onto the court. Death is heavy in the air. All due to one creature who no one has seen his face. He is a force to be reckoned with.

The king’s knight.

Guards on either side of the royal family arm themselves and wielded their weapons. The beast pays them no heed. Each step towards the dais is a threat on the king himself. The skulls in his hands swing and further dirty the ground the castle stands on.

Once he deemed the space closed between them, he tosses the heads at the base of the dais. Shouting from the crowd rung out. Anger laced in their voice. His dark eyes are on king. Not worthy of the title. If only the young woman to his right hadn’t trapped him into servitude.

Under the mask, his eyes drifted over the woman who was nearly damned by the stupidity of the king. A moron who nearly lost his life this morning when the moon still hung in the night sky. The king was lucky to have him bound to his daughter. So, he is forced to roam the castle, guarding the royal family from harm. A wish bestowed upon him by her.

It was his own stupidity that got him into this mess.

In all of his royal glory, the king stands to his full height on the dais. A sharp gaze pointed down at the knight. “What is the meaning of this?!” he snaps and thrusts a finger towards the decapitated heads of former princes of neighboring kingdoms.

As the guards advanced, the beast made no move. He shows no interest in the weak oomans that dare to threaten him. Even after he saved the royal family from heartbreak and total damnation.

From your seat, your brows are furrowed together in both hurt and confusion. The knight you saved little less than a year ago has killed the suitors your father had brought forth. Each of their heads laid at your feet. Yes, you were relieved not be forced to marry any of them but… for him to kill them and do this. You were shocked at the brazen action of a man who’s face you’ve never seen.

The edge of the chair bites into your butt. You are ready to spring into action and defend the knight. There has to be more to the story than meets the eye.

Only a raised hand prevents the guards from reaching him. “Shall I have no time to speak?” he grounded out. The timbre of his voice feels ancient.

Out of everyone, you’re the only one to hear his voice the most. He is reserved. He keeps to himself. His voice is used when he deems necessary. You watched the eyes of the court widened at his demanding tone and hearing him in general. It is an honor to hear him speak.

On top of the dais, the king’s jaw clenches. “Guards, do not attack unless I give the order,” your father reminds his men. Even he knew to start a war against the unknown knight would be trouble for his kingdom. A war he’s rather not be dragged into if he could help it. “Now, are you going to explain why you’ve brought the head of my daughter’s suitors at my feet?”

You’ve never heard your father so angry before. You feared what he could do the knight if the answer wasn’t up to par.

He looked lax as if not threatened by the weapons at the ready. The knight simply gestures to the heads. “I found them in the vault. Bags of gold in hand. They attempted to rid you of your wealth,” the knight answers truthfully and went straight for the point. Like hunter going for the throat.

It must have been a one verses four fight; the masked beast looks in pristine shape. There wasn’t a scratch or bruise on his thick, scaly hide. A warrior with skills no one has seen in all of the kingdom’s years. A beautiful blend of beast and knight you were more than thankful to have within your court; despite how much he dislikes being around the majority of people. He willingly gives up his time to be around you.

The general, a few paces to your left, tensed up. It was his guards who failed to protect what the king holds closely. You could care less about the riches. Yet, your father on the other hand.

His head whipped over to the general who looked white as a sheet. “General Sorrengail!” The name was grounded out like two rocks rubbed together. “My gold had been nearly stolen from me during the night. Not only am I learning of this now during the middle of the day but from him! Where were your guards?” The raging heat in his voice could rival the breath of a dragon.

“S-sir! There must have been a mistake. My guards reported nothing unusual,” he attempted to save himself from the burning gaze of the king. The wrath was something not many survived from. “He must be lying! He could’ve killed them on his own accord. He’s a beast!”

Finally, you stand up and leveled your gaze on the general. “That is enough, General Sorrengail. I’ve heard enough from you. He would not lie,” you easily defended the masked knight. The man decorated in armor to protect the king sputtered, taken aback by your sudden voice. “If you have an issue with my knight, speak to me about it.”

Sorrengail narrowed his gaze on you for a fleeting moment before a rumbling growl warned him. The man scoffed and looked over your shoulder at the king. “Sir, I shall discuss with my guards and perform a thorough investigation. We will get to the bottom of this,” Sorrengail promised then bowed.

Despite not getting permission to leave, the general marches down the dais and off to the corridor to your left. You watched until his red cape disappeared behind the wall before finally sitting down in your seat. This is your knight he dares to threaten with lies. You would defend him again. The same way you saved him from meeting the gods.

Your father bristled when Sorrengail abandoned his post then returned his attention on the knight. “If what you say is true, I have no choice but to thank you. You’ve out down my guards. I am thankful you have stumbled into not only our lives, but specifically my daughters.” Without you, the knight would never been known to exist. You smiled softly down at him. The corners of your mouth meeting your eyes.

Once the energy that buzzed in the room soothed, the king sat back down in his throne. One of his hands motions for the knight to leave. “Take… the heads. We will convene at a later date to come to a conclusion,” the king explains. Instead of looking down at the lifeless eyes of the princes he once thought of highly, he kept his gaze on the beast.

A grunt leaves the giant. He consumes the rest of the space until he reaches the base of the dais. Each head was picked up and attached to his belt. With a simple bow of his head, he spins on his heel and struts out of the chambers.

You watched him go, praying to your gods this won’t end badly for him. He doesn’t deserve the scrutiny. You already knew from the beginning those princes weren’t worthy to be your suitors. Not that you wanted them anyhow. Slimy, gross, greedy men who thought they could win over your hand.

It would’ve come down to you in the end. But it’s like picking which sword you would rather be stabbed with.

None of them.

Heated discussions occurred everyday for the past two weeks. General Sorrengail’s title was on the line. If what the beast states is true, he could loose not only his position but his head as well. Not that you mind. His snooty attitude always irked you to the point you wanted to throttle him. Yet, you somehow reframe.

When the day came, the court was called. The king, the general, the beast, and the princess, yourself. Other important people milled into the room. Everyone held their breath.

Someone was going to lose their head today.

Your father sat upon his golden and stone throne. A stern, displeased look on his face. It could be the day he would be assigning a new general.

Both accused stood at the base of the dais, looking upon the royal family. Small but mighty. The general held air an of uncertainty, worry filling his frame. He danced from one foot to the other but held his head up. He tried to maintain an façade of the title he holds. Yet, you could easily see through the smoke to find his anxious self.

On the other hand, the beast stood still. Like a hunter perfect for the hunt. Neither was he tense. His shoulders lax as he calmly looked up at you. Only you. Those dark eyes felt like they wanted to consume your soul, claim it as his. He refrains.

Two warriors who stand on the other side of the fence.

At the end of the chambers, the door creaks open to reveal a group of guards. Two are chained. They are led to stand behind the beast and the general. Each bowed their head in deep respect and shame for the royal family in front of them. No words are said. A disgrace to utter even a sound.

General Sorrengail finally takes the opportunity to plead his case. “If we may, your highness?” he questions. A subtle dip of your father’s head is the answer he needs. Sorrengail motions behind him for the two guards to move forward. Each listen on their own accord, hesitantly. They refused to lift their eyes from the ground.

“These were the guards in charge of watching your vault, sir. Each insist there had been nothing wrong with the vault that night,” Sorrengail announced, projecting his voice for everyone to hear. His goal was to clear his name and win over the court and king. “There hadn’t even been a speck out of place.” Quietly to yourself, you scoffed and rolled your eyes, catching the attention of the beast.

The king looked down at the men. “Is this true?” he demands in voice that holds no room for arguing.

Both of them jolted but rapidly nodded their head. It felt like they were lying straight out of their asses. You full heartily believed in the knight. He had no reason to lie. Plus, you were thankful for the save on your marriage life. The last thing you wanted was to marry any of them. It would’ve been terrible.

Even your father looked at them with a rough expression. He, too, felt what you experienced with them.

“Knight?” His attention swept over to the relaxed knight who kept his attention on you until then. The beast looked upon your father.

The knight pulls up his gauntlet and begins to press on the metal. He’s shone you the magic before. An amazing sight to experience every time. There was nothing in the kingdom you’ve ever seen do that before. As the princess, you’ve seen and experienced a lot.

A sight that was indescribable came to life, floating upon the gauntlet. “I can show you the past with a little… magic. I can show exactly how it happened and when I saw them attempting,” he explains and takes the steps, two at a time, until he is right in front of the king.

Astonishment flashes in the old man’s eyes. A new life filling them. One you haven’t seen since your mother passed away.

As if you were in the very moment, magic reveals what the knight saw that night. Each man carefully walks up to the front door of the vault. The guards that stood accused before you willingly let them in. You gasped and covered your mouth. Not only were the princes bad but so were the guards. The betrayal sat hot on your heart.

Not that you knew them personally, but to know the people suppose to be protecting you had betrayed you was a bitter taste. Your face twisted with hurt, gaze turning towards the guards.

“Lies! He lies! He is nothing but a mindless beast. He deceives you, my gracious king,” General Sorrengail spats viciously. Heat blazed in his eyes. “This-this magic shows false record of the night. It is fabricated to deceive you. I have been your general for twenty years. He hasn’t even been here a year.”

If it came down to it, you would trust your safety and heart to the knight over Sorrengail.

A gasp fell over the court. How could someone say such a thing in front of the king, your father?! Your face morphed into a snarl, ready to defend at a moments notice. Again.

Before anyone could stop it, the beast had his hand secured around General Sorrengail’s throat. A deep, threatening snarl that had you scared tumbled from his barrel chest. “I have had enough of your yapping. You constantly bicker and whine. You are not worthy of the title as a warrior. I will be more of a warrior than the one you wish to become.”

The coldness in his words made you shiver. You’ve never heard speak in such a way. His voice is always soothing. A rumble that seemed to take the ache out of your bones.

This was completely different. A one-eighty.

Once the words left his throat, a deafening silence overcame everyone. A mouse could be heard sneezing. You gripped the armrests of your chair for way to ground yourself.

“Knight, release the general. I have heard what I needed to hear.” The king, in all of his glory, stood up from the throne and stood at the edge of the dais.

A growl leaves the knight’s throat before he drops the struggling man. He falls down to his knees and rubs at his red neck. Coughs rack his body.

Everyone’s attention fell upon the most important man to walk the lands. “Let it be known, I find not only my general but his guards at fault for this breech. All three will be executed before the sun falls tonight,” he announced with a voice that left no room for arguing.

It was final.

“The knight has come to our aid again,” you spoke up, wanting to show your appreciation to him while in a room full of the court. What you said was the truth though. There has been a few times he saved you. But, this is the first he’s killed for you.

The king dips his head. “Yes. What my daughter states is the truth. It is an honor to have him with the ranks of my kingdom.” You smiled softly at his words and looked back at the knight. He’s become stern, like a brick wall. But, his eyes brighten at the sight of you gazing down at him.

“Before the night falls, blood and heads will rain down.” Gruesome but the truth.

Sorrengail and the guards look in front of them in horror. Terrified of what is to come to them. Death is in their very future. A death well deserved for what they’ve done.

It happens. A cheerful night of celebrating their deaths. It is quickly forgotten about a week later. Nearly an entire month has passed since the heads had been dropped at your father’s feet. Word about it has completely disappeared. It had become old news. You had been the returned topic of suitors and marriage. The usual for a princess soon to hit their twenties.

Everyday of the week, the knight had been visiting you. He loves to accompany you throughout mundane tasks such as reading, writing, learning. The usual for a princess. An educated royal was dangerous. Not to the kingdom nor their people, but to their enemies. Something your father taught you.

On this particular day, the knight finds himself at your side. The garden is your strolling grounds. Each flower and bush carefully maintained by the workers. A place you looked to explore over and over again.

No matter how many times you find yourself back in the confines of the walls.

You hopped onto the ledge that barred the dirt from spilling onto the tile pathing. Your arms were slightly spread out to help with your balance. But, the knight stepped closer to you, guarding you from a fall. An action you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at. He was sweet. It wasn’t like you couldn’t take a fall or even keep your balance on a stone ledge less than four inches tall.

The two of your explored the gardens all over again. You took random paths. It was an expansive place. Many things to explore and rediscover once more. A giggle left your lips when you stopped to pivot on your heel. The towering knight stops and becomes your object of attention.

“You’re more quiet than usual, sir knight,” you teased him and poked his shoulder. The faceless creature was quiet majority of the time. You’ve come to realize when it was just the two of you, he grew out of his bonds and allowed himself freedom to converse. Yet, now, he was the same as he was with everyone else. It made you concerned for his wellbeing.

A grumble sounded from his barrel chest. His fingers twitched at his sides. He turned his head away to look at a flower bush to the side. Then, his attention returned to you.

“I have something I wish to show you, princess,” he states after a minute of debating whether or not to go through with this. Your face brightens at his words. You stand up higher on your toes and clasp your hands together in front of you. The knight raises a hand to quell your excitement. “But, you must trust me.”

Such a silly thing for him to state. You gave him a deadpanned look. “I trust you with my life and heart. You know this well.” The time the two of you’ve known each other has been less than a year but, your trust in each other has grown beyond speculation. He is your knight.

Those dark eyes of his looked into yours for a long moment. As if they found what they searched for, he reached with a hand to cover your eyes. He gave you plenty of time to retreat or deny him this.

The warmth of his palm covering your eyes was welcoming. Another hand slid against the small of your back. It guided you off of the stone ledge to stand in front of the towering figure. He softly pushed you forward and continued to lead you through the gardens, in the darkness. You tried to map the area out mentally but it felt like he was taking you in circles at one point.

It wasn’t long before he came to a stop. You felt his heat wash over your back as he leaned in close. His mouth hovering next to your ear. “Keep those pretty little eyes closed for me,” he whispered into your ear and caused you to shutter against him. A resounding growl left him.

Underneath his palm, you kept your eyes closed. He slowly peeled his hand away before letting them both fall away. You turned your head towards where you believe he was. “What do you have hidden for me?” you asked in a soft tone to make him relent quicker. You were a princess. A princess doesn’t wait for their presents.

He chuckled deeply under his breath and moved to be in front of you. “That is something you will find out shortly, princess.” Your bottom lip stuck out in a pout, arms crossing over each other. “Ah, no pouting, little one.” You made a whole show of rolling your eyes despite them being closed. Two fingers pinched your jaw and tugged in close to the knight. Your hands slammed down on his chest to steadied yourself. Yet, somehow, your eyes didn’t open. “Be good and stay here.”

