#i wish i drew open mouthed expressions more often so i could accentuate them more...... alas

[alexchooch]

hi! love your ezreal artwork. would you consider drawing him with his buckteeth like in the official video? wondering how you think about them!

hellohello! i think ezreal's buckteeth r super cute hahaha, i used to have buckteeth when i was younger and i find them quite endearing.. also makes him very bunny.

[entishramblings]

What Haunts Your Heart [Legolas X Reader]

A.N: helllllo! So first off, WOW thank you for 900 followers!! I can’t believe it enough of you think I’m this interesting to follow hehe. AnYwAyS....here is yet another Legolas one-shot because, as we all know, I’m obsessed with him

Request: @guardianofrivendell - Hi! Can I ask for a Legolas oneshot? I really love your writing and I want to see how you would write this. So you're having nightmares, and Legolas notices. One night he has enough and tries to cuddle you and surprisingly it works. So from then on he does this every night without you knowing he does it. Then one night you wake up before him and tadaaaa... Chaos. Can be romantic (please?) with a bit of angst?

Pairing: Legolas X Reader

Summary: (Y/N) is a member of the fellowship and begins to have nightmares. Legolas notices and is very worried.

Word Count: 2,839

Warnings: fluff, lil bit of angst

(gif not mine)

MASTERLIST

A gentle chilling breeze blew upon the sleeping fellowship, dancing among their unconscious forms. It was quiet and calm—for the most part that is. Legolas was the only one not in a deep slumber. He laid on his back next to (Y/N) for the third night in a row, deep in his thoughts.

Concern began to pool in his mind as the sound of tiny whimpers met his elvish ears, not noticeable to any other. That was the only downside to heightened hearing he supposed—being able to capture the small whispers and cries of those suffering when no one else could. It was saddening; more so, almost always he could not do anything to help....especially now. Though, tonight the sound did not come from a distance village or a nearing war, it came from the woman beside him.

(Y/N) was a strong minded and smart individual; she brought much to the fellowship—skills of healing, fighting, planning. She was strategic and her expertise was valued greatly, despite her intimidating nature. All of these characteristics seemed to make her appear so tough and unconquerable; anything thrown at her she would throw right back. (Y/N) was a woman of war; she could hold her own, that was for sure. So, seeing her haunted in her sleep was....strange for the elf. Legolas knew she had seen many horrors, as he had, but what was so gruesome and troubling that it crept its way into her darkest dreams?

Another small whimper escaped (Y/N)’s throat.

She was on her side facing Legolas, which gave him a clear view. He watched as her expression distorted into one of pain and worry. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pulled tight. She began to squirm in her sleep, rotating so her back was towards the elf. Yet he still saw the woman’s small fist clench the fabric of the blanket draped around her.

A third cry flushed from her mouth.

Legolas couldn’t take it anymore. The sounds were so heartbreaking. They pulled harsh aches of agony from his chest, tormenting him with sadness. He couldn’t bear to see her like this any longer. Three nights he had witnessed this, and three night he had done nothing.

The blonde elf scooted closer to her until his chest was pressed against her back. He used his arm to prop himself up in order to see her face. Ever so gently, he brushed away the hairs that had come loose from her braid, revealing her tear stained cheeks.

��Oh, (Y/N).” He whispered sadly.

Legolas wiped the moisture away softly and spoke once more, “I wish I could take away what haunts your heart.”

He begun to smooth her hair and caress her cheek. The tender sensation seemed to calm her unconscious form for the tears stopped falling and her lips ceased quivering.

The elf could not help but stare fondly as he continued the light action. He began to trace the shadows that were created upon her skin. The moonlight accentuated them clearly, showing the sharp curve of her jaw and gentle bends of her features. When (Y/N) wasn’t dreaming of horrors, scowling at maps, or beheading orcs, her expression was calm and tranquil. She was quite beautiful, indeed.

Legolas forced his eyes to pull away and he quietly laid down, curling his body around her. As his warmth radiated into her being she begun to relax against him. A quiet sigh escaped her mouth and she stopped the shaking that previous racked her body; instead, she seemed to push into him further. Legolas smiled at her unconscious action. It was sweet and adorable, really. He draped one of his muscular arms over her waist and pulled her closer—if that was even possible. He buried his head into the softness of her hair and inhaled the lavender and forestry scent that lingered among it. He allowed the sound of her heartbeat and gentle breaths to take the place of the anxieties lingering in his thoughts. Being so close to (Y/N) not only calmed her, but it initiated a peace within Legolas as well. He desperately tried to hide it, but he had craved this closeness with her; he had craved this comfort. Legolas had never met a women so unusual—in a good way that is. (Y/N) cared not for dresses and trinkets. She preferred the outdoors to the safeness of stone walls. She was interested in skills beyond those of a stereotypical maiden. And Legolas adored this.

Slowly, his mind drifted to sleep as he blocked the nightmares from her mind, like a shield would to arrows.

......

Legolas woke the next morning to the light smell of charcoal and burning wood. It was comforting for it reminded him of the warm fires the elves would have in Mirkwood—especially during the winter season. But that comfort instantly turned into panic. His blue orbs flung open and his heart raced.

Oh how he hoped no one had seen the....compromising....position him and (Y/N) were in.

Of course, cuddling wasn’t considered compromising in the most basic definition, but it was reserved to those who were courting or wed—and Legolas and (Y/N) were neither of those. Yet, their bodies were molded together and their position held still all night.

The blonde elf sat up quickly to meet the grey eyes of the Ranger. 

Aragorn looked at him with raised eyebrows, “Are you alright, Mellon Nin (my friend)?”

Legolas’s brows furrowed and he tilted his head slightly before releasing a deep exhale. Maybe the Ranger would not comment on the previous closeness of the two? He focused back on his friend but the look on Aragorn’s face did not falter.

The Elven Prince cleared his throat, “Yes, yes I am alright. I was just—just—“

Aragorn interrupted him, “Cuddling with (Y/N)?”

“Yes—I mean no.....I mean......Aragorn.....” he trailed off.

A smile ghosted across the Ranger’s face as he turned back to tending to the small flames.

Legolas sighed and stood up. He trudged towards his friend and plopped down on a dark textured log next to him.

“She has been having nightmares,” Legolas stated simply.

Aragorn glanced at the elf out of the coroner of his eye. “(Y/N)?” He questioned in surprise.

Legolas nodded, “She never wakes but she suffers greatly. I can see it.”

The Ranger stared into the coals that he was poking. This new information worried him for he had known (Y/N) for a long time—even trained her—and this was something new and out of character. “Do you know of what she dreams?”

Legolas shook his head and glanced down at his hands, “I always thought her so strong. I know not what haunts her.”

A long stretch of silence passed between them before the Ranger spoke once more, a teasing tone upon his voice, “So naturally, you had to cuddle her.”

Legolas sent him a glare, “Well no—I just—I—it...it was the only way to stop her cries.”

Aragorn sighed, the smirk that had previously plastered across his face faded into a serious expression. He dropped the stick and turned his full attention towards Legolas. “Don’t think that it has escaped me, Mellon Nin (my friend).”

The elf frowned, “What do you mean?”

The dark haired man shrugged, “The way you look at her.”

Legolas was clearly takin aback by this comment for he stiffened and drew his eyes away.

A light chuckle left the Ranger’s lips. “You forget I was raised by your kin. I recognize those elvish looks of longing.”

Legolas felt a deep blush creep up his neck and into the tips of his pointed ear. He didn’t know what to say—what could he even try to say? Aragorn had figured him out. But luck seemed to be on his side for the waking groans of Gimli halted their conversation.

.......

The past week had been difficult. The fellowship had trudged through rugged terrain and rough rocky tundra. It was taxing on them all, even the elf. In order for his companions to get the rest they needed, Legolas had offered to take nights watch more often when they were exposed with no cover. He still kept a careful eye on (Y/N) though. When he was not cuddling her he could see the dark dreams take hold. Her brows would scrunch together and the soft cries would return. Therefore, as soon as his watch was over he would wake the next and then nestle his body against the young woman’s. And soon enough, the soft whimpers and heartbreaking cries would end and the shaking and rustling would cease. No longer were her dreams filled with agony and fear.

For some reason, the thought of (Y/N) discovering Legolas’s nightly cuddles never crossed his mind.....not until it actually happened, that is.

It was sometime past midnight when (Y/N) unexpectedly woke up. The reason—she knew not. But she was surprised to feel so.....so warm. The nights had been getting colder as they moved north and the chill did not escape her every morning. So, the puzzlement of the additional heat flooded her foggy thoughts. (Y/N)’s tired brain began to process her surroundings further. She became aware of the extra weight wrapped around her waist—then the smell of pine and honey, then the gentle breaths near her neck. However, it wasn’t until the sound of a content sigh and the motion of being pulled closer into a firm mass, that she realized she was indeed curled against someone.

Alarm instantly fueled her body. (Y/N) immediately launched herself into a sitting position and turned to see just who had been cuddling her. Her wild eyes were met with the sight of a groggy elf who was entirely confused by the sudden movement. (Y/N) watched as Legolas propped himself up on his elbow and peeled his lids open. He slowly looked at the empty spot next to him, then feeling a gaze on his form, turned to look at (Y/N).

“(Y/N)?” He questioned in a disoriented daze, his voice deep and slightly raspy.

She didn’t answer she just stared at him, breathing heavily from the adrenaline.

Legolas casually rubbed his eyes with one hand before speaking again in a heavy whisper, “What is it?”

“Legolas?!” She hissed. Her voice was full of exasperated shock, annoyance, and anger. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

His brows pulled together as he looked at her in surprise, the curse in her sentence heightening his attention slightly.

(Y/N) clarified the question in irritation when he did not respond, “Why were you spooning me?!”

“I...was just...I mean I....”

The young women rolled her eyes before reaching outwards. A loud smack echoed amongst the emptiness of the night—drawing the attention of the uncrowned king on watch.

“LEGOLAS!” She whisper-yelled, “Wake up!”

The elf was cupping his cheek and his expression was filled with bewilderment—lips parted, eyes wide.

Cruel? Maybe, but it worked.

“Why were you cuddling me?” She repeated once more.

“You...you have been having nightmares. Crying in your sleep. This has been the only way to—“

She jabbed a finger at him, “Stop. Just stop.” She glared at him, “I have not been having nightmares.”

Legolas frowned, “Yes, you have.”

(Y/N) narrowed her eyes and stood up, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” She crossed her arms. “I. Don’t. Get. Nightmares.”

The elf sighed, “(Y/N)...”

But she turned on her heal and stomped off.

Legolas let out yet another exasperated sigh. Did she think that he thought less of her for her nightmares? Why is she refusing to admit to them?

“Go after her,” the voice of Aragorn stated plainly.

Legolas snapped his head upwards to look at his friend. He was unaware that Aragorn had been watching and now embarrassment filled his soul. Had Aragorn really witnessed all of that? Even the slap?

