#it took us like two days to get back to the small country town near the lake and when we did the whole place was flooded and abandoned

[yxstxrdrxxm-a]

SYNOPSIS: It was the first day that you came to the country after running away from your home. Although there were mysteries left untold and people you wish to escape, there was one that you never understood—why do these men keep falling for you?!

CW/s: Delusion, lovesickness, yandere behavior, stalking, violence, murder, jealousy, nonconsensual touching. (fem. reader)

NOTE FROM BLACK SWAN: Because the majority voted for the first for the revival of "FLAWED", this is the first dream I delve that focuses on... Oh my. How intriguing... Perhaps all of you will enjoy this one. It's all about you, after all.

Since the start, you never understood the matter of obsession, especially when it comes to 'love'.

Don't misunderstand—of course, you know how bad obsession can be. In your time spent in this world, you have seen so many seemingly getting utterly obsessed with your existence, oftentimes stumbling and trying to get your attention. Try as you might to ward them away, they seemingly can't stop themselves from even fumbling over you.

It was, in all honestly, a mess. Sometimes you even wonder if these people are even normal with how they can't seem to look at you right in the eye.

Though you might find them cute as they seemingly can't understand the message of 'look at me', what is not cute is when they start committing crimes. They say its all because of you, but really, what is it about you that drives them to such a thing?

So when you have a feeling it was going to happen (and you know that it will. You have a knack for such a thing, even when you used to struggle to detect it for a week), you immediately start planning on moving to a different location entirely.

In your flawless logic, it's the only thing that drives them away. They can't find you if you can't find them, no?

Alas! It... Never works.

Each time you seemingly tried, hoping and praying to the Gods above that they'd give you a small respite, a breather, even... They seemingly come back like weed, trying to suffocate you with spouting such nonsense you hear on the daily.

The one thing you can say that it worked for the first few times. In those times, you were able to gather yourself and breathe, perhaps relax as you no longer have to worry about those people follow you.

But when they find out where you went, they never seem to stop from then.

Each time you ran, they followed. They followed and followed, up until you had to uproot your entire life to go to a different country. If only to even get a chance to think clearly.

And here you are, in the country you chose to stay in: Mondstadt. It does seem quite lovely, and the chatter amongst normal people was a nice change to the near screaming you hear almost on the daily. Although you miss your friends back at Fontaine, you can hardly think about coming back.

After all, those obsessive fools may just catch whiff of you and follow you here. You can't have their disgusting hands grab you, right?

As you stayed in Mondstadt, you find out a few things about the residents here. One of them was about Chiori's shop, which was booming in the aspect of textiles, weaving and flowers. There was another one, but you heard that the owner had went missing.

Oh well.

It must not be important.

The next were the two bars— one of them you took little interest in, considering the famous one was run by your two closest friends. You, Aether and Lumine go way back, practically when you three were kids! Although you three grew apart since you got to senior high, all of you stayed in contact.

And besides, the latter must be run by some drab, so you'd rather catch up with your friends than go somewhere unfamiliar.

And finally, the one thing you absolutely adore was the bachelors you see.

You overheard that there was a painter that's globally known in all of Teyvat, especially in the art world. You never knew what his alias is, but there were talk amongst the townsfolk of a good artist that is seen in the town square. And luckily for you, you were already heading there, and you had to stop when you saw him.

Blonde hair tied in a messy short ponytail, the rest of those locks swept carelessly by the wind. Those cyan eyes glimmering in the sun makes it look more like prized gems, and although he only wore a white vest and black jeans, the canvas and paints he has stands him out more than anything.

You can only admire as he was painting the landscape, and when his head rises, both of your eyes meet.

You simply let out a gasp and turn away, unknowing of the look he must have on his face.

Oh, no, you mused, biting your lip. I sure hope I look okay! I must look like garbage in front of such a cute painter!

You simply closed your eyes as the embarrassment settled in, but you did betray your instincts and turned when you hear footsteps walk towards your direction.

Ah. He's walking towards you. He's actually walking to your direction.

"Excuse me," he says, his eyes drifting to your attire from the ground up. Eyeing the dress you wore, the luggage, then to your face and hairdo, his lips seem to quirk to a smile. "Ah, you must be the one the twins mentioned to me about. [Name], yes?"

He knows me?!

"Yes, that's... that's me," you answered, your voice faltering as you began to twiddle your thumbs. Letting out a nervous giggle, you shifted your gaze away from him again, unable to look at him. "I guess you're friends with them, huh...?"

"Mm, I suppose," he answers, the soft sound of his voice echoing and making you feel more hung up on it. "That aside, I do believe introductions are in order. My name is Albedo. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Oh, you know it's a pleasure of mine, you thought dazedly. What a prince. This must be what adoration feels.

Being with Albedo felt akin to a dream, and sometimes, you swear that those days you spent hiding from those insane suitors were all behind you.

After all, if there is one thing they can never attain, it would be what he has. The charm, wit, and his smile.

You were utterly hooked because of that smile of his.

Sure, there were moments that it felt like he were pushing those bounds bit by bit: you would catch him trying to hold your hand (something you always told him to stop), or the times he would give you those eyes. You always thought that he may be trying to hide his obsession for you, too, and he's trying to subvert the blame.

In your mind, you knew you aren't doing anything wrong. Why would you? Were you even expressing those thoughts in hopes that he would notice you?

And yet, even with that in mind, you can only find yourself dumbfounded when you hear from Alice (his companion) that he is away for a month. Something related to his work, she reasoned to you, but you took it as a sign of something sinister.

No... It can't be, you thought, horrified as you paced in your house. Don't tell me...

Now, you hate to suspect people that you liked. You hate the feeling of doing that, of thinking the person you may actually consider normal in your perspective to have fallen like the rest of the buffoons.

You hate to think they became obsessed. That he became obsessed.

So in that regard (and by the stroke of luck as he's gone for a month), you began to cut off contact with him. You began to block him everywhere, delete his number, and make sure to throw away things you suspect that he has tampered with. It was a lot, but it was all for your safety!

After all, why would you bring yourself to trust him if he's gotten obsessed over you? Ah, it'd be a nightmare!

And in your endeavor to cut him off due to the heinous idea, you began to plan out your next moves... That was, until you bumped into him.

Raising your head, your eyes met turquoise—a unique color, you thought, but you realized that it was only one.

"Oh my," you heard the recipient speak with a chuckle. "I wasn't expecting to see a cute lady here. So, you must be [Name] that I hear from Alice, hm?"

You simply squeaked when he said your name, the dulcet tones standing out far more than the soft voice you hear from that wretched blonde.

"I- I am," you stammered, raising a hand to cover your mouth. You free left hand began to fiddle with your hair, twirling a strand before you tucked it behind your ear. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking—"

He seems amused at that as he reached over to hold you from leaving.

"Ah, ah, ah," he tuts. "Not so fast, little lady. What's the hurry? I don't think it's respectful for you to walk out on someone."

Pulling his hand to your arm, he traced his fingers until he grabbed your hand, raising it to graze his lips— such is the behavior of a suitor.

"Call me Kaeya Alberich, miss [Name]," he whispers, his lips curled to a smug grin. "Or shall I call you my darling lily instead?"

Ah, he's going to be the death of me!

Unlike the time you spent with the blonde stalker to be, the time you spent with the casa nova was interesting. He seems to have a lot of fun regaling you with tales of his own, weaving them into elaborate chronicles you find yourself listening to for hours.

He was an avid storyteller, and the things he tells you feels so surreal, and yet when you look into it, it was true. You even found out that he was single too, but you never told him that.

Despite this, however, the red head is the one that catches your eye. You half-expected for him to even meet your gaze the few times you and Kaeya were together in his bar, but when you two do, he seems to look at you in disdain.

You didn't understood why he does. Kaeya tells you he looks like that to everyone, but you find that extremely hard to believe.

Does he knows that I came from Snezhnaya? you thought, pursing your lips as you stared at the busy bartender. Or is he simply playing hard to get?

You weren't with Kaeya today (which is an odd sight, because he's always free), so you decided to come by to the bar. You've been there for hours now, but even when you were staying there for so long, he never seems to bat an eye at you.

It was only when it was closing that you decide to approach the counter. You were obviously annoyed as you slammed the counter, finally catching his attention, and as you open your mouth—

"Leave."

...

"I'm sorry?" you uttered, shocked.

"Leave the bar. We're closing," he answers sharply, his steel gaze hitting you like needles on skin. "I've been ignoring you ever since you came here, miss. Please leave the bar. You've been here since nine in the evening."

The audacity of this man!

"Excuse me? Leave? I've been trying to get your attention—!"

"By what, pray tell?" he scoffs, crossing his arms with a scowl. "By batting your eyes and giggling like a teenager?"

You scoffed.

"I'd never do that!"

"Oh, but you have," you heard him reply, rolling his eyes at you—presumably because you think he has you cornered... Which he doesn't, you justified to yourself. "In fact, the bar has been empty ever since you came. You've been acting eerie enough that the regulars have left."

Hah, the audacity he has. It makes you sick.

"You act like I'm the one that has the problem here, sir," you scowl, reaching over to grab him, but he simply smacks your hand away. Raising his phone, he's now glaring at you outright.

"Don't touch me," he warns. "Miss, I'm warning you, leave. Leave or else I'll call the police."

...

You know what? Perhaps pursuing him isn't a good idea right now.

"Fine! I'll leave, then," you told him, turning on your heels to leave.

...

It was only when the lady left did Diluc sighed in relief, checking his phone once more. He noticed the messages he got from Albedo, the most recent one being something that he found shocking.

[ ALBEDO: I believe we're dealing with a case of lovesickness. ]

The sound of slamming on pavement was the thing that echoes in the room, blood and petals were being torn to shreds as the two individuals fought for dear life.

It was a monstrosity, one may say. And if they walked into the room, they would find out who was it that caused such a gruesome display and who became their victim.

Slamming the head on the floor, you felt sweat drip down your face. After what you experienced since that day, you had to be found out, and you decided that it was simply better to get rid of the weaker ones that got 'too close' to outing your location.

"You— you psycho! You freak!" you yelled at the top of your lungs, bashing the person's head as you did so. The mask they wore simply haunted you as you heard them choke and beg, but you didn't care.

They were all the same. All of them were the same, monstrous beings behind those smiles.

"Why do you keep following me?!" you yelled, raising a hammer as you slammed it on their shoulder, making them holler. "Didn't I tell you to stop?! You drove me out of that town, you freak!"

As you kept on slamming, the bones began to crack, the sound echoing around. You could hardly hear what they have to say as you simply can only see red, your ears hearing the sound of your heartbeat.

After a few more slams, you raised the weapon and bashed the head in, cracking it open like an egg and letting blood pour out.

...

Panting heavily, all you can do was look over at what you've done, and it seems that in your haste, you realized who it was that followed you.

...

Ah.

Ahaha.

Actually, that person you murdered wasn't even the one that followed you.

The blood staining your hands was one of the innocent, the one you decided to take the place of as one of the missing individuals.

Raking your hair, you couldn't help but giggle and laugh, the realization dawning on you. You forgot why you came to this town, didn't you, hm?

You came here not because of those people who became 'obsessed' and would tail you. Those people were ones that accused you for your crimes, some who had evidence as you were involved in their cases.

What a shame, really. Each time they got close, you simply bludgeoned them, making sure their remains were not to be found.

This town was no different, but it's okay, you reasoned to yourself.

Raising the now broken body of the florist, you couldn't help but smile, brain matter seeping out and blood oozing like gallons. The flowers you carelessly pulled in your rage remains by your side, but it was nothing that you can't get rid of.

It's fine now.

All you have to do was wipe everyone's memories, and you'll be in their place.

Sure, those pesky men will remember, but it's fine. In your eyes, they can't say a word when society thinks that the one they're supposed to bond with was you, after all.

You're the main character of this story, and that's how it always should be. ♡

@.yxstxrdrxxm | do not republish or repost my works anywhere | 2024

Happy April fool's!

What, were you expecting for this to be anything you wanted?

Haha, unfortunately, no. Actually, this dream was simply one that I found amusing. You all thought this was a normal yandere fic, yes?

Well... It isn't, I'm afraid. Please take what this was written with a massive grain of salt, because this dream was derived of a non-canon incident. Therefore, this dream never actually happened. Though, the events were quite jarring if it did.

Now, tell me, traliblazer.

Have you noticed anything that stands out? Anything that makes 'you' in this story perhaps... Too perfect?

Hehe. I'd start looking if I were you.

<3

[winterwandersland]

This is another idea that I've been working with. It's been in my documents for like two months now. This is also unedited, but I do want to make it another story. If I do choose to extend it to a full story, I will revise this chapter. Just trying to see how much traction it may get for rn.

Simon Riley x Black!Fem!Reader Call of Duty x The Walking Dead x The Last of Us? Word Count: 2k cw: shooting, blood, being handcuffed It just started out as a pandemic, but then the virus began to mutate. The dead was now living, well, sort of. Sane human beings craved food, but those things...they craved people and any living creature they could get their hands on. You found a farm during your travels to safety and have kept shelter there ever since. One day while hunting for food, you come across a group of men that you are sure were going to kill you, but as you continue to be in their presence, you aren't so sure. Will they take you with them and protect you like they do in the movies you used to watch as a child or will they put you through a hell worse than the world you now lived in?

It was the dead of summer, meaning that the walkers were more sparse, some of them moving in herds across the land. You had been alone for many months now, unable to contact any friends and family. Quite frankly, you hoped they were dead. Then, they wouldn’t have to face the ugliness of the world.

It was hard to find clean sources of water, many of the water sources being tainted with walker blood and guts. The CDC had suspected a virus in the water tanks, advising everyone to ensure their water was being filtered properly. A small town had had a few suspicious deaths, no one knowing what caused it. A few deaths turned to hundreds and hundreds turned to thousands. Only a couple of states had declared martial law before the rest of the country followed suit. Within a few weeks, the country was at war, along with other nations. The only content was the news broadcasting of the dead coming back to life. At first, you scoffed, but that was until you witnessed it yourself.

You almost died when you were up against your first walker, but the few self-defense classes you took in your teenage years had paid off. Now, it had been months and nearing winter, and over half of the world population was undead—dead, but alive enough to still have basic needs like hunger. Two months had passed since you had seen another live human being.

The end of the world had brought about a side of you that you didn’t know existed. A will to live that you thought you had lost a long time ago. Actions you would have considered disgusting and vile now became part of your survival’s guide. Thanks to the books you found in the untouched library, you could stack up on some hunting manuals and more books to keep you entertained. You dreaded the coming of winter, but you did everything you could to stock up on food and supplies, staying at a farmhouse further in the country. To your surprise, no one had come that far and from the amount of walkers, anyone who did seemed to not have made it too far.

Animals were almost extinct. Everyday, it seemed harder to find food to eat. The farm had been beneficial for growing crops and having clean water. You dreaded the day walkers came across it and it was you against them, but you tried not to think about it too much.

To venture south was a suicide mission by yourself. As much as you wanted to check if your family was alive, you knew it was better to keep the idea of them alive than to have the knowledge that they were dead. Outside, the farmland was almost pure woods plagued with the undead. Occasionally, you’d scour them to see if any source of food was left. There wasn’t. Birds hardly flew past the window anymore and you were never fast enough to catch them, your hunting skills not being up to par with flying prey.

It had been a few weeks since you’d checked the woods for food, so you figured you’d give it a go given the herd of walkers seemed to be migrating. You crept around the trees, watching every step to make sure you didn’t do so much as step on a twig. The crunching of the leaves was loud enough. Learning to use a gun would have drawn the walkers to you, so you spent your months mastering the art of the blade. You weren’t an expert quite yet, but you were much better than you were a few months ago.

You hid behind a tree and used a tree spile to collect water rather than carrying the weight of a bottle with you on your runs. Your body stayed steady, using minimal movement to angle your head below the spout as you drank the water.

Leaves shuffled behind you, startling you enough to quickly collect your spile and bring out the military grade knife you found at the tactical store not too far from your old neighborhood. You had emptied it out as much as you could before it was overrun by walkers and other survivors. Knowing the evils of mankind from apocalypse movies, you made sure they didn’t see you leave, and if they did, they couldn’t catch you once you entered your vehicle.

You caught a flash of movement and tracked it as best as you could without being noticed. Staying quiet and keeping low, you tread softly towards the movement to identify what or who it was. A squirrel. Before it could move anymore, you threw your knife at it, striking it in the head. It had been almost a week since you had eaten. Your stomach felt like it was eating away at itself.

A squirrel was a delicacy nowadays. Any meat was. You dug in, cutting just past the skin layer to peel it back, revealing the flesh hidden beneath it. Cutting past the ribs was the easiest part and once it was done, you practically ate at the squirrel like it was meat on bone. The smells no longer bothered you and the blood on your face was an afterthought. You’ll clean up once you get back to the farm.

“I see another one!” a deep, accented voice yelled. You turned your head to try to identify the direction of the voice, but your ears rang from the bullet that grazed past your head. “Fuck!” you shouted loud enough for only you to hear. You stayed low, dropping the squirrel and running deeper into the woods.

  A few more shots fired in your direction, one grazing your non-dominant arm. You ran as fast as you could away from your home. One man turned to two and two turned to three, and three turned to four as you heard more running towards you. Another shot fired and you fell to the ground, clutching the side of your head. Your hand filled with blood as you applied pressure to the wound, but your vision became blurry as you pulled yourself to the nearest tree. The voices came closer, and you drew your knife, again, but your body became too weak for you to hold it up. Everything moved slower than your eyes moved.

“Fuckin’ hell,” you heard a deep, very British, accent say before your vision was no longer light and only darkness.

***

“She’s still alive,” one man said as he placed two fingers on your neck to feel for your heartbeat. You opened your eyes to see four men surrounding you and immediately tried to launch yourself at the one with the mohawk, but your wrist was viciously pulled back by the handcuffs that kept one of your wrists attached to a familiar pipe.

“Calm down. We aren’t gonna hurt you,” the man with a boonie-style hat said. You scanned the men who you knew could pin you down at any moment. One had on a skull mask, ahead of season for the fall time, and the upcoming Halloween holiday, the only holiday you once enjoyed celebrating. He lurked over everyone else. He was the biggest of them, followed by the man with the beard and hat. The other two weren’t much smaller, but their difference was noticeable.

“Get the fuck away from me!” You tried to release your hand from the pipe, but it only drew more blood and made your hand ache even more. Your screams echoed as you used all of your force to try and pry yourself out of the handcuffs. Your feet were planted on the wall, trying your hardest to release yourself.

“That won’t do you any good,” the mohawk man said. “Fuck you!” You continued to try and rip your hand out of the cuffs, but the more you did, the more blood that trickled down your arm and into the crease of your elbow.

The large man with the mask knelt down beside you and his fingers pressed into the sides of your face as he grabbed it. Your lip quivered and a tear dragged down your face as he roughly turned your head to face him. To avoid his piercing stare, you closed your eyes, more tears streaming down your face.

He didn’t say anything as he pulled out a cloth that clearly had not been cleaned in a while. You could feel the pressure of the cloth on your face, wiping away at the blood that you forgot stained your face. His hand was warm, the first physical contact you had in nearly a year. While he was rough when wiping your cheeks, his touch became more gentle once he moved towards your lips. His touch became light and slow, the most gentle he had been.

He momentarily let go of your face to dump some water from his canister onto the cloth. You opened your eyes for a split second and closed them again once his hand was back on your face. He was rougher now, applying more pressure to cure your stained lips. You didn’t say anything and allowed him to clean your face to satisfy whatever sick and twisted needs he had. His grip on your face loosened and he used his thumb to gently wipe at the salty water drops that made their way down your face and into the palm of his hand. “Shh, we aren’t gonna hurt you.”

The other three had left you and the man alone to ransack the kitchen, leaving you more scared than you were before. You turned your face away from him, shaking even more than when the men first arrived. The adrenaline kept you from feeling the pain of the flesh wounds along your arm and head. “This is my house. You can’t have it.”

“So you do speak.” You tried to kick him, but he grabbed your foot, throwing it back at you. “This really your house?” You nodded your head, keeping eye contact with the brute man. “We’re not here for it. Just food. You can keep your house. Let me clean your wounds.” He reached for your arm, but you pulled away, not being able to go far because you were still cuffed.

“What’s your name?” You stayed silent, only keeping eye contact with the man, hoping he would go away. Only a small huff of breath left your lungs while you still caught your breath from struggling with the cuffs and pipe. “Don’t speak then. I don’t care. Give me your arm.” He tried to grab at you again, but you pulled back, making him more upset. “Let me help you and then we will leave.”

“You shot me…twice.”

“Did you see the way you were eating that squirrel? We thought you were one of the dead.”

“I ran away.”

“Some of them aren’t that bright. Thought you were one of them.”

The other three men came back into the room, halting you and the skull man’s conversation. “There’s no food.”

“Yea. It’s her house,” the man with the mask said.

“If we had known that, we wouldn’t have come here. She speak, yet?”

The masked man looked at your pleading eyes and returned his gaze back to the team. “No.”

“A shame,” the man with the funny hair said. “Sorry for shootin’ ya. You eat like one of the dead. When was the last time you had a meal?” You continued to just stare at the man, your silence answering his question. “That long, huh?

You tried not to look any of the men in the eye and only turned your body towards the man with the mask. “Why didn’t you clean her wounds?”

“She wouldn’t let me.”

TO BE CONTINUED

[writteninlunarlight-years]

Hello :) I hope you’re having a fantastic day, please could I request a BG3 and Hogwarts Legacy matchup :)

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Appearance: I am 5’3, have long black hair and green-hazel eyes and I’m very pale. In terms of fashion I normally dress in black and other dark colours as black and purple are my favourite colours, I normally wear goth style clothing, jewellery and makeup (simple and not over the top), and on special occasions I dress more elegantly.

MBTI: I am a Capricorn and personality type INFJ.

Personality: I’m normally shy when talking to people for the first time and scared to approach people. When I get to know people, I am more open and hyper around them. I really enjoy testing myself and improving myself as a whole (I have low self esteem), I also like to take care of other people and make sure they’re doing okay and I really have a soft spot for animals.

Likes (at least three things): I normally spend my time watching horror movies, playing video games, reading, listening to music and I love watching anime. My favourite music genres are rock, metal, goth and classical. I’m absolutely fascinated with Greek mythology and many countries History.