A huff escaped you. He took it as agreement before pulling away. The knight walked a few feet away from you. Something scrapped against stone. Your head tilted, trying to figure out what the sound was but came up empty handed.

A sharp hiss entered the air. One you’ve never heard before. You perked up and faced the sound coming from directly in front of you.

Silence fell over the two of you for a fleeting moment. The knight took in a deep breath. “You may open your eyes.” His voice came out much more clearly.

You blinked open your eyes to find a sight you could never even imagine.

Four human skulls sit on a stone bench. All in pristine shape. Then, your gaze roamed up. Your jaw drops as you looked at him. His metal mask was gone, attached to his hip. Something you never expected to see was his face. One of your hands covered your mouth as you took a step back. He was no man. He was nothing of these lands.

“W-what are you?” you whispered into the tense air. Honesty, you weren’t scared. Not completely at least. But, you were apprehensive of him. That wasn’t what you were expecting under his mask.

Something flashed in his dark brown eyes. Too quick for you to pick up on. Instead, the unmasked figure bowed his head and took a knee. “My princess. Before you act on fear, allow me to plead my case,” he asked from you. Only for a moment, he raised his head to meet your eyes.

And, you stayed. “Tell me. What are you?” you demanded, voice firmer this time. You stood your ground and straightened your back.

He keeps kneeling behind the bench. “I am a Yautja. I’m… not from here. My name is Achoshi,” he released this information freely to you. This… Achoshi wants to keep your trust. With his arms, he motions to the skulls. “I present the skulls of the suitors I killed. I show my worth to you, my skill. I wish to court you, princess. Claim you as mine.”

All of this information was far too much in the span of a minute. He wasn’t form here. He’s a… Yautja. Whatever that is. He’s been hiding his face this entire time, actively deceiving not only you but your father as well. If it was any other person, you would demand for their head to be taken off of their shoulders. Yet, you let the tension in your shoulders lax.

Then, there’s the fact he’s trying his hand in courting you. If only he knew beforehand. Even some secrets the knight can’t know of all the time.

“Achoshi, is it?” you attempted the foreign name on your lips. He gave you a nod. You timidly walked up to his kneeling form. Despite the complete differences between the two of you, you reached out and cupped his strange jaw/mandible. “I apologize… but I love someone else. I am grateful for the path you’ve opened up for me though. I can stand a chance now to plead my case in front of my father.”

The rejection burns in the pit of his stomach. But guilt is a stronger emotion. He missed his chance of winning your hand over before another had came through and swept you off of your feet. Achoshi bowed his head. The strange dreads that hung from his scalp slid off of his shoulders at the moment. Then, he stood up. Your hands sliding off of his jaw.

“Then, I must apologize. I appear to be too late.” The hurt in his voice broke your heart but you stood strong and firm. The love of your life already captured your heart.

Once more, you reached up to run your fingers along his jaw. Over the course of a month, you’ve given this thought plenty of time to stew. But, it was time.

“My sir knight, Achoshi, I release you from duty. Your debt has been paid in the eyes of the royal family. You are no longer chained to servitude.” Your own words slightly shocked you. You hated to let him go but it was time for him to be free. It would be cruel to keep him locked at your side until death took either of you.

Achoshi softly cupped your cheek, eyes zoned in on yours. “I’ve paid my debt long ago. I stayed merely because of you, my princess.” You gasped, heart rate jumping.

His hand left your skin, drawing away all the warmth it held. With one more look at you, he disappears from sight. You stumbled a couple of steps away. A few more moments passed until his presence was completely gone. You were left alone in the garden you so loved.

#yautja #predator #yautja x reader #yautja x you #alien vs predator #predator x reader #yautja x human #predator x you #predator x human #x reader #Achoshi

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autumnshighlady · 10 months ago

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I've Always Liked to Play With Fire (part 24)

NESTA ARCHERON X ERIS VANSERRA X FEMALE!READER

summary: Eris is now High Lord, but the three of you have a serious talk

warnings: Feysand slander, tooth-rotting fluff and adorableness to make up for the emotional last few chapters

word count: 5.5k

DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE

a/n: to those of you who thought the last chapter was the end, do not fear! There's still 5-10 more chapters to go. But the poor reader finally gets a break. This is a chill chapter with lots of fluff as a little treat, enjoy

part 1 // part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 / part 7 / part 8 / part 9 / part 10 / part 11 / part 12 / part 13 / part 14 / part 15 / part 16 / part 17 / part 18 / part 19 / part 20 / part 21 / part 22 / part 23

read on ao3

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It had been three days since Eris killed Beron in the dungeons. After it was done, the new High Lord ordered Azriel to take you to your room, where you would be guarded and seen by servants for your injuries. You had protested, wanting to join your mates in dealing with the aftermath of the days’ events, but were quickly shot down.

“Absolutely not.” Eris had said sternly. “You have been beaten senseless and need time to heal. There are going to be lots of angry individuals and people attempting to challenge me, and I will not have you anywhere near that. We will find you when things settle down, I promise.”

Additionally, he had mentioned that he would be blaming his father and brother’s death on Hybern assassins – they had snuck into the castle in an attempt to wipe out the Vanserra bloodline while they slept. The story was that Beron had been slain during his late night walk around the dungeons, the assassins had attempted to kill you as well, but Malgorm died defending you. Hence an explanation for your injuries and a way to keep you sheltered from the chaos of Eris’s transition to High Lord.

The idea that Malgorm would be perceived as a noble hero in the narrative made you roll your eyes, but Eris assured you that there wasn’t a single individual in this court who didn’t know how vile Malgorm truly was. It made you feel slightly better.

You had been bored out of your mind for the past three days. Your injuries were almost fully healed, thanks to the work of the healers. Nesta had come to visit you a few times, brushing your hair or holding you in her arms until you fell asleep again. You yearned for the additional comfort of Eris’s presence, but he was understandably busy. Nesta insisted he was remorseful for his lack of time to see you, but you could feel it through the bond already.

Part of you was still angry with Eris for hiding his knowledge of the bond. Deep down, you knew he did it out of concern for your safety, but even though you had come to terms with the idea of Eris being your mate, the betrayal still stung. You tried to ignore it – Eris had worked so hard and sacrificed so much to help you and Nesta, the least you could do was give him the benefit of the doubt. But with everything that had happened, there hadn’t been a good time to talk about it with him yet.

Lirilla had also paid you one or two visits over the past three days. She had thanked you over a dozen times, tearfully expressing how she owed you an eternal debt for bringing her back at the cost of never seeing your own mother again if you were to die. You had teared up in response, a hundred different emotions running through you. At first, you had expected to feel some faint resentment, knowing your mother’s soul had brought back the Lady of Autumn.

But there was none. In fact, you had an opportunity few others had – to say a proper goodbye to a departed loved one, and have one final moment wrapped in their embrace. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t cried into your pillow several times over the memory, clinging onto it as if it would fade away into the breeze. But somehow, having Lirilla alive and present helped you.

Night began to fall on the third day since Beron’s death, and it took you great effort to pry yourself out of the warm bubble bath a servant had drawn from you. Lavender and mint clung to your scent from the healing soaps you had used to scrub yourself raw, still feeling the sticky sensation of Malgorm’s blood being painted over you. No matter how many times you bathed, it wouldn’t go away.

After putting on a pale grey nightgown, you settled into bed to read when a soft knock sounded at your door. The inside of your chest warmed and fluttered like a cat purring, and you felt the bond glow with happiness. You knew who it was before the door even opened. “Come in, Nesta.” You called out, propping yourself up on the lush green pillows.

Nesta entered your room, still wearing her dark red dress from dinner. Half her hair was pulled back into a braid, the other half cascading down her back in elegant waves. In her hand was a plate of fresh strawberries, the unmistakable rich smell of chocolate coming from the small bowl beside the fruit.

Your mouth watered. “Please tell me those are for me.”

“No, I brought them all this way just to make you watch me eat them in front of you.” Nesta said dryly, closing the door behind her. “Of course they’re for you. I snagged them from dessert. Figured you’d want some.”

“Obviously.” You said, shifting more to the centre of the bed and patting the space next to you. The bed was absolutely massive, leaving tons of room for the female to come sit beside you. After kicking off her shoes and sliding under the thick covers, she settled the plate carefully on her lap. Wordlessly, you curled into Nesta’s side, resting your head on her chest and sighing contently. Slender fingers came up to tangle themselves in your hair, gently caressing the locks. Nesta’s free hand reached down and grabbed a strawberry, dipping it in the chocolate before bringing it to your lips. Eagerly, you lifted your head slightly and moaned as warm dark chocolate hit your tongue, along with the sweet taste of the freshest strawberry you’d ever had.

“Mmm…” You mumbled, swallowing the delicacy. “I could die happy right now.”

With the hand that was stroking your hair, Nesta smacked you lightly. “Don’t you dare even joke about that,” She scolded. “You’ve had too many close calls for that to be even remotely funny.”

“Whatever. Feed me another chocolate covered strawberry and I’ll shut up about it.”

Nesta rolled her eyes but obliged, and you rested your head back on her chest after swallowing. You couldn’t help but notice how different she was now from when you first met her in the House of Wind. Her body had filled out, soft flesh hiding the brittle bones that used to stick out from underneath her pale skin. For Nesta to be relaxed enough to be this close to you as a huge change. She was not on edge, body tense and flinching with every shift in movement. Even when you had tentatively held her hand or brushed your knee against hers while in the Night Court, she seemed afraid of the contact, always tensing before relaxing into you.

Now, she showed no signs of anxiety. You knew that physical touch was not something that Nesta was used to, but you could tell through the bond that she was comfortable doing it with you.

“What are you thinking about right now?” Nesta asked, noting your silence.

“You.” You said truthfully.

She snorted. “Care to elaborate?”

“You’re different now.” You admitted, choosing your words carefully.

But her voice was curious, not defensive as she spoke. “How so?”

“I feel like you’re more… you. You’re not putting up a wall anymore. You seem more comfortable in your own skin, that’s all.”

You felt Nesta rest her cheek on the top of your head. “I do. You’ve helped me with that.”

You shook your head. “No, Nesta. That was all you.”

“Perhaps. But you being there by my side throughout all of this has helped.”

You hesitated before asking the question that had been lingering in the back of your mind for a while now. “Do you have any regrets about doing this?”

A moment of silence filled the room. Part of you had constantly asked yourself if you were dragging Nesta into your plan too much. As much as you knew she wanted out of the Night Court, to switch courts so quickly after having her entire life uprooted by the Cauldron was a drastic change.

“No.” Nesta said confidently. “Not for a second. I have no desire to return to the Night Court. While I will always love my sisters, it is clear that they care about their image more than what is truly best for me. I have no place there in their little found family, and that does not bring me any sadness. Now, I am free to make my own decisions free of their scrutiny, and that brings me comfort. So no, I don’t regret taking this journey with you.”

You closed your eyes, the rhythmic stroking of Nesta’s fingers through your hair making you tired. “We have to talk about Cassian at some point. About all of us, about what comes next.”

You felt Nesta sigh. You knew she didn’t want to talk about Cassian, and neither did you. But he was convinced that he is Nesta’s mate, something that could potentially bring a threat. If he invoked a blood duel, Eris would certainly win with his new power as High Lord. But you? You stood no chance against the Lord of Bloodshed.

“You’re right.” Nesta said slowly. “But I think we need to wait for Eris before we have this conversation. It involves him, too.”

“You’re right. When will I get to see him?”

“He said he’d come here after his last meeting. He should be here soon.”

You sat up, reaching for the plate and grabbing another chocolate covered strawberry. You felt a bit of the chocolate smear on the side of your lip as you ungracefully popped the strawberry into your mouth, attempting to keep the expensive duvet free of mess.

“You’ve got something on your face.” Nesta snorted.

You rolled your eyes at her. “Wow, I didn’t notice. Thank you so much for pointing–”

Your sentence trailed off as Nesta reached down and slowly wiped the chocolate off your lip with her finger. You watched with wide eyes as she then took that chocolate covered finger and closed her lips around it, sucking the chocolate off. Her blue-grey eyes never left yours as she did so, making your body tingle.

“That was one of the top five hottest things you've done.” You said, causing Nesta to raise an eyebrow.

“Oh, you have a list now, do you?” She murmured, amusement across her sharp face.

You shrugged nonchalantly, but heat flooded your cheeks. Truthfully, everything Nesta did was absolutely mesmerising to you. It was almost impossible to actually think of five moments that stood out. “Maybe.” Was all you mumbled in response.

Nesta simply chuckled, then leaned down and sensually pressed her lips to yours. You moaned into her mouth, melting into the touch. It was different from the tender two kisses you shared previously – ones that were gentle and soft, as if you were both afraid that the other would disappear from in front of you at any moment. No, this kiss was more passionate, sending goosebumps up your arms despite the warmth of the room. She tasted like chocolate and wine, and it took all your self control not to simply melt right there and then.

When Nesta eventually pulled away, she cradled your head back into her chest. You were so comfortable, encased in the expensive fabric of the lush bedsheets and cuddled up against Nesta’s side. A distinct knock on the door snapped you back to consciousness. “Three guesses who that is.” You muttered groggily.

Nesta snorted, but called out, “Come in, Eris.”

Surely enough, the door swung open to reveal Eris. His red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and he was dressed in his sleepwear of a white tunic with long, billowy sleeves tucked into loose brown pants. Despite the casual look, the soft hum of power coming from the male made it hard to mistake him as anything other than a High Lord.

“How’d you know it was me?” Eris asked, closing the door behind him as he sauntered into your room.

“Oh please, you knock like a pampered princess.” You said playfully, popping another strawberry in your mouth.

Eris narrowed his eyes at the delicately placed bowl of melted chocolate on Nesta’s thigh. “Please tell me you’re not getting chocolate on my expensive bed sheets.”

“You’re High Lord, can’t you just use your fancy new power to remove any spills?”

“Ugh, please don’t remind him he’s High Lord.” Nesta insisted, rolling her eyes. “It’ll get to that pretty head of his and he’ll become even more insufferable than he already is. Besides, he hardly needs reminding with how much he throws his new title in everyone’s faces every two seconds.”

