#just a simple 'If she had a proper grasp on what she already had

[stromuprisahat]

Siege and Storm- Chapter 16 (Leigh Bardugo)

... there was something comforting in the control... Geez, Alina, really? Perhaps it's that... control?

What about attempting to learn it without crutches? So you don't have to rely on extra items you'd need to keep on you?!

Alina is like a child, who just got her first bike with training wheels, immediately after that a motorcycle, and now she's looking for a racing car.

No wonder once she gets it, it turns into a nasty crash.

[sukirichi]

[ DUSK ‘TILL DAWN : 012 ]

“we who bear the burden of the crown do not need to love. you only need to stay here, with me, in power, in greed, in lust – in victory.”

cw. 18+.modern royal au. infidelity. minimal angst. reader is confused with her feelings. toxic characters. toxic relationships. explicit smut. unedited. implied dub-con. smoking. physical violence. sex tapes. reader has a gun and almost uses it.

notes. i wanted the kiyoomi and suna girlies (/gn) to win so here it is! feedbacks / reblogs/ comments are appreciated <3

wc. 12.9k

series masterlist 

[ TWELVE ] for you, i would cross the line. i would waste my time, i would lose my mind. they say “she’s gone too far this time.”

You prided yourself in being logical.

There was little to no room for measly emotions when it came to royal affairs. Granted, you had no proper training, but you were raised as a noble, and the rules were clear. Set aside your emotions, always look towards the most plausible solution, and cry about it later – where no one could see. Those were your mother’s words. You held onto them for as long as you remembered, with the exception of making only one grand mistake: proceeding with the marriage after catching your fiancé cheating on you.

But now? Now, you were about to make your next worst decision – letting Kiyoomi walk away.

It wasn’t love, of course. It couldn’t be. The odds simply weren’t in your favor, but couldn’t a Princess hope? You met him first, had him as your last dance on your debut ball. He was the first Prince who ever held your hand, the first Prince to dance with you, and the first – possibly last – who reminded what love could feel like. What love should feel like. It was explosive and angry like fire licking up at your skin, begging, pleading at you to chase after him. Every nerve in your body protested as you watched him take one more step away from you. It’s a mistake, one I’ll regret – Don’t let him go. It screamed at you, its cries desperate to be heard. You didn’t want to be here in the Palace. You didn’t want to return to your shared quarters with Rintaro.

You wanted to go back to Itachiyama – his farmhouse, the castle ruins, riding aimlessly with Astra and Lucy, picking fruits from his garden, and spending hours in his library. You hadn’t even held your end of the promise yet to learn everything about him.

What did Kiyoomi love? What did he look like in his slumber? Does he talk in sleep? Does he steal the blankets? What about his favorite song?

You moved before you could think.

Closing the distance in hurried strides, you grasped the Prince’s elbow. He stiffened under your touch, his eyes unreadable through the dimly-lit hallways. “Your Highness. Wait,” you panted, “Listen… back at Itachiyama–”

“Do you want me?”

Your grip on him faltered. Briefly, you took a step back, but the Prince was having none of it. He easily closed whatever distance you attempted to put between you two, his face hard and eyes burning with passion. With yearning. You never thought a man could look so determined yet hopeless as he did, the picture-perfect image of ardor. His brows pinched together, his lower lip trembling as he sighed. “Do you want me?”

You shook your head.

If only it could be as simple as that.

“It’s wrong, my Prince. We couldn’t… We wouldn’t work out. I only meant to say that I do adore you, and I do not want whatever complicated feelings we have to ruin our friendship,” Lies. Every word uttered from your lips were nothing but measly lies. Kiyoomi could tell too – the hesitation written all over your face said otherwise. “I hope you understand. You and I – we’re impossible.”

You couldn’t tell which one you needed more: for him to deny your worries, or for him to agree that you were right. You figured both would be just as painful.

Kiyoomi’s nostrils flared as you looked away from him, feet shuffling in the other direction already. “Stop. Do not take another step. Don’t you dare,” with a low growl, you were suddenly pulled back against his warm chest. You gasped at the hardness of his body, the warmth of his skin, the tenderness of his touch. His lips were everywhere but the one place you needed it to be – lingering at the curve of your neck, his breaths fanning over your exposed collarbones. It was like he had set you on fire with one touch alone, his firm grip around your waist both eerily intimidating and lustrous. And he must’ve laughed – you weren’t sure anymore. All you knew was that you were completely under Kiyoomi’s mercy, and quite frankly, he could have his way with you as he pleased.

“If you do not choose me…” murmuring, your breath hitched as his lips briefly grazed your skin, making your pulse jump. “You will regret it. You will be unhappy with him.”

I’m already unhappy with him, you wanted to say, but the words died in your mouth.

You’d lost all forms of coherence under Kiyoomi’s spell. Especially in this compromising position, this scandalous way his hand now slowly trailed its way from your abdomen and up to the swells on your chest – Gods, what would any witnesses say? This wasn’t how a Prince held a woman that wasn’t his.

“Your Highness,” you tried to fighting from his grasp, only to fall momentarily back against him when finally, finally, his lips were now leaving marks on your neck. It took all of your willpower to not give in right there, to not sink your fingers in his delicious curls. You had to say no. “I-I think we’ve both had a long night. We should retire to our quarters.”

“I will allow it if it’s my quarters you’ll be sharing.”

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck – your gaze darted around the empty hallway, paranoid.

The lights had been dimmed hours ago, the staff retiring to their rooms, but it was so quiet your breathy moans could echo. Anyone could walk in and see you like this, pleading but not quite begging for the Prince to not stop holding you.

And it was wrong, so deliciously wrong.

“Please,” you closed your eyes, unable to stop yourself from craning your neck to give him access. Above you, Kiyoomi chuckled, the rumbling of his chest deliciously low.

“You should stop lying to yourself, Princess. You do not want him. Whatever attachment you still have for my brother, it is nothing but a pitiful excuse of familiarity. You keep him around because there is no other choice, but you cannot keep lying to yourself. You cannot keep lying to me that you do not feel as I do when I see the way you look at me,” grasping your chin with his much larger hand, Kiyoomi forced you to look into his eyes. Pools of inky depths stared back at you with part frustration, part lust – his skin already flushed with sweat. You couldn’t look away even if the world ended. There was only you and Kiyoomi, with his hand resting on top of your breasts and gently caressing, so light you might’ve thought he wasn’t there.

And you, breathless and reckless, clung to him like he was your last lifeline.

Kiyoomi dipped down. His nose brushed against yours, your breaths mingled before he breathed you in greedily. “I was never a man who had many desires, but you are the greatest of them all. You run through my mind even in my sleep, and you are the first thing I search for when I wake. So do not tell me you do not want me when I know it’s my name you cry out in your sleep.”

Your knees felt impossibly weak.

“What do you want me to do? I’m married. You’re married. Are you forgetting divorce is impossible?” you snapped back, shoving him until his back hit the wall. The painting above him clattered, yet the Prince seemed uncaring, his arms crossed against his chest as you breathed hard. This was preposterous – this could not go any longer. “This would never work. The people would never understand.”

“I do not care what they think.”

“I care what they think! My husband is already cheating on me, and his own people detest him for it. What more if they find out I have taken you as my lover?”

“Then tell me to go,” he whispered, tilting his head back as he stared at you almost defiantly, mockingly. Like he knew you wouldn’t have the courage to actually say it. “Tell me, and I will walk away.”

When Kiyoomi is met with silence, he scoffed. A smirk graced his handsome face before he’s grabbing you by the arm and twisting you, the positions reversed until your back hit the wall. There’s a slight ache pounding at the back of your head, but nothing – absolutely nothing – could tear your attention away from his lips crashing into yours. The kiss is nothing short of avidity. Kiyoomi devoured you like a man starved, molding the shape of his lips into yours while his large hand encompassed the entirety of your face. Thumbs running over your cheek, his imposing frame completely dominated you. Your bodies were now pressed into each other that it became difficult to tell where you began and the Prince ended.

All you knew was Kiyoomi kissed you like he spent most of his nights dreaming about it, sighing and groaning all at once before his tongue fought for dominance.

Pushing his tongue inside your willing lips, he tasted all of you. He spoke the words he struggled to say, the firm grasp on your hip keeping you in place beneath him a clear sign he didn’t want you anywhere but here. But you weren’t leaving. You’d be a fool to walk away now that you finally had a taste of him, and it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.

You wanted more, needed more.

Kissing him back harder, your palms flattened on his chest before you balled his shirt into your fists, uncaring if he’d walk back home flustered and wild. You simply needed him there; you wanted to breathe him in, to have nothing but him as your entire world.

“Stay,” you pleaded in between kisses, letting the Prince maneuver you until your bum landed flat on a table. Uncaring, the Prince swept aside all knick-knacks placed above it when his lips found yours again. And oh, a greedy man he was. Even after kissing you until you were breathless, he still hadn’t had his fill. His tongue danced with yours in this gentle melody only you two could sing, your bodies moving in sync like a choreographed dance. Your hand would wound up to tangle itself in his dark locks, his hands would scramble to undo his breeches, and willingly – wantonly – you would welcome him with all your being. It’s a dance between lovers, a forbidden tune you sang wholeheartedly, accompanied by your high-pitched moans once the Prince had himself buried in you – “Oh. Oh.”

“Who makes you feel good?”

“You, my Prince, it’s you,”

Biting down on your lip to muffle the noises you made, you heard the crescendo of the music. Rising and rising with overwhelming intensity at each note hit, each perfect thrust and drive into you. He hadn’t felt like anyone else. He was thicker and spread you open, impaled on his stiffness while you sat there helplessly to take it all. You felt empowered and weak at the same time, with your legs locking behind his chest as tears rolled down your face from the pleasure of it all, but Kiyoomi showed no signs of stopping.

Heavens, he might not even stop tonight, not when you sucked him in tight and made his breath stutter, his thrusts staggered.

“Kiyoomi,” you cried out, unable to keep quiet any longer. He simply held you carefully, a great contrast to his hips pistoning in and out of you – no, he held you like you were a porcelain doll he feared would break, someone he had to protect and cherish. And his eyes – droopy yet adoring – gazed upon you like you were worth more than any crown. “Oh, you are so…”

His forehead landed on top of yours, his lips minutely brushing against yours for a quick kiss. It’s rushed, frantic, yet intimate in ways you’d never experienced before. For once, sharing bodies with someone didn’t feel like just like sex.

For once, you finally made love with someone.

“Choose me, Princess,” he gritted his teeth, “It was always meant to be me.”

You awoke with a gasp.

Sitting up, your heart pounded in your chest, your skin clammy and drenched with sweat. A scan of your surroundings told you that you were in your room, the empty side of your bed a sign Rintaro kept to his word and left you alone. Closing your eyes, your head dropped down to your palms.

So it had been a dream, after all.

You really allowed Kiyoomi to walk away from you. And one mistake leading into another, you let Rintaro do the same.

Regret churned at your stomach. You could see it perfectly now – the drooping of the Prince’s shoulders, his gaze cast downwards when you bid him farewell. There were still traces of the happiness you felt in Itachiyama lingering on him just as he finally left, ones you were compelled to reach out to before it was too late. But it couldn’t be – you refused to give into your desires when it meant committing a sin. Rintaro didn’t deserve your loyalty, but he was still your husband, and you wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing you’d been exactly like him.

In fact, you might be becoming like him with each passing day, and although you would never say it out loud, you understood him better now.

To find someone who could’ve been yours, someone who would’ve made you so happy against all odds, and to not have them at all – it felt like a cruel joke was being played by the Universe.

Is this what Rintaro felt like? Did he feel as if the world was being unusually cruel to him? Did he wonder what he could’ve done to deserve all this? Because those thoughts ran into your head long enough that you gave up on sleep, and rolled out of bed with a heavy heart and – shamefully – aching with need. Snatching your robe from the closet, you tiptoed out of the room. Rintaro was fast asleep in the sofa, his arm shielding his eyes from the lit candles. When he didn’t budge from his spot at you poking around him, you let out a sigh of relief and left the room. Clicking the door shut, you spun around, coming face to face with a wide eyed maid.

“Heavens!” you placed a hand on your chest, and then chuckled as the maid stepped back and bowed. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone would still be around.”

The maid frantically shook her head. She scratched the back of her head as her gaze darted around, seemingly determined to not look you in the eye. “No, Your Highness, it was my fault for startling you. I was reassigned to you just now, you see, and… Uhm, I’m Airi. Prince Shinsuke sent me here.”

Airi… You’d heard that name before.

“Oh! Airi. Yes, of course, I remember you,” you nodded, tying the robe around your waist tighter. “Why are you up this late?” At your question, Airi’s cheeks flushed a deep red before turning away.  You smiled to yourself, chuckling under your breath as you gently squeezed her arm. “I understand. You needn’t say anymore.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Would you like to accompany me for a walk?” you gestured to the empty hall. Airi nodded, a little too enthusiastic in picking up her skirts. You figured neither of you wanted to stay here any longer where anyone could easily see you.

Turning to the other direction, you headed for the gardens at the outer wing. It was the closest to your shared room with Rintaro, and coincidentally, an infamous shortcut to Belleview’s surrounding gardens. There had been rumors that Belleview was added in the palace grounds as an afterthought years ago – how a sudden need arose to have a separate place for a married couple. It was bizarre, in your opinion, how this long, seemingly endless path would certainly end up right at Kiyoomi’s doorstep if you were patient enough to brave the half hour walk.

Could you?

Would you?

Absentmindedly, you gnawed at your nails. Your Mother would chastise you for the unladylike gesture if she were here, but it was only you and Airi. She wasn’t going to judge, although you didn’t miss the way she glanced at you so often. Curiosity, maybe, but a question imposed her eyes. Deciding to break the silence, you smiled at the dark-haired maid.

“You’re very pretty. I can see why the Prince fell for you.”

Airi stuttered in her steps. “Oh! Thank you, you’re too kind for that, but I doubt it’s because of the way I look. The Prince and I have known each other since we were kids, that’s all. My mother was a maid too before she died. She was the one who helped raise His Highness,” she babbled, grimacing when she realized your patient smile held little to conceal your amusement. “Uhm… If I may be so bold, my Princess, I think you look rather great for someone who has been cheated on.”

Your brows rose. That you hadn’t expected.

“I do?”

“Yes. You look unbothered by it, or at least, you seem to be doing a great job at it,” she offered a polite smile, “Being a royal must come naturally to you as a noblewoman.”

Unable to help it, you chuckled. Oh, how wrong she was.

“Not at all. I haven’t always been this way,” you told her, watching as your surroundings changed from the marble pillars and into the night sky, where the fresh, cold breeze bit at your skin. You were thankful for it – the cold atmosphere was a great contrast to the blooming, colorful flowers.

It somehow reminded you of Kiyoomi’s gardens, and how you probably wouldn’t see it anymore.

The smile on your face disappeared. The ring on your finger grew heavier, and unbeknownst to you, you started spinning it with your thumb. It was curious, truly, how a week was all it took before you completely lost yourself. You couldn’t remember who you were even like before Itachiyama, before Kiyoomi. Or could it be that the past you had never been fulfilled to begin with? What if you were merely a work in progress, and the you in this moment was the real one?

If that was true, then that could only mean two things you would never want to admit out loud.

One: that you weren’t as in love with your husband as you thought if you couldn’t get Kiyoomi out of your mind, or Two: that the traditional saying and belief was right – your last dance would be your fated lover.

And it would make sense, too. Of course, you were happy with Rintaro. Were. You fell in love with him simply because there was no other appropriate reaction. He was the Crown Prince, a man who called on you every single day and learned about your passions until night came. He charmed your parents, loved them as his own, and proudly presented you to his regal family. It was the kind of love little girls were taught to dream about. The kind of love everyone wanted. You couldn’t blame yourself for craving the Prince’s touch, for giving him all your firsts. It seemed only the right thing to do. He courted you, committed to you, loved you as much as he could – it was logical and methodical.

It was one plus one equals two.

But Kiyoomi? It didn’t feel natural, or a step by step process.

It felt all kinds of wrong because you shouldn’t, and all kinds of right because it’s him. It’s the way he smiles at you when he thinks you’re not looking, or how his head is always turned in the other direction to act like he isn’t listening. He isn’t like Rintaro who never takes his gaze off of you – not because he can’t get enough of your beauty, but because he was watching. Rintaro was always watching, analyzing everything you did, crafting his actions and words perfectly to elicit the response he wanted from you.

His brother was the exact opposite.

Kiyoomi always stayed at the walls and blended in with the background. He never attracted any attention to himself, but would devote his entire focus on you simply because he’s entranced. Or you hoped he might. Surely it couldn’t be one-sided.

You felt it too – the frustration ebbing off of him each time you slipped away. You saw with your own eyes the way his face fell when news of your husband’s affair spread.

He didn’t hate his brother for sleeping with his mistress behind your back. He hated Rintaro for ruining a night that should’ve been yours. A night where his touch could linger on yours for a moment longer as you smiled for the cameras. A night where it’d be appropriate for him to look at you like you’re the star of the show – it’s camaraderie, you’d play off – and a night where he might’ve drove you back at the farmhouse and slowly, tenderly, begin with tugging your gloves off before he moved on to your dress.

Gods. You exhaled. You shouldn’t be doing this.

You shouldn’t be thinking about Kiyoomi, his plump lips that looked inviting, his dark eyes hungrily roaming over you and hoping, praying, that it’d been him instead. These were all wrong – so why were you walking towards Belleview?

“Your Highness?”

Airi’s voice snapped you out of your trance. Blinking, you smiled back at her in apology and continued. “Sorry, I must have been lost in my thoughts. As I was saying, though, I spent most of my life hiding behind my parents’ shadows because I struggled talking to people. And then the Crown Prince came and swept me off my feet, which changed everything. When he came into my life, I figured I had to become someone worthy enough to stay by his side, someone he could be proud to be with. It took a lot of years and effort before I could be confident enough to say I was good enough for him,” you mumbled, stopping in your tracks to look up into the dark horizon before you.

Huh. Why hadn’t you realized that before?

You’d been trying so hard to impress Rintaro all along. Isn’t that why you were so frustrated? You’d spent years molding yourself to become who he wanted, only to be slapped in the face that it was impossible because you could never be her.

You let out a dry laugh. “But apparently not. He already had someone else.”

“I’m really sorry you were dragged into this. From the stories Prince Shinsuke tells me, you’re a kind woman who deserved better.”

“I don’t know about that,” you said, “Would you believe me if I said I wasn’t mad upon reading the tabloids about his affair? If anything, I was just furious he couldn’t stay out of trouble and ruined my trip to Itachiyama.”

“Did you like it there?”

“I loved it. I wanted to stay.”

Admitting it out loud felt… liberating. You were beginning to feel more like yourself, even if it meant being less of a Princess and more of this unorthodox woman who simply wanted to be. It must be the side effect of spending time with Kiyoomi. You would soon care less about the rules imposed on you, and unapologetically be yourself.

“But the world sure has a cruel way of bringing you back to reality.”

“Your Highness?”

Both yours and Airi’s head snapped at the sound. Amongst the rustling of the bushes, a tall figure suddenly appeared – all mighty and regal even in his creased blouse and loosely tied breeches. His hair, dark and tousled like he’d run his fingers through it, did little to hide the surprise on his face.

“My Prince,” you breathed out, “What are you doing out here so late?”

“I couldn’t sleep. And you?”

You fought back a smile at his raspy voice. You could almost picture it – Kiyoomi tossing and turning all night in a bed separate from Iris. The sanguine voice in your head fibbed, too, wondering if the Prince thought about you as well. “It’s a restless night,” was all you let on, and gestured to the shock-still maid beside you. “Airi, do you mind giving us some privacy?”

Vehemently, she shook her head. “Not at all, Princess. Please, call for me if you need anything. I won’t be far.”

You waited as Airi disappeared from sight before you stepped closer to the Prince, compelled by an invisible force to be closer to him. “Kiyoomi–”

“Are you well?”

“Me? Why do you ask?”

He tipped his head to the side, causing a lone curl to fall in front of his eye. You fought back the urge to brush it away, beguiled by his long fingers sweeping it away “You’re in a very difficult position right now, whatnot with the article spreading,” he gestured back to the castle, “Has he spoken to you?”

You shook your head. “He’s kept to himself the past few days. I think this is a lot harder on him than it looks. As for me, well… I’ve had better days.”

True to your word, Rintaro almost secluded himself from the world. He shut off his phone, chucked it at another corner of the room, and never touched it again. It was painful seeing your husband that way when you know of his hobby of endless scrolling. But now, he couldn’t stomach the social media wishing him ill, seeing so blatantly with his own eyes his people’s deference to him. It hurt – more so for him than you – but still, a small part of you wished he’d say something. You were there, were you not?

You cut off your trip short because your husband needed you, and he barely uttered a word since you arrived. It got at your nerves. Nevertheless, you’d give him the time he needed. You planned to keep to your word that you would fix this all for him, regardless of what that might take.

You weren’t so cruel to let your husband be dragged into the pits of hell. Because quite frankly, that wasn’t the media’s right to begin with. If anyone would unleash hell upon Rintaro and Iris, it had to be you.

Kiyoomi scanned your face. “You don’t seem upset about all of this.”

You shrugged. “Their secret would’ve gone out one way or another. It was only a matter of time. Besides, I have far, bigger things to worry about, like you,” you leveled your gaze with his, watching as the Prince sucked in a breath.

Your last conversation with him the past night still played in your mind. It ate away at you to have to say goodbye when you didn’t want to, but he was here now. You woldn’t waste the opportunity to make things right.

Steeling yourself, you shut your eyes tight to gather courage. “Kiyoomi… Your Highness. I… I do not wish to stop talking to you. I know I sound absurd because I haven’t known you that long, but everything we shared in Itachiyama, I cherish it. I won’t forget a single memory I shared with you. So please allow me to take back what I said. I didn’t mean it when I said I would stop talking to you.”

“You should, though.” Opening your eyes, your heart dropped into your stomach when the Prince took a step back. “I don’t think we can be friends, Princess.”

Your hands grew cold and clammy.

“W-Why not? Have I done something to offend you? Tell me, and I will correct it–”

“We cannot be friends because I do not wish to be just your friend.”

Whatever distance he created between you disappeared. In the blink of an eye, Kiyoomi had closed the gap in one smooth stride, leaning down close enough his nose nearly brushed yours.

You inhaled sharply at the proximity. Kiyoomi’s heat blanketed you, making you realize you’d been shivering from the cold prior to his arrival. Now, he was here, and your senses were filled to the brim with him – his scent, his warmth, his frame looming over yours making you feel protected instead of small. You couldn’t help it; your fingers twitched to pull him by his collar and finally have his lips pressed to yours. It’d been eating away at you for several nights.

A peck couldn’t hurt.

But you made no move, greedily sharing in the same breaths instead. Because if it was all you could have, then it was all you could get.

“You’re right. It does sound absurd. We have barely spoken to one another, yet I’m already tired  of this stupid game my brother is playing – his foolish plans to become King, make my wife his concubine, all with the intention of keeping you around like a pet. It makes my blood boil,” Kiyoomi grinned, though it was more sinister than genuine. “He cannot have everything for himself. I will not let him.”

“My Prince. I–”

“–Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in love with you, nor do I have any intentions of stooping down to Rintaro’s level and stealing what isn’t mine,” cruel, you think, as the Prince effectively cut you off with a brush of his thumb to your lips. You were now putty at his hands; melting and knees weakened with nothing but his touch holding you up. “But I am tired of seeing you this distraught over a man who cannot see your worth. I have had enough. So whatever plans you may have to retaliate, tell me, and I will gladly be a pawn in your game. Make your move. You may command me as you please.”

It took a moment before his words dawned on you. When it did, your palms flattened on his chest, absorbing its warmth and feeling the flutter of his heart underneath your fingertips. He felt so alive, whole, and well – you couldn’t possibly drag him into your mess.

“I could never use you like that. You know this.”

“So you do have a plan in mind,” he noted with a smirk, fingers crawling up to circle your wrist. “My brother really underestimated you, hasn’t he? You’re already proving to be far more dangerous than any sword.”

You flushed warm at his compliment. Pretty, yes, Rintaro has called you that multiple times. Beautiful, gorgeous, even, but dangerous? It made you feel powerful, like the crown was already on your head, and the kingdom was all yours for the taking. But greed often started out as a small flicker of fire, and you stomped on it as quickly as it breathed into life. You were no thrill seeker – you would not dabble or tread in dangerous, unknown, forbidden paths. Such paths like Kiyoomi, but it was there. The temptation. The calling to just reach out to the hand he’s offered.

Its voice beckoned you. Come, it whispered oh-so-sweetly at your ear, he is your puppet.

You bit the inside of your cheek in contemplation. “It isn’t a good plan at all, and the Queen has summoned us – all of us – to inform us of her decisions on how we will proceed with this scandal. There’s a good chance Her Majesty might get in the way, but I’m determined. I need this plan to work.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“I plan on turning the tables around and pinning it on Iris. I know it’s dangerous – she’s your wife, and you might get caught in the crossfire–”

“Do as you please.”

“Are you serious?”

Kiyoomi nodded with resolve. “When I said I do not wish to be just your friend, I meant it. I want you to use me. I want to be your weapon,” nudging his nose with yours, he brought up your hand to his lips, kissing the glimmering diamond on your ring. A kiss of rebellion, a war cry, or a silent plea to be dominated – it said everything and too little all at once. “If there is anything I can do to help you escape this royal hell, I will do it.”

You closed your fist around his lips, and basked in the ghostly flutters it will leave upon your skin hours after he has gone. Then, you questioned it all: how could something so poignant evoke a raging will within you?

“It will be hard for you, Your Highness,” you warned him, “My plan is not a kind one.”

“I do not have very kind thoughts myself,” he chuckled, the sound dark and ominous. “But you should be careful, Princess. Iris is not who you think she is. If you are to proceed with your plan, you need to watch out for yourself, and Maiko especially.”

Maiko? What could Maiko’s involvement with Iris be?

“She won’t hurt Maiko, will she?”

“She wouldn’t dare, but I can’t guarantee she won’t try doing something to you,” with a wary gaze, Kiyoomi immediately masked it with that of indifference. Scanning the surroundings, and hearing nothing but the crickets of insects and the rustling of bushes from the wind, Kiyoomi wrapped a protective arm around your waist. “It’s getting late. Let me walk you back. Iris is probably somewhere close.”

You were never one to feel much fear, but in that moment, a sense of numbing chill settled in your bones. Goosebumps arose on your skin. It was almost like you could feel it – her sharp gaze, her wicked and deceivingly innocent smile. You shivered despite yourself and huddled closer to the Prince, letting him guide you through the garden’s maze when his lips brushed the shell of your ear.

“Do you wish to know what would make Iris tick?”

“What?”

“It may be Rintaro who she wants,” his breathy voice caressed you, sending a different set of shivers down your spine. “But it is I whom she would kill to keep. Present yourself as a threat, make her believe you can steal me from her, and you will find her willingly offering Rintaro to you.”

You scoffed. “And if I don’t want him?”

“Then you shall always have me.”

Kiyoomi, Kiyoomi, Kiyoomi…

The Prince’s last words haunted you. Moreover, the way he looked with the moonlight illuminated upon him… he felt surreal. He came to you in your dreams more than once, caressing you in places he shouldn’t be touching, filling you in ways you never thought possible. A part of you wondered if it was merely your brain coping with the fact you’d mistakenly lain in bed with Rintaro. How you’ve felt disgusted with yourself ever since, and found it hard to look in the mirror. Perhaps it was simply a trick of the brain – replacing the man who left marks on you with the man that could’ve made you feel better. And you knew Prince Kiyoomi would – with those large, calloused hands, and luscious lips you spent countless hours gazing upon… would it be such a sin to wish they hadn’t been dreams only?

Picking up the nearby body wash, you scrubbed yourself clean of Rintaro. Your body still ached from last night’s events, but your heart clenched for an entirely different reason. Seriously. You couldn’t believe it. First, he’d let himself get caught in the action, and you let him sleep with you? You could’ve pushed him away. You could’ve said no.

It didn’t have to lead to whatever happened last night.

But then again, laughing to yourself, why did you chastise yourself so much? He was your husband. You were both married – sleeping with him wasn’t a mistake. Yet why did it feel like it? It felt as if… you kept on letting him take and take from you. How long until you’ve had enough? How much more could you give before there was nothing left of you?

You sighed, sinking deeper under the water. It’d been hours since your previous encounter with the older prince, and he hadn’t left your mind since. His offer for you to make use of him like he was a weapon, or worse, a tool, wasn’t an opportunity you could let pass by.

You could make use of him. He had more access to Iris than you ever could, and planting spies in Belleview Manor sounded terrible. She’d probably won over their loyalty judging by the way they kept their mouths shut that first night you arrived there to give her tea for her ‘headache.’ She had secrets, that you were sure of, but did Kiyoomi know them too? What was her connection with Maiko? Surely… Maiko wasn’t involved in whatever schemes they had in mind. The Princess was too sweet and innocent for that, but then again, so was Iris. The so called ‘dear friend’ of your boyfriend before he’d asked for your hand in marriage.

This was proving to be nearly impossible.

It was hard to tell who to trust within the Palace. Kita would be at your side, but you couldn’t possibly involve him in your plan. He might not even approve of it. It would be against the law, and it wasn’t the kindest thing one could think of. Kita would call it ‘the opposite of justice.’

“I hope the meeting went well, Princess?”

Popping your head from the water, you watched as Airi entered the room, folded towels in her arms. She’d prepared a bath for you long before you arrived, the water warm and filled with bubbles – just how you liked it. The room smelled faintly of roses, too, and you made a mental note to thank Airi for her efforts.

“It was great. His Highness and I discussed a lot,” he almost kissed me, too, but she didn’t need to know that, or the fact you wished he did. “Oh, and Airi.”

“Yes, ma’am?”

You pondered over it, you really did it. It was out of your character to abuse the power you had, yet you couldn’t stop the heat flaring in your veins. The pettiness that begged to be revealed. “Could you have someone call L’Essenxe Royale? Tell them I want them to discontinue their Vanilla Candy line because I’m allergic to it, and it would be a shame if I had to stop purchasing their perfumes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Airi nodded, stopping in her tracks after a beat. “I wasn’t informed you were allergic to vanilla. I’m sorry, I’ll do better in catering to your needs more.”

“I’m not allergic. I just don’t want to smell Iris ever again.”

Just before Airi could respond, the doors swung open. Suna sauntered in like he owned the place, the top three buttons of his white shirt undone and loose. His collarbones and the top of his chest shone with sweat, his skin flushed and his dark hair messily swept to the sides. He must’ve gone for his early training – and damned him for looking good.

You snorted inwardly. But Prince Kiyoomi probably looked better.

“There you are. I didn’t get to see you before I left.”

“Airi, please give us a moment,” you requested from where you sat, arms lazily resting on the sides of the tub. Airi scurried out of the room with reddened cheeks – no doubt picturing what events could transpire between a naked wife and her insatiable husband. And speaking of said husband, he’d leant against the pristine white walls, arms crossed against his chest as he let those dark, hooded eyes roam over your exposed skin.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I think the real pleasure here is this view.”

You rolled your eyes. “Is that what you told your mistress too when you fucked her in my bed?”

Suna paused. It was a bait; he was sure of it. Choosing not to bite at your provocation, he pushed his weight off the wall and gestured to the doors. “You redecorated the room,” he announced, “Without my permission.”

“I wasn’t aware I needed your permission. I thought we made it clear – under your suggestion – that I was to sleep in that bed, and you take the couch outside. Technically, that would make it my room, no?”

“You made Airi burn the sheets.”

“Sue me.”

“You threw away Iris’ clothes.”

“They barely counted as clothes, Your Highness. They were just thongs.”

“If this is about last night–”

“Last night was a mistake. Never speak of it again,” you warned, and just the mere reminder that you’d let him have his way with you, and you were too weak to refuse, again, no longer made the relaxing bath enjoyable. All of Airi’s efforts poured down the drain because having Suna around had your muscles stiffening with tension again. Rising from the bath, you wiped off the bubbles and suds off your body before stepping out. “What did you truly come here for? You never bother me when I’m bathing.”

Suna’s hungry gaze followed your every movement. The perverted bastard wasn’t even trying to hide it – his poor attempts of adjusting his breeches a failure once you’d put on your robe. “Her Majesty has summoned us for breakfast. She has an important announcement to make. I suggest you make haste so she won’t be anymore upset with us.”

“With you, you mean,” you waved around your lip balm, “What? Don’t look so offended. I am not the one who caused a scandal here.”

“I’m tired of arguing with you.”

You couldn’t agree more. Smacking your lips together, you walked past him, making sure to sashay your hips as you did. But before you could leave the room, Suna’s hand shot out to wrap it around your wrist. Gently, he pulled you back into him until your breasts brushed with his chest, the dampness of your robe making his shirt stick even harder on his skin.

 “Wait,” he breathed out, not once taking his eyes off you as he blindly swiped for a towel. “Let me dry you off properly. It would be a shame if you made a mess on your newly decorated room.”

Your husband fell down on his knees before you could say a word.

You almost asked him what he was doing when his hands tugged at the ties of your robes, his tender touch pushing them past your shoulders until the robe pooled at your feet. You inhaled sharply. Suna was kneeling before you, caressing your leg and urging you to place at his thigh. You don’t know what compelled you to obey, but you did. Resting it on his leg, you felt too exposed – his nose was right at your stomach, his hands touching everywhere but that one place near your heat.

It was torture.

The entire act was done with slow, purposeful motions. Like an artist taking great care with his sculptures, he pressed hard on your hips to keep you in place when you shivered. His strength, his silent gestures that he wouldn’t let you slip and fall – it broke your heart.

Why couldn’t he love you?

Why couldn’t he touch you this way and mean it?

Why did he have to remove his ring?