Dislikes (at least three things): I absolutely can’t stand when it’s too hot or sunny outside as I much prefer the cold. I hate being forced into social situations and when people are extremely judgmental.

Extra fun fact: My ideal dates are normally visiting museums, anything historical, nature walks and visiting spooky locations.

BG3 extra

Race: Wood Half Elf

Class: Paladin/Bard

D&D alignment: Neutral Good

~~~~~ MATCHUPS ~~~~~

BG3

Astarion Ancunin

~~~~~ HEADCANONS ~~~~~

Astarion loved easy prey, and that is precisely what you were to him. Someone so timid and shy, easy to manipulate and use to protect himself.

You were also a natural born leader, yes you may need some time to warm up to your companions but once that was all in order you were a force to be reckoned with. So graceful on the battlefield.

The only issue was that you were so bloody kind to every person you guys met. You were always seeking out to help others with nothing in return. What type of person does that?

What Astarion didn't realize was that he loved that about you. He was just clouding this admiration that was blooming with hate so he could hide from his feelings.

When you saw his scars for the first time, he knew he was falling, and it terrified him. You looked at his wounds, his horrible past, and just accepted him. So willingly.

He knew there had to be a catch, so to spare himself, he became cold and distant from you. Yet you always came back, and he realized he couldn't do it.

When you two explored Baldur's Gate with the group, you two were like encyclopedias. Where Astarion could tell you everything about nightlife, you could recite anything about day life.

Though Astarion loved the sun and the time he got to spend in it with the illithid in him, he couldn't deny the moon looked gorgeous on you.

Soon after Cazador's demise, you and Astarion took refuge in a small cottage near the town. There, you two created your own gothic safe haven.

~~~~~ BLURB ~~~~~

You and Astarion had been dancing around your feelings for one another. Yes, he confessed he no longer saw you as just a bodyguard but as something more; he just needed time. You respected that, wanting to give the man the chance to honestly choose you. Making your way to Baldur's Gate is when the incident that caused him to finally confess occurred. You were gorgeous. The whole group would agree, and so would 90% of the people who passed by you on the street. As you walked along the the winding roads and through crowds Astarion noticed all the head nods and quick looks you were getting.

Once satisfied with your hunt for a safe place to sleep for the night, you guided your companions to the campground. Yes, there were tons of taverns around, but with Orin and Gortash switching sides, you would rather be safe than sorry. Taking your place at your tent, Astarion couldn't help but admire you. You had everything: the personality, the looks, and most of all, the morals that any man would be blessed to love. He knew he was the one that pushed you away, wanting to understand his feelings, but something about now in the present, witnessing all the looks you got, made him realize he could lose you. Mustering up the courage, he strode over to you, clearing his throat, "Hello, my little dove. How are you today?"

You smiled radiantly, "I am good; what do I owe the pleasure this evening, Astarion? Do you need some blood tonight?" He shook his head no before gently bending at the waist and whispering in your ear. "Actually, I would like to officially consummate our relationship; I can't bear for someone to steal you from me." You blushed darkly, giggling when you nodded, leading him into your tent. You two got comfortable under your rucksack and began discussing the future for both of you. Yes, Astarion liked the thought of that; both of you are no longer alone.

~~~~~ EXTRA ~~~~~

(You and Astarion are the only two awake at camp, watching over everyone and having a moment.)

Y/N: It's beautiful tonight, isn't it?

Astarion: I agree that the calmness of night was always pleasant when I wasn't on the hunt.

Y/N: Do you think you will learn to love the night again when we go on our own?

Astarion: I would love to relearn everything by your side, my love.

Y/N: Do you think our neighbors will snore as loudly as Gale and Halsin?

HOGWARTS LEGACY

Sebastian Sallow

~~~~~ HEADCANONS ~~~~~

Sebastian thought how shy you were when you came to school was cute. He thought the big bad fifth year who took on a dragon would be some pompous ass.

However, as he grew to know you due to the countless lessons he got voluntold to do with you, he realized you were really kind.

You were powerful, though, beyond belief, and he hoped you would willingly help him with his sister. When he told you about Anne, he knew he had to have some inkling of feelings for you.

Due to his research for a cure, Sebastion loved to quiz you on interesting facts. On holiday, you two will also explore old monuments and museums in the muggle and wizarding worlds.

Sebastian hated it when you doubted yourself. You were the most beautiful and capable witch he had met, so of course, he naturally had to help boost your confidence as much as he could.

When Sebastian confessed to Ominus how he felt for you, it was a good two weeks of torture where Ominus would start a conversation with you, pretending like he would tell Sebastian's secret.

Sebastian may be a great wizard, but he was still a schoolboy at heart, so confessing to you took a long time of contemplation.

What did him in, though, was when he took you to meet Anne. You were so kind and gentle to her, helping her with the chores and other necessities.

When his uncle yelled at him, you were by his side, trying to cheer him up like you always did.

Though Sebastian's path was wrong, you knew deep down that he was doing it for a good cause. That didn't stop you from trying to convince him to stop on the dark path he was on. After the incident, it took a long time to rebuild that trust.

Once you and Sebastian were back on good terms, it was almost disgusting to Ominus how long you two could dance around loving each other, so he had to inform everyone very, very loudly.

~~~~~ BLURB ~~~~~

Sebastian had been bested again in a duel by none other than you. It was crazy to him that you were so far behind everyone else, yet powerful and confident. Though he knew you disliked all the attention you got for your title as the 'Savior,' he couldn't help but agree with them. "Oi, Sallow, will you help me clean up this mess or what? We have our NEWTs to study for." Sebastion nodded, running up to help you clean up the practice dummies. Time had flowen since fifth year when you first appeared, being in seventh year you two went through so much together. Though he had to work hard to regain your trust, he knew he wouldn't risk losing you again this time.

After putting up the equipment, you waved goodbye and went to Professor Weasley's office. You were extremely powerful and intelligent, helping the staff understand the artifacts you found in school that would be placed in a prestigious museum soon. You had your life lined up for you, but where did he stand. He knew he needed to confess to you and was running out of time. He couldn't count how many times he and Ominus had discussed this thoroughly since they had made up. Sebastian had a brilliant idea as he went to his common room. Party in Slytherin.