You laughed, causing Eris to look down at you from where he was standing at the end of the bed, pressing a pale hand to his chest with mock hurt. “Your cruelty wounds me,” He sighed. “I do not know what I did to deserve such treatment.”

“You make it too easy.” You patted the space next to you on your other side. Eris scoffed, but peeled back the covers and crawled under them anyway, sliding right next to you and resting his back against one of the many pillows behind you. You leaned forward and grabbed another chocolate covered strawberry, bringing it up in front of his face. “Here you go, oh mighty High Lord.” You said dramatically.

The male raised an eyebrow, but kept his amber eyes on yours as he leaned forward and gently took the fruit from your hand with his mouth, lips brushing your fingers ever so slightly. You suppressed a shiver at the sensation, trying to ignore Eris’s moan as he savoured the rich chocolate. You straightened up, no longer leaning against Nesta’s chest but instead still keeping your shoulder pressed against hers.

“Delicious.” Eris muttered after swallowing. “And exactly what I needed after today.”

“What did you get up to today?” You asked. “Or any of the past three days, since I haven’t been allowed outside of this room to see for myself.”

Eris shot you a light glare. “As both of us have explained to you several times, you are in here because we need to wait until things settle for a few days. Right now, you are vulnerable. Both physically and in terms of your position as an unwed and unengaged female. While I intend to eliminate anyone with the same mindset as my father regarding females of your status who refuse to change, they might not yet be revealing themselves. Many have tried to challenge me these past few days, and every one of them has been turned to ash. I need to ensure nobody will come after you.”

You sighed, knowing Eris was right. A female like you without ties to a male would be an easy target for those looking to cling to Beron’s ways. You briefly wondered exactly how many people Eris had slain in his first few days of being High Lord, but dared not ask. “Did everyone believe the story about Hybern assassins being responsible?” You chose to ask instead.

“Mostly.” Eris said. “Those who seemed suspicious have been dealt with. But it matters not. I am High Lord now, and the court knows that if they dare question how I came to be in this position, they will not live to see the next sunrise.”

“So what happens now?” Nesta spoke up. “With the three of us, I mean. And we still have the Night Court to deal with, not to mention Cassian.”

“Given your sister’s situation with her pregnancy, I believe the Night Court will be occupied by that for the next while.” Eris said. “She is due soon, is she not?”

Nesta nodded, but said nothing.

“Can we help Feyre?” You asked hesitantly, feeling Nesta’s turmoil through the bond. While she did not part on good terms with her sister, you could tell she felt anguish at the idea of Feyre dying because of this pregnancy. And as much as you disliked the High Lady, you did not wish such a fate upon her either.

Eris spoke with caution. “I have spoken with our best healers. And to be truthful, yes, we have the means of removing the baby surgically rather than having little Archeron try to deliver the child naturally. But I do not think it’s a question of whether or not we can, but whether or not we should.”

You blinked in surprise, feeling Nesta tense beside you. “What do you mean?” You asked. “If we have a way to save her life, why not use it?”

Eris shifted slightly, turning on his side to face you. “Because it is leverage we can use against them. A bargaining tool. We could promise to save the High Lady’s life on the condition that they leave us alone, permanently. That they are never to enter our court without permission, including the brute.”

You bit your tongue. Nesta was silent beside you, her expression unreadable. “Nesta?” You asked quietly, pressing your arm into her. “What do you think we should do?”

There was a minute of silence before she straightened her spine, grey eyes finally landing on you and Eris as she spoke. “The Feyre I knew who went under the mountain is gone.” She said, her voice like steel. “Once she accepted the mating bond, she changed. Rhys changed her. The Feyre I knew would never just sit by and let her mate make the decisions for her. The Feyre I knew would never have sent me to be locked up if Rhys hadn’t planted the idea in her head first. She used Elain as a bargaining chip to strong arm me into doing her bidding. If she has no qualms about using our lives for her own gain, then I have no issue doing the same with hers. But under one condition. Feyre has to agree to it. Hers is the only opinion that matters. Rhys cannot accept the terms, only she can. It will be her choice, and her choice alone.”

Eris nodded respectfully. “Very well then. Once everything settles further over the next week or so, I will set up a meeting with the Night Court and we can propose our bargain.”

“Cassian can’t be there.” Nesta said suddenly. “I can’t see him. Please.”

“We won’t let him try and take you,” You grabbed her hand, holding it reassuringly. “I promise.”

Nesta bit her lip, worry lining her features. “He thinks we’re mates. I don’t trust him not to try something.”

“Cassian does not stand a chance against us.” Eris said calmly, fiddling with the emerald ring on his finger. “Although I am curious as to why he is acting like a mated male when Estelle said he is not mated to you, Nesta. There’s something else at work here, maybe having him at the meeting will allow us to figure out what it is.”

Nesta hesitated, but exhaled softly. “Fine. Cassian can be there. But the dragons will come to the meeting.”

“They will be delighted.” Eris chuckled. “I am sure they will happily eat anyone who dares protest against our lovely mating bonds.”

You went still, the soft sheets of the bed suddenly stifling. Aside from your brief moment after saving Lirilla, you hadn’t yet acknowledged or discussed your mating bond with Eris yet. With Nesta it was easier, as you had plenty more time together to mull things over. But with Eris, it all happened so fast. The High Lord duties swept him away from you before you could even propose the discussion.

“Eris…” You said carefully after a few moments. “Why didn’t you tell me you knew we were mates?”

At first, the male did not reply. Eris Vanserra usually had a witty reply for everything, a silver tongue that came up with a response within a half second no matter how unprepared he was for the question. So you turned to face him. Eris’s expression was one of regret, tender sadness in his usually stone cold eyes. But the mask was off. He had no need for it anymore.

“There were so many things happening at once.” Eris said slowly. “I did not know how you would react, truthfully. We all needed to be focused, just until we were safe from my father. I did not want to risk compromising what I’ve been working towards for years. It is selfish, I am well aware. But it is the truth. If you knew about the bond, who knows how different things could have been? And if anyone found out, it would be used against us. I could not let that happen.”

The High Lord swallowed thickly, his slender hand gently coming to cover your fingers as he continued. “I know what a breach of trust this was, little fox, especially after you put your faith in me. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it, because I selfishly cannot stand the idea of you hating me for it.”

You inhaled a shaky breath, wetness lining your eyes. You felt Nesta rubbing your back comfortingly, as if she, too, felt your pain through the bond. “I don’t hate you for it.” You said quietly. “I understand your reasoning, I just wish none of this had to be this way.”

Eris smiled sadly. “I wish that very much, too. Although this path has led me to you, to Nesta. So despite everything, I have no other regrets about how things played out.”

“Me too.” Nesta said from behind you, squeezing your shoulder. “It was all worth it to get out of that situation, to end up with both of you.”

Your heart fluttered as you smiled. Even though the past months have been hell, they lead you to Nesta and Eris. Everything you had been through, it was all worth it to get here. Because you knew that even though the horrors you had endured would keep you up at night, you’d have your mates to ease the pain.

But your smile faded as reality sunk back in. “What about the wedding?” You asked. “If you two are getting married, where does that leave me? I know marriage is a sham at the end of the day, and the mating bond is what truly connects us. But I admit that I will not feel like an equal if you two are wed.”

You felt the bed shift as Eris straightened beside you. A hint of a blush came over his cheeks as he coughed before speaking. “Well, I thought of a solution for that. It’s a bit outlandish, and something that would definitely make the majority of this court lose their minds over it. And don’t be afraid to tell me I am a fool for this, Mother knows everyone else will be–”

“Eris.” Nesta said sharply, cutting off the male’s rambling. “Spit it out already.”

You could feel Eris’s nerves in your chest as if they were your own. You had never seen him so flustered before, so unsure of what to say.

“Well,” He continued, taking a deep breath. “It is not unheard of in Pythian’s history for a High Lord to take two wives…”

“You’d want to marry both of us?” Nesta said incredulously.

Eris blushed further, his eyes narrowing angrily at the heat of his cheeks. “Well, it would be a good way to ensure you are both protected–”

“Stop.” You cut him off firmly, squeezing his hand. Eris was silenced immediately, doubt flickering in his eyes as if he were afraid this would happen. “Fuck the political scheming and doing everything for the sake of a plan. We’ve made it this far, guys. It’s time to think about what we want, not what we should do. So, Eris, what do you want?”

“Well, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have you both as my wives…”

Nesta snorted. “A heartfelt proposal, Eris. Well done.”

Eris shot a playful glare at the female. “Smartass. Watch it, or I’ll leave your finger without a ring and keep (Y/N) all to myself.”

“Oh, please. You’re too obsessed with me to do that.”

“I am afraid you are right, Nesta Archeron.”

The three of you laughed, the harmony of it echoing throughout the spacious room like a song. But Nesta’s serious tone returned, cutting the laughter off. “But seriously, Eris, are you proposing this because this is what you want, or because of the mating bond?”

Eris shifted as he reached forward, taking each of you and Nesta’s hands in his own. The authority of the High Lord rang in his voice as he spoke, his amber eyes meeting Nesta’s blue-grey ones. “Make no mistake, I am happy about the mating bond. But it does not create this desire from nothing. It merely amplifies what is already there. The desire to marry you, Nesta, began the day we danced together in the Hewn City. I knew then that I wanted you as my equal at my side. I wanted you because you were you, sharp tongue and all, not because a mating bond made it be so.”

Eris then turned to face you. “The desire to marry you, (Y/N), began the day you came to me with your plan. I saw your resilience, your brilliant mind, and I wanted you. Not for your magic, or your connection to the Mother. I didn’t even know you were my mate then, or that you possessed a unique power, and I wanted you. My desire for both of you did not come from wanting something from you, or because of a mating bond. You asked me what I wanted, (Y/N), and this is it. I want you and Nesta as my equals, my wives, my High Ladies by my side. If that is what you wish, of course.”

You teared up, seeing Nesta do the same. Eris spoke so fiercely, so passionately it pulled at your heart strings. All this time, you had prepared yourself to see Eris and Nesta marry for political convenience, leaving you on the side with your secret ancient vows to Nesta that could never be shared with the outside world. You had prepared yourself to put aside your feelings for Eris, and your feelings for Nesta, to once again make a sacrifice for the ones you loved.

But you didn’t have to do that. Somehow, along the way Nesta and Eris had fallen for each other. And you had fallen for Eris, and he for you. The bond the three of you shared was deeper than any mating bond – it was a bond of survival, of fighting for a better life. A life you now couldn’t imagine sharing with anyone else.

“I would like that very much.” You said through tears, squeezing Eris’s hand.

“And I as well.” Nesta said softly. “Although I never thought of being High Lady.”

“You are both free to pass on that,” Eris said. “It would simply be an added bonus. But you both have enough power to be my equal as High Ladies, and you would be free to be as involved or removed from court politics as you wish.”

You glanced at Nesta, meeting her eyes. You knew Nesta had never possessed any ambitions to become a leader. She was content to simply exist in her own life, as long as she had control over it.

But this opportunity Eris was presenting could be used to help people. All you wanted was to make Autumn safe for females in a way Rhysand failed to do with his own court. Perhaps instead of relying on Eris to make it happen, you could do it yourself. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that.” You said.

“Me neither.” Nesta replied, nodding. “If my sister can be High Lady, so can I.”

“Feyre Archeron does not know how to run a court,” Eris snorted. “You’re the sister much better suited to the job.”

“One more thing.” You interjected, turning to Nesta. “Technically, we are already married due to the spell we used to create the daemati bond. But I would like to redo it, with a proper wedding. That way, the world will know that we aren’t just married to Eris, but to each other as well. I want everyone to know you’re just as much mine as Eris’s. If you’ll have me.”

It was not how you could have ever imagined proposing to Nesta, fumbling over your words so casually as if you were suggesting trying a new food for lunch. But it felt right. You wanted to be married to Nesta properly, in the eyes of the world. True, you had known her for less than a year. But you knew in your heart you would want to marry her eventually – why not now while she was already marrying Eris?

Nesta’s lips twitched for a second, as if she were instinctively fighting off her smile. But then her face loosened, and she allowed her smile to stretch across her cheeks fully. “Of course I’ll have you, you fool.” She said softly. “Without a shadow of a doubt.”

“In that case, I shall inform the priestess so she can modify the ceremony.” Eris said, grinning in a way that made your heart sing. “If my father could see this, he would lose his mind. As will many members of the court, probably. Having two High Ladies married to each other and me will be a lot for them to comprehend.”

“It’s actually possible, right?” Nesta asked him. “For all three of us to be married?”

“There is no law or religious text that prevents it, my dear.” Eris reassured her. “It will be legitimate, I swear.”

You smiled, another tear of happiness slipping down your cheek. “So this is really happening, we’re all getting married?”

Eris nodded. “Yes, love. We are. And we can take as much time as we want to plan the wedding so it’s exactly how we want it, not how my father wanted it to be. It will be a day about all three of us.”

It was like a heavy boulder had been lifted off your chest. All of the anxiety of the past few weeks was gone, replaced by pure happiness at the idea of marrying Nesta and Eris. Before, the talk of a wedding filled you with dread, a reminder that you were engaged to a cruel male who would delight in torturing you however he could. The idea of a wedding made you feel sick, and sad at the same time knowing you’d have no say in any of the planning.

But with Eris as High Lord and your soon to be new position as High Lady, everything would be different. You would be able to pick out your dress, the flowers, the cake, everything. After months and months of having no control over your life, you were finally taking the reins back.

You wrapped your arms around Eris, pulling him in for a tight embrace. “Thank you.” You muttered.

When Eris pulled away, his amber eyes burned into yours. It ignited something in you, making your blood sing as his voice dropped as he spoke. “I know by tradition I am supposed to wait until the wedding to kiss my brides. But I would really like to kiss you now. Both of you.”

“Fine by me.” You said, your heart racing and drowning out the sound of your own voice.

Eris smirked, his hands coming up to either side of your face to cup your jaw. Towering over you, he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to your own. Instantly, it was like a tidal wave of lust surged through the bond, as you melted into his mouth. It wasn’t the seductive, claiming kiss you had expected an Autumn court male like Eris to give. It was just as sensual, but softer, like a warm hearth rather than blazing wildfire. It was a kiss of love, of promise for a better world.