The glint of the golden material caught your attention from the vanity. You picked it up where he left it last night, unconsciously hugging it to your chest until you fell asleep. Until now, you’d brought it with you, and stared at it hard enough it might’ve melted. It never did, just as he would never belong to you. And then – his finger swiped over your nipple, the cloth on his hands now damp and his breath staggering as he moved to kiss your bare stomach.

You pushed his head away.

Suna stumbled back, barely. He sat there with a dazed expression, the towel he used to dry you with now forgotten. His hands shook in his lap, his eyes blown wide with something you couldn’t quite name – longing, regret, frustration. Whatever it was, it matched yours.

“I’m dry enough,” you told him, snatching off his ring from the counter and flicking it his way. The two of you watched as it stumbled along the ground with a loud clink, clink, clink, before it rolled right at his feet. When you finally found the courage to speak, your voice was so quiet – you couldn’t hear yourself at all. “Wear it. I don’t care that it no longer means anything to you. I won’t have you causing anymore problems for me when your mother asks about it.”

When you and Suna sat next to each other at the dining hall, neither of you spoke a word.

In fact, not a single person present dared to. Her Majesty sat at the head of the table, the clink of her utensil the only thing audible as she furiously cut into her steak. She was furious, that much was obvious. Even Crown Prince Ushijima hadn’t touched his meal, and his young son, barely a boy of eight, had his lips shut the entire time.

Finally, she takes a bite, takes a huge drink of her wine, and slams the glass down. All of you jump at the sound.

“It is not every day we can all be gathered here, but as you are all aware, it is a trifling time for the Crown. We as the royal family need to be united now more than ever,” she announced, her back straight as she looked everyone in the eye. “Which is why I am here to inform everyone of some minor changes we will implement from now on, and some events we have planned for the next season. First of all, Princess–” she pointed her knife your way, “-I need you to hold your mother back. She’s getting on my nerves with all her incessant calling.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” she lifted her chin, “Your Mother hasn’t stopped bugging me ever since that article was released. She demands I return her to you, but I think she forgets her place and yours. You are a Princess now; you are the Crown’s property. You are to stay here and see to your duties until you take your last breath.”

Forcing a smile, you willed yourself to calm down. “My mother was merely concerned, Your Majesty. I’m sure she doesn’t mean any harm.”

“Which is exactly why I’m telling you to tell her to stand down. I have already spoken with my advisors our next course of action and have all decided that we will deny Rintaro and Iris’ affair by all means. We are to pretend as if the article never existed. We need to show we are the Crown, the monarchs and rulers of this grand kingdom. We will not be swayed by measly gossip and defaming rumors.”

“But it wasn’t a rumor. The Crown Prince did sleep with the Princess.”

Her Majesty sighed, the sound dramatically drawn out. “Do you have any complaints, my dear? Because if you did, then you should have attended the meeting this morning.”

You gritted your teeth. “I wasn’t informed there was one.”

“That’s a shame – I thought Rintaro would tell you. It seems he likes to keep his secrets, then,” she jabbed, and your husband nervously sipped his wine as you glared at the sides of his head. “Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, we planned a few events for this season. For this month, the four of you will be showing up to public events and you are to appear united in marriage. Laugh, kiss, hold hands – I do not care. Just make sure the cameras get it, and if anyone dares ask on any clarifications about the affair, simply tell them that it is very easy to fabricate photographs nowadays. You will deny everything. Understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” agreed Suna, and you scoffed. Snaking his hands under the table, he squeezed yours in assurance and whispered, “Don’t cause a scene in front of the Queen. We will talk later about this.”

“I was hoping we would.”

“Next, Iris and Y/N will be having weekend dates to show they are friends. We have already contacted an orphanage you will pay a visit to. Play with the kids, read storybooks with them, and get as many pictures as possible. Not only will it show that there’s camaraderie between you two, but hanging out with children will also imply that we can expect a next line of heirs soon.”

“A splendid idea!” Atsumu beamed, the first to dig into his meal. Rather, the Prince was halfway finished stuffing his mouth, happily rubbing his hands together at the thought. “This will all be good for the Crown, and to win the people’s trust back.”

“You really don’t know how to shut up, huh?” muttered Osamu.

“Your Majesty. Don’t you think this is going too far?” Tobio spoke up, slamming his hands on the table as he stood up. Beside him, Prince Shinsuke was pleading for him to sit back down. The youngest Prince merely slapped his hands away, looking betrayed by his brother’s words. “Why is no one speaking up? Is this how the royal family really is? You would all lie to your people, deceive them we are all in one heart and mind when we are not. Is that the kind of rulers we aspire to be? Are we really the rulers they look up to?”

Prince Shinsuke pinched the bridge of his nose. “I understand you’re upset, but the throne wouldn’t have lasted this long if none of us pulled some strings and kept up deceiving acts. Trust me, I also do not wish to take a part in this, but Her Majesty is right. The people are already growing restless that we have been without a King for years – having Crown Prince Rintaro’s reputation tarnished will not make this better. And as far as I know, there are still many protests against having an illegitimate child on the throne,” he reminded, causing Prince Ushijima to clear his throat awkwardly. Still, Shinsuke pushed on. “Rintaro is the King the Cabinet wants. We must follow the law. Ushijima can only be crowned King until we have ran out of options.”

Your jaw dropped.

“And what of me?”

“With all due respect, Your Highness, the future of the Kingdom is a heavier matter at hand than your broken heart,” Iris quipped, “Besides, if you knew about our relationship prior to the marriage, then you cannot blame anyone but yourself. You’re in this predicament because you were too cowardly to let go when given the chance.”

“That’s enough!” Tobio yelled. “You all need to stop talking about her like that. You’re all right – the Crown is more important. We need a stable ruler and for the people to not lose their trust in us. But the Princess is still a human. She was lied to, manipulated, and constantly looked down on. The least you can do right now is let her acknowledge her pain, seeing as it is clearly too much for each and every one of you to be decent human beings!”

Her Majesty paid him no mind. Waving her hand in the air dismissively, she sighed. “He is young. He will understand someday.”

At her nonchalance, Tobio’s nostrils flared. It was the last you saw of him before he kicked his chair back, storming out of the hall before everyone erupted into protests. Keiji slunk back into his seat, Shinsuke was immediately making efforts to appease the Queen by apologizing on everyone’s behalf, and Maiko was crying. And you? You glowered at the Queen before following after Tobio, the three other Princes right at your heels.

The doors slammed shut behind you.

You could hear the Princes running after you. Two pairs were rushing, but one pair of footfalls sounded more like stomping. Before you could turn down the hall where Tobio went, you were dragged by, Suna firmly gripping your elbow as he halted you in your tracks.

“Her Majesty was speaking,” he hissed, fingers digging harder to your skin. “Don’t be rude.”

“Oh, fuck off, Rintaro. I can’t believe you right now. Letting me be friends with your mistress? Really? And you didn’t even tell me there was a meeting this morning!”

His free hand ran through his hair. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you would act like this. You would’ve embarrassed me in front of the advisors. Besides, you left before I could–”

“I embarrass you? Do you even hear yourself? You’re the embarrassing one for going behind my back and sleeping with your mistress–”

“She’s not my mistress!”

“Isn’t she? I wasn’t aware there was another word to describe a woman frolicking with a married man!”

His grip grew tighter as he spoke, and you squeaked out in pain. You tried to pry his fingers off of you, but Suna wasn’t having any of it. “You’re one to talk, leaving me here in this country to go around dancing with my brother–” Your husband’s face disappeared before you. In the blink of an eye, he was shoved nearly across the room and falling right at his ass.

Kiyoomi stood protectively over you, his chest rising and falling as he shook with anger.

“Stay away from my wife!”

Meanwhile, Tooru dodged between Suna and Kiyoomi, the former rising on his feet and reeling his arm back in a punch. Tooru effortlessly caught his brother’s arm, but holding him back was a different struggle of itself. “Rin, that’s enough!”

“Are you okay?”

You blinked back from the scene. Kiyoomi was now holding your arm where Suna grabbed you, checking for any injuries. Aside from a little aching, and a possible bruise that would show up tomorrow, you were unharmed. Still, the Prince wasn’t assured. His thick brows pinched together in concern, turning your arm over and over as he muttered to himself the violent things he wished to do to his brother. “Did he hurt you?”

“Not really, but I want to go after Tobio.”

Kiyoomi nodded in understanding. “Go. I’ll handle this.”

You shared a knowing look with him. I’m on your side, his eyes said, and that was enough to reassure you. Giving him a nod, you quickly turned on your heels and ran. You ran and ran until you were out of breath, your corset digging into you uncomfortably. The youngest Prince sure was a fast one – he’d already reached his own study in such a short time.

Peeking through the partially closed door, your heart broke at the sight.

Prince Tobio sat on his painter’s stool, an unfinished portrait of you – smiling in your wedding dress – lay before him. He was crying, sniffling to himself and wiping his tears with the collar of his blouse. Even the sounds of his cries were too painful to hear.

Shutting the door behind you, you took your place behind him, gently squeezing his shoulders to make him look up. When he did, his bloodshot eyes greeted you.

“I’m sorry you had to witness all of that,” you tell him softly, “I didn’t mean to ruin breakfast for you.”

Tobio shook his head. He pulled out a handkerchief before blowing on it, and you smiled despite yourself – he’d grown so much, yet he was still that sweet, naïve boy in your eyes. It felt like a lifetime ago when he had his debut, and now he was flourishing into such a great, young man. Your little brother, the sweetest Prince – you would do anything for him.

“You don’t need to apologize for anything, sis. You’re the victim here.”

You laughed a little. Victim sounded too poor of a word choice. Turning to the canvas before you, you gestured to it. “What are you painting?”

“You,” he admitted with red cheeks, “I started on this when Rintaro announced he’d be marrying you so I could give it as a wedding gift. But Her Majesty wanted me to focus on my studies, so I didn’t have enough time to finish. I mean, it’s not even the same dress you wore on your wedding so it’s inaccurate–”

“-It looks beautiful.”

“It’s still unfinished,” his shoulders slumped in your flattery before he lightened up, already moving to pick up the brushes as he wiped his snot with his hanky. “Since you’re here, would you like me to paint you as you are now? I’ll get a new canvas.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to lose all your efforts on your previous painting.”

“It’s fine,” he reassured, and per his instruction, you sat stiffly to ‘pose’ for him. It’s a little awkward, and Tobio struggled to sketch you each time you fidgeted, but at least he wasn’t crying anymore. Midway through his sketch, though, he placed his pencil down, his eyes brimming with tears again. “I still can’t believe Rintaro was capable of being so cruel. I’ll never forgive him for what he did,” he said, his lower lip quivering. “Are they really like this? Is everyone in the Palace truly so heartless? Will I… never find love of my own, too?”

“Oh, Tobio,” you reached your arms out, crushing him to your chest. The Prince’s tears dampened your dress, though you paid it no mind. He was too young for all this hurt – this war over the crown. He was too good for a cruel place like this. “It will get easier someday.”

Fisting your skirt, he buried his face to your neck, his whole body shivering under you. “I never wanted to be a Prince. I-I wanted to keep playing sports and go pro someday. There’s a whole world out there for me to see, and I’m so afraid I’ll never become the person I want to be. I’m afraid I might turn out like my brothers.”

You pulled back to make him look at you. Cupping his face with your hands, you shook your head firmly. “That’s not true, Tobio. You’re already a thousand times better than your brothers. Look, you’re sweet, kind, and passionate. Who says you don’t deserve to achieve your dreams? You can be who you want to be. You can see the world. I promise you that I’ll support you in anything you want to do. Anything.”

“Really?” grinning, he wiped his cheeks free from his tears. “Then… will you come to my game? There’s a match and the Coach just added me to the team. It… Well, it might be a good opportunity for you and everyone else to show you’re unaffected by the scandal, too.”

“Oh, forget the scandal. I only want to see you play,” you tell him, and the Prince’s innocent smile is so big and bright it soothed all the aches in your heart. You promised to yourself, then and there, that you would do what it takes to protect that smile. “Now, should we get to this painting?”

That talk with Tobio filled you with unwavering resolve.

The poor boy didn’t deserve to spend a minute longer in the Palace. It simply wasn’t a place for him. He needed to be out there, living his life to the fullest, and to be surrounded by good people who were healthy for him. Not his greedy, cheating brothers, and most especially not with the heartless Queen as his only mother figure.

You had to do something for him. You had to weaken the throne even further, exploit their weakness and make the monarchy crumble. If not for you, then you would do it for Tobio.

It was the reason you’d gained enough courage to dial the number weighing heavily in your pockets long before Itachiyama. That piece of paper Kiyoomi slipped into your coat just before you parted ways. You should’ve known it back then – Kiyoomi was somehow always one step ahead of you. It’s like he knew what you wanted to happen before you said out loud. What you needed before you told him what it was. And you’d done it – scheduled the meeting, hired a private chauffer, and rented out a restaurant in the middle of nowhere at the dead time of the night before you could change your mind.

Do it For Tobio. For Kiyoomi. For you.

He arrived not a minute later than the designated time. He stood tall and confident – seemingly unbothered by the mass of hate he’d accumulated. Sauntering in through the doors with a smirk, he let out a low whistle, impressed with the lack of people. You had promised him privacy, after all, and if you wanted to succeed in your plans, you couldn’t be shy in splurging a little bit of money.

“Kuroo Tetsurou, was it?”

“Your Highness,” he greeted with a bow, his smile growing wider as he pulled out his chair. He’s handsome, with a smile you wouldn’t deem trustworthy, and he held an aura to him that warned you to tread carefully. He was, after all, the man who singlehandedly exposed your husband’s affair. “I am flattered by your efforts, though I must admit. I did not expect you would reach out to me of all people. I assumed you wanted my head.”

You offer him a polite smile. “You have it all wrong. In fact, I’m thankful for the opportunity you’ve presented to me,” leaning forward, you slid a thin envelope his way. Inside it contained a document of your own words, one you trusted Kuroo would twist to sound more convincing. “I want you to publish another article.”

Kuroo’s eyes widened. He waited for a beat, a moment or two, for you to say you didn’t mean it. You could’ve been joking. But you hold his gaze, your smile just as firm, refusing to waver from his intense gaze. “With all due respect, Ma’am, I think I’m already in enough trouble for that last one.”

Fair enough. You didn’t think he’d be that easy to convince.

Reaching beside you, you pulled out a case and clicked open the locks for him. If Kuroo was surprised before, he was most definitely flabbergasted by now. Wads of cash piled against each other stared back at him – temping him to reach out and take it. Smiling to yourself, you gently nudged the case in his direction.

“This is half of what I’ll pay you. I’ll pay you twice as much once you’ve done your part,” you promised, “You don’t need to fear, Mr. Kuroo. I’ll guarantee your protection if you do this for me.”

Kuroo chuckled to himself. Shutting the case back shut, he was quick to slide it to his side – deal done and closed. “If a lovely Princess is asking so nicely, I can’t possibly turn it down, can I?” pulling out a small notebook from his coat, Kuroo uncaps his pen with a twist of his teeth. “So let’s get into it. What story do you want, Ma’am? Do you want the truth or… something more scandalous than your husband’s affair?”

“I want you to ruin Iris,” you declared, “Inside that envelope is a list of people the Princess frequently interacts with, as well as records from her history dating back from when she moved here with mother. I want you to look into everything and pick apart whatever could destroy her reputation. There are secrets that she keeps, and I want them out in the public.”

Kuroo doesn’t bother writing that down. “Her reputation is well ruined already, Ma’am. I doubt much could make it worse.”

Your brow shoots up. “Are you doubting my abilities or questioning my demands?”

“Neither,” he reassured with a mischievous grin, “I shall write something about her, then, but what about the Crown Prince? Do I still have the assurance of your protection if he comes after me for messing with his precious little thing?”

Oh, please. His ‘precious little thing’ doesn’t even want him.

Spinning your wedding finger with your thumb, you stared at it. “Tell me, Kuroo. You’re a journalist, one that wasn’t invited at that private party my husband was in. So why were you there that night? Most importantly, how did you get their photos?” you brought your gaze back up to him, “You’re not secretly planning for the downfall of the crown, are you?”

Kuroo scratched the back of his neck. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Your Highness. But to answer your question, then no, I wasn’t invited. I wouldn’t even know a single thing about their affair if it wasn’t for one of you.”

“One of us?” you echoed, “Are you saying someone in the royal family hired you as well?”

“Indeed. Though I must say, I never expected working with just one of you could have me set for life. What more if I teamed up with you too?”

So your theories were right. That article didn’t appear out of nowhere – someone wanted it to happen. “It was Iris, wasn’t it? She asked you to publish that because she knew I was with her husband… but that wouldn’t make any sense. That article puts her in a bad light. It couldn’t be her, right?”

“You’ll be surprised, Ma’am, but it was not the Princess,” he clarified.

Kuroo’s face pinched in contemplation, and then suddenly, pulls out a different phone from his pockets. It’s a beat-up iPhone with its battery nearly dead, but with a few clicks here and there, the video played loud and clear. The camera is shaky, the angles all wrong. Whoever recorded it clearly seemed to be inebriated. Yet there it was – the unmistakable masculine voice groaning, the slapping of skin against each other, and a high-pitched womanly moan. The camera caught nothing but long, blond hair flowing on top of her bouncing breasts before the camera was flipped, finally showing the culprit –

“Atsumu?”

Atsumu gripped Yuki’s hips, shoving the phone between their bodies to show the pistoning of his cock in and out of her. There was no point denying it now. Both their faces were clear from the video, and if this got out…

Kuroo paused the video. “I’m not supposed to be showing you this, but the Prince hasn’t kept up to his end of the bargain, so I might as well ask for your help, too,” shutting the phone off, Kuroo rested his chin on his hands. “That night, he slept with an intoxicated actress and accidentally filmed themselves in the act. The Prince was drunk himself, made the mistake of posting that video online, and merely eighteen minutes later, any traces of their sex tape disappeared. Curious?”

The pieces of the puzzle finally fit.

“He called you to write about Iris and Rintaro to cover up his scandal.”

He snapped his fingers. “Bingo! And he succeeded, even if it was an impulsive decision on his side. Still, the Prince paid me handsomely because he was desperate, but he hasn’t offered me protection like he promised. I’m being hunted down by the Queen’s goons as we speak. Isn’t that why you offered to have me chauffeured here?”

You knew Kuroo prioritized his safety over money due to his current predicament. It was the reason why you risked sneaking out of the Palace and meeting him alone. His terms were clear – no witnesses, no guards, just you and him. You would keep to your word if it meant cornering Iris, but with Atsumu and that poor actress thrown into the mix… things just got more complicated.

Reaching out for Kuroo, you squeezed his hand. “You will be safe with me. I promise you this.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

You glanced at the iPhone between you two. It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Kuroo, but now that you know he’d do pretty much anything for money, you couldn’t risk it. It wasn’t just Atsumu’s reputation you were worried about – firstly, Rintaro would kill him if he found out it was all his doing. Second, that poor actress. She rose to fame in her career recently; this would ruin her image. If things took the wrong turn, who was to stop the Queen from forcing the two to get married if that tape was leaked? You couldn’t risk any cracks in your plan.

“Kuroo, may I have that phone?”

“It’s all yours if you throw in another five grand, Princess.”

“Consider it mine then.”

You and Kuroo left immediately after everything was settled. Just as promised, you would cover all his travel expenses. He would stay overseas to ensure his protection while he reached out to his connections to get all the information he needed, and once the article was ready, he’d publish it and disappear from the media. You covered that too – he was paid enough to live comfortably while in hiding. Now, you only needed to wait for everything to go according to plan.

First, the downfall of Iris. Next, her separation with Kiyoomi without having to let Rin ascend to the throne. And once she’s finally out of the picture, you’ll move on to your beloved husband. You’ll seduce him, have him fall completely to your whim, make him realize he could never have anyone like you again – and once he’s wrapped around your finger, you’ll plea for divorce.

A heart for a heart. A marriage for a marriage.

And if the odds play into your favor at the end of it all, there’s only one destination in mind: Kiyoomi’s farmhouse in Itachiyama.

You smiled to yourself – it would work out. You had a good feeling about it. Kiyoomi is supporting you and acting as your spy, Kita is backing you up on the grounds for divorce, and the nation has unwaveringly showed their support for you in these trying times. After all, you were just the poor, neglected wife. They expected you to spend your days crying and chasing after your deceitful husband, or to simply take it all – be silent and smile for the cameras.

Fuck what the Queen said. You won’t let her win.

Driving back to the Palace, you glanced at the time. It’s almost four in the morning, and soon, Her Majesty would be beginning her routine and expecting her daily calls from the Princes. Pressing harder on the gas, you sped up until a glint catches your eye. You glance at the rearview mirror, eyes widening at the fast approaching car from behind – a sleek, black car with the royal family’s crest on it. Shit. But – it couldn’t be the royal guards. You’d made sure no one would see you, and Airi had gotten your note to slip some sleeping pills into Rintaro’s tea so you could sneak out. Kiyoomi was informed of your plans, too, and he’d reassured he’d hold the fort down while you dealt with Kuroo.

Unless Iris had snooped through his phone and found everything out, then –

You wasted no time. You drove faster, reaching for the gun in your glove compartment as the roaring of the car behind you moved in closer and closer. Heart pounding in your chest, you speed-dialed Kiyoomi, praying to any God who was listening that he would pick up. It couldn’t be Iris, it shouldn’t be her. God forbid she does anything to provoke you into pulling the trigger.

Infidelity was one thing, but the murder of a royal family member was not something one could merely frown at. You didn’t want to be thrown into jail.

The call did not push through.

“Fuck!” you slammed your feet on the gas, watching as the car sped up even more until it was now next to you. You were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but the mammoth of trees and a never ending road with darkness clouding the path. Just then, the windows rolled down, and you waited with bated breath as the face finally came into view.

Dark hair was the first thing you saw. The windows rolled down, down, down, until you were staring deep into your husband’s eyes. Brow cocked, he smirked, raising the phone to show he’d been calling you – that’s why you couldn’t call Kiyoomi. Suna was interrupting the line. Shit, how was he even awake right now?

Moreover, how did he find you?

You scowled to yourself. There was no outrunning him now. Suna was a ridiculously good driver, and there was no way you would ever use a gun on him. Steeling yourself, you forced yourself to regulate your breathing – your efforts boon when Suna suddenly pressed on forward until he was a feet away from you, maneuvered his car with the hood facing your direction, and then just – stopped.

Bracing your hands on the wheel, you forced all your energy to release its power on the slamming of your brakes. The skidding of your car squeaked for what seemed like minutes until finally – finally – your came to a halt. You were breathing hard, the back of your head aching from the impact of it crashing to the headrest. Meanwhile, Suna opened his car doors in slow, languid movements, the ends of his leather black trench coat hitting the pavement. With nothing but the headlights of his car illuminating him, he looked more like an omen of death than a Prince – dressed in a white turtleneck, black pants, and a long coat that highlighted his tall figure. He looked ominous, like he carried sorrow and pain with him – pain that he was about to make you feel.

Because you knew – of course you knew; you knew him better than anyone – that the placid smile he wore was anything but.

He slammed the car doors shut. Leaning against the hood, Suna’s gloved hands reached for a lighter in his pocket as he lit his cigarette, the stick hanging from between his lips. As soon as it flickered, he pocketed the lighter back, using two of his fingers to make a ‘come hither’ gesture at you.

Clearly, you spoke too early. The odds were not in your favor.

You exited your vehicle, hands gripping the edges of the door as you gathered to courage to take one more step towards him. It wasn’t that you were afraid – he wouldn’t hurt you, not really. But too much could be taken away from you in such little time – Kuroo couldn’t have gone far, and Atsumu’s sex tape was still in the backseat. You didn’t trust Rintaro to not ruin your plans. And you wouldn’t let him, not now when you were so close to victory.

One step, two steps, three steps – your heels clicked against the road as you walked, making sure to keep your chin pointed north. Hips swaying to the side, you finally ended up before him – right between his spread legs – your husband leaning back at the hood of his car whilst he sized you up, his free hand resting behind him.

“Funny seeing you here,” he drawled out, his voice thick with barely-held back rage. “They told me you were sleeping, but last time I checked, driving while falling asleep was illegal.”

“Cheating is also illegal.”

“Your comebacks are getting old, my love.”

Your head snapped to his direction. He hadn’t called you that in forever, not since you’d returned from your honeymoon. To have him call you that now, with such a deeply rich, smooth voice and sounding like he’d just woken up, all breathy and rasp – could it be possible to fuck someone to death?

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” tipping his head to the side, Suna’s lips slowly formed into a smirk. He took a drag of his cigarette, keeping his eyes on yours as he wrapped those lips around the stick – delicately and tantalizingly slow – just like how he did when he worshipped you in bed. You breathed out hard and attempted to take a step back, but he was having none of it. Swiftly, he’d tugged on your shirt to pull you close to him, causing you to stumble and fall into his lap. Above you, your husband’s chest rumbled with amusement.

“Look at you. Always so weak for me.”

He leaned in close, his scent of smoke and expensive woodsy perfume enveloping you. It’s addicting, just as he is, and your knees grew weak. Your legs slid down just as Suna wraps a strong arm around your waist to hitch you back in place, your core resting above his thigh. There, he spreads you open with just his knees, his warm lips suddenly attaching themselves to your neck. You gasped out, hands falling to his shoulders in a measly attempt to pull him away – and oh.

Suna had different plans in mind.

“You,” he breathed in your ear, his gloved fingers popping the button of your blouse one by one. “cannot get rid of me that easily, Your Highness. You can slip in as many drugs you want in my drinks, you can kill me a hundred times and fuck me over again and again, but don’t you dare forget,” growling lowly in your ear, your husband took your chin in his hands and forced you to gaze deep into his eyes – pools of hazel swirling with need and wrath – “Not even death can do us part. I’ll keep on looking for you even if you try to hide at the ends of the earth.”

[alotofpockets]

I've got them | Wanda Maximoff

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: You offer to watch Billy and Tommy. When Wanda sees you interracting with her kids, she realises her feelings towards you might be more than just a simple crush.

Marvel masterlist | Words: 1.4k

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“Come on Maximoff, you can't bail on Sunday brunch again.” Natasha shook her head, already knowing what her best friend was about to say. “You know I'd love nothing more than to join you guys, but I've got no one to watch the boys on Sundays since the weekend sitter moved away.” It was hard finding a sitter for the two energetic boys, especially when their mom was an Avenger. 

You were walking into the room with mission debriefing rapports for the meeting the team was about to have and overheard the conversation. “I’m free Sunday, I don’t mind watching them.” Wanda’s eyes shoot up to you. “Oh that would be too much-” Natasha interrupts her. “That would be much appreciated.” With a nudge from her best friend Wanda agrees. “Alright then, I have to get these to Tony, but find me in my office later for the details?” You wave the stack of papers in the air. “Yeah, sure.” Wanda responds before you smile in her direction and are off again. 

“Why did you do that?” Wanda shoves Natasha away from her. “Well, you clearly like y/n, and she’s met the boys before. See it as a way for them to bond, and then you can finally tell her how you feel.” Wanda’s cheeks turn a bright shade of red. “You really need to stop being my wing woman, and let me live my life.” Natasha sits down at the meeting table, as the rest of the team makes their way into the room. “Now what would be the fun in that?”

Once the meeting was done Wanda made her way over to the office wing of the Compound. Walking the familiar path to your office made her chest warm, Natasha’s words were true. Wanda had a crush on you for about three months now, never had she said those words out loud, but over time she would start spending more and more time with you. Did she need to be on this side of the Compound? No, not at all, but she grasped every opportunity to spend time with you. On the other hand, you were loving the frequent visits from Wanda, always reserving some time in your schedule to spend proper time with her when she would show up.

“Hi Wands, how was the meeting?” She shrugged her shoulders, “Nothing special. I do have these for you, though.” She hands you the file with meeting notes. It had been quite some time now that Wanda brought these to you, instead of Fury or Cap, you were more than happy to receive them from her though. “So, Sunday?” Wanda’s face turned serious quickly. “You really don’t have to watch the boys, it’s too much to ask anyways.” You smiled at her warmly, “First off, you didn’t ask, I offered. Second off, I would love to watch them, they seem like great kids.” You discuss further details until you both have to get back to work. 

That’s how you found yourself on the doorstep of the Maximoff household on Sunday. Wanda let you in while the boys were running around the living room chasing each other. “Boy’s, y/n is here, can you please come say hi.” They came to a halt in front of you, “Hi.” They said simultaneously. “Hi kiddos, it's good to see you again.” 

Wanda showed you around the house for a bit, so you knew where to find everything you might need. “Okay, and call me if anything is wrong, I can be back in 5 minutes.” You stopped her with your hands on her shoulders, “I’ve got them, Wands. Go have fun with your friends.” You didn’t miss the way her eyes widened slightly, and her breath hitched. “Alright, thank you again.” She turned to her kids, “Boy’s be nice, I’ll be back in around two hours. I love you both.” The boys both smiled her way and said, “We love you too.”

The boys were getting tired from running around and plopped down next to you on the couch. “Seems like you two are in need of food, what would you like?” They both wanted bagels with cream cheese, so you headed into the kitchen to get that ready for them as well as for yourself. 

During lunch Billy and Tommy asked you all kinds of questions to get to know you better. Do you have superpowers? What do you do for the Avengers? How do you know our mom? You answered all of their questions happily. Tommy was up next with another question, “Who is your favourite Avenger?” You smiled, “That’s easy, your mom is my favourite Avenger.” They both shared a look and started giggling, “Why?” It didn’t take long for you to answer, “Well, your mom is really kind, and cares a lot about people. She always makes sure the rest of the Avengers are well taken care of. And of course her red wiggly woos are pretty cool.” The boys giggled at the last part of your reasoning. “Is your mom your favourite Avenger too?” Both boys nod their heads instantly, “Mom is the best.” 

After the boys helped you clean up the lunch dishes all on their own, they seemed to have found their energy right back. At first they started chasing each other again, but you had an idea that wouldn’t end up with one of them getting hurt. You connected your phone with the speakers in the living room and started some music. The boys halted their running and looked your way at the first sound of music. “You’re not going to make me dance alone right?” 

The three of you were jumping around to the music when Wanda came back home, none of you realised though. You were too busy singing along to the music and twirling around together. Wanda watched the scene from the side of the room, her smile wide, and her heart full. She realised in that moment, while you were interacting with her kids that her feelings for you far exceeded those of a simple crush, she was falling for you hard.

You saw Wanda from the corner of your eye and moved towards her. “Dance with us?” You ask her with your hand held out.She places her hand in yours and lets herself get dragged over to the makeshift dance floor. After twirling her towards the boys, the four of you jump around together. The happy smiles on her children’s faces meant the world to Wanda, and the smile on her face meant the world to you. 

A slower song came on, and you took Billy’s hand to let him twirl you around, which isn’t very smooth with the height difference but it was the fun you were having that counted. “You should dance with mom.” He said, pushing you towards Wanda. You tap on Tommy’s shoulder. “Excuse me sir, do you mind if I steal the lady for a dance?” He happily hands over the dance to you. Behind your back the boys high five each other, with smug smiles on their faces. 

You slow dance with Wanda all throughout the song. The soft hint of her perfume spread around you, as you spun her around. Once the song came to an end you separated again, but something felt different. Neither one of you could wipe the smile off of your face. That was until you checked the time, “This has been a lot of fun, but I should head home.” Both Billy and Tommy come running towards you and engulf you in a big hug, “Thank you for hanging out with us today.” You hug them back, “We had a lot of fun.” They step away again as you tell them that you had a great time as well.

Wanda walked you towards the door and stepped outside with you. “Again thank you so much for doing this. I don’t know how I can repay you.” You smiled at the idea that popped up in your head. “How about you let me take you out on a date?” A smile started playing on Wanda's lips, “I would love that, let’s do it.” 

“Mooom.” Was heard from inside the house. “Duty calls, text me the details?” With a nod and a wave, you make your way back to your car. You weren’t able to wipe the smile off of your face the whole drive home, you were going to go on a date with Wanda.

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[darkdevasofdestruction]

Change Of Heart ~ Heimdall x Reader

Summary: Y/N is the daughter of Kratos with a Greek Goddess who died before he left his homeland. She is laconic and intimidating without even trying, being more like her father, but she’s mostly just aloof and has no idea how to have a proper conversation, especially with the people of the North. Being a Goddess and having learnt so much as a child, before Olympus fell, Y/N found her primary priorities simple - Protecting her family. Her first meeting would however prove to be the most entertaining, but also, the most annoying thing she experienced, since she stole Hermes’s boots.

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Ragnarok was on the verge of existentialism, and everyone was running amok with craziness - People were worrying for their lives, their homes, and not only, for the End of the Gods meant... What did it mean, actually? Nobody could know exactly - They could only make false suppositions. But that’s what people did best - Make up countless scenarios that may or may not come even close to reality.

The problem was, while mostly everyone inside the dwarves’ home was in alignment with their mind views - Atreus, the little half-Jotnar teenager, was up to... Only he knew what. Nobody, maybe not even he himself, knew what in the world he was thinking. She doesn’t remember herself being a teen rebel... Maybe it was a boy thing? Or a generational gap she will never understand? She truly had no idea.

Time and time again, especially after Faye died, Y/N tried to pacify Atreus and lead him on the good path - The one of communication, so he and his father could talk out their differences. That was their problem - They loved each other so much, but because of their different personalities and upbringings, they weren’t able to bond so evidently, like herself and Kratos did. Although, they did have a few hundreds of years alone to talk plenty, so it was an unfair comparison - Hence why, she had to try harder in reasoning with both of them.

This day, however, things were even going worse than ever. Not even Sindri could talk sense into Atreus, so the ‘bad guy’ had to go and intervene, hopefully talk sense into his boy so he won’t do anything stupid and reckless. Y/N knew better than anyone how much loss and grief Kratos has experienced in his long life - She was adamant in making sure her father never has to lose anyone dear to him again. 