The party was in full swing, and the partygoers were having a grand time. Sebastian, however, was keeping an eagle eye out for you. He knew how you hated social situations like this, and his goal was to sneak you out on a romantic walk to then confess. The only problem was every single one of your friends wanted to talk to you. Sebastian was growing impatient and leaned over to Ominus to exclaim his discontent. As he finished talking to Ominus, he saw the blind boy smirk before jumping up on the table before him and loudly proclaiming, "Oh Y/N, your lover boy misses you!". Not only did you and everyone know Sebastian's feelings, but Sebastian also learned that there was such a thing as an uncomposed Ominus.

~~~~~ EXTRA ~~~~~

(You and Ominus were watching Sebastian fight a training dummy)

Ominus: Y/N, have you ever noticed that he sounds like one of the dummies?

Y/N: (laughs) Are you insinuating that they would look and sound alike if you could see?

Ominus: Oh, it is, in fact, not an insinuation. It's a fact.

Y/N: (staring at Sebastian lovingly) he is a big dummy, isn't he?

Sebastian: I CAN HEAR YOU!

[funky-fox-fics]

Am I the asshole for killing my best friend?

Hear me out, this isn't rage bait, I promise.

So, like a week ago, me (30M) and like a dozen other people went on a camping trip. We didn't really know each other, but we were pretty sure it'd be fun to have a bit of bonding.

Halfway through the trip there, we get lost in the middle of a forest. As if this isn't bad enough, car dies abruptly. Guy who owns it doesn't know what happened. We have no cell service, no car, nothing.

We were standing there, trying to contact someone for god's sake, when a wild animal - a bear, I think - came running out of the forest and injures this guy, S (29M). Badly. Broken arm, wounds, thank goodness it wasn't rabid or something. I chase it off, but everyone realizes the woods are unsafe. Before long, R (31M) and M (32M) decide to split off from the actual group. S pledges his loyalty to me because R and M weren't here. The rest of us split up, and it's only me and S.

Rest of the day goes by. We set up camp at the top of this big sandy hill. S stole a survivalist guide from M so we know what's safe to eat. Two others, J (27M) and his boyfriend, come and we share the stuff we forage. None of us die, which is good.

Next day, we find out someone's stolen the survivalist guide. We track down R and M, and it turns out they have it. They agree to let is take pictures of the important pages (we have solar chargers) if we agree to help them search for stuff. We agree, but they don't let us take pictures of important stuff - like what berries are safe to eat or not. S has a terrible memory but didn't show anyone else, so now only R and M know what is safe to eat. They tell us they don't trust us, which is weird, but S decides to give them some food in return. We take a few of the nonpoisonous food we saved, and we leave it near their little tent.

Except the next day M comes to tell us: R is gravely wounded and may die from his injuries.

I'm shocked. It turns out that a bear had come, attracted by the berries, and now R is swearing vengeance for our mistake.

Everything is a whirlwind after that. R and three others form an alliance against me and S for killing R, the three people join on M's side, me and S are left with J (22M) and his boyfriend. I swear I didn't mean for the bear to come, but it just did.

And then S breaks his leg after he falls into a ravine, and M decides to repay me what I did to R.

Long story short, everyone... dies. I can't believe it, even as I type it out. Everyone is dead. Everyone. I'm sorry if I sound callous, I get like that when I'm grieving. But M tried to come after me, so I hit him in the stomach and- someone stepped on him, and me and J and S and J's boyfriend were trying to defend ourselves, and- well. Everyone died.

Now's where I might be the AH. It came down to me and S, but I swear I could see the ghosts of everyone dead. Me and S were just on the hill, and S was trying to weasel his way out of it, but then S was on the edge and something hissed in my ear in R's voice to kill him and I just pushed him off right there and then.

It was like I'd gone deaf. Everything was silent. I waited there for five minutes, staring at S's broken body, but he was still very dead.

I decided to do what no one else had done, and I took the food and ran away from everything. Abandoned the car and the tents. I don't care who finds it now, it doesn't matter, they'll find my friends first. I ran for a long time, thank goodness I was a cross country runner in high school, and finally I made it to a really small town with cell service. I'm writing this now as I work up the courage to see if I can't get back to Hermitcraft and tell everyone what happened. I know I can't stay there, but maybe they'll hear me out before killing me too. I'm so sorry, S. I didn't mean to kill you, not really. RIP.

So, now, I ask you all: am I still the asshole?

[vulpeskorsak]

Day 31 of Whumptober 2024: Falling

No. 31: ASKING FOR HELP Therapy | Making Amends | “I’m alive, I’m just not well.” (Elliot Lee, Alive, Not Well.)

AO3 got banned in my country and VPNs have not been working well on my PC lately, so I am not going to post these there for now. But hopefully I can do that at some point.

Alva is a young biology teacher sent to work in a small town who ends up stranded on a strange island with his older fatherly colleague Sean after a fishing trip gone wrong.

This is a story that takes place the morning after Day 29.

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

Falling

Alva turns in his deep dreamless sleep and his body finds out that the bed it is in is much narrower than what it is used to by falling off it.

As he feels the solid surface underneath him shift to air, he cries out instinctively in a panic, thinking he is about to drown. Instead, his body just hits the floor and he opens his eyes. His heart is racing, threatening to break through the rib cage.

He whimpers as he sits up leaning back against the bed with his legs spread out on the floor and tries taking deep breaths.

His mind clears quicker than his body can calm down. He does not like where this might be going.

"This better not become a regular thing... I would hate to wake up like this every day," he thinks.

Alva hears rapidly approaching footsteps from the outside. Fingers squeeze into the window crack he left before bed and slide it completely open. His colleague (and good friend) Sean leans inside with a look of worry written all over his face.

"What happened?! Are you alive, kid?"

His words are accompanied by mildly labored breathing and his face is a little red.

"I'm alive, I'm just not well," Alva confesses. "I fell and I thought I was going to drown... Like, I was still on that fucking boat."

"I'm sorry…"

Alva tries to get up but his legs are still shaking.

"Could you… help me get up, please?"

When he looks up Sean is not there. His heart sinks for a moment before he puts two and two together, that coming in through the window is neither easy, nor conventional. He waits, focusing on steadying his breathing, his body still reeling from the shock of the perceived near-death.

Sean opens the door and approaches him after a while putting his hand on Alva's shoulder. He is frowning and does not look him in the eyes.

"I am sorry I took you on that boat trip, kid," he sighs.

Sean has never brought it up during the 8 days out at sea. Neither did Alva, since he could not blame the man for a sudden storm, so why rub salt into the wounds? Sean has been so jolly most of this time, he thought it also did not bother him.

"No, it's not your fault. You couldn't have known." Alva reassures him as he is helped up onto the bed. "Don't worry about it. I do not blame you in the slightest, Sean."

"I understand. But it still sucks to be the accidental cause of all our troubles... even if I am not exactly to blame."

Sean sighs again combing through his white beard with his fingers. He looks so tired, suddenly. Nothing like his usual self.

"L-let's go have breakfast." Alva suggests, unsure how else to help him. "Maybe we can find something tasty to cheer ourselves up in the kitchen?"

"I've already eaten…" Sean confesses sheepishly, but then his eyes light up and he smiles again. "But I've never said no to a second breakfast!"

[livelysonletour]

We spent New Year's Day exploring Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês on the Northern border of Portugal and Spain.

A bit tired but motivated for what I expected to be one of the most exciting days, I went out early in the morning to secure train tickets at the train station we visited on our walking tour. Part of the reason we wanted to get tickets early was to avoid lines and ensure we arrived to meet our guide on time. The other part was to redeem our inability to escape the train station upon our arrival to Porto way back in 2023. The tickets were secured easily enough, and I enjoyed walking through city streets caught between the day starting (for people like me) and the night ending (for people like the gentleman walking through broken glass and confetti with his Super Bock still in hand).

I came back to the Airbnb to get Cat, we packed a backpack with waters, rain coats, a lunch (cured ham, cheese, bread, olives, cashews, apricots, and orange juice), and bathing suits, and then headed out to take the train to Braga where we met our guide for the day, Pedro. After asking if we needed any car sickness medication, Pedro began driving us through the mountains up toward the park. Pedro is recent Mechanical Engineering graduate and a music and NBA lover, so we found plenty to talk about.

We stopped at a little cafe owned by his friend for coffee and breakfast - I had a pastel de chaves and Cat had a Portuguese croissant.

We then continued up the winding roads before coming to a trailhead located near the abandoned border gates between Portugal and Spain. We freely walked between the two countries and Pedro pointed out signs mixing Portuguese, Spanish, and Galacian. After re-entering Portugal, we headed down a beautiful trail called the Gerês Bridges Trail.

It was full of bridges, waterfalls, shepherd's paths, cows (check out the video Cat got below!), and the ruins of various users of the mountain pass (from Roman soldiers to Portuguese shepherds to park rangers), all providing spectacular sights. We had lunch on the final bridge at the base of a waterfall before hiking back up and to the car.

Pedro then took us across the Spanish border to the town of Lobios to enjoy the town's hot springs, Caldas de Lobios. We stopped at a small cafe and bought a coffee so we could change into our bathrooms suits and then gingerly stepped into the hot springs. The temperature varied slightly as the water flowed from how I like my showers to barely tolerable - which to be fair is not that significant of a delta. I also had the bright idea to try wading in a small stream near the spring's source and scalded my left foot.

After we had taken all we could handle, we changed and headed back to Portugal. We made a quick pit stop at Castelo de Lindoso, a medieval castle and its grainaries, before Pedro drove us back to Porto.

After such a full day, Cat couldn't bring herself to head back out for dinner so she finished some snacks we had and I ventured out to grab some local delicacies (as the Portuguese call it: McDonals) before we both went to bed, though I got up at 2 am local time to watch the Texas loss to Washington in the Sugar Bowl ☹️... Sadly the cows we saw on our hike didn't have long enough horns to provide the appropriate suerte.

[bobbinacrossafricatake2]

Catch and Release

May 29, 2024

Our departure from Tana was at 6:30 AM for an 8:30 flight, so we passed on breakfast (Seb had coffee), packed up and Maharo picked us up right on time. There was no traffic to the airport, and once we were at the domestic terminal (early) Maharo had us sit in the car rather than inside - good move, the general waiting room was a little sketchy. When finally they came to collect us, we bid Maharo farewell and were escorted to a quite nice small lounge where we waited a bit longer. The charter flight was two hours and quite smooth. The first hour or so was over mountains with lots of crop fields and small towns visible below. Then the terrain flattened out and the amount of streams and rivers increased until we got to the Indian Ocean. As we came in, we could see miles and miles of pristine beaches to the right and glorious blue and turquoise water to the left. No civilization at all until we were ready to land. We are indeed in the middle of nowhere.

Our resort in Anjajavy is called Anjajavy Lodge, part of Relais & Chateaux. It reportedly has four stars by European standards. As if none of the places we’ve stayed has been luxurious enough, we have indeed arrived at the decadent portion of our trip. We were met at the airport by two of the four or so guides, Lucien and Fabien. Fabien is one of many locals (yes, there’s a nearby village) who work at the lodge. Having taken away the livelihood of many locals when the area was turned into a protected reserve, the lodge management do what they can to provide education and employment to many locals, thus also helping the lodge. Lucien has terrific English and is presumably from elsewhere in the country. Both were young, enthusiastic and welcoming. After a quick lemonade, they loaded us into padded seats mounted on the back of a pickup truck and took us the 30 minutes to the lodge. There, three gals in lovely tropical outfits greeted us, and we entered the fresh cut flower-lined walkway. The lodge is beautiful. It’s open to the air with high ceilings and various (quasi-)indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas. Beyond is a grassy area, then the pool area, and beyond is the sea. To each side are slightly raised walkways to the bungalows, separated for good privacy. Ours is amazing. Enter to a small table and chairs, then more comfy chairs, behind is Jillebob’s room and Sarah has separate quarters up a ladder-like staircase. Wow. The bathroom is lovely. And of course, there’s a porch on the sea-side, over looking the water with two comfy chairs and a hammock. Paradise. The amusing moment came when Seb used the facilities, flushed, and up jumped a frog who had been disturbed by the flush. She screeched, called Jill in, who proceeded to catch the little bugger in the basket used for accessories in the bathroom. (Sarah wanted to leave it alone, but the toilet room is on Jill’s level and she didn’t want to sleep with him.) Jill handed the little basket to Seb, who had the job of releasing it near some water so it wouldn’t get heat stroke on the hot sand and turn into biltong. Lol. Successful catch and release.

We settled in for a few minutes and then headed over to the he lodge for lunch. There’s an oddity about the property in that the first owner decided to reject the standard time zone and create Anjajavy time, which is one hour ahead. The tradition has been carried forward. Not such a problem with “old-fashioned” timepieces but a problem with all the Apple the devices. We have only one watch between us set for Anjajavy time, so we’re definitely going to miss something in these few days. Wacky!

Lunch on the patio of the lodge was delicious, wonderful service. We also sat down with Lucien to plan out our activities for the visit. No grass will be growing under our feet, but we’ll save plenty of time for relaxation. After lunch, a dip in the sea, chilly at first, but actually quite temperate. Then we lounged on “our” lounge chairs on the beach at the end of our private walkway, before coming in, showering and heading out on our first walk. It was just about right - a little less than an hour to see the Tsingy rocks. One can see them all over, but there’s an area surrounded by a wall of them, with bunches within that look like little free-form sculptures.

On our return: tea in “the oasis,” a lovely area surrounding a pond with lily pads, sling-back seats, open grassy area surrounded by trees. At tea time, as if on command, the lemurs come. Totally fun to watch them swing around in the trees, snuggle up to one another, hang out and generally put on a good show. Alas, we didn’t last too awfully long, as it was buggy and we knew we’d have a couple more opportunities to hang out with them.

Back in the room, we relaxed until dinner time - beautifully served and delicious !

[justxrandomxlivia]

We won't let you fall again!

Masterlist

Summary: Your day started with oversleeping and ended with an Iraqi lieutenant and an American lieutenant holding your hands? Who would have thought that falling into an ancient temple you've been searching for months would change your entire life?

Warning Sign: Mention of weapons. That's all. No monsters in this story, just an ancient temple and two countries that hate each other.

Word count: 3910 o.O

AN: JASON AND SALIM! Two men I couldn't decide between. I know I'm not the only one, so here you get two wholesome men. I'm struggling with the idea to continue the story in a second chapter, or writing just a little more extended, more romantic/smut ending. I will see if you guys want me to or not ;)

“Ah it’s going to be colder today. Finally.” Mumbling with a sleepy voice, I rolled over in my bed. It’s not comfortable, but It’ll do. Slowly rising from my deep slumber, I realised that the sun was quite high already. “What time it is?!!” I yelled and jumped off the bed, checking my phone. “2 pm? You must be kidding. Why did nobody wake me?” I ran over to my stuff and got dressed quickly, then I left the bedroom. Meeting the owners of the house. “Good morning.” I said while hustling to get my shoes on. The oldest man laughed: “No morning. After noon.” I looked him, he pointed to the table, where was some coffee and bread on a plate. Letting my shoulders drop, I smiled at him. They are all so overly kind, if I would just be better in learning their language. I sighed and took my one shoe off again, then I sat down and thanked him. We are supposed to pay them 20$ the week. But my team and I decided to pay them 50$ per week each. What Is a lot of money for them. And for their kids. It’s never a bad thing to give more. After I was done with my little breakfast, I suddenly heard helicopters. Two I would say. I know the risks, Iraq and the USA are still on a warpath, but this area here should be fine. It’s quite isolated. There is a small town in the near, with some market for local farmers. Nothing to get for the US.

I got my plate cleaned and got back to the main door, taking my shoes on, grabbing my bag and left the house, just to found myself surrounded by soldiers. They were pointing machine guns at me and yelled at me. The helicopters were right above me, then flying into the distance a little bit. My legs got shaky, and I couldn’t say anything, I got on the ground and one man tied my arms, then he led me back into the house. He pushed me down next to few of the house owners. A couple of minutes passed before a woman, wearing sunglasses entered the room, behind her was a man: “Everything clear, ma’am. No violence needed either.” He’s American. From the south I would even say Deep, long, slow words, with an immense rolled sound, must be the south.

The woman kneeled next to the shepherds and talked to them one by one, in Arabic. They answered her one by one, and her face grew more and more annoyed. She then kneeled in front of me: “What about her? Doesn’t look Iraqi to me.” She said and the man briefed her: “She was about to leave the house, hat a bag with many notebooks and various archaeologic books. All English.” She nodded at his words and spoke. “Then I’m sure you understand me girl?” I shook my head and raised an eyebrow: “It’s called racism. Saying somebody doesn’t look like a certain nationality. Girl.” I huffed at her. Her eyes grew big and the man behind her, tried clearly not to laugh. She then looks at the man behind her, “You said books in her bag. A passport too?” he only shook his head in response. “My passport is in my pocket.” I told her and she stood up. “Check her lieutenant.” She told the man, and he put his gun aside, walking to me.

He then pulled me up and patted me down. As he found my passport he chuckled, “British.” He gave the passport to the women. “What’s your business with the house owners?” She asked. I looked her dead in the eyes. “I’m an archaeologist. My team and I stay here, because the location where we work is only couple of miles from here.” She sighed at my response. “This is a waste, those are just shepherds, the activity he was seen, must have been you then. What was Eric thinking. Untie her lieutenant. Sergeant, untie the shepherds.” She said waving at another man and left the room. - “Thanks.” I said as the man untied me.

“So, your name is y/n? That’s a pretty name for a pretty girl.” The lieutenant said as he walked me to the main door. “First, thanks, but second, I’m not a girl, I’m a 29 years old women.” – “Guess I messed up already. No date then?” he stopped and looked back at me. I giggled at him. “Well maybe, mister military, you can come visit me sometimes when I’m back home. But it’s quite a long way from the USA to London.” I gave him a light nudge at the shoulder, without a warning he came two or even three steps closer, looking into my eyes. “To visit a beautiful woman like you, there is no way to far.” He whispered at me. With that he opened the door and signed me to go through. I stepped outside and searched for a little card in my bag. “Here, Lieutenant. Call me.” I offered him a business card, with a big smile, he took it. “University of Oxford. My luck, by the way, It’s Jason. Have a nice day ma’am.” He said waving me off. I waved back and walked to my car.

As I just turned away from Jason, shots fired. “Fuck!” I yelled and jumped in cover of my car. Then all I could realise, was chaos. Shots, bombs, crashing helicopters, yelling and screaming people. I tried to get around the car to hide near the old stable buildings, when suddenly the floor collapsed. “y/n!” Jason yelled from my left as I looked at him, I felt how everything underneath is breaking apart. “NO!” I tried to jump away, but almost lost balance, when a strong hand gabbed my arm and pulled me back up. A man with an Iraq uniform pulled me up “Go this way!” he pointed to the mountains, I didn’t care who he was, he saved me and I started running again, just then. I fell again. And this time for good. Everything turned black.

As I opened my eyes, I felt a sharp pain in my whole body. I looked around and realised right away where I was. “Holy shit. Found it!” I jumped up, just to regret it right away, as my body felt like broken. Stretching and checking for any wounds, I was shocked how lucky I got. A few scratches and bruises. But nothing serious. Then I took my bag and checked for my camera. Still working, great. I took photos of the immense pillars, old statues and Jason. Wait, Jason? “JASON!?” I yelled. – “Y/n! Are you alright?” out of nowhere, Jason appeared and came right away to me. He checked me left, right, up and down. I tried to calm him down, but he seemed nervous. “Jason, I’m fine, really.” – “No, maybe you have some injuries we don’t see right away.” – “Jason, I’m serious!” I yelled at him and pulled him by the shoulders. “I’m just a little cold. But it’s alright.” I tried my best to convince him that I was fine. He let out a deep sigh, and eventually calmed down. “I don’t have anything to warm you up. I could hug you, but that wouldn’t last long.” He smiled at me concerned, but I nudged him at the shoulder, “Yeah yeah, you just want some physical contact. Let’s check if somebody needs help.” He nodded at me and followed me through the darkness.

After quite some time striving through the darkness and me taking pictures from almost everything. We heard a male voice from behind “Put that gun down and turn slowly around.” I didn’t hesitate and lifted my arms up and turned around. “It’s you!” I said, looking at the Iraq soldier who saved me the first time I was falling. He smiled relieved at me, and I took my arms down again “You saved me, thank you.” I said, but then I realised Jason had turned around, but he had his gun aimed tight. “Don’t do anything stupid, boy.” The man said to Jason. “I can say the same to you, old man.” Jason hissed back. I took a deep breath and moved slowly between the two guns. “No one is shooting anyone, if I am here. Please.” My words were trembling. Not sure if I would make it out alive of here. The Iraq soldier lowered his gun and put it back into the holster. “I don’t want to spill anymore blood.” He spoke slowly, approaching me carefully, “You look like you are cold.” He said and took his jacket off.

“Don’t you fucking go any step closer to her. Y/n, get behind me, now!” Jason yelled, slowly approaching me as well, just that he had his damn gun still aimed. “Jason, stop it.” I said, placing my hand on top of his gun, slowly pushing it down. “I trust him. He saved me, not even knowing who I am.” – “I don’t.” Jason cut me off. The man lifted his arms, in one hand holding his jacket. “I know who you are. Your name is y/n l/n. You are an archaeologist. My son, Zain, has been running around your research area, every day for the last two weeks. He talked about you a lot.” He spoke slowly handing his jacket over to me. I took it. “Thank you” I spoke quiet. “Yeah, I know Zain. He’s a smart boy. Wants me to take him back to England.” I giggled at him. “It’s his birthday today. My name is Salim.” He smiled at me. I can’t let Jason harm him. Technically seen, I know Salim. What am I supposed to tell his son. Sorry, your dad died, because he tried to give me his jacket. I shook my head, throwing the jacket over my shoulders, I looked at Jason once more. “Come on. He’s not the enemy.” Jason only looked at Salim, with distrust. Then Salim spoke to Jason, directly. “You want to get out of here, so do I. We must work together. Not shoot each other.”

Jason finally took the gun down. “I’ll keep an eye on you.” He said, pointing at Salim. I nudged Jason slightly against the shoulder. He will have bruise by the end of the day. Then we continued the way to find others. What felt like hours, were actually only a couple of minutes, but the fact that these two were arguing the whole time about military, racism, politics, terrorists and other stuff like lieutenant ranks, was killing every last nerve of me. As walked some ancient stairs up, I heard voices arguing. I pressed each of the two man a finger on the mouth, so they would finally shut up. Then pointed to the big door at the end of the stairs. Salim and Jason both, walked past me with aimed guns. I stayed behind and waited for a sign. It took too long for my taste, so I entered the room quietly and stood next to Salim. In the big room where machine guns, tables, radios, papers and more. It was the heart of this temple. An old archaeologist station. Just as I wanted to check the papers, Salim pulled me back. I looked at him and he looked at me, then around the room. As I followed his view, it was clear the situation was tense. Iraqi soldiers and Americans were with aimed guns standing against each other. Just Salim and Jason didn’t pick a side. “It’s a damn order Kolchek!” A blonde man yelled. “I don’t take orders 200 ft below the surface.” Was Jasons answer. What badass.

“Ehm, excuse me.” I spoke and walked a few steps in front of Jason and Salim. Both men grabbed me by my arms and wanted to pull me back. “I got this, don’t worry.” I spoke, they hesitated but let me go. I took around 3 steps more and spoke softly. “My name is y/n l/n. I’m an archaeologist. And a professor at the University of Oxford. I don’t have anything to do with both of your countries, and honestly not much knowledge about the current issues between you. But technically seen, you are on my research territory. I would really not like to call the local police, or clean your blood from ancient coins, so if you’d be so kind and do not fire a single bullet on MY ground. Would be so wonderful. Thank you.” I looked back and while Jason smiled amused, Salim was shaking his head. I ignored all military personal and made my way to the tables. 10 years of drama class is finally paying out, they have no idea I was terrified to the bones. One by one soldier eventually took their guns down and they made a hand sealed deal, to not shoot a bullet on or near my research territory.

It worked. Good job. As I checked the first papers, I realised, this is like heaven. I took more photos from everything. This time, again from Jason, but also from Salim. Both smiled at the camera. “Come on y/n. We have to get out of here for now.” Jason spoke as he followed the others. “What about all this then? This is the only reason I am in this country at all.” I asked frustrated. Jason chuckled, “You’ll come back. But now we need to go. It’s not safe.” I let out a sigh and started following them, as the most people left the sight, Salim, Jason and I were the last. They talked different this time, more like allies.

As we made it closer to the surface, I could see the sun finally again. It was warmer here than down back there. Different helicopters were heard, people yelling, dogs barking. They must be searching already. Ropes hang down and flashlights were blinding us. I tried to cover my eyes, what was not a good idea, so close next to an underground cliff. With a crack, the ground beneath me broke and I all felt was the heavy forces of gravity. “Y/n!” was the last thing I heard before the heavy impact on a sand pile.

First my back, then my face, then both hands and at last the back again. “Ouch, Fuck!” I cursed with an echo. As I opened my eyes, pain everywhere. Looking around and above, it was almost pitch black. I gave my bag to Jason earlier, so luckily my camera didn’t come down with me. But also, my flashlight was not with me. Slowly I tried to get used to the darkness and to see anything. I touched along the cliff where I have fallen from. I heard echoes, but it was inaudible, what means I’m either deaf or I’m very deep. Following the cliff to the right, it ended in water. With wet shoes, I turned around and walked to the left. My hands along the ice-cold stone, they slowly froze. Luckily, I have Salim’s jacket, my arms would be more bruised. I continued walking along the cliff as I felt that the ground got higher. I might could climb out of here. If the others think I’m dead? Trying to shake that thought away, I pushed myself the higher grounds up and felt how the light slowly came back to me. It seems my eyes were partially blind due to the fall. So, I might have not fallen that deep.