The elf pushed those thoughts from his mind for he had more important this to worry about —(Y/N). He grabbed his two long-knives and went after the young woman.

......

Legolas made his way through the large rocks and jagged territory until he found her perched on a particularly large bolder, overlooking the land. He sat down next to her and held out one of the silver weapons.

“It is unwise to go off in your own unarmed.”

(Y/N) pulled her knees to her chest, ignoring him.

The Elven Prince sighed. He gently placed the one knife next to her and let his hands play with the second one. His gaze wandered across the horizon as the two sat in frustrated silence. The sun was just beginning to rise, the assortment of brilliant colors not yet bleeding among the stars. If it wasn’t for the tension between them, the elf would have felt at peace—which was rare during these dark times.

It was a while before anyone spoke.

“(Y/N), please do not lie to me,” Legolas stated gently. “I know dreams have been tormenting you and I do not think any less of you because of it. Tell me what bothers you so.”

A long pause stretched between them before (Y/N) released a shaky breath. Her eyes did not move from the landscape before them. “I have seen life leave so many—brutal, bloody deaths. Strider and I have travelled far across Arda, yet it is all the same—death. And now? Now that the ring has been found, is there to be any hope? I cannot watch another I care for die. Not again.”

Legolas glanced down at the knife in his hand, “At night they come to you, don’t they? You see their faces? That is what haunts your heart?”

(Y/N) slowly drew her gaze towards the elf. “They come for you too?” She whispered quietly.

Legolas looked at her softly, “They used to, many ages ago.”

Trying not to show her desperation she spoke again, “How did you make it stop?”

Legolas cleared his throat and took a moment to collect his thoughts. “I focused on what I could—the happiness in the present. Anchor your heart on what is in front of you—your friends. Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir, Gimli, the hobbits....me. We are all bonded by this fellowship. Take comfort in it.”

The elf scooted closer to her and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her her ear. His touch lingered on her cheek and jaw. “Do not push your friends from you.”

(Y/N) lowered her gaze as a light blush crept up to her cheeks at the elf’s gentle trace.

“(Y/N),” he whispered. Yet she would not meet his eye. Legolas cautious tucked two fingers under her chin and forced her to look at him. “It hurts my heart to see you in such pain. Why did you not come to me about this?”

She hesitated, “I did not want any of you see me as weak—especially as the only woman here.”

Legolas shook his head, “I do not. You are a warrior and this is something all warriors have to bare.”

(Y/N) nodded slightly and turned her head towards the sunrise. The two watched in silence as orange and pinks stretched across the sky, waking up the earth. It was a beautiful sight really. The soft noises of nature reached their ears, and as (Y/N) listened to the songs of the birds she allowed her mind to drift into thought. The elf’s words did indeed bring her some comfort and, quite frankly, she felt stupid for thinking the others would not understand. They were all warriors, were they not? Except the hobbits that is. They have seen the horrors of war and surely they would be reminded of it daily for it was not something one could easily forget. Though one question, slight unrelated, lingered in her mind.

She glanced at the elf beside her, “Legolas? What did you mean when you said it hurts your heart to see my pain?”

He glanced at his feet which were dangling over the edge of the rock before answering, “Do you not know?”

Her brows pulled together in confusion, clearly not understanding.

Legolas hesitantly leaned in. When (Y/N) did not back away, he gently pressed his lips against hers. Slowly, she responded, moving her mouth with his. The Elven Prince’s hand weaved its way into her locks of hair, feeling the silky strands as if they were ripples in a running river. (Y/N) then cupped his cheek with one hand, and used the other to trail up his muscular chest. The two pulled closer, desperate for the comforting touch of the other. The kiss was tender, soft, and wet. It was something they held onto tightly. It was the consolation from the horrors of the world, and they had found that safety in each other. Eventually, they pulled away, but reluctant to lose the other’s warmth they resting their foreheads together. The blonde elf softly caressed her cheek while they absorbed the comfort of the moment.

“Legolas?” (Y/N) whispered.

“Hmm?”

“I’m sorry for slapping you.”

A light chuckle bellowed from the elf’s chest and his lips curved into a smile. “To be fair, I somewhat deserved it.”

[bunny-wk-fanfic]

This Is Brought To You By

The door opened to a rustic cabin, the natural wood glowing amber thanks to a roaring fire. Worn dark leather seating seemed hazy thanks to said fire light, each piled with plush pillows and draped with cozy throws or blankets. A low table had been laid out with candles, a bottle of wine was being kept chilled in a classy and slightly modern ice bucket with two glasses just off to the side. The only splash of color amongst the glow of the fire, the natural wood and stone textures were a small handful of red roses, loose petals just lightly scattered about. With the help of the slow jazz playing softly in the background, it made for a very romantic atmosphere.

"Well, hello there." the male voice was a slightly low purring drawl, drawing attention to the male figure sprawled across an almost stereotypical bear rug. "Deadpool here. Hopefully, while reading this, you're hearing the voice of a certain sexy male Canadian. I'm sure you know the one. And I don't mean the short, hairy one with anger issues and kitty claws and a fondness for cigars. Unless of course said angry man is being represented by a beautiful, beautiful wild Australian man. Because if then, well, lather me in hot sauce and spank my Chimichanga. But I'm getting off track here."

Fingers drummed against a knee, drawing the attention to the missing and familiar red and black outfit, and more importantly, to the lack of proper attire.

"Yes, my current outfit has to do with the reason we are here today. It's come to my attention, that it's been some time since we last met, or that our beloved writer has written anything involving our favorite woman. And more importantly, our favorite woman when involved with me." a single white rose was plucked from behind, waved about as if a magic wand, and dragged across a scarcely clad male thigh that was pocked with fresh wounds that were instantly scaring. "As such, I decided to… encourage our beloved writer into bringing us all together once again."

With a dramatic wave of limbs, he moved from reclining on his side, that screamed 'Paint my like your French women', to leaning back on his elbows. The pale pink satin nighty, the atmosphere, and the pose would have been more than alluring were the one in said pose a woman. With the male, the nighty was rather comically stretched across his frame, though covering everything important, the sheer robe with fluffy cuffs only adding to the oddity of the entire situation. It clashed with the fact that he still wore his iconic red and black full head cowl.

"Now, our lovely writer might say otherwise about my encouragement, calling it nagging, whining or say I simply began to annoy her until she finally relented. Ignore those words and continue to read mine with the amazing drawl of a voice provided by the Canadian sex symbol; my pal, my bosom buddy, Ryan Reynolds." the white rose bobbed to the beat of the low music, tapping against a hip every so often.

"Now, back unto the reason why we're here. Honestly? I was lonely and wanted some cuddles with my lovely, lovely Kagome." noticing that it was just the male lounging in the open living space, he was quick to wave a hand. "Don't worry, don't worry! My girl is currently enjoying a much-needed hot bubble bath. One, I wish I was taking part of, but felt this little conversation was, at the time, more prudent. How could I feel that? Simple. I had the desire that everyone read this in Reynolds voice, nothing more and nothing less. Though if we are asking for more, and I know what you all want, I on the other hand, wouldn't mind lathering my girl in rich and real Canadian maple syrup and eating my midnight pancake snacks off of her, but maybe later. So while Kagome is taking this time to prepare for a very adventurous night right here on this vegan friendly-faux-bear fur rug, I'll fill that time with hanging out with you lovely little readers. Because without you, though more so my unannounced arrival and delayed departure, we wouldn't be here right now."

Happy humming could now be heard from behind a closed door just off to the side, the male giving a little jiggle in his spot in excitement. The rose momentarily used to fan himself, though just how useful it was as such, needed to be questioned at a later time.

"Now I'm sure there are a few things you all wish to talk about; my last movie with the fridge trope, which I myself can only say thanks to the writers for that one. Thanks guys, I've always wanted more trauma and torture to sprinkled in my life." a finger was wagged, tongue tisking against his teeth, though the sound was slightly muffled due to his mask.

"Or when my next film will come out, and if so, will it be part of the Marvel Universe. This is where you show your true love and devotion. I ask you, lovely readers, to go out and use the internet, haul out the trolls if need be, and ask, beg, and cry for me to be part of Marvel. Not that I want to, not really, it's just principle. What with their large budgets, CGI teams, writers, directors and a full cast. Honestly, a whole school of mutants gone save for three at a single extended time? For what purpose, 'cause I doubt they all went on some sort of field trip or vacation, but what do I know, I failed out of 5th grade. But, not really." his head tipped to the side, possibly staring in the direction of where the bathroom was, it was hard to tell with his face actually covered to know for sure.

"I mean, who wants to be part of that depressing team? All that self-sacrificing for the greater good?" he gave a few bobs of the rose in his hand as his head tipped back, almost as if in contemplation. "Though let's be honest, we all know I would survive an alien with a California Raisin on steroids for a chin, snapping their fingers. And then I'd introduce said alien to my Desert Eagles Mark XIX while recruiting Ant-Man to tickle where the sun never shines before becoming… Anti-Ant-Man? I honestly don't know what to call him in his Ultraman form, wait, does that make him a magical-boy or a science-boy? Right, Ant-Man shrinking to tickle where sun don't shine for hurting my favorite Web-Head super bro." the rose now tapped where his mouth was, though again, it was hidden by his mask. "And it would be super hot to watch Kagome kick his ass. I wonder what she would wear… Something skin tight? Revealing? Her old school uniform?"

A door opening, even though quiet, drowned out his muttering, the candles flickered as steam billowed out of the bathroom before quickly dissipating the further it billowed into the open space. "Are you talking to White and Yellow again?" a female figure left the dark bathroom, her form covered with a short semi sheer dark pink bathrobe of her own. Her hands were raised just enough to free her hair from beneath the robe, though she paused when she really took a look at the sprawled out male. "...I thought that was supposed to be a gift for me?"

Snickering, he trailed the rose down from his mouth, his neck, down his chest stopping just above his stomach. "Don't you think I look sexy in this?" it was always so amusing to tease and rile her when he wore risqué outfits, namely hers.

Finishing in freeing her hair, she eyed his form. Yes, his skin was pocked and disfigured from him constantly getting open sores and his abilities nearly immediately healing them. But beyond that, his form was all carved muscle, no doubt from years of being a mercenary. While yes, he was larger with the shoulders strong, he had a slight swimmer's build. It didn't lack-

"Ah, sorry for the intermission. Our writer took a few days to… deal with life I guess. How boring." shoulders shrugged, waving off the confused expression from his fairer companion. "Of course, it would happen when describing my awesome and amazingly sexy self." an actual pout could be seen through his mask.

"I will admit, you are sexy." the purring drawl from Kagome drew his attention again, her words and tone revealing she either decided she was going to ignore him going off tangent or just that she was used to it at this point, body freezing when her hands began with removing the sash that kept her own coverings secure. "I'm just not sure that shade of pink is quite your color. Maybe you should stick to your usual colors?"