Kratos entered the boy’s room where he was sitting on a barrel. Kratos was evidently ticked off and in need of proper answers. He never was one for beating around the bush or diplomacy - That was all Y/N - So when Atreus tried to evade the question, the father started raising his already harsh and raspy voice. That gruff Spartan voice that was always used to shouting, like the War General he was, did him no good in trying to appear calm and collected - Not that he was, in that exact moment. Kratos was accusing Atreus of seeing - Or at least, attempting to - See Odin. He was grasping at loose straws, but it was the only clue he had.

Atreus’s voice was defiant, and he even talked back to his father, saying that he could do whatever he wanted - Make his own choices - Because it was HIS life. Not wrong, per se, but at least give your old man some closure, he is worrying himself into an early grave.

“Why don’t you trust me?!” Atreus shouted at his father, clearly hurt. “If you want me to trust you, then tell me the truth.” Kratos’s voice was pressed and authoritarian. “The truth is you’re being a complete asshole!” for a household who tolerated foul language little, having such a direct insult, at your father, no less, was inacceptable. “ATREUS!” Y/N stepped into the room. “That is no way to speak to your family. What has gotten into you?” she scolded her younger, rebellious brother. Atreus pushed past the girl, and walked out of the room. “He doesn’t have any faith in me! All faith he ever had was put into you!” Atreus accused his family in a harsh, rageful tone. “It’s fine if HE keeps secrets! It’s fine if Y/N keeps secrets. It’s fine if mum did -”  “It is NOT fine! Her secrets haunt every step of this path.” this wasn’t a family quarrel anymore. It was complete disaster. “Oh, okay, so you don’t believe in her anymore either?” the boy went to lean on a chair at the table, still away from his father.  “This is not about your mother. What you have done is lie.”  Kratos pointed out clearly. “I wonder where I learnt that.” the boy let out a dramatic shrug of his shoulders. “What is with this attitude? You do not behave like that to your family. We just want you safe.” Y/N tried to put her hand on his shoulder, but was slapped away. “Why do you ALWAYS take his side?! Is it because you’re his favourite child?!” the accusation was hurtful, but Y/N tried to keep composed. “Our father does not have a favourite child. I told you so many times - We just had more time to understand each other and learn how to speak. You are a few hundreds of years behind in that - And it is alright. Dad is not the easiest to understand, I get that. I know I am not easy to understand either. We come from a different realm and a different time. Different speech and different customs. But we both care about you so much. Please understand that, Atreus.” the girl tried to stop his temper tantrum using her compassion, but it was for naught. “Look, fine. I was only THINKING about going to Odin - But I swear, it’s for a good reason!” the boy spoke in his defence. “There is NO good reason to go to Odin.” Freya intervened quickly.  “He’ll only cloud your mind.” Tyr, also, spoke, the porridge cauldron in his hand, as he stirred it. “But I’d be going for us! I gotta stop something bad from happening!” the boy tried to reason. “Something bad DID happen! LOOK AT ME! Look at Freya - At Tyr! Odin did this to us!” Mimir shouted at the boy, hoping to make him see the fault in his thinking. There was nothing good that could come out of dealing with the devil himself. “What’s got everyone caterwaulin’ all-a sudden?” Brok grumbled as he got in the little group of mischief. “Atreus wants to go to Asgard.” Sindri summarized it best.  “Asgard? He get kicked in the head or something?” Brok was genuinely surprised by that idea. “Great. I guess everybody’s against me now.” Atreus rolled his eyes. “We are not against YOU. We just do not want you to put yourself in danger by directly going to that power hungry mad man.” Y/N sighed, pulling the boy into a hug. “You must choose who you are going to be. Are you going to continue to lie and keep things from me? Or are you my son?” Kratos asked, getting closer as well. “Choose? I NEVER get to choose. Just leave me alone.” the boy pushed away both his family members - But Kratos grabbed his arm, telling him to listen to him. “LET GO!” the boy started squirming aggressively, trying to escape his grasp. “I said - LET GO!” the boy transformed into a bear without realising once again. He was walking towards the door, but Sindri was in his way. “Atreus! It’s Sindri. J-Just try to keep control--” the bear was about to hit Sindri with his large paw, but Y/N with her magic pushed him away, allowing safe passage out of the house, and outside, for the portal to take him to Asgard. “I will get him back.” Y/N thanked her mother mentally once again for gifting her the boots of Hermes, as she was able to run all the way to her little brother who was back in human form and struggling to get through the portal door. 

Y/N tackled him - But the two fell through the door... All the way to the Fimbulwinter inflicted Midgard. From there, they made their way to their home, then at Freya’s, where they took care of the large tortoise-tree that guarded her house. “Can you please tell me what are you fearing so much, brother?” Y/N spoke gently, sitting on the ground and watching the remorseful and worried expression on his face. “I... I saw a Jotnar shrine... And it predicted father’s death. I... I can’t let that happen. I have to do something about it.” the boy’s voice was small and afraid. “Atreus, darling... Did dad ever tell you about the Sisters of Fate? Or how he saved himself from dying, by going back in time?” the boy’s eyes bulged wide. “If you had any idea how many times dad has been fated to die, you would be in a grave with worry right now. Hundreds of years later, he is still alive and well, as you can see.” she explained. “Dad’s father... Uh... Killed him, and stole all of his God powers in a sword. Dad escaped the realm of the dead and sought out the Sisters of Fate. They are... Like the Nornir of this land, but they take an active role in the creation of Fate itself. One would create life, in the form of a thread, another would embellish it to her will, and the other would end the life by cutting the thread - Everything was controlled by them. Everything could change, based on their whims. That is what greed and power hunger does to you - You become a tyrant.” the girl continued her tale as old as time. “Dad killed all three of the Sisters and found his own thread, so he was able to turn back in time and save his past God-self from his father. As you can see, he is still the God he once was - Minus the magic. He cannot use the magic anymore. I, however, can.” Y/N winked at him playfully. “But... I don’t understand. All the Jotnar predictions come true!” Atreus was clearly conflicted, unable to corelate the two fates predicted to his beloved father. “The oracles predicted his dead. Dad died - But he also brought himself back from death countless times. It has not stopped him before and it will not now either. The only thing that can stop our dad from going forward is if something happens to either of us. ESPECIALLY you, Atreus.” the girl’s voice was stern, but also kind and warm. “You do not see it yet, my sweet brother, but our father is incredibly overprotective of you. He can be overbearing also, I do agree, but he has gone through so much grief and mourning and loss, that his heart simply cannot take any more. For him, you are still the little bundle of love that he created with Faye. He was so very afraid of even holding you in his arms, afraid of hurting you or bringing you misfortune.” Y/N smiled melancholically, remembering her father’s glossy eyes, trying so hard to look away, to not allow Faye and Y/N to see him shedding emotional tears as he was holding his son for the first time... So small, so adorable... “I... I hardly ever saw my father cry before, Atreus. But when he held you in his arms for the first time, and you extended those tiny little babe hands of yours to grab at his beard... He shed tears. Those were the first tears of pure love that I have seen him weep in my life.” the look on the boy’s face was almost comical, but his heart was in so much pain and realisation. “Your misunderstandings come from a place of deep love.” she clarified. “Y/N... Will you please help me protect our dad? I’m... I’m really... Afraid.” the boy reached forward and snuggled in her arms, hugging her. He missed his mum’s warm and loving embraces... Y/N was the only bit of maternal love and understanding he could get. “Of course, my sweet brother. I shall always be there for you, no matter what peril may come.” the girl kissed the top of his head. “Here. Put this in your breast pocket. It is a flower of healing - Mum taught me how to make it. I can feel your vitality through it and know when you are in danger. As well as that, you can heal your physical wounds, should you destroy it. Be ready for anything. Please.” the boy quickly put it safely, and smiled at her - His beautiful blue eyes were gleaming, and they remained in that embrace until something akin to a knocking was heard from the wooden window, and the boy rose to his feet. Ravens came into the room, one by one, and they flew in circles around the two children, and teleported them to Asgard.

More specifically, to a god damn lake. That was nothing but absolutely cruel. “Your Odin friend is a... Jerk, as you call it.” Y/N grumbled, pulling the boy ashore and squeezing her long hair and clothes from the water. “Wonderful start.” the boy was pissed off - But the two siblings made their way towards the large wall - On top of it was supposed to be the real Asgard... Or, whatever. On their way, they met up with a boy around Atreus’s age and height, with pretty blond hair and a pretty face, named Skjoldr, before they were to climb all the way up... Up the wall with no end. Awful.

Y/N shot the boy an exhausted and done with life look and began to climb that atrocious wall mountain - Though nothing compared to the climbing of Olympus, it was still tiresome. Actually, the circumstances were similar - At the end of the day, at the top, the Father of the Pantheon was awaiting them. The exact God which they wanted dead. Although it wasn’t an easy climb, Atreus took his mind away from his aching muscles and the fatigue by making conversation about her life as a Greek God. For some reason, in spite of always being curious, he hardly ever asked her or their father about their past lives - It made the girl happy, like they were bonding, and he was also trying to find ways to get in touch with their father.

They were so close - So, so close to reach the top of the wall - Atreus, who was up there, put his hand on the ground and tried to bring himself up, only to have his wrist held into a tight grip. He gasp, alerting his sister, who noticed the mysterious man kneeling. He had blond-grey hair  pulled into various slicked back intricate braids, and the most striking purple eyes. His skin was pale as she’s never seen anyone before and his clothing looked... Noble. With gold embroidered into his pristine white and blue tunic; If he didn’t have that incredibly fake and arrogant smile, he would have looked like the most handsome man that Y/N has ever seen since she last saw Hermes. All men in the North looked harsh, gruff and so incredibly old, they reminded her of her father. But not this stranger.

“Hello.” the man spoke. He had a velvety voice, but it made Y/N worry tenfold. He held the allure of a confident and self-assured man who masked his weaknesses very easily.

“Uh... Hi?” Atreus more asked than stated.  “So.” the stranger meant business. “What part of the enormous wall made you think - Oh! Visitors must be welcomed - ?” he was even dramatically sarcastic. If Atreus’s life wasn’t threatened, Y/N would have found him tragically entertaining. “I was sent for, actually. By Odin.” though the boy spoke the truth, this stranger behaved less than optimal and with an empty dead-pan. “The All-Father sent for you? Ha! Great.” the man took a bite of his crispy red apple. “Then why are you out there, and not in here?” good question, actually. “Trust me, I asked the same thing when we found ourselves plunging into that awfully ice-cold water.” Y/N sighed, her expression aloof and unbothered, yet still having a comedic effect in her tone. “Ah - There’s another one - I almost forgot about you. Why are you here? Same dumb reason?” the stranger asked, watching as the girl pulled herself up slightly, just to nonchalantly place her arms on the ground and lean her chin on her hands, while her feet were dangling playfully - She looked far more unphased than the boy, the stranger noticed, getting mentally alert. “Ah, no, no. Odin had asked for him, not for me. I mostly ended up here through a rather... Unfortunate series of events.” with a bored expression, the stranger let the apple fall on the ground, and it rolled over the edge, breaking the small rock on which Atreus was holding one of his hands. Now, he was merely held onto by the stranger. Y/N was focused, yet maintained her unbothered aura as she hilariously grabbed the apple and bit from it also. It was fresh and sweet, just like the stranger’s subtle facial reactions. She knew very well that, should the stranger throw her brother over just like the apple, she could easily rescue him - And now he was well aware also. “Are you finished?” the blond scoffed dramatically. “Now. What could Odin. All Father. King of the Aesir. Possibly want with the likes of you?” Y/N wanted to know the very answer just as well. “That’s between me and Odin.” Atreus spoke barely.  “You don’t even know, do you?” the man stated, letting an empty chuckle. “If you could pull me up, I--” but the boy was cut off harshly.  “No, I don’t think I will. I think maybe I’ll drop you.” the man spoke, as a matter of fact. Y/N would have actually laughed, should they not have been the subject of his mockery. Were this stranger to denigrate them with a rhyme, he would have been Hermes’s best friend. Atreus started panicking and pleading for him not to drop him off. “Yes, I’m going to drop you. Goodbye~!”  “Wait, wait!” Atreus grabbed onto the man’s arm tightly, making him look down at him, disgusted and offended. “Think how mad the All Father’s gonna be when he -- When he finds out you killed his guest - Loki of the Jotnar?” “The Jotnar?” the resentment for that race was obvious on the man’s visage. “Enemy of my people?" “I am not your enemy.” Atreus made the man with shining eyes groan in disdain and pull him up. Seeing that her brother was alive and well, the girl quickly pulled herself to safety as well with shocking ease. “I will be the judge of that.” the stranger spoke, walking ahead as Y/N helped her brother get up and patted his head.

Y/N didn’t speak for most of the walk - She did not want to give away any of her weaknesses, nor her temper or strategies. Still, she heard Atreus identify the man, thanks to the Gjallarhorn - This Aesir stranger was, in fact, Heimdall. She was amused by how done with life this man was, especially when dealing with her brother’s innocence and naivite - He would call it absolute stupidity though. He claims to be the protector of Asgard, his beloved realm; However, he easily guessed that Atreus was so overly eager to get out of someone’s shadow... The shadow of an overbearing fatherly figure, he says. How very much on point he was. Interesting. He also guessed that he was - Disrespectful. Entitled. Impulsive. On point, for the most part. 

He easily read that Atreus was here, not to save people, but out of his own accord. To lie, manipulate and do bad, all for himself - His selfish desire to prove that he can do good by himself - And save his father. Though Heimdall was taunting the boy for being so arrogant and thinking he was the center of the universe, he wasn’t exactly wrong - Just incredibly cruel with his wording.

“I see you are proficient in reading people. Although you have added your own, personal touch of cruelty to your words - They are, in fact, very correct.” Y/N nodded, seemingly impressed with his guess, indirectly mocking her clueless brother also. “Of course I am correct, silly girl. I just need one single look in your eyes and I already know everything there is to be known about you.” the man snapped at her, though the smirk on his face made it clear he liked the praise. “Is that so? Then, by all means, what is there that you can see about me?” with a small, perfectly contained and relaxed smile, the girl leaned back casually on the wooden railing of the cabin they were travelling in, and willingly averted her eyesight, straight into his own. Her gaze was aloof, yet held with a strong indifference. She was challenging him. Provoking him, Heimdall realised. But how? He could not understand. “You... Are appreciating the colour of my eyes? How mundane. What are you, some silly midgardian girl?” the man scoffed. “Hm... Am I, now?” her smile widened just a little bit - Heimdall knew it was perfectly controlled, and it only irked him more. He looked again, but he felt as if he was looking into a void. This Loki child was like an open book, so easy to read, and even easier to taunt. This one, however, was getting a rise out of him freely. She didn’t look physically strong - In fact, she looked slender and frail - But so did he, and he held the strength of a God, and the mind even better. He was having a very annoying rival, and he could not stand his place being challenged, especially if it was a means to go against Asgard. “You are not of this land.” the girl nodded, approving his statement. “You hold very strong convictions and can be very stubborn. You don’t hold anyone’s opinions in your regard. You are shallow and uncaring. You are manipulative. And...” Heimdall’s purple eyes widened slightly - Atreus could even see his very pale skin turning slightly pink.  “Heimdall - Are you, perhaps, cold?” the girl’s smirk was as cunning as a fox. Heimdall realised that she knew exactly what he was reading off her. It was her who was feeding him the information to speak out loud.  “Why would I be cold? I’m an Aesir, I was born here. This temperature is just right for me.” he snarked at the girl, who pulled off her cloak and approaching him, pulled it on his shoulders, before approaching her face to his own. “Your cheeks are pink.” she whispered into his ear, before taking a sharp turn and returning to her leisure resting place. “You did it on purpose.” he was so bratty now, she was reminded of Atreus and his temper tantrums. How cute. “Very well spotted. Your foresight is truly a force to be reckoned. I am sure Asgard will be very safe with you as its guardian.” her comment made him glare at her - Only for Y/N to demurely hide a soft giggle with her hand. He couldn’t understand this type of behaviour  - Where could she be from? Women of the North were stubborn, impulsive, strong, loud and oftentimes relied on their brawn to get things done - Like every citizen, for the matter. But this slender little waif had the silver tongue of a snake and a coy aura. A woman who uses her brains... But does she also have the brawn? From the way she was holding up the wall, she had to, otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to climb it all. She proposed herself a puzzle. An enigma. And for some odd reason, he wanted to solve it. Was this her plan all along? “Your reason for being here was not an accident.” he stated obviously, snatching the cloak from his shoulders and effortlessly throwing it back to her. “For the most part, it was. My brother had ran away from home. I was worried for his well-being, so I ran after him. I tackled him. We toppled over into the portal door. I did not expect to end up in Midgard - But the ravens found us and teleported us... In the middle of the lake.” she spoke the truth. “You claim to be the protector of your realm - That means its people too. Surely, you would understand what it is like, playing the part of the protector of your family.” she continued. “Family?” the man scoffed with disgust. “My duty is wholly to the All Father.” “Ahh, I see. So you are a very selfish man. You care for your homeland and for your employer, not for anything else that regards it. Is your loyalty towards Odin... Based on the fact that he is the most powerful man, and the ruler of the realms? Or are you truly loyal to his political convictions?” she hummed in amusement. “Are you questioning my devotion to the All Father?” he was getting easily angered. “I am questioning nothing. I am simply curious where your heart lays. Staying isolated, guarding a wall that has probably not seen any intruders in ages, all alone. You must have true devotion to whatever your cause is. Aesir supremacy.” the harsh glare she was met with made her even more entertained. She hoped she would be able to get him angry enough to attack her, soon enough.

Although, as soon as they finished their cabin ride and were down on the other side, on the grassy ground, they reached a lovely rural village... And a saddled beast that Y/N has never seen before. Heimdall seemed so... Kind and genuine with this beast. Loving, in fact. When Atreus commented on how the Aesir taming this animal was almost as impressing as Baldur and his dragon, the man must have felt almost... Offended. “Baldur had the luxury of not caring about being burnt. I out-think them. Dominate them, fair and square.” interesting line, Y/N thought. So one of his powers was his wit.

But her analysing of the stranger came to a halt once Atreus jumped on the beast’s saddle and she realised there might not be another seat for her. “How chivalrous of you, brother. Allowing a lady to walk. Father taught you better.” though she shook her head, she smiled, showing she wasn’t seriously scolding her little brother. “Just get up, there’s enough space for a little thing like you. I don’t need you slowing us down.” the man rolled his eyes and extended his hand, and she gladly took it, hopping to sit between him and Atreus. Smirking in triumph, happy that he could not see her, the girl cheekily reached her arms and snaked them around his torso. “What the hell are you doing?!” he was so alarmed that, upon leaning to the side, she noticed his milky cheeks growing ever pinker. “I do not have what else to hold onto. If I were to fall off, the trip would come to a halt, thus, slowing down. I do not want to be a bother for you, Heimdall.” he had a mind to reach out and wring her neck or just kick her off and pretend he had no idea who she was. Better yet, he had another plan, that may or may not get the both of them killed. He had to test their prowess, first and foremost. He was already aware of the brat’s treacherous intentions, and he was an idiot. The girl was far smarter and cunning - She was the real threat.

Once arrived at the great lodge, Heimdall commanded his mount to act up, sending Atreus flying away, meeting with a painful thud to the ground. Y/N did not. She landed like a cat on her feet, so gracefully and effortlessly that it pissed him even more. “Can you handle them on your own, Atreus?” the girl asked, nonchalantly stepping around, without a care in the world.  “You want me to fight alone?” the boy’s eyes widened in shock, readying his weapon. “A-Alright! Alright!” he started killing away at the Einherjar, until none were left.

Except for the Aesir God himself. He had analysed thoroughly the fight, and he deemed Loki to be hilariously weak. But the girl seemed... Painfully daft. Of course, he knew it was all an act, but for an overprotective sister, as she claims to be, she did not help her brother at all. She just... Skipped around, like a little girl. Why? What was she trying to hide? He had to be very careful around her.

He got off his mount and stepped menacingly towards Atreus. He toyed around with the boy - It was so easy... But his eyes would always dart towards the foreign woman. She was humming a song, crouched to the ground and admiring... A wild flower. What the hell was this? She made no sense. No sense at all. Maybe most of the Aesir he met were just too dumb? Heimdall thought of Thor and Baldur, and he made a mental note - Yes, they were dumb as a log. 

After a string of trips to the young boy, he was ready to kick him to the ground - But unexpectedly, just as his leg was in the air to push him down... He felt a hand gripping his leg, before he saw e/c eyes staring up at him. His cheeks warmed up once more realising that this weird woman had her chest flushed against his own, holding him steady with one hand gripping his floating leg by his thigh, and the other strongly around his waist. “Have you figured out what I am yet?” he has never allowed anyone to touch him before, especially in a fight - How in the Nine Realms did she manage to grapple him like that?! She was on the other end of the court, and now she was so intimately close to him? What the hell was she trying to do? 

Realising that he wasn’t answering, but she could feel his heart beating unusually fast and his brain was so fried from shock that he wasn’t even reacting altogether, Y/N’s smile grew a bit bigger, and she leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I guess not.” but before she could play around more, the crackling of thunder whipped the skies - Both of them realised what it meant. “Shame. I was enjoying your company very much.” she let go of him gently, turning to help Atreus up from the ground. “Great...” Heimdall also growled under his breath, shaking his head to get rid of that unwelcomed blush. How dare that wench attempt something so promiscuous with him? How dare she play around with him like that? He was of noble heritage, but he wasn’t some drunk fuck who did nothing but whore around, like his unfortunate half-brother Thor. He was straight and very much valued his royal God blood with unbent convictions.

As soon as that drunk halfwit arrived on the ground, blocking him from the two intruders and telling him to knock it off, that they truly were Odin’s guests, he wanted to spat between his eyes and throw him off the wall. What a dumb fuck. And he dares call himself an Aesir God. If he could, Heimdall would gut him like a fish. He was nothing but a shame to the Aesir bloodline and the All Father - And thankfully, he knew it very well.

His humiliation only grew more once the dumb oaf told him to look him in the eyes, convince himself with what kind of shameless brutality he was going to stop him from attacking the guests - He was so angry. “You are a sick man.” Heimdall sneered at his half-brother, who looked down at him with a weirdly calm look. Y/N looked again at the ginger haired giant of a man - He was even bigger than their dad, and far wider, evident during that day when they attacked their home. Though dad didn’t want to kill him, Thor was a  worthy opponent. Maybe he wasn’t Zeus, but he wasn’t a weakling either, at least. 

Startling the two new-comers, the pitched screech of crows echoed out of nowhere, and Odin appeared before them, in the same manner they arrived here. “Loki! You made it. I am so honoured. I see you’ve brought your sister with you as well, I am flattered!” the old man walked towards them. “I apologise for the unexpected intrusion. I know you had business with Atreus alone. I am here more or less in the quality of an over-protective sister who, uh...” the girl scratched the back of her head awkwardly. “Who tackled me to the ground, and we stumbled through the portal together.” the boy threw her a shady look, only for her to answer with a feigned innocent smile. “Yes, pretty much!” Odin knew some little girl wouldn’t be able to thwart his plans. “No matter, you are just as welcomed as he is!” how fakely cordial he was. “I see you’ve met Heimdall. He reads minds for me.”  “O, yes, we have met. He is a delight. Are very pretty too!” Heimdall, hearing that, growled under his breath and stomped next to the God. “The boy is false, All-Father. And the girl blocks me from reading her mind.” he spoke, glaring at Y/N. “This young man, WHO IS MY GUEST, is covered in mud. Care to explain?” Odin’s voice was a tad harsh and reprimanding towards the man who meant only to protect him. Heimdall’s face became soft and submissive, and he even did a little courtesy bow in front of the All-Father. “They both mean to betray you!” Odin immediately turned to face the boy, and with a fake gasp, he spoke. “Is that true, Loki? You a little trickster?” Y/N started giggling, very much amused by his act. “Yes, sometimes! When he was younger especially, he used to pull all sorts of cute, little pranks on me!” the girl teased Atreus, who only shot her an offended glare. “Hey, I’m not a child anymore!” darling, him. “I’m just messing around, but your sister seems to have caught on to my act.” Odin waved his hand dismissively at the worried boy. “Of course he means to betray me.” he turned around to face the man, whose expression was absolutely crestfallen at the affirmation. “Heimdall, I’ve given neither of them any reason to trust me... Not yet. But he’s got some very big questions. And I have so many answers to give.” Thor was dismissed, and Heimdall was sent to clean up - The all-seeing Aesir was genuinely concerned for Odin. “But... All-Father...” he tried to whisper, but was shushed immediately by an exasperated old man. “Heimdall -- Sja hvat... Heimdall, will you just relax?” Odin turned to Atreus and Y/N. “Were you two intending on killing me first thing?” the two shook their heads. “See? What - That’s not good enough for you? Get outta here!” Heimdall had the expression of a kicked puppy, as he crossed one arm to his shoulder and bowed his head.  “O, actually - I was wondering if Heimdall had some free time. It is the first time either of us steps in Asgard - I would like to see more beautiful sceneries... If it is not too much too ask.” Heimdall stopped abruptly on the spot, his back turned, and glad that neither of the three could see him cursing under his breath. He wanted to spend exactly no second in the presence of that annoying woman. “But of course! You can ask him anything and he will answer just as well, or even better than I could, for any question you might have. I don’t think there’s anyone in Asgard more qualified to speak of this realm. Heimdall, when she’s done visiting, bring her to her room. I will have someone clean out one for her as well.” Odin ordered, watching the girl pat her brother on the head with a sisterly smile. “Thank you for your kindness - And forgive me again for intruding like that. Have fun, Atreus.” with a lazy peace sign, Y/N skips by Heimdall’s side and smiles innocently. “Wipe that smile off your face already, I know it’s fake.” it only made her hum in amusement. “Why do you want to make my entire existence a living hell? Have I already made you hate me so much that you’ve made your life’s mission to torture me for your whole stay here?” this time, her smile disappeared, and she looked more confused than ever. “Actually - I merely thought you looked upset, and I wanted to ask if you were alright.” she explained in a kind, soothing voice, making the man frown. “Forgive me if I have made you uncomfortable with our previous interactions. If touching is comfortable for you, I will not do so again. Forgive me.” her expression was much softer, and she intentionally looked in his eyes, so he would see personally that she was being genuine. Heimdall scoffed and looked away. “Good. You finally get it.” he mumbled, crossing his arms to his chest as he walks ahead for the girl to follow. “So. Do you really want to see the landscapes, or was that just an excuse to apologise, and I can drop you off and get rid of you already?” he asked, but much to his dismay, her word was true. “I do want to know more about your culture and history. As you said - I am not from this lands. I have moved here awhile ago - In fact, I have been here more than I have been at my own home. Even so, there is not much that I know about your culture, your history, or traditions. Mimir would tell me occasionally, but there is only so much he can say at once.” she explains, making small steps ahead. “Oh, of course, Mimir, the old goat - The ever smart one.” he grumbled, almost as if he was jealous. “Fine then. I will grace you with the knowledge of the great Aesir Gods. However!” he turned abruptly, facing her dangerously close. “You have to tell me where are you from and what you are.”  “That sounds like a fine deal.” she smiled at him as they returned to the cabin car and all the way back down on the other side of the wall. 

It is here that Heimdall showed his passionate side, for once, in the small time frame since they’ve met up. He looked sincerely happy and proud, speaking confidently about the Almighty realm of Asgard, the Aesir bloodline, and their fantastic culture. Most of all, he praised Odin a lot, but Y/N paid no mind to that - She wanted to learn as much as possible about the North in general. Who knows, maybe it will serve as important information for the future.

Who could have thought that the bratty Heimdall could be such great company? If he didn’t play around as being so arrogant and all-knowing all the time, it might serve him well. Still, it seemed obvious that no one that she has met likes this God. The night was already beginning to creep by, so the Aesir escorted the girl back to the lodge. As they got back on the wall, however, it was pitch black, with only the stars and the moon illuminating their way, and torches from the Aesir village. But there was something else as well - 

Y/N turned to get a good look at the gorgeous mountain landscape and the lake in which she had fallen - And then noticed the most breath-taking Aurora in the world. Her jaw was dropped slightly, and her eyes wide in wonder. “This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in my entire life.” she was barely able to make herself speak those words, and she didn’t even hear the blond man stepping next to her, as she was far too stunned and in awe. “Oh, this? It’s like this every night. I guess it’s not as impressive when you see it every day, for centuries.” Heimdall played it cool. “The colours are so vivid. And... They move! The howl of the wind makes it sound like... There are animals up there.” without realising, her hand was already reaching up, as if to touch the flowing lights. “Yeah, well, I guess you wouldn’t know. Up there are the souls of every animal that ever died. It’s not just the wind.” he might have been snappy, but seeing a complete foreigner admiring his home so whole-heartedly made him feel incredibly proud. 

“I wish I could be up there, with them.” she found herself whispering, completely enchanted by the vivid dancing lights of the colourful souls. “If you have a death wish, I can just throw you off the wall.” the man scoffed, turning his back to her. He couldn’t handle looking at her anymore, in fear of admitting to himself that this dangerous stranger was... Ethereal. Her eyes were gleaming with the lights of the Aurora, shining brighter than even his own - And her flawless face adorned with such perfect features... It was highlighted by that innocent and mesmerised emotion that overcame her. He couldn’t... He shouldn’t... He wouldn’t... Admit she was breath-taking, like no other Aesir Goddess he has ever met. “I would not die.” she admitted plainly, almost melancholic. “I always liked animals for than people. They are far easier to deal with. And they do not make assumptions based on silly criteria.” the girl muttered, feeling her heart almost vulnerable before the very display of natural art. “Said the girl flirting with me the whole day.” Heimdall rolled his eyes, not wanting to spend any more time around her. “Come on, stop staring, tomorrow is another night for this. I’m too tired to deal with you anymore.” he grabbed her arm and dragged her along to the cabin, guiding her to her new room, pointing to the kitchen along the way.  “Thank you for having patience with me today. I know I have ruined your work day, but I deeply appreciate spending this day with you. May you have the sweetest dreams tonight, Heimdall.”  the man simply gritted his teeth in annoyance and left the place - He truly needed a drink. He could not stand this woman and that overly fake facade of hers. How can she piss him off the whole day, then act so stupidly diplomatic and courteous, as if he actually had to forgive her? Stupid woman and her stupid feminity and compassion... And honesty.

Y/N was admiring her new, temporary room and putting everything in place, before her stomach growled. It wasn’t often that she felt hungry or sleepy to begin with - But the warmth of this room took its toll on her. She exited her chambers and went to look for the kitchens to get something to eat and some water - Which she did not find, but wine, she did. Not the best, but not the worst. Better than the bitter ale, at least.

All Gods and others were drinking and being loudly cheery inside the large room - But Y/N didn’t feel comfortable around such a thunderous dinner, so she went to search for another room, hopefully more quiet and... Alone, rather. She would have preferred not to eat in her own room - It was bad manners, especially as she was a guest - But she would do so, if need be. 

Leaning on a wall, alone, and with a large draft mug in his hand, Y/N unexpectedly found the Foresight God in the empty dining room. “Huh? Are you trying to make friends now?” Heimdall snapped at the girl, who looked curious at him, like a little fawn.