It feels like hours as I finally reached an open area where lights came from ahead. Still far away. To my bad, I started freezing again. This time, it felt more like I was freezing because I was alone. I sat down to the cold ground. “Why does every time go everything wrong. And why does nobody care for me.” I muffled beneath my breath and closed my eyes. “You really thought we wouldn’t care?” A southern accent ripped me out of my thoughts, I opened my eyes and saw Jason above me. “She’s here!” He yelled across the area; it echoed in the entire cave. Jason smiled at me and began stroking my face. Then Salim came from behind him. His face was a mess, a mix of horror, fear, worries, but happiness. “What are you doing here?” I whispered, not believing if I might hallucinate. Salim looked confused and Jason chuckled, then said: “What do you mean? We- ” Salim interrupted him: “We came for you.” At his words, my eyes started tearing up, but my mind was a mess of emotions, incapable to say anything.

Jason helped me up, then he lifted me on Salim’s back. “I’ll be behind you, so you can’t fall off.” Jason spoke softly, rubbing my back. Salim turned his head a little, “We won’t let you fall ever again. I promise.” He whispered to me. As they started climbing towards the surface I started to cry silently. How do I deserve them. My life was all the opposite of support, care and understanding. But these two give me the feeling I’m worthy to be alive. As if they really care. I just met them hours ago, but I have the unbelievable urge, to never let go of them. I wanted to thank them, but no word left my mouth. “We’ll be taking you to a hospital.” Jason said from behind us. I shook my head heavy. “No… They’ll maybe… send me home.” It was so exhausted. Salim spoke a little louder now, “But you need to rest Habibti. No arguing.” – “What you said?” I heard that word before, what I wasn’t sure what it meant. Salim chuckled, “It means ‘my love’.” He called me his love? Was he thinking the same about me as I was thinking about him? Or is this standard kindness in Iraq. Anyway, he was right. I feel more and more like I’m fainting; my body hurts bad. But I know I didn’t break any bones. 

After a while, we finally reached the exit to the surface. Salim let me down slowly, Jason helped, so I won’t fall. “I’m alright. You can stop pretending that every bone of mine is broken.” My voice was angry. I was a little frustrated, they acted as if I have been a small child. Jason took my chin in one hand and whispered. “We will not let go of you anymore, next time you fall, you might break your neck.” He was right, but still. A little less overprotection please. “Let’s get her out of here.” Salim tied a climbing rope around me, from above two people were standing. “Pull her up guys.” Jason yelled above. Then Jason and Salim started climbing themselves. “You know, I grew up in caves, temples, pyramids and castles. I know how to climb.” I crossed my hands in front of my chest and puffed my checks in protest, as they pulled me up slowly. “Y/n stop arguing. You have fallen very deep, you might pass out, let go of the rope and fall again.” Salim spoke concerned. “I promise you, once we made sure you are on solid ground and doctors gives their ok. You are free to do whatever you like.” He said, Jason cut him off. “Except going down here again. First this must secure. I guess the local police will do that?” I nodded at him. “Yes, they usually do. First, I just want to take a shower and then sleep.” Both men laughed and agreed.

Reaching the surface, the sun almost blinded me, then my heart stopped beating. The shepherd’s hut was in bad condition. Parts have fallen into the ground; few smaller buildings were destroyed from bombs and bullets. “The poor people. Their homes. This must have been the worst day of their life.” I sighed and sat on the ground to take in the information, my eyes gave me. Jason stood beside me and laid his hand on my head. “Sorry about that. We will find you another place to stay.” – “No.” I said, “I will of course stay here and help them where I can, just as my team will do, probably.” Then Salim kneeled next to me and laid a hand on my shoulder. “For now, the police have to secure the area.” He spoke softly. “You should come with me. To rest.” His warm smile was so beautiful. I look him in the eyes, ready to speak as Jason’s huffed so loud, few people around us were suddenly looking at him. I looked at him worried and saw how he frowned. “To your place? Yeah, sure.” He shook his head and turned to leave. Salim stood up, “I hoped you’d come with us as well, or maybe join us later, when you get a free from your duty.” As Salim spoke, Jason stopped.

“As if you would want me there. You want to have y/n all for yourself. I’m not blind!” he spoke loud and angry. But also, sad. He didn’t even turn around to face us directly. I got up from the ground and wanted to walk to him, but Salim stopped me. “And I am not blind either. I see how much you care. Just as I do. And I know, you and I care for each other, just as we did, when we worked together to get her back.” Salim was so calm, I doubt I could ever be mad at him, and it seems Jason thought the same. He turned around, his face eventually softer. But before he could speak, I took Salim’s hand and reached out for Jason as well. “How about that date we talked earlier, Marine. I think I owe you two some nice dinner? For getting me out there.” Jason smiled at my offer and took my hand. “Alright, alright, you got me all wrapped around your finger. So, where’s your place? I think I can’t join right away, but I’ll be there for dinner then.” His voice was finally as it was when we met earlier. Not that tense, not worried, just Jason. Salim chuckled and wrote a little note for Jason. He hugged me tight, before he had to return to his team.

Salim and I started walking to my car. “What a miracle that piece of junk didn’t went diving.” I said honestly surprised. Salim and I laughed at my really bad joke and got in the car. He drove, first to my research place, to inform the others about what happened. “They won’t believe it.” I sighed. “Not until they come back to the hut and see with their own eyes.” Salim said and gave me an assuring pat on my shoulder. I nodded, “Yeah, and I can’t wait to put my legs up, everything is sore.” I sighed again. He chuckled and brushed over my arm, “first, you need to take a shower. I will not let you get in my bed or couch that dirty.” I laughed and took his hand in mine. Holding hands, we made our way. I can’t wait to see Jason again. How can you fall for two people. I guess it’s because I have a very big heart. Maybe? Polyamorous it’s called. I’m not sure what future will hold, but I’m thankful for the moments I will have with the two. Every single second.

So what do you think? Second chapter? Or should i just extend the ending a bit? Or is it fine that way? Please let me know ^^

-Livana

[dancingbabya-notes]

Little 'Human' King 2

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Part 1

I haven't written anything this long in a while.... So I need to be honest it turned out longer than I wanted it to the entire LHK is about 12000 words long. I'm sorry. Here is the second part which is much longer than the first part.

Bakugo x reader

**Content warning: Mentions of self harm, attempt at suicide, graphic depictions of violence, emotional manipulation, and the "I'm the king I'm doing this for the betterment of my country"** (Will edit as needed)

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Once back in your cave you tried not to focus too hard on it. They had places to go, they wouldn’t come looking for you right away just because you returned home right? 

Almost four months later you were surprised to see human prints near your cave. Keeping yourself out of sight you could hear some of them conversing.

“Why exactly are we looking for a dragon?”

“They won’t tell us. All I know is we have to bring it back alive.”

Considering you’ve been in dragon form for a while now you suppose it’d be better to leave since no one else knows how to navigate the mountain. Letting little ones go on their own you seal the cave; grabbing money you leave. Before you could get far your body protested to the idea of flight. To calm the burning in your body you stop to rest in a lake.

Waking up later you notice the egg, it was firm but warm. That must have been what was making your body uncomfortably warm. Returning to human form the egg seemed to grow smaller too, it fit snug in the bag but it felt like there was something in there.

“That answers that question,” you mumble to yourself before setting off.

There was a town close by, but you couldn’t go looking like how he remembered you. Staying in the thick for a night you thought about the color of your eyes, a watery blue. Changing it, you look to see a deep green looking back at you. The waves of white were a steely blue instead, alright this should be enough. 

In the town, you register with the guild that you were looking for a party to travel with. You waited a day or two before being approached. A four-person group. Elf, Leonin, Kalashtar, and a human. Offering a drink you opted for juice.

“It’s rare seeing a dragon in their human form,” the elf states quietly.

You took a sip from your cup. “I have my reasons.”

“Why do you need a party?” The Leonin asks.

“I really need someone to help me leave. I need to find a new place to live since my old nest is known to a group of people,” you state.

“Why would you need to leave if your nest has been found? Can’t you just kill anyone that comes in?” The elf asks.

You give a slight sigh. “That would weigh too heavily on my conscience. I have never killed another being and I’m not gonna start now.”

The human woman gives a small nod. “My name is Kyoka Jiro, I’ll be more than happy to help you.”

“Tenya Iida, guiding you on this journey may feel like a promising one.” The Leonin was a lot quieter than I thought.

“Shoto Todoroki, I understand having reasons to leave. So it makes the most sense to me,” the elf agrees.

The Kalashtar seemed to pause. “You have two others with you.”

You gesture to your bag and mumble. “My clutch shouldn’t be visible to others. I can’t just shed my skin to leave them protected.”

“I am Momo Yaoyorozu, I’d feel honored to assist in their protection.”

You smile at this notion but realize you had to give a name to them. “I am Y/N. Thank you for helping me with this task.”

“Much obliged.”

Your travels with this particular party were very warm and happy. Not that traveling with the others was depressing, but you found that you had a lot more positive reactions. Shoto was a prince, but he wasn’t exactly keen on taking up the crown. Momo was just traveling to experience things. Tenya wanted to know more than the walls of his home and traveling was just the right thing to do. Kyoka was from a traveling family, she was born during their travels and she loved meeting and learning different kinds of music.

Thankfully they didn’t press for details. One particular night after getting close to where you thought was the best place to stay you managed.

“I’m sorry I didn’t give all the details. Y/N is the name I gave myself when I met you four, about five years ago I met a different party. They had a limited time to explore so that was all the time I could spend with them,” you start.

“Are they the ones who know where your cave is?” Momo questions.

“Yeah, they do. We had to go back a few times because I had to use my mother’s old scales.” You sigh. “After I left I learned that our leader is the new king. He is looking for me because of this.”

Exposing the marking that lay on your wrist under the cuff that you’d wear a realization seemed to flash in Shoto’s eyes.

“You’re bound to the king.”

You give a small nod. “Yes. There’s possibly another reason I’m bound to him. But it should disappear if I stay away for long enough.”

“Why would you do that?” Kyoka replies.

“Had I stayed in my cave, as mother told me to, we would have never met. I would have never made a connection of beings that don’t live as long as I do,” the tears slid down your cheeks.

Wiping them away quickly, you covered your face.

“Y/N.” A hand rubs into your back and you sigh.

“The only thing I can do now is to make sure that my children live good lives. Their father can live as he pleases without us. I’d rather save them the pain of having to learn their father won’t live to the time they do,” you groan.

You didn’t want to move. But you looked at the bag that had been holding the egg. Pulling it out to hold you realize something weird. It shook. But you had this feeling that told you to break the egg. 

Hugging it to your form the other people around you tried to stop you, but the sound of the egg cracking was what alerted you to stop. The embryonic liquid ran down your arms, but you pulled the shell away to expose the soft-bodied creatures inside. Momo finally out of her shock grabbed the blanket from your bag to wrap the children and free them of the mass.

“They do bear a resemblance to him,” Shoto sighs.

“You should name them,” Kyoka urges.

You think for a moment. “The girl will be Kazuki, the boy will be Yohei.”

Now that the egg was hatched the party helped find you a place to live. A house near a waterfall and deep lake. Fixing up the house you found that it was nice living alone with two infants. Since you were not a mammal and didn’t produce milk you found that they could consume fruit milk.

Time seemed to pass slowly. You no longer heard of the missing person the king was supposed to be looking for. Waiting for some kind of other news about him you continued to tend to your children. Soon they could walk and flex their scales at will.

“Ama.” Kazuki started speaking first.

Yohei started swimming first. The infant wasn’t afraid of the water despite the lake being much larger than him. Kazuki didn’t like the water other than baths. While making oatmeal for your sleeping children a knock came on your door. This wasn’t unusual but it was odd to you.

Opening the door you flash a meek smile. “Can I help you?”

The person standing in front of you was a familiar, stocky large man with green hair. From your voice alone he seemed to flash with recognition but it died when he lay his eyes upon you.

“My apologies Miss, I was just traveling through. Do you happen to have any herbs that are good for stomach aches?  My companion is having troubles,” he states.

“Sure, bring them here. I’ll prepare it unless you need me to prepare it in front of you; then bring them here and I can prepare it then,” you take a quick peek at the stove happy that it was fine.

“Is everything okay?” He raises a brow.

Shaking your head you smile. “Everything is fine, I was making food for my children. But please grab your friend and come right in. I’ll get the medicine ready.”

He gives a nod and a bow. “Thank you very much.”

You finish cooking the food hearing the pattering of feet.

“We will have guests this morning so please behave,” you inform them.

Picking up both children you sit them in their seats. Putting the food in front of them as the door opens, shock makes your hand shake. But you get the things ready and mix the medicine in front of the men before going down to the blond male.

“Sorry for intruding on your home, I should probably apologize to your husband,” the green-haired man bows again.

You chuckle. “I don’t have a husband. The father of my children had… other duties to attend to, but I doubt he’d marry me and care for his children.”

The words felt bitter leaving your mouth.

Yohei watches the two men from across the table. Kazuki seems focused on her food, but she starts whining.

“Itchy.”

You rush up to her tasting her food, finding nothing wrong. Looking at Yohei he was fidgeting too. But it was like a last-second click, you could feel the magic power but you never paid it any mind. Picking up your children you soothe their whines trying to get them to close their eyes.

“Mama, itchy.”

“I know, it’ll stop soon. No more itchy soon,” you whisper.

Looking at the two men you all but shout. “Please ask your companion to stop, I will not be held accountable for my actions if you continue to harm my hatchlings.”

They look at you and Izuku steps outside to get whoever it was to stop. Kazuki passed out, but Yohei sobbed into your chest. This only made you angrier, but you waited till Yohei quieted down. 

“Why are you here? What do you want from a simple witch, your majesty?” Poisonous words left your mouth as you continued to hold your children.

“You’re coming with us,” Katsuki stands up.

“To hell I am, you just inflicted pain on my children and you think I’ll just listen to you?” You question.

“Ui.”

You shake your head. “No.”

Standing up you almost forgot they were in your arms when the familiar sensation stung your eyes. Walking to the room you lay your children down. Giving you the chance to cry.

“Please don’t ask me to go with you again.” You plead.

“I can’t do that.”

You wipe furiously at your tears. “I can’t be with you. You are a king, I am a dragon. I do not want to watch the man I love die.”

Katsuki walks closer.

“No,” you stumble back. “You can’t even touch me, my tears could burn you.”

“Ui, listen to what I’m asking you. This is hard, I can’t continue knowing that you’re not next to me,” he states.

“But-“

“No buts, you and the children are coming with us,” he states.

You could have fought back. You could have taken the children and run. But you didn’t. Letting them pack up your things you road along with them. Katsuki didn’t attempt to say anything to you the entire ride. It took months to get to his kingdom. The first thing he did when he arrived, he told them was that you are his spouse and the mother of the royal heirs.

Not arguing you went through many hands, and eventually ended up alone in a room lavish with decoration and other things. What were you going to do now? Yohei and Kazuki bolted for you as the door opened. Their tears reaching you had almost forgotten to tell them to not let anyone touch them when they cry.

You went to heal all the people injured by the children’s tears.

“They are half-dragon so their tears can burn human skin,” you state to the maid nearby.

“Sorry, your highness.”

Hanging your head you pat the backs of your children. “No living human would know so it is fine.”

“Your highness, the king wishes to speak with you about future plans.” A man states.

You nod and go to follow him. Kazuki grabbed the back of your skirts and so did Yohei. Both followed close behind as you walked. Stopping in the office you wait until he finally puts his attention on you. Katsuki had a lot of work as King and you had general ideas about it from your reading as a child.

“You’re getting a tutor on palace etiquette, but in two months we’re holding a wedding. Then we have to hold a crowning ceremony for the children,” he states looking at the papers.

You sigh. “You can’t crown Dragonborn to be the next rulers of humans.”

“Why can’t I? They are my children,” he raises a brow.

“Kazuki and Yohei are their human names. But in ninety-nine years I have to give them proper names, judging by human life spans, the luckiest ones live up to one hundred. You told me that you were twenty when we met, it’s been six years now. Meaning you may have seventy-four years left. A human should rule over humans unless you’re planning on becoming a dragon,” you state all at once. “I didn’t fight you because I didn’t want to burn you. But Katsuki I want to spend the rest of my life with you, not the rest of your life.”

Squatting down you pick up the children and walk back to your room. He may be the king but you know he hates forcing others to do things that they don’t want to. Someone had to have put him up to this. It wasn’t long before you met this so-called teacher. The woman was smaller than you but she had a weird beauty to her. The classes started and ended quickly, possibly due to your ease of learning. You learned all the etiquette in the two months before the wedding, since you were busy with that you didn’t have a hand in anything.

Walking down the aisle you heard whispers. Why didn’t the bride have a father waiting at the other end? Where was the family of the bride? Just before you reached the end you noticed that four people were entering late. The ceremony ended and it was time for the reception.

“Announcing her majesty Queen Ui Y/N Bakugo, Dragon of the Gavsfre peak.” You almost tripped when the announcement was made.

But gathering your composure you quickly take the seat next to Katsuki. Many greeted you both to congratulate you on the wedding.

“Prince Shoto, I thought you renounced your crown,” Katsuki huffs with a snide smirk.

Shoto was standing before you and you gave a small smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Shoto.”

“It’s lovely to meet the King and new Queen. What changed your mind?” He quirks a brow.

You almost burst into laughter. “Nothing, my mind is still the same. I’ve been told that Dragons are rather stubborn.”

Momo clears her throat. “How are the children?”

“Fine, they have grown so much,” you grin happily.

“Do you know these four?” Katsuki looks at you.

Giving a small nod you sigh. “These lovely people are the children’s family. In my culture, anyone who bears witness to a dragon’s birth makes them family.”

He pauses. “Right, as the family of my bride and children please feel free to visit the palace.”

The whole thing felt stuffy, but dancing with Katsuki, stiff as it was, was nice. You retired to the royal powder room and were surprised to see the head maid with the children. Much to your dismay they were sobbing and giving the poor woman terrible burns.

“Dear please give them to me,” you take the children from her arms and press her forehead to yours. “I’ve told you many times not to hold them when they cry.”

“The prince and princess wanted to see you, your majesty.” She manages through straggled breaths.

“I know.” Pushing your powers toward her you watch as the skin returns to its previous state.

She gives you a small bow before retesting to the edge of the room. Kazuki was still sobbing and babbling even after being passed to you. It wasn’t long before both slept at your sides.

“I can take them back to their room,” she offers.

“Please, I’m sorry that they have hurt you so many times,” you shake your head.

The whole time that they were with you they wanted to pick apart the decorations in your hair. Making it harder for you to ever consider doing something like this again. Watching the maid take your children back to their rooms you felt the stress return when you made your way back into the ball area. Katsuki gave you a drink and you raised a brow at him. Alcohol had gotten him in this mess and you only swirled the cup before taking a smell of it. Your tutor told you that you are supposed to sip any drinks given to you. 

“Where did you go?” He whispers.

“Powder room, the children were crying again,” you answer, taking the first sip of the drink.

It had a pleasant taste to it, but you knew full well that it wouldn’t affect you in the same way that it would Katsuki. 

He frowns. “They’ve been crying for you a lot lately.”

You have to keep yourself from breaking the glass in your hand. “The sudden change in environment is possibly affecting them. Did you consider being able to see me every moment rather than having to come at allotted times is stressful to them?”

“I don’t see what you mean,” he pauses for a second.

“Don’t worry about it, I have my plans,” you continue to sip at the drink.

Once the night was over the sun was already on the rise. You were more than happy to take over looking after your children. With a little bit of pushing, you asked the maid if until they got a little older that their room was moved close to yours.

Years seemed to pass in a flash as you expected. The children were already taking classes on how to act like proper royal children. This development leads to you forcing a meeting with your husband.

“I read all your stupid rules, and I think you should get a concubine,” you lay the piece of paper on his desk. “And before you say when will you spend time with me. Since you dragged them and me here you have only spent days with me when there were public events.”

“I’m not getting a concubine Ui.”

You could feel your anger bubble. “I will not have you dying on me forcing me to be here with you. If you die before me, do you know what happens?”

“What, what could be so terrible?”

Tears dropped faster than even noticing their burn. “You don’t remember, do you? I was abandoned because humans killed my father. I don’t have a proper name because of your selfishness. Kill the dragon, they terrorized our village, they ate our cows, they destroyed our crops, they brought bad luck. My father attacked a village because they tried to attack his cave while I was still barely a few years old. You almost killed your children to find me, do you have no remorse or am I just a beast to you?”

“Ui, maybe if he didn’t attack the village he wouldn’t have been killed,” Katsuki states.

Your heart drops. “Oh.”

Taking the item off your head you place it on the desk and try not to shout. Leaving the room your whole body shook with sobs as you tore off your shoes and made your way to your golden cage. Grabbing the old bag you pull out old clothes and start gathering them.

“Your Majesty, what’s wrong?” The head maid asks, looking at the mess you’ve caused.

“I’m leaving. I can’t do this. I plead and I beg but he won’t listen. He never hears what I say,” it hurt to speak as the tears continued to rain down. “Dragons don’t leave the one they love unless it’s to raise young. But when he dies I will have to abandon my children possibly to commit suicide.”

“What are you talking about? You can’t just leave your majesty,” she tries to help you up but you push her away from fear she may be harmed from the tears.

“I can’t, I don’t want to hurt either of them. But what can I do? Humans shouldn’t interact with dragons, their lives are so fleeting that it’s just sand in the desert for us.” 

She looks at you and sighs.

“I’m coming along.”

“But-“

“No but’s, my job is to raise the children, and I’ll help you if it’s the last thing I do. I am an elf so I’ll live long enough,” she starts packing things.

You couldn’t argue with her about logistics, Elves did live longer lives closer to that of dragons. She gathered your things and got things for the children. You told her that money was no problem since your horde was much more than you needed.

But as you were getting ready to leave, a particular green-haired knight stops you. Blocking the exit you frown.

“Izuku, don’t do this.”

“Ui, please you can’t just leave him again.” He pleads.

You stand still and just sit on the ground. “Fine, then I won’t leave. I’ll stay right here.”

He was confused at this sentiment. But you didn’t argue or add anything. You stayed on the floor kneeling for fourteen days. Many were concerned about this notion since the second day. But it seemed to fade from their minds when thinking you didn’t need food. The twins would try to copy you but were unable to and got tired of the idea.

But you didn’t ignore their efforts. Happily letting them play with your hair and touch things in the room. Yohei found that sitting by you was fine, Kazuki on the other hand chose chaos. She would run rampant from one end of the room to the other.

“Mother—“

“You can call me as you did before, no one is here.” You smile at the child sitting next to you.

“Mommy, where do we come from?” Yohei’s shaky voice made you raise a brow.

You consider the implication and decide to stand. It was a little unsteady at first. You almost tripped, but quickly you changed clothes because you couldn’t stand the dresses they gave you anymore. The soft fabric felt like heaven against your skin and you let your hair fall behind you.

“Come on you two, I suppose it’s time for dragon classes,” you state while making your way to the door.

“We get to learn about dragons?” Kazuki asks as she runs up to you.

You give a slight nod before leading the children through the halls. Everyone seemed shocked that you were walking around after fourteen days of sitting. Leading the children to your library you let them sit on the couch as you look for the materials.

“Do we have homework?” Yohei asks quietly.

“No dear, I’m just gonna teach you a few things about where you came from,” you smile. “You learned about the map right?”

Kazuki nods vigorously. “Yes, we live in Leputa, it's the biggest kingdom and the most diverse.”

“It is, and you both were born in Honmei. It’s a city right at the edge of Leputa,” you point to the map.

Yohei raises a brow. “Really? Then where were you born, mommy?”

“I was born all the way up here,” you drag your finger from the city toward the mountain. “Akazu mountain. I still have a cave up here too. But I sealed it up.”

“Can we go?” Kazuki pleads.

“We can go in the winter,” you promise with a small smile. “So have your classes taught you anything about dragons?”

Yohei looks to you and then to his sister. “Teacher said that dragons are big scary creatures that can destroy cities or towns.”

You deadpan, kneading at your brow you wanted to scream. “Well, guess what? You both are Dragonborn.”

“What?” They gasp in unison.

“Mhmm, I am a dragon and your father is human. I laid an egg which had you both inside of it,” you grab your bag that sits on the table and pull the remaining shell out. “This is the small piece of your shell that I kept. The rest of it I gave to a friend for her craft.”

They stare in disbelief. “Mommy don’t lie to us.”

You roll your eyes. “So, I have a question. What makes you think that you’re not dragons?”

“Because mommy looks so human,” Kazuki declares.

Pulling your hair up you expose your ears to them. “These are not human nor elf ears. If you need me to prove it, I can transform but I’m not exactly keen on destroying a library.”

Yohei pouts. “Is that why our tears hurt the nanny?”

You pat his head gently. “Yes, that is why your tears hurt nanny.”

“So if we’re dragons, we get to live for a long time like Sir Midoriya, and nanny. Right?” Kazuki asks.

You give a nod. “Yup, when you turn 100 years old I’ll give you your proper names. I don’t have one because my mom had to go away.”

“Where did she go?”

“Um… your grandmother she… she went to a faraway place,” you decide this lie will hurt them the least.