The moment, the robe dropped and pooled around her feet, revealed a feminine figure dripping in curves with subtle musculature that showed she kept up with her own training, he froze. She wore a set of red and black satin and lace that covered pale skin. It covered a little more than what most would normally deem sexy lingerie, with slightly wider straps, but they accentuated her curves, drawing attention to them. And the thin ribbons that accompanied and mimicked, as well as help the lace that helped cover stiffening peeks, made her look more like a present just waiting to be unwrapped.

"Well, what do you think of my gift to you?" legs crossed slightly as hands once again rose to lift her hair to both reveal her neck and shoulders as well as lift her chest, she stood posed before him, basking in the golden glow of the fireplace behind him.

The white rose that had been resting near his hip instantly perked up, a white petal flying off at the somewhat harsh and sudden movement. Despite it being a mask, the white 'eyes' widened as the mask shifted to show that his jaw dropped.

"I'll take your silence as a, 'I likey'?" she giggled as she dropped her hands, they followed the curves of her body, no doubt drawing his gaze from behind the mask to follow with. Slowly, with a slight predator grace, she lowered to her knees and began to crawl up his form, leaving a trail of kisses behind her that glittered from both the fire light as well as her own abilities to help heal him.

Tossing the rose without a care, he reached forward to trace her curves for himself, not stopping as her own hands reached forward to lift and remove his mask. Lips curved up when she reached forward to kiss him. It was sweet, a simple press of her lips against his own. His smile grew when he quickly ended the sweetness by reaching for that delightful curve of her ass that shook playfully in his grasp.

The gasp that was let out was easily and eagerly swallowed, tongue dipping between lush lips to tangle with her own. With where his grip was, he pulled her closer to settle in his lap. Trailing lips away from her own to nip down her jaw and neck, he smirked against her warm skin.

Pausing, brown eyes narrowed as he turned away from the purring woman in his lap. "Oi, what are you still doing here? This ain't no peep-show! Go away. Read a book, play a game, watch a movie. I hear that new one about a guy named Guy wanting to be free or something, is worth the watch. And if my pal Ryan is in it, ya know it's good. Now," a hand reluctantly left the span of leg it had been caressing with a waving motion. "Shoo."

Turning away, leaving behind the couple and the sounds of giggles and kissing echoed loudly over the crackles and pops from the fireplace. A quick squeal that turned into laughter that was followed by a masculine whine at the sound of fabric tearing just set the pace of what was to come. And who was in charge of this nights shenanigans. A door closing muffled the sounds as the cool evening draped across the forest, leaving only the crickets in the distance and even further off cries of wolves the only sounds to echo.

Message delivered, though the exacts of what the message actually was seemed to have been lost. But it had been shared, and that seemed to be all that had been important. It did leave questions of what the future held, and if there would be any further important messages that would need to be shared. Who knows. Guess the game of 'wait and see' was going to have to be played.

AN: Don't ask. Please don't. I will say this, I was at work when I literally/figuratively heard Deadpool/Ryan Reynold's voice pop out from no where and bug me until I started writing this down. And when I lost the flow for a few days, it came back until I managed to finish it. So now I'm posting it here and cleaning my hands of it. I hope you can find some enjoyment in, I know I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet.

As always; read, enjoy, and please review! - BunnyWK

[lady-charinette]

Chapter 2 - Strings & Papers Lukanette AU (Teacher!Marinette & SingleDad!Luka)

A/N:  Hi everyone! I’m very sorry for the delay of Chapter 2, I’ve been so busy at university and studying and everything. I hope to update faster next time, anyhow here’s the next chapter! :)

Tagging: @seraphkitty @canadianburd @macaknight @fher43 @vivilakitty @quickspinner @im-here-for-the-content @decaffeinated-happyshit @jessigurl-design @2sunchild2 @zebrabaker @didnwant2come @redscarlet95 @graduatedmelon @eve-is-the-dawn @anjuschiffer @alissawhited-blog @rudy-ruby @mystery-5-5 @winter-gardenflower @bresso23 @kayla-the-rambling-writer @teresarosiadeviluke2112 @captainmac6 @violatiger @crazywhitemofo @hauntedfreakdeputyhero @gingersnapnoir @a-marlene-s @omgelisahagemanuniverse @samslash @kryptored @lukatherat ​ 

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2

“Auntie Jule!” Leon stared up at his aunt, tugging on her the hand holding his securely as they crossed the street.

The woman didn’t answer immediately, eyes focused on looking left and right as they rushed across the street, once they made it safely on the other side, copper eyes stared down at the child questioningly. “Yeah, Leo?”

The boy pursed his lips in thought, trying to express himself in words, a feat his own father had trouble sometimes accomplishing. “Does…does dad have time to come to school sometime?” big brown eyes, his mother’s eyes, stared up at her expectantly.

Juleka Couffaine briefly stared at the sky, spotting the school not too far ahead, trying to recall her brother’s schedule. “Hmm…I’ll have to ask him. Why? Did something happen?” Worry immediately shot through her heart like an arrow, causing her grip to tighten slightly on her nephew’s hand.

He shook his head, much to her relief. “No, my teacher just wanted to see him!”

The woman rose an eyebrow in confusion. “Your teacher? Your homeroom teacher Miss Marinette?” that was weird, “Did she tell you why?”

Leon rubbed his chin, eyes squinty as he thought hard about yesterday and what Miss Marinette said. “Um…um….I think…I think…she said she would love to meet him.” He shrugged, not entirely sure if she had mentioned a reason. He remembered drawing his picture and hanging it up in class. Leon jumped, eyes wide and excited as he tugged on his aunt’s hand again. “Auntie Jule! Auntie Jule! I drew a picture yesterday you have to see it! Come on!”

The boy tightened his grip around her hand suddenly and marched forward like a soldier on a mission. Juleka stumbled before quickening her own pace, trying to keep up with the ball of energy that was her nephew.

Her thoughts were still on Leon’s words from earlier. Why did Marinette want to see her brother? She was sure Leon hadn’t done anything wrong, otherwise Marinette would’ve called herself or Leon would’ve mentioned something.

‘She said she would love to meet him.’

Juleka blinked, now very curious on the reason behind the sudden question. Then again, Marinette had a right to know where Leon’s parent was, up until now, it was Juleka she’d had regular contact with and who picked up Leon from school. Luka had attended parent meetings, but as far as she was concerned, Marinette hadn’t been there due to other meetings.

Taking out her phone while ascending the steps to the elementary school, Juleka typed in a quick text and sent it to her brother.

“Good morning Lea! Good morning Emma!” Leon’s excited shouts echoed in the hallways, greetings his friends with wild waving, immediately distracted from his initial goal of showing his aunt a picture he drew.

Juleka smiled, making small talk with the gathered parents ready to see their children off.

————–

A ping sound made the man quickly take out his phone, heart pacing in his chest worriedly.

Juleka normally sent a text at lunch, it wasn’t nowhere near lunch yet. Was it the school? Did something happen to Leon?

Luka’s heart raced wildly right up until he opened the chat, a relieved sigh leaving his lips when he carefully read the message from his sister.

‘Hey Lu, don’t worry, nothing happened. Was wondering when you’ll come to school, people are curious about Leo’s mystery dad.’ – Jule

Luka frowned. Mystery dad? He’d attended parent meetings before…granted, he didn’t come often to school like picking his son up like he wanted. He was sure some people did wonder about him, especially since he hadn’t met all the teachers yet either.

But he did come when he could.

“Something the matter?” his manager rose an eyebrow at the musician staring at his phone thoughtfully. “Something wrong with your kid?”

Luka snapped out of his thoughts, fingers flying over the screen to hurriedly send the message before pocketing the device again. “No, sorry.”

Bob Roth hummed, eyeing the man a moment longer before he pulled up a photo from his drawer. “Anyway, I wanted you to try and collaborate with my son for a few songs. He’s good on vocals, I thought you’d provide the back-up vocals and maybe some guitar on the side. How’s that sound?” the overly large lopsided grin on his manager’s face didn’t spell ‘a few’ songs, more like a whole album.

The picture of XY’s sleazy face stared at Luka, who grimaced at the too wide smile and the overbearing amount of jewellery on the younger man’s face.

Luka shifted uncomfortably in his seat, rolling the black and silver ring on his finger back and forth. “…I thought it was about producing more copies for my recent solo hit. Penny Rolling told me there weren’t enough copies in stock.” He rose an eyebrow curiously, wondering how they’d jumped from his music onto possibly collaborating with Roth’s son.

Bob laughed, a boisterous, too loud sound for so early in the morning. “Of course! Of course! We’ll get to that later, don’t worry Luka! Now, about my son-“

Luka wished there were more parent meetings.

—————–

Juleka’s phone vibrated with the zig zag pattern she’d set for her brother.

A message.

He must be bored, or stuck with Bob, that had been a very quick response.

She opened their chat and scrolled down to the new message, eyes briefly glancing towards Leon who laughed with his friends in class.

‘Sorry. Talk at lunch. Weasel’s here.’

So, he was with Bob Roth. Juleka rolled her eyes, sending a short ‘Good luck’ back to her brother. Any dealings with Bob Roth were mentally and physically exhausting, she just hoped Luka would have some free time during lunch to talk about school and Leon.

Juleka pocketed her phone as soon as she saw Marinette, who was watering the plants on the windowsill.

“Good morning.” The teacher turned around, setting down the watering can when she spotted Juleka standing at the doorway of the classroom.

“Good morning Juleka!” Marinette’s far more cheery greeting put a smile to her face. She was rarely ever in a bad mood and Juleka appreciated it. The teacher being in a good mood meant classes flowed smoothly and the other kids were infected with the positive energy she radiated. Mornings were always hard, standing up so early to get Leon ready for school if Luka had to leave even earlier for work, before Juleka herself had to head to work.

There were mornings that Juleka did get up for without complaint, when she would be treated to the too rare sight of her brother and nephew in the bathroom, her brother shaving and Leon trying to imitate him by spreading toothpaste over his mouth, which always elicited laughter from them. Or when Luka would play a relaxing tune to start the day at the breakfast table and the family would talk about their plans for the day.

She realized Marinette had asked her something and the woman grabbed her hair instinctively, feeling ashamed for having ignored her. “I’m sorry, what did you say earlier Marinette?”

The teacher smiled in understanding, shaking her head. “It’s fine Juleka. I just asked how your morning was.”

The woman smiled, heart warming at how considerate she was. “It was fine. Leon was a bit fussy while getting dressed, but it was alright otherwise.” She glanced at the two thermos flasks on Marinette’s desk and she smiled sympathetically. “Rough morning too?”

The teacher laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. “I forgot to eat breakfast this morning, but Alya thankfully packed lunch for me and some coffee. Do you want some? I have enough for three people!” both women laughed and Juleka politely declined, spying the clock on the wall.

There was more than enough time to enjoy some coffee with the kind teacher, but she had to get to work. “I’m sorry Marinette, I would love to, but I have to get to work.” She shrugged, but other woman understood, nodding in understanding.