“Why are you all alone?” the man gritted his teeth, picking up on the pitying tone. “Here to interrogate me, then? Are you, perchance - Pitying me now? Feeling bad for me, for seeking peace of mind, amongst all these cretins?” he seemed awfully defensive of his choice. “Not quite.” she spoke, placing her tray on the table. “I, also, do not feel comfortable with such a booming and... Forgive my wording, but ‘vulgar’ crowd. I appreciate my quiet time.” the lady explained, seemingly sympathetic.  “I just thought you looked - Lonely.” she admitted. “The other room is far too loud for me. You can join me at the table, if you wish. Standing up while drinking cannot be comfortable.” The man rolled his eyes and scoffed, but ultimately, after much deliberation, he slammed down his mug opposite of her - He still wanted to try and read her mind.  “Lonely, she says. LONELY! Gods don’t get lonely, that’s ridiculous.” he looked into her eyes, but he could see absolutely nothing. “What, you disagree?” he snarked at her, and she nodded her head. “I get lonely sometimes.” she spoke lucidly. “Do not misunderstand me - I love my family and our new friends... But sometimes, I do wish I could... Stray away, just a tiny bit. Meet new people, socialise... And whatever it is that people our age are supposed to do. I... Am not quite sure.” she explained so casually, that Heimdall almost didn’t pick up on the implication at first. “Wait. You mean to say - You’re a God.” she nodded. “You.” again, she nodded. “A. God.” he was flabbergast. “No. No way. I don’t believe you.” “I am more of a God than you are.” the girl smirked and reached out her hand to drink some of the wine - Only to choke and put it back. How ridiculous and anti-climatic. “Urgh. This is so bitter. Are you people against sweet drinks? Or water, in general? Are you afraid of rusting?” with a groan, Heimdall snatched her goblet and left the room, only to later return with a whole flagon of nicely cold water, which he poured for her.  “Happy now?” seeing the girl enjoy the water so happily, he rolled his eyes with a disgusted look. “You are SO useless.” “Why do you not believe me when I say I am a God?” she asked, drinking more water. “Thank you for going out of your way to bring me water, by the way. I appreciate it.” she smiled at him gratefully - Oh, how he wanted to wipe that stupid smile away. “Because you simply cannot be a God! Look at you - You’re a dumbass! You are frail, you have no remarkable powers, and you’re not smart either. There’s nothing special about you!” he insulted the girl, who mocked him by pretending to think. “I may not be special, but somehow, you cannot read my mind. And I caught you off-guard multiple times.” it only angered the man. “You are just doing some stupid little trick that I can’t guess yet, that’s all. Nothing witty.” he tried to reason. “Do you want me to tell you my trick, then?” she asked, leaning her jaw on her palm. “What - You think I’m incapable of detecting some cheap tricks?” she shrugged. “I did not mean to offend you, Heimdall.” she said, once again, watching the man scoff and hit the back of his chair, sprawling himself over it. What a terminally capricious man. “You’re as fake as it gets. At least that stupid little giant boy is more honest.” he grumbled menacingly. “Atreus was born and raised here. I was not. For me, the way I speak, is a customary way of showing respect, especially for a stranger. Where I come from, everyone speaks this way. I suppose the rules of communication are more lax and friendly around here.” Y/N explained, sighing - It was times like this that she truly missed home. “You are here - That means you have to act like us.” she did not reply. “Did you hear me?!” “I will not change who I am, just to appease your unsavoury childish behaviour.” her tone changed to a more deadpan one. It was solemn, but authoritarian. It shocked the man. “Listen here, you --” but he was cut off. “Does it bring you joy? Being such a cunt?” the man’s jaw dropped to the floor with offense, only amplified by the dignified woman using such foul language addressed to him. “Forgive me - Did not expect just an obscene word, did you? I hate cursing, but you are extremely deserving of that title.” she said, with a clear sharp edge. “So - Does it bring you joy? Being so awful that nobody in Asgard can stand you? Or perhaps this was your goal all along - Alienating anyone, being the laughingstock of Asgard, being used as a tool by the one you worship - Because that is the only thing you are good for?” she stared deeply into those beautiful, glowing purple eyes of his - They looked exactly like the Aurora on the sky, she realised. “How dare you assume such things? You have been here less than a day, and you think you know everything? Who do you think you are?” he rose from his chair, slamming his hands on the table. “A Goddess of Olympus.” she did not raise - Instead, she straightened her back and looked straight at him. She was giving him what he needed - But he had no idea how to take it. “Why the FUCK can’t I read your mind, damn it?!” he yelled at her. “I can see what people really are. I can read people - I can smell their lies, their deceit, their intentions. I see them lying to the world, and even themselves - And sometimes, they don’t even know they’re doing it themselves!” he stepped from behind the table right next to her - He grabbed her arm and dragged her up to his level. “So why is it that I can’t read as stupid little girl like you?” “It is not that you cannot - You can. It is that I have not allowed you to peer into my mind.” she explained simply. “The simple fact that I allowed you to see into my mind, but showed you only silly things, meant that I can play with you at my will.” her closed-eyed smile was oh so very annoying. “HOW?!” he shouted at her - But she looked even more devious than a fox. “Would that not destroy the trick, then? It is far too simple, actually. I would say, if people had the wit, they could even do so themselves. Alas, most people do not... Or cannot. It requires a certain training and strength of mind. But I have just the right discipline instilled into me, to accomplish such a facile thing.” she spoke to him. “I hate you.” the blond spat in anger. “I hope the All-Father sees how much of a menace you are and kills you already. I would have killed you long ago, but I will respect his orders.” he pushed her back into the chair, seething between his gritted teeth. “That is quite the pity - I was enjoying your company greatly. I suppose your style is... Old men who use you for your powers, but do not like you and would kill you at the drop of the hat should your use be removed.” the man looked at her with absolute dread. “Do you want to see into my mind, then? No tricks? I shall allow you.” and she did - And once the man had access to her mind, his expression changed, and he looked distraught. He took a step back, and then another, before he looked away in annoyance; His rage was dissipated, and only a dark, foreboding feeling took over. “So you don’t care about anything around you, as long as your family is safe. Boring. You’re not even here to deceit or betray - You just don’t care at all, do you? You just... Are. That’s it. You just - Exist. Nothing more, nothing less.” the girl nodded in affirmation. “Gosh, you’re boring as hell.” she nodded once more. “Whatever. You’ve annoyed me enough. I will leave now.” the man spoke. “Beware the one who pretends to be your friend.” she warned, but the blond man had already stormed off, probably to drink his anger away at his home, close to the wall, and far away from the Lodge and all its inhabitants.

Y/N sighed and looked down at her light meal - It would have been nicer if she still had company, but it seems that no matter where she goes, she manages to push people away from her. Was it because she has different opinions from these people? Or because they are supposedly fated enemies? Who knew. Either way, she hurried to finish her dinner, not feeling comfortable in this place filled with Aesir Gods that would attempt to kill her - Maybe - With the first chance they got.

Even so, she had to think of a way to apologise to Heimdall - Not that she thought she was wrong, per se - She never did like Odin, and thought him incredibly fake ; Moreover, he was incredibly harsh and rude to the Foresight haver, she’d even go so far to say it was unnecessarily mean. Y/N hoped that, somehow, some day, she would be able to get through Heimdall’s shell and make him see again, for he blinded and deluded himself into thinking he is cherished by the All Father, when in fact, he is worth less than dirt, and would have been thrown off the Wall, were it not for his ability. He wasn’t an unexpendable asset to Odin - He was as replaceable as any other pawn in his army. Y/N liked him though. She was able to see the hurt in his eyes, whenever he was being undermined by Odin and even Thor. He did have a heart and the brains, but only if he would actually use them, he could see the truth before his very eyes.

The next day, however, she had no time to go to Heimdall and have a good talk, for the All Father had personally come to her to tell her of a mission, and whether she would like to join - Of course, she would have refused, were it not for both Atreus and Heimdall joining, and not only them, but Thor’s own daughter, Thrud. As far as she understood, their destination was the freezing Helheim - Not exactly the best place for a date - Alas.

She was the third to arrive down in the cellar or whatever it was that served as Odin’s study and work room, and she lazily waved at the two - Thrud was just a little bit taller than Atreus, and she seemed to be just his age. How cute! “My, little brother, I didn’t realise you moved so fast! You are becoming a ladies’ man, just like our dad!” the girl chuckled leisurely, patting the boy’s head, only for him to blush deeply and push her away. “What the hell are you on about?!” he glared at her like a little brat, which only made his sister laugh more.  “Ah, to be young and in love~” Thrud also seemed to be taken aback with embarrassment by the comment, for she immediately pushed the Greek Goddess who was not expecting such a reaction, and due to her much slender built, she stumbled on her feet. “Don’t tease us like that!” Thor’s daughter yelled at her, only to see Heimdall extending his arm casually to catch the falling Goddess. “Ah, yes, what a privilege, having to play the baby-sitter role for a bunch of stupid children.” he sighed and rolled his oh so beautiful purple eyes. “What a lovely surprise, Heimdall!” Y/N smiled sweetly at him, not bothering to get up from his arms. “You knew I would join the mission.” he, too, glared at her, just like everyone else present. “It still is wonderful seeing you!” he let her fall to the ground with a painful thud. “That... Was not as lovely.” “Alright, time to go. Before I forget - You don’t wanna walk into the blistering cold of Helheim without this.” Odin said, as soon as Y/N jumped back to her feet. “Efri-la.” he put a spell on them, which made them forever warm whilst marching through the freezing hell. “Should keep you nice and toasty. You’re welcome.” “Huh. Mimir said even Odin couldn’t survive the cold in Helheim...” Atreus pointed out. “You believe everything that old goat says?” Heimdall snarked at him immediately, creating an awkward silence, save for the croaking ravens surrounding them. “Thrud, too bad your first time outside Asgard has to be Helheim...” he spoke in an almost upset voice. “Nah! We’re gonna make the most out of this!” she exclaimed with enthusiasm and a thirst for adventure. “Now, as much as I would love to babysit, I have something else to do for the All Father. If you run into any trouble, just scream so I know where to find your bodies.” the man disappeared without a trace. “Nobody dies on my watch, it is quite alright. You, children, have your fun.” Y/N spoke in a soft voice, motioning to the boy to go ahead and start his mission. Atreus never really had the chance to make friends, or even experience the beauty of developing a crush - Hopefully, he enjoys this playground date.

Not once did she bother to speak up, instead opting for making her presence unremarked, and allowing the two kids to speak at their own leisure, without feeling hindered by an adult. She didn’t even bother trying to convince Thrud of Odin’s treacheries and corruption. She was far too stuck up and indoctrinated, though not much different than Heimdall himself. It was going to be a tough job trying to get through any of them, anyway.

And even when Atreus wanted to liberate the huge wolf, she was by his side, though she had no idea why it was even chained to begin with. Surely something bad was going to happen. The magic mask was glowing no more, and Thrud was very abruptly turning on Atreus. As soon as they arrived back at the meeting place, however, they saw mauling marks... In the air... As if the wolf had torn and scratched apart the realm itself. Y/N stepped in front of it and tried to touch it - It had a rough texture. How very weird. “You absolute, unqualified MORON!” Heimdall’s voice boomed out of nowhere. He was pissed. Really pissed, not just annoyed as back then when Y/N was flirting with him. This time, things were royally fucked. “You know that thing tears holes between realms, right?” that explained everything - No wonder he was so angry - Odin was going to count him as the responsible one for this mess. “Well, I suppose I should expect nothing less... From half-breeds.” Atreus tried to shoot back, but was ultimately hit in the knee and made to kneel on the ground. “I will call you whatever I like, junior.” his voice was but a whisper, yet a threatening, malicious one. “Leave him alone. It was a mistake.” Thrud tried to defend the boy bravely, but was immediately taunted.  “No! The mistake was allowing you to think that you’re ready.” It was the first time that Y/N heard the Aesir God yell - It was almost scary. She did not like it. “You helped him, didn’t you?” there was silence, as the two had an intense staring showdown. “What side are you on... Guppy?” “Try me and find out.” there was almost an earie sense of self-confidence that gave Thor’s daughter power - But it was all a feint.  The blond man put his hands back and stepped away, laughing tauntingly at her. “And what are YOU going to do, exactly?” he asked, easily stepping away from a jump kick from the young girl. “You see - Everyone takes it easy on you because they are afraid of your father. I am not. That fat, drunken utter piece of trash!” every comment on her father provoked the daughter even more - She rushed with a sloppy barrage of left and right hooks to his head, but they were far too easily dodged, and she was ultimately pushed away.  “HEY!” Atreus jumped in front of the girl, only to be pushed aside with incredible ease. “AGAIN!” Thrud challenged the Foresight God, who was outright humiliating the two weaklings. “Yes, yes. The dumb does not fall far from the tree.” he did a mock courtesy before her. “Very well, then. Give me your best shot.” Thrud charged headfirst, trying to land a punch, but was side-stepped and tripped to the ground. “You have a LOT to learn, little girl. Starting with - Who your family is... And who it is not.” he crouched before her laying form, and she sneered up at him. “Just wait until I’m a Valkyrie.” she was seething with anger at being so disrespectfully easily defeated. “Ha! Haha...! Oh. You really believe the All Father would allow that to happen?” the man sighed, putting his hands together. “Please, do not let this little weasel feed you delusions any longer.” Y/N had no idea why she wouldn’t be allowed to become a Valkyrie - Didn’t the Norse value them, and considered them some of the strongest fighters? Or was it because Thrud was far too young and inexperienced? “Y/N, DO SOMETHING!” Atreus called out to his sister, who watched Thrud shriek loudly “ENOUGH!” and become self-afflicted with little rays of thunder around her, mirroring her father. Y/N sighed, and before Thrud could get close to Heimdall, Y/N got between them and with her powers, slapped away both Thrud and Atreus into the wall harshly, using a basic back-slap, the only way of not showing off any strength to Heimdall, but also, as a pure Olympian Goddess, her powers were to be reckoned with. “I meant against that jerk, not us! Whose side are you on?!” her brother growled at her. “For how long are you two going to behave like petulant children?” she asked, sighing and shaking her head. “You are pathetic. Father trained you better than this.” she had to admit she was disappointed in the weakness that her pampered up and spoiled, entitled little brother displayed in this mocking of a fight. Heimdall stepped in front of her, looking down at her with a doubtful expression. Did she try to... Protect him? Shield him from that laughable attack? Surely, she wouldn’t dare underestimate him, would she? “I do not need your protection - And if you think you can feign your allegiance --”  “I am not. And I was not protecting you - You are perfectly capable of doing that yourself.” her answer was edged and curt, and she seemed unlike her jovial self from before. “I have told you before - You speak the truth, yet you add your own sense of cruelty to your words. Heimdall, you have long since proved your aptitude and strength to me, thus I have no reason to doubt you would easily be able to kill these two in the blink of an eye.” the girl scoffed, side-eying the two children groveling pitifully on the ground, defeated and woeful. “I was not protecting you - I was protecting them.” she admitted simply. “They still have lifetimes to learn. This encounter should serve as a lesson for these two. Alas, they just fail to understand that even provoking is a sense of training. Discipline allows you to see past that, and focus transforms your rage into strength.” she explained sternly. Heimdall huffed to himself, stepping away from her, and though he hated to admit, this wisdom of hers... He could agree with it. She was... Annoyingly right, in the most objective way possible. However, Heimdall also realised, this wisdom came with the painful price of loneliness and an empty void that could never be filled. She was strong, just like he was - And people around just weren’t ever enough to satisfy them. “If you’re acting so smart, why didn’t you stop them from creating such a mess?” he asked, leaning back on a pillar. His anger dissipated, and instead, curiosity washed over him. “Simply because I had no idea what that wolf represented.” she shrugged. “Men must live with the consequences of their own actions. It was the three of us that liberated the wolf, thus, it falls to us to either shackle it once more, or destroy it, before it destroys us. It is that simple.” her answer was passive and cold, allure, as if she was not addressing people, but speaking into the wind. She knew she was capable of solving this mess by herself, the Aesir realised, much to his dismay - She was confident in her abilities. They say - Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true King - And she was the best example of that; Fear the foe who doesn’t brag, but instead, remains quiet as the late, and focused like a predator aiming for their prey. “Oh, great. It’s like I’m having father with me again. I asked for my sister, not my father!” Atreus whined, giving Y/N the stink eye. “If I were to give in to every provoking sent my way, I would have either been long dead, or left the Earth with no more population. Remember, however, that if you choose to answer with violence, you must asses the situation and know that you are capable of defeating your opponent. In your case, neither of you can win against Heimdall, so, if he wanted to, he could have easily killed you long ago. Lucky you.” it was clear that neither of the younger ones was liking her statement - In fact, her brother especially was very bothered by it. “You and father are the same! Don’t bother preaching to me that you’re not the favourite child, or that you both love me, when you scold me like this.” the boy huffed in annoyance, getting back to his feet. “What - Nothing more to say now?” “I have nothing more to say to you.” Y/N closed her eyes, crossing her arms to her chest. “To think that mommy dearest would scold her little ducklings, how amusing. You toddlers are so... Boring.” Heimdall clapped mockingly at the two. “Now then, if you are finished throwing your little tantrum, we should go, because I cannot wait to watch you explain this mess to the All Father. Oh, it’s going to be glorious!” Heimdall called for the raven to teleport them back to Odin’s study - But he wasn’t there. They went up to Odin’s study in the lodge, listening to more of Heimdall’s scrutiny. “Loki of the Jotnar. I am haunted by your incompetence. It keeps me up at night. No, seriously! I-I-I find the hues and shades of your shortcomings almost moving.” the Aesir was almost shaking with laughter. “If we could only somehow harness your uselessness, we could fuel this entire city!” Y/N wanted to laugh so dearly, remembering how funny Hermes’s shady comments were. She missed Hermes.

When they got to the All Father, he sent Atreus to his room, whilst Heimdall remained to speak of his own mission with his master. Seeing that she had nothing more to do here, she went out to sit by the Wall, dangling her feet and looking up at the sky, a the clouds passing by. It was approaching evening, and the otherwise clear azure sky was rapidly turning all kinds of shades and colours of every palette existent to mankind. She missed home dearly, but the beauty of the North was truly ethereal.

Time passed by, and she was all alone save for the crickets playing their tune, and the breeze going through her long locks as she watched the Aurora, with as much peace and joy as before. No matter how much she gazed at it, she couldn’t get enough of its beauty. It was a soothing atmosphere, and watching the lapse between hours and the sky’s colours changing so radically was bringing her perfect harmony. Watching the sky from the very top of Mount Olympus was gorgeous, but adding the Northern Lights and the twinkling silver stars only made things even more special.

“Mommy dearest is all alone, surrounded by enemies. She has no idea her little duckling had abandoned her.” the mocking voice of Heimdall disturbed the peace, making Y/N casually lean her head back to look at him. “I must have really upset him earlier. I try to understand him - Both myself and father - But he is different from what we were as children. Our education was tough growing up, and discipline was instilled into us since birth. Everything was lax for him. It is not easy. It is too bad that he does not want to understand our differences.” she shrugged simply, shifting her gaze back to the sky. “I never truly understood adolescence.” “Then leave. Go back home. Nobody asked you to cross the whole realm like a martyr.” he hopped down next to her - Though he was mocking, he wasn’t as aggressive as before. Y/N could even say he was being... Friendly. “I asked to leave.” she admitted in a whispery voice. “My mother died in childbirth. I... Never thought that Gods could die of something like this. I was still a child. Father was not home. My mother went into labour, but she was suffering from fetal dystocia. I tried to get the baby out, but it did not work. I had to kill her. Carve her belly open and extract that... Thing.” she spoke in a bitter voice, shifting her sight back towards the aurora - Her eyes was unfocused and glossy, and her voice was empty, yet dripping with unspoken sadness. “I was holding that thing in my arms, and I tried to use my powers to heal her. The wound did heal, but she would not answer. I raised my head to see her, to tell her she can hold her baby, but she still did not answer. The baby wasn’t screaming either. I think it was stillborn. I do not know to this day. I had ripped it apart in my anger. When father came home, he saw me brushing her hair. I was unresponsive for a long time. I told him I will not spend another day in Greece. We went to Egypt, and then, the Gods guided us up here, North. Dad married Faye, had Atreus, his wife died... Again.” she sighed softly, a bitter smile on her face, so different than the otherwise calculated and calm composure of hers. “And that silly little boy cannot accept that there are far worse things in life than a life lesson or a scolding. Maybe he will - Someday - But until then...” she let her voice trail on into the night. “You did not tell this story to anyone before. Why me? I’m not your friend.” he snapped his head to her, scanning her features attentively. She was as gorgeous as always, but for some off reason, her melancholy made Heimdall’s frozen heart... Shiver. “But I do like you.” she spoke so casually, that even Heimdall could see the truth in her intent. “You are being ridiculous.” he watched her shrug. “I mean it. You are weird!” she didn’t seem to change her mind at all, and it was truly terrifying the lonesome blond. “I keep pushing you away - I insult you, I berate you, I taunt and mock you - I GENUINELY CANNOT STAND TO EVEN LOOK AT YOU!” even raising his tone didn’t work - Looking into her eyes, he could see the same answer. She was being honest. “You have NO reason to enjoy my company!” he exclaimed, frustrated with her stubbornness. “So?” he raised his eyebrows at her. “You cannot change how I feel.” “You are wasting your time.” she said nothing. “Gosh, you are annoying! Your brother is much more fun with how easily he gets triggered.” “I have too many centuries behind me to get irked by silly things like that. Back in Greece, I was very close to my mother’s best friend. His name is Hermes. He is a lot like you. Fast, witty, smart... Has the funniest and snarkiest comments about everyone.” the man watched her shoot him a playful smile. “So I’m the Aesir replacement of your long lost drunk uncle. Great. What a privilege.” he did not expect to hear a soft chuckle from her. “If you are trying to compliment me, you are failing miserably, just so you know.” “Forgive me. I just find you presence to be very endearing. And you are also very pretty. It adds to your charm.” he scoffed and looked away, his porcelain cheeks pained with the colour of pink peonies. “And your blush is even prettier on your pale skin. It brings out your beautiful eyes.” Heimdall’s arms caged the girl, slamming his palms on either side of her and getting close to her face, a frown painted. “Will you stop this stupid act already?!” Y/N, realising they were so close she could feel his breath on her skin, simply smiled demure. “You know it is not an act by the way you look at me.” the endearing smile did not disappear even once. “As far as I remember, it was you who did not want to be touched - Yet here you are, invading my privacy. Do you wish for a little kiss?” his eyes widened in surprise, especially as he could read the truth in her eyes. He tried to shift back to his seat on the wall, but in his flurry, he slipped and fell onto the girl, who was giggling like a little girl. “If you wanted a hug, you should have just asked. I, also, have not had one in a few centuries.” her hand reached to pat his head, before her arms engulfed him into a tight embrace, laying down over her smaller body. She could feel the way his heart was beating so fast against his chest. “You are SO insufferable!” his tone raised as he got rose to his forearms, looking down at the serene looking girl. It had taken quite a few seconds to process what was happening - Never once had Heimdall been embraced before, let alone feel his heart pounding against his chest. He felt physically sick for allowing himself such a vulnerable few moments of weakness. “Can’t you just wipe that annoying smile off your face for once?!” Instead, she rose just slightly and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Lighten up, pretty boy.” he stared at her, speechless, for a few moments, before he ran away, leaving Y/N to stare up at the starry sky, her amused smile never once leaving her face. For a man who loves to trash talk people, he sure was easy to fluster.

Still, being in that great lodge, surrounded by enemies, sure was the closest thing to frightening that she’s had to feel in a while. Somehow, though, she managed to fall asleep - At least for that night. The next day, however, people in the village seemed to be preparing for something akin to a festivity, long tables everywhere, lots of food, and even more drinks - In fact, so much ale that Y/N suspected the Aesir had an ale river. She had no idea, nor did she care about the event, but as soon as evening struck, everyone was outside, gathered around the huge bonfire. Some were singing, some were dancing, many were eating and everyone was drinking.

Y/N, too, went outside with a goblet of sweet wine, but even sitting on a log away from the festivity earned glares from the Aesir - Sif and Thrud especially - So she went even farther away, into the forest, at the bottom of a tree, watching the merriment of everyone. It was almost... Endearing. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, though drunk as all hell. Y/N sighed, thinking back to the grand banquets in Olympus, and at how drunk Dionysus was, trying to balance his cup on his manhood, or the many mischievous pranks she would pull with Hermes. She loved dancing... But she did not know dances of the North, nor any song. “You pitiful thing, all alone, rejected by everyone around.”  Heimdall sat down next to her, glaring at the people in front of him as he drank ale from his large draft mug. He had brought a whole carafe of sweet wine for the girl also. How considerate of him. “Sif made it clear I am not welcomed. I know my place, I do not want to dampen the mood and ruin the fun for everyone.” she clinked her goblet to his mug. “Cheers.” “Sif is a stuck up stick in the mud. Nobody likes her, and she likes nobody.” the man scoffed, getting more comfortable, leaning on the tree. For some reason, he felt oddly calm and at ease around this missy. “Why are you here anyway? It’s an Aesir festivity.” “I have not gone to such an event in a very long time. I had hoped that I would remember the times of Greek festivities. In my country, hospitality is everything. The host always goes out of his way to make the guest comfortable and welcomed.” she spoke, leaning her head down. “I suppose I have overstepped my welcome here. Had I known, I would have left with Atreus.” “Who cares about these guys? They are all a bunch of idiots. They need to get shit-faced drunk all the time to even stand one next to the other. They’re all a bunch of fake dumbasses. Why do you think I never bother with any of them?” he scoffed once again, revealing why he purposely isolates himself from his peers - None were worth his time; Likewise, why should he waste time with idiots who pretend to like each other, yet would spare no second to backstab at the first opportunity. “Do you never get lonely? Watching people being happy and having friends - Without you?” the girl asked, once again, emotionally vulnerable. “I used to sing and dance with everybody - However, I do not know the dances, the songs, nor the people.” “Ahh, you and your out-dated beliefs! How utterly ridiculous.” they stood quiet for a while, expecting for Y/N to retort - But nothing. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re seriously wanting to join them!” once again, she was silent. “Oh, for Asgard’s sake - You piss me off.” with a groan, Heimdall rose to his feet, putting his mug down on the grass. He extended his hand to the girl, though he looked away. “What are you waiting for? Get up already.” Confused as she was, Y/N, too, placed down her goblet and gingerly placed her hand over his, being helped up. He guided her a little farther away into the forest, and then stopped. He stood in front of her and looked down at her, still for a few seconds. Now that he allowed himself a few moments of respiro, he was able to admire the woman before him properly. He couldn’t believe himself, thinking that an enemy was so beautiful - Luscious pink lips and her velvety long hair, her sun-kissed skin, and those sparkling gemstone eyes. “What are you doing?” “Keep quiet and follow my lead.” he reached out to hold her other hand as well - It was so delicate and soft, unlike the skin of most of the women here, who were harshened by fighting. “You’re being stiff as a fence. Relax already. I thought you said you were a great dancer.” “Not such kinds of dances.” the girl’s crystalline hum of amusement sounded like a lullaby to his ears. “You are very good at dancing, Heimdall.” “Of course I am. I am a noble Aesir God.” he huffed, his face reddening lightly. “At least you’re getting better.” “I have a great teacher.” she smiled so sweetly at him - Nobody ever was this nice to him before, and he hated to admit, but every time he looked into her eyes, he could see she was beingtruthful. There was also the case of her faking it, of which he was truly terrified, but somehow, for some reason, a part of him wanted to believe that she was sincere. “It goes without saying.” even now, he was being patronisingly condescending, yet his heart was feeling... At ease. Light, even.

Then, they spoke no more. With every move, they would not shift their gaze away from each other’s eyes. With every twirl, their fingers remained intertwined. And each time, their bodies would get closer and closer, until they were flushed together. The faint sound of music guided them, but Heimdall’s humming was all that Y/N was paying attention to - His voice soothingly low and caressing of one’s soul. It was cold outside, yet they felt none of the harshness of the wind, for the dance of two hearts was keeping them as warm as the blazing hearth.

Time had passed at an uncertain pace, but it did not matter. Both Heimdall and Y/N had formed a bond they had never experienced before, nor expected. The most unlikely of persons were joining together, despite how different their beliefs and thoughts are, and at least for the night, they were now just two normal people, all alone and content with the other’s presence.

The night had ended and dawn had arrived, and only when the first ray of the warm morning Sun caressed their skins, did they begrudgingly stop dancing together, and returned to their own rooms to rest. Though the Aesir had other duties, guarding the Wall, Y/N was able to catch some well deserved sleep.   Afternoon went by like a breeze in Spring, and night formed again - Yet the night, she was denied, for Thor had torn her door from its hinges, his hammer at the ready and sparkling with his thunder power, threatening her for sleeping in the old room of one of his deceased sons. Were it not for her speed, jumping out of the window, she might as well have been bludgeoned to death by that hammer of his. Thankfully, she was able to make her lucky escape, to Heimdall’s own cabin. It was the dead of night when she knocked on his door. 

Once he answered the door, Y/N had a good look at him - Hair down, long and in golden waves, and dressed only in a long tunic of perfect quality, yet he did not seem to have been sleeping. “What. The hell. Are you doing here.” he asked, in disbelief. “What, did you have a nightmare and couldn’t go to daddy for comfort?” “In a way, yes.” Heimdall’s eyes widened and his mouth was slightly agape. “If you count Thor wanting to kill me, a nightmare, then yes, I did have a night terror, and quite the frightening one. I admit, I would rather not awaken to the sound of the door being pried open like that, and the crackling of thunder next to my ear.” she chuckled, a bit uneasy, only to see the man getting off the door frame and gesturing her to get inside. “What the hell has gotten into that half-wit?” Heimdall sneered. “Has he forgotten the All Father had forbidden all from harming you and that brother of yours?” “I think he was drunk. He seemed to be slurring and mumbling about his dead son.” she explained, sitting on the table. “Ah, yes, those useless brain dead idiots, Magni and Modi. They were a waste of space anyway. Leave it to Thor to lose it after every ale draft, just because Sif talks his ear off. If it weren’t for her, he’d just plague the tavern all day and night long.” the man rolled his eyes, before taking a look at her. “And you’re in the same clothes as yesterday.” “Not the most comfortable to sleep in, but the best I had.” blinking, the Foresight haver groaned, going to his wardrobe and throwing one of his pristine tunics at her head.  “Go change already.” she was wearing a bashful grin on her face, skipping to his own bedroom to change into the tunic. When she returned, she had done a little twirl - Heimdall couldn’t stare away from her. “It reminds me of the tunics from my own home. It is so comfortable and beautiful. Thank you, Heimdall.” why did his clothes look so well on her? And why did her bare legs look so beautiful? “Whatever. I’m going to read. Go sleep already.” he huffed, grabbing his book before getting into the armchair next to the fireplace. “Will you not join me tonight? It is quite late.” she spoke, plopping on the bed. “Besides, it is rude manners to hog one’s bed.” “You see - Unlike most of these disgusting half-wits, I do not go around, sleeping with women I am not married to. I have my own self-respect, you know?” the man huffed, hiding his face behind the book. “Well, perhaps one day.” she hummed with amusement, before getting in bed and covering herself with the warm blanket. “Sweet dreams, Heimdall.”

But the man did not answer, nor did he read. Instead, he made the mistake of allowing his mind to wander off far too much, once again, without meaning to. He wanted to see the girl before him, wearing a beautiful, rich dress, and on her head, a golden circlet, which he would remove, and in its place, a bridal crown of flowers, wood, and so many crystals and ornaments, to highlight her long and beautiful hair even more.. They would exchange swords and rings, and at the end, they would dance, and sing, and play games, and... No, that didn’t sound quite right. He couldn’t care less for these people, he didn’t want to bother with all these poor excuses who called themselves Aesir Gods. He hated them all, and they all hated him in turn. Why should they experience the beauty of this woman in all her glory? They wouldn’t understand. They wouldn’t be happy for him. They were all pathetic. They didn’t deserve him. They didn’t deserve them.

Heimdall let down his book and his eyes gazed upon the resting form of the girl that was in his bed. She was already fast asleep. What the hell was in Thor’s head, threatening her and scaring her like that? Oh, wait, that’s right. Nothing. His head is as empty as a hollow barrel. Fantastic. And to think they are half-brothers. Remarkable how one could turn so tragic, while another so perfect. He definitely took after his Giant mother...

Without realising, he was tempted into resting as well. He would only be lying down on the bed, nothing more. And so he did. On his side of the bed, far away from the girl, he rested his head on the pillow and shut his eyes, relaxing to the crackling of the firewood burning. He turned his head to the side, and watched the Greek Goddess cuddling that pillow to dear life, sleeping so peacefully. How silly. How utterly adorable and frail. She was so beautiful that Heimdall couldn’t help but reach out his hand and brush away the stray strand of hair from her face, caressing her soft cheeks with the back of his fingers.

But then, as he kept gazing at her so lovingly, she started to shift, and she was now facing him - And not only that, instead of the pillow, she was now clinging dearly to his own body, her form half-draped over his own as she cuddled into him. “Hey - What are you doing?! Get off already! You are being improper --” he whisper-yelled at the girl, trying to pry her off, but her strength was remarkable, even in her sleep. With a curse, Heimdall relaxed himself in that embrace, watching as Y/N nuzzled her face to his neck like a little kitten. Her breath was warm on his skin, and her embrace was tight around his body. He... Actually felt... So good. It felt like a blissful dream. He had never slept with anyone in his bed before, not like this. Sure, he might have had his way with some women, at some point, but not in his bed, and he did not stay the night with them. They weren’t worthy of his presence like that.

But he now felt so... Calm. So... At peace. He did not even realise he was playing around and caressing her beautiful hair, sprawled everywhere on the bed. Sighing, he resigned himself. He kissed the top of her head and cursed himself. What had he become? A prey to a woman’s sweet words and beautiful face. In the face of aversion, however, how would he react? And, most of all, would he fall to her convincing words and sad puppy eyes, or will he continue fighting for Odin, blind and deaf, as always?

Heimdall couldn’t sleep the whole night - Or, rather said, he did not want to sleep. He wanted to stay awake throughout the night, and enjoy the girl’s presence as much as possible. There probably won’t be any more opportunities like this one coming round. The war was brewing and bubbling up, soon to spill over. It was only his horn that kept Ragnarok at bay. For how long? No one knew.

The only thing he knew at the moment was that he did not want to let go of the woman in his arms. He looked down at her so fondly and caressed her beautiful face. So soft. So darling. And always smiling so sweetly for him. Why was she trying so hard to appeal to him? To make him talk to her? Why did she like him so much? He was a mere stranger to her - In fact, he was her enemy, and he threatened her family so often. Why did she like him so much? Was she seeing something that not even he could see?

Unfortunately, through the window of his chambers, morning had started bothering him - Why did the light have to come so soon? He was very content the way he was; was it necessary for him to be disturbed? “And I was sleeping so well...” even her sleepy, hoarse voice was lovely. “Sleep some more, then.” he muttered, watching her smile so innocently and cute. “Sounds good to me.” she got even more comfortable, snuggling into his side. What has he become?

But that day was not to remain forever calm, for Atreus had returned, and Odin was having him go on a mission to who knew where. She couldn’t let him go by himself, clearly, so she had to join. Odin did not allow Heimdall to join - Not that Atreus would have wanted to, anyway. He hated that man with all his might. But they had another friend joining - Thor - The man who threatened Y/N previously. It was not going to be a great day.

He was drunk again this day, just after a huge brawl where he destroyed the tavern - Fantastic, might as well get them both killed, then. Still, they had arrived safely at the Eternal Chasm where they were to find the last piece of the magic mask. Niflheim was as frozen as always and somber, and through all this fighting, she surely did not enjoy watching Thor vomit because of his drunken state, nor his previous threatening. He seemed fine - But for how long, she did not know. She will keep herself alert through it all.

Up on a high cliff, Atreus was able to merge the last piece of the mask, though he almost fell, Thor and Y/N held onto him so that he would not perish. In that exact moment, Odin teleported himself before them, praising the boy for his success. But that was not enough. Sif, followed by two valkyries, came by unannounced, threatening Kratos’s two children - They had wanted death, for the crimes committed against the Norse Gods. Odin was livid - At least they wouldn’t die for now. The All Father and Sif were quarreling more and more, but the woman went to her husband and spoke to him - Enough to convince him of rising his weapon and going to attack Atreus and Y/N.