Your hands brushed the fabric of Eris’s tunic as he kissed you, and you felt the male shiver beneath your touch. When his lips finally abandoned yours, you let out an involuntary whine at the loss of contact.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Eris purred, his thumb stroking your cheek. “There will be plenty of time for more later.”

The High Lord then turned towards Nesta, taking her hands in his own. You watched as he leaned forward, kissing her with the same tenderness he had with you. Nesta’s eyes fluttered closed at the contact, her body relaxing. They were like a scene from a painting. Nesta’s wavy locks contrasting with the fiery straight hair of Eris, their heads angled so perfectly as their lips moulded together with longing.

As you watched your mates kiss, you felt no jealousy. No anger. No feeling of exclusion. You only felt love – happiness that the two people you cared for most loved each other just as much as you loved them.

taglist (comment if you want to be added): @queercontrarian @kitkat-writes-stuff @moonfawnx @sevikas-whore @weird-and-wise @jemandderkeinenusernamenfindet @kingshitonly @ladyofcherries @eerievixen @readingwritingwatching @peacecoffeeandflowers @a-frog-with-a-laptop @shadowqueen25 @lana08 @highladyofillyria @rachelnicolee @ladespedidas @little-darlingo @manonblackbeakquidditchteam13 @demirunner @terorovaerangi @hauntedandhopeful @younxii @microwaveallthedemons @fanfictioniseverything @lovra974 @maddietheshoe @peaceandcrackers @emy1-9 @lostinfantasyworldsbi @issybee0611 @thoughtfulshepherdmongerkid @belledawnidk @whhyyynottt @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @littlebbb @piceous21 @sevendeadlyshins-blog @searchingford @marigold-morelli @thesapphiclibrarian @nikovasbitch @chasing-autumns-chill @the-sweet-psycho @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @red-bees @daughterofthemoons-stuff @bloodicka

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giveafike · 2 months ago

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Can I request a Ben Shelton x fem reader where the reader is plus sized and also a tennis player and dating Ben and gets hate from like the public or another tennis player and Ben like stands up for her and then like re assures her? Just fluff.

TLDR: Little story of Challengers plus-sized fem!tennisplayer x Ben. Confident girl (period!), sharp and smart w it and yk Ben's got ur back too.

Word count + info: 1.8k - Dialogue too!

Warnings + Content Ahead: SFW, backhanded comments about size, if that's a trigger, proceed w caution (dw ben defends ;) )

Azzie Notes ✚: why yes ofc you can request bb!

for whatever reason, tumblr just would NOT save this blurb and I had to rewrite and save it elsewhere n all, chat it was so annoying but anyways, technical difficulties aside, this was such a fun, little write hehehe I hope u enjoy, anon!

It's nice to write shorter stories/blurbs and about not-pro players every now n then : ) SEND IN MORE REQUESTS!! I love writing hehehheehe <33

I'd love to write a fanfic (suggestive SFW preferably) w a reader name and character description, like I could do SOOO much more, someone pls req, so I can storyboard and draft up stuff!!!

Also, #azzie asks for anon talks, do we want to hear me yap? Ask questions if so, otherwise I’ll stick to notes here and normal writing :/

————————————————————————

Your Corner - B.T.S.

The court was hot beneath your shoes as you lined up for a match point in the semifinals. It had been a gruelling few hours, hard-fought points, long rallies, but this was your moment. You bounced the ball at the baseline, taking a steadying breath before tossing it into the air. The world seemed to hold its breath as you struck your serve, a powerful delivery that left your opponent scrambling.

Her return was weak, setting up just how you wanted it. Without hesitation, you sent a forehand screaming down the line for a winner.

"Game, Y/L/N!" the umpire's voice boomed, and the crowd roared.

You let out a shaky breath, overwhelmed by the reality that you'd just secured your place in this Challengers finals. It was a huge moment, one you'd dreamed about for years. It took so much grafting, grinding and work to get to where you are and this was testament that you’re moving forward.

But beneath the pride, there was something else that lurked, something darker, heavier. The whispers, the comments. The side statements about you not "fitting the typical mold" of a tennis player or backhanded compliments about how “you’re doing well for a woman like yourself”. They always seemed to follow you, lingering even in your victories, mixing into bittersweetness.

As you approached the net for the customary handshake, your opponent forced a smile.

"Nice match” she said, but her tone carried a subtle edge as she eyed you up and down. "You really know how to throw your weight around out there. Makes it tough for the rest of us, you know?"

It stung the familiar backhanded compliment from your own opponent, someone supposed to be an equal to you but low enough to make a dig disguised as praise. You met her gaze evenly and returned a fake smile. "Yeah, hard work tends to do that. Maybe next year you’ll understand".

The comment stayed with you as you left the court, even as the applause rang in your ears. You were used to comments like that and you always kept yourself standing your ground, but it didn’t mean they didn’t hurt or get at you a bit. Not everyone understood the dedication and effort you put in.

But Ben did.

He was waiting for you outside the locker room, leaning casually against the wall with a proud grin on his face. His tall frame, relaxed posture, and ever-present easygoing smile had a way of making you feel instantly lighter.

"There she is!” he said, his voice drawling thick and warm. He pulled you into his arms as soon as you were close enough, holding you tight, kissing the top of your head as his arms held you. “That was unbelievable out there. You were on fire."

You sighed into his chest, feeling the weight of the day melt away. "Thanks. But, of course, there were comments," you mumbled, voice muffled against him. "You know how it goes."

Ben being your boyfriend learned how you felt and how these things go over time. Despite him getting angry and agitated at first, he learned how to control himself and lead with poise, rather than start an argument or threaten a fight. He loved you more than anything, so he couldn’t fathom why people were so concerned about your appearance above anything else, when to him you were beautiful and skilled, amongst so many other qualities. He sighed and leaned back, his brow furrowed in concern. "Yeah? What’d they say this time?"

You shook your head, not wanting to give the remarks any more power than they deserved. "Same old stuff. About how I 'throw my weight around' or how my power gives me some kind of advantage."

Ben’s jaw tightened and fist clenched a bit, his protectiveness kicking in. He bit his tongue and shook his head, "You know none of that shit matters, right? You’re here because you deserve to be. You’re in the finals because you're one of the best players out there."

His words were soothing, but the doubt still lingered. "I know," you admitted softly. "It’s just hard sometimes. Feels like no matter how hard I work, they’ll always have something to say. Or take my win and take it as something more than meets the eye". You sighed as you leaned against the wall.

Ben cupped your face in his hands, his eyes locking onto yours with a fierce intensity. "Look, I don’t care what anyone says. You’re more than some 'advantage.' You're a force with pure, raw talent and skill on that court. And no one can take that away from you. I see how much effort you put in every single day."

He leaned down, pressing his lips softly to your forehead before kissing your lips softly, in a gesture that made you feel grounded and safe. "You’ve got this," he whispered against your skin. "You’re my girl. You're unstoppable."

You hummed against his lips, closing your eyes softly as you nodded, feeling tension lift. You both left together, to mentally recharge and prepare for the finals.

The morning of the final match was buzzing with energy, and while you were back in the locker room mentally preparing, Ben was making the rounds outside, fielding questions from reporters. The media had taken quite an interest in your relationship recently, especially since Ben was considered a US Seed on the ATP tour and now that you were heading into the finals of a major Challenger event.

As Ben stood on the sidelines, watching the warm up, a few reporters approached him. He was used to this by now; questions about your relationship, his own career, and the inevitable attempt to stir up drama. Still, he handled it with his usual laid-back charm, trying not to let anything or anyone get under his skin.

"Ben, can we get a quick word?" one of the reporters asked, holding up a microphone.

"Y/N’s in the final today, a big moment for her career. How are you feeling about her chances?" Ben smiled, his accent curling around the words as he spoke, unable to hide his love and excitement for you, his gummy smile wide. "I’m so excited, man. She’s worked so hard to get here, and I know she’s ready. I’ve seen her push herself day in and day out, so I’m just proud she’s made it this far. No matter what happens out there, she’s already won in my eyes."

The reporter nodded but quickly shifted the angle, clearly fishing for more. "A lot of people are saying Y/N’s been playing above her level recently, especially with you as such a close support. Some might say having a pro player as a boyfriend is giving her a bit of an …unfair advantage… an edge. What do you think about that?"

Ben's smile faded into something a little sharper. His voice remained calm, but there was an undeniable edge of seriousness as he responded, his eyes narrowed as he took his hand out as he talked. "Listen, Y/N’s success has nothing to do with me being in her corner. She’s earned everything. I might cheer her on, but I’m not the one down here grinding every day. Challengers are tough, and she’s been keepin’ her head up. People love to downplay her achievements, but they don’t see the hours she puts in or how dedicated she is to her craft. She’s in this final because she’s the best out there, period." The reporter, sensing the shift in Ben’s tone, tried again. "Right, of course. But as a couple, how does it feel to see her on this big stage? Do you think your relationship helps her stay focused, or does it ever add pressure?"

Ben took a moment, his expression softening. "I think we both help each other stay grounded. It’s not about pressure, if anything, it’s the opposite. We get to lean on each other in ways a lot of people don’t understand. But when she’s out there on the court? That’s all her. I’m just lucky to be the guy who gets to watch her shine”.

The questioning wasn’t done yet, though. "So, today’s a big day for her. What’s next for you two if she wins this thing? Are we talking celebration, big plans?" the reporter pressed, trying to turn the conversation into something light-hearted.

Ben chuckled softly. "I think the only plan is celebrating her hard work, win or lose. But, you know, I’m already so proud of my girl. The finals just mean the world’s catching up to what I’ve known all along; she’s incredible."

The interview wrapped up, and Ben headed back to the player area. His words, though, had already spread, making their way to you as you sat in the quiet of the locker room, preparing for the biggest match of your career. Hearing that he had spoken so highly of you, and not just as a partner, but as a player in your own right made your heart swell.

The final match was nothing short of intense. Every point felt like it could be the turning point, each rally stretching longer than the last. The air was thick with pressure, but you fought through it, refusing to back down. With one last powerful serve, the ball hit the line clean, giving you the final point and securing your victory.

The crowd erupted, but your focus was only on one thing, Ben. As you turned to the stands, there he was, beaming from ear to ear, his hands raised to the sky. You were too tired to run, but the smile that broke across your face matched him as you made your way toward him, your heart racing just as fast as it had been during the match. He ran back to make his way inside too, hoping to meet you in the middle.

Ben met you just off the court, pulling you into his arms without a second’s hesitation. The hug was tight, your bodies pressed together, his warmth enveloping you like a shield from the world. His lips found yours in a proper, deep, lingering kiss, one that said more than words could at that moment. It was full of pride, relief, and love, everything you needed to feel after such an exhausting, triumphant day.

"My girl just won that" Ben whispered as he pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his hands still firmly around your waist. "I’m so damn proud of you, babe."

You leaned into him, your forehead resting against his chest, taking in the moment. "I couldn’t have done it without you," you murmured, though you knew, deep down, that wasn’t entirely true. Yes, Ben’s support had been a rock for you, but you were the one who’d fought your way here, just like he said. You were the one that pushed yourself here and you were the one on court, but mentally, Ben kept you sane.

He pulled back slightly, tilting your chin up so you were looking at him again. "Hey, don’t sell yourself short. You did this. You’ve been proving them wrong all along. I’m just here, lucky enough to watch you do it."

The noise of the crowd began to settle, and as the cameras flashed around you, the two of you stayed in your bubble, lost in the quiet, personal victory.

Back in the locker room after the match, you sat down on the bench, letting the exhaustion finally sink in. Your muscles were aching, but it was a good ache, a reminder of everything you had just achieved. Ben followed you in shortly after, leaning against the lockers with a proud grin still plastered on his face as he sauntered with a bottle of champagne.

"How ya feelin’, champ?" he asked, his voice light but full of warmth.

You looked up at him, biting back a smile, the weight of the day settling in. "It feels… unreal. I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet."

He crossed the room in a few strides and crouched down in front of you, his hands gently resting on your knees. "You were incredible out there. And I mean it, every word I said earlier. You’re here because you’ve earned it, because you’re the best. In no time you’ll go pro and then we can play mixed doubles and make out in between sets and all".

You smiled, rolling your eyes as you playfully shove his shoulder, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at his words. He always knew just how to lift you up, how to remind you of your strength when the world tried to diminish it. "And I love you" you whispered softly. "For always believing in me and for having my back."

Ben leaned in, his lips brushing against yours once more, but this kiss was soft, sweet, and full of promise. "I’ll always be in your corner. Don’t ever doubt that."

As you sat there in the quiet of the locker room, with Ben by your side as he popped the champagne bottle open, the doubts that had tried to creep in earlier felt distant.

You weren’t just defined by the whispers, the remarks, or even your victories. You were more than all of that, and with Ben’s unwavering support, you knew you were ready for whatever or whoever came next.

#ben shelton #benshelton #ben shelton x reader #atp tennis

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sorencd · 1 year ago

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hii idk if u are taking request (if you're not ignore this lmao) but could you write some todd anderson fluff? my sister moved away and im feeling kinda sad :( idk if you write for todd either lol anyways love ur account!!

1:05

pairing: todd anderson x reader

summary: a silly little game of tickle fight with todd.

word count: 1.1k

a/n: ofc! <3 i was supposed to keep this short but i'm an absolute sucker for fluff so i went a little overboard hhfhhfhefdfr i hope u like it!

masterlist

it was starting to get repetitive. the few episodes you watched earlier were somewhat more entertaining, or shall you say as entertaining as watching a lawyer defend their client gets. there were moments where it really got you and todd riled up, but after that it'll just be another line of the guy on screen describing to you what a public defender is.

'the court is adjourned!' the voice of the guy on screen shouted as he banged his gavel on the wooden sound block, signalling that the aired episode was over.

"i'm starting to get sick of this bart matthew guy's face. how long have we been watching?" you asked, leaning your head further into todd's body until it was on his lap.

"i think it we started at season 1, we've been at it for a while." todd said as he reached for the remote controller, "do you want me to switch the channel, love?"

"okay, maybe that show my mom watches is on. the eve garden something?" you sat up and pondered with a hand on your chin.