“That’s fine, I don’t want to hold you up any longer.” She glanced to the side, until her eyes widened and she impulsively grabbed Juleka’s hand. “Oh wait! I almost forgot!” she dragged the stunned brunette with her towards the side of the class, a string reaching from wall to wall with many drawings attached to it.

Marinette lead her to one particular drawing and upon closer inspection, a smile automatically lit up the young woman’s face. “That’s Leon’s!” without even glancing at the messily scrawled name in the corner, Juleka easily recognized the bright blue hair of what looked like her brother’s stick figure and her own purple mixed with black, along with a flower clumsily drawn on top of her head.

Juleka rarely wore any kind of accessories in her hair, but Leon had always liked putting flowers in her hair and in Luka’s too. It was a trait he’d since he was four, the time where they went on a little family trip and Rose had shown her favourite spots in a garden they visited. Juleka was used to people – particularly Leon or Rose – putting flowers in her hair, Rose being the primary suspect.

Their house was full of flowers, according to Rose, all pretty things deserved to have a flower to accentuate their beauty.

Juleka, in her eyes, was no exception.

It still made her blush, to this day.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Juleka admired the creative picture, full of colours and adorable stick figures representing their family.

“Um…I’m sorry if I’m too forward but…” Juleka turned her head to look at the teacher, who suddenly shifted her weight and only hesitantly met her copper gaze. “May I ask about…Leon’s father?”

Juleka blinked. “My brother? Luka you mean?”

“Luka…yes.” Marinette seemed to test the name how it rolled off the tongue easily. “Does…I mean…is he home often?”

Honestly, Juleka couldn’t blame Marinette for asking, as far as anyone from the school staff was concerned, the principal was the only one who’d seen her brother more than a handful of times. Marinette had also been a bit unlucky, always missing each-other at parent teacher conferences.

She couldn’t help but giggle slightly. “Yeah, of course. But he works a lot, he’s busy but always manages to make time for Leon.” Warmth flooded her chest at the thought of the cute moments whenever she would stay over and catch her brother tiptoe his way to Leon’s room just to check if the boy was fine and sleeping.

When he would wake up earlier than he had to and prepare Leon’s lunchbox before collapsing on the couch for a few more hours of precious sleep. The sheets strewn about in his room, working on a new lullaby for Leon to fall asleep to whenever he had nightmares. It always made her brother anxious whenever his son shuffled into his room and crawled into his bed, small body cuddling up to his father to sought out comfort in the safety of his arms, who had never failed to offer that protection.

Marinette nodded, noting the expression on her friend’s face. “I see…I’m sorry if I’m prying Juleka-“

She shook her head, waving her hand dismissively. “Not at all, Marinette. You’re Leon’s teacher, you deserve to know about his family. It’s just…” she played with her bangs, nausea settling into the pit of her stomach. “Some things are…a bit more complicated. But Luka is a good dad, he always takes care of Leon and makes sure he doesn’t lack in anything. I’ll talk to him and try to clear his schedule so you guys can meet.” Her painted lips raised into a tentative smile, Luka’s message still at the forefront of her mind.

The polite smile remained on Juleka’s face despite the teacher’s yelp of mortification. “Thank you Jul- wait…h-how did you know I wanted to meet him?” the dumbfounded and increasingly nervous look on the teacher’s face made Juleka’s smile widen.

“Leon told me.”

“W-What?”

“Miss Marinette would love to meet him!’ Juleka imitated her nephew’s higher pitched voice, watching an interesting shade of pink spread over the teacher’s cheeks.

Hands quickly covered the teachers face in embarrassment. “Oh no, that sounds so wrong. I’m so sorry Juleka, I should’ve called personally!” Marinette groaned and ran a hand down her face, making her friend giggle.

“It’s fine, Marinette.” She squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “I assumed it was to meet him, I think you’re one of the few teachers who never met him before. It’s weird, it’s been a few months of school already.”

Marinette bit her lip, shaking her head helplessly. “I was so caught up organizing events for school, I had to cover shifts from a few colleagues so I couldn’t really attend all the parent teacher meetings. But I’ll definitely be there for the next one!” she grinned, giving a meaningful wink to Juleka. “And I hope you won’t be the only one I see there!”

Juleka smiled. “Don’t worry, you definitely won’t.” Juleka excused herself before she kneeled down to be at eye-level with Leon, who was off in the corner playing with his friends on a colorful carpet. They hugged briefly and Juleka bumped fists with him, which made Marinette smiled, before both women waved each-other goodbye.

With the majority of parents gone and students shuffling into the classroom, Marinette stood in the center and clapped her hands. “Good morning everyone!”

Many heads turned and almost all the children yelled back, some energetic, some tired. “Good morning Miss Marinette!”

———————-

Hours passed and finally lunch time rolled around.

Juleka’s steps were hurried, trying to reach the coffee machine before all the coffee would run out. She glanced at her phone, reading the time and wondering when her brother would be free. He did mentioned around lunch time, but-

Her phone buzzed in her hand, the screen flashing with her brother’s name.

Juleka quickly answered and lifted the device to her ear, blinking owlishly standing in front of the coffee machine. “Lu?”

The breathless voice of her brother greeted her back. “Hey Jule, sorry it took me so long. Bob took his sweet time and I had a performance that dragged on with the fans. How are you?”

Juleka scoffed gently, wedging her phone between her ear and shoulder and grabbing a clean mug from the shelf, deftly preparing herself some much needed caffeine boost.

“Fine, just have so much stuff to do about work. You?” she grabbed three sugar cubes from the bowl and threw them into her mug, watching the machine come to life and vibrate as it processed the coffee capsule within it, the pleasantly smelling brown liquid filling her mug.

“Fine, wished I was already home.”

A laugh left the woman’s lips and Juleka shook her head, grabbing her coffee after the machine was done. “We’re in the same boat.”

“I guess. How was Leon? I’m sorry I left earlier, Bob told me that meeting we had was important, a shame it wasn’t. I would’ve made Leon his lunch.” The man sounded disappointed and Juleka knew the father in him would reprimand himself over not making his son lunch, despite the circumstances.

Juleka rolled her eyes, taking a small sip from her coffee. “You’re such a dad, you know? Don’t beat yourself up over it, I made Leon lunch and it was fine. He was fine, Lu.” Juleka’s gaze caught sight of her fellow co-workers, smiling amicably at them before her feet carried her downstairs.

A sigh was heard on the other line. “Well, I am a dad for your information. No offense Jule, but you used to make a better lunch when we were in school.”

Another eyeroll. “I’m hanging up, Luka.”

“Hey, wait, don’t, I was just kidding!” he laughed and Juleka pursed her lips, shaking her head at her brother’s antics. “Sorry, anyway, what did you wanna talk about earlier when you sent me that message?”

Juleka stopped by the stairs, a slow smile spreading over her lips.

With a certain lilt in her voice and a positively devious glint in her copper eyes, Juleka finally settled at her desk, eyes absentmindedly scanning the sketches depicting models for the upcoming fall season.

She smiled. “Oh, right. You remember I told you about Leon’s homeroom teacher, Marinette?”

Thanks for reading everyone! Let me know what you think :3

[cakesunflower]

Liability [Peaky Blinders!Calum AU] Part 2

Previous Part: Part 1

Part 2

“That is a profoundly stupid fucking idea which is only going to get us killed.”

Had it been anyone else who spoke to him like that, Calum wouldn’t have hesitated in delivering a punch in the face of whoever was skeptical of his orders. But instead he kept to shooting Luke a flat expression, loud and clear about his lack of interest in what the blonde had to say before returning his attention to the papers laid out in front of him—particularly the Export License that they’d recently acquired. It had been a moment teeming with pride, showing off that license to the people who stood by his side, to the men and women he trusted with his life. This was what they had been waiting for and it was finally there.

Calum put the books on top of the license, data from the latest race open for him to see. He wasn’t as concerned with his decision the way Luke seemed to be, hunched over the books and going over the week’s recordings.

As he took in the impressive profits the last of the horses, Oakley, earned them during the week, Calum inquired in an uncaringly airy tone, “D’you think I don’t know what I’m doin’, Luke?”

The blonde sighed, running his fingers through his curls. The last thing he wanted to do was disrespect his best friend and leader, but the unease and concern still ate at Luke from the moment Calum had announced his plan to him, Ashton, and Michael. “You know I haven’t an issue following your orders, but this. . . This is dangerous territory, Calum. She’s the Police Captain’s daughter.”

“If she had views similar to that of her father’s, then she never would’ve stepped foot into the Garrison,” Calum pointed out. His tone, as usual, was all-knowing, because he knew Karina. She was a curious one, he could tell, and while he expected her to reject his offer the second he suggested it, Calum knew she would eventually come around to the concept.

Granted, it was possibly a risky move on his part, but Calum stood by what he said; Karina wasn’t her father. Reading people was one of Calum’s strong suits, practically hearing their thoughts in the way they carried themselves. Every time he ran into Captain Garner, Calum knew the policeman was looking for any solid reason to put him behind bars—or, to the captain’s preference, be hanged. But that night at the Garrison, Calum saw no inkling of the same train of thought from his daughter—didn’t see much of it from Sean Garner either, if he was being honest.

It seemed to Calum that Captain Garner’s aversion to the leader of the Peaky Blinders wasn’t one his children shared.

Perhaps Calum was playing with fire with the idea he was concocting in his mind since running into Karina again after so many years. It surprised him how she seemed to be stuck in his head since that night at the Garrison.

She was an independent one, it was easy to realize. Averting from her father’s views, especially when it came to Calum himself, wanting to be a working woman, being damn near abrasive where her dead husband was concerned. Calum wasn’t going to lie—seeing Karina within the walls of his pub had felt like a breath of fresh air, and speaking to her had only served to peak his interest in the woman who once had been his schoolmate.

“It’s still a dangerous bet,” Luke spoke with a shake of his head, a resigned sigh escaping him. He knew there was no talking Calum out of this, so why bother trying?

The smirk returned to Calum’s face, leaning back in his chair, with his hands splayed on the desk in front of him. “When have I ever backed away from one?”

                                                             *****

“Come on, Karina—Ed doesn’t mind giving you a ride home. Do you, Ed?” Joyce hummed, looking over her shoulder towards her fiancé, who sat in the driver’s seat of his Ford Model T, the engine rattling lowly as he waited for Joyce to get in.

“’Course not,” Ed returned with a friendly smile, leaning to his left to get a proper look at the two women still standing on the sidewalk. “More than happy to.”

Karina smiled, ready to comply. Getting a lift from her friends was far better than walking home by herself at this time of night, especially with many of the factory employees getting out of work around this time. But just as Karina’s lips parted to accept the offer, the soft rumble of an engine cut her off, her gaze sliding to the right to catch sight of an expensive, shining black Bentley driving towards them, stopping in front of Ed’s car, yet not blocking it.