“Any idea?” Y/N grabbed Atreus and pulled him behind her.  “Just one. Hang on tight!” at the moment, her brother pulled her backwards, and they fell into what felt like a loop, and landed harshly onto the ground. “Lucky escape.” the girl gasped loudly, feeling the pain radiating throughout her back. “Damn, Sindri - You sure know how to plan an exit.” the boy almost started laughing from how close to death they were. “Atreus! Y/N!” as soon as Y/N heard her father’s voice, she shot up and jumped on him. “DADDY!” she cried out, hugging him as tightly as she could. “I missed you so much!” “I am glad you are safe, my child.” he only called her that way when they shared a tender moment, and she felt like a little child once again, in their home in old Sparta, as he cupped her little face with his big, rough hands. “How come you’re here?” Atreus asked, getting up as well. “Sindri told us where you would arrive, should you find trouble.” he explained. “O, daddy, I was really worried about all of you as well.” the girl held onto his hands, kissing the inside of his wrists. “You seem troubled, child. Had anything happened in Asgard?” the girl only smiled wryly. “Daddy... I have done something horrible, and I have no idea how to fix it.” she explained, embracing her father. “Everything can be fixed if we work together.” though he patted her head, she gave him a negative answer. “No, daddy. This, I have to do alone. It is something that only I can do. O, if only mummy was here, she would know what to do.” she sighed, walking towards the door gate towards their dwarven home.

“Wait - Little sister, have you fallen in love?” as soon as Mimir gasped, Atreus gagged loudly. “Urgh, don’t tell me it’s that jerk Heimdall!” he blamed her in the same bratty tone as always. “Heimdall?! No way, little brother - There is NO way any person normal in the head would like that asshole!” Mimir tried to defend to girl - But she shook her head. “The heart works in mysterious ways, Mimir. Not Aphrodite, nor Eros, or even Anteros themselves know truly the way it works. I just hope I can get him on our side. If only he would realise that Odin is just using him as a tool.” Y/N sighed, raking her fingers through her hair. “Little lass, are you mind possessed or something?” Mimir seemed in complete disbelief. “No, brother. I am just a fool. But worry not, for I have my priorities straight. I have killed one person I love. One more will not stop me.” Kratos did not like hearing such words coming from his daughter. Not only was she taking the blame for her mother’s death, but she was also driven deep into her Spartan general teachings, just like he was, long ago. “I trust you to make the right decisions, Y/N.” the father opened the door for them to enter inside the dwarven home.

Everyone was around the table, and were discussing the matter of the mask and Ragnarok... But something was dubious, at least. Since when was Tyr so pro-active, and why was he sitting at the top of the table, and making up plans for everyone. It was... Odd. Kratos made a speech about the price people have to pay when it comes to seeking easy ways to find answers and knowledge. Tyr kept saying they needed to find a way into Asgard, saying that he will get everyone there safe... With a spear. He also called Atreus - Loki.

In that second, Y/N created a spear and threw it at Tyr’s chest - He caught it in his hand though. This only made the girl continue fighting the man. “Odin, show yourself! I know it is you!” Y/N roared at him. “Y/N, please, stop this. We shouldn’t be fighting among ourselves.” the fake Tyr kept trying to speak, but was easily overwhelmed by the girl’s prowess. “I will kill you!” she yelled. “NOBODY calls Atreus - LOKI! Only you! Tyr never used a spear, Odin did! And most of all - You do NOT have a way into Asgard, you just want to steal the mask and kill us all! To think you would make a mockery of the God of War - Shame on you, filthy coward! Shame on you!” Atreus had never heard his sister screaming so sternly - It resembled the way father spoke. Was that what she meant by having a different upbringing back in their own country? “I know your secret, Odin. And I know that you killed half a hundred children, to create the ravens that serve as your spies. You are despicable. You are disgusting. You have NO right impersonating Tyr, you filth!” “DO YOU NEVER SHUT UP?!” Tyr’s voice was now Odin’s, and despite all her training, Odin teleported behind her and stabbed her in the back, before getting her in a choke hold. “Tell your father to throw me the mask, or I kill you.” “I’m a Goddess, you absolute half-wit. Your silly little metal cannot kill me.” she gritted her teeth, feeling the knife twisting between the back of her ribs. “How many lies have you fed Heimdall? I know you went to him only to have him allied to you. But do you think my most loyal ally will be swayed by some pretty face? You are wrong. That idiot would die for me if I tell him to. He may be smart, but he does not think. You cannot have him, wench.” Odin spat at her. “The mask now, if you will.” “I will not allow you to disrespect Heimdall and use him as your marionette! He deserves much better than anything you have to offer, you brutish tyrant!” Y/N yelled at him. “You will never have the strength to overpower me and take away the mask from us!” “I regret many things, but killing you won’t be one of them! Release my daughter at once!” Kratos growled at the man. “I am in control here!” Odin began choking her more “No, you are NOT!” with a war cry, Y/N had activated her Spartan Rage and blasted Odin into the opposite wall, shooting beams of life energy, along with plant vines that grew from the ground, attempting to spear the enemy - But he had long since teleported. “Is the Mask safe?!” she asked, rubbing her back. “That knife actually hurt. Huh.” “Come here, reckless child. Odin might have used poison or curses on the blade.” Freya ran behind the girl and started using her magic on her wound. “The mask is safe... Thank goodness.” Atreus sighed, keeping the mask in his grasp. “You got reckless, Y/N.” Kratos grumbled under his breath. “I have two things that I must do, but I have to know what your plans are. I have been away for far too long, I am out of lapse with your plans.” Y/N stretched a bit. “Mimir, you once told us that Odin can shapeshift into another person and be in two places at once, but that person has to be alive. Tyr is alive, and I know where he is. I just need to find the Ravenkeeper and release the souls of the children that Odin trapped. The prison is somewhere around here.” Y/N explained her plan. “So my stories are finally helping! Good!” Mimir cheered happily. “Secondly... We know Ragnarok is brought by Gjallarhorn being blown. Heimdall still has it. I need to lure him somehow and have a talk to him. If all else fails, I will steal the horn from him and bring it home.” she continued her plan. “We have to save Yngvi and bring him home. He is the only one who can unite the elves from Alfheim and have them fight for us.” Freya spoke. “Sounds good to me. I will go rescue Tyr and go to Vanaheim when I’m done. How does that sound?” Y/N asked, getting in her stoic general mode. “It is far too dangerous to go on your own.” Kratos spoke. “No. It is safer that way. Anyone else would slow me down. You know I work better alone. If anything else goes down, I can just run away. Uncle Hermes had given me the best gift, and I know how to use it.” Y/n winked at the grumbling man. “Little sister, the Ravenkeeper is a terrible foe. Are you sure you will be alright?” Mimir was worried, just as everyone else. “I want Odin dead as much as everyone.” she spoke. “Oh, and... If we encounter Heimdall... I will speak to him alone. Understood?” though some were confused, they had agreed. “Wonderful! I’m off. Bye.” with a lazy sign off, Y/N disappeared before they could even blink. “Then let us go to Vanaheim and rescue Freyr. We need a plan.” Atreus stepped in, and the group set off for the realm soon after.

Through a valiant fight, Y/N was easily able to defeat the Ravenkeeper once she finished tracking down the last two raven spies remaining, and thus, she was able to liberate the children’s souls and even have them work as spies for her party. This allowed her to find the hidden prison where Tyr and some others were kept, and she released them. Now, they were all on their side, wanting revenge on Odin. Though worried of Ragnarok, the inevitable was going to happen.

Y/N sent everyone back at the dwarves’ house, between realms, leaving them to explain plans and what not, while she went in search of the party in Freya’s sacred realm. It didn’t take long to navigate through it, following the obvious tracks of destruction that the retinue left on their way to saving Freyr. By the time she arrived at what looked like an old court, she noticed Kratos and Mimir fighting Heimdall. “ENOUGH!” Y/N yelled, getting in between the fight and pushing them away.  “Ah, yes, Princess Peaceful has arrived. Here to give me more anti-Odin propaganda?” Heimdall laughed tauntingly - He reverted back to his old self. This was exactly why Y/N wanted to speak to him alone. “Y/N, you cannot fight him alone! He is untouchable without this weapon.” but Kratos received a simple signal to shut up and mind his business. “I do not mean to fight you, Heimdall. I just wanted to ask if you knew how Odin created his raven spies.” the girl asked, standing a few steps away, her hands behind her back. “Huh? What the hell kind of question is that?” he had a weird look on his face. “Mummy and daddy/ Tied the noose tight / To send us to Odin / To bask in his light.” Y/N recited the poem she had heard from the ravens.  “Wh-What the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Heimdall seemed pretty freaked out. “We tried to escape / We clawed, we screeched / But nothing escapes / The Keeper’s reach.” she continued. “Odin forced families to hang their children and send their souls to him, to serve as spies. They had to watch their children struggle as they slowly suffocated and clawed away at the rope and their own throats, but with no avail.” Y/N explained the All Father’s cruelty. “Well, so what? That has nothing to do with the war. So what if... Children were killed?” though he had his loyalties set, he wasn’t happy about the knowledge of dead children either, and even his voice wavered subtly. “Odin tried to kill me today. Do you know what he told me? Actually - How about you look into my eyes and see for yourself? Or, should I show you a projection of the happenings of today?” she asked, extending her hand and showing what happened at the dwarves’ house, especially the part where Odin slanders the man before her. “Stop trying to pit me against the All Father! Don’t think that just because I let you sleep in my bed, I would drop Odin’s cause!” Heimdall sneered at the girl. “Odin dropped anyone who lost their worth. Do you think he would have kept you around, were it not for your Foresight?” the girl asked. “Remember how he treated you when I and Atreus first arrived in Asgard? He yelled and scolded you. Said you don’t think... Though, I am inclined to agree. You are a smart man, and very witty, yet if you actually thought it over, you would have realised that Odin does not treasure and cherish you as you deserve.” Y/N sighed, but with each step she took towards him, Heimdall took a step back. “Please, my dear, do not run away from me. I do not wish to inflict any harm on you. I wish us not to have to fight.” “Well, I do not care what you wish!” Heimdall yelled at her - Only to blink and find himself being hugged tightly from behind. “What do you think you are doing?! Y/N, let go of me at once!” “I am not holding you prisoner against your will. You can walk away any given time. But I want you to know that what I am feeling for you is genuine. Whether you want to accept or not, it is your choice.” she spoke. “You are loyal to Odin, not to his convictions, yet you fail to see that if Odin wins this war, only he will benefit, everyone else will suffer. All the realms, and even many Aesir. I know you do not care for the well-being of others - They do not care for you either - But do you truly want to see nine realms bowing to one man’s power-hunger?” the girl asked, her hands gripping onto him tighter. “Enough of this, Y/N! I have not come here to chat, I have come here to kill you. Now, if you would be a dear, step aside so I can get on with the killing.” though he tried to pry away her hands from him, he was unable to. “Y/N. Last warning. Step aside. Now.” his voice was more threatening now. “Will fighting me make you feel better? Will it make you see the truth in my words? Will it help you think for yourself?” the girl asked, keeping her grip on him. “No, it will not. I do not believe a word that you say, and since the very beginning, I was convinced that you were trying to drive a rift between my loyalty and the All Father.” he groaned, feeling Y/N step away from him, and getting in front. “So you want to be the first who dies today? Fine. I have had enough patience with you. I let you fool around enough already.” Kratos remembered the speed with which Hermes once taunted him, and saw how both Heimdall and his daughter were dancing around, tripping and threatening each other, stealing hits and kicks here and there, yet neither truly having the intent of harming the other. Mimir, also, was shocked that someone was actually able to outwit the God of Foresight, who was known to be untouchable.  “I allowed you to see into my eyes, to read my mind - Even now, you cannot see the trick. Even now, you cannot see, that I have never lied to you; That I am being genuine. I know it is not easy, going against everything you have ever stood for - But please, see reason. I want only what is the best for you. Truthfully.” she spoke, continuing to trip and side-step him, but not even once trying to hit him. “Stop going easy on me! You think you’re such a great warrior, just because you know how to block me? How stupid of you! Fight me properly!” he yelled at her, only to see her stop dead in her tracks. “I will not.” she spoke defiantly, angering him enough to stomp her way, towering over her menacingly. “FIGHT ME NOW, WOMAN!” he roared at her, anger in his voice for the first time addressed to her. “I WILL NOT FIGHT YOU!” she spoke loud and stern, looking deep into those beautiful, shining purple eyes of his. “WHY?! DO YOU THINK YOU’RE SUPERIOR TO ME?! DO YOU THINK I’M SUCH AN EASY KILL?!” he did not expect that, instead of an answer, the girl would take him by surprise, cupping his face and bringing him into a longing kiss. Not only him, but those watching also, went mind-blank. “Because I do not wish to fight the man I love.” her answer left him flabbergast, and if his head was once filled with tons of thoughts, now, it was empty. “Heimdall, I mean it. I do not want to fight you. I do not wish to harm you. I never did. From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I wanted to get to know you better, to understand you. You are a beautiful man, though severely misunderstood. Please, believe me. You are very dear to me.” the girl leaned in to whisper into his ear. “I fell in love with you, Heimdall.” Heimdall was frozen in place, and unable to think or move. He was trembling. How was he supposed to react to such a bold declaration? How was he supposed to process such a thing? To speak, or even reply? “GAHHHHHH!” with a roaring shout to the skies, he pushed himself from her embrace, and held his head into his hands. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing to me? You are ruining EVERYTHING! You think you’re oh, so smart! That you know me so well! That you can understand me! But all you’re trying to do is alienate me! Damn it, and damn you, Y/N!” though he glared at her, one look into her upset, beautiful eyes made him roar even more. In a fit of rage, he took the horn from his hip and threw it to the ground. “HERE! THERE YOU HAVE IT! GO AHEAD AND CALL FOR RAGNAROK! ISN’T THAT ALL YOU EVER WANTED FROM ME ANYWAY?!” “No.” her voice was firm and deadpan, making the blond freeze. “I wanted you, Heimdall - And I wanted you safe, most of all. Please, believe me.” Heimdall turned his back at her, walking away, without another word of protest. “When Ragnarok comes, I hope you will stay safe. I want to find you alive when it is over.”

The Aesir growled under his breath as he disappeared from sight. The fact that he did not read a single lie from her speech made him feel even more conflicted than before. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t just abandon Odin, could he? But he also did not want Y/N to die. To hell with everybody else, especially Loki of the Jotnar - Oh, how done with everything he was. 

Once he returned, however, he could not believe how he was ostracized by the All Father. He accused him of siding with the enemy, and aiding them, with giving them the Gjallarhorn. In his rage, the All Father banished Heimdall away from his own beautiful home in Asgard. How dare he? After everything he has done - All his life of servitude, only for him - Now, he is banished? 

Heimdall had never felt more confused and betrayed in his long life. Where was he supposed to go now? He was a pariah, in he middle of a starting war brewing at the seams. He wasn’t going to hide away in fear - He was a warrior, and will act that way. If Odin does not want him, then Y/N will take him. Right?

For a whole day, he spent sitting down on top of a mountain, away from Odin’s quarters - The landscape was breath-taking from this mountain, just the same. The sky was azure, and the clouds were fluffy and shaped in intricate ways - Surely, that little Greek idiot would lay down and point out what cloud was shaped as a bunny or deer.

No matter what he did, Heimdall’s mind went to Y/N. Was she his redemption? His second chance? He was a fantastic strategist, he had intellect and prowess like no other, and his Foresight was the tip of the scales in any way - Would his worth be appreciated, and his sins forgotten, once he attempts to go to her side?

Afternoon went by quickly, and the Sun disappeared, letting way for the stars and the moon to twinkle silver; The array of purples, orange and red were replaced by the vivid lights of the Aurora, and the dance of the animals’ souls. His eyes were glues to the lights, and he sighed, feeling his heart clenching in pain. His mind was flashing with images of Y/N smiling at him so sincerely, or that enchanted look she had, seeing the lovely sights of Asgard.

She truly was a wonderful woman, and her genuine love and compassion brought about his own redemption... His cure.  He, also, fell in love with this mysterious girl... He was truly, undeniably in love with Y/N.

Once the sun rays brought him back to the reality of morning, he heard the sound of Ragnarok being called, he knew where he had to go. He knew where he was needed. Heimdall had arrived just when the time called for action, to catch Y/N after she had been hit away by Thor’s hammer. The man held her up in his arms bridal style, smirking cockily down at her. “What a damsel in distress you have become, Y/N. I almost couldn’t recognise you.” the man laughed at her. “Heimdall, you are safe...! I am so happy to see you well!” the relief and glee on her face as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him all over his face so adorably made it worth while. Heimdall now realised that all the centuries of indoctrination meant nothing compared to one person’s genuine feelings. He was where he belonged. He was home. “Yes, sweet cheeks, I am safe and very fine. You know very well there is no one who can touch me. Now, how about we get that half-breed brother of mine the treatment he deserves before we beat Odin to death and give him the Blood Eagle treatment - And before he dies, we strangle him, just like he did with those kids?” that wicked grin of his only made the girl bring him in another kiss. “I love the sound of that!”

With Odin killing Thor and the party killing Odin; Tyr, and Atreus’s Jotnar friend Angrboda were able to save everyone and teleport them to safety. Since then, with peace throughout the nine realms, Freya was able to save and govern Vanaheim, while Freyr was to keep the peace up in Alfheim. Brok, Sindri and Lunda helped Durlin with rebuilding Svartalfheim, Thrud and Sif were helping around Asgard, Skjoldr was the spokesperson in Midgard and Atreus and Angrboda went to travel the realms whilst Tyr went to find his peace.

Kratos rebuilt his old home and would often roast food outside by the fire, Mimir on the log next to him, watching his daughter laughing and singing merrily, dressed in her old Greek dress, dancing with the once insufferable God of Foresight, who was twirling her around, and planting kisses all over her face, almost as if to tick her father off on purpose.

“How the hell did a jerk like him get a fine lass like her to fall for him?! Brother, I cannot understand!” Mimir would groan, watching with annoyance as the two were dancing so perfectly in sync, and their voices were harmonizing so well. The old goat noticed, however, how Heimdall would watch them from the corner of his eyes, riling them up. “That - That lowly cur! How DARE he mock us?! Brother, say something!” poor Mimir was so offended. “I do not know, but I do not like it.” Kratos grumbled under his breath. “Her mother would have understood better than me.” he continued, watching the two kissing again, with more love and passion than before.  “Aye, brother. Time for a premature sleep today. No time for lil’ old us anymore.” Mimir spoke as Kratos lifted him, and entered the house, giving the two some privacy. “Finally! No more parent supervision. Your two old men sure are annoying.” Heimdall chuckled, pulling her flush against his chest. “That just means we have to find a new realm and have our fun there.” she spoke, raking her fingers through his platinated unbraided hair. “You should leave your hair down more often. You look so beautiful.” her sweet smile made her lover chuckle lightly, before he cupped her face and brought her into yet another sweet kiss. “And you should wear dresses like this one more often. You are beautiful.”

[seat-safety-switch]

"I hear there's a whole crew of eager young faces out there just ready to ride the rapids!" hollers our rafting guide, a man who I would later discover from the TV news was actually named Ralph. This man continued to give us a short-form version of his life story, before instructing us on the proper way to wear a life vest (or "personal flotation device," if you're German.) The tourists around me oohed and aahed and snapped pictures, enough to be already halfway through what, in a simpler time, would have been a roll of Kodak film.

Why was I engaging in this pursuit, one which was not just dangerous but without the involvement of any motorized transportation whatsoever? Simple. I had gotten a free ticket from a coworker who "couldn't make it," and I had heard that there were some old hoopties crashed in the forests around the white-water rapids.

See, way back in the era when old cars were new cars, there was no good way to recycle them. Tow truck technology was in its infancy. Junkyards were just called "yards." And China hadn't been invented yet. Or it had, but they were probably also busy building their own new cars and didn't want to take some idiot's old Ford Business Coupe off his hands. So folks just left that shit on the side of roads, in forests, or pushed them off a cliff and watched what happened before driving off in their new car. Tragic, I know, but it means that lots of perfectly good running gear is all over this part of the country.

Ralph led us out on the water. He was pretty good, except for the part where he kept yelling at me to perform manual labour for which I was receiving no compensation. After a couple hours into the trip, I had seen no cars whatsoever and was beginning to lose hope entirely. I was damned to be stuck on this orange pool toy as we shot down the water in order to be rewarded with yet more water. Thrilling though it may be to some people, I was perfectly familiar with going dangerously fast and getting uncomfortably wet from any daily commute in my harem of rusty cars.

That's when I saw it. Anyone else would have easily missed a glimpse of the fender of a 1929 Chevy International roadster. I pulled my backpack off, discarding my oar to do so, and retrieved my homemade grappling hook from within. With a quick burst of compressed air and a not-so-quick burst of nitromethane-fuelled Sanden air-conditioning compressor exhaust, I was flown from the piteous grasp of Mother Kinda-Wet to the warm embrace of Mother Earth. And boy, did she ever have that fender. Not much else, of course, but if you squinted, you could kinda see part of the headlight was now being adopted by the accumulated moss.

After guessing the vague location of it, I dug in and left with my quarry: one extremely rusty, pig-iron "Oakland" vee-eight engine. It was really light, because almost none of it was left, which is good because I had a long way to walk home. A chipmunk kept me company along the way, probably because he used to live in #3 before I picked up his whole sub-development.

As for the other occupants of the river rafting tour, I'm told that at least half of them, perhaps deluded by hours of direct sunlight and lack of access to proper nutrition, believed my sudden escape was actually proof of my having been abducted by angels. I rolled that into a few other paying gigs upon my return to civilization, but it didn't really do much for the fleet. Tax-exempt crooked megachurches have very strict rules about only buying new cars.

[fioiswriting]

Random bribes of Aemond x niece!Reader

[TW : 18+, explicit, blowjob, nsfw, dom/sub undertones]

Find yourself a significant other willing to RP with you omg I swear that’s so good 😭❤️ I've been RPing with my girlfriend for months now (I write my OC's POV and she writes Aemond's POV), but omg she writes Aemond so well, there are feels, there is angst, there is unhinged Aemond with a god complex, it's edgy, there is anything I need I wish you could read it!!  We just got to B&C yesterday but we’ve already reached 75’755 words and 145 pages haha oops. Now I kinda want to turn this RP into a Aemond x strong/velaryon!niece!reader (again) fanfiction if she's ok with that 👉🏻👈🏻

Once she wrote this and I still think about it on a daily basis, I need to share it with you (and try to convince her to write content for you 🤭) : 

Once he'd unfastened his doublet, he sent the piece of leather waltzing behind him and sat down in the green velvet armchair beside the fireplace. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. Positioned like that, with his legs spread and one hand resting on his thigh, he seemed to own the room.  "Come," he said, in a voice made hoarse by desire. He patted his leg briefly, looking down at her patronisingly, his chin raised. But when she rose to walk over to him, he stopped her immediately, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "No, I want you to crawl." An almost sadistic smile appeared on his lips as he saw the incomprehension in her eyes. The idea that his attitude was cruel briefly crossed his mind. After all, what had happened to the young boy in love with his niece, the one who kept telling everyone that he would marry her when they finally grew up? The one who still dreamed of happiness and simple joys? The thought crossed his mind, of course, but it disappeared as soon as it came, driven away by the desire that twisted his stomach. When she positioned herself on her knees between his legs, looking up at him from beneath her long lashes, the prince's hand automatically found her cheek. His caress was so tender it almost seemed inappropriate. Too pure a gesture for the filthy acts they were about to commit. "I must admit, your little stunt was brave," he said, grasping her face between his thumb and forefinger, the grip on her cheeks mean, "but you deserve a proper punishment...". His voice sounded pensive, his expression reflective. As if he were thinking about the correction he could give her. "However, I'm in a merciful mood today." With his long fingers, Aemond began to undo the front of his breeches, letting his erection spring free. He was hard, painfully so, and the release from this fabric prison was like a relief. With his free hand, he wrapped his fingers around his manhood to stroke it back and forth a few times. It almost looked like a lesson, to show his wife what he expected of her.  He wanted her devoted, docile, submissive. He wanted her to be obedient, a slave to his pleasure. Like a toy, a plaything he could use to relieve the tension that strained his whole body and made his skin buzz. The prince knew she was capable of it, she had shown him before her eagerness to please him, either kneeling between his legs or lying beneath him.  His gestures were obscene, his air dominant, and yet, apart from a slight flush in his cheeks and his slightly faster-than-usual breathing, his face remained completely impassive. "Come on now, be a good girl and suck your husband's cock," he murmured as his hand slid from her cheek to grab a handful of her hair and guide her lips to his member.

And all I can think of is this picture :

She also wrote this :

"Negotiating a betrothal does not usually mean whoring yourself out, ābrazyris," he said in a detached tone as he took a seat at the other end of the table, "but I imagine you were simply following your mother's example." Attacking Rhaenyra like that was a low blow on his part, he knew. But his desire to hurt her, to make her suffer as he had suffered when he learned of her little escapade at Winterfell, had become impossible to contain. It had become insatiable now, hungry inside him. The monster had been released and he could not put it back in its cage. 

And well sorry I just can't contain everything I feel inside myself haha

[amethystpath-writes]

Goodbye Kisses

NOT A PR0MPT

is spicy !

Hello, Aunt. Please don’t read this- thanks. Or if you do, don’t tell me you did :)

To get straight to the spicy part, look for “$$$”

******

“You did not come back with the rest. I assumed you died.” The princess sat at her vanity, looking to her nails, admiring their jagged and chewed edges. She would look up on occasion, to the dusty mirror, to see if the blue arches beneath her eyes were yet gone. When she saw him, she couldn’t bare to keep looking. 

“And you never came looking for me? I’m disheartened.”

She didn’t say that, and she had looked for him. The princess nearly sprinted to the stream outside the palace gates, past the first village, and between it and the next. Weaving between guards had never been easier.

“I waited,” she said, still not looking to her reflection- to his, “for days. My brothers came to find me. At least, Older Brother did, and we are both lucky he hadn’t shown up sooner.”

Older Brother knew of the two’s scandal. Had he ‘found’ her the day she left, the day after Lover was supposed to return, the king and queen would have known their daughter was sneaking off to a lover. Worse than that, Lover’s general would have noticed his absence and figured he, too, had snuck off for a mischievous rendezvous somewhere far off from base.

He laughed, and not only did she catch a glimpse of his reflection, but she swiveled in her chair. “You are upset with me.” How could he be in disbelief at her?

“I waited,” she repeated. “And now you come into my bedroom wearing that stupid smirk- as if I weren’t worried for your life for days on end!” He was fine. Her knight in shining armor was late, and not only was he late, but he was unscathed.

“You think I was running off with someone.” His chest bounced as he laughed again. “Who would I run off with besides you, princess? One of your brothers?”

She smiled at that. She wouldn’t have said it outwardly, but he was right. Yet then again- “What else were you doing?”

$$$

“Is it impossible to believe that I was thinking of all the things I wanted to do to you?”

Was that any excuse? Where had he been? He was untouched! No scars or scabs. No scratches or rope burns to reveal that he was captured. Nothing was wrong with him. He should have been at the stream like they agreed.

But as he began walking forward and away from her door, as his lips fell from a smile into something more serious- no, more sensual- the princess felt her shoulders rising. Her cheeks were flushing. She spun around, eyes avoiding the mirror at her vanity.

“If I would have met you by that stream,” he said to her, and he was directly behind her, scraping what hair was against her neck, and pulling it to one side. Before she knew it, his lips were brushing her ear and a shiver darted down her spine. She exhaled, quietly, but not so hushed that her lover didn’t hear. He gave a scornful laugh. 

“If I would have met you by the stream,” he repeated, his breath sending yet another shiver, “the throne would have another heir.”

“I do not think,” the princess returned, breathless, though nothing had yet happened, “that I would have minded.”

“No, but lucky for you, I care about your reputation.” His lips were leaving wet spots down the column of her neck, and she subconsciously tilted her head to the side, allowing him easier access.

Sneaking a peak at the mirror in front of them, her hands twitched in her laps. She needed to do something with them- anything. She settled for clenching her nightgown into tight fists.

“I leave tomorrow. Will you give me a proper goodbye?”

Already? But he had just gotten back.

His hand was reaching her chin, tugging it back towards him. She hummed, almost carried away by the simple touch. “How could we when you are leaving again?” Her voice almost escaped as a whine. Desperate.

No, not now. “I would distract you.” The princess attempted to pull her chin free, but the soldier only grasped it tighter. He would have his kiss.

“You think you have that power over me?” His eyes shone with intent as he rubbed one thumb across the space between her cheek and chin. When he glanced to her lips, he said, “Because you do.”

Something about his tone struck a fire in her core, and she felt herself smirking, her head upheld in his hand. Carefully, she rotated in her chair so that her soldier’s grip didn’t slip; she liked his hand there, liked the control which slipped to it instead of her crown. With her chest against the back of the chair, she reached behind his head and pulled it down.

“Goodbye,” she whispered, pulling him into a delicate kiss.

“Goodbye,” she said again, pulling him into another.

“Come back,” she said in-between.

With each kiss, she prolonged pulling away, enraptured by the feel of his lips, of his tongue. She would kiss him until the end of their days, into a grave marked for two.

In another moment, her gown was sliding across her stomach and chest, lifting, along with her arms.

As the light from outside dimmed, she suggested a candle be lit, but her soldier only hushed her. “It will be better like this,” he promised.

And so it was.

In the dark, as everyone slept, the soldier, too, said his goodbyes- one kiss after another. One lower, and lower- until he stopped.

The princess sat up ever so slightly, looking down at her soldier, prone at the end of the bed. “Why did you-” until his head ducked down, and she had no words left. Not even another goodbye.

******

[tar-maitime]

joy, or relaxation, or simple pleasure

Rating: G Characters: Maedhros | Maitimo, Fingon | Findekano Additional: modern AU, first meeting, meet-cute WC: .75k

For @russingonweek Day 1 - Light Prompt - Family

“Hey - you’re Maedhros, right?”

Maedhros turned from where she was trying to sort through a makeshift lost-and-found, to see a man roughtly her age whom she thought she recognized as Fingolfin’s oldest son. “Yes, that’s me. What did you need?” 

Inwardly, she dearly hoped it didn’t have to do with some familial crisis - but given that they hadn’t even been at this “family getaway” to celebrate Grandpa Finwe’s eightieth birthday for two whole days yet and her father had already said some regrettable things, she wasn’t terribly optimistic.

“Oh, nothing really. Just to say hi - I don’t think we’ve really met. Fingon Vanyaran, nice to meet you.” He held out his hand and Maedhros reflexively shook it, noting that he didn’t seem fazed by her using her left hand. “And to ask if you needed any help; it seems like you’ve been run off your feet since we all got here.”

Maedhros blinked in surprise. She hadn’t realized anyone had noticed. “Well, I’ve been sorting out the things I know belong to my brothers, and there’s a pile over there of stuff I couldn’t figure out.” She gestured. “If you want to look through for anything that’s yours or your siblings’, you’re more than welcome.”

Fingon smiled agreeably and started sorting; the pile he created had mostly blue paraphernalia, but a few random white items as well. “So how are you liking the vacation so far?” he asked at length. “I’d hope you haven’t spent all of it cleaning up after people.”

“Not literally, no,” Maedhros agreed. Once her brothers hit a certain age, she and her mother had formed a united front and refused to be their maid; her current task was more for stress relief than anything else. “Figuratively, well...”

She trailed off, searching for the proper words, and Fingon diplomatically supplied, “Your father is...interesting.”

Maedhros huffed slightly. “You can come right out and say that he took it too far earlier. With the bit about your side of the family not being real family because your dad and Finarfin are his stepbrothers.”

“Well...”

“The only explanation I can offer,” Maedhros added, “is that he hadn’t had coffee yet. We usually try to keep him away from volatile topics until the caffeine kicks in and gives him a filter.”

“That wasn’t really what I meant,” Fingon cut in. “I was talking about how he took apart the toaster and the garbage disposal and made a trash-eating robot. To be honest, I didn’t really mind that he said we weren’t family. I was hoping you’d agree with him.”

Maedhros let Tyelpe’s baby toy slip from her suddenly slack grasp. It bounced against the tabletop and began to emit an irritating, off-key tune before she automatically swatted it silent. “What?”

“Well, because...so that I could ask you out,” Fingon said, all in a rush, and then looked as though he wished he hadn’t.

That expression was the only reason Maedhros wasn’t convinced she’d heard him incorrectly. “What?” she repeated, just in case.

But instead of saying something that would make much more sense, Fingon squared his shoulders and assumed a determined expression. “I was thinking about asking you out,” he reiterated. “On a date. If you were interested.”

Ah. That brought them to the next question, then. “Why?” Maedhros was aware that, presented properly, she was a catch: pretty, professional, and put-together, and very good at making people forget about the missing hand. But she hadn’t exactly been bringing any of that to bear on this trip; she hadn’t been thinking of impressing anyone that way.

Fingon shrugged. “I wanted to.”

“You wanted to ask out the girl from the large, unruly, frequently rude family headed up by your step-uncle,” Maedhros said disbelievingly. “The girl currently picking through her relatives’ stray belongings - literally single-handedly - because this is her idea of taking a break from wrangling the aforementioned insane family?”

Fingon gave her a grin that somehow managed to be a bit reproachful. “I want to ask out the frankly gorgeous girl with truly stunning levels of competence who’s probably the main reason no one’s maimed anyone else yet on this trip. That’s you, by the way.”

“I...”

From somewhere in the distance, a crash resounded, followed by yelling. “Let’s get through this birthday reunion nonsense first. If everyone’s still alive and not in the hospital at the end of it, I’ll think about it.”