"it's eve arden, i've seen bits of it a few times."

you hastily laid back down and yawned as you shook your head in understanding, moving on your side to watch todd fiddle with the remote controller in search for a good show. sunday afternoons were usually like this, rather than going out and doing activities that would require human interaction, todd would instead show up at your front door to spend time with you, saving you both the time and effort of socialising─ which you knew todd preferred. for the next few hours, you'd both be huddled in bed or on the couch in each other's arms, reading each other silly poems and stories you'd make up, or watch tv until the sun goes down. to some it might be boring, yes, but nothing's boring when it's with todd.

"hey todd?"

he hummed as he moved his focus away from the television and onto you, who was staring up at him with an all too familiar look on your face. you were about to crack a bad joke.

"what is it called-"

"please make it a good joke this time."

"it is! i guarantee you that you'll laugh your knickers off!"

he once again hummed as he raised his eyebrows with a skeptical look, he knew the joke would be so stupid that it wasn't the joke he's laughing at─ but the sheer stupidity of it is what makes him snicker. he let's it slide though, since he gets to see that bright smile of yours every time.

"alright so, what is it called when the doctor has to tickle you to see if you're conscious?"

todd shook his head, he has no idea what it could be. it could be anything! "i don't know, what?"

"a test tickle." you let out an obnoxious laugh with a slap to the knee as you cackled at your own joke. he on the other hand can't help but wonder where do you get all these jokes from?

"that was a bad joke."

"no it's not! i made you laugh, you're laughing right now!"

"you can hardly consider this laughing!"

an idea came to your mind as soon as the words left your lover's mouth. his face contorted in worry when he saw you move back a little on your side of the couch, and you had this... mischievous expression on. you were up to something.

"hmm... it wouldn't be laughing if i did this then?" you suddenly jumped onto him and started tickling his sides, earning yourself a loud snort from todd.

"w-wait- this isn't- this isn't fair!" his face was turning red with how hard he was laughing. you weren't prepared though when abruptly he flipped you on your back, effectively halting you of your attack and giving you a taste of your own medicine.

the only thing that could be heard in your living room was the sound of you and todd cackling like maniacs. to the people outside your house, they could've easily mistaken it as two children playing. in the middle of your tickle-fighting, todd tried to escape from your unforgiving grasp and tried to make a run from it. you attempted grabbing onto his torso to prevent him from leaving your clutches, but instead of successfully being able to pull him back─ you instead got a hold of his pajamas that he was wearing that day and pulled down. accidentally revealing what was he was wearing that day. in your terms he technically he did laugh his underwear off, except it was his pants.

"h-hey you can't do that!" todd stuttered as his laughed grew even louder. he scrambled to pull his pants back up and almost fell over in the process. your stomach was starting to hurt, and your eyes were welling with tears as you caught a glimpse of his boxers, he had the superman ones that you gave him as joke on his birthday on.

after he got a good distance between the two of you, and after he successfully pulled his pajamas back up, he calmed down to catch his breath which was ragged from all the laughing. you, who was on the couch, were lying on your stomach, you hushed snickers muffled by the couch as you watched him. the memory of his boxers that were now covered by his pants still lingering in your mind.

to control your own breathing, since you were also out of breath, you momentarily closed your eyes with a tired smile on. you forgot how draining tickle fights were. "i must say, what manly boxers you have, mr. anderson."

unbeknownst to you, your boyfriend was slowly creeping his way behind the couch on his tippy toes. it looks like the war wasn't over. when you didn't hear from him, you lifted your head up to check if he was still where you last saw him before you closed your eyes.

"todd?-"

suddenly, you felt something very heavy being pressed onto your entire body─ causing you to shriek in surprise. it was todd. he was laying on top of you with his arms wrapping your body, like he was giving you a bear hug. in that position, he could easily tickle both of your sides. making him the winner of today's tickle fight. and tickle you he did.

"t-todd- i-" you were being cut off by your own uncontrollable laughter, squirming and writhing in his embrace. "you win! you win!"

he instantly let go of you, his lips curled into a huge victorious grin as he sat there, towering over you triumphantly. his hair was all ruffled and he still looked like he just finished running a marathon. you smiled him, your entirety overflowing with happiness, and he shyly smiled back in return before cheering in a hushed manner and whisper shouting like he was an announcer on the sports channel.

"and the crowd goes wild! todd anderson takes home the trophy for today's match!"

you giggled and swiftly wrapped your arms around his neck to pull him down and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

“i will have my revenge, you!”

#dead poets society #dead poets society x reader #todd anderson x reader #todd anderson

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moseslikellamas · 5 months ago

Text

♱𖣂 Redfork Menace ♱𖣂 pt.17

Benjicot Blackwood x Bracken!OC

Summary - Questioning begins.

Warnings - fem!reader, suspense, adult language, period typical misogyny, condescension, adult language, feelings of shame, feelings of guilt, manipulation, benjicot brainrot, Kieran Burton fancast.

Word count - 2.3k

No idea what old timey court was like so it’s basically just based off our modern system. And we stan lawyer Martyn.

“When did you first notice someone was sneaking into your side of the borderlands?”

“It would be nearly three moons ago now.”

Shanda sat on pins and needles as the questioning started. This was where all of the real opinions would be formed. And where everyone would be trying to rip the other side apart.

“What tipped you off? You stated earlier none of the guards on duty could find proof.”

Martyn was questioning Benjicot and he was quite good at it, she thought. Martyn had always been a serious person. Stuck between her and Royce she supposed he didn’t have a choice in the matter.

“I knew they weren’t arguing over nothing. There was something happening out there, so I started looking. Tracks were covered almost perfectly but I caught sight of the crushed grass in places. After that I just had to wait and watch.”

“Anything could’ve disturbed that grass deer, your own men. It wasn’t indicative of an interloper. But let’s say, you had a feeling. Why not alert your father to the trouble?”

Benjicot was not his usual cocky, blaisè self. Which she found frustrating. He too was surprisingly stoic as he gave his response.

“As heir to Raventree, I’m entrusted to handle several duties. One of which was finding and fixing the continued guard problem in the borderlands. There was no need to trouble him with the issue until I had apprehended the criminal.”

“Exactly my point. You knew of the issue, had the authority to end it and never did. Why did you not take the same actions anyone would have against an interloper on their grounds? You had the right to take their head. Why didn’t you?”

By all rights Martyn had him there.

“I saw a flash of hair in the moonlight one night waiting for them to arrive. Your sister's hair, I recognized it. Once I knew she was a lady, I couldn’t very well cut her head off could I?”

“And you couldn’t contain her? As fearsome as your reputation is, you would think a woman was easy fare for you. But then she nearly ended your life one night, isn’t that correct?”

Shanda was considering how she could make this into Martyn’s full time job. He was wasted on guard duty when he could be defending people in cases across the realm.

“She caught me unaware, setting traps all around the borderlands. Beyond that I wanted to see if she would lead me back to Stone Hedge. I had plenty of evidence but well, I couldn’t exactly go and demand her head. So I put out a written notice, warning her specifically not to return or face the consequences if she did.” He shrugged. “How she got on my side of the river didn’t concern me. A known spy was nearly in Raventree hall, so I apprehended her.”

“And then your father sentenced her to death. How does that add up with your words? You can’t chop her head off but your father can?”

“Her head sits firmly still upon her shoulders.” Benjicot sneered.

“Because we petitioned Lord Tully! Answer the question, why spare her only to turn around and sanction the same thing later?”

“I do not control my Lord father, his decisions are his own.”

***

Shanda skipped lunch, hiding out in some hidden room alone. She didn’t go back to her own room for fear of the heir showing up. The longer the trial went on the more agitated he became, even if he was doing a very good job of hiding it in public.

She thought back to the night before when he had very firmly escorted her back to her room after the fiasco in the hallway. He had looked as if he were itching for a fight and she realized it was probably the longest he’d been without one in years. He had followed her inside her room against her vehement protest. There had, of course, been no guard posted to alert.

“What do you want? Or are you just hoping a guard will wander by to see you in here and report it to the masses? Haven’t you drugged my name through the mud enough?” She had demanded after he pushed into her room.

“I’m just keeping you company. Haven’t you been lonely?” He asked innocently while he rummaged around her room.

She had frowned at that.

“No, seeing all of the riverlands has kept me from being lonely.” Her tone was sarcastic. “What are you looking for? I didn’t bring anything with me.”

He turned to look at her before giving up his search and stalking towards her.

“It’ll be over soon enough. You should enjoy the time with your brother.” He tucked a strand of hair back from her face.

She was so tired of the back and forth. “No need, seeing as I’ll be returning home with him.”

He had just smiled down at her, his eyes sparkling.

“Try not to be so disappointed when it’s just me that takes you home.”

She’d stepped back scoffing. “Get out. I have to be up early tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be preparing yourself for questioning anyway?”

For every step she took back, he matched it forward.

“No, because I’m not being untruthful.”

“Oh what the fuck ever. All you’ve done is lie since this thing started.” She complained, her back finally hit the wall as she looked up at him annoyed.

“We both know there are several facets of the truth. You’re telling the one you think will most endear them to your cause, I’m doing the same.”

Shanda was shaken out of her reverie by a loud banging on the door. Who could it possibly be? Standing abruptly, she opened the door to see, of all people, Donal.

“Donal? How’d you know I was in here?”

Donal was a year older than Royce and a guard back at Stone Hedge. Shanda hadn’t spoken to him in a while but they’d spent many years together.

He looked at her sheepishly. “Forgive me for prying but I noticed you seem to sneak off a lot. Figured I would keep an eye out for you. Lunch is nearly over, we should go.”

If Donal knew she was sneaking off then he probably wasn’t the only one who had noticed.

“Thank you, Donal. Let’s go.”

***

The questioning after lunch was a bit above her head, as her father took over questioning Lord Samwell. She didn’t understand half of the questions her father asked and hardly any of them seemed related to the trial at hand. It wasn’t until her father made a subtle accusation about his own brother's death that any of it made sense to her. Her father was persecuting the man for decades old crimes. He didn’t even bother with the pretense of pretending to be here for her.

While Shanda did not understand the confrontation happening, the rest of the court was tuned in attentively. It just made her more upset, demonstrating that it didn’t matter what year it was or who was involved. They would always be fighting over something. All of the lords and ladies not involved would just eat the stories of atrocities up, just as bloodthirsty as them. That’s why the gods had forsaken the riverlands, careless people who played with lives like they were nothing.

She looked around the room making out familiar faces of people she hadn’t seen in years. It was sad to think they were all together again under these circumstances. She wished they were all gathered here for a hunt or maybe even a tourney. Just here to have fun and enjoy a leisurely time. They would all make jokes and sneak out at night to run through the trees. She could see that life so clearly, no resentment or quarrels besides maybe the occasional petty drama. It would be as easy as breathing and no blood would flow forth to stain them enemies.

“You killed my mother!”

The sound of Royce’s angry cry caught her attention. At some point her brother had ventured onto the floor to join her father. He looked near the verge of tears as he pointed an accusing finger at the lord. Shanda frantically met Martyn’s eyes across the room. She saw the same fear reflected back on his face that she felt. This was their worst nightmare being realized. It was a serious accusation that Royce was making and it couldn’t be backed up.

Sighing heavily, heart in her throat, Shanda stood to make her way to the floor. She felt as if she had jumped from a very tall height as she moved. She felt weightless and scared. She knew she would have to deny this crime, to side with her enemy to avoid Royce starting something he could not finish.

“That’s not true, Royce.” She said loud enough for the crowd to hear her and then she faced Lord Elmo. “We all know the facts of my mother’s death. Where she was found and by whom. Nothing there then or now has ever indicated a culprit.”

“You feel guilty because she left on an errand for you.” He spat back at her. “But I did nothing wrong and I know the Blackwoods killed her!”

“You don’t know anything little brother!” She exploded back.

If the riverlands had been locked in before, now they were practically salivating in their seats.

“You don’t have any proof.” She said quieter than before. “There’s no proof of who killed her-“

“And yet they kill our men in the disputed lands, what’s to say our mother didn’t meet the same fate?”

Shanda’s shoulders slumped, she let her eyes close for a moment. They’d been over this already. What could he possibly hope to gain by bringing it up here? If this issue progressed into its own trial she knew it would be by combat. And that her angry impulsive little brother would die. She could not let that happen, no matter how much pain he was bringing her.

“And yet the men as of late come back alive do they not brother? I stand here, alive and unharmed. Do you think that’s indicative of a people who would kill an unarmed lady on the King’s road?”

Mutters went up around the court. And Shanda felt the last chance for escape slipping out of her reach.

“You’re defending them?” Her brother turned to face her, his expression disgusted.

“I am saving you.” She whispered only for him to hear.

“I do not believe the Blackwoods were involved in the death of my mother.” She said loud enough for the court to hear.

It was pandemonium from there. Several of her brothers were up on their feet converging on her, shouting the whole time. She couldn’t hear them though, she only heard her father as he leaned in to speak.

“Pity that you were born a girl for your own sake. Lucky for your brothers.”

By then Benjicot had reached her and was escorting her out of the crowd of Brackens clustered around her, furious. The shouts were a dull thrum in the background as she heard her fathers words repeat over and over inside her mind.

What did he mean by that? Lucky that she had managed to derail Royce’s suicidal attempt to avenge their mothers name? She didn’t know but as they moved further through the crowd, she realized Benjicot was talking to her.

“-ay. Don’t worry about it. You’ve done it now though I’m sure you know that.”

He was walking so quickly he was nearly dragging her alongside him as the moved through the halls towards her room.

“What? I didn’t hear what you said. Can you slow down please?”

He didn’t listen to her at all, if anything he walked even faster. Before long they arrived at her room and he opened the door before pushing her inside. He followed behind her, shutting the door.

“You didn’t have to do that.” He said, running a hand through his hair.

She didn’t look at him as she took a seat at the table across the room. “Royce would’ve demanded a trial by combat.” Her voice was dull. “You would’ve killed him. He couldn’t even cut my head off, he’s no shot at yours.”

She wished she had a flagon of wine for once but was relieved not to have access to it. Lord Elmo had been incredibly stingy with his wine stores and she knew it was because they were all volatile enough without the spirits.

Benjicot joined her at the table, sitting across from her.

“Even though they’ll take it as a sign that the marriage idea might work?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes I want my brother to live more than I don’t want to marry you. But only just so. Besides, who’s to say you won’t die in battle some day and save me the trouble of dealing with you.”

He laughed at that, a golden sound that lit up her insides.