She felt her heart drop, noticed the way Ed’s eyes widened and Joyce tensed up when the elbow resting on the sill of the car door was accompanied by a head leaning out of the window. Calum Hood’s dark eyes found Karina’s greener ones, looking far too casual and relaxed as he sat in his car and said to her, “Jump in, Miss Garner.”

Of course, Karina remained still where she stood, gaping at the man who had just arrived out of nowhere and all but demanded for her to get in his car. For a moment, all Karina was capable of hearing was the distant sound of the factory lines, the clanking of metal and the occasional burst of fire and smoke. Karina felt her heart beginning to pick up its pace, beating wildly in her chest as she took in the expectant expression on Calum’s face, as if he knew that she wasn’t going to reject his offer and wished she would just hurry up.

The completely rational part of her was screaming to oppose, as if no was a word Calum Hood often heard. But the insatiable curiosity picked at her brain, whispering for her to get into the vehicle, to see what he wanted. Karina could hear herself trying to rationalize that she would be alright, that despite Calum being a dangerous criminal to be feared, he wouldn’t bring her any harm. Perhaps she had gone insane.

He watched her, eerily calm and observant, and Karina’s throat remained dry with hesitance of not being entirely sure what to say. Briefly, she could hear her father’s voice in her head, telling her to run the other way, to get as far away from the gangster as possible. But, oh dear, she couldn’t bring herself to look away from the dark of his brown eyes, at the way he was looking at her, like he knew what her answer was going to be before she could even consider anything else.

Karina swallowed the nervously excited lump that had formed in her throat, knowing she was going to regret this eventually as she met Joyce’s gaze and told her friend reassuringly, “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

Joyce, who had been more or less thrilled when she’d noticed Karina chatting Calum up at the Garrison the other night yet now looked tensely nervous in his presence, widened her eyes at Karina. Quietly, she asked, “Are you sure?”

Feeling Calum’s heated gaze burning into her skin, Karina nodded at Joyce before forcing a smile to her lips. God, what was she doing? Looking at Joyce and Ed, she bid, “Get home safe.”

Joyce hesitated for a moment, but eventually climbed into Ed’s car as Karina took a breath and walked around the front of Calum’s. It was difficult to ignore the weight of his gaze, eyes tracking her movements as she approached the door, stopping when Calum leaned over to open it from the inside before sitting straight. Ed and Joyce drove off as Karina gripped the front of her dress, lifting it ever so slightly as to not trip on it as she stepped up on the running board so she could slip into the car, free hand gripping the door to keep her balance.

Karina’s breath stilled in her lungs as she settled in the car, the scent leathery and expensive as she shut the door, the metal creaking before it slammed. The gentle vibration of the running engine did little to calm her as she sat in the car, looking out the windows of the mostly deserted street. It wasn’t too late at night, but not many people were wandering about, and in that moment Karina was beginning to regret agreeing to get in a car with Calum Hood.

Honestly, what was she thinking? She didn’t expect Calum to pick up his hat that sat in between them, or pull out a gun, and use either on her. But there was a reason why the man to her right was feared, why he drew panic and unease and had people moving out of his way. Calum was a force to be reckoned with, a killer and a protector rolled into one, unpredictable like a storm. How could Karina ever hope to be calm in the presence of someone so arbitrary? And why had she willingly put herself in a situation that had her stomach churning uneasily and had her picking at her nails? A bit of a masochist she was, wasn’t she?

Licking her lips after a few moments of silence that ate away at her, Karina said, “My flat’s on—”

“Delaney Street, I know,” Calum finished, never taking his eyes off the road, though Karina had a feeling he still noted the way she blinked at him in surprise over his knowledge of her residence. He kept his gaze straight ahead, though Calum lifted his chin and allowed the shadows provided by the streetlamps to accentuate the cut of his jaw as he mused, “Nothing goes on in this city without my knowledge, Miss Garner.”

Her throat tightened at the casual rasp of his tone, the knots in her stomach only intensifying. For the first time, Karina second guessed her decision to move into her own place, away from her family, now that Calum Hood seemingly knew exactly where she resided. She rolled her lips into her mouth, looking straight ahead and allowing any words die on her tongue as they drove on in silence.

Karina fiddled with the soft fabric of her dress, watching as shop owners closed up and began their journey home, how those walking by caught sight of the man driving past them and gave a tip of their hat or a polite call to the leader of the Blinders. It fascinated Karina how respected Calum was, even if it was born out of fear—though she had a feeling that it didn’t matter to him. So long as no one got in his way, she figured.

“Your friends didn’t look particularly fond of you getting in my car.” Karina bit the inside of her lower lip at the sound of Calum’s voice, conversational and smooth. His eyes remained on the road ahead as he added, “You didn’t seem to share their hesitance.”

Her gaze dropped to her lap, watching as she twisted a thin ring on her middle finger as she answered in reluctant honesty, “To be frank, I didn’t think I had much of a choice.”

Calum hummed disapprovingly, their bodies gently jolting as the car drove down the cobblestoned street while he made a turn to Karina’s neighborhood. “Everyone’s got a choice. And it’s imperative for me to know you’re able to make sound decisions.”

The car came to a stop in front of Karina’s building, but she was too busy staring at Calum with a puzzled furrow between her eyebrows, not entirely understanding what he meant. It was imperative for him? What in the bloody hell was he on about?

Before she could even question him, Calum spoke up to answer her silent inquiries.

“I’ve been thinkin’ ’bout what you told me the other night, Miss Garner, ’bout how you wish to work.” His eyes met hers, relaxed against her own curious ones. “I just so happen to have an openin’ for a secretary position.”

Karina paused, blinking at Calum, wondering if she’d misheard him. But he sat perfectly poised, right elbow propped on the car door sill as he met her gaze. The dull street lamps not providing much light, and Karina realized that Calum Hood, unsurprisingly, looked all the more intimidating when the shadows of the night sharpened the line of his jaw. Karina found it chilling how he looked fearsome whether the peak of his cap was covering his eyes or if he was granting her the opportunity to gaze at the dark irises.

His words registered in her mind and bewilderment flooded Karina easily. He was offering her a job? Calum must be aware of how ridiculous a notion that was—she was the daughter of the Police Captain; she couldn’t possibly work for the leader of the Peaky Blinders. Granted, Karina didn’t care much for what people said about or thought of her, but she just knew the mere thought of her accepting this job would have her father preferring to receive a gunshot wound instead. It was unrealistic for her to work for Calum, to vehemently go against everything her father believed in and stood for just for Karina to spit in his face by accepting such an offer. It went without saying that there was no relation between the Peaky Blinders and Karina’s family other than hostility—at least where her father was concerned.

“I—” Karina paused, pressing her lips together and furrowing her eyebrows. Many befuddled emotions were running through her, but the strongest one was utter bewilderment. Never did she expect for this to happen to her. Did Calum himself understand what he was asking of her? Begrudgingly, Karina realized that Calum Hood didn’t seem like a person who said things without meaning them. “You. . . Understand how complicated your offer is, right?” she asked, careful in choosing her words. She may not be one to conform to a man, but Karina wasn’t dumb enough to go around disrespecting a man such as him.

“I do.” The car was stopped, Karina absently realizing they were in front of her building, though she was too busy trying to register what was happening. He didn’t at all look like he regretted what he said, cool gaze stuck on her. Karina tried her hardest not to bristle in her seat under the weight of his stare. “But it’d be worth it, I reckon. ’specially the pay.” Karina couldn’t help the curious quirk of her eyebrow, subtle and almost involuntary. But Calum admired her interest despite her attempts of not wanting to appear so. He wasn’t surprised; the world ran on money. “Nine pounds and four shillings a month.”

For someone who prided herself in keeping herself in check, Karina lost every sense of self control the second she registered the gangster’s words. Her eyes grew wide, staring at him in a greater sense of disbelief, lips parting with an incredulous scoff because that was quite the pay he was willing to give her. Truthfully, Karina wasn’t sure if she would make that kind of money anywhere else and the amount in itself was enough for her to want to accept the offer. But she mustn’t. She couldn’t.

Watching as Calum pulled out a cigarette and placed it between his lips, the lighter sparking as he placed the flame at the end of the stick, Karina tried to control her stutter as she began, “Mr. Hood—”

“Calum,” he interrupted, uttering his name past a puff of smoke that filtered past his lips. His dark eyes were on her, cigarette between two fingers as he added, “Call me Calum.”

Karina briefly bit the inside of her cheek before continuing on carefully, “The offer is generous but. . . It would be unwise for me to accept.”

He didn’t look disappointed, nor affronted at her rejection. Instead, Calum kept that collected expression on his face, gaze never leaving hers, and Karina hated how the dark of his eyes seemed to freeze her in place. Like the look he was giving was enough to still someone of all their actions. “I thought you didn’t care for living by your father’s orders.”

Of course he’d unapologetically use her own words against her. Karina wasn’t surprised at that, nor was she surprised that he understood exactly why she didn’t want to accept the offer—it was quite obvious. “It isn’t about what my father wants—it’s about how he would feel if I started working for you,” Karina responded truthfully.

“Your father’s a grown man, Karina.” Calum spoke with a calmness in his voice that only kept Karina’s body tense. There was nothing more dangerous than a calm criminal. “I’m sure he’ll be able to handle it.”

Even if it didn’t show on his face, Karina could hear the smug smirk in Calum’s voice as he spoke those words, well aware of how her father would react should she accept the offer. Despite knowing better of it, Karina found herself scoffing, “Because you know everything, yes?”

She hadn’t meant for the condescending tone her voice had taken, matching the challenging raise of her eyebrows towards a man no one dared provoke. Karina would never, either, save for in this moment where she was seemingly experiencing a lack of judgment. Having control of her mouth wasn’t something Karina particularly excelled at, and she wondered if it would get her in trouble one of these days.

To her fortune, Calum didn’t look displeased at her rebuttal. “That I do,” he replied easily.

His calmness in all of this had Karina’s nerves jumping—though most of it had to do with his mere presence in general, she knew. Still, it didn’t stop her from giving a gentle shake of her head before asking, “Why me?” Her gaze wandered as she shrugged. “I’m sure you can find anyone willing to fill that position—so why ask the daughter of the one man trying to arrest you?”

He flicked the cigarette out the window and, before Karina could comprehend it, leaned towards her. Her breath stalled in her throat, neck tensing as he unapologetically invaded her personal space, dark eyes gazing into her own green ones, and suddenly all she could hope to smell were the scents of cigarettes and Calum’s distinguished combination of pine and smoke. Karina’s lips parted, eyes never daring to leave his, entranced by the glimmer dancing in his irises and while the logical part of her knew it was merely a reflection of the outside light, a part of her was admiring how it derived from the mischief and danger he was known to possess.