She took off towards the commotion, Fingon at her side. “If I help you make sure nobody dies or gets injured, will that make a stronger case for a yes?” he inquired. 

“It couldn’t hurt.” Maedhros tilted her head, listening. “Sounds like one of mine and one of yours. Come on.”

[fukanouna]

request: coming home for christmas (you are my home)

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff

Word Count: 1390

A/N: based on this request HERE :) Happy holidays everyone!

---

"You got everything, Nat?"

With a low grunt, Natasha hoisted her backpack onto her shoulders, trying not to wince in pain. "I'm good, Hill."

Maria watched as Natasha subconsciously grasped her left side. She knew the Russian sustained a severe injury on her latest mission, but her friend refused to tell her how serious it was, like always. "You should get that checked." The SHIELD agent received a dismissive noise from the redhead.

"I will. It can wait," Natasha responded brusquely while waiting for the Quinjet's ramp to extend out onto the landing pad.

"It can," Maria agreed. "All I ask is that you don't wait too long." She knew why Natasha was impatient and understood why. It genuinely warmed her heart knowing that Natasha was finally embracing her feelings. "Say hi to Wanda for me."

Natasha flipped her off, to which Maria simply smirked. Eventually, the spy's features relaxed and smiled at her fellow agent.

"Merry Christmas, Maria."

"Merry Christmas, Nat. Now hurry up and leave so I can close the jet before I freeze my ass off."

---

When Natasha entered the compound, she wasn't surprised when Vision phased and descended down from the ceiling. She heard the compound was attacked while she was away, but fortunately no one was hurt and only structures were damaged. Vision volunteered to patrol the area during the nights with FRIDAY to ensure everyone's safety.

"Agent Romanoff, welcome back," Vision greeted politely.

"Thank you, Vision," she returned the sentiment with a smile. "Glad to see you're doing good."

"We have all missed your presence in the compound, especially Miss Maximoff.

Natasha swallowed thickly, feeling her heart tightened at the mention of Wanda.

"Where is she?"

"She in the communal area. The space is beautifully decorated with festive ornaments and lights with a large Christmas and lit menorah set on a spacious table. Miss Maximoff put great effort in decorating, believing you'd love the sight once you've returned. However, last time I patrolled that area of the compound, I believe she had dozed off by the tree."

"I see." Natasha cleared her throat in a poor attempt to hide the emotion welling up in her throat. She wondered how long Wanda was waiting for her when there was no indication of Natasha even returning home tonight on Christmas Eve. It just so happened Natasha returned to the Avengers Compound in time for Christmas. She didn't want to keep the young brunette waiting any longer. "I'll go check on her." The spy flinched when she noticed the synthezoid's piercing blue eyes on her and already anticipated what he was about to say.

"You are injured," Vision noted quietly after a surface level scan. "You have a laceration dealt to your left lumbar region."

"I put on a fresh bandage and antibiotics before Maria dropped me off. I'll be fine," she insisted stubbornly.

To the Russian's surprise, she could see a sort of understanding expression coming from the sentient robot. "Of course. I understand that seeing Miss Maximoff is of great importance to you. I shall take my leave and resume my patrol route," Vision said with a dip of his head.

Natasha waved Vision goodbye as he phased beneath the floor, leaving her alone with her thoughts as she made her way to the communal area. Even before entering the room, she saw the soft glow of the fluorescent holiday lights hung across the walls and ceilings. Red, green, gold, and silvery white overloaded her senses in a pleasant way that reminded her of her childhood wishes to have a proper Christmas like other families in her Ohio neighborhood.

Wanda was fast asleep on one of the Lawson chairs positioned near the tree, legs curled up and wrapped in a scarlet red fleece blanket. She had reindeer antlers on, and the simple sight made Natasha smile as warmth bloomed in her chest. Carefully, Natasha knelt down in front of the sleeping Sokovian and rested a hand on her leg, gently shaking her awake.

"Wanda?" She whispered the name softly over and over until Wanda's eyes began to flutter open. It took the young woman several moments after waking up to realize who was in front of her, and when her vision finally focused and could clearly see Natasha, it wasn't long until tears brimmed her eyes.

"Natasha…?" Wanda whispered, voice thick with emotion.

"It's me," Natasha affirmed gently.

Wanda's bottom lip trembled, and she couldn't help but launch herself at the older woman, accidently knocking Natasha onto her back but into an embrace. The hug didn't last long when Wanda heard Natasha hiss in pain in her ear, immediately pulling back to sit up with worry swirling in her ocean-colored eyes. Though she winced in pain, Natasha chased after Wanda and sat up with her, taking the brunette's hands into hers. "I'm fine." She tried to reassure Wanda with a smile. "My left side is sore, but it shouldn't be infected." Natasha felt her entire body melt when Wanda cupped her face, sighing softly when her thumbs brushed against her cheekbones.

"You're really here… I'm not dreaming, am I?"

Natasha let out a throaty chuckle, bringing Wanda closer so that she was situated on her lap. She wrapped her arms around the younger woman's waist and smirked when Wanda placed her arms around her neck in response. "Definitely not a dream."

"Prove it," Wanda challenged, leaning downward.

Natasha didn't have to be told what Wanda wanted, far too eager to capture the Sokovian's lips in a kiss after being separated for two months. Wanda sighed into another kiss and Natasha took the opportunity to dart her tongue forward, the brunette already granting her access to explore her mouth and deepen the kiss. Normally, this sort of compromising position and Wanda's lips on hers was enough to ignite a fire that burned between her legs, but the soft sight of Wanda in reindeer antlers, an oversized knitted red sweater with a snowman design stitched on the front, and the festive atmosphere surrounding them was more than enough to quell any primal urges. Natasha was simply happy to be back to spend the holidays with her girl.

Once they were temporarily satiated, they moved onto the couch for better comfort for the sake of Natasha's injury. Wanda was huddled happily against the redhead with her head on the latter's shoulder while Natasha had her arm around the younger. Noticing that it was almost midnight, Natasha dug through her backpack to hand over a small box with a tiny bow on top.

"A present for you," Natasha said. "It's not much but… I hope you like it."

Wanda straightened herself and gingerly untied the boy before pulling off the box lid. She let out a soft gasp when she saw the contents of the box: a sterling silver ring attached to a chain with words engraved on the surface:

Ты моё сча́стье

You are my happiness

Natasha watched as pure happiness crossed Wanda's face, but seconds later, her smile faded into a frown and her eyes fell sad, which worried her. The spy wondered if she was coming off too strong with the ring's message, that maybe she was unintentionally burdening Wanda with her emotions. She had no idea how to interpret the sudden shift in Wanda's expressions.

"Natasha, this is beautiful. I love it so much. Now I feel terrible because all I got you was a matching ugly Christmas sweater…" Wanda mumbled despondently, genuinely upset at herself.

A big sigh of relief escaped Natasha and was unable to stop herself from laughing, more at herself for being ridiculous at doubting Wanda's feelings for her. "You wanted us to match," Natasha noted.

"I do," Wanda admitted with a pout. "Please say you'll wear my sweater."

Natasha immediately tugged the sweater over her tactical suit once Wanda gave her the wrapped sweater. Once she was comfy in the knitted garment, Natasha helped clasp the ring around Wanda's neck.

The moment the clock struck midnight, Wanda used her powers to whip up two hot mugs of hot chocolate from the comfort of the couch. Natasha wrapped the fleece blanket around her and Wanda, and together, they talked into the night with their hot chocolates in hand, making up for lost time and spending their first Christmas together.

---

A/N: Sorry if the Russian is incorrect. I googled it. Thank you for reading! :)

[shnebrght]

Favorite Scent (Flufftober Drabble, KHR)

Fandom: Katekyo Hitman Reborn Ship: 27K (Sawada Tsunayoshi x Sasagawa Kyoko) Word Count: 1,023 Prompt: Favorite Scent Event Host: @flufftober

-- Her focus left her the moment the scent came to her consciousness.

Momentarily stopping by the perfume, a warm smile rose to her features as she got caught up, reminiscing. "Tsu-kun," she started, "Do you remember when we got this?"

Several tryouts, many failed attempts and dozens of scoldings from his tutor drilled into him the proper way of putting on a suit. The Tenth had been occupied with his own preparation, clumsily but surely dressing himself for the occasion as the lady grabbed his attention - alarming the young man briefly before he heaved out a laughing sigh. "Ahh, that…" She looked like she was elated to remember.

"What brought this up?"

… …

The boy must have pinched himself about nine times so far. How couldn't he? Reality just didn't align with his self-perception. After all, here he was, walking side by side with the girl of his dreams!

"Ahh! Tsuna-kun, look!" The girl excitedly alerted, unconsciously picking her pace up towards the stand; "They're giving out samples! Let's try some!" Clearly, one of them was far more immersed in the immediate moment than the other.

To see her so happy, excitedly checking stores out like an enthusiastic child, Tsuna couldn't help but mentally tear up. "Yes, l-let's!" A thought crossed his mind. Kyoko-chan was already looking supefyingly good in her chosen attire for this date, but for her to enjoy herself this much was just precious.

…If only they were truly alone.

In this large mall, it was easy for Tsuna to single Kyoko out from the crowd, going as far as the extremely bold hand-holding attempt, shying away every time before their hands actually touched. Daring as he was today, he could even single the girl out from the numerous people in the crowd with them. What he couldn't ignore, was Lambo and I-Pin, chaotically running by them and right under their legs in their unconcerned game of tag.

Why did Mom think it was a good idea to have them join, today of all days!?

The stand was placed right outside a relatively unpacked cosmetics store; an obvious move to promote sales, even going as far as spraying some perfumes to the air in-front, drawing in a few potential customers - Kyoko among them.

"Tsuna-kun, which one do you like?" The girl asked, bending slightly forward towards the stand as she tucked a loose hair strand behind her right ear, with the boy in tow and quick to reply with a silly smile. "I don't know…"

How can he know? His favorite scent was her shampoo, which she just flared in his face with that simple hair movement. But saying that would be too embarrassing! In the spur of the moment, he mindlessly moved a hand towards one of the pinkish-colored samples; "T-This one, I guess…"

-- "Oh! Really??" Her reaction was too gleeful for a simple choice. Was that a hit?? "I really like this one too!" It was!!

Spraying some of the sample on her left wrist, she quickly took the boy's hand in as well-- "Here, Tsuna-kun, you try it too." Everything was so fast. Kyoko had her sneakily quick pace about her when she was excited, that much he learned when she went on her Appreciation Days. But to so casually grab his own hand? When he was struggling with that all morning!? -- Solid blush rose to the boy's face as soon as his hand was grasped, and with an awkward whiff to his wrist, he looked away; embarrassment and happiness oozing out of every corner on his face.

"O-Oh… It's… It's good, Kyoko-chan…"

Ever the air-head, caught up in her own stride -- it took Kyoko a short moment to realize why Tsuna reacted so timidly at the act; only acknowledging she grabbed his hand in her's after he reacted. Heat rising to her own cheeks, reddening her face all the way to her ears as right away, her mood shifted. Showcasing her own embarrassment, the girl looked down, her frame appearing smaller as she enclosed her body language unconsciously; hands held together at her skirt level.

"S-Sorry!…" She apologized - "I got a little, t-too excited…" Kyoko was an honest girl. Straight-forward and unassuming, and it reflected both in her values and manner of speech. In fact, she may have made conscious effort to make that a point. "It's just, strawberry vanilla isn't very common… But it happens that I really like this scent too…"

Damn it. Tsuna's thoughts failed to process anything more than how cute this girl was. Damn it!

In their awkward embarrassment, the clerk failed to draw their attention. They were there for sampling, weren't they…? Fortunately (or unfortunately) for the worker, the two toddlers having away their time just so happened to crash into the makeshift table, causing a ruckus as they always did - alarming both Kyoko and Tsuna far too late, as they knocked the entire stand over, spilling the contents of the samples all over themselves.

"Ahh! Lambo, I-Pin!!" "You kids…."

If there was anyone to count on to break the moment, it was those two. Snapped out of their mutual embarrassment, Tsuna and Kyoko gave each other some well-warranted, awkward laughter. "I'd feel bad getting nothing after that…" Tsuna admitted.

"I know, right…?" Seems like they were on the same page. "--Excuse me!" A single bottle of the perfume was promptly purchased as a result…

… …

"…We still have the original bottle?" Tsuna humorously asked, remembering that time.

"A lot's happened. Now it's just Tsu-kun and me," Kyoko laughed to herself, coming closer to her beloved.

For Kyoko, it was a keepsake more than anything. Vanilla-strawberry wasn't a popular scent for a perfume, especially nowadays. It was associated with childishness, desires of a young girl yet fully fledged. But at the same time, it was special for her. A small reminder of a certain date with a certain man she loved. Of course, she only wore it for very, very specific occasions. Its tendency waning over time.

And yet,

"You think we should get a new one on the way?" She asked.

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah. Let's stop before dinner!"

[2d-dreams]

Jeremy AKA Germs and Proffesor Square ♡

My flatland OCs (pics and info)

I prefer to draw them in the simple shape style (no organs no other features) unlike my other characters hehe

I couldn't come up with names for them so Mr. Square and Germs were placeholders but they stuck.

Info below

Mr. or Proffesor Square is a teacher at an elementary school. He was offered higher positions or teaching advanced things but he preferred staying with the kids. He's very fond of them and is aware that teaching the youth is super important and the school system kinda sucks.

He even teaches to girls at certain moments under the excuse of 'well they're just gonna learn the art of Feeling and proper lady manners! (definetly not teaching them life lessons and addition haha)'

He had a wife, but she and his daughter died during birth, and he couldn't see himself with any other woman. He dedicated himself instead to educating children and helping at orphan homes.

When he first got the job at his school, there already was a Criminal class Isosceles subject for the Feeling lessons. The poor man had been at that school for quite a while before Mr. Square had arrived, and died in a few days. The proffesor was horrified at this, and how easily another Isosceles had been brought in, and Mr. Square being expected to make sure the poor creature wasn't a threat to his students. He was told not to feed "it", though a lenient director said he could if it came from his own money, and warned that this would be the only thing he could do for "it", to not speak to it, and then added lightheartedly that Isosceles, starved as this specimen, had an insatiable hunger.

The Isosceles was a boy, though he was very long, could not be possibly more than a teenager or fresh into physical maturity, and his intellect and behavior helped little to support the idea of him being older. After many Feeling sessions his formidable acute angle– while still dangerous– became softer. The boy had no name, and very reduced verbal ability. Mr. Square treated him like the son he never had. He gave him the name "Jeremy", which the boy seemed to like. Later on, when he had better grasp on words, Jeremy started to joke and gave himself the nickname "Germs", a funny reference to his unfortunate position, the lowest of the low class, and constantly Felt by grubby toddlers.

Mr. Square could do little to save him, but in secret took him out on walks, fed him, and spoke to him. He cared for Germs despite everything and being looked down upon by his superiors. Saying he was as sentimental as a Woman. He didn't care, but he was still at a loss on how to truly save him.

Germs told him something that seemed even more eerie as he considered his innocent tone. That the only way out was death for him.

What could he do? Stage his death and hide him in his big empty house? … Well I'm still not sure. Should he try?

[henriettalamb]

A (long) explanation to why I restarted the series

I’ve had a fair share of comments asking why I made the decision to restart the comic series (and for those who don’t know, there was a previous run of the series in 2014 to 2017) and I realize people were very attached to this old version- but there is a simple reason to why I rebooted it: I had to.

In what can be a cautionary tale for young & aspiring creators: I was a teenager and a total novice when I first started the series (it was an ask blog before i switched to full pages!) and I had no real roadmap or plan for where the series would go, and this started to manifest in ways that caused problems for me: not knowing how characters would act, not knowing proper panel placement, and essentially coming up with stuff on the spot, it was not sustainable from a creator standpoint in the long term.

But the other, more real reason to why I restarted it all is because the world changed. And I changed too.

The unfettered and bubbly & silly optimism that I had in those years were no more- starting in 2016 the world was in an increasingly new, dangerous place ranging from unhinged, ultra-nationalist fascism rising in my country and around the world, that hate manifesting into acts of violence against numerous oppressed communities- including my own, and the environment of the world started to get more violent and its future bleak.

And while this sort of hatred rose in many areas of society, I was realizing I was transgender and needed help getting to a place where I wanted to be. With the increasing apparent bleakness of the world compounding any mental issues I already had, I lost the drive to continue moving forward with art and even parts of my life.

When my former outlook of hope ended abruptly, the type of style and humor i put into the old-run of the comic felt utterly alien to what I became, what I was feeling, and I had no clue to how to continue it in a way that was not awkward. Thankfully, I got new meds, I transitioned, I moved out and got a good change of pace- and I finally had a clear outline of what I wanted this series to be and how I wanted it to go, and conclude. And the only way I could do that was start it again, on my own terms, older & a little bit wiser, and (while not perfect) my writing and art skills leaped miles above what I was originally making years prior. It’s a work that I make because I want to keep the reasons for moving forward alive and well, and putting that into my work- clinging on numerous reasons to live is not just something *I* need, but *everyone* needs right now... and the past self of me as a teenager who paid no attention to the world, assumed things would magically get better on their own- all without any self-growth, could not provide that type of narrative in a world that is intrinsically challenging and now radically different.

Yet, the old comic is still precious to me, and an important stepping-stone to how I am today- it’s of its own time and I just simply don’t want to change that, it’s almost nostalgic and comforting how that old comic’s aura is just of me, feeling more safe than I ever do now. I wouldn’t rid of that work in a million years. And yet, even as the new comic has its tense turns as the world does- I still want to infuse the newfound and very real love that deserves to be felt and spread in these troubling times- showing that amidst everything, there’s still someone- no, *people* who will love and care for you, and will keep you moving forward and support you up even if the world crumbles around you- and ultimately, you can even help do the same for them.

That’s Henrietta’s story! An outcast, in a new world in front of her with new and familiar challenges, even constantly dealing with inner demons, she can have new people in her life that can give her a reason to live. It’s an increasingly important aspect for me that I don’t think I could ever grasp back then.

So, stay safe, be good to one another, and all the while I’m going to give my all for you, and hopefully the story, world, and characters resonate to you the same way they do for me. <3

[nyotasaimiri]

Arc Two (redux) 98

((yeah my editor might fuss at me for all this viewpoint swapping but I like it))

Oldarva listened as Lumen relayed their captain’s orders; it was such a relief to know she was alright, at least. “Can you walk like that?” she asked her prisoner. Gizzie, that was they called themself. They had been pretty surprised when she asked for their name.

Gizzie looked doubtfully at the simple but effective shackles that Namina had locked around their wrists and ankles. “I can try. I’ll probably slow you down.”

Eldie frowned, thinking. She didn’t really want them to have too much trouble in there. Namina said it was cold, full of snow and ice. Could that thin purple fabric even keep them warm? But she was very reluctant to release them. Even if they didn’t seem inclined to fight, they were an enemy, right?

Namina didn’t bother with such internal debates. He just shrugged and scooped Gizzie up. Gizzie screamed in shock, stopped abruptly as they realized what happened, and looked sulky and embarrassed as Namina grinned at them. “Can do thisss too,” he said cheerfully. “Nice and ssimple, yes?”

Gizzie glared at him. “Easy for you to s-say.”

Namina grinned. “Almosst. Keep practicing hisss, will be proper Floran yet.”

Eldie couldn’t help but laugh a little. Namina was always good at raising her spirits. “It’s alright,” she reassured Gizzie, “he won’t hurt you unless you try to hurt us.”

They did relax a little—maybe they trusted her, at least. Oldarva smiled in encouragement, and patted their arm. It was a good sign. It meant they didn’t plan to attack anytime soon. “Here. Give them to me, Namina. You will have your hands full enough keeping us safe. I think they might get cold with you, too. My fur can keep us both warm.” 

Namina actually hesitated for once. So he did recognize the potential threat, even in a bound Occasus. It was always a little hard to tell under his friendly, cocky self. Oldarva gave him another of her special encouraging smiles and he relented, passing their prisoner over to her. Gizzie was lighter than she expected, and felt almost loose under the robes. Like their body had been made for someone bigger, and no one cared enough to resize them. The robes felt similar, loose and ill-fitting. It was more like holding a sack or a child in a blanket than a fully grown adult. Oldarva shifted carefully. Nyota had showed her once how to hold someone smaller than her in a way that they couldn’t wiggle free or try to hit her. Funny how all those lessons came in handy so fast…

“Hold breath in door,” Namina told them as he led the way back toward the gate. His talons left little gouges in the thin asteroid dust. 

“Is it dangerous to breathe in it?” Oldarva asked. Up close, the portal flared to life and made her short fur bristle with nervousness. It was like looking through a window, except she could see the reaches of space on the far side, stars whirling too fast to imagine. Terribly disorienting. She swallowed the sour taste that rose in her mouth.

Namina shrugged. “Dangerous, no. Tasstes bad.” 

“Oh.” Oldarva shifted her burden. “Hold onto me, Gizzie.” 

Gizzie’s voice was muffled as they curled a little tighter in Eldie’s grip. “I’m ready.” 

Oldarva braced herself as she stepped through the portal. She expected it to be awful and dizzying, like the teleporters. It wasn’t. It rushed against her like a sleeve, pressing down on all sides, bitterly cold but never quite pressing under her skin like the wind did. Gizzie stiffened in her grasp and pressed themself against her.

Then they were out, and Oldarva blinked in wonder at the strange hall. Her breath fogged in front of her and she fluffed up on instinct to trap heat better. She had never seen anything like this place before, all smooth carved stone and eerie blue light. It was too dimly lit to resemble the stories she had heard of the Miniknog labs; Oldarva was grateful for that. She did not want to be afraid. She had used so much courage already today. But still, it was strange, and strange made her fur bristle in ways she did not like.

“Thiss way,” Namina said, putting a hand on Eldie’s arm to guide her. “Sstick close.”

She didn’t need to ask why when she saw the next room. A huge scorched circle marred the tiles in the entrance, littered with metallic debris and darkened splotches that might have been oil, might have been worse. The smell was awful. Tattered scraps of purple fabric splashed color across the snow here and there. Deep gouges carved through the thick snow and ice and exposed the tile beneath. But there were no other signs of the battle that had been fought here. Oldarva wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. She pushed back at her imagination. She would make it better. She shifted Gizzie in her arms and tugged their hood up a little higher, to make sure they wouldn’t see the signs of battle. Gizzie didn’t resist.

Little floating snow-creatures watched them silently as they entered the room. Namina bared his teeth at the bolder ones. “No trouble, wisssps.”

The wisps agreed, apparently. They kept their distance and all but lost interest in their guests.  

Gizzie shivered. “It’s so cold…”

“I know.” Oldarva gripped them tighter. “It’s okay. We will move fast.”

[diablescharmants]

She brushes a strand of emerald away from his eyesight as she places a gentle kiss on the corner of where his lip meets his cheek. As she pulls away there is a mere whisper to part lips. “Upstairs.. now”

@soulbiinding // unprompted

{ That's all it took for his turquoise eyes to flare with unmistakable desire. Two sensually whispered words. }

     Freed had gotten intoxicated by the taste of her lips the first time they had kissed and he had never recovered from the hangover it brought over him. It had followed him day after day, all-consuming. And he had never wished for it to pass in the first place for otherwise, they wouldn't be where they were now. His adoration for Cana could impossibly be measured, the love that flooded his heart every minute of the day knew no bounds.

     Utterly ready to melt into whatever touches she would be willing to give, his eyes had been closed in tenderness at the gesture offered to him. The kiss planted to one corner of his lips was loving, feather-light, alluring - and not nearly enough to sate his longing for her. Being the gentleman that he was, there was no denying that he'd make do with the single gesture if that's all that was in store for him tonight and a placid sigh slipped past slightly parted lips as he floated on the gentle waves of comfort that accompanied her presence, taking him in.

{ She was the one who increased his appetite to immense heights and the one who sated it. The one who took his breath away and the one to provide him with oxygen, life essence. }

     Acting by nature, their existences long since having figured out a perfect harmony, Freed leaned into her touch and closer to her, arms already in the process of sneaking around her waist just so he could hold her, prevent her from slipping away out of his grasp, and spoil her with more kisses. Proper kisses. However, that was exactly when her near breathless words reached his consciousness and every single thought he had previously spent on simple quality time, on innocent intimacy, got blown out of the window at once.

     Pupils dilated at the promise for the further procedure of their night, erotic images spun in his mind and all with her in their center. Truly, Cana brought out his BEST and his WORST sides and neither of them would have it any other way. Breath stuttered with the gradual growth of arousal and Freed nodded, not bothering to conceal the effect she clearly had on him.

Oh heaven and hell both knew he couldn't wait to make her his again.

It was times like these that all gentlemanly care would be swept aside by a side far more carnal, a side that was part of many layers that made up the man that he was, a side that wished for nothing more than to bring utmost pleasure and satisfy their very needs. Times like these that the classiness of propriety would be traded for devilish sensuality instead, and it was only for Cana to witness.

                                          Only her. Always her.

     And her wish was his command, a lopsided smirk of unhindered anticipation appearing on his countenance before he was lifting her up with a smooth motion in the very next second and made his way over to the stairs. His mouth came to brush her skin and teeth sneaked a slow little nip to the side of her neck, a mere foretaste of what was to come, inhaling her unique scent and his voice rough and rumbling with lusty greed. "Oh darling, you know full well I don't need to be told twice."

[slashersteve]

ii. fall

part two to confetti ✦ previous part ✦ series masterlist ✦ archive link

pairing: Single Dad!Steve Harrington/Female Reader

summary: Autumn was your favorite season, and spending it in Hawkins made you enjoy it even more when you spend most of it with Steve and Cassie.

warnings/extra tags: cursing, girl dad steve, fluffy, fall activities ive had to study because im a clown, moms are still in love with steve, its literally just steve and reader being all heart eyes for any little thing fall edition, mentions of steve's dumb parents, steve is a good daddy, surprise character appearance, beta read, edited by me so that's fun

note: I think this is the longest part because I love fall and wanted to put everything in it akljslkajsa thanks for waiting, and enjoy more Steve and Cassie ♥️

✦✦✦

October’s first school event would be the annual bake sale. You learned it was a long lasting tradition of the schools, and that it was an event that helped fund a lot of the winter activities for Hawkins Elementary, and maybe even some field trips for the following year, depending on how successful it was.

Now though, you were free from studying, and made your own money, and you were going to make at least something.  

“I usually just keep it simple like cookies or something,” Heidi told you during your shared lunch break, “The baker on main street comes, and trust me, he goes all out and gets the highest sales.” 

“Is it a competition?” you questioned as you ate your homemade sandwich and flipped through a magazine that was always left in the office lounge. Heidi chuckled into her salad. 

“No, no,” she said, “Between you and me, he’s a bit of a show off when it comes to it, which makes sense because he’s good at what he does, right?” 

You honestly couldn’t say you’ve visited the baker’s yet, you didn’t even know his name, so who were you to say if his baked goods were actually good or not. 

“Anyway, cookies are the easiest way to go, brownies are also simple, cupcakes and muffins are a little more complicated but it’s not a whole cake at least, right?” Heidi chuckled to herself, and it made you chuckle too because of how glad she was that the office wasn't doing a cake walk, “I guess it depends on how good of a baker you are, but like I said, our baker goes above and beyond so it doesn’t really matter.” 

You hummed with interest before your eyes settled back onto the magazine, catching a photo of some delicious looking cookies covered in light brown sugar. They were apple cinnamon sugar cookies, according to the recipe title, and Heidi saw your eyes peak with interest and she leaned over to look at them too. 

“Oh those would be good, you should make those,” Heidi told you with a nod, “I can taste them already.” 

So, you found yourself at the grocery market right after your work day ended, a basket in one hand and the recipe you cut out of the magazine with a pair of scissors from your desk in the other as you scoured the market for the proper ingredients.

All purpose flour. Check. Cinnamon. Check. Baking soda. Check.

There was still more, like the cream of tartar and the actual apples for example as the recipe called for grated apples so ‘there would be pieces of apple in every bite.’

You were looking down at the magazine cutout as you were walking, admittingly not paying much attention to where you were walking or who you were dangerously close to colliding with, not until a familiar voice spoke up. 

“Dee’s mom is going to make a cake,” the high-pitched voice of Cassie Harrington echoed across the aisle, “She said it was going to be like..three cakes on top of each other.”

“What? That doesn’t sound right,” Steve Harrington’s voice replied back to her, and you were stopping in your tracks and looking up to see the back of Steve’s head as he was leaning over a shopping cart to look at his daughter. She was holding onto the side of the cart while she carried three cake mixes in one arm, just barely as one looked like it was slipping from her grasp. 

“That’s what Dee told me, so we need to make a cake too,” she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. 

You just sort of stood there, feeling a bit of anxiety flush through you because you hadn’t seen nor talked to Steve since Back to School Night a few weeks prior…you never received a phone call from him, but to be fair, you hadn’t called him either. 

You felt a bit guilty for not calling him, having been so busy yourself.

“Cass, they’re making a cake because they’re part of the cake-walk though, and we’re not,” Steve tried to explain to her, but she wasn’t having it, wanting to bake a cake rather than just bringing store bought cookies, some of which were currently resting in the cart on top of other groceries. 

“But you didn’t make these cookies,” Cassie pouted, turning to look at her dad. It was then that Cassie had seen you, her eyes landing on yours until she recognized you before they flickered down to the basket you were holding. 

She was suddenly pointing at you, and you took a step back quickly to put some space between you and her dad as she said, “Look! She’s baking something!”

Steve was turning his head, his brows furrowed in confusion before his eyes too landed on you. He blinked a couple of times at the sight of you, and you offered a smile as you said, “So, you’re going for store-bought cookies?” 

After a second or two, you watched Steve laugh breathlessly and nod, “Yeah. I’m not much of a baker, to be honest. Never have been.” 

“But you made us those other cookies last time,” Cassie cut in, and Steve looked down at her. 

“Those were pre-made, all I had to do was pop them in the oven,” Steve reminded her, and she huffed, still hugging the cake mix boxes to herself as she looked back at you. Her eyes grew curious then, and she asked you what it was you were baking. 

You held up the magazine cut-out, amused by the fact that Cassie was desperately trying to make her dad make literally anything homemade for this bakesale. 

“Something called apple cinnamon sugar cookies, bit of a mouthful,” you told her, holding out the cutout to show her. She leaned in a bit, examining it until her eyes lit up and she hummed as she practically melted on the spot at the sight of the cookies. Steve leaned over to look at it too.

“God, those do look really good,” he said quietly to himself, making you smile as you dropped your hand back to side just as Cassie turned to look at her dad and say, “We can make that too! Please! The stuff is all there!” 

She gestured to your hand that held the cutout, and you waved it in Steve’s face. He scoffed at you, though it was more out of amusement than anything else before he took it from you to actually look at the recipe itself. 

Cassie was giddy standing beside the cart, hugging the boxes of cake-mix tighter to herself as she awaited for her dad to finish reading through the recipe. His features contorted slightly and he said, “What the hell is a cream of tartar?”

This made you laugh, and you said, “My thoughts exactly, I was actually just looking for it.” 

His contorted expression vanished as he laughed too, and held the cut-out for you to take back, and looked at his daughter with an apologetic look,  “I want to say that seems easy enough, but…god I just don’t think I have the time to actually make these.”

Her face fell, and it was probably the saddest you’ve ever seen Cassie Harrington who was always so smiley and had half of an attitude whenever she came around the office still to give you food she didn’t want. 

“But…but she could help us,” Cassie said, now turning that sad look of hers toward you. It made you pause, not remembering the last time a kid has ever tried the ‘sad puppy dog’ look on you. The kids you used to babysit all the time did it with you whenever they wanted to stay up later or have another sweet. You’d grown immune to that, but there was something about Cassie specifically looking like that that made you feel bad…like she probably wanted you to. 

Steve gave Cassie a raised brow and said, “Don’t give her that look.” 

Her eyes turned into a small glare, pointing to her dad and he gave her one back until it became a staring contest between the two. You just sort of stood there, looking between them now with a half-curious and half-amused expression as they just stared at each other and you could tell this was something that happened often between the two. 

Steve’s eyes squinted, then so did Cassie’s, and she even tilted her head upwards as if to show him she wasn’t going to back down. Steve’s look then turned pointed, and her jaw tightened, and he raised both brows and then Cassie was letting out a defeated breath. 

“Fine, we’ll use…those dumb cookies,” she said, muttering the last part toward the storebought cookies in the cart. She then turned away to set the cake mix boxes back onto the shelf, still finding it in her to be polite enough to do so. 

Steve turned toward you with a sigh, “Sorry about that.” 

You met his brown eyes then, and shook your head as you said, “Don’t apologize…you know though…if you need help I can help.” 

You made sure to say that low enough so that Cassie couldn’t hear and you noticed Steve’s demeanor grew slightly soft at your offer, his eyes flickering downward for a moment before he pursed his lips together and shook his head. 

“No, no it’s alright,” he replied, resting a hand back on the handle of the shopping cart, “She’ll live, I’ll just make her breakfast for dinner tonight.” 

“Breakfast for dinner?” 

He nodded, “Yeah, baking? No way. And I don’t mean to brag, but I can make a pretty good pancake.” 

That made you smile for some reason, feeling like you were learning more and more about Steve Harrington despite the fact you too only really talked in moments like this where you just so happened to run into each other. 

“I love pancakes,” you said, then felt a little silly even saying that as he didn’t need to know that, but he was smirking softly as he leaned onto the cart slightly and replied to you, “Maybe one day I can make you some.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, the tone he said it in being borderline flirtatious but you didn’t want to look too much into that, rather just laughing and started to step backwards to make your leave so that you could finish finding the right items and he could finish his grocery shopping with Cass. 