“I’m not going to die anytime soon. Or have you forgotten my ‘bloodthirsty’ nature as you put it? A savage like me, I’ll die an old man.” He winked at her.

“Do you think we’ll still be doing this in another century? Killing each other and going to court to settle petty dramas?”

He reached across the table to grab her hand. “Not if I have anything to say about it. I wouldn’t be a very good husband if I started killing your family, would I? No, I want my children to have all their aunts and uncles present. Two sets of grandparents and a happy mother.”

Shanda felt warm inside as she looked into his eyes, her face burning under his stare. She pulled her hand back from him, looking away quickly.

“You should go.”

She refused to meet his eyes as he left and waited for his departure before she breathed again. She slumped against the table, lightly banging her head against it.

The riverlands were cursed.

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elysianightsss · 1 year ago

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Now hear me Out... The techno's reactions to us being like a single parent or something before Meeting them? And possibly Meeting the child?

Bad idea or Not?

Techno x singlemom!Reader

Drabble

Techno wouldn’t care. He’d love your kid just as much as he loved you, they are simply an extension of you. Techno would be there for anything you needed, babysitting, dentists appointments for the kid. You remember that one time where you were stuck at work and there’d been an incident at school, he was the first one you called, he rushed over and set things straight instantly defending your child.

You came home to him playing with, let’s say your son, Apollo. Techno making aeroplane noises as his large hand moved the toy plane around in the air while your six year old son giggled loudly and excitedly.

Your heart was warmed and you felt your eyes stinging with tears at the sight. When you first met Techno you had tried hard to avoid him, not wanting to date anyone since the let down of Apollo’s father. When he left due to you getting pregnant it was a giant kick to your self esteem. You hadn’t felt worth it anymore and honestly not the most attractive either.

So when Techno persued you, you almost couldn’t believe it. Even when you had rejected him out of fear, he continued to court you coming into the diner where you worked and watching you with a smile while you served others. All he thought about was persuading you to quit so you’d never have to serve other people again. He had more than enough money to support you if you’d simply let him.

Finally, after a few months of him flashing his gorgeous pearly whites at you and making you feel all giddy with the sweet nicknames and phrases he spouted with that monotonous voice of his, you relented and let him take you on a date. You were shy and a bit withdrawn still, fussing over yourself and worrying about how you looked.

He eased them, ‘you look ravishing darlin’, it made butterflies erupt in your stomach, and your fussing ceased. He took you to a nice restaurant, wining and dining you like he had been promising he would. The whole night was actually going well and he’d managed to get you to relax enough to enjoy yourself until the babysitter called saying she had an emergency and she had to leave as soon as possible.

You obviously started rushing away, apologising profusely as you did. Techno chucked some money on the table and ran after you. He caught up to you and offered you to drive you home, after not being able to hail a cab you relented, he was your ride after all. The drive home was tense, you were so scared to tell him about your son not that you were embarrassed by him, not at all. You knew you’d done a good job raising him, but you knew the stigma around single moms and from past experiences when guys had asked you out only to back out when they’d found out you had a kid.

You didn’t want it to happen again, not after the lovely evening you had had and particularly not after the feelings that were growing for the man driving you home tonight.

You’d arrived, thanking him sufficiently with a kiss on the cheek for good measure before exiting the car rather quickly. You were so busy running away that you completely missed Techno’s worried expression, his softened eyes, and him getting out of the car to follow you.

As you unlocked the door, Sophia was pulling on her coat with a sad look on her face. “Do you have to go? We haven’t done story time yet!” Apollo whined.

“How about doing it with me buddy?” You smiled as your son’s eyes lit up at the sight of you home early, a rare occasion when you were working indeed.

“Mommy!” He squealed happily running into your arms. He hugged you tightly as you kissed his cheek. “Who’s that?” Apollo’s question had you turning around to see Techno staring down at you from where you were crouched.

“Sorry I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He apologised, smiling softly at the little boy who gave him a small wave.

That was around four month ago, since then your relationship with Techno had evolved and his bond with Apollo had grown so much. You never thought you’d have this, this safety net, this love. And yet as you watched Techno play aeroplanes with Apollo all you felt was love.

#singlemom!reader #squishycheekanonanswer #asks are appreciated #beefy!techno #dad!techno #squishysneekpeaks

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lidiasloca · 4 months ago

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can i please request a drabble with cassian where he gets reader pregnant when they’re young, like in their 20’s and she wants to keep it a secret from everyone else except rhys and az, they’re all raising the kid together in their little group and they move to velaris later when rhys becomes the HL and cass becomes his general🥰

you and cassian are young parents

cassian x reader

“You take the cake!” you yell whisper to Cassian, both of you filled with nervousness and excitement for your little girl’s birthday. “Hurry, she’s coming!”

“Okay, okay,” he says as he takes the colorful cake from your hands. But when he does, something in your face makes him stop and lean to give you a peck on the cheek. “It’s alright, love. Everything is perfect. She’ll love it.”

You sigh in relief. Cassian, no matter how juvenile and stupid might be most of the time, especially if he is with the youngsters of his brothers, is a very patient and wise male. You appreciate that at every single turn.

“And, do not smile at me like that,” he adds with his teasing tone, acting flustered. “It’s our daughter’s birthday. Behave.”

“Oh - shut up, you!”

But there is no time to put him in his place. Uncle Az is carrying your daughter Mirella into the room. Her eyes held such excitement and joy, your heart swells with happiness.

Cassian caresses your back before walking to Mirella and placing the cake in front of her. “Happy Birthday, dove.”

You walk to them then, seeing Rhys sneaking in from behind, a big present in his hands. You cannot stop smiling. Seeing this, your family. Everything so simple. So perfect.

It hadn’t always been this easy. You remember when you first found out you were pregnant. You were so young and felt so alone and lost. But Cassian had been there for you. Every single moment.

He held your hand, he listened to you, to your heart and your feelings. And he supported you, no matter what you chose.

And you felt like the bravest and most fearless girl in the world next to him.

Hadn’t been for the support of Cassian, Rhys and Azriel, your life would have turned out very differently.

Life, you think, is very odd. The male you were scared to tell you were pregnant is now singing happy birthday to your daughter with overjoy in his face. The friends you though would judge you and see you differently, are now looking down at your daughter like if she was their own daughter.

How could you have ever doubted them?

Azriel, who begged you time with Mircella to play swords. Who loved to make her giggle with his shadows. Who defended her from imaginary monsters she would only confess to him she was afraid of. Only because she somehow knew he would understand, he wouldn’t judge.

Rhys, who, even after becoming a busy High Lord, tried to spend with her some time every day. Telling her stories of amazing heroes, such as him and his brothers. He spent nights telling how brave both her father and mother.

And Cassian, who felled in love again the moment he set his eyes on his baby daughter’s for the first time. Who looked at your daughter as if she was the solemn motive to his existence. Like he would burn the world to make her safe. Who would give her the world to make her smile.

And here you are now.

“Blow, Mirella,” you say tenderly. She gives you a wide smile before turning to the candles and blowing. “Happy birthday, dove,” you whisper.

-Charcaters by Sarah J Maas

cassian masterlist

anon, hope it is sort of what you asked for, even if i took the story into my own hands a bit. i loved the ideaa. cassian would make such good father. and azriel and ryhs would be the funniest uncles in all the courts. emmm this aint proof read, as usually, so sorry if there are any typos. thanku for reading loves :))

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lavenderdreams22 · 2 years ago

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A Court of Dawn & Dusk - Azriel x Reader (part 3)

Summary: Azriel defends Y/N's honor against the male that proposed to her. Y/N and Azriel bond as they spend a bit of time together in the Dawn Court.

A/N: Here's part 3! I hope you guys like it. Comments and feedback are always welcome, just please be nice ❤️☺️

Warnings: A little cursing, violence, blood... I think that's it!

*****

It had been a couple of hours since we had left the Night Court, and Azriel had not said a word. I could see from the look on his face that he was lost in thought, something troubling him. I could only assume that it was something that Rhys had said to him before we left. Silence had never been my strong suit, but I was trying to give him the space he needed to think.

After a few more minutes of only the sound of his wings and wind, I cleared my throat.

“So,” I began, trying to feign nonchalance both at the topic and the feeling of Azriel’s body pressed up against mine. “Care to explain what all of that was about?”

“Rhysand doesn’t trust Amarantha.” He mumbled.

“That, surprisingly enough, I gathered from the silence back there.” I replied.

“It’s a long story.” He said, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

“We have time.” I squeezed his shoulder. I knew convincing him to fill me in would probably take a bit of work on my part.

“We shouldn’t talk about it out in the open like this.”

“Well, good thing we’re currently hundreds of feet in the air with no one around but me, you and your shadows.”

“You’re stubborn.” He muttered, eyeing me for a moment.

When he loosened his next breath, I grinned. The battle hadn’t gone on as long as I had thought it would.

“What do you want to know?” He asked.

“Who is Amarantha? And why doesn’t Rhys trust her?” I had so many other questions, but I started small, worried that if I asked too many at once that he would change his mind and decide to leave me in the dark completely.

“How much do you know about the Fae and Human war?” He began, watching me as I paused for a moment to think.

“I know quite a bit, but it’s all from my court’s perspective.” I finally said. “Mostly stories and what I’ve read in books.”

“Amarantha was one of Hybern’s most powerful and influential generals in that war.” He said. “From what I remember, she is cruel and ruthless. There is nothing that is off limits to her. Torture, murder, treason… It’s all on the table.”

“What do you think she wants?” I wrinkled my nose. If someone like that was visiting the courts, there had to be a reason. And that reason couldn’t be good.

“She never liked the idea of a treaty or the wall.” He said, “We don’t know what she wants for certain, but I’m meant to try and find out while we’re in the Dawn Court.”

“That’s the reason Rhysand wanted you to come with me?” I asked. “To spy?”

I wasn’t sure why I was surprised by this fact. I knew what duties he had as Spymaster.

“You’re mad.” He stated, his eyes finding mine again.

“Not mad, but surprised that you two weren’t planning on telling me.” I replied, “I can help get information if that’s what you need.”

He only nodded. His face was completely emotionless, always so hard to read. Another necessity as the Spymaster, more than likely.

“So, she’s our enemy.”

“It would be best to classify her as an enemy until we know what she wants, yes.”

I didn’t know what else to say, what else to ask. So I turned my attention to the world that was blurring past below us. Night had fallen, but I was sure that we had crossed over the border into the Day Court.

“If you take us down, I can winnow us the rest of the way.” I said, pointing to an outcropping of mountains.

He didn’t respond, but banked towards where I had pointed. I couldn’t wait to be back on solid ground.

*****

I winnowed us to a veranda on the front of the palace. It was silent, everyone having long since gone to bed. I would probably have to wake my father up if we wanted to meet with him right away.

I made to start our walk to my suite, but Azriel kept his arm firmly around my waist, holding me close.

“I don’t think she’s going to jump from the shadows and try to slit my throat in my father’s home.” I chuckled, attempting to step away from him again.

When I looked up at him, it wasn’t me that his eyes were locked on. His gaze was one of steel and venom, and his jaw was clenched so hard I swore I could hear his teeth cracking.

I knew he was capable of anger, but I had never really seen it for myself in the weeks since I had met him. I was grateful that I had not been on the receiving end of this side of him.

That is, until I turned my head and saw who, exactly, he was staring at as if he wanted to rip them apart limb from limb.

“Y/N.” Ian breathed, taking a half step forward. Azriel bared his teeth in a warning, and the color drained from Ian’s face.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I heard you were coming home. I wanted to see you.” He braved another step towards us. “I’ve been checking each entrance, waiting for you… I thought you’d be alone.” His eyes flicked up to Azriel.

“Did it not cross your mind that if I had wanted to see you, I would have sent word to you myself of my impending arrival?” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“I knew you wouldn’t want to see me. I just thought…” He shrugged, looking defeated.

“You thought that if you cornered her again, that maybe you’d get the answer you hoped for the last time she was here?” Azriel spoke, his head falling into a tilt. A chill ran up my spine from the ice in his voice.

“Call off your hound.” Ian snapped.

“He’s not my hound.” I moved to step past both of them. All I wanted was to see my father and then go to bed. “He can say, or do, whatever he wants.”

Ian, however, had other plans as he reached out to grab my arm, pulling me to a stop in front of him.

“Please, just… Can we talk?”

I looked down at his hand around my wrist, but before I could tell him to let go of me, Azriel was moving.

“Never.” He growled as he shoved Ian against a sunstone pillar hard enough that the entire palace shook, an Illyrian blade that I hadn’t seen him take out pressed to his throat. “Never touch her without her consent.”

Azriel towered over him, making Ian look small and weak in comparison. Ian looked to me for help, but I was in such a state of shock that all I could do was stand there, my mouth agape.

“If I ever hear of you laying your hands on her, even for a moment, without her permission, I will hunt you down, and cut each of your fingers from your body one by one. And then I will rip your beating heart from your chest.” He dug the blade in deeper, a drop of crimson blood beaded around the blade. “Do you understand me?”

Ian didn’t answer him. He was still looking at me, watching me as I watched Azriel. When I met his gaze again, there was a flash of understanding that he quickly replaced with betrayal and fiery anger.

“This is what you ran off for?” He choked out. “To be some Illyrian brute’s whore?”

The blade clattered to the ground, and before I could so much as blink they were attacking each other, a blur of fists and wings. The sound of bone crunching snapped me out of my shock.

“Azriel!” I shouted, “Azriel, stop! You’ll kill him.”

When Azriel shoved him one last time as he stepped back, I could only blink at the damage that had been done. Ian’s eyes were already swelling shut, and he was now completely covered in blood. His training tunic was torn and his nose was now crooked and broken.

He looked between us, his mouth open as if he wanted to say something more, but when I stepped up to Azriel’s side, Ian curled his busted lip in disgust.

I pulled on Azriel’s arm, bending down to grab the blade that had gone flying during the fight.

“C’mon.” I whispered, “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

We left Ian standing on the Veranda as we made our way to my suite.

*****

I sat him down on the couch in the sitting room, spreading the bandages and other various healing tonics on the cushion beside him. I took my spot in front of him, standing between his knees.

“He got a couple of decent hits in.” I winced as I wiped blood from his chin. You’ll probably need to change your clothes before we see my father. You’re covered in blood.”