Calum’s left elbow propped up on the top of their bench style seat, Karina having no choice but to watch him watch her, and a shock of something coursed through her body at their proximity. Her initial thought labeled it as fear, but she instinctively realized it was something completely different. He was so close as he tilted his chin up, still watching her. “You’d be an asset to my business, Miss Garner,” Calum spoke smoothly. “A well educated woman from a respectable family working for me only puts my business at an advantage.”

She swallowed, throat feeling dry and her fingers only tightening around the fabric of her dress. He seemed so honest, but Karina knew better than to trust him right off the bat. Surprising herself by keeping her gaze locked with his, she prodded, “It doesn’t hurt that you’d be gloating to my father should I accept your offer, does it?”

He raised an eyebrow, far too elegant and poised as he looked at her. “For someone who wants nothing more than to gain her independence from her father, you’ve got quite the habit of bringing him up, love.”

Heat flushed across Karina’s cheeks, ridiculously feeling like a hypocrite. She was embarrassed and flustered as she shifted, gaze dropping briefly. “Forgive me, but this situation is—”

“Complicated, so you’ve said,” Calum finished knowingly, prompting Karina to press her lips together. He clicked his tongue, leaning back, and Karina ignored the dull thud in her chest that seemed eerily akin to disappointment. “It’d all be clean, if that’s one of your main concerns—other than the obvious. You’d only be looking over my day-to-day meetings, and adjusting the books if your maths is as excellent as I remember.”

The last bit had the warmth in Karina’s face only intensifying, finding it a bit hard to believe that he remembered one of the things she was good at since they were in school together.

“Forget about your father and his reaction for a second, yeah?” Calum’s voice had Karina looking at him again, noting the way he raised his eyebrows. He was about to try and convince her to take his offer, and Karina realized in that moment that he was quite the patient man—and that he must really want her to work for him. The knowledge of that was both thrilling and nerve wracking at the same time. “If you accept my offer, Miss Garner, it’d be advantageous for both of us.” He gestured between them with ring clad fingers as he finished, “You’d be helping my business keep its legitimacy, and you’d be paid a hefty sum for your work. And, let’s be honest—”

He was leaning in close, and suddenly it was like a switch had been flipped and Karina’s stomach churned at the smirk that was tilting at his lips. She remained still where she sat, eyes widening ever so slightly at their closeness, at the heat radiating off his body and the scent intoxicating her so easily. It didn’t bloody help when Calum’s dark eyes flickered down briefly, landing on her lips before he looked at her with eyes far too alluring for this situation.

His voice was low, a dangerous rasp that sent shivers down her spine when he added, “You crave to see how the other side lives—something you’ll never get from any other painfully numbing job.” It suddenly felt hot in the car. “Break a few rules, love. Allow me to give you what you need.”

It was a wonder Karina could even speak through how tightened her throat became, Calum’s words filled with double meaning boiling her blood and making her body grow rigid. She couldn’t help the way her own gaze fluttered to his lips, full and far too inviting, voice almost a whisper as she asked almost dazedly, “What is it that I need?”

“Independence,” Calum murmured, promising and confident. Karina wondered when the world outside of the car stopped existing. When all she could focus on was the man sitting so close to her, offering her things no one else ever had, dangerously alluring. “Adventure. I can give you both. And more.”

It was almost embarrassing how fast her mind had been made up.

                                                              *****

Karina wondered if she should have thought this through some more, if she should have stopped to consider all the elements and consequences of her decision to agree to Calum’s job offer. Of course, it had been running through her mind since she had accepted it that night in the car, through a semi-clear mind that wasn’t entirely dazed by the gangster. But now the second-guessing was far too loud in her mind as she walked through the office floor, feeling the lingering gazes of the working men and few women as Michael led her to Calum’s office in the back.

She looked around as they went, easily realizing how much of a legitimate business had been set up here. It was filled with chatter and the clicking of typewriters and rustling papers, employees discussing with one another or focusing on the paperwork on their desks. There weren’t that many people there, honestly, and Karina didn’t recognize many of them as known gang members. The only Peaky Blinder she saw here was Michael. Maybe they really were serious about this being licit.

“Hey, Cal,” Michael called once they stopped in front of wooden double doors, knocking on it with two knuckles. “I’ve got Miss Garner out here,” he added, green eyes meeting her own darker ones as he offered a small smile.

From inside, Calum’s voice sounded, “Send her in.”

Michael gestured towards the door, an unexpectedly polite, “Good luck.”

She returned the sentiment with a close mouthed smile, facing the door as Michael walked away. Karina gave herself a brief moment to take a breath, looking at the sleek wood of the door before licking her lips. Nervous butterflies fluttered around her stomach, as they had been for two days and only intensified last night and this morning as she made her way to the office. And it wasn’t like Karina could talk to anyone about this—agreeing to this job was an incredulous move on her part, and she didn’t entirely expect her family or friends to understand. Not the way Calum seemed to.

There was a need for something that Karina knew she desired, something more than what her life had so far given her. Something, she had a feeling, could be given to her if she accepted the job.

So she turned the door handle and took a step into the spacious room, the door clicking shut behind her as she allowed her gaze to wander around the room. Windows were on either side of the room, the walls and floor paneled with sleek mahogany wood. A couch with plush red cushions was on the left, a glass table in front with an ashtray and some books, a cart in the left corner with a few decanters filled with whiskey or bourbon or the like and some glasses.

And then there was Calum. Sitting behind an oak desk decorated with papers and books, a cigarette familiarly between his fingers, and dark curls free from the confines of the signature hat. He sat back, relaxed, the jacket from his three piece suit hanging on a stand off to the right, and Karina tried not to think of how devastatingly handsome he looked. It was a bit ridiculous, how a man as dangerous as him was just as good looking.

She didn’t think twice of the large painting of horses on the wall behind him, unsurprised at the sight of it given Calum’s known fascination with them and the conspicuous dealings the Blinders have whenever there’s a race. It was a sight to be seen, Karina took a moment to appreciate; him sitting behind a desk under that painting, nursing a cigarette like he always did, looking just like the powerful, fearful man everyone knew him to be.

“Good morning, Miss Garner,” Calum’s raspy voice greeted once she entered, leaned back comfortably in the chair with his right elbow propped on the armrest, the smoke curling out from the end of the cigarette. He gestured to the chairs on the other side of his desk, “Have a seat.”

The soft click of her kitten heels sounded as though they were echoing in the room as Karina made her way over, hoping to maintain the confident and first-day-ready facade she’d been keeping up since she left her flat. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t somewhat excited for this new job, but understandably, the nerves were swirling in her stomach anxiously. Karina had a feeling after today, her life would change. Whether it’d be for better or worse, that was yet to be determined.

She sat down, cautious and poised with the dress of her skirt straightened and hands on her lap because she didn’t know what else to do with them. Her eyes took in her surroundings, as if they hadn’t the first time, looking at everything but the man sitting directly opposite of her.

“You seem nervous.”

Karina was a bit surprised that she didn’t jump in her seat, though she also prided herself in not looking like the fool she knew she wasn’t in front of Calum. She realized she didn’t entirely feel like herself when she was around him—she was jumpy, anxious, tense under his gaze and while that was understandable given who he was, Karina was growing tired of it. She’d never been one to shy away from anyone, much less a man, and it felt entirely out of character when she found herself unable to even look at Calum in the eye. It was ridiculous and, frankly, embarrassing. She was more of a woman than that.

“First day jitters, I suppose,” Karina responded with a quick smile, finally bringing herself to meet his gaze, dark eyes steady and focused as always.

Calum raised a lazy eyebrow, watching her, gesturing to the cart with the cigarette. “Whiskey?”

While she could hold her liquor and it would be calming, Karina wasn’t particularly inclined to start her first day at her new job with alcohol buzzing through her system. “I’m alright,” she politely declined, offering a smile with a gentle raise of her shoulders as she added, “Just eager to get started.”

He eyed her for a moment and Karina was proud of herself for not bristling under his gaze, fighting against the initial need to do so. Instead, she kept his gaze, showing him the honesty and drive behind her words, and Karina could’ve sworn she saw the ghost of a smirk tilt at his lips before his expression remained a practiced blank.

“What I do here is quite simple, Miss Garner,” he began and Karina listened to his words, choosing to ignore the jolt she felt in her veins every time he referred to her as what he did. “We’ve recently acquired an export license from Mr. Churchill which allows us to transport manufactured goods from here to the Poplar Docks before being set off to their final destination.”

Karina nodded slowly at the brief explanation, finding herself asking, “What kind of manufactured goods?” She at least wanted to know what the business she was about to get involved in was transporting.

If she blinked, she would’ve missed the ghost of a smirk that quirked at the corner of Calum’s lips at her question as he took a drag of the cigarette. The smoke curled out of his mouth as he responded, “Crates of motorcar spares.”

Nothing illegal then, Karina was relieved to realize. Though, she figured if Calum was as serious of a businessman as he was showing himself to be, it made sense for him to want this company of his to be clean. And despite him being the man her father hated, a known criminal that was allowed to set up his own business—with the help of Mr. Winston Churchill himself (even though it itched at Karina’s curiosity how someone like Calum managed to pull that off)—Karina found herself to be excited about being a part of this. Dealing with her family’s reactions could be saved for later. For now, she truly wanted to get started in whatever it was Calum needed for her to do.

It was like he saw a spark in her brown eyes as that thought crossed her mind, and the man on the other side of the table sat up coolly. Calum then propped his fingers on a sheet of paper resting on his desk, sliding it forward towards her. “These are some businessmen I need to meet with during this week. You’ll find their contact information and the appropriate stationary already on your desk outside my office. My week is so far clear so set up the meetings. Knock when you’ve finished.”

Karina’s gaze dropped to the sheet as she picked it up gingerly, eyes taking in the scribbles of Calum’s handwriting decorating the page; sharp and precise like him. With a nod, Karina stood up, the small heels of her shoes clicking as she made her way towards the door, feeling the heat of his stare burn her back through the material of her dress.

She’d only grasped the door handle when Calum’s voice stopped her. “Ms. Garner?” Karina looked at him over her shoulder, throat working at the sight of him; a businessman laid back in his chair, elbow propped up on the arm rest and a tendril of smoke curling out of the cigarette he was nursing, dark eyes glued to her. For a brief moment, Karina let herself admire the sight of him; every bit as poised and powerful as she knew him to be, seated under the large painting in an elegant office. Calum tilted his chin up a little before finishing, “Don’t take no for an answer.”

Karina wanted to laugh. As if anyone could say no to Calum Hood. She certainly hadn’t been able to.

The office door clicked shut behind her, and Karina ignored the few gazes that weighed on her as she settled on the desk by Calum’s office door. She huffed out a gentle breath through her nose, smoothing the skirt of her dress as she draped the strap of her purse on the back of the chair. Karina’s eyes dropped to the black notebook on the desk, a container of pens available for her to use as well as a typewriter. She took a few minutes to acquaint herself with the stationary, taking note of the sheets of paper for the typewriter in the bottom drawer, her own personal telephone to make the calls, and a smaller black notebook in the top drawer that she realized, while flipping through it, had the contacts Calum wanted her to get in touch with.