You spot Izuku leaning against the open library door. He possessed a smile but you smirk your own.

“I have an idea, Kazuki, Yohei, do either of you wish to take the crown after your father?” You ask looking at their excited faces.

Yohei shakes his head. “I wish to stay with you mommy, Kazuki wants to be queen.”

You couldn’t help the smile. “Alright, then mommy has work to do. Tomorrow night I’ll return home so please behave for the nanny and Sir Midoriya.”

Kazuki nods furiously and Yohei gives an unsure nod. You take careful steps to the balcony.

“Come to the balcony I wish to show you something,” you wave.

Standing on the ledge you watch as they lean on the balcony standing on the nearby chair. Dropping down you carefully transform back into your dragon form. You felt a hint of pain leaving the children in the castle but you would be back tomorrow.

Once at your cave you prepared the items. Reading over the books you started digging further into your mother's nest to find more books. It would take time for you to decipher them but it would prove useful. Once sure you had everything you tied the bundle up in the large canvas and started back.

‘No reason to dilly dally.’ You thought, sitting by the entrance to seal it again.

Two creatures looked at you and you were reminded of your companion while traveling. They climbed into the bundle and you decided they could come. Once back in your section of the castle you sigh.

“Where did you go?” Katsuki hisses.

“To my cave. You stopped me from leaving forever with the children, but don’t tell me you’re going to stop me from leaving for short periods of time?” You yawn.

He looks at the bundle of canvas. “What’s that?”

“Gifts for the children. By the way, whatever teacher told our children that dragons are scary and destroy cities needs to remember who their queen is,” you narrow your eyes before going to the door.

The nanny was standing there with a bit of a sad expression. “Your highness, the princess is having a bit of a fit.”

“What happened?” You ask as the two creatures appear at your feet.

“I'd rather not say.”

Katsuki clicks his tongue. “Speak.”

She keeps her eyes down. “The princess is upset because she was informed that she cannot rule over the kingdom.”

You sigh. “Those unspoken rules I suppose, seeing as I’ve read all the written ones. I’ll tend to the children. Can you please clean these two foxes? They wish to be companions of the children.”

The little ones go to her feet. “Right away your highness.”

“What do you mean you tend to the children?”

Turning on your heel you smile. “I wonder what happened to the man who told me that he didn’t wish for me to sleep alone in a cave because I had no aspirations to see past the small towns near my cave?”

Katsuki looked at you in disbelief.

“You don’t seem to contain an iota of that man’s compassion,” you sigh before leaving. “Dragons are not to be kept in golden cages, dear husband.”

Two years passed. Kazuki and Yohei were celebrating their tenth year of life. You had spent that time teaching them from the books you found in your cave. Katsuki had allowed the visit to your cave, it gave the children a chance to flex their scales and explore as you had wished.

The second visit he allowed was going to Honmei to the house where you had lived. No guards needed to follow you but Midoriya did. You paid him no mind during that visit because now you had a plan.

“You look as beautiful as ever,” Prince Shoto smiles, giving a bow.

“You flatter me, how is the family?”

He sighs. “Doing quite well. My brother sends his regards that he couldn’t be in attendance.”

Yohei smiles wide. “Mother, when will we get to meet her?”

“Soon my dear, now hush before you ruin the surprise,” you giggle before turning to your husband.

Katsuki wore a smile but inside he was frustrated. Despite what he wanted, the words you told him two years ago still weighed heavy on his mind. But he pushed the feelings of unease away.

You stood happily greeting guests as they came to scope the royal children. Many of the courts were hesitant to have Dragonborn as the next heir but Katsuki refused a concubine. As you guide the twins to the center you smile.

Katsuki speaks to grab everyone’s attention. “I thank all who have gathered to celebrate the tenth year of my children. Please enjoy the festivities.”

He sits and you continue to stand fussing with Yohei. “Mother wants to say something too.”

“As the queen, she has the right to speak when she pleases,” he states.

You roll your eyes. “Fine. My children are just so impatient.”

Grabbing the room's attention, you send a knowing smile to Todoroki.

“I want to say thank you to the kingdom for welcoming me and allowing me to be queen these nine years. The greatest honor I could ever have is you accepting my children, so I thank you for that. I have a wonderful announcement for all to hear.” You giggle giddily with excitement.

Yohei walks in front of you and you take a deep breath. “I would like to announce a Royal engagement, between crown prince Yohei and the second princess of the Todoroki Kingdom.”

Cheers erupted as you finished. Katsuki almost broke his resolve. You were beaming brighter than you had been the entire nine years you’ve been married to him. What was it that made you smile so?

“Mother, will I get engaged soon?” Kazuki asks you quietly.

You wince slightly. “That is up to your father, I could only get permission to set up your brother’s engagement.”

“R-right, father does praise brother more,” she frowns before looking down.

“My greedy little dragon, I’ll see what I can do. Besides I’m sure you’ll be glad to know I got you those sword lessons from Sir Midoriya.” You whisper.

Her entire face lit up in excitement. By the time you guided them to bed, you were ready to face Katsuki.

In the nine years you’d been married it was the first time he visited you. Sitting on the couch you weren’t sure if he’d be angry or just confused.

“Does my queen really never wish to seek me out?” He frowns.

You were reminded yet again, that he didn’t realize he had been wrong. Now was a time as any to have him listen.

“Does my king believe that because your history has told you so everything has been as such?” You got up from the couch and went to the vanity.

Picking apart the decorations you watched him from the mirror.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” he states.

You only chuckle.

“What?”

“The human version of history is quite lucrative in variations. From the books my mother acquired it seems that your kingdom was once just a small state, that the most important thing to the king then was unity,” you brush your hair with your fingers, your scalp stung from the constant abuse from the brushes. “Dragons were once a terror on your kingdom, but the conquests eradicated all but few. Then between the kingdom and the dragon king— I suppose you’d call him— there was a peace no more dragons would be killed. If a human killed the clutch, prepare for the mother to come for them, but if a human were killed by a dragon then the hunts can begin again.”

He frowns. “How do you know this?”

“A book. The queen of the dragon king requested his return, for I suppose you didn’t know but we mate for life to one partner. Dragon or otherwise,” you sigh walking to the partition.

“I was vaguely aware of that,” he nods.

“But the princess at the time very much desired to be wed to the dragon king, the dragon queen requested he return unharmed. He didn’t.” Once free of the stuffy dress you grab the sleeping gown pulling it over your body. “The queen swore her vengeance but instead told her Children to avoid humans at all cost. Because they had already broken the treaty. She killed herself because her mate was gone. That is how all dragons are.”

His eyes were fixed on you as you walked to the bed. “You mentioned that before.”

“So the reason hatchlings aren’t raised with their fathers is because male dragons can be very aggressive when protecting a clutch. That is why mothers will lay their clutch in the most optimal location and travel from their nest to the clutch,” you elaborate.

Red eyes bore into your being.

“My father was killed just because he was a dragon, not because he attacked. I asked. The lord of that land wanted the dragon to marry his child but my father refused since he knew of me. So the lord had my father stripped of his scales and killed. But I don’t hate humans. Because I love you, I love the children, but I don’t want them to be like me.” You sigh.

“Ui. Why do you tell me this?”

“Because I thought I’d remind you of something. But you’re not listening.” Picking up one of the many pillows you examine it slowly as you ask. “Why did you bring us here? If you missed me you wouldn’t have left me alone for nine years with no visits outside of formal events.”

“I’ve been working on something, it’s none of your business.” He huffs.

You heave a sigh. “Right. Well, I’ve done all that I wish for the children. I have a mate who doesn’t care for my troubles, secrecy was tolerable before we wed. Now I see it as lying.”

Tears were already falling as you dug under the blankets. The cool metal of the blade bit into your skin. He came across as uncaring.

“Katsuki, please take care of the children. Unless you wish to be the same as I, I have no reason to continue this painful existence.” The words felt like cotton thick and hard to express as you picked up the dagger.

“What are you doing?”

First, you looked at your wrist gently placing the blade to the mark that had gotten you into this mess. Only to quickly see it fall from him hitting it out of your hand.

“Ui, stop. Why?” He pleads while holding your wrist with care.

“You said you loved me but you’re just keeping me as a trophy, I can’t go home. You know of my indifference to material items yet you try to throw them at me as an apology. The worst is you don’t give the children the time of day, not once in the nine years. Kazuki wants to be queen but you want to put Yohei on the throne when you know it’s not what he wants,” you had a limited time before the wound would begin closing, you had already decided to do this.

He blinks. “What?”

“Katsuki, what do you remember from your childhood?”

“My nanny was looking after me and my mom was ruling the kingdom.”

“What do you think the children remember? That their mother prostrated herself for months, then possibly the village that raised them but none of their father,” you shout into his face as the anger rips at your skin. “I wanted you to care for the children if you were going to rip us from our pocket of paradise.”

“I needed you close to me,” he argues.

“No, you needed me within your grasp. You wanted me in your vision so that I don’t tarnish your reputation. Maybe when we were traveling you cared for me but the moment this stupid mark appeared on either of us and you learned of my children, you decided that you needed us then locked us in a cage, like birds,” you glare.

“What do you want from me?”

You stop and push him away. “I want to be happy, I want the children to find happiness. Stop trying to follow what those people tell you is right, you know how you feel and what you want to do. But you’re disregarding the people that care for you.”

“Katsuki, Kazuki idolizes you. And Yohei, he’s such a wonderful soul but he has no desire or drive to take the throne with the current situation. If anything were to happen I’m sure he will take charge but currently, both the children are very strong. I wanted…”

Katsuki looks at you for a moment before sitting on the ground, he takes your hands in his. “What do you want?”

“I wanted a family, I wanted you and I to spend time together,” you state. “The children need you as much as I need you. Just spend time with us. I know you hate when I bring up the idea of a concubine, but possibly consider expanding the definition of who you consider under your rule. Because by law I’m not even considered the queen among your court, I and the children are considered pets.”

He blinks.

“I- I don’t care anymore. I’ll live as your queen,” you shake your head. “But I suppose I’ll have to take over properly teaching the children about dragons. Thank you for reminding me how greedy humans are.”

“Ui i-

“Drop it. Please,” you plead, pushing his hand away. “It’s too late.”

After their tenth birthday you finally took a much bigger role. Demonstrations, talking, public speeches, visiting public spaces and helping where you could. You became a well known person in society despite the court still not acknowledging you as a citizen. Izuku taught Kazuki everything he could, and Yohei took to learning the ins, outs, and back doors of politics.

“Mom, are you sure we can fly?” Kohei frowns as he adjusts his jacket.

“Of course you can, you’re the prince of dragons baby,” you smile happily.

Kazuki blinks. “Wait what?”

You nod slowly. “My father was the king of dragons, and my mother the queen. Since they passed, I became queen of the dragons. So even if your father’s kingdom didn’t accept you, you could rule over the dragons.”

“Why are you telling us this now?”

“I didn’t think before you became fifteen either of you would want that role. Since humans tried to kill us before. And if a human learned of this before you could control your abilities they might have tried to kill you,” you state. “I wouldn’t stand for that.”

“Does father know?” Kazuki frowns.

You look up to the balcony nearby. “He does now.”

The children looked up seeing their father, the look in his eyes as he stood by the rail was rather complicated. Mouth opened as if he had planned on speaking, but his eyes were wide as if finally realizing something. The reason for your outbursts, the true reason why you had been fighting against him constantly. Izuku was a few steps behind him as if trying to stop him. You could see the anger bubbling up in his stance as he turned away, the last look of him in that moment was angry and betrayed.

“Do you still wanna practice flying or did you want to wait a little bit?” You ask, looking at the two children.

“Yes.” “No.”

You’re usually excited child looked upset, and as she looked to where her father had been you gently pat her head. “Take your time, I didn’t start flying until I was in my teens.”

Yohei on the other hand looked ecstatic. “How do I do it?”

Letting your daughter sit you began slowly instructing your son on how to do it, first calling on his wings and pulling them out for the first time. Then showing him how to push himself off the ground. He was practically a natural, with the same white and blue scales as you. You did end the lesson early and went to deal with the usual tasks. 

Katsuki sat in your office watching as she sorted through papers and gave orders to the few people who were willing to listen to you. Why was he just watching you?

“When were you gonna tell me?” He frowns.

“I didn’t, I was going to continue slowly meeting with my court and appoint a new leader if the children weren’t interested. The only thing I’d need to do was raise them for a few years and tell them the story,” you put your pen back in the inkwell.

This makes him pause. “That story…”

“Yes, it’s the bedtime story told to all young royal dragons. I was just the one that failed to realize its true meaning since my parents died so soon.” This was becoming annoying, talking in circles for this to work. “If you want Yohei to take the throne Katsuki I do not mind, but I’d prefer our son to do something he wants to do. If you won’t let Kazuki do as she wishes in this kingdom I will make her the heir of dragons and have my previously decided companion be her surrogate father, once we both die.”

Katsuki sighs, he opens his mouth and quickly closes it. His jaw was tight before finally. “I had no idea.”

“You never asked,” sitting back in the chair you shake your head. “As I said, I will be the queen you desire. Only sticking to my own matters and I’ve already fulfilled one requirement as your queen.”

“I didn’t-

Then he looks at you as if he realized something. “Companion?”

“Yes, as the princess I was engaged to the youngest red dragon. He resides rather close to here. Though he also was barely lucky to keep his parents, trying to get a baby dragon to keep a form is difficult as far as I know,” you explain. “We can shapeshift and because we often only mate with other creatures, leftover effects can make things difficult later in the bloodline. Are you hung up about me meeting him?”

“Of course I am,” he frowns.

Standing up you take a breath. “Until about a few months ago you paid me no mind whatsoever, if I didn’t care for my hatchlings I would have killed myself much sooner. We don’t just hoard money and knowledge, Katsuki.”

Katsuki blinks. You could see the gears in his head moving. “So you have more of those.”

“Of course I do, but the more time that passes the harder that is going to become. But you wouldn’t leave me alone, you were so greedy that you wanted me in your grasp.” You huff, but for some reason something was different about Katsuki.

Staring at him you frown, what was different about him? You wait, almost expecting something to happen when it hit you.

“Katsuki I’ve looked as far back as I can as the queen, but… are you not completely human?”

He narrows his eyes. “What gave you that idea?”

“Something is  different, either you are not you. Or you’re awakening to something? Wait… you’re a godling aren’t you?”

“What?”

“A godling, they are children created from the union of a god and another creature of our world. They are given god paths by their parent usually so they may ascend if they desire. You’ve always had a faint smell of smoke to you, but it’s been much stronger today,” you sigh, shaking your head. “But that’s impossible. The gods haven’t had a godling since the last one was killed. Fifty years ago.”

He was quiet during your entire explanation. Not a word of disagreement. The window opened and two figures appeared.

“My, isn’t your wife adorable,” a woman bearing a strong resemblance to Katsuki hugs you tightly.

“Leave hag.”

The man standing next to Katsuki shakes his head. “Now that’s no way to talk to your mother, had it not been for her I’m sure you would never have realized we planned this for your path.”

“I’m so sorry my son is so stupid as to not communicate properly.” She apologizes, still hugging you as if she were your own mother. “I’m also sorry about what led you to meeting him, we cannot control the people and how the decisions they make. All we can do is hope our little ones can fix the world before they ascend, or even after.”

You shake your head. “It’s fine, I understand. There was no helping it, at this point I know that every few generations the dragons are cursed to love humans. They are very precious and adorable creatures.”

His father nods. “Indeed humans are adorable creatures indeed. But we didn’t come here to simply meet our daughter in law. We came to announce that your god path will end soon.”

He gives Katsuki a roll of paper.

“Katsuki , that is your last task. It depends on you entirely how long it takes, as long as you meet all the conditions then you will be a god,” His mother smiles as she gives you another squeeze. “And you, my dear little queen, need to cease this desire of ending your life early. Everything will play out in your favor, even the gods are devastated by how the humans continue to treat the dragons and have given their gifts to continue your protection.”

Just as quickly as they appeared, they left. Leaving you and Katsuki alone in your office. The events of the past few minutes made your head swim, questions flood in mixing with your thoughts about what you had been doing and this made you look at the man who was standing across from you. The gods only interfere when they feel they absolutely must, you’ve always been told not to expect any help from them. That was just the way dragons were. So as you look at your husband, the man that you love more than your own life and would give your own freedom for if he had only been the important person in your life. But now that you had children you had to think about them, to protect them from what you thought of as a danger.

“I don’t know how to feel about the information that I know now,” you mumble. “You may stay here if you wish but I need some time.”

Looking at him for a moment you push all the documents into a drawer locking it, to then leave him alone in your office.

Katsuki hesitated to open the paper, he’d done a lot in these ten short years. He thought he did the right thing as the king, he thought he was doing the right thing. Looking at the scroll he took a breath before reading it.

«Take a step back and look at what has come to pass»

Frowning, Katsuki reads the rest of the note and looks toward the window. But he’d already been trying to look at what has come to pass. There was only so much he could do there had to be a reason for this. Confused, he followed the order for once. Ever since he’d started on his god path he’d gone against every task that was given to him until he was told to find you. From the moment he was brought back to his kingdom he didn’t want to do what the maker told him, he didn’t wish to become a god on the path that was paved for him. Initially wanted to go his own path.

While in his office Katsuki wasn’t used to his children coming in to see him but he found that as his daughter walked in he was reminded of you. Kazuki hesitated but her voice didn’t shake.

“Father, did you truly not know mother was a dragon?”

She was much bigger than he remembered, children do grow over time. “No, I wasn't aware. I thought she was-

“Human? The books mother gave us when Yohei and I were younger mentioned that dragons always have an abnormality when they take on a human guise, a trait passed from the first queen. Mother has scales along her sides,” she states. “I have scale patches behind my ears, Yohei has scales covering his back. Did you truly not know or did you ignore it?”

Katsuki frowns. “Let me ask you a question, why do you want to be queen?”

“So the people that tried to treat my mother like she was disposable will have no other option but to show her the respect she deserves,” she didn’t hesitate, Kazuki had a look in her eyes that Katsuki had never seen in you.

“You don’t need to be queen for that to happen,” he sighs. “It seems that I’ve been too complacent in this treatment of you and your mother. Tomorrow you will be sitting in meetings with me.”

“Why?”

He looks at the young girl. “My heir should learn directly from the source right? You learn from me, your brother will learn from your mother.”

You stood on the other side of the office door confused. What was going on? For a few weeks Katsuki had been making odd decisions, and you weren’t sure if it had something to do with his tasks, or something else. It wasn’t like you could read his mind, you weren’t even at his side most of the time. How would you know what hes thinking when the only time you ever talked to him was during an argument?

This felt weird. Like instructed Yohei shadowed you in your duties and you began inviting a bit of the dragon court to talk about motions going forward. None of the nobility seemed to argue openly about this. That was until the meeting that was held to welcome foreign diplomats for the King’s birthday celebration, which was annoying since it lasted so long. You had complained when celebrating the children’s birthdays because it felt so long to you. And like a waste of money. But you were surprised as you sat in your chair next to Katsuki.

“I suppose it’s time to address a few things.” He yawned, he looked exhausted. Aside from the fact that he demanded you start sleeping in the same wing as him, every once in a while since the tenth birthday of the twins you had to share a bed. But the weeks leading up to today he never came to sleep. “As much as I’d like to linger on things and explain everything I will not be. It’s too much work, plus I have more pressing matters to attend to. First.”

Midoirya, who was holding something, walks closer to Katsuki and hands him the paper? You and the entire room gasped when it disappeared in smoke.

“I’ve made revisions to the laws, a lot of them were a bit… outdated. Any being: Human, Leonid, Tiefling, Elf or otherwise, is welcome in our country and can become a citizen. This includes dragons.” he states. “Meaning my queen has and will always be recognized as such in history. My children have every right to the crown, but thats not all.”

The knights grabbed six nobles. “You are all exiled from this country, for conspiring against the crown. Not many are aware, but my Queen is also the ruler of Dragons, for the trouble these seven have caused I leave their punishments to the dragon court. You as the ones to guide the young dragon queen are always welcome in this kingdom.”

“Second, I think it best to put a limit in how long someone can rule over this kingdom.” He sighs. “We all know humans have the shortest life spans. Therefore, depending on their race the monarch will only rule for a certain time or until their heir comes of age. Dragons do not come of age until they are one hundred years old. We need to adjust things since mt heirs are neither completely human or completely dragon. Fifty years sounds good.”

You weren’t surprised that more people joined the room. Two familiar faces walk up.

“That was definitely different. So how long should a god rule over humans, Katsuki?” A young looking woman crossed her arms as her antlers stood high over her.

“I’ve been ruling for ten years now, so I’ll finish my reign in thirty years, to help my wife rule over the dragons.”

Standing up you had half a mind to hit him, half a mind. But instead you roll your eyes. “I’m not going to be enjoying this am I?”

“This will be a truly interesting time while the god of war and fire rules over a kingdom.” an older gentleman chuckles.

Interesting indeed.

<-♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢—♢->

Master list

[westadventure24]

Day 8 - Driving and Walking

As you probably have figured out, I am still getting caught up on our trip over the last several days when we had no service. As I awake to the sound of a dove cooing, the cool breeze and the general peace of the Montana outdoors, this post will report on yesterday’s events. However, I will likely be back in the hole soon as we leave this morning for Theodore Roosevelt State Park, ND, where again we will not have service.

Day 8 was a day of driving as we said goodbye to Yellowstone and headed towards Montana on the magnificent Beartooth Pass. Yellowstone gave us one last treat we passed through the expanse of the Lamar Valley, where we were entertained by multiple herds of my old friends 🦬 and a pack of wolves, though they were too far away to photograph. Our particular favorite was the mama bison and her very aggressive nursing baby. Sorry, Carl, still no moose, I am sad to say.

Lew had told us the Beartooth Pass was one of his favorites. It was legendary! This two lane road, up to the top of a snowy mountain and back down was truly breathtaking and terrifying all at the same time. There is only guard rail in spots and I am sure it is placed there to help its drivers mentally…not sure it would help much if needed physically! You did read that correctly….I did say snowy! We even passed a snow plow! The temperature at the top of the mountain was just below freezing and it was easy to tell this was a new fallen snow.

After exiting the pass and back to the interstate, we made our way to a the small town of Hardin near a Crow Indian Reservation. As Todd and I like to stop at local eateries, we took Mom and Dad to the Lariat Country Kitchen. Even though it was 3 pm and it closed at 4pm, the place was packed! Here, we filled our bellies with good food and even talked with some visitors from a much farther away land than ours….this couple was from jolly old England!

Our original plan was to see the Battle of Big Horn site, but had to pass as we were in 30 minutes of closing. Maybe next time!

We arrived at our new camp spot, 7th Ranch RV, which is quite lovely. Definitely a highlight of the trip for Lily as she got to play off leash! She also managed to get into trouble rolling in a sticky substance as Todd was photographing the grouse they scared up on their walk. Needless to say she ended up with an unwanted sponge bath!

On a more serious note, my brother, Larry, and his entire family are participating in a walk to end Alzheimer’s on Saturday. Sadly, this horrible disease has impacted our parents on both sides of our family. Not only is it heartbreaking to watch the decline of the parent with the disease, but also the loving spouse who becomes a full time caregiver of the most important person in their world for the last 60 or 70 years. I am including the link for Larry and Karen’s team if you are interested in donating to their team walk to help Alzheimer’s researchers and physicians make further strides to end this disease. Thank you for supporting us and them!

More good travels to come on Day 9! Love to all!

[whitepolaris]

Lafeyette Cemetery

Today, visitors in little Lafeyette are impressed with the fact that the town still retains its small-town feel, in the midst of the rapidly growing wine country Yamhill County. Few of them realize that Lafeyette's small-town feel has lasted a long time, but perhaps not of it is as pastoral as the rows of grape vines might suggest.

Joel Perkins founded Lafeyette along an important Native American trail network in 1847 as a kind of commercial waypoint. It took a few years to get going, but in the 1850s it grew quickly and became the county seat, and it remained so for several decades. At that time, each county in Oregon was responsible for executing its own condemned prisoners, and there was allegedly a hanging tree, located near Lafayette Cemetery, where prisoners were executed. The tree has long since been cut down. Perhaps. Stories have grown about a witch who was hung by townsfolk and buried in the cemetery. Of course, in a town as old as Lafayette there are several cemeteries, so which one is haunted? The two major candidates for the haunted witch's cemetery are Pioneer Cemetery, established in 1852, and Masonic Cemetery, established in 1855.

Weird Oregon received several e-mails from Lisa A. and her friend Lisa B. The two Lisas believe that Masonic Cemetery is very haunted:

When my friend and I went out during the day, we discovered one of the graves-only one!-had been dug at. We supposed it was an animal? The name on the grave was Lxxx something. I read the legend about the witch of Lafayette coming out of her grave and chasing people around the tombstones, scratching people. But no one seems clear on exactly which cemetery she is buried in . . . Hmmm. The grave looked like something was digging down through. "It" (the digger) had actually turned back some Visqueen (plastic sheeting) with several inches of dirt on top. It was definitely odd.