Azriel didn’t answer as he clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles turned white.

“Talk to me.” I whispered, tilting his chin up so that I could get a better look at him. “What was that?”

“I hate him.” He said, as if that explanation was all I needed.

I lifted an eyebrow as he continued to avoid my eyes.

“You’ve taken to defending the honor of someone you barely know?” I asked, prodding at his nose to ensure that it wasn't also broken.

“He insulted you.”

The way he was saying these things, as if they were the most obvious answers in the world, was making my head spin.

“Many people have insulted me in my lifetime. Do you intend to hunt them all down and beat them within an inch of their lives?” I swiped a cloth over his cheek, wiping away the blood that had splattered there. From the scent of it, it was most definitely Ian’s.

He shrugged. “I suppose I’m living up to my reputation of being an Illyrian brute.”

“You know, I try to respect your silence and privacy.” I tilted his chin up again so that he was looking into my eyes. He met them this time with no resistance. “But you just broke a male's nose for calling me a whore, so I think I deserve a little more of an answer than that.”

“Technically, he called you my whore.” He countered. “So, it was also my honor that I was defending.”

“Azriel.” I set the rag on the couch and cupped his face in my hands, stroking his cheekbones with my thumbs. “Thank you.”

His eyes fluttered closed as he leaned into my touch. I took one hand away, brushing the hair back from his forehead, scanning his face for any wounds. Aside from the split lip and a bruise forming under his left eye, he looked perfectly fine. I had never seen any male walk away from a fight with Ian with barely a scratch.

“You’re part of the inner circle now.” He stated, eyes still closed, “And just like any other member of the inner circle, I will defend you with everything I have.”

Just like any other member of the inner circle… I shook my head, forcing a smile to my lips as I stepped away from him, my hands falling to my sides. I wasn’t sure I wanted him to think of me in the same way that he thought of our other friends.

His eyes snapped open at the loss of contact.

“I had some of the servants bring in a bed for you. It’s nothing special, but it is adapted to fit someone with wings.” I gestured to the side, where the bed had indeed been set up.

He nodded, getting to his feet. With one step, he was towering over me. He looked at me as if he had something more that he would have liked to say, but he decided better of it.

“Let’s wait til tomorrow morning to meet with my father.” I whispered, “I think I’d like to go into it with a clear head.”

“Goodnight. Y/N.” He whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

I offered him a small smile before I turned and made my way into my bedroom. As soon as I closed the door, I found myself wishing that he had asked me to stay.

*****

Azriel tried to sleep. He really did, but instead he tossed and turned. He couldn’t shake the way that her hands felt on his skin. He couldn’t stop thinking about how gentle and soft she had been with him.

Gods, she had been so close. Every time he breathed in, the smell of citrus and amber invaded his senses. This gods-damned room wasn’t helping, either. Everything was so… her… He wished that his room was on the other side of the palace. Maybe an inn in the village below. But the thought of asking to move rooms was short-lived. He knew that it was unlikely, but the thought of Ian creeping in here in the middle of the night lodged itself in his mind and made his blood boil.

It wasn’t as if Azriel believed that he deserved someone like her. He knew he wasn’t good enough for her. She deserved someone better… Nicer and more suitable… Not the Illyrian brute that he had been so lovingly regarded as earlier in the evening. She deserved the world, and he would be lucky if he could give her anything at all.

He forced his eyes closed again, but pictures of her face filled his mind.

Groaning, he turned over and pushed the picture from his mind. He needed to think of something else… Anything else.

But it was no use. She was the only thought he could manage. It was dangerous for him to be so distracted. He was on a mission, and he didn't have time for distractions. No matter how beautiful and bright and warm those distractions were. No matter how those distractions made him want to pluck every star from the sky to give to her. No matter that this distraction seemed to have an affinity for taking the breath from his lungs or his attention any time she entered a room.

She was still awake in the next room. He could hear that, much like him, she had not settled. He could go in there, steal a few more moments of her time… Maybe earn a few more of her laughs and smiles.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thought.

*****

I paced, trying to decide if I should bother him. I could hear him tossing and turning. I just wanted to talk to him… I had heard him speak more in the last few hours than I had the entire time I had known him and now I was finding myself craving the sound of his voice.

I sucked in a deep breath, and flung the door open before I could talk myself out of it.

There he was. His hand was raised to knock, and he froze the moment our eyes met. We only stared at each other for a moment.

“Couldn’t sleep.” He finally whispered.

I got the sense that a voice at full volume would only break whatever bubble the two of us were currently in together, so I only moved to the side enough for him to step into the room. As he stepped past me, his shadows reached out and caressed my face. He usually forced them to stop reaching for me, but tonight he let them.

I took a deep breath as I closed the door. When I did finally turn to look at him, I lost my breath at the sight. The moonlight streaming in through the windows illuminated the swirls of his tattoos that littered his chest. They reminded me so much of his shadows that were currently swirling around him.

I moved towards my bed and crawled in, motioning for him to join me.

“I couldn’t sleep either.” I stated after a moment of watching him war with himself. “Company would be nice.”

He eventually lost whatever battle that was raging in his mind and joined me. His wings were tucked in close to his body, and we both settled in, facing each other.

“Did you want to talk about it?” I asked.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He repeated his earlier sentiment.

“Any particular reason?”

“Adrenaline?” He offered lamely.

I laughed at that and he seemed to relax.

“You can stay as long as you want.” I smiled.

Silence for a few moments, and then, “Where were you going?”

“What?”

“Just now. Where were you going?”

I contemplated lying…Telling him I needed water or something of the like, but the way that he was looking at me made me tell him the truth.

“I was coming to see you.”

*****

A knock on the door to my suite stirred me from sleep. Azriel pulled me closer to his chest as his wings encircled us, blocking out most of the sunlight streaming in through the windows.

Another knock, louder and more aggressive this time. Azriel mumbled behind me, letting me wiggle out of his grasp with an incoherent protest.

I opened the door and took a second to look back at him. He and I had stayed up late, talking and really getting to know each other. I could tell that he had expected me to run for the hills as he told me stories of his life, of how he grew up, and of his family, but I found myself eager to learn more. Eager to really know him. I could get used to talking to him like this.

I could really get used to seeing him in the morning, too.

I shook my head to clear the thought, and made it to my door just as another knock sounded through my suite.

Before I even got a good look at who was on the other side, Ian was talking.

“We need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” I tried to shut the door, but he stuck his arm out, holding it open.

“He’s dangerous. Stay away from him.”

“I know he’s dangerous.” I said with an innocent smile. “Why do you think I like him so much?”

Ian examined me for a moment, taking in the silk nightgown I was wearing, the mess of my hair… When his nostrils flared, I realized I was also covered in Azriel’s scent. I nearly felt guilty at the connections he was making in his mind, but when he opened his mouth to say something else, the feeling faded.

I hadn’t heard him approach, but when I felt Azriel’s warmth at my back, I cast a quick glance over my shoulder. He stood behind me, the perfect picture of darkness. His face hadn’t quite lost the look of a peaceful sleep, but was somehow simultaneously cold and slightly terrifying. It was a surprise, really, that Ian was still standing in the doorway.

“Y/N.” Ian started, huffing out a breath. “You have to listen to me.”

Azriel pulled me to his chest and snarled as he slammed the door in Ian’s face.

“Well.” I said with a grin. “Good morning, Shadowsinger.”

“We should get breakfast before we meet with your father.” He said, eyeing my nightgown. “I’m starving.”

A blush rose to my cheeks. “You know he thinks we slept together, right?” I asked.

“Technically, we did.” He replied as he shrugged on his leathers. “Let him wonder. It’s the least he deserves after what he said to you.”

I shook my head. “Let me get changed and we can get something to eat.”

*****

My father stared at me with a gaze that I wasn’t sure I had ever seen directed at me. Azriel stood to my right, his hands behind his back. He was the picture of cool indifference as my father looked between the two of us.

“I have been made aware that there was an incident last night involving Ian and your friend here.” My father finally spoke.

“Yes, there was.” I admitted.

“What happened?” He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back onto his desk.

“It’s a long story, but Azriel was defending me.” I explained, “he did nothing wrong.”

My father shot me a meaningful look. I had a feeling that we would be discussing this more later on.

“Did Ian hurt you?”

“Not physically, no.” I said. “But his words were intended to hurt, and some of them found their mark.”

My father's eyes softened then as he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. “I’ve missed you.”

I hugged him back, breathing him in for a moment before pulling away. “I’ve missed you, too.”

He then gestured to the table, a silent offer to take a seat. Azriel let me lead the way, a hand on the small of my back.

“Now, what did you want to discuss with me?” I asked, taking my seat.

My father examined Azriel, his mouth pressed into a thin line.

“I’d like for him to stay.” I announced.

“Alright, suit yourselves.” He shook his head, pulling his own chair away from the table.

“I wanted to discuss the recent visit we had from Amarantha.” My father stated.

“What did she want?” I asked, resisting the urge to look at Azriel. I knew it would be pointless, anyway. He hid his thoughts so well that I wasn’t sure I would be able to figure out what he was thinking.

“She said that she wants to open trade between Prythian and Hybern.” He crossed his legs. “She claims that it would be profitable, which is most likely true if she’s being honest about her intentions.”

“That’s all?” I huffed. “No offense, but trade isn’t really worth a cryptic letter and a request for my return.”

“Surely you know who Amarantha is from your studies.” My father pressed. “And surely you, Azriel, remember her from the battle itself.”

“I do.” He said, his voice low.

“The reason I brought you home is because I feel as though she’s up to something. And I wanted to warn you, as someone who now has a place in multiple courts.” He cast another meaningful look towards Azriel.

“What do the other High Lords think?”

“Kallias doesn’t know what to make of it, and I haven’t spoken to the others.”

I tapped my fingers on the oak table, suddenly antsy. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just keep your ear to the ground. I would appreciate updates. She plans to visit the Night Court soon, and I would be interested in any details that you think are relevant.”

“What if there’s nothing to share?” I asked, finally daring to look at Azriel.

“There will be.” He stated.

Azriel nodded, the only confirmation that my father would get from him that he had understood and intended to go along with this plan. As the two of them stood, I felt a pit forming in my stomach.

Amarantha was coming to the Night Court. I knew Velaris was out of the question, and that only left the infamous Court of Nightmares. I let out a shaky breath as Azriel took his place beside me. When I looked up at him, I realized that he had come to the same conclusion that I had.

He squeezed my shoulder in silent reassurance.

I’ll be there. You won’t be alone. His eyes seemed to say.

Without a single doubt, I knew that as long as Azriel was there, everything would be okay.

#acowar #acotar #azriel x reader #azriel x y/n #azriel spymaster #azriel x you #azriel shadowsinger #acomaf

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sunlightbabe · 2 years ago

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PROMPTS: Victoria x Reader x Thomas // “No, anything but that.” // Cryptid Fluff, no warnings

The fire crackles between the three of you, highlighting the shadows on your faces.

“Oh shut up,” Victoria snorts, plucking at a melted, gooey marshmallow that’s threatening to fall off her stick and down to the forest floor beneath her. “There’s no way that’s what happened.”

“I promise!” Thomas says with a laugh, crossing his finger over his heart before raising his hand as if swearing to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in the court of law. “It leapt right out of the woods and in front of my car!”

“Yeah, but the chupacabra?” you ask with an arched eyebrow. “I think they only live in South America, babe.”

Thomas pouts adorably and Victoria snorts again, licking marshmallow off her fingers before moving her stick above the fire once more.

“Alright, okay, don’t believe me. I know the truth and that’s what matters most,” Thomas says as he crosses his arms over his chest. He’s too cute and you can’t help but lean over and kiss his cheek with a loud smacking noise. His nose crinkles up as he teasingly pushes you away from him and out of the corner of your eye, you see Victoria watching you both with a satisfied look.

“Well, if Thomas is done telling lies-”

“Hey!” Thomsa interrupts Victoria, but she continues on.

“-and if nostra belleza can’t do any better than that stupid story with the man with a hook for a hand-”

“It’s a classic!” you defend with an indignant little noise.

“-then that means it’s my turn.”

The campsite falls quiet, save for the crackling of the fire and the distant hoot of an owl and, perhaps, the sound of the lake lapping at the shore just a couple yards away from you all. Victoria gives you both a challenging look, one eyebrow arches, elbows resting on her knees as she leans forward as if she’s about to tell you both a grand and terrible secret. Against your better judgement, you lean in closer. Thomas does the same.

Victoria’s marshmallow is forgotten about and you can see it catch fire out of the corner of your eye.

“Have either of you heard about... the Lariosauro?”

Thomas snorts. “You’re joking. This is your great story? No, anything but that.”

“Oh hush, Mister Chupacabra over there,” Victoria is quick to retort.

Your brows furrow as you try and place the name. You didn’t grow up in Italy with your two partners, so you’re not as familiar with this story as they both evidently are. “Lariosauro? What’s that?”

Thomas groans beside you and Victoria gives him a glare before turning towards you, face softening significantly. “It’s something that lives here, right in Lake Como.” Immediately, you think of the Loch Ness monster out in Scotland.

Victoria’s voice gets a little deeper as she leans closer to you. You find yourself mimicking her, leaning even closer, and even though you can feel Thomas practically rolling his eyes beside you, he does the same.

“The first sighting was nearly 100 years ago. A fisherman was out on the lake, early in the morning, when the surface of the water was covered by fog. The fish bite better just before the sun rises, you see, so at first, he didn’t think anything of the ripples in the water. But the water kept shifting and his tiny boat started to rock in the waves. It knocked his fishing pole out of his hand and into the water, and just as he leant over the edge of the boat, he saw it. The Lariosauro. A pair of giant, piercing yellow eyes staring up at him from under the water. The fisherman was paralyzed as he watched the eyes get larger.. and larger... and he realized that it was swimming up from the bottom of the lake, getting closer and closer until-”

Another owl hoots in the distance and you startle where you sit, heart skyrocketing in your chest. Thomas leans a little closer to you, his hand reaching for yours.

“There was a couple on the shore going for a walk, you see. They wanted to see the sunset. Instead, they watched as the fisherman and his boat was gobbled up in one quick movement. The Lariosauro breached the water for just a moment and when it sunk back beneath the lake, there was nothing left.”