The book wasn’t full by any means, only taking up a few pages scribbled with names of business owners and the like along with their phone numbers, plus what they did next to their names. Some ran certain docks at the harbor, others owned warehouses or chartered shipping boats. No doubt Calum needed these men for the storage and deliveries for his own business’s dealings, and once Karina found the information for the first name on the list Calum had given her, she reached for the candlestick phone and started her first day of work.

She minded her own business, ignoring the few looks she was receiving from the people around her, holding the receiver to her ear and speaking into the transmitter as she set up appointments for Calum and jotted down the dates and times. It wasn’t a difficult task, Karina knew, but she couldn’t help the satisfaction that surged through her each time she appointed a meeting. Some of the men had outright agreed upon hearing that she was calling from Calum Hood’s office, his reputation almost threatening the men into agreeing to meet with him, but there were also some that hesitated.

Apparently not everyone was jumping at the opportunity to be involved with Calum Hood or his business, and while Karina understood their reluctance to even meet with him, she was determined to complete the first task Calum had given her. She was going to get him every single one of the meetings he asked for. Like Calum had said. . . Karina wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“I understand you’re a busy man, Mr. Finch,” she mused, knowing full well the warehouse owner was spitting fruitless excuses to deny the meeting. Karina leaned back in the chair, crossing her right leg over her left knee as she gazed out the window to her left. The occasional person walked by, Karina’s eyes absently following them until they disappeared from sight, as she continued breezily, “But as a businessman you should be able to see a lucrative offer such as this one. Refusing to meet with Mr. Hood without hearing what he has to offer to you and your business may just end up with you regretting a missed opportunity. Not quite a wise decision, innit?”

The man on the other end of the line sputtered at her baiting words, obviously taking offense as he huffed, “Miss Garner, I’ve a reputation to uphold and I don’t believe getting involved with a known gangster would be a wise decision. I’m surprised you haven’t come to the same conclusion.”

Karina rolled her eyes, biting back the urge to remind the man he owned warehouses for a living, which she doubted added any such points to his so called reputation. Not to mention his own jab at her choice of working for Calum. She truly didn’t care for what others thought of her agreeing to Calum’s offer, and she had half a mind to tell Mr. Finch just that. But she still needed him to agree to a meeting because Calum needed him to, so she fought the desire to potentially insult the man as she moved the mouthpiece away from her to let out an exasperated breath Mr. Finch wouldn’t be privy to before bringing the piece back and speaking up once more.

“My choice in getting involved with Mr. Hood comes from knowing full well he has the means to build something worthwhile,” Karina responded easily, using Mr. Finch’s reasoning against him. “I would imagine you would want to at least get a glimpse of that same kind of future for yourself, Mr. Finch. And your business. Agreeing to meet does not an automatic deal make. Hearing what Mr. Hood has to offer you from himself does not cost you anything. I promise you, it will be worth your time.”

And hopefully not your life, her dry thoughts echoed in her head, though Karina kept the chilling words to herself. She liked to naively think Calum wouldn’t be one to threaten someone into a business deal, thought she wouldn’t entirely put it past him. Perhaps his desire for wanting to keep this legal business of his clean would prevent him from doing so. At least, that’s what Karina hoped as she pursed her lips and waited for Mr. Finch’s answer.

He was silent for a few moments as Karina kept her gaze towards the window, sunlight seeping through the glass and warming her lap where it touched as she watched those outside go about their day. She nibbled on the corner of her lips, waiting for Mr. Finch’s answer, hoping she somehow got through to him.

The receiver crackled as he let out a sigh. “Alright. I can meet with him this coming Thursday at noon.”

Karina grinned, the satisfaction once again lifting her as she praised, “Excellent. You wouldn’t want to be the first to say no to Mr. Hood.”

“I’m afraid you’re right,” Mr. Finch grumbled in response before providing her with the address of where he could meet Calum, and Karina ended the call before reaching for her pen and jotting down the information.

“Did you just threaten a potential business partner, Miss Garner?”

Karina froze momentarily at the familiarly smooth voice, sitting up as she glanced to see Calum standing right beside her chair. He peered down at her, raising an eyebrow, expression practically unreadable save for the hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, hands shoved into the pockets of his pants. She hadn’t heard him leave his office, most certainly hadn’t detected his presence beside her, and Karina twirled the pen between her fingers absently as she found her tongue. “Of course not,” she hummed, surprising herself with the cool tone she adopted while looking up at Calum. “I was just stating a true fact to Mr. Finch. How he interprets it is entirely up to him.”

The amusement Karina had seen a hint of in Calum’s dark eyes seemed to flare up a bit, more present, as a breath of a chuckle escaped him at her words. Then his gaze flickered to the notebook where she’d written down the information Mr. Finch had given us and he nodded in approval. His eyes met Karina’s as he added, “Good work,” before turning and heading back into his office.

The door shut behind him, and Karina leaned back in her seat as she failed to fight off the smile that had tilted upon her lips. Not even the few looks she was being given could keep the grin off.

                                                            *****

The knock that sounded on the door didn’t lift Calum’s gaze from the paper he was reading. It was a gentle rap of knuckles, instantly informing the gangster who was on the other side as he called a gruff, “Come in.”

He heard the subtle creak of the door as it opened, followed by the click of heels against the slick floor and if he inhaled deeply enough, Calum was sure he’d smell the fruity fragrance that he’d come to associate with Karina Garner. He’d only been around her a few times, and yet Calum had familiarized himself with the appealing perfume that stuck to her skin. Or maybe it was just her.

Keeping his eyes on the paper held in front of him, Calum noticed Karina come to a stop in front of his desk from his peripherals as he asked, “Did you get the meetings?”

“Every one of them, yes,” Karina answered, giving a tap to her notebook with the pen she held. “I doubt anyone’s eager to say no to someone like you.”

Her comment, despite his efforts, tempted a smirk to tilt at Calum’s lips as he kept his gaze on the paper for a few more moments. Calum didn’t need Karina to tell him something he already knew, except that hearing her acknowledge his reputation, his power, as if it was a well known fact—even if it was—filled him with a sense of pride that he hadn’t seen coming. Of course, Calum pushed it away, reminded himself as to why he brought Karina on to his operation in the first place, and kept the smirk at bay.

Still, he couldn’t help but play with her a bit. “Someone like me?” He lowered the paper, cool expression complete with the quirk of an eyebrow. Calum tilted his head, all signs of amusement purposefully wiped from his face as he gazed at his newest employee.

Karina’s lips parted slightly when she noticed him gaze at her, inquisitive and wondering, and Calum kept his face professionally blank when he noticed her neck tense that preceded the blush he knew was warming her cheeks. He wondered if he could fluster her, wondered if she would react to it—to him.

She surprised him pleasantly when she lifted her chin after her throat worked. “Powerful,” she responded, her tone even, lips pursing briefly. If he was someone else, he would’ve thought he’d imagined the way her brown eyes so subtly raked over him. But Calum knew he saw what he did. “Capable.”

His jaw worked at that, at the way she said it so surely and the look in her honey colored eyes had the muscles in Calum’s body tightening without his meaning to. His fingers curled into his palm, elbow propped on the armrest of his chair, unable to keep his eyes off the woman standing in front of him. He couldn’t put a finger on it, which was frustrating all on its own, but the way Karina said those two simple words had him clenching his teeth as a way of keeping himself grounded to something. If Calum didn’t know any better, judging by the way Karina was watching him, he’d say she was already coming out of the shell that surrounded her. Whether it was one she built herself or her father did, that was still up for question.

Either way, Calum was going to enjoy breaking it down.

--

tags: @irwinkitten @glitterprincelu @sweetcherrymike @meetashthere @valentinelrh @softforcal @astroashtonio @hereforlukescruff @novacanecalum @captain-what-is-going-on @angelbbycal @singt0mecalum @hopelessxcynic @lfwallscouldtalk @bodhi-black @findingliam-o @softlrh @calntynes @calumsmermaid @dammitbands @erikamarie41 @quintodosuniversos @longlastingdaydream @babylon-corgis @lukehemmingsunflower @spideyseavey @imfuckin10plybud @pastelpapermoons @conquerwhatliesahead92 @rotten-kandy @metangi @neigcthood @old-zeppelin-shirt @5sos-and-hessa @trustmeimawhalebiologist @vxlentinecal @pettybassists @vaporshawn @lu-my-golden-boi @buggy-blogs @visualm3nte @isabella-mae13 @dontjinx-it @lifeakaharry @neonweeknds @antisocialbandmate @ixcantxdecidexwhosxmyxfave @calpalbby @grreatgooglymoogly @gorgeouslygrace @sunnysideblogs @cocktail-calum @miahelizaaabeth @madelynerin @dramallamawithsparkles @aulxna @theagenderwhocriedwolf @kaytiebug14 @hoodskillerqueen @bitchinbabylon @empathycth @xhaileyreneex @inlovehoodx @calistheloml @aestheticrelated @bloodlinecal @sublimehood @madbomb @raabiac @britnicole11 @outofmylimitcal 

[imagine-loki]

High Tide - Chapter One

TITLE: High Tide CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 1/? AUTHOR: @writings-and-wonderings ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine a Pirate AU where you and Loki are opposing pirates and you end up in a duel. One of you kicks the others ass and the winner offers to buy a drink for the loser. After a few good drinks, you both head back to your ship for a little more fun.

RATING: Teen  NOTES/WARNINGS: So it isn’t exactly like the imagine above, but I ran away with a different idea based on this. :))) also it’s reader insert, feedback would be appreciated, thanks!!

———————

I hadn’t always wanted to be a pirate. Actually, that was a lie. I had always wanted to be a pirate, I just didn’t tell anyone about it because, you know, pirates get hanged and stuff. When I was younger, I always managed to sneak off down to the docks and watch the ships coming in and out of port, dropping crates off or picking them up. How I wished to sail off with one of the ships.

But as I got older, my father insisted that I learn to become a ‘proper lady’, and so I often found myself at posh tea parties with men attempting to court me. One of whom was successful, and my parents had arranged for me to marry him in a few months time. It was then that I started coming down to the docks again. Now that my lessons had paid off, my parents didn’t mind me going out. They assumed I was seeing and getting to know my betrothed.

One night, my said betrothed had come round requesting my presence. I was curled up in front of the fire, nose-deep in a good book. My father showed him to where I was, coughed surreptitiously, and then left, closing the door behind him.

“Oh darling, you should not spend your time reading.” He sat down next to me on the love seat. I sighed heavily, and, not looking up from the book, I asked why he thought so. “Women are becoming more suggestible these days, all because of this reading fad. Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something more productive?”

“And what, my love,” my voice laced with bitterness and venom, “do you suggest I do?” He laughed then.

“Do not quiz me on what you women do with your time. Knit? Improve your cooking! Plenty of things to be getting on with.” My mouth fell open, looking in his eyes and hoping that he was joking. His dumbfounded expression proved otherwise.