My son and I decided to go back, me with my digital camera, him with a video tape recorder. Again, I didn't catch anything with the camera, but Andrew (my son) had an experience. He was filming and standing near a grave, when he suddenly said he felt super cold and all of the hairs stood up on the back of his neck. We wrapped it up and went back to my house to analyze the film and photos. We hooked up the video recorder to my TV so we could use the volume and WOW! We heard the sound of a male adult voice say repeatedly, at least four or five times "Leave" very loudly on the audio portion. (We didn't catch anything on film, rats!) A split second after we heard the last "Leave" spoken was when Andrew had his creepy feeling.

A girlfriend and I went back to Lafayette Cemetery No. 3 the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was during the day this time, and we both had digital recorders. My friend didn't get anything on hers. . . . I don't think we got anything this visit. Theory: Both times we captured something on tape, I was accompanied by men who held the recorders. Since it was not customary to permit women to join the Masons (just the husbands were given actual membership), maybe the spirits were reluctant to communicate because we are women?

Lisa and I went alone two weekends ago. I captured some EVPs on my recorder, but it did not recorder on my friend's. We both had our recorders on and we were standing in front of a plot that held two little girls. We both stood there at the same time with our recorders, while I asked questions such as, "Is there anything here?" and "What is your name?"

We captured from my recorder, but not hers, a child's voicce that sounds like a little girl saying, "Mama, don't leave," or "Mama, don't leave me."

It sends chills up my spine and makes me so sad every time I hear it! Why only my recorder? -Lisa A.

Unfortunately, as often happens in the cases of cemeteries said to be haunted, Lafayette's cemeteries have suffered from their legends. Pioneer Cemetery is fairly well maintained and exists along a fairly well-traveled road. At the same time, Masonic Cemetery is a long a route that used to be popular but is now a back road, and a graveyard maintenance was irregular. It began to look haunted, which attracted thrill seekers. As stories of paranormal incidents and investigations grew on the Internet, thrill seekers turned into vandals. Although Lisa A. thought an animal could have partially dug up the graves she saw, it was probably someone on a witch hunt.

Many of the people in Lafayette and nearby towns are descendants of people in Masonic Cemetery. After a recent vandalism, it has been posted NO TRESPASSING, and the people living along the cemetery road have called the police to report any strangers entering the cemetery.

[sa7abnews]

Donald Trump was almost assassinated one month ago. Our media has moved on. Voters have not

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/16/donald-trump-was-almost-assassinated-one-month-ago-our-media-has-moved-on-voters-have-not/

Donald Trump was almost assassinated one month ago. Our media has moved on. Voters have not

It was one month ago, in the tiny town of Butler, Pa., that a would-be assassin’s bullet came less than an inch away from changing not just the 2024 presidential election, but the course of American history.The shocking shooting that left husband and father Corey Comperatore dead, and two more wounded remains a sharp and piercing image in the minds of many voters.It feels as though decades of politics have taken place in these past 30 days, we have emerged in a very different situation, and if prelude is precursor the next 84 days shall not want for more surprises.TRUMP-MUSK INTERVIEW: 5 BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TO THE US BORDER CRISISWhen Trump took the stage that day, Joe Biden was still defiantly insisting he was the Democrat’s nominee, but once, by the grace of God, the bullet merely grazed the ear of the former president, that was all set to change.At a restaurant in Toledo, I watched along with a small crowd as Trump stood, blood on his face, fist in the air, and chanted “Fight, fight, fight.” Since then, I have seen the image emblazoned on T-shirts all across the country. At the time, one of the guys watching said, “That’s it, it’s over.”But not so fast.When historians look back at this improbable election cycle, they will need, along with a stiff drink, to consider if it was in fact the assassination attempt, not the debate disaster that finally forced Biden out. BUTLER RESIDENTS STILL FURIOUS ABOUT TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAY MORE THAN INCOMPETENCE TO BLAMEEither way, just 8 days after Trump was shot, and following a successful Republican National Convention, the Democrats pulled the greatest bait and switch in the history of American politics, and suddenly, Trump was running against Vice President Kamala Harris.For the liberal media it was Christmas morning, and their stockings were full of Harris puff pieces and plenty of excuses to forget all about the shooting in Butler.TRUMP LEGAL CASES IN LIMBO AFTER SCOTUS IMMUNITY RULING, FREEING UP SCHEDULE TO CAMPAIGNAs the assassination attempt faded into the media’s rearview mirror, the whole tone of the Democrats changed from charges that Trump is Hitler, which may well have contributed to the attempted murder, to their current “campaign of joy.”But this past weekend, when I talked to voters about the near miss, there was still a sense of wonder about it, the slight anxiety in the eyes as they said, as so many do, “we were that close to a total crisis.”While dodging a bullet is always a good thing, eventually you have to find and eliminate the source of the shooting, and I don’t mean Thomas Matthew Crooks, of whom we still know almost nothing, I mean a political environment of hatred and fear.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONIn a nation where so many not only disagree with, but dislike each other, the specter of political violence haunts the election, especially as we look with a cautious eye towards next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.The next three months will feature a steady, staccato stream of daily events that move the polling needles. Gaffes, scandals, new policies, debates, the usual circus in town, and yet, the assassination attempt still hangs above it all.July 13, 2024, was a “where were you” kind of moment, like the killing of JFK or the moon landing, and while things like Tim Walz’s stolen valor or JD Vance’s cat lady comments may fade quickly from the public mind, the shooting of Trump will not.The nation changed one month ago, an innocence was lost, and everyone can feel it. The stakes of this election are no longer just about which side will win and get to set policies, but also whether we can peacefully coexist at all.But one thing is certain, for millions of Americans stepping into ballot boxes in November, one image from this campaign season will outshine all others, and when they recall it they will be reminded of Trump’s appeal to fight, fight, fight.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS

[umichenginabroad]

Week 8: 2 months down, 2 weeks left

Hello again! 

I have no idea where the time has gone, but I have officially been here for two months! This place has truly become a home-away-from-home, yet it still feels like I just got to Sorrento. With that being said, I am definitely missing the people back home and am starting to feel ready to get back. 

This past week I explored a nearby island, hiked the top of some mountains, and swam in Mediterranean sea caves. I still have a trip to Vienna, Austria and Rome on the books, as I am determined to see as many places as I can before I leave. Last weekend, I went with a friend to Ischia, an island just off of Naples. There was a ferry going from Sorrento at 9:30am and returning at 6:30pm, the perfect time for a day trip. While Sorrento and Capri (another, very famous, island in the Bay of Naples) are very, very touristy places, Ischia is where local Italians go to vacation. We could definitely tell the difference when wandering around; Ischia was less crowded and felt more authentically Italian then Sorrento. We had a nice relaxing day on the island, first exploring the Aragonese Castle (first built in 474 BC!), then grabbing a sandwich and swimming at several beaches along the coast. I made good use of my snorkel mask and got pleasantly sunkissed–pretty much a perfect day in my book.

(Pictures from various lookout points of the castle)

Monday through Wednesday went by without any issues, just the normal class routine. On Thursday I was supposed to have an archeology class field trip to Herculaneum and Oplontis (two smaller ruins created in the same eruptions as Pompeii), but unfortunately my professor had to call out sick, leaving me with an unexpected free day. I had heard from some of the other students about a cable car just a few train stops away that takes you up one of the mountains surrounding Sorrento, complete with several hiking trails and panoramic views. I decided to go check it out and am very glad I did so. It was wild how quickly the environment around me changed when going up the mountain; palm trees and colorful seaside buildings turned into pine trees and wood cabins. The views were stunning and it was even a bit cooler at the top (a much welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat we’ve been having). I hiked around the top for a while, took in the view, then enjoyed some gelato before heading back down.

(First and third pictures from the panoramic lookout spot on the hike showing the coastline of the Bay of Naples, second picture of a cabin-style restaurant with trees)

The next day, I set off on my last solo adventure to Lecce, a small city in the heel of Italy and nicknamed the “Florence of the south” due to its history and Baroque-style architecture. One of my trains got a little delayed, but nothing terrible. I enjoyed walking around the city for the afternoon before getting back to my hostel to get some sleep. On Saturday I took a bus about an hour south to the coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca where I booked a boat tour for the afternoon (one of the best choices I’ve made). I had some time to kill before the tour, so I meandered along the beach and went swimming for a bit along the rocky coast. I was fascinated by how different the coastline was on the other side of the country. There were cool rocks, tide pools, and shell beaches compared to the smoother, volcanic sand beaches of Sorrento. 

When the time for my boat cave tour came, I met at the company’s stand near the docks along with people from all over the world. We got divided into smaller groups to fit on the boats and turns out, I was the only *exclusively* English-speaker of my group, requiring the staff to print out a written description of the caves, as the guide on my boat only spoke a little English (his English was much better than my Italian so I still appreciated the effort he put in). In the end, it didn’t make too much of a difference as I still had a fantastic time. I love being on boats and the coastline was beautiful. To put the cherry on top, we even got to jump off the boat a few times to swim in the caves! I wished I had an underwater camera because I could hardly believe my eyes at some points. One of the caves, Grotta Dello Spruzzo, you could only enter by swimming underwater to an air pocket. Surfacing inside felt like entering another world as everything was illuminated bright blue due to the sunlight filtering through the water under the entrance. With some of the other caves, you could swim in one entrance and come out a completely different opening. I honestly could have stayed there for hours snorkeling in and out of caves, but sadly the tour did have to leave at some point. I took the bus back to Lecce without any problems, grabbed a bite to eat, and promptly fell asleep. 

(Pictures of three caves from the boat tour)

The next morning, I checked out of my hostel and set off into the city. I was taking an overnight train back to Sorrento which didn’t leave until 10pm so I spent the day going to museums, looking at churches (they were literally around every corner), and wandering around some parks. Turns out, there is an ancient Roman amphitheater in the middle of the main city square that is only half executed; the other half is sitting under a busy street with a church and restaurants! It is still mind-boggling to me that ancient ruins are so commonplace over here that they used to just build over them.

(First picture shows the Roman amphitheater, half uncovered and half under the busy street. Second picture of one of the many ornate churches, and the third picture showing another church down a street)

The overnight train was uneventful and I even made it back to Sorrento in time to take a power nap before my physics class! Overall, I had a great time in Lecce and an even better time on the cave tour. I truly can’t believe I only have a few weeks left, but I am excited to share with you what adventures the last weeks are sure to bring.

Ciao,

Marika Ruppart

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering in Sorrento, Italy

[starlightshore]

1stswagmastere said: Do u have any different lore or backstory for Vlad in your AU?

I'm going to have fun here and cover his FULL backstory lmao. As for canon -we only know what happened from the Accident in college and that's it. Nothin about his family life.

[has alt id]

Vladimir Masters moved to America with his family when he was 9. They moved because his parents divorced and his father had visited the country often for work. He felt it'd be good to get a fresh start.

Vlad himself knew English but hadn't needed it for daily use, and thus struggled in practice. Plus, I'd imagine the cultural differences were a lot to get used to -suddenly living in the middle of nowhere in Arkansas must of been a shock. Even if he's visited the states before, this was a life altering experience.

Vlad always felt like a misfit, even before the move. His older brother was too old to hang out with his Cringe Fail lil bro and his father couldn't relate to him. Something about the kid was just... different, as his father put it. The two never saw eye to eye, having few things in common. None of this was malicious, his father still supported him and did his best to keep food on the table and the family happy.

I like the idea while the family wasn't perfect -the father had a drinking problem but was never abusive. Nothing super dramatic happened in Vlad's home life -notably so he doesn't have any tragic backstory or "justification" for how much of a manipulative bastard he is modern day. (not that there's anything wrong with tragic backstories. go ham if that's your jam!)

Growing up, Alicia and Maddie were Vlad's best friends. Back then, Maddie was more of a "wild child" and did whatever she wanted on impulse. Alicia was a Baby Butch, a tom boy who wasn't aware of her sexuality but knew she was not like other girls. Being in a small church town in the US South, the trio were the regular misfits. (Notably Alicia is a tad older and acted as the groups babysitter just as often as an instigator to adventure)

Jack lived in the small town but wasn't friends with them until high-school. Jack was a Cool Kid Jock, well liked for his jokey personality and his mid-to-bad football playing. Which, while not great, wasn't terrible and that's an improvement to the small town's crappy team.

However, one day Jack came into the school raving about seeing a ghost. It was funny for a few days -but Jack became obsessed and upset over the whole thing. No one believed him and mocked him, Jack took it very personal.

Maddie approached Jack and gave his story a shot. There's a ghost at the lake, he says. While neither Vlad nor Maddie believe him, they give it a shot cause Maddie thought it'd be fun.

Yeah. Ghosts are real. The trio are terrified but become enthralled. That summer they spend it trying to investigate the ghost -try to find her murderer and appease her vengeful spirit. The three cry and piss themselves scared but it's a major life-long bonding experience.

Turns out the ghost isn't a murder victim -she's just a woman who drowned when drunk while fishing. Her unfinished business was to escape the waters, scaring any locals who neared the water under moonlight. Sadly, without a strong tether to the ghost zone, her ghostly form fizzled out. The teens never really learn these truths.

The whole town is sick of their ghost hunting and are happy to see them leave for college lmao. The three have become Besties For Life, set out to become scientists and find an explanation to the supernatural. Vlad focused on mythology/technology, Maddie quantum physics, Jack with biology/medicine.

The accident happens but it's a direct result of BOTH Fentons. I feel it's thematically important if it's both of their faults, to mirror Danny's accident. Vlad's portal is kept on the whole time, after his death he sneaks into the lab and steals it for himself to keep. It speaks to him. Whispering to him of the Hell he's opened up. This is his portal, yet unnamed and characterized cause i spent all my creative energy on Danny's Portal, Liminal Gates. I don't wanna derail the post to those OCs, but essentially think of them as sentient portal ghosts. they're... not exactly that, but that's the gist.

// OK BELOW i get into depth over both Danny and Vlad's cause of deaths, not like, SUPER gorey detail but its implied of some very awful stuff. skip 4 paragraphs if you don't wanna read that

Tangent: Danny's accident is a result of exposed wire within the portal. In my AU, he doesn't touch an "on" button but rather grabs an exposed switch, yanking on a wire that burnt through his rubber glove and shocked him from hand to foot (which then bounced up to the brain). I got the sense from the theme song that the parent's just... forgot they had that switch in the blueprints, so it makes sense to me that it'd be unfinished and left unattended like that.

anyway now for Vlad's accident. I've mentioned before that in my AU that ectoplasm is in itself the opposite of life, and when in high concentration it'll become acidic and burn through organic matter.

That uh, happened directly to Vlad's face. After the initial blast, the ectoplasm congealed with his blood creating a thick barrier between his face and the air. So even after removing the blast's plasm, it was stuck.

Vlad was rushed to the hospital and bled out, the plasm seeping through into his lungs. It wasn't a fast death like Danny's. Miraculously, he "survived" and had his face bandaged and had to have surgeries to fix the damage. Sadly, even with what little skin was left, because the ectoplasm rooted itself into the skin layer it continued to blister with ecto-acny like in the show. It left him in the hospital for years.

Anyway while Vlad is also a Halfa-Paradox like Danny, he needs to consume Actual Literal Blood. (Not necessarily human blood, nor a living host's blood. usually he drinks animal blood in secret. He's a monster, but he's not THAT much of a monster!)

His body is more unstable and requires more blood to repatch itself. Danny's death was instantaneous and a 1 hour time range surrounding it to connect his timelines. For Vlad, it took 1-2 hours to die, so his timelines and time frame are more scrambled and full of various states of decay and gore. He needs to steel that life essence as well replenish his blood loss. Someone who is a Halfa-Paradox is the living embodiment of of those hour (or for Vlad, hours) they died and didn't die. They're a center point of those timeline selves, fused into one person while shifting between different bodies those timeline selves inhabit. Vlad's is incredibly unstable.

Anyway that aside, Vlad's power is blood based. He really is a vampire ghost. I know my AU mainly has been comedy but I do enjoy the darker side of the fandom (not to... the point some of ya'll go lmao) and Vlad focuses a lot more of this side of things. I've been uncertain on how to take his blood power -do I do blood bending? bleed on you until you're uncomfortable power?

Nah i think I'm going to go with a simple "those he's drunk blood from temporarily are mind controlled" or something. Vampires are a drain on society, a metaphor for their hoarding of wealth and feasting on the life force of the common man. Now as an adult, I see how some people can fall into a warped mindset that loves Capitalism even when it's the root of all evil in society. Uh. That's the best I got chief, Vlad's power is propaganda essentially.

He already uses his over-shadow power for a similar effect in canon, it's a very Vlad thing to do. It's just more.. gross and evil this time around.

Back to the Backstory: after the transition, Vlad fell onto desperate times as the hospital bills were enormous. After trying to handle it morally, he ended up resorting to petty theft using his new powers. Same as canon, this escalated to bigger robbery and then political power. Vlad is more subtle about than in canon, never showing his ghost form and learns to explain his wealth through business rather than staged luck.

Once he had some power and influence, he went back to his old friends hoping to prove to them that they did not ruin him but rather gifted him a wonderful life of wealth and success. He wanted to make them jealous and regret ghosting him and hurting him.

Except, they moved on and were forced to take on jobs outside of their ghost hunting interests. Vlad realized he hadn't actually won out here, he missed out on human connection and turned himself into a monster in the process. Now he's motivated in envying their humanity and family, rather than just a sick obsession to get with Maddie.

Vlad is a master 4D chess player, using his power to influence under his thumb. The Fentons actually were just stuck using their degrees for (gasp) more mundane use like medical research and engineering. Vlad masked his anger and played up the hero, becoming Uncle Vladdie and their boss. He funds their paranormal research, they see him as their good ol' college chum who's got everything.

But the Fentons and him don't connect well on a personal connection. Vlad is too distant and far-too-gone in his own world and self-obsession, Maddie and Jack are pleasant but never have free-time so end up blabbing about research or their kids. Not a great fit for reconnection. It's important to note these old friends have the potential to become buddies again, but Vlad feels compelled to plot and play a more distant role to get what he thinks will worm his way into their lives. Instead of, you know, being normal and just Talking Things Through.

So basically: Vlad is a lonely misunderstood kid who is befriended by some country girls and then later become a group of 3 ghost obsessed weirdos in town. Jack and Maddie are his only friends he's ever had since his hospitalization (isolated again) and later becoming obscenely rich that you stop seeing people normally. He's got rich fuckboi disease essentailly.

iirc Alicia doesn't like Jack because she blames him for getting her sister into ghost hunting (OR MAYBE that's fanon idr) but I also like to think she hates Vlad for becoming so slimey and doubling down on enabling their ghost interests. Like in my timeline of events, the Fentons were able to become normal respected scientists. (albeit, obscure) it's HIS fault they're able to do whatever they want now. she fucking HATES him

[canesshi]

the bounty | western au

pairing: outlaw!Jungkook x bountyhunter!reader (f)

genre: angst, smut, enemies to ???

plot: There's a fivethousand dollar bounty on Jeon Jungkook's head and you are after it. A few unplanned events lead to the two of you trapped in a canyon and you learn that maybe, after all, he isn't as bad as he seems.

warnings: swearing, guns, blood, fighting, alcohol, SMUT, unprotected sex (because this is fiction! be safe irl), grinding, passionate sex, handjob, creampie, mentioned sexism, lmk if there is more

Standing in front of the wooden board, you ripped the piece of paper off the rusty nail that had been used to attach it to the wood. 'Wanted - dead or alive' it said in red stamped letters, the text framing the sketch of Jeon Jungkook's face.

"You finally wanna try again?"

Your gaze shot up to Jin, the sheriff, who leaned against the wooden wall of his sheriff's office. The golden star on his chest was as shiny as it could be; he cleaned it regularly, it was never dirty.

"They put a new price on his head, after all. Might as well try again. Fivethousand dollars are enough to retire.", you chuckled and looked back to the paper in your hands.

Jeon Jungkook.

The name was not unfamiliar. His face was plastered on every wall even in small towns, the law desperate to finally catch him. He was one of America's most wanted outlaws and since he had left his former gang he raged through the country like a hurricane; stealing, drinking, fighting, shooting, cheating, murdering, robbing. He had steadily increased the price on his head with every crime he commited and every bounty hunter had at one point been after him. The money was promising and experienced bounty hunters tended to underestimate his skills because of his age. He was fairly young for being such a successful outlaw, all on his own. Along with a few other criminals he was considered a 'legendary bounty'. Bounty hunters who could turn in such a bounty were well respected and feared amongst their peers, and the reward money was a nice addition. But Jeon Jungkook outsmarted and outshot all of them. Most of the hunters were dead or had given up.

You were after him once, too. It was when he was still with his old gang. They had been in a gang fight with another gang and were vunerable, the timing was perfect. But as you almost had him, he slipped through your fingers, jumping off the bridge and landing in the shallow waters. You had thought he had died but never found his corpse, only to read in a newspaper a few days later that he and his gang had robbed a stagecoach near a big city. Since then, his bounty had more than tripled. And if you were being honest, you were quite impressed. But now that you had had time to prepare and train, you were convinced you had a chance at catching him. Maybe you were being too optimistic and too full of yourself, but how would you ever find out if you didn't try?

"Are you sure it's a good idea? He does not hesitate to kill bounty hunters and he surely learned a few new things too. That kid is too skilled for his own good.", Jin wore a worried expression. The two of you had become something similar to friends over the past months since you usually collected the bounties in this tiny town because there was less competition this far away from the big city. "At least catch all the easier targets first so you are not leaving us behind with a bunch of criminals roaming the streets."

"Jin, you're the sheriff. You can handle an outlaw or two."

"But you do it so well. Also, who would we spend the tax money on? If there was no bounty money to pay, we would surely be rich in a few months, we can't have that!", he joked, fake worry in his voice. Then, he got serious again, stepping closer to you, taking the poster from your hands and inspecting it. "Be careful. I mean it. He is dangerous and I would feel lonely here without you bringing trouble into this small town."

"I'll be back, don't worry.", you nodded at him, smiling reassuringly but he didn't seem convinced.

"When will you leave? Where is he right now?"

"I'll pack my things and be off. There has been news he was sighted near Blackwater last. I'll be starting my search there.", you untied your horse from the post, stuffing the poster Jin had given you back into your bag. You mounted the animal, tipped your hat to Jin who smiled at you worriedly but nodded back and urged the animal under you forwards.

The ride to Blackwater had taken one and a half days. You had made camp outside of Armadillo to rest before you began your hunt. You needed all the energy you could possibly get, so a good night's rest was indispencable.

You woke up early, the sun had barely risen above the horizon. The weak sun warmed your chilled skin as you kicked dirt into the still glowing embers of your dying campfire. The air was fresh and you felt confident; you'd find him today and he wouldn't glide through your fingers again.

Spurring your horse on, you watched as the city in the distance grew closer with each stride your horse took. You slowed the animal down once you reached the cobbled street, looking into the dark alleyways, suspicious looking individuals meeting your gaze and snarling. They recognized bounty hunters when they saw them. But you were not here because of them. No, you were after someone way more valuable.

Stopping next to the sheriffs office, you tied your horse to the post outside and stepped into the office, your spurs clinking with every step. You halted in front of the main desk, the sheriff and his deputy looking you up and down.

"I'm after Jeon Jungkook.", you said, slapping his bounty poster onto the table. "I was told he was seen here recently, any idea where he was headed?"

The sheriff and deputy sent each other a look before the older gentleman breathed in deeply. "It is true. He was here recently, caused a bar fight and left once everyone was fighting, then, robbed the general store while everyone was occupied. Shot a few fellars on his way out of town." The sheriff took the paper, looked at Jungkook's picture before scoffing and letting the piece of paper fall back onto the table. "No offence, but you won't be able to turn him in. The best bounty hunters have been after him and ended up dying or giving up. I don't mean any harm when I say this but... maybe you bit off more than you can chew. He's not your everyday thief." You wanted to scoff and list all the outlaws you had turned in before but you knew better than to let yourself be agigated by his words.

"Whether or not I can handle him is my business. You want him caught or not? I just need all the information you got, the rest is not your problem.", you said calmy, one hand resting on your hip.