“I look forward to whenever that happens then,” you stated, “I’ll let you guys finish your grocery trip…” You gestured to the both of them, but Cassie was suddenly returning to herself. 

“Wait!” she said, “Can I help you find the rest of the stuff? Daddy, can I help her?” 

She asked the both of you at once, hope returning to her eyes, and Steve seemed unsure, not because of you though but in case Cass tried to get you to buy her something because she’s done it before with Mrs. K and Karen Wheeler before, coming back to him with a candy he told her she didn’t need. 

“Uh, I just need to find this cream of tartar, and some apples,” you said as you looked at the cutout quickly. That’s when Cassie suddenly got another idea the moment you said apples. 

“Oh! Does that mean you’re going apple picking?”

You tilted your head at the mention of that…apple picking. It was pretty self-explanatory, but the idea of it had never really crossed your mind. 

“I…no I was just going to buy them here,” you replied to her, not knowing that there was even an apple picking event here in Hawkins anyway. Cassie looked suddenly disgusted, and when you looked at Steve, so did he. You blinked at them, and asked them what was wrong with buying apples here, growing slightly amused again at how their expressions matched exactly. 

“Is there something like…wrong with them here?” you questioned them both. 

“Not exactly, but the apples from the apple farm a town over are way better, trust me,” Steve told you, “They have this apple picking event every fall, you pay for however many baskets you want, and then you…you know pick apples and take them home.” 

“Yeah, we’re going tomorrow!” Cassie cut in again excitedly, before she grabbed her dad’s arm and said, “She can come with us!”

Steve was looking at Cassie again, a slight flush over his cheeks as he told her she had to stop trying to tell people to go places with them without asking them first because she can make someone uncomfortable real quick, and Cassie looked absolutely done with her dad’s attitude in this store. 

Then he turned to you again, brown eyes finding yours as he asked, “Have you been apple-picking before?”

“No,” you replied after giving it little thought, “Not many apple farms in the city, you know, unless you want to drive a couple hours out…store-bought apples were definitely closer and less of a hassle.”

“Ah, right, you’re from the city,” Steve pointed at you, “I mean…if you would like to go with us, or you know just be there at the same time, that’ll be totally okay. Plus, I think it’s an experience everyone should have at least once.”

A small grin was returning to your face, knowing that Steve was inviting you properly for Cass, who looked up at you with wide eyes that matched Steve’s almost identically.

“I…I would actually love to go,” you said genuinely, watching as Steve’s eyes lit up like Cassie’s might, “I mean, you said it’s something I should experience at least once, so…yeah…yeah I’ll go.”

“Great!” Steve blurted out before his cheeks grew flushed, and Cassie was giddy again, “You want to meet there, I can give you the directions?” 

“Yeah, I’ll meet you guys there, just…call me tonight to tell me more details, maybe?” you said, working that in almost professionally. At the mention of calling, Steve’s cheeks became even more flushed because like you when he had seen you he felt guilty that he’d forgotten to call you as well, having been, per usual, very busy with Cass and his three different jobs. 

“Yeah, sure,” he said, and you smiled with a content nod. 

“Good,” you said, “I look forward to it then, I’m gonna go and find that cream of tartar now and I’ll see you two tomorrow?” 

Both of them nodded, and you both said a final see you later before you were stepping backwards, leaving one last longing stare at Steve Harrington before turning around with a large smile on your lips, looking forward to apple picking with the both of them. 

✧ ✧ ✧

The apple orchards were just simply beautiful to you as you sat on the tractor that took you and the other apple pickers in your group around the entire farm before they would stop at the orchards and allow time for you and everyone else to fill up your baskets. 

“We have to get all the red ones,” Cassie Harrington was sitting beside you, the basket she had looked comically big in her lap compared to the same basket that was sitting in yours. 

“There’s a lot of those ones, I don’t think they’re going to run out,” you replied to her as you looked out into the distance at the rows and rows of apple trees. 

It was a nice day, clear skies and a light wind that felt nice against your skin every time a breeze passed by. 

Beside Cassie was Steve, and he wasn’t looking at the orchards like you and Cassie were, but he was looking at… well you. The sun shined down on you in a very specific way, and it made the color of your eyes more visible. His chest sort of tightened and he had to carefully release a soft hitch of his breath. 

He would admit to himself that he had been nervous when he called you the night before, using a quick break in order to do so from the phone in the employee lounge at the market he worked the night shift at. He knew it was late, but he also knew you were expecting that call.

You had sounded very sleepy on the phone, but there wasn’t an ounce of irritation in your voice either which surprised Steve because of the hour, like you were looking forward to the call…like you might’ve been looking forward to a call since you’ve exchanged numbers. He beat himself up for a moment or two, wishing he didn’t do that to you, but knowing that it was really something he couldn’t help. 

“You do this every year?” you asked Cassie, tearing Steve from his thoughts. He looked at his daughter now, her hair in two braids that he had done just before they got on the tractor because she changed her mind about the pony tail and clips she had him style her hair in that morning…clips that were currently in the pocket of his jacket. 

“Only last year,” Cassie replied to you, “My daddy barely discovered it last year through my friend Delilah and her mom.” 

You were nodding along to Cassie, and not in the way people typically nodded along to children when they spoke to them, you actually seemed genuinely interested in holding this conversation with her and it made Steve feel slightly warm. 

“Sounds like it could be a nice tradition though,” you said with a small smile as you looked back to the orchards. Cassie was nodding. 

“Yeah, I like it! The apples are super good, so that means your cookies are going to be super good too!” she claimed, which made you chuckle in response. 

“I hope you’re right, like your dad here, I’m actually not the best baker,” you admitted, your eyes finding Steve’s that were already on yours. He blinked softly, realizing he’s been mentioned as you chuckled again and said, “But I’m willing to try, especially if these are as good as you say they are.” 

“They are,” Cassie said confidently, grasping the basket between her hands just as the tractor came to a stop. Steve knew what she was going to do and caught her hand before she could hop off and start running like it was some kind of competition of who could pick the most apples. 

“Hey! Hey! Let’s help her pick some before you go getting into a fight with another kid for an apple you want,” Steve told her, and she was starting to nod in agreement with him and even apologized before all three of you got off together. 

Cassie held the basket in one hand now while the other was in her dad’s, and you trailed beside them holding your own as you gazed at all the apples, wondering if there was some kind of trick to finding the best ones. 

Some of the trees were taller than the others, so they had ladders, and others were small enough so that a kid like Cassie could pick some of her own as well. You did stay together for the most part, Cassie pointing out apples for you to get, and some for Steve to grab that were too high for her. 

After you had a good few, Steve let Cassie run off to find some of her own, leaving just you and him. You wandered over to one of the trees nobody had been picking at, and before Steve knew it you were suddenly on a ladder. 

He stared up at you, feeling this sudden regretful feeling come over him that he’d been feeling since your teasing comment the day prior about him calling you for details.

“Hey so,” Steve started from below you, “I wanted to apologize for not calling you.” 

You were reaching for a particularly large apple that was further into the tree, your fingers just barely grazing it and you were going to reply to Steve when a dramatic gasp had cut you off. 

“You didn’t call her!?” Cassie called, the gasp coming from her.

Steve looked away from you, and toward Cassie who was standing there with a basket half-full of apples. Steve stared at her for a moment, feeling slightly embarrassed by her blurting that out, others had looked over, but fortunately you seemed more preoccupied with still getting that giant apple off of the tree.

In fact, you grumbled, going up another step on the ladder, while Steve walked over to Cassie. 

“Are these all the apples you got?” Steve asked, and she shrugged as she looked down at them too, and told him that these kids were more mean this year than last year. It made Steve shake his head, and rest his hands on his hips before she asked him if she could sit down and listen to her music. 

“You’re done already?” he questioned, and she nodded. It was just as well, she did have an early morning today like he did so he told her she could sit in the tractor and listen while he filled the rest of the basket up. She grinned and nodded, already putting the walkman headphones over her ears before running toward the tractor. 

“Uh, Steve-” 

He was turning toward you, seeing you on the top of the ladder and he stared for a moment before realizing you were holding onto the actual tree for dear life. 

“Could you hold me steady?” you asked, turning your head to look back at him and Steve was nodding, quickly walking back toward you as he rolled his sleeves up and went behind you. 

“Uh- where do you want me to hold you?” he asked, not wanting to hold you anywhere that might be inappropriate or uncomfortable for you. You told him to just place his hands on the back of your thighs, and he sucked in a breath before nodding. 

He carefully held you still, feeling the denim of your jeans underneath his palms as you were finally steady enough to lean forward and successfully wrap your hands around the apple you really wanted. 

“Got it!” you said, before you started to climb down. Steve helped you do that too until you were on your feet. You got a bit of vertigo though being on the ground again, your head feeling slightly dizzy that if it hadn’t been for Steve grasping your shoulders you might’ve almost embarrassingly lost your balance. 

When you came to, you were met with the concerned face of Steve, his brown eyes flickering over you to see if you were okay. You held up the apple though and said, “I think I like doing this, it’s pretty fun.”

“I can see that, you worked really hard to get that apple,” Steve commented, eying the apple that was a pretty impressive size, “Damn, no wonder you climbed so high to get that one.”

You clicked your tongue, and said, “I’m having a lot of fun, thanks for inviting me.” 

“Yeah, no problem, Cass is really enjoying you being here too, before she ran off is all,” Steve said, turning his head where Cass was sitting on the tractor with the headphones placed over her ears and her head nodding back and forth to whatever song she was jamming to. 

“Also, you don’t have to apologize for not calling, I mean, I didn’t call you either,” you told him, finally responding to his apology that Steve had accepted went unheard when Cassie interrupted. Steve stared at you for a moment, and let out a quiet breath. 

“Still…I don’t know, as the guy I feel like it’s my obligation to call the girl first,” Steve admitted, as in his experience with women in the past it was always him calling first, whether it’s after a date, a good morning call- things he would do before Cassie came into his life and he stopped everything to be the father she deserved. 

“Well, that would make sense if we were romantically involved, which we aren’t…” you said, hearing your own voice grow a little soft at the idea of it. In fact, you kind of batted your eyelashes at Steve, just slightly, and if he noticed, which he did, he didn’t tease you..

“That’s true…but…to be honest, I probably still wouldn’t have,” Steve said, suddenly cringing at his own behavior that he was acutely aware of, but no matter how guilty he might’ve felt he still hadn’t changed it yet. A smile that mirrored his came onto your lips and you laughed quietly. 

“You know, I’ve never really been a high maintenance friend, Steve,” you said, trying that out instead and Steve looked genuinely surprised by the term. It wasn’t like he didn’t have friends, in fact he even had a best friend who wasn’t very high maintenance either since she moved to New York over a year ago, a single phone call every once in a while and visit usually sufficed, but the idea that he found a friend in you, that you even started to consider him as one, made Steve’s brain a little buzzed. 

He guessed he hadn’t made a new friend in a while now, and he was glad that it was you. 

“Huh…I guess we are friends,” Steve said, moreso to himself. Your smile grew wider and you nodded. 

“I would say so,” you replied, then held up your full basket of apples, “And I think that friends should help each other bake cookies for the bake sale on Monday.”

He glanced down at the apples, wondering how you managed to find the biggest ones in the orchard and was impressed all at once. He rested his hands onto his hips, lifting his eyes back up to meet yours and you were giving him an expectant look, like you weren’t going to take no for an answer and Steve honestly liked that. 

Something else brewed up inside of him, something not so warm but rather hot, and he had to cool down by sucking in a tight breath before saying, “Oh, Cass is going to jump for joy.” 

You laughed, that look on your face all but vanishing and being replaced with amusement, and the heat only got stronger. Steve’s eyes lingered onto your lips, longer than the other times he’d been with you, and the foggy part in his brain wondered just what would happen if he just leaned in and kissed you. 

Of course, he wasn’t going to because above all he was still a gentleman and was aware that just because you make a woman laugh doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be snogged, but Steve still wondered how your lips would feel against his. 

It was lucky, then, when Cass was calling out to him and taking his and your attention off of each other before you had more time to notice his slightly heated gaze. His father instinct kicked in almost immediately when he heard Cassie’s cry of distress. 

Steve was turning around, eyes growing concerned and brows pulling inward as his eyes found his daughter dashing toward him with her walkman and headphones in each hand. Tears prickled at the corner of her brown eyes. 

“It’s not playing!” she cried as she got to her dad, “It just stopped! I didn’t do anything!” 

Steve grew slightly relieved that it was just the walkman acting up, as his first thought had been that she was somehow hurt. 

Beside him, you were frowning because of Cassie’s clear distress and sadness over the walkman suddenly breaking on her, as you’ve been there before yourself. She held it up to Steve, her lips quivering and tears fully pouring from her eyes. 

Steve took them from her, eying them for only a moment before sighing, as if he knew one day these things would just break on her. It was an older model, you observed, and Steve all but gave them a quick look over before tossing them into his half full basket of apples on the floor beside his feet and resting his eyes back on his little girl. 

“Hey, don’t cry, alright, these things were old, I’ve had them since I was in high school,” he told Cassie softly. 

“I know, but-but I wanted to listen to music,” Cassie cried, “And now I can’t!”

A sympathetic smile was on Steve’s lips as he knelt down in front of his upset daughter and wiped her tears away with his thumb, “There’s worst things to happen, and these can be replaced, alright?” 

Cassie sniffled, “But how will I listen to my music?”

“Well there’s the radio in the car, the stereo at home…” Steve listed off, “It’ll be okay, I can get you a new one, ones that won’t skip over tracks so that you have to hit it.” 

Cassie’s eyes showed more light in them at the idea of that, “Really?” 

Steve nodded, “Yes, really- but it’s totally okay to cry about it, I think I might cry too. I’ve been through a lot with this guy.” 

Cassie giggled, and Steve’s smile turned warm, happy to make his little girl smile again after mourning the loss of her walkman. Steve kissed her head affectionately and said, “I have good news though, we are going to bake cookies for the bake sale.” 

Her face lit up completely, her cheeks still tear stricken but her eyes were brighter now. 

“We’re going to bake a cake?” Cassie asked, hopeful and Steve winced. 

“No, no! Not a cake, I already told you we don’t have to…I was thinking more like…” Steve looked over at you, and you stared for a second before saying, “Chocolate chip cookies?” 

Steve snapped his finger, “Yeah! We’re going to do that…it’s not a cake, but it’s still baking.” 

Cassie was still excited, nodding up at her dad and saying, “We’re going to bake! Let’s go home and start now!” 

This made Steve laugh, and Cassie was trying to pick up the basket to bring back to the tractor that would take you back to the farm. Meanwhile, Steve looked back at you and you were smiling again, thinking to yourself that no wonder everyone (the mothers of Hawkins really) were so enamored with him. The way he comforted Cass, how soft his voice became…you realized you couldn’t be more attracted to a man.

And now, you are going to have him in your house.

✧ ✧ ✧

Your entire house smelled like a bakery. The smell of cinnamon was strong, mixed with the sweet pleasant scent of chocolate. Music was playing out of the stereo in your living room, music chosen specifically by Cassie Harrington when you told her the day prior that she could listen to anything she decided to bring or anything you had too. 

Steve was standing beside you, wearing a cupcake apron with frills that matched Cassie’s, a pair she chose when she and her dad went to the market the morning of with a list of ingredients you relayed to him over the phone the night before. Your second late night phone call.

Cassie was busy taste testing one cookie from each batch before she’d package them away in these clear bags that had fall leaf designs all over it, complimenting your apple cinnamon cookies after devouring one. She was making you laugh a lot this afternoon, and so was Steve. 

“Okay, okay Cass, you’re going to get a tummy ache,” Steve told his daughter after she ate her fifth chocolate chip cookie. She pouted at him, claiming that she wouldn’t, but Steve wasn’t buying it.

“I’ll set some aside for you, Cassie,” you chimed in as you were grating more apples for yet another batch of your cookies while Steve was stirring chocolate chips into the mixture he was working on in one of your many mixing bowls. 

“But how will we know it’s not poisoned?”

“Cass nobody’s poisoning anything- what- why would you think we’d put poison in these?” Steve asked, practically horrified by his daughter’s choice of words and Cassie sighed and replied, “That’s what Dustin says we have to do! I’m helping!”

Yet again, you were laughing while Steve just stared at his daughter practically dumbfounded before he said, “It’s not poisoned, and I think the mixtape you brought is about to end, so you’ll have to change it.” 

Cassie turned her head, recognizing the final song on it as she listened to it all the time and was going to go change it (or start it over) but not before sneaking another cookie. Steve huffed, turning his attention back to the mixing bowl. 

“So how’s the broken walkman situation?” you asked Steve suddenly. He let out a deep sigh, as if hating to be reminded of that, “Sorry for bringing it up.”

“No, no- I was honestly waiting for them to just break, I was just hoping it would be closer to Christmas,” he said, wiping his face with the hand that was covered in flour. You glanced at Steve, your eyes instantly going to the flour that was suddenly decorating his cheek. He didn’t seem to notice, too focused on getting the right consistency of the cookie dough…in fact he was actually covered with various stains, on his forehead, his arms, and his neck. Your eyes lingered there for a bit before you forced your eyes back to what you were doing. 

“No back ups? I remember having a back up,” you joked. 

“That was the back-up,” he replied quickly, “It’s alright- she’ll be fine until Christmas…hopefully, honestly I might have to see if Mrs. K has one. Sometimes she has random things for Cass.”

You tilted your head gently, and asked him who Mrs. K was, as you feel like he had mentioned her before. Steve was quiet for a second, as if confused you didn’t know who she was until he remembered you barely moved here in the summer.

“Oh she’s my neighbor, nice older woman, probably the nicest person in this town really, she gives me and Cassie a lot of things like vegetables from her garden, or random casseroles and sometimes just these bulks of snacks.” 

You hummed with interest, thinking that to be kind of sweet. As Steve began to mess with the finished dough, he laughed and continued to say, “It’s kind of nice honestly, because my parents moved out of this place years ago, like maybe a year after Cass was born and I barely hear from them- so it’s almost like she’s Cassie’s unofficial grandparent.” 

Though you didn’t know much about Steve yet, you thought it was safe to assume that Steve shared no relationship to his parents, and you didn’t know what to say about it, feeling like if you asked anything he’d tell you to leave it alone.

“I used to have someone like that,” you said rather than that, making Steve look back at you. Now you were the one looking away, too focused on finishing the next and final batch of cookies, “My fifth grade teacher, and probably the only person I think my dad might’ve dated.” 

It was odd bringing that up, but like Steve had done with you, you were word vomiting too and immediately felt embarrassed. Steve didn’t seem to think so though, instead asking you to tell him more about it. 

“She was just super nice, and I could tell he liked her a lot,” you said vaguely, feeling slightly uncomfortable talking about your dad because it had been a while since you’ve talked to someone about him, considering he was the only family you had left before his passing, “The point is, it’s good to have people willing to help like that.” You chuckled then smiled weakly.

To be honest, you hadn’t thought of your dad since you moved here, not as often as you would’ve liked… you hadn't even got around to putting photos of you and him around the house. A part of you felt…sad that you hadn’t, like you didn’t know if you were mourning him enough anymore. Steve had noticed your expression turn grim, how the smile that followed your soft chuckle suddenly turned into a frown. 

“I didn’t mean to pry, I’m sorry,” Steve said, realizing that it was a touchy subject for you. You quickly shook your head. 

“No, no it’s alright, it’s been a while…I mean the grief doesn’t really go away, but…I just hadn’t talked about him with anyone in a long time,” you admitted to Steve.

“I mean, I really like talking to you, about anything so if you’d like to talk about him, or anything else again…well you have my number.” 

You looked at Steve again, feeling touched by his statement, forgetting that you probably weren’t going to see him for a few weeks following this unless things changed in his schedule, but the gesture felt nice. You nodded softly at him, and said almost breathlessly “Okay.” 

Steve winked at you before he turned his attention back on his dough, then he grabbed a separate spoon and brought it up to his lips to taste before asking you, “Is this good? It looks good, it tastes good, but is it good?”

The spoon he was holding was turned to you, wanting you to validate it before rolling them into balls and putting them in the oven.

You didn’t mind, really, parting your lips and taking a bite of the dough off of the spoon he held. He stared at you, brown eyes resting onto your lips for a few seconds too long before lifting them to meet your eyes. You hummed at the sweet taste flooding your mouth, and nodded, “You’re kind of a natural at baking, you know that?” 

A grin spread across his lips, “You’re just saying that, it’s not as good as yours. Mine’s just basic chocolate chip, anyone can make it.” 

“Making bad chocolate chip cookies are possible- and you managed to make really good ones on the first try, I’m pretty impressed,” you said, half paying attention to the sound of Cassie diving through your various cassette tapes, something you said she could do if she wanted. You never really listened to music anymore, unless you were cleaning. 

You could feel Steve’s eyes still on you, seeing him in your peripherals and pretending you couldn’t, even as your cheeks started to heat up and you said randomly, “I kind of wish we went with M&M cookies for you…same concept…more colorful and exciting.” 

Steve paused, “Are those your favorite or something?”

“Oh yeah, something about them really hits the spot,” you joked. Steve half-grinned, as if he learned something even more interesting about you and he glanced at it before he took a double take. 

“Wait, look at me real quick,” Steve told you, and you did, seeing his eyes zero in on your cheek before he pointed and said, “You got a little something right there.” 

You blinked, and he laughed as he grabbed one of the clean dish towels to wipe whatever it was off of your cheek. Your body burst with warmth when he held the fabric to your left cheek. You also felt bad because he was covered in flour head to toe and you didn’t tell him even once. He’d have to take a shower to get it all off probably, but this didn’t change the fact that he was practically holding your face in his large hand.

Heat plummeted throughout you, and you found that you didn’t want to move away, and maybe he didn’t either, as even after he successfully wiped your cheek he didn’t move away. No, he stayed this close to you, so close that your nose caught a whiff of his suddenly familiar cologne that had been masked by the smell of cookies after a while. It was enough to make your mind fog up, just a little, and your breath hitched softly…something that Steve caught.

“Are you okay?” Steve asked you, a teasing element lingering underneath his tone. His eyes lifted to meet yours, and you swallowed thickly, unsure what was going on, and your nerves made you say, “You got something too…uh…well everywhere.”

Steve’s eyes furrowed as your eyes flickered at his entire face, breaking whatever trance he’d entered, and you could see his cheeks turn a little pink underneath the flour. God, did you want him to break out of it? Because he was moving away from you then, and you felt slight disappointment…wondering if something would’ve happened if you didn’t say anything. 

“Everywhere? How?” Steve asked you, now bringing the towel to his face. You gestured to his cheek, then his neck, and his arms and his eyes grew wide. Just then Abba’s “Mamma Mia” started to blast through the speakers, and Cassie was back in the kitchen and wiping her brow like finding the right cassette really tired her out. 

“Okay! I’m back to try more cookies,” she announced. You laughed quietly, and told Steve where the bathroom was before turning to Cass and telling her, “After this final batch you can test one, but first put on some gloves and help me roll the dough into the sugar.” 

Steve was just about to go to the restroom to clean up a bit, but found himself taking a bit of a moment to take in the sight before him. Cassie was now sitting on the stool on her knees right beside you, too big of plastic gloves on her smaller hands, watching you roll the dough into the sugar, then doing one of her own. 

Something swelled up into his chest, something he didn’t quite understand, but he did recognize the warm feeling of happiness seeing Cass with you. There was just something about it, Steve thought, that made a soft grin grow onto his lips…especially when you praised Cassie when she showed you the little ball of dough covered in sugar and cinnamon. 

It was Cassie’s bright smile too that made Steve think for a moment…where did you come from and how come you’re barely in his life now?

✧ ✧ ✧

“Enjoy!” you stated happily as you handed over what felt like the 100th bag of cookies from the faculty’s booth. The woman grinned at you before she handed the cookies to her son and began to take off, giving you time to add more bags of cookies onto the table. 

Beside you, Heidi was counting the money you made so far and placing the bills into a tin box. 

“These cookies are a hit, I’m glad you went with them- they’re super good too,” Heidi said as she picked up her half eaten cookie and shoved the rest into her mouth, “Yup, delicious. You have to make these for the Holiday office Christmas Party in December, god I think I’ll pay you.” 

That made you chuckle as you went around to fix the sign the other members had worked all weekend on that said ‘Front Office’ and had poorly drawn cookies all over it. 

As you did so, there was suddenly a burst of laughter from behind you. You lifted your head up, turning your head toward one of the booths that was across from yours, but more down the line. Women and their kids all surrounded this one table, so much that you were unable to see who’s table it was…that’s if you didn’t know because he’d been here early to set up along with you and others. 

Heidi leaned over the cookies, having heard the commotion too and she laughed out loud, “So, Steve Harrington baking was all it took to take that baker down a notch.” 

She was looking over at the other booth, the town’s baker having only a handful of customers while Steve’s booth was surrounded by a crowd who might as well been waving cash over their heads. It was almost comedic how the simple fact that Steve Harrington baked cookies rather than brought store bought ones caused such a commotion. 

He was standing behind the table handing out the bags of chocolate chip cookies while Cassie was sitting on a clear space on the table taking the cash with the help of one of the other parents working the booth. They were both wearing the matching cupcake aprons again, something that did not go unnoticed by the mom’s either. 

“These are absolutely fabulous, Steve,” you heard one of them compliment him, “It makes me wonder what other skills you’re hiding from us.” There was a giggle after that almost resembled one of a high school girl talking to the football captain and you were sure you could hear the eye roll of the woman’s husband somewhere around here. You laughed while shaking your head and fixed some of the cookie bags to look more presentable before placing more smaller samples onto the tray. 

At the booth, Steve was slightly overwhelmed but Cass was doing a good job keeping everyone at bay. 

“There’s a line!” she told the crowd, “One at a time please!”

Compliments continued to be thrown Steve’s way, and with flushed cheeks he was thanking them and being professional and handing them their bags when a woman asked him for the recipe. Steve looked up at her, and laughed nervously, “Well it’s not my recipe- I had a little- well a lot of help from a friend.” 

“A friend you say? I’d love to meet them and get the recipe then,” she said cheekily before she took the bags from him and moved on. Steve smiled at the next customer, but behind them was a parting of the crowd finally and Steve’s eyes caught you in front of your booth. 

You were holding the tray of apple cinnamon cookies, one of the husband’s of one of the women over here standing beside you as he tried one. He said something to you after, making you grin up at him in a friendly manner and Steve realized he hadn’t listened to a word the lady in front of him said. 

“Daddy! She said she wanted 2 bags!” Cassie tore him from his eyes on you just as your eyes found Steve’s. He cleared his throat lightly, smiling at the woman and grabbing two bags of cookies and holding it out for her. 

She thanked him, and Steve’s eyes found yours again, finding that you were looking at him already. You waved at him, and Steve smiled softly and waved back at you. 

From where you stood, Heidi had caught the small interaction between you and Steve, raising both of her brows with interest. Her eyes rested onto your face, recognizing the expression of warmth written all over your features, right down to your wide smile and eyes that seemed to have lit up. 

She leaned on the table, and hummed with pure interest. 

“So…you and Steve?” Heidi asked, and to you this question had seemingly come out of nowhere as you returned to the seat beside her in the shade. Though it was a cool autumn day, it was still pretty hot when you stood directly in the sun like you just were. 

“What about Steve?” you questioned her as you settled into your chair, Heidi shrugged. 

“Are you and him…getting to know each other more?” she asked you another question, and by now you were used to this, used to Heidi not getting to the point of something and speaking to you like everything that you talked about was gossip or something. You just stared at her, watching her eyebrows wiggle suggestively. 

“Heidi, please, we’re both adults here,” you said, wanting to beg her to stop talking like this and she could only giggle like a high schooler. 

“Oh come on, you can tell me.” 

“There’s nothing to tell,” you said, and Heidi sighed at your stubbornness to admit anything. You chalked it up to maybe this town was so small that any gossip was the holy grail to her, or maybe the odd obsession every married woman seemed to have with Steve Harrington. It could be either, honestly. 

Still, you knew you were lying because maybe there was something to tell because afterall you don’t think anyone’s ever looked at you like he did, if anyone’s ever made you laugh and smile so much. The thought of Steve made your stomach twist pleasantly, and your chest to warm up like your oven when you helped each other bake all of those cookies the mom’s were currently salivating over. 

Jokingly, you told yourself that if you looked at him and he was already looking at you, maybe there was something there, something that would be worth telling somebody else about. 

And when you snuck a glance, you were pleased to see that he was. Heat raised to your cheeks, and you allowed yourself this small moment of vindication, as silly as it sounded. 

“I’ll be damned,” Mrs. Abi’s voice broke you from your moment of warmth and you looked up to see her standing there with her arms resting on her waist as she stared at the crowd Steve’s booth brewed up, “I think we’ll all be getting raises next year, and all we had to do was get Mr. Harrington to bake a couple of cookies.” 

The joke made the other faculty at your booth including Heidi laugh, and another office member, who you distinctly remembered seeing go over once or twice, stated, “He had a lot of help I hear from somebody.” 

“Well, whoever convinced him and helped out- I’m grateful because look at this crowd,” Mrs. Abi said, still entirely impressed by how something as simple as Hawkins’ favorite Dad baking chocolate chip cookies could ring up this much business. 

You elected to stay quiet, dropping your eyes to the cookies before you as Mrs. Abi continued to admire the amount of people here. Still, you smiled to yourself, knowing that it was you and liking that you were the only one who knew, like those moments with Steve and Cassie were yours to keep and only yours. It made you feel special, in a way. 

Suddenly, somebody was tapping your arm. It captured your attention, and everyone else sitting at the booth’s attention. Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see it was Cassie Harrington, well mostly everyone as Cassie would visit you on occasion to give you part of her lunch. 

She held out a bag of cookies to you, and said, “My daddy said to give you these. They’re for you and you only!” 

You blinked, and took the bag of cookies from her. Cassie didn’t give you a moment to respond, flashing you a bright smile before she was turning and pushing her way through the crowd. You looked at the bag of brightly colored cookies.

There was a little note attached to the tie around the bag of cookies, different from the rest of the bags, in fact they were different from the cookies you spent hours helping him bake entirely. 

‘Thanks for the help. You deserve these :) - Steve’

The bag was filled with smaller, homemade M&M cookies, the colors of the candy vibrant against the cookie part. Did he seriously make these cookies for you? When did he have the time to do so? Did he make time? So many questions rang through your head and you had forgotten that you weren’t alone. 

In fact, the entire faculty, Mrs. Abi included, was just staring at you as you gawked at the bag of cookies Cassie had just given you in front of everyone. It seemed they had gotten their answer as to who helped Steve bake all those cookies. 

“Nothing to tell,” Heidi muttered beside you, repeating your words from before. You cleared your throat, and placed the cookies inside of your purse that was underneath your chair, trying not to let them see how the gesture was affecting you further.

And later, when you would take a bite out of one of the cookies, your thoughts were filled with Steve Harrington until you would go to bed that night and even then, he still plagued you in your dreams. You weren’t complaining though…not one bit. 

✧ ✧ ✧

If Steve was anything, it was self aware. He knew he wasn’t the most punctual when it came to any relationships outside of the one he had with his daughter, but with Halloween and then Cassie suddenly getting the flu, life had just been a hassle. 

He’d been meaning to call you again, or maybe visit you in the office (except he thought that would be odd if he didn’t have an excuse to be there other than he just wanted to see you) to ask if you enjoyed those cookies he and Cass had baked for you but then he also got sick while taking care of Cass. 

He wasn’t a six year old though, so he managed better than she did, but it did take him out for a day or so. When he thought about you, he tried to remind himself of your declaration that you weren’t a high maintenance friend, basically that you understand him vanishing for weeks on end, but that didn’t change the fact that he did feel bad that after basically a whole weekend spent together he kind of just vanished and relied on Cassie to stay interacting with you. 

The doctor’s note in his pocket came at a good moment, one that he had to deliver to the office himself so that her past few absences would be excused, and he thought that maybe you’d be keen on having some lunch with him today. 

Although, when he entered the school’s front office he was met with an empty desk. 

His eyes danced around the office, disappointment brewing in his chest that maybe you were out sick too or something until he heard you say his name. He snapped his head to the side, seeing that you were actually next to him, he just hadn’t seen you. 

“Oh, god I didn’t even see you,” Steve said, feeling stupid for not, but you just laughed and waved him off because it really wasn’t a big deal, “I have a doctor’s note for Cassie.” 

Steve dug his hand into the pocket of the sweats he was wearing, and scowled when he couldn’t find it, now afraid it had slipped out of his pocket outside on this very windy day, “Shit, I thought I did. Give me a second.” 

He wasn’t looking at you, but if he had he would’ve definitely noticed your suddenly flustered expression, and how you were desperately trying to keep your eyes anywhere but on his lower half. He dug his hands into the other pocket, pleased to feel the paper there instead. 

“Ah, there you are,” Steve muttered to himself, something Max might’ve said was very ‘dad’ of him to say. He held it out for you to take, and you did, walking over to your desk while Steve finally noticed that you were actually decorating the front part of the office with autumn leaves. 

Various colored leaves decorated the wall, meant to look like they were being blown in the wind, but there was a lot more on the floor. He wasn’t sure if that was part of the decor, not until he noticed there were a few pieces of tape missing leaves. 

“Oh,” Steve said, bending over to pick them up. He started to stick them to the wall for you without really thinking, but then the door was being opened again, causing a breeze to fly in so all the ones he had just stuck on had fallen again. 

He realized then that probably happened to you when he walked in, and he cringed, feeling bad about that. He looked over at you when he heard you ask the person, another parent, who had just walked in what you could help them with. Your eyes glanced over at Steve and he waved a leaf at you, catching the amusement to flash over your eyes as you looked back at the parent. 