“Please get up,” I muttered quietly, putting my bookmark on the page and closing the book.

“What?”

“Get. Up.” He made no move, looking at me like I had a tree growing out of my head. “Now!” He stood up abruptly, and I joined him, taking a shaky breath. “I want to make one thing clear. When I am your wife-” a lump formed in my throat as I said the word, the realisation settling in. “When I am your wife, you do not tell me what to do. You hear me? We do not live in the dark ages!” He chuckled at this and cupped my cheek.

“Oh poor thing, you don’t understand,” he smiled down at me, a sad look crossing his eyes, the same look people use when talking to small children or picking up a stray puppy. Anger boiled in my stomach and ran up my throat, burning my insides. I slapped his hand away.

“Fuck off.”

“Pardon?” The look of shock on his face would have been comical in another situation.

“I said, fuck off.” He shook his head. “Fine, I will then.” I grabbed my shawl from the back of the love seat and stormed into the hall, picking up my shoes as I walked out the door and into the night. It was a cooler night, the summer drawing to a close. But I welcomed the cool as my burning cheeks started to tingle. There was only one place I could go. After managing to calm down enough to put my shoes on, I ran the rest of the way to the docks. Tears started to fall as I rounded the corner and was met with the vast ocean. I ran down to the very end, hanging my legs over the side and wrapped my shawl around myself as I started to cool down. How dare he? Who did he think he was? I huffed and kicked the stone wall I was sat on. The tide was low, and the lapping of the water against the side seemed distant, lulling me into a trance as my heart continued to beat harshly against my chest.

Light footsteps behind brought me out of the trance. It took me a while to fully process what it was, and my suspicions were further aroused when I could not find the source.

“If you’ve come to apologise, I will tell you to fuck off again,” I called into the darkness, hastily wiping away my tears. A figure walked out into the street, chuckling softly. I huffed and faced the ocean once again. “It isn’t funny.”

“My apologies Miss, I didn’t realise I caught you at a sensitive moment,” I turned around again, this time the figure was closer, but still out of the reach of a nearby lantern. I stood up, stumbling a little bit. The figure chuckled again.

“Show yourself,” my voice less brave than before, holding my shawl closer. The figure held up his hands, almost in mock defeat, as they stepped forward. The orange glow of the lantern still threw shadows across his face, but it also accentuated his cheek bones. His long dark hair framed his face, and there was an undeniable smirk plastered on his face. “Who are you?”

“I’m more interested in who you are, Miss, and why you are out so late on a night like this.” He walked slowly towards me, and the closer he got the more I was able to see. He had a white shirt on, with rolled up sleeves and half the buttons were undone, exposing his bare chest. The green waistcoat he wore hung loosely at his sides. He also wore simple black trousers, and the shoes were definitely a few years old.

“Are you not cold?” I asked quietly, trying not to stare at him.

“Are you?” He took another step closer to me, his warm breath meeting my face and sending chills down my spine. The fact I readjusted my shawl to cover more of my arms answered his question. “Who did you think I was?”

“Why do you want to know?” He shrugged, that same smirk coming back. “My betrothed. He told me a woman should not read. So, I came down here.” His silence seemed to prompt me to carry on, with his sincere look only amplifying the feeling. “I always used to want to be a pirate, it sounds so silly now but - oh, how I wouldn’t give to sail the high seas,” I glanced over my shoulder at the dark ocean. The touch of a hand on my arm drew me back to the man in front of me.

“What if I told you you could have that?” His voice was low, and I couldn’t help but scoff. “You laugh, but my ship is right over there, and my men are currently ransacking a warehouse. If you want, you can join.” I looked up at him then, finally looking into his eyes. They were the colour of the Mediterranean on a sunny day.

“Are you being serious?”

“Deadly.” His grip tightened as he drew me closer, my breath hitched in my throat as he took my other arm.

“Aren’t women bad luck on ships?” I whispered, trying to find some sort of doubt in his voice.

“Not on my ship.”

“Oh, so you’ve had them before?” He let out a small laugh but shook his head.

“Only if they were held for ransom, which you aren’t being held by.” I thought it over a little bit.

“What will my parents say?”

“Who cares?” A smile broke across my lips, a true smile, the biggest I have had in a while. I nodded my head, slowly at first before it sped up, becoming similar to a mad woman’s. “I’m Loki, your captain.” He bowed dramatically.

“(Y/N),” I bowed as well, grinning the entire time. Loki took my hand and led me around the corner from where he first appeared. He walked slightly ahead of me, as he whisked me away to a new life.

[writings-and-wonderings]

High Tide - Chapter 1

One Shot/ Chapter no: 1 / ? 

Words: 1,351

Summary: (Y/N) is the daughter of a governor,and is promised a happy life with her betrothed. But her heart yearns for the ocean and the mysteries it carries. After an argument with her soon-to-be-husband, she heads down to the docks, only to find something - or someone - she wasn’t expecting. 

Warnings: swearing

A/N: a) i know the gif is from crimson peak, but i couldn’t find an appropriate gif of Tom as Loki. b) this is, in part, inspired by the Darker Shades of Magic series by VE Schwab because Alucard reminded me of Loki so much whilst I was reading this so yeah. Enjoy!

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

Chapter One I hadn't always wanted to be a pirate. Actually, that was a lie. I had always wanted to be a pirate, I just didn't tell anyone about it because, you know, pirates get hanged and stuff. When I was younger, I always managed to sneak off down to the docks, and watch the ships coming in and out of port, dropping crates off or picking them up. How I wished to sail off with one of the ships. But as I got older, my father insisted that I  learn to become a 'proper lady', and so I often found myself at posh tea parties with men attempting to court me. One of whom was successful, and my parents had arranged for me to marry him in a few months time. It was then that I started coming down to the docks again. Now that my lessons had paid off, my parents didn't mind me going out. They assumed I was seeing and getting to know my betrothed. One night, my said betrothed  had come round requesting my presence. I was curled up in front of the fire, nose-deep in a good book. My father showed him  to where I was, coughed surreptitiously, and then left, closing the door behind him. "Oh darling, you should not spend your time reading." He sat down next to me on the love seat. I sighed heavily, and, not looking up from the book, I asked why he thought so. "Women are becoming more suggestible these days, all because of this reading fad. Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something more productive?" "And what, my love," my voice laced with bitterness and venom, "do you suggest I do?" He laughed then. "Do not quiz me on what you women do with your time. Knit? Improve your cooking! Plenty of things to be getting on with." My mouth fell open, looking in his eyes and hoping that he was joking. His dumbfounded expression proved otherwise. "Please get up," I muttered quietly, putting my bookmark on the page and closing the book. "What?" "Get. Up." He made no move, looking at me like I had a tree growing out of my head. "Now!" He stood up abruptly, and I joined him, taking a shaky breath. "I want to make one thing clear. When I am your wife-" a lump formed in my throat as I said the word, the realisation settling in. "When I am your wife, you do not tell me what to do. You hear me? We do not live in the dark ages!" He chuckled at this and cupped my cheek. "Oh poor thing, you don't understand," he smiled down at me, a sad look crossing his eyes, the same look people use when talking to small children or picking up a stray puppy. Anger boiled in my stomach and ran up my throat, burning my insides. I slapped his hand away. "Fuck off." "Pardon?" The look of shock on his face would have been comical in another situation. "I said, fuck off." He shook his head. "Fine, I will then." I grabbed my shawl from the back of the love seat and stormed into the hall, picking up my shoes as I walked out the door and into the night. It was a cooler night, the summer drawing to a close. But I welcomed the cool as my burning cheeks started to tingle. There was only one place I could go. After managing to calm down enough to put my shoes on, I ran the rest of the way to the docks. Tears started to fall as I rounded the corner and was met with the vast ocean. I ran down to the very end, hanging my legs over the side and wrapping my shawl around myself as I started to cool down. How dare he? Who did he think he was? I huffed and kicked the stone wall I was sat on. The tide was low,  and the lapping of the water against the side seemed distant, lulling me into a trance as my heart continued to beat harshly against my chest. Light footsteps behind brought me out of the trance. It took me a while to fully process what it was, and my suspicions were further  aroused when I could not find the source. "If you've come to apologise, I will tell you to fuck off again," I called into the darkness, hastily wiping away my tears. A figure walked out into the street, chuckling softly. I huffed and faced the ocean once again. "It isn't funny." "My apologies Miss, I didn't realise I caught you at a sensitive moment," I turned around again, this time the figure was closer, but still out of reach of a nearby lantern. I stood up, stumbling a little bit. The figure chuckled again. "Show yourself," my voice less brave than before, holding my shawl closer. The figure held up his hands, almost in mock defeat, as they stepped forward. The orange glow of the lantern still threw shadows across his face, but it also accentuated his cheek bones. His long dark hair framed his face, and there was an undeniable smirk plastered on his face. "Who are you?" "I'm more interested in who you are, Miss, and why you are out so late on a night like this." He walked slowly towards me, and the closer he got the more I was able to see. He had a white shirt on, with rolled up sleeves and half the buttons undone, exposing his bare chest. The green waistcoat he wore hung loosely at his sides. He also wore simple black trousers, and the shoes were definitely a few years old. "Are you not cold?" I asked quietly, trying not to stare at him. "Are you?" He took another step closer to me, his warm breath meeting my face and sending chills down my spine. The fact I readjusted my shawl to cover more of my arms answered his question. "Who did you think I was?" "Why do you want to know?" He shrugged, that same smirk coming back. "My betrothed. He told me a woman should not read. So, I came down here." His silence seemed to prompt me to carry on, his sincere look only amplifying the feeling. "I always used to want to be a pirate, it sounds so silly now but - oh, how I wouldn't give to sail the high seas," I glanced over my shoulder at the dark ocean. The touch of a hand on my arm drew me back to the man in front of me. "What if I told you you could have that?" His voice was low, and I couldn't help but scoff. "You laugh, but my ship is right over there, and my men are currently ransacking a warehouse. If you want, you can join." I looked up at him then, finally looking into his eyes. They were the colour of the Mediterranean on a sunny day. "Are you being serious?" "Deadly." His grip tightened as he drew me closer, my breath hitched in my throat as he took my other arm. "Aren't women bad luck on ships?" I whispered, trying to find some sort of doubt in his voice. "Not on my ship." "Oh, so you've had them before?" He let out a small laugh but shook his head. "Only if they were held for ransom, which you aren't being held by." I thought it over a little bit. "What will my parents say?" "Who cares?" A smile broke across my lips, a true smile, the biggest I have had in a while. I nodded my head, slowly at first before it sped up, becoming similar to a mad woman's. "I'm Loki, your captain." He bowed dramatically. "(Y/N)," I bowed as well, grinning the entire time. Loki took my hand, and led me round the corner from where he first appeared. He walked slightly ahead of me, as he whisked me away to a new life.

Want to request an imagine?