The sheriff hesitated for a bit before opening one of the drawers in the desk and pulling out a map. He flattened it out on the table and turned it so you could see well.

"We think he headed south into the canyons to lay low for a while. There have been no reports of him in other cities so he probably is still there. He might not be alone, we don't know for sure. Riding out there is a ticket straight to hell, ma'am."

You didn't wait for him to finish. You just tipped your head as a way of thanking him before turning your back and exiting the building. Not a minute longer was wasted in the town. You urged your horse to a gallop down the dusty road.

It was noon when you reached the canyons. The sun was beating down onto you and you were thankful for your hat that was providing enough shadow for your face to be safe from the scorching sunlight.

You stopped your horse on a ledge that hung over the valley of the canyons. Then in the distance you spotted a trail of smoke rising into the sky. A camp.

You shouldered your rifle before urging your horse on. The walls of the canyon were so high they were intimidating. The trails you rode through were narrow and once or twice your stirrup scraped against the dusty orange stone. You couldn't see much of the sky, so you weren't sure if you were even riding in the right direction.

You were as quiet as you possibly could, but each little clinking or thudding echoed through the canyon. You decided that it was best to leave your horse behind and continue on foot. It was quieter and you could escape more easily if you had to.

You dismounted on a wider spot, the stone walls further away from you and making you feel less claustophobic. You grabbed a few more bullets from your saddlebag along with your bag in case you needed water or were injured.

Patting your horse's neck one last time and hoping you would be able to return to it, you continued through the canyon, your steps still echoing but a lot quieter than your horse's hooves had been.

When you smelled burnt wood you stuck close to the stone walls, making sure to peek before charging the open area. You peeked into the camp but there was no sign of a human being. You carefully walked into the camp, watching as the fire was still burning. Someone had been here not too long ago. You looked around and noticed bags and a bedroll on the ground. Someone had definitely been here shortly before you, and they would probably be returning soon. You kneeled down to open one of the bags when suddenly a gunshot rang through the canyon, the bullet missing you by an inch.

You immediately sprung into action, ducking behind a wooden crate and firing a few shots into the direction the bullet had come from. It had been a revolver bullet so the attacker was close to you, had probably sneaked up behind you.

It was silent for a while before a bullet hit the crate, sending splinters flying. Shit, you needed a safer cover. But there was nothing here. The attacker was just waiting for you to move, you knew it. You needed a plan.

You pulled your waterskin from your bag and opened it up. If you could throw it into the fire, there would be enough steam for you to move to a safer position, right? You peeked around the crate and immideately a bullet hit the edge of the crate, close to your face.

Shit, if you moved your arm from the cover they would probably shoot it clean off. You were trapped and if your attacker decided he had waited long enough, he could just start blasting the crate to kill you. You looked through your bag only finding a few things that didn't help you out now. Unless...

You fished for the red neckerchief and threw it next to the crate, careful to not reveal your hands or arms. Instantly a few shots were fired, hitting the neckerchief until it was in shreds. That's when you heard the familiar click of a gun being reloaded. You didn't waste a second and threw the waterskin into the flames, successfully creating thick puffs of steam that blocked your attacker's view.

You quickly moved into a crevice in the stonewall, barely wide enough to fit your body but at least safer than the wooden crate. Bullets were fired at you, but you had been faster, and they had no clear view. Once the steam disappeared, you watched carefully. The attacker didn't know where you were, and you watched as the broad figure move from behind the canyon wall to a boulder a little closer to you. You acted instantly, shooting a few bullets with your revolver, even though your heart skipped a beat. You had only seen him shortly but you knew his figure.

You had found him. Jeon Jungkook.

You heard a low hiss so you must've gotten him somewhere. You wanted to squeal in victory when he propped himself up on the boulder and fired a few rounds of bullets. The stone wall held off each bullet but little pieces of stone splintered off the surface and created thick dust which stung in your eyes. But instead of cowering away you took the rifle from your back, aimed at the figures head and placed your hand on the trigger. He wasn't careful enough. You could kill him right then and there, but your ego got the better of you. If you'd bring him in alive, he would be worth a lot more and you wanted to see the look of defeat on his face when you bound his wrists and turned him into the sheriff's office as they placed him behind bars.

So instead of his head you aimed at his gun and pulled the trigger, successfully blasting it out of his hand. He ducked as soon as the shot was fired but he wasn't fast enough. It was silent after that, no shots from him as you waited for his next move.

"That's it. You've got me."

You perked up at his smooth voice. He sounded like he was amused.

"You can kill me.", he said, slowly raising from behind the boulder. His hands were in the air to show you he was unarmed.

"But you'd miss out on a lot of money. They want to see me hang, they'd pay a lot to see that. If I'm dead though... there won't be much of a hanging going on. They will be disappointed. Less money."

"You think I'm stupid enough to fall for your trap, Jeon?", you hissed, rifle trained on his head, ready to shoot if you needed to. You moved away from your cover slowly, showing him you had the upper hand now.

"Well, seeing how you only shot my gun and not my head, I assume you are either a terrible, terrible shot or you are after a great deal of money.", he wore a smug smile on his face but you didn't miss the droplets of sweat dripping down the side of his forehead. That's when you saw the trail of blood on his side. That's where you had gotten him earlier, you thought to yourself.

"But since I know you can shoot well, I know it's the latter. Last time we met, you almost had me, and now you finally finished what you started."

You felt uneasy. He remembered you? How in the hell, would he remember you when he had to deal with countless of bounty hunters almost every day? What made you special enough for him to remember?

Maybe this was a trick, you thought. He was riling you up on purpose.

You had only been distracted for half a second when suddenly you were hit in the head by a hard item. You stumbled back, the rifle falling from your hands as you clutches your now bleeding forehead.

That fucker had thrown his gun!

He charged at you while you were occupied and pressed you to the ground beneath him. He pulled a knife out of his boot and moved to plunge it into your chest but you kneed him into his back, making him topple over you so you could roll out beneath him, an elbow to his back. He grunted as he spun around, slicing the knife through the air, missing your arm by an inch.

"You have gotten better.", he snickered through gritted teeth.

"So have you.", you answered, grabbing a hand full of dust and throwing it into his face. He clawed at his eyes as you finally distanced yourself from him again. You grabbed your revolver from your gunbelt and pointed it at him, ready to shoot when he suddenly pulled on the neckerchief you were standing on, making you topple over as your feet lost their footing. Before he could reach you though, you were back on your feet, your gun nowhere to be found. Shit.

A cut into your arm made you cry out sharply. The cut wasn't too deep but it began bleeding quickly. "You son of a bitch!"

You grabbed his wrist before he could bring down the blade again. Your nails dug into his dirtied skin, making him grit his teeth. He was stronger than you, but you took advantage of the situation when you kneed him into the stomach. He huffed loudly and the knife fell from his hand. You caught it and chucked it far away. "You have a lot of nerves coming here!", he sneered and grabbed your neck, pushing you down. You moved your head quickly, biting down on his bleeding hand, tasting the iron on your tongue.

That's when you decided to take off. If you made it to your horse in time, you could get another gun or flee. But you were so disoriented, you didn't know which way you had come from. Jungkook recovered behind you, so you decided to just run, no matter what direction.

You ran as fast as you could but your could hear his fast footsteps behind you, catching up with you.

You scrambled up a canyon wall that had been carved into a stair-like formation by the waters a few million years ago. Jungkook followed you without a problem. His stamina was way better than yours.

Once you were on top of the stone platform and you could overlook the maze like crevices, Jungkook caught up to you.

The two of you were standing in front of each other. Chests heaving.

"This ends here. One of us is going to die. And if I think about it, It might as well be you."

He lurched forward grabbing your body and pressing you into the ground. He raised a fist, wanting to knock you out but you moved your head to the side, his fist meeting the stone beneath you. You tried pushing him off of you and ended up changing positions with him, straddling him, before he tried pushing you down again.

But as he grabbed your hips, pushing you off of his stomach, your back didn't meet the hard ground. It was met with breezy nothingness as your body slipped off the edge. His body was inevitable pulled down with yours, your hands clamped down on his shirt. Your mouth was open in a scream as you fell but no noises came out.

It felt like you were falling for hours, hands still clinging onto Jungkook's larger frame.

Hitting the ground was painless and everything went black not even a second later.

Your eyes peeled open slowly. There was dust, dried blood, sweat and tears. You could barely see.

Your nose was running and you didn't kow if it was tears or blood.

How in god's name were you alive? Were you even alive?

You carefully moved your arms under you, pushing yourself up from the ground. Your head was throbbing painfully and little stones dug into your palms as you looked around.

Jungkook's body laid a few feet away, head slumped against his chest as he sat up against the canyon wall. He had probably woken up and moved to sit up against it before falling unconscious again.

You groaned as you pushed yourself to your feet, moving over to his body. You gently pushed against his legs with your boot, trying to wake him... or check if he was still alive. He looked horrible. Clothes ragged and dusty all over. His once jet black hair was matted and coated with brownish dust. You probably didn't look any better.

You kicked him again, a little harsher this time and a low groan escaped his throat as he lifted his head slightly. He struggled to open his eyes, the sun blinding him as he looked up at you.

"I was hoping you had died.", he rasped.

"Well, it seems like we're both still alive."

"Not for much longer.", he scoffed bitterly. That's when you took in your surroundings for the first time. The two of you were trapped inside a crevice in the canyon, barely wide enough for a whole body to lay flat, it was a few metres long in length. The more devastating part was that there was no exit or way up. The two of you were trapped down here. "Shit.", you murmored.

"If you still want to kill me, do it now. At least I won't have to starve to death.", he said, gasping as he sat up straighter against the stone wall.

"No-... There has to be a way out. We could-... climb up?"

"And how are you going to do that? The stone is too smooth, there are no ledges to grip onto. And even if you did make it up a few metres, if you fell, you'd only injure yourself more."

"Oh, so you just want to give up and die?", you scoffed.

"Unless you have a realistic escape plan, then yes, that's the only thing left for us to do."

You felt your head throb again painfully. You should have listened to Jin. This had been a dumb idea. Anyone smarter than you would've just given up after escaping with your life last time but no- you just had to try it again. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"Ah- fuck-" Your gaze dropped to Jungkook whose face was scrunched up in pain as he moved slightly. A hand was pressed to his side where you had shot him earlier. You didn't know how bad the wound was but it couldn't have been too deep considering he was still alive and not bleeding out. "I can't believe you really got me. I was slacking."

How he felt the need to talk to you was beyond you. You were his enemy but still - he was talking to you like you were an old aquaintance. You wanted to feel hatred towards him but it seemed like every bit of anger had left you. There was no point in fighting anyway - you'd both die down here.

"Let me see.", you forced out, kneeling down next to the man and trying to move his hand away from the injury. He didn't stop you but he seemed taken aback, eyes glued to yours as you pulled the button up shirt from his pants, careful to not irritate the wound too much. Once you had clear view of the gash, you inspected it. The bullet had only grazed him but it still left a decent gash on his side, skin ripped with ragged edges. It would take some time to heal and would probably leave a nasty scar, but what did it matter anyway? Neither of you would be alive then. How much you wished for one of those new devices you had read about in the newspaper - a telephone? Was that what they were called?

You went to grab something from your bag but it was no longer laying against you hip. Had it ripped off while fighting Jungkook? You looked around and saw the brown bag lying a few metres away. Thank god! Your bag was your ticket for living at least a few days longer. Dried meat and a small emergency flask of water could grant you enough time to think about all the times you had fucked up in your life or what desicions led you to be trapped here. Great.

You stood up to grab it and Jungkook followed your figure with curious eyes. He looked younger now that you really took him in. A boyish gleam in his eyes, though matted because of the circumstances. He was definitely not ugly either. If he had chosen a different life, you might have even bedded him.

What nonsense. You couldn't change a thing about the past and that was that. Thinking of all the possibilities if things had been different was wasted time.

You returned to Jungkooks side, fishing for a herb from the inside of your bag. You stuck it in your mouth, chewing it up into a paste before spitting it onto your fingers. "I know I'll die anyway but I'd appreciate it if you didn't give me an infection."

You just rolled your eyes as you applied the paste to the wound making him hiss slightly. You needed something to bandage the wound with but your neckerchief had been left behind at Jungkook's camp and was ripped apart anyway. You noticed that he was wearing one around his neck and went to untie it, hands combing through his slightly long black hair to get the knot loose. You didn't realize how close you were to him until you felt his warm breath on your own face. His eyes were locked to yours as he searched for something in them. Your brows furrowed and you quickly pulled back, unfolding the neckerchief and roling it into a bandage to tie around his waist. The fabric was barely long enough to actually be tied together but you managed, even though you must have hurt hime quite a bit in the process.

"Didn't take you to be such a whiny boy.", you said jokingly.

He didn't answer, only inspecting the bandage around his middle. You opened up the waterskin and poured it over his face earning a displeased grunt from Jungkook. You wiped the dirt, grime and blood from his face with your hands. "I could have done that myself, you know?" You poured a little water into your hands, cleaning your own face, being careful to only use as little water as possible.

"Why are you bandaging me up? Afraid you'll go to hell if you don't start doing nice things now?", he asked after some time, hairs falling into his eyes as he rested his head against the stone wall behind him. You had decided to sit opposite of him, sitting cross legged.

The truth was, you didn't even know the answer to his question. Why did you treat his wound? It was pointless anyway.

"Well, I guess in the face of death, people start to act strangely.", you answered, head turned away from him. Jungkook chuckled and licked his dry lips, throat feeling uncomfortably dry too.

"A shame that it has to end like this.", he then said,"I was wishing to escape you one more time. Bruising your ego a bit, you know?" He was laughing to himself, swallowing the bit of saliva his body could muster up.

"It looked more like you were trying to get me to meet my maker.", you answered, looking over to him, your lips curved slightly upwards now.

"You were better than I anticipated and I was taken aback. Didn't want to die, to be honest. You left me no choice."

You scoffed, the smile now wiped off your face. "Yeah right. You had the choice to not be a fucking outlaw in the first place!"

"Did I really?", he spat sourly.

You went silent then, watching as his brows furrowed.

"I had noone when I was younger. Should I have moped around the streets looking through the trashcans for food like the other street kids?" You knew who Jungkook was talking about. Homeless children were no rare scene, especially in big cities like Saint Denise. There was no furture for them outside of crime and gangs.

"When Namjoon found me, I was at the brink of starvation. He took me in and taught me everything I know about guns, horses and money. I truly did not have a choice if I wanted to survive."

He swallowed thickly before continuing.

"Besides, Namjoon always taught me how fucked up this so called society is. We just wanted to be free, to not be bound by laws and power-hungry people. Can you really blame us for that? Politicians and lawmen are not any different from us outlaws, they just have a badge that excuses every crime they commit against minorities."

"That's no excuse for the things you did. I am not here to try to make you regret your past but killing innocent folk is not any better than they are."

"We never intended to kill innocent people. I won't lie and say I have never killed anyone innocent but that was never our goal. We were just after the rich and powerful men. It doesn't matter now anyway. I left the gang a long while ago."

You didn't say anything after that, head resting back against the warm stone and watching as the sky slowly turned different shades of orange, red and pink.

You rumaged through your bag before feeling the cool glass against your fingers and pulling the whiskey bottle out. Jungkook looked amused as you took a big swig, handing it to him afterwards. He took the bottle gratefully and took a few big swigs, face scrunching up in distaste but continuing to down the liquid. When the bottle left his lips they were coated in the smooth liquid, glistening in the golden sunlight. He looked pretty. And that wasn't the booze talking... not yet at least.

"What about you? You had to listen to me whining about my shitty childhood, and now I'll listen to your tragic story."

"What makes you think I had a tragic childhood?", you teased, taking the whiskey from him and nipping at the bottle.

"Oh, please!", he huffed, "You are a bounty hunter and you want to tell me that you had a nice childhood? I have heard way better lies than that." You laughed at that, passing the bottle back to him.

"Well, my story is not as dark and dramatic as yours. I just wanted to catch bad guys and get decent money for it. They don't allow women to join the lawmen and even if they did, I guess we have one thing in common; I don't want to have anything to do with those people. I know their system is corrupt, only made to fit rich white men."

Jungkook seemed surprised. You were on different sides, you were supposed to represent the law and everything Jungkook hated but you were agreeing with him? He barely knew anyone that wasn't an outlaw or a beggar that thought like this.

He clutched the bottle tighter and nipped at it again, letting the liquid burn his throat. Maybe, just maybe, if things were different, if you two were to get out of here, you could start again? Get to know each other as people and not as enemies. It was foolish to think of anything in the future, seeing how you were doomed down here, but he wanted to know you. You were pretty, he wasn't blind. If the circumstances had been different he would have loved to bed you.

He shook his head, squeezing one hand into his pocket and pulling out a tiny photograph. You scooted closer until you were sitting next to him, taking the whiskey bottle that was almost empty now. It hadn't been full before, but still.

"This was the gang.", Jungkook explained, passing the photo to you. You looked at the faces, all smiling at the camera. You spotted Jungkook in the middle next to a tall man who had proudly swung an arm over his shoulder. If you didn't know any better you would have assumed that this was just a group of friends getting their picture taken. "That's namjoon, right?", you said and pointed to the tall male. Jungkook nodded, smiling widely. "And that's Jimin, Taehyung, Yoongi, Hoseok and Soekjin." You laughed as you spotted Jin, a wide smile on his lips as he stood on the other side of Jungkook.

Wait a damn minute... wait. a. minute.

"Jin??", you gasped and Jungkook looked at you questioningly. "How is Jin in this picture? He- He's a good friend of mine and he's also a sheriff!"

"Oh, so that's where he went.", Jungkook mumbled to himself but you heard him loud and clear. You waited for him to explain.

"Jin was part of our gang but he mostly just tried to get the law off our back. He taught me a lot about who I am. Unfortunately, he left the gang one year before I did. Said he couldn't identify himself with the gang anymore... with what we had become. It's true, we were more ghosts than people by the end. I'm no saint - I know that - but I guess I never truly knew how much of a lowlife I was until Jin left. He was partly the reason I left a year later. How is he doing? How do you know him?"

"Well, I'd say he's pretty well. He is the sheriff after all, that gets you some decent money. I turned a lot of the targets in that he hung up on the bounty wall. We started chatting and then went out drinking sometimes."

"Oh, so you two are-...?", Jungkook gestured with his hands, trying to bring across his point without actually saying anything, hoping you got what he was trying to ask.

"No! God, no!", you laughed and Jungkook perked up at the pleasant sound. "Just friends. Collegues of sorts. But now it makes a lot of sense why he was trying to convince me to not go after you. He also took down your poster a few times. He always said it was because you were too damgerous and he wanted to protect reckless bounty hunters." You laughed. Imagining Jin in a gang of outlaws, hah! You would have to squeeze some details out of him!

Your face fell instantly. You couldn't. Because you wouldn't see him again. Maybe, just maybe Jin would come to look for you in a few days and find your rotting corpse in this hell hole. You chuckled bitterly to yourself.

"How much is it now?", Jungkook asked.

You took the bounty poster out of the bag and handed it to him. It was a little ragged now but still readable.

"Wow that's a new record. At least they didn't fuck up my face again with an ugly sketch." You smiled again as you watched him read his poster. "I'm sorry that you won't be getting the money now. But at least you managed to eliminate another bad guy. You'll surely be a hero then, right? People only idolize the dead. Like painters, you know? Maybe they'll write a campfire song about the bounty huntress that killed an outlaw by starving both herself and him to death in a canyon." You laughed and slapped his stomach lightly, already having forgotten about his wound. He hissed and moved away from the touch and you panicked. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry, I forgot!"

"It's fine.", he spoke through gritted teeth.

"Wait let me see if I disturbed the wound."

You pulled up his shirt, only now noticing the hard muscles that adorned his abdomen. You tried to lift the bandage but the shirt kept falling over your hands. "Take this shit, it's annoying!", you said impatiently. Instead of just holding the shirt up though, he pulled it off over his head, exposing his upper body. You didn't mean to stare but his body was carved by the gods themselves. You tore your gaze away from him and back to the wound. It seemed to be okay, no fresh blood or other substances leaking from it. "Okay, I think everything is fine."

"So you had me remove my shirt for your own entertainment, or-..."

You felt your cheeks getting warm as he teased you, holding your gaze.

"You-! You were the one to remove it! I told you to hold it up!"

"Well you did seem to enjoy it though."

You grabbed the shirt that was laying in his lap and threw it into his face, earning a low chuckle. He grabbed your arm and pulled you next to him again, taking the whiskey and downing the rest of it before turning his head to you. You looked up at his eyes, your own eyes flickering to his lips every so often. They looked plush and pink now, so kissable. Maybe it was the alcohol clouding your senses.

You went to turn away but Jungkook took your chin carefully, angling your face up so you had to look at him before placing his lips on yours in a sweet kiss.

You were surprised, shocked even, but you didn't pull away. His kiss was intoxicating and he tasted to good even though there was a hint of whiskey still on his lips.

He pulled back a few seconds later, looking for something in your eyes. "If your bounty hunter friends saw you right now what would they say?", he teased, voice barely a whisper.

"I think they would grant me one last nice thing before I die.", you whispered back, leaning back into Jungkook and capturing his lips in a more heated kiss. His tongue slid against your mouth and you opened it instantly, letting his greedy tongue explore your wet mouth. You moaned as Jungkook grabbed your hips, pulling you into his lap so he didn't have to crane his neck to the side. You fit into his lap like you belonged there, like you were meant to sit there at all times.

What on earth were you doing?

But did it matter? If you were to die soon, you'd at least be able to boast to the demons of hell that you had fucked Jeon Jungkook.

You ground yourself into his lap and he moaned, almost desperately, as your crotch prerssed against his growing hardness. You felt blood rush to your middle, throbbing in need, at the feeling of his hardening member. He pawed at your shirt, pulling it from your pants and pulling it off your body swiftly. His lips found your neck and colarbones in an instant and didn't miss the opportunity to mark you. He was sucking and biting your skin as you threw your head back, hands tangled into the long curly strands in the back of his head. You kept grinding into his crotch, wanting to hear him moan and hiss.

"Fuck-... If you keep going at it like that, I'll cum in my pants."

"We better get them off then.", you answered, feeling for the buttons and popping them open one after the other. You palmed his hardness through his pants before trying to slide them down further, which wasn't possible due to him sitting on the ground. Instead, Jungkook grabbed his shirt that was by his side, threw it on the ground behind you and gently lowered your back onto it, making sure to not hurt you. Once he was towering over you, you slid his pants down further along with his underwear, grabbing the throbbing and hot member. The skin was silky smooth and precum was already leaking from the red tip. You spat into your hand to make the glide easier and started stroking him. Jungkook dropped his head to your shoulder, groaning as you jerked him off with your soft hands. It had been some time since Jungkook had actually been with someone, so he was trying his hardest to not cum right then and there.

He occupied himself with releasing your breasts from your breastband, simply ripping it open, not patient enough to unravel it slowly. His mouth found your breasts as he kissed them all over, tongue flicking the hardened nubs. You felt yourself getting wetter and wetter as he kissed and licked your body. God, he probably didn't even know what he was doing to you. Oblivious to the mess that coated the inside of your underwear.

You let go of his hardness as he kissed lower and lower, reaching your pants and unbottoning them slowly. He kissed each newly revealed part of skin before pulling off your boots and then the rest of your pants along with your underwear.

"Fuck. I have barely started and you are already soaking wet.", he groaned, lips exploring your hips and thighs. He was growing impatient, you could sense the urgeness in his kisses and touches.

His hands glided up your body again, reaching your breasts and squeezing them gently. He places open mouthed kisses against your mouth, licking into it hungrily. His wet, hot length was pressed against you as he settled in between your legs. "Fuck, you are so pretty, wanted to fuck you since last time you tried to catch me." You groaned at his confession. So he truly did remember you from last time you were trying to kill him.

"Wondered what you'd look like beneath me instead of behind a gun. Screaming my name in esctasy and not anger."

He kissed you gently before grabbing his length and running the silky head through your wet folds, passing by your clit and making you clench around nothingness. "Wanna make you cum. Cry out my name and cling to my body."

You moaned at his dirty words, feeling his head press into your entrance. "You want it?", he asked, kissing your lips and biting the lower one. "Fuck yes, Jungkook. Fuck me, please!"