Victoria is just trying to freak you out. You know this. And yet you can still hear the lake lapping against the rocky shore. The three of you had gone swimming earlier in the day, pushing and pulling at each other until you all stumbled into the water, barely dressed and with grins on your faces. The lake is deep- Thomas and Victoria had told you that. One of the deepest in all of Europe. It wouldn’t be so strange for something to live down there, you reason. It would be easy to stay hidden among the muck and the seaweed.

“Every couple of decades, people claim that they see it again. A large fin cresting through the water. A large tail splashing against the lake, something large and dark passing beneath a boat. People even say that on nights like this, warm and quiet, you can hear it crawl out of the lake and lay itself out on the beach.... waiting for its next meal to stumble upon it.”

The night is quiet. You can hear your heart hammering nervously in your chest-

From the lake you hear a splash, loud and clear.

You scream and jump in your seat. Thomas screams, reaching out and pulling you closer. Even Victoria is startled, eyes wide, shifting closer to you as her head whips to face the sound.

There’s no movement and it’s dark enough for none of you to see anything between the spare covering of trees that separate you and the lake.

“... I think maybe we should call it a night?” Thomas suggests, voice a little higher pitched than usual. Victoria nods and when she turns back to you both, you can see that she’s trying to appear braver than she is- but there’s a slightly tremble to her lip, and her eyes keep darting to the surrounding forest.

“So I win, right?” she asks with a nervous laugh. You smile and reach a hand out for her, interlacing your fingers and giving her hand a squeeze.

“You win,” you agree as the three of you quickly get to your feet. Thomas starts to put out the fire as you pull Victoria closer to you. Her attention lingers on the lake behind you until you place your free hand on her cheek, forcing her to look at you.

“It’s just a story, yeah?” you offer quietly. Victoria nods- perhaps a little too quick- and leans in to kiss you, soft and gentle.

“Just a story,” she agrees. A moment passes and then she continues, “but I think we should make Thomas sleep closest to the tent entrance tonight.”

Thomas splutters and as he wraps his arms around the two of you, herding you both to the tent, it’s enough to make you forget about the coincidence that was Victoria’s story and the noises coming from the lake.

Well... almost enough. Just as you pull at the zipper, just as Victoria and Thomas are quietly bickering about who is going to sleep in the middle of the cuddle puddle tonight, you hear another splash and a deep thud.

Almost as if something had flopped onto the shore.

TAG LIST; @maneskin-dimensione

#writing tag #victoria de angelis x reader #thomas raggi x reader #victoria de angelis x reader x thomas raggi #october prompt bonanza

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sunfish-studies · 3 years ago

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Cogs

✄・・・ Feathery Ink [Karasuno Manager Series]

➜ Pairing: Karasuno x Manager! Reader

➜ Warning: none

➜ Notes: This is a separate series from Crisp Leaves. Similar to Crisp Leaves, manager in this story will be portrayed as a girl. She will be tall. This is just my appreciation towards tall girls, you guys are amazing.

Previous: ‹ VS Umbrella › | Next: ‹ Celebration ›

↷ SUMMARY ↶

Last day of summer training camp is here!

For the first time, you’re kind of reluctant rising from the warm and comfortable futon you slept on. However, once you’re mind began to work and realizing yourself that you’re still in the training camp, you jolted awake almost instantly–removing the blanket and began tidying up.

Gathering your facewash and toothbrush to freshen up, you found yourself yawning in between–it’s not just you fortunately, because Yachi did the same.

“I’m sure you’re pretty tired, Hitoka-chan, [Name]-chan,” Shimizu giggled at both of you. “Are you two okay?”

“Yes! We’re sorry!” Yachi was quick to apologize for the both of you.

“Today’s the last day, so let’s do our best.”

“Right!” this time, you’re the one who answered her.

Yachi said she was going on ahead, and that left you still tidying up–you’re thinking of just packed everything because in the evening, you’re already be on your way back to Miyagi. That and Takeda-sensei informed the managers about something so you would have no time to pack freely. After you finished everything, you finally could freshen up and start the day.

Descending downstairs towards the women’s bathroom, you bumped into Kageyama who went to fetch on something he left behind.

“Oh, Kageyama-kun, morning.” You greeted.

“Morning, [Name]-san.” He replied with a nod.

“You seemed energetic, weren’t you practicing with Hitoka-chan the night before?”

“Oh, about that,” you could see the excitement glittering from his eyes, he definitely had good news to present because for the past few days the boy was frustrated. “The tosses finally worked. Coach Ukai gave me some directions and it worked.”

“Really? That’s great!” the excitement was infectious, alright. You knew Kageyama had been working extremely hard to make it successful and after days of failure, he finally nailed it–you were incredibly happy for him. “I can’t wait to see it!”

“If that dumbass could keep up that is,” the raven-haired boy them grumbled underneath his breath.

“Don’t worry, Shoyo-kun changed,” you assured him. “Him, you, and the whole team too. Even Tsukishima-kun. That’s why I can’t wait to see this new Karasuno and the new quick.”

“We will make that quick happen,” Kageyama stated without hesitation. “Because we want to go to the nationals.”

You smiled at him. “I have no doubt.”

“Uhm, not to be offensive, but,” you found your shoulders shook violently from you tried your best to withstand the urge to burst out laughing and rolling on the floor–it practically costed you your whole will to hold it. “Why are you drooling, Kageyama-kun?”

Yachi watched from the sidelines–you approached Kageyama to gave him his water bottle and from whatever you’re talking about with him, he seemed to be extremely embarrassed. Then the raved-haired boy proceeded to lean closer and whispered something beside your ear–which made Yachi squeaked.

“[Name]-chan and Kageyama-kun is quite close these days, right?” Shimizu suddenly said.

“Yes,” Yachi answered almost immediately. “[Name]-chan said Kageyama-kun asked for her advices and Kageyama-kun usually walked her home after club when it’s too dark.”

“Do you think something else happened between them?” Yachi couldn’t help but feeling fire engulfed her face instantly from Shimizu’s (not-serious) speculation.

“WHA-NO-HEEE!?”

“I’m just kidding, Hitoka-chan!” still, Shimizu pretty much enjoyed the extremely flustered girl’s reaction. “Oh, [Name]-chan, what did you talk about with Kageyama-kun?”

After distributing half of the water bottles, you jogged back to where Yachi and Shimizu stood. You tilted your head before snickering underneath your breath and answered. “He asked something about barbeque this afternoon.”

“How did he know!?” Yachi yelped because mainly the info was shared only between the coaches, who arranged the whole thing, and the managers, who’s in charge to prepare all the ingredients.

“Sawamura probably accidently eavesdropping the coach,” Shimizu pointed out, smiling. “By the way, Hitoka-chan shouldn’t you give the other half away?”

“I-I’M SORRY!!”

Final match for Karasuno was against Fukurodani–even from all the losses, the boys were still in high-spirits thanks to Sawamura’s short speech. You knew they wouldn’t be disappointed even though they loss so many matches because now they earned several new weapons for the preliminaries.

Through the match, you understood how Fukurodani is called a powerhouse–the players are skilled and knew the opportunities to score even when their receives a bit off. That and Akaashi truly lived up to his name as a setter in the line-up. Also, Bokuto’s insane angle of spikes were sights to see every time.

“That’s an insane cut shot,” Sugawara commented which made Yachi looked at him questioningly, thankfully Shimizu was ready with an explanation.

“Hitting at a sharp angle against three blockers is really tricky. It can be hard on your shoulders if they’re not flexible, too.”

“[Name]-chan, [Name]-chan! Did you see that!? Did you see my awesome cut shot!?” Bokuto called out way from the other side of the court, looking at you expectantly after he pulled-off the move. You glanced towards Sawamura in search of his approval to reply to the excited owl-captain, to which he nodded.

“I saw it!” You replied with a smile. “It’s amazing, Bokuto-san! Do you think you could hit like that again?”

“ANYTHING FOR [NAME]-CHAN!!”

You almost laughed at Akaashi’s look of disapproval, both at you and the owl captain and clearly sent the ‘don’t encourage him’ message to you indirectly. Surely, today’s match was filled with many surprises–Hinata’s feint attack, Kageyama’s unexpected dump, and even the one you’ve been waiting for; Hinata and Kageyama’s new quick. Both you and Yachi instantly screamed in pure glee–hugging each other in excitement.

“You did it! You did it!” Yachi even cheered and jumping. “Nice kill, Hinata! Kageyama-kun!”

“Nice toss, Kageyama-kun! Nice kill, Shoyo-kun! You two are amazing!” You added, grinning widely–the two have been practicing hard for three weeks, and those three weeks of cold-shoulder towards each other too. It was putting quite a strain but now, the two were finally back in action.

The two thrusted their fists to you and Yachi in reply–you two were probably the happiest ever currently.

And the excitement only lasts for a few minutes because they nailed it one time, but not so for another. Probably just luck, still it’s happiness though–they needed to practice more, however it wouldn’t be a problem for the two.

This also could be count as Karasuno’s lucky day–Nishinoya and Azumane’s back attack pulled off perfectly although it’s still out. The libero, of course, was very much frustrated. The synchro-attack worked and you swore Tanaka was crying out of happiness and relief because he could score comfortably.

“Tanaka-san, nice kill!” you cheered, which made him perked up and then laughing in victory.

“Thanks, [Name]-chan!”

From all the matches you’ve watched, Karasuno clearly made a difference in this one–they’re in their top shape. When the score reached 18 for either team, a technical timeout was commenced. Both you and Yachi immediately worked on distributing water bottles and towels.

“Good work, Tanaka-san, Nishinoya-san!” you said, handing them their water bottles.

“Ryu!” Nishinoya suddenly gripped his chest tightly. “Our manager just praises us!”

“I’m feeling blessed, Noya-san!” Tanaka replied, mimicking the libero–and here you thought the heat maybe started getting into them. You panicked for absolutely no reason and then decided to excuse yourself.

“Good work today, Tsukishima-kun,” Tsukishima nodded and muttered a thank you in reply, taking the water bottle from your hand.

“…Is there a way to make your finger stays in place while doing one-touch?” now you’re surprised because he made an attempt to ask first, however you didn’t let it show because you knew how it would piss him off.

“You could tape it to made it stiff enough to receive one-touch,” you suggested in the end. The taller boy hummed in reply before giving you the water bottle back so he could return to the match.

The next match wasn’t going well–for the other team that is. You noticed how Bokuto seemed to be agitated and rash with his moves–he almost hit his teammate with his serve, demanding tosses from Akaashi, and finally, third time’s the charm, when he failed scoring from hitting the net instead. Another score for Karasuno, who managed to turn the match to their favor for the leading score of 20.

“W-was that a block?” Yachi questioned.

“No…” Shimizu replied, rather taken aback by the event. “It didn’t seem to make it over the net, so it was spike miss,”

“Bokuto-san, I mean #4’s movement is also unnatural,” you commented, making the two managers turned to look at you. “He’s been rushing things and has been on the edge ever since the time-out.”

“Now that you’re talking about it…” Shimizu nodded in agreement.

“Akaashi, don’t toss to me anymore!” Bokuto exclaimed, which sounded extremely out of place in the middle of a volley match. Sure, it not only confuses you but your whole team even Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei.

“Do you know about this, [Name]-chan?” Yachi asked and you shook your head immediately.

“No, this is the first time I’ve seen Bokuto-san acts like that,” you answered. “And it looks like the team’s already used to this.”

True to your words, the team played like usual as if nothing happened–Bokuto only stared and follow the ball dazedly while the other working to attack and defend. What’s more amazing, with the lack of Bokuto’s participating they’re just as strong–something you would expect from a powerhouse school.

It caught your team off guard for a bit, however on the other hand, Tsukishima also wasn’t fazed a bit–could be seen from how he managed to shut out an incoming spike from #7. If Karasuno scored another, it would be deuce and a chance to turn the tables.

“Nice block, Tsukishima-kun!” you exclaimed, earning a glance and nod from the said boy.

When Asahi went for a usual serve rather than jump-serve, you understood he didn’t want to mess up their chance at winning. Fukurodani’s libero received in cleanly and Akaashi immediately went for a high-toss. Noticing how Tsukishima rushed towards the left, you knew your team lowered their guard.

“The left! Don’t let it open!” you yelled almost instinctively. Yachi’s soul jumped out of her body from your sudden loud voice, even Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei was taken aback for a few seconds. Bokuto blew the blocker away because they’re only 1.5 block, it’s not even enough to had a one-touch. He killed it with a straight shot down the court and Fukurodani won with two points leading.

Disappointment flared in your team–from the ones on the court, the ones watching from the sidelines, even Takeda-sensei. Coach Ukai could only sigh, Shimizu resumed with her notes, and Yachi felt her shoulders slumped. You smiled bitterly at the turn out events.

“Whoo! Ace!”

“You’re so cool!”

“Nothing beats the ace in the end!”

Fukurodani’s team members started throwing compliments and it made you blinked in confusion–moreover, Kaori and Yukie even jumped in to join.

“Birds of prey!”

“Your hair’s like a great-horned owl!”

Was that supposed to be a compliment…?

“Otohaku-san…!” the call was in a form of a hissed whisper and unexpectedly came from Akaashi himself. The message he sent to you was clear, ‘please, help us this time’–you replied indirectly with pointing to yourself with a look of disbelief present on your face.

‘Me!? What should I say!?’

‘Anything. Just praise him.’

Probably taking a bit pity for the setter, Sawamura nodded to your direction and gave you a smile of reassurance. You wanted to cry from how compassionate he’s being–bless his beautiful soul. That and the look of doneness and a little pleading from Fukurodani’s team was extremely hard to reject.

“Y-You’re amazing! Nothing less from top ace of Japan!” You wanted to slap yourself from the poor excuse of praise. Thankfully it seemed to work magic because Bokuto was instantly revived back to his cheerful and boisterous persona.

“I’m the best afterall!!” he cheered, laughing in victory. “Hey, hey, hey!”

Meanwhile, Akaashi took his sweet time to get off the court to fetch his drink and towel. Although, he did give you slight a bow of gratefulness. In the end, it’s losses all the way for Karasuno, however they acquired several weapons to fight on the national court–it’s not overall a loss because they also gained something new in exchange.

“[Name]-chan! I’m the best, right!?”

“You sure are, Bokuto-san.”

“Stop bothering Otohaku-san, Bokuto-san.”

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