“I unfortunately don’t have a copy of the permission slip, but they are going to be sent home with the students today…if not come back and I will be sure to have extra copies…” 

Your voice trailed off as you returned to typing on your computer, surely trying to continue inputting Cassie’s doctor’s note into the system. Meanwhile, Steve just waited and watched you, slightly intrigued with you working and realizing that you were just very busy too. 

After a moment, the parent had turned to leave, smiling at Steve as they pushed through the door, the wind causing more leaves to fall off the wall. Steve picked those up too, and when he turned back to you, he saw you were smiling with your eyes on the computer screen. 

“Are the fifth graders going to that museum out of town already?” Steve asked, having practically memorized the schedule they had all been handed at Back to School Night, the one with all the events on it (and your number) despite him needing only to worry about first grade events. He honestly couldn’t wait until Cass’s first field trip in the spring because he was going to be a chaperone. It would be her first field trip too.

“Yeah, at the end of the week,” you replied to him, eyes moving to the doctor’s note, “You don’t have to pick those up by the way…they keep falling anyways.”

He looked down at the leaves, then said, “Well I mean, leaves do tend to fall in fall.” He walked over to you, placing them onto the front of your desk as you continued to type away on the computer and you laughed lightly at his lame joke as you pressed enter on the keyboard with a loud clack!

“Alright, Cassie’s absences have been excused, is there anything else I could help you with, Steve?” you asked, finally looking at him. Steve thought, then shook his head. 

“Nope, well…I don’t need help, just have another question.” You tilted your head at him, urging him to ask you what he wanted, and he said with a soft clearing of throat, “Did you go to lunch already?” 

You seemed genuinely surprised by that question, eyes flashing to the clock on your desk before looking back at him and replying in a suddenly quiet voice, “Not yet, in about 20 minutes actually…why?” 

Steve leaned both hands on your desk, getting slightly closer to you, “Well I haven’t had lunch yet, Cass is still sick and Karen agreed to watch her while I run some errands, so…” he knocked on the wooden surface of your desk, almost nervously before he said, “Want to go get something to eat?” 

You said yes quite fast. 

That’s how Steve found himself with you in his car, meals done and low music playing on the radio as you two well…you just talked. 

You had asked him about Cassie, he told you she was doing much better, and then he was telling you about how his Halloween was. 

Cassie had decided, very last minute, that instead of being a regular fairy she wanted to actually be Tinkerbell. It wouldn’t have been a serious problem if the dress he got her was already green (it was blue), so he had to spend one of his entire lunch breaks finding a dress before he had to end up making it himself with a bunch of material from the only fabric store in Hawkins. 

“Wait a minute…you made her costume?” 

You were shocked, Steve could tell by the way you said it and stared at him with wide eyes and he felt a little embarrassed, “Yeah, took me two whole days. It was bad huh, you can be honest, Cass said she loved it, but I think she was just being nice- she doesn’t want to break her dad's heart.”

“Steve, she talked my ear off about how much she loved her costume,” you told him, genuine surprise still written all over your face, “Every time I learn something more about you the more I like you.” 

Your words made Steve pause for a second, and he turned his head over to you, watching as you took a sip of soda then grinned at him. 

Steve half-smiled at you as he moved to take a sip of his drink as well, “Did you not like me before or something? I really thought we had something with the apple picking, the baking…I even made you cookies, which…were they any good?” 

“Oh the cookies,” you said, your hand flying over your chest as you sighed, “They were delicious, thank you for that.” 

Steve smiled and nodded at you, and you added, “And I liked you before, just…now I like you more. You bake and you sew, and you love your daughter so much. What’s not to like?” 

You were looking at him softly, and Steve felt a bit flustered underneath your gaze. It didn’t feel like when the other women in town would compliment or praise him for what he thought was the bare minimum, where he felt as if they were nothing but empty praise. No, yours felt genuine.

“Well…I didn’t really bake until I met you, so…feel free to take credit for that quality,” he said, jokingly and you chuckled, “And I’m glad somebody thinks me being able to sew is good. Remember those kids I told you about? They break my leg about it all the time, especially Henderson.” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, like me sewing is weirder than him building a whole radio when he was 13.”

“Wait he built a whole radio? Huh…”

Steve nodded, “Still shows off about it too, he told me one time what spectacular thing I did when I was 13 and I couldn’t say because I was already getting dates at that age.” 

His statement, as ridiculous and silly as it was, made you almost choke on what was left of your drink. He turned quickly to you as you coughed, and was worried until he heard cackling coming from you and saw your pretty smile again. 

You shifted in your spot, coughing lightly a few more times before you said, “And you’re funny? God, Steve.” 

His cheeks turned a slight pink, proud that he had made you laugh, but concerned with the fact that you had choked on your drink because of it. 

“Everyone except you and Cass would disagree with that statement, but it’s nice to hear every once in a while…” especially if it was the pretty city girl Steve was growing very fond of calling him funny, he didn’t say that part out loud though. Nope, that felt too forward in a lunch between friends even though it was incredibly true. 

Steve stayed staring at you, before he asked what it was that you did at 13, because he realized he’d been talking about himself the entire time and he wanted to know more about you, of course, having really gotten a few glimpses into your life. You hummed in thought. 

“I wasn’t building radios, definitely not getting dates like you Mr. Popular,” you teased, then continued to think with your face scrunched up before you hummed again, and finally said, “I was really big on roller disco.” 

“Wait…wait seriously?” 

Out of all the things Steve might’ve thought, you liking roller disco had not been one of them, and he found it cute the way you became flustered now as you nodded slowly. 

“Yeah, well…just disco in general, I was home alone a lot with nothing to do so I just learned a lot dance moves, and the roller rink was down the block, I was really good…god I can’t believe I’m admitting this to somebody,” you said, clearly embarrassed but Steve didn’t think it was something you should be embarrassed about and felt bad if he was making you think he was judging you in any way. 

“That’s pretty…I honestly would’ve never guessed it,” Steve decided on saying, before he thought of something, “Now that I think of it…Cassie’s music taste has been a bit disco-y lately ever since we were at your place baking…”

This made you laugh in disbelief.

“No way,” you said with a shake of your head and Steve nodded, “That’s funny, I’m a little less embarrassed now.”

“Yeah…god now I know who the culprit is,” he laughed, “Don’t be embarrassed…though how long was that your interest though? I just want to know, I’ve never met a disco dancer before.” He grinned cheekily at the title he’d given and you scoffed, though your eyes held warmth in them still.

“Oh the interest definitely went past 13, up until my college years really, I was in a club and everything, it was really the only fun thing I did.” 

Steve laughed with the shake of his head, still shocked by this information. So, you were a disco girl…he stupidly wondered if you two might’ve been friends if you knew each other in High School, but he quickly shut that down, remembering how he actually was in high school and knew you wouldn’t be friends with him most likely.

What mattered really was that he knew you now, and you knew him now, and like what you had told him…the more he was getting to know you really, the more he was liking you…or maybe it was something deeper with how his stomach churned pleasantly being in this car with you on this windy, fall afternoon just talking, making you laugh joyfully…he remembered having a lot of dates that went exactly like this back in High School, though it would be night time or you both would’ve been half way to Skull Rock by now. 

Still, it felt nice sitting here with you, it felt nice when you were with him and Cass apple-picking too, and at your place as well, baking cookies and enjoying each other’s company. 

All good things must come to an end though, and Steve hated how time flew by when you were having a good time, but you had to get back to work and Steve had to grocery shop for the week then go pick up Cassie from Karen Wheeler’s house. You still talked though as he drove you back to the school, your elbow leaning on the car’s door, hand resting above your head as you spoke and laughed. 

He stopped the car in front of the office, and you thanked him for a fun lunch, and Steve’s eyes had caught the post for the food pantry event the Hawkins School District were holding for Thanksgiving the following week. His eyes rested on the poorly drawn turkey and an idea flashed in his mind. 

“Hey, sorry, one last question,” Steve called to you before you could climb fully out of his car. You turned to him with a curious look, and he said, “What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?”

“Nothing, I don’t really celebrate it,” you told him that pretty fast, indicating that someone has probably asked you before and that was how you answered.

Steve began to absent-mindly run his hands over the steering wheel, deciding just to ask you if you wanted to join him and Cassie. 

“If you’re up for it, me and Cass join the Henderson family. It’s just…them too, Dustin and his mom. I know she’ll enjoy having an extra person there.” 

You were quiet for a bit, eyes moving to his moving hands, and Steve was about to tell you that you didn’t have to if you didn’t want to, but you were speaking before he could even open his mouth. 

“That sounds fun actually…I guess that means I’m going to meet the little genius who built a whole radio at 13,” you said, referring to the prior conversation. Steve was grinning now, relieved and happy that you said yes and he chuckled and replied, “Yeah, honestly, I think you’d like him. He’s a cool kid.” 

“Alright, guess I’ll be seeing you sooner than I thought,” you said cheekily, and Steve scoffed at you but smiled afterwards. 

With a promise to call you sometime before then to give you the address, Steve was off to the market with butterflies fluttering in his stomach the entire time and when he ran into some familiar faces, they wondered what had him so joyful.

✧ ✧ ✧

You had made the joke to yourself that you felt like Steve when he tried to bring store bought cookies to the bakesale before you got your hands on him and convinced him to let you help him bake. The reason for this was because you had run out of time to make anything, but didn’t want to show up empty handed so you bought a pumpkin pie, and then a cheese tray and showed up just on time at the Henderson home; nothing homemade like you initially wanted but truth be told you didn’t really know how to make any traditional Thanksgiving supper.

They were already there, Steve’s car parked in front of yours, and the door was open, so you poked your head inside, looking around for anyone familiar…basically just Steve and Cassie, but instead you had been met with a young couple sitting on the couch. The girl was shorter, dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail with wispy bangs framing her face, and the boy, well you could only see his curly hair since his back was to you as they seemed to be in the middle of a conversation. 

“Oh Dusty Bun, latin has never been your strong suit and it’s okay to admit it,” the girl told the boy, and he huffed in response, “A genius can’t be good at everything.” 

“That’s not true,” ‘Dusty-bun’ replied to her, “You’re good at everything.” 

And she smiled, clearly keen on the compliment. You entered the house a little more, ready to announce your arrival when the girl saw you first. Your eyes locked with each other’s and she blinked a few times before saying, “Oh, hi?”

The boy snapped his head around quickly, blue eyes finding yours instantly, and when he didn’t recognize you in the span of a second he was saying, “Uh, sorry, I think you’re at the wrong house.”

You furrowed your brows, knowing for sure that wasn’t true because you recognized Steve’s car, and you said, assuming Dusty Bun was a nickname for Dustin, “Oh, I don’t think I am, you’re Dustin Henderson, right?” 

He nodded at you, and you told him your name and ended with, “Steve invited me, he probably just forgot to tell you.”

This seemed to genuinely surprise Dustin, both of his eyebrows raising in disbelief as he looked at you, and then all he could say was, “Wait- wait- are you telling me Steve invited you?” 

“Hey, don’t be rude,” the girl said, slightly tapping Dustin’s arm but he shrugged her off as he said he wasn’t being rude before he said, “I’m just surprised! Steve invited a girl to have dinner with us, is that not insane to you?” 

The girl opened her mouth to say something, maybe along the lines of trying to defend Steve before it went slack, and she replied, “...I admit it is a little surprising considering…well you know.” 

You stared at them, wondering what that even meant but decided not to question that in favor of asking awkwardly if they could just find Steve for you and tell him you’ve arrived. Dustin gave you another nod, and you expected him to get up rather than just turning his head and shouting the last thing you expected for him to shout,  “Hey Steve! Your girlfriend’s here! Why didn’t you tell me you had one!”

Following Dustin’s yell there was a crash from a room to the right of you, then a feminine shout of surprise followed by the familiar voice of Steve saying, “My bad! I’ll clean that up- don’t worry-” And then, Steve was in the room. He was wearing a nice polo shirt that was tight around his arms, and chest, over that was the same cupcake apron that matched Cassie’s. You supposed he was getting a lot of use out of it since buying it. 

There was also pink dusted on his cheeks as he told Dustin, “I can’t believe you just shouted that- she’s not my girlfriend, Henderson. Way to make it awkward- and hi, you’re here.” He was looking at you when he said that, his pretty brown eyes resting on you, and a smile, more shy than usual because of Dustin’s assumption, tugging at his lips. 

“You said 4,” you told Steve, a smile crawling its way onto your lips too. You stayed smiling at each other for a beat or two before you lifted the items you bought and asked, “So, where can I put these?” 

Steve waved you over toward him, “Right this way actually here-” He held his hands out, taking the pumpkin pie and cheese platter off of your hands, and you felt his fingers lightly drag against yours. He was really warm, which made sense as the kitchen you followed him into was drastically warmer than the living space and the colder fall temperature outside. 

“Sorry about Dustin, I hope he didn't make you uncomfortable,” Steve said, apologizing on his behalf but you could only wave that off with a shake of your head. 

“In his shoes, I’d probably think so too,” you admitted before you laughed nervously, afraid that had come off weird, but Steve let out a breathless laugh then nodded in agreement with you. 

There was a woman in the kitchen, Claudia Henderson you presumed, and she was wiping down whatever Steve had dropped. His face fell and he said, “You didn’t have to do that-” 

“It’s no problem, Steve! It wasn’t that bad of a spill,” she told him as she tossed the paper towel pieces she used into the trash, and Steve looked like he was going to say something else when her eyes landed on you and she was saying, “Is this her, Steve? Wow, aren’t you the pretty one?” 

You felt your cheek heats up, not expecting the compliment, and Steve’s eyes widened as she continued to say, “I’m so glad he’s finally found someone else, you know it was so hard-” 

“Wait, no it’s not-” 

“I’m just his friend,” you cut Steve off, Claudia paused before her expression turned shocked and then regretful. Her hands even flew over her mouth like she’d just cursed at you in an accident or something.  

“Oh, oh I’m sorry, I just assumed when he told me he was inviting a woman over that meant-” she gestured between you two before she laughed nervously, “Either way, I’m glad he’s invited a friend, thank you for joining us.” 

Her smile was kind, and despite the confusion from everyone you’ve encountered so far, you felt at ease standing in this pleasant smelling kitchen, and you said, “No thank you for having me! Now that I’m here, is there anything I can do to help?” 

Your eyes danced around the kitchen now, having never seen a kitchen so full with food before and you felt something odd in your chest, something you couldn’t quite describe, but Claudia’s claim that you didn’t have to make you ignore it and set it aside. 

“I pulled a Steve and brought only store bought items, please let me at least do something,” you said, poking at Steve and he huffed beside you. 

“Hey, you say that like there’s something wrong with that,” Steve said as he placed the pumpkin pie on what looked like the dessert portion of the kitchen counter, and placed the cheese platter onto a table with other appetizers to snack on before dinner. 

He was actually opening it before throwing a cube of cheddar cheddar and a ritz cracker into his mouth. 

Claudia had laughed at you both before saying that if you weren’t going to take no for an answer you could help prepare the ham. Your eyes landed on the thick piece of ham resting in a pan as you shrugged off the coat you were wearing to reveal a nice burgundy turtleneck underneath.

That feeling started to linger over you again as you realized you didn’t know what to even start with, having never prepared or baked a ham before- not even on Christmas when it appeared to be the most popular. Claudia didn’t seem to take notice of your sudden hesitation, but Steve did. 

He was back beside you and he said, “I’ll help, she’s taught me everything I know.” 

Claudia hummed, as if proud of her teaching Steve how to prepare a ham, and you gave him a curt nod before you went to wash your hands and Steve grabbed the things from a bag he must’ve brought of the things he would need. 

As you started to pour pineapple juice into a measuring cup per Steve’s orders, you suddenly realized there was somebody missing, a vital person, and you said, “Wait a minute- where’s Cassie?” 

Like you managed to summon the girl with the utter of her name, Dustin was entering the kitchen holding Cassie and grunting as he claimed she was heavy. He didn’t put her down though, not when she was very clearly half-awake, her eyes squinted and various strands poking out of her french-braided hair. 

She still managed to ask, “Is the food ready, yet?” 

Steve was walking toward Dustin, taking her from him, and as he pushed a few strands of her hair out of her face he said, “Not yet, sleepyhead, in about an hour, but look who’s here.” 

He turned around, and Cassie looked very closely at everyone in the room before she finally realized there was an extra person. Her being on the verge of falling asleep had vanished the moment she saw you, and you waved both hands at her eagerly. 

“I was waiting for you! I thought my daddy lied about you coming!” Cassie said, quite loudly. You laughed, head tilting back slightly. 

“Why do you keep thinking that I’m lying? I never lie to you,” Steve said with a shake of his head, and Cassie turned to look at her dad as he placed her hair behind her ear. 

“You said the food will be ready when I wake up, but it’s not,” she stated. 

“Ha!” Dustin laughed from where he stood next to the cheese platter you had brought, placing pieces of it onto a decorative plastic plate, “She got you there.” 

Steve gave him a look, but sighed as he said, “Yeah she did…how about you go and play with Dustin and Suzy and then it’ll be done.” 

“Oh yeah, I forgot I wanted to give her a lot of my old edition D&D books, and other old toys,” Dustin said, turning around to look at Steve and Cassie.

“Dude, come on…” 

“What? They’re Steve of Approved, plus if I start teaching her now, she’ll definitely keep the Hellfire Club going when she gets to high school, and that’s important,” Dustin said, clearly having a plan, and Steve could only shake his head as Cassie seemed excited about the word Hellfire and club. 

“Hellfire Club?” you asked, and all eyes turned to you. 

“Oh, it’s a Dungeon and Dragons club, do you play?” Dustin asked you, and you shook your head. 

“No, but…I’ve always wanted to, just never got the chance,” you admitted, remembering there being a club like when you were in high school too and wondering how one might play the roleplaying game, “It looks fun though, I’d like to learn one day.”

Dustin snapped his fingers, “See, that already makes you cooler than Steve” 

“Am I just going to be made fun of the entire time? Well yeah, that’s how I know it’s Thanksgiving,” Steve answered his own question with a scoff, making you smile sheepishly at him until he was smiling again as he said, “I’ve played a few times, not really my thing, but…I mean if you want to play I know a guy who could teach you. He’s a bit insane, but if I’m there you’ll be fine.” 

“Oh so you’re ‘not girlfriend’ is interested in playing and suddenly you’re willing to hang out with Eddie and playing too?” 

Dustin was giving Steve a knowing look, one of which had you suppressing a grin, especially when you saw Steve’s eyes get wide with shock that he’d say. He was probably regretting inviting you now.

“How is Eddie anyway? I haven’t seen him around in a while,” Claudia chimed in before Steve could properly respond and Dustin replied, “He’s always out of town lately, I know because I called before I even got here to see if he wanted to start planning a campaign for us to play.” 

Claudia hummed in response, and you watched Steve give Dustin a look, one of which Dustin shrugged at him before smiling menacingly. 

“Come on, Cass, let’s go,” Dustin said, and Steve placed Cassie down. She eagerly followed after Dustin, waving a good-bye to you before disappearing back into the living room. 

Steve was back by your side, helping you with the ham again and he muttered, “Sorry again.” 

In all honesty you weren’t bothered by the comments, Steve actually seemed more bothered than you were, his cheeks haven’t stopped being flushed since they started. You gently grasped his forearm, making him look at you. 

“Stop apologizing, I can handle being mistaken for your girlfriend,” you said teasingly, to which Steve turned even more pink, “Plus, I’m having a good time, so let’s finish this ham before Cass comes back asking why it isn’t ready yet.” 

Steve laughed and agreed with you as you worked together to get it done. 

Another hour had passed, you were more comfortable, and that weird feeling in your stomach had started to gently subside, up until dinner itself was ready to be served. Dustin, Suzy, and Cass were more than happy to set the table, then as you sat having the said dinner, you stayed quiet the whole time just watching. 

Steve was sitting at the end of the table, Claudia at the other end, Dustin and Suzy were sitting across from you, and you were sitting next to Cassie, just a seat away from where Steve was sitting. It was, what you believed to be, your first big family dinner. 

As you’ve said, it was really only you and your dad growing up, and when you told Steve you never celebrated when he first invited you, you meant it. Your dad and you would go out to eat the following day, but it was still just the two of you and as you watched them interact, laughing and teasing each other, retelling stories you’ve never heard before, and Dustin going on about how his year at University was going, you realized that empty feeling you were feeling was one you always tended to feel around the holidays. 

Maybe you were feeling it a little bit more since you really had no family left, and seeing them just made you think about it more, made you think about how lonely you actually felt, a loneliness you’ve always felt. 

After dinner, Claudia had offered to make cocoa and coffee for everyone as you let your stomachs settle before dessert and everyone had agreed. She shooed you all out of the kitchen though, keen on letting you guys enjoy each other’s company so you were gathered in the living room, the television playing and Dustin continuing his D&D lesson for Cassie, and you actually. 

You couldn’t shake the feeling though, and had excused yourself for a bit. You hadn’t noticed that Steve wasn’t even in the room when you snuck outside to gather yourself. 

Steve had actually gone to the bathroom, mostly to fix his hair and when he came back, the living room was actually just empty. He figured the beverages were ready and waltzed into the kitchen, seeing that he was right. 

Suzy was helping Claudia pour them into various mugs and Dustin and Cassie were standing by the dessert counter, taking advantage of their backs being turned to them. 

“What are you doing?” Steve questioned as he walked closer. They both looked at Steve with wide eyes, their lips covered in crumbs of one of the apple pastries Claudia had made. 

Dustin wiped his mouth with his sleeve and said, “We’re checking it for poison, duh.” 

Steve’s face deadpanned, having heard that just weeks before from Cassie herself. Deciding it really wasn’t that big a deal, Steve looked around the kitchen, trying to find you, but only seeing the people he originally saw when he first walked in. He asked where you went, and Cassie, with a mouth full of pastry, told him that you had gone outside and Dustin backed her up.

So, Steve went outside too, not without taking two mugs of coffee; one for you and one for him. 

You were sitting on the bench, arms crossed over your chest and staring at nothing in deep thought. You didn’t seem to hear Steve coming outside, not until he cleared his throat and held the mug out for you to take. You visibly snapped out of your thoughts and turned to look at the mug then at Steve, muttering a soft thank you as you took it from him. 

“I just needed a bit of air,” you told him as you held the mug with both hands, enjoying the warmth it radiated.

Steve nodded, and took a sip of his before he sat down beside you, guessing what it was that was bothering you because he had been in the same position as you before. He just kind of sensed it and recognized it, especially when he observed how quiet you were during dinner.

“I know it’s overwhelming,” Steve suddenly said, “Sorry, I just assumed, and maybe I should’ve…I don’t know eased you better into having a big family dinner like this.” 

You blinked, and looked at him. He looked thoughtful as he continued to speak. 

“I’ve mentioned my oh so great parents once or twice, but…yeah I never had any of this,” Steve gestured around with his mug, “Not until I was well out of high school, not until Cassie was born really…I had her mom, but that’s…” he made a face at that, and you tilted your head, this being the first time he’s mentioned her in any context and you thought maybe the comments of surprise Steve invited somebody had to do with her.

“Anyway though, I get it- I was overwhelmed the first time too, and I still kind of am- but knowing that I can give Cassie these experiences I didn’t have growing up makes it worth it,” he finished with a sip of his coffee, eyes soft as he too stared at nothing, thinking of Cassie back inside enjoying the Holiday with the Henderson family. 

You didn’t have a daughter, not like Steve, but you could imagine if you did you would try your best to do the same. It made your heart swell with how much of a genuinely good person and dad he was, and you just wondered what more this guy could do that would make you like him even more. 

“It feels like something I never knew I needed,” you said, laughing weakly and Steve joined you with that weak laugh. 

“Oh yeah, it feels weird huh…but also good.” 

“Yeah…yeah it feels really good,” you agreed, turning your body toward him. 

Steve returned your gaze, seeing something in it that made him swallow very thickly. It had been a while, yes, but when Steve said he was getting dates at 13 he meant it. He knew what it was like when someone liked him, it was almost like second nature and he prided himself once in being able to know when the right time was to kiss a woman. 

He called it ‘electricity.’ Stupid to say as an adult, but true when he was a high schooler. There was electricity between you, and with a soft flutter of your eyelashes, Steve knew they were ‘kiss me’ eyes.

And so, he was slowly starting to lean in…catching your lips parting and your eyes flickering down to his lips. You were leaning in too, but then, the door was being slammed open. 

“We’re having pie now, come on!” Cassie called, poking her head out the door, startling you and Steve. He sucked in a tight breath, leaning away from you as he looked at Cassie who remained in her place, just staring at the both of you like she knew something you both didn’t or something. 

“We’ll be in right now,” Steve told her, and she slowly disappeared back into the house, making you laugh. Steve turned back to you, trying to steady his breath at what almost happened out here and feeling guilty for whatever reason.

He wondered what you were thinking, but you were already moving to stand and he tilted his head upward to look at you, trying to see if he could read you, but you didn’t really give him a chance. You rather smiled at him like always, not giving any sign that you knew he was going to kiss you, which relieved him…but also disappointed him. Did he imagine you leaning in too? Was he being a creep?

If he was, you weren’t acting like it and rather held your hand out and said, “Well, let’s go enjoy some dessert.” 

The rest of the night was filled with more fun, and Steve liked how you were looking less melancholy, talking with Suzy and Dustin (You did actually bring the radio up and Dustin would not shut up). Steve remained on the couch, Cassie laying on it with her head resting on his lap and he figured they should head home soon when he noticed Cassie was actually falling asleep. 

Then, you were standing up, announcing that it was late and you should go. Steve gently moved Cassie, telling her that you were leaving and she opened her sleepy eyes to say bye to you before shutting them again. 

You told everyone a good night, thanking them for letting you join them, and then Steve walked you out. It was on the porch, you turned to Steve and leaned in to give you a chaste on the cheek, catching Steve off guard. 

“Thank you for everything Steve,” you told him, the tone of your voice very soft that Steve almost didn’t hear you over the fasting beating of his own heart from the feeling of your lips touching his cheek, even if it was just for less than a second. 

“You’re…you’re welcome,” he said, voice breathless. You stepped backwards, telling him good night and Steve watched you, a million thoughts running through his mind until he noticed you snap your fingers. Steve furrowed his brows, wondering why you did that before you were leaning into your car and grabbing a paper bag. 

Then, you were walking back to him, and held it out for him to take. 

“What’s this?” Steve asked you as he took it. 

“Just a gift for Cassie,” you told him, looking between him and the bag almost eagerly.

Steve looked into the paper bag, having to squint his eyes to see what it was. When he realized what he was looking at, his eyes widened and he was looking at you. There was a walk-man in there.

“Is this- wait- you didn’t buy this did you?” 

“No!” you said, “It was actually mine, but I never use it.” 

Steve’s gaze remained on yours, jaw slightly agape at the gift you’d just given him to give to Cassie, “Are you…sure?” 

You were nodding, “Yeah, it just sort of sits in my dresser and I know Cassie will use it all the time. Oh, I even…” You reached out, digging into the bag for a moment before you wrapped your hands around what you were looking for, “I made this for her, since you said she was enjoying disco lately I thought I might as well introduce her to my favorite ones and others too I think you might enjoy.” 

Steve looked at the mixtape in your hands, and those butterflies went insane in his stomach, actually rising up into his extremely warm chest. He thought maybe he was feeling light headed by your incredibly nice gesture, Cassie was going to be so damn happy. 

“You might want to listen to it first,” you continued after Steve was still silently staring at you, “You know…make sure it gets a Steve of Approval.” 

That made him laugh, the disbelief leaving his face for amusement before his expression was warm again as he said, “No…no I trust you…god thank you so much, she’s going to be happy.” 

You were nodding again, dropping the tape back into the bag and putting your hands into your coat pockets, “So I guess I’ll see you soon?” 

Steve held the bag against him, and he nodded, “Yeah, yeah see you soon.” 

And then, you were off. 

Steve stayed standing there, up until you were pulling out of the driveway and waving at him from your car.

“...fuck,” Steve cursed at himself for some reason, but saying it just felt right and necessary. He liked you, a lot, and he hadn’t felt this way in such a long time. And because of that…Steve wasn’t quite sure how he was going to proceed with this, or if he should considering his luck with women in the past.

Yet, as he watched your car disappear and felt this pleasant buzz in his mind with thoughts full of you…he knew that he should. The only thing was…he hoped to god he would see you soon. 

[xiaowhore]

secret admirer hcs

albedo

It wasn't as though you were anyone special.

You had two eyes, two ears, two arms and two legs, possessing a single heart and a single stomach. A quick once over of your anatomy suggested you were entirely human—clearly, you didn't need a thorough examination just to surmise you were completely ordinary.

Still, Albedo couldn't bring himself to stop staring.

You were nothing of importance. Nothing like the fascinating creatures he observed on the daily, with unique traits and perplexing behaviors. No. You were a mere mortal with no extraordinary characteristics worth gawking over.

So why couldn't he stop looking at you, then?

(Actually, he knew the answer long ago. He was just too afraid to admit it.)

In spite of the rational part of his brain nagging at him to stop, he studied your figure in piqued curiosity regardless. To the small upward quirk of your lips when you smiled, to the slight furrow of your brow when you felt distressed. The faint sparkle in your eyes when you retold your bravest adventures, and the indistinct tremble of your shoulders when you tried your hardest to keep your laughter.

Yes, your grin of glee was a sight he'd definitely yearn to paint and keep as his greatest treasure.

(Sometimes, he worries if you had already noticed his incessant staring at your lips.)

He admired you, truly. You simply emanated warmth and kindness, subtly drawing people closer to your bright light, until it was too late when he realized his heart had been captured and he's in too deep to discard the blossoming affection blooming into the depths of his heart. It was most likely inevitable, he'd come to know—there was no escaping the feelings that stirred upon him.

And yet it was incredibly unfair how you stole his attention so easily. Your short expeditions left him concerned with each week that passed by without your return, and on the other hand, your nearby presence would heighten all of his senses. His heart would pound startlingly rapid—an actual cause for concern—and blood would rush to his cheeks, coloring it a rosy hue. He prided over his capability to keep a poker face at any given situation, but your mere gaze burning through his skin was enough to destroy the confidence he had and set his face aflame.

Love was... surprisingly frightening.

(But he didn't mind it. He welcomed the feeling. The simple joys of spending time with you was enough.)

He wasn't very vocal about his feelings. However, he wondered if you were aware of them. You should be—his gaze, whenever pinned on you, lingers a little longer than it should, and the smallest of smiles will habitually grace his lips once he spots you within town. Any mention of your name piques his interest, and the slightest grain of insult directed at your person will push him to grow irritated. Signs so devastatingly obvious that even Sucrose and Klee had figured him out, to which they proceeded to bug him about confessing his feelings. Unsurprisingly, his response to their suggestions was a cold, hard “no”—the time wasn't right for either of you.

That said, though Albedo preferred to keep his affections to himself for the meantime, he would never reject any opportunity to see you. Which was exactly why when he learned you would be partaking in a small exploration trip to Dragonspine, he didn't hesitate from “coincidentally” visiting the same area to conduct research of his own.

His (impulsive) decision wasn't a mistake. Far from it, really. He enjoyed seeing new sights with you, and he's guilty as charged for finding you endearing when you shyly asked for his coat to protect yourself from the chilly temperature. (And, well, no one would know his shameful daydreams about huddling for warmth with you by a fireplace.)

A glimpse of your caring nature would present itself whenever you'd come across a troubled fellow adventurer around the icy mountains, seeking urgent help. You don't hesitate to lend a hand, whether it was to defeat a particularly tricky monster or tend to severe injuries. You never quite stopped leaving Albedo at awe to the extent you'll go just to help someone in need. Not once did you lack the courage necessary to face such fearsome mobs, nor did you become any less selfless.

But sometimes, he forgets bravery can become recklessness, and kindness can result into a needless sacrifice.

So when you arrive at his makeshift workshop all battered and bruised, bleeding from your middle section, he shouldn't have felt as surprised as he had been.

Dread pooled at the pit of his stomach as Sucrose guided your limp body to a small bed, your blood visibly seeping through her clothes. “W-we were ambushed!” she informed him, tone frantic. “There were so many hilichurls, and ruin guards, and [Name] tried to protect everyone, but... but...!”

He rushed to check your current state, attempting to shrug you awake. Yet you were unresponsive, eyes still closed tightly, and worry pricked his gut.

But he didn't let it show. Instilling more panic to his assistant wouldn't do them any good. So with the same indifferent tone he always used, he requested Sucrose to find help from anyone who can carry your body back home while he was busy suppressing your blood loss. She complied obediently with a nod, running out of the workshop in a brisk pace, and Albedo's calm facade dropped.

All refined elegance had left him as he hastily pried open your shirt, breath hitching at the gaping wound on your stomach.

He did not flinch at the scene of your bare skin; that should be the least of his worries. What he should be worried about was the alarming amount of blood you'd spilled.

With the precision of a skilled medic, he made quick work to treat your injury as much as possible, hastily cleaning the wound and careful not to inflict pain on you if there was any chance of you regaining consciousness soon. Crimson stained his fingers in the process, and with anxiety clouding his mind, he didn't notice his hands were trembling until he had finished wrapping you in bandages.

Albedo stared at his shaky hand, trepidation still in his nerves. Fear shook his heart, and he released a sigh. There was no real reason to panic, he reminded himself. He trusted his own abilities, and he was sure you'll survive, he made all the proper arrangements to keep you from dying, and yet-

And yet he was still afraid, because it was you.

He sat down on the chair residing beside the bed, willing himself to stay calm. Indulging in thoughts he shouldn't delve into wouldn't make anything better anyway, so he shook his head to free his mind of concerns. Glancing at your serene expression, he gingerly clasped your hand with both of his own, and his lips thinned into a firm line when he found it utterly limp in his grasp.

It was far too cold for his liking, and he cradled it desperately to retain its warmth.

“You really...” he whispered hoarsely, pressing it to his forehead—as if to pray for your safety to the Archons. “Drive me crazy...”