He didn't waste any longer and burried himself into you deeply. Both of you groaned as he pushed into you until you couldn't take more of him. He was balls deep in you, your walls pulsing around him as he moved slightly. He gave you time to adjust to his size before starting a rythm that felt right for him. You locked your legs behind his hips, pushing him deeper into you with weath thrust. He was setting your body on fire, his length hitting all the right spots inside you.

You moaned and pulled his face into the crook of your neck, holding him so close you didn't know where his body ended and yours began. You could feel tiny stones digging into your back through the shirt he had laid down but you couldn't care less. He was panting next to your ear, skin burning up against you as he fastened his rythm. "Oh fuck- fuck. You feel so good around me. Such a tight little cunt-" You couldn't even respond because you were lost in the feeling of him pushing against your cervix with every thrust. It made you feel so full of him.

He hoisted his body onto his forearm, muscles flexing and giving you a nice view. He took two fingers and brought them to your mouth, making you suck on them. When he was satisfied with your work, he pulled them out, snaking the two digits between your bodies and finally findiny your clit. Your mouth fell open in a silent moan when he drew circles onto the sensitive nub. You clenched around him tightly and he grunted in response. With his fingers working away at your clit, you were barreling towards your orgasm. You wanted to tell him how good he made you feel, how the drag of his cock set your walls on fire and how you were close, so fucking close. But instead only breathy moans left your throat, gripping at his body tightly, as if you were afraid to slip over the edge because you knew it would be overwhelming.

"You- shit, you keep getting tighter. I'm not gonna last long with this tight cunt.", he announced, his rhythm faltering.

"Jungkook- fuck, I'm gonna-", you were silenced as you tipped over the edge, the pleasure almost too much for you to handle. You clenched hard around him, making it almost impossible for Jungkook to keep fucking into you. But he only needed two more thrusts before he was following you into his own high. A throaty groan left him, as he pressed himself into you as far as he could, pulling out only a bit before slamming back in, his release filling you up.

The both of you slowly calmed down, panting heavily against each other's mouths. He kissed you passionatley, moving to your jawline and down your throat. When he pulled back and looked at you, you gently moved the dark strands of sweaty hair out of his face. His eyes were locked with yours and you couldn't help but feel the warmth in your stomach as he looked down at you so lovingly. He proceeded to pull out, his release leaking out of you.

You helped each other dress. No word was spoken, but it wasn't awkward. Both of you still feeling the afterglow of an amazing orgasm.

That's when you head the sounds of hooves on hard stone. Jungkook quickly pulled your body to his, shielding you from the figure that leaned over the edge and peered down at the two of you.

"What in the world-... at least you're alive, I guess."

"Soekjin!?"

Jin had managed to pull Jungkook and you out with the lasso he had brought. The rough rope left slight burns on your skin but you figured it was better than starving to death down there.

While you were reliefed to see your friend, you were also confused as to how he had found you or why he was here in the first place.

"I wanted to help you catch he criminal!", Jin quickly said, grabbing onto Jungkook as if he hadn't casually been standing next to him the entire time. It made sense though. Jin didn't know that you knew of his history with the young outlaw.

"Jin drop the act. I wanna know why exactly you never told me that you were in a gang?!", you said, drinking from Jin's water bottle greedily. He choked on nothing and quickly turned to Jungkook who sheepishly grinned back at him. His ears turned six shades redder as he scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I- I thought it wouldn't bee such a good idea to tell a bounty hunter I was part of Jeon's gang. Who knows what you'd have done to me!", he joked. You scoffed.

"But seriously Hyung, what were you doing out here?", Jungkook piped up.

"Well both of my friends were gonna rip each other apart, couldn't let that happen right?", he laughed before suddenly frowning deeply. "Wait a minute... Wait a goddamn minute! Why the hell aren't the two of you ripping each other apart?"

"Believe me, we were, before we fell down into the ravine."

Jin eyed you suspiciously as he took note of your develished states... from all the fighting, of course!

He didn't question it any further.

The three of you proceed to get your horse that you had left behind as it was currently grazing peacefully. You were sat behind the saddle because Jungkook insisted on taking the reigns. Your arms were holding onto his tiny waist, feeling his muscles through his shirt. He was going to be the death of you. You were careful not to touch his injury, though it could not have been hurting too bad considering how he had fucked you earlier.

Jin had suggested bringing Jungkook to town and treating his wounds before he got going again. You had insited that you should get the fivethousand dollar since you technically were about to turn Jungkook in. Jin had protested to say the least.

As you were halfway there, Jungkook stopped the horse suddenly, making Jin, who had been riding ahead, stop as well and looking over his shoulder questioningly. If you had been able to see Jungkook's face you might have been able to predict his next move but since you couldn't you were more than surprised when he suddenly pushed you off the horse.

"Jungkook what the hell-", you said as you landed in the dirt, shoulder aching slightly.

"Sorry, I think it is better this way.", he grinned. "Also, where would be the fun in just staying? You'll seek me out again. My bounty will keep increasing for sure." A smirk was plastered on his lips as he urged the horse forward. "Until we meet again. I'm looking forward to it."

And with that he was gone. His figure disappearing into the darkness of the night. You couldn't even be mad at him. He had managed to escape from you in the end after all. You smiled to yourself, turning to Jin whose eyebrows were raised in surprise as he watched Jungkook disappear. Maybe he was right, it was better this way, he would have been recognized in town and all hell would've broken loose. Also, this way it would be way more fun.

You chuckled to yourself before you made a devastating realization.

"That fucker just took off with MY horse!"

[bvckys-doll]

Masquerade

Pairing: Vampire!Bucky Barnes x female!reader

Word count: 4.4k

Summary: Y/N and her family are invited to a masquerade ball since Netherfield hall has a new owner: Lord James Buchanan Barnes. What (Y/N) does not know is that this will be her last night among the living. 

Warnings: soft!dark themes here! A bit of manipulation. Blood! Pride and Prejudices vibes at the beginning of the fic.

Author’s note: I’m happy that I can finally post this one because I’m a whore for masquerade balls and vampires! Especially Vampire!Bucky! This goes out to @emily-roberts (who can’t be tagged unfortunately) since they inspired me to work on Masquerade here! Maybe this will get a sequel, i’m not sure yet.

You can find my masterlist here!

The year is 1867. Queen Victoria is still in power, and the country is at peace. At least, to the people who are lucky enough to live in the countryside in England. Especially the women who were the ones that learned the least of the ongoing problems around the world. At this time in history, they were mostly excluded from these kinds of conversations. Something (Y/N) was deeply offended by.

Most of the women around her had only one thing on their mind: the latest gossip and men.

Nothing would fit better into the gossip than a mysterious lord who had recently moved into the large estate near Netherfield Park. The whole city was in turmoil, and everyone wanted to get one of the coveted invitations to the grand inauguration party.

(Y/N) could still remember the day a few weeks ago when her mother was running around the house in a rage and talking to herself over and over again. Her father had tried to ignore his wife as much as possible.

“I have heard from Mrs. Brenstock that the new Lord of Netherfield Park is about to give a ball. A ball, Mr. Edwards! Can you imagine that? He doesn’t seem to have sent out any invitations yet, otherwise, we would have gotten one by now, wouldn’t we? Tell me I’m right” she had let herself sink into her chair. With the thick needle in her hand, she repeatedly stabbed her new embroidery cloth.

(Y/N) had been sitting across from her mother at the time and hardly noticed her rambling about the ball, as the young lady was too absorbed in her thoughts about her newest book, which was on the table in front of her.

For her mother, this was finally the chance to marry her off to a rich man. Perhaps even to the owner of the estate himself, since many speculated him to be single. Most women of (Y/N)’s age were already married, some even had children.

It wasn’t that (Y/N) wasn’t very talkative. If she was given a suitable subject, she could chat for hours, but her mother had always preached to her that no man wanted a woman with a loud attitude. Despite all this, (Y/N) didn’t kept her mouth shut and spoke freely about what she thought. Mostly.

It had been a month since that conversation between her parents and (Y/N) was now sitting with them in a carriage on their way to the estate of the new lord of Netherfield Park.

The letter had arrived about two days after the long discussion between her mother and her quiet father. (Y/N) seemed to be more relieved than her mother because she couldn’t bear her constant chatting and complaining about the ball.

In her lap was a white mask that her mother had brought home a few days ago. A masquerade. That was the order of the new landlord. An unusual way to celebrate a party, where you wanted to get to know the locals better, but (Y/N) didn’t put much thought into it.

With a calm look, she peered out of the window of the carriage and could see how the estate grew in the distance. The lights were shining through the high windows towards them as they rode the carriage to the large courtyard, where some other women were already getting out of their carriages and ascending the great marble staircase with their families.

Her father was the first to go out of the carriage, before he helped his wife out. In the end, he reached out to his daughter. For a brief moment, (Y/N) struggled with the wide skirt of her dress, before standing firmly on the ground.

Once again, she let her gaze wander over the courtyard and looked up at the broad facade of the estate. Suddenly (Y/N) caught a glimpse of a silhouette. Someone who seemed to be looking down at them and was watching what was going on. But before (Y/N) could take a closer look, her mother grabbed her arm and dragged her into the hall.

~

Upstairs in the said room, James watched how the carriages gathered in the courtyard and presented the different guests of almost every status. All came to see some of the wealth of the estate and the treasures that were on display in its halls.

“How many people will visit us tonight? Take a guess” Steve asked him. He was sitting at his best friend’s desk and had put his feet on the tabletop while he leaned back.

James’s gaze was still on the staircase as his gaze followed the woman who had just looked up at him. Yet he replied, “More than two hundred, I would say. Enough to get our bellies full for the next month. You’re going to keep them under control, aren’t you? We need posts at every door.”

“Of course. I’ve never worked sloppy before. You should know that”, Steve winked at him before he stood up and drained the last remaining blood out of his cup. The next moment he pulled some gloves out of his jacket and put them on “But answer me one. Why a masquerade?”

“You don’t want anyone to remember us by mistake, do you?”, a dark smile grazed James features. A similar smile came up on Steve’s face before he pulled the mask over his eyes and left.

~

In the meantime, the large ballroom of the estate had filled with guests and a small orchestra on a raised balcony played quiet music.

With all the hustle, (Y/N) wondered if she would even recognize anyone. The masks just made it harder to spot anyone she knew. Maybe she could get away from her mother. Time and time again she looked for familiar eyes.

Nervously, she again smoothed the wrinkles of her skirt and chewed around her lower lip. With each breath, it seemed to her as if the corsage of her dress was still lacing up.

Before her inner rambling could cause her to make her more uncomfortable, the hitting of a staff made the crowd go quiet. Everyone held their breath and turned to the source of the voice “Please welcome Lord James Buchanan Barnes and Colonel Steven Grant Rogers!”

The guests applauded in honour of the two men who were standing on a raised platform at the end of the hall. One of them stepped forward and raised his wine glass. (Y/N) couldn’t make out his features. Still, he wore a fancy dark suit with a wine-red tie. His slightly longer hair was tied with a ribbon in the back of his head. Although (Y/N) couldn’t see his eyes, they seemed pitch black.

“It is an honour to welcome you all to my new home. Until now, I have been welcomed with kindness in this beautiful little town and I am very happy to get to know you all better soon. I haven’t even lived here for a month, but it already feels like home to me. Let us all enjoy this evening. Sing, laugh and dance!”, his voice echoed through the room. It gave (Y/N) goosebumps.

He raised his glass to which his guests responded with the same gesture before they all took a sip of their drinks. It took less than five seconds, and the conversations were resumed. It was as if that greeting had never happened.

But (Y/N) could not take her eyes of her host. This was the person she had previously seen standing at the window. Before she could look away from him, he had already noticed her and seemed to reply to her stare. She tensed.

She hastily looked at the wine glass in her hand, from which she quickly took a short sip. The music started again. This time a bit louder than before because the guests began to dance. It wouldn’t take long for her mother to approach her once again and tell her daughter to find a suitable dance partner for the night.

~

“Do you see that woman over there? The one in the red dress and the white mask”, Bucky walked next to Steve as they made their way through the guests, who all respectfully stepped aside and bowed. Again and again, the two nodded to some people appreciatively.

Steve followed his friend’s gaze unobtrusively and nodded briefly “Pretty little thing. Do you want to go play or save her all to yourself for the night?”

“I haven’t decided yet, but I am sure going to do something with her”, he winked at Steve and stopped at the edge of the dance floor, watching his guests dance. Shortly thereafter, Steve also left him to dance with his wife Margaret, who approached them.

While his friends were busy having fun at the party, James resumed his search for the woman he had just spotted. It did not take long for him to find her her standing next to an elderly couple, who seemed to have an exciting conversation with two other guests. The woman herself didn’t seem very interested in the conversation and kept sipping on her glass. That was his cue.

~

(Y/N) gave out a soft sigh and investigated her wine glass, which would soon be empty. She listened with one ear to the conversation of her parents but did not attempt to participate herself. The unknown woman just boasted how her daughter had married a wealthy man from Oxford some time ago and now lived there. (Y/N) was already getting ready for a sermon from her mother.

Once again, the young woman raised her glass to her red lips as suddenly-

“Excuse me if I bother you but would you do me the honour of dancing with me?” said a deep voice to her, which seemed quite familiar to (Y/N). Her gaze wandered from her glass to the chest of the man standing before her. Her breath was stunted. It was Lord Barnes looking down at her with a gentle smile on his lips. He held out his hand to her, but (Y/N) couldn’t take her eyes off him.

For a moment, it seemed as if (Y/N) had forgotten to have a normal and decent conversation when her mother stepped in and tore the glass out of her hand “She would be honoured to dance with you, Lord Barnes.”

A charming smile spread across his lips as her mother said so. But he turned his gaze to (Y/N) again and asked for her approval “I hope that is indeed the case.”

(Y/N) blinked. Once, twice.

“Yes, I would very much like to dance with you”, she now agreed herself and took his hand, which he still held out to her. He gently drew her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand “What a relieve.”

It was not only her mother who lost her breath at this gesture. Like in a trance, (Y/N) followed her new dance partner onto the wide dance floor, where people automatically made room for them in awe. Soon he stopped with her in the middle of the dance floor and pulled her to his chest, where she instinctively assumed her posture and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Slowly the music started anew. A slow waltz. Controlled, he guided her through the room, and it seemed as if (Y/N) had never done anything else in her life. Every step was exactly as it should be. It was as if they were floating over the dance floor. At least, it seemed like that to her.

“I hope I didn’t take you by surprise”, James remarked, looking down at his dance partner, who focused her eyes on his chest. The reason behind it was the fact that he was a lot taller than her.

Hastily (Y/N) shook her head as her cheeks heated up “Not at all, my lord. I was just surprised, that’s all. There are so many beautiful young women here, I wondered why you chose me.”

“Why shouldn’t I? I have just chosen the prettiest in the room”, James replied, presenting her his charming smile, which made his eyes light up for a second. (Y/N)’s knees got soft. It seemed liked she had been enchanted by his aura.

It wasn’t long before the music became quieter and stopped. Together with the other couples, they stopped and applauded the musicians before James gave her his arm and whispered to her “Would you like to accompany me outside? It seems to be getting a little stuffy in here.”

A lie. It’s been years since James truly breathed air.

“I would love to.”, (Y/N) nodded and took shelter with her host before following him out onto the wide terrace. On their way there, (Y/N) did not notice James meeting the eyes of one of his men. It was Sam who stood near the exit and smiled at his friend. He knew James had found someone new to play with. If only it were for tonight.

“A beautiful night, don’t you think?” James looked up to the sky, where thousands of stars were glowing. It was more common here in the countryside. In the cities, the stars could be barely seen by the smoke rising through the chimneys into the sky.

(Y/N) followed his gaze and leaned forward against the wide stone railing. She nodded back, “Yes, it is. You haven’t seen such a sight very often, have you? I mean, I heard you moved out of town. What prompted you to do this?”

“The war and tranquillity I am looking for”, James replied honestly this time and turned his gaze back to (Y/N), who was still looking up at the stars, but noticed how he looked at her with his eyes: “You haven’t told me your name yet.”

“You didn’t ask for it either”, (Y/N) replied quick and smiled.

Oh, she’s cheeky. I like that.

He laughed for a moment and neck before he asked, “May I know your name, milady?”

At last, she looked at him again and her eyes shone as she replied with a smile, “My name is (Y/N). And I’m not a lady, my lord.”

The tension she had felt before in his presence was blown away. She felt comfortable in his presence, but she couldn’t explain why. He radiated a certain calmness that made her feel safe and comfortable.

He tilted his head to the side as he smiled, “The name suits you. But tell me, (Y/N), why would a pretty woman like you be alone with your parents at a party like this? There must be a man in your life.”

“Why? Because a woman like me needs a man?” she answered with a counter-question. She wondered how long he would put up with it. But it seemed that the remark would excited him more.

He raised an eyebrow, to which she smiled briefly and replied honestly, “I have a mind of my own, as my mother says. Most men don’t like this feature very well. In our small town, they want a woman who makes a man look good. She has to be pretty and smart, but not too smart for her to make the man look stupid. She needs to be educated, but not waste too much time on it. The piano is very popular with most men.”

“Women who only deal with the latest gossip have never really interested me. Besides, I like to talk to women who can keep up with my intellect. Someone like you”, James replied honestly again, leaning his hip against the stone wall to take a close look at her.

As (Y/N) fixed her posture to look him right in the eye, he stepped foward. He gently raised his hand and put his index finger under her chin to raise it so that she could not take her eyes off of him, “Men can be stubborn, especially English men. But we Americans love it when a woman has something more on her mind than piano notes and pretty clothes. How boring it would be to have someone with you who only agrees with everything you say. I have met lots of these women, but I have seldom encountered someone like you.”

Smiling, (Y/N) held his gaze as he took his hand from her chin and took her hand in his. She looked down for a moment but did not attempt to let go.

“You’re the first man to say something like that to me, and you seem to mean it”, she smiled and briefly squeezed his hand. From the gloves he was wearing, she didn’t even notice how cold they were. Once again, he put her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of her hand, “I am glad to see my presence and my personality please you, Lady (Y/N).”

“As I said, I’m not a lady”, she laughed softly as her cheeks heated up once more. The smile on his lips made her knees soft again, “To me, you are one.”

With every moment that passed, he liked the young woman more and more. Something he didn’t expect. It was selfish, but he knew then and there he wouldn’t let her go. Not as fast as he had planned. It would be difficult to inspire her for eternity once he had done it.

A life like him could also be lonely and desolate. Many souls had already gone mad after being transformed and being unable to return to the world of the living. It drove them mad. He wouldn’t let his (Y/N) go crazy. Not so easily.

“My Lord?” her sweet voice tore him from the thoughts that were swirling through his head. His gaze fell back on her as she gave him a worried look. He gently brushed a strand of her hair from her face and smiled calmly, “Forgive me, I was in my head.”

“Do you think maybe we should go back to the hall? Your guests would also like to exchange a few words with you. I don’t want to besiege you forever”, (Y/N) glanced over her bare shoulder and looked at the tinted glass doors that shielded her from the guests. Many couples were on the dance floor together and seemed cheerful.

“I think my guests will be able to be just fine without my constant presence for a while. Besides, it would be a lie if I said I didn’t want to spend some more time with you”, he replied, following her gaze briefly before turning her gaze to him.

It seemed almost supernatural to (Y/N) that a man like Lord Barnes would take such an interest in her, but it was mutual. She didn’t want to leave him. Not yet. She was delighted with his company and gave him a warm smile before she replied, “And it would be a lie if I said I am not pleased by your interest.”

A burst of hearty laughter came over James' lips. It had been a long time since he had heard such words that had truly touched him. Smiling, he held her hand that was still in his, before leading (Y/N) from the terrace into the wide garden, where many lanterns illuminated their path.

(Y/N) had already placed her hand on his arm and followed him through the small maze that stood in the middle of the garden. The tall hedges shielded them from curious eyes as they disappeared deeper and deeper into the maze.

“My parents will probably be wondering where I am”, (Y/N) smiled as she followed James through the hedges, still holding his hand tightly in fear she could lose him. Apparently, he knew his way around the maze very well, for he guided them safely to a small square that marked the middle of the maze.

In the middle of the square stood a beautifully decorated pavilion, clad in red and white roses and ivy trees. James led her there and sat down with her on one of the two benches.

“Your parents know you’re in good hands with me. I would never allow anything…bad to happen to you”, James merely replied. (Y/N) couldn’t have known that evil himself was still holding her hand and concealing his cruel nature with a pretty face. He could feel her heartbeat speeding up a bit.

“You know, (Y/N), a life like mine. . . is very lonely”, he told her, looking at the flowers hanging next to him on a pole. Yet he noticed how her gaze stuck to him. In a calm voice he continued, “Although I am very wealthy and have seen so much of the world, I have been missing someone to share this life with for years. Someone who accepts me for who I am and doesn’t want to be with me just for my money and my land. Do you understand what I mean?”

His gaze fell back on her. (Y/N)’s eyes almost pierced through his head as her eyes turned glassy. A soft sigh escaped her as she gazed down into her lap.

“I understand you very well. Even though my mother’s efforts are straining me a lot, I still want someone who. . . likes me for me. Who wants me. Not for my dowry, but for myself. I have never spoken to someone who understands me as well. . . as you do”, she replied, being astonished at her words.

James Barnes was the first man she could talk to without having to pretend. Her slightly rough nature had not deterred him. He had been tenacious, but still kind and attentive. It’s been a long time since she met someone like him. His personality seemed to drew her even closer to him. As if there was an invisible ribbon, which now tied her to him.

“You are so much more than just your dowry and a pretty face, (Y/N). Maybe it’s too hasty, but it would be a pleasure for me to get to know you better. The real (Y/N), who doesn’t have to act and doesn’t want to impress anyone. I already know you a little, but. . . not quite yet”, he stroked her cheek, giving her goosebumps. In a good way.

A short smile grazed her lips as she put her hand on his, “I would also like to get to know you better, my lord.”

“Please call me James. The title is too formal for me”, he smiled gently at her and ran his thumb over her cheekbones as (Y/N) muttered softly, “As you wish,…James.”

Slowly, he noticed her pulse increasing. He looked her in the eyes again as he got closer, and she could feel his cold breath on her skin. For a brief moment, it seemed like a dream to her, but it became reality at the moment as his lips touched hers. (Y/N) froze. She wasn’t expecting that. Not yet.

Immediately he broke away from the kiss and pulled his hand from her cheek, “Sorry, that was a little too hasty of me.”

If there was still blood flowing through his body, he’d be blushed. For the first time in a long time, he seemed nervous and ran his fingers through his hair. But (Y/N) grabbed his hand and shook her head calmly, “No, please. I was just…surprised that you…feel that way about me.”

“You’re just…so different. In a positive way, of course”, he held her hand and squeezed it briefly once when (Y/N) was the one who came a little closer and leaned forward, “No, you must forgive me. I didn’t mean to reject you. I like you…very much.”

Now James knew it was the right time.

Slowly he leaned over to her and kissed her gently on the mouth. Sighing her eyes closed as the young lady returned his kiss a little cautiously. After all, he had more experience in it than she did. But only now did (Y/N) realize how cold he was. It’s almost freezing.

“James, you’re so cold”, (Y/N) gently detached herself from the kiss and held her lips as he stroked her cheek and put a strand behind her ear: “Don’t worry. It’s nothing to worry about.”

Once again, he conquered her lips and pulled her closer to his chest. A little more courageously, (Y/N) grabbed the collar of his suit and pulled him closer. She closed her eyes again as he slowly continued to kiss her but wandered from her cheek down to her throat. Her eyes remained closed as she enjoyed his kisses on her warm skin. His lips were still cold, but now she did not seem to care anymore.

Soon he could hear her rapid heartbeat as he lavished kisses on her neck. (Y/N) did not notice how his eyes darkened and his teeth stretched into pointed pillars.

For a moment, James wrestled with himself over whether he should really kill her or go even further. Still, one thing was very clear. (Y/N) would never see the light of day again.

"Forgive me." he breathed against her soft skin and closed his eyes before placing his hand over her mouth. Before (Y/N) could even realize what was happening to her, he rammed his teeth into her neck. Her scream was stifled by his hand, but her body didn't give up so quickly. Panicked, she pushed and pounded against his chest as James sucked the blood from her body. But all her attempts did her no good, as he was far too strong for her.

Finally, she slumped lifelessly in his arms and sank against his chest. Sighing, James detached himself from her neck and pressed another soft kiss to the wound where his teeth had pierced her skin moments ago.

Gently he laid the young woman on the bench and pushed her hair out of her face. Carefully he untied the ribbon at the back of her head and pulled the mask from her face.

"Just as I imagined, my darling..." he ran his thumb over her lower lip and looked into her lifeless eyes before pulling his own mask off his face and tossing it on the floor beside him.

He took her hand in his and kissed the back of her hand, "I'll take care of you, my angel. No one will ever be able to hurt you again. We'll be together forever."